LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE h i / no. X>-5t?,:_ .O DATE_t- lSr-Jl. 19/0 December 31, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE % Wcchln lllustvatcb fournal OF HORTICULTURE AND ALLIED SURJECTS. (ESTABLISHED IN 1841.) VOL XLVIll. -THIRD SERIES. JULY TO DECEMBER, 1910. LONDON : 41, WELLINGTON STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C, 1910. 2.-*. The Gardeners' Chronicle,] Q /fcfe Tu t <■[ - D € C [December 31, 1910. INDEX OF CONTENTS JULY TO DECEMBER, 1910. (For Special Headings see under Books ; Certificates ; Law Notes ; Ndrsery Notes ; Obitcary ; Plant Portraits ■ Plants, New; Scientific Committee; Societies; and Illustrations.) Aberdeen, College of Agriculture at, 184 ; Cruickshank Botanical Garden at, 163 ; proposed Chair of Agriculture at, 465; rainfall in, 432 ; University, forestry at, 164 Absorption of copper by leaves, 124 AbutUon Schwartzii, 489 ; A. Thompsonii, 266, 297, 340, 353, 427, 457, 488 Accident, fatal, to a gardener, 164 Adansonia digitata (Baobab Tree), 392 Advertisements and weed-seeds, 358 Aerial roots on vines, 64 Agapanthus umbellatus, treatment of, 404 Agricultural College, South- Eastern, 102, 357, 436 Agricultural Science, Advisory Com- mittee on, 103 Agricultural Society's Show, 1911 ; horticulture at the, 394 Agriculture, Aberdeen College cf, 184 ; and bacteria, 293 ; proposed Chair of, at Aberdeen, 465 Aird, Mr. Quinton, presentation to, 201 Ajuga reptans on lawns, how to destroy, 420 Aldenham House, Elstree, rare plants at, 196, 275 Alectorurus yedoensis, 353 Allamanda fruiting in Birmingham Botanic Garden, 445 AHolobophora Hermanni (new gar- den worm), 390 ; A. similis, 98 Allotments, 259; urban, at West Ham, 163 Almug or Algum tree, 131 Alpine flowers, pictures of, 37 Alpine garden, the, 56, 94, 118, 135, 210, 261, 279, 311, 483; hoar frost in the, 466 ; house at Kew Gar- dens, 94 Alpine gardens 6ome noted British, 13, 34 Alpine valleys, Briga, 454 ; Boreon, 365 ; Gesso, 213 ; Roja, 407 ; Vesu- bie, o85 Alps, Cottian, flora of the, 175 ; Maritime, botanising in the, 213 ; endemic plants in the, 297; Mont Cenis in June, 53 ; in July. 461 ; Saxifragas of the Maritime, 426 America, gardening employment in, 460; Gladiolus Society in, 43 American Gooseberry mildew, 248 American weeds, 122 Ampelopsis (see Vitis) Annuals, 232 Anopteris glandulosus. 195 Anthemis Aizoon, 135 Anthurium acaule, fruits of, 153 Anthuriums, large-leaved, 119 Ants in glasshouses, 271, 308 Apgar, Austin Craig [Ornamental Shrubs of the United States), 276 Apiary, the, 4, 61, 101, 121, 160, 181, 247, 281, 335, 393. 469 Apple, Charles Ross, 422, 456; Hounslow Wonder, 338 : Miller's Seedling, 474; bacterial blight of, 103 ; scab of, 396, 432 ; show in Canada, 183 ; a single fruit sold for 14 guineas, 301 ; scoty-blotch disease of, 443 Apple trees, pyramidal, 440 Apples, a profitable plantation of, 143: at the R.H.S. autumn fruit show, 353; commercial varieties of, 436 ; eaten by carrion crows, 286 ; home-grown and Colonial, 433, 474 ; large, 318 ; suitable for growing in Cumberland and West- moreland, 341 Appointment of a head gardener in Paris, 473 Apricot culture, notes on, 59 Arber, Ed. Newell {Plant Life in Switzerland), 368 Arbor Day at Eynsford, 358; at Sandgate, 413 Arch, " ruined," in Kew Gardens, 202 Argemone grandiflora, 138, 166, 204 Arnold Arboretum, U.S.A., 349, 369 Artificial manures for tree-nurseries, 473 Arundinaria nitida, 396, 415 Aster diplostephioides, 57, 139 Aster Falconeri, new habitat of, 2 Aster Lustre, 318 Asters, perennial, at The Hermi- tage, 353 Astilbe simplicifolia, 294 Australian Grapes for the English market, 414 Austrian tree nurserymen, an asso- ciation of, 184 Autumn flowers in the south-west, 409 B Bacteria and agriculture, 293 Bacterial blight of Apple, Pear and Quince, 103 Bactericsis of Tomatos and Potatos, 283 Bagatelle, Roses at, 63, 389 Bamboos, hardy, 396, 415, 489; in the south-west of England, 422 Banana industry, the, in the Canary Islands, 473 Bananas at Lavington Park gardens, 464 Bankruptcy statistics, 183, 413 Baobab Tree, the, 392 " Barr " memorial fund, 123, 143, 353, 453 Baronshalt, Twickenham, Orchids at 386 Bateson, Prof. W., 164; honour for, 184; (Journal of Genetics), 461 Battersea, flower-gardening by municipal tenants at, 301 Battersea Park, flowers at, 183 Bees and colour choice, 453 Bees as an aid to fruit culture, 359 Bees, the management of, 4, 61, 101, 121, 160, 181, 247, 281, 335, 393, 469 Beet culture in England for sugar production, 184, 316, 340, 470 Begonia Martiana grandiflora, 64 Belsize Court, Hampstead, fruits at, 284 Belvoir Castle, Grantham, 102 Benevolent Institution, Gardeners' Royal, 201. 358 Benthamia — (See " Cornus ") Bequest for acquiring public spaces and parks, 143 : public, by a market-gardener. 266 Bidens dahlioides, 226, 250 Big-bud mite, maggot that prevs on the, 271 Bird sanctuary, the Brent Valley, 415 Bird-trap, Mr. Knight's, 453 Birds and fruit, 193 Birmingham Botanic Garden. 445 Bisulphide of carbon, application of, to soils. 328 Black Currant, pests of, 193; in an exposed garden, 475 Black stripe disease in Tomato, 197 Blister-mite of Peach leaves, 301 Blossoming of fruit trees, lecture on the, 376 Bog and waterside plants, 391 Bog slides, 105 Books, Notices of : — Adam's Luxury and Eve's Cookery, 421 ; Agricultural Bacteriology (John Percival), 293; Alpine Flowers and Gardens (G. Flcmwell), 35; Alpine Flowers and Rock Gar- dens (Walter P. Wright), 368; A Simple Method of Bottling Fruit at Home (J. Stoney), 312 ; Book of the Flower Show (Charles II. Curtis), 75 ; Book of the Rose (Rev Fostcr-Melliar), 74; Botani- cal Magazine, 63, 123, 201, 301, 395, 413, 487; British Rainfall (Hugh Robert Mill), 311; Bulletin de la Societe Franoaise d'Horticulture de Londres, 234 ; City, Suburban and Window Gardening (D. Grant Mclvcr), 5S ; Daffodils jRei'. J. Jacob), 443; Diseases of Cultivated Plants and Trees (George Masscc), 58 ; Enoyclop:edia Britannica, 201 ; Flora of New Guinea (Dr. H. A. Lorentz), 136, 388; Fruit-growing in Arid Re- gions (Wendell Paddock and Or- ville B. Whipple), 15G; Gardening for All (James Udale), 58 ; Garden Planning (!!'. S. Rogers), 261; Haudbook of Tropical Garden- ing and Planting, with Special Reference to Ceylon (H. F. MarmiUan), 331; Heredity in the Light of Recent Re- search (L. Don raster). 387; Journal of Genetics (IT. Bate- son), 4G1 ; Making Horticulture Pay (G. Fains), 195; Morphology of Gymnospemis (Coulter . Karoense, 189; D. speciosum niti- dum, 434 ; Fuchsia Sylvia. 66 ; Gladioli : delicata, 151 ; Edward ATI.. 27 ; Europa. 145 : Grafin De- genfeld. 145 : Karl Luz. 145 ; La Luna. 187; primulinus. 145: Rath- line, 219; Safrano, 187; Snowdon, 151 ; Gesneria Orange King. 287 ; Gypsophila qarminea, CG ; L:e!ia Degcestiana. 253; Laelio-Cattleya Berthe Fournier magnifica. 220 : Olivia. 361 ; L.-C. Golden Oriole superba, 288; L.-C. Golden Oriole var. tigrina, 189; L.-C. Ortrude magnifica, 288; L.-C. Pauline, 476 T Ligustrum Henryi. 287; Liparis rhodochila, 67; Lobelia cardinalis " Gloire de St. Anne's." 252; Miltonia, vexillaria Lambeauiana. 28 ; M. Warsce- wiczii leucochila, 476 ; Nepenthes nobilis. 319 : Nerine elegantissima Mansell Seedling. 319 ; Odontioda Bradshawise Westonbirt variety, 320; O. Cecilia, 220; Odontoglos- sums : Ceres Plumpton Hall variety. 434; Circe. 320; Rouge Dragon, 434; Oncidium Mantinii Lowii, 145 ; 0. Sandera\ 67 ; Papa- ver nudicaule (strain). 151 ; Pesca- torea iamellosa. 67 ; Phaius Cooperi. 253; Phlox Elizabeth Campbell, 187; P. Ellen Willmott, 252 ; P. Frau Antonin Buchner, 106; Polystachya paniculafa, 145; Roses : Daphne. 188 ; Dorothy Ratcliffe. 252 ; Edward Mawlev, 46; Ethel Malcolm, 252; Lady Hillingdon. 46; Joseph H. Welch, 46; Juliet, 27; Mary Countess of Ilchester, 27 ; Mrs. Foley Hobbs. 27. 237 : Mrs. Her- bert' Stevens. 237, 252; multi- flora Flame, 66 ; Rayon d'Or, 46 ; Scabious (strain), 151 ; Senecio glastifolia var. Hon. Vicary Gibhs. 66; Solidago spectabilis. 252; Sophro-Cattleya Doris. 360; Sophro-LSlio-Cattleya Alethcea, 398 ; Stanhopea saccata, 145 ; Sweet Peas: Arthur Green, 67; Cherry Ripe, 67 ; Edrom Beauty, 50; Elfrida Pearson, 66; Federa- tion, 49 ; Earl Spencer, 50, 66 ; Iris, 66 ; Marian Cuth- bertson, 66; Masterpiece, 50, 67: Mrs. F. A. Welleslev, 66; Mis. H. Dickson, 50, 67; Stirling Stent, 67; Tortoise Shell, 151; Sunproof Crimson, 50; Symphori- carpus mollis, 287 ; Theodorea gomezioides, 145 ; Vanda ccerulea Blue Beard, 434; V.c. "Weston- birt variety," 145; Viburnum Henryi, 252* Ceylon, a flower show in, 193; Hak- gala gardens in, 193 Chalk as a dressing for light soils, 217 Chelsea, Physic garden at, 243 Chelsea Polytechnic, horticultural instruction at the, 249 ; Royal Hospital, old soldiers' gardens at, 217 Cherries, Japanese, 33 Chilling cut flowers, 414 Chinese plants, new, 34; at Alden- ham House gardens, 196 Chionoscilla, " The Queen," 454 Chlorophytum comosum, 261 Christie, Mr. James, appointment i i. 164 ■ Unas Roses, mulching, 396, 416 i Christmas trees, 470 Chrysanthemum tomentosum, 210; C. Alice M. Love and the rust fungus, 234; C. A. Wel- ham, 64; ('. Pink Delight, 453; I'. Sli.ii.liam Pink, 453 Chrysanthemum conference at Essex Hall, 437; rust, 411 Chrysanthemums, a trial of early- flowering, 221; at Southwark Park, 396; damping in. 412; flowering period of, 440; hybridis- ing, 404: incurved, lecture on, 466; in the London parks. 284, 317; late-rooted, lecture on. 456, 480 ; manure for. 492 ; methods of exhibiting, 437 ; propagating, 466 ; stem cuttings of, 308; the late E. Calvat's, 164 Cider and Fruit Institute, the, 301, 337 Cider and Perry fruits, 288 Cimicifuga racemosa, 218 Cistus purpureus, 118; C. recogni- tus, 296 Citrus genus, works on members of the, 460 Clandon Park, Guildford, 113, 394 Claremont, trees at, 54 Clarkias as honev plants. 430 Classification of Daffodils, 405 Clematis nutans, 310 Clerodendron trichotomum, 296 Clipstone, Mr. F., presentation to, 249 Cloches, the use of, in French gar- dening, 406 Clubbing in Broccoli, 171 Cobham Hall, specimen trees at, 106 Cocoa plants, budding of, 103 Codia?ums at Aldenham House gar- dens, 354 Colchicum veratrifolium, 242 Colonial exhibition, R.H.S., 434. 474 Colonial notes, 229, 392, 444 Conference of fruit-growers at Hex- ham, 323, 341 ; at Wye College. 436 Coniferae, transplanted, mortality of, 203 ; the natural history of, 73, 95, 115 Coomber, Mr. Thomas, appointed Y.M.H., 453 Co-operation in fruit growing. 436 ; in the marketing of produce, 359 Copper absorption by leaves, 124 Cornus capitata, 473 ; in its native home, 447 ; C. macrophylla, 33 ; C. Slavinii in Seneca Fark, Roches- ter. 388 Corsican plants, rare, 210, 262 Cottian Alps, flora of the, 175 Coulter and Chamberlain (Morpho- logy of Gymnosperms). 444 Crinums, hardy, 59 Croquet ground, to lay out a, 172, 492 Cross-fertilisation of the Potato, 279 Croton (see Codireum) Crown gall of fruit trees, 414 Cruickshank Botanical Garden, Aberdeen, 163 Cryptogamic Society, Scotch, 266 Cucumbers, ridge. 328 Culham, Mr. Arthur Brook, appoint- ment of, 102 Cultural memoranda, 106, 133, 197, 294, 483 Culture for show purposes, 18, 142 (in .ant. Black, 193, 474; bud mite, maggot preving on, 271 Curtis, C. H." (Book of the Flower Show), 75 Cuscuta Epithymum (Dodder) preva- lence of, 166, 185 Cyaniding glasshouses. 171, 480 Cypher, Mr. John J., appointed V.M.H., 451 Cyphomandra betacea (Tree Toma- to), 292 Cypripedium Britannia, 330; C. Charlesworthii Temeraire, 424; C. King George V.. 442 ; C. Mino- taur. 425; C. Princess Mary, 330; C. Reginald Young, 406 ( ytisus monspessulanus, 74 Czapek. Dr. Friedrich, appointment of, 453 Daffodils, the classification of, 405 Dahlia trial at Wisley, 301 Dahlias, Pompon, s mie good vario- ti. s of, 217; semi double-flowered, 488 ; single, trial of, 378 Darwin, Mr. Francis, honour for, 184 Date Palm, a moncecious, 371 Datura suaveolens flowering out-of- doors. 490 Dean, Alexander (Boot and Stem Veg tables), 331 Delphiniums Lady Isabel and Moer- heimii, 318 Delphiniums, seedling, 105 Dendrobium cariniferum, 34 ; D. ochreatum'luteum. 14; D. regium at Glebelands, 54; D. spectabile at Sunningdale Park, 442; D. Wil- liamsianum, 14 Dendrological Association, German, 23 ; notes. 33 Dessert-table classes at the Shrews- bury Show, 184 Development and Road Improve- ment Funds Act, 1909, 63; and horticulture, 316 Diseases of fruit caused by fungi, 358, 396 Diseases of Gooseberry bushes, 248 Dodder, the prevalence of, 166, 185 Doncaster, L. (Heredity in the Light af Beet ni Ri search), 387 Don, George, monument to, 216 Double flowers found growing wild, 105. 126 Douglas Fir, the, 33 Dracaena Victoria at Kelsey Park Gardens, 285 Dunfermline Park, new glasshouses at. 442 Dunfermline Rose Show, 183 Durand, Dr. T., honour for, 432 Dutch garden at Warren House, Stanmore, 22 Earthworms, 98, 186. 390; and slugs, 204; and phosphorus in the soil, 204; influence of, on soils, 157 East Burnham Park, 43, 408 Eberswalde, Germany, Royal School of Forestry at, 134 Edinburgh Botanic Garden, rock- garden in autumn at, 333 Edinburgh Chrysanthemum Show, 1911. 442 343^5 IV. The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [December 31, 1910. Edinburgh horticultural societies, proposed union of, 267 Edinburgh, seed trade assistants at, 432 ; vegetable market, proposed removal of, 465; Waverley Mar- ket, proposed heating of, 442, 465 ; Working Men's Flower Show, 143, 183 Education, rural, 7, 38 Electricity in horticulture, 314 Elwes, H. J., and Dr. A. Henry (The Trees of Great Britain and Ireland), 162 Endemic plants in the Maritime Alps, 297 Englefield Gardens, Reading, Straw- berries at, 158 Entomology, tropical, proposed chair of, 473 Enville Hall Gardens, Carnations at, 18 Erenmrus, the genus, 133 Ericas, British, in the garden, 246, 333 ; propagating of, from cut- tings, 404 Erigeron mucronatus, 203 ; E. race- mosus, 297, 318 Eriophyes pyri (Peach-leaf blister mite), 301 Erodium corsicum, 210 Erythrina Parcellii, 444 Essex garden, fruit trees for an, 72 Eucalyptus cordata at Heligan Gar- dens, Cornwall, 473 Eucryphia pinnatifolia, comparative hardiness of, 126 Euonymus, garden species of, 387 Events of the year, 486 Exacum macranthum, 17 Exhibition, International Horticul- tural, 1912, 7, 74, 164, 300, 318, 326, 339, 340, 343, 450 Exhibition vegetable culture, 18, 143 Experiments at Ridgmont, 1 ; in forestry, 216 Feijoa Sellowiana, 242, 268 Felmwell, G. (Alpine Flowers and Oar dens), 35 Fernery, the, 166 Ferns, British, of the future, 166 Fertility in soil, causes of increased, 162 ; and micro-organisms, 200 Fielder, Mr. C. R. appointed V.M.H, 451 Figs, treatment of, by Arabs, 163 Finance Act, 1910, and land valua- tion, 75 Fish, gold, 217 Flora, the British, 202 Floral novelties, registration of, 266, 286 Florence International Horticultural Exhibition, 201 Florentine flowers, 481 Florists and fruiterers of London to combine, 345 Florists and the Factorv Act, 84 Florists' Flowers 280, 296, 310 Flower garden, the management of, 4, 20, 39, 60, 86, 101. 120, 141, 161. 180 198. 214. 230. 246. 262, 280. 299, 315, 333, 335, 354, 372, 393, 411, 429, 448, 468, 485 Flower Show, Edinburgh Working Men's, 143, 183 Flower show in 1845. 87 Flowers at Battersea Park. 183 ; cut, the chilling of, 414 ; double, wild. 126; in season. 7, 23, 184, 265. 282, 300. 394, 473; of Ls-lias and Cattleyas, simple method of gathering, 395; old-fashioned, at Messrs. Barr's nursery. 19; photo- graphing, 425: wild, in waste ground in Loudon, 266 Fockea capensis, 387 Fodder plants, uncommon, 389 Food for plants, 278 Footpaths and the election, 414 Forage plants, some forgotten, 389 Forcing by means of hot water, 453 Foreign correspondence, 389. 426, 473 Foresters' terms, 384 Forestry, 124, 212 ; appointment in the Malay States, 249; at Aber- deen University, 164 ; at Hursley Park, 124; experiments in Britain. 216; in Scotland, 212; Royal School of, at Eberswalde, 134 ; seasonable work in, 212 Four Northern Counties Fruit Show and Congress, 8, 284, 321, 341, 366 Frazer, Thomas, the late, 217 French botanists visit La Mortola, 143 French garden, notes from a, 18, 70, 115, 156, 202, 242, 274, 309, 365, 406, 464; exhibition at Regent's Park, 63 ; profits from a, 364 Frost, effect of, on fruit-tree pollen, 164 Fiuit and Cider Institute, 337 Fruit and foreign importations, 139 Fruit Congress at Wye, 436 Fruit crop failure, the mystery of the, 16 Fruit crops, reports on the condition of the, 77, 82, 97, 117, 135, 158, 175 Fruit culture, profit from, 143 Fruit, diseases of, caused by fungi, a lecture on, 358 ; exhibitions, 474 Fruiting of Roupellia grata in Tobago, 229 Fruit-formation and pollination, 102 Fruit, fungous diseases of, 437 Fruit garden, the market, 193, 273, 421 Fruit growing, co-operation in, 436 ; in British Columbia, 103 Fruit, influence of leaves on, 488 Fruit register, 158, 229, 246 Fruit season, the advancing, 93 Fruit Show, the R.H.S.. 302, 371 Fruit, the storage of, 324 Fruit tree pollen, resistance of, to frost, 164 Fruit trees and spring frosts, lecture on, 342 ; planting of, 352 ; crown gall of, 414; for an Essex garden. 72 ; stocks of, 325, 371, 444 : grease-banding, 338; manners and customs of, lecture on, 341 ; plant- ing, 396 Fruits at Belsize Court, Hampstead, 284; hardy, in Hertfordshire, 104 Fruits under glass, the cultivation of, 5, 21, 40, 61, 86, 100, 121, 141, 160, 181, 198, 214, 229, 247, 263, 281, 298, 315, 334, 355, 372, 393, 411. 429, 449. 469, 484 Fuld, Mr. Maurice, 163 Fungus foray in Yorkshire, 266 ; at Crieff, 266 Fusicladium dendriticum (Apple seal)), 432 Gardener as mayor, 216 Gardener, legacy to a, 183; pre- sentation to a, 249 Gardener's golden wedding, 376 Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Insti- tution (new address), 358 Garden literature translated from the French, 163 Garden prizes given by the Countess of Selkirk, 143 Garden village at Finchley, pro- posed, 8 Genetics, Paris International Con- ference on, 1911, 470 Genista tethnensis, 74 ; G. sagittalis, 74 Gentiana Pneumonanthe with white flowers, 372 Gentil, M. Louis, 43 German Dendrological Association, 23 Germany, Rose Show at Leignitz, 109 ; Royal School of Forestry at Eberswalde, 134 Germination of unripe seeds, 19, 64 Gesso Valley in the Maritime Alps, 213 Gilia coronopifolia, 178 Gladiolus Brenchleyensis, 85 ; G. Safrano. 312 ; G. Saundersii in a Devon garden, 134 Gladiolus Society in America, 43 Gladioli, some choice varieties of, 184; American, 43 Glasgow, street trees in, 490 Glebelands, South Woodford, Or- chids at, 295 Gold fish, 217 Goodwin, Dr. W., appointment of, 470 Gooseberry bushes, disease of, 248 Gooseberry-mildew, American, 337 Gooseberries, large, 186 Grafting Roses under glass, 330 Grape Canon Hall Muscat, 137 Grapes at Moor Hall, 258, 284, 348, 353 ; at the Shrewsbury Show, 185, 204 ; Australian, for the Eng- lish market, 414; bottled, 249; mildew on, 92 ; the colouring of, 229 Grass, the culture of, 139 Gravelling of garden paths, the, 131 Grease-banding of fruit trees, 338, 352 Green flowers, the pollination of, by insects, 164 Greenhouses, painting, average yearly cost of, 291 Grovelands Estate, Winchmore, as a public park, 104, 266 Gunnersbury Gardens, 277 ; scented- leaved Pelargonium at, 297 H Hailstorm in June in East York- shire, 39 Hakgala Gardens, Cevlon, 193 Hardy flower border^ 14, 138, 214, 296 Hardy flowers at Summerville, Dum- fries, 116 Hardy fruit garden, operations in the, 5, 20, 40, 61, 86, 101, 120, 141, 161, 180, 199, 215, 231, 246, 262, 280. 298, 315, 335, 354, 373, 392. 410, 429, 449, 469, 484 Hardy Plant Societv, a National, 164, 233 Hardy plants, labelling of, 105 Harvey, Mr. VV., legacy for, 465 Hastings, Somerville (Summer Flowers of the H'ujh Alps), 137 Heartshake in timber, 384 Heaths, British, in the garden, 245, 333 Hellebores, mulching, 396, 416 Heliotropes, 3 Helophorus rugosus (mud beetle), 249 Henry, Dr. A., and H. J. Elwes (The Trees of Great Britain and Ireland), 162 Henwood, Mr. T. E., 395 Hexham Fruit Show and Congress, 8. 284, 321. 341, 366 Hoar frost in the Alpine garden. 466 Holland House, the Japanese garden at, 233 ; the show at, 24, 44 ; Japa- nese visitors at the, 23; Lilies at, 35 Honey from Clarkias, 430 Horminum pyrenaicum, 483 Horticultural exploration of Pales- tine, the. 182 Horticultural instructors, an asso- ciation of, 233 Horticulture and the Development Grant, 316 Houlletia Sanderi, 395 Hospitals, gifts of vegetables to, 265 Houtte, Louis van. centenary of the birth of, 31, 163 Hursley Park, forestry at, 124 Hybridising Chrysanthemums, 404 Hybrid Potatos, 217 Hybrids, natural, 453 Hydrangeas, forcing, by means of hot water. 453 Hymenocallis Harrisiana, 75 I Incarvielea grandiflora, 88 Increment value duty. 104. 126 Indian fruits, some, 473 Insect pests in soil, methods of de- stroying, 338 Insect pollination of green flowers, 164 International Exhibition, 1912, 7, 74, 164, 300, 318, 326, 339. 340, 343, 450 Inventions, new, 307, 419 Iris flavescens, 95; I. Ksempferi at home, 259 ; I. hevigata and I. Kajmpferi, 15 ; I. laevigata in Guernsey, 139 ; I. nepalensis and its neighbours, 241 ; I. tingitana, 16, 38, 87 Irises, autumn-flowering, 329 ; cer- tain white-flowered species of, 209; some California^, 57; the Juno, 441; notes on, 15, 57, 139, 209, 441 Ivy - leaved Pelargoniums as standards, 318, 371 Jackson, A. Bruce (Syon House Trees and Shrubs), 276 Jacobinia carnea, 152 Jacob, Rev. J. (Daffodils). 443 Japan, a journey to, 153, 176, 195, 211, 259 Japan-British Exhibition, 6, 23, 227 Japanese Cherries, 33 Japanese Creeper and the Virginian Creeper, 430 Japanese Iris, the, at home, 259 Japanese nursery, snow-scene in a, 487 Japanese visitors at the Holland House Show, 23 Johannesburg, note from, 333 Judging at local flower shows, 166, 185 Labelling hardy plants, 105 K Kainit as a potash manure, 348 Kains, G. (Making Horticulture Pay). 195 Kalanchoe flammea, 76 Kerrv, ten days in, 293 Keynes, Dr. j". Neville, 297 Kew Gardens, appointments from, 201 ; Alpine House at, 94 ; con- ditions for service as gardener at. 308; the "ruined" arch at, 202 : visitors to. 102 Kew Guild, the, 375 Kingston Agricultural College, 470 Kitchen Garden, the management of the, 4, 19, 40, 61. 86. 101, 121, 140, 161, 181, 199, 215, 231, 247, 262, 281. 299, 314, 335, 355, 372, 392, 410, 428, 449, 469, 484 Labour problem, the, 6, 37, 87, 104 Laburnum caramanicum, 454 La?lia Degeestiana, 274; L. grandi- flora at Lynwood, Penarth, 54 La?lias and Cattleyas, pulling out the inflorescences of, 395 Lselio-Cattleya Etona, 386 ; L.-C. Garnet, 311; L.-C. Measuresii, 442; L.-C. Olivia, 425; L.-C. Wal- ter Gott, 375; L.-C. Yvonne, 311 Lambert, Mr. John. 376 La .Mortola. visit of French botanists to. 143 Land, vacant, cultivation of. 84 Land valuation, the new, 75 Larch sawfly, the. 8 Larch, Witches Broom on, 414 Lavington Park, Petvvorth, Bananas at. 464 Law Notes : — Bankruptcy sta- tistics, 1S3 ; Claim for a gar- dener's death. 384; Claim by a gardener, 401 ; Claim under Small II., 1, lings Act, 170 ; Dnke of Bedford versus London County Council (licence for male servants). The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [December 31, 1910. V. J 30 ; Failure of a nurseryman, 151 ; Failure to notify disease, 401; Flower show dispute, 440; Fruit-picking in pails, 191 ; Land- valuation under the Finance Act, L910, 75; Masters, C. W., v. J. VV. Whittome (claim for seeds), 129; Sale of poisonous compounds, 3, 83, 419, 474 ; Stanley, Herbert, failure of, 91, 126 I. awns, green, 138 Leaves, the absorption of copper by, 124 l.i ;acy to a gardener, 183 Leichtlin. Max. the late, 207, 238. 249, 286 Leighton, James, appointed Mayor of King Williams Town, 216 Leonardslee Gardens, plants in flower at, 64; weather at. 415 Lsptarrhena amplexifolia, 279 Lilies, at Holland House Show, 35 ; notes on, 175 Lilium odorum, 175 ; L. sulphureum, the treatment of, 348 Liliums, seeds of, 166 " Lily rash " amongst Narcissi ii herers, 283 Lily season in Scotland, 138 Lime-sulphur sprays, 22 Lime tree, the oldest in Germany. 34 Linnean Societv, Fellowship of the, 240 Literature, garden, translated from the French, 163 Lizard Orchid, the, 126 L.C.C. parks, appointment of chief officer for, 43, 62, 338 London waste, wild flowers in a. 234, 266 Lorentz. Dr. H. A. [Uitiomsten der Nederlandscht Nieuw Guinea Expeditie In 1907). 388 Lota Lodge, Co. Cork, Pears at. 446 Lychnis diurna, a wild, double flowered form of, 105 Mont Cenis in June, 53 ; in July, 461 Moor Hall gardens, the cultivation of Grapes at, 258, 284, 348, 353 Morel, cultivation of the, 294 Mud beetle, the, in Aberdeenshire, 249 Mulching, 3 ; of Christmas Roses, 396 Muriate of potash, 348 Murray, Mr. D., retirement of. 143 Mushroom abnormal, 480: culture, and artificial manures, 284; cul- ture, house for, 364 Mutisia Clematis, 489 N Nandina domestica as a foliage plant, 185 Narcissi, the classification of, 405; causing " Lily rash," 283 Naseby Hall, storm at, 185 Natural History of Coniferie, 73, 95, 115 Nature, beauty in, 234 Xematus Erichsonii (Larch sawfly), 8 Nepenthes x nobilis, 337 Nerine Fothergillii, 308 Newstead, Mr. Robert, 23 Nicotine preparations, prices of, and the tobacco duty, 282, 297 Nigeria, Southern, plants of, 84 Nitrate of lime and calcium cyana- mide, 488 Nixon, Mr. Hugh, presentation to, 248 Nurseryman elected as Mayor, 375 Nursery employes outing, 7 Nursery Notes : — Backhouse, James. & Son, Ltd., 194: Evans. H. and \V., 258; Pennick S Co., 143; Perry, Amos, 55: Sutton & Sons. 245"; Tully Nursery Co., 312 ; Witch, James, & Sons, Ltd., 164; Wallace, R., & Co., 244 M McIveb, D. Grant [City, Suburban and Window Gardening), 58 Macmillan, H. F. (Handbook of Tropica! Gardening and Plant- ing), 331 Madrid International Agricultural Congress, 1911, 430 Maggots on Privet. 297 Malay States, botanical exploration in 'the, 284 Malformed Pears, 272 Malvastrum, the garden species of. 179 Manetti stock for grafting Roses, 204 Manure for Chrysanthemums, 492 : for Potatos, 420 Manures, artificial, for tree-nur- series, 473 Maritime Alps, botanising in the. 213 Market culture of fruit, 273, 351, 421 Market weights and measures. 291 Matyear. Edward, public bequests by, 266 May, Mr. Henry B., appointed V.M.H., 451 Melons, pollination and fruit pro- duction in, 140, 204; for market ing, 172 Mendel, Gregor Johann, monument to, at Briinn, 265, 282, 438 Meredith, Lewis B. (Rock Gardens: How In Make and Maintain Them), 242 Michaelmas Daisies at The Hermi- tage, 353 Mildew on Grapes. 92 Mill. Hugh Robert [British Rain- fall). 311 Miltonia vexillaria at Westonbirt, 216 Mistleto, the red-berried, 474 Montbretia rosea, 318 Montbretias. lifting, 318, 339. 345, 416, 432, 456, 474 Oak, evergreen, at Wilton House, 6 Obituary :— Bedford. Mrs., 239 ; Boxall, William. 192; Carruthers, John Bennett, 70, 104; Cooke, Dr. Theodore, 402; Cooper. William Charles, 223; Cormack, George, G3 ; Felton, Mrs. R. F.. 317 ; Fisher, W. R., 384. 402; Flight, Frederick William, 169; Frazer, Thomas, 223 ; Garrett, John, 25G ; Geert. Karel yon, 401; George, Mrs., 239; Gray, Joseph Spink, 289 ; Himilton, Thomas, 289 ; Hoggan. Andrew, 271 ; Kegel- jan. Ferdinand, 92 ; Kennedy, William, 4,-0; Leichtlin, Max. 207, 238. 249, 286; Leighton. William. 207 ; Lowe, Richard Buckland. 169 ; McBean, James, 170; Mair, An- drew 487 ; Marshall, Simeon, 169; Mawson, Robert R., 480; Maxwell. John. 32: Meakin. H.. 164; Milne, Thomas, 239; Miller, James, 152; Macfee. Robert. 410; Nock, John Knigh- ton, 317; Normand. Mr. P. Hill. 308 ; Penhallow, David Pearce, 401; Piper, Mrs. G. W., 488; 1 lenderleith, David, 32 ; Rothwell, William, 440 ; Simpson, R , 7 ; Spillane, Daniel, 152; Stark, George, 256 ; Stratton, Henry- Alfred. 402 ; Tracy, H. A. 169; Treub, Dr. Melchoir, 336; Tubb, George, 70; Webster, A„ 402 ; Young, Mrs., 271 Odontoglossum Rouge Dragon. 463 Olearia virgata and 0. ramulosa. 137 Onion crop, a large, 395 Onions, National Vegetable So- ciety's trial of, 167; the culture of. 442 Open spaces, new, in London, 104 Orange, works on the. 460 Orchard in Worcestershire, planting an. 112 Orchid flowers, effects of pollination on, 309 Orchid houses, work in the, 5, 20, 41, 60. 85. 100, 120, 141. 160, 180, 199, 215, 231, 247, 263, 281, 297, 314, 334, 555. 373, 392, 411, 428, 448, 468, 484 Orchid notes and gleanings, 14, 34, 54 139, 178, 295, 311, 329, 386, 424, 442, 462 Orchids, at Baronshalt,' Twicken- ham, 386 ; at Glebelands, 296 ; and Osmunda Regalis fibre, 329 ; two rare native, 126 ; sale of, 104, 178 Orchis hircina wild near Dover, 126 Osmunda Regalis fibre for Orchid potting, 329 Oxlip, the true, 39, 87 Paddock, Wendell, and Orville B. Whipple [Fruit Growing in Arid Regions), 156 Painting greenhouses, average yearly cost of, 291 Palestine, the horticultural explora- tion of, 182 Palm, Date, a monoecious, 371 Pausies and Violas, 9, 36, 64 Paris International Show, 201, 361 ; Rose Congress, 63 Park, new public, for London, 266 Parks and open spaces, money left for providing, 143 Parks. London, Chrysanthemums in the, 317 Parks, L.C.C, appointment of Chief Officer for, 43, 62, 338, 394 Parks, public, 398 ; the scope of, 376 Parthenocissus tricuspidata, 430 Paths, gravelling garden, 131 Paulownia, a new species of, 275 Peach leaf blister mite, 301 Pekch Waterloo, 132 Pea crop in the United States of America, 164 Peas, culinary, a trial of, at Wisley, 102 ; late, 395, 371 Pear, bacterial blight of, 103 Pear trees, renovation of old, 246; at Lota Lodge, Co. Cork, 446 Pears, malformed. 272 Pearson, Mr. Alfred H.. appointed \ M H . 451 Pec inaria asperiflora, hidden beauty in. 234 Pelargoniums, Ivv-leaved, as stan- dards, 278. 297; 318, 371 Pemberton, Rev. J. H.. 457 Pentstemon azureus. 135; P. tri- florus, 296 Pentstemons, choice varieties of, 282 Peper-Harrow Park, Cedars at. 456 Percival, Prof. John. [Agricultural Bach riology), 293 Perfume in Rises, prizes for. 234 Perowskia atriplicifolia. 423 Perry and cider fruits, 288 Pcst.s in Boil, the destruction of, 338 Philadelphus Yokohama (Satsu 88 Phoenix dactvlifera, a monoecious tree of, 37l" Phoenix Park, Dublin, 259 Phosphatic manures and Mushroom culture. 284 Photographing flowers. 425 Phylloxera laws in South Africa, 284. 482 Physic Garden, Chelsea, 243 Pictures of Alpine flowers. 37 Pink, the Mule. 140 : the Sweet Wil- liam, 19. 64, 88 Pinus svlvestris, seed experiments with, 213 Pits for soil-sterilisation, 201 Plane trees and throat troubles, 105, 185 Plant foods. 278 Planting fruit trees. 112, 352 Plant notes. 3, 17, 76, 100, 178,261, 274. 296 Plant Portraits :— Alectorurus vedoensis. 201 : Aquilegia flabel- lata var. nivea, 487; Aristolochia moupinensis, 63; Aster Falconer!, 487; Begonia Martiaua var. grandi- flora, 63; Betula Maximowiczii, 301 ; Bulbophyllum virescens, 123 ; Chirita rupe'stris, 201 ; Glado- thamnus pyrolajflorus, 487 ; Columnea Oerstediana, 395; Corj lopsis Veitchiana, 413 ; Deu- drobium Dartoisianum, 487 ; D. Sandera, 413 ; Gamogyne pulclira, 123; Houlletia Sanderi. 395; Iris Clarkei, 63; I. Wilsonii, 301 ; Micromeles caloneura, 201 ; Neoglaziovia concolor, 413 ; Pat- rinia triloba, 123 ; Phaedranassa Carmiolii, 487; Philadelphus De- lavayi, 03; Pinus Armaudii, 413 ; Pleiocarpa mutica, 395 ; Primula Littoniana. 301 ; Psoralea aftinis, 123; Pterostyrax hispidum, 128; Pyracanthaangustifolia 395; Rho- dodendron flavidum, 63; R. Un- gernii, 201; Rosa Moyesii, 301; Styrax Hemsleyanus, 301 ; Tristel- lateia australis, 201 ; Xeronema Moorei, 395 Plants in congenial positions, lecture on, 398 Plants in the same latitude, effect of frost on, 8 Plants, New or Noteworthy: Aster Falconeri, 2: Anthurium acaule, fruits of, 153; Catasetum tenebrosum, 229; Iris x f ulvala, 2; Mormodes Wolteriana, 229; Nym- ph;ea Baumii, 2; Paeonia japonica, 366; l'aliosota Albertii, 423; P. Elizabeths:, 423 ; Pectinaria asperi- flora, 174; Sobralia blanda, 273; Tulipa Hoogiana, 53 Plants of Southern Nigeria, 84 Plants on window-sills, danger from, 201 Plants under glass, 5, 20, 40, 60, 85, 100. 120, 140, 161, 181, 199, 215. 230, 247, 263, 280, 298, 315, 334, 355, 372, 393, 410, 429, 449, 468, 485 Plants, water requirements of. 431 Plough for turf-cutting, 307 Plum Coe's Golden Drop, 266 Poisonous trees and shrubs, 480 Poisons and Pharmacy Act. 1908, 83, 474 Polemonium carneum, 134 Pollen, fruit tree, and frost. 164 Pollination and fruit-formation. 102, 140. 204 Pollination, effects of, on Orchid Flowers. 309 Pollination of green flowers by in- sects. 164: of "Spencer" Sweet Peas. 257, 285, 340 Polyanthus, origin of the, 12 Polystachya golungensis, 463; P. paniculata, 462 Poplar, the European black. 483 Poppy with parti-coloured flower, 416 Potash salts, three manurial, 348 Potato blight in Ireland, 23 Potato crop, the, 432 Potato, the cross-fertilisation of the, 279 I'.tato, variation in. influenced by soil, 318 Potato, wart disease of. 163, 217 Potatos, bacteriosis in, 283; hybrid, 217 ; manure for, 420 ; National Vegetable Society's trial of, 167 ; seedling. 245, 267, 286; variation of. in different soils, 267, 318, 354 Potentilla lanuginosa. 296 Prague Exhibition, 164 Primrose, origin of the double- flowered, 38; 88 Primula elatior, 87; P. japonica, raising seedlings of, 214 Primulas, proposal for a national collection of. 8 Privet injured by a leaf mining mag- got, 267, 297' Prize money, Scottish Societj s non-payment of. 258 Prizes at the International Horticul- tural Exhibition. 1912, 340 VI. The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [December 31, 1910. Prizes for the best-kept gardens at Kirkcudbright, 143 Prizes for bulbs at R.H.S. Show, 200 Prizes, why need there be equal, 297, 318, '339, 353, 371 Pruning fruit trees, 422 ; results of experiments at Woburn in, 1 Puya chilensis in Cambridge Botanic Garden, 390 Pyracantha angustifolia, 395 Pyrus coronaria, double -flowered variety, 228 Queensland, fruits and flowers in, 283 Quercus Ilex, a large specimen of, at Wilton House, 6 ; at Ynys-y- Maengwyn, Wales, 64 Quince, bacterial blight of, 103 Railway stations, prizes for best- kept gardens at, 249 Rainfall in Aberdeen, 432; in Corn- wall, 454 Ramsbottom, Mr. John, appoint- ment of, 103 Rats, the destruction of, 446 Ravenscroft, B. C. (Town Garden- ing), 465 Redford, George (The Faculty of Beading), 62 Red Spider on vines, 132 Registration of novelties, 266, 286 Rheum inopinatum, 391 Rhododendrons, hybrid Javanese, 133 ; the culture of, 8 Rhus toxicodendron, poisonous pro- perties of, 404 Ridge Cucumbers, 328 Ridgmont, experiments at, 1 Rochea falcata, 217 Rock garden at Edinburgh, 333 Rogers, W. S. (Garden Planning), 261 Roja valley, the, 407 Rosa Wichuraiana, 228 Rosary, the, 3, 15, 54, 73, 119, 137, 159, 177, 197, 211, 228, 261, 275, 330, 368, 385, 409, 424, 463 Rose blooms, scarcity of, on the Riviera, 432 Rose Congress at Paris, 63 Rose season, features of the present, 119, 159; in Scotland, 15 Rose show, a private, at Finborough Hall, 38 ; the National Society's Metropolitan, 7 Rose: Dorothy Perkins, sports from, 119; Caroline Testout, raised from cuttings, 97 ; Edmonde Proust. 8 ; Frau Karl Druschki, annual lift- ing of, 267, 286; Frau Karl Druschki as a bedder, 267; Koni- gin Carola. 3 ; Leuchtstern, 200 ; Professor C. S. Sargent, 351, 470; Simplicity, 55; Souvenir d'un Ami, sports of, 208 Roses, some difficult. 463, 489; at Bagatelle, 63, at King's Walden Bury, 139 ; autumnal flower- ing, 211 ; budding, 3 ; choice bedding, 240 ; early -flowering. 3 ; in autumn, 385 ; for forcing, 275 ; hybrid perpetual varieties for forcing, 197 ; Noisette, and their hybrids, 54 ; old and new varie- ties compared, 228 ; on their own roots, 137 ; on the Manetti stock, 204 ; some of the best hybrid Wichuraiana. 261 ; some new varie- ties, raised at Waltham Cross, 23 ; suitable for forcing, 292 ; the scent of. 234; trial of, at Bagatelle, 389; weeping, as pot plants, 15; Wichuraiana and their hybrids, 464; Wichuraiana. hardiness of, 250; white flowered, 410, 432; yellow flowered, 368. 424 Roupellia grata, fruiting of. 229 R.H.S. Fruit Show, 353, 371 Rubus Barkeri, a non-flowering species, 374 ; R. ichangensis, 275 ; R. Lambertianus, 276 Rural Education, 7, 38, 396 S Salads, a lecture on British and Continental, 265 Sale of Orchids at Bristol, 104 Saltmarsh, hailstorm at, 39 Sambucus, the genus, 33 Sanders, T. W. (Window and In- door Gardening), 58 Saxifraga crustata, 483 ; S. floru- lenta, 118, 166, 340, 371; S. lantoscana, 311, 416, 426, 474, 489 ; S. lingulata and S. lantoscana, 311; S. trifurcata, 295; S. t. ceratophylla. 354; S. valdensis 261 Saxifragas of the Maritime Alps, the, 426 Schedule, flower show, an old, 87 Schizanthus, the culture of, 106, 403 Schomburikia Lyonsii, 139 School-gardening in Scotland, 184; in Surrey, 453 Schroder, Baron, will of the late, 64; memorial to, 122 Scientific Committee: — Acer, variation in, 268; Antirrhi- num, aberrations in, 126; Apples, pollen of, 376; Buds on leaves of Verbascum nigrum, 307 ; bulb mite destroying Narcissi, 2(18 ; Calanthe foliage, spotting of, 167 ; -Campanula Iactiflora, seminal variation in, 88 ; Carnation sport- ing in, 167; coloration in Sweet Pea tendrils, 9; Coprinus radians growing on a church roof, 9 ; Cryptostemma calendulaceum, 307 ; Dcnclrobium formosum, triple flower of, 376; Erica cinerea with modified flowers, 307 ; Eucalyptus and allied plants, fruits of, 457 ; Euphorbia Cyparissias, fasciation in, mis ; Fodder plant, a Mexican, 344; Fruits of Eucalyptus and allied plants, 457; Gall on Willow, 126; garden warblers attacking Pears, 204; Genliana Pneumon- antbe forma alba, 4 17; Hippeas- trum calyptratrum, fruit of, 235; Iris, a dimerous, 107 ; Kale with outgrowths on leaf, 457 ; Lycoris aurea, 307 ; Macaranga saccifera, 344; Maize inflorescence, abnor- mal. 235 : malformed Orchids, 344; Mendelism and plant breeding, 344; Mentha, aberrant branching in, 2C4; Montbretia, diseased, 204 ; Musa ventricosa, fruit of, 376 ; Museum preparations, fluid that renders them transparent, 2CS ; Narcissi and bulb mite, 2G8 ; Oak gills. 268; Oncidioda x Charlcsworthii. 204; Orchids, mal- formed, 344 ; Pear with lateral proliferation. 344; Pears, mal- formed, 376 : Peloric Antirrhinum, 126 ; Petaloid calyx in Rose, 204 ; Phlox sporting, 126; Pinks, cross- bred, 9 ; Pinus Pinea, seeds of, 417 ; Plantago media braetcata, 235; Plane tree with adventitious root, 204; Plant breeding, Men delism and. 344; Pollen of Apples, 376; Primula X Briscoei, 235; Radish, reversion in, '235 ; Rhodo- dendron ponticum bud with peta- loidy, 204; Rose, fasciation in, 344 ; Rose with petaloid calyx, 204; Rye Grass, variations in, 2G8 ; Saxifraga tellimoides, 89 ; Saxifraga umbrosa, seedling variety of, 9; Sex, influence of starvation on, 235 ; Spiraea Arun- cus with etaminate and herma- phrodite flowers, 88; sporting in Carnation, 167; Stachys ambigua. 457 ; tar water and plants, 457 ; tendrils of Sweet Pea showing e ilour veiia'inn, 9; Ti'opaeolum, double flowered, 307 ; Vegetable Marrow, fasciation in, 235 ; Ver- bascum nigrum, buds on leaves of, 307 ; Wallflower, fertility of the green flowered, 344 ; Willow, gall on, 126 Scotland, beginning of the Rose 6eason in, 15 ; forestry in, 212 ; notes from, 138, 184, 258, 332, 442, 465, 490; public bowling greens in, 490 Seakale, extensive culture of, 482 Seaweed, the monetary value of, 164 Seed crops in America, 164 Seed experiments with Pinus sylves- tris, 213 Seedling Potatos, 267 Seedlings of Primula japonica, 214 Seeds of Arctium lappa used as ad- vertisement, 358 Seeds, germination of unripe, 19, 64 Senecio Doronicum, history of, 56 ; S. glastifolius, 43; S. g., compara- tive hardiness of, 371 Senecios, some handsome, 14 Sheffield, gift of a park to, 183 Shows and exhibitions, culture for, 18, 142 Shrewsbury Show, the decorated dessert tables at the, 184 ; Grapes, at the. 204; judging at the, 185; Sweet Peas at the, 166 Shrubs, forced, exhibition of, at Boskoop. 23 " Silver " leaf disease, 2, 353, 356, 395 Singapore Botanic Garden, 212 Small holdings, 359. 366 Smith, Mr. James, 376 Smudge fires in orchards, 342 Snow scene in a Yokohama nursery. 487 Sobralia macrantha alba at Robv Hall, 182 Societies : — Aberdeen Cbrys., 418 ; Aberdeen Natural History and Antiquarian, 465; Aber- deen Royal Hort., 189; Aber- ystwyth Chrys., 398; Ayrshire Carnation and Picotee, 412 ; Bakowell Chrys., 399; Basing- stoke Hort., Ill; Bath Gardeners', 32. 129, 191, 239, 460; Bebington Hort., 107; Beckenham Hort., 69; Birmingham Agricultural, 435; Birmingham Botanical and Hort., 88; Birmingham Chrysan- themum, Fruit and Vegetable. 362, 376 ; Bishops Waltham Hort., Ill ; Blairgowrie and Rattray Fruit Growers', 465; Bolton Chrys., 418; Bradford Chrys., 399 ; Brighten Rose and Hort., 51 ; Bristol and Dist. Gardeners', 32, 129, 191, 270, 403, 479; Bristol Chrys., 417; British Gardeners' 271, 460; (Hexham meeting), 343; (London Branch), 51, 169; British Pteridological, 12; Bur- ton and Shobnafl Chrys., 381: Bury St. Edmunds and West Suf- folk Chrvs. Fruit and Vegetable, 3S0 ; Cardiff and County Hort., 69; Cardiff Chrys., 378; Carlisle Hort., 221; Charminster Gar- deners', 270; Chelmsford and Dist, Gard., 289, 403, 460, 492; Chester Chrys.. 400; Chester Flower Show, 205; Cheltenham Root, Fruit and Chrys., 379; Commons and Footpaths- Preser- vation, 361, 414; Coventry Chrys., 379; Croydon and Dist. Gardeners', 51, 289. 403; Croydon Chrys , 344 ; Cryptogamic of Scot- land. 2G6; Debating, 32, 70. 91, 239, 460, 479; Derby Chrys., 380; Derbyshire Agric. and Hort., 69; Devon and Exeter Gardeners' 111, 381, 399; Dublin Seed and Nur- serymen's, 143 ; Dumfries and Galloway Hort., 205; Dunferm- line Chrys., 399; Dunfermline Hort.. 89; Durham, Northum- berland and Newcastle-on-Tyne Botanical and Hort., 90: E>uing Tenants' Hort.. 10, 126; East- bourne Flower Show, 69 ; Elstree and Boreham Wood Hort., 68; Four Northern Counties, Fruit Show and Congress, 321, 358; German Amateur Kosarians, 109; Ghent Hort., 68; Gloucestershire Root, Fruit and Chrysanthemum, 381 ; Gloucestershire Rose and Sweet Pea, 69 ; Guildford and Dist, Gardeners', 68, 289, 492; Herefordshire Fruit and Cbrys , 361 : Highland Agricultural, 88 ; Horticultural Club, 10, 43, 307, 398; (annual outing), 107; Hor- ticultural Trades' Association. 189: Kirkcudbright Hort., 12J ; Knaresborough and Dist. Hort., 12'J ; Leamington and County Hort., 108; Leeds Paxton. 401 ; Leeds Professional Gar- deners' Friendly Benefit, 68, 459; Leicester Abbey Park, 126; Liii- nean, 316, 400; Liverpool Hort., 89, 381 ; London Retail Fruiterers' and Florists'. 345; Loughborough Gardeners' 270 ; L'Union Profes- sionnelle Internationale Horticole, 268 ; Manchester and N. of Eng- land Orchid, 68, 168, 269. 307, 344, 379. 418, 457 ; Marlow Chrys., 361 ; Midland Carnation and Pico- tee, 127 ; National Carnation (Southern section), 90 ; National Chrysanthemum, 221, 233, 238, 270,' 346, 376, 378, 437, 459, 478 ; (annual dinner), 418; National Dahlia. 222, 233, 478; Nat. Fruit and -Cider Institute, 301 ; Nat. Fruit-Growers' Federation. 343; Nat. Hardy Plant, 233, 301, 363; Nat, Rose, 412; (annual meeting), 458 ; (autumn show), 236 ; (summer exhibition), 44; Nat. Sweet Pe-a, 46, 269. 476 (trials at Sutton). 67; Nat. Vegetable, 38, 107, 167, 190. 233. 265, 376 ; (annual show), 254 ; (annual meeting), 438; Newcastle- on-Tyne and Dist. Chrys., 400; Nottingham Hort. and Botanical, 88; Orsett and Dist. Agric. and Hort. 221; Perpetual-Flowering Carnation, 266, 459; Perthshire Sweet Pea, 111; Plymouth and Dist. Gardeners', 270. 403 ; Pres- cot Hort., Ill; Putney, Wands- worth aud Dist. Cbrys., 331 ; R iv- leigh and Dist. Hort., 89, 379 ; Reading Gardeners'. 91. 191, 270. 492; Redhill, Reigate and Dist. Gardeners'. 91. 270, 493 ; Richmon 1 Hort,, 10; Rothesay Hort., 190; Royal Agricultural, 394; Royal Botanic. 151 (annual meeting) ; Royal Caledonian Hort., 206; Royal English Arborieultural. 168, 190; Roval Hort. of Aberdeen, 378 ; Royal Hort. of Ireland, 221 ; Roval Horticultural, 6, 9, 65, 88, 106, 126, 143, 167, 186, 200, 204, 218, 235, 250. 268, 286, 307, 318, 344. 359, 376, 396. 412, 417, 433, 475; (Fruit Show), 302; Hol- land House Show), 21; Salis- bury Gardeners', 289 ; Raltaire Rose, 110, 414; Sandy Flower Show, 205; Scottish Hort., 68, 127, 222, 289, 377, 382, 457; Shinfield and Grazeley Gardeners'. 168; Shropshire Hort., 145; Smithfield Club, 438; Societe Francaise d' Horticulture de Lon- dres, 234. 470 ; Societe Nationalc d'Horticulture de France. 361, 377; Southampton Carnation. Ill ; Southampton Royal Horticultural, 51, 380; Southend-on-Sea Hort., 378; Stirling and Dist. Hort., 70, 169, 239, 403, 478, 479; Stirling Chrys , 398 ; Taunton Flower Show, 168; Torquay and Dist. Gardeners', 379; Ulster Hort.. 398; Union of Horti cultural Mutual Improvement. 307; United Hort. Benefit and Provident, 128, 223. 248, 381, 478; (annual dinner), 2-<9 ; Wargiavo and Dist, Gardeners'. 239. 239, 492. 460; Watford Amateurs' nnd Gardeners'. 91, 191, 239. 271, 458; The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [December 31, 1910. vii. West Birmingham and Dist. Hort.,"439; West Derby Hnrt., Ill ; Wist of England Chrys., 399 ; Weston-super-Mare and Dist. Chrys., 380; Weston-super-Mare Hurt., 168; Windsor Chrys., 401; Windsor Rose, 30; Winchester Chrys., 400; Wolverhampton Flora Fete, 49 ; Woodstock Agric. and Hort, 235; Woolton Chrys., 417; Worthing Chrys., 380 ; Yoik- shire Fungus Foray, 266; York- shire Sweet Pea, 89 So'l fertility, the causes of increased, 162, 200 Soil, influence of, on Potatos, 267, 318, 354 S il-sterilisation, pits for, 201 Soldiers' gardens, the old, at Chel- sea, 217 Sooty-blotch disease of Apples, 443 South Africa, note from, 333; phyl- loxera laws in, 284, 482 South American plants in gardens, lecture on, 268 South Eastern Agricultural College, 102, 357; fruit congress at, 436 Southwark Park, Chrysanthemums at. 396 South-west, autumn flowers in the, 409; Baniboos in the. 422; sum- mer flowers in the, 225, 284 Spartocytisus supranubius used as fodder in Teneriffe. 389 Spathoglottis Soulheriana at Bur- ford, 139 Spindle trees, some, 387 Spiraea Aitchinsonii, 213 ; S. dis- color, 213; S. Menziesii triuin- phans, 105 Spiranthes Romanzoffiana wild in Ireland, 126 Sporting of Rose Dorothy Perkins, 119 Sprays, lime-sulphur, 22 Spring Cabbage, 18 Springfield Park, Upper Clapton, 179 Spring frosts, effects of, on fruit trees, 342 Spring, Mr, F. G., appointment of, 249 Spruce and Larch, Witches Broom on, 414 Staehya Corsica, 210. 262 Statice sinuata, a deep ruse-tinted variety of, 300 Station gardens, prizes for best kept. 249 Stereum purpureum and silver-Jeaf, 356. 395 Sterilisation of soil, pits for the, 201 Stinking-smut of Cereals, 22 Stocks, fruit-tree, lecture on, 325, 371, 444 Stoney, J. (A Sim pit Method of Bottling Fruit at Home), 312 Storage of fruit, the, 324 Soring Carrots, the best method cf, 234, 249 Storm at Naseby Hall, 185 Strawberry season, the, 82 Strawberry utility, 2 Strawberries, at Englefield Gardens, Reading. 158: early, on borders, 8 ; packing, 32 Street planting ; a suitable tree for narrow thoroughfares, 431 Students at Wisley Gardens, 64 Styrax japonica at Monreith, 64 Sugar-beet growing in England, 184, 316, 340, 470 Sulphate of Potash, 348 Summer flowers in the south-west, 225, 284 Summerville, Dumfries, hardy flowers at, 116 Sutton Place, trial of Sweet Peas at, 67 Swansea, Cwmdonkin Park, cata- logue of plants at, 217 Sweet Peas: Florence Nightingale, 143; Jimmie Bland, 317 Sweet Pea Season, the, 280 Sweet Pea Society's outings, 23 Sweet Peas, 264; at Shrewsbury Show, 166 ; classification of, 264, 269, 285 ; in tubs, 310 ; conference of, 477; pollination of " Spencer" varieties of, 257, 287, 340; s new varieties of, 7; the develop- ment of, 42 ; too-much-alike varie- ties of, 264, 269, 285 ; trial of, at Sutton Place, 67; cultivation of, under glass, 296 Sweet William Pink, the, 19, 64, 88, 140 Swinstead, G. Hillyard (The Story of Mi/ Old-world Garden in a London Suburb), 178 Trees, at Claremont 54; of Great Britain and Ireland, notable, 162 ; specimen, at Cobham Hall, Kent. 106; Christmas, 470; proposal to plant, in Glasgow streets, 490 Treub, Dr. Melchoir, the late, 336 Trial, Cabbage, 64; Dahlias at Wisley, 301; early-flowering Chrysanthemums, 221 ; Onions and Potatos by the National Vegetable Society, 167 ; Roses at Bagatelle, 389; Single Dahlias, 378; Sweet Peas at Sutton Place, 67 ; at Wis- ley, 300, 317, 339, 371 Tropical entomology, proposed chair of. 473 Tropical fruits ripening at Nice, 301 Tulip, a new species of, 53 Turf-cutting plough, 307 Turin International Exhibition, 337 Tutcher, Mr. W. J., appointment of, 124 U Udale, James (Gardening for All), 58 ; presentation to, 395 Ulmus montana var. Gaujardii as a tree for narrow streets, 431 University education, increased grant for, 431 Urban allotments, 163 Utricularia prehensilis, 447 Tarred roads injurious to plant life, 249 Tea planter's compound, a, 279 Teneriffe, some plants used as fod- der at, 389 Tennis court, dimensions of a, 172 The Grange, Kilburn, as a public park. 104 Thomson, C. L. [Our Inheritance), 62 " Thomson " memorial, the, 7, 353 Thunbergia natalensis, 274 Thuya, poisonous properties of, 371, 404 Timber, heartshake in, 384 Tobacco used for nicotine prepara- tions, 282, 297 Tomatos, black stripe disease of, 197: bacteriosis of, 283; late, un- der glass, for market, 211 Trail, Prof. J. W. H., on the British Flora, 202 Transplanted Coniferae, mortality of, 203 Trap Mr. Thomas Andrew Knight's bird, 453 Tree for planting in narrow streets, 431 Tree-nurseries, artificial manures for, 473 Tree nurserymen, an Austrian Asso- ciation of, 184 Tree planting, puddling the soil in, 396 Trees and shrubs, 54. 74, 106, 137, 203, 213, 242. 387, 422, 444, 483; poisonous, 480 Vacant land, society for the culti- vation of, 84 Vanda coerulea Sanders, 415 Vegetable show, Messrs. Dickson and Robinson's. 237 \. gi tables, 422. 482; gift of, to hospitals, 265; the culture of, for exhibitions, 18, 142 Vegi tation, the effect of winter on, 8. 18, 36, 105 V( rbascum phlomoides album, 333 Veri nica X edinense, 38 ; V. X myr- tifolia. 103 ; V. Hulkeana as a pot plant. 444 Veronicas, hybrid, 103 Vesubie valley, the. 385 Viburnum Henryi, 265 Victoria Medal of Honour, five ap- pointments to the. 451 Vinca with parti-coloured flower, 416 Vinery, planting a, 308 Vines", aerial roots on, 64, 364 : red spider on, 132 Viola valderia, 57 Violas and Pansies, 9, 36. 64 Virginian Creeper and the Japanese Creeper, 430 Viscum cruciatum. the red berried Mi.-tleto, 474 Vitis tricuspidata, 430 W Wadding, tissue-covered, for pack- ing flowers. 419 Walnut trees, to renovate aged, 256, 270 Warrea tricolor, 139 Warren House, Stanrnore 22 Wart disease of Potatos 163, 217 Wasps, 39, 166, 186, 204, 217, 353, 416, 433 Water and waterside plants, 391 Water requirements of plants, 431 Waverley Market, Edinburgh, pro- posed heating of, 442, 465 Weather at Leonardslee, Sussex, 415 ; mild winter, 489 Wedding, a gardener's golden, 376 Weed-killer swallowed in mistake for tea, 234 Weed-seed and advertisements, 358 Weeds, American, 122 Weevilled grain, 348 Weevils, a plague of, 39 Wrights and Measures, market, 291 Whipple, Orville B., and Wendell Paddock (Fruit Growing in Arid Regions), 156 Wichuraiana Roses, hardiness of, 250 Wild flowers in the City of London, 234, 266 Wild garden, the, 104 Wilson, Mr. E. H., accident to, 357 Wilton House Gardens, 19; Quercua Ilex at, 6 Window plants, danger from, 201 Winter, effect of, on vegetation, 8, 18, 36, 105 Wisley Gardens, students at, 64; students' diploma examination, 283 ; trials at, 102, 301, 317, 339, 571; for 1911-12, 300 Witches' Broom on Spruce and Larch, 414 Woburn experimental farm, visii of members of R.H.S. Council and ( ommittees to, 1 Woburn Place, Addlestone, 155 Women as gardeners and farmers, 184 Wood leopard moth, the, 271 Woodlice in gardens, 72 Worcestershire, planting an orchard in, 112 Working men's flower show, a, 143, 183 Worms, influence of, on soils, 157 Worms, new garden, 23, 98, 390 Worshipful Company of Gardeners, 23 Wright, John (Profitable Fruit Cut- ture), J37 Wright, Walter P. (Alpine Flowert and Ilork Gardens), 368 Wye Agricultural College, 102, 357, 436 Xeronema Moorei, 395 Yorkshire fungus foray, 266 Yorkshire, proposed horticultural society for, 264. 266, 284, 317 Yucca filifera at Saint Aune's Her- aidt, France, 204 Zeuzera a?sculi, the wood leopard moth, 271 SUPPLEMENTARY ILLUSTRATIONS. Belvoir Castle; Grantham, views in the gardens at (August 6) Brussels, the Grand Place, and flower market at (July 30) Clandon Park, Surrey (August 13) East Burnham Park, Buckinghamshire, views at (December 3) Ercmurus robustus Elwesii (August 20) HaRDY FLOWERS. MESSRS. WALLACE'S EXHIBIT OF, AT HOLLAND HOUSE exhibition (October 1) Holland House, Kensington, the Japanese garden at (September 21) Japanese garden in the Tully nurseries, Co. Kildare (October 29) Miltonia vexillaria var. Snowflake and Virginale (September 17) Pelargonium radula major and P. capitatum, specimen plants of, at Gunnersbury House (October 15) Quercus Ilex at Wilton House, Salisbury (July 2) Rose Leuchtstern flowering on a rustic arch (September 10) Rose "Profess r C. S. Sargent '" (" the Sargent Rose ") (November 12) Senecio glastifolius var. (July 16) Snow scene in a Japanese Nursery (December 31) SOBRALIA MACRANTHA ALBA IN THE ROBY HALL COLLECTION (September 3) The Warren House, Stanmore, formal gardening at (July 9) Tulipa Hoogiana (July 23) Viburnum Henryi (October 8) Views in County Kerry (October 22) Water-lilies in the Earl of Onslow's garden at Clasboh Pabk (November 25) (For List c/ Genera! Illustrations in the text sec next page.) viii. The Gardeners' Chronicle,] INDEX. [December 31, 1910. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Alectorurus yedoensis, 352 Allamanda, fruit capsule of, 445 Allolobophora similis (garden worm), 99 Alpine House at Kew, 94 Alpines covered with hoar frost, 466, 467 Anopteris glandulosus, 194 Apples : Ard Cairn Russet, 389, Hounslow Wonder, 305 ; an ex- hibit of, at the Northern Fruit Show, Hexham, 341 ; attacked by sooty-blotch disease, 443 ; ex- hibited by British Columbia at the R.H.S. Colonial Show, 434 Arch, " ruined," in Kew Gardens, 202 Arnold arboretum, views in the, 350, 351, 368, 369, 370 Aster sub-cceruleus (figured as A. diplostephioides), 56 Astilbe simplicifolia, 294 Avenue of Cupressus trees at Clan- don Park, the, 115 B Bees, cage for queen, 61 Bidens dahlioides, white flowered variety of, 226 Bird-trap invented by Thomas An- drew Knight, 453 Bombax sp. (Silk Cotton Tree), 84 Boreon Valley, Maritime Alps, 426 Bovver, Professor F. O., portrait of, 374 Bowling green, plan of a crown, 112 Boxall, William, portrait of the late, 192 Brassia Forgetiana, 471 British Columbia, Apples exhibited from, 434 ; settler's home in, 435 ; plantations of Onions, Strawber- ries and Potatos at East Kootenay in, 435 Bulb planter, a new, 419 Calystegia dahurica, 483 Campanula barbata at Monreith, 388 ; C. Portensehlagiana var. major, 58 ; C. pusilla alba, 96 Cannon-ball tree, the, 176 Carnation Forester, 128 Cattleya Mendelii " Stuart Low," 35; C. Portia " Larkin's variety," 386; C. Rhoda " Fairlawn variety," 174; C. Warscewiczii alba, 34 Celsia cretica as a bedding plant, 267 Cephalanthera ensifolia, 481 Ceylon, a flower show in, 194, 197, 198 Ceylon Botanic Garden, Peradeniya, Zephyrantb.es flowering in, 196 Chelsea Phvsic Garden, views in, 243, 244, '245 Chinese plants, collection of, ex- hibited at R.H.S. Hall, 187 Chionoscilla " The Queen," 455 Cimicifuga racemosa, 218 Cistus purpureus (purple-flowered Rock Rose), 118, 119 Clandun Park, the Iris garden at, 113, 114 ; Cupressus Avenue, at, 115 ; Maori council house at, 116 ; pergola at, 123 Clematis nutans at Aldenham House gardens, 310 Colchicum veratrifolium, 242 Coomber, Mr. Thomas, portrait of, 451 Cornus capitata flowering in the Lichiang Valley, China, 448 Couroupita guianensis, Cannon-ball Tree (printed as Lecythis sp. in error), 176 Crinum Moorei flowering out-of- doors in Devonshire, 59 Croquet lawns, plans for, 492 Crown bowling green, plan of a, 112 Cypher, Mr. John J., portrait of, 451 Cyphomandra betacea (Tree Tomato), 292 Cypripedium Britannia, 331 ; C. Charlesworthii Temeraire, 424 ; C. Gaston Bultel, 485; C. King George V., 442 ; C. Minotaur, 425 ; C. Princess Mary, 330 ; C. Regi- nald Young, 406 ; C. Shogun, 250 D Datura suaveolens in an Irish gar- den, 490 Delphinium Lamartinii, 25 Dracaena Victoria, a specimen plant of, 285 E East Burnham Park, views at, 407. 408, 409, 413 Erigeron mucronatus as an edging plant, 203 Erodium corsicum, a pot plant of, 210 F Fielder, Mr. C. R., portrait of, 451 Fisher, Professor William Rogers, portrait of the late, 402 Florentine flowers, 481, 482 Flower borders at the Warren House, Stanmore, 21 Fockea capensis in the Imperial Gardens at Schonbrunn, 387 Eraser, Thomas, portrait of the late, 223 Fruits, a collection of Indian, 475 Gladioli: Grafin Degenfeld. 167; King Edward VII., 27; Safrano, 312 Grape Canon Hall Muscat in a Guernsey nursery, 136. 137 Grapes, an exhibit of, from Moor Hall Gardens, 258 Hailstorm in a Yorkshire garden in June, 39 Hall, Rev. J. Bernard, portrait of, 321 Hamilton, Thomas, portrait of the late, 289 Hexham fruit show, exhibits at the, 321, 322, 341 Hoar frost on rock-garden plants. 466, 467 Hopea mengarawan in a Singapore forest. 213 Horticultural Instructors, portrait group of, 233 Hosea Lobbiana in the Singapore Botanic garden, 211 Hymenocallis Harrisiana flowering in Cambridge Botanic Garden, 75 Indian fruits, a collection of, 475 Iris flavescens, a bed of, 95 ; I. Kiempferi. varieties of, in a Japa- nese garden, 260; I. tingitana. 16, 17 J Japan-British exhibition, views in the, 227, 228, 230, 235, 236, 237 Japanese garden in the Tully Nur- series, 313 Japanese Irises, native varieties of, 260 K Kalmia latifolia in the Arnold Ar- boretum, 368 Kew Gardens, Alpine house at, 94; " ruined " arch at, 202 Kootenay, fruit growing in, 435 L Laburnum caramanicum, a flower- ing shoot of; 454 Lselia Degeestiana, 274 Lselio-Cattleya Berthe Fournier magnifica, 220; L.-C. Olivia, 431; L.-C. " Walter Gott," 375 Lanterns, stone, employed in Japa- nese gardens. 237 Lecythis sp. Cannon-ball tree (see Couroupita guianensis) Leichtlin, Max, portrait of the late, 249 Lilac in Arnold Arboretum, 369 Lilium giganteum at Monreith, 104 Lilium X Marhan, 36; L. monodel- phum Szovitzianium, 37 ; L. odo- rum (syn. japonicum Colchester- ense), 175 Lychnis diurna, a wild double- flowered form of, 105 M Machine for cutting turf, 307 Malvastrum campanulatum, 179 Maritime Alps : the Boreon Vallev, 426 Marshall, Simeon, portrait of the late, 169 Mawson, Robert R., portrait of the late, 480 May, Mr. Henry B., portrait of, 451 McBean, James, portrait of the late, 169 Mendel's monument at Briinn, 488 Miltonia vexillaria from Sir George L. Holford's collection, 216 Model garden exhibited by the City of Tokyo at the Japan-British ex- hibition, 235 Model of glasshouse with prismatic roofing, 29 Mushroom, an abnormal, 480 N Nei-enthes x nobilis, 337 Nymphiea Baumii, 2 Odontoolossum Rutige Dragon, 463 Ophrys arachnites. 482 Orchis purpurea, 481 P P.koni \ japonica, flower structure of, 366 I'alisota Elizabeths, 423 Pandanus in Southern Nigeria show- ing adventitious roots, 84 Papaver Rhceas, a parti-coloured flower of, 416 Paulownia, a new species of, at Al- denham, 277 Peach House at Woburn Place, Ad- dlestone, 156 P ar Doyenne Boussoch, a prize dish of, 299 Pear trees, cordon, at Lota Lodge, Co. Cork, 446 Pears, abnormal, 272 Pearson, Mr. Alfred H., portrait of, 451 Pelargonium Clorinda as a specimen plant, 278 Pelargoniums, scented-leaved, at Gunnersbury House Gardens, 283 Pemberton, Rev. J. H., portrait of, 457 Pergola at East Burnham Park, 408 ; at Clandnn Park, 123 Phlox Elizabeth Campbell, 188 Phvsic Garden, Chelsea, 243, 244, 245 Pigmy trees, exhibits of, 230, 236 Pithecolobium saman, flowering shoots of, 175 Polemonium carneum flowering on a rockery, 134 Polystachya paniculata, 462 Poppy, a parti-coloured, 416 Prismatic roofing for glasshouses, 29 Pterostyrax (Halesia) hispidum, 125 Puya chilensis in Cambridge Botanic Garden, 390 R Rain Tree (Pithecolobium saman), 176 Rheum inopinatum, a flowering plant of, 391 Rhododendron (Azalea) Kaempferi in the Arnold Arboretum, 370 Rhododendron Catawbiense var. fastuosum fl. pi.. 157 Rockery in the Tully Nurseries. 317; 'at East' Burnham Park, 413 Roofs, rjrismatic, for glasshouses, 29 Rose Caroline Testout, plants of, raised from cuttings, 97 Rose garden at King's Walden Bury, 138, 139 ; at Woburn Place, Addlestone, 163 Roses: Freda, 66; Juliet, 26; Mary Countess of Ilchester, 45 ; Mrs. David Jardine, 48 ; Mrs. Foley Hobbs, 44 ; Simplicity, 55 Royal Horticultural Society's fruit show, exhibits at the, 298 Rubus ichangensis, 274 ; R. Lam- bertianus, 276 S St. Martin Lantosque, with the Boreon Alps in the background, 426 Saxifraga florulenta, the home of, 426 ; S. trifurcata, 295 Senecio macrophyllus, 14 Serapias lingua, 482 Shrewsbury flower show, exhibits at the, 144, 148, 149, 154, 165 Silver-leaf disease and Stereum pur- pureum, details of, 356, 357 Singapore Botanic Garden, plant- shelters in, 213 ; Hosea Lobbiana in, 211 Singapore forest, scene in a, 213 Sloane, Sir Hans, monument to, in Chelsea Physic Garden, 244 Sooty-blotch disease of Apples, 443, Stereum purpureum causing silver- leaf disease, 356, 357 Strawberry Utility, 3 Syringa vulgaris in the Arnold Ar- boretum, 369 Tea-garden, Japanese model of a, 235 Tennis court, plan for, 172, 492 Thuja obtusa, a dwarfed tree of, 236 Tie for trees, Mr. Beckett's, 411 Tracy, H. A., portrait of the late, 169 Tree-tie, Mr. Beckett's, 411 Tree Tomato, the (Cyphomandra betacea), 292 Treub, Dr. Melchoir, portrait of the late, 336 Tsuga canadensis in Arnold arbore- tum, 350, 351 Tubb, George, portrait of the late, 70 Tully Nurseries, Co. Kildare, Japa- nese gardens in the, 313, 317 Turf-cutting machine, 307 U Utricolaria prehensilis in Edin- burgh Botanic Garden, 447 Vegetables, a prize exhibit of, 332 ; exhibits of, at the National Vege- table Society's Show, 251, 252, 254, 255 ; shown by Hon. Vicary Gibbs at Holland House exhibi- tion, 41 Veronica Hulkeana as a pot plant, 444 Viburnum Henrvi, a tree of, in fruit, 265 Vinca minor with parti-coloured petal, 416 W Warren House, Stanmore, 19 ; herbaceous plants at, 21 Water garden at East Burnham Park, 408 Woburn Place, Addlestone, views in the gardens at, 155, 156, 157, 163 Wood leopard moth, the, 271 Worm garden (Allolobophora simi- lis), 99 Z Zephyranthes flowering in the Botanic Garden, Peradeniya, Cey- lon, 196 Zeuzera aesculi (wood leopard Moth), 271 July 2, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. THE (8 arb oners' Chronicle No. 1,227— SATURDAY, July 2, 1910. CONTENTS. Flowers in season Garden Village Scheme, a Heliotropes, new garden varieties of Hexham fruit congress and show International Exhibition, 1912 Japan-British exhibition Labour problem, the ... Larch Sawfly, the Law Note — Sale of poisonous com- pounds by a limited company Mulching Nursery employes' out- ing Pansies and Violas, lec- ture on Plants, new or note- worthy— Aster Falconeri, native habitat of Iris x Fulvala Nympha?a Baumii Plants on north-east coast Primula, species of Rhododendrons, culture of Ridgmont, the experi- ments at Rosary, the — Cultural hints for July Rose show of the year, the great Rose Wichuraiana, " Edmonde Proust*'... Rural education, com- mittee of Scottish gardener'sdeath Societies — Horticultural Club ... National Amateur Gar- deners' National Chrysanthe- mum Richmond Horticultu- ral Royal Horticultural ... (Scientific Committee) Windsor Roseand Hor- ticultural Women's Agricultural and Horticultural In- ternational Union ... Strawberries, early, from plants treated as an- nuals Strawberry "Utility"... Thomson, David, mem- orial fund Vegetation, effects of last winter on Week's work, the— Apiary, the Flower garden, the ... Fruits under glass Hardy fruit £;or len, the Kitchen garden, the ... Orchid houses, the ... Plants under glass ... ILLUSTRATIONS. Evergreen Oak in the gardens at Wilton House, Salisbury (Supplementary Illustration) Nymphrea Baumii 2 Strawberry "Utility" 3 THE EXPERIMENTS AT RIDGMONT. ON the 23rd alt. a party of about 40 mem- bers of the Council, and the Scientific and Fruit Committees of the Royal Hor- ticultural Society visited the Experimental Fruit Farm at Ridgmont, at the invitation of the Duke of Bedford, K.G., and the Director, Mr. Spencer Pickering, F.R.S. The party was met at Ridgmont Station by Mr. Pickering, who conducted the members round the farm and explained the experi- ments. Later on they drove through the beautiful grounds, teeming with foreign ani- mals and birds, which are quite at home there, to Woburn Abbey, where they were enter- tained at a luncheon over which Mr. Pickering presided. An opportunity was then given for the mem- bers to see the principal rooms of the Abbey and the well-kept and finely timbered grounds which surround it. The soil of the farm lies on Oxford clay, and a stiff, tenacious clay is pre- sent at a short distance below the surface throughout the experimental ground. Under certain circumstances the soil cracks badly, and, w-hen it is dug late in the season, it is liable to remain in hard clods with consider- able spaces between them, as could be seen over much of the ground. It appears to con- tain little lime, and in places to be actually acid, if one may judge from the copious growth 'of Sheep Sorrel upon it. On the whole, it appears to be a good fruit- growing soil, if thoroughly cultivated, though it would be easier to work if lime were added, and it would probably be improved in other ways by the addition of this substance. The experiments have been most carefully planned, and they are carried out on an adequate scale. Though, before the conclu- sions could be accepted as of general applica- bility, the}- would require to be confirmed by further experiments on other types of soil. Experiments with living things are matters of very great difficulty, and interference with any one factor may often mean inter- ference with others less easily seen, and per- haps not seen at all, resulting in a variety of changes which may or may not affect the final result. But at Ridgmont great care has been taken to plan all the experiments so as to ascertain the value of each known factor in reaching the result. Some of the results obtained have been startling in their apparent contradiction of accepted practice, not less to those who conceived the experiments than to the fruit-grower. In other cases it has been conclusively proved that different results fol- low similar practice when different varieties, say, of Apples, are concerned. Here it is apparent, as all observant fruit-growers know, that the cultivation of different varieties calls for modifications of general method, and it is quite probable that the question of varietal differences explains many of the apparent con- tradictions in practice advocated by different fruit-growers. The first group of plots is intended to de- monstrate the manner in which farmers might arrange fruit plots to the best advan- tage. Since they have reached good growth, they have given an average return of £30 per acre per annum. It may be mentioned in passing that it was found that the cultivation of vegetables and fruit in separate plots gave, over a series of years, better results than when they were intermixed. The bad effects of Grass in orchards are well demonstrated in these experiments, though the actual reason for such effects is still to seek. It does not appear to be due to drying out, to check of free circulation of air, or to the robbing, of the soil of plant food, as numerous interesting experiments have shown. The trees growing in grass, whether they be on the Paradise or Crab stock, are dwarfed, and their stems have a less circum- ference ; the foliage is often yellowish and the fruit very brightly coloured ; finally the trees die. Generally speaking, the ill effect is most marked upon quite young trees, but if it has not become too marked, the trees begin to recover when the grass is partly or entirely removed. On the other hand, grassing down after even 12 years' growth in cultivated soil produces a markedly adverse effect in some cases. Where the Grass has been allowed to grow gradually over the planted area, as it was often allowed to do in old times, the re- sult has not been nearly so bad as where the land was sown down immediately. It is important to note here, however, that some varieties of Apples show the evil results less than others, though all show it at Wo- burn to some extent. The Question of Pruning. The experience at Woburn has been all in favour of pruning in the winter the planting is done. If the pruning is left for a season, the growth in the first year is very weakly, and the trees frequently die. Where pruning was done, at no matter what time of year the planting was done, better results have fol- lowed. Hard pruning carried out every year (no matter at what time) has been found to mate- rially reduce the size of the tree and its yield, and not to increase the size of the fruits. The meaning to be attached to the terms " hard," " moderate," and " light " prun- ing is perhaps not clear, but, as was very evi- dent, it is better to prune some varieties during tlie first few years of their growth, such ;i> Stirling Castle, for instance, and other precocious varieties. It cannot be argued from these experiments that a tree should never be pruned, but it would seem that, other things being equal, a tree left entirely unpruned will be, at the age of 16 years, larger than one that has been hard pruned every year. There are, of course, as the experimenters realise, many questions to be considered in de- ciding whether to prune or not to prune, and here the only questions are as to the size of the tree and its yield. Various interpreta- tions may be placed upon the old saying : " Growtli follows the knife," and upon the interpretation given depends whether we re- gard the results as opposed to accepted ideas or in accord with them.' Root Prun-ino. Trees root-pruned every year were nearly or quite dead ; those root-pruned in alternate years were lather better; those every fourth year better still ; "but, though for a time per- haps rather more fruitful than those not root- pruned, they were less vigorous. Root-prun- ing acts as a severe check on growth, it is quite evident, but no tree that could be judged to need root-pruning was obser"ed on the farm. Planting. All growers know the value of firm planting, but most believe that, if the method is car- ried to the extreme, the results are sure to be bad. At Woburn the greatest success is ob- tained when the soil is rammed firm around the trees with an iron rammer, 50 per cent, more growth being made. At least, in the case of young trees, the removal of fibrous roots before planting, or the doubling up of the roots, has a beneficial effect when atten- tion is given to the trees during their subse- quent growth. So convinced are the experimenters at Wo- burn of the lack of necessity for the care usually taken in planting, and of the good results of ramming, that they will not tolerate upon the place a cultivator who plants in the ordinary way. The general hope of the party was that all who have the opportunity will try the effect of this method of treating trees, as against the usual one, in other soils and situations. Manuring. At Woburn no benefit has been de- rived from the use of manures on Apples and 2 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 2. 1910. other fruit trees, but with Gooseberries farm- yard manure has proved indispensable. Silver Leaf in Plums, &c. A very large number of Plums and other trees have been inoculated with the myce- lium of the fungus (Stereum purpureum), and in 80 per cent, of the cases the inoculation has been followed by the development of silver leaf, while in no case has the disease ap- peared in trees grown close by for comparison. As a rule, the death of the branch or tree affected was followed by the development of the fruit of the fungus. The correctness of Professor Percival's con- clusion, published some years ago, would seem, therefore, to be established, and we may regard the fungus Stereum purpureum as being the cause of silver-leaf disease. It is most desirable that many of the ex- periments should be repeated under other soil — and general climatic conditions. This is being done in some places, the Woburn ex- periments having done perhaps as much, as Mr. Pickering said at luncheon, in suggesting the manner in which experiments might be carried out, and in awaking a questioning spirit, as in other ways. But there is room for many more, provided every care is taken to record conditions and to avoid interference with the results by careless planning and by conducting the experiments on an inadequate scale. Then possibly fruit-growing, well as it is done in the skilful hands of present-day growers, will be done yet better, and in any case we shall be well on the way to securing a firm basis on which to build a science of fruit-growing. J . NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. NYMPHS A BAUMII.* This is the smallest of all typical Nymphseas in cultivation. The flowers are very small — about an inch in diameter. They are white, and remain open for six to eight hours during the day. The peduncle is from 4 inches to 1 foot long, slightly decreasing, rosy when young. The sepals are elliptical, pale yellow at the base and at the sides, green at the apex, white within, rosy in old flowers. The veins of the sepals are fine, pale, transparent, and the sepals are covered all over outside with fine violet stripes. Sepals and petals persist on the maturing fruit, enclosing it closely. The number of petals varies from 7 to 8 ; they are lanceolate, white : outer petals green with fine violet stripes on their ventral surfaces. The petals are shorter than the sepals, and are inserted near the base of the receptacle. Stamens 14 to 22 inserted near the middle of the recep- tacle, half as long as the petals; filaments, pale yellow, anthers dark yellow. Carpels 5 to 8, the upper third quite free, as the receptacle does not cover the carpels entirely. Fruit round. This species differs in this respect from all other Nymphseas known to me. The stigma is yellow, papilla? conical. The seeds are about a twenty- • Nymph^ea Baumii, Rehnelt et Henhel, spec, nov.- Folia coriacea, integra, 2-3 cm. diam. cordato-orbicularia, sinu aperto lobis rotundatis, supra nitide vjridia subtus pallidiosa violaceo-punctatis, nervis imrnersis. Sepala anguste ellip- toidea viridia punctis striisque violaceis maculata, intus albida. Petala 7-8 lanceolato-elliptica, acuta, alba. Fila- menta 14-20, petalis dimidio breviora, lutea, appendicibus brevibus albis. Stigma luteum radiis6. Ex Africa aust. occidentalis introducta. Syn. N. guineensis Eilg., 1903, non guinensis Sch. et Tb., 829 ; N. Hendelotii Planch, var. Nana Canard. Publications : E. Baum Kurtene Sambesi Expedition ; Prof. Warburg, Berlin ; GartenwM, VI., 666, Canard ; The Waterlilus. Buck der Nymphaaceen, Henkel Rebnelt et Dittmann, p. 60. fifth of an inch long, oval, violet when young, dark green on ripening, and not covered with longitudinal lines of hairs. The leaves are leathery, about 1^ inch in diameter, nearly round, dark green above, nerves slightly paler. The underside is green, with a brown shade, covered all over with irregular dark violet blotches ; veins dark green ; lobes round. The petiole is very long and thread-like. The plant is a native of South-west Africa, 18° longitude east of Greenwich, rare at Minesera on the Longa, in shallow water 8 inches to 1 foot deep ; also as very small flowering bog plants at the margin of a swamp near the Longa. Temperature of water, 31° C. (= 88° F.). It grows together with Nymphsea sulfurea, one of the two, yellow African Nymphseas, which, un- fortunately, like many other African species, have not yet been introduced. N. Baumii was col- lected in 1902 by H. Baum, curator of the Botanic Garden at Rostock. I have never succeeded in getting this species to cross with any other Nymphsea, and this is not to be wondered at, as it differs largely from all others in cultivation. It would be of great value if more seeds and plants of Nymphseas of all parts of the world could be introduced, even if they seem to be of FlG. I. — NVMPHiEA BAUMII, A SMALL SPECIES WITH WHITE FLOWERS. common kind, as our knowledge and collections are far from complete. Seeds must be well cleaned before putting them in a small glass with a few drops of water, just enough to keep them moist. Fr. Henkel, Darmstadt, Landscape Gardener and Botanist. IRIS x FULVALA. This Iris, which was shown before the Royal Horticultural Society on June 21, and recom- mended for an Award of Merit by the Floral Committee, is interesting as being the first re- corded hybrid of Iris fulva, a species from the swamps of the Southern United States, distin- guished by its remarkable terra cotta colour and the drooping habit of its standards and falls. The fact that no other Iris approaches it in colour has led to repeated attempts to increase the size of the flower by hybridisation, but hitherto, apparently, these attempts have been fruitless. The pollen parent of fulvala was the beautiful local species found by Lora La Mance in the mountains of Arkansas and usually known as hexagona Lamancei. This Iris forms, with the true hexagona, one of the several curious pairs of American Irises (of which another instance is bracteata and Purdyi), the flowers of which can scarcely be distinguished, although the structural details of the botanically important parts of the plant, such as the ovary, the tube and the spathes, show that they belong to two distinct species. The large blue-purple, flattish flowers of Lamancei are of considerable substance and great beauty, but the plant produces only a dwarf stem, and, therefore, hides its flowers low down among the leaves. In the hybrid the tall stem of fulva is retained, and three to five flowers are borne in the axiis of large leaves, which decrease in size from the base upwards. The flower is of the shape of Lamancei, with spreading segments and some- what pointed falls. The colour of the specimens shown at the meeting was a rich velvety, reddish — almost crimson — purple, becoming yellow to- wards the centre of the flower, the falls bearing a central, deep yellow slightly-raised ridge, which is distinctly pubescent. This last feature is noticeable in Lamancei but not in fulva. As far as I can tell at present, the plant is more floriferous than fulva, which, in some years, fails to give me any flowers at all. Besides the above plant, I have another which is very similar, but which bears flowers of a deep blue-violet. Both come from a pod of seed that ripened in 1907. )(". R. Dykes, Charier- house, Godahning. NATIVE HABITAT OF ASTER FALCONERI.* When my No. 14,302 was placed in Mr. Hutchinson's hands it had only a field label on it, and I omitted to explain that it was gathered by myself on open, grassy slopes be- low the Saskalli Pass, near the head waters of the left (eastern) branch of the Liddar River, that is, on the northern side of the Vale of Kashmir. Aitchison found it in abundance on the southern range (which divides the valley of Kashmir from the plains of the Punjab) in grassy meadows above Gulmarg. I have also seen it, but not in flower, on the Kashmir side of the Pir Punjab Pass, where it was found long ago by Falconer's collectors. It is found, I believe, though not usually now in quantity, as grazing has extended of late years enormously, just below the zone of Birch forest throughout the mountains which encircle the plateau (or vale) of Kashmir, and no doubt it extends west- wards to Cleamba territory, but I have never seen or received it from the Himalaya eastward of the Ravi. It should be perfectly hardy in parts of these islands, but in its native haunts it has a clear, bright atmosphere for most of the year, while the underground part of the stems with the roots is under heavy snow from December to May. In May or June the snow is swept away or melted by the strong sun, which brings on the flowering shoots very rapidly. J. R. Drummond. STRAWBERRY "UTILITY." This is one of the newer varieties of Straw- berries raised by Messrs. Laxton Bros, from a cross between a late-fruiting variety and Water- loo. The fruits ripen a few days before those of Waterloo; they are wedged-shaped, very firm in texture, and possess a good flavour. Messrs. Laxton describe the plants as pos- sessing free-cropping and vigorous-growing qualities. They consider it superior to Givon's Late Prolific, and recommend the variety as one to succeed the ordinary main crop of Straw- berries. Our illustration represents fruits ex- hibited at the Royal Horticultural Society. * See Gard. Chron., June 18, 1910. July 2, 1910.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. THE ROSARY. CULTURAL HINTS FOR JULY. The hot weather has favoured Roses, and growers who have kept down insect pests by means of spraying should havs good results. The buds inserted last season have grown freely, and the shouts will now need staking and tying. The top of these growths Bhould be pinched out so as to cause the lower buds to break and form a bushy head. Roses that have had their shoots pegged to the soil promise exceptionally well for blooming. Where there is a heavy crop of, flowers, (he plants should be assisted with a little liquid manure, which should be applied at half strength and when the soil is moist. Budding Roses. It is now time to commence the work of bud- ding Roses, selecting the standard and dwarf Briars first. The growth of Roses generally is much later this year than usual, and care must lie exercised to see that both the stock and the scion are well ripened before budding is at- tempted. - If the tips of unripened shoots are pinched, this will have the effect of hardening Amongst the more desirable varieties of this type are repens alba, atropurpurea, Blanche de Coubert, alba, and lime. Geo. Bruant. The Ayr- shire Roses are also suitable for training as weep- ing standards; the best of these include Dundee Rambler, Thoresbyana, and Felicite Perpetue. Examine the general stock of Roses with a view to removing useless shoots, as those that remain will receive the benefit of additional light and air. Tea and Noisette varieties planted against walls must not be allowed to suffer from drought at the roots; specimens that have finished flower- ing may be pruned a little and afforded some stimulant. Nothing is better for securing Roses to walls than strands of galvanized wire placed at 15 inches apart. The wire should be stretched through " eyes " placed at a little distance from the wall. Roses in pots that have been forced and after- wards plunged or stood out-of-doors must be kept dry at the roots (but not allowed to flag) until s. pi ember. Roses planted out under glass, having been lightly pruned after flowering, « ill Boon !»■ break- ing into new growth. Keep the plants free from green-fly and mildew, and apply doses of weak FlG. 2. — STRAWBERRY " UTILITY." the shoots and induce the formation of lateral shoots, thereby causing an increased flow of sap. When the bark parts freely from the wood, budding can be proceeded with. It will be better to select the scions from flower- ing shoots of plants cut back last year ; should these not be available, use only the most prominent bottom eyes from ordinary shoots. Do the work of budding in cool, showery weather. If dry weather continues, the work should be done in the morning and evening, after supply- ing the roots of the stock, some days in advance, with a drenching of water. Make a clean incision in the stock, and be careful not to damage the bud. Raffia is the best binding material, and should be used when wet, keeping it in the water, in which the ends of the scions are placed. The budding of dwarfer stocks of Manetti, De la Grifferae, and stocks from Briar cuttings may be left over until the end of July or some time in August. The budding of the seedling Briars should follow the standards. Remove the soil a few inches from the stem and insert the bud just above the roots. Varieties of Rosa rugosa are suitable sub- jects for the shrubbery, wTith their dark-green foliage and showy flowers, followed later by the brilliant hips. R. rugosa may be budded as standards and made to assume a weeping form. liquid manure to the roots with an occasional sprinkling of basic slag and bonemeal. Keep the ventilators open both day and night, and remove all flower-buds to conserve the energies of the plant. Apply mulchings to the roots of newly-budded and other Roses during dry weather, and hoe the beds and borders frequently, so that the soil may be well aerated and moist. J. D. G. Rose Konigin Carola. This H.T. variety, sent out by Turke in 1904, is one of the first in my collection to open its blossoms, which it did this year on May 30. The flowers last a long time in good condition and retain their satiny-rose colour well. The blooms, when fully expanded, contain a large number of petals, making huge flowers. The variety de- serves the attention of Rose growers for garden decoration. Early-flowering Roses. The following varieties may not be new, but none of the newer sorts is more useful for early- flowering, as they all give an abundance of blos- som quite early in the season. Reine Marie Henriette, sent out by Levet in 1873, is com- monly known as the Red Gloire de Dijon ; in colour it is a deep cherry-red. The plant has a vigorous growth and abundant blooming qualities, being especially well suited for a high, south wall. Isabella Sprunt was sent out by Verschaf- felt in 1866 ; it is of vigorous growth, quickly covering a wide wall-space if allowed to extend without much close pruning. A western aspect suits this variety. In the bud it is a beautiful light canary-yellow in colour. Safrano was sent out as long ago as 1839, and is still one of the best as a button-hole Rose when in the bud. On a low south wall it grows and flowers to perfection. The colour is a bright apricot. Mine. Alfred Carriere, distributed by Schwartz, has vigorous growth, and is well suited for a pillar or pergola, flowering early in June. Al- though catalogues describe it as a pure-white, I find it prettily flushed with pink in the bud state. Among single varieties, none is so early and attractive as Carmine Pillar, sent out by G. Paul & Son in 1896. Its large, single blossoms are rosy-carmine, and in no way does it show to greater advantage than when trained loosely to a pillar or over a fence. Never have I seen the Banksian varieties, yel- low and white, flowering in such profusion as this season. They require a high south or east wall, liberal cultivation and very little pruning other than the removal of useless 6pray. No Rose that I know gives its blossoms in such quantities as the yellow form, and there is much charm in the deep yellow of its closely-formed, button like flowers. This variety was introduced in 1823 by Damper, but it is seldom seen in private gardens. The white variety is distinctly shy blossoming, except under the most favourable circumstances of site and management. Mme. Georges Bruant belongs to the Rugosa type, and is a pure-white, early-flowering form, especially sweet in its perfume. As a bush, growing in a suitable site — in the front of the shrubbery, for example — its early blossoms are appreciated. Reve d'Or, sent out by Ducher in 1869, should be given a southern exposure on a high wall. Its deep-yellow blossoms are beautiful at the end of May. It should not be pruned severely. Gardenia, as a pillar Rose for early-flowering, has few equals ; its deep-yellow buds and pure- white blossoms are relieved by the deep-green, glossy foliage. E. Molyncux. PLANT NOTES. HELIOTROPES. For some time past M. Bruant, of Poitiers, France, has devoted much attention to the raising of new varieties of Heliotrope, as well as many other classes of soft-wooded plants. Visitors to the meeting of the Royal Horti- cultural Society on June 7 had an opportunity of seeing freely-flowering examples of several of these newer forms, one of which, Favori, was, under the name of Favourite, given an Award of Merit by the Floral Committee. This variety has massive heads of unusually large flowers, the colour being lilac-mauve with a lighter centre. The trusses possess the great merit of being ex- ceptionally fragrant. Of the other varieties re- presented I was most impressed with Plume de Paon, first distributed by M. Bruant in 1908. This is one of the finest of the dark-coloured kinds, and a small, light centre to each flower serves to light up the dense, massive heads of bloom. Reverie has almost white flowers, which afford a marked contrast to those of Plume de Paon. Many of the more recent forms of Helio- trope are remarkable for their large, spreading heads of blossoms, and this may be largely owing to the influence, either directly or in- directly, of Heliotropium incanum, a species intro- duced from Peru by the late Mr. William Bull, of Chelsea, and distributed just 25 years ago. It is altogether a larger and bolder grower than the old Cherry Pie (Heliotropium peruvianum), while the foliage is particularly hoary. II". THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 2, 1910. MULCHING. This is a familiar term in gardening, but the practice is not thoroughly understood by all who engage in it. Indeed, in many cases mulch- ing is carried out mainly because it has become a rule. Little or no thought is given as to the conditions of the season and soil at the time of applying a mulch, or to the character of the ma- terial used for the purpose. In a general way a suitable mulch given at the proper season is bene- ficial, but mulching may be carried to excess, and it is then a means of harm rather than good. This applies to vine and Peach borders under glass, fruit trees trained to walls, or fruit trees in the open garden, also to vegetable crops. Among the mistakes that are made is that of applying the mulch too early in the season. To cover the ground with a thickness of close, heavy manure before the ground has become warmed by the summer's sunshine is against the well-doing of the tree or plant. A warm, moist rooting-medium is necessary to fertility. Some growers think that, by mulching early in the 6eason, moisture is conserved in the land, but they overlook the facts that warmth is quite as important a factor, and that a mulch is apt to exclude it. In all cases light and porous materials should be used. A covering of suitable material about 2 inches in thickness over the roots does much to maintain the soil in a moist state, the full force of the sun is tempered, but sufficient warm air can penetrate. The ground, under such a cover- ing, remains open and sweet in contrast with that where too great a thickness of solid dung is placed over it. Perhaps one cf the best ma- terials for mulching purposes is horse dung from a spent Mushroom bed, since, though still retain- ing some feeding properties, it is light and porous, and not unsightly. Even such a light covering as this is best withheld in a cool, moist summer like that of 1909. Therefore, it should not be applied until the necessity actually arises. In cases where there is no choice of material for mulching and rotten dung has to be used, it should be employed sparingly. By forking it over lightly as required it may be pre- vented from settling down into a solid mass. R, P. The Week's Work. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Hertfordshire. Herbaceous border. — Everything should be done to make the flower border neat and tidy. Remove the old flower-stems and any unsightly shoots. Place stakes where necessary, and secure any shoots that need tying. Plants that are dry at the roots should be given a thorough soaking of water and afterwards a mulch. Keep down weeds and promote a fine tilth on the surface by means of the Dutch hoe : hand-weeding must be practised where the hoe cannot be employed. The present offers a suitable time for the divid- ing of the Fritillaria or Crown Imperial. Fritil- larias continue to grow well for a number of years if undisturbed, but it is advantageous some- times to thin them, and division is one of the easiest means of increasing the stock. Many plants that flower in the spring may be in- creased at this season by means of cuttings. Shoots of Aubrietia, Arabis, Lithospermum pros- tratum, Alyssum, and Iberis will root readily in a sandy compost. Select a shady position, keep- ing the cuttings close until rooted, hand-lights placed under a north wall being suitable for the purpose. After Pinks have finished flowering, they may also be increased in this manner. The water-garden. — The hot. sunny weather has been especially suited to Nymphaeas ; never before have I seen them in better condition at this season. The foliage, too, seems to be very little affected this year by aphis, although this pest may become prevalent later, in which case some insecticide must be used in the evening, when the flowers are closed. There is a splendid selection of colour in the flowers of Nymphaeas, and where a limited water area is available, only the very finest should be included. When the plants are in full bloom is a favourable oppor- tunity for considering any alteration in the scheme of planting when the proper season ar- rives. Where large tracts of water are available, the commoner forms, such as Nymphaea alba and its variety candidissima, N. Laydekeri, N. Marli- acea, N. carnea, and N. chromatella should be in- cluded. The Japance Irises I. Kaempferi are be- ginning to unfold their gorgeous flowers, and these, together with the Astilbes (Spiraeas), are creating a fine effect in the water-garden. Hones. — Many of the climbing varieties will need a thorough overhauling. All faded flowers should be removed, and, if the flowering of any particular variety is over, cut out the old flower- ing shoots, so that the young growths may be trained in their places. Be careful not to injure the stout basal growths, as these will form the flowering branches of next season. Other kinds of Roses that have passed out of flower will need syringing with an insecticide. A simple and effective wash can be made with soft soap and water, using half an ounce of soap in each gallon of water. In the case of hybrid perpetual Roses, should extra fine blooms be required, disbudding must be resorted to, and stimulants applied at the roots. The appearance of the Rose-garden will be enhanced if the plants are gone over at least once a week, and the petals of faded blooms removed before they fall. At the same time rake over the surface of the soil. The wild garden. — It will be necessary now to mow the grass, otherwise the flowering plants may be smothered and their growth checked. Endeavour to have the wild garden as natural and informal in appearance as possible, and for this reason planting should always be done in irregular patches. Weeds must be kept down by means of the hoe. Take care when raking up the mown grass not to injure the stems of any of the shrubs or other plants. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dcnn, Kitchen Garden Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Leeks. — Those which were planted in trenches in t he beginning of May should receive liberal supplies of liquid manure from the farmyard. If tins is not available, the trenches may be freely dusted with guano, following this with an appli- cation of clear water, which should be exposed to the sun for some time before use. Earthing-up should never take place before the plants have been given sufficient moisture at the rout. The soil must be worked carefully round the stems of the plants, and this process continued from time to time until the trench is filled level with the surrounding bed. Unions. — Plants which are to grow to a large size should now receive liberal supplies of arti- ficial manure, but this should not be continued late in the season, or the bulbs may split. When- ever water is necessary a good soaking should be given in preference to frequent light waterings. Shallots. — Those planted early in the year will now be ready for lifting and placing under cover where plenty of air can circulate about them. When perfectly dry they may be stored away, selecting the hardest and best matured bulbs for keeping until spring. French /leans. — Seed should be sown now on some sheltered border, where the plants can be protected from September frosts, to afford sup- plies late in autumn. Cold frames recently occu- pied with Potatos and other early vegetables may be prepared, and the first sowing of French Beans made in them about the middle of July and at weekly intervals until the middle of August, when, if heated pits are available, a good sowing should be made for the latest supplies. Parsley. — Parsley sown for winter use should now be ready for thinning, leaving the plants at 6 inches apart. In September the whole planta- tion should be cut close to the ground to en- courage short stems which will stand the winter. The young seedlings removed from the rows should be transplanted into a cold frame for use in severe weather. The soil should be trodden tightly before planting, and after planting the W'hole bed should be carefully watered. The lights may be stored away until the approach of winter weather. Turnips. — A sowing of Turnips may be made on a north border or some other situation on which the sun does not shine during the hottest part of the day. Turnips are best when drawn from the bed as required for us, therefore fre- quent sowings should be made. Thin the plants to 9 inches apart as soon as they are large enough to handle. Sow again at about the middle of July for autumn and winter use. Green-top Stone, Red Globe, and Golden Ball are good varieties for winter use. The Turnip fly, which is so trouble- some in dry weather, may be kept in check by frequent dustings of wood ashes applied when the foliage is damp. Lettuces. — Make a small sowing of Lettuce every 10 days, choosing a rich soil on a shady border. Frequent waterings may be necessary to ensure quick growth. Mammoth White Cos, Ice- berg, and Pearl are good summer varieties. Con- tinuity is good for hot seasons. Radishes. — A sowing should be made in a cool situation, and the plants must be watered fre- quently. Sow the seeds thinly. The best place to grow Radishes in summer is in box frames behind a north wall. The soil should be light and rich. THE APIARY. By Chloris. Queen raising. — Sufficient attention is not given to this important branch of apiculture by amateur beekeepers. To be successful in bee- keeping every colony must be headed by a young and prolific queen. No stock should include a queen that has passed her second season. By raising queens from well-selected colonies a sup- ply of fertile queens may always be at hand to replace those that have passed their most profit- able period, or to take the place of those that have been injured or accidentally killed. During the height of the honey season the loss by mor- tality amongst bees is very great, and the loss of the queen will soon react on the prosperity of a a hive. Very much depends upon the queen : her offspring must be numerous, hard-working, and hardy. The hive which is set aside for rais- ing the queens should be fitted up with foundation of worker base, and, to attain excel- lence, another equally good colony should be fitted up to produce drones. A few combs may be in- serted in the middle of the brood chamber, and, if the bees are well fed with syrup, the queen will rapidly fill these with drone eggs. When all is ready, insert a new frame containing foundation with worker base, stimulate, and in three days remove the queen, keeping her for use, where a less valuable queen can be sacrificed. Take care to remove all combs containing unsealed brood ; these can be placed in weak colonies. These latter combs are removed in order to prevent the bees from raising queens from larvae more than three days old. The bees will raise queens from the eggs in the new comb, the, grubs being well fed from the time of hatching. It may be ex- pected that from 10 to 25 queen cells will be started, and in nine days these will be sealed over. If there are not sufficient cells, another comb of eggs from the same queen may be added, and on removing the queen cells, the bees, being queenless, will at once again set to work to raise queens. Great care must be taken not to shake the frame, as is commonly done in ridding the combs of the bees, for this will kill or injure the queens. The bees are best brushed off with a quill ; nothing irritates bees more than the use of a brush. Some beekeepers are at a loss to understand the meaning of a nucleus colony. It is really a colony of bees consisting of three or four combs ; sometimes not more than two or three combs are sufficient — the two outer ones containing honey and pollen and the middle one brood. A queen cell is carefully secured in a hole in the centre of the comb with pins. These combs have all been taken from a well-stocked hive, and the adhering bees will raise the brood and maintain the requisite temperature in the hive. Wrap up each nucleus well with quilts and take care to have an entrance which will only permit one bee to pass at a time. This will tend to prevent robbing. In removing the queen cells, cut the comb well away from the actual queen cells, and do not expose the cell more than is necessary to either cold or the sun's heat. To ensure success, the work must be done expedi- tiously. In about two weeks time, the queens will commence laying, and they will then be ready for transferring to their new hive. The propel method of introducing the queen to a colonv will be described in a further note. July 2, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. R. Searle, Gardener to the Marquis of North- ampton, Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. Strawberries. — Where Strawberry plants are required for planting in the open quarters during August or early in September, the runners should be layered as soon as they are procurable. Pots 3 or 3i inches in diameter are the most suitable, and should be filled with fresh loam made moderately firm. A few rough pieces of loam at the bottom of the pots will afford sufficient drain- age. If the loam be considered poor, a sprinkling of bone-meal should be mixed with it. The runners should be pegged in the centre of the pots, and it will be necessary to keep them well supplied with water and to sprinkle the plantlets each afternoon with a rose-can during dry weather, until they are established. If the pots are partly plunged in clumps or rows, this will prevent them drying too quickly, and the plants may be more easily attended to when so placed. In these gardens the Strawberry season will be a short one, and the fruits generally on the small side, owing to the excessively hot and dry weather during the swelling of the " berries." Perpetual-fruiting varieties. — Those required to furnish a successional supply of fruit after the main crop is over should have all the runners and flower-spikes removed till within six weeks or thereabouts from the time the fruits are re- quired. All recently-planted Strawberries that have been forced (as mentioned in the Calendar for April 16) should have the runners removed and the soil round about them should be fre- quently stirred with the hoe. These plants will produce some very good autumn fruits if oc- casional applications of liquid manure water are given them. Figs. — The trees are now growing freely, and they need the shoots disbudded and the fruits thinned if a heavy crop has formed. The shoots should be thinned gradually in order that the trees may not receive a severe check. Avoid overcrowding the growths or f Sweet Peas, which he said would be certain to be shown in most of the competitive classes this season. He has found that several varieties exhibited last, season are insufficiently distinct to be distinguished from existing sorts. Mr. Bolton, however, states that amongst the striped varieties. Senator, a dark-coloured flower, and Mrs. Willcox. rose- coloured and white, are distinct. Some of the varieties received are Senator, Evelyn Hemus, Audrey Crier. Paradise Ivory, Mrs. Henry Bell, Othello (Spencer), Helen Lewis, George Stark. The Marquis. Clara Curtis, King Edward (Spencer). Countess Spencer (true), and Elsie Herbert. Mr. Bolton sent a seedling saved from Audrey Crier, which he considers to be similar to Etta Dyke, and a seedling found amongst plants of Helen Lewis, which he con- siders to be identical with Nancy Perkins and Earl Spencer. Mr. J. Bowerman has resigned his position of gardener to Lord Ccrzon. Hackwood Park, Hampshire, which he has held for the past 27 years. Women's Agricultural and Horticul- tural International Union. -The annual show and sale of farm and garden produce, also poultry, will be held at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, on Thursday. July 7. The show will be opened by the Marchioness of Salisbury at 2.30 p.m. Demonstrations in trussing and boning fowls, and in fruit bottling, will be given during the afternoon. An exhibi- tion of drawings of flowers and gardens will be held in the Fellows' room. David Thomson Memorial Fund. — It having been decided to close this fund on July 16 next those who are desirous of subscribing are requested to send their contributions before that date to one of the following : — Harry J. Veitch. V.M.H.. Treasurer of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. Royal Exotic Nur- sery, Chelsea, S.W. ; James Whytock, President of the Scottish Horticultural Association. The Gar- dens, Dalkeith Palace. N.B. : J. W. McHattie. Vice-president of the Royal Caledonian Horticul- tural Society, Public Parks Office (City Cham- bers), Edinburgh; George Monro. V.M.H.. Covent Garden Market. London. W.C. ; J. H. Goodacre, V.M.H.. The Gardens. Elvaston Castle, Derby ; or W. Henderson, The Gardens. Ralbirnie, Markinch, N.B. Nursery Employes' Outing. — The mem- bers of the Recreation Club of Messrs. Jas. Backhouse & Sons, Ltd., York, held their an- nual excursion on Saturday, June 25, visiting London, including the Japan-British Exhibition. At luncheon in the Holborn Restaurant, Mr. Geo. Gray, a director of the firm, spoke of the good feeling that prevailed between the man- agement and employes. Fatality to a Scottish Gardener.— Mr. R. Simpson, the gardener at The Pines, Broughty Ferry, met his death by drowning on the 25th ult. Mr. Simpson was seen to fall from the pier at Broughty Ferry, and attempts at rescue were ineffective until life was extinct. Mr. Simpson was in the prime of life, and was an able gardener. He is survived by a widow and family, for whom much sympathy is felt. Rural Education.— The Rural Education Conference, which lias been constituted by the Presidents of the Lioard of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Board of Education, for the dis- cussion of all questions connected with education in rural districts and for the periodical exchange of views between representative agriculturists and the two departments, will be composed as follows: — Lord Moreton (Royal Agricultural So- ciety of England), Lord Barnard (Central Land Association), the Rt. Hon. Lord Belper, the Rt. Hon. Lord Reay, G.C.S.I., G.C.I. E.. the Rt. Hon. Arthur H. Dyke Acland, the Rt. Hon. Henry Hobhouse (County Councils Association), Sir Francis A. Channing, Bart., M.P., Sir Albert K. Rollit (Royal Horticultural Society). Major P. G. Craigie, C.B., Mr. Graham Balfour (County Councils Association), Mr. Chas. Bathurst, M.P. (Central Chamber of Agriculture), Mr. G. A. Bellwood (National Farmers' Union), Mr. J. F. Blackshaw (Agricultural Education Association). Mr. W. Fitzherbert Brockholes (Lancashire Farmers' Association), Mr. G. G. Butler (Univer- sity of Durham), Mr. A. W. Chapman (County- Councils Association), Sir. F. J. Chittenden (Royal Horticultural Society), Mr. S. H. Cowper- Coles (Land Agents' Society). Mr. David Davies, M.P. (Welsh National Agricultural Society), Major J. W. Dent (University of Leeds), Mr. H. J. Elwes, F.R.S. (Royal English Arboricul- tural Society). Professor W. R. Fisher (Royal English Arboricultural Society), Mr. P. Hedworth Foulkes (Agricultural Education Association), Mr. YV. J. Grant (British Dairy Farmers' Asso- ciation), Mr. A. D. Hall, F.R.S. (Agricultural Education Association). Mr. W. A. Haviland (Central Land Association), Professor C. Bryner Jones (University College of Wales, Aberyst- wyth I. Mr. T. Latham (Farmers' Club), Mr. J. L. Luddington (Royal Agricultural Society of Eng- land), Mr. Howard Martin (Surveyors' Institu- tion), Mr. Ernest Mathews (Royal Agricultural Society of England), Rev. Rollo Meyer (Agricul- tural Organisation Society), Mr. Wm. Parlour (North-Eastern Agricultural Federation), Mr. C. N. P. Phipps (Bath and West and Southern Counties Society), Mr. J. H. Sabin (Surveyors' Institution), Mr. A. F. Somerville (Bath and West and Southern Counties Society), Professor Win. Somerville, M.A.. D.Sc. (University of Oxford), Mr. A. E. Bromehead-Soulby (Yorkshire Union of Agricultural Clubs and Chambers of Agriculture), Mr. Chris. Turner (Central Cham- ber of Agriculture), Mr. F. Verney, MP., Pro- fessor T. Winter, M.A. (University College of North Wales, Bangor), Professor T. B. Wood, M.A. (University of Cambridge). The Rt. Hon. Henry Hobhouse will act as chairman of the Conference, and Mr. E. G. Howarth (of the Board of Education) and Mr. H. L. French (of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries) will act as joint secretaries. 8 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 2, 1910. Hexham Fruit Congress and Show. — As already announced, this show will be held from October 20-22. The opening ceremony will be performed on Thursday at 2.45 p.m. by the joint presidents, and the cups, medals, &c, will be presented on Saturday at 3.30 p.m. Arrange- ments are being made with the following gentle- men to lecture on Saturday, October 22 : Pro- fessor E. S. Salmon, on " Fungous Diseases," and Professor S. T. Parkinson on " Smudge Fires." A luncheon will be provided on the opening day at the Abbey Hotel from 1.15 p.m., tickets 2s. 6d. each. The committee, with a view to preventing the public being misled by a show of all sorts of Apples, many totally un- suited for planting in the north, have decided to place the following restrictions on trade ex- hibits of fruit from growers outside the four northern counties : — 1. Varieties of fruit shown must have been supplied by the firms exhibit- ing to growers within the four northern counties — varieties introduced since 1900 are exempt from this condition. 2. Any variety of fruit introduced since 1900 may be exhibited, but as regards older varieties these are limited to the 12 varieties of Apples and the two varieties of Pears mentioned in the schedule, viz., Apples, Worcester Pearmain, James Grieve, Alington Pippin, Stirling Castle, Ecklinville Seedling, The Queen, Warner's King, Lord Derby, Bismarck. Lane's Prince Albert, Newton Wonder, and Bramley's Seedling ; Pears, Pitmaston Duchess and Williams's Bon Chretien. 3. These exhibits will form a class by themselves and are eligible for awards of medals and certificates. The Larch Sawfly. — The Board of Agricul- ture and Fisheries desire to give publicity to the fact that the first caterpillars of the large Larch Sawfly (Nematus Erichsoni Hart) were seen this year on the 19th ult. They are now probably to be found in all places infested with this pest, and owners of Larch plantations should arrange to have their trees examined with a view to the discovery of the pest, which must be notified to the Board in conformity with the Destructive Insects and Pests Order of 1910. A memoran- dum explaining the means of detecting the cater- pillar and of distinguishing it from other pests of the Larch can be obtained free on applica- tion to the Secretary, Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, 4, Whitehall Place, London, S.W. Darlingtons H an dbooks. — We are in- formed that the King has accepted an advance copy of the new edition of Darlington's " Lon- don and Environs," carefully revised by Mr. E. T. Cook, M.A., with new maps and plans and indexes of 12,000 references. Another Garden Village Scheme It is proposed to acquire the Brent Lodge estate, Church Lane, Finchley, which comprises 26 acres of freehold land, a mansion, a farm, and the usual outbuildings, for £10,000, and develop it on garden village lines, while at the same time an endeavour will be made by co-operation to purchase all the latest labour-saving appliances in order to eliminate as much as possible the drudgery hitherto inevitable in most middle-class homes. According to the Times, meals will be provided in the central building for all who wish to have them so provided, while flats or small houses will be erected to accommodate bachelors or spinsters who, while following their daily avocations, have hitherto not been able, ex- cept at great cost, to have homes of their own. The rest of the estate will be occupied by houses of varying size, according to the requirements of the prospective tenants, but due regard will be had to the provision of open spaces. It is in- tended at present that all the roads should re- main the sole property of the shareholders, and not be vested in the local authority. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Culture of Rhododendrons. — If the " black and retentive peaty soil," described by W. (Gardeners' Chronicle, vol. xlvii., p. 429), is well drained, it may be made most congenial for Rhododendrons of the finer kinds by trenching and the addition of plenty of coarse sand, prefer- ably granite sand. Herbert Maxwell. Effects of Last Winter on Vegetation. — The following names may be added to the list published in the Gardeners' Chronicle for June 25: Killed outright: Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, Verbena venosa. Injured: Escallonia X lang- leyensis, E. X exoniensis. Hypericum patulum. Uninjured : Rhododendron x kewense, Lespe- deza cyrtobotrya. Hypericum Hookenanum, H. triflorum, H. x Mozerianum, Escallonia Philip- piana, E. macrantha. Fatsia japoniea, Clianthus puniceus (on wall), Acanthus mollis, Amaryllis Belladonna, Lilium auratum platyphyllum. Her- bert Maxwell, Monreith. Referring to Sir Herbert Maxwell's in- teresting notes on this subject in the Gardeners' Chronicle for June 27. my theory is that in addi- tion to the causes of loss that he mentions, the want of sunshine and of warm weather during last summer had considerable bearing on the un- satisfactory " wintering " of plants. In South Wales, at least (where we had our full share of losses), roots, root-stocks and branches were in- sufficiently ripened and the soft, sappy growth easily succumbed to the winter weather. In sup- port of this theory, I may mention that several plants that require to be well ripened in the sun have failed to flower freely this spring, including some sorts of Narcissus, Iris stylosa in variety, and German Iris in variety. Harold Evans, Llanishen, Cardiff. Plants on North-east Coast.— It is inter- esting to note the effects of frost on plants in the same parallel of latitude on opposite sides of our island. The effect of the Gulf Stream on the climate of the west and south-wot of Scotland is illustrated by the observations of your corre- spondent, Sir Herbert Maxwell, whose list, in last week's issue, of the plants out-of-doors which were uninjured, partially uninjured, and killed by the frosts of the past winter is parti- cularly interesting. On the east coast, about midway between Newcastle-on-Tyne and Berwick- on-Tweed, therefore a trifle more southerly than Monreith, Wigtownshire, there are but few of the plants that are named as growing out-of-doors at Monreith which can be risked in the open in the winter months without good protection. None of the species of Himalayan Rhododendron would survive unless the weather should prove unusually mild. R. ponticum, R. caucaskum. R. catawbiense, and R. hybridum varieties stand the climate and flower abundantly. Buddleia globosa, when planted in sheltered spots, is not injured and blooms fairly, whilst at Monreith the plant was injured. Myrtus com- munis, Illicium, Eucalyptus species, Phormium tenax, Libertia grandiflora, on the east coast, must be kept in the greenhouse. Aloysia citrio- dora and Fuchsia Riccartonii must be well thatched and the soil round about the plants deeply coated with fallen leaves, or the roots, as well as the shoots, would be killed. At Monreith, they are uninjured. Most of the plants men- tioned as being uninjured would stand no chance on the east side of Northumberland, even quite near the ocean. The power of plants to with- stand low temperatures in one place and not in another of the same latitude is a matter well worthy of further elucidation. F. M. Rose Wichuraiana " Edmonde Proust." — I should be interested to hear of the experience of growers of this variety as to its colour. Here, for several seasons, it has thrown flowers of a cream colour suffused with a pale salmon-pink, sometimes with a suggestion of copper. This year it has, for the first time, shown us its true colour of " coppery carmine," and this only in the case of a few flowers, the paler-coloured flowers described above greatly preponderating. Both varieties of the flower occurred on the same bush. Harold Evans, Llanishen, Cardiff. Early Strawberries on South Border. — I read with interest the note from H., Frog- more, in the issue for June 25, regarding early Strawberries. I have grown Royal Sovereign on a south border here the last few years treated as an annual, and have picked fruits, early in June, from plants which received no protection whatever. This year I picked fruits on June 4, and daily since that date. F. 6'., Parham Park Gardens, Pulborough. Primula Species. — Whilst the discussion in these columns between Messrs. Nicholson and Farrer may have much interest for specialists in Primula species, yet it is a subject of little im- portance to many readers, simply because the species of Primula are little known. Is it possible to create a National Primula collection, in which the species from various parts of the world would be grouped according to their habitats, and in- cluding all the British species, which florists have great love for, in spite of Mr. Nicholson's remarks? Because these philistines have in the past created, for instance, singularly beautiful garden races of Auriculas and Polyanthuses from original species, it by no means follows that those species have been forgotten or that they are regarded with contempt. Perhaps it may be diffi- cult under any form of garden culture to make P. vulgaris, elatior, veris, and others thrive as they do in their wild habitats, but it should not be difficult to provide semi-garden conditions for them, such as are found to suit the Primulas from China and Japan. Probably there is no other group of plants that, whilst hardy or fairly so, has so many members so varied in character and so widely dispersed. Why not, therefore, promote the formation of a great Primula garden and collection at Wisley '! Were such a collec- tion in existence, and experts fought battles in tho Gardeners' Chronicle over Primulas, how easy it would be for the reader-umpire to settle the subject of dispute in the presence of a grow- ing collection, thus making a decision that would be final. A. D. LAW NOTE. SALE OF POISONOUS COMPOUNDS BY A LIMITED COMPANY. The hearing of a test case of considerable in- terest to the nursery trade was concluded in the City of London Court on Tue'sday last, the Phar- maceutical Society having sued Mr. A. J. Pecover, manager of the branch of Hobbies, Ltd., at Broad Street Place. E.C., to recover, under the Poisons Acts, a penalty of £5. on the ground that he had sold a poisonous substance, namely X.L.-A11 fumigator, for use in horticulture with- out being a person holding a licence under the Act of 1908. Hitherto many local authorities have taken the view that a licence granted to a limited com- pany necessarily authorises such company to sell by the agency of its manager, but the contention of the Pharmaceutical Society was that such a licence in effect could only empower a limited company to " keep open shop " for the sale, and that, in addition, the manager or other person actually selling the goods must also hold a licence " to sell." In the present case the vendor merely handed a sealed package over the counter and obtained the purchaser's signature to the poisons book and did not profess to make up prescrip- tions or compound medicines as a chemist would have to do. Mr. Glyn Jones (instructed by Messrs. Flux, Thompson & Quarrell) appeared for the Pharma- ceutical Society, and Mr. R. O. B. Lane (in- structed by Messrs. Rutter, Veitch & Bond) ap- peared for the defendant. The case was argued fully by counsel last week, the arguments being of a technical nature, deal- ing with the construction of the various Acts of Parliament bearing on the subject. At the con- clusion of the arguments his Honour Judge Lum- ley Smith, having regard to the importance of the case, reserved judgment until Tuesday last. In the result, the Judge decided 3 that the licence held by Hobbies, Ltd., was not sufficient to enable their manager to sell poisonous com- pounds, unless he himself held a licence, but his Honour directed execution to be stayed for 14 days, to enable the defendant to take the case to a higher court. July 2, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. Jone 21. — Present: J. T. Bennett-Poe, Esq., M.A. (in the Chair) ; and Messrs. W. Hales, G. Gordon, W. Cuthbertson, J. Douglas, J. W. Odell, R. H. Pearson, E. M. Holmes, and F. J. Chittenden (hon. sec). Fungus on roof. — It was reported that the fungus shown at the last meeting from the roof of Chelsea Church was Coprinus radians. Sax'ifraga umbrosa. — Mr. J. Fraser showed seedlings of a compact form of Sa.xifraga um- brosa, with prettily-spotted flowers differing from the type in stature and in the closeness of the rosettes. The seedlings came true in habit, but showed some variation in the spotting of the flowers. Cross-bred Pinks. — Mr. Douglas showed a large number of flowers of seedlings the result of crossing the ordinary white form with the pink called " Rubican." The seedlings showed in a marked manner the influence of the latter, and some very beautiful forms were among them ; 10 to 12 per -cent, of the seedlings bore single flowers, and no fringed flowers were among the singles. Colouration of Sweet Pea tendrils, &c. — Mr. Cuthbertson showed Sweet Pea growths in flower for the purpose of showing that the colouration of the tendrils and axils cannot in every case be accepted as one of the guides to purity of stock. The variety " Mrs. Hugh Dickson " gives both green and coloured tendrils and axils. The old variety " Lady G. Hamilton" behaves in a similar way. Mr. Ireland, Messrs. Dobbie's Sweet Pea grower, says that seed saved from a green-tendrilled plant gives, when grown, both colours in the first generation. It was at one time thought that the presence or absence of colour in the axils and tendrils of Sweet Peas might serve to enable " roguing " to be done at an early stage, but although this is frequently true it is evident that this unit character would have to be selected and bred for like any other, before it would prove a trustworthy guide. LECTURES ON PANSIES AND VIOLAS. (Concluded from vol. xlvii., p. 432.) Mr. Cuthbertson's Paper. It is now more than 30 years since I joined the firm of Dobbie & Co. Mr. James Dobbie was then in full vigour, and was noted, among other things, for Pansies. I remember several times trying to induce him to grow Violas, but he would have none of them. They are only " bad Pansies," was his oft-repeated remark : " leave them to Grieve and Baxter." In that you see the old florists' condition of mind. To them, form or outline and clear, distinct markings were everything. From 1860 to 1880 the old English or Show Pansy was gradually being perfected, and the fine varieties then in existence have not since been surpassed. I can remember the best among dark selfs in 1880 were Beacon. Robert Black, The Shah ; the finest among yellow self'i, Capt. Hay- ter, Golden Lion. Yellow King; the finest white eelfs, Alpha, Mrs. Dobbie, Janey Anderson ; the finest yellow grounds, David Christie, Defoe, Robt. Burns ; and the finest white grounds, Blue Gown, Jane Grieve, and Village Maid. But, even 30 years ago. the Show Pansy was being hard pressed by the Fancy or Belgian Pansy, which is so well known to-day. I do not know whether it is because 1 have a hanker- ing after old things or not, but I think the Fancy Pansies of the 'eighties — May Tate. Evelyn Bruce, Kenneth Rrodie, Miss Bliss, Mrs. Jamie- son, Mrs. John Downie. Catherine Agnes, David Rennie. Mrs. E. H. Wood, Wm. Cuthbertson, and others — were as fine and distinct in their markings as any we have to-day. We have cer- tainly increased the size, and I am sure we grow them better, but the quality is not better, or I am much mistaken. Pansies can be grown in two ways — from cut- tings or from seed. Let me speak first about growing named sorts. Speaking generally, they will not give satisfaction in dry, sunny situa- tions. The wild types love the shelter of a hedge bank, and he who imitates Nature's conditions will succeed best. The morning or late afternoon sun will do good ; the full glare of the sun from 11 to 3 o'clock will make named Pansie6 un- happy. Select, then, a position in the garden where the plants will enjoy themselves, and you will be amply repaid. Prepare the ground* in autumn by deep cultivation, enriching liberally v ith half-decomposed cow dung, if it can be had. Fork over the surface in January or February. Plant the plants from the cold frames in March, with as much soil adhering to the roots as pos- sible, and, with careful tending to watering and other details, splendid flowers will be had during most of the summer. To obtain fine, strong plants for spring planting, cuttings should be inserted in cold frames in a shady position from July onwards to September, and named varie- ties should certainly be allowed to winter in fiames. Now about varieties. I think if I give 12 or 18 names of good doers that will be enough for those who are not exhibitors :— Hugh Mitchell, Archie Milloy. Holroyd Paul, Hall Robertson, Mrs. R. P. Butler, John Picken, Mrs. A. Ireland, .Mrs. James Smith, .Mrs. H. Stewart. Mis- Neil. Miss A. B. Douglas. Margaret Fife, Robt. McCaughie. Mrs. Campbell (yellow), Thos. Stevenson, James McNab, Neil McKoy. Rev. D. R. 'Williamson. These are fine sorts' and good growers. The Raising of Pansies from Seed. This is perhaps the best way for those who wish for a good display, as seedlings are always hardier than plant- from cuttings, and they can be planted out with safety in most places in autumn, thus ensuring a longer period of bloom ing. From May onwards seed may be sown ac- cording to the treatment it is intended to give the seedlings. If sowing is to be done out-of- dobrs or in a cold frame. I should recommend the end of May; if in boxes in a greenhouse and carefully looked after, a month later will lie time enough. The meat object to In- aimed at is to obtain by the end of September fine, strong, stubby plants with three or four shoots breaking at the base and well rooted. From the seed boxes or seed bed the plants ought to be trans- planted once. sa\ in August. Results will depend much on the quality of the seed sown, and everyone should make 'sure of obtaining ;i high grade article. Let me saj that cheap Pansy seed cannot be good. It is ex- ceedingly difficult to save Pansy seed in quan- tity in this country, and we are, therefore, de- pendent to a large extent on foreign seed. To give an idea of the range in quality, wholesale firms like Benary ami Yilmorin quote Pansy seed as low as Is. oz. and as high as 50s. Genuine home-saved seed from named varieties is always difficult t pn cure, but the highest grade "of foreign seed will give excellent results. Two years ago I saw several, large beds of Pansies in the garden of Mr. Walsh, the school- master, of Birch, in Kssex. I never saw stronger, healthier Pansy plants in my life. They were seedlings, which Mr. Walsh told me he sowed in boxes placed under a north wall on June 27 the year previous, transplanted into a bed facing west early in August, and finally planted where they were to flower at the end of September. Before planting out. several had thrown flowers, hut these were picked off, and I think this is one of the secrets of getting seedling plants like 1 s, Pentstemons. Antirrhinums, etc., to winter outside — to rigidly prevent them bloom- ing. They then make every effort themselves to survive to carry out their life's work. Mr. Walsh had no loss at all during the winter. At Easter they were in full bloom, and such blooms — hun- dreds and hundreds — well over 3 inches in dia- meter, capital flowers most of them. One fre- quently sees large-flowered, most brilliantly- coloured Pansies on sale in London shops and in Covent Garden, and everyone who buys them, takes them home, and plants them is disap- pointed. I know, because I have tried it several times. The reason is this. The plants are speci- ally grown and specially fed to produce the blooms which make them sell, and this exertion, coupled with the attempt to transplant when in a flush of growth, ends in disaster. Anyone imi- tating the procedure of the market-grower under his conditions would get similar results, and the results would be continued if the plants were not moved and the old flowers picked off. The strains used are splendid ones and the results of many years selection. They resemble in many cases a part of the goodv.-ill of the business, and are carefully treasured by the owners. Violas. One of the gardening sensations of last cen- tury was the spring bedding at Cliveden carried out by Mr. John Fleming. Violas were largely used, and became known as Cliveden Yellow, Cliveden Purple, Cliveden White and Cliveden Blue. They were most effective for the purpose for which they were used. They were, of course, much nearer to the wild types in habit of growth and form of flower than our modern Violas. These latter are the creations of a host of raisers, nearly all of whom I have known personally dur- ing the last 30 years. Here, to-day, I shall only name those who were the pioneers in the work- Grieve of Dicksons & Co., Baxter of Daldowie, Dr. Stuart, Dr. Dickson of Hartree, the brothers William and Richard De<-\n, all of whom, except Mr. Grieve, are now gone. In the popularising of Violas, or, as he persists in calling them. Tufted Pansies, no man has done better work than Mr. William Robinson. In the early days he persistently figured them in colours in The Garden, and I have framed in my bedroom now pictures of Jackanapes and Quaker Maid, Duchess of Fife, Hartree and other old varieties. What impresses one in this connection is the persis- tency of some of the old Violas. I have before me a catalogue issued by Dicksons & Co., of Edinburgh, in 1880, and I find in it Archibald Grant, Canary, Blue King, Countess of Kintore, Holyrood, Grievei, Lilacina, Sovereign and The Tory, all of which are still grown, and one or two of which are nut yet superseded. Advanc- ing 16 years, I fin, I another interesting list in the official report of the trial of Violas in Regent's Park, held under the auspices of the Third Viola Conference. In that list we find Mar- chioness. Countess of Hopetoun, Pencaitland and Snowflake given among the best whites, and any list of the best whites prepared to-day must contain Snowflake and Pencaitland. though I be- lieve the modern Snowflake is an improved form. Sylvia is given among creams, and it is the best still. Sulphurea is among the primr es, and none to-day poss s - a betteT habit. The yellows in 1886 have all been eclipsed except Bul- lion. Other eld names which appear and still survive are True Blue, Archd. Grant, Favourite, Win. Neil and .1. I'. Riding. I do not to-day propose to speak of exhibition Violas. If I was addressing an audience in the industrial centres of the n ith or in Scotland, they would not thank me unless I told them which Violas produced the biggest blooms and made up into the best exhibition sprays. But I wish to speak of the hardiest, the earliest to bloom and the must floriferous. Three years ago I started to carry out an experiment in Essex to discover which varie- ties possessed these merits. I collected from the ii "rowers a!! the varieties they recom- mended for autumn planting, and in October I planted them in an open field in Essex. Time will not allow me to go fully into the details of the trial. These will be found in a book writ- ten by me and recently published by Messrs. Jack.* It must serve to-day to tell you which have survived satisfactorily over the three inter- vening winters without the slightest protection of any kind, and have grown into splendid clumps 12 to 18 inches in diameter. I consider the sur- vival satisfactory if 75 per cent, or over have lived. The following varieties have stood that test : — Whites — Peace, Seagull, Pencaitland, Chris- tiana. White Beauty (very late). Cream. — Sylvia. Yellows. — Klondyke, Grievii, Mrs. E. A. Cade. Shades of blue. — Royal Scot, Blue Duchess, Lilacina, Florizel, Wm. Neil. Purple. — Jubilee. Edina (very late). Fancy. — Blue Cloud. Mrs. Chichester. Fifty to 75 per cent, of some remarkably fine sorts have survived, and these include favourites 6uch as Snowflake, Redbraes Yellow, Walter Welsh. Wm. Lockwood, Iliffe. Primrose Dame, Archd. Grant, Mauve Queen, Maggie Mott. Blue Rock, Lady Marjorie, Bridal Morn, Councillor Waters. In Edinburgh Mr. MeHattie finds the follow- ing most satisfactory : — Blue Bell. Royal Scot. • Pansies, Violas, and Violets (Present-Day Gardening Series). 10 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 2, 1910. Saughton Blue, Maggie Mott, Bullion, Redbraes Yellow, Alexandra (white). Here I might say a word about a class of Violas called Violetta or Miniature. Its origin was a variety named " Violetta," raised by Dr. Stuart, of Chirnside. The habit is remarkably close and compact, and almost truly perennial in character. The blossoms are small and sWeetly scented. For edgings and rockwork they are mist valuable. Mr. D. B. Crane, of High- gate, is one of the best friends the Viola has in the south. I can testify to the marvellously fine effect Mr. MacHattie obtains with his new blue planted in conjunction with whites and yellows, and allowed to stand for two or three years. Saugh- ton Blue I would not term a Viola, because it has. like Lilacina. a blotch on the under petal. Varieties which are rayed, rayless or blotched should be so described in all catalogues. For some reason or another the blotched varieties are hardiest. I regret that the Royal Horticultural Society has ceased to hold trials of Violas, but I can quite well understand that the soil conditions at Wisley are unsuitable, but they might be made suitable if the ground was cultivated in August and thoroughly enriched with a very heavy dress- ing of cow manure, and the plants put out in October. At Chiswick in the old days very fine trials were held, and time has proved that the ma- jority of the awards then made were right. Difference Between Pansy and Viola. Pansies being largely bred from V. tricolor, an annual, are less perennial in their character than Violas, which, as you have heard from Mr. Grieve, were raised from true perennial species on the maternal side. But nowadays the distinction is an arbitrary one of florists. Generally speak- ing, Violas have no solid markings like the blotches of Pansies, and are best fitted, on ac- count of habit and purity of colour, for all kinds of bedding work. HORTICULTURAL CLUB. June 21. — After the usual monthly dinner of this club, held at the Hotel Windsor on this date, Mr. C. E. Shea presiding, Mr. Charles T. Druery, V.M.H., F.L.S., opened a discussion by reading three papers, the first on " Clouds, Rain, and Rivers," while the second embraced " Jack Frost and His Work," and, finally, as affording a better opening for discussion, " Variation and what We Owe to It." The final paper, on " Variation and what We Owe to It," evoked much interest, since it was pointed out that practically our debt is our very existence, since, without the power of variation and adaptation, which was implanted in the primarily simple forms of life, evolution would have been impossible. From the horticultural point of view it is marvellous what man, with his power of definite selection, has been able to do. While unaided nature seemingly takes teons of time to effect great structural changes, man can do as much or more within the scope of a short lifetime to modify and transform the flowers, vegetables or fruits, to say nothing of animals. A mere weed like the Cabbage is made the progenitor of many hundreds of diverse forms, most of which are, save in the flower, different from the wild plant in every character. Crossing and hybridizing have also come in to combine the different characters of different species, and thus increase the scope of selection. EALING TENANTS. June 25. — The first annual Rose show of the Ealing Tenants Horticultural Society was held in the Institute on the estate on this date. The show was opened by Councillor Farr, who, with the other guests, afterwards went down to the recreation ground to open an open-air kinder- garten school. The show was highly successful, and the Tenants are now eagerly looking forward to the August Bank Holiday show. RICHMOND HORTICULTURAL. June 29. — The 36th annual flower show was held on this date in the Old Deer Park. The- exhibition was one of the finest of recent years, being reminiscent of the grand shows at Rich- mond in former times. The number of entries, 500, exceeded by 100 those of last year, the most remarkable" additions being in the Rose classes. The Roses were superb, and these, with the fine, non-competitive exhibits, were the features of the Show. For such success much is owing to the hard-working Secretary, Mr. W. J. Cook. The 1st prize for a group of plants in or out of flower was awarded for a splendid exhibit shown by Lady Waechtek, Terrace House, Rich- mond Hill (gr. Mr. H. Burfoot). It consisted of greenhouse plants of fine quality staged with skill. Some fine Hippeastrums and gorgeously- coloured Coleus were noticed. In the class for a semi-circular group of plants in or out of flower the best of four groups was shown by W. S. Bailey, Esq., Poulett Lodge, Twickenham (gr. Mr. H. A. Stiles) ; 2nd, C. M. Bahtlett, Esq., East Sheen (gr. Mr. H. Hicks). The best Palms were also shown by Mr. Bailey, who won the 1st prize easily ; 2nd, Lady Waechteb. Specimen plants of Coleus, Fuchsia, and Caladiums were remarkably fine, but Orchids showed a falling off from last year, H. Little, Esq., Baronshalt, Twickenham (gr. Mr. A. Howard), being the only exhibitor. He was awarded the 1st prize, Laelia tenebrosa grandis and Cypripedium superciliare ornatum being the best examples. There were three exhibits of six Caladiums, those shown by Mrs. Vaughan-Arbuckle being not only large, but finely coloured ; 2nd, Mr. Bartlf-tt, also with fine plants, well coloured. Mr. Bartlett excelled for Coleus; 2nd, Lionel Warde, Esq., Petersham (gr. Mr. Allum). The most compact plants of Fuchsia were placed 1st, the exhibitor being Mrs. Cooper Coles, Headingham House, Twickenham (gr. Mr. W. H. Eeary) ; 2nd, Mrs. Vaughan- Arbuckle, with more graceful examples. Small baskets of flowering plants were pretty. A delightful arrangement of Begonias, Coleus, Ferns, White Campanulas, with other pretty subjects, was placed 1st; it was shown by J. H. Master, Esq., Richmond Hill (gr. H. Burfoot). Gloxinias shown by E. R. W. Bennett, Esq., Darby Lodge, Sunbury (gr. Mr. W. Chant), could scarcely be finer, the best plant having more than forty expanded bloorns; 2nd, G. Atkins, Esq., Manaton, East Sheen (gr. Mr. W. J. Hill), also a good half-dozen. The prizes in this class were given by Messrs Sutton & Sons. Mr. G. Atkins won the 1st prize for Strepto- carpus. Roses. Nothing could surpass the exhibits of Roses shown on this occasion. In the class for 48 triplets there was a good competition. There were six exhibitors, and as each required six boxes it will be understood they made a grand display. The quality was high, especially the blooms shown by Messrs. D. Prior & Son, Colchester, who won the 1st prize, which in- cluded the Gunnersbury Park Challenge Cup; 2nd, Messrs. Frank Cant & Co., Colchester; 3rd, Messrs. Ben. Cant & Sons, Colchester. In the class for 24 distinct varieties shown in triplets, there were eight good collections. Messrs. Frank Cant & Co. reversing positions with Messrs. Prior; 3rd, Mr. Geo. Prince, Longworth. In the class for 12 Roses, distinct, in triplets, Mr. Chas. Turner, nurseryman, Slough, was awarded the 1st prize. In the two amateurs' classes for Roses, Mr. E. J. Holland, Sutton, won the 1st prize in each case with choice flowers. No fewer than 15 exhibitors competed in the class for 12 blooms of one variety, the 1st prize being awarded for a magnificent stand of Mrs. J. Laing, shown by Messrs. R. Harkness & Co., Hitchin; 2nd, Lady Ashtown, shown by Messrs. D. Prior & Son ; 3rd, Lyon Rose, shown by Mr. Geo. Prince. Tea Roses were also shown strongly in a class for 12 blooms of one variety, the 1st prize being awarded to Messrs. Prior for Mme. Jules Gravereaux. Some choice hardy border flowers were shown in a class for 24 bunches. The 1st prize was won by Lionel Wade, Esq., Petersham (gr. Mr. Allum) ; 2nd, Rev. W. H. Oxley, Petersham Vicarage (gr. Mr. F. Gower). In Messrs. Eckford's class for nine distincv varieties of Sweet Peas, the 1st prize was won by G. T. Biddulph, Esq., with flowers of excel- lent quality. For a similar class of Sweet Peas, the prizes offered by Sir Thomas Skewes-Cox, J.P., the 1st prize was awarded to A. W. Perkins, Esq., Harrow (gr. Mr. G. Baldwin). Fruit and Vegetables. One tent was largely devoted to these, but they were mainly vegetables shown by amateurs and cottagers. There was no entry this year in the class for a collection of six dishes of fruit, in which Lady Max Waechter offers a cup. The best White Grapes were Foster's Seedling, shown by Sir Walt-ole Greenwell, Bart. (gr. Mr. W. Lintott); the best Black Grapes, tine bunches of Prince of Wales, also shown by Sir WALroLE Greenwell. The best Melon was ex- hibited by Mr. Biddulph, Petersham. Messrs. W. & E. Wells, Hounslow, had the best Peaches and Strawberries. Vegetables.— The Earl of Devon, Powder- ham Castle, Exeter (gr. Mr. T. H. Bolton), won the 1st prize in Messrs. Webb's class for a collec- tion of six kinds, having tine Potatos, TomatoS) Carrots and Peas. 2nd, Miss Langworthy, Holyport (gr. Mr. T. J. Broom), who was placed 1st in the society's class for 12 kinds, Col. Biddulph, Ham (gr. Mr. Montague), being 2nd in this latter class. In Messrs. James Carter & Co.'s class for nine kinds there were five exhibits, the best being shown by E. G. Mocatta, Esq., Addlestone (gr. Mr. Thos. Stevenson) ; 2nd, Miss Langworthy. The numerous displays of vegetables shown by cottagers and allotment-holders reflected credit on the growers. Non-competitive Exhibits. Amongst the more important of these were the following : — Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, made an im- posing display with choice stove and greenhouse plants, all of 'magnificent quality and delightfully arranged. (Large Gold Medal.) Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, put up a floor group of pot Roses, interspersed with varieties of Clematis and Lilium. (Silver Medal.) Mr. H. E. Fordham, Twickenham, showed mauve and white Gloxinias, set in a bed of Adi- antum Ferns, with white Liliums as foils — a de- lightful combination. Mr. W. J. Unwin, Histon, Cambridgeshire, put up a pretty group of Sweet Peas, having choice bunches of well-known sorts. (Large Gold Medal.) Mr. C. F. Waters, Balcombe, Sussex, exhi- bited Carnations in variety. (Large Gold Medal.) Mr. Henry Eckford, Wem, staged a notable exhibit of Sweet Peas, having several novelties. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Mr. W. H. Page, Hampton, put up one of his usual fine displavs of Carnations and Liliums, with Rambler Ro'ses at the back. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. H. B. May & Sons. Edmonton, showed choice Ferns, including their new Nephrolepis Marshallii. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, set up one of the largest groups in this section, having a wealth of hardy flowers, with beautiful Begonias of the tuberous-rooted type in front. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Mr. F. M. Bradley, Peterborough, showed Roses of remarkably fine quality. (Silver Medal.) Messrs. Bakers, Wolverhampton, made a notable exhibit of border flowers, including Pan- sies and Violas. (Silver Medal.) Messrs. Kf.lway & Son, Langport. Somerset, showed Delphiniums having superb spikes of finely-coloured blooms. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Wm. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, showed Carnations and Polyantha Roses. (Sil- ver-gilt Medal.) July 2, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE II Messrs* W. & J. Brown, Stamford and Peter- borough, had a delightful display of Roses. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Geo. Jackman & Son, Woking, made a showy group with hardy flowers and Roses. (Silver Medal.) Mr. Karl Therkildsen, Old Southgate, had a collection of Roses. (Silver Medal.) Messrs. Stdart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, made an attractive display with Carna- tions. Mr. W. Thompson, Richmond, showed a group of Hydrangeas, Roses, Palms, Ferns, and decora- tive foliage subjects. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Messrs. Ed. Webb & Sons, Stourbridge, made an attractive exhibit of flowers, fruits, and vege- tables. They had Gloxinias, Sweet Peas, Melons, Tomatos, Carrots, Peas, and other produce from their strains of seeds. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Jarman & Co., Chard, showed Cen- taureas and Sweet Peas. (Silver Medal.) Mr. G. Engelmann, Saffron Walden, showed Carnations of the perpetual-blooming type. (Sil- ver Medal.) Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, ex- hibited blooms of the beautiful new Rose named Juliet. MARKETS. Plants In Pots, &c: Average Wholesale Prices (Contdj. s.d. s.d, THE WEATHER. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending June 25, is furnished from the Meteorological Office: — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The weather was fine at the commencement of the period, but an unsettled condition soon set in in the west, and in the course of a day or two extended to all parts of the King- dom. Thunderstorms occurred in some western and north- western localities on Monday, and subsequently they were experienced every day in many parts of the Kingdom, accompanied by heavy local rains. The temperature was above the average, the excess vary- ing from less than a degree in Scotland E. and about 1° in the south-western districts to 3° in the midland and eastern English districts. The highest of the maxima were recorded generally either on the 19th or 20th when the thermometer rose to 81° or above, in all the English mainland districts, the highest readings being 83° in England E. and the Mid- land Counties. In Ireland the highest value was 75°, in Scotland E. 71y, and Scotland N. 69°. Late in the week the maxima were low for the time of year. The lowest of the minima were mostly registered between the 23rd and 25th. In Scotland E. and VV. the reading was 40°, and in England N.W. 41°, while in the other districts the values ranged from 43u in various districts to 47° in England E., and to 48° in the English Channel. The lowest grass minima reported were 34° at Llangamtnarch Wells, 35* at Hereford, 36° at Sheffield and West Linton, and about 40° in several other localities. The mean temperature of the sea. Except at Wick, where it was much colder, the water was generally warmer than during the corresponding week of last year, the excess being nearly 5° at Margate and Teelin. The actual means ranged from 63° at Margate, 61° at Eastbourne and Teelin, 59° at Newquay and Seafield, to about 51° at several stations on the north-east coast. The rainfall was less than the normal in Scotland N. and E. and also in the English Channel, but greater elsewhere. In Ireland and the central and eastern parts of England the excess was large. Many parts of the Kingdom experienced a fall of an inch or more within 24 hours on Monday ; the amount of 1'5 inch fell at Armagh, and about 1*3 inch at Cahir and Rothsay ; on Thursday there was 1*1 inch at Great Yarmouth, 1 inch at Bradford, 1*5 inch at Hull and Huddersfield, and 1'3 at Cahir, and on Saturday 11 inch at Killarney. The bright sunshine was rather in excess of the average in nearly all parts of England, but deficient in England N.E. and also in Ireland and Scotland. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 51 in England S.E. and the English Channel, and 44 in England E. and N.W. to 25 in Ireland, 23 in Scotland N., and 19 in Scotland E. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending June 29. A cold and sunless week,— All the days of the past week were more or less cold, but on only two nights was the temperature below the average. The ground is now at a seasonable temperature at 2 feet deep, but 2° colder than is usual at the end of June at 1 foot deep. Rain fell on four days, and to the total depth of about half-an-inch. There have been a few drops of rainwater the last three days through the bare-soil gauge, but no percolation at all through that on which short grass is growing for 10 days. The sun shone on an average for 3^ hours a day. which is 2i hours a day short of the average duration for the time of "the year. Tne wind has been rather high the last two days, but during tb.2 rest of the week light airs alone prevailed. In the windiest hour the mean velocity amounted to 18 miles- direction W. The average amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by 7 percent. E. A/., " Rosebank," Berkham- it*1, y»*»« 29, 1910. COVENT GARDEN, June 29. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 way in which they are packed, the supply in the market, and the demand, and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but occasionally several times in one day. — Eds.] Cut Flowers, Ac: Average Wholesale Prices. Alstromeria, p. dz. bunches ... 5 Bouvardia 4 Calla (see Richardia) Carnations, p. doz. blooms, best American (var.) 1 — C ar o 1 a, and other special varieties ... 4 — second size ... 1 — smaller, per doz. bunches 12 Cattleyas, per doz. blooms ... 9 Coreopsis, p. doz. bunches .. 2 Cornflowers, blue, p. dz. bunches 1 — white and pink 1 Delphiniums, per dozen bunches 5 Euchans graudi- tlora, perdozen blooms ... 2 Gaillardia, p, doz. bunches ... 2 Gardenias, per dozen ... ... 2 Gladiolus, Colvilei varieties, per dozen bunches 3 Gypsophila etegans, p. dz. bunches 2 Heather (white), per bunch ... 1 Lapagerias. white, perdozen ... 2 Liliiim anratum per bunch ... 3 — candidum ... 1 — longiilorum ... 2 — lane i f olium ru bin iii ... 2 — Ian c i f o li urn album 1 Lily of the Valley, p. dz. bunches 6 i.d. s.d. 0-6 0 0-6 0 0-5 0 6-2 0 0 — 0 — 0-2 6 0-16 6-2 0 0-6 0 6-3 0 0 — 0-2 6 0-4 0 0-3 0 0 — 0-2 6 0-3 6 0-16 0-3 0 6 — 6-2 0 0- 8 0 Lily of the Valley, extra quality ... Marguerites, p. dz. bunches white and yellow ... Mignonette, per dozen bunches O don to glossum crispum, per dozen blooms Pelargoniums, show, per doz. bunches — Zonal, double scarlet Poppies, Iceland, per doz. bches. Richardia africana (Call a), per dozen... Roses, 12 blooms, Niphetos — Bridesmaid ... — C. Testout ... — Kaiserin A. Victoria — Capt. Hay ward — C. Mermet — Liberty — Mme.Chateuay — Richmond — The Bride ... Scabiosa caucasi- ca, p. doz. bun. Spiraea, per doz. bunches Stephanotis, 72 "pips" Statice, blue, p. dz. bunches — yellow — white Stocks, per doz. bunches Sweet Peas, per dozen bunches... Tuberoses, p. gross — per doz. blooms s.d.s.d. 9 0-12 0 16-20 2 0-30 16-26 3 0 — 3 0-60 10-16 2 0-26 10-16 10-16 10-16 10-16 10-20 10-16 10-16 10-26 10-16 10-20 4 0-60 4 0-60 13-16 5 0-60 4 0-50 4 0-50 2 0-30 3 1) - 04 - Cut Foliage, Ac: Average Wholesale Prices. Adiantum cunea- tum.per dozen bunches Asparagus plu- mosus, long trails, per doz. — medium, doz. bunches — Sprengeri Croton leaves, per dozen bunches Cycas leaves, each Ferns, per dozen bunches (Eng- lish) — (French) s.d. s.d. 4 0-60 9 0-12 0 12 0-15 0 9 0-12 0 9 0-12 0 10-20 4 0 — 5 0-60 s.d. s.d. 16-20 Galax leaves, per doz. bunches Hardy foliage (various), per dozen bunches 3 0-50 ivy-leaves, bronze 2 0-26 — long trails per bundle — short green, perdz. bunches Moss, per gross ... Myrtle, dz. bchs. ( E n g I i s h), small-leaved... 4 0-60 — French ... 10-16 Smilax, p. dz. trails 3 0 — 10-16 10-20 4 0-50 Plants In Pots, Ac: Average Wholesale Prices. Aralia Sieboldii, p. dozen — larger speci- mens — Moseri — larger plants... Araucaria excelsa, per dozen — large plants, each Aspidistras, p. dz., green — variegated Asparagus plumo- sus nanus, per dozen — Sprengeri — tenuis simus Calceolarias, yel- low, per doz. Clematis, per dozen ... — in flower Cocos Weddelli- ana, per dozen... Coleus, per doz. ... Crassulas, per doz. Crotons, per dozen C y per u s alterni- folius, per doz. — laxus, per doz. Erica Cavendishi, per dozen s.d. s.d. 5 0-80 9 0-12 0 6 0-80 12 0-18 0 12 0-30 0 3 6-50 15 0-24 0 30 0-42 0 9 0-12 0 9 0-12 0 9 0-12 0 5 0-60 8 0-90 18 0-24 0 18 0-80 0 4 0-60 8 0-12 0 12 0-18 0 4 0-50 4 0-50 24 0-36 0 s.d. s.d, Euonymus, perdz., in pots 3 0-80 — from the ground 3 0-60 Ferns, in thumbs, per 100 8 0-12 0 — in small and large 60*s ... 12 0-20 0 — in 48s, perdz. 4 0-60 — choicer sorts... 8 0-12 0 — in 32's, per dz. 10 0-18 0 Ficus elastica, per dozen 8 0 — — repens, per dz. 6 0-80 Fuchsias, per dz.... 6 0-90 — standards. each 2 0-40 Grevilleas, per dz. 4 0-60 Heliotrope, per dz. 5 0-60 Hydrangeas hor- tensis, per doz. 9 0-12 0 — Thos. Hogg ... 12 0-24 0 Isolepis, perdozen 4 0-60 Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen 18 0-24 0 — Fosteriana, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Latania borbonica, perdozen ... 15 0-21 0 Lilium longi- florum, perdz. 12 0-15 0 — lancifolium, p. *" dczsn 18 0 — Lily of the Valley, per dozen Marguerites, white! per dozen ... 5 0-80 Mignonette, per dozen Pelargoniums (show), per doz. 6 0-80 — Ivy leaved, per dozen 6 0-80 12 0-18 0 4 0-60 Pelargoniu ms, Zonal Petunias, per doz. _ in 60*s Selaginella, p. doz. Spiraea japonica, per dozen Stocks (Intermed- iate), per dz. ... Verbena, per doz. s.d. s.d. 5 0-60 0 6-16 2 0-30 4 0-60 8 0-10 0 5 0-80 5 0-90 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. Apples(Tasmanian), per case : — Ribston ... 11 — New York ... 10 — Scarlet Pear- main 9 — Sturmer Pippin 10 — French Crab ... 9 — King Pippin ... 10 — Five Crowns... 9 — Prince Alfred 9 Apricots (French), per box ... I — per case ... 5 Bananas, bunch: — Doubles ... 8 — No. 1 „ ... 6 — Extra „ ... 7 — Giant „ ... 9 — Red coloured... 4 — Red Doubles .. 8 — Loose, per dozen 0 Cherries (English), Early Rivers, per peck ... 8 — (French), p. box 1 — Florence Hearts, J bushel ... 7 — cooking ... 8 — Ox Hearts ... 9 Currants (French) : -- Black, J bus... 8 — Red, p. handle 3 Figs, per dozen ... 2 Gooseberries, £ bus. 3 Grape Fruit, case: — 96"s ... — tO's ... — 64's ... — 54s ... Grapes (English) per lb. : — Muscats ... 1 — Canon Hall ... 2 — Harabro ... 1 — Colmar ... 1 — Belgian Hambro 0 Lemons, per case: — (Messina), se- lected, 300 ... 17 20 .d. s.d. 6 0 — 6 0 — 6 — 0 — 6 — 6 — 0-18 0-6 0 0-10 0 6- 7 0 6- 8 0 6- 12 0 0- 6 6 0- 9 0 6- 1 0 0 0- 2 6 6-10 0 6- 10 6 6-11 0 0-11 0 0-3 6 6-10 6 0-3 6 0 - 2- 3 6 9-6 0 0- 1 9 9- 3 0 9-10 6 _ Lemons (Messina), selected, large 16 — (Naples), 420... 22 Melons (English)... 1 — (Guernsey) ... 1 — (French), Can- taloupe, each... 3 Nectarines, dozen : — selected ... 10 — seconds ... 2 Nuts, Almonds, p. bag 36 — Brazils, new, perewt. ... 45 — sorted 50 — Barcelona, per bag 32 — Cocoa nuts, 100 10 Oranges— — Cal i f ornian Navel, box (80)\ — „ case (96) \M — „ „ (112) J1* — „ . „ (126)J — Denia, per case (420) 20 — (714) selected 24 — Murcia (200) ... 12 — (300) 12 Peaches (English), per doz. ... 8 — seconds ... 2 Pears (Avacado), per doz. ... 6 — (Tasmanian) : — Vicar of Wake- field, large cases 13 Pineapples, each 2 — (Florida), per case, 30, 36 ... 16 Raspberries (Eng- lish), handle 1 Strawberries, p. lb — cold bouse ... 0 (Kent), p. peck 2 — (Southampton's), per basket ... 0 s.d. s.d. 0-20 0 6-27 6 6-2 6 6-3 0 6-6 0 0-15 0 0-2 6 0-42 0 0 — 0 _ 0-34 0 0-14 0 6-16 0 0-25 0 0-26 0 0 — 6-16 ft 0-18 O 0-4 0 0-14 0 0-5 0 6-30 0 0- 1 ft 3-0 6 0- 3 0 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. — martagon dozen ... per ... 18 0-21 0 s.d. s.d. Artichokes(Globe), perdozen ... 2 0-36 — Jerusalem, J sieve 0 9-10 Asparagus, Eng- lish, per bdle, 100 sticks. ... 16-20 Beans (English and Chan. Islands), per lb 0 9-10 — Broad(French), per pad ... 2 6-36 Broad Beans (Eng- lish), per bus. 3 0-40 Cabbages, tally ... 3 0-50 Carrots (English), dozen bunches 4 0-50 — (French), per dozen bunches 5 0-70 Cauliflowers, ham- per (24-30) ... 4 0-60 — per doz. (large) 3 0-40 — Dutch, p. crate 3 6 Cucumbers, per flat 6 6-76 Endive, per dozen 16-20 Greens. Spring, bag 19-20 — Herbs (sweet), packets, per gross 7 0 — Horseradish, for- eign, new, per bundle ... 16-20 — 12 bundles ... 18 0-24 0 Leeks, 12 bundles 10-16 Lettuce (English), per bushel ... 0 9-16 — hamper ... 2 0-30 — Cos. per dozen 2 0-40 — (French), Cos, per dozen ... 16-20 Marrows, per doz. 6 0-80 Remarks.— Southampton Strawberries are a glut ; also other English varieties. Consequently prices are very low. Both English and French Cherries are a good supply. Eng- lish Peaches are plentiful. Currants from France are very good, and samples are selling freely. There are plenty of good English Grapes of all varieties, the demand being fairly good. English Tomatos are cheaper, 4s. and 4s. 6d. being the top prices for good fruit. West Indian claret-coloured Bananas arrived this week and met a fair demand. Rasp- berries from Southampton are a fresh arrival on the market this week, Is. 6d. per handle of 4 to 5 lbs. seems to be the- market value at present, — E. H. R.t Covent Garden, Wednesday, June 29, 1910. s.d. s.d. Mint, per dozen bunches 2 0 — M ush rooms, per lb 0 8-12 — broilers 0 6 — Mustardand Cress, per dozen pun. 0 6-08 Onions (spring), dz. bunches 3 0-40 — Egyptian, bags 4 6-60 — New Spanish, case 7 0-76 Parsley, $ sieve ... 16-20 Peas (French), per pad 4 6-50 — White Kents, per bushel 2 6-30 — Blue Kents, p. bushel 3 6-46 Potatos (Algerian), cwt 7 0-80 — (Channel Is- lands), per lb. 0 1-0 \\ — (Lisbon), case 4 0-46 — (St. Malo), cwt. 8 0-8 6- Radishes (French), p. dz. bunches 1 0-1 ft Spinach, \ sieve ... 16-20 Stachys tuberosa, per lb 0 4-06 Tomatos— — (English), per dozen lbs. 3 6-46 — small selected 3 0-40 — seconds 19-26 — (Guernsey), per dozen lbs. 4 0 — Turnips, 12 bun- ches 4 0 — — (French) 3 0-40 Watercress, p. dz. bunches 6 0-66 12 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 2, 1910. Pota percwt. s.d. s.d. Blacklands ... ... 2 0-26 Dunbars — Up-to-Date... ... 4 0-46 Lincolns— Evergood ... ... 2 0-26 Lincolns— Up-to-Date ... Royal Kidney Maincrop ... King Edwards New Potatos. 6 0-761 Jersey, percwt. percwt. s.d. s.d. ... 2 9-36 ... 2 0-26 .29-86 ... 3 0- 3 6 Teneriffe, per cwt. 6 0- 7 6 I Jersey, per cwt. ... 6 6-70 St Malo, per cwt. 6 0- 6 6 | Cherbourg, per cwt. 5 9-63 REMABKS.-Old Potatos have sold out better than was expected. Next week will see about the finish of St. Malo and Jersey Potatos. The market will be well supplied with English tubers from Kent and Bedfordshire, Edward J. Newborn, Covent Garden and St. Pantras.June 29, 1910. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. The enormous supplies of cut flowers of Lilium longi- florum are now exhausted, and the prices advanced 50 per cent, this morning. Beyond this, there is very little to add to last week's remarks. A. H., Covent Garden, June 29, 1910. Mr LorrCcjbordmU. American Garden Papers : J . H . H. The Gar- den Magazine. (Doubleday, Page and Co., 133-137, East 16th Street, New York); The American Florist (American Florist Company, 1,133, Broadway, New York); Horticulture (Boston). Ants on a Lawn : W. M. A simple method of destroying ants is to pour boiling water down their burrows. There are several proprietary articles for destroying ants, one of the best being Ballikinrain Ant Killer. You can obtain this from the horticultural sundriesman. Vaporite, apterite and similar ground insecti- cides may also be recommended. Beetles: A. B. and /. II'. 5. The beetles are of the same species as tho6e sent by Aria last week (see p. 436). Begonia and Gloxinia Leaves : Sunflower. The injury to the foliage has been caused by Thrips. Dip the plants in a solution of soft soap three times at intervals of three days. Caterpillars on Roses : Lowe, Gosfield. The best plan is to spray the trees with an insecti- cide. It will be safe in the case of Roses to use some strong poisonous material such as Paris Green or London Purple, both of which contain arsenic. Take one ounce of Blundell's Paris Green Paste and mix it with 12 gallons of water. See that the liquid is well stirred during the spraying operation, and use a fine nozzle. Be careful to work on the windward side so that none of the spray falls on the operator. Gloves should be worn, as the arsenic would be liable to set up inflammation if it entered the skin through cuts and bruises. Lead arsenate is another excellent insecticide, and is very effective in destroying caterpillars. You can obtain both these substances from the horticultural sundriesman. Clematis Dying : F. IF. C. The plant has been killed by a pith-mining maggot that has entered at the collar. Dust soot around the base of the stem. Employment at Kew : L. H. M. You do not read your Chronicle carefully. Full particu- lars of the conditions of employment as gar- dener at Kew were given in the issue for June 18, p. 416. Write to the director for a form of application. Flower-buds of Sweet Peas Dropping : Disappointed. You should have sent speci- mens for examination ; without examples we can only enumerate causes that might be respon- sible. These are a cold, damp spell of weather, drought, excessive manuring, includ- ing the too free use of chemical manures, and insect pests. Grape Spot : W. McG. and II. /. The berries are affected with spot (Gloeosporium ampelo- phagum). Those sent by H. J . are also rubbed, most probably in the process of thinning. To check the " spot," dust flowers of sulphur on llic leaves and shoots at intervals of 10 days, until the disease has ceased to spread. On the second application a small quan- tity of quicklime can be mixed with the sulphur, and the quantity of lime should be increased on every successive occasion, until the proportions of lime and sulphur are almost equal. In winter, wash the branches tho- roughly with a solution of sulphate of iron, and' rich stable manures should be used very sparingly. Remove all leaves, shoots, and fruit showing signs of disease, and burn them. (Thanks to H. J. for contribution to R.G.O.F. box.) Grapes Unsatisfactory : F. D. The trouble ia not due to disease. The cause must be looked for in some wrong cultural treatment. Lilies Dying: G. II'. The Lilies are killed by the Sclerotium disease, which is present in the bulbs; 2 ounces of sulphide of potas- sium in 3 ounces of water is too strong a solu- tion for spraying any plant. Names of Plants: A. B. 1, Cassandra caly- culata; 2, Vaccinium stamineum ; 3, Berberis Wallichiana ; 4, Vaccinium corymbosum var. ; 5 and 6, forms of Iris sibirica. The Abies is attacked by a species of chermes. — Ken tea Court. Kalmia latifolia.— T. Smith. 1, Ooro- nilla emeroides; 2, Urospermum Dalechampii ; 3, Hedysarum coronarium ; 4, Heuchera Wheeleri. — J. IF. Phacelia tanacetifolia. — TV. C. Gesneria cardinalis. Pelargonium " Elegante," Sedum sarmentosum variegatum. — A. B. 1, Tropieolum pclyphyllum ; 2, Vero- nica buxifolia ; 3, Erigeron philadelphicus ; 4, Genista pilosa var. ; 5, Phlomis fruticcsa ; 6, Hieracium villosum ; 7, Lithospermum sp. (specimen insufficient for determination of species). — L. G. P. Campanula patula. — /'. Barr. The specimen was not sufficient for identification.— H. J. M. 1. Lysimachia vul- garis ; 2, Melilotus officinalis ; 3, Helxine Solei- rolii. — F. E. 1, Gongora portentosa ; 2, Eria. obesa; 3, Dendrobium ciliatum ; 4, Ooelogyne odoratissima ; 5, Hartwegia purpurea ; 6, Vanda parviflora. — II'. F., Cobham. Gongora gratu- labunda. — Vectis. Lygodium scandens. — F. A. It., Sussex. Asclepias curassavica. — J. T-, Liphouh. 1, Metrosideros floribunda ; 2, Weigela hortensis ; 3, Trachelospermum (Rhyncospermum) jasminoides. — T. H . 1, Mas'devallia tricha?te ; 2, Stelis micrantha ; 3, Pleurothallis obovata ; 4, Cochlioda sanguinea ; 5, Epidendrum virens. — A. M. 1, Clematis. Send when in flower ; 2. Ginkgo biloba. The Begonia is affected with rust. Dip the plants in tobacco water. — C. M. Crown or Mummy pea. — L. G. P., Dorset. Campanula patula. Origin of the Polyanthus: Correspondent. There appears to be no definite record as to the origin of the Polyanthus, but the generally- accepted theory that this race of garden plants is the result of a cross between the Cowslip and Primrose is probably the true explanation. Miller, whose name is given as the authority for the name Primula polyantha, says in the Gardeners' Dictionary, in 1768. " a Primrose or Cowslip, with heart-shaped, crenated leaves, having footstalks and flowers growing in bunches on very long footstalks. It has been much improved in the last 50 years as almost to equal the variety of the Auricula." There seems to be no reason why one should doubt that the Polyanthus is the result of crossing these two species, and we have reason to be- lieve that experiments now in progress will prove the truth of this hypothesis. Pear Trees: .7. H. There may be many causes to account for the Pear tree remaining practic- ally dormant whilst another one next to it has grown freely. The constitution of the tree may be responsible, or it may be due to a weakened root system. Perhaps it is grafted on the wrong stock, or the soil at the particular spot in which it is planted is unsuitable. Simi- lar cases are not infrequently seen in gardens where fruit trees are planted extensively. Peloric Foxglove: E. P. D. & Sons. The terminal flower of the spike has become regular, a condition termed Peloria, frequently seen in such flowers as Foxgloves and Antirrhinums. Plane Tree : Platinus. No disease is present on the piece of stem sent. There is probably a fungus present in the root, for which there is no remedy. Plants for PjEONY Bed : H . P. Powell. No- thing is more suitable for associating with Pseonies, to flower in the latter part of the summer, than a selection of Liliums, or even a number of plants- of one variety of Lily. L. tigr'irrum Fortunei giganteum and L. t. splen- dens are especially to be —recommended for grouping, as the plants take up comparatively little room. The varieties of the L. speciosum group are best for the purpose, except that they might be considered too late in flowering. The varieties cruentum, macran- thum, and Melpomene have highly-coloured flowers ; album and Krffitzeri have white flowers. The species named other than L. speciosum flower in August and September, and should be planted 5 inches deep. L. speciosum flowers in September and October, and should be planted 8 inches deep : because of the great mass of stem roots, which appear on or near the surface, a mulch of some rich material should be afforded the plants during the sum- mer. Plants of Green Chili : 7?. 0. S. It should be possible to obtain plants from some of the nursery firms who deal in vegetable seeds. Many ' gardeners would have surplus plants, and they would probably oblige you with some. Insert a small advertisement in some garden- ing paper. Rock Gardens near London : F. E. S. In addition to the fine rockery in Kew Gardens, you should endeavour to visit the remarkable Alpine garden at Friar Park, Henley-on- Thames. Visitors are sometimes allowed to in- spect the rockery for a small fee, which is given to local charities. The rock-garden at Leon- ardslee, Horsham, is also celebrated, whilst rock-plants are extensively planted at Wisley Gardens. Rose Buds : W. G. II'. See reply to /. M. under " Proliferous Roses " in the last issue, p. 436. Roses : Correspondent. Empereur du Maroc, sent out in 1859. is the nearest to a black Rose. Prince Camille de Rohan (1862) and Grand Mogul (1875) are both blackish-maroon at times, but always with a distinct shade of maroon-scarlet. There is no blue Rose. Veil- chenblau, a seedling from Crimson Rambler, and like it in flowering and growth, has been advertised as a blue Rose. This was sent out last year. It is reddish-lilac while young, but takes a dull, steely-blue as the flower ages, and is the nearest approach to blue we have. One may also find a distinct shade of purplish-blue in a fresh flower of Bardon Job. Roses : IF. P. G. The leaves are affected with the Rose-leaf black blotch. Spray the plants with diluted copper sulphate or with Eau Celeste, which has been found useful against this pest. Damage to the foliage is also appa- rent from some leaf-eating insect. Rose Sporting : IF. 0. You did not mention on what variety of Pink Rose the sport ap- peared. The bloom was too full-blown when received to properly judge of its merits, but it appeared worthy of perpetuation. The season , is at hand for budding Roses, and you should insert a few buds from this special shoot on to stocks of the ordinary Briar, or ask some nur- seryman to do so for you. Another season, submit flowers to the National Rose Society at their summer show. Shelter for the Kitchen Garden : H. P. P. I As it is impossible to employ bricks on account of the cost and you object to using stone, your only alternatives are wooden fences or live , hedges. If the situation is not too exposed some dense-growing Conifer might be planted to form a hedge. Hornbeam planted thickly and cut so as to make a square hedge offers great resistance to wind, and is often employed by the nurserymen as shelter for tender plants out-of-doors. Beech may be similarly em- j ployed, whilst Yew, Box, Holly and Quick offer further selection. Your best plan is to I see what is used for enclosing other gardens in I the locality, and, if a live hedge is employed, I select the plant which succeeds best in thai district. Communications Received.— W. Currell (thanks for 2s. | received for the R.G.O.P.)-H. B.— G. H.— F. B.-J. M.— I G W.— " Bostonian "-A. F. D.— W. R. P.— C. P. & Co.— I R. L.— N. L.-V. N. G. &Co.-Ed. W.— W. G. S.-G.T.— E. H.— F.M.— H. J.E. (thanks for photograph).— W.R. 8. -A. P.— W. R. V.— A. A. P.— W. E. G.— H. P., Aberga- venny-W. McC.-S. W. F.-W. P. & S.-O. T. D— I J. F.C.— T. H.-J. M.— W. F. R.-C.F.D.— W. C.-A. D. — K. & Son-T. B.-H. P.— W. A. H.-F. G. B.-A. W. , —A. G S.-W. I.-F. M.-J. D.-W.-P. A.— D. R. W.— I A Southern Grower-A. P.— H. F.— B. F.— A. D.-T. M.— ,' W. S. B.-W. C. C— C. F.— H. J. J.-N. S. S.— W. E.— H. R.-A. W.— F. H. S.— E. T.— M. M. K.— A. E. M.— S. R. S.-C. H. S. -N. A. G. A. u U) to n w i - S) cs O trt o X w ac u z z o on H to J O to K* ■^ Z w < to S u; s < o u z w W u HI OS o 00 Cd ^ w 7. w 3 a H 2! July 9, 1910 ] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 13 THE 6;trbencrs'CtironicIe No. 1,228.— SATURDAY, July 9, 1910. CONTENTS. Alpine gardens, so British Boskoop, exhibition forced shrubs at oi Cabbages, spring... Cambridge Botanic garden Carnations, Souvenir de la Malmaison, at En- ville Fxacum macranthum ... Flowers in season " French " garden, notes from a Fruit failure, the mystery of German Dendrological Association Hardy flower border - Campmulata barbata Iris tiugitana Irises, notes on — I. laevigata and I. Kpempferi 15 Japan-British exhibition 23 Japanese visitors at the Holland House Show 23 Tiime-sulphur sprays ... 22 Newstead, Mr. Robert ... 23 Nursery employes outing 23 Obituary- Maxwell, John ... 32 Plenderleith, D. ... 32 Old - fashi jned flowers, some 19 ■>:>. Orchid notes and glean- ings— Dendrobium ochreatum luteum D. Williamsianura Pink, Sweet William ... Potato blight, the Rosary, the— Weeping Roses as pot plants Scotland — Beginning of the Rose season, the Seeds, germination of unripe Senecios, some hand- some Smut, stinking Societies — National Sweet Pea ... Royal Horticultural .. Van Houtte, Louis, Cen- tenary celebrations ... Vegetable culture, ex- hibition Vegetation, effects of last winter on Week's work, the — Flower garden, the ... Fruits under glass Hardy fruit garden, the Kitchen garden, the .- Orchid houses, the ... Plants under (.lass ... Wilton House Gardens... Worms, garden ... 19 L8 ILLUSTRATIONS. Delphinium Lamartinii as exhibited at Holland House 25 Formal garden at The Warren House, Stanmore (Sup- plementary Illustration) Gladiolus King Edward VII. as exhibited at the Holland House Show 27 Iris tingitana, a hlonm of 17 Iris tingitana flowering in Devonshi e 16 Prismatic roofing, modil of house wi:h 29 Rose Juliet as exhibited at the Holland House Show 26 Senecio macrophyllus ... • ■•- 14 The Warren House, Stanmore, 19 ; herbaceous plants at 21 BRITISH ALPINE GARDENS. SINCE my last visit to Britain, some two or three years since, I find that the love of alpine plants has grown so remarkably and their cultivation so much increased, that it is impossible to record the progress within the limits of a single article. Nobody can view this great development without astonishment. When I first visited England in 1885, I was so sur- prised with what I saw in gardens that I re- turned to Geneva discouraged with my own efforts, thinking that' I had better give up gar- dening or go and reside in England. I had. how- ever, some encouragement from friends here, who thought I could, in some ways, do even better with alpines in Geneva than they, and their en- couragement decided me to continue. I have found that certain subjects will grow in my dry and sunny climate, if not better, at least quite as well as in England. The following impressions of some gardens which I have recently inspected are given in the order in which I visited them. I have on a former occasion written of Friar Park, Henley-on-Thames. I find on revisiting it, that the rockery has been considerably enlarged. The Matterhorn stands in the middle of this miniature •representation of the Pennine Alps, with the Italian valleys lying on the south in natural positions. What a marvellous display of plants are to be found flourishing in this most picturesque rock-garden ! Daphne Blagayana seems to be quite at home, and I never saw more beautiful patches of Schizocodon soldanelloidee. The scheme of the rock-garden is so imposing that the small jewels of the high altitudes are almost lost sight of, but they are there, jealously cared for by the owner. There were seen in full flower Campanula cenisia, Alyssum spinosum roseum. Linnaja borealis, a large collection of terrestrial Orchids, and many others. A remarkable collection of alpines is to be seen in Sir Dighton Probyn'a garden at Windsor Castle. The gardens surround the Big Tower and the Norman Keep, and are interesting especially on account of the number of species which have been planted in the old walls of the fortress. Saxifragas, Campanulas, Phyteumas, and other plants grow well in perpendicular positions, whilst, at the foot of the tower, Pingueculas, Sar- racenias. Gentians, and Primulas flourish in a bog garden. In a new rockery, that contrast* greatly with the old stonework of the castle, many fine plants are flourishing. In the neighbourhood of Windsor Castle is to be found a place full of poetry and charm, away from the noise of town and pervaded by a sense of restful calm. I refer to Bishopsgate in Wind- sor Forest, where Lady Marcus Beresford is creating a most beautiful garden and forming one of Nature's pictures which surpasses the best of man's paintings on canvas. Hillbrook Place is not far from Bishopsgate, and there a wood-garden bears the same import- ance to the place as does the rock-garden at Friar Park. I have seen it three or four times, and always with fresh pleasure. In some respects Hillbrook reminds me of Wisley garden as it was when it was still under the care of Mr. Wilson. The place will be even more delightful in the future. The gardens at Kew always appear increasingly beautiful. Kew is a museum of new and rare living plants, with most of the gems of the world's flora. What is there to be said about Kew which has not been said already a thousand times? In the manufacturing and mining districts of England, where the beauty of Nature has been spoiled by man. are to be found some of the cleverest and most attentive of gardeners. I refer to those workmen who possess fine collec- tions of Auriculas in their windows. Nothing can be better than these. I went to Yorkshire and Lancashire, and scarcely saw a ray of sun- shine. I fear the sun is as seldom to be seen there as a fog in Geneva. But, of course, there must be a sun in Yorkshire, as w^ell as in Surrey or Switzerland— I believe in it, at least. I could not imagine a better alpine garden than I found in this northern district. It is a very small one, enframing a kitchen garden, I am sorry to say, but containing the best speci- mens of the alpine flora which I have seen in this country— this before I went to Edinburgh. I refer to Wennington Hall, where an enthusiastic lady grows choice species from the high Alps, tending to their wants herself. When I say that I saw there the following plants in full flower and perfect growth, some small idea of her suc- cess may be formed : — Aquilegia alpina, Eiitrichium nanum ( grown from seeds), Androsace glacialis, A. helvetica, A. pubescens, A. villosa, Phyteuma hemisphsericum, Azalea. procumbeii6. Ranunculus aipestris, R. pamassifolius, Anemone alpina. A. sulphurea. A. narcissiflora, Arnica montana, Trifolium alpinuni, all kinds of Gentians, Primulas, Soldanellas, Drabas and Alyssums. Near to Lancaster, close by the sea, but higher, of course, than the town, at Bailrigg, I saw a very large place, where Ferns attain such dimensions that they suggest the period when Ferns formed the most imposing vegeta- tion. And there, in ordinary brick walls, was the most exquisite bit of wall gardening I have ever seen in England. These walls, facing south and west, are supporting soil at the back, and, conse- quently, are always moist. They are covered with flowers, and everything seems to succeed in them. I have always maintained that wall-gardening is the best means of growing rare and delicate alpine plants in England. But the walls must be perfectly perpendicular; if not, the plants will fail. I did not know before that it was possible to grow such a big collection of Alpines in a. brick wall, for I was of the opinion that baked earth (bricks) would be adverse to plant life. The gardens of Bailrigg quite alter my opinion. Mr. Farrer's garden at Ingleborough offered another surprise to me. I visited this place some years ago, but it has been largely increased, and especially in two interesting directions ; I mean the moraine- and the falaise-garden. In two moraines (of course, not those big moraines which surround the glaciers) Mr. Fairer grows the most delicate of alpine plants — Gentiana bavarica, the more beautiful G. Rostanii, G. verna, G. brachi- phylla, Ranunculus alpesvris, R. glacialis, R. bilobus, some rare Androsaces, and a good col- lection of alpines from high altitudes. Of course, this method of growing alpines has not yet been proved, and we have to await the results before approving of it. The falaise is a natural wall, rising perpendicularly above a little lake, and the path to it is what a Parisian would call " vertigineux." In that wall, Mr. Fairer has been sanguine enough to plant alpines that are most difficult to cultivate, including Androsace argentea (imbricata), A. helvetica, A. pyrenaica, A. pubescens, A. ciliata, numerous kinds of Saxi- fraga of the Kabschya group (S. diapensioides and S. Vandellii, for- instance), and even many peat and bog-loving plants, which seemed to me a paradoxical arrangement. I hope that Mr. Farrer's sanguine anticipations will be fulfilled. Underley Hall gardens are well known for their beauty, and years ago I was enthusiastic about them, my visit then being hi autumn. This year I saw them in the spring time, and I dare not say at which season of the year they appeared the better. It is for me a " Paradis Terrestre," its wild-garden being an intermediate form of gar- dening between the rock and the wood-garden. But, after seeing all these places, I went to Edinburgh, and I saw there, in the Botanical Garden, alpines which I knew only by reputa- tion. I went there as a pilgrim to a shrine, and I should never have imagined that such rare and choice plants could be made to flourish together. Words fail me to express my enthu- siasm. Everything is flourishing- to an ex- tent that I have never found elsewhere. Profes- sor Balfour is an enthusiast, pur sang, and loves plants in a way that I have seldom known. In this garden Omphalodes Luciliae looks as happy as it does at Floraire, and a wall is quite i J with the exquisite Armeria caespitosa. A number of rare Spanish plants have been raised from seeds taken out of dried specimens in the herbarium, and many of them were new to me. Pentstemon Menziesii Douglasii, which created :uch a sensation at the last Temple Show, looked very happy, and many new Himalayan, Tibetan, and Chinese Primulas were growing with freedom. None of the rare plants I enquired for were absent. Professor Balfour showed me Diapensia lapponica, Saxifraga arachnoidal, and Rubus chamamiorus, which nobody else. I believe, can grow successfully. 14 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 9, 1910. I once went to Yena, in the centre of Germany, to see a plant of Rubus chamasmorus growing there in a garden, and it seemed anything but happy. Not far from the Botanic Garden is the nursery of Mr. Eraser, where I saw Primula 6uf- frutescens in full bloom. I must confess that I came back from Edinburgh rather discouraged. Although I do not cultivate the sin of jealousy I envied the success which had attended English and Scotch gardeners in their cultivation of choice alpines. II. Correvon, Floraire, Geneva. (To be. continued.) ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. DENDROBIUM WTLLIAMSIANUM. A good specimen of this beautiful Dendrobium, exhibited by H. S. Goodson, Esq., Fairlawn, Putney (gr. Mr. G. E. Day), at the Royal Horti- cultural Society, on June 21, serves to revive the interest in this always rare species, which was first introduced from New Guinea by Mr. B. S. Williams, and illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle , 1886, p. 173. It is certainly a species to which importers might well turn their atten- tion, for it should be better represented in gar- dens. In growth it resembles a slender D. Pha- lsenopsis. Its showy flowers, each between 2 and 3 inches across, have the blush-white sepals and petals arranged on one plane, the scoop- shaped, violet-coloured lip being sheltered by the sepals and petals. It is a most elegant and dis- tinct species, requiring warm-house treatment similar to D. Phalsenopsis, and, according to the experience of Mr. Goodson's Orchid grower, it is not more difficult to grow than that popular species, a warm, moist house, however, being essential. At Fairlawn it flowers regularly. DENDROBIUM OCHREATUM LUTEUM. Dendrobium ochreatum was discovered by Wallich in the Chittagong district, India, and de- scribed by Lindley in Bot. Beg., 1835. In 1837 Gibson brought the first living plant to Chats- worth, where it flowered early in 1838, and was figured in Paxlon's Magazine of Botany, vi., t. 265, as Dendrobium Cambridgeanum, under which name it is generally found in gardens. The stoutish, cylindrical stems are swollen at the joints and curved. It has the peculiarity of flowering on the leafy, new shoots, before their growth is finished. The flowers, generally in pairs, are each over 2 inches across and of a rich, golden yellow, with a deep maroon-purple blotch on the lip. It has been imported frequently in moderate quantities, but no variation in colour worthy of note seems to have been observed. At present, however, a plant is flowering in the Orchid-nursery of Mr. H. A. Tracy at Twicken- ham, in which the flowers are of a lemon-yellow colour, the purple blotch on the labellum being also much lighter in tint than in the ordinary form. HARDY FLOWER BORDER. CAMPANULA BARBATA. This charming Alpine has behaved this year in a remarkable manner. Although I brought it home from the Albula Pass more than 30 years ago, it has always shown with me uncomfortable biennial tendencies, and I have had to replenish the stock several times by purchase. Only one out of a dozen old plants survived last winter, but this year there have sprung up dozens of vigorous seedlings, which are now flowering with a profusion I never saw before in this species. On one plant which I measured this morning (June 26) the main spike is 18 inches high, with 17 bells simultaneously expanded, and with half- a-dozen other spikes coming on. These seedlings have come up in a peat border at the foot of a retaining wall, on which the defunct parent plants were growing. Herbert Maxwell. SOME HANDSOME SENEGIOS. Senecio macrophyllus, shown in the accom- panying illustration, is a hardy perennial from the Orient. It is of coarse growth, and hence unsuited for borders of choice plants or for small gardens. It is, however, valuable for the wild garden, where its massive character is seen to advantage and furnishes a picture of bold beauty. The glaucous leaves are nearly 3 feet in length. The flower-stalk attains a height of 6 feet, and the yellow flowers are borne in a loose, broad panicle. is highly effective when grown in bold groups. It is not suited for the herbaceous border, as it is a terrible land-grabber and will quickly over- whelm less vigorous neighbours. The growth is most luxuriant when the roots have access to liberal supplies of plant-food and an abundance of moisture, and the noble masses of foliage and large, brightly-coloured flowers are especially attractive when reflected in still water. The positions prepared for this plant should always have a liberal dressing of partly-rotted manure worked into the soil, which should be broken up to a depth of at least 2 feet. When growth is Fig. -SENECIO MACROPHYLLUS: FLOWERS YELLOW. S. clivorum was introduced about eight years ago from Western China, and is also found in Japan. It is of the greatest value for planting in positions where bold vegetation is appropriate. The plant has large and handsome foliage, the roundly peltate leaves being about 20 inches in diameter, whilst the forked flower-spike often attains a height of 5 feet. The blossoms are rich orange-yellow, with dark centres. It is best suited to a position on the margin of a lake or by the side of a stream, while it will succeed in a moist spot in the wild garden, and made under favourable conditions, strong plants soon form specimens 5 feet across. S. tanguticus is a native of Central China, whence it was imported in 1902. It is one of the finest plants yet introduced for the wild garden, larg groups having a splendid effect among natural surroundings. The elegantly-cut foliage is exceedingly graceful and the great, erect, pyra- midal-shaped panicles of flower, often nearly a foot in height and 8 inches in breadth, are parti- cularly ornamental when seen from a little dis- tance. The individual blossoms are very small. JULY 9, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 15 Each flower consists of three narrow, yellow petals, but the great panicles with their little blooms lightly poised have a pretty, plume-like ■effect. Like S. clivorum, it enjoys moisture and is seen at its best when growing by the waterside. Its flower-spikes attain a height of from 5 to 6 feet, and where the conditions are to its liking it soon forms huge clumps. It blooms in September, the flowers being followed by silky seed-vessels that form a silvery-grey cloud of great beauty. It is quite unsuited for the border owing to its rampant growth, and is a nuisance where space is limited. Its vigorous aggressiveness is, however, an excellent feature in the wild garden, as it proves beyond a doubt that it can take good care of itself, and in such a, site the plant possesses a measure of attractive- ness that well accords with its environment. S. Veitchianus is a recent introduction from China. It is a very free grower and is seen to the best advantage when backed by dark-leaved trees. It flowers during August and. September, throwing up columnar flower-spikes 5 feet high which carry an abundance of deep, golden- yellow blossoms well above the handsome, cor- date foliage. It is a splendid species for massing by the lakeside or in moist places in the wild garden, where it is vigorous enough to hold its own with the native vegetation. S. Wilsonianus is another newly-introduced plant from Western China. It has large, heart- shaped leaves and very erect flower-spikes that rise to a height of 5 feet. In this species the spikes are columnar and thickly studded with flowers somewhat resembling those of Eremurus. From the point where they emerge from the clustered foliage the spikes are closely set with bright, golden-yellow flowers to their very summit. It is a fine plant for the moister spots in the garden, but needs considerable space, and is out of place where room is limited. The fore- going are some of the best of this large genus. Wyndham Fitzherbert. velvety texture; but Duke of Edinburgh, Duke of Teck, Lady Helen Stewart, Hugh Dickson (an invaluable variety), Horace Vernet, Captain Havward, and Charles Lefebvre are almost con- temporaneous. The Wichuraianas and their American deriva- tives have an affluence of embryonic flowers, especially Lady Gay, Hiawatha, Christian Curie, and the white Dorothy, of which the last-men- tioned Rose, though sufficiently fascinating, is not more beautiful than the Waltham Bride ; while Paul Transon, a charming hybrid between this fine-foliaged race of Roses and LTdeal, is already, with characteristic precociousness, pre- paring to bloom. David B. Williamson. SCOTLAND. THE BEGINNING OF THE ROSE SEASON. Atmospheric influences have of late been ex- tremely favourable to the culture of the Rose in Southern Scotland. Owing to the alter- nation of strong sunlight and congenial rains, the blooms of the earliest varieties have been much larger and fuller than in many previous years. The first Rose to bloom in my own garden this season has been the beautiful, salmon-pink hued Viscountess Folkestone, one of the most richly-fragrant of all Hybrid Teas, and perhaps the most valuable and enduring in its popularity of Mr. Henry Bennet's raising. It was closely followed by the famous Lyon Rose, whose glorious colour, shrimp-pink, deepening like a sunset towards the centre, and most deli- cately 6uffused with chrome-yellow, is marvel- lously effective. Another new Rose of great attractiveness is Margaret, raised by Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, of Waltham Cross. Albatross, also one of their most recent introductions, has a complexion almost peculiarly its own. Their brilliant Juliet I recently had the gratification of seeing at their nurseries. I admire it greatly and regard it as a most distinct acquisition. Of the Newtownards Roses, those that succeed best in South-western Scotland are Margaret Dickson, which is always reliable and often flowers here at an abnormal height, Lady Helen Stewart, an odorous and exquisite Rose, Ard Rjver, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, Helen Keller, and Florence Pemberton. Mary Countess of Ilchester, which is said to be a very handsome and lustrous variety, has not yet flowered here ; but I am hoping for some floral activity on its part early in autumn. A veritable gem is Molly Sharman Crawford. It was by far the sweetest Tea Rose in ray garden last year, and it requires a sunny, open position. The only dark crimson Hybrid Perpetual I have at present (June 25) in bloom is Salamander, a variety of the most THE ROSARY. WEEPING ROSES AS POT PLANTS. One of the most striking of modern introduc- tions in the Rose world is the Weeping Standard Rose. With its magnificent trusses of bloom, and its beautiful shiny-green foliage, there is nothing which looks so graceful in the conservatory when used as a pot plant. Its tall stem and drooping heads have an effect quite lacking in upright- growing plants. The Weeping Standard Rose is looked upon by some as a shy plant to culti- vate, but I have found from experience that there is nothing easier to bring to perfection. A mis- take is frequently made in trying to flower the plant before it is established, and I have heard complaints from gardeners who have purchased plants, potted them and put them straight-away into heat, expecting them to flower well in the first season. Freshly-potted plants should be left one season in the pots to become firmly established before starting them in heat. When newly-potted plants are placed directly into heat they are forced to break into growth, but the roots, being less active than the top, they soon suffer a check. There are so many varieties that it is difficult for the general purchaser to select those pleasing in colour and of a perfect habit. I have there- fore taken much trouble to select a number of varieties which combine all the qualities needed for the perfect weeper, which is a plant having a stem not less than 5 feet 6 inches in height. My selection is Hiawatha (deep crimson with yellow stamens), Dorothy Perkins (shell-pink), Tausend- schon, Peach Blossom, Minnehaha (dark rose colour), Paul Transon (rose colour), and White Dorothy Perkins. A good yellow variety is needed with the qualities of Minnehaha. I have seen Alberic Barbier used, but I cannot say that it is perfect for such purposes. There is a new- variety in which I have much faith at present, for it possesses free-blooming qualities, large trusses, and a better yellow it will be hard to find. In Alberic Barbier the blooms are mostly single, which is not desirable in a weeping plant. The new yellow has the name of Aviateur Bleriot, and I think, when this variety is introduced as a weeper, we shall have a complete collection. Sorts to be Avoided. Those who think of purchasing novelties should purchase them from a good nursery, and avoid such sorts as I shall mention, because they do not weep well, it being against their habit to do so. At the 6ame time, they are to be recom- mended, and used, when the more suitable varie- ties cannot be obtained. They are : Blush Ram- bler, Thalia, Goldfinch, Stella, Waltham Bride, Philadelphia Rambler, Seagull and Bordeaux. The average gardener who selects with judgment, avoiding such sorts as I have mentioned, will be able to bring his Weeping Roses to perfection as pot plants. How to Grow Them. In the first place, time is of importance. Let early plants, such, for instance, as are wanted in April or early in May, have about 18 weeks for growth. When the plants are taken into their new quarters, after standing outside all the previous autumn, a good "'dry -out " is most important, so as to make the soil porous. Whilst the plants are drying-out, prune them, but take care to remove all the upright-growing shoots, and leave the drooping shoots about 12 inches in length, so as to give the appearance of an umbrella. Cut the small shoots back to three eyes, which grow from the strong, weeping shoots. When the plants have had a good dry-out, give them a watering, and take care afterwards not to let them get too dry or too wet. Syringe them well night and morning, let them have plenty of air when first started, and bring them gradually to the heat by closing the house at night. Do not force them too fast before the bloom-buds are set or the eyes will be blind. When bloom-buds are set, you can apply more heat if desirable, but those grown on the cool side, with plenty of air when occasion permits, become stronger plants and the flowers a better colour. The atmospheric temperature at night should be 55° to 60°. When the flowers are showing colour, liquid manure may be afforded the roots at intervals of some two or three days. A. B. NOTES ON IRISES. IRIS LAEVIGATA AND I. KAEMPFERI. May I once more revert to this subject, the interest in which is renewed by the recent exhibi- tion of a variety of the so-called albo-purpurea? As far as I have been able to discover, the truth of the matter seems to be that in the marshy ground on the banks of the River Amur there grow two Irises, one with somewhat narrow leaves, with a distinct mid-rib — to use a con- venient but inaccurate term — and the other with much broader, yellow-green leaves, which have a very slight, if any, trace of thickening along the centre. Of these, the former is apparently the I. Kaempferi, of Siebold, and the latter the I. laevi- gata, of Fischer and Meyer, but not of Regel. (The latter is a synonym of Iris Kaempferi.) I. Kaempferi has deep red-purple flowers, relieved by a golden central ridge on the falls, whilst I. laevigata is the best blue Iris that I have ever seen. I incline to think that these two Irises are the parents of the Kaempferi hybrids so exten- sively grown in Japan. Of I. laevigata there are certain garden forms, apparently from Japan, of which the first to be noticed in England was Mr. Baker's albo- purpurea, a plant with white falls dotted with pale blue. The plant which Messrs. R. Wallace & Co. exhibited en June 21 (see Gardeners' Chronicle, vol. xlvii., p. 231) was a deep-blue form of this, and I am sorry to say that at least two double monstrosities are also to be obtained from Japan, one with six fall-like petals of a. deep in- digo-blue colour and the other of a dingy grey colour of similar shape. All of these are, how- ever, vastly inferior, to my mind, to the type, with its large flowers of a glorious deep-blue colour. Both this and Kaempferi are now in flower together here, and I am inclined to wonder whether the Japanese really prefer their double monstrosities, or whether they simply palm off such freaks on us and keep the type to them- selves. At any rate, the type seems extremely difficult to obtain, although I hope, in a year or two, to be in a position to distribute some of the many seedlings, both of the type and of the beau tiful form albo-purpurea that are growing here If this view is adopted, the proper nomencla- ture will be: — I. laevigata Regel, a deep-blue single flower ; I. laevigata Rgl. var. albo-purpurea Baker, for the original Kew plant, which is still growing by the side of the new Water Lily tank there; and I. laevigata Rgl., var. albo-purpurea colchesterensis, for the plant that Messrs. R. Wallace & Co. showed. In view of the length of this latter title, it would surely be better to give some English name to this garden form, especi- ally as it seems more convenient to reserve Latin names for wild species. W. B. Dykes. Charter- house, Godalming. 16 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 9, 1910. IRIS TINGITANA. This Iris, which is a native of Tangiers, ■whence it was introduced into this country in 1872, resembles a glorified Spanish Iris. The blossoms are very lovely, the standards being violet-blue and the falls a delicate French-grey, which colour is set off by the gleaming yellow of the central blotch. The flowers measure 5 inches across, and. with the falls. 6pread out 10 inches. The width of the falls is about 2 inches, and the height of the standards is 4 inches. Although this Iris has been known in England for nearly 40 years, it is but little grown, and apparently but few are able to flower it satisfactorily. Numerous letters have appeared from time to time in the horticultural press commenting on this species' persistent refusal to bloom. These failures have not been confined to amateurs who have just taken up the pursuit of gardening, but some of our most eminent horticul- tural experts have had to admit ill-success The late Sir Michael Foster wrote that he had never bloomed it in the open; Mr. versation, and having heard that the Tangiers Iris grew in sand, determined to apply Mr. Eiwes's suggestion to it. I had grown Iris tingi- tana for some years with complete lack of success as long as it was left in the ground through the winter, but with an occasional flower when it was lifted as soon as the foliage had died down and replanted in October. I had always, how- ever, grown it in sandy soil. In making the new bed I placed a deep layer of manure 8 inches below the surface, and mixed with the upper soil an equal proportion of old Mushroom-bed manure, so that it was very rich. The bulbs were planted 3 inches deep and entirely surrounded with silver sand. The next year I had 29 flower-spikes from 30 bulbs, another year 11 out of 12 bloomed, and for the last six years this Iris has flowered splendidly. My success I attribute en- tirely to Mr. Elwes. and am convinced that what Iris tingitana requires is a very- rich soil. This year J feared that, for the first time for six seasons, I should have no flowers. Groups of my largest bulbs are planted near the house so that there may be a good show from the windows. FlG. 4. — IRIS TINGITANA FLOWERING IN DEVONSHIRE. Archer-Hind told me that he had only- flowered it once in 30 years ; the late Rev. Henry Ewbank, of Ryde, admitted that for 15 years it had not flowered with him ; the late Mr. Wolley-Dod stated that he had grown it for 20 years without having flowered it, and wrote " I must confess myself quite at a loss to know what its requirements are," whilst Mr. Irwin Lynch, in his Booh of the Iris, 6ays that it is not wi>rth cultivation, presumably on account of its disinclination to bloom. If, however, Mr. Lynch had seen the bed here illustrated he would prob- ably have altered his opinion. In the face of all these records of defeat in the culture of this Iris it is pleasant to be able to record a story of suc- cess. A few years ago, when Mr. Elwes was with me, we had a talk about tender plants, and he said that it was useless in this country to employ the same soil as that in which they grew in their ' native land That a plant which in its home grew in sand would not succeed in that staple in England, but required richer food to make up for the change of climate. I thought over this con- After the foliage had come up I saw that the stems were rotting off below the ground. On examining the spot I found that without my knowledge the bulbs had been covered deeply with earth and had more than a foot of soil over them, which accounted for their failure to bloom. In a reserve garden I had a colony of smaller bulbs planted, but expected no flowers from them. However, to my surprise and delight. I saw that many of them were throwing up flower-spikes, and in all 35 were perfected. The plants were very strong, all of them averaging well over 2 feet, while the tallest was only 2 inches short of 3 feet. The garden hangs over the river at the mouth of the Dart, and is about 35 feet above the water level. I invariably lift the bulbs when the foliage has died down and keep them in a dry drawer until the end of October, when I replant. If they are left until well on in November the tops will have begun to grow, but this does not affect their flowering. The blooming season of Iris tingitana is very irre- gular. I have had perfect blossoms in the open in January, and from that date they bloom until the end of April. This year they blossomed simultaneously, and were at their best in the third week of April. Two years ago I had an inquiry from a correspondent asking me if I would tell him how I managed to flower this Iris. I sent him the fullest particulars of my method of culture, and the next year was pleased to receive a letter from him telling me that he had followed my instructions to the letter and had succeeded beyond his expectations. In this note I have given full cultural details in order that any readers who wish to do so may be able to follow the system, which, with me, has led to such pleasing results ; for certainly anything that will induce this lovely Iris to relinquish its shy-blooming habit and become a free flowerer is worthy of note. Wyndham Fitzherbert. THE MYSTERY OF FRUIT FAILURE. In making remarks upon this subject, it is desirable in the first instance to explain that by " failure " is meant more or less serious partial failure, and not absolute failure — a catastrophe, indeed, which rarely, if ever, happens. This par- tial failure appears to be general throughout the country in the cases of all fruits except Straw- berries, Red and White Currants and, possibly, Raspberries. There have been years in which any one of the fruits other than those named has been more nearly a complete failure than it is this season, excepting Black Currants and Pears ; the crops of these are the smallest that I have ever seen, but I cannot recall any year in which Apples, Pears, Plums, Damsons, Gooseberries. Clack Currants, Cobnuts and out-door wall-fruit were so deficient, taking them all round, as they are this season. Still more striking is the con- sideration of the disappointing results of pro- spects which at one time were fair in some cases and uncommonly good in others : and it is in this ccnnection that the " mystery " of fruit failure comes into play. There is no mystery as to the c?use of the dropping of Gooseberries and Blaci Currants. That this was due to frost seems to me to be clearly proved by the almost complete denuda- tion of bushes in low and sheltered parts of fields, where frost is always most severe, while a passable show of fruit was left on high ground in the same plantations. All that is puzzling in relation to the partial failure of these fruits is that it is much worse than it has been in seasons in which more severe frost than occurred last spring has been experienced, and that Red and White Currants passed safely through an ordeal which damaged Black Currants very badly. On my own farm near the south coast, no more than 3° of frost were registered 4 feet from the ground after Gooseberries and Currants were in blos- som, and so much only once, whereas in previous years 5° or 6° have done no harm to these crops. Whether or not the comparison of frosts close to the ground-level would be proportionate tu those of 4 feet about it, I am not able to say. But the damage appears to have been done by one of the frosts which occurred after the fruit was set early on the three mornings which ended with May 11, the most severe of which on my farm was only 2". As to out-door wall-fruit, the vitality of the blossom seems to have been de- stroyed by the frost of 3°, which was registered by me on the morning of April 3. In this case, ajain. the fruit has often passed through a more severe ordeal with impunity. Apparently, the particular stage in the development of fruit blossom or embryo fruit is as much accountable for damage done by frost as the severity of the latter, within moderate limits. This is a point much needing investigation. The almost complete failure of Pears in my orchard is more difficult to account for than the less serious damage to Gooseberries and Black Currants. The Pears were not in blossom when the frost of 3° took place, and, therefore, they had no more than 2" degrees to encounter. Ifl July 9, 1910. j THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 17 it possible that so slight a frost could kill the blossom almost completely ? I cannot believe that it is so. Moreover, the profuse blossom on some tall trees on a high level, where only 1° was registered 4 ft. from the ground, failed as com- pletely to set fruit as that of trees on a low level. Much of the blossom in the former case was 10 feet above the ground level, at which altitude the temperature was probably not below the freezing point. The only suggestion which I can make to explain the mystery of Pear failure is the persistence of wet weather and the fre- quency of cold wind throughout the blossoming period. Turning to the case of Plums, the mystery of failure deepens. Like Pears, they were subjected there was the extensive dropping of Plums after they had been formed. No explanation suggests itself as to the reason why some varieties bore hardly any blossom and others a full or fair quantity. - The scarcity was noticeable alike on very vigorously-growing Early Prolines and feebly growing Monarchs, while the abundance occurred on strong Victorias and weak Pond's Seedling. Seeing that all alike were subjected to the dis- advantageous conditions of last summer, the vast difference in blossoming is mysterious. The drop- ping took place only from the varieties which blossomed fully or fairly. In the case of Apples, the difference in quan- tities of blossom did not altogether follow the lines of varieties, as it did with Plums. Most Fig. 5. — iris tingitana: colour of standards, violet-blue; falls, grey, with yellow blotch. in making a great deal of wood last season, and those of their fruit-buds which had not been nearly matured in 1908 apparently failed to ripen completely in 1909. There would have been a good crop of Apples on the whole on mature trees if a fair proportion, of the blossom had set and remained on the trees. But, in the first place, nearly all the blos- som failed to set fruit on some varieties ; and, secondly, a very large proportion of the fruit which was set dropped off most kinds. There was no frost after Apple blossom opened, and the failure of it to set is the first mystery. It is true that there was an attack of the Apple sucker, but the pest was almost annihilated where it was at all numerous by spraying when the blossom- buds were unopened, and I have the best crop of Apples on two or three varieties which were worst infested, while others of the infested varieties set an abundance of small Apples, which nearly all dropped off. It is this unusual extent, of fruit-dropping, which reports show to be com- mon throughout the country, that is most dis- appointing and inexplicable. Three rows of ma- ture Duchess of Oldenberg were so thickly covered with small Apples, that four women were occu- \ pied over two days in thinning them, leaving, of course, the largest. Ten days later, nine-tenths of the Apples they had left on the trees had dropped off, so that their labour was entirely wasted. Other varieties thinned themselves without any attention. Some young and vigo- ' rous Golden Spires, which set a good crop of Apples, now have the ground under them strewed with fruit, some of which is as large as a Walnut ; and Worcester Pearmain, which set a grejjt crop of Apples in clusters, has thinned its fruit to about half a crop, nearly all singles. Of course, the forcing off of weak by strong fruit in a cluster is a common occurrence in any season | but the extent of the operations this year is phenomenal. If this were all, there would not be much cause to complain, as a crop of single Apples is pretty certain to be one of fine fruit. The great cause for regret is the extensive drop- ping of whole clusters. An additional cause of the shortness of the Apple crop that will be saleable is not myste- rious. This is the extraordinary proportion of fruit spoilt partly by the sawfly maggot and partly by caterpillars which have gnawed sur- face holes in the Apples, A Southern Grower. in my plantations to no more than 2° of frost after the blossom opened ; but, unlike Pears, their blossom set well in the first instance, and the evil was that more than half the fruits turned, yellow and dropped off when about as large as Peas. There was no frost at all after the fruit had set. It is quite certain, therefore, that frost is not accountable for the serious partial failure of Plums in my plantations. In the first place, there was the lack of any considerable quantity of blossom on some varieties, due prob- alilv to the non-maturing of fruit-buds in the cold and wet summer of 1909; and, secondly, kinds of mature trees blossomed profusely as a rule, while other trees of the same varieties had little or no bloom, and a few varieties had hardly any. The possible explanation is that varieties and individual trees which bore great crops last year failed to complete the ripening of immature fruit-buds last summer, while varie- ties and individual trees which had very little fruit last year finished the ripening of fruit-buds which were just short of the maturity necessary for blossoming in that season. Young trees, four and five rears from the planting, for the mosl part failed to blossom fairly They were engaged PLANT NOTES. EXACUM MACRANTHUM. Tins Exacum was at one time regarded as a difficult plant to cultivate, but Messrs. James Veitch & Sons have contributed several excellent itches of it at recent meetings of the Royal Hor- ticultural Society. A group of Exacum macran- tlmm in the greenhouse at once arrests attention by reason of the showy flowers, which an- 1 I a rich bluish-purple tone. The flowers of Pleroma , ti _ in-. ,1 shrubby Melastomad from the Andean region of South America, are of this shade. This plant is another test of the cultivator's skill. Many of the early failures with Exacum macranthum arose from an excess of warmth, the temperature of a stove being considered necessary for its well-doing, but coming as it does from the more elevated regions of O it must be regarded rather as an intermediate- house subject. The members of the Gentianaceae generally are remarkable for the rich shades of blue and purple in the flowers. A member of the same order was, in my younger days, largely grown in gardens but I have not met with it for some time, this is Eustoma Russellianum, formerly known as Lisianthus Russellianus. It is a native of I whence it was introduced about a century ago and named in honour of the Duke of Bedford. II". 18 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 9, 1910. NOTES FROM A "FRENCH" GARDEN. We have just planted the last batch of Cauli- flowers for the autumn market, where Turnips or Cos Lettuces have been grown in the open, and among the Melon frames, putting four plants under each light. Previous to the planting, the Cauliflowers were carefully examined, and every plant attacked by maggot was discarded. Mag- gots have been unusually numerous in the seed- beds this season. The Cauliflowers planted in the open ground late in March are now ready for the market. Those grown in the cloche-beds will be ready in 10 or 12 days. The Carrots (Chantenay) sown in the open early in March are now marketed, and their place will be occupied by the Celery known as Red of Aylesbury. The red varieties do not do well on the old manure beds, and produce very slim plants. The winter batch of Endive (La Ruffec) for heavy ground. La Meaux for sandy soil, and also the Batavian Green will be sown in a few days in order that they may be ready for planting out in the middle of August. These crops sell at remunerative prices, especially when sent to the market in small quantities at a time. They can be bleached as required till Christmas with- out any more protection than the litter or mats used for the bleaching. The first Melons were marketed on June 21, and Cucumber Telegraph has been planted in their place. All the Melon plants have grown a great quantity of wood, as the fruits are nearly fully grown, and the weather has been favour- able. These extra growths must be thinned out not to weaken the plants unnecessarily, because another batch of fruits may be obtained if the plants are still strong and healthy. Where Melons are grown under cloches it is advisable to put frames and lights in their stead as soon as these are available from the first batch. It is also necessary to choose the first fruit when grown under cloches to obtain a fruit of good size and flavour early in September. The Melons, when in the ripening stage, must be examined frequently, especially on a very hot day. They should be cut as soon as the stalk begins to crack, and placed in a cool cellar for a few hours before being dispatched to market. P. Aguatios. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Effects of Last Winter on Vegetation. — Referring to this subject, I may say that Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius, which has been killed outright with Sir Herbert Maxwell in a considerably milder district than mine, is now coming into flower in my own garden. The plant is against a south-west wall, and was injured severely. Lilium Hansonii was injured by late frosts, and did not open its flowers, although not suffering much otherwise. Roses have suf- fered a good deal, but the most injured has been Tea Rambler, which was hardly any the worse for the winter of 1908-1909. Last winter it was cut almost to the ground. Dorothy Perkins grow- ing on a short pergola has again been injured, but the position is a rather draughty one. Jer- sey Beauty has suffered more than some others of this class, but, on a pillar, it has been less injured than on the pergola. The Hypericums have been little injured, and, with the excep- tion of Arbutus Unedo Crocmiei and Phlomis fruticosa, there is little to report in the way of losses. Veronicas have suffered considerably, however, but, trying as the winter was, the losses here do not seem to have been any greater than usual. S. Arnott, Sunnyrnead, Dxunfries. -The following notice of the behaviour of certain shrubs and plants in the south-eastern corner of England since their ordeal of last win- ter may perhaps prove of interest as a sequel to what has already been reported in your columns by Sir Herbert Maxwell and others : — Uninjured : Tricuspidaria lanceolata, Eucryphia pinnatifida, Carpenteria californica, Buddleia C'ol- vilei, B. auriculata, Solanum crispum, Davidia in- volucrata, Sophora flavescehs, S. platycarpa, S. Moorcroftiana, Embothrium coccineum, Rhodo- dendron cinnabarinum, R. Faleoneri, Philesia buxifolia, Eriobotrya japonica, Sollya hetero- phylla, Pentstemon cordifolius, Perovskia atri- plieifolia, Clerodendron Fargesii, C. trichotomum, C. Bungei, Senecio eleagnifolius, Olearia stellu- lata, 0. macrodonta, O. nitida, Stuartia pseudo- camellia, Teucrium fruticans, Rhyncospermum jasminoides, Clianthus puniceus albus, Mitraria coccinea, Magnolia Campbellii, Notospartium Carmichelia?, Sphacele Lindleyi, Plagian- thus Lyallii, P. betulinus, Corokia coton- easter, Pittosporum crassifolium, Desfontainea spinosa, Drimys Winteri, Lomatia ferru- ginea, Hoheria populnea. The following shed their leaves, but are quite vigorous : Gor- donia pubescens, Feijoa Sellowiana, Schinus pata- gonica, Illicium floridanum. Injured: Ela?oden- dron sphajrophyllum pubescens, cut down to the ground; Tricuspidaria dependens (true), upper shoots nearly a foot long killed, otherwise grow- ing strongly ; Poincinia Gilliesii, Anona triloba. Slightly injured: Rhaphitamnus cyanoearpus, Fallugia paradoxa, Eugenia apiculata. These are the "mimps" of the garden: Pueraria Thun- bergiana, Mutisia clematidea, Myosotidium no- bile, Cantua buxifolia. Killed : Bowkeria tri- phylla, Crossosoma californicum, Agapetes buxi- folia, Sollya Drummondii. Such plants as Salvia patens and Dahlias remain here in the ground permanently. The garden is on an ex- posed site, 200 feet above the sea, and distant from it about three-quarters of a mile. T. A. Hyde, Ringinglowe, Hythe, Kent. In reference to Sir Herbert Maxwell's remarks on plants of doubtful hardiness, I may state that the following species are growing here in an exposed position at an altitude of about 610 feet and 45 miles from the Gulf Stream : — Abutilon var. lilacina, Rhododendron Faleoneri, Eleagnus maerophylla, Buddleia globosa, Ber- beris nepalense, and Rhus cotonoides, which are here uninjured. Of the plants which he lists as uninjured we grow 16, which are here unin- jured, namely, Buddleia Colvilei, B. variabilis, Carpenteria californica, Azara microphylla, Erica arborea, Indigofera Gerardiana, Romneya Coulteri, Fuchsia Riccartonii, Lilium auratum, Crinum Moorei, and C. Powellii. Sparaxis or Dierama pulcherrima, and the white variety, Invarvillea Delavayi, Campanula fragilis, Kni- phofia caulescens and Omphalodes Lucilia), Escal- lonia macrantha, E. Langleyensis. and E. Philip- piana are now in full flower. Of Cistus we have a good collection, all uninjured. The same applies to Veronicas. The semi-shrubby variety rupestrifi is now very fine, a sheet of blue as a carpet to other flowering shrubs. Coronilla hypnoides, which has survived with a little injury the pre- vious four winters has succumbed. Opuntia Rafinesquii has weathered the last four win- ters in good condition. Special mention may be made of the profuse flowering of Cytisus in several varieties, Choisya ternata, and Prunus cerasifera atropurpurea, which is now carry- ing fruit. Of bulbous plants : Narcissus, Anemones in several varieties, and Irises have flowered quite equal to usual. John Edwards, Sylfaen Gardens, Welshpool. Exhibition Vegetable Culture.— Practical states that I should know better than to say " exhibition Cauliflowers, Potatos, and Beans need only ordinary culture." He asks, do I mean Cauliflowers planted 4 feet apart, mounted about the stems with manure, and daily supplied with water, or Potatos planted 4 feet apart, Tomatos thinned from 12 fruits on a bunch to five, and Beans planted 15 inches apart in the rows? All this is the wildest imagination. Were this form of cultivation adopted it would destroy all hopes of success. Cauliflowers treated as stated would produced heads 10 inches to 12 inches over. What chance would they have of winning prizes? Potatos 4 feet apart would produce huge, ungainly tubers. Tomatos so severely thinned would be two to the pound, and so on. Can anything be more absurd? The very best Cauliflowers possible for show are those of quite medium size, solid and white, easily obtained under ordinary culture. Whoever saw the leading vegetable exhibitors put up larger heads? Those who remember the perfect and beautiful Broccoli heads shown by Messrs. Sutton & Sons not long since, know they came from an open field. I see in our markets here myriads of Cauliflowers so grown which would be prized by any exhibitor of vegetables. I beg readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle not to be led away by PracticaVs remarks. All the tendency of vege- table judging is against undue size. Quality, not excessive size, is now the universal require- ment with all kinds or classes. Runner Beans are commonly sown 10 to 12 inches apart, in the row, and to the benefit of the plants and crops ; I have seen rows of Runner Beans when in full fruit at Hackwood Park, Sydmonton Court, High- clere Castle, Aldenham House, Welbeck, and other good vegetable gardens, and the grand growth and crops has astonished even so old an observer as myself. Large size in Onions does not represent lack of quality. In a well-ripened bulb of Ailsa Craig there is exactly the same quality of flesh found in a bulb of any other variety, but the taste is milder and that is by no means a defect. For stewing or baking alone these bulbs are splendid, and as to profitable pro- duction, let Practical ask any cottager or allot- ment-holder whether he prefers large bulbs to small ones, and he will soon get his answer. Long Runner Beans are always tested for tender- ness and edible value. Peas are opened and tested for colour and tenderness and flavour, also for fullness, and not for mere size of pods, as is so foolishly assumed. Celery is tested for its solidity, freshness, blanched condition, and its bolting or non-bolting properties ; Leeks for their colour, purity, and fitness for cooking, and not for length of blanched stem, which, as a rule, rarely exceeds 14 inches and never runs to 20 inches. This is, I think, sufficient criticism on my part. Growers who are poor cultivators are fond of flinging stones at those who are first-class vegetable culturists. The man who can do great things under glass may not always be so success- ful in the kitchen garden. .-1. £>., Kingston-on- Thames. Spring Cabbages.— I notice from the report of the trials of Spring Cabbages conducted by the National Vegetable Society (see Card. Citron., vol. xlvii., p. 423). there are no fewer than 36 names. I woidd ask what are we to learn from this report? Is not such a publication of varie- ties most bewildering to the inexperienced, who needs at the most two varieties of Cabbage to meet all the requirements of a moderate-sized establishment? Even the largest garden does not require more than three distinct sorts. A good variety of Cabbage, even if raised 20 or more years ago, is at the present as desirable as any of the so-called modern sorts. For ex- ample, Ellam's and Wieeler's Imperial were ex- cellent sorts long ago, and apparently retain their food properties at the present time, as I note that they receive three marks. Surely the National Vegetable Society could find much more impor tant work than the imere publication of a list of three dozen sorts of Cabbages. I think it is beyond doubt that a Cabbage is still a Gabbage, and a vegetable appreciated much during two or three montns of the year, and, as there is so little difference between varieties when cooked why confuse the public with such a plethora of varieties? It is a well-known fact that the cot- tager of even a little experience is alive to the best variety for his purpose and understands methods of culture without the aid of a national society. E. M. Souvenir oe la Malmaison Carnations at Enville. — The cultivation of " Malmaison " and other Carnations has made great strides dur- ing the last few years, but nowhere have I ever seen such a grand collection, or such well-grown specimen plants as those in the collection at Enville Hall, Staffordshire, the seat of Sir Henry Foley Grey. There are hundreds of plants in successional stages, from those in 5-inch pots to others growing in 16-inch pots. Some of the larger specimens have upwards of 50 flowers, open and opening, and every plant is in robust health, whilst some of the leaves measured fully J inch in breadth. Maggie Hodgson, Duchess of Westminster, Nautilus, Princess of Wales, King Oscar, and many other varieties grown on- as specimens, 3 feet 6 inches through, and properly staked out, fill one with admiration. They have found the right sort of loam at En- ville for the purpose, and it appears to contain a goodly proportion of soluble lime. Mr. Green, Junr., who has entire charge of these beautiful gardens, is to be congratulated upon his success- ful cultivation, thereby proving himself a worthy son of a worthy sire, seeing that his father. Mr. Green, Senr. , was head gardener for upwards of 35 years at Enville until the death of the Dowager Lady Stamford. II'. Crump. Madres- ficld Court Gardens. July 9, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 19 Wilton House Gardens. — The interesting notes that have recently appeared in these columns pertaining to Wilton House Gardens induce ime to record a few personal reminis- cences of the place. My association with Wilton was upwards of half a century ago, when I acted as flower gardener under Mr. John Brown. In those days. Plumbago capensis was considered to be the gem i I the parterre in the Italian garden, and as a dwarf bedder it was assigned two of the large, angular beds in proximity to the fountain. In summer it presented unique masses of incom- parable, dainty, coerulean-blue flowers, the only edging being that afforded by the formal grey- stone bordering. I may here remark that after Wilton, on my appointment as head gardener at Ethington Park, Stratford-on-Avon, I found the climatical conditions so favourable that I culti- vated Plumbago capensis in the new architec- tural flower-garden there, with favourable re- sults, and as an edging next to either the grass or Box bordering an excellent combination was found in Mangle's variegated Pelargonium, or, by way of a change, the intermixture of the twain afforded a most pleasing " shot-silk "-like effect. Another effective picture was that pro- duced by associating Calceolaria amplexicaulis with the Plumbago. The historic evergreen Oak less seed is produced than is the case with the ordinary border Polyanthus. All seed-pods are practically bald when formed, whilst in all com- mon Polyanthus flowers the pods are wrapped in a green calyx. Hose in Hose Polyanthuses were once plentiful, and the late Richard Dean had so many of such a fine strain that he was enabled to offer true and distinct seeds of them. At Long Ditton there were also very large breadths of Polyan- thuses in colours. Specially plentiful were the rich crimsons, and a strain of an almost rosy-scarlet was singularly bright and almost fiery in the sunlight. Dull shades, such as purple, mauve, buffs, and browns, are not appreciated at Long Ditton, although many are particularly fond of these hues. Whites and yellows were plentiful and good. The old gold- laced section is extensively grown, and Mr. W. Barr hopes to be able to resuscitate that fine quality and beauty of markings which formerly characterised George IV., Lancer, Exile, Cheshire Favourite, and others of the best exhibition varieties. These latter, like the show Auriculas, are essentially florists' flowers. A. l>. Sweet William Pink. — I am sending you by post a few blooms of an old floriferous mule Pink. The double flowers are a deep rosy-crim- son, and the spikes were cut from large clumps Fig. 6. — the warren house, stakmore. (See p. 22.) (Quercus Ilex), which was so excellently repro- duced in the Gardeners' Chronicle last week, used to serve as a protection for bedding plants before they were sufficiently hardened for plant- ing in the beds. The specimens of Cedar of Lebanon were also objects of veneration. William Gardiner. Some Old-fashioned Flowers. — In their nurseries at Long Ditton, Messrs. Barr & Sons are growing those old favourites, Hose in Hose, Jack in the Green, Galligaskin, and some other quaint forms of Polyanthuses. It was a surprise and pleasure to see these old garden flowers in bloom in May% The Jack in the Green sec- tion is represented by flowers of white, yellow, red, crimson, and other shades, and the true form has its pips backed by a broad, green, ab- normal calyx. The Galligaskin, or Jack on Ape, as it is sometimes called, has the calyx split up or divided into a somewhat leafy form. Then some varieties have the calyx parti-coloured, it having become partially petaloid and partially green. Though curiosities, they are none the less pretty. The Hose in Hose, or duplex section, has the nor- mal green calyx converted into an ordinary floral pip, from out of the throat of which projects the normal pip. It is only in the throat of the latter that the reproductive organs are found, but be- cause of the unusual length of the throat tube, now in full blossom that continue to flower until late in the autumn. ■ It is a very uncommon plant, and is known as the Sweet William Pink. The leaves are broader, the stems stronger and stiffer than the ordinary mule Pinks of Napo- leon III. type, and the flowers possess a fairly strong clove scent. Wm. Masters, when in busi- ness in Canterbury, recorded it in 1831 in his interesting plant- and seed-catalogue, Hortus Durovernii. More than 20 years ago an old lady, then over 70 years of age, showed it to me in her garden near Andover. She was the only person I ever heard call it " Sweet John," and that in- duced me to look up Philip Miller's gardening dictionary and others, and as a result of my en- quiries 1 have come to the conclusion that the Sweet William Pink and the " Sweet John" or Fairchild's Pink are identical. Miller describes it accurately under Caryophyllus as a narrow- leaved, hybrid Sweet William known as Fair- child's Pink, and in all probability it is the first recorded hybrid plant in British horticulture. It is scarcely known in the modern trade. I have submitted plants to the R.H.S., Mr. Douglas, Mr. Chas. Dixon, &c, and all of these authorities have not been clear about the plant, although known to them. In another quarter it was named " Lady Dixon," " Napoleon III.." but this plant had been in existence long before these names could be applicable. If this is not Miller's Sweet John, then what is Fairchild's Pink, or is the latter lost to gardens? J . Murison. Germination of Unripe Seeds. — In my fernery I have a plant of Lapageria alba which last season bore a number of flowers. In the late autumn, on entering the fernery, I trod upon what I at first took to be an unripe Plum on the tiled path, but on inspecting it I found that it must have been an hitherto unnoticed seed ves- sel of the Lapageria, within which I found about 20 seeds, white and quite soft, oval and about the size of Sweet Pea seeds. Happening at the time to have pricked out a number of Fern prothalli an inch apart into a 9-inch pan, it occurred to me to place these seeds in the spaces between the prothalli, just inserting them on the surface. This I did, covering them with a sheet of glass, but not with soil, so that they were still visible. To my great surprise, each one shortly produced a shiny root, which penetrated the soil, and in some cases lifted the seed a short dis- tance from it. Eventually, after a period of some months of apparent dormancy, a bud appeared at the points whence the roots issued, and the end result is that although most of the seeds have disappeared, three have survived, of which one has developed a shiny leathery leaf with a healthy bud at its base ; another promises to do the same, the leaf being in embryo and the bud visible, while the third seed is still intact, with its root in the soil, but the leaf has failed to de- velop. I am, therefore, practically certain of two plants, although the seeds were soft and pulpy and evidently very far from being ripe, or ready for sowing. This has resulted in the ab- sence of any artificial heat in a room where several degrees of frost were experienced during the winter, and I attribute the loss of the majority of seeds to sourness of soil, since the Fern prothalli failed in many cases, and the sowing was far from satisfactory. All the seeds germinated quickly and vigorously. Chas. T. Druery, V.M .//..' F.L.S. The Week's Work. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Kitchen Garden Foreman Royal Gardens, Windsor. Cabbages. — A sowing of Cabbage seed may be made now and another after the lapse of a fort- night ; this latter date will be more suitable for the southern counties. For Cabbage seeds, bor- ders are frequently selected which have yielded some early crop, but the results would be better if the seeds were sown in a more open situation, selecting soil that is only moderately rich, and a position where the young plants are not likely to be drawn. After the ground has been dug, it should be trodden firmly as soon as the state of the soil will permit. The drills should be drawn at 1 foot apart, and the seeds sown thinly. It is better to make the seed-bed large than to crowd the plants together, causing them to become thin and weakly. In cases where only small plantations are necessary, the young plants should be pricked off as soon as they are large enough to handle, placing them at distances of 4 inches apart each way. Suitable varieties for autumn planting are Flower of Spring, Ellam's Early, and Offenham. A small sowing of Red Cabbage may be made at the same time, for planting out in autumn. Cabbage plantations, where the heads have already been cut, should have the stumps cleared off, in order that the ground may be prepared for a crop of late Turnips. Carrots. — A sowing of stump-rooted Carrots should be made on a south border, for supplying roots, in November and December. It will be appropriate if these Carrots are made to succeed early Potatos. Last year our best and cleanest roots, available for use in the winter, were ob- tained from a sowing made on July 7. The drills should be drawn at 9 inches apart, and should be 1 inch deep. Thin the plants as soon as they are large enough, leaving a space of 4 inches be- tween each plant. Hoe the surface soil frequently between the rows. Endive. — In order to obtain autumn and early winter supplies, seeds of the Endive known as Round Leaved Batavian should be sown in drills drawn at 18 inches apart. Transplant tile seed- lings to a sloping border as soon as the plants 20 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 9, 1910. are large enough to handle. Make another sow- ing a fortnight later in a position where protec- tion can be given during winter. If unhealed frames are available for them, the plants may be transplanted into the frames, where they can be grown without the frame-lights until the autumn frosts. If the plants are grown in this manner, they will not be so liable to damp off during the winter months as those removed to the pits after they have attained their full size. Broccoli. — Plants intended for furnishing a supply in late spring should be put out as soon as the ground is available for them, choosing an open situation where the soil is not excessively rich. The ground must be made very firm be- fore the plants are put out, as more failures are due to planting late Broccoli on loose, rich soil than from any other cause. A space of 30 inches is not too much to leave between the plants. Winter Tomatos. — :Sow seeds of Tomatos in a slightly heated pit. During germination and until the. plants are large enough for planting into 4-inch pots, they should be kept near to the glass. Later they should be potted into 10-inch pots and placed in a house where they can be given an abundance of air by day and night until they have set full crops of fruit. Following this stage the plants may be removed into warmer .quarters in quantities sufficient to maintain a sup- ply of fruits. By this method of culture. Tomatos may be had during the greater part of the winter without much trouble or expense. Place a stake to each plant as soon as it is potted and continue to remove all side shoots. The soil for this crop should consist of turfy loam three parts and leaf- mould one part. Suitable varieties are Ker- shaw's Premier and Winter Beauty. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. The East Indian house. — When suspended close up to the roof glass on the south side of this house, the Catasetums and Cycnoches thoroughly enjoy the warmth of the sun and as much light as it is possible to afford them without scorching the young foliage. Both species are now root- ing freely and making considerable progress with their new growth. They require to lie ex- amined almost every day, so that the best rooted plants and those which are pushing up flower- spikes may be supplied abundantly with water. Prevent water from lodging in the young growths and carefully examine the basts of the pseudci- bulbs for mealy bug, for if these insects once obtain a footing below the compost it is almost impossible to eradicate them until the potting season again comes round. As the Thunias pass out of flower, the plants should be placed in a cool house, such as a light vinery or Peach house, where they will be exposed to the sun- light. Any plants which have failed to bloom, and are still growing, should have the apical leaf of each growth pulled out so as to stop all further progress in this direction : the plants may then be treated similarly to those that have bloomed. After being placed in the drier atmosphere, the leaves are liable to become infested with red spider, but that pest is easily kept in check by laymg the plants down mi their sides about once a fortnight, and well syringing them with warm, strong, soft-soap and water. These plants will re- quire to be watered as long as the leaves remain fresh and green, but, when they commence to change colour, water should be withheld gradu- ally and the plants placed on a dry shelf where the night temperature is about 55°. The Dendrobiums are now growing vigorously. The best routed plants should be afforded abundance of water at the root and a gentle spraying with tepid soft water, well up under the leaves several times a day when the weather is warm and bright. The shading immediately over them should be removed a trifle earlier each afternoon, so as to gradually prepare them for the ripening process. Continue to tie up the young growths and cut off all badly spotted and decayed leaves. Such Habenarias as H. pusilla (militaris), H. :arnea, H. .Susanna?, H. intermedia, H. genicu- late, H. longibracteata, H. zambesina. and H. ugandse, which are now in full growth, should be placed well up to the roof glass in this house. Afford a moderate amount of shade, preserve a moist atmosphere around them, and keep them well supplied with water at the root till growth is finished and the flowers commence to open. Habenaria rhodocheila, being now at rest, should be placed in a rather more cool and drier atmo- sphere, where they may obtain moderate sun- shine to ripen the tubers. Examine them about once a week and water lightly those that are quite dry on the surface. Such deciduous Orchids as Lissochilus giganteus, L. purpurescens, L. arenarius, L. stylites, Eulophia nudans, E. Guineensis, Geodorum purpurescens, G. augus- tum, G. dilitatum, Habenaria goodyerioides, &c, that are in full growth, and some already show- ing their flower-spikes, should be kept thoroughly moist-at the root till the flowers are past and the growths commence to die down naturally. Place these plants in a light corner of the house and keep their immediate surroundings constantly saturated. Frames containing unrooted cuttings should be kept close and shaded, and the cuttings may be syringed until they have made roots. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicarv Gibbs, Aldenham House, Hertfordshire. Dahlia. — The recent showery weather has caused the Dahlias to grow exceptionally freely, therefore tying must be attended to promptly and the growths thinned out where neces- sary. In the case of Show varieties, the more prominent flowers must also be supported, or many of them will become broken down. Traps must be placed for earwigs. One of the best consists of lengths of broad Bean stalks dried in the sun, some being secured to the stake of the plant with a piece of raffia, and others placed in the foliage. The contents should be blown each morning into a bottle of water. Apply dressings of artificial manure during wet weather, and fork or hoe in lightly. Gladiolus. — Spikes of Gladiolus provide ex- cellent material for the embellishment of the house when placed in vases sufficiently large for the proper display of the large inflorescences. Where a large quantity is required, and the space necessary is available, it is desirable to devote a border to Gladioli entirely, planting them in rows, though, at the same time, nothing is more effective for the mixed border, or when massed for a bright display. Keep the surface soil aerated by the free use of the Dutch hoe, at the same time stirring in a sprinkling of manure. The plants are gross feeders, and during hot weather they require copious supplies of moisture and stimulants. Staking will lie necessary, but the tics must be made loosely, employing just sufficient to prevent the spikes from falling and the flowers from becoming damaged. Campanula. — Especially suited for massing in beds is C. persicifolia and its beautiful forms; also C. macrantha and the varietj alba ; ('. lati- folia, C. van Houttei. a fine hybrid, with long, blue flowers, and C. Burghatii. These require the spikes each secured to neat stakes. Clematis. — The herbaceous varieties of the Clematis are now flowering freely. They attain a height of from 4 feet to 5 "feet. C. erecta and its double variety make dense growth, and are now covered with a multitude of white flowers. ('. Pallasii is similar in habit, and has white flowers of a finer colour and much larger. C. Algeri has large, blue flowers, as also has C. integrifolia Durandii, hut of smaller size: C. Davidiana. a Chinese Bpecies, produces pale blue flowers of a beautiful form and sweetly scented. General worh- — The recent rains have afforded a good opportunity for rolling the drives and walks. Lawns also will derive much benefit if rolled lightly. Hedges of various description and any other shrubs formally trained may now be clipped. Low-growing plants used for car- peting in the bedding arrangements must be pegged down evenly, and the beds kept free from weeds by hand-pulling. Late-sown annuals will require thinning, and a further sowing of Mignonette may be made on a shady border. Remove all decayed flowers on Sweet Peas, to encourage growth and prolong their flowering period. The majority of the Rhododendrons have now passed out of flower, and these should have the seed-vessels removed. Quarters con- taining such plants as Phlox. Asters, Carnations, Pentstemons. &c, growing freely must be kept neatly tied, and the soil constantly stirred and ' 1 from weeds. Stocks of plants, such as Alpines, &c., especially if in small pots, will need less attention as to watering if plunged to the rims of the pots in ashes contained in frames. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. R. Searle, Gardener to the Marquis of North- ampton, Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. Summer pruning. — Continue to train-in the shoots upon Plum, Peach, and Pear trees, taking the opportunity at the same time to finally thin the fruits. Where Apples and Pears have set heavy crops, and it is desired to obtain specially fine fruits for exhibition or other purposes, the fruits should be thinned freely. Early varieties of Apples, such as Lady Sudeley. Worcester Pear- main, Irish Peach, Beauty of Bath, etc., fre- quently set heavy crops, but they fail to ripen fruits of sufficient size and quality for dessert purposes unless thinning is carried out. Protection of ripening fruits. — Means must be taken to protect all ripening fruits from birds, especially Currants, Cherries, or Gooseberries. Strawberry plants which have fruited and are not required for another season should be dug up and the ground cleaned immediately the crop has been removed. Make sure that "all fruits re- quired for preserving are quite dry at the time of gathering, otherwise they will be deficient in flavour and the jam will not keep well. Sweet Cherries. — As soon as the early varieties are cleared of their crops, the trees should be syringed vigorously with some approved insecti- cide to thoroughly cleanse the foliage, making sure that all parts of the w-ood and foliage are well, wetted with the mixture. Insect pests. — These have been unusually pre- valent this season, and have caused the ex- penditure of a large amount of labour. The worst have been the different species of cater- pillars. We have employed arsenate of lead freely on fruit trees and Roses, and it has de- stroyed a large number. Where trees are un- usually badly infested with caterpillars, it is al- most impossible to save the crop this season, but by persevering in the cleansing operations, a bet- ter state of things may be obtained next year. American blight. — Examine all trees likely to be attacked by the woolly aphis or American blight, and if any be found, rub the affected parts thoroughly with tile mixture recommended in a previous Calendar. Fruit room. — Keep this room well ventilated and as cool as possible so long as it contains any fruit. Later on. when there is little need for the fruit room, the opportunity should be taken to cleanse the whole structure thoroughly. If the building is of the old type, the walls should be lime-washed and the wood-work washed with hot, soapy water. After such treatment, the room will be ready for housing the fruit in autumn. Graftjt, — Examine all the newly-made growths, and if the scions are found to be growing freely, the ties must be loosened. See that the shoots are fastened securely to the stakes, or they will be damaged by winds. Remove any shoots or suckers that form below the point of union. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By John Donoghce, Gardener to Joseph Pickersgill, Esq., Bardon Hill, Weetwood, Yorkshire. Perpetual-fiowi rim/ Carnations. — The latest plants intended for flowering in the winter and spring should now be repotted for the last time. The earliest batch, which was potted some time ago, have become well rooted ; they may be given a top-dressing of some approved' chemical fer- tiliser and alternate waterings of clear soot- water. It is not desirable to pinch any of the flowering spikes later than the end of June, un- less the district is favoured with unusually good climatic conditions. Each shoot may now be looped to the centre stake, and further tieings must be attended to at regular intervals as the flowering spikes develop. Take every means to keep the plants free from aphides, which are fre- quently a great trouble at this season. Old stock plants that were treated according to previous directions, and are now growing in a border out- of-dcors, should now be furnishing flowers. Souvenir tie la Mahnaison Carnations. — The varieties of this type are now at their best, and the flowers are particularly grateful in their July 9, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 21 beauty 'and perfume. As the plants pass out of flower, the best of the one-year-old specimens may be reserved for repotting into larger pots for cultivation another season. For this pot- ting, a suitable compost is one consisting of yel- low, fibrous loam of a rather sandy nature, and used in a rough or lumpy state with a small quantity of peat, and sufficient lime rubble and coarse Bedfordshire sand to keep it porous. A quantity of broken charcoal may also be used for this purpose if it is thought desirable. Select clean pots, 8 to 10 inches in diameter, these being generally large enough for specimen plants, but the cultivator, in determining the size of the pot must be guided by the size and strength of the individual plant. It is necessary to make quite 6ure that a plant is moderately dry before affording fresh water to the roots. Attention must be given to the layering of stock for rais- ing plants in sufficient time to become estab- sunshine ; but at other times as much light should be admitted as possible, and to this end the glass should be kept perfectly clean. Chrysanthemums. — Cuttings intended for cul- tivation for decorative purposes must now be re- potted into their flowering pots. When this has been done, they should be placed at proper dis- tance from each other on an ash base in a sunny position out-of-doors. Frequent attention must be given to staking and tieing. The shoots should not be pinched after the middle of July, unless a contrary practice has proved satisfactory in the particular district. Winter-flowering plants. — Plants of various species which are being grown expressly for de- corative purposes in winter need constant atten- tion to watering, and, in some cases, rep will be necessary. Every means should be taken to induce the plants to make perfect specimens before autumn. in the case of rank growths, which would disturb the balance of the trees. A little fresh growth will tend to keep the roots active. Later trees. — The later trees will require con- siderable attention as regards tying and regu- lating the growths. Avoid overcrowding of the branches, removing any badly placed or useless growths. Ventilate the house freely in hot weather, admitting air sufficiently early on bright days to prevent scorching of the foliage. Fig trees in pots. — Any pot-trees which have been reserved for late cropping have been out of- doors up to the present, but they should now be placed in a light, airy house ; affix rims to the pots and apply a top-dressing. Maintain a moist, genial atmosphere without excessive heat, syringing the trees once or twice daily with a view to securing healthy young growth. These pot trees, with careful attention to cultural de- tails, will maintain the supply of r^e fruit well FlG. 7. HERBACEOUS PLANTS AT THE WARREN HOUSE, STANMORE. (See p. 22.) lished before winter. The layering process is best carried out in cool frames or pits. The most unsightly specimens are quite suitable for layering, provided that they have healthy growths. They should be plunged in a bed formed of half-decayed leaves, arranging the plants so that they are placed in a slanting posi- tion, in order that the growths may be the more easily layered into the soil. Pick off the leaves from the base, leaving from four to six pairs on each shoot. Make a clean, sharp cut upwards in the centre of the stem, long enough to allow the plant to be layered with the tongue open. The layers should be carefully pegged down into a sandy compost, and in about a month or six weeks they may be expected to be ready for pot- ting into small pots. Replace the lights upon the frames after the completion of the layering process, and keep the atmosphere rather close for a few days, providing shade during bright FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, G.C.B., Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket. Figs— Trees that were forced early will now be swelling their second crops. Very little fire- heat is necessary to maintain the requisite tem- perature at this season, consequently less damp- ing need be dune to preserve a moist atmosphere. Large, established trees absorb great quantities of moisture during hot weather, and, in some cases, it may be necessary to soak the borders several times weekly ; manure-water and soot- water should be applied to the roots occasionally. Syringing should be stopped when the " eye " of the fruit opens, as advised in previous Calendars. At this stage, a little air may be left on at the top of the house during the night. As the trees will be allowed to rest after ripening this second crop, it will be unnecessary to stop the young shoots after the fruit is cleared except into the winter. Allow each tree ample space and light so that it will make sturdy and well- developed growth ; give frequent applications of liquid manure, varied by sprinklings of some approved fertiliser mixed with a little fresh soil. Melons. — Plant successional plants as required to meet the needs of the establishment. About 12 weeks may generally be reckoned from the time of sowing the seed until the fruit is ripe, allowing a week or two more or less according to the season of the year. Ripe fruits may be kept in good condition for some time if cut and sus- pended in a cool and airy fruit-room. Avoid over- watering, especially during dull, cold weather. Less stimulants will be necessary than for plants growing in houses, since, owing to the atmo- spheric conditions not being so well under control, there is often a tendency for the plants to make much useless growth at the expense of their fruit- bearing qualities. 22 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 9, 1910. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on 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. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sendingto the Editors 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. Illustrations. - The Editors will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, jlowers, trees, &c, but they cannot be responsible for loss or injury. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, 1ULY 11- United Hort. Ben. Prov. Soc. Com. meet. TUESDAY, JULY 12- Nat. Sweet Pea Soc. Exh. at R.H.S. Hall, Westminster (2 days). Wolverhampton Floral Sh. (3 days). WEDNESDAY, JULY 13- Nat. Rose Soc. Sh. at Salisbury. Teddington Fl. Sh. Uxbridge Fl. Sh. Derby Agr. and Hort. Soc. Sh. (2 days). Portsmouth Fl. Sh. (2 days). Hereford and West of England Rose Sh. THURSDAY, JULY 14- Nat. Sweet Pea Soc. Inspection of Trials at Sutton Green. Fincbley Hort. Soc. Sh. .FRIDAY, JULY 15- Nat. Sweet Pea Soc. Inspection of Trials at Kelvedon and Mark's Tey. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 63°. -Actual Temperatures: — London. — Wednesday, July 6 (6 p.m.): Max. 59"; Min. 57°. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street. Covent Garden, London— Thursday, July 7 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 30 ; Temp. 59° ; Weather— Overcast. Provinces. — Wednesday, July 6; Max. 59" Mid- dlesex; Min. 50° Scotland N.E. Coast. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. "FRIDAY— Imported Cattleya Mossife, also established Orchids in variety, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.45. Ill our issue of June 11 last we Lime- referred to the injurious effects Sprays'^ °f Bordeaux mixture on the young foliage of some Apple trees in Kent, and suggested that in treating the more tender varieties, Especially where spot- ting of the fruit hy spraying is to be feared, it may be found advantageous to use lime- sulphur washes. It may be useful, therefore, to point out that Mr. W. M. Scott, the officer in charge of orchard-spraying experiments in America, has carried out a series of trials on the value -of lime-sulphur sprays as substitutes for Bor- ■deaux mixture. The results of Mr. Scott's ■experiments, published in Circular No. 54 of the U.S.A. Bureau of Plant Industry, indicate that lime-sulphur sprays are efficient substi- tutes for Bordeaux mixture in controlling leaf-spot and Apple scab ; but that they are less efficacious than the latter with respect to Apple blotch (Phyllosticta solitaria) and bitter rot. The solution recommended, as the result of extended trials, is one containing 4 lb. of sulphur to 50 gallons of water, which strength may, of course, be prepared from commercial lime-sulphur by the addition of water. It may be as well to repeat what has been mentioned in previous references to lime-sulphur washes, that they may be prepared by boiling lime and sulphur (2j lb. lime and 5 lb. sulphur) in a small quantity of water for about three- quarters of an hour, and making up to 50 gallons by adding water to the boiled prepara- tion. A further point established by Mr. Scott's experiments is the fact that the spray is rendered more useful by the addition of arsenate of lead at the rate of 2 lb. to 50 gallons of lime-sulphur solution. No damage to foliage or fruit results from the addition of this form of arsenical insecticide, whereas the addition of Paris green may cause damage to foliage and fruit. Though no formula can be guaranteed to be universally success- ful, Mr. Scott recommends, in places where scab is prevalent, spraying with lime-sulphur- arsenate of lead four times — (1) just before the flowers open, (2) as soon as the petals fall, (3) three to four weeks later, (4) six to seven weeks after the third spraying. By this spray-system, Apple scab, leaf-spot, and Codling moth are controlled. Where bitter rot (Glomerella rufomaculans) is prevalent, the spray-system should be modified, the lime- sulphur-arsenate-of-iead spray being used for the first two (or three) sprayings, and Bor- deaux mixture plus arsenate of lead being sub- stituted for the fourth spraying, and, if neces- sary, used for further spraying at intervals of two to three weeks. Mr. Scott has demonstrated that lime- sulphur sprays provide admirable means of protecting the Peach from Peach brown rot (Selerotinia fructigena) and scab (Clados- porium carpophilum), which fungi are re- sponsible for an enormous amount of damage to the fruit in America. He finds that both diseases are controlled by three sprayings with lime-sulphur solution, the first given three to four weeks after the petals fall, the second three weeks later, and the third about a month before the fruits ripen. The solution should be 8—8—50 self-boiled ; that is, 8 lb. of lime, 8 of sulphur, and 50 of water. If insect pests are feared, 2 lb. of arsenate of lead should be added. As our readers will remem- ber, a self-boiled lime-sulphur solution is one in which the heat generated by the mixing of lime and water is used instead of fire-heat in the preparation of the spray-fluid. It is best prepared in large quantities, say, enough for 200 gallons. For this, 32 lb. lime and 32 lb. sulphur are required. The quicklime is placed in a barrel and water added to cover it. As the lime begins to slake, add the sulphur, passing it through a sieve. Stir constantly, and add water enough to form, first a thick, then a thin paste. After the heat generated by the slaking lime has boiled the liquid for a few minutes, add water to cool. The concentrated solution thus obtained is strained into the spray tank, and diluted to the proper strength by the addition of water. Though it is too soon yet to dogmatise, we are of opinion that lime-sulphur sprays will prove of great value to the fruit-grower. Those growers who are experimenting with this mixture will be doing a good service if they will keep horticulturists informed, through the medium of these columns, of the results which they obtain. It is held generally that, of the Stinking smuts which affect cereals, some Smut. gain access to the plant in the seedling stage, and some actu- ally infect the developing embryos whilst they are still in the ear of the parent plant. In the former case the smut-spores, finding their way to the surface of the grains used for seed, are sown with that seed, germinate as the seed germinates and produce secondary spores, the germ tubes of which obtain access to the young plant. The preventive meas- ures adopted in such cases consist in steeping the seed in fungicides, which destroy, more or less thoroughly, the smut-spores adhering to the coats of the grains. Inasmuch as this method, to be successful, requires that the fungicide used shall not only destroy the smut-spores but shall leave the seed unin- jured, there is evidently plenty of room for experiment as to the relative values of different kinds of fungicides. Such a series of experiments has been con- ducted recently by Messrs. G. L. Sutton and R. G. Downing at the Cowra Experiment Station (Australia). The results, published in a recent issue of the Agricultural Gazette of New South Wales, should, if confirmed, prove of considerable value to the agricul- turist whose Wheat crop is liable to attack by stinking smut (bunt). The conclusion to which the experiments of Messrs. Sutton and Downing point is that a steep of 2 per cent, blue stone (copper sulphate), to which enough . salt is added to make a concentrated solution (about 33 per cent.), is more effective than any other in destroying the spores of the fungus, and is also less harmful to the seed. Thus, seed steeped in 2 per cent, copper sulphate and salt yielded .8 per cent, of bunty plants as against 2.5 per cent, yielded by seed steeped in the copper sulphate alone. More- over, the amount of seed destroyed by the copper sulphate and salt steep was only 8.7 per cent., whereas, after being 6teeped in copper sulphate only, the mortality among the Wheat seed was 30 per cent. We hope that further experiments with this mixture will be made, and that, not only as a steep, but also as a spray-fluid. Our Supplementary Illustration gives a view of the formal Dutch garden at the Warren House, Stanmore, the residence of Mrs. BiscHOFFSirEiM. The development of the estate has been carried out with a view to introducing as much variety as possible, consistent with the preservation of the old-time, sylvan beauties of the place. With the exception of the topiary gar- den, there are no strictly formal arrangements. The borders of hardy flowers (see fig. 7), Alpine garden, and the long stretches of flower beds around the golf links are de- lightful features, whilst the Rose garden, with its beautiful arrangement of Rambler Roses, in addition to those of other types, has been formed in the most natural manner possible, and, with a view to obtaining a variety of design. No greater contrast in garden scenery is possible than to pass through the Dutch garden, along the Pine walk, with its stately Pines towering over the clumps of Rhododendrons, to the woody glades which enclose the estate and are still in their pristine condition. Mr. McIntyre, the gardener at the Warren House, is an adept at topiary gardening, taking special interest in the work, but the many improvements which he has carried out in the grounds generally demonstrate that his interest in this form of gardening does not encroach on the many other duties connected with the man- agement of this extensive garden. A view of the dwelling-house is given in fig. 6. , July 9, 191C] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 23 Japan-British Exhibition.— As was stated last week, the Royal Horticultural Society sent a deputation, on the 30th ult., to award certain silver cups to garden exhibits shown by Japanese exhibitors at the Japan-British Exhibition. The cups were awarded to the following exhibi- tors : Mr. Keijiro Ozawa, Tokyo, for the design of the " Garden of Peace " and the " Garden of the Floating Islands " ; Mr. Hannosuke Izawa, Tokyo, for the construction of the " Garden of Peace " and the " Garden of the Floating Islands" ; the Tokio Yen, Sheiba Park, Tokyo, for the design and construction of two miniature gardens; the Yokohama Nursery Co., Yoko- hama, for a collection of dwarf trees in pots ; the Yokohama Nursery Co., Yokohama, for a specimen dwarf tree (Thuya obtusa, golden variety, 125 years old) ; Mr. S. Hayashi, Kioto, for a pair of bronze garden lamps ; Mr. Senker Agawa, Kioto, for an imitation dwarf Pine, used in ceremonies; Nippon Yusen, Kaisha, for a garden of artificial flowers ; the Girls' Technical School, Tokyo, for an arrangement of artificial flowers. Japanese Visitors atthe Holland House Show. — On Wednesday last the president and Council of the Royal Horticultural Society en- tertained at luncheon a number of Japanese horticulturists, together with other Japanese gen- tlemen holding official positions in this country. In proposing the toast of "Our Japanese Guests," Sir Trevor Lawrence referred to the cordial re- lations which exist between the Japanese and the people of this country. He stated that, al- though it had never been his good fortune to visit Japan, several of his intimate friends had done so, and it was with pleasure he had heard them speak of the most cordial welcome they had received in that country. The Japanese were a people of a sunny and happy nature, possessing a spontaneous gaiety of which we ourselves were ecarcely capable. They possess an intense love for their own country, a special attraction of those eastern islands being the beau- tiful scenery. The Japanese flora had contri- buted some of our most valued garden plants, including the beautiful Iris Ktempferi, which, he was informed, was cultivated as well in this coun- try as in Japan. The beautiful Wistaria adorned the walls of cottages in Britain, and, he thought nothing was more beautiful in art than a view of a Japanese teahouse enveloped in a gorgeous covering of Wistaria. Beside the Wistaria and Irises, Japan had given us many beautiful Azaleas, Maples, Styrax japonicum, Cryptomerias and other beautiful plants. Dr. Mano, who re- sponded, referred again to the good feeling which existed between British horticulturists and those in Japan, instancing the Japanese gar- dens at Shepherd's Bush as an alliance between Japan and this country. His own land supplied the idea and the plants, whilst Britain contri- buted the site and the materials for the build- ing of the rockery. The toast of the " Royal Horticultural Society " was proposed by his Ex- cellency the Japanese Ambassador. Mr. Takaaki Kato, who gave a resume of the work of the Society. Sir Daniel Morris replied to the toast with a capital speech. He was certain that when the future history of the R.H.S. was written no name would be more prominent than that of the present secretary, Rev. W. Wilks, whom all regretted was absent on this occasion through ill-health. Several of the most notable men in the scientific world, and especi- ally botanists, had been associated with their Society. Sir Joseph Hooker was still chairman of the Scientific Committee, and he was pleased to see with them Colonel Prain, Dr. Rendle, and Professor Bateson. The Society had insti- tuted a laboratory at Wisley for training their students in scientific horticulture, and their young men would no doubt be afforded an oppor- tunity to complete their studies at the Innes Horticultural Institution under the tuition of Professor Bateson. Sir Albert Rollit pro- posed the toast of the president, which was ac- cepted with acclamation. Flowers in Season. — Messrs. Wii. Paul & Sons have sent us blooms of some new Roses, in- cluding seedlings raised by them at Waltham Cross. The first place must be given to the variety named Juliet, a hybrid Briar of most attractive colouring. The distinctive character of the variety is found in the two dis- tinct shades on the inner and outer sides of the petals. The interior is coloured reddish-orange, the exterior being old gold. In addition, the flower possesses a beautiful form, and a charming fragrance. It is one of the most pleasing novelties amongst Roses, and is sure to become a popular variety. The others include the Hybrid Tea variety named Alice Cory-Wright, with large, pink blooms, very broad at the base, the tips of the petals in the unopened flowers narrowing to almost a point. As a bold, showy Rose, it will be valuable alike for the garden and the show bench, its robust growth providing an additional claim. Bianca is a Hybrid Tea variety with creamy- yellow base and rose-flushed tips, this colour ap- pearing very pretty in the centres of the buds. The blooms are somewhat narrow and long. Another beautiful. Hybrid Tea variety was seen in an unnamed seedling of purplish-rose colour. This has all the attributes of a good Rose, and will no doubt become a favourite in gardens. An unnamed H.T. seedling of purplish-rose colour was also very attractive. Sweet Pea Outings. — We are asked to remind our readers that on Thursday, the 14th inst., the members of the National Sweet Pea Society will inspect the trials of Sweet Peas at The Times Experimental Station, Sutton Green, near Guildford. The inspection will be followed by a visit to the gardens of Sutton Place, the residence of Lord and Lady Northcliffe. On the following Friday, there will be an outing to Messrs. Hurst & Son's trial grounds at Fering, Kelvedon, Essex, on the invitation of the presi- dent, N. N. Sherwood, Esq., V.M.H. ; and to Messrs. Dobbie & Co.'s nurseries at Mark's Tey, Exhibition of Forced Shrubs at Boskoop. — An exhibition of forced shrubs will be held at Boskoop in 1911, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Pomological Societ\ of 1'.' koop (Holland), the members of which formerly occupied themselves principally with the cultiva- tion of fruit trees, but have now for years past applied themselves almost exclusively to the growing of shrubs and Conifers. The principal firms of Boskoop and its environs will collabo- rate to make the exhibition thoroughly represen- tative of the great industry of the district, that of the cultivation of shrubs for forcing. The exhibition-building will occupy a surface of 2,600 square metres, and the show will take place in the first half of the month of April. The Potato Blight. — It is reported that the Potato blight has made its appearance in some districts in the west and south-west of Ireland, especially in the Charlestown district of county Mayo. Mr. Robert Newste ad, Lecturer in Economic Entomology and Parasitology at the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, and a member of the Entomological Research Committee of the Colo- nial Office, has gone to Malta to investigate the problem existing there of the menace to health by the sand-fly. Nursery Employes Outing.— The members of the newly-formed recreation club of Messrs. Barr & Sons held their first annual outing on Saturday, July 2, at Arundel. On their arrival, the members indulged in cricket and other amusements. Testimony was given at the lun- cheon to the good feeling which exists between the heads of the firm and the employes. The Cambridge Botanic Garden. — We doubt whether any English botanic garden — Kew, of course, always excepted — contrives to render such valuable services to science as the Cambridge Botanic Garden. That this is the case is due in large measure to the energy and breadth of view of the Curator, Mr. HtwiN Lynch. We learn from the brief annual report that the gardens have not only continued to supply enormous numbers of specimens — no fewer than 108,000 — for botanical purposes, but that they have rendered important aid also to the Reader in Forestry (Dr. Henry) and to the plant- breeding experiments which are being carried on by various members of the University. Nor, in rendering material assistance to the cause of science, does the Curator lose sight of the main functions of a botanic garden. Thus the list of " Plants of Special Interest " contained in the report demonstrates that the Cambridge Botanic Garden well maintains the interest of horticul- ture. Worms in Pots. — The Rev. Hilderic Friend, St. Asaph, Great Malvern, is preparing for the Ray Society a " Monograph of British Earth and Water Worms." Inasmuch as it is very desirable that accurate information should be supplied therein respecting the species which are harm- ful. .Mr. Friend will be greatly obliged if gar- deners and others will send him specimens of living worms for identification. The German Dendrological Association. — The programme of the 19th annual meeting of the German Dendrological Association has been completed, and includes items of considerable in- terest. The association will meet in Metz on August 6, and, after visiting Colombey, Lorry and Tignomont, they will proceed to Plantieres in order to inspect the arboretum of Simon Louis Freres. Thence the association travels to Nancy, paying a visit to Messrs. Lemoine & Sons' nursery, and so on to Maxeville, Malze- ville. On August 9 there will be an excursion to Montigny, and on the 10th the members of the association travel to Brussels and bring their excursions to a close on Friday, August 12, by a visit to the Royal Gardens at Laeken. Among the papers which will be read in the course of the meeting are the following: — "The Ulmacese in the Service of the Landscape Gardener," by Herr Schinabeck ; "The Germination-capacity of Seeds of Exotics Planted in Japan," by Herr Herre; and "Japanese Dendrology," by Herr Unger. Worshipful Company of Gardeners. — The members of this ancient livery celebrated, at a banquet on Friday, July 1, at the Savoy Hotel. Strand, the installation of the Master, Mr. Charles Bayer, who holds office for the second year in succession. The guests were seated at 15 separate tables, each of which was lavishly deco- rated with a distinctive flower by Messrs. Piper, of Bayswater. Speeches were made by Mr. Bayer, Mr. Sherwood, Mr. W. P. Hamilton, K.G, and Sir Thomas R. Dewar. In replying to the toast of "The Gardeners' Company and the Master," Mr. Bayer said his election to the office of Master of this ancient guild was one of the oroudest events of his life. 2'4 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 9, 1910. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Summer Exhibition at Holland House. July 5, 6.— The exhibition of the Royal Hor- ticultural Society, held on these dates in the Park at Holland House, Kensington, was the finest ever held in these grounds. It formed the 9th summer show of the Society, eight of which have been held at Holland Park and one in the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea,. With regard to the exhibits, it may be admitted that there were few outstanding novelties, but the general displays were of a very high standard of excellence. We may select for special mention Messrs. Wallace's Iris garden and rockery. Mr. Amos Perry's show of Delphiniums, Messrs. Sander & Sons' Orchids, Lord Aldenham's collec- tion of vegetables, Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons' collection of choice greenhouse and stove plants, and the Duke of Portland's exhibit of fruits. The Iris garden and rockwork designed by Messrs. Wallace displayed characteristics that are very seldom indeed associated with temporary exhibi- tions of this character, whilst the quality of the flowers borne by the Japanese Irises was remark- able. There were also many good displays of Orchids, Roses, Sweet Peas, Carnations, and fruit trees in pots. The Council awarded no fewer than 16 Gold Medals, and this fact alone affords some idea of the high quality of the exhibition. In addition to the plants, fruits, and vegetables, there was a very considerable display of implements and sundries employed in gardening operations. The Floral Committee granted one First-class Certificate and six Awards of Merit, and the Orchid Committee two First-class Certificates and three Awards of Merit. The Fruit and Vegetable Committee made no award to a novelty. At the luncheon offered to the Committees and judges on Tuesday, the President, Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., ex- pressed the indebtedness the Society owed to Mary Countess of Uchester for her exceeding kindness in lending her beautiful grounds for the exhibition, and he expressed regret that (he favour could not be expected in the future. The attendance on the first day was more satisfactory than on any previous occasion at Holland House, and. notwithstanding the threat- ening skies, there was no rain until 7 p.m. On the second day rain fell at intervals. Thanks are due to the secretaries, the superintendent, Mr. S. T. Wright, ai. 1 the Vincent Hall staff, in- cluding Mr. Frank Reader and Mr. Plowman, for their efforts to i :ake the arrangements as complete as possible. A matter over which they may have had no control, namely, the light-ex- cluding character of the canvas employed for the tents, called forth a great amount of criti- cism, whirli, we are bound to add, was per- fectly justifiable. On the second day of the ex- hibition a luncheon was given in honour of the Japanese horticulturists now visiting this coun- try in connection with the Japan-British exhi- bition. The proceedings are referred to on another page. Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall. Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs. W. Barr, J. F. McLeod. Jas. Hudson, F. Page Roberts (Rev.), Chas. Dixon, T. W. Turner, H. J. Jones, Herbert J. Cutbush, W. P. Thomson. E. H. Jenkins, W. J. James, G. Reuthe, John Green. Chas. T. Druery, W. G. Baker, James Walker. R. C. Reginald Nevill, W. Howe, and R. Hooper Peai i Groups of Plants. Messrs. James Veitch & Sons. King's Road, Chelsea, made a magnificent display with stove and greenhouse plants, the exhibit having a frontage of nearly 40 feet and a depth of 13 feet. This space was filled with choice ornamental- leaved species, set off by banks of Orchids, Kalanchoe flammea, Anthurium Scherzerianum, and Cannas. The beautiful colouring in the leaves of Antliuriums. C'aladiums, Codiceums. Dracaena Bruantii, Marantas (M. Sanderiana being especially fine). Begonia Rex, Helliconia illustris, Tillandsia Massangeana, Alocasia morte- fontainensis, and similar species was the subject of frequent remark. The group was broken by tall plants of Aralia Veitchii, and A. elegantis- sima, with superb examples of Nepenthes, the varieties Dr. John McFarlane, Diadem, and Cur- tisii superba being the best of these. Grouped about the base of the stands were plants of Solanum Wendlandii. It was a noteworthy dis- play in a tent of superb exhibits, the arrange- ments denoting a " master hand " in staging. Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, showed a batch of stove and greenhouse foliage plants. It was a beautiful display, there being choice specimens of Caladiums. Marantas, Dracaenas, Anthuriums, Acalyphas, Nephthytis picturata, Clerodendron fallax in bloom, Gloriosa Rothschildiana, and others of equal beauty, with edging of Nertera depressa and Bertolonias in variety. Messrs. R. & C. Cuthbert, Southgate, pre- sented a large group of greenhouse flowering plants and Roses. There were Liliums, includ- ing fine examples of L. lanciflorum album, Cras- sula coccinea, Verbena Miss Willmott. Hydran- geas, Humea elegans, and Spiraea Queen Alex- andra, blended in a fine arrangement, with a border of Marguerite Southgate, a compact, dwarf habited variety. Ferns. Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, The Nurseries, Upper Edmonton, made the largest exhibit of Ferns, having a grand display of the most ornamental stove and greenhouse varieties, all alike remarkable for the high culture they displayed. Notable plants were Gymnogramme flavescens var. Cordreyi, Platycerium Cordreyi, Polypodium Vidgenii (elegantly divided in the long pinnae), Nephrolepis Marshallii (the best of tin; plumose varieties of N. exaltata), Lomaria attenuata (showing tinting in the young fronds), Adiantum cardiochlaena, and Nephrolepis elegan- tissima compacta. In another tent, Messrs. May showed hardy Ferns in variety. Mr. H. N. Eli. islin. West Bromwich, showed varieties of Ferns, having a good selection of ili coral ive sorts. Roses. Messrs. Wm. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire, had a magnificent display. It was arranged in the largest tent, and was a veritable bed of Roses, all of magnificent quality, with sufficient Weeping and Rambler plants to afford relief. The blooms were arranged in baskets, each with one variety only, so that the merits of the flowers could be well observed. In the centre was a stand of the inimitable Juliet (see fig. 9) that received a First-class Certificate. Others of greai beauty were Warrior. Mme. Ravary, Liberty, Lady Ashtown, Belle Siebrecht, Joseph Low, Lyon Rose and Laurent Carle. Messrs. Paul & Son, the Old Nurseries, Ches- hunt, showed a large and glorious display of Roses, having a back row of Rambler kinds, which encroached towards the front in the centre. The main display was of beautiful bunches of large H.T., T., and H.P. kinds. Shower of Gold is a pretty variety suitable for massing, appa- rently of the Wichuraiana type. The H.T. Mar- quise de Sinety is charming in both shape and colouring, which is gold flushed with rose. Mr. Chas. Turner, Slough, staged standard Roses of Polyantha varieties, having a number of vases beneath containing large-flowered sorts. Some Ramblers were trained umbrella-fashion, those of Dorothy Perkins being especially pretty. The vases contained a good selection of popular kinds and a few novelties, including a velvety- red variety named Mrs. G. Henslow. Mr. Turner had also a bank of Carnations, the variety Mrs. Trelawny, a " Malmaison " ap- proaching a scarlet shade, being shown in large numbers as a centrepiece, with Maggie Hodgson, Old Blush, Thora (white), and Princess of Wales. Lady Middleton is a pretty pink variety striped with darker pink. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, staged Gerberas, Hydrangeas, Metero- sideros floribunda, and an exquisite exhibit of Roses. The Roses were beautifully displayed, not so thickly as to cause confusion, and with re- lief of Adiantum Ferns between. Such beauti- ful sorts as Richmond, Mme. Abel Chatenay, Lyon Rose, Frau Karl Druschki, Harry Kirk (creamy-yellow), Betty, Mme. Segond Webber, and Countess of Gosford were prominent in the display. Adjoining the Roses, the same firm showed an equally fine display of Carnations, set up with much taste. The new coppery-red " Malmaison " Lady Mary Hope was con- spicuous. Others shown finely were Princess of Wales, The Colonel (cherry-red), Maggie Hodg- son, Irene (a fine pink Malmaison), and Sir Evelyn Wood (of a deeper pink than the last- named). Messrs. Hobbies, Ltd., Dereham Nurseries, Norfolk, showed an imposing group of pillar Roses as standard, weeping, bush and balloon- trained plants. They had also blooms of Tea, Hybrid Tea, and other large varieties along the front of the exhibit, the wdiole being relieved with Adiantum Ferns. Roses were well shown by Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons, Colchester, the season being ex- ceptionally favourable for Roses out-of-doors. Such beautiful sorts as Capt. Hayward, Lyon Rose, Mrs. T. Roosevelt, Avoca, Suzanne Marie Rodocanachi, Mrs. John Laing and Hugh Dick- son were displayed in large batches with numerous other sorts. In the centre was a note- worthy stand of the beautiful semi-double Rose du Barri, of the shade indicated by the name. Lady de Bathe, cream, flesh-tinted, is a new variety. The King's Acre Nursery Co., Heref id. made a bold display with Roses, having tall epergues filled with choice blooms. Two of the finest noticed were Liberty and General Ale- Arthur. Messrs. R. Harkness & Co.. Hitchin, dis- played a selection of Roses, having epergues filled with choice sorts, from which, at the back, were arranged arches of trailing kinds. Messrs. Geo. Jackman & Son, Woking, showed a big batch of Roses, amongst which we noticed beautiful examples of Marquise de Sinety, Irish Elegance, Lady Ashtown, Countess of Gosford, Harry Kirk, Mme. Melanie Soupert, and others of equal beauty. Messrs. Alex. Dickson & Sons, Newtownards, showed Roses of superb quality, having bold vases of such elegant sorts as Mrs. Arthur Mnnt. Dorothy Page-Roberts, Theresa, Mrs. Leonard Petree.' Mrs. Foley Hobbs, Mrs. Fred. Straker, and Viscount Carlow. .Messrs. Hugh Dickson & Son, Belfast, also showed some admirable Roses, in which the beau- tiful whits single kind named Elegans was a pro- minent feature. They had an epergne filled with a fine dark-coloured Rose named Leslie Holland, also stands containing good blooms of Mrs. P. II. Coats, Frank Thorpe, Miss Cynthia Forde, Lady Pirrie, and several others of merit of their own raising. Messrs. Frank Cant & Co., Colchester, also showed Roses finely, having many boxes filled with blooms of one variety, none being more beautiful than the popular Lyon Rose. Carnations. Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son. Highgate, Lon- don, N., filled one corner of the large marquee with a charming exhibit of Carnations set in a ground of Polyantha Roses, backed with Codiaeums, Palms, Cordylines, Bamboos, and green foliage plants. They showed their large- flowered Carnation named after Lady Coventry, also the beautiful Mercia (salmon). Lady Nim- burnholme (orange-red), Marmion. Enchantress, Lady C. Waring (a yellow-ground fancy), King Arthur (scarlet variety, exceptionally fine). Countess of Onslow (mauve and pink, with a beautiful scent). The Queen (terracotta, a choice display of this charming sort), Dragut (scarlet), Maggie Hodgson (the darkest of the Malmaison section), and many more. Amongst the Roses we noticed Jessie, a Polyantha variety, with July 9, 1910.] THE GA RDENERS CNR 0 Nl CLE. scarlet flowers. The disposition of the subjects in the group was very cleverly achieved. Mr. Chas. Blick, The Warren Nurseries, Hayes, Kent, showed border, tree, and Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnations. Amongst the bor- der kinds we noticed John Knox (crimson- maroon). Oriel (a fancy, with orange-red suffu- sion), John Ruskin (a "rose-edged yellow-ground l'icotee), Micawber (a mauve and yellow fancy), Mrs. K. Martin Smith (white, very fine), Path- finder (a crimson fancy), and David Abercrombie (a large bloom with rose and yellow ground). There was also a vase of seedling varieties, amongst which were many good things as yet un- named. Mr. C. Engelmann, Saffron Walden, staged vases of Carnations, in which the dark-crimson Carola figured prominently. There were, be- sides, excellent blooms of Enchantress, Aristo- crat, Mrs. T. W. Lawson, Victory, Winona, Pink Delight, and many more. A splendid group of Carnations, mainly com- prised of Souvenir de la Malmaison varieties, was shown by C. F. Raphael, Esq., Porter's Park, Shenley (gr. Mr. A. Grubb). In the middle of the group, was a bank of plants of King Oscar variety, and in rows outside this were Lady Mary Hope, Britannia. Princess of Wales, Lady Coventry, and other popular kinds. The plants had as many as ten or ;i du/.en good blooms on each ; one-year-old specimens of Britannia had almost as many blooms. Mr. H. Burnett, Guernsey, showed Carna- tions, having an imposing display of these beau- tiful flowers in nearly all the popular sorts. Displays of Carnations were also shown by Mr. Bertie E. Bell, Guernsey ; Mr, H. Lakeman, Thornton Heath. Surrey ; Mr. A. F. Dutton, Iver, Buckinghamshire ; E. J. Johnstone. Esq., Groombridge, Kent (gr. Mr. A. T. Paskett) ; Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Bath; varieties of Roses and Delphiniums were associated in this exhibit. Begonias and Gloxinias. Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon, Twerton Hill, Bath, seemed to eclipse ;ill their former efforts in displaying Begonias. They had a most mag- nificent exhibit of these plants, the large speci- mens having many fine blooms on each. In front were suspended baskets of trailing kinds, such as Mis. Bilkey. Carminia, Alice Manning, Gladys, and Fleur de Chrysantheme ; which was the most beautiful of these it would be difficult to estimate. In the main group weir many lovely frilled flowers in most charming shades. A selection of tuberous-rooted Begonias was also displayed by Mr. A. Ll. Gwillim, Cambria Nursery, New Eltham, Kent. Avalanche (white). Evening Glow (rosy-red), Sultan (red- dish-orange). Mrs. H. Harris (salmon), and Mar- garet Gwillim are a selection, Messrs. Thos. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, showed Begonias of excellent quality. They also suspended baskets of trailing sorts in front de- pended from tall, iron standards. The quality of these tuberous-rooted Begonias was of a high standard, and it was regrettable the heavy can- vas of the tent did not allow the tints to be seen to the best advantage. Nothing could surpass the exquisite variety of soft-pink tint named after Lady Cromer ; cristata flora plena is a crested kind of salmony-rose tint, Mary Pope (white). Lady Faudel Philips, Sonning Joy, Car- mine, Mrs. A. P. Brandt (flesh-tinted), and Miss Beatrice Pardy (white) are a few of the more notable sorts displayed. Messrs. John Peed & Son, West Norwood, showed a bank of Carnations and a fine group of Caladiums. Of these latter plants, there were large, well-coloured examples of W. E. Gladstone (reddish, with lighter veins), Candidum (silver, with green veins), Mrs. Harry Veitch (rose, green and silver), Henry Dixon (pale greenish, spotted with red), and other well-known sorts. Messrs. John Peed also exhibited a batch of Gloxinias set in a bank of Ferns and Asparagus foliage. Miscellaneous Plants. Messrs. James Veitch & Sons had a varied and imposing display of greenhouse flowering plants. It formed a showy and attractive ex- hibit, the high quality of the plants, many of which were new, being a notable feature. The flowers of the various subjects provided a wide range of colours that gave opportunity for skil- ful staging. Thus a bank of yellow Calceolaria Clibranii was faced with the blue-flowered Sollya Drummondii, in front being a free-flowered Hibiscus named subviolescens. The Streptocar- pus were magnificent ; there were also Kalan- choe flammea, Solanum Wendlandii, a bank of Cannas with beautiful E.xacum macranthum most profusely bloomed; also Gloxinias, a large group of Carnations, and splendidly-grown Fuchsias, some of these being standard plants. Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree (gr. Mr. Ed. Beckett), showed a comprehensive collection of Cape Pelargoniums. Messrs. Sander & Son, St. Albans, exhibited a group of their new Marguerite Mrs. F. San- der, that well sustained the high reputation this novelty gained at the Temple Show. Mr. Vincent Slade, Taunton, showed Zonal Pelargoniums in variety. M. Emile Vercauteren. Melle Ghent, Bel- gium, showed a variegated Dracama named Sou- venir de Francois Buysse. Fig. 8. — delphinium " lamartinii." (Award of Merit at Holland House Show.) Messrs. Godfrey & Sons. Exmouth, showed a new Amaranthus named tricolor, show and Regal Pelargoniums, Solanum Wendlandii, and a selec- tion of Sweet Peas. Messrs. Geo. Jackman & Son, Woking, exhi- bited a group of Clematis of large-flowered varie- ties of the Jackmanii type, and a few species. Amongst the more showy varieties were La France, lavender-blue ; Jean d'Arc, white ; Ville de Lyon, a rich shade of claret-red ; Lady C. Neville, lavender ; C. montana rubens and C. flammula rosea purpurea. Messrs. H. J. Jones, Ltd., Lewisham, dis- played Zonal Pelargoniums and their new white Sweet Pea named Beatrice Stevens. Mr. W. H. Page, Tangley Nursery, Hampton, displayed an imposing group of Carnations in- terspersed with bold bunches of Lilium longi- folium and having a row of Rambler Roses at the back. The Roses were magnificently flowered, especially those of the varieties Blush Rambler and Dorothy Perkins. Amongst the Carnations we noticed a new variety of the Souvenir de la Malmaison type named Charles Darwin. Mr. Page also displayed large plants of his new scarlet Zonal Pelargonium named His Majesty. Mr. Frank Lilley, Guernsey, displayed a large group of Gladioli, including the new variety King Edward VII. He also showed Brodiaeas and Ismeme calanthina grandiflora. Colonel LockwooDj Romford, Essex (gr. Mr. G. Cradduck), exhibited a group of Trachelium cceruleum. Vivian Phillips, Esq., Orpington (gr. Mr. T. Hobbs), staged a group of Petunias. Messrs. Carter Page & Co., 53, London Wall, London, showed a big collection of Dahlias, prin- cipally of Cactus-flowered varieties, also bunches of Zonal Pelargoniums, and an assortment of Violas and Pansies. Sweet Peas. These flowers were very numerous, some of the leading growers having extensive collec- tions. One of the most noteworthy exhibits was made by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, "Reading, who displayed nearly 200 varieties, all in first class condition. These occupied a table opposite to their exhibit of culinary Peas, between them being a pergola entwined with Smilax, and hav- ing dainty bunches of Sweet Peas hanging from the middle in baskets. Besides a selection em- bracing most of the standard varieties, they had numerous seedlings. One of these, shown under No. 323, was of great promise. The flowers are a shade of rose on a white ground. Another large exhibit of these flowers was made by Miss Hemus, Upton-on-Severn. The varieties in this exhibit were mainly of Miss Hf.mus's raising, several of which are exceed- ingly popular. There were also several novelties, some of which we have already noted in our ac- counts of previous exhibitions this year. Messrs. S. Bide & Sons, Farnham, showed a representative collection of Sweet Peas, having excellent vases of well-known varieties. Messrs. James Carter & Co., Holborn, made an attractive display of Sweet Peas in their special tent, where they had also some fine Begonias, well-flowered Gloxinias, big blooms of Streptocarpus, coloured Spiraeas, with Humea elegans, Palms, Ferns,' and other greenery for rel.ef, the whole constituting a pretty display. Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Edinburgh, and Mark's Tey, Essex, showed a comprehensive collection, including their novelties Sunproof Crimson. Edron Beauty, and Isabel Malcolm. Besides these they showed a great number of new and standard sorts, amongst which were large, finely- coloured flowers of Etta Dyke. Masterpiece (rosy- lavender), Mrs. Chas. Foster, John Ingman (shown superbly), James Grieve, Evelyn Hemus, Nora Unwin, Mrs. A. Ireland and Rosie Adams. Messrs. G. Stark & Son, Great Ryburgh, Nor- folk, showed a bold group of their rose-red variety named Maggie Stark, also a fine white kind named Florence Wright, as well as a general col- lection. Messrs. Jarman & Co., Chard, exhibited a big batch of their new variety of Sweet Pea named Mrs. Townsend, in conjunction with their display of Centaureas and Carnations. The Sweet Pea is tinted mauve on a white ground. Messrs. E. W. King & Co., Coggeshall, had an extensive display of Sweet Peas, such choice sorts as Evelyn Hemus, Ellen Lewis, Cerise Paradise, and Sunproof Crimson being conspicuous. Messrs. John King & Sons, Coggeshall, dis- played a very large assortment of Sweet Peas in excellent condition. Mr. Robert Sydenham & Co., Birmingham, showed a particularly fine collection of Sweet Peas, Sunproof Crimson, Cerise Paradise, and Evelyn Hemus being the more notable varieties. Messrs. G. Stark & Son, Norfolk, and W. J. Unwin. Cambridgeshire, also had extensive dis- plays of these flowers. Messrs. Whiteiegg & Page, Chislehurst, showed a small collection of high-class varieties. Other exhibitors of Sweet Peas included Sir Rwdolph Baker, Bart., Blandford; Mr. C. W. Breadmore, Winchester; Messrs. Godfrey & Sons, Exmouth; E. J. Johnstone, Esq., Groombridge (gr. Mr. A. T. Paskett) ; and Messrs. Relway & Sons, Langport. 26 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 9, 1910. Habdy Plants. Hardy plants were, as usual, exhibited in great numbers, and two displays in this section, namely, those of Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Colchester, and Mr. Amos Terry, Enfield, were of unusual interest. Messrs. Wallace's group comprised an Iris garden, with a stream of water, and, on one side, a broad terrace of flagstones, backed by a wall garden decorated with choice, hardy flowers. The most-pleasing portion of the display was the Iris garden. It consisted of a gorgeous display of I. Kaempferi, with a stream of water cleverly disposed through the centre, and spanned in parts with weather- worn stones. At the back, were banks of Spiraea palmata, Bamboos, Ferns, and Palms. In the water floated gorgeous -coloured Nymphseas, the banks being turfed in a natural manner. Where the water terminated overhung a tall plant of Wistaria multijuga alba, in a comparatively small pan, as imported from Japan. Here com- menced a broad, flagged terrace, and, at the back of this, about the middle, was a stone seat, with sweet-scented plants all around it. Overhanging the seat were tall spikes of Eremuri, principally Shelford hybrids, Ldiums, and other tall-grow- ing subjects. So cunningly had the whole been conceived and executed that it gave the im- pression of a portion transported bodily from some old-time garden, and even the 6tones them- selves had the appearance of age. Mr. Amos Perry, Hardy Plant Farm, Enfield, filled a large tent entirely with Delphiniums, staging from 25,000 to 30,000 spikes of these handsome flowers. The arrangement was that of irregular grouping throughout, and, although under canvas, was attended with very consider- able success. Among the more conspicuous varieties we noted Lizzie, Sir George Newne-s, King of Delphiniums, Duke of Connaught, Amos Perry, Lamartine, Blue Fendre, La France and Mme. Violet Geslin. Messrs. Wm. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, dis- played an extensive exhibit of hardy things, prominence being given to a group of hybrid Eremuri, the result of crosses between E. Shel- ford, E. Bungei and others. Iris laevigata, I. aurea, English Irises in variety with Lilies of many kinds, Achillea Cerise Queen (the showiest of the Mill foil group), Senecio macrophylla, Potentillas and Campanulas were shown in large numbers, a few hardy Sarracenias appearing at the margin of the water. Richardia Solfaterre, having yellow flowers with a dark-coloured base, was also very fine. Messrs. G. & A. Clark, Ltd., Dover, showed a fine group of hardy flowering plants, of which Delphinium Alake, D. King of Delphiniums, and the new Geum Mrs. J. Bradshaw were prominent features. Very striking, too, was a big, central group of the scarlet Gilea coronopifolia, which afforded a blaze of colour. Many other choice Alpine plants and shrubs were noticed in the exhibit. Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden, London, arranged a large bank of early Gladioli, Delphi- niums, English Irises, Iris aurea, Lilies, Antir- rhinums, and other seasonable plants, making a showy group. Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, dis- played a particularly fine array of hardy flowers, of which Delphiniums constituted a leading fea- ture. Of these the most conspicuous was the new variety Rev. E. Lascelles, a flower of intense blue colouring with a pure white centre. Shy- lock and Media are others possessing desirable characteristics, the first-named variety, with its dark stems, affording a distinct effect. Alake and Bassanio were also prominent in a large collec- tion of these flowers. Astilbes, Campanula lac- tiflora, Iris Monspur, and other seasonable things were also remarked. Mr. Clarence Elliott, Stevenage, Hertford- shire, had a particularly interesting and showy rockery, arranged with choice Alpines, includ- ing Campanula pulla, C. Stansfieldii, C. pumila pallida (very fine), C. pulloides, Epilobium obcor- datum (a mass of rosy blossoms 4 inches high), Oxalis enneaphylla, Dianthus Atkinsonii, and several Androsaces. Mr. A. Upton, the Guildford Hardy Plant Nursery, staged many good and interesting plants, of which the Veronicas were a feature. Thalictrum "'} Delav'ayi, Scabiosa ochroleuca, Crinums, and other things 'were also noted. Mr. R. C. Notcutt, Woodbridge, Suffolk, had a large exhibit of herbaceous plants, Irises, and flowering shrubs, the first-named embracing a large variety of seasonable flowers. Mr. B. Ladhams, Shirley, Southampton, had a group of Campanula persicifolia alba coro- nata, together with perpetual-flowering Pinks, Scabiosa caucasica, and other good species. Messrs. R. H. Bath & Co., Ltd., Wisbech, showed Delphiniums and other herbaceous plants in variety, the first-named in a choice assort- ment. Mr. G. Reuthe, Keston, Kent, had one of his notable displays of Alpines, choice shrubs, and herbaceous plants, the whole constituting an exhibit of much interest. Of Campanulas alone there was quite a number. C. Raddeana, C. cenisia, C. Stansfieldii, C. barbata alba, C. gar- ganica in several varieties ; C. pulloides, C. G. F. Wilson, and others being remarked. Rhododen- drons hirsutum and saphnoides, Mitraria coc- cinea, Philesia buxifolia, Abelia floribunda, with !ieing a towering example of Lilium giganteum,. the pendent white, crimson-stained trumpet, flowers attracting much notice. Rarely indeed have we seen this plant exhibited better. Orchis- foliosa was also good. Messrs. W. & J. Brown, Peterborough, dis- played Gaillardias and Scabiosa caucasica among many other garden plants. Mr. H. Hemsley, Crawley, Sussex, set up a rockery exhibit of large size, planting it freely with Alpines, dwarf shrubs, and hardy Ferns. Messrs. G. Mallett & Co., Cheddar, arranged a bank of Alpine and herbaceous plants. Lilium candidum was very good in the centre of the group ; while Campanula Burghaltii, C. Hendersonii, C. pusilla, Dianthus graniticus (a mass of rosy blossoms and apparently nearly allied to D. deltoides) were other choice plants noticed in this group. Messrs. Pulham & Sons, Elsenham, Essex, Fig. g. — rose "juliet," as shown at Holland house. (Awarded a First-Class Certificate.) Irises, hardy Heaths,, and Wulfenia Amherstii made up a most interesting collection. Messrs, Whitelegg & Page, Chislehurst, had an imposing group of Campanulas and Larkspurs. Messrs. J. Godfrey & Co., Exmouth, showed a fine strain of Canterbury Bells in many shades of colour. Messrs. Geo. Jackman & Son, Woking, had an extensive group of choice Lilies. Alstromerias, Scabiosa caucasica, white and coloured Delphi- niums, Iris Kaempferi, and other plants. Messrs. Bees, Ltd., Liverpool, showed some of their new Primulas, introduced by the firm from China, of which the curious P. littoniana and the golden orange-coloured P. Bulleyana constituted the most noteworthy. Messrs. Geo. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, had a large group of seasonable herbaceous subjects chiefly shown as cut flowers, an exception arranged a small rock-garden exhibit planted with choice Alpines. Misses Hopkins, Shepperton-on-Thames, ar- ranged an extensive rockery or Alpine bank, on which was planted a choice assortment of Saxi- fragas, Sedums, Dianthi, Campanulas, Edelweiss, and many more. Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport, showed an extensive display of Delphiniums. Lord Lytton, very dark in colour, The Shah, with double flowers of an intense Royal purple colour, and Sir John Forrest, dark blue with a white centre, were the more conspicuous varieties. Messrs. Wm. Artindale & Son, Sheffield, staged an extensive collection of Violas and Pan- sies, having a long table filled with an assortment of the best varieties. Mr. M. Piuchard. Christchurch, Hants.," ar- ranged a water-garden in conjunction with a July 9, 1910. J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 27 general "display of herbaceous plants. A pool was planted with Nympha?as, whilst around were planted Astilbes, Spiraeas, Gunneras, and Iris laevigata in variety. Alstromerias, many species and varieties of Lilium, Isatis glauca (a cloud of golden blossoms), a lovely patch of Dianthus Atkinsonii, with Eremuri, and much more afforded bright banks of colour. Messrs. Alfred Waters & Co., Bath, had a lovely display of Delphinium Rev. E. Lascelles, with flowers of the deepest blue and white. Mr. Howard Crane, Highgate, N., had a most charming display of Violettas. The varie- ties Clitoris, Diana, Claribel, Sweetness, Queenie, all raised by Mr. Crane, were among the more distinct sorts. AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Rose Juliet (see fig. 9.) — This extraordinary variety was given an Award of Merit on July 20, 1909, when shown by Messrs. W. Paul & Son. The Committee now recommended that the award should be raised to a First-class Certi- ficate on account of the distinctness and attractive- ness the flowers exhibit. The petals are bright red on the inner surface and buff on the reverse, the effect being unique. The fine colour, how- ever, is not the only good quality this Rose possesses, for its fragrance is sufficient to dis- tinguish it" from most of the newer varieties. (Shown by Messrs. W. Paul & Son.) Awasds of Merit. Begonia Mrs. W . L. Ainslie. — This tuberous- rooted Begonia is remarkable for its exceedingly rich, buttercup-yellow-coloured flowers, which in size are almost equal to the largest in modern collections. (Shown by Messre. Blackmore & Langdon.) Delphinium Belladonna semi plena.- — In the section of dwarf-growing Delphiniums suit- able for bedding purposes, this variety is on© of the most pleasing in tint. The flowers are nearly double, and in colour pale, azure blue, with mauve in the centre. Shown by Mr. Amos Perry.) Delphinium Lamarlinii (see fig. 8). — This dwarf-growing variety has deep-purple flowers, and its effect when massed is described as excel- lent. (Shown by Mr. A. Perry.) Gladiolus Edward VII. — This variety belongs to the early-flowering section, being the result of a cross between Crimson Queen and Ardeus. The flowers are very large and spreading, and the colour is brilliant red with a shade of orange in it, the three lower segments being marked with purple and silver. (Shown by Mr. Frank Lilley, Guernsey.) Rose Mrs. Foley Hobbs— This new H.T. variety from Messrs. Ales. Dickson & Sons, was much admired. The flowers are large, and in their form exhibit much refinement. They are white, with just a suspicion of sulphur shade in all the petals, also of flesh tint in the centre, as the young petals open. The older petals are very large and shell-like. Rose Mary Countess of Ilchester. — A first-class variety of the H.T. type in a colour section that needs strengthening with new sorts. The flowers are large, possess fine, prominent centres, and the colour is deep rose with slight violet shade. It is one of the very best Roses distri- buted last season by Messrs. Alex. Dickson & Son. Orchid Committee. Present : Harry J. Veiteh, Esq. (in the Chair) ; and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), J. Gurney Fowler, E. Ashworth, H. Ballantine, F. Sander, H. J. Chapman, J. Charlesworth, Gurney Wilson, H. Little, H. G. Alexander, de B. Crawshay, W. P. Bound, A. Dye, F. M. Ogilvie, W. Thomp- son, W. Cobb, W. H. Hatcher, R. G. Thwaites, W. Waters Butler, W. Bolton, H. A. Tracy, C. J. Lucas, and W. H. White. At the entrance of the large tent on one side, Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, staged a magnificent group, which contained a large pro- portion of exceptionally fine novelties, one of which, Miltonia vexillaria Lambeauiana, secured a First-class Certificate, and three other plants gained Awards of Merit. The elevated cen- tre of the group was of white Phalaenopsis nmabilis Rimestadiana, with the rosy-tinted spikes of Dendrobium Phalaenopsis ming- ling with them ; the front being of a general selection of good species, including Angu- loa Ruckeri and other Anguloas ; some interesting Bulbophyllums, of which B. virescens was the largest; and on each side exceptionally fine varieties of Cattleya Mendelii, the floriferous and richly-coloured C. Warscewiczii Sanderiana, several Odontiodas, including the new 0. St. Fuscien. One of the most beautiful in the group, was Vanda coerulea var. Princess Juliana, a model flower of perfect shape and fine substance, the segments veined with violet-blue, the lip wholly violet. Near it, wasa good example of the natural hybrid V. Mooreana and various other Yandas and Aerides were included. At the ends, were were distinct in their classes. Other fine plants were, Miltonia St. Andre superba, Sophro-Cattleya Danae, Phalaenopsis Sanderiana, Cypripedium A. Dimmock, &c. Of pretty little species, Cirrhopetalum Roxburghii, Epidendrum Medusae and other Epidendrums ; the rare little Orchis monophylla, with fleshy leaf blotched with purple, and a large number of curious plants. H. S. Goodson, Esq., Fairlawn, Putney, ar- ranged a small group made up of hybrid Odontoglossums, 0. Lambeauianum St. David being a very fine flower ; two very handsome Cattleya F. W. Wigan ; C. Gaskelliana Mrs. Fig. io. — gladiolus "king edward vii." : colour, brilliant red with silvery markings on lower segments. (Award of Merit at Holland House Show.) a fine selection of Laelio-Cattleyas, the forms of L.-C. bletchleyensis being specially good and varied in tint from rose and purple to bronzy- orange with claret-coloured lip. Hybrid Odon- toglossums were well displayed. Of new plants, Laslio-Cattleya lucida (L.-C." Phoebe x C. War- scewiczii); Miltonia vexillaria King George V., with a large, blush-tinted flower, having purple markings at the base of the lip ; Cattleya Mossiae Wageneri Purity, a good pure-white flower ; and C. Dupreana (Warneri X Warscewiczii) Goodson, white, with a small purple spot on the lip ; several Odontiodas, &c. Mr. E. V. Low, Vale Bridge, Haywards Heath, staged a small group having in the centre a number of well-flowered specimens of Cypripedium callosum Sanderoe. With them were C. H. Ballantine, C. Gaskelliana alba, C. Mossiae alba, some good C. Mendelii, C. Eldorado alba, Cypripedium Godefroya; leucochilum, &c. Messrs. Mansell & Hatcher, Rawdon, Leeds, came next with a beautifully-arranged group, in 28 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 9, 1910. which the Cattleyas of the season were well represented. The centre was of fine forme of C. Warscewiczii, mingled with showy Odonto- glossums, fine examples of Miltonia vexillaria, including the distinct variety chelseiensis, and a fine, white-lipped variety, M. Bleuana, and some bright-scarlet Odontiodas. On each side, were a number of plants of the reddish-scarlet Renan- thera Imschootiana, with Odontoglossums and fine Cattlevas, the ends being of Laelio-Cattleyas, hybrid Cattleyas, Odontoglossums, &c. Promi- nent in the group were twro examples of the new Dendrobium Sanders, with sprays of fine, white flowers, having some purple lines in front of the emerald-green base of the lip. A batch of the handsome and fragrant Oncidium Lanceanum ; a fine form of 0. macranthum, with some purplish markings on the petals ; the dark-coloured Maxil- laria nigrescens ; two clear-white Cattleya Mossiae Wageneri, with several scarlet Odontioda Bradshawia? ; some showy hybrid Cattleyas, and Laelio-Cattleyas, Cypripedium Parishii, and other Cypripediums ; Brasso-Cattleya Digbyano- Warscewiczii, Promenaea xanthina, Angraecum Scottianum, Bulbophyllum barbigerum, and a number of other interesting species were noted in this group. Sir Jeremiah Coleman, Bart., V.M.H., Gat- ton Park, Reigate (gr. Mr. Collier), staged a very fine group, rich in rare species and good varieties. The centre was of Cattleyas and Laelio- Cattleyas, the Cattleya Warscewiczii King Ed- ward VII. being a superb form, with the lip almost entirely of a deep, ruby-claret colour, and having only two small white spots in the tube. Overhead were the long spikes of Oncidium macranthum, with a good specimen of 0. super- biens. and some other Oncidiums. At the sides, was arranged a selection of Dendrobiums, among which was the singular hybrid D. Arthur Ash- worth (Brymerianum x Dalhousianum), with a good spike of pa'.e yellow flowers, with some purple markings on the fringed lip. Miltonia vexillaria Queen Alexandra had large, white flowers; Zygopetalum Roeblingianum was finely shown ; Cattleya Rex and other Cattleyas, and Laelio- Cattleyas were well displayed ; and among rare plants noted were Eriopsis rutidobulbon, with a fine spike of golden-yellow flowers, margined with purple; Cirrhopetalurn pulchrum ; Bulbo- phyllum lemniscatoides, with a singular tassel- like head of bloom ; B. biflorum ; B. grandi- floruiu ; B. barbigerum; Gongora quinquener- \ is ; some very pretty Masdevallias, including M. calura, M. inelanoxantha, and some of the smaller species, with insect-like flowers ; Zygo- petalum rostratum ; Eria pannea ; Ccelogyne Schilleriana ; and a large number of rare spei ies. Among the Odontoglossums, 0. Lady Roxburgh (cirrhosum x percultum) was an elegant flower, clear white, and effectively spotted. On the other side, Messrs. Chakleswobth & Co., Haywards Heath, staged a very tine group, the centre of which was of fine plants of Fha- laenopsis Rimestadiana, with an undersetting of Epidendrum vitellinum. The plant of the day was Odontoglossum Smithii, a noble hybrid, often alluded to in these pages, and which, so far. continues unique. All the plants in culti- vation, including this specimen, pass into the collection of J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., the Treasurer of the Royal Horticultural Society. The sides of the group were made up of good Phalaenopsis, and Cattleya Mossiae, including some very fine white varieties. In the body of the group, Odontioda Charlesworthii superba. with its bright red flowers : a very fine series of yet unproved Odontiodas ; some good varieties of Dendrobium Phalaenopsis ; some new Laelio- Cattleyas, including the new L.-C. Ceres (L. Phcebe x C. Mossia? Reineckiana), a charming flower, and one of the few of these yellowish Laelio-Cattleyas which are of good shape. The hybrid Odontoglossums, Laelio-Cattleyas, and Cattleyas in Messrs. Chiklesworth's group were excellent, and special plants were Dendro- bium Sander*, Odontoglossum ardentissimum xanthotes. Odontioda Goodsonise. and Ludde- mannia biloba, a very remarkable and rare species, with long racemes of golden-yellow flowers tinged with purple. 'At the other end. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, staged a very interest- ing and effective group, in which Dendrobium nobile virginale. with its pure-white flowers, was a telling feature. Laelio-Cattleyas, hybrid Cattleyas and species were well shown. In one little batch, the blue Dendrobium Victoria Regina, D. rhodostoma, D. glomeratum, Angrae- cum Scottianum, Bulbophyllum Claptonense, and other Bulbophyllums were noted ; also Pleuro- thallis stenophylla, Epidendrum Brassav'ola?, E. calochilum, and other Epidendrums, Maxillaria pubigera, a pretty selection of Masdevallias, &c, were noted. Fergus Menteith Ogilvie, Esq., The Shrub- bery, Oxford (gr. Mr. Balmforth), showed the delicately-tinted Cattleya Warscewiczii Mrs. E. Ashworth, a charming blush-white variety, which ought to get the higher award of F.C.C., be- yond the A.M. already awarded. J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Glebelands, South Woodford (gr. Mr. Davis), showed Odontoglos- sum Pescatorei alba Fowler's variety, a very charming flower, with pure-white flowers, the only colour being the pale-yellow crest to the lip. Also the rare, pretty, and fragrant Catasetum Russellianum. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons showed a group of their beautiful Disa x Luna, Laelio-Cattleyas, &c. AWARDS. First-class Certificates. Miltonia vexillaria Lambeauiana, from Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans. — A most beautiful, pure-white variety of the large-flowered form ; the lip is lemon-yellow with a few darker lines on the disc. Cattleya Mendelii "Stuart Low," from Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park.— The finest white C. Mendelii yet shown. The flowers are large and of fine form ; snow-white with chrome disc to the lip. Awards of Merit. Cattleya Dieirichiana (superba x Hardy- ana), from Messrs. Sander & Co. — A very fine hybrid with large, rosy-lilac flowers of fine' form and substance, the broad front of the lip glowing ruby-purple. Cypripedium ''nriisii Sander's variety, from Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans. — A grand form, and said to be merelv an example of a small batch recently imported by Messrs. Sander & Sons. The difference may be said to be that tiiis variety is much larger and finer in colour and in form than any yet imported. Cattleya Mendelii King George V., from Messrs. Sander & Sons. — An extraordinary variation, in which the petals and lip are most beautifully crimped. The sepals and petals are blush-white, and the front of the finely -fimbriated lip is magenta. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: G. Bunyard, Esq. (in the Chair); also Messrs. J. Cheal, 0. Thomas, G. Wythes, P. G. M. Veitch. J. W. Ward, H. Parr, C. 0. Walter, G. Woodward, J. Jaques, A. R. Allan, J. Harrison, F. Perkins, A. Dean. J. Basham, F. Fred. Tresder. W. Pope, H. S. Rivers, G. Rey- nolds, G. Keif, and T. Coomber. The only exhibits for the inspection of the Committee included a Tomato from Mr. Paul, Botley, Hants (unripe), and Strawberries Hib- berd's Superlative and George V., from Mr. Hibberd, Botley Grange, Hants; a large collec- tion of Radishes, Peas, and a Lettuce, grown at Wisley. Fruit Trees in Pots. Of these there were three collections, one from a private garden, that of S. Heilbut, Esq., Holy- port, Maidenhead (gr, Mr. G. Cam])), who had, specially prominent, 12 noble and tall Cherries in 14-inch pots, laden with superb fruit. These in- cluded Black Bigarreau, Bigarreau Noir de Schmidt. Emperor Francis, Bigarreau Montreuse de Mezel, also Peaches, Nectarines, and Figs. In the same tent was a very large collection from Messrs. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth. including some 70 trees of various sizes. Of Peaches, there were Thomas Rivers, Sea Eagle, Peregrine, Nectarine, Albatross, and Crimson Galande ; of Nectarines, Early Rivers and Lord Napier ; Cherries, Black Tartarian. Governor Wood. May Duke, Black Hawk, Black Heart, and Frogmore Bigarreau; of Grapes, there were Foster's Seedling and Gradishna ; of Plums, (ui lev. Czar, and Tall Orange; of Apples. Lady Sudeley, Peasgood's Nonesuch, Jas. Grieve, and Worcester Pearmain ; Pears, Conference and Pitmaston Duchess, and Oranges, Maltese Oval and the large Egg. On this last-named variety good-sized, green fruits were hanging with the ripe fruits. There were, fronting the trees, in, boxes, fine fruits of Peregrine Peach, Blue Rock and Yellow Egg Plums, Reine Hortense, Emperor Francis, Early Rivers, and Bigarreau Noir de Schmidt Cherries. From the King's Acre Nursery Co., Here- ford, came a large collection, including many single cordon and standard Gooseberries, these being all well fruited. The collection was faced by a large number of Strawberry plants in pots, all heavily fruited. These included Sir Joseph Paxton, Reliance, President, and Leader. The back trees were Peaches, Plums, and Cherries, but the naming was too indistinct to be seen from the front. One flat-trained tree of Peach Duke of York was well fruited. There were also a few vines and Figs. Gathered Fruit. A notable feature of the show was the picked fruit, a section not usually well represented. A prominent place was occupied by the superb col- lection from Welbeck Abbey, sent by the Duke of Portland (gr. Mr. J. Gibson). This included about 50 dishes, the wdiole being elegantly ar- ranged and prettily dressed with small plants and foliage. The Grapes were Alnwick Seedling (very fine). Black Hamburgh, Madresfield Court, Muscat of Alexandria, and Foster's Seedling, three bunches of each ; Peaches were Grosse Mignonne, Dymond, Crimson Galande, and Belle- garde, in dozens ; also Nectarine Cardinal, Lord Napier, Early Rivers, and Pine Apple ; Plums, Jefferson's, Kirke's and Transparent Gage ; Cherries, Bigarreau de Mezel and Emperor Fran- cis; Figs, White Marseilles, Negro Largo, and Brown Turkey ; Melons, Sutton's Seedling and Scarlet, Emerald Gem, Gunton's Scarlet, Royal Jubilee, and others ; Appless, Alington Pippin and Jas. Grieve ; and Strawberries, British Queen and Royal Sovereign. Lord Llangattock, The Hendre, Monmouth [gr. Mr. T. Coomber), had 20 very clean and well- finished Queen Pines, and 14 boxes of Straw- berries, the fruit in each case being exceptionally fine and richly coloured. Scarlets were Fdlbasket, The Cropper, Trafalgar, Royal Sovereign, and The Alake. Dark-coloured Strawberries were The Bedford, Reward, Progress, Bedford Champion, Givon's Late Prolific, Gunton Park, President Loubet and Waterloo, with Louis Gauthier white. Leopold de Rothschild, Esq., Gunnersbury House, Acton (gr. Mr. Jas. Hudson), staged a collection inclusive of fine Crimson Galande Peaches ; Stanwick Elruge Nectarine ; Kirke's, Jefferson's, and Transparent Gage Plums : and Bigarreau Napoleon, Governor Wood, Emperor Francis (white), Late Duke (red), and Bigarreau de Schrecken, Tradescant's Late Heart, Black Circassian, and Early Rivers (black) Cherries. From Hatfield House, Herts., the Marquis of Salisbury (gr. Mr. H. Prime) sent a very nice' collection of 40 dishes, including Black Ham- burgh Grapes ; Royal George, Bellegarde, and Crimson Galande Peaches; Lord Napier Necta- rines ; Brown Turkey Figs ; Monarch, British Queen. Mentmore, Givon's Late Prolific, and Royal Sovereign Strawberries ; Cherries, Gover- nor Wood and Early Rivers; and other fruits,, all excellent. The Misses Le Lacheur and Sherres, Hen- field, Sussex, had 20 superbly-finished and col- oured fruits of the Swanley College Melon, very round, golden, and handsomely netted, all first- class in excellence. E. S. Hanbury, Esq., Ware, Herts, (gr. Mr. F. W. Church), staged, rather too crowded, a collection, including Foster's Seedling and Black Hamburgh Grapes; fine Crimson Galande, and Dr. Hogg Peaches ; Dry den Nectarines ; and other fruits, which badly needed more space. Messrs. Laxton Brothers, Bedford, had 50 feet run of tabling for staging 41 baskets of Strawberries. New varieties were Sir Joseph Paxton. Progress. Laxton's Latest. The Laxton, The Bedford, Utility, Bedford Champion, Reval, Leader, Gunton Park, Waterloo, and Reward. The fruits were well coloured, of fair size, and presented most of the best known varieties. Mr. S. Mortimer, Swiss Nursery, Farnham, had a big collection of some 80 magnificent fruits of various Melons, including Sutton's Superlative, Ringleader, Blenheim Orange, Royal Sovereign. Royal Favourite, and Scar- let Gem ; also of nearly ripe seeding fruit. July 9, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 29 Cucumbers Aviator (new). King George, Tele- graph, Bounteous, and .a fine new seedling, very long and handsome. Mr. A. Poupaet, Jun., Twickenham, staged a collection of over 100 bottles of preserved whole fruits, all in fine condition. These included Apri- cots, Plums in variety, Raspberries, Cherries, Strawberries, Currants, and Gooseberries. Vegetables. The Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Herts, (gr. Mr. E. Beckett), had one of those splendid collections of vegetables for which those gardens are famous. The collection included 80 dishes, staged with an erect back, on which were mounds of Cauliflowers Early London, YValcheren and Kaiser ; Peas, Talisman, New Kaiser, Stour- bridge Marrow and Gradus ; French Beans Canadian Wonder and Ne Plus Ultra; Long Pod Giant Bean ; Tomatos, Sunrise, Greengage, Golden Queen, New Jewel, and Sensation; Car- rots Intermediate, Early Nantes, Prizewinner and French Forcing ; Cucumbers Universal, Bountiful, Royal Favourite, and Telegraph; Celery Prize Pink and Grove White : Cabbages First of All; Potatos Express, Duke of York. King Edward and Queen of the Veldt ; Lettuces, Beets, Turnips, Marrow and other vegetables. C. F. RaphAel, Esq., Shenley, Herts, (gr. Mr. A. Grubb). had a meritorious collection of vege- tables, which included 50 dishes, most pleasingly staged. Cauliflowers Magnum Bonum and Hal- cheren ; Dwarf Beans Canadian Wonder and Ne Plus Ultra ; Peas Duke of Albany, Alderman and Quite Content ; Long Pod Beans Leviathan and Green Giant ; Potatos May Queen, Windsor Castle, Duchess of Cornwall and Express ; Tomatos, Marrows, Celery, Lettuces, Turnips, Cabbages and other kinds. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, staged a very fine representative collection of edible Peas, in all. 85 dishes, of which 56 were distinct varieties. These pods were arranged in baskets, and amongst them were Superlative, Duke of Albany. Early Giant, Bountiful, Discovery, Telephone, Prizewinner, Duchess of York, Matchless Mai- row, Exhibition Marrow, Peerless, Centenary and Best of All. Many were quite early varieties, the pods being almost ripe. Some Sugar Peas were included. Outdoor Exhibits. The exhibits of hardy plants were arranged, as in former years, parallel with the two large marquees containing the chief collections of Orchids, warm-house, and greenhouse plants, t lie bucks of the groups being towards the marquees. Messrs. J. Veitoh & Sons, Ltd., King's Road, Chelsea, exhibited a large group consisting of Hydrangeas, including H. hortensis, with blue flowers, H. h. flore alba, H. Lindleyana (a Chinese species, having white flowers). H. ar- borescens alba grandiflora (the plants carrying many trusses of pure white flowers), H. japonioa tricolor, a few plants of Veronica angus- tifolia, several varieties of Tree Ivies, con- spicuous being Hedera arborea chrysophylla, H. a. Golden Cloud, also H. Helix canadensis lati- iolia maculata ; a quantity of plants of Clematis, including several of C. velutina purpurea, C. Star of India, C. Perle d'Azure (having flowers of cerulean blue), C. Mme. Grange (purple), C. modesta ; several Arundinarias. and a plant of Actinidia chinensis — a recent introduction. Messrs. D. Rcssell & Son. Essex Nursery, Brentwood, showed a group having a pool of water in the centre containing Water Lilies, and bordered with flowering land plants, such as Iris K^mpferi, Agapanthus, Monarda, Buphthal- mia speciosa, Spirseas in variety. Campanula media. Veronicas, Phormium tenax, Arundo, &c. Surrounding the pool was a group of Tree Ivies, ranging from 2 feet to 6 feet in "height, of variegated kinds, these being backed by taller plants having variously-coloured leaves. A few Rambler Roses, with Hydrangeas, gave a desirable touch of colouring to the whole. Two rustic arches seemed to afford entrance and egress to the arrangement. In the pool there were floating Nvmpha?as of the varieties Glad- -stoniana, gloriosa, colossea, and Marliacea albida. Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Lowfield Nurserv, Crawley, erected a three-sided pergola, and decorated it with Vitis Henryi, yellow-leaved Hop, Clematis, Actinidia, variegated Ivies, Doro- thy Perkins Roses, &c. In the enclosure formed by the pergola were four beds of Pansies, with a grass plot, and round about the latter was a border filled "with Spireea Anthony Waterer, Hydrangeas, Japanese Acers, Rambler Roses, and various 6mall shrubs. Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, had an exhibit of Bambusas growing in pots and an oblong pool with Water Lilies in bloom. Other plants than the foregoing included Japanese Maples, and a miscellaneous collection of trees and shrubs. Messrs. J. Carter & Co., Holborn, exhibited a rockery that was planted in a pleasing manner, but not precisely with Alpine species. It was an effective piece of work. A long, narrow piece of water, spanned with a Japanese bridge at about the middle of it, and a stone lantern at one end, gave the desired character to the whole. Iris Kaempferi and Water Lilies were employed freely. Round about the margin of the lake were pigmy trees, growing in what appeared to be pieces of lava, but which might have been clinkers from the garden furnace. Colour was afforded by some well-flowered specimens of Hydrangea and Lilium japonicum. Messrs. John Waterer & Sons, Ltd., Bag- shot, made a display with tall plant* in pots of Vitis Henryi, Ilex aquifolium, Perry's Weeping Holly (a silver, variegated variety), Taxus fasti- hibit contained many other rare and interesting plants. Messrs. Carlton White, Florists, 53, New Bond Street, had a variety of objects of the topiary art. Mr.' Amos Perry, The Hardy Plant Farm, Enfield, showed an assortment of Nynipha-as of the more choice varieties, also Ricfiardias and Japanese Irises. Subjects that attracted our notice were Nyinphrea Paul Heriot, a white- petaDed flower, having a deep-carmine colour at the centre — very striking ; N. Ellisiana ; Del- phinium belladonna grandiflora, with flowers of a clear, light blue; D. Mrs Thompson, .if a deep blue tint ; potsful of Hemerocallis obovata ; and Richardias of yellow and creamy-white col- ours. Messrs. W. Wood & Son, Ltd., Wood Green, N., set up a pergola, covering it partially with such Rambler Roses as Dorothy Perkins and Lady Gay. Messrs. W. Fromow & Sons, Sutton Court Road, Chiswick, showed Japanese Maples in variety, Coniferous plants, Bambusas, Hydran- geas, Aralia pentaphylla variegata (an effective plant), and Andromeda cassinifolia, coveied with its white, bell-shaped flowers. Mr. Clarence Elliott, Six Hills Nursery, Stevenage, arranged a rock-garden exhibit, on tlG. II. — MR. BEAMISH's EXHIBIT OF PRISMATIC ROOFING A1 HOLLAND HOUSE SHOW. giata Standishii (a yellow-leaved Y*ew), and a few other rare plants. Leopold de Rothschild, Esq., Gunnersbury House, Acton, had an extensive exhibit of " terrace " plants. We noted big bushes, 7 feet to 8 feet high and 4 feet in their greater dia- meter, of .Myrtles struck from cuttings 20 years ago, Aloysia citriodora, rooted about as long* ago, and having stems 3 inches in diameter, and of a height of about 6 feet. Sweet-scented Cape species of Pelargoniums were of wonderful di- mensions, many of them being 10 feet to 12 feet in width, trained on flat trellises. The varieties were Quercifolium, Pretty Polly. Richard Dean, capitatum, Pheasant's 1-oot, and Attar of Roses. Messrs. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, showed Catalpa speciosa pulverulenta, Prunus Pissardii nigra (having a leaf-colour darker than the type), Vitis Thompsonii (having red foliage)." V. Henryi, Populus lasiocarpa (the leaves, when fully grown, being 8 inches in length and 4 inches in breadth ; the youngest leaves are of a reddish- green tint, as are the veins at all stages). Other plants noted in the group were Picea pungens glauca Kosteri, a very distinct variety of this fine Conifer ; several forms of Cupressus Law- soniana ; a yellow-leaved variety of Retinospora filifera, and R. tetragona. The young growths of Cupressus Westermannii have a yellow tint. Philadelphus Yokohama is very floriferous ; the individual blooms are of the 6ize of a florin ; P. maculata purpurea, with a purple stain at the base of the white petals; and Picea excelsa mag- nifica, with yellowish-green needles. The ex- which he displayed in a natural manner a num- ber of interesting Alpines. Many were species of Campanulas seldom seen in gardens, viz., C. Stansfieldii, C. pusilla, C. pulloides, C. pulla, and C. pusilla pallida. Other plants shown by .Mr. Elliott included the bright-scarlet-flowered Dianthus Atkinsonii, Erigeron caucasicum, Wahlenbergia saxicola, Epilobium obcordatum, Prunella Webbiana, and Orchis maculata. Messrs. John Forbes, Ltd., Hawick, made a striking display with flowers of Delphiniums, Pentstemons, and shrubby Phloxes. Some splen- did Violas and Pansies completed this exhibit. Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden, showed pigmy trees in Chinese porcelain pots and bowls. A choice collection of topiary objects was shown by Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, London, N. Implements and Sundries. Messrs. Wm. Wood & Son, Wood Green, had an extensive exhibit of Orchid fibre loam, peat, and Fern rhizomes for the drainage of Orchid pots, " Nidas," a favourite Orchid compost, and many other garden requisites, together witli a variety of sprayers and syringes, boxes and pack- ing materials, cutlery for the gardener, wooden trugs to carry fruit, flowers, and weeds, and other useful things. Mr. J. H. Beamish, 27, Regent Street. Lon- don, showed a model greenhouse (see fig. 11) with the system of prismatic roofing referred to in the issue for June 18, p. 416. 30 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 9, 1910. Messrs. T. Syer & Co., 45, Wilson Street, Finsbury, London, showed telescopic ladders, garden, seats, folding tables, tools, cutting in- struments, syringes, watering-pots, and mats of wire capable of being rolled up. The Mostelle Grape Juice Co., 7, Great Tower Street, E.C., showed unfermented wines. De Luzy Freres, Camberwell, S.E.. showed their National sprayer, Ideal bellows, and Ideal bird scarer. This scarer is hexagonal-shaped, with looking-glass sides, and furnished with a swivel, so that it may be hung in a tree and turn round perpetually when the wind is blowing. The Boundary Chemical Co., Cranmer Street, Liverpol, showed their Kap-All fumer and Climax disinfectant, and Alphol, a prepara- tion for destroying underground pests. Messrs. Benton & Stone, Birmingham, " Enots," showed a good assortment of sprayers and syringes. Mr. C. W. Armitage, 104, Kenyon Street, Fulhani, showed " Quixol," for cleaning cloth, &c. The Alpha sprayer sold at Ross, Herefordshire, appears to be a handy knapsack appliance for the extinguishing of fires. Messrs. Abbott, Bros., Southall, showed fruit- preserving bottles with silvered caps. Fruit and general bottling outfits were shown by Messrs. G. Fowler, Lee & Co., Reading, Berks. Garden earthenware was displayed by Messrs. D. Dowell & Co., Ravenscourt Avenue, Ham- mersmith ; and artistic-looking plant-tubs from Messrs. Pradel & Co., 18, Windmill Street, W. The Four Oaks Nursery Co., Sutton Cold- field. Birmingham, showed sprayers in copper and tinned copper, and corrugated syringes. Messrs. Fenton & Son, Tudor Street, Dorset Street, London, E.C., showed gas-heated baths, radiators, boilers, &c. The Lamp Pump Syndicate. Ltd., 12, Carey Street, Westminster, S.W., showed a lamp pump in action of the shallow-well type, a machine that delivers, at a height of 60 feet, 300 gallons per hour. Messrs. B. Maggs & Co., Bristol, showed garden seats of various patterns in Oak and Teak, under the names Blenheim, Arethusa, and Agamemnon. Mrs. G. F. Watts, The Village Industry, Compton, Guildford, showed pot6, vases, sun- dials, and window-boxes. Garden seats, hammocks, and garden tents without centre pole, were shown by Messrs. C. & W. Buswell, Victoria Works, Torquay. Castle's man-o'-war Teak-wood garden seats were shown by Messrs. Castle & Co., Baltic Wharf, Millbank, London, S.W. Lawn mowers were shown by Messrs. Lloyd. Lawrence & Co., who displayed those known as Pennsylvania mowers. Messrs. Doulton & Co., Ltd., Lambeth, S.E., showed vases, plinths, statues, and pedestals in artificial stone, well finished and artistic in character. The Patent Ladder Co., Peterborough, showed specimens of their ingenious goods for the use of gardeners. Messrs. Piper, Bayswater, W., showed red earthenware, tubs, pots, vases, &c. Wall trellises, pergolas, seats, ladders, shading for glasshouses and other garden sundries were exhibited by Messrs. Walter & Co., Amberley Works, Croydon. Messrs. Toope & Son exhibited oil and gas stoves and other heating appliances. Mr. A. G. Harris, Leicester, showed a clipper and holder for use in gathering flowers and fruit and for weeding. Other exhibitors of garden requisites were Messrs. W. Herbert & Co.. Hop Exchange, S.E. ; Corry & Co., Ltd.; W. E. Chance & Co., Oldourv; and Messrs. F. G. Wood, 161 163, Walworth Road, S.E. AWARDS MADE BY THE COUNCIL. Gold Medals. The Duke of Portland, Welbeck Abbey, Worksop (gr. Mr. J. Gibson), for fruit; Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park, Reigate (gr. Mr. Collier), for Orchids; Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree (gr. Mr. Beckett), for fruits and vegetables ; Leopold de Roths- child, Esq., Gunnersbury House, Acton (gr. Mr. Hud- son), for terrace plants; Jass Carter & Co., High Hoi- born, for Japanese garden; W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate. for Carnations, &c. ; H. B. May & Sons, Upper Edmonton, for flowering plants and exotic Ferns ; Paul & Son, Cheshunt, for Roses; Win. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, for Roses ; Rivers & Son, Sawbridge- worth, for fruit trees in pots; Amos Perry, Enfield, N., for Delphiniums; L. R. Russell, Richmond, Surrey, for Ivies and Water Lilies ; Sander & Sons, St. Albans, for Orchids ; Sutton & Sons, Reading, for Sweet Peas and Culinary Peas; J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, S.W., for stove and foliage plants, &c. ; and R. Wallace & Co., Kilnficld Gardens, Colchester, for a streamside and paved garden. Silver Cups. Sir Randolph Baker, Bart., Blandford, Dorset, for Sweet Peas ; the Marquis of Salisbury, Hatfield (gr. Mr. Prime), for fruit ; the Rt. Hon. Lord Llangattock (gr. Mr. Coomber), for Pineapples and Strawberries ; T. C. Raphael, Esq., Shenley (gr. Mr. A. Grubb), for Carna- tions and vegetables; S. Heilbut, Esq., for fruit trees in pots ; W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, for shrubs and herbaceous plants; J. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, for Carnations and flowering plants; S. Low & Co., Enfield, for Orchids, Carnations, Roses, and berries; Barr & Sons, Covent Garden, for pigmy trees, Irises, Gladioli, herbaceous plants, &c. ; G. Jackman & Son, Chard, for Roses, herbaceous flowers, and Clematis ; T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, for Begonias, Alpines, and herbaceous plants ; Blackmore & Langdon, Bath, for Begonias and Delphiniums; G. and A. Clark, Ltd., Dover, for her- baceous plants and hardy flowers ; W. Fromow & Sons, for Japanese Maples and hardy plants; G. Bunyard & Co., Ltd., Maidstone, for herbaceous plants; B. R. Cant & Sons, Colchester, for Roses ; A. Dickson & Sons, Ltd., Newtownards, for Roses; D. Russell & Son, for hardy trees and shrubs; Dobbie & Co., Mark's Tey, for Sweet Peas ; Miss H. Hemus, Holdfast Hall, for Sweet Peas; Mr. H. Burnett, Guernsey, for Carna- tions; Charlesworth & Co., Haywards Heath, for Orchids ; Hugh Dickson & Sons, Belfast, for Roses ; Mansell & Hatcher, Ltd., Rawdon, Yorkshire, for Orchids; Maurice Prichard, Christchurch, for water garden ; and J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, for pergola group. Silver-Gilt Hogg Medals. Leopold de Rothschild, for fruits, and Laxton Bros., Bedford, for Strawberries. Silver-Gilt Flora Medals. E. J. Johnstone, Esq., Groombridge (gr. Mr. Paskett), for Sweet Peas and Carnations ; G. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, for hardy shrubs and herbaceous plants; W. Artindale & Son, York, for hardy plants, Violas, &c. ; J. Cheal & Sons, for pergola group and Alpines; J. Peed & Son, West Norwood, for Caladiums, Gloxinias, &c. ; Hobbies, Ltd., Dereham, for Roses; F. Cant & Co., Colchester, for Roses ; A. F. Dutton, Iver, for Carnations; Frank Lilley, Guernsey, for Gladioli ; G. Lange, Hampton, for Carnations ; and R. and G. Cuthbert, Southgate, for flowering plants. SlLVER-GlLT KNIGHTIAN Mf.DALS. Mr. W. Poupart, jun., Twickenham, for bottled fruits. Silver Flora Medals. L. R. Russell, Richmond, for stove and greenhouse plants; Hon, Vicary Gibbs, Elstree (gr. Mr. Beckett), for Pelargoniums; Lord Burnham, Beaconsfield (gr. Mr. Johnson), for Carnations; H. S. Goodson, Esq., Putney Igr. Mr. G. E. Day), for Odontoglossums ; S. Bide & Sons, Farnham, for Sweet Peas; C. W. Breadmore, Winchester, for Sweet Peas; C. Engelmann, Saffron Walden, for Carnations; Messrs. Forbes, Ltd., Hawick, for Phloxes, Pansics, &e. ; R. Harkness & Co., Hitchin, for Roses; H. Hermley, Crawlev, for Alpine plants and rock garden; Misses K. and E. Hopkins, Shepper- ton, for herbaceous plants and Alpine garden; E. W. King & Co., Coggeshall, for Sweet Peas; W. J. Unwin, Histon, for Sweet Pas ; J. Waterer & Sons, Bagshot, for evergreens ; Whitelegg & Page, Chislehurst, for her- baceous plants; Carter Page & Co., London Wall, for Dahlias, Pelargoniums, and Violas; H. H, Crane, Highgate, for Violas and Violettas ; Gunn & Sons, Olton, for Phloxes; B. Ladhams, Ltd., Southampton, for perennials, &c. ; H. Newman Ellison, West Brom- wich, for exotic Ferns; W. Wood & Sons, Wood Green, for pergola; C. and W. Buswell, Torquay, for garden tents, &c. ; The Four Oaks Co., Sutton Coldfield, for sprayers, &c. ; Alex. Hamilton, 87, Great Portland Street, for tubs for shrubs, &c. Silver Knightian Medals. S. Mortimer, Rowledge, for Melons and Cucumbers, and Le Lacheur & Sherres, for Melons. SlLVER-GILT BANKSIAN MEDALS. Kelway & Son, Langport, for Delphiniums and hardy plants and Sweet Peas; King's Acre Nursery Co., Here- ford, for fruit trees in pots and Roses; Charles Turner, Slough, for Roses and Carnations; R. H. Bath, Ltd., Wisbech, for Carnations and Roses ; G. Reuthe, Keston, for hardy plants and shrubs; Bertie Bell, Guernsey, for Carnations; Chas. Blick, Hayes, for Carnations; W. H. Page, Hampton, for Roses, Carnations and Liliums ; R. C. Notcutt, Woodbridge, for hardy plants, Roses and shrubs; Geo. Prince, Oxford, for Roses; and Carlton White, Oxford Street, London, for clipped trees. Silver Banksian Medals. E. S. Hanbury, Esq., for fruit; the Rt. Hon. Col. Lockwood, Romford (gr. Mr. G. Craddock), for Tracheliums ; W. & J. Brown, Peterborough, for her- baceous plants; Godfrey & Sons, Exmouth, for Cam- panulas; Mallett & Co., Cheddar, for Irises and her- baceous flowers ; Clarence Elliott, Stevenage, for Alpine and rock garden ; J. Piper & Son, Bayswater, for Box and Yew trees; H. J. Jones, Ltd., Lewisham, for Pelargoniums and Sweet Peas;; R. Sydenham, Ltd., Birmingham, for Sweet P Bristol, for teak seats; the Meath Home, Godalming, for garden baskets; John Pinches, Crown Street, for Rose exhibition boxes, tubes, &c; and J. P. White, Bedford, for garden seats. WINDSOR ROSE. July 2.— An excellent show was held by this society on the above date, in the grounds of Windsor Castle, permission to hold the exhibi- tion being granted by His Majesty the King. The entries were much more numerous than in former years, and all that was needed to en- sure success was fine weather : this, unfortu- nately, was not forthcoming, as one or two very heavy rainstorms fell during the day. The exhibits, and especially those m the open classes were of excellent quality. The 48 blooms which won the King's Cup for A. Dickson & Sons, Newtownards, were exceptionally fine, the varie- ties Mrs. Cornwallis West, Horace Vernet, Mrs W. J. Grant, Mamie, Mildred Grant, Countess of Annesley, Mrs. David McKie and Lady H. Vin- cent were all shown in excellent "condition Messrs. Ben. R. Cant & Sons. Colchester, were placed 2nd, and Messrs. D. Prior & Sons 3rd. In the class for 18 Tea or Noisette varieties, distinct, Mr. G. Prince, Longworth, Berks., was awarded the 1st prize, having an excellent lot of fresh blooms. Mme. de Watteville, Mme. Jules Gravereaux, and Molly Sharman Crawford were splendid. Messrs. Frank Cant & Co. were a good 2nd, and Mr. Henry Drew, Longworth Berks., 3rd. Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons were placed 1st in the class for 12 distinct varieties, three blooms of each kind, with a magnificent stand. Some of their more notable flowers were those of Ulrich Brunner, Marquise Litta, Horace Vernet, Bessie Brown, Mildred Grant and Mrs. W. J. Grant (ad- judged the best bloom in the show). Messrs. D. Prior & Sons were awarded the 2nd prize with fine blooms, and Messrs. Ben. R. Cant & Sons the 3rd prize. For 12 blooms of any H.P. or H.T. variety, Messrs. Harkness were placed 1st with splen- did blooms of Mrs. J. Laing ; 2nd. Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons with Ladv Ashton ; 3rd, Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons with"Dean Hole. Messrs. Dickson & Sons were placed 1st in the class for 12 blooms of any Tea or Noisette variety with an excellent stand of Mrs. Foley Hobbs; 2nd, Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons with Mme. Jules Gravereaux. In the class for 18 bunches of decorative Roses, Mr. Charles Turner. Slough, was awarded the 1st prize. Lady Battersea, Libertv, Mme. A. Chatenay and Joseph Lowe were notable blooms in this excellent exhibit. Messrs. Frank Cant & Co. were a close 2nd ; 3rd, Messrs. W. & J. Brown, Peterborough. Messrs. F. Cant & Qp. excelled in the class for 12 blooms of any crimson variety mingled with 12 blooms of any white kind, having fine flowers of J. B. Clarke" and Frau Karl Druschki ; 2nd. Mr. Henry Drew; 3rd, Messrs. G. & W. H. Burch. Peterborough. In the class for six distinct varieties of Rcses shown in vases, five blooms of each in a vase, Messrs A. Dickson & Sons won the 1st prize with a very fine exhibit, their examples of Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, Gertrude and Lady Helen Vincent being excellent; 2nd, Messrs. D. Prior & Sons. Amateur Classes. The Windsor Challenge Cup was offered as the 1st prize in the class for 24 blooms, distinct. It was won by E. B. Lindsell, Esq., with excel- lent flowers of Bessie Brown, Frau Karl Druschki, Mildred Grant, Helen Keller and others. 2nd. F. Dennison, Esq. ; 3rd. G. A. Hammond. Esq. For eight varieties, three blooms of each, the Princess Alexis Dolgorouki's Cup was offered. E. B. Lindsell, Esq., was again successful with a beautiful stand of blooms including Frau Karl Druschki, Mrs. T. Roosevelt, and Mildred Grant; 2nd, F. Dennison, Esq. ; 3rd, Rev. Pemberton. July 9, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 31 Conway Jones, Esq., excelled in the class for 12 Teas or Noisette varieties. F. Dennison, Esq., was placed 1st for three distinct varieties, five blooms of each. The Rev. Pemeerton showed the finest 12 bunches of decorative Roses with a very fine ex- hibit of Mme. A. Carriere, Red Province, Sea- gull. Claire Jacquier and Rosa Jlundi ; 2nd, E. MOCATTA, Esq. Other prizewinners in the amateurs' classes included Messrs. W. Onslow Times, W. Jar- ratt, Morpe, Chalmers Hunt (Rev.), J. B. Shackle (Rev.), A. C. Turner, E. Mocatta, and E. B. Lehmann. There was good competition in the local classes. The " Islet " Challenge Cup was won outright by J. B. Kortescue, Esq., with a beautiful stand of flowers. White Maman Cochet in this exhibit was adjudged the best bloom of a Tea variety in the lo<:al classes. E. Mocatta, Esq., won Lady Evelyn Mason's Cup offered for six bunches of decorative Roses. In the class for growers of fewer than 500 plants, E. F. Brown, Esq., won the 1st prize. R. House, Esq., was 1st for six Teas or Noisettes, and the same exhibitor was 1st for six blooms of any variety. E. Wagg, Esq., won the Marchioness of Nor- mandy's Cup offered for a group of plants con- sisting of Orchids, Carnations, Gloxinias, Cala- diums, Francoa ramosa, Ixoras and Ferns. The Lady Mayoress of Windsor offered a cup in the ladies'" class for the best decorated dinner- table. This was won by Mrs. Max Erstein with an excellent table arranged with pink " Malmaison " Carnations, Gypsophylla and As- paragus plumosa. Lady Tress Barry showed the best Sweet Peas ; Mr. J. B. Fortescue the best hardy flowers ; Mr. J. H. Benson the best table plants ; and Mrs. Moss Cockle the finest group of plants and cut flowers. Trade Exhibits. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, showed Sweet Peas and Roses; Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, Edmonton, a large collec- tion of Ferns ; Messrs. W. Paul & Sons, Wal- tham Cross, a stand of the new Rose " Juliet," which attracted much attention ; Mr. C. Turner. Slough, a splendid show of Gloxinias, Iris and hardy flowers; Messrs. G. Jackman & Son, Woking, a large group of Roses ; and Messrs. Titt & Son, Windsor, floral designs. Mr. . Brice and Mr. Dunn, the joint secre- taries, are to be congratulated on the excellent manner in which the arrangements of the show were carried out. LOUIS VAN HOUTTE CENTENARY. The fetes organised to celebrate the hundredth anniversary of the birth of Louis Van Houtte, the great Belgian nurseryman, were held on Sunday, June 26 last, at Gendbrugge. Early in the morning the populace was astir, flags and banners floated in the air in the fronts of the houses, and Venetian masts were erected in the streets, with baskets of flowers half-way up, and surmounted with banners. At 10.30, the Burgomaster of Gendbrugge held a reception, at which he was supported by the Burgomaster of Ypres, where Van Houtte was born, M. Fred Burvenich, Chairman of the Organ- ising Committee, Louis Van Houtte, the deceased's son, the Sheriffs of Gendbrugge, the members of the Town Council, and the members of the Fetes Committee. Among the visitors present at the reception, were Messrs. De Bast, de Lanier, Leger, Alexis Callier, Mechelynck, Van Cleem- putte, Maenhaut, Roels, A. Ceuterick, Boddaert, Albert Maertens, Fiet, Aug. and Ad. Van den Heede, Henri De Wilde, Jos. de Hemptinne, G. De Ruyck, Kuyck, Jules De Cock, Aug. Van G-eert, Peeters, Leon de Smet, R. Monnier, Firmin Lambeau, Cordonnier, Dumont, Edg. Wartel, Baron Casier, Ch. Pvnaert, Lucien de Cock, Alphonse Gallet, Maurice Duquesnoy, Arthur De Smet, Baron Leon de Pelichy, Florent Van Hal, Heursel de Meester, Louis Gentil, E. Draps, Fir- min de Smet, Van der Valck, Jurissen, A. De Smet, Junr.. Herreweghe, Seghers, A. Dachy, Henno and others. The Burgomaster of Gendbrugge reminded the assembly that, in 1879, they unveiled a statue to the memory of Louis van Houtte, and that they were there on this occasion to celebrate the cen- tenary of the birth of this great man, who might justly be called the founder of Belgian horticul- ture. Gendbrugge was proud of him, of his many achievements, and of his nursery, from which was issued La Flore ties Serres. For 22 years he worthily fulfilled the duties of magis- trate. Louis Van Houtte's biography had already been written by M. F. Burvenich, and would be distributed in book form among the visitors and subscribers to the fete. The Burgomaster then complimented M. Burvenich upon the part played by him in inaugurating and carrying out the commemoration. M. Burvenich replied. There were still some old employes of Van Houtte in the nursery, and he had pleasure, in the name of the Fete Com- mittee, in handing to each of those present sou- venirs of their long connection with the firm. The Burgomaster then drank to the success of the Fete, and the Livre d'Or, with an illuminated front page, was signed by all those present. The delegates from the various horticultural societies then proceeded in a procession to the Van Houtte monument, where M. Burvenich made a speech, relating the chief incidents in Van Houtte's career. It was a lengthy and eloquent recital of the great nurseryman's achievements. He referred also to the revolution of 1830, in which Van Houtte took an active part, and re- minded his hearers that Belgium was not want- ing, as some supposed, in patriotism. She was a young nation, and her independent existence only dated back to 1830, therefore they had not many occasions to celebrate. The Burgomaster replied, accepting, on behalf of the town, a bronze plaque presented by the committee to commemorate the event, which would remind future generations that June 26, 1910, was a memorable day for all the friends of gardening. The gathering afterwards placed at the foot of the monument wreaths and bou- quets of flowers, in the name, and on behalf of, the many societies represented. The procession then reformed, and proceeded in the direction of the Van Houtte nurseries, where, at half past 12, the official opening of the Horticultural Exhibition took place. This re- mained open until the Tuesday evening. The Managing Director and other members of the board welcomed the visitors in a speech to the following effect. " When the Louis Van Houtte Centenary Committee asked us to participate in the fete, we accepted with the greatest pleasure, for we thought with them that his memory might well be recalled in the establishment which he founded. It was in 1837, after an ad- venturous voyage to Brazil, that Van Houtte settled here. He began in a small way. with not much land and a few greenhouses. Of course, hor- ticulture existed long before Louis Van Houtte, but he gave to it a great impetus. He really created scientiflc horticulture, and made of it a branch of education. This is so far true that, in 1849, the Government, by Royal decree, started the two first schools of horticulture in Belgium — the practical school at Vilvorde, and the scientific school, entrusted to Louis Van Houtte, in his own nursery. Van Houtte was quite equal to the task that the Government put upon him. He undertook the charge of the school, got together his co-workers, and his pupils soon became professors. Years have passed, and Van Houtte and most of the early scientific horticul- turists are gone, but one still remains as young as ever, M. Fred Burvenich, whom I am pleased to see here to-day. Louis Van Houtte was also a writer. He started La Flore de$ Serres, and published in it many articles that attracted the attention of the whole world. Still he remained a nurseryman, still he worked, etill he wrote. A limited liability company has taken the place of the old firm. Above all, it religiously keeps up the name of its founder, and the board is pleased to have in its midst M. Louis Van Houtte. the son of him of whom I have been speaking." The visitors then proceeded to view the show prepared for them in the Van Houtte nurseries. The 82 greenhouses and gardens were visited in turn. At 1.30 p.m. the visitors adjourned to lunch ; M. Verdonck presided. Afterwards there was a grand procession of triumphal cars, many of them carrying allegorical representations of different important horticul- tural events. It was preceded by gendarmes on horseback, and, at intervals, bands of music fol- lowed. The day '6 proceedings were brought to a close by a grand banquet held in a saloon of the Royal Agricultural and Botanical Society. Again, M. Verdonck presided, being surrounded by a numerous company of Belgian horticultural celebrities. Among the speakers were M. Burvenich, M. Verdonck, the Burgomaster of Ghent, the Burgomaster of Ypres, M. Callier, M. de Hemptinne, the Baron de Pelichy, M. Arthur de Smet, M. Louis Van Houtte, and others. THE WEATHER. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending July 2, is furnished from the Meteorological Office: — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The weather. — A very unsettled condition prevailed throughout the week, precipitation generally in showers being very frequent. Thunderstorms were experienced at a few stations in eastern England on Wednesday, at many places in that district and in some parts of northern England on Thursday, and over the eastern half of England and at some places in the east of Scotland on Friday, while on Siturday they were very general over the eastern half of England, and also occurred at some western stations and in Scotland. The temperature was below the normal, the deficit being about 2Jg in the English Channel and between 3° and 5" elsewhere. The highest of the maxima were generally recorded either on Monday or Tuesday, and ranged from 70° in England S.E. to 63° in England N.W. At many of the western and northern stations, and also at Portland Bill, the thermometer remained below 60° during the greater part of the week. The lowest of the minima, which were regis- tered at most stations early in the week, ranged from 30° in Scotland E. {at Balmoral on Tuesday) and 38° in Scotland W. to 46° in Ireland N. and to 47-' in Ireland S. and the English Channel. The lowest grass readings reported were 26" at Balmoral, 32° at Crathes, 33° at Hereford, 34° at West Linton and Sheffield, and 35" at Durham, Glasgow, Newton Riggt and Llangamma ch Wells. The mean temperature of the sea was generally higher than during the corresponding week of last year in the east, and lower in the west and north. At Wick it was nearly 7° lower. The mean values ranged from about 61" at Margate and Eastbourne, 60° at Newquay, and 59° at Seafield, to below 64° on most parts of the north-west, north, and north- east coasts of Britain, and to 50° at Wick. The rainfall exceeded the mean in all districts, the excess being large in several parts of England and in Ireland N., very slight in Scotland W. and the English Channel. The bright sunshine was less than the normal, the deficit being considerable except in the south of England and the English Channel stations. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 49 in the English Channel, 39 in England S.E., and 35 in England S-W. to less than 20 in the north of Ireland and the north and east of Scotland, the owest value being 12 in Scotland N. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week emling July 6. Another col J, wet, and sunless week. — During the last fortnight there has not been a single warm day, and during the past week only one warm night. On the two coldest nights of the week the exposed thermometer fell to within 70 of the freezing point. The ground is at the present time 2° colder at 2 feet deep, and 30 colder at 1 foot deep than is seasonable. Rain has fallen on nine of the last 13 days, and to the total depth of 2i inches. Two and a quarter gallons of rain water have come this morning through the bare-soil gauge, and about three-quarters of a gallon through that on which short grass is growing. The latter gauge had pre- viously been quite dry for nearly three weeks. The sun shone on an average for only five hours a day, which is more than an hour a day short of the mean duration for the time of year. The wind has been as a rule rather high, and throughout the week the direction has been some westerly point of the compass. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by as much as 10 per cent. June. A warm and wet month. — Taken as a whole, this was the warmest June for n years, although throughout the last week the temperature remained persistently low for a summer month. The nights were as a rule more un- seasonably warm than the days. On the warmest day the temperature in the thermometer screen rose to 70", which is about the average extreme maximum for the month, and on the coldest night the exposed thermome- ter registered a temperature only 30 above the freezing point, and yet this is rather a high extreme minimum for June. Rain fell on only 11 days, but to the aggregate depth of 3I inches, or 15 in excess of the average for the month. There was a very heavy rainfall of short duration on the 9th, when ii inch was deposited in 35 minutes — the total fall on that day being \\ inch. In the middle of the month there was a dry period lasting 12 days. The sun shone on an average for six hours a day, which is 10 minutes a day short of the average duration for June. The winds were as a rule light, and in the windiest hour the mean velocity was 18 miles — direction W. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by 4 per cent. E. M., Berkham- sted, July 6, iqio. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. F. Herbert Chapman, Rye— Daffodils. George Bun yard & Co., Ltd., The Royal Nurseries, Maidstone— Strawberries. 04 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 9, 1910. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. [Correspondents are requested to write the names of persons and places as legibly as possible. Aro charge ts made for these announcements, but if a small contribution is sent, to be placed in our collecting Box for the Gardeners' Orphan Fund, it wilt be thankfully received, and an acknowledgment made in these columns.] Mr. W. Munt, for the past 10 years Gardener to W. Bailey Hawkins, Esq., and previously for 4£ years Foreman at Aldenham House, Elstree, as Gardener to E. Chandler Walker, Esq., Willistead.Walkerville, Ontario, Canada. Mr. Hv. Mann, for the past 8 years Gardener to Sir Charles Bugge Price, Bart., Spring Grove, Richmond, Surrey, as Gardener to Sir Edwin Cornwall, M.P., Oaklands, Horley, Surrey. Mr. G. W. Whvman, formerly Gardener to the late Mrs. Goddard, The Elms, Crawley, Sussex, as Gardener to J. J. W. Miller, Esq., Colwood, Warninglid, Hay- wards Heath, Susses. Mr. C. Chandler, for the past 1 year and 8 months Gardener to R. C. Forster, Esq., Vast erne Manor, Wool ton Bassett, as Gardener to Sir Henry Earle, Norton Lodge, Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. Mr. William Cairns, for the last 2J years Gardener to Mrs. Phillips, Caversrield House, Bicester, Oxon., as Gar- dener to F. Selme-Radcliffe, E^q., J. P., Hitchin Priory, Hitchin, Herts. Mr. C H. Snook, for the past 17 years Gardener to the late Mrs. Julia Scaramanga, West Hill, Shanklin, I.W., as Gardener to C. Scaramanga Ralli, Esq., at the same place. (Thanks for 2s. received for R.G.O.F. Box.— Eds.) Mr. W. C. Davis, late Gardener at Coleshill Park, Birming- ham, as Gardener to Ernest Stevens, Esq., Prescot House, Stourbridge, Worcestershire. DEBATING SOCIETIES. BRISTOL & DISTRICT GARDENERS*.— A well attended meeting of the above society was held on June 30, at St. John's Parish Rooms. Mr. Hayball presided. Mr. HoHingworth, horticultural lecturer for the Gloucestershire County Council, gave a lecture on " Some Points About Pruning." Mr. HoHingworth said the first object of pruning was to establish form. Standard trees require little prun- ing beyond the removal of unsuitably placed shoots and the weaker ones, where they are crowded ; but trained trees re- quire severe branch pruning, as well as root pruning. A special feature at the meeting was a competition for bunches of wild flowers, shown by under gardeners. Mr, Fred Clark was placed first, and Mr. J. Perry second. BATH GARDENERS*.— The monthly summer meet- ing of this society was held on Monday, June 27, in the Foresters' Hall, Bath Street. The president, Mr. C. T. Foxcroft, presided over a large attendance. Mr. C. Wake- field, of the Bristol Association, gave a lecture on the "Tuberous Begonia." He reviewed the history of the Begonia and gave full cultural details. (Mutuary. David Plenderleith.— The sudden death of this well-known Scottish gardener from heart disease, on June 18, is recorded. Mr. Plender- leith was a successful exhibitor at the shows of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, being a skilful cultivator of greenhouse plants. John Maxwell. — We learn from the American gardening papers of the death of this nurseryman, a native of England, who settled in California some 25 years ago. His business was at Napa, where he died on May 27, at the age of 55 years. He was a successful grower of fruit trees and nursery stock. to LorrtdpoTtfknU Abies Douglasii and Larch: H. P., Aber- gavenny. Both trees are badly affected with Botrytis Douglasii, a fungus that is most in- jurious to Conifers in nurseries. Spraying with Bordeaux mixture is the most certain means of checking the disease. Cinerarias, Calceolarias, and Primulas : Constant Bender. Although these plants may be grown to flower in the early winter months, the best results are obtained from those which bloom late in winter and spring. For that purpose seeds < if Cineraria and Primula sinensis should be sown in May and June, whilst seeds of herbaceous Calceolarias may be sown in June and July. The seed pans or pots should be well drained, and tilled to within an inch of the rims with a compost consisting of three- parts loam and one part leaf soil and sand. The soil should be .well watered before the seed is sown. Seed of Cinerarias and Primulas should be only lightly covered with soil, and that of Calceolarias must be sown on the surface. Lay a sheet of glass or paper on the pans, and place the latter in a frame ; afford shade during sunshine, or, preferably, place the frame on the north side of a wall, and keep it somewhat close and moist until the seedlings appear. When these are strong enough to handle, they should be transplanted into pans, and returned to the cold frame or pit. They will soon be ready to be potted into 3-inch pots, and later into larger ones. These plants succeed best in a cold frame or pit during the summer, but in the autumn the Primulas should be placed in the greenhouse. Cine- rarias and herbaceous Calceolarias succeed well during the winter in a shallow pit where arti- ficial heat can be afforded, so as to maintain a a minimum temperature of 38" to 40°. If the plants are in a position exposed to the sun- shine during the heat of the day, a light shad- inu should be employed. Culinary Pea : G. J. Your Pea is evidently one of the French field or grey Peas, and most resembles Pois Oris de Printanges, a tall variety, or Pois Perdix, also one of the same strain" These Peas are grown in the field in France as forage plants, and have no edible value otherwise. They are not suitable for garden cultivation. Early Market Beans: .1. T). The supplies of Beans in Covent Garden market in early spring are sent principally from France, and the Channel and Canary Islands. The principal varieties marketed at that season are Negro Long Pod, Canadian Wonder, and Ne Plus Ultra. You can obtain the addresses of the principal growers by applying to some sales- man in Covent Garden Market who deals in this produce. Exporting Water Lilies to South Africa : Correspondent. If the plants for exporta- tion are growing in pots, they may be sent safely at the present time, packing them in damp moss. If they are not in pots, they should be kept for three months until the growth is better matured: in the latter case, they would arrive in South Africa at the be- ginning of the growing season, and they might be depended upon to recommence growth almost at once. In this instance, as in the former, they should be packed in damp moss. The safest method, however, of exporting Nymphreas is by seeds. Gooseberry Leaves Dropping : C. P. it Co. The foliage is smothered with red spider. Spray the bushes with a solution of soft soap and paraffin. No fungus disease is present. Grapes Diseased : F. G. B. The berries are affected with " spot." See reply to II". McG. in the last issue, p. 12. The specific recom- mended will not injure the branches. Hfi.iotrope Diseased: K. L. A fungus. Phoma heliotropii, is causing the injury. Dip the plants in a rose-red solution of perman- ganate of potash or spray them with the same specific three times at intervals of three days. Names of Plants: II. B. 1, Inula glandulosa ; 2, Centranthus ruber var. albus ; 3. Spira?a fili- pendula fl. pi.; 4. Thalictrum aquilegifolium ; 5, too scrappy for identification ; 6, Hieracium aurantiacum. — 11'. A. H. Erysimum Perows- kianum. — II'. B. P. Digitalis lutea ; Cen- taurea dealbata : Hemerocallis fulva. — Geo. Hai<). Syringa japonica. — A. F. I). 1, Gladiolus segetum ; 2, Iris orientalis ; 3 and 4, forms of Spanish Iris (I. Xiphium) ; 5, Lychnis chalcedonica ; 6, Potentilla atrosanguinea fl. pi. ; 7. Allium Moly ; 8, Erigeron philadelphi- cus; 9, Hemerocallis fulva; 10. Allium neapolitaiiuni ; 11, Rubus odoratus. — F. B. 1, Spirfea discolor; 2, S. japonica var.; 3, Lysi- machia sp. (too scrappv for identification) ; 4, Gillenia trifoliate.— H. A. 'I'. The variegated variety of Agapanthus umbellatus. — B. H. 1, Odontoglossum Lindleyanum ; 2, Oncidiuin flexuosum ; 3. Gongora portentosa ; 4, Maxil- laria picta ; 5, Brassia verrucosa. — F . M . 1, I'teris tremula ; 2, P. serrulate : 3, Adiantum hispidulum ; 4. Blechnum brasiliense ; 5. Adi- antum assimile ; 6, A. pedatum. — T . J . II . {Dartmouth). 1. Not recognised; 2. Galega officinalis; 3, Hypericum patulum; 4. Polygala Dalmaise.ina ; 5, Eccremoearpus scaber ; 6, Cotoneaster Simonsii. — J. 11'. .4. Send a flower of the Vanda. Packing Strawberries : G. T . Your method of packing Strawberries in shallow boxes is the one generally adopted. The box should be first lined with cotton-wool ; over this place a sheet of thin paper, then pack the fruits firmly in a soft leaf, with their points tilting in an upward direction. Young Strawberry leaves are epiite suitable for this purpose, and if they are gathered overnight and placed in the packing-room, they will become softer, and not so liable to rub the fruit. We do not recom- mend the use of cottonwool to cover the fruits when packed. The better plan would be to place a layer of vine leaves over the fruit, as these keep the fruit much cooler than would be the case with cotton-wool. It must be seen too that the whole is quite firm when packed to prevent any movement during transit. The depth of the boxes should be about 2 inches, and each box should be large enough to contain 1 lb. of fruit only. Peach Leaves : H. D. L. C. The leaves are affected with " Blister," caused by the fungus Exoascus deformans. As a preventive, plant the trees against walls facing south in a sheltered part of the garden. Remove any diseased leaves as soon as detected, burn them, and prune those branches bearing diseased leaves beyond the point of infection. Spray with dilute ammoniacal solution of copper car- bonate at intervals. Peach Stones Splitting : E. K. Although the main cause of Peaches splitting at the stone is an excess of moisture at the roots, the defect is largely constitutional, and trees liable to stone splitting should be replaced by others. Your case appears to show that it is due to some weakness in the individual, as none of your other Peach trees develops fruits with split stones. Potatos Diseased : T . It. The common Potato disease is present. Spray the plants with Bor- deaux mixture, which is the only means of pre- venting the spread of the disease. Soil for Examination : W. B. The sample of loam appears, from a superficial examination, to lie suitable for the cultivation of Melons. but this cannot be stated with certainty unless the loam is analysed. If you are a Fellow of the R.H.S., you can submit the soil for. analysis to the Society's chemist, Dr. VoelckerJ 22. Tudor Street. E.C., who will accept the task fur a small fee. Sweet Peas and Onions: Bostonian. The Pea roots are destroyed by millipedes, and the Onions are attacked by the Onion maggot. A good dressing of gas lime would clear the soil of these pests. Teak Wood for Shelves in Plant Houses: N. L. Unpainted teak wood is commonly used for forming shelves and stages in Orchid houses, and it is found to be very durable and it is not liable to harbour fungus, even when old. .We assume you mean shelves for fixing over the paths or along back walls. Teak or Oak wood would do well for either purpose. Shelves are usually formed of whole planks, but wide shelves might lie made trellis-like with spaces between the strips of wood similar to an open wood-work stage. In all cases where shelves are placed over staging bearing plants, the cultivator must take means to pre- vent injury to the stage plants arising from drip. Trifolium mini's : I,'. & M. Do not include* any variety of Clover in lawn Grass seeds un- less they are specially ordered. Wistaria: TV. A. II. No disease is present to account for the trouble, which must be looked for in some other direction ; most probably the roots are in an unsatisfactory condition. Communications Received.— J. W. A — W. V. G.— A. M. S.-C. J. M.— E. V. B.— O. O. W.— C. 8.— I. J.— L. H.— W. K., W. Dulwich-J. R. S.-G. W. -F. W. F. — T. J. H.— C. D. M.-H. P. -J. K.— I. E., Exeter- It, B.— Westminster-Co. Wicklow— C. S. & Co.— J. C. — T. S.— A. B. H.— B. G.-E. W. & Sons-Li. & H.-C. P. P. — J. D.— E. M.— A. & B., Ltd.-F. W. J.— W. F.-F M.— J. M.-A. D. -H. S. T.— Chloris— A. G. S.— W. I.— H. J. E.— Dr. P. G.— W. P. & S.— H. 8. T.-Charlcs E P. —George S. — Practical— H. Wilson (next week)— A. E. J. — Juvenile-G. M.-.J. D. J.-K. M.-A. G.— C. A._ F. J.— F. M.— E. H. e o 1- £■ u c •J •a 3 O c E ft ft 3 in w en to Ik O K U CO ffl en O W u z m Q w w w H « O S z $* THE iSmrbcncrs'Cbronidc No. 1,229— SATURDAY, July 16, 1910. CONTENTS. Alpine flower pictures ... 37 Qxlip, the true 39 Alpine gardens, British 84 r.in-1 s ami Violas 36 Books notices of — Primrose (double), origin A 1 pine Flowers and of the ..: 38 Gardens 35 Rose show, a private ... 38 Botanical Institute of Societies — Buitenzorg 44 American Gladiolus ... 43 Bournemouth parks and Brighton Rose and gardens T8 HnrtiniHiiral 51 Brussels Botanic Garden 43 British Gardeners' 51 Dendrological notes 33 Croydon Horticultural 51 East Burnham Park, Hanley Hort. Fete 47 visit to .. 43 Horticultural Club ... 41 Educational conference, National Rose 44 rural ... 3ft National Sweet Pea ... 46 Gen til, M. Louis 43 Royal Horticultural .. 43 Hailstorm in Yorkshire 39 Southampton Hort. ... 51 Iris lingitana 88 Wolverhami ton Floral Labour problem, the ... 37 Ftte 49 L-.C.C. Parks, chief Sweet Peas, development officer for 43 of 42 Lilies at Holland Park... 35 Veronica x edinensis ... 38 National Vegetable So- Wasp pest, the 39 ciety's Cabbage trials 33 Week's work, the— Orchid notes and glean- Flower garden, the ... 39 ings— Fruits under glass 40 C a t tl e ya Mendelii Hardy fruitgarden, the JM " Stuart Low " 34 Kitchen garden, the ... 40 Cattleya Warscewiczii Orchid houses, the ... 41 (gi gas) alba in Plants under glass 40 America 34 Weevils, a plague of 89 Dendrobium carini- Winter, the effects of, ferum 34 1909-1910 36 ILLUSTRATIONS. Cattleya Mendelii " Stuart Low" 35 Cattleya Warscewiczii alba 34 Hailstorm in Yorkshire 39 Lilium x Marhan 36 Liliuin monadelphum " Szovitzbiniuni " 37 Rose, Mary Countess of Ilchester .. 4.". Rose, Mrs. David Jardine 48 Rose, Mrs. Foley Hobbs 41 Senecio glastifolius var. Supplementary Illustration) Vegetables, collection of, exhibited by the Hon. Vicary Gihhs at Holland House 41 DENDROLOGICAL NOTES.' GRAF VON SCHWERIN, the President of the German Dendrological Society and editor of its publications, contributes a somewhat elaborate and — horticultural]}-, at least — complete monograph of the genus Sam- bucus. No synopsis of all the species of Sam- bucus has appeared since that in De Candolle's Prodromvs, vol. iv., 1830, and Graf von Sehwerin's work will be found a most useful addition to the literature of garden plants. The Genus Sambucus. Sambucus comprises about a score of species widely dispersed in both the old and new worlds, though none has hitherto been found in extra-tropical South Africa. They inhabit temperate and sub-tropical regions, all round the northern hemisphere ; extending south- ward in America, in the Argentine Republic, to about 45° ; in Africa to German East Africa, south of the equator ; and in Australasia to Tasmania. The distribution of all the species is illustrated by means of maps with outlined areas in colour, supplemented by localities after each description. We are somewhat puzzled by the areas outlined for the two Australian species, S. Gaudiehaudiana and S. australis, both of which areas include nearly the whole of New Guinea, though no species, so far as we are aware, has been re- * Extracted, with comments, from the Miltcilungen der Dcutschcn Dcndrologischen Geseltscha/t , 1909. Octavo, pp. 407, with numerous illustrations. corded from any part of that country. But on coming to the details of the distribution of the two species in question, we are surprised to find the range given as East Australia and New Holland. At first it seemed that New Holland might be a slip for New Guinea, but this is disproved by the record — Aus- tralia: Brisbane, Bailey; New Holland: Montes Caeruk-i, Lesson! With regard to the one species found in German East Africa, Graf von Schwerin appears to have overlooked Dr. Engler's publication of it as a variety of S. Ebulus (which it is) and has referred it to an Indian species, S. adnata. Wall., with the remark that it must certainly have been car- ried to Africa by birds of passage. In this connection it may be mentioned that a re- vision and definition of the Indian species of Sambucus, by Mr. J. Hutchinson, appeared in the Kew Hull, tin for 1909, pp. 190-192. Full synonymy is given by Graf von Schwerin un- der each species and variety, from which it appears that there has been great confusion in the application of names to plants under cultivation. The author defines no fewer than twenty-five varieties of S. nigra, differing in the cutting, colour or variegation of the leaves, and in the colour of the fruit. Curiously enough, under domestic applications of S. nigra, he makes no mention of Elderberry wine, formerly generally made 111 the south of England, and still not uncommon in some parts of Sussex. A mtv showy col -ed plate represents the ripe fruit of S. intermedia var. neo-mexioana, S. nigra var. viridis, S. canadensis, S. melanocarpa, S. calli- carpa and S. racemosa var. flavescensl We might extract many more interesting de- tails, but anyone interested in the genus must not fail to consult this monograph. Graf von Si hwerin gives a list of the species and varie- ties which lie had in cultivation in 1909. It includes seventeen out of twenty-one known speoies and about fifty varieties. He appeals to cultivators for seeds or cuttings of the miss- ing ones. "We may add that S. Fontenaysii of Carriere is the only hybrid recognised by the author, and that the parentage given is S. cterulea 5 X S. nigra s . The Douglas Pie. The contribution on £he coast and mountain forms of the Douglas Fir deserves attention, as it includes a great variety of information. According to the author, E. H. Frothinghani, no other North American tree of commercial importance is so widely distributed as the Douglas Pine, nor has any other conifer intro- duced into Europe found the same favour with foresters. The Douglas Fir ranges through about 25 degrees of latitude, from the 35th degree northward, and about as many degrees of longitude, from the hun- dredth meridian westward. The coast form — the superior form — occurs in Oregon from sea-level up to 6,200 feet. With respect to the greatest height attained by the coast form of the Douglas Fir, Mr. Frothinghani gives some figures which can only lie ac- cepted as approximations. Some reliable measurements are given in vol. xlvii. of the Gardeners' Chronicle, p. 69 and p. 203, of the height of the tallest trees in the world, where Mr. Frothingham's figures are discussed. Mr. Frothingham describes the coast form of the Douglas Fir as much superior to the mountain form, and as having spreading branches and larger female cones (flowers) with appressed bracts (carpellary scales). The mountain form has ascending branches and smaller cones with spreading bracts. Frothingham's paper is repeated in summary, in the MiU teilungen, without any explanation,! but it is supplemented by some remarks on the cultiva- tion in Germany of the Douglas Pine and the Sitka Spruce, from which we learn that the coast and mountain forms of the former are there distinguished as the green and grey varieties respectively, otherwise Pseudo- tsuga Douglasii viridis and P. Douglasii glauca. Of all the foreign timber trees culti- vated on a considerable scale in Germany the Douglas Fir, it is stated, stands well first, and its cultivation is rapidly extending. It is highly prized in that country, both on account of its rapid growth and the excellence of its timber. Japanese Cherries. Prof. E. Koehne contributes a critical, descriptive account of the Japanese,- orna- mental Cherries of the section Pseudocerasus introduced into German gardens. He re- cognises eight types or species, namely: Prunus Sargentii, P. serrulata, P. paraeera- sus, P. pseudo-c era.sus, P. subhirtella, P. pendula, P. Herinequiana, and P. canescens, with definitions of numerous varieties. As the author remarks, he has attempted a very difficult task, and if he has not succeeded in reaching finality he has produced a most useful classification of all the garden vari- eties. CoRNUS MACROPHYLLA. The same author has an article headed "What is Cornus maerophylla ?" As long ago as 1896 Dr. Koehne attempted to clear up the confusion existing in the nomenclature of the Asiatic species of Cornus having respec- tively alternate and opposite leaves. Unfor- tunately, the named specimens at Berlin on which he relied were incorrectly determined ; consequently his new name C. corynostylis be- came attached to the wrong species. In the June number of the Botanical Magazine of 1909 a figure (plate 8,261) of Cornus maero- phylla. Wall., was published, and incidentally the synonymy was corrected by the writer, ac- cording to his views of the species. Subse- quently, in October, 1909, a more detailed ex- position of the facts appeared in the Ki w Built tin, pp. 3211-335, together with descrip- tions of some new species and determinations of other specimens collected by Mr. E. H. Wilson, on his second mission to China, in which work the author had the valuable assistance of Dr. C. K. Schneider. In the pre- sent article. Prof. Koehne accepts the revised synonymy, except that he regards C. brachy- poda, C. A. Meyer, as specifically different from C. maerophylla, Walk, basing his view on characters which could not be tested on the majority of the numerous specimens we had before us. More recently Dr. W. Wangerin has published a monograph of the Cornacese in Engler's Das Pflanzenreich, Heft 41, April, 1910, where he states that C. brachypoda and C. maerophylla appear to be quite distinct species. This is not the writer's opinion, based upon dried specimens and fresh material of the plant figured in the Botanical Mm/a- zine, plate 8,261. t Since the above extracts were made we have discovered that Frothingham's paper first appeared in English as Circular 150 of the Forest Service of the United States Department of Agriculture; to which we find no reference in the Mtttcilxingen- 34 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. i July 16, 1919. Recent Introductions from China. Mr. Alfred Rehder, of the Arnold Arbore- tum, Boston, U.S., contributes a list of the genera of shrubs and trees raised in that establishment from seeds and cuttings col- lected by Mr. E. H. Wilson, independently of the collections made by the latter for Messrs. James Veiteh & Co. The list includes 151 genera, many of them represented by a num- ber of gatherings, though, of course, not necessarily by the same number of species. Thus: Acer, 23; Actinidia, 8; Berberis, 24; Betula, 10; Celastrus, 16; Celtis, 9; Clematis, 27 ; Cornus, 7 ; Cotoneaster, 21 ; Deutzia, 5 ; Evodia, 10; Gleditschia, 4; Ilex, 7; Lespe- deza, 7; Ligustrum, 5; Lonicera, 24; Neillia, 3 ; Photinia, 6 ; Pinus, 22 ; Primus, 53 ; Pyrus, 15; Quercus, 44; Rhamnus, 9; Rhododendron, 63; Ribes, 15; Rosa, 24; Rubus, 48; Salix, 21; Schizandra, 11; Smilax, 13; Spirfea 15; Staphylea, 6; Vaccinium, 4; Viburnum, 29; and Xanthoxylon, 3. Many others are repre- sented by two or more gatherings. Adding these to the immense collections made by Mr. Wilson during his first two journeys for Messrs. Veiteh, we have a total unequalled by any previous collector in any part of the world. The Largest and Oldest Lime Tree in Germany. A figure is given of a veteran Lime tree, supposed to be the thickest and oldest in all Germany. It is growing in the neighbourhood of the town of Staffelstein, in the district of Oberfranken, Bavaria. The main trunk, of which the remains are from 12 to 15 feet high, is 24 metres (80 feet) in circumference. The age of this tree is estimated at 2,000 years. From the rim of the trunk, which, near the top, is encircled by a hoop of iron, rise several secondary stems, and they ap- pear to be flourishing. W. H. B. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. CATTLEYA WARSCEWICZII (GIGAS) ALBA IN AMERICA. This plant (see fig. 12). imported last year by Messrs. Lager & Hurrell. of Rutherford. N.J., had its first public exhibition at the Orchid Show of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in Boston, Mass., U.S.A.. May 26 to 30. 1910*. The plant was received by Messrs. Lager & Hurrell in the latter part of August, 1909. and was potted early in October. It made a strong bulb, and opened is flowers the first week in the following May. The sepals, petals and lip are pure white, and the throat greenish yellow. The plant is now dormant, but it will probably send forth two, if not three, growths in the coming season, judging by the eyes now showing. G. P. P.. for the Horti- culture Publishing Company, Boston, Mass. CATTLEYA MENDELII " STUART LOW." Our illustration (see fig. 13) represents the two plants of the pure, white-flowered form of Cat- tleya Mendelii exhibited by Messrs. Stuart Low & 'Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, at the Royal Horticultural Society's exhibition at Holland Park on July 5 this year, when it gained a First- class Certificate from the Orchid Committee. Cattleya Mendelii is not so prolific in albinos as most of the others of the C. labiata section, and this form was the finest yet seen. It would be difficult to imagine a more perfect white Cat- tley? 1T It is an interesting circumstance that Messrs. Low showed the first albino of this species as Cattleya Bluntei at a great show at the Royal Aquarium, Westminster, and reported in the Gardeners' Chronicle, June 3, 1876, p. 735, " Under the name of Cattleya Bluntei, Messrs. Hugh Low & Co.. Clapton, exhibited a new and fine, pure-white variety, somewhat re- ing C. Mendelii in form, and having a beau- fringed lip." That plan! is generally ad- mitted to be an albino of C. Mendelii. DENDROBIUM CARINIFERUM. Flowers of this pretty Burmese Dendrobium are sent by Mr. C. Wright (gr. to the Hon. N. Charles Rothschild, Ashton Wold, Oundle), ilie plant from which they were taken having a good show of bloom. The flowers, which are nearly 2 inches across, are in pairs and threes, the deeply-keeled, sepals are ivory-white, tinged with buff-yellow at the backs and outer halves. The broader, ovate petals are white and the labellum orange-red at the base, the colour being con- tinued into the whitish margin along the vein, which bears long, woolly hairs. D. cariniferum is of the nigro-hirsute section, which includes D. Draconis, D. formosum, and D. infundibulum, and requires similar treatment to these species. BRITISH ALPINE 6ARDENS. (Concluded from page 13.) I have known the gardens at Wisley since 1885, and was there with my late friend Wilson, when they were first opened. Since then, I have been to Wisley four times, but I do not yet know how to reach that very out-of-the-way place. On What is there to be said of South Lodge and Leonardslee that has not been said already? Both places are marvellous, and nobody must be sur- prised if I call that corner of England a Terres- trial Paradise. South Lodge is a beautiful picture to the eyes, and Leonardslee a solace to the heart. Which of them is the dearer to me I cannot say. The artist would prefer South Lodge, the naturalist and the sportsman, Leonardslee. At South Lodge, the shrubs — all the shrubs of the world are there, at least those which will succeed in England — are grouped artistically, enframed in dark green trees, and the colours are so combined that they gave value one to another. The Rhododendrons and Azaleas were beauti- ful, and not too many of them were grouped together. Herbaceous and Alpine plants were alternated with the shrubs, so that the whole pic- ture was full of life and colour. Nothing is more inartistic than masses and masses of uniform plants which prove the wealth of the owner, but not his good taste. In the rock-garden of South Lodge everything is healthy and well grown. I saw there the best of the Alpine plants, Fig. 12. — cattleya warscewiczii alba. former occasions it has been my privilege to be taken there by a friend in a carriage or motor- car. This time I tried to go by myself, and I now believe that it is easier to reach the top of the Matterhorn than the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society. After half-a-day's ex- ploration, I arrived there about one o'clock on a bicycle which I had hired at Horgley village after many hours walk and inquiries. Wisley has been much developed lately. The rockery is a good one, although wrongly situated, judged from an aesthetic point of view, it being near the glasshouses. The climate is exceedingly good and plants in the woods grow luxuriantly. The birds singing in the trees, the flowers gleam- ing, and the sun shining upon everything : I had a very good impression of the work done by the R.H.S. In a pretty little garden at Langhurst, near Wamham, I saw some beautiful Romneya Coul- teri. Oriental Poppies and other good herbaceous plants grown much better there than anywhere else I have seen: the soil is said to be very bad, but the climate is capital for this kind of thing. In a small rockery I found Alpine Anemones flourishing as they do in the Alps. together with plants of every part of the world. Myosotidium nobile was beautiful near the orange-coloured Lithospermum canefcens, the ideal and superb Chilian Crinodendron Hookcri hanging its deep-red flowers upon a carpet of Linna?a borealis, and the rare Rhododendron kamtschaticum, near Grevillea alnestris. The Ramondias were particularly good, and also the blue Meconopsis. Terrestrial Orchids were very fine, the best, perhaps, I saw in England after those of Sir Frank Crisp at Friar Park. Leonardslee, just opposite to South Lodge, is such a big place that it is rather a country than a garden. Well known by everybody who loves flowers, that marvellous park may be describe! as quarter a botanic garden, quarter a zoological garden, quarter an artistic picture, and quarter a wild wood or garden. Here, Solanum crispuin is a tree, and the Camellias, the Azaleas and Rho- dodendrons are so big that they form a wood, and one can walk in their shade. A natural valley has been transformed by the artist-owner of I his into an Eden covering something like ICO acres of land with three lakes sleeping in iis hollows. These lakes are adorned by the gigantic forms of Gunnera manicata, snelterin^ Judy '6. 19J0.1 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 35 the smallest of the genus, Gunnera Monroia. There the Caltha polypetala, the first introduced into England, covers the stretch of water, mix- ing its beautiful, yellow flowers with those of the blue Myosotis paJustris. Sir Edmund Loder, who, like myself, is an enthusiast, showed me the enormous flower of a white-flowering Rhododendron which he has raised and nursed for eight years. The flowers have two lobes more than is usual in Rhododen- drons. He may well be proud of his collection. The visitor must not be astonished if in the garden he meets some curious animals rambling strangely, with their young in their pocket, and leaping curiously over the ground, for Kangaroos (big and small) are at home in the garden, as well as m my kinds of tortoi e? and colonies of beavers, etc.. in the park. The rock-garden, one of the best in England, interested me very much. It includes many rare things, amongst which I remarked the beautiful Chilian Philesia buxifolia flowering near a patch tune's Yellow Rose which was brought to Mr. Rodgers"s grandfather by Fortune himself ; and here aLso is probably the first introduced Chamaj- rops Fortunei, a tree more than 50 years old and about 35 feet high and beautifully shaped. Shel- tered from north winds by a limestone hill, the garden is altogether charming. A terrace in front of the house reminds me of the terraces cf Italian Villas, and is framed by beautiful trees, shrubs and climbers (Arbutus, Cypresses, Taxus adpressa 15 feet in height, &c). A rock-garden has been built lately which is enframed in the most beautiful site that could be imagined. The great Rhododendrons, Tree Ericas, and Crino- dendrons are famous. Near to this beautiful place at Beech Mount, Sevenoaks, is an avenue of Araucaria imbricata. I dare not say that it is an artistic marvel ; I shall not be accused of exaggeration if I say that it is a natural one. and that there are few tilings more picturesque and original. Hnnij Correvnn, Geneva. FlG. 13. — CATTLEYA MENDELII " STUART LOW.1' (See p. 34.) of big Ramondias. The garden contains a Creep- ing Spruce — a real beauty. But the best features of this place are the Roses, which grow 20 to 30 feet high between the trees and climbing over the branches, fall as beautiful flowering arches of every col- our and shape. I never saw such a beautiful effect anywhere else, and wondered very much that under the much derided English climate Roses can do rather better than at Cannes or Men tone. Now I must say a word cf the beautiful trees 'Beeches) of St. Clere, near Kemsing, and of the little, much too little, wall garden there, where the Phyteumas. the rarest Campanulas, the Rock Primroses, Geranium argenteum, and others are doing their best. Near to Sevenoaks, in a site reminding one of Switzerland, there is an old beautiful garden, the work of three generation.! of gardeners. I mean thai fine place called River Hill, where the house is sheltered by the most luxuriant Conifers and Palms. Here is the first introduced plant of < !ed- rus Deodara, the first intioduced plant of Fo-.-- NOTICES OF BOOKS. Alpine Flowers and Gardens.* This book is fittingly described by the title. The paintings are well reproduced, and some are very charming — so much so that we are tempted to ask to see the originals, which a slip inserted in the volume states are on sale at the publishers. The characters of the flowers, as they occur in a Swiss meadow, are given with really remarkable fidelity, and awaken pleasing recol- lections of walks in the Alps and the wooded slopes girdling the mountain sides. The letterpress, however, we confess strikes us as " thin." There is not much that the student of the Alpine flora will glean from these pages. They may, nevertheless, be useful to visitors who wish to know what sort of plants they are likely to meet at different seasons. The author, how- ever, does indicate the fact that the sea- sens in the Alps are relative rather than * !//>me Flowers and Gardens, painted and described by O. Flemwell. (A. and C. Black.) absolute in their determination of a particular flora. Elevation and aspect also count. We recollect a year or two ago seeing, late in August, in the upper regions of the Lotehen- thal. a small hollow still blocked with the ava- lanche-snow that had fallen months before, and, at the foot of the melting mass, Soldanella was blooming along with many other spring flowers, which elsewhere were only to be found, if at all. at far higher altitudes at that time of year. We think some of the writing about the risks attendant on gathering Alpine flowers .(pp. 89 and 90) might profitably have been le- placed by a few sensible remarks on the nature of the risks and the common-sense precautions which so many tourists so ignorantly neglect. The number of so-called " Alpine Accidents " is preposterously large, but they are due generally to sheer stupidity. It is worse than absurd to see many of our own countrymen, and especially countrywomen, pottering about on the grass of steep hillsides in boots which put a heavy pre- mium on a slip that may easily end in disaster. But Mr. Fleming has written a tolerably pleas- ant book for an idle hour. We think that he has himself expressed his purpose with sufficient apt- ness in the sentence : " We are out for a little mild botany, not for cloudy philosophy." M. Correvon, the well-known Swiss botanist, contributes the preface, and the publishers have done their share in presenting the work in an attractive form. LILIES AT HOLLAND PARK. A great number of species and varieties of Lilium were represented at the recent exhibition at Holland Park. Large masses of a few kinds were less numerous than usual, but, taken alto- gether, the show of Lilies must be looked upon as satisfactory, considering that the season is not a specially good one. Perhaps the most attractive feature among Lilies, though by no means the most imposing, was a group of the new Lilium tenuifolium " Golden Gleam " in Messrs. Wallace's group. This Lily, variously described as a hybrid from L. tenuifolium, and a selected seedling therefrom, is certainly very pretty, and should become a general favourite. It has. both in foliage and in flower, the lightness and grace of L. tenui- folium itself, but the flowers are, according to the de-cription, of a pure golden-yellow col- 1 ur, though in the tent and under somewhat dull conditions of weather they appeared to have a suffusion of apricot. Lilium parviflorum, a comparatively new and decidedly rare species, was also represented in the same collection. This species is a native of the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern and Central California, that is from much the same re- gion as the typical L. Humboldtii. In general ap^ pearance, L. parviflorum may be likened to L. parvum. except that the segments of the flowers are revolute, as in L. pardalinum. In common with several North American Lilies, the flowers of L. parviflorum vary in colour ; as shown, they are of a warm apricot-yellow, with dark-coloured spots towards the lower part of the segments. The sub-genus Martagon, to which belong both of the plants already named, was also reprel sented by many other species. Lilium canadense in a cut state is a delightful subject for the furnishing of medium-sized vases. The small, partially-reflexed flowers are so deli- cately poised on slender, yet firm stems that they are seen to very great advantage. Both the yel- low and the red forms are very pretty, while the newer Lilium Grayi, with deep-coloured blos- soms, is nearly related to it. Lilium Dalhansonii, a hybrid between the dark- coloured form of L. Martagon, known by the varietal name of dalmaticum, and the Japanese L. Hansonii, was also shown well. It is a dis- tinct Lily, the colour of its parents being blended in a peculiar manner in the flower. Lilium Hansonii itself was represented in a 36 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [July 16. 1910. great many stands. It proves very amenable to cultivation in this country, and is both distinct and pretty. The flowers, which are borne in a terminal, deltoid raceme, do not reflex to the same extent as in the true Martagon, while the segments are of an unusually thick, wax-like texture. The colour is yellow, with dark spots. Lilium Marhan (see fig. 14) is another hybrid Lily, between the white variety of L. Mar- tagon and L. Hansonii. As might be ex- pected from the tint of the Martagon employed in its production, this hybrid Lily is altogether lighter in colour than L. Dalhansonii previously mentioned. The finest form of L. Marhan, known as Ellen Willmott, was also noted in good con- dition. Lilium Martagon showed great variation in colour, while 6ome forms of the white variety (album) were greatly superior to others. Lilium monadelphum and its variety Szovitzia- num (see fig. 15) are beautiful Lilies, particularly in the open ground or in the lofty exhibition tent, but in a confined place their heavy perfume is too pronounced to be pleasant. This latter remark applies with equal force to several other members of the sub-genus Martagon, including the species from whence it takes its name. Lilium pardalinum, the Panther Lily of North America, has curious rhizomatous bulbs, which delight in an open vegetable compost and a fair amount of moisture. These conditions prevail in Rhododendron beds, hence it is one of the most satisfactory Lilies for associating with those shrubs. Not only the typical kind, but the deeper coloured form known as Michauxii was also shown. Lilium pomponium, that deep-red Lily for which a poor, dull-coloured flower sometimes does duty, is a striking species. The suffix verum is frequently applied to the best form. This Lily needs to be planted in good, loamy soil and then allowed to remain undisturbed. Lilium testaceum, sometimes called L. excel- sum, is, from the nankeen tint of its blossoms, quite distinct from any other species. It is one of the best for the open ground, where it will flower well the first season after planting. It also succeeds in pots, and the perfume is not too powerful to prevent its use in a cut state indoors. Among the representatives of sections other than the Martagon group, may be mentioned L. longiflorum, which is probably the most popular Lily. The splendid flowers produced by Japanese bulbs and the good varieties now received from Japan are very apparent to one who, like myself, remembers the early days when the supplies of this Lily were drawn almost entirely from Hol- land. L. speciosum, which rivals L. longiflorum in popularity, was represented by both white and coloured varieties. These two Lilies have proved to be the best of all for retarding, for which pur- pose many of the large consignments sent from Japan are eagerly bought up. So generally arc these two Lilies grown by 'those who supply Covent Garden market that flowers are now ob- tainable throughout the entire year. Lilium auratum is always a striking Lily, but it is decidedly erratic in its behaviour. In one or two instances, it was particularly well shown at Holland Park, and in Messrs. Wallace's group that noble variety platyphyllum was very con- spicuous. Lilium Brownii, whose long ivory-white trum- pets are tinged outside with chocolate, is a noble Lily ; while L. candidum (the Madonna Lily), a universal favourite, stood out boldly in many exhibits. The tall-growing L. Henryi, which does so well in many gardens, was also noted. Of the upright-flowered Lilies corresponding with the subgenus Isolirion of Mr. Baker, both L. davuricum or dahuricum and L. elegans or Thun- bergianum, and several varieties were freely represented. Lilium croceum, noted here and there, seems to be much less common than formerly; I have seen instances where a poor form of L. davuricum has been supplied for it. This is a pity, for L. croceum (the old Orange Lily) is one of the most beautiful of border plants, while the individual flowers remain frer«h and bright for a longer period than those of most of its immediate rela- tives, except the decidedly uncommon L. bulbi- ferum. The last Lily to mention, but by no means the least important, is the Himalayan L. gigantism, of which a few fine examples were shown. The large, heart-shaped, shining green leaves of this Lily are very handsome, while the tall shaft-like stem, furnished towards its upper part with long, tubular blossoms, causes it in every way to stand cut from all other Lilies. To obtain its full development this Lily needs to be grown on in the spot in which it is to flower. It is a great mistake to plant large bulbs obtained at a high price, as they flower before they become estab- lished and are seldom satisfactory. I ought to add that it is quite possible that I have overlooked some other Lilies worthy of mention, though I endeavoured to see them all. IF. Fig. 14. — lilium x marhan: l. martagon, WHITE VAR., X L. HANSONII. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. these ar6 sufficient for me to advise all who admire the beautiful Pansy, both in vases and on borders, to grow them as above in full sunshine on a warm border free from shade. Referring to the Viola, I had cut- tings also taken in October and put on a warm border, of many sorts, all of which stood the winter without the loss of even a cutting. Now Mr. Cuthbertson does not mention the best one of the lot, and that is Kitty Bell. These cuttings were transplanted in March around standard Roses, in ground which was prepared with a mix- ture of turf manure from an old Mushroom bed, and a liberal supply of Thompson's plant manure. All these 20 beds are planted with Kitty Bell, and it is called the prettiest spot in the garden by all who see it. I enclose a few blooms for inspection by the Editors. M. Brennan, Head Gardener, Acton Parle, Wrexham. [This Viola is of a very delightful shade of blue. The best aspect for Violas in one district may not be so in another locality. — Eds.] The Effects of the Winter 1909-1910. — Several interesting lists have lately appeared dealing with the effects of the late severe winter on plants in various districts : one of the most instructive being that of Mr. Bean, in the Kew Bxdktin, but there is this difference between the English and Scotch lists that the former country escaped the severe November frosts that wrought havoc on the north side of the Border. Your correspondent, ir* last week's Gardeners' Chronicle, in Northum- berland, writes indeed in forma pauperis, and lest it should be considered typical of the East Coast, perhaps you may be able to find space for the following list. It has several points of interest, but I may draw attention particularly to Pau- lowia, which usually has the shoots injured, but which this winter escaped uninjured though planted under varying conditions. Actinidia Kolomicta is flowering profusely, and Professor Bayley Balfour informs me that he has not pre- viously seen it flowering in the open in Scotland. The following list will, I think, compare favour- ably with that of my friend Sir Herbert Maxwell from the West Coast of Scotland. It is by no means exhaustive, simply including those plants noticed in a walk round the grounds : — KILLED OUTRIGHT. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Pansies and Violas. — With reference to the paper by Mr. Cuthbertson which appeared on p. 9 in your issue of July 2, I may say that 12 months ago I had Pansies planted here in comparative shade, yet where they had the full benefit of the morning sun, but the results were most disheartening. From these plants I had cuttings taken in October and placed in boxes in a cold frame for want of room elsewhere. In January these boxes had to take refuge under an Apple tree. However, in March I decided to give my young plants a fresh start, choosing a very dry border with a south aspect, where the sun' has full power all day. The quantity and quality of flowers which I have gathered from Cotoneaster angustifolia {a few plants alive). Olearia stellulata. Ffelichryeum diosmifolium. Ebync ^!Ksrrnum jasrninoides lu.lllj. Phv^ianthus rnegapotamicus (wall). KILLED TO GROUND Gnsc-linia littoralis. Olearia H'lastii fall large plants; small in nursery lirtl "iirheril. Dlearia nitida. Myrtle (protected by brandies during winter). Escallonia macvantba (for the most part). Veronica (several bushy species). Escallonia pterocladon. Oreodaphne californicum. Draaena indivisa (nearly all). Bamboos (some specimens of several species). BUT STILL ALIVE. Oeanothus den tat. as. Veronica Kmglitii (some). Abutilon vitifolium. Veronica parviflnra. Veronica salu'ifolia. Bigelowia viscidi'nora. Eucalvplus urnecra var. Whittinghaniettsis. ON WALLS KILLED TO GROUND. Paesiflora Constance Elliot | Senecio ekeagnifolius. Jasminum primulinum. Jasminum revolutum. Bridgesia spicata. DAMAGED IN OPEN GROUND. Phormium tenax and varie- ties. Bamboos various, including an cf ps. Rosa bracteata (on wall). Rosa (many climbers;. Escallonia macrantha (mcstl. Stauntonia hexaphylla (wall) Cspsalpinia sepiaria (wall). Ban ksi an Rose (white, on wall). NOT INJURED. Daphniphyllum glaucescens. Philesia decora var. Vil- moriana. Tree Pa?on;es. Paulownia imperialis. Oeanothus Gloire de Ver- sailles (wall). Eriobotrya japonica (wall). Atriplex canescens. Vitis Romanetii (wall). v ii is Henryi (wall). Vitis Ooignetiee iwall). Vitis Veitchii and others (wall). Eccremocarpus. Decaisnea Fargesii. Escallonia langleyensis. Carpentaria californici (near wall). Actinidia Kolomikta (wall). Cboisya tenia t a. I i 1 1 i.i himala!ba. Abelia (two species). Limonia tripctala. Olearia nummularifolia. Buddleia variabilis, B. Hemsleyana, B. Veitrhi- ana, B. globosa, and B. CVlvilei. Rln dodendron himalavan i' in or ten species). Ancklandii flowered splen- didly. Parrotia persica, Snp'mra tot-raj t^ra. Berberia concinna, Chamaerops australis. i lamellias. V iii ns Ayacahuite. Abies Mariesii. Cupreesus Macnabiana. Cupressus BentbamiJ Kn '*htiana. Aithrotaxis cupressi ifdes. Dacrydium Franklinii. Azara microphylla. Arbutus Andrachne. Arbutus IJIenzu'.-i:. Archibald Buchan-Hcpburn, Smeaftn, East Lothian July 16, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 37 The Labour Problem. -The remarks in vour last issue under this heading seem to call for some reply by those immediately interested. It is easy to criticise the fit of a boot, but only the man who wears it is fully qualified to give a reliable opinion as to its merits. The writer seems to take it for granted that either short- sighted policy or native meanness are the only reasons that prevent a higher rate of remunera- tion for nursery employes. Neither of these is the case. The 'very nature of the nursery busi- steady decline in the prices of nursery stock, and an equally marked rise in the expenses of pro- duction. .We have a catalogue published by our firm 100 years ago, when wages were 2s. per day and half the taxes now levied had not been thought of. and the prices in almost every instance are markedly higher than at the present time, but the most serious decline has been within the period above-named. The market grower is no happier ; Grapes at 6d. during most of the season, and a serious percentage of his [Photograph by T. Ernest Waltham, FlG. 15. — LILIUM MONADELPHUM S20YITZIANIUM. ness demands the closest supervision of every detail, which induces more intimate personal in- tercourse and friendly relations than exist in al- most any other trade between employer and em- ployed, and nurserymen generally would be only too pleased to give their staff a higher remunera- tion if only the conditions of the trade would al- low it. What, however, are the circumstances? For the last twenty years there has been a flowers going to the dust-cart at the present time are not encouraging. On the other hand, the local rates and taxes rise year by year, and are now in many places double what they were a few years ago. Then, too, the new land taxes will hit the nursery trade harder than any other section of -land-owners, owing to their premises being usifallv situated in suburban districts. These hardships are accentuated by the tact that assessment committees always assess nursery land at double or treble its value. This is neither law or justice, but one has to pay or fight a powerful authority with a bottomless purse. Add to these things that now nearly every branch of the trade is cut up by foreign competition. German nur- serymen are flooding the country with forest trees, Frenchmen with Roses, the Dutchman dump their surplus shrubs (after their American orders are filled) at auctions all down the East Coast and everywhere else where their is water- carriage ; the bulb trade is cut up by auction sales and direct offers by the lower class dealers and growers ; Belgian Grapes are offered at Is. a pound in Christmas week — but the catalogue grows wearisome. In spite of all this, the posi- tion of the nursery hand compares pretty favour- ably with that of the gardener. Our labourers, though nominally earning 18s., average 23s. the year through by piece-work, with Saturday half- holiday from May to September, and no respon- sibility ; skilled men in proportion, and this in the country, with rent at 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d. How- ever, we shall welcome the prospect of improving matters when the public realises its obligation to help the home producer instead of taxing him to extinction to enable his foreign rivals to flourish more abundantly. Chas. E. Pearson, Lowdlium. 1 was pleased to see the article on this subject on p. 6. It is a subject that deserves to be discussed in our gardening papers, for any suggestions that will tend to promote the mutual interests of capital and labour are surely worth the attention of both employer and employe. It would appear to me that no one can deny the truth and justice of your remarks, and, if em- ployers would only act upon the suggestions put forward in your article, it would create a far better feeling amongst employes in general than exists in so many instances at the present time. Is it to be wondered at that men lose interest in their work when they are so badly paid? I my- self have had over 30 years experience, both in large private establishments, and in some of the leading nurseries, and, although in the prime of 1 : t > ■ . I have not been able to obtain more than 18s. per week for several years past. For these last 18 months I have been engaged in making a kit- chen garden and laying-out the grounds of a new grammar-school here at Newark. This is skilled work, and I get no more than 18s. per week, and I have to lose the time'in bad weather when I can- not work. When there are so many cases like this, can anyone be surprised at the younger men leaving gardening and engaging in other occupa- tions where the hours are shorter and the wages higher? I have heard more than one employer make the remark that he thought gardeners were deteriorating, but is it to be wondered at when there is so little encouragement given them to make greater efforts or take more interest in their work? Geo. Stevenson. Alpine Flower PicTURES.-Some interesting water-colour drawings of Alpine flowers and gar- dens and general Alpine views, by George Flemwell, are now on exhibition at the Baillie Gallery, Bond Street. Twenty of these pictures have been reproduced in the artists book on Alpine Flowers and Gardens (see p. 35). Among the others may be mentioned No. 26, a large drawing of Gentiana Kochiana and Anemone sulphurea on the Col de la Forclaz. The snow-covered Col de Balme in the distance and the clouds are as good as the flowers are brilliant and natural, but the grass is just a little crude. A fellow to this is " Hay fields in Flower at the Col de la Forclaz," in which the mauve effect of extensive masses of Geranium sylvaticum is more beautiful than the mountains and 6ky, which are somewhat hard. It must be remem- bered, however, that most of these drawings have been done for the express purpose of illustrating a book, though it is very likely that both originals and reproductions would be still better had the (former been executed in pure water-colour, and not in " body-colour. I have not seen any paintings of Alpine flowers and fungi so brilliant in colour and accurate in form as those of Mr. Flemwell which I was privileged to see in Switzerland. In No. 28, another exquisite pic- ture of those unrivalled Alpine " Hayfields," the delineation and massing of the minute flowers is so accurate that it is easy to distinguish the Rampions from the ( 'ampanulas, and to pick out the Pinks and Orchids, the Globe-flowers and the 38 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 16, 1910. Daisies. The subject reminds one of MacWhir- ter's well-known " June in the Austrian Tyrol," but Flemwell has gone one better in the portrayal of a far more complex mass of blossom in the fore- ground than the Daisies and Campanulas of the Tyrolese meadow. The picture of " Saxifrage and Alpine Eglantine, with the Glacier des Grands," should give landscape gardeners an excellent idea of rock formation, and the way in which Saxifraga Aizoon, Saponaria ocymoides, and other plants establish themselves on the ledges of rock ; while Rosa alpina is shown hugging the very same rocks, for it is always in such places that its blossoms are of the deepest colour. Perhaps the best picture in the show is " Thistles, the Apollo Butterfly, and the Aiguille du Tour." Here the slightly-opaque medium has not destroyed the true atmospheric effect, and the result is a veritable gem. The lemon-yellow patches in the drawing are Anthyllis vulneraria, which, in that district and nearer Chamonix, transforms acres of the mountain-side into sheets of gold in August. An extremely delicate draw- ing is of Anemone alpina on the summit of the Rochers de Naye, overlooking the Lake of Geneva and the mountains of Savoy. There are several pictures of the Linnea Garden at Bourg St. Pierre; the Rambertia Garden on the Rochers de Naye, and the Thomasia above Bex also figure, and in these the natural rock-work is much in evidence. " Croats and Soldanella at Le Plaus " indicates in a very clever manner the way in which these delicate flowers carpet the still brown sward from which the snow has only just melted. Other very beautiful spring scenes depict Hepatica in the woods at Bex, Gen- tiana verna and the Glacier de Plau Neve, and Primula farinosa, Oxlips, and Marsh Marigolds at Les Plaus, with the Argentine peak behind, looking at this early season so much like the Matterhorn a6 seen from Zermatt. These and other April scenes should do much to tempt lovers o'f Alpine plants to visit their native haunts three months earlier than the average rush of tourists takes pl?se. //. ,S'. Thoinpgon. Veron.ca x edinemsis. — I send you here- with specimens, in flower, of an interesting hy- brid Veronica, which has flowered this month for the first time. It is the result of a cross raised in July, HOt, from V. Hectori ? and V. pimel- leoieles s . I purpose calling it V. edinensis. B. Lindsay. The Rural Education Conference. — I have read the very long list of names (see p. 7) of persons appointed to form the Rural Educa- tion Conference, and have been surprised to find that it does not include one single person who can claim to represent practical gardening. It may be that the President of the Board of Agri- culture holds gardening as a subject of rural education in small esteem, but having regard to the widespread instruction in gardening now given in elementary schools, some respect for that vocation might have been looked for from the Education Department. In these days of small holdings which, to be successful, must be cultivated as gardens, of cottage gar- dens and allotments, and school gardening, it is folly to ignore gardening. Really, it is one of the most important and valued forms of rural instruction. Of course, I mean practical horti- culture and not experimental gardening of a quasi-scientific character. In rural districts to- day there is no greater need than for a wide ex- pansion of gardening. A. D. Origin of the Double Primrose.— I note that you inform a correspondent that experi- ments are now in progress to determine the origin of the Polyanthus. It >s most probable that they will show 'hit the florists' gold-laced strain, and the now widely-grown and larger- flowered border Polyanthuses had diverse origins, as they are very distinct. Of greater interest, from a floral point of view, as doubtless also from a purely botanical one, would be an inquiry as to the origin of the race of double garden Primroses with which we are so familiar, and of which we still have some 10 or 12 distinct varieties. The best known are the double white, mauve-purple, sulphur- salmon, and crimson, none of which produce seed, or can be so increased, and hence, unlike the Polyanthus, show no form of reversion in their progeny. That they all originated from single Primroses appears probable ; indeed, I have seen cases in which both the white and the mauve have reverted to single form and so re- mained, no higher culture affecting them to re- produce doubling. 1 used to grow perfectly true garden Primroses of many bright and beautiful colours, and raised fresh batches of them from seed year by year, but not a flower ever showed evidence of doubling. I believe practically every- one of the doubles in commerce came to us from the Continent. In any case, I know of no record of their origin here. These doubles, because they cannot be reproduced from seed, lack the accom- modating constitution of the single -jarden Prim- rose or of the wild ones, although they will thrive well in cool, moist districts, especially in Ire- land. In the South of England they are very difficult to keep alive even during summer. Some 40 years ago I met with a very beautiful single, crimson Primrose in a garden at Shirley, near Southampton. It was found there and there alcn :. It was put into commerce as Primula auriculteflora, and was really a large pin-eyed, single lilac- coloured Primrose. I got from that cross the parent of the fine race of garden Pii.nroses that were once so beautiful at Bedfont. I believe that single crimson variety was the old double crimson in a state of reversion to its normal condition. However, the subject opens a wide and very in- teresting field of inquiry. A. Dean. Bournemouth Parks and Gardens. — Bournemouth is 100 years old, and, like most centenarians, is proud of the fact. No pains have been spared to let all the world know that Bournemouth is having a birthday, and it is being celebrated — July 6 to l£— in a fashion worthy of so delightful a watering place. Nothing has contributed to the rapid growth and charm of the town so much as its beautifully-kept parks and gardens. In the month of May. Bournemouth is at its best, and the Rho- dodi ndrons in Branksome Chine, Meyrick Park and elsewhere are in themselves well worth a visit. But even in April some of the earlier kinds are in full bloom. The peaty, sandy soil of the district suits the Rhododendron remark- ably well, so that it is naturalized in most of the plantations, growing well with Portugal Laurel, Scotch and other Pines, Silver Birch, Evergreen Oaks, Gorse, Broom, Heather and occasional Fir trees (Allies), which together go to form a landscape typical of the district. The Scotch Pine (Pinus sylvestris) is probably native at Branksome, in Talbot Woods, etc., but P. Pinaster, Ait. = P. maritima Lam. was intro- duced in 1805, and is now locally abundant and self-propagating. It was introduced to occupy the barren heath-land between Toole and Christ- church, which had proved too dry for P. sylves- tris. When new gardens are made, the soil is often trenched two spits deep and well limed, while basic 6lag forms a useful fertiliser for many plants, especially for Narcissi. The climate of Bournemouth in winter and spring is no warmer than that of most places in the smith of England, and occassionally there are very low temperatures, though there is an abundance of sunshine. The beauty of the Bournemouth and Boscombe Public Gardens is well known, and, although neatly kept and well supplied with flower-beds, their natural beauty has been so well maintained, and, indeed, improved, that all the year round there is something charming about them. It is unfortunate that ihe same cannot be said of cer- tain modern " improvements " on both the East and West Cliff, where the everlasting terracing and building of new houses is rapidly spoiling the charm of the place. It must, however, be con- fessed that many of the Bournemouth houses have been designed by architects who are artists. The cottage in the Biscombe Public Gardens is an ex- ample of a picturesque building, delightful in its simplicity. It is occupied by Mr. Stephen- son, the Superintendent of the Public Parks and Gardens. In the Central Gardens, which fill the narrow, sheltered valley of the little river Bourne, an improvement might be made by planting water-plants by the side of some of the higher reaches of the stream. Nearer the square, although the scene is pretty with gaily-coloured shrubs, well-laid-out flower-beds, and lawns bedecked in spring with Daffodils, yet, by an increase and careful adaptation of the stones already by the waterside, a very beautiful rock-garden might be made right in the centre of the town, in the small, sloping enclosure, lined with choice Rhododendrons and Azaleas, at present closed to the public. In planting such a rockery with Alpine and other plants, it should not be forgotten how frequently in winter this narrow valley harbours damp, cold mists, which woedd probably kill certain species of Alpines, though many of the hardier kinds should do well there. The adjoining town of Poole, which had an interesting and stirring history centuries before the first house in Bournemouth was built, has a large pub- lic park, of which the ancient borough may well be proud. It comprises a huge salt-water lake and a smaller area of fresh water, planted with tall Bamboos and other plants, which give shel- ter to swans and smaller water-fowl. //. S. T . Iris tingitana. — Has Mr. Fitzherbert told us the whole secret of growing this Iris (see p. 17)? I followed his instructions in 1907. and was re- warded by 11 blooms from 12 bulbs. Then my troubles began, for the bulbs, after flowering, broke up into innumerable small bulblets, very much after the fashion of Lilium giganteum. These bulblets have, apparently, to be nursed on for years before they reach flowering size, so that I have ceased to wonder at Mr. Irwin Lyneh's suggestion that they are hardly worth the trouble of cultivation. Of their beauty there can be little doubt. Basil L&veit, Wychnor Park, Burton-on-Trent. The National Vegetable Society's Cabbage Trials. — When the committee of this Society undertook to conduct trials of autumn- sown Cabbages last year, no intention was ex- pressed to revise seedsmen's nomenclature. If any seedsman having a stock, say. of Ellam's Early, or of any other variety, makes selections from it which improve the stock, such seedsman is entitled to name it their selection, or to give it, if so pleased, some other name to differentiate the selection from the original stock. It is of far less importance what name a stock or strain may have than that it should be shown to be a good one for its purpose. The object in view was to ascertain which varieties or selections gave, from sowings made on July 30, the earliest and best hearts for spring cutting. That was done so far that so many as 11 divereely-named varieties were so good that they were specially recommended. Not a few others were found good for later- hearting, and some few were absolutely unfit for sowing early. So far as the second sowing on September 14 gave results, they showed that very few plants, even of varieties that bolted badly from the first sowing, bolted from the second sowing, but all the plants from that seiwing were more leafy and. relatively, much later in heart- ing than those raised from the first sowing, hence it was conclusively proved that, for supplying very early Spring Cabbages, certain varieties, sown on July 30, will beat all others. Those who want first early Spring Cabbagee will be able to make their own selections from the list of good varieties published. A. D. A Private Rose Show. — An exhibition of a novel character took place at Finborough Hall, Suffolk, recently, in connection with a garden party on July 1. Mr. Pettiward, the owner of Finborough Hall, thought that a private Rose show would give an opportunity for many of his friends to compete together in growing and ex- hibiting the best Roses. The expense was borne by Mr. Pettiward, who had schedules printed, had a large tent erected, provided tables and cloths for table decoration, and gave the prizes — which took the nature of higher-class books on various gardening subjects, and light tools, such as an Abol syringe, secateurs, &c. On the whole, the show was successful, and the result exceeded the promoter's most sanguine expectations. There was a large number of entries, and Ine- quality of the flowers was excellent. The judges were Major Courtney, of Bury St. Edmunds, and Mr. A. Gamlin. The prize for the finest flower in the show went to Miss Tidewell, of Bosmere, for a very fine example of the Lyon Rose, good i« every way and colour splendid. The gar- deners who attended the show on behalf of their employers were entertained to tea by Mr. Petti- ward. Not the least attractive feature in the show was a magnificent table i f Sweet Peas (not for competition), staged by the gardener at Fin- borough Hall, from plants grown on the single- stem system on poles. There were 17 glasses of the very best varieties and two small glasses of Lathyrus pubescens or Lord Anson's Pea. G. July 16, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 39 The Wasp Pest. - The wasp pest is likely to be felt acutely during the present season. Seldom have so many queens been seen in southern dis- tricts. In a garden clcse at hand. 70 were killed in a very short time. The variations in the numbers of wasps which make their appearance from year to year are extremely interesting. They are governed principally by the nature of the weather in late winter and early spring. Two years ago, wasps were remarkably rare on account of the severe storms and frosts in April, which killed many queens. There is very little to be urged in defence on the common wasp. Certainly it acts as a pollinating agent, and also, at certain seasons, is responsible for the removal of many in- sect pests in the larval state. I have witnessed its predations upon the larva; of the eyed hawk moth (Smerinthus occelatus), which feed on Apple foliage. As the trees were special speci- mens, which I was tending for purposes of obser- vation, the descent of the wasp in this instance did not impress me very favourably, although it is obvious that such work on its part is distinctly helpful to the fruit grower. When the queens are providing food for their first batch of maggots they prey widely upon many forms of larva?. The real trouble comes in autumn, when the broods hatch, and the wasps attack ripening fruits. I have found the use of benzoline very effective in destroying the nests. The nests are soaked with the liquid and on lighting this the flames a few weevils before, but never in such quanti- ties, and the mystery is, where did they come from? Some half-dozen temporary vines are i;vo\vn"in tubs in the centre of the same house, which has a span roof, and no trace of weevils has been seen on these, though they have been top-dressed with the same kind of soil. All the soil used for top-dressing last winter was, as a precautionary measure, charred, so there is rea- son to suppose the larvae were in the old portion of the border. I have the leaflet of the Board of Agriculture, but no remedy suggested there is so good as bird-lime ; in fact, one of the recom- mendations is decidedly wrong, that of using soot and lime together. Has anyone tried the effect of Vaporite on the larvae of this insect? Wm. Taylor, Bath. June Hailstorm in Yorkshire. — I am sending you a photograph showing the result of a terrific hailstorm which visited this district on June 30 last. The storm has done incalculable damage to growing crops in the kitchen garden, and it has completely ruined the summer bed- ding plants ; some 56 beds of Begonias, Calceo- larias. Salvias, and Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums were cut to pieces, as were Roses and .Sweet Peas on the borders. Amongst the vegetables. Beetroot. Celery, Onions, Lettuces, Potatos, Peas, and Beans all presented the appearance of having been thrashed down with a birch. The fruit crops have suffered severely ; there is scarcely an -ri8ct3»_ Fig. i6. — june hailstorm in Yorkshire. are such that they not only destroy those present in the nest, but also many of those returning for the night. W. Francis Routine, Churl, Surrey. [An excellent method of destroying wasps is that if placing cotton wool soaked in cyanide of potassium in their burrows. — Eds.] A Plague of Weevils.— A small vinery measuring 24 feet by 20 feet, to which I pay periodical professional visits, is infested with weevils, of which I send you a sample. The vines were planted in a newly-made border five years ago, in July, and they did— and still are doing — remarkably well. La'st year, for the first time, weevils .appeared, and 232 were caught. This year there appears to be no diminution in their numbers, and about 200, so far, have been caught by the persevering gardener in charge. Now we have stopped their doing damage to the leaves of the vines by placing bird-lime on card- board on the ground round the stems. Many are caught on the bird-lime, and still more under sheets of newspaper, where they are found in the early morning. So far, it will be seen that the difficulty as regards the part of the vine above ground is overcome ; but what about the roots, on which it is understood the larvae operate? At present, no ill-effects have been seen, except a few nibbled leaves ; but possibly, were the vines in a less vigorous condition, the effects of damaged roots would be noticeable. I have seen Apple or Pear which does not bear signs ot severe bruising. Gooseberries are the same, and Strawberries were completely covered with hail- stones. Chrysanthemums on the kitchen-garden paths were nearly stripped of all foliage. Not ill the memory of the oldest resident has anything like it been seen before in this district at Mid- summer. The photograph shows the front lawn and beds white over with the hailstones. H. Wilson. The Gardens, Saltmarshe. Hall, How- den, East Yorks. The True Oxlip.— The question as to what plant is entitled to be called the " Oxlip " is not so simple as B. supposes (Gard. Chron., vol. Ivii., p. 409). In the first place, it is decidedly doubtful what was meant by the old writers he mentions. Their works are not illustrated with sufficient accuracy and completeness, and their descrip- tions are scarcely precise enough to render the identity of their " species " certain in all cases. Parkinson, for instance, in his Paradisus (1656), pp. 244 and 245, describes a " single Oxelippe " and a ': Cowslip Primrose," which rather upsets B.'s contention that, in those days, the " Ox- lip " was the " Cowslip Primrose." Ray de- scribes what he calls great Cowslips or Oxlips, and, as he lived near the true Oxlip district, in Essex, and made frequent journeys through the heart of it to Cambridge, it is probable that his great Cowslips are the true Oxlips, or, at lea6t, included that species, as he calls them Piimula veris elatior pallide flore. in his catalogue of plants growing round Cambridge. As to what Shakespeare meant by " bold Oxlips," I do not profess to express an opinion ; but the modern, popular usage of the name " Oxlip " is a good instance of the confusion which usually charac- terises popular names, although several dic- tionaries I have consulted ignore the " hybrid Oxlip " (i.e., the Cowslip Primrose) altogether, and recognise P. elatior only as entitled to the name " Oxlip." It will probably interest B. to know that the caulescent form of the Primrose shares with the above-mentioned hybrid the name of " Oxlip," but I regret I cannot at present quote references to this, nor do I know where it obtains. In parts of Essex, I understand, elatior is known as the Cowslip and the Paigle, both names being also applied to the Cowslip in other parts, as in Suffolk, where the Oxlip is called " Five Fingers." In other parts the Cowslip is a " Paigle," and elatior a " Cowslip," and, again, the hybrid Oxlip is called a Cowslip in other places. Hence, there is hopeless confusion among the popular names, and I must say that I strongly uphold the propriety of distinguish- ing Primula elatior as the " true " Oxlip, since there is no other true " Oxlip." If B. objects, what name would he propose for P. elatior? '. '. Nicholson. The Weeks Work. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibds, Aldenham House, Hertfordshire. The shrubberies. — The heavy rains experienced recently have given to the shrubberies a bedrag- gled appearance, and it will be necessary, when the weather permits and the ground is sufficiently dry, to overhaul them and make them tidy. The removal of decayed growths and the shortening of any that may need it will add neat- ness, but it must not be overdone or the effect will be formal. Remove weeds and thoroughly loosen the surface with the draw hoe, and well rake over the ground. At this season of the year, there is a less showy display of flowering shrubs, and, as I have suggested in former Calendars, the inclusion of some of the more robust, hardy perennials in the 'more open positions of the shrubberies imparts considerable brightness to the surroundings. Amongst shrubs that do flower, however, during the month of July must be mentioned the Philadelphia or Mock Orange, jf which there are many charming varieties of great merit. Of free growth, and not at all fickle as to their requirements, these plants are well worthy of extended planting, prcducing as they do a profusion of white flowers, many of them sweetly scented. Especially beautiful are the hy- brids that have been raised from time to time of P. Lemoinei, such as Boule d'Argent, Con- quete, Fantasie, Gerbe de Neige, Candelabre, Mont Blanc, and purpureo-maculatus, a most dis- tinct flowering shrub, the base of each petal being marked with a purple blotch. P. coronarius, the common species, has also several varieties of striking merit, especially the two variegated forms. P. microphallus, with small leaves and flowers, the latter sweetly scented, is worthy of inclusion in every collection. Another useful genus now flowering, both as wall speci- mens or otherwise, are the Escallonias, such as E. exoniensis, E. floribunda, E. X langleyensis (a hybrid of garden origin and a beautiful shrub), E. niacrantha, and E. Phillipiana. Two species now flowering of the Broom family are Cytisus austriacus, a dwarf grower, and C. nigricans, a profuse bloomer and quite distinct. Antirrhinum. — Antirrhinums are procurable now in a great variety of distinct and beau- tiful colours. They are well adapted for furnish- ing long beds or borders, or ribbons of distinct colour. The plants may either be raised early in the same year in heat and gradually nursed along or st'wn now in drills in the open ground, if not already done, on a semi-shaded border, where a fine tilth of soil may be prepared. Afterwards they should be transferred to nursery beds, where they will withstand the winter. Both the tall varieties and those of the dwarf or Tom Thumb section may be had in distinct and striking colours, and may be relied upon to come perfectly, true from seed, if purchased from a good house. 40 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 16, 1910. FEUITS UNDER GLASS. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, G.C.B., Moulton Paddick,, Newmarket. Alpine and perpetual-fruiting Strawberries. ■ — Plants in pots will require careful attention with respect to watering and feeding. Place the plants more thinly apart as growth advances in order that they may have the full benefit of light and air. When they are well rooted in the pots, feed them with liquid manure and soot water, varied by an occasional sprinkling of some good fertiliser. Peach trees. — Ripening crops will require a warm and fairly dry atmosphere. During dull or wet weather and on cold nights, a gentle heat in the water pipes, with top and bottom ventila- tion, will be necessary to create a circulation of air, otherwise but little fire-heat will be used. The trees should be looked over daily for the purpose of gathering ripe fruits. This is prefer- able to placing nets under the trees, as the fruits are apt to be bruised by coming in contact with the net. Any leaves which obstruct the light may be tied back so that the Peaches are exposed fully. Later Peach houses. — Attend to the watering of the borders, especially during hot, dry weather, as a few days' neglect at this stage may seriously affect the crop. The surface of the borders is not always a reliable guide to the state of the roots, as the syringings tend to make the surface soil wet and pasty. It is an excellent [■Ian to prick up the surface occasionally with a fork so that the air may penetrate, taking parti- cular care not to injure the roots during the operation. A mulching of short, well-decayed manure is of great assistance in keeping the sur- face roots in good health. Established trees may be given liquid manure and soot water. Wall cases and unhealed Peach houses. — These are useful for maintaining a supply of fruit in succession to the supply from heated houses. As these crops are largely dependent on the weather, full advantage should be taken of fine days by closing the structure early enough to retain a little sun heat. Ventilate freely when- ever outdoor conditions are favourable. Syringe the trees vigorously in the afternoons of sunny days, but avoid throwing a lot of water about when dull, cold weather prevails, as such condi- tions favour the growth of mildew. Regulate and tie in the growths as necessary, allowing each shoot ample space on the wall or trellis. A little more space should be given than with trees in heated houses, otherwise there may be some difficulty in ripening the wood if the autumn is cold and wet. Keep a sharp look-out for thrip and other insect pests, and take prompt measures for their eradication. Mildew may be destroyed by the use of a sulphur vaporiser. Cucumbers.— Plants which have ceased to bear freely may be replaced by young stock, which rapidly attain to a fruitful size at this season of the year. Maintain a considerable heat and a moist atmosphere, with full exposure to sun- shine, although it is advisable to provide a light shade for a few days after planting. Ventilate carefully during hot weather to prevent scorch- ing of the foliage, admitting air early in the day and increasing it as the sun gains power. Close the house at about 3 p.m. with plenty of mois- ture. Apply water liberally to the roots, and, when the plants are in full bearing, generous supplies of liquid manure will be of great benefit. When applying top-dressings of fresh compost see that it is first warmed to the atmosphere of the house, or the tender rootlets may be injured. Keep a sharp look-out for red spider, which spreads rapidly if unchecked. Seed may be sown now to provide a crop during the autumn months. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Ey A. R. Searle, Gardener to the Marquis of North- ampton, Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. The Loganberry and Blackberry. — The weak, basal growths of the current season should be Temoved from both these plants, retaining six or seven of the strongest shoots for training to the stakes or trellis according to the method of train- ing adopted, so that they will not become twisted or broken by rough winds or by the necessary moving about amongst the plants. If early attention is given to this matter, the canes will be better exposed to the light and air, therefore they will be more likely to mature properly. When fastening them in, they should be trained as far apart as possible, and away from the fruit- ing wood, so as not to shade the fruits. These two useful plants, no less than the Raspberry, are gross feeders, and require to be kept well mulched and given frequent waterings with liquid manure when the fruits are swelling. The fruit- ing canes should be removed immediately all the fruit has been gathered. Fruit trees on walls. — Every attention should be given to the training of the shoots of Peaches, Plums and Apricots. Pinch all sublateral growths at the first leaf; see that the shoots are so placed that thev receive as much sunlight as possible, and, at the same time, leave the fruits well exposed. Make sure that sufficient quan- tities of water are applied to the roots. Attend to the mulching on all fruit tree borders and renew anywhere it may be necessary. Trees that are growing in light soils and carrying heavy crops of fruit, also all trees planted in the spring, will need special attention in regard to mulching and watering during dry weather. General work. — Now is a good time to take a look round and make a note of all fruit trees making rank growths ; these will require root- pruning in the autumn, also those not growing sufficiently strongly should be noted ; these will require some assistance in the shape of a good top-dressing. Continue to use the hoe frequently on all the fruit quarters, or large weeds will soon be in evidence after the recent showery weather. The rains have been most acceptable here, but sunshine is needed now for all fruit crops. Advantage should be taken of sunny weather for the gathering of any fruits for preserving, re- membering that it is essential they are thoroughly dry for this purpose. Earwigs are very plenti- ful this season, and as they are most destructive to Apricots, traps should be set for them. The form of trap we find most useful is a 48-size pot partly filled with Hay ; these are examined each morning, and the insects destroyed, either by pinching or shaking them into a vessel containing paraffin. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dcnn, Kitchen Garden Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Celery. — The late batch of Celery should be planted without delay, and sufficient water given to settle the soil about the roots. These late plants will stand the winter better than the early plantings, through the heads may not be so large. Before any soil is applied to the plants, the bed should be examined, and, if necessary, a good soaking of water given. In earthing-up Celery great care should be taken to prevent any soil getting into the crown of the plants. Before applying the soil the plants should be cleared of all decaying leaves and the side growth ; when this has been done, gather the leaves together and tie with pieces of matting or string, which should be removed after sufficient soil has been placed round the plants. It is better to apply the soil a little at a time than to cover the plants too much at once. Winter Greens. — Proceed with the planting of all winter Greens as quickly as possible, so that by the end of July most of the winter crops will be planted. Plots which were recently occupied by early Peas may be prepared and planted with Coleworts or Turnips so that these crops may be gathered and the ground again prepared for early Potatos in the following spring. If matters such as this are regulated now, it will be easy to find sheltered places for early crops next spring. Winter Spinach. — A good sowing of prickly Spinach should be made now for use in late autumn, and another sowing may be made in 10 days' time for winter and early spring crops. It is better to make two or three sowings during the month than to sow a large quantity at one time. The ground for this crop should be in good condition to ensure a free growth. If it was manured for the previous crop it will require to be deeply dug and allowed to remain untouched for a few days until the surface is dry enough for treading, previous to which a good dressing of soot may be given, so that by treading and raking the bed it may become thoroughly mixed with the surface soil. When the bed has been made smooth and level, drills may be drawn ft 18 inches apart and 2 inches deep. A careful watch for slugs should be kept over the plants raised this month. If by any means this crop is destroyed, the season may be too far advanced to replace it. When the plants are large enough to be out of danger, let them be freely thinned, as plants with plenty of room will stand the winter better than if allowed to remain close together in the rows. A few rows of Spinach Beet sown now will be found useful in case of failure with the ordinary winter variety. Cucumbers. — Seeds should be sown now to pro- vide plants for fruiting in autumn. Sow them singly in small pots and place them in a gentle hotbed composed of stable manure and leaves. When the heat of the soil is 85° the plants may be safely planted at distances of 5 feet apart. If the temperature of the bed is inclined to rise, a few holes may be bored round each mound to allow the steam to escape. Plants fruiting freely should be given frequent watering of liquid manure, and light top-dressings of loam and farmyard manure in equal quantities may be applied as often as the young roots appear above the surface. Keep the plants freely thinned and stop the young growth at the second joint be- yond the fruit. Syringe the walls frequently and the foliage twice daily on fine days, shutting up the house as early in the afternoon as possible. Tomatos in the open air. — The unsettled weather has been sadly against Tomato cultiva- tion out-of-doors. The plants should be kept free from side shoots to enable the light and air to pass freely amongst the bloom. When a few trusses have been set on each plant the tops may be taken out. To encourage the development of the fruit a top-dressing of artificial manure should be given and pricked into the soil with- the point of a digging fork. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By John Donoghue, Gardener to Joseph Pickersgill, Esq., Bardon Hill, Weetvvood, Yorkshire. Schizanthus.— The present is a suitable time to make a sowing of Schizanthus in order to raise plants for spring flowering. S. Grahamii and S. retusus affording such variation in colour, and specially in shades of lilac, orange, and rose, are not only useful as pot plants, but they provide excellent flowers for cutting. S. Wisetonensis and S. pinnatus are especially suitable for the decoration of the conservatory ; either in pots or in baskets for suspending they are equally charming. Care should be taken to sow the seeds thinly, as any overcrowding at the start would produce failure. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transfer them into pots or shallow pans, and place these receptacles in a cool frame as near to the glass as convenient. As a rooting medium for the plants during their early stages of growth, a compost consisting of rich fibrous loam with a small amount of half- decayed leaf-mould prepared from Oak leaves and a moderate quantity of coarse silver sand would be suitable. If the cultivator desires large speci- men plants, he should place four to six seedlings in a pot and pot them into larger pots without dividing them. If it is found that the plants fail to produce side shoots, the extreme points of the growths may be pinched whilst the plants are still young. For two or three days following repotting, the plants may be given a little shade from hot sunshine ; at all other times they should be exposed fully to the sun. This is the case even during the period of flowering, for the flowers are always brighter in colour if they are kept permanently in the sunshine. Eucltaris grandi flora, (amazonica). — Plants of Eucharis which were placed in the intermediate house after they completed their growth in spring are now showing their flower-spikes. Therefore, if it is wished that the season of flowering should be prolonged as much as possible, small batches of plants may be placed in the stove at intervals of a few weeks. It is desirable to plunge the pots up to their rims in tan or other suitable plunging material. Before removing such plants they should be immersed in a tank of tepid water, where the roots may get a thorough soaking. The foliage should be cleansed thoroughly, re- moving any mealy bug or insect pests by spong- ing the leaves with an insecticide. Euphorbia (Poinsettia ) pulcherrima. — The later batch of this species may now be trans- ferred into their flowering pots. When the roots again become active, more ventilation should be given the plants and they should be exposed gradually to the sunshine. E. jacquinireflora is July 16, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 41 also ready for its final repotting, and this species should be treated in a like manner to E. pul- cher-rima, except that the temperature at night must never be allowed to fall below 55°. When the plants have filled their last pots with roots, alternate waterings with soot water and clear water may be given; also very slight top-dress- ing of an approved chemical fertiliser at intervals of a week or ten days. The greatest care must be exercised in the use of chemical manures, as the roots of Euphorbia are specially liable to injury if subjected to excessive applications. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Oypripedium. — Most of the warm-growing Cypripediums, as C. Rothschildianum, C. Lathamianum, C. Ourtisii C. ciliolar.e, C. super- ascertain if additional rooting space is needed, remembering that they must not be allowed to remain" in a pot-bound condition. Select clean, sound pots of sufficient sizes to allow of at least two seasons' growth. The pots should contain clean crocks for one-third of their depth, and the compost should consist of fibrous loam with the finer particles sifted out, Osmunda fibre, and Sphagnum-moss in equal proportions ; the fibre and moss should be cut up moderately fine, for, when used in this way, it incorporates better with the loam than if used in a rough condition. Add plenty of small crocks and thoroughly mix the whole well together. Be careful not to injure the roots unnecessarily. Pot each plant with moderate firmness, but not so firm that the water cannot pass rapidly through the soil. Keep the surface of the soil just below the rim of the pot so as to make watering easy. After root-disturb- ance place the Dlants all together where they can by piece, leaving the centre as compact as possible, and, if the plant is rooted well all round the drainage, leaving the crocks intact. Then the whole mass is placed in a large pot, keeping the base of the leaves just on a level with the rim. Fill around the roots to about half the depth of the pot with small clean crocks, and use similar compost as above advised, mak- ing it quite firm about the roots. Plants that are healthy and have room for further develop- ment should not be disturbed, but, if the com- post has deteriorated, it should be allowed to become quite dry ; then carefully loosen it with a small stick, and shake out as much of it as possible, replacing with fresh compost. What ever is done in the way of repotting these plants, it should be carefully performed, as the roots of all of these species and their hybrids are very brittle and easily injured. Before water is afforded, the plants should be allowed to beet me FlG. 17. — COLLECTION OF VEGETABLES EXHIBITED BY THE HON. VICARY GIBBS AT THE HOLLAND HOUSE SHOW. (See report in issue for July 9, p. 29.) ciliare, C. barbatum, C. Stonei, C. Mrs. F. Wellesley, C. St. Albans, C. Maudise, C. callosum and its variety Sandera?, and C. Lawrenceanum and its variety Hyeana, have finished flowering for the season. The Selenipedium section, which includes such plants as C. Schroderae, C macrochilum, C. grande, C. Sedenii, C. S. cardinale, G. S. candidulum, C. leucorrhodum, C. calurum, C. Cleola, and C. nitidissima are not grown very generally, the principal reason being that they have but little pecuniary value; never- theless they help to form a collection, are easily cultivated, and all produce very pretty flowers. Such varieties as C. macrochilum and C. nitidissimum produce six or seven flowers, all open together on the same spike. After these and others of the same category have flowered, it is desirable to examine each plant in order to be given extra shade from strong light. For several weeks afterwards, the surface of the com- post should be kept just moist, and damping should be done between the pots several times each day, so that the atmosphere is kept humid. C. Cleola thrives best in a shady part of the intermediate house. During warm, bright weather, the plants should be given a light spray- ing overhead with tepid soft water. When damp- ing overhead, care should be taken not to spray too heavily, as, if water is allowed to remain low down in the axils of the leaves, especially of some species, they are liable to decay. Plants of C. niveum section having passed out of bloom may also be repotted if necessary, and, in so doing, the plants should not be turned out in the ordinary way, but the pot should be broken carefully all round, taking the crocks away piece thoroughly dry at the roots and remain so for several days, then dip the pots up to the rim in tepid rain-water, so as to ensure a thorough soaking. The plants should be allowed to be- come quite dry again before more water 1s afforded. These species, and many of then hybrids, as C. Lawrebel, C. macrochilum, C. Chapmanii, C. Berkeleyi, C. Olenus, C. Ar'noldiae, C. Gertrude Hollington, and C. Venus, thrive welt when elevated close up to the roof glass in the warmest house in a position where fresh air can circulate freely around them ; they must be shaded at all times when the sun is likely to shine on them. Small thrips can be kept in check by a periodical use of the XL- All vaporiser or similar insecticide. When sponging the leaves, take care not to raise them too high, as the midrib is easily cracked and this injures the leaf permanently. 42 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [July 16, 1910. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, w.c. .Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. Letters lor Publication, as well as specimens of plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Commun cations should be written on one side only or THE paper, sent as early in the week as possible and duly signed by the writer. 1/ desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee 0/ good faith. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editois eaily intelligence oj local events likely to be of interest to our leaders, or oj any matters which it is desirable to bring uruter the notice of horticulturists. Illustrations. - The Editors will be glad to receive andlo select photographs or drawings', suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or 0/ remarkable plants, /lowers, trees, ire, but they cannot be responsible for loss or injury. New spapers. — Corresporulents sending newspapers should be carejulto mark the paragraphs they wish the Editors to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, JULY 19- Royal Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 3 p.m. by Mr. Fred. Enock on " Insects Affecting Crops.") Roy. Scottish Arboricultural Soc. Forestry Tixh. at Dum- fries (2 days). WEDNESDAY, JULY 20— Cardiff He County Hort. Soc. Sh. (2 days). Liverpoo Sweet Pea and Rose Sh. (2 days). FRIDAY, JULY 22-Handsworth Fl. Sh. (2 days). Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty iears at Greenwich— 63'2°. Actual Temperatures:— London. — HV./ms.div, July 13 (6 p.m.) : Max. 71' ; Min. 53". Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street. Covent Garden, London — Thursday, July 14 (10 a.m.): Bar. 30'2 ; Temp. 63°; Heather— Bright. Provinces.— Wednesday, July 13; Max. 71" Bath; Min. 55° Malin Head. The During the past quarter of a lt century, floriculture has de- of veloped ideals very different Sweet Peas, from those which guided the work of the older florists. The precision of form and marking which they regarded with so much enthusiasm is no longer con- sidered of paramount importance. Thus, the old Show Pansy, the Show Dahlia, the Laced Pink, the stage Carnation, the Ranunculus, the Show Tulip, the Gold-laced Polyanthus, and the hooded-flowered Sweet Pea are now seldom seen:-' Certainly they are not aban- doned, for some of them are still lovingly grown by old enthusiasts, though some are in process of being driven out by new-comers, and we see the operation going on under our eyes, especially in the cases of Dahlias and Sweet Peas. It would be a mistake to say that the waved form has entirely displaced the older form of Sweet Pea. The latter is (still largely grown, but not by growers who count in the forward march of things. Visits to the Shows of the National Sweet Pea Society are sufficient to demonstrate that the proportion of waved to hooded flowers is as ten to one. This change has been effected in less than ten years. At the Bicentenary Sweet Pea Show at the Crystal Palace in 1900 there was not such a thing as a waved Sweet Pea. Has any flower, we wonder, ever undergone so hasty a metamorphosis? Our present object is to consider the princi- pal colour sections into which Sweet Peas are grouped, with a view to showing the nature of the wuilc that still awaits raisers of new varieties. The section having, for the moment, the greatest fascination for raisers, is the so- called yellow and buff section, represented by Clara Curtis, a waved flower of primrose tint ; James Grieve, primrose, with an upright standard; Mr. Collier, a hooded flower; and Dora Breadmore, a buff-coloured flower. It is the ambition of every raiser to obtain a yellow Sweet Pea, and in this section we find, at the present moment, the nearest approach to yellow, but it must be admitted that James Grieve, which gives the deepest tone of col- our, is a long way from being a pure yellow. It is well known that in the Sweet Pea there is no such thing as yellow sap-colour, and this it is which, as it would seem, makes the outlook so hopeless. The primrose tint in ail so-called yellow Sweet Peas is produced by chromoplasts. Now, unless yellow sap-colour can be introduced into the constitution of the Sweet Pea by hybridisation, it will be difficult to intensify or deepen this colour. A bolder flower than Clara Curtis, and one possessing rather better substance should be the aim of raisers working with the material at present available. In the white-flowered section, the leading flowers are Etta Dyke, waved ; Nora Unwin, less waved ; and Dorothy Eckford, hooded. There is room for a waved flower of decidedly better substance than Etta Dyke— shall we say larger, of better substance and not quite so crinkled? Nora Unwin does not quite fill the bill. In some respects it is better than Etta Dyke. It never has that excess of crinkling sometimes characteristic of Etta Dyke, which spells confusion in a bunch; but, being of the Unwin type, it can never have the effectiveness of a true Spencer. Possibly a cross between the two would produce a valuable variety. Amongst pink flowers, Countess Spencer, tin- forerunner of the Spencer race, has many closely-allied forms. A pale form is Mrs. Hardcastle Sykes and a deeply-coloured variety is the apparently unfixable Audrey Crier. Countess Spencer on a cream instead of the original white ground develops into Constance Oliver, Mrs. Henry Bell, Mrs. Hugh Dickson, and a host of other names. There is not much room in this class for further development except to attain fixity, if that is possible, in flowers of the Audrey Crier type, one of the most beautiful forms of Sweet Pea. In the orange shades, Helen Lewis, waved ; St. George, slightly waved; and Miss Will- mott, hooded, are the selections of the Sweet Pea Society. Two or three new-comers will contest with Helen Lewis the proud position of being top in the Society's election — Edrom Beauty, certificated by the N.S.P.S. last year, Earl Spencer, and Nancy Perkin. The two latter are much alike ; in fact, there is not room for both. Their colour is a rich orange- salmon, which is admired universally; the same colour appeared in the old Henry Eck- ford, but the new-comers are waved. To make greater confusion in this colour class, we have Stirling Stent and Orange King ap- pearing this year, both having gained an award from the R.H.S., whilst Stirling Stent was awarded a Silver Medal by the N.S.P. Society as recently as Tuesday last. There is room here for raisers to breed orange- salmon flowers, which will not bleach in the sunshine. Of rose and carmine flowers, John Iugman and Marjorie Willis represent the best waved forms and Prince of Wales the old type. John Ingman has probably more aliases than any other .Sweet Pea. It is a bold, fine flower, and will be difficult to excel. There does not appear much opportunity for raisers here. In the class for crimson and scarlet varie- ties, The King, waved ; King Edward, and Queen Alexandra, both of old type, are given by the Sweet Pea Society. It is obvious that there is room for new varieties, especially as The King, the largest and representing one of the best types, does not stand strong sun- shine well. Several so-called sunproof crim- sons are on offer. Debbie's Sunproof Crimson having been certified by both the R.H.S. and the N.S.P.S., but what is really wanted is a crimson of The King type which is sun- proof. This, no doubt, will be attained sooner or later. A really first-class flower of the colour of Queen Alexandra is wanted. George Stark was at one time expected to satisfy this need, but there is ample room for others. The place for lavender colour was well filled some years ago by Lady G. Hamilton (hooded), one of the most charming Sweet Peas ever raised. Now, Mrs. Chas. Foster and Frank Dolby, both waved flowers, take precedence. Mrs. Chas. Foster is an almost perfect Sweet Pea, but it has been well nigh impossible to obtain a pure stock of it. Mas- terpiece is a new competitor in this class, and it is said to be fixed. There is plenty of room for good Spencer blues. It has been pointed out by Professor Bateson, and it is known to most raisers, that, up to the present, the Spencer form will not associate with Lord Nelson or Navy Blue colour, nor even with the paler, pure blue represented' in Mid Blue. There are blue- waved flowers, Zephyr for example, but that is not a fine large Spencer, nor is it fixed. Kathleen MeGowan and Anglian Blue have yet to be tried by the gen- eral growers. None of them appears in the N.S.P.S. Classification List. It will fee interesting to get the combination, which we believe is possible between the true blue in colour and the true Spencer in form, and this is a field open to raisers. This season a variety named Mrs. George Charles has been sent out. It gives promise of being a Spencer of Navy Blue colour. The first flowers s.-em easily scorched, but, still, it is promising. What is wanted is a real good Spencer of Lord Nelson colour. Dark Maroon is represented in the classifi- cation of the N.S.P. Society by two varieties, both of the old type — Black Knight and Hannah Dale. This indicates that no dark maroon, waved variety has come before the Society in its trials that has been fixed enough to obtain the Society's approval. Quite a number of darks have been sent out, but growers still wait for one they can depend upon to come true. Of Picotee-edged flowers, Elsie Herbert, white with pink edge, and Mrs. C. W. Bread- more, cream buff with rose edge, are both ex- cellent in their way, and both have big, waved flowers. There is scope in this class for numer- ous new combinations. Striped, Fancy, and Bicolor flowers appeal to fewer cultivators, but among these sections Aurora Spencer, waved cream with rose stripes, and Mrs. Andrew Ireland, waved cream and rose bicolor, are distinct and very July 16. 19LU.J THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 43 •beautiful. There is room for fine waved types ■'of good substance in the classes represented by Helen Pierce, Prince Olaf, Sybil Eckford, and a few others. We need hardly remind those who are be- ginning for the first time to raise new varie- ties that it is an operation that requires much patience and a considerable extent of ground. All seedlings must be grown on for several years before the possibilities of a cross are ex- hausted. The most important lesson to en- force is they must all be grown on from single plants, the produce of two plants never being mixed, however similar they may appear. With such work in prospect, raisers will lie well advised to think out clearly what they desire to obtain, and, in order to give the necessary attention, it will be best to make but comparatively few and carefully-con- sidered crosses. Our Supplementary Illustration.— Senecios are well represented in South Africa, but very few of the species appear to possess any great value from a cultural point of view. S. glastiioliiis belongs to a small section, in which all the species have purple flowers. Judging from collected, wild specimens, it is a somewhat variable plant with respect to both habit and size. It is found in South Africa growing on Table Mountain and eastward to Algoa Bay. The stems are suffrtiticose and reach a height of 2 feet to 3 feet, with the lower leaves 3 inches to 4 inches Ion* and toothed, and about | inch wide. Higher up the stem the leaves gradually become smaller till ultimately they are like small bracts. The plant, illustrated, which was sent us by Mr. Rabjohn, was raised from seeds received from Algoa Bay, and is much mure free in habit than the more rigid type. There is a record of the same variety having been raised from seed in the year 1900 by Messrs. Sutton & Sons, wjio re- ceived the seeds from the district of George, in South Africa. It is well adapted for cool green- house treatment, such as is given to Cinerarias, and it makes a handsome decorative plant. Royal Horticultural Society. — The next meeting of the Committees of this Society will take place on the 19th inst., at the Vincent Square Hall. In the afternoon a lecture on " Insects Affecting Our Crops " will be delivered by Mr. Fred Knock, F.L.S., F.E.S. Horticultural Club. — Tho honorary secre- tary, Mr. E. T. Cook, informs us that the club excursion will take place on Thursday, the 28th inst., not 30th, as stated in the preliminary notice. By the invitation cf Mr. N. N. Sher- wood, the members will visit Prtsted Hall, Kelve- don, Essex. The train, to which saloon carriages will be attached, will leave Liverpool Street Station at 10.55 a.m. All applications for tickets, which are 7s. 6d. each, should be made to Mr. Harry J. Yeitch, Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, S.W., before 'July 20, in order that the necessary arrangements may be completed. The return train leaves Kelvedon at 7.30 p.m.. arriv- ing at Liverpool Street at 9.3 p.m., but, should any member desire to leave earlier, a train leaves Kelvedon at 4.32 p.m., reaching Liverpool Street at 5.48 p.m. American Gladiolus Society.— A Gladi- olus Society was established at Boston en May 27 last. At the inaugural meeting an interesting paper was read by Mr. H. Youei.l, of Syracuse, New York, " on "The •Gladiolus as we Knew and Grew It Fifty Years Asro." The communication was of especial in- terest, as Mr. Youell's father was one of the largest growers of Gladioli in England half a century ago, and was responsible for the intro- duction of Gladiolus Brenchleyensis about the year 1860. The plant was found by Mr. W. Casey, one of Mr. Youell's foremen, in a cot- tage garden at the village of Brenchley, in Kent, to which locality it had apparently been brought from Africa by a sailor-son of the owner. The variety became immensely popular, and between 1860 and 1864 the sales from Mr. Youell's nurseries at Great Yarmouth amounted to about 300,000 corms annually. That the Gladiolus is a Bower capable of great possi- bilities is obvious to all who have noticed the vast improvement in form, colour and other qualities which has been accomplished in recent years in the Gandavensis section alone. Much remains to be done with the Lemoinei and Childsii hybrids, as well as with other forms, and we wish the society every success in its work. Brussels Botanic Gardens. — On Sunday, July 3. a fete was held to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the taking over of these Botanic Gardens by the State. The fete included a de- monstration in memory of Pierre- Francois Gineste, who drew up the original plans for the laying-out of the gardens and the buildings which contain the valuable collections. A bronze plaque to his memory was unveiled, re- cording the fact and giving the dates of his birth and death— 1769-1850. Originally founded by a botanical society, the Brussels Botanic Gar- dens are now a Government institution. The staff is comprised of the following : — Messrs. Durand, Director; De Wildeman. Keeper of the Herbarium; Bommer, Professor of Botany; Louis Gentil, Curator ; and Laurent, also con- nected with the Herbarium. The garden is also under a Governing Committee composed of emi- nent Belgian professors of botany. During the evening of the 3rd inst. the buildings and green- houses were brilliantly illuminated with festoons of coloured electric light. A concert was given that was much applauded by the 50,000 people gathered together inside and outside the garden. M. Leon Grosjean, member of the Governing Committee, gave a dinner to 40 guests, emi- nent in the botanical and horticultural world. The dining hall was beautifully decorated with Orchids, and speeches suitable to the occasion were made. After the dinner a choir gave a selection of songs ; the band of the Guides Regi- ment performed some choice pieces of music, and there was a display of fireworks. Each guest found by the side of his plate an artistic souvenir, consisting of a view of the Botanic Gar- dens in 1830 and in 1910, and, in addition, the president, M. Grosjean, presented to each guest a medal commemorating the event which the occa- sion celebrated. Chief Officer for the London County Council Parks.— The following advertisement appeared in the London County Council Gazette for the lltli inst. : — " The London County Council invites applications for the appointment of chief officer of its Parks Department, who will be re- quired to give his whole time and energies to the duties of his office. Members of the staff of the Council are not precluded from making application for the position. The person appointed will be responsible for the management of all the parks, gardens, and open spaces maintained by the Council, which at present are 114 in number, and of an aggregate area of about 5,100 acres. He will also be responsible for organising the recrea- tive arrangements in the parks, including gym- nasiums, boating, game pitches, and bands ; for the management of the conservatories and the horticultural and other buildings therein, for overlooking the refreshment facilities, and for the management and discipline of the staff employed in the parks service. The average number of staff is 1,000, including in its ranks men well qualified as specialists in their separate depart- ments ; and, while for the chief officership know- ledge of surveying, landscape gardening, forestry, and horticulture is desirable, the principal re- quirement must always be a capacity for intelli- gent general supervision of the very varying duties which have to be performed under the chief officer's authority. The person appointed will not be allowed to take any private business or other paid employment, and any fees received by him, either as a witness or in any other capacity, are to be paid to the Council. He must not be more than 45 years of age on September 1, 1910. The commencing salary attaching to the appointment is £700 a year. No fixed, allowance will be made to him for travelling expenses, but he will be repaid any such expenses as he may actually incur. Applications for the appointment must be on the official forms, which may be ob- tained from the Clerk of the London County Council, Spring Gardens, S.W. They should contain full particulars of age, qualifications, and experience, and should be accompanied by copies of not fewer than three testimonials as to character and fitness for the office, with special reference to the qualifications above mentioned. The latest time for receiving applications is 11 o'.l.nk a.m. on Thursday, September 1, 1910. Any form of application which is not fully filled up, or which in any respect fails to comply with trie terms of the advertisement, will not be laid before the Council. The appointment will be sub- ject to the successful candidate passing satisfac- torily a medical examination by the Council's medical examiner." M. Louis Gentil. — We learn with pleasure, that our friend and correspondent, M. Louis Gentil, Curator of the Brussels Botanic Gardens, and editor of La Tribune Horticole, has recently been honoured by the National Horticultural Society of France by being ap- pointed a corresponding member of that Society. M. Gentil, we may add, is likewise a corre- sponding member of our own R.H.S. Visit to East Burnham Park. — About forty members of the Committees of the Royal Horticultural Society availed themselves of the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Harry J. Yeitch to visit East Burnham Park on Thursday, July 7. The party left Padding- ton at 10.40 a.m., and was conveyed in brakes to East Burnham Park. The beautiful gar. dens were inspected, and the extensive rock- eries and wild garden were much admired. They contain some of the original plants of the species collected by Wilson in China. The pretty water-garden, with its Water Lilies and marsh plants at the sides, the Rosary, the model dairy, and the many rare trees, in- cluding some fine examples of Cedrus atlantica glauca, are among the most interesting features After lunch, members spent the rest of th< time according to their several desires. Mr. Yeitch accompanied one party to Burnhan: Beeches, pointing out the peculiarities of the old trees ; other parties played bowls oi cricket, or continued their inspection of the gardens until tea-time. Several apologies were received from those who kept the appointment open until the last moment, hoping to be pre- sent. In replying to an address of thanks at the lunch, Mr. Yeitch alluded to this point, and said that he hoped that, by arranging for aD earlier visit next year, some friends who were now unavoidably absent would be able to honour him and Mrs. Yeitch with their presence 44 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 16, 1910. The Holland House Show. — In addition to the exhibits at this show mentioned in the report published last week, we are reminded that a col lection of watering-cans was exhibited by Mr. J. Haws, and that Mr. L. R. Russell showed a large group of tree and standard Ivies, for which he was awarded the Society's Gold Medal. The Delphinium known as Rev. E. Lascelles was shown by Messrs. Alfred A. Walters & Son, Kensington Nurseries, Bath. Botanical Institute of Buitenzorg.— The botanical garden of Buitenzorg, in Java, so ably developed and administered by Dr. Treub, is well known among botanists as a centre where the scientific study of tropical vege- tation has been prosecuted with much vigour and success. Although established in 1817, it was not until about 1840 that the garden assumed much of its present shape, when Teys- mann gathered together a collection of some 10,000 species. In 1880 Dr. Treub was appointed director by the Dutch Govern- ment, and, soon after his arrival in Java, conceived Ihe idea of making the garden a centre for the study of tropical plants. In 1885 a laboratory was built and well equipped for the use of botanists from all parts of the world. Advantage has been taken of the splen- did facilities offered there for research by repre- sentatives from many countries, and in the An- naUs of the garden are published numerous papers of great scientific and practical interest by visi- tors as well as by the director and his colleagues. Little by little, the organisation of the garden has been extended, and special laboratories have been erected for the study of physiology and pathology of tropical plants, and the chemistry of the medi- cinal products which they yield, as well as for the investigation of problems connected with the soil. Through the efforts of Dr. Treub and his staff, our knowledge of the Malayan flora has been greatly improved, and horticulture has benefited by the introduction of many new forms and species of Orchids, Palms, Ferns and other warm- house plants. A smaller, supplementary garden has been formed in the forest of Tjibodas, on the north-east flank of the volcanic mountain of Gedeh, at an elevation of 5,000 to 6,000 feet, for the study of plants which do not thrive in the hot, humid climate of Buitenzorg. An area of some 600 acres of virgin forest is also annexed, and will be retained in its primitive state. Since 1905, the work of the gardens at Buitenzorg has been included in the purview of the newly- formed Department of Agriculture for the Dutch Indies, which is concerned with the forestry of the colony, as well as with the cultivation of Rub- ber, Quinine, Tobacco, Sugar cane, Rice, and other crops for which Java is specially suited. Publications Received. — Summer Flowers of the High Alps, by Somerville Hastings. (London : J. M. Dent & Sons, Ltd.) Price 7s. 6d. — Window and Indoor Gardening, by T. W. Sanders. (London : W. H. Collingridge.) Price 2s. 6d. — City, Suburban and Window Gar- dening, by D, Grant Mclver. (London : Daw- barn & Ward, Ltd.) Price 6d. net.— The Sub- antarctic Islands of New Zealand, by Chas. Chilton. Vols. I. and II. (London : Dulau & Co., Ltd.) Two vols., 42s. net— The Ruial Science Series, by K. H. Bailey : "Fruit Growing in Arid Regions," by Wendell Paddock and Orville B. Whipple. (Loudon : Macmillan & Co.) Price 6s. 6d. net. - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew : Bulletin of Miscellaneous Information. (London: Darling & Sons, Ltd.) Price 3d. — Gardening for All, by James Udale. (London; Simpkins). Price Is. —Dunedin City Corporation: Seventh Annual Report of the Reserves Department, by D. Tannock, Superintendent. (Dunedin : S. Lister.) — " One and All " Garden Books. Edited by E. 0. Greening. — Garden Allotments, by J. Wright. Price Id. (London : Agricultural and lloiticultural Association, Ltd.). SOCIETIES. NATIONAL ROSE. GREAT SUMMER EXHIBITION. July 8. — The thirty-fourth summer exhibition of this Society was held on the 8th inst. in the Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park. These ex- hibitions keep pace with the importance of the Society, which is the most successful of all associations devoted to a special flower. The blooms were not quite so good as last year, owing to the recent heavy rains, but in other respects the exhibition was one of the finest Rose shows held in the Metropolis. The entries were numerous, the exhibition attracting not only the principal trade growers, but also a large body of amateurs, who contribute very largely to the success of the Society. The weather was fine, but dull, which was, in some respects, an advan- tage, since the blooms remained fresh. The pub- the afternoon, visitors awaited in a long line their turn to inspect them ; a sight such as is seldom witnessed at a flower show. Nurserymen's Classes. Not only is the class for 72 blooms of distinct varieties the champion class in the nurserymen's division, but it is also regarded as the most im- portant in the show. On this occasion there were six competitors, sufficient to afford a good contest. Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons, Ltd., Newtownards, Ireland, had no difficulty in beat- ing their rivals, showing large, well-coloured blooms, with few damaged outer petals, such as were conspicuous in blooms on other stands. Their varieties were Frau Karl Druschki (shown grandly), Comtesse d'Oxford, Princesse Mario- Mertschersky, Killarney, Marquise Litta, Bessie Brown, Lohengrin, Mildred Grant (a magnificent, bloom), William Shean, Mrs. Theodore Roose- velt, Mme. Edmee Metz, Ulrich Brunner (a. grandly-coloured flower), Gustave Grunerwald, John Ruskin, Mrs. R. G. Sharman Crawford,. [1 no:i graph by W.J. Vasty, Fig. i8. — hybrid tea rose "mrs. foley hoees." (Award of Merit at the Holland House Shaw, and Silver Gilt Medal at N.R.S. Exhibition). lie patronised the show extensively, and we should think that the attendance was larger than at any previous exhibition held under the So- ciety's auspices. Some inconvenience was caused by the soddened condition of the turf in the tents, the gangways in some cases being very muddy ; as this obtained at last year's show, there was 6ome justification for the complaints. In other respects everybody's convenience was studied by the hard-working secretary, Mr. Edward Mawley, and his colleagues. A glance at the exhibits suf- ficed to show that it was a season of red Roses, for in all the collections the deeply-coloured blooms were the best. Our fancy selected Horace Vernet as the Rose of the show, whilst of the lighter kinds, Mrs. Edward Mawley was most beautiful. Four new Roses received the Society's Gold Medal, and four also were awarded Silver- gilt Medals. The new varieties were accommo- dated in a tent by themselves, and, all through Suzanne Marie Rodocanachi, Charm (a bright- shade of rose), Mrs. John Laing, Marie Baumann, Her Majesty, Chas. Lefebvre, Marchioness of. Londonderry, John Stuart Mill, Caroline Testout, Alfred Colomb, Heinrich Schultheis, Gustave Piganeau (a grand flower), Mme. Melanie Sou- pert, White Maman Cochet, Chas. Darwin, Eliza- beth Barnes, Comtesse de Raimbaud, Xavier Olibo, Walter Speed (rich, velvet-like crimson), Ellen Drew (extra good), Lady Sheffield (a pale shade of rose, a beautiful bloom), Alice Hill Gray, Lyon Rose, Dr. Andry, Mollie Sharman Crawford, Duchesse de Moray (a magnificent bloom of fine shape), Mrs. Cornwallis West. Muriel Graham, A. K. Williams (a grand red Rose), Ferdinand de Lesseps. E.Y. Teas, Horace Vernet (of beautiful shape and rich colour), Lady Moyra Beauclerc. Ben Cant, Mrs. Ed. Mawley (a big, soft-tinted bloom), Etienne Levet, Brides- maid, George C. Waud, Dean Hole, Prince July 16, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 45 Arthur, Duchess of Portland, Chas. J. Graham. Mrs. Foley Hobbs (see fig. 18), Mre. Bate- man, Mrs. Hubert Taylor, Lady Ashtown, Lady H. Vincent, Florence Pemberton, Vic- tor Hugo, Mine. Vermorel, Ulster, J. B. Clark, Airs. G. W. Kershaw, Helen Keller (good), and Mrs. David M'Kee (a choice light variety). 2nd. Messrs. D. Prior & Son, Col- chester, a selection of whose flowers are Dupuy Jamain, Mrs. Edward Mawlev, Dr. O'Donel Browne, Horace Vernet (richly-coloured), Dr. Andrv (an elegantly-flowered Rose), Her Ma- jesty," Mrs. T. Roosevelt, Gustave Piganeau, Marie Baumann, Mrs. W. J. Grant, J. B. Clark (extra large), and Mme. Chas. Crapelet. 3rd, Messrs. B~ R. Cant & Sons, Colchester; 4th, Messrs. Frank Cant & Co., Colchester. The next class on the schedule was for 40 dis- tinct varieties shown in triplets, this lar^e number of blooms requiring five boxes for each exhibit. There were five competitors. Again Messrs. Alex. Dickson & Sons excelled, having some of the finest Roses in the show. Blooms of Mildred Grant were charming, and others that were especially fine are Ulrich Brun- ner, Victor Hugo, Marie Baumann, Mrs. R. G. Sharman Crawford, Duchesse de Morny, Lyon Rose, A. K. Williams (a magnificent red Rose), Frau Karl Druschki (extra fine), and Horace Vernet (this "magnificent dark-red Rose was es- pecially good on most exhibits). 2nd, Messrs. B. R. Cant & Suns, Colchester, with smaller blooms, conspicuous varieties being Earl of Duf ferin, J. B. Clark, Capt. Hayward, George C. Waud (of bright-rose colour). -Mrs. Edward Maw- ley, and Mrs. W. J. Grant. 3rd, Messrs. D. Prior & Son. A splendid competition resulted in the class for 48 blooms of distinct varieties, no fewer than nine exhibits being forthcoming. There was not a great deal to choose between the stands that were awarded the four prizes, but Mr. Geo. Prince, Oxford, showed rather the best, having a good, even lot of flowers, nothing remarkable as to size, but fine in shape and brightly coloured. A big bloom of Dean Hole was grand, also those of Konigin Carola, White Maman Cochet, Mrs. Edward Mawley (this fine Rose was conspicuous on other stands, being one of the best light Rosea this season). Gustave Piganeau, Capt. Hayward, and Victor Hugo (of exquisite shape and deepest- red colour). 2nd, Mr. Huch Dickson, Royal Nurseries, Belfast, having choice blooms of Joseph Hill, Etienne Levet, Mrs. David Hanna, Mrs. John Laing, Leslie Holland, J. B. Clark, and Lady Ursula. 3rd, Mr. Henry Drew, Long- worth, Berkshire, in whose collection was a mag- nificent flower of Avoca. There were also nine competitors in the clas3 for 24 blooms of distinct varieties, the 1st prizo being awarded to Mr. John Mattock, New Headington Nursery. Oxford, who had Lohengrin, C. J. Graham (of fine red colour), Dean Hole, Countess of Caledon, Mildred Grant, Finn Karl Druschki. and Horace Vernet, especially good. 2nd, Mr. John Pigg, Royston, Hertford- shire, with big blooms, some being full-blown, a defect on the exhibition table. 3rd, Messrs. Per- kins & Sons, Birmingham, with small but finely- shaped blooms — a good, even collection, Avoca being shown grandly. In the class for 16 distinct varieties, shown in •triplets, there were eight exhibits, those in the 1st prize collection, shown by Messrs. G. & W. H. Burch, Peterborough, being well matched in size, but not extra large. We noticed amongst the finer examples J. B. Clark, Gustave Piganeau (one bloom of the trio was magnificent), A. K. Williams, Dean Hole, Mrs. John Laing, Mme. Eugene Verdier, and Horace Vernet. The 2nd prize exhibit, which we preferred to the former, was shown by Mr. George Prince, and included choice examples of Marie Baumann, Mildred Grant. Victor Hugo, Hugh Dickson, Mrs. John Laing. and J. B. Clark. 3rd, Mr. W. Leggett, Colchester. Hybrid Tea Roses. These Roses were not extra good, for which the season must be blamed. There were six contestants in the class for 16 distinct varieties, the 1st prize falling to Mr. Hugh Dickson for small, but refined blooms of Joseph Hill, Coun- tess of Gosford, Mme. Jules Grolez, General McArthur, Lyon Rose, Pharisaer, Richmond, and others; 2nd, Mr. John Mattock; 3rd, Messrs. Frank Cant & Co. Tea and Noisette Roses. The D'Ombrain Cup was offered as the 1st prize in the class for 24 varieties, the successful exhibitor being Mr. Geo. Prince, who won easily. The variety Mrs. Ed. Mawley was his finest specimen. Others that were not- able were White Maman Cochet, Mme. Jules Gravoreaux, Molly Sharman Crawford, and Muriel Graham. 2nd, Mr. Henry Drew, whose choicest blooms were Mrs. Ed. Mawley, Mme. Constant Soupert, Medea, and Auguste Comte. For 12 blooms of these Roses, Mr. Mattock had the best amongst six exhibitors, Messrs. J. Burrell & Co., Cambridge, being placed 2nd, and Mr. John Pigg 3rd. For 14 varieties, shown as triplets, in vases, Mr. Geo. Prince excelled, having much the best flowers, Mrs. Edward Mawley, White Maman Cochet, and The Bride being outstanding varie- ties. 2nd, Mr. Henry Drew; 3rd, Messrs. Frank Cant & Co. Vase Classes. These made a pleasing change from the exhibi- tion boxes, the flowers appearing more graceful. sion of all types of the flower is permissible. As usual, two growers only competed in the class for a floor group, viz., Messrs. G. Paul & Son, Cheshunt, and Messrs. Hobbies, Ltd., Dere- ham, Norfolk, who won in the order named. Both firms showed finely, making a free use of pillar varieties, the beautiful Shower of Geld in Messrs. Paul's group being magnificent. Messrs. Paul had also the new Mme. Segond Weber, Lady Godiva (a light Rambler of flesh-pink tint), Paradise (pink, with a white " eye "), Evanga- line (a blush Rambler), Coquina, Victor Hugo, and others. The imposing groups of Roses staged on tabling measuring 100 square feet were mag- nificent. The first prize was awarded to Mr. John Mattock for a display of choice blooms, attractively presented. The next two were of equal merit, and received equal 2nd prizes, the exhibitors being Messrs. Geo. Mount & Co., Canterbury, and Messrs. W. & J. Brown. Peter- borough. Mr. F. M. Bradley, Peterborough, also showed finely, having a lovely epergne of the pure white, large-flowered, single Sim- plicity. The other exhibitor was Messrs. [Photograph by W.J. Vasey. FlG. ig. — HYBRID TEA ROSE "MARY COUNTESS OF ILCHESTER " : COLOUR DEEP ROSE, WITH SLIGHT VIOLET SHADE. (Award of Merit at the Holland House Show.) The class for 12 varieties, to include not more than six Tea or Noisette kinds, brought four good displays, amongst which it was an easy task to 6elect the winning blooms. They were shown by Messrs. A. Dickson & Sons ; these vases of Roses were as near perfection as possible. They included Mildred Grant, Horace Vernet, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Mary Countess of Ilchester (see fig. 19), Frau Karl Druschki, and A. K. Williams. 2nd, Messrs. D. Prior & Son, whose best variety was Liberty. For nine varieties of Tea or Noisette Roses Mr. Geo. Prince led with a good set, of which White Maman Cochet was the finest. In the classes for Decorative Roses, Mr. John Mattock, Mr. A. Turner, Messrs. Frank Cant k Co., and Mr. Geo. Prince won 1st prizes. Groups ob Roses. These classes afford opportunity for the trade growers to make imposing groups, as the inclu- R. Harkness & Co., Hitchin, who had also a fine display. In the colour classes, the finest crimson variety was J. B. Clark, shown by Mr. Walter Bent- ley ; the finest white or yellow kind, Frau Karl Druschki, exhibited by The Kino's Acre Nur- sery Co. ; and the finest of any other shade Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, shown by Messrs. D. Prior & Son. The best nine blooms of a new Rose were shown by Messrs. Alex. Dickson & Sons, who staged the creamy-coloured Walter Speed. Tables of Roses formed a feature in one of the tents, and Messrs. G. Jackman & Son, Woking, had a quantity of decorative varieties, such as Tausendschon, Rene Andre, Alberic Barbier. Mrs. F. W. Flight, and others, displayed on a table about 4 feet square. Mr. C. Turner, The Royal Nurseries, Slough, had a similar one, but the Roses displayed on it were different. The 2nd prize in this — the 14th class — was taken by 46 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 16, 1910. Messrs. W. Spoonek & Son for Rambler Roses in variety. There were many such tables. Amateur's Classes. The competition in most of the classes for cut blooms was very keen, and the blooms, taken as a whole, were of more than average good quality. In the champion class, open to all amateurs, irrespective of the number of plants they grow, for 36 blooms, distinct varieties. E. B. Lindsell, Esq., Hitchin, was 1st, winning the Champion Trophy and Gold Medal, with a very fine lot of flowers. We name the varieties : — Horace Vernet, Chas.Lefebvre, Ulrich Brunner, Marquise Litta, Marie Baumann, J. B. Clark, and Wm. Shean. In the same class, R. Dennison, Esq., Cranford, was 2nd, his finest blooms being Ulrich Brunner, Capt. Hayward, Mrs. J. Laing, H. Wat- son, J. S. Mills, and Horace Vernet; 3rd, Con- way Jones, Esq., Hucclecote. Gloucester, with very fine examples of Countess Oxford, J. B. Clark, Capt. Hayward, Mrs. Sharman Crawford, and Mrs. Theo. Roosevelt, a little spoilt by rain. A 4th prize was awarded to the Rev. F. G. W. Henslow, Stanton Street, Quinton, Chippen- ham. The competitors were numerous and the competition severe. Twenty-four blooms, distinct. — E. B. Lindsell again won the 1st prize, and his best flowers, grand in size, were Ulrich Brunner, Duchess of Bedford, Dean Hole, Hugh Dickson, and a very fine specimen of Mrs. T. Roosevelt; 2nd, G. A. Hammond, Esq., Cambrian House, Burgess Hill. Sussex ; altogether a splendid exhibit, the blooms being not over large, and of fine form ; 3rd, F. Dennison, Esq., Cranford. Twelve bloom.', distinct (trebles).— Conway Jones, Esq., was 1st, his best flowers being G. Piganeau, Mrs. T. Roosevelt, A. K. Williams, J. "B. Clark, Alfred Colomb, a fine old Rose, ap- pearing in many of the exhibits ; and Lady Ash- town ; 2nd, A. Tate, Esq., Downside, Leather- head; 3rd, Rev. F. G. W. Henslow. Nine blooms of any varitty of the Hose except: ing Tea or Noisette.— 1st, R. F. Hobbs, Esq., Tliornloe, Worcester, who exhibited blooms of Frau K. Druschki, quite even in regard to their size; 2nd, E. B. Lindsell, Esq., who showed Mrs. T. Roosevelt ; 3rd, the Rev. F. G. W. Henslow, with excellent flowers of La France. Classes for Growers of fewer than 3,000 Plants. Twenty four blooms, distinct.— E. M. Evers- field, Esq., Denne Park. Horsham, won the 1st prize and the " Hobbies' " I 'lialleime Cup with a splendid collection. The finer blooms were J. B. Clark. Florence Pemberton, Mrs. J. Laing. Marie Baumann, Marquise Litta, Charles Dar- win, Suzanne Marie Rodocanachi, and Mrs. E. Mawley ; 2nd, Rev. J. A. L. Fellowes. Attle- boro', his best blooms being Marquise Litta, Mrs. W. J. Grant, and Alfred Colomb ; 3rd. W. Boyes, Esq., Middleton-on-the-Wolds, E. York- shire. The best nine blooms in this division came from E. M. Eversfield. Esq.. the variety being Frau Karl Druschki ; 2nd, W. Boyes. Growers of fewer than 2,000 Plants. W. J. Thorpe, Esq., Hucclecote, Gloucester, had the best collection of 24 blooms, winning the N.R.S. Challenge Cup. His best flowers were J. B. Clark, Mrs. David McKee. a creamy-white flower; Francois Michelon. A. K. Williams, Horace Vernet, Comte de Raimbaud (a variety but little esteemed now I, Prince Arthur, and An- gelo Peluffo. a pink-coloured Rose, very choice in form ; 2nd, W. R. Hammond, Esq. ; 3rd, W. O. Times, Esq., Hitchin. Eighteen blooms, distinct— G. R. Bonner, Esq., Tillingbourne, Gloucester, was 1st, whose best blooms were J. B. Clark, Charles Lefebvre, A. K. Williams, Marechal Niel, Gladvs Harkness and G. C. Waud ; 2nd, Dr. T. E. Pallett, Earl's Colne, Essex; 3rd, Gulliver Speight, Esq., Market Harboro'. For six blooms of any Rose except Tea or Noisette, W. R. Hammond, Esq., and C. C. Williamson, Esq., Welste'ad, Canterbury, were declared equal lsts. For 8 distinct vttrietirs (trebles). — 1st, W. O. Times, Esq., with excellent blooms, even as to size, and perfect in shape and condition ; 2nd, Mrs. Bevelle Fortescue, Dropmore, Maiden- head ; 3rd, W. J. Thorpe, Esq. Growers of Fewer than 1.000 Plants. Twelve blooms, distinct.— C. F. H. Leslie, Esq., Epscombe, Hertford, won the 1st prize with fine blooms of Mme. Melanie Soupert, Horace Vernet, Queen of Spain, Mme. Jules Gravereaux, J. B. Clark, and Mrs. E. Mawley ; 2nd, Dr. C. Lamplough, Alverstoke ; 3rd, M. Whittle, Esq., Belgrave Avenue, Leicester. Growers of Fewer than 750 Plants. Twelve blooms, distinct. — Rev. L. C. Chal- mers Hunt. Hitchin, showed the best collection, and he had very fine blooms of Ulrich Brunner, Oscar Cordel, and Mrs. J. Laing; 2nd, H. L. Wettern, Esq., Waratha, Sanderstead. Decorative Roses. In a tent apart from the rest of the show, were bowls of Roses, and tables laid out with various decorations with Roses, all more or less graceful and beautiful. A bowl filled with the single- flowered Damas Rose was the prettiest shown ; but the judges gave the 1st prize to one rilled with the variety Irish Elegance. This last was shown by Miss Langton. Raymead, Hendon. The table decorations, carried out with Irish Ele- gance, were charming beyond measure. A piece of plale, presented by A. Tate, Esq., and a 1st prize fell' to Miss E. s! Scott, for table decorations carried out with the Lyon Rose. Gold Medal Roses. The Society's Gild Medal was awaided to the four novelties following : — Lady Hillingdon. — A richly-coloured yellow Tea variety, of conical shape and with petals of good substance. Shown by Messrs. Lowe & Shawyer. Bayon d'Or. — A moderately-full flower of a canary-yellow colour. Shown by Dr. A. R. Waddell, Baldock. Edward Mawley. — A deep-crimson variety. I' ssessing considerable fragrance. Shown by Messrs. S. -McGredy & Son, Portadown. ./..■ ph II. Welch. — A large flower of a deep- pink colour, having a conical- centre. Shown by Messrs. McGredy & Son. Other New Roses. Messrs. Lowe & Shawyer exhibited their seed- ling hybrid Tea Mrs. George Shawyer. The flower has the colour of the favourite " old rose " pink, has a long Niphetos-hke shape, and appears to be fairly full of petals. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons. Colchester, showed Bose St. Helena, H.T.. of their raising. The flower is of a delicate flesh colour, tinted with yellow, somewhat pointed in shape before being fully expanded, and possesses a pleasing contour. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons likewise showed a H.T. named Colccstria, a flower of a cerise tint, and possessing much substance in the petals and with sufficient of these to make a full flower. A card of Commendation was awarded. Messrs. McGrfdy & Son showed H.T. Rose Evelyn Dauntsey, apparently developing to an unusually large size. The colour is pale-flesh on the inner side of the petals and of a deep pur- plish-cerise on the outer side. The flower has a cone-shaped centre, and much fragrance. (Silver- gilt Medal.) Messrs. Alexander Dickson & Son, New- lownards, showed a new seedling Rose, Mrs. Foley Hobbs (see fig. 13) white, with a faint flesh tinge. The flower is full and has a pointed cen- tre. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Messrs. Dickson & Son showed Rose Mrs. Gordon Sloan, of a charming flesh tint; the flower has a filbert-like centre and the colour is more intense at this part than elsewhere. It re- ceived a card of Commendation. Premier Blooms. Nurserymen. — H.P. Horace Vernet, shown by Messrs. Alexander Dickson & Sons ; H. T. White Maman Coehet, shown by Mr. George Prince; T. Melaine Soupert, shown by Messrs. Samuel McGredy & Son. Amateurs. — H.P. Beauty of Waltham, shown by Mr. Joseph Dodwell ; H.T. Mrs. T. Roose- velt, shown by Mr. Charles Cooke ; T. Maman Coehet, shown by Dr. F. H. Cooke. Miscellaneous Exhibits. Several collections of cut flowers were displayed in the entrance corridor, and a few sundriesmen found places for their wares. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., nurserymen. Bush Hill Park, exhibit" 1 an astonishingly large col- lection of Souvenir de la Malmaison and per- petual-flowering Carnations, a host of beautiful varieties of Roses, and, under a great cloche, a dish each of the Low berry and a hybrid Rubus named Phenomenal. Both of these fruits have been praised by those who have partaken of them. Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Wisbech, showed an immense collection of Delphiniums in great variety. Mr. Howard H. Crane, of Highgate, N., had a beautiful display of Violas and Psnsies. Messrs. Dorbie & Co., Edinburgh, were exhibi- tors of Sweet Peas, which have seldom been so lavishly brought before the public. The Misses Hopkins, Shepperton-on-Tha'nes, showed an Alpine garden furnished with appro- priate plants. NATIONAL SWEET PEA. July 12, 13.— The tenth exhibition of this Society was held at the Royal Horticultural Hall, Vincent Square; and, despite the unpropitious season, the flowers were finer than ever. The show itself was not quite so large, the exhibits being fewer in the smaller classes. It is pleasing to note a record attendance : the Hall was quite crowded in the afternoon of the first day. The gallery was beautifully decorated with large Palms and Sweet Peas by Messrs. C. H. Curtis and H. D. Tigwell. It was well done, and was greatly admired by the visitors. The " Sutton " Cup class for 18 bunches, dis- tinct, the trade excluded, resulted in a fine com- petition, though it must be said that the disquali- fication of Sir Randolph Baker, Bart., M.P., Ranston House, Blandford (gr. Mr. A. E. Usher), for a single spray above the number was a re- grettable incident which robbed him of a well- earned honour. His exhibit was in every way superb. The 1st prize was awarded Mr. J. Haycocks, Wrexham, who staged some very fine flowers. The varieties employed were Menie Christie, Clara Curtis, Mrs. A. Ireland, Countess Spencer, Helen Lewis. Marquis, Elsie Herbert, Frank Dolbv, Mrs. Hardcastle Sykes, The King, Mrs. H. Bell. Etta Dyke, Evelyn Hemus. Aurora Spencer, Helen Pierce, John In- gram, Nora Unwin, and Constance Oliver. The Right Hon. Sir G. O. Trevelyan, Bart., Wal- lington Hall. Cambridgeshire (gr. Mr. E. Keith), was 2nd, having capital examples of Helen Lewis, Mrs. A. Ireland, Elsie Herbert, Countess Spen- cer, Constance Oliver, Helen Pierce, and Clara Curtis. The 3rd prize was awarded to Lady F. Hesketh, Towcester (gr. Mr. G. T. Hallet), for a pretty display, while Mrs. A. Tigwell. Harrow View, Greenford, was awarded the 4th prize. For 2i bunches, distinct, Mrs. A. Tigwell was awarded the 1st prize for a collection which in- cluded the following varieties : — George Herbert, Miriam Beaver, Mrs. Townsend, Evelyn Hemus, Helen Pierce, King Edward (Spencer), Master- piece, W. T. Hutchins, Dazzler, Prince Olaf, Ten- nant (Spencer), Senator, Mrs. H. Sykes, Mrs. Tigwell, Elsie Herbert, Flora Norton (Spencer), Marjorie Linzee, Mrs. H. Dickens, Doris Burt, Arthur Unwin, and Zero. The 2nd prize was won by Mrs. A. J. Norms, Longshaw, Chipstead (gr. Mr. S. Horscroft), who had some beautiful vases of Captain of the Blues, Paradise Ivory, Apple Blossom (Spencer), Clara Curtis, and Mrs. Hard- castle Sykes. The Eel-ford Memorial Class for IS hunches, distinct, excited the keenest competition, and the flowers were good throughout. Mr. A. E. Usher, however, won handsomely. The varie- ties were Mrs. C. W. Breadmore, Clara Curtis, The King, Elsie Herbert, Helen Lewis, George Herbert, Mrs. H. Dickson, Marjorie Linzee, Miss A. Crier, and John Ingman. E. G. Mocatta, Esq., Woburn Place, Addlestcne (gr. Mr. T. Stevenson), showed splendidly for the 2nd prize, his best varieties being Prince of Asturias, Con- stance Oliver, Elsie Herbert, Princess Juliana, and Earl Spencer. Mr. T. Jones, Bryn IVnv- lan, Ruabon, was awarded the 3rd prize for flowers that appeared to be rather overdone, while F. A. Wei.lesley, Esq., Westfield. Wok- ing (gr. Mr. W. Hopkins), secured the 4th prize with splendid flowers, that lacked length of stem. July 16, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 47 In the class for 12 bunchef, distinct, Mrs. A. Tigwell secured the 1st prize with a good, level display. The best were Etta Dyke, Lord Nelson, The King, John Ingman, Clara Curtis, and Prince Olaf. Mr. G. F. Hali.et was 2nd, with good vases of Mrs. Chas. Foster, Etta Dyke, Clara Curtis, and Lord Nelson. The " Breadmore " Challenge Class was for 12 bunches, distinct. This class was a very popu- lar one. Mr. W. H. Prophet, Par Station, Corn- wall, won with the varieties Dazzler (splendid), Prince of Asturias, Mrs. Breadmore, Paradise, Red Flake, George Herbert, James Grieve, Prince Olaf, Mrs. Ireland, Etta Dyke, Henry Eckford, Mrs. H. Bell, and F. Unwin. Dr. J. E. Phillips, Malpas, was 2nd, and Mr. E. Cowdy, Greenhall, Longhall, Co. Armagh, 3rd. For six lunches, distinct, Mr. E. Keith cap- tured 1st honours, having a very even exhibit, which included excellent flowers of Tom Bolton, Princess Juliana, and America Spencer. Mr. F. G. Harrison, Rcsedene, Ulverston, was a close 2nd, for he had fine vases of Elsie Herbert, Mrs. H. Sykes, and Asta Ohn. A. W. Stirling, Esq., Holme Lee, Goring (gjr. Mr. A. Moring), was 3rd, while E. Ottkh. Esq., Stanhope Park, Greenford (gr. Mr. F. Fairbairn), was awarded the 4th prize. The "-Humphrey" Cup class for three bunches of comparatively new varieties found Mr. A. E. Usher again to the fore with very fine examples of Lavender George Herbert, American Spencer and a glorious bunch of Earl Spencer. Mr. T. Stevenson occupied the 2nd place, and he had grand flowers of Silas Cole. Mr. W. H. Prophet was 3rd. The " classification " class, open to all, was for IS bunches, distinct. — Mr. A. E. Usher continued his success by winning the 1st prize for this class, staging Mrs. C. W. Breadmore, Constance Oliver, Marquis, Aurora (Spencer), Helen Lewis, Helen Pierce, Mrs. H. Sykes. Rosie Adams, Clara Curtis, Marie Christie, Frank Dolby, Hannah Dale. Mrs. A. Ireland, The King, Countess Spencer, Etta Dyke, Prince Olaf, and John Ingman, a really fine exhibit. Mr. I'. W. Breadmore, Winchester, was 2nd with good, even flowers, his best varieties being Clara Cur- tis, Mrs. H. Svkes, The King, and .Marquis. 3rd, Mr. Jas. Box," Lindfield. Sixteen bunches. — There win- but two entrants in this class. Mr. A. E. USHEB won the 1st prize, and Mrs. A. Tigwell the 2nd prize. The class for 2!t bunches was very strong, and here -Mr. C. W. Breadmore carried off 1st honours with a splendid collection. His best varieties were Du>kv Monarch, Constance Oliver, Lavender George Herbert, Ivy Herbert, Countess Spencer, Dazzler, Sybil Eckford (really fine). Princess Juliana, Senator Spencer. Marjorie Wil- lis. Mrs. H. Bell, and Prince Olaf. .Mr. A. E. Usher was 2nd. Twclre bunches. — Messrs. E. W. King & Co., Coggeshall, won the 1st prize in this class with beautifully fresh flowers, though hardly deve- loped. The most striking were Constance Oliver, Mrs. W. King, Anglian Orange, Anglian Pink, Rosabelle, and Evelyn Hemus. Mr. W. Hopkins was 2nd. showing much larger flowers, but they were rather weather-stained : while Mr. S. Mil- ler, New-port, Isle of Wight, was 3rd. New Varieties. The single bunches of new varieties formed an attractive competition. Mr. C. W. Breadmore- won the 1st prize with Iris, a beautiful shade of salmon. The varieties Earl Spencer and Daz- zler won the 2nd and 3rd prizes respectively. Flowers with Waved Standards. The following classes (trade excluded) were for varieties with waved standards: — For 12 bunches. — Mr. Thos. Stevenson was to the fore with some splendid flowers. They were Clara Curtis. Mrs. "Chas. Foster. Dazzler, Black Knight (Spencer), John Ingram, Mrs. Hugh Dickson, America Spencer, Rosie Adams, Helen Lewis. Evelyn Hemus, Etta Dyke, and Sunproof Crimson. E. J. Johnson, Esq., Burrs Wood, Groombridge (gr. Mr. A. J. Paskett). had good, clean flowers for the 2nd prize ; while the 3rd prize was won by Sir Chas. Hadden, K.C.B., Rossway, Berkhamsted (gr. Mr. O. Hayles). In a class for six bunches, H. le Blanc Smith, Esq., The Lordship, Standon (gr. Mr. Maclean), won the 1st prize with a very neat exhibit of' good colour. His varieties were Elsie Herbert, Constance Oliver, Princess Juliana, and Mrs. C. W. Breadmore. Mr. F. G. Harrison was 2nd, and Mr. A. Moring 3rd. The class for four bunches was not a popular one, Mr. A. E. Usher leading off with fine ex- amples of Colleen, Queenie, and Winsome. For three bunches, distinct, Mr. W. H. Pro- phet was 1st with George Herbert, Paradise Ivory and Lavender George Herbert, Messrs. J. Haycocks and A. L. Thomas, Kenley, winning the other prizes respectively. For three bunches of waved, pin/: varieties, the exhibitors staged three kinds, which was not required. However, they were judged on their merits, Mr. W. H. Prophet winning with fine vases of Audrey Crier, Mrs. H. Sykes, and 0. Bolton. Dr. J. E. Phillips, Malpas, followed with Olive Ruffell, Syeira Lee and Countess of Northbrook. Mr. F. G. Harrison was 3rd. The cream. pink varieties were represented by Mrs. H. Bell and Constance Oliver. The l6t prize was won by Mr. W. H. Prophet. The other variety in the class was Syeira Lee. Special Prizes. The " E. IF. King ". Challenge Cup, for 12 varieties, was won handsomely by Mr. W. H. Prophet with Elsie Herbert, Mrs." Chas. Foster, Menie Christie, Mis. C. W. Breadmore, St. George, Phenomenal, Mrs. A. Ireland, and George Herbert. The Rev. 0. Turner, Woburn Park, Weybridge (gr. Mr. A. Basile), was 2nd, and Dr. J. E. Phillips 3rd. Mr. Robert Bolton, Carnforth, won the " W. Atlee Burpee " Challenge Trophy for a display of Sweet Peas ; this being Mr. Bolton's third win, the trophy becomes his property. His table was nicely arranged and formed a centre of attrac- tion. The new variety Charles Foster was very prominent, as were also vases of R. F. Pelt. in. Earl Spencer, Clara Curtis. Etta Dvke. Monitor, Elsie Herbert, and 0. Ruffell. Air. .Us Box, Lindfield, was 2nd, with a somewhat similar ex- hibit, while Messrs. J. Kelway & Son. Langport, were 3rd. For 12 varieties of scheduled mums. Mr. A. E. Usher once again proved the victor, having dishes, to include two bunches of black or white. Grapes. — Of the two exhibits in this class, the one from Lord Bagot, Blith- field Hall, Rugeley (gr. Mr. T. Bannerman), was the better. It consisted of good Peaches, Nec- tarines, Figs, Grapes, Strawberries, and one Melon. 2nd, Mr. N. Buxton, Gedling, Notts. The Earl of Harrington showed the best four bunches of Grapes — two black and two white, in well-finished samples of Muscat of Alex- andria and Black Hambro'. 2nd, J. Drake, Esq., Market Rasen (gr. Mr. W. Parker). The last-named exhibitor won 1st prize in a class for two bunches of Black Hambro' Grapes ; 2nd. Lady Beaumont, Carlton Towers, Yorks. (gr. Mr. W. Nicholls). Lady Beaumont led in the next class for two bunches of Black Grapes (Hambro's ex- cluded). The variety exhibited was Madresfield Court. 2nd, J. Drake, Esq., Market Rasen (gr. Mr. W. Parker). The Earl of Harrington won 1st prize in classes for (1) two bunches of White Muscat Grapes ; (2) two dishes of Nectarines ; (3) one green-fleshed Melon; and (4) one dish of Cherries. J. Drake, Esq. (gr. Mr. W. Parker) was awarded 1st prizes for (1) two bunches of white I trapes (Muscats excluded) ;. (2) one scarlet-fleshed Melon ; and (3) 12 Tomatos. Lord Bagot (gr. Mr. T. Bannerman) led in a class for six Nectarines, and in another for a white-fleshed Melon. He also had the winning dish of eight Figs. Mr. N. Buxton, Gedling, beat live contestants in a class for two dishes of Peaches, distinct varieties. Vegetables. For Messrs. Sutton & Sons' prizes for six dis- tinct kinds of vegetables only two exhibits were staged. The 1st prize was awarded to Lady Beaumont (gr. Mr. \V. Nicholls), who showed excellent Cauliflowers, Peas and Tomatos; 2nd. T. Tams, Esq. (gr. Mr. A. H. Ruff), whose in- duce was poor, especially Cauliflowers, and in- differently set up. Messrs. Webb & Sons' prizes. — The 1st prize was won by Lady Beaumont (gr. Mr. W. Nicholls), who showed a very good collec- tion, consisting of Early Mammoth Cauliflower. Stourbridge Glory Potato, Stourbridge Marrow I' i \Tew Standard Carrot. Monster White Tri- poli Onion, and a dish of unnamed Tomatos ; 2nd. Mr. A. H. Hickman, Cookley ; 3rd, Mr, \". Buxton, Gedling. In a class for a collection of nine distinct kinds of vegetables, Lady Beaumont was again to the fire with a handsome lot; 2nd, Mr. X. Buxton, Gedling, Notts. Non-competitive Exhibits. Messrs. J.arman & Co.. Chard. Somerset, showed Roses. Sweet Peas. Zonal Pelargoniums, Carnations and Centaureas (Silver Medal) ; Mr. Henry Eckford. Wem. a large collection of Sweet Peas (Small Gold Medal).; Messrs. CilB- ran & Sons, Altrincham. a group of foliage and flowering shrubs (Silver Medal) ; Mr. H. X. Elli- son. West Bromw ich, a collection of small Ferns (Silver Medal) ; Messrs. Webb & Sons. Stour- bridge, an exhibit of choice flowers, fruit and vegetables (Large Gold Medal and Silver Cup) J Mr. W. L. Pattison, Shrewsbury, a collection of Violas (Silver Medal) ; and Messrs. Dickson's, Chester, an assortment of hardy herbaceous flowers and Roses (Small Gold Medal). Certificate of Merit. Sweet Pea " Federation." — This is a large, bright, rose-coloured variety of good substance. (Shown by Mr. W. Marple, Penkridge.) WOLVERHAMPTON FLORA FETE. July 12, 13, 14.— Although the number of entries were not quite so numerous as last year, when special efforts were made to celebrate the attainment by the society of its majority, this vear's 6how ranks amongst the best held in the beautiful West Park. The weather was glorious, and the attendance on the opening day was very large. Although it was hot and close in the tents, the gangways were so spacious that visi- tors were not inconvenienced by crowding. The groups of plants, rock-garden exhibits, and Roses were the principal features of the exhibition. Groups of Plants. The groups were arranged in an exceptionally large marquee, there being ample room for tin if proper display, and the canvas was not heavy, so that the brightly-coloured foliage and flowers showed up well. The principal class was for a group of plants in or out of bloom, occupying a space of 30 feet by 12 feet. There were four exhibits that ran the whole length of the centre of the tent, presenting a front of unusual beauty of flower and leaf. It was no " run-away " competition, for although Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, were rightly placed 1st, each of the displays merited warm approval. Messrs. Cypher's group had an undulating front, a bank of Orchids, set in variegated Vitis, Codiseums, Asparagus plu- mosus, and surmounted by a Cocos Palm forming a centre-piece ; on either side of this, there were arches decorated with Pink Carnations, and suit- able groups were displayed at the corners. The general body of the exhibit was comprised of Dracaenas, Begonias, Codiasums, Caladiums, Anthuriums, Clerodendron fallax, and Kalan choe fiammea, broken at points with banks of Lilies, a tall, graceful Huniea or a plant- of Papyrus, and with overhanging sprays of On- cidium. The front was bright with Nertera de- pressa in fruit, Caladium argyrites, Heliconia illustris. Ferns, and other handsome-leaved sub- jects. The 2nd prize was awarded to Sir George H. Kenriik. Birmingham (gr. Mr. J. Mac- donald). Banks of finely-flowered White Phaloe uopsis set in a bronzy-leaved SelagineUa were prominent in this group, which contained a wealth of finely-grown foliage plants, but the group needed a few more showy flowers to brighten it. The groundwork and front were re- markably effective; 3rd, Mr. W. A. Holmes, Chesterfield; 4th, Mr. W. Vause, Leamington. There was another class for a group of plants, but (lowers were not permitted. The area was smaller (250 square feet), and the hejghl was re- stricted to 8 feet. The best of three groups was put up by Messrs. Cypher, who employed finely- coloured Codiseums with good effect, and beneath them Caladiums, Ferns, Aralias, Alocasias, Coleuses, Palms, and many other plants of attrac- tive leafage; 2nd, Mr. W. A. Holmes. Chester- field, who showed fine examples of the rose t nted Ananas sativa (Pineapple) and some good Codiasums, but the group was not so richly col- oured as the 1st prize exhibit; 3rd, Mr. W. Vause, Leamington. Three exhibitors showed in the class for a collection of decorative plants and bunches of rut flowers arranged on tabling. The displays were only medium, the 1st prize being awarded to M ssis. Bastock & Son, Moseley, Birming- ham. Considerable latitude was permitted in the class for a group of flowering plants of one kind only. Any subject was permissible, and the method of arrangement was left to the taste of tlie exhibitor. There were six exhibits, two of Begonias, two of Carnations, and one each of Hydrangea hortensis and Erica. The Begonias shown by Mr. F. Davis, Pershore, and Messrs. Blackaiore & Langdon, Bath, were awarded the 1st and 2nd prizes in the order named : the Ericas, shown by Messrs. Jas. Cypher & Sons, 1i ing placed 3rd. The Begonias were shown grandly in both instances. For a collection of Caladiums in not fewer than six distinct varieties, there were two en- tries, but neither was considered worthy of the 1st prize. Coleuses were shown by only one exhibitor, F. Simpson, Esq.. Perton Grove, Wolverhampton (gr. Mr. W. B. Burchill), but they were good, and worthy of the 1st prize, which they received. Begonias were not extra good in the class for 12 plants, open only to amateurs, the best of three displays being shown by B. H. Maunder, Esq., Trysull (gr. Mr. C. Weaver). Some good Gloxinias were shown by F. Simp- son, Esq., in the class for 12 plants in the ama- teurs' classes. The best six vases of Carnations were shown by the Duke of Newcastle, who had blooms of Princess of Wales. Duchess of Westminster, H. J. Jones, Prime Minister, Old Blush, and Maggie Hodgson. 2nd, Lady Grey, Stourbridge, with remarkably long-stalked flowers and extra vigorous foliage. In the class for 20 plants in pots not exceed- ing 8 inches in diameter, there were three ex- hibits. The schedule stipulated that not fewer than eight of the specimens should be in flower. Mr. W. VirsE was placed 1st with, principally, Ixora Duffii and varieties of Codiaeum. 2nd, 50 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 16, 191U. Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons, with greater variety, including Allamanda Hendersonii and Acalypha Sanderiana. The best group of plants arranged for effect in the amateurs' classes was exhibited by Mr. H. Wakeman, Wolverhampton. Rock garden Exhibits. There were three of the large rock-garden ex- hibits which have become so popular at provin- cial shows. Each was allowed an area of 25 feet by 12 feet. Messrs. J. Backhouse & Sons, Ltd., York, were awarded the 1st prize for a realistic design, with rockery of large stones, a winding path leading by a pool of water that was planted with Nymphaeas and other Water Lilies. A stream trickling down one corner ran beneath a rustic bridge. The outlying parts were surmounted with tall-growing, grace- ful, shrubby species, the crannies of the rockery being planted with a great assortment of alpine and border flowers. 2nd, Mr. J. E. Knight, Tettenhall Nurseries, Wolverhampton, with a well-arranged exhibit, including a pretty water pool, the stones being draped with Alpines in flower. 3rd, Messrs. W. Artindale & Sons, Sheffield. Roses. Roses were a strong feature of the show. The largest class was for 72 blooms of distinct varie- ites. This attracted five exhibitors. Mr. Hugh Dickson, Belfast, led with a notable collection of fine, highly-coloured blooms, including grand flowers of Lohengrin, Dean Hole, Hugh Dickson, Comtesse de Ludre, Leslie Holland (grand), Mil- dred Grant, Ulster, Konigin Carola and Marquise Jeanne de la Chataigneraye ; 2nd, King's Acre Nursery Co., Hereford. We noticed a remark- ably fine bloom of Mildred Grant in this collec- tion; 3rd, Messrs. R. Harkness & Co., Hitchin. There were six exhibits in the class for 48 dis tinct varieties, the competition being close. Messrs. Harkness were placed 1st, having well- matched, brightly-coloured flowers of J. B. Clark, Alice Lindsell, Mine. Jos. Bonnaire, Prince Arthur, Lyon Rose, Ellen Drew, Duke of Edinburgh, and others; 2nd, Mr. Hugh Dick- son, Belfast ; 3rd, Messrs. J. Townsend & Son, Worcester. Some good blooms were seen in The King's Acre Nursery Co.'s exhibit of 12 varieties shown in triplets, this firm beating four other ex- hibitors, Messrs. J. Townsend & Son, Worces- ter, and Messrs. R. Harkness & Co., Hitchin, winning the 2nd and 3rd prizes in the order named. A selection of the best flowers in the premier stand includes Mildred Grant, Duke of Teck, Alfred Colomb, Gustave Piganeau, and Mrs. John Laing. For 24 distinct varieties, shown as single blooms, there was a good competition amongst seven growers, the 1st prize being secured by Mr. W. T. Mattock, Headington, Oxford. Some of the outer petals in his flowers showed damage by rain. Mrs. Ed. Mawley, J. B. Clark, Mrs. J. Laing, Earl Dufferin, La France (89) (bright rose), and White Maman Cochet are a selection of Mr. Mattock's best varieties. 2nd, Messrs. Perkins & Sons, Coventry ; 3rd, King's Acre Nursery Co. An interesting class was that for 12 blooms of new varieties sent into commerce since 1907. In this The King's Acre Nursery Co. easily led, having Lady Ursula, Joseph Lowe, Mrs. E. J. Holland, Walter Speed, Pie X., Lyon Rose, His Majesty, Mrs. Harold Brocklebank, Col. R. S. Williamson, White Killarney, Rhea Reid (re- markably fine), and Margaret; 2nd, Mr. Hugh Dickson, the varieties Mrs. Stewart Clark and Mark Twain being especially good ; 3rd, Messrs. Frank Cant & Co. The best 12 blooms of a dark Rose were of the variety Hugh Dickson, shown by the raiser. Messrs. Frank Cant & Co. excelled in the class for 12 light Roses with the variety Mrs. Theo- dore Roosevelt ; whilst Mr. W. T. Mattock showed the best Tea Roses in 12 varieties. Although not more than three exhibitors con- tested in the class for a display of decorated Roses, this made a fine class, the quality of each collection being splendid. The 1st prize was awarded to Mr. John Mattock, who showed superb bunches of Edu Meyer, Papillon, Lady Roberts, Mme. Abel Chatenay, Blush Rambler, Countess of Gosford, Mme. Melanie Soupert (ex- ceptionally good), Mme. Antoine Mari, Hebe's Lip, Richmond and Marie Van Houtte ; 2nd, Mr. W. T. Mattock, Oxford ; 3rd, "tfr. John Bar- row, Oadby, Leicester, who had a vase of the rich Ecarlate of a shade approaching scarlet. In the classes restricted to amateurs, R Foley Hobbs, Esq., Worcester, had the winning staud of (1) 36 varieties, of (2) six varieties, shown in triplets, and of (3) 12 varieties, distinct, but he was 2nd to J. A. L. Fellowes, Esq., Attle- borough (gr. Mr. J. 0. Hinckley), in the class for 24 varieties, who followed Mr. Hobbs in the class for 12 varieties. Mr. Fellowes excelled in the class for 12 Tea Roses, whilst Mr. J. Egginton, Wolverhampton, showed best in the class for 18 varieties. There were numerous classes for Roses in the amateurs' section, the principal prizewinner being Mr. F. A. George, Worcester, who ex- celled for 18 varieties and for 12 varieties, Mr. W. Moseley, Wolverhampton, being 2nd in the former and Mr. Shorthose, Hammerwich, in the latter class. Some pretty exhibits were seen in the class for a vase of Roses, Miss E. A. Davis, Pershore, excelling with a tall stand of first-rate blooms, red and white kinds intermixed. Hardy Flowers. Although these were not so numerous as at some other provincial shows, the quality of those displayed was excellent, especially in the class for a group arranged on a table space of 15 feet by 5 feet. There were three exhibits in this class, the 1st prize being won by Messrs. Wm. Artindale & Son, Sheffield, for a choice display, which did not contain a duplicate bunch; 2nd, Messrs. Harkness & Sons, Bedale. Hardy flowers were also well shown in the class from which traders were excluded, bold vases of Gaillardias, Irises, Lupins, Mallows, Aconitums, Campanulas and others being shown by Mr. C. Holder New Oscott, who was placed 1st, the 2nd prize being won by Lieut. -Col. C. T. Maude, Tettenhall Wood (gr. Mr. Simpson), whose vase of Irises was magnificent. In the class for a collection of hardy flowers, open only to amateurs, there were three exhibits. Mr. Holder again showed grandly, and was awarded the 1st prize, being followed by F. Bouskell, Esq., Nuneaton (gr. Mr. G. Holies). Delphiniums, in a class for a collection of these flowers, made a brilliant display, Messrs. Black- more & Langdon, Bath, winning the 1st prize, followed by Messrs. Harkness & Sons. The best display of Pan6ies and Violas was shown by Mr. W. Pemberton, Bloxwich, who had a very pretty group of these border flowers. Sweet Peas. In the Society's class for a collection of 18 varieties ther.! were four exhibits, the best being displayed by G. H. F. Robertson, Esq., Gres- ford (gr. Mr. E. Jones), who showed grandly, having Dorothy Tennant, Triumph (Spencer), George Herbert, Asta Ohn, Etta Dyke, Tom Bolton, and other well known sorts; 2nd, Mr. W. Marple, Penkridge. In Mr. Henry Eckford's class for 12 varieties, Mr. Robertson was again easily 1st, followed by Mr. A. H. Hickman. Messrs. Robert Sydenham, Ltd., also offered prizes for a collection of 12 distinct kinds, and again Mr. Robertson easily out-distanced his rivals. In Messrs. Sydenham's class for six varieties, the 1st prize was won by Dr. J. E. Phillips, Malpas (gr. Mr. W. Maiden), in a strong com- petition. This exhibitor also excelled in Messrs. Bakers' class for 12 kinds. Messrs. Ed. Webb & Sons offered prizes for six bunches, in which Mrs. Chappell, West- bourne Hall, Warminster, carried off the 1st prize. Fruits and Vegetables. In the class for a collection of six varieties of fruits, from which traders were excluded, there were three entries, a magnificent collection shown by the Duke of Westminster, Eaton Hall (gr. Mr. N. F. Barnes), being awarded the 1st prize. A dish of Apple Lady Sudeley was re- markably fine. There were also very choice dishes of Williams's Bon Chretien Pears, Pine- apple Nectarines (intensely coloured), Grapes Madresfield Court and Muscat of Alexandria, with a large Melon of Hero of Lockinge variety. 2nd. Duke of Newcastle, Worksop (gr. Mr. S. Barker). The Duke of Westminster also won the 1st prize in the open class for a collection of fruits, being followed by J. Drakes, Esq., Market Rasen (gr. Mr. W. Parker). Grapes were not a strong class. The Duke of Newcastle won the 1st prize for four bunches, his best examples being Buckland Sweetwater and Black Hamburgh, both heavy bunches. The best Melons, both green and scarlet- fleshed, were shown by Mr. Muntz. The Duke of Newcastle excelled with Peaches and Nectarines ; whilst Lord Hatherton, Penk- ridge (gr. Mr. H. Taylor), had the best Straw- berries in Bedfordshire Champion. The King's Acre Nursery Co., Hereford, were the only exhibitors in the class for a dis- play of fruit trees in pots, receiving the 1st prize. They showed a circular group on a dais, having trained Gooseberries, Cardinal Nectarines, Blue Rock riums, Beauty of Bath Apple, Sou- venir du Congres and I'itmaston Duchess Pears, and Figs, Grapes, and other kinds. Vegetables. — In the society's class for a col- lection of 10 kinds, there were four entries, two being of outstanding merit, exhibited by the Duke of Portland, Welbeck Abbey (gr. Mr. Jas. Gibson), and the Marquis of Northampton, K.G., Northampton (gr. Mr. A. R. Searle), who were placed l6t and 2nd respectively, F. E. Muntz, Esq., Hockley Heath (gr. Mr. H. S. Foster), being 3rd. The 1st and 2nd prize groups were very close in regard to quality. Mr. Gib- son had splendid New Intermediate Carrots, White Leviathan Onions, Canadian Wonder Beans, Globe Beet, Matchless Cucumbers, and Centenary Peas. The Marquis of Northamp- ton's strongest dish was of Duke of Albany Peas, which were superb. He had also choice Tomatos, Onions, Carrots, and Cauliflowers. The Marquis of Northampton won the 1st prize in Messrs. Webb's class for eight kinds ; and Mr. H. Watson Smith, Stourbridge (gr. Mr. H. Davis), excelled in this firm's class for six kinds. Messrs. Sutton and Sons also offered prizes for six kinds, the 1st prize falling to the Duke of Portland (gr. Mr. Gibson) ; 2nd, Marquis of Northampton The Duke of Newcastle showed the best two bunches of Moneymaker Tomato in the class in which the prizes were offered by Messrs. Dick- son & Robinson, Manchester. AWARDS. First-class Certificates were awarded to Sweet Peas Sunproof Crimson, Edrom Beauty, Master- piece, Mrs. H. Dickson, and Earl Spencer, all ex- hibited by Messrs. Dobbie & Co. ; also to Viola Moseley Perfection, of a canary gold colour, shown by Messrs. Bastock & Son, Moseley. An Award of Merit was granted to Chrysan- themum A. Welham, a double-flowered, creamy- yellow Marguerite. Shown by Mr. A. Welham, Bridgenorth. Non-competitive Exhibits. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, put up a re- markably pretty exhibit of flowers, fruits and vegetables, representing choice produce from their strains of seeds. Melons were represented by 100 fruits in 60 varieties, embracing several promis- ing seedlings. The vegetables were of high quality throughout. New Red Intermediate Car- , rots being especially good. (Special Gold Medal.) Messrs. Clibrans, Ltd., Altrincham, arranged a bank of pillar Roses with groups of Hydrangeas and a new golden-leaved Elder in front. They had also Ivies in variety, Aralia sinensis alba, ornamental vines and other subjects. (Silver Medal.) Some of the best Carnations we have observed at exhibitions were staged bv Lady Grey, En- ville Hall, Stourbridge (gr. Mr. F. Green). Tho plants were remarkable for the vigour of foliage and their general good culture. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Ed. Wtebb & Sons, Wordsley, Stour- bridge, filled two large tables with flowers, fruits and vegetables, an alcove of Sweet Peas joining the two. Gloxinias, Sweet Peas, Delphiniums, Liliums, and other flowers brightened the general effect. (Special Gold Medal.) Mr. Edwin Murrell, Shrewsbury, had an assortment of Roses, including some excellent blooms of the beautiful Lvon Rose. (Silver Medal.) Messrs. Jarman & Co., Chard, staged an effec- tive group of Roses, Sweet Peas. Zonal Pelargo- , niums and Centaureas. (Silver Medal.) July -16, 1910.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 51 Messrs. Robt. Sydenham, Ltd., Birmingham, arranged a delightful display of Sweet Peas, set up in silver-plated table stands. (Silver Medal.) Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Edinburgh, had a re- markably fine show of Sweet Peas in about 50 /arieties; also a selection of Pansies and Violas. (Special Gold Medal.) Messrs. Dicksons, Chester, showed Roses and border flowers, having a good selection of each. We noticed a splendid group of Lilium Brownii var. odorum in this group. (Gold Medal.) Mr. C. H. Herbert, Acocks Green, Birming- ham, showed perpetual -flowering Pinks, the variety Progress being of rosy-mauve colour. (Sil- ver Medal.) Messrs. Wm. Artindale & Sons, Sheffield, had a very large collection of Pansies and Violas, with arches of Rambler Roses in front and vases of Gladioli between. (Silver Medal.) Sweet Peas were shown by Messrs. W. H. Simpson & Sons, Birmingham, who also showed a. new system of raising Sweet Peas, in deep, square boxes of cardboard, each of which is planted with a single seed. (Silver Medal.) Mr. C. F. Waters, Balcombe. Sussex, showed a group of Carnations, having both border and perpetual-blooming varieties. (Silver Medal.) Mr. H. Lee, Wolverhampton, also showed Car- nations. (Bronze Medal.) A Silver Medal was awarded to the Wolver- hampton Corporation (gr. Mr. A. Webster), for a group of flowering plants that contained a wealth of beautiful foliage and flowering sub- jects. Floral devices were shown by Messrs. E. & H. Suckling, Wolverhampton. (Gold Medal.) Mr. Char. Barnett, Albrighton, near Wol- verhampton, had bunches of Tomatos and vases of hardy flowers. (Bronze Medal.) Mr. H. N. Ellison, West Bromwich, exhi- bited a group of Ferns, including plumose varie- ties of Nephrolepis exaltata. (Silver Medal.) Mr. Geo. E. Brown, Wolverhampton, showed a miscellaneous exhibit of tools, garden sundries. tents, ladders, summerhouses and other garden furniture. Castle's, Ltd., Westminster, displayed garden seats and tables, made from teak wood of old ships. Messrs. Reade Brothers & Co., Ltd.. Wol- verhampton, exhibited fertilisers, weed-killers, and insecticides Messrs. F. C. Hill. Ltd.. Wolverhampton, showed garden seats and summerhouses . Messrs. Tom B. Dobbs & Co., Wolverhampton, set out a garden design with groups of flowers and shrubs, enclosing it with a rustic fence. A rosary occupied the centre, and there was a "wishing"' well in one corner. The whole was fenced by Larch palings, there being numer- ous entrances, each spanned with a rustic arch. (Silver Medal.) Mr. Thos. Rickhuss, Wolverhampton, showed garden furniture; Mr. John E. Knight. Wol- verhampton, displayed rustic arches, garden Mils, pillars of rustic work for Roses, with beds of scarlet Pelargoniums, and a few other flowers. Mr. George Hill. Wolverhampton, displayed a large group of various articles of use in gardens, such as summerhouses, barrows and ladders. E. M. Eversfield, Esq., had the best 24 Teas and Noisettes, showing good flowers, but. like the Sweet Peas, much bruised by the recent winds. Some very tasteful tables of Roses were shown. Mr. .1. Box. Lindfield, won the 1st prize, followed bj Mr. G. W. Piper, Uckfield. Mr. E. W. Morris, a rising amateur from Uckfield, was 1st in three classes for Roses. Some good Carnations came from Mr. ('. T. Waters. Balcombe, who also showed the best Sweet Peas. For a ball-room and bride's bouquet of Roses, Mr. F. Webber, Tonbridge, and Mis^ Kail James, Bedford Street. Brighton, ivmi the best prizes. Baskets of Sweet Peas were a feature. Mrs. Rvpley. Warblmgton House. Havant, was placed 1st in a strongly-contested class. The best white Sweet Peas," 30 spikes, came from Mr. W. H. Smith. George Street, Hailsham. 0. E. D'Avigdor Goldsmid, Esq., Somerhill, Ton- bridge, showed the best Grapes. BRIGHTON ROSE AND HORTICULTURAL. July 5, 6. — The Brighton Rose and Sweet Pea exhibition was held in the Dome and Corn Ex- change on the above dates. It was a great im- provement on the show of previous years, both in entries and gate, money, whilst the flowers were much better than last year. In a class for a group of Roses, either plants or cut flowers, Messrs. G. Mount & Sons, Canter- bury (the winners of last year), and Mr. G. W. Piper, Uckfield, were close contestants. Both exhibits were much admired, the premier awai 1 going to Messrs G. Mount & Sons. This firm were the only exhibitors in the class for a smaller group. For 48 blooms, distinct. Mr. Frank Woollard, Lewes Road Nursery, Brighton, was 1st. with a fn iiiy clean lot of blooms. Lyon Rose, Mrs. John Laing, and Queen of Spain were good. E. M. Eversfield. Esq., Denne Park, Hor- sham, was well ahead of Mr. F. Woollard for 56 varieties. The winner had good flowers of Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt : in fact, this was shown as well us any variety in several classes. Messrs. Mount & Sons were 3rd in this class. CROYDON HORTICULTURAL. July 6. — The forty-third summer exhibition, held in the Park Hill recreation ground, was not quite so good as usual. Roses win fi vej than last year, Messrs. E. J. Hicks, Twyford, Berks., being almost the only trade exhibitor. He won the 1st prize for 48 blooms, distinct, with good flowers, Duchess of Bedford, Lynn, and White Killarney being among the bettei flowers. Mr. Hicks was also awarded the 1st priz 18 I. as and Noisettes, excellent blooms of Mrs. !■;. Mawley and Muriel Grahame. the latter very highlj ("Inured, being in this stand. K,,r 12 bloi n.s of one variety, Mr. links was successful, with well-coloured Lynn Hose, fol- lowed bv Mr. J. Jefferies. Colwyn Hi, ad, with some clean Frau Karl Druschki. Mr. Jei-m RE S won the 1st pi it foi 24 blooms distinct ; 0 Terks and Earl of Dufferin were the besl bl< i i i Mr. Hicks was also 1st for the best 12 blooms ,,t one varietj . sho ving Mine. Jules Gravereaux, fol lowed by 'Mr. Jkfferies with Souvenir de i Notting. H. L. Metiien'. Esq. took tie- 1st honours for nine bk> ms distinct, and C. Asiirni-, Blenheim Gardens, Wallington, was 1st foi blooms. This exhibit contained a good Silver Medal winner in Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt. In the local classes, H. L. Methen. Esq ,1, rate "I. was successful for six hybrid pel, - for six Teas, and for six blooms of any one variety, winning in the latter class with verj good examples of Caroline Testout. It " appointing to see so few Roses, more as a large number of competitors had e.c, Some nl the -roups of plants were good, the largest group, arranged for effect, coming from E W Coles, Esc. Caterham (gr. Mr. C. 1 I, who also had the best table of plants and fl. For 24 bunches of hardv cut flowers, grown in the open, Miss Williams', Duppas Hill, Croydon for. Mr G. Lewry), won the 1st prize. BRITISH GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION, (LONDON BRANCH.) July 9. — On this date, members of the London branch paid a visit to the Priory Gardens, Roe- h amp ton, by invitation of the head gardener, Mr. D. Campbell. The party were met by Mr. Campbell at Barnes Station, and conducted to the cricket grounds, where a match had been arranged between the Priory team and the B.G.A. The game was declared closed at 5.30, and members assembled to a tea which had been laid under the spreading branches of a clump of Elms A tour of inspection through the Priory ground followed. Mr. Campbell, assisted by his fore- man, Mr. Smith, pointed out the many interest- ing features of the gardens. The plants in the pleasure ground and flower gardens were full of interest and beauty. t A short visit was also paid to " The Grove, the residence of Captain Wilson. The head gar- dener, Mr. MacClean. invited members to see these beautiful grounds whilst they were in the neighbourhood. 'Conspicuous amongst the many interesting features of these gardens was a collec- tion of perpetual-flowering Carnations. SOUTHAMPTON HORTICULTURAL. July, 5, 6. — The annual summer show was held in the county cricket ground, and was a distinct success. Roses, Sweet Peas and vegetables were strong features. Trade exhibits added materially to the interest of the show. Roses. In the open classes for Roses, the leading one was for 48 blooms, distinct. Four competed, the best, a level lot of blooms, being shown by Mi srs. D. Prior & Son, Colchester. Oberhof- gartner Terks, Mrs. T. Roosevelt, Dean Hole, Maurice Bernardin, White M. Cochet, Avoca, and Mrs. W. J. Grant were the most noteworthy varieties. Messrs. B. Cant & Sons, Colchester, were 2nd, and Messrs. F. Cant & Co., 3rd. In the class for 12 trebles, Messrs. B. Cant & Son won the 1st prize, and Messrs. D. Prior & Son the 2nd prize. Tea and Noisette varieties were fairly well shown by Mr. H. Drew. Longworth, Berks., who won premier awards with clean, if small, blooms, Messrs. D. Prior & Son being 2nd. For six blooms of any one dark variety, Messrs. 1>. Prior & Son won easily, with exceptionally finely coloured specimens of Horace Vernet. Messrs. B. Cant & Sons were 2nd, with Ben Cant. In a similar class for any light varietj . Mi Prior & Son were 1st. with hands, me specimens of Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt. For the best display of decorative Rnses. m n 7 feet by 3 feet, there were three entrants, Mr. E. J. Hicks, Twyford, Berks., having much the finest display. Messrs, B. Ladhams & Co., Shirley, Southampton, won the 2nd prize. Several classes were confined t,, gardeners and amateurs. The principal one was for 18 blooms, distiller, for which the " Munt " silver cup was offered. There were rive competitors, Dr. C. Lamplough, Alverstoke, beinc, an easj 1st. with clean, shapely examples. 'l'hi' best Tea and Noisette blooms" were staged by Mr, G. H. Kent, in the class for 12 blooms, and lie was awarded the 1st prize. Messrs. II. Prior & Son won the silver gilt medal for the best bloom in the show, with a handsome specimen of Mrs. T. Roosevelt, and the - I i medal for the best bloom in the open classes, with Horace Vernet, Dr. Lamplough securing a similar award in the amateur division with Mine. C. Gravereaux. The best basket of Roses came from Mrs. E. Ladhams, Shirley, Southampton — a charming display of Farben Konigin. Sweet Peas. Sw eet Peas were shown remarkably well. For Messrs. Toogood's prizes for six bunches dictinct, there were eight competitors. The best flowers were shown by Mr. H. H. Lees, Warblington, Havant, an extremely tine display. Sir R. Baker, M.P., Blandford (gr. Mr. Usher), was 2nd. Sir R. Baker won Messrs. Webb's 1st prize for six bunches. Fruit and Vegetables. Exhibits of fruit were not numerous. The best I, lack and white Grapes were shown from L. Walker Munro. Esq.. Brockenhurst. Mr. J. 1°. Duncan. Douglas House. New Mil- ton, had the best Peaches — Condor — nicely coloured. W. H. Myers, Esq.. Swanmore House, Bishop's Waltham (gr. Mr. C. Ellwood), won the 1st prize in the classes provided by Messrs. Toogood, Sutton, Webb, and Carter, showing fine pn in every case. Mrs. Tragett. Amberry Danes, Romsey (gr. Mr. H. Pearce), was 2nd in several classes. Honorary Exhibits. Mr. C. F. Waters, Balcombe Nurseries, Sus- sex, had a handsome group of Carnations : Mi B. Ladhams & Son. Shirley, Southampton, ar- ranged at one end of the large marquee an imita- tion of an old English garden : .Messrs. Ti & Sons had an extremely fine display of Swi et Peas and culinary Peas; Messrs. W. H. Ro & Son. The Nurseries. Southampton, had a of Roses, plants, and cut blooms, the latter repre- senting many of the new varieties: Mr. -1. Stevenson, Sweet Pea specialist. Wimbi rne, had 50 bunches of Sweet Peas: and Mr. E. V Winchester Road Nurseries. Southampton, mis- cellaneous plants and floral work. 52 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 16, 1910. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. [Coriespondents arerequested to write the name* of persons and places as legibly as possible. No charge is made for these announcements, but if a small contribution is sent, to be placed in our collecting Box far the Gardeners' Orphan Fund, it will be thankfully received, and an acknowledgment made in these columns.] Mr. G. J. Squibbs, late Gardener to Sir William Cooper, Bart., Whittlebury Lodge, Towcester, as Gardener to Sir Robert Greslev, Bart., Drakelowe, Burton-on- Trent. Mr. John Murray, for the past 3 years Foreman at Lack- ham, Lacock, Wilts., as Gardener to Lady Brinkman, Binstead House, Ryde, Isle of Wight. Mr. W. L. Creek, for the past 3 years Foreman in Plaw Hatch Gardens, East Grinstead, Sussex, as Gardener to W. R. Arbuthnot, Esq., at the same place. Mr. Geo. Francis, for the past n years Gardener at the Croft, Hillmorton, Rugby, as Gardener to W. E. Clay, Esq., Bramcote Hills, Nottingham. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. T. Smith, Daisy Hill Nursery, Newry— Bulbs and Tubers. THE WEATHER. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending July 9, is furnished from the Meteorological Office: — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The weather was rainy over the kingdom generally during •the earlier days of the period, but the conditions improved after the 5th, at first in the west and subsequently in the east. Thunderstorms were experienced in places over a large area in England on the 3rd, and heavy rain occurred at several western and north-western stations on the 5th. The temperature was below the average, the difference being large in nearly all parts of England. The highest of the maxima -were recorded on the 4th at most of the eastern and northern stations, and on the 9th in the west and south- west. They ranged from 76" in Ireland S., and 15' in Scot- land E. and W. to 67° in England N.E., and to 66° in the English Channel. During several days the maxima were -very little higher than 60° over a considerable portion of Great Britain, and on some occasions below 60°. The lowest grass minima reported were 30" at Hereford and Sheffield, 81° at Llangammarch Wells, 82° at Markree Castle, and 34° at Newton Rigg. The mean temperature of the sea was lower than during the corresponding week of last year on most coasts, as much as .6° at Wick. The mean values for the week ranged from 61" at Eastbourne, 60" at Margate and Newquay, and 59" ft Seafield to 52° at Aberdeen and to 51° at Burnmouth and Wick. The rainfall was less than the average in Ireland, England •S.W. and Scotland N., the deficit being large in the last district. Elsewhere there was an excess— very considerable in nearly all parts of England. Falls of an inch or more were measured at many stations in the north-west of England and in Wales, as well as at West Linton j the largest quantities reported were 1.32 inch at Aspatria and 1.66 inch at Aber- dovey. At Worthing as much as 1.19 inches fell on the 3rd. The bright sunshine was less than the normal in almost all parts of England, the deficit being large in the eastern, central and southern districts. In Ireland and in the east and west of Scotland there was an excess. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 52 in Scotland W.( 40 in Ireland N., and 39 in Ireland S. to 20 in England N .E. and to 15 in England E. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending July 13. The third cold week in succession.— Throughout the past three weeks there have been only two unseasonably warm days, and but five warm nights. The two warm days of this cold period occurred during the past week, when the highest reading in the thermometer screen was respectively 71° and 72°. On the other hand, on three days of the week the same thermometer did not rise higher than 58°, or 12° below the average maximum temperature for the time of year ; and on the coldest night the exposed thermometer indicated a read- ing within 7° of the freezing point. Both at 1 and 2 feet deep the ground is now about 2° colder than is seasonable. Rain fell on the first two days of the week, but since then no measurable quantity has been recorded. Some rainwater has come through both of the percolation gauges on each day during the week, but in gradually diminishing quantities. The sun shone on an average for only 2J hours a day, which is not much more than one third of the usual duration in July. One day proved altogether sunless, while on three other consecutive days the total record of sunshine amounted to only about an hour. The winds have been light, and have come principally from some northerly point of the compass. The mean amount of moisture in the air at three o'clock in the afternoon exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by as much as 11 per cent. E. M., "Rosebank," Berkhamsted, July 13, 1910. QorrtehordinU Editors and Publisher. — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communica- tions, and save us much time and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that all letters relating to financial matters and to advertisements should be addressed to the Publisher : and that all communications intended for publication, or referring to the Literary department, and all plants to be named, should be directed to the Editors. The two departments, Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters are misdirected. *#* The Editors will be glad to receive, for consideration, large photographs of horticultural subjects, suitable for reproduction as Supple- mentary Illustrations in this Journal. Acalypha Sanderiana : A. M. S. The spots on Acalypha leaves are known as " sap warts," caused by an excess of moisture in the air. The Codiaeum (Croton) leaves are also injured by an excess of moisture during a period of low temperatures. There is no fungous disease present. Ampelopsis Veitchii : IF. F. & < 'o. The plant is attacked by eelworms, which are present in abundance. A cure is practically impossible. but some good may be done by watering at intervals of four days with a solution of for- malin in water — 1 in 1.000 parts might be tried. Bolted Cauliflowers : If7. M. The Cauli- flowers appear to be of an inferior strain. Your culture seems to have been all right, but from a sowing made in August, the plants being wintered in a frame and planted out in spring, the heads should have been ready for cutting a month earlier. If you planted them out too early and the plants got cut by frost, they would then suffer a 6evere check ; but should not produce bolters instead of good heads. Get a change of stock another season. Cauliflower Plants Attacked by Grubs : G. W. Fork a quantity of soot and lime into the rows, and treat the land, after the crop is cleared, with gas-lime, changing the crop next season. Chrysanthemum: T. J. H . This condition is known as fasciation. It is not uncommon, but the cause is unknown, and there is no cure. Diseased Carnations : C. D. M. Your Carna- tions are badly attacked by thrips. An occa- sional fumigation with a nicotine vaporising compound is recommended, or an insecticide may be used. Diseased Leaves : IP. M. & Co. The leaves are affected with scorch. Fig : Co. Wichlow. There is no fungus present on the Fig branches. The injury may have been caused by keeping the roots too wet. French Beans : Westminster. Eelworms are present in the French Beans. Put lime in the soil after the plants are removed. Grapes Sent by Rail : Correspondent. Grapes sent by rail should bo packed in baskets known as " handles," and tied by the stalks around the top of the basket. The weight per basket should not exceed 8 lb. to 10 lb. See that a suitable label is affixed, on which is prominently printed " Grapes, with care." LixruM auratum and L. giganteum : J. E. The plants are attacked by Botrytis cinerea, a common disease which attacks Lilies. No cer- tain remedy for this disease is known. The plants may be 6prayed early in spring with a weak solution of potassium sulphide or dusted with flowers of sulphur. It is best, however, to burn the old bulbs and procure a fresh 6tock, planting them in a situation as far away from the old site as convenient. Loganberries Failing to Set : B. The flowers are sterile, due to some constitutional defect in the plant. This is sometimes seen in Straw- berries, Blackberries, and other members of the Rosacese. The unfavourable summer of last year anay be responsible for the trouble. Thin out the branches, leaving the strongest only to become well ripened. Malformations on Alpine Rhododendron : 0. 0. W. This is caused by a fungus Exobasi- dium rhododendri. All diseased portions should be removed, otherwise the disease spreads quickly. Mignonette : II. E. F. We can give no reason for the leaves dying off. There is no fungus | present. Names of Plants : Henry Corder. — Aspidium angulare, Phacelia tanacetifolia, Veronica sali- cifolia. — Archie Lowe. Bromus sterilis, Fcstuca myurus. — C. S. Co. Lathyrus sativus. — L. H. Campanula latiloba. Iris orientalis. — E. V. B. Cotyledon umbilicus. — C. J. -V. Hemerocallis fulva. — C. W. 1, Spiraea filipen- dnla ; 2, Lychnis (Agrostemma) coronaria ; 3, Campanula glomerata ; 4, Leycesteria formosa ; 5, next week. — W. P. R. 1, Spiraea Aruncus ; 2, Eriophorum angustifolium (Cotton Grass) ; 3, Orchis Morio ; 4, Astrantia major ; 5, next week. — J. J. H. Erinus alpinus. — Cha*. S. Cuscuta medicaginis from South Africa (long- stalked form). — G. P. These are all varieties of Lychnis Haageana. — T. A. H. (a) Gentians cruciata ; (b) G. brevidens.— ff. N. 1, Dendro- bium moniliforme; 2, Galeandra devoniana; 3, Eria acervata ; 4, E. marginata ; 5, Zygopeta- lum crinitum ; 6, Odontoglossom blandum. — F. S., Perth. 1, Cheilanthes elegans ; 2, C. hirta ; 3, Davallia bullata ; 4, Pteris longifolia. C. H. Lycium chinense. — E. M. B. Coton- | easter frigida. — G. II. We cannot name the Dianthus from such a specimen. — G. II'. II'. ! a coal-pit, and. I was also able to collect a quantity of Eritrichium, Iberidella. Cam- panula cenisia, and C. Allionii. Petrocallis, too, were abundant in the high-stone- slides. Geum reptans was awakening amid the granite-blocks. Of Androsace glacialis I only discovered one uncovered plant. A little lower, and A. Vitaliana was spread in saffron sheets over every stone in the short alpine herbage. The real A. carnea was common on grassy ridges, and lower still, A. brigantiaca peered among the Gentians. I only struck on one plant of Saxi- fraga biflora, as yet revealed. S. oppositifolia, though, was in full magenta magnificence high up, and in one valley, after walking through glades of Primula pedemontana, I came on an oasis in the snow, where, round a rock, Saxifraga retusa was brilliant and ex- quisite, like a glorified version of Azalea (Loiseleurea) alpina. Aquilegia alpina gave promise by the mil- lion, but was only in bud. In bud, too, in one precious guile}', was Cortusa Matthiolii, peeping up among the violet bells of Soldan- ella montana, in a sodden glen of wintry brushwood that carried me back to the sere woodland gorges of Nantai-san as they appear in March. Round all the melting snow-patches (and there were many) Soldanella alpina was a film of purple. Amid Crocus vernus albi- llorus, belying its name by producing myriads of striped, flaked, splashed and feathered flowers, from tenderest lavender to darkest violet, Primula farinosa, too, rolled by acres over the marshes, although colour-forms were rare, and, among the Crocus, Bulbocodium vernum lingered, like a belated little Colchi- CUm. On the south side, Saponaria lutea was far down in bud. Senecio Doronicum was busy giving a Hat contradiction to my notes and ex- perience, for I had never before realised its polymorphism. In Oberland and Valais it is a gorgeous orange splendour; but on Mont Cenis, in the Cottian Alps, and here, in the Maritime Alps, it is a feeble yellow, no better than that of S. arnica, and not so good as a Dandelion. But never, never, apparently, in any district, does it take to running at the in: it and forming a wide-spreading patch, like t lie bald and weed-like plant which too often bears its name in gardens. BcijinalJ Pot n i NEW OB NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. A NEW TULIP FROM BOKHARA.* (See Supplementary Illustration.) Dr. Feiitsciienko sends a description of a bril- liant and striking species of Tulipa native of the Central Asiatic desert and grown in Mr. C. G. Van Tubergen's gardens it Haarlem. T. Hoogi- ana is a member of the section Erio- bulbi, having the outer bulb scales covered on the inside with reddish hairs. The stem, including the flower, varies from 6 to 18. inches in height, but is generally 9 to 12 inches; it is quite smooth. The leaves, which are de- scribed as quasi-opposite, are four to six in num- ber, lanceolate-tapering and smooth, but with a very narrow, membranous, white, shortly ciliated margin ; the lowest leaf is 8 to 10 inches long and 1£ to 3 inches broad. The flower is scarlet, with a large, black blotch bordered with orange on each petal within the cup, and a corresponding yellowish blotch on the exterior. The broad petals are somewhat abruptly acuminate at the apex. The filaments of the stamens are linear- lanceolate, blackish-violet in colour, and bear blai kish anthers. In its general habit and in the great black eye contrasting brilliantly with the bright scarlet of the flower. Tulipa Hoogiana recalls the well- known T. Oeulus solis, a species belonging to the same section. The section includes other Central Asiatic species, such as T. Borszczowii, with a deep blue blotch on the red or yellow petals, the more widely-spread T. montana, and the smaller yellow -flowered T. chrysantha. Hurts Fedt- ichenho, Principal Botanist "f the Imperial Botanical Garden, St. Petersburg. * Tulipa Hoogiana, B. Fed.tsch, n. sp. — Bulbus ovato- oblongcs, tunicis fuscis, exterioribus intus rufolanalis. Caulis icum flore) supra terram (15)— 24-31— (45) cm. altus, glaber. Folia (4)— 5-6, quasi-opposita, omnia lane. data, stnsiin attenuata, inferiora latiora, omnia glaberrima, mar- gine angusussime albo- membranacea, breviter ciiiatula ; folium inrinium 20-25 cm. longum. 3, 5 7 cm. latum, folium supreinum 13-14 cm. longum, i— 2-5 cm. latum. Flos unicum, coccineum. Sepala exteriora tria a petalis interio- ribus tribus divergentia. Sepala et petala oblongo-lanceolata, versus apicem acuminata, coccinea, extus basi lules- centia, inlus basi nigro-maculala, macula elliptica, luteo marginala, sepaiorum et petalorum similis, vel macula sepaloruln paulo latior, apice retusa, macula petalorum tunc angustior, apice acutinscula. Filamenta nigro violacea, luieari. Lanceolata-anthera? nigrescentes. Patria: Buchara ; planta baec speciosissima in hortrj Tubergeni. jr. lHaarlem) colitur, -unique clari S. M. C. Hoog dedico. 54 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 23, 1910. THE ROSARY. NOISETTES AND THEIR HYBRIDS. So closely do some of the Noisette Roses re- semble in habit of flowering the freest-blooming Tea-seented varieties that seme of them are classed in different sections even by experienced growers. In fact, the Teas and Noisettes, with their hybrids, might almost go as one class, were it not that some have a less tendency to flower in large bunches, such as Mildred, Avoca, Charles J. Grahame. Lady Ashtown, and William Shean. There are a few older varieties of Noisettes and hybrids that do not receive due recognition in the gardening Press. Jaune Desprez, a Rose of 1830, is not often seen, except as aged plants in a few gardens. Where it thrives, this old Rose is very charming, with its varying colours of red, buff, and sulphur-yellow, while there are few sweeter scented. Lamarque was also introduced in 1830, and is still one of the best, pale lemon-whites for a warm wall. This Rose does not come " sul- phur-yellow " with me, as described in Messrs. W. Paul & Son's list ; but Solfaterre, sent out 13 years later, is, to my eye, one of the clearest sulphur-yellows we have. Ophirie (1841) is dis- tinct, with its chaste shadings of nankeen and copper, and we have few more reliable autumnal Roses than this variety. Joseph Bernacchi is a yellowish-white, with an almost sulphur-yellow centre, and with very long buds. I am surprised that it is not more grown ; its reputation for shy blooming i6 not deserved. Simply refrain from pruning it, and give it a fairly warm position, and few yellow-flowering, climbing Roses will be more satisfactory. Triomphe de Rennes (1857) is a canary-yellow-coloured flower, and often very pretty. Fortune's Yellow (1845) is unapproach- able in its rich shades of orange-yellow, shaded and splashed with carmine and metallic red. The • flowers vary much, and the plant needs a warm wall, or the help of a cool conservatory. It is a tremendous grower, and it is not improved by pruning. Those already mentioned are a few of the older and true Noisettes that are in danger of neglect in the rush for newer varieties. Aimee Vibert, Alister Stella Gray, Celine, Forestier Mme. Pierre Cochet, Reve d'Or, Bouquet d'Or, L'Ideal, and William Allen Richardson are not likely to be missed, and need no description here. But there are some newer Noisettes not so well known, among which are Golden Queen (1903), a Rose somewhat resembling Reve d'Or, but deeper in colour, more uniform in its rich, golden yellow, and a distinct shade of copper. I find it more tender than Reve d'Or, and impatient of the knife, except with respect to the cutting out of bad wood. Souvenir de Madame Viennot (1897) is a very attractive Rose. I note that some growers put this among the Teas, and the National Rose Society so classes it. This is a clear carmine and rose upon a yellow ground, not very double, sometimes splashes, and in im- mense typical Noisette trusses carried upright, each flower well away from its fellows. There is also a pale yellow form of the old favourite, Aimee Vibert, which was sent out in 1906, and it promises well. I cannot close without saying a few words upon the older hybrids of Noisettes. Boule de Neige and Mme. Alfred Carriere are well known. Mme. Plantier (1835) is one of the very hardiest and earliest Roses we have ; the blooms are flat and not very large, the plants are certain bloomers, and the variety is one of the purest whites for massing. I have seen this Rose grow- ing in an old quickset hedge, and the effect is very pleasing. It is one of the few varieties that can be trimmed up with bill-hook or shears, and will still flower freely early in the season. Coquette des Blanches and Perle des Blanches are two favourite, pure-white varieties. Mme. Alfred de Rougemont (1863) is a small, globular flower, pure white in the centre, with a distinct rosy tinge at the edges of its petals. Mme. Fran- cois Pittet is a very useful little white Rose for pot-culture or for bedding. This is simply one mass of flower. Crepuscule is a new Noisette that already ranks as one of the very best in iU class ; a vigorous grower and very free flowering. The following colours are all in the flower, rich coppery-yellow, rayed and tinted with deep Nas- turtium red and yellow ; the buds are long, re- tain their shape well, and perhaps I may be allowed to call it a link between L'Ideal and William Allen Richardson. It has been very pleasing here during the past three seasons. A. Pipt r. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. nished with cirrhus may vary, and, consequently, the other two known in gardens — C. Warseewiczir and C. Scurra, which are closely allied to each other — may be the same species. So far as it has been tested, a sensitive part of the surface of the columns in this small section pel forms the same object of causing the pollina to be ejected when touched by an insect as the cirrhus does in the larger section. J. O'B. DENDROBITJM REGIUM. This pretty species, which those who do not cultivate it successfully are apt to look upon as too near to D. nobile to warrant it being grown extensively, has probably never been seen in such good condition as in the specimen now in flower in the collection of J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Glebelands, South Woodford (gr. Mr. J. Davis). The flowers are much larger than those of the best forms of D. nobile, and all the segments are equally broad and the labellum very finely deve- loped. The outer parts of the segments are of a bright rose-purple tint, the inner part white, the labellum having a clear lemon-yellow disc. Witli such flowers, the affinity to D. nobile is quite lost, and there is no other Dendrobium comparable with D. regium in its section L^LIA GRANDIFLORA (MAJALIS). Mr. H. Haddon, gardener to J. J. Neale, Esq., Lynwood, Penarth, writes that the plants of Lielia grandiflora, which usually flower well at Lynwood grown in the house in which the Sarra- cenias and other cool-house plants are cultivated, are now in perfection, and among them a dis- tinct variety, a flower of which is sent. The chief difference is that in the flower sent there are no rose-coloured lines in the lip. the base and the side lobes being white, the front only being tinged with rosy-lilac of a similar shade to the sepals and petals. The substance of the flower is firmer than usual in the species. CATASETUM RUSSF.LLIANTJM. HOOK. = C. THYLACIOCHILUM. LEM. An interesting question is raised by the proof of the variability in Catasetum Russellianum now furnished in a plant in the collection of J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Glebelands, South Woodford (gr. Mr. T. Davis). When it flowered previously the blooms were typical C. Russellianum. being whitish, striped and tinged with green, the basal portion of the lip concave and slightly enlarged in the fore part, and the margin of the lip fimbri- ated. This year the plant produced a more dense inflorescence, the flowers being smaller, and the elongated pouch beneath the labellum more shallow. In fact, the last flowers were identical with the small illustration of Catasetum thylacio- chilum, Lem., accompanying the description in Illustr. Hortic. III. (1856), Misc. 90, the plant being recorded from Mexico, whereas C. Russel- lianum was originally recorded from Guatemala, both regions having some plants in common. In the absence of any botanical feature to separate the two plants, and in view of the fact that both belong to that very small section of three or four species which have no antennae to the column, and are known as Ecirrhosa?, together with the now known variation proved in Mr. J. Gurney Fowler's collection, there seems to be no doubt as to the identity of C. thylaeiochilum with the earlier recorded C. Russellianum, especially as the same author's reliability is discredited by the fact that his Catasetum trimerochilum, Illustr. Hortic. IX. (1862), fc. 374, is not a Catasetum, but Mormodes lineata. The variability of C Rus- sellianum suggests that the small section not fur- TREES AND SHRUBS. TREES AT CLAREMONT.* It is a considerable distinction for a garden to possess the finest specimen in the kingdom of even one kind of tree, but Claremont has within its boundaries four or five for which we believe precedence may be claimed over all others of the same species in the British Isles. Writing in 1838, J. C. Loudon observed that Claremont at that time contained " a great many exotic trees, particularly Cedars of large dimensions, very large Cork Oaks. Tulip trees and others of foreign origin " which had been planted by " Capa- bility " Brown for the great Lord Clive about 1768. Many, no doubt, that were in their prime in Loudon's time have since disappeared. Clare- mont, as is generally known, is now the resi- dence of H.R.H. the Duchess of Albany, and it is gratifying to know that Her Royal Highness takes a keen interest and pleasure in her trees and their preservation. Some valuable specimens have been promised for the new Museum of British Forestry now in course of formation at Kew. Gymnocladus canadensis (Kentucky Coffee tree) is represented by the finest specimen in the British Isles. It is over 60 feet high and its trunk is 7 feet in girth. Sassafras officinale with a trunk girthing 7 feet 2 inches (at 1 foot from the ground) and a height of about 50 feet, is the only fine specimen in the kingdom. Mag- nolia macrophylla, whose extraordinary leaves are often 2 to 2£ feet long and 9 or 10 inches wide, is 40 to 45 feet high and the trunk 2 feet 11 inches in girth. This tree is exceedingly rare in Britain, and we know of no other that ap- proaches these dimensions." A specimen of Red- wood (Sequoia sempervirens) is in perfect health and shape. It is over 100 feet high and its trunk is 13 feet 7 inches in girth, clothed from base to summit with branches and forming a slender pyramid. These four trees we believe are un- rivalled in our islands, and scarcely inferior of its kind is an immense Pterocarya caucasica, equalling the splendid trees near Vienna. It branches very low down and the short trunk is over 19 feet in circumference; the head is about 50 feet high with a diameter of 100 feet. This tree flowers freely. According to Mr. Elwes it is surpassed by a tree at Melbury, Dorset. Of the Cork Oaks (Quercus Suber) mentioned by Loudon, one huge specimen at least remains ; its trunk is 8 or 10 feet high and 13 feet 10 inches in girth, bearing a wide-spreading head of branches which is, unfortunately, badly damaged on the south-west side. The following specimens whilst not the finest of their kind are certainly in the very first rank among British trees : Magnolia acuminata, 60 feet high, 5 feet 10 inches in girth ; Deodar (Cedrus Deodara). 8 feet 5 inches in girth; Bishop's Pine (Pinus muricata), 80 feet high. 7 feet 10 inches in girth ; Cryptomeria japonica, 60 to 65 feet high, 8 feet in girth; Cunninghamia sinensis rarely seen in good form is here a shapely tree 35 feet high and 3 feet 10 inches in girth. Of smaller-growing species, there are three ex. 1 1 lb nt specimens of the broad-leaved Holly, Ilex latifolia, 16 feet high and bushy ; Buxus balea- rica, 13 feet high and 9 feet through ; and the Nepal Juniper (Juniperus recurva), with an um- brella-like head of branches 22 feet across. * II'. /. B., in Kan Bulletin, No. 5, 1910. Jjuly 23, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 55 NURSERY NOTES. :iR. PERRY'S HARDY PLANT FARMS. Mr. Amos Perry, the founder and proprietor of the hardy plant farms at Enfield, being one of the pioneers in hardy plant culture, has seen this phase of gardening raised from the depths of obscurity to its present popularity. He knew the time when the only exhibitors of a dozen or two specimens were Parker, Rol- lison, or Ware — rarely all showing at the same time, and when hardy plants were so little esteemed that it was considered a concession to afford space for them at any London exhibition. To have lived through the days of the scarlet Pelargonium, the pattern gardening, and other 50,000 plants of Delphinium, the myriads of towering" spikes forming an imposing spectacle. The collection is rich, not, however, in endless varieties, for there is rigid selection and re- selection of distinct and good things which experi- ence of the established examples has proved to be indispensable. In looking at this imposing array of flowering plants, hundreds or, perhaps, thou- sands of a single variety, with their big, wide- spreading flowers, in this case royal purple, in that palest blue, whose pure white or dark " bee " centres are often in pleasing contrast with the main body colour of the flower, one in- stinctively recalls the Larkspurs of former years and their tall, lean spikes of small, much In odi d flowers. To-day, however, the gardener has in the Delphinium a plant of moderately tall habit, Fig. 21. — rose " simplicity ' types of summer bedding, and to witness how hardy plants are now in the forefront of good gardening, whilst there are numerous nurseries wholly devoted to their cultivation, is an experi- ence indeed. Instrumental as Mr. Perry has been in the in- troduction of not a few good hardy plants to this country, he naturally has many reminis- cences, but I will confine my remarks to the nursery. Those who saw his " blue tent " at the recent Holland House Show, when he arranged some 25,000 or so of cut spikes of Del- phiniums, will not need to be told that the Enfield resources in this particular line are great indeed. It is the first time, and I speak with an experience of nearly 40 years of London exhibi- tions, that an entire tent has been devoted to a single group of plants. At Enfield, there are some HITF, SINGLE VARIETY. whose stately spires of richly-coloured flowers are very handsome. In short, to the July garden these Larkspurs have become indispensable, not a few of the plants producing a secondary flowering in September or thereabouts. The fol- lowing are some of the more conspicuous in Mr. Perry's collection: Queen Emma, azure blue, brown bee centre, very fine ; Lizzie, sky-blue with white eye ; Rev. J. J. Stubbs. sky-blue with a dark centre : Duke of Connaught, deep gentian- blue and conspicuous white eye ; Mme. Violet Geslin, intense blue, flecked with mauve; General Baden Powell, metallic blue with greyish centre; Dragon Fly, royal purole with white centre; Blue Tendre, palest sky-blue with white eyes; Portia, azure-blue with large, dark, bee centre ; King of Delphiniums, semi-double, royal- purple with conspicuous white eye ; Lamartinii, whose intense deep blue flowers, finely cut leafage and dark stems render it one of the most dis- tinct varieties ; Julia, gentian-blue with white eye, and Amos Perry, metallic blue, with a small, dark eye. These are but a selection from the better ones to illustrate the predominating colours. Apart from the general collection are many others, named and unnamed, which have been se- lected for further trial. Some of these, such as " 73 " and " 76," are great gains, whose depth of colour, dark Aconitum-like buds and good habit render them conspicuous among their fellows. Others promise to eclipse even that re- markable variety, the Rev. E. Lascelles. Then, of course, there is the white-flowered section, or that section of the flower which at one extreme em- braces the whitest as yet, and from this leads through ivory and cream to the palest primrose or sulphury yellow shades at the other end of the chain. So far, no rapid progress has been made in either direction, despite the fact that both white-flowered and yellow-flowered varieties or species do occur in the group. To raise either of these colour shades to the same high standard of excellence as is seen in the blue-flowered forms will naturally require much time, and the fulfil- ment of the promise may remain for future gen- erations. To-day, however, one thing is clear that whereas blue-flowered varieties of the best types will sell in their hundreds or thousands, the whites and allied shades appeal only to a small number of specialists. The Larkspurs, however, although one of the great features of Mr. Perry's place in June and July, are but a solitary item in the nurseries There are Irises by the acre, including the more grotesque of the cushion forms, the hybrids or cross-breds nearly or dis- tinctly related thereto, together with a great number of interesting species, to say nothing of the wonderful array of flag Irises, and that ever fascinating race of Japanese flags, I. laevigata, which appears as a fitting finale to a flowering period which continues unbroken for many months. Lilies, Eremuri, Michaelmas Daisies, and Spiraeas are grown in great num- bers, Spiraeas forming a fine group of plants for water-side gardening. Aquatics, including the hybrid Nymphaeas, are cultivated on a large scale. In this department Thalia dealbata in flower, if not showy, was a most interesting sub- ject, while the giant form of Saxifraga peltata, rising to several feet in height, is equally valu- able for the waterside and shady places. In the Alpine department many things claimed atten- tion, but I can only mention the pretty Parrya Menziesii, which may be likened to a purple- flowered Alyssum ; Phyteuma comosa, and its still rarer variety, P. c. alba ; and Onosma decipiens. The hardy Fern department is an extensive and modern addition to the establishment, where thousands of plants receive proper shade and ac- commodation in lattice-work sheds that render an inspection of them at once easy and conve- nient. Seedling Ferns are being raised in their thousands. E. U. Jenkins. ROSE "SIMPLICITY." This beautiful hybrid Tea Rose may be best described as a single flower, although the blooms possess more than a single row of petals, for its yellow centre contributes very largely to its effectiveness. The petals are pure white, like those of Frau Karl Druschki, and so large as to make the blooms very striking. At the Holland House Show an epergne fur- nished with flowers of Simplicity was one of the most conspicuous features in Mr. Hugh Dick- son's fine exhibit of Roses. The variety was also displayed in several of the nurserymen's exhibits at the National Rose Society's Show, held in the Royal Botanic Society's gardens, on the 8th inst. The plant is described as a very vigorous grower, so that it may be expected to prove a good gar- den Rose. 56 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 23, 1910. THE ALPINE GARDEN. SENECIO DORONICUM. Mr. Reginald Farrer is concerned because of the marked difference between the big patches of Senecio Doronicum growing at Kew Gardens and at Oxford, which are " almost completely lacking in tomentum and have thin-textured, flaccid leaves of a clear green," and those in his own nursery in Yorkshire, which " retain their Alpine character without swerving." And he asks " is this alteration simply due to long cultivation or is it specific? " I may be allowed to point out that Senecio Doronicum is known to be one of the most poly- morphic of Alpine plants, and therefore little im- portance need be attached to the forms which it adopts under cultivation in England. Mr. Farrer is at present staying at Mt. Cenis. If he will look into some of the curious pits in the rough ground immediately opposite his hotel, he may perhaps find green, attenuated examples others to add to the already vast maze of useless names and synonyms, knowing full well that many so-called varieties and forms are not con- stant. I will give but two examples of the coining of undesirable new names by nurserymen which have come under my notice during the past month. In a nursery garden I observed some pots of good, typical plants of Veronica fruticu- losa L. labelled " V. saxatilis rosea," the very existence of the Linnean name being unknown in the nursery. The excuse is that the beautiful blue V. saxatilis is a well-known plant in rock-gardens and on a few Highland summits, while the less common, pink-flowered and shrubbier fruticulosa one might expect to come more under the head- ing of " novelties " in certain catalogues. Grenier and Godron called X . saxatilis Jacq. the variety pilosa of V. fruticulosa L., which is far more reasonable than to ignore the older Linnean name altogether. Again, I was recently shown by a gardener as something exceptional in his really beautiful The plant described by Mr. Farrer in the Gardeners' Chronicle of June 25 as grown at Kew and Oxford as Senecio Doronicum, which differs so materially from the Alpine form, is one which I have known for many years. 1 believe Jacquin is the authority for the name of this plant, which is said to have been intro- duced in 1705, but I have not access to his de- scription. The non-Alpine form, if I may use such a term, is the more plentiful, and, it is sold almost universally in nurseries as Senecio Doronicum. It is of no special beauty, and is a great grower in most gardens. Mr. Farrer has done well to call attention to the difference and to the superior beauty of the form with true Alpine characteristics. S. Arnott. In the Gardeners' Chronicle for June 6, p. 424, Mr. R. Farrer asks for the history of the plant grown under the name of Senecio Doroni- cum at Kew and elsewhere. There appears to be no record as to the origin of this plant, which FlG. 22. ASTER DIPLOSTEPHIOIDES I RAY FLORETS MAUVE, DISC YELLOW. (See p. 57.) of S. Doronicum 18 inches long, and, probably thus drawn out in their endeavour to reach the light ; while, if he climbs a gully at the back of his hotel, he will possibly find clumps of the plant which are intermediate both in stature and in the amount of tomentum, between the thin-textured flaccid-leaved form and the trulv Alpine plant, which grows 1,000 feet limber. A great deal too much importance is being at- tached by nurserymen in England to minute dif- ferences, or even marked differences, of form and character, exhibited by individuals of certain hardy plants. I have heard some of them complain that it is useless to send a possibly new form to Kew, for it will be returned with merely the specific name. The botanists at Kew, and those who have had great Bxpi i ionce of seeing plants grow in their native haunts, are accustomed to the immense varia- bility of certain species, and, fortunately, they are aoi disposed to encourage nurserymen and rock-garden, some miserable and small-headed specimens of the common Orchis maculata labelled " superba " ! They had been bought a year or two previously from a well-known London firm. It came as a shock to this man to be told that he could find far handsomer specimens of this common Orchis on the heathy commons in his own district. But such cases could be mul- tiplied, for the temptation in the trade is greater even than that of the young American botanists who sometimes wish to gain kudos by the rash application of new names to plants which may have been known for many years and properly determined. The question of " novelties " in trade -cata- logues is another point to which attention might be drawn, for even though the term be used in a relative sense, it looks ridiculous to see such common and widely-spread plants as Biscutella lsevigata, Calamintha alpina. and Ajuga pyra- midalis figuring as " novelties." H. Stuart Thompson. probably came with others in a collection pre- sented to Kew when the rock-garden was formed. On looking through the sjiecimens in the Her- barium, it is evident that Senecio Doronicum, collected in various countries, differ very much both in habit and in the amount of tomentum on the leaves and stems. The Kew plant appears to more nearly resemble forms that are found in Transsylvania and Hungary, which have received the name var. glaberrimus. There is also a specimen of S. Doronicum collected in the Tyrol without the usual tomentum and closely resem- bling our plant. Nyman, in the Conspectus Flora Europceae, gives three distinct varieties: var. transsilvanicus. var. ruthenicus. and var. Gerardii. The var. glaberrimus is referred to as a synonym of the var. transsilvanicus. There is also a fourth variety, S. Doronicum var. Hos- mariensis, from the limestone rocks of Northern Morocco, which is figured in the Botanical Maga- zine, t. 6101. It may thus be inferred that the Kew plant is not an instance of degradation, but July 23, 1910.] THE -GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 57 merely a geographical form that makes quite an ornamental plant for the roek-garden on account of its free habit and general floriferousness. W. I. VIOLA VALDERIA. Burnat gives this very rare and interesting Pansy as synonymous with V. alpina, which is a species of the Eastern Alps, differing from V. cenisia in the possession of a single tap-root, of a strictly tufted habit and of a less greyish colour- ing in its foliage. (V. cenisia is often of a livid colour, like iron.) On the other hand, some declare that V. Valderia is close to V. hetero- phylla. I am far from all authorities here, but in the midst of Viola Valderia. From so much ac- quaintance I should certainly say it was a very close relation of V. cenisia, and only the remotest cousin of V. heterophylla. It occurs on stone slopes invariably, has a tap-root and a tufted habit ; its foliage, thoroughly villous, is of a greener colouring than V. cenisia ; otherwise the two plants are very close together, though V. Valderia grows at lower elevations than the high, shingle slopes affected by V. cenisia. Here, in its name-place, V. Valderia inhabits rubble-slides at about 4,000 to 4,500 feet, as against the 7.000 feet at which, in my experience, you may first be- gin to hope for V. cenisia. The flowers of V. Valderia are charming ; they are variable, but not to the extent of V. catarata, longish and starry outline, like refined V. cor- nuta pulled into a better shape. The lateral and lower petals have a pencilled purple dash and beard at their junction, which gives intelligence to the expression of the soft lavender flowers, with their delicate, golden eye. One may hope that this exquisite and rare treasure may be amenable to moraine culture ; in open ground it would probably grow coarse and unattractive, its flowers not being large enough to admit <>i any further development in leafage or habit. On the contrary, like V. cenisia, it may prove difficult and hard to satisfy, unless treated carefully as a plant of the high moraines. At first sight, how- ever, I must confess it looks as if it might well turn out a more amenable plant than the wonder- ful, beautiful V. cenisia. Reginald Fairer, Baths of Valdieri. NOTES ON IRISES. SOME CALIFORXIAX IRISES. The various species of Iris native of the Western States of America seem to be well known and less generally cultivated than they deserve to be. The chief reason for this neglect appears to be that they do not lend themselves to the nurseryman's habit of moving all herbaceous plants in the autumn. If the plants are uprooted then, the more delicate of these species invariably die. They are some- what erratic in their behaviour at any time, but, if treated carefully, they may be moved with very reasonable success at any time from April Mil early September, though, by preference, 1 should choose the earlier part of this period for the operation. By careful treatment is meant that the young root-fibres must not be ruthlessly trimmed off after the neat fashion in which Iris rhizomes arrive from Holland, for the slender rhizomes send out comparatively few of these fibres, and if these few are mangled, the plant stands little chance of re-establishing itself in new quarters. These Irises are best suited in a light soil that is free from lime and rich in humus. It is a curious fact that American Irises seem to go in pairs, the individual members of which are, in most ways, almost identical, though their other characters are so distinct that we cannot group them together as one species. Of such pairs, I. bracteata and Purdvi. I. longipetala and missouriensis. I. Watsoniana and Douglasiana, I. bexagona and hexagona Lamancei are examples, though the two latter are, of course, natives of the Eastern States. I. bracteata is one of the most beautiful of ail Irises. It derives its name from the fact that its stem is clothed in short, leafy bracts, and its evergreen habit is certainly a point in its favour. The flowers are yellow-veined conspicuously, and yet delicately, with a colour that comes very near to crimson, while the deep green, glossy leaves set off the flowers to great advantage. I. Purdvi is very similar. The leaves are rather narrower and shorter, but the flowers bear the same crimson veins on a yellow ground, although, in this case, the shade is a little lighter. In both species, the pointed falls are held horizontally, and the only real difference lies in the fact that, in bracteata, the perianth tube is very short, while in Purdyi it is nearly 2 inches in length. The plants are obviously different when growing side by side, and yet it would be very difficult accurately to define the difference between them if it were not for this distinct feature of the length of the tube. I do not know of any record of other hybrids of bracteata, but this year I have had in flower here a dwarf plant which bore six or seven stems, and beautiful pink flowers of the charac- teristic shape of bracteata. The pollen parent I cannot give, as the seed parent would seem to have been fertilised naturally. It was growing in close proximity to both Douglasiana and tenax, and I incline to think that, to judge from the dwarf, somewhat spreading habit of the foliage, the pollen must have been that of Douglasiana. However that mav be. the hybrid is certainly far more floriferous than its mother, and a delightful plant for some sunny corner in the rock-garden. I. Hartwegii is one of those species which catalogues describe as of botanical interest, meaning, of course, that they do not wish to be uncharitable to any plant. The small flowers are of a pale straw colour, and two or three are produced on a slender but wiry stem. 4 or 6 inches long. My plants are growing where the seeds wne sown ill the open, and they are ap- parently quite hardy, at least in a light soil. They have flowered well both last year and this, and I hope they will consent to give me a fresh stock of seed6 before any evil fate overtakes them. I. chrysophylla, from Oregon, looks a pi of ill-health, and yet. since it flowers annually, I am beginning to think that its yellow leaves ai\- enough to distinguish it from macrosiphon, with which it agrees in many ways. The stem is short, but the flowers are borne upon a long tube over 2 inches in length. They are of a creamy-white, with a few golden veins in the centre of the tails that seem to sparkle in the sun. I. tenax is so called because of the wiry fibres of its leaves, which the Indians used to twist into twine of considerable strength. The stems rise well above the leaves, and bear compara- tively large flowers, which may vary in colour from the palest pearly-grey, through deli, ate shades of mauve, to a deep. rich, claret tint. This really valuable plant suffers, I believe, from i note as to its cultivation in a certain popular book on the Iris, which describes it as thriving In peat kept moist with Sphagnum in partial shade. Under these conditions, my plants certainly did not thrive, but in dry sand, in a sunny position, they thrive amazingly and flower well. For some time. I have been trying hard to solve the mystery of the longipetala. missourien- sis, tolmeiana group, but only become more and more puzzled, and must obtain more material before coming to a definite conclusion. The ex- amination of a large number of herbarium speci- mens collected in different localities has not thrown much light on the subject ; but I incline to think that what was first described as longi- petala has deep-green leaves of lax, almost ever- green habit, longer than the stem, which always bears more than two flowers on pedicels of un- equal length, while missouriensis was applied to an earlier flowering plant with somewhat yellow- green leaves, which are more or less erect at flowering time, and distinctly shorter than the stem, which bears only two flowers. This theory, however, received a shock this year, when a batch of seedlings raised from Californian seed, and having the foliage of missouriensis, produced the inflorescences of longipetala. It is possible that the seed was from plants that had acciden- tally become cross-fertilised ; unless this was the case, it would seem almost impossible to keep up any distinction between the two species. I am endeavouring to raise a second generation from these plants, and the results ought ultimately to throw some light on the question of the validity of the two names. Iris macrosiphon I have never yet had in cul- tivation, but from all accounts, and to judge from herbarium specimens, it must be a desir- able plant. It varies very much in colour, and is readily distinguished by the long (2 to 3 inches) tube. I. Douglasiana and Watsoniana are obviously very similar, if not merely local forms of the same species. Both have practically evergreen leaves, with pinkish base, that are at their lest in winter; but while those of I. Douglasiana are narrow and lax, those of I. Watsoniana are broad and stiff, and spread in almost horizontal, fan-shaped tufts. A number of seedlings that I have raised here from plants of uncertain origin seem to show that these characters in the foliage are transmitted unchanged, but the plants ar& in other respects so similar that they hardly de- serve to rank as more than subspecies. The colour of the flowers is extremely variable. It may be a deep rich violet with white veinings on thi upper part of the blade of the fall, or these markings may be almost wholly absent. Other plants bear flowers of a pale lilac or lavender shade, and yellowish examples are not unknown. One fine large-flowered seedling has almost white flowers, with a faint tinge of lilac and some yellow at the throat, while another is heavily veined with violet on a silvery-white ground, pro ducing a flower not unlike a small I. longipetala. Such seedlings flower-in one or two years at the most from the time the seeds germinate, and it may be that this fact has only to be more widely known than it appears to be to induce many gardeners to embark on the fascinating pursuit of g Irises from seed. 11'. R. Dykes, Charter house, Goda.lm.xng. ASTER DIPLOSTEPHIOIDES. This species (see fig. 22) forms one of a group oJ three very attractive Himalayan Asters, to which the attention of gardeners may well be directed. The others are A. subcceruleus, now well known and extensively cultivated in some districts as a florists' flower, and the new A. Falconeri, figured and described in the Gardeners' Chronicle, vol. xlvii., p. 398. The flowers of A. diplostephioides are borne on unbranched stems 18 inches high : they measure 3 or 4 inches across the petals, the ray flowers being rich mauve with the satiny sheen of A. sericeus ; the disc flowers are yel- low, passing to light orange. The lustrous-green leaves are arranged in a series of rosettes, and ex- tension is by surface runner growths. In my Mendip gardens the plants are not thrifty and flower but sparsely, particularly where the rock comes up near the surface, but in the home nur- series it flourishes in the deep alluvial soil, mak- ing rosettes of leaves 9 to 12 inches in diameter and flowering profusely. The illustration (p. 56) shows one of several patches, simply formed by inserting 9 or 12 small rosettes in a square yard of border space, 12 months ago. Treated liber- ally as to soil and divided annually (in summer by preference), A. diplostephioides is capable of giving an amazing patch of bright colour in the border, and of yielding quantities of flowers for cutting. George. B. Mallett, Cheddar. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 23, 1910. CAMPANULA PORTERSCHLAGIANA VAR. MAJOR. This variety of Bellflower, commonly called C. muralis in gardens, is a much better garden plant than the type. The flowers are borne pro- fusely in leafy sprays which collectively form imposing mounds of considerable size. The plant is better adapted to the conditions of the hardy plant border than a dry. rock- garden, but where rockeries are arranged on a broad scale, with large soil areas, this Cam- panula will prove very attractive. The speci- men illustrated in fig. 23 is a yard in diameter and was planted as a rooted cutting two years ago. It has been a never-varying mound of blue for five weeks, and at the time of writing, despite uncongenial weather, it is still attractive. 1 believe the variety is of garden origin. The flowers are coloured bluish-purple, but there is much more blue than purple. Grown adjacent to C. muralis, it at once attracts attention by its vigour and richer .colouring, whilst the flowers are nearly twice as large, the finest measuring lg inch across the expanded tube. It is suitable for planting in the flower border and grows satisfactorily but less vigorously in a wall- crevice. My finest plants are planted in a rich loam overlying fissured limestone, and they have made a blue mat several square yards in area — a fascinating patch of true Alpine scenery. George B. M allett, Cheddar. NOTICES OF BOOKS. Diseases of Cultivated Plants and Trees.* Mr. Massee is so well known as a student of mycology, and his contributions to the science are so important that his new volume is assured of a hearty welcome. Though this volume covers much the same ground as that traversed by his Text-book of Plant Diseases, yet it is a worthy successor to that latter admirable work. For, whilst retaining the excellent features of the older work, the new volume is fuller, and, of course. up-to-date. The main work of the book — that of the description of the parasitic fungi, i6 preceded by a general introduction to the subject, in which the causes of disease, the modes of distribution of fungus- spores, and similar important topics are dis- cussed. The only comment we would make on this part of the book is that the sections on spray- ing might be extended with advantage. The method of spraying, crude as it undoubtedly is, constitutes the most important means of combat- ting fungus pests which we have at present. Therefore, a text-book which, like that of Mr. Massee's, appeals not only to the student but also to the practical man, should, in our opinion, deal more fully with this subject. Thus, for ex- ample, the only kind of lime-sulphur fluid to which reference appears to be made is the " self- boiled " mixture. If, however, we may rely on recent work in America, the self-boiled lime- sulphur fluid is not so good for fruit-tree spray- ing as the preparation made by boiling the in- gredients with water. Nor is reference made to what is proving of undoubted inportance to fruit- growers, viz., the lime-sulphur arsenate of lead mixture. We hope that in the next edition Mr. Massee will enlarge considerably the sections which deal with sprays and spraying, and that he will also draw up and include " spray-calen- dars " for garden and orchard crops. The bulk of the volume under review is occu- pied by admirably terse descriptions of disease- producing fungi, descriptions which show at every page that they are drawn by a master hand. Occasional misprints, of course, occur, but for a work which presents so many pitfalls * Diseases of Cultivated Plants arid Trees. G. Massee, Assistant Keeper, Herbarium, Kew. (London : Duckworth S Co., 1910.) 7s. 6d. net. for printers as this, the number of errors is sur- prisingly small. We are by no means sure that Mr. Massee has done wisely — though, in so doing, he justifies the title of his book — in including sundry animal pests within its pages. To deal with the diseases of plants due to animals in 26 pages (pp. 534-560) is to attempt the impossible. Mr. Massee's fre- quent references to the work of others prove that his reading is almost as wide as his own first- hand knowledge. Occasionally, however, we fail to find reference to work which, in our view, is important enough to deserve citation. To give but one or two instances, in the account (p. 441) of Bean anthracnose (Pod Scab) Whetzel's inves- tigations are omitted ; nor is reference made to those of Smith and Swingle with respect to winter rot of Potatos. We recognise fully that, to include all recent work of importance would increase unduly the size of the book. This, however, might perhaps be met by extending considerably in a subsequent edition lists of the more important researches bearing on the several diseases. A brief chapter on culture-methods would also enhance the value of the book. Details such as these, however, do bag with a brick or stone inside, and sink it in a tub of water (rain preferable). If given one or two pokes with a stick and the water is stirred up it is fit for use, but should only be used in a weak condition. The same directions apply to liquid animal manure." There are several lists of plants and trees suitable for towns appended, but these, as well as the other parts of the book, would be all the better for revision. Gardening for All.* This practical handbook has already had many things said in its favour, for its usefulness is undoubted. We could have wished, however, that the author had extended his revision to some of the lists of flowers, Sweet Peas, for in- stance, which is several years belated. The list of 15 varieties of Apples for culinary purposes contains only three late sorts. Nevertheless, the volume is a very trustworthy guide to the be- ginner in gardening. No better gift could be bestowed on a working man with a garden and a wife, who is also considered by the author. B. Window and Indoor Gardening, f This is a more pretentious volume than the title would lead one to suppose. In addition to Fig. 23. — campanula porterschlagiana var. major. not prevent us from recognising that Mr. Masses has produced a most valuable work, and one which will add to the already high reputation which he has made for himself as a student of mycology. We feel confident that Mr. Massee's efforts on behalf of this science are bound to lead an increasing number of botanists to take up seriously, from the research point of view, this study, the foundations of which were laid in larger part by Berkeley, many of whose dis- coveries were first published in these pages. The mycologists of this country, though of high ability, are small in number, and in research, as in other contests, numbers count. City, Suburban and Window Gardening.* This little book aims at helping the owners of town gardens to make them attractive. The following extract gives a fair idea of the character of the contents: — "Liquid manure. — To make this put a quantity of soot in a .small * City, Suburban and Window Gardening. By D. Grant Mclver. (London :, Dawbarn and Ward, Ltd.) 6d. net. the usual things included in horticulture for the home, there are chapters on roof gardens, bal- conies, verandahs, the furnishing of the outside walls of the house with suitable vegetation and floral decorations. It is indeed somewhat be- wildering in its scope, and reveals a condition of domesticity in the City that few previously un- acquainted with details would credit. Compared with Burbidge's Domestic Floriculture, not yet quite out of date in much of its contents, I should be inclined to say that, in spite of a wider pur- view, it comes short of that work in the lucidity of its remarks and in the value of its plant lists, many of the best house plants being unnoted, and, as in the case of Aspidistra, the less suitable species recommended. On the whole, however, it provides a vast amount of information on a fascinating subject. R. P. Brothcrston. * Gardening fur All. By James Udale. With an Introduc- tion by Viscount Cobham. Fourth edition revised. 1910. (Stourbridge: Mark and Moody, Ltd. London: Simpkins.) Price Is. t Window and Indoor Gardening. By T. W. Sanders. Illustrated. (London : W. H. and L. Collingridge.) Price 2s. 6d. net July 23, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 59 HARDY GRINUMS. When Crinums were first introduced into this country, they were grown in heat, but after ex- periments had been made in cold houses, and later in the open air, Crinum capense was found to be hardy. It is a fact that finer results are obtained when these bulbs are grown perma- nently in the open air than when they are con- fined to pot-culture. The ground where the Cri- nums are to be planted should be well drained at a depth of 4 feet with broken bricks, clinkers or rubble, and the bed should be composed of porous soil which will not be over-retentive of moisture during the winter. At the same time, Crinums are sometimes seen doing well in heavy, adhesive soil with no drainage whatever. If full- sized bulbs are procured, a hole at least 3 feet deep must be prepared for them, as the largest are often nearly a foot in diameter at the base, and almost 3 feet in length to the top of the bapering neck. It is often advised that they should be planted in front of a south wall, preferably that of a hothouse, but in the counties of Devon and Cornwall this is unnecessary, as they succeed admirably in the open ground far distant from spikes are from 3 feet to 4 feet in height, and on old clumps that have not been disturbed for many years, 20 to 30 scapes will often appear simultaneously. There is a white variety that is handsomer than the type, but neither is worthy of culture when finer species and varieties are obtainable. C. Moorei (syn. C. Mackennii, C. Colensoi, C. Makoyanum, C. Macowanii, C. SchmidtiL, C. natalense, C. ornatum africanum). — This Crinum suffers from being over-named, and many have purchased it under one of its titles only to find that they already possessed it under another name. This is the species shown in the illustra- tion in fig. 24. The plants are growing in a portion of the public gardens at Torquay known as the Rock Walk. The situation is absolutely sheltered from the north and east by a perpen- dicular cliff over 100 feet in height, which is im- mediately behind the long bed in which the Crinums are growing. In this bed there must be fully 300 flowering bulbs. The spot is exception- ally favoured, and on the cliff face grows Plumbago capensis, which flowers profusely : Cestrum elegans, which often blooms as late .is November; while Stauntonia latifolia and Physi- FlG. 24. — CRINUM MOOREI FLOWERING OUT-OF-DOORS IN DEVONSHIRE. walls. They should be abundantly supplied with water and licjuid fertilisers during the late spring and summer months, and, on sloping ground, a saucer-like depression should be made round the stems to prevent the water from running away. The leaves are almost invariably killed by frost in winter, but the plants break into growth again in the spring. Specimens left alone for some years develop into enormous clumps, and gain strength each year. The bulbs work deep into the ground and become of immense size, often, in the case of C. Powellii, throwing up flower-spikes nearly 6 feet in height. The following kinds are best known : — Crinum capense (syn. C. longifolium, Hippe- astrum longifolium, H. longiflorum). — This species has long, tapering, glaucous leaves, often over 5 feet in length, and it bears long-tubed, pink flowers in umbels of from 6 to 12. The blossoms are about 6 inches in length, 4 inches across, and sweetly scented, but as they droop and are never fully expanded, they are inferior in attractive- ness to the flowers of others kinds. The flower- anthus albens both blossom and bear fruit freely. By some, Crinum Moorei is held to be tender, but in the south-west it is absolutely hardy and re- quires no protection. It has roughish leaves of a light-green colour, about 3 feet in length and 5 inches in breadth, and it carries its handsome, rosy -pink flowers in umbels of from 10 to 12, on tall stems. The blossoms are widely expanded, and are often fully 6 inches in diameter. The white variety C. Moorei album is a very beauti- ful plant, precisely similar to the type, except that it bears pure-white flowers. There is also a variegated form of this Crinum, known as C. Moorei variegatum, which is said by some writers to be too tender for outdoor cultivation, but with me it is quite hardy. The flowers are said to be very beautiful, but my specimen has not as yet bloomed. It is valuable for its handsome foliage. the leaves being striped with broad, longitudinal bands of white. C. X Powellii. — This is a beautiful hybrid, raised by fertilising C. capense with the pollen of C. Moorei. It is quite hardy, and. when allowed to grow into large clumps, it bears sev- eral flower-spikes at the same time. Its leaves are of a deeper green than those of C. Moorei, being also glossy and channelled. They are 4 feet in length and 4 inches in breadth. The flowers of the type are of a deep-rose tint, and, in vigorous plants, are borne in umbels of from 10 to 15, and are about 6 inches in diameter. There is a pale flesh-coloured form known as intermedium, and a very lovely, pure-white variety, C. Powellii album, this being the handsomest of all the 1 1 i nums. It takes more after the pollen-parent than does the pink type, and has larger and better- shaped flowers. C. yemense. — This is a recently introduced species, and differs from all the other Crinums in being deciduous. Its leaves are somewhat like those of C. Powellii but shorter. It is a beautiful plant, producing more flowers on a scape than any other of its race. The blossoms are white, and are borne on scapes about 2 feet in height. As many as two dozen flowers are sometimes car- ried on a single scape. It is perfectly hardy in the smith wist. C. crassifolium, syn. Van Tuber- gen, and C. Schimperi appear to be somewhat similar to C. capense. but they are finer forms, though they do not equal C. Moorei or C. Powellii. Any amateur anxious to embark on the culture of Crinums may be advised to limit his selec- tion to C. Moorei album, C. Powellii. C. Powellii album, and C. yemense. Wyndham Fitzh&rbert NOTES ON APRICOT CULTURE. Although the weather conditions have not been of the best for Apricots, for this fruit revels in an abundance of sunshine and warmth, yet the trees have made good growth, and they have plenty of clean foliage. Caterpillars have not given much trouble. Whether this is due to per- sist.-nt spraying of the trees and walls every winter. 1 am not prepared to say, but certain it is that these pests are conspicuous by their almost complete absence this season. The chief thing demanding attention just now is to stop or pinch back the superfluous growths to four or five buds, but preserving any shoots required for replacing branches which have died or appear to be useless, or for filling vacant spaces in other parts of the tree. Some varieties are prone to produce more spur growths than are desirable. If these are merely cut back, time after time, the spurs become much crowded, and this necessitates considerable thinning. This condition may be avoided in great measure by thinning out the young shoots, or, in other words, pulling them out in the same manner as in the disbudding of a Peach tree. The same principle may be applied to both Pears and Plums against walls with equally good results. Young trees must have special attention paid them in this direction, so that ample provision is made for furnishing them both with main and subsidiary branches. The surplus should be pinched back to form spurs. The next thing is to thin the fruits down to safe limits in all cases where the crop is an abundant one. It is not, I think, a good one generally, but those who were fortunate enough to have* saved the blossoms from frost, and are now enjoying the spectacle of seeing the trees well loaded, should see to it that the energies of the trees are not overtaxed. If thinning is judi- ciously carried out every year. Apricots grown 111 suitable conditions as regards climate, position and soil will bear as regularly as Peaches, but the trees must be given adequate protection while in bloom. With respect to the actual thin- ning, it should be mentioned that one fruit to every 9 inches square of wall space covered bj 1 ;i tree will be an ample allowance. The smaller sorts or such as are usually employed for preserving | 1 1 poses may stand as near together as 6 inches each way. Twins and triplets should be reduced to one, and the aim should be to have the fruits as evenly distributed over the tree as- CO THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 23, 1910. circumstances permit. If any exception is made to this rule it should be in favour of extra vigorous branches, which may be allowed to carry rather more fruits than would otherwise be advisable. If the alleys have not been pricked up and mulched with half-decayed manure, this should be done at once. "The roots must also be kept well supplied with water, for the fruits will nut swell freely if the border is in any way lacking in moisture. A good stimulant con- sisting of 3 lbs. superphosphate of lime, 1 lb. sulphate of ammonia, and 1 lb. of sulphate of potash, mixed together and applied at the rate of 2 ounces per square yard, may be applied prior to affording water. Another such dressing may be given when the fruits are as large as Walnuts. The above formula may be varied by substitut- ing bonemeal for the superphosphate and muriate of potash for the sulphate of potash. Another mixture is made by taking 1£ lb. each of super- I 1m if-i ihate of lime and bonemeal and 2 lbs. of muriate of potash, mixing them together, and applying as above. Guano, dried blood, and ni- trate of soda may also be employed with beneficial results, but manuring of any kind must not be overdone. Where liquid manure is plentiful, no better stimulant than this can be had for Apri- cots when the fruits are swelling towards matu- rity. J. IF. The Weeks Work. and will require an abundance of water at the root till the flowers open, when the quantity may be considerably lessened. Phaiua, <£-c— The different sorts of Phaius as P. Wallichii, P. Sanderianus, P. Blumei, P. grandifolius, P. Mishmensis, P. maculatus,^ P. bicolor, and the hybrids P. Cooksonii, P. Nor- man, P. Marthae, " P. Wiganianus, &c, also Phaio-Calanthe Arnoldise, P.-C. Oolmanii, P.-C. Sedenii, P.-C. irrorata, &c, and the distinct Phaio-Cymbidium Chardwarense, having started to grow, may be repotted if any of them are in need of fresh compost or larger pots. They all root well in the mixture already mentioned, and they may be potted in the same manner. They need similar cultural treatment to Calanthe vera- trifolia. During their season of growth a deci- dedly moist atmosphere should be maintained, which may be done by damping well between the pots several times daily, and lightly spraying the plants overhead when the weather is suitable, but should the point of the leaves become black or discoloured, the moisture should be lessened. The pseudo-bulbs and roots being liable to attacks of mealv bug and scale, they should be frequently examined for these pests. Phaius tuberculosus may also be repotted, using rather more Sphag- num-moss than for the other species and hybrids. The plant requires more heat and moisture than its congeners, and should be kept in a shady posi- tion at" all times. Small, yellow thrips are the worst enemies of this species. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Calanthe. — Calanthes of the C. vestita and C. Veitchii section have filled the pots with roots, and numerous roots are spreading over the surface of the soil. They require an abundance of water both at the root and in the atmosphere, the latter especially on bright, sunny days. It is desirable also to surface the top roots with rough, yellow loam, mixing with it some fine, dry cow manure and small crocks. After they have permeated the fresh soil, liquid manure made from cow dung may be given alternately with clear rain water. The liquid manure should hi passed through a fine strainer, in order that it may be used as clear as possible, and, there- fore, not clog the compost. These Calanthes need a comparatively high temperature, especially where the atmosphere of the house or position is naturally damp. At Burford the night temperature never falls below 70°, and more often than not at this season it is nearer to 75°. Low temperatures ac- companied with moisture is one of the principal causes of " spot " so often seen on the pseudo- bulbs and leaves of these plants. If the Calanthes are grown amongst stove plants they should be placed altogether near the roof glass, where no drip or water from the syringe can reach them. When grown in a lean-to house with a south aspect, the new growths often become drawn to- ward the light, and thus form themselves into a semi-arching position, instead of growing erect. In older to prevent this it is advisable to tie them back while in the young state to neat .sticks, using broad, flat pieces of raffia so that tlir; will not cut or mark the growths. The C. Regnieri section are somewhat later in (making their growth, but when they be- come "well rooted they will need similar treatment to the varieties of C. vestita. The pure white C. veratrifolia is an evergreen species which has passed out of flower, after being in full beauty for about two months. The young growths have already made considerable progress, and, any repotting the plants may re- quire should be done at once, potting them like ordinary greenhouse plants, with the surface of tin- soil just below the rim of the pot, the com- post being of a firm but porous nature, such as fibrous yellow loam, Osmunda fibre, leaf-mould, iiihI Sphagnum-moss in equal parts, with the ad- ( 1 1 1 i i .11 of a moderate amount of small, broken crocks. Hive the plants plenty of root room, and about 2 or 3 inches of crocks for drainage. After the potting the plants should be placed in 11-shaded corner of the. Cattleya-house ; they must not be afforded much water until the roots are seen pushing freely through the compost. Other evergreen Calanthes, such as C. japonica, for which a cool intermediate-house is most suitable, are now sending up their flower-spikes. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicarv Gibds, Aldenham House, Hertfordshire. Ornamental grasses. — These comprise many different species of Grasses especially useful dur- ing the dull months of the year, when decorative material is difficult to procure. They include species of annual and perennial nature, varying greatlv in their habit, some only a few inches high, others many feet. Those of annual dura- tion make interesting subjects when sown on a narrow border in the garden, and require but little attention after sowing. A warm, well- drained soil suits them best, and for preference a site facing S.W. or W. Frequent stirrings be- tween the rows with the Dutch hoe will do much to stimulate their growth, and hand-weeding, if necessary must be carried out with caution. There are many varieties, but a few of the- best known and most useful are Agrostis in variety, Anthoxanthum gracile, Avena stenlis, Brizas in variety, Brizopyrum siculum, Bromus brizteformis, Chloris zarbata and elegans, eragrostis in variety, Hordeum juba. tuni. Lagurus ovatus, Leptochloa gracilis, and Pennisetum villosum. Tropceolum tpi ciosum. — This climber makes an impressive sight when in full flower, but it is frequently very difficult to establish in the south of England. In the north, and especially in Scotland, the species thrives so well that it may be seen flowering in the greatest profusion on manv cottages. Perhaps it is never so effective as when the shoots are allowed to ramble over some dark green background, such as is provided In Rhododendrons. Hollies, or *! ews, and in such a position that whilst the growths and flowers are exposed to the sunshine, the roots remain in a cool and shaded place. This method of cultiva- tion mav well be tried by anyone wishing to suc- ceed with this delightful plant; the presence of the Tropaeolum does not seem to injure the sup- porting shrubs in any way, but as soon as the growths become unsightly, being thoroughly ripened, they may be cut off and taken away. Carnations. — Border plants will now need much attention in regard to tying up the flower- spikes. In the event of dry weather give thorough soakings of water, and keep a loose surface on the lied by frequent lmeings. Many- growers will soon commence layering the plants for next season's stock, though this may easily be deferred for a few weeks if necessary. This work should, however, be done sufficiently early to allow the plants a good chance of be- coming well-established before the approach of less favourable weather. If the ground is very hard, loosen it with a fork, and em- ploy a' mixture of fine soil, preferably loam, and leaf mould with a good addition of sharp river sand or other of a gritty nature, to place the la vers in. For some time afterwards, especially if the weather is dry, occasional dampings in the morning and evening will greatly assist the; iayers to form roots. Pinks. — These have passed out of flower, and will need looking over and the flowering-stalks removed. The present is a good time to propa- gate these plants by taking off the cuttings or pipings, as they are sometimes called, and insert- ing them in a sandy compost in a cool, shaded position, such as is afforded by placing a hand- light under a north wall or hedge. For general purposes this method is to be preferred to layer- ing, as the growths of many are of such frail nature that these are soon broken, though with choice varieties of moderate growth layering may be more the reliable practice. Pentstemon. — Pentstemons are now fast push- ing up their flower-spikes. Use the Dutch ho-e. frequently between the plants to keep them free from weeds and to stimulate growth. Pentste- mons make splendid subjects for bedding pur- poses ; they embrace almost every shade from pure white to deep purple. Especially valuable also for massing is the variety Newbury Gem, and its sports. The summer bedding plant*. — These are now becoming established, and hand weeding is the only means of ridding the beds of weeds. It will be necessary to check the growth of many of the stronger growing plants where it is neces- sary to preserve the outline, as in carpet bedding. Tv'iiil; must be attended to. especially in respect to the more robust and quick-growing plants in the sub-tropical border. Broad strands of raffia only should be used, and they must not be tied too" tightly. Attend to the pegging down of the growths of the various plants used for carpeting, and remove decayed flowers and foliage in order to make the beds appear as tidy and fresh as possible. Beds laid out in grass should have the verges cut frequently with the edging shears. In hot, dry weather watering with a rose-can is best performed either in the evening or afler the dew has evaporated in the morning. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By John Donoghue, Gardener to Joseph Pickersgill, Esq.,, Bardon Hill, Weetwood, Yorkshire. Stephanotis floribunda.— -The flowering season of this plant may be prolonged if the roots are supplied with frequent top dressings .of some ap- proved chemical fertiliser and occasional water- • ings with clear soot water. As the season ad- vances, thin out the weak growths, to secure for the permanent shoots full exposure to the light and air. Propagation may be effected from shoots inserted singly in small pots and plunged in a brisk bottom heat. They will root readily at this s .(imiii and, later may be wintered on a shelf near to the glass, repotting them as they require more root room. Although young plants of Stephanotis do not flower so freely as the older specimens, they produce flowers of excellent quality. 7' lie Fernery. — This house will now require a general overhauling, with a view to re-arrange- ment. Should any plants require repotting, this operation may be completed during the pre- sent month. Plants which are allowed to remain in the same pots should be grouped together, so that they may be watered with clear soot water and liquid from the farmyard. .Many of the newer varieties of Nephrolepis exaltata. such as Todeaoides, Piersonii, elegantissima, and Whit- mannii. are developing robust fronds; these should be looped carefully with thin green raffia- tape to a central stake. As the season advances, the atmosphere of the Fernery may be kept less moist by allowing a free circulation of air, the ventilators remaining open a little during the night. Palms. — In the case of large specimens, autumn potting is to be recommended, in order that the plants may have ample time to recover before the spring. A selection of plants for potting ought to be made each year, so as to avoid having to use plants indoors during the winter which have been recently re- potted. A suitable compost is one consisting of fibrous loam and peat in equal parts, with char- coal, lime rubble and coarse sand. Examine the roots previous to repotting, and if any are re moved, take particular care the work is carried ohi with a sharp instrument. Phoenix Roebelinii is specially suitable for house decoration; it has a li 'lit. graceful appearance, and it keeps a long time in a healthy condition. July 23, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. ei FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, G.C.B., Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket. Pineapples. — At this season little fire-heat ought to be necessary to maintain the tempera- tures needed, but the inclement weather lately experienced has occasioned extra care and atten- tion in this respect. During hot weather, air may be admitted freely in the middle of the day ; at other times, when the outdoor conditions are adverse, the temperatures may be kept up by fire- heat and enough ventilation allowed to prevent a stagnant atmosphere. Succession plants. — Those plants which were potted on as advised in a previous Calendar will now have filled their pots with roots, and may be placed in the fruiting pots at once. Use the same sort of compost as before, and see that it is warmed to the same temperature as the house. Take particular care not to disturb the ball of roots and soil, leaving intact any parts of the drainage which have become attached to the roots. Syringe the plants overhead two or three times daily in the form of a fine spray. If heavily syringed the water collects at the base of the leaves and encourages the production of suckers at the expense of the main crown. Suckers which were twisted off the parent plant last month should now be ready to pot up, using pots from 3 inches to 5 inches in diameter, according to the size of the sucker. After the potting. plunge the pots to the rim in the hot-bed. Give the plants ample room and keep them well up to the glass. A slight shade may be necessary on bright days until the} are established in the pots. A spell of hot, sunny weather may cause many fruits to ripen at once, but this can be avoided and a succession maintained by removing sortie of the plants to a cooler house or fruit-room. Plants with fruits now swelling will need a hot moist atmosphere and generous supplies of liquid manure, which may be continued until the " pips " show colour, when a cooler and drier atmosphere will be necessary to ripen the fruit. Insect prsls. — White scale is a most trouble- some pest, for it multiplies rapidly in the tropical atmosphere of a Pine stove. Examine the plants at regular intervals, ami sponge them with some approved insecticide on the first appearance of the pest. Melons. — On p. 21 under the heading of Melons, the directions after the eighth line refer to plants cultivated in frames. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. R. Searle, Gardener to the Marquis of North- ampton, Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. Strawberries. — If the ground has nut yet been prepared for the planting of a few early plants, it should be got in readiness without delay, so that it will have settled nicely before the plants have to be put out. Land which has been deeply dug and well manured for early Peas will be suitable. When the Pea haulms and any weeds that may be present have been cleared off, such ground will need but little preparation excepting that it may be given a liberal dressing of so t. which should be forked in lightly. If ground i t this nature is not available, it will be necessary to trench or double dig a plot for the Strawberry plants, working in a liberal amount of well-decayed manure ; the ground should be allowed to settle and be made quite firm by treading, before putting out the plants. The distance apart of the plants should be determined by the vigour of the variety; some varieties make much more foliage than others: the variety Leader, for instance, does not need so much space as Royal Sovereign. A suitable distance to plant most varieties is 2 feet or 2 feet 6 inches apart each way; some growers prefer to plant much closer in the row. and after the crop has been gathered in the following season, they take out every alternate plant ; this method may be recommended where space is limited. Give the young plants a thorough watering on the night previous to planting. Make the soil firm round about the plants as the work proceeds, and. if the soil be left a little concave near the plants, water can be more conveniently applied to the roots. Apply copious waterings in dry weather, and sprinkle the plants overhead each afternoon. The parking of soft fruits. — If it is desired to send Strawberries some considerable distance, Ihe berries should not be allowed to become over- ripe : they are best gathered late in the even- ing. Choice Strawberry fruits should be packed in shallow b,.x«s one layer deep; a convenient size is one large enough to take three or four dozen fruits ; they should be packed singly in Lime-tree leaves or in their own foliage, which should be slightly withered before commencing to pack. Place the fruits closely together in a slanting position in the box, with the stalks uppermost: this will enable the person unpack- ing the fruits to take them out without acually touching them ; a good packer will not allow his hand to touch the fruit in the packing process. There must be no vacant places in the box when all the fruits are in, or the berries will be shaken about in transit. Raspberries travel well when packed in shallow punnets wrapped singly in Lime leaves ; two or three layers of fruits may be placed in each punnet, and the pun- nets packed closely together in a box jnsl deep enough to take them. For culinary fruits, jars or wide-mouthed bottles are convenient ; these can be securely fastened over and packed in the vegetable hamper. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Kitchen Garden Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Peas. — The latest sowing of Peas should now be ready for earthing up. The stakes for this batch should be as strong as possible, and they should be pushed well into the ground, as tit autumn winds often prove injuri< us to late Peas. The plants should be given liberal treatment fro n the beginning, thinning them out well whilst small as a precaution against mildew, It dry weather sets in, a good mulching of dung should be applied before the ground becomes very dry. in order to avoid having to give cold water to the roots, which is a fertile source of mildew. Carrots. — The Carrots sown for autumn use should be thinned to 3 or 4 inches apart, and a sprinkling .i i should be applied on the ap- proach of rain. l\e> p the Dutch hoe in use be tween the rows. Where young (arrets are in demand a sowing • f the variety Early Gem or Scarlet lb ni may still be made on a warm, south border. Mint. — Overgrown Mint should be cut down to the ground, and allowed to make fresh growths for use in autumn. After the bed has been cleat ed of the i Id foli i ;e, a top of fine soil should be applied to give the bed a clean and tidj aj p trance. A plantation to be treated in this manner should be made on a north border or some other situation not to I lie mid- day son. riant the r.a.t- in rows at 15 inches apart and water freely if the weather is at all dry. Endive. — Make a good sowing of Batavian En- dive to produce supplies through the winter months. Endive sown a month ago will now be ready for planting out. Lettuce. — Small sowings of Lettuce should be made each week from the present time until the end of August. As the young seedl . ;■ large enough, they should be transplants . .-. nth or west border, so that they may be li El unprotected as late in the season as p< These late batches of Lettuce should be planted extra thinly, and. as the season advances, all de- caying leaves should be removed from the plants. Use the Dutch hoe freely between the rows to keep the soil clean and sweet about the plants. I have found Chelsea Imperial Cos a good variety for autumn use, as it stands well into November if the plants are covered with box frames when frosts set in. The variety All the Year Round is also a good sort, and may be had the greater part of the winter if cold frames are available. Asparagus. — Seedling Asparagus in rows should be thinned sufficiently to ensure the full development of the crowns, and. a sprinkling of agricultural salt may be given between the rows to prolong their growth as late into the autumn as possible. The same treatment may be applied to the permanent beds, and a good water- ing with liquid manure given two or three times during the growing season. Keep the beds free from weeds by the careful use of a draw hoe be- tween the plants or by pricking over the surface of the beds with the points of a fork previous to applying manure water. Manure may also be dug into the alleys between the beds any time during the autumn to lighten and enrich the soil for surface dressing next spring. To secure the plants from being broken by rough wind, stout stakes should be driven into the ground along each row and a wire securely fastened to the stakes; the plants may then be tied up with matting, or whatever material is used for the purpose. THE APIARY. By Chloris. Introduction of queens. — To introduce a queen successfully is sometimes a very easy task, and at others it is very tiresome. Everything seems to depend upon several conditions, e.g., when there is a good honey flow a queenless colony seems to accept a queen more readily than when there is a dearth. This being the case, it is well to feed the bees, if the flow of honey is not satis- factory owing to wet or very dry weather. A queen that has come through the post is not so easy to introduce as one which does not arrive in a fatigued state. Should a queen be received from a stranger, other care is needed, for, with a queen, several workers and food are sent, and disease may be introduced into the apiary. To avoid risk, let the queen and workers out of the mailing cage in a room with a closed window. and perform the operation near the window. As soon as the occupants walk out on the window pane kill the workers and immediately destroy the cage, for a queen has never been known to carry the contagion of foul brood. Then wash the hands with a carbolic soap, keeping the queen well under observation. This done, re-cage her. Removal of old queens. — Remove the queen to be dethroned a few hours before introducing a new one. If the new queen is one of your own. remove her front the hive about half an hour before dusk and release her in front of the entrance or at the top, allowing her to run down. By taking the ni w queen from her own hive half FlG. 25. — CAGE FOR QUEEN BEES. 1. The cage cut and ready for bending 2, The c if e folded — the unravelled part is to press into the comb. an hour before introduction, she will be hungry, and, instead of running hither and thither on the comb and thus creating a disturbance, she asks for food; this her retinue will give her, and perhaps caress her with their antenrse. Should the bees commence to cluster round htr and cling to her — this is known as balling — it may be known that the colony is not - cept her readily. Give the ball a puff of smoke, taking care to keep the smoker far enough off for the smoke to be cooled by the air for hot smoke will only the bees. When this takes place rescue the queen as quickly as possible and cage her. A cage for the purpose may be made from a piece of wire cloth about 9 inches square. Cut out the corners about 1 inch and unravel half an inch, and then bend. Fig. 25 (1) shows the cut corners and the unravelling, and fig. 25 (2) shows the cage com- pleted, (age the queen on a comb containing hatching brood, also a few cells of honey, first shaking off the bees. The young bees as they hatch will, of course, accept the queen. In 48 hours a hole may be partly cut through the comb from the opposite side and the bees will gnaw out the remainder, leaving the queen free to walk out, and her movements will probably be unnoticed by the ci lony. A simpler matter. — Whenever a queen is in- troduced into a hive which has been made up of frames of hatching brood from several hives, there is never any difficulty in the introduction. Under these conditions, the entrance is closed and plenty of quilts are put on. the operation being performed in the middle of the day when the weather is warm. Should the weather be cool at night it will be well to take the hive indoors at night. In about a week, the hive may be placed in its permanent position, but only open the entrance sufficiently wide for one bee to pass at a time. 62 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 23, 1910. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. -Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITORS, 4t, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on one side only of the paper, sent as early in the week as possible and duly signed by the iv r iter. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. Local News.— Correspondents ivill greatly oblige by sending to the Editors 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. Illustrations.- Tlie Editors will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, fi-c, but they cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editors to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, JULY 26- Nat. Carnation and Picotee Soc. Exh. at R.H.S. Hall, Westminster. Yorkshire Agr. Soc. Intern. Sh. at Roundhay, Leeds (3 days). WEDNESDAY, JULY 27— Leamington Fl. Sh. (2 days). Southampton Carnation and Sweet Pea Sh. Sweet Pea Exh. Borough of Gillingham, Kent (2 days). Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 62"4°. Actual Temperatures:— London.— Wednesday, July 20 (6 p.m.): Max. 63°; Min. 67". Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London —Thursday, July 21 (10 a.m.): Bar. 297; Temp. 66°; Weather— Dull. Provinces.— Wednesday, July 20 ; Max. 64" Guildford ; Min. 53° N.E. coast of Scotland. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, JULY 25— Freehold Nursery, Residence, Cottage and 11 acres land, at the Mart, London, by Protheroe & Morris, at 3. The post of Chief Officer of the Chief London County Council parks is 01?V~o1 again vacant. The advertisement Parks. of the Council inviting applica- tions for the post — a copy of which we published last week — takes pains to set out at length the qualifications which, in the opinion of those responsible for its draft- ing, the successful candidate should possess. It is gratifying to find that from these quali- fications a knowledge of practical horticul- ture is not excluded. But lest this should cause undue satisfaction it must be added that, according to the advertisement, such knowledge is not an essential condition for success. The argument of the advertise- ment would appear to run somewhat as fol- lows:— "A Commander-in-Chief is required. It is desirable, though not essential, that ap- plicants should possess a knowledge of military operations. So much administrative work is nowadays attached to the part of commander- in-chief, bow ever, that a power of directing in the field the operations of his general of division, is not insisted upon. Accountants, kindly note." That this is no travesty of the attitude of the Council is evident from the fact that that body, before it advertised the post, was pre- pared to fill it from among its own officers. other than those, of course, who are in any way connected with park management. The first choice of the Council, it is said, lighted on a member of the educative staff of the L.C.C. who refused it on the grounds that his present salary was larger than that attached to the post of the Chief Officer of Parks. We need not review in detail the arguments we advanced last February in support- of the contention that no man without technical and practical knowledge of park management is capable of properly carrying out the duties of Chief Officer. That he must have powers of organisation and administration and a capacity for the management of men no one disputes ; but that these powers alone, with- out a knowledge of horticulture, will make the officer a bureaucrat and not an initiator is self-evident to all experienced men. It is the importance of the occasion and the past action of the Council that make it necessary to re- peat the obvious fact that the head of the parks must be an expert in park management. The work which a properly-qualified horticul- turist, acting in conjunction with the several park superintendents, could do in ameliorat- ing and diversifying the London parks is enormous. What is required for this purpose is trained intelligence, such trained intelli- gence that none but the horticulturist can supply. Now that the post is advertised publicly we advise horticulturists who have the necessary qualifications to become candidates for the post. The unwisdom which has guided the L.C.C. in the past cannot endure indefinitely. There is a chance that wiser councils may pre- vail. But whether this be so or not, it is the duty of horticulturists to do all that is within their powers to prove that there are among our ranks men who are in every way qualified to hold this post. If, in spite of this demon- stration, the Council fails to appoint a properly-qualified man it will not be the fault of the horticulturists. In such an event we must appeal to the public to judge between them and the London County Council. We direct the attention to two Home publications issued by the Cam- Reading, i-^.jjgg University Press in con- nection with the celebration of the twenty- first anniversary of the foundation of the National Home Reading Union. Everybody, young or old, will find much to interest them in Mr. George Redford's little book entitled The Faculty of Beading* . though no doubt what will appeal most forcibly to those who live in rural districts is the account which it contains of the various efforts made by the Society to cultivate the habit of read- ing in all sorts of conditions of men and women whose lives are lived in the compara- tive isolation of the country. The great towns have their well-equipped libraries, but the villages, except in isolated cases, have no col- lections of books. Yet the love of reading is confined to no class. Every observant person has met with men who, in spite of great obstacles, have found means to satisfy their craving for reading. It cannot be doubted, therefore, that the number of people who would become readers of good literature is very considerable, if only the opportunity of < The Faculty of Reading, by George Redford, M.A. (Cambridge : University Press.) Price Is. discovering the difference between good and bad were put in their way. , The young man who is conscious of the fact that many books are nothing but trash, and yet who has had no opportunity of learning how to discriminate between the valuable and the worthless book, will find the perusal of the pamphlet entitled Our Inheritance^ of no little assistance in cultivating this desirable faculty. .Not only will it prove to him by simple and apt illustration how splendid is the literature of this country, but also — and this is a point of the first importance — how much more in- teresting are the books written by great men than are those written by small men. From another point of view we commend the first- mentioned book to our younger readers. There is an art of reading — a method of at- tacking a book — just as there is a method of attacking a job. This method, which has for its result the getting of the goodness out of a book in the minimum of time, is one which only comes by experience. The man who has once learned the art never again scoffs, with the cynicism due to ignorance, at the value of books. He has learned to use them. Some' of the books he thus starts out to use he scans quickly, extracting here and there a hint, and afterwards puts them aside for ever. With others, he keeps up an acquaintance, taking an occasional pleasure in their society. Some few become his friends in whose com- pany he passes serene and happy hours. It is a lack of this power of using books to the best advantage that exposes many book- lovers to the charge of being mere bookworms. He who knows how to use them is rendered thereby a more efficient man. The American is not generally regarded as a visionary, and yet the Americans read more than any other people. In America, the countrv of vast distances, systematic efforts are being made to mitigate the isola- tion of the people in the country, and in these efforts the encouragement of reading takes a prominent place. There the State intervenes through the University. Thus in the State of New York the University of Cornell has a special department devoted to the dissemination of "literature" to the farming community. Not only does the farmer receive pamphlets bearing on his work, but the farmer's wife is also on the " mailing list " and may receive week by week bulletins which, if not exactly of a literary value, help her in her house-work and in her garden. The farmer's children are not forgotten either ; to them also are sent printed helps tc Nature study. It is true that this attempt on the part of the State to break down the isolation imposed by geographical conditions takes the form of " literature," which is largely of a technical, agricultural form. That, however, need not disturb anyone but the pedant: for a man or woman may become cultivated at least as well by a study of the art and science of agriculture as by that of any other branch of learning. We hope at a subse- quent date to draw particular attention to this work of the State Universities of America. Here we refer to it only to demonstrate that the task which the National Home Reading Union has undertaken is one which in one form or another is recognized by a progres- sive State to be not the least of its duties. t Our Inheritance, by C. L. Thomson. (Cambridge: University Press.) Price 6d. July 23, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 63 Japan-British Exhibit i o n.— Messrs. Kelway & Son inform us that they have been awarded a Gold Medal for their exhibit of plants in the grounds of this exhibition. " French " Gardening Exhibition at Regent's Park.— Under the auspices of the Daily Mail, an exhibition of " French " garden- ing was opened at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, on July 18, and will remain open to the public until the evening of August 1. The exhibition consists of about a quarter of an acre of ground facing between the south-east and south-west, laid out in the same manner as such gardens around Paris. The exhibition is intended to show the aspects of intensive cultiva- tion at various periods of the year, from the mak- ing of the hotbeds to the mature crops. It is shown how Lettuces are sown under cloches, how they are transplanted later into other beds, in which Radishes or Carrots, or both, have been sown in advance ; or how they are placed in the spaces between other Lettuces nearing maturity. The beds in which Carrots, Cabbage Lettuces, .and Cauliflowers are growing simultaneously at- tract a good deal of attention, and visitors show interest in seeing the crops arranged for succes- sion, and yet not interfere with each other. In the frames, examples of Cucumber and Melon growing are given, and, if fine weather prevails, there will be a good display of produce during the next week or so. Besides the frames and hot- beds, there are open spaces in which Cos Let tuces, Tomatos, Aubergines, Marrows, Strawber- ries, Violets, Celery, and other crops are growing — this portion of the garden being designed to show that, at certain seasons, neither lights nor ■cloches are necessary. An oil engine for pumping water, crates for packing the produce, specially- designed market wagons, and an excellent pack- ing shed are other features of the show. Each day of the exhibition at 3 p.m. a lecture on some phase of " French " gardening is given by Mr. John Weathers (author of French Market Gardening), who explains the various methods adopted by the French maraicher to secure a rapid succession of crisp and succulent salads. "The Botanical Magazine." -Illustrations and descriptions of the following plants appear in the issue for June. Begonia Martiana var. grandiflora, tab. 8322 (see also p. 64). — This is a handsome tuber- ous-rooted Begonia with single, rose-coloured flowers having a whitish centre. It is described as a garden race of B. Martiana, Link and Otto. a native of Mexico, which the late Mr. A. de (anholle considered to be itself no more than a variety of B. gracilis, Kunth. Mr. Rolfe, how- ever, has found it necessary to treat the plants as distinct species. B. gracilis it is said is always a smaller plant than normal B. Martiana, with more slender and never strictly erect stems, while it has more divided leaves and a different inflorescence. B. Martiana var. grandiflora grows about 2 feet .in height and flowers freely in July. Iris Clabkei, tab. 8323. — This is the species described by Mr. W. R. Dykes in Gardener*' Chronicle, 1909, vol. xlv., pp. 3 and 36, as Iris Himalaica. Philadelphus Dei.avayi, tab. 8324. — This is a species of Philadelphus which was first intro- duced into European gardens by the Abbe Delavayi, who sent seeds from Yunnan in 1890. It was again collected in 1904. by Mr. H. Wil- "son, and the plant now figured in the Botanical Magazint was raised from seed which Mr. Wilson introduced into Messrs. Veitch's Nur- sery. Mr. Hutchinson has doubts whether it should be considered specifically separable from the Indian P.. tomentosus, Wall., for the salient differences are only to be found in the greater degree of tomentum on the upper surface of the leaves, and the smaller fruits of this the Chinese representative of Wallich's plant. Aristolochia moupinensis, tab. 8325. — This hardy species was first discovered by Pere David in Western China. It was again collected by Mr. E. H. Wilson on behalf of Messrs. J. Yeitch & Sons, at an elevation of 6,500 feet above sea level. The species flowered in Messrs. Veitch's nurseries at Coombe Wood, in June, 1908, and 1909, and the Botanical Magazint figure has been prepared from Coombe W 1 ma- terials. The plant so nearly resembles A. Kaemp- feri, th.it Mr. C. H. Wright thinks that it may eventually prove that these two plants are con- specific. The perianth tube is pale-green outside, U inch long, abruptly curved, swollen in the middle, narrowed both to .the base and the apex, hirsute without, yellow within. The limb is obliquely three-lobed, 1J- inch across, yellowish, with red markings inside, and greenish towards the margin. The plant is perfectly hardy at I'.Himlie \V< od, and grows well in a Loam} soil in a sunny position. No pruning is required be- yond the removal of any weak or decayed wood. Rhododendron flavidum. tab. 8326.— This is the plant described by Mr. W. Botting Hems ley in Gardeners' Chronicle, 1910, vol. xlvii., p. 4, as R. primulinum, Hemsl. Mr. Hemsley now Btates thai an examination of better material has satisfied him that there are no sufficient dif- ferences to separate the plant from R. flavidum. inasmuch as the form of the calyx lobes, the length of the corolla tubes, and the relative length of the .stamens and corolla are by no means constant. In any case, the species is a welcome addition to the scanty group of B] of Rhododendrons with yellow flowers. Monument to Ernest Calvat.-To mark their appreciation of the valuable services ren- dered to horticulture by the late Ernest Cm \at. it has been decided by the French National Chrysanthemum Society to raise funds for the erection of a monument to his memory. We understand that donations may be sent to Mi IIm:m\n Payne. 141, Wellmeadow Road, Cat ford, S.E. Fatal Accident to a Gardener.— George Ciirmack. 56 years of age. in the employment of Messrs. William Smith & Sons, Nurserymen. Burnside Nursery. Aberdeen, died in the Aber- deen Royal Infirmary on the 7th inst., under somewhat peculiar circumstances. About a fort- night ago. it appears, Cormack was engaged among some trees, one of which, when he was pulling it out of the ground, suddenly yielded, causing him to fall back, and to come into con- tact with the root of another uprooted tree. Cormack appeared to be somewhat seriously in jured, and was taken home. He afterwards re- sumed work for a day or two. Subsequently. however, he again seemed to suffer from the effects of his injuries, and he was again removed to the Royal Infirmary, where he died. Lockjaw is said to have been the ultimate cause of death. Cormack was for 34 years in the employment of Messrs. Ben. Reid & Co., Nurserymen, Aber- deen, and latterly for three years with Messrs. Smith & Sons. Roses at Bagatelle.— The third interna- tional gathering of Rose growers at Bagatelle, near Paris, took place last month. The jury comprised many well-known men in the Rose world, including Messrs. E. G. Hill, of Rich- mond. Ind.. USA. : Peter Lambert, of Treves ; Soupert, of Luxembourg ; A. W. Paul, of Cheshunt ; Dickson, of Newtownards, Ireland; Pernet-Ducher, Leveque, Babbler, Abel Chatenay, Gravereaux, and Mauricf de Vil- morin. Although some good varieties were shown, the jury were unable to make any award of the City of Paris Gold Medal. Sixty-nine novelties were shown, and four of these viae certificated, viz.. Molly Sharman Crawford (Dickson), Mdlle. Marie Mascuraud (Bernaix), Lady Alice Stanley (MacGredy), Commandeur Jules Gravereaux (Croibier). A representative from the Ministry of Agriculture presented to Mr. Peter Lambert and Mr. E. G. Hill the diploma of Knight of the Merite Agricole. The lady patroness of the Rose Society awarded their Gold Medal to the varieties Georges Cain (Gravereaux), Mrs. Alfred Tate (MacGredy), and Entente Cordiale (Cuillot). A little book. Bagatelle et sea Jardins, has recently been pub- lished by the Librairie Horticole, Paris. It con- tains 120 pages and a number of illustrations. Rose Congress at Paris. — In the Journal of the National Horticultural Society of France for June there is a very full account of the Inter- national Rose Growers' Congress held in Paris last May. Apart from a verbatim report of the discussions, there is given an interesting list of synonyms. The whole account of the congress occupies about 40 pages. Development and Road Improvement Funds Act, 1909. -The following resolutions of the Council of the Royal English Arboricul- tural Society have been forwarded to the De- velopment Commissioners: — The Council is of opinion that Section I paragraph b (1), viz., " the conducting of inquiries, experiments, and re- search for the purpose of promoting forestry and the teaching of methods of afforestation," should be carried into effect as soon as possible, and that Section 1. paragraph b (2), viz., " the pur- chase and planting of land found after inquiry to be suitable for afforestation," should be post- poned until after the result of such inquiries and experiments have been made known to the Com- missioners. They believe such experiments and research should be carried out in connection with existing institutions, such as Armstrong College, Bangor University, Cirencester College, Oxford University, and Wye College, and that no new central institute requires to be created. In order to carry on such experimental areas, not to ex- ceed 100 acres in each case, should be established in connection with each of the above-named insti- tutes as soon as possible. Concerning inquiries, the Council would mention that the following subjects, amongst others, urgently require con- tinued investigation and research at the present time: — (a) The selection, testing and distribution for trial of forest tree seeds, native and exotic. (b) The hybridisation of trees with the object of producing new and improving old varieties, (c) The best means of reducing the ravages of the diseases of the Larch, (d) The economic qualities of British-grown timber upon which there is a general want of knowledge, (e) Chlorosis, or the influence of lime in the soil on trees, (f) Influ- ence of various methods of planting forest tiers and the effect of grass upon their roots. Short free courses should be held in connection with the existing centres, such courses to be duly notified to the County Technical Education Committees. The Council considers that it would be greatly to the promotion of forestry if experts were at- tached to the Board of Agriculture. The Coun- cil would beg to recommend that an advisory committee on forestry should be appointed as provided for in Section 4, paragraph 3, and that this Society, consisting of over 1.200 members, should be represented upon such committee by, say, three members of their Council. 64 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [July 23, 1910. Baron Schroder's Will.— The will of the late Baron Sir Henry Schroder has just been proved. The gross value of the estate is £2,079.611, of which the net personalty has been sworn at £1,970,927. It has been an- nounced already that amongst the Baron's bequests are sums of £1,000 and £500 to the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Insti- tution and Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund respectively. In his directions respecting be- quests to servants, Baron Schroder included the following words : — To his gardener, Henry Bal- lantine (in addition to the bequest of £1,000). one original Orchid, to be chosen by him, and all smaller plants which have been taken from it. To his Orchid foreman-gardener one origi- nal Orchid, to be chcsen by him after Henry Ballantine has made his choice, and also all smaller plants which have been taken from it. In addition, a sum of £3,000 is left for distribu- tion by Baron Schroder's executors amongst all the servants in his employ at the time of his decease. Statice Perezii, Stapf. — In Moeller's Deutsche Gartner Zeitung, Dr. Burchard refers to the decorative value of this new Statice from the Canary Isles. The plant bears an abund- ance of violet-blue flowers, and is more branched and not so tall as its better-known relatives, S. arborea and S. macrophylla, being only about 24 to 30 inches high. While most of the repre- sentatives of the genus grow at sea level, S. Perezi is found inland at an elevation of about 2,500 feet at the limit of the forest region. It may be raised from cuttings or from seed ; the latter germinate readily in the shade at a tem- perature of 55° to 65° F. in sandy loam. After the appearance of the first two or three leaves, the seedlings should be tiansferred to small pots containing a rather stiffer soil. The plant likes a warm, sunny aspect, and when well managed will flower the first season out-of-doors, after which it should be wintered under cover and planted out again about the end of Ma v. Publications Received. — The Agricul- tural Journal of the Cape of Good Hope. Published monthly. June, 1910. (Cape Town ■ Cape Times, Ltd.) Price 6d. - Journal cf Forestry. July, 1910. (London : Laughton & Co.) Price 2s. - Transactions of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society. Vol. XX11I Part il. July, by Lieut. -Colonel F. Bailey (Edinburgh : Douglas and Foulis, Castle Street.) NOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Students for Wisley.— There are now but very few vacancies remaining for students wish- ing to commence the two years course of study at the Wisley Gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society in September next. Young fellows over the age of 16 wishing to avail themselves of the tuition and training offered by the Society should make application immediately on forms to be ob- tained from the Secretary of the R.H.S., Vincent Square, Westminster. An entrance fee of £.5 5s. is charged, and students board and lodge at their own expense in the adjoining villages. The train- ing given includes both a scientific and a prac- tical knowledge of gardening, and various ger- mane examinations are prepared for, including the Diploma of the School, given to students who show a sufficiently high standard of knowledge at the completion of the two years course. This information may be useful to youths about to leave their school. II'. Wilhs, Secretary. Begonia Martiana grandiflora (see also p. 63).— The Botanical Magazine has just pub- lished a plate of Begonia Martiana grandiflora, with a very interesting note in which, however, the origin of this plant is not indicated in a pre- cise manner. Would you allow us to relate certain circumstances connected with its origin. Begonia racemiflora, a species probably lost to cultii and belonging to the same group as B. diversi- fy m, was found in the province of Colima (Mexico) by the botanist Benedict Roezl, who si nl it to M. Ortgies, Director of the Botanical Gar- den at Zurich. It passed into the hands of M. Victor Lemoine, Nancy, who put it into com- merce at the commencement of the year 1877. The flowers are of moderate size, white or with rose tint ; they are developed in axillary bunches, and show themselves all on the same side. Begonia racemiflora was crossed with B. diversi- folia in the establishment of M. V. Lemoine, and it produced two hybrids, which were put into commerce in 1882. These possessed larger flowers and grew 1 metre (= 3 feet 3 inches) in height. The names of the hybrids were B. racemiflora rosea perfecta, which had almost white flowers, and B. racemiflora rosea grandiflora, a rose- coloured flower. In the same year (1882) M. V. Lemoine put Begonia Martiana gracilis into commerce. This species was found by Dr. Parry near San Luis de Potosi (Mexico), and he sent it to M. Max Leichtlin, of Baden-Baden. It is a little bush-like plant covered with bril- liant rose flowers. In crossing B. Martiana gracilis with B. racemiflora rosea grandiflora, M. V. Lemoine obtained, and put into commerce in 1884, the B. Martiana racemiflora, a variety of great vigour, with tall red stems and rose- coloured flowers. The following year (1885) S. Martiana grandiflora was put into commerce, having the same origin but distinguished by its green stems and more compact habit of growth. Some years later there appeared Begonia Mar- tiana pulcherrima, produced from seed of B. Martiana grandiflora. These Begonias should be cultivated out of doors in summer in full sun- shine, to which all the flowers turn. When thej are cultivated in the greenhouse or in the shade they do not develop their true beauty. V. Lemoini et fits. Chrysanthemum "A. Welham." — This variety obtained an Award of Merit at the Wol- verhampton Show. The flowers were 3 to 4 inches in diameter, white, and as double as a fine Victoria Aster. So far as the flower was concerned, it appeared to be of the C. coro- narium class, but the raiser declared he had raj ed it from tricolor, and the appearance of the foli- age bore out the statement. It must have taken many years' work to get such a flower developed from C. tricolor. It does not seed in the Mid- lands, but it roots freely from cuttings, and the plants bloom from April till October." II". Germination of Unripe Seed (seep. 19). — As between ripe and unripe Tomato seed, cer- tainly all experience is in favour of the latter if sown green, i.e.. without keeping. It is a fact that on the rubbish heaps before we can burn them, thousands of seedlings are seen in autumn. Again, if any green fruit is knocked off and trodden upon, seedlings soon appear. Now, as to the merit of unripe seeds for market growing : seedlings from them always produce an abundance of growth, but the fruits .-et with great difficulty. New Cucumber ami Melon seed are much quicker m germination than old, but we growers prefer the ripe seed. I have not " kept unripe seed for experimenting; perhaps some readers have done so. Stephen Castle, W a! pale Marsh, Wisbech'. Styrax japonica.— The cold, wet summer of 1909, followed by early frost and a trying winter, was not favourable 'to a profusion of blossom this season on shrubs flowering on the old wood. There is the greater reason, therefore, to note the exceptions, among which none is more remarkable here than Styrax japonica, which displays at present (July 18) a shower of white, waxy bells, agreeably scented. I obtained a single plant from Newry four years ago: it is now" 8 feet high, and has proved perfectly frost-proof in the open border without the slightest protection. Herbert Max- well, M on re it h. Pansies and Violas. — I was pleased to see Mr. Brennan's note on p. 36 respecting Viola Kitty Bell. On taking over the charge of these gardens last August. I found one plant growing in the herbaceous border. In the second week in September cuttings were taken from it, and these were rooted in boxes in a cold frame, where they remained until March. They were then hardened gradually, and afterwards planted out on an east border." The blooms were kepi picked off, and the first week in June the plants were transferred to two large flower-beds as a groundwork between dot-plants of the pink Ivy-leaved Pelargonium Mme. Crousse. Small plants of the variegated Grass Dactylis vr.rie- gata were planted between the Violas'sparingly. The whole is now a very pretty and effective com- bination. Of the free-flowering properties of this Viola there can be no question, and the colour is one that appeals to many. I agree with Mr. Brennan when he advises a sunny, open aspect, and I would add that in dry weather the plants must be well watered. Dead and faded blooms should be picked off at frequent intervals. B.W. Thatcher, The Gardens, Wistow Hall, Leicester. Cabbage Trials (see p. 38).— When Ellam's Early Cabbage was introduced, it quickly ob- tained favour for its earliness, non-bolting quali- ties and for its general excellence ; it has retained its hold upon those who appreciate an early and good Cabbage. I fail to see what ad- vantage there is in sowing on a particular date a number of stocks of so-called improvements upon the original variety because those who grow Cabbages select their dates for sowing according to locality and requirements. A true stock of Ellam's Cabbage is to-day just what it was when introduced, and the loading of lists with so-called improvements upon the original is a useless pro- ceeding. A reduction of names would be much more to the point. E. M. Quercus Ilex. -The Supplementary Illustra- tion and note respecting the Quercus ilex at Wilton House induced me to measure a fine old tree of the same kind growing in the gardens here. The length of the" trunk from the ground to the branches is about 7 feet, and it varies in circumference from 16 feet to 21 feet. The largest branch is 53 feet long and 8 feet 8 inches around its thickest part. The farthest across the tree, from tip to tip of the branches, is 98 feet. Tin- lower branches spread out uniformly and almost horizontally, which gives the tree a well- balanced appearance. The "circumference of the branches is 294 feet, so that, at a rough calcula- tion, the tree covers about 8.100 square feet of gr id. There is no authentic date as to the plant- ing of this lie,., but its si/e gives some idea of its greal age. The lower branches are supported by wire ropes secured to the more upright branches. These supports are invisible to anyone standing a little distance from the tree, but this metli ] entails careful annual examination to prevent the wires from cutting into the bark, although it is protected by thick leather bands under the ties. ('has. Straughen, Tnys-y-Maengwyn Gardens, Towyn, X. Wah Sweet William Pink.— Mr. Murisou's de- scription of his plant (see p. 19) is similar to that of the Double Dwarf Sweet William i I' Sci I tish gardens. Fairchild's Mule was not a " Sweet John," though, from the description, it partook of the habit of that section of Sweet Wil- li mi. It is. perhaps, not generally known that there is a very large number of Mule Pinks, and, so far as I could describe them, they are described in The Book of the Carnation. I would like to see a truss of the flower in question. Your correspondent might also send a specimen to Mr. Forbes, Buccleuch Nurseries. Hawick, win, pos- sesses a large collection of Mule Pinks. No one can say if Fairchild's Mule is still in existence. In one book a little later than his day, it is stated that there were many in cultivation. B. P. Brolherslon, Tyninghame, X.li. Leonardslee. — The Rambler Roses on the trunks of living trees (see p. 35) are now in full. bloom, the display being excellent this season. Romneya Coulteri is also very beautiful just now. Amongst other interesting plants in flower are Mitraria coccinea and Desfontainia spinosa. Con- trary to general opinion, the Desfontainias are growing in a position where they are exposed to full sunshine. II'. A. C. July 18. Adventitious or Air-Roots on Vines. — In some excellent vineries recently, I noticed in several cases adventitious roots hanging from the vine rods. I had not seen them in previous years. Turning to the late A. F. Barron's work on the vine, I find he writes that air roots, when present in large numbers, indicate want of proper action on the part of the true roots. Also that the air-roots are a sign July 23, 1910.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 65 of bad health, and that they may prove to be the forerunners of shanking. He further states that, for some reason, the proper roots are unable to supply the foliage with its needful sap, and, because the atmosphere of the vinery is close and moist, nature is, through these air-roots, seeking to supply the deficiency. In the case I refer to, the borders were in a sour condition, or the roots had got out of the surface soil into the subsoil, or the border may be so deep that it is badly aerated. The proper course to take is to lift the vine roots next winter and remake the borders, adding a good quantity of wood ashes, old mor- tar refuse, and finely-crushed bones, to make a sweet root medium. D. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Jut.Y 19. — The usual fortnightly meeting took place on Tuesday last in the Society's Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster. The Orchid Committee granted two First-class Certificates, three Awards of .Merit, two Botani- cal Certificates, and two Cultural Commendations. The principal exhibits before the Floral Com. mittec were groups of Sweet Peas, Carnations, Roses, Begonias, and hardy flowers. The Floral Committee conferred no fewer than 14 Awards of Merit, two of these going to hybrid Astilbes, shown by Mr. Arends, Ronsdorf, Germany. In the Fruit and Vegetable Section no award was made to a novelty, but a group of pot fruit trees exhibited by Messrs. James Veitch & Sons was probably the finest display in the show ; besides gaining a Gold Medal, the highest award of the Society, the Committee recorded in the minutes an appreciation of the excellent culture shown in this collection. At the 3 o'clock meet- ing in the Lecture Room, a lecture on " Insects Affecting Crops " was given by Mr. Fred Enock. Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Esq. (Chairman), and Messrs. H. B. May, C. T. Druerv, E. A. Bow],,, R. C. Notcutt. Jiio. Green, T. W. Turner, Geo. Gordon. .J. F. McLeod. R. Hooper Pearson, \Y. Howe, C. Blick, H. J. Cuibush, A. Turner, 11. .1. Jones, C. E. Shea, Chas. E. Pearson, W. Cuth- bertson, Jas. Douglas. Jas. Walker. W. B. Crau- field, George Paul, and Edward Mawley. .Messrs. W Paul & Son. Waltham Cross, filled ar. entire table with Roses, including Ramblers. The large blooms included the fine H.T. variety Earl of Warwick, Celia, Dean Hole, Rub i. Hugh Dickson, Antoine Rivoire, Lady Ashtown, Mine. Jules Grolez, Joseph Hill. Prince de Bul- garie, Mildred Grant, Fran K. Druschki and Princess Marie Mertscherskv. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, showed Roses in considerable numbers, among which were observed fine blooms of Mine. Ravary, His Majesty, Liberty, David McKee, Lady Alice Stanley. Betty, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Lyon Rose, and White Killarney. Messrs. B. R. Cant & Sons. Colchester, made a show of cut Rests in vases. We noted the new H.T. Elizabeth, a seedling which had Frau Karl Druschki as one of its parents, and possesses the habit of that variety with its freedom of flowering; H.T. St. Helena. H.T. Lady de Bathe, a creamy yellow Rose with a pink tinge, globular and full ; Betty. G. C. Wand, Mrs. T. Roosevelt, Grand Due tie Luxembourg, Pharisaer, St. Helena and Colcesterii. (Silver Flora Medal.) H. D. Broughton, Esq.,, Beech Hurst. Andover (gr. Mr. Gregory), showed a boxful of H.T. Roses, some of them being of excellent merit, Messrs. J. Vlitch & Sons, Chelsea, had a con- siderable exhibit of border varieties of the Car- nation, shown as grown in 5-inch pots. Mr. A. F. Dutton. Iver, Bucks., had a long table to himself for a display of Carnations of all classes. The varieties Roy Dntton (deep cerise). Lemberg (a purple-edged Picotee), Ever Clove (well formed, very dark crimson). Bert Newman (a crimson flake), Iver Purple, and Arthur Dutton (a perfectly-formed flower) were noticed. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, showed tuberous-rooted Begonias, with double flowers. Especially pleasing were Airs. W. Marlow, Rose- bud, Surprise, Orange King, Countess of Ports- mouth. Sparkler, Sunflower, Blush Queen, and Avalanche. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Dobeie & Co., Edinburgh, 6taged a very handsome exhibit of Sweet Peas, which had been introduced or raised by the firm. The general arrangement was that of pyramids of flowers about 4 feet high, the same variety being extended to the front of the staging in vases, thus making an imposing display. Princess Victoria (pink), Mrs. A. Ireland (pink and white), Edrom Beauty (orange-scarlet). Masterpiece (blue), and Sunproof Crimson were noted as being especi- ally fine. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Mr. J. Douglas. Great Bookham, showed about two dozen vases filled with as many varieties of border Carnations, receiving a Silver Flora Medal. The varieties Hercules (dark crimson), Mrs. Trelawnev (pinkish-orange in colour). Eliza- beth Shiffner (deep fawn), Mrs. Robt. Gordon (of the old rose colour), Agnes Sorrel (very dark crimson), King of Spain 'two tints of crimson), and Magnificent (of a Boft shade of pink), are a selection of the finer varieties. (Silver Flora Medal.) .Mr. Chas. Turner. Royal Nurseries, Slough, showed border varieties ol Carnations, viz.. The Pearl, a pure white flower: John Pope, a perfect bloom of the " old rose " colour ; Ethel, a soft canary-yellow flower; Sylvia, a wire, red-edged Picotee; and Sunset, a deep cerise variety, with a yellow tinge. Sir Daniel Gooch. Bart. Hylands. Chelms- ford (gr. Mr. Wilkinson), made a meat display with Carnations at end of tie- Hall, almost the entire space being occupied by his exhibit. There were remarked Carnation Souvenir de la Malmaison Duchess of Westminster, Princess of Wales, Sir E. Hambro', and H. J. Jones. These flowers were shown in great abundance in vases and bamboo flower-holders. Border vai were arranged in the front lines, with perpetual- flowering varieties, and we noted H Britannia, Ladv Winifred Lancelot. Aurora, and The Mikado. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Harpy Plants and Alpines. Messrs. Wm. Cutp.ush & Sons. H i - 1 i _. . j t ■ ■ ■a a tine collection of garden flowers, amongst which hardy Water Lilies, Spiraeas, Gail- lardias. many good and showy Campanulas. Lilium Henryi. L. pardalinum, and others were noticeable. Erica coccinea and E. cinera alba were displayed in fine masses, and provided wel- come touches of colour in the large, well-arranged group. Tin- pretty Anomathec.i cruenta, with dainty spra\s of scarlet blossoms, was very fine. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Garden. London, had a showy exhibit of seasonable hardy flowers, a big feature being made of Salvia virgata nenio- rosa, with dark-chocolate-coloured spikes of flowers. Other choice subjects were Lilium testaceum. L. ehalcedonieum Heldreichii, L. Brownii, Phloxes, and Physostegia virginica alba. Misses Hopkins. Shepperton - on - Thames. showed an interesting group of Alpines and hardy flowers, amongst them being the pretty Cam- panula Waldsteniana, Potentilla Tonguei, and Omphalodes Luciliae, the last-named with pale, opalescent, blue flowers. M. Georg Arends. Ronsdorf. Germany, had a fine set of hybrid Astilbes, of which R'«i Perle, Cream Pearl. Ceres (rosy -lilac), Salmon Queen, and Venus (deep rose) were the choicer varieties. Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co.. Ltd.. Maidstone, had a showy and extensive group of herbaceous flowers. Phloxes, Larkspurs, perennial Mar- guerites, Pentstemons. white perennial Pea. Iris Krempferi (laevigata) in variety, Dianthus Napo- leon III., and Centaurea macrocephala were the chief subjects. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. M. Prichard. Christchurch, Hants., showed Scabiosa caucasica, Aster mesa grande (a very dark-flowered kind, with thread-like ray florets). Gaillardias, Astilbe Thunbergii. Cam- panula Riverslea, and Centaurea ruthenica. Phloxes also were good, and many interesting Alpines were displayed. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. Clarence Elliott, Stevenage, Herts., ar- ranged a small rockery exhibit, Campanula pumila in variety, with And rosaces, Tunica Saxi- fraga fl. pi., and Wahlenbergia saxicola being displayed to advantage. Mr. Frank Lilley, Guernsey, had a showy group of the early-flowering Gladioli, of which Ne Plus Ultra, cardinalis elegans, formosissimus, and General Scott were among the more striking sorts in a large and comprehensive gathering. Sparaxis plucherrima in this group was very beautiful. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. Amos Perry*, Enfield, made a very fine feature of waterside plants, moisture-loving Lilacs and hardy Nymphaeas, Spiraeas, and As- tilbes being remarkably well shown. Of the Spiraeas, S. venusta gigantea, with rosy-crimson flower-heads, is a particularly fine plant. S. aruncus and S. gigantea (syn. Kamschatica). with white flowers, were also very effective. Many seedlings of merit, too, were shown, and we also noted several varieties of Astilbe Arendsii and A. chinensis. Lilies, such as L. pardalinum. L. superbuin. L. Gravi. L. Parryi (rich, clear yel- low), and L. Krameri were remarked, while Funkias and hardy Ferns, the latter acting as a margin to the Water-Lily poo], were appropri- ately arranged. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) The Guildford Hardy Plant Nursery <1 Potentillas. Physostegia virginica alba, Crinums, Lychnis chalcedonica, Hele- niums, and other plants. Mr. G. Reuthe. Keston, Kent, had an interest- chibit, displaying, apart from a seasonable assortment of herbaceous subjects, varieties of Alpine Campanulas, of which C. Stansfieldii, C. pulloides, C. Waldsteniana. C. garganica, C. Raineri and others were remarked. Phillyrea huxifolia and Plagianthus Lyallii were notable, too, among choice flowering shrubs. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Gunn & Sons, Olton, Birmingham, staged a particularly fine lot of herbaceous Phloxes, of Which Konigin (pink), Dr. Charcot (blue), Ellen Willmott (blue). Tapis Blanc, and F. Von Lassberg were the more conspicuous \)i --is. Gunn also showed baskets of Viola cor- nuta. V. atropurpurea, " and others. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. T. S. Ware. Ltd., Feltham. had an extensive hank of herbaceous flowers, showing Crinums, Phloxes, Platycodon autumnale, P. a. alba, many good Campanulas. Gaillardias. Eryn- giums, and other seasonable subjects in great variety (Silver Banksian Medal. I Messrs. Wm. Wells & Co.. Merstham, effec- tively staged Phloxes. Violas. Pentstemons, Lupins, and similar garden plants in some quan- tity. Messrs. R. W. Wallace & Co.. Colchester, occupied a corner of the hall with I.I Kiiiphofias. and Poppies on a stage, ar- ranging .it the ground level a really delightful bit of waterside gardening, in which Spiraeas mid Astilbes. Funkias, and a fine lot of Iris laevigata were seen to advantage. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Carter. Page & Co.. London Wall", E.C.. arranged, in pans, a most comprehensive collection of Violas in the leading commercial sorts, the beauty and freshness of the flowers gaining much admiration from visitors. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Miscellaneous Exhicits. .Missis. J. Veitch & Sons. Chelsea, showed their Auricula-eyed Sweet Williams, a strain in which the flowers are marked with crimson on a white ground. The individual flowers are re- markable for their large size and symni shape. This firm also showed Abutilons, includ- ing Red Gauntlet la brilliant flower outside and inside). rosa?florum. Golden Fleece, and the old Boule ilo Neige. Fuchsias were shown in con- siderable numbers as standards and as bushes. We noted Mrs. Marshall. Mrs. Rundle. and Scarcity among the former ; and bushes of Sylvia, Brilliant, Coralie (of the corymbiflora section, in colour orange-scarlet). Phenomenal Whiti Phenomenal Rose. Beauty of Exeter, ami I Purple. Messrs. Veitch ajso showed Canna ti6 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 23, 1910. indica in six beautiful varieties, of which we may mention R. Wallace (yellow) and Meteor (orange red). Other subjects exhibited by this firm were Kalanchoe flammea, Begonia Washington, and a number of Javanico-jasminifiorum Rhododen- drons. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. Henry Dixon, Wandsworth Common, showed early-flowering Gladioli plants, so useful for affording flowers for cutting. Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, Surrey, ex- hibited a group of species and varieties of Fuchsia. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, The Nurseries, Upper Edmonton, showed well-grown Codiaeums, varying from 2 to 5 feet in height and well coloured, considering the weather of the present season. This firm also displayed a group of choice exotic Ferns, the various Nephrolepis being very ornamental. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) E. J. Preston, Esq., Kelsey Park, Beckenham pollen the seedlings possessed extraordinary vigour in regard to growth, but were very shy bloomers. The varieties of A. Arendii seldom, or never, grow more than 4 ft. in height, whilst their habit is all that could be desired. Mr. A rends exhibited a group of plants representing quite a number of varieties. Two of these were selected to receive Awards of Merit, namely, Venus, whose flowers were of deep violet-rose colour, and Salmon Queen, a variety with salmon- pink-coloured flowers. Calendula (strain). — Messrs. Dobbie showed double flowers of a grand strain of Calendula. The blooms were 4 inches or more in diameter, those of Sulphur Queen being exceedingly pale- yellow, whilst, another variety exhibited a very "deep orange tint. An Award of Merit was re- commended for the strain. Carnation " Robert Berkeley." — Mr. James Douglas showed this very distinct border Car- FlG. 26. — HYBRID TEA ROSE "FREDA," EXHIBITED BY MESSRS. PAUL AND SON, CHESHUNT : COLOUR, ROSE WITH VIOLET SHADE. (Award of Merit, R.H.S., June 21.) (gr. Mr. W. M. Webster), showed fine specimens of Statice profusa ; Kentia Belmoreana, 10 feet by 12 feet; Pteris Childsii, 5 feet; and Davallia dissecta elegans, 2^ by 3 feet ; a fine tall plant of Dracaena Victoria, and one of Clerodendron Balfouriana splendily flowered and 10 feet high. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Awards of Merit. were recommended in the following cases : — A'tilhe Arendii. — This name has been given to a race of hardy Astilbes (Spiraeas) raised by Mr. Arends, Ronsdorf, Germany, from crosses be- tween A. Davidii and A. Queen Alexandra, A. floribunda, and others. In every case A. Davidii was the pollen parent, for it was found that when this species was crossed with other nation. The flowers are a " Malmaison " shade of pink, and the petals are very smooth. It is a variety of much refinement. Cosmos " Rose Queen." — This variety produces a great number of single flowers, which measure o inches or more in diameter ; they are a most pleasing shade of mauve, with yellow centre. Shown by Messrs. Doebie & Co. Fuchsia Sylvia. — This variety belongs to the same type as the old favourite known as " Miss Lucy Finnis." It has large, double flowers, with inflated, white corolla and brilliant red sepals. Fuchsias have been under a cloud in recent years, and very few awards have been made to them. It is said that this most effective variety is what is termed a good doer. From Mtssrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd. Gypsojihila carminea. — An annual Gypo- phila and an exceedingly pretty plant, having a free-flowering, branching habit and single flowers nearly half an inch across, of a pale 6hade of car- mine. From Messrs. Dobbie & Co. Rose muttiflora " Flame." — This variety is said to grow 9 feet high. It has semi-double, rosy-crimson flowers, with whitish centre, and these are produced in fine, large trusses. Shown by Mr. Chas. Turner, Slough. Senecio glastifoltus var. Hon. Vieary Gilbs. — This is a variety of the species figured in the Supplementary Illustration published in this journal last week, but as shown, the flowers were scarcely so attractive in colour. Shown by the Hon. Vicary Gibbs. Sweet Pea Elfrida Pearson. — This is a very large flower of rose-pink colour. There are gen- erally four blooms on the spike, as shown, and the large, waved flowers frequently have double standards. Shown by Messrs. Pearson & Sons, Lowdham. Sweet Pen, " Iris." — A very fine variety with large flowers, a good standard with waved out- line, and pleasing tint, being an uncommon shade of salmon-pink; a slight cream shade proceeds mainly from the keel. Shown by Mr. Thos. Breadmore. Sweet Pea " Earl Spencer." — This variety is now pretty well known for its bright orange- coloured flowers. Excellent specimens were shown by Messrs. Dobbie & Co. Sweet Pea " Marian Cuthbertson." — This is a very beautiful pink variety. Shown by Messrs. Dobbie & Co. Sweet Pea. " Mrs. F. A. Wellesley."—Thiii variety was shown exceedingly strong, having long, very thick stems. The blooms have mag- nificent standards, and the variety will probably be much esteemed among the white sorts. Shown by F. H. Wellesley, Esq. Orchid Committee. Present : J. Gurney Fowler, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (lion, sec), de B. Crawshay, Harry J. Veitch, R. Brooman- White, H. Little, R. G. Thwaites. F. J. Han- bury, J. Charlesworth, W. H. Hatcher, H. G. Alexander, A. Dye, W. H. White, H. A. Tracy, Gurney Wilson, Clive Cookson, C. J. Lucas, and Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a very fine group, in which both species and hybrids were well represented, the most remarkable in the former class being their new Oncidium Sander*, a new member of the small section including 0. Papilio, and with very distinct botanical f< a- tures. (See Awards.) The group, which con- tained excellent hybrid Odontoglossums, Cat- tleyas, Laelio Cattleyas, and other showy Orchids, had two very fine examples of Cattleya Rex, with 10 flowers each. There were also Notylia Bar- keri, Cirrhopetalum Roxburghii, the pretty little Orchis monophylla ; Cattleya Gaskelliana Snow- flake, with 12 white flowers ; Eria densiflora ; Pescatorea Lehmannii ; a few select forms of Den- drobium Phalsenopsis, Brasso-Cattleya Pluto, and other Brasso-Cattleyas, the cross between B. Digbyana and Cattleya bicolor Grossii being dis- tinct. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a group, the centre of attraction in which was the unique Cattleya O'Brieniana alba, which secured a First-class Certificate. (See Awards.) The back of the group was composed of various species of Oncidium, Ccelogyne Dayana, Epidendrums, &c. In the body of the group, Cattleya Gaskelliana, including the clear white form, C. Warscewiczii, a few C. maxima, C. Forbesii, C. Lueddmanni- ana striata, and other Cattleyas were effective. Among others noted were a selection of Masde- vallias, including M. trochilus, M. muscosa, M. caluia and M. infracta. Messrs. Charieswhrth & Co., Haywards Heath, staged a group, in which the f'yenoches were well represented, several of the plants having both male and female flowers. C. maculatum had a spike of nine of the ordinary male flowers, the basal one being apparently in. termediate between the male and female forms, and larger than the others. Other plants showed the male and female blooms on separate plants. July 23, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. G7 Two Dendrobium Sanderae, a fine plant of Chysis lsevis, Lslia monophylla, and other rare species, including Pescatorea lamellosa, which secured an Award uf Merit, were also shown. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., V.M.H., Gatton Park (gr. Mr. Collier), staged a group in which the central figure was a grand plant of Cattltva Rex, with seven flowers on a spike. (See Awards.) Other specially noteworthy specimens were the rare Javan Dendrobium arcuatum, pro- ducing many short racemes of pretty, white, long- spurred flowers from the old pseudo-bulbs; An- cistrochilus Thompsonii, with a fine head of white and purple blooms ; the new Odontoglossum Queen of Gatton Itriumphans aureum X percul- tum), a model flower, with pale-yellow ground colour, heavily blotched with dark purple; two fine scarlet Odontioda Bradshawise ; Dendrobium Arthur Ashworth ; Platyclinis filiformis ; Aer- anthes grandiflorus ; Pleurothallis stenophylla ; and Xylobium leontoglossum. In front of the group were cut flowers of varieties of Sobralia Colnianii of various shades of pale yellow. Sir Trevor Lawrance, Bart., K.C.V.O., Bur- ford Igr. Mr. W. H. White), showed a fine plant of the singular Masdevallia deorsa, with eight yellowish flowers, spotted with dark purple; a well-flowered plant of Calanthe japonica pur- purea; Brasso-Cattleya Joan (B. nodosa grandi- flora X C. Warscewiczii), with pretty, white flowers, the labellum and backs of the sepals spotted with rose-purple ; and others. (See Awards.) Messrs. J. & A. A. McBean, Cooksbridge, showed a fine plant of Odontoglossum ardentissi- mum Doris, with three-branched spike of white flowers heavily blotched with claret-purple. R. G. Thwaites, Esq., Chessington, Christ- church Road, Streatham Hill (gr. Mr. Black), sent four plants of his very pretty Odontioda Thwaitesii (0. Harryanum X C. Vulcanica), which is one of the most distinct in colour of all the Odontiodas, its various shades of rose-purple and lilac being very attractively arranged. De B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. Stables), showed Odontioda Seuenacca (C. Noezliana X 0. Hunnewellianum), an inter- esting cross, in which the influence of the firm texture and unfimbriated lip of C. Noezliana has succeeded in obliterating the very pronounced undulation and fimbriation in the lip of 0. Hun- newellianum, the result in the progeny being an approach to some of the forms of 0. Bradshawise. The pretty and well-formed flowers have a yel- lowish ground colour marked with orange-red over the greater part of their surface. The name is the old Saxon one for Sevenoaks, the place it was raised at. A. Harrison, Esq., Lyndhurst, Watford, showed a small selection of Cypripediums and a good plant of Epidendrum falcatum (Parkinsoni- anum). H. S. Goodson, Esq. (gr. Mr. G. E. Day), sent two plants of Cattleya Rex. Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield (gr. Mr. Hopkins), showed Cattleya Gaskelliana Queen of the Earth, a very fine white flower with the faintest trace of colour on the lip of the older flowers. AWARDS. First-class Certificates. Cattleya Warscewiczii Low's variety, from Lieut.-Col. Sir George L. Holford, K.C.V.O., Westonbirf. — A grand, dark variety of the 0. W. Sanderaj type, in which the large, intensely rich crimson-purple lip shows only small yellowish spots on each side of the middle portion instead of the large, light-coloured patches seen in or- dinary forms. The noble specimen shown had 14 flowers. Cattleya O'Brieniana alba, from Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park. — A pure- white albino, the only colour in its broad- petalled, finely-formed flower being a slight sulphur-yellow tinge on the lip in front of the column. A white form of this pretty Orchid, which is commonly supposed to be a natural hybrid between C. Loddigesii and C. Walkeriana, but which has been imported in quantity in the typical rose-tinted form, comes as a surprise. Awards of Merit. Cattleya Artemis (Iris x Gaskelliana), from Lieut.-Col. Sir George L. Holford, K.C.V.O. — A very pretty hybrid of good size and fine sub- stance. The sepals and petals are pink, the broad front of the lip purplish-crimson, with a narrow, lavender-coloured margin, the central portion being orange colour fading to cream, white and extended to the side lobes. Oncidium Handera, from Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans. — Of the 0. Papilio section, but with well-marked features. The scapes are near t" typical 0. Papilio and without the raised rings at the joints as seen in 0. Kramerianum, which, however, it more nearly resembles in the flower, but is distinguished from both by the long beard- like glands on each side of the column. The dor- sal sepal and petals are linear and erect, pur- plish at first, changing to sepia-brown ; the broad lateral sepals are sharply decurved, light butter- cup-yellow, with reddish markings, column vel- vety-purple above. Lip crimped and fringed, light yellow, with reddish markings inside the margin and on the side lobes. Pescatorea lamellosa, from Messrs. Charles- worth & Co., Haywards Heath. — One of the finest of the Pescatorea section of Zygopetalum, and a very rare species. The flowers are nearest to P. cerina, and of the same yellowish-cream tint, but are easily distinguished by the thick, broad, ridged crest of the lip, which is striped with dark purple. Botanical Certificate. Bulbiiphyllum Ehizophorce, from Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart.. K.C.V.O. — A dwarf species from tropical Africa, of tufted growth and beai ing drooping sprays of singular brown and yel- low flowers. Iiiparis rhodochila, from Sir Trevor Law- rence.— A very pretty little species, with erect spikes of smallish pale-green flowers, having pro- minent orange-red labellums. Cultural Commendation. To Mr. H. G. Alexander (Orchid grower to Lieut.-Col. Sir George L. Holford, K.C.V.O | for two magnificent plants of Miltonia vexillaria Queen Alexandra, the one with seven spikes with 36 flowers ; the other 6 spikes with 29 flowers, the labellums being over 4 inches across. To Mr. \V. H. White (Orchid grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O.) for a verj fine plant of Cypripedium YV. R. Lee " Burford variety," with four strong spikes bearing, to- gether, 11 flowers. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: — G. Bunyard, Esq. (Chairman); ami Messrs. J. Cheal, YV. Bates. ,1. Davis, J. Perkins, E. Beckett, W. Pope, G. Hobday, A. R. Allan, J. Vert. J. Jacques, G. Wythes. W. Poupart, and C. G. A. Nix. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, exhibited a magnificent collection of orchard-house trees in pots. There were well-fruited specimens i i ['■ M lies, Nectarines, Plums, Figs, and other sub ji cts in various stages of development. Peach Peregrine was in most instances carrying ripe fruits ; Nectarines were also nearly ripe in the case of the Pitmaston Orange, Early Rivers, and Cardinal varieties ; the Figs, were Castle Kennedy, Bourjassotte Grise, White Marseilles and Brown Turkey, the trees being laden with ripe fruits. This exhibit was one of the best of its kind we have seen. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons also exhibited superior vegetables and salads, roots, &c. The samples of Quite Content, Prestige, Prodigy, Duke of Albany, and Maincrop Peas were excellent. The Cabbage Lettuces Green Globe Artichokes, Turnips, Broad Beans, Chelsea Imperial Cos Lettuce, Supreme Kidney Potato, Ellam's Early Cabbage and Tearl Cauli- flower were all good samples. A Silver-gilt Knightian Medal was awarded for the vegetables and a Gold Medal for the fruit trees. Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, showed a collection of Peaches, Plums, Nectarines, and Foster's Seedling Grape. The Peaches were Early York, Peregrine, and Earliest of All ; the Plums Early Normandy and Early Orleans ; the Nectarine was Cardinal. The fruit was mostly- ripe and fit for consumption. (Silver-gilt Knightian Medal.) The Church Army City Gardens, a body which is offering help to the unemployed in London, showed vegetables cultivated on waste land in Westminster, quite close to the Hall. The pro- duce included good Cabbages, Turnips, Carrots, Broad Beans, and one dish of Kidney Potatos. (Bronze Banksian Medal.) NATIONAL SWEET PEA. THE TRIALS AT SUTTON. The most valuable work carried on by the National Sweet Pea Society is its trials, which are held at the Times Experimental Station, near Guildford, under the superintendence of .Mr. Charles Foster. At the close of each year a circular is sent to every member of the Society asking that varieties for trial be sent to Mr. Foster and a duplicate list sent to the secre- tary. Fifteen to twenty seeds of each variety are required. Each variety, on arrival, is given a number, and the name, not only of variety, but of the sender, is kept a secret until after the inspection has been made by the Floral Com- mittee of the Society and their awards made. The seeds, shortly after their arrival at the Experimental Station, are sown in pots and grown first under glass to note the germination. In March or April they are planted out in the ordinary way in short rows, one variety in a row, a stamped metal number being attached to the end of each row. The Floral Committee visited the trials and made their inspections during the first week of July. On the 14th inst. one hundred or so members of the Society visited the trials and were entertained to lun- cheon and tea by Lord Northcliffe, on whose estate- the Times Experimental Station is situ- ated. In his lordship's absence, Mr. Charles Foster presided, supported by Mr. N. N. Sher- wood, the [■resident of the Society for the cur- rent year. The company also enjoyed the opportunity of seeing the charming private gar- dens of Sutton Place, in which Lord and Lady Northcliffe take exceeding interest. Everyone was delighted, and Mr. J. Goatlev. the head gar- dener, deserves praise for the way in which the gardens are maintained. Altogether, there are 312 trial rows of Sweef Peas 'in the ground this season. About 200 of these are novelty trials, the rest being purity and comparative trials. The Floral Committee <i Shrewsbury, put up a very pretty bank of Violas. Mr. E. H. Coles, of Ashbourne, showed fine examples of Sweel Peas; and .Messrs. T. RoTHERA ,\ Co., of Burton I staged a miscellaneous collection of Bowers. A specially good display of Gloxinias was made by the Rev. Hy. BuCKSTON, Sutton Hall (gr. Mr. A. Shambrook). It consisted of 300 plants, all furnished with massive heads of bloom. The same exhibitor was well ahead in the class for 18 Gloxinias. EASTBOURNE FLOWER SHOW. July 14, 15. — In connection with the Sussex County Agricultural Show a most successful hor- ticultural exhibition was held on the above dates. The exhibition covered a considerable area of ground, and was held in a delightful spot about one noli- from the station, adjoining the Downs and the links of Eastbourne Golf Club. Three large tents were not sufficient to accommodate the horticultural exhibits, several of them being arranged in the open. No money prizes wen- ■ lined, but gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded. One of the most meritorious, as well as the -t. exhibit was shown by Mr. T. Durrani Young, Roselands Nurseries. Eastbourne, who \ed finely-grown Palms and a large num- ber of clipped trees. (Gold Medal,) Messrs. Wn. Paul & Son. Wallham Cri ss. had a very large exhibit of cut Roses, including the beautiful Juliet variety. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, staged a large and splendidly-arranged group of Carnations. The flowers were very fine, especi- ally blooms of Lady Coventry. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Bakers, Wolverhampton, worthily gained one of the seven Gold Medals allotted for a model water-garden. The material used was of the best, and the formation generally most pleasing. Mr. Frank Woollard, Brighton, gained a Gold Medal for a well-arranged collection of Roses. Another attraction was a magnificent group of miscellaneous plants staged by Mr. E. T. Scott, of Eastbourne. This exhibit occupied the end of one of the large tents, the whole of the plants exhibiting excellent culture. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. J. Cheal & Son. Crawley, had a very large exhibit in the open, consisting of pergolas and other designs for gardens. (Gold Medal.) Silver Medals were awarded to his Grace the Duke of Devonshire for a well-arranged miscel- laneous group of plants ; to Lord Willingdon of Ralton for a group of plants ; to Mr. Wil- liam Knight, Hailsham, for a large bank of tuberous-rooted Begonias; to C. Diplock, Esq., for a collection of Sweet Peas ; to Mr. James Box, Lingfield, for collections of herbaceous .flowers and Sweet Peas; to Messrs. Jarman & Co., Chard, for a collection of cut flowers, in- cluding varieties of Centaureas; to Mr. Riley Scott, Horsham, for a collection of hardy herba- ceous flowers ; to Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, Upper Edmonton, for a choice collection of exotic Ferns; to Messrs. G. & A. Clark, Ltd., Dover, for a large exhibit of hardy perennial flowers that included many choice subjects ; to Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Enfield, for a charming ex- hibit of Carnations and Roses ; to Mr. Frank Lilley, Guernsey, for an extensive exhibit of hy- brid Gladioli ; to Messrs. Kelway & Son. Lang- port, for an exhibit of Delphiniums; to Mr. John Gore, Albion Nurseries, Polegate, and Messrs. H. G. White & Co.. Eastbourne, each for deco- rated tables of dessert fruit ; to Messrs. YoUNG & Co., Cheltenham, for Carnations : to Messrs. J \mes & A. A. McBean. Cooksbridge, for a beau- tiful collection of choice Orchids; to Messrs. Toogood & Sons. Southampton, for Sweet Peas, &i ; and to Mr. C. E. Waters, of Balcombe, for Carnations. Much ot the success of the show was due to the energy ami business-like methods of Mr. Rowland Burke, chairman of the special committee. Mr. Aust, chairman of the Eastbourne Horticultural ty, acted as lion, secretary, and he received valuable assistance from Mr. T. Dnrrant Young. CARDIFF AND COUNTY HORTI- CULTURAL. July 20, 21.— This society's 22nd annual show took place on ill dates, and wis held, is heretofore, in tiie Sophia Gardens, Cardiff. The entries, ac< rding to official information, were more nunc ri us even than iasl year, when it ■ i- l.i In,.-. I thai high-v. had been reached. Although the weathei was not so favourable as could h I . I I. the show was. from the horticultural ndpoint, a thorough success. Plants and Cut Flow] As usual, pot plants, shown either in groups or is, formed a very attractive feature of the exhibition, and the competition in the v; classes, although let keen, was fairly satisfac- tory. The highest money prize offered by the ot miscellaneous plants (in ami out of bloom) in a space of 150 square feet, taste in arrangement and excel- lence of culture to be both taken into considera- tion by the judges. The successful competifc rs in this class was the firm of Messrs. James Cypher & S.ns. Cheltenham. The arrangement was bold and striking, and had as its centrepiece a fine specimen of Kentia Belmoreana. Among the principal plants used were Lilium Harrisii, Humea elegans, various Ericas and Crotons, Ver- bena Miss Willmott. ami I i os Weddelliana. H. Oakley. Esq.. Caldicot (gr. -Air. W. E. Pearse), was 2nd. His group, together with that placed 3rd in order of merit, and shown by Lady Hill, Llandaff (gr. Mr. Macintyre), were fine examples of plant arrangement. Liliums, Humeas i tons, and pyramidal Campanulas were freely used in both collections. For a group occupying a space of 50 square feet, Major-general Lee. Dinas Powis (gr. Mr. Home), was placed 1st. Francoa racemosa, Statice Suworowii. and Crotons were the striking features of this group. J. L. Morgan, Esq., Llandaff (gr. Mr. G. Wall), was 2nd. and the Executors of the lite James Howell. Esq., Car- diff. 3rd. One of the finest groups in the show was set up by the Marquis of Bute (gr. Mr. H. Farmer), and, being a non-cempetitive exhibit, was awarded a Geld Medal. In the class for three stove or greenhouse Ferns, the Executors of the late J. Howell, Esq.. put up a fine specimen of each of the fol- lowing species, and they were awarded the 1st prize: — Gymnogramma Lancheana, Davallia bul- lata, and Microlepia hirta cristata. 70 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 23, 1910. The entries in the Rose classes were numerous, and the competition very keen, and, considering the time of year, the quality of bloom was good. For a box of 12 distinct varieties of Roses, three blooms of each variety, Messrs. J. Jeffries & Sons, Ltd., Cirencester, were awarded 1st place. Aimee Cochet, K. A. Victoria, Mildred Grant, Hugh Dickson, and Lyon were among the best blooms in this stand. " Messrs. S. Treseder & Son, Cardiff, were placed 2nd. Three of the best varieties staged in this lot were Lyon, Lady Ashtown, and Horace Vernet. Mr. Geo. Prince, Longworth, Berks., carried off the 1st prize for 12 distinct varieties of Teas or Noisettes, three blooms of each. The outstanding blooms were Mme. H. Berger, Medea, Mrs. E. Mawley, and Comtesse de Nadaillac. Mr. H. Drew. Longworth, was 2nd ; and The King's Acre Nurseries, Ltd., 3rd. The 1st place for 4 distinct varieties, one bloom of each, was awarded to Mr. Geo. Prince. The varieties Lyon, C. J. Graham, Dean Hole, Bessie Brown, and Victor Hugo were among the most attractive shown in this class. Mr. Henry Drew and Messrs. S. Treseder & Son were 2nd and 3rd respectively. With 12 blooms of Mildred Grant The King's Acre Nurseries, Ltd., secured the leading prize for 12 blooms of any one variety other than a Tea or Noisette, and the same firm were equally suc- cessful in carrying off the prize for 12 blooms of one variety of a Tea or Noisette. The variety shown was Mrs. Ed. Mawley. The exhibits in the class for a collection of Roses set out with their own foliage and arranged for effect in a space 9 feet wide by 4 feet 6 indies deep, not to exceed 6 feet in height, were some of the most attractive in the whole show. Mr. Geo. Prince was a good 1st, his arrangement being tasteful and the quality of the flowers everything that could be desired. Blush Ram- bler, Crimson Rambler, Dorothy Perkins, and Hiawatha were used as an effective groundwork. The main features were made up of bunches of White Maman Cochet, Vicomtesse Folkestone, Pharisaer, Lyon, Mme. Constant Soupert, and .Mme. Melanie Soupert. The 2nd and 3rd prizes were awarded to The King's Acre Nurseries, Ltd., and Messrs. S. Treseder & Son respec- tively. Mr. C. Wall, Bath, took the premier place for a collection of border Carnations and Picotees, shown with their own foliage and without arti- ficial supports. Some beautiful flowers were noted in this exhibit, the most distinct being Sam Weller, Ashantee, Mary Hambro', Robin Hood, and Lord Roberts. Mr. W. J. Godfrey, Exmouth, took 2nd place with blooms little in- ferior to those shown by Mr. Wells. The stands of cut flowers in the herbaceous classes were exceedingly fine, and made a bril- liant spectacle in the various tents in which they were set up. Mr. W. J. Godfrey secured the leading prize for a collection of hardy flowers arranged in a space of 15 feet by 4 feet. Violas were used very effectively as an edging for this group. Messrs. Rich & Co., Bath, carried off the 2nd award with a very fine collection of flowers, among which were good examples of Chrysanthemum maximum var. Mrs. C. Lothian Bell and Princess Henry and Campanula turbinate var. Isabel. Sweet Peas were generally admitted to be the piece de resistance of the show, and the exhibits were both numerous and of a verv high standard of excellence. Those staged by Mr. T. Jones. of Ruabon, in the class for 18 'distinct varieties were the admiration of everyone who beheld them. Every one of the varieties shown had ex- ceedingly long and strong stems, and the size and colouring of the blooms were remarkable. Dazzler, Zarina, Mary Gerhold, Elsie Herbert, Audrey Crier, and Stirling Stent were among the most attractive varieties shown. Vernon Hill, Esq., Langford, Bristol, was placed 2nd, and Mr! W. J. Godfrey 3rd. Miss Burgess, Stow Park Avenue, Newport, took the 1st prize for a table arranged with Sweet Peas. Only one variety— Countess Spencer— was nsed, and the utility of the Sweet Pea for this purpose was well demonstrated. Fruit and Vegetables. The Fruit and Vegetable exhibits were not so remarkable as those in the flower classes, and the ■entries were by no means numerous. G. A. Gibes, Esq., M.P., Flag Bourton (gr. Mr. S. Wilkinson), with Muscat of Alexandria, took the 1st prize for two bunches of a white Grape; and E. H. Ebsworth, Esq., Llandough Castle, Cowbridge (gr. Mr. German), with Buck- land's Sweetwater, was placed 2nd. D. C. Lysaght, Esq., Chepstow (gr. Mr. H. Perry), was awarded the 1st prize for two bunches of black Grapes, the variety shown being Madresfield Court. The Marquis of Northampton, K.G., Castle Ashby (gr. Mr. A. R. Searle), was the success- ful competitor in the class for a collection of vegetables consisting of nine distinct kinds. Trade Exhibits. A Gold Medal was awarded to each of the following firms : — The King's Acre Nurseries, Ltd., for a collection of fruit trees in pots ; Messrs. Webb & Son, for collections of Sweet Peas and vegetables ; Mr. H. Eckford, collection Sweet Peas ; Messrs. Young & Co., Cheltenham, for American Carnations; Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, collection of Ivies ; and Messrs. W. & H. Evans, Cardiff, for rock plants. Silver Medals were awarded to Messrs. J. C. Wheeler for Sweet Peas and Carnations ; Messrs. Stark & Sons, Sweet Peas ; Messrs. Toogood & Sons, Sweet Peas ; Messrs. Jarman & Co. . Roses ; F. Eames, Frome, hardy cut flowers ; Messrs. W. J. Godfrey, Carnations; Frank Lilley, THE LATE GEORGE TUBB. Guernsey, Gladioli; Messrs. W. H. Ellison, West Bromwich, Ferns ; Messrs. W. & H. Evans, herbaceous plants ; Messrs. Clibran, Roses; Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon, Bath, Carnations and Begonias; and Messrs. A. A. Walters & Son, Taunton, hardy herbaceous plants. NOTES FROM A "FRENCH" GARDEN. The Cauliflowers planted on the cloche beds and in the open ground in April having been marketed, the beds have been dug and levelled, and Carrot " Bellot " has been sown broadcast. The seeds have been covered 1 inch deep with well-broken manure. Frequent but light waterings are given to hasten germination. This crop has always been re- munerative when marketed in October, in the same manner as those grown on hot-beds. When the frames from the Melon beds become available for further use, they are set on a piece of open ground, which has been prepared pre- viously, and another batch of Carrot, " Early Parisian," is sown broadcast early in August. This crop follows the Carrot " Bellot " at the end of October, and requires glass protection for 2 or 3 weeks immediately before they are ready for the market. The plants must be cultivated' very thinly to prevent the foliage decaying during wet weather. Tomatos in the open have been sprayed this week for the second time with " Strawsnnite." All the plant; will be stopped by the 25th of this month at the leaf over the last made inflorescence, as the flowers appearing at a later date have only the remotest chance of producing ripe fruits. The ground occupied by Turnips and Carrots in the open in the spring has been prepared for a crop of Beans, " Little Nigra." The seeds are sown in 24 holes at equal distances, in a plot measuring 4 feet 3 inches by 13 feet (size of a frame), 6 to 8 seeds being placed in each hole. The frames will be placed on the ground early in September from the last Melon beds. This crop will be ready in October and November. A first sowing of Spinach will be inserted early next week for autumn use. The winter batch will be sown a fortnight later. The ground for the winter batch of Endives and Batavian Green must be prepared at an early date, so that they will be ready for planting be- tween August 15 and 20. A sowing of Lettuces, " All the Year Round " or " Vauxhall Defiance," has been made this week, and the seedlings will be transplanted into frames 9 inches apart. The lights will be placed on the frames late in Septem- ber. The crop must not be planted where the Let- tuces will be pricked out in October or grown in the early spring, as it is liable to mildew. The Celery, " Chemin," sown in February and planted in the middle of May, at 9 inches apart, is now ready for blanching; this will be effected by spreading mats on the top. Owing to the close planting the blanching will not take more than 6 or 8 days. Before placing the mats the beds must be thoroughly soaked, in order that they may not require any more watering before mar- keting. The Melon plants are now in full bearing. The ventilators must be left open a little at night to prevent the deposit of moisture on the fruits. The fruits must be turned often, especially the big specimens, or they will decay. Should the weather improve the lights may be removed entirely. P. Aquatias. (SHntuarj), George Tubb.— We regret to record the death of .Mr. George Tubb, in his 63rd year, at Minley Manor Gardens, Hampshire. Mr. Tubb has been gardener to three generations of the present owner's family, Laurence Currie, Esq., his period of service extending for upwards of 35 years. During his long service at Minley Manor 'many improvements and alterations were effected in the gardens. A description of these will be found in ill'' Gardeners' Chronicle for December 12, 1891. Deceased was highly esteemed, and his present! will be missed by a large circle of friends. He was a prominent supporter of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. The funeral took place on Monday, the 11th inst., at Cove Church? yard, in the presence of a large concourse of friends. John Bennett Carruthers.— As our pages are passing through the press, we receive news of the death of Mr. J. B. Carruthers. F.R.S.E., F.L.S., Assistant Director of Agriculture at Trinidad, and an occasional contributor to these pages. Deceased was the younger son of Mr. William Carruthers, F.R.S., late Keeper of the Botanical Department of the British Museum. He was 41 years of age, and, previous to taking up the appointment at Trinidad, he filled im- portant positions in Cevlon and the Federated Malay States. DEBATING SOCIETY. STIRLING & DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL.- Ihe members held their second outing of the season on July 9, when a visit was made to Blairdrummond, the feat of Colonel Home Drummond. The party were met bv Mr. Blacklock, the gardener at Blairdrummond, who conducted them through the gardens and grounds. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. Mr. H. Robinson, Outdoor Kitchen and Fruit Foreman at Leonardslee for the past 5 years, under Mr. W. A. Cook, as Gardener to Major K. R. Balfour, Kingston House. ► lorcnester, Dorset. Mr. E. Thavek, recently Gardener to E. W. Barron, Esq., Woodstown, Co. Waterford, and previously for 5 years General Foreman at Eastwell Park, Kent, as Gardener to Bailev-Hawkins, Esq., Stagenhoe Park, Welwyn, Herts. ' July 23, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 71 MARKETS. CO VENT GARDEN, July 20. 'e cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 way in which they are packed, the supply in the market, and the demand, and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but occasionally several times uj one day.— Eds.] Cut Flowers, Ac: Average Wholesale Prices. stromeria, p. dz, bunches ... 3 uvardia 4 I la (see Richardia) [nations, p. doz. bljouis, best American (var.) 1 ■ Carola, special 2 ■ second size ... 1 smaller, per doz. bunches 12 ttleyas, per doz, blooms ... 12 reopsis, p. doz. bunches .. 1 rnflowers, blue, p, dz. bunches 1 white and pink 1 Iphiniums, per dozen bunches chans grandi- tlora, per dozen blooms illardia, p. doz. bunches i rd e n ia s, per dozen ... idiolus, Colvilei " The Bride," per dz. bunches i'sophilaelegans p. dz. bunches aiher (white), per bunch pagerias. white, per dozen miii auratum per bunch candidum longillorum ... lane i f oliuin rubrum Ian ci f o li urn album y of the Valley, p. dz. bunches Cut Foliage, ldiituni cunea- tum, per dozen bunches spar a g us plu- lnosus, long trails, per doz. • medium, doz. bunches - Sprengeri oton leaves, per dozen bunches cas leaves, each ins, per dozen bunches (Eng- lish) - (French) s.d. s.d. 0-4 0 0-6 0 0 — 6-3 0 6-2 0 0 — 0 15 0 0- 1 6 6* 2 0 5 0-60 0-2 6 0 — 6-3 0 0-4 0 0-4 0 0 — 0 — 0-3 6 0 — 6-2 0 6 — 6-2 0 0-8 0 s.d. s.d. 4 0-60 3 0-60 12 0-15 0 9 0-12 0 9 0-12 0 10-20 4 0 — 6 0 — Lily of the Valley, extra quality ... Marguerites, p. dz. bunches white and yellow ... Mignonette, per dozen bunches Od on to glossuiu crispum, per dozen blooms Pelargoniums, show, per doz. bunches — Zonal, double scarlet Poppies, Iceland, per doz. bebes. Richardia alncana (Calla), per dozen... Roses, 12 blooms, Niphetos — Bridesmaid ... — C. Testout ... — K a i seii u A. Victoria — Capt. Hayward — C. Mermet — Liberty — MmeChateuay — Richmond — The Bride ... Scabiosa caucasi- ca, p. doz. bun. Stephanotis, 72 ^ -'pil_ Statice, blue, p. bunches — yellow... — white ... Stocks, per bunches Sweet Peas, per dozen bunches... Tuberoses, p. gross — per doz. blooms Galax leaves, per doz. bunches Hardy foliage (various), per dozen bunches Ivy-leaves, bronze — long trails per bundle — short green, per dz. bunches Moss, per gross ... Myrtle, dz. bchs. (English), small-leaved... — French Smilax.p.dz. trails .dz. doz. s.d. s.d. 9 0-12 0 16-20 2 0-30 2 6-86 3 0 — 3 0-50 10 — 2 0-26 0 9-16 10-16 0 9-16 10-16 10-20 10-16 10-16 10-26 10-16 10-20 4 0-50 10-13 5 0 6 0 4 0-50 4 0-50 16-26 3 0 — 0 4 — s.d. s.d. 16-20 3 0-50 2 0-26 10-20 4 0-50 4 0-60 10-16 2 0-30 s.d. s.d. 5 0-80 Plants In Pots, fitc. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Ficus elastica, per dozen 8 0 — — repens, per dz. 6 0-80 Fuchsias, per dz.... 6 0-90 — standards.each 2 0-40 Grevilleas, per dz. 4 0-60 Heliotrope, per dz. 5 0-60 Hydrangeas hor- tensis, per doz. 9 0-12 0 — pa n i c u 1 a t a grandiflora — 18 0-21 0 Isolepis, per dozen 4 0-60 Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen 18 0-24 0 — Fosteriana, per dozen 18 0-30 0 La,tama borbonica, per dozen ... 15 0-21 0 Lilium longi- florum, per dz. 12 0-15 0 — lancifolium, p. dozen 9 0-10 0 per alia Sieboldii, p. dozen - larger speci- mens - Moseri - larger plants... aucaria excelsa, per dozen - large plants, each , -pidistras, p. dz. green - variegated ... -paragus plumo sus niaus, per dozen - Sprengeri - ten uissimus ilceolarias, yel- low, per doz. ematis, perdz.... - in flower ... 18 0-24 0 dcos Weddelli- ana, per dozen... 18 0-30 0 :>leus, per doz. ... 4 0 — otons, per dozen 12 0-18 0 > perus aUerui- folius, per doz. 4 0-50 - laxus, per doz. 4 0-50 Lionynnis.perdz., in pots 3 0-80 - from the ground 3 0-60 inis; in thumbs, Per 100 8 0-12 0 - in small and large 60's ... 12 0-20 0 " 'n 48's, per dz. 4 0-60 - choicer sorts... 8 0-12 0 - iu ili's, per dz. 10 0-lb 0 9 0-12 0 6 0-80 12 0-18 0 12 0-30 0 3 6-50 15 0-24 0 30 0-42 0 9 0-12 0 9 0-12 0 9 0-12 0 5 0-60 8 0-90 — martagon doz;n ... Lily of the Valley, per dozen Marguerites, white, per dozen Mignonette, per dozen Pelargoniums (show), per doz. — Ivy leaved, per dozen — Zonal Seia^inella, p. doz. Verbena, per doz. 18 0-21 0 5 0-60 4 0-60 8 0-10 0 4 0-60 3 0-40 4 0-60 5 0-70 Remauks There has been a general decline in the demand for plants and flowers, except for a few special subjects, such as Odontoglossums, Cattleyas, and other choice Orchids, which are required for show purposes. Blooms of Lilium longiftorum are arriving in large quanti- ties and their prices are depreciating. Lily of the Valley is a steady supply at 10s. to 12s., and occasionally 15s., per dozen bunches. White Stocks have been a very ready sale as they have been the principal white flowers available for foundation work in floral designs. A. H., Covent Garden, Ju'y 20, WW. Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d- s.d. New Potatos. Apples(Tasmanian), per case : — New York ... 14 0 — — Scarlet Non- pareil 11 6-12 6 — Scarlet Pear- main 12 0 — — Stunner Pippin 14 0 — — French Crao... 10 6 — — Five Crowns... 11 0-11 6 Apricots (French) per box — per case — \ bushel Bananas, bunch: — Doubles — No. 1 „ .. — Extra .. ... — Giant 16-20 5 6-66 12 0-16 0 11 0-12 0 9 0 — 10 0 — ... 12 0-15 0 4 0-56 8 0-90 0 6-10 Red coloured — Red Doubles... — Loose, p. doz. Cherries (English and French), per peck : — 1-lorence ... 10 0-10 0 — French Flap- pers 9 0 10 0 — Flemish ... 9 0-10 0 — May Duke ... 9 0-10 0 -— Elton 12 0 — — Amber Gean... 10 0 - — Bigarreau Na- poleon... — Bigarreau — Black Cherries Currants (French and I per $ sieve ; — Black — Red — pecks Figs, per dozen ... — (Italian), box... Gooseberries, J bus. 4 0-50 — per peck ... 2 6-29 Grape Fruit, case : — 96's \ — KVs [ — 64s f — 54-s ) Grapes (English), per lb. : — Alicante — Madresfield Court — Muscats — Canon Hall ... 8 0-12 0 6 0-10 0 9 0-12 0 6 0-80 4 6-56 2 6-30 2 6-60 2 6 20 0 — 13-19 s.d. s,d. 0 10- 1 6 19 3 0 1 0 6 6 1 6 3 0 3 0 Grapes (English), per lb. : — Hambro — Col mar — Belgian Hambro 0 9 Greengages (Span- ish & Italian), , per box ... 16-26 — per $ sieve ... 12 6 14 0 — per round ... 3 6-39 Lemons : — Messina (160)— 6 0- — Naples (420) ... 21 0 — ,, selected 25 0 — Murcia(30i) ... lu 0 — ,, large .. 12 6 Melons (English)... 1 6 — (i ruernsey) ... — (French >, Can- taloupe, each... — (Spanish), net ted, per case, — 24's — 36s 13 6 15 6 Nectarines, dozen ; — selected — seconds NutS, Almouds, p, bag — Brazils, new per cwt, — sorted — Barcelona, per bag — Cocoa nuts, 100 10 0-14 0 Oranges— — Denia, per case (420) — (714) selected — Murcia (200) ... 16 0-18 0 — (300) 18 0-20 0 Peaches (English) per doz. — seconds Pineapples, each ... — (Florida), per case, 30, 36 Plums, green, J bushel Raspberries (Eng- lish), handle — per cwt. Strawberries, per dozen punnets 4 0-60 — (Kent), per 2 6-36! handle 16-36! Tangerines (Naar- 2 9- 6 0 j jest, per box ... 2 6-50 12 6-13 6 8 0-10 0 l o 6 o 36 0-12 0 48 0 55 0 32 0-34 0 20 0-25 0 24 0-26 0 10 0 — 4 0-60 20-5 0 16 6-20 0 6 0-70 10-16 17 0 — 10-16 16-40 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. i.d. Artichokes(Globe), per dozer. Aubergines, doz.... Beans (English and Chan. Islands), per lb — Broad(French), per pad — per packet Broad Beans (Eng- lish), per bus. Cabbages, tally . Carrots (English), dozen bunches 10-16 — (French), per doz^n bunches 4 0-50 Cauliflowers, ham- per (24-3U) ... — per doz. (large) — Dutch, p. crate Cucumbers, per flat Endive, per dozen Greens, Spring, bag 1 0 — Herbs (sweet), packets, per gross Horseradish, for- per 16 2 0 16-20 0 6-09 2 6-36 0 4-06 2 0 3 0- 4 0-60 2 0 — 36 — 4 6-70 10-26 7 0 eign, new, bundle — 12 bundles Lettuce (English), per bushel — hamper — Cos. per dozen — (French), Cos, per dozen Marrows, per doz. 16-20 18 0-24 0 0 9-16 2 0-30 10 — 16-20 2 6-30 Mint, per dozen bunches Mushrooms, p. lb. — broilers Mustardaud Cress, per dozen pun. Onions (spri ng), dz. bunches — Egyptian, bags — New Spanisn, case Parsley, pr. doz. ... Peas (French), per pad — Middlesex, per bushel — bags Potatos (C hannel Islands), per cwt Radishes (Eng.), p. doz. bunches... Stachys tuberosa, per lb Tomatos — — (English), per dozen lbs. — small selected — seconds — (Guernsey), per dozen lbs. — (Spanish), per case " Fiats " — Plums Turnips, 12 bches. — (French) Watercress, p. dz. bunches s.d. s.d. 2 0 — 10-13 0 10 — 0 6-08 2 0-30 4 0-50 4 0-56 2 0-30 4 6-50 4 0-46 8 0 — 15 0 — 4 0 — 4 0-50 0 6-0 64 Remarks :— Black Currants are a short supply consequent- ly their prices have risen considerably. Cherries are still expensive and poor in quality. English Grapes are a fair market. Some fine bunches of Madrestield Court are to be seen, and the demand is very good ; this Grape generally finds a good market ; Black Hambro' is more plentiful and cheaper. Home-grown scarlet-flesh Melons of good size would meet a good market. Peaches and Nectarines are a little cheaper, but the best-coloured fruits are meeting with a fair demand. Strawberries in pecks have finished, but some good samples are to be obtained in punnets. Rasp- berries are arriving in a wet condition and are much dearer. Tomatos are cheaper. Green vegetables are generally plentiful. Trade on the whole is quiet.— E. H. R., Covent Gajdcn, Wednesday,July 20, 1910. per cwt. s.d. s.d. 3 3-39 3 6-39 per cwt. Kents— s.d. s.d. Bedfords— Sharpe's Express 4 0-46 bpicures Eclipse 4 0-43 May Queens Epicures 3 6-3 9 Lincolns— May Uueens ... 3 9-43 Sharpe's Express Bedfords — Epicures Eclipse 3 6-40 Blacklands Remarks. — Trade continues slow and prices are not good for the time of year. Edward J. Newborn, Covent Garden and St, I'anctas, July 20, WW. 3 9-40 3 3-39 3 3 — THE WEATHER. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending July 10, is furnished from the Meteorological Office: — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The weather.— During the greater part of the week the weather was dry in all districts, but in the south and east of England the sky was often very cloudy. A little rain till in several localities towards the end of the period, and on the evening or night of the 16th thunderstorms were experi- enced on some parts of our southern and south-eastern coasts. The temperature was again below the average in all parts of England, except the north-west, the deficit amounting to about 3J° in England E. and S.E. In Ireland and the north and west of Scotland it exceeded the normal— by more than 2° in Scotland \V.— but in the east of Scotland the mean value was 2 4° below the average. The highest of the maxima were recorded at most stations about the middle of the week, and ranged from 61" in Scotland W. and England N.\V.,and 60" in Scotland E. to 7Sg in England E. and the English Channel, Maxima below 60° were very common in the north and east coasts, at North Shields there was no reading as high as 60J. The lowest of the minima were generally recorded early in the week. In Scotland I. (a I Balmoral on the 11th) the thermometer fell to 31°, but in the other dis- tricts the minima ranged from 40Q in Scotland N. and W. to 44v in England E. and Ireland S., and to 501 in the English Channel. The lowest grass readings were 29° at Balmoral, 33- at Sheffield and Newton Rigg, and 34° at Crathes and West Linton. The rainfall, — Over a large partion of the Kingdom there was either no rain or less than 0 05 inch ; in the south-east, and south a few localities experienced about 0"5 inch withi the thunderstorms noted above. The bright sunshine was much above the average in Ireland, Scotland, and the north-west of England, and slightly above it in England S.W. and the Midland Counties ; in the south,, south-east and east of England, however, there was a great dt-iici ncy. The percentage of the possible duration ranged, from 74 in Ireland N., 69 in England N.W., and 61 in Scotland W. and Ireland S. to 30 in England S.E., 2a in England N.E., and to 25 in England E. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERD'S. Week ending July 20. Anither cold week and the fourth in 'succession.— On the warmest day the temperature in the thermometer screen rose to 72J, which is only about 2° warmer than is season- able, and on the coldest night the exposed thermometer registered a temperature within 4° of the freezing point— a very low reading for the middle of July. The ground is at the present time 2° colder than is seasonable, both at 1 and 2 feet deep. Rain fell to the depth of about a tenth of an inch on the 17th, but previous to that no rain had fallen for nine days. In the early part of the week a few drops of rainwater came through both the soil gauges, but &in.e then there has been no percolation at all through either of them. The sun shone on an average for 5J hours » day, which is an hour a day short of the average duration at this period of the month. On one day the sun shone brightly for 13J hours, but on three others the amounts recorded were less than an h -ur a day. Calms and light airs have alone prevailed during the week, and the direction has been on all but one day some point between north and east. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. exceeded a season- able quantity for that hour by as much as 15 per cent. E. M., "Rosebank," Berkhamsted, July 20, 1910. amfm to brmfoondenk A Greengrocer's Profit : C. M. You ask what profit should result on the sale of £20 worth of fruit and vegetables retailed at ordinary London prices? This is rather a diffi- cult question to answer with any degree of accuracy, as so much depends upon circum- stances. However, assuming that you get good value for your money and there is a ready demand for the produce, you should clear at the least £8 or £10 on your outlay, seeing that fruiterers and greengrocers, as a rule, retail their goods at double the wholesale prices paid for same. There is much wastage in the hand- ling of such perishable goods, and this loss must be made good from the profits on those which are actually sold. Antirrhinum and Iris K.impferi : .S'. A. No trace of injury by fungi or insects can be found on any of the specimens. The injury is the result of unfavourable cultural conditions. 72 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 23, 1910. Calceolaria and Pelargonium : J . P. B. Tk3 disfigurement of which you complain as being similar to scalding, is probably caused by the flowers being sprayed with " water directly before or during brilliant sunshine. There is nothing present that can be interpreted as an indication of disease. Carnation Leander : G. F. The black centre is caused by the fungus, Ustilago antherarum, which has developed in the anthers. This fungus is common in the wild Lychnis, and has probably passed from thence to the cultivated plants. In Lychnis the mycelium of the fungU3 is perennial in the root, and grows up with the plant each year, so that when a plant is once attacked by the disease it remains for life. Plants can only be infected during the seedling stage. Destroy the blooms, and do not propa- gate from plants showing the disease. Carrots : E. C. The maggots do not appear to be present in the roots forwarded, although evidences of the attack exist, and there is little doubt but that the pest is the maggot of the Carrot fly, Psila rosse. The maggots have no legs, and are about \ inch long. When fully fed they go into the earth before enter- ing the pupal stage. The flies are blackish- green, with ochre-coloured head and legs. They lay their eggs in the ground near to the Carrot roots, and it is generally noticed that the plants are mostly attacked by fly directly after they have been thinned. During this process the soil about the roots is loosened. The soil should be so treated before sowing that the plants will be capable of growing quickly and without check. Any thinning that is done should be carried rut before the plants are 2 inches high, and it should be done in damp weather as carefully as possible. Following the process of thinning, a good watering should be afforded if the weather is dry, and a sprinkling of guano or other approved manure, the object being to cause the plants to grow quickly, and thus establish themselves again in the soil. As a preventive it has been found useful to rough- dig the ground at the beginning of winter, and sprinkle gas-lime over the surface until it is quite white; the lime is then "pointed" in about four inches deep. Vaporite might be mixed with the soil as an experiment. Croquet Ground: Juvenile. The particulars you require, together with plans, were given in the Gardeners' Chronicle, for .May 22, 1909, p. 3o6. Disqualification at an Exhibition : IF. B. G. and Doubtful. The literal wording of the schedule would allow of two varieties of a single species being shown, as, for instance, two varie- ties of Pyrethrum roseum or Chrysanthemum indicum. It may be that the judges disquali- fied the Hydrangea arborescens grandiflora on the ground that this species is hardy, and, therefore, inadmissible in a class for 12 bunches of stove and greenhouse flowers. In this lat- ter case there is something to be said for their decision. Examinations in Horticulture: J. A. B. Ex- aminations in horticulture for journeymen gar- deners are held periodically by the Royal Hor- ticultural Society. You had better apply to the secretary of this Society at the Royal Hor- ticultural Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster. Gooseberries: W. W., Holland. The follow- ing dessert varieties may be recommended for the purpose you desire them : — Howard's Lancer (very free bearing, strong grower, ex- cellent flavour), Lancashire Lad, Crown Bob, Whinham's Industry, Broom Girl, Gunner, Keepsake, Leveller, Plough Boy, Rifleman, Thumper, and White Lion. Insects in Cucumber Frame : J. P. Vaporise the frame with one of the nicotine vaporising compounds. Place a little " Vaporite " here and there in the soil. Names of Plants: T. B. B. Trifolium pro- cumbens. This plant will grow almost any- where.— E. F. It is impossible to name the Ferns correctly unless you send better speci- mens.— W. H. Chris/inn. 1, Berberis vulgaris foliis purpureis; 2, Cotoneaster Simonii ; 3, ^Esculus flava ; 4, Cryptomeria japonica ; 5, Escallonia macrantha ; 6, Desfontainia spinosa ; 7, Cryptomeria japonica elegans ; 8, Cephalo- r taxus pedunculatus. — 0., Wilts. Crataegus tanacetifolia.— C. IF. 5, Collinsia bicolor.— It. P. B. -Egopodium podagraria (Gout Weed).—/. E. J. Chrysanthemum leucanthe- mum variety.— A. M. Brachycome iberidifolia. J. U. We cannot undertake to name varieties of Roses. Send them to some grower who has means of comparing them with a named col- lection.— C. A. Centranthus ruber.— O. R. C. 1, Oncidium triquetrum ; 2, 0. pumilum ; 3, Aerides multiflorum ; 4, Odontoglossum glorio- sum.— B. H. 1, Blechnum occidental ; 2, Adi- antum tenerum ; 3, Lastrea varia ; 4, Woodsia alpina. — E. E. K. This is the common horse- tail (Equisetum arvense). It is a most difficult plant to eradicate, because it is impossible to pull out the roots, which break off very easily. A good remedy is to trench the ground and pick out every bit of root that can be found. We have seen an instance of a piece of ground being almost cleared of the weed by sowing it down with Barley and Clover. These crops had the effect of stifling much of the Horse Tail. Peach: S. T. N. The variety of Peach is Royal George. Thanks for sending good specimens, properly packed. Refuse from Candle Manufacture : II'. L. S. Bone-black, as received from the sugar re- fineries, contains the impurities gathered there, consisting chiefly of vegetable matter and mois- ture. It is somewhat variable in composition, containing from 32 to 36 per cent, of phosphoric acid, 38 per cent, of lime, and a small amount of nitrogen. Its decomposition in the soil is slow, and it is not now used to any great extent directly as a manure, because soluble phosphate can be produced more economically from mineral phosphates. After the bone-black has been used in the manufacture of candles, and has absorbed large quantities of fat, it becomes almost useless as a manure, the fat being de- cidedly injurious to all plant life. Wagner re- commends the extraction of the fat by means of petroleum, but this is scarcely practicable for amateurs. Another plan is to burn the bone- black which will destroy the fat, but leave the phosphoric acid and lime uninjured, when it can be used as manure at the rate of from 3 to 4 cwts. per acre. About five tons of farmyard or stable manure is recommended each year to a quarter acre of land ; in your case, the soil being heavy and poor, the manure should be applied in the winter so as to be well incorporated with the soil before the spring sowing of crops. Rose Leaves: //. G., F. E. S. <£• Co., and /,'■ ider. The leaves are disfigured with " black blotch," caused by the fungus Antion- mema rosa;. It is not a very destructive disease, but its presence is objectionable owing to the disfigurement the blotches cause to the foliage. It appears to be very common just now. Spray the plants at intervals of three days with 1 ounce of liver of sulphur in 2 gal- lons of water. Rose Marechal Niel : W. H. II'., Sheffirld. The specimens are insufficient for us to deter- mine the cause of the trouble. Scum on Ponds : B. G. C. and G. L. The Bor- deaux mixture may be sprayed on to the sur- face of the pond, repeating the operations after the elapse of several weeks if necessary. To commence, only use it at about half strength, so as not to injure the aquatic plants. Fish that may be in the water will suffer no injury, if the operation is carried out with care. Seeds of Heather and Ling : IF. E. The best time to sow seeds of Heather and Ling is in April or early in May. The seeds may be sown on prepared ground out of doors in the same manner as grass seed, except that no rolling is necessary afterwards. The ground should be moist without being wet, and be raked down as fine as possible. Care must be taken that every weed is cleared off-the ground before sow- ing, as it will be some considerable time before the seedlings are large enough to be cleaned through. At the same time a few pans or boxes of seeds can be raised under glass to fill up any bare spaces that may occur. In two years a good crop of young plants can be raised. Seedsmen in New York : /. M. You may write to either of the following firms: — John Lewis Childs, Floral Park; Siebrecht & Son, New Rochelle and New York City, 569, Fifth Avenue; Peter Henderson & Co., 35, Cort- landt Street, New York ; J. M. Thorburn, 33, Barclay Street; Ellwanger & Barry Nursery Co., Rochester. Suitability of Essex Soil to the Growth op Fruit-trees: Fruilsoil. The soil prevailing in most of the agricultural districts in Essex ig admirably adapted to the growth of fruit trees being of a heavy, rather than light, loamy nature. If a proper quantity of stable or farm- yard manure is added to it when preparing holes for the reception of the young trees, the land is well calculated to yield satisfactory crops of fruit. If you contemplate devoting the spare land referred to in your note, exclu- sively to the growth of Apples and Plums, with a few Pears, then bush trees will be the most suitable and profitable form of tree to grow, inasmuch as they are less ex- posed than are standard trees to the wind; moreover, less labour is incurred in the gathering of the fruit in autumn. You should pay a visit to Orsett, near Grays, or Eastwood, near Southend-on-Sea, where you may see good examples of fruit growing 'for profit on a fairly extensive scale. In addition to the established orchards others are now being formed in almost every parish where land is available for the purpose. The most profitable varieties of Apples to grow in the district are Warner's King, Lane's Prince Albert, Ecklinville Seedling, Bramley's Seed- ling, Stilling Castle, Newton Wonder, Peas- good's Nonesuch, Bismarck, Annie Elizabeth, Gascoyne's Scarlet, Lord Grosvenor, Lord Derby, Emperor Alexander, Cellini, Keswick, Codlm, Cox's Pomona, Beauty of Bath, Cox's Orange Pippin, King of the Pippins, and Worcester Pearmain. The following varieties of Plums are recommended for market culture : Victoria, Monarch, Pond's Seedling, Sultan, Goliath, Jefferson and Washington. Ex- cellent market Pears include Williams's Bon Chretien, Clapp's Favourite, and Beurre d'Amanlis. Tomato : IF. ,/. IF. The fruits are affected with Tomato Black Rot, caused by the fungus Macrosporium Tomato. Remove all fruits that exhibit symptoms of disease, and bum them at once. Spray the plants occasionally with potassium sulphide, especially when they are setting their fruits. Open the ventilators and renew the air of the house whenever the weather is favourable, being careful also to avoid having too much moisture in the atmosphere. This" fungus be- longs to the same species that causes leaf-curl in Potatos (.Macrosporium solani), and culti- vators should therefore be careful to avoid using soil taken from the Tomato house for cul- tivating Potatos, or soil in which Potatos have grown for the cultivation of Tomatos. Wallflowers: Mr. S. It is unnecessary to pinch seedling Wallflowers for flowering next year. If you wish to pinch them, let the pinching be completed during the present month. The young plants should be pricked out from their seed-beds on to a well-prepared piece of ground in the open, allowing a dis- tance of 15 inches between the rows and 12 inches from plant to plant. Make the ground very firm and apply a thorough watering after the planting is done. The plants should be ready for lifting again in autumn and trans- planting to the positions where they will flower. Woodlice: H. G. Traps may be prepared by hollowing out pieces of Potato, Turnip. &c, and putting the pieces, hollow side downwards, in the haunts of this pest. If the baits are ex- amined each morning it will generally be found that they contain woodlice, which should be destroyed and the baits replaced. Similar baits may be poisoned, if desired, by soaking them in Paris Green or white arsenic. There are also several effective proprietary remedies on the market. Steiner's " Vermin Paste " should be mixed with barley meal or middlings and put on pieces of glass, wood, or tin, and then placed in the haunts of the woodlice. This remedy has been found very effective by some of our correspondents. Communications Received.— H. Rabjohn.— F. B — A. A- B.— J. D —P. J. K.-F. J.— W. W.— T. S.— W. E. B. — F. M.-W. M. W.-Chloiis-W. F.— C. J. FJ.-J. K., Mlltenbevg-W.A.G.M.I.S. — E. Y.— Nicotine - 8. A.— W. J. B.-C. H.-F. W. V.— B. G.— W.-R. P. B.-H.S.B. —J. I.— F. J. C— F. C— C. A.— W. E.-G. L.— J. S.— F.. C.-A. B.-F. W.-C. C- J. D. G.-B. L.- D. M. C- W. E. G.-F. B— R. F.— Miss B. Y.-J. M K.— C. 8.— J. C.-W. R.-T. C— J. H. T.-J. L-.-J. P.- H. H.- H.C.-W. E.-A. B.-T. E.-K. B.-H. J. C.-R. W.- Rev. T. A. H.— J. H. B.— D. W. C. H.— A. B.— T.C. > Supplement to the " Gardeners' Chronicle." TlJLIPA HOOGIANA, A NEW SPECIES FROM BOKHARA. PERIANTH SEGMENTS, BRILLIANT-RED WITH BLACK BLOTCH BORDERED WITH ORANGE. Printed by Temple Press Ltd., London, E.C. July 30, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 73 THE <§mbmtx% €\)Xttnult No. 1,331— SATUBDAY, July 30, 1910. CONTENTS. Books, notices of — The Book of the Flower Show 75 The Book of the Rose 74 Cattleya Mendelii "Stuart Low" 87 Coniferte, the natural history of 73 Florists and Factory Acts 84 Flower show schedule, historic 87 Forestry at the Highland Society's Show 88 Fruit crops, report on the condition of the out-door 77 Fruit year, a bad 82 Gladiolus brenchleycnsis 83 Hymenocallis Harrisiana 75 Incarvillea grandillora... 88 International Horticul- tural Exhibition, 1913 74 Iris tingitana 87 Kalanchoe flamraea ... 76 Labour problem, the ... 87 Land, the cultivation of vacant 84 Laud valuation, the new 75 Nigeria, southern, plants of 84 Obituary — Kegeljan, Ferdinand... 92 Oxlip 87 Philadelphus 88 Pink, Sweet William ... 88 Poisons, the sale of ... 83 Primrose, origin of the double 88 for Rosary, the — Cultural notes August Schedule, historic flower show Societies — Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural .. Dunfermline Durham, Northumber- land and Newcastle Hort. and Bot. Liverpool Horticultural 89 National Carnation & Pico tee (southern section) Nottingham Horticul- tural and Botanical Rayleigh & Dist. Hort. Royal Horticultural ... (Scientific Committee) Yorkshire Sweet Pea . Strawberry season, the .. Supplementary illustra- tion, our Trees and shrubs— Cytisus monspessula- nua Cytisus nigricans Genista eethnensis ... Genista sagittalis Week's work, the — Flower garden, the ... Fruits under glass Hardy fruit garden, the Kitchen garden, the ... Orchid houses, the ... Plants under glass ... 90 90 ILLUSTRATIONS. Flower Market in the Grand' Place, Brussels (Supple- mentary Illustration) Hymenocallis Harrisiana 75 Nigeria, Southern, the silk cotton tree in ... 84 Pandanus with adventitious roots in Southern Nigeria 85 THE NATURAL HISTORY OF CONIFERS. CONIFERS are distinguished from other flowering plants growing in this country by the simplicity of their flowers and fruit; for the seeds are not lodged in any closed seed-chamber (ovary), though in some cases (e.g., Pines and Spruces) they may be concealed from view by- means of the overlapping scales of the woody cones. But nearly all conifers also differ widely in habit from the majority of trees growing side by side with them in our gardens, parks, and woodlands, since they have small, narrow, stiff or leathery, evergreen leaves. To this rule there are ex- ceptions in that the Monkey-puzzle (Araucaria imbricata) possesses broader leaves, while the Larch and trees belonging to three rarer genera have soft leaves that are shed each year. It is not only in cold-temperate Europe, Asia, and North America that forests of evergreen conifers occur, for they are also found in warm-temperate or even tropical lowland sites, and are represented even in arctic regions or at alpine heights by low bushes or isolated pygmy trees. We naturally ask the question, " Apart from conifers and their allies, where are evergreen trees found?" The answer is that broad-leaved, evergreen trees occur mainly in warm-temper- ate climates with winter rain and summer -drought, such as prevail in Mediterranean countries and California, abo in tropical cli- mates with very heavy annual rainfall that is scarcely or not at all interrupted by a dry season. The thousands of species of evergreen, broad-leaved trees of the equatorial forests are represented in England by only two — the Holly and the Box. Why, then, should ever- green conifers flourish and form forests in our cold-temperate climate ? Why should they have evergreen leaves p And why should those leaves be narrow and stiff, instead of being broad and flexible ? To these questions various answers have been given from time to time. On all hands, it has been admitted that the ancestors of all conifers had evergreen leaves. Evergreen conifers have merely retained cha- racters handed down through endless genera- tions. The Larch, Marsh Cypress (Taxodium). and Pseudolarix, which possess deciduous leaves, are the representatives that have adopted a new policy and a new habit. Much more difficult to explain are the pro- blems relating to the form and texture of the leaves, and linked with these is the question, " Why did not conifers follow the fashion pre- vailing in cold-temperate regions by becoming deciduous?" One explanation put forward to account for the shapes of the conifer leaves was that, since the leaves are evergreen, conifers are especially liable to be overladen with snow in winter. Such overloading endangers the life of the tree in two ways: First, directly, by causing the tree to be overturned; second, by causing breakage or rupture of the branches, and thus occasioning wounds through which many tree-destroying fungi gain entrance. There is one strong objection to this explanation, namely, that many kinds of conifers, though thev live only in regions where snow occurs rarely or never, yet they possess foliage of the typically conifer type. The stiff texture and the thick imper- meable nature of the skin of the leaves were formerly interpreted as being devices by which the leaves derived protection against severe frosts. And, in support of this inter- pretation, it was pointed out that the Holly and Box tree?, which retain their leaves during winter, have the same stiffness and the same thickness of skin. But against this explana- tion is the fact that many conifers with stiff and narrow leaves find their homes solely in places where the winter is mild and is possibly the season most favourable to the active work- ing of the tree. This plausible explanation links itself with the next theory, which explained the form and structure of the leaves on the ground that they serve to guard against a danger that is caused sometimes by cold and sometimes by other agencies — lack of available water. We do not thoroughly understand why plants die from cold. (Some interesting considerations on the question were offered in the columns of the Gardeners' Chronicle of January 8, 1910). It is often true that death from cold is in reality death from want of water. However cold the weather may be, evapora- tion can go on rapidly, as it often does in the arctic winter, so that a plant possessing leaves during winter is exposed to the danger of losing much water from their surfaces. But, during our cold winter, as the soil becomes colder and colder, the roots, deep and shallow alike, absorb water with increasing difficulty and in decreasing quantities (though it is a mistake to suppose that the deep roots entirely cease to absorb). Consequently, if they are to avoid desiccation at this se;i^ u, the trees must decrease their evaporation by throwing off the leaves that are the main ve- hicles by which the water is transpired, or they must possess leaves that transpire very slowly or not at all in winter. Hardy ever- green conifers possess leaves of the latter kind. Their " needles " are small, narrow, and usually relatively thick, so that each leaf pre- sents only a small evaporating surface. More- over, each leaf has a thick skin (epidermis and often hypoderrna), whose thick walls form a nearly impermeable barrier to the outward passage of water, and are incidentally re- sponsible for the stiffness of evergreen conifer- ous foliage. And even where there are open- ings (stomata) in the skin (epidermis) these are sunk below the level of the surface, and are thus withdrawn from the drying influence of air currents. Finally, in winter — at least when the cold is severe — the stomata are blocked more or less completely. Thus the Larch has soft, flexible foliage because its leaves are not compelled to withstand the dry- ing influence of the winter. Similarly the deciduous kinds of Cherry and Oak have thin- ner leaves than the evergreen species, such as Cherry Laurel and Portugal Laurel, and Holm-oak. These facts now give us a clue to the stiffness of the foliage of the two broad- leaved evergreen British trees — the Box-tree and Holly. Thus, in cold-temperate regions, the shed- ding of foliage is a device largely or exclusively designed to avert the danger of being parched to death. Here the danger arises, not through lack of moisture in the soil, hut through the coldness of the latter and the consequent par- tial or complete inability of the roots to absorb the water that may be abundant. In tropical regions that are characterised by a markedly hot, dry season, the majority of trees shed their leaves, and probably rather with the same general object in view than to avoid the scorching sun. But, in this case, the danger of desiccation arises from the excessive rapidity of evaporation in the dry season, and from the scantiness of the amount of water present in the soil at that season. Percy Groom, D.Sc. (To be continued.) THE ROSARY. CULTURAL NOTES FOR AUGUST. The Wichuraiana Roses are flowering splen- didly. William Allen Richardson Noisette is also in wonderful form, and against a fence or on standards the flowers are very striking. The season on the whole, with the frequent showers, is favourable for budding, and there is nothing to be gained by delaying the completion of this work. The remaining stocks of the seed- ling and cutting briars can now be dealt with. The Manettii and De la Grifferse stocks can be left till the last ; the buds should be inserted well down under the ground line. All Roses out of flower should be cut back two or three buds, not as I have seen done in some cases, the shoots merely half severed. The pillar and rambler varieties must be tied in as the growths lengthen to prevent them from being damaged by strong wind and autumn gales. I should have remarked before that it is not well to shorten the shoots of briar stock which have been budded, until there is a certainty of the bud having 74 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 30, 1910. " taken." If the ties are cutting into the bark, slacken them, as it is too early yet to remove them altogether. A surface mulch of half-spent manure is in- valuable for all Roses in dry, hot weather, as it lessens the need for watering. Now is a good time to increase desirable kinds by layering out- of-doors the shoots of dwarf Roses. The outer, best-matured shoots are the most suitable for the purpose. The soil should be well loosened and some sandy grit, leaf-mould and ballast mixed in at a depth of nearly 1 foot. Cut out a sloping trench 9 inches to 1 foot deep, make an incision 1 inch long half-way through the bottom of the shoot, and press it down carefully against the side of the trench, which will leave half the shoot exposed above ground. Fill in the trench and tread the ground quite firm, then apply a good soaking of water, well mulch the surface soil, and fix each layer upright to a stake to keep it in position. Dwarf Roses which have been pegged down, should have the old wood cut away when they have ceased to flower, so as to encourage the growth of the long shoots proceeding from the middle of the plant, which furnish the flowering shoots for next year. Keep the ground well stirred with the hoe. The Tea-scented and China Roses in pots that were forced and have been standing out-of-doors should now be overhauled, with a view to preparing them for removing indoors. Any that were potted in the spring will only require a good top-dressing of turfy loam, decaj d manure and bone-dust, first removing the upper- most of the old soil. The drainage must be made efficient, and some pieces of charcoal, mixed with the crocks, will keep the Boil sweet and the roots healthy. Any plants that require a shift into larger pots should have the old soil shaken from their roots and put into clean pots, using a few knobs of charcoal and 1-inch bones for drainage. The compost may consist of two-thirds fibrous loam, and one third rotten manure, leaf- mould and sharp sand. Pot firmly with a potting stick and place the plants outside until October, when they can be taken into a cool, light house. If any of the plants are weak and stunted, it is best to return them to pots of the same si/.'' ; they must not be over-potted. After one thorough good soaking, newly-potted plants should be kept rather drier at the root, but they in iy be given a light syringing overhead occasionally to assist root action. Pot Roses which were propagated by grafts and cuttings during autumn and spring and plunged outside ar-3 now making splendid growths, and, having been well disbudded, are healthy and vigorous. They will be in grand condition later on for flowering in autumn and winter. J . I). C. TREES AND SHRUBS. CYTISUS MONSPESSULANUS. This is a variety of Broom that is very little known. It is a tall-growing, vigorous plant from the south of Europe, and is hardier than might be supposed from its habitat. It will probably be found to succeed anywhere in the southern half of the kingdom, but would hardly be suitable for the midlands and north. Like all the other Brooms, it requires an open, sunny situation and a light, fairly dry soil. The comparatively stout stems are densely hairy and clothed with alter- nate, nearly sessile, trifoliate leaves, the indi- vidual leaflets being rather less than an inch long, and they are covered with short, fine hairs. The stems and leaves become nearly, or quid', glabrous in the second year. The golden-yellow flowers open in May, and are borne on short, axillary stems in clusters of four or five. They are followed by small pods from one inch to two inches long, which ripen freely, and yield plenty of good seedi The seed germinates readily and is the best and easiest method of propagation. The species will probably attain a height of 10 feet or so with age, as some four-year-old plants we have at Bagshot have already attained a height of 5 feet. CYTISUS NIGRICANS. This is a native of the southern parts of Cen- tral Europe, being fairly abundant in Austria. It forms an upright bush from 2 feet to 3 feet in height, with slender, twiggy stems, terminated by upright spikes of yellow flowers in July and August. This Broom blooms at a time when out- door flowers are becoming scarce, and a clump has a fine effect. C. nigricans is easily grown, and thrives well in a dry, sunny spot. An annual cutting-back in spring keeps this plant in good condition and also conduces to good flowering. It is easily propagated by seeds, which are pro- duced freely. GENISTA ^THNENSIS. This species is a native of the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily. In a young state it is a thin, ungainly-looking plant, but looks at its best and blooms to perfection when it has attained a good height and size. When fully developed, it reaches a height of 12 feet or more, with thin, whip-like, arching or pendulous branches, bearing a few small, scattered leaves. The best place for this Broom is in a mixed shrubbery, where its bare, lower stems are hidden by other subjects, and its bright yellow flowers can be shown up by a dark background in July and August. Propagation should be by seeds. GENISTA SAGITTALIS. A dwaef, spreading plant, barely a foot high, and bearing short, terminal spikes of bright yel- low flowers in June. The main stems spreajd horizontally, but the growths spring upright from them, so that the flowers are displayed to the best advantage. The stems art winged, each wing being terminated by an ovate lanceolate leaf rather less than an inch long. The species is essentially one for the rockery, or a dry, sunny bank, which it soon covers if the plants are set out about 2 feet apart. It is easily raised from seed. J. Clark, Bagshot, Surrey. INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXHIBITION, 1912. The following particulars have been issued by Mr. R. Hooper Pearson, hon. Press Secretary for the International Horticultural Exhibition, 1912: The Executive Committee formed for the purpose of organising and holding a great Inter- national Horticultural Exhibition in London in the spring of 1912 is composed of the following members : — Chairman, J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., J. P. ; hon. treasurer, Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., J. P., V.M.H., and E. Beckett. Y.M.H., E. A. Bowles, M.A., W. A. Bilney, J. P.. Win. Cuthbertson, J. P. C. R. Fielder, John Green, Jas. Hudson, V.M.H., F. J. Hanbnry, A. G. Jackman, A. Kingsmill. Henry B. May, C. G. A. Nix. George Paul, V.M.H., C. Harman Payne, R. Hooper Pearson, Sir Albert K. Rollit, J.P., LL.D., D.C.L., Litt.D. T. A. H. Rivers, N. N. Sherwood, V.M.H., A. W. Sutton, V.M.H., A. Turner, H. J. Veitch, V.M.H., R. W. Wallace, Rev. W. Wilks, M.A. The hon. sec. is Mr. Edward White (of Milner, Son & White), 7, Victoria Street, Westminster, S.W. This committee is now holding frequent meet- ings and doing everything possible to push for- ,ward the necessary arrangements. Appeals will shortly be distributed setting forth the privileges which the committee pro- poses to grant to subscribers and guarantors. The exhibition will be held in May, and will be open to the public on eight week days. It is proposed that the prices of admission shall vary between two guineas on the opening day, and one shilling on the later days of the exhibition. Although in no way responsible for the exhibi- tion, the Royal Horticultural Society is extend- ing its general approval to the scheme. This Society has not only agreed to forego the holding of the usual Temple Flower Show for that year, but it has also contributed a sum of £1,CC0 towards the International Exhibition, and in addition is prepared to assist generously in the formation of a guarantee fund. An ideal site for the exhibition will probably be secured in the south-west of London. A preliminary schedule will soon be ready for prospective exhibitors, as the Schedule Committee is meeting frequently and sitting long for the purpose of getting out an early edition. This first edition will not contain the money prizes for each class; its main purpose will be to acquaint exhibitors in England, the Colonies, and foreign countries with the details of the classes included in this, the most embracing schedule of horticultural exhibits ever compiled in this country. The amount of prize money will very far exceed the sum awarded at the International Exhibition of 1866, when £1,600 was expended on prizes. Arrangements are being made for establishing territorial committees in the counties, and' the secretaries of these committees will shortly be appointed. Already the committee has.obtained the highest patronage for the International Show, including their Majesties the King and Queen and their Royal Highnesses the Duke of Connaught, Prince and Princess Christian, Princess Louise and others. NOTICES OF BOOKS. The Book of the Rose.* The late Rev. Foster-Melliar was a Rosarian of the old school. He grew Roses because he loved them and loved to exhibit them, taking a pride in cups and medals and other prizes that he ob- tained as a result of his skill in growing these flowers. His book, the first edition of which was published in 1894, was written, as he tukl us, lui enthusiasts, for those who made a regular hobby of Roses, for those who valued the indi- vidual flower of the Rose and whose idea was not the Rose for the garden, but the garden for the Rose. He believed that Rose-growing as a hobby was particularly adapted for gentlemen, and especially for country parsons. But the exhibition qualities of a flower, be it a Rose or a Chrysanthemum, are not often those which gardeners value most ; indeed, prize flowers, like prize pigs or prize poultry, are only obtainable as the result of much worry and hard work, to which the art of the dresser has also sometimes to be added. A tray of exhibition Roses is ugly in comparison with a well-flowered Rose bush on a lawn in June or July. For Roses are beautiful summer-flowering shrubs, and we are glad to see that this is now being generally recognised. The garden for the Rose certainly, but let the Rose display its real charms there and not as an individual flower pegged down on a tray. The fourth edition of Mr. Foster Melliar's book has been revised by the Rev. F. Page Roberta and Mr. H. E. Miilyueux, who inform us in the pre- face that the book was originally written for the exhibitor, and, whilst they evidently are not in full sympathy with the author, they have thought it best to restrict their alterations and additions to footnotes, except the chapter on " Manners and Customs," and the lists of Roses. Foster-Melliar loved the hybrid perpetuals be- cause he knew comparatively little of the newer and. in many ways, far superior hybrid Ti is. These Roses make the garden gay, not merely for * MacMillan & Co. Ptice 6s'. Jult 30, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 75 a week or two, but all the summer through, and often on until December and January. The first chapter of this new edition is a memoir of the author, the rector of Sproughton, in Essex, in which capacity Mr. Foster-Melliar lived and grew his Roses for about 20 years. He died in November, 1904. The remaining chapters are pretty much as they were origin- ally written, and, in looking through them, we were fired by the enthusiasm and filled with admiration for the great practical knowledge dis- played by the author. History and Classification ; Situation and Soil; Planting; Pruning; Propa- gation; Exhibiting, and Manners and Customs are each treated upon in the spirit of one who knows his subject and is in love with it. The lists or selections of sorts have been brought up to date by the editors. There is also a calendar of operations in the Rose garden. The illustra- tions are chiefly from photographs of representa- tive Roses, and the frontispiece is a characteristic portrait of the author, who was, what he there appears to be, one of the most lovable of men. II'. The Book of the Flower Show.* Those who are acquainted with the series of gardening books, of which this is the latest, need not to be told that the volumes are not of equal importance. The Book of the Flower Show, it may be remarked at once, . if not the most important, is at least a notable addition to the list to which it has just been added. In some respects it were to be desired that the author had assumed a more authoritative tone than he has, and had been more definite in some things to which reference will be made later, because a book of this nature, it it is to have the fullest value, must have a precision that admits of no room for doubt on the part of the reader. Full directions for compiling rules for flower shows, with examples obviously extracted from those of existing horticultural societies, are given, with warnings regarding the shoals that are most likely to wreck or damage the craft once it is launched. Mr. Curtis truly remarks that the moving spirit must always be the secre- tary, who has it in his power to stimulate en- thusiasm for his society, or, on the contrary, to damp every bit of energy its members ever possessed. One could have wished that more had been written regarding the critical part of the subject, the duties of the judges, and also their powers in the matter of disqualifying which are sometimes carried beyond the necessity of the case. But this, perhaps, can best be judged by local circumstances. I have found it conducive to easy working, and at the same time to serve e\ery good purpose, to request the judges to pass without notice any exhibit which clearly fails to conform to rule, or which may verge on the con- fines of fraud. A larga-part of the present volume is occupied with a discussion of the exhibition points tf flowers, fruits, and vegetables, with brief hints regarding the kind of thing not to stage. It is here, and particularly in the section devoted to flowers, that the author is less lucid, and too much given to generalise than the case demands. Definitions such as "good," " full," " large size," " great depth," and " shapely flowers " occur, and though, in a general way, people who are acquainted with the flowers to which these ex- pressions refer may not go far astray in seeking for their meaning, it is obvious that they give no indication whatever of what is essential in the flowers. What, for instance, is " good size " in a China Aster or " great depth " in a quilled Aster ! I should have liked, too, when the ques- tion of dressing flowers was approached, that it should have been squarely met. One cannot imagine a cultivator of scarcely any kind of garden-produce for exhibition who does not in some way or other manipulate it so as to make 'The Book of t lie Flower Shnv. By Charles H. Curtis. (London: John Lane.) Handbooks of Practical Gardening. Edited by Harry Roberts. Price 2s. 6d. net. it look more attractive than it would be were it left alone. It is possible to rebel against the superlative" ordering of the petals of a Car- nation by an accomplished master of the art of flower-dressing without deprecating the re- moval of petals which are disfiguring to a bloom ; to be horrified by the taste that calmly produces a nicely formed African Marigold by the aid of a pair of scissors, without feeling qualms if the same flowers are rendered smooth by the extraction of aborted and misplaced florets. One might go a step further and remark that every cultivator " dresses " the object of his daily attention. The difficulty with the ex- hibitor is to find the point where legitimate dress- ing passes into that against which the ordinary mind recoils. Mr. Curtis entertains very strong views on labelling — too strong, I should venture to assert, when its incompleteness would affect the results in judging. One can understand and sympathise with the spirit of a rule that would penalise by the reduction of prize money slackness in label- ling, but that it should affect the proper placing of the produce on its merits would be absurd. In village shows, it is too much even to expect 1 I .. 2,S. — HYMENOCALLIS HARRISIANA FLOWERING IN CAMBRIDGE BOTANIC GARDEN. labelling, at least at the present stage of exhibit- ing Those interested will find in Mr. Curtis's book many hints and much information regarding everything connected with the subject of which it treats. It is illustrated, but not effectively. B. P. Brotherston. HYMENOGALLIS HARRISIANA. The illustration in fig. 28 represents a distinct species of Hymenocallis, and the only one I know that can be grown out-of-doors in a border. In the Cambridge Botanic Garden, where the photo- graph was taken, it has been an ornamental plant for some years past, growing in a narrow border in one of the recesses between the houses. It forms a close tuft, and flowers early in July. The bulbs are globose, about I5 inches in diameter; the leaves are oblanceolate, narrowing to the base but not petiolate, 2 feet long and about 2i inches broad; the scape is about as long as the leaves, and bears an umbel of from 2-8 flowers, with two or three large, scarious spathe valves ; the p;rianth tube is about 3 inches long, and is green for about I inch of that length, then shading off to white; the segments are linear about 3 inches long ; the staminal cup is funnel-shaped, comparatively small, 5 inch long, very plicate, about 3 inches ii diameter at the throat, and with a small tooth between the filaments ; the filaments are lj inches long; the anthers slender and versatile, about ^ inch long. The species is a native of Mexico, and I have two forms, one with a perfectly green leaf and the other with a leaf distinctly glaucous. The flowers are very ornamental when cut. The species is figured in Botanical Magazine, 1881, tab. 6562, from specimens received from Colonel Trevor Clarke and Mr. Elwes, but it was origin- ally described by Dean Herbert from specimen! imported about the year 1840 by T. Harris, of Kingsbury, after whom it was named. B. Irwin Lynch. THE NEW LAND VALUATION. The preliminary steps for the official valuation of all land, as directed by the Finance Act, 1910, are now practically completed, and on August 1 forms will be sent out containing a list of ques- tions which have to be answered by every person owning a piece of land however small. It is un- derstood that no fewer than 3£ million forms have been printed, and owners of land have to return their forms duly filled in within 30 days, under a penalty of £60. Replying to a question upon this subject recently, the Chancellor of the Exchequer stated that he did not anticipate that the officials would strictly enforce the penalties in the case of those persons who might be away for their summer holiday during the month of August ; but no actual pledge was given, and it would therefore be unwise to rely too confidently upon the indulgence of the Somerset House authorities. Universal Valuation. It does not appear to be fully understood by the general public that every piece of land is to be officially valued (as on April 30, 1909), irre- spective of whether or not it may be exempt for the moment either from Increment Value Duty or Undeveloped Land Duty, or both these bur- dens : such is, nevertheless, the case. The effect of this valuation may be very far-reaching, and, for this reason, great caution should be exercised in filling up the details required by the valuation forms. Practically, it will be necessary to deal with each individual case on its merits, the peculiarities of the Act being such as to render it impossible to lay down any fixed rules for general guidance. Some Considerations. For instance, Increment Duty may be charge- able in respect of a piece of land, even though no claim for Undeveloped Land Duty arises. In such a case, the first impulse of the owner will probably be to press for as high a valuation as possible, so that, if the land should rise in value at some future date, the State's share of one- fifth of any such future increase may be kept down to the lowest possible figure. It does not necessarily follow, however, that such a course would ultimately prove advantageous to the owner, because, in the first place, the official valuation will probably prove the basis upon which the Death Duties are estimated (in addition to Increment Duty) in the event of the owner's death. Furthermore, it is understood that next year a strong effort will be made to levy all local rates on the capital value of the land instead of upon the annual value of the premises as, hitherto, and a private. Bill for this purpose, which may be officially adopted, has already been brought before Parliament. An owner who is advanced in years might, therefore, consider it wise to run the risk of pay- ing a large Increment Duty and to press for the valuation to be kept as low as possible, so that, in the event of his death, the burden of Death Duties might not bear too heavily upon his wife and children. Even, however, if he adopted that course he would still find himself confronted with the possibility of serious danger, as the Chancellor of the Exchequer has already sug- gested that the official land valuation might ulti- mately be made the basis of the price to be paid either by the State or by local authorities if they should require to purchase the land for the pur- poses of the community, or if the State should wish to buy up the land for the purpose of re- creating rural industries. It will be obvious, I 0 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 30, 1910. therefore, that those who have invested their savings in a piece of land, however small, can- not afford to answer with indifference the official questions which are about to be put to them. A trader who carries on business as a limited company will be confronted with a somewhat different problem from that which faces a private individual. He will not be faced with the diffi- culty arising in connection with the Death Duties, as his Will would deal with shares in a limited company, and not with an " interest in land " within the meaning of the Act. He would, however, have to bear in mind that, in the year 1914. and in every subsequent 15th year, the land owned by his company will be valued afresh, and, in most instances, the State will claim one- fifth of any increase in value of the land since April 30, 1909, less the usual margin of 10 per cent, to cover expenses, possible fluctuations in price, &c. This, of course, is in addition to the universal valuation of " undeveloped land " to be made every five years. A fresh set of considerations arises where the land is used for the purpose of agriculture <>r horticulture, especially if the land has any addi- tional value by reason of its being either wholly or partially ripe for building purposes. In the case of horticultural land, a claim for Un- developed Land Duty will usually arise, and, looking at the matter from this point of view, it might be wise to keep the official valuation as low as possible, having regard to the fact that the duty starts as from April 30, 1909, at one halfpenny in the pound on the capital or selling value of the land, and that this duty is not only payable every year, but will probably be in- creased in the near future. Here again, how- ever, the owner of the land is confronted with the danger of having to pay a larger amount by way of Increment Duty, coupled with the addi- tional risk of having hi6 land taken from him compulsorily, either by the State or the local authority, at the low valuation in question. If the land is likely to be used for building in the near future, it will usually be wise to press for a high original valuation, as it will be cheaper to pay annually a tax of a halfpenny in the pound on the selling value of the land for a few years, rather than to pay 4s. in the pound on the in- creased value which will result from the land changing hands at building price. Some Complications. Bearing in mind the above few examples of some of the factors to be considered, it will he seen that, even in the simplest cases, the official valuation forms will need careful study; but, in most instances, the question is likely to be com- plicated still further by other considerations. For instance, a nursery (or even a private gar- den) which has a frontage to a main road may, as regards the front portion at least, be almost worthless for the purpose of either horticulture or private enjoyment, owing to the excessive dust raised by passing traffic, or the application to the roads of special preparations, which, although very welcome to owners of motor-cars, are injurious to plant life. On the other hand, as the frontage to the road decreases in value for horticultural purposes, it may pro- portionately increase in value for building pur- poses, resulting in considerable liability for In- crement Duty. It should, therefore, be borne in mind that an owner is entitled to demand that any portion of the land shall be separately valued. In some cases it may pay an owner to demand that the strip of land fronting the road- way shall be valued separately from the land in the rear, on the ground, for instance, that only a portion of the land is worth more for building purposes (or for the purpose of any other trade or business) than it is for agriculture or horticul- ture. Conversely, however, cases may arise where it would be unwise for an owner to split up the more valuable portions of his land from the less valuable, and where it would pay him better to demand that the land be valued as a whole, so that the increased value attributable to his building frontage may be spread over the whole of his holding. The result of this would be that the land at the rear would help to bear a proportion of the increasing value of the land at the front of the premises. It will also have to be borne in mind that, although the valuation of the land is to be made now, the value which will be officially taken is not the value at the present moment, but the vaJue as it stood over a year ago, namely, on April 30, 1909, before the loss of confidence in the property market had arisen, and before a possible purchaser, in estimating the price to offer for a piece of land, would have had an opportunity of deducting from the amount of his offer the capitalised value of the increased taxa- tion which he will have to bear in the future. Furthermore, if the land has been bought within the preceding 20 years at a higher price than its value or. April 30, 1909, then that previous value will be substituted for the more recent value. It may be suggested that, after all, the sim- plest plan will be for the owner to press for the true present value of the land to be estimated as nearly as possible, but. apart from the fact that every person is entitled to take every possible point in his favour which the law permits, and that any error may inflict irremediable loss in the near future, owners will find a very real difficulty in forming any idea of what the true present value may be. Be it remembered that, for the purpose of the pending valuation, all houses and buildings, and all fruit trees, fruit bushes, and growing produce are to be treated at if they were non-existent, and the cost of their assumed removal will be estimated. Various calculations have also to be made with regard to burdens in respect of tithe, improvement rate and other outgoings, the cost of making roads or sewers on the property, and capital expenditure made for the purposes of any business other than agriculture or horticulture, and so on. In addi- tion, there is the difficulty that many clauses in tin- Act are admittedly ambiguous, and the Chancellor of the Exchequer has already declined to express an opinion upon certain questions of construction, on the ground that these will have to be decided by the courts of law. Until, there- fore, these doubts have been removed by judicial decisions, it is impossible for an owner to fore- tell in what way he will be affected by some of the provisions of the Act. Glasshouses. In this connection, it may be well to point out that, although liable for Increment Duty, land which is developed by building will not be chargeable with Undeveloped Land Duty. The Act says that, for this purpose, glasshouses are to be treated as buildings. Does this mean that only the few yards on which a greenhouse stands are to be treated as exempt, or is it intended that, if a reasonable number of greenhouses are in existence, then the whole nursery is to be exempt? If so, what is to be the minimum pro- portion of uncovered land ? During the progress of the Bill in Parliament it was suggested in some quarters that, if one-fifth of the land were covered with glass, no claim for Undeveloped Land Duty should arise ; but no such provision was inserted in the Act, and, apparently, the question will have to be fought out in the law courts. The Valuation Forms. It should be carefully observed that the official valuation form is divided into two portions. The writer has already had an opportunity of seeing these forms, and it will be found that Part 1 contains a list of questions which the owner of the land is bound to answer; whereas Part 2 asks for additional particulars, which need not be furnished unless the owner desires to give them. The question marked " U,'' for instance, invites the owner to estimate the gross value, the full site value, the total value, and the as- sessable site value of his land. Having regard to the possibility of their answers being used against them in the future, most owners will probably consider it wiser to refrain from ex- pressing any opinion in reply to the optional questions, especially as they would be called upon to give full particulars showing how the estimate has been arrived at. If the owner re- frains from giving an estimate, his course will then be to await the provisional valuation, after which he will have 60 days in which to check and protest against the assessment if he think it de- sirable to do so in his own interests. The ques- tion marked " V," however, is one to which the owner must be careful to insert the answer " 5Tes," as this refers to his right to claim cer- tain deductions from the estimated site value of his land. In this connection it should be borne in mind that delicate questions of calculation arise, as the value of the land, after stripping it (in imagination) of all timber, trees, and other grow ing produce, has to be taken into account, and the cost of so stripping it has also to be e^imated. These deductions may help consider- ably to reduce the amount of Undeveloped Land Duty payable. Furthermore, if deductions are no» claimed now for the purpose of Increment Value Duty, they cannot afterwards be claimed when a demand for the duty arises in the future. At first sight it would look as though these de- ductions represent a common factor which, in the latter instance, it would, therefore, be im- material to ignore ; but this is not the case. For instance, a sum of, say, £50 might be deducted from the present value on account of capital ex- penditure in various directions ; but it does not follow that, when a claim for duty arises in the future, the precise sum of £50 will again be de- ducted from the valuation. The owner will be entitled to deduct at the future date not merely the £50 in question, but all increase in value attributable to his original expenditure of £50, and, in years to come, the increased value of the land attributable to the original outlay of £50 might amount to £200, and so on in proportion. Points Summed Up. Summing up the position generally, it will be seen that the principal points to observe are aa follow : — First, in the case of a high initial valuation, there is the danger of — (a) High Death Duties. (b) High rates and taxes, if rating on capital site value is adopted hereafter. (c) High Undeveloped Land Duty. On the other hand, the risk of heavy Increment Duty is diminished. Secondly, in the case of a low valuation, there is the danger of — (a) High Increment Duty. (6) Compulsory purchase for public purposes at undervalue. On the other hand, the claims in respect of Undeveloped Land Duty and Death Duties are diminished. > The principal points to be considered are : — ("*'»««*). COUNTY. 4. Midland Counties. NOTTINGHAM- SHIRE OXFORDSHIRE APPLES. PEARS. PLUMS. CHERRIES. SHROPSHIRE STAFFORDSHIRE WARWICKSHIRE 5. Southern Counties. BERKSHIRE DORSETSHIRE HAMPSHIRE KENT MIDDLESEX SURREY Under ; good Average ; good Under Under Under; good Under Under ; good Under ; good Under; good Average Under Under ; bad Average ; good Under Under Average ; very good Under; good Average ; good Average ; good Under; bad Under Average ; good Under Average ; good Under ; good Under Under ; good Under ; good Under Under ; good Average ; good Under Under; good Under; bad Under; bad Under Under; good Average ; good Under Average ; good Under Under Under Average ; good Under; good Under Average; good Average Average Under Under Under Under ; good Under Under Under Under ; good Under Under ; good Under; good Under ; very good Under Under Under; bad Under ; good Under Under Under ; good Under; good Over; very good Under ; good Under Under Under; bad Under; bad Average ; good Under ; good Under Average ; very good Under ; bad Under Under; good Under; good Average ; good Over ; very good Average ; good Under; bad Under Under ; good Under ; bad Under . Under Under Under Under Average Under Average Under ; good Under ; good Under Under Under Under Under ; good Under ; bad Under; very good Under Under Average ; good Under; bad Under Under Under; bad Over ; very good Under Average Under ; bad Average Under ; good Average ; good Under ; bad Average ; good age °d Under Under Under Under Under Under ; good Under | bad Under Average ; good Under Under Under ; very good Under Under Under ; good Under Over; very good Under; good Under Under; good Under ; bad Under Average Average ; good Under ; bad Average ; good Under; good Under Under Under Under Under Under Average Under; good Average Under; good Under Under Under Under Under , PEACH Kb and NEC- TARINES. Under ; good Average ; very good Under Average ; good Under Under ; good Over ; very good Average ; good Under; bad Under Average ; bad Average ; good Average Under Under; bad Under; bad Morellos good ; Sweet Cherries bad Average ; good Under Average Under; good Under Under; except Morellos Average ; good Under Under ; bad Average ; good Under Average Under; bad Under Under ; bad Average ; good Under Average Under ; bad Over ; very good Average Under; good Under; bad Under ; bad Under Under; bad Under Under Under; bad Under Under ; few grown Under Under APRICOTS. Average ; good Under Over; very good Average ; good Under; bad Under; bad Average ; good Average Under; bad Average ; good Under; very good Average ; good Average ; very good Under Under Under Under Under; bad Under ; bad Under ;good Under ; bad Under ; bad Average ; good Under Under; bad Under; good Over ; very good Average Under Under; good Under Over; very good Under Average Under Under Under Under Under; bad Under Under SMALL fruits; Under; bad Under Average Under ; bad Under Under; bad Under; good Under Under Under Under Under Under Under STRAW- BERRIES. Average ; good Average Under Average ; good Under ; good Over Average ; very good Average ; good Over ; very good Average ; v, 1 Average Average ; very good Average ; good Average ; very good Average Under; bad Average ; good Over ; very good Average ; good Average Average Average ; good Under Average ; good Over; very good Average Over ; very good Average ; very good Under Under; bad Average ; good Under ; Gooseberries and Rasp- berries good Average ; very good Over ; very good Under; bad Average; good Over; very good Average ; good Average Under Average ; good Average Average ; good Average Over; good Average Kaspperries, good; Cur- rants and Gooseberries very light Average ; bad Average Average Under Under Average ; very good Over ; very good Over ; very good Average Average ; very good Over Average ; very good Over ; good Over ; very good Average; good Average Over ; very good Over ; very good Average ; very good Over ; good Over; very good Average ; very good Over; very good Over ; good Over Average Average ; good Average Average ; good Over ; very good Under Over ; very good Over ; very good Under Over ; good Over ; very good Over; good Over Over; very g t Average ; good Over ; very good Under; bad Average ; good Over Over; very good Averagej good Average ; good Over ; very good Over; average Over ; good Average ; good Average Average Over; good Average Over Average ; good NUTS. Average ; good Under Average ; good Average ; good Under; bad Under ; bad Under Under Under Under Under; bad Under Under NAME AND ADDRESS. Under; bad Under Under; bad Under Average Average Under ; good Under; good Under Under Under; very bad Under Under Amos Parr, Holme Pierrepont Hall Gard< ns, Nottingham. James B. Allan, Osberton Gardens, Worksop. R. Pearson and Sons, Lowdham. A. W. Culloch, Newstead Abbey Gardens. John A. Hall, Shiplakc Court Gardens, Henley-on-Thames A. J. Long, Wyfold Cc urt Gardens, near Reading. F. W. Peajrce, Eynshani Hall Gardens, Witney. Oxon. A. W. Perry, Middleton Park, Bicester. Alex. Haggart, Moor Park Gardens, Ludlow. Edwin Oilman, Ingestre Gar- dens, Stafford. A. i Inn1,, Shenstone Court Gardens, Lichfield. T. Bannerman, ElithEeld Gardens, Rugeley. H. Collier, Rolleston Hall Gar- dens, Bnrton-on-Trent. Chas. Harding, Ragley Hall Gardens. Jno. Masterson, Weston Hou^c Gardens, Sliipsion- on-Stour. H. F. Smale, Warwick Castle Gardens. John Lloyd, Compton Verney Gardens, Warwick. F. Capp, Charters Gardens, Ascot. A. MacKellar, Royal Gardens, Windsor. J. Howard, Benham Park Gardens. Newbury. William Fyfe, Lockinge Gar- dens, Wantage. Edward Freed, East Hendred, "Steventon. T. Turton. Castle Gardens, Sherborne. Thos. Denny, Down House Gardens, Bland ford. Frank Olver, Minterne, Dorset. R. Coles, Holme Priory Gardens, Wareham. A. J. Rogers, Langton Gardens, Bfandford. Edwin Molyneux, Swanmore Park, Bisliop's Waltham. A. G. Nu hols, Strathfield- sayeGdns., Mortimer, R.S.O. R. Learmouth, Sherfield Manor, Basingstoke. Heuvy Martm, F R.H.S.. Bart- ley Lodge Gardens, Cadnam, Southampton. E. J. Henderson, The Garden, Stratton Park, Micheldever. R. G. Onslow, Dogmersfield Park, Winchfield. A. W. Blake, The Castle Gar- dens, Highclere, Newburv. C. H. Dredge, Chilworth Manor Gardens, Rotnsey. Correspondent, Ashe Park Gar- dens, Overt' [i. A. G. Shadbolt, Blackmore Gar- dens, West I iss. George Woodward, Barham Court Gardens, Maidstone. George Bunyard, Royal Nur- series, Maidstone. Wm. Lewis, East Sutton Park Gardens, Maidstone. Geo. "Fennel!,- -Bowden Gar- dens, Tonbridge. George Lockyer, Mereworth, near Maidstone. John Thos. Shann, Betts- hanger Park Gardens, Eas- try, near Dover. Charles E. Shea, The Elms, Foots 'Cray. J. G. Weston, Eas'well Park Gardens, Ashtord. H. Markiiam, Wroiham Park Gardens, Bar net. W. Poupart, Marsh Farm, Twickenham. Under Average W. 'Bates, Cross Deep Gar- dens, Twickenham. James "Hawkes, Osterley Park Gardens. Isleworth. S. T. Wright," R.H.S. Gar- dens. Wislev, Ripley. Geo. Kent, Norbury Park Gardens, Dorking. Geo. Halsey. Riddincs Court Gardens, Caterham Valley. 80 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 30, 1910. CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS— ( 1 Average J. T. Rushton, Barons Down Gardens, Dulverton. Under ; good Under ; good Under ; very Under; bad Average ; Average; Average ; Average ; Under Geo. H. Head, Kingsdoa good very good very good good very good Manor Gardens. Taunton. Under Under Under Under Average Average Under Under Samuel Kidley, Chipley Park Gardens, Wellington. WORCESTERSHIRE Under; good Unde.'; good Average ; good Under Average ; good Under Average ; good Over ; good Under A. Young. Witlcy Court Gar- dens, Worcester. Under ;good Under; good Under Under not grown Under Average ; Average ; bad Average C. A. Bayford, Davenham outside except Gardens, Malvern. Gooseberries Under ; good Under ; good Under; good Under ; bad Average ; good Average ; Average ; good Over ; good Average ; good William Crump, Madresfield good Court Gardens, Malvern. WALES : DENBIGHSHIRE Under Under Under Average ; good Average Under Average ; except Gooseberries Under ; bad Under J. Martin, Bryn Estyn Gar- dens, Wrexham. Under ; bad Under Under Under; bad Average Under Average ; good Average ; good Walnuts under J. A. Jones, Chirk Castle Gar- dens, Ruabon. July 30, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 81 CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CRQV%— {continued). COUNTY. Wales. FLINTSHIRE GLAMORGANSHIRE MERIONETHSHIRE PEMBROKESHIRE .. RADNORSHIRE IRELAND : 9, Ireland. N. DUBLIN- MAYO MEATH , TYRONE WEST MEATH 10, Ireland, S. ATHLONI2 CORK KiLDARE ROSCOMMON WATI.RFORD CHANNEL ISLANDS GUERNSEY JERSEY ISLE OF MAN APPLES. tinder Under ; good Under ; good Under Under; bad Under; bad Under ; good Under Under ; good Under Under ; good Under; bad Under Average; good Over ; good Under Over Average ; good Average ; very good Average Under Average Average ; very good Under ; good Under; good Under; good Over; grod PEARS. Under Under ; bad Under ; good Average Under; good Under; bad Under; bad Under Under ■ Under Under; good Average ; good Under; bad Average ; good Under ; good Under Over Over Average ; good Over Under Average Over; very good Under ; good Under ; good Under; good Average ; good PLUMS. Under Under ; good average ; good Under Under; bad Under; bad Average; good Average Under Under Average ; very good Under; bad Under Under; bad Average Over Average Average ; ^. Hid Average ; good Over Average Average Under ; very good Average ; good Under Under; good Average CHERRIES. Under Under ; bad Average ; good Average Ut.der; bad Average Average ; good Under Average Under Under; bad Under; bad Under; bad Over; very good Under; bad Morellos Average Under Under Under Average Over ; very good g I Under Under ; bad Average TARINES. Under Average ; good Over ; good Average Average Over ; very good Under Under Over ; good Average ; good Under Over ; good Under Average Average Average ; very good Over ; good Under Under ; bad Under Under ; good Average ; gi od Wera i Under; good Under; bad Under Under Under Under Under Under Under ; bad SMALL FRUITS. Average Average ; very good Over; very good Average Average ; good Good except Gooseberries Average ; good Average Average ; very good Average ; good Average ; good Under Under Over; very good Average ; very good Average ; good Over; good Average ; good Over ; very good Over; very good Over Under Over ; very good Average Average Average ; good STRAW- BERRIES. Over Average ; good Over ; very g. >' >d Over Average ; t,''»cid Average Average ; very good Average Average ; very good Average ; good Over ; very good Over Over; good Average Average ; good Over ; good Over ; very good Over; bad Average Average Average ; good Average ; very good Over Average ; good Over ; very good NUTS. Over; good Over; good Loganberries enormous crop I Average Under Average Under Under Under Under Under; bad Average ; good Average Under Under Under Under NAME AND ADDRESS. John Forsyth, Hawarden Castle Gardens, Chester. James Barnard, Mostyn . Hall- Gardens, Mostyn. R. Milner, Margam Park. Gardens, Port Talbot. C. T. Warmington, Penller- gaer Gardens, Swansea. John S. Higgins, RhOg Gar- dens, Corwen. Geo. Griffin, Slebeck Park Gardens, Haverfordwest. W. A. Baldwin. Clynnew Gar- dens, Boncath. J. MacCormack, Maesllwch Gardens, Glasbury. C. M, Nixson, Knighton. Wilson PalHser, Manor Gardens, R.S.O. Norton Norton, A. Campbell, St. Anne's Gar- dens, Clontarf. R. Savage, Bclleek Manor Gardens, Ballina. Michael McKeown, Julians- town, Drogbeda. J. B. Pow, Dunsany Castle Gardens. Fred. W. Walker. Sion House Gardens, Sion Mills. George Bogie, Pakenham Hall Gardens, Castlepollard. J. Murray, Moydrura Castle Gardens. Maurice Colbert, Ahern, Couna. I. Dearnaly, 12, Wellington: Square. Fredk. Bedford, Straffan House Gardens. Alexander Black, Carton Gardens, Maynooth. Terence Rogers, Frenchpark House Gardens, French- park Thomas Dunn, Strancally Castle Gardens, Tallow. David Crombie, Curraghm jre Gardens, Portlaw. Chas. Smith and Son, Cale- donia Nursery. T. Sharman, Imperial Nur- sery, St. Heliers. James Inglis, Brunswick Road Nurseries, Douglas. SUMMARY. SCOTLAND. IRELAND. Records. QJ "a a < in CO a. I 4) '5 V O 1,1 O rn •gz = SJ^ CO °" CO " o a < cO.tS CO u VI 3 z Records. m & Pi < 3 a A. a 5 o '£ a O CU 9 03 oZ O (Si- OD o 'u Pi < II 3 Z Number of Records (39) (3'> (37) (39) (13) (14) (39) (39) (5) Number of Records (14) (14) (14) (12) (9) (7) 04) (13) (7) Average 9 3 10 15 6 4 23 26 4 Average 6 4 8 3 4 — 5 6 2 Over v 1 1 2 — 1 — 12 7 Over 2 4 2 2 3 — 6 7 — Under 2i 33 25 24 6 10 4 6 1 Under 6 6 4 7 2 7 3 — 5 ENGLAND. CH; INNEL ISLANDS. Number of Records (158) (1E6) (155) (150) (120) (117) (159) (159) (101) Number of Records (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) (2) — Average 26 19 28 49 53 30 101 77 27 Average 2 1 — Over 1 2 2 3 12 1 25 73 Over ... — — — — — — 1 — Under 131 135 125 98 55 86 33 9 74 Under ™ 2 2 2 2 2 2 — — ■" WALES. ISLE OF MAN. Number of Rec ^rds (12) (12) (12) (12) (10) (6) (12) (12) (9) Number of Records a) (1) (1) U) — — (1) (1) Average 1 3 6 5 2 11 8 2 Average — 1 1 1 Over — — — — 2 — 1 3 — Over i — — — — — 1 1 Under 12 11 9 1 6 3 4 — 1 7 Under FOR GRAND SUMMARIES OF 1910 AND 1909 SEE PAGE 82. S2 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 30, 1910. ' EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 4t, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editor* do not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or To return utilised communications or illustrations, unizss- by - special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of plants lor naming,, should be addressed to the EUIIORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on 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.'hut kepi as a guarantee of^ood faith. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editois 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. Illustrations.- The Editors will be glad to receiveandto select photographs or- drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, e>c, but they cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be care/ulto mark the paragraphs they wish the Editors to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR AUGUST. TUESDAY, AUGUST 2— Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. Scottish Hort. Assoc, meet. Leicester (Abbey Park) Fl. Sh. (2days). WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 3— Northampton Municipal Hort. and Ornitholog. Soc. at Abington Park, Northampton (2 days). Worthing Fl. Sh. THURSDAY, AUGUST 4— Midland Carnation and Picotee Soc. Exh. at Birming- ham Bot. Gdns. (2 days) SATURDAY, AUGUST 6— Soc. Franc. d'Hort. de Londres meet, WEDNESDAY. AUGUST 10— Exmouth Fl. Sh. (2 days). THURSDAY, AUGUST 11— - Malmesbnry Fl. Sh. Taunton Fl. Sh. Holyport Fl. Sh. TUESDAY, AUGUST 16- Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17— Shropshire Hort. Soc. Exh. at Shrewsbury (2 days). TUESDAY, AUGUST 23- Roy. Oxfordshire Hort. Soc. Autumn Sh. THURSDAY, AUGUST 25- Roy. Hort. Soc. of Aberdeen Exh. at Duthie Park (3 days). Exh. at Zeist, Holland, opens. TUESDAY, AUGUST 30- Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. WEDNESDAY/AUGUST 31 - Glasgow and West of Scotland Hort. Soc. Sh. in St. Andrews Halls, Glasgow (2 days). Carlisle Fl. Sh. (2 days). South Shields Fl. Sh. (2 days). Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich-62-lQ. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, July 27 (6 p.m.): Max. 64°; Min. 51°. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street. Covent Garden, London .—Thursday, July 28 (10 a.m.): Bar. 299; Temp. 69"; Weather— Overcast. Provinces.— Wednesday, July 27; Max. 62" Guildford ; Min. 56" N.W. coast of Scotland. In presenting our annual reports A Bad on the condition of the hardy Fruit Year, fruit crops in the British Isles it has to be admitted that the pro- spects this season are distinctly unsatisfac- tory. This is so far the case that, in respect to the principal crops — Apples, Pears, Plums, and Cherries — the returns indicate such de- ficiencies as, happily, we have not experienced ^ for some years. Concerning Apples, there are i!26 returns, and, of these 180 describe the -crops below the average, whilst in only five in- stances are there over-average crops. If the general yield were up to the average, it would be indicated by the number of returns of over- ""average crops equalling the number of under- -•average returns; therefore, some idea may be obtained of the deficiency by considering the proportion of 5 over-crops to 180 under-crops. Again, our valued reporters are mainly the same who have contributed information on the subject for many years past, and have ac- quired a systematic method of estimating their crops ; consequently, it is useful to compare their returns with those of last year, which may be seen in the summary printed on this .page. It will be observed that, in respect to the Apple crop, there were 63 over-average re- ports last year and 81 under average; there- fore, the proportion was as 63 to 81, instead of 5 to 180. The deficiency of Apples is so general that reports from the different por- tions of the country are nearly equal in their lack of promise. Scotland reports 1 above and 29 below the average; England 1 above the average and 131 below; AVales returns 12 re- ports, every one of which is under the aver- age; whilst Ireland reports 2 above and 6 under the average. It is interesting to note that what little advantage one portion of these islands has over another belongs to Ireland. Another matter connected with the Apple crop may be mentioned in passing, namely, that a large proportion of the fruits that set have since fallen from causes not apparent ; per- fectly sound fruits have dropped in consider- able numbers, just as might have been ex- pected in a season of drought, but hardly in such weather as characterises the present sea- son. This circumstance appears to indicate that the trees were not in a condition to bear satisfactory crops, even had the weather dur- ing May favoured a good set. The Pear crop is equally disappointing, for there are only 7 returns of above average out of a total number of 222, whilst the number of under-average crops amount to 187. In this case also Ireland appears to fare best, for out of 14 returns there are only 6 which report crops below the average. In Scotland there is only 1 report above aver- age, in England 2, and in Wales there is 1 average crop against 11 that are reported as deficient. Plums are only a shade better than Apples. Out of 221 returns, 56 report aver- age crops or better, and 165 are under the average. Cherries, again, are distinctly scarce; there are 5 over-crops, as against 137 under the average, whilst the average crops number 74. Peaches and Nectarines were satisfactory last year, and, in not a few in- stances, fair crops were ripened even on stand- ard trees in the warmer counties. This year the tale is different, although the returns are much more favourable than those in respect to the fruits already named. Of 154 returns, 68 are average, 68 below the aver- age, and 18 over-average. Apricots are de- ficient in all parts of the kingdom. The seven reporters from Ireland all state under-average crops, whilst in Scotland, England, and Wales the prospects are not very much better. It is not until we turn to the small fruits (which include Raspberries, Currants, and Gooseberies) and Strawberries that the re- turns are satisfactory. In these cases the number of average and over-average crops greatly exceed the returns in which defici- encies are reported, but neither in the case of the former group nor in that of Strawber- ries are the returns so favourable as last year. There are no returns of over-average crops of Nuts, and the number of average crops is 35; against 87 below the average. In the face of these figures there is no doubt but that the present season is remarkable for great scarcity of most hardy fruits, and the public will have to look to the Colonies and foreign countries for most of their supplies of Apples, Pears, and Plums. In any attempt that is made to determine the causes of the deficiency, careful considera- tion must be given to the character of the autumn season last year, when the weather was certainly not of the best description for maturing the young shoots. But, when suffi- • cient allowance lias been made for that, it- may still be the fact that the unusually bad weather experienced this season has been mainly responsible for the results. In subsequent issues we shall print the re- marks our correspondents have favoured us with upon this subject, for, as we have said in effect already, they are the remarks of practical fruit-growers, who have accustomed themselves to make careful observations arid form intelligent deductions from the facts observed. Though prices have been dis- The appointing to growers durint; Strawberry ' , ° ° . Season. ' '"' 'as* "'w0 or three seasons, there is no reduction in the supply of Strawberries forwarded to London and the other important towns of the king- dom. On the contrary, the figures of last \ ear's crop greatly exceed those of any former season, and, when the returns for the cur- rent year are made up, it will probably be found that there has been a further increase. It appears that, in spite of a very much lower average price than growers were accustomed to receive a few years ago, Strawberries are still remunerative, though it is probable that a part of this season's crop has been sold at juices that left little or nothing for the pro- ducer. Fruit was sold during the third week GRAND SUMMARY, 1910. Records. Apples. Pears. Plums. Cherries. Peaches and Nec- tarines. Apricots. Small Fruits. Straw- berries. Nuts. Number of Records Average Over Under (2261 41 6 180 (222) 28 7 187 (221) 50 6 165 (216) 74 5 137 (164) 68 is CM (146) 36 1 109 (2'27) 142 45 40 (22«) 118 92 16 (1-21 35 nj SUMMARY OF 1909 FOR COMPARISON. Records. Apples. Pears. Plums. Cherries. Peaches and Nec- tarines. Apricots. Small Fruits. Straw- 1m rrles. Nuts. Number of Record ■ Average Over ... Under (246) ' 102 63 81 (243) 125 21 97 (240) 119 41 77 (233) 128 76 29 (1741 84 75 15 (161) 72 47 45 (242) 78 157 7 (242) 102 119 21 (146) 71 22 53 July 30, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 83 in June at the price of 6d. and 7id. per gallon basket, which means about ljd. to lfd. a pound. The following table shows the growth of the Strawberry-growing business in the South- ampton district — which is now the chief centre of the industry— during the past half-dozen seasons : — Fruit Tons. Baskets. 1904 ... ... 4,250 . .. 1,900,148 1905 ... ... 3,400 . .. 1,500,000 1906 ... ... 2,794 . .. 1,250,000 1907 ... ... 4,705 .. 2,100,148 1908 ... ... 4,019 . .. 1,762,804 1909 ... ... 6,585 . .. 2,948,195 These figures apply only to a single district, and it may be pointed out that this increase, of production has not been equalled iii other Strawberry-growing areas, although there has been an advance all round. In the West of England, for example, the business, though it is as nothing compared with that carried on in Hampshire, has more than quadrupled itself within.the last three years, as the figures "Supplied in the returns amply testify. In the season of 1906 the Great Western Railway Company conveyed only 428 tons of Strawber- ries from the Sartash and Tavistock districts, and in the following year 433 tons. Last year, however, the figures for home-grown fruit had •risen to 1,793 tons, and, at the same time, there has been a considerable advance in the Strawberry traffic from the Continent con- veyed by this company. Strawberries from France, for which the season is naturally con- fined to the early part of the year, totalled ■1,150 tons on the G.W.R. system. It is said that growers are beginning to de- clare that Strawberry growing is not what it was, and are looking around them for the adoption of some measures that will bolster up the market. In these circumstances, the consumer may be able to make one or two use- ful suggestions. One of the grievances of the public is that, whilst they are reading in the papers every day that there is a glut of Straw- berries and that the fruit is being sold at ruin- ously low rates, the prices in the shops are not correspondingly reduced. Even when the fruit is fetching no more than 2d a pound m Covent Garden, shopkeepers are charging three and four times that amount to their cus- tomers. This state of things is deplorable. It is easy to see that the retailer's risk in goods of this description is very great, hut the margin between the wholesale and retail prices is too large. If the shopkeeper is asked why he charges 8d. or 9d. a pound for best Straw- berries in punnets of one pound, when the fruit is being sold in the market at 1 \:\. to 3d. per pound, he states that the punnets he 'offers are the selected fruit from his purchases. He then proceeds to 'show the sort of sample that is left after he has removed the best, and it appears as though he has often a reasonable excuse for pursuing such methods. Most of his customers naturally want the best fruit, and, when he has given them that, he finds only too frequently that the remainder is un- saleable. Then there is the old story of topping-up with the best fruit after having carefully hid- den the inferior produce underneath. We do not suggest that this is quite so common a custom as it used to be, but it still prevails. Has any grower ever tried rejecting all his small and misshapen berries and marketing only the very "best under a registered brand? The foreigner does it with Apples and Oranges, but the system is scarcely known in this coun- try, certainly not as regards Strawberries. The fruit might not at first fetch any better price, l)ut as it became known among buyers that a particular brand could always be relied upon in every way, the proprietor would bene- fit, if not by better prices, at least by a sure market for his goods. The present practice of mixing " firsts " and " seconds " sometimes results in an anomalous state of things. One day lately the writer bought some Strawber- ries at a shop in the City at 8d. a pound by taking a 4!,-pound basket, while loose Straw- berries of better size but inferior in condition were being sold in the same shop at lOd. per pound. The- latter, although sold as selected had received an extra handling, but it seems that the general public thinks more of size than of good condition. The retailer, also, knowing that in selling a whole basket he was getting rid of fruit that would, so far as most of it was concerned, be of secondary value to him, was willing to let the basketful go at 2d. a pound cheaper. Of course, the quantity sold had something to do with the lower price charged, but, as the shopkeeper explained, it was the relief from the trouble of grading the fruit that was the chief inducement to him to sell an untouched basket at the lower rate. It is to be regretted that some growers still keep to the old custom of marketing their fruit in peck baskets holding 10 or 12 pounds. If they could see the fruit when it is over- hauled by the retailer, they would discover why prices are often bad for Strawberries packed in such fashion. A package of this size is much too large for Strawberries, the lower layers being often reduced, after a rail- \\ ay journey, to something very like pulp. The 4j to 5 pounds basket, as used by the South- ampton growers, is quite large enough for fruit that has to travel any distance. This raises another question regarding the packing of Strawberries, for would not the fruit be more saleable if it could be put up in still smaller packages by the grower? It would be rather more trouble, but it is prob- able that the public would be more ready to buy two or three pounds at a time if they could get it in such quantities in the growers' original packages. When the outdoor Straw- berries appear in the market — and it is those only that concern the general public — the pur- chaser must take his choice between the basket of four to five pounds (which is pro- bably too big for him) and the punnet of one or two pounds put up by the retailer, and, consequently, subjected to a double handling. This state of things might be improved upon if the grower could see his way to using pack- ages of smaller size, and could take a leaf out of the Frenchman's book, and use the two- pound boxes in which we see the foreign fruit so neatly packed early in the season before the English crop is on the market? The carriage would not cost much, if any, more than the baskets do at present, for the inside boxes of a crate containing a couple of dozen packages could be made of very light material. The labour involved in putting up fruit in this fashion would, of course, be much heavier than at present, but if these packages were marketed under a brand and only selected fruits were packed in them, it should only be a question of time before both the retailer and his customers preferred them to the fruit mar- keted in the ordinary fashion. Unfortunately, directly there is a decline in price in any commodity, the tendency is to try and save in the cost of production, and it would probably be hard to persuade any grower at the present time to adopt a system of marketing that would involve him in greater expense than he is put to at present. But, from the public point of view, there is room for a better method of marketing Straw- berries, and we commend thesiibject to the consideration of . the more enterprising growers. Our Supplementary Illustration.— Among the pleasant memories which travellers on the Continent bring home with them are tins.. of visits paid in the early morning to the market places where, under bright skies and amid de- lightful surroundings, buying and selling goes on with cheerful animation. Of such places the flower-market in Brussels is among the most in- teresting. It is held— as is shown in the Supple- mentary Illustration— in the " Grand, Place," which is one of the finest mediaeval squares in i ristence. The " Place " is surrounded by beau- tiful buildings, the chief among which is the Hotel de Ville, recognisable by its facade orna- mented by innumerable modern statues of the Dukes of Brabant and other notabilities. Royal Horticultural Society.— The next meeting of the Committees will take place on Tuesday, August 2, in the Vincent Square, West- minster. At the afternoon meeting of Fellows a lecture on " The Planning, Building and Plant- ing of Small Rock-gardens " will be delivered by Mr. A. Glutton-Brock. The Sale of Poisons. -We are informed that the defendant in the case of Pharmaceutical Si iciety v. I'ecover, which was heard in the City of 1- Ion Court on .Tune 21 last, has intimated that he will not appeal. It will be remembered that defendant was an assistant to Hobbies, Ltd., and judgment was given for the Society, but leave to appeal was given upon condition that the penalty and costs were paid into court. The proceedings arose in connection with the sale of XL-All fumi- gating compound. A report appeared on p. 435. Gladiolus brenchleyensis. — Regarding the introduction to commerce of this popular Gladiolus, Mr. George Bunyard, of the Royal Nurseries, Maidstone, writes to say that he noticed a statement in a contemporary recently to the effect that enquiries have been made re- specting the origin of Gladjolus trenchleyensis at the village of Brenc-hley in Kent, but no par- ticulars could be gleaned. Mr. Bunyard there- fore wrote as follows : — " In reference to your note as to origin of this Gladiolus, allow me to say that over 50 years back, my father purchased bulbs from the raiser, a Mr. Hooker, of Brench- ley, Kent, who raised it from Gandavensis. I can well recollect selling them at 2s. 6d. each. We raised a big stock the same year. Mr. YorEi.i., of Yarmouth, called on his round, and we sold him a quantity, which, in his sandy soil, soon enable I him to flood the country with it." Mr. Bujrs u:o now informs us that be believes that Mr. Ho was once a nurseryman. Mr. Bunyard knows nothing about Mr. Youell's foreman, as men- tioned in our note upon the newly-established American Gladiolus Society (see p. 43), but la- well recalls Mr. Youell himself, a cheery, short and thickset man. Gladiolus brenchleyensis, writes Mr. Bunyard, is still one of the most reli- able sorts for massing, being less liable to disease. 84 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 30, 1910. Florists and the Factory Acts.— In the course of an important speech in the House of Commons on July 20 (Home Office Vote, Factory Inspection), Sir Charles Dilke raised the ques- tion of the position of florists with respect to the Factory Acts. In the debate, which arose out of this speech, Sir J. D. Rees and Mr. Milpmay stated that, if the Factory Acts were rigidly enforced in the case of florists, numbeis of English women and girls would lose employ- ment and their places would be taken by alien men. Mr. Masterman, speaking on behalf of the Home Office, made a reply from the Times report of which we make the following extract : — The question of the florists had been raised by the hon. member for the Montgomery Boroughs and by his right hon. friend. He was amazed at the statements made by his hon. friend, who, in a question the other day, suggested that there in florists' workshops beyond the normal working hours was entirely a local question con- nected with the demands in the West-end of London. The reports from the other parts of the country show that no such necessity for the working of long hours existed. There was no cast-iron and no inelastic system. In florists' workshops women and girls could work from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., or from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., with two hours overtime, dur- ing five weeks in the year by merely sending a notice to the factory inspector before 8 o'clock on the same day on which it was intended to work overtime. While accepting and agreeing with the decision of Judge Ruegg, he pointed out that last year they had gone thoroughly through the various florists' workshops that might be affected. They found that the number was exceedingly small. The total number of MWPCWM FlG. 29. — THE SILK-COTTON TREE (BOMBAX SP.) IN NIGERIA. were thousands of honest British working women being thrown out of employment, and whose places were being taken by aliens under the stern, cast-iron regulations dealing with the florists. If a hundredth part of his hon. friend's accusation were true there would be assuredly a case for consideration on the part of the Home Office, but really there was no justification for the allegation as revealed by the facts. This year a Home Office inspector had reported that before the visits of inspection women and young persons worked from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., that there was no half-holiday, and no proper meal times were recognized. One young person, 15 years of age, had been employed 31^ hours, with 2j hours for rest, and short breaks for food. The House had a right to look upon the breakdown of that system as an affirmation of freedom in England. The question of women working women who might be affected was 32. According to an inspection made this year, to see what the result had been, it was found that there were no cases of women being dismissed as the result of the order. They found one case given of a man having been taken on as a new hand, not an Englishman ; anel another case of a boy being taken on as a new hand, also not an Englishman. Thus the thousands of aliens of his hon. friend resolved themselves into lg aliens. The Govern- ment were asked to allow 100 days of work at florists from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., and 30 days from 6 to 10, representing a 14 and 16-hours day. There was nothing like this in our factory legisla- tion. If. and when, evidence could be submitted showing a hardship connected with the work the Home Secretary would always exercise an open mind on the subject ; but as the facts were at present, he had no intention to relax the system. Cultivation of Vacant Land. — On the 21st inst. Lord Carrington, President of the Board of Agriculture, accompanied by Mr. Richard Winfrey, M.P., and Mr. E. J. Cheney, Small Holdings Commissioner, conducted by Mr. Joseph Fels, visited the grounds held by the Vacant Land Cultivation Society from the Gas,. Light & Coke Co., at West Ham. Over an hour was spent in the inspection of the well-cropped plots, of which there are 266 on an area of 35 acres, and the visitors expressed much satisfac- tion with the results obtained by the men. Lord Carrington closely questioned several of the plot-holders with regard to the value of their produce, used or sold, and the information elicited indicated an average of £8 to £10 per plot of 20 square rods. In every case especial value was attached to the supplies of fresh vege- tables for home use, the men, wives and children thus benefited numbering over 1.200 The ground lent by the Gas, Light & Coke Co. was formerly used for market gardens. Mr. R. L. Castle, Superintendent, states that the occupations of the plot-holders are as follow : ■ — General labourers, 126 ; dock labourers, 50 ; coal porters, 23 ; various, 67. The produce is chiefly consumed in the homes of the men, but some is sold retail. Publications Received. — Eulletin of Mis- cellaneous Information, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. (London : Darling & Son, Ltd.) Price3d. — The Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, edited by F. J. Chitteuden, F.L.S. (London : Spottiswoode & Co.) Price Gs. — The Green Book of London Society, by Douglas Sladen and W. Wigmore. (London : J. \\ hitaker & Sons, Ltd.) Price 5s. net. — Transactions of the Royal Scottish Arboiicultural Scciety. Vol. XX11I. Part II. July, 1910. (Edinburgh : Douglas and Foulis.) Price 3s. PLANTS OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA. At a recent meeting of the Linnenn Society, Mr. P. A. Talbot exhibited a series of coloured drawings by Mrs. Talbot of plants from Southern Nigeria, and displayed a map and pho- tographs of the scenery. He described the coun- try as very hilly and densely wcoded. The photographs were of the Kwa River, and gave some idea of the beauty and density of the vegetation (see fig. 30), but none of the glory of colouring or variety of the multitude of flowers. Right down to the water's edge grow giant Arums, green on the outer sheath, but cream splashed with purple within. Behind these spring trees of every shape and tint, from Mimosas, with their delicate mauve or cream-coloured flowers and feathery foliage, to the huge trumpet-shaped flowers of Gardenia physophylla and the heavily- scented, purple-splashed blooms of G. Kalbreyeri, or the great Berlinia, the white flowers of which shine with a pearl-like lustre from amid its dim, dark leaves. About this river lies the boundary between the sedimentary deposits below and the crystal- line rocks above. 'l*ne line of demarcation runs along this parallel to the Akwa Yafe, on the Ger- man border and the Calabar River on the other side. By far the greater part of the district, therefore, is composed of metamorphic rocks, in which gneiss predominates. One of the most striking features in these ancient forests is the hurry shown by all trees to reach the light above the thick undergrowth. Perhaps the tallest of all the bush giants are the Silk-cotton trees. It is difficult to get a good photograph of these, owing to the density of the surrounding bush, which would have to be cleared for a great way before a picture could be taken. The photograph (fig. 29) is of a comparatively poor specimen, which stood on the edge of a clearing. It is only about 150 feet high. The man standing at the base was the tallest carrier available, a man well over 6 feet. These trees are often 200 to 250 feet high, and have a girth of over 80 feet. Another photograph (not reproduced) showed the source of the Calabar River. It was I on the sleipe of a hill near by that a Napo- leona was discovered, which is not only a new species, but which shows an inflorescence hitherto unknown in this interesting genus. Jui.y 30, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 65 Four new Napoleonas have been brought home thus adding half as many again to those already known. The second, with the consent of the courteous authorities at the Natural History Museum, has been named after Mr. Talbot's friend and former leader, Boyd Alexander, who was murdered en April 2 in Central Africa. Upwards of 50 specimen* of coniferous trees were discovered in the district. Detailed drawings of all of these were made, but, unfortu- nately, many of the actual specimens were ruined bv climatic conditions or lost in transit. This number only represents a small proportion of those to be found. Mr. Talbot hopes to bring back at least double the number from his next tour. Of the Balanophoraceae, five species have been brought home. The Gardenias of the dis- trict are specially striking in the size and beauty of their flowers. The fruits of most of them afford excellent black dyes, some of which are at present being tested at the Imperial Institute, as is also a new fibre, made from an epiphytic Alum, which was forwarded with them. Two kinds of Geasters were found in the dis- trict. These are the first of this genus discovered in Africa. Altogether over a thousand drawings were made in the course of the vear. The Weeks Work. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By John Donoc. hue, Gardener to Joseph Pickersgill, Esq., Bardun Hill, Weetwood, Yorkshire. Dipladenia. — Where cut flowers are in demand for decorative purposes, Dipladenias are very serviceable. As climbing plants for cul- tivation in the stove, they will continue flower- ing from three to four months. If there is not sufficient space for the culture of specimen plants, a batch may be raised to supply blooms in spring by inserting cuttings at the present time. W hen roots have formed, the plants may be potted off singly into small 60-sized pots, and be placed near to the glass, keeping them growing steadily throughout the autumn. They should be repotted as the small pots become filled with roots. The most suitable compost is one consisting of fibrous peat two parts, loam with the fine particles shaken out one part, and the remaining part made up of coarse Bedfordshire sand, well-decayed sheep manure, and a small quantity of broken charcoal. Dipla- denias may be trained upon the usual balloon trellis, but under such treatment they do not alwa ;. s sin i 1 so well as when cultivated as roof dim ilI's. During the flowering season, when the long trails of flowering shoots are allowed to hang loose!} from the roof of the plant stove, Dipla- denias present a beautiful floral picture. Ixora. — These plants revel in an abundance of heat and moisture, which conditions indeed ap- pear to be essential to their successful culture. Plants may be raised from cuttings rooted at any time of the year, but the present season is very suitable for raising batches of plants to flower early next summer. Select the strongest cuttings from half-ripened shoots, and place them around the edges of small 60-sized pots, 6 to 14 in a pot, and plunge the receptacle up to the rims in a hot-bed having a heat of 70J to 80°. If the propagating case is kept closed for a few- weeks, the cuttings will form roots quickly, and they may afterwards be gradually hardened to the air and light. For a potting compost, during the early stages, peat and sand in equal parts are suitable, but when the plants are ready for repotting into 4-inch pots add a small quantity of the best yellow loam.' The Ixora always has a tendency to flower in its early stages of growth ; but early flowers, however, should be removed, and the plants kept growing until a a fair stage of development is attained. After that stage, they may be brought into flower in successional batches from May until late in the autumn. When young plants are desired on the single stem for decorative purposes, Ixora Duffii is the best variety for the purpose. It forms trusses of flower of immense size. As Ixoras are very subject to attacks of scale and mealy bug, the plants should be syringed at regular inter- vals with an insecticide, and sponged occasion- ally if the best results are desired. Herbaceous Calceolarias. — These will now be ready for potting off singly into small 60's, using a compost consisting of loam, leaf-mould and sand in equal parts. They should be care- fully shaded from sudden outbursts of sunshine, and kept moist by an occasional dewing over with a syringe. Cineraria. — Cinerarias require simfiar treat- ment to the Calceolarias. Both batches of plants must be kept near to the glass to ensure sturdy growth. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Epidendrum. — Many of the species of this extensive genus are of interest only to the botanist, but other species and their hybrids de- serve general cultivation. When strongly grown, they produce large panicles of brilliantly-coloured flowers that open in succession for five or six months and are extremely useful for table cr other floral decorations. Among the brightly- coloured sorts are the well-known E. radieans very light positions either in the Cattleya or intermediate houses. They should be placed to- gether, so that they may be syringed overhead throughout the period of growth. The materials used for repotting should consist of one-fourth each of Osmunda fibre and Polypodium fibre, the other half being fresh green Sphagnum-moss. Cut these materials up moderately fine, and add plenty of small crocks to keep the compost in a porous condition. Other Epidendrums that are well worth growing and which thrive in a similar i i rature are E. prismatocarpum, E. fragrans, E. atropurpureum (macrochilum) and its rare variety album; E. floribundum, E. syringo- thyrsis, E. Cooperianum, E. odoratissimum, E. Bceptrum, E. aurantiacum with orange-coloured blossoms; E. Pseudepidendrum, which has ereen sepals and petals with bright orange- scarlet lip, and such hybrids as Epi-Cattleya Nebo, E.-C. matutina, E.-C. radiata-Bowring- iana, E.-C. Mrs. Jas. O'Brien, and E.-C. Lili- anse. These and other similar plants may also be repotted as soon as growth begins. The distinct Epidendrum erubescens grows - " FlG. 30. — PANDANUS IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA, SHOWING A-DVENTITIOUS ROOTS. (See p. 81.) (rhizophorum). E. radieans var. Bletchleyense, E. Schomburgkii, E. fulgens, E. ciunabarinum, E. Ibaguense, E. arachnoglcssum. E. crassifol- ium, E. pristes, E. Ellisii. E. evectum, E. pani- eulatum, E. xanthinum (bright yellow), and the distinct hybrids E. Boundii. E. Dellense. E. O'Brienianum. E. elongatum, and E. radico- vitelliiium. Those which are of semi-scandent habit like E. radieans and E. Boundii should be trained to some kind of support; for instance, they grow very well when tied up agaiiM a wall or pillar, the shoots being tied to neat wires or a wooden trellis, while some cultivators prefer to grow the stems singly in small pots, using ordinary garden sticks for their support. The plants of this section produce aerial roots from their stem's, and frequent syringings over- head favour their growth. Now that most of these plants have passed their flowering stage, and the old shoots have grown very long, those stems with young shoots on them may be cut down to about 2 feet in length, and be repotted or replanted. These Epidendrums thrive well in best when fastened to a teak-wood raft covered with living Sphagnum-moss, and suspended in a perpendicular position near to the roof-glass. Such varieties as E. Wallisii, E. Endresii, E. Endresio-Wallisii, E. Clarissa. E. elegantulum, and E. vitellinum majus do best when subjected to cool-house treatment during the summer months, and, in winter, in a cool position in the intermediate house. These Epidendrums should be supplied with plenty of water at the root whilst making their growth, and, as the last- named varieties are frequently attacked by red- spider, it is advisable to wipe the leaves and stems frequently with some weak insecticide. The white-flowered E. (Diacrium) bicornutum and a smaller-flowered species, E. indivisum, which is often imported and mistaken for the former species, require a higher temperature, the most suitable position being close to the roof-glass on the lighter side of the East India house. Established plants, whilst at rest, need but very little wat:r to keep them plump, but, when grow- ing, they need copious applications whenever the ,86 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 30, 1910. soil appears to be dry. At this season, the plants will begin to grow, and, as the numerous young roots push out from the new growth, fresh root- ing material should be afforded to the plants in need of it. Plants now imported should be sus- pended in shallow pans, with only broken crocks and a pseudo-bulb here and there tied to the wire of the pan to keep them steady. Pour plenty of water through the crocks every day, and, when growth commences, raise the base of the plant just above (he rim of the pan, and surface the crocks with the usual compost, pressing it down rather firmly. The rare E. nemorale should receive the same treatment. E. prismatocarpum, being now at rest, should be kept comparatively dry at the oot, but not so dry as to cause the pseudo-bulbs m shrivel. Place the plant in a light, cool posi- tion in the intermediate house. Epi-Lselia, or Dia-Laelia Veitehii, should be grown in the Cattleya house. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Kitchen Garden Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Turnips. — A good breadth of Turnips should be sown now for use during late autumn and winter. A sandy soil that was manured for some previous crop will be suitable for this sowing. If the ground is dry the drills should be thoroughly soaked with water on the after- noon previous to sowing the seed. This is much better than watering the bed after the seed has been sown. When the young plants can be seen above the ground constant attention must be given to dusting them with sifted wood-ashes or lime in the early morning while the dew is still upon the plants. Keep the Dutch hoe at work between the rows, or Turnip fly may prove troublesome. This is the most important sowing of Turnips in the whole year, as the winter sup- ply depends upon it. When the plants are large enough to handle they should be thinned to 10 inches from plant to plant, as good roots will form much quicker if given plenty of room be- tween the plants. Red Globe, Green Top Stone, and Golden Ball are good varieties for furnishing a winter supply. A sowing of Golden Ball may be made a week later to stand the winter in the open and yield supplies during the spring. Parsley. — The Parsley sown in June should now be ready for pricking into cold frames or other sheltered places where a covering can be applied in rough weather during winter. If there are no unheated pits available a plantation may be made at the foot of a south wall. The soil for ihi- purpose should be made moderately firm before planting takes place. In pits, 12 inches may be allowed between the rows, and 6 inches from plant to plant. The soil between the rows must be kept stirred by a Dutch hoe. Where a daily supply is necessary this is the best way to secure it during winter. Coleworts. — Continue to plant Coleworts for use during autumn. If the ground is dry the drills should be well saturated with water previous to planting. Coleworts should be allowed 15 inches between the rows and 1 foot from plant to plant. As soon as they have commenced to root the ground should be broken between the rows with a draw hoe or the point of a digging fork. Rosette is the best variety for autumn use, but to stand the winter Hardy Green or Drumhead Colewort are the most reliable varieties. ' 'tin/i flowers. — Plants that are expected to '• turn in " next month should receive liberal sup- plies of manure water. If allowed to become too dry at the loot, premature bolting is almost sure to take place. There are few crops that require more liberal treatment than summer Cauliflowers, therefore every attention should be given them so that they may grow from start to finish without a check, especially those planted a month ago and intended for use during August and Septem- ber. If white fly should make its appearance, apply a liberal dusting of soot while the dew is on the leaves early in the morning. A plantation of the variety Autumn Giant may still be made for late autumn use ; these plants should receive a plentiful supply of water to settle the. soil amongst the roots as soon as planted. French Beans. — These must now be planted in cold frames for furnishing a supply in autumn. It is not safe to trust to outdoor crops after the middle of September, and few crops will be more enlu.-i.hle than a pit of French Beans after the first autumn frosts. Canadian Wonder is one of the best varieties for this purpose and should be planted in rows 20 inches apart. The lights should be left off the pit until frosts are likely to occur. French Beans should be kept closely picked whether required for use or not, or the plants soon become exhausted. Occasional waterings Of liquid manure prolong their season of bearing. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, G.C.B., Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket. Early Vines and ' Peaches. — The vines in? ■ tended for early forcing will now be ripening their wood. Keep a dry atmosphere with plenty of ventilation, and give only sufficient water to preserve the roots in a healthy condition. Peach trees will require careful attention in this re- spect or dropping of the buds may result later on. Endeavour to keep the foliage clean and healthy until the leaves are fully matured and ready to fall off. As frequent syringings are not conducive to the ripening of the- wood,- the trees may be sprayed with some safe insecticide as a preventive of insect pests. If any of the vines are infested with mealy-bug they may now he cleansed with a mixture of soft soap and paraffin. Use a wineglassful of the oil and 4 ounces of soap to each large bucket of water. Dissolve the soap in boiling water, and add enough warm water to make up the required quantity. During the process of spraying, return every second syringeful to the bucket, to prevent any oil floating on the top of the water. This mixture should be used whilst it is still warm, and it should be applied forcibly with a syringe, taking care to work it into the crevices of the bark and into the joints of the trellis and wood- work. The work can be done more thoroughly if one person arranges the foliage whilst another uses the syringe. A little short manure or rough leaf-mould spread on the border will absorb any excessive drip. This treatment may be repeated after the lapse of two or three weeks if neces- sary. Young Vines. — Vines raised from eyes early in the year may now be exposed to full sun- shine and free ventilation. Keep the roots moder- ately dry. If watering is carefully attended to, the plants will not make much more lateral growth. A little heat should be kept in the water pipes during dull weather to promote a buoyant atmosphere and help to ripen the wood. Vaporise the house occasionally with the sulphur vaporiser as a preventive of mildew. Keep a sharp look-out for thrips and red spider, which are apt to thrive in the dry atmosphere, and take prompt measures for their destruction. Late Vines. — Continue to apply liquid and artificial manures to the borders as often as neces- sary. The Grapes swell considerably during the colouring period, and derive much benefit from such applications of manure. Maintain a moist, genial atmosphere with free ventilation whenever the weather is suitable. Keep a little heat in the water pipes during cold weather to prevent a cold, stagnant atmosphere. Strawberries. — The earliest layers in small pots being now well rooted, they may be detached from the. parent plants. Place, the 'small pots , containing the layers closely together on a hard ash bottom in a partly-shaded position. The pots and soil should be in readiness, in order that the layers may be moved into the fruiting puts without delay. It is important to have this pot- ting done early, so as to get large, well-ripened Crowns before winter. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Hertfordshire. Propagation. — The end of July or the begin- ning of August is perhaps the most suitable time for inserting cuttings of many of the choicer shrubs, as the growth is sufficiently ripened and not unduly hard. At this time of the year the atmosphere of the frames may be kept humid with frequent syringings to promote a speedy root-action. It is surprising what a number of species may be raised in this manner if care and attention' are given to airing and damping. An excellent method of striking cuttings is by the system known as the hot frame system. 'The cuttings are inserted in rows in a bed of silver sand and the frame kept perfectly close and no shading given at any time of the day, but fre- quent syringings must be given when the sun is powerful or much damage will result. When rooted, the plants may be potted up singly and placed in cold frames, which should be kept closo until the plants have recovered from the shift, when they may be plunged in such cold frames as can be protected during the. winter months. In tho event of a hard winter, it is quite possible that stocks of various subjects in the open ground may suffer or be killed outright, whereas by this method of procedure the young stock may le placed out-of-doors next spring when severe weather is past. Other plants of a sub-shrubby nature now making growth may be treated in a similar manner. Seed saving. — Plantings from which it is in- tended to save seed must be carefully wat. had after the flowering period is over, and when approaching ripeness the stalks should be cut. This operation should always be performed when thej' are in a dry state. The best way to keep the seeds, if they are not required for imme- diate sowing, is to place the 6eed-vessels head downwards in paper bags, tied at tho top, and placed in a dry position to thoroughly dry and ripen. Label the bag, when the seeds are placed in it, to avoid mistakes. The seed may be cleaned at a later date, when there is less pressure of work. The shrubby-Hyperirums. — These will thrive practically anywhere, and are now making a bright display with their yellow flowers. Propaj gation is easily effected by division of the roots in winter, or any of the species may be raised from seeds. H. calycinum. the St. Johit Wort, is perhaps the best of all plants to provide, a, good carpet under trees. Others, varying in height up to 4 feet, are H. Androsiemum, H. Ascyron, H. galioides, H. hircinum. H. Hookeri- anum, H. inodorum, H. kalmianum, H. Moseri- anum and H. patulum. Season-able work.- — The Rose garden will need much attention to keep it attractive. Many of; the plants have developed their flowers,, and if the strongest growths are now pruned to about the same length as the normal shoots, the upper- most buds will then break and produce a good supply of late Roses. Continue to remove all. decaying flowers and, if any are required for Rose bowls, care should be taken to preserve, them in a clean and dry state. Climbing Roses on poles, pergolas, &c, will be much benefited by the removal of the old flowering wood as soon aa the flowering is past. Half-hardy climbers of rampant growth will need attention' and occasional tying and training of their growths to ensure- even development. The lawns have not this season suffered any ill effects from drought, and the use of the mower has been in frequent request. Worm casts are troublesome] but a thorough good brushing and rolling is the best treatment. Sweet Peas are continuing to flower well, and still making vigorous growth. Continue to remove all seed pods as they form, and stop the leading growths to encourage laterals. Strong-growing perennials, especially those growing close to fruit trees, should be soaked from time to time. Verbascum olympi- cum is a very valuable plant for the borders and the wild garden. It has large, handsome foliage and branching spikes of yellow flowers, which' remain effective for some considerable time. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. R. Searle, Gardener to the \larquis of North- ampton, Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. Blach Currants.— When the crop has been cleared from the bushes, give the branches a good thinning out in order to encourage the young growths from the base. If the bushes are thinned now, these young shoots will ripen much better and earlier than if left unthinned until autumn. All prunings should be taken to the rubbish heap' and burnt, in order tp destroy any insect pests that may be on them. Where the bushes are badly infested with the bud mite (Phytoptu| ribes), it is best to have them grubbed up aha burnt, and a fresh site should be selected some distance from the old one for a new plantation.- When planting time arrives endeavour to procure young bushes from a clean and healthy stock and treat them liberally. The new site should' be double dug and have plenty of well-decayed manure worked in as the digging proceeds; this" should be done several weeks before the planting takes place to enable the soil to settle. It is not a good plan to plant Black Currants in large July 30, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. el quantities together; they should be dotted about if possible amongst Gooseberries and other bush fruits, or planted in single rows. The two best varieties grown here are Boskoop Giant and Carter's Champion. Budding. — During the early part of August is a good time for budding Cherry, Peach, Nec- tarine and Plum trees. Where the branches of these trees have become bare, and it is de- sired to have them refurnished, this can be easily done by inserting buds of the desired variety on the old branches. The method of budding is similar to that practised for Roses. The work should be performed carefully during dull weather, and should hot weather set in imme- diately after the operation, those parte of the branches containing the buds should be shaded from bright sunshine. Plump buds should be selected from half-ripened wood. Make the inci- sion at the point desired in the shape of the letter T. Lift the bark carefully and insert the bud without causing it any damage. Bind it with raffia in the usual way, just sufficiently tight to exclude air and wet. The buds should remain dormant during the winter, but in the spring they will burst into growth with the other parts of the tree. I have seen aged trees which were naked towards the centres become entirely re- furnished and produce good crops of fruit the second season after being budded in this manner. Grt ueral remarks. — Push on with the work of summer pruning, as this should shortly be' brought to a close. Thin out the young growths upon Fig trees, leaving sufficient only to cover the allotted space thinly ; train the new shoots that are required for extension, and rub off the superfluous growths. Expose the fruits as much as possible to the sun, or they will fail to develop good flavour. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Cattleya Mendel ii "Stuart Low."— I notice in your issue of July 16, p. 34, you refer to Cattleya Bluntei in connection with Cattleya Mendelii " Stuart Low." It would be interesting to know whether a plant of this rare variety is still in existence. Perhaps some reader of the Gardeners' Chronicle can afford informa- tion on this matter. Laurence J . Cook. Historic Flower Show Schedule. -At the Teddington and Hampton Wick Horticultural Society's show, held on the 13th inst., Mr. P. M. McKie, one of the members of the committee, had in his possession a copy of a schedule issued by the Teddington Royal Horticultural Society, under the immediate patronage of the Dowager Queen Adelaide in 1845, when the society had for its president the Right Honorable the Earl Howe. The interesting document consisted of two pages. The exhibition took place in September, therefore Dahlias were a leading feature. Prominence was given to a class for " 50 dissimilar blooms of Dahlias," and to " 24 cut Roses," a rather un- usual thing for September I imagine, in those days. With flower shows so frequent now in town and village, it would doubtless be of interest to know the date of the first recorded show in England. One writer in the Floricultural Cabinet, of 1839, describes himself as an exhibitor of Carnations for upward of 20 years. J. The Labour Problem.— I should like to endorse all Mr, Pearson has written in his ex- cellent letter on p. 37 on this question. There is no doubt the profits of the nurseryman and mar- ket gardener are rapidly dwindling, and, as the wages fund depends upon the profits, both the master and the workman must suffer. The whole object of our law-makers is to benefit the con- sumer only, and, if this insane policy continues, the producer in this country will cease to exist. This may take some time, as the British are a dogged race and will die hard. A friend near me, «li<> sometimes assumes the mantle of the pro- pin I. says in the future there will only be three classes in this country, viz., officials, who are in excess so alarmingly, pensioners, and paupers, and that the cultivators of the soil, which ought to be the mainstay of the country, will be found under the last category. E. Hobday, Cavendish Park Nursery, Cambridge. We have had the editorial statement (p. 6) that " in few trades are the hours so long as in gardening, and in no trade is the remuneration so low." Mr. C. E. Pearson, speaking on behalf of nurserymen, says (p. 37), they would " be only too pleased to give their staff a higher remunera- tion if only the conditions of the trade would allow it." The nurseryman who sits waiting for Protection to come and make things better for him is lost, and the nursery hand who accepts this as an excuse for low wages and long hours is also lost. The nursery trade appears to be at least as prosperous in this country as it ever was. There are as many making fortunes at it as there are at any trade with which it may be reasonably compared, notwithstanding cheap French Roses, Belgian Grapes, Dutch bulbs and the assessors of taxes. I was once one of a large gang of trained young men who were paid 15s. for a 62 hours week by a nurseryman who made a big fortune. A better excuse than that offered by Mr. Pearson for low pay and long hours in nurseries and gardens generally is that plenty of men are to be had on the present terms. To use Mr. Pearson's boots as an illustration, if he can get them at 10s. 6d. why should he pay 21s. The Editor tells him he would find the higher-priced boots the cheaper in the end and more becoming, to which he replies, appearances notwithstanding, I cannot afford to pay more, at any rate until Protection comes. For my part, I think it is hopeless to ask employers to take the first step in this matter. In what calling have they ever done anything for the workers un- til they were forced? The shortage of men in America, referred to in the editorial article, is not likely to be experienced here. The I, ml. nr\ of wages to a minimum is certain where there are three men for two jobs, unless the men agree on a fixed price for their services, below which they will not go. This can only be done by following the example of workers in other industries, and forming a strong union of gar- deners. Nurserymen and other employers will. of course, protest, but if we set to work in a business-like, earnest way, things will adjust themselves, as they have done in other indus- tries, where the hours and wages of the employees have been improved 50 or 100 per cent., ami generally to the advantage of the industry and the employer. Mr. Pearson's old catalogue prices prove nothing except that plants, like bread and tea, used to be dearer. But surely what we want is to see a condition of things that will make nursery stock cheaper still (much of it is far too dear at present), and this is to be brought about by skilled management and the employment of trained men paid fair wages and working a reasonable day. II'. II'. Your recent leading article (July 2) on this subject was very opportune, and it is well that attention should be drawn to the fact that " in few trades are the hours so long as in gar- dening, and in no trade is the remuneration so low." Is not the present unsatisfactory state of the nursery trade quite as much due to home competition and the cutting of prices among British firms as to any foreign competition such as suggested by Mr. Chas. E. Pearson? Not- withstanding the fact that some people, and par- ticularly women, already grumble at having to pay 6d. for a good hardy plant, cannot an under- standing be arrived at among nurserymen to raise the price of goods and thus put the business on a surer footing? They should then be better able to command more skilled labour, and young men would not so quickly enter trades where the pay and the conditions (except in regard to health) are better than is frequently the case with gardeners. Mr. C. E. Pearson fears " the new land taxes will hit the nursery trade harder than any other section of land-owners, owing to their premises being usually situated in suburban districts." Like numerous other persons, your correspondent does not seem to realise that the small holder, occupying a holding not exceeding 50 acres or £50 in annual value, is specially exempted from any increment value duty, whether on agricultural or building values. This is how " agriculture " is defined under the new Act: — "The expression 'agriculture' includes the use of land as meadow or pasture land or woodland, or for market gardens, nursery grounds, or allotments, and the expression ' agri- cultural land ' shall be construed accordingly." (Clause 27.) Having had some very varied ex- perience as a rating surveyor, I also take excep- tion to Mr. Pearson's complaint that " These hardships are accentuated by the fact that assess- ment committees always assess nursery land at double or treble its value. H. Stuart Thompson. Iris tingitana. — As Mr. Basil Levett says on p. 38, flowering bulbs of Iris tingitana break up into numerous small bulblets after flowering, but that is no reason why this Iris should not be grown extensively. Of course, if one only has the bulbs that flower, some years must elapse before the bulblets become large enough to flower again, but Iris tingitana should be treated in the same manner as Lilium gigan- teum, also referred to by Mr. Levett. An assortment of bulbs of different sizes should be procured. Some of these in both cases will probably flower the first year, but the others will grow on and will bloom in later sea- sons. As I described in my article on p. 16, all my large bulbs, which I depended on to flower, rotted off because they had been unintentionally covered with about a foot of soil, but 35 of a large colony of smaller bulbs, which were planted in another garden bloomed, though I had not expected them to flower for another year. It was these that were represented in the illustration. If a hundred bulbs of different sizes are obtained, some will come into flower every year, and no season should pass without this glorious Iris being in blossom. ]\'ynd.ham Fitzherbert. Oxlip. -It seems not improbable that Mr. Nicholson's objective and mine are different. I do not dispute the right of the botanists' Primula elatior to the word " clatior." My objection is to its usurpation of the old English designation of Oxlip, which belongs to the natural hybrid between the Primrose and Cowslip. If anyone has doubts regarding the bona fides of the Oxlip of the old writers, they ought to be dispelled by the unanimous agreement of a later group — the Rev. John Lightfoot, who has the Primrose, Cow- slip and (hybrid) Oxlip as varieties of one species; Sir J. E. Smith, Dr. Hooker and their followers, who indisputably regard the hybrid as the true and only Oxlip. Darwin's may be cited as the greatest name among the moderns. In Form- of Flowers, he remarks, " The common Oxlip (not the elatior of Jacq.) is found almost everywhere in England where both Cowslips and Primroses grow;" and "Primula elatior, Jacq., or the Bardfield Oxlip, is found in England in only two or three of the eastern counties." At the Primula Conference in 1886, the late Dr. Hogg exhibited " The Bardfield Oxlip and Common Oxlip with seedlings," and in the collection from Kew were " a few forms of Oxlip, some of which were very curious." Were these " very curious " forms the offspring of Darwin's and Hogg's " Bardfield Oxlip " or of the " common "? And now may I point out that the fact of the Oxlip being known by other names, and as a Cowslip, and that other plants may have been called Oxlip is outside the question? The same can be said of the Cowslip^ and of, perhaps, all very common or attractive " weeds." When on a visit in spring, a lady took me to see a mass of Wood Anemones, of which she remarked, " In Derbyshire we call them Ladysmocks." But that does not invali- date the right of Cardamine pratensis to the name as being peculiarly its own. On referring 88 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 30, 1910. to the late Mr. Leo. Grindon's Shakespeare Flora, and to Canon Ellacombe's Plant Lore of Shakespeare (all the editions), I find both authorities agree that the poet's Oxlip is the hybrid. P. elatior continues to be called Bard- field Oxlip by some folks, and were that the rule, there would be no confusion. B. P. Brotherston. Incarvillea gr an di flora.— Everyone knows that this showy plant opens its flower on quite short footstalks, which, after fertilisation, commence to lengthen until they are, as you will see from those sent, 20 inches high. Why does it do this? T. Smith, Newry. Sweet William Pink.— I appreciate the remarks of your correspondent Mr. Brotherston on my note on Sweet William Pink (see p. 64). I shall send him a complete specimen of flower and foliage as soon as my plants recover from the effect of recent rains. He will then be able to make a comparison, and will probably come to my opinion, that the plant I had described is not a form of Dianthus barbatus at all, it having the general appearance of a cross between D. barbatus and D. chinensis. Unless desired fur- ther, I need not repeat the offer of specimens to Messrs. Forbes, having sent a fully-grown plant some time ago to the late Mr. John Forbes, who replied at the time, as well as by subsequent con- versation, that he had only seen the plant once before, and could not give any account of it, and I expect his son, Mr. Archibald Forbes, may still have the plant, as he was acquainted with the subject. Had my plant been common in Scottish gardens, these eminent specialists in Pinks would have recognised it at once. Last year I sent a specimen to Kew, and was favoured with a reply from the Director that it was one of the numerous varieties of D. Caryophyllus ; however vague that may appear, I believe it is consistent with the rules of the Royal Botanic Gardens not to pay much attention to horticultural variations. It will be of much interest to have Mr. Brotherston's opinion later. Dianthus chinensis was first culti- vated before 1713 by Mr. Thomas Fairchild (vide Aiton). He was a commercial gardener at Hoxton, and died in 1729, leaving funds fur an an- nual sermon, which is still preached ; the first two were published, and I succeeded a short time ago in procuring, for a small sum, for the present vicar, these eloquent orations on nature. Mr. Brotherston repudiates my statement that "Sweet John " and " Fairchild's Mule " are the same. If he will be good enough to refer to Miller's Oarcl. Difi., 1743, vol. i.. under Caryophyllus, he may read, " The double rose-coloured Sweet John or Fairchild's Mule." Seeing that Aiton, in Index Kewensis, 1812. associates D. chinensis with Fairchild, I conclude that the Sweet Wil- liam Pink was the result of a cross of the two species aforementioned, as it bears a much greater affinity to such a parentage than the well-known Mule Pinks with narrow Carnation- like foliage and without the glaucous colouring. These common Mule Pinks were first raised at Angers, by M. Flon, from a supposed natural sport or crossing of D. Caryophyllus and D. chin- ensis, and contained in numerous varieties by Pare, Bonnet, and others. D. Napoleon III. is be- lieved to be from the same origin. That numerous section is known in France as D. semperflorens, or CEillet Flon, and in the English trade as D. multi- florus hybridus. Mr. Douglas has some very in- teresting Mule Pinks from recent crossing. The seed of Brown's Mule Pink was in the trade in the early 'seventies, it probably originated at Slough, but I never succeeded in getting it to grow, and cannot describe it. J. Mitrison. Philadelphia. — Mr. Beckett in his interesting note on flowering shrubs (see p. 39) leaves out Philadelphus Yokohama (Satsuma), the best of the lot. There are specimens here over 15 feet high, d.'ooped from the summit to the ground, masses of snowy beauty. I send a few sprays. T. Sm itli. Origin of the Double Primrose.— The dropping of a line or two in my communication on this subject at p. 38 makes my reference to Primula auriculaeflora, so-called, difficult to understand. What I wrote was, this Crimson Primrose was thrum-eyed, and that I used its pollen on a large, pin-eyed, single Primrose to create a strain of garden Primroses. A. Dean. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee, July 19.— Present : Mr. E. A. Bowles, M.A., F.E.S., F.L.S. (in the Chair) ; Messrs. J. T. Ben- nett-Poe, M.A., E. M. Holmes, F.L.S., W. Hales, J. Fraser, F.L.S. , A. Worsley, J. Douglas, V.M.H., W. Fawcett, F.L.S., and F. J. Chitten- den, F.L.S. (hon. sec). Saxifraga trUimoides. — Mr. Fraser showed a plant of S. tellimoides and commented upon its peculiarities. It is a native of Japan, and has affinities with the American S. peltata and with S. Jamesii, which is also American, but it agrees with none of the recognised sections completely. It is perhaps nearest the section Isomeria, but differs in the peltate leaves. This species was discovered by Maries in 1880, first flowered in this country in 1885. fertile seed being produced in 1892. It was put into commerce by Messrs. Vilmorin in 1897. Seminal variation in Campanula lart.ifl.ora. — Mr. Bowles showed seedlings of Campanula lactiflora having abnormally narrow leaves and very narrow petals, the corolla being cut almost to the base. One had blue flowers, and had been derived from a blue-flowering plant ; the other bore white flowers, and had occurred near a clump of the white form. The variation was in the same direction as that seen in the variety of C. rotundifolia, known as soldanellioides. Spircea Animus. — Mr. Bowles also showed a specimen of Spir.-ea Aruncus, bearing both staminate and hermaphrodite flowers. Up to the present only the staminate form had been known in his garden. NOTTINGHAM HORTICULTURAL AND BOTANICAL. July 19. — An interesting feature at this exhibi- tion was the magnificent display of Souvenir de la Malmaison and other varieties of Carnation shown by Mr. Allen Tatham, Nottingham, an amateur. For a bright and attractive group of plants bearing large flowers of exquisite quality, he was awarded a special Gold Medal. The beau- tiful arrangement of the group reflected great credit on the exhibitor. For another group of " Malmaisons " he was awarded a 1st prize and he gained three other prizes for cut blooms. The best group of miscellaneous plants ar- ranged in spaces not exceeding 200 superficial feet was exhibited by Mr. W. Haslam, Chester- field ; Mr. W. A. Holmes, Chesterfield, being 2nd, and Mr. W. Vause, Leamington. 3rd. In the class for smaller groups, .Mr. W. A. Holmes won the 1st prize and Mr. Vause the 2nd prize. The best stove and greenhouse plants were shown by Mr. W. Vause, and the best speci- men of a stove foliage plant by Mr. W. Vause, who had also the best greenhouse plant. .Messrs. Mansell & Hatcher, of Rawdon, Yorkshire, won the 1st prize for a collection of Orchids, and Messrs. T. Wrotiif.ra & Co., Burton Joyce, a 1st prize for a display of Roses arranged on a table. The best collection of 24 Rose blooms, distinct varieties, was shown by Mr. J. Leak, Beeston, and the best collection of 12 blooms by Mr. W. Lowe. There were fine collections of Sweet Peas, Carnations, Liliums, Fuchsias, Gloxinias, Pelargoniums, Begonias, Caladiums, Ferns, Dracaenas, and a considerable number of florists' arrangements of bouquets, button-holes, &c. Altogether the show, which was held in the beautiful grounds known as the Arboretum, was a distinct success, and the hon. sec. Mr. C. J. Mee is to be congratulated upon the result. FORESTRY AT THE HIGHLAND SOCIETY'S SHOW. July 19, 20.— In connection with the Dumfries Show of the Highland Agricultural Society, on July 19, 20, 21 and 22, a valuable section de- voted to forestry was arranged by the Royal Scottish Arboricu'ltural Society, this being more interesting than any made by the society at pre- vious shows. From the Royal Scottish Arbori- cultural Society came a -large collection of sections of the timber of British-grown trees and shrubs, together with about 100 photo-micro- graphic slides of plant tissue. The Glasgow and West of Scotland College of Agriculture sent a collection of forestry implements and in- struments, together with timber and other specj mens. Sir John Stirling Maxwell, Bart, President of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society, exhibited notched Spruce planted on in- verted turf to show the advantages of the method adopted by him on his estates ; and other ex- hibits of considerable value were shown by his Grace the Duke of Buccleuch from his local estates ; from the Rt. Hon. Sir Herbert Max- well, Monreith (forester Mr. T. Sharpe) ; Earl of Mansfield, Comlongon (forester Mr. W. H. Whillans) ; E. J. Brook, Esq., Hoddom (forester Mr. W. H. Cowan); and Major J. F. Car- ruthers, of Dormont. In the Competitive Section the entries were, as a rule, good, and the exhibits included several from the Duke of Abercorn ; the Duke of Buc- cleuch ; the Duke of Roxburghe ; the Marquis of Graham ; the Earl of Mansfield ; Mr. G. F. Barbour, of Bonskied ; Mr. J. E. Keir, of Har- viestoun Castle ; Mr. W. J. Herries Maxwell, of Munches ; Mr. Younger, of Benmore ; and several foresters, including Mr. R. Cowan, Hod- dom ; Mr. A. Lowe, Lockerbie House ; and Mr. W. H. Whillans, Comlongon. The whole section interested the public, and showed the advance made in the study of forestry in Scotland in recent years. BIRMINGHAM BOTANICAL AND HORTICULTURAL. July 20. — Owing to the wet weather on the above date, the number of visitors at the an- nual Rose and midsummer flower show, held at the Botanical Gardens, Edgbaston, was below the average. Roses and Sweet Peas were well shown. During the afternoon a party of gar- deners from Bath, who were visiting Birming- ham, spent about two hours in the show and gardens. Messrs. Bastock & Son, Woodbridge Road, Moseley, showed about 40 varieties of Violas in vases over a bed of moss. The effect was pleas- ing. A few of the best varieties were Peace, Ada Anderson, Moseley Perfection, Willie Far- mer, Jeannie Houston, Moseley Purple, and i Mrs. Chichester. (Bronze Medal.) Mr. Frank Lilley, St. Peter's, Guernsey, had a nicely-arranged group of early-flowering Gladioli in tall stands and vases of various sizes. The varieties named Fairy Queen, Crimson Queen, General Scott, and formosissimus were much admired. (Bronze Medal.) From The Lapworth Nurseries, Hockley Heath, came 26 varieties of Sweet Peas. (Bronze Medal.) Mr. A. R. Brown, Wychall Lane, King's Nor- ton, had a group of Roses in tall stands, vases, and boxes. (Bronze Medal.) The largest and most effective exhibit came from Messrs. Gunn & Sons, Olton, Birmingham, whose display of Roses comprised about a hun- dred popular and little-known varieties, arranged in bold stands, circular baskets, vases, &c. The various sections were represented, but the Teas, Hybrid Teas, Hybrid Perpetuals, and Rambler Roses were shown in the greatest numbers. The following varieties were exhibited in excellent condition : — Monsieur Paul Leda, Hon. Ina Bingham, Le Progres, Lyon Rose (extra good), White Killarney, Pharisaer, Konigin Carola, Princes3 Marie 'Mertschersky, Richmond, Mrs. Theodore Roosevelt, Frau Karl Druschki, and Mme. Melanie Scupert. On the orchestra at the end of the hall Messrs. Gunn had a collection of Phloxes, in which several new varieties were well shown. (Gold Medal.) Mr. C. H. Herbert, Hazelwood Road, Acock's Green, had a well-arranged group of hardy flowers, consisting principally of Delphiniums, GaJegas, Pinks, Gaillardias, Iceland Poppies, and Alstromerias. (Silver Medal.) Messrs. Bakers, Wolverhampton, showed an extensive collection of Sweet Peas in splendid condition. Two large Cork arches and three tall Bamboo stands, each decorated with large, sub- stantial flowers, formed a pleasing background. Varieties of outstanding merit were Lord Nel- son, Gladys Unwin, Helen Pierce, Constance Oliver, E'tta Dyke, Othello Spencer, Mrs. Charles Mander,' Earl Spencer, Mrs. Charles July 30, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 89 Foster, John Ingman, G. W. Kerr, The Mar- quis, and Catherine Macgowan. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Messrs. Robert Sydenham, Ltd., Tenby Street, Birmingham, showed good-quality Sweet Peas, beautifully arranged in rustic stands. (Bronzo Medal.) Mr. H. N. Ellison, West Bromwich, con- tributed a collection of well-grown Ferns, con- sisting of varieties of Nephrolepis, Adiantums, Gymnogrammas, Lastreas, Davallias, Pteris, and Selaginellas. (Silver Medal.) W. P. Willcox, Esq., Park Hill. Moseley (gr. Mr. A. Hartwell). sent a group of Gloxinias and double and single Begonias, interspersed with bright-foliaged plants. In the classes provided for Roses, Sweet Peas, hardy herbaceous flowers, &c, the undermen- tioned exhibitors were the principal prize-win- ners : — Mr. F. Jefferson, Lapworth ; Mr. E. Deakin, Hay Hal], Hay Mills; Mr. J. W. Mee, Harborne : Mr. F. W. Blood, Edgbaston : Mr. W. P. Willcox, Moseley ; and Mr. H. Ander- son, Shirley. Award of Merit. Viola Moseley Perfection. — A strong-growing variety, with large, flat, deep-yellow flowers. Shown by Messrs. Bastock & Son, Moseley. RAYLEIGH AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL. July 20. — This society held its ninth annual show on the above date, and, as regards the num- ber and quality of the exhibits, it may be re- garded as satisfactory, but the weather in the afternoon was unfavourable. The amateurs' and cottagers' classes were well filled, the exhibits being for the most part of good quality and staged to advantage. Messrs. E. Boyes, W. Dodd, C. J. Barnard, W. A. Yoss, Miss Francis and Mrs. Vickers were the most suc- cessful exhibitors in the amateur classes, and Messrs. G. Wood, B. G. Chippington, and W. Denyer in the cottagers' classes. In the classes open to gentlemen's gardeners. James Taeor, Esq., J.P., The Lawn. Rochford (gr. Mr. J. Burle), and Mrs. Millar, Leigh-on-Sea (gr. Mr. A. Epps), were the most successful competitors, taking four 1st and two 2nd prizes each. In the open classes, Mr. Burle was the most successful exhibitor, winning the 1st prize for a capit- ally-arranged group of miscellaneous plants. 1st prize for a collection of fruit, and .a si.rilar award for a collection of vegetables. Mr. E. Jackson, of Rochford, was 1st for 18 H.P. and H.T. Roses (distinct varieties) and for 12 Tea Rcscs (distinct) ; Mr. Epps won the 1st prize for hardy flowers, and Mr. W. A. Voss was 1st for six tuberous-rooted Begonias, staging well-grown and capitally flowered plants of good variel ies. In the ladies' classes (table decorations), &c, Miss A. M. Barnard. Miss Epps, Miss Blyth, Miss Barnes, and Miss Cork won the chief prizes. Miss Barnard's 1st prize dinner table arrangement consisted of Sweet Sultan (Centaurea rosea) and Gypsophila elegans grandiflora alba, with a few sprays of Fern placed on the white ground round the individual glass stands. Non-competitive Exhibits. These were contributed by Mr. Harold Brown, Clemence Hall Nursery. Hawkwell, near Roch- ford ; Mr. Walter Eslea, Danecroft Rosary, Eastwood, near S juthend-on-Sea ; and Mr. Russell, The Essex Nurseries. Brentwood. Mr. Brown's exhibit consisted of choice Roses, which were shown well by this exhibitor, and by Mr. Eslea, who had also a fine exhibit of hardy flowers ; Mr. Russell's exhibit consisted mainly of hardv flowers. YORKSHIRE SWEET PEA. July 20, 21. — The second annual show of this promising society was held at Beverley. In spite of the recent trying weather experiene'ed in the northern counties the entries were equal to those of the previous year, whilst the quality of the blooms and the staging of them showed a marked improvement. The general arrangements of the show r; fleeted great credit on the secretary, Mr. H. G. Sumpner. It is proposed another year to hold the show in Hull or some such large centre should a com- mittee be forthceiming. The Silver Cup presented by A. Stanley Wilson, Esq., M.P., for 18 varieties, distinct (open to all), was won by W. B. Gautby, Esq., who had some very fine flowers of Audrey Crier, Etta Dyke, Princess Victoria, Frank Dolby, Syeira Lee, John Ingman, Marquis, Althorp Cream, Countess Spencer, Asta Ohn, Evelyn Hemus, Helen Lewis, Apple Blossom, Spencer, Black Knight. " Maiden's Blush," Imp, Prince hi Wales, Marie Corelli, and Sybil Eckford. H. Shernbourne, Esq., How-den, won the 2nd prize with a good lot of flowers. The Open Class for 12 bunches, distinct, was won by G. Cottam, Esq., Cottingham. One of the features of the show was the open classes for single bunches. For the best bunch of White Mr. M. Stather, Cottingham, took 1st place with a grand vase of Nora Unwin ; the best bunch of a Picotee- edged variety was Evelyn Hemus shown by Dr. Roy Appleton ; the ' best blush, Constance Oliver, shown by G. Cottam; the best striped, flaked, or marbled variety was Yankee; the best pink shade, Bolton's Pink ; the best lavender, Frank Dolby; the best scarlet, Geo. Stark ; the' best rose or carmine, John Ingman; the I" si maroon, Douglas Unwin; the best buff, Clara Curtis; mauve or heliotrope, Marquis; the best orange, Helen Lewis ; the best bi-color, A. Ireland. The class for six varieties did nut bung forth much competition, but the Silver Cup was dee rvedly gained by Dr. Roy Appleton ; with splendid blooms of John Ingman, Princess Victoria, Maroon Paradise, Zero, Lavender George Herbert, and Elsie Herbert. The Certificate of .Merit, awarded by the National Sweet Pea Society, was given to a vase of Castlethorpe Beauty (said to be an improved Mrs. H. Sykes), shown by W. B. Gautby, Esq., Brigg. The Silver Medal of the National Sweet Pea Society offered for the best vase in the Amateurs' Section was won by Mr. J. S. Harper, York, with Elsie Herbert. The handsome Silver Gilt Medal, presented by Messrs. Dobbie & Co. for the most successful ex- hibitor, was won by Mr. Stather, Cottingham. Non-Competitive Exhibits. Dr. Roy Appleton showed Gloxinias, Begonias, &c. ; Mr. Frank Goulding, Beverley, Border Carnations; Mr. J. R. Lane. Ruses and Violas; Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Edinburgh, a col- lectii n • i S.v, et Peas; Sunproof Crimson, Edrom Beauty, and Mis. Hugh Dickson received First- class Certificates, and Messrs. Dobbie received a Medal fur the best trade exhibit. Messrs. E. P. Dixon & Sons showed a neatly-arranged exhibit ef Carnations, early flowering Gladioli, foliage plants, an! some floral decorate as LIVERPOOL HORTICULTURAL. July 20. 21.— The Rose and Sweet Pea show was held at the Corn Exchange, the Sweet Peas being excellent and the Roses, although showing the effects of bad weather, were an improvement upon the empty benches of last year. Hardy flowers were shown well. Sweet Peas. For twenty distinct varieties Dr. G. E. Phillips, Malpas (gr. Mr. W. Davies) won the 1st prize with an excellent assortment, including Asta Ohn, Dazzle, Tom Bolton, Nancy Perkin, &c. ; Geo. H. F. Robertson, Esq. (gr. Mr. E. Jones), Gresford. was 2nd. For twelve distinct varieties Geo. H. F. Robertson, Esq., led. having good flowers of Othello, King of the Blues, &c. ; P. H. AsH- worth, Esq. (gr. Mr. W. H. Shon), Gresford, was 2nd. The best collection of twelve varieties with waved standards was shown by Dr. G. E. Phillips, who had the varieties Dazzler. Mrs. Hugh Dickson, and others. The best bunch of Sutton's Queen was shown by Mr. Robertson. In the Amateurs' Section the best twelve varieties came from Mr. W. Bindloss, Formby. Roses. In the competition for the best collection of 18 Hybrid Teas. G. H. F. Robertson, Esq., won the 1st prize, and he had fine blooms of Caroline Tcstout, Mildred Grant, Killaniey. &c. Mr. Robertson had also the best collection of 18 blooms. For twelve blooms, distinct, A. E. Gun- SON, Freshfield, was the most successful ex- hibitor. Mr. Robertson had the best collection of six blooms. In the Amateurs' Section Mr. C. Hacking won the 1st prize for twelve blooms, and Mr. H. Brownhill for six blooms. Carnations. The best exhibit of six Carnations or Picotees, three blooms of each, came from Percy Cornelius, Esn. ; he had good blooms of Hesperia, and Agnes Sorrel; 2nd Chas. Alcock. Esq.. (gr. Mr. C Russell); the best collection of twelve blooms, distinct, was shown by Percy Cor- nelius, Esq. Non-Competitive Exhibits. Gold Medals were awarded to Messrs. Bread- more, Winchester, and H. Middlehurst, Liver- pool for Sweet Peas ; Alex. Dickson & Sons, Newtownards, W. Rowlands, Wavertree, and R. Manson, Gateacre, fur Re.ses ; W. Conway & Sons, Halifax, and Dicksons, Chester, for herbaceous cut flowers ; R. P. Ker & Sons, Liverpool, plants, fruits, and vegetables; W. L. Pattison, Shrewsbury, Pansics and Violas; and Messrs. YOUNG, West Derby, fur Carnations. Silver Medals were awarded to Messrs. Thos. Davies & Co., and Bees, Ltd., Liverpool, for cut flowers. DUNFERMLINE. July 21, 22.— Why is this show rapidly be- coming one of the best shows in Scotland? It is held li\ the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, and besides having plenty of money behind it, it has also plenty of enthusiasm, concentrated largely in the pers mality of the convener and secretary ef the Trust's horticultural committee, Mr. John Hynd. Three popular classes of flowers are very specially encouraged — Roses, Sweet Peas and Pansies. In fact, the Pansy competi- tions are now the must important in this country. To give some idea of the display, we print below the number of entries in the leading classes. 1: - (open to all). The Carnegie Championship prize for 72 cut I!' ses, single blooms, nut fewer than 36 distinct varieties (8 entries). — 1 (£10). Hugh Dickson, Belfast; 2 (£7 10s.), R. Harkness & Co., Hitchin; 3 (£5), D. & W. Croll. Dundee; 4, (£2 10s.), Robert Ferguson, Brucefield, Dun- fermline'. Thirty six cut Roses, single blooms, not fewer than 18 distinct varieties (9 entries). — 1 (£4 10s.), Hugh Dickson; 2 (£3), R. Harkness & Co.; 3 (£2). D. & W. Croll. Twent\ four cut Roses, single blooms, distinct varieties (10 entries). — 1, Hugh Dickson; 2. D. & W. Croll; 3, R. Harkness & Co., 4, W. Ferguson. Twenty-four cut Roses, eight sorts, three blooms of each (8 entries). — 1 (£3), Hugh Dick- son ; 2 (£2), R. Harkness & Co. ; 3, D. & W. Croll ; 4, W. Ferguson. Twenty-four cut Roses, single blooms, Tea or Noisette, not fewer than 12 distinct varieties (9 entries).— 1 (£3), Hugh Dickson ; 2, D. & W. Croll ; 3, Smith & Meldrum, Forfar ; 4, R. Harkness & Co. Display of Roses, space not to exceed 12 feet by 6 feet; Rose foliage only allowed for decora- tion.—1 (£7), W. Ferguson; 2 (£5), R. Fer- guson. Fifteen vases, distinct varieties, garden or decorative Roses, not fewer than three trusses of each ; to be arranged on three tiers. — 1, R. Ferguson ; 2, W. Ferguson ; 3, J. Fairley & Co. Pansies and Violas (open to all). Forty-eight blooms Fancy Pansies, distinct varieties (10 entries). — 1, Charles Kay, Mill Farm, Gargunnock ; 2, Andrew- Frater, Lin- lithgow ; 3, Charles Cockburn, Pencaitland ; 4, James Paul. Killearn. Twenty-four blooms Fancy Pansies, distinct varieties (16 entries). — 1, James Paul ; 2, Charles Kay ; 3, Robert Dunsire, Avonbridge ; 4, Andrew Frater. Twenty-four blooms Show Pansies, distinct varieties (14 entries). — 1, Andrew Frater; 2, 90 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 30, 1910. Matthew Wallace ; 3, James Paul ; 4, James Smellie, Busby. Twenty-four blooms Violas, distinct varieties (18 entries). — 1, Robert Dunsire; 2, Andrew Frater ; 3, Matthew Milligan, Wishaw ; 4, J.Ames Paul. Gardeners and amateurs. — Twelve Fancy Pansies, distinct varieties (31 entries). — 1, Andrew Frater ; 2, Charles Kay ; 3, Robert Hunter, East Kilbride; 4, John M'Laughlan, Gargunnock. Twelve Show Pansies, distinct varieties (22 entries). — 1, Andrew Frater; 2, John Hender- son, Fauldhouse ; 3, Matthew Wallace ; 4, John Douglas, Uphall. Twelve blooms Violas, distinct varieties (33 entries). — 1. John Douglas; 2, Andrew Frater ; 3, Robert Dunsmore ; 4, Robert Hunter. Good prizes were also given for Sweet Peas, herbaceous flowers and Carnations. Messrs. DoEBrE & Co., Edinburgh, were awarded a Gold Medal for a fine stand of Sweet Peas and Pansies, and Mr. YVm. Angus, Penicuik, a Silver Medal for a table of Carnations. DURHAM, NORTHUMBERLAND AND NEWCASTLE- ON -TYNE BOTANICAL AND HORTICULTURAL. July 20,. 21.— This 6how was held on these -dates at Newcastle. Unfortunately, the recent strike of railway servants prevented a number of exhibits reaching their destination, but, never- theless, the general quality was very high. The groups arranged for effect on spaces 25 feet by 12 feet brought four competitors. Mr. A. E. Bambridge, Lynwood, Jesmond, New- ■ castle-on-Tyne (gr. Mr. T. BeU), easily won the 1st prize for a group containing Codijeums (Cro- tons) in excellent condition, whilst the arrange- ment of the Orchids and other flowering plants was very effective. Mr. H. H. Hillier, Green Park Gardens, Darlington, was 2nd. In Mr. Hillier's group Roses and flowering plants were prominent features, but the general arrangement was thin. Messrs. Carnegie & Co., Newcastle, were placed 3rd. and Mr. G. W. Pinkney, Brook- field Gardens, Stockton-on-Tees, 4th. In Class 2, for six plants in bloom, the pitmen showed their plants in fine condi- tion. Mr. J. Ellison, Cramlington, North- umberland, was awarded the 1st prize. In the back row was a fine specimen of Clerodendron Balfouri 5 feet in diameter, profusely flowered, the other plants being Clerodendron fallax, Dip- ladenia amabilis, Allamanda Hendersonii, Anthu- 2-ium Scherzerianum, and another. Messrs. R. Arther & J. Harrison were 2nd, and they showed finely-flowered plants of Stephanotis, Statice, and Bougainvillea, amongst others. In the class for four plants in bloom, Mr. Ellison was again 1st. Clerodendron fallax and Allamanda were especially fine. Messrs. Arther & Harrison were 2nd. For a group of Carnations Mr. W. Lawren- son, Newcastle, was 1st, with a neatly-arranged group, Mr. D. Marshall, Yarm, being 2nd. For six table plants, Mr. T. Bill was 1st, Mr. H. H. Hillier 2nd, and Messrs. Arthur & Harrison 3rd. The best exhibit of four tuberous-rooted Be •gonias was shown by G. Lyall, Esq., Binton (gr. Mr. E. Brough), who was awarded the 1st prize. In Class 7, for 48 Roses, distinct, Mr. Hugh Dickson, Belfast, beat all competitors, the varie- ties Lyon, Mrs. Miles Kennedy, Mildred Grant, J. B. Clark, and Dean Hole being especially fine. Messrs. G. Gibson & Co., Bedale, were 2nd. In the class for 24 Roses, in 12 distinct varie- ties, Mr. Hugh Dickson was l6t, and Walter l.v i:v, Esq., Gosforth, 2nd. ■. Mr. Hugh Dickson was also 1st for 12 dis- tinct varieties, and Messrs. Gibson & Co'. 2nd. For 12 Roses of any variety, Mr. Hugh Dickson was 1st, with fine flowers of the variety Mrs. E. Mawley. Mr. Park, Askew Mill, was 2nd, with Mrs. J. Laing. For 18 bunches of Sweet Peas, the Right Hon. Sir G. 0. Trevelyan, Bart., Wallington Hall. Cambo, Northumberland (gr. Mr. E. Keith), was 1st, with a grand stand, in which the colours were finely blended. Tom Bolton, J. Ingman. St. George, Mrs. H. Sykes, Queen Alexandra, and Elsie Her- bert being especially fine. Mr. T. Bell, Whitley Bay, was 2nd, and Messrs Longster & Sons 3rd. For three bunches, Mr. Keith was again 1st, and Mr. Jarvis, Northallerton, 2nd. For 12 bunches of hardy flowers, Messrs. Harkness & Sons, Bedale, were 1st, Messrs. Gibson & Co. 2nd, and Messrs. Longster & Sons 3rd. For a collection of Carnations, Mr. W. Law- renson was deservedly awarded the 1st prize, being the only exhibitor. In the classes for eight dishes of fruit, J. E. Hathaway, Esq., Baldersby Park (gr. Mr. .1. Brennand), was awarded the 1st prize. The Muscat of Alexandria and Black Hamburgh Grapes were excellent, and Royal George Peach and Brown Turkey Figs were the best of the other dishes shown. 2nd, the Right Hon. Lady Beaumont, Carlton Towers, Yorkshire (gr. Mr. Nicholls). In the open class for four dishes of fruit, Mr. Hathaway was 1st and Mr. Nicholls 2nd. For a dinner table arranged with flowers and fruit for effect, Mr. G. E. Hillier was 1st, and Mrs. Battensby. Blayton, 2nd. The best exhibit of bunches of Grapes was shown by Lady Beaumont, the varieties includ- ing Madresfield Court and Muscat of Alexandria. 2nd, H B. Watson, Esq. (gr. Mr. W. Ferguson). For two bunches of white Grapes, Mr. T. Bell was 1st, with Buckland Sweetwater. For two bunches of Black Hamburgh, Mr. G. Shotton was 1st, and Earl Grey, Howick (gr. Mr. W. Lambert), 2nd. For two bunches of black Grapes, any other variety, Mr. J. R. Gardiner won the 1st prize with finely-finished fruits of Madresfield Court. In the competition for Messrs. Webb & Son's prizes for the best collection of Vegetables, Mr. T. H. Bolton, Powderham Castle Gardens, Devon, was 1st, and Mr. E. Keith 2nd. For Messrs. Sutton & Son's prizes for Vege- tables, Mr. T. H. Bolton was again 1st, and Mr. Nicholls 2nd. Among the non-competitive exhibits Messrs. Sutton & Sons had a grand display of flowers, fruit and vegetables. (Gold Medal.) Mr. John Forbes, Howick, made a grand display of Phloxes, Delphiniums, Pentstemons, Violas, and Carnations. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Stuart & Mein. Kelso, exhibited perpetual-flowering Carnations, and herbaceous and Alpine plants in variety. Mr. F. J. Bell, Whitley, had a fine display of Violas, Sweet Peas, &c. " Messrs. G. Gibson & Sons, Bedale, showed hardy flowers. Roses, &c. The Tyneside Seed Stores, New- castle, had a choice collection of tuberous-rooted Begonias. Messrs. Michie & Co., Alnwick, showed Conifers, Acers, and hardy flowers in variety. Mr. W. Lawrenson, Newcastle, had a fine display of Ferns, pot Roses, Pelargoniums, and hardy cut flowers. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. J. Thompson & Sons, Forest Hall, showed Roses Pelargoniums, Ferns. &c. Mr. H. Innis. Croft Spa, Darlington, had a fine group of Orchids, arranged with Caladiums and Ferns. Messrs. Ord Bros., North Shields, had a miscellaneous display of Ferns, Palms, foliage and flowering plants. Mr. 0. R. Lamb, Gosforth, showed Bays and other foliage plants. NATIONAL CARNATION. (SOUTHERN SECTION.) July 26. — The thirty-fourth exhibition of this Society was held in the Royal Horticultural Hall. Westminster, and, despite" the untoward season, it was a very fine show. The competition was good in most of the small classes, but in the first division it was merely a duel between two ex- hibitors. For future shows, it should be pointed out that a few tall Palms for the table would greatly improve the general effect. In the class for eighteen dressed blooms, Flakes and Bizarres, there were two competitors Mr. Jas. Douglas, Great Bookham, winning the 1st prize with a fine, even display. The varieties were J. D. Herschell, Meteor, Admiral Curzon, Recorder, Sportsman, Sarah Payne, Geo. Mel- ville. Peter Pan, Arthur, Rowena, Master Fred, Torchlight, J. S. Hedderley, and Gordon Lewis. Mr. Chas. Blick, the Warren Nurseries, Hayes, was 2nd. The best of his flowers were Dean- eton, Cleopatra, Emigrant, Opella, Claude Lorraine, and Hestra. For 18 Selfs in not fewer than twelve varieties, Mr. Jas. Douglas was awarded the 1st prize for a beautiful stand. The varieties employed were Daffodil, Caruso, Kate Nickleby, Cardinal, Bob Acres, Queenie, Ruby, Mrs. R. Gorton, Mrs. Parton, Mrs. Henwood, and Mrs. G. Jones. Mr. Chas. Blick followed with a stand of larger flowers, but they were not dressed quite so well. His best blooms were Maharajah, Elizabeth Schiffner, Lady Bury, John Knox, Attraction, and Black Douglas. The class for eighteen Fancy varieties con- tained two very fine exhibits, Mr. Chas. Blick turning the tables on Mr. Jas. Douglas by win- ning the 1st prize. His varieties were Donald McDonald (very fine), The Marquis, Vandyck, Dauntless, Skirmisher, San Remo, Bombardier, Pasquin, Prince Albert, Leslie, Lieut. Shackle- ton, Arabella Stuart, Outlaw, Medusa, Prince Arthur, Victory, and R. Morton. In Mr. Douglas's stand the finest flowers were Mrs. Penton, Cassiope, Dido, Linkman, and Queen Eleanor. There were but two competitors for 18 white- ground Picotees, Mr. J. Douglas again winning the 1st prize, with beautiful examples of J. Smith, Amelia, Miss Cartwright, Mrs. Twist, Lena, Ganymede, Harry Kenyon, Amy Robsart, Thomas William, Brunette, Fortrose, Mrs. Sharp, Favourite, Little Phil, and Clementine. Mr. Blick followed with the following varieties as his best flowers, Lucrece, Bobby, Patty Oliver, Lucy Labouchere, and Free Lance. The yellow-ground Picotees were exceedingly good, and Mr. Jas. Douglas was again the best exhibitor, with such varieties as Margaret Lemon, Onward, Her Majesty, Ophir, Cymbeline, Togo, Lady Freemantle, Exquisite, Lady Galton, Styx, Archie Brown, and Goblin. Mr. Chas. Blick, who followed, had good examples of Mark Twain, Amy Charles, Daisy Boston, Her Majestv, and F. W. Goodfellow. The flowers in the undressed division, which were displayed in vases, were certainly more effective than those on the boards. For six vases, three blooms of each variety, Mr. Jas. Douglas won the 1st prize for well-displayed flowers of Mrs. R. Berkeley, Agnes Sorrel, Daffodil, Mrs. T. E. Henwood, Mrs. Griffiths Jones, and a scarlet seedling. Mr. Chas. Blick was 2nd with good examples of Lady Bury, Maharajah, and Miss Willmott. In the class for six vases of Fancy varieties Mr. Douglas repeated his former successes with very tine flowers. His varieties were Alice Byron Stuart, Gloriosa, Mrs. Penton, Liberte, Lord Steyne, and Queen Eleanor; Mr. Chas. Blick was 2nd. The yellow-ground Picotees stOl found Mr. J. Douglas in the front; he staged good vases of Margaret Lemon, Ophir, Onward, and Santa Claus. In Mr. C. Blick's vases were noted Lady Godiva, John Ruskin, and Her Majesty. For 12 varieties, to include Selfs, Fancies, and yellow-ground Picotees, Mr. Jas. Douglas led off with a fine display. The varieties were Kate Nickleby, Margaret Lemon, Renown, Onward, Mrs. R. Berkeley, Alice Byron Stuart, Rubv, Togo, Lord Steyne, Gloriosa, Daffodil, and Liberte. Mr. Chas. Blick was a capital 2nd, with R. Morton, Victory, Vandyck, and Daunt- less as his best flowers. The competition in the second division was considerable. For 12 Bizarres and Flakes, Mr. H. R. Taylor, Cheam, Surrey, was most suc- cessful, his flowers being well-grown and well- dressed specimens. The varieties were Bedouin, Gordon Lewis, G. Moreland, Torchlight, Merton Trio, J. S. Hedderley, Geo. Melville, and two seedlings. Messrs. Phillips & Taylor, Brack- nell, were 2nd, with good examples of J. S. Hed- derley, Isolde, Hall Caine, and Gordon Lewis. In a similar class for Selfs, Mr. H. R. Taylor won the 1st prize with excellent flowers of Caruso, Splendour, Snowflight, Luda Mali;., Cardinal, W. G. Parton, Carabas, Maud Allan, and Mrs. Eric Hambro. The 2nd prize went to Mr. H. Mathias, Stubbington, who had good flowers "of .Carabas, Cain, Snowball, and Daffodil. Messrs. Phillips, & Taylor were 3rd. . In the Fancy varieties, Mr. H. Mathias won the 1st prize, the varieties employed being Linkman, Liberte. Hecla, Daniel O'Connor. Iv- vonian, Father O'Flynn, and Mars. Mr. ('. Wall, Bath, was 2nd, with fine flowers of Ino Sebright, Hercules, and Lord Steyne. Mr. W. Sydenham, Melbourne, was a good 3rd. For 12 white-ground Ficotees, Mr. H. R. Taylor led off/ with Queen of Spain, Dora Bright, Little Phil, and Mrs. Sharp as the best examples. Mr. W. Sydenham was 2nd. with ex- amples of Mrs. W. Twist, Blink Bonny, Miss July 30, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE gr E. Cartwright, and Ganymede. Mr. H. Mathias was 3rd. The competition for 12 yellow ground varieties was good, Mr. H. Mathias winning the 1st prize with Goblin, Togo, Gloria, Lady Constance, and Lady Halford. Mr. W. Sydenham was 2nd, and Mr. C. Wall occupied the 3rd position. The undressed flowers were arranged in vases. For four varieties, three blooms of each, in the Self section, Mr. H. R. Taylor staged sraur fine flowers. His varieties were Sultan, Cardinal, Miss Willmott, and Lady Walton. Mr. H. Mathias was 2nd, and Mr. R. Morton, Wood- side Park, 3rd. There were nine entrants. In a similar class for Fancies, the competition was again good, Mr. R. Morton winning the 1st prize for well-displayed vases of Lord Steyne, Erl King, R. Buchanan, and Richness. Mr. G. R. Taylor was 2nd, with R. Buchanan and Carnival in good form, while Messrs. Phillips & Taylor were 3rd. The yellow-ground Picotees were not so strongly represented. Mr. H. R. Taylor was awarded the 1st prize. He had vases of Ophir, Santa Claus, Onward, and Lady Halford, while the other prizes went to Messrs. H. Mathias and W. Sydenham in the order named. In the class for nine vases of Selfs, Fancies and yellow-ground Picotees, Mr. H. R. Taylor secured the 1st prize with fine vases of Lord Steyne, Anne Hathaway, Miss Willmott, Ophir, R. Buchanan, Mrs. E. Hambro, Solomon, and Onward. Mr. H. Mathias was a capital 2nd, having good, clear flowers of Libra, Daffodil, Pas- quin, and Sam Weller. Mr. R. Morton was 3rd. In the third division, Mr. G. D. Ford, Acocks Green, was 1st for six dressed flowers of Flakes and Bizarres, with the following varieties: C. H. Herbert, Sportsman, Meteor, R. G. Rudd, Master Fred, and Ophelia. Mr. C. Linzee, Arlesforcl. was 2nd. For six Sells, Mr. G. D. Ford won the 1st prize with bright, clean flowers. Mr. C. Alcock, Liver- pool, being 2nd. In the class for six Fancies, .Mr. C. Linzee was 1st with good examples of Pas- quin, Sam Weller, Linkman, and Orlando; Messrs. C. Alcock and G. D. Ford were 2nd and 3rd respectively. Single Varieties. , For a pink or rose-coloured Self, Mr. C. Alcock was 1st with a fine vase of Lady Hermoine ; Mr. E. J. Price, Bournville. being 2nd with Camilla. The best white Self was shown by Mr. C. Alcock in Sir Galahad. In the darker varieties, Mr. E. J. Price won 1st honours with Ashantee, whilst Mr. C. A. Linzee was 1st in the yellow class with Daffodil. The scarlet varieties were very effective, Mr. C. A. Linzee being awarded the 1st prize for a fine vase of Brigadier. The yellow-ground Fancy varieties proved an extra strong class, Mr. C. Alcock won the 1st prize with Lord Steyne; Mr. Jas. Fairlie was 2nd with R. Buchanan. The class for Fancies, , other than yellow-grounds, was awarded Mr. C. A. Linzee for Ino Sebright, while Mr. W. Fairlie followed with Millie. Mr. C. Alcock won the 1st prize fur Selfs. snowing Duchess of Wellington. The " Martin Smith " Cup class for 12 van. ties, three blooms of each, staged in vases, proved a most attractive class. Mr. H. R. Taylor, how- ever, secured the coveted award with excellent examples of Lord Sefton, Ophir, Duchess of Wel- lington, Cardinal, R. Buchanan, Sultan, Miss Willmott, Snowflight, Maud Allan, Carnival, Togo, and Erl King; Mr. R. Morton followed with good, clean vases of Lord Steyne, Daffodil. Cardinal, and Togo. The open classes for a vase of nine blooms of one variety in tbe various sections produced a splendid display, and Mr. Douglas won all but one class. The best pink or rose Self was Miss Willmott; the best yellow variety, Daffodil ; red or maroon Self. Agnes Sorrel ; white, T. E. Henwood ; scarlet, Cardinal ; terra-cotta shades, Mrs. Griffiths Jones, and yellow-ground Fancy, Pasquin. The class for a yellow-ground Pico- tee was won by Mr. H. R. Taylor with Ophir. Table Decorations. There were only two exhibits of table decora- tions. Mr. A. Robinson, Carshalton, won the 1st prize with a delicate arrangement of yellow Carnations, while Mr. E. J. Price won the 2nd prize with an arrangement of pink varieties. With delicately-arranged foliage. Premier Flowers. The premier flowers in the dressed section were yellow-ground Picotee John Ruskin, from Mr. C. C. Wall ; heavy-edged yellow-ground Picote-e Her Majesty, from Mr. Chas. Blick ; light-edged, white-ground Picotee, Thomas William, from Mr. H. R. Taylor ; heavy-edged white-ground Picotee Seedling 200, from Mr. H. R. Taylor; Fancy variety Leslie, from Mr. Chas. Blick; Self variety Maud Allan, from Mr. H. R. Taylor ; Flake, Torchlight, from Mr. H. R. Taylor; Bizarre, Master Fred, from Mr. D. Walker. The premier undressed flowers wore light-edged yellow-ground Picotee John Ruskin, from Mr. Chas. Blick ; heavy-edged yellow-ground Picotee Her Majesty, from Mr. Chas. Blick ; Fancy variety R. Morton, from Mr. C. Blick ; and Self variety Daffcdil, from Mr. Jas. Douglas. The " Cartwright " Challenge Cup was awarded for the third time to Mr. Jas Douglas ; while the " Martin Smith " Challenge Cup was secured by Mr. H. R. Taylor. The Divisional cups for the highest aggre- gate number of points were awarded to Mr. Jas. Douglas, in Division I., and Mr. H. R. Taylor in Division II. A third cup was received by Mr. Alcock, while the fourth went to Mr. J. H. Linnington. Honorary Exhibits Messrs. W. Cutbtjsh & Son, Highgate, ar- ranged a fine group of Carnations in tall vases, with Palms, Bamboos, and appropriate foliage ; Mr. Chas. Turner. Slough, had an effective group of border varieties in pots, bedded with Ptens Ferns; Messrs. J. Peed & Son, Wist Norwood, also arranged a group of Carnations ; Messrs. S. Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, had a large exhibit of Roses; while Messrs. ('.. & A. i i mi.. Dover, staged a table of hardy flowers; as did also Messrs. Barr & Sons, Covent Gar- den, their collection of Phloxes being very fine. From Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, Upper Edmon- ton, came a fine exhibit of Ferns and Campanu- la. Messrs. Phillips & Taylor occupied a table witli Carnations, hardy flowers, and some attractive Nymphaeas. LAW NOTE. HERBERT STANLEY. The Official Receiver for the Edmonton district lias issued particulars with respect to the failure of Herbert Stanley, formerly known as Herbert Stanley Mobbs, of 15, Palmerston Crescent, Bowrs Park, Middlesex, lately residing at Salcombe, Bowes Road, Palmer's Green, Middlesex, Orchid importer, from which it appears that the debtor has filed a statement of affairs showing unsecured liabilities amounting to £5,902 6s. 6d. and assets nil. The debtor alleges his failure to have been caused through agreeing to pay too much fur the business in 1898, want of liquid capital, excessive interest and protracted ill-health of my former partner, Ashton, and loss of Orchids in Civil War in Columbia. The report and observations of the official re- ceiver are to the following effect: — The debtor, aged 41, who has been adjudged bankrupt, states that he commenced business on June 1, 1898, in partnership with another person, under the style of Stanley Mobbs and Ashton, without capital, taking over the assets and liabilities of the busi- ness as a going concern, and agreeing to pay £3,350 for the business and £575 for the goodwill. The debtor states that these sums were consider- ably in excess of the value, and the purchase money was not to be called in for 7 or 14 years, provided interest was paid on same. The debtor states that about eight years prior to the receiving order, another person joined the partnership, and about five years ago his original partner retired, and the debtor took over his share of the assets and liabilities. The partner- ship was dissolved on April 15, 1909, and an account and valuation were taken, and his partner took over the assets and liabilities, and there was a balance found due to him from the debtor of £1,608 19s. In December, 1902, the debtor exe- cuted ;i settlement on his marriage, under which he settled a policy for £500 and his household furniture, and he undertook to spend £300 further on furniture, and to effect and settle a further policy for £500. The unsecured liabilities include £1,608 19s., being the amount due to his late partner, men- tioned above, .the balance is in respect of the balance of the purchase money of the business in 1898. The books of account stated to have been kept, comprise cash book, bought and sold ledgers, journal and day book. The debtor that the balance-sheets were made out and the books audited annually and stock taken, and up to 1909 he valued the stock at cost or under, and in 1909 the stock was valued by experts at about 30 per cent, of the debtor's valuation. The debtor states that he became aware he had not sufficient property to pay his debts in full on April 15, 1909. DEBATING SOCIETIES. WATFORD AMATEURS AND GARDENERS'. — The 17th annual meeting of this society was held at St. Andrew's School on July 8. Herbert Rogers, Esq., presided, and there was a good attendance. A paper was read on " Flowering and Ornamental Shrubs " by Mr. C. Jones, and one oh "Mushrooms" by Mr. A. Clements. A discussion of half an hour's duration followed each paper. Mr. Clements' paper was made doubly interesting by a number of lantern slides being thrown on the screen by Mr. Frank Newman illustrating Mushrooms at different stages of their growth. These slides were specially made for Mr. Clements, who afterwards presented them to the society. On the following afternoon a large number of the members visited the Watford Nurseries on the invitation of Mr, Henry Newman, the society's secretary. READING GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION.— The annual excursion of this association took place on the 14th inst., when the Japan-British Exhibition at the " WhiteCity," Shepherd's Bush, was visited. It had been earnestly hoped that this year the society might visit the Royal Gardens at Windsor, and negotiations with that end in view were in pro- gress when the lamented death of his late Majesty King Edward took place, and all thought of the projected ex- cursion wasabandoned. The committee had then somewhat hurriedly to fix on a venue and the Japan-British Exhibi- tion was' selected. Arrangements were made with ibe G. W. R. Co. whereby reserved coaches were attached to a special train to Uxbridge Road, which left Reading it 10.35 a.m. The party numbered 150, including ladies. The Japanese Gardens came in for considerable attention, the scenic railway, the flip-flap and other frivolities were not overlooked, while the music discoursed by the bands was a source of enjoyment to every one. By arrangement with the railway company the members were allowed to return at any time in the evening, but most of the party remained to see the display of fireworks, returning by the special train from Paddington at 11.30 p.m., Reading being reached at 12.25. REOHILL, REIGATE AND DISTRICT GAR- DENERS'.— By kind permission of the Rev. Bridges, M.A., the members paid a visit to the gardens of Worth Rectory, on July 14. Journeying by brake and cycle, the party reached Worth about 6 p.m. They were met at the gate of the rectory by the Rev. Bridges and his gardener (Mr. C. Daisley). Roses in endless variety were to be seen in the gardens. No matter where the party looked, Roses appeared to be plentiful. Some of tbe most notable varieties included American Pillar, Debu- tante, and Elaine. The Sweet Peas excited much admira- tion. The varieties, Dorothy Tennant, Constance Oliver, Lord Nelson, and Douglas Unwin were charming. In the flower borders the Sweet William, Irises, Spiraeas, Delphiniums, Dahlias, and oiher flowers were of great in- terest. Other features of interest were the Laburnum walk, the Dingle, the lakes, and the ornamental terraces. Owing to a Rose fete that was in progress, the rectory gardens were illuminated in the evening. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. [Correspondents arercquested to write the names of persons* mad places as legibly as possible. No charge is made for these announcements, but if a small contribution- is sent, to be placed in our collecting Box for the Gardeneri* Orphan Fund, it will be thankfully received, and an acknowledgment made in these columns,] Mr. F. W. Scholfield, for the past 4^ years Gardener to> the late P. Falcke, Esq., of Owles Hall, near Enfield, Herts., as Gardener to R. W. Bhourne, Esq., Manor House, Bishopstoke, near Eastleigh, Hants. Mr. W. Parry, previously General Foreman in the gardens at Norwood, Alloa, as Gardener to A, McOnie, Esq., Ballochneck, Buchlyvie, Stirlingshire. Mr. W. Sturgess, for the past 2 years at Stagenhoe Park, Welwyn, Herts., as Gardener to Lady Fitzwilliam, Eastcliffe, Bembridge, Isle of Wight. Mr. W. V. Wall, until recently Gardener to A. Hughes, Esq., Packwood Grange, Knowle, near Birmingham, as Gardener to James Booth, Esq., J. P., Ardencote, Claverdon, near Warwick. Mr Alfred Bristow, for the past y years Gardener at Worcester Court, Worcester Park, Surrey, as Gardener to The Rt. Hon. Sir Henry Roscoe, Woodcote Lodge, West Horsley, Surrey. (Thanks for 2s. for R.GO.l*.- Box.-Eos.) Mr, J, W. Simons, late Gardener to Colonel Champion de Crespigny, Burton Latimer Hall, as Gardener to F. Wright, Esq., Petherion House, Rockingham Road, Kettering. — Mr. H. Reynolds, for the past year and 8 months Gardener at Shadwell Court, Thetford, Norfolk, as Gardener to R. F. Rolndell, Esq., Gladstone Hall, Shipton-in- Craven, Yorks. Mr. R. Scott, for 4 years Gardener to Colonel Harford, Down Place, Windsor, is Gardener to Earl Bathurst Franks, Daitfod, Kt_.it 92 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 30, 1910. Obttuari). Ferdinand Kegeljan. — We have just received news of the death of Ferdinand Kegeljan, presi- dent of the Royal Horticultural Society of Namur (Belgium), on the 24th inst., at the age of 88. Deceased was a much-respected philanthropist, and he took a prominent part in Belgian horti- cultural affairs, heing celebrated for his culture of Gloxinias. He was a honorary member of ihe Royal Horticultural Society. to LoTTubordmi Editors and Publisher. — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communica- tions, and save us much time and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that all letters relating to financial matters and to advertisements should be addressed to the Publisher; and that all communications intended for publication, or referring to the Literary department, and all plants to be named, should be directed to the Editors. The two departments, Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters are misdirected. *.* The Editors will he glad to receive, for consideration, large photographs of horticultural subjects, suitable for reproduction as Supple- mentary Illustrations in this Journal. Apple Stem : F. 11. The stem was not bitten through by the insect, but broken by other means. Beech Coccus: J. L. See answer to II". J. on p. 396 in the issue for June 11 last. Clematis : J . S. Your informant is quite right in stating that Clematis plants growing against buildings die occasionally from lack of suffi- cient moisture at the roots. Just as in the case of fruit trees, Clematis, Ampelopsis, Ivies, and other sorts of wall plants do not benefit from the rains to the extent plants do which are growing in the open. At the same time this cause may not account for the death of your plants. It is impossible to say what has caused the trouble in your particular case un- less specimens are sent for examination. — Correspondent. The Clematis leaves arrived very dry and in a bad condition. There were no eggs on them, but a quantity of caterpillar excrement. The caterpillars had either all escaped, or been crushed in the post, and only one was available for examination. Assuming that they were all the same, the trouble is due to small, just-hatched larvae of the magpie moth (Abraxas grossuiariata). We should like to see sjme fresh material, which should be packed in such a way that it will not dry. Correction. — On p. 58, for Campanula Porter- schlagiana read C. Portenschlagiana. Disease on Fruit Trees : T. C. The injury is caused by Phyllosticta prunicola. Nothing can be done except to remove diseased portions. Spray the trees next spring with the Bordeaux mixture, using it at half strength. French Bean: Cymro., Carmarthen. French and Runner Beans frequently shed their flowers through a check arising from drought at the roots, especially in periods of hot weather. The weather has not been excessively hot lately, but, at the same time, various local conditions may cause the soil to be dryer than is beneficial to the roots. If this is the case, you might apply a good watering, and then place a mulch of half-decomposed manure and leaves over the soil between the rows. There is nothing in the specimens themselves to explain why the flowers should fail to set. Grapes: It. W. The black Grapes do not at present show signs of disease, but they appear to have ripened, and then to be keeping badly. In such cases as this we should expect to find that the plants have been overcropped or that they are impoverished, owing to unsuitable con- ditions, or lack of food at the roots. The green berriea are affected with Grape rot, caused by the fungus Gloeosporium ampelophagum. As a remedial measure you may dust the fruits and leaves with flowers of sulphur at intervals of ten days or so as long as the disease appears to be spreading. A small quantity of quick- lime should be mixed with the sulphur on the second application, and the quantity of lime should be increased on every successive occa- sion until the proportions of lime and sulphur are nearly equal, but always keeping just a little more sulphur than lime. Before applying sulphur, you should remove any leaves, shoots and fruit showing signs of disease, taking care to destroy them by burning. In winter the branches should be washed thoroughly with a solution of sulphate of iron. Japanese Gardening: A. L. We do not know a book in the English language which deals ex- clusively with this subject, though articles appear from time to time in the press, includ- ing our own columns. A list of plants suitable for this form of gardening is given in the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, vol. xxxii., p. 1 ; see also the same journal, vol. xxxi., pp. 12, 18. Lilium candidum : R. B. The plant is attacked by the common Lily disease, Botrytis cinerea, a disease which it is next to impossible to cure. As the Lilies in other parts of the garden are unattacked, you will do well to dig up and destroy by burning those few which show the disease. In addition to this, you should take the soil in which the roots have permeated and sterilise it by placing it on a smouldering fire. Remedial measures some- times applied with a certain amount of success include the spraying of the plants early in spring with a weak solution of potassium sul- phide and dusting them with flowers of sulphur. Magnolia: A. B. — The Magnolia is M. Watsonii, and the other specimen is Neillia opulifolia var. lutea. Mildew on Grapes: Vitis. To prevent mildew from attacking your Grapes, dust the surface of the leaves with flowers of sulphur, using a distributor (which you can obtain from any horticultural sundriesman) for this purpose. Keep a sharp look-out for its appearance on the bunches, and apply the sulphur to the affected parts as soon as it appears. The sulphur can be removed later when the I trapes are colouring by syringing with rain-water. There is no danger of the mildew spreading after the Grapes commence to colour. The greatest care must be used in ventilating the structure until the fruits are ripe, especially during cold, stormy weather. If the border is wet and clammy, lightly fork up the surface soil and do not walk on it more than is necessary. Names of Fruits: Mwell. The fruits arrived in a smashed condition, owing to the use of a cardboard box for packing. Names of Plants: H. II., Hulton, and J. II*. Will you please send fresh specimens, packing them as carefully as possible. — W. J. B. 1, Achillea Eupatorium ; 2, Thalictrum flavum ; 3, Centaurea macrocephala ; 4. Spiraea filipendula fl. pi. ; 5, Eupatorium Weinmannianum ; 6, Heuchera sanguinea ; 7, not recognised, send when in flower. — W. 1. Polygonum bistorta ; 2, shrivelled beyond recognition ; 3, Iberia sempervirens j 4. Fauns sylvatica heterophylla (syn. F. s. asplenifolia) ; 5, Gaultheria Shallon ; 6, Campanula Balchiniana. — II. IS. 1. Retino- spora plumosa aurea ; 2, Cupressus Lawsoniana ; 3, Kerria japonica fl. pi. ; 4 and 5, shrivelled beyond recognition; 6, Euonymus radio. ins variegata. — T. A. II. Pyrus pinnatifida. — P. E. N. Epidendrum cochleatum. The red disfiguration of the leaves is caused by thrips. Sponge the leaves occasionally with soapy water. — .?. C. Lilium chalcedonicum. — D. M. 1, Cymbidium ensifolium; 2, Dendrobium cre- taceum ; 3, Masdevallia corniculata ; 4, Den- drobium tortile ; 5, Oncidium varicosum. — II am pstead. Oncidium Schlimii. — J. P., Carlisle. Fuchsia procumbens. — //. B. 1. Catasetum macrocarpum ; 2, Polycycnis musci- f oa; 3. Gongora cassidea ; 4, Ada aurantiaca. — II'. G. B. The scarlet flower is Lobelia cardinalis and the other Hippeastrum (Amaryl- lis) equestre. — ./. G. 1. Spiraea Bumalda ; 2. S. Douglasii ; 3, S. ariaefolia ; 4, Leycesteria formosa ; 5, Shrub, send when in flower ; 6, Deutzia crenata fl. pi. — //. Roberts. 1. Cotyledon umbilicus; 2, Valeriana officinalis; 3. Cichorium Intybus; 4. Stachys betonica ; 5. Gal'um saxatile. — II. Gandy. The Thistle is Silvliiun Marianum. Nectarine: D. W. G. II. The fruits of the Nectarine and Peach sometimes crack owing to greatly fluctuating cultural conditions. In order to prevent the trouble, you should en- deavour to keep the roots in an even condition of moisture and regulate the atmosphere in re- gard to temperature and moisture, in such a manner that violent fluctuations will be avoided. Oak: II'. E. Old trees as frequently fail from lack of nourishment as from old age, therefore your proposal to loosen the surface soil and apply a good mulching with occasional water- ings of liquid manure is perfectly sound prac- tice, and may have the desired effect. If you turn to the last issue, you will see that your question respecting Heather and Ling has been answered. Pea: C. A. There is no specific disease present ; the recent bad weather may be responsible for the failure. Peach: A. IS. The fruits show signs of ordinary Peach mildew. Dust the leaves with flowers of sulphur whilst damp. Let the water pipes be dusted with sulphur when they are made very hot in the evening following a dull day, closing the house for an hour or two after- wards. Take care that the roots are not allowed to suffer from drought, but, at the same time, see that the atmosphere is not kept excessively damp. Peach Tree : W. E. Poole. There is no disease present on the branches. Probably the root is in some way affected. Pears Exhibited at a Show : E. C. It is not possible for us to give you the information in the absence of further particulars. Can you not apply to the Mr. G. Longhurst mentioned in your letter? This would appear to be the proper way of getting the information required. Seeds from India : .4. r?. E. Seeds not recognised. Sow some in a greenhouse and send us speci- men of the plants when in bloom. Sweet Peas : H. ('. The seedling varieties are not without merit. The purple one, having an i m eially fine standard, appears to be equal to any existing variety of its colour. In order to determine this, however, better specimens would be required for comparison with others. You would do well to exhibit them before the Royal Horticultural Society's Floral Commit- tee or send the varieties for trial by the National Sweet Pea Society next season, when the relative merits of any seedlings you may have may be determined accurately. Sweet William : T. II. The injury is not due to either a fungus or insect. Tobacco Leaves for Fumigating Purposes : Nicotine. If you wish to use home-grown tobacco leaves for fumigating plant houses, you should allow the leaves to develop to their full size, then cut them and suspend them in the sun to dry. Beyond drying them thoroughly no other preparation is required, except cutting them into coarse shreds. Tomato Foliage: ./. II. B. and C. C. The leaves are affected with Tomato-leaf rust (Cladosporium fulvum). If the fruits are still young and green spray the plants with the Bordeaux mixture. If they are nearly ripe, re- move any rusted leaves or plants, and spray the remaining ones with the potassium sulphide solution, using 1 ounce of potassium sulphide to 2£ gallons of water. Dissolve the potassium sulphide (or liver of sulphur as it is called) in a quart of hot water, then make it up to 2£ gallons by adding cold water. The white paint should be protected as this spray would discolour it. Vine Leaves : T. E. Your leaves are affected with sapwarts. These are caused by excess of moisture in the air. Ventilate the house more freely, especially in the morning. Communications Received.— J. Comber (your letter lms been forwarded) -S. P. & S.— E. T. H. S. - F. W. and Sons— G. V. I. — W. S.-C. T.— W. C— Royal Metero- logical Society -H. M.— B. G.-E. P.— T. M. N.— I. C — W. E.-P. N.'-Beeswax -J. E.— S. C.-D. M.-T. M.— W. A— A. Y.-H. W. W.-A. D.— W.-F. J. K , U S.A.— W. P.-W. P.R.-Chloris-Dr. K , Berlin.-S A.-P. B.— Mrs. E. B. S.-A. B W.-A. D W. J. D.-A. W. P.— B. Wright-F. J Chittenden-H. S. T.._W P. & Sons- Rev. J. J. -P. B. \V— T. H.-C. H. P.-A. & C. Pearson — F G. C.-R. G. W.— H. J. C.-YV. W.— W. A.— W. G.— ' F. M. IT. m in O W a < Q 'Z < O W o w h Aucust 6, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 93 THE 6artiencrs'(fhronic No. 1,333— SATURDAY, August G, 1910. CONTENTS. Agricultural Com- Plane trees and throat mittee, the 103 trouble 105 Alpine house at Kew, PJant notes — the 94 Bougainvillea glabra 100 Bacterial blight of Pollination and fruit- Apple, Pear & Quince 103 formation 102 Belvoir Castle, Gran- Ramsbot torn, Mr. John, tham 102 appointment of 103 Bog slides 105 Rose " Caroline Tes- Books, notices of — tout " raised from Calendar of Garden outtinga 97 Operations 99 Societies — The Ladys Recreation 99 Basingstoke Hort. ... 111 Bowling green, a crown 112 Bebington Hort. 107 Campanula pusilla alba 96 Bishop's Walt ham Carnations, perpetual- Hort 110 blooming, in the open 106 German Amateur Ro- Cocoa, budding the sarian 109 plant 103 Horticultural Club ... 107 Culham, Mr. A. Brook, Leamington and appointment of 102 County Hort. 108 Cultural memoranda — National Vegetable ... 107 Schizanthus 106 Perthshire Sweet Pea 111 Delphiniums, * seedling 105 Prescot Hort. .. 111 Dixon, Mr. Charles ... 103 Royal Horticultural. - 106 Effect of last winter Salt aire Rose 110 on vegetation at Southampton Carna- Leonardslee 105 tion 110 Fruit crops, reports on West Derby Hort. ... 111 the 97 -104 South-Ea«tcrn Agricul- Fruit season, the 93 tural College, gifts of Increment value duty books to 102 and nurserymen 104 Spiraea Menziesii tri- Iris flavescens 95 umphans 105 Labelling hardy plants 105 Trees and shrubs- Labour problem, the ... 104 Si eiimen trees at Lychnis diurna, wild Cobham Hall 106 double-flowered form 1 rials at Wisley gardens L02 of. 105 Veronicas, new hybrid 103 Natural history of Coni- Violas in Battersea Park 103 ferse, the 95 Week's work, the — Nursery stock, inspec- Apiary, the 101 tion of, in Bri.ish Flower garden, the ... 101 Columbia 103 Fruits under glass ... 100 Open spaces in London, Hunly fruit garden ... 101 two proposed new ... 104 Kitchen garden, the... 101 Orchard in Worcester- Orchid houses, the ... 100 shire, suitable varie- Plants under glass ... 100 ties for an 112 Wild garden, the 104 Orchids, a sale of 104 Worms, new garden ... 98 ILLUSTF ATIONS. Alpine House at Kew ... 94 Belvoir Castle, Gran than. ISui >plementary Illustration) Bowling green, a crown. liagr am showing the fall in ... 113 Campanula pusilla alba 96 Iris flavescens, a bed of 95 Lilium giganteum at Monreit r 104 Lychnis diurna, a wild, ( uiiM j-flowered form of 105 Rose " Caroline Testout " owering in a Highgate garden 97 Worm (Allolobopbora similis) girdle segments of 99 ADVANCING FRUIT SEASON. THE FINANCIAL OUTLOOK. ANY remarks upon the circumstances noticeable in market fruit orchards have been made in previous articles; but more are needed to bring the subject up- to-date. The returns published in this journal last week show how general the failure in nearly all kinds of fruit is throughout the United Kingdom, and, if they had been mainly from market growers, instead of from gentlemen's gardeners, it is probable that they would have been even more un- favourable than they are, because the crops in highly-cultivated gardens and private orchards are better than those in larger plan- tations. It is to be feared that the year will prove one of heavy financial loss to many market growers, if not actually ruinous to a con- siderable number of them. Prices, even when higher than usual, are seldom high enough to make up for so great a deficiency. Goose- berries sold well throughout the season, and, it is possible that the prices made up for the lack in quantity in cases where three-fourths of an average quantity were obtained : but Black Currants, in consequence of foreign competition, made but little more than ordin- ary prices until the last week or two of the season, when very few growers had any left. As for Cherries, high as were their prices, these did not give any near approach to compensation for the extreme shortness of the crop. Strawberries and Raspberries do not come into the category of short crops, and possibly the returns from them were moder- ately remunerative, although the coldness of the weather told against good markets for the former fruit especially. It is in relation to Plums and Apples that the financial outlook is most serious, for Cherries and Pears, although even more de- ficient, are not grown nearly so extensively. The earliest consignments of Rivers' Early Prolific Plums realised good prices ; but there was a speedy fall, in consequence of supplies from the Continent. Some idea of the volume of these competing supplies may be gained from the statement of my salesman in a south- ern seaside market to the effect that they had received 600 half-sieves of Orleans Plums from the Seine Valley in the latter half of the last week of July, just when my Prolines were being marketed. Early Apples have not started well, con- sidering the shortness of the crop, from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d. per half-sieve having been the prices for " firsts " of cooking varieties in the last week of July. The fruit keeps on dropping from the trees that are bearing, a wind of quite moderate force being sufficient to strew the ground with Apples of various sizes. As stated last month (see p. 17), Apples have a very slight hold upon the trees this season, and any approach to a gale, now that the fruit is heavy, would glut the mar- kets with windfalls. Size of Fruit. Plums are of a good size, as such a thin crop should be; but many varieties of Apples have a hide-bound appearance, and are not swelling properly. The early kinds in the markets have been small, as a rule. Early Julyan. particularly, matured too soon, which is a curious result in a wet and sunless season. Probably the coldness of the soil has prevented the flow of sap from being normal, in spite of the abundance of moisture. Or it may be that the explanation of the bad setting and dropping which appears to be most in favour with growers applies also to the size of the fruit. This is that the fruit- buds which fruited this year were not pro- perly matured in the wet and cold autumn of 1909. and, therefore, have failed to sus- tain the fruit well. Worcester Pearmain and Stirling Castle, which have about three-quar- ter crops in my oldest plantation, are among the varieties which have a hide-bound ap- pearance, while Lane's Prince Albert seems likely to be much smaller than usual, and Beauty of Bath bears small fruits where they are at all thick on the trees. Lady Sudeley, Potts's Seedling, Queen, Domino, Warner's King and Bramley's Seedling are bearing fruits of fair size ; but there is not many on the last-named variety. Apple Scab. As was to be expected in a wet season, scab is bad on trees that have not been sprayed two or three times with the Bordeaux mixture. Irish Peach and Duchess of Oldenberg are so badly marked and cracked by sceib in my or- chards that they will be worth very little to sell. Having Gooseberries under them, they missed a timely spraying given to most other kinds, and, after the Gooseberries were picked, the operation was too late to do much good to the fruit. Many other varieties, even those which were sprayed at the proper times, are marked with scab, but not cracked. Cox's Orange Pippin is not scabby, but is much rus- seted, perhaps in consequence of the spraying. By the way, I have clear evidence this season of the spotting of the leaves of this variety by spraying with Bordeaux mixture, as three trees left unsprayed are exempt from the spotting. There is no defoliation worth notice at pre- sent, but the spotted leaves are deteriorated in vigour, and will certainly drop prematurely. After this season I shall refrain from spraying this variety with the Bordeaux mixture when it is in leaf, but shall do all that can be done to keep the disease from developing on the wood. Possibly dilute lime and sulphur wash will be tried on the foliage next season. In other cases the benefit of systematically spraying with Bordeaux mixture during three seasons is obvious and considerable. Some trees of Dume- lou's Seedling (Wellington) and Bismarck that were badly affected with scab three years ago are now almost clear of the malady. Undesirable Apples. There are some varieties of Apples which, though commonly grown, should never be re- commended for market plantations, although they do better on some soils than on others. Three varieties, covering over an acre of my land, are to be dug up in the autumn, after a trial of ten years, and two others are to be allowed only another year to determine whether liberal manuring last year and this year will improve them sufficiently to render their retention desirable. King of the Pippins sells well, and it does not concern the market grower that it fe hardly worth eating. But what does concern him is that it is in- veterately liable to canker. Potts's Seedling, a very fine cooking Apple, is equally bad in this respect. Stirling Castle is only fit for gardens where trees of an extremely dwarf habit of growth are desired. Nothing short of profuse and frequent manuring or resolute thinning of the fruit can prevent it from " cropping itself to death " in a few years. Besides, it is badly subject to canker. Duchess of Oldenberg is not big enough for a culinary Apple, and is not worth eating for dessert. Moreover, it has a persistently inward habit of growth, and does its best to grow like a Lombardy Poplar. Again, it is badly liable to scab, and yet dislikes the remedial spraying. I have it in two fields of different classes of soil, and it does not flourish in either. It has a tendency to make long and slender shoots, and for that reason, as well as on account of its inward habit of growth, it needs severe thinning and hard pruning to buds pointing outwards until it is well furnished with branches. But it is not worth the trouble, as there is the choice of scores of better market varieties. Irish Peach is the last that needs to be mentioned as not worth planting for market purposes. It is a nice early Apple, but is too shy a bearer, and its habit of fruit- ing mainly on the ends of shoots of a strag- gling and pendant growth causes it to take up more space than it pays for. Simmer Pruning. When time allows I get on with the summer pruning of Apple trees four and five years from the planting. Old and big trees have to 94 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 6, 1910. do without the operation, and they need it much less than young trees, because, after they have got into the fruiting habit, they make fewer shoots to crowd their interior parts. I believe in the advantage of summer pruning for the purpose of letting sunshine into all parts of a tree, but I have no faith in the prevailing theory as to its effect upon the formation of fruit buds through the stopping of laterals. That is to say, my opinion is that summer pruning tends to promote the development and ripening of fruit buds by letting sunshine into the in- terior parts of a tree, but that, apart from this advantage, it tells against such develop- ment. The theory is that, by shortening a lateral, the energies of the tree are increas- ingly directed to the development of the lower buds into fruit buds. This seems to me contrary to the natural course of events. fruit buds. Further, many laterals need to be cut off close to the main shoots, to give sunshine access to those left and to the main shoots. For these reasons I am convinced that summer pruning pays, although it in- volves a great deal of work. A Southern Grower. THE ALPINE GARDENc THE ALPIXE HOUSE AT KEW. In an article by Mr. Wyndham Fitzherbert in your number of June 25, he refers to the beauty of the plants growing in the Alpine House at Kew during May. It has often been a cause of won- der to me why more people do not take up this branch of gardening, for its simplicity and in- expensiveness should appeal to all, and I fully endorse Mr. Wyndham Fitzherbert's description of the Alpine House being " one of the most Close to the glasshouse are a number of cold frames. Here the little plants are grown, first of all, in pots plunged in earth in these frames, and, as each plant comes into bud, it is taken into the Alpine house until its flowering period is over. It is not, of course, within the means of every- one to possess a range of frames such as may be oeen at Kew, and many of us would, therefore, :ave to grow some or all of our plants in our glasshouse for some time previous to their flower- ing. The Alpine House itself is a span-roofed one, and measures, roughly speaking, 45 feet by 10 feet. There is a narrow path in the centre, with stages on either side. The staging is about 3 feet 4 inches wide, and appears to be made of slabs of slate supported by a framework of iron and wood. On the slates is spread a bed of cinders, on which stand the pots of plants in an informal manner. The roof is constructed so that air may be admitted, and there are also roller blinds to give shade in hot weather. The pots are worthy of notice, as they are Fig. 3r. — view in the alpine house at kew. The adage, " Growth follows the knife," ap- plies to a lateral just as much as to a main shoot, and anything which promotes wood growth delays fruiting. It is desirable to de- lay the fruiting stage until a tree is well fur- nished with branches, and to give time for the branches to become sturdy before they are called upon to bear a great weight of fruit. But if a main shoot is left entire, it is much more likely to form fruit buds all along its length than a cut shoot is to form them on the portion left. The case of a lateral is similar, provided that it is exposed to the sunshine. But it is not desirable that a lateral should fruit along its uncut length, and, therefore, its pruning is beneficial. Moreover, if interior laterals are left to grow, until the late part of the autumn or the winter, they shade nM only each other, but also portions of the main shoots, and thus prevent the development of pleasing and instructive spots at Kew." Par- haps a short description of this house, and of a visit I paid to it early in March may be of use to those who possess a small or large glasshouse, and who do not realise that it may be kept gay and bright all the year round without the use of any kind of heating apparatus. As I opened the door my eyes were greeted with a blaze of colour, and a second glance told me that I was in the sheltered home of the hardiest and sturdiest class of plants, whose natural habitat would be the colder and more rigorous parts of the world. It was evident they appreciated the protection afforded to them, and were flowering profusely. Most of them were quite capable of growing and blooming out-of- doors ; but in this Alpine House they flower a few weeks earlier, and their blossoms are pro- duced in greater perfection than if they had to buffet with inclement weather. Briefly described, the system in force at Kew is as follows : — almost of the same width top and bottom, and mostly of the following measurements : — Diameter at top, 1'5 inches; diameter at bottom, 5 inches; height, 4| inches. The soils used vary according to the needs of each plant. Some have chopped sea-shells mixed in, and some are composed largely of peat and silver-sand. Others have chippings of limestone and sandstone, or, perhaps, granite on the sur- face of the soil ; while others, again, present a rockery in miniature, and the little plants appear to actually grow on small lumps of sandstone or granite. There were, I should say, some 300 pots and about 80 different species of plants at the time of my visit. I will briefly describe a few of them. To those who contemplate taking up the idea for themselves, I would recommend a book called The Unheated Greenhouse, by K. L. Davidson, which describes how to keep such a house filled with bloom all the year round. A large number of the plants blooming at K August 6, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 95 were of the Saxifrage family, notably S. Rocheli- ana and S. Ferdinandi-Coburgii, both of en- crustated habit, and studded with white flowers in the former and yellow flowers in the latter species. S. oppositifolia was there in several shades of colour, and S. apiculata, with numerous pale-yellow flowers. S. Boydii and S. Paulinas were both out, and so was S. Salomonii, bearing white blossoms about 2 inches high. S. Grisebachii looked healthy, and its curious drooping stems and crimson flowers had a distinct and pleasing appearance. A somewhat rare plant was present in Epigea repens, of creeping, shrubby nature, and small, white flowers ; while better known species were Scilla bifolia and S. siberica, Chicnodoxa luciliae, Puschkinia scilloides, and Bulbocodium vernum. Arabis alpina, though common, is a pretty plant ; while Gagea lutea may be uncommon, but is certainly not pretty ! Plenty of colour was provided by the Tulips, many pots were grown of P. verticillata, with its mealy leaves and whorls of bright yellow flowers. Other noticeable Primulas were P. Fortunei, P. marginata, P. megasefolia, and P. denticulata, all bearing blossoms of varying shades of lilac and mauve, and having mealy stems and leaves. Both the type and the white variety of Cyclamen coum were in bloom, and so also was that lovely little Hyacinth azureus. and its near ally. Muscari at- lanticum, one of the so-called " Grape Hya- cinths." Adonis amurensis was over, and Iris sindjarensis was nearly so. There were three species of Erythronium out, F. Hartwegii, E. citiinum, and E. robustum, their colours being respectively yellowish-green, pale cream, and bright yellow. I also noted Fritillaria aurea for its handsome yellow flowers, chequered brown, and Urnithogalum Hans Kneckii, for its curious, white blossoms striped with green. Other plants in bloom were Draba rigida, Iberis gibral- THE NATURAL HISTORY OF GONIFER/E. (Continued from p. 73.) The facts already recounted satisfactorily ex- plain how conifers are able to retain their foliage and yet withstand the rigours of our frosty win- ter ; but they do not tell us why conifers have not adopted the annual leaf-shedding habit that appears to represent the true spirit of vegetation thriving in regions where there is a season of the year during which water is not adequately avail- able. It might be suggested that the evergreen habit has become so deeply ingrained in conifers that it was impossible for them to overcome this hereditary trait. Such a suggestion is not justi- fied, inasmuch as the Larch and several other kinds of conifers have actually acquired the de- ciduous habit. The question arises, then, " Is not, after all,. Fig. 32. — iris flavescens in the royal botanic gardens, kew, in June. [Photograph by \V. J. Vas'-y. especially by Tulipa Kaufmanniana and its variety aurea, both opening their flowers flat, and being of most brilliant shades of yellow and gold. T. suaveolens had large, scarlet blossoms, T. pulchella small, cherry-crimson flowers ; whi^e T. Leichtlinii had lovely white, cherry-coloured flowers on long, drooping stems. T. Clusiana was only in bud. Narcissi of various kinds were much in evi- dence. N. obvallaris, N. minor, and N. bulboco- dium had yellow flowers ; so also had N. cycla- mineus, with its elegantly-reflexing perianth petals. N. triandrus was also there, and its beau- tiful, white flowers were both dainty and striking in appearance. Heloniopsis japonica was blooming freely, so also were the Anemones hepatica, blanda, and hortensis. Crocus versicolor var. violaceus struck me as being very pretty, with sturdy, little, white flowers, striped outside with plum colour. I saw a great many different species of Primula, and larica, Corydalis bulbosa, Theaspi den6iflorum, Morisia hypogea, Achillea Halleri, and Shortia uniflora. M. E. Stebbing. IRIS FLAVESCENS. The illustration in fig. 32 represents a large bed of this pretty, pale-yellow Iris in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Mr. J. G. Baker, in his Iridecc., places Iris sulphurea, K. Koch, and Iris imbricata, Lindl., under this species, and de- scribes the habitats as Bosnia and the Caucasus and Armenia. It is classed amongst the tall, bearded, flag Irises, and is closely allied to Iris germanica. Like those of many other members of this group, the flowers are sweetly scented : they are produced in May. Of a deeper shade of colour, but not quite so pleasing nor so free in flowering, is the form known as I. flavescens var. leucantha. These Irises prefer a rather dry and sunny position, and good, loamy but not freshlj manured soil. the coniferous type of leaf quite as well suited to our climate as the leaf-shedding mechanism of ordinary broad-leaved trees? " When we call to mind the distribution of conifers in Northern Europe, and the various facts gleaned by foresters a6 to the growth of conifers, we are apt to jump to the conclusion that conifers are inferior to broad-leaved deci- duous trees in their power of maintaining them- selves in the struggle for existence. We find coniferous forests occupying less favoured sites — often nearer arctic latitudes and alpine altitudes — and we know that in our latitudes conifers can be grown successfully (from an economic point of view) on soils too poor for the profitable cultivation of broad-leaved trees, such as the Oak and the Ash. Yet even these facts convince us that conifers have considerable powers of growth in soils and climates that are more or less un- favourable, and they also prove that the conifer Is by no means an unsuccessful type of 96 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 6, 1910. plant. But, on favourable sites, it is not always the conifer that is defeated by its broad- leaved, leaf-shedding rival. For, in Germany, cases are known in which the Spruce or Silver Fir defeats such a redoubtable warrior as the Beech, which is wont to overthrow many other broad-leaved species of trees, including the Oak, largely by means of the lethal shade that it easts and in virtue of its own power of enduring shade. Where the Spruce and the Beech battle, sometimes the Spruce forest advances, driving the Beech forest before it and exterminating the van- guard trees of the latter. The efficiency of the coniferous apparatus is alfo demonstrated by the wide range of dis- tribution of a single genus, such as Pinus. True Pines form low scrub in the icy and snowy cli- mate of arctic and alpine sites ; they give rise to vast forests in cold-temperate and warm-tem- perate lowlands, and even occasionally do so in sweltering tropical climates. They grow on soils question? If the matter is one of water-supply and water-expenditure, and, in particular, if it is necessary for the individual leaf to present a small evaporating surface, which is also specially protected from rapid outward passage of water, there are three possible causes : — (i.) The roots may be able to absorb only slowly, so that the supply of water to the tree is relatively small. (ii.) The stem may be incapable of conducting water upwards with rapidity, so that the supply of water to the leaves is relatively small. (iii.) The aggregate leaf-surface of the whole tree may be so great (notwithstanding the small size of the single leaf) that there would be an excessive loss of water unless unusual provisions were made to check the loss from each leaf. In connection with the first suggested cause, it may be admitted at once that conifer roots gen- erally seem to absorb water slowly and to be in- capable of setting up anj thing more than a slight [Photograph by Wyndham Fitxherbert. FlG. 33. — CAMPANULA PUSILLA ALBA. varying from dry sand and sour heath to soaking bog. Even one and the same species of conifer may exist on very diverse soils, in very varied habitats, and in very diverse climates : such is true of the Scots Pine, and even more so of the common Juniper, which extends from the frigid Arctic zone to nearly sea-level in warm Mediter- ranean countries, and from dry, scorching sand- dunes to misty, shaded forests. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that broad- leaved, deciduous trees preponderate in favoured situations in our climate, and seem here to have largely ousted conifers. Hence once more the ques- tion arises as to why conifers have not adopted the broad and less stiff foliage of deciduous dicotyledons, :Is there any structural or archi- tectural feature in the conifer that renders it essential for the individual leaf to be small and so constructed as to transpire slowly? Or is there any peculiarity in the working of the coniferous machinery that renders the change in the typo of the foliage more or less out of the amount of root-pressure. Yet. despite this, the Larch shows that the difficulty of obtaining water is not so great as to debar the possession, on the part of a conifer, of a vast number of rapidly-transpiring, deciduous, and soft leaves. (It would be interesting to have some particulars concerning the rate of absorption of water by the Larch.) Moreover, the slow rate of absorption, and the poverty or lack of root-hairs on the roots of conifers might quite as well be the effect, not the cause, of the slow transpiration ; for other slowly-transpiring plants (including certain mono- cotyledons and dicotyledons) often have no root- hairs. As regards the rate of the conduction of water from the supplying roots to the expending leaves, we know that in conifers the wood, which con- veys the water up the stem, differs from thai 1 I broad-leaved trees in lacking the long, relatively- wide, open tubes known, as " wood-vessels." Coniferous wood is mainly constituted of short, very narrow, closed, tapering tubes termed " tracheids." Water travelling up the cavities of these is exposed to greater resistance than when moving up longer and wider wood-vt I Hence we might imagine that sap could not ascend in coniferous wood at a sufficient pace to balance the loss of water due to transpiration from more delicate, deciduous foliage. But, in fol- lowing this train of thought, we are apt to forget the existence of the Larch, which proves the direct opposite. Moreover, I have found that water can and does ascend the Larch stem rapidly — probably quite as rapidly as it usually travels up the Beech. Thus the structure of the wood of the conifer forms no insuperable barrier to the assumption of a deciduous habit and the acqui- sition of delicate leaf-structure. There is. therefore, no reason to believe that the supply of water to the leaves is necessarily in- adequate to such a change of habit. But when we consider the question of expendi- ture of water by the conifer, we encounter a fact for which we may have been unprepared. Though the surface exposed by the single conifer leaf is very small when compared with that of an Oak or any ordinary broad-leaved tree, yet the number of leaves on the ordinary conifer is so- great, that the aggregate surface of the whole foliage is apt to be far greater than that of an equal-aged or equal-sized, broad-leaved, deciduous tree. Now, the amount of water evaporated by a tree depends not only on the size of the indi- vidual leaf surface, but also upon the number of leaves. Hence it should not surprise us that a number of coniferous species expend and require quite as much water as a broad-leaved tree of the same size or age. Such kinds of conifers, taken to dry places, grow feebly or die. If the size of the individual leaves of the conifer were to be greatly increased, or the skin (epidermis) of the leaf were to become more pervious to water, the loss of water by evaporation would tend to he greatly increased — and the tree would be threat- ened with death from desiccation. Hence the small size and peculiar structure of the conifer leaves may be correlated with the great number of the leaves on the plant. Having thus acquired leaves of this structure in past ages, possibly under climates utterly different from those in which they now live, conifers were enabled to persist in cold-temperate climates for the reasons given earlier in this article. It is obvious that were the conifers to produce fewer leaves, they would decrease their power of producing food- material, and, consequently, would suffer in growth and productiveness. But why they have not in the past adopted the policy of having fewer and larger leaves we cannot say. l'< n >/ Groom, D.Sc. (To be. continued.) CAMPANULA PUSILLA ALBA. This Campanula is found throughout the chain of the Alps in calcareous regions on the Jura, the Pyrenees, the Cevennes, the Vosges, the Sudetio range, and the Carpathians, living in the natural debris, stone slides and glacial moraines at an altitude of from 1.000 to 6,000 feet. It was first introduced into this coun- try in 1821. In Nicholson's Dictionary of lou- dening. Campanula ca?spitosa and C. pusilla are given as two distinct plants, but in practice it is almost impossible to find any difference between them. Their dissimilarities, if any, are so minute as to have no importance in horti- culture. Possibly. C. pusilla is less stoloniferoua in character than C. csespitosa. The plant is t lie commonest, as well as one of the loveliest of all the small-growing Campanulas, thriving in sunny or shady places among rocks or 1 11 level ground, though it flowers best in full sunshine. It is the prettiest of thj rock Campanulas, and flowers fi .lime until October, and Mas lie used indiscriminately 1 ' edgings, carpets or the rock-garden, and is pretty August 6, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 97 in pans and pots. The plant rejoices in a cal- careous compost, so that limestone chips should be added in quantity to the learn in which it is grown. The soil should be heavy, as the plants do not flower freely in light soil. It is very close and erect in growth, rarely forming flower- stems over 5 inches in height. The lanceolate leaves are light green and are carried on thin, wiry stems. The stem rises from a rosette of closely-pressed leaves surrounded by a number of leafy brandies, and the flowers, which are of half ball-shaped, drooping, campanulate form, are of a fine blue colour slightly inclining to lilac. The pure-white variety is even more charming, and has a freer habit than the type. Of this there are two forms, one almost entirely disap- pearing in the winter, while the other is ever- green and keeps the ground carpeted during the dark days of the year with emerald foliage. C. pusilla alba is sometimes grown under the name of C. Bocconii alba. Both the type and the white variety are easily increased by division or seed. Campanula alpina is growing very close to the plant figured, but it is nut shown in the illustra- tion. C. alpina is rare in cultivation, but it is very beautiful, and is closely allied to C. bar- bata. It f rms a small, dense tuft of narrow, grey, downy leaves, and sends up a [lower-spike REMARKS ON THE CONDITION OF THE • FRUIT CROPS. (See Tables and Summaries, ante, pp. 77-82J 0, SCOTLAND, N. Sutherlandshire. — Small fruits and Straw- berries are average crops, but Apples, Pears, Plums, and Cherries are considerably below an average quantity. In this late district it is too early in the season to say much as to the quality of the fruits. 'Hie soil here is a good, free, black, sandy Loam, resting on water-worn gravel and sand The gardens are sheltered on the X.. N.K , and N.W. by hills, rising ground, and woods. Easterly winds in spring are sometimes trouble- some, and in some years these cold winds con- tinue well into June. D. Melville, Dunrobin Gardens, SutJu Hand. 1, SCOTLAND, E. Aberdeenshire. — Apples. Pears, Plums, Cher- ries, Gooseherries, and Black Currants are all very light crops. Strawberries are equal to the average; whilst Raspberries are a very heavy crop, these fruits looking exceptionally well. Our soil is a loam of medium quality, resting on a nan. ./aim- Grant, Hothienorman Gardei Banffshire. — With the exception of Apricots, Peaches, and small fruits, all other kinds are [Photograph by C. 1 inner. Fig. 34. — rose "Caroline testout," flowering on plants raised from cuttings. rather over 6 inches in height bearing drooping bells of a deep purple-blue tint, 111 May and June. The plant, appreciates rich soil, and should be given a. compost of leaf-mould and fibrous lcam in equal proportions mixed with an abundance of limestone chips. It often proves a difficult sub- ject to grow, and in some gardens it dies after flowering. Wyndham Fitzherbert. ROSE "CAROLINE TESTOUT." TnE illustration in fig. 34 shows a. bed of this popular Hybrid Tea -Rose composed of plants growing or. their own roots. .Mr. C. Turner, of Highgatc. London, N., who supplied the photo- graph, informs us that the plants were rooted from cuttings in the autumn of 1906. The cuttings were planted in October, in the open ground in the kitchen garden, where they were permitted to remain until the following autumn. The propagation of Roses from cuttings and layers is probably as old a,s Rcse-culture itself, but we have so liany questions addressed to us on the sub- ject that it may be questioned if the practice is employed at the present day so often as it might be. The illustration may. therefore, serve to re- mind amateurs that there are other ways of pro- pagating Roses than by budding and grafting. deficient. The only varieties of Apples carrying a full crop are Bramley's Seedling, Warner's King, and Lord Snffield. Of Plums, there are good crops of Victoria and Mitehelson's ; and of Chen is. Emperor Francis, a sort that seldom fails, is satis- factory. The soil in these gardens is a black, sandy loam, resting on a gravel subsoil. seems to suit all kinds of fruit trees. Chas. Webster, Gordon Castle, Fochabers. Small fruits, including Black and Red Currants, are satisfactory, and the crops are look- ing well. Raspberries also promise to be good. Strawberries are satisfactory, although they were somewhat spoiled by a hailstorm on June 22. Vic- toria Plums are good, but the varieties Kirke's, Jefferson, .Monarch, and River's Early Prolific are not so plentiful as last season. George Edwards, llollindalloeh. Berwickshire. — Apple trees developed plenty of blossom, but the fruits did not set. and, in common with all the trees line, suffered from drought on our light, gravellj soil. James B. Redpath, Duns Castle Gardens, Funs. East Lothian. — This is one of the worst fruit seasons on record. There was very little blossom on Plum and Pear trees, and con- sequently there is little fruit. Apples and small fruits flowered profusely, but the weather at the critical period for setting was so continuously moist that many of the blossoms rotted. Early Strawberries were a fair crop, but there is much mildew on the foliage, while the main and later crops have suffered much from lack of rain ; added to which the crippled condition of the plants consequent on ,3 ,1 exceptionally severe winter was enough of itself to make hopeless the expectation of much fruit. The fruit trees gener- ally are healthy, the foliage being clean. 11. P. Broiherston, Tyningham. Kincardineshire. — Appearances are exceed- ingly unpromising, and I anticipate the worst sea- son we have had here for years. The trouble is partly owing to unripened wood, and also to the continuous frosts when the trees were in blossom. The soil here is of a light, sandy nature, on a sub- E iil of shingle and cold pan. " John .V. Brown. Blackhall Castlt Gardens, Banchory. Midlothian. — We experienced a very low temperature at the time Pears were setting, and this caused most of them to drop. The same conditions prevailed when the Cherries were in flower, and they also set badly. II'. (r. Piric, Dalhousie Castle Gardens. Most varieties of Apple, Pear, Plum and Cherry trees showed an unusual quantity of blossom. Varieties that bear well most years have a poor crop, and many good, reliable varieties have no fruits. Small fruits, howevi 1 are more than usually abundant. The soil is light, with a subsoil of gravel. James Whyti tic, Dalkeith Hardens. Peebleshire. — The cold, wet and sunless weather of last year, and the subsequent hard winter caused great damage, both amongst fruit trees and the smaller fruit bushes. Apples, I 'us and Cherries blossomed freely, but set fruits sparingly, which I attribute to weakness in the flowers themselves. The older beds of Strawberries suffered damage, but the younger plantations escaped. A great number of the buds of Raspberries either remained dormant or grew weakly, hence this crop is smaller than usual. Black Currants are not giving such a large crop as the amount of blossom promised, but Red and White Currants and Gooseberries are very plentiful. The soil here is of a light, sandy loam, overlying a bed of gravel and sand. Geo. Haig, Garvald House Gardens, Dolphinton. 6, SCOTLAND, W. Ayrshire. — All hardy fruits in this garden are under an average quantity, excepting the Plums on walk and the small fruits. The May frosts destroyed the bloom. The garden is in a low situation, and the subsoil is cold. II'. Priest, Mglvnton Gardens. Hardy fruits are not so plentiful here this season as usual, but the quality is good. Straw- berries were well flavoured, although rain fell almost every day whilst they were ripening. Frosts were not so prevalent in May this season, and the result is that fruit trees and bushes are in a more healthy condition than the have been for years past. The soil is of a rather li-lit nature, resting on a gravel subsoil. D. Buchanan, Bar- [/any Gardens, Dailly. Dumfriesshire. — All stone fruits, that is to say, Apricots, Plums, and Cherries are sc&rce Peaches and Nectarines are not grown outside here. Apples are an average crop in the case of Codlin varieties, Lord Suffield and Bramley's seedling. Strawberries and small fruits are equal to the average. John Urquhart, Hoddom Castle Gardens, Ecclefechan. Small fruits do remarkably well in these gardens. Black Currants growing "to a large size. Late Gooseberries grow much larger than early Gooseberries. Strawberries do extra well here for a couple of seasons, but older plants furnish very small fruits. We plant half the Strawberry beds afresh each season, and this system fur- nishes us with fine fruits. The soil' is a thin, light loam, on a gravel bottom. Trenching serves to deepen it and lower the water table. James McDonald, Dryfeholm, Lockerbie. 2, ENGLAND. N.E. Yorkshire. — Fruit trees in this district looked promising early in spring ; no frost of any great severity was registered during the time the trees were in bloom, and a good 9S THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 6, 1910. fruit year was anticipated. But east winds brought blight in their train, with the re- sult that most of the fruits dropped. Apples and Plums are very scarce, and Pears even fewer. Small fruits were plentiful and good, but all crops suffered severely, and in many cases w^ere completely ruined by hailstorms on Juno 30 and July 1. The early spring was wet and cold, followed by very dry weather, and these conditions had a serious effect on vegeta- tion generally. Our soil is a light loam, resting on a subsoil of chalk. F. Jordan, Warier Prtory, York. There was a moderate show of blossom on Apple and Pear trees, but the fruits did not set owing to the cold weather which prevailed early in April. Royal Sovereign Strawberry pro- mised to give good returns, but the crop was ruined by the heavy rains which occurred after June 22. For a month previous to that date we had only had .59 inches of rainfall, whereas after that date 2.70 inches fell in ten days. What is needed for crops on our hungry, sandy land on sandstone rock are alternate rains and sun. shine. Givon's Late Prolific Strawberry is bear- ing well. .7. G. Wilson, Clievtt Park Garden*, Wakefield. The fruit crops in this district are very j>oor, with the exception of small fruits. The dull,' damp weather at the time the Apple and Pear trees blossomed had a disastrous effect on the crops, scores of trees that were laden with blossom in many cases have set no fruits. But what fruit there" is promises to be of fine quality. Royal Sovereign, Bedford Champion, and Givon's late Prolific Strawberries having been very fine. Nuts of all descriptions have failed in nearly all •cases. Jos. E. Hathaway, Baldersby Park, Thirsk. This is one of the worst fruit seasons 1 have known. The Apple crop is almost a com- plete failure, and Pears are very poor. Plums are an average crop, but Gooseberries are very deficient. Red and Black Currants are an average crop. Raspberries are plentiful, and Strawberries have been very good. A. E. Sutton. Castle Howard Guldens. 3, ENGLAND, E. Cambridgeshire. — The fruit trees in these gardens were a grand sight when in bloom, but we had 8° degrees of frost on May 10, which des troyed nearly all the fruit. Apple trees have been very badly attacked by the " maggot." al- though they were sprayed twice during the v, inter months with caustic alkali. The soil here is a very strong loam, resting on clay. T. W. Birkinskaw, Hatley Park Garden.--, Gamlingay. The Apple crop is a very irregular our in this district owing to so many fruits falling when young. Peach and Nectarine trees are carrying heavy crops, and are looking very healthy. Pears are scarce, and some of these fruits are damaged by the Pear maggot. Straw- berries have been a heavy crop, but some of the fruits of late varieties decayed on the plants owi.ig to the rains. Raspberries are abundant. Frost prevailed when the Apricot trees were in bloom, consequently there is a light crop of these fruits. W. J. Snell, Wimpole Hall Gardens, Boijfton. The Apple and Pear trees flowered well, but the cold weather and heavy storms of rain and hail caused a poor " set." Apples especially are much under an average quantity, being found mostly towards the centres of the trees. Sin ill fruits are good average crops, and the bushes are clean and healthy. Strawberries escaped the frosts and promised well, but the hot, dry weather in June caused many of the berries to ripen before attaining their full size. Our soil is oi a rather light nature and it rests on chalk, con- sequently hot, dry weather soon shows its effect on vegetation. B. Goodacre, Moulton Paddock Gardens, Newmarket. Essex. — The fruit crops are disappointing this season. Apples and Pears are under the average, while Plums, excepting the wall trees, are a total failure. Strawberries, which at one time looked promising for a large yield, rotted badly, owing to the wet and cold weather. I: iberries, Gooseberries, and Red and White < i rants are good average crops, but Black Currants are a total failure. Heavy rains followed b severe frosts on two or three nights during the time most of the fruit trees were in bloom are largely responsible for a poor fruit year, but the cold, inclement weather of last summer and autumn must also be taken into con- sideration. The soil here is a stiff, cold clay. Arthur Bullock, Copped Hall Gardens, Epping. Frosts, following rain in the early part of May. while the trees were clothed with a pro- fusion of strong, expanded blossoms, had the effect of completely destroying the prospect of a bountiful fruit harvest. Of Apples there are two noteable exceptions, King of the Pippins and Norfolk Beefing bearing heavy crops of good fruit. A large tree of Hambledon Deux Ans, in a fairly-sheltered position, and which was covered with strong, healthy blossoms when the frost came, has only a partial crop, and the points of the young growths are brown. Young trees of Stirling Castle, Lord Grosvenor, Early Victoria, and Red Quarrenden are carrying fa 'rly good crops for young trees. Pears. Plums and Cherries are almost failures. Bush fruits and Straw- berries are bearing average crops. The soil is a sandy loam, resting on a sub-stratum of clay. The position is 240 feet above sea-level, and the ground slopes to the south. //. II'. Ward, Lime House, Bayleigh. South-East E-<*ex. Lincolnshire. — The fruit crops are dis- appointing. There was a good show of blossom, but the fruits were small, and they fell off in large quantities. Owing to the unfavourable autumn of last year, the wood did not ripen pro- perly. Peaches and Nectarines have the most satisfactory crops of stone fruits. Strawberries were much effected by rains when ripening. The soil here is a brown loam, resting on blue clay or ironstone. //. Vinden. Harlaxton Manor. Grantham. The Apple crop in this locality is very thin. Plums and Pears are slightly more plenti- ful, but these also are under the average. There was a greater profusion of blossom this spring than for some years past, but the flowers were injured by severe frosts in May. Gooseberries and Currants are plentiful and of good quality, as were the early Strawberries, but later ones have been spoilt by the continuous rains and cold weather. Our soil is of a light, sandy nature. Fredk. Barton. Tin' Gardens, llainton Hall, Lincoln. There are very few Apples or Pears in this district, for many orchards have scarcely any fruits. Scores of trees which have rarely failed to carry a crop have this season not a single fruit. The Cherry and Plum crops are also total failures. This is rather difficult to ex- plain since the Pear blossom was very fine, and that of Apples fair, and Plums were a mass of bloom. During the time the bloom was open we did not experience much frost, but the tem- perature was very low with east winds, and I noticed that the flowers became damaged and eventually turned brown. There are very fine crops of Pears, Plums, Peaches, Figs, Apricots, and Nectarines on wall-trees, but I attribute this to the system of protection we afforded the trees during the critical time mentioned. We covered them with " Frigi Domo," which was fastened at the top of the walls, and removed during intervals of sunshine. Lewis Smith, Shote- sham Park Gardens. Suffolk. — Owing to the cold, damp season of last year, the wood on Apple and Pear trees was not thoroughly ripened, hence there were but few flower-buds on some of the trees. There are whole orchards around this district with not an Apple to be seen in them. Plums on walls are an average crop, as also are Cherries, which are of good quality. Peaches and Nectarines on south walls, which were protected with glass coping and fish-nets, have set a good crop. A few trees not so protected have only a few fruits, and the growth is very much blistered. Strawberries have been an over-abundant crop, and the smal' market growers have obtained good prices. Thos. Simpson, Henliam Gardens, Wangford, Suffolk. 4, MIDLAND COUNTIES. Bedfordshire. — With a few, exceptions, the Apple and Pear crops in this district are a failure. After a plentiful show of blossom, the fruits failed to set, and even where they did set. many afterwards dropped. I attribute this to the cold winds during May. The best crops of Apples arc on trees that fruit at the ends of the shoots. Strawberries have been very go:d. Black Currants are satisfactory, and we have a fair crc;- of Gooseberries. The s;il here is a heavy loam, resting on clay. F. J. Foster, Cranfield Court Gardens, Woburn Sands. The fruit trees in this district are freci from blight and mildew than they have been for several years past. The soil is very sandy, nil the subsoifis also of sand. C. J. Ellett, Chirk- sands Priory Gardens, Shefford. Beds. (To be continued. J NEW GARDEN WORMS. One of the best-known annelids is that which is usually called the Green Worm. It varies greatly in colour, on which account it has re- ceived various scientific names, and has been fre- quently regarded as differing in species. It seems to have been first described by Savigny in 1826 as Enterion chloroticum and E. virescens. Two years later Duges published an account of it under the title Lumbricus anatomicus. It was entered in the Catalogue of British Worms, 1865. as L. viridis, while Hoffmeister and others called it L. riparius. Eisen, in 1874, adopted the generic term Allolobophora, and called the worm A. riparia. but Vejdovsky, in 1884, held that Savigny had described the worm before Hoff- meister, and that riparius must give place to chloroticus. Hence the worm has for the last quarter of a century been known by most authors as Allolobophora chlorotica. Oerley, however, pointed out in 1885 that it differed so widely from the typical Allolobophora as to merit a different generic name, and he called it Apor- rectodea chlorotica. I have gradually come to regard Oerley's position as the true one, and am forced to admit that the Green Worm is as different from Allolobophora longa as the star- ling is from the blackbird. The Green Worm is common under stones on the margins of horse ponds. It is found in gar- dens also, and is usually very sluggish and v( iy fat. Anglers reject it because of the fluid which it exudes, and because few fish will take it. The worm is almost invariably coiled into a ring when found, and is so rigid and muscular that it is difficult to relax it. Though varying much in colour and size, the type is generally about 2 inches long, round, witli a prominent girdle, and a greenish-coloured body. Hitherto it has always been recognised by the presence of three pairs of papillae on the under-surfaee of the girdle. These do not form a band, as in the typical Allolobophora, but occur on alternate seg- ments (31, 33, 35) — whence Oerley's name, Apor- rectodea. Up till the present no other British worm has been found with this character, ex- cept A. cambrica. Friend, which I described in 1892. This worm is probably a sub-species or variety of A. chlorotica, but with marked pecu- liarities. I think, however, that further research will show that there are allied forms which have been mistaken for the Green Worm, and it is more than likely that the synonyms which I have already given are due to the fact that different worms have been under investigation, but that the characters were not sufficiently defined to enable us to say exactly whether or not new species are involved. I have received, however, from Kew Gardens a specimen of Aporrectodea which, while it might at first sight easily pass for the Green Worm, is certainly a distinct species, and serves to confirm me in the opinion that more than one species has in the past been relegated to A. chlorotica. It is just possible that Hoffmeister had a different worm under examination from that which Savigny described. The utmost care is needed in counting the segments, for it is here that one cf the chief differences will be found. On ac- count of the close resemblance which the new worm bears to the older species, I have adoptefl the term similis for the specific name. It may be convenient first to describe the species, then to indicate its affinities and differences. August 6, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 99 Aporrectodea similis is about 7 cm. or 3 inches in length in alcohol, and has 180 segments. The colour of the living worm closely resembles that of A. caliginosa, i.e., it is grey or indefinite, and differs very little in spirits. The body, like that of the Green Worm, is cylindrical, but the tail is slightly flattened. This is suggestive of a dif- ferent habit of life. Worms with flattened tails usually burrow and feed on the surface of the soil. The tail serves as a holdfast, but the green worm and some others never need such a security against birds. The male pore, even when the tubercula pubertatis are developed, is invisible, since there are no well-developed papilla?. Dr. de Ribaucourt has especially emphasised this point as one of great importance in the study of earthworms. Usually, when a worm has papil- lae on the 15th segment, they develop simulta- neously with the tubercula. The segments five to eight are the largest and widest, and are without secondary annuli. There is a groove on the underside of the prostomium or head, which is inserted only a very short way into the peristomium, and has a transverse fur- row. The setae are paired. I am uncertain whether or not the worm exudes any liquid when fixed with alcohol, but I am almost certain that it does not give off a sediment such as the Green Worm and Brandling pour forth from their dorsal pores. When we turn to the girdle, we find it extends over segments 28 to 35. while the tubercula are on 30 : 32 : 34 in line with the ven- tral setae which they also cany. NOTICES OF BOOKS. 3U- FlG. 35. — ALLOLOBOPHORA SIMILIS, FR. Girdle segments (28, 3.">) ; three pairs of tubercula pubertatis 130, 32. 34 1 niagn. Thus the new worm resembles the Green Worm in size and shape, in the pairing of the setae, and in the presence of three pairs of tubercula under the girdle. The differences, however, are such that, when tabulated, they show the two species to be distinct. These may be readily compared as follows : — APORRECTo I \ Chlorotica, Saw Colour usually strongly markec1. Giving off turbid fluid. Length, 5 or 6 centi- metres. Number of segments, 80 to 125. Tail cylindrical and narrowing. Girdle usually from 29 to 37. Tubercula on 31 : 33 : 35. Male pore on large papilla?. Similis, Friend. G 'ey or indefinite col- our. Little or no fluid ex- uded. Length, 7 centimetres. Number of segments, 180. Tail somewhat flat- tened. Girdle, 28 to 35. Tubercula on 30 : 32 : 34. Male pore hardly visible. It should be remarked that in A. leoni, Michaelsen (a species not as yet found in Great Britain) as well as in our own A. caliginosa, there are two pairs of tubercula on alternate seg- ments. In fact, one might place these two worms side by side, as I have done with chlorotica and similis, for while in A. anatomicus the tubercula are on 31:33, in A. leoni they are on 30:32. The occurrence of this interesting pair makes it easier for us to realise that chlorotica should also have its double. The internal structure has not yet been studied for want of material. Hilderic Friend, St. Asaph, Gnat Malvern. The Ladys Recreation. There is a mystery attached to this volume which has never been elucidated. The title is a very lengthy one, but the following may serve in place of the whole. " The Ladys Recreation, or tin Third and Last Part of the Art ,.f Gardening Tmprov'd, by Charles Evelyn, Esq.; to which are added Koine Curious Obsi r ra- tions Concerning Variegated Greens, by the Reverend Mr. Laurence. London : Printed for J. Roberts, near the Oxford Arms, in Warwick Lane, 1717. Price 3s., stitch'd." The reader is informed that this concludes the series of books, of which Mr. Laurence wrote two, and that the latter not only approved the work, but that he favoured the author with two letters, which are printed as an appendix. Several books on gardening had already appeared, having "Recreation" as a common designation; but of these only Mr. Laurence's bore as sub-title. The Art of Gardening, and these were devoted solely to fruit cul- ture. The Ladies' Recreation does not touch on fruit, but on those denizens of the garden which that author had not already written upon. Nor did he, at this time, intend to do so, for in The Fruit Garden Kalender, published shortl) subsequent to the book now under review, he stat< s : "To make my two former treatises of garde ; compleat, and, if possible, more intelligible, I have been prevailed upon to add this following kalender." Further on he vrite.s : •■ This leads me to s.i\ . for my own sake, an 1 for the sake of the public, that the book called The Ladys Recreation could not be published by my approbation, because it was never seen by me till it was in print. Be- sides, I have reason to think it v. as an artifice of the booksellers to impose upon the world, under the borrowed name of Evelyn." Some years later, a wri I s how " the chief rule in buying books is the author's name; since the I .. ksellets have usurp'd the making names as well as titles." and no doubt this is one such in- stance. There remains to relate that the two let- ters, one of which contains the "Curious Ob- servations Concerning Variegi 1 Greens," are dated from Yelveitoft. and signed by Ml. Lau- and, among other evidences of his author- ship, it has the unmistakable one of referring to dwarf plants as " reptiles," an expression which be employs in a later work, and one which he alone has ever used. Not improbably, the simple- minded clergyman had been the dupe of "the bookseller." Charles Evelyn's connection with horticulture seems to have begun and ended with Tin- Ladye Recreation. We hear nothing of him previous to its publication, and afterwards he is saved from oblivion solely from the name remaining on the title page of this volume. Whal is remarkable is that though the subjects discos ii! receive only the slightest notice, they are, nevertheless, treated fairly, according to the knowledge of the period. The book is divided into sections — florists' flowers, flowering shrubs, tender exotics, trees, &c. Following a chapter on soils, and the best situation for the garden, is a brief description of those flowers the most usual in gardens, of which the Tulip is the first to be mentioned. This is succeeded by remarks on the Carnation and Gilliflower. The varieties recommended are, of red and white. Crown of Bohemia, Emperor, Charles II., Queen Catherine ; of red and blush, William the Conqueror ; of crimson and white, Empress, Countess Thisbe ; of purple and white, Solomon, Prince William, Purple Emperor, Orlinans, Fair Helena, Glory of Worcester ; of scarlet and white, Giant, Mayor of London, Romulus, Fair Roxana, Florida, Para- mour; black, Pluto; scarlet, Golden Grove, Prince and Princess of Orange, Golden Fleece ; blush. Morning Star, Giant Clove, Birtha, Astra gon ; and purple, The Wiggan. The directions for layering are good, and rooted layers are directed to be planted not too deep, " a deep plantation being always destructive." Seeds are advised to be sown in April, " after a shower of rain." " Seeds which produce the greatest variety of flowers are the striped tawnies." These we would to-day call yellow-ground fancies. Carnations grown in flower-pots were to be stood in a pit. " like to a little pond, planted round the edges at top with small pyramid eughs." This is designated an " ornamental prcscrva- tory." Then follow in auccession notes on Auri- cula, Anemone. Ranunculus, Hyacinth, and Star- il rwers. Due is almost startled on reading those on Narcissus and Jonquils, to find this very evi- dent allusion to wild gardening: " This " — the Narcissus — " is a very common flower, but, con- sidering its great variety, bright colour, and early flowering, the better kinds of them are worthily entertain'd in the garden, especially in avenues, groves, out-hedges, and other shades, which they much delight in." The Indian Daf- fodil, " which bears many flowers of various colours on one st ilk," is a means of exhibiting the author wandering astray. Irises and " Lillies " having been duly honoured, the Pseony is recommended as " very becoming in your flower-pots or chimneys " (fireplaces) Stock Gilliflowers, and Wallflowers are " to be planted against a south wall and secured from frost." The Cardinal Flower is a "pot flower, and very tender." A " strip'd flowered " Dame's Violet, double, is mentioned of our lost treasures. The Christmas Rose, " which is good only for flowering at Christmas," is condemned because of its lack of beauty! Among sweet lerbs are Gold and Silver and double-flowered Rosemary. The first-named was in great request at weddings. Flowers to be sent a distance were to be " rubbed over with honey and wrapped up in moss." Rosemary comes up again in the part devoted to shrubs. " The dwarf kind of Rose- mary, with a double blosaom, kept shear'd, is very comely," and " there's your Rosemary, gilded with yellow, and a sort of it variegated with white, very delightful to the eye." The last-named, according to Miller, was entirely lost in the severe winter of 1739-40. The greenhouse plants are extremely few' and among them are the " blue, borage Leaved Auricula " (Ramondia pvrenaica) and ' Bear's-ear Sanicle " (Cortusa Matthiolii), always difficult subjects to manage unless the out-d position be absolutely cor- rect. Evergreen shrubs and trees occupy a few pages only, and the kalender is similarly abbrevi- ated. R. P. Brotherston. Calendar of Garden Operations.* Possibly because of my intimate association with the work of cottage gardeners and allot- ment holders whose crops I appraise literally in thousands, a copy of the new and enlarged edition of this work, originally prepared by Sir Joseph Paxton, has reached me from the office of the Gardeners' Chronicle. Previous editions, which have been in circulation for over 60 years, must have been enormously useful to vast numbers of persons. It was the first of what may be des cribed as modern garden calendars. Under the several months, sound information was given on the raising and cultivation of different kinds of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. That the know- ledge imparted was in the highest degree ai able was proved by the demand for subsequent editions over two generations of time. During the latter part of that long period, the advance in the practice of gardening among the great and ever-growing community of amateurs has been so vast, that it is no wonder that the demand for concise and trustworthy guidance is mure and more pressing. In order to meet the requirements of the present the original matter has been thoroughly revised and the text considerably extended. All kinds of vegetables are well treated upon in the several months. Salient points on the various fruits receive timely cultural refer- ence, and the selection of flowers for gardens, * Gardeners' Chronicle Office, price 7Jd. post free. 101/ THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 6, 1910. greenhouses, and windows receive adequate atten- tion. Sweet Peas are treated on up-to-date lines, and an excellent chapter is provided on the selec- tion and cultivation of town trees and shrubs. Definite instructions are given on manures ; various examples of crops are admirably illus- trated, and advice given on their cultivation. The French system of intensive gardening is given a chapter to itself. Cottagers' shows and the details in their promotion and management are not overlooked. The work is as complete as could well be imagined. It consists of 170 pages, with an excellent index, and all for 6d. It is just the book lor diligent cottagers who delight in gardening, or the thousands of boys who are re- ceiving practical education in school gardens, but young professional gardeners may also find it handy for reference. Because the work is so valuable to numerous cultivators, I cordially wish for it a wide circulation. J. Wright, V.M.H. PLANT NOTES. BOTJGAINVILLEA GLABRA. This lovely plant is generally treated as a stove climber, but it succeeds best under cool treat- ment and in full sunshine. Last winter, I had occasion to move a large plant (in a half paraffin cask) to a Rose house, for it did not succeed well in the stove. During the winter the soil and roots were frozen hard. I fully expected the plant would be killed. Instead of this, however, it has grown stronger, and is now a mass of beautiful, very richly-coloured bracts. This is a proof that the species is much hardier than is generally supposed. The finest specimen of this plant I have ever seen is at Park Place Gardens, Henley-on- Thames, and when this specimen is in flower it is worth going many miles to see. J . S. Higgins, Hiig Garden*, Corwcn, N. Wales. The Week's Work. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By John Donoghue, Gardener to Joseph Pickersgill, Esq., Bardon Hill, Weetwood, Yorkshire. Mignonette. — It is now time to make the first sowing for the spring batch of Mignonette. Sow the seeds thinly in small 60-sized pots, filled with equal parts of finely-sifted loam, leaf-mould, and sand. Place the pots in a cool frame, on a layer of ashes, and keep them shaded from bright sunshine until the seedlings become somewhat hardened off. Thin out the young plants pre- vious to repotting them, four to six plants being sufficient for each 5 or 6-inch pot. When the small pots are well filled with roots, afford the plants a shift. During the autumn and winter months Mignonette should be placed close to the glass, and a free circulation of air should be allowed at all times. The best varieties for pot culture are those bearing erect flowers and of dwarf habit, such as Machett, in various colours, Bismarck, Crimson Queen, and Dwarf compacta. Bulbs for early forcing. — The bulb catalogues will soon be at hand, when a careful selection of •early-flowering varieties should be mads. Tulips are almost indispensable. Although small in re- spect to flowers, the Due van Thol varieties are most reliable for very early forcing. Mons. Tresor and Proserpine are other excellent varieties that readily respond to early forcing, whilst Vermil- lion Brilliant is always appreciated on account of the scarlet colour of its flowers. Roman Hyacinths may be had in flower from December onwards through the season. Early Narcissi are useful for house decoration : the varieties Van Sion, Cavantes, and Horsfieldii are amongst the In -t lor general forcing. It is important that bulbs intended for early forcing should be well rooted previous to being put into a cool house to prepare for warmer conditions. The bulbs may be potted immediately they are received and the pots covered with sand to the depth of 2 or 3 inches. Examine them at intervals after they are potted, and remove any that have started into growth. These should be stood in the open in an exposed position until required, Where large numbers of bulbs are cultivated. shallow boxes are the most convenient receptacles. If pots are employed, they should be plunged to the rirus in sand or leaves, otherwise the frost may cause them to crack. Tulips may be brought into a warm atmosphere after they have been placed for about a fortnight in a cool greenhouse. It is not advisable to place Narcissi into a warm house until the flower-buds can be seen, other- wise the inflorescences are liable to come "blind." Lilium speciosum. — This beautiful Lily is now producing an abundance of bloom. As soon as the flowering season is over, place the bulbs in the open for the purpose of ripening them. If it is not convenient to pot t^;e bulbs of L. Harissii when they are received, they should be removed from their packages and placed in single layers. Fibrous loam and peat, with a quantity of dried sheep or cow dung, form a suitable compost. Where plenty of space is available, the bulbs should be potted up singly and placed into cool frames until the growing shoots are observed. If required to bloom early, they may afterwards be gradually forced into bloom. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Sophronitis grandiflora. — Some plants of this species now commencing to grow may require re- potting. They should be grown in shallow pans filled to quite three parts of their depth with drainage materials. A thin layer of compost is all they need to root into, and this compost should consist of Osmunda-fibre, Polypodnun- fibre, and Sphagnum-moss in equal parts. The materials should be cut up moderate!} tine, and some small crocks mixed with them. Each plant should be potted quite firm. Suspend the plants in a moist position over such species as Odonto- glossum crispum. Afford water rather sparingly until the flower-bud6 appear, when the quantity may be increased. S. cernua and S. Rossiteriana may be treated likewise; while the distinct S. violacea thrives better in a shady part of the in- termediate house, and should be' given plenty of root moisture. The well-known Epiphronitis Veitchii, provided the atmosphere is suitable, grows and blooms very freely, and, if several specimens are cultivated, one or other of them will always be in bloom. At the present time these plants are producing a number of aerial .shoots from the flowering growths. Such growths may now be taken from the parent plant, pot- ting several together to form nice little speci- mens. Shallow Teak-wood baskets are suitable receptacles for these divisions. They should be well drained, and only a moderate quantity of Osmunda-fibre and Sphagnum-moss will be necessary for the plants to root into. Press the compost firmly about the base of the stem, and place the plants near to the roof-glass of the Cattleya house, choosing a rather shady position until they are re-established. Sufficient water may be afforded by spraying them overhead several times a day, especially when the weather is warm and bright. At pre- sent, our plants have only sufficient new stems to make one or two moderate-sized specimens ; but others that are as yet too small, and those which will come later on will be treated likewise when large enough to be removed. Sophro-Cattleya and Sophro-Lcelia hybrids. — Many plants of Sophro-Cattleya and Sophro- Lselia hybrids are beginning to grow; therefore, if any are in need of repotting or top-dressing, attention should be given them without delay. Grow these plants in pots or shallow pans, arid elevate them well up to the light, in a cool posi- tion in the Cattleya house. The same kind ot compost as advised for the Sophronitis will suit them. These hybrids require very careful water- ing at all times, as the leaves and growths are apt to decay if the soil is kept too damp. Plants that are now at rest should be kept in the inter- mediate house until growth recommences. Many of these hybrids have rich and brilliantly- coloured flowers. Among the best of them arc those enumerated : — Sophro-Cattleya Doris, S.-C. Chamberlainia, S.-C. Blackii. S.-C. Thwaitesii, S.-C. eximia, S.-C. Calypso, S.-C. Marcus, S.-C. Saxa, S.-C. Antioehus, and S.-C. warnhainicnsis ; Sophro-Lailia Iseta, S.-L. Orpetii, S.-L. heaton- ensis, S.-L. Gratrixiae, S.-L. Marriottiana. S.-L. Felicia, S.-L. Psyche, S.-L. valda, ami the dark, I mi i lie-red Sophrocatlaelia Veitchii, and its variety Eros. Arachnanthe Lowii. — Arachnanthe (Vanda) Lowii, now in flower in the warmest house, thrives well when growing with Aerides, &c, but its long, green leaves are very susceptible to in- jury from the sun, therefore it should always be closely shaded even from very strong light. It delights in plenty of root moisture, and requires but a very thin layer of Sphagnum-moss for its roots. The roots, being large and fleshy, are fre- quently injured by cockroaches, therefore these latter must be sought after and destroyed. Schomhurgkia. — Such Schomburgkias as S. tibicinus, S. Sanderiana, S. Kimballiana, S. Humboldt ii, S. Thomsoniana, S. chionodora, and its variety rosea, should now be given atten- tion, if the old material at the root is getting worn out. They thrive either in pots or shallow baskets, but require a light position well up to the roof-glass in the warmest house. These plants do not require much compost, therefore plenty of drainage should be given, and the soil may con- sist only of Osmunda-fibre. This should be packed quite firmly around the base of the hol- low pseudo-bulbs. Whilst making growth, they delight in an abundance of water at the root, especially when they are nearly completing their growth, but afterwards they should be kept rather dry. Schomburgkia crispa, S. undulata, and S. gloriosa are quite distinct in habit of growth from those plants already mentioned, but they require, nevertheless, the same kind of treatment, except that they should be grown in a light position in the Cattleya or Mexican house. At the present time their growths are well advanced, therefore repotting should be de- ferred until later. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, G.C.B., Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket. Figs. — - The second crop of fruits formed on growths of the current year should now be ripen- ing. Light applications of some mild stimulant should be given to assist the plants at this stage, and where a well-drained border is assured, abundant supplies of water slightly warmed. Syringing should be discontinued, and a little fresh air admitted during the night, even if this necessitates extra artificial heat, as it is important that the atmosphere be not stagnant. It is a good plan, while the Fig is in active growth, to carefully insert a sharp knife half an inch above some of the dormant buds at the base of bare branches, causing a deep score. This will have the effect of causing such buds to push into active growth, thus furnishing the lower part of the tree with shoots. Young Fig trees raised from cuttings and started in the early spring, provided they have been kept growing freely, as advised, should now be furnishing use- ful fruits. The pots being full of active roots, light and frequent manurings will do good. If the trees are placed on a shelf in an airy house in full exposure to sunshine, the fruits will mature perfectly. When the crop is gathered, care must be taken not to allow the fruit just forming to push forward, for which reason the plants should be stood in a shady position and gradually hardened off, giving sufficient water only to prevent the soil shrinking from the pots, as it is from these young, vigorous trees that next season's early supply of fruits will be obtained. Fir/i in /'I'll. — Trees intended for autumn and winter fruiting must be allowed plenty of heat and moisture The atmosphere should be kept at saturation point by frequent syringings. Remem- ber that the syringing requires to be done with care, and that a skilful person will not need to use nearly so much water as one unaccustomed to the work. Except in the case of rank growing trees, liberal feeding should be afforded the plants. The fruits will now be as big as small Ha/el nuts; any that are malformed should be removed and others thinned out if the crop is excessive ; but no hard-and-fast rule can be laid down in this matter, as much depends on the size and vigour of the individual tree. Small- fruited varieties, such as Early Violet, will need no thinning, and. if the crop is at all backward, these small varieties will be found very useful to lill a gap, as, their flowering period being short, they may be given extra heat to forward the ripening. Suckers. — Remove all suckers directly they appear, as the sap has a tendency to flow first to these, thus robbing the fruiting branches. August 6, 1910.] THE G A RDENER S' CUR ONI CL E 101 . THE FLOWER GARDEN. Uy E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Hertfordshire. Violets. — The present season has been an ideal one for Violets : the plants have made excellent growth, and are remarkably free from red spider. Continue to loosen the surface soil at frequent intervals with the dutch hoe, and give an application of some patent manure to stimu- late growth. Remove any runners that form before these get so large as to weaken the plants. Herbaceous borders. — In consequence of the rainy weather the plants have made excellent growth this season. Remove the dead and untidy spikes from plants that have passed out of flower, and lift any bulbs, such as English and Spanish Irises, that are nearing the stage ci ripening. The borders are particularly bright just now with a variety of subjects, but particu- larly beautiful are the perennial Phloxes, especially the newer varieties with flowers cf delicate tones of colour. The improved varieties of Chrysanthemum maximum such as King Edward VII., Earl Roberts, The Speaker, Robinsonii and atratum are also grand acquisi- tions to the flower borders. Actaea spicata is a striking plant now in flower, and many of the Veronicas, especially V. virgaurea, V. spicata, and its rose, white and variegated variety, are very showy. The white-flowering variety of Lysimachia clethroides is particularly neat, both in its flowers and habit of growth. Lychnis chalcedonica and its double form provide brilliant colouring : I recently saw in a cottage garden a pleasing combination of this plant interspersed with Lilium candidum. (Enothera Fraseri and (E Youngii have bright flowers, and the varieties of lialega officinalis are very pretty. Annuals, too, are making a pleasing display. For freedom of growth and continuous flowering the improved varieties of Cosmos bipinnatus are useful, as aJso are the Shirley Poppies. Violas. — The named varieties of Viola are equally valuable for spring or summer bedding. Continue to peg down the growths ; at this sea- son good stout cuttings can be procured that will root readily in a cold frame in ordinary garden soil, to which should be added a sprinkling of road grit. Beyond protection from heavy rains and excessively bad weather in the winter, these, if well rooted, will require but little attention. Seasonable work. — The planting of many of the bulbs that flower during the mid-winter, such as Aconites, Scillas, Chinodoxas, and Crocuses should be done at the present time rather than at a later date. Early planting enables them to be- come established and make a good growth, and is in every way more satisfactory than when undertaken shortly before the plants should be in flower. During the past week it has been neces- sary, owing to the rough winds, to restake many of the trees and stronger-growing plants. Sweet Peas, if in need of extra support, should be attended to at once and, if the plants are in rows, stout poles should be insertei firmly in the ground at intervals of a few yards and a row or two of string stretched between them. Tidy up the rockery, stirring any vacant soil lightly ; any spot that has become bare of soil through the heavy rains should receive a top-dressing of suit- able material. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Kitchen Garden Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Cucumbers. — Fire heat is still necessary to maintain a suitable temperature and the atmo- sphere must not be allowed to become too humid or stagnant as the weather is so dull. Fresh air should be admitted on all favourable occasions to sweeten the atmosphere and harden the growths which should be properly regulated, thinned and stopped, overcrowding being an evil that cannot be too strongly condemned. Estab- lished plants should, as far as possible, be stopped at the second joint beyond the fruit, and all injured leaves and deformed fruits removed. When Cucumbers have attained a suitable size they should be cut and stored in a cool, clean cellar where they will keep fresh for a few days. Topdress the plants as often as roots appear above the surface of the bed, using a mixture of three parts turfy loam and one part horse droppings. Young plants raised from seed sown a month aso should now be ready for planting out. They may be planted in small mounds placed on a gentle hot-bed, 4 or 5 feet apart; nothing will be gained by planting closer. Seeds for the winter batch should be shown at once in order that the plants may be ready for planting in the first week in September. Dickson's All-the-Year-Round is a suitable variety for late sowing. Potatos. — Early Potatos will now be ready fi r lifting, as few, if any, varieties will benefit by being left in the ground after this date. Those that are required for seed purposes should be left undisturbed until the tubers are quite ripe. The practice of selecting unripe tubers for seed pur- poses and laying them on the ground in the scorching sun is a bad one ; it is far better prac- tice to plant a sufficient number at the ordinary time to allow of a few being left for seed pur- poses. All early Potatos on which the skins are set may be lifted now, and the ground afterwards planted with Coleworts or some other crop for winter use. Cabbage. — Another sowing of Cabbage seed should bo made now, as from this sowing the prin- cipal plantation will be made. These plants will stand a rough winter better than those raised from seeds sown three weeks ago. although, if the winter is mild, those of the early sowing will come into use when most winter vegetables are running to seed. Mushrooms. — The house intended for furnish- ing the autumn and winter supplies of Mush rooms should be thoroughly cleansed and washed with hot lime at the earliest opportunity. If the horse droppings are prepared now there should lie Mushrooms ready to gather about the middle of October. The preparation of the bed is of far more importance than many persons imagine. The droppings should be collected with as little delay as possible, and placed in an open shed where they should be turned every second day. When almost ready for removal to the Mushroom house they should be placed a little closer together until the temperature reaches 85° ; they should then be turned and rammed tightly together. The depth of the bed should then be 14 inches and level on the top, so that water may be applied easily. When the temperature drops to 80° the spawn should be inserted 2 inches deep, and the whole bed made perfectly light and even. In a day or two after- wards a covering of new loam should be placed over the surface of the bed, and the loam should lie beaten lightly. The temperature of the house at I his season should be about 60°, and frequent syringings are necessary to ensure a humid atmo- sphere. To keep up an unbroken supply a new bed should be prepared every three weeks. Allium ii sown Onions are ready for lifting. In order to have the bulbs thoroughly ripened they should be turned daily for at least a fori night. When they are removed to the Onion loft they will require to be carefully examined, that tiny may be kept as late into the autumn as possible. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. R. Searle, Gardener to the Marquis of North- ampton, Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. Peaches and Nectarines. — Examine these trees frequently, and pinch all lateral growths back to the first leaf. To obtain fruits of good colour and flavour they should be well exposed to the light and air, therefore it may be necessary to fasten back some of the foliage round about the fruits; where the trees are in a very healthy con- dition and the foliage is rather dense, a few leaves near to the fruits may be removed alto- gether. Trees carrying heavy crops of fruit will be greatly assisted if given an occasional water- ing of liquid manure from the farmyard, or where this is not available some approved soluble fertiliser, washing the fertilising properties of the same into the soil with clear water. When the fruits have safely passed the stoning period, stimulants may be more freely given to the trees, as food is most essential then to assist the development of the fruits. Continue to tie in the growths as they develop, removing all supernumerary shoots to avoid overcrowding. Thoroughly syringe the trees with clear, soft water about four o'clock each afternoon when the weather is fine, in order to keep the foliage clean and healthy. Immediately the fruits show signs of ripening all feeding and syringing must be discontinued. In some localities the early varieties of Peaches, such as Alexander, Duke of York, Amsden June, and Hales' Early will be ripening; the trees should be frequently looked over for ripe fruits, and placed in the fruit n om until required. Carefully-gathered fruits will keep in a good condition for a week or ten days in a cool, airy fruit room. Apricots. — The fruits of these will now te> swelling fast. See that they are not injured through being wedged between the branches and the walls or growing against nails. Apricots come finer and ripen much better when partially shaded with a little foliage. Do not take the fruits from the trees until they are thoroughly ripe, or they will be found to lack good flavour. A sharp look-out must b3 kept for earwigs and woodlice, as these pests often damage the finest irlllts. Newly-grafted trees. — These should be ex- amined, as the scions are growing freely. Loosen the ties where necessary, and remove all suckers and shoots that develop from below the union. General work. — Keep all ripening fruits well protected from the birds. Fruit trees on walls should be vigorously syringed with clear water each afternoon during bright weather, in order to keep insect pests in check. Trees of Sweet Cherries devoid of fruit should be given a thorough cleansing with some good insecticide applied with force by means of a garden engine. All nets no longer required this season fur the protection of fruit should, when dry. be folded up neatly and stored away in a dry place. Continue tu pinch all secondary shoots on Cordon Apple and Pear trees, and fasten the leading growths to the walls or trellis. THE APIARY. By Chloris. Further notes on swarming. — Generally speaking, if a colony is headed by a queen under two years old, there is less ten- dency to swarm than when the stock is headed by an older queen. Sometimes, despite every effort on the part of the apiarist, they will swarm. He may have applied every known pre- ventive, such as giving plenty of ventilation by raising the brood chamber on the stand, extend- ing the brood chamber by giving frames each containing a full sheet of foundation, giving plenty of space above to store in advance ; by ex- tracting all honey from the combs in the brood chamber ; and even going to the length of re- moving frames of brood and replacing frames Idled with foundation. These efforts may fail, and the beekeeper naturally asks, " What shall I do?" There is one more plan that maj !"■ tried, for the bees will doubtless be sulky and dnmg no work in the supers just at the very time when they ought to be bringing in nectar plenti- fully. The plan is to fit up frames with full sheets of wired foundation and take out all the old frames, brushing back the bees with a goose quill, and thus artificially swarming them. The frames of brood may be utilised to strengthen weaker colonies, or may be given to a weak stock. This has been found very effectual, and it reduces the inclination to swarm. The colony being strong will work with a will and store in the supers, especially if the shallow frames contain drawn-out comb, for there will be no space in the brood chamber for storing until the foundation is drawn out. Casts or " after swarms." — These may be prevented if the beekeeper at once attends to the matter by cutting out all queen cells, except one, as soon as the first swarm is thrown. If he has not done this when the first " cast " comes out, the hive should be examined and all re- maining queen cells cut out, leave the cast in the skep until the next morning, but let it stand near the parent hive during the period of wait- ing, and early next day return it. It is too late now for "casts" to be worked up into useful colonies, but earlier in the season a cast, head' d by a vigorous young queen, will often produi valuable colony for the next season, provided the weather is good and there is phut i t forage. Alighting boards. — It is an excellent practice at this season, when the bees are so busy and returning to the hives very heavily laden, to ex- tend the alighting board if it is narrow. This can often be done with very little difficulty, if a wide and rather heavy beard is made to fi in a continuation of the fixed alighting board by the aid of a few bricks, and packed with pieces of tile or slate. 102 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 6, 1910. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors do not undeitake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be WRITTEN on one side onlv of the paper, sent as early in the week as possible and duly signed by the writer. 1/ desired, the signature will not be printed,'bul kept as a guarantee oj good faith. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10— Exmouth Fl. Sh. (2 days). THURSDAY, AUGUST 11— Malmesbury Fl. Sb. Taunton Fl. Sh. Holyport Fl. Sh. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 62'3°. Actual Temperatures :— London.— Wednesday, August 3 (6 p.m.): Max. 68"; Min. 53°. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London —Thursday, August 4 (10 a.m.): Bar. 29'8; Temp. 67"'; Weather— Bright sunshine. Provinces. — Wednesdav, August 3; Max. 64" Cam- bridge; Mill. 57° Ireland S.W. coast. and Fruit- Formation. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. FRIDAY— Imported and Established Orchids in variety. Also Forcing and other Bulbs, at 67 & 68, Cbeapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris at 12.45. The correspondence which has Pollination taken place recently in these columns on the question whether it is necessary to pol- linate Melon flowers in order to produce fruits raises a number of problems of both scientific And practical interest. Before proceeding to discuss certain of these problems we will con- sider briefly what is known with respect to the process of pollination and of fertilisation in plants. It is generally known that in the majority of plants, pollination, that is, the depo- sition of pollen on the stigma of a flow'er, is an essential preliminary to fertilisation, and hence to seed- and fruit-formation. It is a matter of indifference with respect to fertili- sation whether the pollen is placed on the stigma by the agency of insects or wind, or whether the pollination is effected " artifici- ally," that is, by the gardener himself. All that is necessary is that pollen in sufficient quantity and of the right kind shall be placed on the right spot at the right time. If these conditions are fulfilled, the pollen grains germinate. Each grain sends out a de- licate tube, which grows parasitically in the tissue of the pistil, and pushing its way down the style, enters the cavity of the ovary, so directing its grow-th that its tip tomes into the closest proximity with an ovule. These preliminaries achieved, the act of fertilisation begins. In this act, some of the living sub- stance of tlie germinated pollen-grain escapes through the soft wall of the tip of the pollen- tube, and entering the ovule, fuses with the egg-cell which tnat ovule contains. The minute mass of protoplasm which is formed by the fusion of egg-cell and the male genera- tive cell derived from the pollen tube gives rise to the embryo of the seed. So much for the normal course of events : plants are not lacking, however, in which seed-production occurs, although pollination, and hence fertilisation, have not been effected. That is, plants exist which set seed, although no pollen falls on the stigmas of their flowers. Such plants are said to be parthenogenetic. The phenomenon of parthenogenesis occurs in the higher flowering plants, as well as in lower plants. Species of the water Fern, Mar- silea are capable of developing embryos par- thenogenetically, and so also, among flowering plants, are the Dandelion, certain Hawk- weeds, species of Alchemilla, and doubtless many others. Among Orchids an equally remarkable state of affairs must be assumed to exist, namely, one in which pollination is necessary, though fertilisation is unnecessary for seed-pro- duction. Zygopetalum Mackayi is an ex- ample. Unless the flowers of this Orchid are pollinated, seed is not set. But, in order to cause Zygopetalum Mackayi to set seed, it is not necessary to pollinate it with pollen of this species. The plant produces seed when the pollen used is that of species of Odonto- glossum, Lycaste or Oncidium. But — and this is the remarkable fact — no matter which of these pollens is used, the seeds produced give rise not to hybrids, as we should expect, but to Zygopetalum Mackayi, and nothing else. Whence we are driven to conclude that, although pollination has taken place, fertili- sation has not. This example is valuable in throwing light on the significance of the pro- cess of fertilisation. It leads us to the view- that by fertilisation two main effects are pro- duced : one, the sexual fusion referred to al- ready ; the other, a stimulus to the growth of the egg-cell. In the generality of cases, both effects are evident, but in such a case as that of Zygopetalum Mackayi only the stimulus- effect is produced, and that effect is strong enough to induce the ovules to develop into seeds. Further, this interpretation throws some light on another normal result of fertili- sation, namely, fruit-formation. As every- body knows, the consequences of pollination and fertilisation are not confined to the ovules, but are felt also by the ovary, and, in many cases, by other parts of the flower as well. In other weirds, fruit-formation as well as seed-formation is generally a consequence of pollination and fertilisation. How the pre- sence of the pollen-grain on the stigma and that of the pollen-tube in the tissues of the style bring about the changes in the ovary- wall which occur during fruit-formation is quite unknown. We must suppose that the germinating pollen-grain exercises a chemical influence on the tissues of the pistil, and that the effects of this chemical influence are trans- mitted to the other parts of the ovary and to adjacent structures. Whether this is so or not, the fact remains that in the great majority of flowering-plants pollination and fertilisation are essential conditions for fruit- formation. As a rule, if pollination does not take place, seed is not formed, nor does the fruit develop. But just as parthenogenetic plants provide us with exceptions to the general rule that fertilisation is essential for seed-production, so parthenocarpic plants supply exceptions to the rule that fruit-pro- duction is a consequence of fertilisation. As the term indicates, parthenocarpy means the production of fruits by unpollinated plants. Examples of such plants are the Cucumber,, certain varieties of Apple, Pear and probably Grape and Banana. Inasmuch as in these cases pollination is not necessary for fruit-formation, it is possible to obtain seedless fruits. Thus, in the case of the Cucumber, the fruit forms whether the flowers are pollinated or whether they are not; but inasmuch as it is not a parthenogenetic plant, seeds are produced only7 when pollina- tion and fertilisation have occurred. Up to the present time, there is no good evidence that the Melon is capable of fruit-formation with- out pollination, though, in default of definite experimental evidence, he would be a rash man who asserted dogmatically that no races of Melons are capable of parthenocarpy. Into- the question of seedless fruits of Apple and Pear we need not enter now, for the subject was treated in detail in a leading article which appeared in these columns a few years ago (May 18, 1907). Suffice it to say that seedless Apples exist, but that coreless Apples are yet to seek. Their discovery is, however, only a matter of time and experiment. Our Supplementary Illustration repre- sents the west side of Belvoir Castle, with the Regent's tower, the flag tower, and the chapel. The photograph was taken from the Duke's Walk, and illustrates what is known as the duchess's favourite view, because it was im- proved by Janetta, the wife of the seventh Duke of Rutland, who also placed a seat there for visitors to rest and enjoy the pro- spect. Near the base of the declivity, in the centre of the picture, the principal drive to Gran- tham is situated. The trees include many very fine specimens of Oak, intermixed with a few Yews and Firs. Rhododendrons and Azaleas atao abound, whilst the ground in many places is brightened in spring with clumps of Narcissi and other early-flowering plants and shrubs. Wisley Trials. -The Rev. W. Wilks, Secre- tary of the Royal Horticultural Society, writes as follows: — " A sub-committee of the Fruit and Vegetable Committee, consisting of Messrs. Alex. Dean. V.M.H., W. Bates, E. Beckett, J. Jaques, G. Hobday, J. Davis, and Owen Thomas, V.M.H., visited Wisley on June 30, to examine early Peas, when the following varieties were recommended for an Award of Merit. These were placed before the full Committee on July 5, when the awards were approved, the Council confirming them at their meeting on July 19. The varieties were : — Hundredfold, sent by Messrs. Sutton & Sons ; Laxtonian (re-selected),. Messrs. Carter & Co. ; Early Duke, Messrs. Carter & Co. ; and Victor, Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons." Appointment from Kew. — Mr. Arthur Brook Culham, a member of the gardening staff of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, has been appointed by the Secretary of State for the Colo, nies a curator in the Agricultural Department of Southern Nigeria. Visitors to Kew. — It is announced that the number of visitors to the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, on Monday last was 129,000. South-Eastern Agricultural College. — We are informed that the Mercers Company has made a donation of 30 guineas to the South- Eastern Agricultural College library for the pur- chase of books of reference. The Fruiterers' Company has presented a very fine copy of that scarce work. The Herefordshire Pomona, and the Carpenters' Company a work on forestry, to the college library. August 6, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 103 Mr. Charles Dixon, gardener to Mary Countess of Ilchester at Holland House, Ken- sington, has recently undergone an operation lor abscess on the liver. The operation has been successful, and Mr. Dixon is progressing satis- factorily. Mr. John Ramsbottom has been appointed, states Xature, an assistant in the Department of Botany, British Museum. Mr. Ramsbottom was . lately exhibitioner of Emmanuel College, Cam- bridge, and Robert Piatt biological research scholar, Victoria University, Manchester. He will devote himself to the fungi. Bacterial Blight of Apple, Pear and Quince Trees. — A recently-issued Bulletin of the Ontario Department of Agriculture deals with this disease, which has been known for a long time under various names, such as fire blight and twig blight. The malady has totally de- stroyed many Pear orchards in Canada and the . United States, and it has been also very destruc- tive to Apple and Quince trees. The leaves of affected trees become In-own and scorched, the dead leaves often remaining on the trees all the winter. The damage is usually seen in summer between May and September, at which time ap- parently healthy branches may die off in a day or two. Young fruits are attacked and tunnel into a soft slime, which ultimately shrivels and dries to a brown or blackish mass. The main limbs and trunks of the trees are sometimes de- stroyed, the bark becoming brown or purplish, and covered with cracks or blisters, from which an amber-coloured gum exudes. The disease is caused by a minute, motile bacterium, Bacillus Amylovorus, which is found in enormous numbers in the dying tissues of affected trees, and in the slimy substance which flows from the bark. Some observers have attributed the spread of the disease to wind-borne bacilli carried in the dry, infected gum or slime, while others believed the inoculation to take place through the agency of bees, flies and other insects which visit the blos- som. Both these methods may be partially re- sponsible for the distribution of the parasitic bac- teria. However, the observations and experi- ments of Mr. D. H. Jones, of the Ontario Agricul- tural College, have shown that the organisms are largely spread by two aphides. Aphis mali and Schizoneura lanigera, in the Apple, and by the bark-boring beetle. Scolytus rugulosus, in the Pear. The pruning knives, saws and chisels used by workmen in orchards have also been proved to be effective carriers of the disease germs. Systematic cutting out and burning of all diseased wood as soon as observed, together with the adoption of means to keep down aphides and borers, will do much to reduce the disease. At present the disease appears to be confined to North America. Cocoa Budding. — According to the Port oj Spain Gazette, Mr. W. E. Broadway, Curator of the Tobago Botanic Station, exhibited two specimens of budded Cocoa at a meeting held at Trinidad on June 21. In the course of his re- marks, Mr. Broadway said that, ever since it was published by the Jamaica Department of Agricul- ture that in that island the successful budding of Cocoa had once been done, trials were made again and again to repeat the operation, without success. Nevertheless, a young student at the Botanic Station had demonstrated, under his instructions, the successful bud- ding of Cocoa, being the first one to do so in these islands. The specimen was budded on March 4, 1910. and gives now a height of about 6 inches. There was also exhibited another speci- men of Cocoa by Mr. James Blackman, foreman of the Botanic Station ; this was budded by him on April 29, and it is now about 1 inch in height. Violas in Battersea Park. — Those of our readers who are interested in Violas as bedding plants, and chance to be in London during the months of August and September, cannot do bet- ter than visit Battersea Park, where, at a short distance from the superintendent's house, at the Bridge Road entrance, they will find a display of the best varieties of Violas in bloom. In the panel garden the Violas are planted in blocks of 10 to 12 feet in length, and 4 feet in width. the colours of the varieties being pleasingly blended, each block consisting of one variety. Wood-pigeons have a mischievous habit of pick- ing off the foliage of Violas, and in places where these birds exist in large numbers, as at Batter- sea. netting should be suspended over the beds till the plants gain strength or come into bloom. The Viola plants in this park, however, are not protected by nets. The following varieties were noticed: — Admiral of the Blues, deep blue; Admiration, bright blue, very free in blooming; Alexandra, pure white, a large flower, finely rayed : Archie Grant, rich, indigo blue; Ardwell Gem, sulphur yellow, com- pact and free ; Blue Cloud, white, with a blue edge; Bronze King, brown, with a darker centre; Charm, pale lavender: General Baden Powell, orange, very fine, and without rays; Glencoe, lower petals of a mahogany tint upper ones of a copper shade, very distinct; Isolde, bright yel- low ; Kitty Bell, a line shade of lavender, a free and continuous flowerer; Maggie Mott, soft mauve, very free ; Molly Pope, a deep-yellow sell, early and prolonged bloomer: Mrs. J. H. Rowlands, of a shade of rose, and fine form ; and Redbraes Yellow, of a deep-golden tint. Advisory Committee on Agricultural Science.— The Committee appointed to advise the Board of Agriculture and fisheries on all scientific questions bearing on the improvement of agriculture held its fiist meeting in Committee Room A. House of Lords, on the 29th ult. In the absence of Lord C/lBRfNOTON, Sir Thos. Elliott. K.C.B.. permanent secretary of the Bi aid. presided, and explained the policy of the B l in appointing the committee. The com- mittee subsequently discussed the best methods of carrying out the work entrusted to them, and appointed sub ci mmittees to deal with particular sections of the subject. Fruit-growing in British Columbia. — As showing the great care taken by the Govern- ment of British Columbia to prevent the intro- duction of insect and other pests into the orchards and gardens of the province, Mr. J. H. Turner, the Agent-general for the Province, has sent us extracts from a report issued in June, 1910, by the chief inspector of fruit and other trees. The report is as follows : — " I have the honour to submit my report of imported nursery stock inspection at the Provincial Inspecting Station in Vancouver for the months of January, February, March and April of the present year. Number of trees and plants inspected in the months of January, 592,002; February. 103,184; March, 767,152; April. 1.255.718— total. 2.718.056. I quite ex- pect that the Fall shipments, when added to the above, will bring the number up to 4,000,000 of trees and plants imported into the province during 1910. This will exceed by 173 per cent, the quantity imported any previous year in our history, and is a good indication of the rapid development of horticulture in British Columbia. When we consider that every tree and plant in- cluded in the foregoing statement was individu- ally inspected, it will be seen that the labour in- volved in inspecting and repacking was a great burden, but so carefully has the work been done that I have not received a single report of any package having gone wrong, nor has there been a single mix-up reported during the season. The importation of French nursery stock has been very heavy this season, and as it is now properly regarded as being the most dangerous of all nur- sery stock because of the prevalence of the brown- tail and gipsy moth infection, the stock has to be very carefully inspected. We found many nests of the browntail this season, and for the first time in the history of nursery-stock importations into British Columbia, we discovered two colonies of the caterpillars of the gipsy moth. I may say that these dangerous pests have already caused an expenditure of millions of dollars in Massa- chusetts and the adjoining New England States. The insects have now spread to the forests of those States so that the control, much less the suppression, of the pests is now practically im- possible. With a knowdedge of these facts and conditions, we could not afford to take the slightest chance of the pests being introduced into British Columbia, so that if there have been complaints of delay at our inspecting station, there has been good and sufficient cause. In ad- dition to the inspection of imported nursery stock, I am having all the local nurseries throughout the province carefully inspected, not a tree is per- mitted to be delivered to the planter until it has l>e. a inspected. From October 1, 1909, till April 30, 1910, 6ome 16.000 trees grown in our local nurseries were condemned and destroyed for infec- tions of the same character condemned in im- ported nursery stock. I am thankful to re- port that this system of local nursery inspection is exceedingly popular with the fruit-growers, who properly regard it as a necessary additional protection." Hybrid Veronicas. — We have received from Mr. Lindsay (late of the Royal Botanic Gar- dens. Edinburgh), an interesting hybrid Vei of shrubby habit, for which he proposes the name V. X myrtiiolia. Edinburgh has long been noted for its shrubby Veronicas, and Mr. Lindsay himself has a hybrid named after him (see Gardeners' Chronicle, 1898, ii., p. 331, fig. 97). This new plant, v- x myrtifolia, is the result of a cross between V. Balfouriana bearer) and V. salicifolia (pollen-bearer). It is a pretty bush of rather dense habit — inherited from the female parent — with ever- green, ovate-oblong leaves 1 inch long by | inch diameter and pointed. The flowers are pure white. § inch in diameter, and borne dew lv on erect, slender racemes 3 inches to 4 inches long. Judging from the specimens for- warded to us by Mr. Lindsay, this new hybrid (lowers with great freedom, and wherever it proves to be hardy should make a useful addition to shrubs flowering as late as mid-July. Another hybrid Veronica sent us by Mr. Lindsay is V. X edinensis, the result of a cross between V. Hectori and V. pimelioides, the former being the seed- bearing plant. It is certainly much nearer to the female parent in habit, although differing from it in having short, stiff, spreading leaves, on stouter stems, those of V. Hectori being all pressed close to the stem on the mature branches. The pre- sence of V. pimelioides is not evident either in the foliage or flowers, the latter in the hybrid being white. On comparing it with New Zealand speci- mens, it is found to be closely allied, if not iden- tical, with wild specimens of V. epacridea, a species that has not so far been known in cultiva- tion. The plant doing duty in gardens under that name is quite distinct from the true plant, and is most likely of hybrid origin, with V. loganioides as one of its parents. All three of the above- mentioned species are found in the South Island, and if the parentage of the present plant can be verified it rather points to V. epacridea being a natural hybrid that has been produced artificially by Mr. Lindsay. The specimens sent show a plant of compact habit, and very floriferous, with dense spikes of white flowers. 104 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 6, 1910. London Open Spaces. — The Middlesex County Council has. says the Times, decided to contribute £5.G00 of the £20.000 required to pur- chase 60 acres of the Grovelands Estate, Winch- more Hill, for a public park. The council has also resolved to contribute £1,000 towards the acquisition of The Grange, Kilburn, as an open space, although the property, which is 8i, acres in extent, is actually within the County of Lon- don. The late Mr. J. B. Carruthers.— Respecting the lamented death of Mr. Carru- thers (see p. 70), we have received the following letter from our old correspondent. Mr. J. H. Hart: — " Coblentz Avenue, Port of Spain, July 18, 1910. — Mr. J. B. Carruthers, who was THE WILD GARDEN. There is no commoner delusion among amateurs than that a wild garden requires k;ss attention and work than the ordinary borders. The lamentable results that have followed upon numerous attempts to reconcile the competing interests of native and exotic growths have amply proved that the majority of exotics require con- stant tending to enable them to hold their own amid the luxuriant undergrowth of the wood- lands. This is especially the case in humid, western districts, where the growth of summer vegetation is exceedingly rank. But there are certain plants of such vigorous constitution that they may be trusted to take care of themselves. Such are Campanula lactiflora, celtidifolia, and Van Houttei ; the Montbretia.;, several of the HOME CORRESPONDENCE. FlG. 36. — LILIUM GIGAiNTEUM IN SIR HERBERT MAXWELL'S GARDEN AT MONREITH. recently appointed Assistant Director of Agri- culture of this island, died here on the 17th (yes- terday) of abscess of the lungs. He was ill for over six weeks, following on a tour of the Island of Tobago. Great regret is felt here at the early death of so promising a member of the Tropical Staff of the Agricultural Depart- ment. He had the best possible attention from three leading doctors and the constant care of a loving wife. The circumstance has been a heavy blow to the newly-constituted Department of Agriculture." Sale of Orchids at Bristol.— Messrs. Edward T. Parker & Co. sold at their mart in SI. Stephen Street, on the 28th ult., the Hill Court collection of Orchids, by order of C. E. Franck, Esq., of Yatton. Monkshoods, Astilbe Davidii, Senecio Clivo- rum, &c. Two such plants not often seen outside the garden proper are Lilium giganteum and Funkia Sieboldii. The giant Lily (L. giganteum) shown in the photograph (see fig. 36) may be raised in thousands from seed, which it produces very abundantly. The plant illustrated is flowering in the eighth year from sowing. The plantain Lily (Funkia Sieboldii) also bears a great quan- tity of seed, but increases so fast from the root that it is hardly worth while to sow it. It forms, in these gardens, a permanent bordering to a woodland path with Montbretia in the fore- ground. It is too coarse a plant for the flower garden, but its great glaucous leaves show to per- fection in the wild ground, and rabbits avoid both it and the giant Lily. Herbert Maxwell, Mr, 11 reith , Wigtownsh ire. [The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.} The Hardy Fruit Crop in Hertfordshire. — In your report on the condition of out- door fruit crops, I notice there is nothing in Hertfordshire like the state of things here. There is not one Pear, nor one Apple, nor one Plum, but 30 or 40 Peaches, and a few Apricots (on the part of a tree which is trained against the chimney of furnace). Some of my neighbours are m the same plight, and others not quite so bad. Since writing the above, my gardener tells me he has found two Apples and two Pears ! Albert G. Sandeman, Presdales, Hertfordshire. The Labour Problem. -It is much to be hoped that W. 11'. will join our ranks and demonstrate the effect of skilled manage- ment, coupled with efficient labour, a con- junction which he appears to think has never yet been accomplished. However this may be, he may take it for granted that no possible combination can improve matters for the worker so long, as he puts it, " there are three men for two jobs.'' What is needed is to improve the conditions of the trade until the employer needs three men where he has two now, and then the worker will get what he wants with- out running round to get help in obtaining it. With regard to taxation, I would remind Mr. Thompson that my letter spoke of " nurseries," not small holdings or jobbing gardeners, so that the £50 limit does not enter into the question. As to the assessment of nursery land, 1 also spoke from experience, and could obtain instances, sub- stantiating my statement, from every quarter of the country of the doubling of rates on land used as nurseries. One member of the trade took land in three widely-separated districts for growing special subjects, and in each case had 10 fight an expensive lawsuit to resist an immensely? increased assessment. Chas. E. Pearson, P.L.S. Increment Value Duty. — On p. 87 there appears a letter from Mr. H. Stuart Thompson lin reply to one from Mr. C. E. Pearson, as to the position of suburban nurserymen under the new land taxes), in the course of which he writes : — " Like numerous other persons, your correspon- dent does not seem to realise that the small holder, occupying a holding not exceeding 50 acres or £50 m annual value, is specially exempted from any increment value duty, whether on agricul- tural or building values." In view of the pend- ing universal valuation, it is of such vital im- portance that there should be no misunderstand- ing on the subject of liability for increment value duty, that I feel sure Mr. Stuart Thompson will forgive me if I venture to correct two or three slips in the above statement, as he was evidently quoting this extraordinarily difficult Act of Par- liament from memory and was therefore probably away from his library at the time. It is clear from the Act that the small holder, as such, is only specially exempt from increment duty if his total holding of land in this counry (a) does not exceed 50 acres, (b) does not exceed per acre an average capital or selling value (not annual value, as stated) of £75 (not £50, as stated), (c) is not occupied with a dwelling-house valued for income tax under Schedule A at more than £30 per annum, and (d) has been occupied and cultivated by the owner for 12 months before the claim lor duty arises. All these four conditions must be complied with to secure the exemption of the holding. All other " agricultural " land must bear increment duty, unless the land has no higher value than its market value (al the time) for " agricultural " purposes. Hence the danger to suburban nurserymen. H. Morgan Veitch. August 6, 1910. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 105 The PlaneTree and ThroatTroubles. — It has long been suspected that the Plane tree causes throat and lung troubles, and the notes by Lord Walsingham and Dr. Henry (see p. 348) still further increase the suspicion. Several in- stances have come under my notice of throat troubles being attributed to the presence of the Plane tree, and a notable case in which some of the occupants of an official residence at a well- known public institution in the North-West of London have been obliged to leave their abode, owing, it is thought, to the presence of Plane frees around the buildings, is at present being inquired into. Not only do the seeds give off the spiculse that so irritate the throat and eyes, but it is pretty evident, from recent observations, that the minute hairs given off by the pubescent leaves at an early state of their growth are likewise dan- gerous to health. A. I). Webster. Seedling Delphiniums. — I send some flower sprays of seedling Delphiniums grown in my gar- den. They are the produce of 6eed saved two years ago from a plant of a good blue variety growing in the school garden at Appleton Roe- buck, near Bolton Percy, in this county. There are five distinct shades of colour amongst them. The year the seed was saved no other Delphinium was growing within a mile of the plant they were taken from. Would it be likely that Bees carried foreign pollen to the plant in question, or is it a mere instance of seminal variation? There is a semi-double variety amongst them. In the gar- den one mile away there were no double or semi- double varieties growing at the time named. //. ./. C, Yorkshire. Perpetual-flowering Carnations in the Open Ground. — The cultivation of perpetual- flowering Carnations as border plants is bed ni in~ widely recognised in this country, and I be- lieve the time to be not far distant when they will, in some measure, supersede our English border varieties. Some growers will differ from me on this point, but I am acquainted with several large gardens where this is already becoming the case. Border Car-nations have to be cultivated for 11 months out of 12, and their flowers last only two or three weeks. How does this compare with the perpetual-flowering Carnations, which not only bloom all the winter, but will do so continuously throughout the sum- mer when planted in the open garden. At the end of May I planted out 200 plants, which had flowered all the winter ill 7 inch pots, and since then we have continuously cut a large number of blooms from them. They are planted on a north border, as a slightly-shaded position suits thein best. I do not think there is a better way than this of disposing of old plants, and I can strongly recommend anyone to give the system a trial. Some growers raise plants especially for outdoor culture, and the present is a good time to insert cuttings for this purpose. They should be win tered in an atmospheric temperature which does not fall below 45°. If they are potted into 5-inch pots, they will then be well-furnished plants, ready to commence flowering when planted out in May. ./. Gardner, Batsford Park Gardens. Gloucestershire. Labelling Hardy Plants. — This subject is more or less always present with horticulturists in both private and public gardens and parks. Nowadays, with the increased interest in hardy plant culture, it is needful that the visitors to the public parks should be given means of ascer- taining the names of all the plants growing there- in. I have a pamphlet bearing upon this subject prepared by Mr. A. J. Alfsop, the parks super- intendent at Leeds. During the 10 years or so he has been in Leeds, very great improvements have been made in re-arranging and replanting the various parks under his charge, but especially at Roundhay, which may be termed the centre of the whole. The pamphlet has been prepared to meet the requirements of the many visitors to this particular park. The names of the plants are arranged in alphabetical order undir their natural orders, with brief refer- ences to cultural details and country cf origin. Prefixed to each name there is a number which refers to a similar number pro- minently fixed on a label in front of the growing plant. For instance, supposing anyone wanted to know the name, &c, of the handsome blue- flowering plant at the back of a wide border under No. 20, on referring to his pamphlet he would see under the heading Boragmea; ; Auchusa italica (Bugloss) — common soil, sunny border. The price of the pai.iphlet is Id. Yorkshire Gardener. Spir>ea Menziesii triumphans is quite the handsomest of the tall-growing red-flowered shrubby kinds; the spikes sent are only the secondary ones from last year's shoots ; those pro- duced on the shoots of this season will come later and will be much longer. S. superba is a robust- growing plant, with dense heads of rose-coloured flowers, and S. notha var. superlatifolia has dense heads of blush flowers. T. Smith. Double-flowered Lychnis diurna. — The occurrence in Nature of double flowers, of un- doubted wild origin, is so rare, that I am send- ing you some of the Red Campion (Lychnis Fir,. 37 — DOUBLE-FLOWERED LYCHNIS DIURNA : COLOUR OF FLOWERS PURPLISH-ROSE. diurna) (see fig. 37). which I found a few days ago in the grounds here. The plant was growing in the midst of a mass of the ordinary single forms, and the soil has probably never been dis- turbed. A. A. Pettigrew, Sewell Grange Gar- dens, Redditch. Effects of Last Winter upon Vege- tation.— The more tender plants did not get damaged here so much last winter as in the win- ter of 1908-09. when the species which were seriously injured were Camphora officinalis and Metrosidercs. We have the following species in cultivation against a south wall : — Lepto- spermum grandiflorum and L. bullatum ; Edgewi.rthia clirysantha, Bignonia grandiflora, B. Gherere, Quillaja saponaria, Abutilon viti- folium (exceptionally fine this year), Dendromecon rigidum, Buddleia Colvilei (in flower), Coronillu glauca, Solanum jasminoides, S. crispum (a mass of flowers 18 feet high in the open), Myrtus Ugnii, M. officinalis, Senecio Grayi, S. rotundi folia, Azara integrifolia, and A. micro- phylla; Daphne japonica (in flower March 20), a fine plant of Abutilon vexiliarium, Kadsura chinensis, Mandevilla suaveolens, Edwardsia grandiflora, Lagerstrtemia indica, Fendlera rupicola, Olea. fragrans, Ceanothus Veitchianus, Ephedra altissima, Callitris robusta, Passiflora ccerulea, Lonicera trago phylla, Tiachylospermum jasminoides (harmed). Mandevilla suaveolens is now flowering freely, several plants of Sollya heterophylla (small) went entirely to the bad, and this more on account of wet than frost. I notice one of your correspondents mentions this plant, and then Cle. rodendron trichotomum ; but there is a wide dif- ference in the hardiness of these two plants. The Clerodendron flourishes here like a Larch, and will soon be a mass of flower in the open. Ma imlia Campbellii ■ is on the outside border, sheltered, of course, but this flowered again for the third year in succession. We have several plants, one a very large specimen, 30 feet high, which has not flowered yet. The Pittosporums and Philesia buxifolia seem to stand the win- ters well. When mentioning Rhododendrons, neither of your correspondents mentions thf tender varieties or species. R. Falconeri and R. cinnaliarinum pass through the winters well; it is the Aucklandii and Edgworthii types that some, times fail. Eucryphia pinnatifolia and Desfon- tainia spinoaa do nut jet injured at all. ant? both species are in bloom. Fabiana imbricata has flowered well, as also has Olearia Gunnii, O. iiui rodonta, <). myrsinoides; Crinum Moorei and C. Powellii. Choisya ternata has done re- markably well this season, and will soon be (lowering a second time. ( Izothannius thyrsoides has flowered finely; Fremontia californica seems to stand well and has flowered freely; and one plant is close on 18 feet high. Erica arborea and E. lusitanica have done excellently. Two season? ago some freshly-planted specimens were des- troyed by 24° of frost, but this I think was caused by their removal. There were several hundred, but they were not all damaged, and many are now growing well from the base. Several hun- dred Talms escaped frost, and appear quite at home. Bamboos were not injured, Arundinaria nitida curls up somewhat during frost or cold v. nil.-, but it opens again beautifully. Hundreds i I Camellias were unharmed and they flowered well. Lilium H msonii has flowered beautifully, and L. pardalinum is simply grand. L. auratum pi a are already 8 feet in height andltrong. It is a good thing to plant a few Liliums every year, as in time some of them become exhausted. I find the L. speciosum types need more assistance than the others; after two years they appear tc want a rest, and therefore some of the flowers should be pulled off in order that the plants may grow away more freely. IF. A. Cook, The lens, Leonardslee, Horsham, Sussex. Bog Slides.— The reports of further threatened bog slides in Ireland, which occur every now and again after prolonged wet weather and, by sweep- ing over lower levels, cause great destruction of property and even loss of life, provoke a feeling of surprise that no steps seem to be taken to prevent them. The risk is well known, and the principles which govern such catastrophes should be equally known. The slide is due to an accumulation of water on peat formations where hollows exist. In such hollows moss and other semi-aquatic growths accumulate by upward growth and basal perishing, such as the familiar Sphagnum-moss exhibits. It is indeed largely due to this particular species of moss that in time a deep, spongy moss is produced. Under ordinary weather conditions, this spongy moss is only saturated here and there, much of the rainfall being evaporated and some of it draining away so that the whole mass < f peat retains sufficient cohesion to maintain its position. A long spell of wet weather, how- ever, saturates and softens it, tnd since, from the very fact that a slide is induced by mere pressure of gravitation, the bog must be formed on a declivity, it is abundantly clear that a system of drainage, even by relief channels being cut, would prevent those lower levels from being invaded by a destructive avalanche of peaty matter when the pent-up water finds a 106 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 6, 1910. weak spot and follows the line of least resistance. It is the water and the water alone which causes these debacles. The peat mass itself may form to a practically unlimited extent as a solid body if means are devised for preventing the water from accumulating, and. wherever there is such an incline as always seems to be present where these catastrophes "occur — since a slide on a level is an absurdity — it would seem that the simple precaution of cutting a few trenches in the dry seasons, at known perilous points, should obviate the risks by providing safety valves which, by affording an early vent for accumulat- ing moisture, would remove the initial cause of disaster. Nothing, however., of this kind ap- pears to be done until it is too late, for once " the bog begins to move," a visit of the county surveyor to the spot to investigate and report on the matter to the county council is little likely to save from disaster the unfortunate far- mers in the track of the impending deluge. In the case we have in view, the locality was visited only two years ago by a disastrous slide of a bog, so that the risk of further slides should have been foreseen, as similar conditions must have been known to exist by those in the vicinity, whose farms were threatened with destruction. It would be interesting to know what the local authorities did on the last occasion in the way of preventive measures, not indeed of the slide itself when it commenced its irresistible course, but in the shape of rational attacks upon the primary cause wherever the danger was known to exist. 'Chas. F. Druery, V.M.H., F.L.S. 10-inch pots may be used, and a somewht coarser compost of the same nature as before, with just a sprinkling of soot. Place the- plants in a greenhouse or other cool structure, and they will soon cover themselves with many-hued flowers. The Schizanthus is very useful for house decoration, as the flowers last quite a month in good condition. If the plants are kept in a greenhouse when in flower they will need to be shaded from sunshine. The most popular strain is that known as S. Wisetonensis, which has a compact, bushy habit, and exhibits a wide range of colouring. S. hy- bridus grandiflorus has a dwarf, somewhat pyra- midal, habit, and large flowers. A. II'. Proud- lock. SOCIETIES. CULTURAL MEMORANDA. SCHIZANTHUS. The best results in growing these plants are obtained by sowing the seed in autumn. I have found August 1 to be the most suitable date for sowing, as the plants get established before the short days, when growth is very slow. The potting compost should consist of loam, leaf-mould, and sand in equal parts, and the materials should be passed through a £-inch sieve. This compost should be placed in pans, and it should be watered a few hours previous to sowing the seed. The seeds being very small, they only need a very light covering of soil. Pieces of glass placed over the pans will prevent excessive evaporation, and the sei '1 pans may be put in any cool structure. As soon as germination takes place, keep the plants near to the glass in order that the seed'.ings will make a sturdy growth. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into pans, putting them 2j inches apart, and again keep them near the glass. After the p] nits have become about 4 inches high, pot them i IT separately into 3-inch pots, using a compost con- taining a good proportion of leaf-mould. If the grower should possess a vinery with a shelf on the back wall near the top ventilators, he cannot do better than grow his Schizanthus in that position. They will then have a dry. airy position, and an abundance of light, which will increase as the vine leaves fall. Each plant will need a neat stake and frequent attention to tying. Schizanthus plants are apt to damp off, especially in the early stages of growth, unless very great care is exercised in regard to watering. They should be allowed to become dry before water is again given them. Pinch the shoots occasionally in order to promote a bushy growth. When the pots become nicely filled with roots, another shift is necessary, and on this occasion four plants may be placed in an 8-inch pot; one or four plants may be used according to individual taste, but if large, bushy plants are desired, then it is as well to employ four. A similar compost to that employed at the previous potting may be used, with the addition of finely- broken charcoal, being careful not to pot too firmly. •' The most critical time is past when this pot- ting has beeoi done, and growth will be quicker as the days lengthen. Stake and tie the shoots neatly, using thin Bamboo canes, and again pinch I he hoots. For the final potting, which should take place at about the latter end of February, TREES AND SHRUBS. SPECIMEN TREES AT COBHAM HALL.* On December 13 a visit was paid to Cobham Hall, near Gravesend, for the purpose of selecting planks of various kinds of timber, which the Earl of Darnley had promised to present for the Forestry Museum. The estate has long been famous for well-grown timber, and competent authorities credit it with producing the largest Ash in the country. About the garden, a number of fine ornamental trees were observed, particu- larly Ginkgo biloba, Quercus Phellos, Q. Ilex, Taxodium distichum, Sophora japonica, Sequoia gigantea, S. sempervirens, Cedrus Libani and Liriodendron Tulipifera. In the deer park and plantations, however, the largest trees were noted. The ground is rather heavy and well suited for Ash, Oak, and Sweet Chestnut, in fact a large area of land in the neighbourhood is given over to coppice wood, in which Ash and Sweet Chestnut figure largely. Among the park trees conifers were rarely noted, whilst compara- tively few were to be seen in the plantations. Hornbeam grows to a large size, while the same may be said of Beech and Sycamore. Time did not allow of measurements being taken of the large trees, but Mr. Scriven, the estate agent, kindly furnished me with the dimensions of the following trees, which were taken a short time ago. The girth, except where otherwise stated, was taken at 5 feet froai the ground : — ft. ft, in. Quercus Ilex 75 by 15 10 Phellos 83 „ 9 3 Sophora japonica 81 ,, 10 4 Ginkgo biloba 73 „ 9 5 Liriodendron Tulipifera ... 75 ,, 8 6 Sequoia sempervirens ... 88 ,, gigantea 77 ,, 14 7 Liquidambar styraciflua ... 75 Taxodium distichum 78 ,, 7 4 Acer Pseudo-platanus ■■■ 102 ,, 17 10 ... 91 „ 15 3 Tiln vulgaris 104 ,, 13 2 Fiaxinus excelsior 144 „ 14 6 144 „ 11 9 ... 128J, „ 12 6 ... 79 „ 14 9 ,, ,, with curiously twisted trunk, known as the "Twisted Ash - ... 116 „ 17 8 Carpinus Betulus 82 ,, 11 6 82 „ 8 8 Fagus sylvatica 97 ,, 12 6 Castanea sativa 92 ,, 14 9 82 „ 14 2 Quercus pedunculata ... 91 ,, 17 2 76 „ 12 10 Ulmus campestris (at 4 feet) 91 ,, 17 1 Juglans regia 76 ., 13 6 ,, nigra ... •■■ 67 ,, 8 2 Populus nigra 96 .. 11 4 ^sculns Hippocastanum (at 4 feet ... 87 „ 14 0 Prunus Avium ... •■• 91 ,, 12 10 Quercus Lucombeana ... 81 ,, 11 10 Cedrus Libani 99 ,, 15 5 (at 2 feet) ... 86 „ 19 2 W. D. (Kew Bulletin, No. 3, 1910.) ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. August 2. — The inexpediency of holding a meeting immediately after a Bank Holiday was strikingly illustrated in the very meagre ex- hibition on Tuesday last. The display was the smallest ever held in the Society's Hall, and there were scarcely any visitors. It is clear that exhibitors do not desire a flower show to follow a popular holiday, as the preparation of the exhibits entails work on the day previous to the show. Another reason for their dislike of such a show is the fact that any trouble and expense entailed is but thrown away, there being so few visitors. The Orchid Committee recom- mended one Award of Merit and one Botanical Certificate. The Floral Committee recommended three Awards of Merit. The Fruit and Vege- table Committee confirmed awards made at \\ isley to some varieties of Pot2ic_;, p^r, gad Lettuces. Few persons attended Mr. A. Clutton-Brock's lecture at the 3 o'clock meeting, although the subject, " Small Rock-gardens," was of much interest. Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Esq. (in the Chair); and Messrs. H. B. May, W. J. Bean, T. W. Turner, Jas. Dou-las, J. F. McLeod, C. Bliek, ('has. E. Pearson. J. T. Bennett-Poe, Chas. E. Shea, W. P. Thomson, E. H. Jenkins. George: Paul, and Wm. Howe. Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, The Nurseries, Upper Edmonton, showed finely-flowered planlfl of Campanula isophylla and a batch of Ixoras. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. Chas Blick, Warren Nurseries, Hayes, Kent, staged a choice group of border Carna- tion, in about 70 varieties, all, save one, raised at Hayes. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. Walter Easlea, Danecroft Rosery, East- wood, Essex, exhibited bunches of his seedling Carnation named Scarlet Perfection. .Mr. Jas. Douglas, Edenside, Great Bookham, showed five new varieties of Carnations. Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Edinburgh, showed some choice annuals, including two fine .Mari- golds, named Sulphur Queen and Orange King, there were also a selection of Scabiosa of the type known as Dobbie's Fall Double. Anlinhi- nums, Sweet Peas, and Cosmos bipimiatus. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd.. King's Road. Chelsea, displayed annuals, such as Candy- tufts. Lupins, and Marigolds, also vases of Pentstemon Newbury Gem. Mr. Frank Lilley, St. Peter's, Guernsey, showed Montbretia rosea, Sparaxis pulcherrima, Gladioli, and spikes of Hyacinthus candicans. Messrs. Kelvvay & Sun, Langport, Somerset, exhibited over 300 spikes of Gladioli, with large, bold flowers in many hues, ranging from creamy- white to purple. (Silver Flora Medal.) A floor group of Phlox decussata and Chrysan- themum maximum was made by Messrs. G. Paul & Son. Cheshunt, (Silver Banksian Medal.) Missis. W. Wells & Co., Merstliam. Surrey, showed a selection of Violas, border Phloxes] Puppies, Pyrethrums, Gaillardias, and other hardy flowers. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. Harkness & Sons, Bedale, Yorkshire, displayed spikes of Verbascum bordered by a row of Gaillardias. Mr. G. Reuthe, Hardy Plant Nursery, Keston, Kent (Bronze Flora Medal), and the Guildford Hardy Plant Nursery (Bronze Banksian Medal) displayed garden flowers. Awabds of Merit. Carnation Mrs. J. A. Reynolds.— An orange- buff-coloured border variety, a little deeper in colour than Elizabeth Schiffner. The plant is free in flowering, the blooms being produced on stiff stems and with non-splitting calyces. Carnation Forester.— A lame, yellow ground Fancy, with markings of chocolate and red. An erect! free-blooming variety, well suited for the flower border. Both these were shown by Mr. James Douglas. I'li/ox Finn Antonin Burhner.—A fine, white variety of border Phlox, growing about 3 feet high. ' The individual flowers measure li inch in diameter, and are of great purity. Shown by Messrs. W. Wells & Co., Ltd. At) gust 6, 1910.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 107 Orchid Committee. Present Hairy J. Veitch, Esq. (in the Chair) ; and .Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), de B. Craw- shav, F. J. Hanburv, C. H. Curtis, W. H. Hatcher, H. G. Alexander, W. H. White, H. Ballantine, Gurney Wilson, and J. Charlesworth. De B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks deners' Orphan Fund, it will be thankfully received, and an acknowledgment made in these columns,] Mr. W. B. Gingell, for the past 20 years Superintendent of Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith, has been appointed to succeed the late Mr. F. Spivey, as Superintendent of Dulwich Park, London. Mr. James R. Smith, for the past 5 years Gardener at Addington Park, Croydon, and previously 6 years General Foreman at Melton Constable, Norfolk, as Gardener to Isaac Lewis, Esq., Bedgebury Park, Goudhurst, Kent. Mr. A. V. Dove, late Gardener to Musgrave Dyne, Esq., Perryfield, Sollershope, Ross-on-Wye, as Gardener and Bailiff" to Edmund Page, Esq., Weatherstones, Hin- derton, near Neston, Cheshire. (Thanks for Is. received for R.G.O.F. Box.— Eds.) Mr. A. Petchey, previously General Foreman, also as Gardener to the Right Hon. Lord Blyth. Stansted, Essex, as Gardener to R. C. Gosling, Esq.. Has^ Bishop Stortford, Herts. (Thanks for 2s. sent tot R.G.O.F. Box.— Eds.) 112 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 6, 1910. ENQUIRIES AND REPLIES. Planting an Orchard in Worcestershire. — My employer has a farm in Worcestershire, and wishes to plant an orchard of standard fruit trees, principally Apples and Plums, with a few Pears. The land is under grass and is a heavy, clay soil. Can you furnish me with particulars as to varie- ties suitable for planting, including one or two varieties of Apples suitable for cider? T. G. For planting an orchard of^lOO stand- ard fruit trees for market purposes in Worces- tershire, a good selection would be as follows : Apples, 20 trees of Worcester Pearmain, 20 Bram- ley's Seedling, and 20 Newton Wonder ; Plums, 10 Rivers's Early Prolific. 10 Victoria, and 10 Czar ; Pears, 5 Williams' Bon Chetien, 5 Pitmaston Duchess, and 5 Catillac, a stewing variety for which there is always a great demand at re- munerative prices. The two best varieties of Apples for cider production are Foxwhelp and Kingston Black. Prepare the holes for planting at 30 feet apart, each station being 5 feet in dia- meter. Do not mix animal manure with the soil, but if the ground is naturally poor, mix a sprinkling of g inch bones with the surface soil and afterwards apply a good mulching of farm- yard manure, and repeat this dressing of manure annually to conserve the moisture in the soil as well as to nourish the trees. The best time to plant is as soon as possible after the leaves have commenced to fall, say November, for at that time of year the soil is warm and the roots will commence to grow. Avoid planting when the soil is sticky and wet, or during snow and frost. Remove the turf to a depth of 2 inches, dig out the soil one spit deep, shovel out the crumbs of fine soil, and fork up the subsoil one spit deep. Break up the bottom layer, and place the sods grass-side downwards on the subsoil, and also about one-half of the removed top soil. Place a stake firmly in the centre of each hole, the top of the stake to be the same height as the stem of the young tree. Arrange the roots horizontally and fill in with the remainder of the top soil broken finely. Tread the ground firmly after planting, and then apply the mulch of half-de- cayed manure. to ^\ Lorr&bondente Analysis of Soil by R.H.S. : W. G. The Royal Horticultural Society's chemist, Dr. J. A. Voelcker, M.A., 22, Tudor Street, New Bridge Street, London, undertakes the analysis of soil for Fellows at a reduced fee. Write to the secretary, Rev. W. Wilks. Royal Horti- cultural Hall, Westminster, for particulars. The soil should be forwarded to Dr. Voelcker direct.. With regard to your question respect- ing the cost, this will be regulated by the nature of the analysis ; the fee for a complete analysis of a soil being £3. Antirrhinum: G. C. Antirrhinums are not strictly annuals — that is, seedlings do not flower and perish in a single season, if grown from beginning to end out-of-doors. For this reason we should not advise their selection for forming one of " 12 distinct kinds of annuals " at ft competitive show. The Butterfly Del- phinium is said to be an annual. Books: H. II. The Young Botanist, by W. 1'ercival Weston and C. S. Cooper. You can obtain copies from our publishing depart- ment. Crown Bowling Green : /. I. So far as the general formation of a Crown Bowling Green is concerned, with the exception of the raised centre, it differs but little from the ordinary Scotch green. Good drainage and a well-laid turf are essential to success in both cases. To secure a uniform fall from the crown to the edge we would suggest that the ground be set out in concentric circles at equal distances from each other (see fig. 38), commencing from the edge of the crown. Each circle would then have an equal rise or fall from the one imme- diately adjoining it, and a true gradient thus obtained. Supposing, by" way of illustration, that the crown — which is set out 9 incites higher than the edges — is 10 feet across, and from its centre to the edge of the grass is 65 feet. By striking out four circles, the first of which is 15 feet from the border of the crown, and each additional circle 15 feet from the last, it would be found that a uniform fall would be obtained by making the inner circle 2i inches below the level of the crown, the second circle 2j inches below the inner one, and so on, until the last circle would be exactly 9 inches below the level of the crown. In other words, a gradient of 1^ in 100 would be obtained. The corners might be made dead level, as this could not possibly interfere with the game as played on such a green. We would advise laying the turf from the centre to the circumference. The following method is employed in the Liverpool parks, where 22 greens are provided for the use of the game of bowls. A trench is made 12 feet in width, and in the bottom of this is placed a layer. 4 inches in depth, of clinkers. On the top of this are placed the old turves taken from the top of the next trench. The sods are placed grass sides downwards, and they prevent the clinkers, used as drainage material, becoming choked with the finer soil. Above this layer of turves is placed soil to the depth of about 12 inches. After careful levelling this is covered with a layer of sea-sand about g inch deep. Another trench, 12 feet in width, is dug out, and the process repeated, until the bowl- ing green is made. When all is well settled down, the top is covered with the finest turf procurable. In your case you can make the trenches 15 feet wide. You will find some in- FlG. 38. — CROWN BOWLING GREEN. Showing how to secure a uniform fall. formation on Bowling Greens in Lawns and Greens, by T. W. Sanders, obtainable from our publishing department, price Is. 2d. free by post. Figs, Peaches and Carnations: II'. E. The Fig is badly affected with disease, caused by the fungus Cercospora bolleana, whilst the Peach is equally badly attacked by silver-leaf disease. As the complaint is confined in each case to a single tree, and there are others to which the fungus may spread, it is advisable to destroy those diseased at once, burning every portion. Afford fresh soil if other trees are planted in their places. For checking rust on Carnations spray the plants with potassium sul- phide, using 5 oz. in two gallons of water. Gardening Employment in America and Austblia : G. V . J . You will find in- formation regarding the conditions affecting gardeners in America in the issue for February 19. 1910, p. 122. With regard to Australia, a note on gardening in Aus- tralia and New Zealand, written by the late Mr. .Tames Mclndoe in reply to a question by H". !{., was given in the issue for May 16, 1908, p. 324. You cannot advertise for a situation in America unless you reside there, this being contrary to law, but you may do so in the case of Australia. Grapes Failing to Colour : S. H. G. Grapes may fail to ripen perfectly from various causes. In your case it is probable that the roots have entered unsuitable soil, in which oaee you must lift them late in autumn, and relay them nearer to the surface of the border in some good, rich soil. If your subsoil is cold and wet, the bot- tom should be covered with a thin layer of con- crete to prevent the roots from penetrating again into it, taking particular care to give the border efficient drainage. It is possible that the border was made too loosely, as this is a very common error. In regard to the tank, we would strongly advise you to remove it and place it where it will not interfere with the roots. You must also clear out all the old soil on which the tank has been standing. We do nut think the methylated spirit will have in- terfered with the colouring of the Grapes, as it is commonly used for the destruction of mealy bug. If you disturb the roots to any great ex- tent this autumn, the vines must only be id- lowed to develop a very moderate crop of fruit. Injector for Caebon-bisulphide : T . T . &• Co. Insert a small advertisement. Jobbing Gardener: 11*. TV". You ask — Should a man who is engaged at six different places on as many days of the week be regarded as a professional gardener? This depends en- tirely upon his previous training. If he has been engaged in gardening or nursery work as a profession from a boy upwards he could pro- perly lay claim to the title, but if he is one of those" who take up jobbing gardening after having failed in ether walks of life he is merely a garden labourer. A bothy boy is only a prospective gardener. He is not a professional gardener any more than a hospital student is a qualified doctor. Some day or other it may be hoped that gardeners will have a hall mark which will serve to distinguish qualified mem- bers of the profession. Names of Pl\nts: M. H. Lonicera in volucrata (syn. L. Ledebouri). — Frank New- man. The Viola is a garden seedling. If it was found in India it must have been intro- duced there. — IT*. A. A spray of Ruscus aculeatus, the common Butcher's Broom, that has been coloured by a red aniline dye. They are sold in bunches in Covent Garden Market, some being dyed a blue colour. — T. N. 1, Periploca graeca ; 2, Lactuca Plumieri ; 3, Sisyrinchium striatum ; 4, Juniperus chinensis; 5, Crataegus tanacetifolia ; 6, Geranium sp. (too much withered). — ./. E. 1, Lathyrus sativus ; 2, Omphalcdes linifolia ; 3, Pisum elatius var. umbellatum " Crown Pea " ; 4, Alyssum argenteum. — A. Young. The scented- leaved shrub is Myrica cerifera ; 2, cannot recognise this from such a shrivelled scrap ; 3, Oxycoccus macrocarpus. — R. IT*. N. 1, Myrtus Ugnii ; 2, Diosma ericoides. (Thanks for con- tribution to R.G.O.F. Box). — Dejvinere. 1, Senecio Clivorum ; 2, Veronica longifolia var. ; 3, Achillea Ptarmica fl. pi. ; 4, Lychnis chalce- donica ; 5, Veronica longifolia var. ; 6, Leyees- teria formosa ; 7. Spirava ariaefolia. — If. G. Cv- pripedium Nellie (C'harlesworthii X tonsum). — Villa. 1, Sophronitis grandiflora ; 2. Oncidium flextiosum ; 3. Coelogyne flaccida ; 4, Odonto- glossum Andersonianum ; 5. Oncidium pubes. — R. S. 1, Pteris longifolia; 2. P. tremula ; 3. Dendrohium Hedycsmum ; 4. Brassia verrucosa. — O. G. We do not undertake to name Roses : send the variety to some grower who can com- pare it in his collection. Pea for Identification : Beeswax. The variety is known as the Purple-podded Pea. Rent of Room : T. S. You had better consult ■'' local solicitor. Tomatos and Cucumbers for Winter : II'. G. Winter Beauty, Sunrise and Kershaw's Prem are all good varieties of Tomato for fruiting in winter. Kershaw's Premier is not mui b known, but it is one of the best all-round Tomatos in cultivation. One of the best win- ter-fruiting Cucumbers is that known as " A" the Year Round." Communications Received.— W. H. C— R. A. R.~- J. T. L,.— W. B.-J. T. W.-G. G.-G. H.-W. B.-J. J. P- — T. B.-C. G.-R. S. Q -A. and C B.-J. D G.-B. h.~ R. P.— E. H. J.— E. W. & Sons-A. anclB., Ltd.-S. W. — W. H. Y.— F. E. B.— W. P. R— R. F.-F. J. K.— E. Y W.— H. H. W— \V. F.-T. S.— C. T. D.-P— J. E. — R. W. W.-H. M. V.-H. W. W.— Sir D. M.— T. R. V. A. D. W.-W. V. G.— F. K.— Royal Meteorological Society — Minister of Agriculture (Melbourne)— A. V.— W. M, D. —J. Hope-W. A. - Bees, Ltd. -S. C.-J. L.-Ij. G. (Brus- sels)-F. M. -W. L. V.— H. 8. T.-G. Squiblw-A. G.- A. H.-E. S.-D. A. W.-T. H.— W. W. P.-A. D. R.- ; F. K. (Tokio). Supplement to the " Gardeners' Chronicle. riwtograph by H. N. King Belvoir Castle, the residence of the Duke of Rutland. Printed by Temple Press Ltd., London, E.C. > August 13, 1910.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 113 was built in 1730 ; it is a formal-looking struc- ture, conveying an impression of internal comfort and external strength rather than architectural beauty. The sunken garden is a comparatively modern feature, which was modelled upon the garden at Hampton Court, and its character may be seen in the supplementary illustra- THE ftKirbencrs'CbronicIc No. 1,233.— SATTJBDAY, August 13, 1910. CONTENTS. Almug or Algum tree ... Alpine garden— Saxilraga frorulenla... Am huriums, large-leaved 1 " Barr " memorial, the Books, notices of - Botanical Magazine... British Association, the coming meeting of " the Cistus purpureus Clandon Park, Guildford Conifene, the natural history of Copper, absorption of, by leaves Eucryphia pinnatifolia Failure, a recent Flowers, double "French " garden, notes from a Forestry at Hursley Park Fruit crops, rema'ks on the condition of the... Gravelling garden paths Increment value duty... Law notes — Seeds, claim for Tax for gardener Rosary, the Schroder memorial, the ILLUSTRATIONS. 131 Sooietiea — British Association ... 124 118 British Pteridological 126 llil Ealing Tenants' Hor- 123 ticultural Kirkcudbright Horti- 126 123 cultural Knaresborough and District Horticul- 129 124 tural 121) 118 Leicester Abbey Park 126 113 Midland Carnation and Picotee 127 115 Royal Horticultural... 122 (Scientific Committee) 126 124 Royal Meteorological 122 126 Scottish Horticultural 127 19.6 United Hort. Ben. 126 and Prov SummerTille, Dumfries, 128 115 hardy flowers at 116 124 Tutoher, Mr. W. J. ... 124 Weeds, American 122 117 Week's work, the — 131 Apiary, the 121 121i Flower garden, the ... 120 Fruits under glass ... 121 189 Hardy fruitgarden, the 120 130 Kitchen garden, the... 121 119 Orchid houses, the ... 120 122 Plants under glass ... 120 128 Carnation " Forester" Clandon Park, Guildford (Supplementary Illustration) Cistus purpureus in the Botanic Garden, Cam- bridge 119, 119 Cupressus, avenue of, at Clandon Park 115 Daffodils flowering in the Iris garden at Clandon Park 113 Iris garden, the, at Clandon Park Maori Council house, the, at Clandon Park Pergola at Clandon Park Pteros.yras Impiduin m 116 123 125 CLANDON PARK, GUILDFORD. (See Supplementary Illustration.) THE rule of the holiday maker is to go to the sea or to pass beyond the confines of these islands to other lands in search of beauty. It is not for me to decide whether the seaside is the best place to spend a holiday, but I may say that no one need go beyond the seas to find varied and charming scenery. Londoners have only to travel a few miles into Surrey to find the most delightful country surroundings and many magnificent gardens. One such garden is that at Clandon Park, the home of the Earl of Onslow, G.C.M.G. The small station of Clandon is situated on the L. & S.W. Railway7, and is 25 miles from Waterloo, whilst the entrance to Clandon Park is one mile from the station. The park is not a very large one, but it is naturally undulating, and it contains many handsome trees, while the surrounding views of hill and vale, wood- land and pasture are very beautiful. The en- trance from Clandon is not the principal one, that being situated on the Guildford road, but it is a convenient entrance, for it abuts upon the lawns and gardens The mansion pergola clumps of Lilium auratum constitute the principal feature. Near by is a hand- some bower covered with a plant of Wistaria sinensis, which forms a beautiful object when in flower. Passing along the lawns of beautiful turf between superbly-coloured groups of Acers, the lower lawn is reached, and a row of -&****« feh ■#*#&&& ***f.»s**r {Photograph by tlu Earl of Onslow, Fig. 39.— clandon park: the iris garden in june. tion. It has a pool in the centre, and the borders are occupied by bold groups of hand- some flowers, whilst specimens of clipped plants are dotted over the grass. From a higher point close to this garden there is an excellent view of the mansion over the per- gola (see fig. 46), which has a Japanese lan- tern at one end and the sunken garden at the other. The pergola is furnished chiefly with Roses and Clematises, and they grow and flower abundantly. In the borders within the Irish Yews on the left that look like sentries. In a parallel row, Golden Yews have been planted more recently. On the rise of the lawn from this spot is an avenue of Cupressus Lawsoniana (see fig. 42), with occasional vases for plants, and the avenue leads to a rather higher level than Lady Onslow's " Aromatic " garden, which comes well into view. In this garden may be seen the only formal planting at Clandon Park, and, although the beds are of a set <3WKr!R0ti {Photograph by the Earl 0/ Onslow. FlG. 40. — CLANDON PARK : DAFFODILS FLOWERING IN THE IRIS GARDEN IN SPRING. 114 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [August 13, 1910. design, nevertheless the plants utilised are of sufficiently free-growing habits to pre- vent any severe aspect. As far as flowers are concerned, the feature at the time of a re- cent visit (August 5) was the gorgeous An- chusa italica, known as " Dropmore variety," but the plants which entitle the garden to its name include, amongst others, Roses, Laven- der and Southernwood. On the contiguous terrace are grand specimens of Hydrangeas in tubs. Mention may be made of the Cran- ley Avenue, with its inner line of Copper Beeches and its outer line of Green Beech ; it extends to the front entrance, and was de- signed as the drive leading to the Guildford road before the present line through Clandon was constructed. Turning from the mansion and its surround- ings, the visitor will find the most charming finest varieties then in commerce as a nucleus. Every year since that time additions have been made, until, at the present, the collec- tion is as representative as any in these islands. The varieties are legion, and it were hopeless to expect that space would be allowed me here to mention even a selection of them. Here and there are ser- pentine beds of English and Spanish varie- ties, and, at the foot of the bank, clear of the water in winter and 3 inches under it in summer, are splendid plants of I. laevigata in variety. A line at the top of the bank near the path is formed of I. stylosa, where the plants get literally baked in summer. To maintain the attraction there are great clumps of Lilium candidum and Hemerocalli?. while here and there are uncommon Iris species, and the finer of Sir Michael Foster's greatest luxuriance. P. denticulata Cash- meriana sends its fiower-stems up to a height of 30 or more inches, and at the summit of each is a ball of blossoms as large and as shapely as a tennis ball ; P. japonica has im- mense leaves, and such specimens of P. rosea are seldom seen elsewhere. Some appear to live in water, whilst over the roots of all the species a flowing stream can be turned at will. The gardener, Mr. Blake, is exceedingly proud of the plants, and there is every excuse for this. Besides the Primulas, there are clumps of Meconopsis Wallichii, M. iutegrifolia, aud M. paniculata, with thousands of Forget-Me- Nots and Polyanthuses. Mr. Blake has formed a nursery for the raising of Primulas, and has already many thousands of plants still in the seed beds or pricked out into suit- able situations. The day will probably come FlG. 41. — CLANDON PARK : THROUGH THE IRIS GARDEN. features of Clandon Park in the Iris border and Primula dell. The Iris Border. Having spoken of Lady Onslow's "Aromatic" garden, a regard for consistency should cause me to call the Iris border Lord Onsjow's " Iris garden," since it is his especial delight and hobby. It is entered by a steeply-sloping, stepped path, and on the left of the path Bamboos rise to a height of 12 feet or more, whilst a hedge of Sweet Brier is on the right hand. The Iris border extends for 250 yards, and its average width is 3 to 4 yards. Its charm in spring lies in the immense clumps of such popular Narcissi as Sir Watkin, Empress, Emperor and others (see fig. 40), and these flowers are succeeded by the Irises. It is 14 years or so ago since Lord Onslow commenced to form the border, and he procured all the hybrids may be seen in carefully-selected places. I. Snow Queen and I. sibirica alba are shown in fig. 41. At the back of the border there are superb groups of Spiraeas suitable to such a situation, whilst on the opposite side of the canal, where it was originally intended to cultivate Liliums, there are conspicuous masses of Rhododendron molle in variety, Alstromeria aurantiaca, Salvia " Fireball," S. patens, Atriplex hor- tensis, and Spiraea giganteum. In the winter season colour effects are afforded by the Wil- lows, Dogwood and Rubus biflorus. It is a wonderful garden, with changing features during the whole year. The Primula Dell. Totally different to the Iris garden in every respect is the dell in which the hardy Primulas are cultivated. The plants grow with the when the Primula dell will rival the Iris border in its attractiveness, and, fortunately, there is plenty of space for both gardens to grow in extent. The Water Garden and Maori House. A passing reference should be made to the water garden and the Lily pool, situated near to the Maori Council House, which is a reminder of the days that the Earl of Onslow spent in the service of his country in New Zealand. The water is notable for the mag- nificent clumps of hardy perennials about its banks as much as for the aquatic plants. There are groups of Kniphofias, Senei in, Crambe, Inula, Verbascum and other plants, with many Irises in the margins of the water and on the soil immediately adjoining it. Some fine plants of Rosa rubrifolia may be seen, and plants of Iris laevigata, continuously August 13, 1910.] THE GA RDENERS' CHli O Nl CLE. 115 in water. Near the Maori Council Chamber (see fig. 43), which is finely carved by New- Zealand natives, is a Water Lily pool, the congenial home of these charming Nymphseas, of the Canadian bull frog, whose tones are often heard at certain seasons of the year. The supply gardens and houses, the historic structure known as Temple Court, now the residence of Lord Onslow's agent, Mr. Bowles; the kitchen gardens, the glasshouses, and the fruit plantations have features of in- terest to the visitor, and, the excellent con- dition of the gardens reflect much credit upon Mr. Blake, who has served Lord Onslow as gardener for a period of nearly 20 years. H. It is too early to estimate this year's seed crops; but it is likely that the seeds offered next season will be from the 1908 crops, in which case the sowings will have to be made much thicker than usual. P. Aquatias. THE NATURAL HISTORY OF GONIFER/E. (Concluded from p. 96.) Thus the design of the conifer, when compared with that of the broad-leaved tree, seems to be rather the result of an alternative policy than NOTES FROM A "FRENCH" GARDEN. The Melons planted early in April have been cleared away, and the ground has since been hoed and mulched lightly for the benefit of the Cauliflowers which were planted there fiv- weeks ago. The frames and the lights have been removed to Melons planted under the cloches in the middle of May. This crop must receive care ful attention to promote a quick growth, as the fruits should be ready for cutting in September. The lights should be removed front the batch of Melons planted late in April or early in May. as the glass would be injurious to the Cauliflowers growing between them. Should the weather be dry, caterpillars will cause much damage to the Cauliflowers. These pests should be removed by hand and destr yed Frequent waterings will act as a slight check to them. The Carrots sown in the middle of July must be thinned as soon as possible. They will require frequent waterings for the next five or six weeks. French Beans sown late in July are now well above the soil. The ground should be stirred frequently. The plants are spread out as much as possible by putting some 6oil in the midd the clumps. The Celery blanched eight or ten days ago i now ready for market. The beds should be broken up and the soil utilised for the autumn sowings. The main batch of Celery should be given frequent and heavy waterings. If Celeriae is grown, the bottom leaves must be removed from time to time. When the plants are well established, some growers cut off all the side roots with a long knife to throw all the growth into the main root. Lettuces raised from seeds sown in the middle of July will soon be planted out at a distance of 9 or 10 inches apart. If a succession is required, a few seeds of Lettuce Passion may now be sow n to provide plant6 for out-of-doors late in Sep- tember. The winter batches of Endive and Batavian Green should now be planted out. When the ground is very rich they require a distance of 11 to 12 inches apart, but in sandy and poor soil 9 to 10 inches will be sufficient space for them. A new year begins at this season in the " French " garden, and the grower must arrange for a rotation of crops for the coming year. He must also estimate the quantity of manure he will require for the making of the hot-beds. It is now time to collect the first half, which is termed " dry manure." Where the supply of decayad manure is limited, a substitute may be found in peat-moss. This will be dug in, leaving the decayed manure as a top-dressing. All the frames, lights, and cloches should be examined, and repaired where necessary, and the lights painted. Cultivation under the " cold " 6ystem is likely to lie largely adopt .1 in " French " gardens next spring. This method incurs little labour and ci si ; In.! it is necessary to have a large quantity of decayed manure in hand, as this system re- quires a fair amount of this material. withstand injuries or are exposed to more nume- rous foes. In other words, it is conceivable that conifers are more vulnerable and more attacked. This suggestion seems at first sight to gain support when we call to mind the considerable mortality of transplanted conifers that die from desiccation. Yet we are not justified in regard- ing this fact as denoting any greater susceptibility to injury on the part of conifers when compared with broad-leaved trees: to arrive at any conclu- sion, it would be necessary to compare the death- rate of transplanted evergreen conifers and dico- tylous trees equally suited to the climate and of \Photogiaph by H. N. Xing. Fig 42. — clakdon park: a cupressus avenue. necessarily inferior in plan. Yet there remains to be explained the fact of the extinction of many conifers and the general victory of broad-leaved dicotylous trees. Even if it is admitted that in cold-temperate regions conifers thrive better than dicotylous trees under certain more or less unfavourable con- ditions, and work quite as well as the latter under some more favourable conditions, it is, nevertheless, quite conceivable that, as compared with broad-leaved trees, conifers are less able to equal ages. (It would be interesting to have the experience of gardeners as to the relative mor- tality in the transplanted evergreen, hardy species belonging to the two classes.) Yet many facts point to the conclusion that conifers are less capable than our broad-leaved deciduous trees of recovering from injury. Whe 1 their leaves ar9 destroyed by smoke, by fungi, or by insects. Conifers readily perish; whereas the Oak and other deciduous trees may be defoliated year after year by insects without any fatal result. 116 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. ;august 13, 1910. Only few conifers, such as the Yew, can with- stand considerable cropping or persistent brows- ing, whereas broad-leaved trees can be pruned drastically. Again, conifers readily suc- cumb to serious attacks by bark beetles that tunnel in their bark ; but the Ash, Elm, and other leaf-shedding dicotyledons can endure the severest attacks of bark beetles for 60 years or more. Even insects tunnelling in wood cause graver injury to the conifer than to the broad- leaved deciduous tree. We can in part — but only in part — explain the smaller power of recovery of the conifer. In the first place, the dicotyledon has crowds of resting- buds, all ready to develop into new shoots and produce new foliage when occasion arises ; more- over, it usually has the power of producing new buds on old parts of the trunk, stump, or roots. The ordinary conifer, on the contrary, has com- paratively few resting-buds, and its power of producing new ones on older parts of the tree is limited or wanting. Secondly, when the leaves of a conifer are entirely destroyed by any agency, the tree loses organs that required several years to produce, and whose replacement will demand several years. This loss of foliage represents not only so much loss of substance, but also a pro- longed decrease in power of producing new sub- stance. The complete defoliation of a deciduous dicotyledon, on the other hand, involves the loss merely, at most, of one season's crop of leaves ; indeed, the lost foliage may be replaced in the 6ame season and within a few weeks of the loss. Thirdly, the weakness of recuperative power on the part of the conifer may be also partly due to a possibly slower rate of working of the tree, and this may result in slower healing of wounds and slower replacement of injured organs. Finally, the question arises: "Have conifers or broad-leaved deciduous trees the more nume- rous serious fungal and animal foes? " When we think of the hordes of insects and fungi attack- ing orchard trees, and when we compare these ravages with the apparently healthy condition of many conifers growing in our gardens, we in- evitably gain the impression that the conifers are less attacked by these foes. But the com- parison thus instituted is specious : any reliable •comparison must necessarily be instituted among wild trees of different kind growing in their own •countries and with natural surroundings, and must not be between artificial races of plants and exotic plants far removed from at least many of their natural foes. For this reason I therefore institute comparisons between those coniferous and dicotylous trees that largely enter into the composition of forests in Northern and Central Europe. The result of the comparison (which is given in very abbreviated form in the subjoined table) indicates that evergreen conifers have the larger number of serious foes among fungi and insects, and that the deciduous conifer — the Larch — stands in this respect between evergreen conifers and deciduous dicotylous trees. Common Silver Fir (Abies pectinata) Common Spruce (Picea excelsa) Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) European Larch (Larix decidual Beech (Fagus sylvatica) Birch (Betula alba) Hornbeam (Carpinus Betulus) Alder (Alnus glutinosa) Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) Approximate Number of Species of Serious Foes. Fungi. Insects. 14 13 18 30 15 43 9 18 5 21 8 10 2 6 2 7 2 4 The larger number of serious foes of the coni- fers may be due either to the longer geologic periods during which their evolution was pos- sible, or to the greater facility of evolution of foes attacking relatively weak victims, or it may merely represent another aspect of the fact that the same degree of hostile attack has a graver effect on the evergreen conifer than on the deci- duous dicotyledon. Percy Groom, D.S'c. HARDY FLOWERS AT SUMMERVILLE, DUMFRIES. A large coDection of hardy flowers is culti- vated in the gardens at Summerville, Dumfries, the property of James Davidson, Esq. The Eryngiums or Sea Hollies include such species as alpinum, amethystinum, Oliverianum and Bourgatii. Actsea racemosa is also admirably grown, and there is a good representation of the best of the Helianthuses, including such double forms as Soleil d'Or, maximus, and plenus. The genus Heliopsis is represented by two or three species and varieties, lsevis, Wolley Dod's variety, and pitcherianus being, perhaps, the better sorts. Ligularia macrophylla, known now as Senecio Ledebouri, with Senecio pulcher, and one or two other species were fine in their own way. It is seldom we see the Silphiums in gardens, but, at Summerville, Silphium perforatum variety connatum always does well, although it was not in bloom at the time of my visit. It is a good back-row plant, and is distinct, with its bold foliage and its heads of yellow, composite flowers. spectabile and C. calceolus ; Orchis foliosa was especially fine. An unusually good plant of Dian- thus Napoleon LH. was in bloom. It is still the finest of the Mule Pinks, but its profusion of crimson, double flowers exhausts it so much that it is difficult to retain it long, unless it is con- stantly propagated. A good plant of the rather scarce Erica cinerea coccinea, with scarlet flowers, was in bloom in one of the borders. Another good plant was the bright Prunella Webbiana, said to be of garden origin, and much finer in its red colour than P. grandiflora, which it resembles in habit. There were many other interesting plants in the borders, such as a huge plant of Philadelphus microphyllus, which here belies its reputation as a shy flowerer, covering itself annually with its small, white, sweet-scented blooms. Alpine flowers are mainly cultivated in the front of the borders, or on low rockeries. Among the most successful of the dwarf Irises is the lovely little Iris cristata, which spreads into large masses, and flowers very well. Philesia buxi- folia requires special treatment, being covered here with a handlight, the top of which is re- [Phologmph by H. N. King. Fig. 43. — clandon park: the maori council house. Centaureas succeed well, and include the best varieties of C. miontana, C. dealbata, C. macro- cephala, C. babylonica, and C. ruthenica. There are large masses of Sidalcea Lis- ten and S. Candida. Not many of the Alstrce- merias are hardy in the district, and A. psittacina suffered much last winter, though a small plant is left ; but A. chilensis is hardier. A. aurantiaca and its variety aurea very well displayed their glowing orange and yellow flowers. Although not a popular class of plants, a few of the Sym- phytum? are worth growing, and, of these, that at Summerville, S. bohemicum, is probably the best, with red-purple flowers. Scabiosa caucasica, both the typical lavender and the white varie- ties, do splendidly. Eriophyllum csespitosum, frequently known as Bahia lanata, was giving plenty of its yellow flowers. Verbascums, Lychnis chalcedonica, both single and double, and other Lychnises were showy ; and Spiraeas, Astilbes, Achilleas, and other good border flowers were present in variety. Amonj the other border plants in bloom at the time of a recent visit, were a fine clump of the Kilmarnock Orchis, and good varieties of some of the other hardy Orchids, such as Cypripedium moved in summer. It is thriving splendidly, and gives many of its scarlet, tubular, Lapageria-like flowers. The Ramondias and Haberleas are most successful here when treated in the same way, and flourish to perfection. In the corner in which these Ramondias are cultivated, Xerophyl- lum asphodeloides had just finished its flowering, and the long spike showed how well it had done. On the rockeries a number of the plants had already flowered. Among those in flower I noted a good plant of Campanula Tomassiniana, C. pulla, C. pulloides, C. Portenischlagiana, C. G. F. Wilson, the yellow-leaved form, and a good plant of the flower sold as Campanula alpina, which is a form of C. rotundifolia, the true C. alpina being little grown. Hypericum confusum was very fine, but Saxifrages were nearly out of flower ; Sedums and Sempervivums are well represented in the collection. Dianthuses, Silenes, Oxy- tropises, Ericas, Alpine Geraniums, Erodiums, Potentillas, Erigerons, Gypsophilas, Arenarias, Achilleas, Androsaces, Drabas, and other favour- ite genera are well represented in this good and carefully-cultivated collection, the general condi- tion reflecting credit upon Mr. Davidson and his gardener, Mr. J. Wilson. S. A. August 13, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 117 REMARKS ON THE CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS. (See Tables and Summaries, ante, pp. 77-82.J (Continued from page 98.) 4, MIDLAND COUNTIES. Bedfordshire. — The fruit crops in this locality are very disappointing, especially with regard to Apples, Pears, Plums, and Cherries. Small fruits are about the average, and the quality is good. I attribute the failure of the Apple, Plum, Pear, and Cherry crops more to unripened wood than to late frosts. Fruits which set became yellow, and dropped. The soil is a light loam, resting on a sub-soil of sand and gravel. George Mackinlay, Wrest 1'ark Gardens, Am.pt- hill. Buckinghamshire.— The failure of the fruit crops was, to a very large extent, due to the low temperatures which prevailed from April 23 to May 10. The following dates, with the degrees of frost registered, prove this : — April 23, 5° ; 27, 4° ; 29, 4° ; 30, 5° j May 3, 2° ; 5, 1° ; 7, 2° ; 8, 2° ; 9, 7° ; 10, 5°. J. G. MacGregor, Meat- more Gardens, Leighton Buzzard. The late spring frosts practically destroyed the whole of the Apple, Pear, Plum, Gooseberry, and Currant bloom. In very few gardens, or- chards, or allotments in this district are there any fruits. Mid-season and late Strawberries fur- nished heavy cr jps of excellent quality ; indeed, we have never had a better season for Straw- berries. The fruit trees are, on the whole, healthy and clean, with the exception of outdoor Peaches ; the young growths of these were badly damaged by frost and wind. Our soil is a heavy retentive loam, resting on clay, and the natural drainage is bad ; because of this, our crops are generally deficient in wet seasons. W. Hedley Warren, Aston Clinton Gardens, Tring. The fruit crops are much under the aver- age ; the cold nights during the time the trees were in blossom caused the flowers of Apple and Pear trees to drop, in many cases before they had expanded. The best crops of Apples are found on pyramidal trees, the varieties Grenadier, Lod- dington Seedling, Lane's Prince Albert, and Peas- good's Nonesuch being amongst the best of the culinary varieties, whilst of dessert kinds Cox's Orange Pippin, King of the Pippins, Wealthy, James Grieve, and Charles Ross are carrying good crops of clean fruits. Pears are a failure, except on walls. Cherries, which are largely grown in this neighbourhood, were not more than half a crop, and the fruits cracked badly through the wet. Gooseberries are an average crop, and very good. Black Currants, which are largely grown here by market gardeners, are a failure. Straw- berries were a good crop, but the berries were depreciated by the rains. Chas. Page, Dropmore Gardens, Maidenhead, Bucks. Derhyshtre. — The crops of Apples, Pears, and stone fruits are disappointing. There was an abundant show of blossom, which failed to set, owing, no doubt, to last year being dull and sun- less. Small fruits are good average crops, and the trees, so far, are clean. Strawberries have furnished a good crop of fine quality berries. The old Black Prince variety is still one of the best sorts. This, with Royal Sovereign, President, Dr. Hogg, Gunton Park, and Waterloo, form six of the very best varieties for small growers. Rasp- berries and Loganberries are looking well. The latter is one of the most useful fruits of recent introduction. The Loganberry is very satisfac- tory when planted. under glass in a cool house, where the fruits ripen a month earlier than on plants in the open. Vegetables are looking well, and Potatos escaped the late frosts. One of the best early Potatos is May Queen, whilst of Early Peas, Bountiful is a good cropper and of fine quality. Bailey Wadds, 181, Utloxeter New Food, Derby. Hertfordshire. — Apples, Pears, and Plums are much under the average, and in many gar- dens they are a complete failure. In a few shel- tered gardens the trees are carrying average crops. The Plum crop is the worst in this dis- trict for 20 years. All kinds of fruit trees gave promise of good crops until Tuesday, May 3, when 9° of frost were registered. C. E. Martin, The Hoo Gardens, Welwyn. Although fruit trees generally promised well for good crops early in the year, the late frosts and long continued easterly winds in spring severely damaged the young fruits. The Pear and Plum crops were ruined while the trees were in full bloom ; most of the Plums that escaped the frost, also many Apples, shrivelled and fell from the trees as a result of the cold winds. Peaches are carrying moderate crops of good fruits. Small fruits are good, and Strawberries have been plentiful. Insect pests have been very troublesome to fruit trees this year. H. Prime, Hatfield House Gardens, Hatfield. The fruit crops in this locality are very bad. Apples are scarce, whilst the Pear and Plum crops are failures, especially on stand- ard trees. There was a good promise for a bountiful fruit year, but the late frosts ruined the blossom, and, in many cases, the damage was done whilst the flowers were in the bud stage. Peach and Apricot trees, which were protected, are carrying good crops. Our- soil is a stiff clay. Edwin Beckett, Aldenham House, Gardens, Elstree. With a few exceptions amongst small fruits, the fruit crops in this district are failures such as we have not experienced for some years past. Apples are bad, al- though a few varieties, such as Lane's Prince Albert, Stirling Castle, Keswick Codlin, and Robert Fish, are showing an average yield. Boskoop Giant Black Currant is again proving a good and productive variety. Win. Whitelaw, Batchwood Gardens, St. Albans. Leicestershire. — As stated by Southern Grower in the issue for July 9, there is a " mystery " surrounding the partial failure of the crops of Apples, Pears and Plums. There was an abundance of bloom on all the varieties of fruit trees, but it was of a very fugitive nature and failed to set, especially on trees exposed to the north-east winds which prevailed during the time the trees were in bloom. Apple trees in sheltered positions have full crops of fruit. A market grower in this district, who last year had not a single bushel of Apples on his trees, informs me he has a good average crop of Apples this season. This confirms my opinion that there was a lack of stability in the fruit buds on trees which carried a crop of fruit last year. There are no Plums or Pears, except on the wall trees. The Strawberry crop was very promising at the time of flowering, but owing to drought in June many of the flowers failed to develop. The heavy rains and dull days of July caused many of the berries to decay. There is a good average crop of Red and White Currants, whilst Raspberries and Loganberries are above the average. Gooseberries in the kitchen garden are more than an average crop but orchard bushes are a failure, owing, mostly, to birds destroying the buds ; this also applies to standard trees of Plum and Damson. Aphis and caterpillars have been very troublesome this season. D. Roberts, Prestwold Hall Gardens, near Loughborough. ■ ■ All kinds of fruit trees blossomed very freely with the exception of Pears on walls, which, however, set their fruits well, and have an average crop. The failure of the Apple crop cannot in this district be attributed to cold during the flowering period, because, with the exception of May 8 and the three following days, when only the earliest trees were in flower, the weather was very good. It is interesting that the trees which flowered during those four cold days have good crops : I am convinced the failure of the fruit crop is due to a deficiency of sunshine in the autumn of 1909. The only failure that can be attributed to spring frosts i6 the Gooseberry crop. A few bushes of these, partly sheltered by pyramidal Pear trees, have borne well ; cordon Gooseberries on a north wall are carrying good crops, whilst those bushes quite in the open have none. All fruit trees are much cleaner than usual this season. W. H. Divers, Belvnir Castle Gardens, Grantham. Northamptonshire. — The failure of the fruit crops is due chiefly to several frosts which oc- curred when the trees were in flower. The soil is heavy, being principally clay. Bobt. Johnston, Wakefield Lodge Gardens, Stony Stratford. There was a good show of blossom, but, owing partly to immature wood, the flowers were very weak. At the flowering period of Apple trees we experienced abnormally dry weather and the fruits failed to set. Plums on walls are good, but we have scarcely any fruits on bush and standard Plum trees. Raspberries are very good. Our soil is a light, porous loam, overlying lime- stone rubble. A. B. Searle, l':i;<~tle Ash-by Gardens, North a m pton. Nottinghamshire. — There was a good pro- mise for fruit in the spring, all fruit trees being covered in blossom, but cold winds caused many to drop. Apricots, Peaches and Nectarines were protected at night time while they were in bloom, and these have good crops. Apples are an average crop, but Pears are not so good. Cherries of all kinds have been extra good. Plums are about the average. Gooseberries, Red Currants and Raspberries are all very good, but Black Currants are poor. Strawberries have been very plentiful and of splendid quality. Our soil is of a light texture, on a subsoil of sand. James B. Allan, Osberton Gardens, Worksop. With the exception of Strawberries and Red Currants, the fruit crops are almost failures. Blossom was abundant on all the trees, but in the case of Plums it was small and weak, and probably partly from weakness and also from the sunless weather and cold winds the fruits failed to set. Of Apples, Bramley's Seedling, Newton Wonder, Lord Grosvenor, and Stirling Castle are the only varieties carrying fruits. Pears and Cherries are poor, and Black Currants dropped nearly all their fruits. Gooseberries are about half a crop. Wall trees have only a partial crop. J. It. Pearson ■ * £■* ft >^|m J^h,-_ •f-k~ J* 1. dk r* A^Kpr^ Cy JZarochhoiJ H [rhutugraph by Irwin Lynch Fig. 44. — cistus purpureus, the purple- flowered ROCK-ROSE. yet allowed for. Tho reason for this strange fantasy may lie far back in the ages that saw the plant's evolution : the fact of it remains, and has to be coped with. Not only does S. floru- lenta invariably keep the vertical position in cliff or cave, or even open moor, but one can also gather the same lesson from its peculiar characteristic habit. For whereas S. longifolia recurves its leaves to welcome rain, S. floru- lenta always incurves its leaves, like an irri- tated Sea Anemone, so as to be doubly certain that the inner surface of its rosette receives no undue moisture. When you see the plant grow- ing you at once realise the significance of that curious symptom. More than this, to make the explanation yet more inevitable, S. florulenta does, at last, recurve its foliage and open out. But this only happens when the plant is about to flower and die. The mystery still remains why those hard, shiny, indestructible-looking leaves should have such a morbid horror of moisture. That they have it. though, is certain, and in that idiosyn- crasy lies. I believe, the only real difficulty about cultivating the plant. In itself, S. floru- lenta has every sign of being a hearty and amen- able species, asking only for generous cultivation, to grow ahead rapidly, to flowering size (alas ! it never proliferates; clumps and apparent offsets are only symbiotic seedlings). But it must be grown in such a position that overhead moisture does not lodge in the rosette, or even visit the rosette unduly. Moisture in the soil it requires, and tolerates almost to the extent of thriv- ing in water runnels on a cliff. But its real good nature is foreshadowed by its indifference as to compost. I have seen it thriving equally heartily in moraine-dust, in peaty humus, in mossy silt, and in rich, yellow turfy loam. It is always on the granite, though, and can never, it seems, be too tightly and piti- lessly squeezed into a crevice. It also shows its vigour by the readiness with which it ap- pears to germinate wherever the seed falls, even if it be upon detritus, amongst grass and weeds, at the foot of a cliff. Rare and restricted as this strange species is, it is nevertheless very abundant in the chosen places of its range : were it not for its incapa- city to make headway against an uncongenial crevice, it might even be a spreading species. In nature it even tolerates full exposure to sun, but that shady gullies, just above the last Pines, are its favourite dwelling place, affords a significant hint. For some years past I have grown the plant in pots, losing a few annually, because, as I now realise, the pot stood level on the ground, and the rosette sat level on the pot. Encouraged by the fact that some survived, and inspired by personal acquaintance with the plant at home, I believe that, with rich soil and the horizontal position, one ought never again to lose a plant of S. florulenta, except through the glorious consummation of its flowering. On the cliff, I have from last year a fine, large rosette now established, and apparently unresentful of a calcareous cranny. I hope to put more specimens in various soils and minute crannies, in expecta- tion that I may someday see that glorious viscid spike of nodding rose-pink bells. Reginald Ferrer. CISTUS PURPUREUS. This is the finest red Cistus in cultivation. On several occasions I have found an inferior plant grown under its name, and have been sur- prised how rare the true plant really is. It grows about 4 feet high in a few years, and produces numerous flowers over a considerable period, each flower being nearly 3 inches in diameter. The colour is lilac-purple ; at any rate, that is the nearest to it in the Repertoire de Couleurs pub- lished by La Societe Francaise des Chrysanthe- mistes, but the great beauty of the flower is enhanced by the large, ruby-red spot near the base of the petals. In addition to this, and at the extreme base of the petal, hidden by the numerous yellow stamens, is a yellow blotch. The habit of the shrub is somewhat spreading, being quite a6 broad as it is high. It branches freely, and all the younger stems are clothed with a rusty pubescence. The leaves are usually oblong in shape but they vary to some extent, being sometimes broadest above the middle. They are slightly rugose, and covered with stel- late hairs on the under side. The petioles are short, and joined together to sheath the stem. The flowers are terminal on the branches, and usually there are three together, two being fre- quently open at the same time. The young stems are somewhat sticky, and the resinous secretion exhales a peculiar fragrance. The sepals are broadly ovate, and, like the leaves, are covered on the under side with stellate hairs. The petals are broader than they are long, measuring If inches across, and overlap considerably ; they are very broadly wedge-shaped ; the filaments are yellow, and the anthers orange-coloured ; the ovary is very densely clothed with silky hairs, and the style is very short, the stigma large and papil- lose. Cistus purpureus (see figs. 44, 45) has been regarded as a native of the Levant, but Grosser, in Encler's Pfianzenrcic/i . which includes a August 13, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 119 Monograph oi the Cistacese, describes it as a gar- den hybrid between C. ladaniferus and C. villo- BUS. There is strong support for the correctness of this view, for a wild specimen has never been seen, nor have capsules or seed ever been de- scribed. This is the only purple, flowered Cistus figured in Sweet's Cistinese that has the hue basal spots which make the plant so disinct and orna- mental. This brings me to the other kinds with spotted petals, and I find that all of them are garden hy- brids, originating from Cistus ladaniferus macu- latus, as the parent responsible for the spots. There is, however, I believe, only one other hybrid in cultivation, viz., the well-known C. eyprius, a cross from C. hiurifolius. It is a free- growing shrub, with white flowers and dark- maroon-red spots, similar to those of C. ladani- ferus maculatus, but differing rather in shape, being much rounder. The flowers are several in each inflorescence, while those of C. ladaniferus are borne singly. It is a very fine plant, flower- ing very freely for several weeks, and possessing a very great degree of hardness. A spotted hybrid not now cultivated, I believe, is C. Loretii, a cross between C. ladaniferus maculatus and C. montspeliensis. A plant with spotted yellow flowers, sometimes known as Cistus algar- vensis, is, of course, not a Cistus at all, but rather a Helianthemum, though Grosser, in the Monograph referred to above, adopts the genus Halimum of Dunal, and calls the plant H. ocy- moides. These spotted Cistuses are among the finest of ornamental flowering shrubs for garden decora- tion. They are very readily cultivated, and strike freely from cuttings. Though slightly tender, they have not been injured in the Cam- bridge Botanic Garden for some years past 7?. Irwin Lynch. THE ROSARY. FEATURES OF THE PRESENT SEASON. We have had very changeable weather in Mid- Sussex. A few hours have frequently been fol- lowed by chilly spells, whilst the amount of rain in June and July was greater than I remember in any previous year. A short time ago we had hailstones of a size I hesitate to mention. The storm was so local that one of our adjoining grounds scarcely felt it. In the other, the hail penetrated the blossoms like small bullets. Even Pea pods were traversed the whole of their length in some few instances. It has occurred to me, in looking over the Roses, that, no matter what the season is like, a considerable number of varieties do well ; they are what a friend called " all-sea60n varieties," such, for example, as Mme. Ravary, Mme. Abel Chatenay, Caroline Testout, Viscountess Folke- stone, Kaiserine Augusta Victoria, Captain Hay- ward, Conrad F. Meyer, Dupuy Jamain, Fisher Holmes, Frau Karl Druschki, Mme. Antoine Mari, Georges Nabonnand, Gruss an Teplitz, and Killarney. Unfortunately, there are several varieties of very little service except in favour- able seasons. I do not call to memory any season when such climbers as Crimson . Rambler, Blush Rambler, Dorothy Perkins, and the many beautiful hybrid YVichuraianas have been more universally good. Mistakes in association of varieties are still far too frequent, such, for example, as placing Dorothy Perkins against a pale-red brick wall, or Crimson Rambler against a dark-coloured one. In one instance a plant of Dorothy Perkins climbs over a light-coloured verandah on the next house to one built of pale red bricks. In another instance, a long row or hedge of drooping varie- ties is marred by the comparatively up- right growth of Blush and Philadelphia Ramblers, with a few similar-habited varieties interspersed among those of very pendant character. I cannot help thinking that, grand as the present effect is, it could have been im- proved if the same habit of growth had been maintained in all the plants. These are merely a few impressions that have struck me more for- cibly since the advent of so many good climbers; but the same idea applies to beds of Roses, and it would bo well to pay a little more attention to the style of growth when planting. The stocks were never more promising, and the frequent showers have, at any rate, been very welcome to the budders, keeping the sap nicely active. At the time of writing (August 4), we have scarcely touched a standard stock, so we are greatly behind. However, the showers have kept the shoulders growing, and, in conjunction with shortening them when they first reached 18 inches or so, have caused the base of the shoul- der to swell in a pleasing manner. We think this a better plan than to bud upon the shoulder as soon as it is large enough. In the latter case the Rose bud is frequently overgrown by the whole season's swelling. Now the first crop of flowers from the Teas and their hybrids is passed, the plan! ; are breaking into growth in a very promising manner. Per- haps I should not have written " is passed," for LARGE LEAVED ANTHURIUMS. In the days when fine foliaged stove plants were more popular than they are at die present time, the advent of a decided novelty was sure to attract a good deal of attention. This hap- pened particularly in the case of Anthuriurn Veitchii, which still remains one of the grandest of all foliage plants to be seen in the stoves. It was discovered and introduced by Gustave Wallis, when travelling in New Grenada for Messrs. Veitch, from 1872 to 1874. When distri- buting the plant in 1878 Messrs. Veitch described it as a very handsome Aroid of striking aspect, and this must certainly be regarded as a very modest estimate of the plant. The leaves, which are supported on stout, upright stalks, are from 3 feet to 5 feet in length, and 1 foot to If feet in width. A striking feature is furnished by the principal veins, which diverge from the midrib. They are arched in shape and deeply sunk, thus giving a waved appearance to the whole leaf. This character is still further enhanced by the deep, glossy green colour and metallic lustre, particularly when tin- leaf first ex- Fig. 45.- {Photograph by Irwin Lynch. CISTUS PURPUREUS IN THE CAMBRIDGE BOTANIC GARDEN. when does that occur with these beautiful sec- tions, between mid-June and the advent of frost? SPORTS FROM DOROTHY PERKINS. This grand climber has produced several very beautiful sports. I should like to know if any reader has noticed the tendency of the sports to revert to the normal variety. I have White Dorothy, with a flower-truss having in the centre blooms of pure Dorothy Perkins. In another case, where a large number of buds has been worked, there is one plant at present that is unmistak- ably Dorothy Perkins. Now, in working some 800 of these, with the stocks following one another, it is quite inconceivable that one par- ticular bud should have come from any variety other than White Dorothy. A very promising sport which appeared here some three years ago has a piece of the original variety in the centre of a truss, and the growth from one eye upon a standard has reverted similar to White Dorothy. Both sports from Heinrich Schultheis^ namely, Merrie England and Mrs. Harkness. sometimes revert, and the two sports from Comtesse d'Oxford, namely, Pride of Reigate and Pride of Waltham, have reverted, whilst the sports themselves have appeared simultaneously upon the same plant. A . P pands. When this Anthuriurn was first distri- buted plants were sold at three guineas each and upwards, and, what is more, large numbers were disposed of, though nowadays such a price would be almost prohibitive. Another very striking Anthuriurn sent home by the same collector, and distributed at the same time is A. Waroqueanum, whose leaves in good examples attain a length of 2 feet to 3 feet. They are broadest at the base, and come gradually to a point. In colour they are of a rich deep green with a velvety lustre, while the midrib and veins are of a lighter tint. Anthuriurn crystallinum, a native of Colombia, is an older plant than those mentioned previously and the leaves, though large, do not attain the same size. Still they are 60 exceedingly beauti- ful that this species must be regarded as one oi the choicest of the entire genus. The blade ol the leaf is heart-shaped, and of a rich, bright velvety green, while the course of the midrib and principal veins is marked with silvery bands. The young leaves are of a striking purplish tint. A good deal of variation is to be found in the markings of the leaves of A crystallinum, some being in this respect decidedly superior to others. The finest form is sometimes met with under the varietal name of magnificum. There is 120 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 13, 1910. also a well-marked variety known as A. crystal- lium illustre, in which the leaves are variegated in various ways with creamy white. For their successful culture the Anthuriums above mentioned need a compost of an open, fibrous nature, effective drainage, and ample sup- plies of water at all seasons, but especially when the plants are growing freely. A stove tempera- ture, a liberal amount of atmospheric moisture, and shading from the sun are also essential. In none of these Anthuriums are the flowers at all showy. A hybrid between A. Veitchii and A. Andreanum, known as A. mortfontanense, has large, crimson spathes, but from a foliage point of view it is not to be compared with A. Veitchii itself. There are many other large-leaved Anthuriums, and numerous hybrids have been recorded, but those above named are not only the best, but practically the only sorts in general cultivation. The flowering kinds, represented by A. Andrea- num and A. Scherzerianum, with their varie- ties and hybrids, are more popular than those that produce ornamental foliage. W. The Week's Work. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By John Donoghue, Gardener to Joseph Pickersgill, Esq., Bardon Hill, Weetwood, Yorkshire. Dieff 'enbachia. — This useful stove Aroid is a very decorative plant, and, although it succeeds best in a stove temperature, it will thrive well in an intermediate house. Propagation may be effected at any season of the year. Cuttings in- serted in small pots will soon form roots, but if a considerable number of plants is required, the quickest method of propagation iB by division of the old stem ; each piece should contain one or two eyes. They must be placed in well-drained, shallow pans or pots, filled with sandy material, and plunged into bottom heat. As soon as growth commences, pot them singly into small pots. Plants of a useful decorative size may be cultivated in pots 6 inches in diameter. Young stock is preferable to cut-back plants, therefore, where specimens are desired, several plants should be potted together and repotted into pots or pans as they develop in growth. When the pots are well filled with roots, weak liquid manure may be given alternatively with clear water. Heliconia. — The culture of this plant is similar to the Dieffenbachia. Bougainvillea. — Plants which have completed their season of flowering should be hardened off out-of-doors. They should remain outside as long as the state of the weather will permit. Although Bougainvilleas will stand a few degrees of frost during the resting period, it is safer to place them in a cool greenhouse where frost is excluded during the winter. Clerodendron fa/lax. — Plants of this species may now be afforded more exposure to sunshine, and a free circulation of air should be maintained on all favourable occasions. Syringing may be dispensed with altogether, but an occasional damping of the stages on bright days is neces- sary. A temperature of about 60° during the flowering season will suffice. Extreme care must be exercised when applying water, as excessive moisture at this stage will seriously affect the development of the flowers. Afford the roots occasional top-dressings. Begonia (iloire de Lorraine. — The latest batch of plants should be repotted into their flowering pots without further delay. The compost should consist of the best fibrous loam and peat, with sand, charcoal, and a small quantity of well- decayed sheep manure. The roots "should be treated with care when potting, as the potting compost at this stage, being of a lumpy nature, is liable to cause them injury. These Begonias grow rapidly during August and Sep- tember, and, if in good health, they will make luxuriant foliage. An occasional watering with soot-water helps to impart a dark-green colour to the leaves. The atmosphere should be constantly charged with moisture. Continue to shade the plants during hot weaher, and damp both the stages and paths occasionally with weak farm- yard manure. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. R. Searle, Gardener to the Marquis of North- ampton, Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. Apples. — These fruits are very scarce in this district, but some of the freer fruiting varieties, such as Keswick Codlin, Lane's Prince Albert, Lord Suffield, Lord Grosvenor, and Schoolmaster are carrying fair crops. If any thinning is neces- sary, this should be done now for the last time ; these surplus fruits may be used for making tarts and puddings. Occasional waterings with liquid manure will benefit the trees and assist the fruits in developing to a large size. Early dessert varieties, such as Irish Peach, Early Harvest, Mr. Gladstone, Beauty of Bath, Langley Pippin, and Lady Sudeley, should have nets placed over them to protect the fruits from birds. American blight is developing on some of the old trees ; measures should be taken at once to combat this pest, dress- ing the infested parts with methylated spirit or with the mixture recommended in a former Calendar. Figs. — The crop of Figs out-of-doors is much better than last year. The fruits are swelling rapidly, and should now be finally thinned to three or four on each shoot. Allow the leading growths to extend where space permits, as these, when well ripened, will produce the finest fruits next season. Fasten the shoots securely to the wall, and avoid shading any of the fruits when doing this. Train in those growths which have short joints and are firm in texture, as these mature the best and are consequently the most fruitful. Cut out all weak and useless growths, so as to avoid overcrowding of the 6hoots, it being very important that the fruiting wood matures properly. Expose the fruits fully to the rays of the sun, as this is essential to good flavour, and do not gather them before they are quite ripe. Continue to apply liquid manure to old trees carrying heavy crops, and re- new the mulching material if necessary. Dis- continue the application of mammal stimu- lants immediately the fruits show signs of ripen- ing, and afford less moisture, otherwise the fruits will be liable to splitting. Ripe fruits must be protected from birds and wasps, either tying them in muslin bags or covering the trees with wasp-proof netting. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Cattleya.- — When such plants as Cattleya gigas, C. Rex, C. Dowiana, and its variety aurea, also the hybrid C. Hardyana, pass out of flower, they should be kept on the dry side for a few weeks, and be exposed to more light and air than at any other time. The compost should not be kept very wet, otherwise the roots will not grow from the newly-made pseudo-bulbs in the free manner necessary to recover the vigour of the plants after flowering. Should any of these plants need repotting, commence the operation immediately young roots begin to develop. Use the best Osmurida and Polypodium-fibres in equal parts, with plenty of small crocks intermixed. Afford plenty of drainage materials. Pot each plant firmly, and see that the rhizome of the plant is kept just on a level with the rim of the pot. Pack the compost well up under the pseudo- bulbs, gradually sloping it down towards the pot-rim, so that, when watering, the moisture will settle more to the sides than the centre. When repotted, the plants should be placed at the cooler end of the Cattleya or intermediate house, where they will be exposed to the light and air. Until the plants are re-established, only sufficient moisture is necessary to prevent the roots perishing. With copious waterings after flowering, plants are apt to start away into growth instead of taking the long rest that is necessary. C. speciosissima should be treated likewise, although the plant will stand more dry- ing during the resting period than any of the others mentioned. This plant thrives best when suspended near to the roof-glass in the Cattleya house. Plants of C. Gaskelliana now commencing to root may also be repotted, care being taken to cause only the least possible disturbance to the old roots so as not to affect the flower-buds now be- ginning to show themselves. Lcelia. — L. purpurata, L. tenebrost.. L. cinna- barina, and many of their hybrids should now be examined in order to see if moro root-room is required. By this time their new growths will have increased a few inches, and they will soon produce ;oots. When giving plants larger pots, cut away old and useless back pseudo-bulbs. If two or three are left behind each leading growth, it will be found sufficient. Enough space should be allowed in the receptacle for at least two seasons' growth. Old plants which require to be broken up should now receive attention. All worn-out pseudo- bulbs and dead roots should be cut away, the de- cayed compost removed, and the pieces potted separately into pots as small as it is possible to get them in, so that, when they again become well rooted, they may easily be shifted into larger ones. Stanhopea. — The Stanhopeas are suspended well up to the roof-glass in the intermediate house. Several of the earliest-flowering varieties are now pushing their spikes, and where a fairly representative collection is grown, there will be blooms on some for several months to come. Among the best are S. eburnea, S. insignis, S. Wardii, S. Rodigasiana, S. Mastersii, S. tigrina, S. florida, S. platyceras, S. Lowii, S. saccata, S. Amesiana, S. Devoniensis, S. oculata, and S. Bucephalus. These should be supplied abun- dantly with water at this season, but when the flowers begin to open, being very fugacious, care must be taken to avoid wetting them. When watering plants in flower, lay them carefully on their sides, water them thoroughly, and, before suspending again, allow them sufficient time to drain properly. For the present, keep the plants well shaded from the 6un, but when growth is completed and the flowering season over, they may be gradually exposed to more light and air, and the amount of water at the root lessened by degrees. Vanda. — At this season Vandas of the V. tri- color and V. suavis section often lose a number of their lowermost leaves The East Indian house is too warm for them. What they need is a well and evenly-balanced intermediate temp- rature, a constantly-moist atmosphere, and sufficient water at the root to keep the Sphagnum-moss in a fresh and growing condition. Afford the plants plenty of fresh air, and shade them from sunshine. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Hertfordshire. Shrubs at present in flower. — There are few, if any, flowering shrubs more worthy of extensive cultivation than the better forms of Buddleia variabilis, with their large trusses of handsome flowers, varying in colour from pale lavender to deep purple. At Aldenham we have raised many plants from seed obtained from China two years ago. These seedlings are. now good flowering specimens, and are making a grand display, both in the shrubberies and at the back of the hardy flower borders. Two of the best varieties in commerce are those known as magnifica and Veitchii. The flowers are very attractive to coloured butterflies. Of Spiraeas now in flower, the varieties of Spiraea japonica make neat bushes for cultivation in various positions in the flower garden, and are very free-flowering. The variety Anthony Waterer, when obtained true, is valued for its rich, red flowers. S. j. Bulmalda is not so rich or bright in colour ; the variety ruberrima has flat heads of dark red flowers. Other Spiraeas at present in flower are S. Douglasii, an excellent plant for the woodlands, producing masses of pink flowers, and S. Aitchisonii, with elegant foliage and white flowers. Among the Broom family, Cytisus nigricans is flowering very freely, and it makes a dense, rotund bush. C. leucanthus cr Bchipkaensis is a dwarf shrub, with pale flowers, and forms a useful plant for the rockery or front of the shrubbery. Genista tinctoria, the " Dyer's Greenweed," is also conspicuous. Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles is a grand subject for train- ing against a wall or similar support. Variegated shrubs and trees. — At this season of the year, when flowering shrubs are few, the value of variegated trees and shrubs is especially obvious. Though, in most cases, the plants are poor growers, there are many exceptions, and the following may be recommended as free growers of the deciduous section : — Acer Negundo-variega- tum, A. N. versicolor, and the white and yellow variegated forms of Aralia chinensis. The two variegated forms of the Spanish Chestnm make handsome trees, as also do the several variegated forms of Cornus alba, such as Spaethii and August 13, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 121 variegata, and these will thrive almost anywhere. 'The coloured forms of Cornus Mas, the Cornelian Cherry, although not so free as the species already mentioned, make interesting shrubs. Kerria ja- ponioa variegata, the two variegated varieties of Philadelphus coronarius, the Sarnbucus nigra ar- gentea variegata are all of free- growth. Of ever- green, there may be mentioned Aucubus, Hollies, Box, Aristotelia Macqui variegata, Eheanus glabra variegata, Euonymous in variety, Tree Ivies, Osmanthuses, and Vincas. Montbretia. — Montbretias are now developing their flower-spikes. The plants should therefore be examined, and, if necessary, supports given in the neatest manner possible. The newest hybrids of these are distinct improvements on the old M. crocosmiflora, producing flowers on large, arching sprays, while many of the individual blooms are 3 inches in diameter. If the ground is dry, afford a good soaking of water. The flowers are extremely useful for house and table decoration, and the spikes remain in excellent condition for several days in a cut state. General work. — The seedlings from the late sowing of Mignonette should be thinned out, allowing the plants ample room to develop. Re- move any batches of annuals that pass out of flower or become unsightly. Continue to tie up and attend to" plants on the borders. Keep the hoe at work amongst the transplanted subjects intended for spring bedding, and induce these to form neat, bushy plants. Syringe all Roses that require it, whether for fly or mildew. Apply dustings of artificial manure during showery weather to border Chrvsanthemums and Dahlias. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Kitchen Garden Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Winter Onions. — The August sowing of Onion seed should be made on some day between the 15th and 25th, according to the district. Select a loamy soil which was manured liberally for the previous crop rather than soil which has to be freshly manured. The ground should be dug deeply and the soil broken as finely as pos- sible, after which it may be allowed to remain for a few days until it is dry enough for tread- ing and raking. The seeds should be sown in drills drawn at 15 inches apart, and they should be covered only very lightly with fine soil. Ex- cellent varieties for present sowing are Giant Lemon Rocca, Ailsa Craig and Long Keeper. The>e varieties stand through the winter well, and the bulbs grow to a large size. Shullots and Garlic. — Seedling Shallots and Garlic will now be ready for lifting. They should be dried thoroughly, and may afterwarcfs be bunched and suspended in an open shed until they are required for use. Tomalos. — Plants intended for fruiting in winter will now be ready for potting into the final pots. The compost for use at this potting should be composed of loam three parts, and leaf-mould one part. Make the soil moderately firm about the roots, and place the plants in a cool house, where plenty of air can be admitted both by night and day until a crop of fruits is set. Sweet Basil. — Make a sowing of Sweet Basil for use in winter. This herb is most difficult to cultivate in winter, and it is seldom seen in the markets during that period. The best method of culture is to prick off the young seed- lings into 6-inch pots, putting four or five seedlings in a pot, and placing the pots in a cool pit until autumn, when they should be re- moved to a forcing pit, having an atmospheric temperature of 60°. arranging them on a shelf exposed to the light. Another sowing may be made in pots about the end of the present month for a supply in spring. Herbs. — Herbs for drying should be cut as soon as possible and placed in a dry, airy shed until they are ready for bunching. Spinach. — Make another sowing of Spinach, and, directly the seedlings are large enough thin them out to distances of 6 inches apart. The flat hoe should be kept frequently at work amongst the plants in order to promote a free growth. L'eks. — Plants that were put into trenches early in the summer should now be given a thorough soaking of liquid manure. The trenches may be filled to the ground level as soon as the plants are large enough. Later plant- may still be planted for use in winter and early spring. Before removing them from the seed beds, the beds should be given a thorough watering, and every care taken to prevent breaking the roots during the process of lifting. Celery. — Proceed with the earthing-up of the earliest plantations of Celery when the foliage is perfectly dry. It is a good plan to give the beds a thorough soaking with weak liquid manure a day or two previous to earthing them up. Examine each plant, and remove all side shoots and deformed leaves before adding the soil. During the process of earthing-up the plants should be tied loosely with matting, and every care taken to prevent the soil getting be- tween the leaves. The operation should be car- ried out at frequent intervals rather than by adding a large quantity of soil at one time. The soil should be broken up very finely, and it should be placed carefully round each plant with the hand. Geleriac. — Plants of Celeriac require frequent waterings with weak liquid manure between the rows, in order to induce the development of large roots. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, G.C.B., Moulton Haddocks, Newmarket. The vinery. — Where Grapes are fully matured and in greater quantity than the demand of the establishment, care must be taken to keep the berries in a good, firm condition. Dryness of the atmosphere is one of the chief requisites, there- fore, when the weather permits, admit plenty of fresh air during the day, and also at night-time. On dull, damp days, a little fire-heat will be ne- cessary to keep the atmosphere in circulation, but care must be taken to see that the border near to the hot-water pipes does not become dry. Vines still swelling their fruits should be encour- aged to ripen them, for all Grapes should now be showing some signs of colour. Most varieties require fully six weeks after commencing to colour to reach a Btage when tiny are fit for ex- hibition, and another fortnight to be at their best for the dessert table. Take every care to keep the houses charged with moisture. Use the syringe freely, and, if red spider is noticed, employ means to check it. Choose a clear, warm evening after the sun has lost its power, and give the vines a drenching overhead with clear, soft water, wetting every part of the foliage both above and below. Allow time, it possible, for the foliage to become dry the 6ame evening, and, if necessary, to ensure this, permit a little extra heat from the hot-water pipes, with a little more top ventilation. If this syringing i3 carefully done, the berries will not be in the least marked, and it is the best way to rid a vinery of this troublesome pest. Many persons prefer syringing with an insecticide, but this is a long and tedious task, and it generally results in torn and scalded leaves, as well as marked berries. Any vines which are still growing should be pinched regularly. Some varieties, such as Madresfield Court, Mrs. Pince, and Gros Colman, are benefited by allowing a little extra growth to remain as the berries commence to colour, this having a tendency to prevent the fruits from splitting. At the same time, do not allow the growths to become so dense as to ex- clude the light, for all three of these varieties are sun-lovers, and rarely finish their bunches satisfactorily if subjected to shade. Cucumbers. — Plants in full bearing require to be fed freely. Any useless or decayed growths should be removed immediately to make room for young, fruitful wood. Continue to stop and pinch the laterals. Keep the atmosphere well charged with moisture. It is advisable to shade Cucumbers in frames with a few Spruce branches during the hottest part of the day. Close the frames early in the afternoon, so as to store enough sun-heat to suffice, if possible, for the night. Cut the fruits directly they are suitable ; the small ones will be useful for pickling pur- poses. If any signs of mildew are seen, sulphur the frame thoroughly, and either admit a little ventilation last thing at night, or syringe the plants well with clear water on the following morning. The present is a good time to sow seeds for the winter batch of Cucumbers. THE APIARY. By Chloris. Foul brood. — Since the season of 1910 has not, thus far, proved very favourable to the collect- ing of nectar, it will be well for the beekeeper to keep a watchful eye on his stocks, for the bees in many parts are barely able to gather sufficient for the daily wants of the hives. The beginner may be at a loss to understand why such a warn- ing is necessary, especially during the summer months, when there is such a seeming abundance of food. When he has had more experience, he will find that weak and badly-fed colonies are more liable to disease than those which are strong and well nourished. Further, these stocks, when attacked by disease, have little de- sire or strength to defend their stores ; they work, if they do at all, in a languid manner, there being at the entrance an absence of bustle which marks the energy of healthy colonies. Earlier in the season there would be no swarm- ing, but a very marked dwindling of the number of bees on the wing on fine, working days. When the bees have little strength to defend their hives, other bees commence to rob them, and thus the diseased hive becomes the centre of an epidemic disease. Not only do bees thus help to spread the contagion, but the ignorant bee- keeper is himself a very active agent, for, if he handles diseased and healthy colonies in- discriminately, without taking great care to dis- infect himself and all that he has bandied, he may spread the disease throughout the apiary. One more warning is necessary. Spores of the disease remain in the cells which have contained foul brood, and the workers store honey or pollen in them, thus spreading the disease, for the nurse bees feed the larvae with this contaminated food. Much trouble is often caused by leaving frames from diseased hives in exposed places, exposing the healthy bees to contamination. Symptom* of foul brood. — Weakness of the stock is gen. 'tally the first symptom; lack cf energy, and crawling about the alighting board, without any seeming desire to work and fly, are all indications of foul brood in the hive. On opening the hive and removing the quilts, during the early stauo of the complaint, there will be noticed a slightly bad odour, a great contrast with the sweet smell which rises from a healthy stock. When the disease, has reached an ad- vanced stage, the smell will be easily noticed on reaching the hive, without opening it. On pro- ceeding to examine the brood chamber, the cap- i if the sells containing dead or diseased larv.e will be sunken. Those containing healthy brood never shrink, being slightly convex, and always whole; but the diseased cell has often a perfora- tion. On removing the capping, the larvae will be found shrunken (not plump and pearly white, as brood free from disease appears), flabby, quite horizontal, and a pale straw colour, changing to a deep brown when decomposition has com menced. Later, it will be sticky, very foul smelling, and when a match is inserted it ad- heres to the wood, and will be found very elastic. Some beekeepers have confused foul brood with chilled brood, but it is easily distinguished when it is remembered that chilled brood first turns grey, and then almost black ; but, in foul brood, the brood is first yellow and then coffee coloured. Remedies and prevt ntion. — Make all hives per- fectly watertight ; let them be well ventilated, and place them on a suitable site, where the air can circulate easily about them, free from the drip of trees, and having shelter from cold winds. Let the colonies be headed by a young and vigorous queen, which will keep each stock well filled with brood, and let them have a good supply of the wholesome food, thus keeping up the vitality of the inmates to enable them to re- sist the disease. Disinfecting should be done by spraying Calvert's No. 5 carbolic (two parts of water to one of carbolic) on all that has been handled, and for washing the hands. If the colony is weak, destroy it and the frames, &c, by burning, then wash 'the whole of the hive with boiling water and carbolic soap. When dry. paint all over, inside and outside, wit\ a strong solution of Calvert's No. 5 carbolic If the colony is strong, shake off the bee; into a straw skep, feed them on good syrup, and con- fine them for at least 48 hours, previous to re- turning the bees to a clean hive fitted up with full sheets of foundation. Use about five frames, wrap the hive up warmly, and destroy the old skep. 122 THE GARDENERS* CHRONICLE. [August 13, 1910. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editors do not Undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. Letters for Publication, as well us specimens of plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on one side only of the paper, sent as early in the week as possible and duly- signed by the writer. 1/ desired, the signature will not be ptinttd, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. Local News. — Cot respondents will greatly oblige by sendingto the Editors early ititelligence 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. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be carejulto mark the paragraphs they wish the Editors to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, AUGUST 16- Roy. Hort. Soc. Coins, meet. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 17— Shropshire Hort. Soc. Exh. at Shrewsbury (2 days). Average Mean Temperature for ttie ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich-620°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, August 10 (6 p.m.): Max. 72"; Mill. 55w. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London — Thursday, August 11 (10 a.m.): Bar. 302; Temp. 64"; Weather— Bright sunshine. Provinces.— Wednesday, August 10; Max. 68° Essex; Min. 55° Scotland N.E. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY- Great Trade Sale of Dutch Bulbs, at 67 & 68, Cheap- side, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 10. Special Sale, Lilium Harrisii, Roman Hyacinths, and numerous other Bulbs, by Protheroe & Morris, at 5. WEDNESDAY— Trade Sale of Dutch Bulbs, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 10. THURSDAY— Trade Sale of Dutch Bulbs, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 10. The ceaseless vigilance required American to k garden and field free Weeds. . ? • j u from weeds is understood by no one but the cultivator who is confronted year by year with this difficult task. Nor do the uninitiated understand precisely how impor- tant is this branch of the work of land culti- vation. In their invasion of cultivated land, the weeds have Nature on their side, and lie who would stem the tide of the invasion must learn something of the arts and wiles which Nature has given to weeds to help them in their attack. Of the numberless regiments of weeds, some working unseen, with deliberate approach underground, gain access, like sap- pers and miners, to the citadel of farm or garden. In these ranks are the plants with underground rhizomes or root-stocks, such as Couch grass and Convolvulus. The bud at each inter-node of plants like Couch is a potential plant. Cut the rhizome in two and two plants are produced. Thus by all but the most thorough methods of extermination the enemy is multiplied instead of being destroyed. Multitudes of other weeds effect their in- vasions through the air, descending on culti- vated ground, as parachutes or aeroplanes. Though each of these delivers its attack singly, vi't they come without much inter- mission through the summer months. They .'I'M unobtrusive and unobserved, sow them- selves and, once established, are difficult of dislodgment. To this class belong the weeds with winged seeds and fruits, Sorrel, Dock, Thistles, Dandelion, and the like. Other weeds again press into service for purposes of invasion the animals of the farm. By the hooks and bristles which cover the seeds or fruits they attach themselves to the coats of cattle and the wool of sheep, to the hairs of dogs and the clothes of men, to the sacks and implements which are carried about from one part of the farm to another. Among the plants which thus make their at- tack under cover are the Wild Oat, Bronie Grass, the Corn Cockle, Agrimony, Wild Carrot, Wild Comfrey, and many other species. The diversity of their modes of advance is equalled only by the powers of endurance possessed by the seeds and the prolific pro- duction of seeds. A single plant of Purslane may bear a million seeds, and the seeds of many plants, such as Dock, Evening Prim- rose, and others, may lie dormant in the ground for upwards of 30 years and still be capable of growth. The smaller animals of tne farm contribute, like the larger animals, to the sowing of weed- seed. Birds earn- large numbers attached to feathers and feet, and even ants may be re- sponsible for the carriage of minute seeds to very considerable distances. But it is not only with the resourceful arts of Nature that the good cultivator has to con- tend. His work is rendered harder by the un- watchful husbandman who is his neighbour, and on whose land, whilst he sleeps, the enemy Nature sows tares. Hence it is wise for the vigilant man to bring home to everyone the insidious character of the common enemy and to spread knowledge of methods of weed- eradication. Much might be done in rural districts by teaching scholars the ways and habits of weeds. No subject could be rendered more fascinating, and unfortunately there is none which can be more readily illustrated by actual, living specimens. Such a course of instruction, including the identification of seeds and fruits, their modes of distribution, length of life and ways of vegetative propaga- tion of weeds and a hundred other simple yet fascinating facts, would not only serve as a splendid introduction to the study of natural history, but would also bring home to all the reality of the damage which these invaders inflict upon garden and field crops. The agriculturists of this country are, as a general rule, alive to the value of close culti- vation, and no English horticulturist worthy of the name tolerates weeds in the cultivated land under his control. Nevertheless, for the reason already given, namely that one neglect- ful person may do harm not only to his own land but also to that of his neighbours, it is necessary to point out from time to time the necessity for systematic extirpation of weeds. The urgency of this need is the greater in newer countries like America, where the culti- vated area is greater, the yield smaller, and the farming community as a whole less skilled than in Britain. A visit to Canada and the United States demonstrates that the need for dissemination of information about weeds is even more urgent than in this country. In the States and in Canada, the farms are generally large ; labour is scarce and double as costly as in this country. Hence it is not surprising that the land and the crops it bears suffer from weeds. When the visitor ex- presses surprise at the state of affairs common in many parts of Canada and the United States, he is met with the answer that sys- tematic cultivation of the land, with the object of keeping down weeds, is impossible owing to the high cost of labour. Nevertheless, American experts are fully alive to the fact that, in the long run, the farmer is likely to pay very dearly for this neglect. Thus Mr. W. J. Beal, botanist to the Michigan State Agricultural College Ex- periment Station, has issued a timely warn- ing in Bulletin No 260. In the bulletin, which contains an admirable account of the seeds of Michigan farm weeds, he points out that it has been demonstrated that the annual cost of cleaning a weedy farm of 100 acres in Ontario was found to be 75 dollars, that is about three shillings per acre ; whereas it is indisputable that the increased yield from the cleaned farm would much more titan cover the outlay. It is a fact of peculiar interest that more than 50 per cent, of the common weeds of the State of Michigan are of European origin, the exact number being 124 out of a total of 250. Of the remainder many are of other alien origin. So that just as the populatidn of the North American Continent is com- posed of good Americans who but yesterday were emigrants from all parts of the earth, and particularly from Europe; so the weed population is mostly of foreign origin, and, having come to the new country, has found it so congenial that it has naturalised itself without delay and is spreading as fast as the Saxons and Teutons are spreading over the broad acres of the continent. The damage done by weeds is far reaching. Whereas all compete with cultivated plants for food, water, and space, many have more subtle ways of making their obnoxious pre- sence felt. Some, like Burdock, cause depre- ciation in the value of wool ; others, like the Wild Onion, affect dairy produce adversely. Pennycress mars the flavour of the meat of cattle which have fed on it, and the Common Hemlock is actually poisonous. Royal Horticultural Society. — The next meeting of the committees of this Society will take place on Tuesday, the 16th inst., in the Society's Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster. In the afternoon Mr. A. C. Smith will deliver a lecture on " The Lesser Known Grapes." The Schroder Memorial.— The Rev. W. Wilks, M.A., secretary of the Royal Horticul- tural Society, writes us as follows: — " The Coun- cil of the Royal Horticultural Society have estab- lished in grateful memory of the late Baron Schroder a perpetual pensionership under the rules and regulations of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution, and have suggested to the committee of the Benevolent that it would le very pleasing to the Council if the widow of the late Mr. Wildsmith, head gardener to Lord Eversley at Heckfield, were appointed the first Schroder pensioner. Mr. Wildsmith rendered great and willing help to the Society in the diffi- cult days of the Society's leaving South Kensing- ton. The Society has to-day (August 9) been informed that Mrs- Wildsmith has been duly appointed." Royal Meteorological Society. — We are informed that His Majesty the King has gra- ciously consented to become the patron of the Royal Meteorological Society. August. 13, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 123 The " Barr " Memorial and the Gar- deners' Orphan Fund. — We are informed that the Peter Barb Memorial Fund is progressing steadily, but the executive committee are anxious that all who desire to honour the memory of the late Mr. Peter Barr should have ample opportunity of doing so. The object is to pro- vide a sufficient sum of money to maintain one child through the medium of the Royal Gar- deners' Orphan Fund, and to provide a medal to be awarded annually for special work in connec- tion with Daffodils. Subscriptions should be sent to Mr. H. B. May, Chingford, the treasurer of the fund. Full particulars may be obtained from Mr. Wm. Marshall, V.M.H., Bexley (chair- man), or Mr. Chas. H. Curtis, Adelaide Road, & Simpson, Wheadon & Sons, J. S. Brunton, W. A. Watts, T. H. Lincoln, T. Kime, J. Bunting, J. H. Kerston, Ottc Mann, V. van Zanten, 1'. van der Neer, Van Meerbeck & Co., W. H. Page, Van Hartman, Van der Eest, H. de Graaff & Sons, Chas. Smith & Sons, Arnold Weiss, and Protheroe & Morris. We hope that those who have not yet contributed to these worthy objects will communicate with Mr. Henry B. May. "The Botanical Magazine."— The issue for August contains plates and particulars of the following plants : — Bulbophyllum virescens, tab. 8327. — This plant formed the Supplementary Illustration in Gardeners' Chronicle of October 13, 1906. The Pterostyrax hispidum, tab. 8329. — Ptero- styrax is nearly allied to Halesia. The species under notice was described by the late Dr. Masters as Halesia hispida in ' Gardenei Chronicle, 1884, vol. xxii. The illustration is re- produced in fig. 47. The trees at Kew flower freely almost every year, and form striking objects in the garden in June. The species is hardy, but at the same time does best in favoured districts. The specimen which supplied the material for the Botanical Magazine plate is growing in Canon Ellacohbe's garden at Bitton, near Bris- tol. Propagation is readily effected by means of seeds. Gamogyne pulchra, tab. 8330. — A 6howy Aroid, with bright-red spathe, near to Pipto- Iflwtograph oy H. N King. Fin. 46. — clandon park: pergola with lilium auratum flowering in the interior. Brentford (hon. sec). " Those who have contri- buted to the fund since publication of the last list are Messrs. W. Robinson, H. Backhouse, J. Pope, Dorrien Smith, C. G. A. Nix, the Glamor- gan Daffodil Society. Haage & Schmidt, Hurst & Son, Harvey Clarke, W. Welchman, Byvoet Brothers, Guldemonde & Sons, R. & G. Cuth- bert, B. Ruys, E. Kerston, Vilmorin & Co., Robert Veitc'h, Mollis & Meek, G. Forbes, C. Lemeslie Adams, Ant. Roozen & Sons, J. H. Stroud, G. Monro. N. Naylor, Jas. Hunter, Lowe and Shawyer, Dobbie & Co., Mrs. Penton, W. Mauger, C. W. Cowan, Foster & Robins, G. Monro, Jun., Boyd Barrow, R. H. Beamish, W. H. Cranfield, W. Waemar, W. Goldring. Watkins plant received a First-class Certificate at the Hol- land Park Show of that year. It is very nearly related to B. Binnendijkii, and is a native of the New Guinea region. Patrinia triloba, tab. 8328. — A member of the Valerianaeeae, with bright-yellow flowers in terminal cymes, and with sharply-lobed, cordate leaves, with reddish margins. The species is a native of Japan, and differs from P. gibbosa in its larger flower, rather smaller and sharply- lobed leaves, and its leafy stem. It thrives in the rock-garden at Kew, flowering during July and August. A note on the species of Patrinia in cultivation, with an illustration of P. palmata. was given in Gard. Chron., Oct. 9, 1909, p. 244. spatha Ridleyi. The leaves are ornamental, and the plant forms an attractive subject on the small rockery in the Nepenthes house at Kew. The spathe is much brighter-red than that of G. Bur- bidgei, and the stamens also are red. The plant is found wild by a rocky stream on Gunong Pulai in Johor. Psoralea affinis, tab. 8331. — This is an old garden plant, better known as Psoralea pinnata, and said to have been in cultivation since 1690. It forms a showy greenhouse subject, either as a pot plant, or planted in the border, where it grows to a height of 10 feet. Specimens in the tem- perate house at Kew flower each spring, and it is also used for the decoration of the conservatory 124 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 13. 1910. at Kew. In (he Isles of Scilly, Psoraka affinis blooms in the open, and plants in Mr T. A. Dorrien Smith's garden at Tresco Abbej furnished the material for the Botanical Maga- zine illustration. Mr. W. J. Tutcher.— Mr. S. T. Dunn has resigned the superintendency of the Botanical and Forestry Department al Bong Kohl;. He is succeeded by Mr. W. J. Tutcher. who has been acting superintendent on many occasions. Mr. Tutcher lias served in Hong Cong for nearly 20 years, for he left the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in September, 1891, to succeed Mr. West- land. British Association. — The Association will meet at Sheffield on 31st inst., forming the eightieth annual meeting, when Canon X. G. Bonnet, F.R.S., will deliver the presidential ad dress. The section devoted to agriculture and plant-life will be presided over by Mr. A. P. Hat. director of the Rothamsted Experimental Station of the Lawes Agricultural Trust, who will deal with the causes of the fertility of the soil. The Timet states that there will also be papers on the effect of organisms other thai) bacteria on soil Eei tilitv. by Dr. E. J. Russell, and Mr, W. B. Hutchinson. Some recent phases of the problem of nitrogen fixation by bacteria will be discussed by Professor BoTTOMLEI and Mr. John Goldinq. Other papers will include: — " Scientific Breeding of Live Stock," Mr. K. J. J. Mackenzie. of Cambridge; " Effect of Town Atmosphere on Vegetation." by Dr. Crowther, of Leeds; " A Bacteria] Disease of Potatos," by Mr. A. Howe. of Armstrong College, Newcastle-on-Tyne ; and " Costs of Danish Farming," by Mr. Chbisto- iMiiat Tubnoub. In Section K (Botany), Pro- fessor F. 0. Bower will read a paper on " Sand Dunes and Golf Links." Tapers have also been promised by Professor Bower (a) on " Two Sj n thetie Genera of Filicales," (b) " Note on Ophio gh-ssum palmatum ; by Dr. F. Darwin, on " A New Method of Estimating the Opening of Sto- mata " ; by Mr. S. M u.hian, on " The Paths of Translocations of Sugars from Green Leaves"; bj Professor F. W. Oliver, on "The Pollen Chambers of Fossil and Recent Seeds " ; by Mis. Tnoo.vy, on "The Morphology of the Ovules in Gnetmn and Welwitschia " ; by Dr. M. C. Stopes, on " Further Observations on the !•'< sail Flower " ; by Mr. Harold Wager, on " Chro- mosome Reduction in the Hymenomycetes " ; by Professor V. II. Blackmax, on "The Sexuality of Polystigma rubrum " ; by Professor Farmer and Miss DlOBY, on " Telophases anil Prophases in Oaltonia " ; by Dr. Li.ovn Will lAMS, on " The Zoospores and Trumpet -hyphffl of the Lamina. riacese " : by Mr. Wilson, on " Tlant Distri- bution in the Woods of North-east Kent " ; and by Mr. A. S. Horne, on " The Absorption of Water by Leguminous Seeds." FORESTRY. FORESTRY AT HURSLEY PARK. Sir George Cooper, Bart., acquired this estate less than 10 years ago, but he has greatly im- proved the property. The close attention I. ..it is being paid to the forestry department was apparent on the occasion of a recent visit of the southern secU-^'i of the Royal English Arbori- cultural Society For many years previous to 1904 very little or no planting had been done on the Hursley Estate, and the underwood, which is mostly Hazel, had long since ceased to pay. Sir George Cooper, therefore, decided to adopt a system of clear Eellil g and replanting. This policy was necessary, as the woods, prior to this date, had been ruthlessly thinned from the time they reached even pole size. Afterwards, as they began to grow into timber, severer thinnings were practised, the cleanest and best trees being cut nut. As a result, in a great many cases, the crop consisted of a few bushy, branching trees per acre. The present plan is to clear, cut. and replant 30 to 35 acres ea*.'h year A plantation comprising 13 acres was planted in 1904 5 with Beech, Ash. Oak. and Sycamore, 6 feet apart, ami rilled up to 3 feet with Scots Pine and Larch. A few Douglas Firs were intro- duced in 1905-6, and, it is now considered advis- able to cut these out, as, having grown so rapidly, they threaten to hinder the sur- rounding trees. This plantation gives an idea of i he futility of forming indiscriminate mix- tun s with this species. In 1909 many of the Scots Fir were killed by a root fungus. The diseased plants were grubbed and burnt, and the blanks made good with Sycamore and Beech. Another portion, called the Ratlake planta- tion, some 22 acres in extent, was also planted in 1904-05 with similar trees to the 13 acres already referred to. The Scots Fire in this plantation were attacked by the Tine shoot tor trix ; hand-picking was resorted to before the lar- va; escaped. No. 3 plantation, of 17 acres, was planted in 1908-09 with Beech, Ash, and a few Oaks, at 6 feet apart, and filled to 3 feet apart with Scots Pine. Larch, and a few Silver Firs. In planting this plantation, the ground was " holed " 6 feel apart for the hardwoods, the soft- woods being notched. A nursery, 3 acres in extent, was formed in the Amptield part of the estate in the winter of 1908. Only one-half of this nursery is under forest trees at one time. These are followed by a crop of Potatos, when about 12 to 15 tons of manure are given to the acre, with a light dress- ing of artificial manure. In this nursery were noticed seed beds of many Tines and Firs, the tiny seedlings looking the picture of health. Beds were noticed of Beech, Oak, and other de- ciduous trees, in a more advanced state of growth. Mr. Storrie, head forester at Highclere Castle, expressed the opinion that this nursery was one of the finest in the country. Dr. Henry thought it a mistake to manure the ground, as trouble with fungus would be more likely to follow than if no manure were employed. This opinion was shared by others present. At the luncheon, a most interesting discussion was opened by Mr. M. C. Duchesne (Bucks.) on converting coppice woods into standard woods, and, at this discussion, Sir George Cooper, his agent (Mr. Thorold), and head forester (Mr. Brunton) were commended for the excellent man- ner in which forestry was being carried out at Hursley. In the course of this discussion, it was mentioned that Dr. Henry had expressed his be- lief that English Ash, in 20 years time, would fetch 8s. per foot. It was stated that in no case had the Larch saw fly been found in mixed plantations in this country. Specimens of the sawfiy, together with cocoons and larva;, created a great deal of in- terest. The timber yard and saw-mill at Hursley re- ceived attention on the occasion of this visit. The power used for sawing is electricity, which is found to be both efficient and cheap. For the year ending December, 1909, the charge for cur- rent was £60 5s. 3d., or an average of 3s. 10^d. f.M- each working day, with two saws running. Mention must be made of a plantation of Doug- las Fir which has been planted recently. The healthy and vigorous appearance of all the young trees in the various plantations indicates that the w< ik of planting has been carried out in a thoroughly efficient manner. Wilmot 11. YattS. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Absorption of Copper by Leaves.— It is interesting to note in the article on lime and sulphur sprays in your issue of July 9, that Mi. W. M. Scott's experiments at the U.S.A. Bureau of Plant Industries indicate that lime and sulphur sprays are efficient substitutes for Bor- deaux mixture in controlling leaf-spot and Apple scab (Fusicladium dendriticum), but are less effi- cacious with Apple blotch (Phyllosticta solitaria) and bitter rot (Glomerella rufimaculans). In the Woburn report for 1910, it is stated that the fungicidal properties of Bordeaux mixture lie in the fact that although the copper sulphate, when first applied, is combined with the lime, the copper becomes gradually dissolved again on the surface of the leaf under the action of damp atmosphere, and permeates the cell walls in dilute solution, thus rendering the cell sap toxic to fun- goid growth. If much copper sulphate is dis- solved on the leaf and gets absorbed by the cells in too large quantities scorching occurs, but if small quantities pass through no damage ensues. Scorching is much more marked in warm, muggy weather than in wet or dry weather. In rainy weather some of the surplus soluble copper gets washed off, and in dry weather the copper be- comes soluble much more slowly. The increased scorching in warm, muggy weather may also per- haps be partly attributed to the more sappy vege- tation growth and the consequent thinner epider- mis of the leaves. The results of some experiments on this point of the absorption of copper by the leaves are given in the Woburn 1910 report, which may be of interest to the readers of the i, irdeners' Chronicle. Twelve leaves of B.s- marck Apple were sprayed with Bordeaux, and two days afterwards carefully washed in alternate washes of weak acid and water till all the surface copper had been re- ved. The leaves were then burnt and the ash analysed. The ash was found to contain .0003 grammes of copper. A note was made to the effect that much rain had fallen after the spraying, so that the amount of soluble copper absorbed might even have risen higher than the figure above stated if the weather had been warm and muggy. The point to be noticed is that the probable reason why lime and sulphur washes arc less effective in the case of Apple blotch and bitter rot, is that in the two last men- tioned diseases the mischief is much deeper seated than in Apple scab and leaf-spot, anyhow in the early stages, and hence a fungicide is required which will penetrate the tissues when applied superficially. In this case a certain amount of scorching is bound to occur, but the good done in most cases outbalances the injury. One very possible seri 'lis drawback to Bordeaux mixture is that, when frequently applied to long-standing crops such as orchard trees, a good deal of soluble copper must get washed from the trees into the soil. Also, as it has been ascertained by experiment that 12 leaves of Apple can con- tain as much as .0003 grammes of copper, when leaves are allowed to lie and rot under the trees where they fall in the autumn, the amount of copper present in the soil must be considerably increased. At Rothampstead it was found that one part in a million of soluble copper in the water in wdiich Buckwheat was growing was suffi- cient to kill the plant. This shows what risks may be run of making the soil infertile by the frequent use of Bordeaux mixture or any other copper compound. So far, no cases seem to have occurred of injury to the soil, and so it is thought that the copper must combine with some sub- stance in the soil to form insoluble compounds. But in soils dressed with frequent and heavy dressings of organic manure or any of the acid artificials, there might be some danger of these insoluble compounds being broken down again Also, Bordeaux mixture is poisonous and cannot be used after fruit has attained a certain size, whereas lime and sulphur is not. Hence spray- ing can be done with the latter wash much later in the season. Of course, in that case the arsenate of lead which Mr. W. M Scott suggests adding as an insecticide would have to be omitted in the later sprays. It would be interesting to know if the sulphur in the sulphur and lime washes does penetrate the cell walls of the leaves, although one would Aocust «, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 125 FlG. 47. — PTEROSTYRAX (SYN. HALESIa) HISPIDL'M : FLOWERS WHITE. (See p. 123.) 120 THE GARD ENER S CHR ON J CLE. [August 13, 1910. imagine that it might require more sulphur than copper to render the cell contents toxic to fun- goid growth. Injury from Bordeaux spraying cannot be always put down to faulty mixing, although, of course, considerable care should be exercised during the making. The best results seemed to have been obtained by adding the copper sulphate in a fairly concentrated solution into lime water diluted to the full volume of the mixture minus the amount of water used to dis- solve the copper sulphate. The reverse process of adding concentrated lime water to dilute cop- per sulphate is not nearly so effective in bringing about a fine precipitate. But if, in spite of pre- cautions, some scorching occurs, there is always some satisfaction in knowing that copper sul- phate has penetrated into the tissues of the leaves and may do good in the long run. D. M. Cayley. A Recent Failure. — Relating to the account of my affairs published in the last issue (see p. 91), I should like to state, with reference to the same, that the interest payable under the agreement of 1898, was at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum, excepting as to £400 at 6 per cent. I cannot avoid the reflection that this failure, the root of which is this excessive in- terest, might well serve as a warning to other persons, whilst it serves to explain my present position to those readers not familiar with all the circumstances. I beg to add also that Mr. A. Hassall, my late partner, is not a creditor, as stated in the original report of the Official Re- ceiver, and that this fact was admitted at the public examination on July 29. H. Stanley. Increment Value Duty.- I am indebted to Mr. H. Morgan Veitch for his courteous letter correcting the mistake I had fallen into, which I regret. Instead of consulting the Finance Act itself, I quoted from leaflet No. 24, published by the Budget League, of Whitehall House, S.W., which I happened to have in my pocket. I can only suppose that since that leaflet was published the Bill had undergone further amend- ment. Landowners should be grateful to Mr. Veitch for his exposition of the Land Clauses in this very complex Act published in the issue of Gardeners' Chronicle of July 30, p. 75. In regard to the assessment of nursery land for rating purposes, I do not wish to quibble ; but though undoubtedly there are plenty of instances in which nurseries, and every other kind of property, have been grossly over- assessed, I maintain that Mr. C. E. Pearson's sweeping assertion that " assessment committees always assess nursery land at double or treble its value " is both unjust and absolutely incorrect. //. i?. Thompson. Eucryphia pinnatifolia. — An undeserved reputation for tenderness is probably the reason that this handsome deciduous shrub is still com- paratively rare. When grown in a sunny posi- tion, where its growth becomes well ripened, Eucryphia pinnatifolia will safely pass through more than the average winter cold that we ex- perience in the southern counties. The large, pure-white flowers are now opening, and, al- though unrelated, they bear a certain resem- blance to those of Hypericum calycinum. This resemblance is due to the long filaments and yellow anthers of the Eucryphia. When the flowering is done, the rose-like foliage assumes a most attractive autumn colouring. Since writ- ing the above lines, I have read Mr. Cook's in- terest ing account of the " Effects of Last Winter upon Vegetation " (see p. 105) and it seems that Mr. Cook's experience is that E. pinnatifolia will stand at least 24° of frost, so we can safely call it a hardy shrub. A. C. Bartlett. Two Rare Native Orchids.— I have just received from the North of Ireland a flowering specimen of the rare little Spiranthes Romanzof- fiana, a plant which is unknown elsewhere in Europe, though it extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific in North America. The original Irish station was a little meadow at Bantry Bay. which, C unfortunately, was ploughed up and planted with Potatos in 1886. Since that time I have recorded three other stations at Armagh, Londonderry, and Antrim, and specimens from these districts have been sent to me. The de- liciously-fragrant flowers are ivory white ; they are arranged in a spiral spike fully 2 inches long. The plant grows in damp, sandy soil, usually by the sea coast. The Lizard Orchid (0. hircina) is flourishing at two different places at least near Dover, where it flowered freely during early July. These are new stations for this sin- gularly-interesting Orchid, so that the extermina- tion of the plant, as long ago predicted, is not likely to take place — at least, for a long time to come — the grounds in which it occurs being in- accessible to the general public. A. D. Webster. Wild Double Flowers. — I have in my pos- session specimens of double flowered forms of the following plants found growing wild : — Anemone nemorosa (Hitcham Wood, Suffolk), Ranunculus heterophyllus (Woolpit, Suffolk), Ranunculus acris (Hitcham, Suffolk), Saponaria officinalis (near Ross), Lobelia erinus (slopes of Table Mountain). Lobelia erinus occurred on the roadside in ban-en ground as a slender, wiry plant from a few inches to 18 inches high, with very small flowers. There are about 30 species of Lobelia in South Africa. George Ilenslow, Drayton House, Leamington. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. August 2.— Present: Mr. E. A. Bowles, M.A., F.L.S., F.E.S. (in the Chair), Messrs. A. W. Hill, J. W. Odell, W. Hales, R. Hooper Pearson, J. T. Bennett-Poe, J. Douglas, A. Worsley, and F. J. Chittenden (hon. sec). Phlox spotting. — Mr. J. Douglas showed flowers from the plants shown on August 31 last year which until then had produced white flowers, but were then flaked with lilac. These plants had been carefully marked, and had this year produced flowers almost entirely white, but with slight touches of lilac in them. The calyx was purple. Aberrations in Antirrhinum. — Mr. W. Hales showed a variety of aberrations in the common Antirrhinum, consisting mostly of flowers tend- ing to become regular. In one case the terminal flower had become completely peloric, and on the same shoot the normal corolla had at its base an anterior outgrowth very like the palate in form and colouring. Gall on Willow. — Mr. Bowles showed exam- ples of galls on willow (Salix alba) from Enfield similar to those shown from the neighbourhood of Buckhurst Hill by Mr. Chittenden in October, 1906. The galls are apparently formed through the irritation set up by a mite (Eriophyes salicis), causing the repeated branching of a shoot which produces small and narrow, rather soft leaves, so that the whole mass measures up to a foot in length and 9 inches in diameter. The growth turns bright-red in autumn. THE BRITISH PTERIDOLOGICAL. August 1.- — As customary on the August Bank Holiday this Society held its annual meeting on August 1. The place of meeting this year was at Moffat, in Dumfriesshire, the actual business meeting being conducted at Beattock Junction. The report of the Society was of a par- ticularly satisfactory nature, the establishment of the British Fern Gazette in conjunction there- with having resulted in the addition of about one hundred new members, and the placing of the Society upon a far more substantial and far- reaching basis than before. Despite the expense incurred by the issue of the Gazette the finan- cial report showed an increase of funds in hand. It was resolved that the publication of the Gazette should be continued permanently, Mr. Chas. T. Druery, V.M.H., having con- sented to continue the editorship. This gentle- man was also appointed honorary secretary, owing to the much-regretted resignation of Mr. (J. Whitwell, who has held the office since the inception of the Society. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Whitwell for his services in the past. The treasurer, Mr. Wilson, also resigned, and Mr. W. B. Cranfield was appointed to lill tli.' vacancy. The rest of the business was of a more or less formal nature, and terminated, after the re-election of Mr Alex. Cowan as president and chairman, and a vote of thanks had been passed to that gentleman for the great troublp he had taken in making the arrangements at Moffat. As usual on such occasions, Fern-hunting par- ties were organised for the exploration of the dis- trict, but the weather was very unfavourable, and no very marked " finds " were discovered, though a number of angustate and crispate forms of Lastrea montana, the prevalent species, were met with. It was decided to hold the 1911 meet- ing at Barnstaple, in Devonshire, in order to afford the members in the Midlands and the North, where the species are relatively much less numerous, an opportunity of studying the more abundant and more varied Fern flora of the South of England. The subscription is five shil- lings, and the secretary, Mr. Druery, 11, Shaa, Road, Acton, London. EALING TENANTS' HORTICULTURAL. August 1. — The summer exhibition of this society was held on August Bank Holiday, being the second annual show. There were two large tents, one devoted to flowers and the other to vegetables. Exhibits of Roses were poor, but Sweet Peas were excellent. Carnations and Picotees did not attract a great number of en- trants, but the exhibits which were staged in- cluded some very fine blooms. In the class for Pansies and Violas. The blooms were all of very high quality. The class for indoor decorative plants attracted a very fair entry. Some fine non-competitive exhibits were staged. Mr. Leopold de Rothschild, Gunnersbury House, Gunnersbury, filled the greater part of the central portion of one tent with stove and green- house plants. Mr. Tigwell, Greenford, showed Sweet Peas in 22 different varieties, including King Edward Spencer, Helen Lewis, Countess Spencer, Audrey Crier, Clara Curtis, Minnie Christie, and Mrs. Hardcastle Sykes. He also staged a new variety, Mrs. Tigwell, having a cream ground, with carmine flaking. Mr. Mauf.ice Hulbert also staged a non-competitive exhibit, which consisted of a large bank of fine foliage and flowering plants, including some large standard trained Fuchsias. Messrs. Fisher, Thornton Heath, staged a very fine lot of Sweet Peas. Altogether some 400 exhibits were staged, and the secretary. Mr. Sutton, who has worked very hard to bring the Ealing Tenants' Horticultural Society up to its present healthy state, is to be congratulated on the tine show. In addition to the ordinary exhibits of horticul- ture and floriculture, the Arts and Crafts Class put up a show of articles made during the past session. Whilst judging was taking place, Mr. John Burns. President of the Local Government Board, inspected the show and the estate gener- ally. He was taken over the estate by Mr. Vivian, M.P., and he expressed pleasure at seeing the progress made since his visit 15 months ago. LEICESTER ABBEY PARK FLOWER SHOW. August 2, 3. — This exhibition took place, as usual, on the Tuesday and Wednesday following Bank Holiday. The number of entries and the number of competitors were about equal to those of last year. The two great features of the show were the Sweet Peas and the Roses. It is estimated that over 3,000 stands of the former were set up, and of the latter nearly 30.000 blooms. There were five competitors in the largest group class. The exhibits were arranged along the centre of the tent, and each occupied 160 square feet. The 1st prize was awarded to Messrs. James Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, for a col- lection of Palms, with Codiamms and other foli- age plants, relieved with Orchids, including several well-flowered plants of Disa grandiflora, Messrs. Cypher & Sons dispensed with the usual central bs/nk, and arranged in plkce thereof a kind of rustic arch, standing well above the general groundwork. The arch was flanked at each bow with fine specimens of Cocos. and crowned with a magnificent specimen of (Centra Belmoreana ; each corner had a highly-coloured plant of Codiseum Warrenii. The 2nd prize group was exhibited by Mr. W. A. Hoi mis. I l> =ter- field, the display being very little inferior to that of Messrs.' Cypher & Sons; 3rd, Mr. H. Rooers. In the gentlemen's gardeners' class only two exhibitors entered. Mr. Weston (gr. to C. F. August 13, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 127 Oliver, Esq., Hughenden, Leicester) and Mr. Bolton (gr. to F. Buckler, Esq., Thurmaston). These were placed as their names appear. At the end of the tent, Messrs. James Wright & Sons. Thurmaston, set up a group of plants, " not for competition," the group containing Roses, Palms, Lilies, Fuchsias, Pelargoniums, with a central bank of Begonias. The table decorations were delightfully grace- ful and light, the first award going to Mr. Weston (gr. to C. F. Oliver, Esq.), for an arrangement of salmon-piuk-coloured Sweet Peas, and the 2nd prize to Mr. Sims, of Barrowash, who also employed Sweet Peas. In the classes for bouquets, Messrs. Perkins & Son, Coventry, were 1st all round. Messrs. Simpkin & James followed closely, and received many awards. For a collection of herbaceous flowers, C. F. Oliver, Esq., was placed 1st, and Messrs. J. Wright & Sons 2nd, both with choice collections of fresh bright specimens well set up. Violas were shown by Messrs. W. Pemberton & Son, Bloxwich; Mr. W. Barsby, Leicester; and Mr Lansdell, Desford, who received the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes respectively. The best collection of 24 blooms of Begonias was exhibited b-y Messrs. James Wright & Son, who were awarded the 1st prize. In the class for 36 H.P. Roses, Messrs. Perkins & Son were placed 1st, closely followed by tho King's Acre Nurseries, Ltd., Hereford ; 3rd, Mr. W. H. Frettingham, Beeston. In the class for 24 blooms. Messrs. Perkins were again placed 1st, but for 12 Tea Roses, the King's Acre Nurseries took the premier place, with Mr. Frettingham 2nd. In the class for 12 blooms of one variety, Messrs. Perkins were awarded the 1st prize, having Lyon Rose: 2nd, Mr. Frettingham. A bloom of Wm. Sheen in Messrs. Per- kins's box received the premier award offered for the best Rose in the show. The King's Acre Nurseries showed the best exhibit of 12 blooms of Tea Roses of one variety. Vegetables are always a strong feature at Leicester, and this year the production was not inferior to that seen in former years. Mr. J. Hudson, of Gimson Road, Leicester, won the premier prize in the class for a collection and in many of the single-dish classes. In the fruit classes Mr. W. Parker, of Market Rasen, was placed 1st for a collection. Non-competitive Exhibits. Mr. W. Bentley showed a collection of Roses. (Gold Medal.) Another very fine display of Roses was made by Mr. J. Barrow, The Rose Garden, Oadby. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Simpkin & James, Leicester, had a table of floral decora- tions, which contained many wreaths and other designs. (Gold Medal.) Mr. Frank Bouskjell, Market Rosworth, occupied the whole semi- circular end of a tent with a display of her- baceous plants. (Gold Medal ) Mr. Geo. Under- wood, Saffron Hill Nurseries, occupied the whole side of one tent with Sweet Peas, Violas, and Pansies. There were many items in this exhibit of special merit. Messrs. I-iAmb & Sons, Bing- ham, set up a fine table of Sweet Peas, as did Mr. F. E. Riddle, of Belgrave Great, who also showed Roses. Messrs. Harrison & Sons, Market Place, had a display of vegetables, fruit, and Sweet Peas. Mr. C. Warner, The Abbey Nursery, made a good show of Fuchsias, Pelar- goniums, Salvias, Coleus, and other plants ; also a collection of shrubs, mostly Conifers fe pots. Mr. W. J. Unwin, Histon, showed Sweet Peas. Messrs. Jarman & Co., Chard, had a showy stand of Zonal Pelargoniums and Sweet Sultan. Mr. R. Pringle. Belvoir Street, Leices- ter, set up an unusually fino table of herbaceous and general garden flowers and Sweet Peas. Messrs. Baker's, Wolverhampton, filled half the centre of a large tent with Roses, Phloxes, and Violas, making a very imposing display. A rock-garden exhibit was made by Mr. J. Wilkins, Syston. SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL. August 2. — The monthly meeting of this society was held at 5, St. Andrew Square, Edin- burgh, on this date. Mr. Whytock, the presi- dent, was in the chair, and there was an at- tendance of 80 members. Mr. Thos. MacPhail. Archerfield Gardens, Dirleton, read a paper on " The Cultivation of Peaches and Nectarines under Glass." To illustrate the results of the practice he advo- cated, he showed some fine examples of fruit of Hale's Early Peach and Lord Napier Nectarine. He attached much importance to the thorough ventilation of the fruit houses, and the free use of the syringe. He said the best results could not be obtained by growing several unlike varieties in one long house ; rather would he have the house in compartments, each compartment being under separate control as to heating, &c, and each containing only one kind of tree — early, mid-season, or late. He described in detail the construction of the border, drainage, soil, selec- tion of trees, planting, feeding of the plants, pruning, training, thinning of the fruit, dis- budding, and general management. After the gathering of the fruit, the efforts of the culti- vator must, he said, be wholly concentrated on the building up of the trees for the following season; neglect of this would tell a tale later in bud dropping, in the fruit not setting or not stoning, or in splitting at the stone. The trees could not be kept too cool during the resting period. The management of pot trees was also remarked upon. Certificates of Merit were awarded to a very fine new bedding Pelargonium named Amalgama- tion (a cross between Paul Crampel and West Brighton Gem), exhibited by the raiser, Mr. Alex. Thomson, Dean Gardens, Edinburgh ; and to a bedding Calceolaria, Queen Alexandra, ex- hibited by Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Edinburgh. A Cultural Certificate was awarded to Mr. R. Cairns, the manager of the City of Edinburgh Distress Committee's farm at Murieston, for an exhibit of Strawberries grown on land reclaimed by the unemployed there. The varieties included Givon's Late Prolific, McMahon, Duke of Edin- burgh, Scarlet Queen, and The Laxton. The average weight of the fruits of Givon's Late Prolific being 2 ounces. The ground had been treated with city refuse, but no dung or artificial manure had been used. Six new members were elected. The arrange- ments for the excursion to Yester and Gosford on August 13 were announced. The paper for the meeting on September 6 will be on "Perpetual-flowering Carnations: Their Past, Present, and Future," by Mr. J. S. Brunton. MIDLAND CARNATION AND PICOTEE. August 4, 5.— This society's 20th annual exhi- bition, held at the Botanical Gardens. Edgbaston, On the above dates, was a good average show. The weather was fine on both days, and the attendance of subscribers and visitors unusually large. Sweet Peas, for which special prizes were offered by Robt. Sydenham. Ltd., were well shown. Dressed Flowers on Stands. The first class was for 12 self Carnations. Six good exhibits were placed before the judges, who awarded the 1st prize to Mr. A. R. Brown, Wychall Lane, King's Norton, who showed well- finished, even-sized flowers of the varieties W. H. Parton, Ayesha, Mrs. Howard Green, Albion, Modesty, Theodore Galton, Solfaterre, Bonnie Dundee, Lyndsay. Elizabeth Schiffner, Ariadne, and Mulberry. In the 2nd prize collection, from Mr. Haywabd Mathias, Medstead, we noted splendid flowers of Ann Hathaway, Titan, Helen, Daffodil, and Deux. 3rd, Mr. W. Sydenham, Melbourne, Derbyshire. In a smaller class, for six self Carnations, Mr. F. W. Goodfellow, Walsall, won the 1st prize with superb flowers of Sir Galahad, John Pope, Miss Willmott, Daffodil, Dinah, and Cardinal. 2nd, Mr. G. D. Ford, Acocks Green, whose best flowers were W. H. Parton, Crystal, and Car- dinal. Twelve yellow-ground Picotees. — Mi'. Hay- ward Mathias took the lead with exquisite flowers of Gloria, Her Majesty, John Ruskin, Exquisite. Deux, S. Weston, Mrs. Heriot, Togo, Astrophel, Thisbe, and Archie Brown. 2nd. Mr. A. W. Jones, Stechford, with a beau- tiful set of flowers. His best varieties were Agnes, Mrs. Oldtield, Santa Claus, and Togo. 3rd, Mr. W. Sydenham. In a class for six yellow-ground Picotees, there appeared to be very little difference between the exhibits from Mr. F. W. Goodfellow and Mr. G. D. Ford, who were placed 1st and 2nd re- spectively. The blooms in each stand were shapely, of good size, well-coloured, and fresh. 3rd, Mr. Harry Skeels, Walsall. Fancy Carnations. — Mr. H. Mathias was suc- cessful amongst six competitors for 12 blooms, showing very fine examples of Mrs. Leo Hunter, Highland Lass, Lord Steyne, Rhea, Linkman, Hidalgo, Heela, Samuel, Father O'Flynn, De- vonian, Orlando, and M. Thurstan. 2nd, Mr. A. W. Jones, who had grand flowers of Lord Steyne, Linkman, Billy Barlow, and Sam Wellor. 3rd, Mr. A. R. Brown. Ten entries were made in the next class, wdiich was for six fancy Carnations. Mr. F. W. Good- fellow won the 1st prize ; he showed large flowers of Lord Steyne, King Solomon, Ronny Buchanan, Sam Weller, Linkman, and Jupiter. 2nd, C. Alcock, Esq., Biundelkwds, whose blooms were beautifully fresh, but smaller than those exhibited by Mr. Goodfellow. 3rd, Mr. G. D. Ford. Twelve white-ground Picotees. — The leading award in this class went to Mr. C. F. Thurstan, Penn Fields, Wolverhampton, who had beauti- fully-fresh flowers of Amy Robsart, White Hea- ther, Excelsior, Brunette, Fortrose, Thos. Wil- liam, Carrie Goodfellow, Mrs. Hoskier, W. E. Dickson, Fair Maiden, Myra, and Queen of Spain. 2nd, Mr. C. H. Herbert, Acocks Green, whose best varieties included Clementina! Favourite, Ganymede, and Thos. William. 3rd, Mr. A. R. Brown. In a smaller class for six white-ground Picotees the Rev. C. A. Gottwaltz, Hadzor Presbytery,' Droitwich, gained the 1st position, with refined flowers of Lady Sybil, Beatrice, Mrs. C. H. Herbert, Maud Brown, Thomas William, and Elaine. 2nd, Mr. F. W. Goodfellow, who had shapely blooms of Mrs. Gorton, Brunette, and Carrie Goodfellow. 3rd, Mr. G. D. Ford. Twelve flakes or bizarres. — Although only four exhibits were shown in this class, the flowers were of excellent quality, especially those shown by Mr. Hayward Mathias, who was awarded the 1st prize. The varieties exhibited were .Master Fred, Gordon Lewis (extra good), S. Payne, Mrs. Rowan, Merton, George Rudd, Free Trade, G. Melville, Robert Houlgrave, Sports- man. Wm. Skirving, and Admiral Curzon. 2nd, Mr. C. H. Herbert, whose flowers of Peter Pan, Gordon Lewis, Master Fred, and Meteor were of outstanding merit. 3rd, Mr. C. F. Thurstan. In tho next class, which was one for six flakes or bizarres, Mr. G. D. Ford was awarded the 1st prize for large, well-formed flowers of Peter Pan, George Rudd, Wm. Skirving, Gordon Lewis, Arthur, and Admiral Curzon. 2nd Mr. C. J. White. Walsall. 3rd, Mr. H. Boys, Wal- sall. Single Blooms. Competition was keen in several of the classes provided for single blooms. The successful 1st prize winners were Mr. C. H. Herbert, Mr. A. R. Brown, Mr. H. Mathias, Mr. W. Sydenham, Mr. C. F. Thurstan, Mr. C. Wall, Rev. C. A. Gottwaltz, Mr. A. W. Jones, Mr. W. H. Twist, and Mr. F. W. Goodfellow. Undressed Flowers. The undressed flowers, shown in vases, with Carnation foliage, were both numerous and good. The seven exhibits in a class for 12 self Carna- tions made a very pretty feature. The 1st prize was won by Mr. VV. H. Parton, Hollywood, Birmingham, who showed exquisite flowers of Daffodil, Hildegarde, W. H. Parton, Helen Gottwaltz, Conrad, Nubian, Sir Galahad, Bride- groom, Mrs. Guy Sebright, Hadzor, Lady Her- mione, and Cassandra. 2nd, Mr. C. Alcock, Blundellsands. With the exception of Duchess of Wellington and Kaffir, all the blooms in this stand were excellent. 3rd, Mr. A. R. Brown. For six self Carnations, A. Gordon Russell, Esq., Wheatley, Oxford, beat 11 competitors. He had large flowers of Sir Galahad, Agnes Sorrel. Cardinal, Mrs. Flight, Enid, and Daffo- dil. 2nd, Mr. W. H. Twist, Yardley, whose flowers were of good size, fine quality, and very fresh. There were eight splendid entries in the class for 12 fancy or yellow-ground Carnations. The 1st prize was gained by Mr. W. H. Parton for a meritorious set of flowers, effectively staged. He showed Liberie, Voltaire, Lord Steyne, Mer- lin, Sam Weller, Mrs. F. Wellesley, Pasquin, Ronny Buchanan, Erl King. Mandarin, R. A. Rowberry, and Westfield Seedling. 2nd, Mr. A. W. Jones, whose long-stemmed flowers were much admired. 3rd, Mr. A. R. BROWN. 128 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 13, 1910. In the next class, for six fancy or yellow- ground Carnations, there were 10 entries. 1st, Mr. J. D. Williams, Smethwick. The varieties Ronny Buchanan, Sam Weller, and Merlin were well shown. Flowers Shown in Trebles. The most important class in this section was for 12 varieties of selfs, yellow-ground Picotees, or fancies, arranged on a space not exceeding 30 inches by 24 inches. The eight exhibits made a prominent feature of the show. The 1st prize was won by Mr. W. H. Parton, who showed magnificent flowers of Sam Weller, Mandarin, Lord Steyne, Merlin, Voltaire, Sappho, Sir Gala- had, Ronny Buchanan, R. A. Rowberry, W. H. Parton, King Solomon, and Bridegroom. The flowers in the 2nd prize set were well arranged, but the quality was hardly equal to that of Mr. Picotees was shown by Mr. A. W. Jones, in Santa Claus. Mr. H. Mathias was next with Togo. The best yellow, buff, or terra-cotta self Carnation came from Mr. A. R. Brown. His blooms of Elizabeth Schiffner were excellent. Mr. C. Wall won the 1st prize in a class for yellow or buff ground fancy Carnations, showing Man- darin in beautifully fresh condition. Amateup. Classes. Five prizes were provided for exhibitors who do not grow more than 300 plants nor employ a gardener regularly. The premier position in a class for six white-ground Carnations or Picotees (dressed) was won by Mr. J. B. Willetts, Yard- ley. His flowers of Mrs. W. H. Twist and Fair Maid were particularly good. 2nd, Mr. E. Kenwright, Smethwick. In the next class, which was for six self Carna- AARPCWHOtf FlG. 48. — BORDER CARNATION " FORESTER," AS SHOWN BY MR. JAMES DOUGLAS. COLOUR, YELLOW WITH CHOCOLATE, AND RED MARKINGS. Obtained an Award of Merit at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on August 3, 1910 (see p. 100). Parton'e collection. The exhibitor was Mr. A. W. Jones. In a smaller class for six varieties of selfs, yellow-ground Picotees, or fancies, Mr. G. D. Ford showed some wonderfully good blooms of Linkman, Liberte, W. H. Parton, Crystal, Ber- r.ice, and King Solomon. 2nd, Mr. J. D. Williams. In the classes for single vases containing three blooms of any one variety, there was fair com- petition, and some very fine blooms were ex- hibited. A. Gordon Russell, Esq., Wheatley, Oxford, had the best vase of white Carnations in the variety Sir Galahad. Mr. A. R. Brown was 2nd with Alba. Mr. W. H. Parton brought the winning vase of rose, salmon, or scarlet self Carnations. He exhibited the variety Mrs. Guy Sebright in capital condition. The same exhibitor also had the best vase of dark self Carnations in Harry Parto* _,The best vase of yellow-ground tions (dressed), Mr. A. H. Birchley, Selly Oak, won the 1st prize with a very fine set of flowers. His varieties were Ann Hathaway, W. H. Par- ton, Mrs. G. W. Flight, Hildegarde, Camilla, and Seagull. 2nd, Mr. J. B. Willetts. Mr. Willetts was placed 1st for six fancy or yel- low-ground Carnations or Picotees (dressed). 2nd, Mr. A. H. Birchley, who secured 1st prizes in classes for six self Carnations (undressed), and for six fancy or yellow-ground Carnations or Picotees. Mr. J. B. Willetts was 2nd in both classes. Awards to Novelties. First-class Certificates were awarded to rose flaked Carnation Peter Pan, shown by Mr. C. H. Herbert ; dark self Carnation Harry Parton (W. H. Parton x Nubian), shown by Mr. W. H. Parton ; fancy Carnation Hecla, shown by Mr. IIayward Mathias ; and yellow-ground Picotee Gloria, shown by Mr. Hay ward Mathias. Premier Flowers (Dressed). Bizarre Carnation Master Fred, shown by Mr. H. Mathias; flake Carnation Gordon Lewis] shown by Mr. H. Mathias ; heavy-edged white- ground Picotee Mrs. Twist, shown by Mr. W. H. Twist ; light or wire-edged white-ground Picotee Mrs. Gorton, shown by Mr. F. W. Goodfellow ; heavy-edged yellow-ground Picotee Santa Claus, shown by Air. C. H. Herbert; light-edged yellow-ground Picotee John Ruskin] shown by Mr. C. Wall; yellow-ground fancy Carnation Highland Lass, shown by Mr. H. Mathias; self Carnation W. H. Parton, shown by Mr. A. R. Brown. Premier Flowers (Undressed). Self Carnation W. H. Parton, shown by Mr. A. H. Birchley; fancy Carnation Mandarin' shown by Mr. C. Wall; yellow-ground Picotee Agnes, shown by Mr. A. W. Jones. Special Medal Awards. The Silver Champion Medal, offered to any exhibitor gaining the greatest number of points in the large classes was won bv Mr. Hayward Mathias, with 111 points. Mr. A. R. Brown (95 points) obtained the Bronze Medal. The Silver Medal offered in the smaller classes was won by Mr. G. D. Ford, with 72 points. Mr. F. W. Goodfellow secured the Bronze Medal, with 69 points. The above medals were offered by the Birmingham Botanical and Horticultural Society. Mr. C. H. Herbert won the Silver Medal offered in the single bloom classes, &c, with 37 points; and Mr. A. H. Birchley secured the Bronze Medal offered to the most successful ex- hibitor in the amateur classes, with 73 points. Sweet Peas. The 1st prize in a class for 12 varieties of Sweet Peas was won by Mr. T. Jones, Ruabon; 2nd, Mr. J. Haycocks, Wrexham; 3rd, Mr. E. Deakin, Hay Hall, Birmingham. For six varieties of Sweet Peas, Mr. E. Tilt, New Oscott, was placed 1st with a handsome set of flowers. 2nd, Mr. J. Sceaney, Harborne. There were five entries in a class provided for Sweet Peas arranged in rural decorations on separate tables, each 6 feet by 3 feet. 1st, Mr. A. J. Blair, Stoke-on-Trent, who employed pale pink Sweet Peas, Gvpsophila, and sprays of Selaginella. 2nd, Mr.' E. Deakin. Honorart Exhibits. Messrs. W. H. Simpson & Sons, Birmingham, furnished the entire front of the orchestra with a well-arranged group of Sweet Peas. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Robert Sydenham, Ltd., Birmingham, had a long table decorated with Sweet Peas of excel- lent quality, in rustic stands, of various sizes and designs. (Silver-gilt Medal.) From Messrs. Jarman & Co., Chard, Somer- set, came an attractive exhibit of four varieties of Centaureas. (Silver Medal.) The Lapworth Nurseries, Hockley Heath, sent a group of cut flowers indifferently arranged. (Bronze Medal.) Mr. A. Welham, Bridgnorth, had cut flowers of his new Chrysanthemum A. Welham. (Vote of thanks.) Mr. J. J. W. Thackray, Catel, Guernsey, sent Gladioli and Sweet Peas. The Sweet Peas had suffered in transit, and they were not set up to (he best advantage. UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND PROVIDENT. August 8. — The monthly meeting was held at the Royal Horticultural Hall, Westminster, on the above date. Mr. Chas. H. Curtis occupied the chair. One new member was elected, making a total of 50 this year. The death certificate of Mr. Robert Anderson (a lapsed member) was pro- duced, and a cheque for £29 13s. 6d., being the amount standing to his credit, was granted to his nominee. Several members over 60 years of age have taken advantage of Rule 18 to with- draw the interest on their deposits, to enable. them to pay their contributions. The amount of | sick pay for the past month amounted to. £29 17s. August 13, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. KNARESBOROUGH AND DISTRICT HORTICULTURAL. August 2. — The annual show in connection with the above society was held on Tuesday, in the grounds of Conyngham Hall, the residence of C. E. Charlesworth, Esq., J. P. Notwithstanding very unfavourable weather, the show proved an unqualified success, the attendance being very large. Ail the exhibits reached a high standard of excellence, Sweet Peas being ex- ceptionally fine. Two features of the show were a grand exhibit of Sweet Peas staged by Mr. Rkf.admore, Winchester (gold medal), and a fine stand of hardy flowers and Roses, staged by Messrs. Dicksons, Ltd., Chester. (Silver medal") Amongst the principal prize-winners were A. S. Lawson, Esq., J. P., Aldboro Manor (gr. Mr. A. Nicholson), Lord Mowbray & Stourton Alleiton Park (gr. Mr. P. Coldham), J. Adams. Esq.. Harrogate, D. W. Wybrants, Esq., Wins- ley Hurst, Ripley, Leeds (gr Mr. W. Towns- end). Mr. Elliott, Ripon, Mr. G. Knight, Scriven, and Mr. J. W. Davidson, Dacre Banks, Leeds. 129 KIRKCUDBRIGHT HORTICULTURAL. August 5.— TJie annual show of the Kirkcud- bright Horticultural Society was held in the Town Hall of the burgh on this date. Exhibits of outdoor flowers were not quite so fine as usual, but, on the whole, the show was quite equal to the average of these annual exhibitions. The classes open to gardeners were well contested as a rule, and pot plants, cut flowers, especially Sweet Peas, vegetables and fruit were all of much excellence. In the class for a table of pot plants two well-known exhibitors, Colonel Gordon, Threave (gr. Mr. James Duff), and the Countess of Selkirk, Balmae (gr. Mr. W. McGuffog), competed, the former being the winner of the 1st prize with a well-arranged table of good plants, Mr. McGuffog being a close second. Colonel Gordon and Mr. W. Brown, Millburn Street, were the most successful com- petitors in the other classes for pot plants. In the cut flower section several amateurs com- peted with the gardeners successfully. The leading winners in these classes were Mr. W. M'Cormack, Tarff; Misses Blackburn, Park House (gr. Mr. J. Wallace); Mr. J. Duff; Mr. R. Webster, Tongland ; .Mr. J. Halliday, Greystone Cottage, and Mr. W. W. Morrison, Kirkcudbright. Roses were very good, the winner of the 1st prize for H.P. and H.T. varieties being Mr. J. Wallace, and for Teas, Mr. J. Duff.'" Mr. J. Duff and Mr. J. Scott, Barwhinnock, led for Sweet Peas. Fruit is usually well shown at these shows. Major Maxwell,' Glenlair (gr. Mr. B. Ruther- ford) ; Mr. J. Duff, and Mr. W. McGuffog were [he leading prize winners. Mr. Rutherford was ilaeed first for Black Hamburgh Grapes ; and Mr. Duff for white and also black Grapes, except Black Hamburghs. Mr. Rutherford was (warded the 1st prize in the class for a collection if fruit ; and Mr. Duff excelled with Apples. In the vegetable classes Mr. W. Brown, Mill- )urn Street. Kirkcudbright, was placed first for i collection; 2nd, Countess Selkirk (gr. Mr. iV. McGuffog). Mr. R. Middleton. Kirkcud- iright ; Mr. B. Rutherford ; Mr. J. Duff ; Mr. T. Hannah, Kirkcudbright, and Mr. R. Colman vere also successful exhibitors of vegetables. DEBATING SOCIETIES. BATH GARDENERS'.— The monthly meeting of this ociety was held on Monday, July 25, in the Foresters Hall, rider the presidency of Mr. T. Parrott. " Romance of lants" formed the subject of an interesting paper by Jr. J. D. Halliburton. The lecturer dealt chiefly with lant life in a wild state. BRISTOL & DISTRICT GARDENERS'. — The lonthly meeting was held on July 28, at St. Johns' Parish ooms. Mr. Hayball presided. Mr. Taylor, of Bath, read paper upon " Grape Thinning." The lecturer said the 'rst operation in connection with thinning is disbudding, i deciding which buds to leave, preference should be given l those on the upper side of the stems. Ten days after owenng thinning should be commenced, and, as seven out eight berries will have to be cut out, this cannot be done ro ear y. The bareness on the top of the bunches so pnerally seen is the fault of cutting out too many berries, 5. if more were left, they would push each other up and kde the stem. The Muscat of Alexandria Grape should 6 thinned sparingly at first, but in the case of Black "cante the removal of surplus berries must not be long -ferred. ° LAW NOTES. CLAIM FOR SEEDS. At the King's Lynn County Court on the 4th inst.,his Honour Judge Mulligan, K.C., gave judgment in the Sensation Wheat ca6e, between Charles W. Marsters, seed merchant, Lynn, and John William Whittome, farmer, Rosslvn March. J His Honour said : The plaintiff claims £13 15s for wheat sold, and the defendant counterclaims £48 on the ground that the goods delivered were bad. The plaintiff is well known as the intro- ducer of French seed Wheats ; the defendant is a farmer who is accustomed to sow 250 acres or more of land with wheat. He knew some fine crops had been raised from Sensation Wheat sup- plied by the plaintiff, and made up his mind to plant 16 acres with it. Accordingly on Novem- ber 8. 1909, he went to St. Ives" ".Market and met the plaintiff. The plaintiff there and then agreed to sell, and the defendant agreed to buy, five ouarters of Sensation seed Wheat (second year), 55s. per quarter, to be delivered at March Railway Station. The particular purpose for which the goods were to be used, namely to pro- duce a crop of Sensation Wheat, was known to both parties. A memorandum to satisfy the Statute of Frauds was not drawn up, but the negotiations were finished, all the terms were agreed, and the parties separated. It only re- mained for the seller to deliver the wheat and for the buyer to pay the price. As between man and man the bargain was concluded. On Novem- ber 9 the plaintiff's manager at King's Lynn posted an envelope addressed to the defendant at March, containing what he called " an invoice." But on close examination the docu- ment turns out to be something more than an invoice, more than a letter of advice of the dis- patch of the wheat with the price. It contains two new provisions, first, "Terms: Net cash m 14 days; interest at 5 per cent, charged upon overdue accounts," and secondly, underneath in small print, " C. W. M. gives' no warranty as to description, quality, productiveness, or'any other matter of seeds or seed corn, and is not iii any way responsible for the crop." The first is not insisted upon, but the second, the small print clause, is strongly relied upon by the plain- tiff. It is not clear whether the envelope con- taining the so-called invoice was open or closed, or whether it had or had not the word " invoieo " on the outside. Be that as it may I am perfectly satisfied, after paying great attention to the very searching cross-examination of Mr. Whittome by Mr. Crawford, and to bis able argument, that the document so sent had the appearance of an ordinary bill, and nothing else, and that the defendant understood and regarded it as a bill and nothing but a bill. The defendant did not open or read the document, but put it just as it came into a drawer to take to town and pay when he went to market, as a farmer would naturally do. It remained in the drawer until after the Wheat was taken from March Railway Station and planted towards the end of November. The defendant believed there was a bill in writing, or printing, in the envelope. But I have come to a conclusion, and find as facts, that the defendant did not until after he saw his solicitors in 1910 know or suspect that the enve- lope so sent, or anything in it, contained any stipulation or condition relating to the bargain which had been made at St. Ives on Novem- ber t ; that the plaintiff never did what was reaxnably sufficient to give the defendant notice of i'ie new terms now sought to be imposed upon ha, by the so-called invoice, and that nothing v 1 atever occurred to give the defendant the" slightest indication of any alteration in, or addi- tion to, the terms he and the plaintiff had openly agreed upon face to face on November 8: the taking of the Wheat by the defendant to his farm had reference to the bargain of November 8 and nothing else. But, argued Mr. Crawford! the small print clause only expresses a custom of the seed trade, and must be read into the agree- ment. The alleged custom was unknown to the defendant, and does not exist in relation to farm seeds. If it did prevail it would resemble a cancer rather than a custom. It would eat the heart out of contracts. It would, for example, change the very substance of this transact inn from a sale of seed for sowing to a sale of grain for grinding into flour. No sane man would give 50 per cent, above the market price foi Wheat for that purpose. Common sense and common law with one voice say that any such custom would be repugnant to the fundamental condition of this purchase, and would be utterly unreasonable and invalid. Counsel further said he did not care whether the defendant had read the invoice or not, for he had it in his possession, and he (counsel) was entitled to assume as matter of law that the defendant was bound by the printed terms in the invoice. All I need say is the House of Lords held otherwise. Lord Herschel said : The knowledge of the contents of such a document and the sufficiency of the notice given of an additional term were questions of fact for a jury. (Richardson v. Rowntree (18E4), A.C. 217.) As the defendant had not notice and was not aware of what was printed, the printed terms never formed any part of the bargain. In fact, the only bargain from first to last was that made at St. Ives. This is strongly confirmed by the plaintiff's own particulars of claim, which are as follows :—" 1909, November 8. To 5 quarters of Wheat Sensation (second year) at 55s. £13 15s." It is on the bargain of the 8th, and nothing else, the parties must stand or fall. Hence I need not now consider the decision of Mr. Justice Channel in Howcroft v. Perkins (16 Times, L.R. 217) or the conflicting decision of Mr. Justice Bray (in Wallis v. Pratt, 26 Times, L.R. 253) relied on by the construction of the small printed matter, or the dissonant review of those decisions in the Court of Appeal, which has since been reported (26 Times, L.R. 572). The next question is : Did the plaintiff carry out his bargain? He tried hard to show that the Wheat sent to the defendant was grown on a farm at Mildenhall, but an essential link in the chain of evidence was wanting, for I place no reliance whatever in the story of the witness who sent this and nine other lots of Wheat away from Docking mi the same day; his mind is a blank as to the other nine, and altogether his evidence is worthless for any purpose except to reveal the confusion and want of intelligent supervision which prevail at Docking when the plaintiff is not there. It is utterly impossible to say where the Wheat sent to the defendant was grown. But no matter where it came from, the defendant planted it under the most favourable conditions, during a period of dry weather, in the best of soils, well prepared to receive it. Only one-tenth germin- ated. Ordinary seed Wheat bought at 36s. a quarter, and planted alongside and around this Sensation Wheat at the same time and under the same cmiditions, sprang up and gives promise of a abundant crop. Why did the Sensation Wheat fail? The witnesses put it down to heating or kiln drying. Mr. Stephen Gregory (a witness for the plaintiff), whose testimony in these matters always carries great weight, said he could not account for the occurrence unless the Wheat delivered was bad or heated. I refer, and find as facts, that nine-tenths of it was not seed ; that the bulk of it consisted of grains or carcases of Sensation Wheat in which the embryo had been killed by heating, or some other means before it left Docking. Even the plaintiff said heating would kill the germ. If a farmer em- ployed a well-known and skilful agent to buy for him 10 shorthorn heifers for breeding purposes, and agreed to pay the cost price and 10 per cent, commission, and if that agent delivered one heifer and nine carcases of heifer beef with or without an invoice, saying he (the agent) gives no warranty, could it be said that the agent fulfilled his contract? Certainly not. Neither did the plaintiff in this case. Again it is said the plaintiff did not know that the Wheat germs were killed. True, but that is no justification. In Reese y. Smith (1869). 4 E. & J. Ap. 79, Lord Cairns said: " I apprehend it to be the rule of law that if persons take upon themselves to make assertions as to what they are ignorant, whether they are true or untrue, they must, in a civil point of view, be held as responsible as if they had asserted that which thev knew to be un- true.'' And in Redgrave v. Hurd (1881) 20 CD. 12, Sir George Jessel adds : " Even assuming that moral fraud must be shown, you have it where a man, having obtained a beneficial con- tract by a statement which he now knows to be f.ise. insists upon keeping that contract. To do so is a moral delinquency ; no man ought to seek to take advantage of his own false statement." These are not singular instances of contract like the cases cited in argument. They are the 130 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 13, 1910. generalisations of two of the three great judges of the Victorian Age, (the third being Lord Blackburn). To apply those rules to the facts before me : The plaintiff sold this Wheat for sowing. He represented it to be the seed Wheat, and in the witness box he admitted that a Wheat that is incapable of germinating is not a seed Wheat. It turned out that the bulk of this Wheat was incapable of germinating, though the plaintiff did not know it at the time. Now that he does know it, he insists upon keeping that contract and demands the full 55s. per quarter. The claim in accordance with the principles laid down by Lord Cairns and Sir George Jessel is bad in law and bad in morals. A merchant is, of course, justified in charging the highest price he can obtain, but he must deliver the genuine article as sold. As to the counter claim, the defendant is entitled to be paid for his extra work and labour in re-sowing. He thinks he also should be allowed something for the difference in value between a crop of ordinary spring-sown Wheat and a crop of autumn-sown Sensation Wheat, which might have 6erved to renew his seed next year. But that loss is too problematical and too remote. At the same time I must say that a farmer who buys seed at 50 per cent, above the market price of ordinary Wheat, though he may have no legal claim for problematic losses, might reasonably expect an enterprising and experi- enced grower and seller like Mr. Marsters to ex- ercise greater diligence. He would expect him to select such a high-priced Wheat from fields where he saw the young plants springing up vigorously and regularly in the drills — where no blight came to injure the ears — where the Wheat was cut dry and did not remain too long in the shocks. He would expect him to see that the Wheat did not smoke in the stack, that it did not heat in the granary, and that it was well cleaned and sifted, and kept free from damp. If in this way young Wheat had been selected, and watched by Mr. Marsters from the cradle until the grave was prepared for it as farmers used to do, he would not have had 40 or 50 complaints last year. Greater care would be advantageous to him as well as to the farmer and smaller holder. These three together might bring back to the corn-lands the agricultural smile. There will be judgment for the plaintiff in the claim for £1 7s. 6d., but without costs. There would be judgment for the defendant on the counter claim for £17 10s., with costs on Scale C. WHAT IS A GARDENER? The Duke of Bedford, who was represented by his agent, was summoned before Mr. Marsham, at Bow Street Police Court, on the 3rd inst., for employing five male servants without having proper licences for them. Mr. Pickford sup- ported the summons on behalf of the London County Council. Mr. Bodkin appeared for the defendant. Mr. Pickford stated that the five men in ques- tion were employed as gardeners by the Duke of Bedford, their duties being to attend to Bedford Square Gardens, Ridgmount Street Gardens, and a number of spaces at the end of houses on the Bedford estates. There were shrubs, plants, and flowers in the gardens, and he (the counsel) main- tained that the men who looked after them were gardeners or under-gardeners, and therefore came within the Act. George Beck, foreman of the men referred to, said he was employed by the Duke of Bedford, and was paid a salary of £2 a week. One of the other men received 32s., and the others 30s. a week. At one time he was a farm labourer, and was afterwards employed by a cheesemonger. He had worked on the Bedford estate for many years. He looked after the gardens, kept the grass cut, and in the spring planted Pelar- goniums [Geraniums] and Stocks. Although he could do that, he did not regard himself as a skilled gardener, and would not take charge of :i gentleman's garden even if he had the oppor- tunity. Mr. Bodkin : Of course you can plant a Geranium the right way up? (Laughter.) The Witness: Certainly. But you don't propagate flowers? — No, we get raniums every spring from a firm in Covent Garden. There are only a few Geraniums round the edges. In reply to the magistrate, the witness said he formerly sowed the seeds of annuals, but he had not done so for more than twelve months past. Mr. Bodkin : Is there a man in this court who has not at some time or another sown mustard and cress in a box, or even on a piece of wet flannel? That does not make him a gardener. Mr. Bodkin went on to say that the Duke of Bedford disputed this matter, because it was of some importance both to him and owners of pro- perty throughout the country who maintained open spaces. A man who worked in a garden was not necessarily a gardener, and the men in question simply did rough work which did not bring them within the Act. They only put in flowers which had been grown by someone else, and it could not in any 6ense be said that these gardens were places in which flowers were culti- vated. The men were not attached to any establishment ; they were not skilled men, and they were only paid the wages received by labourers in London. Mr. Marsham : One of them received £100 a year. That is not a labourer's wage. Mr. Bodkin. The Duke of Bedford, being a large employer of labour, pays wages quite up to the standard, and the man you refer to is a kind of foreman. Mr. James Weston Marchant, chief clerk in the Bedford estate office, stated that about 130 dozen Geraniums were planted in the gardens in question every year, and he ordered them. Nothing was propagated in the gardens. When a shrub died it was replaced by another one. A labourer's wage in London was 7d. an hour. This was the first time, the Duke of Bedford had been asked to pay a tax for the men employed to keep the square gardens in order. Mr. Bodkin : Have you considered the advis- ability in the event of these men being taxed of employing lady gardeners? The Witness : I think it will be worth con- sideration. The case was adjourned. On the 10th inst. Mr. Marsham delivered a considered judgment. He said that since the last hearing he had visited the gardens, and was impressed by the beautiful array of flowers. He came to the conclusion that the foreman Beck was a gardener within the meaning of the Act. He had some doubt about the other man, whose wages were 32s. a week, but with regard to the other three men they were, in his opinion, not gardeners, but men who worked in a garden. In regard to the foreman, he imposed a penalty of 20s.. which would include the cost of the licence, 15s. It was intimated that there might be an appeal. THE WEATHER. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. Mr. John T. Lidsters, 18i years as General Foreman at West Riding Asylum, Wakefield, hasnow been appointed as Gardener and Superintendent at the same place. Mr. T. Russell, for the last 3 years Inside Foreman at Downside, Leatherhead, and previously a Journeyman in the Royal Gardens, Windsor, as Gardener to J. M. Carr Lloyd, Esq., Lancing Manor, Lancing, Sussex. (Thanks for 2s. received for R.G.O.F. box.— Eds.) Mr. G. Phillips, for 9 years Gardener to Vernon J. Watney, Esq., as Gardener to the Honourable Henry B. Portman, Buxted Park, Sussex. Mr. F. Page, for 12 months Gardener to Elmer Speed, Esq., Knowlton Court, near Dover, as Gardener to J. E, A. Gwynne, Esq., Folkington Manor, Polegate, Sussex. Mr. James Watson, for the past 4 years and 9 months Foreman at Cullen House, Cullen, N.B., and previously at Keir Gardens, Dunblane, N.B., as Gardener to Arthur Hey wood, Esq., Glevering Park, Wickham Market, Suffolk. Mr. A. Hammond, for past 18 months employed in Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons Nursery, Kings Road. Chelsea, and previously for 4 years Gardener to H. C. Bentley, Esq., Nithsdale, Market Harboro, as Gardener to Malcolm Borwick, Esq., Brockfield Hall, near York. Mr. A. Williams, for the past 3 years Gardener to Jos* Taunton, Esq., Widney Manor, Warwickshire, as Gardener to H. Schwarz, Esq., Avon Carrow, Avon Dassett, Warwickshire. Mr. C. T. B. Clark, previously Foreman at Leigh Park, Havant, as Gardener to Colonel Boyd, Crofton House, Titchfield, Fareham. (Thanks for contribution of 2s. to R.G.O.F. box.-EDS,). Mr. G. Malin, late Gardener to R. Willis, Esq., Ashfield Arnold, Notts, as Gardener to A. E. Hawley, Esq., Leicester Grange, Hinckley. The Following Summary Record of the weather throughout the British Islands, for the week ending August 6, is furnished from the Meteorological Office: — GENERAL OBSERVATIONS. The weather. — At the beginning of the week the weather over England was mostly fair and dry, with a temperature differing but little from the average. In Ireland and Scot- land the conditions were less settled, and on Tuesday rain extended to all parts of the Kingdom, the remainder of the week being cool and very changeable. Thunderstorms occurred in many parts of the country on the 3rd and 4th, and again in several English districts on the 5th, and were in many instances accompanied by heavy falls of rain and hail. The temperature was below the average in most of the western and southern districts, as well as in the Midland Counties. In the eastern parts of Great Britain and in Scot- land W. it agreed very closely with the normal, while in Scotland N. it was above the average. In the northern, eastern and central districts the highest readings were regis- tered very generally at the commencement of the week, but in the west and south-west they occurred more commonly in the latter half of the period. In England N.W. and S.VV, the thermometer did not reach 70°, but in most other dis- tricts it exceeded that level, and in the Midland Counties (at Raunds) it rose to 76°. At Sumburgh Head a reading as high as 82° is reported to have occurred on Saturday. The lowest readings, which were experienced at various times in the different districts, ranged from 37° at Scotland E. (at Balmoral) to 47° in England E. and to 53° in the English Channel. The lowest grass temperatures reported were 32° at Sheffield, 34° at Balmoral, and 35° at Birmingham and Markree Castle. The rainfall varied considerably in amount in different localities. In most of the western and southern districts and in Scotland E. it was in excess of the average, but else- where there was a fairly general deficit. More than an inch was reported at Scilly and in the south-eastern parts of Ireland on the 1st (as much as 1'8 in. at Waterford), and at a few places in the north of Scotland and the south-east of England on the 5th ; on the last-mentioned occasion heavy hailstorms occurred in some parts of our eastern and southern counties. The bright sunshine amounted to more than the average in the eastern and central parts of England and in the northern parts of Ireland and Scotland. Elsewhere there was a slight deficiency. The percentage of the possible duration ranged from 51 in England E. and 47 in the English Channel to 25 in Scotland E. and W. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending August 10. A cool and gloomy week.— The day temperatures, with one exception, have remained low for the time of year, but on the other hand there have occurred only two cold nights. On the coldest of these two nights, however, the exposed thermometer indicated a reading within 7° of the freezing point. Both at 1 and 2 feet deep the ground is now about 1 degree colder than is seasonable. Rain fell on four days, but the total measurement amounted to less than half* an-inch. With the exception of a few drops of rainwater which passed through the bare-soil gauge on three days both the percolation gauges have been quite dry. The record of bright sunshine proved very poor, averaging only 3J hours a day ; or nearly 2£ hours a day short of a seasonable duration. On the first day of the week the sun shone brightly for 10 hours, whereas, during the last two days, less than an hour's sunshine was altogether recorded. Calms and light airs have alone prevailed, and for the last two days the direciion has been exclusively some northerly point. The mean amount of moisture in the air at 3 o'clock in the afternoon exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by as much as 13 per cent. Weather in July.— It was stated (p. viii.) in the heading to the remarks on the month of July that it was the coldest July for 22 years, but the mean temperature of July, 1907, was, I find, slightly lower than in that of the present year. E. M., tieykhamsted, August 10 1910. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. BULBS. Austin & McAslan, 89, Mitchell Street, Glasgow. T. Methven & Sons, 15, Princes Street, Edinburgh. Wm. Bull & Sons, King Street, Chelsea. Thomas Kennedy & Co., Dumfries. Dicksons, Chester. Clibrans, Altrincham and Manchester. John Reed & Son, West Norwood, London. Cooper, Taber & Co., 90 & 92, Southwark Street, London- wholesale. Tvneside Seed Stores, Ltd., 65, Clayton Street, Newcastle- on-Tynt;. David W. Thomson, 113, George Street, Edinburgh, MISCELLANEOUS. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent— Strawberries. Wellcome Chemical Research Laboratories, King Street, London-Exhibits at the Japan-British Exhibi- tion, including Botanical and Materia Medica Specimens, with Descriptions. FOREIGN. Haage & Schmidt, Erfurt, Germany— Bulbous and other Plants. E. H. Krelage & Son, Haarlem, Holland— Bulbs. Willy Muller, Nocera Inferiore, Italy— Bulbs and Roots. SCHEDULE RECEIVED. The Sheffield Chrysanthemum Society will hold its animal shows in the Corn Exchange, SI effield, on 1 ridn anil Saturday, September 1G, 17, and Frida) and Sa November 11, 12. Secretary, Mr. C. Cook, City Uoad, Sheffield. August 13, 1910.] THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. 131 MARKETS. COVENT GARDEN, August 10. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 way in which they are packed, the supply in the market, and the demand, and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but occasionally several times in one day. — Eds.] Cut Flowers, *c. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d.s.d. Alstromeria, p. dz. Lilium lancifolium bunches 2 0-30 album 16-20 Asters (Chinese), Lily of the Valley, per dz. bunches 3 0-40 p. dz. bunches 6 0-90 Carnations, p. doz. extra quality ... 10 0 15 0 blooms, best Marguerites, p. dz. American va- bunches white 2 0-30 rieties 10 2 0 — yellow 10-20 — smaller, per Mignonette, per doz. bunches 9 0 — dozen bunches 10-20 — Carola, special 2 0-26 Myosotis, per dz. — second size ... 10-16 bunches 2 0-30 Catileyas, per doz. O don to glossum blooms 12 0-15 0 crispum, per Centaurea cyanus, dozen blooms 2 6-30 per dz. bunches 0 9-10 Pelargoniums, — suaveolens, per show, per doz. dozen bunches 3 0-40 bunches 3 0 — Coreopsis, p. doz. — Zonal, double bunches 16 — scarlet 3 0-40 Cornflowers, white Roses, 12 blooms, and pink 16-20 Niphetos 0 9-16 Delphiniums, per — Bridesmaid ... 10-16 dozen bunches 4 0-50 — C. Testout ... 0 9-16 Euchans graudi- — Kai serin A. flora, perdozen Victoria 10-16 blooms 16-20 — Capt. Hayward 10-20 Gaillardia, p. doz. — C. Mermet 10-16 bunches 16-20 — Liberty 10-16 Gardenias, pr, doz. 16-20 — Mme.Chatenay 10-20 Gladiolus, Colvitei — Richmond 10-16 •'The Bride," — The Bride 10-20 per dozen bun- — Various H.P.'s 2 0-40 ches 3 0-40 Stephanotis, 72 Gypsophila elegans, "pips'* Statice, blue, p. dz. 10-13 p. dz. bunches 3 0-40 — paniculata 4 0-50 bunches 4 0 5 0 Lapagerias. white, Stocks, per dozen perdozen 2 0-26 bunches 2 0-40 Liliiini auraluui Sweet Peas, per per bunch 3 0-36 dozen bunches... 10-16 — longiilorum ... 16-20 Tuberoses, per — lane i f u 1 mm gross 3 0 — riilini.il 2 6 — — per doz. blooms 0 4 0 6 Cut Foliage, Ac: Avei age Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Adiantum cunea- Hardy foliage lum, per dozen (various), per bunches 4 0-60 dozen bunches 3 0-50 A spar ag u s plu- Ivy-leaves, bronze 2 0-26 mostis, long — long trails per trails, per doz. 3 0-60 bundle 10-16 — medium, doz. — short g reen, bunches 12 0-15 0 per dozen bun- — Sprenger! 6 0-90 ches 10-20 Croton leaves, per Moss, per gross ... 4 0-50 dozen bunches 9 0-12 0 Myrtle, dz. bchs. Cycas leaves, each 10-20 (English), small-leaved... Ferns, per dozen 4 0-60 bunches (Eng- — French 10-16 lish) 4 0 — Smilax, per dozen — (French) 6 0 — trails 2 0-30 Plants In Pots, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Aralia Sieboldii, p. dozen 5 0-80 — larger speci- mens 9 0-12 0 — Moseri 6 0-80 — larger plants ... 12 0-18 0 Araucaria excelsa, per dozen ... 12 0-30 0 — large plants, each 3 6-50 Aspidistras, p. dz., green 15 0-24 0 — variegated ... 30 0-42 0 Asparagus plumo- sus nanus, per dozen 9 0-12 0 — Sprengeri ... 9 0-12 0 — ten ii is si mus 9 0-12 0 1 Campanulas, per ! dozen 5 0-60 Cocos Weddelli- ana, per dozen... 18 0-30 0 Coleus, per doz. ... 2 0-30 Crotons, perdozen 9 0-12 0 Cy perns alterni- foliiis, per doz. 4 0-50 — laxus, per doz. 4 0-50 Euonymns,perdz., in pots. . .. 3 0-80 — from the ground 3 0-60 Ferns, in thumbs, per 100 8 0-12 0 — in small and large GO's ... 12 0-20 0 — in 48"s, per dz. 4 0-60 — choicer sorts... 8 0-12 0 — in 32's, per dz. 10 0-18 0 s.d. s.d, Ficus elastica, per dozen 8 0 — — repens, per dz. 6 0-80 Fuchsias, per dz.... 4 0-60 — standards, each 12-26 Grevilleas, per dz. 3 0-50 Heliotrope, per dz. 4 0-50 Hydrangeas hor- tensis, per doz. 9 0-12 0 — paniculata grandiflora ... 9 0-12 0 Isolepis, per dozen 4 0-60 Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen 18 0-24 0 — Fosteriana, per dozen 18 0-30 0 Latania borbonica, per dozen ... 15 0-21 0 Lilium 1 o n g i- flortim, per dz. 12 0-15 0 — lancifolium, p. dozen 9 0-10 0 per — martagon dozrn ... Marguerites, white, per dozen — double yellow Mignonette, per dozen Pelargoniums (show), per doz. 5 0-60 — Ivy leaved, per dozen 4 0-60 — Zonal 3 0-40 Selaginella, p. doz. 4 0- fi 0 Verbena, per doz. 4 0-60 8 0-10 0 5 0-60 4 0-60 4 0-60 Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Apples (English) :. — KeswickCodlin 13-20 — Mr. Gladstone 3 0-39 — Beauty of Bath 3 0-46 — Ecklinvilles, J bushel 16-26 — Julien.Abushel 19-20 — (Tasmanian), per case : — Scarlet Non- pareil 11 6-Iff 6 — Scarlet Pear- main 12 0 — — Stunner Pippin 14 0 — — French Crab... 10 6 — — Five Crowns... 11 0-11 6 Apricots (French1, — £ bushel ... 5 0-80 Bananas, bunch: — Doubles ... 11 0-12 0 — No. 1 „ ... 90 - — Extra „ ... 10 0 — — Giant „ ... 12 0-15 0 — Red coloured... 4 0-56 — Red Doubles... 8 0-90 — Loose, p. doz. 0 6-10 Cherries (English and French), per 4 sieve : — Florence ... 8 0-10 0 — May Duke .. 9 0-10 0 — Bigarreau Na- poleon, p. peck 5 0-12 0 — Bigarreau „ 2 6-40 Currants (French and English), per | sieve : — Black 8 0-90 — Red 3 6-50 — pecks 19-26 Figs, per dozen ... 2 6-60 — (Italian), box... 2 6 — Grape Fruit, case: — 96's \ =85:: ::: »° - — 54's ) Grapes (English), per lb. : — Alicante ... 0 10- 1 0 — Madresfield Court 2 6-36 — Muscats ... 10-19 — Canon Hall ... 2 6-40 Grapes, per lb. : — Hambro ... 0 8-10 — Colmar ... 18-16 — Belgian Hambro 0 9-101 s.d.s.d. Greengages (Span ish Be Italian) per box 16-26 — per J sieve 8 0 10 0 — per round 3 0-33 Lemons : — Messina (150).. 6 0-66 — Naples (4^0) .. 21 0 — — „ selectee 25 0 — — Murcia [80uj .. 10 0 — — „ large . 12 6 — Melons (English)... 0 9-16 — (Guernsey) ... 0 8-16 — (French', Can- taloupe, each... 2 0-30 — (Spanish), net- ted, per case, — 24's 7 6-86 — 36's 8 0-96 Nectarines, dozen : — selected 8 0-10 0 — sccotids 4 0-60 Nuts, Almonds, p. bag 36 0-42 0 — Brazils, new, perewt. 48 0 — — sorted 55 0 _ — Barcelona, per bag 32 0-34 0 — Cocoa nuts. 100 10 0-14 0 — Walnuts, pick- ling, per bushel 7 0- Oranges— — Natal Navel per case 13 0-16 0 — Denia, per case (420) 20 0-25 0 — (714) selected 24 0-26 0 — Murcia (200) ... 16 0-18 0 — (300) 18 0-20 0 Peaches (English), per doz. 10 0 — — seconds 4 0-60 Pineapples, each ... 2 0-60 — (Florida), per case, 30, 36 ... 16 6-20 0 Plums (English), J sieve : — Rivers 4 0-43 — Early Rents ... 4 0-46 — gret-'ti, k bushel 3 0-40 Raspberries I Eng lish), handle 10-16 — per cwt. 17 0 — — (Scotch), per dozen punnets 6 0 — Tangerines (Naar- les), pi r box 16-40 Vegetables ArtichoUes(Globe), per dozen Aubergines, doz,... Beans (English and Chan. Islands), per lb — Broadf French), per pad — per packet Broad Beans (Eng- lish), per bus. Cabbages, tally ... Carrots (English), dozen bunches — (French), per dozen bunches Cauliflowers, ham- per (24-30) ... — per doz. (large) — Dutch, p. crate Cucumbers, per flat Endive, per dozen Greens. Spiing, bag 1 — Herbs (sweet), packets, per gross 7 Horseradish, for- eign, new, per bundle ... 1 — 12 bundles ... 18 Lettuce (English), per bushel ... 0 — hamper ... 2 — Cos. per dozen 1 — (French), Cos, per dozen $-2 0 6-2 0 0 4-06 6-3 6 4-0 6 9-2 0 0-4 6 10-16 4 0-50 6-2 0 Marrows, per tally 2 0-26 Average Wholesale Prices. d. s.d. Mint, per dozen bunches Mushrooms, p. lb. — broilers Mustardand Cress, per dozen pun. Onions (spring), dz. bunches — Egyptian, bags — New Spanish, case Parsley, pr. doz. ... Peas (French), per pad — Middlesex, per bushel — bags Potatos (Chan nel Islands), per cwt Radishes (Eng.i. p. doz. bundles... Stachys tuberosa, per lb Tomatos — — (English), per dozen lbs. — small selected — seconds — (Guernsey), per dozen lbs. — (Spanish), per case " Flats " — Plums Turnips 12 bches. — (French) Watercress, p. dz. bunches 0-6 0 0 — 6-6 0 3-2 0 0 — 6-2 0 0-24 0 l 6 3 0 s.d. s.d. 0 — 10-1 0 9 — 0 6-08 0-3 0 0-5 6 0-5 6 0-3 0 6-4 6 0-8 0 0 — 0-16 4-0 5 9 — 6-2 9 6 — 0 — 0 — 0 11 0 0 — 0-5 0 0 6-0 6i Remarks.— English Apples are arriving in slightly in- creased quantities ; the quality of the fruits is not particu- larly good. Supplies of Plums from Kent are only moderate ; they are realising satisfactory prices. Large consignments of foreign Pears are being received, but not many are in a ripe condition. Red Currants still realise good prices. The Grape trade is only fair, but there is an improvement in the demand for Pines and Bananas. Spanish Gages are arriving in a fine condition, and are selling freely. The prices forborne grown Tomatoes are a little higher. E. H, R., Covent Garden, August 10, 1910. New Potatos. Kents— Sharpe's Express Eclipse Epicure May Queen Bedfords— Eclipse per 3wt. s.d. s.d. 3 3- 3 fi 3 3- 3 6 2 9- 3 3 3 0- 3 3 3 0- 3 3 Bedfords— Epicure May Queen Lincolns— Sharpe's Express Epicure Blacklands perewt. s.d. s.d. 2 9-29 2 9-33 3 0-33 2 9-30 2 6-29 COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. Garden flowers are abundant. Roses are plentiful, and, generally, of good quality. The finest blooms with long stems make fairly good returns, but many consignments have to be cleared at prices which can give very little profit to the growers. I have been asked why prices given in the list above are often in excess of what the flowers may be bought for in the streets. The hawkers in some cases pay the full market value, but usually they clear out surplus stocks at reduced prices and are thus enabled to undersell the florist. Gladiolus the Bride is still procurable, and there are spikes of the hybrid G. gandavensis. Gypsopbilla pan- iculata is at its best condition. The double-flowered variety will be seen a little later on. Double-flowered white Stocks are good. Sweet Peas are abundant, but the quality of the blooms varies considerably. Centaurea cyanus (Cornflower) and Centaurea suaveolens (Sweet Sultan) are procurable. At this season of the year there are considerable quantities of cut flowers wasted owing to there being no purchasers. Pot Plants. Few plants will be required by the florists for the next month or six weeks. Many stands are empty, and the salesmen are away on holiday. Some growers send sup- plies all the year round, but it is doubtful if it pays them to market plants now, except for country orders. A. //. Covent Garden, August 10, 1910. amfm to Correjfoondent Remarks. — Trade is still very bad, and there is little de- mand for tubers. Edward J. Newborn, Covent Garden and St.Pancias, August 10, 1910. *•* y^.6 Editors will be glad to receive., for consideration, large, photographs of horticultural subjects, suitable for reproduction as Supple- mentary Illustrations in this Journal. Addresses: J. P. M. Latour-Marliac, Temple- sur-Lot France. — W, M. D. We cannot trace the address of such a firm. Ai.mug or Algum Trees: //. J. C. According to Grindon in his .Scripture Botany, the name Almug* is transcribed without change from the original of the Old Testament, and is not a Hebrew one, but an Indian, corresponding in origin with the Hebrew names of apes, pea cocks, and ivory. The tree is indigenous to the mountainous parts of the Indian Peninsula, especially Mysore and parts of Coimbatore and North Canara, in the Madras Presidency, north and north-west of the Neilgherry Hills. It grows in dry and open places, not in forests, often in hedgerows, and attains the height of 20 feet or 30 feet, and a circumference of nearly a yard, the branches forming a' beautiful spherical head. The leaves are opposite, ovate, pointed, entire, and bright green; the flowers resemble those of the Persian Lilac, and are clustered in much the same manner, but in colour are buff or yellowish, changing with age into deep purple ; the fruits, when quite ripe, resemble small black Cherries. Asters Diseased: E. F. The plants are at- tacked by a fungus (Rhizoctinia) on the " col- lars." Water them with a solution of sulphate of potash. Begonia Leaves : J. O. The trouble is not due to disease, but results from an excess of water at the roots, combined with too much moisture in the atmosphere. Afford an increased amount of ventilation. Clematis: B. L. The sudden failure of Cle- matis plants is not usually due to disease, but to a more or less imperfect union between stock and scion. In such circumstances no harm would ensue from planting another plant in the same spot. (See also p. 92 in the last issue.) Exhibition : II'. V. G. The specimens were not exactly alike. If you wish to have them properly named, we must ask you to forward us fresh specimens, not only of the flowers, but also of the foliage of each plant. Gooseberry Mildew : Ji. H. B. The mildew is only the common European form, which is not injurious to any great extent. There are no signs of the American mildew. Graves: IT*. S.. Richmond. A species of Botry- tis has attacked the Grapes. Give increased ventilation in the vinery early in the day. Gravelling Garden Paths: 77. W. S. There is no necessity to remove the ashes unless the addition of the gravel is likely to raise the paths too much above the level of the sur- rounding ground. Under any circumstances, * This name is applied in the Old Testament to Santalutn album, the Sandal Wood Tree. 13. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 13, 1910. the surface must be loosened, and the paths reformed and rolled before gravel is applied, otherwise the result will not be satisfactory. You must not think that the substitution of gravel for ashes will prevent the surface of the walks from picking up after a frost or a slight rain, unless special preventive measures are taken. Generally speaking, there are only two conditions which obviate this difficulty. The surface of a path must either be impervious to moisture, or so porous that it passes through it at once. The use of asphalt or cement secures the first condition ; a clean, non-binding gravel the second. You do not state the kind of gravel you purpose using. Whatever kind it may be, it will be as well to screen it, using the coarser material for the bottom and the finer for the top. Roll the bottom layer well Defore applying the fine gravel, and afterwards give whole a good rolling. If you use a crushed lime- stone gravel, apply water while the fine portion is being rolled, as this will make it cohere bet- ter and more quickly. If you do not object to having loose gravel on the surface, a dressing of Bideford (Pea) gravel will assist in keeping the surface from picking up after rain or during a thaw. In forming the paths, be sure and give a good camber — not less than 1 in 60 — so that the rain may be carried to the sides. Unless you have some very special reason for doing so, we would advise you not to put on the gravel thicker than 2^ in. to 3 in., as this is ample for any ordinary garden path. Hellebore: A. C. B. The injury is caused by the unfavourable season. No disease is pre- sent. Lavender with Malformed Growths : Laven- der. There is no disease present in the shoots. The most probable cause of the trouble is the unfavourable autumn of last year, the shoots being sappy and tender in consequence. Give the plants some stimulant, applying liquid manure at intervals. " Moss " on Lawn: II. B. The plant infesting your lawn is not a Moss, but one of the flower, ing plants. It is a Cerastium, or a closely- allied plant, the specimen being too withered for accurate identification. If you apply some nitrogenous manure, it will cause the grass to grow luxuriously, and in time crowd out the weed. Mix, say, nitrate of soda, or sulphate of ammonia, with fine soil, and apply it as a top- dressing. Lawn sand will have the same effect. Names of Fruits: J. 0. Edwards. Peaches: 1, Dymond ; 2. Stirling Castle; 3, Early York; 4, Violette Hative. Name of Plants: James John Foster. Coton- easter Nummularia. — Start. 1, Crataegus mollis ; 2, Liquidambra styraciflua ; 3, Morns nigra (Mulberry) ; 4, Ginkgo biloba (Maidenhair Tree) ; 5, Sequoia sempervirens (Redwood) ; 6, I'yrus Aria (Whitebeam) ; 7, Olearia Haastii. — If. F., Ruthin. Cistus ladaniferus, Gum cistus. — R. S. Q. 1, Campanula (too withered for identification of species) ; 2, Dracocephalum argunense ; 3, Campanula carpatica variety ; 4, Mimulus cupreus probably ; 5, Campanula carpatica turbinata ; 5, Veronica subsessilis ; 7, Sedum grandiflorum. — Correspondent. 1, Codiseum (Croton) chrysophyllum ; 2, C. Weiss- mannii ; 3, C. Evansianum ; 4, C. angusti- folium ; 5, C. variegatum ; 6, Ananassa sativa variegata (variegated Pine Apple plant) ; 7, Kochia seoparia. — !!\ H. S. Dendrobium cry. stallinum. — H. II. 1, Pteris longifolia; 2, Lo- maria nuda ; 3. Cheilanthes elegans ; 4. Notho- laena chrysophylla ; 5, Pteris arguta ; 6, Blrch- num brasiliense. — R. P. Bushey. 1, Cypripe- dium conspicuum (Harrisianum x vill'osum) ; 2. Cypripedium Savageanum (Spicerianum X Harrisianum) ; 3. Cattleya elongata (Alexan- dra^ ; 4, C. Feuillatii (Leopoldii x superba); 5, C. superba. — 0. R. 1, Cattleya hiteola ; 2, Ada aurantiaca ; 3, Odontoglossum blandum ; 4. Cochlioda vulcanica. — W. S. Veratrum nigrum. — W. B. Cattleya guttata; its value is only that of an ordinary garden Orchid. — ■ Nectarine with Cracked Skin : G. H . There i6 no disease present. The trouble is due to keeping the temperature of the house too low. Next season, afford a little extra warmth when the fruits are swelling, and attend to the stopping, tying, arid training of the shoots at the proper time. Notice to Terminate Employment: A. B. It is usual for a head gardener to give or receive one month's notice to leave. If your employer could prove the allegation he has made, you could not claim the usual notice. Peach Waterloo : A. G. It is characteristic oi this variety to be woolly and of poor flavour, but it is not likely to be so good even as usual in this unfavourable season. In some districts the variety comes better than in others. The cracking of the fruit is caused by excessive moisture, but Waterloo is peculiarly subject to this trouble, its skin being very thin, and when ripe it will hardly 6tand handling. The fruits should be gathered and used as soon as they are ripe, as they do not remain long in good condition. The variety Hale's Early does not ripen quite so early as Waterloo, but it is far more reliable and of better flavour. You would do well to substitute the one for the other. Pelargoniums with Yellow Foliage : S. A. B. and «/. P. Neither fungus nor insect pest has caused the leaves to turn yellow, which is due solely to the unfavourable weather. Phlox Coquelicot and Asphodelus luteus. B. L. In many soils and localities Phlox Coque. licot develops swollen or gouty stems, a proba- ble outcome of rupture to the sap vessels from some cause undetermined. It appears to be the more liable to this condition after divi- sion of the clumps, and when growing in heavy or wet soils. To prevent this trouble the variety should be raised from cuttings periodi- cally, planting the cuttings out directly they are well rooted. In some instances the fail- ing referred to has caused the variety to be discarded, and Flambeau has been substi- tuted for it. We have not found Asphodelus luteus difficult to flower when grown in moderately light soils. The plant, however, needs some time to become well established. Plants Attacked at the Roots : F. J. The roots are infested with eelworms. The best plan is to use entirely fresh soil, sterilising (by baking) that which is infested with eel-worm, Sulphate of potash applied to the soil is to be recommended, and apy of the ground insecti- cides, such as vapoa-ite or apterite. Proliferous Rose: II'. J. It"., Ltd. The blooms exhibit prolification. For some reason, not de- termined, the central axis, instead of terminat- ing in the flower, continues to develop. The abnormality is common in Roses. Raspberries Failing : Rubus. The trouble is due to unfavourable soil conditions. No disease is present. You should not employ gas lime unless the land is fallow, first ascertain- ing by means of an analysis if this material will be beneficial. From your description of the ground, we suspect it requires a good dress- ing of farmyard manure. Red Spider on Vines: A. H. It is not safe at this stage to subject your vines to excessive sulphur treatment. The better way to deal with them now is to carefully sponge the leaves with weak, soft-soapy water, with a little sul- phur added. This will keep the pest in check until the crop is cleared, when the foliage should be drenched several times at intervals of a few days with the same mixture, used in greater strength. It is a good plan to sprinkle sulphur on the pipes several times during the growing season, as a preventive measure. You must also clean the rods thoroughly after the winter pruning. Shower and Wtedding Bouquets: W. A. W. During August there is an abundant supply of suitable flowers for making all kinds of wed- ding bouquets. Among the most useful are Roses, especially such varieties as Madame Abel Chatenay. President Carnot, Sunset, Sun- rise, Liberty, and the Wichuraiana type, which selection will be found most suitable for shower bouquets. The sprays, however, should be cut before the flowers are fully open, as if this is not done the trusses are round at the top and heavy. There are also border and Perpetual-flowering Carnations in great number and variety. The best are Fairmaid. Winsor, Mayday, and Britannia (scarlet). White Perfec- tion is very suitable for a bridal bouquet. Lily of the Valley and Odontoglossum crispum or 0. Pescatorei can also be obtained during this season, and are specially useful for mixin» with Carnation White Perfection or other large, white flowers for wedding bouquets. The flowers enumerated are suitable for the mak- ing of costly bouquets, but hardy flowers, in- cluding annuals, provide good material for bouquets throughout August. Some- of the most suitable are small side pieces of Del- phinium with Nigella Miss Jekyll, and Gyp- sophila paniculata. Gypsophila should be used sparingly, and in small sprays, as, although so light in itself, too much of it " kills " the other subjects in a bouquet or any other floral design. Iceland Poppies, with grasses and a few small flowers of herbaceous Sunflowers used below them, or still better, some Coreop- sis grandiflora, form an attractive scheme. Cactus Dahlias may be used either alone, or, if the bronze and yellow varieties are used, a few spikes of Montbretia may be added. End- less other combinations, such as Scabious cau- casica with mauve Sweet Peas and Gypso- phila, or Sweet Peas with their buds and a few light points of their own foliage, and per- haps a mere suspicion of Gypsophila, will readily suggest themselves to anyone who has a good herbaceous or annual garden to draw upon. All the above suggestions can be added to by the judicious mixture of a few sprays of brown or autumnal foliage, or Asparagus plu- mosus or A. Sprengeri, but Adiantum Fern should be avoided, as it does not last well, and moreover, although beautiful on the plant, it has a very stiff and formal effect. The ordinary type of shower bouquet is not to be recommended as it hangs too low ; the three- quarter shape bouquet, with a few flowers, buds, and sprays of foliage depending is to be preferred. This form of bouquet is held most conveniently about the level of the elbow, and this creates an effect both above and below the waist. A bouquet now in fashion is one which can be held over the arm and not in the hand. As to the method of fixing the wilts; do not adopt the usual method of wir- ing flowers and sticking them into moss pads. It is far better to make the bouquet entirely in the hand, binding the flowers firmly into posi- tion, working a light foundation of foliage into it as the work proceeds. To bring about the semi-shower or three-quarter effect, the lower flowers and sprays of foliage and buds will have to be pulled over so that they en- tirely cover the hand of the person carrying it. You will find much information on* the subject in a book just published by Messrs. Adam & Charles Black, entitled " British Floral Decorations," by Mr. R. F. Felton, re- viewed in Gardeners' Chronicle, June 18, p. 399. Tomatos Diseased: Anxious. The plants are Verbena is attacked by Peronospora effusa. diseased plants, and soak the soil of the entire house with a solution of sulphate of potash. — W. S. F. The plants are attacked by Clado- sporium fulvum. Bordeaux Mixture alone will arrest its progress. Turf Turning Brown : F. M. N. The trouble is caused by a fungus which is present in the roots of the grass. Soak the diseased patches thoroughly with a solution of sulphate of iron, using 1 lb. to 1| gallons of water. Verbena and Myrtle Diseased : 6?. G. The Verbena is attacked by Peronospora effusa. Spray the plants early in the season with liver of sulphur, using ^ oz. in two gallons of water. The fungus Cladosporium is present on the Myrtle, which should be sprayed with the same specific as the Verbenas. A Text-hoolc of Plant Diseases, by George Massee, will be suit- able for your purpose. "Yellowing" in Leaves: Wessex. Sickly, yellow foliage is very common in the case of trees and shrubs this season, owing to the un- favourable weather. In addition to the manures you mention, try the effect of soma nitrogeneous compound. Communications Received. — S. L.. -Sir F. C. — J. S. — G. E. S.— W. L.— W. T.— W. J. M.— J. K.— Mrs. D.- J. P. (Carlisle).— T. & Co., Ltd.— W.P. B.-A. H (Cromer). — W. and T. S.-W. A. -A. C— A. W.- J. J.-F. H.- A. C. & Sons, Ltd.- H. A. J.— Grower.— A. J. H.— H. 8. T. — W. J. V.— C. F.— H. H. W.- F. F.. B.— J. P Q.— E. H. J.— J. T. W. P. J.— W.W.-H. M.-W. T.-D. Ltd.-W. I.-A. B.-P. & Co.— T. B.-A. T,.-Rev. J. J.— H. S. T.--H. J.— W. W.— R. H. B.-J, M0A.-T. & Co. u "8 o U c O 5) c 'J £ "3. a ? (fl U ti W t< o £ B O *4 ttj - .& o ►J S5 o b O < W w K H O w u w Q w w « w X H LlJ D CO M z o Q 2! <: U , August 20, 1910] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 133 THE (Sarbcncrs'Cbrcmiele No. 1,234.— SATURDAY, August 20, 1910. CONTENTS. Alpine garden, the 135 Obituary- Apples, remarkable Miller, James 152 prices for 143 Spillane, Daniel 152 Aster diplostephioides 139 Orchul notei and glean- *'Barr" Memorial, the 143 ings— Bequests, munificent Schomburgkia Lyonsii 139 public 143 Spathoglottis sou- Books, notices of— theriana 139 Profitable Fruit Warrea tricolor 139 Growing 137 Pink. Sweet William ... 140 Summer flowers of the Polemoniura carneum 134 High Alps 136 Prizes for gardens 143 Bulb garden, the— Rhododendrons, hybrid Gladiolus Saundersii 131 Javanese 133 Cultural memoranda- Rosary, the— Green lawns 138 Roses on their own Culture for show pur- roots 137 poses 142 Roses at King's Eremurus, the genus ... 133 Walden Bury 139 Forestry— Scotland — The Koyal School of The Lily season 138 Forestry 'at Ebers- Societies — walde 134 Dublin Seed and Nur Fruit crops, remarks on serymen's Assoc. ... 143 the 135 Royal Botanic 152 Fruit, foreign importa- Royal Horticultural... 143 tions of 139 Shropshire Hort. 146 Grape Canon Hall Mus- Sweet Pea " Florence cat 137 Nightingale " 143 Hardy flower border — Trees and shrubs — Argemone grandiflora 138 Olearia virgata and 0. Johannesburg public ramulosa 137 parks 143 Week's work, the — Melons, pollination and Flower garden, the ... 141 fruit production in .. 140 Fruits under glass ... 141 Murray, Mr. D., retire- Hardy fruitgarden, th< 141 ment of 143 Kitchen garden, the-. UN Notes on Irises — Orchid houses, the ... 141 Iris laevigata in Plants underglass ... 140 Guernsey 139 Workmen's flower shows 143 ILLUSTRATIONS. Eremurus robustus in Mr. Elwes's garden at Coles- borne (Supplementary Illustration) Grape Canon Hall Muscat as grown for the London market 136, 137 King's Walden Bury, Rose garden at 138, 139 Polemoniuui carneum flowering on a rockery 134 Shrewsbury Show, exhibits at the ... 144, 148, 149 THE GENUS EREMURUS. (See Supplementary Illustration.) HE Editors have asked me to write an account of this genus to accompany the T illustration which was taken in my gar- den early in June this year by Mr. Gerald Strickland. To revise the genus from a botanical point of view would be beyond my power, for it is evident that the characters on which botanists have relied to separate the .supposed species in this genus are so variable in cultivation that, without a much better Knowledge than we have of them in a wild state, I should only become lost in a maze of difficulties. Baker, in his revision of the genera and species of Anthericse and Erio- spermse [Linn. Journ. Bot., vol. xv., 1876], recognised 18 species, and in the Index Kewensis, 1893, about 10 more are cata- logued. But for horticultural purposes, it seems to me that not more than five or six at present in cultivation are of importance in ordinary gardens, and these have in the last few years become most popular plants, on ac- count of their striking habit and easy cultiva- t inn. The Eremuri are found in Western and Central Asia, often at considerable elevations, and in grassy steppes, where the season of vegetation is very short, and where the heat of summer and the cold of winter are very great; but, notwithstanding the difference of climate, they seem to grow well in all but the wettes* parts of Great Britain, and, nrov."'<»H that the ground is well drained, they do not require to be lifted annually. Their root-system is very peculiar, consisting of a stout central axis, from which a number of thick, fleshy roots radiate like the arms of a starfish in a horizontal plane. These roots are long and easily broken, and in lifting the plants from the ground care must be taken to begin at a good distance from the crown and to undermine the whole plant before taking it up, as the roots often extend 2 or 3 feet hori- zontally. As a new crown and a new series of roots are formed annually on the top of the old ones, it is necessary to lift, divide and re- plant every two, or at most three, years, and I find that the roots may be kept dry without injury, and in wet autumns with advantage, for two or three months, from about the be- ginning of August till the middle of October. The principal cultural difficulty that must be guarded against is the tendency of the plants, especially E. robustus and *Elwesii, to grow early in spring, at a time when rain and severe frosts are usual, and, though the thick, fleshy leaves will endure 10° to 15° of frost in March and April without much injury, yet, if water lodges and freezes at the base of the leaves, the young flower-spike is certain to be dam- aged, and often destroyed. Therefore, it is a good plan to cover the crown at night with a Bower-pot or handlight as late as possible. and to place the plants in a situation where they are protected, by a wall or by a thick hedge, from the morning sun. This is not so necessary in the case of the narrow-leaved, yellow-flowered species which are later in growth, but some of these require a warmer and drier position, and do not flower and seed as freely as those of the robustus section. I have planted and seen Eremuri growing well among shrubs, but though the shelter is good for them in spring, they can- not in such situations be lifted without much trouble, and the shade of shrubs around them is bad in summer. Therefore, I prefer to grow them in a bed by themselves, and do not find tlieni particular as to soil, though, from their remarkable vigour on chalk and limestone soils, I suppose that lime is congenial to them. They may be easily raised from seed, though it ripens slowly, and, in wet summers, most of the capsules fall off without maturing. I sow the seed in pans as soon as ripe, and keep the pans in a frame for a year or two, when the young plants may be planted out in a frame or in the open border. Three to five years is required before the seedlings flower, and there is a good deal of variation in colour and size among them. The best known of the thick-leaved species are as follows: — E. himalaicus Baler, has small, white flowers and a spike 5 to 8 feet or more high, which has a tendency to bend over, and often requires staking. E. robustus was described and introduced from Turkestan by Regel about 1875, and has become a common plant in our gardens. A form of it was, 1 believe, first raised or noticed by Max Leichtlin, and called by him Elwesi- anus, and this was later figured in the Jardin du Crest by Micheli, and described by him a.s E. Elwesii in the Bevue Kortieole, p. 280 (1897). This has thicker and broader leaves, and, in the first plant which was sent to me bv * Printed in Supplementary Illustration as E. tobustus Elwesianus. Max Leichtlin, the flower-spike was earlier, shorter, and had the flowers extending much lower down the stem than in robustus, which, in addition to its larger individual flowers, makes it, from a horticultural point of view, distinct from and better than robustus. But the seedlings which I have raised from Elwesii do not always show these characters, and a great majority of the plants now in cultivation and commonly sold under the name of Elwesianus are hardly, if at all, distinct from robustus. The white form of it, which has been raised in some quantity by myself and in the garden of M. Philippe de Vilmorin at Verrieres, is a very fine plant, much superior in vigour and size of flower to E. himalaicus. Beside these, I have a form which I call tardiflora, which, for horticultural purposes, is very distinct from either ; partly by its leaves, which are narrower and more up- right, but principally because it is at least a month later ; and this peculiarity not only saves it from damage by spring frost, but ex- tends the flowering season until the yellow- flowered species come in. I cannot tell whether this is a chance seedling in my gar- den, or how I got it, but I showed it at the Holland House Show in July four years ago, when the Committee wished to see it again. I brought up three fine spikes two years later, when all the robustus and Elwesianus in my garden were long over, and was told that, in the opinion of the Committee, it was not distinct from robustus. But this is not the opinion of those who really know Eremuri, and in the Supplementary Illustration some spikes of this may be seen peeping out over my shoulder ; did not flower till a month later than the group, which is composed principally of Elwesii and Elwesii ajbus. After these come the yellow -flowered species which are grown under the following names : E. Bungei Baker = aurantiacus Baker from Afghanistan, and Olgae. Bee/el from Turkistan. There are hybrids or seedlings from them known as Warei, Isabellinum, Shelfordii, Sir Michael, Ac, which vary in colour between pale yellow, puce and pink, and which will, sooner or later, have to be treated as florist flowers, as they vary too much to be treated as species, even if their parentage or origin were correctly known. What florists should aim at in improving these plants are shorter stems, larger and less-crowded flowers, clearer and brighter colours and a late-flowering habit. I see no reason why we should not obtain in course of time as great an improvement in the yellows and pinks as we have in the white Elwesii over the original himalaicus. But, taken as we see them now, they are about the most stately and attractive of all hardy plants in the early summer, and though expensive to purchase at present, will soon become more abundant. H. J. Elwes, Coles- borne. HYBRID JAVANESE RHODODENDRONS. The members of this section are remarkable among Rhododendrons, from the fact that instead of the flowering period being limited to any par- ticular season, it extends over the entire year. The persistent flowering qualities jnsl noted are influenced by the style of growth, as directly a cluster of blossoms is over, at whatever season it may be. a new shoot is pushed out. which 134 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 20, 1910. jgraduaUy developes and forms a flower-bud at •the apex. This, in the ordinary course of events, expands, be the season winter or summer. Considering that the original species, whence these garden varieties have sprung, are all natives of islands in the Malayan Archipelago, one would almost expect them to require a stove temperature for their successful culture. They, however, occur only in the more elevated and, consequently, cooler regions. Such being the case, a warm greenhouse — that is, one in which the thermometer during the winter ranges from 50° to 60° — is sufficient to meet their requirements. As far as cultural matters are concerned, these Rhododendrons are not at all difficult to strike from cuttings, although some of the weaker varieties make more shapely plants when grafted on to the stronger-growing forms than when increased in this way. The cuttings must be put into well-drained pots of sandy peat, and kept in a close propagating case in a warm house, and shaded from the sun till rooted. In potting Rhododendrons of this class, it must ■be borne in mind that their parents are, for the most part, epiphytes, and, consequently, a com- post made up of fibrous peat and sand is better for them than a mixture containing loam. Thorough drainage, too, is very essential, for a free supply of water is needed, and, at the same time, stagnant moisture is very injurious. Iu fine weather the syringe may be used freelj . as a dry atmosphere is inimical to the welfare of the plants, leading, as it does, to the foliage being attacked by thrips. With care, however, in this respect, insect pests give very little trouble. As befitting a race of Rhododendrons raised at the Royal Exotic Nurseries, Chelsea, well within the London area, the members of this group are but little affected by the sulphur-laden fogs too often experienced in winter throughout the London district. Certainly few, if any, green- house plants are as little injured as they. Among the different varieties composing a group I saw recently at one of the shows, the following were particularly noticeable : — Amabile, blush pink ; Clorinda, deep rose ; Exquisite, a pleasing shade of fawn yellow ; jasminiflorum carminatum, rich carmine, having the tubular flowers and habit of the original R. jasminiflorum , Imogene, buff yellow ; King Ed- ward VII., large, bold trusses of bright-yellow flowers ; Lord Wolseley, deep-orange yellow ; luteo-roseum, a combination of rose and yellow, forming a peculiar yet pleasing tint ; President, buff-yellow, tinged with rose ; Primrose, pure primrose-yellow ; Purity, white ; Souvenir de J. H. Mangles, orange, suffused with pink ; and Thetis, a distinct shade of light yellow. II'. THE BULB GARDEN. FORESTRY. POLEMONIUM CARNEUM. This distinct Polemonium illustrated in fig. 49 is a native of California, whence seeds were re- ceived by Mr. Stein. Island of Islay, Scotland, some fifty years ago. Its correct name was un- known, and it was grown and known under the name of " California " till two years ago, when specimens were sent to Kew for identification. It turned out to be P. carneum, a native of mountain woods, Siskiyon Co., California. Branching freely the plants grow 1 foot to 3 feet high, but not so stiffly erect as the well-known P. coeruleum. The leaflets are ovate or oblong- lanceolate, 1^ inches long, whilst the branches are somewhat umbellately 3 to 5 flowered. The flowers are of good size, salmon colour or flesh colour (fading to purple), and are very freely produced for nearly two months in May and June. It is a very attractive plant, quite hardy and easily crown, but preferring a partially shady position. The plant illustrated is growing in a shady part of the rock garden, where it is exposed only to t!i" morning sun. Seeds are produced freely, ami ii seems somewhat strange that such a good and distinct plant should have remained obscure for so long II'. I. GLADIOLUS SAUNDERSII. This Gladiolus is now a superb sight in the garden, a clump with about 40 flower-spikes pro- ducing a most brilliant effect, with its vivid colouring. It was introduced into this country from South Africa in 1871, but, though it has been known for nearly 40 years, it is an extremely rare plant in gardens. One reason for the neglect it has experienced is probably that, its habitat being South Africa, it is thought to be too ten- der for culture in the open air. As a matter of fact, however, it appears perfectly hardy, for, though my plants have never received the slight- est protection, they come up stronger every year, and they have increased greatly in number. It is also a wonderfully vigorous grower for a Gladiolus, the spikes attaining a height of 3 feet 6 inches, and the blossoms, three of which are fully expanded on a spike at the same time, are strikingly handsome. They are of a light, bright scarlet colour, and the three lower petals have each a white centre, which is liberally spotted with vermilion. The upper petal is lance-shaped, THE ROYAL SCHOOL OF FORESTRY AT EBERSWALDE. The Eberswalde School of Forestry is one of the most important institutions of its kind in the world, as it is the special training ground of the Prussian forest officer. It may not be the most important, as there is a sister college in Munden, near Hanover, which is devoted to the same pur- pose, but the former institution is probably better known to foreigners on account of its near- ness to Berlin, and the great amount of experi- mental work which is carried on there. Ebers- walde itself is an unimpressive mixture of market village and manufacturing town, with residential outskirts, the 25,000 inhabitants being for the most part engaged in the sawmills, paper- works, and other factories which usually spring up around a town that lies in the centre of a woodland and agricultural district. The sur- roundings, however, make up for any lack of beauty in the town itself. The old school was given up some 30 years ago on account of lack of space, and the present [Photograph by YV. Irving. FlG. 49. — POLEMONIUM CARNEUM FLOWERING ON A ROCKERY. and inclines slightly forward, whilst the 6ide petals are much reflexed, and the expanded blos- soms measure rather over 3 inches across. If, however, the petals are stretched out to their fullest extent, the flower will measure 6 inches in diameter. Considering its hardiness, its beauty, and the highly-ornamental qualities of the flowers, it seems a great pity that this Gladi- olus is not more generally grown, as in the south, at all events, it should succeed well and increase in beauty year by year. It is most valuable for indoor decoration, the flower-spikes lasting for over a week in perfection, and a tall vase with a dozen or more of them makes a lovely and bright picture. Here we find it a far more reliable plant than G. princeps, which was described as perfectly hardy when first sent out. In the south-west, G. princeps is a very bad doer, continually dying out, and its culture has, on that account, been discontinued in many gar- dens. G. Saundersii, on the contrary, always flowers magnificently, so that it can be strongly recommended to take the place of G. princeps where that plant does not succeed. Wyndham Fitzherherl, Kingswear, Devonshire. structure was erected specially for its present purpose. It cannot be looked upon as imposing, being more or less box-like, but the lecture rooms and collections are well worth a visit. There are four lecture halls, each capable of accommodating some 50 to 60 students, but as the number of scholars rarely exceeds 60, and these are divided into various sections according to the time they have been at the college, there is never any fear of overcrowding. The collec- tions include sylvicultural instruments for the measuring, cutting and transportation of wood, &c. — altogether over 2,000 different exhibits. These are forestry implements proper, but in addition there are magnificent collections of chemicals, minerals (over 20,000), surveying and physical instruments, botanical specimens, and animals and insects indigenous tc Germany. The rooms are open to the students at most hours of the day, and they are of great value for teach- ing purposes. One of the chief difficulties in English forestry schools lies in the fact that there is generally no good ground for demonstration purposes within easy reach of the institutions where forestry is taught, but Eberswalde is sur- rounded by four State forests with a total area August 20, 1910.1 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 135 of over 40,000 acres, so that no difficulty is ex- perienced in this respect. The botanic garden is small, being only about 3 acres, but it fully satisfies the purpose for which it was established, namely, for a collection of indigenous forest trees and the more important shrubs. The lectures begin in summer at 8 a.m., and continue at intervals until 1 p.m. The after- noons are generally free, although the first-year . student must devote one whole afternoon in each week to land-surveying demonstrations in the open, and, as he has to prepare charts of the surveyed land, at least two or three afternoons in the week are thus occupied. Saturdays are generally devoted to excursions in the woods, and, occasionally, afternoons are spent in the same way. In winter, the lectures begin for the most part at 9 a.m. . although on some days they begin as early as 8 o'clock. On the average, two after- noons a week are devoted to other lectures or demonstrations. The average number of hours per week devoted to study in the college itself is about 24. In the third and sixth terms, that is to say, the two terms previous to the first and second examinations, the student is more or less free for the whole day, as the lectures are so arranged that the bulk of them can be heard in the fiist two terms, only two or three series of a more practical nature remaining as a kind of finishing polish. The number of professors and leachers employed is 14, those concerned with the forestry subjects proper being all practical men, in fact the directors of the neighbouring forests, whilst the others, without exception, are men of undoubted ability. The students are divided into two classes, xnown as students proper and hospitants. The students take the full course and sit for the examinations, whilst the hospitants are generally men who wish to specialise, or who only want to hear a few lectures. The charges are 15s. entrance fee, and £3 10s. per term of half a year for the students, and 10s. entrance fee and 10s. per series of lectures for hospitants. Foreigners are required to pay double fees. The college is by no means self-supporting, and a large grant is necessary to defray expenses. The cost of living in the town varies consider- ably ; in the college prospectus the average, for a ' young man of moderate tastes, is given at £7 10s. per month. It may be that this informa- tion is given to prevent the extravagant son from demanding too much from his parents, but, on the average, the amount spent considerably exceeds the sum mentioned, mainly on account of the fact, that forestry in Germany is one of the most exclusive of occupations, so that only persons of means are able to pursue it. G. II". THE ALPINE GARDEN. PENTSTEMON AZUREUS. This is one of the most interesting, if not charming, plants in this genus for the Alpine or rock-garden. The glaucous-green foliage forms a very effective setting to the clear azure-blue of the flowers, which are borne in spikes about 1 foot high. These delightful little plants are quite hardy, and they are easily propagated from cut- tings inserted under a bell glass in May or June. They are also very useful for planting in the fore- ground uf herbaceous borders, in groups of five or six plants. ANTHEMIS AIZOOX. Among the many species of this genus there are few that can excel in beauty or usefulness A. Aizoon, especially for growing on rockeries or for edging purposes. When well grown, it soon forms a pretty carpet of silvery-grey foliage and pro- duces numerous creamy-white flowers about 1 inch in diameter, borne on stems 6 to 9 inches long. ■» This singularly beautiful plant delights in a well-drained, sandy soil, and it needs but very little moisture during the winter months. An occasional soaking with water when in bloom ia beneficial. 11*. F. Glover, Langport. REMARKS ON THE CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS. (See Tables and Summaries, ante, pp. 77-82.) (Continued from page 118.) 5, SOUTHERN COUNTIES. Dorsetshire. — This is the worst fruit season experienced in these gardens during the past 11 years. Cold north-west winds, with fre- quent hailstorms in the fourth week of April, and 6° of frost on April 27, destroyed the Pear and Plum blossom, also that of With- ington Fillbasket, Bismarck, and a few other early-flowering Apples. On March 30 we experi- ence'd 10° of frost, which ruined the blossom of bush fruits, and I have never known such a com- plete failure of the Black Currant crop. On most bush Apple trees, we have a fair quantity of fruits but there is a poor crop on trees in orchards. There are some Pears on trees against south walls, but in other aspects the Pear crop is practically a failure. Sweet Cherries have been a full crop, but Morellos are very scarce. Straw- berries proved an average crop, but many of the berries were spoiled by the rains. Both Walnuts and Cobnuts are poor crops. T. Turton, Castle Gardens, Sherborne. There were early prospects for abundant crops of all fruits, but* late frosts destroyed the blossom. Our subsoil being chalk, the land is drier and more favoured during a cold spnng than heavy soils. Apples are a fairly g I eri [>. especially Striped Beefing, King of the Pippins, Keswick Codlin. Rival, Peasgood's Nonesuch, and Reinette de Canada. Of Pears, we have an abundant crop, especially on trees of Le Lcctier, Beurre Die], Clou Morceau, Josephine de Marines, Seckle, and Doyenne du Cornice, &c. Plums are very poor, but Morello Cherries are good. Currants and Gooseberries also are good, with the exception of Black Cur- rants, which promised a heavy crop, but the late frosts destroyed most of them. Strawberries have been a fair crop, but the bellies were not so large as usual, the Inst Bowi is being destroyed by cold. Thus. Denny, Down Souse Gardens, Blandford. Pears, in the case of wall trees, are earn - ing good crops, the fruits being very clean and free from spots. Plums are so abundant ..n wall trees, they require to be thinned. Pyramid and espalier Apple and Pear trees in the open -ardeii produced a fine show of blossom, but the trees have poor crops. This I attribute to the cold, sunless season of last year, the wood failing to ripen. Must of our trees are netted to proti cf them from frost when in bloom. Constant at- tention ;s given to spraying the trees both in winter and summer, and this year especially I have noticed an absence of insect pests. The soil is a deep, adhesive loam, lying on chalk. A. J ■ Rogers, LangUnx Gardens. Blandford. — — Currants and Raspberries are very heavj crops, and Gooseberries are a good crop, except where birds attacked the buds. The fruit blos- som suffered much injury from cold winds, and there was a scarcity of blossom, which I attribute to the sunless season of last year. Strawberries furnished a splendid crop, the fruits being some of the finest I have ever seen. Our soil is light in texture, the sub-soil being green sand on chalk. F. Olvcr. Mint, me, Dorset. Hampshire. — Apple trees generally blossomed well, and the fruits appeared to set, but thev dropped freely later. The most promising varieties are Bramley's Seedling, Worcester Pear- main, Peasgood's Nonesuch, Lord Grosvenor, and Mere de Menage. The Apple trees are specially healthy. The Plum crop was injured by frost. Gooseberries are a heavy crop, as they usually are here. I have known but one failure in 30 years. Quite recently, a bad case of Gooseberry- mildew occurred within two miles of these gar- dens, without any apparent reason. Strawberries were again a very heavy crop, and the quality of the fruit was good. Royal Sovereign is still the best variety, although the Laxton runs it very close. I never saw Potatos more promising ; the haulm is especially luxuriant, and the yield of tubers is heavy. E. Molyneux, Swanmore Park, Bishop's Waltham, Hants. The wet, sunless season of last year is responsible for unripened wood, and to tins I attribute the scarcity of hardy fruits this year. The trees, generallv. were laden with blossom, and looked very promising, but the flowers were weak, and soon fell. Apples are very so.. many trees not having a fruit on them. There are also few Pears, whilst Apricots and Plums are both light crops. Gooseberries and Raspberries are the best amongst small fruits. There are no- Black Currants, owing to spring frosts. Red Cur- rants are only a partial crop. Strawberries are under the average ; the first flowers were de- stroyed by frost, and the continued wet weather caused many berries to rot. A. G. Nichols, Strathficldsaye Gardens, Mortimer, E.S.O. ■ Apple and Pear trees flowered well, but frost and hail in May destroyed the greater part of the blossom. Plums did not flower very abun- dantly. Our soil is light and gravelly, and rests on clay. R. Lear mouth, Sher field Manor Gur- d> us. Basi in/stoke. This is not a very good fruit district, but this season is the worst I have known for the past 14 years. Peaches and Nectarines were destroyed by the late frosts. Currants always crop well here. Strawberries were extra good, but the wet weather spoiled the late fruita. The soil is a heavy loam with a yellow ilay subsoil. Henry Martin, Bartley Lodge GardefLS, t/adnam, .Southampton. We had a splendid show of fruit at bl s soming time, but the late frosts ruined the crops. All small fruits, such as Gooseberries, Red and Black Currants and Strawberries, produced large crops, but many fruits were spoiled by the wet weather. All fruits trees are very clean this \ear. The soil is of a sandy loam, in which all kinds of fruit trees do well. /.'. G. Onslow, Dogmersfield Park Gardi ns, Winchfield. The fruit crops are the worst I have known hero during the past six years. Apple trees in orchards produced no flowers, and we have only a medium crop of fruit on trained trees. This I attribute to the absence of sunshine last summer. Pears flowered well, but on unprotected trees the fruits were spoilt by spring frosts. Plums are satisfactory only on wall trees. Red and Black Currants are failures through frost when the bushes were in flower, but Gooseberries, being piot, did at the time from bullfinches by netting, and being in nearly full leafage, escaped much injury. Our soil is marl over chalk. E. Sender- son, Stratton Gardens, Micheldever. Apples generally are very scarce in this district, but Pears are "a good average crop, and we have an abundance of all bush fruits. The soil is a medium to heavy loam.,with a clay and flint sub-soil. The gardens are situated 470 feet above sea level. .4. II'. Blake, The Castle Gardens, li ighelere, Newbury. The fruit crops this season are the most unfavourable for a number of years past, and especially with regard to Apples and Pears. There was a good show of blossom ; the chief of failure I attribute partly to frost, 7° being registered in the second week in May, also to north and north-east winds. The weather was very dry at the time the trees were in flower, otherwise much more damage would have been caused. Strawberries which promised well, ere damaged, first by frost and later by ex- cessive wet and cold. Gooseberries, although not so plentiful as last year, are a good avera e crop. Black and White' Currants, also Raspber- ries and Loganberries are very good crops. The gardens are well protected by trees, although the altitude is 290 feet. Our soil is a sandy loam, rest- ing on sand. A. G. Shadbolt, Blarkmore Gar- dens, Wist I.' Kent. — Apples set well, but from various causes the young fruits dropped in large quanti- ties when about the size of Walnuts. Pears are almost a total failure, the only variety carrying even a half-crop is Durondeau, which is generally very good here. The Plum and Damson crops are almost total failures. Cherries dropped in great numbers, and the fruits cracked badly. The Peach and Nectarine crops in the open are about half the average. The trees have made excellent growths, and have been very free from blister, having been sprayed with " Me- dela." G. Woodward, Barham Court Gardens, Teston. The general failure of the hardy fruit crops is due to unripened wood, the trouble being accentuated by low temperatures at the time the trees were in flower. George Bunyard, Maidstone. ■*■ The hardy fruit crops are very poor. Apples, Pears, Plums, and Sweet Cherries are all 136 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 20, 1910. scarce. Morello Cherries are good. Goose- berries are unsatisfactory, but Raspberries are very fair. Strawberries were a heavy crop. Our soil is principally chalk. J. T. Shann, Betts- hanijer Park Gardens, Eastry, Dover. All fruit trees bloomed freely, but, owing to cold winds, the fruit did not set. We have a wall planted on both sides with Plums; on one 6ide the trees are laden with fruits, on the other they are barren. Strawberries were an extra large crop, but, owing to wet weather, many of the berries were spoilt. J . G. Weston, Eastwell l'ark Gardens, Ashford. There is a very good crop of Gascoyne's Scarlet Seedling Apple, as the trees, blooming rather late, escaped the spring frosts. This is often the case with this variety. An orchard, half a mile away from my garden, and 200 feet above sea level, has scarcely any Apples or fruit of any kind. Charles E. Shea, The Elms, Foots Cray. Middlesex. — The fruit crops, generally, are much below the average. We have good crops of Peaches on a south wall, but on west walls they are a failure. Apples are very scarce, owing principally to the wood not ripening last autumn. Pears are a fairly good crop. Strawberries were excellent, but the flavour was deficient, and the berries were soon over. Raspberries are the most with quassia extract. Black Currants are scarce, but Red Currants are very good. Many Gooseberries were damaged by frost. Our soil is a light loam, overlying gravel. James Hawkes, Osterley Park Gardens, Isleworth. Surrey. — The fruit crops are very disappoint- ing, albeit the prospects in early spring were extra good. Severe frosts on May 9, 10, and 11 destroyed the blossom. Even the shoots of Apri- cot and Pear trees were damaged, many spurs being killed. Apples are under the average ; what fruits we have are mostly on bush trees. The Queen, Fearn's Pippin, Cellini, Allington, Pippin, King of the Pippins, Lane's Prince Albert, Lord Grosvenor, Keswick Codlin, James Grieve, Grenadier, Lady Sudeley, and Worcester Pearmain are the most satisfactory. Plums are a light crop ; the best varieties are Jefferson, Mon- arch, Victoria, and Pond's Seedling. Cherries are an average crop, but, owing to wet, the dessert varieties split badly. Morello Cherries promise well. Strawberries were over the aver- age, but inferior in quality. Royal Sovereign was the best variety. The soil here is a medium to light loam, with a gravel sub-soil. George Kent, Norbury Park Gardens, Dorking. The hardy fruit crops are much below the average. Apple and Pear trees produced little bloom, and, in addition, birds were particu- good quality ; Raspberries an average crop of fair quality. Some kinds of Plum trees had very little blossom, whilst others flowered freely, but more than half the fruit turned yellow whin quite small, and dropped off. Apples also varied greatly in blossoming. The blossom set fairly well on a few varieties, but failed to set on others, or, though it set, the fruit dropped largely. On the whole, we have about half an average crop of Apples; Pears are almost a total failure, in spite of prufuse blossoming; Cherries are a quarter of a crop ; Nuts also are much below the average. William E. Bear, Magham Down, Hailsham. The crops of Apples and Pears in orchards are very light, which I attribute to excessive wet on our heavy, cold soil, together with low tem- peratures at flowering time. The trees are making splendid growth. Bush and cordon trees in the garden have satisfactory crops, and the fruit pro- mises to be of excellent quality. Many varieties of Apples and Pears have been thinned of their fruits. Cherries are an average crop, but the fruit is not so good as last season. Black Cur- rants and Raspberries are both excellent. Straw- berries have been very good, but the weather was too wet when they were ripening. W. A. Cook, Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham, Sussex. The prospects in early spring were favour- able for a good crop of Apples, but late frusts and a severe hailstorm destroyed many of the fruits. Plums, Pears and Cherries were all damaged by cold weather. The Cherry trees were heavy with blossom, but the fruits nearly all fell as soon as they had set. Black and Red Currants, in one or two gardens in this locality, were much damaged by a heavy hailstorm, but in other gardens they are plentiful and good. Gooseberries, where the buds were protected from birds, are excellent. Strawberries have been plentiful and very good in quality, the varieties Royal Sovereign and Waterloo being of exceptionally good flavour. Plums and Pears are best on wall trees and Apples on bushes. Our soil is a very stiff clay, and, in consequence, is wet and cold in rainy seasons. Win. J. Langridge, Ole Hall Gardens, Burgess Hill. Wiltshire. — Apple trees bloomed well, but the fruits set badly, so that the crop is a very indifferent one. Pear trees carried but little bloom, but what few fruits developed are very good. Plums promise well, although silverleaf disease is becoming prevalent. Cherries are not much grown in this district. Small fruits are later in ripening this year, but they are very good in quality. Strawberries have been plentiful and of fair quality, considering the absence of sunshine. Our soil is mainly of a calcareous nature and shallow. W. Gullick, Nurseryman, Salisbury. (To be. continued.) FlG. 50. — GRAPE CANON HALL MUSCAT, AS GROWN IN (See p. 137.) GUERNSEY FOR THE LONDON MARKET. NOTICES OF BOOKS. satisfactory among small fruits. Some Plum trees on walls are bearing well, others are lightly cropped. The bad fruit year may be attributed to three causes, (1) Unmature wood, (2) cold and frosty weather when the trees were in bloom, and (3) a sudden rise of temperature after the fruits had set. Our soil is light and gravelly. H. Marl-ham, W roth-am Park Gardens, Barnet. - Tears generally are a very light crop, but the variety Hessle is quite up to the average. Plums vary considerably ; some trees of Victoria have very good crops, but, on the whole, Plums are under the average. The most evenly cropped variety is Monarch. Belle du Louvain is also very fair. IF. Poupart, Marsh Farm, Twicken- ham. There was plenty of blossom on all Apple and Pear trees, but east winds, accompanied by- sharp frosts at night-time, destroyed the flowers. Pears on walls, such as Pitmaston Duchess and Marguerite Marrillat, are satisfactory. The fol- lowing varieties of Apples are carrying good crops :— - Lane's Prince Albert, Allington Pippin, and Worcester Pearmain. Strawberries have been a heavy crop, but many of the best fruits were spoiled by the wet and sunless weather. The best varieties were Royal Sove- reign, Reward, Givon'sLate Prolific, and Epicure, a fine new variety resembling Reward. Pi aches on walls are a failure; the trees were badly infested with aphis, although repeatedly syringed larly destructive to the flower-buds, biting them off and making the branches appear as though trimmed with a knife or scissors. IF. H. Honess, Hopedene Gardens, Jlolmbury St. Mary, Dork- ing. We have average crops of good fruit. Bush fruits, where not protected by wire netting were attacked by bullfinches. Strawberries have been abundant. The Bedford, Bedford Cham- pion, Reward, Givon's Late Prolific, and Laxton's Latest are all desirable varieties. Leader I consider the most suitable for our soil, and the berries ripen as early as Royal Sovereign. The soil is a heavy, weald clay ; very wet, and difficult to work in spring and early summer. James Watt, Mynthurst Gardens, R el gate. ■ The Pear, Apple, Peach, Nectarine, and Apricot crops were affected by spring frosts, which caused many of the fruits to drop. Rasp- berries are a very heavy crop, and Strawberries have been plentiful, although heavy storms and lack of sunshine caused many of the berries to rot. Gooseberries are under the average. Red Currants are good, but Black Currants are very scarce. Our soil is of a light, sandy nature. Jas. Lock, Oatlands Lodge Gardens, Weybridge. Sussex. — Gooseberries, in spite of many fruits dropping in consequence of frost, are an average crop uf fair quality ; Red Currants are a full crop of fair quality ; Black Currants are half a crop of Summer Flowers of the High Alps." A NICELY-GOT-UP book this, but probably not intended to be taken as a companion to the Alps. The author has some pleasantly-written remarks on the subject of Alpine plants in general, contrasting them with the flora of the Lowlands, but refrains from the exaggerated de- preciation of the latter that may be met with too often in works of this sort. We wish we could praise the coloured illustrations. Some are good, e.g., that of Viola biflora and Dryas octo- petala. But the tints of the majority show up the defects of the process work more effectively than they pourtray the beauty of the originals. There are disagreeable tinges of blue where the flower only shows pink or carmine. It may be urged that the blue is there all the same in, for example, the Moss Campion (silene acaulis). Doubtless it is, but we are ordinarily incapable of seeing it, and could well let it pass. The letterpress accompanying the plates is rather slight, but we recognise the difficulty of hitting the happy mean between superficiality and ab- struseness. The chief fault that we find with the author is on the ground of the subjects he * By Somerville Hastings. Illustrated by reproductions from direct colour photography by the author. (London : Dent & Co.) August 20, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 137 has chosen. Whilst some are admirable, others might well have been replaced by more interest- ing forms. The common Monkshood forms a picture neither artistic nor particularly success- ful from a technical standpoint. A good picture of Andrcsace glacialis or some other more charac- teristically Alpine plant might have replaced it with advantage. TREES AND SHRUBS. Profitable Fruit Growing.* The author, Mr John Wright, V.M.H., at one i, in- editor of the Journal of Horticulture, has done good service to gardening by the publica tion of numerous works, such as The Fruit Grower's Guide, Flower Grower's Guide, Vege- table Grower's Guide, Primer of Greenhorn and Window Plants, Mushrooms for the Million, and others. Mr. Wright does not overload his books with technical terms, and is therefore readily under- stood by the general reader. Profitable Fruit Growing is the ninth edition of an essay which was written for the Fruiterers' Company in 1889. when it gained a gold medal and £25. offered b) the company for an essay not exceeding 20.0C0 noids. It Has been revised and enlarged, and we recommend it to the notice of cultivators of small holdings and allotments who may be desirous of adding to their knowledge of fruit culture and acquiring an idea of the principles underlying the art. It contains useful information on pinching the lateral shoots on Apples, Pears, Plums, &c, winter pruning, how and when trees should be planted, the varieties to be chosen, and the conditions which cultivators may hope to see remedied, such as obstructive land laws, ecclesi- astical charges, high railway freight rates. market tolls, salesmen's exactions and shop- keepers' extortions, which at the present time are hindrances and impediments to the extension of the cultivation of hardy fruits in Great Britain. If these are swept away, fruits can be grown here as cheaply, and as good in quality, as anywhere else. Even under present conditions we are im- proving our fruit culture, and extending the areas under fruit. Cottagers, and small holders in general, should cultivate fruit as an adjunct to, but not as substitutes for, other crops, and they should destroy the worn-out and cankered trees and plant new orchards on the best land they possess. The book is furnished with many useful dia- grams and illustrations of methods of planting small areas, of good and improper pruning cf trees, of the planting and subsequent treatment of Strawberries and Raspberries, and the gather- ing, storing, and packing of fruit for the market. The lists of Apples and Pears are good, but they contain only the names of the finest varieties ; there are others which are suited for cold, ex- posed situations, or as shade trees in pastures. OLEARIA VIRGATA AND 0. RAMULOSA. Mr. Gumbleton has just sent me a flower-spray of Olearia virgata, which he says is flowering with him in Co. Cork for the first and, he thinks, the last time. At first he was doubtful if it was an Olearia, but the name was confirmed at Kew. The flowers, which are very small, being only i inch in diameter, are by no means showy, the centre being greenish-white, studded with yellow anthers, and surrounded by tiny. white ray-florets. The leaves are nearly an inch in length and about -J inch wide at the broadest part. It does not appear to be a very decora- tive shrub, and can certainly not compare for effect with such species as 0 Haastii, 0. stellu- THE ROSARY. ROSES ON THEIR OWN ROOTS. The excellent illustration of Caroline Testout which appeared on p. 97 has suggested the fol- lowing notes. The question of growing Roses upon their own roots or otherwise is often a matter of variety or soil. Many varieties have not the same vigour as Caroline Testout, con- sequently they are budded on foster stocks. At the same time, there is some considerable advan- tage in having those Roses on their own roots which are known to succeed. More especially is this the case with inexperienced amateurs, for they are not then called upon to distinguish between the Rose and stock when strong shoots appear from the base. Then, again, GRAPE CANON HALL MUSCAT. This variety is the handsomest of all Grapes, and it has the highest value in the market. Most gardeners, however, know how difficult it is to obtain a perfect set of berries, as the variety is a shy " setter," and from this cause the bunches are often of straggling and ungainly appearance. Those illustrated in figs. 50 and 51 were grown at the St. Stephen's Vineries, Guernsey, the weight of the single bunch being 6 lbs. The photographs were forwarded by Mr. Frank H. Sarchet, with the following note : — " Enclosed are photographs of Canon Hall Muscat Grapes. I am sending them (1) because they are a good sample of that fine variety ; (2) to disprove a belief common in England that we in Guernsey grow only a very poor quality Grape, such as is seen in quantities in the markets in September. The colour of the berries was deep golden-yellow, the bunches realising very satisfactory prices when sold in Covent Garden Market." " * Profitable Fruit Growing, by ]. Wright, V.M.H. (London : W. H. and L. Collingridge.) Is. Fig. 51. — canon hall muscat grape. lata, 0. nitida. 0. macrodonta and 0. insignis. A plant was given to me la6t spring under the name of O. ramulosa, and now, though it is under 2 feet in height, has come into bloom. In ap- pearance it is far superior to 0. virgata, and bids fair to be a handsome shrub when it ha6 at tained good proportions. The narrow-petalled, white flowers are starry in shape, and are slightly over i inch in diameter, and, if they are borne in quantity on large specimens, should produce a pretty effect. The leaves are very minute, being only about £ inch in length, and about half that width. They are of dark, polished green, and are thick and of great substance, while on the underside they are covered with a white felt-like substance. It is referred to in Nicholson's Dictionary of Gardening, but is, apparently, a rather rare plant in gardens. Wyndham Fitz- heroert. two seasons are saved in the increasing of stock, always provided the variety is one suitable for this form of culture. It take6 one year to get a cutting stock of Manetti or Briar, and this has to be planted out and budded before it can become a maiden Rose plant in the follow- ing year. Thus, three years are needed before a plant is obtained. On the contrary, a cutting is a Rose plant as soon as it is rooted, and certain varieties will make fairly good bushes in the fol- lowing year, corresponding to the time the Rose bud is being inserted in the stock. But a bud inserted in an established stock has the benefit of the roots possessed by that stock, and 60 fre- quently overtakes the cutting. Cuttings are preferable in the case of Dorothy Perkins and most of the Hybrid Wichuraiana Roses. These naturally produce a great number of valuable suckers, and it is better these should 138 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 20, 1910. be all Rose suckers. They also root much freer than any Rose stock, not even excepting the Manetti. As a rule, it is the stronger growers which are suitable for own-root culture. Conrad F. Meyer and Frau Karl Druschki will root very freely indeed, and I prefer growing them in that manner. The China Roses are al- most always increased in this manner ; indeed, it would be difficult to procure buds of sufficient size to work upon stocks. Nor would there be any advantage in this, seeing that Roses of this class do better on their own roots. There are some Roses, however, that will not root from cuttings, notably the Scotch Briars. The old Cabbage, Moss, and Provence Roses are also difficult to increase in this way ; but these types can readily be propagated by divi- sion of the suckers with a few roots attached, and this plan is adopted generally. Now a word about the cutting itself. Pro- vided you have fairly-ripened wood, any part of September is an excellent time to insert the cut- tings. This allows of them, in many cases, making a few roots before winter. Wichuraianas are seldom ripe enough until October. The plied to settle the soil well around them. A very sandy soil is best for this indoor propaga- tion, and a compost consisting of half loam and half coarse sand has answered best in my own ex- perience. Grower. SCOTLAND. THE LILY SEASON. Owing to the exceedingly favourable atmo- spheric conditions, especially since the advent of the recent rains, the Lily season in south- western Scotland has been highly successful up to the present period. The first Lily to flower in my own garden this year was L. davuricum, a native of Siberia. The finest and most effective variety is the dark-hued incomparabilis, which is much more reliable and enduring than most of its contemporaries. It was followed by L. monadelphum var. Szovitzianum, a magnificent Lily, from Mount Caucasus and Northern Persia. It often approaches to the stature of L. giganteum, generally reach- ing a height of between 8 feet and 9 feet. [Plwtograph by A. /. Huitlcss. Fig. 52. — PORTION OF the rose garden at king's walden bury. propagator should take his cuttings of a length of about 9 inches, being certain to cut with a knife just below the bottom eye or bud. When making the cutting, the bottom leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be in- serted firmly in sandy loam. On no account add manure when rooting cuttings : the feeding must come later on, when the plants have been placed in their permanent quarters. It is advisable to put them rather closely in beds at first, as some of the cuttings may fail to strike. They should be planted suf- ficiently deep that 2 inches or eo will be left above ground. In making cuttings of Rose stocks, we re- move the lower eyes to lessen the risk of suckers ; but, in the case of rambling Roses, this is not done, because the sucker is one of the most valuable portions of the plant. Make each cutting very firm in the ground. < Many Teas and Noisettes are struck, under gla?s, from greener wood obtained from laterals, ■with a small " heel," or portion of the older wood, attached. Any length from 3 to 6 inches is suitable. A good plan is to keep the cuttings quite close for a time, and partially shaded in the house, after one good soaking has been ap- This is a Lily which ought to be cultivated more extensively, if only for its noble appearance and the beauty of its pendulous, lemon-coloured flowers. This grand Lily usually takes at least two years to become established, and often suc- ceeds best in a soil composed almost entirely of clay. It has grown here in the same half-shady situation for 15 years, and has given me le6s trouble than any other variety. Almost as much might be said with perfect expressiveness of L. pardalinum, the uniquely coloured Panther Lily of California, and especially of the variety entitled L. Burbankii, which I have found the most hardy and prolific of all. L. Henryi, which does not, in my estimation too greatly resemble the speciosum family, and assuredly has not their exquisite fragrance, has similar attributes of vigorous growth, floral luxuriance, and what may be termed enduring capability. That, at least, is the result of my experience, though I have been informed that it docs not succeed so well in many other localities where it is cultivated with at least equal care. L. Chalcedonicum. the bril- liantly-coloured " scarlet Martagon," also grows and flowers admirably in southern Scotland in ordinary garden loam. L. auratum, on the contrary, as a general rule, exhibits its capa- bilities most impressively in a peaty or fibrous soil, such as is suitable for the cultivation of Rhododendrons and Azaleas. Its largest and most strikingly effective varieties are rubro vittatum, platyphyllum, and the almost pure white virginale. The variety virginale is ex- ceedingly beautiful, but in many situations it is not enduring. David B. Williamson. CULTURAL MEMORANDA. GREEN LAWNS. Whatever may be our colour tastes, even if they incline specially to buff and brown, no one finds pleasure in looking on a brown lawn. Thanks to the wet season, grass has grown luxu- riantly, and if the weather has damaged flowering plants, both trees and lawns have benefited, the former being especially clean in foliage and sturdy in growth. Though excessive moisture creates luxuriant growth, yet at the same time it gives rise to soil exhaustion, and when the time of stress shall come, as come inevitably it will — for we shall presently have hot, dry summers — then the exhaustion of the soil will be seen and felt all the more forcibly. Just now, whilst rains fall so abundantly, it would be unwise to add to lawns or greens any manurial elements, but these may well be added early in the ensuing spring, as no one can tell what' the coming summer may be. If it is hot and parch - ing, then great good will result to the grass if it has had the benefit of rich feeding, and' the sward will retain its vigour and greenness all the longer under adverse conditions. On the con- trary, impoverished lawns will become so burnt up as to be literally distressing to look upon. Too many who have lawns or greens under their charge forget that constant mowing means con- stant depletion of fertility, nothing being re- turned to compensate for the loss of the mown grass. Artificial manures do much good, but dressings which add something insoluble with them, such as fine soil, grit, sand, or a dressing of some substance such as native guano, are more helpful, because furnishing new material into which the grass can root. A danger in such case to be avoided is the adding of any soil-material that contains seeds of weeds. Because of this, ditch cleanings cr roadside trimmings are to be svoided. Probably, the best material is found ;.i sifted old pot soil, with basic slag added, though native guano used liberally may be used instead. .-1. D. HARDY FLOWER BORDER. ARGEMONE GRANDIFLORA. This fine plant is a beautiful sight when in full flower. Its white blossoms, with their central cluster of golden anthers, are 4 inches across, and of dazzling purity. They bear a close re- semblance to those of Romneya Coulteri, which are fully three weeks later in expanding. Those who are unable to grow the Romneya satisfac- torily, will find a good substitute in Argemone grandiflora. It is a very old garden plant, hav- ing been known to Dioscorides more than 18 hun- dred years ago. It commences to bloom about the middle of June, and, if the seed pods are cut off as soon as they form, it continues to flower until the late autumn. A few years ago Mr. Archer-Hind had a splendid specimen in his gar- den that was 5 feet in height, had a circum- ference of 15 feet, and bore at least 50 expanded flowers. The blossoms last little longer than a day, but are produced in such profusion that their fading is unnoticed. The grey leaves are prickly, and are from 6 to 9 inches in length. Seeds are borne freely in pods liberally armed with prickles, and the seeds germinate readily. The Argemone is generally considered to be an annual, and is classed as one in Nicholson's Dictionary of Gardening; but with me it in- variably throws up strongly from the base in the spring, and has done so for the past four years. The grey-green, spiny leaves associate charmingly with the pure white flowers, and the plant makes a pretty picture for many weeks Argemone grandiflora was introduced into this country from Mexico in 1827; but, not- withstanding the many years that have elapsed since it was first brought into. England, it is bv no means common in gardens. Wi/ndham Fitzhnhert. Accust 20, 1910.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 139 ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. SPATHOGLOTTIS SOUTHERIAXA. This pretty Australian species, described by F. M. Bailey in Proc. Roy. Soc. Queens- land XI., 1895, is in flower in Sir Trevor Law- rence's collection at Burford (gr. Mr. W. H. White). The flowers are borne on upright spikes, each being over an inch across and the pedicels and ovaries 2 inches long. The sepals and petals are light rose colour, the labellum, which has the side lobes as large as the middle lobe, a darker shade of rose, the base of the lip and the narrow isthmus being yellowish. The column is purplish rose. It has a general resemblance to S. plicata, but the flowers are smaller. The culture of Spathoglottis is similar to that of Bletia, and includes a cool, dry resting- season after growth and flowering are completed. WARREA TRICOLOR. This species, which is now rarely seen in gar- dens, is in" flower with Sir Trevor Lawrencej Bart. the margins being white. The lip, which is smaller than the other segments, is whitish, spotted and tinged with purple. S. Lyonii is a native of St. Annes, Jamaica, being found on the trunks of the trees on the hillside. It grows well if associated with the Mex.can Lcelias. NOTES ON IRISES. IRIS LAEVIGATA IN GUERNSEY. There is a general opinion that Iris laevigata, or Ksempferi, is only suitable for culture as a sub -aquatic, and, in England, it is generally grown by the sides of streams and ponds, or in marshy ground. In Guernsey, it is grown in moist spots, but both Mr. Frank Lilley, of St. Pierre du Bois, and Mr. Chas. Blampied, of S. Martin, have this plant growing in quite dry situations. Mr. Lilley's plants are in a stiff loam, with a southern slope, but sheltered from the winter gales. Mr. Blampied has them on a somewhat sandy loam, open to the full south- west sun. Mr. Lilley keeps his plants thoroughly clean, and the soil is allowed to become rather Fig. 53. [Phongrapn oy A.J. Harness. -ROSE ARCH IN KING'S WALDEN BURY GARDENS. It is Phaius-like in growth, and produces its flowers on stout, upright spikes after the manner of Phaius grandifolius. The sepals and petals are similar in width, broadly ovate, the lower sepals being folded at the base into a rudimentary spur, and all the segments are curved forward. The sepals and petals are white with a yellow tinge, all flushed with purple at the backs, the petals bearing obscure purple lines. The lip is of claret colour, with a -yellowish base and some golden yellow lines around the fleshy-ridged crest. The column is white. The species is a native of North Columbia, and requires to be grown in a shady intermediate house. SCHOMBURGKIA LYONSH. This is one of the prettiest of the genus, and it has always been a rather rare species. It is of strong growth, resembling Lselia superbiens in habit, and bearing stout spikes about 3 feet in length, which are furnished on the terminal part with flowers over .2 inches across and borne on pedicels 3 inches in length. The sepals and petals are pure- white, bearing on the inner portions, irregularly dotted lines of claret-purple, hard. Mr. Blampied, on the contrary, allows the grass to grow around them to give a little shade to the roots. There seems but little dif- ference in the results ; one lot is as floriferous as the other ; but I think those at S. Pierre du Bois bore the larger blooms. Mr. Lilley has been very successful in the raising of new varieties. The white varie- ties seem to come from Li Hung Chang, the giant duplex form, with almost pure-white blooms over 6 inches across, and with very broad, rounded petals. Some bear just a pale yellow or a lemon pencilling in the centre of the petals, others a yellow hair line, othere a faint blush of blue ; but all the whites show up well amongst the others, and seem very sturdy. One of the prettiest, is a small flower, with dead-white ground, lined with purple, and blue, and gold in radiating veins, and with a soft, plum-coloured centre — an altogether striking flower. General Iho is a new blue, marbled violet and purple, with white veins, a strong, tall spike, and very floriferous. La Grandesse is a big flower, white and lemon, with very drooping, broad falls. The largest of all the Japanese Irises is Baron Komura. When it was in bloom recently, tho second flowers measured 9 inches across. The colour is a bright, porcelain blue, with yellow flakes and white central veins — one of the brightest of these blues. Near by, was a bed of Mr. Lilley's Rose Queen, a good pinkish-rose colour, with a paler centre, toning off to white, and apparently very floriferous — a delicate-looking flower. Of the single-flowered Japanese varieties, Taikon and Kuroki were noticeable ; they bore longer stems and very wide, round petals. Kuroki is of varied colours, of quite bizarre appearance, blotched and splashed with white, pink, purple, blue, and violet. Taikon has magenta-violet flowers, lined and blotched with purple. Viscount Hayashi is a good, new seedling, with very large, double flowers, of a rich, warm shade of violet and lined with paler colour. W. S. B. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Aster diplostephioides. — The plant figured under this name in the Gardeners' Chronicle, July 23, p. 56, is certainly not the true species. It is evidently a form of A. subca;ruleus, which has been doing duty in gardens for A. diplo- stephioides for many years. The true plant, figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 6718, was raised from seed collected by Mr. Elwes in Sik- kim, and plants were grown at Kew till the year 1895, when the species was probably lost to cultivation, as no further plants could be pro- cured anywhere. It grew about 2 feet to 3 feet high, with softly-hairy leaves in a tuft at the base, but very few on the stem. The flowers are large, 3 inches in diameter, with violet-purple rays, whilst the disc is dark-purple or almost black, instead of yellow, as in A. subcaeruleus. The plant figured on p. 56 has a more stiff and erect habit, while A. diplostephioides requires support for the flower-stems. Seeds of the true species were again received from Sikkim about two years ago, and plants flowered in the rock- garden during July of this year. IF. /. Fruit and Foreign Importations. — There is a note or two in Southern Grower's remarks (p. 93), which do not commend themselves to consumers of fruit who represent the greater por- tion of the community. Because both Black Currant and early Plums have come to us from France, in moderate quantities, Southern Glower is inclined to grumble at the importa- tions. Yet, but for these, myriads of purchasers could not have obtained either Black Currants or Plums. What would have been Southern Grower's case had there been at home, as some- times happens, heavy crops of these fruits? Then we should have heard a wail as to the miserable prices obtained. So long as a grower has fruit to sell, and he can, through general scarcity, obtain high prices, all is well. But it may well be contended that, after all, the public is entitled to some consideration, and their in- terests are served by keeping the market well supplied. A. D. Roses at Kings Walden Bury (see figs. 52 and 53). — One of the well-known features of these gardens is the annual display of Roses. The arches and pergolas have been laden with flowers this season, and they have been much admired. The variety illustrated in fig. 53 is Blush Ramb- bler. Several methods are adopted to show the Roses to the best advantage. In one of the rosaries two large beds are raised in the 6hape of a basket ; Oak battens form the sides, and the brim is made of the same material, whilst an arch over the centre represents the handle. Tall Larch supports here and there carry vigorous climbing Roses, which ramble at will. Perhaps tho most pleasing are those which represent shower bouquets and umbrellas. In fig. 52 some of these are illustrated. The variety William Allen Richardson succeeds well on the south side of the mansion. A. J. H., Sltinfield. 140 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 20, 1910. Sweet William Pink. — I have received flowers of Mr. Murison's Mule Pink, which is dis- tinct from anything I have seen, and evidently is allied to the Indian Pink rather than to the Carnation. From what follows, Mr. Murison will see that the connection of the Mule Pink with the Sweet John is not so satisfactorily determined as he assumes. First of all, it is essential to dis- cover to what plant the name Sweet John was applied. Gerarde separates the Sweet William from the Sweet John, which the engravings in his Herbal show to be Dianthus carthusianoruni Johnson agrees with Gerarde, and though the engravings in Parkinson's Paradisus are very crude, they, too, indicate a different species from D. barbatus. As a garden plant, the Sweet John teems to have been superseded by the Sweet William, and its name to have been usurped by a section of the latter, so that, in the 18th century. Miller and others esteemed the two to have a common origin. Then, as to Fairchild's Mule, and some other Mules, we have apparently clear evidences of their parentage. Bradley, in New Improvements in Planting and Gardening (1717), p. 24, records " in the garden of the in- genious Mr. Thomas Fairchild, of Hoxton, a plant, neither Sweet William nor Carnation, but resembling both equally, which was raised from the seed of a Carnation that had been impreg- nated with the farina of the Sweet William." In Part II. of the same work Bradley advises Sv/eet Williams, Indian Pinks, and Carnations to be planted together, in order to obtain crosses. The Compleat Seedsman's Monthly Calender, com- piled in 1733, contains the following reference to the Mule Pink: " We have several varieties . . . . that have leaves like Sweet Williams and flowers of Pinks and Carnations, and were raised from Carnation seeds. Some of these plants are called double Sweet Williams, but as long as they come from Carnation seeds they have as much to do with the Carnation as the Sweet William, so may be called which of the two one will.'' Gordon, an Edinburgh nursery- man, records a Mule in 1774 which was a cross between a Sweet William and an Indian Pink, and called a " Sweet William Indian Pink." The Indian Pink was sent to Paris about the year 1705, and in a list of plants published in the Philosophical Transactions, 1713, Fairchild, at that time, is shown to have possessed it. Miller, in the Plates of Flowers, published in connec- tion with his dictionary, mentions 1719 as the date of the first appearance of a double Indian Pink, though he himself did not see one till 1722. It is, to sav the least, suspicious that two plants so long cultivated together as the Sweet William and Carnation should have never been known to cross till a year or two after the Indian Pink was admitted to their company, and still more suspicious that, when Miller wanted to classify the Mule, he had to admit it as a " Sweet John " (which it was not), the old en- gravings of which show it to have only a few flowers in a head, as we know to be characteristic of the crosses with the Indian Pink. So that one cannot help being dubious regarding the parentage of Fairchild's Mule, notwithstanding the remarks of his contemporaries. It. P. Brotherston. Pollination and Fruit-Production in Melons. — The references to pollination on p, 102 opens up a very wide field to horticulturists in general. During the present summer I have grown over 300 Melon fruits; the first crop in a span house consisted of 24 plants, which pro- duced 97 fine fruits, and all were artificially pol- linated with flowers from another plant of the same variety. Simultaneously with this plant- ing, nine lights in a slightly-heated frame, 6 feet by 4 feet, were planted with the same varieties as those in the house, and apart from the usual pinching to induce a given number of stems to each plant, they received no other attention. Fruits were produced very freely upon the lateral growths, and were not assisted in any artificial way, other than what insect agency may have afforded. A crop of 103 good, saleable Melons was thus grown in fibreless soil from which a crop of Potatos had just been lifted. I also have grown this season in frames of the French type, set down in a field without any bottom warmth, good saleable Melons, and, in no case has the process of fertilisation received any assistance. All that would appear to be neces- sary is the limiting of each plant to a given number of growths, and the removal of the points of these when they have reached a certain length. Laterals furnish the fruits, and these are thinned to the required number for each plant and distributed evenly. Do all varieties set with the same freedom under the same con- ditions? I can say no emphatically, but what I cannot yet say is whether they would do so, provided the seeds sown were of the same age in all the varieties tested. It is a fact well known to gardeners that old seeds produce some- what less vigorous plants, which are also more fruitful than those grown from seed of the pre- vious year, and my own results have been the best from seeds kept for three years in a tin box. The effect of fertilisation 'is of immense importance to the seed grower, for, those fruits which are left to swell after their own natural manner produce only seeds that the grower would term flats, such as may be blown away with a puff of wind. I thought perhaps fertilisa- tion might affect the weight of the fruits grown, and have taken the circumference and depth of fertilised and natural productions, but the weight in nearly every instance of the same varieties was practically identical. I have one three-light frame planted with the same variety, with the exception of one plant ; the exception is fruit- ing, but not one of the other plants shows any signs of their fruits swelling, although when hand fertilised there is no difficulty in procuring a crop from this variety, as I have proved this year from another bed. I have seed of a very good Melon, which I shall be glad to send to anyone for experimental purposes, that will pro- duce fruits even if all male flowers are removed before they open, thus preventing any chance of pollination. To demonstrate to the Editors the freedom with which Melons will grow un- aided, I enclose a branch of second crop fruits that have set and grown away, while two later fruits of the first crop were maturing. The varieties that prove so free with me under the conditions named are Superlative (a scarlet flesh). Perfection (a green flesh), Hero of Lockiuge (a white flesh), and Frogmore Scarlet and Parisian of the Cantaloupe varieties. Charles Foster, " The Times " Experimental Station, Sutton Green. The Week's Work. tance of 15 inches or more between the plants, so that the hoe may be used freely amongst them. Radishes. — Make weekly sowings of Radishes on a partly-spent hot-bed. There they will grow quickly, which is essential if the roots are to be tender. Another essential is abundance of moisture, as Radishes in dry soil are small, hot in flavour, and generally unfit for use. Mustard and Cress. — Make frequent sowings of Mustard and Cress in situations protected from strong sunshine and drying winds. Chicory. — The latest batch is now ready for thinning, and this should be carried out before the plants become drawn. Thin the plants to 9 inches apart. Late Peas. — Although the summer has been dull, there has not been an extra quantity of ram, and, in many localities, late Peas will be benefited by a good soaking of weak liquid manure. Choose a dull day for applying the liquid, and, if manure is given, see that it is not too. strong. Parsley. — Plants raised in June for a winter supply should have the foliage cut closely to the ground, in order to induce the plants to produce as many short-stemmed leaves as possible. When the tops have been cut off, give a good dusting of soot, and move the soil about the plants with the Dutch hoe. The new growths will stand the winter much better than the foliage which de- veloped in July. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Kitchen Garden Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Carrots.— li a supply of Carrots is required during the winter, a sowing should be made in the pit in which the Spring Carrots were grown. All that is necessary is to turn the old bed to a depth of 3 feet, affording a fresh layer about 8 inches deep on the surface. The soil should be built up quite close to the glass, and it should be made firm by treading. When the young plants are large enough to handle, they should be thinned to 4 inches apart each way, afterwards giving a good watering to settle the soil again. Carrots from seeds sown a month ago will be ready for thinning; after this is completed, apply a dressing of soot, and use the Dutch hoe between the drills. For several seasons past our best Carrots have been obtained from late sowings. Winter Lettuce. — Seeds must now be sown for raising Winter Lettuces, selecting the varieties All the Year Round, Maximum, and Hardy White Cos. Sow the seeds on a south border, so that the plants may be ready early in Novem- ber. If a little protection from frost is afforded them, they will remain available for use a long time. Provided the cultivator has a few unhealed frames at his disposal, the seedlings may be transplanted directly into them as soon as they can be shifted, allowing the lights to remain off until frost or heavy rains occur. Excessive dampness is frequently the cause of failure amongst winter Lettuces. Allow the plants plenty of room, and keep the soil well stirred with "a hoe. At Frogmore, we made frequent sowings of Lettuces in August. Endive. — Endive is only second to Lettuce as a salad plant. For late autumn supplies, it should be planted on a south border sloping well towards the sun. Protection must be afforded the plants from frost and heavy rains. Plants of the Batavian variety from the previous sowing will now be large enough to put out. Allow a dis- PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By John Donoghue, Gardener to Joseph Pickersgill, Esq., Bardon Hill, Weetwood, Yorkshire. Disbudding Chrysanthemums. — The " tak- ing " of the bud in Chrysanthemums can only be properly carried out after much careful observa- tion and practical experience. In most cases it is necessary to regulate the growth of the plants by stopping the shoots in order that the desired bud may be ready during the last fortnight in August, as buds that are taken at that time usually produce flowers of good quality. In the case of Chrysanthemums for exhibition, the tak- ing of the bud must be regulated by the date on which it is intended to show the blooms. The aim of the cultivator should be to have his plants with well ripened wood and the buds in a proper condition of development before they are brought into the houses. To do this judicious feeding must be practised, avoiding the use of extra strong fertilisers. There are special fertilisers obtainable for the use of Chrysanthemum growers, and, if these are used with discretion, blooms of finer quality and better colour will be obtained. The watering of the plants will need to be done with great care ; never apply moisture unless a plant is thoroughly dry, and then let the watering be copious. Three o'clock in the afternoon will be late enough for the last water- ing, so that there is sufficient time for the sur- roundings to become dry before evening. Insect pests such as black and green aphis must be com- bated ; the grower should employ insecticides which he has proved to be effectual in former seasons. Stakes that have been placed to the plants should be shortened below the buds as soon as the latter are about the size of Peas. Plumbago rosea.- — These plants should be placed in 6-inch pots to flower. When the pots have become well filled with roots topdress the roots with some fertiliser and give occasional applications of soot water. Plants of the earliest batch may be allowed to flower ; they are very 6howy when in bloom, and will be apprecia- ted from October onwards. Keep the tempera- ture of the house at about 60°, with a night temperature of about 5° lower. The Plumbago does not require much shade during the autumn, and a certain exposure to the sun will assist in ripening the flowering shoots. As a rule the stems are sufficiently stout to support the flowers without a stake. Zonal Pelargonium. — It is advisable to house the plants early in view of the wet and dull autumns of the last few years. Excess of mois- ture at the roots through rain causes a luxuriant growth, but it does not become sufficiently ripened to flower satisfactorily, and, being sappy, usually collapses during the winter. When the plants are brought indoors, place them near to the glass and allow plenty of fresh air to circulate about them, as this will assist in the production of short-jointed, well-matured growth. August 20, 1910.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 141 ' THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawkencf, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Phalcenopsia. — The large-flowered sorts, such as ['. Schilleriana, P. amabilis, P. Aphrodite, F. Btuartiana, P. Sanderiana, P. Rimestadiaiia, and |>. leucorhoda have made considerable progress with their new leaves, although in some phut s. owing to the long deficiency of the natural Bun-heat, plants generally are somewhat back- ward with their growth'. A high, sun-heated temperature is always beneficial to them, but the artificial heat, which has been necessary for many months past, is harmful. In ordinary summer weather the ventilators should be opened for an hour or so during the middle of the day, especi- ally the top ones. But if the warmth inside de- creases or any draught is felt, then let the lower ventilators be closed, whilst leaving the top ones open. It is advisable to shut the house early in the afternoon, and the floors and stages should be damped, pouring plenty of water immediately under the hot- water pipes. ' In cases where the glass is coated on the outside with a thin stippling, the blinds may be pulled up early, so that the house will get as much sun-heat as possible. On warm, mild nights the bottom ventilators may be opened slightly at dusk. Keep sufficient warmth in the water pipes to maintain a temperature at night of 70° and 75°. No damping down should be done in the morning until the temperature is rather higher than 70°. with but little or no sun shining on the roof. The chief causes of failure with Phalsenopsis may be traced to a cool, damp atmosphere and saturated materials at the roots. All the species thrive best when suspended near the roof glass on the north or shady side of the house, where there is plenty of subdued light, but where they are not exposed to direct sun- shine. It is best to suspend the plants, for this favours the formation of stout leaves, and it places the plants out of the way of insect pests. Whilst growth is being made and roots are ac- tive, the Sphagnum-moss should be kept fairly moist, but never saturate it with water; it takes (oi. long to dry. To keep the moss fresh and growing, lightly damp it with a fine sprayer whenever it appears to be getting dry, at the same time spraying the woodwork of the baskets, to which many of the Orchid roots cling. Do not allow water to remain in the centre of the plants or in the axils of the leaves. Should the Sphag- num-moss about the plants show signs of decay, have it carefully picked out and replaced with fresh moss. Several of the green-leaved 6pecies, such as P. Marie, P. Luddemanniana, P. tet- raspis, P. sumatrana, P. violacea, P. speciosa, and V. cornu-cervi, require more growing space and may be placed in new baskets. Keep them shaded from the sun at all times, for the leaves soon lose their freshness and become shrivelled and unhealthy-looking if exposed even to very strong light. ' The treatment afforded Phala?iiopsis is suitable for several rare Bulbo- phyllums, such as B. virescens, B. Ericssonii, and B. Binnendijkii. These plants grow satisfactorily on teak-wood rafts bedded in fresh Sphagnum- moss. Place the plants horizontally on pots or. if convenient, they may be suspended from the roof. Sufficient water should be afforded to keep the moss at all times in a growing condition. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Hertfordshire. The shrubberies. — The present season is the best in which to transplant Hollies. Each plant should be removed with a good ball of earth adhering to the roots, and a thorough applica- tion of water should be made as soon as the tree is replanted. - Syringings with clear water during dry weather will assist the plants to get a fresh hold of the soil. Yews and other ever- greens which have not made much growth since last season may be transplanted again, if desir- able, at this time of the year. Attend to the tieing of shrubs, especially to the leaders of those intended to form specimens. In the near future it will be necessary to make notes of any improvements it is intended to carry out during next planting season, and of any removals that may be necessary from shrubberies that have be- come too crowded, either for good effect or for the welfare of the plants. Those that are to be lifted may be marked by tieing upon them long pieces of raffia or string. The summer bedding. — The present season is not a satisfactory one for summer-flowering plants, for these have made a considerable amount of soft, sappy growth. At the same time note should lie made of any plants which are remark- able from some standpoint or another, and de- finite plans should be arranged for the scheme of planting next year, in order that the propaga- tion of the different subjects may be carried out without confusion during the next month or six weeks. In places where large plants of Zonal Pelargoniums are raised each season in 5 or 6-inch pots, it is quite late enough to take cuttings for these. There are various methods of propagating Zonal Pelargoniums, but I prefer to root them in small pots. They re- quire an abundance of ventilation, but at the some time need to be given a place which is sheltered from heavy rains. Plants of Fuchsia, Heliotrope, Swainsonia, &c, that have been cul- tivated in pots must be carefully attended to in the matter of watering, not allowing them to suffer from drought. In most cases the pots are already full of roots, therefore liquid manure at frequent intervals will be beneficial to them. I'entstemon. — The Pentstemons are now pro- viding a blaze of colour, and they constitute one of the brightest features of the garden. Plants which have been raised from seed in- variably flower a trifle later than those propa- gated from cuttings. Cuttings of named varie- ties or of varieties of special merit may be in- serted at the present time, or, preferably, directly after the best display of flowers is passed. We usually root ours in 5-inch pots in a fine, sandy compost. We place the pots closely together in an unheated frame, and shade is afforded. If it is intended to save seeds, selected flower-spikes should be marked, and when the seed is ripe and perfectly dry it should be gathered and placed in a dry position. Lilium. — Care should be taken to select suffi- cient species to produce as long a display of bloom as possible. Liliums like a rich soil con- taining plenty of vegetable humus, and in cases where the natural soil is poor it is necessary \<> add peat, loam and rotted manure. The lm II. should be planted in the autumn, and, if an\ of the plants already in the garden require to be divided, the redivision and replanting should also be carried out early in the autumn, say, October. If Liliums are allowed to remain in one position for too long a period they deteriorate and become weakly. Mast of the species re- quire shade during their growth, and they suc- ceed best when placed amongst other plants that protect them from the bright sun and provide them with shelter against winds. Lilium bulbs should not be subjected to atmospheric in- fluences for a greater length of time than is necessary, therefore, planting should not be de- layed. Do not plant the bulbs too shallowly, for roots are produced from the stems of the plants just above the top of the bulb, and it is desirable that these roots should have soil to root into. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, G.C.B., Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket. Peaches and Nectarines. — Ripening Peaches, perhaps more than any other fruit, depend on light and air to develop their full flavour. Their appearance, too, is greatly improved if the sun is allowed to act directly on them. Prop them well up above the foliage, but take care not to ruck the leaves so as to form a harbour for red spider and other insect pests. It is quite un- necessary, however, to remove the leaves ; indeed, were this to be done, it would only be at the expense of next year's crop. Take every care when gathering the fruit. Fruit for the table need only be placed in a cool (fruit) room a few hours before sending to table, but if required to be packed for transit an extra day should be allowed. Although both Peaches and Nectarines can be kept quite a fortnight if gathered when firm, they lose much of their flavour, becoming dead and soapy. An experienced man can tell, by the appearance of the fruit, when it is ready to be pulled, and a careful examination every other day will prevent any from falling. Some people use nets for catching falling Peaches, but a good thick layer of soft new hay will be found to answer the purpose better. Peaches which are swelling their crops will need plenty of water, and, if they are fed liberally as they commence to colour, this will be sufficient. Do not let the trees become dry at the roots after the crop has been gathered. A good mulching of de- cayed stable manure will assist in keeping the border moist. Examine the trees careful 1;. remove unnecessary shoots, thus allowing light and air to gain admittance to next year's fruit- ing wood. Syringe the trees occasionally, and, if red spider makes an appearance, add a little Quassia Extract to the water. Pine Apples. — Pines for early summer fruiting should now have their pots well filled with roots. Any suckers which form on the young plants should be taken away immediately. The supply of water at the root may be gradually decreased, but the plants must not be allowed to become dry. The temperature may be allowed to fall a few degrees at night, as a rest at the end of the pre- sent month will greatly assist the plants to throw up their fruit regularly for early summer supply. Late plants now going out of flower will require encouraging by a little extra feeding and copious supplies of water. Take full advantage of sun- heat by closing the pit early in the afternoon. When the fruits commence to colour, treat the plants as advised in previous Calendars. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. R. Searle, Gardener to the Marquis of North- ampton, Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. Morello Cherries. — These are usually ready for bottling at about this date. Gather the fruits when they are perfectly dry, and lay them thinly on shallow trays for a day or two in a well-venti- lated room, which will ensure them being tho- roughly dry before use. For bottling, select the darkest-coloured berries, and cut off the 6talks quite close with a pair of scissors. The fruits which are not sufficiently good for bottling may be utilised for jam; for this purpose also they must bo thoroughly dry. Morello Cherries hang for a long time in a good condition after they are ripe, the fruits being very valuable for cook- ing purposes late in the year. We gathered Cherries as late as the middle of October last season. Vines. — The season has been most unfavour- able for Grapes out-of-doors. Assist the plants to ripen the bunches by thinning out all unneces- sary shoots and stopping those which are re- tained, so as to expose the bunches as much as possible. The leading shoots may be allowed to extend about 4 or 5 feet, and then be stopped. Mildew is very prevalent this season. Immedi- ately any is detected, dust the leaves with flowers of sulphur. Vines growing in hot or dry positions and carrying good crops of fruit should be given frequent applications of liquid manure. It is not generally recognised that dryness at the roots of vines is often the cause of red spider and mildew appearing on the foliage. Pears. — There are so few Pears this year that extra care is needed with this crop. Remove all breast wood from the trees, and apply water to the roots as often as is necessary. Varieties that ripen their fruits early should be protected by nets, otherwise the birds will damage them. Once Pears are pecked by birds, wasps and flie6 soon complete the destruction. The variety Beacon is already ripe in these gardens : other varieties almost ripe are Doyenne d'Ete, Citron de Carmes, Doctor Jules Guyot, Beurre Giffard, and Jargonelle. The fruits of these varieties should not be allowed to remain on the trees until they are fully ripe, otherwise the flavour will deterior- ate : this also applies to early varieties of Apples. Pay careful attention to mid-season and later-fruiting Pears. Trees which are carrying good crops should be given applications of liquid manure, or some quickly-soluble fertiliser, wash- ing the manurial properties well into the soil with water. Pears often 6uffer from lack of moisture at the roots at this season of the year, and the result is seen in small, immature fruit*. Not only is this the case, but the fruit-buds that should furnish next year's crop are also affected. Hoeing. — The Dutch hoe should be kept con- stantly at work, as weeds are unusually plentiful tins year. Hoeing serves also to check evapora- tion from the soil at a time when moisture at the roots is essential. 142 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 20, 1910. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of plants tor naming, should be addressed to the EDITORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on one side onlv of the paper, sent as early in the week as possible and duly signed by the writer. 1/ desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editors 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. Illustrations.- The Editors will be glad to receive andto select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c., but they cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be carejulto mark the paragraplis they wish the Editors to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, AUGUST 23— Roy. Oxfordshire Hort. Soc. Autumn Sh. THURSDAY, AUGUST 25— Roy. Hort. Soc. of Aberdeen Exh. at Duthie Park (3 days). Exh. at Zeist, Holland, opens. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Pilty Years at Greenwich— 59,9°. Actual Temperatures:— Loudon.— Wednesday, August 77 (6 p.m.): Max. 67° ; Min. 56°. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London— Thursday, August 18 (10 a.m.): Bar. 30-1: Temp. 69°; Weather— Bright sunshine. Provinces.— Wednesday, August 17; Max. 66" Cam- bridge; Min. 60" Ireland N.W. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, and THURSDAY- Trade Sale of Dutch Bulbs at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by 1'rotheroe & Morris, at 10. WEDNESDAY— ... , . Consignment of Lilium Harris.i Azorean, L longiflornm, Roman Hyacinths, and numerous other bulbs, at brf »: 00, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 5. The correspondence which has Culture appeared recently in these for columns on the cultivation of SHOW , , , r 1 Purposes, vegetables for show purposes, though it has served to venti- late opposed opinions, has not taken into consideration what may be regarded as the larger, and pe'-haps more fundamental aspect of the question. The nature of this more general aspect may be best developed by an endeavour to answer the question : Why is it that culture for exhibitions is popular with many of our best horticulturists? Now, any attempt to answer this question merely by re- ference to prizes and other tangible rewards which attend success in exhibition fails, be- cause it does not go to the root of the matter. We do not doubt that such rewards are sought for eagerly and prized highly by the contest- ants ; on the contrary, we should look with some suspicion on anyone who professed him- self indifferent to the legitimate rewards which attend upon success. But the prime motive for holding shows and for cultivating exhibition produce, although often unex- pressed or even held unconsciously, is to be found in the love of " form " which the people of this country possess in an extraordinary degree. It is no exaggeration to say that Britons have the faculty of the fancier, and that, it is this faculty, coupled with the sports- man's appreciation for competition, which leads horticulturists to take a pride and plea- sure in exhibiting their produce. The faculty of the fancier depends on two mental qualities, a capacity for clear observation and a nice dis- crimination. The search after novelty of form, colour or other quality, innate in many of our fellow-countrymen, has led to the discovery of new breeds of plants and animals, and to the creation of forms of life which might never have arisen or, at any rate, maintained them- selves in a state of nature. Thus it is a signi- ficant fact that the first plant-hybrids were raised, not by men of science, but by Eng- lish gardeners, and the work of Fairchild and others was continued by British gardeners with extraordinary success. So, too, our country is famous throughout the world for its breeds of cattle, sheep, horses, dogs, poultry, pigeons, canaries and other things. The love of form as we have called this power of fancying is manifested not only by professionals, but also by amateurs, who often devote themselves with success to one special breed of plant or animal. It is so wide- spread as to be thoroughly characteristic, and it is so much a spur to action that it is not infrequently divorced from considerations of utility. Indeed, our countrymen have had to be reminded more than once of recent years that, in defining " points " for prize pur- poses, they have, as in the case of poultry, neglected utility almost completely, and, in the case of certain flowers, sufficient import- ance has not been given to their fitness for garden decoration, whilst, in some cases — the Rose, for instance — fanciers have appeared careless and unappreciative of its most pleas- ing and characteristic quality, namely, frag- rance. At the same time, it has to be admitted that, as the result of the exercise of this wide- spread gift, the diversity and value of domes- tic animals and cultivated plants have been augmented. It is the natural striving for perfection as defined by accepted .standards or models which leads horticulturists to vie with one another in the exhibition of their produce. The most important function of the societies devoted to special branches of horticulture is to see that the standards imposed at the shows are the best that can be devised, being neither too narrow to exclude novelty, nor too wide to include inferior produce ; and, above all, in the case of fruit and vegetables, they should take care that the importance of mere size is not exaggerated. The best exhibition vegetables should be the best vegetables for consumption, just as the best exhibition Roses or Dahlias should be specially pleasing in the garden and bouquet. From this point of view we think that Practical'! original contribution on the subject may do much good. There is some truth in the contention that the quality of size in vegetables is given more encourage- ment at some of the competitive shows than is desirable, and the correspondence may cause those responsible for promoting the exhibitions to give greater consideration to this ques- tion. We say this much, although we are fully aware that many kinds of vegetables are, other things being equal, all the better for being of considerable size, and, further, that certain kinds, such, for instance, as Celery, Celeriac and Leeks, are never very good un- less they are developed to their best. The best exhibitions afford plenty of object lessons for schedule-makers and those called upon to adjudicate at vegetable competitions, for the general rule is to give the highest prizes for the best, rather than the largest, produce. Indeed, there has been a most gratifying improvement in this respect in recent years. Everyone agrees that Potato tubers of extra large size seldom possess good table qualities, and few will contend that large tubers are the most successful at the competitions; on the contrary, the best prizes are awarded to medium or even small tubers with clear skins, which show that the crop has been cultivated in a suitable soil free from an excess of fresh organic manure. May we hope that the judging at the vege- table shows to be held this autumn under the auspices of the National Vegetable Society and Royal Horticultural Society will be free from defects, and that the schedule now being com- piled for the great International Exhibition, 1912, will leave no room for doubt, but that good quality and variety are the essential points the Committee wishes to encourage? In regard to the alleged expensiveness and artificiality of show-culture, we do not know that the argument is specially applicable to show vegetables. Slay not such an objection be urged against many other things, for in- stance. Grapes, Carnations, Roses, Auriculas, and even poultry and fat cattle ? In a com- petition, those who take the most trouble are those who enter the better into the spirit of the thing. The prevention or correction of abuse, we must again repeat, is to be looked for in the exercise of the judge's discretion and the code of points the societies agree to re- ward. As well ask a Grape exhibitor how many bunches of fruit he obtained from his vine, the Rose grower how many flowers he had to select from when choosing his exhibition blooms, as require the vegetable cultivator to state how many I'ca plants were grown on a particular area or how many puds of Peas were produced by a single plant. All these questions would be perfectly natural in a competition intended in the main, to test the cropping qualities of particular varieties. AVe have sympathy for the occasional visitor who is apt to be deceived at the exhibitions by the extraordinary quality of the produce staged for his inspection, and, particularly for any gardener who is required by his employer to provide similar things without having the necessary means for doing so. This is an in- stance where a little knowledge is dangerous. We have always held that it is those wdio pos- sess the most knowledge who can hope to get the best information from the shows. But the fact applies to all shows and not specially to vegetable competitions. At the same time, we think that intelligent visitors may be expected to consider that ex- hibitions are composed exclusively of highly- cultivated flowers, fruits, or vegetables, and he is foolish indeed who imagines that they can be equalled without the expenditure of extraordinary efforts. Surely the show com- mittees can hardly be expected to save such an one from the results of his own short- sightedness. August 20. 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 143 The "Barr" Memorial.— Since the last list of subscriptions to the memorial of the late Peter Barr was issued, further sums have been received from the following gentlemen :— Messrs. •. Smith & Sons, Ant. Roozen, P. D. Williams, i i Williams, G. van den Horst, J. & E. Page. Brodie of Brodie, J. Fairchild, De Graaff Bros., Van Konigberg, L. Buckland, Baron de Soutellinho, Pulman Mooy, Baylor Hartland, and R. Hooper Pearson. The Newest Sweet Pea. — A cablegram has been received in England this week from Mr. W. Atlee Burpee, of Philadelphia, who is at pre- sent in California, informing his friends in this country that his fine new lavender-coloured Sweet Pi i will be named in honour of Florence Nightin- gale. Munificent Public Bequests. — Under the will of the late Mr. Arthur Lloyd, a director of Messrs. Lloyd, Ltd., proprietors of the Daily Chronicle and of Lloyd's Weekly Neips, a sum :xceeding £120.000 is left upon trust for charit- ible purposes. The trustees have full discretion in applying the legacy, which is to be used either [or the purchase or the contribution towards the purchase of any open space or open spaces and ion grounds, or the contribution to the imJs of any associations, societies, or com- nittees which provide public gardens, parks, or ilaying fields; or in donations or contributions to he building or enlargement fund of any hospital, i the general funds of any such hospital or hos- als, or the building fund of new hospitals or nvalescent homes; or in giving financial assis- ance to any institute or recreation room, any ithletic or other clubs, or philanthropic son ] institutions; or in making provision for lerieal and lay help in any particular parish or jarishes. And especially in providing financial support for any scheme having for its object or jbjects the benefit in any form whatsoever of .he employes of all branches or departments of Edward Lloyd, Limited, or any new or other lompany into which it may be converted, or which, by means of any reconstruction or amal filiation or transfer may represent or be sub- stituted for such company. Deceased gave his trustees the fullest discretionary powers in deal- ing with this trust, and, as regards the parks or >,i n spaces, &c., they have power to convey such to the County Council or any public or local au- thority or committee to be held upon such trusts is the trustees of his will for the time being may 'pprove. He also left numerous bequests to em- ployes of the firm and personal friends, and he directed that two years after his decease there should be paid a sum of £1.000 to the Rev. William YVilks, vicar of Shirley, Croydon. His late gardener, Mr. Alfred Poppin, is left the sura of £200. Dublin Seed and Nurserymen's Associa- tion.— The members visited Messrs. Pennick's Dublin nurseries on the 6th inst. This establishment embraces about 10 acres, and is situated some 500 feet above sea-level in the midst of a country noted for its beautiful scenery. A considerable area is planted with fruit trees. There are also many thousands of Ress trees, and these were in their full season of flowering. But the objects of special interest were rare and choice trees and shrubs, including Aiaucaria imbricata, 500 feet in height, and fur- nished from the growing point to the base, with handsome pendulous branches ; Ceratonia Siliqua, the "Locust Tree," some 10 feet high; Halesia tetraptera, the " Silver Bell " or Snowdrop Tree ; Drimys Winteri, standing some 30 feet high in front of a noble Cedar of Lebanon ; Dacrydium Franklandii, 15 feet ; Pinus Pinea, 45 feet: P. insignis, 100 feet; Hydrangea vestita var. pubescens, 15 feet; Crataegus tanacetifolia, 20 feet ; Cedrus atlantica glauca, 45 feet ; Pitto- sporum coriaceum. 15 feet ; Rhododendron K>\sii. 6 feet ; Liriodendron tulipiferum, 30 feet ; Euca- lyptus Globulus, 110 feet; Podocarpus, andina, 12 feet ; Olea intermedia. 15 feet ; Cytisua Adamii, 20 feet ; Taxodium distichum, 25 feet; Viburnum rugosum, 6 feet; Cordyline australis, 20 feet; Tilia heterophylla. 20 feet ; Cupressus semper- i -. 40 feet; Pinus laricio, 80 feet; Sequoia gigantea, 90 feet; Escallonia organensis, 6 feet; Myrtus Luma, 25 feet; Bossisea Amherstiana, Quercus glabra, Photinia glabra, and Andromeda formosa. The Countess of Selkirk s Garden Prizes. — For a number of yeatspast the Countess of Selkirk has offered prizes for the best -kept gardens on the estates of her late husband in Kirkcudbrightshire. The awards fur the present season have just been issued, on a report by Mr R. Service and Mr. R. Colman, the judges. In the district within two miles of the county town, Kirkcudbright, the principal prizes for the best climbers and gardens were awarded as fullow : — 1, Mis. Dorrance, Mutehill; 2, Mrs. Tait, Mute- hill; 3. Mr. M'CoUL, The Stell. Beyond two miles: 1. Miss Dickson, The Doon ; 2, Mrs. Kelly, Burnfoot; 3, Mrs. Thompson, Cooper's Croft. Hone district: 1. Mrs. Little, HowweU ; 2. Mrs. Hannah. Howwell ; 3, Mrs. Ross. How- well. Testimony is borne in the report to the improvement effected in the gardens within re- cent years. It is stated that this season there is both an advance in the arrangement and in the cultivation of the gardens visited. Lady Selkirk tak.s a great interest in gardening, and her churls during a series of years to improve the cottage gardens in ber immediate neighbourhood have had beneficial ri suits. Profit from Fruit Culture. — Whilst numerous complaints continue to reach us of the losses experienced by fruit-growers this season, one report of quite an opposite character is given to us by Mr. George Bt/nyajrd. His firm sold some Apple trees a few years ago fin- planting 13 acres of land, and last week Mr. Bum vui' had the satisfaction of seeing the pie- sent season's ungathered crop sold to a purcha er for the sum of £1.000. the purchaser to gather the fruits. This works out at about £75 an acre. The trees are standards, and most of them repre sent the well known culinary Apple Lord Derby. Tins- farts afford sufficient proof that in seasons of scarcity it is not every grower who suffers loss, and they also give some idea of the prices that the public will have to pay, this season, for Eng- lish-grown fruits. Visit to La Mortola. — The members of the Societe Botanique de France, under the guidance of Mr. Arbost-Nice and Prof. Luz, the secretary of the society, paid a visit to La Mortola on August 5, and were entertained by Lady Han- bury. The society was returning from a fort- night's visit to the Maritime Alpes. Edinburgh Working Men s Flower Show. — The annual show of this long-established insti- tution was held in the Corn Exchange, Grass- market, Edinburgh, on August 13. The show was declared open by Bailie Smith Elliot, who pronounced it an excellent one and commended the society for the beneficial work it was per- forming. He spoke of the encouragement given to it by the Parks Committee of the City Council, and the interest shown by the education authori- ties in the children's section. He referred to the interest of Mr. J. W. McHattie. the city gar- dener, in the window-box section, and his en- couragement to exhibitors generally. He also spoke strongly in favour of the Corporation jiving even greater encouragement to horticul- ture, although it had done a good deal in the past, and was continuing its help. Retirement of Mr. D. Murray.— We under- stand that Mr. David Murray, gardener to the Marquis of Ailsa, at Culzean Castle. Ayrshire, will retire shortly. Mr. Murray has filled the position of head gardener at Culzean for many years, and during that time he has been amongst the best-known of Scottish horticulturists. As a fruit-grower he has won great distinction, and his career as an exhibitor has been a highly success- ful one. He is, however, a many-sided man, and he entered heartily into the scheme adopted at Culzean for the introduction of the new and choice shrubs and plants, which now form a pro- minent feature of the garden. Johannesburg Public Parks. — Mr. Robert Phillips has been appointed Superintendent of the Public Parks, Cemeteries and Zoological Gardens in Johannesburg. Mr. Phillips served his apprenticeship at Ross Priory gar- dens. Dumbartonshire, where his father was gar- dener for many years. He was employed after- wards in the Botanic Gardens, Glasgow, under Mr. Whitton. He emigrated a few years ago to South Africa, and was employed in the Johannesburg Gardens, under the late Mr. Stirrat. Mr. Phillips, who is 30 years of age, is the younger brother of Mr. John Phillips, of the Golden Acre Nurseries, Edinburgh. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Ai a m 16.— The usual fortnightly meeting • ,i, held on this date in the Society's Hall, \ Lncent Square, Westminster. There was a good display of flowers, the majority being garden subjects, many large groups of these being almost a repetition of each other. There were also Roses, Sweet Peas. Dahlias, Ferns, and Carna- tions. The Floral Committee granted four Wauls of Mint, till to varieties of Gladioli. There were fewer exhibits of Orchids than usual, but numerous novelties were presented for award, and the Orchid Committee granted one lass Certificate, one Award of Merit, and five Botanical Certificates. The chief exhibit in the Fruit and Vegetable section was a magnificent group of fruit trees in pots, shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., this receiving a Gold Medal. Five varieties . i Culinary Peas, which had been under trial at Wisley, received Awards of Merit, and this dis- tinction was also given to a new variety of Melon. Floral Committee. Pn." nl: YV. Marshall, Esq. (Chairman); and Messrs. C. T. Druerv, Henry B. May, W. B. Cranfield, James Walker, W. J. Bean. T. W. Turner, R. Hooper Pearson, J. Hudson, J. Douglas, YV. Hoare, A. Kingsmill, J. F. McLeod, W. Bam, Gemge Gordon, E. T. Cook, R. C. Notcutt, J. \V. Barr, C. E. Pearson, W. P. Thompson, W. J. James, and E. H. Jenkins. A large group of Montbretias, shown in vases, was put up li\ Sydney Morris, Esq., YY'retham Hall, Thetford (gr. Mr. G. Henley). The varieties included Prometheus, Ernest Davidson, orange red ; Ladv Hamilton, clear, deep orange ; Lord Nelson, fiery red; G. Henley, a new variety, with colour similar to Lady Hamilton ; St. Botolph. Messidor, the palest variety shown; and Westwick, an exceptionally free bloomer. (Silver- gilt Medal.) Leopold de Rothschild, Esq., C.V.O., Gunnersbury House, Acton (gr. Mr. Jas. Hud- son), showed six new varieties of hardy Nymphaeas ; the best were Meteor, a large, claret- coloured variety; Virginale, a clear white; and Newton, a deep suffusion of rose, with exception- ally fine golden centre. Varieties of Nymphasas were also shown by the Eabl of \Vajrwick, Easton Lodge, Dun- mow (gr. Mr. H. Lister), the clear, blue flower named after Lord Brooke being remarkably choice. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, showed miscellaneous greenhouse plants, having a bright exhibit. The beautiful blue of Exacum macranthum, mingled plea, ingly with the red 144 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 20, 1910. Kalanchoe flammea; Lobelia tenuior looked equally charming in a bank of the pink Crowea latifolia. Cannas also provided a pretty feature, overhung with sprays of the delicate mauve- coloured Thalictrum dipterocarpum. There were also standard Fuchsias and varieties of Abutilon. As a separate group this firm showed standard plants of Pelargoniums and Salvia splendens. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Wm. Watson & Sons, Ltd., Clontarf Nurseries, Dublin, showed border Carnations. They had a large batch of the new variety named Dublin Pink, a free bloomer, of good size ; Lord Carew, a fancv, with bright red stripes; Lady Cory, slaty mauve; Mrs. Peggy Dawson, a yellow-ground fancy, with rich red markings ; and Countess of Aberdeen, a yellow-ground Picotee, the petals lightly tipped with red A large display of Carnations and early Chry- santhemums was set up by Sir Daniel Gooch, were numerous vases filled with an assortment of other kinds, Rhea Reid, Simplicity (single white), Souvenir de Marie de Zayas, Molly Sharman Crawford, and Gruss an Teplitz, being a selec- tion of the best blooms. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. Frank Woollard, 53-54, Lewes Road, Brighton, showed Roses in variety. Mr. Chas. Breadmore, Winchester, put up an exhibit of Sweet Peas that extended the whole width of the hall at the platform end. There were 130 vases and about 40 varieties. Notable varieties were Earl Spencer, orange ; Freda, white; Dazzler, red or "flamed"; Princess Juliana, cream ; Countess Spencer, Nancy Perkin, orange ; Frank Dolby, lavender ; and Colleen, rose standard, with paler wings and keel. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. S. Bide & Sons, Ltd., Farnham, Surrey, showed Sweet Peas attractively ex- hibited. We noticed such sterling sorts as Mrs. vulgare, having the best crested plumose and serrated varieties, including P. v. Cambricum, P. v. Cambricum Prestonii, a handsome plumose variety resembling a choice Nephrolepis ; and P. v. Barrowii, also with plumose leafage, but not with such long fronds as the variety Pres- tonii. Polypodium grandiceps Foxiae is another beautiful hardy Fern, the densely-crested fronds being of dark green colour. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Some remarkably fine pot plants of Campanula pyramidalis, of both white and blue-flowered sorts, were shown by Col. George Howard Trollope, Fairmile Hatch, Cobham. The huge spikes resembled dense columns of flowers. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Kelway & Son. Langport, Somerset, showed large numbers of named varieties of Gladioli, also choice Gaillardias and Delphiniums. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal * THE SHREWSBURY SHOW. FlG. 54. — PART OF A GROUP OF FRUITS, FLOWERS, AND VEGETABLES SHOWN EY MESSRS. SUTTON AND SONS. Bart., Hylands, Chelmsford (gr. Mr. P. Wilkin- son). The blooms were relieved with coloured foliage of shrubs and bunches of Gypsophila. (Bronze Banksian Medal.) Mr. A. L. Gwillim, Cambria Nursery, New Eltham, Kent, showed tuberous-rooted Begonias, a few being named kinds, but the majority seedlings, displayed in batches of distinct colours, which ranged from white to crimson. The display formed a rich bank of colouring, the blooms being good. Choice Roses were shown by Messrs. Frank Cant -)i Co., Colchester. They had lnr" • epergnes filled with blooms of one variety, such as Lyon Rose. Papa Gontier, Gottfried Keller, a charming single Rose, the petals blush-tinted on gold, and Mme. Melanie Soupert. Beneath these A. Ireland, Mrs. Hardoastle Sykes, Orange King (new), James Grieve, Mrs. Routzahn, President, Helen Lewis, Harold, cream, and Blue Belle. Messrs. Carter, Page & Co., 52 & 53, London Wall, filled a long table with varieties of Dahlias, principally of Cactus-flowered sorts. They also showed numerous varieties of the Pseony- flowered, pompon and single types. Of the Cactus varieties, notable examples were Nisi Prius, fiery red with gold base ; Lustre, dark red ; Daisy Easton, yellow ; J. H. Jackson, very dark maroon ; and Mauve Queen ; all these being good garden sorts. The single and Pompon varieties embraced most of the beet kinds in commerce. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, The Nurseries, Edmonton, staged a floor group of Polypodium Mr. Wilhelm Pfitzer, Stuttgart, Germany, showed varieties of Gladiolus, most of them unnamed seedlings. In the centre was a fine white sort of the gandavensis type, named Europa. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Geo. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, showed a large group of hardy flowers. The dis- play included Pyrethrums, Gladioli, Phloxes, Pentstemons, Coreopsis grandiflora, Delphiniums, Spiraeas, and other kinds in large batches. (Sil- ver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. W. Wells & Co., Merstham, Surrey, showed Phlox decussata in considerable num- bers, amongst an exhibit of other border flowers. The beautiful rose-pink variety of Phlox named Elizabeth Campbell is worthy of mention, and they had also fine spikes of the white Frau August 20, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 145 Antonin Buchner, which received an Award of Merit at the last meeting. Anthemis Kelwayi is a bright yellow Composite. Along the front of the display were vases of Violas and early bloom- ing Chrysanthemums. Messrs. G. & A. Clark, Ltd., Dover, staged some fine plants of Campanula Vidallii in a general collection of hardy flowers. This Cam- panula needs slight protection during the winter. Spikes of Gladioli were good, as were Pentste- mons, Pyrethrums, Scabious, Phloxes, Veronicas, and other garden subjects. Messrs. Rich & Co., Bath, showed 30 varieties of border Phloxes. The selection included the best of those in cultivation. Amongst the more notable kinds were Goliath, rose with darker eye ; Mine. Paul Dutrie, blush pink, very large ; Frau Antonin Buchner, white; Baron von Dedam, new, resembling Coquelicot but larger; and Sinbad, mauve, very large in flower, but dwarf in habit. The Guildford Hardy Plant Nursery made a showy exhibit with hardy flowers, and an adjoining group of a similar character was put up by Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Mr. Maurice Prichard, Christ-church, Hamp- shire, filled a large table with border flowers. A batch of Crinuih Powellii and its white variety was prominent. Mr. Prichard had also a fine show of Montbretias, Tritomas, Delphiniums, Phloxes, Gladioli, and other seasonable subjects. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Paul & Son, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, also showed a large group of hardy flowers, having a good selection of seasonable subjects. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. Frank Brazier, Caterham, exhibited a floor group of Phloxes, Carnations, Sweet Peas, Verbenas, Violas, and other garden flowers. (Bronze Banksian Medal.) Mr. James Box, Lindfield, Sussex, showed a large group of Phloxes, with a row of Del- phiniums, Montbretias, and Ferns as an edging. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, London, displayed hardy flowers in variety, such as Phloxes, Gladioli, Delphiniums, Agapauthus Mooreanus, Veronica subsessilis (very fine), Liliums, and African Marigolds. Displays of hardy flowers were also made by Messrs. Whitelegg & Page, Chislehurst, Kent, and Mr. A. J. Harwood, St. Peter's Nursery, Colchester. Awards of Merit. Gladiolus primulinus. — Flowers of this pretty yellow-flowered species were shown by Messrs. Kelway & Son. G. primulinus was illustrated in these pages, October 26, 1907, p. 291. Gladiolus " Europa." — This appeared to us the best white Gladiolus in cultivation. The flowers were large, of good form and substance, and as many as six were expanded on the spike at one time. Shown by Mr. W. Pfitzer, Stutt- gart, Germany. Gladiolus Orafin Degenfeld. — This variety is perfectly distinct. The flowers are sulphur or pale primrose-yellow, with exceedingly bright- crimson markings on the lower segments. Shown by Mr. W. Pfitzer. Gladiolus Karl Luz. — A variety of the deepest tone of crimson-maroon, with chocolate-coloured throat. Shown by Mr. W. Pfitzer. who ex- hibited a large number of varieties remarkable for high quality and distinctness from sorts already in commerce. Orchid Committee. Present: Harry J. Veitch. Esq. (in the Chair) ; and Messrs. Jas. O'Brieli (lion, sec), de B. Craw- shay. H. Little, F. J. Hanburv, A. A. McBean, W. Cobb, J. Charlesworth, "A. Dye, W. P. Bound, H. G. Alexander, H. A. Tra'cv. Gurney Wilson, W. Bolton, Stuart Low, W. Thompson, and W. H. White. Mrs. Bischoffsheim, The Warren House, Stanmore (Orchid grower, Mr. Taylor), was awarded a Silver-gilt Lindley Medal for a magni- ficent group of brilliantly-coloured Disa grandi- flora, composed of about '100 plants. They were cultivated on the special plan adopted at The Warren House, whereby each specimen produces a stout, single growth.' with a fine head of large flowers varying from brilliant orange-scarlet to deep red, both foliage and flowers exhibiting great vigour. Lieut.-Col. Sir George L. Hoi.ford, K.C.V.O. , Westonbirt (gr. Mr. H. Alexander), was awarded a Silver-gilt Flora Medal for a group of seven grand specimens of Vanda coerulea, with large spikes of noble flowers, the largest bearing 16 blooms ; two of the plants had two spikes on each. All the blooms were of a beautiful blue tint and had broad segments, the best being the Westonbirt variety (see Awards). The base of the. group was composed of about 30 finely- flowered plants of the fine type of Cypripedium Maudiaj raised at Westonbirt, and a good plant of La?lio-Cattleya Cohnaniana magnifica. Messrs. San'der & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a Silver flora Medal for a very extensive and varied group, in which hybrid Cattleyas, Laelio-Cattleyas, and Odontoglossums were pro- minent. Vanda cceiulea showed up well in the centre of the display, and Vanda Marguerite Maron, Peristeria elata, some good hybrid Cypri- pediums, Cycnoches ehlorochilon, Sophro-Catt- leya Chamberlainiana, and other Sophro-Cattleyas and Odontiodas were also noted. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for an interesting group of Odontoglossums, Catt- leyas, Brasso-Cattleyas, and other Orchids. In- teresting species remarked were the pretty, Sigma tostalix Elise, Notylia Barkeri, Onci- dium bifrons, Odontoglossum Wallisii, Masde- vallia calura, M. ephippium, M. Peristeria, and other Masdevallias. Of Dendrobium, D. ches- singtonense var. I. M. Black was conspicuous, its orange-yellow flowers having a reddish disc to the lip. This firm also showed the fine natural hybrid Cattleya Le Czar " Low's variety." For others see Awards. Messrs. Chariesworth & Co., Haywards Heath, exhibited a selection of rare species, which included Eulophia guineensis, the white Mormodes luxatum punctatum, which has small purple spots on the segments ; Anguloa Ruckeri superba, Schlimia trifida, a grand specimen of Aerides Lawrencia? with four spikes, a good plant of Houlletia Brocklehurstiana, Crypto- phoranthus Dayanus, with about 300 of its curious flowers ; and various other pretty species. H. S. Goodson, Esq., Fairlawn, Putney (gr. Mr. G. E. Day), staged a small group, which in- cluded the pretty Odontoglossum Goodsonii, 0. Si ilnn, O. Uro-Skinneri album, Anguloa uniflora eburnea, two plants of Cattleya Crashleyi differ- ing much in colour, and the handsome Lffilio- Cattleya St. Gothard. Sir Trevor Lawrence. Bart, K.C.V.O. (gr. .Mi. W. H. White), exhibited a selection of rare species, several of which received awards. De B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. Stables), showed a good dark form of Odontoglossum Queen Alexandra and O. Thwaitesise (Harryanum X ardentissimum), the pretty flowers being marked like a blotched form of 0. ardentissimum. Messis. J. & A. A. McBean, Cooksbridge, staged a neat group of well-grown Odontoglos- sums, and with them two plants of the new Odontioda Graireana, with cinnabar-red-tinted sepals and petals ; also O. Bohnhoffia, good Lselio- Cattleya callistoglossa, and Cattleya Warsce- wiczii. Mrs. Norman C. Cookson, Oakwood, Wylam (gr. Mr. H. J. Chapman), showed Cattleya Oak- woodiensis (Warneri X Hardyana), Odontoglos- sum Pescatorei Cookson's variety, with well- formed white flowers, bearing dark purple blotches ; Cypripedium Chapmania? and C. Sybil, both pretty hybrids of C. Fairrieanum. Mr. E. V. Low, Vale Bridge, Haywards Heath, staued a small group, in the centre of which was a fine plant of Cypripedium I'Ansonii. They also exhibited C. Mary Beatrice and C. Juno Drewett's variety : Lselio-Cattleya Nysa superba, Cattleya Atalanta. Brasso-Cattleya Mrs. J. Lee- mann, and a delicate form of Oncidium Mantinii. Messrs. Jones, Howes & Co., Elmdon Nur- series, Kenilworth, showed a well-grown plant of Cattleya O'Brieniana alba. AWARDS. First-Class Certificate. Vanda crerulea Westonbirt variety, from Lieut.-Col. Sir George L. Holford, K.C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander). — Probably the finest form of Vanda coerulea ever shown, the flowers being 5 inches in diameter, perfectly circular in outline, and with equally broad segments heavily veined with deep indigo-blue, the lip being dark violet. Award of Merit. Oncidium Mantinii Lowii, from Mr. E. V. Low, Vale Bridge, Haywards Heath. — A distinct and beautiful citron-yellow form, with obscure olive-brown markings on the sepals, petals, and front of the lip ; the flowers are un- usually large. Botanical Certificates. fiulbophullum exaltatum, from Sir Trevor Lawrence', Bart., K.C.V.O. (gr. Mr. W. H. White). — A South American species, bearing long slender scapes, furnished with small flowers ; the sepals are marked with dark spots, the fringed lip being purple. Polystachya paniculata, Bolfe, from Sir Trevor Lawrence.— A singular and pretty species from Uganda, with curiously flattened pseudo-bulbs and ornamental growths bearing up- right, branched spikes of pretty, small, orange- red flowers. Theodorca gomezioides, from Sir Trevor Law- hfn'ce. — A dwarf species, bearing drooping racemes of greenish flowers with white labellums. Cyrtopodium Andersonii, from Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park.— A well- known, 6trong-growing species, bearing stout spikes of bright yellow flowers. Stanhopea saccata, from Messrs. Stuart Low & Co. — A showy species, with sepals and petals yellowish, spotted w-ith purple, the fleshy labellum having the hypochile developed into a deep pouch, orange tinted, the front lobe and fleshy middle lobes being approached to the column. Cultural Commendation to Mr. Bristow (gr. to Mrs. Temple, Leys- wood, Groombridge), for a specimen of Cypri- pedium Wiertzianum, with 3 to 4 flowers on each spike. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: G. Bunyard, Esq. (in the Chair); and Messrs. W. Bates, J. Willard, A. Dean, H. Parr, G. Hobday, A. R. Allan, C. Foster, H. Mark- ham, E. Beckett, J. Jaques, O. Thomas, W. Poupart, J. Vert, and G. Keif. The superintendent, Mr. S. T. Wright, showed three red seedling Tomatos which had been grown at Wisley for trial. They were all finely fruited, but awards were withheld until names had been given them. S. H. Scott Elliott, Esq., Dumfries, sent a sample of Potato Midlothian Early, grown under electrical influence. The tubers, which had been cooked, were found to be similar to ordinary tubers of that variety. Leopold Solomons, Esq., Norbury Park. Leatherhead, sent fruits of a yellow Peach, which was recognised as the variety Thames Bank. Messrs. Bunyard & Co., Ltd., Maidstone, showed a Nectarine of an unusually deep colour. It came originally from New Zealand, and is named Konstange. The Committee desired to see fruits on another occasion. Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, staged a magnificent group of fruit trees in pots, in all about 100 trees. Peaches included Thos. Rivers, Marquis of Downshire, Dr. Hogg, Belle Bauce, Prince of Wales, Late Devonian, Duchess of York, Bellegarde, Nectarine and Royal George, the variety named last being shown as an espalier. Of Nectarines, there were Goldoni, Stanwick Elruge, and Early Orange ; Plums, Brandy Gage, Green Gage, Jefferson, Transparent Gage, Den- niston's Superb, Oullin's Golden Gage, and Kirke's. All the trees, though not over large, were carrying very heavy crops. Besides these, there were rinely-fruited Figs, including Negro Largo, Violette Sepor, Osborn's Prolific. White Ischia, Brown Turkey, and Bouijassotte Grise. Pears were represented by Marguerite Marillat. Louise Bonne of Jersey, Dr. Jules Guyot, and Conference. (Gold Medal.) Awards of Merit. Melon Early Favorite (Windsor Castle X Beechwood). — This variety was raised and grown in the Society's gardens at Wisley. It was an oval, green -fleshed fruit. The following Peas having been grown at Wisley under trial were granted Awards of Merit : — Satisfaction. Yorkshire Hero, and Windsor Castle (Sutton & Sons), Exhibition (J. Carter & Co.), and Magnum Bonum (Barr & Sons). 140 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 20, 1910. <^"A *?7\> dIRE HORT1CULT Exhibition at Shrewsbury, August 17 and 18. The 36th annual show of the Shropshire Hor- ticultural Society took place on Wednesday and Thursday last in the Quarry Grounds, Shrews- bury, amidst all the enthusiasm and interest which usually characterise the Shropshire exhibi- tions. We have written so many times of these annual exhibitions, that there appears nothing to remark that has not been said on former occa- sions. We have eulogised previous displays, and we may praise the most recent show, for it afforded a first-rate illustration of the finest pro- ducts of British horticulture. Taken collectively, it can hardly be said to be better than that held last year, but it is ex- tremely high praise when we say that it was, at the least, equal to any show which the Shropshire Society has held. It is difficult, and it will be always difficult, to improve upon such a standard as visitors associate with Shrewsbury. The utmost that the committee can do is to introduce novelty, in some form, from year to year. On the occasion under notice their attempt in this direction took the form of a modification of the group classes. There have always been two classes for groups of miscellaneous plants ar- ranged for effect : in the one case, flowering plants were excluded ; in the other, they might be mixed with the fine foliaged plants. The former class was retained, as usual, this year, but the latter was discontinued, and in its place a new class for a display of plants and flowers was substi- tuted, with a view to obtaining floral effects showing some new features. The net result was that the displays were much brighter than any groups have been, but they still leave some room for improvement when exhibitors appreciate the discretion allowed them in the choice of material and in general arrangement. The details will be found below. Turning to the frmt exhibits, it may be said that ;he Grapes were certainly not better than usual, nor could this be expected in such a com- paratively sunless season. Indeed, s,ince the Marquis of Hastings's last exhibit at Shrewsbury, his produce has never been equalled. Other fruits were excellent, and the competition in the various classes was exceedingly satisfactory. Hardy flowers were better than they have ev?r been, if we except Sweet Peas, and vegetables were equal to their former high quality. It will facilitate convenience on another occa- sion if the judging is commenced at 9 a.m. in- stead of 10 o'clock. The public is admitted to the tents at 11.30, and experience shows vety conclusively that in present conditions it is not possible to complete the adjudication of the more important classes by that time. Messrs. Adnitt and Naunton. the secretaries, who have served the Society so long and so well, are still at the helm, and we are sure they may be trusted to arrange this matter satisfactorily. As showing the increasing interest taken in this provincial horticultural exhibition, it may be stated that a series of photographic films for cinematographic displays in places of amusement was taken by the firm of Messrs. Pathe. Decorated Fruit Tables. This popular class is for a collection of 30 dishes of ripe fruit in not fewer than 10 distinct kinds, to be staged on separate tables, measuring 10 feet 6 inches by 4 feet 6 inches. The varieties of fruit to form each separate dish or other re- ceptacle is left to the exhibitor's discretion, but not more than 14 bunches of Grapes are allowed in not fewer than four varieties (to include black and white), and not more than four varieties of any one kind of fruit, nor more than two dishes of any one variety, only one variety to be shown on ;i dish, but not more than four dishes of any one kind of fruit. Each collection might be deco- rated with flowering and foliage plants in pots not exceeding 5 inches diameter, also cut flowers and foliage (including Orchids) shown in glasses, ware, baskets, or boxes. The judging of the five exhibits staged in this class commenced at 10 o'clock a.m., and at lunch time — 1.30 — the prize tickets were still undis- played. When it is pointed out that the public are admitted to the show at 11.30 a.m., it has scarcely to be stated that judging was proceed- ing in the presence of a considerable crowd of people. It is not possible (as experience has shown) to point these " dishes " and get the class judged by 11.30. The committee is not likely to entertain the idea of shortening the time the exhibition is open to public inspection. There- fore, the only thing to be done is to start the judging earlier in the day. We hope this will be done. Further, there were some criticisms last year in respect to the points awarded by the judges to each dish. Whether, as a result or not of that discussion, the schedule for the present season reads as follows: — " The. points awarded to each separate dish and table will be marked on cards and placed on each table after being judged." This was not done, as will be seen on a perusal of the following figures, in which the points for Apples, or Grapes, or Peaches are so lumped as to be valueless. This matter seems all the more regrettable since the judges have informed us that they furnished to the committee a return of the points awarded for every particular dish. The following particulars are all that could be taken after the publication of the awards, owing to the crowding of the visitors. The 1st prize was awarded to the Duke of Westminster, Eaton Hall, Chester (gr. Mr. Barnes), and the published table of points was as follows : — Apples, 25j points ; Apricots, 5 points ; Figs, 6 points ; Grapes, 54 points ; Melons, 27 points ; Nectarines, 27 points ; Peaches, 23 points ; Pears, 24 points ; Plums, 5 points ; beauty and arrangement, 10 points ; total, 211J. The 2nd prize was awarded to the Earl of Har- rington. Elvaston Castle. Derbyshire, who gained 200g points : the 3rd prize to the Duke of Portland. Welbeck Abbey, Notts, for 193 j ; the 4th prize to J. Drakes. Esq., for 1892 ; and the 5th prize to Lady Henry Somerset, for 177 points. Collections of Fruit. The most important class in this section was one for a collection of 12 dishes of fruit, distinct varieties, not fewer than nine kinds and not more than two varieties of a kind. Black and white Grapes to be distinct kinds of fruit, and two bunches of each variety. Each exhibit was to occupy a space of 6 feet by 4 feet 6 inches. The 1st prize offered was £10, the 2nd prize £6, 3rd prize £4, and 4th prize £3. As many as seven exhibitors entered this some- what difficult contest, especially difficult to those having gardens of a limited extent, for the pro- duce has to be first class even to win a prize of any sort. The best collection was one from Mr. S. Barker. Worksop, and it was extremely well deserving of the highest award. The Grapes ex- hibited included the varieties Muscat of Alex- andria, Muscat Hamburgh, and Madresfield Court. Of these we preferred the fruits of Madres- field Court, for not only were the bunches large and of good, though not perfect shape, but the berries were large, plump, and grandly coloured. Muscat of Alexandria was too small in berry to be of the highest merit, and they were uneven in size, whilst the colour was not extra good. Muscat Hamburgh was exceedingly well coloured, and one bunch was of capital weight and mode- rately good form, but the bunches were uneven and failed to match each other as exhibition Grapes are expected to do. Amongst the other kinds of fruit were highly-finished, rather small fruits of Humboldt Nectarine, excellent fruits of Goshawk and another Peach. Coe's Golden Drop Plum. Washington Apple, Negro Largo Fig. Pit- maston Duchess Pear, and Royal Jubilee Melon. Taking them together the collection was deserv- ing of great commendation. The 2nd prize was gained by Lord Belper, Kingston Hall (gr. Mr. W. H. Cooke). In several respects this exhibit was quite equal to that we have just noticed. The Peaches and Nectarines were particularly good, especially Nectarine Spencer and Peach English Galande. The specimens of Gascoyne's Scarlet Seedling Apple were quite exceptional fruits, being of very large size and rich colour. Mar- guerite Marillat Pears were large, but scarcely ripe. Large Early Apricots were excellent, and Brown Turkey Figs of moderate quality. The Grapes included Gros Maroc, Muscat of Alex- andria, and Madresfield Court. Gros Maroc were small, excellently-coloured bunches, Madres- field Court long, tapering, but rather thin bunches of well-finished Grapes ; and Muscat of Alexandria, fair-sized examples, of moderately good form and finish. A fruit of " Eminence ' Melon completed the exhibit. 3rd, Lord Biddulph, Ledbury Park (gr. Mr. H. Cotton), who showed Grapes Gros Maroc, Muscat of Alex- andria, Black Hamburgh, and Duke of Buc- cleuch. The Peaches, Nectarines, Apples, Pears, and Apricots were very fine in this exhibit. 4th, Mrs. F. Need, Malvern (gr. Mr. J. Jones). The prizes for the floral decorations in this class were awarded as follow : 1st, Lord Biddulph, who used Orchids ; 2nd, Mr. S. Barker ; and 3rd, Mr. W. E. Hyde, Sheffield. In the class for 9 dishes, there were three ex- hibits, and the best of these was one shown by Captain Heywood-Lonsdale, Shavington Hall (gr. Mr. J. Mills). He had small bunches of highly-finished Grapes in the varieties Muscat of Alexandria and Madresfield Court, Nectarine and an unnamed Peach, Pitmaston Orange and Elruge Nectarines, Chailes Ross and Rival Apples, and a scarlet-fleshed Melon. The exhibit was decorated with a few pink Carnations and Selaginella sprays, and the 2nd prize was gained for this floral decoration. The 2nd prize for i fruit wis won by F. Bibby, Esq., Haidwidte Grange, Shrewsbury (gr. Mr. W. Taylor). This exhibitor lost much in his Grapes, having selected the varieties Gros Colman and Foster's Seedling, whilst the fruits of Foster's Seedling were not only small in berry, but extremely deficient in colour. Pretty Nectarines were shown in the variety Fitmaston Orange ; the other dishes were Princess Victoria and Belle- garde Peaches, Worcester Pearmain and Beauty of Bath Apples and Roval Jubilee and Cantaloupe Melons. This exhibitor gained the 1st prize for the floral decorations. The 3rd prizes for fruit and floral decorations were awarded to Mrs. Swann, Halston Hall (gr. Mr. Roberts). Grapes. Twelve bunches of Grapes in four or mere, distinct varieties, but not more than four bunches of any one variety. — Each bunch was to be judged on its individual merits, and the points awarded marked on cards and placed on each table after being judged. A maximum of 11 points might be given to Muscat of Alexandria A maximum of 10 points to all other Muscats (black or white) and Black Hamburgh, and nine points to all other Grapes. The buneh?s were to be s'aged on boards (singl if possible) and the whole arranged on a table space 8 feet by 4 feet 6 inches, in two tiers, 2 feet 3 inches wide. For the purpose of this competition, Bowood Muscat. Charlesworth Toquay, and Tyningham Muscat could not be shown as distinct varieties with Muscat of Alexandria. Gros Maroc and Cooper's Black were also considered synonymoiw. Superior cultivation and finish were considered of the greatest importance. Each collection was decorated : flowering ana foliage plants, in pots not exceeding 5 inches in diameter, were allowed, also cut flowers (inclnd- ing Orchids), and foliage, shown in glass. ■ or loose, allowed at the exhibitor's discretion'. There were six exhibitors, and the best exhib was staged by J. Drake. Esq. We reproduce thai August 20, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 147 table, showing the number of points awarded by the judges to the several bunches : — No. of Bunch. Variety of Grape. 1 Gros Maroc (judged Black Hamburgh) 2 Muscat of Alexandria 3 Madresfield Court ... 4 Muscat of Alexandria 5 Madresfield Court ... 6 Canon Hall Muscat 7 Madresfield Court ... 8 Muscat of Alexandria 9 Gros Maroc 10 Gros Maroc 11 Muscat of Alexandria 12 Madresfield Court ... Totals Possible Points No. of Awarded. Points. .. 9 10 .. 9 n .. 9 10 . 8i 11 .. 9 10 „ 9 10 .. 9 10 . 8i 11 ,. 8 9 .. 8 9 ,. 8i 11 .. 9i 10 105 122 It will be seen that in no case did the judges award the maximum number of points for any particular bunch. Madresfield Court more nearly approached to this than any other variety, and we fully agree with the conclusion ar- rived at. Each of the specimens was of capital size, form and Colour, whilst the size of the berries was excellent, especially in the case of bunch numbered 12 in the table. The Muscat of Alexandria were large bunches, being amongst the best in this respect, but the size of the berries left something to be desired, whilst the colour in the different portions of the bunch was unequal. The single bunch of Canon Hall Muscat was deserving of commendation, but the berries should have shown better colour. Gros Maroc, in each instance, was very good. The 2nd prizs was gained by Lord Belper, whose bunches were very much smaller than those shown in the collection already noticed, whilst Nos. 9 and 10 (Muscat of Alexandria) were very small and badly coloured. We reproduce the table, although it has to be stated that, in com- paring the two exhibits, the pointing in Lord Belper's collection appears to be excessively high :— No. Possible of Points No. of Bunch. Variety of Grape. Awarded. Points. 1 Gros Maroc 9 9 2 Muscat of Alexandria ... 9 11 3 Madresfield Court 8 10 4 Madresfield Court 9 10 5 Muscat of Alexandria ... 8^ 11 6 Muscat Hamburgh 6£ 10 7 Muscat Hamburgh 7£ 10 8 Madresfield Court 10 10 9 Muscat of Alexandria ... 8j 11 10 Muscat of Alexandria ... 8j 11 11 Madresfield Court % 10 12 Muscat Hamburgh 7 10 Totals 101 123 3rd, the Earl of Harrington, Elvaston Castle, Derbyshire (gr. Mr. J. H. Goodacre). In this col- lection two bunches were awarded the maximum number of points, namely Madresfield Court and Black Hamburgh. In neither case should the highest number have been given ; in the first, because the bunch left something to be desired in the matter of size, and in the second, because the berries were not so even in size as we expect to see them in a bunch described as "perfect." Still, the collection was an excellent one, and the num- ber of points awarded was 99£ out of a possible 124 ; 4th, Lady Henry Somerset, who obtained 95j points out of 123: 5th. H. St. Maur. Esq., with 95 points; 6th, Mr. W. A. Coates, 'Glan Conway, with 89 points. An extra prize was given to a collection shown by Mrs. F. Need, Malvern (gr. Mr. T. Jones), who gained •865 points. The awards for decoration in this class were given as follows : — 1st, Mr. Parker ; 2nd, Mrs. Neve ; 3rd, Lady Henry Somerset. Collection of four bunches. — In this class there were five exhibits, and the 1st prize was awarded to Lord Harlech, Brog- .yntyn (gr. Mr. T. Lambert), who staged Muscat of Alexandria and Madresfield Court. The Muscat of Alexandria were long, heavy bunches, but one of them lacked colour, and the size of the berries was not satisfactory. The Madresfield Court were better in finish ; 2nd, Mr. J. Barker. Worksop ; 3rd, E. Bewley, Esq.. Dub- Jin (gr. Mr. T. Cave). The following classes were for two bunches of one variety : — Black Hamburgh. — In this class there were seven competitors, and the 1st prize was awarded to Lady Henry Somerset, who had first-rate bunches of large berries of handsome colour ; 2nd, J. Brunton, Esq., Stourport (gr. Mr. H. Wilson), who had larger bunches but smaller berries ; 3rd, Lord Trevor, Brynkinalt fgr. Mr. W. Dawes). The class for a single bunch of this variety was won by Lady Henry Somerset, whilst J. Brinton, Esq., was 2nd. Black Muscat varieties. — The variety Madres- field Court was awarded the 1st prize in the class for Black varieties of Muscat. They were shown by Col. France Hayhurst, Middle- wich (gr. Mr. A. H. Hall), and the bunches were amongst the best in the show ; 2nd, G. E. Lomax, Esq., Huyton, Liverpool (gr. Mr. E. Jones), who had, apparently, Black Hamburgh, but the fruits were unnamed ; 3rd, J. Brinton, Esq. There were five exhibitors. Madresfield Court.— There were only three exhibits of this handsome Grape, but the pair of bunches from J. Drakes, Esq., Market Rasen (gr. Mr. W. Parker), were extremely good in size and colour, the only fault consist- ing in the rather small size of the individual berries. 2nd, Col. France Hayhurst, who had much better berries, but smaller bunches. Many judges would have awarded them the 1st prize. 3rd, S. Barker, Esq. Black Alicante. — Six exhibitors staged pairs of Black Hamburgh, and those who gained the 1st prize for Col. Hayhurst were very fine speci- mens, being particularly heavy and well-col- oured ; 2nd, G. E. Lomax, Huyton, Liverpool (gr. Mr. E. Jones); 3rd, H. St. Maur, Esq., Newton Abbot (gr. Mr. G. F. Richardson). Any other Black Grape. — The variety Appley Towers, shown by J. Drakes, Esq., gained the highest distinction. These specimens were very fine indeed in all respects. The 2nd prize was awarded to Alnwick Seedling, shown by J. Stone, Esq., Roby, Liverpool (gr. Mr. D. McKelvie) ; and Gros Colman was 3rd, shown by Mr. W. Faulkner, Birkenhead. Muscat of Alexandria. — In this class for the most popular Grape, there were five exhibitors. J. Drakes, Esq., showed extraordinarily large, tapering bunches of only moderate-sized berries of fair colour. The 2nd prize was again awarded to much handsomer berries, of extra large size, but smaller in bunch, shown by H. St. Maur. Esq. ; 3rd, Col. Mellor, Tan-y-Bryn (gr. Mr. C. Price). In the class for single bunches of the same variety there were seven exhibitors. The 1st prize was won by J. Drakes, Esq., with a very long, tapering bunch of well-coloured berries of moderate size; 2nd, Lord Harlech, with a heavy, good bunch, cf moderately good shape, and 3rd, the Duke of Westminster, Eaton Hall. Chester (gr. Mr. N. F. Barnes). Any other White Grape. — Two very fine bunches of Chasselas Napoleon, shown by H. E. Attenborough, Esq., Daventry (gr. Mr. A. Child), gained the 1st prize in the class for any White Grape, excluding Muscat of Alexandria ; the 2nd prize was awarded to Buckland Sweet- water, shown by G. E. Lomax, Esq., and the 3rd to Chasselas Napoleon, shown by Col. France Hayhurst. Local Classes for Grapes. There were five classes for Grapes grown in the county of Salop. In these, the prizes were gained as follow : For Black Hamburgh : 1st, Duke of Sutherland (gr. Mr. G. Adams) ; 2nd, Lord Trevor. Madresfield Court : 1st, Lord Harlech ; 2nd, Lord Trevor. Any other black Grape: 1st, Lord Harlech; 2nd. Dr. Rambaut Bicton (gr. Mr. Jones). White Muscats: 1st, Lord Harlech, with Muscat of Alexandria ; 2nd, Capt. Heywood-Lonsdale, (gr. Mr. J. Mills), with the same variety. Any white Grape, Muscat of Alexandria excluded. — 1st, Lord Harlech, with Foster's Seedling. Other Kinds of Fruits. Peaches. — These fruits and Nectarines were shown in first-rate examples. The 1st prize for eight Peaches was won by Lady Henry Somerset, who showed Bellegarde. 2nd, Mr. S. Barker, with extra-fine fruits of Belle de Doue ; 3rd, A. Heber Percy, Esq.. Hodnet Hall (gr. Mr. Catt). There were 13 exhibits in this class. Nectarines. — There were 12 exhibits of eight Nectarines, and the best fruits were the variety Pineapple, shown by Lady Henry Somerset; 2nd, Executors of Lady Ashburton, Romsey (gr. Mr. Hall) ; 3rd, the Marquis of Northampton, Castle Ashby (gr. Mr. A. R. Searle). Apricots. — Of 10 exhibits of Apricots, the best was shown by Mr. A. Langston, Wychbold, who had the variety Large Early ; 2nd, Capt. Hey- wood-Lonsdale ; 3rd, Major A. H. 0. Lloyd, Seaton Knolls (gr. Mr. Pritchard). Melons. — There were 14 green-fleshed Melons, the best fruit being shown by the Marquis of Northampton. There were 15 scarlet-fleshed fruits, and the 1st prize was gained by Lord Belper with " The Manchester." The best fruit amongst 14 white-fleshed Melons was shown by Mrs. F. Alderson, Welsh Frankton (gr. Mr. Davies). Gage Plums. — Among seven exhibits of Gage Plums, 12 fruits to a dish, the best was from the Marquis of Northampton, who showed Jeffer- son ; 2nd, Duke of Westminster. Purple or red Plums. — The Marquis of Northampton won the 1st prize with the variety Kirke's, and the Duke of Westminster the 2nd prize. Cherries. — The best Cherries were shown by Col. France Hayhurst. Six dishes of hardy fruit'. — This class was confined to Shropshire exhibitors. Capt. Hey- wood-Lonsdale won the 1st prize in this class, showing red and white Currants, Cherries, Goose- berries, Loganberries, and Apples; 2nd, A. Heber Percy, Esq. Groups of Plants. The competition in ths class for a group of miscellaneous fine foliage plants, in or out of bloom, occupying a space of 250 square feet, was as keen as usual, and the high quality of the ex- hibits was fully maintained. There were four ex- hibits. Messrs. James Cypher & Sons, Chelten- ham, gained the 1st prize for a very fine group of choice and well-grown plants. Occupying pro- minent positions were some choice Orchids, such as Cattleyas, Lselias, Oncidiums. Vandas, Odonto- glossums and Disas. These, together with well- coloured Codi earns, a fine Kentia Fcrsteriana, and Liliums, were very effectively arranged. The whole forming a pleasing group. Sir G. H. Kendrick (gr. Mr. J. V. Macdonald) was awarded the 2nd prize for a group in which the outstanding features were some well-grown Codia?ums and spikes of Phalaenopsis amabilis. Nandina domestica was used very effectively in the foreground, and a pleasing background was surmounted bv a fine Phoenix Palm. The 3rd prize went to Mr. W. Vause, Leamington. Pro- minent among this group were specimens of Ixora Duffii, graceful sprays of Oncidium and Lilium speciosum. An extra prize was awarded to Mr. W. R. Manning, Dudley, for a lightly-arranged group, surmounted by a fine plant of Kentia For- steriana. This exhibitor made a free use of Francos ramosa, and the group also contained Cattleyas, Lielias, Odontoglossums, and other varieties. A New Class. A new class was provided for a display of indoor and hardy flowering plants and flowers (cut and growing), the whole to occupy a space of 250 square feet. The cut flowers were to be arranged with any kind of foliage and by the aid of arches, stands, hanging baskets, bamboo devices, fitted with tubes or other receptacles for holding water, all at the discretion of the exhibitor. Foliage plants (not Evergreens) were allowed in the display. Flowers grown from Bulbs were also allowed. In award- ing the prizes the judges were to take into con- sideration the quality of the plants and flowers, and the general effect of the exhibit. This class brought four competitors, the ex- hibits showing considerable diversity in detail and in arrangement. As a new class, it may be de- clared a success, the plants showing good cultural skill and the groups artistic arrangement. Plants in this class were limited to those grown in pots, not exceeding 10 inches in diameter. Messrs. Cypher & Sons won the 1st prize. At the summit of their exhibit was a good Kentia Palm some 10 feet in height, which added to the general effect. Generally speaking, the arrange- ment was after the style of the premier group in the previous class. 14S THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [August 20, 1910. The cm flowers gave a fine colour effect bo the whole, and Siat without the vases being conspicu- ous Of the flowering plants used Orchids pre- dominated, notably Cameras. Ltelias, Pisa gran- diBora, Od issums, and Oncidiums. Francos ramosa was also displayed to good advantage. In the background Liluuns and cut Carnations stood out well, whilst the Orchids were blended into the other subjects with tine < ffect. Brightly coloured Crotons, notably "he pendulous leaved varieties, with Alocasta intermedia and Oaladium argyrites, all added to the attractiveness of the group. One fine plant of Papyrus antiquorum was afforded a prominent place. Along the trout .. were se\ . ral specimens of Nertera de- pressa. with pots of Lily of the Valley and a few very bright plants of Xandina domestica. The groundwork ecus. -ted of three arches as prominent features. It was. m many instances. by a richness of colouring and general bright character. The finish in both the 1st and 2nd prize groups was all that could be desired. .Messrs. Artixh.u.e & Sons, of Sheffield, who were awarded the 3rd prize, had a distinct ar- rangement, in which cut flowers greatly pre- dominated. The background was too upright and formal, forming, so to speak, a wall or screen. from which were suspended five baskets of Carna- tions— two of scarlet and three of pink varieties. The grown IwOrk consisted if a water design, with a immature bridge, with Water Lilies Boating in the water, and on the bank there were several ex- amples of Arundinaria Falconer!. Carnations were used towards the front too freely in stands of pyramidal form, and there were also two sus- pended baskets of a white variety. The weak point in this group was a lack of finish through out. The background was surmounted bv an in- Mr. \V. Vawse, with similar kinds; 3rd. Mr. Sw ins. Halston Hall (gr. Mr. C. Roberts), with greater variety. There were four entries in the class for 12 stove and greenhouse plants in 10-inch pots. Lord Harlech, Brogyntyn (gr. Mr. T. Lambert), and Mr. Manning having a close contest for the 1st prize, which was given in favour of Lord Har- i BOH. He had neat, well-flowered examples of CI rodendron Balfouri. Allamanda Hendersonii, R ndeietia speciosa, Ixora Duffii, and various urns and Dracaenas. Lord Harlech led fo| six stove and greenhouse plants, his G I superba being well flowered : 2nd. Mr. J. Far- rant. Cleveland. Shrewsbury. In the class for a group of miscellaneous plants, in or out of bloom, occupying an area of 100 square feet, restricted to exhibitors in the county of Shropshire, there were two displays. THE SHREWSBURY SHOW. Fig 55. — PORTION OF messrs. pobbie and co.'s exhibit. difficult to distinguish the cut flowers from the flowering plants. This should be the case in all arrangements of this nature. The 2nd prize was again awarded to Sir G. H. Kenprick. Bdgb - _ Mr. J. V. Macdonald). There was not the diversity in this exhibit that ich a feature 111 the premier display. The group was crowned with a fine plant of Phoenix : ila, whilst the groundwork was c. uspicuous foi the lightly-coloured Crotons employed, the broad-leaved forms being very prominent. Upon an arch were several cut spikes of Phalae- nopis Rimestadiana upon a carpeting of I. dium caesium of a deep bronzy tint. Xandina domestica - _ spicnous feature, this I . worked into the front with dwarf plants of ias and Fittonias, Only a few cut flowers were employed, bat the entire exhibit was marked conspicuous example of a light Palm. Had it been crowned with light, pendulous Bamboos, it would have been far better. Mr. W. Vatjse was awarded the 4lh prize. The foreground of his group was good, but the background was sufficiently definite in arrangement. It would add greatly to the interest of the ex- hibits if. in the future, this, or a similar class, could be so arranged as to face all ways. To make this class really effective, more space is si essential. Messrs. Cypher & Sons again excelled in the class for 50 stove and greenhouse plants in pots 10 inches in diameter. Besides Statiees. Ronde- letias. Clerodendrons and Ixoras. they had neat Sxamples of Alocasia intermedia. Acalypha his- pida (Sanderiana), Draea?na Sanderiana. Alla- manda Williamsii. and Davallia pi lyantha : 2nd. The 1st prize was awarded to Mrs. Swans, Halston Hall Igr. Mr. C Roberts), for a moderate display that needed brighter flowers. 1 h \rt ech showed best of three in the class for 12 miscellaneous pot plants. Specimen plants. The large-trained specimen plants made a not- able feature in the plant tent. There were three exhibits of 15 stove and greenhouse plants m bloom. Messrs. Jas. Cypher & Sons. Chel- tenham, had no difficulty in winning the 1st prize, showing by far the choicest and largest specimens. They had superb plants of Statice profusa and S. intermedia : also Rondeletia speciosa. Ixora Shawii. I. Duffii. Clerodendron Balfouri. a lame plant of Codia?um Countess, and others : 2nd. Mr. W. Vause, Leamington, whose Augcst 20, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 149 best examples were Rondeletia speciosa major and Erica aemula ; 3rd, Mr. W. R. Manning. Dudley. Messrs. Cypher & Sons also led in the class for six specimens, their Statices being again of large proportions and well bloomed. Allamanda i was also shown finely ; 2nd, Mr. W. Vause. : Hvblech easily beat his two rivals in tbt class for six Dracaenas, being followed by E. Vau'.hton. There were two exhibits of six Caladiums and both were good. Mr. Vaughton v. as placed 1st for compact, well-coloured specimens ; 2nd, J. Stone. Esq., Robv, Liverpool (gr. Mr. D. McKelvie). In the diss for four exotic Ferns, there were four competitors. E. Vaughton, Esq., Hands- worth (gr. Mr. C. Kelland), being awarded the 1st prize, having the largest plants, principally tree Ferns— Dicksonias ; 2nd, Capt. Heywood- was a magnificent one, and they well merited the 1st prize which was awarded them. In the centre were magnificently-bloomed plants of the iik Lady Tweedmouth variety, the petals being pleasingly crimped. They had also fine plants of Duchess of Cornwall 'dark red), King Alfonso (scarlet). Mrs. Pete ea (salmon i, Miss Ethel Gill (pale salmon, an exquisite shade and a grand bloom generally), Lady D' r- (white), W. Sparshott (yellow), and W. Marshall (scarlet). Some good Begonias were seen in the class for six plants in equal numbers of single and double varieties. Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon won the 1st prize, having grandly-bloomed plants, in- cluding Mme. Clara Butt, Duchess of Cornwall, M. Gwillim. and unnamed singles ; 2nd. T. Hammond. E=q.. 39, Cast'- - Shrewsbury, with smaller blooms, but well-grown plants. garde, and King Edward are a few of his choicer -. 2nd, Messrs. M. Campbell k Son, High Blantyre, with a good display; 3rd, Mr. A tt. Brown, King's Norton. In a class for a smaller collection of Carnations, from which traders were excluded, C. Alcock, Liverpool gr. Mr. C. Russell), won the 1st prize with good blooms : he was followed bv C. 3. White, Esq., Walsall. Two pretty displays of winter or perpetual- blooming Carnations were staged in the class foi a collection of these flowers. Mr. C. F. Waters. Balcombe, Sussex, beat Mr. John F. Knight, rhampton, having the largest blooms. The new cerise variety named after Edith Waters was conspicuous. Britannia was unequalled as a " scarlet," whilst Enchantress was as good as ever. Mr. C. H. Herbert, Acock's Green, Birming- Fig. THE SHREWSBURY SHOW. -MESSRS. WEBB AND SON'S NON-COMPETITIVE EXHIBIT, AS ARRANGED IS THE FRL'IT TENT, Lonsdale. Shavington Hall (gT. Mr. J. Millsi : 3rd. Mr. W. R. Manning. Dudley. Four Fuchsias were best shown by Mrs. Jowett. Huyton, Liverpool (gr. Mr. E. Bridge), in a class represented by moderately-good plants ; 2nd, G. Mitchell, Esq., Belle Vue (gr. Mr. J. Howells). There were seven exhibits in this class. Mrs. Jowett also led for six double-flowered Pelargoniums, and R. Taylor. Esq.. Abbey Fore- gate 'gr. Mr. H. Clift), excelled in the similar class for single varieties, and was placed 1st in the local classes for three double-flowered and three single-flowered Pelargoniums. Messrs. Blai-kmore & Langdon. Bath, had no competitors in the class for a grcruD of tuberous-rooted Begonias in pots, occupying a space of 15 feet by 4 feet. Their group, however. Mr. Hammond led in the local class for Bego- nias, in competition with four other exhibitors, her displays being only moderate. Gloxinias were poor. There were three ex- hibits in the class for 12 plants, shown by F arrant. E. Bewley Esq.. Rathgar. Dublin (gr. Mr. T. Cave), and G. Burr. Esq., Oaklands (gr. Mr. A. Jones), who won prizes in the order of their names. Carnations. Mr. C. H. Herbert. Acock's Green, Birming- ham, showed grandly in the class for a collec- tion of Carnations, the blooms being not only of fine quality, but staged especially well. He em- ployed large epergnes and filled these with sepa- rate varieties, building up the groundwork to b'end with the epersrnes. Daffodil. Benbow. Goldfinch. Agnes Sorrel. Sir Galahad, Hilde- ham. was placed 1st for 12 vases of Carnations and Picotees. Roses. Some good Roses were seen in the class for a collection of flowers in an area of 6 feet by 4 feet. Four exhibitors competed, and the groups being adjacent to each other, they made a fine bank of blooms. The 1st prize was awarded to Messrs. Gunn & Sons. Olton : the 2nd to Mr. F. M. Bradley. Peterborough, and the ord to Messrs. Stephen Treseder & Son. Card:-. The blooms in the premier stand were sufficiently good to warrant close ins- -ome of the rir.er varie- ties were Kaiserin Augusta Victoria. L-- Pi Mme. Melanie - ~:uvenir de Catherine i Gruss an Tei Messrs. Aebx. Dickson S S ks, Xevtownards, excelled in the class for 24 blooms, distinct, with 150 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 20, 1910. John Stuart Mills, Ulrich Brunner, Brilliant (a grand bloom), Mine. Eugene Verdier, W. E. Lippiatt, Leslie Holland. Bessie Brown, Mrs. Stewart Clark, Her Majesty and Capt. Hayward, of outstanding quality; 2nd, Mr. Hugh Dickson, Belfast. These firms reversed positions in the class for 18 Mooms, distinct, Mr. Hugh Dickson's collection embracing notable specimens of W. E. Lippiatt, Caroline Testout, Hugh Dickson, Lyon Rose, Star of Waltham, George Laing Paul, and Chas. Lefebvre. Sweet Peas. The largest class for Sweet Peas was for 18 distinct varieties. The 1st prize included the Eckford Challenge Cup, valued at 25 guineas. There were nine entries, but three were dis- qualified as not being in accordance with the conditions of the schedule. One of these exhibitors showed Rosie Adams and Minnie Christie mixed ; another had a vase of Apple Blossom Spencer mixed with a different sort, whilst the third showed Tom Bolton and Bluebell together. Mr. J. Haycocks, Wrexham, is to be specially commiserated for his oversight, as his flowers were a grand lot. The 1st prize was won by Mr. T. Jones, Ruabon, who showed superbly. He had Dazzler. Queen of Norway, Syeira Lee, Mrs. C. Foster, Audrey Crier, Mrs. C. W. Bread- more, Marjorie Linzee, Earl Spencer, Clara Curtis, George Stark, Etta Dyke. The King, Mrs. H. Dickson, Minnie Christie, Elsie Herbert, Mrs. H. Sykes, Tom Bolton, and John Ingman. 2nd, G. H. F. Robertson, Esq., Gresford (gr. Mr. E. Jones), with George Herbert (very fine), Mrs. H. S\kes, Helen Lewis, Mrs. Routzahn Spen- cer, Nancy Perkin, Etta Dyke, and others. 3rd, Mr. J. Fletcher, Auchenheath. Lanark. In the class for 12 varieties, distinct, there was good competition amongst seven exhibitors ; one exhibit was disqualified. A fine exhibit put up by Mr. R. Hallam, Radcliffe-on-Trent, was placed 1st, the colours being bright and the spikes and blooms large. The varieties were Mrs. W. J. Unwin. Nellie Jenkins, Paradise Ivory, Tennant Spencer, Elsie Herbert, Edna Unwin, Nora Unwin, Evelyn Hemus, King Edward (Soencer), Constance Oliver. Mrs. Hardcastle Sj'kes, and Helen Lewis. 2nd. Mr. F. J. Harri- son, Ulverston, with smaller but refined flowers, Countess Spencer, Constance Oliver, Elsie Her- bert, and Sunproof Crimson being some of the choicest. No fewer than 15 competed in the class for six varieties, distinct, the premier stand being shown by Mr. J. H. Emmett, Earlestown, War- rington. The varieties were Maggie Stark. Mis. Routzahn, Nora Unwin, Asta Ohn, Mrs. C. W. Breadmeire, and Olive Ruffell, the last-named re- sembling Constance Oliver. 2nd, Mr. F. J. Harrison, Ulverston, with Etta Dyke. Marjorie Willis. Asta Ohn, Paradise Ivory. Evelyn Hemus, and King Edward (Spencer). 3rd, Mr. E. H. Shorting, The Lawns, Broseley. Dinner tables decorated with Sweet Peas were very numerous, but the displays were in most cas's replicas of each other, pink Sweet Peas and trails of Selaginella being employed in nearly every ease. The 1st prize was won by Miss Jones. Wem. who arranged Audrey Crier, with a few coloured leaves of Ampelopsis, sprays of Selaginella, and Asparagus. Arrangements of Cut Flowers. There is always much interest in the florists' exhibits at Shrewsbury, and this interest is well founded, for the exhibits are quite above the commonplace at exhibitions. We can only refer briefly to some of the more interesting features. The. first class was for one bride's bouquet and two bridesmaids' bouquets, their arrangement to be limited to a space of 3 feet 6 inches frontage by 4 feet, 6 incites width. The 1st prize was awarded to Mr. J. Knight, nurseryman, Wolver- hampton, whose bride's bouquet was composed of Odontoglossums and Lily of the Valley, and the bridesmaids' bouquets of pink Carnations ; 2nd, Mr. W. J. Gardner ; 3rd, The King's Acre Nursery Co., Hereford. The best bride's bouquet was shown by Mr. \V. J. Gardner, and it was composed of mixed Orchids, such as Odontoglossums, Phakenopsis, white Cattleyas, and Cypripediums ; 2nd, Mr. Adshead; 3rd. Messrs. Bottomley & Burton, Elland, Yorkshire. Mr. Adshead had the best hand bouejuet in a beautiful arrangement of Orchids; 2nd, Mr. W. J. Gardner ; 3rd, The King's Acre Nur- sery Co. In a similar class, from which Orchids were excluded, the 1st prize was gained by Mr. W. J. Gardner, who employed Gloriosa in several species ; 2nd, Mr. Adshead, with an arrange- ment of yellow Roses. Mr. W. J. Gardner had the best featherweight bouquet, and The King's Acre Nurseries were awarded the 2nd prize in this class. Mr. W. J. Gardner had the best basket of cut flowers, and The King's Acre Nurseries the best hand basket of cut flowers (Orchids excluded). In the class for a stand of cut flowers for table decorations, not to exceed 18 inches in diameter at the base, the best ex- hibitor was Mr. W. Gardner, Altrincham p.nd Hale, who employed Gloriosa superba. Mrs. B. Vernon, Bowden, who was placed 2nd, showed an arrangement of mixed Gloriosas, An- thuriums, Francioas, &c. Hardy Flowers. The class for a collection of perennial flowers on spaces 10 feet 6 inches frontage, brought forth a very magnificent bank of the best hardy flowers now in season. The exhibits were arranged in the big fruit tent, and during most of the day a very good light fell upon the flowers, which pro- duced an effect of floral splendour seldom equalled. There were seven collections, and some of these were almost of equal value, so fine were the selections. The 1st prize, however, was awarded to Messrs. Gunn & Sons, Olton, Bir- mingham, whose display was remarkable for the beauty of outline and the pleasing tones that appealed to the eye as the visitor approached the exhibit. The centre was characterised by a first- class bunch of the rich purple Allium descen- dens, which had a very fine effect. Campanula pyramidalis, Lilium auratum, Chrysanthemum maximum, Montbretia Germania were a few of the principal features. 2nd, Mr. F. Barnes, Frome. Somerset ; 3rd, Messrs. Harkness & Son, Bedale, Vorkshire ; 4th, Messrs. Wit. Artindale & Son, Sheffield. The other exhibitors were Messrs. Gibson, Bedale, and Mr. R. T. Went, Llandaff. There were also some good collections in the class for 18 bunches in not fewer than 12 varie- ties. Messrs. W. Artindale & Son, won the 1st prize, notable bunches being Silene Iaciniata, Phlox Sylphide, Scabiosa caucasica, Chrysanthe- mum maximum. Astilbe Davidii, and a red Gladiolus. 2nd, F. Bouskell, Esq., Market Bos- worth (gr. Mr. G. Hollis). A keen competition resulted in the class for 12 bunches, F. Alderson, Esq., Welsh Frampton (gr. Mr. G. Davis), being awarded the 1st prize, and Mr. Bouskell the 2nd prize. An outstanding collection of Gladioli was seen in the class for 24 varieties of this border flower. The exhibitors were Messrs. G. Mair & Son, Prestwick, N.B., and the 1st prize was given them. Especially good were Triomphe de Caen (white), Gargantua (rosy-carmine), Dr. Olmsted (red and white). Rajah (yellow, tipped with rose), and Amiral Cervera (rosy-buff). Although out-of-season. Chrysanthemums were seen in fine form, especially the winning stand in the class for 12 early-blooming varieties, shown by Mr. W. A. Ballard, Leicester, such sorts as Nina Blick, Soleil d'Octobre, and Mme. Des- grange being as fine as they are seen in October. There were eight exhibits in the class for 12 bunches of annuals, and the variety of subjects was most pleasing. There could be no two opinions as to the finest group, the exhibitor being A. E. Humphreys Owen, Esq., Berriew (gr. Mr. 0. Oakley), whose flowers included Lavatera alba, Godetia Schaminii, Cacalia coccinea, a fine, scarlet flower ; Zinnia elegans, Salpiglossis, of superb quality ; Stocks, Calliopsis nigra speciosa, and Marigold Orange King. 2nd, W. H. Banks, Esq., Kington (gr. Mr. G. H. Bamfield). The exhibits in the class for a collection of Cactus or decorative Dahlias, or both, on a frontage for each exhibit of 8 feet 6 inches, were etaged in the big fruit tent. There were four exhibits, and the 1st prize was awarded to Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co., Salisbury, who staged a very effective exhibit that gained a good deal of its merit from the inclusion of a considerable number of first-class seedlings ; 2nd, Mr. W. Campbell, High Blantyre ; 3rd, Mr. J. Knight, Wolverhampton. Mr. John Smellle, Busby, Glasgow, was well to the fore in the class for 24 blooms of Show or Fancy Dahlias, having large, clean, even- sized, well-coloured blooms of popular sorts ; 2nd, Messrs. W. Campbell & Son, High Blan- tyre. Equally good were the Cactus-flowered varie- ties show'n by Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co.,. Salisbury, their blooms being the finest Dahlias of this type in the show. Messrs. Bottomley & Burton, Elland, Yorkshire, won the 2nd prize, having larger but less refined flowers. Mr. H. Peerman, Nantwich, showed best in the classes for Dahlias, from which trade growers were excluded. Vegetables. The Society's class was for 12 dishes, and the prizes offered were £10, £7. £4 and £2— a total of £23. This class brought but four entries. The Hun. Vicary Gibbs, Elstree (gr. Mr. E. Beckett), showed in his usual fine style, and was an easy 1st prize winner with superb samples. He had Onions, Celery, Leeks, Tomatos, Peas, Potatos, Turnips, Cucumbers, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Run- ner Beans, and Parsnips. Mr. J. Hudson, Leicester, was placed 2nd. having good Potatos, Celery, Tomatos, Peas, Runner Beans, Cauli- flowers, and Onions. 3rd, Sir T. Hesketh, Bart., Towcester. The trade classes for vegetables, which were dropped last year, again found a place in the schedule. On this occasion the number of entries in the respective classes generally were satisfac- tory, and the finest vegetables in the show were found in these classes. Messrs. Sutton & Sons' prizes. — These num- bered six, and were of the total value of £25 4s. The class was for a collection of nine dishes. The 1st prize was won by the Duke of Portland, Welbeck Abbey (gr. Mr. J. Gibson), whose exhibits were of exceptionally high quality. The subjects comprised Cauliflowers, Pink Celery, Prizetaker Leeks, Supreme Potatos, Al Runner Beans, Eclipse Tomatos, Centenary Peas, Ailsa Craig Onions, and new Intermediate Carrots. Mr. J. Hudson, Leicester, was placed 2nd, having excellent Tomatos, Onions, Potatos and Peas; 3rd, Captain Heywood-Lonsdale, Shavington Hall (gr. Mr. Mills) ; the Misses Howell, Ber- riew, were placed 4th. There were 10 collections in all. Messrs. Webb & Sons' prizes.' — There were seven of these, of the total value of £18 10s., there being four entries. The Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Herts, (gr. Mr. E. Beckett) was placed 1st for a superb lot such as was worthy of that famous grower's high reputa- tion. The collection of nine dishes comprised Early Mammoth Cauliflowers, Champion Leeks, Webb's White Celery, Sensation Tomatos, Ex- hibition Runner Beans, Quite Content Peas, Bountiful Potatos, Ailsa Craig Onions, and Pi ize- winner Carrots. 2nd, Mr. J. Hudson, with capital Potatos, Carrots, Cauliflowers and Peas. Sir T. F. Hesketh, Bart., Towcester (gr. Mr. Hal- lett), was placed 3rd, and Mr. W. C. German, Wellington. 4th. Messrs. Clibrans' prizes. — There were three in number, of the total value of £18. The class brought only three entries. The Marquis of Northampton, Castle Ashby (gr. Mr. A. R. Searle), was well 1st, having excellent produce, including Cauliflowers, Leeks, Celery, Peas, Car- rots, Tomatos, Potatos, Round Beets, Parsnips, Marrows, Onions, and Runner Beans; 2nd, H. Tatham, Esq., Kendall Hall (gr. Mr. Gaiger), who had excellent samples ; 3rd, A. E. Hum- phreys Owen, Esq. (gr. Mr. Oakley). Messrs. Jas. Carter Jb Co.'s prizes. — This firm offered six prizes of the total value of £17 10s. ; unfortunately, there were only two entries. Mr. Gaiger was' awarded the 1st prize for excellent Celery, Cauliflowers, Peas, Tomatos (Duke of York), Intermediate Carrots. Ailsa Craig Onions, and fine giant pink Celery; 2nd, Mr. E. DE/",nN, Hale Hall. Messrs. Robert Sydenham's, Ltd., prizes. — These numbered five, being of a total value of £15 10s. The class was for collections of eight dishes. Mr. W. Jones, Newtown, was easily 1st, with fine Cauliflowers, White Celery, Leeks, Excelsior Onions, Ne Plus Ultra Runner Beans, Duke of Albany Peas, Scarlet Intermediate Car- rots, and Windsor Castle Potatos; 2nd. Mr. E. Deakin ; 3rd, the Rev. J. Davies, Stackpole Rec- tory ; and 4th, Lord Willoughby de Broke, Compton Verney. There were five entries uv Messrs. Sydenham's class. Aucust 20, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 151 Mr. E. MurreU's prizes. — This nursery- man offered seven prizes, in two classes, of the total amount of £13 10s. — one for a collec- tion of nine dishes ; the other for six dishes. In the larger class, Mr. H. Pugh, Newtown, was placed 1st, having choice Celery, Carrots, Cauli- flowers, Tomatos, and Potatos ; 2nd, C. Logan, . Esq., Wellington; 3rd, Mr. S. Scott, Betton Grange. In the class for six dishes, Mr. T. Sanderson, Wellington, was 1st, having capital examples. Non-Competitive Exhibits. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, showed a group of stove foliage plants, relieved with clumps of flowering subjects, in the centre being a bank of Orchids. Nepenthes on tall stands served to break the contour of the group, these plants being of grand quality. In the body of the group were imposing specimens of Heliconia illustris, Maranta Veitchii, Tillandsia Massangeana, Pfacsena Bruantii, D. Victoria, D. Sanderiana, numer- ous Codiseums, and other choice foliage subjects, all of superb quality, and disposed in the most effective manner. Messrs. John Peed & Son, West Norwood, set up a group of Caladiums, relieved with Adiantum Ferns. It was arranged as a bank around one of the tent poles, the top being crowned with Palms. The foliage was not especially large, but the colours were intense, notable examples being Golden King, Duke of Teck, Alex- ander III.. C. E. Dihle, fastuosum, Mrs. Cresswell, and Mme. J. R. Box.' Messrs. Wm. Artindale & Son, Nether Green, Sheffield, had a pretty variety of the scarlet Silene laciniata, named " Purpusii." A selection of choice Roses was displayed by Messrs. Alfx. Dickson & Sons, Ltd., Newtownards, the blooms being marvellously fresh. Lyon Rose, Dean Hole, Mrs. Da\id Jardine, Mrs. Charles C. Harrison, bright rose; Harry Kirk, Nita Weldon, and Gloire de Chidane Guin- noiseau are a few of the best in the exhibit. Messrs. Hobbies, Ltd., Dereham. Norfolk, had a semi- circular group of Roses arranged in one of the recesses in the large fruit tent. There were a few weeping standards in pots, and cut blooms of most types of Roses. In another portion of the same tent Messrs. Hobbies had a pretty exhibit of Dahlias, varieties of the Cartus and Paeony-flowered types being alone represented. Some of the Paeony-flowered sorts, as King Leopold and Merveille, were very pretty. Mr. Edwin Murrell, Nurseryman, Shrewsbury, showed a collection of Roses, herbaceous Phlox, Violas, &c. Messrs. Wm. Ci?tbu>h & Son, Highgate, London, N., and Barnet, Herts, showed a fine group of Carnations, Roses, Coleus, and a few stove plants. Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, The Nurseries, Edmonton, staged a collection of greenhouse Ferns, also crested and plumose varieties of British species. The beautiful Nephrolepis exahata var. Marshallii, the most attractive of its class, was shown well, also Pteris ludens, with large, sagittate fronds. Mr. H. N. Ellison, West Bromwich, also showed Ferns in many varieties. Mr. Wm. Angus, Penicuik, showed plants of Disa grandiflora and blooms of Chrysanthemum maximum. Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, showed a mis- cellaneous exhibit (see fig. 54J, which illustrated many of the specialities of this firm. There were excellent Par- snips, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Turnips, Leeks, Cucumbers, Tomatos, Runner and French Beans, Peas, Melons, and other produce. These exhibits were interspersed with such flowers as Gladioli, Liliums, Gaillardias, Sweet Peas, and Montbretias, the general effect being exceed- ingly good. Messrs. Webb & Son, Wordsley, Staffordshire, were represented by a miscellaneous exhibit, in which fruits, flowers and vegetables were intermixed to produce a good effect (see fig. 56). There were Melons, Tomatos, Cucum- bers, Beans, Peas, Carrots, Parsnips, Potatos, Beets, jCsuliflowers, and Onions. The flowers included Sweet |*eas, Carnations, Lilies, and Astilbes. A fine group of fruits, flowers, and vegetables was ex- hibited by Messrs. Dickson & Robinson, Manchester, Tomatos, Cucumbers, Dahlias, Carnations, Liliums, Antirrhinums, Chrysanthemums, Phloxes, and numerous others being shown finely. Messrs. Young & Co., Hatherley, Cheltenham, exhibited a group of Carnations, well grown and shown. A large assortment of Roses was displayed by Messrs. W. & J. Brown, Peterborough, and another group of these flowers was shown by Messrs. Jarman & Co., Chard, who had also Sweet Peas, Pelargoniums, Dahlias, Centaureas, Apples, and a few vegetables. Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Edinburgh, showed a group of Sweet Peas, which consisted of the best varieties in com- merce, and a few seedlings. In addition to the Peas, this firm showed a beautiful arrangement of new varieties of Cosmos, Scabious, and 'Antirrhinums. Messrs. Dobbie seldom stage an exhibit that does not contain any Potato : on this occasion there were 30 dishes of ex- cellent tifiers of selected varieties (see fig. 55)- Immediately on entering the large group tent, the eye rested on a very elaborate arrangement of Sweet Peas, exhibited by Messrs. Jones & Sons, Ltd., Shrewsbury, on the exterior of the exhibit were decorated with climbing Roses, and connecting these pillars were festoons of Sweet Peas, whilst underneath, a very gor- geous effect was produced by a groundwork of Sweet Peas and Carnations. In the tent devoted to Sweet Peas trade displays of these flowers were made by Mr. Robert Bolton. \\ Carnforth ; Mr, H. Eckford, Wem ; and Hugh Aldersey, Esq., Aldersey Hall (gr. Mr. T. Pearson). -» Messrs, Robert Sydenham, Ltd., Birmingham, also made a pretty exhibit of Sweet Peas in metal stands, and other exhibitors of these flowers were Messrs. W. H. Simpson & Sons, Birmingham ; Messrs. Isaac House & Son. We^tbury-r,n-Trym ; Mr. J. Stevenson, Wim- borne ; Mr. C. Breadmore, Winchester. Mr. A, W. Thorpe, Lichfield, showed early flowering varieties of Chrysanthemums, including several novelties. Mr. Amos Perr"y, Enfield, had banks of dark and light blue Delphiniums, with a background of Artimesia lacti- flora, and in the centre a pool with Nymphaeas. The Delphiniums were remarkably fine. Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport, Somerset, showed superb spikes of Gladioli, having 200 vases. Snowdon is a new white variety of much merit. Mr. W. L. Pattison, Shrewsbury, contributed an ex- hibit of Violas. Mr. Albert Myers. Sutton Lane Nurseries, Shrews- bury, had a very bright exhibit of Zonal Pelargoniums, with a few plants of Coleus at the back. Messrs. Dicksons, Ltd., Chester, showed a good collec- tion of hardy flowers arranged in the form of a bank in the fruit tent. This miscellaneous collection had at its side an exhibit of Sweet Peas contributed by the same firm. The Pea flowers were excellent in colour and size. i, Isaac House & Son, Coombe Nurseries, West- bury-on-Trym, showed a group of hardy flowers, in which many pretty varieties of Pyrethrum were shown in excellent condition, together with other kinds, particu- larly D-lphiniums and Pentstemons. An extensive exhibit of hardy plants from Messrs. Bakers, Wolverhampton, contained a very small water- garden in the centre, decorated with Nymphaeas in flower, and a few bog plants. Crinum Powellii and the variety alba, Rudbeckia Golden Glow, varieties of herbaceous Phlox and a considerable collection of Sweet Peas were noticed amongst the hardy flowers. Messrs. Baklrs also showed varieties of the Paeony-flowered Dahlia as a separate group. Messrs. Pritchard & Sons, Shrewsbury-, showed some pretty bowls of Alpines, also Ferns, Sweet Peas, Campanula isophylla, and, as a separate group, a collec- tion of early-flowering Chrysanthemums. Messrs. Hewitt & Co., Solihull and Birmingham, had a good display of garden flowers, including Sweet Peas. Carnations, Roses, and border perennials. Messrs. Gunm & Sons, 01 ton, Warwickshire, set up num rnus varieties of border Phloxes, the beautiful Viola cornuta, and other hardy flowers. Messrs. Seagrave & Co., Norfolk Market Hall, Sheffield, showed Pansies and Violas, with a border of Roses, Carnations, and hardy perennials. Messrs. John Forbes, Ltd., Hawick, showed their superb strain of Pentstemons, also border Phloxes, Pansies, Violas, and Carnations. Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Colchester, put up a large collection of the newer Montbretias; varieties of Liliums — L. tigrinurn splendens being remarkably good ; Gladioli, Pyre thrums, Phloxes, and other garden flowers. Messrs. Webb & Brand. Saffron Walden, showed their specialities in Hollyhocks, all of the rosette type and finely coloured. Mr. R. F. Felton, Florist, Hanover Square, London, showed several florist's exhibits, particularly a basket of flowers, which was specially pleasing owing to its beauti- ful outlines. Most of the flowers were Orchids, includ- ing Oncidiums, Cattleyas, Odontoglossums and Cypri- pediums, but a few Dther flowers were intermixed, in- cluding a species of Thalictrum. Messrs. Thos. Rivers & Son, Sawbridgeworth, staged w II- fruited pot trees of Peaches, Nectarines, Plums, Cherries, Pears, Apples, Figs and Oranges, with baskets of gathered fruits of the same, the display being finished with a drapery of greenery along the front. The Peaches were especially good, small trees of Kestrel and Peregrine in particular being well cropped. Trees of Cox's Orange Pippin Apple were also finely fruited. The King's Acre Nurskries, Ltd., Hereford, con- tributed a collection of fruit trees in pots quite equal to the exhibits of this nature the firm have sent to Shrews- bury for some years past. The specimens were well- cropped, healthy-looking trees. In addition, these Hereford Nurseries showed numerous Roses, Eremuri, and other hardy flowers. Messrs. Storrie & Storrie. Glencarse, Perthshire, showed varieties of Gooseberries, some as pyramidal- trained pot plants. These were interspersed with Ice- land Poppies of a choice strain, Coleuses, Strepto- carpuses, and Celosias. Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, London, had a collection of 60 dishes of vegetables, all of capital quality, including Cauliflowers, Cabbages, Cos and Cab- bage Lettuces, Turnips, Peas, Marrows, Potatos, Tomatos Carrots, Beet, Radishes, and Onions ; altogether a most interesting group. Messrs. Clibrans, Manchester, had a choice display in the vegetable tent, and covered a broad table with a very inclusive and attractive collection. Aldenham Pink Celery was a prominent feature, as also were the numerous Tomatos, Carrots, Peas, Runner, Butter and Dwarf Beans, Cucumbers, Turnips, Potatos, Marrows, and, not least, the fine clean examples of Winningstadt Green Cabbage so fine for summer use. Awards of Merit. Carnation " Mrs. Angus." — A border variety shown by Mr. Wm. Angus, Penicuik, N.B. Sweet Pea *' Tortoise Shell." — Shown by Hugh Aldersey, Esq., Aldersey Hall, Cheshire. Cosmos " White Queen " and Scabious (Dobbie's strain). — Shown by Dobbie & Co., Edinburgh. Gladioli " Delicata" and "Snowdon." — Shown by Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport. Messrs. Storrie & Storrie, Glencarse, N.B., received Awards of Merit for an improved strain of Coxcomb and for their Excelsior strain of Iceland Poppies. AWARDS. Large Gold Medals. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, S.W. ; Thos. Rivers & Sons, Sawbridgeworth ; and King's Acre Nurseries, Ltd., Hereford. Small Gold Medals. Messrs. Clibrans, Altrincham ; R. Wallace & Co., Colchester ; Bakers, Ltd. , Wolverhampton ; Kelway & Son, Langport; Hobbies, Ltd., Dereham; Sutton & Sons, Reading ; Edwin Murrell, Shrewsbury ; Webb & Sons, Stourbridge ; Jones & Sons, Ltd., Shrewsbury ; Alex Dickson & Sons, Ltd., Newtownards, Co. Down ; W. and J. Brown, Peterborough ; and Robt. Bolton, Carnforth. Silver-gilt Medals. Messrs. John Peed & Sons, Roupell Park Nurseries, S.L. ; Hewitt & Co., Solihull ; Gunn & Sons, Olton, Bir- mingham ; H. N. Ellison, West Bromwich ; Simpson & Son, Birmingham ; Dicksons, Ltd., Chester ; Isaac House & Sons, Bristol; Wm. Cutbush & Sons, Highgate, N. ; Jarman & Co., Chard ; Dickson and Robinson, Manchester ; Young & Co., Cheltenham ; Henry Eckford, Wem ; Tom B. Dobbs & Co., Wolverhampton ; Pritchard & Sons, Shrewsbury; and Wm. Artindale & Sons, Sheffield. Silver Medals. Messrs. Webb & Brand, Saffron Walden ; Amos Perry, Enfield; H. B. May & Sons, Edmonton; John Forbes, Ltd., Hawick; Seagrave & Co., Sheffield; Barr & Sons, Covent Garden, London ; Storrie and Storrie, Glencarse, Dundee; A. W. Thorpe, Lichfield; Dobbie & Co., Edin- burgh; Albert Myers, Shrewsbury; Felton & Son, Han- over Square, London, W. ; J. Stevenson, Wimborne ; and C W. Breadmore, Winchester. Bronze Medals. Messrs. Robert Sydenham, Ltd., Birmingham ; Wm. Angus, Penicuik, N.B. ; S. R. Crompton, Macclesfield; W. L. Pattison, Shrewsbury; Hugh Aldersey, Esq., Aldersey Hall, Cheshire. ROYAL BOTANIC. August 10. — The 71st annual meeting of the Fellows was held at Regent's Park on this date. Mr. Pembroke Stephens, K.C., occupied the chair. In moving the adoption of the report, the chairman said that a remarkable improvement hid taken place in the position of the society. That had been due to hard work on the part of the council during the last 12 months, and amongst those who had worked the hardest were eome who had joined the council only recently. The number of Fellows in 1909 was 1,570, while the number now was 1.854. Some debenture-holders had surrendered tneir debentures, and the council had offered them life fellowships. In June last vear the debenture debt of the society was £24,284, now it was £14.714. In consequence of the suirender of the debentures tho society had also saved £1,236 18s. 9d., accrued interest and a sum of £250 14s. 9d., which was an annual charge in respect of in- terest. The current liabilities in 1909 were £3.050 ; in 1910 they were £572. In whatever aspect they looked at the society they could see solid and substantial progress. Their debt was decreasing ; the members were increasing in numbers ; in cur- rent debt they were paying their way, and they were still, he was thankful to say, in possession of their beautiful gardens. One gentleman had written a long letter to the council, full of criti- cisms and statements, and he (the speaker) would not be using too strong a word if he said mis- statements. Proceeding, the speaker announced that King George had become a patron of the society. Mr. C. Barclay Holland seconded the motion for the adoption of the report, which was agreed to without further discussion. The following retiring members of the council were re-elected : — Mr. A. F. G. Leveson-Gower, Captain John Sparks, Messrs. Montague Hutton, William Wallace, Ernest Callard, Sir William Dunn, M.P., Mr. James C. Marshall, and Dr. G. Granville Bantock. LAW NOTES. WILLIAM WOODWARD. " Excessive interest on borrowed money, losses in crops and shortness of capital '' uerealleged as thecausesof failure of Wm. Woodward, nursery- man, Mythop Nurseries, and 2 Clifton Square, Lytham, near Preston, who appeared for public examination at the Preston Bankruptcy Court on the 5th inst. The official receiver stated that debtor had declared that for three years prior to 1909 he was making an average profit of £300 a ysar, but that last year, his trading resulting in a loss, he closed down. He commenced busi- ness on his own account in 1903 with £900 cash capital and £200 borrowed. In October. 1908, he took into partnership Mr. C. R. Barratt, who 152 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 20, 1910. brought into the concern £1,500. The partner- ship was dissolved in December, 1909, by Mr. Barratt going out, the debtor agreeing to pay him £350, and to take over all the assets and liabilities. Debtor only paid Mr. Barratt £100. The sum of £2,000 of the present liabilities was stated to be in respect of the outstanding debts S'. L. The tubers are badly aff.cted with warty disease. Burn all diseased tubi is and the haulm after the crop is har- t. vested, and do not use the land for a similar crop for the next two or three years. Obtain next season's seed-tubers from a healthy stock. This disease is notifiable under the new' Pest and Diseases Order of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries (see Gardeners' Chronicle, May 21, 1910, p. 377). Scale on Salsaey Foliage: B. P. K. cC- Som The leaves are covered with the White Rust fungus (Cystopus candidus). A slight attack of this on the leaves does not, as a rule, affect the growth of the roots, and spraying is ::ot usually necessary. Certain weeds belonging to the Natural Order Cruciferse — particular!) Shepherd's Purse — are attacked by this fungus, and should be destroyed, as this disease is not specialised in its parasitism, and can pass from one kind of plant to another. If it is desired particularly to keep the Salsafy leaves free. spray them early in the season witli Bordeaux mixture (4 lbs. "bluestone, 4 lbs. quicklime, 50 gallons water). Seedling Begonia : G. S. Your seedling pos- sesses several good points, the colour of the flowers being pleasing and the trusses large and of fine shape. But there are similar varie- ties already in cultivation, and. unless we had these before us for comparison it would be difficult to say if your example exhibits any advance. Thripr on Roses : T . Nicotine is the best speci- fic for destroying thrips. Spray the plants with tobacco water, or one of the proprietary nicotine compounds on the market. Tomatos Failing to Colour at the Base: /;. T. The hard, yellow portion at the base of the fruit is due to a lack of potash in the soil. Afford the plants some manurial com- pound containing this constituent. Various Leaves for Examination : II'. T. S. There appears to be no specific disease present on any of the specimens sent; the injury ap- pears to be due to some error in culture. Communications Received.— Surrey— J. S.— H. H.— C. T. D.-E. W. & Sons-H. W.— J. P.— J. D.-E. .T. L.— M. C. T.-J. W.-A. W.-P. d'E. D.-King.ston Hill - Dun —A. A.- Subscriber-P. & Co.— P. A— H. S. T.— L. G.— j A. T..-G. G.--S. R. P.— W. I.-R. F.— H. Tj.-E. C— { .1. W. B.-J.S.-M. F.— S. A. -Z. B. Y.— W. J B.-J.B.— J.J. K. c eg £ "3. a 3 (fl w « X CO <£ w H co W u p W o 5 O > „ o w z. ;£ OS « Id o S pq C co J w fc J w o H U < H < < h Z 2 w c/1 Q K a. <: w o e ^ u co « W o > H p* U J UJ £ tt) X 1 — ' H 55 O H « ti- S te) w z I M H c/T D < Z C/l «! CO Cl< W U) £ Q J u UJ o j CO w id CO Z D m o u « X h CO D « D s W cc! - Accust 27, 1910] THE GARB ENER S' CHR O NI CL E. 153 THE ^arbcncrs'CbronicIc No. 1,135— SATURDAY, August 27, 1910. CONTENTS. Accident, fatal, to a gardener 164 Axgemone grandiflora... 166 •Bateson, Professor W. 104 Books, notices of - Fruit-Growing in Arid Regions 156 The Trees of Great Britain and Ireland 162 Canrberwellpublic parks appointment 161 Chrysanthemums, the late M.Calvafs — 164 Gruickshank Botanic Gardens, Aberdeen .. 101 Dodder, prevalence of .. 166 Earthworms, influence of, on soil 157 Fernery, the — British Perns of the future ... ... 166 Figs, hastening the ripening of 163 Forestry at Aberdeen University ...* ... 164 41 French " garden, notes from a 156 Fuld, Mr. Maurice ... 163 Fruit crops, remarks on the 158 Hardy plant society, a proposed 164 Houtte, Louis van ... 16d International Horticul- tural Exhibition, site of the forthcoming ... 161 Japan, a journey to ... 153 Judging at local flower shows 1G6 Law note— Compensations, " Sni all Holdings Act" 170 [jiliums. seeds of ... 16u Nursery Notes — James Veitch& Sons, Peltham 164 Obituary — Plight, P. W 169 Lowe, Richard B. ... 163 Marshall, Simeon ... 16.1 McBean, James .. 170 Tracy, H. A 169 Pea seed crop in America 164 note- Plants, new or worthy — Fruits of Anthurium acaule Pollen of fruit trees, the resistance of, to frost P o 1 1 i n ati o n of green flowers by insects Potatos, " wart" disease of Prague, forthcoming exhibition at ... Rosary, the — The Rose season Saxifrag.i floruleuta — Sea-weed as manure, the value of Societies— British Gardeners' Association Manchester & North of England Orchid.. National II or tioul- tural of France Royal Horticultural... (Scientific Committee) Royal English Arbori- cultural Shinfield ft Grazeley Gardeners' S irlirg and District Horticultural Taunton Flower Show Weston - super • Mare Horticultural Soil fertility, the causes of Strawberries at Fngle- field Gardens, Read- ing Sweet Peas at Shrews- bury show Urban allotments Wasps .. Week's work, the — Apiary, the Flower garden, the .. Fruits under glass ... Hardy fruit garden, the Kitchen garden, the... Orchid houses, the ... Plants under glass ... Woburn Place, Addle- stone ILLUSTRATIONS. ■Gladiolus Griifin Degenfeld Group of plants exhibited i y Messrs. J. Cypher* Sons, at Shrewsbury Flower Show Hardy flowers, a prize group of, at Shrewsbury Show Marshall, Simeon, portrait of the late McBean, James, portrait of the late Peach house at Woburn Place gardens Rhododendron catuwbieme v.ir. fastuosum fl. pi., a fine specimen of Bose garden at Woburn Place Tracy, H. A., portrait of the late Woburn Tlace, Adalestone, view of 153 164 164 163 164 159 166 164 1C9 168 163 163 167 163 168 169 168 168 162 166 163 16G 160 161 160 161 II, 160 161 167 154 111". 169 170 156 157 161 169 165 A JOURNEY TO JAPAN. I. MARSEILLES, PORT SAID, AND SUEZ. T LEFT the Royal Albert Docks, London, on i February 19, on board the " Sado," bound for Yokohama, my intention being to break the journey at various tropical ports of call, my immediate objective being Ceylon. I was well prepared for study in tropical and sub-tropical ■climates, and equipped with introductory letters to residents in India and the Far East. My object was to see as much of the world as possible, to study plants and flowers, and horti- cultural art on every possible occasion. The " Sado " called at Marseilles one week after leaving London, and I spent a few hours in this Mediterranean port, paid a visit to Park Borely, and to the immediate surroundings of this picturesque place. At the time of my visit, there was little sug- gestive of a southern climate. The tramway ■employes were wrapped in their heavy fur coats, suitable for a Russian climate, and only the height of the sun, the Palms in the gar- dens, the large-leaved, evergreen Magnolias, and the succulents growing on sunny rocks afforded signs that the country has a winter temperature nearly always above, and never for more than a few hours below, freezing point, and is charac- terised by much heat in summer. The Almonds were flowering already, so was Prunus Pissardii, and the Willows were showing their early, soft- green foliage, so much appreciated in gardens. In Park Borely, the Chinese Primulas just planted out in beds, were in full flower, and Primula obconica, which had been left out- side all winter, was showing new signs of life. Iris unguicularis, Euphorbia Charicias, and Othonnopsis cheirifolia — the yellow, African species of this genus of the Composite — besides s ime Junquillas, were flowering in the botanical part of the park; whilst Erythrinas. Dracaena indivisa and some Phoenix were well preserved against frost by thick wrappings of straw anil a laver of mould on the roots. Cham. crops excelsa and C. humilis, Cocos aus- lialis, Pritchardia filifera, and Dasylirion gracile were just as healthy-looking specimens as may be seen anywhere in the Mediterranean region without protection. When our ship left the harbour, the bare rocks could be seen from a point far out to sea, Eurrounding the town, which is situated on hills, and'spreads out far along the foot of the moun- tain. Within and around the town, between the houses and on the slopes of the near hills, the ground is mostly covered with Pines, and so the place presents a peculiar s i ^ 1 i t , with its extended shore and the rough mountains to the east and at the back. The shore to the west is not very high above the sea-level, but all the bare naks and mountains look at sunset like transparent white clinuls. with a wonderful hiilish tint, much like far-away mountains of the high Alps, covered with everlasting ice and snow. We were soon on the open sea, passed Sardinia and Corsica by the Strait S. Bonifacio next morn- ing, and came in sight of the Straits of Messina. The picturesque hills of the Calabrian coast and the Sicilian shore show the barracks built for the survivors from the earthquakes, ami from the ship could be seen the broken walls of many magnifici at buildings. Pott Said was reached on the Sunday at noon, a week after we left Marseilles. The sun was shining, but the southern wind was not very warm. The Arabs wore heavy coats. The new European quarter near the seashore is increasing, and gardens surround every house. The streets in the business part of the Euro- pean town are partly planted with trees, mostly Albizzia (Acacia) Lebbek. (Lebbek is the Arabian name of the tree.) It is a fine evergreen tree, with large, Bean like seed-pods, fully ripe now. Only on very dry places does it lose its leaves ; in better situations it forms a fine and a very large tree, all along the Mediterranean coast of Africa, spreading shade all the year round, and displacing deciduous trees, which are not proof against the powerful sun. Casuarinas, Tamari.x, Ficus elastica, and Poinciana are planted in the gardens, and on the Lesseps Square even a green lawn was to be seen. Other gardens are at the Canal office buildings, and also outside the town, around the waterworks, where there are plantations of Date Palms just beginning to push out their flower-shoots. The Date Palm, Phcenix dactylifera, in many varieties, is the tree of the country, and approaching Port Said by ship, the Palms are to be observed even before the low shore is sight. Eucalyptuses and Mimosas are most remarkable features, but were not flowering yet. Phyllostachys, Sugar Cane, Bananas (Musa), Roses, Lantanas, Hibiscus, Acalypha hispida were amongst the commoner plants ; but I must not forget that wonder of flowers, the Bougain- villaea. No words can describe the beauty and effect of their violet or purple-coloured blossoms when densely massed together. Not a sign of a leaf could be seen ; but flowers ! Pieces of Sugar cane are chewed by old and young folk alike. This was observed particularly in the Arabian market, where the densely packed crowd deals in a great variety of merchandise, mostly old and dirty, and including goats, fowls, rabbits, and eggs, boots and clothes, fruits and vegetables, all in a most undesirable state. G 1 vegetables are grown in a few well-enclosed gar- dens at the far end of the Arabian town, and there is also a nursery, where trees for street- planting are cultivated ; but, to reach this part, one has to walk through the most dirty town that can be imagined, and only the early time of the year and the cool wind from the south made it possible to pass along I la- broad or narrow, level or rough places called streets. The Arabian houses are of varying heights; some look well, but most of them are huts, or more like stables half broken down. Children, goats, and fowls air \ t ;, plentiful in the streets, but what they live upon is difficult to say. Our ship having coaled, we passed through the canal in 24 hours. The ship had to stop several times to give way to others, which came in strings of two or three behind each other. The Arabian side of the canal, bare of all plants, consists of sand, and, in the distance, sand, bare rocks, and hills. All along the Egyptian side, is the fresh water canal bringing water from the Nile. It was laid in order to provide the country along the ship- canal with fresh water, and has done much good. The country is densely covered with many thousands of prosperous farmers, and large plan- i at a, us of Date Palms. To observe them from board ship requires good glasses and a high posi- ii' a. ton, as the sand dug out of the canal is piled high on its sides. The signal stations along the canal are well planted with the different plants and trees already mentioned. The water is pumped by the aid of wind. Suez was seen at last, backed by very large and numerous plantations of Date Palms. Port Twefik. situated at the end of the canal, and well planted with trees and flowers, was passed, the pilot and the accompanying Arabs — the latter having helped to moor the ship when we had to stop — left us with their boat. We were in the Gulf of Suez, and would soon pass the Red Sea. Colombo was to be our next port. Bou- gainvillaeas had greeted us last at Port Twefik, and I wondered which would be the first flower to greet us at the next port? Ft. Menkel, Darm- stadt. (To be continued.) NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. FRUITS OF ANTHURIUM ACAULE. Although this fine Aroid is not infre- quently met with in gardens, yet, so far as my knowledge of it extends, it does not often pro- duce ripe fruits in this country. Ninety years ago Loddiges wrote (Bot. Cab. t. 483) that the flowers " sometimes perfect their seeds in this country," so that his experience of it was pro- bably the same as my own. A plant cultivated by Sir Frank Crisp, at Friar Park, Henley-on- Thames, has this month, for the first time, ripened a fine spike of fruit. The spike, which measured 154 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 27, 1910. about 18 inches long and li inches through at the base, was covered with white berries. Unfor- tunately the specimen became decayed and covered with mildew before it could be figured, so that no illustration of it has been prepared. This is to be regretted, as a figure of the fruit of this species would help to abate the confusion which has occurred in recent monographs between A. acaule, A. Huegelii, and A. Hookeri. All three are stemless species very similar in appear- ance, and each has a large rosette of leaves. They are not always correctly named, and the speci- men cultivated by Sir Frank Crisp was grown under the name of A. Hookeri, but that species, I believe, is no longer in cultivation. The follow- ing notes upon the three species may be useful. development. The spathe and spadix are pro- duced long before the plant is fully grown, and vary in dimensions according to its size. In adult specimens, the stalks are 2 feet to 2g feet long, the reflexed, strap-shaped green spathe is 5 inches to 7 inches long and § inch broad, and the spadix is 10 inches to 12 inches long and 5 in. thick, becoming, when in fruit, as much as 18 inches long and lj inches thick at the base, and tapering upwards like a rat's tail. The colour of the inflorescence is greenish in some plants and dark violet in others ; when the anthers are discharging their pollen, the spadix is sweetly scented, the perfume of the form with the violet- coloured spadix being stronger than that of the greenish form. The fruiting spadix is thickly A. Hup.gelii.f — This species is also a native of the West Indies, and very like A. acaule, but the spadix, although also long and tapering, does not, I believe, attain to such large dimensions. The great distinction, however, between A. Huegelii and A. acaule is in the berries, which, in the former species, are pear-shaped, being much broader at the apex than at the tapering base. The lower half of the berry is white and the upper purple, whereas in A. acaule it is entirely white and spherical. A. Hookeri.% — This Anthurium is a native of Demerara, and is a smaller, less leafy plant than A. acaule, with differently-shaped leaves, more tapering at the base, more spreading and differently curved veins, and a short, blunt FlG. 57. THE 1ST PRIZE EXHIBIT IN THE NEW " GROUP " CLASS AT SHREWSBURY FLOWER SHOW. SHOWN BY MESSRS. JAMES CYPHER AND SONS. (See page 146, ante.) A. acaule* — This was one of the first of the numerous Anthuriums to be cultivated in this country. It is a native of the West Indies, and, according to Loddiges, was introduced in 1790. When fully grown, it forms a grand foliage plant of 5 feet to 6 feet in diameter. It is stemless, with a large rosette of ascending and spreading leaves 3 feet to 4 feet long and 10 inches to 15 inches broad above the middle, narrowing down- wards, with a stout petiole 3 inches to 5 inches long. Younger specimens are much smaller, as the plant is several years before attaining its full * Anthurium acaule, Schott, Prodr. Aroid., p. 476, syn. Pothos acaulis; Loddiges, Botanical Cabinet, vol. v., t. 483; Hooker, Exotic Flora, vol. ii., t. 122. covered with white, exserted berries nearly l-3rd inch long, cylindric in shape, and scarcely or not at all thicker at the apex than at the base. Schott describes the berries of A. acaule as " obconoid, scarlet," and this statement is repeated by Engler in De Candolle, Monogr. Phanerog, vol. 2, p. 137-8, but, in his later monograph, Engler, Pflanzenreich, Araece-Pothoidem, p. 69, no mention is made of the colour of the berries, pos- sibly because the previous description had been found to be incorrect, for I can find no warrant for Schott's statement that they are red, and be- lieve that he must have mistaken for A. acaule the fruit of some other species. cylindrical (not long and tapering) spadix, which in the type is about 2 inches long and l-3rd inch thick, but may attain proportionately larger dimensions. This plant is unquestionably dis- tinct from A. Huegelii, with which Engler has wrongly united it and given under the name of A. Hookeri a description of A. Huegelii. In my opinion A. Hookeri is identical with the plant more recently (1898) described by Engler as A. cubense. N. E. Brown. + Anthurium Huegelii. Schott, Prodr. Aroid., p. 469, and Icones Aroidearum, t. 18-20 ; beautiful figures. I Anthurium Hookeri, Kunth, Enum. Plant., vol. iii., p. 71 ; Schott Prodr. Aroid., p. 472. syn. A. cubense, Engler If I. Jahrb., vol. xxv., p. 3*U ; Pothos crassinervia, Hookei in Bot. Mag., t. 2937, not of Jacquin, August 27, 1910.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 155 WOBURN PLACE. This beautiful place at Addlestone, Surrey, is the property of E. G. Mocatta, Esq., and the gardens are under the charge of Mr. Thomas Stevenson, so well known in Sweet Pea and Chry- santhemum circles. Most horticulturists who visit Woburn Place in summer are attracted thither by the Sweet Peas, though they soon realise that Mr. Stevenson is much more than one of the best Sweet Pea growers in the country. The glasshouses available for fruit cultivation are not numerous, but a special feature is made of Peaches and Nectarines. These are exceedingly well done, the trees being pictures of health, and all in capital bearing. The varieties most favoured are Hale's Early and Early Rivers Peaches and Lord Napier Nectarine. Belle- garde and Barrington, mid-season sorts, are spe- cially excellent, whilst Sea Eagle and Princess of Rose garden, which only requires another year or two to make it one of the most charming of small Rose gardens ; already the weeping standards and climbers are features. Directly in front of the house, the lawns and flower-garden extend for seven acres. The beds are not crowded together ; and are filled with bold masses of colour, which show up well on the wide expanse of gra6s. The grass is kept perfectly, and the beauty and charm of the whole place is enhanced by the preserva- tion of the natural contour of the land and the avoidance of straight lines and dead levels. As Mr. Stevenson ranks among the three or four best Sweet Pea growers in Britain, a description of his methods may be appre- ciated. About 300 running yards of Sweet Peas are grown, the height of the plants, in mid-July, being from 8 feet to 10 feet, the former being the height of the spring-sown plants, the autumn- sown ones being 2 feet taller, besides being in other. The plants are put out singly, being shaken quite clear of the pot soil, letting the roots down as far into the soil as they will go. Planted in any other way, Mr. Stevenson says, the plants would collapse if drought subvened. A few twigs are placed alongside the plants to support them in their early 6tages. The method of staking is as follows : — Heavy posts are in- serted at the ends of the rows, and wires strained on them, extending the length of the rows. Two thin bamboo canes are inserted at each plant, about 6 inches apart. These canes arj 12 feet long, and are tied securely to the wires. From each plant, two leaders are trained up the canes, and they are allowed to flower from the very outset. The tying is done regularly once a week, the lies being thus, in the growing season, about 6 inches to 8 inches apart. In dry weather, copious supplies of water are given, and the ground is mulched between the rows, Fig. 58. — WOBURN PLACE, addlestone, the residence of e. g mocatta, esq. Wales promise great things for later use. Six hundred Chrysanthemums are grown, including the most recent in Japanese and single-flowered varieties. Many of the plants have only recently been stopped (July). Most growers usually stop their plants much earlier than Mr. Stevenson does, but, after all, it is results that tell, and these are invariably attained at Woburn Place. Last season, Mr. Stevenson won outright the King's Cup offered for Chrysanthemums at Wind- sor, besides forty 1st prizes at other leading shows. The out-door vegetable and fruit garden extend to about two acres, and the wild-garden to five acres. In the latter is exemplified the advantage 1 of natural over artificial stone-work on the banks of a stream. Where natural stones have been used, most of the plants seem at home and happy ; but the reverse is the case where artificial stone has been employed. Adjoining the house, is a belter bloom and producing their flowers en longer, and stouter, stems. They have been in bloom since the end of May, having begun to flower when little over 2 feet high. The ground is trenched 2 feet to 3 feet deep in winter, incorporating plenty of manure, and a good supply of leaves at the bottom of each trench. With the top spit, some bonemeal and soot are mixed. The nature of the soil is heavy clay, which, under certain conditions, bakes as hard as brick. Mr. Stevenson makes no secret of his methods. Nothing would make him happier than that thousands should grow Sweet Peas as well as he does. In October, he sows his seeds in pots in a cold frame. He winters the plants in the same frame, taking care never to allow them to get too wet. In March, as soon as the ground is in good condition, they are planted out in double lines 1 foot apart. The double rows are 5 feet apart from each which keeps the heavy clay soil from' getting- " puddled." Everyone who has seen Mr. Stevenson's flowers has been impressed by their superb quality, but for the benefit of those who have not seen them, it may be said they are invariably four and five- bloom sprays of large flowers on stiff footstalks 12 to 18 inches long, according to the variety. Speaking of varieties, Mr. Stevenson says the Pea which has given the best re- sults this year is Mrs. Hugh Dickson. Other outstanding varieties in his collection are Sun- proof Crimson, Clara Curtis, Etta Dyke, Laven- der Oeorge Herbert, Mr. C. W. Breadmore, John Ingman, Anglian Blue, Princess Victoria, Countess Spencer, Earl Spencer (which is abso- lutely perfect under shade), Black Knight (Spen- cer), Silas Cole, Asta Ohn, Mrs. A. Ireland, and The Marquis. Among novelties not yet on the market, a 15ti THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 27, 1910. variety which was certificated at the Royal Hor- ticultural Society under the name of Prince of Orange, but which has since been named Thomas Stevenson, is " xxx." It seems ahead of all others in its particular colour-class, having a wonderful standard of rich orange, with a trace of rose in the wings. As grown this season, it has not scorched in the sun. It will be intro- duced by Mr. Sydenham. Henry Eckford (Spen. cer) is a pale form of Cole's Earl Spencer, and, for all decorative work, it will be most excellent. The flower is large and attractive. For exhibition purposes, Mr. Stevenson b. lieves in cutting his blooms early and young, and standing them for hours in plenty of water in a cool shed before packing them for the journey. Mr. Mocatta takes a keen personal interest in all departments of the garden, and Mr. Steven- son is thus fortunate in having a gentleman for his employer who is in full sympathy with all hi3 efforts to excel. II'. NOTICES OF BOOKS. Fruit-Growing in Arid Regions.* According to the statement on the title page, this is an account ot approved fruit-growing practices in the inter-mountain country of the Western United States, comprising the States of Colorado, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, and in northern Arizona and New Mexico, with ap- plications to adjacent regions. One of the NOTES FROM A "FRENCH" GARDEN. The favourable weather of the past fortnight has suited the Melons grown under cloches. It is advisable, if not done already, to place the frames and lights over the earlier batch of plants. Ample ventilation should be given during the day time, but the lights should be partially closed at night. The growth of the plants is very luxuriant, especially those which are carrying only one fruit and from which all the extra wood and foliage have been removed to encourage the swelling of the fruit. The Cucumbers planted at the end of June as a succession crop to the first batch of Melons are in full bearing. The lights must not be removed or the tips of the young fruits will damp off. As the Melons are cleared, the frames should be removed and the ground hoed for the benefit of the Cauliflowers. The Lettuces sown early last month have been planted 9 inches apart in beds 4 feet 3 inches wide. The ground is kept damp by watering either early or very late in the day ; it is done at these times to prevent the leaves from becom- ing spotted. The Cos Lettuces, Grey of Paris, sown at the same period, are planted 18 inches apart each way : this will allow room fur the cloches to be placed over them late in September. If a succession is required, a few seeds of Lettuce, Little Gott, may now be inserted. A mat is placed on the seed bed to keep it sufficiently damp without watering, and is removed as soon as the seedlings appear. This batch is planted under the cloches at the end of Septem- ber and is marketed about the middle of Novem- ber. The last batch of ordinary and Batavian En- dive has just been planted in its final quarters. The growth will be hastened by applying fre- quent and light waterings till September 10 or 20, in order to obtain fine specimens before the wet weather sets in. It is a suitable lime to sow the Spring Cab- bage, Ox Heart, in frames or in a well-shel- tered corner out-of-doors. The plants should be sufficiently strong for transplanting at the end of October in heavily-manured ground in a favoured position. Seeds of Spring Onion, Little Parisian, should be sown broadcast on a well-prepared seed-bed. This forms a good market crop either sold as green Onions early in April or as fully- grown bulbs in May. They are generally planted on the old Melon beds after the Cauliflowers are cut early in October. The Carrots and Celery planted on the old manure beds must receive heavy and frequent waterings, to have them sufficiently early, so that the old beds may be broken up late in October. Carrots must be well thinned to obtain good and strong foliage, which is a great help when bunching the roots for market.. P. Aquatias. formed the basis of experiment station bulle- tins, and the substance of most of them has been given at short horticultural courses. The prevailing opinion that fruit could not be grown in the arid region was fostered locally by the disastrous failures of many of the early at- tempts at tree- growing. The early pioneers were men without experience in the art of irrigation, for, in the- Eastern States from which most of them emigrated, it is not needed or practised ; hence their lack of Fig. 50,.— woburn place: view in the peach house; the variety barrington is seen in the foreground. authors, Mr. Wendell Paddock, is a professor of horticulture, and the other, Mr. Orville B. Whipple, a field horticulturist, both in the Colorado Agricultural College and Experiment Station. From the nature of their work, they have spent much time in orchards in the various districts. In a general way, this book should be of value wherever fruit is grown under an irri- gation system. Several of the chapters have • By Wendell Paddock and Orville B. Whipple. 6s. net. Published bv Macmillan & Co., London. Crown 8vo. Price, in cloth binding, 6s. 6d. net. success. The Mormons were the first to grow fruit in the arid section. The authors give the history and development of the fruit industry in Colorado, the next State to take up the business. In 1862, Henry Lee, of Denver, sent from Iowa City to his brother, William Lee, then, as now, living on his farm in Jeffer- son County, 125 Apple, Pear, Peach and Plum stocks, and, from this small beginning, the fruit industry has grown to very large proportions. In 1902, the total shipments by rail from these fruit districts amounted to 1,956 tons; in 1908 August 27, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 157 they amounted to 6,493 tons — an increase of 4,500 tons in'six years, and, for 1908, an increase of more than 1,700 over 1907. In preparing the land for planting, water is largely employed for levelling, the water being led to the top of the high ground or knolls, and then allowed to trickle down, carrying the soil with it. In other cases, furrow6 are ploughed out, and water is run in them as high as pos- sible. This soaks into the soil, and lowers the level several feet in the course of three to four years. Water is usually supplied by " power " companies working in association with those who own the land. Mr. Redmayne is of opinion that much benefit might be derived from the construction of dew ponds. TJ ere ara interesting chapters on planting and INFLUENCE OF EARTHWORMS ON SOIL. Darwin first suggested that wherever the common earthworm (Lumbricus) finds the con- ditions of existence, it exerts a most important influence in the formation of the humus surface soil layer, and the limitation imposed upon these conditions by the subsoil has doubtless a great deal to do with the sharp demarcation we often find between it and the surface soil. The food of earthworms is humus matter; to obtain this, they have to assimilate large quan- tities of earth which is obtained from the sub- soil, and contains, generally, only about one per cent, or less of humus. The earth, while pass- ing through the alimentary canal of the worm, is subjected to the action of its digestive juices, and water in their burrows, and the chemical effects arising from the digestive process and the final return of their own substance to the soil are of great value. Their habit of drawing after themselves leafstalks, blades of grass, and other vegetable remains into their burrows, is another means of improving both the physical and the chemical properties of land. The uniformity, lack of structure, and loose texture of the surface soil, especially of forests as com- pared with subsoil layers of corresponding thick- ness, is doubtless largely due to the work of earthworms. Another important point is that, in soil thrown up by earthworms, the humus formed under their influence is always of a -neutral character and never acid. The work of earthworms is especi- Fig. 6a. — vvodurn place: rhododendron catawbiense var. FASTUOSUM FL. PL. ON THE LAWN. pruning ihe Apple, Pear, Quince, Plum, and other trees, fertilisers and shade crops, all differ- ing in some ways from our own . methods en account of the need for irrigation during the warm season. Anyone interested in fruit-grow- ing in an arid climate will learn much from a perusal of the book, and it should prove especially helpful to settlers in parts of S. Africa, Australia and India. The articles on insects and insecticides have been adapted from the writings of Professor C. P. Gillette, entomologist of the Colorado Sta- tion. The discussion on live-stock on the fruit farm was prepared by Professor" H. M. Collrell, superintendent of the Farmers' Institute in Color.ado. « which dissolve out the humus and render the mineral particles more soluble to the carbonic acid water of the soil. It is then excreted at the surface of the soil as worm casts, such as may be seen by thousands on the surface of the ground during or after rain. Darwin calculated from actual observation that in humid climates, in a soil fairly stocked with these worms, the earth thus brought up may amount to from one-tenth to two-tenths of an inch annually over the entire surface. He further estimated that in this manner ten tons of dry earth, per acre, annually pass through the bodies of earthworms and are brought to the surface. Apart from the mechanical effect worms achieve in loosening the soil, the entering of air ally effective in loamy soils and in humid regions. In the arid regions of the earth, and ir. sandy soils generally, the life conditions are un- favourable to the worms, and the perviousness elsewhere brought about by their labours already exists naturally in most cases. It is stated by Mr. E. T. Seton {Century Magazine, June, 1904) that the earthworm is practically non-existent in the arid regions be- tween the Rocky Mountains and the immediate Pacific coast from Manitoba to Texas. In the Facific coast region, however, it is abundant, and does its work effectively. It has been calculated that an acre of ordinary agricultural land contains about 50,000 earth- worms. The effect of their combined labours in 158 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Ad oust 27, 1910. reducing the soil to a finer condition, as we have seen, is great, whilst they also enrich the surface soil in nitrogen. In old pastures, the production of a close, compact sward is largely due to the fine earth which is brought to the surface by earthworms, to be afterwards crumbled down and levelled by the action of wind and sun. When earthworm casts are being constantly swept up and carried away from lawns, cricket grounds, and putting-greens, the surface soil gradually becomes exhausted of fertility, the grasses die out, and mosses take their place. J . J . Willis, Harpenden. FRUIT REGISTER. STRAWBERRIES AT ENGLEFIELD GARDENS, READING. Givon's Late Prolific is one of the best varie- ties for a dull, wet season, although it does not succeed equally well in all gardens. The soil here is of a medium texture, and seems to suit this particular variety. It can be planted closer than most sorts, as the foliage is not so vigorous as some. It is a free-setting variety, the berries being large, well-shaped, and of bright colour, but they are rather soft, and, for that reason, do not travel well. Kentish Favourite also' does well in these gardens, but the fruits, like those of British Queen, do not colour at the tips. The berries are of moderate flavour, and travel fairly well. Scarlet Queen, though an old variety, is still our best mid-season Strawberry, and is good in wet seasons. It possesses a fine flavour, is bright in colour, medium in size, with firm flesh, so that the berries do not bruise in transit. Bed- fordshire Champion is a satisfactory cropper, but the berries are soft in the flesh, rather uneven in size, and of medium flavour only. The berries ripen about the same time as Royal Sovereign, being only a few days later. It is not a good variety for a wet season. Royal Sovereign is still the best all-round variety we cultivate, but there are others as useful for furnishing fruits for pre- serving, such as Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury and La Grosse Sucree, these being of finer colour. The Strawberry season may be prolonged by planting a bed of Royal Sovereign under a north- west wall. This will not be necessary where a succession can be kept up by later varieties. Royal Sovereign should be planted wider apart than most sorts, as it is a vigorous grower. As soon as the fruits are gathered, all runners, dead leaves, weeds, &c, should be removed and burnt, but the foliage should not be trimmed too severely. A dressing of slacked lime and a good mulch of decayed farmyard manure should be placed well up to the crown of the plants. If choice fruits are required, the plants should not be allowed to remain after the second or third year. Plants which have not been severely forced may be planted out for fruiting the following season. They produce fruits of a good size, although the crop is not a very large one. Where Strawberries are forced in large quanti- ties, a fiesh piece of ground should be planted every two years, to provide the necessary runners. All flowers should be pinched off these plants as they develop. The varieties Pineapple, Epicure, and Connoisseur have been planted this summer for trial. Waterloo has not proved a success up to the present. The perpetual-fruiting varieties will provide fruits at the end of the season. Two desirable kinds are Laxton and St. Antoine de Padoue, the former being perhaps the better. The early flowers of these should be pinched off, and no fruits allowed to develop until late in the season. Runners of these placed in pots in August, if kept growing, will produce a supply of •fruits in the winter months. A. B. II adds, Englefield Guldens, Heading. REMARKS ON THE CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS. (See Tables and Summaries, ante, pp. 77-82.) (Continued from page 136.) 4, MIDLAND COUNTIES. Oxfordshire. — Apples, Pears and Plums are very scarce, there being only a few fruits on the lower branches, or where the trees are sheltered from wind. Wall fruits are average crops except Apricots and Sweet Cherries. Strawberries and Currants were both excellent crops, but Goose- berries were not equal to the average. Of Dam- sons we have none. The soil here is mainly a strong clay, but in some places it is gravel. F. W. Pearee, Eynsham Hall Gardens, Witney. 7, ENGLAND, N.W. Lancashire. — The fruit crops generally are much below the average. Strawberries promised a good and large crop, but the excessive and cold rains, just as the berries were ripening, caused almost all of them to rot on the plants. Gooseberries were an exceptionally light crop, there being scarcely a fruit on some of the trees ; the trouble was caused by cold weather when the bushes were in bloom. Bismarck Apple is again one of our best cropped varieties. Our soil is a heavy, retentive loam, with a sub-soil of marl or clay. E. F. Sazellon, Knowsley Gar- dens, Prescot. The fruit crops are disappointing : there was a splendid show of blossom, but very few Apples, Pears or Plums set. Gooseberries, Red (un ants and Raspberries are average crops. Many Strawberries were spoiled by the rains. The garden is exposed to cold east winds in early spring, and the soil is a heavy, cold clay, lying close to the river. Thomas Wyton, Abbey- stead Gardens, near Lancaster. Westmoreland. — The fruit crops in this dis- trict, with the exception of Pears, are very pro- mising. The following varieties of Apples are well cropped : New Northern Greening, Lane's Prince Albert, Annie Elizabeth, and Stirling Castle. The foliage is healthy, which is largely due to spraying in winter. Strawberries (Royal Sovereign) have been very plentiful. Bush fruits, especially Black Currants, are abundant and good. The soil is light and gravelly, and, natur- ally well drained, which suits the heavy rainfall of the district. W. A. Miller, Underhy, Kirhby Lonsdale. ■ There was an abundance of blossom on the fruit trees, but cold, east winds, together with frost at the end of April and the beginning of May ruined the prospects of a good fruit year. Such varieties of Apples as Tower of Glamis, Mere de Menage, Scotch Bridget, King of the Pippins, Annie Elizabeth and Malster are carry- ing satisfactory crops. Strawberries have been a good crop, although many of the berries were spoiled by the constant rains. Of Raspberries, only Superlative is carrying an under average crop. Some of the canes of Baumforth Seedling, Fastolf and Fillbasket have not broken into growth owing to the severe winter. Black Cur- rants are the best crop amongst small fruits. The garden and orchard are situated low, and are on the limestone. J . Moorhouse, Ballon Hall. I! ii it on. Cornwall. — An abundance of fruit blossom has been in many cases followed by surprisingly poor crops of fruit. Apples and Pears, whether growing as bush trees, or trained against walls, are equally a failure. Of other wall fruits, Cher- ries, Peaches and Nectarines have abundant crops. Currants, Raspberries and Gooseberries bear enormous crops of good quality fruits. Strawberries, which usually fruit freely in these gardens, were a partial failure ; this was largely due to the inclement weather just as the first fruits commenced to colour. The cause of the failure of the Apple and Pear crops is somewhat obscure ; frosts occurred on only three nights in May, and 4° was the most registered. But the weather during the blossoming period was far from general, and insects were few, and thest- were probably the causes why so few fruits Bet, Outdoor Figs are very promising. A. C. Bartlett, i Pencarrow Gardens. Devonshire. — Considering the wet and com- paratively sunless summer of last year, we have little to complain of as regards the hardy fruit . crops in this district. The trees are notnearlyl so blighted as they were last season, and small , fruits are abundant. Strawberries have been ajj heavy crop, but many of the berries rotted during the last week in June and early the following week. Figs are plentiful, whilst Peaches and Nectarines are both heavy crops. Our soil is a ' good, deep loam resting on the old Devonshire red sandstone. James Mayne, Bieton Gardens, East Budleinh. Apples, Pears and Plums promised well when in bloom, but owing to cold winds and frosts the fruits did not set. A few varieties of Cider Apples are well cropped. Peaches and Nectarines were badly affected with leaf-curl, but aphis have not been so prevalent as last j ear. Strawberries and Raspberries have given abundant crops, but other small fruits are scarce. ' Our soil is a sandy loam. The season has been cold and wet. with very little sunshine for this locality. J. Wilson, Killerton Garden*. Exeter. The fruit crops in this district vary greatly. In sheltered gardens, I have observed good, average crops of most kinds. Apples in some orchards have an average crop, but in the majority of orchards and gardens they are much below the average. Heavy hailstorms and gales prevailed when the Pear and Cherry trees were ■ in flower. Gooseberries and Strawberries have ■ been very plentiful. Late Strawberries were not so fine as the early ones, the plants having suf- fered somewhat from drought. Speaking generally, the trees and crops of most kinds are very satis- factory. Geo. Baker, Membland, near Plymouth. Gloucestershire. — Apples are under the aver- age, but better than last year. We have good crops on trees <>f Lord Derby, Ecklinville Seed- ling. Tower of Glamis, Frogmore Prolific, Lane's Prince Albert, The Queen, Winter Hawthornden. and Domino. Last year, caterpillars were very plentiful. Because of this, the trees were grease- banded in September and some thousands of the wingless female moths were caught. There was a wealth of blossom on trees of Pear, Apple, Plum and Cherry. The farmers in this locality have few apples in their orchards. Our soil is a friable loam overlying the old. red sandstone. John Banting, Tortworth Gardens, Falficld. Pears are a fair crop, and have every ap- pearance of being of good quality. Apples are plentiful on some trees, whilst other trees have not a single fruit. Both Plums and Apricots are very scarce. Small fruits of all kinds are very satisfactory. Strawberries have been particularly good ; Givon Late Prolific and Laxton's Latest both furnished excellent berries. Our soil is a loam resting on limestone, and requires good cultiva- tion. F. Walton. Stanley Park Gardens. Stroud. Late spring frosts again destroyed the prospects of a good fruit year. Nectarines and Peaches set freely, but they were damaged by heavy hailstorms and frost during the second week of May, and this notwithstanding the trees were well protected with nets. Arthur Chop- man, Westonbirt, Tetbury. Apples, Pears, and Plums are very small1 crops. Some Apple trees which were laden with blossom have not a single fruit. Pears are a little better than Apples. Small fruits are record crops, especially Black Currants. The bushes also are very clean. II'. //. Berry, Higham Gardens. 8, ENGLAND, S.W. Herefordshire. — Strawberries were an ex- tremely heavy crop, but many berries were • spoiled by the wet weather. Plums are extremely scarce, and there are few Gooseberries, except in sheltered positions. Peaches. Apricots and Nec- tarines are thin crops. Black Currants were moderate, but Red and White Currants were both heavy crops. Morello Cherries are the most plentiful of all stone fruits. Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots promised well when the trees were August 27, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 153 in bloom and set fair crops, but the cold east wind caused most of the fruits to drop. The soil is a cold clay with a clay sub-soil. Thos. Wat kins, Newport Hall Gardens, Eardisley, B.S.O. Apples are a good, all-round crop in this district, and the trees are clean and healthy. Pears are good and clean and a full crop. Plums are rather scarce, but the trees are healthy. Cherries of the dessert sorts were not plentiful, but Morellos are a fair crop. Small fruits are an average crop. Black Currants were damaged by frosts while the bushes were in bloom. Straw- berries have proved a light crop, but the quality was good. Our soil is a sandy loam on sandstone rock. Thos. Silencer, Goodrich Court Gardens, Boss. I do not remember the fruit crops being so generally bad before. Of small fruits, Goose- berries and Strawberries have furnished full crops, but the Strawberries were consider- ably damaged by wet weather. Pears and Peaches are light crops, but the fruits promise to be of good quality. Some Apples, more par- ticularly of cider varieties, have fair crops, but, generally, Apples are very scarce. . The Plum, Cherry and Apricot trees are almost bare of fruits. Our soil is of a heavy nature, and the situation is low. T. C'oomber, The Hendrc Gardens, Monmouth. Somersetshire.— All fruit trees had an abun- dance of blossom, but in the case of Apples, Pears, Plums, Damsons and Cherries the crops are very poor. In, some places the Gooseberry crop is almost a failure, but we have a good num- ber in these gardens. Black Currants with us are scarce, whilst in some gardens there are good crops. Many of the Strawberries rotted from the excessive wet; two of the best to withstand the rains were Viscountess Haricart de Thury and Waterloo. Many Plums and Morello Cherries dropped during the stoning period. Plants growing in our soil, which is a shallow one overlying the blue lias, have a tendency to develop a sickly yellow colour in the foliage, but heavy dressings of dung and feedings with fertilisers help to keep the crops in good health. Geo. II. Head, Kings- don Manor Gardens, Taunton. Worcestershire.— The fruit crops in different districts are very variable. We have a fair num- ber of Apples on most trees, the fruits being clean and good. During the past two seasons, we have systematically sprayed the trees both during the winter and spring, and the trees consequently are healthy and clean. I adopt the Woburn system of spraying, and I strongly advise other gardeners and fruit growers to do the same. Pears are a small crop but clean. Plums are plentiful in this garden, although below the average in many others ; we have had to thin these fruits very freely. Cherries are our worst crop. Peaches and Nectarines are average crops. Gooseberries and Black Currants have been very satisfactory. The Black Currant bushes are examined occasion- ally, and buds affected with " mite " are closely picked off and burned. Red Currants are not quite so good, having suffered from the effects of a very heavy hailstorm. Our soil is on the new red sandstone formation, A. Young, Withy Court Gardens, near Worcester. ■ Apple, Pear and Plum trees blossomed with great freedom, but frosts in late April ruined the crops. Strawberries also promised well, but owing to heavy and constant rains, the fruits ripened very slowly, and most of the best berries decayed. Our soil is a heavy loam resting on sandstone. Ernest Avery, F install Park Gardens. The hardy fruit crops are extremely dis- appointing after such a good display of bloom. Nearly all the best dessert varieties of Apples and Pears are complete failures. The sunless and cold season of 1909 caused the flowerbuds to be imperfectly developed, and it was noticed, when the trees were in flower, there was an almost entire absence of pollen. In large plantations, consisting solely of Cox's Orange Pippin Apple or other high-bred varieties which are known to be constitutionally weak in pollen-producing, the ab- sence of fruits is most pronounced. This shows how necessary it is to plant a number of inferior varieties amongst such choice sorts for the pur- pose of providing pollen, a practice we adopted some two years ago, and which will be extended. Cherries are a failure. Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots on walls have satisfactory crops, espe- cially where root-lifting has been constantly practised, as this induces surface rooting and better ripened wood. Strawberries have been abundant, but many berries were damaged by rain. Out soil is a strong clay loam on marl and difficult to work in a wet season. William Crump, Madresficld Court Gardens, Malvern. All fruit trees blossomed well with the exception of Nectarines, but the fruits set badly, so that the crops generally are very indifferent, Apples only being up to the average. Trees of Ecklinville Seedling, Sterling Castle, Cillini, Kes- wick Codling, Bramley's Seedling, Annie Eliza- beth, Worcester Pearmain, Pineapple Russet, and Cox's Orange Pippin are carrying good crops ; other varieties of Apples are under the average. Pears were badly damaged by the frosts and cold winds in May. Only one variety, Backhouse's Beurre, is carrying fruit worthy of note. Plums are a fair crop, the variety Victoria being especi- ally good. Peaches also suffered from the late frosts, but we have a satisfactory crop, although they did not require thinning. The wood of Peaches and other fruit trees did not mature last season, and I am afraid this will be the case again this year. All small fruits were good, Straw- berries especially. But bush fruits did not keep so long as usual owing to the heavy rains in the early part of July. Cherries were under the :i\ er- age, but of good quality. Our soil is a medium to light loam, with a gravel sub-soil. A. C. Lehane, Sherborne Gardens, Malvern Wells. WALES. Denbighshire. — Considering the unripened condition of the wood, owing to the wet and sun- less autumn of 1909. fruit trees generally blos- somed well. But cold winds prevailed when the blooms were expanding and most of the fruits were destroyed. Strawberries promised well up to June 28, but after that date heavy rains caused the berries to rot, resulting in one of the worst Strawberry seasons on record. Our soil is a light loam with a sandy sub-soil. J. Martin, Bryn Estyn Gardens, Wrexham. The fruit crops in this district are a failure. Apples and Pears flowered well, but the fruits did not set owing to the unripened condi- tion of the wood. Plums would doubtless have set a fair crop, were it not for the numerous bullfinches, which I am not allowed to destroy. Because of this, the Plum crop is a failure. _ Our soil is a heavy clay, overlying a subsoil of clay. J. A. Jones, Chirk Castle Gardens, Ruabon. Glamorganshire. — Apples, Pears and Plums are only average crops, although at one time there was every prospect of heavy crops of these fruits. But cold nights and winds during April and the early part of May, in conjunction with the wet and sunless summer of last year are the causes of the deficiency. Peaches, Nectarines, Strawberries and all small fruits are very plenti- ful and good. Our soil is a light loam, the sub- soil being gravel. If. Milner, Margam Park Gardens, Port Talbot, South Wales. The Apple crop generally in this district is very deficient. Pears are an average crop and of good quality. Plums are a failure. Peach and Nectarine trees are looking well, being free from blight, and the fruits are very good ; Raspberries are an excellent crop, and Strawberries were good, the berries being very fine. The soil here is a rather heavy loam on a rocky sub-soil. C. T. Wanaington, Penllergaer Garden*, Swansea. Merionethshire. — Large fruits, such as Apples, Pears, and Plums, are very scarce. Small fruits are well up to the average, and the quality generally is good. Strawberries were damaged by the constant rains, many of the berries rot- ting. Loganberries and Raspberries are heavy crops. The fruit trees are remarkably free from aphis this season. Trained Apple trees were bare of blossom, whilst unpruned trees had a wealth of flowers, and fruits on the latter have set fairly well. Our soil is of a moderately light character, with a gravel sub-soil, and crops suffer badly during periods of drought. J. S. Higgins, Bhiig Gardens, Corwen. Pembrokeshire. — The crops of Apples. Pears, and Plums are almost a failure in this district. The weather was wet and stormy when the trees were in bloom. Apple trees on walls are carrying a good crop, but fruits are very scarce on pyra- mid and standard trees. Pears also are a failure on pyramid trees, but we have a few fruits on the wall trees. Plums, including Damsons, are a total failure. The trees were too heavily cropped last year to expect a good fruit season this year. George Griffin, Slebeck Park Gardens, lluvir fordwest. The cold spring adversely affected the fruit crops generally. Many Apple trees deve- loped very little blossom, and flowers which did appear failed, in some instances, to set ; conse- quently there are few Apples in this district, many Apple trees in these gardens being with- out a single fruit. Pear trees blossomed frely. but the fruits set badly and are scarce ; Peaches on south walls are exceedingly good, both in quantity and quality : the trees were well pro- tected whilst they were in bloom. Plums, with the exception of Green Gage, are an average crop. Sweet Cherries are plentiful and of good quality, but Morello Cherries are scarce. Among small fruits Gooseberries are plentiful and good ; Currants and Raspberries are plentiful; Straw- berries were an abundant crop, although many berries were spoiled by the rains. Royal Sove- reign has been very fine, and Givon's Late Pro- lific produced grand fruits. The soil here is a light loam, resting on slate stone. II'. A. Baldwin. Clynfiew Gardens, Boncath Radnorshire. — The fruit crops in this district are very much under the average, especially Apples. Small fruits are not extra plentiful, but we have a fair crop, Raspberries being the most plentiful. Early Strawberries promised well, but the greater part of this crop was ruined by the wet weather. Nuts are a poor crop, with the ex- ception of one Walnut tree, which is loaded with nuts. The soil here is a good, deep, medium loam, resting on the red sandstone. ./. MacCormack, Maesllwch Gardens, Glasbury, Hereford. The cold spring seriously affected the Pear and Plum crops, whilst bullfinches destroyed the greater portion of the Apple blossoms, where un- protected. The Strawberry crop was a very heavy one. but the rains caused much of the fruits to rot ; the berries were large, but deficient in flavour. Currants, Gooseberries, and Raspberries were plentiful. C. M. Nixson, Ail-y-bryn, Knighton. (To be concluded.) THE ROSARY. THE ROSE SEASON. It is pleasing to be able to report such a generally favourable season. I have not seen a trace of the blackish-brown thrip, often so de- structive during autumn and late summer. In some seasons, this insect has quite spoilt our lighter-coloured varieties, its effect being far more noticeable upon these than upon the dark-coloured flowers ; indeed, upon some of the latter it could frequently pass undetected. A few varieties that are especially good now are Mme. Ravary, Le Progres (perhaps the best yellow bedder), Melaine Soupert, Senateur Mascuraud (a grand yellow Rose and very dis- tinct), Molly Sharman Crawford, Maman and White Maman Cochet, Medea, Lady Roberts, Georges Nabonnand, Peace, Betty, Corallina. Mme. Antoine Mari, and Marie van Houtte, in the Tea and Hybrid Tea sections ; Captain Hay- ward, C. J. Grahame, Victor Hugo, Earl of Duf- ferin (an erratic and shy bloomer here), Mrs. R. G. Sharman Crawford, Grand Mogul, Comman- dant Felix Faure, Mrs. John Laing, Ulrich Bran- ner, and that never-failing Rose, Fran Karl Druschki. among the Hybrid Perpetuals. Some of the newer Wichuraianas are good late bloomers, especially Delight, Paradise, and Minnehaha. Perhaps I should not class the last- named as newer, but many do not seem to know this grand variety, if I am to judge by my cor- respondence. It is a far better-shaped flower than most of its class, whilst the trusses are very large in size and of fine pyramklal form. With us, it supersedes Dorothy Perkins, lasting frech 160 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 27, 1910. longer, and also continuing in flower after that variety is past. We have had some curious re- versions in Dorothy Perkins and its various sports. Rose sports are always liable to revert. A plant of Augustine Guinoisseau has one-half of its shoots carrying fair examples of La France, and a plant of Sir Roland Hill has just produced a reaDy good flower of Charles Lefebvre, from which, of course, it sported. Many examples of this reversion have probably been noticed by other growers. It will need unusually bad weather to prevent a good autumnal display of Roses this season. In fact, many varieties promise to be at their best about mid-September. Roses with few petals are liable to expand in hot weather before they are developed, and, at any warm period, their beauty is fugitive ; but not so in the cooler nights and days of autumn, when such as Georges Nabonnand, Peace, Betty, Melaine Soupert. Corallina, Mme. Hoste, Killamey, and Lady Waterlow retain their form much longer. The last-named is one of the most lasting and decora- tive cf Roses, and is particularly good in autumn. It is beautiful as a semi-climber, and also as a standard, whilst I have never noticed the foliage affected by mildew or red rust. A Rose that is in flower from first to last is Zephyrin Drouhin, a Hybrid Bourbon, intro- duced in 1873. This is the variety spoken of as thornless. The flowers are large, and only a little more than semi-double ; the petals are silvery- pink, the same shade throughout. It is a very lasting Rose, and fragrant. It also retains its foliage well, and seems exempt from mildew. Like Gruss an Teplitz. it makes a good dwarf .hedge if not over-pruned. A. P. The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Dendrobium. — In large collections, some of the Dendrobiums will be completing their growth. This may be ascertained when the terminal leaf on the pseudo-bulb has finished growing. Such plants should be placed by themselves at one end of the house, and afforded less water at the roots for a few weeks. Increased ventilation should be afforded, if it can be given without affecting those plants still actively growing, as this will assist the plants to ripen their shoots, for which reason they may also be gradually ex- posed to more sunshine during the early part of the morning and. in the afternoon, by drawing the blinds up a little earlier. It is not always advisable to remove the plants to cooler quarters immediately they appear to have finished grow- ing, for, about this time, the old roots again be- come active, not only lengthening but also send- ing out many rootlets. It is mainly by means of these new roots that the plants are sustained during their flowering period. It is also not advisable to entirely withhold water, as this will be likely to cause a check to the plants, causing them to" almost immediately start into growth in- stead of remaining dormant until after the flower- ing season. D. Wardianum and its hybrids have a special tendency to start growing actively again soon after the previous season's growth is completed. In order to retain a vigorous and healthy constitution, it is necessary that the plants should form only one set of growths each year. These should be well ripened, therefore the drying and resting of the plants should be gradual. When they are properly matured, the plants should be removed to a cool greenhouse, where they are less shaded, and the atmo- sphere is drier and not so close ; but care must be taken to select a position free from draughts or cold winds. AHow the plants to pass gradually from moderate shade to full sunshine, so that the new pseudo-bulbs may soon become hard and plump. The leaves of some varieties will turn yellow, and these should be allowed to remain until they fall naturally. In houses that are devoted to the cultivation of Dendrobiums, the obtaining of proper conditions from the growing to the resting stage is a comparatively easy mat- ter, for, when the growth of the plants is ap- proaching completion, the warmth in the hot- water pipes may be slightly reduced every few days, the amount of ventilation increased, the plants gradually inured to more light and sun- shine, and the amount of water used for damp- ing lessened until it is discontinued altogether. Careful judgment should be used in watering the plants when growth is complete. The inexperi- enced grower should not depend entirely upon the appearance of the compost ; owing to ex- posure to light and air, the surface of the soil may become dry, whilst underneath it is quite wet. After one thorough watering has been af- forded, it is good practice to examine the plants every day, and, immediately the newly- formed pseudo-bulbs show signs of shrivelling, and the compost appears thoroughly dry, to again afford water. Plants that are still actively grow- ing must be afforded liberal treatment until the pseudo-bulbs are completely formed. Those of the nigro-hirsute section, such as D. Lowii, D. formosum, D. Jerdonianum, D. cariniferum, D. cburneum, D. bellatulum, D. velutinum, D. senile, D Donnesise, D. Draconis, D. infundibulum, and D. Jamesianum do not require such full exposure to light and air as those of the deciduous and semi-deciduous types. When at rest, these should be kept shaded from strong sunshine and afforded sufficient water to keep the pseudo- bulbs plump and the leaves fresh. Plants of D. formosum, D. Lowii, and the distinct, free-flower- ing hybrid D. formoso-Lowii that are in bloom should be well supplied with water till the flowers fade. These plants produce their flowers at the apex of the current year's growths, the blooms remaining a long time fresh. The follow- ing Dendrobiums belong to the evergreen or raceme-flowering section : — D. thrysiflorum, D. densiflorum, D. Griffithianum, D. Schroderi, and D. Farmeri. They will now be in the middle of their growing season, and must therefore be generously treated. When growing freely, they form many large roots, which delight in a good depth of compost. Any plants that are pot- bound may be shifted into larger pots. They grow well in properly-drained Osmunda fibre and Sphagnum-moss, preferring the cooler tempera- ture of the Cattleya or intermediate house to that of the East Indian house. D. Falconeri, and its fine variety giganteum should be suspended to the roof of the Cattleya house, in a position where at the present time it is not subjected to strong light. Afford the plant liberal treatment and syringe overhead several times each day with tepid rain water. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, G.C.B., Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket. Melons. — Fruiting plants must be given a generous treatment, in order that the Melons may attain to a fair size. Watering must be attended to regularly, as any neglect in this matter renders the fruits liable to splitting. A little extension of the lateral growths above the fruit will help to keep the roots active and the plants in a healthy, growing condition. For a late crop, a batch may be planted now. In the cases of both the earliest and latest crops, it is a good plan to grow the plants in 10-inch or 12-inch pots, for, when the roots are more under control, the growth is sturdy and fruitful. Make up a hot-bed in the usual manner, and plunge the pots to the rims. Allow each plant suffi- cient room to develop without overcrowding, and train the growths rather thinly on the trellis, so that the shoots may obtain plenty of light. Bed Spider is frequently troublesome on late Melons, as fire-heat has to be employed to assist the fruits to ripen. An occasional spraying with some suitable insecticide will keep the pest in check. Make the most of the sun's heat when- ever possible, maintaining a temperature of 80° to 85° by day, with a decrease of about 10° by night. Two fruits to each plant will be a fair crop; if more are allowed to develop, the Melons will be rather small. Regular supplies of liquid manure will be necessary, as the plants become established, and when the fruits are set, a top- dressing of fresh compost may be given occa- sionally. Apply collars, as previously recom- mended for pot trees, to retain these additions of fresh soil. Perpetual and Alpine Strawberries. — These may now be moved from the partly-shaded posi- tion which they have been occupying, and placed in full sunshine. Stand the pots well apart, so as to give the plants the full benefit of light and air. The flower-spikes should not be removed after this date if ripe fruits are required in September. In order to maintain a supply of berries well into the autumn, it is advisable to start several batches of the plants at intervals of a few weeks. Directly the fruits are set, gentle forcing may, if neces- sary, be practised, to have ripe fruit at an early date, but the best late Strawberries are gathered from plants which have been grown without fire- heat. Support the flower trusses with a forked twig, and, if the weather is cold and wet, give the plants the protection of a cold frame, from which they should be transferred to shelves in a cool, airy house, or staged in heated pits, when the fruits are about to ripen. Pay careful atten- tion to watering, and give the plants an occa- sional sprinkling of some approved fertiliser. Strawberry layers. — Runners which were potted some time ago are now well established in their fruiting pots. Remove any offsetts that may form and spread the plants out as they require increased space. To avoid worms getting into the pots, it is advisable to stand them on a hard bottom of ashes. The position chosen should be fully exposed to the sun, and the plants must receive every encouragement to produce strong, well-ripened crowns. THE APIARY. By Chloris. Removing stored honey. — When a rack of sec- tions or shallow frames is full and the cells sealed completely, or the outside ends partially so, raise the rack. If difficulty is experienced in doing this because they are fastened by pro- polis, use a screwdriver at one corner, and then raise the sections or frame with a screwing motion. To clear the comb of bees without dan- ger to the sealing, place below the rack a board of the same dimensions, having in the centre a " Porter Bee Escape," and if the operation be performed in the evening, the honey will be ready for removal next morning. If the bees are carelessly handled, the cappings of honey will be perforated by them in their desire to gorge themselves with honey. The sections will then drip and their value be depreciated. Re- move the honey at once from the apiary to a place of safety, such as a closed room. In tak- ing the sections from the rack remove the wedges, and be careful not to bruise the face of the combs. Grading and preparing sections. — In order to secure the best prices, grade the sections and clean the woodwork of all brace combs and pro- polis. This operation must be performed with perfectly clean, dry hands, using a sharp knife for scraping. If the hands are not dry and clean they may soil the white wood. The full and perfectly sealed sections should form the first grade. Those sections in which the honey does not quite fill the entire space, but are other- wise perfect, will form the second grade, whilst those that are not so perfect will form the lowest class. The most imperfect sections may be stored for next year, and will form bait sec- tions to induce the bees to enter and fill the empty sections as soon as they are put on. Extracting honey. — See that the machine for this purpose is perfectly clean and well oiled. A little care is necessary in oiling the machine, for if too much be used it will work out of the bearings and may find its way into the honey. As soon as the combs are removed from the hives the honey should be extracted, because it is warm from the hive, and when cool sets and will not leave the combs freely. When prepar- ing the frames for the extractor, remove the metal ends, and with a warm knife, holding the frame obliquely, remove the cappings. By hold- ing the frame in an oblique position the cap- pings fall free of the comb. Reverse the frame, and uncap the cells on the other side. Most machines will take two combs at once. It is not necessary to work the machine rapidly. A moderate pace is best, as then the combs f.re not injured. When all the combs are empty the cappings may be placed in a cheesecloth bag and suspended to drain in the machine. The combs may be replaced in the racks and re- turned to the hives for the bees to clean out. Never leave newly-extracted combs about the hives, as this will start the bees robbing the honev from other hives than their own. August 27, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 161 PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By John Donoghce, Gardener to Joseph Pickersgill, Esq., Bardon Hill, Weetwood, Yorkshire. Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnations. — Layers that have been prepared and treated as advised in a previous calendar will now be ready for potting-up singly into large 60-sized pots. Where the stems can be traced without disturb- ing the other layers, it is an excellent plan to sever them from the parent plants a few days previous to the potting. Care must be taken when lifting the layers from the beds to retain a fair amount of soil about the roots. The potting compost may consist of loam, leaf-soil, and sand, in equal parts. \\ ! en th,e plants are potted afford water and place them evenly on an ash base in a cool frame, as near to the glass as possible. Shade them from bright sunshine during the hottest part of the day. ' Immediately root-action has commenced, abundant ventilation should be afforded to en- sure strong, sturdy, short-jointed growths. Ex- treme care must be exercised in affording water, which should not be given until the plants are well on the dry side. If aphis is detected, fumi- gate without delay, employing some nicotine compound. Perpetual-flowering Carnations. — An abun- dance of bloom is now available from plants which were planted out as advised previously. Plenty of good cuttings can be obtained, and, where space permits, a quantity should be rooted in the usual manner. These will furnish good specimens for another season. The winter- flowering varieties grown in pots have tilled their pots with roots, and may with advantage be afforded a top-dressing of some approved fer- tiliser. Where a deep, span-roofed frame is available, the plants may be placed therein to shelter them from the rain until they are finally placed into their winter quarters. Caladium. — The plants should be exposed to full sunshine to assist the tubers to ripen. Gradu- ally reduce the amount of moisture at the roots. When the tubers are sufficiently ripened, the pots should be placed on their sides in a suitable place for the winter. Tuberous-rooted Begonia. — The flowering sea- son of these plants may be considerably pro- longed if they are afforded applications of diluted liquid manure alternately with clear water. Gloxinia. — To raise a batch of plants for early spring flowering, seeds should be sown now in shallow pans. Seedlings should be placed upon shelves near to the glass, in a stove temperature, during the autumn and winter months. As the old plants pass out of bloom, they should be ripened similar to Caladiums, but under slightly cooler conditions. THE FLOWER GARDEN. ! y E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Yicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Hertfordshire. Lathyrus latifolius. — The Everlasting Pea is most valuable for furnishing a supply of cut bloom. Plants should be established in isolated clumps in various positions in the front of the shrubberies where they will need little attention beyond staking. Lathy rus latifolius is suitable for covering trellises, arbours, and similar struc- tures, providing a beautiful display of bloom during the late summer and autumn. Propaga- tion is easily effected by division of the root-stock when the plants are dormant ; plants may also be raised from seeds. The white and pink varieties are most commonly met with ; the best white sort is White Pearl, whilst grandiflorus produces fine ciimson-coloured blooms. Climbing plants. — Most climbers have made luxuriant growth this season, and the training of the shoots, especially of those that are not self- clinging, has entailed a considerable amount of work. The species of ornamental vines have grown exceptionally freely this year. Their chief beauty will be seen when the leaves colour in the autumn. To have the foliage in the best con- dition, the plants must be well supplied with moisture whilst they are growing freely ; they will also be benefited by applications of liquid farmyard manure, which should be well diluted. Winn the leaves commence to assume their autumn tints they will require much less moisture than during their season of active growth. Clematis Jackmannii and its numerous varieties is making a fine show at the present time. It forms a handsome subject when trained to a stout stake in isolated parts of the shrubbery. All climbers should have the superfluous growths re- moved and, in the case of Rambler Roses, the old flowering shoots should be cut out, tying in neatly the young shoots which will furnish next season's display. Lavender. — The bushes are now in full flower, and the spikes will soon be ready for cutting, which should be done on a dry day. Lavender is easily increased by means of cuttings, which must be inserted in cold frames, keeping the lights closed until roots have formed. This old garden plant is very effective when massed in bed6 or interspersed with other shrubs, and it forms an excellent dwarf hedge by the sides of the kitchen or flower-garden paths. The shoots require clipping annually to keep the plant in a proper shape; this should be done directly after the flowers are over. There are several varieties, which differ slightly in habit ; the most interest- ing is Lavandula spica alba, the white Lavender, which is equallv as hardy and possesses all the other good qualities as the ordinary variety. The herbaceous border. — AW the untidy shoots and dead flowers should be removed, so as to make the border as attractive as possible. The strong-growing perennials will need constant attention in staking and tying. Delphiniums may be easily raised from seeds, but if it is desired to increase the stock of any particular variety, cuttings taken from young growths at the base of the plants should be inserted in sandy soil, and kept close and shaded for a time. The herbaceous Phloxes may also be increased by cut- tings inserted now. Pyrethrums may be lifted and divided, potting suitable pieces into 5-inch pots. It will be necessary to keep these in a moist, close atmosphere until they have recovered from the disturbance, but after that freeh air may be admitted freely. The various subjects that are being propagated in frames will need con- stant attention in such matters as syringing and ventilation ; when they have rooted they should be removed to cooler and airy situations. the end of October include Early Prolific, Czar, Diamond, Belgian Pin pie. The Sultan, Prince Engelbert, Victoria, Pond's Seedling, White and Red .Magnum Bonum. Monarch, Grand Duke, President, and Primate. The two last-named are excellent late sorts and worthy a place in any collection. As each tree is cleared of its crop, the foliage should be given a thorough cleansing with clear water, which should be applied with some force by means of a garden engine or hose. If any insect pests are present, apply soluble paraffin mixed with water, according to the directions which accompany the preparation. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. R. Searle, Gardener to the Marquis of North- ampton, Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. Orchard trees. — Trees of Apple, Pear, Damson, and late varieties of Plum carrying good crops of fruit, will be benefited by a copious watering with liquid manure. If this is not obtainable, place a good dressing of well-decayed farmyard manure over the roots, first breaking the surface with the fork. After this is applied, give a good watering by means of the hose pipe or water cart, so as to wash the constituents of the manure into the soil. The water should be applied immediately after the manure has been spread, otherwise the latter will become dry and hard. The soil for several feet ar tund the stems of orchard trees should be kept free from weeds and grass ; where the turf has been allowed to encroach, it shoull be cut back. Keep the grass mown fairly short with the scythe if the orchard is not used for grazing. If sheep or cattle have access to the orchard, make sure that the tree-guards are in good order, or the animals will damage the trees by gnawing the bark. ■ Plums on walls. — Fruits of early varieties of 1 lums are ripening fast, and means should be taken to protect them from the birds, as well as from mice and earwigs. Mice are often a source of trouble where stone fruits are ripening, and traps should be set constantly, though cats serve as the best check. Wasps, up to the present time, do not appear to be so numerous as in some seasons, but they may be troublesome later. Choice dessert fruits may be protected from wasps by small muslin bags, or by enclosing the whole tree with wasp-proof netting. Plums for a succession. — The most prolific and best early dessert varieties of Plums grown here are Oullin's Golden Gage, Blue Rock, Angelina Burdett, Brandy Gage, Denniston's Superb, and Early Transparent Gage. These varieties pro- vide a good succession from the first week in August until early in September. For succeed- ing those dessert varieties enumerated above, to maintain a good supply of Plums till the end of the season, the following sorts may be recom- mended : — Jefferson, Kirke's, Lawson's Golden Gage, Reine Claude "Violette, Reine Claude du Compte Hath em, Reine Claude de Bavay, Coe's Golden Drop. Late Transparent Gage, and Late Rivers. Culinary varieties of Plums suitable for providing a succession from the end of July until THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Kitchen Garden Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Cauliflower. — Seeds should be sown on a shel- tered border, and in not too rich a soil, to pro- duce a supply of plants for next season's earliest batch. At Frogmore, we make a sowing on some date as near to the middle of September as pos- sible, but, in more northern parts, the seeds should be sown a fortnight earlier. In order to have sturdy plants, the border must be made quite firm before the drills are drawn. These should be at least 9 inches apart, sowing the seed thinly. W7hen the seedlings are large enough, they should be potted in 60's pots and placed in cold pits on a bed of ashes. The lights should be kept off the frames until frost appears, and then they should only be placed on at night-time, to be removed again in the morning. A suitable potting =oil is old loam from a spent Melon bed. The plant- ing should be done firmly, as this will assist to keep the plants stocky. Some growers do not favour autumn sowings of Cauliflowers, but it will be found that autumn-sown plants produce much finer heads than those raised in heat in the spring. We grow the following varieties for this batch: — Early Market. Magnum Bonum, Walcheren, and Early London These are all good varieties, and will be ready for cutting in the order of their names. Onion. — Spring-sown Onions should be taken up as soon as the foliage begins to decay. The bulbs should be laid in rows thinly, and they should be turned daily until ripe enough for storing in the Onion loft. Bulbs with thick " necks " should be selected for present use. Globe Artichokes. — Plants from which the heads have been gathered should have the old stems and foliage removed, afterwards forking up the soil and applying a good soaking of liquid manure. In young plantations the plants are throwing up their growths, and will be benefited by a supply of manure water ; these will provide a succes- sion well into September. I '.,' wort. — The ground in which Coleworts and other winter greens are growing should be hoed frequently; in dry weather liberal supplies of water should be afforded these crops. Any blank spaces should be filled up from the reserve plants. Apply a good dressing of soot about the stems previous to earthing up the soil, which should be done in all exposed positions, before the crop is loo far advanced. Turnip. — Proceed with the thinning of this crop as quickly as possible, and dust the foliage in the early morning with soot or fine wood-ashes to keep the Turnip fly in check. There is still time to make another sowing on a sheltered border, if the crops already planted are not suffi- cient to furnish a supply of Turnips throughout the winter. Make this sowing on a sheltered border, and select some quick-growing variety for the purpose. Scarlet Runner. — Plants intended for furnish- ing a late supply of Runner Beans, should have their tops pinched out as soon as they reach the the tops of the stakes, m order to produce as many side shoots as possible. If the position is an exposed one it will be advisable to secure the stakes to a wire run from end to end of the rows. Water the plants frequently with manure water. Cardoon. — The plants should be tied and earthed up as soon as they are large enough. Gather the leaves closely together and wind hay- bands closely around them prior to packing the soil tightly about them. Radish. — Moke frequent small sowings of this salad. The roots will be much larger and more succulent than those sown earlier in the season, provided that sufficient water is afforded to keep the plants growing freely. 162 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [August 27, 1910. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on 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. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editors 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. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, AUGUST 30- Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31- Glasgow and West of Scotland Hort. Soc. Sh. in St. Andrews Halls, Glasgow (2 days). Carlisle Fl. Sh. (2 days). South Shields Fl. Sh. (2 days). Average Mean Temperature for the ensning week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 58'9°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, August 24 (6 p.m.): Max. 72°; Min. 58°. Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street. Covent Garden, London —Thursday, August 25 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 30-0 ; Temp. 65" ; Weather— Overcast. Provinces. — Wednesday, August 24; Mai. 65" Cam- bridge; Min. 58° Yorkshire. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY and FRIDAY— Dutch Bulbs in all varieties, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 10. The recent publication of the Trees. fifth volume of " The Trees of Great Britain and Ireland "* brings this work to its penultimate stage. Though designed originally to occupy fiv6 volumes, the authors have found it neces- sary to extend it to six. The chief charac- teristics of the work are the thoroughness with whjch every detail has been carried out, and the determination of the authors not to acoept statements unsubstantiated by evi- dence. The bane of a certain type of gar- den literature is the fact that it is written by people who have but an imperfect knowledge of their subject. They possess sufficient of the literary faculty, but are compelled to obtain their facts second-hand — mostly from books and periodicals — with the result that their statements are marked not infrequently by in- accuracies from which a first-hand knowledge would have saved them. It is the more gratifying, therefore, that Messrs. Elwes and Henry's work bears on every page direct evidence of original study and observation. The general scheme of the work has been described in these pages already (see Gar- deners' Chronicle, December 1, 1906, p. 372, and April 18, 1908, p. 248). It deals chiefly with timber-producing trees known to be hardy in one or more localities in the British Isles. The present volume is devoted to three genera, and the letterpress alone fills some 330 pages. Two of these genera represent, perhaps, the most important groups of culti- vated forest trees, namely, the Oak and the Pine; whilst the third, the Cypress, furnishes * The Trees of Great Britain and Ireland, by H, J. Elwes, F.R.S., and A. Henry, M.A. Vol. v. (Privately printed.) our gardens and parks with some of their most attractive evergreen ornaments. It is many years since the hardy Oaks were exhaustively monographed in the English language, the difficulty and magnitude of the undertaking having deterred perhaps those capable of carrying it out. The Pines con- stitute a less difficult subject, and both they and the Cypresses have been dealt with in recent works, but nowhere in such a com- prehensive and thorough manner as in the present volume. In a genus which presents so many difficul- ties as are to be found iu Quercus, the clear differentiation of the species is of the greatest importance, for it is essential in any attempts which are made to bring about a uniformity of nomenclature. This ideal may prove to be impossible of attainment in this genus, but, nevertheless, the ideal must be pursued. A common defect in botanical literature consists in the evasion of the real points at issue. Even Linnaeus himself is not above the sus- picion of having shelved a particularly troublesome problem. Messrs. Elwes and Henry appear never to have been content to leave a problem unsolved. Whenever diffi- culties have been encountered, and they have been very numerous, determined efforts have been made to overcome them, and the efforts have usually proved successful. There is no better evidence of this than the key to the identification of the species given under each genus. On a former occasion, we referred to the great value of these keys. They are the results of careful and detailed study, and, within our own experience, they have proved to be of very great value. The authors have based their botanical dis- tinctions on vegetative characters alone, re- jecting the characteristics of flowers and fruit. Whilst this system of classification must have added to the difficulty of making a working key, it is all the more applicable to everyday use, for, as every arboriculturist knows, many species of Oak fruit rarely, or not at all, in this country. In such a comprehensive genus as Quercus, it may not be possible to identify every individual species with absolute cer- tainty ; at the same time, by means of the key, the student can narrow down the problem to two or three species, and the final determina- tion can be made by consulting the more de- tailed descriptions. The elucidation of the species of Quercus is helped considerably by numerous outline drawings of the leaf and a portion of the shoot. The Pines are not only fewer than the Oaks, but are susceptible of easier subdivision by reason of the varying number of needles (leaves) contained in a bundle. Considering their small number, perhaps no group of hardy trees has presented such con- fusion in nomenclature as the true Cypresses — as distinct from the Chamsecyparis group. The present authors recognise nine species, clearly define their limits, and provide a key to their identification. The illustrations are admirable half-tone re- productions from photographs. Some repre- sent the trees in their native habitats, and others illustrate remarkable examples in British gardens. The first picture, for in- stance, illustrates a magnificent trunk of Pinus Lambertiana as seen in California ; whilst others represent the fine examples which are to be found in such places as East- nor, Goodwood, Dropmore, Castlewellau, Tortworth, and others whose names are familiar to our readers. There is some ground for regret that popular, or rather, English names are used exclusively for the titles of the pictures. Some of them are so unfamiliar that we sus- pect that they are the inventions of the authors rather than " popular " in the true sense of the word. Such names as " Japanese White Pine " for Pinus parviflora, and " Al- gerian Oak " for Quercus Mirbeckii, will necessitate for most people a reference to the letterpress in a separate volume to ascertain to which trees they have reference. If English names were desirable, we think their adoption would have been made more likely had the botanical names been printed with them. The notes on such subjects as cultivation, value of timber, history, and other miscel- laneous matters represent the more popular side of the work, and they will secure for it much appreciation from the tree-loving public as distinguished from those whose interests are chiefly botanical. The A circular issued in March last Causes of by Mr. C. G. Hopkins, of the Increased University of Illinois Agricul- So" tural Experimental Station, y" deals with the subject of Euro- pean Practice and American Theory concern- ing Soil Fertility. Mr. Hopkins, impressed by the low average of the yield of Wheat in America as com- pared with that obtained in England, Ger- many, and other European countries, ad- dressed to the leading agricultural author- ities of the chief European countries a letter enquiring of them what, in their opinion, were the causes which have led, during the last 80 to 100 years, to the great in- crease in yield of Wheat and other cereal crops. The circular in question contains the replies which Mr. Hopkins received from England, France, Germany, and the Nether- lands. Though complete unanimity of opinion was not to be expected, there is a remarkable agreement that the increase of yield has been due, in the first place, to the use of artificial manures and the increased emplo_yment of farmyard manures. This is the responsible opinion of the authorities of Holland, France, and of several of the leading agriculturists of Germany. It is also substantially the view of Mr. A. D. Hall, of Rothamsted. Several of the above States estimate that no less than 50 per cent, of the increase has been due to the use of artificial manures, or to artificial manures together with farmyard manure. Next in order of importance comes better tillage and better cultivation. As a general rule, the experts attribute only 10-15 per cent, of the increase to selec- tion of improved seed ; though one of the authorities consulted, Professor Gerlach, of Bromberg (Germany), attributes a larger share of the increase to selection than to any other cause. In his attempt to persuade the agricul- turists of America to pay more attention to the use of chemical manures — particularly < f phosphates and of lime — Mr. Hopkins will have strong support from the European au- thorities whom he has consulted. August 27, 1010.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 1G3 Royal Horticultural Society. — The next meeting will be held in the Society's Hall on Tuesday, August 30. At the three o'clock (meeting a lecture on "The Effect of Overhead Electrical Discharges upon Plant Growth " will , be delivered by Mr. J. H. Priestley, B.Sc. National Horticultural Society of France. — At a recent meeting of this society Lieut. -Colonel Prain, Director of the Royal Gar- t dens, Kew, and M. Charles Pynaert, Editor of the Revue de V Horticulture Beige, et Etrangere, were elected corresponding members. Mr. Maurice Fuld. — This gentleman, until recently manager of the firm of Messrs. W. W. Ravvson & Co., Boston, U.S.A., has joined the Wart Disease of Potatos. — We are re- quested by the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries to remind growers" of Potatos that it is their duty, under the Destructive Insects and Pests Order of 1910, to report to the board all outbreaks of wart disease in counties in which no officer has as yet been appointed by the local authority to receive reports. The penalty for neglecting to report the outbreak is £10. The presence of disease should be again reported this year not- withstanding the fact that it may have existed and been reported last year. A leaflet describing warty Potatos may be obtained on application to the Secretary, Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, 4, Whitehall Place. Letters so ad- dressed need not be stamped. Louis van Houtte.- M Le Texhier, a well known French writer on historic and literary matters relating to horticulture, is publishing in the columns of our contemporary Le Jar din a series of articles dealing with the life and labours of this eminent Belgian nurseryman. Garden Literature.— In the current number of the Journal of the National Horticultural Society of France we notice an essay entitled " Some Old English Gardening Books Trans- lated from the French," by Mr. Harman Payne. The period covered is from 1516, beginning with the Grete Herbal by Peter Treveris, to 1759 with Mills' translation of Duhamel de Mon- ceao's work. Fig. 6r. — woe-urn place: the rose garden. staff of Messrs. Henry F. Michell & Co., Phila- delphia. .Mr. Fuld is secretary and founder of the New England Dahlia Society, founder and treasurer of the American Gladiolus Society, and Editor of the Dahlia .V, ws. Figs.- According to Mr. Aaron Aaronsohn, Director of the Jewish Agricultural Experiment Station at Haifa. Palestine, the Arabs in Biskra and Egypt cut off the tips of the immature Figs in order to make them ripen. It is said that, three days after this is done, the cut Figs become twice as large as those uncut and develop a much better taste. Urban Allotments.- A vegetable am" flower show arranged by the allotment holders renting plots from the West Ham Town Council was held in the Public Hall, Canning Town, on August 20. According to The Times, the Cor- poration charges 5s. a year for a 16 rod plot, and have 585 allotment holders whose gardens are mostly on disused gravel pits, which were sub- sequently used as dust shoots and have to stand 20 years or so before they can be utilized for building purposes. " Triangle Camp," which was seized by the unemployed a few years ago, is one of the allotments, and the products of this piece of ground took most of the prizes. Cruickshank Botanic Gar dens, Aberdeen. — These gardens, which have been so serviceable in the teaching of botany at the Aberdeen Uni- versity, under the curatorship of Dr. James W. H. Trail, are to be laid out afresh on an ad- joining piece of land purchased by the Cruick- shank trustees. The existing gardens, which were formed some 11 or 12 years ago. are not the sole property of the trustees, part being held on lease from a neighbouring proprietor, the tenure being a short one. As soon as practicable, the bulk of the most valuable plants will be trans- ferred to the newly-acquired land, which is not so flat as the site of the present gardens. 1G4 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 27, 1010. The Pollination of Green Flowers by Insects. — It is very generally held that only brightly-coloured flowers attract insects, and se- cure by their visits the advantages of cross-pol- lination. Professor Plateau, however, who does not share this opinion, published as long ago as 1897 a list of no fewer than 79 plants which, though possessed of green or greenish flowers, are, nevertheless, " entomophilous." Since then Professor Plateau has extended this list con- siderably, and in a contribution to the Belgian Royal Society of Botany (Bull. Soc. Roy. Botan. Belgique, xlvi, p. 339, 1909) includes among green-flowered entomophilous plants the Orchid Listera ovata. Though visited by many insects — Diptera, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera — the in- sects which are responsible for cross-pollination are generally inchueomons, which, on arriving at the flower, alight on the lower part of the label- lum, and following the nectariferous furrow from below upward, end usually by getting the pollinia fixed firmly to their heads or other parts of their bodies. In such cases, visits to other flowers of Listera ovata result in cross-pollination. Pro- fessor Plateau concludes from his long-continued observations, that colour counts for little or nothing in securing the visits of insects which effect cross-pollination. Prof. W. Bateson. — Prof. Bateson, P.R.S., Director of the John Innes Horticultural Insti- tution, has taken up his residence at Manor House, Merton Park, Surrey. The Value of Sea-Weed as Manure.— An amusing instance of the " law's delays " and of the less which follows from the attempt to decide by cumbrous legal methods, a relatively simple question is given in Nature for August 4. It appears that, according to a report in the North British Agriculturist, three farmers were de- prived of their rights to gather sea-weed on the fore-shore at Rossyth when the Admiralty re- sumed possession of the shore. The liability of the Admiralty to compensate was not disputed, the value of seaweed for manurial purposes being the subject of the controversy. According to ex- perts and practical men, this value was placed at sums varying from Is. to 9s. 3gd. per ton ! Finally the arbitrator " split the difference," and allowed compensation on the basis of 4s. 9d. per ton. The late M. Calvats Chrysanthemums. — We understand that the large collection of seedling and other Chrysanthemums forming the stock of the late Ernest Calvat have been placed under the care of M. Remy, the well- known grower, of Grenoble. Fatal Accident to a Gardener. — The death of Mr. Meakin. gardener to Reginald Loder, Esq., Madewell Hall, near Market Har- borough, occurred under distressing circum- stances on the 15th inst. Mr. Meakin fell from a ladder whilst pruning a Pear tree and broke his neck, death being instantaneous. He was 53 years of age, and had been gardener to Mr. Loder for about 11 years ; he had been previously in the service of Mr. Loder's family nearly all his life. Mr. Meakin leaves a wife and six children. Camberwell Public Parks. — Mr. James Christie has been appointed superintendent of parks, gardens, and street trees under the borough of Camberwell. Mr. Christie served his apprenticeship under his father at Ragley, after- wards continuing his studies and practice at the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens. Later, he was em- ployed in the gardens of Baron Rothschild, at Ferneries, Paris, and afterwards at Hyde Park, London. For the last four years, Mr. Christie has been employed as sub-foreman at Kew Gardens. Forestry at Aberdeen University. — A four-weeks course of lectures for foresters has just been started under the auspices of the Aberdeen and North of Scotland College of Agriculture and the University of Aberdeen. This period of the year has been selected as the time when foresters can most conveniently attend, and it is interesting to note that the expenses of the foresters are being paid by the respective proprietors of the estates on which they are en- gaged. There was a representative attendance at the opening meeting under the presidency of Dr. George Adam Smith, Principal of the Uni- versity of Aberdeen. Mr. Sydney J. Gammell, of Drumtochty and Countesswells, one of the governors of the College of Agriculture, and the president of the Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine shires branch of the Royal Scottish Arboricul- tural Society, speaking on behalf of the gover- nr.-s of the College of Agriculture, offered the students a warm welcome. The class is conducted by Mr. William Dawson, B.Sc. In addition to lectures, excursions will be undertaken to woods, nurseries, saw mills and other places in the neighbourhood of Aberdeen, and work in the laboratory will include the identification of speci- mens by means of the microscope as well as the naked eye. The Resistance of Pollen of Fruit Trees to Frost. — From experiments made by Ewert, and published in the Zeitschrift fitr PflanzenkranJcheiten, xx., p. 65, 1910, it appears that the pollen of fruit trees is capable of en- during an exposure to very low temperatures: in certain varieties of Apple, as much as 17° C. Since fruit trees are injured by exposure to much less severe cold, it is suggested that the most promising method of obtaining frost-proof varie- ties is, as we suggested recently in a leading article, by raising parthenocarpic varieties. Exhibition at Prague. — An important horticultural exhibition will be held at Prague from September 3 to October 15. In addition to the general decoration of the exhibition, for which autumn flowers will be largely employed, two gar- dens will be formed, one of them representing a tropical region, and the other decorated with architectural subjects and objects of the fine arts. The portion of the exhibition devoted to fruit will be opened on September 28, and exhibits are expected from Bohemia, Moravia and Silesia. Exhibits from districts of Bohemia will be ar- ranged according to their situation and climate. Other subjects of interest will include the classification of fruits and the best methods of packing fruits. The culture of vegetables, for which Bohemia and Moravia are distinguished, will be worthily represented. Other branches of horticulture to be represented are those per- taining to nurseries and parks. There will be models of gardens and nurseries of Bohemia, a school garden, and a commercial nursery. Science and the fine arts will be represented in all sections of the exhibition. A congress of Aus- trian gardeners will be held from September 27 to 30. The Pea Crop in the U.S.A. — The indica- tions of a deficient seed crop in the United States were remarked in the gardening Press of that country some time ago. It is now reported that the worst fears of the seed farmers will be realised. Although the exact figures cannot as yet be given, it may be confidently stated that the crop will be at least as short as that of 1909. This will be most unwelcome news to the seed trade, as well as to the canners of the country, for practically no seeds of culinary Peas were saved over from last year, and a good crop this year would have been readily absorbed by the trade. Wisconsin has suffered more severely this year from drought than Michigan. National Dahlia Society. — The early ex- hibition will be held at the Crystal Palace on September 8, 9. There will also be a later show at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park, on September 20, 21. International Horticultural Exhibi- tion, 1912.— It has been decided that this exhibition will be held in the grounds attached to the Royal Hospital, Chelsea. The area leased to the exhibition authorities, including the j Ranelagh Gardens, is approximately 20 acres, | and nearly 16 acres will be directly available for , the accommodation of the exhibits. There are many fine specimen trees, which will add greatly to the beauty of the show and facilitate the artistic arrangement of the flowers. Entrance to the grounds can be effected from the Thames Embankment on the one side and from Bridge Street on the other. The grounds are accessible from all parts of London. A Hardy Plant Society. — A meeting of persons interested in hardy plants was held at the George Hotel, Shrewsbury, on the 17th inst., when it was resolved unanimously: — ! " That a National Hardy Plant Society be | formed for the encouragement, the extension, and the improvement of hardy plant culture, whether for the garden, for decorative purposes, or for ex- hibition, and for the improvement of their nomen- clature." A Provisional Committee was ap- pointed with Mr. MacSelf as chairman. Mr. Frank Bouskell was elected as secretary. Mr. J. S. Brunton as treasurer, and Mr. R. T. Went as vice-chairman. The following Provisional Committee was appointed : — Mr. W. Irving (Kew), Mr. S. Arnott (Dumfries), Mr. J. Art- indale (Sheffield), Mr. G. Gibson (Bedale), Mr. 1 F. Eames (Frome), Mr. W. E. Clarke (Whit- church, Cardiff). Mr. G. G. Blackbouune (Kingsacre Nurseries), Mr. R. W. Hosier (Messrs. Bakers, Wolverhampton), Mr. G. (' Mudge (Messrs. Barr), Mr. E. G. Quick (Covent Carden). Mr. C. E. Osborne (Hereford). Mr. D. Roberts (Messrs. Dickson's, Chester), Mr. N. Walker (Bedale), Mr. J. C. House (Westbury- on-Trym), Mr. W. J. Robertson (Worcester), Mr. A. J. Wommacctt (Messrs. Hewitt's. Soli- hull), and Mr. J. Harkness (Bedale). It was decided to hold the next meeting at Edinburgh on September 7, on the occasion of the Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society's autumn shew. Publications Received. — The Science and Practice of Manuring, by W. Dyke & J. Wright. (London : The Lockwood Press.) Price Is. NURSERY NOTES. NOTES FROM FELTHAM. I know of nothing more interesting than to spend a few hours at Messrs. James Veitch & Sons' Feltham nurseries, where house after house is filled with plants that will be seen on the ex- hibition table, or those that have already | that stage, and are now being carefully :<> Iced after until their crops of seeds are gathered. My last visil was made in the middle of Au ■ — perhaps not the best time to go — but even then there was much to see. Among the specialities, the different forms of Streptocarpus stood out prominently, one house being devoted to plants passing out of flower, but bearing a fine crop of seed pods. Another house was occupied with a made-up bed, in which thousands of seedlings were planted, and these were just commencing to produce their earliest flowers. Many of them were very beautiful, and, great as is the number of present varieties of Streptocarpus, these seed- lings show decided breaks away from thoso already in cultivation. Begonias of the winter flowering section. ID which there are now such charming varieties raised by Mr. John Heal, were astonishingly August 27, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 165 numerous, varying from tiny cuttings to estib- lished plants -approaching the flowering stage. This section of Begonias is by no means the only one represented, as varieties of the tuberous- rooted class are grown in large numbers. Not the least interesting plants amongst the Begonias ' were some of the original species whence the garden varieties have been obtained. Crosses are still made between these species and the 1 best of the newer garden forms, in the hope of getting further novelties possessing superior qualities. The strong-growing warm-house Be- , gonias, such as President Carnot, are also largely grown at Feltham. House after house and frame after frame were filled with Carnations ranging from recent layers to large, established plants in 6-inch pots. Rhododendrons of the Javanese section are still grown at Chelsea, as they resist the London atmo- sphere better than the hairy-leaved Edgeworthii hybrids. These last are grown at Feltham, where there is also a vast number of R. Veitchi- (Excelsior) which was given an Award of Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society. Abutilons were represented by a goodly num- ber of flowering examples, but comparatively few varieties are grown. The best in their colours were Boule de Neige (white), Golden Fleece (yel- low), Rosseflorum (rose), and Red Gauntlet (crim- son). A distinct variety i6 Triomphe, sent out a few years ago by Mons. Lemoine, of Nancy. It has large, widely-opened flowers, which, though not double, have an increased number of petals. The flower-stemr are short but stout, and the blossoms stand out in a partially horizontal man- ner, instead of being decidedly drooping, as in the ordinary forms. The colour is pink. From its stiffer habit, this variety is less pleasing, at least, to my mind, than most of the others. Fuchsias are grown in three different ways — as dwarf bushes in 5-inch pots, as tall plants for clothing roofs or rafters, and lastly as standards. There was a good stock of the newer hybrid kinds raised in Germany, which have made con- to the extent they were formerly, but still many of the best are kept in stock. The most pleasing feature in this class was a large batch of Crowea latifolia (syn. saligna), the Willow-like shoots being laden with charming, pink-coloured blos- soms. Bouvardias are cultivated in great numbers. The plants are grown in batches, and the earliest were just coming into bloom. Many Liliums, particularly L. auratum, L. longiflorum, j.nd L. speciosum in its several varie- ties, are grown, and they are extremely useful for various decorative purposes. The large number of flowering plants grown as standards caused me some surprise. The plants treated in this way included Fuchsias, Helio- tropes, Pelargoniums, particularly the members of the Zonal and Ivy-leaved sections, and the scented-leaved variety Clorinda, Plumbago capensis, Aloysia citriodora, Streptosolen Jame- sonii, Salvia splendens, Abutilons and others. Considering that Lapagerias are not usually FlG. 62. — FIRST PRIZE GROUP OF HARDY FLOWERS SHOWN BY MESSRS. GUNN AND SONS AT SHREWSBURY SHOW. (See p. 150 ante.) anum, the Moulmein species with magnificent, pure-white flowers. Gloxinias filled three large houses. The occu- pants of two of them were ripening their seeds, but the third house, filled with this year's seed- lings, was still a blaze of colour. Hippeastrums are grown at Feltham in con- siderable numbers, although the general collec- tion is still at Chelsea. The clearer atmosphere :>f Feltham enables the bulbs to be ripened off sooner than in London; consequently, they can be flowered earlier. \ Kalanchoe flammea, which was first distributed by Messrs. Veitch 10 years ago, has flowered in successive batches since last May. Most of the plants were ripening seed, but late specimens were still affording a good display of blossom. iDther species and hybrids of Kalanchoe are culti- vated, and the propagator was busy at the mo- iHent with the new variety of Kalanchoe kewensis siderable headway in this country within the last few years. Cannas continue to be treated as a speciality. Mr. Weeks, who had charge of the soft-wooded plants at Chelsea for many years, and who now occupies the same position at Feltham, pointed out a variety which in his opinion is the very finest-flowering Canna in cultivation. This is ■William Saunders, the flowers of which are of an intense bright-crimson colour, and of more sub- stance than is to be found in most of the Cannas. From this circumstance the flowers remain fresh for an unusual length of time. Other particu- larly good varieties noted were Due Ernest (deep scarlet, bronzy leaves), Gaekwar of Baroda (yel- low, heavily spotted crimson), Venus (deep rose, yellowish border). King Humbert (orange apri- cot). Hesperides (brilliant orange), and Roseleur (rosy carmine). Hard-wooded greenhouse plants are not grown planted in great quantities, and that, once planted, they may be regarded as permanent, it surprised me to see a house given up to layering them. Beside these, there was quite a large batch taken off from the stock plants last season, many of them being ready to shift into larger pots or to be planted into permanent quarters. Other plants noticed at Feltham included those following: — Amphicome Emodii, an Incarvillei- like plant with rose and yellow-coloured flowers ; Aristolochia gigas Sturtevantii, a well-known, large-flowered species ; Callicarpa purpurea, whose profusion of flowers augured well for a good display of berries later on ; Calceolaria Clibranii, then ripening its seed ; Dipladenia boliviensis ; Erlangea tomentosa, a good winter-flowering plant ; Jacobinia chrysostephana, an old but much-neglected plant; Lobelia tenuior, one of the showiest of the Lobelias, both for baskets or pots ; Musssnda erythrophylla, an interesting 166 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 27, 1910. plant from the Congo district, with insignificant flower3, which are subtended by leaf-like, rosy- scarlet bracts; Oxypetalum (Tweedia) cceruleum, a twining Asclepiad from South America with bell-shaped flowers of a peculiarly changeable shade of blue ; Solarium Wendlandii, so well shown at the last Holland Park exhibition ; Thunbergia fragrans, a beautiful, white-flowered climber; and Tydasa Robert le Diable, one of the deepest-coloured of all the Tydaeas. Out-of-doors there was a good collection of Dahlias, planted out in order to prove then- value for garden decoration. A large expanse of ground is given up to the culture of annuals, and a splendid show they made, the quality of the flowers and the immu- nity from rogues in the beds affording proof of the rigid selection exercised in the saving of the seed. There were some acres of hardy fruit trees and thousands of trees in pots, but these cannot be noticed in detail at this time. W. Truelove. THE FERNERY. BRITISH FERNS OF THE FUTURE. When we compare the wonderful and beauti- ful varieties of British Ferns with those which were in existence half a century ago, the question naturally arises whether such advance can be continued on the same scale, or whether sooner or later the possibilities will be exhausted. At the time referred to, judging by the published catalogues of the period, really fine symme- trical and constant varieties were very few, and consisted mainly of wild finds, that is, finds which had only been propagated by offsets and not by spores, so that practically all the speci- mens extant of the particular type were identi- cal. The rest of the varieties on the market consisted largely of irregular and defective types, which had resulted from injudicious sow- ing of erratic forms, a number of which, experi- ence has shown, are far more apt to propagate themselves spontaneously than are the better types. This fact led to their introduction as early- raised market plants, whose value was then apparently determined by their curious charac- ter : the greater their eccentricity the higher the price. The number of these eventually so far exceeded that of the " thoroughbreds " that a revulsion of taste was inevitable, and, for decades, the popular idea of British Fern varieties, if any idea was formed at all during the period of depression, was that they were more ugly than beautiful, and hence un- worthy of attention. Meanwhile, however, the handful of enthusiasts who, by their own dis- coveries and selective culture, had become ac- quainted with the finer varieties, were more and more encouraged by the results they had attained, and by degrees worked up collections of most beautiful, thoroughbred types, which in time eclipsed in charm of plumy dis- section, or ornate tasselling, or frilling, anything which could be found among exotic varieties. Every now and again, too, altogether unexpected results occurred among the spore sowings, new strains coming to light in this way which surpassed their predecessors in delicacy and grace, and it also became clear that the possi- bilities of combining such charms by hybridising were fully demonstrated, both by systematic cross-fertilisation and chance results of mixed sowings. Now, in our opinion, it is this last phase of Fern culture which widens the horizon of future possibilities. So little comparatively has it been worked out that we may count the recognised crosses upon our fingers, and in this connection the example of Polypodium Schneideri, a successful cross between the two different species of Polypodium, P. glaucum, a large growing, tender exotic and P. vulgare eornubiense (elegantissimum), a beautifully- divided form of the hardy, common Polypody, indicates an immense field of utility in the direc- tion of decorative plants. True, it may be argued that we cannot legitimately claim such results as British Ferns proper, but if it is our British Fern of an abnormal but beautiful type, which imparts its particular charm to a purely normal exotic, we are surely entitled to claim the major part of the merit involved, especially if the results be, as it is largely in Poly- podium Schneideri, and might be entirely in less tender species, the production of nearly or quite hardy plants possessing the charm both of the exotic form and that of the home variety. We recommend this field to the particular attention of exotic Fern growers, whose possession of warm greenhouses gives them special facili- ties for experiments, which can take the simple form of persistently sowing spores of fine British varieties with those of allied exotic species on the off chance of a cross. But, apart from such experiments, there are innumerable British varieties of one and the same species which would be greatly en- hanced in beauty could the charm of another variety be added. We will take the common Polypody forms as a type. P. v. eornubiense has already been crossed with P. v. bifido-multi- fidum so as to obtain a crested eornubiense. (J'.-.inubiense, however, is an erratic Fern, and persistently transmits its erratic character to its offspring even, as we see in P. Schneideri, when crossed with another species. P. v. pulcher- rimum, however, is a thoroughbred tripinnate form, and a successful cross between this and P. v. cristatum or P. v. grandiceps Fox or Forster could not fail to form a handsome com- bination unlike anything we possess. To revert to exotic blood there are, on the other hand, a number of simple fronded, exotic Poly- podiums, which, if they could be induced by the gentle influence of pulcherrimum to bear tri- pinnate fronds instead of simple or pinnate ones, would be far more ornamental than they are at present. In another genus, the Polystichums, we have numerous exotic forms, some like P. setosum, perfectly hardy and very distinct from our native species, though viewed by some botanists as a form of P. aculeatum, which could be improved by crossing with some of the finely-crested plumosums or cristatums. As there is no doubt that many of the exotics are very closely allied indeed to our home species ; the chances in this direction are very great. P. setosum is a fairly common market plant here, and we strongly advise, in connection with it, the procedure advocated above. In the Spleenwort family, too, a race, as a rule, peculiarly constant to the normal type, we have marked exceptions to this rule in the crested forms of our native Asplenium tricho- manes and Scolopendrium vulgare. Fortunately for such experiments, difference in size forms no bar to crossing, and, in the initial stages, the growths vary little in their dimensions. Hence we have no such obstacles to crossing as are involved in the fine adaptations of size of pollen grains to length of style incidental to flowering plants. The main obstacles to the cross-breeding of Ferns consist, apart from wide generic differences, in differences in the rapidity in germination of the spores. A little study, however, may enable this to be overcome by sowing the spores at different times. In any case, the field of experiment is large, the difficulties to be overcome but trifling, whilst any results obtained must be valuable, since, even though crossing resulted in failure, the progeny of such good forms as should only be used, would have their commercial value. Cha-i. T. Druery, V.M.H., F.L.S. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. {The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Seeds of Liliums. — As long as my supply holds out, I shall be pleased to give a pinch of seed of any of the following species to any ama- teurs among your readers who may be interested in the culture of Lilies ; I shall be glad to hear from anyone who has had L. auratum in cultiva- tion in the open for more than 10 years : — L. cordifolium var. Glehni, L. dalmaticum, L. Han- sonii, L. Henryi, L. Humboldtii magnificum, L. Kelloggii, L. Krameri, L. Marhan, L. Martagon, Li. Martagon album, L. parvum, L. parviflorum, L. pomponium, L. Parryi, L. pardalinum, L. phila- delphicum, L. rubellum, L. Szovitzianum, and L. tenuifolium. A. Grove, Kentons, near Henley- on-Thames. Queen Wasps. — On p. 39 in the issue for July 16 Mr. W. Francis Eakin states " that the wasp pest is likely to be felt acutely this season as there were so many queens in the southern dis- tricts." Here, both in gardens and on the com- mons, queen wasps have been extremely numer- ous, but I have noticed on several occasions that when there is a plague of queen wasps in the summer there is a scarcity of wasps in the autumn. Why this is so, I am unable to say. 1' am of the opinion that the weather and tli. gardener are not the only agents destructive to wasps. G. H. H. Wassell, Heath End House Gardens, Baughurst, near Basingstoke. Judging at Local Flower Shows Two years ago I staged a collection of eight varieties of vegetables at a local flower show, in an open class, and was awarded the third prize. I con- sidered I should have been placed first, but I was informed by one of the judges that my' Leeks were out of season. I also exhibited at' another show this year, when I was told the same thing. Surely it is to a gardener's credit to produce things out of season, when they are more appreciated by his employer. These shows were held in the middle of July, yet Leeks and Celery are seen at the Temple Flower Show six weeks earlier. Kingston Hill. Saxifraga florulenta. — Those of us who have cultivated, or attempted to cultivate, Saxi- fraga florulenta will have read Mr. Farrer's illuminating notes on the plant (see p. 118) with the deepest interest. I gather from the note that Mr. Farrer has experienced the same difficulty as others in inducing it to flower. In cultivation, at least, the name of florulenta is an appropriate one. But I imagine that most of us have at- tempted to grow this species in a position in which the greater number of the silvery Saxi- frages thrive, i.e., on the flat, or nearly so. From what Mr. Farrer says, a vertical position suits it best, and may, indeed, be necessary. The plants which survived longest with me were in almost complete shade, and on the stony slope of a rockery facing almost due east. Here they mads good rosettes, but never developed a flower dur ing their four or five years existence. The rosette; are so handsome as almost to reconcile one k their non-flowering, especially as the blooming would entail the death of the individual rosette and the necessity of saving and sowing the seed.- if the stock is to be maintained. One includes it for convenience, among the " silvery " Saxi frages, but this term hardly suggests what Mr Farrer so justly calls " the rich, glassy-greei rosettes." 8. Arnott. Sweet Peas at Shrewsbury. — I am th. exhibitor referred to in your report of the Swee Pea classes (see p. 150) as having Minnie Christii and Rosie Adams in mixture. . . My flowers thai were said to be Rosie Adams were two-days-cu' Minnie Christie, and upon reflection the simi larity which these flowers would bear to Rosit Adams is not saying much for that variety. Thost who will take the trouble to make the expei ment by cutting flowers of this variety on twe separate days and comparing them on the third day will quickly discover there is a great dif- ference in shade. We had to cut as we did on account of the unfavourable weather. The only right and fair way to judge the difference between varieties so close together is to take their dif- ferences in form ; we can always find a didtinctlCE here. Geo. Aitkens, Wrexham. Argemone GRANDiFLORAfseep. 138).— Having seen this Mexican cornfield weed growing ami flowering freely in southern gardens, I, for several seasons attempted its cultivation as an annual in a northern urban garden, with, however, but in- different success. The plants grew away vigor- ously, but failed to flower satisfactorily, probably by reason of the excessive rainfall and lack of bright sunshine. The plants, when at their best, were injured by early frosts, which sear but dc not kill. It would appear to be essentially a plant for a warm, sunny situation, and under such circumstances, when massed, and flowering freely, with a dark background, would appear very effective. Fred. W. Jeffery, Callander, N.B. Dodder. — I have observed an unusual quan- tity of Dodder (Cucuta Epithymum) this year in Hampshire and Dorset, and also in Co. Kerry, where it is a much scarcer plant than in Eng land, and would be interested to know if any reader can suggest some reason for its great abundance, especially on Heath and Gorsej an" if any other species, 'such as C. Trifolii, lias been noticed in special abundance this year? H. SA Thompson. August 27, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 167 SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. August 16. — Present: Mr. E. A. Bowles, M.A., F.L.S., F.E.S. (in the Chair); Messrs. J. Fraser, G. Gordon, J. Douglas, A. Rolfe, and F. J. Chit- tenden (hon. sec). Dimerous Iris.— Mr. W. Fawcett, B.A., F.L.S., sent a flower of Iris Xiphium having all its part3 in twos instead of threes. This type of variation from the normal in Iris is fairly com- mon, but is often confined to one or two whorls instead of all four. The stem also bore a bud, but, in that, the parts of the flower were in threes. Sporting in Carnations. — Mr. J. Douglas, V.M.H., called attention to the variation in colour met with in Carnation," Rhoda," which, when it was first sent out, was marked with lavender and red on a white ground. It had this year sported in two or three places to a lavender- ground flower. He remarked upon the frequency with which sudden colour sports appeared in more than one locality, in the same plant, at the same time. Several other instances were re- • marked upon by other members of the Committee. Salices. — Mr. J. Fraser showed specimens of Salix alba .(the Bat Willow) and called attention to the form of the serration of the leaves ; though the latter vary in size, the serrations are always of similar form. He showed also S. fra- gilis britannica, which has irregular serrations to the leaves, and the hybrid, S. viridis, in which the foliage is intermediate between the other two. In the hybrid, the leaves are dark green above, and their under surfaces are whiter than those of i'ragilis ; the serrations are intermediate in form and more regular than in fragilis. Spotting of Calanthe foliage. — Plants of Calanthe vars. were shown badly attai ki 1 by a spot disease. So far as has yet been defi- nitely ascertained, the spotting is not caused by a fungus or other organism, and appears not to be infectious. It seems rather to be due to some cultural defect, perhaps to spraying with cold water. NATIONAL VEGETABLE. TRIALS OF ONIONS AND POTATOS. Seventy-two stocks were sent for trial as autumn-sown Onions by 19 distinct seedsmen, whose names were mentioned in the Cabbage Trial Report. The respective stocks of seeds were divided equally, and sent to the care of .Mr. W. Poupart. Marsh Farm, Twickenham, and Mr. C. Foster, The Times Experimental Station, Sutton Green, Surrey, under numbers only. The seeds were sown in drills 12 inches apart on August 20, 1909, and, in each case, space was It ft for transplanting some of the bulbs of each stock. Owing to the mild autumn weather, the plants made an unduly rapid growth, which, in the spring, resulted in some of the plants " bolting." This was more marked, however, on the warm, sandy soil at Sutton Green, especially in those that were transplanted. The primary estimate of the merits of the various stocks was made from the Twickenham trial. The final inspection of the Onions was made by a large committee on July 19. when the following awards were made : — Awards of Three Marks. Messrs. James Carter & Co., Record; Messrs. Daniels Bros., Golden Rocca ; Messrs. Dickson, Brown & Tait, Excelsior, Giant Rocca, and Red Italian ; Messrs. Dickson & Robinson, Premier and Giant Tripoli ; Messrs. Pearson & Sons, Tre- bons and Red Italian Tripoli ; Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Al ; Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Cran- ston's Excelsior ; Messrs. Webb & Sons, Giant White Tripoli ; Messrs. Hurst & Sons, Ailsa Craig, Red Italian Tripoli, and Giant Rocca ; Messrs. Vilmorin-Andrieux et Cie., Vanguard (very early white) ; and Messrs. Watkins & Simpson, Wroxton Globe. Awards of Two Marks. Messrs. Daniels, Allan's Reliance ; Messrs. Dickson and Robinson, Flat Mammoth ; Messrs. Dickson (Belfast), Wroxton Globe ; Messrs. Pear- son, Ailsa Craig and Giant Rocca ; Messrs. Sutton & Sons. Perfection ; Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Giant Zittau ; Messrs. Vilmorin, Short Pale Red ; Messrs. Watkins & Simpson, Cranston's Excelsior ; and Messrs. W. W. Johnson, Giant Lemon Rocca. The following, while not so well bulbed, were regarded as excellent or true stocks ; Messrs. Austin & McAslan, Trebons and Excelsior; Messrs. James Carter, Tennis Ball and Early Wonder ; Messrs. Daniels, Improved White Spanish ; Messrs. Yates (Evesham), Giant White Tripoli ; Messrs. Watkins & Simpson, Ailsa Craig ; Messrs. Vilmorin, Blood Red ; Messrs. Hurst, to be Ailsa Craig, Cranston's Excelsior, Wroxton Globe, Record and Trebons ; and, of the Italian or Tripoli section, Giant Rocca, Lemon or Golden Rocca, and Red and White Italian Tripoli are the best. Trial of Early Potatos. This trial was conducted at The Times Experi- mental Station, Sutton Green, Surrey. The tubers were planted on April 20 in rows 30 inches apart, the sets being 18 inches apart in the rows. The soil is a deep sand, and was very moderately Fig. 63. — gladiolus grafin degenfeld: colour primrose-yellow with bright crimson markings. Award of Merit at the Royal Horticultural Society, August 16. (See p. 143.) White Italian Tripoli ; .Messrs. Webb, Giant Rocca ; Messrs. James Veitch, Main Crop ; Messrs. Sutton, Globe and Improved Reading ; Messrs. W. W. Johnson, Globe; Messrs. Dickson (Belfast), Long Keeper; Messrs. Dobbie, Golden Globe, Giant Rocca, Trebons and White Tripoli ; and Messrs. Dickson & Robinson. Paragon. It is thus seen that the best of the more globu- lar and keeping Onions for autumn sowing seem manured, the culture being that of the open field. The inspection by members of the committee took place on July 29, several roots at each end of the respective rows being lifted for examination. Generally, the crops were excellent and clean, but in few cases were the tubers large. Awards of Three Marks. Messrs. R. Veitch & Sons, Exeter, Lady 1GS THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 27, 1910. Llewelyn ; Messrs. Pennell, Lincoln, Sharpe's Victor"; Messrs. C. Fidler & Sons, Reading, Sharpe's Victor; Mr. J. W. Cross, Wisbech, Sharpe's Victor ; Messrs. G. Sharpe & Co., Slea- ford. Sharpe's Express; Mr. J. F. Williamson, Mallow, Sharpe's Express; Messrs. R. Sydenham, Birmingham, Sharpe's Express; Messrs. Dobbie & Co.. Edinburgh, Alpha.; Mr. A. Dickson, Bel- fast, Mile-Cross Early; Mr. G. Sharpe, Perth- shire, Cragie Early ; "Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, New English Beauty, Messrs. Webb & Sons, Wordsley, First Crop; Messrs. Sutton & Sons. Reading, May Queen : Mr. A. Dickson, Belfast. May Queen ; Messrs. James Carter & Co., Holborn, Advance; Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Edinburgh, Midlothian Early; Messrs. Scarlett & Co., Edinburgh, Midlothian Early; Mr. J. F. Williamson. Mallow, Midlothian Early; Mr. Harris, Blackpill, Seedling White, Kidney; and Messrs. Hogg & Robertson, Dublin, New Coloured Kidney (Hebron Type). Awards of Two Marks. Messrs. Scarlett & Co., Edinburgh, Eclipse; Messrs. Hogg & Robertson. Dublin, Seedling No. 2 and Seedling No. 3. Yellow-fleshed Kidney. Epicure (Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading) both from Scotch-grown and own-saved seed planted in the trial, gave in each case a superb crop of fine ware tubers. New English Beauty, of the Ashleaf type, gave a remarkable crop of tubers, though not large. First Crop and Lady Llewelyn very closely re- eembled each other from seed. MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND ORCHID. July 21. — As usual at this time of the year, the exhibition was a small one. W. R. Lee, Esq., Heywood (gr. Mr. Wood- house), exhibited Miltonia vexillaria var. Lam- beauiana, a fine large white form, one of the best varieties in cultivation. A First-class Certificate was awarded it. Miltonia vexillaria var. Plump- ton Glory, also received a First-class Certificate. OdontogJossum x ardentissimum " Imperial Pur- pie " was remarkable for the richness of its colouring. Col. J. Rutherford. Blackburn (gr. Mr. Lup- tou), staged a good group, in which some well- grown plants of Cattleya Gaskelliana alba were prominent; a Cultural Certificate was awarded for a specimen with 15 blooms. A new and very pretty plant in this group was Odontoglossum x Rossiana (0. Rossii x 0. X Adrian*). This plant and Odontioda X Graireana (Cochlioda Noezliana X Odontoglossum Rossii) were given Awards of Merit. .1. H. Craven, Esq., Keighley (gr. Mr. Corney), exhibited Miltonia x Bleuana Beeche's var. and M. vexillaria var. Lambeauiana, which received an Award of Merit and First-class Certificate re- spectively. Mr. J. Birchenall. Alderley Edge, exhibited the new Stanhopea Rodigasiana, for which a First-class Certificate was awarded. Mr. J. Roeson, Allrincham, exhibited a good form of Cattleya Warseewiczii. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, staged a group of plants, including several hybrids Odon- toglossums. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Messrs. Keeling & Sons, and Mr. W. Shackleton were other exhibitors. The next meeting will be held on September 8. /'. II. SHINFIELD AND GRAZELEY GARDENERS. The revival of the summer flower show, under the auspices of the above society, was amply justified. It was held in the grounds attached to the residence of Lieut. Col. Caversham Simonds. In the vegetable classes. Mr. A. Bradfield and Mr. Miles secured the chief honours. There was a keen competition in the class for a decorated Window-box, the 1st prize being awarded to Mr. C. GooDRinin-. In the fruit classes Mr. 0. C. Banbury obtained chief honours. The success of the show was in a great measure due to the chairm f the soi iety, the Rev. F. T. Lewarne, and the energetic secretary, Mr. Wilfred Kernutt. WESTON-SUPER-MARE HORTI- CULTURAL. August 9. — The Weston-super-Mare Horticul- tural Society held a show on this date in the Grove Park, after an interval of eight years. The outstanding features included a beautiful group of miscellaneous plants staged by Messrs. J as. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham ; fruit and vege- tables, and the exhibits in the decorative classes. In the class for a collection of stove or green- house plants, Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons were easily first. The same firm also led in the class for a group of miscellaneous plants. Mr. Wm. Brooks, Whitecross Nursery, Weston, was 2nd in this class, staging some exceedingly fine plants. In the class for a collection of Orchids. Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons were again successful, fol- lowed by Mr. Wm. Brooks. Zonal Pelargoniums were shown well. The 1st prize was awarded to Mr. Wm. Brooks, the 2nd to Mr. H. Cornelius, Weston. Mr. B. C. Shepherd, Bridgwater, won the 1st prize for a collection of Begonias. For foliage plants, Messrs. Cypher won the 1st prize, followed by Sir Wm. Howell Davies, M.P., and Mrs. Bernard, Bridgwater. The classes for Roses were contested keenly, some exceptionally good blooms being staged. The principal winners in this section were Mr. J. Mattock, Oxford. The King's Acre Nursery Co., Hereford, and Mr. J. Crossling. Penarth. Sweet Peas were also shown well. Mr. A. Gerhold, Penarth, won the 1st prize in the pre- mier class, being closely followed by Mr. J. E. A. Gibbs, Dinas Powis, Glamorganshire; 3rd, Mr. C E. Pierson, Burnham. In the decorative classes, the best shower bou- quets were shown by Messrs. Hodge & Co., Cardiff, who also exhibited the finest " bride's bouquet," and another bouquet made with Sweet Peas. For a collection of fruit Mr. G. A. Gibbs, Tyntesfield. was a good 1st; and Mrs. J. R. Bramble 2nd. In the Grape classes Mr. Gibbs secured the 1st prize in every case. Sir W. Howell Davies and Mr. J. Webber, Minehead, each won two 2nd prizes for Grapes. The 1st prize for a collection of vegetables was won by Mr. B. C. Shepherd, Bridgwater ; 2nd, Mr. J." W. Spencer, Worle. Trade exhibits were few in number. Mr. H. Eckford. Wem, was awarded a Gold Medal for Sweet Peas ; and a similar award was given to Mr. J. Crossling, Penarth, for a display of Roses. Silver Medals were awarded The King's Acre Nursery Co.. Hereford, and Mr. J. Mat- tock, Oxford, for collections of Roses; Mr. C. J. Ellis, Weston, for miscellaneous plants; Messrs. A. A. Walters & Son, Bath, for hardy flowers; and Messrs. Jarman & Co., Chard, for cut flowers. THE ROYAL ENGLISH ARBORI- CULTURAL. Ireland was this year selected by the society for its annual meeting and excursions, this being the first visit which the society has paid to the island. Dublin served as the headquarters for the greater part of the programme, and Water- ford for the latter part of the visit. On Monday the 15th, a visit was paid to Viscount Monck's estate at Charleville, which was reached by a drive from Bray through the beautiful Dargle Ravine. In the park and pleasure grounds at Charleville, great numbers of fine trees were noticed, particularly an avenue of Cedrus Deodara, planted in 1852, several speci- mens being about 75 feet high, also the Silver Firs, Pinus insignis and P. excelsa. P. insignis, sown in 1868 and planted out in 1872, are ex- ceptionally fine, one tree measuring over 100 feet in height. There were also some fine examples of Abies Webbiana. In the gardens proper, is a Yew hedge about 9 feet high and the same dis- tance through ; one side of this hedge was draped with Tropieolum speciosum. Powerscourt adjoins Charleville. and here Lord Powerscourt, who displays considerable interest in forestry, personally welcomed the society, and, with the gardener, Mr. W. Owen, and the forester, Mr. J. Laird, conducted the party in the inspection of the estate. The general meeting was held in the evening at the Evesham Hotel, under the presidency of Mr. H. J. Elwes. in the regrettable absence of Sir Hugh Beevor, Bart., when the officers were elected, the president elect being , Mr. E. R. Pratt, of Dowdham, Norfolk. Tuesday's programme was again a very full one, and proved most intetesting, a visit being made to the famous Vale of Avoca district. Ballyarthur Woods, the property of Col. R. E. Bayly, were inspected, and measurements taken of the largest trees. Insect pests were searched for and their habits discussed. Leaving this estate by the Woodenbridge Hotel, the members proceeded by way of Moore's immortalised " Meeting of the Waters " to the Avondale Forestry School and Station, maintained and managed by the Agricultural Department for Ireland. The party was con- ducted by the local secretary of the society, Mr. A. C. Forbes, through the nursery, museum, laboratories and experimental plots of this in- teresting pioneer establishment. TAUNTON FLOWER SHOW. August 11. — The 43rd annual show was held on this date. Although 6uch an important ex- hibition, recent shows have not been successful financially, and hence the committee decided this year to revert to the practice of holding it on one day only. Owing to this fact, many traders who usually attend did not put in an appearance ; but, fortunately, those who were present excelled themselves, and provided a splendid display. As at other important shows this year, Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, carried all be- fore them in the plant group classes ; they were also awarded the 1st prizes in the following classes : — For 12 stove and greenhouse plants in flower ; for six stove and greenhouse plants in flower ; for six foliage plants ; for a collection of Orchids ; for a collection of new foliage plants ; for a collection of stove plants ; and for a collec tion of greenhouse plants. In the other open classes the principal awards were as follow : — Eight varieties of Begonias : 1st, Mrs. Bernard, Bridgwater. Pelargoniums : 1st, The Hon. H. G. Gore-Langton, Hatch Beauchamp, in both classes. In the cut-flower section, Roses were of splen- did quality, and every class was keenly contested. In a class of 36 varieties, Messrs. Perkins & Son, Coventry, were placed 1st, followed by The King's Acre Nursery Co., Hereford. Messrs. Perkins also won the 1st prize for 18 varieties, beating Messrs. Jarman & Co., The King's Acre Nursery Co. being placed 3rd. The West of England Rose Farm, Henlade, near Taunton, led for Tea Roses, The King's Acre Nursery Co. being placed 2nd. In the classes for Dahlias, Messrs. Cray & Sons, Frome, practically swept the boards, win- ning four 1st prizes. The Hon. H. G. Gore-Langton was placed 1st for a collection of cut stove and greenhouse flowers : 2nd, Col. E. C. A. Sandford, Welling- ton. The best double -flowered Begonias were shown by Rev. D. J. Pring, North Curry, and this exhibitor excelled for single Begonias. The deeeirative classes proved a great attrac- tion, chief interest being centred around the class for a dinner table decorated with fruit and flowers. All the competitors used Orchids, with greenhouse flowers and foliage. The 1st prize was awarded Mr. C. J. Elms, Weston-super- Mare, Somerset ; 2nd, Sir Wm. Howell-Davies, M.P., Stoke Bishop, Bristol; 3rd, F. J. Cole, Bath. In a similar class, limited to lady exhibitors, the 1st prize was won by the Misses Hill, Bridg- water. It was a subject of comment that the Com- mittee had appointed lady judges, and the award- ing of the prizes did not give general satisfaction. Sweet Peas were finely shown. The principal class was keenly contested, the 1st prize going to A. H. Cowan, "Bishop's Hull. Mr. Henry Eck- ford's prize for Sweet Peas was won by Mr. Freeman Roper, Chard ; Messrs. R. Sydenham & Co.'s prize by Mrs. H. F. Young, Bristol; and Messrs. Webb & Son's prize by the Right Hon. Earl of Devon, Exeter. The prizes for Asters were, in most cases, awarded to Mr. J. H. Harris. Taunton. Mr. F. Eames. Frome, showed the finest Gladioli, and Mr. C. Wall, Bath, the best border and Fancy Carnations. In the class for tree or perpetual-flowering August 27, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 169 Carnations, Messrs. Young & Co., Cheltenham, were placed 1st. In the open fruit classes, Major G. A. Gibbs, M.P., Flax Bourton, Gloucester, was a prominent prize-winner, his exhibits in nearly all cases being superb, and he won the prize, given by the Mayor of Taunton, for a collection of fruit. The best Black Grapes, Hambro excluded, were shown by the Executors of the late Lady Ash- eurton. Major G. A. Gibus showed the best White Muscats ; and the Right Hon. Lord Justice Farwell had the finest white Grapes other than Muscats. The best Melon was shown by Major G. A. Gibbs, M.P. ; the best Peaches by G. Dappurn, Esq., Weston-super-Mare ; the best Apricots by E. Neville Grenville, Esq., Glastonbury; and the best Nectarines by Lord Justice Farwell. R. Blackmore, Esq., Ilminster, staged the choicest dessert Pears and culinary Apples ; and R. T. Sommerville, Esq., Creech, had the beet dessert Apples. Vegetables made a grand show, the quality all round being magnificent. For a collection, Mr. B. C. Shepherd was awarded the 1st prize, followed by the Earl of Devon. In Messrs. Carter & Co.'s class for a collection Mr. Shepherd was again placed 1st. The 1st prize winners in other nurseryman's classes for a Large Silver Medals were awarded to Messrs. R. Veitch & Son, Exeter, for plants and cut blooms ; and to Mr. Henry Eckford, Wem, for Sweet Peas. • Small Silver Medals to Mr. F. Adams, Taun- ton, for floral designs; Messrs. Rich & Co., Bath, for herbaceous flowers ; and The King's Acre Nursery Co., Hereford, for Roses and other flowers. Bronze Medals to Messrs. Godfrey & Sons, Exmouth ; Mr. A. E. Richards, Taunton ; and Messrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Gar- den, London. STIRLING AND DISTRICT HORTI- CULTURAL. August 13. — The society's third and last ex- cursion for the season took place on the above date, to Boquhan, the residence of Stephen Mitchell, Esq. The gardens are noted for the special culture of Sweet Peas, Dahlias, and vege- tables, and these, with the glass structures, herbaceous borders, and pleasure grounds, at- tracted much attention. The beautifully-wild and romantic glen, which has been likened to the Trossachs, was also visited. The party num- bered 70. THE LATE H. A. TKACY. collection were (Messrs. Sydenham, Ltd.), Mrs. Southcombe ; (Messrs. Sutton & Sons), Mrs. Bernard; (Messrs. Ed. Webb & Sons), Mrs. Bernard ; and (Messrs. R. Veitch & Sons, Exeter), Mr. B. C. Shepherd. Some choice produce was also seen in the amateur classes for vegetables. Non-competitive Exhibits. Messrs. J. Carter & Co.. High Holborn, Lon- don, were awarded a Gold Medal for a collection of vegetables. Messrs. J. Kelway & Son, Langport. Somer- set, staged an imposing array of choice Gladioli, which included new and up-to-date novelties. (Gold Medal.) Small Gold Medals were awarded to Messrs. Isaac House, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, for a collection of Sweet Peas ; to The West of Eng- land Rose Farm, Henlade, near Taunton, for a choice collection of Roses; and to Mr. H. Clarke, of Taunton. Silver-gilt Medals were gained by Messrs. Massey, of Spalding, Lincolnshire, who staged a magnificent collection of Potatos ; Messrs. W. & E. T. Cousins, Taunton, for a display of floral designs, well arranged, with a background of Campanula pyramidalis and white Hydrangeas ; Messrs. Jarman & Co., Chard, for cut blooms; Messrs. Rowland Adams, Bath, for Roses, &c. ; and the Alpha Extinguisher, Ltd., Ross, Here- ford. BRITISH GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION. August 20. — On this date the members of the London branch were, by the courtesy of Sir Henry Tate. Bart., invited to inspect the gardens at Downside, Leatherhead. The party was con- ducted by the gardener, Mr. W. Mease, through the grounds, which are about 80 acres in ex- tent, and situated on the side of a hill with a S.W. aspect. An Italian garden has been formed recently in front of the mansion, and this has added much to the beauty and interest of the grounds. The view from the terrace is very beautiful, the grounds merging almost impercep- tibly with the surrounding country of wood and cornfield. After tea the glasshouses and fruit and kitchen gardens were visited. and was a frequent exhibitor of these flowers at southern shows, where he met with much success. Mr. Flight raised several new Roses, including the dwarf Rambler, Mrs. F. W. Flight, and also several good Carnations. For 27 years. Mr. Flight exhibited Chrysanthemums, his favourites being those of the Incurved section. He ex- hibited Chrysanthemums largely at the Win- chester shows, where he received many awards. Simeon Marshall.— The death of this well- known landscape gardener occurred on the 20th inst., at his residence, the Manor House, Braffer- ton. Mr. Marshall, who was 74 years of age. was a native of Yorkshire, his birthplace being Ras- trick, in the Halifax district. In common with other boys of the working classes of his time, he received little schooling, except what he gained from night schools which he attended after his day's work. In the late 'fifties, he was engaged as gardener at Stockeld Park, Wetherby. Mr. Marshall left Stockeld Park in 1861. and 'entered the nursery of Messrs. James Backhouse & Son, York, as a temporary hand, until a suitable situa- tion could be obtained ; but the late Mr. James Backhouse, who was a shrewd business man, placed him on the permanent staff, first as man- ager of the glasshouses, and later in the landscape department. He was one of the first to take Or- chids in flower to Messrs. Stevens' auction rooms ©fcttuanj. H. A. Tracy. — It is with great regret that we imI the death of Mr. Henry Amos Tracy, pro- prietoT of the Orchid and Bulb Nursery. Ajnyand Park Road. Twickenham, where he had been established for many years. .Mr. Tracy, who was 50 years of age, was one of the most popular men in the trade ; he enjoyed excellent health until two or three years ago, when he had an attack which affected his eyesight and hearing. For a long time his condition caused anxiety to his friends, but he appeared to be recovering his former health and was present at the last meeting of the Orchid Committee of the Royal Horticul- tural Society, of which body he had been a mem- ber for some years past. On the evening of Thursday, August 18. at about 7 o'clock, while in his garden, he was stricken with paralysis. He never recovered consciousness, and passed away about 11 p.m. the same night. During the many years he had been in business, many rare and new plants passed through his hands, one of the most noteworthy being Cymbidium Tracy- anum. He was one of the first to import and offer at low prices Odontoglossum crispum and other popular Orchids. Lilium auratum and other Japanese plants, placing them within the reach of amateurs of small means. He was a man whose word could always be relied upon, and his sud- den end will be regretted by business friends not onlv in Great Britain but in Europe and the Colonies. The business will be carried on under the management of Mr. Sidney Flory, a nephew, who has been associated with the firm since a boy. Frederick William Flight.— The death of Mr. F. W. Flight took place on Monday, August 15, in his 76th year. Mr. Flight had a long connection with horticulture, and was one of the founders (in 1883) of the Winchester Hor- ticultural Society. He was chairman of the executive committee from the commencement until his death. In his charming garden at the Cornstiles, Twvford, Winchester, he cultivated Roses, Chrysanthemums, and Carnations largely, THE LATE SIMEON MARSHALL. in London, and, on one occasion, had the misfor- tune to be seriously injured in a railway accident at Abbots Ripton. Several times he undertook journeys to America on behalf of his employers. Amongst the numerous places he laid out or de- veloped were Hutton Hall. Guisl.ornugh ; Thorn- bridge Hall, Bakewell; and Toulstone Lodge, Tadcaster. Some few years since, he severed his connection with Messrs. James Backhouse & Son, and commenced business on his own account as a consulting landscape gardener, and was engaged in several important undertakings at the time of his death. He was a kind-hearted man, full of sympathy for others. He was twice married, but had no family ; his second wife survives him. The funeral took place at Acomb on Tuesday, August 16. Richard Buckland Lowe. — We regret to record the death, on August 14, at the age of 60 years, of Mr. Richard Buckland Lowe, head gar- dener to the Earl Brownlow, Ashridge Park. Mr. Lowe was for several years a member of the Floral Committee of the Royal Horticultural Society. He was head gardener at Belton from 1879 till 1882, when he removed to Ashridge. lie filled the office of secretary of the Ashridge Estate flower show from the time of its inception in 1889. The funeral took place at Little Gaddes- den on the 17th inst.. the mourners including th« Earl Brownlow and Humphrey Talbot. Esq. Mr. Lowe leaves a widow and three children. 170 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 27, 1910. James McBean. — The death of this well known Orchid nurseryman took place on Sunday, .Augwt 21, at his home at Cooksbridge. Mr l^.cBean, who died peacefully whilst asleep, was I ad of the nursery and Orchid establishment of J\!essrs. J. & A. A. McBean, at Cooksbridge, near Lewes. Mr. McBean was born on October 22, 1^40. He always pursued an active life, and many years ago founded the nursery business at Cooks- bridge. When Odontoglossum crispum were be- coming popular, he discerned the value of this flower for florists' purposes, and commenced to cultivate it on a moderate scale for the supply of cut blooms. His son, Mr. A. A. McBean, later took charge of that branch of the business, with such success that the culture of Odontoglossum crispum became a speciality of the firm, and many fine spotted varieties, which flowered at this establishment, brought world-wide fame to its owners. For some years, the late Mr. McBean Buffered from heart trouble, and, on his son be- coming a partner of the firm, he retired from the personal supervision of the nurseries, so far as the details of management were concerned. Of late years, the nursery has also engaged in the raising of Odontoglossums and other Orchids with proat success, and in this work the late Mr. IVLBean took a special interest. LAW NOTES. CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION : " SMALL HOLDINGS ACT." The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries call attention to the provisions of the Small Holdings Act, 1910, which came into operation on the 3rd instant. Section 1 of the Act is as follows : — 1. — (1) Where a council, or a landlord at the request of a council, terminates a tenancy of land by notice to quit, with a view to the use of the land or any part thereof by the council for the provision of small holdings, the tenant upon quitting shall be entitled to recover from ; the council compensation for the loss or ex- pense directly attributable to the quitting which the tenant may unavoidably incur upon or in connection with the sale or removal of his household goods or his implements of hus- bandry, produce, or farm stock on or used in connection with the land : Provided that no compensation under this section shall be payable — (a) unless the tenant has given to the coun- cil a reasonable opportunity of making a valuation of such goods, implements, pro- duce, and stock as aforesaid ; or if.) if the claim for compensation is not made within three months after the time at which the tenant quits. In the event of any difference arising as to any matter under this section the difference 6hall, in default of agreement, be settled by arbitration. (2) The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries shall, out of the Small Holdings Account, re- pay to a council any compensation paid by the council under an award or with the consent or approval of the Board, and also any expenses which, in the opinion of the Board, have been necessarily or reasonably incurred by the coun- cil in relation to any claim for compensation under this section. (3) This section shall apply where a tenancy is terminated after the commencement of this Act, whether the notice to quit is given before or after such commencement. In view of the fact that compensation paid under this section will be repaid to the Council out of the Small Holdings Account the Board de- sire to indicate the procedure that in their opinion should be followed in dealing with claims. The Council should in ail cases avail them- selves of the opportunity which must be afforded by the tenant of making a valuation of the house- hold goods, implements of husbandry, produce or farm stock proposed to be sold or removed, and for this purpose should make arrangements which will secure the prompt inspectionof the goods, &c, by a valuer or other qualified person. The time for doing this before the sale or removal may be insufficient to enable the matter to be brought before the Council or their Committee, and an officer of the Council should therefore be authorised to make the necessary arrangements as occasions arise. If the tenant has satisfied the condition set out in paragraph (a) the actual claim will be in time if it is made within three calendar months after the time at which the tenant quits. The Board do not think it is essential that the claim should include all particulars or state the total amount claimed, but the Council should ask for this in- formation, and in case of refusal they should warn the tenant that the refusal may affect the costs of any arbitration that may be necessary (see Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908, section 58 (1) and Agricultural Holdings Act, 1908, Second Schedule, paragraph 15). If the Council on investigating the claim are satisfied that the amount claimed is reasonable, or if they propose to offer a sum in settlement, they should in the first instance inform the Board of their views and supply all information bearing on the question necessary to enable the Board to determine whether their consent should be given. If the Council think that the matter should go to arbitration, they should either try and agree with the tenant upon an arbitrator by submitting to him the names of two or more arbitrators to whose appointment they would assent, or they may at once apply to the Board to appoint an arbitrator. Compensation under the Act is only payable where the tenancy is terminated by a notice to quit, and will, therefore, not be payable where the tenancy is terminated (a) by arrangement with the tenant or (b) by its acquisition or extin- guishment under the procedure for compulsory I M A R K E T S. THE LATE JAMES MCBEAN. acquisition. In the latter case compensation is payable under the Lands Clauses Acts as modified by the Small Holdings and Allotments Act, 1908. Section 2 of the Act is as follows : — Where a tenancy has been terminated before the commencement of this Act, and the tenant proves to the satisfaction of the Board of Agri- culture and Fisheries that he has incurred any loss or expense for which he would have been entitled to compensation under the foregoing section of this Act if the tenancy had termin- ated after the commencement of this Act, the Board may, out of the Small Holdings Account, pay to the tenant such compensation for such loss or expense as they think just: Provided that no compensation under this section shall be payable if the claim for compensation is not made before the first day of November nineteen hundred and ten. The claim must be sent to the Beard before the 1st November next, but the amount and de- tailed particulars of the claim may be submitted subsequently to the Board. The Board are of opinion that in order to avoid any question in the future as to whether or not a notice to quit has been given by a landlord at the request of the Council, the officers of the Council should be instructed that no such request should be made except in writing and upon express in- structions from the Council or the Small Hold- ings and Allotments Committee. COVENT GARDEN, August 24. [We cannot accept any responsibility for the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remenibeted that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 way in which they are packed, the supply in the market, and the demand, and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but occasionally several times in one day. — Eds.] Cut Flowers, &c: Average Wholesale Prices. E.d. s.d. s.d.s d. Alstrbmeria, p. dz. Lilium lancifoliuin bunches 2 0-30 rubruni 10-16 Asters (Chinese), — lane i f o li u m per dz. bunches 2 0-30 album 10-16 Carnations, p. doz. Lily of the Valley, blooms, best p. dz. bunches 6 0-90 American va- extra quality ... 10 0-15 0 rieties 10-20 Marguerites, p. dz. — smaller, per bunches white 16-26 doz. bunciies 90 - — yellow 10-20 — Carola, special 2 0-26 Mignonette, per — second size ... 10-16 dozen bunches 10-20 Catileyas, per doz. O d on to glos sum blooms 12 0-15 0 crispum, per Centaurea cyanus, dozen blooms 2 6-30 per dz. bunches 0 9-10 Pelargoniums, — suaveolens, per show, per doz. dozen bunches 3 0-40 bunches 3 0-40 C h r ysanthemums, — Zonal, double per dz. bunches 6 0-90 scarlet 3 0-40 Coreopsis, p. doz. Poppies, Iceland, bunches 1 6 — pr. dz. bunches 10-20 Cornflowers, white Roses, 12 blooms, and pink 16-20 Niphetos 0 9-l'6 Dahlias, per dozen — Bridesmaid ... 0 9-10 bunches 3 0-40 — C. Testout ... 0 9-16 Delphiniums, per — Kaiser in A. dozen spikes... 3 0-50 Victoria 10-16 Gaillardia, p. doz. — C. Mermet 10-16 bunches 16-20 — Liberty — Mme.Chatenay 10-16 Gardenias, pr. doz. 16-20 0 9-16 Gladiolus, Colvilei — Richmond 10-16 •'The Bride," — The Bride ... 10-20 per dozen bun- — Varisus H-P.'s 0 6-10 ches 3 0-40 Scabious, pei doz. Cypsophila pani bunches 3 0-40 culata, per dz. Statice, per doz. bunches 4 0-50 bunches 4 0-60 — double 6 0-90 Stocks, per dozen buncnes Lapagerias. white, 2 0-40 per dozen 16-20 Sweet Peas, per Lilium ,t. .i,ii ..in dozen bunches... 10-16 per bunch 16-26 Tuberoses, p. gross 3 0-40 — longillorum ... 16-20 — per doz. blooms 0 4 0 5 Cut Foliage, &c: Average Wholesale Prices.- s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Adiantum cunea- Hardy foliage luin, per dozen (various), per bunches 4 0-60 dozen bunciies 3* 0- 5 0 Asparagus plu- Ivy-leaves, bronze 2 0-26 mosus, long — long trails per trails, per doz. 3 0-00 bundle 10-16 — medium, doz. — short green, per dz. bunches bunches 12 0-15 0 10-20 — Sprengeri 6 0-90 Moss, per gross ... 4 0-50 Croton leaves, per Myrtle, dz. bchs. dozen bunches 9 0-12 0 (English), Ferns, per dozen small-leaved... 4 0-60 bunches (Lng- — French 10-16 listi) 3 0 — Suiilax, per dozen — (French) 4 0 — trails 2 0-30 Plants In Pots Ac. ; Ave rage Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d, s.d. Aralia Sieboldii, p. Ferns, choicer sorts 8 0-12 0 dozen 4 0-60 — in 32's, per dz. 10 0-18 0 — larger speci- Ficus elastica, per mens 9 0-12 0 dozen 8 0 — — Moseri 6 0-80 — repens, per dz. 6 0-80 — larger plants ... 12 0-18 0 Fuchsias, per dz.... 4 0-60 Araucaria excelsa, Grevilleas, per dz. 3 0-50 per dozen — large plants, 12 0-30 0 Heliotrope, per dz. 3 0-40 Hydrangeas bor- each 3 6-50 tensis. pr. doz. 9 0-12 0 Aspidistras, p. dz., Isolepis, per dozen 3 0-40 green 15 0-24 0 Kentia Belmore- — variegated 30 0-42 0 ana, per dozen 18 0-24 0 Asparagus plumo- — Fosleriana, per sus nanus, per dozen .. 18 0-30 0 dozen 9 0-12 0 Kochia scoparia, — Sprengeri 9 0-12 0 per dozen 4 0-60 — ten u issimus 9 0-12 0 I.atama borbonica, Campanulas, per per dozen 15 0-21 0 dozen ... 5 0-60 Lilium longi- C hry santhemums florum, per dz. 12 0-15 0 from the open, — lancifoliuin, p. per dozen 4 0-60 dozen 9 0-10 0 — in pots 9 0-12 0 — martagon per Cocos Weddelli- dozsn ... 8 0-10 0 ana, per dozen... 18 0-30 0 Marguerites, white, Crotons, per dozen 9 0-12 0 per dozen 3 0-50 C yperu s alterni- — double yellow 4 0-60 folius, per doz. 4 0-50 Mignonette, per — laxus, per doz. 4 0-60 dozen 4 0-60 Euonymus.perdz., Pelargoniums in pots 3 0-80 (show), per doz. 5 0-60 — from the ground 3 0-60 — Ivy leaved, per Perns, in thumbs, dozen .... — Zonal ...U ... 4 0-60 per 100 — in small and 8 0-12 0 3 0-40 Selaginella, p. doz. 4 0-fi0 large 60's 12 0-20 0 Spireas (pink) 9 0-12 0 — in 48's, per dz. 4 0-60 Verbena, per doz. 4 0-60 August 27, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 171 - Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices, s.d. s.d. Apples (English) : — Worcesters, \ bushel — Derby, bushel — Grosvenor, bushel — Quarrendens, \ bushel — KeswickCodlin — Gladstone — Beauty of Bath — Ecklinvilles, p. bushel Bananas, bunch — Doubles — No. I „ ... — Extra „ ... — Giant ,, ... — Red coloured... — Red Doubles .. — Loose, p. doz. Blackberries, peck Figs, per dozen ... Grape Fruit, case : — 96's .. — S-O's .. — 64's .. — 54's .. Grapes (English), per lb. : — Alicante — Madresfie Court ... — Muscats — Canon Hall — Hambro — Colmar — Belgian Hambro 0 9 — Guernsey Ali- cante — Lisbon Sweet- water, per case — clusters Greengages (Span- ish ,t French), per box — per i sieve ... — (French), des- sert, \ bushel. . — cooking — per round — (English), bushel ... Lemons : — Messina (150). — Naples (4^0) .. — ,, selected 20 0 - — Murcia (30 ') ... 10 6 — — „ large .. 12 0 — Melons (English)... 16-30 — (Guernsey) ... 10-26 s.d, s.d. 3 6-46 4 0-50 2 6-80 4 0-50 2 6-30 3 0-40 4 0-50 3 0-40 .. 10 0 — ..9 0 — .. 10 0 — .. 12 0-14 0 .. 4 0-56 .. 8 0-90 0 6-10 4 0 — 2 6-60 20 0 — 0 10- 1 0 6 0-76 9 0 10 6 4 0-80 10-40 36 0-42 0 48 0 — 55 0 _ 32 0-34 0 1 0- 1 3- 2 6- 0 6- s 13-16 1 0 0 6-08 9 0-11 0 8 0-10 0 12-16 8 6 12 0 7 6-86 5 0-66 8 0-33 6 0-66 6 0- 15 0 6 6 Melons (French), Cantaloupe, each 2 0-50 — (Spanish), yel- low, per case, 24's 86's — Spanish Bronze (24's) 8 0-86 — — extra large 10 0 — — — Water ... 14 0-10 0 Nectarines, dozen : — selected — seconds Nuts, Almonds, p. bag — Brazils, new percwt. — sorted — Barcelona, per bag ... — Cocoa nuts, 100 10 0-14 0 — Walnuts, pick- ling, per bushel Oranges— — Cape seedless, per case — Naples — Jamaica Peaches (English), per doz. ... 6 0-80 — seconds ... 2 0-40 Pears (Californian), per case — (French), crate, 64's — 72's — 90's — ParisWi|]iam5' Bon Chretien, per case, 4S's... Pineapples, each... — (Florida), per case, 30, 36 ... 16 6-20 0 Plums (Engbsh), \ bushel : — Victoria — Washingtons... — Princes — Orleans — Diamonds — Pershore Fgg 28 lbs. to 4 bushel — (French), Royals perj sieve ... 6 0-80 — Blue 3 6-46 — (Cal ifornian), Wickson, case 9 6-10 6 Tangerines (Naar- jes), per box ... 16-40 70 10 0 — 9 6-20 0 17 0 18 0 9 0-96 7 6-90 6 6- 7 6 5 6-60 2 6-30 2 0-50 4 0-56 4 0- 4 0-46 4 0-46 4 0-46 3 0-36 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices s.d. s.d Artichokes(Globe), per dozen Aubergines, doz.... Beans, Broad (French), per pad — per packet — Scarlet Run- ners, p. bushel Beetroot, bushel ... Cabbages, tally ... Carrots (English), dozen bunches cwt — (French), per dozen bunches 4 0-50 Cauliflowers, ham- per (24-30) — per doz. (large) Celery, per dozen Cucumbers, per flat P.ndive, per dozen Herbs (sweet), pac- kets, per gross 7 0 Horseradish, for- per 16-20 16-20 2 6-36 0 4-06 16 — 16-26 2 0-30 0 9-13 3 0 — 4 0 4 0 2 0 5 0 1 3- 16-20 18 0-24 0 0 9-16 2 0-30 10 — 16-20 s.d. s ,1 8 6-46 2 0-26 2 0 2 0- 3 6- 4 0- 2 0- 3 0 3 9 5 6 3 0 4 6-50 Marrows, per tally — per box Mint, per dozen bunches Mushrooms, p. lb. 0 10-1 0 — broilers ... 0 9 — Mustardand Cress, _ per dozen pun. 0 6-08 Onions (spring), dz. bunches — Dutch — New Spanish, case Parsley, pr. doz. ... Peas (French), per pad — Kents, per bushel — bags Radishes (Eng.), p. doz. bunches... 1 O Stachys tuberosa, per lb Tomatos — — (English), per dozen lbs. — small selected — seconds — (Guernsey), per dozen lbs. — (French), crate Turnip=, 12 bches. — (French) Watercress, p. dz. bunches 3 6- 5 0- 4 6 6 0 1 6 0 4-05 3 6 3 0- 8 0 10-16 3 0 — 3 0-36 2 0 — 4 0-60 0 6-0 6J eign, new, bundle — 12 bundles ... Lettuce (English). per bushel ... — hamper — Cos. per dozen — (French), Cos, per dozen Remarks.— There is a good supply of French Pears of Rood quality. Some good samples of Plums are also arriv- ing from that country. English Peaches are plentiful, but Nectarines are scarce and in demand. Some very good samples of Gros Maroc Grapes are seen, but this not being 3 mfl rk.e,able Grape the demand is slow, and Is. to Is. 3d. per lb. is the market value of best samples. Navel seedless Oranges from the Cape, packed in boxes of 30, realised 10s. per case, this being the first shipment received for some time. 1 he truits were of fine quality. Both English and foreign Melons are plentiful. English Grapes are a fair example, and making good prices. English Apples are a fair supply, lomatos are firmer. Trade generally is quiet. E. H. R., Lovenl Garden, August 24, 1910. New Potatos. percwt. Kents— s.d. s.d. British Queen ... 3 3-39 Sharpe's Express 3 3-39 Echpse 3 0-33 Epicure 2 6-30 May Queen ... 3 0-33 Bedfords- Eclipse ... ... 29.30 percwt. s.d. s.d. 2 6-29 2 6-30 Bedfords— Epicure May Queen Lincolns— Sharpe's Express 3 0-38 Epicure 2 9-30 j Blacklands ... 2 3-26 Remarks.— Trade in best Potatos is a little better than the last lew weeks, but the demand for ordinary tubers is about the same. Edward ]. Newborn, Covent Garden ami St. Pancras, August 24, 19W. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. At this season of the year prices are generally in favour of the buyers, supplies all round being in excess of demands. Roses are a leading feature and those of best quality with long stems usually make good prices. Yet there are large quantities which are sold very cheaply. It is remarkable that the varieties (with few exceptions) which are most appreciated during the winter, are also popular in summer. Sweet Peas are plentiful and, with showery weather, supplies will hold out later than usual. Those vvbo grow for market should note which colours are most in demand. In going through Covent Garden I have frequently seen varieties which are useless for ordinary florist's work. Those of well-defined colours, such as white, pink, scarlet and purple, are gene- rally the most saleable. The blush^hade may also be in- cluded. The cream or yellow varieties do not find much favour, as the colour is not deep enough. A good, clear yellow sort would be valuable. Aster blooms are good this season ; the purple varieties, though not much used for ordinary decorations, are employed for wreaths, ftc., at funerals. Liliums continue to be plentiful. Dahlias are prominrnt but they are not much in demand. These flowers are largely employed at harvest festivals. Pot Plants. Many of the growers have finished for the season j their stands are empty, and trade is very uncertain. Already some good Chrysanthemums are seen ; those which have been grown in borders and afterwards potted are not so valuable as those which have been grown in pots from the start. Hydrangeas are not quite finished. They are desirable plants, as they last for a long time in bloom. The pink variety of Spiraia japonica, grown from retarded crowns, is very good. Campanula isophylla (both white and blue), also C. pyramidalis, are now in their best con- dition. There are also good supplies of foliage plants, but trade in them is very dull. Palms are well supplied, and are offered at rather lower prices than earlier in the season. Ferns may also be purchased cheaply and much below their usual market values. A. H., Covent Garden. August 24, 1910. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week etuling A ugust 24. Warm, wet arui gloomy.— The days during the past week have teen as a rule seasonable in temperature; while the nights, with one exception, proved warm. On the one cold night the exposed thermometer registered a reading within 6° of the freezing point ; but on the other hand on two nights the same thermometer did not fall below 50°. Owing to the paucity of sunshine during the last few days the ground is still of only about seasonable warmth, both at 1 and 2 feet deep. Some rain fell on all but one day of the week, to the total depth of three-quarters of an inch. Of that amount more than half-an-inch was de- posited during the early morning hours of the 19th. This fall re-started the percolation through the bare-soil gauge, about a gallon of rainwater passing through that gauge during the three following days, but it in no way affected the gauge on which short grass is growing. The sun sbone on an average for five hours a day, or for three- quarters of an hour a day short of the usual duration at this period in August. The winds proved rather high at the beginning of the week, the mean velocity in the windiest hour being 18 miles— direction W. The average amount of moisture in the air at 8 o'clock in the after- noon exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by 7 per cent. E. A/., Bcrkhamsted, August 24, 1910. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. Mr. H. J. Choi'ls, as Gardener to Lord Aberdare, Duffryn, Mountain Ash, Glamorgan. Mr. A. Hobbs, for 7 years Gardener to E. Ross Fairfax, Esq., Macquarie, Tunbridge Well, as Gardener to Hamilton Gordon, Esq., Oakleigh, Tembury Road, Tunbridge Wells. (Thanks for your donation for the R.G O.F. dox.-Eds.) Mr. J. Heath, for nearly 8 years as Gardener to T. G. Baker, Esq., late of Waterdale, Wolverhampton, as Gardener to Major C. Gossett Magale, M.F.H., The Terrace, Oaken, near Wolverhampton. (Thanks for Is. which has been placed in the R.G.O.F. box.— Eds.) Mr. J. French, for 4 years Gardener to the late Lady Bateman J. Scott, Great Barr Hall, Birmingham, as Gardener to Ernest De la Rue, Esq., Lower Hare Park, Newmarket. Mr. Hv. Welch, for 16 years Gardener to Capt. Trvon, late of Rowdeford House, Devizes, as Gardener to Col. Turnor, Pinkney Park, Malmesbury. Mr. H. Lazell, for the past 5$ years Foreman in the Gardens at Beech Hurst, Haywards Heath, as Gardener to H. Mansfield Knight, Esq., at the same address. Mr. E. G. White, for the past 12 months Gardener to Col. Vernon, D.L., Clontarf Castle, as Gardener and Steward to Mrs. Geoghegan, Bert House, Athy, Co. Kildare. Mr. Archibald Jack, late Gardener to Major F. J. Richard- son, at Court Hill, Dunboyne, Co. Meath, and for the past 18 months at Park Grange, Sevenoaks, as Gardener to John C. E. Bridge, Esq., at Peveral Court, Aylesbury, Bucks. (Thanks for Is. for the R.G.O.F. box.— Eds.) Mr. Wm. Partridge, Gardener at Cleadon Meadows, Sunderland, for upwards of 20 years, as Gardener to Sir Wm Worsley, Bart., Hovin«ham Hall, Yorkshire. Mr. G. Berkeley, recently with King's Acre Nursery Co., Hereford, and previously Gardener at Aberglarney, Carmarthenshire, as Gardener to E. Mallinson, Esq., Woodleigh, Bradford-on-Avon, Wilts. Mr. J. McLachlan, for the last 5 years Foreman in The Grrdens, Stronvar, Balquhidder, R.S.O., as Gardener to Sir James Low, Bart., Kilmaron Castle, Cupar-Fife. to Lorrecjhondenfo . * The Editors will be glad to receive, for consideration, large photograph* of horticultural subjects, suitable for reproduction as Supple- mentary Illustrations in this Journal. Addresses: A. S. B. Fruit. Flower, and Vege- table Trades' Journal, 1, Mitre Court, Fleet Street, London, and Fruit Grower, Fruiterer, Florist and Market Gardener, 1, 2, and 3, Salisbury Court, Fleet Street, London. Broccoli with "Clubbed " Roots: T. H. C. The plants are badly attacked by the " slimed fungus " (Plasmodtophora Brassicas), which causes this " club-root " or " finger-and-toe " disease. The plants sent are full of the Plas- modium and spores of this organism. Such seedlings are useless for transplanting, and should be destroyed by fire, not given to ani- mals, as the spores return to the ground in the manure. Give the soil a good dressing of quicklime, and do not grow any of the Cab- bage family on it for a season or two. Destroy all weeds belonging to the Natural Order Cruciferae, such as Shepherd's Purse, Wild Radish, and Wild Mustard. Constructing a Pergola: J. A. Thompson. The width of the pergola should depend to a great extent on its length. For a long one in * field such as you desire the width should be fully 12 feet, with the pillars 15 to 20 feet apurt and 10 feet high. It would be advisable not to make the herbaceous border by the side too wide, as the tall plants necessary for the back row would tend to dwarf the pergola and shade the climbers. A width of 6 feet to 10 feet should suffice. A turf walk beneath the per- gola would be pleasant in dry, but not in wet weather. It is best to employ gravel or flag- stones. If flagstones are used, they need only form a path about 4 feet wide in the centre, and flowering plants could be grown along the sides. There is no reason why a pergola should not be as effective on a slight slope as on the level, but in that case it should not be made sVraight, except under certain circumstances. Correction.— Owing to a printer's error the height of Araucaria imbricata in Messrs. Pen- niitk & Co.'s Dublin Nursery (see p. 143) was giTen as 500 feet instead of 50 feet. Messrs. Pefmick inform us that the nursery has an area of 25 acres. Culinary Peas : //. B. The Peas are attacked by I Vur distinct insect pests, viz., the Pea thrip, which attacks the blossoms and pods ; the Pea midge (Diplosis pisil, the maggots of which are present in the pods ; the Pea moth (Grapho- litha pisana), the larvae of which live in the Peas; and the Pea leaf-miner (Agromyza Bp.), which " mines " in the foliage. All the af- fected haulms should be burnt. Cy\niding Glasshouses : A. A. and Henri. This can be done by the use of either potassium cyanide or sodium cyanide, but it is preferable to use the latter. Hydrocyanic gas is liberated when sulphuric acid is poured on to the cya- nide of soda. The operation requires extreme care, owing to the extremely poisonous nature of hydrocyanic acid. The chemi- cal is placed in an earthenware vessel, and the acid arranged above it in a bottle or other glass recepatcle, with a string attached leading outside the building, say, through the keyhole. This is to enable the operator to liberate the acid whilst outsider For delicate subjects such as those you men- tion and for vineries in full leaf 1| ounces of the cyariide, 3^- ounces of sulphuric acid, and 10^ fluid ounces of wa.ter may be used with safety. The work should be done in the even- ing, and not in the strong sunlight, the tem- perature in the house should not exceed 60°, and the plants and surroundings should be dry. The glasshouse should be kept closed during fumigation from three-quarters of an hour to an hour, and then the ventilators and doors should be opened from the outside, the operator tak- ing cr»re not to inhale the escaping fumes. It is best to do the work on a calm day. Closo any crevices in the house through which tl.o 172 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 27, 1910. fumes might escape. The horticultural sun- driesmen supply outfits and material for the purpose, and a useful cyaniding machine can be obtained from Mr. F. C. Edwards, 12-15, Warehouse Hill, Leeds. Dimensions fob a Tennis Court and a Cro- quet Ground: B. It. K. A tennis court for the single game is 27 feet wide and 78 feet long ; and for the double game 78 feet long and 36 feet wide. The posts for supporting the net should be placed 3 feet beyond the fides. The service lines run parallel to the c 73 feet < GO s H 42 : feet H 171 C 78 \ feet C diagram of a tennis court. The lines A B and B A indicate a double court for three or four players ; S S, S S, a single court for two players ; A A and B B are the base lines ; C C and i. C, servi.e lines; H H, half-court line ; NN,net. net, and are 21 feet distant from the same. The net should be 3 feet high in the centre, and 3 feet 6 inches at the posts, which are put 3 feet outside the line, to allow of the net dropping. Croquet Ground. — In order to obtain uni- formity in laying out a croquet ground the Croquet Association has drawn up the follow- ing regulations. The ground should be rect- angular, 35 yards in length by 28 yards in width, with a defined boundary. A nag shall be placed at each corner, and corner spots, 3 feet from both boundaries, shall be accu- rately defined. Points on the boundary 3 feet from each corner flag shall be marked by white pegs, not exceeding three-quarters of an inch in diameter, and 3 inches above the ground. The baulk shall also be de- fined. The hoops shall stand 12 inches out of the ground, outside measurement, and be firmly fixed. The crown shall be straight and at right angles to the uprights, which shall be not less than 3| inches or more than 4 inches apart (inside measurement) from the ground upwards. The turning and the win- ning pegs shall be of wood, of a uniform dia- meter above the ground of 1£ inches. They shall stand 18 inches out of the ground and be firmly fixed. Measurements :— Setting . No. 1 : Pegs in centre line of ground 7 yards from nearest boundary ; hoops in centre line of ground 7 yards from peg and 7 yards apart ; corner hoops 7 yards from nearer peg and 7 yards from the nearest boundaries. Setting No. 2: The winning peg equi-distant from the corner ; hoops in centre line of ground 7 yards from peg; corner hoops 7 yards from the nearest boundaries. In laving out a croquet ground it is essen- tial to have sufficient room outside the lawn (35 yards by 28 yards) to allow of the roller or mower being turned. This is neces- sary to avoid undulv wearing the most impor- tant part of the turf, viz., that where the " yard line " is situated. You will find four different plans of a croquet ground, each in accordance with the rules of the Croquet Asso- ciation, in the issue for May 22. 1909 Gladiolus and Montbretia Unhealthy: A. Bobinson. There is no evidence of any insect or fungus parasite in the roots, which are quite healthy. The leaves appear to have withered (possibly under unfavourable weather con- ditions) and then to have been attacked by various saprophytic fungi. Grapes Diseased: R. E. W . There is no fungus which causes a disease to Grapes present on those sent. The only fungus on the Grapes is the common " mould " (Penicillmm), which has obtained an entrance into the Grapes after they have been injured (and probably cracked). The unripe Grapes appear either to have been injured through some wrong cul- tural treatment, or possibly defective nourish- ment. Hydrangea with Yellow Leaves : J. 8. There is no disease in the shoots sent. The yellowing of the foliage must be due to some wrong cul- tural conditions. Large Gooseberries: E. Wynn. The variety Loudon is one of the largest Gooseberries grown. In our " Record " book there is an entry for this variety with a weight of 37 dwts. 7 grains. It was grown by Mr. John Flower at Cheadle, in Staffordshire, in 1852. There are other entries for this variety of 35 dwts. 12 grains, shown by Mr. Gibson, Nottingham- shire, in August, 1844, and 31 dwts. 13 grains, shown by Mr. Saul, Garstang, 1842. Leader (25 dwts. 10 grains), Thumper (26 dwts.), Catherine (32 dwts. 2 grains), and Maccaroni (35 dwts. 6 grains) are other large kinds. Your berries were crushed in transit. With regard to your other question London City (light green), Antagonist (cream white), Beauty (red), Broom Girl (yellow), Eskender Bey (large red), Green London, Gunner (dark yellow), and Leveller (yellow) are a selection. Leaves Decaying : H. Hughes. There are no signs of fungus or insect pests on the leaves sent. There is a deposit of a paint-like nature on the leaves, indicating that the plant has been sprayed with some fluid ; but it is im- possible to say whether this is causing the in- jury without knowing further particulars. Melons for Marketing : J. J. K. The fol- lowing varieties are suitable for market pur- poses : they are good growers, and their fruits which are handsome in appearance and of first- rate quality, set freely. Hero of Lockinge, a popular and handsome variety, with white lacing evenly laid on a rich golden ground ; the flesh is pale in colour, almost white, rich and melting in flavour ; the individual fruits average about 3 lbs. each. Earl's Favourite : This is a green-fleshed Melon, weighing from 3j lbs. to 4^ lbs. each. The flesh is deep, pale green, melting, very juicy, and of rich flavour. Blenheim Orange is a very attractive, scarlet- fleshed Melon. It is a good grower and free setter, the fruits being heavily netted. The flesh is melting and uniformly thin-skinned. Other good varieties for market are Best of All, The Countess, and Scarlet Gem. A good, yellow loam, nf heavy rather than light tex- ture, best suits the requirements of Melons. If not sufficiently rich in plant-food, an 8-inch flower-potful of Peruvian guano, or some other approved fertiliser, should be added to every bushel and a half of loam. Mix the soil ami manure well together, and place it in the form of hillocks, about 2 or 2g feet apart, on the bor- der or bench. Set the plants before they be- come pot-bound at the roots, making the soil quite firm about the latter in planting, and af- ford water to settle the soil. Maintain a moist atmosphere until the plants are flowering, when the conditions should be drier, with a little ventilation if the weather permits. If the plants are to be trained to trellises fixed about 12 inches from the roof, they should be allowed to make a growth of 3 feet before being stopped. This will result in the production of fruit-bearing growths at the sides. The female flowers should be pollinated about mid-day. As soon as sufficient fruits have set for a crop, remove the superfluous ones, leaving those of a similar size evenly distributed over the plants. Pinch the shoots at two joints beyond the fruit. Five to six fruits, according to the vigour of each plant, may be left for a crop. As the roots push through the hillocks or mounds, they should be top-dressed with a layer about 2 inches deep of the same compost as they are planted in. Continue to make such additions, as required, until the inter- vening spaces are filled up nearly level with the top of the mounds. Keep (he soil about the roots uniformly moist until the fruits begin to colour, when less moisture will be needed both at the roots and in the atmosphere. When the fruits are swelling, an occasional surface-dressing of artificial manure immedi- ately before water is applied will be bene- ficial. During the summer and autumn months fresh air should be admitted to the house when 80° has been registered. When the houses are closed for the night, plenty of clean, tepid water should be distributed over the plants and in the house, and the tempera- ture may be allowed to reach 90° or 95°. Names of Fruits: Jennet Kid,/. Apple Joanet- ing. — J. 11'. B. Kerry Pippin. — J. Sndl, Duchess of Oldenburgh (syn. Peach Apple) ; Peach Dyniond Goshawk, a hardy variety and a free setter. Names of Plants: F. A. N. 1, Spiraea Men- ziesii ; 2, Veronica longi folia ; 3, Rudbeckia laciniata fl. pi. ; 4, Sidalcea malvaeflora. — A. J . H. 1, Spiraea filipendula ; 2, Inula glan- dulosa ; 3, Verbascum nigrum ; 4, Veronica lon- gifolia rosea ; 5, Epilobium angustifolium var. album ; 6, Bocconia cordata ; 7. Eccremocarpus scaber ; 8, Send when in flower. — Charlt Prentis. Sedum rhodanthum. — II'. //. M. 1, Cupressus Lawsoniana; 2, C. pisifera plumosa aurea ; 3, Libocedrus decurrens ; 4, Thuya pli- cata ; 5, Cupressus nutkatensis ; 6, Thuya orientalis ; 7, Juniperus chinensis ; 8, Ginkgo biloba ; 9, Abies nobilis ; 10, Chlorophytum clatum. — F. L. 1, Acer palmatum var. dis- sectum ; 2, Photinia serrulata ; 3, Cephalotaxus pedunculata ; 4, Thuya orientalis ; 5, Cephalo- taxus Fortunei ; 6, .-Esculus parviflorus; 7, Abelia uniflora ; 8, Physostegia virginiana alba. — //. C. Mitchell. 1, Erigeron specie- sum ; 2, Malva Alcea var. fastigiata ; 3, Suli- dago canadensis ; 4, Achillea Ptarmica " Pearl " ; 5, Alstromeria aurea. We do not undertake to name garden varieties of Phlox. — M. C. T. Stokesia cyanea var. alba. — J. Channen. 1 and 6, mossy Saxifrages cannot be named unless flowers are sent; 2, Sedum spurium ; 3, S. reflexum ; 4, Saxifraga Hostii ; 5, Sedum rupestre ; 7, S. album var. brevi- folium ; 8, Saxifraga sponhemica ; 9, Melissa officinalis variegata. — H. C. Sisyrinchium striatum. — Foreman. 1, Odontoglossum naevium ; 2, Odontoglossum Lindleyanum ; 3, Oncidhrm flexuosum ; 4, Oncidium excavatum. L. B. II". 1, Haemanthus albiflcs ; 2, Polypo- dium aureum ; 3, Veronica intermedia; 4, Nepeta Glechoma variegata (variegated Ground Ivy); 5, Adiantum Capillus- Veneris. — A. B. Veratrum nigrum. — H. II. 1. Pteris tremul.i ; 2, Adiantum cuneatum : 3, Pteris longifolia ; 4, Gymnogramma chrysophylla ; 5. Selaginella um- hrosa ; 6, Blechnum occidentale. — L., Chatham. Tradescantia virginica. — M. A. M. 1. Primus Pissardii ; 2. Cichorium Intybus (Chicory); 3, Verbascum phlcmoides ; 4, Spiraea Douglasii. — h". }"., Hilhngdon. Lapeyrousia (Anomatheca) omenta ; Begonia next week. — //. J. S. Prunella vulgaris. — G. E. B. Polygonum baldschuanicum. — ./. H. S. Veratrum nigrum. National Sweet Pea Society's Trials: //. < ". Write for particulars to the Secretary. Mr. Charles Curtis, 2, Adelaide Road, Brentford, Middlesex. Nectarines : TT. E. The Nectarines are at- tacked by a fungus, possibly the Brown Rot " fungus (Sclerotinia fructigena). The spawn (mycelium) of the fungus is apparent, at the first indication of " rot." at the point of the fruit. Remove all fruits as soon as they show signs of the disease and burn them. Cut out and burn any dead wood on the Nectarines or adjacent Peach trees. Do not allow any rotten fruits of Peaches. Apples, &c, to be near the Nectarines, as " Brown Rot " disease spreads from one kind of fruit to another. Peach for Examination: W. L.. York, and Rosacea:. The fruit was damaged in transit. and when it reached us was in a condition of pulp. Send other specimens, better packed, and enclose also some of the foliage. Vine Leaves: Hollywood. There is no diseasl on the vine leaves sent. A sudden change of colour in a few leaves on a vine takes place not infrequently in certain seasons, and does not indicate disease. Communications Received.— G. T., Leytonstone— W. H. C— T. A. H.— W. Y„ Uxbridge— Constant E. ader, Golder's Green— S. R.-W. B. E. B.— A. M., Cullen— Hampstead— A. F. C— E. M. M.-A. H., Hants. -A. T.— J. G. P. C — Anxious One— C. D., Canterbury— Abocnta— J. W.— R. T. G.— Scot-H. C, Dorking-K. & Sons— H. J. C— E. W. & Sons-G. W.— W.-G. M.— W. K., Aberdeen— G. C. N.— Dun-W. I.-O. S., Subscriber— J. L.— A. D.-S. B., Bristol-A. G.-J. C.— L. G.-P. Q. K. —P. & Co.— W. J. J.— G. M. T., Midlothian-A. C. * Sons, Ltd.— M. M. K.-Z. B. Y--S. R. P.-F. E. B.-W. H. C, Lincoln's Inn-S &G.- A. P.-R. P. B -P. M.-Chlons — J. D.— Insect— J. L., India— S. A.— W. F. G.— F. J H. P. N. G. & Co., Ltd.- J. H. F..-H. S. T.-C. H. H.— J. M. A.-Stirliug-J. W. & Sons-R. D'E. D.--R. H. P. September 3, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 173 U^tecJLs* ' THE ^itrbencrs'Cbronicle No. 1 ,236— SATURDAY, September 3, 1910. CONTENTS. Aberdeen, agriculture at Apple show, Canadian National Austrian tree nursery- men, association of... Bankruptcy amongst gardeners & nursery- men Battersea Park, flowers at Books, notices of— The Story of My Old- World Garden in a London Suburb ... Botanists, honorary de- grees for Dessert tables, decor- ated, at bhrewsbury Bbow DoJder Earthworms Edinburgh working men's iiower show ... Flower shows, judging at local ... Flowers in season Flowers in the Cottian Alps Foot and mouth disease m Yorkshire Fruit crops, remarks on the Gilia coronopifolia Gooseberries, large Grapes at Shrewsbury Flower Show Japan, a journey to Judging at Shrewsbury Show Law note- Fruit picking in pails Legacy to a gardener ... Lilies notes on — Lilium odorum (syn. j&\ onicum Colches- terense) Malvastrum Nandina domestica ... Obituary— Boxall, Wm 1-1 178 Orchid notes and glean- ings— Forthcoming sale of the Lytham Hall collection Palestine, the horticul- tural exploration of... Plane trees and throat troubles Plants, new or note- worthy— Pectinaria asperiflora Rosary, the — Cultural hints for Sep- tember Rose Show at Dunferm- line School gardening in South- Western Scot- land Sheffield, gift of Norfolk Park to Shrewsbury, the new "group" class at ... Snbralia niacrantha alba 182 Societies — Aberdeen Royal Hort. Horticultural Tiades Assoc. National Vegetable ... Rothesay Hor', Royal English Arbori- cultural Royal Horticultural Springfield Park, Upper Clapton .. Storm at Naseby Hall... Sugar from English grown Beet Wasps, queen Week's work, the— Apiary, the Flower garden, the ... Fruitsunder glass ... Hardy fruitgarden, the l!rO Kitchen garden, the... 181 Orchid houses, the ... 180 Plants under glass ... 181 Women as gardeners and farmers 184 178 182 185 174 177 183 184 183 185 189 189 li.0 11:0 190 166 179 185 184 186 181 180 181 ILLUSTRATIONS. Boxall, William, portrait of the late 192 Cannon Ball tree, Lecythis sp 177 Cattleya Rhoda " Fairlawn variety " 174 Chinese plunts, an exhibit of new, at the R.H.S. meeting, August 30 187 Liiium odorum (syn japonicum Colchesterense) ... 175 Malvastrum cauipanulatum 179 Phlox "Elizabeth Campbell" 188 Pithecolobium Saman, the Rain Tree ... 176 Sobralia macrantha alba {Supplementary Illustration) THE COTTIAN ALPS. THE Cottian Alps lie on the Western side of the great plain of Piedmont — a series of rather arid and undistinguished granite ridges, dominated unexpectedly by the tremendous cone of Mt. Viso, among the grandest of European mountains. The valleys, however, lie low : and, after the plateau of Mt. Cenis, it is somewhat disap- pointing to find oneself only at some 3,000 feet above the sea, and, therefore, with another 4,000 feet to climb before reaching the zone of interesting plants. However from Bobbio (which in French has the pleasant name of " Bobbie ") it is not long before one begins to notice characteristic species. Ti e valley is full of vineyards, and the Chestnut climbs its slopes. Above these, the g-anite hills rise rugged, sere, and sun- burnt, split deep by gaunt combes, which here have the same name in French ; for French is the language of all these valleys of the Vaudois: and these are the very " alpine mountains cokl " on which so long lay uu-~ avenged the scattered bones of " the slaugh- tered saints." The bones, though, have long been picked up, and the slaughtered saints have ultimately triumphed, in so far as their descendants now peacefully possess the faith and the valleys for which their predecessors died. Nor are the Alpine mountains about here aptly to be described as " cold " in July. Indeed, the heat is fierce as one climbs above the Chestnut groves into the grim combes _ and chines above Bobbio. First of all, the woolly-white trans- alpine form of Sempervivum axaehnoideum is seen on the dark granite boulders here and and there: and then, in shady hollows of every rock and wall, Campanula Elatines abounds. This curious, beautiful plant ap- pears intensely saxatile, nor does the greyish down on its foliage leave one under any doubt as to its hatred of surface moisture. It lives in impenetrable crannies of wall and cliff, and though it seems to prefer a shady aspect, may often also be found in sunny places, if the precipice so hangs that the plant is not liable ever to be clogged by rain. In early July, the flowers were not open this year, but the inflorescences were developed, and it was interesting to see how closely they fol- Lowed the line of the rock, almost like the boughs of the species of Cotoneaster often sold as O. pyrenaica. On all the most sun-baked cliffs. Lilium bulbiferum was gorgeous. Dianthus made showers of pink, and in one corner I came on an outlying colony of Androsace imbricata. This had evidently seeded down from its main habitat, which ultimately I discovered — a stark and torrid precipice along whose minut- est lines of cleavage this most impregnable of plants was growing in dense, ash-white cush- ions. Accustomed as one is to seeing this species as a high alpine, it was a surprise to me to find it, for the first time, at so low an altitude. Higher than these rocks, begins the zone of the special rarity to which the Cot- tian Alps have given a name. Primula cottia inhabits, apparently, tight crevices in the granite cliffs at some 5,000 feet. The flower had passed when I saw it, therefore, I can only record that it appears a species very tolerant of the sun, and completely saxatile in its requirements. Even in this, the only district which possesses it, P. cottia is pain- fully local in its distribution. I was told that I should see abundance of it on a neighbour- ing pass, and, when I got there, found to my horror, nothing but P. marginata. That same pass is the sole Italian station for a plant which occurs only on these borders, here and there, at high altitudes, but several .times on the French side of the frontier, to this once on the Italian. Elsewhere through all the mountain ranges of the world, it is vain to search for Saxifraga valdensis. Even if the search be extended to English gardens, a presumptuous little form of S. cochlearis minor will be pointed out, masquerading un- der an august name, but never the unrivalled S. valdensis. This brilliant plant inhabits rotten granite cliffs exposed to sunlight more pitiless than I have ever known courted by any other Silver Saxifrage. These cliffs are curtained and swathed with Campanula Al- lionii, which also grows at their feet : but one has eyes only for the Saxifrage, forming dense, tight, hard balls of grey between the disintegrating slabs of the rock, and, in early July, just preparing its ruby-red, glandular flower-stems. Among all its kindred, S. val- densis stands out as distinct a species as it is a rare and lonely one. No form of S. cochlearis lias any real resemblance to it, and Maw's classical quotation of S. valdensis as occur- ring with S. lingulata and S. cochlearis on the cliffs above Tenda, is almost certainly a slip of the pen. for S. caesia or S. diapen- sioides. But of this, more later, perhaps. As compared with the Silver Saxifrage of the Maritime Alps, Saxifraga valdensis is a high- alpine plant. It is restricted almost entirely to this one range of cliffs at about 7,500 feet. Higher than this, it does not seem to occur: and, though I found one plant in the valley far below, it was obviously a sad and sickly exile from its proper place. Higher up, at the summit of the Pass, there is a station for Gentiana Rostanii. This, how- ever, was under snow when I climbed the Col, and even Campanula steuocodon could only be defined by its leaves in the highest stone slopes. As one descends. Primula marginata and P. graveolens abound : dwarf and pro- bably brilliant forms of Dianthus neglect us are preparing their buds amid the dwarf alpine turf. But it must be confessed that the Cottian Alps make no display compared with the gorgeous splendour of the Mt. C'enis. Perhaps the Mt. C'enis offers no fair standard of comparison: its richness, both of interest and display being so pre-eminent: but. any- how, the purely granite Alps are, as a rule, 1 think, rather disappointing to a gardener. They enshrine, it is true, here and there, a first-class rarity, such as Primula cottia or Saxifraga valdensis, and, therefore, one litis irresistible reasons for visiting them. But their general exhibition is apt to be monoton- ous and poor: even Viola calcarata was sparse above Bobbio. On the Mt. Cenis it almost hid the hills. The local Anemone to my surprise, was A. alpina, but far inferior in glory to the bushes and bosquets of it that I had just been seeing in the Graians. On one high shoulder, how- ever, A. narcissiliora shone in white snow- drifts from afar. Higher up Saxifraga re- tusa glowed incandescent among the brown, dank herbage, only just abandoned by the snow, and yet a little higher up began Doug- lasia (Androsace) vitaliana, though starved in aspect, after the comely clumps and cush- ions in which I had lately been revelling. But Anemone vernalis was as rare here as any jewel. In the Northern Alps, on such a place, it would have abounded. Over all this slope, I only succeeded in discovering one shabby little plant. On the other side of this high ridge, the hill fell away terrific, in coppiced cliffs and combes most awe-inspiring to des- cend. Here was a profusion of Aquilegia alpina, just preparing to flower, and the shaded crags were hung with Primula graveo- lens in glorious blossom. Next I discovered Tulipa celsiana, and in a little while, appeared the object of my expedition — that coveted rarity, Fritillaria delphinensis, growing in the steep grass-slope among Tulips and Narcissus Anemone. A dark, dainty and delicate beauty is sombre Fritillaria delphin- ensis, but I will be honest and confess that I did not find it so distinct in glory from F. Meleagris as to make it worth the 7,000 extra feet of climbing that its discovery entails. Reginald Farrer. 174 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 3, 1910. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. PECTINARIA ASPERIFLORA. There are probably very few plants in the world of which it can be said that they produce flowers that are unattractive, and at the same time beautiful. Such a statement would seem to be a contradiction of terms, yet it applies with perfect truth to the flowers of Pectinaria asperi- flora, a rare member of the Stapelia group of Asclepiads. This plant consists of a cluster of globose, oblong or cylindric, leafless stems g to | inch thick, producing at their tips small, drooping and somewhat globose flowers rather less than i inch in diameter. Besides being small and pendulous, the lobes of the flower are close together and united at the tips, leaving only small fissures between them, so that the in- side of the flower cannot be seen ; outside, it is .slightly rough and dull purplish in colour, quite unattractive, without any pretence to beauty. But if the lobes are separated and the flower care- fully split open and laid out flat without pres- sure, the whole interior is seen to have a rough surface of frosted-white, beautifully dotted with crimson, very charming even to the naked eye. If, however, a flower thus flattened out is placed under a microscope of low power, especially a binocular one, and magnified 15 to 20 diameters, the extreme beauty of the inner surface thus seen is astonishing, nothing at all approaching it being known to the writer. The whole surface is thickly covered with columnar processes, each of which is studded with other spreading, spike-like processes, forming a kind of minia- ture forest, all glistening, frosted-nhite, and spotted with crimson, forming the most exquisite } piece of floral beauty. This is further enhanced ' by the very ornamental structure of the purple- brown corona. As before stated, it must be seen to realise how wonderfully beautiful it is. The question arises — What is the purpose of all this loveliness? Certainly, not to please mankind nor to attract insects, since it cannot be seen from the outside. Nor would it seem indispenscble to the flower, since the other known species <{ the genus are without such complex structure. All the species are doubtless dependent for their fer- tilisation upon the entrance of minu'e insect* {Photograph by John Gregory. FlG. 67. — CATTLEYA RHODA " FAIRLAWN VARIETY." (First-class Certificate at the R.H.S. meeting on Tuesday last.) (See p. 189.) September 3, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 175 through the fissures between the lobes, but we can hardly credit that the interior has much in- terest for them, nor do I find that they teed •upon it. Its significance is one of nature's un- solved problems. Another species, Pectinaria Pillansii, seems only to develop its flowers underground, as all the mature or expanded flowers observed by Mr. N. S. Pillans, who discovered it, were developed under the soil, whilst the buds which formed •above ground did not attain full size, nor did the Jobes separate to form fissures for the entrance of insects as did those which were buried. This would seem to imply that it is fertilised by some minute insect that lives underground. This is. I believe, the only recorded case of a plant fully ■developing its flowers beneath the soil. There are several cases in which cleistogamous flowers, or flowers that have been fertilised in the air, push their seed vessel into the ground to develop. But that is not the same thing, since these flowers of P. Pillansii are quite normal, not cleistoga- mous. and are borne and expanded underground. The fruit is at present unknown. .V. E. Brown. NOTES ON LILIES. LILIUM ODORUM. Whether L. odorum (see fig. 68) is considered as a distinct species or a variety of L. Brownii there can be no doubt that it is a lovely plant and well worth taking a deal of trouble about. In the writer's experience, it is altogether easier to manage and keep than L. Brownii. coming into bloom year after year during (he first week of August with unfailing regularity, and increas- ing steadily as the years go by. True, L. odorum has not the delicate grace of L. Brownii, being altogether of a sturdier build, nor is the bloom so long in the trumpet, so beautifully proportioned, or so deeply coloured on the outside, but the plant has the advantage of quite commonly throwing up two or three stems, each of which often carries three flowers and occasionally four or five, whereas apparently L. Brownii can very seldom be coaxed into pro- ducing more than one or two stems with a soli- tary flower on each ; the latter Lily, too, is not generous in the production of offsets, while L. odorum or japonicum Colchesterense — to give the plant the name by which it is known at Kew — is lavish, almost as much so indeed as L. Henryi, which is saying a great deal. As the photograph shows, the leaves are shorter and a good deal broader than in the typical plant; they clothe the stem from head to foot, while in the case of L. Brownii, as with some other Oriental species, the lower part of the stem is bare of leaves, for reasons that are obvious, though why L. odorum should be dif- ferent in this respect is not clear. The plant seems to do better in a lime-free mixture of leaf-mould, coarse grit and charcoal than in more earthy soils, and, like most stem- rooting Lilies, benefits by the association of An- droinedas or some other dwarf-growing shrub the roots of which do not spread about and draw the moisture out of the ground as much as do those of other dwarf s'hrubs, for instance, some of the Veronicas or the Daphnes. In the writer's experience, the bulbs may be planted quite 9 inches deep, and, if packed care- fully with silver sand, they may be dug up as clean as a new-laid egg ; bulbs imported from Japan, having had their roots prematurely shorn off in accordance with the detestable practice pur- sued by the bulb merchants of that country, do not usually survive after their first season, but, in dying, they can usually be relied upon 'o leave behind a number of offsets. These shorn J be nursed for a year or two before being allowed to take care of themselves, and will generally flower in their third year. Once started in the right way, the plant seems able to look after itself to better purpose than many of the -Lilies hailing from the East, and soon grows a yard and more high. So far as the writer is aware, the Lily does not commonly produce seed in this country, either in the open or under cover, but. as al- ready mentioned, reproduction is provided for by the large crop of bulblets, so that the want of seed is immaterial ; anyone growing Lilies must have noticed that in many species the ab- sence of seed is counterbalanced by the produc- tion of offsets or bulbils, and, in illustration, REMARKS ON THE CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS. (See Tables and Summaries, ante, pp. 77-82.) (Concluded from page 159.) 9, IRELAND, N. Dublin. — An unusual amount of hail which fell during the time the trees were in bloom, and the low night temperatures during May and early June, were the causes of a partial failure in some of the fruit crops. The few fruits which set are swelling well, and all trees are making unusually Fig. 68. — lilium odorum, syn. japonicum colchesterense : flowers pale yellow, outside streaked with reddish-brown. L. tigrinum, L. M.iximowiczii, L. Leichtlinii, L. Wallaceii, L. Henryi, and L. sulphureum may be mentioned. None of these Lilies seeds in the ordinary way in Britain, but all produce quan- tities of bulbils or else offsets. The flowers of L. odorum are exquisitely fragrant, reminding one of L. Washingtonianum, and last fairly well if the plant blooms in a shady place. The specimen from which the photograph was taken was beginning to go off, and for that rea- son the blooms will be seen to be slightly shrivelled. A. Grove. strong growth. A. Campbell, St. Anne's Gar- dens, Clontarf, Co. Dublin. Mayo. — Late frosts injured the fruit blossoms, but it is a rather singular circumstance that in exposed positions there are Gooseberries, whilst in gardens sheltered by walls there is none. Per- haps this is because, in sheltered situations, the bushes were earlier in flower and the blossoms were damaged by the frost. R. Savage, Btlleik, Jiallina. Meath. — All bush fruits are exceptionally good. In sheltered orchards, we have a good crop of Apples, but in exposed fruit gardens the 176 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [September 3, 1910. trees were stripped of their fruits by a thunder- storm early in June. Late Strawberries were very satisfactory, and gave over an average crop. Gooseberry bushes in this district are becoming scarce, owing to the American mildew, but where the disease has not put in an appearance the crop is good. J. B. 1'o'c. Dunsany Castle Gardens. Tyrone.— The fruit crops are, on the whole, fairly satisfactory. Apples are above the aver- age,' both in quantity and quality. Pears are about half a crop. Cherries are very bad, but as they are not largely grown about here the loss is not serious. Strawberries rotted on the plants instead of ripening. We have not been troubled to any serious extent this season by insect or fun- gus p'ests. Aphis was much later than usual in putting in an appearance, but I note an invasion of black' fly on the Cherries within the last week ■or two. American blight, which is occasionally very troublesome here, is not much in evidence up 'to the time of writing. The heavy rainfall and the latter half of June being hot caused a luxuriant growth on most trees, giving rise to fears, should the season continue damp and un- favourable, as to the proper maturation of the wood. Fred. 11'. Walker, Sion House Gardens, Sion Mills. West Meath. — Our fruit crops are deficient, which I attribute to badly-ripened wood and to the cold weather whilst the trees were in blossom. Of s<.nall fruits. Gooseberries, Rasp- berries and Black Currants are slightly over the average, but Red Currants are scarce. Straw- berries were of good size, but the fruits lacked flavour, owing to the wet weather. Our soil, which is rather shallow in places, is inclined to be heavy and rests on a clay sub-soil. Geo. Bogie, Pahenham Hall Gardens, Castlepollard. 10, IRELAND. S. Athlone. — The fruit crops in this district are remarkably good, especially* small fruits, of which we have an abundance. But the wet weather did great damage to the Strawberry crop, and slugs have been especially numerous. I know of no remedy to cope" with this pest, which is very troublesome to Strawberries. J. Murray, Moy- drum Castle Gardens, Athlone. Cork. — Apples, Strawberries, Raspberries, Cur- rants and Plums are all good crops. Some Apple trees are slightly blighted, owing to the cold winds and frosts. The Codlin moth has again made its appearance. Maurice Colbert, Ahem, Co una. Kildare. — Although the weather was favour- able when the fruit trees were in blossom, yet the fruits did not set well. Much of the bloom was very weak, owing, no doubt, to the unfavourable summer and autumn of 1909. Cherries dropped freely at the stoning period, and are the worst crop for many years past, especially Morellos. Fredk. Bedford, 'Straff an House Gardens, Co. Kildare. Waterford. — The fruit crops generally in this part of Ireland are much under average, though Apples and Pears promise to be of good quality. The trees blossomed most profusely. Small fruits, with the exception of Gooseberries, are average crops. Plums on walls are a good average crop, but on orchard trees they are scarce. Our soil is of a heavy, retentive nature and of poor quality. D.' Crombie, Curraijhmore Gardens, Co. Waterford. CHANNEL ISLANDS. Guernsey. — All fruit trees blossomed freelj . but the flowering was earlier than usual. This may in part account for a scarcity of fruits, for seldom have the crops been as light as this year. Apples generally are deficient in numbers. Pear trees on south walls have a moderate number of fruits ; trees growing under other conditions are poorly fruited. Stone fruits are universally de- ficient. Strawberries produced a. good display of bloom, and the berries set satisfactorily, but many were spoiled by the cold, wet weather. Chas. Smith ,(■ Son, Caledonia Nursery, ■Gucrn-ei/. Jersey. — The fruit crops generally are very bad. The trees flowered well, and many fruits set, but they were almost all destroyed by cold winds. Many trees of Peach, Cherry, Apple and Pear were almost killed by the cold winds. The Strawberries were a splendid crop, but many berries were spoiled by the constant rains. Small fruits are very fair crons. T. Shrirman, The Im- perial Nursery, St. Heller's, Jersey A JOURNEY TO JAPAN. (Continued from page 153.) CEYLON, THE RUBY ISLAND. I reached Colombo on March 18. Here I purchased Willis's Handbook of Ceylon and a t^opee (a Pith hat, made of the very light wood of the Pith tree) to protect myself from the strong rays of the sun. Dr. Willis, who is the Director of the Royal Botanic Garden, Pera- deniya, has written a most useful book about this highly-interesting country, dealing with the people and their customs, the plant life of the island, its products, and, in fact, most things pertaining to Ceylon. Dr. Willis is not only Director of the Peradeniya Garden, but also of the other gardens of the country, besides being the Government botanist. The season was the driest of the year ; the south-west monsoon had not yet set in, the grass was burnt by the snn, the empty Rice fields were dry, and the ground was cracked, waiting for rain, before being ploughed again, with super- stitious observances and the most primitive means. The Rain Tree (Pithecolcbium Saman) largely imported from China, as Ceylon does not produce a quantity sufficient to supply local needs, the east of the island being too dry for this crop and the centre and south very moun- tainous. The number of labourers imported frum South India for plantation work' is enormous, and these consume vast quantities of this cereal. The official Guide of the Royal Botanic liar- den, Peradeniya, by Mr. H. F. Macmillan, is a most valuable work, containing many useful notes and excellent illustrations ; but, although it should be read by all visitors, its price is rather high. This garden is often referred to by people visiting it as " The Paradise." It is the Paradise of the wealthy. The visitor from Europe feels quite at home amongst the wonderful Palms, the shady, flowering trees and shrubs, and vast mea- dows. It may be described as a very large edition of Kew Gardens and the Palmengarten at Frank- furt-on-Main, excepting that glass roofs are not necessary here, where it is warm and moist, even more so than in hothouses at home. The gardens are well kept. Nearly all the flowering and foliage plants of our conservatories and glass- houses do well here, some being cultivated in the shade, and others in the full sunshine. Ferns Fig. 69. — pithecolobium saman, the kain tree. (see fig. 69), was just flowering at Colombo, Erythrinas were opening their first blossoms, Bougainvilheas were at their brightest, and Hibiscuses blooming in all colours everywhere. Having decided to stay in the low country on my return. 1 went up to Peradeniya the next morning after landing, secured lodgings at the rest-house there, and commenced studying the plants in this most beautiful botanic garden. Director Willis, Mr. Macmillan, the able curator, and others of the staff received me most cordially, allowing me the use of the herbarium, library, and laboratory, besides an inspection of the wonderful collection of living plants. I was all the more grateful to them for, their various duties being extensive, the time they gave me was at no little cost to themselves. The work clone by those engaged in Government service in the garden embraces a larger field than their actual apparent duties. Everything that affects horticulture, botany, and agriculture is carefully looked after. Cocoanut Palms, the Tea and Cocoa plants, and the Para Rubber tree are cultivated on an extensive scale, besides Rice and Plan- tains (Bananas), and the different fruits and vegetables on which the natives live. Rice is and Selaginellas, Maranthas, Dracaenas, Crotons, Acalyphas, with all their garden varieties, and beautiful Caladiums were noticed. Gardenias, Tabernacmontanas, Jasminums, and the many flowering trees, as well as the scent of the various fruits, fill the air with a delicious perfume. Palms and Bamboos grow luxuriantly ; the lat- ter cannot be surpassed anywhere. Amherstia nobilis is an ever-flowering tree of great beauty, the large, red flowers being borne on long lacemes all the year round. Poinciana regia is pushing out a scarlet mass of flowers over its light-green leaves. The Cannonball Tree (Lecythis sp.) (see fig. 70) has its stems covered with thousands of large and strange- looking flowers, and hung amongst them are fruits looking like big, round, heavy cannon- balls of olden times. But looking more dangerous still is the Jack tree (Artocarpus integrifolia) the stems of which are covered with larger and heavier, green fruits, as well as on the strongei branches over one's head. But these are only some of fhe most prominent subjects. There are hundreds and more of not less interesting plants in flower and fruit. Nearly 150 acres are planted with interesting, valuable, and useful plants, l September 3, 1910. ] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 177 including tropical trees and Palms of all kinds. Animal, bir-d, insect, and reptile life abounds, all of harmless nature. The great Sand river which surrounds the garden on three sides affords won- derful views over its banks, the near hills being covered partly with plantations of Tea, Cocoanut palms, and Para Rubber. The trees in the gardens of the natives are largely planted as a shelter for their poor huts ; their gardens are thickly covered, chiefly with stem is straight like an arrow, just covered with a fine bunch of sappy-looking leaves, with bundles of flowers and fruits at the top. The stein of the Cocoanut Palm, unlike this plant, which always has a straight trunk, curves naturally. The great Talipot Palm flowers only after 40 to 90 years, when it develops an enormous mass of small flowers about 40 feet high, the flower-spike being the largest of any plant FlG. 70. — THE CANNON-BALL TREE, LECYTHIS SP. Cocoanut Palms, Jack trees. Bananas, Papaw, and along nearly all their hedges grows the straight-stemmed Areca-nut Palm (Areca Catechu). The Cocoanut and the \ery useful Palmyra Palm, which is grown largely in the north, are the most valuable Palms of the coun- try. The Areca-nut Palm grows more like a weed, and is greatly prized by the natives, as its fruit supplies the bulk of the material of the uni- sal " chew " of the eastern inhabitants. The known. The tree dies soon after the seeds are lipe (see Supplementary Illustration, June 25). There is a large avenue of rhis Palm at Pera- deniya, and another of the Palmyra Palm. There are avenues, too, of Oreodoxa regia and 0. ole- racea, ihe Cabbage Palms, as well as of the rare and peculiar, fan-shaped Didymosperma dis- tichum, and some others of smaller size. Avenues are also planted with the best flowering trees. To finish my account of the Palms, it must be observed that these are everywhere. In the fine and large flower-garden are Chrysalidocarpus iuUseens, better known under the name of Areca lutescens, in a most luxuriant state : Cyrtostachys Renda, the sealing-wax Palm (of which there are large quantities of seedlings), is most conspicuous with its coral-red leaf-stalks. This Palm is very rare in Europe; but it grows well in the Xymphiea house at Kew. The various species of Calamus abound near the fives, climbing to great heights. The Toddy Palm is largely met with in the gardens of the natives. Creepers, Lianes, and epiphytic Ferns abound on most trees, Philodendron. Monstera, Rhaphi- dophora, and Pothos being the most conspicuous. Orchids are also grown out of-doors, but succu- lents are under shelter to protect them from the heavy rains. There are also native species of Nepenthes, and a small collection of water plants, including Aponogeton monostachyon. The Peradeniya garden is not only of great beauty and interest to gardeners, but also of much value commercially. A great number of the chief economic plants grown in the island have been originally introduced by and sent out from this gar- den and its connections. It is laid out in the style of a luxuriant park, amid lovely surroundings. A long, straight, main road leads to the centre. There are other drives, leading to all parts, and paths traverse the wilder portion, known as the arboretum, which is planted naturally with mag- nificent trees. Jack-trees, with their heavy masses of fruit prevail ; the timber is suitable for makingfurniture. Creepers and Ferns cover the trees, and a portion of the garden is left to follow Nature's own course. Bambusas line the stream and lake. The main drive and the flower-garden are planted with beautiful flowering and foliage plants. There arc beds of Caladiums and Carinas, bordered with Alternantheras ; there are also Roses, and pergolas with fine creepers spanning the roads. Conservatories, covered only with trellises and creepers, form shady and lofty houses for Orchids, Ferns, and tender foliage plants. Fine trees and Palms stand in vast meadows, and cattle graze in the wilder'parts of the gardens. It is impossible to describe in a short report the manifold impressions to be gained, the rich- ness of the garden, the various botanical and technical collections, the nurseries, trial ground, and experiment station, besides the Museum. Fr. TIenkel, Darmstadt. (To i,r continued.) THE ROSARY. CULTURAL HINTS FOR SEPTEMBER. The first blooming of the Hybrid Perpetuals is now nearly over, but the Teas and Hybrid' Teas are furnishing abundant blooms, which are this season of splendid colour and seem to im- prove as the weather becomes cooler. The flowers and buds are gaining in substance, and according to present appearance, ihe trees pro- mise to flower well for another two months or even more. The flow-ering of other sections of Roses has been very fitful, owing to the changeable weather, but the growth generally is up to the average quality, all that is needed being warm, dry weather to ripen the shoots. Those who intend to purchase Roses in the autumn would do well to visit the nuresries at this season to make a selection. They will also be better able to compare the habit, vigour and freedom of flowering of the old with the newer varieties. For town gardens sorts should be specially selected that will withstand the smoky atmosphere. Some of the most suitable are the hybrids of the Bourbon and China Roses, such as Coupe d'Hebe, Paul Ricaut, and Blairi No. 2, also the Pink and Crested Moss, Cabbage, Provence, and the Japan or Rugosa. Among climbers that do fairly well in towns are Dundee Rambler, Felicite Perpetue, Laure Davoust, Mme. d'Arblay, and Sweet Penzance Briar. A few of the hardiest Hybrid Perpetuals do well 178 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 3, 1910. for a time, but, as a rule, they need to be renewed every second or third year; these em- brace John Hopper, Ann Alexiff, Duke of Edin- burgh, Ulrich Brunner, General Jacqueminot, Senateur Vaisse and Louis Darzens (white). Standard Roses are very short-lived and cannot be recommended. The showery weather has caused the sap to be still active, especially in the De la Grifferie stock, which is a late grower. Advantage can be taken of this to insert early in the month buds of the following climbers which do well on this stock : — Noisettes : W. A. Richardson, Lamarque, Climbing Niphetos, Aimee Vibert ; and T. and H. Teas : Cheshunt Hybrid, Belle Lyonnaise, Maria Henrietta, Reve d'Or, and Gloire de Dijon. Any buds that failed to grow on dwarf or standard stocks can still be made good by budding afresh. In standard Briars, insert the fresh bud as near to the dead bud or as close to the axil of the stock and shoot as possible, and in dwarfs, on the other side of the stock below the ground line. If the early buds on the standard Briars begin to start, shorten back the shoots some 6 inches or 8 inches from the bud ; this will have the effect of harden- ing and maturing the growth. The dormant buds often make the best heads, as they break stronger and are unimpaired by an inclement spring. Cuttings inserted now will root freely under a frame in a half-spent hot-bed or under French cloches plunged on benches in a cold house. Short, stubby, jointed shoots taken off with a heel are the best. Remove two or three of the bottom leaves and insert firmly in small, well- drained pots filled with sandy soil and leaf- mould, with a layer of pure sand on the top. Give a good watering and shade the cuttings from bright sunshine. If the condensed moisture is excessive, remove the cloches or frames for a few hours. These plants often prove hardier in constitution than those struck in strong bottom heat in early spring. Keep the hoe well at work on the beds and borders to destroy the weeds and prevent the ground from becoming caked. All kinds of Roses, though much cleaner now, have suffered this season from insect pests, and should, for the next two months and after being housed, be wa(tched for mildew, red spider, and aphis ; there is no better or simpler preparation than black sulphur, soft soap, tobacco and quassia in solution. Use i lb. quassia to 1 lb. of each of the others in 6 or 8 gallons of hot water according to the strength required ; the preparation is per- fectly harmless. The quassia chips can be strained and the extract added to the other in- gredients. Spray well under and over the foliage at a temperature of 95° during the evening and wash the specific off early next morning with clean water. The pot Roses of the Hybrid Tea, Tea and Noisette tvpes propagated during autumn and spring will now be crowded with flower-buds and be invaluable for furnishing a supply of cut bloom during the autumn and winter months. This can best be effected by making a tem- porary frame for their protection over the beds, using lights placed a foot higher than the plants, with the sides and ends open ; this will induce the buds to open cleaner and be of a better colour. finish repotting the spring-forced Roses of the Tea family that have been stood outside. The H.P.s can be dealt with later. The plants after potting can be stood outside again until they are re-established, housing them in October and November for winter and spring flowering. Any ill placed or weakly growths in the centres of standard and dwarf Roses should be removed. During dull and showery weather suckers form freely, especially on Briar stocks ; all these should be promptly removed. Owing to the rainy season, the budding, so far, has been exceptionally suc- cessful, and at present there are scarcely any failures. Early in the month, the buds of free- growing decorative varieties may still be in- serted on late-growing stocks, which at present are full of sap. Planted-out Roses under glass, mostly of the Tea and China sections, since being lightly pruned back and well mulched after their first blooming, are now showing promise of a good autumn display of flowers. Keep the plants well syringed and free from insects while the bright weather lasts, giving all the ventilation possible both night and day. Keep the borders loosened with the fork and give an occasional dusting of slacked lime on the surface to keep down grubs and sweeten the soil. With the resources the Rose-grower now has at his command, it is possible, with good management, to have cut Roses practically the year round. /. D. G. NOTICES OF BOOKS. The Story of My Old-World Garden.* This book deals with the laying-out and plant- ing of a suburban garden of small area. The author shows how he succeeded in making a charming garden, filled with interesting plants of many species, for spring, summer and autumn effects. In the heart of London, and other great cities and towns, the garden may consist perhaps of only a few boxes or pots placed on a balcony, a roof or window-sill of a many-storied building. But even here, Pelargoniums, Marguerites, and Nasturtiums will open their beautiful blossoms, flourishing in surroundings apparently inimical to good development. In suburban London, away from the network of exchanges and offices, and where there are few, if any, deleterious fac- tories, there are many thousands of small houses which have a greater advantage in possessing a little area at the back— some air space. Such plots have, as a rule, a boundary of brick wall or wooden palings. These are sometimes clothed with common Ivy or Virginian Creeper. Such smaller garden enclosures do not vary much in appearance ; they are usually badly kept, and the walks run parallel with the walls or fences. Still further out, where 17th and 18th century houses once stood, are villas, detached and semi-detached, each with bits of garden measur- illg hall'-an-acre or less in extent. Beyond, even in the best of country gardens there is the same poverty of design, and lack of artistic ideas — a square grass plot straight walk of gravel, formal shaped flower-beds, and absurd tile edgings. If the picturesque style is attempted, and arches and standards are introduced, these are inevitably in iron, and usually galvanised, from which every kind of plant shrinks, while they cling lovingly to the bent boughs of a natural support. An old-world garden would look far better, and can be planned and carried out with just a little more thought, time and trouble, and at smaller expense than the usual commonplace villa garden. A pleasant garden of the old fashion can be made in a single season. The secrets of its success are, firstly, the adoption of an original design, and, secondly, the employment of appropriate acces- sories. A small garden, say, of 55 feet by 45 feet, has its own distinct advantages; the owner of such a diminutive plot can construct it in the autumn of one year, and complete and enjoy it during the following summer, that is, if he does the light work himself, and has a knowledge of gardening. With the object of making his new garden look like an ancient one, the author-owner sought in his locality, in the builders' yards, for old ma- terials, and was fortunate enough to obtain that which he wanted at reasonable prices. These consisted of several tons of paving slabs, cobble- stones, paving sets, brick-ends, tiles and broken flints once used in some old houses or chapels. With these and similar things he built low re- * The Story of My Old-World Garden in a London Suburb, by G. Hillyard Swinstead, R.I., with 50 original designs and photographs by the author. Price 10s. 6d. Royal 4to. (London : Baines and Scarsbrook.) taining walls, laid a rough sort of mosaic as a. substitute for gravel for the walks ; made a plat- form on which to set up an ancient sundial, and formed floorings in the arbours. How it was all done with the assistance of a jobbing gar- dener of the usual type, is related and illus- trated in his delightful book. The figures, photo- gravures, afford as much guidance as the text, and go far to prove what pleasing effects can be produced by unlikely materials, together with flowering plants, trees and shrubs, when imagina- tion is freely thrown in as well. PLANT NOTES. GnTA CORONOPIFOLIA. When seen from a little distance, plants of this half-hardy biennial have very much the appear- ance of a group of delieately-foliaged and un- usually bright scarlet-flowered Lobelia cardinalis. Although generally recommended solely as a pot plant, it is an excellent subject for summer bed- ding where it can be given a well-drained soil, in a sunny position screened from rough winds. Seeds should be sown at the present time in well- drained pans or boxes of sandy soil, and be placed in a cool frame to germinate. As soon as the seedlings appear, they should be given abund- ance of light and air, otherwise losses occur through damping-off. Transplant the seedlings into boxes of soil similar to that in which they were raised, pressing the soil firm. As soon as the young plants are a couple of inches high, they should be potted singly into 3-inch pots. For this shift, a fair proportion of loam should be added to the soil, and thorough drainage is still essential. The plants should be wintered in a cool, airy house, where, even if they are not in flower, they will be highly ornamental, so beauti- ful is the finely-cut foliage. Throughout the winter, care must be exercised in watering, but at no time should the plants be allowed to become dry at the roots. When the season for bedding- out arrives, the plants, having been duly hardened, should be planted out in such a position as that previously denoted, taking care not to crowd thern : a space of fully 15 inches from plant to plant being necessary. Scarlet is not a difficult colour to harmonise with other shades, and when the inflorescence is from 3 feet to 4 feet high, with plenty of foliage beneath, it becomes an easy matter to select another suitable subject for a groundwork. Except in very cold districts, those plants may be expected to com- mence to flower fairly early in July, and, as in the case of Lobelia cardinalis, side shoots prolong the flowering period after the main stem has com- pleted its blooming. A. C. Bartlett. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. THE LYTHAM HALL COLLECTION. The sale of the fine collection of Orchids formed by J. Talbot Clifton, Esq., is announced to take place at Messrs. Protheroe and Morris's Central Auction Rooms, 67 and 68, Cheapside, London, in two portions, the first portion on September 22 and 23, and the second part on September 29 and 30. The collection, which comprises about 6,500 plants in 2,500 varieties, is one of the most remarkable and varied in existence, many extremely rare and some unique plants being contained in it. There are also about 200 white Cattleyas and as many albinos of other species as could be procured, besides a fine selection of Vandas, Aerides, Phalreuopsis and Angrsecurns. The lust plants have secured many awards at the Royal Horticultural Society's and the North of England Orchid Society's meet- ings. Paintings of about 100 species and varieties by Miss M. Walters Anson will be on view at the sale. , September 3, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 179 MALVASTRUM. This is a large and extensive genus, consist- ing of about 60 species, of which there are only live or six in cultivation. Most Malvastrums are natives of South America, although a few species are found in the Western United States. Malvastrum is closely allied to Sphaeralcea, and some species have been placed by different authorities in both genera. Like most members of the Mallow family, the Malvastrums have very attractive, brilliantly-coloured flowers. The plants are not difficult to cultivate: they prefer rather dry and sunny positions, being liable in wet heavy soils to damp off in the winter. The following five species are in cultivation: — M. campanulatum (see fig. 71). — This was first discovered in the Chilian Andes by Mr. MeRae, in the year 1825. Plants first flowered in the garden of the Royal Horticultural Society in June, 1839. It was at that time treated as a greenhouse plant, but is quite hardy in shel- tered, sunny positions. The stems are more or less procumbent, about 1 foot long, and bear deeply-lobed leaves, while the light-purple flowers, nearly 1 inch in diameter, are disposed in a loose terminal raceme. The plant shown in fig. 71 is growing in a sunny position; it com- menced to flower in June, and kept up a succes- sion till the end of August. Malvastrum cam- panulatum is figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 3814, and its synonyms are Malva campanulala and Malva purpurata. M. %occineum. — This is a dwarfer-growing plant, being not more than 6 inches to 12 inches high, producing silvery, canescent foliage, and leafy racemes of brick-red or scarlet flowers. The flowering period ranges from July to Sep- tember. The species has been in cultivation since 1811, and is a native of Western North America, where it is found growing on plains and dry prairies. Malvastrum coccineum is figured in the Botanical Magazine, t. 1673, under the name of Cristaria coccinea. M . Gilliesii. — This Chilian plant is of more or less procumbent habit, with branching stems and palmately-divided, hairy leaves. The bright- red flowers, which are 1 inch or more in diameter, are produced freely all through the summer. The plant is very liable to damp off in winter, for which reason it should be either well protected, or wintered in a frame in a pot. It is sometimes known as Modiola geranioides. M. lateritium. — A rapidly-growing perennial, and one of the hardiest of the family. The plant is very useful for covering dry, sunny banks. The stems are quite prostrate, creeping along the ground, with an abundance of three to five-lobed leaves of large size. The brick-red flowers, each lj inches in diameter, are produced freely on long stalks, and show well above the leaves. The plant provides a good display during the whole of the summer. It is a native of Buenos Aires, and was introduced to gardens in 1840. M. Munroanum. — In the North American Flora, Asa Gray places this species under Sphseralcea. It grows from 1 foot to 2 feet high, having procumbent, branching stems. The canescent leaves are variously lobed, while the attractive rose-red or scarlet flowers are produced in long, terminal racemes. This handsome species was discovered by Douglas on the dry plains of British Columbia, in 1826, and it was named by him in compliment to Mr. Munro, the superintendent of the Royal Horticultural Society's gardens at Chiswick. In common with all the foregoing species, it should be grown in sandy or gravelly soil, and will flower abun- dantly from June to October. In a rich soil it produces more leaves than flowers, and the leaves lose their fine, silky down. Propagation may be effected by seeds and cuttings. Malva Munro- anum and Sphasralcea Munroana are synonyms. A figure of the plant in the Botanical Magazine, t. 3537, is given under the former name. W. I. SPRINGFjELO PARK, UPPER CLAPTON. It was about four years ago that the London County Council acquired the residence and the grounds attached thereto, known as Springfield Park, at Upper Clapton. The greater part of this residential-suburb is situated on a ridge, at a con- siderable elevation above the surrounding coun- try. Springfield Park grounds, which form the termination of the ridge, overlook the wide marshland at the base, and afford spacious views in the direction of Walthamstow and Epping Forest, with Buckhurst Hill as the more promi- nent distant point in the prospect. From the grounds surrounding the mansion, the land slopes rapidly to the marshy meadows below it: and former owners had done much in the matter <>f tree and shrub planting to facilitate its con- version to a charming " open space " for the use of the inhabitants of this the most out- lying suburb of North-east London. The land immediately at the bottom of the hilly ground was also taken over by the Council, but whether this formed part of the park originally, I did not ascertain on the occasion of a recent visit to the place. The land was too wet for the "-**£'- vate ownership ; the same remark holds good for many of the trees, which have suffered greatly in places from overcrowding. Mr. G. T. Dodson, the present superintendent at Springfield, may be trusted to do what is required in these respects. The floral decorations of the grounds are receiv- ing close attention at his hands, flower-beds be- ing found at all the salient points. The now old- fashioned ribbon border seems to be still one that meets with much favour from the visitors ; next to these should be mentioned the mixed bed and the herbaceous border, with its bare spaces filled with ten-week Stocks, Zinnias, especially telling being the Haageana varieties ; Malope grandiflora, Coleuscs and Antirrhinums, chiefly those having crimson or other decided-coloured blooms. A few nicely-designed carpet beds were noticed, but the season has not favoured some of the more tender plants employed. I observed some pleasing combinations of Violas and other subjects, viz., the variety Mrs. Chichester with Poa trivialis variegata. and edg- ings formed by the variegated variety of Veronica Andersonii. This last-named is readily kept tidy Fig. 71.— malvastrum campanulatum : flowers, light purple. purposes of a public park, and with the intention of raising the water level, so as to admit of it being utilised for cricket, lawn tennis, bowls, &c, 62,000 cartloads of earth have been deposited on it and levelled, so as to form a dry surface. It will be fit for playing games upon next year, the grasses with which it was sown having made good growth. Among the arboreal features of the park, I noted grand specimens of the Turkey Oak, Quercus Cerris ; the purple-leaved Beech, of which tree there are many perfect specimens; Sweet or Spanish Chestnut, Tulip trees, huge Thorns, Sweet Bays, of a size seldom observed ; Robinia Pseud-acacia, many fruitful standard Apple and Pear trees, whose crop in 1909 amounted to 60 bushels ; a few specimens of Taxodium disty- chum, Cedrus atlantica, C. Libani, and C. deo- dara. Clumps of ' 1 e old, named varieties of Rhododendron hybi am, and,R. ponticum ; also Ghent Azaleas and Azalea mollis, which, in their season, fill the air with the fragrance of their blossoms. Many of the bushes of these last are 8 feet to 10 feet in height. Like those found in old pleasure grounds generally, they need more attention than has been afforded them under pri- as an edging plant, and does not grow more than 9 inches in height in a season. Fuchsias are utilised as pillar plants or in groups on the lawns, and with good effect in even this sunless, cool summer. The varieties included elegans, Charming, Mrs. Roberts, Western Beauty, Marinka, a variety with a crim- son corolla and sepals, free in flowering ; Arabella, like Rose of Castile, but a better flower, and Ballet Girl. A long border of Violas was very bright, even when seen from afar. The plants were grown in blocks of one variety only. The fol- lowing were among the finer colours : — William Neil, pale rose, distinct; Duchess of Fife, C. B. Riding, Blue King, Lady Dundonald, Bullion, and Lilacina. The park possesses several entrances, near to which the best floral effects were massed. At one of these is an example of the ribbon border, con- sisting of Pelargonium bicolor and a Zonal variety, Pentstemons, and Calceolaria floribunda ; oppo- site to this bed was another of bushes of Fuchsia in mixture, tall Plumbago capensis, Campanula pyramidalis in blue and white varieties, Abutilon 180 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 3, 1910. Thompsonii and other varieties, Francoa, Lobelia cardinally and Fuchsia Meteor. Another border was planted with Pentstemon Norma, a scarlet bloom having a white throat ; P. Victoria, a very fin© scarlet-flowered variety ; P. Major Sexby, Helianthus, Dahlias, Sweet Peas of fine quality in the flowers, shrubby Phloxes, and Pentstemon Newbury Gem, a dwarf plant bearing scarlet flowers of a slender form. A bed of H.P. Roses has done well this year, although the land hereabouts is too light for the Rose. It had an edging of Montbretias showing flower-spikes in plenty. The park possesses a small lake of serpentine shape, but seeing that there is such a big expanse of water in the immediate foreground, it appears somewhat out of place. F. il. The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Dendrobium. — Among Dendrobiums now in bloom, the rare D. Hookerianum (chrysotis) is the most conspicuous ; its rich, golden-yellow flowers have a dark purple-blotched centre and fimbriated lip. This species is, in many respects, different from the majority of the others in the genus ; the flowers are developed on spikes, which arise from the pseudo-bulbs whilst the growths and leaves are quite fresh and green, and the younger shoots still growing vigorously. The in- florescences appear on the growth formed during the previous summer. The plant is continually growing, for long before one growth is completed another has made considerable progress. For many years, this Dendrobium was, by many, con- sidered to be far more difficult to manage than its congeners, but suspended to the roof of the Cattleya house, in an ordinary flower-pot, and given a shallow layer of Osmunda fibre to root into, it grows freely and satisfactorily. Another rare and distinct Dendrobium which is nearly al- ways in bloom is D. glomeratum. This species and D. subclausum thrive best when suspended to the roof of a cool, intermediate house. All three species require to be kept fairly moist at the roots at all seasons. D. superbum, and its rare and lovely varieties Burkii, Dearei, and Huttonii, also such tall-growing species as D. Dalhousieanum, D. fimbriatum, D. f. occulatum, D. clavatum, D. moschatum, together with the hybrids D. Dalhou-nobile, D. illustre, D. Arthur Ashworth, and D. porphyrogas- trum should, by this date, be accommodated in the hottest house, and have liberal treatment till their growth is finished. Such uncommon species as D. capillipes, D. nodatum, D. gemel- lum, D. quadrilobum, D. macrostachyum, D. bur- sigerum, D. bicameratum, D. amethystoglossum, D. crumenatttm, and D. cumulatum also require plenty of heat and moisture when growing actively. Mil/onia ■vexillaria. — The present is the best time for repotting Miltonia vexillaria, because the new growths that are developing will soon commence to form roots, and, owing to the quan- tity of water needed whilst the plants are grow- ing freely, the compost becomes partially ex- hausted. The plant loses naturally a number of its old roots every year; these may be cut off, and the plants supplied with fresh sweet compost. Previous to repotting, it is advisable to closely examine the growths for the presence of small, yellow thrips, which harbour low down in the young growths. If any are detected, dip the plants in some safe insecticide, rinsing them afterwards in clean, warm, soft water. M. vexil- laria is a shallow-rooting plant, and forms numerous fibrous roots, which push their way just over and under the compost ; for these rea- sons, a rather wide but shallow root run is bene- ficial to them. The receptacles should be filled with clean crocks to about three-quarters of their depth, and to render the drainage material secure, put a layer of Sphagnum-moss over it. The compost may consist of Osmunda fibre, Poly- podium fibre, and Sphagnum-moss in equal parts. Cut t'..ese materials into moderatelv-fine pieces, mixing them well together and adding plenty of small crocks. Keep the base of the plant on a level with the rim of the pot, and carefully work the compost amongst the living roots, finishing with a layer of live moss. Rather light potting answers best ; the materials should be compressed just sufficiently to make the plant firm, and water should be able to pass through the whole compost as through a sieve. For several weeks after repotting, great care must be taken in watering the plants. For a time, it will suffice to merely sprinkle the surface by means of the sprayer or a fine-rose watering can, the principal object being to induce the surface moss to grow. As the roots lengthen and growth becomes vigorous, the supply of water should be increased. If placed in the coolest part of the Cattleya house and properly attended to, the plants soon become re-established. Carefully shade the foli- age from sunshine till the plants are well rooted in the new soil. The late-flowering varieties, as M. v. rubella, M. v. superba, M. v. Leopoldii. although their flowers are smaller than those of the type species, are well worthy of culture. This being their flowering season, they should be staged in the intermediate house, but when growth re- commences, the same treatment as advised for M. vexillaria will suit them. The distinct hybrid M. Bleuana and its variety nobilior are now forming their new pseudo-bulbs, and copious root- waterings are necessary. Both varieties should be grown in the same house as the M. vexillaria. Heating apparatus. — At this season, the hot- water appliances should be thoroughly over- hauled and put into order for the winter season. Loose or cracked sockets in the hot-water pipes should be made good, valves and air taps loosened and oiled, and overflow and feed pipes put in good order. Replace the firebars where necessary and clean out the flues around and over the boilers; the fire and ashpit doors should also receive attention. If it becomes necessary to empty the boilers and hot-water pipes, the plants in the houses should be kept on the dry side while such work is going on, and if any of the plants appear likely to suffer from dryness, only one-half the usual quantity of water should be afforded. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicarv Gibbs, Aldenham House, Hertfordshire. Propagating summer bedding plants. — This most important item in the routine of flower-gar- den management must be proceeded with without delay during the next week or so. In procuring the necessary cuttings, do not disfigure the plants more than is absolutely necessary. Pelargoniums are required in most places in the largest numbers, and cuttings of these may be removed at intervals. The growth of the plants this year is very soft, and doubtless more failures than usual will result. A capital plan is, after the cuttings are made, to lay them out thinly on a dry bottom in a sunny position, so that they may become wilted. The shoots should be in- serted firmly in a good, open compost, containing plenty of road grit for preference. Seme growers prefer to use pots and others boxes, but this is, I think, immaterial. Neither is a frame neces- sary to accommodate the cuttings, as I have seen excellent results obtained by standing the boxes on the garden walks, but, should wet weather set in,, they should be protected by garden lights. Cuttings of the Ivy-leaved section may also lie treated in the same maimer as the Zonals. The Cape species of scented Geraniums that I recom- mended in an earlier Calendar for bedding pur- poses have made excellent growth, and if cuttings of these are taken and placed four or five to- gether in a 5-inch pot, in a cold frame, they will soon root, if kept in a moderately close atmo- sphere. Cuttings of the various Fuchsias and Verbenas may also be treated in the same man- ner. For the propagation of the more tender subjects, such as Swainsonia. Salvia, Mesembry- anthemum, Streptosolen, Plumbago capensis, and Heliotrope, I prefer to root them in a heated frame or pit. where the plants may be kept near to the glass or on shelvi • :,n a warm house. For general purposes, a 5-inci pot will be found a use- ful size. Therefore, a quantity of these may be prepared by having them well washed, dried and crocked. Prepare a compost of moderately fine soil. Fill the pots, making the soil firm, and on the top place a good sprinkling of silver sand. Make certain that the base of the cutting rests on a firm base and is solid in the pot, when a good watering should be afforded by means of a fine rose. Many plants may be increased with rapidity in the spring ; therefore, it is only neces- sary to keep a few stock plants of these through the winter. Plants that may be treated in this manner are Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum, Iresine, Alternantheras in variety, Salvia, Ageratum and Verbena. Lantanas may also be similarly treated. It is an excellent plan to lift a few of these latter plants when the bed- ding is cleared. Pot them into 4^-inch pots, and stand them in a cool, shady position for a few days. Winter the plants in a warm frame or greenhouse, and, if they are introduced into a little heat in the New Year and kept well syringed, they will furnish a quantity of cuttings that will root readily in a warm pit. Plants of Lobelia may also be treated in the same man- ner, though a stock of this plant can be easily raised from seed. Cuttings of all plants require constant attention. See that the surroundings are kept sufficiently moist and do not neglect ven- tilation ; remove at once any decaying growth. When they are rooted, place them in a cooler structure, and do all that is possible to promote a hardv growth. Endeavour to keep the flower- beds as gay as possible during the few remaining weeks of summer by constantly removing dead flowers and foliage, and maintain a neat appear- ance in their surroundings to render the flower- garden as attractive as possible. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. R. Searle, Gardener to the Marquis of North- ampton, Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. Peach. — After the fruits of the earliest varie- ties of wall Peach trees have been gathered, the trees should be given a thorough syringing with some insecticide ; in addition to this, the foliage should be sprayed with clear water during fine weather, as this will assist to keep the leaves clean and healthy until they fall. Varieties that are ripening their fruits must be frequently examined, and the Peaches gathered before they are over-ripe, otherwise they will lose much of their flavour. The fruits should be gathered im- mediately the stalks part easily from the stem, and if nut required for immediate use, stored in a well-ventilated fruit room. Continue to pinch all the lateral growths, and tie back any leaves that prevent the sun's rays from reaching the fruits, for plenty of air and light will assist them in developing a good flavour. Any shoots in- tended to be removed after the crop is gathered may be shortened at this stage ; this will assist the fruits to swell and admit more air and light to the growths that will furnish next season's crops. Earwigs are specially numerous this season, and trapping must be persevered with, otherwise they will cause much damage to the ripening fruits. A pricot. — When the trees are cleared of their fruits they should be given a similar spraying to that recommended for Peach trees. After the fruits have been gathered remove any branches or useless shoots, which is a better practice than adopting severe pruning in the winter as the cut surfaces will heal more quickly now and hard pruning of the dormant wood is liable to result in gumming. Trees that are not making satis- factory growths should have their roots examined early in October, furnishing some fresh compost consisting of good loam, lime-rubble, and bone- meal. After this is applied, make the border thoroughly firm again, and give it a good soaking ot water. Trees making extra vigorous growth should be root-pruned about the same time. Strawberry beds. — Continue to pinch off the runners as they appear and keep the soil between the plants well stirred with the hoe. The showery weather has been favourable to the growth of Strawberries, especially young ones that were planted early. There is still time to plant fresh runners, selecting strong ones, taking care when the weather is dry to keep them well supplied with water. It is our practice here to plant, at a distance of 12 inches apart each way, a hatch of Strawberries for furnishing runners in the following season. These will provide early plants for pot culture, and for new beds early in the season. The flower trusses are picked off these stock plants, and only the strongest runners are allowed to develop. Before planting, the ground should be well manured, deeply dug and made quite firm again. September 3, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 181 FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, G.C.B., Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket. Pot trees. — The annual repotting or top-dress- ing of fruit trees in pots may be commenced whenever the growth is completed and before the leaves have all fallen. This work should always be done in good time, particularly in the case of trees which are to be forced early in the follow- ing year. It is not necessary to repot the trees oftener than once every two or three years. In the case of those in extra large pots, the same receptacles may be used again after cutting and trimming off some of the old soil and roots. Young trees may be afforded fresh pots of one size larger than those they hav-j occupied. See that both pots and crocks are thoroughly clean; cracked pots may be strengthened by a wire hoop, otherwise the ramming of the soil may cause them to burst. The compost should consist of good fibrous loam with the addition of a 6mall proportion of clean leaf-soil, lime rubble, soot and bonemeal. A few half-inch bones may be placed over the crocks. The compost, as will as the ball of soil about the roots, should be in a fairly dry condition, for it is important that the new compost be rammed firmly, and if at all wet this operation causes it to become pasty and waterlogged. Once the work is commenced, let it be done without delay, as the roots should not be exposed to the drying influences of sun and wind. The clay rims which were fitted to the pots in the early part of the season may be cleared away, also some of the young surface roots. In filling the pots, leave suffi- cient room for a good supply of water, and the centre of the ball should be slightly lower than the sides, otherwise the water may drain to the sides of the pot, leaving the middle part dry. Those trees which are to be top-dressed may be turned out of the pots, and the old drainage re- placed with clean material. Newly-potted trees may be stood in the open, and the pots plunged to their rims. If hot, dry weather prevails, a gentle syringing late in the afternoon will help to preserve the foliage until it is matured and ready to drop naturally. Later in the season when frosts threaten, a layer of long litter may be spread over the ground to protect the roots and pots. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By John Donoghce, Gardener to Joseph Pickersgill, Esq., Bardon Hill, Weetwood, Yorkshire. Filtonia. — Autumn-raised plants of Fittonia are useful for furnishing a groundwork to other subjects of the stove or for planting in hanging baskets. Cuttings inserted around the edges of small pots oi shallow pans root readily. Fit- tonias revel in warm, mioist conditions, and should never be allowed to suffer from dryness at the roots. Pancratium. — The plants are passing out of bloom, and their ripening must be proceeded with gradually. The amount of moisture ap- plied to the roots must be gradually reduced and a lower temperature maintained, but they should not be allowed to become so excessively dry as to shrivel. Expose them to full sunshine and plenty of fresh air After the foliage has withered, place the pots on their sides, but ex- amine them occasionally to see if water is neces- sary. Clerodendron Balfourii. — As the plants pass out of bloom, prepare them for their resting stage, taking care to have the wood thoroughly well ripened. The young shoots must not be allowed to flag. The weaker and useless ones are best removed, as this will allow the others to have all the light and air possible. When the shoots are properly matured place the plants in a temperature of 50° to 55°. Cyclamen. — Seeds may now be sown for rais- ing next season's stock of plants. If shallow pans are available, these are most suitable and may be filled to within half an inch of the sur- face with a finely-sifted compost, consisting of, in equal parts, loam, leaf-soil (Oak), and Bedford- shire sand. It is essential that the pans should be thoroughly cleansed and dry previous to filling them with the soil, and an abundance of drainage material is also essential. The Cyclamen is fre- quently slow in germination, and ample drainage will prevent the soil from becoming sour. After the soil in the pans has been watered and allowed to drain for a few hours, the seeds should be sown thinly and covered lightly with some fine soil. Place a sheet of glass over the pans ; stand the seed pans in a frame or pit having an atmo- spheric temperature of about 60° and keep the frame close. After the seedlings have been some- what hardened by gradual exposure to the light, they may be afforded a position near to the glass. Cyclamens succeed best when grown in an even temperature of about 55° ; ventilation must be afforded carefully, so as to prevent cold winds from injuring the foliage. Cyclamens which were raised about this time last year are looking extremely well. They may now be given a light top-dressing of some chemical fertiliser and an occasional watering with soot-water. Thej may be removed to their winter quarters any time during September. Extreme care must be exer- cised in applying moisture, as the young flower- buds are very liable to damp off. Watering is best done before noon, and the surroundings must be kept drier during the evening. Aphis and thrips are very injurious to Cyclamens, and it is advisable to fumigate the house occasionally. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Kitchen Garden Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Potatos. — No time should be lost in harvesting the Potato crop, as the weather has been un- favourable and, where disease sets in, the tubers will be seriously affected. In this district, the haulm has withered earlier than usual, and some varieties are already badly affected with late blight, Potatos should be placed in an airj shed for a few weeks before their removal to the clamp or Potato shed for the winter. This will permit of their examination occasionally with a view to removing diseased tubers, [t is often more convenient to store them in sheds, as they can be examined in rough weather, when out- side work cannot be performed. After lifting the crop burn all the diseased tubers together with hanlm. French Bedtot. — Seeds should be sown in pots for a batch of French Beans to furnish a supply of pods at the end of October and throughout November. Pots with a diameter of 7 inches should be three parts filled with loamy soil made moderately firm, covering the seeds to the depth of about 1 inch. Place the pots on a bed of ashes in the open until the approach of cold weather, when they should be removed to some li^-hl and airy structure. Syringe the plants duly during fine weather to keep red spider in cheek.' Cabhuijr. — Plants from the earliest sowing will now be ready for transplanting in a sheltered position. If the ground has been manured for a previous crop, it will not be necessary to further enrich it. but the surface should be' broken up with a digging fork. Plant in drills made 18 inches apart, making the soil firm about the roots, and afterwards furnish liberal supplies of water, until the plants are growing again freely. Should slugs be troublesome, dust the ground with hot lime late in the evening or very early in the morning. The main planting of Cabbage Should be made about September 20. Celery. — This crop will need considerable attention to produce the best results. Before earthing up the plants, the trenches should be soaked with weak liquid manure. The earthing up should be done at intervals, and care should be taken not to allow any of the soil to fall into the centres of the plants. Celery that has been already partially moulded will still require water, but this must be applied carefully, so as not to wash the soil into the hearts of the plants. A good system is to make drills on either side at a short distance from the Celery and to fill these several times with water, filling in the 6oil again when the roots have been thoroughly soaked. Sweet Marjoram. — Some of the plants may be lifted from the border and potted into 7-inch pots. The most suitable compost is a mixture of three parts loam and one part leaf-soil, with a little rough sand to keep the soil open. After the plants are potted, they should be placed in a shady position until the roots are active, when they may be exposed to the sun out-of-doors and remain in the open until frost sets in : during cold weather the protection of a cool pit will be necessary. Mint. — Mint that was propagated last Bpring from cuttings should now be cut down and the roots allowed to remain dormant until required for the forcing pit in November. The roots should then be lifted carefully and placed on a mild hot-bed, where they will soon produce large quantities of young, green shoots. Sorrel. — Plants intended for forcing should be treated in a similar manner to that advised for Mint. Carrots. — The April-sown plants will be ready for lifting. The roots should be stored in a cool, dry shed, placing sand amongst them in sufficient quantity to exclude the light and keep them moist. Avoid placing the roots too closely to- gether, as they will be liable to become heated and deteriorate. Beet. — Early-sown Beet should be stored in the same manner ; if Beet is allowed to remain in the ground after the roots have attained their full size, it becomes coarse and unfit for use. THE APIARY. By Chloris. Feeding. — Feeding is undertaken in the autumn generally with one of two objects in view, namely, w'ith the idea of stimulating the queen to produce plenty of eggs, for the bees raised now are those which will live through the winter to raise the brood for next season ; or to make up the quantity of food requisite for all purposes until the bees can gather a further sup- ply next spring. Too much strees cannot be laid upon the necessity for raising as much brood as possible, because the queen will only lay that number of eggs which can be kept at the re- quisite temperature, and this can only be dour' by the brood being covered with bees. When a colony is weak in the spring, progress is greatly retarded, and honey production endangered. With regard to the second reason for feeding, it must be remembered that, for a colony to pass unaided through the winter and spring," the hive should contain about 30 lbs. of sealed food. Some bee experts recommend that when food is given for stimulative purposes, it should be givi n slowly, and for this reason it is best to employ a feeding bottle with a perforated metal cap, con- taining about nine holes. The great objection to this method of slow feeding is that it takes the bees a long time to appropriate the syrup, and, consequently, what rerfiains in the feeder gets cold and robs the hive of its heat. How to feed bees. — Take a piece of wood about 6 inches square and half-inch thick; cut a circu- lar hole in the centre about 2^ inches in diameter, and also make a hole in the quilt about 2 inches square, leaving the fourth side to be turned back as a flap. Over the hole place the wood, so that the two holes coincide. Fill a jam bottle to the brim with syrup and tie over the mouth one or two thicknesses of canvas or muslin. When placing the syrup over the feed-hole in the stand, first place temporarily over the mouth of the bottle a piece of paper to prevent the escape of any of the liquid before the bottle is placed in position. When the bottle requires refilling, use the smoker to drive down the bees from the hole and cover it with a piece of slate or glass. Al- ways heat the syrup to 90° or 100°, and when the bottle is placed in the hives wrap it up warmly with quilts to prevent the escape of the heat. How to make syrup. — The syrup used at this season of the year should be thicker than that used in the spring or summer. The objections to thin syrup are: it may ferment; valuable heat is utilised in evaporating the extra water ; or it may cause dysentery. Boil about five pints of water, add 10 lbs. of cane sugar, a tablespoonful of vinegar and half a tablespoonful of salt. Let it boil a few minutes, taking great care not to allow it to burn, for burnt syrup is very injurious to bees. Always place the food in the hive in the evening, when the bees have ceased work, so as to prevent robbing. Feeding should commence not later than the middle of September, so that all may be completed by the end of the first week in October. This year it will be very important to examine the hives care- fully in September to see if the bees require feeding. To those who are unaccustomed to judging the amount of food necessary for a hive, the following is a good guide : there should bo about 3 square feet of sealed food. i.e.. about two full frames, and six or seven half-filled. 182 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 3. 1910. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on one side only of the paper, sent as earlv in the week as possible and duly signed by the writer. 1/ desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee 0/ good faith. •Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sendingto the Editors early intelligence 0/ local events likely to be 0) interest to our readers, or of any matters which it is desirable to bring under the notice of horticulturists. Illustrations.- The Editors will be glad to receive andto select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c, but they cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be carefulto mark the paragraphs they wish the Editors to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER. ■SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8- Soc. Franc. d'Hort. de Londres meet. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6— Scottish Hort. Assoc, meet. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7- Roy, Caledonian Hort. Soc. Autumn Sh. in Waverley Market, Edinburgh (2 days). THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8- Nat. Dahlia Soc. Exh. at Crystal Palace (2 days.) London Branch of B.G.A. Excursion. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12— United Hort. Ben. & Prov. Soc. Corns, meet. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13- Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 3 p.m. by Mr. C. Herman Senn, on "The CookinK of Vege- tables.") British Gard. Assoc. Ex. Council meet. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15— Nat. Rose Soc. Autumn Sh. in R.H.S. Hall, West- minster. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16- Sheffield Chrys. Soc. Early Show (2 days). TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20— Nat. Dahlia Soc. Exh. at Royal Bot. Gardens, Regent's Park (2 days.) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24- Brussels International Show (Ex. of Fruit and Market Garden Produce) (4 days). TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27— Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 3 p.m. by Mr. Arthur W. Hill, on " South America in its Relations to Horticulture,") WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28— Nat. Vegetable Soc. Exh. at Roy. Hort. Soc. Hall, Westminster. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 58-9°. Actual Temperatures: — London.— Wednesday, August 31 (6 p.m.) : Max. 66' ; Min. 52". Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street. Covent Garden, London— Thursday, September J (10 a.m.): Bar. 303 ; Temp. 65"; Weathtr— Sunshine. Provinces. — Wednesday, August 31 ; Max. 61° Reading ; Min. 56" Yorkshire. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY and FRIDAY— Dutch Bulbs, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 10.30. WEDNESDAY— Trade Sale of Liliums Harrisii and longiflorum ; Roman Hyacinths and Thousands of other Bulbs in Variety, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Prothetoe & Morris, at 1. FRIDAY— A portion of the " Oakdene " Collection of Orchids, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 1. The Under the title of Atjricul- lorticuitural tural and Botanical Explora- Exploration tion in Palestine, the United of States Department of Agri- Palestine. Culture has just issued* the results of Mr. Aaron Aaronsohn's investiga- tions into the possibilities of the Orient as a source whence new varieties of plants of economic importance may he introduced into the United States. •United States Department of Agriculture: Bureau of Plant Industry. Bulletin No. 180. August, 1910. As Mr. Aaronsohn points out in his intro- duction, America has already derived a num- ber of valuable plants from Oriental coun- tries ; hard Wheats from Russia and Turkey, seedless Grapes and Figs from Smyrna ; and he is confident that this list will be extended very considerably in the near future. Nor, having regard to the similarity in climate between such Oriental countries as Palestine and the desert regions of the Western States, would this prediction appear to be unduly optimistic. The sole consideration which would tend to cause this estimate to be ac- cepted with hesitancy lies in the fact that, though the climate of Palestine is character- ised by a markedly dry season, the winter temperature is not low. Consequently, though the plants introduced from that region might be expected to withstand drought, they would probably prove susceptible to cold. This, however, is a question which experiment alone can decide. After a short sketch of the climate of Pales- tine, the writer proceeds to treat of the vege- tation of that country. He points out that, though the extent of Palestine is something like one-twentieth that of California, the num- ber of species which it contains is about the same, namely, 3,000. It is significant that, as Mr. Aaronsohn notes, chalk-loving legu- minuous plants are well represented in the flora, and that species such as Medicago, Melilotus, Trigonella, Astragalus, Trifolium, and others are very rich in species. To the nitrogen-fixing powers of these plants is due, in large measure, the fertility of the soil. Among the plants which Mr. Aaronsohn recommends for introduction into the United States are several species of Zizyphus, of which Z. lotus is mentioned as bearing a fruit (dom), which is eaten by the Arabs, and lias the taste of dried Apples. He suggests that many of the wild species of Rosaceae will be found useful as stocks in fruit cultivation. The wild Almond, Amygdalus communis, which is common in Palestine and Syria, should prove valuable in providing stocks for Almond and Apricots grown on dry and non- irrigable, lands, and Amygdalus orientalis, possessed of great capacity of resistance both to heat and cold, and growing at altitudes as high as 5,000 feet should make a good stock on poor soils in barren regions. Of the Palestine species of Primus, the writer mentions Primus microcarpa, P. ursina (Bear Plum), and P. cerasia. The last- named species possesses a fruit which resembles a Damson in taste and appearance, and is probably, in Mr. Aaronsohn's opinion, the prototype of the cultivated Damson, the name of which is said to be derived from the word Damascus. The species of Crataegus to which particu- lar attention is called are Crataegus azarolus, C. orientalis, and C. sinaica. Experiments have shown that these species make excellent stocks for Pears. The last two species have the additional advantage of growing well in dry, calcareous land. Another plant which the writer considers to be a very promising Pear stock is the wild Pear, Pyrus syriaca. We draw particular attention to the fact, which Mr. Aaronsohn points out, that some races of this species, which form a shrub of 20 to 30 feet high, grow in very moist locali- ties, and even in almost swampy ground. We hope that those interested in fruit cultivation will carry out experiments into the value of some of the stocks which we have mentioned for service in this country. Both Palestine and Syria are particularly rich in Apricots, which are graf ted generally on the Almond. Mr. Aaronsohn obtained eight varieties from Damascus alone, and he makes the notable observation that when they are grown under similar conditions of soil and climate, there are fully two months between the times of ripening of the earliest and latest varieties. Mr. Aaronsohn recommend?, the introduction and trial of the various plants we have named, and also of oriental varieties of Figs and Grapes. Other sections of the report deal with forage plants and cereals indigenous to the country. In connection with the latter group of plants it is urged that a thorough botanic-agronomic explora- tion of Palestine and the neighbouring regions should be made without delay. Though, from the nature of the case, it may be that Mr. Aaronsohn's discoveries and recommendations are not as a general rule likely to be of value for this country, yet it cannot be doubted that they will prove of the greatest importance to other parts of the British Empire, and particularly to South Africa and Australia. We commend, there- fore, this excellent bulletin to all who are in- terested in the improvement of horticulture in the Empire, and, in particular, to the authorities of the countries we have named. There can be no doubt that, with the help of the new knowledge, though we may not cause the desert to blossom as the Rose, many of the waste places of the earth may be won back to fertility. The most important lesson which we in this country have to learn from the story of the enterprise in horticultural explora- tion shown by the Americans, is that it lies with us to make similar investi- gations with the object of ameliorating our own varieties of cultivated plants, and especially of fruit trees. Year after year, we have to record failures, more or less severe, of such crops as those of the Apple. Not in- frequently, this failure is due to frost at the flowering period. In other words, it is caused by the incomplete hardiness of our varieties. Here, therefore, is a promising and important field for experimental investigation ; the pro- blem being to breed varieties of Apples which, whilst possessing the high qualities of our best varieties, shall prove resistant to low temperatures. Our Supplementary Illustration repre- sents a plant of the handsome Sobralia mac- rantha alba in the collection of Sir John Edwards-Moss, Roby Hall, Torquay (gr. Mr. Luckhurst). The plant, when photographed, had 21 flowers ; the next day more than 30 were fully expanded, and altogether it has produced about 100 flowers this season. The first white Sobralia macrantha was S. macrantha Kienasti- ana, flowered by Consul Kienast-Zolly, of Zurich, in 1888. Since that time the white- flower, d form has appeared in other importations, and has been given the more appropriate name " alba," although there seems to be no variation from the original. Sir John Edwards-Moss gives the following particulars of this plant and of other Orchids in his collection: — "The Sobraliaa are staged against the back wall of the Cattleya- house. I bought the plant in 1903, when it had September 3, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 183 five or six small stems. It was potted on, ami is now so large that we shall probably have to divide it into four next year. It is grown ir. the best fibrous loam with a little peat and broken crocks added, and the plants are liber- ally watered whilst making their growths. I gather that a photograph of a specimen of Cattleya gigas (Warscewiezii) was also sent with the one of the Sobralia. It is generally believed that the formation of a seed-pod on a plant of this species has often the effect of making a mournful end of it. Now, I have found that, as a matter of fact, the joys of maternity stimu- late it to increased effort, and this is an instance of a plant carrying a seed-pod and yet sending out an excellent flowering growth with six blooms. On taking up the floor trellis for cleaning pur- poses, three good, large, seedling Orchids were found on the lower side of the battens. What they are we cannot imagine, but the event is in- teresting. Our Odontoglossums grow remarkably well, part of them in a house under condi- tions which I should at one time have thought ■quite unsuitable, and yet they do as well in the Mexican-house, where the temperature runs up rather high during the daytime, as they do in the cooler Odontoglossum-house. What helps us here, I think, are the nights, as, being near the sea and at an elevation of 500 feet, they are always cool. In those tropical days last year- August 6 to 15 — when the day temperature was very high, on only four nights during the whole summer did the minimum temperature exceed or even touch 60° Fahr. I am sure you will ap- preciate what an advantage that is for Odonto- glossum crispum especially." We commend the concluding remark to the notice of other Orchid growers, for, as we have frequently urged in these pages, the ensurance of low night tempera- tures is one of the most important points in suc- cessful Orchid culture. Edinburgh Working Mens Flower Show. — The committee of this show lias awarded five special prizes for exhibits at the show on August 13, these not having been previously announced. They consisted of Silver Medals, given respectively by Messrs. T. Smith & Sons, Edinburgh; Mr. J. W. M'Hattie, City Gar- dener ; Mrs. Alexander ; Mr. Jas. Whytock, and the Society ; the recipients being Mr. Robert Mackie, for window flowers; Mr. A. S. Gili.iland, the most successful new adult com- petitor; James Brown (aged 10), the most suc- cessful former juvenile competitor; James Baird (aged 10), the most successful new juvenile competitor; and Mr. J. Nisbet, who showed the best window-box exhibit. Flowers at Battersea Park. — A particu- larly notable feature of the summer bedding at Battersea Park is the extensive use made of the different varieties of Fuchsia, either as large bushes, dwarf plants, or standards. The present season has been very favourable to their flower- ing, for in hot, dry summers many Fuchsia Wooms drop off in the bud stage. Old and tried varieties are chiefly employed, the majority of the newer kinds being unsuited owing to their forge, heavy blossoms. Of dark varieties, Crim- son Globe, Scarcity, Marinka and Charming are among the best, whilst, of light-coloured kinds, Mrs. Marshall, which has been popular as a market plant for more than 40 years, is still unsurpassed. Of this sort, there are some very fine standard plants associated with the Violas referred to on p. 103, which still form one of the most delightful features of the park. Of other Fuchsias, the salmon-tinted Earl of Beacons- field and Mrs. Rundell show well their value for planting out-of-doors. There is also the old albo- eoccinea, which was sent out by Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Sons, of St. John's Wood, in the sixties. In foliage and general appearance, it resembles the light-flowered forms of the Mrs. Marshall type, and like them the sepals are white and the_ corolla brightly coloured, but the exterior of the tube is reddish, thus giving a parti-coloured appearance to the flower. Of varieties with white corollas, Mme. Cornellison is a great favourite, not only at Battersea but in all other parks. It is interesting as being one of the oldest varieties of this colour, having been distributed about 50 years ago. Its only rival is Ballet Girl, a larger and bolder flower and of good stiff growth. This variety has of late years been largely employed in gardens not only for bedding but also for greenhouse decoration. The Lantana is seen in particularly good form at Battersea, especially Lantana delicatissima. There are some splendid examples of this plant, asso- ciated with equally fine plants of Fuchsia Crim- son Globe. It also occurs in several other com- binations of flowering subjects. This Lantana is everywhere giving great satisfaction during the present season. When fully exposed to sun and air, the flowers are a purplish lavender tint, but grown under glass they are much paler. The different garden forms of Lantana are, generally speaking, less satisfactory this season than usual. Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums are on the whole very good. Associated with the Violas alluded to are standard plants of several of the bright- coloured kinds, and a few of the pretty pale mauve-tinted Colonel Baden-Powell. Large pyra- midal plants are freely employed, and, in some instances, associated with dwarfer plants. The varieties chiefly employed are Mme. Croupe (silvery-pink). Souvenir de Charles Turner (red- dish-pink), Galilee (deep rose), and Murillo (purplish-magenta). A showy bed is planted with Salvia splendens " Glory of Zurich," with " dot " plants of Abutilon Thomsonii and a bronzy-red Ricinus, and an edging of golden- leaved Pelargonium Verona. Legacy to a Gardener.— By the will of the late Mr. Thomas Sutton Timmis, of Allerton, near Liverpool, a sum of £300 is bequeathed to his gardener, Mr. B. Cromwell. Visitors to the Shrewsbury Shows will remember that some of the finest specimen plants used to be those exhibited by Mr. Timmis. In 1906, the methods of plant culture practised at Allerton were des- cribed in these pages by Mr. Cromwei.i. in his weekly articles on " Plants under Glass." Canadian National Apple Show. — An exhibition of Apples will be held in the Exhibi- tion Buildings at Hastings Park, Vancouver, from October 31 to November 5. Prizes to the amount of 25,000 dollars will be offered. The Governor-General of Canada, Earl Grey, is honorary president, and Sir Thomas Shaugh- nessy president of the exhibition. The secretary is Mr. L. G. Monroe, 7, Winch Buildings, Van- couver. Bankruptcy Statistics: Failures amongst Gardeners, Florists, and Nur- serymen.— The Inspector-General in Bankruptcy has now issued his report on the working of the Bankruptcy Act in 1909, from whicli it appears that the total number of re- ceiving orders during the year was 4,070. with liabilities as estimated by the debtors amounting to £5,804,142. The assets as estimated by the debtors were returned at £2,154.034, and the estimated loss to creditors was £5,086,131. There was a decrease of 236 in the number of receiving orders during the year, but there was an increase of £294,193 in the amount of liabilities, an in- crease of £50.542 in the amount of assets, and an increase of £277.346 in the estimated loss to creditors, as compared with the preceding year. Taking the total figures for Bankruptcy and Deeds of Arrangement, there were upwards of 7,361 failures, with total liabilities amounting to £9.714.976, and total assets as estimated by the debtors amounting to £4,186.622, or an estimated loss to creditors of £7,777.412. As compared with the figures for the preceding year, there was a decrease of 567 in the number of failures, a decrease of £1,653,420 in the amount of liabilities as estimated by the debtors, and a decrease of £1,462,243 in the amount of assets, and £762,596 in the estimated loss to creditors. The total number of Bankruptcy notices issued was 5.721, i f which 2.860 were by debtors and 2.510 by creditors. The number of petitions withdrawn by creditors was 144, number dismissed was 1,054, of which 767 were in the High Court an. I 287 in the County Courts. In a comparative table attached to the report showing the total failures under Bankruptcy and Deeds of Arrange- ment for the past five years, the Inspector-General in Bankruptcy gives the following figures with regard to gardeners, florists, and nurserymen, from which it appears that in 1905 there were 31 failures, with liabilities amounting to £27,065. In 1906 there were 32 failures, with liabilities of £62,343. In 1907 there were 45 failures, with liabilities of £35,467. In 1908 there were 48 failures, with liabilities of £43,811, whilst in 1909 there were 48 failures and liabilities amount- ing to £32,764. It will thus be seen from the above figures that last year there was a decrease in the amount of liabilities of £11,047 as com- pared with 1908. Another table attached to the report gives particulars of the liabilities and assets of women who failed in various trades and occupations, from which it appears that in 1909 one woman carrying on business as a market- gardener had a receiving order filed against her, with liabilities amounting to £72 and assets £11. One woman carrying on business as a market-gar - dener executed a deed of assignment with liabilities amounting to £219 and assets £137, making a total of two failures, with liabilities amounting in the aggregate to £291 and assets £148. Foot and Mouth Disease in Yorkshire. — The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries has made an order revoking, as from Monday, August 29, the Yorkshire (Foot and Mouth Disease) Orders. The effect of the rescinding order is to withdraw all the general restrictions on the movement of animals which were imposed by the Board in con- nection with the outbreaks of foot and mouth disease in Yorkshire. Dunfermline Rose Show.— At a meeting of the Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, held in Dun- fermline on August 25, the trustees decided to award a Gold Medal to .Messrs. Dobble & Co., Edinburgh, for their exhibit of Sweet Peas ; and a Silver Medal to Mr. James Angus, Penicuik, for his group of Carnations, at the recent Dun- fermline Rose Show. Gift of Norfolk Park to Sheffield.— Norfolk Park, an estate of about 60 acres, the use of which the Duke of Norfolk has permitted to the citizens of Sheffield for some years, was on Saturday formally presented to the city. This gift increases to about 160 acres the extent of land which the Duke had given to Sheffield for parks. Mr. H. Coverdale presented the deed of gift on behalf of the Duke, who was unable to be present; and the Lord Mayor, Lord Fitz- william, in accepting the document on behalf of the inhabitants of the city, expressed hearty thanks to the donor for his munificence. Mr. Coverdale stated that the Duke thought that, in the event of the estate ever coming into the hands of trustees, they might be advised to cut up the beautiful park for building purposes, and it was in order to avert that risk and to secure the park to the public for ever he decided to offer it to the Corporation. — Times. 1S4 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [September 3. 1910. The Decorated Dessert Tables at the Shrewsbury Show. — With respect to the com- petition in the class for a decorated dessert table at the recent Shrewsbury Show, readers will re- member that our report stated that the published list of points was scarcely satisfactory. The honorary secretaries have since informed us that the judging of the exhibits occupied four hours, which accounted for the delay in making the awards and for the hastily-compiled point-lists. As the pointing in such a class has very great interest for fruit cultivators, we have pleasure in publishing more detailed lists of the 1st and 2nd prize collections, now kindly furnished by the secretaries. These are as follow : — First Prize Exhibit Shown by the Duke of Westminster (Gardener, Mr. N. F. Barnes). Points Awarded. Maximum No. of Points Awarded Dishes. No. of Points Each Dish. Total. for each No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No. 4 Dish. Dish. Dish. Dish. Dish. Apples 7 64 7 5* 6* 25} Apricots 6 5 — — — 5 Figs 7 6 — — — 6 Muscat of Alex- andria 11 (1)9 (2)8 — — 17 Other Muscats tS: Black Hanibro' 10 (3) 71 (4)7 (5) 7* — 22 Other Grapes ... 9 (0)8 17)7 — — 15 Melons 8 7 7 7 6 27 Nectarines 8 8 64 6* 6 27 Peaches 8 7a 6J 7 7 28 Pears 8 6* 6* 6 6 24 Plums 6 5 — — 5 Beauty of Flower &c 6 — — — — 5 General Arrange- ment 6 5 211J Second Prize Exhibit Shown by the Earl of Harrington (Gardener Mr. J. H. Goodacre). Points Awarded. Maximum No. of Points Awarded No. of Each Dish. Points Total. for each No. 1 No. 2 No. 3 No.4 Dish. Dish. Dish. Dish. Dish. Apples 7 6 61 7 — 194 Apricots 6 4i — — 44 Figs 7 5 i>* — — 10* Muscat of Alex- andria 11 (1)7 (2)6 — — 13 Other Muscat* & Black Ham'uio' 10 (3)7* (4)9 (5)9J — 26 Other Grapes ... 9 (til 5a (7)8* — — 14 Melons 8 lit 6 5* i>h 23* Nectarines 8 e 6 5* — i,'4 8 7 6* 6) 'i 27 Pears 8 6\ 6* 6*. 6 254 Plums 6 5 5 — 10 Beautyof Flowei &c 6 — — — — GeneralArrange- nient 6 44 2004 Honorary Decrees for Botanhts. — In connection with the visit of the British Associa- tion, the University of Sheffield will confer the honorary degree of Doctor of Science on a num- ber of leading representatives of science in this country, including Professor Bateson and Mr. Francis Dabwin. Association of Austrian Tree Nursery- men.— The third meeting of this association is to be held on September 4 to 6 at Teplitz, Austria. At the close of the meeting excursions will be made to Eisenberg and Seestadl, in order to visit the nurseries and park of the Duke of Lob- kowitz, and to Dresden, Germany, where the more important nurseries of the neighbourhood will be inspected. The chairman of the meet- ing is Mr. W. Klenert, nurseryman, of Graz, Styrie, Austria. Flowers in Season. — Messrs. Kelway & Son, Langport, Somerset, have sent us spikes of some remarkably choice Gladioli, the blooms showing extraordinary size and handsome colour- ing. The varieties were : — Duke of Richmond (bright rose), Dr. Hastings (a suffusion of light salmon on a pale ground). Prince Henry of York (orange-scarlet, a very fine flower), Nonpareil (very large, white and purplish-crimson mark- ing .). Snowdon (a fine white variety, with mauve- faced stamens), and Lady Inchiquin (rose-pink, splashed with carmine, and a blotch of yellow on the lower segment). We are given to understand that arrangements will be made in future for the judging of this class to commence at 9 o'clock a.m., as was sug- gested in our report. There is also a proposal that an additional judge shall be appointed to assist the two judges who have hitherto dis- charged the onerous duties imposed by this par- ticular competition. The points awarded for each dish will be displayed as soon as possible after the completion of the judging. School Gardening in South-Western Scotland. — The annual distribution of prizes to those pupils who have chiefly excelled during the last summer in the practice of amateur horti- culture was made by Mrs. McDouall, of Logan, at Port Logan School, in Kirkmaiden, on Monday of last week. After distributing the prizes to the successful competitors, Mrs. McDouall congratu- lated the latter highly on the wonderful dimen- sions of the vegetables and the effectiveness of the flowers. In many instances so close was the competition that the judges had considerable difficulty in arriving at their decisions. English Sugar Beet.— Sugar Beet grown in England was exhibited for the first time at a stand in the New Corn Exchange on August 22. It was cultivated in the Sleaford district of Lin- colnshire, and the six roots on show at the New Corn Exchange were from an excellent crop now being grown as the result of many experiments with Beets of one variety and another for the purpose of producing the kind best suited for the manufacture of sugar. According to The Times, the products of these trial growings, which amount to several thou- sands of tons, have been bought by Dutch sugar refiners at 17s. per ton. delivered in Boston, Lincolnshire. The refiners pay the fri mlit of these roots to Holland, and send them back again in the form of granulated sugar, pay- ing not only the return freight, but the sugar duly of £1 16s. 8d. per ton, and nevertheless make a profit. The object of the cultivators of the Sugar Keel in Lincolnshire, however, is rather to encourage the manufacture in this country of at least a portion of that supply of sugar which is impjrted from abroad. The roots seemed to be in fine condition. They were said to be double the weight and of equal sugar content to the Beet grown in Germany. The produce of the crop in Lincolnshire is 25 tons to the acre. Women as Gardeners and Farmers. — At the recent congress on women's work at the Japan-British Exhibition, the subjects discussed included lady gardeners and lady farmers, this part of the programme being arranged by the Hon. Frances Wolseley, Head of the Glynde School for Lady Gardeners, assisted by Miss F. Wilkinson, Head of the Swanley Horticultural College. Lady Falmouth occupied the chair. Miss Jessie Smith read the first paper on lady gardeners. She wisely advised a lady student in gardening to serve, if possible, under an efficient head gardener after leaving college, and before taking up a post. The Hon. Mrs. Gell followed on the subject of openings for teachers in Nature Study. Mr. Inigo Triggs next read a paper en " Garden Design." He said the immense ad- vance of late years in domestic architecture made many realise the close connection between the house and garden, hence the growing demand for expert and well-trained garden design' i a. Miss Dunnington said that, in jobbing garden ing, the possibilities to a girl of originality and imagination are very great. Miss Dixon read a paper dealing with " Market Gardening." a ' branch which she said called especially for busi- I ness-like qualities, enterprise, and hard work. Dealing with lady gardeners in the Colonies, .Miss Turner said there was no place there for lady gardeners pure and simple, but if a girl had a J knowledge of cooking and washing and could 1 turn her hand to other work, there was opportu- nity for her, especially in Canada. Miss B. Jones gave an account of gardening in America, and | Mrs. Sowerby read the final paper on " Lady Florists." At the conference on lady farmers, papers were read on the different branches of farming, including poultry-keeping, dairy-mak- ing, fruit-preserving, bee-keeping, and pony- breeding. Weston-super-Mare Flower Show. — Mr. C. J. Ellis, Weston Nurseries, Weston- super-Mare, was awarded the Coggins Challenge Cup, together with two guineas in money, offered for the best exhibit of a group of plants arranged for effect in a space of 75 feet, Mr. W. Brooks. Whitecross Nurseries, being placed 2nd. The two large classes for groups of plants were staged along the centre of one of the tents, and in re- porting the show we regret to say that we con- fused the two classes, a mistake which, as we I understand, was committed by the judges, who originally made their awards on this basis. Mr. Ellis was also awarded a Silver-gilt Medal for a non-competitive group. Aberdeen and North of Scotland Col- lege of Agriculture. — The calendar of this college, just issued, gives details of the scheme ; of instruction for the session 1910-11. Included \ in the scheme is a course of 50 lectures in forestry, for the purpose of enabling the student to qualify for the B.Sc. (Agric.) degree. This course is specially recommended for intending factors, land stewards, landowners, and all WM have to do with the management of land. It is also suitable for those who hope to enter the employment of proprietors or land companies abroad, as economic botanists, or in any similar capacity. For foresters or those who intend to make a special study ■>(' forestry, and those who wish to prepare fur the forestry diploma granted by the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, the further course, extending over an additional 50 meetings for lectures and practical work, will be necessary. There is a considerable demand for forestry officials by the various Colonial Governments. Departments of forestry- have been started by most of the colonies, and these are likely to develop extensively in the near future. For practical work, through the liberality of several landed proprietors, excellent facilities are afforded to intending students. The close proximity to Aberdeen of large wooded areas, place it in a very advantageous position for the teaching of forestry. Shorter courses of lectures are also to be provided, both at the college and at centres throughout the college dis- trict, wdiere there are suitable and sufficient wooded areas. The college authorities are also prepared to give assistance to school boards and teachers in the matters of advice on the plan- ning, laying-out, equipment, and general work and management of school gardens within their area. In this connection the members or tne county staffs are prepared to visit schools to give personal assistance with the work of school gat- dens. In order to still further promote this work excursions for teachers will be arranged to schools where gardens are already in operation. September 3, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 185 GRAPES AT THE REGENT SHREWSBURY SHOW. I made a close inspection of the more promi- nent exhibits at the recent Shrewsbury Show, and it was evident to me that the excellence of the show was well maintained in all the chief classes. In the Grape classes, good quality was a predominating feature, and those Grapes not remarkable for their flavour were at a compara- tive discount. I did not, for instance, note any bunches of Black Alicante in the chief exhibits in the champion class, nor did I see any of Gros Bolmar, nor yet, again, of that once much-lauded rariety, Diamond Jubilee. In glancing over the names given in the Hardeners Chronicle report on p. 147, I notice that Gros Maroc was the only variety the quality of which can be called into question. All the rest shown in both the 1st and 2nd prize stands are noted for their excel- lence. This was most gratifying to me, an old exhibitor and grower, who has always maintained that quality should predominate. This result lias undoubtedly been brought about by allotting the maximum number of points to those only that are of the finest quality. I did not, however, note any well-finished bunches of Mrs. Pince, one of the most difficult Grapes to grow to perfection. Neither was Appley Towers nor Alnwick Seedling prominent, so far as I could see, in any large collection. Neither of these varieties is really needed in august or in September. They are both easy to Brow and the berries colour readily, but the quality is only second-rate. Of white Grapes other than Muscats, the best, to my mind, were Lady Hutt in Mr. Barnes's exhibit, and Buck- Bind Sweetwater. Lady Hutt is a Grape well worthy of more extended culture, being hand- some in appearance when shown as these were, and of most refreshing flavour. Those of Buck- land Sweetwater were, I thought, the best 1 have ever seen as regards finish, but I doubt if their flavour equalled their good looks. I was ferry not to observe any good examples of either .Mrs. Pearson or Dr. Hogg. Both are splendid white Grapes when well grown, much better in every sense than either Foster's Seedling or Buckland Sweetwater : neither of the latter can be compared to them, though they are easier to grow, hence they are more often shown. It is a pleasure to record the presence of so many well- tinished examples of Black Hamburgh, but not one bunch appears to have been staged in either the 1st or 2nd prize exhibits in the champion class. This is regrettable, and does not put this" line ..Id Grape in its proper position. No ex- 6 Be could be urged on the ground of unfavour- able season, for it has been quite suitable in every respect. Madresfield Court was also staged in splendid condition: it is evident that the require- ments of this grand Grape are now thoroughly well understood. If I were restricted to growing one black Grape only I should select Madresfield t'luit Black Muscat. Chasselas Napoleon won the 1st prize for " any other white Grape," a poor variety at its best. It was gratifying to note that there were not any outstanding bunches remarkable for their individual size. Perhaps the largest were those of Madresfield Court, the berries of which were well coloured and of good size. Referring more particularly to white Grapes, both Muscat o'f Alexandria and Canon Hall Muscat were staged in splendid condition, the berries being in most cases of full size, and the colour in many instances all that one could wish. There was also an absence of shrivelling, as is sometimes seen in Muscat of Alexandria. I do not remember to have seen so many good bunches of Muscat Grapes at Shrewsbury for some years past. Lovers of quality in flavour would like to see some encouragement given to such high-class Grapes as Muscat Champion, Ascot Citronelle, Grizzly Frontignan, Ferdinand de Lesseps. Dr. Hogg, White Frontignan and Royal Muscadine. If a class were devoted to, Say, four of these varieties, it would be possible for present-day growers to see upon the show- boards some of the finely-flavoured and most re- freshing Grapes of a quarter of a century back. One is led to think also of those Grapes that came forth with much flourishing of trumpets, e.g., Duke of Buccleuch. Golden Champion, Diamond Jubilee and Melton Constable. Two old black Grapes not needed are Barbarossa and Black Prince, nor do we require either White Tokay or Trebbiano of the white kinds. West's St. Peter's appears to have dropped out of culti- vation, which is to be regretted, for it was an excellent Grape in October and November. I am Imping to see good results from Prince of Wales when its culture is better understood. It should be a fitting companion to Lady Downes. Vitis. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Storm at Naseby Hall. — A severe storm, accompanied by thunder and lightning, occurred here on August 29, about mid-day. From half- past 1 p.m. till about five minutes past 2 p.m. close upon half an inch of rain fell. A. Gooden, Naseby Hall. The New "Group- Class at Shrews- bury.—The illustration in fig. 57 of the first- prize exhibit in the new " group " class at Shrewsbury does not suggest any striking or novel features. That was the opinion of all who saw the new groups. Modelled, as they were, on the older decorative plant groups, and with no lack of similar material, they were distinctly disappointing to all who looked for something original, not only in arrangement, but also largely in material. The committee should with- draw their class for 15 large specimen plants, as these are out-of-date. They could add the prizes in that class, amounting to £42, to the £57 10s. offered in the new group class, making, roughly, a sum of £100, and divide this into prizes of £30. £25, £20, £15. and £10, at the same time greatly increasing the spaces allotted to each group, and require that aquatic, semi-aquatic, and hardy plants, with water effects, should be the dominant features, so as to induce some of our leading hardy plant growers to enter. Such a class would then provide 6cope for exhibits which would indeed interest and delight all who saw the in. But it should be a condition that between each group there should be footways of at least 4 feet, so that the public could see them from all sides. Visitor. Judging at Shrewsbury Flower Show. — As usual, I read with much interest the report of this exhibition. Having acted as a judge uii and off for more than 40 years, I was keenly in- terested in the remarks on the decorated fruit tables. Three hours and a half may seem a long time for adjudicating, yet when it is con- sidered that there were 150 separate decisions to come to, apart from the decorations, a trifle under one and a half minutes for each dish is not too much. Whatever may be said against point judging, it is clear that in classes such as this no other method is so applicable. Your reporter hit the i i'_rlit nail on the head in insisting that judging should begin earlier. In large classes, it is wise to have three judges, one to write the points and act as referee. Seven points are ample in any class, and there is no need for hair- splitting by having half points. In cases of equality a general look after pointing would settle the matter. For decorations, I would sug- gest as a maximum double the number for each dish, viz., 14 points. The cards to be placed on the tables should be so printed that each dish has a consecutive number up to 30. As showing that the principle underlying point judging is not new, the following may be mentioned. My first experience in judging was in 1866 at Old Basing, a well-known village in Hampshire. My colleague was the late Mr. James Smith, of Basingstoke. In the cottage garden classes there wras a keen competition. Mr. Smith came pre- pared with a penny memorandum book, with the names of the vegetables and small fruits alpha- betically written therein, as many pages as there were entries. A space was provided for herbs and the general condition of the exhibit at the end of the tables. Lrstead of numbers, g., v.g., v.v.g., i.e., good, very good, very very good, were allotted, and man} gardens have since been judged l'\ in self and others on the same prin- ciple. York.ili.ire. Gardener. Judging at Local Flower Shows. -The subject referred to by Kingston Bill, on p. 166, is worth discussing. In my opinion, too much importance is attached to Leeks at the summer Bower shows, and, in a lesser degree, to Celery. Kingston 11 ill says: "Surely it is to a gar- dener's credit to produce things out of season." But how many employers would appreciate a dish of Leeks in June or July? I make bold to say not one in ten. While a dish of Peas might be appreciated as a luxury in mid-winter, the average employer would not thank his gardener i producing Leeks, Celery, and Parsnips for use m midsummer. Celery and Leeks are favoured by exhibitors more for effect in an exhibit, or as a background to their collections, than for their usefulness in that particular season. In the same way, Tomatos add colour and attractive- ness to an exhibit. My experience is that the demand for Leeks as a culinary vegetable is very limited at any season of the year. Again, Beet is more in demand all the year round tor salads than is Celery. .7. /'.. Bramley. If it is asked " When is a vegetable out of season?" u is equally pertinent to ask "When is it not in season'.'" Green Peas, French Beans, new 1'otatos, or Asparagus may not he in season at Christmas, but win. would dream of rejecting them on that account? If under cool storage, Seakale was so retarded as t" tiinush delicious blanched heads in July and August, would judges disqualify a collection of ables in those months if it was included? If tin- conditions of a class absolutely forbid not . Plane Trees and Throat Troubles (see p. 105).— Men engaged in these nurseries have complained on several occasions that Plane trees are injurious to health. The first time it was brought to my notice was some five years ago, when two men were trimming the stems of young Planes. It was either in late June or earlv July, and there was a considerable number of young stem-growths to cut away. The weather was hot and close, and after the first day both men were in a condition much resembling' a bad attack of hay-fever. The eyes were red. swollen, and painful, and the nose and throat verv sore ami inflamed. Their complaints of a pricking sensation in these organs first led to a suspicion that the Planes were responsible, and subsequent examination confirmed it. After they had been away from the Plane trees for two or three davs both got as well as ever again. Since that time, the work of trimming the branches has been hit until after the fall of the leaf. The hairs on the leaf of the Plane are very minute, and in the mass are like a lot of down, but their pointed charac- ter can easily be seen by an ordinary magnifying glass. They' are most plentiful at the time' the leaves reach their full development. J. Chirk, I/' rs. J. Waierer & Sons' Nursery, Bagshot, Surrey. Nandina domestic*.- I was pleased to read in the report of the Shrewsbury Flower Show that this bright-foliage plant was employed in some of the exhibits in the new " group " class. Its value appears to be little appreciated, but when cultivated as a pot plant for conservatory- decoration, or planted out in a warm, well- drained soil, it always claims attention. This new class opens up a wide scope for exhibiting many hardy plants, which can be cultivated to greater perfection by affording them a little pro- tection in winter. W. H. Clark, Hampton, Middlesex. Dodder. — Referring to Mr. H. S. Thompson's note on p. 166. if this plant is more abundant than usual in Hampshire and Dorset it must be abundant indeed ; for I have never seen it so plentiful as in suitable country within a 20 -mile radius of Bournemouth. Harold Evans, Llan- ishen, Cardiff. ISO THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Septembeb 3, 1910. Queen Wasps. — I beg to confirm Mr. A. Groves's note. Many years of observation have convinced me that the number of queens of the social wasps appearing in spring is no indication of the strength of the swarms to be expected in autumn. That seems to be regulated by some conditions, meteorological or other, which have not yet been detected. Herbert Maxwell, Man- reith. Earthworms.— The all too brief article on earthworms on p. 157, from Mr. J. Willis, is most instructive. Great ignorance exists as to the valuable work done in the soil by common worms. From all sorts of people who possess gardens, and especially those who have lawns, complaints as to the action of worms and re- quests for information as to how to get rid of them are common. Not one of these people have any knowledge of the beneficial work done in the soil by worms. These creatures may be a nuisance when they get into flower-pots contain- ing plants, and must be expelled; but in the open ground, or on lawns, they are of great bene- fit. Mr. Willis rightly mentions how frequently their casts on lawns are swept up and taken away. It is far wiser to have them evenly dis- tributed by using a long birch broom backward and forward, as then the casts soon become food for the grasses. A. Large Gooseberries (see p. 172).— May I correct a slight error in reference to the fruit of the variety London, weighing 37 dwt. 7 grains, grown by John Flower, who was my grandfather? This berry was grown at Little Stoke, a village near Stone, Staffordshire, and the same berry was shown at Cheadle, Bootle, Staffordshire, and at Birmingham, where it won a cup. Gooseber- ries weighing over 30 dwt. are quite common in and around the district of Stone, Staffordshire. Harry Smith, C'asllerigg Manor Gardens, Keswick. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. August 30. — The exhibition at the meeting held on Tuesday last in the Society's Hall pro- vided a very pretty display. Hardy flowers were the most numerous, including large ex- hibits of Dahlias and border flowers, especially Delphiniums, Phloxes, Pentstemons, and early- flowering Chrysanthemums. But the most note- worthy exhibit was a collection of new plants raised from seeds sent home by Mr. E. H. Wilson during his last expedition to China, and shown by the Hon. Vicary Gibbs (see fig. 72). There were about 700 plants in all, representing 200 species and 400 varieties. This outstanding ex- hibit was awarded a Gold Medal. The Floral Committee granted 12 Awards of Merit, six being given to new Dahlias. There were several good groups of Orchids ; the Okchid Committee recommended one First-class Certificate, three Awards of Merit, and one Botanical Certificate. There was very little before the Fruit and Vegetable Committee beyond a group of hardy fruits and a collection of Melons, but the Com- mittee granted four Awards of Merit, one to a Melon and three to varieties of Tomatos that had been grown at Wisley for trial. At the afternoon meeting in the Lecture Room, Mr. J. H. Priestley read a paper on " The Effect of Overhead Electrical Discharge upon Plant Growth," a subject to which reference was made in these columns on June 18, p. 406. Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. Chas. T. Druery, James Walker, T. W. Turner, Geo. Reuthe, John Green, George Gordon, J. W. Barr, J. F. McLeod, Arthur Turner, Chas. E. Pearson, W. P. Thomson, \V. J. James. E. H. Jenkins, Geo. Paul, A. Kings- mill, E. A. Bowles, W. B. Cranfield, Jas. Hud- son, and Herbert J. Cutbush. The collection of new and rare species of Chinese plants (see fig. 72), shown by the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstiee (gr. Mr. Edwin Beckett), was the outstanding fea- ture of the exhibition. The seeds, collected by Mr. E. H. Wilson in Western China, were sown 32 months ago, and many of the subjects were already of large proportions. The 700 plants included many which are new to science and unnamed. Amongst the more striking were : — Vitis megalophylla, with large, pinnate, hand- some foliage, quite distinct from V. armata ; varieties of V. sinensis; Vitis (134) and (235), both handsome species, with striking silvery re- verse to the foliage ; Vitis (603), a strong grower and quite distinct; V. Delavayi ; Rubus coreanus, R. innominatus, R. conduplicatus, R. lasiostylus, all strong growers ; R. irenaeus, a prostrate plant, suitable for planting in the shade ; R. omiense ; and R. polytrichus, quite distinct, and one of the handsomest of all vines. Cotoneasters were represented in great variety, including C. applanata, C. rugosa Henryi, C. acutifolia, and C. humifusa, a particularly hand- some, trailing plant; Viburnums, including V. rhytidophyllum, and an unnamed, striking plant, numbered 1288. Clematis Soulieana has pale- yellow, tubular flowers, possessing a sweet per- fume; C. Armandii has deep-green, glossy foli- age. Liriodendron chinense has very large leaves; Piptanthus (885). of which Mr. Wilson speaks highly; Styrax (884), Hydrangea (772) which Wilson describes as the best in China ; Stranvsesia undulata and S. (1064), both shown in fruit. Liquidambar formosana possesses deep- bronze foliage. Of Rubuses there were Rubus Lambertianus, an excellent subject for pillars or massing ill beds, as is R. Playfairi, with leaves similar in outline to those of R. bambusarum. but totally distinct ; the densely tomentose R. Parkeri ; and R. ichangensis. with a glaucous metallic lustre. Barberries were shown in great variety, many being useful for the margins of shrubberies and the rock-garden. Berberis 564 is. apparently, a fine form of B. Wallichiana. Other genera noticed were Pyrus, Poliothyrsis sinensis, Schizandra (a fine climber), Cercis chinensis, Rosa, including R. sericea (179), with very elegant leafage, Chimonanthus, Ailanthus, Prunus, Spiraea, Ptelea, Schizophragma, Ehretia, Zanthoxylum, Acer, Cocculus, and Staphylea. (Gold M'edal.) Roses. Messrs. Frank Cant & Co., Rose Gardens, Braiswick, Colchester, showed blooms in con- siderable numbers, and considering the unfavour- able character of the weather of late, these were in most instances in very good condition. There were pyramidal stands 3 to 4 feet in height of the Lyon Rose, Frau Karl Druschki, Gottfried Keller", Mine. Caroline Testout, Mme. Melanie Soupert. and others. Among the vases of less height there were to be observed blooms of Mis. J. Laing, Edouard Meyer, Earl of Warwick, Mme. Abel Chatenay, Prince de Bulgarie, Farben Konigin, Harry Kirk, La Tosca, Lady Ursula, Papa Gontier, Mrs. John Bateman, and Konigin Karola. (Silver Flora Medal.) A bright stand or Roses was put up by Messrs. W. & J. Brown, Stamford and Peterborough. The blooms were remarkably bright and fresh, and embraced a good selection of popular kinds. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Ferns. Messrs. H. B. May & Son3, Upper Edmonton, exhibited exotic species in large numbers and in the best cultural condition. Nephrolepis exaltata in variety occurred frequently. Other remarkable species were Lomaria ciliata princeps, a garden form, Nephrolepis Duffii, Davallia fijiensis elegans, D. tenuifolia, Adiantum Mayi (dwarf and distinct), and Lomaria discolor. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Dahlias. Messrs. James Siredwick & Son, St. Leonards, Sussex, exhibited a stand of new varieties of Cactus Dahlias. Showy blooms were observed in Viscount, a flower of a deep scarlet colour ; New York, coppery red, the tint being most intense in the outer florets ; Irresistible, a very large flower, having a canary-yellow centre with a rosy tint towards the margin; and Beauty of Sussex, a flower of a lovely rosy purple colour. Messrs. Carter, Page & Co., London Wall, had the largest group of flowers in their display of Dahlias. The varieties were princ:pally of a Cactus type, but all the other sections were repre- sented. "The method of staging was very pleas- ing, the blooms being interspersed with Kochia scoparia, Asparagus Sprengeri and trails of Ampelopsis, with vases of grasses and sedges at intervals. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Mr. H. Shoesmith, Woking, showed a stand of Cactus Dahlias of the variety Prima Donna, a white flower with a tinge of green at the base of the florets. Mr. S. Mortimer, The Nurseries, Rowledge, Farnham, was an exhibitor of Cactus varieties and a few show varieties. *j Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Lowfield;- Crawley, had many Pseony-flowered Dahlias, also single, and small and large Cactus varieties ; these last, being of the thread-floreted section and of large size, made an imposing show. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. H. Cannell & Sons, Swanley, Kent, showed large numbers of Cactus and Paeony- flowered Dahlias. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., The Nurseries, Feltham, exhibited very fine Pseony-flowered and thread-petalled Cactus Dahlias. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Mr. Chas. Turner, Royal Nurseries, Slough, exhibited a large number of single and double- flowered varieties of the Pseony section (Bronze Flora Medal) ; and Mr. Brazier, Nurseryman, Caterham, showed Cactus-flowered varieties, to- gether with a display of perennial hardy flowers. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Bakers. Wolverhampton, exhibited large numbers of Dahlias, and these consisted mainly of Paeony-flowered varieties. The colour effect of the large display of blooms was gor- geous, and would have been more pleasing had some greenery been employed as a foil. (Silver- gilt Flora Medal.) Greenhouse Plants. Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nur- sery, Chelsea, showed in flower several varieties of their Javanico-jasminiflorum hybrid Rhodo- dendrons, viz., Hercules, Balsaminiflorum Rajah, Indian Yellow, Primrose, President ; cut blooms of nine distinct varieties of Streptocarpus, a new and much-improved type, having larger flowers, and finer colours and markings ; the selfs in particular were great improvements. Plants in flower of the fine new varieties of Canna indica gave a blaze of colour. Bouvardia Mrs. R. Green, B. jasminiflora paniculata, B. Maiden's Blush, B. The Bride, B. Vreelandii, and B. Reine des Roses were very pretty looking after the surfeit of colour in the Dahlia exhibits. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Stuart Low & Co, Bush Hill Park, Enfield, showed plants of Rochea falcata, finely flowered; Diplacus glutinosa, Grevillea Preissii, Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles, a dwarf species of Pomegranate from Japan with flowers exter- nally of a scarlet colour, Tremandra verticillata, and others. A group of a yellow-ground, border Carnation with red markings was exhibited under the name of The Dowson, by the raiser, Mr. Chas. Dow- son, Middlesbrough. Hardy Herbaceous Perennials. Mr. W. H. Young, Mercury Nursery, Rom- ford, showed a fine, bright-crimson-coloured Pentstemon named Southgate Gem, the flowering portion of the stalk having a length of 18 inches. Messrs. Paul & Son, the Old Nurseries, C'hes- hunt, N., showed extensively. The finer sub- jects included Rudbeckia atropurpurea, a flower that has a distinct, rich tint; Senecio clivorum, a new introduction ; a Physalis, somewhat resem- bling the larger-fruited P. Franchetti, but less vivid in colour ; Helenium magnificum, H. grandicephalum striatum, with gold-yellow and brown-coloured flowers; H. aurantiacum, Eryn- giums, Chelone obliqua, and a quantity of shrubby Phloxes. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. Bakers, Wolverhampton, showed sum- mer Asters in bewildering variety, mostly posses- sing distinct colours. Especially fine blooms were those of Giant Perfection, of a bright carmine tint; some compact, dwarf-bedding varieties m crimson, blue, rose, and bright cerise, also Mig- rion Asters in various colours, Incurved Giant, Pajony-flowered. and several more. Mr.' L. R. Russell, Richmond, showed a large collection of hardy Heaths, including Erica vul- garis, E. cinerea, and E. vagaris, together with Menziesia polifolia. In all there were 21 varie- ties. Opposite to these, on the floor, Mr. Rus- sell arranged a fine group of red and yellow- flowered Celosias, staged in an attractive man- ner, with a bank of fine standard Fuchsias at one end. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Mr. G. Reuthe, Keston, Kent, exhibited some uncommon shrubs and a selection of interesting September 3, 1910. J THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 187 garden flowers. Amongst the former were Ber- beridopsis corallina, Eucryphia pinnatifolia, and Tamarix hispida. The sweetly-scented Artemi- sia lactiflora, also Gloriosa superba were in- troduced in the group. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. B. Ladham & Sons, Southampton, showed varieties of Lobelia syphilitica, the must striking being Pink Bedder. The variety Sala- mander has flowers of an intense scarlet hue. Mtsssrs. Barr & Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, showed Phloxes in variety, likewise Pentstemons, Lobelia cardinalis Queen Victoria, Hi improvement on the type. Delphiniums, Sum- mer Asters, Pansies, and Gladiolus gandavensis varieties. (Silver Banksian Medal.) The Guildford Habdy Plant Nursery had a pretty exhibit of hardy Alpine plants, includ- ing the. blue-flowered Platycodon grandiflora, and a large assortment of border Phloxes. (Sil- ver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Gwnn & Sons, Olton, Birmingham, had a very attractive exhibit of perennial Phloxes, in most of the newer and best varie- ties. Very pleasing is the. soft mauve variety named after Miss Ellen Willmott. Le Mahdi is a fine purple variety, and others that were especi- ally good are King Edward VII., reddish car- mine ; Elizabeth Campbell, white with a rose- pink centre ; Lilian, a good white variety ; Wil- bur Wright, new, with reddish orange flowers ; Josephine Gerbeaux, one of the finest of old sorts ; and Lord Rayleigh, the best blue Phlox. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. \V. Wells & Co., Merstham, also showed border Phloxes largely, in addition to Pentstemons, border Chrysanthemums, peren- tone with buff shading, the petals being much frilled at the margins and stained with crimson near the base. From M. Vilmorin, Paris. Gladiolus Le Luna. — A variety of the G. nancieanus section. The creamy blossoms are heavily marked with crimson and flushed with rose in the upper petals. Shown by Messrs. Barr & Sons. Dahlia Leander (single). — A shapely flower of moderate size, coloured maroon i>nd crimson m flakes and stripes. Exhibited by Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley. 7in/i/iii Theresa (Cactus). — The florets are cream and blush. Dahlia Guinevere (Pompon). — A model flower of rosy salmon hue. the florets at the base being of a buff shade. It is one of '.he most distinct Fig. -J2. -COLLECTION OF NEW CHINESE PLANTS EXHIBITED BY THE HON. R.H.S. MEETING ON AUGUST 30. VICARY GIBBS AT THE Cimicifuga cordifolia with elegant spikes of cream flowers, and Rudbeckia pinnata with pale yellow flowers and a conical black disc. Phloxes were well shown by this firm, especially good being Jeanne d'Arc, white, and Josephine Ger- beaux, white with a crimson eye. Messrs. Whitelegg & Page, Chislehurst, showed fine spikes of Gladiolus brenchleyensis, ;'lsi> the beautiful King of Delphiniums, Lilium auratum and L. Wallichianum sulphureum, these latter being extremely beautiful. Other novelties included a double-flowered Scarlet Geum named Mis. J. Bradshaw and a bright- red Pentstemon called Southgate Gem. Messrs. James Box, Liadfield, Sussex, staged some extra good inflorescences of Watsonia Arder- nei alba, in a group of other hardy flowers that embraced good Delphiniums. Gladioli, Liliums. nial Asters, Anchusa italica, and other season- able garden flowers. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Mr. Amos Perky, Enfield, Middlesex, again made a handsome group with blue and dark- flowered Delphiniums, set off by banks of Arte- misia lactiflora and a few other hardy subjects, such as Lythrum roseurn. Notable varieties of Delphiniums were Madame Violet Geslin, blue; King of Delphiniums, blue, double white centre; Lizzie van Veen, pale blue with a white eye ; Belladonna grandiflora. opal blue : Amos Perry, rosy mauve, with u. black eye; Lamartin, tur- quoise blue and snow-white centre , and Duke of Connnught, crimson purple, with a white eye. (Silver Flora Medal.) Awards of Merit. Gladiolus Saf ratio. — The flowers are of yellow of its race. These two Dahlias were shown by Mr. Charles Turner, Slough. Dahlia Mrs. Douglas Fleming (Cactus). — The long, narrow, incurving florets are creamy white, the flower-head being of good exhibition standard. Dahlia Crystal (Cactus). — A distinct and re- fined variety ; the florets are coloured rose-pink and tipped with white. Both these were shown by Messrs. J. Stredwick & Son, St. Leonards. Dahlia Garden Yellow (Cactus). — The name is suggestive of a decorative variety, though the variety belongs to the true Cactus type. It is a self-coloured flower of much merit. Exhibited by Mr. H. Sholsmith, Woking. Lobelia Sam Barlow.— A variety of the L. cardinalis section. The refined-looking blossoms, 188 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 3, 1910. which are freely borne on tall spikes, are of a rose-salmon shade. It is very distinct and a fine acquisition amongst Lobelias. Exhibited by Messrs. Bare & Sons, Covent Garden. Phlox Elizabeth Campbell (see fig. 73). — A distinct and effective variety of P. decussata, the handsome blossoms being of a clear salmon-pink flushed and starred with white at centre. From Messrs. Wii, Wells & Co., Ltd., Merstham. Bose Daphne. — A Polyantha variety said to be perpetual-flowering and mildew-proof. A card stated that it flowered from June to autumn, and there was a certain freshness in the exhibited sprays which carried conviction. The colour is delicate and pleasing, of the shade known as pale apple-blossom. Exhibited by the Rev. J. H. Pemberton, Havering-atte-Bower. Buddhia variabilis gigantea. — The inflores- cences are very large — in all probability the largest yet exhibited, but the flowers do not differ materially in colour-effect from some others in cultivation. Exhibited by Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Elstree (gr. Mr. E. Beckett). Orchid Committee. Present: J. Gurni'ey Fowler, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), Harry J. Veitch, de B. Crawshav, Henrv Little, R. G. Thwaites, F. J. Hanbury, Walter Cobb, J. Charlesworth, H. G. Alexander, W. H. Hatcher, A. Dye, W. H. White and Gurney Wil- son. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park (gr. Mr. Collier), staged an interesting group of pretty species, in the centre of which were two fine specimens of the orange-scarlet Lselia mono- phylla, each with many flowers. With them were several fine forms of Masdevallia Chimaera, Cryptophoranthus Dayanus with unusually fine flowers, Cirrhopetalum guttulatum, the pretty Maxillaria striata, Sigmatostalix radicans, and the new Polystachya paniculata. Lieut. -Col. Sir George L. Holford, K.C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander), sent the very hand- some Leelio-Cattleya Lustre magnifica and other fine hybrids. (See Awards.) De B. Crawshay, Esq., Rosefield, Sevenoaks (gr. Mr. Stables), showed a selection of fine Odontoglossums, including his new and very re- markable Odontoglossum Theodora (Rossii x tri- umphans), with showily-marked flowers, the influ- ences of the diverse characters of the parents being manifest in the peculiar manner of the elonga- tion of the inflorescence. -Mr. Crawshay aleo showed a finely-blotched 0. crispum near to the variety Queen of the Earth, a peculiar form of Odontioda Bradshawise, the very beautiful white Odontoglossum crispum Mrs. de B. Crawshay. and the extraordinary O. Lambeauianum Star- light, the flowers of which are dotted with small rose spots. J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Glebelands. South Woodford (gr. Mr. J. Davis), showed Cattleya Rhoda Fowler's variety (Iris X Hardyana), an unique plant, quite different from the ordinary forms in that its flowers are shaped like those of C. Hardyana, and of the same size. The sepals and petals are pale primrose-yellow, the lip being almost, entirely deep rose-purple. H. S. Goodson, Esq., Fairlawn, Putney (gr. Mr. G. E. Day), was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a 6elect group, in which the finest plant was Cattleya Rhoda Fairlawn variety (see fif;. 67), which secured the only First-class Cer- tificate awarded. With it were several very fine forms of Cattleya Adula, a good white Angu- loa uniflora eburnca. Cattleya Atalanta with a fine spike, C. Gaskelliana alba with six flowers, Cypripedium Wiertzianum having a fine show of bloom on three spikes, the prettily-marked Odon- toglossum Goodsonise, 0. ramosissimum, Mil- tonia spectabilis Morelianla, Cypripedium Rossetti, and some Sophro-Lselias. Francis Wellesley, Esq., Westfield, Woking (gr. Mr. Hopkins), showed Cattleya Lady Chance with bronzy sepals and petals and claret-purple front to the lip, Lselio-Cattleya Mrs. Philip Hen- rique, an intensely dark-coloured flower of the L.-C. Dominiana class: and L.-C. Mrs. Phayre (L.C. Norba X 0. Dowiana aurea). with creamy- yellow sepals and petals, and rose-tinted lip with gold veining. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Haywards Heath, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a showv group, in the centre of which were several grand specimens of the beautiful Vanda ccerulea. There was also a good selection of hybrid Orchids, including Lselio-Cattleya Elva of fine colour, L.-C. Elvina, very dark and attractive; L.-C. Venus Leeana, a distinct hybrid, as well as Sophro-Lselio-Cattleya Marathon and other hy- brids with Sophronitis grandiflora, and the very interesting Oncidioda Charlesworthii (Oncidium incurvum X Cochlioda Noezliana), with slender, scape like the Oncidium parent, and pale mauve flowers, more nearly resembling Cochlioda vul- canica in colour and form than the orange-scar- let C. Noezliana. Other choice plants noted were Bollea Lalindei pallida, Odontoglossum bic- spikes of spotted flowers being furnished with large, similarly-coloured bracts ; various Odon- tiodas, Cattleya superba, C. Hardyana, C. Gas- kelliana Princess, a pretty white form ; Miltonia vexillaria Leopoldii, a selection of showy Lselio- Cattleyas, the forms of L.-C. callistoglossa being specially attractive ; the pretty white and frag- rant Brasso-Cattleya Pocahontas, Pilumna nobilis, Sophro-Lselio-Cattleya Dana?, and others. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Royal Exotic Nursery, King's Road, Chelsea, showed a large form of Cattleya Hardyana, which was specially interesting in that the yellow on the [Photograph by John Gregory. Fig. 73.— phlox Elizabeth Campbell; colour salmon pink with white centre. (Award of Merit at R.H.S. meeting on Tuesday last.) toniense album, various hybrid Odontoglossums, Brasso-Cattleyas, and Stanhopea ligrina. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for an extensive and well-arranged group, m which were many interesting species. The centre of the exhibit contained the very handsome yellow Oncidium Marshallianum, and in front of this were Cirrhopetalum Mastersianum, the feather- lipped Bulbophyllum barbigerum, B. papillosum with long racemes of purple flowers. B. Godseffia- num, Cyrtopodium punctatum, the branched lip of each flower varied, one being veined, as in C. aurea, and another with blotches on each side of the lip, as in the other parent — C. Warscewiczii. Mr. E. V. Low, Vale Bridge, Haywards Heath, was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group in which were several fine varieties of Cattleya Adula. the Vale Bridge variety securing an Award of Merit. Others noted were Cypripe- dium Maudia?. Odontoglossum Uro-Skinneri album, and a light-coloured hybrid between C Gaskelliana alba and C. Harrisoniana. September 3, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. iS'J Messrs. J. & A. A. McBean, Cooksbridge, sent the pure-white Odontoglossum ardentissimum album, with large and finely-formed flowers. Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, staged a fine group, for which a Silver Flora Medal was awarded. The central plants were three of the large, white Dendrobium Sandera;, which is one of the finest of recent introductions. Other rare plants noted were Ladio-Cattleya Gaston Doin, with yellowish si-pals and petals, and rose-purple lip; a very fine L.-C. Hy. Greenwood; Cattleya Chainberlainiana ; the pretty and extremely rare blue-veined, natural hybrid Vanda aimena ; Cattleya fulvescens ; Coelogyne Micholitzii; the dark-scarlet Odontioda Devossiana ; and some pretty, hybrid Odontoglossums. Messrs. Mansell ' & Hatcher, Rawdon, Yorks., showed Eria bractescens, a pretty species, with whitish flowers and purple-tinted lip, the bracts at the base of the flowers being conspicuously displayed. The Trustees of the late E. Rogerson. Esq., Didsbury, Manchester (gr. Mr. W. G. Price), showed Cattleya \\ avriniana, with a very fine spike; Miltonia Rogersonii, like a large, pale M. vexillaria; M. Bleuana; and the small form of M. vexillaria, with a very dark base to the lip. AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Cattleya Shoda Fairlawn variety (Iris x Hardyana) (see fig. 67), from H. S. GoonroN, Esq., Fairlawn, Putney (gr. Mr. G. E. Day). A very finely-coloured hybrid. Sepals and petals reddish-purple, with a bronzy hue; lip broad and openly-displayed, claret-crimson, with gold lines from the base ; column white. Awards of Merit. Lalio Catthya Golden Oriole car. tigrinu (L.-C. Charlesworthii x C. DowianaJ, from Lt.-Col. Sir George L. Holford, K.C.V.O. (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander). A very hands, me hybrid, with very richly-coloured flowers, six of which were on the one spike. The ground colour is chrome-yellow, the spaces between the veining being dark Indian red. The lip is ruby-crimson with gold veins from the base. The combination of colours and arrangement of the flowers is most attractive. Cattleya Hardyana Holford's variety, from Lt.-Col. Sir George L. Holford. K.C.V.O. The broad sepals and petals are rosy -lilac; the labellum, which is reddish-claret colour, being among the darkest in tint of any of this favourite natural hybrid. There is a bright yellow veining at the base of the lip, and yeUou patches on either side of the tube. Cattleya Adula Vale Bridge variety, from Mr. E. V. Low, Vale Bridge. Haywards Heath. A very large flower, the lip especially being unusually broad. The sepals and petals are pale rose-pink on a cream ground ; lip magenta-rose. Botanical Certificate. Dendrobium Karoense, from Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., K.C.V.O., Burford (gr. Mr. W: H. White). A singular little species from the region of New Guinea, and with features widely separated from Dendrobium as generally known, although the flowers seem to agree there- with. The habit of the plants is that of a small Pleurothallis or Stelis, the single flowers appear- ing at the apex of the growth and the base of the leaf. The flowers are small, white, the upper sepal narrow, the lower two broad, and arranged beside the lip ; petals linear. Cultural Commendation. To Mr. W. H. White (Orchid grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence. Bart.. K.C.V.O.) for a very large specimen of Platyclinis fiiiformis, with a large number of its slender racemes of yellow flowers. The chairman referred to the great loss which the Orchid Committee had sustained since the last meeting a fortnight ago by the death of two of its members, Mr. H. A. Tracy and Mr. W. Boxall, ajid also by the death of Mr. Jas. McBean, who, although not a member of the Orchid Committee, was respected by all its mem- bers and whose son, Mr. A. A. McBean. was a member of the Committee. A vote of condolence and sympathy with the widows and relative" was passed. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: G. Bunyard, Esq. (in the Chair), and Messrs. A. H. Pearson, C. G. A. Nix. W. Poupart, H. S. Rivers, W. Bates, J. Davis, G. Wythes, Owen Thomas, J. Jaques, A. R. Allan, G. Hobday, W. Fyfe, C. Foster, E. Beckett, A. Dean, G. Gibson, and H. Markham. Mr. Stewart Lloyd, Wychbold Hall Gardens, Droitwich, showed a dish of a useful, medium- sized Kidney Potato named Hale's Early. It was decided to ask Mr. Lloyd to send tubers to Wisley for trial next year. The Hon. Vicary Gibes, Aldenham House, Elstree (gr. Mr. E. Beckett), showed shoots of the tall and handsome Chenopodium amaranti- color, a coloured, branching Spinach-like vege- table. As plants are growing at Wisley, it was agreed to have some leaves cooked for the Com- mittee to taste on the 9th inst. Mr. Beckett spoke in high terms of the plant as a vegetable. .Mr. E. Dyke, Melbourne Park, Somerset, sent a dish of an Apple said to be a seedling from Annie Elisabeth. The Committee desired to see fruits again later in the season. Sir Robert Harvey, Langley Park, Slough, exhibited two fruits of the .Mango about the size of large Pears. The flesh was of most delicious flavour. A Cultural Commendation was recom- mended by the Committee, but the Council after- wards changed the award to a Silver Banksian Medal. Messrs. S. Si>oonek & Sons, The .Nurseries, Hounslow, staged a collection of 30 dishes and baskets of Apples, the fruits being remarkably clean and well grown; also a dish of fine Monarch Plums. The cooking Apples included Lord Suf- field, Frogmore Prolific. Earl} Victoria, Castle Major, Golden Spire, Ecklinville Seedling, Domino, Grenadier, Lord Grosvenor, Stirling Castle, Potts's Seedling. Ringer, anil Early Rivers, resembling Lord Suffield. The d< ' varieties included very fine Lady Sudelev, Wil- liams's Favourite, a conical, red striped fruit ; Worcester Pearmain, and Duchess of Gloucester. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) A batch of medium-sized bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes was shown by C. G. A. Nix, Esq., Tilgate House. Crawley. These had been grown on one rod of 15 feet length, the vine being 15 years planted. The berries were well coloured and finished. (Silver Knightian Medal. 1 Mr. G. \V. Miller. Wisbech, staged a num- ber of his richly-coloured Apple Red Victoria, which is fast becoming a popular market variety. Lord Xorthcliffe, Sutton Place. Surrey (gr. Mr. Goatlev), showed 18 fine Melons, all well coloured. The largest fruits were those of Uni versal. There were also good fruits of Hero of Li clringe and the Peer. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons. Ltd.. Kind's Road. Chelsea, staged an interesting collection of well-grown and fruited Capsicum plants, which showed, in addition to their edible value, great decorative beauty, especially some of the smaller- fruited ones. The larger-fruited varieties were Mammoth Red. Scarlet Beauty, Early Belle, Chinese, Earlv Dwarf Red. Long Red. Lona Yel- low, whilst the smaller ones included Yellow Cherry, S-,,all Round Yellow, the pretty, pointed Cayenne Red. and the very ornamental Little Gem. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Awards of Merit Melon Golden Beauty. — A smooth-skinned variety with very solid, scarlet flesh of pleasant flavour. Grown at Wisley from seeds sent by Messrs. Barr & Sons. Tomato* Ailsa Craig, Carrick and Ayrshire. all round fruited and of deep-red colour, with solid flesh. They all proved great croppers when grown under trial at Wisley. From Mr. Balch, Girvan. N.B. HORTICULTURAL TRADES ASSOCIATION. August 22, 23, 24, 25.— The annual meeting took place in London on these dates, and was one of the most successful, and numerously attended of the series. Nearly a hundred nur- serymen and seedsmen from all parts of Great Britain were present. An excursion took place on August 23 to Woking and Wisley. Woking is well known as a centre of the nursery industry, the soil and climate being especially suited to the culture of Conifers and other shrubs and trees. Messrs. Jackson & Sons and Mr. Charles Slocock, who entertained the party at lunch and tea. have between them some 500 acres of nursery laud in the district planted with all kinds of shrubs, trees, Roses, &c. The visit to Wisley Gardens was also much enjoyed, and great interest taken in the trials of various subjects. The second day was devoted to pleasure, some 90 members joining in a trip up the Thames, landing at Cliveden for lunch (permission having been kindly given by Mr. Astor), and spending the afternoon in enjoyment of the glorious scenery there. Some of the party crossed over to Drop- more to inspect the famous collection of Conifers. The evenings were devoted to the election of officers for the ensuing year and the discussion of matters of trade interest, such as land taxation and valuation and Gooseberry-mildew. Mr. Peter Veitch (head of the firm of Messrs. R. Veitch & Son, Exeter) was elected president for the coming year. ABERDEEN ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. August 25, 26, 27.— In charming weather, and amid ideal surroundings, in the Duthie Public Park, Aberdeen, the 86th annual show of this admirable organisation was opened by Dr. George Adam Smith, Principal of Aberdeen University. Unfortunately, the weather was unfavourable on the succeeding days, causing a loss on the re- ceipts. It was, however, a splendid display, and one which has never been excelled in the long history of the society. This year the Malcolm Dunn Memorial Medal in Horticulture — a prize given yearly at one of the largest shows in the country — was offered at Aberdeen for the best collection of vegetables. The usual plan of erect- ing large marquees for the various divisions was again adopted, and all the arrangements were admirably carried out by the secretary, Mr. J. B. Rennett, Advocate, Aberdeen, ably assisted by a large and enthusiastic committee. Plants in Pots.— Although these were some- what fewer than usual, the display made was an exceedingly fine one. In the class for a specimen plant in flower, Mr. Alexander Brebner, Dalhebity Gardens, won the 1st prize with a grand plant of Disa grandiflora; Mr. J. Leggat, Balgownie House Gardens, being 2nd, with a fine specimen of Statice profusa. Foliage plants, if not numer- ous, were good. Mr. .John Elder, Norwood Gardi ns, was ihe most successful exhibitor. Mr. Elder, and Mr. Douglas, Kepplestone House Gardens, had the best Palms. In Ferns, there was very strong competition. They were mostly Adiantums, and Mr. Brebner, with fine speci- mens of Adiantum cuneatum, A. Victoria;, and A. gracillimum, was awarded the 1st prize. The plant of Adiantum cuneatum was nearly 5 feet in width, very dense and well grown. Pelargo- niums, although not quite so good as those shown last \ ear, were very healthy-looking plants, with fine foliage. Mr. J. W." Brechin, Ardoe Gardens, Belhelvie, won handsomely. Fuchsias were poorly shown, Mr. John Yule, Woodside, having the best plants. Begonias and Petunias could only be characterised as fair compared with what has been seen at Aberdeen in previous years. Mr. J. D. Smith, Union Grove, and Mr. Brechin, Ardoe, shared the principal honours. In the class for six plants suitable for table decoration, Mr. John Petrie, Crathes Castle Gardens, won the 1st prize. Mr. George Mait- land, Woodside, gained, for the second time, the Society's Challenge Silver Cup offered for the best table of greenhouse plants. It must, how- ever, be won three times, not necessarily in suc- cession, before it becomes an exhibitor's absolute property. Cut Flowers. — A marquee was devoted to these, , and they formed the outstanding feature of the exhibition. F.or 24 Rose blooms, H.P. and H.T., or either, named, distinct varieties, Mr. Douglas, Kepplestone House, had a most meritorious win. Mr. Brebner, Dalhebity, won the Society's Silver Medal offered for 12 blooms. Mr. Elder., Nor- wood, gained a similar award for an exception- ally fine display of Tea or Noisette varieties. Some fine Dahlias were staged by Mr. Brechin, Ardoe. This gardener also excelled with Gladioli and Asters. The latter flowers were generally very good, and there was a large entry. Marigolds were good, but much better ar..i moi-ft 190 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 3. 1910. distinctly-marked specimens have been seen at previous Aberdeen shows. They were of a good depth, however, and Mr. John Grieve, \\ ood- side, richly deserved the premier place. The class for a collection of 20 varieties of cut flowers and fine foliage bedding plants, including annuals, arranged on a space 3 feet by 3 feet, proved a delightful feature, Mr. Douglas, Kep- plestone House, and Mr. W. Scorgie, Springhill Gardens, won the 1st and 2nd prizes respectively. Mr. Brebner, Dalhebity, was awarded the 1st prize for 12 cut trusses of Zonal Pelargoniums. In the class for six bunches, trusses or blooms of stove or greenhouse plants, some exquisite Lapa- gerias were included, and Mr. Alexander Dun- can, Rubislaw Den House, gained the 1st prize easily. Orchids included fine specimens of Mil- tonia spectabilis, Cattleya labiata, Cypripedium Lawrenceanum and C. Veitchii. Pansies, both show and fancy, were shown splendidly, as the cool season has suited these flowers. The 1st prize was won by Mr. J. M. Dunn, Nellfield; 2nd, Mr. G. C. Mintt, Hilton. The Violas shown by Mr. James McLennan, Elden House Gardens, Banffshire, were much admired, and easily gained the 1st place. Mr. John A. Grigor, Seapark, Forres, had the best exhibit of Sweet Peas. In the classes for bouquets, baskets of flowers, sprays, button-holes, and other florists' work, the principal prize-winners were : Mr. J. D. Smith, Union Grove; Mr. Alex. Cumming, Granitehill, and Mr. Strachan, Aberdeen Botanic Gardens. Fruit Glasses. — There was a capital display, especially of hardy fruits, an outstanding feature being the fine specimens of Goose- berries. Langley Green, which is considered one of the best dessert varieties in the North, is still a favourite. For the best col- lection of hardy fruits, six dishes, not more than two dishes of any species, Mr. Grigor, Seapark, led. Strawberries were well shown, Mr. John Selbie, Morkeu, taking the 1st prize. Mr. Petrie, Orathes Castle, had the best Cherries and Raspberries. The best Black Currants were shown by Mr. J. Ferguson, Linton Gardens, Cluny, whilst Mr. W. Harper, Tulliebelton Gar- dens, Perthshire, excelled with Red Currants. Grapes proved an exceptionally good display, and Mr. W. Campbell, Brahan Castle Gardens, Ross- shire, had capital wins, both for white and black varieties. The fine finish of his berries took Mr. Campbell far ahead of his opponents. Black Morocco, Black Hamburgh, Black Alicante, and Muscat of Alexandria were his leading samples. Melons, Peaches, Nectarines, Apples, Pears, Plums and Tomatos were all well shown, the chief prize-winners for these being Mr. Scorgie, Springhill ; Mr. Campbell, Brahan Castle ; Mr. Leggat, Balgownie House; Mr. H. B. Smith, Burdshaugh ; Mr. Grigor, Seapark, and Mr. James S. Benzie, Woodside. Vegetables. — It is questionable if finer vege- tables have been shown in Aberdeen. For the best collection arranged on a table 4 feet by 3 feet, consisting of 10 kinds, the Malcolm Dunn Memorial Medal in Horticulture was, as already- stated, offered. It was worthily won by Mr. William Harper, Tulliebelton, Perthshire. His Cauliflowers, Lyon Leeks, gigantic White Celery, Red Intermediate Carrots, Double Purple Beet- root, Gladstone Peas, Sharpe's Express Potatos, Canadian Wonder French Beans, and Tomatos were superb. Mr. Grigor, Seapark, was a good 2nd. but his produce lacked the fine finish seen in the Tulliebelton collection. He had, however, the best Onions. Salads were well shown, Mr! Scorgie, Springhill, securing the 1st prize. Mr. John Kinnalrd, Hazlehead, took the premier honours for both Cabbages and Cauliflowers. Cucumbers were exceedingly well shown, Mr. Scorgie, Springhill, taking 1st place with very good samples. Leeks were best shown by Mr. Ellis, Raeden Gardens. Mr. William Lawson. Cornhill ; Mr. Ferguson, Linton, Cluny; and Rev. C. G. Mackenzie, Methlick, Aberdeenshire, all showed grandly in the classes for Potatos. Mr. Ferguson took both the 1st and 2nd prizes for Turnips; whilst Beetroot from Tulliebelton worthily merited the 1st place. Market Gardeners. — The display made by the market gardens, both fruit and vegetables, was exceedingly good. For the best collection of hardy fruits Mr. Kinnaird. Burnieboozle, won the 1st prize. Mr. William Ellis. Raeden Gar- dens. Aberdeen, carried off premier honours for a collection of vegetables comprising nine varie- ties. Nurserymen's Classes. — There were fine en- tries in all sections. Messrs. James Cocker & Son, Rose-growers, Aberdeen, led finely for 66 Rose blooms. Messrs. Adam & Craigmile, Rubislaw Nurseries, Aberdeen, were placed 1st for 24 Tea or Noisette (or either) Roses with a greatly-admired exhibit. In the decorative classes Mr. Alex. Burns, junr., New Market, Aberdeen, and his daughter, Miss Alice Burns, Victoria Ruad, Torry, Aberdeen, won most of the principal prizes. Non-Competitive Exhibits.— As usual at the Aberdeen Show, these formed a splendid feature. Messrs. Blackmore & Langdon, Twerton Hill Nursery, Bath, showed tuberous-rooted Begonias j Messrs. Cocker, Aberdeen, Roses ; Messrs. William Smith & Son, Bumside and Silver- hillock Nurseries, Aberdeen, floral devices ; Mr. Burns, junr.. New Market, miscellaneous flowers; Messrs. Ben. Reid & Co., Pinewood Park Nurseries, Aberdeen, Rose6 and Sweet Peas ; Mr. M. H. Sinclair, seedsman, Aberdeen, French produce — peppers, egg fruits, Cantaloupe Melons, Carnations, &c. ; and Mr. William A. Dunstan, Holburn Nurseries, Aberdeen. Dahlias and Chrysanthemums. ROYAL ENGLISH ARBORICULTURAL. The Irish meeting of this Society, briefly net iced in the last issue (see p. 168)," was con- cluded on Saturday, the 20th ult., after a full pro- gramme. The annual dinner was held at the Gresham Hotel, Dublin, on August 17^ about 60 members being present. The toast of the even- ing was " The Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland," proposed by Principal J. Smith Hill, B.A., of Aspatria. Mr. T. W. Russell, representing the Department, re- sponded, and portended good time« for both agriculture and forestry in Ireland. The itinerary during the latter part of the week embraced Carton Park, Hamwood Park, and Phoenix Park, including the grounds of the Vice- regal Lodge. In each place, the most interest was evinced in the specimen trees ?nd shrubs rather than forest plantations, and such trees, particularly Coniferous ones, are not often seen in such magnitude on this side of the Channel. Viscount de Vesci's estate at Abbeyleix provided forest plantations in all stages. The estate contains 2,000 acres of woods. Interesting experiments on bog land were inspected. Exceed- ingly fine Scotch Fir was growing on this un- promising medium. Thuja Lobbii, too (whether planted or accidental seedlings is not known), grow well on the high bog, and at another place this plant had actually beaten Abies Douglasii in a mixed wood in its upward race. Several members favoured this tree for commercial forestry. Many interesting subjects presented themselves in the gardens and pleasure grounds at Abbey- leix, including Quercus Turneri, Q. diversifolia, forms of the Lucccmbe Oak and a Poplar from the Mississippi name angulata, its foliage being very attractive. Curraghmore, the extensive property of the Marquis of Waterford, furnished a good day's ramble. Several extensive plantations of pure and mixed wood, extending in dates from the early 'sixties to the present time, afforded most interesting data. Evidence of system and method in all the planting was manifest, the woods being treated in sections of 20 to 30 acres. As in other demesnes visited, the shrubs and ornamental trees were singularly interesting to the visitors from England on account of their luxuriance. To enumerate a few only : Eucry- phia pinnatifolia formed a bush 6 feet high covered with its lovely flowers ; Grevillea sul- phurea was in flower ; Garrya Thuretii, 9 feet high and 6 feet through ; Pavia macrostaehya, Styrax japonica, Escallonia Phillipiana, Andro- meda formosa, and, amongst trees, Magnolias (over 50 feet high). Tulip trees, Scarlet Oaks, Catalpas, and Paulownias were growing in per- fection ; Cryptomeria elegans had, Banyan-like, formed a small forest by depending and throwing up numerous leaders. Other fine trees were Abies Menziesii, 110 feet high ; A. Nordmanniana, nearly as tall; Oaks and Beech, with clean, per- fect boles 80, 90, and 100 feet tall ; Pinus Pinea, the Stone Pine, 45 feet high; and P. Pinaster, on the river bank, a fitting companion to a num- ber of Scotch Pines, which, at a rough measure- ment, appear to be 130 feet high. The Duke of Devonshire's estate at Lismore and Sir John Keane's estates at Cappoquin and Derribean were the last places visited officially. The home nursery, some recent plantings of Abies (Pseudotsuga) Douglasii, older Larch woods, and the home grounds in the former case furnished an interesting morning's work. A Yew avenue, said to be 700 years old, with its arched, natural roof and monster stems, spoke of a long-past tree- planter on the banks of the lovely BlackwaU-i . A fine plant of Calycanthus floridtis in the Castle Court completely rilled a wall space 35 feet high and 30 feet spread ; whilst near by grows a plant of Myrtus Ugni, 15 to 16 feet 'high. Among other noteworthy subjects may be mentioned a Tulip tree with many stems towering to a height of 9U feet, and near 'by a Judas tree, 16 feet tall, with a diameter of 20 ft. At Cappoquin was found an enthusiastic forester. .Sir John Keane, whose seat overlooks the winding tidal Blackwater. Here, after tramping through varied woodlands, were en- countered huge Ashes, Cedars and Beeches ; Cryptomeria elegans, 30 feet; Cordylines, 20 feet; Ozothamnus rosmarimfolius (Helichrysum dios- msfolium), Coronilla, a group of Yuccas in flower, Griselinia littoralis, Pittosporum Mayi, 12 feet high, and Erica arborea were all growing in healthy exuberance. Unofficial visits were also made by individual members to several other interesting collections. The meeting was one of the most successful held bv the Societv. NATIONAL VEGETABLE. August 30. — A meeting of the committee was held at Vincent Square on Tuesday last. The treasurer (Mr. G. Wythes, V.M.H.), gave a sat- isfactory statement of accounts. Names cf various persons were submitted as judges for the show on the 28th inst., and these will be invited to adjudicate. It was agreed to allot a table space for honorary exhibits of 12 feet run. with a further space not exceeding another 12 feet on the exhibitor's subscription being in- creased. The various donors of special prizes are to be allotted spaces free of charge. In view of the anticipated great competitions, and the many applications for space already made, such table spaces must be severely limited. A Staging Committee of five members was appointed. It was agreed to invite seeds for a trial of early Cauliflowers now, and later of early Peas, Beet, Spring Onions and early Carrots. ROTHESAY HORTICULTURAL. August 25. — The annual exhibition was held on this date and proved a record show. The entries in the Horticultural Section showed an increase of 81 over last year, but there were fewer nurserymen's exhibits than usual. The John Reid Challenge Cup and Medal, offered foi the most successful competitor in the cut flower classes, was won easily by Mr. D. I. Morris. Mr. M. Cuthbertson was again successful in winning the 1st prize for a table of hardy herba- ceous flowers, and Messrs. A. Lister & Sons were placed 1st for Dahlias, Pansies and Roses. Other successful exhibitors were : — Mr. Davidson, Ardencraig. for greenhouse plants and Grapes; Mr. D. Penney. Glenburn, for a magnificent group of pot plants, which was one of the features of the show, also for Carnations; Mr. S. Tiiorburn. Kyles Hydro, for Chrysanthemums, Pompon Dahlias, and pot plants ; and Mr. John Campbell, Loehfyne, for Asters, French Mari- golds, and culinary Apples. Among non-competitive exhibits, Messrs. Doi;bie & Co. made a fine display of Sweet Peas and Begonias ; Messrs. Dobbie, Stewart & Co., Chapelhill Nursery, showed a fine group of Pelar- goniums, Gladioli, Chrysanthemums. Sweet Peas, and other flowers ; and Messrs. A. Lister & Sons, Meadow Bank Nurseries, arranged many well- executed floral devices. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. Mr. W. F. Stewart, for the past 6$ years Kitchen Garden and Hardy Fruit Foreman at Mentmore, Leighton Buzzard, Bucks., and previously Inside Foreman at Dunkeld, N.B., as Gardener to the Baroness von Schroder, The Rookery, Nantwich. Mr. Charles Ford, as Gardener to Lt. -General Hon. Somerset J. Gough-Calthorpe, K.C.B., Perry Hall, Perry Barr, Birmingham. September 3, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 191 LAW NOTE. MARKETS. Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. FRUIT PICKING IN PAILS. An interesting case regarding the net weight of pails used in fruit picking came before a Justice of the Peace Court, held at Perth, on August 25, when a partner of a firm of farmers and fruit-growers at Blairgowrie was charged with having on August 2. by the hands of an assistant, wilfully defrauded the berry-pickers on one of the firm's fields by having in use pails for which 4 lbs. were deducted in the weighing of the berries, but which were found to be deficient in weight. The accused pleaded not guilty. From the evidence it appeared that a surprise visit was paid to the field by an inspector of weights, when 53 pails were weighed and all found to be deficient in the asserted weight, some of them as much 1 lb. The defence was to the effect that the pickers had accepted a rule by which the weight of the pails was to be taken as 4 lbs., although they were admittedly less than that, this rule being adopted, as the soil of the field frequently adhered to the pail and thus added to the weight. The charge was found proved, but, under the circumstances, the modi- fied penalty of £1, with costs amounting to £\ 16s. 6d., was imposed. The decision is one of importance, as the practice has been in opera- tion for some time in the district, and has been frequently followed without any intention to reduce the pay of the pickers. DEBATING SOCIETIES. READING AND DISTRICT GARDENERS' ASSOCIATION.— More than 100 of the members paid an evening visit to Park Place, Henley-on-Thames, on August 16. The visitors were met at Shiplake Station by Mr. T. J. Powell, the head gardener, who conducted them through the Bolney Court Estate to the river, over which they were ferried. Immediately on arrival tea was provided by Mrs. Noble, and afterwards the gardens and grounds were inspected. BATH GARDENERS'.— The usual monthly meeting of this society was held on Monday, August '22, at the Foresters' Hall, Balh ; Mr. J. Parrot! presided. A paper cm " Vegetables for Exhibition " was read by Mr. H. Span v. The lecturer in his opening remarks alluded to the marked improvements that had been made in horticulture during the past 80 years. WATFORD AMATEURS' AND GARDENERS'. — The 18th monthly meeting of the above society was held at the St. Andrew's School, on Friday, the 12th ult.; Pr. Hardenberg occupied the chair. A paper was read by Mr. A. Stone dealing with the " Formation and Treatment of Rock Gardens." The paper gave rise to a lengthy dis- cussion. Mr. F. E. Newman exhibited on the lantern screen a collection of slides, made by himself, of Alpines and rock plants generally. BRISTOL AND DISTRICT GARDENERS'. -A well-attended meeting was held on August 25, at St. John's Parish Rooms. Mr. Hayball occupied the chair. A paper on "Melons" was read by Mr. Wilkinson, gardener to Col. Gibbs, M.P., Tyntesfield. The lecturer said plenty of heat is required to grow Melons successfully, a night tem- perature of from 65° to 70° being the minimum. Mr. Wilkinson advised the use of a good stiff loam, placed as a ridge 10 inches in depth and 14 inches wide. The cordon system is the best method of training, allowing a space of 18 inches between the plants, and not more than two fruits on each. Mr. Wilkinson has produced fruits weighing 9£ lbs. each by this system. When the fruits are of the size of Walnuts, feeding should be commenced, but manure is not necessary when the Melons show signs of the skin netting. Ihree new members were elected. Mr. Morse was awarded the 1st prize offered for two plants of Begonias. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending August 31. A cold, wet, dull and windy wrrA.— During the past week the days remained persistently cold. The nights also, with two exceptions, have been below the average in temperature. The ground temperatures have fallen, and are now 1° colder at 2 feet deep, and 2° colder at 1 foot deep, than are season- able. On both the 28th a'nd 29th, half-an-inch of rain was deposited. Rain has fallen on all but two days of the last fortnight, and to the aggregate depth of 2 inches. During u u six days 3^ §allons °f rainwater have come through the bare soil gauge, and on one day a little came through the gauge on which short grass is growing. The sun shone on an average for 4 hours a day, which is U hours a day short of the average duration at this period in August. The winds have been as a rule high, but in no hour did the mean velocity exceed 16 miles— direction W.S.W. The average amount of moisture in the air at 3 p.m. exceeded a season- quantity for that hour by as much as 12 per cent. E. M., tierkhamstid, August 31, 1910. SCHEDULE RECEIVED. COVENT GARDEN, August 31. [We cannot accept any responsibility fur the subjoined reports. They are furnished to us regularly every Wednesday, by the kindness of several of the principal salesmen, who are responsible for the quotations. It must be remembered that these quotations do not repre- sent 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 way in which they are packed, the supply in the market, and the demand, and they may fluctuate, not only from day to day, but occasionally several times in one day. — Eds.] Cut Flowers, &c. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. s.d. s.d. Asters (Chinese), Lilium lancifoliuin per dz. bunches 16-30 album 10-16 Carnations, p. doz. Lily of the Valley, blooms, best p. dz. bunches 6 0-90 American va- extra quality ... 10 0 15 0 rieties 0 9-20 Marguerites, p. dz. — smaller, per bunches white 2 0-30 doz. bunches 6 0 — ■ — yellow 10-20 — Carola, special 2 0-26 Odonto glossum — second size ... 10-16 crispum, per Centaurea cyanus, dozen blooms 2 6-30 per dz. bunches 0 9-10 Pelargoniums, — suaveolens, per show, per Uoz. dozen bunches 3 0-40 bunches 3 0-40 C hrysan them urns, — Zonal, double perdz. bunches — larger per doz. 6 0-90 scarlet 80-40 Poppies, Iceland, blooms 16-20 pr. dz. bunches 10-20 Coreopsis, p. doz. Roses, 12 blooms, bunches 1 6 — Niphetos 0 9-16 Cornflowers, white — Bridesmaid ... 0 9-10 and pink 16-20 — C. Testout ... 0 9-16 Dahlias, per dozen — Kaiserin A. bunches 3 0-40 Victoria 10-16 Delphiniums, per — C. Mermet ... 10-16 dozen spikes... 3 0-50 — Liberty — Mme.Chatenay 10-16 Gardenias, pr. doz. 16-20 0 9-16 Gladiolus, hybrids, — Richmond 10-16 per doz, spikes 2 0-30 — The Bnde ... 10-20 Gypsophila p a n i- — Variaus H.IVs 0 6-10 culata, per dz. Scabious, per doz. bunches 4 0-50 bunches 3 0-40 — double 6 0-90 Statice, per doz. Lapagerias. white, bunches 3 0-40 per dozen 16-20 Stocks, per dozen [.ilium aiiratuni bunches 2 0-30 per bunch — longifloruin ... 16-26 Sweet Peas, per 16-20 dozen bunches... 0 9-10 Lilium lancifoliuin Tuberoses, p. rtoss 3 0-40 rubrum 10-16 — per doz. blooms 0 4 0 5 Cut Foliage, Ac: Average Wholesale Prices, s.d. s.d. Adi.it (u in cunea- Liiui, doz. bchs 4 0-60 A sparag us plu- mosus, long trails, per doz. 3 0-60 — medium, doz. bunches ... 12 0-15 0 — Sprengeri ... 6 0-90 Croton leaves, per dozen bunches 9 0-12 0 Ferns, per dozen bchs. (English) 3 0 — — (French) ... 4 0 — Hardy foliage (various), per dozen buuenes 3 0-50 s.d. ^.d. Ivy-leaves, bronze 2 0- 2 6 — long trails per bundle 10-16 — short green, per dozen bunches ... 10-20 Moss, per gross ... 4 0-50 Myrtle, dz. bchs. ( li n gl i sli), small-leaved... 4 0-60 — French ... 10-16 Physalis, per doz. bunches ... 3 0-40 S nilax, per dozen trails 2 0-30 Plants In Pots, Ac. Average Wholesale Prices. Weston-super-Mare and District Chrysanthemum society's 24th exhibition and floral display will be held on Inursday, November 10, in the Knightsione Pavilion. Secre- tary, Mr. J. Lee, 7, Victoria Buildings, Weston-super-Mare. s.d. s.d, Aralia Sieboldii, p. dozen 4 0-60 — larger speci- mens 9 0-12 0 — Moseri 6 0-80 — larger plants ... 12 0-18 0 Araucaria excelsa, per dozen ... 12 0-30 0 — la rge plants, each 3 6-50 Aspidistras, p. dz., green 15 0-24 0 — variegated ... 30 0-42 0 Asparagus plumo- sus nanus, per dozen 9 0-12 0 — Sprengeri ... 9 0-12 0 Asters (Chinese) per doz. pots... 3 0-40 Campanulas, per dozen ... ... 5 0-60 Chr y santhemums from the open, per dozen ... 4 0-60 — in pots 9 0-12 0 Cocos WeddelH- ana, per dozen... 18 0-30 0 Crotons, per dozen 9 0-12 0 Cyperus alterni- folius, per doz. 4 0-50 — laxus, per doz. 4 0-50 Euonymus.perdz., in pots. . ... 3 0-80 — from the ground 3 0-60 Ferns, in thumbs, per 100 8 0-12 0 — in small and large 60's ... 12 0-20 0 Ferns in 48's, per dozen — choicer sorts per dozen — in 82's, per dz. Ficus elastica, per dozen — repens, per dz. G r e vil leas, per dozen Isolepis, per dozen Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen — Fosteriana, per dozen .. Kochia scoparia, per dozen Lataina borbonica, per dozen Lilium longi- flornm, per dz. — lancifoliuin, p. dozen — martagon per dozsn ... Marguerites, white, per dozen Pelargoniums (show), per doz. — Ivy leaved, per dozen — Zonal Selaginella. dozen . Solanums, per dozen Spireas (pink) s.d. s.d, 4 0-60 8 0-12 0 10 0-18 0 8 0-12 0 4 0-60 3 0-50 3 0-40 18 0-24 0 18 0-30 0 4 0-60 15 0-21 0 12 0-15 0 9 0-10 0 8 0-10 0 3 0-50 5 0-60 4 0-60 3 0-40 20 0 s.d. s.d. Apples (English) : — Golden Spier, bushel 4 0-46 — Bramley's Seed- ling 4 0-50 — Worcesters, 4 bushel 2 9-36 — Derby, bushel 4 0-50 — Grosvenor, bushel 2 6-30 — Keswick Codlin 3 0-36 — Beauty of Bath 4 0-50 — Eeklinvilles, p. bushel 3 0-40 — - Lady Sudeley, i bushel ... 4 0-50 Bananas, bunch : — Deubles ... 10 0 — — N«. 1 „ ... 90 - — Extra „ ... 10 0 — — Giant „ ... 12 0-14 0 — Red coloured... 4 0-66 — Red Doubles .. 8 0-90 — Loose, p. daz. 0 6-10 Blackberries, peck 2 6-30 Figs, per dozen ... 2 6-60 Grape Fruit, case : — 96's ... — fcfs ... — 64s ... — 54* s ... Grapes (English), per lb. : — Alicante ... 0 10- 1 0 — Madresfield Court 10-16 — Museats ... 13-26 — Canon Hall ... 2 6-40 — Hambro ... 0 6-10 — Colmar ... 13-16 — Belgian Hambro 0 9-10 — Guernsey Ali- cante 0 6-08 — Lisbon Sweet- water, per case 9 0-11 0 — clusters ... 8 0-10 0 — Almerias Tinted, barrel 9 0-10 0 Greengages (Span- ish & French), per box ... 0 9-14 — per £ sieve ... 8 6-12 0 — (French), des- sert, £ bushel. . 7 6-86 — cooking ... 5 0-66 — per round ... 3 0-33 — (English), £ bushel... ... 7 0-80 Lemons : — Messina (150)... 6 0-66 — Naples (420) ... 15 0 — — ,, selected 10 0 — — Murcia(SOi) ... 10 6 — — ,, large .. 12 0 — Mangoes (Jamaica), dozen 3 0-60 Melons (English)... 1 6- 3 0 | s.d. s d. Melons (Guernsey) 10-26 — (French), Can- taloupe, each 2®- 5 0 — (Spanish), yel- low, per case, 24's 6 0-76 36's 9 0 10 6 — Spanish Bronze (24's) 8 0-86 — — extra large 10 0 — — — Water ... 14 0-16 0 Nectarines, dozen ; — selected 6 0-12 0 — seconds 2 0-40 Nuts, Almonds, p. bag 36 0-42 0 — Brazils, new, perewt. 48 0 — — sorted 55 0 — Barcelona, per bag 32 0-34 0 — Cocoa nuts, 100 10 0-14 0 — Walnuts, pick- ling, per bushel 7 0 — Oranges — — Cape seedless, per case 12 0-14 0 — Naples... 9 6-20 ii — Jamaica 17 0-18 0 Peaches (English), per doz. 6 0-15 0 — seconds 3 0-60 Pears (Californian), per case 9 0-96 — (French), cases 3 0-86 — (French), crate — 48's — 64's — 72's — 90's — (English), He- sele, bushel ... — Jargonelle — Dr. Jule Guyat bushel Pineapples, each ... — (Florida), per case, 30, 36 ... Plums (English), * bushel : — Victoria — Washingtons... — Diamonds — Pershore Egg 28 lbs. to I bushel — Damsons (Kent) J bushel — (Berkshire) ... — (French), Royals per J sieve '— Blue — (Cal i fornian), Wickson, case Tangerines (Naar- jes), per box ... 3 3-36 2 9- 3 :t 6 6- 7 ii 6 6-70 5 6-60 5 0-60 7 0-80 8 0-8(1 2 0-60 16 6-20 0 4 0- 4 0 4 0- 3 0- 3 G 3 6 4 0- 6 0-80 3 6-40 9 6-10 G 16-40 Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. Artichokes(Globe), per dozer. Aubergines, doz.... Beans, Broad (French), ' per pad — per packet — Scarlet Run- ners, p. bushel Beetroot, bushel ... Cabbages, tally Carrots (English), dozen bunches cwt, — (French), per dozen bunches Cauliflowers, ham- per (24-30) ... — per doz. (large) Celery, per dozen Cucumbers, per flat Endive, per dozen Herbs (sweet), pac- kets, per »ioss Horseradish, for- eign, new, per bundle — 12 bundles ... Lettuce (English), per bushel — hamper — Cos. per dozen — (French), Cos, per dozen Marrows, per tally 16-20 — per box 16-20 Mint, per doz. bun. Mushrooms, p. lb. — broilers 2 6-36 Mustardand Cress, 0 4-06 per dozen pun. Onions (spring), dz. 0 9-16 bunches 16-26 — Dutch 2 0-30 — New Spanish, case 0 9-13 — Schallots, lb.... 3 0 — Parsley, pr. doz. ... Peas (French), per 4 0-50 pad — Kents, per 4 0 — bushel 4 0 — — bags 2 0 — Radishes (Eng.), p. doz. bunches... 5 0 — Stachys tuberosa, 0 6-09 per lb Tomatos — 7 0 — — (English), per dozen lbs. — small selected 16-20 — seconds 18 0-24 0 — (Guernsey), per dozen lbs. 0 9-16 — (French), crate 2 0-30 Turnips, 12 bches. 10 — — (French) Watercress, p. dz. 16-20 bunches s.d. s.(T 2 6- 3 li 16-20 2 0- 1 2- 1 C 10 — 0 6-08 2 0-30 3 6- 3 'J 4 0-56 OIJ- 2 0-30 4 6-50 2 6- 3 G 20-26 1 0- 1 G 0 1-03 3 0-3 6 3 0- 10-16 2 9-30 3 0-3 1'. 2 0 — 4 0-50 0 6-0 6i per 6 0-80 9 0-12 0 Remarks — A consignment of Mangoes arrived from Jamaica last week, and met with a small demand. English Peaches and Nectarines of best selected varieties are a shortage. English Apples are a poor trade and the market is well supplied with them ; Worcester Pearman is especi- ally abundant. Grapes area poor demand and very plentiful. Foreign Gages are numerous and a fair trade, Both English and Foreign Plums are a poor trade. Scarlet Runners are a plentiful supply and cheap. Peas are a bad trade. Prices for Tomatos are firmer. Trade both in vegetables and fruits is quiet. E. H. R., Covtnt Gaiden, August 31, 1910. 192 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 3, 1910. New Totatos. Kents— Punish Queen Sharpe's Express Eclipse Epicure May Queen Bedfords - Lc.ipse per cwt. s.d. s.d. 3 3-39 3 3-39 3 0-33 2 6-30 3 0-33 2 9-30 Bedfords— Epicure May Queen Lincolns— Sharpe's Express Epicure Blacklands per cwt. s.d. s.d. 2 6-29 2 6-30 3 0-33 2 9-30 2 3-26 Edward J. Newborn, Covent Garden and St. Patterns, August 31, 1910. COVENT GARDEN FLOWER MARKET. The flower market presents a dull appearance. There is but little trade for pot plants, and cut flowers do not sell readily. We are reminded of the approach of autumn by seeing plants of Solatium capsicastrum with well-ripened berries. Clirjsanlhemiimsin pots are very good. Someplants are taken up from the ground, but those grown in pots are the best, as they last much longer. Some growers lift and pot them when the flowers are in the bud stage; these become re established before the flowers open. Varieties of the Marie Massie type are of the most service for early blooming. Madame Desgrang" is another that is use- ful for early flowering. Some good Liliums of various sorts are procuiable, but there is little demand for them. Plants of Campanula isophila, both while and blue varieties, are well flowered. Pelargoniums are practically over for the season ; a few Zonals are seen, but they are not in demand. Foliage plants are well supplied, and those who can, will do well to buy early for winter use, for prices are now low and supplies are plentiful. There will also be less risk of dauiage from cold than there will be later on. It is the same with Azaleas : if these are subjected to a slight frost the buds do not open well ; also other autumn and winter-flower- ing plants and even Chrysanthemums suffer from a slight frost when they are in bud, especially after showery weather. Hardy shrubs will soon be in demand ; some growers are already sending Euonymus and various Conifers to the market. Cut Flowers. Hardy flowers are the most prominent feature. Asters are seen in large quantities: their prices vary considerably. White, pink and purple are most in demand. Roses fioin the open are a gieat feature. Those who grow specially for market cut their blooms with long stems, but even the best blooms with clean foliage are sold very cheaply. Dahlias are seen in large quantities. Gladioli are plentiful ; the Scarlet brenchleyensis is most in demand. Sweet Peas are nearly over for the season. Liliums are well supplied, and their prices are below the average. Car- nations vary considerably in quality, and the best do not command very good prices. For the next few weeks trade will be very uncertain, and prices may fluctuate considerably. A. H., Covent Gulden August 31, 1910. (SHutuarg. William Boxall.— The death of this well- Known Orchidist occurred on Sunday, August 28, at his home, 186, Brooke Road, Clapton, in his 66th year. His health had been failing for some years, the trouble being diabetes, and about three years since he had a paralytic stroke from which he only partially recovered. Notwith- standing these infirmities, he was a regular attendant at the meetings of the Royal Horti- cultural Society, and was a member of the Orchid Committee for many years. He was one of the first to receive the Victoria Medal of Honour in Horticulture. The late Mr. Boxall was a great lover of all plants, but Orchids were his favourites, and he travel- led over many parts of the world in search of them. In the early 'sixties he was employed in the firms of Messrs. Hugh Low & Co., Clapton, and Messrs. James Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, also in the gardens of Leigh Park, Havant, and Earl Radnor's garden at Highwood, under the late Mr. Henry Eokford. Later, he was employed as foreman of the Orchid department in Messrs. Hugh Low & Co.'s Nurseries. He was sent by the firm to Burmah. where he soon seemed as much at home as in England, and was not long before he forged ahead to the borders of China, being the first to send home the now world- famous Dendrobium Wardiana Lowianum. Some of these plants sold in Messrs. Steven's sale room for as much as 100 guineas each. Cymbid- ium Lowianum was one of his special finds. Cypripedium Boxallii, Dendrobium Boxallii, and Vanda Boxallii will serve to perpetuate his name. He subsequently went to the Philippines, and sent home, in specially-prepared cases, glazed with ground oyster shells, large quantities of Phalae- nopsts amabile and P. Schilleriana, the difficul- ties of transit being far greater than they ire now. Borneo, Java, Brazil, Central and South America were all traversed by him, and riany are the tales he told of things seen ind heard in those countries. He was a most antertaining conversationalist, and nothing de- lighted him more than to gather around him the children of his friends, amongst whom he was ever welcome. He was married in August, 1874, to Miss Evans, of Cheltenham, who survives him. He leaves no family, his only child, a daughter, having died in infancy. A Gardener's Notice: A. W. M. It is customary for a head gardener to receive and give a month's notice before terminating an engagement, notwithstanding that the wages are paid weekly. In the case of under-gar- deners, a week's notice is usual. American Fruit Journal: Subscriber, Ware. We do not know the publication you refer to. Apple Shoots Diseased: Anxious Our. The trouble is due to canker (Nectria ditissima). This disease obtains an entry through a wound, and often follows attacks of American blight. Some varieties of Apple, such as King of the Pippins, are more susceptible to the disease than others. Cut out and burn the diseased THE LATE WILLIAM BOXALL. branches. In slight attacks, cut out the affected parts and cover the wound over with tar. Take out badly-cankered and valueless trees from the ground, else they will become a source of infection for others. Apple Trees: Wink-field. There is a " sooty " fungus, Cladosporium, growing on the under- surface of the Apple leaves over the brown places, but it is probable that this came after the injury was caused. The leaves of Apple trees frequently turn brown at the edges in wet seasons, in the case of those varieties not suited to the soil or locality. In some cases it indicates a lack of potash in the soil. Asters : O. Bros. There are no signs of any insect or fungus attack on the Aster leaves sent. If the trouble continues, send us further leaves, packed in a small tin or wooden box. Avocado Pear and Orange Trees: Avoeata. The plant you refer to is the Avocado Pear (Persea gratissima), a native of Tropical America, and cultivated largely in that and other countries for the sake of its fruits, which contain about 8 per cent, of oil. It is doubtful if the plant will withstand the cold of winter in a living room. Your best plan is to get a friend who possesses a warm greenhouse to house it for you during the winter months. With ordinary care, in a warm greenhouse, this plant will quickly assume the dimensions of a small tree. It thrives in any ordinary soil, and delights in full exposure to all the sun possible in this country. Very little prun- ing is required unless you wish to keep the plant to a small size. Orange plants will thrive in an ordinary window, as they are much hardier than the Avocado Pear. You should remove the glass from the top of the pot at once, as it is quite unnecessary. It is best to place Oranges outdoors during the summer months, in order to well ripen the growths. As you have raised them successfully from seeds, you should have no further difficulty in their culture. Cocoanut Cerminaiing : S. B. It is not un- usual to find, at this season, cccuanuts con- taining the germinating embryo. Cuttings of Tea Roses: Anxious. Short, stubby, flowering shoots, taken off with a heel of the old wood attached, should now strike freely if inserted in sandy soil under hand lights outside. The cuttings, when inserted, should be well watered and shaded from strong sunlight. As a makeshift, a square, wooden box, with the bottom knocked out, and covered with a sheet of glass would answer the purpose, and, in this case, it would not be necessary to stand them under a north wall,, as shading would be unnecessary. Further in- formation on rooting Rose cuttings is given on p. 178. The Pillar Rcses should be re- potted at once, and the old flowering wood cut away. If, however, the trees have not made much growth, the old wood should be pruned less severely. Growth on Rose : Jas. W. The outgrowth is a< gall caused by Rhodites rosae. The galls are popularly known as " Robin's Pincushion," " Muss galls." " Bedeguar galls," &c. They appear to grow from a twig or stem, but this is apparent only. They originate from a leaf. Names of Fruits: A. Herbert. Pear Citron des Carmes. — R. M. Lamb. The small fruit is- Fearn's Pippin, the large one Minchul Crab. — • II . Henderson. The small Apple was decayed. We cannot undertake to name unsound speci- mens. The other Apple is Peasgood's None- such, the Nectarine Elruge, and the Pear Clapp's Favourite. — F. C. Please state if the Peach and Nectarine have small or large- flowers, and also the shape of the glands, and whether the trees are grown under glass. N \mes of Plants: W. E. E. R. 1, Eupatorium ageratoides ; 2. Rudbeckia speciosa ; 3, Cun- ninghamia sinensis ; 4, Helianthus multiflorus fl. pi. ; 5, Helianthus giganteus ; 6, Veronica longifolia ; 7, Rudbeckia laciniata fl. pi. — E. Perkins. 1, Helianthus multiflorus; 2, Rudbeckia speciosa ; 3, Spiraea Menziesii ; 4, Inula helenium ; 5 and 6, garden varieties of Phlox deeussata. — H. Child. 1, Polygonum sachalinense ; 2, P. cuspidatum ; 3, Poterium canadense ; 4. Spira?a japonica alba ; 5, Lysi- machia punctata. — A. T. 1. Abies nobilis ; 2, Taxus baccata ; 3, Hypericum qttadrangu- lum ; 4, Solidago virgaurea j 5, Hypericum nndrosaemum ; 6, Galeopsis Tetrahit ; lr Stachys betonica ; 8, Crepis virens ; 9, Hiera- cium umbellatum ; 10, Polypodium vulgare. — C. Dean. 1, Senecio tanguticus ; 2, Bocconia cordata ; 3, Helenium autumnale cupreum ; 4, Polygonum amplexicaule ; 5, Thalictrum flavum ; 6, Galega officinalis alba ; 7, Solidago tilmifolia ; 8, Veronica longifolia ; 9, Monarda didyma. — 67. J. Cichorium Intybus, common Chicory. — II". H. S. Eria convallarioides. — Scot. The flower you send is of Cypripedium Stonei. The other plant which came with it may be Cypripedium Lowii, as they are often found together. — R. T. 1, Dendrobium secundum; 2, Masdevallia calura; 3, Restrepia antennifera ; 4, Aerides cylindricum ; 5, Cypri- pedium purpuratum ; 6, Brassia maculata. — A. G. M. 1, Htemanthus natalensis ; 2, Coprosma Baueriana variegata ; 3, Sparmannia africana ; 4, Aloe variegata (Partridge-breast Aloe) ; 5, Metrosideros floribunda ; 6, Begonia argyrostigma. — D. S., Ireland. 1, Malcolmia maritima (Virginian Stock) ; 2, Mimulus car- dinalis. — Alpha. 1, Davallia fijiensis; 2, Polypodium nigrescens. — R. L., Southampton. 1, Hedychium Gardnerianum ; 2, Tecoma (Big- nonia) 'radicans. — //. H '.. Penarth. .fEschy- nanthus Lobbianus. — A. B. C. Chlorophytum elatum variegatum. — A. O. H. A very good variety of Odontoglossum Harryannm. Communications Received . — M. Powell-H. 8.-Kest- even— H. G. I.— G. T.— T. C— Muscat, Middlewich — E. R. F., Rothsay— Anxiaas, Uttoxeter— Muscat- G. W- -J. O.— Anxioun', Donegal-P. H.-G. M. T.-H. S. T.— A. G. B.- E. M.— M. G. V. Ij.— J. H.-J. M.-.I. D.— W. T., Bath-T. L.-A. C. & Sons. Ltd.— A. .T.~W. E. G. — C. J. E.— F. J.— W. E. B.— C P., Sittingbonrne_J. H- — G. G.— R. P. W.— G. M. T., Dalkeith. Supplement to "the "Gardeners' Chronicle. SOBRALIA MACRANTHA ALBA, AS GROWN BY SlR JoHN EdWARDS-MoSS, BaRT. Printed by Temple Press Ltd. London, E.C, September 10, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 193 THE (lKirbcncrs'(L"bronicIc No. 1,237.— SATURDA if, Septi mber 10, 1910. COMTENTS. Anopterus glandnlosus l'.t Appointments from Kew 201 Argemone grand i flora... L01 Books, notices of- Botanical Magazine.. 201 Encyclopaedia Brit- anniea 201 Making Horticulture Pay 195 Poetry of Gardens ... 200 British 'flora, the ... 20*2 Chinese trees and shrubs, new, at Alden- haui House Gardens.. 196 Cultural memoranda — Black stripe in Tomatos 197 Danger from plants on window sills 201 Erigeron mucronatus ... 203 Florence International Horticultural Exhibi- tion 201 " French" garden, notes from a ... 202 Fruit growing, notes on 1UU Grapes at the Shrews- bury Show 204 Japan, a journey to ... 195 KewGardens, ' ruined" arch at 202 Melons, the pollination of 204 Nursery notes — Messrs. J. Backhouse and Son, i'ork ... 194 Obituary — Ljeichtlin, Max Leighton, William ... Paris autumn show Pits for soil-sterilisation Presentation to a hor- ticultural society's secretory Roe try, the — Hybrid perpetual^ for forcing Rose Lcuchtstern ... Bo< ieties— Chester Flow r Show Dumfries & Galloway Hort Royal Caledonian Horticultural .. Royal Horticultural .. (Scientific Committee) Sandy Flower Show... S»il, the fertility of ... Trees and Shrubs- Mortality of trans- planted Coniferee ... Wasp, the scarcity of the Week's work, the — Flower garden, the ,. Fruits under glass ... Hardy fruit garden, the Kitchen garden, the Orchid houses, the ... Plants under glass ... 207 207 '101 201 197 200 205 205 206 100 204 205 200 198 193 199 199 199 199 ILLUSTRATIONS. Anopterus gland ulosus 194 Erigeron mucronatus as an edging plant 203 Flower show at Nuwara Eliya, (Avion ... 195, lit", 198 Kew Gardens, " ruined" arch at 202 Rose Leuchtstern on a rustic arch (Supplementary Illustration) Zephyrantb.es flowering in the Botanic Garden, Peradeniya, Ceylon. 196 AUGUST FRUIT NOTES. MORE FINANCIAL DETAILS. ON August Hie Cth some statements as to the improved prices of certain kinds of fruit were given and compared with those of 1909. It is gratifying to be able to add that the price of Plums kept up well to the end of August, and that there is every reason to ex- pect still higher rates for the very scanty sup- plies of late varieties. There is much comfort in the thought that growers can get partial compensation for scanty crops of fruit, in spite of foreign competition, and I have taken the trouble to extract from my delivery books the prices returned by salesmen for three varieties of Plums in three seasons. Early Prolific made 2s. 6d. to 3s. net per half-sieve of 281b. in 1908, Is. 6d. to 4s. in 1909, and 4s. 6d. to <3s. Gd. in 1910. Czar sold at 2s. 3d. to 3s. in 1908, 3s. to 4s. 6d. in 1909, and 4s. 6d. to 5s. in 1910. Victoria made Is. 9d. to 2s. in the first year named, 2s. 6d. to 3s. 6d. in the second, and 5s. to 6s. in the third. As a rule, the greatest quantities were .sold at the lowest price quoted, or at'a rat.; nearer to the lowest than to the highest, though this does not apply to Prolific, which usually sell well. There was commission, as well as rail carriage, to deduct; but this makes no difference to the comparison, except that high prices bear these burdens better than low ones. The greatest proportion of compensation for a short crop was in relation to Victorias, which are usually very cheap after they are in full supply, with Pershore Egg Plums to glut the markets. In 1909, my crop of Victoria amounted to 302 half-sieves, which realised £39 12s. 6d. free of commission, but not of rail carriage. The average was 2s. 7Ad. per half-sieve. In 1910 less than half as good a crop, or 140 half-sieves and one peck realized £30 7s. 5d., averaging 5s. OAd. per half-sieve. As my late varieties. Pond's Seedling and Monarch, almost always make high or fair prices, the comparison is not likely to be as remarkable for them as it is for Victorias. Nor was it so for early sorts. Apples have not at present made any ap- proach to the extra prices necessary to afford any substantial portion of compensation for the shortness of the crop. Dessert varieties alone have sold remarkably well, and as they usually make somewhat high rates the in- creases this season are only about 6d. per half- sieve compared with those of 1909, and Is. compared with those of 1!HIS. Culinarj Appli have gone dowii in price considerably since last month's article was written, the bulk of them having made in the latter part of August only 2s. to 2s. 9d. for firsts, with 3s. for extra large and good fruit, and Is. 3d. to Is. 6d. for seconds. These prices are no l> ttei than those of last season for the correspond- ing period, though much higher than the extremely low rates of 1938. The dulness of the market for cooking Apples is due, not to large supplies, but to a very slack demand. Consumers have not been satiated with cheap mid-season plums, as they usually have been by the end of August, and they have not yet shown a disposition to buy Apples freely. Moreover, it happens that the best crops of Apples are those of early varieties, besides which many growers have been "slaughter- ing " their crops of late keepers, such as Lane's Prime Albert and Bismarck, which should he left on the trees for weeks to come Thai English cooking Apples will he a very .scanty Supply in October may be regarded as a certainty, and growers may be recom- mended with confidence to keep their late varieties at least so long. Birds and Fruit. Never in my experience have birds oeen more troublesome in pecking Apples and Plums than they have been during the past month. To keep Gladstone and Beauty of Bath Apples from very extensive damage, it was necessary for someone to go among them with a gun about once an hour every day. There has been the same trouble with Victoria Plums, although these were gathered before they were ripe. On several occasions. I have scared fifty or sixty blackbirds out of a planta- tion of only a little over three-quarters of an acre in one field, while the fruits of young trees in a more distant field were leathered when barely coloured because the birds had begun to attack them. Blackbirds have been the chief, if not the only offenders. Thrushes in my case have not been found pecking either Apples or Plums. There have been smaller birds on the trees ; but whether for the fruit or not has not been clear. If I had the power of exterminating blackbirds, which are the greatest depredators among Black and Red Currants, ripe Gooseberries, and Cherries, as well as among Apples and Plums, I should have no hesitation in doing so. Starlings are about as bad delinquents among Cherries, but not in the case of any other fruit, and they are such valuable insectivorous birds that they receive complete mercy at my hands. Thrushes are gluttons for Strawberries and Raspberries, but these crops are not grown by me for market. Now that all ripe dessert A have been gathered, culinary varieties an teiving attention from blackbirds, and some varieties have been gathered sooner than thej otherwise would have been to save them damage. The Colouring of Apples. Results in the present season confirm the opinion of many growers that rainy weather promotes the colouring of Apples, as it is sel- dom that there has been more brilliance in such varieties as Worcester Pearmain, Queen, and Bismarck than there is this season. But growing Apples in grass has the greatest of all effects in promoting colouring. When my oldesl plantation became mature, and all bushes had been grubbed up, the grass was allowed to grow, mainly because the land is such an inveterate g ir that it could not be kept clean in a rainy season by any practicable amount oi ho ing. The gras i mown twice in the season, and used as a mulch, on the American system, with cow or London manure in addition. Fruits of Domino, not yet gathered, are of a bright yellow colour, tinged with red where the sun shines on the fruit; whereas, in a young plantation of arable land, the same variety is green and reddish brown. Similarly, Allington Pippin on the grass is oi a brilliant crimson colour, and only tinged with a comparatively dull red on the arable land. There is the same difference in the cases of Worcester Pearmain, Lane's Pi ince Albert, and a few other varieties grown in both fields. The fruit is much larger on the arable than on the grass land, but that is at least partly owing to the former trees being several years younger than the latter and to their bearing only light crops. Still, I think that growing Apples m grass tends to reduce the size, while promoting the colouring of the fruit. Such strong-growing varieties as Bramley's Seedling, Warner's King. Queen, and Royal Jubilee proline very fine Apples, how ever, on grass land, w bile Allington Pippin and Worcester Pearmain do not take kindly to the change from arable land. ^c \i: I\c REA8ING. This season's experience convinces me of the advantage of the American system of spraying against scab up to nearly the time hi gathering Apples. Varieties badly affeel I have grown more and more scabby as they ri] ened, although the trees were sprayed once just before the buds burst, and twice after the blossom fell. It would be a serious increase of labour and expense to spray twice more at intervals, but probably it would pay well, and it will be tried at least on a small scale next season. It is comparatively easy for Ameri- can growers to find time for their numerous sprayings, because most of them have only the Apple crop to attend to, whereas we in this country have bush fruits and Plums also, and some growers have Strawberries in addition. Again, Americans, with only 3D to 40 trees to the acre, have very little hand-hoeing to do whereas we have an immense amount to per- form. Pests of Black Currants. Writing on extra spraying reminds me of the need of treating Black Currant bushes where they are subject to leaf rust (<• sporium ribis). This is a serious cause of deterioration in the bushes, a- the leaves drop 194 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 10, 1910. prematurely. Spraying with Bordeaux mix- ture as soon as the leaves are mature is re- commended by Mr. George Massee in his new book, Diseases of Cultivated Plants and Trees (Duckworth). By the way, the index, of host plants in this book is not full enough, as a great number of diseases common to fruits of different classes are not named under the headings of those fruits. An insect pest of Black Currants which has been referred to on previous occasions is an aphis black to the naked eye, but olive-green under the microscope. This pest, which has not yet been identified by one of our best ento- mologists to whom it has been sent in two growths issues from the cut ends of the shoots, which is an undesirable development, since these growths become the subjects of a fresh infestation late in the season. .'1 Southern Grower. NURSERY NOTES. ANOPTERUS GLANDULOSUS. Anopterus glandulosus is an old garden plant, although not commonly met with. The inflorescences (see fig. 75) bear some external resemblance, at first sight, to those of an Andro- meda, or some other member of the Ericaceae ; but the plant belongs to the Saxifragaceas, and is a native of Tasmania. It first bloomed in this country in 1846, at Messrs. Loddiges' nursery, [Photograph by John Gregory. Fig. 75. — anopterus glandulosus: flowers WHITE, ROSE-TIN I ED. seasons, although it appears to be common, attacks the ends of shoots, causing the ter- minal leaves to curve umbrella fashion over the insects. This is mentioned in order to pro- vide the opportunity of stating that, of two methods of destroying the pests, one is by far the better. The better method con- sists in women with small vessels filled with a strong mixture of quassia and soft soap going through the plantations, and bending over every affected shoot so as to immerse the insects completely in the mixture. The other plan, which is that of pinching or cutting off the infested ends of shoots and burning them, is objectionable, because a bunch of fresh and at Kew Gardens. The flowers are white, with a tinting of rose colour, the large racemes being erect, simple, and terminal. The species forms a very handsome evergreen shrub, with leathery, almost sessile, toothed leaves. The plant requires the protection of a greenhouse, except in very favoured parts of this country. Planted in sandy loam and peat, it grows well, and produces a display of flowers during April and May. Propagation may be effected by means of cuttings, which require to be rooted under a bell-glass in a cool house, after the man- ner of most hard-wooded cuttings. The photo- graph from which the illustration was prepared is of a plant growing in the gardens at Xymans, Crawley, Sussex. HARDY FLOWERS AT YORK. The Nurseries of Messrs. James Backhouse & Son, Ltd., at York, are always a source of great pleasure to lovers of hardy plants. On the oc- casion of a recent visit, I found much that was of interest, although it was not my first inspec- tion of the nursery. The more popular hard; border flowers are cultivated extensively, includ- ing large numbers of Delphiniums, embracing the. best of the newer varieties of British and foreign origin. Pyrethrums, also, are grown largely, although the plants had passed out of flower, or almost so, at the time of my visit. There is a large and choice collection of bearded Irises, including the new varieties raised by Mr. George Yeld. Many of these are exceedingly chaste and beautiful. There are also numbers of Japanese Irises, with a representative collection of other sections of this charming family. Potentillas, also, are numerous ; in addition to- an unusually good collection of the border varie- ties, the Alpine section is well represented, among these being three forms of P. nepalensis — the type ; Miss Willmott's fine dwarf, deep- coloured variety; and Gibson's Scarlet, the colour of which is well indicated by the name. Campanulas of all sections are largely grown ; it was in this nursery that the handsome C. persicifolia alba Backhousei originated. Other tall Campanulas are also extensively cultivated, as well as the dwarfer Alpine forms. C. Tommas- iniana, C. pulloides, C. pulla, C. garganica, C. g. hirsuta, C. carpatica, in several varieties, and many other species are included in the collection. Hardy Geraniums are also plentiful ; among those in bloom was the old, blue, double-flowered G. pratense, once a common plant in gardens. Scabiosa caucasica, with the allied Centaureas and Cephalarias, were doing well, the former being finer than usual. The Centaureas embraced C. dealbata, a good garden plant, not so fre- quently met with now as some 20 or more years ago. Helenium autumnale, H. pumilum mag- nificum, and H. cupreum were noticed among the representatives of this genus. Inulas com- prised a good form of I. glandulosa, and some of the best of the other Elecampanes. Geum Hel- dreichii, G. montanum, G. miniatum, and other species were remarked, together with Helian- ihuses, Rudbeckias, and other yellow-flowered Composites. A large stock of Eremuri had flowered well. A collection of Helianthemums included, among named varieties, Golden Queen, venustum plenum, tigrinum, Ruby Gem, crofti- anum, Perfection, and Garibaldi. Mention of these leads me to refer to the large collection of Alpines, mainly grown in pots, Saxifrages are very numerous, as is to be ex- pected in a nursery where Alpines have for many years been a speciality. Sedums, also, and Sempervivums are seen in great variety, and the large genus Primula has its claims well con- sidered in the extensive collection cultivated at York. The somewhat scarce Phyteuma comosum was doing well ; it is a more charming species than the taller P. orbiculare. Convolvulus Sol- danclla was covered in bloom ; also the rather uncommon white variety of Ononis arvensis. Jasione perennis, Lychnis pyrenaica, Gypsophila cerastoides, G. repens, and Alyssum repens were also seen. A scarce plant was noticed in Sapon- aria Weidmanniana, after the style of S. ocymoides, but having white flowers shaded with pink. Tunica Saxifraga, Cheiranthus Allionii, Edel- weiss, Acantholimon glumaceus, a large number of the Primula species, several Thymes, such as Thymus azoricus, the best Ramondias and Haber- leas, and a large number of other Alpines were well grown. Bamboos are largely cultivated in pots, also such useful rock-garden shrubs is Muehlenbeckias, Cytisus shipkaensis, and < '. X kewensis. The rock-garden was furnished with plant* of a suitable character, presenting a natural September 10, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 195 appearance, heightened by the water plants which occupy the pools at its base. This rock-garden has Eormed a model for many of a less extensive character, constructed by Messrs. Backhouse. Less vigorous and choice species are carefully planted in the rock-garden, and most of them hare become well established. Time did not ad- mit of a full examination of the other extensive departments of the nurseries, but enough was seen to show that the reputation of these famous nurseries is being well maintained. S. Arnott. NOTICES OF BOOKS. Making Horticulture Pay.* As the sub-title of this book and the reference to compilation indicate, it is made up mainly of extracts from the writings of persons engaged in fruit-growing or gardening. The extracts are of very unequal merit, and the Editor does not ap- pear to recognise the fact that, whereas some are excellent, others are no better than examples of " how not to do it." All have reference to Ameri- can practices, which, in many respects, are not suitable to this country. For example, the Ameri- can practice as to cultivation in fruit plantations is based largely upon the dread of injury from drought, which is not a primary consideration in this country in relation at least to tree fruits. Hence we have much about cover crops in orchards, which are foreign to English practice. Then, in the United States, ploughing is usual between rows of fruit trees, except where the " sod and mulch " system prevails. Here we should never think of letting a plough be used in a fruit plantation.'' The difference in practice is based upon climatic differences. In the United States, the deep rooting of trees is desired, as a security against injury from drought, and appar- ently the destruction of surface roots by plough- ing is not regarded as disadvantageous. In this country, on the other hand, we encourage our fruit trees to root near to the surface of the soil, and often have reason to dread their entry into the cold and unfertile subsoil. Apple trees are commonly 30 ft. or more apart in the United States, and this affords plenty of room for the plough, and possibly care is taken not to let the implement work too close to the trees. At any rate, the great Apple crops grown on the big trees of the United States show that the system of cultivation pursued is not harmful. But when ploughing between rows of small fruit bushes and Raspberry canes is mentioned, we have no hesi- tation in condemning it, no matter where the practice is pursued. How ploughing can be done, as described, in a plantation with Gooseberry bushes 6 ft. by 4 ft. as a bottom crop, we cannot imagine. With respect to mulching, when this is done with farmyard manure, it is akin to Eng- lish practice. But many American fruit farmers cart any kind of green rubbish they can collect into their orchards to place around their trees. If the practice were pursued here, the result would be to lead to more expense in destroying the weeds that would grow around the trees than the mulch would be worth. Very little farm- yard manure, however, is obtainable in most parts of the United States, and green crops ploughed in are relied upon mainly for manure in arable fruit orchards, supplemented by artificial manures in some cases. As for the numerous grass orchards, the mulching system is the chief manurial agency. The book is devoted partly to culinary vege- tables, and to a very small extent to flowers. There is much in it to interest an English reader, and some of the practices described as successful in the United States are worth the consideration of cultivators of fruit and other crops in this country. But there is a lack of systematic and authoritative instruction, whilst discrimination is needed in deciding between the good and the bad methods described. 'Making Horticulture Pay. Experiences in Gardening and Fruit-Growing. Compiled and edited by Mr. G Kains (New York: Orange Judd Company.) A JOURNEY TO JAPAN. (Continued from page 177. ) E\ster brought us up country to Nuwara Eliya, and to the park and fine garden at Hakgala. Nuwara Eliya. about 6,200 feet above sea-level, has quite a different climate from that of Pera- deniya. At about 2,000 feet Palms disappear from the landscape. The cooler up-country and plantations of Tea prevail, covering vast areas. Species of Eucalyptus, Tree Ferns, and Aralia papyrifera are conspicuous. The air is fresh and cool, being quite agreeable. I may prevail, and at this time of the year tender flowers have to be covered every night. The park is under the same management as Peradeniya. Cupre aus macrocarpa, the Monterey Cypress, is exceedingly well, also Acacia decurrens, and others. The neighbourhood abounds in streamlets, covered with the pretty, white flowers of Apongeton crispum, which is also to be found in the large lake, the latter lying naturally be- tween the hills. Apongeton distachyum is planted, and, like most plants of the Cape, does well. Richardia aethiopica, besides many other introduced plants, such as Ulex europaeus, grow wild. The trade in flowers of Richardia is con- At this high elevation, the evergreen forests, with trees of magnificently-coloured foliage, storm-beaten and sunburnt tops, and groups of Tree Ferns in the ravines, on the slopes, or in the shade of high trees near the water of the stream- lets, are prominent features. The undergrowth is very thick, it being im- possible to pass without cutting a way through. Orchids, Ferns, as well as climbing plants, abound on the trees; Selaginellas cover the ground; and growing up the stems and leaves are mosses and lichens. Ferns are very plentiful, and epiphytes and parasitic plants of all kinds are, as in all parts of Ceylon, much in evidence. Geniosporum elongatum is a very pretty flowering plant of the patanas ; it belongs to the Lahiatae, and this, as well as Aponogeton crispum, of the rivulets, already mentioned, are worth in- troducing to gardens. I was able to collect seed of the latter, but the former was only in flower. There is a rich collection of plants in the botanic garden at Hakgala. It is called after the moun- tain which backs it, and should be seen by every- one visiting Ceylon. The scenery from this high elevation, amongst steep rocks, embraces a large part of Ceylon. Far out are the eastern moun- tains, and below the deep valleys, with paddy- FlG. 76.— NATIVES VISITING A FLOWER SHOW IN CEYLON. rable. The climate is very healthy, and the present time is the best season. One leaves tin hot, low country by rail in the morning, and ar- rives by night in the most pleasant," cool at- mosphere of an average of 58°. Hakgala Gardens are some miles distant from the park, and, being more sheltered, are never- visited by frost. Tree Ferns abound on the Blopes of the hills, near the water, and on the roadsides. The hills are mostly covered with virgin ever- green forest, and, in order to retain the natural forests, the Government does not sell ground for cultural purposes above 5,000 feet. The forest is largely surrounded by grassland, called " patanas," and the line where grass and trees meet is so very sharp as to have the appear- ance of being artificially made. The patanas are burned by the natives, as the burning is followed by young grass, which is grazed by cattle. Lobelia nicotiana?folia is the most conspicuous plant near Nuwara Eliya. In the patanas, w-hero wild Manna grass prevails, the only shrub or tree to be found is Rhododendron arboreum, from 9 feet to 15 feet high, and many hundreds of years old, having withstood numerous fires. They are covered in March and April with masses of scarlet flowers. fields. The hills and slopes, with grassland and Rhododendron, alight with far-spread patana fires, afford a sight never to be forgotten. The sunrise, too, is most beautiful. Monkeys and elephants are found in the neighbourhood, but the forests are free from dangerous animals. The climate, which is very healthy, reminds one of Northern Italy. It is fortunate that, in this tropical island, there is such a cool health resort, where at times one can get out of the powerful heat of the low country. Hakgala Garden is laid out in a still more natural style than Peradeniya gardens, the situa- tion on the slope of a mountain affording greater possibilities. Nurseries and flower-gardens are interspersed as positions allow, and large drives, connected by natural paths and steps, which lead to lovely groves of Tree Ferns and climbers, run through the whole park. The Tree Ferns do ex- ceedingly well, not only the native species, but also those which have been introduced, and the whole garden has a very natural appearance, for the fine, old trees of the virgin forest have lei n well cared for. At Heneratgoda, near Colombo, and only about 30 yards above sea-level, is another botanical gar- den. This garden contains the oldest Para Rnto ,r 196 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 10, 1910. trees, brought to Ceylon in 1876; from their seeds the whole of the great Rubber industry of Ceylon has sprung. Tapping for Rubber may be seen in progress. The garden is rich in useful and in- fcen ting trees, creepers, and Palms. The land about Colombo is largely under culti- vation and produces fine fruits and vegetables for the Colombo market. Cocoanut Palms are seen in every garden, although these are harm- ful to the other plants, owing to the roots in- truding on every flower-bed. Caladiums of every shade are grown in the gar- dens. R iseSj although they do not flower much, are also there, and in large pots along the paths and around the houses are to be found Ferns, Palms, Begonias, and Marantas. Native Orchids grow on the trees; some gardens contain either a collection or a mass of one species. The Lettuce Tree (Pisonia morindifolia), the leaves of which are cooked as a vegetable, forms quite a feature amongst old and new houses. The Government School Garden, near Colombo, is also worthy of a visit. The Ceylon School Gar- dens are under the supervision of Mr. C. Dricherg. Europeans have greatly assisted in the develop- ment of this wonderful country, but the standard work, needlework, fibres, mats, and tuggery of Palm leaves, including the strips known as " olas," on which the old native scriptures and other books are written. For the benefit of those visiting Ceylon. I may say that travelling accommodation is satisfactory, and, in some places, even more than this. Although good cooking can be had, this is not the case where, as in some instances, it is left to the coolie and Ceylon natives. Minerals do not abound in Ceylon, but its precious stones and pearls are famous, and, although at first an exorbitant price is asked for them, they can be purchased reasonably by bar- gaining. Fr. Hen&el. (To be continued.) NEW CHINESE TREES AND SHRUBS AT ALDENHAM HOUSE GARDENS. Mr. E. H. Wilson's third expedition to China in search of new species of plants for in- troduction to gardens was organised by Frofessor Sargent, of the Arnold Arboratum, Boston, s**2* ' %^r ¥*££** **>*■ ;^f-«K- *_».'***'. . ^ ^^M*m^Jm •^s «.«# 5ar»' Fig. 77.- -ZEPHYRANTHES FLOWERING NEAR THE DIRECTOR'S OFFICE IN THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN, PERADENIYA, CEYLON. of education and wealth of the natives does not appear to have risen much for many years. Although Ceylon has been under the influence of the East and West for centuries, it still retains its own customs, languages, and religions. Agricultural and horticultural shows are some- times held in the different towns of Ceylon, and I had the opportunity of visiting one at Nuwara Eliya on March 28. A large variety of fruits and vegetables was shown (see fig. 79). Flower- ing and foliage plants were also displayed, and one tent contained a collection of cut flowers (see fig. 78), the Roses being very pretty. Apples, as well as Pears and Peaches, are grown at this high elevation (about 6,000 feet), and the 6how being open to the whole country, fruits, flowers, plants, and vegetables from the tropics were exhibited. These included Cocoanuts, Plan- tains (Bananas), Pineapples, Limes, Lemons, Mangos, and Papaws. Very interesting was the display of native agricultural and horticultural products, both wild and cultivated varieties being 6hown. There was also an exhibit of metal- U.S.A. The Hon. Vicary Gibbs and a few other persons interested in the expedition each re- ceived a portion of the first consignment of seeds in the early part of 1908. Those which were sent to Aldenham were immediately sown in small boxes, and labelled, each according to the number specified on the seed-packet. The first batch, which was a somewhat large one, was sown, and the seed-pans placed in a gentle heat for a time, where many of the seeds germinated rapidly. This first batch of seed- lings was at once removed to cooler and drier quarters. All the later sowings were placed out- of-doors in cold frames, where protection could be afforded from heavy rains. When the seed- lings were large enough, they were pricked out into boxes, and, to induce them to grow freely, they were kept under rather close conditions in cold frames, and damped frequently. At the timo of transplanting, two or three of each number were also potted into 60-sized pots, for the pur- pose of forming a representative collection. These have since afforded much interest, and the collection shown at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting, on Tuesday, August 30 (see fig. 72), and for which the Society's Gold Medal was awarded, formed a part of these plants th.it were potted. As the plants became established, they were transplanted in larger pots, those from the boxes being transferred to the open ground. The majority of the subjects grew with wonderful freedom, and, with the exception of a few. which Mr. Wilson queried as being ten- dei . they survived the cold of winter well. This. I believe, was due to the collector selecting seeds from plants growing at the highest altitudes. Altogether, 1 believe, Mr. Wilson secured seeds of about 1,300 different kinds plants, and al- though many of these are of a herbaceous nature, we have now some 570 different shrubs repre- sented in the collection. A few of these we have exchanged with other collections from the same source. To name, or to attempt to describe the greater part of the collection would require too much time and space ; in the majority of cases we have only the genus and the collector's num- ber to refer to. Especially numerous were the following : — Berberie, represented by some 20 numbers. Cotoneaster, Evodia, Lonicera, Prunus, Pyrus, Clematis, Rubus, Rosa, and Spiraea. The Berberis particularly promise to prove valuable additions to our garden shrubs : the plants are small, as most of them were raised from seeds re- ceived from late consignments, but the following are making fine specimens : — Nos. 1073, 1356, 1137, 1344, 1038, 1267 (which Wilson describes as a new species), 1261, 930. 1177, 105aa, and B. polyantha. Amongst the Buddleias are many fine forms of B. variabilis, and one of these, which has been named B. v. gigantea, received an Award of Merit at the last R.H.S. meeting (see p. 188). B. nivea is a free grower, and the foliage is covered with a dense, white tomen- tum. Others include Callicarpa in variety, Catalpas Fargesi and vestita, Cedrelas, which form handsome, small trees; Celastrus, Celtis, which form small trees, several having handsome fruits ; Cercis, including C. racemosa, which is both hardier and a better garden plant generally than C. chinensis ; Clematis in great variety, amongst which C. Soulieana is now flowering, the pale yellow tubular blooms being deliciously scented ; and various Cocculus, which form hand- some foliage climbers. Of Cotoneasters we have a great variety, including C. humifusa, which is quite distinct from any other species, forming a useful trailing plant. Cynanchuna is a distinct climber, with pink flowers much resembling Hoya carnosa. There are also species of Flffiagnus, Dentidia, Diervilla, Diospyros. Ehretia, Eleutherococcus, Eucommia ulmoides, Eupteleas (forming fine foliage plants), and Eyodias, forming small trees of graceful habit; a new Korsythia, Fraxinus chinensis, Hydrangea (in numerous variety), Idesia poly- carpa pubescens, Ilex Pernyi, Lespedezas, beau- tiful late flowering shrubs; Liquidambar formo- sana, the Chinese Tulip tree Liriodendron chinensis, Loniceras in bush and climbing form, Mulberries, Neillias, Psederia, a free-growing climber with peculiar flowers; Paulownia 769. a plant with massive foliage, and one that Wilson says should move absolutely hardy, with beauti- ful dark purple-violet coloured flowers ; Phila- delphia, Piptanthus 885, to which the collector specially refers ; Potentilla, Pterocaryas, Ptero- celtis, and Pyrus in great variety, of which those bearing the following numbers appear to possess large, elegant foliage, 956, 997, 1255. Of Prunus we have great variety ; also Rhamnus, Rhus, the leaves of which assume intense autumnal colour- ing; Ribes and Roses of the moschata and lianksiae types, but as yet these have not flowered. Rubus is seen in endless variety, many of the plants in pots being 3 feet high. 188, R. lasio- stylus, has curious white fruits. Others of September 10, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 197 large stature are R. niveus, R. innominatus. R. coreanus, R. flusculosus, R. Lambertianus, R. ichangensis, R. Parkerii, and R. bambu- sarum. all of which possess striking foliage. Others of lesser growth, but worth special mention, are R. polytrichia, R. Playfairii, R. omiense, R. rossefolius, and several others under number only. Schizandras form good climbers. To the list must be added Schizophragma, Spineas in considerable variety, and including the new S. Veitchii, S. Heuryi, S. dasyantha, and others of the sorbifolia type ; Stachyurus, Staphylea, such as S. holocarpa, S. h. alba, and S. Bumalda ; Styrax 884, which Wilson specially refers to ; Stransvsesia undulata and S. 1064 ; Symplocos ; Syringa, including No. 1273, a new- species ; Viburnums in great variety. The seeds of these last-named were slow in germinating, and did so in the autumn. Viburnum 1288 is a conspicuous plant of good growth. V. rhytido- phyllum, now fairly well known, is also included. V. coriaceum is a handsome evergreen species, with large dark green leaves. Vitis are also very varied, and several of them assume good autumn colouring in the leafage. V. armata, V. sinensis, Y. Delavayi, V. flexuosa, and V. 235. This last so perpetual and consistent a bloomer under glass as Richmond or Liberty, yet it 1 as quite as good form, is much deeper in colour, is a very reliable forcer for an early winter crop, and, in addi- tion, has excellent fragrance. The Tea Roses and their many beautiful hybrids are doul< 1 s more generally forced, not only because of their beauty, but also for the greater succession of flowers they give in comparison with the Hybrid Perpetuals. Beside a selection of Hybrid Perpetuals for a supply of dark blooms to contrast with the lighter shades of the Hybrid Teas, the perfect white of l-'rau Karl Druschki and the clear pinks of Mme. Gabriel Luizet, Mrs. R. G. Sharman Crawfi >l and Mrs. John Laing must be included, as well as the varying and intense shades of crimson and maroon found in Victor Hugo," Captain Hay ward, Fisher Holmes, and Prince Camille de Rohan. But it was not so much the varieties I wished 1" note as the fact that operations for early forcing must be taken in hand very shortly. -My own experi- ence goes to show that this section or class re- quire much steadier treatment at the first than is the case with oth< is. and 1 ad\ ise a 1 eginning S< on. In the case of established plants that have Fir. 78. — FLOWER SHOW at NUWARA ELIYA, CEYLON. is a promising plant. The foregoing forms but a random list in alphabetical order, but it will. perhaps, serve to convey some knowledge of the numerous genera that are included in this in- teresting collection of new trees and shrubs. E. Beckett, Aldznham House Gardens, Elstree. THE ROSARY. HYBRID PERPETUALS FOR FORCING. With the advent of Richmond, Liberty, General MacArthur. Chateau de Clos Vougeot and a few more of the best dark-coloured Hybrid Teas, the older class of Hybrid Perpetuals have been some- W'hat neglected for pot culture. But we should still keep to the latter for their perfumes, some of which are totally distinct, and among the sweetest of all. The old favourite, General Jacqueminot, has been forced for close on 60 years, and probably it is the variety most gener- ally grown by amateurs. Granted that it is not been stood in the open, the wood should be fairly well ripened by now. Examine the pots, and see that the drainage is perfect. I usually turn most of the plants out of their pots for this purpose. By this means, one can also decide better if a shift into a larger pot is desirable, besides being able to remove some considerable portion of the top compost; there is also considerable benefit in adding only a little fresh compost. I think suffi- cient use is not made of ^-inch bones for drain- age, as these are a great help in feeding the lower roots, whereas broken pieces of pots are quite useless in that connection. We prune our Hybrid Perpetuals rather harder than the Teas, especially when thinning the centres. After the plants have been examined they should still re- main in the open for a time, but care must be taken to see that worms do not enter the pots through the drainage hole. If pieces of slate are used to prevent this, see that they do not adhere so closely to the pot as to cause the soil to be- come water-logged. For this reason beach stones, with a spoonful of soot just where the drainage hole of the flower pot stands, are best. Should disturbing the roots cause the wood to shrivel, syringe the plants freely, but avoid too much root moisture while the plants are in the open. Plants may be lifted from the nursery beds soon as the shoots are fairly ripe. As the nights get colder, remove the plants to some cool structure such as a late vinery or a pit ; if they have been treated correctly, they will be carrying new growths an inch or two in length, and these must not receive a check. If they are kept growing steadily from the early part of De- cember, they will soon respond to sun heat in the early part of the year. This steady treatment avoids the " blind " or flowerless growths so fre- quently found upon Hybrid Perpetual Roses that have been unduly forced or allowed to ex- perience a check of any kind. A. P. CULTURAL MEMORANDA. BLACK STRIPE IN TOMATOS. This disease usually makes its appearance when the plants are 2 feet to 3 feet in height. A black streak appears in the stems here and there, and, if not immediately checked, the disease spreads through an entire house with great rapidity, com- pletely spoiling the plants, if not killing them outright . Black stripe enters deeply into the tissues, as will be seen on cutting a section of the stem ; growth appears to cease, and the cells shrivel in the affected parts. The disease quickly spreads to the fruit and leaves, which become de- formed and covered with a network of black lines, growth becomes weak, and flowers, which are not already set, fall off. It is most prevalent in houses in which Tomatos have been cultivated year after year, especially if the plants are grossly fed and inclined to grow rank. I have tried several good fungicides, also dust- ing, and vaporising with flowers of sulphur (the latter, by the way, is excellent for mildew), but all these remedies had little or no effect on black stripe. Excessive sun-heat is the only remedy I have found effectual in checking it. We close the house about noon on a bright day, allowing the temperature to rise to 115° or 120° Fahr., and I have never known this remedy to fail. On one occasion last season, the disease made its appearance during a spell of dull weather, and several days elapsed before a bright day ap- peared, and then only a temperature of 103° Fahr. was obtained, which had practically no effect. Several days later, a temperature of 120° Fahr. was reached, and the result could be seen almost immediately. The disease was cured, and all the affected plants commenced to grow again, although the old scars remained ; but these soon became healed, like wounds on the trunk of an actively-growing tree. The temperature necessary to eradicate ;he disease appears to be about 115° Fahr. Care should be taken that the roots are sufficiently moist, as such high temperatures cause excessive transpiration, and, if the roots are at all dry, burning results. The foliage should not be thinned excessively before shutting up the house, and if some of the more exposed fruits are slightly shaded from the direct rays of the sun, it is an advantage, as I have occasionally had a fruit, here and there, scalded. Our Tomato houses are not shaded in any way, and the thermometers from which the above tem- peratures were taken were more or less in the direct rays of the sun. The houses are not opened until the following morning, to allow the temperature to fall gradually, as a sudden change- to colder conditions might have serious effects. W. J. J. 198 THE GARDENERS1 CHRONICLE. [September 10, 1910. The Weeks Work. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, Aldenham House, Hertfordshire. Heaths. — Many of the Heaths are now making a fine display in the flower garden with their pro- fusion of showy flowers. Few plants are more adapted for grouping in masses to create an effect than the hardy Ericas, for, although iso- lated specimens are very beautiful objects, large, irregular masses are even more so, especially on open, undulating land. With a good selection of species and varieties, it is possible to have Heaths in flower out-of-doors almost the whole year round. They do extremely well in wind-swept positions, where most other subjects fail, and they have another advantage in requiring little attention, an occasional weeding being all that is necessary. They may be planted during the autumn and winter months, whenever the ground is in a suitable condition. The plants are not so vide showy fruits, but are pleasing also when in flower, and are of an attractive nature generally : Cotoneaster, Rhamnus, Euonymus (the Spindle Tree is especially beautiful when grown as a standard), Viburnum, Lonicera, Berberis (in great variety), Crataegus, Hypericum, Hippo- phae, Rosa rugosa, Pyrus, Rhodotypos ker- rioides, Rubus, Colutea arborescens, and Coriaria terminalis. General work. — At this season of the year, cut- tings of many varieties of Roses will root in the open ground. Select well-ripened shoots and plant them in soil containing plenty of road- grit, labelling each variety carefully. The season for Sweet Peas is almost finished, and those of the earliest sowing should be discarded altogether. If seed is required, gather the pods at intervals when the weather is favourable, and place them in an open, dry position to ripen. Some bulbs, including Narcissi, and English and Spanish Irises, may now be planted with advantage. Keep the hoe constantly at work amongst the beds and borders, and see to the tying of the shoots and everything else in readiness before disturbing the border. The bulk of the new soil should con sist of sound fibrous loam, chopped roughly.- To this may be added a fair proportion of old mortar rubble, crushed bones, wood ashes and a sprink- ling of any of the artificial manures specially re- commended for the purpose. A good heap of broken bricks should be ready to hand, also a stack of freshly-cut turves to place over the drainage. Start at the outside of the border, that is, at the point furthest from the vines, taking out a trench down to the drainage. Work the soil away from the roots, using a fork for the purpose, being careful not to injure them. As the work proceeds, the roots should be tied in bundles as far as possible and covered with a damp mat. This lifting is the most critical part of the operation, and should never be en- trusted to a novice or a careless person. Let the old soil be cleared away as the work proceeds. If sufficient new loam cannot be obtained to en- tirely renew the border, part of the old compost may be utilised, but not if the latter is in a sour, FlG. 79. — EXHIBITION OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES AT A CEYLON FLOWER SHOW. •fastidious in their soil requirements as many people imagine, and peat is not absolutely neces- sary, although it proves a valuable addition to the natural staple if it is deficient in humus. The soil should be well dug, and have plenty of de- cayed vegetable matter and leaf-mould incor- porated with it, as well as a quantity of sand. Allow the soil to settle before planting, which should be done firmly, and a good mulch of de- cayed farmyard manure should be placed about the roots when the planting is finished. The various forms of Calluna vulgaris, the common " Ling, "are especially useful at this season. Be- sides being beautiful in bloom, some of the varieties 'have striking, variegated foliage. Shrubs_ with ornamental fruits. — At the present time many shrubs are attractive in their showy fruits, which provide a touch of colour in the shrubbery just in advance of the autumn leaf-tinting, making them of great value, either for the mixed shrubbery or as isolated specimens. The following subjects not only pro- in the case of plants requiring attention in this matter. The Dahlia season has been largely spoiled by the wet weather. The Psony and Cactus-flowered varieties are the most valuable for supplying cut blooms. We cultivate a variety of the Pom-pom section named White Aster ; this is a good variety generally, being free in flowering, and the blooms are very useful for many purposes. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, G.C.B., Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket. Renovating of vine borders. — The vines in the earliest houses having now ripened their growths, any intended alterations to the border or over hauling of the roots may be proceeded with. If the drainage is faulty it will be advisable to lift the vines entirely and replant them afresh. The work should be done quickly, as the vines will suffer if the roots are out of the ground for any great length of time. Have the fresh soil prepared inert condition, in which case it will be better to employ a quantity of good soil from the kitchen garden. Having put the drainage in a satisfactory state and covered the drainage ma- terials with the fresh turves, placed grass-side downwards, replanting may be done. Spread the roots straight out at different depths in the bor- der, but always well towards the surface. Any bruised or broken roots should be cut back to sound tissue, making a clean cut. Long, bare roots, devoid of fibre, may be notched at inter vals along their upper sides. Fill in the soil as the work proceeds, treading and beating it firmly. When finished, the border should be a few inches above the original level to allow fol the soil settling. Top-dressing. — When it is not considered necessary to renew the border, as advised, old vines and those in an unsatisfactory condition may be greatly assisted by top-dressings. Re- move as much as possible of the inert soil from the surface until the roots are exposed, and September 10, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 199 replace it with fresh compost, in which a good proportion of mortar rubble and artificial manure has been added. Such treatment will encourage the development of surface roots and assist in other ways in restoring the vines to health and vigour. When examined 12 months hence, this fiesh loam should be full of fibrous roots. Liquid manure may also be given with advantage U< vims which require assistance. When the Grapes are cut, a thorough soaking of the diluted drain- ings from stables and cowsheds will help to re- cuperate vines which have carried heavy crops, or a thick mulch of fresh cow manure placed on the border and well watered by means of either can or hose-pipe will produce results equally satisfactory. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By John Donoghue, Gardener to Joseph Pickersgill, Esq., Bardon Hill, Weetwood, Yorkshire. Salvia grandiflora splendens. — The intense scarlet colour of the flowers of this beautiful autumn and winter-blooming plant is always ap- preciated. Salvias are comparatively easy of cul- tivation, and are most useful for conservatory or home decoration, besides supplying flowers that are valuable for dinner table and other decora- tions. Stock plants intended for autumn-flower- ing may be given top-dressings of some artificial fertiliser, and, alternately with the ordinary water, weak liquid manure from the farmyard. Salvias are gross feeders, and must be regularly supplied with water, for if the roots are allowed to become dry, the bottom leaves will drop, and the bare stems detract very much from the decorative value of the plants. Previous to housing them, which should be done about the end of September, the foliage should receive a thorough cleansing. Solatium Capsicastrum and S. Pseudocapsi- . cum. — Where these plants have been cultivated in pots, red spider and aphis will be found most troublesome pests. The leaves should therefore be syringed thoroughly with an insecticide. A cool greenhouse from which the frost can be ex- cluded will furnish suitable winter quarters for both species. As 60on as the berries are of a blight colour, stimulants shotdd be withheld, and the surroundings kept as dry as circumstances permit. , Pot Poses. — Plants intended for early forcing should have their shoots well ripened previous to pinning. They should be stood well apart on a good layer of ashes throughout the summer and autumn in full exposure to sunshine. Extreme care must be exercised in affording water, and mildew eradicated at once by frequent syringings with sulphur water; aphides and red spider must also be combatted. Cuttings of Marguerite and Fuchsia should now be inserted. Select the healthiest shoots and place them firmly, about an inch apart, around the edges of " 60 " pots filled with a sandy compost. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. R. Searle, Gardener to the Marquis of North- ampton, Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. Pruning the Morello Cherry. — The Morello requires to be pruned quite differently from the Sweet Cherry, the method being similar to that used with Peaches and Nectarines. All useless and old fruiting wood that can be spared should be cut out so as to allow room for training some of the young shoots, as these will produce the best fruits next season. It is wiser to prune the trees now, or immediately after the crop has been gathered than to wait until, the leaves have fallen, as the operator will be better able to decide, while the foliage is still on the trees, which wood can best be spared. Another advantage is that the young shoots are most likely to be allowed a proper distance apart, and the danger of overcrowding avoided. In taking out the useless wood before the leaves fall, more light and air reach the re- maining wood, thus enabling it to mature more thoroughly. After the necessary pruning has been completed, the trees should be given a good syringing with a suitable insecticide to cleanse them of any insect pests that may be present on the foliage. Make sure that sufficient moisture has reached the roots ; this is best ascertained by using a border tester. Pacl-ing of Figs and Peaches. — Where these fruits have to be sent a considerable distance by rail, great care must be exercised both in gather- ing and p.acking them. Figs should be packed in a single layer in a box 3g inches deep, which will allow of a few soft vine leaves being used. Place the fruits close together in rows with a pad of cottonwool between each row ; the remaining space should be filled with some soft packing material before placing on the lid. Peaches will need boxes an inch or more deeper than Figs, according to the size of th'e fruits. They should be wrapped in tissue paper, placing a small pad of wood-wool around each fruit. Pack them closely together, as in the case of Figs, and fill any space remaining with soft material, so that they cannot shift in transit. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Masdevallia. — The Masdevallias are not grown so extensively as they deserve to be; the princi- pal reason is probably their small pecuniary value. Yet they include many beautiful, curious, and interesting species and hybrids. Few plants produce such showy and brilliantly-coloured flowers as Masdevallia ignea, M. Veitchiana, M. amabilis, M. coccinea, and its many distinct varieties of the Harryana type. All of them pro- duce a splendid effect when in bloom, and they ar ■ charming when arranged with the white flowers of Odontoglossum crispum. Other distinct species well deserving of cultivation are the pure white M. tovarensis, the yellow-flowered M. Davisii, M. rosea, and the orange red M. race- mosa, to which may be added several attractive and interesting hybrids, such as M. Chamberlaini- ana, M. Gairiana, M. Courtauldiana, M. Rush- tonii, M. splendida, M. Chelsonii, M. Henrietta, M. Rebecca, M. Stella, M. Curlei, M. Fraseri, M. Pourbaixii, M. Acis, M. Ajax, M. Geleniana, and M. glaphyrantha. Those species that are charac- terised by the singularity and quaintness of their flowers include M. Gargantua, M. elephanticeps, M. ephippium, M. torta. M. Peristeria, M. mac rura, M. coriacea, M. corniculata, M. leonto- glossa, M. mclanoxantha. M. Mooreana, M. Bur- fordiense, M. Schlirnii, and M. velifera. Among the dwarf-growing kinds is the extraordinary M. muscosa, with an extremely sensitive lip, a suit- able companion bring the still rare M. xipheres. Others that may be instanced are M. polysticta, with its spider-like flowers, M. deorsa, with dis- tinct, drooping, metallic-like foliage, the pretty M. Arminii. M. Wageneriana, M. Estradee, M. caudata Shuttleworthii, M. Schroderiana, M. irrorata, M. caloptera, M. xanthina, M. macroble- pharis, the Gnat Orchid, M. nidifica, M. Nilsonii. M. anchot'ifera. M. ludibunda, M. platyglossa, and M. hieroglyphica. Well grown plants of any of these, when in full bloom, form pretty little objects, and are appreciated generally. These dwarf-growing plants slmuld be grown on a damp, elevated stage, with their leaves well up to the roof-glass. They should never be allowed to become dry at the roots, neither should fchej be kept in a saturated condition, or the leaves of many of them will damp off. The present is a good time to overhaul these Masdevallias, and where a house is devoted to their culture it should be thoroughly cleaned both inside and outside. The walls should be well scrubbed and white- washed, and, if the house has a north or north-east aspect, the stippling should be removed from the roof-glass. If any of the plants need repotting, or old, overgrown masses require to be divided, the work should be attended to at once. The winter- flowering M. tovarensis, M. ignea, and M. Davisii should not be disturbed now, unless they are in a very bad condition at the roots. February is the best time to repot them. Masdevallias form many roots, therefore they should be afforded a good root-run. The pots should be two-thirds filled with drainage, and for the rooting medium use Osmunda fibre, Polypodium fibre, and Sphagnum-moss in equal proportions, cut moder- ately finely, intermixing plenty of small, broken crocks. When repotting, keep the base of the plant on a level with the rim of the pot, and care- fully work the compost between the roots. Pot with moderate firmness, so that when water is ap- plied it will percolate freely through it. In dealing with large, worn-out plants, that have but few roots, divide them and pot the pieces up separately into small pots ; when these are thoroughly re-established, bring them to- gether again in one receptacle. As with many other Orchids, the critical time with Masde- vallias is during the first three or four months after root disturbance, it being an easy matter to over-water them, causing many old roots and leaves to die. Keep the surface of the compost just moist, and, preferably, towards the edge of the pot, rather than in the centre. With the exception of M. tovarensis, all these plants succeed in a comparatively low tempera- ture, doing very well with Odontoglossum of the 0. crispum type. During winter, it will be better to place them in the warmer and drier part of the hou6e. Keep the repotted plants well shaded from all sunshine, but do not allow the shadings to remain over them longer than is really necessary. At this season a good damping between the pots twice a day will be sufficient, unless the house is very exposed to sun-heat, when an extra damping may be necessary. The black spots so frequently seen on the foliage of these plants are often caused by affording too much water at the root, also by maintaining too moist an atmosphere, especially during cold, dull weather in the autumn and winter months. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Kitchen Garden Foreman, Royat Gardens, Windsor. Hoeing. — Take advantage of the fine weather to stir the soil among the growing crops. It will assist the plants in their growth and destroy countless small weeds which make their appear- ance now, and which are difficult to kill after September has passed. The neatness of the kitchen garden in winter will depend greatly on the attention it receives now, and no effort should be spared to 'rid the ground of weeds before the season is too far advanced. Mushroom. — Beds that were spawned a month ago should be examined and, if the soil on the surface is dry, a gentle watering should be given through a fine rose. Rain-water should be used, and it, should be warmed to about the tempera- ture of the atmosphere in the house. Beyond sy- ringing the walls and floor of the house when the atmosphere becomes dry, further moisture will not be ntcessary except in extreme cases. Col- lect material for successional beds ; a steady, lasting heat is necessary, and the manure should be turned every second, day to sweeten it. Beds, that are freely mixed with soil continue to crop much longer than those composed of horse- droppings entirely, provided they are of suffi- cient depth to maintain the necessary heat and moisture. Cucumbers. — Plants raised from seeds sown a month ago should now be ready for planting on small mounds of soil over a gentle hot-bed. The plants should reach the top of the trellis by the end of October, and for the present no fruits should be allowed to develop if this can be avoided. Cucumbers planted a month ago for cropping in early winter should have the shoots trained to the trellis 9 inches apart. The branches must be frequently pinched to promote sturdy, short-jointed growths. Top-dress the plants as often as roots appear above the soil, using light, turfy loam and leaf-soil in equal pro- portions. Plants in full-bearing should be thinned freely, and old, rough leaves removed to make room for the laterals, which should be pinched at the second joint beyond the fruit. Give liberal supplies of liquid manure and en- courage these old plants to produce Cucumbers as late in the season as possible. A humid atmo- sphere, with a night temperature of 70° to 75°, should be maintained. Tomalos. — Reduce the foliage on Tomato plants in the open air, and give a dressing of" artificial manure to hasten the development of the fruits before cold nights set in. These plants are easily injured by cold, wet weather, and protec- tion should then be given if possible. Tomatos in pots intended for furnishing fruits in early winter will have set several bunches of fruit, and should receive liberal feeding either as liquid manure or as a top-dressing of artificial manure mixed with loam. Keep the plants under cool conditions as long as possible, in order to prolong the supply of fruits well into the winter. Plants intended for successional fruiting will require full exposure to light and air, so that the berries may be set before dull weather arrives. Pinch out all side growths and reduce the foliage to allow light and air to freely enter amongst the plants. 200 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 10. 1910. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street. Covent Garden, W.C. Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or Must aliens, unless by special arrangement. The Editors do n>t hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. Letters for Publication, as well as specimens of plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on onk side only of thr papeh, 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. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sendingto the Ed.tors ea>iy 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. Illustrations. - 1 he Editors will be gladto receive andto select photogiaphs or draivings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c;t but they cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be careful to mark the paragraphs they wish the Editors to sec. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 - United Hort. Ben. & Piov. Soc. Corns, meet. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13- Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 3 p.m. by Mr. C. Herman Senn, on "The Cookins of Vege- tables.") British Gard. Assoc. Ex. Council meet. THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15- Nat. Rose Soc Autumn Sh. in R.H.S. Hall, West- minster. FRIDAY, SEPTEL "ER 16- Sheflield Chrys. . )c. Early Show (2 days). Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 57'7°. Actual Temperatures: — London— Wednesday, September 7 (6 p.m.): Mas. 60'; Min. 50". Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street. Covent Garden, London —Thursday , September 8 (10 a.m.): Bar. 303; Temp. 63' ; Weather— Sunshine. Provinces.— Wednesday, Seplctnhcr 7: Mai. 58" Ireland S.W. j Min- 53 • Yorkshire. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, and FRIDAY— Dutch Bulbs, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 10.30. MONDAY— Twenty-fifth Annual Unreserved Sale of Pot Plants at The Nurseries, Chingford, Essex, by order of Messrs. H. B. May & Sons, by Protheroe & Morris, at 11. TUESDAY— Great Annual Trade Sale of Winter-blooming Heaths, &c, at Burnt Ash Road Nurseries, Lee, S.E., by order of Messrs. B. Mailer & Sons, by Protheroe & Morris, at 11. WEDNESDAY— Great Annual Sale of Winter-flowering and other Plants at The Nurseries, South Woodford, by order of Mr. John Fraser, by Protheroe & Morris, at 11. THURSDAY— Twenty-ninth Great Annual Trade Sale of Winter- blooming Heaths at Longlands Nursery, Sidcup, S.E., by order of Messrs. H. Evans & Sons, by Protheroe & Mori is, at 11. FRIDAY — Imported and Established Orchids, at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 12.45. The Fertility of the Soil. No horticultural problem lias given rise to more discussion than that of the causes of the fertility of soils; and the vary- ing pronouncements of science find an echo in the varied practice of cultivators. At one i phase of the investigation, scientific men have proclaimed that, since plants absorb mineral salts of potassium, phosphorus, nitrogen, &c, from the soil, fertility depends on the quanti- ties of these several plant-foods contained in the earth. At another phase, after the chemist had demonstrated that ordinary soil contains from 50 to 100 times more of these substances than a field crop extracts from it, the scientific agriculturist declares that the amount of mineral constituents is of less im- portance to soil-fertility than is the relation between the soil and the water it contains. In support of this view, he invokes not only chemical analyses of soils, but also the facts that, in practice, the culti- vator devotes a large proportion of his ener- gies to increasing, or modifying in a manner favourable to plant-growth, the amount of water in the soil. As knowledge of the physiology of plants increased, it became clear that, though Jhe soil is a great store- house of plant-food, and contains almost un- limited reserves of the mineral substances es- sential to plants, yet, unless the mineral sub- stances are present in an available form, that is, in a form in which they may be dissolved readily, the soil is unfertile. During the dispute between the upholders of the chemical and the advocates of the physical theories of soil-fertility, a third party intervenes. Waving aside the disputants, he proclaims that the secret of fertility is to be found neither in the physical nor in the chemi- cal condition of the soil, but in its biological state. He points out that the earth is a living earth ; that it teems with bacteria — a clod of soil containing many millions of these living and very active organisms. For a time, the astonishing discoveries of the bacteriologist hold the attention of the audience interested in the physico-chemical discussion. In quick succession, he announces the discovery of nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria, supplying the proof that the earth renews its stores of com- bined nitrogen through the activity of certain of its bacteria, which take the free nitrogen gas of the air, combine it with other elements, and so render it available to the roots of plants. Next he shows that other races of bac- teria change the ammonia, formed during the decay of plant- and animal-remains, into nitrates, and thus serve also the requirements of plants. Further, he reveals the presence ol yet other soil bacteria, which work in a spirit of Hat contradiction to that of the nitrifying organisms, and, by decomposing nitrates, give rise to ammonia, which, unless combined with mineral bases, escapes into the air, and so is lost to the soil. In the gigantic stride which he has made during the last 50 years, the bacteriologist solved the old riddle of the fer- tilising effect of leguminous crops. But in science the last word is never said, and now the zoologist takes a turn in bringing his science to bear on. the problem of soil-fertility. As Mr. Hall has pointed out in these pages, and as he indicated in his admirable address before the agricultural sub-section of the British Association at Sheffield, bacteria are not the only micro-organisms which play an important part in determining soil-fertility. In that underworld of life — the foot or so of surface soil — exist large numbers of protozoa, — amajba-like, unicellular animals. They feed upon the bacteria, and therefore count in determining the composition of the micro- flora of the soil. To the voracity of the protozoa is due the limitation in numbers of the soil bacteria, and it is by reference to them that the remarkable effects of sterilisa- tion on soil fertility are to be explained. As our readers know, soil heated to the tempera- ture of boiling water yields larger crops than ordinary soil. The explanation of this en- . hanced fertility, which we owe to Drs. Russell and Hutchinson, of Rothamstead, is strikingly simple. The heat to which the soil is exposed suffices to kill the protozoa and some bacteria. The bacteria which are left are largely of the ammonia-producing type. Freed from rivals and secure againsl devouring protozoa, thej increase with enormous rapidity, till, within a few days, every grain of soil contains aboul half a million of these organisms. As a co quence of the exuberant activity of the am- monia-producing bacteria, large quantity of ammonia accumulate in the soil, and the plant, obtaining plentiful supplies of nitrogen; grows apace. Thus, stage bj stage, the pro- blem of .soil-fertility is being solved, though not yet may the complete solution bi held I i have been obtained. As the soil is a complex physico-chemicQ-biological structure, so is its fertility the result of complex and interacting conditions. Nevertheless, horticulturists have reason to be grateful to scientific men for their labours, though, with the wide experience which comes of constant work on the soil, they may not be ready always to hail each new discovery as a solution of all their diffi- culties. Our Supplementary Illustration shows a rustic arch covered with the beautiful Rose Leuchtstern in full bloom. This is one of the mo t useful varieties cf the climbing Polyantha Roses, being absolutely hardy and flov ering early. Although the flowers are single, they last fresh for a long time, being the best single Rose in that respect. The Supplementary Illustration shows its extreme freeness in flowering. It was introduced to gardens by J. C. Schmidt in 1899. and at once became popular. It is mure hardy even than Crimson Rambler, which it resembles very much in habit and growth, but is not SO susceptible to attacks of mildew or red rust disease. It is equally suitable for training oil pillars as on archways. Royal Horticultural Society.— The next meeting will be held in the Society's Hall. Vin- cent Square, Westminster, on Tuesday, Septem- ber 13. A lecture on Roses, by -Mr. Geo. Paul, Jun., will be delivered at 3 o'clock. The president and council have ac- cepted the offer of the following prizes from Mi. Robert Sydenham, for award by them at tin- Exhibit i. n of Springs Bulbs on March 14 and 15. 1911. Bulbs grown in moss-fibre or similar ma terial (amateurs): Six single Hyacinths in sepa- rate vases, not exceeding 6 inches in diameter, to be selected from any one cf the following varie ties: — Enchantress, Innocence, Isabella. Jacques. Johan, King of the Blues, Koh-i-noor, Ornament Rose, Princess May, Queen of the Blues. Roi des Beiges, Rose a Merveille, and Schotel. Prizes 21s., 17s. 6d., 15s., 10s. 6d., 7s. 6d. Six vases of Tulips (vases not exceeding 7 inches in diameter) no restriction as to the number of bulbs in a vase, to be selected from the following : — Duchcsse de Parma, Fabiola, Joost van Vondel, Keizeiskroon, La Reve, Mon. Tresor, Prince of Austria. Queen of the Netherlands, Rose Gris de Lin. Van der Neer, Vermilion Brilliant, and White Joost Van Vondel. Prizes, 21s., 17s. 6d., 15s., 10s. 6d., 7s. 6d. Six vases of Narcissi (vases not exceeding 7 inches in diameter) no restriction as to the num- ber of bulbs in a vase, to be selected from the following: — Blood Orange, Bullfinch, C. J. Back- house, Dairymaid, Emperor, Glitter, Horace, I.eonic, Lilian, Luh\orth, Madame de Graaf, Red Flag, Victoria, and White Lady. Prizes. 21s., 17s. 6d., 15s., 10s. 6d., 7s. 6d. Poetry of Gardens. -Messrs. TrcSLOVE & Hanson will shortly add to their well-known series of anthologies a volume entitled In Praisi of Gardens, compiled by S. J. Shaylor. The volume will include most of the notable poetry noun gardens in the English language, and also prose-selections. It will be illustrated with views from famous gardens. September 10. 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 201 Gardeners Royal Benevolent Institu- tion.— Tho King has been graciously pleased to become patron of the Gardeners' Royal Benevo- lent Institution, of which his Majesty, as Prince of Wales, was formerly president. Quei n Mary has also been graciously pleased to Ci n- tinue the patronage h r Majesty accorded to the Institution as Duchess of York and Princess of Wales. "The Botanical Magazine." — The issue for September, which constitutes Number 69 of the 4th series, gives illustrations and descriptions of the following species : — Rhododendron Ungernii, tab. 8332. — The district in the Caucasus wherein this plant is found wild is also the home of R. ponticum and R. caucasicum, the plants being found at different elevations, R. Ungernii occupying the middle zone. The plant, from which the illustration was prepared, was raised from seeds received at Kew in 1866, and although it is now a bush al t 6 feet high, it has (lowered very rarely. Because of i his, it is not likely to prove such a good garden plant as its congeners mentioned above. The flowers are vi ry faintly suffused with rose, the individual blooms being about 2 inches across. The plant would probably prove hardy in favoured parts of this country. Chirita rupestris, tab. 8333.— This beautiful Gesnerad was discovered by Mr. C. Curtis on the limestone rocks of Lankawi, which lies off the coast of Kedah in the Malay Peninsula. The plant is cultivated at Kew in a moist tropica] house, and forms a bushy, compact annual about 2 feet in height, flowering freely during the autumn. It requires a similar treatment to the Gloxinia. The flowers are bright blue with a blotch of bright yellow in the throat, and they are § inch across. Tristellateia australis, tab. 8334. — This is a climbing plant of the Malpighiacese, a native of East tropical Africa. It produces pendant shoots, terminated with graceful racemes of yellow flowers, set off with red anthers. The plant grows well in the Palm house at Kew, where it flowers in summer time. Micao.MELES caloneuha, tab. 8335. — This plant has the appearance, both in fruit and flower, of a Pyrus, the small clusters of brown fruit being pear shaped. The species was originally dis- covered by Dr. Henry in North Wushan. China, and seeds were sent hone by Mr. E. H. Wilson when plant-collecting for Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons. The plants raised at tin' Ooombe Wood Nursery of this firm flowered for the first time in 1909, and furnished the material for the plate in the Botanical Magazine. The inflorescences are many flowered corymbs with white blossoms. Alf/torurus yedqsnsis, tab. 8336. — This is the plant sometimes met with in gardens under the name of Anthericum yedcense, but after being placed in more than one other genus it has been finally referred to Alectorurus. Plants re- ceived at Kew from Mr. A. K. Bully. Neston, Cheshire, prove quite hardy and flowered in July, although not freely. The plume-like inflorescences are a pale rose colour. Presentation to a Horticultural Society's Secretary. — Mr. Quixtin Aird, headmaster of Hardgate School, Dalbeattie, and Secretary of the local Horticultural Society, was presented with a gold watch on the occa- sion of his removal to Howwood, near Paisley ; • a gold and opal ring being given to Mrs. Aird In handing over the gifts, Dr. Frew specially referred to Mr. Aird's services to the Horticultural Society, of which body he has acted as secretary for eight years. Mr. Aird has been one of the most successful amateur gardeners of the locality, his exhibits having gained many prizes at the local shows. Appointments from Kew. —According to the Kew Bulletin Mr. C. K. Bancroft, B.A., formerly Major Scholar of Trinity College, Cam- bridge, has been appointed by the Secretarj i I Male for the Colonies, on the recommendation i f Kew, Assistant Mycologist in the Federated .Malay States. Mr. Albert Richard Gould, a member of the gardening staff of the Royal Botanical Gardens, has been appointed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, on the recom- mendation of Kew. a Curator in the Agricultural Department of the Gold Coast in succession to Mr. J. Anderson, resigned. Mr. William Leslie Wood, lately a member of the gardening staff of the Royal Botanic Gardens, has 1>> n appointed by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, on the ;ecommendation of Kew. Super- intendent of Government Plantations in the Federated Malay States in succession to Mr. F. R. Long, resigned. The Bulletin also states that Mr. Lewton-Bratn formerly Mycologist and Lecturer on Agriculture to the Imperial Depart- ment of Agriculture for the West Indies, and afterwards Assistant Director in the Division of Physiology and Pathology in the experiment station of the Hawaiian Sugar Planters' Associa- tion, has been appointed Director of Agriculture in the Federated Malay States in succession to Mr. W. J. Gallagher, resigned. The Florence International Horticul- tural Exhibition. — An international horti- cultural Exhibition will be held in Floren during the first fortnight of May. 1911. in celebra- tion mi the fiftieth anniversary of the proclama- tion "f the kingdom of Italy. The exhibition, which is to be held under the patronage of the town of Florence and of tin- Horticultural S itj of Tuscany, will receive the financial support of the Italian Government. It will comprise upwards of 450 competitions for ornamental trees, fruit trees, vegetables, forced and pre- served units, collections of seeds, bulbs and tubers, Colonial plants and their produce, floral art and horticultural industries. Prominence is to be given also to the literature and history of horticulture and to horticultural instruction. Among the prizes offered are valuable " prizes of honour," given by their Majesties the Kim; and Queen of Italy. All enquiries should be ad- dressed to the Comite Executif de l'Exposition Int rnational d'Horticulture de Florence. International Brussels Exhibition. — The next horticultural show will take place in l lie Horticultural Hall, from September 24 to 27. To the programme already published has been added classes for Orchids, Dahlias, Roses, Gladioli, ami other seasonable flowering plants. Paris Autumn Show. — The International Exhibition of Chrysanthemums, fruit, and vege- tables, to be held in the Cours-la-Reine, Paris, will open on November 4 next, and close on tho 13th of the same month. The schedule of prizes, containing full particulars, has just been issued: tie' classes number 165. There are also details relating to the International Chrysanthemum Conference, organised b\ the National Horticul- tural Society of France and the French National Chrysanthemum Society. This gathering will take place in the hall of the former society, at 84, Rue de Grenelle. Seven questions are on the agenda for discussion, viz., suggestion for a pocket edition of the colour chart ; the effect of the time of taking cuttings and stopping on bud selection: insects and diseases; damping of the blooms; manuring for outdoor culture; history of the Chrysanthemum ; and practical packing of blooms. The time table for members of the Con- ference is, briefly, as follows : — November 3 : 1.30 p.m., Floral Committee Meeting for judging novelties. November 4: 8 a.m., meeting of the International Jury; 10.30 a. in., opening of the show by the President of the French Repub- lic : mid day. lunch to the jury ; in the afternoon. 1 ' the show. November 5: 9 a.m., first sit- ting of the Congress; 2 pin., second sittim', : 9 p.m., reception of the members of the I ence. November 6: 8.30 a.m., the members will \ isit t!i" Luxembourg greenhouses and gardens and tin- natural history museum, and at mid-day lunch at the Palais d'Orsay, later driving to the Bois de Boulogne and visiting the Paris City nur- series. Applications for tickets for the excur- sions, accompanied by the sum of 10 francs, should be made to M. G. Clement, 117, Rue de Paris. Vanves (S ine). The Secretary's address is 64, Rue de Grenelle, Paris Danger from Plants on Window Sills. — A defendant at Clydebank Police Court was re- ■ ith having placed a fiowi on the sill of his window without sufficiently protecting it ai d pn i from falling. He pleaded guilty. The flower-pot fell from the ■". and almost struck a woman as she was ig. This was the second case within a short period of flowerpots or boxes outside win- dows in tin.- (own falling. The magistrate im- I a modified penalty of 5s., or three davs' imprisonment. " Encyclop/ecia Britannica." -The Uni.er- i i lambrid ;e ha.- taken over the control ami copyright of the Encyclopcedia Britannica, ami will publish a new and compbte edition about the end of tin- pn n1 year. This 11th Edition, which has been eight years in -preparation, en- tirely supersedes preceding editions. It will be r imprised in 28 quarto volumes, of which the last will be devoted to a full and comprehensive index. It is more than 140 years since the '.opcedia Britannica was first planned by " a Society of Gentlemen in Scotland." The 1st Edition began to appear in 1768, and was com- pleted, in three volumes, iii 1771. " Horticultural Directory." — We are asked to state that the editor of the Horticul- tural Directory, 12. Mitre Court Chambers. Fleet Street, London, will be obliged if head gardeners will notify him of any changes of title or addn ss that have occurred since October, 1909. Pits for Soil-Sterilisation. — In con- nection with the enhancement of fi tility pro- duced by sterilisation of soil referred to in our leading article, it may be mentioned that, accord- ing to the Journal of tfo Agricultural Depart mi hi of Victoria (vol. viii., p. 366). a simple pit for the sterilisation of soil may be constructed follows: — A shallow pit. 18 inches in depth, is lined, with brick — the walls being made of 9-inch brickwork — and divided into two by a brick partition. The compartments, which are- used consecutively, each hold about two tons of soil. Steam is generated by a small portable boiler, worked at a pressure of 25-30 lbs., and | inch piping leads from the boiler to the pit floor, where it joins with a T piece in each impaitment. From the T piece, six pipes are li t into spaces in the brickwork floor. The pipes are 8 inches apart, plugged at their free ends, and perforated along their upper sides with 3-16th inch holes 3 inches apart. A tile-drain, covered with cinders an inch below the surface, carries off the water from the condensed steam. Before use, the pipes are covered lightly with sand, the pits are filled with soil, the latter covered loosely with old sacking. Steam is turned on and allowed to pass for 30 minutes after the surface layers of the soil have reached a temperature of 212° F. The steam is then turned on to the second compart- ment, which in the meantime has been filled with soil. 202 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 10, 1910. The British Flora. — The President of the 15 tanical Section of the British Association, Professor J. W. H. Trail, chose for the subject of his address the need for the publication of a comprehensive national flora of the British Isles. He pointed out that, though a great deal of systematic investigation has been done of recent years, there is no one work in which the chief results of this research are collected, and that, as a consequence, the student has to consult large numbers of scattered memoirs before he can obtain the information which he seeks. On these grounds, as well as on the ground that it would lead to further discoveries, Professor Trail urges that a well-organized botanical survey of the British Isles should be undertaken, and he gives practical effect to his suggestion by pro- posing that a committee of the British Association should be appointed to report on the steps neces- sary for the organisation of 6uch a survey, and preparing materials for a national flora of the British Isles. Publications Received.— The Upper Gar- den, by Robert de la Condamine. (London : Methuen & Co.) Price 5i.—The Gardeners' and Poultry Keepers' Guide and Illustrated Cata- logue. (London : W. Cooper, Ltd.) Price 2s. 6d. — Apgar's Ornamental Shrubs of the United States, by A. C. Apgar. (New York : American Book Company.)— The Estate Magazine. (Lon- don: Spottiswoode & Co., Ltd.) Price 6d.— Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. Leaflet No. 239, Pear Leaf Blister Mite; Leaflet No. 231, Cheese-Making for Small Holders. (London : 4, Whitehall Place, S.W.) THE "RUINED" ARCH AT KEW. This antique-looking structure (see fig. 80), suggestive of the Roman period, is situated not far from the " North " Gallery of paintings. It spans the path leading from the Cumberland Gate to the Lion Gate, the walk being almost parallel with the wall bounding the gardens next to the Kew Road. The arch was designed by Sir William Chambers, and built in 1759-1760, a year previous to the erection of the Pagoda, which is also the work of the same architect. In addition to its ornamental character, the struc- ture was formerly used as a bridge by carriages entering the gardens from the Kew Road. It consists of three arches, a large central one and two smaller ones situated one on either side. The last-named were originally closed, forming cells, which were entered by doors in the sides of the central arch. The whole is built of brick faced with stone, and time has given to the structure the air of antiquity sought by the designer. As can be eeen in the illustration, a considerable portion is clothed with Ivy, while evergreen shrubs, notably Box, and several stately Elm trees, which tower above it, add to the dignity of Chambers's Ruined Arch. NOTES FROM A "FRENCH" GARDEN. We are now commencing the year's work afresh. The seeds sown at this time will furnish the main crops for the spring operations. The sowing of the seeds and the handling of the young plants require great care, as disease is often prevalent at this time of the year. The young Cabbages are ready to be transplanted in frames set in a well-drained part of the garden. They are covered with the lights in wet weather. A batch of Cauliflowers is sown in frames set on pots or bricks and covered with lights. When a great number of plants is required in "the spring, another sowing is inserted a fortnight later. The variety Early London is a suitable eort for forcing on hot-beds where Cauliflowers are required early in May. For market purpose, I prefer the " Driancourt " and " Lenoir," as these varieties form large curds, which keep firm for a few days before bursting. They are gener- ally ready for cutting late in May or early in June. The Lettuces sown in August are now being pricked out 30 per cloche. A little ventilation may be afforded when the plants are well estab- lished. The ground is being prepared now for their final planting. In heavy soils, the bed should be formed with a good slope to the south to throw off the excessive moisture in October and November. Advantage should be taken of Those who intend to make cold work a feature of the spring cropping should choose for the purpose the white-seeded variety of Lettuce " Little Gott," which bears the sun better than- the " Little Gott " (black seed). The experience of this yi ar's cold work has demonstrated that the Lettuce " Little Gott " is more remunerative than the variety " White Passion," as this latter sort requires hearting in the open, and the removal of the glns^ early in April greatly impedes the growth for two or three weeks — a great loss at that time of the year. The ground intended for the transplanting of Fig. 8o. — the "ruined" arch in kew gardens. the fine days in this month to prepare the ground for the growing of Lettuces during the winter. The beds are made 4 feet 6 inches wide, and ac- commodate three rows of cloches. Paths 12 to 18 inches in width are allowed at this time of the year between each bed. The decayed manure from the old hot-beds is well broken up and passed through a screen with a half-inch mesh : it will be used as a top-dressing when transplanting the seedling Lettuces. If it is in- tended to form hot-beds early, a few seeds of Lettuce " Little Gott " may be inserted within a week: the seedlings should be pricked out before the end of September. the Onions must be prepared at an early date, sc that the transplanting may be finished before October 6 or 8, when the planting of the Lettucs seedlings commences. The main batch of Celery Chemin is now blanched by spreading mats on the beds. Whei the plants are touching one another, it Is advis able to only cover the outsides of the beds t< prevent decay. In wet weather, Celery must bi frequently examined, and the heads sent to mar . ket as soon as they are readv. • The autumn-sown batch of Carrots will soo?^ be ready for pulling, and. must be thinned agai? if necessary. P. Aqu^xlias. SEPTEMBER 10, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 203 TREES AND SHRUBS. MORTALITY OF TRANSPLANTED CONIFERS. Mr. Percy Groom on p. 115 writes: — "It would be interesting to have the experience of gardeners as to the relative mortality in the transplanted evergreen, hardy species belonging to the two classes," i.e., Conifers; and broad- leaved dicotylous trees. In confining the com- parison to evergreen trees of each class, one is j i ted by the difficulty that beyond Conifers; • we have no hardy evergreen trees in this country except the evergreen Oaks, of which Quercus Ilex is the only truly hardy species, and such small trees as the Holly, Yew, and perhaps Box. There is no need, however, to confine the comparison with respect to mortality after transplantation to evergreen trees, and a comparison can as accurately be instituted between Conifers} and evergreen shrubs. It will be necessary, however, One year. — Cedrus atlantica var. glauca, Cupressus of the true Cypress section, such as C. sempervirens, C. macrocarpa, &c, C'rypto- meria, Libocedrus, Pinus Laricio, Sequoia, Tsuga Merteneiana. Two years. — Abies, Cedrus, Gunninghamia, Cupressus of the ChamEecyparis section. Juni- perus, Pinus., Pseudolarix, Pseudotsnga. Sciado- pitys, Taxodium, Thuya, Tsuga. Three years. — Araucaria, Larix, Picea, Pinus (the Strobus section). It will be noticed that certain plants are men- tioned under two or three headings, but, as I have stated above, there is a difference in the species or varieties of a genus as well as between the various genera. For example, Cedrus atlantica var. glauca will not stand more than one year without being transplanted, while the other members of the genus can be left for two years. When Conifers have attained a height of 6 feet or more, and have been regularly transplanted, they *"*»'• mm. [Photograph by Wyndham Fitzhtrbtrt. Fig. 8i. — erigeron mucronatcs as an edging plant : colour of flowers, pink. before comparing Conifers; with other subjects to note the behaviour of various Conifers in this respect, as there are great differences be- tween the genera, and sometimes between the species of a genus, as regards their death-rate after being transplanted. In the following list, account is taken of Conifers from 2 feet to 6 feet in height, as from the seedling, grafted, or cutting Stage up to about 2 feet practically all Conifers; are best transplanted annually, and we make it a rule to do so. The only exceptions are Picea pungens and its var. glauca, Pinus austriaca, P. Cembra, and P. sylvestris. These can be left lor two years, and be moved without any fear of the loss being, even in exceptional cases, more than five per cent. The heading one year, &c, means that, to have a fair chance of living after being transplanted, the plants mentioned below should not remain longer than that time without being moved. will stand for another year or even two years longer than the time given above, and still have a fair chance of living, as they then hold a good ball of soil, and the roots are not checked so much by the move as when all the soil falls away from them as soon as the plant is lifted. To show how the behaviour of transplanted Conifers varies, we may note the genus Pinus. P. Laricio (the Corsican Pine) is a bad subject to move at al- most any age and size, and requires catching at just the right time to ensure even moderate suc- cess; P. austriaca (the Austrian Pine), a variety of P. Laricio, can be transplanted with safety at almost any time, provided that it has not been standing more than three years; while P. Cembra and practically all the five-leaved Pines will move with perfect safety at any size, even if they have not been transplanted for four or five years. Turning to hardy evergreen trees and shrubs other than Conifers;, we get the following list. The same size (2 feet to 6 feet) may be used, but where the plant does not reach the latter height, the comparison will still hold good in point of according to its size. One year. — Arbutus, Azara, Berberis Darwinii, Cotoneaster microphylla, Photinia, Quercus (ever- green), Ulex. Two years. — Berberis ( evergreen), Camellia, Cistus, Escallonia, Ilex, Laurus nobilis, Laurel (common), Laurel (Portugal), Olearia, Phillyrea, Veronica. Three years. — Aucuba, Buxus, Ligustrum, Osmanthus, Skimmia, Taxacea;. It will be noticed that Rhododendron, Kalmia, and other Ericaceous subjects are not given in the above list, but these all transplant so readily at any size that they can hardly be included. If we compare the two lists given above we find that there is practically little difference between Conifers; and uiher hardy trees and shrubs so far as regards the rate of mortality after trans- planting. There is the same impatience of re- moval with many plants in either series, and also the same readiness to recover after trans- planting with other subjects. Again, in both lists those plants that will not stand more than two years are in the majority, so that, on the whole, the two series may be said to be practic- ally alike for the purpose of comparison with regard to mortality after transplantation. The whole subject of transplanting, however, is a very complicated one, and there is always something new to learn about it. It may be said to consist of a few general rules to which one is always finding exceptions. J. Clark, Bagshut, Surrey. ERIGERON MUGRONATUS. This pretty but unassuming little plant was formerly known by the name of Vittadeuia triloba, but the above is now held to be its corn cl title. It is a small, modest plant, but is un- surpassed in the open garden for the length of its. blooming period. In the south-west, its first flowers expand in March. It continues to bloom all through the summer months, may often be seen in full flower in November and, if no hard frosts occur, it sometimes carries blossoms until the New Year. It is a native of Mexico, but the horticultural dictionaries are silent as to the date of its introduction into this country. It is popularly termed the Mexican Daisy, and appears perfectly hardy as far north as Worcestershire. It increases itself very rapidly from self-sown seedlings, and the places where these appear are often remarkable. An old brick wall in a neighbouring garden has its coping and face almost entirely covered with tiny plants of this Erigeron, the produce of self sown seed, and in the mortar between the bricks they remain in perfect health. Though they are very small and make but little growth, yet they bear minute flowers in profusion. Seedlings may also be found in the mortar of walls not more than seven years old. The wall-tops in many gardens are covered with this little plant, and in my garden, where I had but one plant, the top of a wall, 12 feet in height, is lined with strong plants for a length of many feet, these forming a flowering fringe all along the summit of the wall, and having a very pretty effect for many months in the year. Where it thus reproduces itself so freely, it is scarcely worthy of a place in the bor- der, though, as may be seen from the accom- panying illustration (fig.81), it is decidedly di cora- tive when planted in a rough stone edging, which it will smother with flower in April, May, and June, and well into the autumn. The Daisy-like flowers are each about three-quarters of an inch in diameter, and are pink when they first ex- pand, gradually becoming white as they age. Wyndham Fitzherbcrt. SOI THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 10, 1910. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Grapes at Shrewsbury (see p. 165).— May I be allowed to correct a slight error in the notes by Vitis on " Grapes at the Recent Shrews- bury Show " in the last issue? The variety Buckland Sweetwater was awarded the 1st prize in the " any other white Grape " class, and not Chasselas Napoleon. Alfred Child, Catesby House Gardens, near Davenlry. Yucca filifera. — A specially fine plant of this Yucca is illustrated on p. 401 of the Revue Hor- ticole. The plant is a splendid and probably unique specimen (at all events in Europe) of this interesting member of the Liliacese, showing the fine dimensions to which this plant can grow under favourable circumstances. The tree was planted in 1869 at Saint Aunes in Herault, France, and is now more than 21 feet in height, or 6 metres 70 centimetres according to French measurement. It is a splendid four-branched tree with handsome pendulous racemes of pure-white fiower-s hanging from the end of each branch. The plate is accompanied by a long and detailed description of the plant by M. Charles Cochet. W. E. Gumblcton, Belgrove. Manetti Stock for Roses.- There has been much said against the Manetti stock, but Hybrid Perpetual Roses do grandly upon it, and not so very long since it was largely employed for grafting pot Roses of the Tea Scented section. The Manetti makes a better stock for pot Roses than for plants grow- ing in the open, and should not be ignored. It is not so coarse rooted in pots, and, being earlier and quicker in its root action, I prefer it for grafting the Hybrid Perpetuals. Plants grow- ing upon this stock very quickly form new- roots, and when they are lifted early, potted at once, and started into growth steadily, it gives satis- factory results. The point is to keep the wood plump by syringing if rains and night dews are not sufficient. Roses upon the Manetti stock also ripen sooner in the open, and are considerably cheaper to purchase, although they are not quite ■so long-lived as those upon the Briar. Rose Grower. Pollination of Melons (see p. 110). — Tbe artificial pollination of Melons is not a necessity for the fruits to set, especially when the plants are grown under proper conditions. The humidity of a Melon-house, although admirably suited to the growing of the bine, is not favourable to pollination, for two reasons, (1) the pollen grains are not sufficiently dry to be readily disseminated, (2) the plant has not that firm, hard constitution which one grown in a frame possesses. I have proved that plants grown on the extension system do not (specially some varieties) set their fiuits so readily as plants that are stopped early, and continued up the trellis with three or more growths. Insects have easier access to the flowers in frames, therefore pollination is more certain, hence the simple matter it is to produce crops under this method of culture. It is also more natural, the bine trailing on the ground, from which it derives a considerable amount of nutrition. But some varieties, under either con- dition of culture, do not set their fruits freely, and this is attributable to the formation of the flower. Most gardeners believe that the age of the seed influences the period of fruiting, plants grown from two and three-year-old seed being more precocious. There is one point I take ex- ception to in Mr. Foster's remarks on p. 140. He states: " Those fruits which are left to swell after their own natural manner produce only seeds that the grower would term flats." Then he goes on to say : " Fertilisation does not affect the weight of the fruits grown." This is con- clusive in saying that fertilisation decreases the weight of the flesh, and non-fertilisation in- creases it, because, in the former case, the seeds certainly weigh something ; whereas, in the latter case, they can be blown away, and must weigh in- significantly. , But this raises the point. Can a Melon fruit swell without being fertilised? What difference is created, and how is it created if pollinated by hand, insect agency, or not at all! My experience of Melon-growing, and I have produced 500 fruits in one season, is that the fruits do contain seeds that will reproduce them- selves, but in what ratio to an artificially-fer- tilised fruit I have not interested myself to prove. Mr. Foster states further: "To demon- strate to the Editors the freedom with which Melons will grow unaided, I enclose a branch of a second crop of fruits that have set and grown away while two later fruits of the first crop were maturing." This is a very ordinary occurrence, and why and how is it? It proves the prolific variety, and also the surroundings are made natural for self-fertilisation by the admission of more air, hardening the growth, and favouring pollination by insect agency. One famous Melon grower whom I served under ripened two and three crops of Melons from the same plants. This system I was not so fortunate with, but my usual practice was to cut perfecly ripe fruits in 12 weeks from sowing the seed. II'. II. Clarke. Where are the Wasps ? — Doubtless some of your readers could give good reasons why there is such a scarcity of w-asps this seasun. I have never seen so few. For the last 20 summers wasps have been the plague of my life. Each season they have destroyed half the fruit in the garden, and have made it impossible for us to eat our meals in comfort. Scarcely a season has passed without my destroying 50 to 60 nests with cyanide of potassium in the garden and farms here. In the spring we killed a large number of queen wasps. I have also seen very few bees this season. Is that the reason why our flowers of Scarlet Runners have failed to set? Thos. Oldham. Stoughton Grange Gardens, Leicester. Argemone grandiflora (see pp. 136, 138).— I am forwarding two specimens of Argemone. The seeds, sown about the beginning of April in the open ground in rows, about 12 inches apart, germinated very slowly, the seed- lings not appearing before the middle of May. They grew slowly, and were thinned out to 12 inches apart. About the middle of July, the first flowers opened, and from that time the growth of the plants was more rapid. At present, the plants have attained a height of 5 feet, and the beds are covered with the clear, white blooms, which will continue until the plants are killed by frost. Argemone grandiflora would be cultivated more extensively if its beauty were better known. Fredrick Roemer, Quedlinburg, Germany. Earthworms and Slugs. — The notes on earthworms in the Gardeners' Chronicle for Sep- tember 3 and August 27 are very interesting. Can any reader tell me of what use or value the slug (Limacidje) is? Whilst trenching in these gardens during the past spring, I came across several slugs recovering from their winter rest each with the end of an earthworm in its mouth, which I noticed they swallowed or sucked down whole, lengthways into their stomachs. After watching a slug swallow an earthworm, I caught the slug, killed it, and opened its body, when the earthworm was found whole inside the slug. This proves that the slug is an additional hin- drance to plant life, as the earthworms help to fertilise the soil. Wm. Perry. What the Earthworm Does (see pp. 157, 186). — From a series of experiments conducted in Russia, it has been proved that the earthworm plays an important part in keeping up the supply of available phosphorus in the soil. In one set of tests, alternate layers of different kinds of soil were placed in boxes having glass on one side for purposes of observation. In these layers earthworms were placed, the soil being kept in a suitable condition of moisture, so that the worms worked as naturally as they would in the open ground. The experiments lasted a year, at the beginning and end of which time analyses were made to determine the results. A check test was made by providing other boxes of soil identical in every respect, except that no earth- worms were placed in these. In the soils worked over by the worms the soluble phosphoric acid was found in all cases to be greater than in those not worked by the worms. Here we have a dis- covery which appears to be of no small import- ance, and perhaps Mr. Willis may be inclined to experiment on the lines indicated, for in his able article, which appeared in the Gardeners' Chronicle for August 27, p. 157, it was stated that the humus formed under the influence of earthworms " is always of a neutral character and never acid." The experiments referred to seem to show that the earthworm in passing the earth through its body uses some kind of an acid which renders the phosphorus of the soil soluble. It was also discovered that the nitrogen content of the soil was more evenly distributed through the soil at the end of the experiment than at the beginning, and that the humus of the upper soil is carried downward by the earthworm Thus, without the work of the earthworm, all the humus that has accumulated through centuries by the decay of plant and animal life on the sur- face of the ground would never have been so well mixed with the soil. When one takes into ac- count the long ages in which the earthworms have been at work, an idea is obtained of the great part they have had in the preparation of the earth for the use of man. The earthworm may be classed as an apparently insignificant agent which has had much to do in making the soil more productive. F. J. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee, August 30. — Present : Mr. E. A. Bowles (in the Chair), with Messrs. A. W. Hill, J. Fraser, J. W. Odell, Wm. Hales, G. Gordon, W. Faw- cett, A. Worsley, and A. W. Sutton. Garden warblers attaching Plums. — Mr. Worsley said that garden warblers were this year attacking the ripening Plums on the trees, contrary to their usual habit. Mr. Gordon sug- gested that this may be due to lack of insects — their usual food — this season, and instanced an experiment with hawks whose tastes he had trained till they preferred fruit as a food. Aberrant branching in Mentha. — Mr. Fraser showed a plant of Mentha gentilis variegata bear- ing one pair of leaves united by their petioles and half the edges of the lamina. The axillary branches were also lateral, following the leaves. The main axis was at right angle to its base, flattened above and convex beneath like a petiole. Then it bore one leaf with an axillary shoot, and then the axis resumed its upright position with opposite, decussate leaves. Three nodes below also had a single or twin-leaf on one side, and one lateral branch behaved in the same way. Pclaloid calyx in Rose. — A specimen of Rose Eugenie Lamesch was also submitted by Mr. Fraser, to show phylloid sepals and median pro- liferation of the flower. The axis in the centre of the flower was prolonged, bearing another flower-bud. Onciclioela X Charlesworthii. — The first cross of an Oncidium with Cochlioda (0. incurvum X C. Noezliana) was shown by Messrs. Charles- worth, of Haywards Heath. The specimen sub- mitted was one of several of the same raising, all of which showed the same characteristics and colouring. A Certificate of Appreciation to Messrs. Charlesworth was recommended. Rhododendron ponticum. — Mr. Bowles showed a terminal bud of Rhododendron ponticum, the leaves having petaloid colouration. Adventitious root of Plane tree. — Mr. Wilks sent an adventitious root of a Plane tree which he had found penetrating a straw stake-band 6 feet from the ground. It was thought that the moisture which had been held by the band had induced the formation of the root. Grapes. — A sample of Muscat Grapes was sub- mitted from Colonel Turnor, of Pinkney Park, which showed cracking and decay at the point of union of berry and stalk, and the leaves were badly spotted. It was agreed that the defects were due to too low a temperature in the house, with insufficient ventilation. Decayed Montbretia foliag-. — Some Montbre- tias, Irises and Gladioli having decaying foliage were sent by Mr. Edward Hall, of Leamington Spa. The bulbs and corms were apparently in good health, without traces of disease. M'iny similar specimens had been lately received, but up to the present no explanation of the trouble was forthcoming. September 10, 1910.] THE GARD ENER S' CNR ONI CL E. <05 DUMFRIES AND GALLOWAY HORTICULTURAL. August 31. — The annual summer show of the Dumfriesshire and Galloway Horticultural Socii t\ was held in the Drill Hall, Dumfries, on this dale, the opening ceremony being performed by Major-General Sir Geoffrj Barton, K.C.V.O., (.'•.15., of Craigs. Despite the unfavourable wi athi i . the hall was well filled with a good dis- play of excelli nt horticultural produce, the pot plants In ing the most deficient in point of num- bers, although the quality was high in the majority of cases. Cut flowers were inferior in quality to those i f last year, with the exception of the hardy herbaceous plants, which were very fine, but this was evidently due to the weather, traci s of this being apparent in many of the classes. Vegetables were excellent, and fruit was very good, several noted growers competing. In tile open classes, which were not m irous, J. Wyllie, Esq., Elmbank, Dumfries (gr. .Mr. las. Henderson); Messrs. J. & W. Tweei'IE. ifouswald, Dumfries; and Mr. D. J. Maxwell, Newtownards, won the leading prizes. T. Rankin, Esq., Dalswinton (gr. Mr. R. A. G ir), was awarded the Dumfries Corporation Challenge Cup for a table of plants: the trophy now. we are informed, becoming the absolute pi petty of the exhibitor. The competition for plants in pots was limited, but there were few poor plants shown, and S"ine very good stove or greenhouse Ferns and early Chrysanthemums were noteworthy. Mr. Rankin led for stove or greenhouse plants ; 2nd, J. Davidson, Esq., Summerville, Dumfries (gr. Mr. J VVils n). Mr. Rankin also excelled with Petu- nias. Tuberous Begonias, stove or greenhouse Ferns (a very fine plant of Adiantum farleyense being among the lot), table plants, Zonal Pelar- goniums, and greenhouse plants in flower. Mr. Davidson, Mr. Wyllie, and two amateurs. Mr. J. L. Armstrong. Dumfries, and Mr. D. J. Maxwell, Newtownards, were also successful in these classes. In the cut flower classes, the leading features were hardy herbaceous flowers and Sweet Peas. Of the former the chief class was for a collection of 20 sorts, the prizes being offered by Messrs. T. Kennedy & Co. There were five exhibits, and Mr. J. Davidson won the 1st prize with a go<,d collection; 2nd Colonel .Maxwell WlTHAW, C.B., Kukeonnell. Newabbey (gr. Mr. .las. McGill). In the other leading class for thise flowers. Ci Ionel •G irdon, Threave, Castle Douglas (gr. Mr. Jas. Pull'), was p hired 1st : Colonel Maxwei i \\ mi wi being 2nd. The Sweet Peas showed the effects if the season, but the lst-prize display in the class for Messrs. Service's Silver Cup, exhibited by J. Rankin. Esq.. Dalswinton, were excellent; 2nd, Mr. J. J. Tweedie, Broombush, Lockerbie. The other leading winners in the cut flower section were Colonel Gordon (gr. Mr. J. Duff); J. Wyllie. Esq. (gr. Mr. Jas. Henderson), T. Ran- kin, Esq. (gr. Mr. R. A. Grigor) ; J. H. M'Gowan, Esq.. Ellangowan, Dumfries (gr. Mr. F. YV. Pritchard); H. Keswick, Esq., Cowhill Tower (gr. Mr. C. Murray) ; Mr. D. Whitelaw, Loeharbriggs ; Mr. W. Anderson, Collin ; Mr. D. J. Maxwell, and Messrs. J. & W. Tweedie. In the fruit classes. Grapes were of outstanding quality. For a collection of fruits, Major W. Maxwell, Glenlair (gr. Mr. B. Rutherford), was 1st, Colonel Gordon being 2nd ; both having very creditable exhibits. Major Maxwell was also placed 1st for Black Hamburgh Grapes and Melons. Colonel Gordon was 1st for black Grapes, white Grapes, Peaches, Plums, dessert Apples, baking Pears, and Cherries. Mr. Rankin was 1st for Muscat Grapes with best bloom and d'ssert Apples, and Mrs. Kay. Drumpark (gr. Mr. W. Scott), was 1st for Nectarines and dessert Pears. Vegetables were among the finest produce of the show. For the collection, four very good ex- hibits were staged, and the 1st prize, after pro- longed consideration, was given to Colonel Gor- don, although some of his vegetables were larger than some would choose for the table. Mr. Rankin was placed 2nd and Mr. Keswick 3rd. In the other vegetable classes the leading prize- winners were Colonel Gordon. Mr. Rankin. Mr. Wyllie. Mrs. Kay. Mr. J. H. M'Gowan. Mrs. C'arruthers, Portrack (gr. Mr. W. Brown), and Colonel Maxwell Witham. Amateurs showed well, as a whole, and the competition in these classes was better than usual. Non-competitive exhibits were displayed by .Messrs. T. Kennedy & Co.. Dumfries, who ex- hibited a large table of flowering and foliage plants in front of the platform, together with an effective design on the floor of the hall, also cut flowers of many kinds and fruits. Messrs. Jas. Service & Sons. Dumfries, arranged a good group of flowering and foliage plants on the floor; and Messrs. T. .Smith k Sons, Rose Growers, Stran raer, seat cut blooms 'it' new and old varieties i t Roses. CHESTER FLOWER SHOW. August 31. — This exhibition was held on the Roodee. under the auspices of the Cheshire Agri cultural .Society. The exhibits wen- fully up to the average in number, and the attendance was satisfactory, the marquees being crowded during the afternoon. Groups of plaits are generally of fine quality at this show; this year brought four competitors who staged in good form throughout, A. Ash- woiuii. Esq., Gresford (gr. Mr. W. H. Shaw), was awarded the 1st prize, showing well-coloured Codiseums (Crotons) and Caladiums, well-grown Palms and well-flowered Ixoras, all suitably ar- ranged ; 2nd, Major MacGillycuddt, Bache Hall (gr. Mi. E Stubbs); and 3rd, John R. Samuel. Esq., Shotwick. In the class for tovi reenhouse plants, not fewer than three in flower, Alfred Tyrer, Esq., Plas Newton (gr. Mr. A. Ellams), led with medium-sized plants; J. R. SAMUEl . Esq., and E. P. Jones, Esq., Chester (gr. Mr. W. Reeves), were placed 2nd and 3rd respectively. For four Ferns, the prizewinners were : — 1st, J. R. Samuel, Esq. : 2nd, Mrs. Butt, Chester (gr. Mr. E. Palin), and 3rd, A. E. Hall, Esq., Chester (gr. Mr. .1. Williams). Mr. A. Eli ims won in the class for four Pelar- goniums, having well-flowered plants. The lust single specimen plant, a small Dipla denia. was shown by C. H. Creasey. Esq., Bir kenhead; 2nd. Mr. J. A. SAMUEL. Mr. H. Coatcuts won the 1st prize for 12 ' tus Dahlias with charming flowers of William Marshall. Killarney. Caradoc and others. For six blooms of these flowers, G. F. H. Robi ■ (gr. Mr. E. Jones) was the winner of the 1st prize. Mr. J. Breen won the 1st prize in the class for 12 Asters; and for six varieties of annuals, P. L. Yorke. Esq.. Erddig Park (gr. Mr. G. Aitkens). led with good bunches. The best 12 bunches of hardy herbaceous flowers were shown by Countess Grosvenor (gr. Mr. F. England), and the best six bunches by Mr. E. Stubbs. For 12 distinct varieties of Sweet Peas. Mr. E. Jones won the 1st prize with good flowers, none of them being named; for six varieties, Mr. G. Faulkner. Rowton, led. having Sunproof Crimson, St. George, Asta Ohn, Evelyn Hemns and other popular kinds. This exhibitor also won the 1st prize in the class for six varieties. Mr. G. Rolt, Christleton. led in the class for 12 Roses with bright blooms, the best being Frau Karl Druschki, Hugh Dickson, and Killar- ney. For 12 Gladioli Mr. E. Jones led. Fruit as usual was good ; the 1st prize for nine dishes was won by Egerton Leigh, Esq., Holmes Chapel (gr. Mr. H. Bateman) ; he had good Black Hamburgh and Muscat of Alexandria Grapes, Peaches Sea Eagle and Bellegarde, Nectarines Pineapple, Melon Royal Sovereign, and other kinds. The best two bunches of black Grapes were shown by Sir George Meyrick. Bart.. Bodagan (gr. Mr. W. Pilgrim), in well coloured bunches of Madresfield Court ; for two bunches of white Grapes J. G. Frost. Esq.. Chester (gr. Mr. J. Clack), excelled, having Muscat of Alexandria. Peaches were best shown by Mrs. M. Clover, Willaston (gr. Mr. A. Crisp)," and Nectarines by Mr. E. Jones with highly coloured fruits of Pineapple. G. R. Darsie, Esq., Newton House (gr. Mr. J. Dean), staged the best Melon. Mr. G. Aitkens led for a collection of hardy fruits. Mr. A. J. Blair, Basford. won in the open class for table decorations, and Mr. E. Jones in the class restricted to exhibitors living within a 10-mile radius of the exhibition. Vegetables. — Messrs Sutton & Sons offered prizes for a collection of six kinds. Mi Stubbs wm the 1st prize. For Messrs. Clibran prizes, offered for a collection. Mr. J. Edwards, Winstay. was the 1st prize-winner; for Messrs. Webb's prizes, Mr. J. Tomlinson, Whit. showed best; and for Messrs. Dickson & Robin son's, Mr. P>. Walker, Ringway, was the 1st prize-winner. In the single dishes the 1st prize-winners •• Mrs. Walker and Messrs. J. Weston (four), C. Parker (two), J. Tomlinson, W. Reeves. .1. Edwards, J. Taylor. A. Watkins. E. P. Smith, W. Carter. F. Snell. and J. Dean. The following firms staged exhibits not for competition: — Missis. DlCKSONS, Chester, Liliums, Phloxes, Roses and other flowei Messrs. Caldwell & Sons, Roses, Dahlias and ...as Bowers; Messrs. DlCKSON & RoBIN- son, herbaceous flowers; Messrs. Clibrans, fruits and vegetables. SANDY FLOWER SHOW. AUGUST 25. — The 42nd annual show of this society was held under fine conditions in the beautiful park of Somdye Place. Sandy is situ- ated where the G.N. and L. & N.W. Railways cross, this offering good facilities for visitors, the show attracting more than 11,000. There were many fine groups of plants shown, especially in the class for a group of plants to cover 150 square feet. The competitors in the largest class were Sir G. H. Kenrick (gr. Mr. J. V. Macdonald), Messrs. J'. Cypher & Sons, Cheltenham, and Mr. W. Vause, Leamington, the prizes being awarded iii this order. Mr. Macdonald is to be congratulated on his achievement, as it was his first attempt at this show. His Bcheme included an artificial bridge, covered with virgin cork, in the centre of the group, and this was draped with Lycopodium caesium. The background was made up with tall Bamboos, well coloured, single stemmed Codiamm Warrenii, and crowned with a large Kentia Palm, which was rather yellov for so prominent a position, but this defect was obliterated a little by a mass of Lilium speciosum at the base. Other notable plants in roup were Oncidium and Fuchsia triphylla, which was effectively used under the bridge. The 2nd prize group, shown by Messrs. J. Cypher & Sons, left little to be desired, and highly main tained the reputation of the firm: every indi- vidual plant in this group was in splendid condi- tion, and was placed to advantage. The chief features in this group wire the numerous varie- ties of Orchids in the foreground. The 3rd prize group was also meritorious. In the class fur 10 stove and greenhouse plants, Messrs. .Jas. Cypher & Sons were awarded the 1st prize, and Mr. W. Yause the 2nd; but the positions were reversed in the class for six foliage plants. The class for a group of plants occupying an area of 75 superficial feet was contested by Miss Fitzpatrick (gr. Mr. H. Tyson) and Sir Charles Hamilton, Bart. (gr. Mr. T. W. Birkin- shaw). The former exhibitor's group was excep- tionally well arranged ; Amaryllis were well shown, also Acalypha hispida in the background, and Caladiums in the foreground. The group was awarded 1st prize. Miss Fitzpatrick won the 1st prizes in the other classes for specimen plants. Fruit and vegetables were staged in a separate tent. The 1st prize for six dishes of fruit was won by Sir. C. Hamilton (gr. Mr. T. W. Birkin- shaw). This exhibit, was very meritorious, black and white Grapes being very fine. The same gen- tleman won in the class for Black Hamburgh ; 2nd, Marquis of Northampton (gr. Mr. A. R. Searle) ; 3rd, G. D. Newton, Esq. (gr. Mr. C. Cousins). For black Grapes, not Hamburghs, Sir C. Hamil- ton was again placed 1st. with Alnwick Seed- ling: Mr. J. W. Wright 2nd: and the Marquis of Northampton 3rd. Sir C. Hamilton was awarded 1st prize for Muscat of Alexandria ; 2nd, A. J. Thornhill. Esq. (gr. Mr. T. Lockie). For any other white Grapes, the 1st prize was won by the Marquis of Northampton, with Bowood Muscat; 2nd, J. Briscoe, Esq. (gr. T. Todd). The best Peaches and Nectarines were shown by Mr. Thornhill ; the best scarlet-fleshed Melon by the Marquis of Northampton ; and the best green-fleshed Melon bv Sir C Hamilton. 206 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 10, 1910. ROYAL CALEDONIAN HORTICUL- TURAL. September 7, 8. — The autumn show of this Society was held in the Waverley Market on these dates. Compared with the Centenary Show of the previous year, held in the same month, there was a considerable falling off in the number of entries for fruit and a slight decrease in those for plants, but there were more competitors in the vegetable and cut-flower classes. The total entries showed a decrease of over 160 as com- pared with 1909. The quality of the exhibits, however, was of the high standard usually seen at these shows, and in some of the fruit classes, notwithstanding the bad season in most parts of the country, it was very high. The Grapes shown in the Challenge Trophy class were pro- bably as fine as any seen at these shows. On this occasion, too, the traders made a splendid display, so that the large Market House, which covers about an acre and a quarter, was very fully occupied. FRUIT CLASSES. (Open to Gardeners and Amateurs.) There were four entries in the class for a table of dessert fruit, as compared with two in 1909. The tables were, as usual, 10 feet by 44 feet, and decorated with plants or cut flowers, or both. Not more than 16 dishes of fruit could be shown, and these had to be selected from a list pub- lished in the schedule. Separate prizes were awarded for fruit and for decoration. The 1st prize of £5 for fruit was awarded to the Duke of Portland, K.T., Welbeck, Notts, (gr. Mr. J. Gibson) ; the 2nd of £3 10s. to the Earl of Har- rington, Elvaston Castle, Derby (gr. Mr. J. H. Goodacre); and the 3rd of £2 to Whitelaw Reid, Esq., Wrest Park (gr. Mr. Geo. McKin- ley) ; while for decoration the positions of the 1st and 2nd prize winners for fruit was reversed. The pointing in the 1st prize exhibit was as fol- lows : — Maximum Points Points. Awarded. Apples (1) 7 ... 54 Apples (2) Figs (1) Figs (2) Grapes, Black (1) ... Grapes, Black (2) ... Grapes, Black (3) Grapes, White (1) ... Melon (1) Melon (2) Nectarines (1) Nectarines (2) Peaches (1) Peaches (2) Pears (1) Pears (2) 7 5 7 6 7 . 54 9 74 9 7 9 . 6i 10 7 8 . 7 8 64 8 6 8 6 8 64 8 6 8 7 8 6 129 101 The points awarded for decoration were 21j out of a possible of 28. The Grapes shown were (white) Muscat of Alexandria, (black) Madres- field Court, Muscat Hamburgh and Prince of Wales (one bunch of each) ; Peaches Dymond and Royal George ; Nectarines Humboldt and Pineapple ; Melons Green Gem and Universal ; Figs Negro Largo and Brown Turkey ; Pears Souvenir du Congres and Marguerite Marillat; Apples Cox's Orange Pippin and Ribston Fippin. The points awarded to the Earl of Harring- ton were for fruit, 974, and for decoration, 23 ; and to Whitelaw Reid, Esq., for fruit, 8O4, and for decoration, 17. In the decoration of the 1st prize exhibit, Montbretias were the lead- ing feature, while Lilium lancifolium was the chief flower used in the 2nd prize group, and Carnations in the 3rd. For the collection of 12 dishes of fruit, the Duke of Portland was placed 1st, the Earl of Harrington 2nd, and the Earl of Wemyss, Gosford (gr. Mr. Wm. Galloway); 3rd. The 1st prize lot consisted of Grapes Muscat of Alexan- dria (three bunches) and Madresfield Court (three bunches), Teaches Princess of Wales and Barrington, Nectarines Pineapple and another, Melon Countess, Apples Peasgood's Nonesuch and Emperor Alexander, Fig Negro Largo, and Plum Kirke's. For the collection of 12 dishes of fruit grown in an orchard house (Grapes excluded), the Duke of Portland was again awarded the 1st prize, the Earl of Harrington the 2nd, and Whitelaw Reid, Esq., 3rd. The Duke of Portland's collection consisted of Nectarines pineapple and Spencer, Peaches Royal George and Barrington, Apples Gascoigne's Seedling and Peasgood's Nonesuch, Pears Doyenne du Cornice and Marguerite Marillat, Plums Kirke ■■■ and Jefferson, Figs Negro Largo and Brown Turkey. On this occasion there were only three entries for the Scottish Challenge Trophy for eight bunches of Grapes, not more than two of any variety, and only one of the previous holders of the Cup exhibited. The Cup has to be won three times before it becomes the property of one of the competitors, and already it lias been won twice by two of them. Fresh interest was lent to the competition this year by the appearance of a new competitor, who succeeded in carrying off the trophy with a magnificent exhibit. This was Mr. Cameron Corbett, M.P., Kilmaurs, Ayrshire (gr. Mr. J. Dixon). The trophy was presented by Mr. W. H. Massie, and, with the 1st prize of £6, the winner also secures a gold badge. The 1st prize exhibit was awarded 544 points out of a possible 74. The 2nd prize was secured by the Earl of Harrington, with 52 points out of 73, and the 3rd by Miss Welsh, Newstead Abbey, Notts, (gr. Mr. T. Ireland), with 444 points out of 72. The varieties, with the points awarded to each bunch, shown by Mr. Corbett were as follow : — Muscat of Alexandria (1) Muscat of Alexandria (2) Black Hamburgh (1) ... Black Hamburgh (2) ... Madresfield Court (1) Madresfield Court (2) Muscat Hamburgh (1) Muscat Hamburgh (2) Maximum Points Points. Awarded. .. 10 . .. 84 ,.. 10 . .. 8i ... 9 . .. 8 ... 9 . .. 74. .. 9 . .. 8i ... 9 . .. 8i ... 9 . .. 74 .. 9 . .. 7A 74 644 In the class for two bunches of Grapes, distinct varieties, there were two entries, and the 1st prize fell to Lord Elphinstone. Carberry Tower, Musselburgh (gr. Mr. D. Kidd), while the 2nd was awarded to the Marquis of Tweedale, Yes- ter, Haddington (gr. Mr. John Highgate). Lord Elphinstone's bunches were Canon Hall Muscat, Alicante, Gros Maroc, and Muscat of Alexandria, and the Marquis of Tweedale's, Madresfield Court, Black Hamburgh, Alicante, and Muscat of Alexandria. For 12 bunches of Muscat of Alex- andria, for which there were six entries, the Earl of Mar & Kellie, Alloa Park, Alloa (gr. Mr. W. J. Buchanan), won the 1st prize, Capt. A. Stirling, of Keir, Dunblane (gr. Mr. T. Lunt), the 2nd, and Col. J. Stewart Mackenzie, of Seaforth, Brahan Castle (gr. Mr. W. Campbell), the 3rd. There were eight entries for two bunches of Black Hamburgh, and the 1st prize was awarded to the Earl of Mar & Kellie, the 2nd to Mrs. Montgomery, Kelvinside House, Glasgow (gr. Mr. D. G. McKerracher), and the 3rd to J. A. Harvie-Brown, Esq., of Dunipace, Stirling (gr. Mr. Jas. Menzies). In the single-bunch classes, the best Muscat of Alexandria Grapes was shown by Capt. Stirling, of Keir ; the best Black Hamburgh by Mr. Cameron Corbett ; the best Black Alicante by N. E. D. Menzies, Esq., Dumfries (gr. Mr. W. Smith) ; the best bunch of Lady Downe's by Mrs. Hamilton Ogilvie, Archerfield, East Lothian (gr. Mr. Thos. MacPhail) ; the best Madresfield Court by Mr. Cameron Corbett ; the best black variety, not included above (Cooper's Black), by Capt. Stirling ; and the best white not included above (Buckland Sweet- water), by the Duke of Portland. For the black variety with finest bloom, Col. E. R. Stewart- Richardson (gr. Mr. J. E. Davis) was placed 1st with Appley Towers. The best green or white-fleshed Melon was shown by Mrs. Kay, Drumpark (gr. Mr. W. Scott), with Sutton's Best of AH, and the best scarlet-fleshed by the Earl of Harrington. Tin.' Karl of Devon. Powdevham Castle. Exeter (gr. Mr. T. H. Bolton), had the best 12 Figs ; the Earl of Stair (gr. Mr. B. Ness) had the best six Peaches (Barrington) ; Captain Stirling the best six Nectarines (Pineapple) ; Sir Geo. Btjllough, Kinloch Castle, Rhum (gr. Mr. P. K. Hills), the best 12 Gage Plums (Reine Claude de Bavay) ; the Duke of Portland the best 12 Yellow Plums (Jefferson) ; Col. Gordon, Threave House, Castle Douglas (gr. Mr. J. Duff), the best 12 Red Plums (Pond's Seedling) ; and Whitelaw Reid, Esq., the best 12 Purple Plums (Mon- arch). Sir Geo. Btjllough won the 1st prize for a collection of four varieties of dessert Plums, nine of each, and Whitelaw Reid, Esq.. was 1st for the collection of culinary Plums, four varieties, nine of each. Sir Geo. Bullough was the 1st for four dishes of Pears, five of each, grown in an orchard house. Hardy Fruit. ' There were three entries in the class for 12 varieties of Apples, five of each sort ; the 1st prize was won by Mr. E. F. Caddick, Caradoc, Ross; while for a similar collection, grown in Scotland, for which there were four entries, Col. Gordon carried off 1st honours. Mr. J. Lee, Kingscroft, Chester, was placed 1st for a col- lection of six varieties, whilst for four dishes of pot-grown or orchard-house Apples, Mr. I). Nic.oll, Rossie, Foigandenny, won the 1st prize with superb fruit. The Duke of Portland led for six dessert Apples, three of each, and in the single dish classes, six fruits of each. Mr. E. F. Caddick had the best Charles Ross, Potts's Seedling, Stirling Castle, Warner's King, Gas- coigne's Scarlet Seedling, Bismarck, Ecklinville Seedling, Emperor Alexander, Golden Spin-. Lane's Prince Albert, Lord Derby, Lord Grosvenor, and Peasgood's Nonesuch. Mr. J. Lee had the best fruits of Wellington, Irish Peach, Lady Sudeley, Beauty of Kent, Cellini, and Grenadier. Col. Gordon had the best James Grieve, Worcester Pearmain, Duchess of Olden- burg, and Lord Suflfield. The Duke of Portland excelled in the class for a collection of Pears. 12 varieties, 4 of each, and Sir Geo. Bullough won the 1st prize for a collection of six varieties, four of each, grown in Scotland. The Earl of Wemyss, Gosford (gr. Mr. Wm. Galloway), had the best examples of Beurre d'Amanlis, Doyenne du Cornice, and Louise Bonne of Jersey ; Sir Geo. Bullough the best Conference ; the Duke of Portland the best Durondeau, and Souvenir du Congres; White- law Reid, Esq., the best Jargonelle, H. J. Younger, Esq., of Benmore (gr. Mr. R. Greenlaw), the best Pitmaston Duchess, and the Earl of Devon the best Williams' Bon Chretien. PLANT CLASSES. The best collection of four stove or greenhouse plants, distinct, in flower, was shown by C. Dickson, Esq., Lasswade (gr. Mr. Duncan Mackay), the varieties being Acalypha hispida, Statice profusa, Oncidium incurvum, and Bou- gainvillea Sanderiana; 2nd. Sir R. Usher, Bart., Rotho (gr. Mr. Geo. MeKinna). For six foliage plants, distinct, exclusive of Palms, the 1st prize was secured by the Earl of Home (gr. Mr. Alex. McMillan), with fine ex- amples of Anthurium crystallimim, Alocasia metallica, and Dieffenbachia magnifica. There were only two exhibits, but the other, shown by Sir Wilfrid Lawson, Bart., was disqualified foi non-compliance with regulation 10 of the show rules. For six foliage plants, in pots, not to exceed 9 inches in diameter, the 1st prize was secured by Mrs. Hutchison, Carlowrie (gr. Mr. John Thorn). This exhibitor staged splendid examples of Draeasna Van der Grooten and Dracaena Vic- toria. 2nd, the Earl of Home. For an exhibit of six table foliage plants, dis- tinct, in pots not exceeding 6 inches in diameter, the plants to be not less than 15 inches above the pots, the Earl of Home again led, showing good examples of Cocos Weddelliana, Pandanus Veitchii, Dracaena Princess May, and Codia?ums superba, interruptum, and Achievement; 2nd, Sirs. Younger, Alloa (gr. Mr. Jas. Fairholm). Begonias. luberous-rooted Begonias were a fine feature. The 1st prize for six varieties was secured by Mr. Robert Brown, Dalkeith ; 2nd. Mrs. 1'ewar, Edinburgh (gr. Mr. W. F. Galloway)] for three specimens, Mrs. Baillie Hamilton, Duns, was placed 1st; and Mr. R. Brown agar? led for three double varieties. Mr. Brown also secured the 1st prize for one plant of a double Begonia, all his specimens being remarkably fine. The Chrysanthemum classes were poorly filled. The 1st prize for six pots was won by Mis. Simson, Colinton (gr. Mr. Fraser), for a verj indifferent lot. Fuchsias were also poorly shown. For two plants, distinct, the 1st prize wns awarded to C. Dickson, Esq. In the Pelar- gonium classes, one collection was evidently not September 10, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 207 considered ; the judges must have overlooked them. For three plants, .Sir R. Usher. Bart., was placed 1st, there being four exhibits. Cut Flowers. In the section for cut flowers, one of the most important classes was that in which a Silver Cup is offered for the best display of hardy peren- nials "ii a circular table, 5 feet in diameter. Mr. Adam Brydon, Innerleithen, gained the premier place. The exhibit was crowned with pretty spikes of Lobelia cardinalis, and flanked with such subjects as Gladioli, Montbretias, Tritomas, Erigerons, and Lilium speciosum. The display was easily worthy of the premier place. 2nd, M. G. Thorburn, Esq. (gr. .Mr. A. Dickson) ; 3rd, Mrs. Fleming Hamilton (gr. Mr. Win. young). _ More of these groups are desirable at this Edinburgh show : only three exhibits were seen on this occasion. In the class for 24 spikes of Gladioli, Messrs. George Mair & Sons, Prestwick, easily secured the 1st prize, putting up some magnificent spikes, Mars, Turenne, Triomphe de Caen, and Bouquet de Feu being ex- ceptionally good. The 2nd prize was won by Mr. Joseph C. Fordy, Warkworth, Northumber- land, for a very even lot, but the blooms lacked the freshness and brilliance of those in the 1st prize group. Only two exhibits were staged but there were also classes for six and three spikes, in which competition was good. Mention must be made of the exhibit which gained the 1st prize in the class for 12 spikes. The exhibitor was Mr. A. Brydon, Innerleithen, and he had a keen competition. Sweet Peas and Roses. In the Sweet Pea classes the flowers were some- what small, but the brilliance of the colours at this season was very noticeable. For 12 bunches, 1st place was secured by the Hon. Mrs. Baillie Hamilton: the variety Earl Spencer was notice- able. 2nd, Mr. John Fletcher, Lanark : this exhibitor showed the variety Mrs. Hugh Dickson in capital condition. Mrs. Baillie Hum. tun again led in the class for six bunches, Mr. Fletcher neing 2nd. There was a class for a vase to contain not fewer than 18 spikes of any new variety of Sweet Pea not yet in commerce; three exhibitors staged. The 1st prize was given to an intense-coloured seedling somewhat resem- bling George Stark, but much deeper in colour. It was shown by Mrs. Dunbar-Dunbar, Forres (gr. Mr. John Grigor). In the classes for Roses, the premier prize was a silver challenge cup presented by Messrs. Alex- ander & Hugh Dickson, Belfast, for a collection of 24 Roses in not fewer than 12 varieties. Six exhibits were staged, the finest by Mrs. Dennis- toun, Row (gr. Mr. Wm. Parlane) ; 2nd, Mr. J. Russell, Newton Mearns; 3rd, Earl of Dal- KOUSIE^ Carnoustie (gr. Mr. John Simpson). For 36 Roses, distinct varieties, Messrs. James Cocker & Sons, Aberdeen, easily led, with a brilliant lot of blooms, their rich colour being re- markable. 2nd, Mr. Hugh Dickson, Belfast ; 3rd. Messrs. D. & W. Croall, Dundee. In the class for a collection of Roses, arranged in a space 15 feet by 5 feet, and shown with Ri se buds and foliage, Messrs. Cocker, Aberdeen, were awarded the 1st prize for a superb collei tion ; 2nd, Mr. Wm. Ferguson, Dunfermline. Both exhibits were conspicuous for the fine quality of the flowers. There were numerous classes of Dahlias, Roses, Carnations, Pansies, Violas, &c, and good examples were staged in nearly every section. Mention must be made of the splendid exhibit of early-flowering Chrysan- themums, shown by Mr. John Smellie, which secured the 1st prize in the class for 18 bunches. VEGETABLE CLASSES. (Open to All.) For a display of vegetables, 18 dishes, not fewer than 12 kinds, and not more than two dishes of any kind, the 1st prize was awarded to the Duke of Portland, Welbeck Abbey (gr. Mr. Gibson), for a superbly-finished collection, which comprised Sutton's White Celery, Prizetaker Leeks, Superb Pink Celery, Early Giant and Autumn Mammoth Cauliflowers, Epicure Cucum- ber, Gladstone and Centenary Peas, extra fine Eclipse and White City Potatos, Ailsa Craig Onions, Parsnips and Carrots. 2nd, Col. E. Stuart Richardson (gr. Mr. J. E. Davis). For a display of vegetables grown in Scotland. 12 dishes in 12 kinds. Mr. Galloway. Gosford, secured the 1st prize with meritorious dishes, in- cluding Favourite Pink Celery, Duke of York Tomato, Ailsa Craig Onion, and Alderman Pea; 2nd, Mr. Urquhart, Melrose. The Floral Committee awarded First-class Certificates to the following plants : — Montbretia Comet, a seedling from and darker than Prome- theus, and Lathyrus latifolius magnifies,, both from Mr. G. Davidson, Westwick. Also to Hybrid Tea Roses Mrs. Charles E. Allen and Mrs. Frank Watman, from Mr. Hugh Dickson, Bel- . fast ; and to James Ferguson, a sport from Caro- line Testout, from Mr. W. Ferguson, Dunferm- line. Non-competitive Exhibits. Mr. J. Proctor, Portobello, staged a large collection of early Chrysanthemums in small pots, also a variety of Ferns. (Bronze Medal.) Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, had a large group of Ivies arranged on the floor. Interspersed among these were Clematis in small pots. He had also specimens of a good strain of Celosias. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Geo. Fairburn & Sons, Carlisle, set up a large table of Cactus and Pompon Dahlias. (Sil- ver-gilt Medal.) Messrs. Storrie & Storrie, Glencarse, near Perth, staged fruit in pots, Gooseberries, Apples, Currants, &c, and examples of their strains of Celosia. Streptocarpus and Gloxinia. (Silver- gilt Medal.) Messrs. W. Thomson & Sons, Clovenfords, showed baskets of Duke of Buccleuch and Gros Colman Grapes in fine condition. Messrs. Tillie, White & Co., Edinburgh, con- tributed a splendid display of vegetables, Tomatos, Celery and Leeks being very fine. (Sil- ver Medal.) Mr. A. Thomson, Dean, Edinburgh, showed early Chrysanthemums. (Bronze Medal.) Messrs. R. B. Laird & Sons, Ltd., Pinkhill, Edinburgh, arranged on the floor of the Mar- ket a large and artistic group of decorative plants, including Hydrangeas and Liliums. Mr. D. McOnish, Crieff, staged Pentstemons, Phloxes, and herbaceous flowers. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Mr. A. L. Gwillim, New Eltham, Kent, pro- vided a large display of Begonia blooms. (Silver Medal.) Messrs. Gunn & Sons, Olton, Birmingham, staged bunches of Phloxes in great variety. (Silver Medal.) The King's Acre Nursery Co., Hereford, staged a large collection of hardy fruit, compris- ing Apples. Plums, Peaches, &c, in pots, and dishes of Pears and Apples. (Gold Medal.) Mr. R. Bolton, Warton, Carnforth, staged Sweet Peas in splendid condition, and in the more popular varieties. Mrs. Townsend, Clara Curtis. and Earl Spencer being extra fine. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Dobbte & Co., Edinburgh, had a bril- liant display of cut flowers, artistically arranged in large masses of one kind. Specially fine were the Sweet Peas Earl Spencer, Masterpiece, Edrom Beauty, and Mrs. Townsend. Some choice Afri- can Marigolds were noticed. There were also enormous quantities of cut Dahlias in all the sec- lions, and a variety of other flowers in season, besides a charming display of cut Roses on an- other table. Messrs. Dobbie also staged early Chrysanthemums and Dahlias in pots. (Gold -Medal. I Dr. McWatt, Duns, furnished a table with hardy plants such as Violas, Primulas, Gladioli, and Delphiniums. (Bronze Medal.) Messrs. J. Methven & Sons had groups of plants freely arranged on the floor of the Market. (Silver Medal.) Messrs. Mason & Co., Jameston, Dumbarton, set up a small collection of cut flowers. (Bronze Medal.) Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading, showed a circular arrangement, which was marked by a series of pillars worked out in Asters and joined together with arches of the same flowers, many of their specialities, particularly Melons, To- matos, Potatos, Asters, Beets, Carrots, and Mar- rows. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, provided some charming Orchids, both hybrid and species ; also cut Carnations. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Mr. John Downie, Murray-field, Edinburgh, had a group of stove and greenhouse plants taste- fully grouped on the floor. (Silver Medal.) Mrs. is. M. Campbell & Sons. High Blantyre. had Carnations in variety, also very fine Cactus and Show Dahlias. (Bronze Medal.) Messrs. R. Wallace & Co., Colchester, staged an extensive collection of Montbretias, arranged in groups of one variety; also blue Gladioli. G primulinus hybrids and others, as well as a few hardy flowers. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Messrs. Titos. S. Wajie, Ltd., Feltham, had a boldly-arranged bank of Double Begonias, the finest they have ever brought North ; the lovely pink Lady Cromer, the frilled Mrs. J. Bnnsmead, and Lady Clifford being among the more prominent. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. W. Cutbush & Son, Highgate, had a group of various flowers on the floor which was one of the most attractive features of the show. A Lily pond with a vast array of hardy flowers grouped around and broken up with tall vases of Gladioli, Tritomas, Pentstemons, and a collection of Perpetual Carnations. (Gold Medal.) Mr. Matthew Cuthbertson, Rothesay, ex- hibited a large collection of Montbretias, for which ho was awarded a Bronze Medal. The Royal Horticultural Society sent a collection of Grapes from Wisley which were the cause of much discussion among growers, some of the varieties being not very well known. They were well cultivated, Alnwick Seedling, Diamond Jubilee, Mrs. Pearson, Appley Towers, Muscat Hamburgh, Madresfield Court, Black Hamburgh, Duke of Buccleuch and Canon Hall Muscat were represented by excellent clusters. To this a special award was made. Messrs. J. Fairley & Co., Cairney Hill, Fife, staged a nice collection of Roses and Carnations. which was prettily arranged. (Silver Medal.) Mr. R. Ferguson, Dunfermline, exhibited Roses in large masses. (Bronze Medal.) Messrs. John Forbes, Ltd., Hawick, arranged a large collection of cut flowers in their usual tasteful manner; Phloxes, Pentstemons, Carna- tions, and Violas being perhaps the most notice- able. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Messrs. J. Cocker & Sons, Aberdeen, staged a selection of hardy flowers. (Silver Medal.) Messrs. Cunningham, Fraser & Co., Cornel v Bank, Edinburgh, had a large bank of hardy flowers intermixed with Phloxes and Pentste- mons, with excellent Roses. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Messrs. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, provided a collection of hardy fruits, including a few trees in pots. (Silver-gilt Medal.) Mr. H. N. Ellison, West Bromwich, had Ferns in favourite sorts. (Silver Medal.) Mr. C. Engelmann, Saffron Walden, con- tributed Perpetual Carnations in fine varieties, showing high cultivation. (Silver Medal.) Messrs. Ed. Webb & Sons, Wordsley, Stour- bridge, exhibited a mixed collection of flowers, fruits and vegetables; Sweet Peas, Liliums and Carnations were choice. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Webb & Brand, Saffron Walden, had a very attractive exhibit of Hollyhocks in a great variety of colours. (Silver Medal.) Messrs. Wells & Co., Merstham, exhibited a large collection of cut flowers, which included fine Pentstemons. Phloxes, and a great variety of Chrysanthemums, the singles of these being verj pretty. Messrs. Young & Co., Cheltenham, staged a nice lot of Perpetual Carnations. (Silver Medal.) Messrs. A. Young & Co., Elgin, showed Sweet Peas. (Silver Medal.) ©bttiiarj). William Leiohton. — The death of this well- known Glasgow seedsman, of 36, Renfield Street, and Ardlui, Maxwell Drive, Glasgow, occurred on August 27. The deceased gentleman was on his way to Switzerland, but, on being seized with illness in Paris, returned to this country and went to Eastbourne, where he died. The funeral took place in Edinburgh, of which city he was a native, in the Grange Cemetery, on September 1, and was largely attended. Mr. Leighton entered the seed trade as an appren- tice with the then well-known firm of Messrs. Peter Lawson & Sons. Edinburgh, and, being a hard worker and a man of ability, he soon reached a foremost position in the seed trade. Max Leichtlin. — The well-known German Botanist, Herr Max Leichtlin, died on September 3, in the 79th year of his age. The funeral took place at Baden-Baden on the 5th inst. 208 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 10, 1910. torrcjbondoUv]^ Apple Leaves: Tal-y-bont. The "greenish mould " on the Apple leaves is a fungus, Clado- sporium. Tlie fungus is not the cause of the death of the leaf, and is probably only sapro- phytic. This dying or " scorching " of Apple leaves takes place, in the case of certain varie- ties, in years like the present and last, when cold, wet nights and generally unfavourable weather conditions prevail. It is often most pronounced in cases where the trees lack potash. In some cases it is considered that Cladosporium develops a parasitic habit, and causes a " leaf-spot " disease (See Journal, Roval Horticultural Society, vol. xxxiii., p. 507.) Apple Shoots : H. G. C. The white, flocculent substances on the brandies of your Apple trees are colonies of woolly aphis, or American blight. This pest may be eradicated by scrub- bing the affected parts with some insecticide, such as caustic soda or Calvert's carbolic soap. In the winter the trees should be well sprayed with the following specific: — 1 lb. caustic soda, | lb. carbonate of potash, 10 ounces of soft soap, and 10 gallons of water, adding the soft soap last. The nursery firm from whom you i lined the trees may not be responsible, as the pe6t is common in neglected gardens, and may have spread from a neighbour's trees. Apple Sops in Wine: J. Coombes. One fruit was wine colour right through to the core, the other quite white with no trace of red. Begonia Leaves: Wm. Yandell. Microscopic examination showed no trace of any fungus disease in the Begonia leaves. The trouble may be due to mites ; dip the plants in Tobacco water. Caterpillars Attacking Beech Trees : A. F. C. The caterpillars are those of the Buff-tip moth (Pygaera bucephala). It is not uncommon for them to attack Copper Beeches. Celery Diseased: E. 0. •/. The plants are affected with Septoria petroselini var. Apii. See reply to J. S., p. 152, August 20. Do not plant Celery on the same land next year. Colour Variation in Rose Souvenir d'un Ami : O. P., Nay pur. Almost all Rose sports have a tendency to revert. Souvenir de S. A. Prince- sported from Souvenir d'un Ami simultaneously in more than one place, and it is not infrequent to find various shades of pink upon this sport. Countess of Oxford and Heinrich Schultheis both produced two distinct sports, and these have reverted upon more than one occasion. Sometimes these are striped similar to Pride of Reigate and Merrie England, and occasion- ally one portion of the flower is quite distinct from the others, and not even striped or splashed. Fig Leaves Unsatisfactory : E. M. M. The Fig leaves sent are quite free from disease. Fruits Cracking : It. T . Gallaher. The fruit sent was, on its arrival, covered with several kinds of fungi, some of which were converting the flesh into pulp. It is impossible to say what was the original cause of the trouble without seeing a fruit in the first stages of disease. Grapes: J. G. Walker. There is no fungus disease attacking the Grapes sent. The crack ing, &c, must be due to some error of culti- vation. Grapes Disfigured: J. G. W. and Muscat. There is no trace of disease on the Grapes. Their disfigurement has been caused by rub- bing, probably during the process of thinning. Grapes Failing to Colour: S. G. Ifor/ers. The cause is due to some cultural defect; there is no fungus in the tissue at the hard places; the blue-green " mould " is a fungus that comes literwards, when the skin cracks. Grapes .Muscat of Alexandria and Black H \mbcrgh : Mu-rat. These two varieties can- not be grown satisfactorily in the same house as they require different ' treatment. Muscat (!ra pes require considerably more heat than Black Hamburghs ; the varieties also flower at different times. An abundance of light and »un is necessary to " finish " the ben-ies of Muscat varieties, whereas Black Hamburghs prefer shade, and although a very fair crop of both varieties may be ripened in the same house, really good results can never be attained. Should it be decided to devote the house to Muscats, time may be saved by inarching Muscat of Alexandria on to the Black Ham- burgh, the latter making an excellent stock. This would prevent any disturbance of the border. To prevent the roots getting through the wall, take out a narrow trench and con- crete the face of the wall on the inside. Gloxinias and Broccoli: J. T.. Latchmere. The Broccoli plants are badly affected with " Club-root" (Plasmodiophora BrassicEe). (See Gardeners' Chronicle, August 27. p. 171.) With the aid of a microscope, you could see the cells of the roots filled with the Plasmodium and spores of this destructive parasite. Vaporite is not of the slightest use to check the disease ; you must use lime. If you will forward speci- mens of the Gloxinias, we will submit them to an examination, in order to determine the nature of the " rust." Gooseberry Disease : J. G. P. Cocks. The plants are affected with the American Goose- berry-mildew. This disease is now notifiable, and you should at once report this outbreak to the Secretary, Board of Agriculture, 4, White- hall Place, London, at the same time asking for the Board's illustrated leaflet on the disease. Spraying against this disease is quite useless at this time of year : the tip of every shoot on every bush should be removed for 6 inches and burnt, and all the suckers re- moved. The brown scurfy " spawn " present on the surface of the shoots sent contains the winter spores, and these will drop out and in- fect the soil unless the affected parts are re- moved. Horticultural Instructor: Instructor. Sour first qualification should be a sound, practical knowledge of all the branches connected with horticulture; if. in addition to this, you can express yourself clearly before an audience, little further is needed. A knowledge of the sciences connected with gardening, such as botany, chemistry, physics, and economic en- tomology, will prove useful. The possession of the first-class certificate in the examina- tion held by the Royal Horticultural Society, or the advanced course of the Science and Art examination in domestic economy and rural hygiene, would be of value. Insect Eating Elm Leaves: J. C. Unless you send us specimens of the insects, we cannot advise you in the matter. Spraying with some arsenical or other strong poisonous insecticide, if practicable, is to be recommended. Magnolia Leaves: T. A. Hyde. There is no disease present on the Magnolia leaf sent ; the trouble must be looked for in some other direc- tion. Probably the adverse weather conditions or some cultural defect is responsible. Montbretia Foliage Turning Brown : W. II. C. "There appears to be no trace of any fungus or insect disease in the Montbretias sent, and we can offer no explanation of the leaves going brown as they have done. Names of Erupts: Hallow. Thanks for sending such excellent specimens. We consider it is Kirke's.— li. II.. Cork. The history of the seedling Apple you send is very interesting. The variety has several merits, the flesh being firm and of agreeable flavour, but the fruit lacks size and colour, and we are afraid that because of these defects it will never become a popular sort. It might prove a useful variety in some localities. — Bides. Apple Scarlet Pearm.iin. Names of Plants: G. II". 1. Helianthus multi- florus maximus ; 2, Achillea, Ptarmica, the Pearl ; 3, Helianthus rigidus ; 4, Fuchsia Ara- bella ; 5, F. Scarcity ; 6, F. Sir Colin Camp- bell ; 7, F. Aurora superba ; 8, F. Charming ; 9, F. Mrs. C. Turner ; 10, Not recognised. — //. .V. 1, Fuchsia gracilis; 2. F. Riccartonii ; 3, Pelargonium ardens ; 4, P. quercifolium var. Douglas; 5, P. fragrans ; 6. P. capitatum. — D. Barr. Pseudotsuga (Abies) Douglasii. — J. I). II. 1, probably Cistus crispus, the flowers were decayed ; 2, Cistus villosus ; 3. a form of Potentilla fruticosa ; 4, Rosa virgini ana; 5. probably a species of Bigelovia : 6. Hypericum elatum. — Kesteven. Apparently Daphne Laureola. but the leaves are not of normal size; please send again 'Alien in flower. — /. J. L.. Aiiinir. Arbutus Andrachne. — T. C. Echium vulgare.— /'. //. 1, Monarda didyma ; 2, Pisum elatius var. umbellatum; 3, Eupatorium ageratoides ; 4, Echinops Ritro; 5, Anthemis tinctoria var.; 6, proba- bly Helenium autumnale, but the specimen was too scrappy for proper identification. — F. It. F. Stenanthium angustiiolium. — G. H. J. Clarkia elegans var. flore pleno. — S. G. P. Clitoria Ternatea. — S. <£■ S. Sene- cio Cineraria. — C. Prentis. The Sedum was incorrectly named S. rhodanthum; it is S. Middendorfianum. — E. Semper. Solidago lanceolata. — ./. G. it 67. 1, Nephrodium effu- sum ; 2, Blechnum oecidentale. — Anxious. 1, Clethra arborea ; 2, Lonicera involucrata ; 3, Veronica salicifolia; 4. Polygonum cuspida- tum ; 5, Spiraea discolor ; 6, Leycesteria for- mosa : 7, Symphoricarpus orbiculatus var. variegatus ; 8. Erica stricta; 9, Erica vagans alba ; 10, Spiraea japonica. — P. E. N. Cypri- pedium barbatum. Carnation next week. — It. I'. 1. t'ypiipcdium Murillo (Boxallii x Argus) ; 2, Oypripedium conspicuum (Harrisi- aiium x villosum) ; 3, Cypripedium Ashbur- toniie (insigne x barbatum) ; 4, Cattleya Patro- cinii (Leopoldii X Loddigesii) ; 5, Oneidium incurvum ; 5, Pendrobium Pierardii. — C. II. One of the garden forms of Adiantum eunea- fcum.— -E. M. A good form of Cattleya Iris. We return the small flower; will you furnish us with a description of the plant's habit of growth and name the country it came from '! — A". B. 1, Acampe papillosa ; 2, Pleurothallis conanthera; 3, Epidendrum . selligerum : 4, Maxillaria meieagris ; 5, Dendrobium Johan- nis. — J. P. Bulbophyllum inflatum. — .-1. T. 1. Potentilla fruticosa ; 2, next week ; 3, Spiraea Bumalda " Anthony Waterer " ; 4, Cassine chrysophylla ; 5, Polygonum sachalinense ; 6, Lythrum salicaria ; 7, Chrysocoma comaurea; 8, Clematis tubulosa ; 9, Eriobotrya japonica; 10, Libonia penrhosiense. Peach for Examination : IF. L. The Peach arrived a mass of pulp; send examples of the disease in its early stage. Pear Cracking and Leaves Diseased.; T. G. 67., York. The fruits and leaves are affected with " scab," caused by Fusicladium pirinum. At this stage you can do nothing be- yond burning the affected fruits and leaves, being careful to gather and burn all the latter when they fall. Next spring spray the trees with dilute Bordeaux mixture (not more than half strength). The first application should be made when the buds are opening, repeating the operation at the time of blooming and again when the fruits have formed. Pear Leaves Diseased : G. S. It. The disease of the Tear leaves has been caused by the cater- pillars of the Pear-leaf blister-moth (Cemio- stoma scitella). The best remedy is to give one or two early spiayings with arsenate of lead, when the leaves, are appearing, and before the caterpillars have burrowed into them. Pelargonium Seedling: 67. T. The flowers are pleasing, but the variety shows no ad- vance on others already in cultivation. Royal Arboricultural Society: A. T. The Secretary is Mr. John Davidson. Estate Office, Haydon Bridge. Northumberland. Stocks for Fruit Trees: Fruit Trees. Scan our advertising columns, or insert a small advertisement in some gardening paper. Tar on Fruit Trees: F. J. K. We are afraid, you can do little now. as the damage is already done, and the use of paraffin oil, as you pro- pose, would only accentuate the trouble. Try the effect of cart grease, rubbed on with a piece of coarse sacking. Vine Roots: A. Morton. There is no fungus present on the roots and leaves of the vine sent. The " spotting " of the leaves must be due to some wrong cultural treatment. Communications Received. — J. P. B. -Foreman — Richmond— H. B. J. — Foreman, Salop— Fhrubbery — F. J. R.-C. G. D., Sweden-P. E. N.-Old Subscr bi r P.. — R. L., Southampton-W. C.—U. R.- J. H. C— A. W. P. -A. E. H.-N. M.— F. J. C.-A. R.— F. K.— A. D.— J. D. — B. G.-S. I.-T. S.— A. D.— F. J.-K. & Sons-J. G.— F. M.— W. N & Co.-A. & M W. J. W. & Co.-R. L. B. W. A. D.— J. W. & Sons— A. G.-E. C, Somerset— C. T. D.— T. A. H.— W. E. — A. H. P.-E. G.P.-W F * Co.— J- E. -Sussex— W. E. H.-Selwood Henri— W, S. B.-.T. H. E.— A. G.-A. & B.-M. & Co -V. W- J. S.— G. M. T.-A. N.-A. H.-F. J. R. -W.B.L.-J.W. Supplement to the " Gardeners* Chronicle." Photograph by H. N. King, ROSE LEUCHTSTERN FLOWERING ON A RUSTIC ARCH. FLOWERS, BRIGHT ROSE-COLOURED WITH A WHITE CENTRE. Printed by Temple Press Ltd., London, E.C. September 17, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 209 THE (l^arbcncrs'Cbronirlc No. 1,238— SATURDAY, September 17, 1910. CONTENTS. Alpine Garden, the— Plant catalogue, a 217 Hare Corsiean plants 210 Potatos, hybrid 217 Alps, in the Maritime .. 213 Potatos, wart disease of 217 Chalk as a dressing for " Profitable Arte of light soils 217 Gardening," the 201) Chelsea Hospital, sol- Rochea falcata 217 diers' gardens at 217 Rotary, the — Oimioifuga racemosa ... 218 Autumnal Roses 211 Dahlias, pompon 217 Societies- D o n, George, mona- Carlisle Hort 221 ment to 216 National Cbrys. 221 Forestry— National Dahlia 222 Experiments in for- Or«ett Hort. ... 221 estry 213 216 Royal Horticultural 218 Seasonable work 212 Royal Hort. of Ireland 221 Gi.ld tish 217 Scottish Horticultural 222 Hardy flower border — United Horticultural Raising seedlings of Benefit and Prot i Primula japonica ... 214 dent 223 Irises, Notes on — Trees and shrubs — White-flowered species 209 Bpirsea Aitchinsonii Japan, a journey to 211 and S. discolor 213 Leigh ton, Mr. Jas. 216 Wasps, the scarcity oi 217 Market gardening — Week's work, the — Late Tomato culture Flower garden, tin.- . 2H under glass 211 Fruits under glass ... 214 Obituary — Hardy fruit garden, the 215 Cooper, William Kitchen garden, the... 215 riuules 228 Orchid houses, the ... 215 Frazer, Thomas 217 223 Plants under gla^ aw ILLUSTRATIONS. •Cimicifuga racemosa Erodium corsicum Frazer, Thomas, portrait of the late ... Hopea Mengarawan in a Singapore forest Hosea Lobhi ana flowering in Singapore Botanic Garden. Lrelio-Cattleya Berthe Fournier magnifica Miltonia vexillaria vars. Snowflake and Virginale (Supplementary Illustration) Singapore, plant shelters in the Botanic gardens at ... 218 210 i«:! 218 ■J II 220 212 THE PROFFITABLE ARTE OF GARDENING. THE above is the title of what is probably the earliest book on horticulture pub- lished in England. It seems to he an enlarged edition of " A most briefe and plea- sant Treatyse teachynge how to dress sowe and set a garden " (1563). Other editions exi^i dated 1568, 1574, 1579, 1586, 1593, 1594. and 1 1 ins. \|\ copy is the 1574 edition, and as an enlargement to the title it reads : "To which is added much Necessarie Matter and a Number of Secretes, with the Physicke Helpes belong- ing to each Herbe, and that easily prepared; gathered by Thomas Hill, Citizen of London, now for the third time set forth." The pub- lisher was H. Bynneman. Little is known of the author except that he translated and com- piled books on other subjects as well as gar- dening. He was born in or about the year 1543, and died in or about the year 1594. Were we to depend upon the text of the volume we could not but conclude that Hill was learned and well read in Latin and Greek, while some parts of it are derived from French authors of the period. He himself de- clined to be placed among the learned of his day, for, in an address " To the Reader," which is composed of apt and musical English, he remarks; " What fault is there so small, which Mumits will not finde. If the learneder sort, brought up alwayes under Minerua are sometime touched of him ; much more I who never tasted of the learned laake, but rather alwayes rudely taught among the Smythes of Vulcanus Forge, but needes be stung of him." The volume is divided into two books, the first of which contains 14 chapters and the second 64. The former gives general details; the latter treats of the various vegetables and flowers, with their " physical helpes." The first part contains, one would fain believe, c\ ,-r\ thing that the superstitious and credulous ever thought of in connection with the work- ings of vegetable Nature. It lessens our anxiety regarding what we might suppose t>i be the training necessary to an ordinal \ p;ii'- dener in these times, to be informed that everybody was not expected to be thoroughly grounded in these subtle distinctions, hut the author's "conscience bound (him) somewhat to put such matter into their heads (the com nion sort of people's), occasioning them there- by to use the counsaile." The plants de- scribed and treated in- the second book are Lettuce, Endive, Suecorie. Blete — two kinds, Spinage, Orache, Beetes, Coleworts, Land Cresses. Parcel). Sperage, Sauerie. running Time. Louage, Garden Mallowes, Fennel, Annis, Cummine, Coliander, Mustard, Cher- uill, Capers, Dill, Rue, Isope, Mintes, Gar- den Time, Organic, Violettes, Roses. Hasill, Maiorame, Marigolde, Lavender, Spioknarde, White Lillie, Wood Lillie, Floure Deluce, l'ionie. White Poppie, Floure Petilius, Velvet Floure, Gilifloure and Carnation, Straw- berries, Borage, Buglos, Rosemarie. Ger- mander, Blessed Thistell, Wormwood, Sothernwood, Sauge Purslane, Peneroyall, Ai tiehocke, Leekes, Onion, Oarlike, Kadislu . Navew, Parsnep, Yealow Carot, Melons, Pompons, Gourds, Beane of Egypt. This is a by no means exhaustive list if it is com pared with that of [usses, of which it falls \ ci \ far short alike in Vegetables and flowers. The latter include garden Mal- lowes (Hollyhocks), which it is remarked " the women in our time use to decke their houses and windowes with"; Violets and Roses, which are given a lengthy chapter, in which methods of " forcing." retard- ing, and preserving blooms for winter are discussed. In this chapter he men- tions another of his books. " intituled Naturall and Artificial Conclusions, where I write hugely of these and many other right pleasant conclusions, to be read and under- stands of the common sort." Of the Mari- gold we are informed' it was named "the husbandman's Dyall, for the same so aptly declareth the homes of the morning and euening." Here is a " secret " which holds good to the present: "To haue them grow bigge, and to beare thicke and brode lloure.s. you ojght then to remoue and set the yong plantes often." The White Lily was pre- seived in the bud like Roses for winter, and the credulous were assured that Lilies ot red, green or blue could be had by following the directions lie gave. Lily of the Valley " growing properly in Woods and Chiefly in Valleys " had been " of late yeres brought and planted in the gardens.'' The Floure Deluqe was Iris florentiua, and like most of the flowers already mentioned, it was culti- vated for its " Physicke Helpes," as was also the Pseony. A concoction of the root of Pasony '■■ received unto the nose doth put away the King's evill — and the roote hanged about the necke dothe put away the falling sicknesse, as by a late practise was tryed, that wliyles a child had this roote hanging about the necke, the divide so long was not greued with the disease, but when the same was taken from his necke, then was he vexed in lyke soitn as before." Floure Petilius is the French Marigold, which the author re- marks was like the " Sweet Bryertree." But he has got confused with some remarks of Pliny's. The last flower is the Carnation. Of the vegetables the greatest space is given to Leeks, Artichokes, Lettuces, Rue, Onions, Garlick, Radishes, and a very lengthy chapter on Gourds. Rue in those days possessed quite n lerful properties. Beds edged with it were for ever free from vermin of all kinds, and ;i green shoot hung in a room dispersed flies. It was one of the greatest specifics against the Plague, and for the eyesight it was very beneficial, as Milton afterwards de- clared it to be, for " both curious painters and fine gravers doe often eate of this herbe, with their meate, for the clearing and amend- ing of their sight." And these are only a few of its marvellous properties. The tangled roots of "Sperage," or Asparagus, were (ailed "a spunge," a term which Milton uses several times, and he makes it clear that Sperage was the name given to the shoots, and spunge to the roots from which the shoots sprang. Some years ago I made a glossary ol the quaint words to be found in the pages ol this volume, a few of which are:— Backes for bat; blades, lanceolate leaves; cod, a pod ; forked dibble, a garden fork ; Mulse, honey and water ; sneze, snuff ; Rosen, resin ; battle, ground well-cultivated; batten, to feed, e.g., " batten them with dung " ; clag, sticky, applied to clay soil; ouerthicke, clayey; slift, a layer; timely, early; trimmed, cultivated; lapping, covering; and Nosewort, Veratrum album. Raisins are spelled " reasins," which recalls Shakespear's " rea- sons as plenty as blackberries," just as " battle" reminds one of Douglas' " In battle gers burgeons." The volume is illus- trated with " A Proper Knot for a Garden." Two Mazes, and a bird's-eye view of a Flower garden, the central portion of which is en- closed by an ornamental paling with many crowned pillars. The beds are oblong and oval, and surround a knot laid out in the middle of the space. Between this and the outer fence of the pales are more oblong beds or borders, and there is also an ornamental gateway : a draw-well on one side, and the termination of a covered walk on the other. The later editions include a treatise on Bees, and another on Grafting, or, let us say, on fruit culture. JR. P. Brotherston. SPECIES, species of two most NOTES ON IRISES, 1 1ERTAIN WHITE-FLOWERED Of the various white-flowered bearded Irises in cultivation, the common are I. florentina and I. albicans, but considerable confusion appears to exist both i lens and in herbaria as to the identity of the two. This contusion dates back to the time of Linnaeus, who defines florentina as a bearded Iris and then bewilders the reader by referi him for illustration to plate 154 in Miller's Icones, which clearly represents some member of the spuria group. Thunberg's description in his Dissertation (1782), " scapus simplex, siiblri- fh.rus, pedalis et ultra," is too vague to allow of identification, and it is not until the plate appeared in the Botanical Magazine, tab. 671, 210 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 17, 1910. that a plant is figured under the name of I. florentina that is identical either with florentina or albicans as they are generally known. The two names should, however, be attached to two quite distinct plants. The former, as represented in the Jiotanical Magazine, flowers early with the common form of I. germanica, has a distinctly Hue-grey tinge in the falls, scarious spathes, and a certain number of straggling, whitish hairs on tin' inner side of the haft of the standards. The foliage is relatively narrow for the size of the plants, and the pedicel or branch that supports the lowest of the four flowers, that'the inflores- cence contains, is at least 3 inches or 4 inches ill length. Attempts have been made to show that this Iris is a seedling form of I. pallida, and the scirious spathes, together with the presence of hairs at the base of the standards, lend support to this view, but with me, at any rate, all at- tempts to self-fertilise the plant have been fruit- less, and the only way to settle the question would be to raise and flower plants from self- fertilised seed. The origin of the plant is shrouded in mystery, and, after searching through many herbaria, I have never yet suc- ceeded in finding any authentic wild specimen of hairs at the base of the standards. For some reason or other it is a difficult plant to manage here. Rhizomes sent direct to me from Kashmir flowered well in their first season, but since then they have dwindled and disappeared, although a purple-flowered forms of I. germanica, which was sent with them, flowers well and increases rapidly. Fortunately, there is now obtainable a hybrid of this species, raised by Sir Michael Fos- ter, and lately distributed under the name of the Shelford variety of I. kashmiriana. Its flowers are of great substance, slightly tinged with blue, and it would scarcely be surprising to find that it is a cross with I. pallida dalmatica, for the shape of the flowers and the inflorescence are very similar. So far, however, the hybrid has proved infertile, and the problem of its parentage re- mains unsolved. Another plant — from Beluchistan — which flow- ered with me for the first time this year, proved to have beautiful, large, white flowers, delicately tinged with blue. The long, pointed, green spathes separate it at once from the above-men- tioned species, and it is possible that it is only a form of Iris Bartonii, which came from Kan- dahar. The fact that white Irises are very THE ALPINE GARDEN. JrAPDC^ftOW ■BHHi miilHIK Ml-hMck {Photograph by W. living. Fig. 82. — ERODIUM CORSICUM : FLOWERS rose-pink with deeper-coloured veining. this plant. Another error connected with this Iris is that it is exclusively the plant whose dried rhizomes form Orris root, but among several im- portations of rhizomes from the neighbourhood of Florence, cultivated by the late Sir Michael Foster, Messrs. Barr & Sons, and here in my garden, not I. florentina but I. pallida in various forms has invariably made its appearance. From this Iris florentina another species, which is found in Spain, in the neighbourhood of Cadiz and Almeria, was first separated by Lange in 1860, under the name of I. albicans. It is clearly distinguished by the fact that the flowers are nearly sessile on the stem, by the snow-white colour of the flowers, by the entire absence of hairs at the base of the standards, and by its spathes, which are more or less scarious only in their upper halves, when the flowers open. It flowers, too, considerably later than I. floren- tina, and the broader leaves, with their curious tendency to twist, give the plant quite a different appearance. This Iris albicans is doubtless the plant illustrated in Redoute's Liliacew, t. 23, under the name of I. florentina. A third white-flowered Iris, which, unfortu- nately, is not common in cultivation, is I. kash jniriana, a species with milk-white flowers and commonly used in the East as decoration in graveyards makes it difficult to obtain really wild specimens, and increases the difficulty of determining their original habitat and distribu- tion. Besides these plants, there is another that it would be extremely interesting to obtain, and which may very likely exist in Egyptian gardens, namely, the white form of Iris Madonna, speci- mens of which, together with others of the blue form, which has been in cultivation for some years, were obtained on Mount Saber in the Yemen district of Arabia by Botta in 1837. A few white-flowered plants were, I believe, ob- tained by Messrs. Dammann, who introduced Iris madonna to cultivation, but I have been unable to obtain specimens or to trace them. I should be grateful if any one possessing such an Iris would communicate with me. The typical blue form of I. Madonna is undoubtedly a true ger- manica, and a handsome garden plant. There is also said to exist a white form of I. germanica, but so far I have never seen under this name any plant that was not either I. floren- tina or I. albicans, both of which differ from I. germanica in other respects than that of colour. IF. It. Dyies, Charterhouse, Goaalming. RARE CORSICAN PLANTS. Corsica is the home of many rare and interest- ing plants, several of which are well worthy of a place in the smallest and most select rock garden. . Among the better known plants native of this island is the charming Crucifer Morisia hypogsea, which produces its pretty flowers early in spring. Being neat in habit and free in flowering, it forms one of the gems of the rockery. Another dwarf plant of low stature is Erodium chamajdryoides, which, with the little Arenaria balearica, is also found in the Balearic Isles. The yellow-flowered Draba Loiseleuri also comes from Corsica, while among bulbous plants from the same place may be mentioned the pretty Crocus corsicus and the tiny C. minimus, with the rich purple flowered Romulea Requienii. Among the larger growing plants Helleborus corsicus is very distinct with handsome foliage and numerous, greenish-white flowers produced in winter and spring. Of more recent introduc- tion are the following three scarce and charming plants. Chrysanthemum tomentosum. — The members of this genus are usually associated in one'p mind with the popular greenhouse Chrysanthe- mum, but this little species is totally unlike Chrysanthemum sinense, being only 2 inches in height when in flower. It is closely allied to C. alpinum, which is found at high elevations on the European Alps. C. tomentosum is dwarf and tufted in habit, with densely tomentose pinnatifid leaves, giving the plant a hoary appearance like Achillea umbellata. The white flowers are 1 inch in diameter, and are borne on stems about 1 inch in length. They are produced freely ; the plant commences to flower in May, and keeps up a suc- cession till September. Chrysanthemum tomen- tosum grows freely in a well-drained, gritty soil in a pan in a cold frame. It has not yet been determined if it will withstand the winter out of doors, but a dry, somewhat sunny and sheltered ledge should suit it. The species is endemic to Corsica, being found in pastures on the summits of Mount Renoso and Mount D'Oro. Erodium corsicum (See fig. 82).— The genus Erodium contains many choice and useful plants for the rock garden, some of the less rampant growers being E. chrysanthum, with its yellow flowers and silvery foliage; E. supracanum, of neat habit and with pink flowers; E. amanum from Syria, with finely-cut silvery foliage and white flowers produced during the whole sum- mer ; and E. Sibthorpianum. One of the smallest, is E. corsicum, which grows from 1 inch to 4 inches high, and produces small orbicular ovate leaves, that are softly hairy and deeply crenated. The flowers are J inch in diameter, and vary in their shades of rosy-pink, whilst the veins are of deeper colour. They are produced from May to September. The plant illustrated in fig. 82 was still in flower in the latter month. It is a free-growing, hardy subject, and soon makes a good tuft. Propagation is effected by means of cuttings inserted in summer or by seeds. E. corsicum is found growing on granite rocks by the sea, and makes a v ody rootstock like many of the other species. Stachys Corsica. — Unlike many of the better- known members of this genus S. Corsica is a com- pact, low growing plant, 1 inch to 2 inches high, with small leaves and pretty, straw-coloured flowers with a purple lip. It is a choice little plant, found on the stony mountains of Corsica and Sardinia, and it is propagated easily by cut- tings. It forms an ideal plant for growing in pans, flowering early and keeping up a long suc- cession of bloom. TT. 7. September 17, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 211 THE ROSARY. AUTUMNAL ROSES. There can be no question that the Roses which flower most freely in autumn are by far the most valuable for garden cultivation. Some of the loveliest of the Hybrid Perpetuals, such, for ex- ample, as Duke of Edinburgh, Duke of Teck, Horace Vernet, and Charles Lefebvre, have their first blooms too late to achieve much subsequently in this special direction, but there are ex- ceptions to every rule, and A. K. Williams, for example, which too often comes somewhat early in summer with hardened, abortive buds, as if it had come before its proper season, is usually at its best during the autumn months. Perhaps, so far as regards southern Scotland at least, the reason may be that in September it experiences much more favourable atmospheric conditions than it does in July. By far the most valuable Roses for autumn effect are the Hybrid Teas. At the present date (September 10), the variety which outshines all others in my garden for size and charm of form and complexion is Pharisser, which I saw for the first time, and admired greatly, in Corsewall Gardens in this county about -this time of last year. I acquired some strong plants of it im- mediately after seeing it there, and the variety has proved a great acquisition. So, also, has the famous Lyon-Rose, by reason of its unique beauty during the early summer months, and it pro- mises to flower moderately well during the autumn, though its growth is not so vigorous (being somewhat lacking at present in foliage) aa could be desired. A very fine autumn flowering Rose is Margaret, raised recently by Messrs. Win. Paul & Sons at Waltham Cross. Mary, Countess of Ilchester, is a graceful Rose, with many of the attributes of a Hybrid Perpetual, but it is de- scribed by the raisers as a Hybrid Tea, although it grows with considerable vigour during June and July, it did not produce a single flower till the end of August, and even then it was exceedingly sparing of its blooms. Mrs. David .Tardine is a very beautiful Rose, with similar limitations. There never was a period, in my estimation, when vigorous- growing, floriferous Roses were more greatly re- quired. If we had a few more varieties with the glorious characteristics of La France, Viscountess Folkestone, Caroline Testout, Clio, Margaret Dick- son, Prince de Bulgarie, Madame Pernet-Ducher, Corallina, Enchantress, and Pharisaer they would be prized immensely. But so long as we have such varieties as I have indicated, we need not complain. David 11. Williamson. MARKET GARDENING. LATE TOMATO CULTURE UNDER GL/ 3S. In market gardens Tomato plants raisc-a from seed at about the third week in May, are planted in transverse rows, 2 feet apart, and at 1 foot in the rows in span-roofed houses, in which Cucumbers have been grown up to the end of the third week in July. The plants are supported individually by a soft kind of string (specially manufactured for the pur- pose), looped round the stems of the plants about 6 inches from the ground, and then secured to the wires fixed under the roof glass. The plants grow well in the rich soil used previously for Cucumbers, and with a free circulation of fresh air amongst them both day and night, make strong and sturdy growth, being furnished with large, strong trusses of flowers from within 6 inches or 9 inches of the ground upward. The lateral growths are kept persistently pinched out, in order to concentrate all the energies of the plants into the production of large trusses of flowers and the development of heavy crops of well-shaped fruits. The soil in which the plants are growing should be kept uniformly moist by affording them clear water at the roots about three times in the week during favourable weather conditions. Some market growers twine the plants carefully round the individual string supports as they grow. But, in my opinion, the better way is to keep the plants in position by ties made of raffia coiled once round each string before making the several ties. The raffia should be placed immediately below each truss, in order to support the increasing weight of the developing fruit. As soon as the plants have set a couple of trusses of fruit each, a surface dressing of shore manure should be ap- plied between the rows to the thickness of A JOURNEY TO JAPAN. SINGAPORE. THE QUEEN OF THE MALACCA STRAITS. (Continued from page 196.) I left Ceylon, the island of many beauties, after about four weeks stay. The groups of Cocoanut Palms (Cocos nucifera) about the har- bour furnished us with a last glimpse of the vege- tation, and once more we saw the lofty mountains against the horizon, Adam's Peak, where Buddah is said to have first set foot on earth, dominating all. Three days later we passed the golden moun- tain of Sumatra, and on April 13 arrived at the picturesque island of Singapore, the cynosure of the Cambodian Peninsula. Owing to the reflec- tion of the sun in the sea, the far-off islands seem to rise above the water, and, on the near FlG. 83. — HOSEA LOBBIANA, AS PHOTOGRAPHED IN THE SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS: THE FLOWER-RACEMES HAVE SALMON-ORANGE COLOURED BRACTS. 2 inches, after two or three of the bottom leaves have been removed from each plant to admit of a current of fiesh air. It is well to allow a free extension of leaf growth until the time has arrived for letting in extra light and air in order to assist the fruits to ripen. Each time the plants are watered, after the top dressing of manure has been applied, food will be washed down to the roots, and thereby add considerably to the ultimate weighl of the crop. As the season advances, with a corresponding fall in the tem- perature, less fresh air should be admitted. After the Tomato plants are set out in the border, the soil between the rows and the plants should be trodden well, as this will induce a firm growth, and the flower clusters will form quite close to the ground. //. W. Ward. islands, the Mangrove trees are seen singly and in groups. The entrance to the harbour of Singapore is like a garden scene ; the Malay fishermen come in their small canoes and dive for halfpennies, whilst others bring large boats full of coral and fine shells gathered on the iiear island of- Pnlo Brani or Pulo Renggit. Singapore is the great centre for eastern trade and com- merce, the harbour being of sufficient size to accommodate the largest fleet of ships. At few places in the world can one see persons of so- many different nationalities. The town has the appearance of a thriving place, and the European dwellings, which extend for several miles to the north, are situated as in a large park. The air is fresh and cool, and the clouds absorb much of the sun's heat ; only near the 212 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [SrriEMDER 17. 1910. shore is it uncomfortably hot in the sunshine. Trees and flowers embellish the gardens, the roads are maintained perfectly, and they are shaded by fine trees covered with Epiphytes, es- pecially Drymoglossum Ferns and Pigeon Orchids (Dendrobium crumenatum), which are said to flower here every nine weeks. The Bird's Nest Fern (Asplenium Nidus) forms large masses on lofty branches, the nest-like repositories contain- ing soil and debris which supply the plant with food. The Botanic Gakden. A road bordered by orchard trees leads to the botanic garden (Kebun bungah), " the gar- den of flowers," as the Malayans term it. The gardens are partially laid out after the style of a European landscape, embellished with a wealth of tropical subjects. There is a rare collection of Palms. Dr. Ridley, the Director, is a great botanist and collector, and Singapore forms a fine centre for exploring the whole Malayan peninsula and the Malayan Islands, which stretch to Borneo, and north to Siam, and westward to Sumatra. He has discovered many fine novelties, including Schizostachyum braeby- cladum, the finest of the yellow-stemmed Bam- tion, planted with useful plants, including num- bers of Para Rubber trees. The surroundings of the town are interesting. Mangroves grow near the coast, but inland there is still virgin forest. The illustration at fig. 85 shows a giant tree of Hopea Mengarawan, and at its foot the native plant collector of the botanical garden. Camp- nosperma auriculata, with its giant leaves, is conspicuous, and Gutta-percha trees (Ficus elas- tica) were once common, but many have been des- troyed. Alsophila Scottiana, Nenga Wendlan- diana, Zalacca edulis, and Mapania humilis, a small Pandanus-like Gyperus, grow underneath the trees. In places where the water flows slowly over gravel and between fallen leaves and dead wood, grows, in deepest shade, Oryptocoryne Griffithii, with its yellowish-brown flowers just above the water. When the water rises suddenly, a bubble of air covers the en- trance of the flower to protect it until fertilisa- tion has been accomplished. Barclaya Mottleyi grows here also, and the rosy fruits rise above the shallow water at places where there is a little more sunlight. The flowers are very magnificent for a Nymphaceous plant, and the petals are deep purple. The fruit is divided into a number of FlG. 84. — PLANT SHELTERS IN THE BOTANIC GARDEN, SINGAPORE. boos, from Sarawak ; Hosea Lobbiana, from the same district, with most beautiful salmon- orange-coloured bracts all along the racemes of flowers (see fig. 83) ; a new tree-like Impatiens : and several other species. Large, shady, and lofty conservatories, mostly without glass, provide shelter to many new plants (see fig. 84), besides fine collections of the better- known kinds. Some of these latter in flower in- cluded Congea tomentosa, a fine mauve-coloured creeper : Holmskioldia sanguinea, from India, with orange -red flowers; Roupellia grata, from Sierra Leone, with dark, glossy leaves and pale, mauve- purple, bell-shaped, flowers; Cassia multijuga, yellow ; Kopsia albiflora, a well-known shrub, with flowers like those of Bouvardia; Ixora macrothyrsa, from the South Sea Islands, one of the most striking shrubs of the tropics, with orange-scarlet flowers ; Dipladenia Harrisii ; Alla- manda neriifolia ; and Musasndas, especially M. erythrophylla, with deep, velvety-red bracts. Portions of the gardens consist of virgin forest, with a few paths leading through it. Tigers formerly existed in the island, and even now they swim over the Lohore Straits occasionally and frighten the inhabitants. Adjoining the garden is an experimental eta- well-marked carpels, which separate easily. It is rose coloured, and rises to the surface when ripen- ing. The seeds are of the size of medium Nym- phasa seeds, and are covered thickly with large and slender soft hairs and a sticky, white mas6, which swells in water and keeps the seed float- ing for a long time, like the arillus does in Nymphaeas. The leaves are all under water, but, the water being very shallow, they are near the surface, and the direct rays of the sun reach them. Oryptocoryne Griffithii forms runners, and is of sturdy habit. The plant is covered all over with short hairs, and is quite different to a Nymphsea in general appearance. I have sent seeds to Kew and other places. In the tropics, most plants are exposed to more sun and light than they require, therefore, many of them do not expose the whole surface of their leaves to the sun. It is quite different in northern coun- tries, and, to cultivate these water plants suc- cessfully, they need the most sunny situations. Selaginella Willdenovii, the blue " Climbing Fern," is also seen growing, and Nepenthes am- puUaria is quite common. Pleurothallis fcetida, an interesting terrestrial Orchid, may be seen, but Orchids in general are rare. The reservoir, containing the water supply for the town of Singapore, is interesting. A higb wall confines the water in a lake, surrounded by most delightful scenery, including dense 'jungle. Rare Utricularias grow by the side or in tho shallow water, raising their tiny, brown flowers above the surface. Nymphseas do not grow in the island, as every pool of water is soon covered with dense grass. Gleichenia linearis, which. much in general appearance, is like Pleris aqui- lina, is very conspicuous, growing many yards high. Monochoria vaginalis grows in every ditch associated with Brexia malaccensis, specie: 1 Eleocharis and Microcarpaea muscosa. /•'. Henkcl. ( To be continued. ) FORESTRY. SEASONABLE WORK. The time is approaching when foresters should arrange their winter's work. No time should be lost in completing such operations as the trim- ming of hedges and rides of the coverts, as, when these are accomplished, the season for planting an 1 the marking of timber and underwood com- mences. In the planting of forest trees, caro should be taken to select , such varieties of Coni- fers and any other trees that thrive in the par- ticular district : some trees are suited only to clayey and others to dry soils. When unsuit- able trees are employed, their failure is often attributed to lack of skill on the forester's part ; whereas, probably, the employer has selected the kind of tree that may not be suited to the soil. Great care should be exercised in the marking of saplings (or tillers) that are standing in the underwood, intended to be cut in the coming season. Choose straight-stemmed, healthy plants, and not off-shoots from a 6tem. How often one sees coverts that have been ruined through leaving too many saplings. In this dis- trict, some of the trees stand only 4 feet apart. Good timber cannot be expected from trees left in this manner, and what is to become of the under- wood? Many will say, " Underwood does not pay." This is very true; but underwood is necessary where hunting or shouting is practised. It is a very good practice to examine the sap- lings again after the underwood has been cut, and thin them out a little more if necessary. Twelve to fifteen yards is quite close enough for trees in a covert, if a good underwood is desired. This distance does not apply to new plantations of Conifers or other forest trees where no under- wood exists. A. Gooding, Eartham House, Oh ichester. FORESTRY IN SCOTLAND. In the course of his presidential address delivered before the Royal Scottish Arboricul- tural Society in February last, Sir John Stirling- Maxwell drew attention to the immediate needs of forestry in Scotland. After pointing out that the present is a favourable moment for initiating a forward policy, Sir John Stirling-Maxwell urged the necessity — as a first step in developing Scottish forests — of a survey of the ground adapted for tree-planting in Scotland. The popular idea that any waste ground at any eleva- tion, may be utilised forthwith for tree-planting is not only erroneous, but mischievous. If silvi- culture in these Islands is to be restored to its proper position, it can only be done by the selec- tion of suitable ground for planting, by the adap- tion of a proper rotation, and by the division of the land set aside for silviculture into areas which are to be planted annually. After the survey Sir John Stirling-Maxwell considers that a demonstration forest is the most pressing need. Nor can it be doubted that this opinion is correct. Lectures and scientific instruction in the subject will not make trained foresters, and without foresters experienced in the practical management of trees any national scheme of silviculture is foredoomed. September 17, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 213 SEED EXPERIMENTS WITH PINUS SYLVESTRIS. An interesting experiment, as yet in its initial Stages, is being conducted at Bangor in Wales and in various Continental investigation stations. The experiment in question is designed to test the truth of the common opinion that sesd of the Scots Pine obtained from trees grown in Scot- land yields the best plants. An account of the results obtained up to the present time is given by Mr. Eraser Story in the Transactions of the Royal Scottish Arboricultural Society (xxiii.. Part ii., July, 1910). For the purposes of the investigation seed was obtained from the following countries : — Scot- land, France, Prussia (2), Belgium, Bavaria, Russia (2) ; the Scotch seed being supplied by Mr. J. Grant-Thomson, Granton-on-Spey. Mr. Story finds that, of the plants raised from seeds from the above-mentioned sources, those from Scotch seed were at the end of two years smaller than any of the others ; thus, at Bangor the average height of 2,445 seedlings from Scotch seed was 3 inches, whereas that of 2,520 seedlings raised from Belgian seed was 5^ inches, and tho average height of the seedlings produced by seed derived from the other countries was inter- mediate between the Scotch and the Belgian seedlings. At the end of the third year (first year after transplanting) the following averages were ob- served:— Belgian seed 10j inches and Scotland 7 inches, and the estimate of the plants was that the Belgians were " much the best," Bavarian " second," and Scotch " small but good." Similar, and in some respects more striking, results with respect to rate of growth were ob- tained in a series of experiments at Chozin (Prussia) whereas seedlings from Scotch seeds showed a growth of little over 2 inches, the Bel- gian plants grew to 7 inches. It remains to be seen, of course, whether the Scotch seedlings will remain inferior in rate of growth to those derived from Belgian seed, or whother it is merely a case of making haste slowly. TREES AND SHRUBS. SPIR^A AITCHINSONII. This is one of the finest of the summer-flower- ing Spirasas, being at its best during July and August, when it forms a striking feature in the garden. It is a vigorous, tall-growing species, native of the Himalayan regions, and was intro- duced to this country at the time of the Chitral Relief Expedition. The plant attains a height of 10 feet or more, and has stout, glabrous stems furnished with pinnate leaves. Each leaf is com- posed of 15 to 19 linear-ovate leaflets, which are hairy beneath, glabrous and shining above, and toothed on the margins. The flowers are borne in terminal panicles from 9 inches to 18 inches in length, and are pure white. The wood is red and shining ; the colour shows up well after the fall of the leaf. The plant does best in open situations, as it requires plenty of room to develop, being quick-growing. A stock is easily raised from seeds, which ripen in most sea- sons, but the plant can also be propagated by means of cuttings. SPIRAEA DISCOLOR. This plant, which is often known as Spirasa aiuefolia, is a native of North-western America. It is one of the tall-growing members of the genus, reaching a height of 12 feet and some- times more. The stout stems are clothed with rugose leaves 2 inches to 3 inches long, according to the age of the branch, being largest on the young, strong growths. The foliage is woolly beneath, sparsely hairy above, and deeply- toothed or sometimes lobed on the margins. The flowering season is July, the inflorescences being feathery, terminal panicles 6 inches to 1 foot in length. The flowers are white on opening, but change to cream. The wood is dark-brown, ribbed, and more or le6s woolly. Propagation is effected by cuttings, which root readily at almost any time of the year. J. Clark, Bag'shot, Surrey. IN THE MARITIME ALPS. From the Gesso Valley to the Upper Boreon. In the neighbourhood of the Baths of Valdieri aro chronicled so many interesting species that 1 thought I might as well make it the beginning of my researches into the wealth of the Maritime Alps, that earthly paradise of precious plants. But the Baths, and the granitic glens that radiate thence, only succeeded in showing me how " blase " I had grown. For I found there, in rich luxuriance, only common plants, Mich as Asphodel, Authericum liliago, A. liliastruni, Lilium bulbiferum, Laburnum alpinum, Rosa ferrv.gin a, Sapi naria oeymoides, Lychnis flos- ever, I vainly toiled and toiled up stony gorges to the Lac de Portette without getting any better reward than a sight of Anemone sulphurea growing poor and plain in crevices of the granite cliffs. From the lake I saw, far away, the Ciriegia Pass, by which I was to cross into the Upper Boreon Valley, and I trembled, for all the pass was snow, making an unbroken coverlet of white for Viola nummulariaefulia. However, in a day or two I took my companion firmly by the hand and proceeded with him over the Ciriegia. Up the Val Valletta the way is dull and flat, then violently it mounts over some three hours of snow-walking (July 13) to the summit of the Fig. 85. — scene in a Singapore forest : hopea mengarawan. (See p. 212.) THE LARGE TREE IS Jovis, and Tulipa celsiana. In rubble beds and slopes Viola Valderia gTOws, and in the Valasco valley, across the stream, a fine abundance at one point of Saxifraga pedemontana. This same valley gives, of course, the Primulas that I had grown to regard as ordinary (P. graveolens and P. marginata) and is given as a station for Saxi- fraga florulenta, though I, not yet knowing this plant's chosen home, never climbed the shady gullies high enough to see. No doubt it occurs there, for the Baths lie under the very shadow of the Argentera, the highest point of the range, and tho centre of floiulenta's distribution. How- pass (8.370 feet). Near the Col, however, some stone slopes were open, and we diverged to ransack them. Saxifraga retusa was there in flower, and we had our first real sight of the lovely little Thlaspi limcseltaefolium, the Maritime Alp version of my cherished Thlaspi (Iberidella) rotundifolium. T. limosellaefolium really deserves a special note ; it is an exquisite plant, narrow- leaved and green, instead of livid, fat-leaved, and succulent like the other ; its flowers also tend to be of a lighter pink than rotundifolium. but have the same intense and delicious fragrance. It also differs in that it is sometimes found- in 21 1 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [September 17, 1910. crevices, for T. rotundifolium never, I fancy, deserts the stone slopes, but, on the south side of the Ciriegia, T. limcselkefolium may be seen making sheets of colour in the crannies of the granite cliffs. Meanwhile we were feverishly prying for the Viola among the tiny leaves that peeped here and there among the newly-uncovered stones. Cam- panula stcnocodon was soon identified, but a little round-leaved plant, which ought to have been Viola nummulariaefolia, for a long time baffled us, for my companion had collected it bearing, apparently, a Crucifer's seed. However, my doubt about this remained deep. " Look again," I cried at last, " there is no Crucifer it could possibly be." We looked again ; lo ! the Crucifer pod belonged to a stray piece of Hutchinsia. Not only that, but the real plant carried the un- doubted capsule of a Violet. Viola nummulariae- folia was discovered. However, I may leave this most indescribable and exquisite of Violets for a later account, when I shall have collected it in flower. It is a high Alpine among high Alpines, never descending from these exalted stone slopes, where it has good company. For, just to the left of the pass, rises the Mercantour, where Eritri- chium nanuir. luxuriates, and not a hundred miles farther on the greatest of great Saxifragas makes its august appearance in a crevice of the cliff. On the French side, the Ciriegia falls away in a slope of what looks like appalling abruptness ; a snow-precipice it seemed as we began to descend delicately like Agag, and it was at that moment that I saw my first plant of Saxifraga florulenta, hailed it with a loud cry, and nearly caused my companion and myself to descend the Ciriegia with far more speed, and even less comfort, than we had climbed it. After this, time ceased. Florulenta, in its crannies, cries aloud for a hammer and chisel — one of the most ineradi- cable of plants, if one did not know Phyteurna comosum, Daphne rupestris, and Androsace im- bricata. The Androsace was there, too, by the way, curiously yellow in its bloom; but now no more regarded than silver in the days of King Solomon. Also the Thlaspi, in great beauty, and the Viola, here opening its first flowers. At last, we descended again towards lower levels over a great snow-field, littered with black dead plants of flowered or barren Saxi- fraga florulenta washed down by the winter rains from their ledges. Where vegetation began again, we came on a very brilliant yellow Senecio Doronicum, wholly green of leaf, and on many good forms of Gentiana acaulis, which increased in abundance as the path rapidly descends, through Viola Valderia to Viola cal- carata at the Pine-tree level. Far below, now, was seen the little Hotel Boreon-Cascade, and we dropped down towards it rapidly by many short cuts through a forest of Soots Fir, with rare undergrcjwth (among the Larches, higher up, for the most part) of Pinus uncinata. At last, the woods were done with, and through rich meadows of Anthericum and Campanula the path led placidly to the hotel. Reginald Farrer. HARDY FLOWER BORDER. RAISING SEEDLINGS OF PRIMULA JAPONICA. This is one of the best times to sow seeds of this lovely hardy Primula, which is well worthy a place in any garden. The seed is most uncertain in germinating. In the autumn of 1907 I sowed a bed with seeds, and a fine batch of seedlings came up in the spring of 1908, and others in the two following springs, though the seed had lain two and three years respectively in the ground. I find, from long experience, the seed is much better sown in a shady place in the open than indoors, and if the soil is a little damp, so much the better. A very good plan is to enclose the seed-bed with four sides of wood, like the sides of a box, about 3 inches deep, and cover the frame with fine wire netting. Prepare some good soil mixed with leaf-mould for the seed-bed, flatten it firmly, and moisten it with water. Cover the seeds thinly with fine soil, and put on the wire cover to keep off the birds, with a layer of soot or lime around the outsides to prevent slugs. This plan saves a great deal of trouble, and involves little care ; whilst if pots or pans are used, the soil is apt to get too dry, and the seeds, not germinating at once, are thrown away as useless. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, they should be transplanted in a bed of well-prepared soil, and given water in dry weather. About the month of August they will be large enough for planting in their permanent quarters, and on the treatment they receive at that stage depends much of the future success. The bed must be deeply trenched, and, if fresh manure from a byre can be obtained, a liberal supply of it dug in, but not too deeply. This will keep the roots moist in summer, and afford food, as the plants are gross feeders. The little seedlings should be lifted with good balls of soil attached to the roots, and afforded a good watering after planting. The stems and leaves die down in win- ter. There are some fine new strains of F. japonioa and hybrids from this species. The flowers range in colour from deep crimson through shades of pink to pure white, the blooms being of a large size, and many of the flower-stems over 3 feet in height. The foliage is very handsome. It is a pity they are so rarely grown, and I believe the uncer- tainty in tile seed germinating tells greatly against their popularity ; but if the above direc- tions are followed, this difficulty will be over- come. Like an other Primulas, seedlings give the best results, and it is advisable to sow seeds yearly. J. Scott Eliot, Teviot Lodge, Hawick, N.B. The Week's Work. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to the Hon. Vicarv Gibi.5, Aldenham House, Hertfordshire. The shrubby Hibiscus. — The several varieties of Hibiscus syriacus or Althaea frutex are now making a fine display. The large, delicately-col- oured flowers always evoke admiration, and the lateness of their flowering is an additional ad- vantage. These shrubs require but little atten- tion, and will succeed admirably in almost any position in the shrubbery, but they need plenty of room. Disturbance at the root should be avoided, and in dry weather they should be supplied with water, as they are easily injured by drought; a good mulch will assist in keeping the roots moist. Little pruning is required, as growth is somewhat slow. The varieties have single and semi-double flowers, ranging in colour from pure white to deep purple. Plants may be obtained in both standard and bush forms. Violets. — Those plants which have been grown on in the open ground, as advised in a previous Calendar, to furnish a supply of flowers in win- ter, may now be transferred to the frames in which they are to flower. Shallow frames, con- taining a flow and return hot-water pipe, are the best suited for the purpose. The soil should con- sist principally of loam, with a liberal addition of mortar rubble and leaf-mould, and the nearer the plants are to the glass the better. Be careful not to crowd them, and, in transplanting, avoid damaging the roots, endeavouring to preserve a good ball of soil about them. Plant lirmly and then give a copious watering. For a few days the lights may be kept on the frames, but directly the plants have recovered from their disturbance, an abundance of fresh air must be admitted when- ever the outside conditions are favourable. When water is necessary it should be applied in the forenoon when the weather is most favourable. Keep the glass clean, so that when the lights are placed in position the maximum amount of light may reach the foliage. The water garden. — The NympliEeas are pass- ing out of flower, and the most attractive sub- jects are those with handsome foliage. Especially pleasing now is Phragmites communis, with its waving plumes, also the Giant Reedmace, Typha latifolia and the narrow-leaved T. angustifolia, Miscanthus, Cyperus, Acorus, Scirpus, and Poly- gonum. Rumex Hydrolapathum, the Giant Water Dock, has exquisitely-coloured foliage, and the leaves of Saxifraga peltata. Rheum, Gun- ncra, and Petasites gigantea are also effective. Many hardy border perennials make fine subjects for the water's edge. Senecio clivorum, S. Lede- bouri and S. tanguticus are each fine in their season, whilst clumps of Lythrum salicaria rosea, Helianthus orgyalis, and Chrysanthemum maxi- mum produce a fine effect. Pontederia cordata is a good late-flowering aquatic plant. Seasonable work. — The herbaceous borders will need a thorough overhauling, as a great many of the subjects have finished flowering, and all un- tidy flower growths, wherever possible, must be removed. I do not advocate the too-early re- moval of all the old inflorescences, preferring to allow them to wither naturally, as this benefits the plants. At this season we frequently experi- ence slight frosts, but if a light covering is placed at night time over tender-flowering bedding plants such as Heliotropes and tuberous- rooted Begonias, it is possible to prolong their season of flowering for a time. Let there be no delay in taking any more cuttings that are re- quired from the plants in the beds. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassel, G.C.B., Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket. Pineapples. — Plants that are swelling their fruits must be allowed plenty of heat and mois- ture. A bottom heat of 80° to 85° should .be maintained with an atmospheric temperature of 70° at night-time, and a proportionate rise dur- ing the day. A few of the decayed leaves should be removed from the collar of the plants and any inert or sour soil replacing the latter with well- decayed h, rse-droppings mixed with rich, fibrous loam, pressing the new soil firmly about the base of the plants. Successional plants. — Those that are making a vigorous growth should be given a little manure water at the roots, but care must be taken not to give too much, especially during a period of cold weather, or the soil will become sour, causing the young rootlets to suffer a check. Syringing overhead should be discontinued, and the night temperature gradually decreased. Any plants which have filled their pots with roots may be repotted into slightly larger receptacles. Suckers should be potted immediately the sap at the end is dried up, into 6-inch pots, these being of ample size at this time of the year. Pot firmly, employ- ing a rather light, fibrous loam to which ha6 been added a little bonemeal. Stand the plants quite close to the glass, and be specially careful to avoid overcrowding. Give a light spraying overhead twice daily, but little or no water will be re- quired at the roots until the latter are growing freely. A light shading will be necessary during bright days until the young plants are fairly established. Melons. — Plants of the late batch of Melons, which were planted about the end of August, are now showing the female flowers. No time should be lost in getting the flowers " set." Dur- ing sunny weather, take advantage of the sun's heat to hasten the growth as much as possible, closing the house early in the afternoon, with plenty of atmospheric moisture. Care must be exercised in the use of the syringe now that the days are shortening, and, whilst having plenty of moisture in the house to counteract the effect of fire-heat, the foliage should be allowed to be- come dry before night ; the roots should be kept in a moist but not sodden condition. Late batches of Melons are always an uncertain-crop, for, al- though the fruits may swell to a fair size, unless sunnv weather prevails they are flavourless and insipid. Perpetual-fruiting Strawberries. — If the fruits have set well and are swelling freely, they may now be thinned, allowing not more than four or five on each plant. Support the truss with a forked twig. A sprinkling of some good artificial manure may be placed on the surface of the soil, and lightly forked in. Occasional waterings with liquid manure and soot water will also prove beneficial. When the fruits commence to colour use clean water only, and apply this with care, giving just sufficient to prevent the foliage flag- ging, and on fine days only. A free circulation of rather warm, dry air is necessary to obtain good flavour in the berries. September 17, 1910. j THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 215 THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. R. Searle, Gardener to the Marquis of North- ampton, Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. Perpetual- fruiting Strawberries. — These will soon be ripening some of their berries, and will need constant attention, as the weather may be damp and cold, causing the fruits to rot. If necessary, the plants should be given a copious watering. When this has been dune, the ground about the plants should be sprinkled with a mix- ture of soot and fine soil (the soil being used to prevent the soot from being blown on to the fruits) to guard the fruits from the attacks of slugs. After the soot is applied, place some clean and moderately-short straw carefully around the plants to ke;p the fruits off the ground and to pre- vent them being splashed with soil by the rains. The trusses of berries may be raised by wire sup- ports made for the purpose, and obtainable from the sundriesmen, or by small forked sticks. Small in deformed fruits should be removed. Should bad weather set in the plants may be protected by lights, which may be lodged on a few pieces of scantling fixed to supports 2g feet in height at the back and 2 feet at the front. This method will be found better than placing frames or handlights over the plants, as it allows a free circulation of air about the plants at all times. A piece of net- ting should- be placed at the sides and ends to protect the fruits from birds. Three good varie- ties are Laxton's Perpetual, St. Joseph, and St. Antoine de Padoue. Dessert Pears. — These are now swelling freely, and the larger fruits will need to be supported. This is best done by tying a piece of matting around the stalk and fastening it t" some part of the branch immediately above tin- fruit, or small pieces of fish netting may be placed under them, as in the case of Melons. The fruits should be exposed to the sun and air as much as possible, in order to obtain good colour and flavour. Trees that are ripening theii fruits should be examined frequently and the ripe Pears gathered. It is easily determined whin they are ready by gently lifting the fruit on one side, and if it is ripe the stalk will part readily from the wood. The bor- ders in which late-fruiting varieties of Pears are growing should be examined, and, if found to be dry. they should be afforded water or manure- water. Where birds are troublesome, it will be necessary to net the trees, using a mesh small enough to keep out tits, for these most trouble- some birds have already commenced to peck Pears in these gardens. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W. H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Odontoglossum. — Where Odontoglossums are cultivated largely, and especially where many species and hybrids are included, one or another will need some attention at the routs at all seasons of the year. Some of the plants that bloomed during last winter and early spring required that attention soon after they had recovered from the effects of flower- ing. Plants that are healthy and well estab- lished experience comparatively no ill effects by merely knocking them out of small pots and put- ting them directly into larger ones without any removal of the soil, but others that are shrivelled through overflowering or loss of roots, if repotted in hot, summer weather, with all the old soil shaken away from them, often take years to re- cover, and, in many cases, gradually dwindle away and die. It is advisable to overhaul such weakly plants during the month of September, as the wea- ther is then generally more favourable to their re- covery. At the present time there are large num- bers of Odontoglossums that have started well into growth, among which, as a guide to begin- ners, some of the more common and well-known species may be mentioned : — 0. triumphans, 0. Pescatorei, O. Hallii, 0. tripudians, O. glorio- sum, 0. odoratum, 0. ramosissimum, O. Ed- wardii. 0. luteo-purpureum, 0. hystrix, 0. scep- trum, 0. Harryanum, the numerous forms of 0. crispum, and the natural hybrids 0. Anderso- nianum, 0. Ruckeriamim. O. Wilckeanum, O. excellens. 0. Adriame and 0. elegans. Old and well-established plants that have their new growths too near the edge of the pot should be carefully turned out, and, if the soil is in good condition, the back portion only should be re- moved, leaving the front part practically undis- turbed. Cut away the old back pseudo-bulbs, leaving only two or three to support each leading growth. By this meansi the plant may be placed into the same sized pot again, bat if the new growths promise to be exceptionally strong, the plant may be transferred to a trifle larger recep- tacle, avoiding over-potting at all times. The pots should be quite clean and dry, and, in the case of well-rooted plants, about half- filled with broken crocks, covered by a thin layer of Sphagnum-moss A sui'.able compost con- sists of Osmunda fibre, Polypodium fibre, and Sphagnum-moss in equal proportions, and a moderate amount of small crocks to assist the drainage. Cut these materials up moderately finely and mix them well together. Previous to using the moss, let it be well cleared of leaves, rubbish, slugs, and small snails. For several weeks after the plants have been repotted, our practice is to examine them every night for the first appearance of slugs, for if these are caught early their increase is checked. During the autumn, as the nights become colder, it is advis- able to look under the stages and on the walls, and floors, as slugs are apt to find their way into the house through the ventilators. Plants that have deteriorated should have all the decayed compost removed, dead roots cut off, and the entire plant thoroughly cleansed in water. Afford such plants additional drainage material, filling the pots to quite three-parts of their depth with clean crocks, using pots of as small a size as possible. When potting Odontoglossums, keep the base of the pseudo-bulbs on a level with the rim of the pot am) press tlir compost down among the roots mod lately firmly, but not so tight that water cannot pass freely through it. Afford the plants ag i 1 watering, and for several weeks afterwards apply enough water to encourage the Sphagnum- moss to grow on the surface. Syringe bet veen .the puts every morning when the weather is favourable, and again just before sunset; this last damping will cause the roof glass to be ed with condensed moisture, which is in every way favourable to the growth of the plants. Admit as much fresh air to the plants as possible through the lower ventilators, espe- cially when the outside tempi rature is about 50°. VVhen the temperature is higher than this, the air Ining calm and rain or heavy dew falling, the top ventilators may also be opened. The plants should be protected from strung light and sun- shine until they have become well established in the new compost. The pseudo-bulbs that are cut off may be used for propagating purposes, fixing them firmly in puts filled with small crocks and keeping them always moist, or they may be placed on a bed of Sphagnum-moss or damp cocoa- nut fibre. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By John Donoghue, Gardener to Joseph Pickersgill, Esq., Bardon Hill, Weetwood, Yorkshire. Eicha'rdia africana. — If these plants have been grown in beds out-of-doors during the sum- mer months, the first opportunity should be taken fo'- repotting them. This operation needs to be carried out a few weeks before the plants are to be removed indoors and they should be placed for that time under a north wall. Plenty of moisture must be afforded the roots. If early blooms are desired, these are more easily obtained from plants that have been repotted earlier in the season, as directed in a previous Calendar. The earlier plants are now filling the pots with roots, and may be afforded a liberal feeding with liquid manure from the farmyard. If blooms are wanted at Christmas time, the plants should be staged in a position as near to the glass as possible. Cineraria. — These plants require a long season of growth, and a suitable position for them is on a layer of ashes in a cold frame. Regular attention must be paid to repotting the plants until the flowering stage is reached. Great care must also be exercised in affording water ; the plants should be examined daily, and a good soaking given to those needing moisture. Aphis is often troublesome during the autumn and winter months, but this pest may be kept in check by frequent fumigations with a nicotine compound. The plants should be re-arranged frequently, as the foliage of healthy plants de- velops quickly. Ventilation must be afforded with care, in order to prevent cold draughts. If the plants are top-heavy, it is advisable to sup- port them in the centre to a stout stake. Codioeum (Crolon) and Cordyline (Draca>na). — Cuttings of Codiseums may be inserted in 60-sized pots, and rooted in a propagating case with a brisk bottom heat. The specimen plants should be allowed full exposure to the sunshine, in order that the leaves may develop a good colour. Dracaena cuttings may be rooted in the same manner as Codiseums, or old stems may be used for propagating purposes. These latter should be cut into pieces, each having on3 or two buds, placed into shallows pans or boxes filled with a sandy compost, and jdunged in a brisk bottom heat. Ringing may be practised with unsightly plants of either Codiseums or Dra- caenas. Retarded plants. — Where cut flowers are re- quired for autumn, successional batches of re- tarded crowns of Lily-of-the-Valley should be potted. The crowns should be unpacked imme- diately they are received from the nursery and placed into a water tank, for if the roots suffer from dryness, it will have an adverse effect upon the quality of the blooms. Spiraeas respond readily to gentle forcing, and are of great value fur furnishing a supply of cut blooms. The pink flowered varieties, such as Peach Blossom and Queen Alexandra, should be grown in a cool atmo- sphere, as excessive heat causes the colour to become pale. Keep the foliage of these Spiraeas as dry as possible, but supply the roots with as much water as they require, although it is not advisable to stand the pots in saucers, as is sometimes done. Azalea mollis may also be obtained in bloom during the autumn months. The variety of colour in the flowers is charm- ing for winter decoration, but the blooms do not last long. Lily-of-the-Valley crowns may be forced into bloom in 21 days : Spiraeas require from seven to nine weeks, and Lilium Harrisii from 12 to 15 weeks. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Kitchen Garden Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Spinach. — Spinach sown a month ago will now be ready for thinning. Allow distances of 4 inches between the plants, and give light dressings of soot at intervals, also, hoe the ground fre- quently between the rows. Winter salad. — Provision should be made now for the supply of salad through the winter months. If Lettuce were sown in August, the plants should now be ready for transplanting into cold pits. The soil in these pits should be raised to within 15 inches of the glass and made model ately firm before the plants are inserted. If cold frames are available, there need be little difficulty in maintaining a supply of salads throughout the greater part of the winter. Of Lettuces, the Cabbage type is the best ; All the Year Round, Stanstead Park and Hardy Hammersmith are good varieties for the purpose. Damping is to be most feared in Lettuces in pits during the winter, therefore, sufficient space must be allowed be- tween the plants for the air to pass freely amongst them. The lights should be left off the frames as long as the weather is favourable, but if wet weather occurs, they should be replaced, allowing ventilation both at the top and bottom of the pit. A sowing of Stanstead Park, Maxi- mum and Brown Cos may be made now on a west border to provide plants for planting out early in the spring. Endive should be planted in cold pits and treated in the same manner as recommended for Lettuce. The Batavian variety is best for winter use, as it is not so readily affected by damp as the more tender sorts. Spring Cabbage. — The principal plantation of Cabbage may be made now on ground which has been manured for a previous crop. Ground re- cently occupied by Onions will be suitable and will require little preparation beyond breaking up the surface with a fork. Plants stand the winter better on such ground than on that whi> h has been trenched and manured for them. Ellam's Early, Flower of Spring and Early Offenham are reliable sorts. Allow a space of 15 inches between the plants, and let the rows be made 18 inches apart. The ground about Cabbage plants put out a month ago should be hoed frequently, and the plants sprinkled with soot. The soot will cause the foliage to assume a dark-green colour, and it will keep slugs and other pests in check. . Leeks. — Late plantations of Leeks must be sup- plied with sufficient manure water to keep them growing freely, and the soil between the plant* should be stirred with the Dutch hoe. 216 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 17, 1910. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be seat to the PUB- LI5HER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Special Notice to Correspondents.— The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by special arrangement. The Editors do nit hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspon- dents. Letters lor Publication, as well as specimens of plants for naming, should be addressed to the EDITORS, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London. Communications should be written on one side only of the paper, sent as early in the week as possible and duly signed b\ the writer. J j desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. Local News.— Correspondents will greatly oblige by sending to the Editors 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. Illustrations.- The Editors will be glad to receiveandto select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable plants, flowers, trees, &c, but they cannot be responsible for loss or injury. Newspapers.— Correspondents sending newspapers should be caiefulto mark the paragraphs they wish the Editors to see. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUIN6 WEEK. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20- Nat. Dahlia Soc. Esh. at Royal Bot. Gardens, Regent's Park (2 days.) SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24- Brussels International Show (Ex. of Fruit and Market Garden Produce) (4 days). Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich— 5590, 'Actual Temperatures; — London.— Wednesday, September U (6 p.m.): Max. 60" '; Min. 51°. Cardcneis' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street. Covent Garden, London.— Thursday, September 15 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 302; Temp. 61' ; II rather— Dull. Provinces.— Wednesday, September 14 : Max. 68' England E. ; Min. 52° Elgin. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY and FRIDAY— Dutch Bulbs at 67 & 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheiue & Morris, at 10.30. TUESDAY. WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY and FRIDAY- Unreserved Sale of the Whole of the Plants in Pots at St, John's Nurseries, Worcester, by order of the Receiver re R. Smith & Co.. Ltd., by Protheroe & Morris, at 11.30. THURSDAY and FRIDAY— First Portion of the " Lytbam Hall " Collection of Orchids, at 67 *; 68, Cheapside, E.C., by Protheroe & Morris, at 1. Experi- ments in Britain, In the course of a valuable paper try published in the Journal* of the Board of Agriculture, Messrs. Robinson and Lindsay Watt draw attention to the present lack of data with respect to forestry results in Great Britain, and point out how important it is that all available information with respect to results actu- ally obtained should be collected and published. The article by Messrs. Robinson and Lindsay Watt provides a contribution of this kind, and consists of an interesting account of a successful plantation of Larch and Spruce at a high altitude. The plantation in question, called the Coombe Plantation, was begun in 1848, and completed in two years. Mr. R. D. Marshall, of Castlerigg Manor, Keswick, remembers seeing the planting upwards of 60 years ago, and is now witnessing the clear-cutting of the wood. The interest attaching to the plantation is two-fold. In the first place, the locality in which the plan- tation is situated is typical of thousands of acres of land in the Lake District, which is let at pre- sent at the rate of 2s. per acre. Hence, the com- plete records of the plantation should prove of ser- vice in case any large scheme of afforestation is contemplated for the district. In the second place, •XVII. No. 4, July, 1910. Mr. Marshall has kept accounts of costs and re- turns, and has also, since 1873, picked out ex- perimental groups of trees, of which he has measured the girth periodically. The area planted is 198 acres, and the altitude of the plantation ranges from some 900 feet to 1,500 feet above sea-level. The illustrations accompanying the article give clear evidence of the need of pro- viding Larch with wind-breaks, for, whereas, at elevations of 1,500 feet, the trees on the outside of the wood are streamer-like bushes of 5 feet to 8 feet in height, those growing at about the same altitude, but sheltered by Spruce on the windward side, are of normal development, and attain a height of from 30 feet to 35 feet. It is particularly interesting to find that, though Larch canker is present in the wood, the Larch that have been attacked by the parasite have, apparently, got the better of the disease, and that the trees have recovered from the damage inflicted on them by the large Larch sawfiy (Nematus Erichsonii), which practically defoliated the trees in the putumns of 1907, 1908 and 1909. We have, in this latter fact, a striking example of the advantage which a Conifer derives from the adoption of a deciduous habit, for, as Pro- fessor Groom has pointed out in his recent articles on Conifers which appeared in these columns, defoliation of an evergreea Conifer is likely to be fatal, owing to the slow develop- ment of new leaves. The general conclusion reached by Messrs. Robinson and Watt is that the locality in which the plantation is situated is well suited to the growth of Larch, and that this is demonstrated by the general absence of disease, and by the dimensions reached by the trees. Under the most favourable conditions, they attain a height of 78 feet, and a girth (4 feet from the ground) of 54 inches — this m the course of 62 years. Whereas the Larch thrives best in somewhat sheltered hollows, doing well in breezy, but not in windy situations, the Spruce grows well at all elevations, and attains a greater volume than the Larch. We cannot attempt to summarise here the results indicated by the measurements of the trees on the experimental plots, but recommend those interested in the subject to consult the original paper. The finan cial account of the plantation, which will appear in the forthcoming .ussue of the Journal, should prove of no less interest and value than the present general account on which these notes are based. Our Supplementary Illustration repre- sents two fine varieties of Miltonia vexillaria. for which Mr. H. G. Alexander, Orchid grower to Lieut. -Col. Sir George L. Holford, K.C.V.O., was awarded a Cultural Commendation at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on June 7 lii, the variety Snow-flake securing an Award of Merit on the same occasion. Similar specimens of Miltonia vexillaria were staged by Mr. Alexander at the Tem- ple Show, May 28, 1907, in the group to which the Veitchian Cup was awarded, the plants collec- tively having about 130 flower-spikes, the largest specimen bearing 18 spikes, with an aggregate of about 100 flowers. The finest varieties were the deep magenta rose M. vexillaria Empress Augusta Victoria, the large white-lipped M. v. Cobbiana, the white M. v. virginale, and the superb M. v. Westonbirt variety, which secured a First-class Certificate at the same show. M. vexillaria gives a severe test to cultural skill, and no higher testimonal in that direction could be given to Mr. Alexander than the evidence of these plants, which flower so abundantly year after year and yet continue to grow with increased vigour. Old Kewite as Mayor. — Mr. James Leighton, who left the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in 1880, has just been elected Mayor of King William's Town, South Africa. Mr. Leigh- ton proceeded to Cape Colony after he had com- pleted his period at Kew, and he has a nursery business in the town which has recently honoured him by electing him chief magistrate. Monument to George Don.— On the 8th inst., at Forfar, a monument was unveiled to George Don, a Scottish botanist, who lived at the commencement of the last century. The following particulars are taken from the address read at the unveiling of the monument, being compiled by Mr. G. Claridge Druce, M.A. ; — " He is said to have been born in the parish of Mennair in this county (Forfarshire) in 1764, to have been educated in this ancient borough, then apprenticed to a clock- maker at Dunblane, where he made his first hor- tus siccus. As a journeyman he lived in Glas- gow, and afterwards, as a gardener, he went to Dupplin Gardens, near Perth, using his scanty leisure to explore the Ochils, where he discovered Myosotis repens. He also discovered the minute moss now known as Anodus Donianus, which fruits in December; and the fact of finding it was so well remembered by him, that 25 years after he pointed out the rock on which it grew to his friends the Millers, and by their aid was thus able to secure specimens for his Herbarium Brit- unnicum. Here, too, he met Caroline Stewart, who long afterwards, in 1792, became his wife. On leaving Dupplin, he went to the garden of Lord Plymouth, at Hewell Grange, in Worcester- shire. He passed through Oxford, noticing the Oxford Ragwort on the walls of that classic city. He was six months at Broadworth, near Doncaster, and about 1786 must have been in London, for he records several species seen grow- ing near the great Metropolis. He settled in Forfar, and in 1797, with a small sum of money he and his wife had saved, leased for a term of 99 years two acres of land, called the Doo Hillock, from Mr. Gray, of Carse. This sloped west- wards to what at that time was Forfar Loch. Here he lived in comparative penury, selling vege- table and plants. He made an artificial pond, in which he grew aquatics, while in his borders he planted his Alpines. He continually explored the Highlands of Clova, and, in fact, first made known the rich botany of his native county. He frequently absented himself for a week at a time, his plaid and a bag of oatmeal or bread and cheese affording him shelter and food ; and so thoroughly did his hobby occupy his thoughts that he lost count of the days. In 1802 he removed to Edinburgh, having been appointed superintendent of the Royal Botanic Garden ; and left his Forfar garden in the care of his father. In 1803 he was elected an Associate of the Linnean Society in recognition of his ser- vice to botany. In 1804 he began the pub- lication of his Herbarium Britannicutn, a Fasci- culus of British Plants, dedicated by permission to Sir Joseph Banks. Of this work he issued nine parts. Don did not long re- main in Edinburgh ; perhaps his independent spirit bore badly the restrictions which his posi- tion imposed, possibly his political principles were not popular, but more probably the small stipend of £40 a year was found to be insufficient to keep his wife and family in the city ; at any rate, about the end of 1806 he again returned to this town, continuing his occupation as a florist, and sending out plants and specimens to many corre- spond! nts, in particular to the Countess of Ayles- ford, who was making water-colour drawings ■ f British plants, which are still in the possession of her descendent, the Earl of Dartmouth. The plants, 120 in number, instead of being thrown away were dried and preserved in her herbarium, which subsequently belonged to her descendant. Miss C. E. Palmer, of Odiham, who recently September 17, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 2L7 gave them to me. Don contributed an account of the Native Plant* in thr County of Forfar, and the Animals to be Found There," to Headrick'g General View of the County of Angus, which appeared in 1812. He also, in 1811, wrote a paper On the Varieties of the Pinus Sylvestris or Scotch Fir to the Memoirs of the Caledonian Horticultural Society, published in 1814 — a valu- able and a suggestive contribution to botany, which hitherto has not received the attention it deserves. Despite his exertions, and the fact of his garden at Forfar being well stocked with a large variety of plants, Don made no headway in business, and eventually in 1812 he had to make some arrangement with his creditors, a blow from which his sturdy, independent and somewhat choleric temperament never recovered. In the autumn of 1813 he returned from one of his mountain expeditions with a severe chill ; this being neglected grew worse, and, after six weeks, he died in abject poverty on January 15, 1814." Gold Fish.— Although gold fish were probably introduced into England from China so long ago as 1611, there was but little interest in them until about 50 years ago. The Japanese and Chinese, on the contrary, have indulged in the rearing and breeding of fish in confinement for many centuries, and as a result of careful selection have succeeded in evolving many extraordinary quaint and beauti- ful varieties, of which the specimens at the Japan-British Exhibition afford interesting ex- amples. While the Chinese appear to devote tii ,: attention chiefly to the production of fish of abnormal hues, the Japanese have achieved success mainly in the rearing of specimens of curious shape and possessing abnormal fins. The Telescope Fish — a variety of gold fish with projecting eyes and extensive tail — being an extreme example. So extensive is this form of pisciculture in Japan that the fish described may well be included among the products of that enter- prising country. Some difficulty was necessarily experienced in transporting these rare fish from the Far East to their home at the White City, but so successful was the experiment that fully 50 per cent, arrived in this country in perfect condition, and have now apparently become thor- oughly acclimatised, and have multiplied to such an extent that shcals of tiny fry may be seen darting hither and thither in the miniature lakes at the exhibition. Hybrid Potatos. The Rev. J. Ackman Paton gives in the current number of the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society (xxxvi., i., p. 127) an account of his recent experiments in cross- ing species of Solatium. As the author points but, the ordinary commercial varieties of the Potato are by no means convenient subjects for the experimental investigation of unit, hereditary characters, for they themselves are hybrids and require to be self-fertilised, and their de- Bcendents classified before they could be made to serve this purpose. Of the species-crosses made by the Rev. J. Paton, that between the white- flowering Solanum Commersonii and S. tubero- sum (wild Mexican form) yielded 12 berries, containing in all 33 seeds. From this seed, nine plants were raised. Ihese Fi plants have yielded numerous seed-berries, so that there should be a considerable number of F2 plants on which the Rev. J. Paton will be able to pursue his interest- ing investigations. The most striking feature ex- hibited by the tubers produced by the hybrid (F,l plants is their apparently complete immu- nity from late blight (Phytophthora infestans). Should they stand the test of further trials, with respect to immunity from this disease, the hybrids will undoubtedly prove of the highest commercial value, either for their own merits or for their use in crossing with cultivated varieties. Chalk as a Dressing for Light Soils.— From experiments made by Mr. John Hughes, agricultural analyst for Herefordshire, it would appear that finely-ground chalk will prove of considerable value for dressing light soils. Though chalk is very insoluble in pure water — being 27 times less soluble than quicklime — it is, according to Mr. Hughes, almost as soluble as the latter substance in a dilute solution of citric acid (.1 per cent.), which supplies a close approxima- tion to the solvent powers of soil water. Instead of the usual dressing of 10 cwt. per acre of ground lime, an application of finely-ground chalk, at the rate of 1 ton per acre is recom- mended. The chalk dressing has the advantage of being easier of application and less costly than quicklime. Its action, however, in decomposing the humus of the soil would be slower than thai of quicklime. A Plant Catalogue. — It is a pleasing in- dication of the public interest in plants that the authorities of many of the public parks find it necessary to publish catalogues of the plants growing in their grounds. There is much infor- mation which visitors are anxious to obtain that cannot be supplied by means of an ordin- ary label, and it is found that catalogues are the best means of affording it. Mr. D. Bliss, the superintendent of the Parks Depart- ment, Swansea has just published a catalogue of the trees, shrubs, herbaceous an : plants at present growing in the Cwmdonkin Park. Swansea. The botanical name (and in many instances the Natural Order), fcogi ther with the common name and country of origin, are given for each species. Nearly 2.000 species are enumerated, and the price of the catalogue is one penny. We feel sure it will prove of great value to interested visitors to Swansea's most beaut it'ul park. Wart Disease of Potatos. — A pamphlet issued by the Harper -Adams Agricultural College, Newport, Salop, give6 an account of ex- periments made with the object of testing the effect of fungicides on plants affected by wart disease (black scab), and of determining which varieties of the Potato are most resistant to the attack of the fungus (Chytridium endobioticum. Percival) responsible for wart disease. After describing the symptoms — now well known — of black scab, a brief account is given of the modes by which the fungus spreads from one place to another. The agents responsible for the distri- bution of the spores are animals, manure, and " seed." Thus it has been demonstrated that pigs and poultry straying from infected gardens may carry the spores and thus spread the di^> a i Again, manure from animals fed on diseased tubers contains the resting spores, and if used on fresh soil may give rise to infection. In particu- lar, seed tubers from diseased Potato crops are* responsible for the dissemination of the di a In Shropshire, black scab is confined practically to gardens and allotments on light soils, and occurs mainly in the north and east of the county. No fungicide of the many tried in the course of the -investigation has been found to have a decidedly beneficial effect in reducing the disease, though a summer dressing of copper sulphate destroys the motile spores liberated during that period. More definite results have been ..1. tamed from the test- ing of relatively immune varieties, and it is re- commended, in consequence, to grow Southern Queen and Southern Star as earlies with Conquest for the main crop. Of late varieties, Abundance, Langworthy, and Peacemaker showed a superio- rity with respect to resistance over the other varieties which were tested. Those interested in the subject are recommended to apply to the col- lege for a copy of the pamphlet, which, we under- stand, will be sent to applicants free of charge. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Scarcity of Wasps.- Certainly wasps are scarcer than usual. I predicted a plague this year, seeing the number of queens in spring. Wo killed very many in the gardens. Last year, blue- bottle flies attacked the Grapes in three of our vineries, and the damage they did in a short Bpace of time was astounding. We trapped them in bottles of sweetened beer, but although we captured a great many flies, I am of the opinion (as in the case of wasps) that the traps also entice I hem to the fruit. In regard to Mr. Oldham's query (p. 204) as to the scarcity of bees being the cause of his Scarlet Runner Bean6 failing to set. I do not believe the honey bee visits the flowers of Scarlet Runners. I have eight hives in these gardens, and I have never seen any honey bees on my Runner Beans, but they are often visited by bumble bees. This season our Runner Beans have yielded a remarkably heavy crop. J. S. Higgins, Vvg Gardens, Corwen. The late Thomas Frazer of Wisley Gardens.— The news of Mr. Frazer's death wi 1 be learned with great regret by all who have visited the Royal Horticultural Society's gar- dens at Wisley. Although he had been seriously ill for some time previously, Mr. Frazer returned recently to his labours in apparently greatly-im- proved health, but he died somewhat suddenly on the 7th inst., to the great grief of all' his colleagues. Mr. Frazer was 51 years of age. he had been a member of the Hardens staff almost from their first occupancy by the Society, and he i 'assessed a wide knowledge of hardy plants To the great number of Fellows visiting the gar- dens, he was a genial and a greatly-respected guide, and his loss will be widelj felt. A. I). Pompon Dahlias. -Whilst inspecting the trials of Single Dahlias (see p. 222) on Monday last at Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons Nursery, I was impressed with the effectiveness of the Pompon varieties for garden purposes. This type has stiff, erect stems carrying the neat, rotund flowers, well above the foliage. Amongst the more notable varieties were Mars, Daisy, Elsa, Minnie. Nerissa. Virginia, Zerlina, Tommy Keith, Mignon. Emily Hopper. Crusoe and Adelaide. Of the Cactus-flowered varieties the foil,, wing half-dozen were carrying fine show- tluwers on good stems well above the foliage: — Mrs. Paton (scarlet), Mrs. Landale (yellow, heavily flushed with pink), Snowdon (white), Mrs. J. H. Usmar (coppery-orange, suffused with coral pink), Hon. Mrs. Greville (orange-yellow, suffused with salmon), and Buttercup (rich yel- low. Visitor. Roche a falcata. — It has never been my good fiii tune to see finer examples of this pretty South African succulent than those exhibited by Messrs. Stuart Low & Co.. at the meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society on August 30. Bearing in mind the attractiveness of Kalanchoe flammea I was, from a distance, prepared to find another new species of Kalanchoe, but closer inspection revealed the fact that it was a very old friend, namely, Rochea falcata. The species is too well knewn to need any exhaustive description, therefore, it will suffice to say that it forms a stout, erect stem clothed with very succulent, curved leaves. The individual flowers are small, but they are packed closely together in a large, flattened head. They are of a bril- liant red colour, with conspicuous bright yellow anthers. From one head of bloom a succession is kept up for some time. This Rochea is of easy propagation and culture, the essentials in order to ensure blossoms being plenty of air and sun- shine. In some places it flowers well out-of-dcors. The Kew Hand-List includes this species in the genus Crassula, while the well-known Crassula r Kalosanthes coccinea is referred to Rochea. II'. The Old Soldiers Gardens at Chelsea Hospital. — A considerable amount of interest is just now centred in the grounds attached to the Royal Hospital at Chelsea, as being the place selected for the holding of the International Hor- ticultural Exhibition, 1912. Adjoining are the Ranelagh Gardens (which will also be used for the exhibition), at one time a place of popular 218 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 17, 1910. resort, but now open to the public, and a por- tion is Set apart as gardens for the pensioners in Chelsea Hospital. There are about 150 plots, varying somewhat in size and occasionally in shape. Kach one is regarded as the property of a soldier, to cultivate and treat as he thinks fit, that is, while he remains an inmate of the hospital and is physically capable of attending to hie garden. The men are allowed to sell the pro- duce, and thus obtain a little pocket money. The residents of the neighbourhood, as well as visi- tors, are good customers of the soldiers, and may be seen carrying away nosegays, a Lettuce, ot a bunch of Radishes. At the present time the small gardens are gay with Dahlias, Perennial Sunflowers, Solidagos, and Michaelmas Daisies. Numerous annuals are grown, and showy heads of perennial Phlox assert themselves at a dis- tance. Earlier in the season a brisk busi- ness is done in rooted plants of such things as Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularire- folia) and Musk (Mimulus), both of which ad- mit of ready increase. Besides Lettuces and Radishes, Turnips, Onions, Kale, and in one in- stance, at least, Red Cabbage, were noted. There is, I believe, a series of prizes awarded during the summer to the holders of the best-kept plots. Correspondent. SOCIETIES. GIMICIFUGA RACEMOSA. The Cimicifugas are hardy plants, and most of them are natives of North America. They closely resemble one another, differing mainly in height, season of flowering and in the purity of their colouring. With their long flower-heads com- posed of countless, small, white blossoms, they have a great likeness to Spiraeas of the Aruncus type. They are near relatives of the Aetseas. Considering their handsome appearance, it is strange that they are so seldom seen in gardens, but perhaps this may in some measure be due to their popular names of Snake-root and Bugbane. The most ornamental species is C. racemosa, a plant that was introduced into this country from North America in 1732. This, when it is thoroughly happy in its sur- roundings, will attain a height of 8 feet, and with its dozen or more tall flower-stems, termi- nated by slender bloom-racemes, some of which bend over gracefully, it presents a strikingly effective picture. Though the plants will grow in a border, they are much injured by drought, and in dry weather have a miserable appearance. They enjoy rich, damp soil and summer shade, such as would be thrown by a deciduous tree, and were they planted in the drier portions of the bog-garden or used for the ornamentation of the margins of lakes and streams in conjunction with Spiraeas, Irises, Liliums, Osmundas and such plants, they would soon become popular, as in such positions their grace and beauty are appa- rent. In an ordinary way there is no need to grow more than one or two species, as they are all much alike in general character, and flower much about the same time, which is from July till October. C. racemosa has a handsome mass of broad and much divided leaves, and produces Btout, branching flower-stems feathered with white blossoms. The plant succeeds best in rich, moist woodland, where, in the more open spots, it becomes as* wild as in its native woods. It is an admirable wild-garden plant. It is just the subject that ■hould be selected for an open part of the wood, where it is not liable to be over-run by hungry roots. In such a site it will grow into a stately clump in a few seasons. C. racemosa is some- times grown under the name of C. Serpentana, a title which is said to be derived from the bend- ing and twisted appearance of some of the bloom- racemes. Some are of opinion that C. Serpen- taria is a finer plant than the typical C. race- mosa. Other species are C. americana, C. cordi- folia, C. davurica, C. elata, C. foetida, C. japon- ic*, and C. simplex. Wyndliam Fltzherbert. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. September 13.— The fortnightly meeting took place on Tuesday last, the Hall being filled with a bright display of flowers and fruits. Dahlias and other out-door flowers predominated, and the principal novelties were also Dahlias, no fewer than 11 Awards of Merit being granted to new varieties by the Floral Committee out of a total of 14 made in this section. A Gold Medal was also granted for a display of these autumn flowers. There were several important displays be- fore the Orchid Committee, and this body gave two First-class Certificates, three Awards of Merit, and one Botanical Certificate. The Fruit and Vecetable Committee had rather more than usual to inspect. The chief sides these they had many very large clumps of Nerine Fothergillii major, each plant bearing a profusion of flower-spikes. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Stuart Low & Co.. Enfield, had many varieties of perpetual-flowering Carnations at- tractively arranged in vases with greenery. Messrs. H. B. Mat & Sons, The Nurseries, Edmonton, showed brilliantly-coloured Codiaeums (Crotons) in a bank of beautiful decorative Ferns. The Codiasums were fine examples of good cul- ture, and included such sorts as Resplendent, Thomsonii, Alexander III., Warrenii, chrysopeta- lum, B. Comte, Reidii, and Edmontoniense. (.Sil- ver Banksian Medal.) Mr. A. Ll. Gwillim, Cambria Nursery, New Eitham, Kent, exhibited a large number of tuber- ous-rooted Begonia blooms on boards. They had double and single varieties in many pretty shades of colour. (Bronze Flora Medal.) [Photograph by Wyndham Fitzlierbert. Fig. 86.— cimicifuga racemosa; flowers white. group was an exhibit of fruit trees in pots, for which a Gold Medal was awarded. Two First- class Certificates were given to varieties of Apples, and Awards of Merit to two Potatos and a seedling culinary Pea. At the 3 o'clock meeting a lecture on " Roses " ■ was delivered by Mr. George Laing Paul. Floral Committee. Present: W. Marshall, Esq. (Chairman); and Messrs. H. B. May, J. Green, T. W. Tur- ner, C. T. Druery, R. C. Reginald Neville, J. T. Bennett-Poe, W. Howe, J. Jennings, J. F. McLeod, W. T. Ware, C. R. Fielder, W. Bain, Charles Dixon. George Gordon, J. Hudson, A. Turner, H. J^ Jones. H. J. Cutbush, W. J. James. Charles E. Pearson, E. H. Jenkins, and Charles Blick. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, staged a bright group of Zonal Pelargoniums with banks of showy flowered Cannas interspersed, and a row of tall plants of Plumbago capensis. Be- Clematis. Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond Nurseries, R'ch- mond, Surrey, showed a capital floor group of Clematis plants. The following varieties were well flowered : — Lady Northcliffe (bright blur), Mme. Ed. Andre (purple-crimson), Jackmanii (snow-white), Jackmanii rubra, Jackmanii su- perba, Nellie Moser, Mme. Van Houtte (single white), Lady C. Neville (light blue with a darker stripe on the segments). Enchantress (a semi- double, white flower), and Beauty of Worcester (one of the brightest blue-coloured Clematises). (Silver Banksian Medal.) Roses. Messrs. Paul & Son, The Nurseries, Waltham Cross, made a very large and beautiful display of Roses. They were chiefly of the hybrid Tea and hybrid Perpetual sections. We noted the fol- lowing varieties in extra fine specimen blooms : — H.T.s : Konigin Carola (a lovely pink variety), Cynthia, Paul Lede (salmon-yellow). Marquise de Sinety (rich yellow), Mme. Leon Pain, Mme. September 17, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 219 Edmee Metz (blush), Pharisaer, Lyon Rose yellow-salmon), Viscountess Folkestone, Dean Hole, Souvenir de President Carnot, Mme. Bavary, Mrs. David Jardine (a flat flower of a blush lint). Prince de Bulgarie, and Liberty. H.P.s of line quality were : Su- zanne M. Rodoeanachi (a well-known, bright- crimson-flowered R.ose), Hugh Dickson, and Gen- eral McArthur. Messrs. Paul's new climbing variety, Florence Haswell Veitch, is a fairly double flower of a rich crimson colour, very pretty when half-expanded, and a welcome addition to its class, for it possesses fine fragrance. (Silver Flora Medal.) Dahlias. Messrs. Baker, Wolverhampton, made a large display with Pieony-flowered varieties. As re- garded the colours, the flowere were strik- in or. The following were the more effec- tive : — Pink : Mrs. R. Copeland, Lady Nor- man, Mrs. VV. E. Whineray, Baroness de Tiirkenheim, and Mrs. Mundy. Yellow : Byton Roy, Hyde Park Gem, Codsau Gem, and Hon. 'Mrs.' Walter Forbes. Purple: Mrs. Gilmour, Mrs. R. Heaton, and Queen Emma. Crimson: Germania, Mrs. R. Cooke, and Vis- countess Wolverhampton. Orange red : Viscoun- tess Newport, Sunset, and Romola Piazzini. White : .Mrs. E. Cragg and Lady Muriel Paget. (S'lver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, staged an enormous number of Cactus, flat and thread- Detailed, single-flowered and pompon varieties. Cf the thread-petalled, we observed the new variety Mrs. Landale. Others of this section are Sultan {deep crimson). Rev. T. W. Jamieson (rose- pink), Flag of Truce (while), and H. H. Thomas. Of single-flowered vanities, the more regular in form and distinct in coli iir were Tugi San, the florets of an orange colour, with crimson zone around the centre; Miss Moreland, a bright- crimson flower; Lady Bountiful, rosy purple, having a deep-crimson zone; Elaine, pure w] ni ; and Winona, very dark crimson. This firm like- wise showed Paeony-flowercd Dahlias — about two dozen in all, rather bizarre in appearance when compared with the more symmetrical, refined Cactus, single flowered, and pompon varieties. Messrs. Carter, Page & Co., of London Wall, E.C., showed an immense bank of Dahlias again- 1 the wall at one end of the Hall. These consisted of neaily all types in every shade of colour. The flowers were inserted in earthenware vasts of a green colour, and they had as foils small- leaved greenery of various kinds — Ampelopsis, Asparagus. Ivy, &c. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Burrell & Co., Howe House Nursery, Cambridge, exhibited a few thread-petalled Dah- lias, and two of the varieties are mentioned in our list of those granted awaids. Messrs. J. Stredwick & Son, St. Leonards-on- Sca, showed 10 varieties of Cactus Dahlias, and among these were H. L. Brousson, a rosy-purple flower with white tips, and Sweet Briar, the colour of old rose. Messrs. Whitelegg & Page, nurserymen, Chislehurst, exhibited 18 Pseony -flowered varie- ties. This firm also showed a number of blooms of the annual branching Aster M. Nicholls ; the pink blooms are very double, and the plant grows to a height of 3 feet. Mr. T. West, Brentwood, showed Dahlias in variety. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Sweet Peas. About 40 vases of these flowers were shown bv R.'Fel.lowes, Esq.. Norwich, in great variety of colour. Good examples were observed of Earl Spencer, Zephyr. Rosie Adams, Constance Oliver, Geo. Herbert. Tom Bolton, a very dark crimson variety ; St. George, Mrs. Andrew Ireland. Eve- Ivn Hemus, Leslie Smith, a seedling, a choice light pink flower; Chastity, a fine white, having a faint tint of pink, and Lady Beatrice, a seed- ling of promise. (Silver Flora Medal.) Another display of these flowers was made by W. R. Hammond, Esq., Burgess Hill. (Silver Danksian Medal.) Hardy Perennial Flowers. There were numerous exhibits of hardy (lowers. Mr. Frank Brazier, Caterham, who has previously shown rare skill in grouping hardy flowers, surpassed his former efforts. The chief subjects in his group were Phloxes, Pentstemons, early-flowering Chrysanthemums and Michaelmas Daisies arranged in bamboo stands and associated with such species of Vitis as V. Henryana, sprays of the Spanish Bn« m and other appropriate foliage. (Silver-gilt Bank- sian Medal.) Mr. James Box, Lindfield Sussex, also brought a very fine display, his exhibit occupying a full table length. He showed Phloxes in great variety, notably Lindfield Beauty, with flowers nf a pretty pink shade; Aster Beauty of Colwall, Kuiphofias of sorts ; Gladiolus "America," of which there was a central group of 150 spikes ; G. princeps; Liliums in variety, and many other seasonable flowers. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Wisbech, had a large and representative display of early-flower- ing Chrysanthemums. The Guildford Hardy Plant Nursery staged a great variety of hardy flowers, includ- ing Clematis Davidiana, Kniphofia Macowanii, Senecio tangutica, Phloxes, and Michaelmas Daisies. Messrs. Wm. Wells & Co., Ltd., Merstham, had a capital group of early-flowering Chrysan- themums, arranging the several varieties in bold masses. Polly (gold and bronze), Horace Martin (si* li yellow),. Roi des Blancs, and Mychett (scar- let i. were among the best varieties in a most effective collection. (Bronze Flora Medal.) .Messrs. Backhouse & Son, York, displayed a delightful lot of Colchicum speciosum album, some i i the corms bearing as many as six . t the handsome, pure-white flowers. This is one of the in. st i. liable of early autumn-flowering plants, and being now available at a cheap rate, sin old be grown by all. Other Colchicums in va and a set of the autumn-flowering Crocuses were likewise remarked. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Mr. Maurice Prichard, Chrislchun h. Hants., displayed a fine collection of hardy subjects, in- cluding Kniphofia Triumph, a late flower oi golden -bronze colour; K. Rufa, a beautiful variety of the miniature set; fine, well 11. ■ inflorescences of Crinum Powellii and ('. P. all a Cyclamen hedenefolium album, spreading out a couple of score of blossoms to a foot wide from a solitary corm ; Scabiosa caucasica, exceptionally good in colour and in a fine mass, and, not least, the beautiful Hypericum segyptacum, a miniature glaucous-leaved bush laden with golden buds and blossoms. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Barr ev. Sons, King Street, Covent Gardi n, arranged an excellent lot of flowers, such as Gladiolus in variety. Phloxes. Colchicums, autumn Crocuses, including C. zonatus, C. specio- sus, and the rich, golden flowered C. Scharojani. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Mr. H. F. Robson, Ham, Surrey, displayed ii. any seasonable hardy flowers in company with early Chrysanthemums. Mr. Amos Perry, Enfield, exhibited Lark- spurs, Aitemesia lactiflora. a fine mass; Mont- bretias, Colchicums, Sarracenia purpurea, S. psittacina, Alstrremeria psittacina, Sternbergias, and Asclepias tuberosa. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. H. J. Jones, Ltd., Lewisham, S.E., displayed a capital assortment of Michaelmas Daisies : S. T. Wright, Ryecroft Pink, Beauty of Colwall, C. Anderson, extra good blue colour; Finchley White and Ryecroft Purple being good and distinct varieties. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. G. Reuthe, Keston, Kent, included in an interesting group Tropseolum tuberosum, with rich s.ai let ami gold flowers; Crinums, Stokesia cyanea, Phygelius capensis, Escallonia oregonen- sis (pink), Indigofera dousa (purplish), Eucryphia pinnatifida, with white flowers; Abelia flori- bunda, and species and varieties of Campanula. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. John Forbes, Ltd., Hawick, brought large collections of Phloxes and hybrid Pentste- mons, the latter including Crimson Gem, a splen- did variety. (Silver Banksian Medal.) .Messrs. Dobbie & Co.. Edinburgh, had a superb exhibit of Marigolds, which embraced the bold and massive African sorts Prince of Orange and Lemon Queen, the pretty dwarf-growing, single-flowered Legion of Hon- our, and Dobbie's striped form of the tall French or exhibition variety. An excellent group of exhibition Quilled Asters, with several distinct varieties of Cosmos, were also noted in this group. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Primula X Briscoei (P. Bulleyana X P. japoniea), shown by Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea," is interesting from the fact that it is the first hybrid resulting from P. Bul- leyana. The flowers of the hybrid are not unlike those of P. x Unique. The habit is that of a pale-leaved P. japonica, with more crimsoned inid-rib, the inflorescence inheriting, to some ex- tent, the powdery character of the other parent. Awards or Merit. Gladiolus Bathline. — The flowers are of large size and of a deep cream tone, the lower central petal being yellow, and flushed with crimson at the base. The spike is handsome and well formed. From Mr. Bull, Ramsga-te. Chrysanthemum Hollkot White. — A handsome early flowering variety of great purity, the flower-heads being borne on stiff, erect stems. Chrysanthemum Hollicot Yellow. — The colour of this variety is a clear buttercup yellow, the slightly-drooping florets presenting a well-finished surface. Both Chrysanthemums were exhibited by .Mr. W. Roots, Cranford, Middlesex. Dahlia Cardinal (single). — A shapely flower of rich reddish-scarlet colour. Dahlia Mrs. Joynson Hicks (single). — The flower is orange-coloured and buff, the base of the florets being of rich crimson. Dahlia Mrs. Landale. — A garden Cactus variety with rosy-pink florets on a yellow ground. Dahlia Hon. Mrs. Grt villi . — Also a garden Cactus variety, the colour being orange-yellow, suffused with salmon; a very haudsmne variety. These were exhibited by Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley. Dahlia Princess Juliana (Paony-flowered). — A pure white variety. From Messrs. Whitelegg & PAGE, Chislehurst. Dahlia Sweet Briar. — A garden Cactus variety l line rose colour. Dahlia H. L. Brousson (Cactus). — The colour i I this variety is delicate saline n a pale yellow ground. A tine variety of the best exhibition pe. These two were shown by Messrs. Stred- yvick ev. Son, St. Leonards. Dahlia OulJa (single). — A shapely flower of salmon-rose shade and crimson centre. Dahlia Loveliness (single). — This 'variety is rose-coloured, with crimson oentre. These two were shown by Mr. M. V. Seale, Sevenoaks. Dahlias Minerva and Loveliness. — These be- to the Cactus-flowered section, and they were exhibited by Mr. Charles Turner, Slough. The National Didilia Society made awaids at the same meeting, granting First-class Certifi- cates to Hon. Mrs. Greville, Ouida and Loveli- described above ; also to Bridal Crown, Georgo Ireland, Clarissa, Mrs. Usmar, Rosette, Butterfly and The Earl. Orchid Committee. Present: J. Gurney Fowler, Esq. (in the Chair); and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (lion, sec), Harry J. Veitch, Gurnev Wilson. J. Wilson Potter, H. Ballantine, W. H. White, H. G. Alexander, W. H. Hatcher, W. P. Bound, Walter Cobb, J. Cypher, Chas. H. Curtis, W. Thompson, F. J. Hanbury, Henry Little, Clive Cookson, R. G. Thwaites, W. Bolton, and de B. Crawshay. .Messrs. Sander & Sons, St. Albans, were awarded a Silver-gilt Flora Medal for a fine group, the principal feature in which was a batch of Vanda ccerulea, all the plants being profusely- flowered. With these were the rare natural hybrid V. amoeua, and many choice and interest- ing species, one of the most extraordinary plants being the provisionally-named Coryanthes Sanderi, a very large flower allied to C. macran- tha. The fleshy, lower part k yellow, spotted inside with purple, the neck-like middle showing several raised rings, and the apricot-coloured hood-like upper part curved downward. There was also a pale yellow form of C. punctata; a singular little Zygopetalum ; several plants of the new and pretty Dendrobium Sanderae, Cattleya Adula " Sunrav " especially fine; L;elio-Cat- tleya Walter Gott (L.-C. B'letchleyensis" x _C. bicolor), a very pretty bronze orange flower with ruby-magenta lip ; Ccelogyne pandurata "Uid Notylia sagittifera. H. S. Goodson, Esq., Fairlawn, Putney (gr. Mr. G. E. Day), was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for an attractive group, the central plant in which was the noble Cattleya Iris King Ed- ward VII., which received a First-class Certifi- cate. The group also included several fine varie- ties of Lrelio-Cattleya Bletchleyensis, L.-C. eximia, L.-C. Pacavia, fine varieties of Cattleya Adula, Sophro-Cattleya Chamberlainiana, and other crosses of Sophronitis grandiflora; several 220 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 17, 1910. good specimens of Cattleya Mrs. J. W. Whiteley, Miltonia Phakenopsis, Odontoglossum ardentissi- mum and other Odontoglossums. Messrs. Charlesworth & Co., Hay wards Heath, received a Silver Flora Medal for a group in which showy-flowered plants of varieties of Cattleya Iris, C. Adula, C. Venus, the noble Lrelio-Cattleya St. Gothard, and L.-C. callisto- glossa were specially fine. Brasso-Cattleya Moneta (C. Gaskelliana alba X B.-C. Mrs. C. Maron), by its fine shape and substance, well exemplified the advantages of secondary crossing. Among pretty species noted were Cirrhiea viridi- purpurea, Notylia sagittifera, the rose-tinted Rodriguezia se'eunda, Acineta chrysantha, the rare Chondrorhyncha fimbriata, and a grand variety of Oncidium Krameri. Messrs. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Enfield, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a varied and interesting group of plants which included good forms of Cattleya Iris, C. Adula, and other showy hybrids, the long Bprays of yellow Oncidium Marshallianum being elso effectively displayed. With these were a good dark violet-flowered Bollea Lalindei, Ionop- sis paniculata, Ccelogyne Micholitzii and other Warscewiczii respectively ; the parentage could be distinctly traced in the beautiful flowers of the progeny. Some Brasso-Cattleyas and So- phro-Cattleyas were also shown. Messrs. Mansell & Hatcher. Rawdon, Yorks., staged a group for which a Silver Flora Medal was awarded. It contained some fine specimens of La?lio-Cattleyas and hybrid Cattleyas. Cattleya Iris varieties, forms of C. Adula, and good Lselio- Cattleyas were, as in most of the other groups, the most prominent. Among Odontoglossums, O. crispo-Harryanum, 0. ardentissimum, and others were remarked, such as Cypripediums Rossetti, the dark-coloured C. St. Alban, C. Chas. Rich- man, and others noted were Brasso-Cattleya Digbyano Mendelii, B.-C. Thorntonii, the pretty Dendrobium Sanderae, D. bigibbum, and Odonto- glossum grande. Mr. E. V. Low, Vale Bridge, Hay wards Heath, was given a Silver Banksian Medal for a good group of fine varieties of Cattleya Iris, C. Adula, C. Armstrongiae, C. atalanta, and others. In the centre of the exhibit was a fine specimen of Epidendrum floribundum and another of Bulbo- phyllum Lobbii Colussus, with four flowers, and besides thesa there were two fi::ely-flowered plants [Plwtograph by J . Gregory. Fig. 87. — l.elio-cattleya berthe fournier magnifica. (Awarded a F.C.C at the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on the 18th hist.) Coelogynes; Bulbophyllum Lobbii, B. Godseffi- anum and B. Dearei ; Epidendrum Brassovolse, Cirrhopetalum Mastersianum, 0. pulchellum, a fine plant of Zygopetalum maxiliare Gautieri, and another of Cyrtopodium punctatum. R. G. Thwaites, Esq., Chessington, Christ church Road, Streatham (gr. Mr. J. M. Black), was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for an interest ing group of hybrids raised at Chessington, the Cochlioda crosses being specially noteworthy. One of these, Odontioda Cecilia, a new break, secured an Award of Merit, as did the handsome Cat! leya Adula Thwaites's variety. Odontioda Wil- sonii (C. vulcaniea x 0. Peseatorei) is a neat flower with whitish ground colour, the inner parts of the segments being coloured a rosy-lilac and the lip showing 0. Peseatorei markedly, as it in- variably does where that species is used as a parent. Cochlioda Thwaitesii is a standard variety now that it is established, its varied tints of rose and purple being very attractive. There were three plants obtained from crosses with Cattleya superba, the other parents being Cattleya Dowiana aurea, C. Hardyana, and C. of Cypripedium Jas. H. Veitch, the one with four and the other with three flower-spikes. Lieut. -Col. Sir George L. Holford, K.C.V.O. (gr.Mr. H. G. Alexander), sent the beautiful Lselio-Cattleya Berthe Fournier magnifica (see Awards), and L.-C. Golden Fleece, the latter a charming yellow-flowered variety. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., V.M.H., Gatton Park (gr. Mr. Collier), staged a group of much botanical interest. Prominent was a fine plant of the singular Bulbophyllum lemnisca- toides, with three drooping plume-like racemes; also Eria stellata, with a tall spike of white flowers; the fine white Dendrobium Phalaenopsis " Gatton Park variety," which has violet mark- ing on the lip. A curious hybrid Spathoglottis, between S. kewensis and S. Colmanii, with white flowers and a lilac tint on the column and lip ; Cattleya Gaskelliana coerulesoens, and a hybrid between Odontoglossum Edwardii and 0. luteo- purpureum were also shown by this exhibitor. Sir Trevor Lawrence. Bart., K.C.V.O., Bur- ford (gr. Mr. W. H. White), showed the very distinct and pretty Stanhopea Rodigasiana (see fig. 9 in Gard. Chron., July 9, 1898, p. 31) with cream-coloured flowers spotted \vitb> purple and having a differently-shaped lip to the other species ; a pretty little Dendrobium resem- bling D. secundum, the brightly-coloured Sophro- Lselio-Cattleya pumeximia (L. pumila x S.-L. . eximia), and others. Messrs. Stanley & Co., Southgate, staged a! small group which included varieties of Cattleya iridescens (Eldorado X bicolor) ; these vary con- siderably, but the flowers are consistent in some shades having yellow on the isthmus of the lip. [ This firm also showed Cypripedium A. de Lairesse! with eight flowers, and a plant of Cattleya Gas- ' kelliana alba. Messrs. William Bull & Sons, Chelsea, showed a fine specimen of Odontioda Charles- worthii, Cattleya Iris and C. Maronii aurea. Mr. W. Miller, Clarkson Nurseries, Wisbech, showed a selection of Lselio-Cattleyas, Cattleyas, Cypripediums, &c. W. P. Burkinshaw, Esq., Hessle, Hull (gr. Mr. Barker), exhibited Lslio-Cattleya Ivernia var. Muriel Wilson, a large and beautiful flower with broad, rosy-lilac sepals and petals, the lip being deep claret-crimson ; Cattleya Iris aurifera, with golden sepals and petals ; and a good Brasso- Cattleya Pluto (B. Digbyana X C. granulosa Schofieldiana) were also noticed. Mrs. Norman Cookson, Oakwood, Wylam- on-Tyne (gr. Mr. H. J. Chapman), sent Cypri- pedium Angela (niveumX Fairrieanum), a charm- ing little flower ; C. Sybil superbum (Francisise X Fairrieanum), an elegant flower with a rose- coloured dorsal sepal margined with white, and with dark lines, the petals also being tinged with rose and gracefully decurved ; and C. Chap- nianise (Calypso X Fairrieanum), with yellowish- green ground colour, the upper half of the dorsal sepal being white, and the base bearing purple- feathered lines. Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Royal Exotic Nurseries, King's Road, Chelsea, showed Neoben- thamia gracilis with many terminal heads of its pretty white flowers purple-spotted on the label lums and column. AWARDS. I'ihst-class Certificates. Cattleya Adula King Edward VII. (Dowiana aurea x bicolor J, from H. S. Goodson, Esq. (gr. Mr. G. E. Day). — This was pronounced to be the finest C. Iris yet shown, the flowers being among th" largest and of perfect shape. The sepals and petals are yellowish-sap-green, with an obscure pale rose veining, the broad front of the lip glowing with amethyst-purple. Lalio-Cattleya Berthe Fournier magnifica (L.-C elegans X O. Dowiana aurea) (see fig. 87), from Lieut. -Col. Sir George L. Holford, Westonbirt (gr. Mr. H. G. Alexander).— The Westonbirt type of this handsome flower is well known, and many fine varieties of it have been shown, but in most of them the form of the lip has been nearest, to C. aurea. This variety, mag- nifica, is quite different, the lip being displayed as in C. Iris, but much broader. The sepals and petals are reddish-rose, with a golden-yellow glow, and the lip bright amethyst-purple. The spike bore six fine flowers. Awards of Merit. Cypripedium Angela (niveum X Fairrie- anum). from Mrs. Norman Cookson (gr. Mr. H. J. Chapman). — A charming white flower of good shape, the upper sepal, lip, and petals bear- ing dotted lines and markings of purple. The centre of the staminode is dark green. Odontioda Cecilia (C. Noezliana X 0. Wiganianum ), from R. G. Thwaites, Esq. (gr. Mr. J. M. Black). — A new and, when perfected, a fine break, the flowers being of good size and shape. The ground is cream-white, densely spotted with Indian red, the lip bearing distinct blotches of the same colour each side of the crest. Cattleya Adula Thwaites's variety, from R. G. Thwaites, Esq. — A grand flower, with rosy -lilac tinted flowers and a very broad crimson-purple lip, the centre being the darker, and the base having orange-coloured markings. Botanical Certificate. Bulbophyllum polyblepharia. from Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart, K.C.V.O. — A remarkable little species, with leafy growth, as in some of the small Pleurothallis. the dark-purple flowers being borne singly on slender scapes, 2 inches high. September 17, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 221 The lanceolate sepals are extended perpendicu- larly, the projected lip is densely hairy, and the petals are small. Cultural Commendation To Mr. W. H. White (Orchid grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, K.C.V.O.) for a splendid plant of Dendrobium Houkerianuni (chrysotis); the long, slender stems bore a dozen sprays of large, yellow-fringed-lipped flowers, with dark centres- Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: G. Bunyard, Esq. (in the Chair); and Messrs: J. Cheal, V. (1. A. Nix, W. Jefferies, V. Bates, .J. Davis, G. Reynolds, 0. Thomas, J. Harrison, H. S. Rivers, W. Poupart, C. Foster, A. Dean; G. Hobday, J. Vert, J. Willard, G. Wythes, W. Pope, and J. Lyne. Messrs. T. Rivers & Sons, Sawbridgeworth, staged a singularly beautiful collection of Apples • and Plums gathered from pot trees. Peasgood's N't such Apples were coloured superbly, and hardly less so were those of Cox's Orange Pippin and Ribston Pippin. The coloured Plums were Reine Claude D'Althann, Late Prolific, Grand Duke, Emperor, Admiral, Kirke's, President, Late Transparent, and Monarch. White and yellow Plums included Early Transparent, De- oaisne, Reine Claude, Transparent Gage, Golden 'Transparent, and Jefferson. (Silver gilt Knightian Medal.) C. J. Cayley, Esq., Tunbridge Wells (gr. Mr. I'oulton). showed 15 -bunches of excellent Crapes, including the varieties Madresfield Court, Black Hamburgh, Frankenthal, Gros Maroc, and Foster's Seedling. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Messrs. W. Paul & Son, Waltham Cross, staged a number of well-grown Pear trees in pots, all heavily fruited. Among them were Pitmaston [Duchess, Beurre Diel, Beurre Clairgeau, Beurre d'Anjou, Marie Louise, Bergamotte Esperen, Beurre Alexander Lucas, Doyenne du Cornice, and Margaret Mairillat. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, sent superb fruits of their new cooking Apple, the Rev. W. Wilks, and of the dessert variety. St. Everard. A Cultural Commendation was made to a dish of Pear Doyenne Boussoch, from Mr. W. Ban- nister, the fruits being very handsome, but the flesh rather dry. .Mr. G. W. Miller. Wisbech, showed a large number of Apples, including Red Victoria. (Sil- ver I'.anksian Medal.) Messrs. G. Bunyard & Co., Maidstone, had a collection of 75 fruit trees in pots, the display occupying 70 feet length of staging; also many dishes and baskets of gathered fruits. Of Peaches, as trees, were Sea Eagle, Duchess of York. Princess of Wales, Albatross, and Thomas Rivers. Grapes were represented by Muscat of Alexandria and Black Hamburgh. ' Plums in- cluded numerous trees of Golden Drop ; Pears Emile d'Heyst, Princess. St. Luke, Marie Benoist, Fondant© de Thirriott, and Beurre Diel. Of Apples, Pomona, Wealthy, Peasgood's None- such. Gascoyne's Scarlet, Allington Pippin. Mother, Charles Ross, and Cox's Orange Pippin were splendidly shown. There were also numerous small Fig trees and gathered fruits. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Clibran & Son, Altrincham, set up a remarkable collection of Celery, comprising 24 named varieties. The samples were exceedingly clean, well blanched, and evidently of solid tex- ture. A selection of the white sorts are Market White, Clibran's White, Empress, Jersey Lily, and Wright's Giant. Pink : Favourite, Clibran's Pink, Grove Pink, and Aldenham Pink. Reds: Standard Bearer, Williams' Matchless, and Leicester Red. (Silver Knightian Medal.) This firm also received a Cultural Commendation for six pot plants of their Exhibition Parsley. AWARDS. First-class Certificates. Apple Rev. W . Wilks.— Messrs. Jas. Veitch & Sons were awarded a First-class Certificate for this yellow-skinned cooking Apple, which re- ceived an Award of Merit several years since, lhis beautiful Apple is the result of crossing Peasgood's Nonesuch with Ribston Pippin. It w singularly percocious as a bearer, fruiting on both maiden and on two-year-old trees. Apple lied Victoria. — An Apple of wonderful colour, which penetrates into the flesh. It is a great cropper,- and fruits have been shown on many occasions. Awards of Merit. The following two varieties of Potatos were, after cooking and trial at Wisley, granted Awards of Merit: — Prima Donna, from Mr. A. Cham- bers, Tunbridge Wells, and Dalmeny Early, from Messrs. Barr & Sons. An Award of Merit was also given to a tall, late, long-podded Pea grown at Wisley, where it was received from Messrs. Jas. Carter & Co., Holborn, described as seedling 223. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY OF IRELAND. Ari;usT 23. — The autumn show organised by the Royal Horticultural Society of Ireland was held on this date in Lord Iveagh's grounds, St. Stephen's Green, and was a great success. In all departments, including flowers, fruit and vege- tables, the number of entries totalled 698, a very considerable advance upoii the number for the autumn show of last year. The floral display was a particularly beautiful one, and one of the most interesting held under the auspices of the society for many years past. There was a splendid display in the Sweet Pea and Rose classes. In the former classes, one of the special features of the show was the exhibit sent in by Mr. Edward Cowdy, Queenhall. Loughgall, which was awarded the challenge cup presented by Sir John G. Nutting, Bart. In the champion class for Sweet Peas. Mr Cowdy'S exhibit was awarded the society's Gold Medal. In the stove and greenhouse plant sections, the exhibits were of an extremely gratifying character judged from the standpoint of careful cultivation and excellence of results. In this section, the exhibits shown by Mr. F. A. .Millar and Sir Ernest Cochrane were par- ticularly deserving of notice, and won high com- mendation. In the Carnation class, the Watson Challenge Cup was awarded to Mrs. Hei.y Hutchinson. Roses were very largely shown by private exhibitors and members of the trade, and the display in that department of the show was up to a very high standard. In the traders' sections, the displays of Roses made by Mr. Hugh Dickson, Belfast, and Messrs, Alexander Dickson & Sons, Ltd., Dublin, were particularly good., Messrs. W. Drummond & Sons were awarded a Gold Medal for a very large, varied, and tastefully-arranged exhibit of hardy flowers, Shrubs, and Alpine plants, com- prising some 300 species and varieties, some of which were quite new. A Gold Medal was also awarded to Mr. S. A. Jones. Forest Lodge, Gowran. County Kilkenny, for a large and v; 1 collection of Gladioli. Messrs. Charles Ramsay & Sons. Royal Nurseries, Ballsbridge, were awarded a Silver Medal for a collection of flow era and plants. Messrs. Watson & Sons, Clontarf Nurseries were awarded a Silver Medal for a col- lection of border Carnations. CARLISLE HORTICULTURAL. August 31, September 1. — The third annual show was held in the large Market Halls on these dates, and was a great success. There was an increased number of entries in all the classes, especially in those reserved for amateurs. Hardy flowers were scarcely so fine as usual, owing to the unfavourable weather, but fruit was of excel- lent quality, especially Apples shown by Mr. John Millican, Scot by Lane, Carlisle! The county authorities (Mr.' W. B. Little, horti- cultural instructor) staged an exhibit of Apples and bottled fruits. There was keen competi- tion in the vegetable classes, the competitors in- cluding Mr. Edwin Beckett, of Aldenham House Gardens, Hertfordshire. Mr. Hugh Dickson, Belfast, won the 1st prize for 36 blooms of Roses, distinct, and Mr. Thomas Pride, Schoolhouse, Canonby, had the best ex- hibit of 12 Rose blooms. Sweet Peas were shown numerously; Mr. John Fletcher, Auchin Heath, Lanarkshire, had the winning stand in Mr. Robert Bolton's classes for 12 bunches, show- ing popular varieties. Messrs. Robert Syden- ham, Ltd., Birmingham, also offered prizes for Sweet Peas, including a challenge cup. The trophy was secured by Mr. Graham, Morville, Carlisle. Mr. John Fletcher showed the best nine vases of Sweet Peas, Mr. Edward Keith following. Mr. George Bowness, Busby, proved the 1st prize winner in the classes for 12 vases of early- flowering Chrysanthemums and 24 varieties of Cactus-flowered Dahlias. Some good groups of hardy flowers were staged ; for 12 kinds, Mr. J. Hay. Carlisle, won the 1st prize easily ; 2nd, .Mr. John Robertson, Carlisle. In the fruit classes some excellent Grapes were seen. For two bunches of a black variety, Mr. Wm, Scott, Eden Hall Gardens, Penrith, W&8 the most successful exhibitor with Madresfield Court; 2nd, Mr. Edward Keith with Black Alicante; Mr. H. Smith, Keswick, .showed ilio finest bunch of Black Hamburgh, and Mr. T. Fixter had the best whiti Grapes. In the vegetable classes 5 ,. line produce was seen. The Hon. Vicary Gibbs (gv. Mr. E. Beckett) proved irresistible in the class for a collection of 12 kinds. There were numerous non-competitive exhibits, the more important being staged by Messrs. Sut- ton & Sons, Reading (Large Gold Medal); Messrs. Geo. Fairbairn & Sons, Botcherbv Nur- series (Large Gold Medal) ; Messrs. John Forbes, Ltd., Hawick (Gold Medal); Mr. John Milli- can, Carlisle (Gold Medal) ; Messrs. Little & Ballantyne (Silver-gilt Medal) ; Messrs. John Stormonth & Sons, Kirkbridge (Silver Medal); Messrs. Clark Bros., Carlisle (Sil- ver Medal) ; Messrs. Herd Bros., Penrith (Silver Medal) ; Messrs. Alec McLaughlan, Stranraer (Silver Medal) ; and Sir Benjamin Scott (Silver Medal). ORSETT AND DISTRICT AGRICUL- TURAL AND HORTICULTURAL. September 8. — This society held its sixteenth annual show as usual in the park adjoining Orsett Hall, by tin- permission of the President, Major F. H. D. G. Whitmore. The show was, 011 the whole, an improvement upon those of pre- vious years; the entries were more numerous, and the quality of the exhibits, in the majority 01 classes, was excellent. Hardy fruit is always a strong feature of the Orsett-Show, and this year remarkably fine specimens of Apples were staged, the fruits being extra large, clean, and in some cases, coloured beautifully. In the class for a half-sieve of Apples, packed ready for market, Mr. T. Ridgewell, Orsett, was placed 1st, with fine examples of Worcester Pearmain : Mr. T. M. Read Andrews, Bulpham, was an excellent 2nd. For 12 fruits of Worcester Pearmain Mr. W. Sutton, Orsett, was awarded the 1st prize, Mr. T. Ridgewell being 2nd, and these exhibitors won most of the prizes in other classes ior Apples. In the class for four kinds of fruits Mr. ('oningsoy, Stanford-le-Hope, was awarded the 1st prize, staging good Plums, Morello Cherries, Figs, and Pears : Mr. W. Sutton and Mr. T. Ridgewell being 2nd and 3rd respectively. Mr. Neighbour had the best four dishes of Pears. For four dishes of Plums Mr. W. Sutton was placed 1st, staging fine fruits of Monarch, Diamond, Jefferson's and Victoria. Mr. C. Coningsby had the best two bunches of Grapes, staging Black Hamburgh ; 2nd, Mr. C Butcher, Grays, with Black Alicante. Mr. T. Sutton had the best two dishes of Pears ; Mr. C. Howard, Orsett, the best two dishes of Plums, and Mr. F. W. Fox the best single dish of Plums. Cut flowers, Dahlias, Asters, Roses and other hardy flowers were shown well, also button-hole sprays, table decorations, and vegetables. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM. TRIAL OF EARLY CHRYSANTHEMUMS. September 10. — On this date the members of the Floral Committee visited Messrs. W. Wells & Co.'s nurseries at Merstham, to inspect a trial of early flowering Chrysanthemums. The following varieties were selected for distinction, and marked with three crosses : — Alexandra, Brazier's Beauty, Chestnut, Dorothy, Esther, Eva Graham, Dr. Ingram. Goldlace. Hilda's Favourite. Lily Ovenden, Little Nell, Marie Corelli, Mary, Mas- terpiece, Nellie King, Parapan, Prolific, Ruby, and Sunset. 222 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 17, 1910. NATIONAL DAHLIA. September 7, 8. — Since the amalgamation of this Society with the London Dahlia Union two exhibitions have been held annually. The first one, which is usually the more important event, for the present season, took place, as in former years, at the Crystal Palace on these dates. The weather was fine, and the attendance on the opening day was greater than usual, but on Friday the number of visitors was small. NURSERYMENS' CLASSES. The Show varieties still take precedence in the schedule, and the largest class in this section was arranged for 48 blooms, distinct. There were three entries, the 1st prize being won by Mr. John Walker, Thame, whose best blooms were Chief- tain (purplish-lilac), Blush Gem, T.W. Girdlestone (a grand variety of richest purple colour), Purplo Prince, Daniel Cornish (reddish), Wm. Rawlings (crimson and purple), Mrs. Slack, Tom Jones, Mr. Glasscock, Southern Queen, John Hickling (a grand yellow variety), A. Rawlings (very choice), Standard, John Walker (one of the best of white show Dahlias), Mariner, Diadem, and Mrs. Langtry (generally good in this show). 2nd, Mr. S. Mortimer, Rowledge, Farnham, Surrey, with large, but hardly so refined, blooms as in the 1st prize exhibit. Some of the best were Blush Gem, Glowworm (orange red), Pleasaunce, Chieftain, Tom Jones (creamy with a suffusion of pink), David Johnson, and Florence Tranter (a variety with pale-coloured florets edged with purple). 3rd, Air. Wm. Treseder, Cardiff. In the smaller class for 24 blooms distinct, there were two exhibitors, Mr. M. V. Seale, Sevenoaks, and Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co., Salisbury, 1st and 2nd prizes being awarded in this order. The blooms in both cases were only mediocre in quality. Air. Seale's best ex- amples were Daniel Cornish, Duchess of York, Gracchus, Chieftain, Eclipse, and R. T. Raw- lings ; whilst a selection of Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co.'s varieties included Mr. Glasscock R. T. Rawlings, Wm. Rawlings, John Walker, Keynes Al, Miss Ormonde, and Mrs. Langtry. Fancy Dahlias. — There were two classes exclu- sively for fancy Dahlias, and one for show and fancy Dahlias intermixed. The largest class for fancies was arranged for 18 blooms distinct, and it attracted three exhibitors. Mr. John Walker secured the 1st prize with a good display. Out- standing varieties in his exhibit were T. W. Gir- dlestone, Rev. J. B. Camm, Wm. Shaldon, Mrs. Saunders, M. Campbell, Comedian, and John Cocker. 2nd, Mr. W. Treseder, with much smaller blooms, although Walter Spriggs Hugh Austin, and Emin Pacha were very good. 3rd, Mr. S. Mortimer. For 12 blooms distinct Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co. led with a very creditable stand, having such sorts as Rev. J. B. Camm, Dandy, Mrs. Saunders, Henry Clark, Tom Ferryman, Gold Crest, and Matthew Campbell. Mr. Seale followed closely, having specially good flowers of Claret Cup, Nansen, and Mrs. Saunders. The better of two exhibits of show and fancy Dahlias intermixed was exhibited by Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons, Crawley, the other exhibitor being Messrs. Wm. Pemberton & Son, Bloxwich, Walsall. Cactus Dahlias. — The most important class for Cactus varieties is that in which .a Silver Chal- lenge Cup, valued 15 guineas, is offered for the 1st prize. Messrs. James Stredwick & Sons, Silverhill. St. Leonards, again proved invincible, making the 8th consecutive win. It is usual for this firm to show in this class their principal novelties for the year, and on this occasion they exhibited 11 new varieties in the display. The finest of these is named after Dr. Roy Appleton, the florets being pink with a yellow base and very pointed, giving a star-like appearance to the flower, the other new ones were H. L. Brous- son (with thread-like florets, coloured dark rose passing to white in the centre), Mrs. Douglas Flemming, Golden Eagle (golden-yellow passing to bronze at the tips), Tokyo (salmon and yel- low), Arrow (bronze), Irresistible (a very heavy bloom, with incurved florets suffused with rose on a yellow ground), Snowflake (white), Viscount (brick red) Albatross (white), and Crystal (soft rose tipped with white). The other blooms in- cluded one of H. H. Thomas, which was awarded the Silver Medal offered for the best Cactus- flowered Dahlia in the Nurserymen's classes. 2nd, Messrs. J. Burrell & Co., who had also a very choice exhibit, a selection of their varieties being Oswald, Monarch, Conquest, Ivernia, Satis- faction, Stormer, and Glory of Wilts. 3rd, Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons. Mr. John Walker led in the class for 12 varieties shown in bunches of six blooms, fol- lowed by Mr. Seale, with Messrs. Keynes, Williams & Co. 3rd, these being the only ex- hibitors. There was a keen competition for 48 blooms distinct shown on boards, and Messrs. Stred- wick & Sons won the premier prize with a grand stand of blooms, the 2nd prize exhibit, shown by Messrs. James Burrell & Co., was also remark- able for its high quality, and even the 3rd group prize was effective. Mr. Wm. Treseder was placed 1st for 24 blooms distinct ; 2nd, Mr. John Walker. There were two exhibits in a class for 12 varieties of garden Cactus Dahlias, 6 blooms of each variety arranged in a vase with hardy foliage in grasses, Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons and Mr. M. B. Seale were the only exhibitors ; the 1st and 2nd prizes being awarded in the order of their names. Messrs. Cheal showed such sorts as Snowdon, Hon. Mrs. Granville, Ivy Shoe- bridge, and Mrs. C Foster, arranged with Eulalia zebrina, Berberis, Maples, and Asparagus. Pompon Dahlias. — These were shown remark- ably well, Mr. Charles Turner winning in the largest class, which was for 24 varieties in bunches of 10 blooms each. He showed Annie Doncaster, Darkest of All, Portia, Queen of Whites, Guinevere, Wilfred, Alary, Phyllis, Sylvia, Zerlina, Ideal, Cyril, Little Mary, Ganymede, Bacchus, and others. 2nd, Messrs. J. Cheal & Sons with Annie Doncaster, Alarietta, Bacchus, Elsa, Nerissa, Ganymede, Ideal, Girlie, and Phyllis. 3rd, Air. AI. V. Seale. Messrs. J. Burrell & Co. excelled with 12 varieties, followed by Air. John Walker. Single Dahlias were rather less refined than usual. There were three exhibitors in the class for 24 varieties. Alessrs. J. Cheal & Sons being the most successful with good blooms of Aliss Roberts, Elaine (white), Columbine, Vic- toria, Leslie Seale, Alice Castle, Kitty, and Aliss Morland. 2nd, Air. AI. V. Seale. Paony- flowered Dahlias, shown in vases, appeared ungainly, Geisha (reddish on orange), Bella Donna (blush) and Bayard (red and yellow), shown in Air. C. Turner's 1st prize group, ap- pealed to us. most. Amateur Classes. There was rather more competition amongst amateur exhibitors, there being in one class no fewer than 10 groups. For 24 blooms of Show and Fancy Dahlias, distinct. Air. H. Cooper, the Hamlet, Chippenham, was placed 1st for shapely, well-coloured blooms of R. J. Rawlings, Rev. Camm, H. Rawlings, Air. J. Downey, Alabel, Chieftain, Air. Peter AlacFensey, H. Keith, J. Walker, Airs. Saunders, Airs. Langtry, Norma, and others. 2nd, Air. G. Deasley, Nag's Head Hill, St. George's, Bristol, with a very good lot, including Tom Jones, Chieftain, T. Astens, D. Johnson, Airs. Saunders, R. T. Rawlings, J. Walker, Pleasaunce, Dandy, and A. Rawlings. Mr. Cooper was also 1st for 12 Show Dahlias, distinct, having six competitors, his closest rival being Mr. A. Robbins, 3, Prospect Place, Keynsham. In the smaller class for six blooms. Air. Charles Luckin, Pulborough, Sussex, beat two other competitors. Air. Cooper had an easy win in the class for 12 blooms for Fancy Dahlias, distinct, and Mr. Cousins, Chippenham, Wilts, was equally suc- cessful in the class for six blooms. The Silver Challenge Cup, offered by the Crystal Palace Co. for six vases of garden Cactus Dahlias intermingled with suitable foliage, was won by the Rev. Arthur Bridge, Worth Rec- tory, Three Bridges, Sussex, and he also carried off the Silver Challenge Cup offered for the best exhibit of nine varieties of Cactus Dahlias shown in bunches of three blooms. The flowers of Air. W. Marshall, H. H. Thomas, C. E. Wilkins, Snow- don, Prima Donna, and Indomitable were all ex- cellent. 2nd, Air. F. Grinstead, Beauport Park, Battle, with another choice collection. Air. F. H. Currey, 35, Osborne Road, Palmer's Green, was 1st in the class for six varieties having good blooms of Wm. Marshall, Rev. T. W. Jamie- son, Brigadier, C. E. Wilkins, and Evening Star ; 2nd, Air. Ed. AIawley, Berkhamsted. Air. H. Peerm.jn, Glencross, Nantwich, excel- led for 24 blooms shown on boa"ds ; Air. Chas. Luckin for 12 blooms ; and Air. A. P. Ironside, 43, Park Lane, Chippenham, for six blooms. Other winners of 1st prizes in the amateur classes were Air. Ed. E. Barton, Greenwich, and" Air. Tom Jones, Ruabon, Wales. Air. AI. V. Seale showed the best six blooms oi a variety of show or fancy Dahlia in Arthur Rawlings, and Air. G. AIortimer the best six blooms of a Cactus variety in C. E. Wilkins. There was very keen competition in both cases. AWARDS. First-class Certificates. Minerva (garden Cactus). — A stiff-stemmed variety, the blooms being wine-crimson with yel- low centre. Shown by Air. C. Turner. Dr. Boy Appleton (Cactus). — A blush-coloured bloom with a yellow centre, very large. New York (Cactus). — A rosy-buff coloured flower with incurving revolute florets. Onward (Cactus). — A pink variety with twisted florets. Sweet Briar (garden Cactus). — A variety with stout, erect stems, bearing pink flowers with white centres. These four were exhibited by AIessrs. J. Stredwick & Son. Cardinal (single). — A fiery red variety with yellow disc. A//*-. Joynson Hicks (single). — A bronze-yellow flower with a crimson disc. Glow (pompon). — An elegant flower of a rosy- buff shade flushed with mauve. These three were shown by Alessrs. J. Cheal & Sons. Non-competitive Exhibits. Large Gold Medals were awarded to Alessrs. H. Cannell & Sons for Dahlias, and Hobbies, Ltd., for Dahlias and Roses. Gold M,d„l,- to Messrs. T. S. Wake, Ltd., for Dahlias, and Air. J. T. West for Dahlias. Silver-gilt Medals to Air. F. Brizier for hardy flowers and Chrysanthemums, Air. John E. Knight for Dahlias, and Air. C. Turner for Dahlias. TRIAL OF SINGLE DAHLIAS. A large deputation of members of the National Dahlia Society, with Air. E AIawley, V.AI.H., as chairman, visited Alessrs. J. Cheal & Sons' nur- sery at Charlwood, Crawley, Sussex, on Alonday, 12th inst., for the purpose of examining a large trial of single Dahlias, conducted under the aus- pices of the Society and grown by this firm. The varieties were specially tested to determine their merits for garden decoration, with some consideration as to their suitability for exhibition purposes. In most cases four to six plants were seen of each variety, but in a few cases there were only two plants. There were numerous varie- ties, and all of them had been grown without thinning. Some were but 2g feet, others 3j feet or intermediate, but the heights were regarded as of less importance than habit of growth, free- dom of blooming, and general effect for garden decoration. The following were a%varded three marks : — Butterfly, Snowdrop, Ensign, Lady Bountiful, Amy, Winona, Rosemary, Bridge, Owen Thomas, Fugi San, Columbine, Kitty, Leslie Seale, Aliss Alorland, Miss Roberts, Royal Sovereign, Peggy, Rosebank Scarlet, Vesuvius, Cardinal, Airs. Joynson Hicks, Rosy Gem, Airs. W. Hood, and Alorning Glory. SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL. September 6. — The monthly meeting of this association was held at 5, St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, on this date. Air. Alassie, one of the vice-presidents, occupied the chair, and there was an attendance of 75 members. Air. J. S. Brunton, chairman of the Perpetual- Flowering Carnation Society, read a paper oil "The Perpetual-flowering Carnation: its Past, Present, and Future." He first glanced at the historical aspect of the subject, beginning with the 16th century, when the wild Dianthus Caryo- phyllus first found a place in gardens. By the end of the same century, the plant had developed into a " border " Carnation, of which the prtsent- day border Carnations are the direct descendants. The tree or winter-flowering type, which they called Remontants, was introduced by the Fiench, .September 17, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 223 and was generally ascribed to Dalmais, who was prominently identified with their cultivation about 1844 ; but recent investigations have shown that Remontant Carnations were grown in the South of France nearly a century earlier under the name of Mayonnaise Carnations. These Re- montants were introduced into America by Chas. Marc, of New York, after 1852, and other French growers in America having taken up their im- provement, varieties were raised which surpassed all previous ones. The French Remontants were entirely superseded, and, on the introduction of i Peter Fisher's " Mrs. T. W. Lawson," it was sold for the record price of 300.000 dollars. Dealing with the present, Mr. Brunton took the period from 1900 to 1910, and he asked what were the French, who in the early stages of the plant's development had scored all along the line, doing for the Carnation? In brilliancy of colour- ing their flowers surpassed all others, but they had one unpardonable defect — they were " bur- sters." He, however, was inclined to think that possibly we were sacrificing too much to obtain perfection of calyx, and though he was not pre- pared to advocate any falling away from the standard set up by British and American growers, he thought we should get some French blood into our present stocks. Dealing with the uses of the perpetual-flowering Carnation as a cut flower, a pot plant, and a bedding plant, he said that as a bedder it had found a place in a number of gardens. The growing of the plant for market purposes was one of the most important branches of commercial horticulture, and there were large areas of glass devoted to this industry in the neighbourhood of London and at Iver, Saffron Walden, Cheltenham, Dunstable. Balcombe, and other towns. In Guernsey hundreds of thousands of plants were grown for the export of flowers for the British market. On the continent of Europe, as well as in South Africa and Australia, the cultivation of Carnations was rapidly increas- ing, and the American trade in them was enor- mous. Speaking of the future, Mr. Brunton said that one of the chief aims in the past had been to obtain large-sized blooms. That would always be an object for consideration, but hybridists would have to restore the Clove-like fragrance which had been sacrificed in the quest for size, form, and colour. The exhibits at the meeting included about 50 varieties of perpetual-flowering Carnations, shown by Messrs. Todd & Co., Edinburgh; Fancy Pan- sies and Violas were shown by Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Edinburgh; Gloxinias and Begonias by Miss Burton, Polton ; and a collection of vege- tables from the City of Edinburgh Distress Com- mittee's farm at Murieston. The paper for the meeting to be held on Oct ,- ber 4 will be on " Diseases of Fruit Trees." by Dr. A. W. Borthwick, Royai Botanic Garden, Edinburgh. The annual excursion of the association took place on August 13. when, by the kind permis- sion of the Marquis of Tweeddale and the Earl of Wemyss. about 80 of the members visited Yesler and Gosford. UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND PROVIDENT. September 12. — The monthly meeting of this society was held at the Royal Horticultural Hall, Westminster, on the above date. Mr. Thomas Winter occupied the chair. Six new members were elected. The amount of sick fay disbursed since the last meeting was announced as £29 14s. The annual dinner will be held on October 6 at the Waldorf Hotel, Aldwych, W.C. Mr. Edward Sherwood will preside on this occasion. ©bttuavp. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. Awards at the Brussels Exhibition. — The list of awards issued by the Superior Jury, subject to confirmation by the Belgian Executive Committee of the Exhibition, is published in the Times. It includes the following awards made to agriculture and horticulture : — Class 43 : Ap- . plianced and Processes used in Horticulture and Arboriculture.- — Diploma of Honour : .North British Rubber Co., Ltd., Edinburgh. Gold Medal : Messrs. Alexander Shanks & Son, Ltd., London. Class 46 : Trees. Shrubs, Ornamental Plants and Flowers.— Gold Medal: Mr. C. Englemann. Essex. Class 48: Horticultural and Nursery Seeds and Stock.— Gold Medal : Messrs. Sutton & Sons, Reading. Thomas Frazer. — With great regret we record the death of Thomas Frazer, for the past seven years foreman in the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens at Wisley. The death occurred on Wednesday, the 7th inst , after an illness of only 24 hours. He had not enjoyed good health for some years, but for the last few months he had felt better, so that the end was unex- pected. He served his apprenticeship in gar- dening under Mr. R. Simpson, gardener to Mrs. Alfred Backhouse, at Pilmore gardens, Darling- ton. After this time he was for some time conser- vatory foreman, and afterwards foreman in the fruit-forcing department at Duncombe Park, Helmsley Three years were spent as general foreman at Heythrop Park and four years at Richings Park, Slough. From his boyhood, Mr. Frazer had a special liking for hardy flowers, and ultimately he decided to specialise in hardy her- baceous plants, spending periods at the nur- series of Messrs. Backhouse and Sons, York, Messrs. Dobbie & Co., Rothesay, and Messrs. J. Veitch & Sons, Langley. When the Royal Horticultural Society took over the Wisley gardens, Mr. Frazer was appointed fore- man, and here he remained to the end, THE LATE THOMAS FRAZER. superintending the work in the wild garden and hardy plant departments and lecturing on practical gardening to the students. He was a man of keen observation, gifted with a whole- some sense of caustic humour, but, except to these who knew him intimately, he was a man of few words. He was esteemed for his straightforwardness and simple sincerity, whilst the young men at Wisley loved him for the willingness with which he always gave counsel and advice. He was 51 years of age. The funeral took place at Langley Churchyard, Slough, on Monday last. William Charles Cooper. — We regret to record the sudden death, from heart disease, on the 8th inst., of Mr. William Charles Cooper, in his 61st year. Deceased had been gardener to Alderman F. Budgen, Reigate, Surrey, for the past 26 years. He was one of the oldest members of the Reigate, Redhill and District Gardeners' Mutual Improvement Association, and he at- tended a committee meeting of this association only a few days before he died. He took a great interest also in the Borough of Reigate Cottage Garden and Horticultural Society, of which he was a member. He vvas a well-known judge at most of the local flower shows. [Correspondents are requested to write the names of pencils and places as legibly as possible. No clinige 11 mode for these announcements, but 1/ a small contribution is sent, to be placed in our collecting lio\ for the Gardenets' Orphan Fund, it will be thankfully received, and an acknowledgment made in these columns,] Mr. H. Stopps, for the past 6$ years Gardener to T. W. Thornton, Esq., Brockhall, Weedon, and previously Foreman at King's Waldenbury, Hitchin, as Gardener to Capt. W. B. Harrison, Aldershawe, Lichfield. Staffs. Mr. George Duncan, lately employed in Hyde Park, as Head Gardener at Radley College, Abingdon, Berks. Mr. W G. Newman, for the past 2 years Gardener to Col. Babington, and previously with Messrs. James Carter & Co., as Gardener to Mr. Macklin, Kingshill, Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire. Mr. J. C. Lunnon, for the past 2 years Gardener at Bosworth House, Husbands Bosworth, Rugby, as Gar- dener to Rear Admiral Bacon, Wolston Manor, Coventry. Mr. George Woolley, for the past 6 years Foreman in the Gardens of the Right Hon. A. J. Balfour, M.I'., Whittiiighame, Prestonkirk, as Gardener to Walter Webb, Esq., Malquoits, Ewhurst, near Guildford, Surrey. Mr. Charles Ford's appointment given in the issue for September 3, p. 190, should read as Gardener to Lt. -General Lord Calthorfe, K.C.B., Perry Hall, Perry Barr, Birmingham. Mr. J. R. Wright, for 12 years Gardener to F. E. Walker, Esq., Ravenslhorpe Manor, Thirsk, Yorkshire, as Gar- dener to Sir Robert Ropner, Preston Hall, Stockton- on-Tees, Durham. Mr. J . Price, for the past 18 months Foreman in the gardens at Noik Park, Epsom, as Gardener to J. Colman, Esq., Wick Hall, Hove, Sussex. (Thanks for donation of 2s. to the R.G.O.F. boi.— Eds.) Mr. C. F. Mowl, for the past 3 years and 4 months Gardener to Sir Francis Winnington, Bart., Stanford Court, Worcester, and previously for many years Gardener to the late Mrs. Chas. Edwards, Dolserau Hall, Dolgelly, N. Wales, as Gardener to Lieut.-Col. G. F. Scott, Penmaenucha, Dolgelly, N. Wales. Mr. Thomas Ironside, for the past 3 years in the Gardens, Ragley Hall, Alcester, and previously at Lathom Gar- dens, Ormskirk, as Gardener to Miss Cochrane, Sennicots, Chichester, Sussex. (Thanks for Is. for the R.G.O.F.— Eds.) Mr. William Wood, for the past 3 years General Foreman at Powerscourt Gardens, Etiniskerry, as Gardener to J. O. Jameson, Esq., Dolland, Clonsilla, Co. Dublin. Mr. Thomas Nevitt, for 3 years Foreman at Doddington Park Gardens, Nantwich, as Gardener to Mrs. Scully, Cuhnington Manor, Craven Arms, Salop. Mr. A. E. T. Rogers, for nearly 6 years Gardener to H. Dent Brocklehurst, Esq., Sudeley Castle, as Gardener to F. S. Biuce, Esq., Middlemeade, Stoughton Drive, Leicester. Editors and Publisher. — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communica- tions, and save us much time and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that all letters relating to financial matters and to advertisements should be addressed to the Publisher ; and that all communications intended for publication, or referring to the Literary department, and all plants to be named, should be directed to the Editors. The two departments, Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much unnecessary delay and confusion arise when letters are misdirected. *»* The Editors will be glad to receive, for consideration, large photographs of horticultural subjects, suitable for reproduction as Supple- mentary Illustrations in this Journal. Asters Dying : C. G. Your Asters are attacked by Lipura ambulans, one of the spring-tails. Soot and lime, as you suggest, are the most efficient remedies, especially if worked into the soil, as it is in this latter that the pests breed. They are most abundant in damp soil and wet seasons. Bark Infested with Insects : G. D. E. The pieces of bark are badly attacked by a species of chermes. These belong to the green fly or aphis family. The trees should be washed with paraffin emulsion in the spring, and again later when the larva; are hatching out. Begonia Flower Malformed: A. O. The blooms exhibit cresting, a character that is fixed in some varieties. Begonia Glolre de Lorraine : J. H. C. The injury is caused by an eelworm in the leaves — Aphelenchus olesistus. The pest breeds in the soil. Dust the stems when damp, and also the surface of the soil, with a mixture of Tobacco dust and flowers of sulphur. 224 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 17, 1910. Carnations Diseased : A. I. M. Carnation rust is present. If the plants are not blooming, spray the foliage with Bordeaux Mixture at half strength. Otherwise, sponge the leaves with a rose-red solution of permanganate of potash. Clematis for Examination : Old Subscriber. No American Blight is present on the speci- men you send, but it has been injured by a mining maggot. Remove the surface soil, and replace it by fresh. Ammonia water can only be used when there is no crop on the land. One gallon in 25 gallons of water is the proper proportion. Clue-like Outgrowths on Pea Roots: Rich- mond. The knots on the roots are normal pro- ductions. They are not due to inferior seed, nor are they a cause of failure of crop. Cordon Apple Trees : E. C. We advise you to take out the second row which was planted two years ago. Lift the trees when they nave shed their foliage in the late autumn, and transplant and train them as you suggest. This will leave a clear space of 3 feet in the row between the trees that were planted three years ago, but, as no useful purpose will be served by allowing a space of more than 2 feet between the Cordons in the row, these should be rearranged. Take up every other tree, and plant two of the two-year-old trees, thus giving them all a space of 2 feet. Shorten the roots a little before replanting, and train the stems to the wires at the same angle as before. Thus trained the trees make a more fruitful growth than would be the case were they trained in an upright position ; the slight check thus given to the flow of the sap causes the wood-buds to push more regularly into growth the entire length of the stems. Your views regarding the evils resulting from the crossing of the two rows of Cordons, as in your case, are quite correct. Cianiding Plant-houses: II. W. The quanti- ties given on p. 171 were intended for 1.000 cubic feet interior space. Fig Tree Failing to Fruit: E. C. A Fig tree planted against a south wall should bear fruit if the branches are properly thinned and the young growths pinched during the summer months. Your tree may have been allowed to make uninterrupted growth ever since it was planted, and this would account for its not bearing fruit. Fig trees should be pruned early in May, as soon as they begin to push into leaf. By pruning the trees at that season the wounds " bleed " very little, as the ex- panding leaves draw away the sap ; moreover, it can then be determined which of the shoots are best furnished with embryo fruits. These should be retained, cutting away many of the old shoots that are not required to furnish the wall or trellis. Allow a. space of 6 inches be- tween the branches, which should be trained in the shape of a fan, laying in one shoot of the current year's growth between these. Pinch out the points of any extra strong shoots when about 2 feet long and the weaker ones at 18 inches. Even at this late date a judicious removal of superfluous growths of the current year would prove beneficial in admitting light and air to ripen up the remaining shoots. A little root pruning some time in September would also be helpful. Simply dig out a trench at about 2 feet from the stem of the tree, cutting away all roots found outside the 2 feet space, and working out some of the soil from under the base of the tree, so as to cut clean away any extra strong roots that are growing downward. Replace the soil with the addition of a little lime rubble or old plaster. Thus treated, your Fig tree should bear fruit next year, and a full crop the follow- ing and succeeding years. Grapes : D. W. C. II. There is no disease pre- sent. The unfavourable appearance of the berries is the result of wrong cultural treat- ment. Hardy Herbaceous Perennials: J. E. (1) The following kinds of herbaceous perennials will flower before the end of June ; Aconitum Napel- lus and its varieties, Alstrcemeria aurantiaca, Anchusa italica, " Dropmore variety," Anthe- ricum Liliago, Aquilegias of various kinds, Baptisia australis, Campanula latifolia macrantha, C. latioloba, C. persicifolia and varieties, Centaurea montana, Coreopsis grandi- flora, Delphiniums in variety, Dictamnus albus, Eremurus robustus, Geum coccineum, Gypsophila paniculata, Hemerocallis flava, Iris laevigata, Lupinus polyphyllus, CEno- thera fruticosa, Pseonia albiflora, Poten- tilla atrosanguinea, Primula japonica, Sca- biosa caucasica, and Thermopsis montana. (2) The best time to root shoots of Romneya Coulteri is in spring. Select portions of the roots, cut them into lengths of 3 inches, and insert them in sandy loam, so that the top of the cutting is placed well below the surface of the soil. If warmth is afforded, it will be an advantage, but the cuttings will also form roots in a cold frame kept closed. Melon Diseased : Foreman. The trouble is due to Melon-rot, caused by Scolecotrichum me- lophthorum. When quite young, the fruit should be sprayed with liver of sulphur at the strength of 1 ounce in two gallons of water. The disease usually occurs on the leaves first, and later passes on to the fruit. No disease is present on the Carnation. Names of Fruits : S. M. Bramley's Seedling. — W. D. db S. Worcester Pearmain. — Carl Dahl, Sweden. Jargonelle, a well-known variety in this country. — Constant Header. Nectarine Elruge. Names of Plants: A. H., Cromer. 1, Rud- beckia laciniata fl. pi. ; 2, Lonicera Pericly- menum ; 3, Veronica spieata ; 4, Senecio coon- pactus ; 5, Solidago lanceolata. — F. J It. 1, Chrysanthemum lacustre ; 2, Sedum spectabile ; 3. Centranthus ruber ; 4, Helenium autumnale cupreum ; 5, Helianthus multiflorus fl. pi.; 6, Statice latifolia. — 7. D. H. 5, Helichrysum Stoechas.— R. C. Day. Fraxinu6 Ornus, the Manna Ash. — Shrubbery. 1, Gymnocladus canadensis ; 2, Cladrastis tinctoria ; 3, Calluna vulgaris fl. pi., the double-flow- ered Ling.— Old Subscriber. 1, not found; 2, Cytisus capitatus ; 3, Solidago virgaurea ; 4. Erica cinerea ; 5, Calluna vulgaris; 6, Linaria Cymbalaria. — A. T. 1, Cistus vil- losus ; 2, Hibiscus syriacus ; 3,' Clerodendron fotidum; 4, Verbascum phceniceum album. — 5. H. H. 1. Helianthus multiflorus maximus; 2. H. Soleil d'Or ; 3, H. multiflorus fl. pi. ; 4, H. multiflorus (type); 5. II. mollis; 6, Solidago virgaurea nana; 7, S. Shortii; 8. S. multiradi- ata ; 9, 10 and 11, varieties of Aster Novae Belgii ; 14, Sedum spectabile ; 15, Probably Saxifraga (Megasea) cordifolia. Send when in flower. — A. I'. Origanum sipyleum. — .-I. C. L. Ginkgo biloba ; Maidenhair Tree.— ^4Hn. Catt- leya Imperator (granulosa X labiata). — F. II. 1,' Cochlioda sanguinea ; 2, Odontoglossum Lindleyanum ; 3, Ada aurantiaca; 4, Oncidium pubes.— Foreman. 1, Polypodium vulgare ; 2, Adiantum Capillus veneris ; 3. Lastra?a rigida ; 4. Asplenium trichomanes; 5, A. viride. — G. M., Derby. 1, Solanum nigrum; 2, Poly- gonum cuspidatum ; 3, Hypericum Androsse- num ; 4, Rosa rugosa ; 5, Aster serotina ; 6, Pely- stichum angulare. — P. E. N. The Dendro- bium was not found. Nectarine Tree Unsatisfactory: A. B. The tree is perfectly healthy, and no fungus or in- sect injury is present on the fruit. The trou- ble is due to some error in culture. PvEONY flowered Dahlia : 7. G. The variety is pretty, but does not show any advance on those already in cultivation. Peaches Dropping: Constant Reader. Your system of culture appears to be correct. The only reason that we can suggest for the fruits dropping is that they were fully ripe as were those you sent us. If they dropped when quite hard, the trouble may be due to over-cropping. The variety received should have been ripe at least a week or two since, as fire-heat was pro- vided earlier in the season. Peach Sea Egle : J. IP. This variety is never first-class, even when well grown. As your specimen only weighed 2£ ounces, owing, possibly, to overcropping, or some other defect in the culture, wa are not surprised at the lack of flavour. Fruits of this variety should weigh from 12 ounces to 14 ounces. Plums and Nectarines Gumming: Dun. Gum- ming may be arrested by the application of common salt. This should be sprinkled on the soil under the trees at intervals, arranging so that 3 lbs. of salt is used during a year. Roses Dying : //. 1?. /. The stems are attacked by the Rose canker fungus — Coniothyrium Fuckelii. When the canker first appears in the form of a reddish-purple stain on the bark, it should be painted over with Stockholm tar, to which a trace of creosote is added. Tennis Lawn: G. G. With a view to leaving your flower border and Laurel hedge undis- turbed, as well as to economise labour, and, at the same time, preserve your Chestnut trees in a healthy condition, we should advise you to remove the necessary soil from the poi^ijtionj marked A and entrance side of tennis lawn on your sketch. Make the lawn nearly — if not quite — on a level with the low points (B, B, B, and the Chestnuts). The ground thus lowered may be made to slope in a straight longitudinal line inward, 18 inches from the surface of the flower border down to the newly-made horij zontal plane, more or less, according to the natural run of the undisturbed ground. This sloping bank at the side and ends of the tennis lawn would not only afford support to the somewhat elevated flower border, but would also give a finish to the whole work when com- pleted. The greensward entrance to the tennis lawn would be lowered for a distance of 10 feet or 12 feet in an outward curving direction, and about 6 feet wide, to correspond with the altered level of the tennis lawn, the soil slop- ing outward on either side to the natural level of the adjoining greensward. Cinders, coarse gravel, or brickbats broken into fairly small pieces and laid on evenly over the ground to the thickness of 4 or 5 inches would afford a good drainage. These materials should be covered with soil to the thickness of 9 or 10 inches, made firm and level, with a little fine soil on the top on which to relay the turves, that is if the grass is free from weeds. Other- wise, a good mixture of lawn grass seed should be sown evenly and fairly thickly, as soon as the ground is ready, say, the end of the present month, or early in October, scattering a little fine soil over the seed, raking it over with a fine rake, and afterwards rolling it, in order to compress the seed and soil, and, at the same time, produce a firm, even surface. If the seeds cannot be sown at the time indicated, let them be sown at about the end of February, or as early in March as the condition of the ground will permit of the work being done. If the old turves are good enough to relay, a mixture of fine soil and leaf-mould should be scattered over them, and brushed well about, so as to fill in the spaces between them and the newly-laid turves should be rolled frequently after rain, in order to produce a firm, even surface. The lawn should be ready for the tennis players next season. To raise the earth 4 feet high around the Chestnut trees would shorten their lives and mar their appearance in the near future. Should you find it necessary to raise the ground a foot or so at the spot marked B B B in your sketch plan, make a good, firm bank, sloping 2 or 3 feet in the direction of the plantation. This will be sufficient to resist any lateral pressure. Tomatos Failing to Colour : Taffy. The trou- ble is due to a lack of potash in the soil. Dress the ground with sulphate of potash. Transplanting Denouomecon eigidum : /■'. A J/i/dr. This plant is more difficult to trans- plant than Romneya, and it is not advisable to shift your specimen if the plant is of fairly large size. It would be better to take some cuttings and grow them on in a pot. CuttingS of young wood taken off with a heel or small piece of the old stem will rout in early sum- mer if placed in a close, warm frame. Vegetables for Northern Nigeria: J. II. E. Most of the quick maturing vegetables might possibly be grown in certain seasons. The fol- lowing might be sent for trial : — Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflowers, Peas, Parsnips. French Beans, Runner Beans, Spinach and Leeks. Curnmunications Received.— J. Mo. K.— R. B. L. 4 ' Sons -F. C. P.— T, H. - A. O. J.— A. S.— A Constant Reader — R. M., Sussei-H. W.— S. B. & Sons, Ltd.— J. A. J.- B. A. -Aria -W. S. H., Letohwovth -G. H. L. -Gardener W. Li. Ii.— J. W.— P. A. E.— A. H. D., Andorer -Foreman J. P., Biimingham-Kewite-H. J. E — R. W. & Co. — . Dr K. G. W. L.-S. A -J. J. W. -W. A. C.-R. P.- , T. II — W. W. P.— B G.— J. C. Nymans — Clitoris — F. Bouskell-Dr. J. B. F.-A. R. H. -R. P. B.-E. K. R. —An Old Reader -H. H.-A Reader -W. J.— W. B. H.— K. * Sons-T. S. W., Ltd.— Enquirer -E. W. & Sons- t A. A.-H. R-A. D. H.-R. J. B.-A. H.P.-A 0. L.- , ff. H.-A. W.-W. F. G.-F. M.-W. Supplement to the " Gardeners'tChronicle.' MlLTONIA. VEXIL.L.A.RIA, AS CULTIVATED BY SlR GEORGE HoLFORD- K.C.V.O. The variety "Snowflake" is shown above and "Virginale" below. Printed by Temple Press Ltd., London, E.C. Si.m«J!» 24, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 225 THE (fembtMXB €\)XOVLUlt No. 1,239.— SATUBDAY, September 24, 1910. CONTENTS. Alum on plants, effect of 235 Annuals ... 232 Bidens dahlioides ... 226 Books — Bulletin de la Soei£te Franchise d'Hcrt. de Londres ... 234 Carnat ons, perpetual- flowering, in northern districts 234 Carrots, methods af stor- ing 234 Chrysanthemum Alice M. Love, and the rust fungus 234 Colonial notes — FruUing of Oroxylum indicum and Roupel- lia grata 229 Grapes, colouring of ... 229 Holland House gardens 233 Japan-British Exhi i- tion, gardening at the 227 Nature, heauty in ... 234 Obituary — Bedford, Mrs 239 Georg ■, Mrs t30 Leicl tlin, Max ... 238 Milne, Thoujiis ... 239 Plants new or note- worthy— Catasetum tenebrosum 229 Mormodes Wolteriana 229 Pyrus coronaria fl. pi.... Rosary, the — Old and new varieties Rosa Wichuraiana ... Scent in Roses ' .. Societies — Horticultural Eduea- tion Association ... National c hrysanthe- mum 233. National Dahlia National Hardy Plant National Ro-^e National Vegetable... Royal Horticultural... (Scientific Committee) Woodstock Agric.and Hort. ... South-west, summer flowers in the Vegetable show at Man- chester Wasps, destruction of.. Weed-killer, gardener Voisoued by Week's work, the — Flower garden, the ... Fruits under ^lass ... Hardy fruit garden, the Kitchen gur feet across, but although 1 have been looking for flowers all the summer, not one ha- yet appeared. Another climber which has made exceptionally vigorous growth, but has not flowered, is Pueraria Thunbergiana. Its season's shoots now measure 21 feet, but there lias been no sign of a flower. A plant m a friend's garden at Ryde behaves in the same manner. However, Mr. Gauntlett, who was here the other day, informed me that he had a plant at his old nursery at Redruth which flowers profusely every year, so I hope- that mine will bear flowers another season. M.itraria coccinea was a splendid sight when covered with its scarlet, urn-shaped, drooping flowers. Here it is grown against a wall, but it also does well as a bush in the south-west. Being a native of the Island of Chiloe, which is said to be one of the wettest spots in the world, it requires an abundant supply of water during the spring and summer. Bowkeria Gerardiana. a fine specimen 7 feet 8 inches high and 7 feet through, stood the shift ex- cellently, and has never flowered better than it did this summer, when it was literally covered with its white, Calceolaria-like, flat- tened blossoms. It is a handsome-flowering shrub, but is not yet, I believe, in commer.e. the lare.e shrub of Buddleia Colvilei, 10 feet high, which bloomed profusely last summer, unfortunately died after the shift, and has been replaced by one of its own seedlings, but this Buddleia will not, apparently, flower until it is about 8 feet high, so some time must elapse before the seedling blooms. Another plant that was lost was a very fine example of Olearia nitida, 8 feet in height, and as much through. This has also been replaced, but it will be a long time before its successor attains similar dimensions. Lonicera Hilde- brandtiana, on a north-west wall, has been magnificent this year, and has borne quite 100 flower-clusters. The great blossoms, G inches long and 5 inches across at the mouth, are at first white, but ultimately change to rich orange, and they are deliciously scented. I at first thought, from what the late Rev. Henry Ewbank told me, that its position was too shady for it to flower, as it only gets th^ 22G THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 24, 1910. sun for three hours in the day. However, it could not be a greater success. Mandevilla suaveolens is trained round a first-floor verandah, and from there spreads over a wall, and evidently appreciates the heat of the stones, for on the wall it flowers abundantly, whilst it rarely produces blooms on the- verandah. Semele. androgyna, of which there is a fine plant with growths 18 feet in length, has set fruit this year for the first time. Taesonia mixta quitensis, put in as a plant 2 feet high last November, has made growths 15 feet long, but has not flowered, nor has Actinidia chinensis. The climbing Monkshood, Aconitum Hemsleyanum, grew 10 Beet high, and produced a quantity of purplj- blue blossoms on long, very slender, drooping stems. It is a pretty plant, and the flowers are valuable for indoor decoration. This season has been remarkable for the way in which a number of spring-flowering plants have bloomed a second time. Choisya ternata and Pittosporum Tobira are always autumn flowerers in the south-west, but this year other plants have followed their example. Euryops virgineus, which was a sheet of flower in March, is now again thickly set with bios si m. Abelia floribunda, which was covered with bloom in the spring, came into flower again in August, and a large plant of Lathy- rus puhescens, which bloomed abundantly in May, produced several flower-spikes in August and September. Wyndham l'it-.herbeit. FlG. 89. — BIDENS DAHLIOIDLS, WHITE VARIETY, FROM SPECIMENS SUPPLIED BY MR, W. E. GUMBLETON. BIDENS DAHLIOIDES. The genus Bidens is a very extensive one, and members of it are found in most parts of the world, but rich as it is in number of species, few of these are decorative garden plants. The genus is represented in the British flora li\ !!. cernua and B. tripartita, two weedy- looking species. An exception to the general character of this genus is the plant shown in the illustration at fig. 89, prepared from specimens which flowered in Mr. W. E. Gumbleton's gar- den ' at Belgrove, Co. Cork. In botanical characters Bidens is closely allied to Cosmos and Dahlia. It differs from Cosmos chiefly in not having any beaks in the achenes, otherwise they are very similar in habit and flowers. B. dahlio- ides has large, showy flowers ; it grows about 2 feet high, and has pinnate leaves com- posed of 3 to 7 leaflets, and solitary flower heads produced on long peduncles. The flowers vary in colour from rose-purple to white, and are about 3 inches in diameter, the ray florets being § of an inch wide. In habit the plant is very similar to the well-known Cosmos diversi- folius, with the same Dahlia-like tubers produced from the base of the stem. In Cosmos, however, the ray florets are incised at the apex, while those of the Bidens are entire. B. dahlioidefl is a native of Mexico, and was found by Seieno Watson on the grassy slopes of Flor de .Maria, growing at an elevation of 8,300 feet. Watson de- scribes it as a new species in 1891 in the I'm- ce< dings of the American Academy, xxvi., p. 142. Mr. Gumbleton received seeds from Mr. Purpusa, whilst Kew received some from Darmstadt Botanic Garden this spring. They were raised in heat and planted out as soon as tiny were large enough, commencing to flower in August, nnd being still in bloom. The plant is perennial, birl will have to be stored in winter like a Dahlia, except in favourable situations. The variety figured had pure white flowers, but this form is very rare, for Mr. Gumbleton states thai onU 25 out of 500 seedlings had white II iwers. The others were all shades of pink, purple, and rose. Mr. Gumbleton's plants have yielded mature seeds. If*. T. '■ September 24, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 127 GARDENING AT THE JAPAN-BRITISH EXHIBITION. The Japan-British Exhibition at Shepherd's Bush, which is now drawing to a close, has been more than usually interesting to gardeners. The two gardens designed by Mr. H. Isawa. a celebrated Japanese landscape gardener, have been referred to on a previous occasion, when the details of their construction were described (see Gard. Chron., April 16, p. 243). Whilst these gardens have attracted great attention, gar- deners have found further features of interest in the display of Japanese plants, stone lanterns, and other ornaments characteristic of Japanese gardens, contributed by the Yokohama Nursery Co., the models of Japanese tea-gardens, the pigmy trees, and the general flower-gardening in the grounds of the exhibition, to which several nurserv (inns have contributed. The smaller Most of the plants employed at Shepherd's Bush were imported direct from Japan, and many of them suffered from the effects cf drought in transit ; so much that they never recovered. There are to be seen large Conifers and some big Wistarias quite dead, and these mar the effect. Another fault is the employment of too many common shrubs, such as Privet and Aucuba. The plants which appear most at home are the beautiful Sciadopitys verticillata and. around the edge of the water. Juniper us chinensis procumbens. Other Sub- jects that have grown fairly well are Maples. Thuja obtusa, Azaleas, Cyca's revoluta, 15am- busa. Cupressus Lawsoniana, Nandina domes- tica, Lagerslromia indica. P*onia Mnutan. Les pedeza tricolor (a common, autumn-flowering shrub in Japan, where it is known as Hagi), and Liliums, including L. specio- sum, L. auratum, and L. tigrinum. The struc- them vary from 25 to 300 years. The plant that lends itself best to this system of training is Thuja obtusa, of which there is a very remark- able specimen in the " Garden of Peace." The plant illustrated in fig. 95. shown by the Yokohama Nursery Co., was awarded a silver cup offered by the Royal Horticultural Society for the finest example in the exhibition. A re preventative of the firm furnished us with the following details of the treatment of these plants : — ".During spring and summer it is preferable to keep them in a sunny, airy situation, where the wind passes freely through the branches. The soil should be kept moist, but not too wet. During the winter the trees should be placed in a cold greenhouse or unheated orangery, and the ci its should be watered sparingly. Repot- ting is >.-ii\ once in two or three years, and the operation should be carried out in May. [Pho'Agr,- fh by John Gtegory. Fig. go. — "garden of peace" in the japan-british exhibition. of Mr. Isawa'e gardens, known as " The Garden of Peace." is illustrated in fig. 90; the other, termed " The Floating Garden," in fig. 91. In judging these gardens it should be remembered that, in exhibits of a .temporary character, it is difficult to prevent the appearance of artifici- ality. It is an easy task to build and plant, but the great factor in landscape formation is time. With age. the plants appear to adapt themselves to their places; rocks and stones get ■weather worn, and streams become overhung with trees and margined with flowers. The visi- tor, therefore, who expects to see a veritable Japanese garden, bodily transported, as it were, from some corner of Japan, is disappointed. The gardens have, no doubt, served to supply many a useful hint to those who contemplate the formation of a "Japanese" garden in this country. ture scene in fig. 90 is a modern. Japanese dwelling-house. The hog-backed bridge is a characteristic feature in Japanese scenery, and the garden contains many stone lanterns and pagodas, quaint arches, reed-covered sum- mer-houses, lattice-work fencing in bamboo, per- golas covered with Wistarias, and other features generally associated with gardens in Japan. In fig. 92 is illustrated a collection of pigmy trees exhibited by the Yokohama Nursery Co. This firm exhibited 2,000 plants, the principal sub- jects being Thuja obtusa. Pinus pentaphylla, P. massoniana. Larix leptolepis, Juniperus procum- bens, J. rigida, Tsuga Sieboldii, Cryptomeria japonica, Acers, Quercus dentata. Styrax japonica, Lagerstriimia indica. Punica Granatum (Pomegranate). Cerasus. Wktaria, Crataegus euneata, Zelkowa Keakii, Euonymus alatus, Hedera and Bambusa. The ages of some of Lift the tree out of the pot, remove about one- third of the old soil, and replace it in the same pot, supplying rich, fresh soil. To maintain the dwarfness of the tree pinch back the young growths in spring and summer." Some branched Cycads were brought to our notice. They are found growing deep in the soil, the branches being formed underground. These plants are rare and they are valued at from £10 to £20 each. This Yokohama firm exhibits a fine collection of stone lanterns (see fig. 96) fashioned like those of a bygone age, the originals being now very scarce and eagerly sought after in Japan. They are made of granite, and were formerly lighted with oil lamp-. Miniature gardens, such as is illustrated in fig. 94, are another speciality of this firm. The model now reproduced is shown by the 228 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 24, 1910. City of Tokyo, and occupies only a few square feet on a table. It represents a tea-gar- den with streams of water and buildings. The tiny trees range in age from 130 to 150 years, and they include Pinus pentaphylla, Juniperus litoralis, J. chinensis var. Byaku-shin, Acer picturu var. Takiwa Kaede, A. palmatum var. Tama-moiniji, Bambusa " Hakone-Kanchiku." Zclkowa acuminata, Cryptomeria japonica, Buxus eempervirens var. microphylla, and Cryptomeria japonica var. Birodo-sugi. The stones were ob- tained from various parts of Japan. There is a companion model representing a palace garden with shrine and bridge, the whole modelled after the fashion of Japanese gardens in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. To-day (Satjrday) is Japan's national holiday, and the gardens and lagoons will be brightly de- corated. . THE ROSARY. OLD AND NEW VARIETIES. A friend made the remark recently that the new Roses had not the scent of the older varieties ; and another expressed the opinion that there were no great improvements in the flowers themselves. The Gallica, Damask, Bourbon, and Provence varieties still appealed to them most, while only a few of the older varieties from other sections raised their enthusiasm, Gloire de Dijon, General Jacqueminot, La France, Marechal Niel, and about a score of other old favourites being approved. They were aged people mainly, and no doubt many old remem- brances crowded upon their minds when seeing the class of Roses described. If we examine some of the old Roses and com- or class of Rose is considered, there has been a vast improvement, and there seems every proba- bility of this advance continuing. One has to search the country to find any quantity of nur- sery-grown " Old Damask." But. in freedom cf i flowering, hardiness, size and form, adaptability for special purposes, and, above all, the beauti- ful and varied combinations of colour, the Roses of a generation ago cannot be compared to the newer ones. A. P. ROSA WICHURAIANA. Although Rosa Wichuraiana is largely em- i ployed on pergolas and other exposed structures, from the experience of a number of years I have learned that it is a mistake to plant this Rose in a draughty situation or in one where it is much exposed to strong winds. I grow a number of plants in different positions, and they succeed Fig. gi. — "the floating garden" at the japan-british exhibition. (See p. 227.) {Photograph by John Gregory. PYRUS GORONARIA FL. PL. Tun double variety of this species is worthy of a place among the best of the Py ruses remark able for the beauty of their blossoms, as it pos- sesses several desirable features. The typical Pyrus coronaria is a native of a consider- able district in the United States, but it is most plentiful in Pennsylvania and Virginia. It there takes the place of our native Crab, from which it differs in several well-raajked particulars. Among other distinctions are the partially-lobed leaves, the fact that it flowers very late, and the pleas- ing violet-like fragrance of the pink-tinged bios- Boms. The variety flore plena has bold, semi- double flowers about 1^ inch in diameter, but in •other respects they are the same as those of the type. While some forms of Pyrus, such as the Japanese P. fioribunda, are planted exten- sively, the merits of P. coronaria are often overlooked. II'. pare their scent with modern varieties, it will be found that the newer ones are equally as fra- grant. True there is something delightfully sweet in a flower of Tuscany, Gloire de Dijon: La France, or General Jacqueminot ; but many prefer the perfume of Viscountess Folkestone, Beryl, Mine. Ravary, Mme. Abel Chatenay, and scores of other new Roses that will readily occur to any Rose lover. With regard to the statement that there is no improvement in the blooms themselves, I think it was at the Crystal Talace, in 1894. that the late Lord Penzance put up several boxes of these old Roses. I was greatly interested in them, and must confess to lingering a greater while before them than at any other exhibit. My chief in- terest was in verifying the names of some I was uncertain about, and also because they were the ancestors of the glorious Roses in other parts of the show. I contend that it matters little which section best in the most sheltered place, where the plants produce long sprays of pliant branches covered with leaves of the glossiest and brightest green and deliciously fragrant flowers. In another place, a specimen is exposed to strong winds. This plant grows slowly, makes short and stunted branches, while the flowers are often imperfect and lack the beauty and some of the fragrance of those growing in more congenial conditions. In the other parts of my garden the same results can be seen in a lesser degree, according to the amount of exposure. The hybrids do not appear to be so tender; I have some of these in fully- exposed situations, and they are una.ffeet'd. The hybrid which suffers most in this respect is Dorothy Perkins, but it is not quite so susceptible to the effects of the draughts as the typical Rosa Wichuraiana. A few notes on the subject of wind and draught-resisting Roses from the pen of an experienced rosariaii would be extremely valuable. ■S'. A. September 24, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 229 FRUIT REGISTER. COLOURING OF GRAPES. There are several causes for lack of colour »ti Grapes. Very heavy cropping may be respon- sible, and in this respect it is to be observed that what may prove an overcrop on one set of vines might be carried without injury by another set; again, much depends on the soil, locality, form of vinery, and present and previous treat- ment of the vines. A cause of weakness may sometimes be traced to insufficient foliage in com-" parison with the weight of fruit, or foliage which is comparatively thin or injured by insects. Foliage pressing against the glass and thereby subject to sudden and wide variations of tempera- ture ; insufficient ventilation from the stoning period onwards and excessively high tempera- tures are all against the well-being of the vines. In some instances the borders are made too deep, so that the soil and many of the roots are in- sufficiently aerated ; or the borders contain too much nitrogenous material when first made (I have known this to be the case when no farm- yard or other manure has been used, but the turf from old pasture land, rich in fibre and used while quite fresh). Yet another cause of the berries not colouring properly is too much damp- ing both of the foliage and the surface of the soil. The foliage, when saturated for long periods together, does not transpire properly, whilst the surface of the soil becomes pasty or perhaps slimy, and incapable of admitting suffi- cient air to the roots. Heavy mulchings of manure, especially of cow manure, also prevents both air and warmth reaching the roots. All these, and some other reasons, including too much light, may be given for the deficient colouring of black Grapes, but there are cases where, though none of these faults can be dis- covered, the colouring is defective. Having had the superintendence of several vineries for different people, my experience is considerable. In most cases, where the roots are not out of reach (they may be found sometimes to have deserted the prepared border and to have travelled 40 feet or more away), there has been an improvement in colour after a year or two of my taking charge of the vinery. Accompanied by this improvement in colour, I find that there is a difference in the tkin of the fruit. The red berries (not shanked, but perfect- looking ones, except in colour) have thin skins, which melt in the mouth ; partially black berries have skins somewhat thicker, while the jet- black fruits have comparatively thick and tough skins. Allowance must be made for the different varieties. The skins of Gros Colman, West's St. Peter's, and Gros Guillaume (Barbaro6sa) are never thick or tough, but the blacker these Grapes are the thicker are the skins. Then as to flavour, the red ones may be perfectly sweet and melting, but there is an absence of that peculiar, refresh- ing, vinous flavour found in a perfect berry of Black Hamburgh six weeks after it has begun to colour. What can be the reason of the differences men- tioned when none of the cultural faults alluded to can be detected? There are many people who have not a palate sufficiently perfect to detect slight peculiarities of flavour. They will declare that a fruit which is sweet and juicy is deliciously flavoured when it is merely so much sugar and water. No fruit ever has its proper flavour unless it has its proper colour, and no black variety of Grape was ever perfect unless its colouring preceded its ripening. Black Grapes, supposing cultural details to be correct, colour best, as far as the southern and western counties are con- cerned, in cold houses. Even this season, I can instance Black Hamburghs which were perfectly black on August 9, and perfectly ripe on August 23, where no artificial heat was employed. But what I desire to know is, whether a com- paratively thin skin on what should be black Grapes is a general accompaniment of want of colou". There are some varieties, mostly inferior in quality, which develop colour under conditions which are not altogether the best. Such are Black Alicante, Gros Maroc, and Alnwick Seed- ling. But this is not the case with Madresfield Court or Black Hamburgh. Wm. Taylor, Bath. COLONIAL NOTES. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. MORMODES WOLTERIANA AND CATA- SETUM TENEBROSUM. These are two new species of the group of Orchids, called appropriately by Reichenbach by the name Eborilingues or ivory -lipped Orchids, from PerUvia, which have flowered with Mr. 1'. Wolter, Magdeburg, the introducer. In habit of growth neither species has any particular features to distinguish it. but the flowers of one of the species are different from all the allied species, whilst those of the other are amongst the most striking flowers in the vast family of Orchids. Mormodes Wolteriana* resembles, at first sight, the well-known and rather polymorphous Mormodes buccinator, but differs therefrom in that, firstly, the lip is three lobed like that of M. pardina, quite a different species, and, secondly, the lip of the lower flower of the spike is nearly twice as large as in the upper Bowel The colour is somewhat similar ti> that of M. buccinator var. aurantiaca : the lip is hairy inside, and pints of the column are also hairy. The sepals and petals are spreading and more in the way of M. buccinator, not curved inwards like those of M. pardina. Tin- inflon scene boi six flow ers. The flowers of) atasetum tenebrosunvt, as I have called it. seem, at first sight, black with a greenish-yellow lip. Neither in Coelogyne pari- durata and its allies, nor in any other Orchid is the colour so nearly black. As seen through a lens, it is very deep purple-brown. The sepals and petals are nearly of the same size; th.y are oblong, shortly pointed, and slightly hollowed Each is about 1 inch long, and a little more than 5 inch broad. The triangular lip also is flat, with a cordate base just below the column, and a little above the blunt apex there are two email callosities; the disc is slightly hollowed, and the border minutely denticulate. A very striking character of botanical value is the shortness of the two bristles of the column, scarcely exceed- ing one line in length, and so converging that they seem coherent at the ends. The plant is polliniferous, and the polliniaare thrown from the anther-bed at the slightest touch of the bristles. Fr. Kranzlin. * Mormodes Wolteriana, Kranzl, n. sp. — Racemus ad 10-florus, 12 cm. longus, rliachis viridis, bracteae parva?, triangulae, tenerae, fere 1 cm. longa? ; pedicelli ovariaque virides, ad 4 cm. longi, ovaria 6 sulcata. Sepala petalaque paululum tongiora, ovato-lanceolata, acuminata, margine revoluta, 3-3 v. 3 5 cm. longa, sepala basi 1 cm., petala s tnm. lata, omnia unicoloria aurantiaco-brunnea, extus pallidiora. labellum toto ambitu e basi cuneata v. brevi unguiculata rhoinbeum, sub anthesi involutum, trilobum, lobi laterales quani intermedins breviores, trianguli, acuti, v. intermedius acuminatus, discus medio obtuse carinatus, sparsissime pilosus ; labellum riorum inferiorum (6) ad 3 cm. longum, inter lobos laterales 2 cm. latum, satis ftrmum eodem colore quo sepala petalaque, illud riorum superiorum VS cm. longum, vix 15 cm. latum, vitellinum, magis curvatum, multoque tenerius, gynostemium plerumque sinistrorsum curvatum, dense velutinum. Floresinodori. Peruvia. — Imp. P. Wolter, Magdeburg. Fr. Kranzlin. t Catasetum tenebrosuw, Kranzl., n. sp.— Racemus strictus pauciflorus (in specimine meo 6-florus). Rhachis viridis, sordide purpurea, bracteae parvae, ovatae, acuta?, virides, 1 cm. longae, cvaria cum pedicellis multo longiora, 2. 5-3 cm, longa, a'to-purpurea. Flores ringentes, paten- tissimi, sepala latissime oblonga, acuta, concava. Petala elliptica paulum angustiora, plana, apice subieflexa, omnia 2-5 cm. longa, 1-5 cm. lata, petala 1'2 cm. lata, adeo fusca, quod primo aspectu atraap^areant. Labellum planum, toto ambitu cordatum, viride, apice crasso carnoso, obtusissimo calloso, basi callo transverso piano atroque callo lnteo instructum, margine praesertim basin versus minute denli* culatum, 2 cm. longum & basin versus 2 2 cm. latum, discus labellimedio leviter excavatus. Cirrhrgynostenni perbreves, filiformes, antice convergentes, ut sese tangant (eM enim planta pollinifera). Flores 4 ad 4 5 cm. diam. Floret in Europa aestate. Peruvia— Imp. P. Wolter, Magdeburg. Fr. Kranzlin. FRUITING OF OROXYLUM INDICUM. During a hurried visit to Trinidad in the last week of December, 1909, in the Queen's Park ("The Savannah"), I was attracted to a tree of Oroxy'um indicum — small and puny in stature. and know.i to me for the past two decades — by the quantity of big, pod-like fruits it bore, in number and size quite out of proportion to that of the tree itself. I counted 36 fruits, but this did not include the entire crop. The tree was in a leafless state, and exposed to sunshine and high winds. FRUITING OF ROUPELLIA GRATA. A plant of this West Tropical African species was in full flower at the Tobago Botanic Station last December. When in Trinidad, at the end of the same month, I noticed objects resembling a large pair of bull's horns, attached to a climbing plant trained to an exposed fence at the St. Clair Experiment Station, and, upon closer inspection, I found it to be the fruits of this Roupellia. For the past 22 years I have been accustomed to see n Bower each year in Grenada and Trinidad, but this is the first lime I have noticed it in fruit. II'. /:'. Broadway. The Week's Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By B. Goodacre, Gardener to Sir Ernest Cassei., G.C.B., Moulton Paddocks, Newmarket. Orchard House.— Plum trees in pots carrying late crops of ripening fruit require very careful attention. Lic|uid manure may be dispi n i d with, and in its place apj I is of clear water may be given as often as n cessary. A fairlj dry, buoyant atmosphere should be maintained, using a little fiiv heat during cool, damp weather, to hi-, tin- air to circulate. Allow each tree plenty ol space and full exposure to the sunshine. As the fruit approaches maturity the supply of water to the ri ots ma \ be lessened, giving merely suffi- cient to maintain the tree in, a" healthy condition. Fig trees in pots. — Trees now yielding ripe fruits require a fairly high temperature in order to induce them to provide a moderate supply until the end of October. Maintain a tempera- ture of 60° to 65° at night, with a proportionate increase during the day. Keep the roots well supplied with moisture, applying liquid manure alternately with clear water* Syringe the trees on fine days only, at other times' a moist atmos- phere must be maintained by damping the paths, and walls several times each day. Admit air early in the day when the weather is favourable, closing the house with a little sun heat on bright days. Endeavour to change the air inside the house every day. On dull, cold days the top ven- tilators may be opened slightly for about one hour during the middle of the day, using a little extra fire heat, if this is necessary, to maintain the requisite heat. Pinch the young growths to two or three leaves in order to encourage the fruits to swell Insect pests are most likely to put in an appearance during dull, cold weather when considerable fire heat is employed. The most effective remedy is sponging with warm soapy water. Trees from which the fruit has been gathered need to be hardened off carefully before placing them out of doors, otherwise the sudden change in temperature may injure them. Fig trees in borders. — Trees which have pro- duced a second crop may now be fully exposed to the weather. Old-established trees will still derive some benefit from liquid manure, which will tend to strengthen the young wood for fruit- ing next season. If the growth is at all crowded, it will be advisable to thin out any shoots which will not be required for fruiting next season. Early Fig house. — The wood being now fairly well matured, any necessary treatment the roots may require may be taken in hand at once, so that the border will become settled again before forcing takes place. Young trees or those which are inclined to make rank growth may be lifted and root-pruned, adding a good dressing of lime rubble to the soil during the process of replant- ing. 230 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 24, 1910. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By E. Beckett, Gardener to (he Hon. Vicary Giubs, Aldenhani House, Hertfordshire. Border Carnations. — The shoots of border Carnations, which were layered as advised in a previous Calendar, should now be well rooted, and ready for removal from the parent plants. They may either be putted up or planted in the permanent positions they will occupy next season. The former method is to be recom- mended in districts where the soil is of a wet, cold nature, and where a cold frame from which wet can be excluded is available. Pots 3 inches in diameter are the most suitable, and the com- post should consist of good loam, with a little leaf mould and a sprinkling of finely-sifted old mortar rubble. Sever the newly-rooted plants with a sharp knife and lift them with a hand fork, taking care not to damage the roots more than can be helped. Pot them firmly in clean, well-drained pots, place the pots closely together, tances of 15 inches, allowing 18 inches between the rows. Place a layer of finely-sifted cinder ashes round each plant, and lightly dust them with soot in showery weather as a p'reventive of slugs. G< neral work. — At this time of the year every effort is needed to preserve the flower garden in a tidy condition. With the first touch of frost much clearing must be done. Where it is cus- tomary to grow such bulbs as Tulips and Narcissus in open breaks in the garden, the ground should be got in readiness for plant- ing within the next few weeks. Dig the ground thoroughly well and work in a dressing of farm- yard manure, allowing the surface to remain rough until a favourable opportunity presents itself for preparing a fine tilth. If planted in drills in this manner, the various sections and varieties of Tulips make a fine biaze of colour, and they supply blooms for cutting. Where Agaves, Bays, and other plants of a tender handsome, flowering shrub, and one which has a somewhat exotic appearance, although it is hardy. The Lespedezas are elegant late-flower- ing shrubs, with their clusters^ of Pea-shaped flowers. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By John Donoghce, Gardener to Joseph Pickersgill, Esq., Bardon Hill, Weetwood, Yorkshire. Chrysanthemum. — Those Chrysanthemum plants which are cultivated for providing blooms for exhibition purposes should be removed into light, well-ventilated structures, it being unwise to allow them to remain out-of-doors any longer. The houses should be thoroughly cleansed, and, in cases where this is practicable, a coal-ash base should be provided for the pots, this being a good preventive of damping in the florets. Let the plants be examined thoroughly, syring- ing them with a mild insecticide, and washing [Photograph by John Gregosy, IMG. 92.— PIGMY TREES SHOWN BY THE YOKOHAMA NURSERY COMPANY AT THE JAPAN-BRITISH EXHIBITION. (See p. 228.) and apply a good watering by means of a can with a fine rose. Keep the plants close for a time, and spray them lightly in favourable weather. When they have recovered from the shift, air must be admitted, and the lights may be removed in good weather. The plants should be examined occasionally, carefully re- moving any yellow foliage, and raking oveV the base of finely-sifted cinder ashes to keep the frame swee* Where it is intended to plan! them out at this season, the ground should be ting well and a liberal quantity of decaved farmyard manure applied, and, if the natural soil is deficient in lime, some old mortar rubble may be forked in rather deeply. Choose a favourable time for the work, and make the ground firm before planting. Put the plants in lines at dis nature are employed on the terrace walks, and other positions, these must be removed to their winter quarters, and on the first suitable occasion be given a good sponging with an effective in- secticide. The present season has been unfavour- able for the flowering of such plants as Datura. Hydrangea, Plumbago, Gerbera, and many others that may be plunged during the summer months in various positions, and be relied upon to flower well in good seasons. Continue to spray the foliage of any plants that may be affected with mildew. Shrvbs In flower. — At this season of the year few shrubs make a finer eff ct than Hydn paniculata, therefore it is especially useful for massing in huge beds in the woodland or wild garden. Clerodendron trichotomum is another the pots before removing them to the houses. Arrange the plants so that the flowers will be near to the glass, and allow every specimen suf- ficient room to prevent overcrowding. They will need to lie examined every morning for the pur- pose of watering only those which are dry, and measures should be taken to get the stages and floors dry again before evening. When the florets begin to show colour, extra care will be nei ded to prevent draughts of cold air, whilst, at the same time, employing ventilation to keep the house in a sweet condition. Greater trouble in regard to damping is always experienced witi plants which have been fed excessively with manures, especially if the feeding has yen continued in the 'later stages of bud-develop ment. Each bud should be securelv tied to a September 24, 1910.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 251 stake, which should be just long enough to reach to the underside of the bud. In the rase of in- curved varieties, it occasionally happens that the flowers appear overcrowded with florets, and it is beneficial to remove a few short florets from the centre of such flowers ; but this is a deli- cate operation, and it can only be carried out properly by a man who has considerable ex- penence. A little warmth in the water pipes is useful during damp and foggy weather. Occa- sional fumigations with a Nicotine compound should be practised, remembering that if aphides once get amongst the florets in the blooms it will be very difficult to eradicate them. Decorative Chrysanthemums. — Plants which are cultivated for decorative purposes, or for supplying the market with cut blooms, will be the better for remaining out-of-doors as Ion.; as the weather continues favourable. In order to preserve them against damage by winds, each shoot must be secured to a stake. The roots may be given occasional top-dressings with a chemical fertiliser. For most purposes of de- coration. Chrysanthemums are more effective in natural sprays, but if the blooms are wanted of larger size, disbudding must be practised as soon as the buds are large enough, leaving the best bud at the top of each shoot. Single varieties are specially effective in natural sprays, and their beauty is marred by thinning Lachenalia. — The bulbs of Lachenalias are now fully matured, and they may be repotted as circumstances permit. Lachenalias are especially adapted for cultivation in baskets, and they afford charming displays of yellow and orange colours, if the bulbs are planted at distances of 2 inches throughout the baskets. Another way of cultivating them is to put about half-a- dozen bulbs into a 5-inch pot, or shallow pans, measuring from 6 to 8 inches across, will accom- modate a do/.en bulbs each. Narcissi. — These bulbs, being now procurable, may be potted or placed into shallow boxes. Certain varieties are very suitable for early fori Log, including Telamoiiius plenus, Emperor, lb isfieldii, and Golden Spur. Among the newer varieties, Glopy of Leydcn is one of the best. Like most bulbs intended for indoor cul- ture, they should be plunged into sand or coal ashes until the bulbs form a number of roots. We usually plunge them on the space occupied during the summer months with Chrysanthe- mums. This position is exposed to severe frost, which is a benefit to bulbs that have to be forced. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By W, H. White, Orchid Grower to Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., Burford, Surrey. Cattleya, I'll Imu. <{r. — Plants of Cattleya Triana?, C. Mendelii. C. Waiueri, C. labiata, C. Howringiana, C. Harrisoniu., ('. Loddigesii. also many late autumn and winter-flowering hybrids, having finished growing, will now need but little water at the root. The object of the grower should be to do all that is possible to induce these new growths to mature, and this may be done best by placing such plants at one end of the house, so that they may not be damped nearly so much between the pots as during the growing season, nor the blinds drawn over them, where there is stippling on the roof-glass. Where this .stippling has been put on rather thickly, and has worn off but little, a good plan is to take a soft hand-brush and draw it very lightly over the glass, when it is quite dry, so as to leave on just sufficient only to soften the bright rays of direct sunshine. Afterwards see tli 1 1 all the dust is cleaned out of the roof gutters. It frequently happens at this time of the year in houses that are situated in low and enclosed positions, and which are insufficiently venti- lated, that the thin, papery sheaths encircling the new pseudo-bulbs become almost trans- parent, and appear to have moisture behind them ; this has often been the means of causing die bulb to decay. When this is first seen, it is advisable to keep the plants extra dry at the root for a few days, and also to see that the at- mospheric moisture is lessened ; but if under such treatment these damp-looking bracts or sheaths do not dry quickly, it is advisable to slit the sheath from top to bottom, and so let the moisture escape. If, on opening the sheath, it is found that the pseudo-bulb has already com- menced to turn black, the affected part* should be cut off. or the whole plant may be affected ; hut if only a small part of the bulb is diseased, the decayed portion should be carefully removed with a. sharp knife, and. by filling the cavitj with dry, slacked lime, further injury may often be prevented. Such plants as C. Mossiaj, C. crispa, C. Lawrenceana. C. lobata, Ladia pur- purata, and L. tenebrosa, that are now making their new growths should be kept supplied with water at the root. Owing t,i the increased ven- tilation in fine weather, and the additional light through the roof-glass, the plants will appear to dry quickly, but they must not be watered again till the whole of the compost has become properly dry. The new pseudo-bulbs of plants of Ladia elegans that have finished flowering are apt to decay if there is too much water at the root, and too little sunlight and ventilation. This fine old species will soon produce roots from the flowering growths. Any repotting may be attended to before these appear. Pleione. — Suspended from the roof in a light position are the Pleiones, and such species as P. maeulata, P. lagenaria, P. Wallichii, and P. precox have nearly completed their pseudo- bulbs. They should be well exposed to the light, and as soon as the leaves commence to turn yellow the supply of water must be lessened, the soil being kept just moist, so as to encourage the flowering growths. Immedi- ately the foliage has fallen off the flower-buds will appear, and as the flowers commence to open, the compost should be kept comparatively dry, otherwise the delicate blooms soon lose their colour, become spotted, and damp off. These Orchids are very pretty for room decora- tion, and last longer there than when left in the moist Orchid houses ; the drier air or deficient light does not affect them. The short rest in the dwelling-house is generally beneficial Butterfly Orchids.— -The butterfly Orchids, Oncidium Papilio and 0. P. Krainerianum, when grown in a light, airy position with the Cattle- \as. thrive very well, and, if planted in shallow pans, suspended well up to tin roof-glass, and with a thin layer of Osnuinda fibre to roof in they make good bulbs and strong flowering stems. From the time these plants start into growth and till the Rower-spikes arc cut they need abundance of wat-r at the root, but, while at rest, ven little will suffice to keep them plump. At the present time these species are in bloom, and flic flower stems will continue to produce flowers for a long period. As each flower fades, another bud takes its place: but. for the future welfare of tin- plant, it is advis- able to remove the spikes after they have pro- duced four or five flowers. Chysis. — C. aurea, ('. bractescens, C. Lim- minghii, C. Chelsonii, C. Sedenii, and C. lfflvis should be suspended at the warmer end of the Cattleya house, or in the warmer division or plant stove, 60 as to enable the growths to finish quickly, and until these are completed and the leaves commence to change colour the plants will require plenty of root-moisture. When well matured, they should be placed with the Dendrobiums in the resting In use ; they will need but very little water during winter. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By A. R. Searle, Gardener to the Marquis of North- ampton, Castle Ashby, Northamptonshire. Bool-pruning. — The time will soon arrive when this operation should be carried out, there- fore, in gardens where root-pruning or lifting of tiers has been decided upon, the necessary soil should be got in veadiness. In most cases, a good loam is required in the largest quantity, but the operator must take into consideration the nature ol the soil he has to deal with in order that he may supply anything that may be deficient. It may be necessary to add lime rubble, wood ashes, burnt soil, or other materials, but what- ever is required, it should be got ready before the operation is commenced, so that it may pro- ceed without any check. Root-pruning is prac- tised for the purpose of restricting a tree's growth and thus increasing its fruitfulness. In the case of young trees, it is better to lift them entirely and replace the roots near to the sur- face. It is the larger trees which are consist- ently unproductive that should be root-pruned. When it is desired to lift a tree, commence by taking out a trench 2i- feet to 3 feet deep, at a reasonable distance from the stem, which may vary from 2 feet to 3 feet, according to the size of the trees. Should the old soil be unsuitable, remove as much of it as possible, and supply in its place good loam, laying out the roots care- fully and evenly, and removing damaged roots by making clean cuts with a sharp knife. Make the soil quite firm by treacling it as the work proceeds. In the root-pruning of large trees, a trench should be taken out at a suitable distance from the stem, and about 3 feet to 4 feet di ep. carefully forking out the soil from under the )". Is. severing all those roots which are growing in a downward direction, and shortening all long, straggling roots. Where very large trees need root-pruning, it is better to prune half the roots one year and the remainder the next season. This will not cause such a severe check to the trees as it would if done all at one time. All fibrous roots should be preserved carefully and brought as near to the surface as possible. Tread the soil firmly, and finish off the work neatly. When the operation i6 completed, apply a copious watering to the roots to settle the soil, and syringe the trees regularly until the leaves fall. 'Both the lifting and loot-pruning of trees may be commenced in October, or even earlier, provided the trees are not bearing fruits. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Kitchen Garden Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Herbs for winter. — If a supply of green herbs is required in the winter, the best way is to set apart for them a portion of a pit where fire heat can be applied during cold weather. The .Mint which was cut down a month ago, in preparation for forcing, should now be taken up very care- fully, shaking all the soil from the roots. The roots should then be placed in a layer of fine soil over a very mild hot-bed of leaves. When the roots are in position the whole may be covered to the depth of 2 inches with finely-sifted leaf mould, which should be washed well among the roots with clear wafer applied at a temperature of 70°. Young shoots will soon begin to push forth, when sufficient air should be given to keep them from becoming drawn. The best roots for forcing are those pro- duced from cuttings each year, being stronger than older plants. Chives may be grown in the same pit ; on a gentle hotbed they will soon make fresh growth and continue to do so for some time, but further batches of roots may be placed in the bed as required throughout the winter. Tarragon should be cut over, and placed in the pit without delay. This herb forces easily, and a supply may bt hid through the winter by placing a few clumps in moderate heat from time to time. Sweet Basil requires rather more heat, and should be growii in pots placed on a shelf near the glass in an atmospheric temperature of 65°. The soil for Sweet Basil should be composed of loam and peat in equal quantities, adding a sprinkling of rough sand. Sweet Marjoram may be kept in a cold frame until the approach of frost, but must then be moved to a pit in which a temperature of 40° can be maintained ; air should be admitted freely. Chervil may be sown at the foot of a south wall in order to furnish green leaves as far into the winter as possible, and the latest sowing may be made in a cold pit at the same time, for furnish- ing a supply in severe weather. Beet. — Beetroots should be lifted and stored away in some dry, frost-proof shed. Great care should be taken not to break the skin or injure the roots in any way, or the quality of the roots when cooked will not be satisfactory. Dry sand should be mixed freely amongst them to keep the roots in a crisp state. Carrots. — These may be lifted and stored in the same way as Beet. Avoid placing large quantities together, or they may become heated and of no value. Carrots sown a month ago to stand the winter for pulling in March should be thinned to 3 inches apart. Young Carrots from this sowing will be much appreciated in March when the supply of old roots is nearly exhausted. Apply frequent dustings of soot during the autumn to encourage a free growth. Potato*. — Proceed with the lifting and storing of late Potatos in dry weather, placing the ti under cover in some dark place until their final sorting takes place, when they may be placed in neat clamps and covered with 4 inches of straw and 9 inches of soil. The latest batch will keep in better condition in clamps than in sheds, pro- vided sufficient covering is available for their protection during severe frosts. 232 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [September 24, 1910. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUB- LISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C. Special Notice to Correspondents. — 7 "he Editors do not undertake to pay for any contributions or illustrations, or to return unused communications or illustrations, unless by Special arrangement. The Editors do n