LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE source^ _Lol 1 £.^_e. . . Xu xxds. S8 December 25, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE & Weekly 3llustrateb Journal HOKTICULTTJKE AND ALLIED SUBJECTS. (ESTABLISHED IN 1841.) VOL. LVIII.— THIRD SERIES. JULY TO DECEMBER, 1915. LONDON: 41. WELLINGTON STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C 1915- -o> The Gardeners' Chronicle.] [December 25, 1915. V ■ 51 INDEX OF CONTENTS JULY TO DECEMBER, 1915. (For Special Headings see under Books ; Certificates ; Law Notes ; Nursery Notes ; Obituaky ; Plant Portraits ; Plants, New ; Scientific Committee ; Societies ; and Illustrations.) Abelia grandiflora in America, 338 Abies, Japanese species of, 98 Acacias, 384 ; investigation con- cerning seedling, 290 Admiral de la Galissonniere, life of, 120 Adnet, M., news of, 154 Aethionema schistosum, 34 Agricultural labour, to increase, 53 Agricultural Relief Fund, gifts re- ceived by, 337, 393 Agricultural returns, 171 Agriculture and recruiting, some facts concerning, 352 Agriculture, effect of war on, 292, 309, 352 ; German, and the war, 171, 364; training in, for dis- abled soldiers and sailors, 262 Alcornoque of Panama, the, 185 Aldermaston Court Gardens, Berk- shire, 345 Alkanet root (Anchusa tinctoria), the source of, 240 Almonds on Peaches, 381 America, Abelia grandiflora in, 338 ; Apple crops in, 217 ; Azaleas in, 2; Belgian trade with, 84, 186 ; Dahlia plebiscite in, 337 ; notes from, 180, 311, 338, 384; yellow-flowered Hoses in, 18 American blight on the Wild Crab, 298, 312, 339. 369, 386 American Gooseberry Mildew, ex- periments concerning, 120 ; sprays for the, 79 American pond-weed, 55, 71 Ampelopsis tricuspidata, 41 Anchusa tinctoria (Alkanet root), 240 Androsace Bulley.Mia, 44 Anemone demissa, 278 ; A. Geante des Blanches, 290 Ansellia africana lutea, 98 Antirrhinum Yellow King, 34 Antirrhinums for summer bedding, 55 Aphis, effect of frost on, 357 Aphis investigation a suggested, 288, 357 Apiary, management of the, 7, 39, 101, 151, 215, 231, 247 Aponogeton distachyon, to destroy, 240 Appel, O. (Relations Between Scientific Botany and Plant Pathology), 322 Apple crop, the, 220 ; American, big price realised for, 217 Apple trees, causes for canker in, 319 ; espalier, 142 ; pruning of, 368, 385 Apples : Beauty of Stoke, 392 ; Charles Ross, 227 ; Edwin Beckett, 260; Gascoyne's Scarlet, 334, 354, 368, 385, 392, 396; Lord Derby. 227 ; Royal Jubilee, 227 Apples, aphis pest of, 91 ; brown rot of, 269 ; classification of, 262, 298; distortion of, 227; dropping of, 227; "eye-rot " of, 289, 312; new disease of, 164; silver-leaf disease of, 227, 266; sizes of, 164; storing, 368 Apples and Pears, transit of, by rail, 277 Araucaria imbricata with cones, 157, 173, 186 Arnold Arboretum, notes from the, 338 Ash timber, uses of, 9 Asparagus, cultivation of, in un- favourable districts, 219 ; French, 139 Asperula nitida, 396 Asplenium Ruta-muraria growing wild near London, 21 Assimilation, transpiration and re- spiration of plants, 292, 312, 325, 339, 354 Asters, single China, at Kew, 210 Australia, notes from, 139 Australian Bottle Brush tree, 71 Autumn - flowering Cherry, an (Prunus Miqueliana?), 244, 278 Autumn, the garden in, 258 Azalea trade, the Belgian, 233 Azaleas, aspects suitable for the cultivation of, 11; in America, 2 Azara microphylla attacked by silver-leaf disease, 266 Bacterised peat (Humogen), the uses of, 276, 278, 298, 312, 323 Bagatelle, new Roses at, 3, 61 Balfour, Bayley (Primula obconica and its Microforms), 294 Balloch Park, Loch Lomond, 380 Baltet, M. L. C, appointment of, 154 Bamboo garden at Kew, the, 311 Bamboo hat industry, the, 273, 312 Banana juice as a remedy for snake-poisoning, 104 Banana, sale of a, for Red Cross Funds, 294 Bankruptcy statistics, 218 Banks Mr. G. H., appointment of, 25 Barbier, Messrs., and the war, 154 Barley, frangibility in the ears of, 337 Beans, French, 367 ; Haricot, 367 ; trials of French, 386 Bearded Iris, species of, 37, 59, 77, 163 Bedding plants, to propagate, 116 Beech, Mr. George, 380 Beech, uses of, 9 Bees, the management of, 7, 39, 101, 151, 215, 231, 247 Begonia Gloire de Lorraine, cul- tivation of, 230, 391 ; B. Perrieri, 309 Begonias, the cultivation of, 5 Belgian Azalea tra.de, the, 233 Belgian garden at Cambridge, 293 Belgian trade with America, 84, 186 Bellahouston Park, Glasgow, addi- tion to, 198 Bellbine in orchards. 120 Berberis virescens, 339 Berberis Wilsonae, 391 Berlin, agricultural activity in, 171 Berries in season, 219 Bessey, E. A. (Fungoid Diseases of Farm and Garden Crops), 87 Birds as producers of guano, 42 Birmingham public parks, inspec- tion of, 104 Blackberry, cultivation of the, 196 Black Currant mite, 357 Bladderwort, nodules on the inter- mediate (Utricularia intermedia), 234, 252 Blatter, E. (The Flora of Aden), 310 Bliss, A. J. (Bearded Iris Species), 37, 59, 77, 163 Bollea coelestis, 226 Bolton, park presented to, 351 Books, Notices of:— A Criti- cal Revision of the Genus Eucalyptus (/. H. Maiden), 105, 233, 294 ; A First Book of School Gardening (Alexander. Logan), 165; Annals of the Missouri Botanic Garden, 294, 322; Bee- keeping Simplified ( W . Herrod- Hempsall), 323; Biologia Cen- trali - Americana (F. Ducane Godman), 197; Botany for Senior Students (D. Thoday), 233 ; Bulb-growing for Amateurs (H. H. Thomas), 294; Climbing Plants (William Watson), 112; Commercial Carnation Culture (/. Harrison Dick), 186, 320; Corners of Grey Old Gardens (Margaret Waterfield), 391; Flora of Aden, Part 2 (E. Blatter), 310; Flora of Kwang- tung, 85; Flora of South Africa (Budolf Marloth), 180, 233; Fun- goid Diseases of Farm and Garden Crops (T. Milburn and E. A. Bessey), 87, ,229; Icones Plantarum, 217; Illustrations of the New Zealand Flora (T. F. Cheescman), 120; Ue Jardin, 251 ; Les Amis des Roses, 18 ; L' Horticulture francaise, 171; Materials for a Flora of the Malayan Peninsula (J. S. Gamble), 165; Methods in Plant Histology (Charles J. Chamber- lain), 186, 229; Mollers Deutsche Giirtnerzeitung, 217 ; Mono- graphic du Genre Primevere "(S. Mottet), 233; My Garden in Autumn and Winter (E. A. Bowles), 359; My Villa Garden (S. Graveson), 146; Plant Life (C. A. Hull), 214; Plants We Play With (H. It. Robertson), 219 ; Potter's Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Pre- parations (B. C. Wren), 259; Practical Tree Repair (Elbert Peets), 225; Primula obconica and its Microforms (Bayley Bed- four), 294; Principles of Flori- culture (Edward A. White), 384; Publications received, 42, 62, 86, 105, 120, 139, 171, 186, 207, '219, 233, 266, 294, 310, 323, 337, 366, 382; Relations Between Scientific Botany and Plant Pathology (O. Apjiel), 322; Sander's List of Hybrid Orchids, 146, 200; Saxifrages or Rockfoils ( Walter Irving and E. A. Malby), 21 ; Shokubutsu - Mei - I (Prof. Matsumura), 233; Some Addi- tional Species of Meconopsis, 329 : The Art of Landscape Architecture (Samuel Parsons), 348; The Botanical Magazine, 85, 154, 202, 323, 382; The Book of Old Sundials (Launce- lot Cross), 391; The Cherries of New York (V. P. Hedrick), 285; The Daffodil Year-Book (Royal Horticultural Society), 219, 242; The Endemic Flora of Ceylon (/. C. Willis), 308; The Ferns of South Africa (Thomas B. Sim), 118 ; The Greenhouse : Its Flowers and Management (H. H. Thomas), 294, 305 ; The Handy Book on Pruning, Grafting and Budding (James tjdale), 86; The History of Kew Gardens (2 ; King . Albert, 221; Begonias : Fire Flame, 313; Lord Methuen, 26; Mrs. W. Cuthbertson, 2b ; Berberis Sar- gentiaua, 158 ; Brasso-Cattleya Admiral Jellicoe Broadlands var., 314; B.-C. Mars, 222; B.-C. The Czar, 328 ; Brasso-Laelio-Ca£tleya Wotan var. Mrs. J. Leenian, 267; Bulbophyllum Balfouri- anum, 56 ; Campanula Abun- dance, 91 ; 0. acutangula, S5 ; C. Meteor, 55 ; Carnations : Alice, 253; Aviator, 280; Louvain, 340; Malcolm, 369 ; Mrs. Ma-ckay Edgar, 371 ; Catasetum Bung*;- rotnii (pileatum) white var., 169 ; Cattleya Ajax Orchidhurst var., 282 ; C. Ajax Primrose Dame, 253 ; C. amabilis alba var. The Knowle, 282; C. a. Fowler's var., 188; C. Amiel West Point var., 282; C. Ashtoniae alba, 188; C. Britannia var. Melaine, 282 ; C. Drapsiana, 124 ; C. Fabia alba Ashlands var., 355; C. F. var. Rossendale, 282 ; C. F. var. Saml. Gratrix, ii99 ; C. Hardyana alba Fowler's var., 159; C. K. His Majesty, 124; C. Harold Fowler's var., 91; C. Katie, 267; C. King George, 222 ; C. labiata Lowiae, 299; C. 1. var. R. Ash- worth, 299; C. 1. var. Mudros, 355; C. Lady Veitch", 223; C. Lady Veitch var. Mrs. S. Grat- rix, 299; C. Luegeae Fowler's var., 280; C. Maggie Raphael, 340; C. Mendelii Mrs. Smee, 30; C. Moira rubra, 281 ; C. Mossiae pleasingtonense, 31 ; C. M. Wag- eneri var. Baron Schroder, 31 ; C. Paula, 30 ; C. Peetersii Lee's var., 282; C."P. alba var. West Point, 282; C. Snowdon, 267; C. Sybil var. Arline, 174 ; C. S. var. aurea, 191 ; C. S. var. Boltonii, 267; C. S. var. Emmilene, 174; C. S. var. R. Ashworth, 31; C. S. var. Scintillant, 91 ; C. S. var. W. R. Lee, 159; C. S. rotundo ■bella, 124; C. Thurgoodiana var. Haddon House, 31 ; C. Venus var. Haddon House, 191 ; C. V. var. Princess Mary, 188; C. V. Rann Lea var., 267; C. Wars- cewiczii Mrs. E. Ashworth, 29; Ceanothus Fantasie, 187 ; C. George Simon, 221 ; Chrysanthe- mums : Amber, 299 ; Aristocrat, 340, 342; Arthur Searle, 326; Bertha Fairs, 280, 282; Ceres, 326 ; Charlotte E. Soer, 280, 281 ; Crimson Velvet, 371 ; December Beautv, 371 ; December Bronze, 371; Edith Cavell, 313, 326; Flossy, 369; General Smith- Dorrien, 280; Golden Champion, 313 ; James Fraser, 369, 371 ; Louisa Pockett, 340, 342 ; Market Bronze, 280, 282; Miranda, 282; Monica Mitchell, 340, 342; Mrs. M. Sargent, 299 ; Norman Pear- son,. 282; Phyllis Cooper, 282, 313; Picotee, 326; Sir Edward Letchworth, 282; Yellow Mers- tham, 326; Yellow Perfection, 371 ; Crocus pulchellus albus, 252; Cydonia Mallardii, 158; Cypripedium Actaeus var. Arthur Oakshott, 328 ; C. Aurobe, 328; C. Curtisii Sanderae, 31; C. • Oeorgius Imperator, 386; C. Hildalge, 282; C. Iona Priory var., 340; C. niveum Heatherlea var., 174; C. Priam Haddon House var., 355; C. Mrs. Eickards (Priory Beauty), 340; >- i hlia plebiscite in A rica, 337 Dahlias, effect of frost on, 279; slugs on, 34 Daily Mail vegetable show, 206, 216 Davidia involucrata, 42 Dawe, Mr. M. T., appointment of, 137 Death caused by falling bough, 185 Decaisnea Farttefiii. 383 iv The Gardeners' Chronicle.] INDEX. [December 25, 1915. Dendrobium O'Brienianum stria- tum, 98 ; D. Phalaenopsis, 319 Design for an Iris parterre, a, 81 De Waldheim, Dr. A. F., presenta- tion to, 84 Diacrium bicornutum, cultivation of, 23 Dick, J. Harrison (Commercial Carnation Culture), 186, 320 Dickson and Robinson's vegetable show, 191 Diervilla florida var. venusta, 104 Disa grandiflora, cultivation of, 302 Diseases : black scab of Potatos, 266; eye-rot of the Apple, 289, 312 ; Gloeosporium tiliaecolum (leaf spot disease of Lime), 193; Sclerotinia fructigena (brown rot of Apple), 269; silver-leaf on Apple grafts, 227, 266; silver- leaf on Azara, 266 ; Tomato fruit rot, 71 ; wart disease of Potatos, 294 Diseases, plant, recent discoveries in, 322 Dominica Botanic Gardens, 251 Druery, C. T. ( Variation of Ferns : its starting point). 61 Durham, H. E. (The Forms of Fruit Trees), 305, 346, 366, 377 Dykes, W. R., on Mendel's laws and crosses between species, 196 Economy in the parks, 66, 84 Edinburgh, effect of the war on, 337; Chrys. Show, receipts from, 350 Edinburgh public parks, 248 ; reduction in expenditure at, 84 Elgin, Oak seedlings at, 97 Ellacombe, H. N. (The Floivers of Milton), 33, 69, 89, 99, 113 Elodea canadensis, the introduc- tion of, 55 Ensilage, the uses of, 86 Epiphronitis Veitchii, the cultiva- tion of, 100 Erica cinerea, 267 Ericaceous plants, the effect of lime on, 24 Erigeron hybridus Asa Gray, in- quiry as to the parentage of, 1 Erysip'he polygoni, powdery mil- dew of Peas, 380 Espalier Apple trees, 142 Eucomis punctata, cultivation of, 291 Eulophiella Elizabethae, cultivation of, 349 Euphorbia pulcherrima, the cultiva- tion of, 110, 116 Events of the year, 392 Exeter Hospital garden, 234 Exotic fruits on the Riviera, 139 Experiments : on germ plasm, 336 ; • with insecticides, 382 " Eye-rot " disease of Apple, 312 Farms, work for women on, 11, 22 Farnol, Jeffery (Beltane the Smith), 266 Farrer, explorations of Mr. Regi- nald in China, 1, 17, 303. 319, 332, 358, 390 Fatsia horrida, fruiting spray of, 119 Fern spores, diverse variation in the same, 226 Fern, variation of the, 61 Fernery, the, 61, 226 Fertiliser, potash as a, 202 Fertilisers Committee appointed by Board of Agriculture, 309 Ferula tingitana, the adaptability of, 123 Figs at Penrhvn Castle, 260, 278. 339 Fish, use of plants to stupefy, 351 Fitch, W. H.j biographical sketch of the late, 138 Flies, sodium arsenite as a de- stroyer of, 85 ; to prevent, breed- ing in manure, 263 Florists' flowers, 34, 213, 265, 339, 348, 375 Flower garden, the management of the, 7, 22. 39, 51, 64, 82, 100. 116, 135, 151, 167, 182, 198, 215, 231, 246, 261, 274, 290, 307, 320. 335, 349, 363, 379, 395 Flower show, the village, 325 Flowers in season, 53, 119, 154, 351, 381 Flowers of Milton, the, 33. 69, 89, 99, 113, 122, 138, 157, 173 Flowers in parks, proposal to cur- tail expenditure on, 66, 84, 89, 186 Flowering plants epiphytic upon trees, 21 Fly larvae in horse manure, the de- struction of, 202 Food supplv, to increase the, 248, 251, 266, 355 Forcing flowers, 290 Foreign correspondence, 87 139, 157, 213, 229, 337, 351 Forest trees in trenched ground, 111, 157 Forestry at Aberdeen, 24 Forestry, notes on, 24, 97 Forming new plantations, 211, 229, 244, 298, 312, 339 Forms of fruit trees, the 305, 346, 366, 377 France, Asparagus in, 139; bulbs for, 337, 351 ; notes from, 139 ; nursery inspection in, 157 Freesia Chapmanii, the cultivation of, 142 Fremontia californica, 44 " French " garden, the, 39, 65, 101, 117, 167, 183, 247, 290, 307, 363 French horticulturists and the war, 53 French page, 4, 19, 36, 54, 70, 88, 107, 121, 140, 155, 172, 181, 195. 212, 235. 245, 264, 271, 287, 304, 324, 331, 353, 361, 376 Friar Park, description of gardens at, 35 Friends, the Society of, renders as- sistance to France, 53 Frog hopper, the, 55 Frost, effect of, on aphis attacks. 357; on Dahlias, 279 Frosts in June, 10, 22 Fruit crops in Calvados, Nor- mandy, 10; in Holland, 10, 42; in St. Malo, 10, 233; in South Brittany, 25 Fruit crops, remarks on the con- ditions of the, 52, 62. 71, 81, 105, 113, 132, 148 Fruit farming, statistics concern- ing, 344 Fruit-growing in Scotland, 117 ; in New Zealand, 381 Fruit, Japanese method of protect- ing, 105; methods of bottling, 60 ; movement to increase the con sumption of, 153 Fruit pulp, to make, 171 Fruit trees, green manuring for, 164 ; lime spray for, 108 ; pruning, 339; the double " U ' form of, 305 ; various forms of, 305, 346, 366, 377 Fruits, classification of hardy, 340 Fruits under glass, cultivation of, 5. 23, 39, 51. 64, 82, 100, 116, 134, 150, 167, 182, 198, 214. 230, 246, 260, 274, 290, 307, 320, 334 348, 362. 379, 396 Galissonniere, Admiral de la, life of, 120 Gamble, J. S. ( Materials for a Flora of the Malayan Peninsula), 165 Game birds as destroyers of weeds, 10 Garden of the Horticultural Society at Soissons, the, 139 Garden seeds for Queensland, 138 Gardener, a market, obtains £1,000 for injuries, 67; bequest to a, 380 Gardeners and the War:— Killed: Acton, Captain Charles Annersley, 256; Ardey, J. H., 310; Balfour, Lt. I. Bayley, 40; Ball, C. F., 239; Bar- row, Private, 25; Black, Private James, 233 ; Bonthrone, Private A., 119; Bray, Private B., 277; Cathcart, Private W., 25; Constable, Private T., 84; Corry, Sergeant R. L., 251; Cor- son, Lance-Corporal S., 251; Crichton, Private James, 277 ; Crozier, Private W. S., 277; Dash, Private E., 294; Drum- mond, Lieut. Campbell, 251 ; Dyce, Private W. I., 53; Emer- ton, Private W., 119; Ewen, Private John B., 233; Fabre, Henri, 263; Ferguson, Private D., 337; Fitt, Sergeant E., 263; Forbes, Sergeant H. W., 251; Forrester, Sergeant W., 25; Gib- son, Private E., 277; Grant, Private R., 263; Gray, O., 310; Hastie, Private Samuel, 323; Hossack, Private J., 277 ; Jewell, G., 310; Littleton, H., 185; Long, Private A., 137; M'Allis- ter, Private John, 337; Martin, H. J., 53; Masterton, Private Jas., 351 ; Meikle, Private G., 84; Michie, Private G. A., 263, 294; MitcheU, Private A., 53; Mitchellhill, W., 25; Penton, Private H., 137; Pernet-Ducher, G., 201; Phelps, J., 310; Revens, Sergeant G., 310; Robertson, A., 277 ; Rodger, Private J. A., 277 ; Rushton, Private T., 323; Silk, Rifleman L. W., 251; Simpson, C. E., 25; Small, Lance-Corporal David M. , 251 ; Smith, Private David, 233; Thomson, Corporal A., 323; Wells, Private H., 277; Whitton, Captain P. I., 40. Reported Missing: Allan, Private R.. 251; Anderson, Pri- vate J., 119; Martinet, M., 154; Stewart, Lance-Corporal J., 277. Wounded : Dickson, Private J., 25 ; Dickson, Private W. G., 84 : Dow, Corporal L. , 263; Ewartj Sergeant W. B., 251; Gladstone, Private W., 119; MacMaster, Private W., 25; McQuarrie, Gunner J., 53; M'Donald, Private A., 25; O'Brien, Lieut. John, 25; Ramsey, T., 25; Ren- nie, Corporal A. ,'277; Sinclair, D. A., 154; Stewart, Private J., 41 ; Templeton, Private T. , 277 ; Tully. Private W., 9; Waugh, G., 25. Prisoner of War: Dance, A., 310. Awarded D.C.M. : Sweeney, Lance-Cor- poral James, 365; Bruce, Mr. R., patriotic services of, 294 Gardeners' Chronicle, extracts from, seventy vears ago, 67, 86, 119, 203, 217" ' Gardeners' Roval Benevolent Insti- tution (Berkshire), 9, 168 Gardeners' wages in war time, 139 Gardeners, women. 219, 252, 267, 279, 294, 360, 375 Gardenias, the cultivation of, 38 Gardening in an internment camp in Holland. 217 Gardening books, deceptive titles in, 389 Gatton Park, Surrev, the gardens at, 161 Gentiana ornata var. Veitchii, 288 Germanv, vegetable oils and fats in, 218 Germ plasm, experiments with, 336 Gibbs, Vicary, on Forest trees in trenched and untrenched ground, 111 Girault, M., news of, 154 Gladioli, garden varieties of, 265 Gladiolus kubangensis, 87 Glasgow Parks, Chrysanthemums- at the, 380; enlistment of men from, 263; expenditure on, 84 Glasshouses in the tropics, 21, 121, 213, 229 Gloeosporium tiliaecolum (leaf-spot disease of Lime), 193 Gloucestershire, hailstorm in, 24 Godman, F. Ducane (Biologia Cen- trali- Americana), 197 Goodyera repens, 89 Gooseberry mildew, sprays for, 79, 120 Grafting, the results of top, 120 Grape Prince of Wales, 383 Grapes at Penrhyn Castle, 219 Grapes, to ensure good setting of, 351 ; outdoor, in bags, 384 Graveson, S. (My Villa Garden)^ 146 Greenham Lodge, Newbury, 385 Guano, birds as producers of, 42 H Hailstorm in Gloucestershire, 24; in Somersetshire, 22 Halesia tetraptera var. monticola, in America, 338 Hall, C. A. (Plant Life), 214 Hardy fruit garden, operations in the, 5, 22, 38, 51, 64, 83, 101, 116, 135, 150, 166, 182, 198, 214, 230, 246, 261, 275, 290, 306, 320, 334, 348, 362, 378, 395 Hardy fruits, classification of, 340> Hat industry, the Bamboo, 273, 312 Hatfield, Hertfordshire, the gar- dens at, 257 Hay for His Majesty's Forces, 67 Heather on Wisley Common, 157 Hedges, Privet, planting of, 148 Hedrick, U. P. (The Cherries of New York), 285 Heliotropium var. The Speaker, 173 Hemptinne, Count Joseph de, re- ported execution of, 294 Henderson, Mr. and Mrs. James, golden wedding of, 248 Heredity, the mechanism of, 218 Herrod-Hempsall, W. (Bee-keeping Simplified), 323 Hevea rubber trees, rest advanta- geous for, 336 Hill, Sir John, life of, 241, 279, 298 Holland, fruit and Potato crops in, 10, 42 Holmes, Mr. E. M., awarded the Hanbury medal, 68 Honestv, malformed plants of, 298, 312 " Hooker, Sir Joseph, national memorial to, 293, 351 Hops in England, acreage of, 202 Hops in the United States, statis- tics concerning, 263 Horse mange, cure for, 42 Horticultural industry and the war, the, 232, 351 Horticultural traders and pro- posed new postal rates, 221 Horticulture and the Rome Con- vention, 130 Horticulture, Italian, 337 ; national diploma in, 41, 52. 71. 123. 157 Hospital garden at Exeter, 234 Hothouses in the Tropics, 21, 213 Humogen (bacterised peat), experi- ments with, 276, 278, 298, 312, 323 Hunter, Mr. David, injury to, 85 Hybrid Orchids, 131, 179,' 194, 270, 330, 347 Hybrid Orchid, colour variation in, 200, 330, 360 December 25, 1915.] INDEX. [The Gardeners' Chronicle. V Hybridisation of Irises, curious re- sult of, 311 Hydrangea paniculata at Kew, 210 I Iberis pinnata, 383 Indian garden, an, 141 Indian Wheat Committee, members of the, 10 Insecticides, experiments with, 382 Iris hybridisation, curious result of, 311 Iris parterre, design for an, 80 Iris tingitana, 311 Irises, notes on, 37, 80 ; species of bearded, 37, 59, 77, 163 Irish kelp industry, report on, 104 Irving, W. (Saxifrages and Boch- foils), 21 Italy, horticulture in, 337 Jam for the hospitals, 123 Japanese method of protecting fruit, 105 Japanese species of Abies, 98 Japanese Vine, the, 41 Java, horticulture in, 95 ; notes from, 21, 34, 213, 229 ; seeds for, 185 June, frosts in, 10, 22 Kaempferia Roscoeana, 164 Kelp industry, the Irish, 104 Kelway and Son and the war, 84 Kew Gardens, the Bamboo garden at, 311 ; Hydrangea paniculata at, 210 ; Kniphofias at, 211 ; mem- bers of the staff of, and the war, 137 ; new laboratory at, 137 ; notes from, 210, 311, 378; pro- posal to charge for admission to, 350, 392 ; public behaviour in, 364 ; Rose dell at, 3 ; single China Asters at, 210 King, Mrs. Francis (The Well-Con- sidered Garden), 132 Kinver trials grounds, the, 85 Kirstenbosch, the National Botanic Gardens at, 86 Kitchen garden, the management of the, 7, "23", 39, 51, 65, 83, 101, 117, 135, 151, 167, 183, 199. 215, 231. 246, 261, 275, 290, 307, 320, 335, 349, 363. 379, 395 Knight, Thomas Andrew, life of, 145 Kniphofia aloides, 272 Kniphofias at Kew, 211 Knox, G. D. (The Spirit of the Soil), 251, 274 Kolkwitzia amabilis, 86 Labiatae of China, the, 105 Labour problem, soldiers to solve the, 251 Laelia anceps, the cultivation of, 38 ; L. harpophylla, 226 Laelio-Cattleya Castanea, 179 L.-C. Columbus, 211; L.-C Cyrus, 211; L.-C. fulva, 211 L.-C. Golden Wings, 374 L.-C. Gold Star, 60; L.-C. Gold stick, 194; L.-C. Rosette, 179 L.-C. Sargon, 211; L.-C. Suvla 179; L.-C. Zenith, 211; L.-G Zouave, 179 La Malmaison, the home of Em- press Josephine, open to the public, 161 Land, to trench, 301, 354 Larix dahurica, 178, 204; L. pen- dula, 234 Late flowering shrubs, 40 Late Peas, 203, 252, 280, 297 Laurel hedge, to prune a, 240 Law N ot e s : — Agricultural and Horticultural Assn., Ltd., go into voluntary liquidation, 256, 267 ; Bankruptcy statistics, 218; Carter's, Messrs. J., law- suit, result of, 310 ; Death duties on timber, 388 ; Gardener a male servant? 48; Trading with the enemy, 53 ; Weeds in a Dublin garden, 192 Lecanium hesperidum (white scale), means to control, 154 Lectures on plants and their dis- eases, 277 Lefroy, Professor M., appointment of, 322 Leschenaultia biloba major, culti- vation of, 344 Lever, Sir W., presentation of a park to Bolton by. 351 L'Hay, rosarv at, 202 Life of Sir John Hill, 241, 279, 298 Light, the effect of, on life of plants, 292, 312. 325, 339, 354 Lilies, oriental, in South-Western Scotland, 67 Lilium auratum, request for, 248 ; L. candidum, the sterility of, 20, 45 ; L. cernuum, 302 Lille, the gardens of, 104 Lily bulbs, cold storage for, 110 Lime avenue at Shrewsbury, 38 Lime, .leaf -spot disease of (Gloeo- sporium tiliaecolum), 193 Lime, the effect of, on Clover, 24 ; on Ericaceous plants, 24 ; on fruit trees, 108 ; on insect pests, 89 Linden leaves, colouring of. 313 Liquid manure, the value of, 104 Liriodendron tulipifera in America, 203 Lizard Orchid (Orchis hircina) 77, 108, 122 Llanishen, Cardiff, weather at, 385 Logan, Alexander (A First Booh of School Gardening), 165 London garden, to plant a, 284 London parks, Chrysanthemums in the, 248 Lucerne seed from Baku, 67 Lupinus ai'boreus, the cultivation of, 7 Lyne, Mr. J., retirement of, 153 M Madagascar, Begonia Perrieri in, 309 Magnolia Delavayi, 285 ; M. parvi- flora, fruits of, 276 Maiden, J. H. (A Critical Revision of the Genus Eucalyptus), 233, 294 Maize, to increase sugar content in, 294 Malbv, R. A. (Saxifrages and Bock- foils), 21 Malformation of Honesty, 298, 312 Manchester Citv parks, inspection of, 41 Mange in horses, cure for, 42 Mango, the, in Queensland, 393 Manure, liquid, 104; storing, 294; to prevent flies breeding in, 263 Manure from Mushroom beds, thb value of, 10 Manures, organic versus inorganic, 168 Market fruit garden, the, 43, 96, 120, 164, 227, 288. 357 Marloth, Rudoif (Flora of South Africa), 180, 233 Maron, M. Chas., news of, 104 Masdevallias at Messrs. Cypher's nurseries, Cheltenham, 60 Matsumura, Professor (Sholeubutsu- Mei-I), 233 Maxwell, Sir II., on late-flower- ing shrubs, 40 Mechanism of heredity, the, 218 Meconopsis, notes on the genus, 329 ; some additional species of, 41 Melons, the cultivation of, 58 Mendel's laws, the validity of, in crosses between species, 193 Mesembryanthemum Taylori, 197 Milburn, T. (Fungoid Diseases of Farm and Garden Crops), 87, 229 Milton, the flowers of, 33, 69, 89, 99, 113, 122, 138, 157, 173 Mosses in the stomach of a mam- moth, 203 Mottet, S. (Monographic du Genre Primeverc), 233 Murray, Mr. John M., appointment of, 21 Mushroom, abnormal, 397 Mushrooms, the cultivation of, 10 Mynnecophilous plants, 218 N National diploma in horticulture, 41, 52, 71, 123, 157 Nephrolepis, varieties of, at Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, 384 Nerine Bowdenii, an African Lily, 131 New South Wales, poisoning timber in, 37 New York Botanic Garden, 138 New Zealand, fruit-growing in- dustry in, 381 ; tree seeds for, 337 Nichols, Mr. A. G., resignation of, 248 Nitrogen, assimilation of atmo- spheric, by plants, 351 Nodules on the Intermediate Blad- derwort (Utricularia intermedia), 234, 252 Nonin, Lieutenant H., news of, 251 ; M. Henri, 381 Norfolk and Norwich Hort. Soc. send contribution to war funds, 351 Novice, confessions of a, 3, 45, 105, 130, 173, 203, 259, 296 Nozzles, R.H.S., trial of, 386 Nursery inspection in France, 157 Nursery Note:— Sutton and Sons, Reading, 122 Nursery trade, effect of the war on, 139, 204, 219, 232 Nymphaea gigantea Hudsoniana, '270 Nyssa sylvatica in America, 338 Oak seedlings at Elgin, 97 Obituary [See also " Gardeners and the War "] : Allen, James, 256; Alston, ex-Bailie, 350; Aylward, M. J., 32 ; Bailie, F.Manson, 136 ; Bain, Mrs. W., 186; Ball, ('. F., 239; Bastian, Dr., 336; Beckwith, G. C., 356; Bertram, James, 282; Bickerton, W., 175; Bide, S., 356; Black, Adam, 356; Bos- cawen, Hon. John, 397 ; Bruce, A. J. P., 143; Burpee, W. Atlee, 354; Campbell, Benjamin, 239; Campbell, M., 143; Chantin. M. Henri, 256 ; Clark, John Mac- Dill, 268; Cogger, G. F., 159; Cook, Mrs. Thomas, 233 ; Dolan, P. E., 372; Forget, Louis, 143; Foulds, T., 109; Grav, James, 328; Groves, R. J., 175; Gue- guen, Fernand, 282 ; Harvey, F. W., 159, 168 ; Hudson, Mrs. James, 277; Hutton, A., 109; Irvine, Andrew, 74; Jackson, John R., 372; Jardine, John, 388; Jolly, Willie, 356; Kingston, W, 16; Lamb, John, 372; Lambert, John, 268; Lock, R. H., 32; Lockhart, James, 32 Lonsdale, Edwin, 208 ; Lynes J. W. 191; Mackenzie, A. D. 58 ; Macnair, Matthew, 299 McDonnell, Major Sir S., 351 McKay, J. H., 48; Molin, M Charles, 256 ; Montigny, M. 388; Morrison, J., 16 Naunton, Mrs. W. W., 119 Neal, Robert, 282; Norton Patrick, 256; Powley, J., 159 Prillieux, E., 282; Rivers. T. A. H., 109; Rudolph, M Jules, 74; Rutherford, Thomas 239; Scorgie, W., 256; Smith! William, 191; Thiebaut. M Pierre, 208; Thivolet, L'Abbe~ 229; Von Dippe, Fritz, 256 Weston, Ernest, 388; White John, 343; Wood, Dr. j' Medley, 268; Young, A., 109 Onion competition, 201 Orange trade, the Spanish, 263 Orchard, strange Brambles and Roses in an, 55 Orchid houses, the management of the, 7, 23, 38, 65, 82, 100, 117, 134, 150, 166, 182, 199, 214, 230, 247, 260, 274, 290, 306, 320, 334, 349, 362, 378, 395 Orchid hybrids, 131, 179, 194, 270, 330, 347, 393 Orchid notes and gleanings, 2, 34, 60, 77, 98, 112, 130, 146J 162, 179, 194, 211, 227, 243, 258, 270, 286, 302, 319, 320, 347, 360, 374, 393 Orchid seedlings at Brackenhurst, 286 Orchids, certificated, to distinguish, 118, 286 ; in Mr. Leopold de Roths- child's Garden, 258; R.H.S., por- traits of, 374 ; sale of, for benefit of Red Cross Fund, 277; seed- ling, in an unheated house, 112 ; the Warren House, Stanmore, collection of, 98 Orchis hircina (Lizard Orchid), 77, 108, 122 Orchises, indigenous species of, 162 Oxford Physick Gardens, the date of the establishment of the, 90. Packing of Canadian shipments of nursery stock, 119, 171 Paeonies at Wisley, trial of, 233 Paint made from Opuntia (Prickly Pear), 310. Pallanza, Cypresses at, 278 Panama Pacific Exposition, awards at the, 351, 364 Panama, the Alcornoque of, 185 Paphinia cristata, to cultivate, 230 Paris Chrysanthemum Show, 294 Parks, flowers in the, to economise in, 66, 84; 89, 186; the distribu- tion of surplus bedding plants from public, 248 Parsons, Samuel (The Art of Land- scape Gardening), 348 Peaches. Almonds on. 381 Pea Quite Content. 97 Peas, diseases of, 380: early varieties for light soils, 50 ; late, 203, 252, 267, 280. 297 ; rogues in, 152 Peach growing seventy years ago, 67, 108 Peach leaf curl, a remedy for, 32 Peach Salwey, 234 Peach trees, instructions for plant- ing, 316 Peaches, large fruits <>f, 173, 186, 234, 252, 266 Pear Laxton's Superb, 201 Pear, the Avocado, in California, 180 Pear trees, the sporting of. 267 Pearoe, E. K. (Typical Flics). 42 Peat, bactei ised I 1 1 uroo ;en), 276, 278, 298, 312, 323 vi The Gardeners' Chronicle.] INDEX. [December 25, 1915. Peets, Elbert (Practical Tree Re- pair), 225 Penrhyn Castle, Figs at, 260, 278. 339; Grapes at, 219 Peradeniya School of Tropical Agriculture, 310 Peronospora viciae, disease of Peas, 360 Petroleum, the origin of, 137 Pe-tsai (the Chinese Cabbage), 115 Pettigrew, Mr. A. A., presentation to, 153 Phoma destructiva (Tomato fruit rot), 71 Physick Gardens, Oxford, the date of the establishment of the, 90. Phvtophthora infestans (Potato disease), 202, 218 Pillar Roses, 242, 266 Plant collecting seventy years ago, 217 Plant disease, recent discoveries in, 322 Plant growth, effect of Radium on, 209 Plantations, to form new, 211, 229. 244, 298, 312, 339 Plants and their diseases, lecture on, 277 Plant Portraits:- Alpinia mutica, 154 ; Anemone obtusiloba, forma patula, 323 ; Clematis un- cinata, forma retusa, 323 ; Cory- lus mandshurica, 154 ; Echium Perezii, 85 ; Euonymus oxy- phyllus, 382; Fatsia japonica, 382; Gentiana gracilipcs, 323; Gladiolus Melleri, 202; Iris bracteata, 382; I. sp. " hyacinthina," 391 ; Meconopsis Prattii, 85; Metero- sideros diffusa, 202; Ornithoboea Lacei, 202 ; Polystachya panicu- lata, 85 ; Populus lasiocarpa, 282 ; Potentilla davurica var. Veitchii, 323 ; Promenaea microptera, 323 ; Prunus Maximowiczii, 382 ; Pyrus yunnanensis, 323; Rhodo- dendron carneum, 323; R. con- cinnum, 85 ; R. Souliei, 154 ; Senecio glastifolius, 154; Sieve- kingia Shepheardii, 323; Stellera sp., 396 ; Streptocarpus denticu- latus, 323 Plants, Chinese names of, 233 ; effect of light on life of, 292, 312, 354; for Canada, 119, 171; intro- duced into America, 310 ; myrme- cophilous, 218; new forms of cul- tivated, 295. Plants, New or Noteworthy:— Abies Veitchii var. olivacea, 99, Cypripedium papuanum, 131; Iris Belonini, 333; Larix pendula, 178 ; Lilium oer- nuum, 302 ; Mesembryanthemum Taylori, 197 ; Picea bicolor var. acicularis, 98 ; P. b. var. reflexa, 99; P. Koyamai, 98; P. Maximowiczii 99 ; Primula Blinii, 87; P. Mairei, 87; P. perolaefolia, 87 ; P. racemosa. 87 ; P. Ragotiana. 87 ; P. Virginia, 87 Plants under glass, the cultivation of, 5. 23, 38, 51, 65, 83, 100, 117, 134, 150, 166, 183, 199, 215, 230, 247, 261, 275, 290, 357, 320, 335, 349, 362, 378, 396 Plants which stupefy fish, 351 Podostemaceae, the genus, 120 Poisoning from Yew, 263 297 313. 325, 340, 355, 365, 369, 385 Poisoning timber in New South Wales, 37 Polvgonum vaccinifolium at Wisley, 297 Polystachya paniculata, 286, 302 Polystichum aculeatum pulcherri- mum var. foliosum, 226; P. a. p. var. gracillimum, 226 Pomologists, lives of the great, 145 Pope, Mr. W. , retirement of, 138 Postal charges for seeds and plants, 309; new. 221. Potash as a fertiliser, 202 ; in soils, 388 ; percentage of, in Bracken, 366 ; supplies of, during the war, 333 Potato, a prolific variety of, 278 ; Dunnottar Castle, 10 ; Gordon Castle, 385 Potato competition, a, 185 Potato crops in Holland, 10 Potatos, an exhibition of, in Scot- land, 251 ; black scab, disease of, 202, 218, 263, 266 ; disease of, seventy years ago. 203 ; increased demand for, 25 ; new, 44 ; powdery scab of, 84 : wart disease of. 294' Potting Roses from the open, 270 Pour nos amis francais et beiges, 4, 19. 36. 54, 70, 88, 107, 121, 140, 155, 172, 181, 195. 212, 235. 245, 264, 271, 287, 304, 324. 331, 353, 361, 376, 394 Powdery scab of Potatos (Spongo- spora subterranea), 84 Preston, women gardeners at, 294 Price, Waterhouse and Co., mem- bers of the staff of, and the war, 119 Prickly Pear, paint made from the. 310. Primula obconica, paper on, 294 ; P. septemloba, 297; P. sinen- sis, the cultivation of. 100, 349 Primulas, new Chinese, 87 Privet hedges, to plant, 148 Prizes, cottage gardeners awarded, 120; for nlans of rubber estate factories. 10; for railway station gardens, 120, 198. Promenaea, the genus. 230 Propagating bedding plants, 116 Priming fruit trees, 321. 385 Prunus cerasifera (the Cherrv Plum), 266; P. Miqueliana ? (an autumn-flowering Cherry), 244 Publications received, 42, 62, 86, 105, 120, 139, 171. 186. 207 219, 233, 266, 294. 310. 323, 337. 366 Pyrus Sargentii, 308 Queensland, garden seeds for, 138 Quercus coccinea at Wisley, 297 ; Q. lobata in America, 203 ' Quince Vranja, 369 Radish, origin of the, 367. 386 Radish parasite, Rheosporangium raphamdermatus, 138 Radium, the effect of, on plant growth, 102, 209 Raihvav station gardens, prizes for, 120 ' Rainstorm in Scotland. 219 Rambler Roses. 71 Raoulia australis, 339, 369 Raspberries from Scotland, 53 Reader, Mr. Frank, presentation to, 85 Recruiting and horticulture, a sug- gestion for a deputation to con- sider, 351 Recruiting, effect of, on agriculture. 309, 352 Red Cross Funds, contribution to, from _ Scottish Horticultural Societies, 232 ; sale of bouquet for. 365 ; sale of Banana for, 294 : sale of Orchids for, 277 : support from flower shows for, 262 Red Currant Fay's Prolific. 98 Research and experiments, co- operative, 288 Respiration, transpiration and as- similation of plants, 292, 312, 325, 339, 354 Restitution, an act of, 392 Rheosporangium raphamdermatus, a parasite of Radish and Beet, 138 Rhizoglyphus echinopus (the bulb mite), 354 Rhododendron campylocarpum, 338, 355; 369, 386; R. lacteum, 338; R. 1., at Verrieres, 338. Rhytisma acerinum, scarcity of, 297, 312 Riviera, exotic fruits on the, 139 Rivoire, Captain, news of, 251 Robertson, H. R. (Plants We Play With), 219 Robinia Kelseyi, 68 Rock garden, the, 34, 383 Rogues in Peas, 152 Rome Convention, the, and horti- culture, 130 Romneya Coulteri, malformed specimen of, 68 Romulea, the genus, 35 ; R. Macowanii, 35 ; R. rosea, 35. Root crops, statistics concerning, 366 Rosa Brunswick Charm, 347; R. floribunda, 210; R. Souliana, 53 Rosary, work in the, 3, 18, 44, 61, 78, 194, 241, 270, 290, 306, 319, 333, 347, 359 Rose judging seventy years ago, 42 Roses : Adrian Reverchon, 319 ; Alberic Barbier, 359 ; audit of, in Scotland, 306; Butterfly, 347; Danae, 319; Fire of Flame, 62; Francois Foucard, 359; Gar- denia, 359; Lemon Pillar, 34; Louise Lilia, 333; Moonlight, 319; Mrs. Edward Powell, 348; Mrs. John Forster, 266 ; Mrs. M. H. Walsh, 280, 298; Mrs. Rosalie Wrinch, 348; Ophelia, 333; Oriflamme, 347; Purity, 319 ; Queen Alexandra, 348 ; Red Letter Day, 104 ; Sanders' White, 280, 298, 313; Winter Cheer, 348; White Rambler, 348 Roses at Bagatelle, 3, 61 ; at Kew Gardens, 3 ; at Leeds, 219 ; for buttonholes, 129 ; in Canada, 306 Roses, cultivation of late-planted, 108 ; for light soils, 61 ; new climbing and pillar, 241, 242, 266, 347; new single, 78; potting, from the open, 270; R.H.S. awards to, 71 ; stocks for, 10, 177; vellow-flowered varieties of, 18, 194. Rottlera Forrestii, 255, 278 Rothschild, Mr. L. de, Orchids in the gardens of, 258 Royal Agricultural Society's STiow, 1916, arrangements for, 104 R.H.S. : appointments for 1916, 277; awards to Roses by, 71; conference of affiliated societies of the, 238 ; exhibitions arranged by, 233 ; Forced Bulb Show, 1916, arrangements made by, 262; Holland House Show, 26, 45 ; novelties at, shows, 71 ; pamphlets on fruits and vege- tables issued by, 40; pamphlets on simple gardening issued by, 153; publications. 242; School of Horticulture of the, 293 Rubber estate factories, prizes for plans of, 10 Rubber trees, rest advantageous for, 336 Russia, Lucerne seed from, 67; chemical fertilisers in, 351. Russian market, goods suitable for the, 67 Sainte-Baxime, the chain of, 49. 63 Saint-Fiacre, the legend of, 263 St. Malo, fruit crops at, 233 Salix alba (White Willow), 280 Salvia splendens, 301 Sap, the transfusion of, 173, 221, 234 Savoy Catercone, 377 Saxifraga manshuriensis, 184 Schizoneura lanigera (woolly aphis) on the Wild Crab, 298, 312, 339, 386. Sclerotinia f ructigena (brown rot of Apple), 269 Scientific Committee:— Agapan- thus, an abnormal, 108 ; Angrae- cum armeniacum, 30 ; Antir- rhinum eaten by animals, 267 ; Apple, a double, 355 ; Apple flowers, double, 31; Apples, fruits of purple, 386; ascidia in Savoy, 386; Astelia Banksii, 267, 298; Bee, a leaf-cutting, 108; Berberis with supplementary leaflet, 92; Callipsyche aurantiaca, 386 ; Cam- panula hybrids, 92, 108 ; Castil- leja sp., 30; Cherry attacked by gummosis, 30; Citrus trifoliata, fruits of, 355 ; Clerodendron ugandense, 254 ; Coprosma, sport- ing in, 298 ; Cupressus, gall on root of, 267 ; Cypripedium, a mal- formed, 108 ; Davidia involu- crata, 254 ; Echeveria setosa, 30 ; Euonymus japonicus,with roots on stem, 254 ; Fasciation in Poly- anthus and Rose, 30 ; Fern petiole, bud on, 355 ; Floral mal- formations, 31 ; Fremontia Cali- fornia fruiting, 254 ; Fruit damaged by hail, 355 ; Galls on Poplars, 92 ; Hazel, a curious, 267; Honesty, malformed, 298, 326; Inarching, curious result of, 254; Iris filifolia, 30; Lamium amplexicaule, 298 ; Lilium sp. from Hong-Kong, 355 ; Lime wood attacked by fungus, 108 ; Lotus Tetragonolubus (Aspara- gus Peas), 254; Magnesium and lime in soil, proportions of, 298 ; Meconopsis Wallichii, a white specimen of, 30; Mentha viridis, 30 ; Merodon equestris attacking Hippeastrum, 386 ; Microlepia platyphylla, adventitious bud on, 326 ; Mints, specimens of garden, 92 ; Miiller, the late Dr. Hugo, 30 ; Narcissus fly attack- ing Hippeastrum, 386; Nerines, time of flowering of, 298; Onion, a malformed, 108; Orchid, a sporting, 30 ; Parsley, malformed leaf of, 143 ; Pear, alleged sport- ing in, 298, 355 ; Phytophthora infestans (Potato disease), 254; Pinus with juvenile and mature foliage, 267 : Pitcairnia albucae- folia, 254 ; Podophyllum Emodi, 143 ; Polygonum dumetorum, 254; Polyporus lacteus (fungus on Yew), 326; Poplars, galls on, 92; Potatos "blind," causes for, 254; Potato tubers, curious growth of, 92 ; Potato tumour (Synchytrium endobioticum), 298; Rhododendron foliage damaged, 143; Rose attacked by Botrytis, 267; Roses, black spot on, 326 ; Salsola Tragus, 254 ; Savoy, large ascidia in, 386 ; Saxifraga X Hausmannii var. Trevor, 254 ; Saxifrage leaf, out- growth on, 143 ,- Streptocarpus, Dodder on, 92 ; Synchytrium en- dobioticum (Potato wrart disease), 289 ; Tree seedlings, 326 ; Urginea maritima, 143 ; Willow, gall on, 355 ; Yew, fungus on (Polyporus lacteus), 326 Scientists, national memorials to, 293, 351 Scotland, fruit growing in, 117 : prizes for station gardens in, 120, 198; Rose audit in, 306 Seeds, the germination of, 85 Seeds for Java, 185 Septoria Petroselini var. Apii (Celery leaf -spot). 118 Serbia, report of R.H.S. Commis- sioner to, 68 ; seeds sent to, by War Horticultural Relief Fund, 102 Setting of Grapes, 351 Shading, horticultural, as protec- tion against Zeppelins, 351 December 25, 1915.] INDEX. Shrewsbury Parks, inspection of, 171 Shrewsbury, the Lime avenue at, 38 Shrubs, late flowering, 40, 151, 307, 339 ; propagation of, 151 ; for a water-logged clay soil, 16 Silver-leaf disease, experiments with, 11, 22, 45, 227, 266, 365 Silver-leaf on Azara, 266 Sim, Thomas R. (The Ferns of South Africa), 118 Slugs on Dahlias, 34 Snake-poisoning. Banana juice as a remedy for, 104 Societies: — Aberdeen Chrys., 355 ; American Sweet Pea, 25 ; Bolton Chrys., 343; City of London Rose, 15 ; Corbridge-on- Tyne Gardeners, 343 ; Croydon Hort., 31; "Daily Mail" Vegetable Show, 206; De- bating, 387; Devon and Exeter Hort., 299; Edinburgh Market Gardeners', 397 ; Elgin Chrys., 282 ; Finehley Chrys., 328 ; General Bulb-growers' of Haar- lem, 74, 343 ; Glasgow and West of Scotland Hort., 52, 174, 316; Gloucestershire Rose and Sweet Pea, 47 ; Hay wards Heath and Mid-Sussex Hort., 92, 136; Hor- ticultural Trades' Assoc, of Great Britain and Ireland, 206; Irish Rose and Floral, 93 ; Isle of of Wight Carnation and Sweet Pea, 74; Lancashire Farmers', 251; Liiinean, 15; Manchester and N. of England Orchid, 31, 74, 125, 174, 191, 267, 282, 299, 328, 353, 386 ; Midland Carnation and Picotee, 73 ; National Auri- cula (Northern section), 350; National Carnation and Picotee (Southern section), 72; National Chrys., 184, 205, 217, 251, 277, 281, 299, 326, 336. 342, 371, 387; National Dahlia, 190 (annual meet- ing) 370 ; National Gladiolus, 108 ; National Horticultural Society of France, 282, 294; National Rose, 12, 392 : National Sweet Pea, 41, 46, '57, 185 (annual meeting) 255; North of Scot- land Hort. and Arboricultural, 206 ; Nursery and Seed Trade As- soc., 206; Ontario Rose Society, 86; Penarth Rose, 48; Per- petual-flowering Carnation, 125, 387; Royal Agricultural, 31, 337, Roval 'Caledonian Hort., 188; Royal Hort., 11, 27, 45, 55, 91, 104, 108, 123, 143, 158, 174, 187, 221, 236, 252. 267, 298, 313, 326, 340^ 355, 369, 386 ; Royal Hort. of Ireland, 218 ; Royal Lancashire Agricultural, 92 ; Royal Meteoro- logical, 31, 342, 397 ; Royal Scot- tish Arboricultural, 74. 109; Sal- taire Rose. 47; Scottish Hort., 125, 206, (Chrysanthemum Show), 341, 356, 387; Smithfield Club, 371; Southampton Royal Hort., 47, 73, 315; St. Neots Chrys., 343 ; United Hort. Benefit and Provident, 32, 74, 171, 206, 267, 343, 397: Walsall Floral and Hort., 109: Windsor. Eton and District Rose, 32, 315; York Florists', 74 Sodium arsenite as a destroyer of flies, 85 Soil protozoa and bacteria, 86 Soil, to sterilise, 110 Soils and potash, 38 Soissons, the garden of the Horti- cultural Society at, 139 Solanum aculeatissimum, 319 Soldiers and sailors, committee on land settlement for, 53 Soldiers, the employment of, on the land, 251 Somerset, hailstorm in, 22 Sophro - Laelio - Cattleya Pros- pero, 211 South Africa, gardening imple- ments for, 86 ; trade with, 351 South Brittany, fruit crops in, 25 Spanish Orange Trade, the, 263 Sparrows and caterpillars, 45 Spetchley, a fine Yew at, 18 Stachyurus chinensis, 147 Sterilisation of soil, 110 Stock, the influence of the, on fruit, 227 Stocks for Roses, 177 Stocks, seed of double flowering, 284, 300 Storing Apples, 368 Stove, the passing of the, 373 Strawberry St. Fiacre, 232 Strawberries at The Saints, Aires- ford, 220 ; the first consignment of, from Perthshire, 24 Streptocarpus Taylori, 293, 312 Streptocarpus, the cultivation of, 23 Sturrock, Mr. W., retirement of, 153 Substitutes for trenching, 301 Suburban vegetable gardens, 154 Sugar content in Maize, to in- crease, 294 Sulphuric acid and fertilisers, 393 Summers, Mr. George, retirement of, 184 Sunflowers, Collerette varieties of, 295 ; trial of, at Wisley, 171 Sutton and Sons and the war, 25 Sutton, Lieut. Eric, awarded Mili- tary Cross, 218 Sutton, Mr. Martin, appointment of, 322 Sweet Pea Fiery Cross, sale of, 25 Sweet Pea Society's Show, re- marks on the report of. 66 Switzer, Stephen, the life of, 186 Tea, increased demand for, 10 Temple gardens in war time. 154 Thivolet, L'Abbe, life of, 229 Thoday, D. (Botany for Senior Students), 233 Thomas, G. C. (The Practical Book of Outdoor Rose Growing for the Home Garden), 21 Thomas, H. H. (Bulb Growing for Amateurs), 294; (The Green- house : Its Flowers and Manage- ment), 294, 305 Thompson, H. Stuart (The Chain of Sainte-Baume), 49, 63 Timber, the value of, 323 ; death duties on, 388 Timber trade, the English, 364, 393 T'thonia speciosa, 311 Tobacco-growing in Ceylon, 10 Tomato fruit rot, a (Phoma de- structiva), 71 Tomato Golden Sunrise, 377 Trade cards, some old, 317 Trade in war time, 139, 204. 219 Trade with South Africa, 351 Transfusion of sap, the, 173, 221 Transpiration, assimilation and respiration of plants, 292, 312, 325, 339, 354 Tree seeds for New Zealand, 337 Tree stumps, to destroy, 388 Trees, effects of trenched and mi- trenched ground on, 111, 157 ; flowering plants epiphytic upon, 21 ; large, in the United States, 203 Trees and shrubs, 2, 37, 148, 203, 211, 244, 259, 285, 383, 391 Trenching land, 301, 354 Trials at Wisley, 9, 171, 233, 277, 315, 380, 386 Trials, the value of, 137 Tropaeolum, preventives of Woolly Aphis attacks on, 354 Tropical plants in the open, 229 Tropics, glasshouses in the, 21, 121, 213, 229 Tulip Bulb mite, the, 354 Tulips, the breaking of, 139 u Udale, James (The Handy Book on Pruning, Grafting, and Bud- ding), 86 L^lmus americana in America, 203 United States of America, Belgian exports to, 84, 108, 186; large trees in, 203 ; Liriodendron tulipifera in, 203 ; nursery stock imports to, 138 ; plants recently introduced into, 310 ; yield of Hops in, 263 Uromyces fabae (Pea rust), 380 Utricularia intermedia (Interme- diate Bladderwort) nodules on the, 234, 252 Vanda teres Fowler's var., 77; V. coerulea, 381 Variation in Fern spores, 226 Vegetable gardens in London suburbs, 154 Vegetable oils and fats in Ger- many, 219 Vegetable Show. Chester, 174; Manchester, 191; The Daily Mail, 206, 216 Vegetables, autumn grown, 115 ; cultivation of, 97 ; crops of, in Holland, 42; cultivation of, in boxes, 8; exhibits of, at early shows, 8, 21 ; increased cost of, 171 ; notes on, 97, 115, 367, 377 Viburnum plicatum as a wall shrub, 383 Victoria Cross awarded to a gar- dener, 137 Village war-food societies, propo- sal to form, 153 Vines, outdoor, 384 ; pruning and cleansing, 307 ; stopping shoots of, 173, 186 W War, effect of, on agriculture, 292, 309, 352 ; on purchase of bulbs, 219; on expenditure on flowers, 185 ; on food supply, 355 ; on gar- deners' wages, 138 ; on German agriculture, 364 ; on horticul- tural trade, 139, 204. 219, 232 ; on potash supplies, 333 ; on the Temple gardens, 154 War funds, to benefit, by flower shows, 293 [The Gardeners' Chronicle. Vll War Horticultural Relief Fund, the, 22, 66, 68, 84, 102, 122, 152 (lists of subscriptions), 156, 16B, 201, 217, 337, 381, 386 War items, 9, 24, 40, 53, 67, 84, 104, 119, 137, 154, 185, 201, 233, 251, 263, 277, 294, 310, 323, 337, 351, 365, 381, 593 Warren House, Stanmore, Orchids at, 98 Warren, Mr. Cyril, appointment of, 380 Wait disease of Potatos, 294 Wasps, a plague of, 233 ; to de- stroy, 171 Watercress, the cultivation of, 176 Waterfield, Margaret (Corners of Grey Old Gardens), 391 Watson, William (Climbing Plants), 112 Webb and Sons, Ltd., send flower seeds to the troops, 137 Webster, A. D. (Forming new plan- tations), 211 Weeds, game birds as destroyers of, 10 ; means of destroying, 137 Welbeck Abbey gardening staff and the war, 185 Welsh vegetation, lecture on, 364 West Indian economic plants, the origin of, 165 West Indies, notes from the 165 Westonbirt, new hybrid Orchids from, 211 Wheat, the winter top-dressing of, 381 White, Edward A. (Principles of Floriculture), 384 White Island, New Zealand, floral aspects of, 120 White scale (Lecanium iesperi- dum), to control, 154 Wichuraiana Roses, 359 Wild Crab, Woolly Aphis on the, 298, 312, 339, 369, 386 Williams, W O, awarded the V.C., 137 Willis, J. C. (The Endemic Flora of Ceylon), 308 Willow, new Chinese, at Kew, 211 ; uses of, 280; "Witches Broom," on the, 123. 139 Wimbledon Park and lake, 52 Wisley Common, Heather on, 157 Wisley, notes from, 141, 297; trials at, 9, 171, 233, 277, 315 " Witches Broom" on the Willow, 123, 139 Women and horticulture, 11, 22, 219, 252, 267, 279, 360, 375 Women gardeners at Preston, 294 Woodhead, T. W. (The Study of Plants), 198 Woodlice, to destroy, 240 Woolly Aphis on the wild crab, 298, 312, 339, 369, 386 Wren, R. C. (Potter's Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Prepara- tions), 259 Wyreside, Lancaster, the gardens at, open to the public, 52 Xanthoceras sorbifolia, 90 Yew, poisoning by. 263. 297, 313, 325, 340, 355, 365, 369. 385 Zeppelin protector, use of shading as. 351 VIII The Gardeners' Chronicle.] INDEX. [December 25, 1915. LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS. Aldenham, Beans growing in boxes at, 11 ; Peas growing in boxes at, 9 Aldermaston Court, pyramidal Yew trees at, 346 ; rockery at, 347 Androsace Bulleyana, 41 ; A. tibetica growing wild in China, 360 Anemone demissa, 278 Annuals, design for a border of, 176 Apple, brown rot of, 269; "eye- rot " of, 289 Apple Edwin Beckett, 222 Apple trees, dwarf distaff, at Wag- nonville, 366 Aster alpinus Nancy Perry, 2 Bailey, F. M. , portrait of the late, 136 Banks, Mr. G. H., portrait of, 25 Beans growing in boxes at Alden- ham, 11 Brackenhurst, Orchid seedlings at, 286 Bulbophyllum Balfourianum, 53 Burpee, W. Atlee, portrait of the late, 354 Camellia japonica, fruits of, 175 Campanula Allionii growing in soil containing lime, 209 ; C arvatica, 242 Campbell, Benjamin, portrait of the late, 238 Carnation Mrs. Ma-ckay Edgar, 383 Carrot, abnormal growth of a, 213 Cattleya Lady Veitch, 220; C. Sibyl rotundo bella, 119; C. Sibyl Scintillant, 119 Charcoal-burners on the Col de Bertagne, 49 Cherry, an autumn - flowering (Prunus Miqueliana?), 244 China, Androsace tibetica growing wild in, 360 ; Incarvillea sp. in, 365; Rhododendrons in, 358, 359 Chlorophytum Bowkeri, 141 Chrysanthemums : Aphrodite, 326 ; Ceres, 327 ; exhibited bv Messrs. H. J. Jones, 311 Clematis Henryi, 112 Oodonopsis convolvulacea, 137 Col de Bertagne, view of the, 49 Collerette Sunflowers, 295 Counterspalier trees at Wagnon- ville, 377 Cupressus cashmeriana, 196; C. f unebris, 78 ; C. Lawsoniana, 272; C. L., cone of, 273; C. L. var. erecta viridis, 273; C. noot- katensis, branch with cones, 374; C. n. weeping variety, 375 Cypripedium Iona Priory var., 341 ; C. papuanum, 131 ; C. Sander - ianum, 243 Cytisus albus durus, 217 Dahlia Patrol, 124 Davidia involucrata flowering at Kew, 43 Decaisnea Fargesii, fruits of, 381 Design for an Iris parterre, 80 Forget, Louis, portrait of the late, 143 Fruit trees, pyramidal method of training, 367, 368 Gatton Park, pool in the rock garden at, 165 ; upper fish pond at, 162; view in the pleasure grounds at, 169 ; water garden at, 163 Gentiana ornata var. Veitchii, 288 Gladiolus kubangensis, 87 Gloeosporium tiliaecolum (leaf-spot disease of Lime), 193 Gooseberry Whinham's Industry, 56 H Halesia hispida, 7 Harvey, F. W., portrait of the late, 159 Hatfield, Hertfordshire, Eastern gates at, 257 ; Rose garden at, 260; "scented" garden at, 259; " West " garden at, 258 Holmes, Mr. E. M., portrait of, 69 Hooker, Sir Joseph, tablet to the memory of, 351 I Incarvillea sp. in China, 365 Iris bracteata, 382 ; I. filifolia, 20 Iris parterre, design for an, 80 Iris sp. "hyacinthina," 391; at the Halls of Heaven, China, 390 Java, coffee plantation in, 95 ; planting rice in, 96; terraced Eice fields in, 97; view of the Zand- zee, 98 Jones, Messrs. H. J., exhibit of Chrysanthemums, 311 Knight, Thomas Andrew, portrait of the late, 145 Laelio-Cattleta Gold Star, 60 Larix pendula, and L. dahurica, cones of, 179; cross section of leaves of, 178 ; seeds, bract and cone-scales of. 178 ; L. pendula at Bayfordbury, 180 Lilium cernuum. 302; bulb of, 303; L. regale at Warley Place, 27 Lime, leaf-spot disease of (Gloeo- sporium tiliaecolum), 193 Lister Lodge, Aldenham, a Rose hedge at, 44 M Magnolia parviflora, fruits of, 277 Mushroom, an abnormal, 397 N Nerine Bowdenii, 131 Odontioda Aphrodite, 370 Orchid seedlings at Brackenhurst, 286 Ortlet range from the foot of the Stelvio Pass, view of the. 249 Pear Laxton's Superb, 201 Peas growing in boxes at Alden- ham, 9 Peas, rogues in, 152, 153 Pentstemon Jaffrayanus, 67 Picea, Japanese species of, 103 Plum Allgrove's Superb, 158 Polvpodium Dryopteris plumosum, frond of, 187 Polystachya paniculata, 85 Polystichum aculeatum gTacilli- mum var. Drueryi, 228 ; P. a. pulcherrimum var. foliosum, 227 ; P. a. p. var. gracillimum, 226 Primula farinosa, 333; P. sep- temloba ■ growing wild in China. 297; P. stenocalyx, 332; P. urti- cifolia growing wild in China, 323 Prunus Miqueliana (an autumn- flowering Cherry), 244 Pyrus Sargentii, fruiting spray ot, Radium, the effect of, on plant growth, 102 Rhododendron lacteum, 337 Rhododendrons in China, 358, 3591 Rivers, Thomas A. H.. portrait of the late, 109 Robinia Kelseyi, 73 ; fruits of, 69 Rogues in Peas, 152, 153 Romulea Macowanii, 35; R. rosea, 37 Rosa floribunda, 210 Rose hedge at Lister Lodge, Alden- ham, 44 Roses : Flame of Fire, 62 ; Golden Emblem, 205; Lady Bowater, 13 ; Lemon Pillar, 34 ; Mrs. John Foster, 266 ; Queen Alexandra, 12 Rottlera Forrestii, 279 Saxifraga manshuriensis, 185 Scolopendrium vulgare crispum speciosum, 281 ; S. v. plumosum Perry's var., 253 Solanum aculeatissimum, 314 Spetchley Yew. the, 18 Stachyurus chinensis, 147 Stellera sp. growing wild in China, 396 Stelvio Pass, view of the, 249 Strawberry St. Fiacre, 233 Streptocarpus Taylori, 293 Trade card, an eighteenth cen- tury, 318 ; J. A. Hunter's, 319 Trees, counterspalier of double U, at Wagnonville, 377 Tropaeolum polyphyllum, 114 Vegetables exhibited by Hon. Vicary Gibbs, 125 Xanthoceras sorbifolia at Alden- ham, 90 Yew, a fine specimen of. at Spetch- ley, 18 SUPPLEMENTARY ILLUSTRATIONS. Aldermaston Court, Berkshire (December 4). "Apples Beauty or Stoke and Gascoyne's Scarlet (December 25). Hatfield House, Hertfordshire (October 23). *Rock Garden at a Chelsea Show (July 10). Roses : American Pillar, Blush Rambler, Mrs. F. W. Flight (July 24). Trade Card, an Eighteenth Century (November 20). * Coloured Plates. July 3, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. THE (Bazbmzxs (Eljrrmixl* A'o. 1JSS.— SATURDAY, JULY 1915. Ash and Beech A z a 1 e a s in different aspects 1 Calvados, fruit crops in . . 11 Chinese Cypripediums .. 1L Corn crops in Italy, Japan and the United States. . 10 Farrer's, Mr. Reginald, explorations in China . 1 Flowers in season . . 9 Frost in June .. .10 Fruit crops in St. Malo . . 10 Hardy flower border— Erigeron hybridus Asa Oray 1 Holland, fruit and Potato crops in . . . . . . 10 Indian Wheat Committee 10 .Manure from spent Mush- room beds . . . . 10 Novice, confessions of a. . 3 Obituary — Kingston, W 16 Morrison, JohD . . .. 16 Orchid notes and glean- ings— Cattleya Transylvania . . Plants, new or note worthy — Rosa Pokornyana ILLU8TRATION3. Aster alpinus Nancy Perry Beans growing in boxes Halesia hispida Peas growing in boxes Rose Lady Bowater Rose Queen Alexandra CONTENTS. 9 I Potato Dunnottar Castle "Pournos amis francais et beiges " Rosary, the — Exhibition of new Roses at Bagatelle .. The Rose dell at Kew.. Rosa laxa as a st"Ck Rubber estate factories, prizes for plans of Silver-leaf disease, experi- ments with Societies — City of London Rose . . Linnean National Rose Royal Horticultural . . Tea Tobacco-growingin Ceylon Tomato blossom, fall of.. Trees and shrubs- American Azaleas Ceanothus thyrsiflorua Vegetables, the cultiva- tion of War items Weed destroyers, game birds as Week's work, the . . . . ■ Women and farm work . . 3 11 6 13 12 MR, REGINALD FARRER'S EXPLORATIONS IN CHINA,* XVII.— THE LAST ASCENT OF THUNDERCROWN. OF our journey back over the ranges there is little to tell. The Alpine winter, pitiless and penetrating, was breathing its raw breath across the fells, preparatory to its final descent in a mantle of white. On the way the chief things we harvested were Pinus Armandii, in huge sticky green cones, covering one with a fluff of snow as one snapped them off, and a really beautiful Euonymus. As a rule I dislike Euonymus; they suggest to me the Marine Parade. But there are two lovely species on the Border. This is the. first one : always sporadic, it is not uncommon on the fringes of the lower Alpine copse, where it occurs in its most unbecoming form as a bush, rather gawky, and leafy, rank and leggy, with no adequate display of its fruits. It is far more to be desired as a small round-headed tree of some 15 to 18 feet, very often with weeping branches, and always so densely sat with clusters of waxy, coral-pink fruit-husks (containing vermilion seeds) that its effect is that of some rather dim Japanese Cherry in full blossom. Yet more exquisite, how- ever, is the other species ; and much rarer, too — an occasional inmate of hedge, copse, or deep woodland all up the Border, making an extremely frail and spindly drawn-up bush or dainty tree of finest upstanding sprays, set rarely with very narrow-pointed, serrate leaves. From these sprays depend on long, delicate stems, solitary big fruits, which open into five-pointed stars of richest crimson, with a scarlet seed at the tip of each ray. (There is an inferior, larger, but very handsome four-pointed species; and yet another with black seeds to the scarlet stars.) Its effect when well fruited is of inimitable grace and brilliance, and the crimson • The previous articles by Mr. Farrer were published in our issues for September 12 and 26, October 17 and 31, November 14 and 28, 1914, January 2, February 27, March 50, April 10 and 24, May 1, 15 and 29, and June 12 and 19, 1915. husks hang on in undiminished splendour long after the seeds are fallen. So we came at last towards our little sunny town. In the deep gorge a singularly pretty small Allium was now in bloom on all the cool and shady ledges of the cliff^a grassy thing, with stems of 3 or 4 inches, and scanty, radiant heads of distinct and well-built stars of soft pink. Yet lower down, again, and all the most caked and arid slopes about the Black Water were dotted with globes and domes of solid gold. They spring from a tight little Tansy (as I believe it), forming woody roots and trunks that carry globular masses of minute and finely- divided aromatic foliage of silver whiteness, sufficiently delightful in itself, but nothing short of ravishing when late October and November covers each mound with a close and solid sheet of rayless, golden-yellow fluffets that from half a mile and more away spot the hard, bare hill- side with conspicuous small footballs of bright colour. This is the last farewell of the year ; already, as we rode towards the town, we saw that Thundercrown was clad in white, and though the snow visibly melted as we went, it was evident that winter was hard upon the Alps even here, and I trembled for the seed of my Delphinium. No sooner had we arrived, however, than news met us that drove even Delphinium from our minds. Two more foreigners had landed up in that remote and tiny little corner of China, also bent on collecting plants ! The news smote us amid- ships and left us breathless. At last, however, we discovered that this was Mr. Mayer and his assistant, examining into fruits and grains and agricultural matters generally, on behalf of the Agricultural Department of the U.S.A. With these, then, we forgathered gleefully and un- grudgingly, and were lucky in being able to help them out of one of the difficulties to which travellers are liable in China. For Mr. Mayer had been ill-advised enough to bring with him up-country a very expensive fine gentleman of an " interpreter" from the coast, of lily hands, and liver to match. This dignitary (who was considered in the town the Grand Seigneur of the party) once arrived at so remote and bar- barous end of the world as this, flatly refused to accompany his employers any further through the danger-lands whence we had just returned without trouble or hint of trouble. An alter- cation followed, and a rapid descent of the stairs by the interpreter. Shocking out- rage, says the little town, ahum with scandal ; just and mild remonstrance, says the offended paymaster. In any case, there is poor Mr. Mayer perfectly helpless, without a servant, and with no prospect of getting another, for the citizens are rich and very independent, and serve only where they choose — certainly never where they are frightened or annoyed— a catas- trophe which, as many years in China have not led him to like the Chinese well enough to learn their language, leaves him in desperation as to his journey southward over the Alps after vari- ous fruits of Szechuan ! Fortunately we, after long residence and our help in the siege, were in particularly good odour with populace and mandarins alike. Thus we were able to overcome the lack of sympathy for Mr. Mayer's troubles, interview the Governor for him, discover a servant and send him on his way rejoicing (though I hear subsequently that he did not accomplish more than a tithe of his journey any- how, and stopped short of the Bad Land, having the luck to find his fruit-stones at a village quite close at hand beyond the Black Water). These matters pending, Thundercrown aban- doned most of its snow mantle in the brilliant heat. Up it at last we went, and the great mountain did our farewell visit honour in a day of cloudless glory. Brown and sere by now were all the rolling downs that climb to its cirque of precipices. My task this day was to ascend the screes on the right after Delphinium and a certain very lovely Allium, while Pur'dom ascended towards the summit by the huge couloir to get the little golden Potentilla. My way was delayed again and again by Blue Water, Gen- tian, and S'Wertia in ripe seed, by the Hirculus Saxifrage, and by the big Edelweiss. For of this species there are at least three forms, or sub-species, in these Alps. The common flannel flower abounds low down, by the highway sides, everywhere throughout S. Kansu ; in the mid- most Alpine pastures lives a very much finer thing, akin to L. himalayanum, with ample rosettes of very narrow, pointed, glossy-green leaves, delicate tall stems, and noble flower- heads; higher yet in the earth pans and screes below the summits, lives a cushiony plant with short blunt foliage of silver whiteness, of effect quite beautiful, but not borne out by the dwarfish stems and their fat, few-rayed heads of blossom, which, as I have always seen them, are dingy and dirty and indeterminate in tone. At last, however, I reached the level of the Del- phinium. After a few freezing failures I suc- ceeded in finding capsules still containing seed, and thenceforth rambled up and down among the shingles, pouncing on here and there a still pro- ductive pod. As for the Allium, it was not per- fectly ripe, but bulbs offered good hope, and seed to be matured below hardly a woTse. This is a most beautiful species ; I have only seen it occurring in this one high scree at 12,000 feet, where it forms tufts in the hard, bare soil at the top, and offers a lovely spectacle when it droops abroad its close, full heads of soft China-blue blossoms in early September, on their graceful stems of 3 or 4 inches. The bulbs and roots are of reddish tone, and whether the. plant be truly distinct from A. kansuense I can not yet surely tell. This last, abundant all up the border, whether in open turf at high or low elevations, or in the cool clefts of limestone cliffs, is a variable and complicated specie6. Its Alpine forms are its best, and this beautiful and much paler blue plant of the high screes may perhaps be only a development. In any case it is very conspicuous in its special cliarm and tone, and makes a worthy conclusion to our last ascent of a noble mountain that now, per- haps, we shall never see again. Reginald Farrer. HARDY FLOWER BORDER. ERIGERON HYBRIDUS ASA GRAY. It would be interesting and possibly profit- able to hybridisers as well as others if anyone could tell us the parentage of Erigeron hybridus Asa Gray, which received an Award of Merit from the" Floral Committee of the Royal Horti- cultural Society on June 22. If one might hazard a conjecture as to one of the parents, E. auranti acus might be suggested. The plant is by no means a new one, as it has been in cultivation for several years and the writer has been acquainted with it in a few gardens for a considerable time, without having been able to obtain any information respecting its origin. It received an Award of Merit from ll,,. National Hardy riant Society lust yi v Irnott. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 3, 1915. TREES AND SHRUBS. AMERICAN AZALEAS. A recent number of the Bulletin of Popular Information, issued by the Arnold Arbore- tum, states that no plants add more to the beauty of mountain slopes and forest glades in eastern North America than Azaleas, which are more abundant and more varied in the colour of their flowers in the Appalachian region than in any other part of the world. Of the ten species found in the eastern United States seven are established in the Arboretum, and the others from the ex- treme south, although in the Arboretum nur- series, are too young to show their ability to withstand the rigors of the New England climate. All Azaleas are now called Rhododen- drons. The first species to bloom, R. Vaseyi, begins to flower at the beginning of May, and the flowers of the last, R. viscosum, can be found as late as the middle of July. The Azalea season beauty and fragrance. R. calendulaceum is the next species to flower, and a few plants have already opened their orange, yellow or reddish flowers, which are not fragrant. This shrub is an inhabitant of the mountain regions from southern New York to Georgia, and is extremely abundant on the lower slopes of the high moun- tains of North Carolina and Tennessee. In flower it is the most showy of the American Azaleas established in the Arboretum, and one of the most beautiful of all flowering shrubs. A large mass of this Azalea has been planted on the slope below Azalea Path, and occasionally large specimens can be seen on the border planta- tions along some of the roads. The next species to flower, R. arborescens, is also a native of the mountain region from Pennsylvania to Georgia, where in sheltered valleys it sometimes grows from 15 to 18 feet tall. The flowers, which appear after the leaves are nearly fully grown, are white or faintly tinged with rose colour, and are made conspicuous by the long bright red filaments of the stamens ; they are very fragrant CEANOTHUS THYRSIFLORUS. This Ceanothus, which is popularly known as the Californian Lilac, and may often be seen labelled in gardens as C. divaricatus, is the hardiest of the tall Ceanothuses. At Kew Gar- dens there are bushes in the open 10 feet to 20 feet high, and during May and June the plants produce a profusion of pale blue floweTs. Speci- mens planted against a wall grow taller, and the species is thus an excellent evergreen for cloth- ing the bare walls of high houses, being fast in growth. As the flowering is from the leaf-axils of the shoots of the previous season, pruning should be done as soon as the flowers fade. The variety griseus is also flowering freely at Kew Gardens against a wall : it is readily dis- tinguished by the larger glossy green leaves and pale lilac flowers. Griseus is not quite so hardy as the type, and is said to grow wild only in Monterey, California. 0. -ASTER ALPINUS NANCY PERRY : FLOWERS BLUE WITH YELLOW CENTRES. (See R.H.S. Floral Committee's Awards, Gard. Chron., June 12, 1916.) is therefore a long one. R. Vaseyi is a tall shrub with slender stems and of open irregular habit ; in its home in a few isolated mountain valleys in South Carolina it sometimes grows to the height of 15 feet. The flowers are produced before the leaves appear, in small compact clusters, and are pure pink in colour, plants with white flowers occasionally appearing. With R. Vaseyi the Rhodora (R. canadense) blooms. This is a well known dwarf shrub often cover- ing in the north large areas of swampy land with a sheet of bloom. The small flowers, however, are of a rather unattractive rose-purple colour. Naturally the Rhodora grows from Newfound- land to Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The next to bloom are R. canescens and R. nudiflorum, and although the two sometimes grow together the former is a northern and the latter a more southern plant, and is especially common in the Gulf States from eastern Florida to eastern Texas. The rosy-pink flowers of these plants open before or with the unfolding of the leaves, and in early spring fill the woods with their and the young leaves have the odour of new -mown grass. Less showy in the colour of its flowers, perhaps, than the yellow-flowered Azalea, it is one of the most beautiful of all hardy Azaleas. The last species to flower, the Clammy Azalea or Swamp Honeysuckle, R. viscosum, is a common inhabitant of the swamps of the eastern states, especially of those in the neighbourhood of the coast. The small flowers are pure white and covered with clammy hairs, and the leaves are often of a pale bluish colour, especially on the lower surface. This plant is valuable for the lateness of its flowers, which do not open before the flowers of most hardy shrubs have passed, and for their fragrance. These shrubs are all good garden plants, although, like other Rhodo- dendrons, they cannot be made to live in soil impregnated with lime. They are not often cul- tivated, howeveT, because it is not easy to find them in nurseries, for few nurserymen in the United States care to take the time and trouble to raise such plants from seeds, the only suc- cessful way in which they can be propagated. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. ROSA POKORNYANA.* An interesting Rose is now in bloom in the Kew collection, the identity of which has hitherto been unknown. It was raised some years ago from seeds of R. rubrifolia, but was soon seen to be distinct, and on reaching the flowering stage it became evident that the flower had been pollin- ated by bees from adjacent bushes of R. canina, for the plant shows the most unmistakable combination of characters of the two species. As it seemed likely that the hybrid might also occur wild a search was made, resulting in the discovery that two such hybrids have been recorded, both from localities where the two species grow together. In 1883 it was described by Borbas from specimens collected three years previously on the Szitnoberge, near Selmecz, Hungary, under the name of Rosa Pokornyana, Kmet, with the suggestion that it was a hybrid from R. Ilseana (a synonym of R. rubrifolia) X canina, and its intermediate characters were pointed out. In 1892 it was independently de- scribed by Briquet under the name of Rosa scopulosat, with the record that it was found growing with its parents, R. canina and R. ferruginea (the latter a synonym of R. rubri- folia) on the Golet du Pais, in the Jura, Switzer- land. Here, again, its intermediate characters were recorded, and they are equally apparent in the Kew plant, of which the seed-parent is known. The latter is one of the most distinct Roses in cultivation, and its peculiar glaucous purple leaves and young stems cannot be con- fused with those of any other species. Our own Dog Rose is too familiar to need description, and it suffices to say that R. rubrifolia has rather smaller flowers, with deep rose-coloured petals, and sepals without foliose appendages. In R. Pokornyana the sepals are also without appendages, while the flowers are as large as in R. canina, and the petals are light rose-coloured. The young shoots and petioles are suffused wnth purple, and the leaves have a peculiar glaucous character, though in other respects they most resemble R. canina. It is very floriferous and forms a large bush about 6 feet high. It is not the only hybrid Rose that has appeared acci- dentally at Kew, for the handsome R. macro- phylla X rugosa appeared in this way, and when described in the Kew Bulletin (1910, p. 326) it was remarked : " It is impossible to obtain Roses true from seed gathered from the plants growing together in the collection, because of the cross-fertilisation caused by bees." This fact explains Why Rose hybrids are so common in nature where the species happen to grow in- termixed. B. A. Bolfe. * Rosa Pokornyana, Kmet. ex Borbas, in Oegter, Bot. Zeitschr., 1883, p. 225. t R. scopulosa, Briq., in Bull. Soc. Bot. Genii'., VII., p. 27. July 3, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINCS. CATTLEYA TRANSYLVANIA. At the Chelsea Show this beautiful and dis- tinct hybrid was one of the most admired novel- ties in the collection of J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., Brackenhurst, Tunbridge Wells (gr. Mr. J. Davis), and was awarded a First-class Certificate by the Orchid Committee. By a mistake in copy- ing the entry in the stock book the Tecord of the wrong number was taken, and H was entered as Laelio-Cattleya with the wrong parentage. It was raised by crossing C. Comet var. Leonora (WarneTi X Dowiana) and C. Enid (War- scewiczii x Mossiae). The cross contains the elements of four of the finest large-flowered Cattleyas, and in it the usefulness of C. Warneri is again demonstrated, its fine characters show- ing out in successive generations. The influence of the rose and purple colours in the parents to darken and intensify while practically eliminat- ing the yellow of C. Dowiana is noteworthy, the colour of C. Transylvania being uniformly rose- purple, the lip wholly reddish-claret with some thin gold lines from the base. C. Comet has been raised by Messrs. Charles- worth and Co., both from C. Dowiana aurea and typical C. Dowiana. The first, shown by J. Bradshaw, Esq., and recorded in the Gardeners' Chronicle for August 22, 1903, p. 143, was from the first-named combination. Latex the Earl of Tankerville flowered the cross between C. War- neri and typical C. Dowiana, and named it C. Leonora, which now becomes a variety of C. Comet. THE ROSARY. THE ROSE DELL AT KEW. The Rose dell in Kew Gardens is situated at the south end, near to the Pagoda and Richmond entrance. The earlier-flowering Ramblers are now at their full beauty, and are generally planted in groups of varying size. There are two huge pillars — one might almost describe them as steep banks — of Alberic BarbieT, and the growth completely hides the mstic ipoles, some 20 feet high, that support it. The dark, shining leaves of this Wichuraiana Rose pro- vide an ideal setting for hundreds of flowers, which when fully expanded are creamy-white, and when half open a pleasing yellow. The coppery or salmon-pink shade of Tea Rambler is distinct; the clusters of fragrant flowers of this Rose are singularly beautiful. Trier is a Ra,mbler of moderate growth, freely clothed with clusters of creamy-white flowers, the anthers in the- centre being prominent. Waltham Bride forms a snowy mound with its white blooms, and the plant is supported by rustic poles 6 feet to 7 feet high. The rich rosy-pink polyantha variety Tausendschon is very beautiful in masses. Ariel is one of the newer singles, a fairly large amaranth-pink flower with a light centre. Goldfinch and Shower of Gold have orange buds opening to lemon-yellow. The scandent habit of the Virginian Ranrbler or Ayr- shire Rose is pleasing, the double flowers being white, with a tinge of pink when opening. Conrad F. Meyer is a tall, vigorous rugosa hybrid, with silvery rose-coloured blooms, rather like those of La France. Sweet Lavender, one of Messrs. G. Paul's new singles, is much ad- mired by visitors ; the mauve-pink flowers have a lighter centre surrounding the golden stamens. Diabolo is a fine novelty with deep red semi- double flowers. Effective, crimson, and Pink Pearl, shell-pink, are valuable new varieties in- troduced by Messrs. Hobbies. The hybrid rugosa Mrs. Anthony Waterer is a free-flowering dark red variety, deliciously fragrant and attrac- tive. Rubin, The Garland, Gardenia. Una. Electra, Fellenberg and Seagull are other showy sorts in flower at the present time. 0. EXHIBITION OF NEW ROSES AT BAGATELLE. The meeting of the jury on the new Roses sent for trial to Bagatelle (Bois de Boulogne, Paris) took place on June 19, under the pre- sidency of M. Deville, the President of the Fourth Commission of the Paris Municipal Council. A Gold Medal was awarded to La Rose de Mme. Raymond Poincare, obtained at the Rosary of L'Hay. A beautiful pink Rose, the petals of which are edged with red, and which is very freely-flowering and has good stiff stems, has also been awarded a Gold Medal. The raiser is Heer Leenders, the Dutch grower. This Rose bears the name of Mme. Marcel Delanney. A first-class Bagatelle certi- ficate was unanimously awarded for the Rose Queen Mary of Messrs. Alex. Dickson and Sons. It is a beautiful Rose of a pure bright colour in which yellow and carmine are associated. The Rose is not only ornamental and delicately per- fumed, but the tree is very vigorous and florifer- ous, almost without thorns, and carrying pretty foliage. Another Bagatelle certificate was awarded to a Chambard red Rose, Etince- lante. This is a Bengal hybrid, a very good substitute for the German R°se Gruss an Teplitz. The following Roses also obtained certificates : — Louis Sauvage, a multi-floweTed Rose with numerous blossoms, small, and of a delicate red, produced by Turbat et Cie. ; and Gustave Bienvetu, a Wichuraiana hybrid, semi- double, of an intense red, carrying numerous bunches of blossom and very fine, green foliage. This was produced by M. Nonin. THE CONFESSIONS OF A NOVICE. In undertaking to write from time to time on the doings of the plants in my modest garden, I am hopeful that the mistakes that I may make will be pointed out by readers with the precision and kindliness which should be the character- istics of good gardeners. This garden of mine is about an acre or so in extent, and though it is actively engaged in teaching me many lessons, I cannot pretend, to the wisdom of the mature gardener. For with me gardening is a relatively new occupation. For many youthful years I flirted with such amusements as golf and tennis, but these pastimes which once seemed so serious are now seen for what they are — mere pre- liminaries to the grand passion — that of garden- ing. Hence I may claim the privilege of all lovers — to make and announce discoveries which are new only to myself. If I were a little younger I should call these notes love-letters to my garden. But my love is not blind. I am alive to the defects of the garden, and love it the more for them. This year, for example, it has played me sad tricks- The seeds of Linums, Clarkias, Gypsophilas, and other garden "annuals" sown in the open ground, have grown or not grown in the most erratic manner, and my neighbour, who does most of his plant- ing of such things from the cold frame, is secretly pleased, whilst decorously sympathetic, to note how far my seedlings are behind his. Surely the germination of seeds is a mystery which science has so far failed to unravel. The text-books tell us the way it happens — when it does happen — and talk of plumule and radicle and epinastic curvature; but they are silent on the things of real import, the reasons for the variable and often long period of inanimation, for the slow germination of old seeds, and the capriciousness in such a season as this. For my part, I think that the unskilful gardener like myself must put down much of his loss to sheer stupidity. He waits and watches, and then waters. Waiting and watching are good, but the watering, unless it be done with real axt, is fatal. The seeds are either washed down too deeply or else are floated away to sprout pre- cariously where they are not wanted. This s~ed sowing is often as great a failure when the seeds grow as when they do not, and this because the gardener will plant them so thickly that cheek by jowl they spring up like Mustard or Cress, compete with one another for space and light and water, and starve in consequence. Having regard to the inevitable thickness of gardeners' thumbs, it is one- of the minor wonders that good gardeners, such as work in the great gardens, are able to distribute the small grains so uniformly and justly distant from one another. Even they, however, are apt to err, and in their kitchen gardens may be seen many examples of too close seed-sowing. Mine is a haphazard garden, and tasteful arrangements and due relations are not numerous, for the plants have to rise by stepping-stones of their dead selves to higher things. Nevertheless there is one corner wherein the hand of chance- has wrought me a choice design. A great bush of the pale yellow or cream tree Lupin throws half of its flowering mass athwart a low retaining wall, and by its side is a tall and spreading clump of Anchusa italica, glorious with its deep blue. An expert who paid an unofficial visit to my garden, and found it bad, was pleased to express warm approval of this corner, and to use it as a text for a comiminatory homily on garden art. As is so often the case, the Anchusas are be- having erratically as to colour, albeit that in this light sand all are growing well. It would be worth somebody's while to solve the problem of the variation of Anchusa italica from seed. It looks a simple problem — as though the dark were dominant to the light, and that by seed-saving from one plant and by sowing separately the progeny, and their individual progeny in turn, races pure to dark blue might be isolated. Since, however, the plant is so easily propagated by root-cuttings it has not seemed worth anyone's while. Yet it is well to remember as an incentive to this little exercise in garden Mendelism that the Anchusa as now grown as a bad perennial, and that if propagated by seeds more permanently perennial plants might perhaps be obtained. The expert came too late to see my Darwin Tulips, but, greatly daring, I told in his dubious ear my pride and discovery of the situation in which these Tulips should be grown. Hitherto I had thought that the Tulip was the show flower par excellence, and that it should be growth in breadths of pure colours. Now I know that the way to plant them so as to obtain thl maximum effect and pleasure in their colour and grace is in the shrubbery among low-growing plants, such as young Rhododendrons. In groups of not more than three or four they give their full effect of beauty and surprise. From every point in your walk fresh groups come into view, and from the distant spaces between the shrubi coloured fires gleam. I prefer to mix the colouri almost at hazard, taking care, however, thaV magenta shades shall be by themselves, for the first rule in gardening is not to exclude magenta but to isolate it. The method has the further inestimable advantage that in a spring such as that of 1915 the flowers blooming in the partial shade last twice or thrice as long as those ex- posed to sun. I intend to leave the bulbs in the ground, and with this intention I planted them about 10 inches to a foot deep and put a half-tea- spoonful of basic slag at the bottom of each hole. Needless to say, this way of growing Tulips is not new; it is new to mo, and gives me as much pleasure as though no one had ever discovered it before. I am going to abolish my ribbon border of yellow Crocus and plant the conns in like manner, but in somewhat larger groups. The lesson I am learning is this, that, as Whistler once remarked, no connoisseur drinks good wine — he sips it. So wo require to find for each kind of plant the amount of maps ti> produce the maximum effect, and to evoke the illusion of variety, without which the most beautiful things soon Dal!. A. X. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 3, 1915. POUR NOS AMIS FRANCAIS ET BELGES. CHRONIQUE SPECIALE (XXXIV). DANS LE LIMBOURG BELGE. Une correspondance recente nous fournit les renseignements suivants sur la situation dans la region fruitiere du Limbourg : L'etat des plantations fruitieres est generale- ment bon. Les Pommes et Poires promettent une recolte extremement abondante, surtout aux environs de Tongres. Dans la region de St. Trond certains parasites ont fait des degats dans les vergers a fruits a pepins. Les fruits a noyau sont moins abondants que l'annee derniere. [Suivant des renseignements recus d'une autre source, Prunes et Cerises sont abondantes aux environs de Saint Trond et dans le Pays de Herve (Nord-Est de la Province de Liege). R-~] La vente dans le courant de l'biver dernier a ete tres peu aotive; toutes les communica- tions ayant ete interrompues pendant les mois de septembre et d'octobre, on prit tres peu soin des fruits et de grandes quantites se decom- poserent. Vers le milieu de novembre une bausse se manifesta, les Pommes furent achetees au prix de 20 a 40 francs les 100 kilos, surtout pour Maastricht, d'ou elles furent sans doute ex- pedites en Allemagne. En ce qui concerne les produits agricoles, vous connaissez probablement les difncultes ren- contrees pour l'alimentation de la population. Tous les prix ont regulierement hausse jusqu'au mois de mars ; depuis lors la baisse a ete graduelle. Ci-dessous les cours de quelques pro- duits importants, le tout aux cent kilos. Froment. — Octobre 20fr., novembre 25, decembre 35, Janvier 50 a 70, fevrier 100 a 120, mars 145 a 150, avril 90. mai 60. Seigle.—llir., 20, 30, 35, 50 a 70, 90 a 110, 65 et50. Avoine.—nir. 50, 23, 30, 34, 40 a 50, 60, 45 et 40. Pommes de terre. — 6fr. a 7fr., 8 a, 9, 10 a 11, 13 a 15. 20 a, 23, 20, 15, 12. Les prix de l'Orge ont suivi la memo courbe, passant par 35fr. (debut), 128 (mars), 40 (mai). Les Betteraves fourrageres valaient 30fr. les 1.000 kilos, le foin 100fr., le foin de Trefle 130fr. En ce moment aucun fermier ne possede des reserves. La recolte des cereales d'hiver aux environs de Tongres etait d'ailleurs reduite a la suite de gelees de l'hiver 1914. Les previsions pour la recolte sur pied sont satisfaisantes, excepte pour les Betteraves sucrieres; la "plantation'' a ete faite sans en- grais chimique ; la secheresse prolongee aidant, le developpement est insignifiant. Les emblavures de Froment et de Seigle sont beaucoup plus etendues que l'annee derniere, leur apparence est bonne. B. C. CONCOURS DE ROSES NOUVELLES A BAGATELLE. Le Jury de Bagatelle s'est reuni le 19 juin ; il etait preside par M. Deville, President de la 4e Commission du Conseil municipal de la Ville de Paris. Une Medaille d'Or a ete attribute a La Rose de Mme. Raymond Poincare, obtenue k la Roseraie de L'Hay. Une tres belle rose Rose, dont les petales sont bordes de rouge et qui, a une floribundite re- marquable, joint l'avantage d'etre portee par un pedoneule extremement rigide, a valu egale- ment une Medaille d'Or a Leenders, le semeur hollandais. Cette Rose porte le nom de Mme. Marcel Delanney. Le premier Certificat de Bagatelle (Certificat No. 1) a ete unaniruement accorde a la Rose Queen Mary, d'Alex. Dickson. C'est une Rose admirable, d'une couleur vive et pure, ou se melangent sans se confondre le jaune et le carmin. Non seulement la Rose est belle et delicieusement parfumee, mais encore le Rosier est tres vigoureux, florifere, presque sans epines et son feuillage est fort agreable. Un autre Certificat de Bagatelle a etc attribue a une Rose rouge de Chambard, Etincelante, hybride de Bengale, qui remplacera tres avan- tageusement la Rose allemande Gruss an Teplitz, a laquelle elle est superieure. Deux Certificats de Bagatelle ont ete obtenus par les Rosiers sarmenteux : Louis Sauvage, multiflore a fleurs nombreuses, petites, serrees, rouge tres fonce, seme par Turbat et Cie., et Gustave Bienvetu, hybride de wichuraiana, semi-double, rouge cramoisi intense, portant de nombreuses fleurs en bouquets sur un beau feuillage vert solide, obtenu par Nonin. NOUVELLES DIVERSES. Nouvelles de la Guerre.— M. Marcel Bossiere, secretaire de la redaction du Moniteur (['Horticulture, ancien eleve de Versailles, a ete tue a, N. D. de Lorette, " en brave et sans avoir jamais faibli." Le fils de notre ancien confrere de la Revue Chrysanthimiste, M. Jean Bletton, a disparu a Carency. M. Chapeau, jardinier a l'Espinossa (Haute Vienne), cite a l'ordre du jour, est egalement tombe au champ d'honneur. Le Jardin annonce aussi que le fils de M. Lesimple, le jardinier en chef du palais de Fon- tainebleau, vient d'etre blesse. Distinction. — L'aspirant de medecine de l'armee beige, Derom, appartenant a une firme bien connue de viticulteurs de Hoeylaert, a ete nomme chevalier de l'Ordre de la Couronne, pour, ainsi que nous l'apprend la citation a l'offieiel, l'initiative, le sang-froid et le devone- ment dont il a fait preuve dans toutes les mis- sions qui lui ont eti eonfiees au cours de la cam- pagne. La Situation horticole en France.— Au debut de juin les informations du Ministere de l'Agriculture la presentaient sous un jour assez favorable. Le retard de la vegetation observe fin avril a ete largement regagne par le releve- ment de la temperature et la frequence des pluies en mai. La recolte des fruits s'annonce comme devant etre assez abondante, surtout pour les fruits a pepins. Dans certaines regions les chenilles causent des degats. Dans le Midi la situation est assez variable. Dans la Dordogne, le Tarn-et-Garoene et le Lot-et-Garonne la recolte des fruits parait devoir etre moyenne. Les primeurs etaient tres belles dans le Tarn-et- Garonne; dans le Pyrenees Orientales les cul- tures ont souffert de l'humidite. Les Neutres et la Guerre.— Noslecteurs se rappellent la fiere protestation que M. Cor- revon de Geneve adressa au Gardeners' Chronicle a la suite des attaques dont il avait ete l'objet de la part de la presse# horticole allemande qui lui reprochait sa sincerite dans l'appreciation des atrocites commises en Belgique. Dans une lettre adressee au Jardin, M. Correvon fait con- naitre les sentiments de la Suisse et termine : " Horticulteurs du monde, mes freres, tra- vaillons a l'affranchissement de notre com- merce et a sa liberation de l'influence teutonne et nous aurons bien merite de la civilisation. Nous savons creer ; pourquoi nous laissons-nous de- barquer par ceux qui savent adroitement imiter? Ayons leur patience — nous suivons en ce moment une ecole de patience — leur ardeur au travail, qui degenere souvent, helas ! en materialite ; ayons leur perseverance et, avec l'intelligence des Latins, nous arriverons a nous liberer de cea fournisseurs-la. Maintenant qu'ils ont dechire le fameux traite de Francfort, joug affreux qui pesait sur toute l'Europe, nous allons voir se modifier le regime des affaires. Mais ne nous laissons pas alourdir par le bien-etre et materialiser et souvenons nous que ce sont ces choses-la qui ont perdu ce peuple de parvenus." Les Fruits forces a Bruxelles.— Une forte baisse s'est fait sentir pour tous les pro- duits. L'abondance des Fraises qui, par suite des difncultes de transport, doivent a peu pres toutes s'ecouler dans la capitale, n'y est pas etrangere. Le Raisin faisait, au 17 juin, lfr. 50 a 2fr. 80 le kilo, la Tomate Ofr. 80 a lfr. 20, la Peche Ofr. 30 a Ofr. 80. Le Raisin est plutot rare, mais il n'y a jamais eu, a, cette epoque, autaut de Peches que cette annee. On raconte due des acheteurs allemands vont s'etablir dans les centres de production en vue d'y acheter les fruits. La. situation deviendra bientot critique : les envois vont en augmentant et Bruxelles n'est pas a meme d'utiliser toute la recolte. On iredoute la meme crise Que l'annee derniere. Aussi semblable decision de la part des Alle- mands ne serait-elle pas vue de mauvais oeil. L'Alimentation de la Belgique.— Comme suite aux efforts de la section agricole du comite national de secours et d'alimentation en Bel- gique, la Societe royale d'horticulture et d'agri- culture "Linnaeus" de BorgeThout (Anvers) a encourage, d'une facon pratique, la culture des Pommes de terre et des legumes, par les sans-tra- vail. Un terrain de 15 hectares a ete mis a la dis- position de 590 menages necessiteux. Les Pommes de terre et les semences ont ete remises gratuite- ment aux interesses : 25,750 kilogrammes de tubercules, des semences de Cerfeuil, Persil et Salade, 1,700 plants de Ohoux ont ete distribute. Les Asperoes a Malines.-A la suite de l'isolement de Malines decide par les Allemands parce que les ouvriers refusaient de coopdrer a des travaux militaires, les Asperges, specialite des environs, ont ete vendues a tres bon compte. Lo prix normal est de Ofr. 60 a Ofr. 80 la botte de 1 kilo ; dernierement il serait descendu a 10 centimes ! KORT OVERZICHT VOOR DE VLAMINGEN. Een onlangs uit Belgisch Limburg ontvangen brief geeft ons inlichtingen over den stand van het fruit die over 't algemeen gunstig is. Ap- pelen en peren vooral beloven een zwaren oogst. In't begin van den winter lag de handel gansch stil en veel fruit ging verloren ; later werd nog al verkocht voor Maastricht van ivaar het -waar- schijnlijk naar Duitschland trok. De eetwaren sloege.n geregeld op tot in Maart, dan verminderden de prijzen. Tarwe stond, rond Tongeren, 20fr. in October, 145 tot 150 in Maart, 60 in Mei. De aardappelen stegen tot 23 frank. De veldvruchten staan thans goed, met uit- zondering der suikerbeeten die te veel van de droogte leden. Rond Brussel zijn de prijzen voor serrefruit laag. Nooit kwamen zooveel perziken ter markt als nu. Duitschers zijn van zin de vruchten op- groote schaal naar Duitschland te voeren. Ten gevolge der afsluiting van Mechelen zouden de Asperges daar tot 10 centiemen per bot verkocht geworden zijn. July 3, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. The Week's Work. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lady Nuxburxholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire. Begonia. —The earliest plants of Begonia Gloire de Lorraine and similar varieties should be potted into larger receptacles as soon as the roots show through the drainage holes or against the sides of the pots. Plants intended to be grown as large specimens may be potted in 6 or -even 7-ineh pots, but the most useful sized plants for decorative work are those grown in 5-inch pots, and for the latest batch 3 or 4-inch pots will be suitable. For potting soil, use a mixture of good' turfy loam, leaf-mould, a little dried low manure, and sprinklings of sand and soot, ulaintain a genial atmosphere, and let the night temperature be 60° to 65°. Shade heavily to keep down t/he temperature, and syringe freely amongst the bare places, and also lightly over- head until the plants are well established. At that stage they may be grown in a cooler house or frame, for this treatment will cause them to remain longer in flower. This Begonia makes a charming basket plant for hanging in corridors and similar places. For basket plants a little peat may be added to the compost, as this mate- rial retains much moisture. Fumigate the plants at short intervals to keep down attacks of insects. Chrysanthemums.— Repot the plants before they become pot-bound. Ijse a compost as re- commended in the issue for May 22, and in all ■eases provide ample material for drainage. Pot firmly, and do not employ pots larger than is necessary unless two or three plants are to be grown in the same receptacle, for it is much better to feed the plants at a later stage than to overpot them. Stand the plants in a sheltered position out-of-doors, fully exposed to the sun. The shoots of large-flowered varieties should be secured to stakes or wires as they increase in growth. Syringe the foliage and the imme- diate surroundings freely hoth night and morn- ing, and spray the plants occasionally with a weak insecticide. Perpetual-flowering Carnations.— Most of the plants of winter-flowering Car- nations should, if required to produce flowers nearly in the autumn, be stopped for the last time, but July is too late to stop such varieties as Britannia, Baroness de Brienen, Carola and those of similar growth if required to flower early. Most Carnation catalogues give the latest date at which such varieties should be stopped for early flowering, and growers should be guided by the advice, according to the time the flowers are required and the district, whether north or south. Those who were unable to procure suffi- cient cuttings for early propagation and rooted their plants late in the spring should pot the plants at once into 6-inch pots, in which they will grow to a useful size and produce quanti- ties of good flowers during the winter. Keep the plants free from thrips and red spider by syringing lightly from time to time with clear, weak soot-water and occasional syringings with salt water — one ounce of salt in two or three gallons of water. General Rem*rks.-Sow seeds of Humea elegans, Calceolarias, Cineraria, Mignonette, Mysotis Royal Blue and Campanulas, including Canterbury Bells. For Humea, Calceolaria and Cineraria use very fine soil. The seed needs' little or no covering. A second sowing may be made later according to the time the plants are required in flower. Such plants as Stephanotis (loribunda, Allamanda Bougainvillea, Strep to- sole n Jamesonii, Heliotrope, Lapageria and Fuchsias trained as climbers need frequent atten- tion in tying and training the shoots to prevent them becoming untidy. All such plants that have a large spread of foliage and flower freely need frequent and liberal supplies of liquid manure and other stimulants. Plants growing in large pots, tubs and narrow borders also need feeding. Nearly all these plants need to be syringed freely with clear water on bright days to keep them free from insects. Fumigate also if necessary, as success depends largely upon cleanliness. The same remarks on watering and syringing apply to hard-wooded plants such as Rhododendron indicum (Azaleas) which have completed their growth. It is not too late to insert cuttings of Pelargoniums, Salvia splen- dens, Fuchsias, Abutilons, Eupatoriums and other soft-wooded, winter-flowering plants if earlier stocks have failed. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By John Highgate, Gardener to the Marquis of Linlithgow, Hopetoun, South Queensferry, N.B. Successional Pines. — If a large number of fruits appear likely to ripen together, and thus cause a glut, some of the plants may be removed to a cooler house to retard the ripening. Plants of the smooth-leaved varieties, such as Cayenne and Charlotte Rothschild, which are intended to furnish a supply of ripe fruit during the winter, should be hastened into growth by increasing the temperature, and providing more moisture to tliA roots and in the atmosphere. Water the roots at all times with caution, and never in drib- lets, but copiously when necessary. Attend care- fully to details, such as ventilating and syring- ing ; by closing the house early in the afternoons nn fine days the requisite temperature can easily be maintained without the use of fare-heat. Late Vines.— The final thinning of the bunches of such late varieties as Lady Downes, Black Alicante, and Gros Colman, should be com- pleted. All Grapes in the centre of the bunch should be removed, leaving each berry that re- mains plenty of room to develop. Attend regu- larly to the. stopping and regulation of the growths. In the case of long-keeping varieties, it is necessary that the bunches should be protected by a good covering of foliage, as this tends to keep them in a fresh condition for a much longer period when ripe. During fine weather admit air freely, especially during the stoning period. Guard against scalding of the berries, which usually takes place, at this stage. To overcome this trouble the valves of the hot-water system should be turned on a little early in the morning, and ventilation should be attended to with extra care. Orchard House.— The fruits in orchard houses are in various stages of development and the trees require attention several times a day. Keep them well supplied with water and feed the roots liberally, either by top-dressings of rich soil or frequent applications of manure water. The amount of liquid manure afforded each tree should be regulated by the size of the pots, and the number of fruits. On no account let the trees suffer from want of moisture at the roots. Thin the fruits of later varieties finally and pinch the lateral growths regularly. Syringe the trees at least twice a day during hot, dry weather, and increase the amount of ventilation as the season advances. Discontinue feeding the roots as the fruits ripen and reduce the amount of atmospheric moisture. Cucumbers. — Plants growing in heat that have been fruiting for some time past are show- ing signs of exhaustion, and should be dis- carded to make room for another batch. It is most probable that these old plants are infested with red spider ; therefore let the house be cleansed thoroughly and the woodwork and walls syringed with a weak solution of paraffin. After- wards open all the ventilators to their fullest extent and allow them to remain open for at least a day before replanting begins. Cucumbers in pits and frames are on the point of fruiting, and will be benefited by a top-dressing of rich loam and stable manure, and should be fed with liquid manure. Admit air with caution and damp the walls and bare surfaces frequently. Remove the superfluous growths and stop the leading shoots from time to time. Seeds may be sown now and the plants grown on in pots to furnish Cucumbers late in the season. Tomatos.- Plants for fruiting in winter should be raised from seed sown now, and another small sowing may be made in about three weeks' time. The variety Winter Beauty when grown in cool treatment in the earlier stages is a sturdy, short-jointed grower, sets its fruits freely, and will continue to bear over a long period. Sow the seed thinly in shallow pans or small pots, and as soon as the seedlings appear stand them on a shelf close to the roof- glass. When the first rough leaf has formed shift the plants into 3-inch pots, using a rather free compost. Place the pots on a shelf in a cool house and, should the plants be inclined to become drawn, remove them to a cold frame. As soon as the plants get over this shift they will grow rapidly, and should be transferred to 6-inch pots before the roots become pot-bound. A similar compost may be used. Pot rather firmly to encourage a sturdy growth. Water should be afforded sparingly until the roots have grown in the new soil. Stand the plants well apart so that each may be well exposed to the light. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By W. Hedley Warren, Gardener to the Aston-Clinton Park Estate (the Rt. Hon. Lord Rothschild), Buck- inghamshire. Retarding Small Fruits.— The fruits of Red and White Currants, also Morello Cherries, planted against north walls, should, as they ripen, he covered with several thicknesses of nets or canvas to retard their ripening, so that they will furnish a succession late in the year. Late Goose berries, or other small fruits growing in quarters or rows, should be examined, and such as are suitable covered in a similar manner. Recently Grafted Trees.— The trees should be examined from time to time to see that the ties are not so tight as to injure the bark of the scion. Should this be the case re- move the ties and secure the young growths as directed in a former calendar. Black Currants. —Bushes trained against north walls reed attention. This method of growing Black Currants is an excellent one for small gardens, where economy of space is desired or in situations where other fruit trees will not succeed. Carefully regulate and thin the shoots, retaining only those which will be tied in now, or that will be needed .after those which are bearing are cut away. Aim at furnishing the trellis or wall from the bottom to the top with fruiting branches for next year, remembering that this Currant bears best on young wood of the pre- vious season, and not upon -spurs like the red and white varieties. Wall Trees.— The first summer pruning of wall trees should be done forthwith. The neglect of summer pruning, or pinching, is particularly detrimental to Apricots, and such trees as pro- duce their fruit principally upon one-year-old shoots. It also causes great perplexity to the pruner to regulate the shoots when they are allowed to grow too long unchecked, neither can the work be done so satisfactorily as earlier in the season. On the care and attention the trees receive now in pinching the shoots, thinning the fruit, and destroying insect pests will depend in a great measure the crop next year. Continue to nail or tie the young shoots of Peaches and Nectarines. Examine Apple, Pear, Plum, and Cherry trees frequently, pinching or removing entirely all superfluous growths, and keeping the foliage clean by the frequent use of the garden engine or syringe, directing the water to the under-sides of the foliage, as well as the upper surface. General Remarks.— Attend to the stop- ping, thinning and regulating of the young shoots. Thin the young shoots of Figs freely, a? this will assist both the fruit and growths to mature. Should mildew make its appearance on Peach or Nectarine trees dust the affected part? with flowers of sulphur at once. Certain varie- ties of Peaches, for example Royal George, are very subject to mildew, but sulphur, if applied immediately the disease is detected, will prove an effectual remedy and bo safer to use than washes. Raspberries should be well at- tended to for water and should be mulched, espe- cially those that are newly planted. Old planta- tions of Raspberries should be cleared of all old growths as soon as the fruits are gathered. Later, lliin the young canes to the number re- quired. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 3, 1915. Fig. 2.— halesia hispida : flowers white. (See p. 7. July 3, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. J. Cobb, Gardener to Reginald Cory, Esq., Duffryn Gardens, near Cardlfl, South Wales. Hales.a hisp.da (see fig. 2)--™« plant is also known as Pterostyrax hispida. Ine flowers are now developing and bear no resem- blance to the well-known Halesia tetTaptera, •• the Snowdrop tree." P. hispida flowers freely, and the fragrant, white blooms hang in pendu- lous racemes. The plant is seen to best advantage grown either as a specimen on the lawn or in the foreground of a bold shrubbery. Propaga- tion may be effected by seeds sown when ripe, or the plant may be increased by layering. The species is a native of Japan and forms a tree about 25 feet high, with slender, spreading branches, forming an open head. The leaves are large and attractive, ovate in outline and of light green colour. A peculiarity of the leaves is that the under-sides are sometimes tomentose and sometimes glabrous ; foliage with both characters may develop on the same branch. Humea elegans.— Well-grown specimens of Humea elegans planted in suitable positions out- of-doors are very beautiful subjects. In order to raise plants for next summer, sow seed in gentle heat, and prick out the seedlings— which usually come up irregularly — as they become large enough for transference. Pot on as required, and grow the plants in cool conditions. They should be established in 6-inch or 7-inch pots before winter, during which they must still be kept somewhat cool, and not given much water. Lupinus ARBOREUS.-Tree Lupins are splen- did subjects for planting in sunny, dry positions, whether in the wild garden, bold flower border, shrubbery, or on a sloping bank. To raise plants for blooming next year, sow seed in cold frames and grow the seedlings on for planting out in autumn or early spring. Tree Lupins may aUo be raised from cuttings inserted immediately the plants have flowered. This method is usually only adopted to increase or retain the stock of a particularly good yellow variety, as seedlings are liable to be poor shades of this colour. Detach the cuttings from the main branches with a slight heel, and insert in pots filled with sandy soil. They will root readily in a close frame. The white variety, Snow Queen, has a somewhat pros- trate habit, which enhances its effect in most positions. Lupinus arboreus is not a long-lived plant, usually three or four years, so that it is necessary to increase the stock by seeds or cut- tings. Violets. — The dry, hot weather ha6 made it necessary to water these plants frequently, for Violets must never suffer from dryness at the roots. Alternate waterings with weak liquid manure are very beneficial, and syringing the plants in the evening will help to keep red spider in check. An occasional dusting of soot over the plants will also act as a deterrent to this pest. A free use of the Dutch hoe will assist in re- taining moisture in the soil. Herbaceous Border.— Many of the plants in the hardy flower borders need staking and tying, and the soil should be stirred frequently with the Dutch hoe. The dry weather of May and early June has been very trying to newly planted subjects, necessitating frequent waterings. It is seldom that the rainfall during summer is suffi- cient for such plants as Phloxes, Spiraeas, Del- phiniums, and Paeonies. Support must be afforded to plants as required, and in such a manner that the natural appearance is retained. Encourage bedding plants to become established soon by watering and syringing them, and hoeing the soil if necessary. See that shrubs planted since last autumn do not suffer from drought at the roots. Bamboos and Conifers transplanted within the past two years must be watered. Maintain neatness by keeping down weeds, clip- ping verges, and removing faded blooms. the deciduous Calanthes and Phaius. All the species of this class will thrive in the inter- mediate house, while C. Dominii has been culti- vated in the cool division with a certain amount of success, but in a cold house the foliage is liable to become spotted. Provide ample shade and copious supplies of water throughout the growing period. Thunia. —If the plants are thriving, the pots will be filled with roots, and the flower-scapes developing on- the more forward stems. Feed the roots with weak liquid cow-manure twice a week, or use the stimulant alternately with clear water for watering. When the flowers are fully expanded, remove the plants to another house where the atmosphere is drier and the tempera- ture slightly lower, for in such conditions the blooms will remain fresh for a much longer period. Do not neglect the plants after _ the flowering season; grow them in a light situa- tion and let them be supplied with water until the foliage begins to decay, when the amount of moisture at the roots' should be reduced gradually. At the ripening stage the foliage is often attacked by red spider, but the pest may be kept in check if the plants are laid down and the leaves syringed vigorously with an insecticide. If it is desired to increase the stock of any particular variety remove the back stems, and cut them into lengths of four or five inches. The portions will root readily in a propagating frame. Very little rooting-medium is required, and it should be Sphagnum-moss cut up rather fine, with a moderate sprinkling of coarse sand. When the new shoot is formed afford the plant every encouragement to make rapid growth. Pachystoma Thomsoniana. -This Orchid will require plenty of water for the next few weeks. The plants may be suspended from the roof-rafters at the warmer end of the Cattleya division. Miltonia vexillaria.— As the various forms of M. vexillaria pass out of flower they should enjoy a partial rest in a slightly cooler tempera- ture, and less water will suffice, but sufficient moisture must be given to keep the pseudo bulbs plump and rigid. Examine the plants occasionally for the presence of insect pests. Ooontoglossum pulch ellum.— This in- teresting Odontoglossum should be grown in the intermediate house during the winter, but in hot weather a cooler house should be selected. The plants are beginning to grow, and an oppor- tunity occurs for affording fresh rooting material, which should be the same as advised for 0. crispum. Guard against insect pests, es- pecially thripe, which soon cause irreparable damage to the young leaves. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By T. W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Lysaght, Esq., Castleford, Chepstow, Gloucestershire. Evergreen Calanthes.— Such species as C. Dominii, C. veratrifolia and C. Masuca may be given attention at the roots as roots commence to develop from the new shoots. Use a some what retentive medium, such as i6 employed for THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Carrots.— The dry weather has delayed the thinning of the plants, which is becoming urgent, and should be done at the first favourable oppor- tunity. Make a liberal sowing of Model, Monu- ment, or some other good stump-rooted variety in ground that has been deeply cultivated as soon as the soil is in a suitable condition. This will prove a valuable crop throughout winter and spring. When the seedlings are well through the surface thin them carefully and use the hoe freely between the plants to keep the ground free from weeds. As the season advances frequent light dustings of soot may be applied with advan- tage during showery weather. Late POTATOS.-Lata Potatos should be earthed at once, and the crop may be given a little fertiliser in moist weather. The earliest plants growing on south borders are ready to dig ; the ground will be useful for planting autumn Lettuce or Turnips, and these will require con- siderable attention in dry weather. Vegetable Marrows. -Marrows require at- tention daily ii> dry weather. Feed the roots liberally with weak liquid manure from the farm- yard and remove worthless shoots. A slight sprinkling of artificial manure may be applied with advantage during showery weather. French Beans. -Make sowings _ of this vegetable weekly in a sheltered position until the middle of July. Plants growing on warm borders need watering freely, and, if dry weather continues, the foliage damped in the afternoons in order to keep red spider in check. Mulch the ground between the rows with decayed manure and do all that is possible to keep the plants growing freely. It is better practice to make frequent small sowings than to gather pods from plants that are unhealthy or past their best condition of cropping. Allow plenty of space between the rows so that growth may not become drawn. Cucumbers.— Shade lightly during the brightest part of the day plants in bearing and keep the atmosphere moist by damping the bed and walls of the house and syringe the foliage lightly in the morning and evening. Red spider is a troublesome pest of the Cucumber during hot weather, especially if the atmosphere is allowed to become dry or the foliage overcrowded. At- tend to the stopping and thinning of young growths at least once weekly, for it is harmful to remove a large quantity of foliage at any one time. Top-dress the bed lightly whenever the roots appear above the surface, as this is the best means of keeping the plants healthy. Turfy loam and decayed manure are the best materials for the purpose. Thin the growth of young plants and stop the shoots, allowing no fruits to develop until the plants are well established. THE APIARY. By Cbloris. Water.— Every frame in the brood chamber is packed with larvae in all stages of develop- ment, and it is essential, if a good stream be not within easy distance of the hives, to supply the bees with plenty of pure water. If the bees cannot obtain pure water they will use the liquid from manure heaps and other undesirable places. In view of the prevalence of disease let the vessels be cleansed each time before refilling. It will also assist in keeping the bees healthy if grass is cleared from the vicinity of hives, and grass growing neaT kept very short, as the excreta from diseased bees contains germs that may infect healthy bees when they drink the dewdrops on the grass in the early morning. Difficulties of the Season.— It is not uncommon at this season to find that bees show a disinclination to go into supers, the insects pre- ferring to hang about the entrance under the alighting board or porch in large bunches. To overcome the difficulty take a few sections that are partly filled from another hive if there are none left from last year, and place these on the outside of the rack, and not in the middle, as some do. It is not uncommonly found, too, that bees refuse to work on sections where starters only are used, therefore full sheets always should be fitted in the sections. Even when "these de- tails have been attended to the bees may refuse to work above. This may be due to an excess of heat, owing to a lack of shade; and in that case shade must be provided. Tiering.- Where bees are working hard on supers a watch must be kept or they may swarm. To prevent this, remove one or two full frames of brood and place them in hives requiring strengthening, and in their place put in one or two frames fitted with full sheets of foundation. If the sections or shallow frames be half to two- thirds full then add another super under the partially-filled one. In this country it is not often that three supers will be filled in one sea- son, and if more are added there :s a danger that a number of partly-filled sections or frames will be left on hand at the end of the season. Removing Sections and Frames -It is not often wise or even practicable to allow supers to remain until every cell is filled and sealed. To leave honey on the hive will cause the cap pings to become seriously travel-stained and the edges to be covered with propolis. Where it is considered that the supers are nearly filled place a board with a bee escape in the centre underneath, raising the full one by i screwing motion. When bees are molested they often seriously pierce tho cappings, and the use of the board prevents this. If the board be put under in the evening every bco will have left it before the next mid-day. Sections that are imperfectly filled may be placed on the outer layer of a new lot. THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 3, 1915.. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Uarden, W.C- Editors and Publisher. — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communications, and save us much time and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice ■printed weekly to the effect that all letters relat- ing 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 de- lay and confusion arise when letters are mis- directed. Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contribu- tions or illustrations, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their c o rrespondents. 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. 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 possiblt, and duly signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSOING WEEK. TUESDAY, JULY 6— Roy. Hort. Soc's. Summer Show at Holland House, Kensington (3 days). Scottish Hort. Soc. meet. Gloucestershire Rose and Sweet Pea. WEDNESDAY, JULY 7— Penarth Flower Show. THURSDAY, JULY 8— Manchester and N. of Eng. Orchid Soc meet. Averagb Mean Tbmperaturb for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the lost Fifty Years at Greenwich, 62.3. actual Temperatures :— Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London: Thursday, July 1 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 29.4, Temp. 60°. Weather- Dull. There is good reason TheTCuit.vation for saying that vege- of vegetables. table cultivation for- merly constituted a far more important feature in ordinary gar- dening than is the case to-day, when out- gardens are devoted so largely to what may be conveniently termed ornamental horticulture. One of the results of the absorbing interest now taken in decora- tive gardening is, unfortunately, that the younger professional gardeners no longer give the specialised attention to the cul- tivation of the kitchen garden that was forthcoming from the more eminent of their predecessors. There are circumstances also that tend to discourage the public demand for superior vegetables. It is an unfortunate incident of town life that a large pro- portion of the population is obliged to make daily use of the public restaurants, and in most of these places the treatment of vegetables is execrable. Even in the fashionable restaurants, where no ■ fault can be found with the manner in which meats and other articles of food are presented to table, the vegetables show often and unmistakably that no care whatever is expended upon the cooking. In this way many who are critical enough as regards the quality of a steak, become sadly indifferent to the qualities of the vegetables they consume ; the result being that they scarcely know good from inferior produce. This being the case, there is every need for gardeners and cooks in our country homes so to direct their energies that our tables may always be furnished with the choicest garden products presented in their most tempting form. With such an education as this would provide, those who are country-bred would develop a keen appreciation and constant desire for the choicer kinds of vegetables. With respect to- the forcing of early vegetables, whilst we as a nation may learn much from the French, who are 60 successful with their cloches, and average cultivation in our own land has not risen to so high a standard as in France, at the same time there have been numerous instances at all periods in which English- men have excelled in this important detail of gardening. The old northern gardeners who used their improvised frames containing hot-beds formed of leaves and manure were in the habit of raising early crops of many of the kinds best k'nown to the French garden, and Peas, Beans, Asparagus and Potatos, amongst others, were raised quite early in the year. But, nevertheless, the attempts to raise early vegetables and salads are sporadic and inadequate, and we would impress upon our readers the import- ance of devoting more attention to the subject. Much talk is sometimes in- dulged in about forcing things out of their natural season, and it is probably true that, in many instances, the quality suffers in proportion to the amount of forcing indulged in. A hard forced Straw- berry, for instance, can scarcely be expected to have the same delectable qualities as a fruit picked on a hot summer's day whilst still warm with the sun's rays. Yet the first fruit, and, for the matter of that, the first new Potato, whether from the frame or from out-of-doors, has a fascination of its own, and if it is specially early it is some satisfaction to the gardener, inas- much as it is the result of his skill in controlling circumstances unfavourable to his crop. The interests of the public demand that early vegetables and salads shall be exhibited more frequently at the spring shows in London. In the case of many of the May exhibitions that took place in the gardens of the Inner Temple, there were collections of vegetables ex- hibited from private gardens, and choice collections of indoor fruits also from private gardens. But for some reason or another the vegetables at these shows have so fallen off that scarcely any is left, excepting the collections con- tributed by the Hon. Vicary Gibbs, and these represent the highest cultivation of vegetables ever attained in Britain. But whilst appreciating fully these ex- traordinary collections, which deserve all the credit that can be given them, we maintain that more private gardeners should endeavour to obtain laurels in the some field as Mr. Edwin Beckett, the head gardener at Aldenham. It lias been whispered that the reason for the absence of further exhibits is to be found in the fact that Mr. Beckett is able to put up something that no gardener can hope to equal. In any case the Royal Horticul- tural Society would do well to con- sider whether special inducements could not be offered with a view to encouraging more frequent dis- plays, not only of vegetables, but of fruits, at the Chelsea Shows. For, after all, such extensive exhibitions as those promoted at Chelsea year after year are far from perfect, so long as they are lacking in sufficient representative col- lections of the more important products of gardening. Indeed, their absence is a fault calling for immediate remedy. With a view to assisting any who have the desire to cultivate vegetable crops that mature in May, we have obtained from Mr. Beckett some details con- cerning the cultivation of the pro- duce exhibited at Chelsea this "sea- son. The collection included some seven dozen dishes, exclusive of salads. Of the Peas exhibited, the variety Quite Content was sown in the first week of November, and bore a huge crop on haulm eight feet, high. Edwin Beckett was sown on cember 1, and Little Marvel on December 15, and with Duke of Albany and Early Giant they produced quantities of excel- lent pods well filled with Peas. Of Broad Beans there were Mammoth Long Pod and Exhibition ; both varieties were sown on November 5, in pots and boxes placed in a Peach house. Of French Beans, Canadian Wonder — still one of the very l>est varieties — was sown on March 1, Mag- num Bonum on March 8, and Golden Wax Pod and Ne Plus Ultra four days later. Globe Beet was sown on January 19 and Chilian and Seakale on January 7. The Broccoli was obtained from plants raised from a sowing made in the open on May 1, 1914, and the varieties included Model, Late Queen, Satisfaction, Standwell. and Latest of All. The Cabbages included Harbinger and April, both sown on July 16. Harbinger is one of the best early varieties, and the rows of this Cabbage at Aldenham were of extraordinary regu- larity ; among many scores of plants not one bolted. Of Cauliflowers, there were Magnum Bonum and Early Forcing, from a sowing made out-of-doors on September 13, and the heads exhibited were exeeed- inglv choice examples. Amongst vegetable luxuries in May may surely be counted young Carrots of high-class quality. The varieties exhibited by Mr. Beckett were New Red Intermediate, Inimitable Forcing, Champion Horn and Favourite ; all were sown in the latter part of January or in February. As uncommon as Carrots in May are Vegetable Marrows, for few growers would admit that they have sufficient space indoors for plants of sprawly habit like Marrows. But ques- tions of this sort never appear to trouble Mr. Beckett, and he exhibited the varieties Table Dainty, Perfection, Long White, Long Green', The Sutton, Pen-y-byd, Moore's Cream and Custard: they were all sown on February 11. Of Cucumbers, King George, Al, Satisfaction, Ideal, and July 3, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. Lord Roberts were all sown on March 5, and given liberal treatment. Another extraordinary dish for May was the Celery in the Chelsea collection, Alden- ham Pink and Solid White being repre- sented by first-rate heads. The former variety is the best-coloured Celery for ex- hibition purposes. The Celery was sown on February 16 and the plants kept grow- ing without interruption. Numerous fruits of Tomato made an imposing dis- play, there being no fewer than ten varie- ties represented, including Yellow Perfec- tion and Golden Sunrise amongst yellow fruits, and of red fruits, Sunrise, Per- fection, Winter Beauty, Duke of York, and Peach Blow. It may be pointed out that the variety Peach Blow has superior quality, whether the fruit is eaten in an uncooked state or after cooking. Most of the varieties were sown in October and November, 1914. Pjotatos included the varieties Duke of York, King Edward VII., and Exhibition Bed, and they were all planted on February 18. Sweet, fresh Turnips were raised on hot-beds, and in- cluded Early Long Forcing. White Gem. Yellow Six Weeks, Early Milan, and its white prototype — all of these being sown in the first or second week in March. Let- tuces were sown on January 4, including Golden Ball, Favourite, All the rear Round, Nonsuch, and Little Gem. Auber- gines of the long white and purple varieties were sown on January 15, and Spinach of the Long Standing variety on March 1. but Perpetual Spinach was sown a month later. Radishes were raised from seed sown in the third week of April, and in- cluded Forcing Carmine, French Break- fast, and Forcing White Olivo. Mr. Beckett cultivates many of these early vegetable crops in boxes, and he has furnished us with photographs represent- ing Peas in the one case and Broad Beans in the other, which we reproduce in figs. 3 and 4. He makes no attempt to claim this form of culture as new, but having tested the box method for successive sea- sons, he describes it as capable of giving results of the most satisfactory character, and, further, as being economical of space. He is convinced that the professional gar- dener could frequently employ boxes with advantage, as the crops can be moved from house to house as required. The roots, being confined, are well within the control of the cultivator with respect to supplying them with both food and water. Mr. Beckett has proved by experience that there is scarcely any kind that may not be cultivated to perfection by this means. The Broad Beans illustrated represent the variety Leviathan, and the Peas are Edwin Beckett and Quite Con- tent. They are depicted with the boxes plunged in the ground, where they were placed in the last week of April. 'I'1 size of the box in use at Aldenham is three feet eight inches in length, nine inches in width, and nine inches in depth ; they may be easily made by an intelligent work- man, and. with ordinary care, will last for years. The base should be well per- forated, and t^o-emall strips of wood nailed on at each end for the convenience of moving the boxes. Coloured Plate.— The Coloured Plate to be issued with our next number will represent a rockery exhibit at a Chelsea Show. Birmingham Chrysanthemum Show Abandoned.— The Committee of the Birming- ham and Midland Counties Chrysanthemum, Fruit and Floricultural Society has decided to abandon the annual exhibition for 1915. Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institu- tion (Berkshire, Reading and District Auxiliary.)— During 1914 the sum of £80 was forwarded to the parent institution by the Berk- shire auxiliary of the Gardeners' Royal Benevo- lent Institution. This sum, although (in con- sequence of the war) less than in 1913, has brought the amount forwarded by the auxiliary This gallant young officer obtained his captaincy on June 21, and has been for several weeks attached to the staff as Brigade Signalling Officer. The many friends of Mr. Jas. Tuxlt, gardener at Osmaston Manor, Derbyshire, will regret to learn that his elder eon, Private W. Tully, 2nd Gordon Highlanders, has been seri- ously injured at the front by shrapnel on the scalp. Mr. Tutl-y's younger son, Campbell, is a member of the Grenadier Guards, in training at Caterham. Flowers in Season.— Sprays of the South American Halesia diptera are sent by Messrs. Robert Veitch and Son from plants in their nursery at Exeter. The species foTms a small Fig. 3. — peas growing in boxes at aldenham. to the total of £1,454 16s. 6d. At the annual meeting, held on the 23rd ult., Mrs Rowland Sperling was re-elected president of the aux- iliary ; the vice-presidents, lion, secretary and hon. treasurer were also re-elected. Culinary Peas at WisLEY.-The judging of the Early Pea trial took place on June 24, and the varieties recommended for Awards have been labelled in order to facilitate observation by those interested in the trial. War Items.— Lieut. F. Russell Cobb, son of W. Cobb, Esq., Normanhurst, Rusper, Hor- sham^a member of the R.H.S. Orchid Con) mittec — has earned his captaincy at the front, and has been mentioned in despatches, whilst in the King's Birthday Honours his name is in- cluded axnongsl those winning tin1 Military Cross, tree or shrub and is very like the better-known H. tetraptera, but its leaves are larger and the white flowers more showy. The flowers are borne in profusion along the branches in racemes .if two t" four. Another species, H. hispida, is illustrated on p. 6. Mr. Charles Hodgson. Brent Eleigh Hal] Gardens, Lavenham, Suffolk, srmls flowering sprays of Rosa gigantea from the open, with tin- information that the plant had flowered previously, after the hot summer of 1911. It is exposed t<> full sunshine and is trained mi an old tree trunk. Ash and Beech. -Ash is being largely used m the manufacture of the framing of motor- transport wagons, aeroplanes and seaplanes. Beech forms a valuable timber for the manufac- ture of ammunition boxes and packing cases. 10 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 3, 1915. Fruit Crops at St. Malo- The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries has received a report from his Majesty's Vice-Consul at St. Malo to the effect that Apples, whether for cider, cook- ing, or table purposes, promise an abundant yield in his district. Plums afford a better prospect than usual; Gooseberries and Currants are about an average, while Cherries are a good medium, if not a large, crop. Forecasts of the Corn Crops in Italy, Japan, and the United States.— The Inter- national Agricultural Institute publishes the fol- lowing forecasts of the crops in 1915 : — Italy — Wheat 108,264,000cwts., Eye 2,362,000cwts., Barley 3,937,000cwts. , Oats 8,858,000cwts., Japan —Wheat 12,681,000cwts. , Barley 41,790,000cwts. ; United States — Wheat 508,942,000cwts., Barley 84,428,000cwts., and Oats 368,004,000cwts. I Indian Wheat Committee.— The President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries has re- appointed the Indian Wheat Committee, ap- pointed by his predecessor, to supervise the ar- rangements in this country connected with the scheme introduced by a notification of the Govern- ment of India, dated March 25, 1915, for the ship- ment of Wheat from India to the United King- dom on Government account. The members are : — Rt. Hon. F. D. Actand, M.P. (Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Agriculture and Fish- eries) (chairman), Mr. R. H. Rew, C.B. (Board of Agriculture and Fisheries) (deputy chair- man), Mr. J. M. Keynes (H.M. Treasury), Sir George Sam-marsh (the Baltic), Sir Lionel Abrahams, K.C.B. (India Office), Mr. T. H. Middleton, C.B. (Board of Agriculture and Fisheries), Mr. J. A. Hubback (India Office). Mr. H. D. Vigor (Board of Agriculture and Fisheries) (secretary). Tea.— The demand for Tea is increasing every- where and growers are looking forward to par- ticularly bright times. Already a large Tea con- suming country, Russia will probably use more Tea as a substitute for vodka. But apart from an increased demand from countries which hitherto have not absorbed large quantities of Tea, a big consumption in the home market is virtually assured. The requirements of the Army alone are enormous, while the needs of the civilian population continue to grow. Although Tea promises to be much dearer than it has been during the past few years, it is still, perhaps, the cheapest and most stimulating beverage obtain- able, and its popularity is certainly not on the wane among the masses of the population. Prizes for Plans of Rubber Estate Factories.— The council of the International Association for Rubber Cultivation in the Netherland Indies is offering prizes for plans for complete rubber estate factories for the making of (1) crepe and (2) smoked sheet. Both plans are to be adapted for a capacity of at first 20(1,000 lb. of dry rubber per annum, which by three extension." can be increased to 500,000 lb. The first prize is for 1,500 florins and the second for 500 florins. The plans must he sent before March 1, 1916, either to the office of the asso- ciation, 13, Kneuterdyk, The Hague, or to the office of the Algemeene Vereeniging van Rubber- planters ter Oostkust van Sumatra, at Medan, Deli. Particulars can be obtained from the asso- ciation. Game Birds as Weed DESTROYERS.-The number of weed seeds eaten by birds on cul- tivated land must be beyond any assignable quantity. Game birds generally are the greatest eaters of weed seeds. They are also useful to man in several other ways. Not only do they devour mature locusts, but they scratch up and eat the eggs. They also consume in large quan- tities termites and other equally pernicious in- sects. The reckless shooting of game is to be deprecated. They are of far more use alive than in swelling the bag of the sportsman. The quail is perhaps the greatest weed destroyer of all the game birds. It is doubtful, indeed, if the quail is not more useful to man than any other bird. It is very nearly wholly beneficial. During spring and summer it feeds on many of the most destructive of insects, and in autumn and winter it eats an enormous amount of seeds of many harmful weeds. The report of the United States Biological Survey says : — " It is reasonable to suppose that in the States of Virginia and North Carolina from September 1 to April 30 there were four quail to each square mile of land. The crop of each bird holds half an ounce of seed and is filled twice a day. Since at each of these two daily meals harmful weed seeds constitute at least half the contents of the crop, a half-ounce daily is consumed by each bird. On this basis the total consumption of harmful weed seeds by quail from September to April in Virginia and North Carolina amounts to 1,341 tons. As de- structive insects form about one-third of the bird's food from June to August, quail consume 341 tons of these pests in these States within those two months." But perhaps the most valu- able service that quail render the people of the United States is the greedy way in which — and they stand almost alone among birds in this par- ticular taste — they eat the evil-smelling Potato bug. In addition to this inestimable service, it is partially due to this bird that the cotton boll weevil has not swept over the entire cotton belt of America, bringing ruin to thousands of human beings on both sides of the Atlantic. While speaking of the services which the quail renders to man, I may mention that there is — now that Great Britain has harnessed the Nile — a plain economic reason for our revolt against the pre- sent-day practice of killing Egyptian quail and shipping them abroad by hundreds of thousands to tickle the palate of gourmands. Seporl of the Smithsonian Institute. Tobacco - growing in Ceylon. — The ex- perimental cultivation of Tobacco in Ceylon has proved, so far, that good Tobacco can be grown on the island. The Home and Colonial Mail states that the first crops have been harvested and cured, and gave a good quality leaf suitable for the European market. A consignment of the leaves has been shipped to London for the opinion of the expert of the Imperial Institute. TheTe is a prospect of considerable encourage- ment being afforded to the wider cultivation of Tobacco of the American type in the British Colonies. Already Nyassaland, Rhodesia and Canada are raising Tobacco in increasing quantities. Fruit and Potato Crops in Holland.- Tho Board of Agriculture and Fisheries is in- formed by His Majesty's Consul-General at Rot- terdam that on June 1 prospects for the fruit crop in Holland were generally favourable. Plums are somewhat disappointing, but other fruits will probably give excellent results. Night frosts have caused1 some damage and Pears were slightly affected by insects. Apples promise a splendid crop. The conditions for the Apple crop are good in Groningen and most other parts of the country. Pears are also good throughout the country, except Gelderland and Leenwarden, where they are moderate. Prcs- pects for early CheTries are very good in Lim- burg and in the Alblasserwa-ard, good in Gelder- land and Overyssel, moderate in the Betuwe, and not good in the Hoeksche Waard. Excellent reports of late Cherries come from Limhurg and Maas district, and good Teports from Betuwe, Utrecht, Gelderland north of the Rhine and Overyssel. "English" Plums good in the south-east of Utrecht and the Alb-lasserwaard, moderate in Gelderland, Overyssel and South Beveland, and bad near the Maas and Waal rivers. The conditions for other Plums are very good in Limburg, good in Utrecht, Overyssel and Alblasserwaard, fairly good in the Westland dis- trict, and moderate in other districts. Tomatos are fairly good in Overyssel and Utrecht, and in other districts good or very good. Prices are 69s. per cwt. Good to very good reports have been received of early Potatos. Blossom Fall of Tomato. -The malady of the Tomato, characterised by the fall of the tips of the inflorescence, is ascribed by Brooks (Phytopathology, 1914, 4, 345) to trie use of certain manures, such as sulphate of ammonia, dried blood and stable manure, presumably in. excessive quantities. Excessive watering or a check due to lack of water are said also to induce the malady. Fruit Crops in Calvados, Normandy.— The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries has re- ceived from His Majesty's Vice-Consul at Caen a report on the prospects of the fruit crops by Le Directeur des Services Agricoles du Calvados as follows : — Cider Apples and Pears promise plentiful crops, as in the last three years, and as the markets are more limited than before the war, low prices must be expected as in 1914, when they were about 4s. per cwt. In the Hon- fleur district, where table fruits are especially grown, the prospects for wall Pears are bad, not exceeding a quarter of an average crop ; but standard Pears promise a plentiful crop. There will be a moderate yield of Currants, and a poor crop of Plums. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Roses on Rosa laxa. — Inquiries of the superintendent at Wisley as to the merits of the R. laxa stock for Roses resulted in rather a curious yet most interesting answer. When transplanting into the bor- ders from a trial bed some plants of Roses on Laxa stock and some on Briar, it was found that those on Laxa had a great mass of fibrous roots, those on Briar had quite typical Briar roots. It was expected that the Laxa ones would start away at once and be stronger than the others, but they did neither. So far as can be seen, there is now no visible difference in the Roses on the different stocks. What would have been the difference, if any, if the plants had not been moved will not be known before another season. Rosa. Potato Dunnottar Castle. -On April 1 I planted cut tubers of this early Potato in the open orchard among Apple trees. The total rainfall since planting has been but 3.77 inches. To-day (June 25) I lifted two roots ; one pro- duced twenty-seven tubers, weighing 31bs., the other twenty-four tubers, weighing 21bs. All were clean and shapely, and they cooked remarkably well. If the sets had been planted on a warm, south border they would doubtless have been much earlier. I regard this variety as one of the best early Potatos, and it will. I am cer- tain, rank as one of the standard varieties when better known. E. Molyneux. Manure from Spent Mushroom Beds (see p. 348). — Your correspondent who places spent Mushroom beds on a par as to manurial value with lawn mowings has probably done so without giving the point a thought, as the pre- paration of manure for the formation of Mush- room beds does much to prevent the escape of the ammonia, and to some extent causes this ammonia to become fixed until released by mois- ture for the use of plants. As animal manure is scarce this value is worth some consideration. It occurs to me that as Mushrooms contain a large percentage of nitrogen as food their culti- vation should be much extended, especially where cavalry is billeted or camped and horse-dung is plentiful. The Board of Agriculture and Fish- eries has issued a leaflet on Mushroom growing which can be obtained free. From this pam- phlet it will be learned, and a little practice will prove, that Mushroom growing is an interesting, profitable and economical occupation, to anyone who can obtain fresh horse droppings. J. E. Severe Frost in June.— On the morning of June 19, after a very cold night, we registered 2° of frost on the grass, and the glass fell to 34° in the screen. Such crops as Vege- July 3, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 11 table Marrows and Potatos are severely damaged. Tliis is surely most unusual at this time of the year, and the first time I have known even such tender things injured by frost so late in June. E. Beckett, Aldenham House Gardens, Herts. Chinese Cypripediums.— I have been read- ing and studying with considerable interest Mr. Reginald Farrer's account of the Chinese Cypri- pediums in the Gardeners* Chronicle of May 15. In my notes on the same subject, which ap- peared in your journal on December 12 last, I prophesied that he wTould Teturn with some fresh varieties. I noted one mistake in his article. iThe synonym of spectabile is reginae, not hirsutum, which is a synonym of pubescens. He also speaks of fasciculatum as having a resemblance to the macranthon group. There is a fasciculatum of the North -Western Pacific slope {Bot. Mag,, 7275), which is very- different indeed from them. He describes a "humble little cousin — a ramifying, running Cypripedium/ ' which sounds like the Japanese debile {Bot. Mag., 8183; Gard. Chron., Decem- ber 23, 1905). The last one of which he gives account is not unlike the American arietinum {Bot. Mag., 1569), which Mr. F. Kingdon Ward found in Eastern Tibet. W. Herbert Cox, 9, Gray's Inn Square, W.C. Experiments with Silver-Leaf Disease (see p. 354). — Will Southern Grower kindly in- form me if he simply sprinkled the manures on the surface, allowing them to he washed down to the roots, or how ? Will he also say if he has had any experience in the use of sulphate of iron by first removing the soil several inches deep in order that the effect of the material may be quicker? M. Women and Farm Work (see pp. 348, 358, Vol. LVII.). — I am not so ignorant of present-day methods of farming as Mr. Moly- neux supposes. I know every county in England and am acquainted with his own part of Hamp- shire, and am fully aware that farming is con- ducted there on enlightened methods. My letter was not intended to apply to that or any other particular district, but generally to try to stir up women to work and farmers to employ them when they are not doing so, and where there is a shortage of labour. Nor have I suggested the employment of makeshift methods as equal to modern and improved ones. I only suggest that makeshift is better than letting hay and crops rot on the ground, and I do not think it either necessary or advisable to mention the parts of the country where farmers allow such waste and loss ratheT than give up red-tape adherence to their own systems. Nor do I suggest that ladies of position should teach practical farmers, but that practical farmers should make use of the services of such ladies, show them what they can do, and get them to lead other women by their example. I have made hay myself, and am quite ready to nelp any farmer as far as my strength will allow. I do not propose to throw hay on to the top of a thirty-ton rick, nor can I here give details as to what else could be done in every place and under every circumstance. Mr. Molyneux must think anyone blind who does not know the height of a thirty-ton rick, since no one can go about without seeing one anywhere. A little more imagination is needed for adaptation to circumstances. M. H. Mason. Azaleas in Different Aspects.— For those who have to be content with a compara- tively small number of plants representative of the different genera which they admire it is important that the most and best should be made of them. I planted a bed of Azaleas last autumn in a position where they are exposed to the sun all day. The plants grew well and flowered well, but on account of the sun being blazingly hot when the flowers opened they were but the creatures of a few days. On a border facing east and backed by high trees I have planted old Azalea hushes. These bloomed for weeks, the explanation being that they only got the morning and forenoon sun/ To those thinking of planting Azaleas my experience may be suggestive. I am sure all ^mall growers want as long continued a flowering period as possible and as much depth and brilliancy in the colouring of their flowers ae they can get. Amafevr. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Floral Committee. (Concluded from p. 360, Vol. LVII.) In our last issue the descriptions were given of the novelties that gained awards at the meet- ing held on the 26th ult. We now print particu- lars of the general exhibits staged on that occa- sion. Cultural Commendation to Mr. W. Miller, Wisbech, for spikes of Orni- thogalum lacteum, a bulbous plant native of South Africa (see fig. 60 in Gard. Citron., April 10, 1915, p. 193). Specimens are frequently sent by residents in the Cape to friends in this country, but we have never seen imported flowers approach those of Mr. Miller's speci- mens in size or general quality. Other Novelties. A species of Rosa, shown under the number Wilson's 666, and with the putative name of was no label to indicate the exhibitor. The stems ars about 9 inches to 12 inches high, ter- minating in cymes of pale-blue flowers and bearing linear leaves. Mr. E. J. Hicks showed a pretty dwarf hybrid Tea Rose named Joanna Bridge. The petals of this single flower are apricot-rose, but the buds are deeper-toned and of exquisite shape. Mrs. Lloyd Edwards, Bryn Oerog, near Llan- gollen, N. Wales, showed several seedlings of Heuchera sanguinea; the variety Souvenir C. Wolley Dod has brilliant-red and Lady Har- lech reddish-pink flowers. General ExHraiTS. The following medals were awarded for groups : — Gold Medal to Rt. Hon. Lord North, Wrox- ton, Banbury (gr. Mr. J. R. James), for a mag- nificent exhibit of Sweet Peas. This large col- lection was arranged very attractively, and the blooms were splendidly fresh, of large size, and good in every other respect. Such varieties as R. F. Felton, Rosabelle, Robt. Sydenham, May Unwin, Hercules, Anglian White. Walter P. Fig. 4. — beaxs growing in boxks at aldexham. (See page 8.) Rosa moschata var. maculata, was exhibited by Messrs. Paul, of Cheshunt. It is a small, white cluster Rose, with foliage like a Tea variety, the leaves being reddish beneath, prominently serrated and with long points. The blooms are about 1 inch in diameter. We understand that the species has not been determined. A rich blue Delphinium was shown by Mr. G. H. Warsell, Basingstoke. The variety was named Tatsiense Muriel, it being a deriva- tive of Tatsiense and Persimmon. The colour is intense velvety blue, each petal having a purple blotch near the tip. Mr. A. F. Dutton, Iver, Buckinghamshire, showed a remarkably fine yellow Carnation of the perpetual-flowering type, said to be suitable for the border. The bloom is a pale primrose colour, of excellent form, and the calyces do not burst. Messrs. Sutton and Sons, Reading, exhibited a fine new rose and white Brompton Stock, named Sutton's Express. A pan of Lithospermum Froebelii was shown, we believe, by Miss Willmott, although there Wright, and Barbara were exceptionally fine and most of the spikes carried four blooms. Silver-gilt Banhsian Medals to Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons, Colchester, for Roses. The blooms were staged in imposing masses, notable varieties being Duchess of Wellington, General M ic Arthur, Mme. Edouard Harriot, Sallie and Autumn Tints. Messrs. R. Wallace and Co.. Colchester, for hardy border flowers. Erenmri showing to great advantage at the back of the exhibit, notably the buff-coloured E. Warei, E. Bungei pallidus, with clear yellow blooms, and the new variety Salmon Queen. Silvtr Flora Medals to Mr. G. W. Miller, Wisbech, for hardy flowers in variety. Mei Allwood Bros., Wivelsfield, for Carnations of the perpetual-flowering type. including the new fragrant Bishton Wonder, of pink tone with a flush of heliotrope. Messrs. Blackmore and Lanc.don. Bath, for Delphi- niums— the finest^ exhibit of these flowers in the show. Mr. James Box, Haywards Heath, for a mass of Delphiniums, flanked on either side with fine Paeonies, and in front a row of English Trises 12 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 3, 1915. and a border of garden Pinks. Messrs. God- frey and Son, Exmouth, for varieties of Cam- panula Medium (Canterbury Bells) and Delphi- niums. Messrs. Kelway and Son, Langport, for a table of Delphiniums, of such beautiful varieties as Dusky Monarch, Lovely, Lady C. Legge, The Czar, General Baden-Powell, Lem- berg and Geraldine Kelway. Messrs. H. B. May and Sons, Edmonton, for miscellaneous in- door flowering plants. Messrs. Waterer, Sons and Crisp, Ltd.. Twyford, for Roses and hardy flowers. This exhibit was finely arranged, each subject having plenty of space, so that the collection had a lightness and grace that was very pleasing. In the centre was a pool with varieties of Water Lilies, and .grouped about these were bog-loving plants. Messrs. Stuart Low and Co., Enfield, for church, Hampshire, for hardy flowers. Forms of Campanula garganica were noteworthy, in- cluding Erinus, with lavender-blue flowers and hirsuta, white and blue. Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, for varieties of large-flowered Clema- tis, ornamental Vines, and Erythrina crista- galli ; Messrs. B. Ladhams, Ltd., Shirley, South- ampton, for garden Pinks and other hardy flowers. Bronze Flora Medal to A. Ferguson, Esq., The Hollies, Weybridge (gr. Mr. F. W. Smith), for Delphinium seedlings, of which Trevisco, dark-blue, Isonzo, blue and purple, Miss Mar- jorie Ferguson, opal-blue with dark processes, and Bukovina, clear pale-blue, are a selection. Bronze Banksian Medals to Messrs. G. Bun- yard and Co., Ltd., Maidstone, for hardy bor- der flowers and varieties of Philadelphus corona- FlG. 5. — ROSE QUEEN ALEXANDRA. Awarded the National Rose Society's Certificate of Merit on Tuesday last (see p. 13). Hoses and Carnations ; and Messrs. J. Carter and Co., Raynes Park, for varieties of Iris Xiphion (English Irises). This was a charming group, and the varieties included fine spikes of L. Adorable, with wide falls blotched with amaranth colour ; Lord Derby, dark blue ; Cicero, purple ; Mont Blanc, and Gladstone, pale blue. Silver Banksian Medals to Messrs. Barr and Sons, King Street, Covent Garden, for hardy flowers in variety; Messrs. W. and J. Brown, Peterborough, for Roses ; Messrs. G. and A. Clark, Ltd., Dover, for hardy flowers; Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt, for ornamental trees and Roses. Lonicera Hildebrandtii was finely in flower, and the Roses included the new Paul's Lemon Pillar (Marechal Niel X Frau Karl Druschki), a strong-growing fragrant Pillar variety, with leathery foliage. Messrs R. H. BatS, Ltd., Wisbech, for hardy border flowers, including numerous fine Paeonies and Del- phiniums: Mr. Maurice Prichard, Christ- rius. Iris gigantea and the beautiful double, dark-blue Delphinium Harry Smitham attracted special notice; Messrs. J. Peed and Son, West Norwood, for a well-flowered batch of Gloxinias ; Messrs. J. Piper and Sons, Bayswater, for hardy flowers ; Mr. G. Reuthe, Keston, Kent, for shrubs, hardy flowers and Alpines ; MessTS. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, for a well-arranged corner group of hardy flowers; Messrs. Young and Co., Cheltenham, for perpetual-flowering Carnations ; and Messrs. S. Bide and Sons, Ltd., Farnham, for Sweet Peas. Trial of Pyrethrums. The Floral Committee has recommended the following awards to varieties of Pyrethrums grown under trial in the Wisley Gardens :— Highly Commended. — Langport Scarlet, Kelway ; Snow White, Kelway ; Firefly, Kelway ; Punch, Forbes, Kelway ; Roseum, Forbes; and fulgens plenissimum, Forbes. Commended. — Souce, Kelway ; J. M. Twerdy, Kelway ; General Gaselee, Forbes, Kelway ; Record, Forbes; Queen of Whites, Forbes, Kelway; Eglantine, Forbes; Aphrodite, Forbes ; Andromeda, Forbes ; Boccace, Forbes ; Ernest, Forbes ; Gem, Forbes ; Samranburgh, Forbes ; and Le Dante, Kelway. Orchid Committee. General Exhibits. J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., showed a selection of Orchids, including Brasso-Cattleva Prin- cess Elizabeth, Cattleya Mendelii albens, C. Mossiae Wageneri Fowler's variety and Odonto- glossum Ceres Fowler's variety. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park (gr. Mr. Collier) showed varieties of Odontioda Papilio, the dark-coloured Oda. Margaret ; Laelio-Cattleya Canhamiana alba ; Cattleya Men- delii Lady Colman, a clear white variety with bluish-lilac front to the lip ; and Epidendrum fragracarpum (fragrans X prismatocarpum), an interesting cross, with flowers near to E. fragrans. William Thompson, Esq., Walton Grange, Stone (gr. Mr. J. Howes), was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for some very fine hybrid Odontoglossums. Messrs. Stuart Low and Co., Jarvisbrook, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a good group. R. G. Thwaites, Esq Streathara (gr. Mr. Hannington) staged a selection of showy and interesting. OTchids, including several white Cattleyas. Messrs. Flory and Black, Slough, showed a very fine forai of Laelio-Cattleya Canhamiana :ilba, with pure-white sepals and petals and dark ruby-purple lip. Messrs. Sander and Sons. St. Albans, showed Laelio-Cattleya Gottoiana Imperator, a very large flower of fine shape, and with a very dark lip. The spike bore five flowers. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present : Mr. A. H. Pearson (in the chair), Messrs. W. Bates, A. W. Metcalfe, A. R. Allan, Horace Wright, A. Bullock, E. A. Bunyard, Owen Thomas, W. Poupart, Edwin Beckett and A. Grubb. Messrs. Geo. Bunyard and Co., Ltd., Maid- stone, exhibited Cherries Giant Hcdelfinger, a big, black fruit, not quite ripe ; Schrecken, a beautiful black variety ; Old Black Heart ; Werder's Early Black, Governor Wood and Lud- wig's Biggareau. Mr. James Hudson exhibited ripe fruits of a seedling Cherry raised from a stone planted about ten years ago in the gardens at Gunners- Uury House, Acton. The tree is grow- ing in the top of an old cast-iron pump in the open. The variety bears a great resem- blance to Governor Wood, and is of agree- able flavour. In 1912 the fruits were ripe out- of-doors on May 31, and this season about the middle of June. Mr. P. W. Cousins, The Nurseries, Stanwick, Hertfordshire, showed baskets, as packed for market, of Strawberries Hibbert's King George and Reliance. Both varieties were of conical shape and firm of flesh, so that they had travelled well. Reliance was the better flavoured variety. Mr. S. Mortimer, Rowledge, Farnham, ex- hibited a new vaTiety of Cucumber named Mortimer's Rival. The" fruit is large, straight, and does not taper at the stalk end to form a "handle." The exhibitor was asked to submit the variety for trial at the Wisley gardens. NATIONAL ROSE. June 29. — The great metropolitan show of the National Rose Society was held on Tuesday last in the Royal Botanic Gardens, Regent's Park. The event will rank as one of the greatest floral successes of the year, and the results fully justified the decision of the Council to hold the exhibition as usual. It was a glorious day- typical " Rose" weather — and the new arrange- ment of holding the show mainly in one large, canvas-covered structure enabled visitors to make their inspection in comfort. Queen Alexandra was an early visitor, Miss Willmott acting as guide, and King Manoel and Queen Amelie were also present. July 3, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 13 As usual, the new Roses were staged in a special tent, which was thronged with visitors, those waiting their turn to enter forming a long queue. Two Gold Medals were awarded to novelties and eleven varieties received Certi- ficates of Merit. AWARDS. Gold Medal Roses. Paul's Scarlet Climber. — This is the brilliant variety which attracted so much notice at the R.H.S. Summer Show at Chelsea, although it was not in quite so good condition. (See Gard. Chron., May 29, 1915, fig. 96.) Shown by Messrs. W. Paul and Son. Lemon. Pillar (Frau Karl Druschki x Marechal Niel). — A fine bush Rose, being almost as vigorous as the first-named parent. From the other parent it derives a delicate yellow tint in the centre and a sweet perfume. The flowers are of large size and exquisite form. Ex- hibited by Messrs. G. Paul and Son. Certificates of Merit. Lady Bowater (see fig. 6). — This variety was raised' from Frau Karl Druschki and Pharisaer. It is a free, erect grower, producing well-formed blooms of the Bessie Brown type, but without the faults which characterise this popular ex- hibition variety. The tone is a delicate blush- shaded apricot in the bud. Cherry Page. — A semi-double, H.T. variety, coloured soft, rosy pink, with gold at the base of the petals. The unopened buds are very charming in colour and form. The plant is a vigorous grower and free bloomer ; last summer ■we inspected a row in the exhibitor's nursery, and formed a high opinion of it as a garden variety. Both these shown by Mr. Walter Easlea, Eastwood, Essex. Queen Alexandra (H.T.) (see fig. 5).— A dwaTf, decorative, single variety of the per- petual-flowering type, of pale-lemon colour, with cluster of golden stamens, the petals tipped with blush colour. Shown by Rev. J. H. Pemberton. Sallie (ff.2'.).— A vigorous bush variety. In the specimens exhibited the outer petals showed injury by the weather, but the centres were a delightful filbert-shape, the petals being a delicate pink with gold colour at the base, throwing a sheen of apricot on the bloom. Florence Spatdl [H.T.).— A large pink variety possessing a delicate fragrance. It is a good full Rose of perfect form. Cupid. — A single variety of golden-apricot colour, which received the R.H.S. Award of Merit on the 22nd ult. (see p. 360). These three varieties exhibited by Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons. Flame of Fire (B.T.).— A small, but very pretty, bloom, delightful in the bud stage, with long, pointed centres, the unfolding petals coloured apricot suffused with orange, which lightens with age. The stems carry stiff, green foliage. Shown by Messrs. S. McGredy and Son. Prince Charming. — A free-growing H.T. variety, bearing small, coppery-pink blooms. The red stems and deep green, glossy leaves add to its attractiveness. Sho-wn by Messrs. Hugh Dickson, Ltd. Joanna Bridge (H.T.). — A dwarf, single variety, the blooms opening a pale lemon-yellow, the buds tinged with apricot-orange and blotched with rose. The foliage is pretty, with red stems. Shown by Mr. E. J. Hicks. Queen of Fragrance. — A pink variety possess- ing a very sweet fragrance. This variety won the " Clay " Cup at the R.H.S. Holland House Show, 1914, offered for the most fragrant new Rose. Titania. — A China Tea variety. The semi- double blooms are coloured apricot and orange, the petals being paler at the base. Both these exhibited by Messrs. Wm. Paul and Son. Premter Blooms. Nurserymen. — H.P., Coronation (B. R. Cant and Sons) ; H.T., Lady Barham (D. Prior and Son) ; T., Mrs. Foley Hobbs (Huch Dickson, Ltd.). Amatcur.i. — H.P., Gloire de Chedane Guinois- seau (S. W. Burgess); H.T., George Dickson (E. Jackson); T., Madame Jules Gravereaux (Dr. W. P. Panckridge). Groups. There were two exhibits in the class for a representative group of Roses staged on the floor, including plants and cut blooms, with Ferns, grasses and other suitable foliage plants. The 1st prize was won by Messrs. Hobbies, Ltd., Dereham, Norfolk, for a delightful arrangement in which tall, weeping standards were effectively employed. A pergola, by no means intrusive, was introduced at either end. The 2nd prize pots; 2nd, Messrs. Stuart Low and Co., En- field, whose group was less dense. Messrs. G. Jackman and Son, Woking, ex- celled in the smaller class for a group occupying 20 feet by 3 feet; and Messrs. B. R. Cant were placed 2nd, this firm featuring the new single variety Cupid, which received the R.H.S. Award of Merit on the 22nd ult. Blooms Shown on Boards. The Championship Class for 72 blooms, distinct, attracted five competitors. Messrs. B. P,. Cant and Sons, Colchester, whose exhibits have met with such success at Fig. 6. — rose lady bowater. Awarded the National Rose Society's Certificate of Merit on Tuesday last. was awarded to Messrs. W. Paul and Son, Wal- tham Cross, who relied more on high quality blooms of the larger varieties, these being staged in baskets and vases, with a few Ramblers as foils. The groups of cut blooms arranged on tabling appeared as great banks or hedges of Roses, each being an assemblage of the most popular varie- ties, with specialities of the firms in conspicuous places. The first prize for a representative group occupying a space of 33ft. by 3ft. was won by Messrs. W. and J. Brown, Peter- borough, who utilised tall sprays of Ramblers as a background, with big epergnes of cut blooms rising from a bed of Roses in vases and Rose shows this season, won the Challenge Trophy and Gold Medal with blooms of sterling merit, and included the champion bloom in the Nurserymen's Classes (other than Hybrid Tea, Tea, or Noisette varieties) in a superb specimen of the pale pink Coronation variety. Other notable blooms were : St. Helena, Geo. Dickson, Mrs. Wallace Rowe, Ulrich Brunner. J. B. Clark. Augustus Hartmann, Lady Barham, Claudius, H. E. Richardson, Alice Lemon, Frau Margarette Moller, Geo. C. Waml. Mme, Jules Grolez, White Maman Cochet, Edward Mawley, May Kenyon Slaney, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Mildred Grant, Lieutenant Chaure', Mabel Drew. Dean Hole, Earl of Gosford. Mis, Geo, Norwood, 0. 14 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 3, 1915. Terks, H. V. Machin and Florence Spaull. 2nd, Messrs. Frank Cant and Co., Colchester, for an exhibit not so uniformly good as the 1st prize lot, although the majority of the flowers were of the best exhibition quality. A selection in- cludes : William Shean, Duchess of Normandy, Mrs. J. H. Welch, Geo. Dickson, Mamie, Sun- burst, Jonkheer J. L. Mock, Avoca, Mme. Jules Gravereaux, Ethel Malcolm, Gloire de Chedane Guinoisseau, Albatooss and Coronation. 3rd, Messrs. D. Peiob and Son, Colchester, who showed the best bloom of a Hybrid Tea variety in a magnificent flower of Lady Barham ; 4th, Messrs. A. Dickson and Sons, Newtownards. In the class for 48 blooms, distinct, the China Challenge Trophy is included in the 1st prize. It was won by Messrs. Hugh Dickson, Ltd., Belfast, in a competition of seven. The collec- tion represented high quality, and late in the day the blooms had retained their fine shape and appeared as fresh and bright as could he- wished. The outstanding feature was a bloom of Mrs. Foley Hobbs of gargantuan proportions, but retaining the elegance of form and general grace that characterise this beautiful pale-lemon coloured Tea variety. It was awarded the Silver Medal offered for the best Tea or Noisette variety in the Nurserymen's Classes. Other choice flowers were : Mrs. Edward Mawley, Mildred Grant, Hugh Dickson, Bessie Brown, Lady Ashtown, Yvonne Vacherot, Brilliant, Sunburst, Mrs. W. J. Grant, J. B. Clark, Gorgeous, Joseph Hill and Mrs. Hugh Dickson. 2nd, Mr. H. Richard. Warsach, Hampshire. Some of the flowers were exceptionally large and all were good. Mrs. A. Carnegie, Mrs. Joseph Welch, Edward Mawley, Mildred Grant, Snow Queen, J. L. Mock, Coro- n ition and Mme. Jules Gravereaux were the best. 3rd, Mr. Geo. Longlet, Rainham, Kent. There were five exhibits in the class for 40 varieties shown in triplets. Each collection re- quired five large boxes, so that twenty-five boxes in all were staged— an imposing mass of the choicest flowers, for all the exhibitors showed well. Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons were again to the fore, excelling all others easily with blooms that left little room for criticism, but much to enthuse on. Very fine were St. Helena, Lohengrin, Elizabeth, Lady Ashtown, Lady Helen Vincent, H. V. Machin, Mme. Jules Gravereaux, British Queen, Lieutenant Chaure, Killarney, Yvonne Vacherot, Mrs. A. Hammond. Mabel Drew, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Dean Hole, and Leslie Holland. The 2nd prize was won by Messrs. Alex. Dickson and Sons. Ltd., who showed the paler varieties more numerously, although there was a glorious trio of the beautiful new H. V. Machin, of intense rose colour with scarlet sheen. Behind these were superb speci- mens of Mildred Grant. Others especially good were : Jonkheer J. L. Mock, Mrs. J. Campbell Hall. Mrs. Geo. Shawyer, Lady Barham, Geo. W. Waud, Lady Ashtown. Florence Pemberton and Lady Greenall. 3rd, Messrs. F. Cant and Co. ; 4th, Messrs. D. Prior and Son, Colchester Only three exhibits were forthcoming in the class for 24 varieties shown in triplets, in which Messrs. G. and W. Burch, Peterborough, ex- celled. The 2nd prize was awarded to Messrs. J. Burrell and Co., Cambridge ; and the 3rd to Mr. John Pigg, Royston, Hertfordshire. The 1st prize collection contained blooms of more than average merit, and won easily. A selec- tion of the varieties includes : H. A. Moore, Mar- caret, Mrs. Geo. Shawyer, Mrs. Joseph Welch, Mrs. Roosevelt, William Shean and Dean Hole. In the smaller Nurserymen's Classes for 24 blooms distinct, Mr. H. Drew, Longworth, Berk- shire, showed best of eight, and Mr. W. R. Hammond, Burgess Hill, Sussex, was 2nd, with Mr. John Mattock, Headington, 3rd. this was a good class throughout, and not many points separated the three prize collections. " In the premier exhibit there were choice blooms of H. V. Machin, Bessie Brown, Dean Hole. Ed- ward Mawley, Mildred Grant. Ulrich Brunner, Lieutenant Chaure, Mrs. Roosevelt, and William Shean. For twelve varieties shown in triplets, Mr. Henry Drew, Longworth, excelled, followed by Mr. John Mattock, with Messrs. Chaplin Bros.', Waltham Cross, 3rd. Tea and Noisette Varieties The D'Ombrain Challenge Cup was offered for 24 blooms, distinct, and of five exhibits two were outstandingly good — from Mr. Geo. Prince and Mr. H. Drew respectively. Mr. Prince, however, had no difficulty in securing the pre- mier prize with choice blooms of these re- fined Roses. His specimens of Countess de Nadaillac, Mrs. E. Mawley, Mme. J. Grave- reaux, Mrs. Campbell Hall, Mme. E. Sablay- rolles. Golden Gate, Maman Cochet, Niphetos, Mrs. Foley Hobbs, Alex. Hill Gray. Souvenir de S. A. Prince, Mrs. Kennedy, Marechal Niel, W. R. Smith and Mme. C. Soupert were all excellent. Mr. Drew showed Mme. Jules Gravereaux, Cleopatra, Molly Sharman Craw- ford, White Maman Cochet, Mme. Constant Soupert, Nita Weldon, Mrs. Myles Kennedy and others. In the smaller class for 12 blooms there were five exhibits. The best was shown by Mr. John Mattock ; 2nd, Mr. H. Richards, Warsach. For 16 varieties, shown in triplets, the 1st prize was awarded to Mr. G. Prince, Mr. H. Drew following. Blooms Shown in Vases. The most important class was for 12 varieties (not to include more than six Tea or Noisette sorts). Each vase contained seven blooms. Messrs. D. Prior and Son had the field all to themselves, and their exhibit was worthy of the 1st prize, Dean Hole, Ethel Malcolm, General MacArthur, Caroline Testout, Lyon and Leslie Holland being a selection of the varieties. There was better competition in the class for nine varieties, in which four entered, and#Messrs. Prior again excelled with imposing vases of choice blooms, the specimens of Mme. Jules Gravereaux and Mme. Constance Soupert being highly meritorious. 2nd, Mr. Geo. Prince, whose collection suffered by the use of shorter vases, although the blooms were splendid ; 3rd, Mr. John Mattock. The class for 18 varieties of decorative Roses in vases was a great success, and the whole of a long table was utilised to stage the collec- tions, of which there were six. The 1st prize was won by Messrs. D. Prior and Son with blooms at the best decorative stage. The de- licate apricot shade of Lady Hillingdon was remarked, whilst the varieties Mrs. C. Rus- sell, Mrs. W. J. Grant, Melanie Soupert, General MacArthur, Ethel Malcolm and Mme. Ravary also deserve mention ; 2nd, Messrs. Chaplin Bros. ; 3rd, Mr. Geo. Longley, Rainham, Kent. Perpetual Flowering Decorative Roses. The blooms of this type, shown in baskets, were one of the features in the large tent. A basket of Roses never fails to please. It affords, moreover, an excellent opportunity of judging the merits of a variety, for in the mass the good points are easily discerned, as there are gener- ally blooms in all stages. In the class for nine baskets no fewer than seven competed. Messrs. Hugh Dickson won the 1st prize for the third time in succession, and thus secured the Kilbee-Stuart Challenge Cup finally. The exhibit was a magnificent dis- play of such sorts as Lyon, Lady Pirrie, Mrs. George Shawyer, Mrs. " David McKee, Mme. Melanie Soupert and Lady Ashtown ; 2nd, Messrs. Chaplin Bros. ; 3rd, Mr. John Mat- tock, whose blooms were amongst the freshest at the close of the show. For five baskets there was a good competi- tion amongst eight. Mr. Walter Easlea, Dane- croft Nursery. Leigh, Essex, and Mr. Geo. Prince were adjudged equal firsts. Both showed splendidly, their flowers being delightfully arranged, so as to appear light and graceful. Mr. Easlea had big masses of Mme. Ed. Her- riot, Chateau de Clos Vougeot, Louise Catherine Breslau, and Mrs. Herbert Stevens : Mr. Prince had Mrs. H. Stevens. Richmond, Ladv Pirrie, Gen. MacArthur, Ladv Hillingdon arid Rich- mond ; 3rd, Mr. H. Drew. Decorative Roses. . The largest displays were found in this sec- tion. The groups were arranged around the out- skirts flat against the tenting, rising on tiers generally with velvet cloth ground. The " A. C. Turner " Cup was offered for 36 distinct varie- ties. It was won by Mr. John Mattock, whose skilful colour-grouping told, with fine quality. Messrs. Frank Cant and Co. were placed 2nd. Seven competed in the class for 12 varieties, in which Mr. Frank Spooner, Horsell, Woking, won easily, followed by Mr. Chas. Turner, Slough. In the remaining classes of this sec- tion the prizes were awarded as follows : — (a) Nine distinct varieties of new decorative Roses: 1st, Mr. C. Turner, Slough, with Mme. Edouard Herriot, Mme. Charles Lutard, Pearl, a pretty single, bunch variety, Queen of the Musks and Old Gold; 2nd, Mr. E. J. Hicks. 12 distinct varieties of dwarf Pohjantha Roses : 1st, Mr. ii. .i. Hicks; 2nd, Mr. Geo. Prince; and these exhibitors were also 1st and 2nd respectively in the class for 12 distinct varieties of Polyantha Roses. The best exhibit of 24 blooms in two varieties, white and crimson, was shown by Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons, who staged Edward Mawley and Mrs. Andrew Carnegie in alternate rows. The new, fragrant pink variety, Mrs. George Norwood, exhibited by Mr. Elisha J. Hicks, was adjudged the best exhibit in the class for 18 blooms of a variety other than H.P., Tea, or Noisette. Mr. J. Mattock showed the best basket of a Tea or Noisette variety in Mrs. Foley riobbs, whilst Messrs. Stuart Low and Co., in Mme. Edouard Herriot, had the best basket of a Pernet variety. The best nine blooms of any new Rose were shown by Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons, the variety being Augustus Hart- mann. Amateurs' Classes. The schedule made liberal provision for amateur exhibitors; indeed, the amateur classes were much more numerous than in the nursery- men's section, the numbers being 71 and 37 respectively. All sections of growers were catered for, from those who have an unlimited number of plants to those with 3,000, 2,000, 1,000, and so on, down to those with only 100. Chief interest centred in the open class for 36 blooms, distinct, for which the "blue ribbon" of the amateur section was offered — the Champion trophy and Gold Medal. We missed the old-time champions, such as Lindsell, Pemberton and Conway-Jones, and a cham- pion was found in Mr. H. L. Wettern, Sander- stead. Last year's winner, Dr. Pallett, was 2nd, and Mr. F. Dennison, who was cham- pion in 1913, 3rd. Mr. Wettern's blooms were of glorious quality, and especially the varieties Mildred Grant, Amy Holland, G. Dick. Mrs. Joseph Welch, Mrs. G. Norwood, Mrs. Foley Hobbs, Molly Sharman Crawford, Mme. Jules Gravereaux, H. V. Machin, Lady Alice Stanley, F. C. Seton and Bessie Brown. Dr. Pallett's best blooms were White Maman Cochet, Mrs. J. H. Welch. Mrs. T. Roosevelt. Dean Hole, Mme. Jules Gravereaux and Edward Mawley. Mr. Wettern also beat five others in the important class for 24 blooms, distinct, with Avoca, Dean Hole, Richmond, Margaret, Augustus Hartmann, Liberty, Lady Alice Stanley and others. Dr. Pallett again fol- lowed," and Mr. G. A. Hammond, Burgess Hill, was awarded the third prize. The open class for 12 varieties, distinct, in triplets, was a poor one, Mr. Dennison, Leam- ington Spa, having the better of two exhibits. Some of the flowers, such as George Dickson, Mrs. Andrew Carnegie, Mildred Grant, Lady Ashtown, Bessie Brown and William Shean were of good exhibition quality ; 2nd, Mr. Conway-Jones, Hucclecote. Gloucester. A beautiful box of Mildred Grant in the class for 12 blooms of any variety except a Tea or Noisette, shown by Dr. Pallett, was placed first, and Mr. W. 6. Times won with the same variety in the similar class for 12 blooms open only to growers of fewer than 3,000 plants. This gentleman won the "Hobbies" Cup in the class for 24 blooms, distinct. Capt. W. J. Thorpe. Hucclecote, excelled in the class for 24 blooms for growers of fewer than 2.000 plants. He won easilv with superb blooms of Mrs. A. Carnegie, Mildred Grant, Dean Hole. Koenigin Carola and Gladys Harkness : 2nd, Mr. G. R. Bonnor, Barnwood, Gloucester- shire. July 3, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 15 In this section Mr. D. Davies, Beaconsfield, showed Mrs. Andrew Carnegie splendidly in the class for 9 blooms of any variety other than a Tea or Noisette. Mrs. E. de V. Pryor, Hitchin, with even, ■well-matched blooms of Mine. Melanie Soupert, Mme. Jules Gravereaux, Mrs. Andrew Carnegie, Mrs. J. H. Welch, William Shean and Mme. Wagram, was placed 1st for 18 blooms, dis- tinct, followed by Mr. P. T. Davis, Burgess Hill. Other lst-prize winners in the amateurs' section were Mrs. H. Balfour, Messrs. W. J. Thorpe, D. H. Davies, Dr. C. Lamplough, Mr. E. B. Lehmann, Rev. F. R. Burnstde, Dr. W. P. Panckredge, Messrs. A. E. Protheroe, W. Moore, A. Brice and R. Methven. Metropolitan Classes. These comprised three ; two were for growers residing within eight miles of Charing Cross and one for exhibitors within a ten miles' radius. Mr. Ramon de Escofet, Dulwich, who excelled in the similar class at the London Rose Show, was awarded the 1st prize for 6 blooms, dis- tinct, in the eight miles section, and Mr. A. W. Atkinson, Palmers Green, the 1st prize for 6 blooms, distinct, in the larger area competition. Decorative Classes. The special tent devoted to these classes at- tracted a great number of visitors. Although the entries were not so numerous as in reoent years, the classes generally were well contested. In the open class for a decorated dinner table the 1st prize was won by Mr. Elisha J. Hicks with a brilliant arrangement of Princess Mary. Mrs. F. M. Bradley, Peterborough, who was awarded the 2nd prize, used Old Gold with good effect. Miss Chatlin, Waltham Cross, who was third, won the 1st prize in the open class for bowls of Roses with a graceful arrange- ment. Mrs. A. Bide, Farnham, and Mr. Elisha Hicks were placed equal 2nd. In the Amateurs' Classes there was a good competition, with dinner-table decorations, where only the single-flowered varieties were to be used. Miss Oakley-Fisher, Sudbury, Harrow, had a delightful table of Irish Fireflame, and -won the 1st prize ; had Mrs. Alex Robinson used fewer vases she would probably have been the most successful, but had to be content with the 2nd prize; she decorated her table with Irish Elegance ; Mrs. Allen Hope, Addlestone, asso- ciated Irish Elegance with Pink Pearl. In the class for any varieties other than singles, Miss J. B. Longton, Hendon, made a particularly successful use of Mme. M. Soupert, Gustave Regis and Joseph Hill Roses with shoots of pale green foliage. The varieties of exhibition Roses were of the average merit, and here the 1st prize was won by Mrs. A. E. Brown, Reigate, but the exhibits in the class for garden Roses were much more attractive. Mrs. A. Robinson had a parti- cularly graceful first-prize bowl. CITY OF LONDON ROSE. June 24. — The City man has a great love for flowers of all kinds, and particularly for the Rose. During a great part of his daily journey to and from his place of business, especially during the spring and summer, the garden forms one of the chief topics of his conversation, and his knowledge of horticulture might well sur- prise those of his acquaintances who know him onlv as a keen man of business. It is, perhaps, because the Rose is a good " town-flower " that it claims so large a share of his attention. Then, it makes a good button-hole flower, a quality which strongly appeals to the amateur grower, who likes to be able in this handy fashion to exhibit the results of his skill as a cultivator. It is interesting to look down the list of mem- bers of the City of London Rose Society. There are to be found the names of some of the hardest workers and keenest business men in the City — men on 'Change, men from the Baltic, Lloyd's, Mincing Lane, Lombard Street, and other centres of thronging industry. Only bona-fide City workers are eligible for membership. The society is now thTee years old. and the progress it has made during this short time is most grati- fying. Those who visited the annual exhibition of the society on Thursday in last week would find it difficult to believe that so well- established an organisation could have had so short a life. The keen interest which every member of the society has taken in its welfare has been an important contributory cause of success. Then, during the three years of its existence, each succeeding Lord Mayor has been its president, while other influential patrons figure in the list of vice-presidents. Numerous trophies and money prizes have been presented for competition. The open classes prove an attraction to the most important trade firms in the country. This year the well-known firms of B. R. Cant and Sons, R. Harkness and Co., Chaplin Bros., Frank Cant and Co., Geo. Prince, D. Prior and Sons, Alex. Dickson and Sons. W. and J. Brown, Elisha J. Hicks, and W. R. Hammond figure in the prize lists. It is, however, only to be expected that in an essentially amateur exhibition, the chief interest should centre round the purely amateur groups, and this proved to be the case. It may here be observed that the exhibition suffered some- what from inadequate lighting. This can, per- haps, hardly be prevented in such a situation, but it is to be regretted, as the colours of the flowers appear different in artificial light, the yellows and pinks especially suffering from such conditions. There were 300 entries, and nearly 100 competitors. Nurserymen. In the open class for 48 blooms, Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons, R. Harkness and Co., Chaplin Bros., Alex. Dickson and Sons, F. Cant and Co. and D. Prior and Son competed. The first prize was awarded to Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons for a fine collection in which such varieties as Mabel Drew, Mrs. W. J. Grant, H. V. Machin. Abel Chatenay and Killarney were remarkable for their quality and size. The variety Killarney in this collection was awarded the medal offered for the best bloom shown in Classes 1 to 6. Messrs. R. Harkness and Co., of Hitchin, were placed 2nd. They showed a very choice collection of blooms, including Mil- dred Grant, Mme. Melanie Soupert-, Geo. Dick- son, and many others of outstanding merit. Messrs. Chaplin Bros., Waltham Cross, were awarded the 3rd prize. In the second class for 12 varieties in triolets there were eight competitors, all of whom showed fine and noteworthy blooms. Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons were again successful in gaining the 1st prize, their blooms of Augustus Hartmann, Mrs. Geo. Shawyer, and St. Helena being especially fine. Messrs. D. Prior and Son and Mr. W. R. Hammond were equal in the 2nd place, and Messrs. A. Dickson and Son and Messrs. R. Harkness and Son were also bracketed, for the 3rd place. In the class for 18 blooms, distinct, Mr. Geo. Prince secured the premier award for an excellent box of flowers, all of outstanding merit. Some of the varieties included were Mme. Melanie Soupert, Mrs. H. Taylor, Mrs. F. Hobbs and Frau Leila Rautenstrauch. Messrs. Frank Cant and Co. won the 2nd prize, and Messrs. D. Prior and Son the 3rd. Class 6, for 12 exhibition blooms of new Roses, provided an interesting competi- tion, and the six entrants showed many really meritorious flowers. Here, again, Mr. Geo. Prince gained the 1st prize for a magnificent exhibit, containing amongst other varieties King George, W. Cooper, British Queen and Mrs. Forde, the latter a well-shaped flower of pale colour, tipped with rose. Mr. E. J. Hicks was placed 2nd, and Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons and Chaplin Bros, were bracketed equal 3rd. Open Amateur Classes. The amateur classes called forth some very creditable exhibits, the quality being uniformly good, especially from districts fairly distant from the centre of the metropolis. Class 7 was for a collection of 24 blooms of distinct varieties, and the prize was a fine Challenge Cup together with 20s. in money. The 1st was won by H. L. Wettern, Esq., Sanderstead, Surrey, his blooms of Avoca, Amy Hammond and Augustus Hart- mann being particularly good ; 2nd, G. C. Saw- day, Esq., Weybridge, with a good, even collec- tion. In the class for 12 blooms of distinct varieties the Rev. F. R. Burnside, of Great Stembridge, gained the 1st prize with a very good collection, and G. C. Sawday, Esq., came 2nd. Members' Classes. Class 9, for 12 blooms of distinct varieties, offered the opportunity of gaining the City of London Championship Trophy. The award fell to H. L. Wettern, Esq. The same exhibitor also won the 1st prizes in classes (a) for six varieties in triplets, and (6) six blooms of one variety. The Metro- politan Classes provided some interesting ex- hibits, those from the inner suburbs showing how successfully careful treatment and the skilful selection of varieties can triumph over the natural disadvantages of murky air and con- fined space. There were two classes, one for growers residing within eight, and the other within five miles of the Royal Exchange. Mr. R. de Escofet won the 1st prize in both classes. The best bloom in the members' classes was shown by Mr. Escofet (William Shean), for which the National Rose Society's Silver Medal was awarded to the exhibitor. The deco- rative classes and ladies' classes were well con- tested and produced some very beautiful ex- hibits. There were a few non-competitive ex- hibits from nurserymen, and Gold Medals for these were awarded to Mr. Elisha J. Hicks, and to Mr. Walter Easlea. LINNEAN. June 17. — A meeting of the Linnean Society- was held on this date, the President (Prof. E. B. Poulton, F.R.S.) in the chair. Miss E. R. Saunders sent spikes of Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea, displaying various degrees of peloric variation, one spike from a plant bred to show peloria combined with heptandry. Dr. G. B. Longstaff also exhibited Foxglove flowers from his garden at Putney. In 1913 he had an unusual number of Foxgloves, and there were many abnormalities amongst them. Mrs. G. B. Longstaff exhibited on June 5 of that year a fine specimen of synanthy, and two speci- mens with spirally twisted stems on June 19. In 1914 there was not such a large crop of Fox- gloves, and but two malformations were noticed ; two spikes bearing synanthous flowers, one pure white and one spotted. The seeds from these were saved, sown in a box, and raised in a frame. The seedlings were planted out in the early spring. About 65 plants were raised, which all flowered this (their first) season, pro- ducing about 70 spikes. Of these about 30 bore flowers of the normal red, or of a pale pink colour, the upper flowers tending to white. About 40 spikes bore white flowers, some spotted, others spotless. Two spikes with pink flowers exhibited synanthy, one withered prematurely, the other was white and dark spotted. About 14 other spikes had synanthous flowers, some pure white, some dark spotted. As the spikes had not all opened and the plants were planted closely, it was difficult to count with certainty. Professor Dendy recalled the exhibition on June 16. 1910, by Mr. N. C. Macnamara, of Fox- gloves grown by him at Chorley Wood, Herts, followed by a note on "Mutations in Foxglove Plants," read on November 16, 1911, and claimed Miss Saunders's plants as descendants of these Hertfordshire Foxgloves. Dr. George Henderson sent for exhibi- tion two sheets of dried specimens of Oalo- tropis procera, which grows in dry ground in West and Central India ; it produces a valuable fibre, the latex a sort of rubber, and the pods a cottony substance. The specimens had been furnished by Mr. Arthur Delaval Young- husband, C.S.I., late Commissioner of Sind. and the officers of the Forest Department of Sind, Besides the materials named, a fishing-net was shown, made from the fibre derived from the stem, stated to be one of the strongest known Dr. Henderson suggested that this species might be profitably grown in the dry northern i of Africa, and machinery applied to the pre- paration of the fibre, hitherto effected by hand. Dr. G. B. Longstaff referred to the wide .11- tribution of this species within the tropics. 16 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 3, 1915. ©bituat^ W. Kingston. — We regret to record the death of Mr. W. Kingston, auctioneer, Bedford, which occurred on Thursday, June 10. Mr. Kingston was a keen amateur rosarian. and ex- hibited regularly at the National Rose Society's shows during the '90's and following years. He won the Graham Cup for an exhibit in the amateur classes. John Morrison.— On Saturday, the 19th ult. , there passed away one of the best-known and most esteemed members of the gardening profession in Ireland, in the person of Mr. John Morrison, who for the past thirty-nine years has been gardener, and for most of that period land steward, at Narrow Water, the seat of the late Captain Hall. He had spent the evening of the 19th ult. in the Public Park at Warren-point, in which he took a great interest, and, walking home, sat down on a grassy bank to rest. Here he was found some time afterwards, having passed peacefully away in the garden and amongst the flowers he loved so well. A Scotch- man by birth, a gardener by instinct, the beau- tiful grounds over which he exercised super- vision were full of examples of his practical ability, and he was ever ready to show visitors the many beauties of Narrow Water. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. "There are few gardeners, and still fewer amateurs, who do not on occasion require immediate information upon various points of practice. But either from an unwillingness o inquire, or from not knowing of whom to make the inquiry, they too often fail to obtain the information they are in want of. And let no one be alarmed lest his questions should appear trifling, or those of a person ignorant of that which he ought to know. He is the wisest man who is conscious of his ignorance ; for how little do the wisest really know I — except that they know little. If one man is unacquainted with a fact, however common, it is probable that hundreds of others in the same position as himself are equally in want of similar information. To ask a question, then, is to consult the good of others as well as of one's self." — Gardenertt Chronicle, No. 1, Vol. 1., January S, 181,1, Abnormal Foxglove : //. II". The "large, flat blossoms, 3^ inches across " at the top of your" spikes of Foxglove are not unusual (see re- port of Linnean Society, p. 15). The abnor- mal condition is known as peloria, and is simply the reversion of an irregular flower to the former regular condition. In some plants peloria is constant. Apples with Brown Spots : Caltha. No ibrown rot is present ; the rustiness is due to injury by insects when the fruit was quite young. The insect is the larva of a lady -bird, which is useful as it destroys green fly. Failure with Vines and Fig : S. J. You ask us to give the reason why your vines of Black Hamburgh, eight years old, " hardly bear anything," and a Brown Turkey Fig in a Peach house has never fruited. The reason may be one of several ; but which only a person acquainted with the treatment the plants had received, the manner in which they were planted, and the nature of the border could determine. Trouble at the roots is a general cause of failure with vines, and this is due to a wrongly constructed border. There are also such questions as stopping, pruning, watering and ventilating to consider, for error in either of these details may be responsible. Lift the Fie tree next autumn, and replant in a narrow border, using soil that is not excessively rich but contains lime rubble, such as old mortar. See that the roots are prevented from escaping into the ordinarv soil, by the use of a retaining wall or wooden boundary. Fern Dying : H. B. The failure of your plant of Lygodium palmatum must be due, as you suggest, to some external influence, for there is no trace of organic disease, and the treatment appears to be correct, seeing that the companion plant is thriving. You suspect that some deleterious material is responsible, which could only be determined by analysis, but we do not undertake to do this. Ferns Turning Brow-n : South Lawn. The injury is caused by the Fern eelworm. Dust the stems of the plants, when damp, with flowers of sulphur to prevent the eelworms ascending and entering the leaves. Flowering Shrubs for a Waterlogged Clay : B. Llewellyn. In addition to the flowering shrubs you mention, it may be well to plant Berberis Aquifolium, B. stenophylla, For- sythias, Ceanothus of sorts, Amelanchier can- adensis, Deutzia gracilis, D. crenata fl. pi., Philadelphus in variety, and certain of the shrubby Spiraeas, such as S. ariaefolia. S. Aitchisonii, and S. Lindleyana. You will probably find that the majority of the sub- jects grown in the conditions you mention will gradually deteriorate after two or three years. It may prevent this if you plant each subject on a mound, so that the collar is raised above the level of the surrounding ground, for ,the stem just above the roots is the first part of the tree to suffer injury in soil containing an excess of moisture. Gisseleire : A. J. B., P. L.. Calcutta. In reply to your inquiry for news of Monsieur , of tie Belgian Colonial Ministry (Agri- cultural Department), we have information that he is alive, and is at present in Brussels. We shall probatbly heaT of him again, in which case we may be able to put you in communication with him. Hybrid Trees: H. B. The article on "The Artificial Production of Vigorous Trees," by Prof. Augustine Henry, of which a notice ap- peared in Gard. Chron., June 5, p. 317, was published in the Journal of the Depart- ment of Agriculture, Ireland, for October, 1914 (Vol. XV., No. 1). Melon Plants Diseased : /. G. The plants are attacked by the fungus Cercospora melonis. Melon spot mould or blotch. Every diseased leaf should be burnt as soon as the malady- is detected, treating the whole plant in the same manner if the attack is severe. Spray the plants at intervals of four days with a solution of liver of sulphur, 1 oz. in six gal- lons of water. Melon Plants Without Female Flowers : W. B. The lack of female flowers is prob- ably the result of the plants having been grown in a high temperature, thereby develop- ing a rapid and uninterrupted growth, with- out making the necessary lateral fruit-bearing shoots. Pinch the points out of the plants, and stop the laterals when they are twelve or fifteen inches in height. Keep the house cooler and drier, and pick off all the male flowers, except those required for impregnating the fruit-bearing flowers. Names of Plants.: It*. H. H. Eccremocarpus scaber, a climbing plant ; native of Chili. — B. F. F. Leptospennum bullatum. — /. 0. 1, Nepeta Mussinii ; 2. Kuta graveolens (Rue) ; 3, Tragopogon porrif alius. — B. E. C. We do not recognise the varieties of Roses. Send them to a grower who specialises in these flowers. — A. E. H. 1, Syringa Emodi (Hima- layan Lilac) ; 2, Saxifraga trifureata cerato- phytia (greyer leaved) ; 3, S. trifureata (red- der stems) ; 4, Erigeron speciosus ; 5, Erodium cheilanthifolium. — Cis. Orchis maculata. — W. B. 1, Lastrea patens ; 2. Nephrodium molle corymbiferum ; 3, Asplenium macrocar- pum pictum : 4, Adiantum cuneatum Pacotii ; 5. Lastrea lepida ; 6, Adiantum tenenrm. — W. B. Celsia cretica. — /. TF. Zephyrar.thes earinata. — E. F. 1, Specimen withered and flowers faded, probably a species of Heu- chera: 2. Tellima grandiflora. — /. M. 1, Phlomis fruticosa : 2, Enilobium angustifo- lium (Willow Herb) ; 3, Sidalcea Candida ; 4, Asnerula sp. ; 5. Saxifraga granulata ; 6, Helianthemum vulgare var. ; 7, Cistus pur- pureus. — If. A. Hudd. Manettia bicolor. — .". .1/. 1, Acer Negundo variegata ; 2, Cistus villosus var. ; 3, Buddleia globosa ; d. Spartium junceum ; 5, Crataeg"S mollis ; 6, Cistus hirsutus ; 7, Veronica incisa. — V. 1, specimen missing ; 2, Robinia hispida : 3, Cytisus capitatus : 4. Rubus nutkanus : 5, Cupressus macrocarpa lutea ; 6, C'ent- ranthus ruber (white var.); 8, Baccharis patagonica; 1, Strelitzia Reginae ; 7, 9, and 10 are too scrappy to identify ; adult foliage is as necessary as flowers to identify most plants. — H. F. Zobel. You have sent more than six specimens, winch is contrary to our rules. 1, Libocedrus decurrens;' 2, Cupressus Lawsoniana ; 3, C. L. var. juniperina ; 4, C. L. var. densa (nana) j 5, C. pisifera var. filifera ; 6, C. nootkatensis ; 7, Thuya oriental's var. aunea ; 8, Cupressus ob- tusa; 9 and 10, Juniperus chinensis; 11, Cupressus thyoides var. leptoclada ; 12, Juni- perus chinensis var. albo-variegata ; 13, Thuya plicata (Lobbii) ; 14, T. occidentalis ; 15, Cupressus obtusa var. : 16, C. pisifera ; 17, Tsuga canadensis; 18 and 24, Picea ex- cels?..; 19. Abies Nordmanniana; 20, A. Veitchii ; 21, A. nobilis ; 22, A. grandis ; 23, Picea alba : 25, Abies Pinsapo. Abies (The Silver Firs) are distinguished by smooth stems marked with a circular scar when the leaves fall. The cones are upright, and the scales fall with the seeds, leaving the central axis erect. In Picea (The. Spruce Firs) there is a projecting cushion at the base of the leaves, giving a roughened ribbed appearance to the stem6. The cones are pendent, and the scales open to allow the seeds to fall, the empty cone remaining on the tree for some time afterwards. — T. H. C. 1, CaT- pinus Betulus ; 2, Quercus rubra : 3. Galium Mollugo. — /. W. A. Euiscia fulgida, more commonly known in gardens as Cyrtodeira fulgida. — TT. H. C. Lycaste cruenta and Epidendrum selligerum. — /'. L. G., Brighton. Spiraea ariaefolia. — TF. T. Sempervivum calcaratum. — P. W. S. Robinia Pseudacacia variety inermis. — TT. S., Salop. Spartium junceum (Spanish Broom). — Miss M. C. Ptelea trifoliata. — P. M. L. Rhinanthus Crista- galli ; the plant will grow out-of-doors under the protection of a wai*m wall. Peas Dying : J. B. The roots are injured by wireworm. If soot is worked into the soil it will be beneficial. It is wise to turn over the ground frequently so that insect-eat- ing birds can get at the pest. Applications of unslaked lime, superphosphate, and salt are good as deterrents, but in bad attacks the most effective remedy is gas-lime. This substance is highly dangerous to subsequent crops, and when used as an insecticide upon culti- vated land the greatest care must be exer- cised. Following an application of gas-lime the ground should be turned over and left for several weeks before any crop is planted upon it. Shading Nectarines : Foreman, Surrey. The fruits of Nectarines require light shading from the sun from the time thev have stoned until the fruit is ripe. As only a few of the fruits of the Cardinal Nectarine have split stones, they have probably been damaged by insects in the early stages of stone development. Virginia Creeper Dying : TF. G. There is no fungus present. The root is evidently old and worn out. Young Apple Tree Unfruitful : F. N. The blossoms you send are not affected with or- ganic disease ; they have dropped because of failure to set. This may be due to one or more causes. Sometimes young fruit trees do not bear until they are well established, when they crop satisfactorily. If the variety is self- sterile and there are no other Apple trees in the neighbourhood to supply pollen, the failure will be 'due to this cause. Youns fruit trees often make gross shoots, which exhaust the energies of the plant at the ex- pense of fruiting. In such cases top-pruning only causes numerous lateral growths to de velop, and these also grow too thick and coarse to form fruiting wood. Such trees should be root-pruned or lifted in the autumn. Communications Received— H. U. D.— E. B.— Dr. H— J. C— W.— W. H. C— Miss E. W.— L. C.—3. E.— A. J. B.— S. A.— E. M.— R. N. S.— M. J.— J. P.— Calthii — X. Y. Z.— Dorset Gardener— A. N— J. M.— G. C. R.— H. W.— Shrub— C. R.— Newburv— J. E. C— E. B.— Mile. Y. T. R.— R. O. W. July 10, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 17 THE No. 1489.— SATURDAY, JULY 10, 1915. CONTENTS Banks, Mr. G. FT., appoint- lUelltot' . . .. . . 2J Bonfires iu war time .. 21 Books, notices of — Rose-Growin; for the Home Garden. . .. 21 Saxifrages .. ..21 Bnlb garden, the— The sterility of Lilinm candidnm . . . . 20 Bnrpee*s choice .. -.25 Clover and Lime .. ..24 Farm work and women . . 22 Farrer's, Mr. Reginald, explorations in China . . 17 Flowering plants epiphy- tic upon trees , . . . 21 Forestry appointment at Edinburgh .. ..21 Fruit crops in S. Brittany 25 Hailstorm in Gloucester 24 Hailstorm in Somerset .. 22 Java, notes from . . . . 21 Lime and the Ericaceae . . 24 Obituary — Avlward, M. J 32 Look, R. H . . . . 32 Lockhart, .1 32 Potato crop, care of the 25 "Pour nos amis francais et beiges " . . . . 19 ILLUSTRATIONS. A Rock Garden at a Chelsea Show. (Coloured supple ment. ) Banks. Mr. G. H. , portrait of Iris fllifolia Lilium regale in Miss Willmott's garden Spetchley Yew, the .. .. Rosary, the — "Lts Amisdes Roses".. Yellow-flowered Roses Silver leaf disease, ex- periments with .. Societies — Croydon Horticultural Manchester and North of England OrcMd . . Royal Agricultural Royal Horticultural . . (Scientific Committee) Royal Meteorological . . United Hort. Benefit and Provident Windsor, Eton and Dis- trict Rose Spetchley Yew, the Strawberry crop, Perthshire Sweet Pea Show at Panama-Pacific Exhibi- tion Yegetables and fruit at early shows Wall line near London, the War items War Horticultural Relief Fund Week's work, the 22, the the ' MR. REGINALD FARRER'S EXPLORATIONS IN CHINA.* XVIII.— THE END OF THE SEASON. A FEW days more and Purdom was off again for the North to see what the " boys " might have been doing for us on the Thibetan Alps during this un- expectedly long absence of ours. For we had come south ostensibly for six weeks : and it was now two months since we had left a couple of retainers with a roving- commission on the northern ranges : now it was a question of making hurry if any of their deficiencies or failures were to be made good before the Alps were fast locked in winter. So off he went : I was left behind to finish off some odd jobs. The late second Dipelta I had to collect from its gorge, a certain tall and graceful Lilac, a beautiful Exochorda, Astilbe, Rod- gersia aeseulifolia, and various other odd- ments. On the acropolis of the city, too, there were numbers of little Felicia-like Asters to pick and choose from, a feathery-leaved Incarvillea with lovely Allamanda-like flowers of citron-yellow, and an unusually small form or sub-species of the Ensate Iris, so universal over the loess lands of China. Above all, there was a very magnificent Berberis (1 B. Potaninii), a dense thorny bush of five feet or so, with its long sprays set abundantly with loose clusters of oval, bloomy berries of so dazzling a blood colour that the whole mass became a blaze. This abounded especially upon a grave- yard just outside the West Gate on a speci- ally hot and arid slope. (This Berherld is a lowlander and a hot-ground plant, never ascending.) Further, having col- lected this, amid agonised howls excited • The previous articles by Mr. Fairer were published In our issues for September 12 and 26, October 17 and 81, November 14 and 28. 1914, January 2, February 27, March 20. 4pril 10 and 24, May 1, 15 and 29, June 12 and 19, and .Inly 3, 1915. by its thorns, I found also on that incline ripe pods of what I call the lovely Indi- gofera — a tiny spreading bush of six inches high and a foot aoross, very stiff and intricate, with minute, delicate foli- age and brilliant rose-pink flowers in pairs. As a rule Indigofera pods hang long in a green state, refusing (like Ber- beris) to ripen until the frost has touched them. Of this, at these hot levels, there was as yet no hope. But the very heat itself had here done the job : the pods were dry and splitting, and for happy hours I squattered about happily on the slope amid the great coffins, feeling rather a ghoul at intervals, when the circum- ambient air reminded me that those coffins were not empty. And now at last came the sad moment of farewell. Little town of sunshine and warmth, little town more beautiful than any, tucked away so snugly at the end of the world Ijeneath your mountain, little dear walled city of diamond waters and rich greenery, we met each other well, in a favourable hour for both, and I am held to you by chains of memory that will not snap, that only grow the stronger as I turn away sad eyes at last, and set my face for the fierce and frozen North flood-bye, Ch'ung li'to ; Good-bye, Ch'ung wai-to, I shall never, except in remem- brance, set eyes on you again. Down the long river valley sorrowfully we rode, and up at last through the gap in the ranges for the vacant and ungenial North where missionaries once more are to be seen. On the way there were seeds to be collected — a beautiful stiff bush- Clematis of very bare and stony banks, with parslified foliage and myriads of half-pendulous, wide-open flowers like dark-eyed Maltese crosses of burnished gold ; Buddleia variabilis in good form from one river-bed ; great Clematids of white and yellow ; and all the unnamed fry of striking fruit or colouring that might occur. The most precious treasure of all I quite despaired of : I had missed it on the way down, and now the seed must all be gone. This was an Ophiopogon ( ? 0. kansuensis), which on certain cliff-ledges and fringes of rather dry, scant scrub sent up from mats of dark evergreen grass-like leaves little lovely spires of stars, in tex- ture and colour like faintly, dawn-flushed ivory. These grassy leaves I had for- gotten : it was Purdom reminded me of them, and to him I owe my joy, when sud- denly sighting such a turf of sombre green upon a rock, I remembered his words and alighted, there, indeed, to find a few bloomy blue-black berries still lingering, after all, on the Ophiopogon. Not less important were the Leptoder- mids. These are slight shrubs from arid and stony banks or cliffs of the arid region. One, inhabiting only the very driest rocks and slopes, is a thing of special grace, with wiry sprays of three or four feet, set with minutest Myrtle-like leaves, and bent beneath the weight, in August, of a ter- minal panicle of blossom like five-pointed stars of a rose-coloured I il«c. Tl ther is a stouter, stiff er bush. Privet-like in leaf, and like a Persian Lilac in the thyrses of flower that appear in July. This species does not descend to the torrid zone, but hugs precipitous stony banks amid light scrub in a cooler region. These, however, have beauty only in bloom, but none in fruit ; the glory of that northward-run- niug valley in November lay only at one point, where, sporadic amid the coppice, stood up the stiff bushes of a very wonder- ful Crataegus, whose aim is to combine the dazzling fruitage of Cotoneaster angus- tifolia with the stark, thorny angular habit and fine foliage of Hippophae rham- noides. But here the narrow leaves are dark and lustrous, the spiny lateral branches, straight, spur-like and unbend- ing, set all along their length with clusters of the most blazing vermilion-scarlet berries. Through these last trophies of the dying year I made my way successfully into the Northern Alps, now all rigid and brown and lifeless in the grip of winter. Here. for awhile, sick with the change from warmth and life to icy-cold and death (and. anyhow, I do not love this range as I do the Southerly ones), I lay ailing in the pitch-pine-panelled parlour of a Thibetan farm, till Purdom at last returned with his final harvest of treasures, and we were able to set off together across the barren hills, towards the humming Capital of the North. No more seeds now, no sign of life anywhere over the wide earth, no sug- gestion of any possibility that life can ever return again from the hard and dun- coloured uniformity of the frozen world. One by one the mountain ranges were crossed and left behind ; the last was the great crest of the Lotus, round whose feet fell a mantle of Willows now in their naked- ness, a rippling sea of every brilliant yellow from clearest amber to deepest orange. After this the country sank into tiie desolation of mere dead downs ; T dined each day at Randalls' as I rode in my chair, and took no heed of anything happening elsewhere. At last we came into the valley of the Wide River : it was the Nile set down in Central Asia — a vast flat, alluvial plain, hedged in on either sids by flat parallel walls of hills, dust- coloured and pale and pearly in the soft remorseless light of a winter day, so white and shallow and transfiguring. The journey was now like a dead soul's pro- gress through a huge and empty kingdom of the dead. And so it continued still from day to silent day. until at last we dropped out of this void and inexorable death upon the buzzing activities of the Northern Capital. So here we come to rest, and here in the end our limbs and our packages are unfolded, and hence in good time shall our harvest be despatched, by the swift sound posts that carry them down to the ports, after that to meet what mercy Finland and Siberia afford, and the mine-strewn abysses of the desolated sea. Here T now sit to meditate and compile you these memories, in a wide-yarded house of many courts that I have chartered in the hope of a quiet and comfortable winter after all our stresses and storms, that 1 may do justice to i lii< \ ea i of « ork, lland is de hand el der moeskweekers opnicuw zeer levendig. 20 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 10, 1915. THE BULB GARDEN. THE STERILITY OF LILIUM CANDIDUM. It is a matter of common observation that in the Circumstances generally prevailing in gardens, the White Lily exhibits a degree of sterility remarkable in itself, and especially noticeable in a genus composed for the most part of species abundantly fruitful. The peculiarity has puzzled botanists for cen- turies, and while references to it are numerous no investigator seems to have arrived at an eat- tirely satisfying conclusion on the point. The sterility can hardly be due to any struc- conclusion that it is particularly responsive to pollination by that Lily. In 1863 Naudin* ob- tained seed, from L. -candid urn growing in pots in a greenhouse- alongside some plants of L. testaceum, though he does not seem to have been successful in inducing more than a mere fraction of it to germinate. L. Henry has recorded! that at Grenant (Haute-Marne) in 1905 two clumps of L. can- didum, five or six metres away from each other with a clump of L. testaceum between them, produced abundant seed, and the present writer remembers that for some years a plant of L. candidum which had found its way into a patch cf L. testaceum in his garden produced fairly Fig. 8. — iris filifolia : standards and falls violet, falls with orange-coloured patch. R.H.S. Award of Merit. June 22, 1915 (see p. 30). tural or mechanical inability on the part of the plant to respond to fertilisation, for all who have studied the subject must be aware that the organs of reproduction in L. candid um are per- fect examples of Nature's handiwork. Not can the peculiarity be ascribed to auto- sterility, for at different times and in vary- ing conditions many investigators have fer- tilised the flowers with pollen brought from plants a long distance without tangible result. That L. candidum ripens fertile seed when growing in proximity to L. testaceum has been noted so often as to lead some people to the regularly a pod or two of seed ; at that time the occurrence excited no particular interest, so the seed was never gathered, and when the Lilies were lifted a few years ago the particular bulb in question was lost sight of. Some years since the writer received word from Mr. Horsford, of Charlotte, U.S.A., that in his experience L. candidum produced fertile seed when pollinated by L. testaceum, and the experiment has now been made sufficiently often to enable one to say that in many cases, but by no means all, fructification follows pollination Rev. Hort., 1865, p. 12. t L.e.t p. 158. and the seed usually germinates. Mr. Horsford finds that the plants resulting from this union are not very strong constitutionally, and the writer is able to confirm this from his own ex- perience. On the whole, the available evidence goes to show that for some reason L. candidum does S3 em to respond to pollination by L. testaceum rather more readily than by its own species, but one cannot as yet say more than this. Naudin, who has made a study of the subject, has recorded that though, in the ordinary way, L. candidum does not fructify under cultivation, it can be induced to do so by any one sufficiently interested to take the trouble, the process being so ancient that it was known to Gesner more than 300 years ago. This old method consists in cutting off the stalks at ground level just before the flowering period is over, and hanging them upside down in a light place. " One can then see the enlargement of the ovaries — that is, of course, provided they have been fecundated — and the stalk remains alive until the seeds have almost matured." Du Petit Thouarst found that "a stalk of L. candidum cut off and left in a vase of water produced much fruit," and the present writer once obtained fertile seed from a stalk removed from the mother plant just as the flowers were beginning to fail and plunged in the ground in a spot fully exposed to the sun where it was kept well watered until the seed ripened ; moreover,, the latter germinated in the ordinary course. According to Naudin, a Belgian botanist, Van den Born, set about the business in rather different fashion, for without lifting the bulb from the ground he stripped off the scales, leaving only the flowering stalk with its roots, so that the plant continued to receive necessary nourishment. In due course the ovaries en- larged and yielded more perfect fruit than when the stem was cut off above the bulb and ripened independently. In searching for an explanation of this Naudin advanced the theory that for some reason the formation of sap in the case of this particular species is not, as a rule, sufficient for the nourishment of the bulb, as well as the numerous offsets almost invariably attached to it, and the embryos into the bargain, with the result that in 99 cases out of 100 the bulb attracts the sap and the embryos go by the board ; and he reached the conclusion that this is the reason a crop of fertile seed is usually produced when one weakens the bulb by remov- ing offsets and scales just before the flowering period is over. Dr. Raggioneri, of Florence,§ has pointed out that his experience with L. candidum seems to bear out Naudin's theory, for in his garden he has hundreds cf plants of this Lily, and, like many other people, finds that only an infin- itesimal proportion ripens fertile seed ; but in the doctor's garden there is also a vase, about 15 inches in diameter and much the same depth, in which, in addition to a plant of Agave americana, there grows a small clump of L. can- didum ; the occupants of the vase receive no nourishment or moisture except what Nature allows them, and the soil in which they are planted has not been renewed for a score of years. As is to be expected, the Agave grows but thinly, but year by year the White Lily sends up four stems with eight to ten blooms on each, and these are succeeded by two or three pods of fertile seed. According to Naudin's theory the result is due to the poverty of the soil in the vase, because, insomuch as th? bulbs are. unable to reproduce themselves or to bear offsets, such nourishment as is available finds its way to the ovaries, enabling them to regain their functions. This theory hardly fits in with that which holds L. candidum to be especially susceptible to pollination by L. testaceum, and one cannot digest Naudin's idea without arriving at the J L.c, 18T9, p. 17. 4 l-<- '■, 1207. July 10. 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 21 conclusion that when grown on thin, poor, dry ground L. candidum should fructify in nOTrnal fashion. It is considered by some authorities that to ensure fructification the White Lily requires a greater degree of heat than our climate com- monly affords, and while that may bo so there is no proof of it; moreover, the tropical summers of 1911 and 1914 tend to dispose of the notion, since, so far as the writer is aware, L. candidnm showed no unusual tendency to fructify in those two memorable seasons. Reports from Italy, too, show that this Lily is usually as sterile in that hot country as in France and the British Isles. It is undoubtedly the case that in certain places L. candidum produces seed plentifully year by year, and an investigation of the plants and the conditions in which they grow may possibly throw some light on the subject. A. Grove. NOTICES OF BOOKS. Saxifrage.* Alt. rock gardeners will welcome the issue of a handbook to the Saxifrages from so good an authority as Mr. Irving, and give it a double welcome for the inclusion of the photographic illustrations of some thirty species from the camera of Mr. Malby, whose careful work is so Well known in our own pages. It is as a practical book that the work makes its appeal. The introductory matter is brief, the botanical review of the family is summary, and more space might perhaps have been de- voted to explaining the differences between the groups which govern the arrangement of the book, and yet are introduced without comment. But on p. 6 the reader plunges into more prac- tical issues, and the next 100 pages are given to an examination in turn of the groups, with brief hints as to the soil requirements, aspect, aid propagation of the species, which are alpha- betically arranged in each group. A further chapter on hybrids concludes the portion of the book which, from the use of the personal pro- noun, we presume to be exclusively from the pen of Mr. Irvingt Mr. Malby contributes a chapter on Saxifrages in the rock garden, and Dr. John H. Salter a brief review of the Saxifrages of the Pyrenees. Rose Growing for the Home Garden.! This book contains some 150 pages of printed matter with 96 plates in colour, charts and half-tones, so that in one sense the pictures are the chief feature of the book. The coloured plates are of the autochrome type, and in most cases show one flower of each specimen. This is a wise choice, for in this process the results of single flower por- traits are generally more pleasing than pictures of gardens where the colours required are more numerous, and the failure adequately to repro- duce the greens is a great disadvantage. In many cases the flower portraits are good, but in some the subjects have been selected in an immature stage and give the appearance of having been forced open. The letterpress contains the direotions usual in books on Rose growing, and is, on the whole, readable and pleasantly written, though it strikes us that there is rather too much quotation from other writers. We notice the curious statement given on the authority of Miss Kingsley that "Some of the multi floras such as Crimson Rambler . . . only flower on the sub-laterals — i.e., on wood three years old," which is hardly true of Crimson Rambler in this country, and does not appear in the English edition of Miss Kingsley's work, though there is a somewhat similar state- * Saxifrages <"■ Rockfoils. By Walter Irving and Regi- nald A. Malby. Illustrated with photographic reprod ictlona in half-tone and colour, 148 pp. Price 2s. nil. i Seadley Bros.) t 3'l>' Practical Book of Outdoor Rose Gtrouring for the ll"nir Garden. By George C. Thomas, jun. Price 16s. net. Lippincott, Philadelphia and London.) ment with regard to Aglaia. A whole chapter is devoted to directions for ordering Rose plants, and rather elaborate forms of inquiries and orders are given. This is a task which most amateurs are quite capable of performing for themselves, and such elaborate assistance is unnecessary. The chapter on pruning con- tains some useful directions for cutting Rose blooms, and in another chapter the author gives a list of Roses in which he makes a praiseworthy attempt to 'estimate their value at different seasons of the year. The book is written for Americans, based on Rose growing in the Middle Atlantic States, and it would appear that the chief difference from the rosarian's point of view between that climate and ours is the greater intensity of the winter cold in those parts of America, but the con- ditions there and here are sufficiently alike to make the greater part of the directions given applicable to both countries, and doubtless many here will read Mr. Thomas's book with pleasure and profit. JAVA. GLASSHOUSES IN THE TROPICS. In the Gardeners' Chronicle for March 27, 1915, p. 168, the question is raised whether glass- houses are needed in the Tropics. In reply I beg to say for tropical seeds a heated glasshouse is as necessary here as in Europe. Several years ago I got seed from Buitensorg of Saraca de- clinata. I sowed them in my glasshouse at Middelburg (Holland) in a temperature of 130° (night and day) and they germinated after five days. Similar seeds sown here without artificial beat required not fewer than eighteen months bsfore they germinated. I always sow seeds of true tropical plants in a very high temperature (100° to 130°), and they always germinate quickly. Palm seeds here require twelve to seven- teen months for germinating ; in a heat of 120° I got them germinated in ten days. I presume very high temperatures are never used for germ- inating hard seeds, but I have always got excel- lent results with them. Glasshouses cannot be obtained here, as no one is interested in Nature, but everyone is interested in money-making and returning to Holland as soon as possible. No one seems to think of anything else. For this reason also there are no nurseries, except a few for raising cut flowers. Besides, the natives cannot be used in horticulture ; it is quite useless to try them. Perhaps after some centuries this state of affairs will change. " COLD " PLANTS IN THE TROPICS. It is a pity there is no experiment station here in India for scientific investigation ; the ex- periment stations in this country do nothing else but experiment with the few commercial plants in common cultivation ; no experi- ments are made with foreign plants to try them here and watch the result. My own trials with some hundreds of European and other " cold " plants have given results that are astonishing and inexplicable. For what reason does Achillea millefolium flower here the whole year round and attain to a larger size than in Europe, while another weed (Lamium album) is only 3 cm. high after two years ? If there is such a thing as capacity of adaptation, why has one plant this capacity whilst another one has it not? M. Buysman, Laivang, East Jwva. Forestry Appointment at Edinburgh. — The Governors of the Edinburgh and East of Scotland College of Agriculture have appointed Mr. John M. MtJBBAY, B.Sc, to the post of Lecturer on Forestry. Mr. MtatBAY has been assisting Mr. Stkiimnc in lie' Furcslry Depart- ment of the Edinburgh University, and was formerly a student of the Col i ge of Agriculture. He is a son of Mr. Jinuuv. forester, Murthly Castle. Perth, hire HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) The Wall Rue near London.— Now that, with this year, the habitat has ceased to exist, it may interest your readers to know that Asplenium Ruta-muraria grew on the graveyard walls of the Friends' Meeting House, within one hundred yards of Wandle Bridge. Wandsworth. The walls have just been repointed to the de- struction of the plant. Do any of your readers know of any habitat nearer the heart of London for this — or, indeed, any other — Fern? The only other species I have myself seen was a young plant of Pteris aquiline. (Bracken) on a tomb in Bunhill Fields Burial Ground. J. Edmund Clark. Vegetables and Fruit at Early Shows. — Your leader on p. 8 on this subject is instruc- tive. It is certainly a pitv there are not more exhibits of vegetables and fruits at the early shows. The international exhibition of 1912 proved that it is possible to obtain exhibits in both these sections in the month of May, and the Council of the R.H.S. can have early fruits and vegetables also if it will offer reasonable cash prizes instead of medals. The latter are very nice, but they will not pay expenses, neither are they so much valued as, perhaps, the Council think they should be. Some employers do not care to pay the expenses incurred by exhibiting ; they do not object to their gardener- making the exhibits, but the (gardener is all tco often helpless, owing to the expense involved The first Silver or Gold Medal or Cup won is much appreciated, but when these become numerous they cease to be attractive. The Society has no lack of funds, and if reasonable prizes are offered for both large and small ex- hibits of early fruits and vegetables, these will then be forthcoming, and they will undoubtedly add much to the attractiveness of the shows. E. Molynevx. Flowering Plants Epiphytic upon Trees.— Besides Mosses, Lichens, and Ferns, it is surprising how many flowering plants are some- times seen epiphytic upon trees even in Eng- land. A beautiful cluster of Wood Anemo:re grows with Meadow Sweet (Spiraea ulmaria) upon the trunk of a Willow tree, just as it bends horizontal, in a withy-bed near Pill, in Somerset. A Pill in Somerset and Gloucester is a small tidal estuary, and this particular one gives its name to the village at the junction of the stream with the River Avon. The Lesser Celandine grows there, and higher up the deep valley are quanti- ties of the alternate-leaved Golden Saxi- frage (Chryisosplenium alternifolium), growing with the common one, which has opposite leaves. Besides being alternate, the leaves and flowering shoots are larger in the scarce species, and the hairy root-leaves are sometimes nearly two inches across. It would be interesting to studv these two plants ecologically, and discover why the former is usually absent from large tracts car- peted with the other. It may be that the strong vegetative growths of the common species kill everything else that attempts to dispute its dominant character. The experiment might be tried in water-gardens and damp, shady places, for both plants are ornamental. During a walk through the Leigh Woods, between Pill and Bristol, I noticed the following flowering plants growing upon pollard Elms and other trees, namely. Dog's Mercury, Bramble, Red Campion. Ivy, Stinging Nettle. Yellow Archangel (1. annum Ualeobdolon), Myosotis arvensis, Elder, and Wood Soi Of Ferns, there were the common I' pody, Maidenhair Spleenwort [A Tricho- manes), and the Brakefern. In mosl i i these cases a certain amount "f humus had formed a suitable lied upon which the seeds of the epiphj i ic plants could gi rmin ite : buf in the ease of a small Holly grow- ing in the fork of a huge Cedar in the grounds of Redland High School for Girls (foi nee h i: idl rli' -ie 1 1 Bi i' I. there ap] to ln> little or no humus, and apparently the Holly, which is about two feet high, derives ■■ of its nourishment from the I edar itself. Palm rrees often have a larce number "f other plants growing upon them. When wintering at Hyercs 22 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 10, 1915. in the South of France two and a half years ago, I counted over sixty flowering plants epiphytic upon the Date and other Palms in and about that town, which is often known as Hyeres-les- Palmiers. A list of these, with comments, was published in the Journal of Botany in 1913. //. iS. Thompson. Experiments with Silver-Leaf Disease (see Vol. LVIL, p. 354).— Three years ago a large tree of Alexander Peach, grown inside, developed silver leaf. Instead of destroying the tree, as had been my custom, I decided to lift it and transplant it outside, and before doing so to cut off the large branch which was infected. I used plenty of manure in the soil, and mulched well at planting time. Tin's year this tree is carrying a. large crop of Peaches, and there is not a trace of the disease. Evidently it was confined to the branch which was cut off and did not affect the roots. The recovery is a remarkahle one. S. Higgins, Glynllivon Gardens, Carnarvon. Severe Frost in June (see p. 10).— I read with interest Mr. Beckett's remarks under the above heading. On the morning of the same date (June 19) we registered 3° of frost on the grass, and the glass in the screen fell to 34°. All tender crops were severely damaged, one rood of Factor Potatos and four Vegetable Mar row beds .being completely wiped out. The young shoots on the Box edgings are frosted back to a distance of three inches. JR. Plomer, Salccy Lawn Gardens, Northampton. Hailstorm in Somerset.- I send three spikes of Sea Matweed (Psamma arenaria), strangely knocked about by the hail in the great storm of Sunday afternoon (July 4), which swept over a large part of Somerset and did great damage to crops, trees and houses. This grass is the chief agent in matting together the sand of the sand- hills between Burnham and Brean Down, and these three specimens were gathered on Monday within a few yards of each other. As late as Monday afternoon the fine stretch of hard sand north of Burnham could be seen curiously pitted bv hailstones, which blew from the west. The effect suggested the irregular tracks of some animal which had swent over the sands from the sea. On the golf links on the sand-hills the short turf was cut up in places, and leaves, flowers and small branches were strewn about in the district I traversed between Uphill station and the coast. Oh Men- din the storm was verv severe, the hailstones being the largest, remembered bv the inhabitants. Many were the size of blackbirds' eggs or wal- nuts, and some measured 1-g inch across. At Ba'ckwell, south of Bristol, Mr. Win. Garnett measured 1.14 inch of rain between 2,30 and 2.55, and the maximum intensity of the rainfall was at the rate of 4 inches an hour. H. S. Thompson, July 6. Women and Farm Work. - Miss Mason evades my questions, (1) What are the prejudices of farmers? (2) In what way do they use red tape ? I ask these questions for the benefit of farmers generally. Miss Mason charged us with the free use of them ; therefore I have a right to ask in what manner they are employed. If Miss Mason ignores these points I shall think she is ignorant of the subject she attempts to teach. E. Molyneuz. War Horticultural Relief Fund.— A a time of year when many horticultural societies are holding their summer shows it may not be out of place to suggest that by contributing as great a proportion as possible of the profits to the War Horticultural Relief Fund, promoted by the Royal Horticultural Society, considerable assistance will be given to a most praiseworthy object. Most societies offer cash prizes, and it mav seem somewhat unkind to suggest that ex- hibitors should refuse to accept it this year. But charity is not giving away something we do not ourselves require: it often means parting with a share of our own necessities, and in a time like the present, we must remember our brother horticulturists who have suffered severely under the German invasion. The R.H.S. Fund has made an encouraging start, and it ought to obtain assistance from the efforts of all horti- cultural societies. Gurney Wilson. The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By W. Hedlev Warren, Gardener to the Aston-Clinton 'Park Estate (the Rt. Hon. Lord Rothschild), Buck- inghamshire. Wall Fruits.— Peaches, Nectarines, Apri- cots and Plums have finished stoning and the crops may now be thinned finally. The work is usually done by hand, but this method is not considered by many growers to be a good one, for where the fruits have set closely together or the stems are already tough, it is impossible to pull them off without damaging the bark of the tree. It is a safer and better plan to remove the surplus fruits with a sharp-pointed knife. With respect to the quantity of fruit to leave on each tree much depends on the size and strength of the tree and whether it is established or still being trained. Healthy trees may be allowed to carry large crops, but young trees, unless they are making gross growth, should be well thinned of their fruit. Healthy trees of the larger-fruited varieties of Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots may carry one fruit for every square foot of surface ; that is to say, a tree occupying a space of 100 square feet may be allowed to ripen about 100 fruits. The smaller varieties should be thinned one-third more, ac- cording to their size and the health of the in- dividual tree. Plums should be thinned so that the fruits are not allowed to touch each other if on spurs, whilst those of the larger sorts on young wood should be at least 6 inches apart. Apples and Pears, and particularly the largeT- fruiting varieties, should be thinned when all risk of the fruits dropping is past. Pears on Walls.— The fruits are swelling and a check from drought would be serious at this stage, therefore see that the roots are kept moist. Sudden changes in the temperature sometimes cause a check to the young fruits, but there is less danger to be feared in this respect than from alternate drought and moisture at the roots. Liberal applications of diluted manure water, mulchings of half-decayed manure, and frequent syringings overhead will minimise to a large degree the effects of sudden climatic changes. The fruits should be exposed to sun- shine. Stop all needless, foreright shoots. Afford adequate protection to the fruits from both birds and wasps. Special bags for the pur- pose mav be obtained in various sizes, and their use is to be preferred to covering the entire tree with muslin or fine netting, which is apt to obstruct the light and retard the ripening of the wood. Cherries.— On the whole the trees are healthy, and early varieties are ripening their crops well. As soon as the fruits are gathered cleanse the trees thoroughly by means of an in- secticide containing a fair proportion of soap. Choose a dull day for the operation, well spray- ing the foliage with clear soft water an hour or so before undertaking the more vigorous ap- plication of the insecticide. Continue to train in the young shoots of Morello Cherries, allow- ing each plenty of room to develop and mature. Do not make "the ties too ticht to allow of the swelling of the bark. From now onwards en- courage the trees to make health"? growth, and, if needs be, water the roots with diluted manure. Peaches. — Guard against overcrowding of the young shoots of Peaches trained on walls, many of which have by this time reached the coping or top of the wall. These should be shortened or in some instances removed entirely. Encourage the ripening of the fruit, not by the removal of any of the foliage, but by bringing the fruit forward as much as possible or tyin» back any growths that may tend to obstruct the light or air. Some of the stronger growths may develop lateral growths, and if these are not required for filling vacant spaces they may be removed. Sappy growTths in any part of the trees are useless, as they seldom ripen well or bear fruit. A tree fairly well funrshed with shoots of average fruiting size may have all the stronger growths removed. Trees carrying heavy crops of fruit should be fed with a ferti- liser or liquid manure. Until the fruits begin to ripen syringe the foliage daily with clear, soft water late in the afternoon or evening. Trees somewhat advanced in age, although fruitful, may show signs of gumming in the older branches. Where such conditions exist remove the gum with a sharp knife and dress the wounds with styptic. Summer Pruning— The summer pruning of wall trees is sometimes made to imperil the basal buds, by forcing them into growth. This trouble may arise from two causes, pruning too early or too severely. The drought of the present season has doubtless lessened the number of strong growths on the trees, especially in the case of Pears, so that most of the trees need less pruning than usual ; but all needless lateral growths should be re- moved as soon as it is considered safe to do so. Strawberries.— Prepare the ground in- tended for new plantations, so that everything may be in readiness for planting by the second or third week of August. Trench or dig the soil deeply, incorporating with it a plentiful supply of well-decayed stable manure. Choose a sheltered situation for planting early varieties, but main crop varieties will succeed best in the open garden, whilst for the later varieties, such as Givon's Late Prolific and Latest of All, a cool and exposed spot should be selected. Runners intended for planting should receive attention daily and be encouraged to grow as rapidly as possible, so that they may be severed from the parent plants at the earliest opportunity. Early planting is advisable, and the work should be commenced as soon as the runners are strong specimens. Remove all superfluous runners. Continue to protect ripening berries from birds, and when watering use clear water. The beneficial effects of deep and highly cultivated ground is very apparent this season, the plants on well tilled land being in a much more healthy and satisfactory con- dition than those growing in land worked im- properly. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. J. Cobb, Gardener to Reginald Cory, Esq., "Duffryn Gardens, near Cardiff, South Wales. Pinks.— Young shoots of Pinks detached with a heel of the old stem and a few of the bottom leaves removed, will root readily if in- serted firmly in sandy soil in a close frame. Water the cuttings freely to settle the soil about them, and spray the foliage lightly twice daily. Admit a little air in the frame occasionally for a short time to prevent damping, and shade the cuttings from bright sunshine. When the plants are rooted admit air freely, and even- tually remove the lights altogether. Pinks should be planted in well-prepared soil in Sep- tember; Mrs. Sinkins, Her Majesty, fimbriata alba plena major, and Albino are all good frag- rant white varieties. These old-fashioned flowers are particularly suitable for associating with Lavender, and Roses of the dwarf Polyantha and China types, using only the pinks and lighter shaded varieties of Eoses. The effect produced, combined with the fragrance of the blossoms, is most pleasing. Bulbs.— The foliage of Daffodils. May-flower- ing Tulips and other bulbs naturalised in grass having died down, the grass may be cut. Should it have been decided when the bulbs were in flower .to lift and divide the clumps because of overcrowding, this work may be done now or during the next few weeks. Daffodils when doing well and not. overcrowded are best left alone, but if it is desired to increase the stock of choice varieties growing in beds, lift the bulbs and sort them into sizes. If fresh beds are ready for replanting the work mav be done im- mediately the soil is dry. If it is intended to replant in the same bed "take the opportunity to dig the soil deeply, incorporating a quantity of well-decayed manure in the bottom spit. Daffo- dils grow well in a rich, well-drained loam; in soil of a very heavy nature mix plenty of road Brit or burnt earth' from the rubbish vard firc. The soil will require a few weeks to settle before replanting the bulbs; in the meantime store them in a cool, airy structure. Darwin and May- July 10, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 23 flowering Tulips may be lifted and stored simi- l,i 1 v after drying, the sorting being left for a wet day, and as it is not necessary to replant these before the autumn, the vacant beds will come in useful for pricking out spring bedding or other plants. Bulbs of Ranunculus and Anemone require the same treatment ; the latter may be replanted in October provided the soil is thoroughly drained. The Ranunculus bulbs are best kept until February, storing them in bags or boxes of dry sand. The present is a suitable time for increasing the stock of Bella- donna Lilies, where they have become crowded, or for planting fresh bulbs. The plants do excep- tionally well in warm, narrow borders that are drained thoroughly under the outer walls of hot- houses; they grow best in soil composed of loam, leaf-mould and sand. Plant the bulbs 6 inches to 8 inches deep, surround them with sand, and nress the soil firmly. Bulbs of the Belladonna Lily should not be disturbed unless they are growing too thickly together. Apply a mulching of leaves or litter during the winter. Border Chrysanthemums.- Hardy Chry- santhemums, being surface-rooting plants, must not be allowed to suffer for want of water or they will receive a check. Frequent hoeings and a mulching, if not already applied, will be beneficial to the plants. Pinch out the tops of the plants to promote a bushy habit, and be guided by the class of floweTs required as to the number of growths to leave. Stake the plants when necessary, and spray to destroy green and black aphides. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By T. W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. I.YSAGHT, Esq., Castleford, Chepstow, Gloucestershire. Diacrium bicornutum.— Plants of Dia- crium bicornutum now passing out of flower will soon make fresh growth, and directly roots are seen the plants may be repotted or top- dressed. This Orchid is a somewhat refractory subject, and will make but little progress if a number of old pseudo-bulbs are per- mitted to remain behind the lead or growing point. As a rule two or three pseudo-bulbs are ample to retain, and those cut off can be utilised for propagating purposes. D. bioor nutum grows best in a high temperature and moist atmosphere. If the soil is kept in a sweet condition tolerably good results may be obtained for a few years. The compost should consist of Osmunda-fibre or peat and Sphagnum-moss in equal parts, with a moderate sprinkling of crushed crocks to ensure a free passage for water. Ordinary flower pots are suitable re- ceptacles, and they should be filled half their depth with drainage material. During the growing period water the plants copiously, but any that are repotted should be given water sparingly until roots are seen creeping towards the edge of the pot. Shade the plants from strong sunlight until the pseudo-bulbs aTe near completion, when a little extra light will be beneficial. D. bilamellatum often flowers at the same time as D. bicornutum, and both species require the same treatment. EPIDENDRUM PRI6MATOC4RPUM — Do not disturb the roots of Epidendrum pnsmato- carpum unless the operation is deemed neces- sary, when a thorough overhauling should be made, and sufficient rooting space allowed for several years' growth. The best effect is produced by placing several growths in a moderate sized pan, which should be partially filled with drainage material. The rooting medium should consist of Osmunda-fibre two thirds, and Sphagnum-moss one-third ; if the plants are not growing satisfactorily add a few broken Oak or Beech leaves. Make the soil moderately firm, and when arranging the young growths let two or three point towards the centre to make a well- balanced specimen. For a few weeks after re- potting keep the soil slightlv on the dry side ; but whenever moisture is applied give a thorough soaking. Plants of this class of Epidendrum will not thrive in a close, stuffy atmosphere; they should be grown in a light, airy position in the in- termediate house Hi- the cooler end of the Cattleya division. Epidondrums needing similar con- ditions include E at'ro-purpureum, E. alatum. E. cochleatum. E. fragrans, E. radiatum, E. osmanthum and E. ciliare. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By John Highgate, Gardener to the Marquis of Linlithgow, Hopetoun, South Queensferry. N.B. Vines.— Vines growing in borders and started about the beginning of February are now colouring the berries, and at this stage the vinery should, be ventilated freely during the day time and a little at night. In most seasons the use of fire-heat can be reducea 10 a minimum at about this time ; but the weather during the past month has been too cold to permit of this economy. The nights in June were un- usually cold, and for the greater time cold winds prevailed during the day : in consequence it was with difficulty that red spider was kept in check. Remove the lateral growths, and especially those near to the roof-glass, as this will allow the air to circulate freely and allow more light to reach the berries. The outside borders should be examined to see that the roots are not suffering from lack of moisture. Spread a mulch over the inside borders, using manure from a spent Mushroom-bed, or meadow hay. The berries on Vines in late houses are swelling freely and the roots should be stimu- lated with a fertiliser. The ventilators should be closed early in the afternoon, and towards evening the top ventilators should be opened slightly and allowed to remain open during the night. This will permit of excessive moisture escaping, and will have a tendency to harden the foliage, thus preventing leaf-scorching in the early mornings. It should be remembered that the healthier the foliage the longer will the Grapes keep when ripe. Vines from which the Grapes have been cut should be attended to regularly, syringing the foliage twice daily and keeping the border in a fairly moist condition. Melons.- As the fruits show signs of ripening, let the air circulate freely in the house and reduce the amount of water at the roots. To prevent the fruits from cracking reduce the amount of moisture in the atmosphere and allow a little air to enter at night bv the top ventilator. Should these measures fail to stop snlitting in the fruits, cut the shoot on which the fruit is growing half-way through below where the Melon is borne, and again increase the amount of ventilation. Plants intended for crooning late should be planted at once unless the house is not in readi- ness to receive the plants, when t.hev should be shifted into larger pots and kept growing. Exercise the usual care in watering newly- potted plants. To prevent them from flagging it mav be necessary to shade them for a day or two during the hottest part of the dav. but afterwards thev should be exposed to full sun- shine. _ PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. JORDAN. Gardener to T.adv NrtNOTRNHOLME, Warter Priory. Yorkshire. Herbaceous Calceol\ri«s.— To secure sturdy Calceolaria plants for blooming next March and April sow seed within the next few- weeks. Shallow pans or boxes should be used, selecting clean soil and passing that which is used for the surface through a fine sieve. Water this soil thoroughly with a fine rose before sowing the seeds, so that it will only require a slight sprinkling from time to time until the seedlings are large enough for prick- ing off. The seed does not require any covering, and it is important that the seed pans shonld be placed in a cool, shady position. When large enough to handle, prick off the seedlings, using a similar compost. Pot off the plants when large enough, and add a little well-rotted manure toUie compost. It is only bv affording careful attention to these plants while in a young state that they can be grown to perfection, Streptocarpus.— These plants have eatl improved in recent years as regards their per petual-flowering character, and they will now flower throughout the entire Beason They buc cccd well when grown in an intermediate inn I,,.. ,i ,..,.. or during the umimer months in a cold frame, if sha led from the full glare of thi Plants that are in full II-" i r require frequent applications of diluted liqu d m n water and :. sool water. Keep all "' x e £ a a 3 (0 O H 5 £ < CA) w < w Q as E & Sons, Farnham, included \ ery Caacinal ing \ a ■•'■• oi I lick B de and Marks Tey (both of inanmn shades), with many other 1 1. .11 .' v \l, i i; si iii -JHAM, Ltd., Bn m [B Iver Floro Med il Mi srs J. Sn uik ,v Son, i \{\ burgh ( Bronze Flor i Medal . and \| I ■. Cl ' .1 (Silver Flora Me lal), ..! o how .1 i iluab P 28 TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 10, 1915. Stove Plants. Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond, exhibited an imposing group of stove plants, principally fine foliage plants, with a group cl Soianum Wendlauctii in flower as a centrepiece. On stands were placed superb plants of Nepenthes, the large-pitchered variety Sir W. T. Thisel- ton Dyer having place of honour. At the bacK of this was a standard of Acalypha ii.opiu., (Sanderiana), the most effective way of growing this showy plant, for the long, scarlet racemes hang gracefully swaying with the breeze. At the foot of the Acalpha was a batch of" Alpinia Sanderiana, with, broad, silvery bands on the Bamboo-like foliage. Other choic plants were Codiaeum (Croton) Russelliannm, Anthurium Veitchii, Alocasia argentea, ja. Watsoniana, Nidularium ileyendorffii, Dracaena Victoria and Aralia triloba. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. John Peed and Son, Norwood, ex- hibited Galadiums in variety, with a broad band of well-flowered Gloxinias as an edging. The beautiful tinting in the Caladium foliage was much admired, the hot season suiting these showy exotics. Of the varieties, Silver Queen. HeiT Duffner, Sir Julian Goldsmid, Auguste Carpenter, Sir Henry Irving, John Peed and Mrs. H. Veitch are a selection. (Silver-gilt Flora and Silver Banksian Medals.) Miscellaneous Indoor Plants. Messrs. R. and G. Cuthbert, Ltd., Southgate, exhibited greenhouse plants. A tone of lightness was afforded by the feathery spikes of Hiimea elegans, and the background was of Cocos Palms, the tall leaves drooping like a cascade. In the body of the group were the orange- flowered Streptosolen Jamesonii, banks of As- lilbes (Spiraeas), Liliums and Pelargoniums, but the piece de resistance was a clump of the delicate mauve - flowered Viscaria oculata coerulea. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Stuart Low and Co., Enfield, ex- hibited a group of Begonia Lucerna. The flowers are in great clusters and the inflorescences hang gracefully, the salmon-pink colour being enhanced by the metallic-green leaves, which have bronzy-red undersides. In this exhibit were plants of Statice imbricata, Oleander splendens and Streptocarpuses of a good strain. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Godfrey and Son, Exmouth, exhibited large-flowered decorative Pelar- - goninms, in which this firm specialises. The new variety Princess Mary has very large, soft- salmon coloured flowers with a chocolate-maroon blotch. Other novelties are Grandeur, cinnabar- red with black blotches ; Exmouthian, pale pink with upper petals crimson-maroon ; and Topsy, maroon, the deepest coloured variety. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. H. Cannell and Sons, Eynsi'ord, Kent, exhibited varieties of zonal-leaved Pelar- goniums, including the novelties Golden Lion (orange-scarlet) a.nd Louis Chauvin (salmon). Mr. Vincent Slade, Taunton, and Messrs. Jahman and Co., Chard, both exhibited varieties of zonal-leaved Pelargoniums. Messrs. W. Cutbush and Son showed their new Ivy-leaved Pelargonium Radiance, a very free blooming variety with scarlet-cerise flowers. Col. the Hon. Mark Lockwood, Bishops Hall, Romford, exhibited numerous varieties of Fuchsias as small pot plants. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) A collection of miniature Japanese gardens was displayed by the Yokohama Nursery Company, Craven House, Kingsway, London. They were perfect models, some in pans not more than one foot aicross, in which streams, bridges, cliffs, trees and buildings were in faithful pro- portions, with pigmy trees at appropriate situa- tions. (Silver Flora Medal.) FEnNS. Messrs. J. Hill and Son, Edmonton, ex- hibited a group of Ferns occupying a space of 400 square feet. The group appeared as a raised bank of greenery, the tintings varying in degree ; some of the fronds were almost golden, and the diversity of form was remarkable. At the back were grouped the Tree Ferns, the giants of the race, Dicksonia antaretica throwing its huge fronds overhead, its companion being a magnificent plant of Polypodium quercifolium, the Oak-leaf Fern, from the shape of the Darren fronds which cluster about the base of the taller fertile leaves, serving the useful purpose of hold- ing moisture-retaining debris. In the centre was a grand plant of Polypodium Mandianum, the arching, glaucous fronds being very deeply notched, and about this were Stag's Horns, including Platycerium Willinckii and P. grande. Others of special merit were Pteris tricolor, Gleichenia speluncae, Davallia retusa, Pellea ternifolia and Davallia fijiensis robusta. (Large Silver Cup.) Messrs. H. B. May and Sons, Upper Edmon- ton, arranged a group of Ferns as a table exhibit, the plants being raised on tiers, the back row being 30 feet above the ground. In this exhibit prominence was given here and there to choice specimens, these acting as foils to break the otherwise flat front. The general effect was grand, and every plant was an object-lesson in good cultivation. An old piece of Platycerium alcicorne, the mass weighing two hundredweight, occupied the place of honour in the centre, backed by a huge plant of Davallia fijiensis elegans, grouped on either side by Oak-leaved Ferns, Drynaria quercifolia and Polypodium Vidgenii, the "Oak leaves" of the latter being the more elegant. Nephrolepis Mayi has not only departed, from the normal in its twisted, nar- rower fronds, but has assumed a tree habit, the caudex being upright and 2 feet long. The rare Lastrea patens Mayi was one of the most elegant in the collection. The pale green fronds have pointed pinnules which are overlapping, the sub-divisions reaching to the rachis, making a very elegant leaf. (Large Silver Cup.) Mr. Amos Perry, Enfield, exhibited hardy Ferns, including Polystichums, Lastraeas, Sco- lopendriums and Athyriums. The gem of the collection was a sporeling of Polystichum an- gnlare divisilobum plomosum, with dark green fronds having gold at the edges. The pin- nules overlap, making a plume-like frond. Other fine plants were Athyrium felix-foemina todaeoides, Woodwardia orientalis, Lygodium scandens, Adiantum pedatum Klondyke and Dictvogramma japonica variegata. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Hardy Plants. Air. G. Reuthe, Keston, Kent, showed a col- lection of hardy flowers, rich in little-known species and varieties. Special attention attached to his new seedling forms of Erica cinera, of which one is noted under Awards. Unusually fine spikes of the hybrid Martagou Lilies were shown, including Dalhansonii, Marhan, G. F. Wilson, and Miss Willmott. Campanula pusilla pubescens is a new form. Acantholimon venus- tum was particularly well shown, and flowering sprays were included of Eucalyptus ficifolia and Prostanthera lasianthos among other gcod things. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Mi*. R. Prichard, Westmoors, Wimborne, made a small but fascinating exhibit of little- known rock plants. Verbena chamaedryoides is referred to under Awards of Merit. The bright yellow Ruta Patavini was noteworthy, while Silene westmoorensis (a Hookeri-Elizabethae hy- brid) and Campanula westmoorensis represented tfh'9 best of some new seedlings. Gentiana stra- minea and Hypericum cuneatum were also noted as good. Messrs. Kelway and Son, Langport, showed some admirable varieties of Delphiniums and Gaillardias. In the former the dark shades pre- dominated, and the masses of Dusky Monarch and Smoke of War found many admirers. (Sil- ver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Mrs. E. Lloyd Edwards, Bryn Oerog, Llan- gollen, sent a prettv series of new Hcucheras. King George and Queen Mary represented the best of the sca.rlet and rose shades respectively, while Edge hybrid Improved represented a pretty shade of clear nink. .\F\ry Duchess or Ilchestfr. Holland House, W. (gr. -Mr. C. Dixon), sent an interesting collec- tion of Sempervivums, encrusted Saxifrages and Mesembryanthemums. Of the Houseleeks alone we noted over fifty species and varieties, so that the collection was a very representative one. (Si'ver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Godfrey and Son, Exmouth. staged their good strain of Canterbury Bells — in about half a dozen shades. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Wisbech, showed Delphiniums, Paeonies, and similar hardy herba- ceous plants. Messrs. W. Cutbush and Son, Highgate, mak- ing a pool of Vv ater Lilies a centrepiece to a group of hardy flowers, staged round it a number of good masses of Delphiniums, Campanulas, Spiraeas and other herbaceous plants. Lilium Grayi and some particularly fine masses of Lilium Humboldtii magnificum were the feature of this group. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. R. C. Notcutt, Woodbridge, Suffolk, staged some good spikes of new Delphiniums, with Statice Suworowii and its white form. Mr. G. W. Miller, Wisbech, included among his representative group of hardy plants some fine spikes of Lilium giganteum and L. croceum. Delphiniums and Verbascums also represented Ins specialities. (Silver Flora Medal). Messrs. G. A. Clark, Ltd., Dover, showed a collection of useful herbaceous plants — Iris, Del- phinium, Isatis, with some pretty forms of Alstroemeria. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Walshaw and Son, Scarborough, showed a good collection of the coloured Astilbes — Queen Alexandra Improved, Philadelphia, America and others. No group abounded more in new and rare plants than that shown by Messrs. Bees, Ltd., Sealand, Chester, although scarce plants were not allowed to oust from the groundwork of the group masses of Delphiniums and commoner subjects. Clematis chrysocoma, Ranunculus Lyallii, Roscoea capitata-purpurea, R. caut- lioides, Primula pseudo-capitata, P. pulchella, Trollius sinensis and Hypericum laeve-rubrum are a few of the more notable plants. (Two Silver Flora Medals.) Messrs. II. Cannell and Sons, Eynsford, showed Delphiniums, Paeonies, Gaillardias and similar herbaceous plants. Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham, staged a rich group of herbaceous plants. In the Del- phiniums, Statuaire Rude, Candidat, Capri and Lavanda were notable. Some choice forms of Campanula lactiflora were shown, with Lavatera Olbia, Malva moschata and Lychnis Haageana. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Mr. J. C. Allgrove, The Nurseries, Langley, Slough, arranged a study in blue and yellow. The many shades of Delphiniums were the groundwork of the former. In the latter were the Eremurus (the Bungei forms being particu- larly good), Thalictrum glaucum, Senecio stenoce- phala, Iris aurea, and the new Trolliuses Lede- bouri and pumilus yunnanensis. Cut sprays of Fremontia californica and Magnolia parviflora also made vases of interest. (Silver-gilt Bank sian Medal.) Messrs. Barr and Sons, The Nurseries, Taplow, showed a distinctive group, principally of bulbous plants, but not without its border and rock garden subjects. Lilium elegans Leonard Joerg and Star of Heusden are fine forms. Iris fulva was well flowered. We noted an immense head of the very rare Allium giganteum and several bold masses of Delphiniums and Astilbes. In another tent a good group of Japanese trained pigmy trees was shown, full of life and charac- ter in spite of their age. (Silver Banksian and Bronze Flora Medals.) Mr. Clarence Elliott, Six Hills Nurseries, Stevenage, in a pleasing group of Alpines, made a special study of Campanulas. C. pusilla Miss Willmott, C. pulloides, C. Raddeana, C. pulla lilacina, C. linifolia, C. encisa, C. Stevenii, C. Stevenii alba, C. larnica, by no means exhausted the list, and showed what a rich group of late- flowering Alpines the Bell Flowers are. Ostrow- skia magnifica was also shown in a way to make the average grower envious of such success in its cultivation. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Pulham, Newman Street, London, showed a small collection of herbaceous and Alpine plants. Campanula Raddeana was notice- able, and a pretty form of Orchis maculata among a number of other good plants. Messrs. W. Artindale and Son, Nether Green Nurseries. Sheffield, showed Violas finely on show stands, with a few Delphiniums and Lilies, and in front of the group vases of such plants as Campanula glomerata superba. (Bronze Flora. Medal.) Mr. W. Wells, Jun. , Merstham Nurseries Surrey, staged a collection of hardy plants, ir July 10, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 29 eluding a number of good Delphiniums, th» pretty little Helianthemum (Cistus) algarvense, and Antirrhinum Nelrose. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Rich and Co., Bath, showed a rich- flowered mass of hardy herbaceous plants, Phloxes, Gaillardias, Delphiniums, Salvias, and the charming pink Lavatera Olbia. Messrs. A. A. Walters and Son, Bath, in a mixed collection of herbaceous plants, made a feature of the admired and now well-known Del- phinium Rev. E. Lasoelles. Gaillardias and Phloxes weTe also shown well. Messrs. G. Stark and Son, Great Ryburgh, showed their early-flowering — and long-flowering understood — strain of Kniphofias. Messrs. J. Cheal and Sons, Ltd., Crawley, showed Alpine and herbaceous plants on tabling. Sidalcea malvaeflora and S. Listeri, Linum flavum, Erythraea diffusa and Verbena chamae- dryoides made bright pieces of colour (Bronze Flora Medal.) In another tent this firm had an interesting collection of cut sprays O'f flowering shrubs. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Mr. T. H. Gaunt, Farsley, Leeds, showed a number of small rock plants. Campanula Inii- folia is a pretty little species 6 inches high, with violet-blue nodding bells. Thymes and dwarf Conifers were also included. Messrs. B. Ladhams, Ltd., Shirley, in a group distinctive in its choice of good herbaceous plants, gave special attention to strains of Gaillardias and garden Pinks. The pale yellow Gaillardia Sulphur Gem was particularly pleasing. Erige- ron B. Ladhams, the new pink Erigeron, an in- valuable plant for cutting, was included, and the seldom-seen Salvia superba (S. Sclare-a X S. turkestaniea) in its best and most showy form. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Whitelegg and Page, Chislehurst, had a showy group of hardy border and rock garden plant*. The collection of Delphiniums was a good one. The annual Silene Armeria attracted much notice with its large rose-purple heads, and there were good plants of Campanula W. H. Paine, Lippia repens, and Erigeron hybrida rosea. Verbena chamaedryoides, which every- where seems to have come well through, the winter, made perhaps the brightest patch of colour in the group. (Silver Banksian and Bronze Knightian Medal.) Mr. Frank Lilley, St. Peters, Guernsey, staged early-flowering Gladioli with some fine Sparaxis pulchexrima and its pretty pink variety Early Bell. (Bronze Flora MedaL) Mr. W. MniR, Baronshill, Linlithgow, showed the new white Erigeron Edina. The Misses Hopkins, Mere, Shepperton, showed an interesting collection of rock and herbaceous plants. Messrs. Thomson and Charman, Bushey, Hertfordshire, in a considerable group of hardy plants, gave special place to the newer Delphi- niums. Their lesser known plants included the lovely Lilium regale and the difficult scarlet Gilia coronopifolia. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) The Guildford Hardy Plant Nursery. Guildford, staged cut shrubs and herbaceous plants with some charming dwarf Alpines. (Sil- ver Banksian Medal. ) Mr. .Tames MacDonald, Harpenden, in a series of grasses for general horticultural pur- poses, included some of the more ornamental snecies. Those who rely solely on Dactvlis glomerata as an edging grass would find Gly- ceria spectabilis fol. variegata and Arrhenanthe- rum bulbosa variegata good substitutes, whilst for the border, Hordeum jubatum and Elvmus giganteus are verv handsome. (Silver Flora Medal.) Mr. Amos Perry, Hardy Plant Farms, En- field, showed in an unrivalled way the value of bold masses of a few things. One portion of the group -was devoted to handy Ferns, the other portion was dominated by its Lilies and Del- phiniums, although many other good plants were included. Lilium Parry!, L. Roezlii and L. parvum luteum were particularly lovely. The pardalinums Bed Giant and Bunbankii. Mart-a- gon album, canadense and the rare Bolanderi and maritimum were also shown in vigorous health. One other plant we must not overlook wa* the large-flowered white form of Campanula lactiflora. A strain of garden Pinks and Water Lilies in. bowl« represented otbe.- nf this house's specialities. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. Blackmore and Langdon, Tiverton Hill Nurseries, Bath, staged one of the choicest sets of new Delphiniums — the soft mauve Statu- aire Rude, the mauve black-eyed Chantry Queen, tlic heliotrope Lavanda and deep violet-purple Dusky Monarch conspicuous among them. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Mr. Maurice Prichard, Christchurch, Hants, showed one of the richest and brightest collec- tions of hardy plants, full of good things. Pote- riiim tenuifolium album, with catkin-like nod- ding heads of pure while, and Poterium obtusa- tiun, with fuzzy pink fingers, were two particu- larly good novelties. Rodgersia pinnata rosea, Hemerocallis Baronii, Linaria vulgaris Peloria, and some marvellous little pots of Campanula Raineri quite smothered in flow-er also attracted special attention. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. G. Bunyard and Co., Royal Nurseries, Maidstone, showed herbaceous plants well. Del- phinium Queen Man', a. large, pale-blue single with white eye, made an effective centrepiece. Bold masses of Delphinium Rev. E. Lascelles and The Alake filled right and left. Liliums Hansonii and croceum, Pentstemons digitalis and Southgate Gem, Seabiosa caucasica pallida and Erigeron Edina made other notable bunches. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. H.J.Jones, Ltd., Ryecroit Nurseries, Lewisham, showed their fine strain of Canter- bury Bells, and the largest and most representa- tive collection of Phlox decussata. (Standard Cup.) Miosis. G. Jackman and Sons, Woking Nur- series, Surrey, showed herbaceous plants effec- tively. In addition to the Delphiniums, in which ( lapri (palest blue), Somerset (pale blue, black eye) and Lord Rosebery (deep .purple) were con- spicuous, fine masses of bold colour were gained from Salvia virgata nemorosa, Lythrum Rose Queen, Helenium cupreum and Oenotheras. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. Harkness and Sons, Bedale, Yorks, made a feature of their new large-flowered hybrid Verbascums, in yellow and coppery shades of yellow ; and their Gaillardias, which now range from wholly yellow to almost wholly red, in the large-flowered sorts. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. Waterer, Sons and Crisp, Liverpool Street Arcade, E.C., arranged a pleasing group of hardy plants grouped round an oblong pool of Water Lilies. At the edge Spiraea digitata nana, Santolina pinnata and the double Tunica were good ; behind were Delphiniums, Ver- bascums. Phloxes, and other good border flowers. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. J. Piper and Sons, Ltd., Bayswater, linked up a rock garden with an informal water garden and collection of herbaceous plants. Bright patches of colour in the rock garden were given, by Verbena chamaedryoides, Patrinia pal- mata and Gentiana frigida. Primula capitata and Pratia .angulata made a pleasing association in a small separated bed. The water plants were dominated by the Irises, and fine masses of both Kaempferi and aurea were included, ibut Astilbes, Phloxes and Delphiniums also found place. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Messrs. Baker's. Ltd., Codsall, Wolverhamp- ton, devoted the bulk of their group to Del- phiniums, in which of new and old varieties they showed a fine collection. The semi-double blue Harry Smethan and the rich purple Edwin Beckett were notable among the newer kinds. Yvette Guilbert still holds its place among the. pale blues. Pendrill is a good creamy white, with dark eye-blotch which stood out well. A few rock plants occupied one end, and Heucheras, Lavateras, Erigerons. and Campanulas were welt shown, in the foreground of the main group. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. R. Wallace and Co.. Colchester, divided their exhibit into three portions. A magnificent collection of late-flowering Eremuri, which Sir Harry Veitch described at the Press Lunch as "the largest and finest collection that had ever been shown," occupied one end. They were derivatives mostly from E. Bungei and E. Olgae, the types of which were included, but many of the seedlings showed greater vigour than either, and the range of colour r.ni from pure white (White Queen) through primrose, bright \ellow, soft pink and salmon pinks t" ImlTy ni'nige ; 200 spikes were included. Tie opposite extremity was devoted to herbaceous plants. Hemerocallis Golden Bell, Lilium Szovitzianum and other Lilies gave bright touches of colour among the Delphiniums. Link- ing these two exhibits were a small informal garden of Japanese Irises bordering a stream, and a small formal garden mainly of old- fashioned plants, which showed with taste and admirable effect such quieter use of hardy plants as would actually be made in the garden. The little pool in the latter was given over to new Water Lilies — Escarboucle most intense of all in colour; Mrs. Richmond, soft pink; Masaniello, rose-pink ; and many others. The rock walling and simple planting here found many admirers and note-makers. (Large Silver Cup and two Gold Medals.) Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt, staged a good collection of flowering shrubs and trees of interest for their flowers or fruits. Stephanandra flenuosa, l'avia californica, Pyrus Vilmoriniana, Spiraeas and Kerrias we noted as of special in- terest. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. Carter, Page and Co., London Wall, were awarded a Bronze Flora Medal for Dahlias and Violas. Exhibits in the Open. Mr. G. Reuthe, Keston, arranged a small rock garden on tabling in the open, close planted with Heaths, dwarf Conifers, and some good plants of Acantholimon venustum, Allium pedemon- tanum, Campanula Raddeana and Umbilicus (Sedum) sempervivoides. Near by he included a collection of rare shrubs in pots, particularly rich in the Himalayan Rhododendrons, with plants of Leptospermums, Lomatia, Daphni- phyllum and many other little-known genera. (Silver Flora and Silver Banksian Medals.) "Sir. Ernest Dixon, Putney and Wimbledon, carried out a small sunk garden scheme which gave opportunities for the use of dry-walling, sundial and garden figures. It showed how details lend completeness to a design. Mr. L. R. Russell, Richmond Nurseries. Surrey, made a feature of his rich collection of tree Ivies. He showed well, too, the old- fashioned Erythrina Crista-galli, which he is mak- ing a favourite again. Acer, Fagus, in various forms and flowering shrubs in pots were also in. eluded, as well as some large specimen Cordylina australis, as standards. (Standard Cup.) Messrs. John Forbes. Ltd., Hawick, staged Phloxes. Delphiniums, Violas, and his well-known strain of florists' Pentstemons. The Donard Nursery Company, Newcastle, Co. Down, showed a collection of little-known shrubs, including Gnevina and Cordyline ind:- visa vera, but the most interesting and best- represented genus was Leptospernuvm, of which several good plants were included of L. Nichol'.i. L. Chapmanii, and L. Boscawenii. (Silver-gilt Flora Medal.) Messrs. J. Piper and Sons, Bayswater, madn an exhibit of a collection of trimmed lew and Box. (Bronze Flora Medal.) Messrs. W. Fromow and Sons, Sutton Court Nurseries. Chiswick, showed a representative col- lection of their wonderful forms of Japanese Maples. The drought, however, seemed to have treated them unkindly, and though full of interest, the group was more lacking in vigour of colour than is usual. (Large Silver Cup.) Messrs. W. Cutbush and Sons. Highgatc, made their usual exhibit of the trimmed trees. (Silver- gilt Flora Medal.) • Orchid Committee. Present : Sir Harry J. Veitch in the chair, and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. secretary!. Pantia Ralli, Gurney Wilson, R. Brooman White. T. Armstrong. J. E. Shill, W. Thompson, A. I've J. Cypher. W. Bolton. F. Sander. W. H. Hatcher, A. McBean, Stuart Low. R. G. Thwaites. W. II. White. C. Cookson, W. Cobb, R. A. Kolfe, J. Wilson Potter and C. J. Lucas. AWARDS First-Class Certificates. Odontoqlossum Georgius Bex [j>arentagi unre- corded), from J. Gt/bnei Fowler, Esq., Brack- enhurst, . unbridge Wells fgr. .Mr. J. Davis) A grand hybrid, with ;i branched spike of twentj eight fine white and claret-purple flowers. (See Groups. ' Cnttleya Warscewiczii Mrs. I'.. Ashworth, from Messrs. Chahlesworth ind Co., Hayward'a. 30 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 10, 1915. Heath. One of the most distinct and delicately tinted Cattleyas. The flowers are uniform blush-pink, slightly darker on the front of the broad labellum, which has a pale yellow disc. Mr. E. Ashworth first flowered and showed it in 1897, when it secured an Award of Merit. Award of Merit. Laelio-Cattleya Fascinator-Mossiae var. Moon- light, from Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., Hay ward's Heath. One of the most attractive of white Laelio-Cattleyas, the colour being of a peculiar silvery white, a slight tinge of pink appearing only on the backs of the sepals. Cattleya Me.nde.lii Mrs. Smee, from Sir Jere- miah Colman, Bart. (gr. Mr. Collier). One of the best forms of the best old type, the rich rose-crimson of the front of the lip being very attractive. Cattle ya Paula (Clarliac X Dowiana aurea), from Messrs. J. and A. McBean, Cooksbridge. A pretty hybrid, with rose-coloured sepals and petals slightly tinged with yellow; lip deep maroon with gold lines from the base. The Groups. The groups occupied the central staging m No. 2 tent, being arranged on each side. At the entrance on one side on a separate stage stood Mr. J. Gurney Fowler's grand exhibit, Odontoglosssum Georgius Rex, pro- bablv the finest single specimen Odonto- glossum, both for the quality of its flowers and its grand culture, ever staged. This superb hybrid of unrecorded parentage was raised by' Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., who showed "it in its early stage. May 20, 1913, when it received an Award of Merit, and passed to Mr. Gurney Fowler's collection, where it has developed in the most extraordinary manner. The plant had enormous pseudo-bulbs, and a very strong spike bearing twenty-eight blooms, each 4^ inches across, and of fine shape and sub- stance; white, heavily marked with rich claret- purple. A First-class Certificate and Lindley Medal for Culture was awarded. A fine speci- men of Odontioda Cooksoniae Fowler's variety, with scarlet flowers with white margin, and which had previously received a First-class Certificate, was staged with it. Elizabeth Ladv Lawrence, Burford (Orchid grower Mr. Swindon), sent cut spikes of varie- ties of Cvpripedium Stonei, the unique variety platytaenium being still the most remarkable. Pantia Ralli, Esq., Ashtead Park, Surrey (gr. Mr. Fames), showed Cattleya Eros, a pretty light^coloured Cattleya of unrecorded parentage, with distinct traces' of Cattleya Mossiae. The plant resembled a light form of C. Empress Frederick, and had a very sweet perfume. It is a very attractive flower, and desirable as a late summer flowerer. Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., Gatton Park [gr. Mr. Collier), who was the onlv amateur exhibitor of a group, staged a very effective display, the elevated middle at the 'back being of Laelio- Cattleya Aphrodite, etc., in front of which were the vellow and purple L.-C. Hippolyta Phoebe, some good Odontoglossums, and along the margin many interesting species. At the back were elegant Oncidiums and Epidendrum Boundii. and at the sides masses of bright scarlet Odontioda with several forms of the m-ettv 0. Papilio gattonense. Very interesting in the group were several of the best old forms of Cattleva Mendelii, including Mrs. Smee, Quorn House, and Duke of Marlborough, still retaining their place for good qualitv. Among the forms of Cattleva Warscewiczii the variety King Edward VII. was one ofthe richest dark forms. Zygopetalum Roeblingianum was also well shown. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Armstrong and Brown. Orchidhurst, Tunbridge Wells, staged a very fine group, in which a prominent feature was the excellent forms of Cattleya Warscewiczii, ranging from the best dark forms to the charming C. War- scewiczii Virgin Qneen. pUre white with violet- nurple lip and white margin. With them were some verv bright Odontiodas. the best scarlet being Oda. Chantecleer Orchidhurst variety, which had previously secured a First-class Certi- ficate. In front were a selection of handsome blotched Odontoglossums of great promise, flowering for the first time : Cvnripediiim Daisy Barclav,' C. Phoebe and C. Chamberlainianum magnificum, C. Lawrenceanum Hyeanum and G. Maudiae. (Standard Cup.) Messrs. Charlesworth and Co., Hayward's Heath, had a fine group in which their famous strain of hybrid Miltonias was the salient feature. The forms of Miltonia Charles- worthii, with their fine sprays of light rose-pink flowers, with large dark maroon masks, were the best. The quality of the Odontoglossums, Odontiodas, etc., was good throughout, and specially remarkable things were the beautiful blush-tinted Cattleya War- scewiczii Mrs. E. Ashworth ; the singular bizarre C. W. marmorata, with rose-flaked sepals and petals ; Laelio-Cattleya Fascinator- Mossiae var. Moonlight, one of the finest white Laelio-Cattleyas; Odontoglossum crispum virginale Madonna, an imported pure-white form of the best quality ; and Laelio-Cattleya Mar tinetii The Czar, a grand flower of fine colour. The Odontiodas Charlesworthii, Brewii, and Chantecleer showed up remarkably well with their rich red tints. (Silver Cup.) Messrs. Sander and Sons, St. Albans, had ac extensive group of Laelio-Cattleyas, Odontoglos- sums, Miltonias and other showy Orchids of the season. Among the Miltonias, two specimens of M. Sanderae, with pretty pinn flowers with very claret-coloured masks to the lip, were very fine. Among the Laelio-Cattleyas, the forms of L.-C. Canhamiana and Aphrodite were excellent, L.-C. Isabel Sander, L.-C. brugense and L.-C. Gloriosa very distinct, and hybrid Cattleyas and Brasso-Cattleyas well represented. Among other remarkable features were a selection of forms of Anguloa Cliftonii, varying in colour, the darkest being in tint near to A. Ruckeri san- guinea, but very different in shape. Cirrhopetalum robustum was a grand specimen, with three spikes, Aerides Houlletianum Sanderae, an albino of the species, and Diacrium bicornutum and other species rarely shown were well represented. (Silver-gilt Cup.) Messrs. Mansell and Hatcher, Rawdon, Yorks, had one of the best and best-arranged groups, the elevated centre of about thirty speci- mens of the large white Phalaenopsis Rimesta- diana, gracefully arching forward, being a fine feature. Odontoglossums, Laelio-Cattleyas, Cat- tleyas and Odontiodas were in profusion, and good, the best noted being the new Odontioda Prince of Wales (Ernestii X Charlesworthii). with rose flowers having a deeper rose-purple margin; Odontoglossum Evelyn (crispo-.Liarrya- num X Phoebe), a pretty flower of medium size, white with claret marking. Three elegant speci- mens of Platyclinis filiformis, with pretty droop- ing spikes of yellow flowers, Paphinia cristata and other Tare plants were included. (Gold Medal.) Messrs. Flory and Black, Slough, had an elegant group, the centre and two ends being principafiy of fine Laelio-Cattleya Canhamiana and Aphrodite. In the intermediate spaces groups of the elegant Disa Luna, with its tall sprays of rose and white flowers, had a charming effect, and also in the group were the new Disa Blackii and its scarlet parent D. grandiflora. Two plants of a very fine white form of Cattleya Gaskelliana. some well-flowered Odontoglossum grande. and other Odontoglossums, Odontiodas, etc., and a selection of good Cypripediums, were also noted. (Large Silver Cup.) Messrs. Stuart Low and Co., Jarvis Brook, Sussex, staged a good group, in which their fine strain of Laelio-Cattleya Aphrodite were remark- able, the best being named Rex, grand is, and Mercury. The forms of Cattleya Warscewiczii were also good, the best noted being the variety majestica, good in shape and colour. The end of the group was of white Phalaenopsis and red Renanthera and Laelia tenebrosa Walton Grange, and some good Odontoglossums were noted, also Vanda coerulea. (Standard Cup.) Mr. C. F. Waters, Balcombe, stageo an effec- tive group of Cattleyas, Laelio-Cattleyas. Odonto- glossums, etc., an interesting plant in the collec- tion being a yellowish Lissochilus from Africa. (Silver Banksian Medal.) Mr. Harry Dixon, Wandsworth Common, had a very effective group of Odontoglossums, Cattlevas. Laelio-Cattleyas, etc., his L.-C. bletch- leyensis Emperor being a noble flower. Odonto- glossum ardentissimum xanthotes and some Odontiodas were specially good. (Silver Flora Medal.) Messrs. J. and A. McBean, Cooksbridge. in their very effective group of Odontoglossums, Cattleyasj Odontiodas, etc., had several very interesting novelties, including Cattleya Paula (see Awards), and Laelio-Cattleya Emmeline (L. anceps Schroderae X C. Whitei), and their famous strain of Odontioda Charlesworthii showed this large red variety at its best. (Silver- gilt Flora Medal.) (To be continued.) Scientific Committee. June 22.— Present : Mr. E. A. Bowles, M.A. (in the chair), Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn, Drs. A. Voelcker, A. S. Home, Prof. G. S. Boulger, Messrs. W. E. Ledger, C. E. Shea, J. Fraser, W. C. Worsdell, E. M. Holmes, J. Ramsbottom, A. WoTsley, J. T. Bennett-Poe, and F. J. Chit- tenden (hon. sec.), with W. R. Dykes (visitor). The late Dr. Hugo Mutter. — The Chairman expressed the deep regret the Committee felt at the death of Dr. Hugo Muller, F.R.S., who was for so long a member of the Scientific Committee, and whose kindly courtesy and ready assistance had been of the utmost value. The secretary was instructed to convey the sympathy of the Committee to Mrs. Muller in her bereavement. Culinary Mints. — Mr. A. WoTsley showed a specimen of Mentha viridis var. a (Smith) which had previously been before the Committee, and some discussion took place upon the relative values of the various Mints for culinary pur- poses. It was resolved to collect together as many forms as possible for comparison. Fasciation, etc. — Mr. J. Fraser showed a fasciated Polyanthus, with a stem about lin. in diameter, and a Rose with branching buds in its centre. White Meconopsis Wallichii.— Sir J. T. D. Llewelyn showed flowers of a perfectly white- flowered seedling of Meconopsis Wallichii. This plant is variable in the shade of blue of its flowers, but white varieties appear to be very uncommon. Angraecum armeniacum? — Mr. J. Hudson. V.M.H., sent a plant which he had been growing for about twelve years from the Chiswick collec- tion which had now flowered, and proved to be either Angraecum armeniacum or a close ally. It has axillary spikes about ^in. in length of con- colorous apricot -yellow flowers. The plant was sent to Wisley. Sporting in Orchid. — Mr. G. Wilson showed on behalf of Mr. R. G. Thwaites flowers from two spikes of Laelio-Cattleya x Canhamiana var. Lady Wigan. The plant was divided while the flowers were in the bud state, and while one portion had produced normal flowers, the other had flowers showing considerable suf- fusion of purple on all the segments. There was nothing to show whether the variation had arisen before or after division of the plant. Gummosis in Cherry. — Prof. G. S. Boulger showed a branch of Cherry which had been at- tacked by " gummosis," probably the result of invasion by a bacillus, through a wound where the disease had evidently started. Echeveria setosa. — Mr. W. E. Ledger showed a flowering plant of this rare Mexican species, which produces large rosettes of setose leaves and very bright flowers on stems about 9in. or lOin. in height. It was recently described and figured by J. N. Rose in Contributions from the U.S. Herbarium. A Botanical Certificate was unanimouslv recommended for this plant. Iris filifilia (see fig. 8).— Mr. W. R. Dykes showed flowers of the rare (true) Iris filifolia. It differs from the plant in common cultivation under that name (which is a form of Iris Xiphium) in having a distinct perianth tube. It has beautiful purple flowers, with a broad yellow, blue-edged band down the middle of the outer segments. Castilleja sp. — Mrs. Longstaff, of Wimbledon, showed a good and well-flowered spike of Castil- leja miniata, which was now flowering in her garden for the third time, from seed collected in British Columbia. She believed it to be para- sitic, in her garden, upon a species of Sapon- aria. It was referred to Dr. Rendle for identifi- cation. Floral malformations. — Mr. E. Mann, of Charters Towers, Queensland, sent some further July 10, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 31 floral malformations from his well-manured gar- den, which had passed through a dry season with a high temperature (ICO0 shade). There were well-marked examples of "hen and chickens *' Zinnias and a proliferous Gom- phrena. He had previously sent proliferous and virescent examples of several other plants. Double Apple flowers. — Mr. H. M. Eddie, of Kerrisdale, British Columbia, wrote concerning some flowers on young Apple having double flowers of remarkable size, being 3in. in diameter, and with 28 to 50 petals each. It will be interesting to see whether the doubling is maintained as the plants become older, for it is no unusual thing for young Apple trees to pro- duce double flowers, but as the trees get older to produce only single ones. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL. Horticultural Exhibits at Nottingham. June 29-July 2. — The great agricultural ex- hibition of the year, " The Royal," as it is best known in the farming world, was held on these days at Nottingham. Of late years a special section at these shows has been devoted to horticulture, and seeing that farming and gardening are twin sisters, there is some little excuse, if any were needed, for utilising the dr .wing power that flowers have on the general public. The garuen exhibits were staged in a special tent, and horti- culture was honoured oy a schedule of its own, containing twelve classes, all for flowers and plants. The prizes offered were liberal : for a group of miscellaneous plants in or out of bloom there were three prizes of the aggregate value of £75. The 1st prize was won by Messrs. J. Cypher and iSons, Chelten- ham, who were followed by Mr. W. A. Holmes, Chesterfield, with Messrs. Simpson and Sons, Selby, 3rd. Messrs. Cypher and Sons were the only exhibitors in a class for col- lections of Orchids, consisting of Miltonias, Cattleyas, Laelio-Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Cy- pripediums, Vandas and others, the flowers being relieved by the free use of Adiantum Fern, Cocos Weddelliana and Codiaeums (protons). Messrs. Blackmore and Langdon easily won the 1st prize for a group of tuber- ous-rooted Begonias in pots. Their col- lection was well staged agaiust a background of Adiantum. In the class for Delphiniums the same firm was successful in obtaining the ]■ prize. For a group of hardy plants and cut flowers Messrs. W. Artindale and Sons, Shef- field, were awarded the 1st prize. The flowers were of good quality, but the group was rather heavy in appearance. The group of hardy plants arranged by the same firm round pools of water was artistic and was awarded the 1st prize. In the Carnation class for a collection of cut blooms occupying a space of 12 feet by 5 feet, the 1st prize was won by Mr. C. H. Taudevin, Chelten- ham. The 1st prize of £5 for Sweet Peas was obtained by Lord North, Wroxton, Banbury (gr. Mr. E. R.' Janes). In the Rose class, Mr. Thos. Robinson excelled and Messrs. W. J. Brown followed. Non-Competitive Exhibits. — In the centre of the stand occupied by Messrs. Sutton and Sons, Reading, was a collection of Sweet Peas, those of dark colours being especially good. A collection of seasonable vegetables completed the exhibit. Of these, Cabbage Lettuce Matchless, Cauliflower Snow Queen, Tomatos Best of All, Eclipse, Satisfaction, Winter Beauty, Abun- dance and Magnum Bonum were particularly fine, and there were also Peas in great variety. (Large Gold Medal.) Messrs. .1. Carter and Co., Ravnes Park, also surrounded their agricultural exhibit with flowers and vegetables. The flowers were especially abundant and brightened an otherwise rather sombre collection of roots and seeds. The Sweet Peas, Verbenas. Irises and Lilies were particularly worthy of note, as also were thn flowering specimens of Spiraea, Hydrangea and Primula and cut flowers of Sweet Peas. (Large Gold Medal.) Messrs. E. Webb and Sons, Stourbridge, staged a collection of Melons : also well-flowered Gloxinias and Double Begonias. Messrs. Dickson's, Chester, showed a col- lection of cut flowers— -Irises, Delphiniums, Lilies and others. On the stand of Messrs. Dickson and Robin- son, Manchester, seedlings of agricultural plants mingled not ungracefully with specimens of Roses (Orleans, Jessie and Mrs. Cutbush), Irises, Lilies, Carnations and Gladioli. (Large Gold Medal.) A group of Roses exhibited by Messrs. A. Dickson and Son, of Newtownards, was awarded a large Gold Medal, the varieties Donald McDonald, Red Letter Day, Irish Fire- Same, General McArthur and Lady Pirrie being especially fine. A Gold Medal was also awarded to Mr. William Lowe, Beeston, Nottingham- shire, for a group of Roses, including among others Warrior, Mme. Jules Gravereaux, Frau Karl Druschki, and Mme. Melanie Soupsrt variety Yellow Stone. Messrs. John Waterer, Sons and Crisp, of Bagshot, were represented by a group of ornamental shrubs, chiefly Acers and Conifers. The background of the group was relieved by a number of Rhododendrons and Rose trees- (Large Gold Medal.) Messrs. H. B. May and Sons showed a col- lection of indoor Ferns. Messrs. T. Robinson, Nottingham, were awarded a Gold Medal for an exhibit of Roses comprising good blooms of Ethel Malcolm, Mme. Edouard Herriot, Mme. Melanie Soupert and General McArthur. Messrs. Dobbie and Co., Edinburgh, obtained a large Gold Medal for a collection of Sweet Peas. Messrs. Allwood Bros., Haywards Heath, sent a collection of Carnations, including several novelties such as Wivelsfield White and Bishton Wonder (this last somewhat recalling Mikado). The King's Acre Nurseries, Ltd., Hereford, had an exhibit opposite the entrance to the show, consisting of a group of fruit trees in pots loaded with fruit, including Peaches, Nectarines, Figs, Apples, Pears, Gooseberries and Currants. Some of the Nectarines (Early Rivers and Cardinal) were trained in umbrella form. One tree of Peregrine Peach and a Lady Sudeley Pear were especially remarkable for the quality of the fruit. The Studley (Warwickshire) Horti- cultural College for Women showed a col- lection of vegetables which was awarded a Gold Medal. Their collection of fruits, incluomg good Peaches, obtained a Silver Medal. Near the entrance to the exhibition were arranged the exhibits of several firms. Messrs. Little and Ballantyne, Carlisle, showed de- corative Conifer seedlings, flowering plants of Fuchsia, Hydrangea and ornamental shrubs with variegated foliage. The stand of Messrs. Dick- son, Brown and Tait, Manchester, was taste- fully decorated with fine specimens of Nephro- lepis. Hydrangeas in variety, Perpetual-flowering Carnations and Roses. ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL. June 16. — At a meeting of the Royal Meteoro- logical Society, held on the 16th ult., Professor H. H. Turner, F.R.S., gave an account of an investigation upon which he has been engaged for some years, and which has recently assumed a new character in which it promises results of immediate interest to meteorologists. He finds that meteorological history is divided into " chapters," averaging 6^ years long, with abrupt changes (or "discontinuities," as he calls them) between. The dates of change are apparently settled by the movement of the earth's axis. They oscillate about mean positions in a cycle of 40.5 yeaTS, which appears in Bruckner's col- lected "cold winters" for 800 years; in Nile flood records for 1,000 years ; and in measures of Californian tree rings for 520 years. The chapters are alternately hot and cold, wet and dry, as shown by rainfall and temperature records at Greenwich, Padua, and Adelaide. MANCHESTER AND NORTH OF ENGLAND ORCHID. June 17. — Committee present: R. Ashworth, Esq. (in the chair), Messrs. J. C. Cowan, J. Cypher, J. Evans. P. Foster, A. Hanmer, .1. I.upton, D. MoLeod, F. K. Sander, W. Shackle- ton, S. Swift, H. Thorp, and II. Arthur (secretary). AWARDS. First-Class Certificates. Cattleya Mossiae Wageneri Baron Schroder variety, sepals and petals white, lip with pro- nounced yellow markings; O. Sybil var. B. \ It worth ; both shown by R. Ashworth, Esq. Cyprijiedium. Curtisii Sanderae (the albino of the type), exhibited by S. Gratrix, Esq. Cattleya Mossiae pleasingtonense, sepals and petals white, lip with yellow lines in the throat ; exhibited by T. Butler, Esq. Awards of Merit. Odontoglossum Cobbiae Ashlands var. (Pes- catorei Charlesworthii x amabile), 0. Lam- beauianum var. Lord Kitchener, and 0. arden- tissimum expansum, all shown by R. Ashworth, Esq. Cattleya Thurgoodiana Haddon House var. (speciosissima x Hardyana), from P. Smith, Esq. Cultural Certificates. To Mr. E. Rogers, for a plant of Phalaenopsis Bimestadiana, with a branched spike carrying 46 flowers (a Bronze Medal was also awarded). O. O. Wrigley, Esq., Bury (gr. Mr. E. Rogers), staged fine specimens of Coelogyne pandurata and Phalaenopsis Rimestadiana, a Cultural Certificate and Bronze Medal bein, awarded the gardener for the latter plant. Groups. The following medals were awarded for groups : — Silver-gilt Medal to Col. J. Ruther- ford, M.P., Blackburn (gr. Mr. Lupton). Large Silver Medals to R. Ashworth, Esq.. Newchurch (gr. Mr. W. Gilden) ; A. Hanmer, Esq., Chester (gr. Mr. B. Wilson). Silver Medals to S. Gratrix, Esq., Whalley Range (gr. Mr. W. W. Field), Messrs. Cypher and Sons, Cheltenham, Messrs. Sander and Sons, St. Albans, and Messrs. Hassall and Co., Southgate. CROYDON HORTICULTURAL. June 23.— At the Park Hill Recreation Ground, Croydon, the forty-eighth summer show of the above society took place on the 23rd ult., and it was attended with unqualified success. For many years the Croydon Show has been noted for the exoellence of its Rose exhibits, and this repu- tation was enhanced by the exhibits of this year. Open Classes. The 1st prize in the Championship Rose Class, which carries the Lady Edridge Chal- lenge Cup, was won by Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons, Colchester, with 48 splendid blooms. Of these perhaps the crimson varieties were the best, and such flowers as H. V. Machin, Lieutenant Claude, Edward Mawley, J. B. Clark, Gloire de C. Guinoisseau and George Dickson were splendid. Of the pinks Mrs. W. J. Grant, Mrs. Spaull, Mrs. G. Norwood, Elizabeth and Lady Helen Vincent were especially good. Messrs. F. Cant and Co., Colchester, who won the 2nd prize, had splendid blooms of Maman Cochet, Mrs. T. Roosevelt, Lyon Rose and Ulrich BTun- ner; 3rd, Messrs. D. Prior and Sons. The best 24 Roses were shown by MessTS. W. H. Chaplin Bros., Waltham Cross. They included in a noteworthy exhibit magnificent examples of Mrs. Mavnard Linton, Mrs. C. Russell, Mrs. A. Carnegie, May Miller, and Mis. W. J. Welsh. In the 2nd prize collection Mr. G. Prince, Oxford, had delightful blooms of Lady Barham, George Dickson and Mrs. G. Shawyer. The 3rd prize was won by Mr. Hy Drew, Longworth. In the class for trebles of 18 varieties Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons won the 1st prize with superb blooms of Lieut. Chaure. Edward Mawley, Augustus Hartmann, Freds St. Heleno and others; "2nd, Messrs. Chaplin Bros.; 3rd, Messrs. D. Prior and Sons. Mrs. Geo. Norwood, shown by Mr. I Hicks, Twyford, was the best Rose of any one variety, and Lady Ashtown, by Mr. W. R. Hammond, Burgess Hill, was the 2nd best. The class Eoi 9 "New Roses" did not pro duce many varieties superior to the standard sorts. Mr. Ei.ism Hicks won the 1st prize, and include.! Candeur Lyonnaise, which may be described as being a refined ami perfumed Frau Knl Druschki. 32 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 10, 1915. There was a keen competition in the class for 18 Teas or Noisette Roses, and here Mr. Hy. Drew won with wonderfully good blooms of such as Maman Cochet, White Maraan Cochet, Mrs. Foley Hobbs and Mme. Constance Soupert ; 2nd. Mr. Geo. Prince, Oxford. Garden Roses were shown in a delightful man- ner. Mr. Hicks, with charming Rayon d'Or and Madame Ed. Herriot, won the 1st prize, and Mr. G. Prince was placed 2nd. Amateurs' Classes. The Challenge Cup and Silver Medal which constitute the championship of the amateurs' classes was won bv Mr. H. L. Wettern, Waratah, Sanderstead, who had 24 commendable Roses in such sorts as Ed. Mawley, Mrs. J. Laing, H. V. Maohiin, Lady Ursula and Mrs. M. Linton. Dr. Lamplough, Earls Colne, Essex, who was placed 2nd, had in his bloom of Lieut. Chaure the Silver Medal Rose. Dr. Pallett excelled in the classes for 8 treble." for 18 Tea or Noisette Roses with mag- nificent blooms of Bessie Brown. Mr. H. L. Wettern won the 1st prize for 9 blooms of any one variety, and he also led for 6 bunches of Decorative Roses, 5 vases of similar sorts, 12 and 6 blooms and 3 bunches of Decorative Roses in the Local Classes, wheTe Dr. Lamplough was placed first for 18, 12 and 6 distinct varieties. Although Roses were the principal feature of the show there were interesting exhibits of groups of miscellaneous plants, specimen stove and greenhouse plants, Ferns, Caladiums, Coleus, Fuchsias and Gloxinias. The chief prize winners were Mr. F. Link. Homeland ; Mr. F. Dyer, The Pentlands ; and Mr. G. Goodsir, Wallacefield. Mr. G. Goodsir and Mr. A. H. Allen, Wandle Court, Beddington, won the 1st prizes for collections of vegetables. A Silver Medal was awarded to Messrs. Lemon, Bramsfield, Godstone, for a splend'd vase of Hercules in a non-competitive exhibit of Sweet Peas. WINDSOR, ETON AND DISTRICT ROSE June 26. — The twenty-fourth annual show of the abov;- society was held on the slopes of Windsor Castle on this date. Although the entries were not quite so numerous as last year, which was a record in the annals of the society, they were fully up to the average, and many of the Roses were of great excellence. For the third vear in succession "The King's Challenge Cup" was won by Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons. Open Classes. The Championship Class, which includes the King's Challenge Cup, and calls for 48 b'ooms in distinct varieties, induced great competition. Of the 8 exhibits the best was decidedly that of Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons, and this, as at the Croydon and City of London shows, where they had previously also won the chief honours, was particularly strong in the deep red-coloured Roses. Of these King George V., H. V. Machin and Earl of Gosford were magnificent. The blooms of such sorts as Colcestria, Lady Barham, Mrs. W. J. Welsh and the bright scarlet Augustus Hartmaun were also splendid ; 2nd, Messrs. R. Harkness and Sons, Hitchin ; 3rd, Messrs. Alex. Dickson and Sons, Ne-wtownards. The Roses in the class for 18 Teas or Noisettes were scarcely of equal quality to that in the championship class, but Messrs. F. Cant and Co., Colchester, won the 1st prize with a grand collection which included charming blooms of Maman Cochet, Mme. C. Soupert and Nita Wet- tern ; 2nd, Mr. Hy. Drew, Longford. There were 7 exhibitors in the class for trebles of 12 varieties, and here Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons won the chief prize with a noteworthy collection; 2nd. Mr. Hy. Drew. Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons won the 1st prize in the class for 12 blooms of any HP. or H.T. Rose, and Mr. Hy. Drew was 2nd with charming examples of Mabel Drew. The best 12 Tea or Noisette blooms were Mme. J. Gravereaux, shown by Messrs. D. Prior and Sons, and the same variety was shown by Messrs. W. H. Burch and Sons, who were placed 2nd. In the class for 12 blooms of any crimson alternated with 12 of any white Rose of only 2 varieties, the 1st and 2nd prize winners, Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons and Mr. Hy. Drew, in the order named, showed Edward Mawley and Mrs. A. Carnegie. The Decorative Roses made a good dis- play. MessTS. F. Cant and Co. were awarded the 1st prize for such soits as Una, Rayon d'Or, Irish Glory, Warrior and Souv. de Gustave Prat. There was a formality in setting up the vases of the 2nd prize collection, but otherwise Mr. C Turner's exhibit of such as Butterfly, Diabolo and Simplicity was perfect. Amateurs' Classes. The Windsor Challenge Cup for the best 24 blooms was won by Mr. F. Denison, the winner in 1913, with a most commendable collection of such sorts as Dean Hole, Mildred Grant, Corona- tion and a magnificent flower of Oberhofgartner Terks, which won the Silver-gilt Medal as the best Rose in the show. Mr. H. Wettern was 2nd. Mt. Denison also showed the best trebles of 8 varieties which won the Islet Cup, and here Dr. Lamplough, who showed the best 18 varieties, was a good 2nd. Mrs. Hy. Balfour won the 1st prize for 12 Teas or Noisettes with a splendid exhibit, of which the outstanding sorts were Alice de Rothschild and W. R. Smith. The best 18 varieties were shown by Mr. J. B. Fortescue. In the Local Classes Mr. Dixon Davies Ghowed the best 24 blooms. Hardy border flowers were shown splendidly by the Rev. J. B. Sh\ckle. and Mt. North won the best prize for Sweet Peas. UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENEFIT AND PROVIDENT. June 14. — The monthly meeting of this societv was held at the R.H.S! Hall on the 14th ult. Mr. C. H. Curtis presided. Three members were allowed to withdraw double the amount of interest from their deposit, viz., £4 0s. 8d., £4 8s. 10d., and £4 12s. 6d. : and one member withdrew from his deposit the sum of £10. The sick pay for the month on the ordinary side amounted to £38 9s. 2d., and on the State sec- tion to £28 18s. 6d., and maternity claims to £19 10s. ©bftuar^. R. H. Lock.— We record with de-ep regret the death from heart disease of Mr. R. H. Lock. Mr. Lock had a, distinguished career at Cam- bridge, and was a Fellow of Gonville and Caius College. On the completion of his scientific studies in England he was appointed Assistant Director of the Botanic Gardens in Perr.deniv:1, Ceylon. He threw himself with energy into the duties of this post, and carried out investigations in the problems of inheritance of plants, in par- ticular Peas, Maize and Nicotiana. Mr. Lock also initiated important improvements in con- nection with the tapping of Rubber. After a few years, however, when those who knew him were watching his Career with in- terest and high expectation, the news came to England that the authorities in Ceylon had decided to reorganise the Agricultural Department. With a strange ignorance of the essential functions of a tropical botanic garden and an exaggerated estimate of the im- portance of a purely agricultural station, these authorities decided to dispossess themselves of the services of the Director of Pera-deniya, and Mr. Lock's retirement from his post followed. Fortunately the Board of Agriculture in this country had the wisdom to appoint Mr. Lock to its scientific staff, and although the post to which he was appointed was a somewhat modest one. Lock threw himself into his new duties with ardour an-d success. We believe that the Board aporeciated his work highly, and that it had decided just before Mr. Lock's untimely death to appoint him to a more important and congenial post. Mr. Lock, although still young, had made import-ant contributions to knowledge, and his work on Iteccnt Progress in the Study of Variations, Heredity and Evolution is a re- markable testimony to his knowledge and powers of exposition. Therein the difficult problems of heredity are handled with a firmness of grasp which could only be expected of a man of far riper experience. But experience is not, after all, a product of years, but of quickness of appre- hension, and in the possession of that latter quality Mr. Lock was peculiarly distinguished. Michael J. Aylward and James Lock hart. — Our contemporary Horticulture announces the death of Michael J. Aylward, florist, of Woburn, Mass., at the age of 62. Mr. Aylward was a. native of Ireland. Also James Lockhart, florist,, atged 81 years. Mr. Lcckhart was born in Scot- land, and emigrated to America when he was twenty years of age. Act LorrCcipondenU Apple Diseased : G. A. The old stock is diseased and the fungus is spreading to the new and more vigorous growth. In such cases it is often found that the disease dies out, but if it continues to spread, remove the diseased shoots. There is no other cure. Burgundy Wash for Peach Leap Curl : 0. E. F. (1) Take 21b. copper sulphate '98 per cent, purity), grind up and dissolve in one gallon of water in wooden vessel. (2) Take 21b. 5oz. of sodium carbonate (washing soaa)4 grind up and dissolve in one gallon of water. Gradually add 1 to 2 when both solutions are as cold as possible, stirring all the time. Then make up to ten gallons. Spray in February before the buds burst. Spraying presumably stops germination of the spores, and hence the leaves are not attacked. The plan to adopt now is to burn as many diseased leaves as possible. Name of Plant : A Reader. Ozothamnus rosmarinifolius. Phlox Dying : A. X. The injury is caused by eelworms. Burn the diseased plants and steri- lise the soil in which they have been growing. Potatos Diseased : J. P. The roots of. the Potato plants are injured by wireworms. See reply to /. B. in our issue for July 3, page 16. Removing Garden Produce : Newbury. Unless your friend had any definite arrangement with his employer, he has no right to remove anything growing in the garden on giving up possession. Rose Dorothy Perkins : Caltha. The disease is black spot, caused by a fungus. Spray the trees with liver of sulphur. The bleaching oi the leaves, about which you inquire, is due to the presence of aphides, and the coloration is due to red cell-sap. Tomato Fly : H. D. H. D. Aleyrodes (Snowy Fly) infests Tomato plants growing in a warm atmosphere indoors. To destroy the flies vaporise the house occasionally with a nicotine vaporising compound ; or, better still, with hydrocyanic acid gas. Water Containing Excess of Iron : H. W. Instead of attempting to neutralise the iron, you will do better to make provision for securing a supply of rainwater. In order to determine how best to neutralise the iron it would be necessary for us to know in what form the iron is present. But if this were done, the water would still be much inferior to rain- water for Begonias, Carnations and other such tender plants as those you mention. Communications Beceived —A- H. H. B.— H<>n. V. G.-R. M.-R. W. & Co.-E I. L.-H. 0. W- L. J.-O. M.-Rev. S. H. S.-W. S.-J. B. A.-T. N.- D'Ua— T — J M — G. C. R.— Nurs^rvmnn— C. A.— J. R —J. M-.T R H— R. P.— B. H.— S. A— W. A. 0.— I". J' —A. .T. W.-Dr. H— J. E C — E. B.-Dr. H. S.— F. F. — W S L.— R. G. H.— J. H. R.— T. S. L. July 17, 1915] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 33 THE .Vo. 1J90.— SATURDAY, JULY 17, 1915. CONTENTS. Androsace Bulleyana Bird as a guano producer the n Caterpillars ami the sparrow . . . . 45 Cheiranthus Allionii .. 44 Cotoneasters, new Chinese 42 43 44 I Orchid notes and glean- Uavidia involucrata Florists' flowers — Antirrhinum Yellow King Dahlias, slugs on Flowers of Milton, the . , Fremontia californica Friar Park, Henley-ou Thames Holland, crops in . . Irises, notes on Japanese Vine or Creeper 41 Java, notes from .. ..34 Law note . . 48 Lilium candidum, the sterility of . . . . 45 Manchester puhlic parks, inspection of . . . . 41 Market fruit garden, the 43 ileconopsis, the genus . . 41 National diploma in horti- culture .. ..40 Novice, the confessions of a 45 Obituary — McKay, James H. . . 4S ILLUSTRATIONS. Androsace Bulleyana Davidia involucrata Romulea Maeowanii, 35 ; E. rosea Rose hedge, a Rose Lemon Pillar .. of, Potatos, new " Pour nos amis francais et beiges " Rock garden, the— Aethionema schistosum Romulea, the genus Rose hedge, a Rose Lemon Pillar Roses, the judging seventy years ago Shrubs, late summer- flowering.. Silver leaf, experiments with Societies — Gloucestershire Rose and Sweet Pea National Sweet Pea 41, Penarth Rose Royal Horticultural . . Saltaire Rose Southampton Hort. Trees and shrubs — Lime avenue at Shrews- bury Poisoning timber as practised in New South Wales .. Wall Rue, the War items Week's work, the 38, 40 39 41 43 37 44 34 THE FLOWERS OF MILTON. IN this paper I propose to deal with the flowers of Milton as I have al- ready dealt in the Gardeners' Chronicle with the flowers of Gower, Chaucer and Spenser. I shall quote all the passages in which plant names occur, making the quotations as short as I can, without destroying the description. To these I shall add such short notes as I may think necessary for the identification or illustration of the names. To the student of old English botany and gardening, the flowers of Milton may not be so interesting as the flowers of the older poets. He does not seem to have the personal contact with the plants he names as the others have; and for this there are two reasons : his blindness and his knowledge of the Greek and Roman Classics. Of his blindness he has given a most touching account at the beginning of the third book of Paradise Lost : " Thus with the year Seasons return, but not to me returns Day, or the sweet approach of Ev'n or Morn, Or sight of vernal bloom, or Summer's Rose, Or flocks, or herds, or human face divine ; * * * * Presented with a universal blanc Of nature's works to mo expunged and ras'd." The result of his love for the Greek and Roman Classics is that his observations smell of the lamp more than of the open country or garden. Still, I think the study of his plants will not disappoint the student ; they have a value of their own, and cannot be passed by altogether. I have throughout quoted Pickering's 8vo edition in six volumes, 1851. And there are so many biographies of Milton that I have not thought it necessary to give any history of his life. He was born 1608, six years before the death of Shake- speare, and died in 1674. His life seems to have been a very chequered one, with many pleasures and many sorrows. ACANTHUS. On either side Acanthus, and each odorous bushie shrub Fenced up the verdant wall. P. L. VI. 696. Acanthus here may mean the real Acan- thus spinosus, but I think it more likely that he meant any thorny plant that would serve as a fence plant. AMARANTH. 1. Their Crowns inwove with Amarant and Gold, Immortal Amarant, a flour which once In Paradise fast by the Tree of Life Began to bloom, but soon for man's offence To heav'n removed, where first it gTew, there grows, And flow'rs aloft shading the Fount of Life. P. L. III. 351. 2. Bid Amaranthus all his beauty shed. Lycidas, H9. 3. From their blissful bow'rs Of Amarantin Shade. P. L. XI. ?S. As Milton so expressly limits the exist- ence of the Amaranth to Heaven, it is use- less to try to fix his Amaranth to any earthly plant. ANEMONE. The name Anemone does not occur in Milton, but it is hidden in the following : A small unsightly root, * * # # The leaf was darkish, and had prickles on it. But in another country, as he said, Bore a bright golden flow'r, but not in this soil ; Unknown, and like esteem'd, and the dull swain Treads on it daily with his clouted shoon # * * * He call'd it Haemony, and gave it me. Comus, 62S. To me it seems very strange that such a scholar as Milton should have used the change from the Greek anemone to the English anemdne But he did not invent it ; the name was in use in his time and for many years after. In Van Oosten's Dutch Gardener (ed. 1703) there are eight chapters on the culture of Anemones, and they are throughout called emonies. Milton's description of the plant and flower fits no Anemone or any other flower- ing plant. The N.E.D. says it is "a name given by Milton to an imaginary plant having supernatural virtues," and there we must leave it. It only grew in the poet's brain. APPLES. 1. Him by fraud 1 have sedue'd From his Creator, and the more to increase Your wonder, with an Apple. P. L. A". ^87. 2. That crude Apple that diverted Evo ' P. R. II. 349. 3. The sharp desire I had Of tasting those fair Apples. P. I. IX. 585, The forbidden fruit that Eve ate has been called an Apple from the earliest days of English literature, being so called by our earliest English poet, Caedmon. The fruit meant by all, including Milton, is not our Apple, but any large edible fruit. ASPHODEL. 1. Flowers were the Couch, Pansi3s and Violets and Asphodel. P. L. IX. 1060. 2 Nectared lavers strewed with Asphodel. Comus, SSS. Milton would probably have seen the Asphodel in Italy, and perhaps in Eng- lish gardens, but when he uses the name he is copying from the Greek description of the Asphodel as the chief flower of the Elysian fields. BALM. One small Thicket past Of blowing Myrrh and Balme. P. L. IX. 629. This is the only passage in which the plant Balm is mentioned, but the word occurs also in the following passages : — P. L. I. 773; II. 402; IV. 248; V. 293; XI. 546; S. Ag. 146, 651; Comus 674, and the word Balmy is in /'. /,. IV. 159; V. 23; VIII. 253;' XI. 706; Comus 674 ; but in all these passages the refer- ence is not to the plant, but only to what Milton calls its "flowering odours," P. L. V. 293. BAY. And some flowers, and some Bays. For thy Hearse, to strew the ways. Ep. Marcliioness of Winchester, 57. The Bay was the emblem of victory, and figured the victory over death. CEDAR. 1. Cedar, and Pine, and Firr, and branching Palm. P. L. IV. 139. 2. The Eagle and the Stork On Cliffs and Cedar tops their Evries build. P.'l. VII. >,:>!,. 3. Stateliest Covert, Cedar, Pine or Palme. P. L. IX. $35. 4. By His prescript a Sanctuary is fram'd Of Cedar, overlaid with gold. P. L. XII. S50. 5. Under the Covert of some ancient Oak Or Cedar. P. R. I. 306. 6. In Cedar, Marble, Ivory, or Gold. P. R. IV. 6S. 7. About the Cedarn alleys. Comus, 990. 8. Earth and the Gard'n of God, with Cedars crown'd. P. L. V. 260. 5. Her bows as high as Cedars tall Advanced their lofty head. Psohn I.XXX. 9. Milton knew nothing of a full-grown Cedar except from the Bible. CITRON. How blows tho Citron Grove. /'. L. V. S2. Known to Milton only as an imported fruit. CORN. 1. Corn, wine, and oyle. P. L. XII. 19. 2. Fertil of Corn the glebe. P. It. III. 159. 3. His shadowy flale hath thresh 'd the Corn. L'Allegro, 108. -1. With vast increase their Com and wine abounds. Psalm IV. Si,. 6. Up stood the Cornie reed Embattled in her field. /'. /.. VII. 311. See also Wheat. //. .V. Ellacombe. {I'u be continued.) 34 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 17, 1915. THE ROCK GARDEN. AETHIONEMA SCHISTOSUM. Aethionema schistostjm of Boissier and Kotschy is hardy with me, and a plant which I have had for a couple of years or so is again flowering well in a moraine of whinstone chips and lime rubbish. It is an erect grower, about 9 or 10 inches high, with narrow glaucous leaves and dainty heads of white and rose. It comes in later than A. pulchellum, and the habits of the two are different. S. Arnott. of foliage and quite 18 inches of bloom. I was informed that they had been grown in 5-inch pots. A fellow gardener has since informed me that he is in the habit of growing Antirrhinums in pots for early flowering, and is greatly pleased wth the results. C. E. SLUGS ON DAHLIAS. A writer in the Pliarmaceutical Journal re- commends the use of naphthalene dusted in a ring about 2 inches from the stem as a deterrent of slugs. By watering with a solution of am- monium carbonate (0.75 per cent.), the slugs ROSE LEMON PILLAR. Fig FLORISTS' FLOWERS. ANTIRRHINUM YELLOW KING. This magnificent Antirrhinum, which consti- tuted the effective central group in Messrs. Dobbie and Co. Js stand of these flowers at Vincent Square on June 8, was sent to the R.H.S. trial of Antirrhinums last year by Messrs. Ba.iT and Sons, and there received an Award of Merit, it being the most outstanding tall, deep yellow variety. On Messrs. Dobbie's stand there were some specimens nearly 5 feet tall — 3^ feet ROSE LEMON PILLAR. are brought to the surface and may be collected and destroyed. The same writer recommends for the destruction of ants the use of powdered white sugar dosed with arsenic. Having dis- covered the nest, the sugar may be placed in the neighbourhood. It is quickly conveyed by the ants to the nest and the ants disappear. One teaspoonful of the mixture is sufficient for the destruction of a nest. It is evident that the method must be used with caution, and dogs, cats, and other animals prevented from access to the sugar. The beautiful new Rose illustrated in fig. 10, raised by Messrs. G. Paul and Son from the varieties Marechal Niel X Frau Karl Druschki, was one of two Roses that received the Gold Medal of the National Rose Society on the 29th ult. Lemon Pillar also received the Award of Merit of the Royal Horti- cultural Society on June 17, 1913. The blooms are large — our illustration shows them about half natural size — of beautiful form, and the petals are a delicate shade of yellow. The plant makes a vigorous-growing bush, suitable for training on pillars ; the healthy foliage and stout stems denote a good garden variety. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINCS. BRASSO-LAELIO-CATTLEYA ASTARTE. A vert fine variety of this cross between Brassavola Digbyana and Laelio-Cattleya Mar- tineti is sent by Mr. H. Haddon, gr. to J. J Neale, Esq., Penarth. It measures 8 inches across. The sepals and petals have a pale yellowish-green ground colour, the surface of which is tinged and veined with purple. The large and handsome labellum is lilac colour beautifully veined with reddish-purple, the cen- tral part having two distinct pale yellow blotches. It is interesting to trace Laelia tene- brosa and Cattleya Mossiae, the parents of L.-C. Martineti, in the hybrid, and to note the fleshy substance imparted by B. Digbyana and the slight fringing of the lip. JAVA. WHICH IS THE BEST CLIMATE FOR VEGETATION ? My eight years' experience in Java, in which country there are no extremes of temperature, has taught me that there is an enormous number of plants that will not grow in this equal climate ! Besides the " cold " plants there are many from dry countries that refuse to flower here, even when they grow : they do not like this climate. In a climate with extremes (the cold, of course, must be only a few degrees of frost), a large num- ber of, if not all, tropical plants, when fairly established, will stand some degrees of frost un- harmed, while the heat of the warm season is only beneficial to them. So we have in an equal temperature no impulse in vegetation such as is to be observed in a climate of extremes. For this reason "cold" plants that will flower here never attain the size they reach in their native country. There are only a few excep- tions to this rule, and they go to show how true it is that experience is better than theory. All this is without consideration of the rain, which seems to be in an equal climate much heavier than anywhere else. Many plants would do well but for the rains, which destroy everything and keep the ground saturated with water for many jnonths ; the permanent downpour causes the roots to rot. So far as my observations go the amount of sunshine in a year is considerably less than in Holland, which may be a surprise to many that think of Java as a land with ever- lasting sun. Every day in the year, even when it does not rain, the sun gets hidden in th© clouds, often as early as 9 a.m., and it is not visible again for the whole day ! This explains much, for in Europe the sun often shines every day for weeks from a cloudless sky ! We are obliged to go to Spain to see the sun for many days uninterrupted. In Java this does not occur for a single day the whole year round. It is " the land of everlasting sun," and the dulness has greatly surprised me. M. Buysman, Lawanj, East Java. July 17, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 35 ROMULEA. The genus Romulea includes several species of garden interest, but, being natives of Western Europe, the Mediterranean region and South and West Africa, they usually require protection in this country, although in warm districts the plants will survive the winter out-of-doors. The specimen of R. rosea illustrated in fig. 12 is growing in the open, in a Gloucestershire gajr- den. It is planted in a sunny situation, and is a beautiful object when in flower, the blooms resembling a rose-coloured Ixia with a yellow throat to the funnel-shaped tube. The flowering period is March-April. So closely does the plant resemble an Ixia that it has been named Ixia rosea; but its synonym, Trichonema rosea, is better known, and under that name the plant is figuTed in Bot. Mag., tab. 1,225. There are several varieties in cultiva- FRIAR PARK. To garden-lovers of all sorts and conditions, however critical or fastidious, the lovely grounds of Friar Park, Henley-on-Thames, present features of interest and beauty during the whole of the year. Those especially who are interested in the botanical aspect of gardening will take a keen pleasure in the varied and comprehensive collections of plants, trees and shrubs which are here to be found in perfect condition, each in the position best adapted to its needs. Every visitor to Sir Frank Crisp's garden is familiar with the famous rock-garden, ingeniously made to imitate a miniature Alpine scene, with Matterhorn, waterfall, and chain of lakes. Quite recently the masses of alpine Pinks were at then- best, tinting the rocks with their delicate hue ; patches of Gypsophila dubia, both white and rose, were in full flower, and vied in beauty with FlG. 11. — ROMULEA MACOWANII : FLOWERS BRIGHT YELLOW WITH REDDISH TINGE AT THE TIPS. tion, of which Baker, in his Irideae, describes five. R. rosea is the commonest species ; it was introduced to this country from the Cape of Good Hope in 1818. The Mediterranean species form the hardier section of Romulea, and will grow and flower well in sheltered situations in well- drained soils out-of-doOTs. They make good rock-garden plants, and are suitable for the front of flower borders, flowering in the early spring. R. Bulbocodium, R. ligustica, R. crocifolia, R. ramiflora, R. Columnae, R. purpurascens and R. elongata are amongst the best known. R. Mac- owanii, fig. 11, is of more recent introduction; the plant grows wild in the Eastern Cape Pro- vinces, and also on the Boschberg, at 4,500 feet elevatiun. The flower stems are very short, one- flowered, or forked from the base, with two to four short, erect branches. The flowers are about 1 inch in diameter, bright golden-yellow in the lower part, lighter upwards, and often tinged with red towards the tips. the Campanulas, plumose Saxifrages, Helianthe- mums, Cistus, and the somewhat walling charms of the Aubrietias, which not long ago had reigned supreme in this little Alpine world. Along a rocky walk, sheltering in a shady nook, Cypripedium spectabile has unfolded its wealth of pink and white flowers, while not far away a great specimen of Euphorbia Wilsonii displays its mass of bloom. On an elevation above th% path, the long bright yellow sprays of Tropaeolum poly- phyllum mingle with the bluish glaucous foliage trailing over the rock. A little bay shelters a colony of Pentstemon azureus, which luxuriates in its position and charmingly fulfils the promise of its name. Among the many representatives of the Ericaceae, one of the most carefullv tended and most thriving is Azalea (Loiseleuria") procumbens. From a small beginning it has grown into a fine colony ; like many of the species which have their home in the highlands of Scot- land, it does not usually thrive in gardens, but here it has been possible, by means of carefully adapted treatment and conditions, to persuade it that it is still growing on its native rock. In the little rivulet, bordered by marsh plants, many pretty Primulas are to be found ; and the wider stretches of water are scattered over with delicate white, pale yellow, and rose-flowered Water Lilies. The mediaeval gardens at Friar Park have been carefully constructed by Mr. Knowles from mediaeval illustrations, all the details faithfully copied, and all flowers of a later date than the 15th century rigorously excluded. The effect is marvellously good ; one is transported back in im- agination at least four hundred years, and modern ideas seem totally out of place in this placid back- water of .civilisation. In one of these gardens is an Elizabethan herb plot, planted with all the ap- proved medicinal herbs, which were formerly an indispensable feature of every garden. It is with a feeling of having bridged several cen- turies in a single step that one leaves the last of the mediaeval gardens and approaches the Rosary. Here at least one may feel that garden- ing has taken immense strides ; the vigour and beauty of the Roses, now at their very best, pro- vide eloquent testimony to the success attained by Rose-growers, especially during the last century. The beds of dwarf Roses are covered with bloom, while above them, tall, weeping Wichuraiana bushes are hung with pendulous sprays of perfumed blossoms. Ramblers and trailers are everywhere in evidence, clothing arches and pergolas and walls, and flinging their scented petals on every pathway. In the clear waters of the lake are reflected the foliage of Gunneras and Rheums, and the tall, slender forms of Bamboos. Colonies of Irises stand on the hanks, .carpeted with blue Myosotis ; across the lake, in the distance, stand massed ranks of Abies pungens glauca and Cedrus atlantica glauca, their misty, bluish foliage relieved by the dark purple tints of Prunus and the golden sunshine of Cupressus. In the nearer distance Olearia, Weigela, Cytisus, Lonicera, and other flowering s'hrubs brighten the prospect, and bravely substitute their charms for those of the Rhododendrons, now in retirement until next spring. A visit to Friar Park would he by no means complete unless it included an inspection of the collection of indoor plants, which is unsurpassed even in many botanic gardens. Economic plants, the names of which are familiar to many of us as bearing srjices of various kinds, are here repre- sented in full growth, and can often be induced to bear fruit. There is a very complete collection of succulent plants, all the cultivated species of Aristolochia, many with the curious flowers fully expanded ; an interesting collection of gourds ; and selections of most plants which have marked peculiarities of growth, flower, or fruit. There are large numbers of " Pitcher " and other insectivorous plants, and Orchids of strange and' bizarre appearance are represented by a considerable number of species, some of which have already been illustrated in these pages (see Gard. Chron., January 25, 1915, pp. 38, 39). In trie main range of glassr houses there is a . large collection of Orchids of various kinds. Miltonia vexillaria is here in first-rate form and condition ; and a very choice selection of Laelio-Cattleyas, of which the best are L.-C. Canhamiana, L.-C. Aphrodite, and L.-C. Fascinator. In the cool houses, Odontoglossums and Masde- vallias are finely in bloom ; whilst in the tank- house, Sobralia xantholeuca and several other warm-house species are in full flower. The greenhouses are full of flowers; on one stage Streptocarpus plants are covered with bloom of superb size and quality, whilst Begonias and other decorative plants arc at their best. Other lmiiscs containing Ornlons, Calailiums. Pra- caenas and fine foliage plants of every type, and the vineries and other fruit houses are in excel- lent condition. J. O'B. 36 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 17, 1915. POUR NOS AMIS FRANCAIS ET BELGES. CHRONIQUE SPECIALE (XXXVI). L'EXPOSITION A HOLLAND HOUSE. Malgre la guerre, la Societe Royale d'Horti- culture d'Angleterre execute lidelejnent son pro- gramme, et la semaine demiere il nous etait donne de visiter la grande exposition d'ete, organises dans Holland House. Ires cinq tentes reservees aux produits hor- ticoles etaient abondamment remplies et la foule, attiree par un temps ideal, etait nombreuse le jour d'ouverture. Les orages des jours suivarits eurent malheureusement pour' resultat de nuire quelque peu a l'ass:6tance. D'une maniere generate, l'impression que nous a Jaissee ^exposition etait moins favorable qu'a Chelsea six semaines auparavant. Peut etre que la disposition des envois en tentes plus petites est moins favorable que leur groupement dans l'immense abri de Chelsea ou Ton embrassait d'un seul coup d'oeil toutes les splendeurs reunies au prix de tant de sacrifices? Certaines grosses firmes qui, d'habitude, font une petite, exposition a elles, faisaient defaut cette annee et leur abstention fut remarquee d'autant plus que leurs noms sent familiers a tous les visiteurs. L'exposition n'en constituait pas moins un regal pour les enthousiastes de Flore. Les Orchidees etaient abondantes, une dizaine de stands au moins etaient remplis de Cattleyas, Miltonias, Odontoglossums, Oncidiums, Cypri- pediums, Odontiodas, etc. Comme de cutume l'Adiantum et l'Asparagus etaient employes pour garnir les intervalles. Nous avons pu nous rendre compte, a nouveau, de la valeur, au point de vue effet, des lots dis- poses en ordre espace. Un Odontoglossum de dimensions rares, l'O. Georgius Rex, amene par M. Gurney Fowler, remporta la Medaille Lindley. La vogue des Pois de senteur ne fait que s'etendre et de nombreux professionnels et ama- teurs en presentaient des lots importants. II est manifeste que de grands efforts ont ete realises en vue de la fixation des couleurs pures. Cer- taines varietes exposees marquaient un veritable progres dans cette voie. La Rose occupait encore, comme il convient en Angleterre ou elle est considered comme la fleur nationale, une place d'honneur. Beaucoup de specialistes s'y occupent de 1'obtention de nouveautes. La Paul's Scarlet Climber, deja remarquee a Chelsea, attirait de nouveau tous les regards ; les plantes presentees etaient reelle- ment magnifiques. La Coloestria, autre nou- veaute a fleur enorme a, laquelle echut la coupe Clay, et l'Auguste Hartmann produisirent egale- ment sensation. Les varietes de Roses grimpantes etaient moins abondantes qu'a Chelsea. Bien que les grands espaces leur semblent neeessaires dans une exposition, elles etaient encore du plus heureux effet ici. Avec plaisir on constate que des varietes populaires, telles que Crimson Rambler et Dorothy Perkins, continuent, malgre l'avalanche de nouveautes, a maintenir leur droit de cite. Et cependant avec quelle rapidite ces nouveautes se propagent ! L' American pillar a peine connue, se trouve deja representee dans tous les stands et la fameuse Mme. Edouard Herriot qui fit son apparition a Chelsea en 1912 ou elle remporta le prix special du Daily Mai!, semble deja indispensable dans toute collection. D'autres Roses, genre Jessie, Mrs. Cutbush, etc., assuraient aussi un heureux effet dans plusieurs stands ou elles etaient employees pour former tapis, notamment aux Oeillets. Les plantes de serre. chaude etaient assez rares. Elles etaient surtout representees par des Cala- diums et quelques lots de Fougeres, le tout amene en specimens d'excellente culture. L'abondance des plantes vivaces et en general des plantes de jardin etait irappante. Anterieurement deja nous eumes l'occasion de signaler ce.t engouement des amateurs pour des plantes de culture facile, moins appreciees dans d'autres pays. II suffisait d'examiner quelques stands pour constater la specialisation pour des genres tels que l'lris et le Delphinium. Le nombre de varietes semble illimite et pour le Del- phinium notamment la fleur a atteint une haute perfection. Toutes les nuances du bleu sont re- presentees dans certains lots, depuis le D. Moer- heimi d'un blanc trahissant a peine une teinte bleuatre jusqu'au D. Edwin Beckett fortement violace. D'autres observations faites par les visiteurs etrangers portaient sur l'importance acquise en Angleterre par les Coniferes nains du Japon et la demande croissante pour les Erables deco- ratifs. On en rencontre egalement de nora- breuses especes. Les moins inities ont aussi remarque un Geranium a feuilles de lierre, avec fleur d'un rose pale : Radiance. De l'avis general, le plus grand succes etait obtenu par les Begonias de MM. Blackmore et Langdon. Les grandes expositions des dernieres annees ont chaque fois mis en vue les progres remarquables realises en fait de Begonias, mais jamais la perfection n'avait ete telle que cette fois-ci. Les fleurs atteignaient couramment quinze centimetres de diametre et en peu d'occasions l'octroi de la coupe du couronnement pour le meilleur apport aura recu un accueil aussi sympathique de la part du gros public. Restent les fruits et legumes. On s'est plaint, avec raison nous semble-t-il, que dernierement les concours y reserves par la Societe Royale d'Horticulture n'attiraient que peu de ron- currents. Une certaine reaction semble s'etre manifestee et les apports a Holland House etaient plus nombreux. Nous avons remarque les envois reussis de la niaison Barr qui etait representee dans les deux categories et celui du Major W. Astor (jard. M. Cammj dont les Raisins' Frankentlial formaient un des meilleurs lots que nous ayions deja vus. NOUVELLES DIVERSES. Secours aux Maraichers Francais. — Le baron d'Anchald a entretenu l'Academie d 'Agriculture de France dans sa seance du 16 juin de l'oeuvre entreprise par la delegation des " Friends " de Londres pour contribuer a la re- paration des ruines accumulees dans les regions ravagees par l'invasion allemande en France. Cette delegation s'est occupee, tout d'abord, de loger, de vetir et de nourrir le plus grand nombre possible de sinistres, mais son attention s'est surtout portee sur les besoms des fermiers en tant que graines, outils, machines et animaux de toutes sortes. En partieulier, la societe des " Friends ' s'est chargee de la totalite de la distribution des graines potageres dans tout le departement de la Marne et une partie de celui de la Meuse. Plusieurs millieTs de kilos de Pommes de terre de semence et 1,700 paquets de graines de 14 especes differentes de legume3 ont ete ainsi repartis. En outre, des quantites importantes de graines de varietes de legumes tardifs ont ete semees a Germaize pour pouvoir ensuite etre transplantees dans les jardins laisses en friche. En Allemagne.— Le Nieiiwc Rotterdamsche Courant recoit d'Allemagne des renseignements sur la situation agricole. On lui apprend notam- ment que des gelees ties tardives ont complete- ment ravage des contrees entieres plantees de Pommes de terre et de Feves. La secheresse per- si^tante a cause des degats enormes. Dans les parties elevees du pays, situees a Test, les Pommes et les Poires tombent des arbres en tres grand nombre. Les Fraises dessechent dans les jardins. Les legumes deperissent. Seules les Cerises ont bien donne. Association pour la Delivraison des Fleurs.— Le Tuinbouw signale la constitution, sous le nom de "Florists' Exchange Delivery," d'une association de fleuristes americains qui se chargent de la fourniture dans leur localite des fleurs qui ont ete comraandees chez des collegues d'autres localites. Une personne a. X commande chez son fleuriste un bouquet destine a etre remis a une personne habitant Y. Le fleuriste, au lieu d'expedier le bouquet, qui risque d'arriver en mauvais etat, informe simplement son collegue de Y, qui execute l'ordre. L'asso- ciation etablie a 153, Bates Street, Detroit (Michigan, U.S.A.), s'efforce d'etablirdesgroupe- m'ents analogues dans les pays d'Europe de facon a aboutir a une organisation Internationale. A Vienne.— Nous avons signale les efforts faits a Vienne en vue de convertir des parties des pares publics en jardins maraichers. La municipalite et certains proprietaires ont donne gratuitement leurs terrains et environ 120 hec- tares ont ete plantes de Pommes de terre, vingt de legumes. Cinq cents prisonniers russes et des femmes sont employes aux travaux de culture. Douze autres hectares sont cultives par les enfants des ecoles. Utilisation oes Pommes de terre.— II existe encore en Angleterre des stocks con- siderables de Pommes de terre de la recolte de 1914. Malgre cela la consommation des tuber- cules de la recolte nouvelle est generale. Le departement de l'Agriculture attire l'attention sur cette anomalie et engage le public a assurer l'utilisation des quantites encore disponibles de 1914. On confirme que toutes les Pommes de terre nouvelles recoltees en Belgique sont mises en vente sur les marches allemands. KORT OVERZICHT VOOR DE VLAMINGEN. Verleden week had de Zomertentoonstelling plaats der Koninklijke Tuinbouwmaatschappij van Londen, die niettegenstaande den oorlog, haar gewoon programma ten uitvoer brengt. Orchideeen waren wel vertegenwoordigd en, als gewoonte, bekleedden de rozen eene eereplaats Ook reukerwten waren opnieuw in groot aantal aangebracht. Opgemerkt werd de wijze waarop gewone tuin- planten ter tentoonstelling komen. Zoo trof men vele verscheidenheden van Iris en Delphinium aan. Den grootsten bijval genoot de zending dub- bele Begonia's van Blackmore en Langdon. Deze hadden meestal tot 15 centimeters door- meter en behaalden, met aller goedkeuring, den beker voor het beste lot. Fruit en groenten waren nu in grooter hoe- veelheden dan in de gewone tentoonstellingen waar men klachten uitte over hun gebrek. Droogte en vorst hebben groote schade aange- bracht in de fruit-en groentenplantingen van Duitschland. In Amerika is eene vereenigin": gesticht van bloemverkoopers met het doel de bestellingen voor een andere stad gedaan aldaar door een ambtgenoot te doen uitvoeren. July 17, 19^5.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 37 NOTES ON IRISES. BEARDED IRIS SPECIES. In your issue of June 19 Mr. W. R. Dykes returns to the very interesting problem, tenta- tively discussed in a previous article (Vol. LVI., p. 49), of the origin of Iris germanica, giving reasons to believe that it is of hybrid origin, and suggesting that I. aphylla is at least one of its parents. If it is a hybrid, aphylla is cer- tainly a very possible parent, and it may be some additional evidence that I. germanica sets seed (sparingly) with pollen of aphylla. Seven flowers crossed by aphylla all set large pods, but only four had seed in them. Of the six seed resulting, three germinated and have flowered. One is very near germanica in size and form of flower, but intermediate in height, and a very shy flowerer. The colour of the flowers is of germanica type, but suffused slightly with a curious brown tone. The beard, is of germanica type, dull purple-blue just in front and the rest yellow. The second is near aphylla in form and colour and in beard' (which is even bluer and more conspicuous than in aphylla), and inter- mediate in other characters, and very free flowering. I still have these two seedlings. The third was very near Kochii in habit, form of flower and in colour (compared when in flower together). The falls were oval or spoon-shape, and the style crests of the same distinctive form as in Kochii. The chief distinguishing feature between the two plants was in the beard, which in this seedling was of stiff fibre and pale blue, while in Kochii it is lax and yellow. There was a slight yellow tinge in the base of the standards and falls as in Kochii. This type has also ap- peared in the seedlings from another pod of germanica, but there is some uncertainty whether the pollen parent in that case was aphylla, though recorded as probably so. From other reasons Kochii is probably a hybrid, and it may therefore, in view of the above results, give a clue to the origin of ger- manica— that is (if aphylla is one parent), to the other parent. I. germanica is not especially sterile com- pared with many hybrid Flag Irises, though it does not seed freely, and its pollen is apparently entirely infertile. Twenty-one flowers crossed by I. macrantha all set pods, about half contained seed, six being the most in any one pod, and forty-one seed altogether. So far eleven seed have germinated and six have flowered. Of these four are practically identical and very fairly intermediate ; but one of them was bearded (less than on the falls) also in the channels of the claws of the standards. A fifth was also intermediate in all other characters but colour, which was paler and more " self " than either parent. The other seedling had thin stems and smaller flowers, with narrower petals than germanica, approach- ing the form of Kochii, and with the same or similar style-crests, but of germanica colour and beard of germanica type though weaker. I. germanica Oriflamme is probably of this parent- age. The only other cross of germanica by a bearded Iris which I have made was by pallida dalmatica. Four flowers crossed set three pods. much smaller than those by aphylla or macrantha, and containing only four seed alto- gether, which failed to germinate. Germanica alba also sets seed with macrantha pollen. I have .raised one plant and have a pod set this year. i So far, therefore, as fertility is any test of affinity, macrantha is as near to germanica as aphylla, and if it is a species — and it has every appearance of a species except the size of its flowers — are there any insuperable reasons against it being the other parent of germanica? [The cross aphylla X macrantha would be easy ito make, as aphylla is a very free seeder. As to this other parent Mr. Dykes's dis- cussion of the characters whose presence in ■germanica we have to explain seems decisive against pallida, but less so perhaps against Madonna or albicans. Beside the characters mentioned there are points in the form of the flowers, especially the falls, which, as a florist, I should not think possible to have come from pallida (the true, tall, violet-blue flowered pal- lida). They are also absent from aphylla. There is, however, "Red Pallida," but that raises an even wider problem which I will defer for the present. The chief point is in the disposition of the falls. In pallida the falls have a functional bend just beyond the beard, and they hang "positively." In variegata (and many seedlings of variegata., neglecta, Amoena, and " Red Pal- lida ") this positive bend is apparently absent, and the falls "spread " more or less hori- zontally. Germanica is intermediate — it is a semi-spreader. Whatever may be the botanical value of this character, there is, I think, no doubt that it is a definite and persistent one (though possibly compound), and though masked sometimes by the broadening of the hafts, which tends to make the falls spread convexly, or by weak substance and narrow hafts which cause the falls to hang of their own weight, it is trans- mitted regularly as a unit, the true intermediate forms being due to their being heterozygous (or to the character being compound). Pallida is cer- either present or absent, and only very rarely showing faintly in heterozygous individuals. As it is very unlikely, from the results of other crosses, that these characters could come fror.i macrantha, the inference is suggested that albicans is not a simple albino of Madonna, bu^ a hybrid. If so, and if these characters are net found in any other form of Madonna, they should prove a clue to the other parent of albicans. I uo not think there can be any uncertainty about thi.; cross, but as the results are so unexpected. I have repeated it. As at least one undoubted sport or mutant has appeared among my seed- lings the sporting of new characters is not entirely out of the question; but if inadmissible in the case of germanica, and if pallida. Madonna and macrantha have to be rejected, there remains the possibility of an unknown species. I have had reasons to suspect the existence of an unknown species for some years, but on quite other grounds than the origin of germanica, and I doubt whether, even if it exists, it would fit the requirements of germanica, though it appears to be connected with albicans. And as it raises other and much wider problems — of " Red Pallida," plicata and flavescens, etc. — it will be best to consider it separately. .-1. /. Bliss, Morwellham, Tavistock. Fig. 12.- -KOMULEA EOSEA FLOWERING OUT-OF-DOORS IN A GLOUCESTERSHIRE GARDEN. (See page 35.) tainly homozygous for this character, and so, I think, is aphylla. Germanica is apparently heterozygous, any effect of the broad hafts being set off by the weight of the b'ade. There- fore if aphylla is one parent, the other parent should have " spreading " falls. I do not know the purple type Madonna, but albicans appears to me to be even more obviously heterozygous for this character than germanica. I have tried many crosses with albicans, but hitherto, as in Mr. Dykes's experience, it has proved nearly sterile (the pollen wholly so). This year, in stronger soil and the warmer climate of Devon, it has set pods freely, though it remains to be seen if they contain any seed. Altogether I have flowered only three seedlings of albicans, but, though they may throw no light on the origin of germanica, they raise the question of the possi- bility of the appearance of a new character not in either parent. Two of these seedlings are from a cross of albicans X macrantha, and the flowers are nearly a self pale rose-mauve. One, however, has the base of the leaves coloured strongly purple and the beard is tipped brown. These are probably Mendelian characters, arid I have a long series of seedlings showing that they are transmitted as simple unit characters, TREES AND SHRUBS. POISONING TIMBER IN NEW SOUTH WADES. Mr. A. H. Farrand, Diddillibah, writing in the Queensland Agricultural Journal for May, gives the following interesting information on the methods adopted in New South Wales to clear land of timber : — " When ring-barking was in its comparative infancy in New South Wales, thirty to forty years ago, mostly only Box timber was ringed, where it had become too dense to allow pasture to grow. Areas were large and rentals very cheap, so that reclaim- ing inferior country was unnecessary. The style of ring-barking was sapping, but after a. time other methods were tried, such as chip-ringing, frill-ringing, removing Btrip of bark around tree, etc., but chip- ringing remained in general use. It was thought that sapping, causing the tree to die quickly, conduced t.> a plentiful and vigor us growth of suckers, and there were no doulit good grounds for such opinion. By destroying the timber quickly one is able to bring the land into uso so much more quickly that it very much 38 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. LJult 17, 1915. more than compensates for the extra suckers that it may bring. Ringing being done in the summer, when sap is well up, its effect, when the tree has been sapped, is shown in a few days by the leaves turning colour ; and slumming of work can easily be detected, but contractors for this style might not now be easily obtained. " For some years past in New South Wales there has been a great rush for land, and any small area now made available, within reach of a railway, that can he improved into farming land, commands numerous applicants. Such blocks in almost every case are heavily tim- bered, and the best and cheapest method of de- stroying the trees has become an important matter. "Various liquids for poisoning trees have been put on the market, and poisoning with aTsenie has been extensively practised of late years. Arsenical poisoning, like sapping, produces a very quick effect, and when it was first tried in New South Wales the Press was deluged with letters extolling its merits. The experimenter was so elated with its apparent success that he made his deductions without waiting sufficiently long to be fully seized of all the points. Arsenic is applied in a liquid form by pouring it into ring cut around tree from a vessel such as a tea- pot, and frill-ringing, holding such liquid best, is generally adopted. The poison is at once carried up by rising sap, and the top of the tree dies as in sapping, but as such poison does not go below the ringed cut, the bottom of the tree is not affected, and a good healthy crop of suckers soon arrives. " Arsenical poisoning of trees is about on, a parallel with sapping. If four cuts are put in tree opposite one another and arsenic applied the tree will die ; and if just one cut is put, the limbs on the tree on that side die, whilst the rest of the tree flourishes, thus showing how arsenic is carried up. The other liquids put on the market had much the same effect as arsenic, and as none of them had any effect below the cut into which they "were poured the bottom part of tree still went on producing suckers. After a very considerable experience in dealing with tinrber in New South Wales in various parts, and many yeaTs with the Government, where one of my duties was to inspect ring-barked areas, so that I saw the work being done and years afterwards saw the effect, I would summarise as follows : — Have work done, whether arsenic is used, or not, late in the summer, so that the suckers will begin to sprout in the winter time, when the tree is in its most unhealthy period, as you will then have fewer suckers, and those that do grow ■will not be such strong growers. Also, if the country is stocked with sheep, they Trill, in the winter time, keep nibbling at green shoots and so impede their growth, and in some instances altogether kill them. " Poisoning with aTsenie repays the trouble, but do not make your solution too weak, as the arsenic itself is cheap. The ' rise and fall of sap,' so generally spoken of, is apt to deceive you ; but remember, when the aTsenie is applied, the sap is rising, and the poison therefore is carried upwards, so be prepared to see the tree below the cut still growing. This applies to every poison I have seen used. "Fire-sapping is being extensively used in the farming districts of New South Wales. A little earth is removed at the foot of the tree and it is lightly ringed at the bottom, and any small timber stacked around it and Iburned. This causes the tree to die quickly, and it will burn up when grubbed." THE LIME AVENUE, SHREWSBURY. It is, perhaps, not generally known that Shrewsbury boasts of what is probably the finest avenue of Limes in Europe. The trees, which number 366, were planted in what is now the Quarry Park in 1719, so that they are nearly 200 years old. Many have attained the great height of 160 feet, and measure as much as 14 feet in girth at a distance of 9 feet from the ground. I am sorry to state that the trees show signs of neglect, which has undoubtedly extended over a great number of years. Last winter I removed many cart loads of decayed (branches, and we had to requisition a fire-escape to do this work. Numerous holes have beon thoroughly cleared out — in some were four bucketfuls of stagnant water — and filled with sand and cement, floating the surface with cement only. Some of the cavities held as many as three barrow-loads of the stopping. In every case the cause has been through removing large branches and not treating or dressing the wound with gas-tar, three coats of which is a preventive against decay and fungus. During the past winter five of these large trees have been removed owing to their unsafe con- dition, chiefly through decay. Arthur James Ward, Superintendent of Parks, Shrewsbury. The Week's Work. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By W. Hedley Wabren, Gardener to the Aston-Clinton Park Estate (the Rt. Hon. Lord Rothschild), Buck- inghamshire. Stone Fruits.— Plum trees have made a con- siderable amount of growth, notwithstanding the spring drought; this is probably because the roots penetrate to a greater depth than those of most other kinds of fruit trees. Great care is therefore necessary in the shortening of the young side growths, or the result will be a number of useless lateral growths. It may be as well, therefore, to delay the summer pruning of Plums for a while. Remove all foreright shoots on Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots, and see that the fruits are exposed to the sun- shine. Do not employ the knife on Apricots unless the shoots axe too tough to be pinched off by the thumb and finger. Young trees, as a rule, develop more foreright growths than older trees that have been in bearing for a number of years. Small Fruits.— Gooseberries and Currants are making considerable growth, and may be pruned lightly for the time being, the work to be done again in about a month's time, when all side growths may be shortened further to encourage the proper development of the basal buds. Raspberries are promising good crops of fruit, and, notwithstanding the spring drought, both old and young eanes are vigorous and healthy. In hot, dry weather red spider may make its appearance and become very trouble- some. The canes should not only be well syringed with clear water, as circumstances de- mand, but the roots also may be supplied with moisture as soon as the berries are gathered. If the surface of the soil is hard or the mulching material trodden down, lightly fork the ground, so that the moisture may be more easily absorbed by the soil. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lady Nunburnholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire. Gardenia.— During autumn and winter there is great difficulty in getting the buds of Gardenia to open. Arrange that the plants shall be in different stages in the autumn and see that they are strong and vigorous with the wood well ripened. Plants that have been weakened by long flowering or are pot-bound will continue to grow, but are useless for autumn flowering, as in most cases the buds drop before they open. Remove all the flower-buds on a portion of the stock, and reduce the long shoots a little. Grow the plants in a genial atmosphere and keep them free from mealy-bug and scale insects. Shade no more than is necessary to prevent scorching. By this means the plants will be in a good con- dition for blooming, as even in the must favour- able conditions any lack of sunshine has the effect of hindering the development of the flowers. Repot young plants raised from cut- tings. Later pinch the shoots to cause the plants to grow bushy. Feed regularly plants in flower and syringe them with weak soot-water as a deterrent to insects. Begonias Rex.— When propagated from: leaves and treated in a similar manner to Gloxinias, these Begonias make very handsome- plants. They do not require much warmth, but- the shoots are liable to damp off if the con- ditions are too cold and moist ; an intermediate' temperature and a situation well exposed to the light are suitable. Hydrangea.— Insert cuttings of Hydrangeas, as suitable shoots are available for the purpose- until the end of August. Insert the cuttings- singly in small pots and plunge them in a warm pit or propagating case in which: they will root readily. Remove them from the propagating house when rooted, and' harden them gradually in a cool pit, with- holding water as the season advances. Select, strong, young plants of different sizes and shorten the shoots, to replace worn-out speci- mens. Shift the. plants into larger pots accord- ing to their size, using fairlv strong loam, a little leaf-mould and old mortar rubble, with an 8-inch potful of bone-meal to every barrow- load of compost. Stand the plant's out-of-doors; in full exposure to sunshine ; then the wood will become well ripened before the autumn. Feed' larger specimens in tubs or borders on which the flowers are forming. ■ Campanula pyramidalis.— Plants which are throwing up their flower-spikes should be fed liberally and the stems secured to stakes. The Chimney Campanula, also Campanula persicifolia and its white variety, are easily cultivated, and a more extensive use should be made of them as pot plants. Pay careful attention to young plants grown specially for flowering next season and repot them in the autumn. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By T. W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Ltsaght, Esq.. Castleford, Chepstow, Gloucestershire. Coelogyne pandurata.— The plants are growing freely and should be kept well sup- plied with water until the new pseudo-bulbs are matured thoroughly. The pseudo-bulbs are set rather widely apart on a strong rhizome, and. in consequence, a long receptacle such as a Teak-wood basket should be chosen. Use ample drainage material and a compost consisting of a mixture of A 1 or Osmundia-fibre and Sphagnum-moss. The best time for affording the plants fresh rooting material is directly the roots are seen at the base of the new growth. Make the compost fairly firm about the roots. This Coelogyne makes a big specimen in a few years, occupying considerable space ; therefore it is advisable to remove all superfluous pseudo-bulbs when repotting. The leading growth, together with one or more pseudo-bulbs, may be removed ; the old pseudo-bulbs may be allowed to remain until fresh growth appears If the severed portions are detached with roots and potted carefully, they will usually grow strong. Grow the plants in the warmest house, protect them from strong sunlight, and spray overhead whenever the weather is favourable. Laelia anceps.— This Orchid, with its many varieties and hybrids, is growing and rooting freely, and some of the more forward specimens will soon commence to push up their flower- spikes. From now onwards let the roots have copious supplies of water and keep the atmo- sphere moist. The blinds may be removed earlier in the afternoon and not lowered so early in the morning. When the shading is re- moved, damp the stages and floors and spray the plants Lightly overhead with tepid water. Close all the ventilators until late in the evening, when the bottom ones should be opened again, and if the weather is genial the top ones alsclj an inch or so. In the morning damp the house and close the ventilators, but when the tem- perature rises admit air freely. This Laelia needs plenty of sunlight and air. July 17, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 39 FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By John Highgate, Gardener to the Marquis of Linlithgow, Hopetoun, South Queensferry, N.B. Strawberries.— Young plants which were rooted in small pots at about the beginning of the present month may be shifted into the pots in which they will fruit. Meantime the young plants should be severed from the parents and removed to a position near the potting shed and watered carefully. Prepare a sufficient quantity of soil to pot the whole batch, and nave this placed under cover in case of wet weather. If the soil is of a heavy nature, add a small quantity of lime rubble and soot and turn the mixture several times in order to mix the in- gredients. Lighter soils are improved by the addition of small quantities of decayed manure and sprinklings of bone-meal. Wash both the pots and the crocks ; pot rather firmly, taking care not to place the plants too deep, as it is important that the crowns shall stand well above the soil. After potting, stand the plants in the shade for a few days and spray them at least twice daily in fine weather. As soon as they have recovered from the shift, arrange them on a bed of ashes well exposed to the sunshine. Remove all runners as they appear and syringe the foliage each afternoon in fine weather until the roots are well estab- lished. The work of layering runners in later districts should not be delayed, otherwise the season may prove too short for the full develop- ment of the crowns. Orchard House. — The fruits, and in .par- ticular Apples and Pears, require supporting. For this purpose strong pieces of raffia may be employed, while specimen fruits are best pre- vented from falling by the use of bags or a small-mesh net. The small bags of French manufacture obtainable for the purpose are ex- tremely suitable and, unlike the ordinary net bags, not unsightly. These can be had in various sizes from the sundriesmen and cost about 5s. per 100. Continue to feed trees swell- ing their fruits, and see that the roots are well supplied with water. Admit air freely, both by the top and bottom ventilators, taking suitable precautions to exclude birds from entering. Remove Apples in pots out-of-doors as the fruits approach the ripening stage, protecting these in the skeleton frames covered with herring nets, as before advised. Continue to syringe the trees twice daily, using rain-water for preference. As the other crops approach the ripening stage feeding and syringing the plants overhead should be discontinued : damp- ing the paths and borders will promote the necessary atmospheric moisture. As the fruits of pot trees are gathered the plants should be plunged out-of-doors and syringed freely twice daily. Feed the roots occasionally with liquid manure. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. J. Cobb, Gardener to Reginald Cory, Esq., Duffryn Gardens, near Cardiff, South Wales. Wistaria.— Wistarias growing over ve- randahs, porches and arches or against walls require attention. Long growths are produced freely on healthy plants, and any of these not required should be shortened to within 6 inches of the stem. It may also be necessary to regulate the principal shoots, for df left to grow at will they wind around the nearest sup- port, and though this natural way may not appear objectionable now, in a few years it may be a serious disadvantage. All the young shoots on standards should be pinched to within a few eyes of the base, to induce the back buds to mature for next year' s flowering. Wistaria sinensis is the most generally grown species, but for standards or pillars W. multijuga and its white variety are particularly suitable, the racemes, 2 feet to 3 feet long, showing to the best effect when grown in this form. As a dwarf tree W. brachybotrys is desirable ; the flowers are produced in shorter clusters than the other types. Wistarias are easily increased by layer- ing the long basal shoots. Ornamental Vines.— Most of the species of Vitis are self-supporting, and in the wild garden may be allowed to ramble at will. On per- golas, pillars and walls the shoots of the stronger growers require a certain amount of training and supporting against wind. This especially applies to species with large leaves, such as V. Coignetiae, V. Thunbergii, V. armata and its variety Veitchii and V. megalophylla. When planted against a balustrading wall it is necessary to cut back or remove sufficient growth so that portions of the wall may be visible, as it is not advisable to completely cover handsome stonework. The more dainty foliaged varieties such V. Henryanum, V. Thompsonii, V. flexuosa Wilsonii, V. heterophylla and V. leeoides should, unless space forbids, be allowed consider- able freedom, as the young shoots are very beauti- ful. The plants must be watered when necessary and stimulated occasionally by weak liquid manure or a concentrated fertiliser. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Tomato Plants in Pots require constant attention in watering and feeding the roots ; also thinning the shoots. Plants with fruits swelling should be watered liberally with liquid manure several times weekly ; or, if this is not available, they should receive frequent light applications or a concentrated fertiliser previous to watering with clear water. As soon as the fruits begin to ripen admit air by day and night and maintain an even temperature. Plants in- tended for successional fruiting should be placed in their fruiting pots and the house ventilated in order that growth may be steady. Pot on succes- sional plants as they become ready for a shift, for growth must never be stunted. A sowing may still be made with a view to producing plants to furnish late supplies. Turnips.— Make a liberal sowing of Turnip with a view to producing a supply of roots for use in the autumn, and another about ten days later for a supply during the winter. Choose Tich ground and make the soil moderately firm by treading or rolling. Sow in shallow drills made 15 inches apart and thin the seedlings to 9 inches apart in the rows. The Turnip fly is sure to prove troublesome in hot weather and must be kept in check by dusting the foliage with soot in the early morning, when the leaves are damp. Wood ashes may also act as deterrent to the fly and will have a stimulating effect on the crop. White Model, Red Globe and Snowball are good varieties for sowing in July, and Green Top Stone for sowing in August. Carrots. —There is still time to sow stump- rooted Carrots, and if the weather is at all favourable they will prove a valuable crop. Young Carrots should be thinned as soon as they are large enough for the operation, as during the autumn the plants soon become drawn if they are crowded. Celery.- Continue to plant Celery as quickly as circumstances permit ; the latest planting should be made by the middle of July. Earth up the early plants as growth advanoes, and take great care to keep the hearts of the plants free from soil. Draw the leaves carefully together and tie them with some soft material, which should be removed after the soil is placed in position. Before earthing up the plants examine the bed carefully, and if the soil is dry soak it with clear, soft water a day or two previous to earthing up. French Beans.— Make a liberal sowing of French Beans in rich soil, choosing a sheltered situation in order to have pods late in the season. Winter Greens.— Push on with the work of planting winter Brassicas. Make the soil moderately firm and plant the earliest crops in the strongest land. Those planted on rather poor soil will withstand the winter better than others grown quickly in very rich soil. Select an open situation and allow plenty of space be- tween the plants. WateT the roots freely as soon as the planting is finished, and when new roots develop let the surface soil be lightly broken with the hoe. Shallots.— Spring-planted bulbs are ready for lifting ; place them where they will become well dried prior to placing them in the store- room. THE " FRENCH "GARDEN. By P. AQD4TI4B. Manure Beds.— The planting of these beds was delayed by drought, and now that rains have fallen the work of digging them lightly with the fork and converting two smaller beds into one large one should be done at once. They will then be ready for the final planting of Celery Winter Green, Chemin, a-nd' also Celeriac. After having trimmed the roots and the leaves, set the plants at 1 foot apart each w'ay, inter- cropping the rows with either salading, Radishes, or Spinach. Late Cauliflowers may be set in- stead of the Celery, allowing 18 inches between each plant ; this crop, however, is not so re- munerative as Celery. One or two large beds may be reserved for sowing Carrots Chan- tenay or Nantes at the end of the present month, as there is a good demand for young Carrots late in October and early in November. Cauliflowers. — The intermittent and late frosts checked the growth of Cauliflowers con- siderably, whilst the prolonged drought was the final cause of heavy losses in many gardens. The spring-sown plants were also disappointing, as ' ' black leg " was very prevalent amongst them, although those grown in sterilised soil were absolutely free from this disease. Plants raised in autumn and grown in frames and under cloches were more satisfactory, and splendid heads are still available. Their prices have been remunerative and should compensate for the loss of the outside crop. As market produce, Cauli- flowers should be treated as a catch crop, whether grown under glass or in the open, for to grow them as a maincrop is to court disappointment. They require much room, richly manured ground, the seeds of reliable strains are both scarce and dear, and the market freight is the highest (owing to weight) of any class of vege- tables. If the heads sell for less than 2s. 6d. pen dozen they are a loss to the grower. THE APIARY. By OHLORns. Wax.— The cappings removed from shallow frames or badly-filled sections, as well as other pieces of comb, should be stored, as they make the best wax, realise the best price and win prizes on the show bench. Should the cap- pings be melted on the fire, remember to use rain-water ; the wax must not come to the boil nor come in contact with the fire or it will lose its aroma, colour and fine texture. A better and safer method is to melt it in the sun by means of the solar extractor on a very hot day. A cheap extractor may be made by placing a thin sheet of metal in a shallow card- board box and using a sheet of glass as a lid, tilting the whole towards the sun during the hottest part of the day and catching the melted wax in a shallow tin at the lower end of the box. After the wax is melted place the mould in hot rain-water ; failing this, use distilled water, for ordinary water contains too much mineral matter in solution. When pouring the molten wax into the mould, strain it to remove foreign matter. If the operation be performed in a cold room there is a danger of the wax cracking when cooling rapidly. The best speci- mens of wax are coloured primrose, lemon or clear yellow. To polish it, use an old piece of silk. After the wax is cool and polished, store in an airtight box, preferably of tin, so that the delicate aroma may not evaporate. Sellino Honey. —Honey is fetching good prices, but care should be taken not to glut the market, as there is a tendency among beekeepers to rush their harvest for an early sale. When Christmas arrives the demand for good honey will exceed the supply, so there is no need to exercise undue haste. The sections must be quite free of propolis and stains, both of which are best removed by scraping with the edge of a piece of glass or a sharp pen-knife. If ;t be sold to shopkeepers it must be glazed on both sides and slightly laced with a paper edging; but when sold retail inexpensive card- board cartons may be used, as glass has ad- vanced in price very considernblv. When honey is exposed for sale unglazed it attracts (lies and 40 THE GA RDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 17, 1915. EDITORIAL NOTICE, ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. 41, Wellington Street, Covent Warden. W.C- Editors and Publisher- — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communications, and sure us much time and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that alt letters relat- ing 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 EniTORS. The two departments, Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much unnecessary de- lag and confusion arise when letters are mis- directed. Special Notice to Correspondents- — The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contribu- tions or illustrations, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspondents. 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. 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 OP THE PAPER, Sent as early hi 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. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. TUESDAY, JULY 20— Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 3 p.m. on " Chinese Plants," by Mr. George Forrest.) WEDNESDAY. JULY 21— CardiS Flower Show (2 days). THUBSDAY. JULY 22— Nat. Carnation Soo. Show at R.H.S. Hall, West- minster. Manchester and N. of England Orchid Soc. meet. FRIDAY, JULY 23— Midland Carnation and Picotee Soc. Show, at Bir- mingham Botanical Gardens (2 days). AVERAGE Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich. 63.1. Actual Temperature : — Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street. Covent Garden, London : Thursday, July 8 (10 a-m.) : Bar. 29.3. Temp. 64°. Weather- Bright sunshine. The view commonly held Late summer- that there are but few Flowering shrubs, mid-summer flowering shrubs suitable for the outdoor garden is combated by Sir Herbert Maxwell, who demonstrates in the following article the fact that there is a fairly wide choice of such plants. " The complaint of a paucity of mid- summer-flowering shrubs has but slender foundation in fact, the truth being that gardeners and amateurs set much store by spring-flowering shrubs to provide a display before the herbaceous plants wake up, and are apt to neglect those shrubs which blossom when the borders are in full blow. " The Rhododendron season, which be- gan in November with R. Nobleanum. finishes in mid-July with the American R. maximum and R. ("Azalea) viscosum. Buddleia globosa is past and B. Colvilei is nearly over (July 12), but B. variabilis in all its varieties is still something to look forward to. Escallonia Phillipiana, the hardiest of the genus, and her daughter. E. langleyensis — matre pulchra filia pulchrior — are verv beautiful just now; Deutzia Sieboldii opened its first flower this morning; Veronicas salici- folia, parviflora, Traversii, Lindseyi and other species are flowers of July ; so are some of Lemoine's lovely hybrid Philadelphus. Genista virgata is a cloud of gold 10 feet high and twice as much through ; Spiraea canescens is a match for it in size and pro- fusion of bloom, while Spiraeas of the sorbifolia type come in a month later. Hypericum Hookerianum and H. patu- lurn, with its fine variety Henryi, have still to come, and the delightful Magnolia parviflora lags far behind the rest of its race. Tamarix Pallasii takes up the run- ning when T. gallica fades. I have never seen Styrax japonica ring out its myriad silver bells before July. Olearia Haastii is the latest to bloom, and is not the least desirable of the genus. The Virginian Fringe Tree, Chionanthus virginica, is draped with its quaint tassels just now, and the dwarf Buckeye (Aesculus parvi- flora) will soon follow suit. ' ' All these may be reckoned hardy in most parts of the United Kingdom. In the favoured districts of the South and West the list may be greatly prolonged. Desfontainea spinosa, one of the most brilliant of Chilian plants, never begins to flower here till July is spent; but once it starts, the display is gorgeous. I measured a plant of this species about five years ago at Stonefiefd, in Argyll- shire. One side had been cruelly sliced to clear a gravelled path, yet it was 112 feet in circumference and 12 feet high. Eucryphia pinnatifolia is liberal of its snowy blossoms, like those of Hypericum in shape, in August, and the scarce E. cordifolia flowers at the same season. Carpenteria californica will be over be- fore the end of the month ; but the hardy Fuchsias, F._ Riccartonii and globosa, keep up the display for several weeks later. Abelia floribunda requires a wall, and the same is the case with the perpetual- flowering Abutilon vexillarium (mega- potamicum), which carries its scarlet and yellow tassels through nearly all the year. Myrtus Luma is a charming autumn flowerer, and is quite hardy in places where M. communis requires the shelter of a wall. Indigofera Gerardiana, just now coming into flower, never fails to at- tract admiration to its delicate foliage and profusion of rose-coloured flowers. I will close this imperfect list by grateful men- tion of Leptospermum scoparium. The white type, waving sprays to the height of 8 or 10 feet in the summer breeze, is in- deed a fascinating object, and we look for- ward to the day when the crimson variety, Nichollsii, will be its equal in stature and grace. ' ' In the North we have to write off some fine late-flowerers, such as Hibiscus syriacus and Caryopteris Mastaoanthus, because in ordinary seasons they do not get enough sun to bring them into flower before the short days ; but I think I have made out a case in favour of late-flower- ing shrubs. Those who complain that they have but few have it in their power to remedy the defect. " In looking over the names above, I find no mention of the multitude of Cistus and Hydrangea, or of Coriaria ter- minalis. One of Mr. Wilson's Chinese Spiraeas, whereof the name, if it has one, lias not reached me, has just come into flower — a reallv fine thing." Lancaster Chrysanthemum Show Abandoned.— The secretary of the Lancaster Chrysanthemum Society informs us that his com- mittee has abandoned the annual exhibition for 1915. National Carnation and Picotee So- ciety (Southern Section).— The annual ex- hibition of the National Carnation and Picotee Society will be held in the Royal Horticultural Society's Hall, Vincent Square, Westminster, on Thursday, the 22nd instant. Royal Agricultural Show (p. 31). — We are informed that Messrs. Walshaw and Son, Scarborough, were awarded a Gold Medal for the Spiraeas they exhibited at the Horticultural Sec- tion of the Royal Agricultural Show held at Nottingham. R.H.S. Pamphlets.— Since the outbreak of war the Royal Horticultural Society has fre- quently called attention to the necessity for economising our fruit and vegetable focd supply and for increasing it ; and, further, it has en- deavoured to make known in sundry ways how this can be done. The trend of recent events has, moreover, emphasised the necessity for in- expensively maintaining our gardens during the war. To assist both these objects it has now published a series of useful pamphlets which aTe eminently practical and suitable to the require- ments of to-day. Their titles are as under, and they may be obtained from the R.H.S. office, Vincent Square, Westminster. Single copy, 2d. ; 25, 2s.; 50, 3s.; 100, 4s. :— (1) "Small Fruits for Cottage and Allotment Gardens," (2) " The Training of Fruit Trees," (3) " Vegetables and How to Grow Them in Small Gardens and Allot- ments," (4) " Bottling Fruits and Vegetables," (5) " Vegetable Cookery and Salad Making." Lecture on Chinese Plants. — At the Royal Horticultural Society's fortnightly meet- ing on Tuesday next, the 20th inst., MV. George Forrest will deliver a lecture on Chinese plants, illustrated by lantern slides of a number of the finer Alpine plants which he saw in Yunnan and photographed where he found them, growing in their native homes. War Items.— We regret to state that Captain Peter I. Whitton, only son of Mr. James Whitton, superintendent of the Glasgow Parks, was killed in action at the Dardanelles on June 28. He was 38 years of age, and was in business as a civil engineer when his regiment of Terri- torials was called up at the outbreak of hostili- ties. Captain Whitton for many years was deeply interested in the Volunteer and Boys' Brigade movements. He was for some time a private in the 3rd Lanark Rifles, before receiving a commission, and was promoted to be Captain in the 7th Scottish Rifles two years ago. — General sympathy will be felt with Pro- fessor Baylet Balfour, Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanical Gardens, Edinburgh, in tie loss of his only son, Lieutenant Isaac Bavley Balfour, who was killed in action at the Dar- danelles on June 28. Lieutenant Bayley Bal- four, who was 25 years of age, was gazetted to the 14th Royal Scots in January last, but was attached to the 1st Battalion King's Own Scottish Borderers when he met his death in the service of his King and country. Private John Stewart, 3rd Batt. Scots Guards, has been severely wounded in the right leg and arm, and also in the back, in action in France. Private Stewart is a native of Broughty Ferry, and was in the employment of Mr. G. D. Purdie, seed merchants, Glasgow, when war broke out. National Diploma in Horticulture.— The 1915 examinations for the National Diploma in Horticulture — established by the Royal Horti- cultural Society in conjunction with, and by the approval of, H.M. Government — were held at the Society's gardens at Wisley in June. At their meeting on Tuesday last the Council approved thn recommendations of the examiners that the diploma should be bestowed upon the. following, July 17, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 41 who have satisfactorily passed the final examina- tion : — 'Section 1. — G'hislett, W., Oakleigh, Bishopsworth,. nr. Bristol ; Cope, Gertrude, Manor House Gardens, Northfield, Birmingham ; Cornelius-Wheeler. Sylvia E., Elmwood School of Gardening, Coshain ; Costin, F. W., Clemsford. Shin-field, Beading; Crisp, Wm. C, Woodcote Grove Cottage, Coulsdon, Surrey ; Green, John James, Higher King Street, Hurst, Ashton-under-Lyne; Jones, H. L., The Gardens, •Clerk Hill, Whalley, nr. Blackburn ; Melles, Alered B., 39, Bushwood Road, Kew, Surrey; Stewart, W. M., Oakleigh. Bishopsworth, nr. Bristol; Titchmarsh, C. C, R.H.S. Gardens, Wisley. Ripley; White, Wm. C, 46, Frederick's Road, Beceles, E. Suffolk. N.B.— The suc- cesses in other sections will be sent to the Press as soon as they are com- municated by the respective examiner;-. Further, the following candidates satisfied the examiners' requirements in the preliminary ex- amination : — Division A. — Turner, A. D., Madryn Castle Farm School, Pwllheli, N. Wales. Division B. — Gibson, Robert, The Spital Gar- dens, nr. Hexham; Gunnell, Edna M., Horti- cultural College, Swanley, Kent; Payne, Thos., 223, Bramford Road, Ipswich. Division C— Henry, David G., 3, Meadowbank Crescent, Edinburgh ; Macey, Archibald, Rufford Abbey Gardens, Ollerton ; Moody, Alfred B., 28, Drake Street, Enfield; Stmms, Joseph E., 44, New Road, Grays, Essex; Smith, Henry A., The Castle Gardens. Bothwell, Lanarkshire ; Thrupp, Hilda M. B., 24. Woronzow Road, St. John's Wood, N.W. These candidates are accordingly eligible to take the final examination in 1916 if they have then spent six years in regular garden work, or as soon thereafter as they can satisfy this requirement. W. Wilks, secretary. National Sweet Pea Society a Outing. - The members of the National Sweet Pea Society had their annual outing on Wednesday last, visit- ing the trials at Boyton Hall, Roxwell, near Chelmsford, and the nurseries of Messrs. Alex. Dickson and Sons and Messrs. Dobbie and Co., Marks Tey. On reaching Chelmsford by rail the journey to Boyton Hall was completed in motor conveyances, and the trials were the frrst objec- tive. Notwithstanding the unfavourable season, the plants had grown well, and it was the general opinion that the trials were satisfactory. The four certificated varieties claimed most attention; Tea Rose was the most admired, and appeared even better than at the show. Besides the trial rows there were several acres of Sweet Peas growing for seed, so that there was plenty at Boyton to interest the visi- tors. After lunch on the lawn a start was made for Marks Tey and Messrs. Dickson's nursery was soon reached. Here the plants grown speci- ally for exhibition blooms were in superb con- dition. MessTS. Dobbie's establishment adjoins, and the visitors weTe conducted through the vista of Sweet Peas six hundred feet long, where the plants are grown on single stems, and through the " seed " plots, which include a re- presentative collection of the best varieties. Tea was provided by Messrs. Dobbie and Dickson, at which about 80 were present, bringing to a close a very pleasant and instructive day. Inspection of Manchester City Parks.— Mr. W. W. PettigTew, Chief Officer of the Man- chester City Parks, informs us that the chair- man of the Parks and Cemetery Committee (Alderman Harrop) has issued invitations to the members of the Committee and others to a visit of inspection of certain parks and recreation grounds on the northern side of the city on Mon- day next, the 19th inst. The Committee will assemble in the No. 1 Committee Room, Town Hall, at 9.50 a.m., and will leave the Town Hall at 10 a.m. on that day, returning to the Town Hall in time for luncheon, which will be pro- vided at 1 p.m. At 2.15 p.m. the Committee will leave the Town Hall and continue the inspection of the parks, and will arrive at Heaton Park about 5 p.m., where tea will be served. Prospects of the Crops.— The monthly agricultural report of the Board of Agri- culture and Fisheries for July states that summarising the returns and expressing an average, crop by 100, the condition of the crops on July 1 indicated probable yields which may be denoted by the following percentages: — Wheat, 98; Barley, 90; Oats, 90; Beans, 98; Peas. 95 ; Potatos, 95 ; Mangold, 96 ; seeds hay, 89 ; meadow hay, 79 ; Hops, 86 Meconopsis. -The Kew Bulletin (No. 4, 1915) is almost wholly taken up with " Some Additional Species of Meconopsis," by Sir David Prain— a very modest title dicates that in 22 per cent, of the species the petals are yellow with variation in shade on the one hand to ivory-white and on the other to orange. Seventy-eight per cent, of the species are blue with variation in shade on the one hand to indigo or violet, and on the other to purple or red. . . . But with all this variation there is no instance, so far as is at present known, of a species in which the petals are sometimes yellow, at others blue, or purple, or red." It may be added that Cathcartia is here reduced to Meconopsis. The Japanese Vine or Creeper. -In 1910 (Gardeners' Chronicle, December 10, 1910, p. 430) we put on record some observations on the growth and size of the Japanese Creeper (Am- pelopsis tricuspidata. syn. Parthenocissus tricus- Fig. 13. — androsace bulleyana : COLOUR OF flowers cinnabar-red. (See p. 44.) for what may be termed a synopsis, if not a monograph, of this beautiful Asiatic genus of Poppies. Forty-three species are defined, which is more than four times the number known at the time of the publication of Forbes and Hemsley's Enumeration of Chinese Plants. Eleven species are here described for the first time. Apart from descriptions, the author gives much interesting historical matter and critically discusses the limitation of species and varieties and hybrids, supplemented by references to all published figures. It may be safely assumed that this genus, so rich in unusual colours among Poppies, has a futuro before it in our gardens. Interesting from this standpoint are the author's notes on coloration in the genus; — "The experience of the past twenty years in- pidata, Ampelopsis Veitchii), more especially in relation to a remarkable specimen of this climber growing on a terrace of houses, facing east, in the Steyne, Worthing. At that date the horizontal spread of the plant in question was estimated at fifty yards. This plant is still flourishing and lias made further extensions, covering the wholo front above the first storey of six houses of four storeys, and in addition a la.rge space on the sido of the hotel at the B ■ < end of the terrace. It has not only readied the eaves ; it has also climbed over the gutters and is ascending the roofs. We now learn that this wonderful creeper was nourished in its early years with bullock'a blood ! There are several other examples in Worthing of the Japanese creeper having nearly equal horizontal exteii- 42 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 17, 1915. sions. In one instance, near the Homefiekl Park, the vine covers the fronts of six cottages and both fronts of a corner shop, as "well as the side of the other end cottage. Estimating the frontage of each cottage at fifteen feet, and in- cluding the extensions, we have a total of about 150 feet. This example is also ooi an eastern aspect. In another part of the town there is a similar, though somewhat smaller, specimen on a western aspect. The Bird as a Guano Producer. -Mr. James Buckland, writing on the value of birds to man, in the Deport of the Smithsonian Institute, states that the present enormous trade in fertilisers owes its origin to the bird, for the fertilising properties of the phosphoric acid and nitrogen contained in fish was not re- cognised until guano — which is the excrement of sea birds mixed with fish — became a stimulus to intensive agriculture. The value of guano as a fertiliser was known to the people of Peru in the time of the Incas, though the nineteenth century had dawned before the information was carried to Europe by Humboldt. Under the rule of the monarchs of old Peru the birds were rigor- ously protected and the guano deposits carefully guarded. Three centuries later these protective measures materialised in a source of Tevenue to the country. Generation after generation of sea birds had placed' on their breeding grounds de- posits of guano which, in 1853, were estimated by the Peruvian authorities to be worth $620,000,000. It is our pleasure to think of the Incas as barbarians and to look upon their times as dark and rude. In our own enlightened age ■we allow the agents of the millinery interest to kill at one fell swoop over a quarter of a million sea birds on an island valuable for its guano deposits. Vegetable and Fruit Crops in Holland. — The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries has received the following report on the condition of vegetable and other crops in Holland from his Britannic Majesty's Consul-General in Rotter- dam. Most varieties of Beans are good. Pros- pects for Peas are good in the north, but only moderate in the south of the country. Canary- seed varies from moderate to good. The crop of Caraway will probably be below the average ; conditions are moderate in North Holland, but good elsewhere. Mustard-seed is generally satis- factory. Prospects for Potatos are on the whole good, although there are some complaints of irregular development, and night frosts have done some damage. Onions vary from moderate to good, and Chicory, which is being more largely cultivated this year in South Holland, offers good prospects. In Zeeland his Majesty's Consul at Flushing reports fruit seems to have suffered somewhat from frost. Cherries, Plums and Black Currants will not yield as well as was at first expected. Pears have suffered from want of rain. Bed and White Currants, Rasp- berries and Strawberries promise well. His Majesty's Vice-Consul at s'Hertogenbosch states that in his district " Bellefleur " Apples promise a big crop, but other kinds will be less abundant. Raspberries and Cherries afford good prospects, Plums and Gooseberries pretty good while those for Pears are bad. In the same district it is expected that Apples end Pears will be clear. A Word to the Judges of Roses Seventy Years Ago. -You may believe me when I say I give you full credit for a desire to do strict justice to both exhibitors and the funds of the Horticultural Society. At the last meet- ing at Chiswick I think you ought to have awarded my collection of Roses the gold medal, and I will tell you why. The difficulty of making a fine display was owing entirely to the season. This was evident from the exhibition of cut blooms, which, perhaps, was never so hard a task as on June 21. Again, it is thought fair that amateurs should be required to produce but half the quantity nurserymen do. Now, double my twelve plants, and I am sure you will agree with me that they would have equalled any exhibition made by my friends the competing nurserymen, to one of whom (Lane) the G.B. was awarded. And, again, why had my gardener no competitor? Because no other amateur had twelve plants to bring. I am sure if you knew me you will give me credit for only a right motive in thus directing your attention to your award. It is exceedingly discouraging to exhibi- tors, after struggling against the difficulties of the season (over which they have no control), and which have proved insurmountable to their brother competitors, to receive a medal which conveys censure rather than approval. I throw these remarks before you lor your consideration. If I am right I am sure you will allow them to have weight ; if I am wrong I have laid my opinions before you in a spirit you cannot object to. As conscientious judges you have a difficult task; so have we as exhibitors, and you _ will understand me when I say, upon all occasions, when the season has been averse to our produc- tions, we like to have competitors. Had we been favoured with two more exhibitors on the occa- sion I allude to, I think J. Dobson's name would have figured in the Gold Banksian list. E. Bed (We certainly should not have made the award of which Mr. B. complains.) Extract from the Gardeners' Chronicle, July 5, 1S1/5. New Chinese Cotoneasters. - Of the shrubs introduced from Western China by Wilson the most successful perhaps as garden plants belong to the Old World genus Coton- easter. According to the Bulletin of Popular In- formation issued by Arnold Arboretum. U.S.A.. at least eighteen of these species are hardy in the Arboretum, and several of the plants have now grown large enough to show their habit, the beauty of their flowers and fruits, the brilliancy of their foliage and their ability to adapt them- selves to the peculiarities of the New England climate. The most showy species now in flower are C. multiflora and its variety calocarpa, and C. hupehensis. C. multiflora is a tall shrub with slender, wide-spreading, gracefully arching, bright chestnut-brown stems and branches, dull pale grey leaves, white flowers half an inch in diameter borne along the whole length of the branches in compact clusters on short lateral twigs, and black fruits. C. multiflora is a widely distributed and common plant in Southern Siberia and Northern and Western China, and has been in cultivation for several years. The variety, which has larger fruits, was discovered by Wilson near Sung-pan Ting in the Minn valley. C. hupehensis is perhaps even more beautiful as a flowering plant than C. multiflora, for although the white flowers are smaller they are less covered by the smaller leaves. It is a large, wide-spreading shrub with very slender arching stems and branches which are now so covered with flowers that from a distance it is hard to realise that it is a Cotoneaster and not a Spiraea. The fruit is bright red and very beautiful. C. foveolata is a large vigorous plant with stout aTching stems from 6 to 10 feet high, large thin leaves dark green and lustrous above and pale below with prominent veins deeply im- pressed on the upper surface. The flowers are small, globose and red, in compact clusters, on stalks much shorter than the leaves by which they are a good deal hidden. The fruit is black and lustrous. The greatest beauty, perhaps, of this plant is in the autumn colour of the leaves, for after the leaves of most American shrubs have fallen those of this Chinese Cotoneaster change to brilliant shades of orange and red. There are few more beautiful autumn plants in the Arboretum. Something like C. foveolata in the size and colour of the flowers and in the shape of the smaller leaves is a varietv of the North China C. acntifolia from the borders of Tibet (var. villosula) which is also in flower. This is a dwarf er and more compact shrub than C. foveolata, with black fruits and bright autumn colours. Another set of these plants is distinguished by small dark green leaves, small red flowers and" red fruit. The best known of these, C. horizontalis, has been in cultivation now for several years and is not rare in Euro- pean gardens. It is a low shrub with wide- spreading branchlets which when trained against a wall grow several feet tall, but untrained form a dense mat of 2 or 3 feet high and sometimes 6 or 8 feet in diameter. In this climate the leaves remain on the branches without change of colour until early winter, but in milder climates do not fall until the spring. C. divaricata, which is also in flower, is a larger plant with wide- spreading stems forming a rather open head, and bright red fruit. From this the related C. nitens, which is a smaller shrub, differs chiefly in its more compact habit and reddish black fruit. Distinct with prominent stems forming mats only a few inches high are C. adpressa and C. microphylla. These are useful little plants for the rock garden and for the edging of garden walks. Several of the Chinese Cotoneasters are in the general shrub collection and on Hickory Path, but the best specimens are in the Chinese shrub collection on the southern slope of Bussey Hill, where these plants have been growing for four years in an exceedingly exposed position and without protection. Cure for Mange in Horses. — The Queensland Agricultural Journal recommends the following preparation for the cure of mange in horses: — Boiled linseed oil, 1 pint; sulphur, 1 lb. ; spirit of tar, 2 oz. First mix the oil and sulphur, then add the spirit of tar. and mix well. Apply with a hard brush or with the hand. Another recipe is a teaspoonfnl of carbolic acid to a pint of lard, stirred in and well mixed. Publications Received. — Report and Balance Sheet of the Kirstenbosch National Botanic Gardens, Cape Town, S. Africa. — A First Book of School Gardening. By Alexander Logan. (London: Macmillan & Co.) Price- Is. fid. net. — Sugar-Cane Experiments in the Leeward Islands ; Report on Experiments Con- ducted in Antigua and St. Kitts in the season 1913-14. (Barbados: issued by the Imperial Commissioner of Agriculture for the West Indies.) Price Is. — The Annual Report of the Agricultural and Horticultural Research Station, Long Ashton. Bristol, 1914. (Bath : The Herald Press.)— Investigations on Potato Diseases and The Spread of the Celery Leaf- Spot Disease by the Use of Affected Seed and Its Prevention. By Geo. H. Pethybridge. (Reprinted from the Department of Agriculture and Technical Instruction for Ireland's Journal, Vol. XV., No. 3, April, 1915, and Vol. XIV., No. 4, July, 1914 ) — Typical Flies : a Photo- graphic Atlas of Diptera, including Aphaniptera. By E. K.Pearee. (London: Cambridge Univer- sity Press.) Price 5s. — Russia and Democracy : the German Canker in Russia. By G. de Wesselitsky, with Preface by Henry Cust. (London: William Heinemann). Price Is. — Scheme of Agricultural Education to be Carried Out by the Lancashire Education Committee, Agricultural Department, Preston. — Some Observations on the Study of Plant Pathology. By George Massee. (Reprinted from the Journal of Economic Biology, June, 1915.) — Larvae of the Prioninae. By F. C. Craighead. (Report No. 107 of the United States Department of Agriculture. Washing- ton : Government Printing Office.)— The Sharp- Headed Grain Leafhopper. By Edmund H. Gibson ; and Botanical Characters of the Leaves of the Date Palm Used in Distinguish- ing Cultivated Varieties. By Silas C. Mason. (Bulletins No. 254 and 223 of the United States Department of Agriculture.) - A New Leaf and Twig Disease of Picea Engelmannii. By .lames R. Weir ; A New Wheat Thrips. By E. O. G. Kelly ; A Contribution to the Life History of Spongospora subterranea. By L. O. Kunkel ; Some Sugar-Cane Root-Boring Weevils of the West Indies. By W. Dwight Pierce. (Reprints from Journal of Agricultural Research, Depart- ment of Agriculture. Washington : Govern- ment Printing Office.) July 17, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 43 DAVIDIA INVOLUCRATA. Davidia involucrata is one of the most striking novelties introduced from Western China during recent years. The tree was first discovered in 1871 by Abbe David, and in 1897 Messrs. Vilmorin, of Paris, received seeds from Pere Farges. From these seeds a single plant was raised, and first flowered in M. Maurice de Vilmorin's gardens at Les Barres in 1906 (see Gard. Chron., June 2, 1906, p. 346, fig. 138). In 1899 Mr. E. H. Wilson sent a large consignment of seeds to Messrs. James Veitch and Sons, from which thousands of plants were raised at the Coombe Wood nur- sery. Many of these plants are now grow- with a pyramidal habit. The inflorescence is supported on slender stalks and is remarkable for the two bracts (one larger than the other) which surround the small, dense heads of in- significant flowers. The largest bract is from 6 inches to 8 inches long, and from 3 inches to 3g inches broad, the smaller one 3 inches to 4 inches long and 2j inches broad. These at first are cream-coloured, but when fully developed become pure white. The leaves some- what resemble those of the common Lime and are from 5 inches to 6 inches long, 3 inches to 4 inches broad, dark green on the upper surface, and slightly glaucous beneath. The plant grows best in a well-drained, loamy soil, and is readily increased from cuttings made from half-ripened shoots. W. 2'., Kew. Fig. 14. — fine specimen of davidia involucrata in the Himalayan house, kew. ing out-of-doors in various partsi of the British Isles, and some are attaining the flower- ing stage. During the latter part of May a tree of this Davidia growing in the Himalayan House at Kew Gardens was in flower, there being about 200 inflorescences (see fig. 14). The snowy-white bracts mingled with the young, pale-green leaves gave the tree a striking and beautiful appear- ance. The tree was received as a small plant from Messrs. Vilmorin in 1901. It was planted out in a border and has grown to a height of 30 feet. It first flowered in 1913, when only one in- florescence was produced, but during May, 1914. there were seven flowers, resulting in the pro- duction of two fruits, which reached maturity early this year. Davidia involucrata forms a medium-sized, much-branched tree, from 30 feet to 50 feet high, THE MARKET FRUIT CARDEN. Drought in June, after one of the driest of springs, was damaging to fruit of all kinds, and particularly to Strawberries, Raspberries, and Currants. Before the 27th only 0.27in. of rain fell at my station, on two days, ami the only substantial fall, just half an inch, came on the 27th, followed by a trifle of 0.06in. up to the end of June. There were only five rain days, giving a total of 0.83in. for the. month. Straw- berries, which are grown by me, only for private use, were so dried up that there was not a gallon of fruit on two somewhat large beds, except what blackbirds got through the netting before the fruit was ripe. Raspberries, for the same reason, are very small, while half a considerable number •if canes planted last winter have been killed by the drought. Black Currants were stunted, so that the fruit is not nearly of the full size, and the yield is correspondingly small. The rain of the last week of June did some good, but there was not a quarter as much as was needed to get well down to the roots of fruit trees. Damage by the Aphis. Last month it was stated that the aphis attack on Apples was the worst and most general that I had ever seen ; but the signs of the damage inflicted became very much more striking to- wards the end of June. The species most in evidence was the rosy aphis, A. sorbi, nearly all of which have now Decome winged insects, and have migrated from the Apple trees. They have left behind great quantities of curled and withered leaves, twisted shoots, and hopelessly stunted and dirty fruit. At least half the crop on many varieties has been more or less spoilt by the pest, a large proportion having been entirely withered with the leaves surrounding the trusses. There will be such a crop of " scrumps," as was never seen before. In the worst cases the trees look as if a fire had cwept through the portions of the orchard in which they are growing. The heavy expense of spraying against the pest was mere waste of money, sprayed trees being now no better hi appearance than test trees left unsprayed. Trusses and shoots withered by brown rot, so far as they have not been cut off and burnt, add to the devastated appearance of the trees. By far the greatest damage is that which has been done to comparatively young trees, many of which have been so badly injured that the branches will need to be cut back nearly to the trunks next autumn, and even then, it is to be feared, not a few will be permanently crippled. Some young trees similarly at- tacked three years ago are mere dwarfs, and will never be of even fair size. Plums, which are bearing hardly any fruit, are almost free from the aphis, which has the habit of appearing where it can do the greatest damage. There is more of the pest on Black Currants than usual ; but it is a curious fact that the dark olive-green aphis which has infested my Boskoop Giants in previous seasons has not appeared this year. This species, which infests the stems just under terminal bunches of leaves, causing them to turn over in umbrella form, appeared to be a special pest of my own, as I have never seen or heard of it outside my orchards, and it is unknown to English entomologists. By the way, the woolly aphis, miscalled " American blight," which has been troublesome previously on only three or four varieties of Apples in my orchard, is more in evidence this season than it has ever been before. A Scab Season. Last month the extraordinary attacks of brown rot and powdery mildew on Apples were men- tioned. Now there is further to be noticed an exceptional prevalence of scab. As a rule, this highly injurious fungous disease has affected only a few of the varieties of Apples in my orchards, namely, Cox's Orange Pippin, Arlington Pip- pin, Lady Sudeley, Lord Grosvenor, Worcester Pearmain, Dumelow's Seedling and Duchess of Oldenburg. Irish Peach, the worst of sufferers, has been top-grafted with Bramley's Seedling. This season, for the first time, Beauty of Bath has been attacked by scab, many Apples being already badly cracked by the dis ease. The other varieties were sprayed with lime-sulphur, Duchess of Oldenburg, as the greatest sufferer usually, having been done twin. The spraying appears to have been beneficial, except to Cox's Orange Pippin and young Allingtons. It has caused i usseting of Cox's Orange Pippin, from which a control tree. . not sprayed, is quite free, and there is no scab on this tree. Young Allingtons have had their foliage scorched : but this is possibly due to the inclusion of some ammonia with the lime-sulphur, in the hope of killing aphis. There was only one quart of ammonia 44 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 17, 1915. to forty gallons of lime-sulphur wash, but pos- sibly this, combined with some of the sulphur, produced sulphate of ammonia, which certainly docs scorch foliage. Curiously enough, however, this combination has not harmed mature Ailing- tons, or mature. Coxes or Worcesters, young or old. In spite of the double spraying of Duchess of Oldenburg, there is much spotting of the fruit by scab. This variety is under sentence of top- grafting, where that operation has not already been carried out. Apple Thinning. There was more need even than there usually is for the thinning (which my workpeople curiously term " slightening ") of Apples this season. Great good was done by stripping the curled and aphis-infested leaves from off the clusters of fruit, as well as by taking off the Apples in- fested with saw-fly maggots, and the small and surface-eaten ones, and placing them in bags to be burnt. At the same time spurs and shoots affected by brown rot or powdery mildew were taken off the trees and placed in the bags. Most of the trusses had been so much weakened oy the aphis that the thinning had to be excep- tionally severe. My instructions to the women who have been, and still are, doing the work were to leave only one Apple out of a cluster on trees well set with fruit all over, never more than one out of a feeble lot, and not even one unless it was sound. On vigorous trees two Apples on a truss were allowed to remain, if they looked like coming to full size, and the crop not threatening to be too full, particularly in the case of dessert Apples, for which size is of less importance than it is for cookers. It is difh- •cult to induce the women to thin severely enough. They have not judgment enough to do more than follow definite instructions. If I did the work myself, I should take, off 'thousands of the small singles which they leave. Some varieties thin themselves, while in others the fruitlets stick on so tightly that they need to be cut off with scissors, to avoid the breaking off of whole trusses. In some of the worst cases of ■aphis infestation the trees were so much covered with the honeydew secreted by the insects that the women's dresses quickly became sticky and dirty all over. This has never happened before in my experience. Worcester Pearmain, Beauty -of Bath, Lady Sudeley, and Lane's Prince Albert were among the worst of the varieties in this connection. Apples That Thin Themselves. Varieties of Apples that thin themselves nearly or quite sufficiently include Charles Ross, Duchess of Oldenburg, Queen, Warner's King, Lord Derby, and Royal Jubilee. They might be benefited by a little manual assistance in the removal of superfluous fruit, but there are so many other varieties which need artificial thin- ning much more urgently that I usually leave them to thin their own fruit. Tile natural thin- ning consists, generally, in the pushing off of all hut the biggest of the Apples on a truss. Some of the varieties named do this more completely than others. The work takes a long time, and when the. cookers are left till the fruit is getting somewhat large, the best of the thinnings may be sold for enough money at least to pay the expense of the work. Crop Prospects. Deficiency in the cropping of Plums and Black Currants has been alluded to above. That of Pears is fair to good, and Cobnuts and Filberts promise well. Apples would have been at least an average crop in my orchards if it had not been for the aphis. As it is, my oldest trees, planted fifteen years ago, will yield well as a whole, although there will be an undue, propor- tion of " scrumps " on some of them. Wor- cester Pearmains were so badly punished by the aphis that there cannot be a fair yield of fruit of even moderate size. Varieties planted nine or ten years ago vary greatly. A few, including Bramley's Seedling, Lord Grosvenor, Golden Spire, Charles Ross, Duchess of Oldenburg, Royal Jubilee and Lord Derby are cropped fully, while Lane's Prince Albert has half a very full setting spoilt by the aphis. Cox's Orange Pippin, Allington Pippin^ Beauty of Bath, Early Julyan, Domino, and Warner's King are bearing partially and thinly, and Bis- marck and Gascoyne's Scarlet are almost devoid of fruit. Nearly all varieties planted six to seven years ago are either practically fruitless or very lightly cropped. Some of them blossomed but slightly, but more have had a fair setting spoilt more or less fully by the aphis. A Southern Grower. ANDROSACE BULLEYANA. This Chinese species (see fig. 13) is a biennial, forming the first year a rosette of sessile, spath- xilate leaves which, are glaucous and have ciliate margins. The second year the plant produces numerous scapes with umbels of cinnabar-red and vermilion coloured flowers. Mr. G. Forrest fonnd the plant growing wild in China on dry, rocky hillsides, on the descent from the Chung- tien plateau to the Yangtse valley, at an alti- tude of 10,000 feet, in north-western Yunnan. Androsace Bull ey ana is not an easy plant to HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (Ths Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Fremontia californica.— A plant of Fre- montia californica has flowered very freely in these gardens, the whole of the branches having been quite covered with the large yellow flowers. The specimen is eight yeaTs old, and occupies a very dry position at the foot of a south wall, and the growths cover a wall space of about 50 square feet. W. Anton, Pyrford Court Gardens, near Woking, Surrey. Cheiranthus Allionii.— Can any reader throw light on the origin of this plant? Its name does not appear in the Index Kewensis, but in the Kew Hand-list (1902) it is given as C. Allionii, Hort. Cheiranthus Allionii is being advertised as a " Siberian Wallflower." Is there any ground for this title? It appears to be identical with the plant I have known for the past 30 or- 40 years as C. Marshallii, which, however, is not the C. Marshallii, Stark, of the Index Kewensis, there referred to C. ochroleucus, a smaller plant with primrose- yellow instead of orange-coloured flowers. What- ever its origin, it is a most valuable plant for spring bedding, remaining in bloom long after the common Wallflowers, and, if possible, even more fragrant though with a quite distinct Fig. 15. — rose hedge FERDINAND COLOUR PINK WITH SILVER SHEEN. manage through the winter, and is liable to fail without apparent reason. It does not appear to be hardy, for while plants at Kew wintered well enough in boxes in a frame from which frost was excluded, others in pots in an ordinary cold frame suffered many casualties. The most suitable soil is well-drained loam. On investi- gating the plant in the Kew herbarium I failed to find any marked differences between A. Bul- leyana and A. coccinea Franchet ; the differ- ences, if any, are certainly insignificant. W. Irving. THE ROSARY. A BEAUTIFUL ROSE HEDGE. I enclose a photograph (see fig. 15) of a re- markably fine hedge of Rose (Conrad Ferdinand Meyer) in Dr. A. MacConkey's garden, Lister Lodge, Aldenham. I have admired this hedge for several years past ; when at its best it presents an appearance un- equalled by anything of its kind I have seen. The colour of the blooms is flesh-pink, and the flowers have a strong perfume. Those who contemplate planting a Rose hedge should con- sider the merits of this beautiful rugosa hybrid. Edwin Beehett. smell. It requires the same treatment as the common Wallflower. Alfred 0. Walker. Ulcombe, Kent. The Wall Rue. — Referring to my note on p. 21, on my return from the Holland Park Show I came across a decidedly unexpected Fern habitat. On the west side of the park are some new streets, in one of which half the length is occupied by large mansions, and on the rest are piles of builders' Tubbish of several years' standing. These are much overgrown, and among other plants I noted two or three large and healthy patches of Bracken (Pteris aqui- lina). Further, I learn from Mr. Doncaster, of Watkins and Doncaster, that many years ago he found roots of the Wall Rue (Asplenium ruta muraria) on Westminster Abbey. J. Edmund Clark. New Potatos.— The appeal by the Board of Agriculture, urging the public to refrain from consuming the new crop of Potatos while so large a stock of old Potatos remains available and in good condition for the table deserves the careful attention of everyone at the present moment. May I, however, remind your readers that the old Potatos on hand can also be put to another use ? In response to the advice given last August considerable quantities of new Potatos were then planted which gave excellent returns, and visitors to the Royal Horticultural July 17, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 45 Society's exhibition in November last saw splen- did examples of Potatos grown from tubers planted in August. But even better results can be assured if old Potatos are planted during the next four weeks. All that is needed is to choose the soundest tubers and either plant them at onee on any freshly-dug gTound or set them up on end for a fortnight to encourage "sprout- ing," and then plant. New Potatos in Novem- ber and December are always acceptable, and the addition to the national food supply would be veTy great if the present planting of old Potatos were generally adopted. Whether the public buy new Potatos now, or not, it is almost certain that gTowers who depend upon the early market for the remunerative prices obtained will still lift their crops, as in many cases the land thus cleared is wanted immediately for sowing some "catch crop," which in its turn helps to swell the national food supply. The public can- not be too often reminded that great additions to the food supply can be ensured by sowing in July and August many valuable vegetable crops, such as Cabbage, Carrot, Onion. Lettuce, Dwarf Beans, Globe Beet, Peas and Spinach. Arthur W. Sutton. The Sterility of Lilium candidum (p. 20). — In 1905 in a garden where the soil was rather poor and shallow (not more than a foot deep) on chalk Lilium candidum set seed fairly freely, but only from the flowers hand fertilised with pollen from other plants. Speaking from memory, at least half the flowers so fertilised set seed, but only one pod was large and full. The seed collected was good and aJbout 500 germinated. The border in which the plants were growing was not especially poor, and I thought possibly the great amount of lime in the soil was the condition favourable to seeding, as L. candidum was always very strong and healthy in that garden. A. J. Bliss. Experiments with Silver- Leaf.-Iii reply to M. (p. 11), the manures were sown on the surface ; ibut the land was hoed sooner or later afterwards. I have never tried the burying of sulphate of iron close to the roots of the trees. As a matter of fact, I had no expectation of any benefit from sulphate of iron because my soil and subsoil contain an excess of iron, my district being one in which iron was dug in past times for smelting. A Southern Grower. The Confessions of a Novice (see p. 3) — I have clumps growing here of Cottage and Darwin Tulips that have been unmolested for eight years and they still flower well. Clumps of Tulipa Gesneriana have been undisturbed twenty years and show no diminution of vigour in either growth or flower. A. N. raises an important point about the germination and growth of seedlings, especially when sown in the open. All too often gardeners sow first and water after, whereas they should reverse the order. Here is a good illustration. Take a bed of seedling Wallflowers sown in May or June, when the soil is too often quite dry ; the seed is sown on the dry soil and is covered with similar material. The seeds do not show signs of life for weeks. Watering is then started and the surface soil washed off, the result being a hard-baked surface with a few struggling plants around the edges of the bed where the water collected. The seedsman re- ceives a letter of complaint that the seed was bad ! The correct method is to break up the soil deeply, well soak it overnight and shade it on the next day to prevent the rapid evapora- tion of moisture by exposure to sun and air. As the soil becomes dry enough to avoid stickiness in working, make the surface fine, sow the seed thinly, and cover with soil of the same state of moisture. Shade the bed with mats or green boughs until the seedlings show through the surface, when the shading should be gradually removed. In this way good ger- mination will have been obtained without re- course to watering since sowing the seed, assum- ing, of course, that the seed is good. E. The apposite remarks on seed-sowing made by the writer of the article signed .'1. N. have set me thinking. Whilst I share his view that seed is often sown too thickly I am inclined to think that in some cases thick sowing has advantages. Thus it seemed to me whilst inspecting the Pea trials held at Wisley this year that the plants at the end of each row which had been thinned for purposes of detailed observation were, generally speaking, later than the more thickly sown plants which made up the rest of the row. It struck me that this is not in discord with expectation, and, if so, there is something to be said for thick sowing in certain cases, as, for instance, when earliness is required. E. A. Caterpillars and the Sparrow. — The real interest of Mr. J. C. Grimwood's notes (Vol. LVII., pp. 332 and 358) lies in the evidence, albeit circumstantial, I fear: that the sparrow is a foe to the brown-tail moth. The larvae of the latter aTe to be seen in thousands sometimes on bushes round the Essex coast, and as they possess severe urticating properties, it is comforting to know that any other bird than the cuckoo (which is well known as a de- stroyer of hairy larvae) is able to cope with them. It is a pity that Mt. Grimwood did not actually see' the sparrows feeding on the larvae, but I think there is some reason to attach credence to the suggestion that they did so, as I myself have similar circumstantial evidence that they will devour the larvae of the lackey moth and the gipsy moth. A nest of the former in my garden here some years ago was suddenly devastated, and I noticed a sparrow hovering about the spot, as if looking for more. I have bred thousands of larva-e of the gipsy moth and turned out many moths and larvae in the garden, but not one in a hundred ever arrived at the moth stage, so far as I could see, and I have strong suspicion that sparrows devoured the young larvae. As to Mr. Grimwood's suggestion that insecticides may be responsible for the death of insectivorous garden birds, I think this only too probable. We had a robins' nest in the garden here some years ago, in which the same pair of birds brought up three broods. The first and second came off safely, but the third all died without any apparent reason, the hen bird vanished, and the cock robin was very ill for some weeks. We managed to pull him through by feeding him on winged ants (from a nest in the garden) and mealworms, but I am practically certain that this family tragedy was due to the birds having obtained insects for their young from a tree or trees which had been sprayed with insecticides. We think the cock bird survived through having eaten less of the poisoned food than the hen. C. Nichol- son, F.E.S., Hole End. CUngford. SOCIETIES. THE HOLLAND HOUSE SHOW. (Concluded from p. 30.) Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: Mr. J. Cheal (in the chair), Messrs. W. Bates, G. Woodward, T. Coomber, J. Jaques, A. W. Metcalfe, J. Willard, F. Perkins, J. Basham, P. Veitch, E. A. Bunyard, F. Jordan, H. Markham, J. G. Weston, A. R. Allan, Owen Thomas, Geo. Keif, Horace Wright, and A. Bullock. Major Waldorf Astor, Cliveden, Bucking- hamshire (gr. Mr. W. Camm), exhibited many bunches of Black Hamburgh Grapes and Lord Napier Nectarines. (Large Silver Cup.) Mr, S. Mortimer, Farnham, had an imposing collection of Melon Sutton's Ringleader. All the fruits were of large size, well netted, and possessed the pleasing aroma that tells of good flavour. Mr. Mortimer staged several brace of the new Cucumber Mortimer's Rival, which we admired at the last Vincent Square Show, and also had many trusses and gathered fruits of a new Tomato named Tip Top. The latter is somewhat similar to Buck's Tresco in habit, but the fruits are darker in colour ; they are smooth, of useful medium size, and freely borne. (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal.) Lady Wernheu, Luton Hoo, Bedford (gr. Mr. Metcalfe), sent a collection of Peaches and Strawberries. A Silver Banksian Medal and Card of Cultural Commendation were awarded. Messrs. Laxton Bros., Bedford, showed a collection of late Strawberries in shallow baskets. These varieties were Laxton's Latest, Utility, and Givon's Late Prolific. Adjoining the Strawberries were sprays of Currants loaded with large fruits. The varieties were Laxton's Blacksmith, White Versaillaise and Laxton's Perfection, a splendid red variety. (Silver- gilt Banksian Medal.) Sir David Gooch, Bart., Hylands, Chelms- ford, exhibited a splendid collection of vege- tables, which displayed first-rate cultivation. (Silver Knightian Medal.) Messrs. Barr and Sons, Covent Garden, London, also had a collection of first-rate seasonable vegetables. (Silver-gilt Knightian Medal.) Horticultural Sundries. This section of the show seems to receive in- creasing support and appreciation. In the open the most important collection was the group of antique stone and lead figures, wrought iron gates, sun dials, etc., from Messrs. T. Crow- ther and Son, Fulham (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal). Mrs. B. Guinness, North Forest, Windsor Forest, sent some interesting nude studies of child figures in plaster for working in zinc and associating with formal gardening which were much admired. Mr. Herbert Jones, Horsecombe Quarries, Bath, showed some old- world stone garden ornaments and seats. With the shallow-bedded facing stone he also put up a pleasing, simple pergola, with round columns. The stone paving set off with crevice plants materially assisted the impression of per- manence that the exhibit gave. (Bronze Banksian Medal.) Insecticides, Sprayers, etc.— Messrs. F. A. White, Ltd., Paddock Wood, showed their Abol specialities. The special syringe with angled nozzle and drip protector is a particu- larly useful distributor of sprays for Rose growers and amateurs (Silver Banksian Medal). The Four Oaks Sprayinc Machine Co., Sutton Coldfield, had much of interest in their pneu- matic pumps, pail sprayers and undentable syringes (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. Pattison, Streatham, showed their lawn sprinklers (Silver Banksian Medal). A "cascade nozzle " attachable to watering-can spouts or hosepipes from Mr. Webster, Stock, Essex, seemed to have many uses, especially for rapid watering, and attracted considerable notice. Simplicity, adaptability and cheapness are all in its favour. These exhibits were out-of- doors. Under canvas were Mr. Percy Bun- yard's, Croydon, exhibit of fumigating and spraying compounds, etc. (Bronze Banksian Medal) : Messrs. Cooper and Nephews, Berk- hamsted, insecticides, weed killers, and sprays and svringes ; the insecticides and wTashes of Messrs. .Teyes', Cannon Street : the Gishurst compounds and preparations of Messrs. Price. Battersea, and Sanitas disinfecting powders from Messrs. Sanitas, Limehouse, E. Miscellaneous. — Messrs. Abbott, Southall, garden table trays, etc. (Silver Banksian Medal) : The Atlas Manufacturing Co., Wood- ford, flower presses; Messrs. Basttn, Queen Victoria. Street, patent sunshade holder and seats; The Cable Printing Co., garden books; The Garden City Trug, Fleet, Hants, patent trugs (Bronze Banksian Medal) ; Mr. Arthur Key, Norwich, lawn fertilisers; Mrs. Sophia Miller, Moyleen, confections (Silver Banksian Medal) ; Mr! A. B. Johnston, fibrous loam : Messrs. Oliver, Ltd., Old Bond Street, working gardening clothes ; Miss J. S. Turner, Arlesey. models of the Strathcona School of Gardening at Iver, Bucks ; Messrs. Truslove and Hanson. Sloane Street (Bronze Banksian Medal), and Messrs. Wesley and Son. Essex Street, garden . publications: Messrs. PaTTTSSON, Streatham, horse boots, etc ; Messrs, Westmacott, Smith African produce. Garden FutiNuriii-. Frames, and Glass. houses. — The Man-o'-War teak wood jtarden furniture, shown by Messrs, Castle, Millbank (Silver Banksian Medal), and llrcins, BOD Km- una CO., l'lvtli. is too well known and tried to ii. rd comment (Silver Banksian Modal). Messrs. Liberty, Regent street, showed p t Japanese work, in a. garden bouse, miniature gardens, dwarf trees, arden lanterns, and orna- 46 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 17, 1915. mental figures. This exhibit fouud many ad- mirers (Silver Banksian Medal). The Leyton Timbeh Co., Ltd., sent samples of their rustic garden furniture and summer houses (Silver Banksian Medal). Messrs. Maggs, Bristol, ex- hibited their garden seats, garden tents, etc. (Silver Banksian Medal). The patent safety ladders of Messrs. H. C. Philcox, Ltd., Brixton (Bronze Banksian Medal), The Patent Safety Ladder Co., Peterborough, and Mr. H. C. Slingsby, Old Street (Silver Banksian Medal), are useful garden items. Messrs. Crispin James and Sons, Bristol, showed model greenhouses and frames (Bronze Banksian Medal), and the useful Robin Hood sectional boiler was also shown here. Under canvas Messrs. Barr were exhibiting their miniature folding cloches and frames, useful contrivances for small batches of seedlings and cuttings or early salads (Silver Banksian Medal). Pictuhes, etc. — Under canvas the artistic section was well represented by the studies of gardens in oil and water colour. Miss E. M. Fraser, Queen's Gate, was given the highest award (Silver-gilt Banksian Medal). Miss H. M. Bulkley, Holland Villas Road, showed some charming work (Silver Banksian Medal^. Other contri- butors were Mrs. Heisch, Stanmore (Bronze Banksian Medal) ; Miss E. Lamont, Carlisle Place (Bronze Banksian Medal) ; Miss M. Linnell, Adelaide Road, N.W. (Bronze Bank- sian Medal) ; Mrs. Sophia Miller, Marlow (Bronze Banksian Medal) ; Miss PrLKTNGTON, Pembridge Gardens (Bronze Banksian Medal) ; Miss Randolph, Putney (Bronze Banksian Medal) ; and Miss E. Warrington, Streatham Common (Bronze Banksian Medal). NATIONAL SWEET PEA. July 13.— The development of the Sweet Pea . is one of the greatest triumphs of contemporary gardening, and at one time the flower seemed destined to hold a position in gardens second only to the Rose. The novelties forthcoming every season met with universal admiration, and the special society associated with the flower kept pace with its protege, each succeeding yeaT marking further success for both. It seemed as though the possibilities of the flower had no limit. But in recent year's the Sweet Pea has become a notoriously bad doer, and disappoint- ment has arisen which is due chiefly to the mys- terious complaint known as" streak." It is here that the National Society has the greatest oppor- tunity for effective work ; if this problem of how to grow Sweet Peas immune from streak were solved the flower would indeed gain in popular appreciation. In other directions the society is doing useful work. The trials are valuable, although even trials are not always conclusive, as has been pointed out on more than one occasion at the annual meetings, for varieties passed by the judges at the trials have asserted their superioritv when proved in gardens. The annual exhibition serves to bring before the public the best varieties, and stimulates interest in the cultivation of the flower. The fifteenth annual show, held on Tuesday last in the R.H.S. hall, was of average merit. The spacious hall was almost entirely filled with exhibits, making a display of colour of soft clear tones which few other flowers could rival. But there was something needed to afford relief to the brilliant flowers, such foils, for instance, as would be provided (by a few Palms or Ferns. The decorations on the balcony showed how much moTe atttractive Sweet Peas appear when suitable greenery is associated with them. The season has been a trying one for growers, and the recent gales in various parts were responsible for. some cancelling their entries at the last moment. But the show was favoured with excellent weather and the attendance was satisfactory. AWARDS Certificates of Merit. Virion/. — A fine, bold flower of pale lavender colour, with rosy-purple sheen. Shown by Mr. Robert Bolton. Dora. — A bicolor, with rosv-red standard and cream-coloured wings, which are faintly suf- fused with the colour of the broad upper petal. It is a garden, rather than a show, variety, for it has great decorative value. Shown by Messrs. Dobbie and Co. Tea Rose. — This appeared to be the best novelty, so far, of the season. The tone is cream-buff, a very delicate shade, suggestive of the name, and the whole flower had a silky appearance as if covered with a sheen. The reddish-brown stalks are an additional attrac- tion. Margaret Fife. — The standards are rosy- purple and the wings deep lavender, a pleasing contrast of colouring. These two were shown by Mr. A. Malcolm, Duns. Open Classes. The Classification Class was for 18 bunches, distinct, selected from the Society's classifica- tion list. Five competed. The 1st prize was awarded to flowers grown in Scotland, the suc- cessful exhibitor being Mr. J. Smellie, of Busby, near Glasgow. It was an easy win, and the ex- hibit was well staged. Outstanding varieties were Rosabelle, King Alfred, Margaret Atlee, R. F. Felton, Royal Purple, Dobbie's Cream, Hercules and King "Manoel; 2nd, Mr. William Bond, Formby, near Liverpool, and here Hercules, Lady Miller, Lady E. Eyre, Margaret Atlee and Barbara appeared to advantage; 3rd, Mr. H. Tysor, Bedford. Twelve bunches distinct. — This was a keenly contested class, the exhibits numbering eight. The 1st prize was awarded to F. W. Franks, Esq., Tonbridge, Kent (gr. Mr. W. Humphrey), for the varieties Barbara, New Marquis, John Ingman, Elfrida Pearson, Sunproof Crimson, Elsie Herbert, Lavender George Herbert, Her- cules, King Manoel, Mrs. Breadmore, Thos. Stevenson and Doris Usher; 2nd. Mrs. Arnold Hitchcock, Tiptree ; 3rd, Major Mellow, Goring-by-Sea, Sussex (gr. Mr. C. Alloway). There was another class for 12 bunches, in which the " E. W. King " Challenge Cup was offered. The varieties excluded those in com- merce before the autumn of 1914 or spring of 1915. Nine competed, and the best exhibit was staged by Mr. Robert Sandford, Mildenhall, Suffolk. 'This was a fine effort : the blooms were beautifully fresh and bright and arranged very daintily. The largest blooms were of Mrs. ( 'uthbertson, the expansive standard beautifully tinted with rose; Lavender Geo. Herbert, Juliet, Orange Perfection, R. F. Felton, Mrs. C. W. Breadmore and Hercules are others of specially fine quality. The 2nd prize was awarded to Mr. E. Broad, Trezunger, Fowev. for spikes of exceptional length in the stalk ana fine- quality flowers; 3rd, Major Lubbock. War- minster (gr. Mr. J. B. Lowe). " Burpee Cup." — There was only one exhibit in this class, and it was awarded the 1st prize. The exhibitor was Mrs. Baird, West Malvern (gr. Mr. J. W. James). The flowers were of good quality, but the general effect was not satisfying. The varieties were Mrs. Cuthbert- son, Barbara, Lavender Geo. Herbert, King White, King Manoel, Rosabelle, Mrs. Routzahn, Sunproof Crimson and other popular sorts. Seedlings. — Two classes were provided for seedlings, for three bunches and one bunch re- spectively. In the larger class one of the best exhibits was disqualified as contravening the conditions, and none of the others was con- sidered sufficiently meritorious for an award. In the class for one bunch, Dr. Hammond T. Hinton, Heptsburv, Wiltshire, was awarded the 1st prize for J. B. Lowe, a large bloom, tne broad standard being rosy-purple — approaching orange in the younger flowers, and Dale rose- pink wings, the colours contrasting well. District Classes. These numbered nine, one for growers in the London district, the radius being nine miles of Hyde Park Corner; one each for Scotland. Ireland and Wales ; and the remaining ones for the Northern, Western, Eastern. Midland and Southern counties of England. Only amateur growers were eligible to compete. Scotland con- tributed two exhibits, one being of special merit Seeing that the Sweet Pea season north of the Border is fullv a fortnight later than in the South, Scotland was in a measure handicapped. Ireland sent only one exhibit, but Irish-grown Sweet Peas have always held their own with the best from any part of the British Isles, and those staged worthily maintained that reputation. Wales always furnishes a redoubtable grower in Mr. Tom Jones, Ruabon, and he upheld the honour of the Principality in a manner worthy of a champion. There were two exhibits from Wales. But it was left for the Eastern and Southern counties to provide the best competi- tions, for each section was represented by seven collections from some of the besHoiown growers. As a guide to varieties best suited to the various areas, we give the names of those shown by the winners of the 1st prizes. London. — Mr. W. Raven, Wood Green, with Dobbie's Cream, Thos. Stevenson, Royal Purple, Princess Victoria, Sunproof Crimson. Hercules ; 2nd, Mr. R. Barker, Muswell Hill. Scotland. — 1st, Mr. James Ken, Stewarton, Ayrshire, for Rowena, R. F. Felton, Dobbie's Cream, Job Loader (resembles Maud Holmes), Edna May Improved and May Unwin. Ireland. — 1st, Mr. Edward Cowdy, Lough- gall, Co. Down, with Audrey Crier. King White. Marvel, Mr. C. W. Breadmore, Hercules, May Campbell, Elsie Herbert and Lavender Geo. Herbert. Wales.— 1st, Mr. Tom Jones, with Agricola, Lavender Geo. Herbert, Prince George, Dobbie's Orange, May Campbell, Duchess of Portland, Marks Tey, Mrs. C. W. Breadmore and Edrom Beauty ; 2nd, Mr. L. Well, Welshpool. Northern Counties.— 1st, Dr. Roy Appleton, Beverlev, East Yorkshire, with May Unwin, Mrs. Cuthbertson, Robt. Sydenham, Royal Purple. Pathfinder, Marks Tey, Elsie Herbert, R. F. Felton and Hercules ; 2nd, Mr. W. Bond, Formby. Western Counties. — The 1st prize blooms, shown bv W. Phild.', Esq., Astley, near Shrews- bury (gr. Mr. R. Goliath), were not surpassed by any in these sections. The spikes were extra long, the massive stems bearing blooms in proportion. The varieties were May Campbell. Mrs. Damerum, Elfrida Pearson, Thos. Steven- son, Duchess of Portland, Lavender Geo. Her- bert. Elsie Herbert, Marks Tey and Edna May Improved ; 2nd, Sir Randolf Baker. Eastern Counties— 1st, Maior E. W. Denny, Norwich (gr. Mr. Thos. Bethell). for the varieties Mrs. Hallam, May Unwin. Knyvet Wilson, Mts. Hallam, Mrs. House, King White, Sunproof Crimson, Rosabelle and King Manoel : 2nd, Mr. A. W. Ralph, Hempston, Bedfordshire. Midland Counties.— 1st, Mrs. Jessop, for Lady Evelvn Eyre. Norvic, Royal Purple, Bar- bara, Dorothy, Hercules, New Marquis and Audrey Crier; 2nd, Mr. F. Carter, Thorpe Mande'ville, Oxfordshire. Southern Counties.— 1st, Mr. McMurdie, Woburn Park. Wevbridge (gr. Mr. A. Basile), for R. F. Felton, Don Alva, Thos. Stevenson, Marks Tey, Rosabelle, Roval Purple. Florence Wright Spencer, Maud Holmes, Mrs. W. Breadmore and King Manoel ; 2nd, F. W. Franks, Esq., Tonbridge, Kent (gr. Mr. W. Humphrey). Amateurs' Classes. The " Blue Ribbon " of the show was the Henry Eckford Memorial Challenge Cup, and it was offered for 12 bunches, distinct, staged by an amateur. Nine competed, and Lord North, Wroxton Abbey, Banbury (gr. Mr. E. R. James), proved successful, but he had no easy win, for competition was keen, the quality" throughout being superb. Mr. W. H. Holloway, Post Hill, Shrewsbury, followed ; and Sir Randolf Baker, Bart.. M.P., Royston. Blandford (gr. Mr. A. E. Usher), was placed 3rd. Lord North's varieties were Rosabelle, Dobbie's Cream, E. Cowdy. Constance Hinton. Agricola, Marks Tey, Audrey Crier, Orange Perfection, R. F. Felton, King Manoel, Mav Unwin and Maud Holmes. All the spikes carried four large blooms, and it was difficult to know which to admire most, the delicate blush of Agricola, the clear pink Audrey Crier, or the deep orange-scarlet tone of E. Cowdy, whilst the paler Dobbie's Cream and the beautiful white Constance Hinton were superb. Mr. Holloway showed Lavender George Herbert, Elfridn Pearson. Hercules. Edrom Beauty and May Campbell superbly; whilst Sir Randolf July 17, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 47 Baker's vases of Audrey Crier, Marks Tey, Agricola and Don Alva were equally fine. The "Sutton" Cup was offered for the best exhibit of 18 bunches, distinct, and with it went the Gold Medal of the Society. Three -competed, and Lord North again excelled, winning easily with superb blooms of Her- cules, Kosabelle, White Queen, Margaret Atlee, Maud Holmes, Dobbie's Cream, Edrom Beauty, Agricola, Helen Williams, May Unwin, Prince Victor, Kobert Sydenham, Royal Purple (a very ■distinct shade and beautiful in every respect), Barbara, Dorothy, King Manoel, Mrs. Jessop and Marks Tey ; 2nd, Sir Randolf Baker; 3rd, L. Cookson, Esq., Wem, Shropshire (gr. Mr. G. E. Kitchen). Prizes were offered in a class for 6 bunches of varieties introduced into commerce during the autumn of 1914 or spring, 1915. This class brought four exhibits, and the best was shown by Sir Randolf Baker, who had massive spikes of Austin Frederick (lavender, with purple flush), Mrs. Damerum (cream), Alfred Watkins (lavender), Royal Purple, Norvic (white) and Pathfinder (salmon-rose) ; 2nd, Mr. T. Jones, Bryn Penylon, Ruabon, with taller spikes but smaller flowers, his Duchess of Portland (cream, suffused pale pink), Don Alva (lavender, with purple sheen) and Edward Cowdy (orange- scarlet) being the best ; 3rd, Mr. L. Webb, Welshpool, in whose exhibit Royal Purple and Marvel (blush) were uncommonly good. The Bide Challenge Cup was offered for 12 varieties, distinct, open only to those who employ one gardener. It was won by Mr. F. A. Bishop, Windsor, for good blooms of Agricola, Mrs. Cuthbertson, R. F. Felton, Marks Tey, Audrey Crier and others ; 2nd, Mr. C. Hopton, Greenford. The " Perkin " Challenge Cup for 9 bunches, distinct, was won by Mr. W. Fowler, Mill Hill, London, and the Breadmore Challenge Cup for 6 bunches, distinct, by Mr. Phillips, Shrews- bury. In the class for 3 bunches, distinct, the 1st prize was awarded to Mr. W. Philip for splendid blooms of Dobbie's Cream, Hercules and New Marquis. Three competed in the class for 12 bunches, distinct, the 1st prize being the New Hawlmark Challenge Cup and the Society's Gold Medal. Much the best exhibit of three was shown by Mr. Jones, Ruabon, his flowers of Dorothy, Melba, Agricola, Rosabelle, New Marquis, Mrs. Damerum and Elsie Herbert being magnificent ; 2nd, Mr. E. Daniels, Greenford Green. In the smaller amateurs' classes, Mr. C. R. Jaggs, Hertford Heath, won the challenge cup in the class for 12 bunches, distinct ; Mr. E. Willis, Swindon, the Walter Voss Cup for 6 bunches, distinct; Mr. W. T. James, Bedford, excelled in the classes for (a) 6 bunches, dis- tinct, of new varieties, and (b) 3 bunches, dis- tinct ; Mr. McKerrel was placed 1st in the class for 3 bunches ; Mr. Allen, Formby, for 2 bunches; and Mr. J. B. Robinson, Great Bar- ford, Sandy, for a vase of mixed varieties. Decorative Classes. The decorated tables were very dainty and much prettier than when large, oblong tables were-employed. They were round tables, 3 feet in diameter. The 1st prize was awarded to Mrs. Robinson, Carshalton, who employed a mixture of about three sorts, apparently E. Cowdy, Melba and Duchess of Portland, with suitable greenery. Mrs. A. G. Gentle, Little Gad- desden, Berkshire, showed the best epergne of Sweet Peas, arranging Dobbie's Cream with feathery grasses, Asparagus plumosus and light fronds of Adiantum Fern. The 1st prize for a vase of Sweet Peas was won by Mrs. M. Hol loway, Shrewsbury. NON-COMPETITIVE EXHIBITS. The following awards were made for collec- tions : — Large Gold Medals to Messrs. Dobbie and Co., Edinburgh, and Mr. R. Bolton, Carnforth. Iluhl Mrilals to Messrs. E. W. King and Co., Coggeshall, Messrs. Alex. Dickson and Sons, Ltd., Belfast, and Messrs. S. Bide and Sons, Farnham. Large Silver-gilt Medals to Messrs. Jarman and Co., Chard, and J. Stevenson, Wimborne. Silver Medals to Messrs. Robert Sydenham, Ltd., Birmingham, Mr. J. Box, Haywards Heath, and H. J. Damerum, Hayling Island. SOUTHAMPTON ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. June 30. — The annual Rose show of the Southampton Royal Horticultural Society was held on this date in the grounds of South Stone- ham House, the residence of Ellen Lady Swaythling. Exhibits were numerous and the show proved successful. Ten classes were open to all competitors, the most important one being for 48 varieties, distinct, in which four com- peted. Messrs. D. Prior and Son, Colchester, won the 1st prize, and the following is a selec- tion of the varieties shown by this firm : Mme. Melanie Soupert, Lady Ashtown, Mme. Jules Gravereaux, E. Mawley, Mil- dred Grant, Bessie Brown, Mrs. Welch, Dean Hole, Mrs. A. Carnegie, Snow Queen, Mrs. Dudley Cross, MrB. Foley Hobbs, White M. Cochet, Avoca and Joseph Hill ; 2nd, Mr. G. Prince, Longworth, Berkshire, with smaller blooms ; 3rd, Mr. H. Richards, Hook Park Nur- series, Warsash. For 12 varieties, shown in trebles, Mr. G. Prince was placed. 1st, the varieties Mme. T. Roosevelt, Edgar Burnett, J. B. Clark, Mrs. Foley Hobbs, Mildred Grant and Mme. Jules Gravereaux being conspicuous; 2nd, Messrs. Jarman and Co., Chard. Mr. Prince won the 1st prize in the class for 12 Tea or Noisette varieties among fouT entrants with good blooms of Marechal Niel, Nita Weldon, Mme. C. Gravereaux, Mrs. Camp- bell Hall, Mrs. E. Mawley and Mrs. F. Hobbs : 2nd, Messrs. D. Prior and Sons. For 6 blooms of a red or pink variety Mr. Elisha Hicks se- cured the leading award with the variety Mrs. G. Norwood ; Messrs. D. Prior and Sons, who showed Mildred Grant, followed. The new H. P. Candeur Lyonnaise won foT Mr. Hicks the premier place for 6 blooms of a white or yellow variety. This pure white variety re- sembles Mr. A. Carnegie in shape and is a fine Rose in every respect ; 2nd, Mr. T. C. W. Dixon, Southampton, with Mildred Grant. Exhibits of garden Roses were not numerous. For 12 vases distinct (not more than 4 climb- ing varieties), Mr. Hicks was placed 1st, the new single Princess Mary, Mrs. H. Stevens, Irish Fireflame, Rayon d'Or, Mrs. E. Alford and Joseph Liger were all excellent ; 2nd, H. Myers, Esq., Swanmore House, Bishop's Waltham (gr. Mr. G. Ellwood). Mr. Hicks excelled in the class for 3 baskets of Roses ,with delightful blooms of Lady Hill- ingdon, Lady Pirrie and Mrs. E. Alford ; 2nd, Mr. G. Prince. Mrs. C. J. Flight, .South Down House, Shaw- ford, won the 1st prize for a decorated dinner table with a cheery arrangement of Francois Juranville ; Mrs. E. Ladhams, Shirley, was placed 2nd for a table decorated with blooms of Mme. Ravary. Mrs. Flight had the best vase of Roses, employing the variety Rosette de la Legion d'Honneur. Amateurs showed well and numerously. For 18 blooms, distinct, Dr. Seaton, Woodside Cot- tage, Lymington, secured the Challenge Cup offered in this class for fine blooms of such varieties as Florence Pemberton, Snow Queen, Mrs. A. R. Welch and Dean Hole ; 2nd, Mr. C. J. Flight. Dr. Seaton also won in the classes for (a) 6 triplets, (b) 12 Tea or Noisette and (c) for 12 blooms, distinct. Mr. Myers won the premier award in the class for 6 garden varieties (not more than two climbers) with a good exhibit. In a similar class to fill a space 4 feet by 3 feet, Mrs. H. E. Molyneux, Brant- wood, Southampton, won easily with a charming display; Tausendschon, Francois Juranville and Goldfinch were delightfully displayed ; 2nd, Mr. Myers. In the classes for growers of few plants, Mr. Allan Searle, Ashburton Lodge, Bassett, won several 1st prizes with excellent blooms, and others who were successful were : — Mr. A. F. Tofield, Holmesdale, Chandlersford ; Mr. T. Horrs, I.ynton. Winches! er I'ua.i, Shirley, and Mr. N. DeSBOROUOH. The premier bloom in the open classes was a specimen of Candeur Lyonnaise, shown by Mr. E. Hicks. In the amateur section Dr. Seaton showed the best bloom in Florence Pemberton. Sweet Peas were a feature of the show. Messrs. Toogood and Sons, Southampton, offered prizes for 6 bunches. Sir Randolf Baker, Bart, Ranston, Blandford, won the 1st prize with splendid blooms. GLOUCESTERSHIRE ROSE AND SWEET PEA. July 6. — In spite of the recent heavy rains, which have wrought havoc to the flower gardens and fruit trees in this district, there was a beautiful display of Roses and Sweet Peas at the Annual Exhibition of the above society, held on the Spa Cricket Field, Gloucester. From the point of view of entries the show was the most successful held for some years past, in fact a record was established in the entries for Sweet Peas, which numbered 198, against 105 last year. The entries in the Rose section numbered 120, against 106 at the pre- vious show. The nurserymen's classes were well represented. The nurserymen's exhibits of decorative Roses, staged for effect, were par- ticularly fine, the 1st prize being awarded to Messrs. John Jefferies and Son, Cirencester, John Mattock being placed 2nd. Messrs. D. Prior and Son carried off the premier award for 48 varieties, with Mr. John Mattock 2nd, and King's Acre Nurseries 3rd. Lady Holford's Silver Challenge Cup offered in the open amateur class for 24 varieties was won by Mr. W. Jarratt Thorpe, of Hucclecote, Gloucester, who also won outright the Silver Challenge Cup offered by Mr. Conway Jones (Hucclecote) for 12 varieties in the Gloucester- shire amateur class. Messrs. John Jefferies and Son's Silver Challenge Cup in the Gloucester- shire amateur section, for Teas or Noisettes, was won outright by Mr. G. R. Bonnor, of Hucclecote. The President's (Mr. G. D. Timmis) Cup, for the county and city sections, went to Mr. Conway Jones. The Silver Chal- lenge Cup presented by the Mayor and members of the Corporation, for Gloucester city amateurs, was awarded to Mr. B. W. Price. The National Society's Silver Medals for best blooms in the show were awarded to Mr. W. J. Thorpe, for Mabel Drew ; Mr. J. G. Orpin, Gloucester, for George Dickson ; and Mr. J. H. Jones, Tewkesbury, for Dean Bble. The Sweet Peas were the largest and finest collection ever seen at a Gloucester show. Mr. W. H. Holloway, of Shrewsbury, won the Silver Challenge Cup for 24 distinct varieties, and the National Sweet Pea Society's Medal for the best vase of Sweet Peas in the show with Hercules. Sir Randolf Baker, Bart., M.P., was placed 2nd. Other Silver Cup winners were Mr. E. Harwood, Farmhill Park Gardens, Stroud, and Mr. C. E. Remes, Stonehouse. SALTAIRE rose. July 7.— The 13th Annual Show of the Sal- taire Rose Society was held on this date in the Saltaire Park. The whole of the proceeds of the show were devoted to the War Relief Funds, and- an auction sale of the flowers was conducted, when Messrs. Frank Cant's exhibit of 50 blooms realised the sum of £25; other exhibits realising the sums of £5, £3. and £1. In the class for cut Roses, 7 distinct varieties, and for 12 new Roses, Messrs. D. Prior and Son, Colchester, were placed 1st ; 2nd, Messrs. Chaplin Bros., Waltham Cross. For 16 varie- ties and for 24 varieties Messrs. F. Cant and Co., Colchester, were placed 1st : 2nd, Messrs. D. Prior and Son. Messrs. Chaplin Bros., Waltham Cross, won the Silver Rose Bowl and the society's Silver Medal for 5 baskets of R '>rs in 5 varieties: 2nd, Messrs. W. and J. Brown, Peterborough. .Messrs. D. Prior and Son were placed 1st in the class for one basket of any one Light Rose, exhibition variety, the 2nd place being taken by Messrs. 1\. Harkness and Co. In a similar class for a dark Rose, 1st. Messrs. Cummin linos.: 2nd. Messrs. W. AND J. Brown. In the class open to all amateurs, W. Sunder- land, Driffield, won the Silver Rose Bowl for 18 cut blooms of distinct varieties, and was placed Is! fur 12 cut Roses. 48 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 17, 1915. In the Sweet Pea classes the best exhibit of 18 bunches, distinct varieties, was shown by Lord North, Banbury, who also excelled in the class for 12 bunches, distinct. Wnsfm "ormpondsnU PENARTH ROSE. July 7. — The seventh annual show of the Penarth Eose Society was held at the Windsor Gardens, Penarth, on this date. No prizes were awarded this year, the proceeds of the show being divided among the Red Cross Society, Order of St. John of Jerusalem Hospital, and the Ladies' Work Societies, Penarth. The exhibition was a small one, but there were some attractive features. Mr. Reginald Coky, Duffryn, sent a very fine exhibit of Ramble" Roses, which were arranged at the entrance of the marquee. Mrs. Jenner, Wenvoe Castle, staged a collection of Sweet Peas. A miscel- laneous group was shown by Mr. Thomas Morel, and Gloxinias and Begonias were the outstanding features of a group staged by Mr. J. W. Pynman, J.P. In the competitive classes Mr. H. Hand was the most successful exhibitor, being placed 1st four times and 2nd twice. James H. McKay. -The death of Mr. James H. McKay, florist, of Philadelphia, is an- nounced in the American Press. Mr. McKay was a native of Scotland ; he settled in America over 30 years ago, and was 51 years of age. His death was due to drowning at Atlantic City on the 20th nit., when seven other bathers lost their lives. LAW NOTE. GARDENER A MALE SERVANT. At the Reading Court recently a defendant was prosecuted by the Inland Revenue authorities for keeping a male servant (a gardener) without a licence. Mr. C. G. Chambers represented the Inland Revenue authorities, and Mr. R. Rowland Kent defended. David Hatt, of Mortimer, said that for two years he was employed by Mr. Bate- man at a wage of 18s. per week and cottage. (He had since been dismissed.) His duties were to look after the garden ; although Mr. Bateman kept a cow he did not have to milk or look after it, and he had only done occasional jobs of paint- ing and wood-chopping. He was permanently engaged, and did no other work for any other person. In cross-eptamination Hatt denied that a great part of his time was occupied at wood- cutting, and that a jobbing gardener named Vass was engaged to do the gardening at any time while he was employed there. P.S. Taylor, of Mortimer, said that he had seen Hatt em- ployed in gardening, but never engaged in other work, and P.C. Jeffcott, also of Mortimer, said he had seen Hatt mainly employed in the gar- den. Mr. Bateman said that he employed Hatt as a general labourer, not as a gardener, and that the real gardener was Mr. Vass, and any work Hatt did in the garden was under super- vision. Hatt was a painter by trade, and he had no proper knowledge of gardening, and was engaged out of charity, being without work at the time. The Bench ruled that Hatt was a gardener, and imposed a fine of 10s., granting 4s. 6d. costs to Hatt, who was a subpoenaed witness, and ordered the defendant to take out a licence. Mr. Kent said that the defendant had not broken the law intentionally. He was under a misapprehension. The Bench said they had taken this into account, and that they had powers to impose a fine of £20. Balsams and Asters Dying : Eev. S. H. S. The Balsams are destroyed at the roots by eel- worms and the Aster is injured by the fungus Thielavia basicola. In both cases the soil m which the plants have been grown should be sterilised. Books : /. D. A. E. Your volumes of The Florist are very incomplete. A complete set dates from 1848 to 1884. The other works you mention are not valuable. The approxi- mate worth of Horhis Britannicus, 1830, is 2s. or 3s. The edition of 1836 of London's Ency- clopaedia of .Plants is priced in a bookseller's catalogue at 7s. 6d., and that published in 1829 at 5s. We cannot find any reference to the price of Green's Herbal, but Scott's Orchardist is priced at 3s. Figs Not Ripening Satisfactorily : Perplexed. It is more likely that a check has been suffered than that a disease is present. Ventilate the house freely, and warm the atmosphere by means of the water pipes. Less moisture at the roots is advisable. The seeds of the fruit do not appear to be fully developed. Stop the leading growths of the trees, if this has not been done already. Melon Plants Dying : /. IF. B. The plants are injured by Melon leaf spot, Cercospora melonis. Every diseased leaf should be burnt so soon as the malady is detected, treating the whole plant in the same manner if the attack is severe. Spray the plants at intervals of four days with a solution of liver of sulphur, 1 ounce in six gallons of water. Names of Plants : John Mann. Phillyrea media var. oleaefolia. The plant may be pro- pagated by layering or by cuttings inserted in September. — G. C. U. 1, Too withered to identify; 2, Syringa Emodi; 3, Gaultheria Shallon ; 4, Genista hispanica ; 5, Symphori- carpus racemosus ; 6. Ulmus viminalis var. variegata ; 7, Acer platanoides var. cuculla- tum; 8, Broussonetia papyrif era ; 9, Lirio- dendron tulipif era ; 10, Ribes sanguineum ; 11, Populus balsamifera; 12. Berberis vul- garis var. — W. S. L. Gilia micrantha, a Cali- fomian annual. — S. G. II". Phallus impudicus, Stinkhorn. — R. G. H. 1, Pyrethrum par- thenium 9. pi. ; 2, Nepeta Mussinii ; 3. Col- lomia coccinea ; 4, Muscari comosum ; 5, Echornia (Pontederia) crassipes ; 6, Poly- gonum species ; 7, Ophiopogon Jaburan variegata ; 8. Selaginella Wildenovii. — T. S. We do not recognise the variety of Rose.- /. P. Anxious. Euphorbia splendens ; not a Cactus, but a member of the Euphorbiaceae. — F. II. A". Ceanothus azureus. — H. G. S. EciTemocarpus scaber. Peaches and Nectarines Dropping : M. J. The dropping of the fruit, when small, is probably due to imperfect pollination. It is also possible that too many of the fruits have been left to stone, and this would cause them to drop when about the size of Walnuts. Absence of lime in the soil would aggravate the trouble. Pelargonium : E. S. Pelargonium cuttings should be struck in the pots in which they are to remain . throughout the winter. If lifted from the open ground when potting in autumn the check would be too great. Primulas : Dorset Gardener. P. sikkimensis and P. secundiflora are best raised annually from seed for flowering in the following year. As a rule the plants die after flowering, and even if they survive the winter, old plants are never so strong as young ones. P. involucrata is a better perennial, and usually grows well in a moist, shady place. P. vittata or P. Wilsonii, as it should be called, is also of a biennial character. Propagation of Phlox setacea and Other Plants : X. Y. Z. The present is a suitable time to propagate, by cuttings, most of the plants you name. In the case of Phlox setacea and Lithospermum prostratum, cuttings of soft wood with small heels may be selected, but the heel is not essential. Insert the shoots in sandy soil and keep them moist in a close frame until they are rooted. Androsace lanuginosa is more easy to pro- pagate. The rosettes produced at the end of the stolons may be pegged down firmly where they are growing, when they will soon make Toots and be ready for potting early in the autumn. Instead of a frame bell-glasses may be used, but the glass must be kept shaded. Rose Sport : J. B. The variety may be a sport of Lady Barham, but it possesses no special merit, being devoid of good form and dis- tinctive colouring. Rose Trees Unhealthy : T. The leaves are in- jured by the black spot fungus, which is very common, but beyond disfiguring the foliage it does not appear to cause much harm to the plants. Spray the plants at intervals with liver of sulphur. Souvenir de la Malmaison Carnations : W. S. It is not necessary to stop " Malmaison "" Carnations. For this season's layers use 5-inoh pots, and let them remain in this size for the winter. The plants will throw one floweT each next May, and make natural breaks varying from six to eight shoots. Next June pot them into 8-inch pots and cultivate in a cool house. Sweet Pea Buds Dropping : J. M. The trouble may be due to one of several causes, but most generally it is caused by a check at the roots. Feeding the roots before the plants come into bloom, thus causing very rapid and soft growth, usually re- sults in bud dropping. The roots getting into a layer of rich manure, especially during a wet period, has the same effect. Another cause is rapid changes in the temperature. Plants growing in a semi-shady position will often drop their buds more or less the whole season. During the past two or three weeks there has been much trouble with bud dropping all over the country, this being distinctly traceable to the very cold nights at the end* of the third week in June ; some varieties are more susceptible to the complaint than others. If the ground in which the Peas are planted was trenched, and at the time of trenching manure incorporated thoroughly with the soil (instead of being placed in layers, as it often is), and no feeding and watering in- dulged in until the first two or three sets of flowers open, then there would not be the same predisposition to bud dropping. When a narrow trench is filled with rich manure and soil, and the plants placed in or on this, bud dropping is bound to result, as during wet weather practically all the moisture drains into the trench and the roots get into a sickly condition. Tomato Leaves and Carrots Diseased : /. P. Anxious. The Tomatos are affected with disease ; spray the plants with a fungicide, such as the Bordeaux mixture or liver of sul- phur. The Carrots were too withered to de- termine the trouble. From their appearance we suspect the Carrot fly is responsible. We do not recognise the manures. Tomato Plants Diseased : T. N. Mosaic disease is present, which is of a physiological nature, no fungus or insect being concerned. Before planting Tomatos again dress the soil with equal quantities of soot and lime. Communications Received.— H. G. S. (Llandudno) — Polo— G. H.— E. A. B.— W. G. I.— J. J. & Son— C. N.— Oheshunt— Shrub— J. H. R.— H. S— \V. S. L.— G. B — J. W B — X. Y. Z — K.-J. M.— J. A. F.— Sir H. M.— D. G. P.— A. J. B.— A. VV. S.-F. P.— J. H — J E. O.— T. H. W.— P. A.— W. E.— T. S.— H. T.— F. B— H. B.— W. C. W.— W. A— A. B. J— M. J. W — G. F— M. T— A. G.— E. M. H.— P. B.— Miss M. T. SI. — W. R— A. M.-E. S.-T. S. L.— F. B— W. H. W.— E. A.— E. P.— W. L— Berk.— II. C. (Spiraeas next week). July 24, 1915] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 49 THE (Baxbttms €t}vimith Xo. 1,491.— SATURDAY, JULY $4, 1915. CONTENTS. Agricultural labour .. 53 Antirrhinums for bedding 55 Bowiea volubili* .. ..50 Bracke;i hurst, Pembury 50 Brambles and Roses in the Orchard . . . . 55 Church Army gardens . . 53 Cuckoo Spit, the .. ..55 Diploma in Horticulture 52 Elodea canadensis .. 55 Flowers in season . . ...51 Friends in deed . . . . 53 Fruit crops, condition of the . 52, i.-viii. Land settlement for sailors 'and soldiers, committee on ... . . 53 Obituary - Mackenzie, Alex. D. .. 58 "Pour nos amis francais et beiges" Roses, American Pillar, Blush Rambler and Mrs. ¥. W. Flight .. Sainte-Baume mountains, flora of the Societies — Glasgow and West of Scotland Horticultural Natio ial Sweet Pea . . Royal Horticultural . . Vegetables — Cucumber Every Day . . Peas, early War items Week's work, the. . Wimbledon, new public park for ILLUSTRATIONS. Bulbophyllum Balfouriamim . . .. Charcoal burners' camp on the Col de Bertagne .. Col de Bertagne, view of the Gooseberry Whinham's Industry Roses in Chalkwell Hall Park, Westcliff. (Supplementary Illustration). Sweet Pea Society's Outing at Marks Tey. (viii. Supp,). THE CHAIN OF SAINTE-BAUME. THIS remarkably picturesque range of car- boniferous limestone, lying east and west at the back of Toulon and Marseilles, has already been referred to in these columns {Gard. Ohron., July and August, 1912) by Mr. Tansley in his paper on " The Forests of Provence." The famous Forest of Sainte-Baume is without doubt one of the most interesting forests of mixed timber trees in Europe. It is, however, the flowering plants in general which I desire to draw attention to in this article, for rarely have I made a botanical excursion into so interesting a country, and perhaps never with such varied results and pleasant surprises. It was on June 5, 1913, that I left the still enchanting littoral of the Var and took the diligence from the market town of Aubagne, just east of Marseilles, to the village of Gemenos, at the foot of the mountains. On this alluvial plain, so near the sea, the blue spikes of Salvia pratensis and of a Comfrey, probably Symphytum mediterra- neum*. were noticeable from the carriage, as were yellow masses of Isatis tinctoria, near the saw-mill above Gemenos. From the mill a shady path through a remarkable grove of Judas- tree (Cercis Siliuastrum) and Holm Oak (Q. Ilex) rejoins the road at a massive bridge over the stream. At first Aleppo Pines are dominant, but the Pine woods gradually pass into garigue, the Provencal name for the shrub association of the limestone hillsides. Mixed with the Pines the following Mediterranean plants are much in evidence — namely, Rhus Cotinus, with its com- pound panicles of feathery fruits, and its close ally Pistacia Terebinthus. Ulex parviflorus, Spartium junceum, Coronilla juncea, Quercus coccifera, Cistus albidus, Rosa sempervirens, Teucrium Polium, Asphyllanthes monspeliensis, with its leaves reduced to scaly sheaths at the foot of the stem, and occasional plants of Anarrhinum bellidifolium, with its long, delicate Bpikes of pale blue flowers. But the most beautiful object was the porcelain-blue Linum narbonense, whose petals are shortly apiculate and the blossoms an inch in diameter. In other places the colour of this Flax is usually deeper. At about 1,200 feet the road suddenly opens upon a magnificent panorama (fig. 16). A • This is recorded from Auhngne by Mr. BllCkn&lI in Ills recent excellent monograph of Symphytum. deep valley, covered with shrubs and occasional Pines, is backed by steep cliffs on the east, while above the Col de Bertagne, on the horizon which we are making for, rises a bare limestone peak of considerable boldness. On the steep hillside, above and below the well-engineered road, some interesting plants arrest the attention. Colutea arborescens, with its great inflated capsules, on these sun-baked slopes. Here also was a large clump of Reseda lutea with remarkably small flowers and fruits in particularly narrow spikes. Leaving the road, and after a hot and tiring scramble through tall, entangled masses cf rnaquis, I found myself, at about 2,000 feet, within the precincts of a charcoal-burner or Fig. 16. — view of the col de bertagne. [Photograph by H. S. Thompson. sometimes planted on railway banks and in London gardens ; the shrubby Bupleurum fruti- cosum, the brilliant great Pea (Lathyrus lati- folius) of our cottage gardens, together with Saponaria ocymoides, Astragalus monspeliensis and Coris monspeliensis, which, like the Tree- heath, remains so long in the bud stage. The well-known feather grass (Stipa pennata), so charbonnier, who, with his wife, had pitched his tent in the shadow of a fine Aleppo Pine over- looking the wooded valley (fig. 17). It appears that Holm Oak and Q. pubescens are chiefly used for charcoal, and that five kilos of Oak make about one kilo of charcoal after slowly burning eight to ten days in an Oak fire. This hospitable couple get ten francs for five kilos [Photograph hi/ II. S. Thi Fig. 17.— charcoal-burners 2,000 feet up the col de bebtagne. often seen in the hats of Austrian guides and also in those of smart ladies in London, comes down to this level ; for, of course, it is by no means confined to the Alps ; but it is in- teresting to see it disputing the arid ground with Rosemary, the curious Leuzca conifera, Cephalanthera rubra, Quercus pubescens, Anthyllis Vubieraria, both white and red, Pyrethrum corymbosum, the handsome Antirr- hinum latifolium and Dorycnium suffruticosum of charcoal on the spot, or fifteen francs delivered in the village of Gemenos. Passing through a somewhat level stretch of broken ground, the vegetation comprises such things as Convolvulus lanuginosus, Silene macropetala, the handsome blue Vicia ono- brychioidcs, Heliauthomum vulgare in variety, H. polifolium, Cistus albidus var. alba, Rumcx intermedius, Orobanche rubra, O. crucnta, Genista argentea, G. hispanica, Jasminum, 50 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 24, 1915. Thapsia villosa, Bartsia latifolia, Allium roseum, Potentilla hirta, L., Limodorum abortivum, Juniperus Oxyeedrus, whose young leaves are bright green, and Erysimum longifolium var. squarrosum. Then the narrow path skirts along a steepish scree, and small trees of Acer monspessulanum appear, together with the blue Catananche coerulea, Epipactis atrorubens and Genista; Lobelii, which forms thick-set prickly mats so strong as to almost bear the weight of •a man. Another characteristic plant is Teucrium aureum (T. Polium sub. sp. luteum Briquet). It is less than a foot high, but ligneous at the base, and covered with soft down, bright yellow at the summit. The leaves are white felted on both sides, and the flowers are in a globular head of a golden colour. Several uncommon and very minute species can be seen on these lime- atone screes, such as Galium vertieillatum, Arenaria capitata, Alsine rostrata, Orlaya platy- carpos, only 3 inches high, and Clypeola Jonth- laspi var. lapidicola. Before reaching the Col I noticed Anthericum Liliago, Veronica Teucrium, Linum salsoloides (flowers white, with violet base outside), and a stunted PinuB sylvestris, which tree here meets the Aleppo Pines of the coast. The Col de Bertagne is just under 3,000 feet above the sea; and on a grassy plateau was a variety of Veronica Teucrium with pale pink flowers and rose-coloured stamens. Though colour-forms of Veronica are not uncommon, this form of V. Teucrium I had not heard of before. A deep blue, shrubby Gromwell now caught my eye, and I vainly hoped that Litho- spermum prostratum of Western France had got established in a new district ; but the Gromwell of these high ridges of Ste. Baume is L. fruti- cosum, a very similar under-shrub. The Col is, for the most part, a stony limestone plateau, leading gently down towards the village of Plan d'Aups, where are several small hotels a few miles nearer than the famous Hotelerie at the further end of the plain. The vegetation of the Pass is very interesting, and especially noteworthy for small, prickly under-shrubs and greyish plants, simulating the broken limestone upon which they grow. Santolina incana, Teu- crium luteum, and Achillea tomentosa are three of the most abundant; and there are glaucous plants like Laserpitium Siler, Serratula nudi- caulis, Linum salsoloides, and Aphyllanthes. On some of the larger rocks to the north are the southern Globularia nana,+ Amelanchier and Silene Saxif raga ; while Daphne alpina, Saxi- fraga hypnnides, and Helleborus foetidus are seen in shady places. A bank not far from Plan d'Aups is covered with Lathyrus canes- cens, an uncommon Pea, with beautiful pale purple-blue flowers. H. S. Thompson. (To be concluded.) BRAGKENHURST, PEMBURY. Ever since Mr. J. Gurney Fowler purchased the fine property situated on high ground above Tunbridge Wells he has carried out develop- ments which have greatly improved the gardens. The garden that surrounds the pretty rural dwelling was formerly of no special design, and beyond were grass and woodlands in which some very fine Oaks covered an undergrowth of stubbed Spanish Chestnut. The Oaks have been carefully trimmed, and the underwood removed except where it was required to form screens or to separate the various gardens. In the green glades and in the underwood the Bluebells, Wood Anemones and Primroses have this spring carpeted the ground with flowers. In the shrubberies and "'beds the same natural plan is carried out, and thousands of Daffodils, Lilies, Gladioli and other bulbous plants have been planted beneath the shrubs, which have the main duty of furnish- t Quite distinct from C. cordifolin, and not found In the Alpa of central Europe. ing the display. In front of the house on one side is a sunk lawn with dwarf wall and rock plants around, beyond which is a fine hedge of Dorothy Perkins Rose. On the other side is a fine Rose garden, the beds having grassy paths and the backing of beautiful herbaceous plants beyond harmonising well in the general view. Beyond is an ornamental water and Iris gar- den, rich in flowers of varied tints, a moist nook having a collection of Iris Kaempferi. For some time past the great attraction has been in the Rhododendron garden, in ■which large oblong and elliptic beds are planted each with one kind of Rhododendron chosen for its effective colouring. These are in great beauty, and between the bushes appear the stout stems of the stronger-growing Lilies, whilst 'below them again the blooms of Narcissus and Tulips were effective, and, like a pale blue cloud over the surface of the beds, the densely set flowers of the Forget-Me-Nots. The high ground behind the Rhododendron garden has a fine show of The Bride, a good white Rhododendron, and each of the beds forms a mass of bright colour, which, being in large batches of. one tint, make a fine effect both when viewed near and from a distance. The most beautiful toed was that of Pink Pearl, in which standards rose above the bushes in the bed, and all were fur- nished with large heads of flowers, varying in tint from blush-white to rose, according to the age of the flower, the naturally produced varia- tion of colour being charming. A winding walk of natural rock stone passes between banks of bright colour furnished by the warm-tinted Azalea mollis and others of that class, with white and yellow Genistas at the back and the ever-present flowering bulbs in the spaces, the margins being of dwarf Heaths, Gaultheria, and other suitable shrubs of low growth. The plan carried out is to make informal set designs of one class of plants, working in others of similar habit of growth to prolong the flower- ing season and heighten the effect, while at all points in the original woodland glades nature still remains, but aided by the planting of suit- able plants with the Lily-of-the-Valley, Blue Bells and Wood Anemones, which have had their home there for many years. A lobe beside one of the walks has a very complete collection of Japanese Maples, varying from the massive palmate leaf to the finely-cut varieties, and in colour from pale green to deep red. These Maples are continued along the walk until they merge into an opening planted with Arbutus, Andromedas, KaLmias and similar plants, be- tween which the stout stems of Lilium aura- tum, L. candidum, L. Brownii, and others appear in profusion. Grassy walks are the rule, and they harmonise with every class of planting and combine the whole. Following the path we pass a bank of Kniphoh'as, a clump of Helle- bores, with Foxgloves and Ferns appearing above them. On the side, of the walk and front- ing the .plantations of flowering shrubs are many pillars of Roses, with arches here and there, and the eariest of them already bearing masses of bloom. A moist dell has been planted with Ferns and terrestrial Orchids, and generally the sylvan nature of the woodland is being preserved, fragrant plants being used extensively. Thus we have a long walk in which all the species of Honeysuckle form the chief feature, and the Nut Walk has patches of pretty and fragrant flowers. It is intended to form a Japanese garden in a retired part of the grounds, and some other improvements are planned. Herbaceous and Alpine plants fronting shrubberies give a fine and varied show. Along the broad walk the silver of the foliage of Gnaphaliums, Cine- rarias and other plants shows up the rich tints of the Aubrietias, Campanulas and Violas. A specimen Abutilon vitifolium in a nook against the house is covered with its large sky-blue flowers. Two beds of Lilium giganteum have some with flower-spikes, although the greater num- ber will not flower until next year; a plant- ing of Paul's Scarlet Thorn and clumps of vari- ous flowering shrubs are well arranged to give effect without encroaching on the rarer plants beneath, and a number of very fine Conifers, some of which were only recently planted, will increase in beauty every year. J. B. THE BULB GARDEN. BOWIEA VOLUBILIS. I have no recollection of having seen a record of this South African Liliaceous plant, the only one of its genus, having been grown successfully outdoors. It may be interesting, therefore, if I state that I had it last year climbing over a Lilac bush, at the base of w-hich it was planted in 1913 as an experiment, the success of which, seeing the soft nature of its globose, tuber-like root-stock, was not very promising. But it pro- duced its long, trailing shoots profusely and flowered last summer, and is growing well and will probably flower this season. In structure the plant has many interesting points. The globose "bulb " produces few and insignificant linear leaves which soon decay. At a later stage ascend the long, trailing branched growths which at maturity produce star-like greenish flowers of two classes, the mature or perfect blooms having expanded and reflexed segments, and the immature closed and rudimentary buds. Mr. J. Medley Wood, in Xalal Plants, Vol. 4, Part I., says of it : " The juice of the bulb has irritant properties, but is not vesicant; the natives use it for rubbing on the skin in cases of sickness, and they also take a portion of the bulb, boil it, and then strain off the water, and use as a lotion for sore eyes ; and in the early days when an ' impi ' or ' com- mando ' was going out to war, the native doctors used to sprinkle the warriors with a de- coction of the bulb, which was said to have the effect of making their enemies flee before them." James O'Brien. VEGETABLES. A GOOD CUCUMBER. All the essential qualities of .a high-class and prolific Cucumber are found in the variety Every Day Cucumber raised in the Royal Gardens, Windsor. It is perfect in shape, has very little neck, and is almost seedless, whilst it ia deep green in colour, smooth and possesses superior flavour. From a plant grown in a pot I have cut a remarkably fine specimen with bloom on, 22 inches in length, 9 inches in circum- ference and weighing 3i lbs. I consider this a profitable Cucumber, either for private gardens or to grow on a large scale for the market. G., StTetton Hall Gardens, Stafford. EARLY PEAS ON LIGHT SOILS, The crops of early Peas matured very early this season, and amongst the most successful varieties were May Queen, Eight Weeks, and Pioneer. The last named is a splendid cropper and grows about 2 feet 6 inches high ; although the Peas are of very good flavour-, May Queen is superior in this respect. Gradus still does well here, and pods from this variety were ready for gathering on June 27. Other good early varieties are Giant Lightning and May Flower. International holds its own, both for crop- ping and quality. Of later varieties Harvest- men, Autocrat and Peerless are giving good yields. In our light, porous soil, mulching is of great benefit, for the extra moisture the roots obtain thereby not only increases the crop but causes the Peas to be larger and of better quality. W. A Cool.-, Ocl-ford Gardens, Godalming. July 24, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 51 The Week's Work. THE FLOWER GARDEN. Bv A. J. Cobb, Gardener to Reginald Cory, Esq., Duffryn Gardens, neat Cardiff, South Wales. Clematis.— The roots of Clematis must not be neglected for water; even if the rainfall be an average one, it is practically impossible for rain to reach the roots in sufficient quantities when the plants are growing against wadls or in similar positions. The growths require con- stant attention to prevent entanglement, aad should be trained to get the best results when in bloom. C. montana is particularly happy rambling over decayed trees or thinly furnished trees such as old Scotch Firs. When growing in manageable positions, the wood on which flowers were recently produced may be cut out to en- courage other shoots to develop for next year's blooming. Sweet Peas.— The rains have benefited Sweet Peas, but they were not sufficient to relieve us of watering. So far, all the Sweet Peas I have seen are healthy and free from streak disease. Make efforts to maintain these conditions by regularly hoeing the soil around the plants at least twice a week, and keep all faded blooms cut off regularly unless seed is required. As a stimulant, apply a weak dose of superphosphate, either in solution or scattered dry and hoed in before watering. Roses.— Shorten slightly the shoots of Tea and Hybrid Tea Roses after they have flowered to encourage growth for a second" crop of bloom. Feeding with an approved fertiliser and water- ing with liquid farmyard manure will do much to assist growth. Mildew has made an appear- ance, making it necessary to dust the foliage with flowers of sulphur. Aphis was very bad through June, the dry weather and frequent cold winds being favourable to the pest, and spraying may have to be continued. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By W. Hedley Warren, Gardener to the Aston-Clinton Park Estate (the Ht. Hon. Lord Rothschild), Buck- inghamshire. 6ud6ing.— Propagation by budding is recom- mended for stone fruits, such as Peaches, Apri- cots, Nectarines, Cherries, and Plums, for in their cases budding gives better results than grafting. Plum stocks are most commonly raised from seed, but occasionally by layers, suckers, and cuttings. The Cherry succeeds best by bud- ding, as the tree is more apt to gum when grafted. Both Plums and Cherries grow best upon stocks of their own kind. Apples and Pears grow freely from grafts, which is the easier and more expeditious method, but most kinds of fruit trees that may be propagated by grafting- also succeed by budding. To sum up, budding- is resorted to as a rule for increasing all large stone fruits, and grafting for the smaller seeded fruits, such as Apples and Pears. If the bark will lift freely, the present is the most suitable time for budding operations. The head of the stock should not be cut off as in grafting, but left until the following spring, and then re- moved. Choose a smooth part of the stock at a suitable height — preferably on the north side away from the sun — for inserting the bud. Make a horizontal cut through the bark of the stock, and from the middle of that a cut downwards about 2 inches in length, so that the two form the letter T, being careful not to cut too deeply, lest the stock should be injured. Having re- moved the leaf from the bud, leaving the foot- stalk as a handle, prepare the bud for insertion. When cut off the scion with bark at either end forms a shield, hence the term shield-budding. Insert the bud in the usual way and secure it by raffia or other material. Three weeks or a month after the buds have been inserted examine them, and those which have turned black may he considered dead. The ligatures of the others should then be loosened, for if this is not done the tie may injure the stock, and perhaps strangle the bud. In the following March, cut off the stock about 3 or 4 inches above the bud in a sloping direction, so that moisture may pass freely off the cut surface. The young shoots should be made secure to the part of the stock left above the bud, but when it is strong enough to resist danger from wii ds the old stem may be cut off close above the bud. Shoots frequently arise from the stock below the bud ; these should be rubbed off as soon as they appear, that all the strength of the stock may be directed towards the bud-shoot. In the autumn or spring follow- ing, the young trees may be transplanted into the places where they are to remain, or they may be kept longer in the same position, and the young trees trained according to the purpose for which they are designed. In budding, the selection of suitable buds is one of the essential details in success. The third or fourth buds from the base of a growing shoot are the best. As soon as the wood is in a fit condition, the buds can easily be removed by the pressure of the finger and thumb. The wood should always be taken out from the base end of the shoot ; if taken from the top end, in almost every case the bud is torn out with it. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. Jordan". Gardener to Lady'NuxBURNHOLME, Waiter Priory, Yorkshire. Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poinsettia).— The earliest-rooted plants should be potted in a rich, friable compost. Pots 6 inches in dia- meter are generally considered to be a useful size. After potting, shade the plants lightly for a few days, but later accustom the plants gradually to the sunlight until they are fully exposed. They will grow well in an airy house with a temperature of 50° to 70° ; if grown in too much heat and moisture the leaves become soft in texture and are difficult to retain on the plants. In all stages of growth stand the plants close to the roof-glass. Let the watering and feeding of the roots be done with great care, for an excess of moisture or strong doses of liquid manure may cause the roots to die and the foliage to drop, which would prevent the bracts developing properly. Ferns.— Where Ferns are required in large numbers in pots of various sizes for winter decoration, propagation should continue. Pteris tremula, P. erotica, and others of the best crested form ; Adiantum cuneatum, and A. formosum, are amongst the most useful kinds. Most Ferns are not particular in the matter of soil ; a little peat is helpful, but fronds of plants grown in plenty of loam have more substance and last better when cut. In potting at this season, do not disturb the roots more than is necessary, but remove the old drainage mate- rials from the Base, finely broken crocks, sand- stone and charcoal and sand should be mixed with the compost in moderate quantities. After potting, shade the plants lightly for a time, and see that the atmosphere is moist. Admit sufficient air to prevent the fronds from growing weak. If the Toots are fed with weak liquid manure and soot water during their season of active growth, pots 5 or 6 inches in diameter are large enough for any purpose, except where specimen plants are required, FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By John Highgate, Gardener to the Marquis of Linlithgow, Hopetoun, South Queensferry, N.B. Pines. —As the fruits of the Queen variety show signs of turning yellow, ventilate the house or pit more freely, reduce the amount of atmo- spheric moisture, and use less water at the roots ; to secure Pines of the highest flavour the soil should be allowed to become dry by the time the fruits are ripe. Should more Pines be ripening than are required at one time, remove several of the plants to a cooler house, also cut some of the fruits before they are quite ripe and place them on shelves in a cool, airy fruit-room, where they will keep fresh for a con- siderable time. Successional plants are growing freely, and will respond to a liberal treatment. Let the night temperature be 75°, allowing a ■rise of 10° during the day with sun-heat. Close the house early in the afternoon, and, at the same time, spray the plants gently overhead, but do not employ excessive moisture at this time. Suckers inserted last montn should be examined! frequently, and the more forward ones shifted into larger pots before they become root-bound. For this purpose it is wise to have the soil in- readiness. Peaches.— Continue to afford permanent trees" that have been cleared of the crop generous treatment at the roots. On fine days syringe the foliage morning and afternoon in modera- tion, unless red spider or aphis is present, as much moisture would cause the growth to be' soft and hinder it from ripening thoroughly. See-* that the roots do not suffer from lack of moisture. Houses in which the fruits are approaching the ripening stage should be ventilated more freely than hitherto, and the syringing of the foliage should be discontinued before the fruits are quite ripe, but it is advisable to damp the border and paths at least twice daily. Later trees carrying heavy crops must receive frequent applications ' of liquid manure or other stimulant, in addition to a surface dressing of manure. As in the earlier houses, the fruits should be exposed as much as possible to the sun by drawing aside and tying back shoots or leaves that may shade them. Continue to pinch and regulate the shoots, allowing plenty of room between each, so that the wood may be thoroughly matured before autumn. In favoured districts no diffi- culty is usually experienced in perfectly ripening some of the latest varieties of Peaches, but in colder parts many of these late sorts ripen their fruit indifferently, and the latter are more or less flavourless. The difficulty may be overcome by affording the trees more generous treatment, particularly after the stoning period, closing the house much earlier in the afternoon with plenty of sun-heat and opening the ventilators for a short time in the evening to allow condensed moisture to escape. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Onions.— Spring-sown Onions are greatly benefited by light dressings of artificial manure applied during showery weather. Soot is an excellent stimulant for this crop, but must be applied in moderation either during moist- weather or previous to watering with clear, soft- water. Hoe lightly the soil between the rows, with a view to keeping weeds in check. Autumn- sown Onions should be lifted as soon as they have reached their full size, dried thoroughly, and afterwards stored in an open shed where the air will circulate freely amongst them. If dried carefully before being placed under cover the bulbs will keep well through the autumn. Coleworts. This useful green vegetable should be planted at once to furnish heads for use in early winter. Choose rich ground, and allow the plants a space of 15 inches each way. Water the roots thoroughly as soon as the plants are inserted. When the plants are established, stir the ground frequently, and if slugs are troublesome, dust the rows with lime in the early mornings, before they seek cover. Leeks.— The earliest Leeks are well advanced in growth, and should not be allowed to become stunted for want of stimulants. Water them freely with liquid manure from the farmyard, and do all that is possible to promote a free growth. There are few crops that repay better for liberal cultivation than Leeks. Lettuce. — From now onwards to the middle of September make frequent small sowings of Lettuce. Much will depend on the weather which sowing will be the most profitable, but where a constant supply is required, this is the only means to adopt. Sow in rich soil, and, as soon as the plants are large enough, thin them to 9 inches apart. See that the roots have plenty of moisture. Endive. -Sow Batavian Endive for winter supplies, and make another sowing a fortnight later to furnish plants for use during the spring. Endives should be blanched as soon as they are large enough for the operation by carefully gathering the leaves together with the hand and tying them with some soft material. 52 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 24, 1915. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVEBTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHES, 41, Wellington Street. Covent Garden, "W-C- Editors and Publisher- — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communication*, and save us much time and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that all letters relat- ing to financial matters and to advertisements should be addressed to the Publisher ; and that all communication* intended for publication or referring to the Literary department, and all plant* to be named, should be directed to the Editors. The two departments, Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much unnecessary de- lay and confusion arise when letters are mis- directed. APPOINTMENTS FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. WEDNESDAY, JULY 28— Chesterfield Floral and Hort. Show. THURSDAY. JULY 29— Horticultural Exhibition at Whitton Park, Black- burn (4 days). Average Mean Tbmpbratttre for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Y'ears at Greenwich, 62.4. Actual Temperature : — Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London : Thursday, July 22 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 29.4. Temp. 64°. Weather- Raining. The Fruit Crops. The information relat- ing to the present con- dition of the hardy fruit crops, which we print this week, is not calculated, on the one hand, to raise unduly the hopes of the consumer, nor yet, on the other hand, to depress the grower. Taking the returns collectively and the different crops as merely items in the general yield, it will be seen that the year 1915 is likely to rank as a good average fruit year. There is always a disadvantage connected with high records of good fortune ; they set a standard equalled only on infrequent occasions, and by comparison with more average experiences they have the effect of making these latter appear less satisfactory than is really the case. So with our fruit returns, we naturally com- pare them with the record figures of last season, when every kind of plant that bears conspicuous fruits, including those cultivated for human consumption, bore crops which amounted almost to the limit of their capacity, though Apples, it will be remembered, were not particularly- abundant. But gardeners who have any consider- able experience know only too well that successes in the outdoor garden are not lightly to be reckoned upon; they de- pend upon many circumstances, some of which are entirely beyond the cultivator's control, including such important factors, for instance, as rainfall, tem- perature, freedom from storms, and to some extent at least diseases and pests. The experiences of Southern Grower, re- lated in detail in our last issue, serve to prove the latter point. He has given the closest study to the ways of the Apple aphides; he has watched them, sprayed them, and written about them more than any other man, and his remarkable care gets acknowledgment in Mr. Theobald's Insect Pests of Fruit ; yet this patient ex- perimentalist has to complain this sea- son of a visitation of Apple aphis more serious than any preceding raids. The fact appears to be that whilst Southern Grower's trees might have remained clean of aphis if the present season had been an ordinary one, they, nevertheless, were not proof against infestation at a time when this pest was an epidemic in almost every orchard. Our returns show that whilst the aphis trouble has been widespread, it has been most severe in the warmer, southern counties, which in- clude Kent, Surrey, Sussex, Middlesex and others. It may be worth pointing out, for the guidance of those whose orchards are suffering from Apple aphis, that Mr. Theobald declares it to be impos- sible to destroy the pest by spraying in spring when the damage is being done to the leaves and shoots ; so many of the in- sects are shielded from the spray-fluid by the curling of the leaves that the infesta- tion is continued. But the aphis is more vulnerable in autumn, in September and October, when in the sexual stage. Sprayings should be carried out at that period with a fairly strong paraffin emul- sion, applied not too vigorously, or there may be danger of the leaves falling. It is scarcelj' necessary to add the oft- repeated warning that all prunings should be destroyed by burning, and if this be done before the end of March many eggs will thereby be destroyed. The severe drought of April and May probably favoured the spread of aphis, but whether or not this was the case, it certainly caused a considerable number of fruits to fall in the case of Apples and Pears. We are not sure that dropping had ceased when our correspondents made their returns, as many refer to the trouble in a manner that suggests it was still going on, which would seem to in- dicate the presence of the larvae of the codlin moth. But in the absence of hicrh winds, there is every ground for assum- ing that the Apple crop generally will be heavy, and we venture to suggest that the results in many cases would have been better had thinning of the fruits been car- ried out with less timidity. Our Grand Summary shows at a glance the reports from the whole of the United Kingdom and Ireland. As regards the Apple crop, out of 326 cases there are only 51 reports of deficient crops, as against 115 out of 297 last year. Pears are not so satisfactory, nor are they nearly so abundant as last year. Out of 323 returns 122 report the crops as below the average quantitv. Plums will not compare for a mo- ment with the splendid crop of last season ; the returns show that there are 178 under the average out of 323 re- ports. Cherries were about equal to last season, whilst Peaches and Apricots fall a little from the high yield of 1914. Small fruits and Nuts. too. are .very much the same as last year. Straw- berries are less satisfactory, for last year there were only 50 deficient crops in 298 returns, whilst this year there are 114 in 323. Last year 116 crops were described as "over," but this year the number is only 62. There is little need to seek for the reason of this decline, for it may be traced directly and entirely to the early spring drought. Our Supplementary Illustration.— The three varieties of Roses depicted in the Supplementary Illustration are rather later in blooming than some Climbers, but in late July they are tlrree of the most beautiful Ramblers for pergola, pillars or arches. Most will agree that American Pillar is tihe best of this type of flower, and a plant of this variety in the Rose Garden at Chalkwell Hall Park, Westcliff, is in superb Blooming. . It is the largest in the collection, the growths spanning a wide path overhead, the huge trusses of flowers hanging in festoons, and covering the supports on either side to the ground level. It is one of the finest specimens of a climbing Rose we have seen. Blush Rambler has a special charm in its delicately tinted blooms which wreathe its sup- port from top to bottom. Like American Pillar, it grows strongly, and is described in the National Rose Society's list as " one of the best of the Ramblers." Mrs. F. W. Flight is a deep pink variety and a vigorous grower, soon furnishing a trellis or archway. At the back of American Pillar may be seen the hedge of William Allen Richardson, which earlier gave a row of golden colour the whole length of the Rose garden. R.H.S. National Diploma in Horticul- ture.— The following further candidates have secured the national diploma in horticulture in the sections set forth : — Section lc— Fruit grow- ing under glass and in the open : Frank A. Griffiths ; George Stuart. Section 2. — Hardy fruit growing for market : Charles W. B. Wright; Henry Gotjde. Section 3f. — Market gardening — outdoor : Florence M. Verrall. Section 7. — Horticultural inspection : Thomas Richardson. W. Wills, secretary. The Glasgow and West of Scotland Horticultural SociETY.-On the invitation of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Mitchell, of Boquhan, the members of the society, to the number of between fifty and sixty, visited these 5;udens on the 10th inst. The company left George Square by motor char-a-bancs at 1.30 in the afternoon, arriving at Boquhan about two hours later. They were received by Mr. Shaw, head gardener, who conducted the visitors round the gardens. Afterwards the forester conducted the party through the beautiful glen and pointed out many of the finer trees which were much admired. The chairman, Mr. D. G. Pfrdie, on behalf of the society, returned thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Mitchell for their kindness in permitting the outing and in enter- taining the visitors at tea. Wimbledon Park and Lake.— Wimble- don Town Council has now arranged for the pur- chase from Lady Lane of Wimbledon Park estate and lake, which have an acreage of some 150 acres, to be utilised as an open space. The Treasury at first refused to sanction the borrow- ing by the Corporation of £70,000, the sum re- quired to complete the purchase, from the Eccle- siastical Commissioners. Now, however, they have agreed to make no objection to the raising by the Corporation of £30,000 from the Eccle- siastical Commissioners, on the understanding that no portion of the balance of the purchase money is to be borrowed during the continuance of the war. Lady Lane has agreed to allow the balance of £40,000 to lie on mortgage for a term of ten years. Famous Gardens.— Through the kindness of Capt. Garnett, of Wyreside, Lancaster, his famous Rose and herbaceous gardens were thrown open to the public on Wednesday last on behalf of the funds of the Royal Lancaster Infirmary. Delightful weather prevailing, a large number of th-e public of Lancaster and dis- trict were attracted to the charmingly situated seat, which commands views of woodland and pastoral scenery, and of the Lancashire sea- board. Since the death of Mr. R. L. Garnett, known throughout the country as a rosarian, the direction of the horticultural specialities of Wyreside has fallen upon Mr. Gerald Garnett, < w up z o u H c/3 Oh w W « ►J O z w o a' z u July 24, 1915.] [The Gardeners' L..ronicle. REPORT ON THE CONDITION OF THE OUT-DOOR FRUIT CROPS [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENTS.] The words "Average," "Over," or "Under," as the case may be, indicate the amount of the crop; and "Good," "Very Good," or " Bad," denote the quality. Fuller comments will be gives in the following numbers. See also Leading Article on page 52. COUNTY. I ! SCOTLAND u.O,iScotland, N. _j CAITHNESS1 ELGIN ORKNEY ROSS-SHIRE SUTHERLAND I, Scotland, E. ABERDEENSHIRE., BANFFSHIRE BERWICKSHIRE CLACKMANNAN- L SHIRE FORFARSHIRE HADDINGTON- SHIRE. KINCARDINESHIRE KINROSS-SHIRE.. LINLITHGOW- SHIRE MIDLOTHIAN , MORAYSHIRE- PEEBLESSHIRE . PERTHSHIRE .,.. SELKIRKSHIRE.. 6, Scotland, W ARGYLLSHIRE Over; very good Average ; good Average ; good Over ; good Over ; good Over Over Over; good Over; good Average ; gi >, II I Under Average ; very g 1 Average Average ; very good Average Average Over ; very good Under Average ; good Over Average Over Average ; good Average ; » 1 Over ; good Average Average Average ; good Over Over ; good Under Over ; good Over Over ; very good Average ; good Over ; very good Average Average ; good Under ; good Under ; good Average Average ; Average ; good Un dei- Average ; good Average Average ; good Under Under ; very good 1 'nder Average Under Under Under Average ; good i mler Under ; good Under Under Under ; good Under ; good Under Under Under Under Average Under ; good Under Under ; good Over Average ; very good Under Average Average ; g I PHI MS. Under ; good Under Average ; good Average ; good Under Average Under ; good Under Over ; very good Under Under ; good Under Under Under Under ; bad Under Under ; good Under Under ; good Average Un dei- Average Under ; good Under ; bad Under ; good Under Under Under Under Under Under Under ; good Over Under ; very good Over ; very good Under Average ; good Under ; good Over ; good Average ; good Average ; L'oo.| Average ; good Average PEACHES AND NEC- TARINES. SMALL FRUITS. I >v, r ; very good Under; good Under; good Over , jood Over ; good Average Under ; Under Average ; very good Average ; Average ; very good good i Qdei . good Average ; g I Under Average ; bad Average A ve rage ; good Average Under Under Under Under Average Average Average Average ; very good Over , very got d Average Over Average Under Average Average ; good Under Average ; good Un dei- Average ; good Average ; very good Under Average Average ; good Under ; good Average ; good Average Average Average Over ; good Average ; very good Average : vers -"",| Average ; good Average ; Average Average Over ; good Under Average ; good Under ; good Over ; good Over; very good Over Average Average Over ; good Over ; good Average ; good Average Average ; good Under; good Average ; good Average ; very good Average ; good Average good Over ; Average ; good Over ; good Under Under Average Average ; good Average Average Average Average ; very good Under ; good Average Over Average Under Under Average Average Over ; good Over Over ; very good Average good Average Average ; good STRAW- BERRIES. Average ; good Average , good Average ; very good Average ; good Average Average ; very good Ai erage ; good Over ; very good Average ; very good Average ; vi i\ good Under Under Average ; good Average; ■j 1 Over ; good Average ; good Average Under; bad Average Average Under Over ; very good Average ; good Average ; good Average Average Average Average Average Average Average ; good Vvi rage Average ; very good Over ; very good Average ; good Over ; good NAME AND ADDRESS Under ; good Average Average Average \V. F. Mackenzie, Thurso Castle Gardens, Thurso. John Macpherson, Mayne Gar- dens, Elgin. W. Liddell, Balfour Castle Gardens, Kirkwall. W. Macdonald, Ben Dam ph Forest Gardens, Torridon. M. Martin, Novar House Har- dens, Bvanton. D. Melville. Dunrobin Castle Gardens, Golspie. James Grant, Rothienorman Gardens. Simon Campbell, Fyvie Castle Gardens. Wm. Henderson, Meldrum House Gardens, Old Meldrum. John McKinnon, Haddo House Gardens. George Edwards, Ballindallocn Castle Gardens. Peter Smith, Duns Castle "Jar- dens, Duns. Robert Stuart, Thirlestane Castle Gardens, Lauder. Thomas Nelson, Milne Graden Gardens, Coldstream. Alexander Kirk, Consulting Gardener, Alloa, (.'has. Simpson, Wemyss Castle Gardens, East Wemyss. D. McLean, Raith Gardens, Kirkcaldy. William Henderson, Balbimie Gardens, Markinch. Robert Bell, Kinnaird Castle Gardens, Brechin. Andrew McAudie, Ruthven House Gardens, Meigle. John Black, Smeaton Gardens, Prestonkirk. R. P. Brotherston, Tyninghame Gardens, Prestonkirk. William Knight, Fasque Gar- dens, Laurencekirk. William Thomson, Urie House Gardens, Stonehaven. Robert Fraser, Kinross House Gardens, Kinross. James Boyd, Newliston Gardens, Kirkliston. John Highgate, Hopetoun Gar- dens, South Queensferry. A. C. Scott. Oxenfoord Castle Gardens, Ford. D. Kidd, Carberry Tower Gar- dens, Musselburgh. Win. G. Pirie, Dalhousie Castle Gardens. Bonnyrigg. James Whytock, Dalkeith Gar- dens, Dalkeith. Tames Janiieson, Easter Ek-hies Gardens, Craigellacnie, Chas. Webster, Gordon Castle Gardens, Fochabers. Wm. McDonald, Cardrona Gardens, Inverleithen. Thomas I, nut, Keir Gardens, Dunblane. John Robb, Milnab Ii i eat e, Crieff, John C. Lunt, Bowhill Gardens, Selkirk. D. S. Melville. Poltalloo Gardens. I.orhgilphead. Henry Scott, Torlolsk Gardens, I Aros. George iiaig, Baroaldine Gar- dens, i.i jl The Gardeners' Chronicle.] SUPPLEMENT. [July 24, 1915. CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS— (continued). 6. Scctland.W. AYRSHIRE.... BUTESHIRE . APPLES. DUMBARTONSHIRE . DUMFRIESSHIRE . INVERNESS-SHIRE Under Average ; good Over : very good Average Average ; good Over Average Average ; very good Over Average Average ; very good Under ; good Over ; good Over Under KIRKCUDBRIGHT- SHIRE LANARKSHIRE ! Average; l; "1 Under RENFREWSHIRE .. STIRLINGSHIRE WIGTOWNSHIRE . ENGLAND 2. England, N.E. DURHAM NORTHUMBERLAND. YORKSHIRE. Average ; good Average Average ; \a 1 Average Average ; Vel'\ •- 1 Over ; very good Under Over ; good Over Average Under Under ; good Over Average ; good Under ; bad Under Under ; good Under Average ; good Average ; good Average Over ; good Average ; good Over Average ; good Under ; good Over ; good Average Over ; very good Average ; good Over Over ; very good Average Average Over ; bad Over ; very good Average Over ; very good Average ; good Over ; good Average Average ; good Average ; good Average Average ; good Average ; good Average ; good Average ; good Average ; very good I nder : l»ai.l NAME AND ADDRESS. Under Under very good Average ; good Average Over ; good Under ; very good Average ; very good- Over Under ; good Average Average ; very good Average Over ; good Average ; good Un dei- Over ; good Under ; bad Average Average ; very good Average ; good Average ; very good Average Over ; very good A vera -j r ; good Over ; g 1 Under ; bad Average Average I Ivel ; -n.nl Average ; very good Average Under; good Under ; good Average ; good Average good Under ; bad Average ; ■j 1 Under; good Average ; very good Under : bad Unde r ; very good Average ; good ; Under ; bad Average ; good Under Under ; good Average ; good Under ; good Under Under Average ; William Priest, Eglinton Gar- dens, Kilwinning. D. Bucbanan, Bargany Gardens, Dailly. John McTnne3. Kirkmichael House Gardens, by Maybole. fil J. Heron, Mount Stuart Gar- dens, Rothesay. D. Halliday, Aseog House Gar- dens. D. Stewart, Knockderry Castle Gardens, Cove. David Kerr, Ross Priory Gardens, Gartocharn. John Urquhart, Hoddom Castle Gardens, Ecclefechan. .) ames McDonald, Dryfehohn Gardens, Lockerbie. .Tohn A. Cargill, Raasay House Gardens, Kyle of Lochalsh David Wilson, Cairnsmore, Gardens, Palnure. Wm. Archibald, Wishaw House Gardens, Wishaw. John Shiells, Carstairs Gardens, Carstairs Junction. J. Plenderleith, Blythswood Gardens, Renfrew. R, D.Smattt.Barochan Gardens, Houston. John Middleton, Callendar House Gardens, Falkirk. John Bryden, Dunragit Gar- dens, Dunragit. Samuel Gordon Monreifch House Gardens, WTiauphill. John Smith, Hylton House, North Road, Durham. W. Smith, Lambton Castle Gardens. E. Tindale, Ravens worth Castle Gardens, Gateshead. Walter Thomson. Alnwick Castle Gardens, Alnwick. J. Thomas, By well Hall Gardens, Stocksfleld-on-Tyne. Sidney Legg, Dalton Holme Gardens, Beverley. A. S. Gait, Rutherglen, Roundhay, Leeds. Jas. E. Hathaway, Baldersby Park Gardens, Thirsk. Alfred Gaut, 61, Belle Vue Road, A. E. Sutton, Castle Howard Gardens, Welburn. J. G. Wilson, Chevet Park Gardens, Wakefield. F. C. Puddle, Seampston Hall Gardens. Rillington. C. Fulford, North Riding Asy- lum, York. F. Jordan, Warter Priory Gar- dens, Pocklington, R. Alderman, Babraham Gar- dens, Cambridge. Stephen Castle, Walpole St. Andrews, Wisbech. Herbert Head, Hatley Park Gardens, Sandy. Arthur Sewell, The Palace Gar- dens, Ely, Thomas Spooner, Meldreth i I Gardens, Royston. W. Woods, Chippenham Park Gardens, Soham. Average Under; good Average ; good Arthur Bullock, Copped Hall Gardens, Epping. C, Wakely, County Gardens, Chelmsford. H. Lister, Easton Lodge Gardens, Dun mow. H. W. Ward, Rayleigh. Edwin Guile. Shortgrave Gar deas, Newport. s. T. Martin. Stisted Hall Gar- dens, Brain tree. A. V. Coombe, Ramsey Abbey Gardens, Ramsey. G. H. G., Huntingdon. James Hewitt, Kimbolton Castle Gardens, Kimbolton. July 24, 1915.] SUPPLEMENT. [The Gardeners' Chronicle. Ill CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROVS-iconthwued). 5. England E. LINCOLNSHIRE . RUTLANDSHIRE 4. Midland Count! s. BEDFORDSHIRE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE. CHESHIRE- DERBYSHIRE Over Average Under ; good Over Over : very gi >. h i Average Average good Over : good Average ; good Over ; good Over Average Over Average ; good Average ; very good Average ; very good i>\vr ; \..-ry gocd Average Over Average Average ; good Over ; good Over ; good Average Over; good Average Average ; good Under Average ; good Under ; bad Over Over; very good Average ; very good Average Average ; good Average Average ; good Average; good Average Under Over; good Average ; bad Over ; good Average Average Werage \vi rage , very good Vvi rage Over ; good Average Under Average Average ; good Average ; good Under ; good Over ; good Average ; good Average ; very good Over Under Average Under ; good Under ; good Average ; good Average ; very good . Under Over Under Under Over ; very good Under Average ; good Under Over ; good Average ; good Average ; good Under; bad Over Average ; good Average ; good Under Average ; very good Average ; good Average ; good Average ; good Under Average Over ; good Average ; bad Over ; good Average ; ■-' I I inj.j i nder Average very good Average Average Under Under Under Average ; good Under Under ; good Under ; bad Under Over ; good Average ; good Under Under Under ; good Under Under; good Under ; good Under Under Under Under Under ; very good Under ; bad Under; bad Average ; very good Under Average; g 1 Under; good Under ; good Under ; bad Average Average ; good Under; bad Average Under ; good Average Over ; good Over good T'nder CHERRIES. Over ; g 1 Under Average ; very good Under Vverage ; very good \\ i i age . good Average good Average liver ; good Average Under Under ; bad Average ; good Over ; very gnixl Under ; good i ruder Over Average ; good Under Average ; good Average ; good Under Average ; good Average Average ; good Average ; good Under ; bad Under ; bad Over Average ; good Over ; good Average Over : very good Average ; good Over ; good Average ; good Average Average Average Average ; good Over; good Average Average Under Average ; very good Average ; good PEACHES AND NEC- TARINES. Average Average Average ; good I" nder Under Under Under Under ; good Under; bad Average Under ; good Under Average Under Over ; good I nder Average ; very g 1 Under Average ; guild Under ; bad Average ; very gocd Under Average ; very good Under ; good Under ; good Average Average Average ; good Under ; bad Average Under ; good Under Over Average ; good Under ; good Under ; good Under Tnder Under : good I 'nder ; good Under ; good SMALL FRUITS. Under ; good Average Average . good Under Average Average Under Under ; bad Under Under Under Under ; good Under ; bad Under ; good Under Average Average ; L! t Under ; good Under ; good Under ; bad Under Under ; bad Under Under Over : good Under Under ; bad Average Under Average ; g I Average ; good Average Over ; good Average Average ; very good Average ; good Over ; good Average Over ; good Over ; good Over ; good Average Average Over ; very good Average ; good Over ; good Over ; very goi 'I Under Average ; gi h id Under Under ; good Average ; gnnd A\ ei-age ; good Average ; good Average ; good Average 'Over ; good Under ; bad Under ; bad Average Under : good Under ; good Over Average,; very g I \\ erage Ovei ; good Average ; good Over Average Wei i ■■■ Average ; g I Over : g i Average ; gi H H I Average Wei age ; - i Iverage i verj g i Over ; good STRAW- BERRIES. Under Under over : very good Under Over ; very good Average Under ; good Average ; good OVel' , gnn.l Over ; good Average Under ; bad Under ; bad Average ; good Average ; very good A\ I'la-e ; very good Average ; very good Under Under Under : good Average Under ; good Under ; bad Average Average ; Ve] J g 1 Under Under ; bad Under; bad Under ; good Under ; bad Under Under ; bad Under ; very good Over Average ; very g 1 Under Under : good 1 nder ; g t Over Under Under Average ; g I Average ; l erj g I i ■ .], i . . .. j \ \ r?i age i 1. 1 i Average verj g ' Under ; bad \\ . 1 age NAME AND ADDRESS. i . Grimsthorpe Castle Gardens, Bourne. H. Vinden, Harlaxton Manor Gardens, Grantham. Fred. Barton, Hainton Hall > rai'di ns, Lincoln. Joseph Robinson, Somerley Hall i iardens, Oakham. E. C, Norris, Eishani Hall Gar- dens, Grimsby. J. Wynn, Sedgeford Hall Gar- dens, near King's Lynn. Henry Goude, East Dereham. William Orr, High House, Church Road. Downham Market. Isaiah Johnson. Catton House • ■aniens, Norwich. Over; good Win. Smith. Lyndon Hall Gar dens, i (akhani. W. Doidge, Barleythorpe Gar- dens, Oakham. E, GJ reek, West Suffolk Hort- Inst., Shire Hall, Bury St. Edmunds. W. Messenger, Woolverstone Park (iardens, Ipswich. Under; good Thomas stiliug, Livermere Park Gardens, Bury St. Edmunds. H. Coster, Ickworth, Bury St. Edmunds. B, Goodacre, Mbulton Paddocks Gardens. Newmarket. James Hilson, Flixton Hall Gardens, Bungay. R. Evans, Gt, Barton Gardens, Bury St. Edmunds. Alfred Andrews, High House Gardens, Wickham Market. A. K. Turner, Orwell Park Oar- dens, Ipswich. William Low, Euston Hall Gardens. Thetford Averag Average ; good Average ; good Li nder Average Average ; g 1 Average Over; very W. H. Neild, Woburn Experi- g 1 mental Fruit Farm, Ridg- mont, Asplev Guise. C. J. Elktt, Chicksands Priory Gardens, Shefford. Average vVm. F. Palmer, Froxfield Gar- j dens, Woburn. Under Thomas \V. Stanton, Hinwick , Hall Gardens, Wellingborough. 1\ Pepper, Oakley House (iar- dens, Oakley. i her Laxtou Bros., Nurserymen, Bed- ford. Average ; good Average : good Average Over Average : good Average ; good Average Li i j e Average Average ; - i Over i nder i ndi r i.i era i i nder James Wood, Hedsor Pa i k I Gardens. Bonnie End. James MacGregor, Mentmore Gardens, Leighton Buzzard. W. Hedley Warren, Aston ' Clinton Gardens, Tring. Philip Mann, Education Sub- Office, Aylesbury. Geoffrey Cooper, Bletchley Park Gardens, William Brook3,MissendenHouse Gardens, Amersham. W. Waters. Bulstrode Gardens, Gerrards Cross. G. F. Johnson, Waddesdon Gar- dens, Aylesbury. i has, Page, Dropmore Gardens, Maidenhead Win. Willcccks, Langley Park Gardens, Slough. Alfred \. Tones, Marburj n ill Gardens, Northwich, John i'i rsyth, Hawarden < 'aatle Gardens, Chester. Leon Squibbs, Bidstt ti Court Gardens, Birkenhead. Charles Flack, Cholmondeley I aatle Gardens. Ualpas, T. A. Siunmerfteld, Alderley Park , Gardens, Chelford. Philip Bolt, Manor House Gar- dens, 51 Iddlew ich. n . r. Barm ■ . Eaton Hall Gar dens, i ' ■ Vtkinson, Torkington Lodi e Gardens, Stockport. w llltam \Vlngfl( Id, Doddlngton Hall Gard) ns, Nautwich. G.J.R., Derby. John Uaxfleld, Darley Abbey , . , Derbj iy The Gardeners' Chronicle.] SUPPLEMENT. [July 24, 1915. CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CR09S— (continued) COUNTY. APPLES. PEARS. PLUMS. CHERRIES. PEACHES AND NEC- TARINES. APRICOTS. SMALL FRUITS. STRAW- BERRIES. NUTS. NAME AND ADDRESS. 4, Midland Counties. Average ; good Under Under Average ; good Average ; very good Under F Jennings, Chats worth Gar- (continued) dens, Chesterfield. Over ; good Average ; Under; bad Average ; Under ; bad Average ; Average ; Jas. '. good good very good good dens, Derby. Jnder ; good Under Under Average ; Average ; Under E . Wilson, Hard wick Hall Gar- good good dens, Chesterfield. Over Average Under Average Average Under Average ; Under Average J H. Goodacre, Elvaston Castle good Gardens, Derby. Average ; Over ; goo [ Under ; bad Average ; Average ; Average ; E . G. Mills, Laieside House good good good good Farm, Glossop. HERTFORDSHIRE Over ; good Average ; Under Under ; bad Average Under Average ; Under ; good Average Thomas Nutting, Child wick- g 1 good bm v Gardens, St. Albans. Average Average ; Average ; Under ; good Under Messrs. T. Rivers & Son, Saw- good good bndgeworth. Average Average ■ Average Over ; good Average ; Average Average Under Under Edwin Beckett, Aldenham House good very good good Gardens, Elstree. Average Average ; Average Over ; good Under; bad Under Over ; very Under Under I J . G. Walker, Oak Hill Park i;niii] good Gardens, East Barnet. Under Under Under Average Average Average Average Average Under E. F. Hazelton, North Mymms Gardens, Hatfield. Average ; Under; goc d Average ; Under Over ; Under ; good Over ; Under ; bad [Charles A. Heath, Gt.Hallingbury good good very good very good Place Gdns., Bishops S tor ttord: Average ; Over ; vei y Under Under ; good Over ; Under Over ; very Under ; bad Average F. Fitch, Balls Park Gardens, good good very good good Hertford LEICESTERSHIRE Over ; good Average Average ; Under; good Average ; Over ; good Average ; Under; good D. Roberts, Prestwold Gardens, good good good \i 1 I.inmhlnif.iiiLLli. Over; very Average Under ; good Over ; very Average ; Over ; very Average ; Average ; Over ; good W. H. Divers, Belvoir Castle good very goo< I good very good good good very good Gardens, Grantham. Over ; bad Average ;_;< mil Under ; good Under ; bad Over ; good Under ; good Over ; very good Under ; bad lerbert S. Tyers, Ratcliffe Hall Gardens, Ratclaffe-on-Wreake. Average ; Average Under ; very Under ; bad Under ; very Under ; very Average ; Under ; very Under W. Patterson, Swithland Hall good good good good good gOOll good Gardens, Loughborough. NORTHAMPTON- Average; Average Under; good Under ; good Average ; Under; good Under; good Under ; good Under Robt. Johnston, Wakefield Lodge SHIRE good good good Gardens, Stony Stratford. Under ; good Average very goo Under ; good Average ; good Under; bad Under; good Over; good Average ; good Average ; very good D. F. Crump, Althorp Park Gar- dens, Northampton. Average ; Over ; goc d Under ; bad Under ; bad Under ; good Under ; bad Over ; very Under ; bad Average ; Tohn Meager, Harrowden Hall good good very good Gardens, Wellingborough. Over; very Under ; b id Average ; Average ; Over ; very Average ; Albert Child, Catesby House good good good good ■2 1 Gardens, Daventry. Over ; good Average ; Over ; very Over ; very Over ; good Average ; Over ; Over ; Under ; good Richard D. Greenham, Fawsley good good good good very good very good Park Gardens, Daventry. NOTTINGHAMSHIRE . Over ; very good Over; very goo Under ; bad d Over ; very good Under ; bad Under; good Over Average ; good James B. Allan, Osberton Gar- dens, Worksop. Average ; Average ; Under ; good I'nder ; bad Average ; yonil Average ; Under ; bad Average ; good Average ; Under Average J. R. Pearson & Sons, Lowdham. good Average ; g 1 Average ; Under Average ; Average Under ; bad Average S. Barker, Clumber Park Gar- very good Average ; very goo Average 1 ; Average ; good Average ; •f : Over ; ; Under ; bad Under Average ; Average Under ; bad Average Over ; very Average Over ; very Under A. Cheney, Shenstone Court Gardens, Lichfield. X. Bannerman, Blithfleld Gar- good Average ; good Averag i ; Average ; bad Under ; good Average ; Under; bad good Average ; good Under; bad Under ; good dens. Rugeley. H. Collier, Rolleston Hall Gar- good Average good Averag good e Average Over good Average Under good Average Average Average dens, Burton-on-Trent. W. Halliday, Patshull Gardens, Wolverhampton. Over ; good Over; g >od Average ; good Average ; good Average ; good Under; bad Over ; very good Average ; good Wm. Morrison, Beau Deser Gardens, Rugeley. WARWICKSHIRE .... Average ; good ■ Under ; gooc Averag very go Averaj. e ; Under od e Average Average ; good Under ; bad Under ; very good Average ; very good Under; very good Under ; very good Over ; very good M. Huntley. Old Fallings Hall Gardens, Wolverhampton. Chas. Harding, Ragley Hall Gardens, Alcester. Over ; very good Oyer ; good Average Averag very go Averag good Averaj e ; Average od e ; Over ; good 'e Over Under ; gooc Average ; good Under Average ; M.iud Under ; bad Average Under ; good Under ; ba<* Average ; good Average ; good Average Under; good Under ; gooc Under Average H. Dunkin, Mount Pleasant Gardens, Warwick. H. F. Smale, Warwick Castle Gardens, Warwick. J. Smith, Wellesbourne House Gardens, Warwick. Average ; good Average ; good Undei gooc Averag gooc ; Under ; bad e ; Average ; good Average ; good Average ; good Under ; bad Under ; gooc Under ; goo< 1 Under ; goo( i Average ; good 1 Over ; good Average ; good Average ; good Under ; bad Average ; good W. Harman, Newnham Paddox Gardens, Lutterworth. Wm. Haylock, Ettington Park Gardens, Stratford-ou-Avon July 24, 1915.] SUPPLEMENT. [The Gardeners' Chronicle. V CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS-(^' ntinuei). COUNTY. 5. Southern Counties. BERKSHIRE DORSETSHIRE.. HAMPSHIRE MIDDLESEX . SURREY . SUSSEX Average Over Average Average Average ; Over ; good Average ; good Average Average Over Average Average ; good Over; good Over . - 1 Under ; bad Under ; good Average ; good Average ; good Under ; good Average ; g I Over ; good I Under ; bad Average ; good Over ; very- good Under ; good Under Average ; bad Average ; good Average Average Under Over ; bad Under Under Under Average Average Average Average Average ; good Average ; good Average Over Average Over Under Average ; good Average Average ; good Under; bad Over Average Over Average Under Under Under ; good Under Average ; ■_■ I Under Average Average Under Average Average ; very good Average . very good Under ; bad Under; good Under Average ; good Under ; good Under; bad Average ; very good Average ; good Over ; very good Under ; good Average ; good Under Average ; good Average ; good Average Over Over ; good Average Under Under Average Average ; good Average Over Average Under Average ; :■ I Over Over Under ; good Average Under Average ; very good Average Average Average ; good Average ; good Under; good Average Under Under Under Under ; very good Average ; good Under Average Under Average Average Average Under ; good Average ; good Under Under ; good Under Average ; very good Average :. good Under ; good Over ; very good Under ; bad Under ; good Average Average Average Average Average ; good Under Over ; good Average ; good Average ; good Under Average ; Vr|\ u-.md Average ; good Under Average Under Under ; bad Under Under ; bad Average Under ; good Average Average Under Under Under ; bad Under Average Under ; good Average Average Under ; bad Under Under ; bad Under; good Average ; ft H « 1 Under Average Under Over Under Under Under; good Under Under ; bad Average ; good Under ; bad Average ; good Under ; very bad Over ; good Average : very good Average ; good Average ; good Average ; good Under Average ; good Average ; good Average Average Average Under Average Over ; good PEACHES AND NEC- TARINES. Average ; good Average Average ; good Over ; good Average ; good Average Average Under Average Over ; very good Under ; good Average Average Over Average Average Under ; good Over; good Average Under Average ; good Average ; very good Average ; good Average ; good Over ; very good Under ; bad Average ; good Under ; bad Under Over ; good Over ; very good Average Under Average ; good Under Average Average ; bad Under ; bad Average ; good Under ; VtTJ g'ind Under Under Under Under Average ; good Under ; good Under ; bad Average ; good SMALL FRUITS. Average ; good Over Average Average Under; good Under Under Average ; very good Average ; good Under ; bad Under Under ; good Average ; good Average ; good .STRAW- BERRIES. Under ; good Under Avei age a vri age ; rr1M,(| Average Average ; g I Under ; good t nder Under Under Average ; good Under Over Average Average Over; good Over; good Average ; good Over ; good Average Average Over Average Average ; good Average ; good Average very good Average ; very good Over ; very good Under ; good Over ; very good Average ; good Under; bad Over ; very good Over ; very good Over ; very good Over; good Average ; good Average Over ; very good \\ eragv ; good Average Average Over ; good Under Under Average ; good Over Under ; good Average Average Over Average Over ; good Average Average Average ; good Average Over ; very good Average ; good Under ; good Average Ay. rage NAME AND ADDRESS. Average Average Under Average ; good Average ; very good Average ; good Average ; good Under Average Under Average ; g I Under ; bad Under ; bad Under ; very good Average ; bad Under Average Under ; bad Average ; good Average ; good Under ; good Over ; very good Over; very good Over ; good Average ; good Average ; very good Average ; guild Average ; go d Under Under ; bad Average Under Average Under Under Under ; good Under Under Average ; g I Under Under ; good Over Average Average Under; good Average ; good Under Over ; very '_- 1 Under Average Under Average Over ; very good Over; good Average Average Average Over ; very good Average ; good Average Under Average Average Under ; good Under Over Average ; very good i nder Under Under ; bad Under Average Average Over Over Average ; good Under Average Over Average OVI r A. MacKellar, Royal Gardens, Frogmore, Windsor. J. Howard, Benham Park Gardens, Newbury. A. B. Wadds, Englefleld Gar- dens, Reading. F. J. Thome, Snnningdale Park Gardens, Sunningdale. F. Rivers, Carswell Manor Gar- dens, Faringdon. E. Harriss, Lockinge Park Gar- dens, Wantage. W, Oliver, Park Place Garden*, Henley-on-Thames. J. Atkinson, Oakley Court Gar- dens, Windsor. William Tapping, Shin field Manor Gardens, nr. Reading. riionias Wils-ui, Castle Gardens, Wallingford C. E. Lever, Hungerford Park I lardens, Hungerford. William Turnham, Greenlands Gardens, Henley-on-Thames. L. T. Petty, Arlington Manor Gardens, Newbury, John T. Tubb, Bearwood Gar- dens, Wokingham. T. Turton, Castle Gardens, Sherborne. 11k is. Denny, Down House Gardens, Blandford. I. Jaques, Bryanston Gardens, Blandford. F. Olver, Minterne Gardens, Cerne Abbas. E. C. Parslow, County Offices, Dorchester. H. Kempshall, AbbotsburyCastle Gardens, Dorchester. Lewis Smith, Cadland Park Gar- dens. Fawley, Southampton. A. J. Legge, Dogmersfield Park Gardens, Winchfield. Henry Martin, Bartley Lodge Gardens, Cadnam, South- ampton. A W. Blake, Highelere Castle Gardens, Newbury. Henry Tullett, Ashe Park Gar- dens, Overton. L. Carsley, Stratton Park Gar- dens, Micheldever. E, Molyneux, Swanmore Park, Bishop's Waltham. r. W. Buckingham, Milland Place Gardens, Liphook. George Wi lodward, Barham Court Gardens, Maidstone. George Bunyard, Royal Nur- -.i ies, Maidstone. William Lewis, East Sutton Park Gardens, Maidstone. Geo. Fennell, Bowden, Ton- bridge. i ie.i. I .H-kyer, Mere worth Gar dens, Maidstone. J. T. Shann, Bettsbanger Park Gardens, Eastrv. Charles E. Shea, The Elms, Foots Cray. J. G. Weston, Eastwell Park Gardens, Ashford. H. Markham, Wrotham Park Gardens, Bamet, W. Poupart, M arsh Farm , Twickenham. James Hawkes, Osterley Park Gardens, Isleworth. W. Bates, Cross Deep Gardens, i u ii kenham. James Hudson, Gunnersbury House Gardens, Acton. S. T. Wright, R.1I.S. Gardens, Wislej . Ripley. Geo. Kent, Norbury Park Gar- dens, Dorking. Geo. iiaisey, Riddinod good good good good LONGFORD Average ; Average Under Under Over ; good . Over ; good Average : I. A. Boyle, Castle Forbi G li QUEENS COUNTY . good Over ; very Average ; Average ; Average ; Average ; Over ; very good i >vn- ; very dens, Newtown Forbes. G. McQHsban, AibeyLeh Souse good good good good good good good ROSCOMMON Average Average Average : Average Average Over iverage ; g 1 Over; gOOd i nder Terence Rogers, Frenchpark Souse Gardens TVATERFORD good Over ; good Over ; very good Average ; good Over ; g 1 WICKLOW Average ; good < hardens, Poi 1 Ian . V. I'.iilr.. Qlen irt Castle Q li dens, Arklow, CHANNEL ISLANDS : Average ; □nder ; good Under ; good Under ; gmul Under ; goo 1 1 ii lei ; good 1 nder i Smith a Son. Caledonia JERSEY Under ; good Under ; good Under; bad i nder ; bad Under ; g 1 i nder ; bad Average ; Averagi Nursery, Gu rnsej good gooa vn . py, St, Heliera. ISLE OF MAN: DOUGLAS Over ; good Average ; good Under ; bad Average ; good Over ; -Mm! Over ; g i . ames tnglls, Bi uusu i< :. ftoai Nursery. viii Tne Gardeners' Chronicle.] SUPPLEMENT. [July 24, 1915. SUMMARIES OF THE HARDY FRUIT CROPS. Records V ft p. < 3 s IP •a) Kg !? Number of Records ... Average Over Under (57) 30 21 e (55) 22 3 33 (56) 11 6 30 (54) 29 9 16 (24) 16 4 6 (23) 12 4 (5V) 31 13 13 (57) 30 11 10 (7) 3 1 3 (223) (222) (221) (211) (168) (100) (223) (220) (133) Average 129 5S 119 33 7i 22 104 33 95 23 37 4 76 29 17 Under 36 70 127 74 50 119 22 93 43 Number of Records Average Over Under (14) 8 4 (14) (13) (10) (5) (14) 04) 6 6 .: 3 5 3 3 2 4 — 9 6 5 5 3 2 — 5 (7) Records to ft 1 U o £g O ^ < £.8 3 Number of Records ... (29) (29) (29) (28> (19) (13) (2S) (29) (11) Average 9 13 12 12 11 3 9 9 7 Over 14 4 10 7 7 3 IS 15 1 Under 6 12 7 9 1 7 1 0 3 CHANNEL ISLANDS. Number of Records Average Over Tnder (2) 1 (2) (2) (2) (2) a) (2) 1 (2, 1 1 2 2 2 2 i 1 1 ISLE OF MAN. Number of Records Average Over Under (1) 1 (1) 1 (1) 1 CD 1 (i) l (i) l GRAND SUMMARY, 1915. Number of Records Average Over Under (326) 176 1323) 101 40 122 (32:;) 104 («) 152 104 53 (223) 124 3S 61 (202) 55 14 133 (325) 171 117 37 (323) 147 62 114 (158) If) 50 SUMMARY OF 1914 FOR COMPARISON. Number of Records Average Over Under (297) (293) (292) (285) (204) (1ST) (302) (295) IIS 149 107 143 100 S2 145 129 64 94 96 102 70 40 141 116 115 50 89 40 34 56 16 50 (170) 86 29 55 Fig. 20. — members of the national sweet pea society at Messrs. dobbie s nursery, marks tey. (S-e p. 57.) July 24, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 53 also widely known as chairman o£ the Managing Committee of the Lancaster Agricultural Society, assisted nl en 1909. Conjures de 1' Association pour l'avancement des Sciences, Lille, 1909. prennent une tres belle salle d'exposition sous forme d'un grand hall en partie vitre, ies salles du rez-de-chauasee et du premier etage occupees par la Societe d'Horticulture et enfin une grande serre avec de beaux specimens de Palmiers. Le jardin " de la Citadelle " d'une etendue de 6 hectares, connu aussi sous le nom de " Bois de Boulogne," a ete cree en 1865; le jardin-ecole d'arboriculture remonte a 1868 et a ete speciale- ment amenage en vue de renseignement de l'arboriculture fruitiere. Enfin le jardin botaniqiv? actuel a, pour ancetres, le jardin medical cree en 1644 par Pierre Ricard, celebre medecin lillois et botaniste et le jardin botanique de Cointrel, egalement medecin et professeur, fonde en 1748. En l'an VII. de la premiere Bepublique, le jardin betanique de Lille etait sous la direction de J. B. Lestiboudois : ij possede maintenant une etendue de deux hectares et a ete transfere a son emplacement aetuej en 1878. J.J renferme beaucoup de plantes de serres. Saint-Leger citait. dans sa brochure, un tres feel exemp]aire de Stangeria paradoxa, espece de Gyeadee du Natal qu'on voit rarement en culture^et aussi une importante collection de plantes aquatiques. Lille possede egalement de treB jolis boule- vards et de belles plantations d'alignement. Les "allees de l'Esplanade " sont plantees de vieux Tilleuls anterieurs a 1749 et de Marronniers datant de 1756 ; ces arbres auraient ete " restaures " en 1860 selon, les indications de BariHet-Deschamps. Le total des credits affectes au service des jardins et plantations de la ville de Lille atfceignait en 1909 la somme de 132.975 francs. La decoration florale necessitait l'emploi de 65.000 plantes. A. M NOUVELLES DIVERSES. NOUVELLES DE LA G U E R R E - M. FoeX, Etienne Edmond, directeur adjoint de la station de Pathologie vegetale de Paris, est blesse et prisonnier. M. Martin, Georges, secre- taire de la Societe Nationale d'Horticulture de France, est blesse. r . " ^Cmmerce horticole a Bruxelles.-* u& Halle des Producteurs, la cooperative de vente des horticulteurs beiges, vient de publier son bilan pour l'exercice 1914-1915. Le benefice qui etait de 114,000 francs l'annec precedente est tombe a 33,000 francs, bien que les frais generaux aient ete reduits dans une forte pro- portion. Apres le prelevement des primes aux acheteurs, il ne restera guere de ristourne pour les membres qui en temps normal touehent 2.5 a 3 pour cent sur le montant des ventes faites pour leur compte. Le Commerce horticole dans le Midi.— On se rappelle les inquietudes qui regnaient le long de la Mediterranee au sujet de l'incertitude des transports qui compromettrait l'acti^te com- merciale des producteurs de fleurs. La Petite Revue agrieole et horticole donne actuellement une note rassurante. Des cultui'es ont ete abandonnees au debut de la guerre parce qu'on s'imaginait que les fleurs, produits de luxe, per- draient toute valeur. Certains producteurs cependant ont soigne leurs plantes et leur travail a ete largement retribue. Les prix n'etaient pas tres eleves au debut de la saison d'expedition, mais ils se sont releves insensiblement pour at- teindre leur maximum vers les fetes de la Noel et du jour de l'an. Les Oeillets, les Anemones et les Eoses ont fait alors des cours tres remunerateurs. A cette epoque les producteurs, completement rassures, ont utilise tous leurs chassis qui ont rendu disponibles a la fin de l'hiver des quantites de fletu's dont l'expedition a ete reguliere et les prix satisfaisants, malgre la fermeture des debouches etrangers. Le Service horticole en Belgique. — M. De Meyer, conseiller d'horticulture de l'Etat beige pour la province d'Anvers et la partie Est de la Flandre Orientale, se trouve actuellement a la disposition de son gouvernement en Hol- lande. En son absence, sa circonscription a ete confiee a ses collegues de Vilvorde et de Gand. Ceux-ci ont notamment organise des conferences- sur l'utilisation des fruits et legumes de meme- que sur les cultures a rendement rapide a pre- coniser pour remedier a la penurie des vivres. L'UTILISATION DES FRUITS TOMBES EN- Allemagne.— Suivant la Vossischc Zeitung, il se gate annuellement en Allemagne pour plus- de 20 millions de marks de fruits qui peuvent parfaitement etre utilises. Les fruits tombes qui, meme lorsqu'ils ont atteint leur complet- developpement, ne sont souvent pas Tecueillis, constituent un exoellent aliment pour les- cochone, Jig peuvent aussi, apres cuisson. et sucrage, etre utilises sous forme de compotes. OlDIUM AMERICAIN DU GROSEILLIER.— Suivant une communication du Conseil horticole; neerlandais, une persounalite qui desire garder 1'auonymat decerijefa une prime, de 5,000 florins a celui qui decouvrira un moyen efficace pour combattre l'oidium americain du Groseillier i. maquereau. Cette offre est faite a la suite des resultats peu favorables donnes par les essais de fungicides qui ont recemment eu lieu tant en Angleterre qu'en Hollande. Le Mabche horticole en Hollande.— Les apports de Pommes de terre hatives ont 6te tres abondants au cours de la semaine eroule'e, A Grootebroek ils se sont eleves a 55,000 hecto litres. Les prix ont neanmoins manifeste une tendance a la hausse, le produit ordinaire valant 14 a 18 francs. A ces prix les operations de la, recolte sont poussees avec vigueur. Tous leq legumes donnent des prix remunerateurs. II en est de meme des fruits mous, les Groseilles noires ayant couraroment fait 60 fa-, KORT OVERZICHT VOOR DE VLAMINGEN. TuDESS eene reis in Engeland, gaf M. Helle- putte, belgisch Minister van Landbouw, zijn inzicht ti kennen een komiteit te stichten dat aan de engelsche vereenigingen die zich met het herstellen van den Landbouw in Belgie bezig houden, de noodige inlichtingen zou geven. Zocdra verdere biizpnderheden voorhanden zijn komen wij er op terug. In het bezette gedeelte van Belgie is de Tuinbouwdienst aan't werk. De ruwe winst der samenwerkende maatschappij van Bloem- Fruit-en groentenkweekers te Brussel is gevallen van 114,000 fr. op 33,000 fr. In't Zuiden van Frankrijk heeft de bedrij- vigheid der bloemkweekers hernomen. De handel is er niet slecht geweest alhoewel men groote vrees koesterde. In Holland hebben 't de markten zeer druk dank aan de vraag voor den uitvoer. De groentenkweekers maken loonende prijzen. Er is daar ook een prijs van 5,000 gulden uitge- loofd voor hem die een afdoende middel zal vinden ter bestrjjding van den amerikaanschen kruisbessen-meeldauw. July 24, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 55 HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Strange Brambles and Roses in an Orchard. — On several Apple trees in a pictur- esque old orchard on the slope of Men dip, just at the foot of Burrington Combe, Somerset, are tome extraordinary growths of Bramble (Rubus rusticanue?) and Rosa arvensis, the common white Rose, which flowers three weeks later than the ordinary Dog Rose. One Apple tree, about 35 feet high, has Brambles almost to the top, and my attention was drawn to it by the numerous aerial shoots hanging vertically almost to the ground. These are tough, but extremely .slender, with upturned prickles, but no leaves except above, although alive to their tips in most -cases. They are partly covered with a distinct bloom, like those of several other kinds of Bramble. One vertical shoot was 16 feet long, •when broken off a few feet from its top. Another, which springs from the base of the Apple tree, is about 30 feet long, branched and curving. Below are Bracken, Primroses, and Nettles. Another Apple tree is thickly covered with Ivy, and it has similar but less long, hanging Brambles. A third tree is covered with Brambles and Rosa arvensis, one Rose-shoot being at least 32 feet long, branched, and curiously knotted at some of the joints, and ending in leafy, flowering shoots 10 feet long, falling to the ground, and with numerous flower buds. One of the Ro6e canes is | inch thick for the first 10 feet above ground. A Hazel, between the two first-men- tioned Apples, is also covered with Brambles 20 feet high. These trees are separated from the open moorland above by a rocky bank, and thick hedge of hazel. Brambles and Dogwood. Although neglected orchards, chiefly of cider Apples, are nothing new in Somerset, in these davs such scenes are sad, except in the eyes of the botanist and the artist. H. S. Thompson. The Cuckoo Spit or Frog Hopper.— Judging by its 'behaviour in my small garden in Surrey it is difficult to understand the light and airy fashion in which this terrible pest is so ■often referred to. In The Book of Garden Pests I do not see mention of it at all, yet here I look upon it as a nuisance equal to all the others put together. Every spring they make their appear- ance in thousands, but I think this year they aTe even worse than ever. Very few plants are proof against their attacks, though up to the present they have not interfered with Potatos, while Delphiniums seem distasteful to them. The under sides of the leaves of Rhubarb were last year in- fested with t.hem. A great many vegetables are dotted over with that froth-like substance, which contains one or more insects, while nearly all border flowers are infested with them. The worst troubled are, I think, Pinks, Lavender and Southernwood. Most hardy shrubs are at- tacked, Privet hedges especially, while a fine specimen of Escallonia langleyensis, which serves to screen a fence, seems just to conform to their requirements. We are sometimes told to use a brush dipped in methylated spirit in order to get rid of them, but even in a small garden this is not practical. Paraffin emulsion, nicotine and quassia have been used with only partial results. They are so protected by the froth with which they are surrounded that it is extremely dnncult to get at them. Then the fact remains that even if the plants are cleared fresh supplies make their appearance from neighbouring gardens, hedges, and, in the event of waste land, from the weeds which are often smothered with them. Certainly no half-hearted measures of brushing them off will be of any service, and attempts to clear them away by spraying with insecticides is often so disheartening that one is sometimes inclined to give the garden' up to them. W. T. Antirrhinums for Summer Bedding.— I have heard varied expressions of opinion lately as to the advisability of making a sowing of Antirrhinums now, for raising bedding plants for next summer. Many gardeners seem to favour the view that summer or autumn sowing is preferable to sowing in spring. For myself I strongly favour the seeds being sown in February for summer bedding, as I find that plants raised at that season can be relied upon to provide a brilliant display of flower from about the third week in June to the beginning of October. I don't think the same can be said of the plants raised in autumn, as I have ob- served that if they are earlier flowering they begin to lose their brilliance in July. The sub- ject is worth consideration, as Antirrhinums are increasing in popularity. They are un- rivalled especially for long borders. We have a border here about 150 yards long, which is at present a brilliant ribbon of colour. The varie- ties used are Sutton's Cloth of Gold ana tall Orange King for a background and Pure White, Apricot Bonfire and Yellow Prince in the fore- ground. F. W. Miles, Ware Park Gardens, Ware, Herts. American Pond Weed. -I notice in The Field, July 17, p. 135, a repetition of the story that the introduction of Elodea canadensis was due to the carelessness of a Cambridge professor of botany. It would be interesting to know what is the authority for this statement. The first recorded appearance of this aquatic in the British Isles was in a pond at Waringstown, Co. Down, in 1836 ; and the suggestion has been made that it was imported with squared tim- ber from Canada into Belfast (Gyiele Hibernica, 2nd Ed., p. 333). Hooker's Students' Flora, p. 371, says that it was introduced into Eng- land about 1841 ; but Mr. A. O. Walker stated at the Linnean Society on November 2, 1911, that its first appearance in Great Britain was in Berwickshire in 1845, and that by 1850 it had become abundant in many parts of the British Isles. It has generally been looked on as an unmitigated nuisance, but Sir Herbert Max- well, in the Scottish Naturalist, April, 1915, refers to it " as a beautiful weed, which in ordinary seasons forms a close green carpet over the bottom of a lake or stream, but at long in- tervals of years rushes into rampant growth so as completely to fill considerable sheets of water." In such exceptional seasons it inter- feres with boating, oathing. and fishing ; but as it is highly nutritious, it attracts to some lakes enormous quantities of wild fowl, espe- cially surface-feeding ducks. Cattle are very fond of it, and may be seen browsing on it when it grows in accessible streams. H. SOCIETIES ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. July 20. — The usual fortnightly meeting was held on Tuesday last, in the Vincent Square Hall, Westminster. The exhibition showed a marked falling off in comparison with recent shows, as is usual after the summer exhibition at Holland House. Several prominent exhibits were staged in the Fruit an'3 Vegetable Section, the Gold Medal being awarded, for an ex- hibit of Gooseberries, and the Silver-gilt Knightian Medal for a splendid collection of vegetables. We learn from the exhibitor that this fine exhibit of kitchen garden produce was a response to our suggestion that vegetables and salads should be exhibited more frequently. We congratulate Mr. Streeter, not onk- "n his skill as a cultivator and the excellent manner in which his collection was arranged, but on being the first to respond to our appeal. The Fruit and Vegetable Committee recom- mended three Awards of merit, two for varie- ties of Gooseberries and the other for Cherry Waterloo, all well-known sorts, and extensively cultivated. The Floral Committee recommended three Awards of Merit to novelties, and awarded eighteen medals to collections, the principal groups consisting of Fuchsias, Roses, Carna- tions, and hardy flowers, including collections of Border Phloxes. The Orchid Committee recommended an Award of Merit to a new species of Bulbo- phyllum, and two Silver Flora and two Silver Banksian Medals for collections. At the three o'clock meeting in the Lecture Room, Mr. George Forrest delivered an address on " Chinese Plants," illustrated by photographs of the plants growing wild in China. Floral Committee. Present: Mr. H. B. May (in the chair}, Messrs. John Green, W. .1. I'm, in. F. W. Harvey, G. Retithe, Urn, Harrow. I. W. Moor- man, Wm. Howe, J. F. McLeod, C. Dixon, C. R. Fielder, H. J. Jones, Chas. E. Shea, J. T. Benuett-Poe, C. E. Pearson, W. P. Thom- son, E. H. Jenkins, J. Jennings and R. C. Not- cutt. Awards of Merit. Pelargonium Kathleen Bunyard. — An Ivy- leaved variety with rosy-scarlet flowers. The plants were growing in 6-inch pots, and were of compact, bushy habit and very floriferous. Shown by Mr. A. E. Billinghubst, West Croydon. Campanula Meteor. — A seedling from Norman Grove variety, much resembling White Star, but rather flatter and with a flush of blue in the white petals. The blooms measured 1£ inch in diameter and were borne on stems 9 inches to 1 foot high. Shown by Messrs. Thos. B. Grove and Sons, Sutton Coldfield. Campanula acutamjula. — This small-growing species is a native of Spain, where it grows wild on limestone at an altitude of 6,000-7,000 feet. It belongs to the section represented by C. Portenschlagiana. The leaves are reniform and very small. The numerous flowering stems bear bell-shaped blooms about i inch across and of a lavender colour shaded with purple. Shown by Mr. Maurice Prichard. Other Novelties, Miss Willmott exhibited the true form of Plagianthus Lyallii, which differs from the form in general cultivation by its upright habit of growth. Miss Willmott also exhibited Anigo- zanthos coccinea. The plant has linear foli- age 2^ feet long and i inch broad. The panicles are forked, and in the specimens ex- hibited were about 4 feet high. The tubular flowers are swollen at the base and bear reddish- scarlet hairs, which furnish the colouring, the corolla itself being greenish, like A. flavidus, of which Index Kewe.nsis gives A. coccinea as a synonym. Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt, showed a miniature Polyantha Rose with silver varie- gated foliage and tiny rose-pink blooms. The variegation is very pronounced and the plants appeared to possess a value for edgings to Rose beds. The plants were only 6 inches high. General Exhibits. The following Awards were made for col- lections : — Silver-gill Flora Medals to Col. the Right Hon. Mark Lockwood, M.P., Bishops Hall, Romford (gr. Mr. G. Cradduck). for a large group of Trachelium coeruleum and its white variety ; and, as a table exhibit, a comprehensive collection of Fuchsias in pots ; and Messrs. H. J. JONE3, Ltd., Ryecroft Nur- series, Hither Green, Lewisham, for varieties of border Phloxes. This latter exhibit wr.s staged on two long tables, and contributed the finest colour display in the hall. Of the varieties the more notable were La Mahd, (violet-blue), Iris (of the same tone, but with a deeper centre), Europe (white, with carmine- coloured eye), Mme. Paul Dutrie (pale pink), Widar (heliotrope, with white eye), Elizabeth Campbell (pale salmon-pink). Meteor (pink) and G. A. Strohlein (orange-scarlet). Silver Flora Medals to Messrs. B. R. Cant and Sons, Col- chester, for Roses; Mr. James Douglas, Eden- side, Great Bookham, for border Carnations, outstanding varieties being Bookham Clove-. Mrs. G. A. Reynolds (buff ground with orange- coloured stripes), Mrs. Andrew Brotherston I i fancy, the white ground being streaked and pen- cilled with mulberry-colour), Ilene (white) and Salmonea (clear pink) : Mr. Amos Perry, En- field, for hardy flowers. This excellent collec- tion of choice hardy subjects was arranged as a floor group and included a bank of Lilies, of which Lilium parvifiorum, L, dalmaticum, I. pardalinum and L, canadensis rubrum were an commonly good. Varieties of hardy Nympnaeaa were also included. Silver Banksian Medals to Messrs. Allwood Bros., Wivelsfield, Hay-wards Heath, for Perpetual flowering Carnations ; their novelty Bishton Wonder possesses a beautiful perfume; Messrs. H. B. Mas and Sons, Edmonton, for standards of varieties of Fuchsia fulgens, Hydrangeas, Richandia Elliottiana, tall Lantanas and a collection of Bi ;onia Rex, the flowers being set off by Ferns and Palms; Mr. G. W. Mn ii i, W sbech, for hardy flowers, in- 56 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 24, 1915. eluding Ornithogalum lacteum, which he grows so well ; Rev. J. H. Pemberton, Havering-atte- Bower, Essex, for seedling Eoses. Messrs. Waterer, Sons, and Cnisr, Ltd., Twyford, for hardy flowers such as Helenium purailum mag- nificum, Catanache bicolor, Verbascum olymp.- cum and a selection of the choicer P'hloxes. Bronze Flora Medals to Mr. James Box, Lin-dfield, for a large bank of Phloxes, set off by a group of Lilies in the centre and corner-pieces of Alstroemeria lutea ; Messrs. G. Bunyard and Co., Ltd., Maidstone, for hardy flowers; Mr. M. Prichard, Christ- church, Hampshire, for hardy flowers, the gem of the collection being the white form of Crinum Powellii. Bronze Banhsian Medals to Messrs. J. Cheal and Sons, Crawley ; Mr. C. Elliott, Stevenage; Mr. G. Bedthe. Keston. Kent; Messrs. T. S. Ware, Ltd., Feltham ; and Messrs. W. Wells, jun., Merstham, all of whom exhibited hardy flowers. Orchid Committee. Present: Sir Harry J. Veitch (in the chair), and Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. secretary), Gur- ney Wilson, W. Bolton, W. H. White, A. Dye, W H Hatcher, C. H. Curtis, J. Charlesworth, Pantia R-alli, J. Wilson Potter, S. W. Flory and R. A. Rolfe. AWARDS RECOMMENDED. Award of Merit. Bulbophyllum Baljourianum n. sp. (see fig. 18), from Messrs: Sander and Sons, St. Albans. This is a very Temarkable species in every respect, and especially in ;ts being almost identical in growth with the singular B. Fletcherianum described and illustrated in the Gardeners' Chronicle, May 9, 1914, p. 321, and in having the same texture and colour in the flowers, which are, however, markedly different in form. The glaucous pseudo-bulbs, an inch or so in length, have a greyish appearance and a granulated surface. The fleshy, lanceolate leaves are from 6 to 8 inches long, and 2 inches in width. The in- florescence is a short Taceme, borne close to the pseudo-bulb, and in this case bearing three flowers. The sepals are 1^ inch long, and about 1 inch wide, the lateral two being curved and ap- proached, connate for part of their length, but with the tips free and diverging. The ground colour' is creamy-white, the markings, which are whole-coloured at the base and in spotting outward, reddish-claret colour, the hinged lip being of the same tint. Its affinity is B. Fletcherianum, the most prominent differences being that in that species the flowers are pro- portionately narrower, and the sepals, and especi- ally the lateral segments, much more elongated. The flower has a resemblance to Stapelia, and its odour also is similar. It is said to have been imported from New Guinea. General Exhibits. Messrs. Sander and Sons. St. Albans, were awarded a Tilver Flora Medal for an interest- ing group, with Coelogyne Dayrana, bearing many pendulous racemes in the centre ; two light yellow forms of Anguloa Cliftonii, Coelogyne Mooreana, various showy Odontoglossums, i-en- drobium regium. D. sanguinolentum and some rare species of botanical interest, one specimen of Xylobium having an inflorescence 4 feet in height. Messrs. Stuart Low and Co., Jarvisbrook. Sussex, were awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a .group in which were noted the pure-white Aer.ides odoratum album. Messrs. J. and A. McBean, Cooksbridge, secured a Silver Banksian Medal for a group in which their fine strain of scarlet Odontiouas was effective. J. Gurnet Fowler, Esq., Prackenhurst, Pem- bury (gr. Mr. J. Davis), sent Cymbidium aloi- folium variety, with two arching spikes of yel- lowish flowers with dark-red stripes on the petals. Messrs. E. H. Davidson and Co., Orchid- dene, Twyford, sent the very rare Cattleya superba alba, a blush-white form which re- ceived a First-class Certificate June 11, 1895. but has seldom appeared since. Also a very fine form of Odontoglossum Ceres. Messrs. Flory and Black, Orchid Nursery, Slough, showed their new Odontoglossum Milan (Rolfeae X Harryanum), an improvement on 0. Rolfeae and with larger flowers. The sepals have a slight greenish tint, the petals white, both prettily marked with chocolate-puTple. Miss Violet B. Fellows, Shotesham Park, Norwich, sent the singular Liparis plantaginea, an uncommon Himalayan species, with erect spikes of flowers, the conspicuous feature in which is the broadly ovate emerald-green labellum. Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present: Mr. Owen Thomas (in the chair), Messrs. W. Bates, Edwin Beckett, W. Pope, H. Markham, H. J. Wright, A. Bullock, P. D. smooth-skinned variety of excellent flavour. All shown by Messrs. Geo. Bunyakd and Co., Ltd. Grouts. The following Awards were made for col- lections : — Gold Medal to Mr. J. C. Allgrove, Middle Green, Langley, Slough, for a collection of Gooseberries and Currants. The exhibit filled the whole of a table 48 feet long, and com- prised 100 varieties of Gooseberries and about 12 varieties of Currants. The feature of the exhibit was a number of single, double and triple cordons, also palmate and standard Goose- berries, these being crowded with fine fruits. The fruits exhibited in baskets were superb, and included (dessert) Langley Gage (the best- flavoured Gooseberry), Langley Beauty, Golden ;. 19. — gooseberry whinham's industry. (Sec Awards by tiie Fruit and Vegetable Committee.) Tucker, E. A. Bunyard, A. Grubb and A. R. Allan. Awards of Merit. Cherry Waterloo. — This excellent black Cherry is well known in gardens ; it was raised more than one hundred years ago by Tnomas Andrew Knight, who gathered the first fruits a few weeks after the battle of Waterloo. The tree is a good cropper, and grows freely; its fruits are of excellent quality, and generally the variety is one of the best black Cherries in cultivation. Gooseberry Whinham's Industry (see fig. 19). — One of the best red Gooseberries and exten- sively cultivated by market growers .for its pro- lific cropping. Gooseberry Bosebery. — A small, green, Gem, Whitesmith, Early Green Hairy, Early Sulphur, Warrington, Ironmonger, Pitmaston Greengage ; (culinary) Trumpeter, Broom Girl, Surprise, Whinham's Industry, Keepsake, Leveller and Coiner. Currants trained to single stems bore fruits in profusion. Silver-gilt Knightian Medal to Misses Tate and Tanner, Caldecote Towers, Bushy Park (gr. Mr. F. Streeter), for a collection of vegetables. The exhibit was arranged on a special stand, painted white, the subjects being grouped on circular stands and on shelving at tne back, after the modern method of exhibiting vege- tables. The more important subjects were Potatos May Queen, King Edward VII. and Early Ashleaf, Tomato Duke of York, Earliest Purine Kohl Rabi, Cucumber Lockie's Per- fection, Lettuce All-the-Year-Round, Onion Jul* 24, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 57 Autumn Giant, Carrots Red Elephant and Long Forcing, Peas Quite Content, International, Duke of Albany and Perfection, Round Beet, Marrow Moore's Cream and Seakale Beet. Silver Banksian Medal to Messrs. Dobbie and Co., Edinburgh, for a collection of j?eas, com- prising 40 varieties. The following sorts were amongst the best : — Superb, Gradus, Alderman, Gladstone, Laxtonian, Stratagem, Duke of Albany and Ne Plus Ultra. Mr. S. Mortimer, Rowledge, Farnham, again exhibited his new Tomato Tip-Top. A stem was shown with six large trusses, one of the bunches comprising 20 fruits, weighing in all about 41b. Messrs. Laxton Bros., Bedford, showed a small seedling Plum raised from Early Orleans X Fraser's Early Yellow. The fruits were not ripe, but the colour is apparently yellow flushed with red. NATIONAL SWEET PEA. July 14. — The annual outing of the National Sweet Pea Society waa referred to briefly in the last issue, and we now publish fuller particulars. The first part of the programme — the inspec- tion of the society's trials at Boyton Hall, Roxwell, Essex, was attended by about seventy, most of whom journeyed from Lon- don fby rail. Never in the history of the society .have the trials .been better, and Mr. R. W. Christy and his daughter, who did most of the work, even to keeping the ground clear of weeds, were congratulated on their efforts. The official inspection by the Floral Committee took place on the 8th inst., and the visitors passed first to the rows of the four varieties that the committee had selected as worthy of receiving Certificates of Merit. The plants were grown in pairs, and each pair was 2 feet distant from its neighbours, thus allowing plenty of space for each variety to exhibit its true habit. Tea Rose easily justified its distinction for award, for in the rows it showed a prettier blush than at the show, and its merits were praised by all. The shade is sure to be popular with florists, and the iblooms are of the best exhibition size. Tiie colour is a cream-ground shaded rosy-buff. There is some talk of this novelty being re-named Sylvia. Margaret Fife is a distinct variety in the blue shades, and ■was ahead of all others of its section at the trials for size of bloom, whilst the lilac in the edges of the standards and wings make it particularly pleasing when bunched. Victory (Bolton) is a lavender flower of good size and quality. In varieties of this shade it needs a very critical eye to distinguish one from another, but apparently the committee con- sidered it to be sufficiently distinct to award. Dora appears to be an attractive cream ground bicolor. When comparing these with others of comparatively equal merit, it was obvious that the Floral Committee had no easy task to per- form, and it is small wonder that the decisions fail to please everybody. But the trials cer- tainly snowed how essential it is that awards should only be given after inspecting growing plants, for from their appearance several varie- ties might easily have obtained awards had the latter been given for bunches of bloom. Although the colour, size and distinctiveness of the type flower seemed to be all that could be desired, yet the presence of rogues showed that the variety was not fixed, and this would give rise to disappointment and confusion. The "rank and file" in the trials revealed nothing outstanding, although they all marked a great advance compared to the time when Emily Henderson, which was seen later in Messrs. Dobbie's nursery, was the Sweet Pea of the day. The trials showed that fresh raisers are entering tihe^ field, and the older breeders must look to their laurels, for the newcomers have some pro- mising varieties. We made notes of a few of the varieties. Cis Wright, No. 15, showed up well, but as some of the plants varied a little in shade the variety was passed by the committee. This Sweet Pea would make a pleasing combination with Tea Rose, the colour being a delicate creamy-pink, whilst the flowers are large and very double. Peace, No. 28, is a very fine cream-pink flower, fairly deep in tone, and a very large size, somewhat like Mr. Bolton's Marvel. No. 51. a giant maroon variety, appeared quite distinct from those in commerce, the purplish shade in the wings and standard being almost entirely eliminated. No. 62, an orange-scarlet variety, much in the way of Thomas Stevenson, was worthy of note, the flowers being extra large and very bright, but quite distinct from President, No. 59. This variety was grand, and but for an odd plant or two of a slightly paler shade must have been recognised by the committee. It will doubt- less become popular. No. 80, Stevenson's Victory, also appeared to possess great merit. In type and growth' it is like Illuminator, but very much brighter and retains its colour well in bright sunshine. No. 91, Old Rose, was one of the newest and most distinct varieties in the trials. The name, Old Rose, aptly describes the tone, and as the flower is large the variety should be much in demand, both for exhibition and decorative purposes. No. 38, Crimson Queen, is another distinct variety ; the colour may be described as bright blood-red, similar to the older variety, Premier, but Larger in the flower. No. 32, " New Miriam Beaver," is an attractive cream-pink variety, reminding us of Mr. Holmes' Lilian, but, like this variety, just a little weak in the top bloom. In going through the trials a high standard of fixity was the feature of certain Taisers' stocks, whilst others were careless to keep their stocks pure. Taken collectively the trials were particularly interesting. The visitors had a kindly reception by the superintendent and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Christy, whilst the arrangements made by the secretary, Mr. H. T. Tigwell, were complete in every detail. The afternoon was spent in visits to Messrs. A. Dickson and Sons' and Messrs. Dobbie and Co. 's nurseries at Marks Tey ; in both establishments many acres of Sweet Peas are grown for seed purposes. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending July SI. A Cold, Wet and Windy Week.— This was a cold week, and more particularly was this the case during the daytime. On the two coldest days the temperature in the thermometer-screen at no time rose above 59°. The ground is at the present time 5° colder at 1 foot deep and 3° colder at 2 feet deep than is seasonable. Rain fell on four days, and to the total depth of nearly 2 inches, making this the wettest week since the second week in May, or for nine weeks. On the 14th inst. rain fell to the depth of nearly one inch. Between 9 and 10 p.m. on that day the rain was falling for eight minutes, at the rate bf § inch an hour. During the week 6£ gallons of rainwater came through the bare foil gauge, but none has come through that on which short grass is growing for eight weeks. Beth gauges are 3 feet square and 2i feet deep. The sun shone on an average for 5J hours a day, which is three-quarters of an hour a day short of the mean daily duration in July. This was the windiest week for twelve weeks, and the wind came almost exclusively from some westerly point. The mean velocity for the windiest hour rose to twenty-one miles — direction west — making this the windiest, hour since April 9, or for fourteen weeks. The mean amount of moisture in the air at three o'clock in the afternoon exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by 9 per cent. E. M. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. Mr- E- Matthews, late of Newstead Abbey Gar- dens, Nottinghamshire, as Gardener to His" Grace the Duke ov Wellington, K.G., Stratfield-Saye, Mortimer, R.S.O.. Berkshire. Mr F- Capp. as Gardener to Captain and I.ndy Bettt Traffor,]). Wroxham Hall, Norwirh. The many friends of Mr. Capp will deeply sympathise with him in the loss he has eu^tained in the death of bis wife, which occurred on the 8th inst., shortly after taking up his post at Wroxham. DEBATING SOCIETIES. SCOTTISH HORTICULTURAL — The monthly meeting of this Association was held at 5, St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, on the 6th inst. Mr. Pirie, the President, was in the chair, and there was an attend- ance of seventy members. The evening was devoted to an exhibition of autoehrome lantern slides of gardens, plants and flowers by the Secretary. Tt waa resolved to abandon the proposed excursion to Mount. Melville on August 7. IVK A R K E T S. 2 0- 3 0. Cut Flowers, be.: s.d Achillea, per doz, bunches Alstroemeria, per doz. bunches . . Carnations, per dozen blooms. . — Malmaisou,per doz. blooms pink Coreopsis, per doz. bunches Cornflower, per doz. bun., blue — white . . — pink Delphinium, per doz. bunches.. Eucharis, per doz. Gaillardia, per doz. bunches Gardenias, per box of 15 and 18 blooms.. Gladioli : — Brenchltyensis, per doz. spikes — The Bride (white).. — America, per doz. spikes — Pink Beauty . . Gypsophila, white, per doz. bun. . . — paniculata, per doz. bunches.. Iceland poppies, per doz. bun. . . Lapageria, per doz. blooms.. L i 1 ium longi- florum, per doz., lung ehoi t — lancifolium album, long . . short . . COVENT GARDEN, July 21. Average Wholesale Pplees. s.. Alexander Donald Mackenzie. -We regret to announce the death of Mr. A. D. Mac- kenzie, of the firm of Mackenzie and MoncuT, horticultural builders, Edinburgh, which took place at his residence, 14, Grecnhill Park, Edin- burgh, on the 15th iiist. Mr. Mackenzie, who was in his seventy-ninth year, bad been in fail- ing health for some months past, and since February he had not been able to attend to business. He was born at Appin, Argyllshire, in 1836, and at the age of fifteen he migrated to Glasgow, where he served an apprenticeship to the joiner and carpenter trade. Removing to Edinburgh in 1866 he worked at his calling for a time, and in 1868 started business on his own account as a hot-ihouse builder. In 1869 he was joined by Mr. Moncur, and they founded the business of Mackenzie and Moncur, Ltd. Mr. Mackenzie devoted much time to public affairs, and he was identified with many useful developments in the municipal work of the city of Edinburgh. In 1890 he entered the Town Council, and in 1893, when the Cor- poration resolved to introduce electric lighting into the city, he was elected chairman of the committee entrusted with Ithe carrying of the scheme into effect. Two years later, when a separate electric lighting committee was formed, he was appointed its convener — a position which he retained tall his retirement from the Council in 1904. In 1897 he was elected a Bailie. Mr. Mackenzie was a Justice of the Peace for the city, a member of all the principal com- mittees of the Council, and of the Water Trust and Dean of Guild Court. In 1904 he was elected 'to represent the city on the Leith Dock Commission, and in 1910 he became its chairman. He did much valuable work in con- nection with tlhe improvement and extension of the harbour and docks. He took a keen interest in horticulture, and served on the Councils of both the Royal Caledonian Hontbult iral Society and the Scottish Horticultural Association, of the latter of whi:h he was an ex -president. Mr. Mackenzie is survived by his widow and three sons two of whom are in the business, and two daughters. Apples Damaged : J. J. and Son. No letter was received referring to the Apples. There is no fungus present, and the injury appears to be of mechanical origin — it may possibly have been caused by hailstones. Books : Polo. Tomato Culture for Amateurs, by B. C. Ravenscroft, illustrated, post free, Is. 3d. Tomato Culture for Market, by J. Stoddart, post free, Is. id. Both of these books can be obtained from our Publishing Department.— C. S. The Plant-lore and Gar- den Craft of Shakespeare, by Rev. H. N. Ellacombe. I'.I.A., published in 1878 by William Pollard, North Street, Exeter. Bottle Brush Tree : Horticus. In Australia many plants are known as Bottle Brush ; thus there are Pale Red Bottle Brush, Large Red Bottle Brush, Blue-leaved Bottle Brush, Stiff Bottle Brush, Showy Bottle Brush and several others. All are species of Callistemon. In this country the species most commonly grown is Calhstemori speciosus, Showy Bottle Brush, although C. lanceolatus, more commonly known as Meterosideros floribunda, Tall Lance-leaved Bottle Brush, is also met with in gardens. The wood of C. lanceolatus is hard and heavy. It is used for ship-building, and for hard implements such as mallets. Its shavings will bind like a ribbon. The tree grows 30 to 40 feet high. The plants grow well in a green- house or conservatory in a mixture of loam, peat and sand. The'piant may be propagated from cuttings placed under a bell glass, in the same manner as other hard-wooded plants. Chrysanthemum Withering : H. G. S., Llan- dudno. The withering of the Chrysantne- mums is neither due to fungus nor insect, but to some fault in their cultivation, which can only be determined by an inspection of the conditions in which they are grown. Correction. In our report of the National Sweet Pea Society's show, tne winner of the Burpee Cup should read: "Miss Ba'rrl, St. James', West Malvern (gr. Mr. J. W. Irvine)." Eucalyptus globulus (Blue Gum Tree) : /. H. B. This half-hardy plant may easily be raised from seed sown in the spring in a heated house. Garden Overgrown with Tree Roots : W. G. I. The shoots belong to the tree Ailanthus glandulosus. The roots of this tree spread rapidly, but are superficial, and could be checked by trenching the garden to a depth of 1 foot. New roots would, of course, appear in due course. Gooseberries Diseased : Berk. The disease is American Gooseberry mildew, and you must notify it to the Board of Agriculture. This Leaves : W. E. The fungus present is Cladosporium epiphyllum. Remove the diseased leaves, and to prevent a recurrence remove the surface soil and add fresh, with a top dressing of quicklime. Thrips cannot be found on the specimen of Armeria sent. Lime Tree Injured : C. A . B. The tree is in- jured by the fungus, Stereum hirsutum, though the larvae of insects have attacked the wounds originally made by the fungus. Wherever the fungus is found growing on living trees it shou'd be cut away, the wound washed with paraffin, anil afterwards painted with tar. It is, however, very difficult to eradicate, and the fungus may reappear after the wood has been thus treated. The haves are eaten by the vapourer moth, and should be sprayed with an arsenic insecticide. Lycium and Pernettya : S/irub. Both Lycium and Pernettya have both sexes on the one plant, and can be depended upon to fruit freely every year. The Lycium, however, does not fruit much until it has attained a consider able size, and may therefore not be exactly suitable for your space and requirements. Melon Culture : /. H. B. If your Melon plants are growing in pits or frames stop the plants when they have made a few perfect leaves to induce lateral growths to develop. Train three or four of these secondary shoots evenly over the surface of the bed, and stop them when about 12 or 15 inches long. This pinch- ing of the shoots will result in the production of female (large) flowers, which, when fully open, should be pollinated by inserting therein a male flower and allowing it to remain there. Pinch the fruit-bearing shoots at one joint beyond the impregnated flower, and maintain a somewhat drier atmosvjhere with more ven- tilation until the flowers have set, and the fruit begins to swell. A moist atmosphere is then required until the fruits show signs of ripening, when the conditions should be drier to develop rich flavour in the fruits. If the plants are growing in houses close to the roof- glass the plants should be allowed to make 3 or 4 feet of growth, before being stopped. In other respects the treatment is similar to- that afforded to plants growing in frames. In both cases avoid crowding of the growths. Melons and Cucumbers for Seed : U. S. It would be unwise to grow Melons and Cucumbers in the same house for the purposes of obtaining seed, although they are some- times grown in the same house for ordinary purposes. Melons require a dry atmosphere when in flower and when the fruit is ap- proaching maturity, whilst Cucumbers require a uniformly moist atmosphere always. Names of Plants : H. C. (Dorking). 1 and 2, Spiraea callosa Bumalda ; 3, Spiraea callosa J 4, S. c. Anthony Waterer; 5, Pittosporum undulatum. — A. Y. Z. 1, Veronica Bidwillii j 2, Helichrysum arenarium ; 4, Saxifraga hyp- noides (Dovedale Moss). No flower of this was received. The type has white flowers on stems about 6 inches high, but there are many other forms, some an inch high only. — A'. 1, Per- haps Mertensia laneeolata, but the specimen is inadequate ; 2, Hypericum olympicum ; 3, Cynoglossum officinale (Hound's Tongue) ; 4, Primula vittata ( ?), specimen inadequate ; 5, Alyssum rostratum ; 6, Hypericum hirsutum ; 7, Scutellaria sp. (Skullcap) ; 8, Veronica speci- osa rubra, this and many other forms of V. speciosa are quite (hardy near sea ; 9. Bupleu- rumrotundifolium (Hare's Ear). — 67. C. Trades- cantia virginica. — Polo. Circaea lutetiana. — E. P. 1, Campanula muralis (syn. Porten- schlagiana) ; 2, Acaena pulc'hella ; 3, Scabiosa parnassifolia (Pterocephala) ; 4, Muehlenbeckia nana ; 5. Potentiila alba ; 6, Eryngium bromeliacfolium. — C. A'. Acer monspessula- num (Montpelier Maple). — A. C. M. 1, Spiraea canescens ; 2, Calycanthus floridus. — G. B. C. 1. Acalypha musaica ; 2. Acalypha Sanderi ; 3, Hibiscus Cooperi ; 4, Dieffenbachia Regina ; 5. Oncidium flexuosum ; 6, Fittonia Pearcei. — W. A. T. Mesembryanthemum acinaciforme. — An Old Bcadcr, Aylesbury. 1, Buddleia varia- bilis; 2, Campanula glomerata. — J. S., Suffolk. 1, Artemisia argentea ; 2, Buddleia variabilis Veitchii ; 3, Thalictrum minus ; 4, Cassinea'ful- vida : 5. Hypericum Androsaemum ; 6, Azara microphylla : 7, Acaena sp. ; 8, Veronica salici- folia; 9, Veronica Traversii. — 67. M. Justicia carnea. — Constant Reader, Brighton. Dicen- tra foTmosa. — W. E. Saxifraga Geum var. serratum. No disease is present. Pelargonium : T. S. L. The flowers were crushed on arrival here, but so far as their qualities could be judged they appeared in- ferior to existing varieties. Phlox Decaying : II'. L. The injury is caused by eelworms. Burn the infected plants and sterilise the soil. Raspberries : N. Devon. Early varieties of Raspberries are Early Perfection, Superla- tive, and Stiles' Victoria. Cominunications Received. — F. S. and Co. (Thanks for Is. for R.O.O.F. boxl-Mis. D.— L. T — W .1 B— G.— W. D. ar.d Sons, Ltd.— A. N — C. N — A M — E. P.— J. J. and Sons— Berk— W. ^. I— E. A — W L.— W. E.-F. E. S.^F. C. W.-.I. W — Dr. H — A D E.-F. W. M— R. T. G.-W. E. H.-O. W.— B B J.— B G. A. (Send your address, not for pub- Iioation)-M. B. ;.Tava)-E. C. G.-N. J. E.-Sir W T. D _C G W — T F 0— F B.— A- J B — F O— A B. E — G. S.— A. H. H.— A. G.-G. L -,T. MoK.— A. C. W.— G It E.— n. E. A.— Polo— G. H— F. E. S. & Co.— ■ J. T. S— S. W'.— M. Davey. Jclt 31, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE 59 THE i&atbtwxs dtycmadz No. 1,49?.— SATURDAY, JULY SI, 1915. CONTENTS. Amateur berry pickers . . American Pond Weed .. Australian Bottle Brush Bearded Irises Fernery, the Fruit, the bottling of the Fruit crops, remarks on H ay for Forces Holmts, Mr. E. M., Lilies in South-Western Scotland Lucerne seed Milton, the flowers of .. Novelties at the R.H.S. Shows Obituary- Irvine, Andrew. . Rudolph, M. Jules ■Orchid notes Parka, flowers in the Peach • growing seventy years ago Pentstemon Jaff ray amis. . " Pour nos amis francais et beiges" it.H.S. awards to Roses.. 61. Kobinia Kelseyi . Romneya Coulteri Rosary, the Roses, rambler Sainte-Baume Serbia, Commissioners report on present con- dition of Shrubs, late societies — Haarlem Bulb- growers Isle of White Carnation Manchester Orchid Midland Carnation ^National Carnation .. Rojal Scottish Arbori- cnltural Southampton Hort. .. York Florists' Sweet Pea Show, the Tomato fruit rot, a. Trials at Wrisley War horticultural relief fund, the .. .. <>tf, War item Week's work, the.. 04, ILLUSTRATIONS. Holmes, Mr. E. M., portrait of .. (" Laelio-Cattleya Gold Star «> Pentstemon -laffrayauus °* Robinia Kelseyi at Ke-w •'- R. Kelseyi, fruits of '•'[ .Rose Flame of Fire ,y- SPECIES OF BEARDED IRIS THE problem of species, interesting though it is, does not touch the work of the florist, except incidentally. Whether a plant is a species or only a variety does not so much matter as the genetic behaviour of its characters — -whether they are simple, and will be transmitted intact, or are com- pound and will blend or break up and give, in other combinations, characters that are apparently new. It is from this florist's point of view that ihe records of my Iris crossings have been kept. The characters recorded, though I have found them useful and reliable, lioth for identification and for giving in- dications of parentage, are not always those relied on for the determination of species. Most of the crosses, also, were made primarily with horticultural objects, and since many Iris crosses are not effec- tive or produce very few seeds, it is never certain there will be any that bear in a -connected series on the problem of the original species. It was, I believe, Sir Michael Foster's -opinion that most, if not all, of the gar- den forms and so-called species of tall bearded Irises, including pallida, varie- gata, neglecta, amoena, squalens, sam- bucina and plicata, were derived from pallida or variegata, or some combina- tion of these two species. Jn general, my experience of intercrossing these Irises ■agrees with this conclusion — to the extent that characters of pallida or variegata or both are in all of these. But I cannot ■help thinking — and the impression has strengthened with each year's flowering of ■my seedlings — that it is impossible to ac- count for all the results obtained by com- 'binations of these two species, and that there are well marked and persistent •characters, or combinations of characters, in some of the garden forms which could hardly have come from them alone. The conclusion, therefore, is that there is also at least one other species (possibly two) in these varieties of bearded Irises — not necessarily an unknown or undiscovered species, but one not hitherto recognised as having taken part in their evolution. I have, however, but little acquaintance with the species, and have made very few crosses with them. As regards the general type of squalens and of neglecta there is no difficulty. Prom crosses of pallida varieties with variegata varieties 1 have obtained both squalens and neglecta — generally in about equal numbers — from the same pod of seed, and Mr. Dykes' discovery in Dalmatia of squalens growing in conjunction with these two species settles its parentage be- yond doubt. But then there is the red tvpe of squalens. of which Jacquiniana is a good example, and this I have as yet never obtained, except when the pal- lida used was a Red Pallida, or a variety which had plicata in it. Though pallida crossed with variegata (my crosses are always of varieties, unless otherwise stated) gives neglectas, as yet I have never obtained amoena (of the Thorbeck type, with pure white stan- dards) from such a cross, nor, indeed, from any cross unless amoena was already in the ancestry of the varieties used, with one exception. Flavescens crossed with a variety of variegata gave (besides variegata and pale squalens) several Kmoena seedlings, with falls generally not so deeply coloured as the Thor- beck type, but with pure white stan- dards. It was an unexpected result, and I repeated the cross and confirmed it. Apparently, then, this amoena type is due to a colour-inhibiting factor, which in amoenas acts only on the standards — as in the analogous case of white Foxgloves,* where the colour-inhibiting factor acts on the ground, but not on the spot colour — and it may be reasonably suggested that this factor is the same as that in one of the parents of flavescens. In support of this view is the result of some amoena x squalens crosses, which give a good proportion of total whites or creams, the factor in these cases acting on both series of segments. In further confirmation, a cross of Queen of May x Thorbeck cave, in addition to some that were nearly white, one seedling practically identical with flavescens itself; other crosses also show- ing that flavescens, or one of its parents, is also in Queen of May. What, then, is flavescens? It is a hybrid, undoubtedly. Is it possible that I. lutescens, or its variety Statellae. is one of its parents .' and, if so, what could the other be? I think, however, that flavescens is very likely to have been produced by a cross between variegata and a white Iris — albi- cans or florentina^ — since it seeds fairly freely with pollen of variegata varieties, while I have been able to get very little good seed from it with pollen of pallida, plicata, sambucina, or lied Squalens. ; • "On Ofllour Tulieritiinct' in Koxclovrs," i.'artl. Chron., "s 1010, |.. 117. The considerable proportion of whit© seedlings which come from crosses of flavescens, or of varieties that have flavescens in them, seems also good evidence of the other parent being a white, but it is impossible to test them directly by crossing flavescens and albicans, as the pollen of both appears to be infertile. Then there are Red Pallida, sambucina. and plicata, and apparently these are connected. The type of lied Pallida 1 refer to chiefly is that represented by the varieties Assaurez, Astarte, and others, as these appear to represent the more primitive type. They are plants of medium height with smaller flowers than pallida, and comparatively narrow perianth segments, especially the falls, which are generally spreading or semi-spreading. They are always approxi- mately self-coloured, and have dense, pro- jecting, conspicuous beards. The tailor Red Pallidas of the Rubella type appear to be the result of crossing the above with plicatas, or with seedlings of pallida- plicata crosses, and are therefore probably further removed from the original forms. What is this Red Pallida? If only pal- lida and variegata are admitted as tin: original parents of the tall June-flower- ing bearded Irises, the inference would be that Red Pallida is the result of cumula- tive crossing of these two species. If so, what is it that produces the red colour? It seems unlikely that it can come from the reel-brown in the falls of variegata, diffused and blending with the violet of pallida, as this red-brown is confined to the falls and the claws of the standards in variegata. and the colouring of the Red Pallidas is typically nearly uniform in standards and falls. Is it then, perhaps, due to the blending of the yellow (which is in both standards and falls of varie- gata) with the pallida violet? Red Pal- lidas certainly show evidence of having some yellow coloured species in them, as in most the style branches and the base of the standards and falls are stained move or less with yellow-; nevertheless, my crosses — and in quest of the Crimson Iris 1 have made very many with this idea in mind — not only give no evidence that the red colour has been so produced i by the infusion of yellow from variegata, or any other source), but tend to show that it could not be. I have never ob- tained anything approaching Red Pallida or Red Squalens from any cross, unless ■:red" (including the latent red in plicata varieties) was in one or both of the parents — known or obvious — except from crosses of the white amoena, Mrs. H. Darwin. These always give some rod toned seedlings, and 1 expect if its parentage is known it will prove to have sambucina or Red Squalens in it, for many of its seedlings are very near sambucina. Another suggestion is that Red Pallida is simply a pallida from which a factor has dropped out. It may be so. Inn that would not Sxplain its associated charac- ters— the typical dense beard, for in- stance; which is distinct from the pallida beard, quite different from tin variegata 60 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 31, 1915. beard, and, so far as my pallida X variegate crosses go, has never yet appeared through tlhe combination of these. The plicate beard, though not quite the same, is much nearer. So I have been driven to conclude that there is some other, as yet unrecognised, species to which the intro- duction of red into these June Irises is due. And as there seems to be some connection between Red Pallida and plicate and sambucina, it will be well to take these also into consideration. A. J. Bliss. {To be continued.) MASDEVALLIAS AT MESSES. JAMES CYPHER AND SONS'. Although keeping well to the foTe with hybrid Orchids at the Exotic Nurseries, Chelten- ham, the old-time species of Dendrobium, Mil- tonia and Masdevallia, are still cultivated with the same care as formerly, and hence the pretty groups which Mr. John Cypher so successfully arranges at the leading exhibitions always have greater variety and interest than many others. The same may be said of the display of bloom which greets the visitor at the Chelten- ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. LAELIO-CATTLEYA gold star. Yellow Cattleyas and Laelio-Cattleyas are greatly in demand, the section made familiar by the forms of L.-C. Myra, although not the largest in size, being always favourites. L.-C. Gold Star (see fig. 21), raised from a cross between L.-C. Ariel (C. Dmviana x L. Cowanii) and C. Mendelii, .for ' which Messrs. Sander and Sons Teceived an Award of Merit at the recent Chelsea Show, is a welcome addition to the group. The flowers are chrome-yellow, the front of the lip being claret-red. Plants of the whole section are very free in growth) and flower well without special treatment. YELLOW WITH CLARET-RED ham nurseries at all seasons of the year. Fashion in flowers has affected the demand for many showy classes of Orchids, one of the most- noticeable being the Masdevallias. In many gardens they are discontinued to make room often for less showy and uninteresting subjects, hut at Cheltenham a good collection of them is grown, and some of the sections are to be seen in bloom at most seasons. Some curious species, such as Masdevallia gargantua. M. triangularis, M. Chimaera, form a pleasing contrast to the showier section. Masdevallias are very easy to cultivate, any shady, moist part of an ordinary greenhouse or conservatory, failing a cool Orchid house, being good accommodation for them if careful watering with rain-water be given. It may be pointed out, however, that -Masdevallias are evergreen, and should not be rested dry. Recently the show of Miltonia vexillaria varie- ties and its hybrids arranged with Masdevallias made a charming picture, the scarlet, mauve, violet and other tints of the Masdevallia Har- ryana, the bright red of M. ignea, and the orange-scarlet of M. Veitchiana grandiflora arranging very effectively with the rose-tinted Miltonias. THE BOTTLINC OF FRUIT. In the bottling of fruit it is necessary in the first instance to procure a suitable stock of jars or bottles. In those of the best type the parts are interchangeable. Four sizes are usually stocked by ironmongers and china warehousemen, these generally holding from one to four pounds of fruit Wide-mouthed bottles are in every respect best. Tins are cheaper, but they do not admit of being used repeatedly, and are troublesome to clean. Ordinary jam or marmalade jars are sometimes used with success, but then to keep the contents airtight one has to seal the top with paraffin wax or mutton fat. If this sealing is not effec- tive the fruit fails to keep well. Use only the best of fruit. Except in the case of Gooseberries, which should be procured green, fruits are most suitable for bottling when just approaching ripeness. Pears with very soft flesh should be avoided. Handle all fruit carefully when peeling them. Carefully overlook all fruit, putting aside for immediate use any specimens cracked or bruised. Remove all stems, and " top and tail " Gooseberries and Currants. In the case of Raspberries or Strawberries search dili- gently for crawling parasites. Apples and Pears should be peeled, then halved and quartered, and cored. Wipe all Plums and Cherries with a soft woollen cloth. First Method (with or without syrup). — Pack the fruit carefully into the jars without crushing ami rill up with cold water or syrup. Place the rubber band and cap in position, but do not screw down the top, as the air must escape when heated. Now stand the jars upright in a pan or pot of cold water — a fish kettle will do quite well — but do not allow the jar to touch the sides or bottom of the pot. With this in view, place the jars upon a piece of wood or tile, and separate them with a cloth or newspaper. Do not allow the flame to be too fierce, and if a gas stove is used keep the jet low. Heat the water to a temperature of about 170° or 180° Fahrenheit, but do not allow it to boil. Keep the jars in this hot water for about twenty to thirty minutes, according to the size of the fruit and its degree of ripeness. When sufficiently cooked the fruit will show first signs of cracking. Then lift out screw on the tops, and put the jars away to cool. When quite cold unscrew. If the process has been successful the lids will be light, and on open- ing there will be a rush of air inwards to fill up the vacuum caused by the heating and cooling. Should the lids be loose the heating process should be repeated for another fifteen minutes. When finally replacing the bands, a little olive oil rubbed on the indiarubber will prevent stick- ing, and hel,) to preserve the rubber. Screw up tightly, and store in a cool, dark place. Fruit preserved in its natural state is very suitable for pies or puddings, but for eating with custard, cream, or junket it is generally better to use syrup. Half a pound of lump sugar (pre- serving sugar) added to a quart of water will make a suitable thin syrup ; while sugar up to twice the weight may be used in producing a thicker syrup. Put the sugar and cold water into a saucepan or preserving pan and boil, but do not pour it over the fruit until quite cold. Then proceed in the same way as before. Second Method (without syrup). — Fill up the jars as before, but add no water, and leave off the rubber bands and caps. Now place the jars July 31, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 61 in an oven for a few minutes and remove when the fruit shows signs of cracking. Fill up with boiling water and screw on the lids immediately. Allow the liquid to cool thoroughly and then store away. This method is as good as the other, and gives' less trouble. Fruit treated either way will keep in good condition for a considerable time. Gooseberries preserved in the June of one year will keep splendidly until the fresh Goose- berries come again. The fruit is in every way as good as the finest bottled fruits obtainable from the grocer and costs about half the price. The heaviest item of expenditure is the initial outlay on bottles, though it should be remem- bered that the cost is spread over many years, for breakages are rare, and the jars aTe very strong and will last for a long time. Some may need fresh bands, but these are very cheap. Complete fruit bottles may be bought at prices very much as follows :— 1 lb., 4^d. ; 2 lb., 5±d. ; 3 lb., 6^d. ; 4 lb., 7id., with a small reduction upon half a dozen or a dozen. When the jars are emptied they should be carefully washed and the various parts thoroughly dried and put away for future use. Inspect the bands carefully before using them a second or third time, and throw away defective ones, or they may ruin the success of your bottling. They have the important duty of making the jars airtight, and to perform this duty they must be in good condition. Hemming Barker, A.C.P., Int.B.Sc. THE FERNERY. VARIATION : ITS STARTING-POINT. Since variation in the form of a plant can only be observed when there has been sufficient growth to evidence its existence, the question of its »*tarting-point, that is, where the first abnormal mother-cell, from which the subsequent abnor- mal growth is derived, originates, is probably an insoluble one. Despite this rather disheartening probability, it is, however, of great interest to record the various ways in which such sports have been known to declare themselves, and in this way provide at least some material upon which theories, if not certainties, may be based by extended investigation. In connection with Ferns, and particularly British Ferns, which have afforded such abundant material, both in the wild state and under culture, by selection from the offspring of such, the Fern collector can throw no light upon our problem. All he can say is that among possibly many thousands of plants of the normal type he has found one, or it may be several, possessing distinct characters, though of the same species undoubtedly as the others associated therewith. If there are more than one at or near the same spot, he will probably be justified in his con- clusion that these are either the direct offspring of some normal plant in the vicinity, which had yielded such offspring through spores endowed with the capacity of variation, or that equally, probably, all but one of them are the offspring of one plant from whose spores they have sprung, as what we may term secondary 6ports. Naturally, however, he cannot trace how that first one originated. It may have commenced as a spore on an otherwise normal plant, or it may have started independently of the spore as an offset produced by a bulbil, but we have no record of a Fern sport being found that was so indubitably associated and structurally con- nected with a normal specimen as to admit of proof of this. Furthermore, if we assume that the sportive character originated in a spore, that spore, when it was detached and found a suitable nidus, produced a prothallus ; this in its turn iproduced a large number of antherozoids or male fertilising germs, equivalent to pollen grains, and a clus'ter of archegonia, each of which had an incipient seed at its base, which, being fertilised by an antherozoid, produced sub sequently the sport. Who, however, can deter- mine whether or not the aberrant capacity may not have originated in an abnormal antherozoid or an abnormal archegouial seed ? All we can know is that by a conjunction a Fern was en- gendered, which threw off the ancestral struc- tural plan, and adopted another so satisfying to the plant as to be inherited to the full by its offspring. It is therefore seen that the starting- point of a variety or sport may occur in several ways, viz., by a merely vegetative bud, by a spore on an otherwise normal plant, or by antherozoids or archegonial " seeds " on an other- wise normal prothallus. These last two are, it is true, only assumptions, but they aTe reason- able ones, when we know how it has been proved by experiments that Nature knows no limit to her inventive capacity, the prothallus and the Fern itself having exhausted every conceivable variation in the life-cycle, as proved by Profes- sors Bower and Farmer, Dr. Lang, and Miss Digby. I may now cite a few instances which have come under my notice. First, with ~egard to bulbil sports, I may mention the recognised case when a laTge plant of the Jones and Fox sec- tion, P. angulare plumosum densum was malici- ously chopped up into over a dozen fragments m Mr. Barnes' collection by some miscreant. These fragments were collected by Mr. Whitwell, of Kendal, and under his care each one formed a new axis of growth and a root system, so that subsequently a row of splendid specimens ap- peared in Mr. Whitwell's garden. My attention being called to these, I noticed that one, though indubitably of that particular section, and equally indubitably derived from a division of the original specimen, was distinctly different from the rest, both in habit of growth and divi- sion of frond. This proved that the cell by which the plant had originated as a bud on one of the fragments had adopted a special and new plan of growth — i.e., had sported. It is well known that bulbil propagation, though fairly reliable as regards true reproduction of the type, is by no means infallible. That sportive spores may arise on an otherwise normal or nearly normal plant has been shown in two interesting instances in my personal experience. Many years ago a very handsome new form of Gymnogramme laucheana was raised by Messrs. Dixon, of Hackney. This was a very heavily crested grandiceps, and their foreman told me that on a normal specimen he observed a single fan-shaped pinnule bearing spores, and that on sowing these, a large batch of plants all alike, and of the variety named, resulted. Here it is clear that the sportive principle had expended beyond the sori affected so as to affect the foliage which bore them, or that i!fc pervaded so much of the local foliar area, and thus affected the sori. In the second ca6e the writer found, at Staverton, in Devon, a strong specimen of the common Harts- tongue (Scolopendrium vulgare), with a large number of fronds, all but one of which were perfectly normal. The exception was of the type known as sagittatum projectum, and this bear- ing a few spores was gathered, and the spores eventually sown. Some half a dozen plants resulted, all of which were alike, and all of a 'true sagittatum projectum form, plus terminal crests. Here, then, we see again a local affec- tion of the foliage embracing an entire frond associated witli a sportive tendency in the spores. Another question in this connection is, How far is the sportive tendency dependent upon seasonal influence? Experience has taught the writer that a varietal Fern capable of yielding exceptionally fine offspring at one time may at another fail more or less entirely to do so. Thus, the now well-known and splendid strain of Athyrium Filix foemina known as the "super- bums " yielded from the first crop of spores which tiie " superbum " parent produced two plumose sections, < rested and the other uncrested, all of i he ;ri I est merit. I parent plant still form one of tin' chief ornaments of our collection, but repeated sow- ings since have only yielded mediocre forms or failed entirely, presumably owing to long con- tinued culture under glass having weakened its vitali'ty. Another Athyrium, A. F.-f. cristatum Kilrushenss, a find of my own, and recognised as che finest cristate wild find of the species, yielded from the first sowing a good crop of the new form, but several subsequent sowings have been hardly crested at all at one time, but fairly true at others, for which the only explana- tion is, I think, seasonal influence of a little understood character. A. F.-f. Clarissima on which apospory was first discovered, has never, I believe, reproduced the large local pear-shaped excrescences which led to the dis- covery. I't has been maintained by some authori- ties that all sports are due to hybridisation or crossing, by which the normal specific type of growth is interfered with, with 'the result that a sort of compromise is effected involving the change observed. No thoroughgoing student of variation can, however, accept this theory. One fact alone suffices to contradict it, viz., that the new characters are rarely, if ever, 6pecific_or.es, attributable to neighbouring plants. Cresting or tassel'ing, to wit, has never been a specific char- acter, and vet so many abnormal Feriis present that peculiarity that the power pf sporting in that peculiar direction appears common to all genera. In Great Britain, as in other countries, some genera are only re- presented by a single species, and yet these single species, Athyrium Filix-foemina, Scclo- pendrum vulgare, and Blechnum spicant, for instance, have been very generous in spontane- ous wild sports. Chan. T. Druery, Y.M.H., F.L.S. THE ROSARY. NEW ROSES AT BAGATELLE. Orm French correspondent forwards us the following notes on new Roses in supplement to that contained in the list of awards already pub- lished in this journal (July 3, 1915, p. 3). Of the Roses exhibited by British growers, the following call for favourable comment : — Lady Dunleath, with flowers of a yellow-orange, by Messrs. Alex. Dickson and Sons, who also ex- hibited Queen Mary, a Hybrid Tea of a yellow colour nassiiig to a delicate rose at the edge, a vigorous, floriferous and sweet-smelling variety. The same raiser also showed Irish Flame arid Chrissie MacKellar, the former a single, the latter a semi-double. Also exhibited were Moon- light, raised by Rev. J. H. Pemberton ; Royal Standard, by Messrs, Dobbie; and Sultana, by Mr. Chas. Turner. BEDDING ROSES FOR LIGHT SOILS. Now that Roses are at their f'i!' beauty it is a suitable time to take notes for use at plant- ing time next autumn. Those whose soil is =light and porous will find such note? especi- ally valuable, for certain varieties which succeed well in heavy loam are compara- tive failures when grown in light, sandy soil. Fortune's Yellow does extremely well here trained on the south-west side of pillars, flower- ing freely and early. Rosa sinica An. n is amongst the first t.i open its large flowers, which arc coloured deep pink, ami this also does well with us. A bed of large weeping standards of the varieties Elisa Robichon, of sa] non buff colour, ami I eontine Garvise, on an. I vns :olour, On R ground work of Enchantress, » uues in bloom until destroyed b\ Er ist, is a til feature. This bed i? carpeted B K ish. "Ill;' of I: ■ ■■ i Iial . a i bi :< mmended foi are Marie van Houtte, Georges Nabonmruf; v mi de Ph i i'e Notting, Mo li Mi I, i ney, Lj on, 11 ryon d < lr, Grii l , 62 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Jew 31, 1915. litz, Lord Roberts, Madame Ravary, Richmond, La France (89), Maman Cochet, Liberty, Etoile de France, Captain Christy, Caroline Testout, and Juliet. IF. A. Cook, Godalming. ROSE FLAME OF FIEE. Messrs. S. McGredy and Sons showed a pretty novelty at the exhibition of th? National Rose Society. In the bud stage the flowers of Flame of Fire (see fig. 22) were long and pointed, and as the petals unfolded they ex- hibited a lovely shade of apricot diffused with orange, the orange colour, lightening with tge. The flower-stems are erect, and 'When e::- REMARKS ON THE CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS. [See Tables, Supplement, Gard. Chron., July S!h 1915.) 0, SCOTLAND, N. Sutherland. — The majority of the fruit crops here are under the average. We had about nine weeks' drought, which was disastrous for most of the crops, especially Strawberries. The soil here is light, black and sandy, with a fair amount of humus. D. Melville, Dunrobin Castle Gardens. Fig. 22. — rose flame of fire : colour, apricot suffused with dright orange. hibited they bore fine, healthy-looking tfoliag?. Although this new addition to the H.T. section is smaller than most exhibition Roses, it will be sure to gain popular appreciation. Publications Received. —Fortieth Annual Report of the Ontario Agricultural College and Experimental Farm, 1911, and the Report of the Minister of Agriculture, Province of Ontario. (Toronto: L. K. Cameron.) — The Art of Landscape Architecture. By Samuel Parson. (London: G.P.Putnam's Sons.) Price 15s. Ross-shire. — The late frosts did much damage to the fruit crops, which previously had shown promise. The soil here is of a stiff, wet and cold nature. IF. Macdonalil, Ben Dumph Forest Gardens, Tor rid on. The fruit crops, on the whole, are very good. While Black Currants are scarce, Red and White Currants are more than usually plentiful. There is an excellent crop of Rasp- berries, and of Apples there is an exceptionally large quantity. The soil here is light gravel. M. Martin, Novar House Gardens, Evanton. 1, SCOTLAND, E. Aberdeenshire. — The Strawberry crop was successful, but Black Currants and Gooseberries were damaged by late frosts in May, and were under the average in this district. Apples do not seem to have suffered at all, and promise well. Raspberries and Red Currants are satis- factory, the latter being grown here on a sheltered north wall. If. Henderson, Meldrum House Gardens. Banffshire. — The prospects for all fruit crops in this district were good until May 9, af teT which we had frosts every night until May 19, varying from 4° to 8°. The Plum and Cherry blossom was affected severely. George Edwards, Ballindalloch Castle Gardens. Berwickshire. — This season Cherries and Plums on walls are yielding small crops ; the fruit of the former, however, is of good quality. Plums are very scarce : the trees blossomed profusely, but the long spell of drought, accom- panied by cold nights, did much damage. Apples and Pears are under average, but Rasp- berries look extremely well, and are plentiful. Black and Red Currants have good crops. Gooseberries are rather under the average but are of good quality. Strawberries bore average crops, and were of very fine quality. Our soil is red loam. Robert Stuart, Thirlestane Castle Gardens, Lauder. Fifeshire. — Stone fruits suffered from the spring frosts. The soil here is good, but it rests on a cold bottom. IF. Henderson, Bal- birnie Gardens, MarJcinch. Forfarshire. — In this district the prospects in the spring were good ; we had, however, a snowstorm with 12° of frost in the second week of May, and this destroyed the greater part of the Black Currants, Gooseberries and Plums, which up to this date had shown every appear- ance of record crops. Apples, however, were not damaged, and they will yield a heavy crop. The soil is loamy, with sandy bottom, and we are 600 feet above sea level. A. McAudie, Ruth- cm House Gardens, Meigle. Haddingtonshire. — There was a general deficiency of blossom on most fruit trees, the exceptions being Peaches, Apricots and Morello Cherries. We escaped the frosts which resulted in so much damage in some other districts, but the drought up to June 26 had a prejudicial effect on the Strawberry crops. After the heavy rain on that day the fruit swelled satis- factorily. Gooseberries, Currants and Rasp- berries are bearing large crops. On the whole, the fruit crops, though not abundant, are satis- factory. B. P. Brotkerston, Tyninghame Gardens, Prestonhirlc. During the fifty-four years I have been at Smeaton I have never seen such poor crops of Apples and Pears as these of this season. Apple and Pear trees blossomed well, but cold weather at the end of April and the begirr- ning of May had disastrous results. Small fruits are plentiful, with the exception of Straw- berries, which yielded a fair crop. The sub- soil is cold, yellow clay. Jolin Blaeh, Smeaton. Gardens, Prestonhirl: . Kincardineshire. — The fruit crops are a fort- night late here this year. Early Strawberries were a failure, but Black Currants, Red Currants, Raspberries, Loganberries and Morello Cherries are good crops. Late frosts damaged the Plums when in flower, and the crop is poor, although Damsons are promis- ing well. There is good deep soil here, of a rather firm character. It does not crack, and is capable of resisting a long drought. The rain- fall average is only 23 inches, but very little watering is required when the plants have taken root. William Thomson, Vrie House Gardens, Stonehaven. Kinross-shire. — There was every prospect of good crops of fruit in this district, but late frosts in May and the dry weather during the- month of June reduced most of the small fruits July 31, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 63 to average quantities. The soil here is very light and sandy. S. Fraser, Kinross House Gardens. Linlithgowshire. — The fruit crops, with the exception of Raspberries and Strawberries, suffered from late frosts. The soil is a good loam with a clay sub-soil. James Boyd, New- liston Gardens, Kirkliston. ■ The weather during the flowering period of Pears, Plums and Gooseberries was extremely cold, several degrees of frost being registered on more than one occasion. The result was that these fruits set indifferently. On the contrary Apricots, Peaches and Cherries are good crops. John Highgatc. Hopetoun Gardens, South Queensferry. Midlothian. — The fruit crops here are satis- factory, especially after such heavy crops as the trees bore last year. Pears, however, are almost a failure, with the exception of the variety Catillac, which is bearing a heavy crop. Of small fruits, Raspberries and Black Currants are plentiful. A. C. Scott, Oxen- foord Castle Gardens, Ford. Fruit trees of all kinds carried more blossom than usual. Pear and Plum trees were damaged by severe frost and north-east winds, and have only poor crops. Apples set an average crop. Gooseberries and Black Currants when in flower were much injured by frost. The soil is light, with a sub-soil of gravel. James Whytock, Dalkeith Gardens. MORAYSHIRE. — Apricots, Peaches and Apples set too many fruits, and required much thin- ning. Victoria and Czar Plums are bear- ing good crops, but other varieties are not yielding well. Our rainfall between May 15 and beginning of July was only about § inch. Charles Webster, Gordon Castle Gardens, Fochabers. Selkirkshire. — The Apple crop is a very fine one. Plums will be scarce owing to the frost on May 12, when 15° were registered, and on June 18, when 8° were registered. Black Cur- rants are plentiful, but I think I am the only gardener in this district who has succeeded with them, as the mite has been very destructive to most plantations. Raspberries are always suc- cessful here ; the. cold soil seeming to suit them. Red and White Currants and Gooseberries are plentiful. We had a good average crop of early Strawberries, and late Strawberries were ex- ceptionally good. The soil is rather light, with a sub-soil of clay. Crops are always late in this district. John C. Lunt, Bowhill Gardens. 6. SCOTLAND, W. Argyllshire. — Frosts and cold winds in May destroyed much blossom. Some bushes of Boskoop Giant Black Currant have dropped nearly all the fruit, while in other parts of the garden this variety is carrying a large crop. Black Champion Black Currant is yielding well. Apple Bramley's Seedling is again carrying a heavy crop of clean fruit. I consider this variety the most reliable Apple for kitchen use. Of Pears, the best this season are Pitmaston Duchess, Comte de Lamy, Winter Bon Chretien, Durondeau, Doyenne du Cornice, and Mar- guerite Marillat. Plums are less plentiful than they have been for many years, partly owing to the work of bullfinches, which are very numerous. D. S. Melville, Poltalloch Gardens, Lochgilphead. A favourable autumn last year enabled the wood and fruit buds to ripen well, but a cold, wet spring delayed the trees, xluring the blooming period we experienced a long spell of cold frosts and east winds, which proved disastrous, and only late varieties of Apples and Pears set well. Small bush fruits, owing to the cold weather, were about four weeks later in blossoming than last year, and consequently they escaped the late frosts, and are bearing fair average crops. Owing to drought, cater- pillars have been very prevalent. Strawberries bloomed well, and the rain came in time to swell the berries, and there has been a large crop of excellent quality. The soil in this dis- trict is of a light sandy nature overlying gravel. With an average rainfall it is well adapted to fruit culture. George Haig, Bartaldine Gardens, Ledaig. Ayrshire. — The prospects for an abundant fruit crop were never better than up to May 13, when we had frost for five nights, 4° to 7° being registered. Much of the blossom was destroyed. In some places in this locality frost cut the Potatos on June 18, but we did not register any fTost on that occasion. William Priest, Eglington Gardens, Kilwinning. Dumfriesshire. — Pear trees flowered pro- fusely, but did not set their fruits well, owing to low night temperatures. Apple trees also flowered well, but a few of the earliest varieties were damaged by frost. Frost also injured the sma.ll fruits, and Black Currants suffered severely. Strawberries yielded a fine crop, rain coming at the right time to swell the fruit. James McDonald, Dryfeholm Gardens, Lockerbie. — After a very wet February we had dry, changeable and cold weather, accompanied by an east wind until the end of June. There was no frost to injure fruit blossom after March until May 13, when we registered 6° of frost. Apple trees were flowering at the time, with the exception of Crawly Beauty, which was five days later. However, there was good average crops on walls, espaliers, small pyramids and bush trees. During June the weather was dTy, 0.82 rain being registered, and crops made little progress. The first days of July brought abundant rain, and all crops improved, but the season is a late one. John Urquhart, Hoddom Castle Gardens, Ecclefechan. Lanabkshtbe. — The fruit crops were badly affected by late May frosts, Plums, Pears, and Cherries being most seriously injured. Early Strawberries were small, owing to the dry weather, but later crops gave better results. Wm. Archibald, Wishaw House Gardens, Wishaui. Renfrewshire. — There was every prospect of a good fruit year, but 9° of frost on March 29 did much damage, and Plums, Cherries, Goose- Derries and Black Currants suffered severely. Our soil is heavy, with a clay sub-soil. Jos. Plenderleith, Blythswood Gardens. — Owing to 8° of frost occurring on May 15, what promised to be good crops were spoiled. The Gooseberries grown in the open had their berries frozen. Robert D. Smartt, Barochan Gardens, Houston. Stirlingshire. — I ha.ve visited most of the private gardens within a 9-mile radius to obtain an accurate idea of the condition of the crops. This district is very hilly, and the soil is, as a rule, rather stiff. The climate does not seem to suit the larger hardy fruits, the difficulty being to get the wood ripened. Neither Peaches nor Apricots are grown. Sweet Cherries are scarce, but Morello Cherries are more plentiful. Plums are almost a failure. J. Cun- ningham. Diintre'/t/i Castle Gardens, Blanefield. In this county Apples were not in blossom, with the exception of wall trees, at the time of the late frosts, and thus escaped in- jury. Strawberries yielded well, and the rain was in time to swell them. John Middleton, Callendar Home Gardens, Falkirk. Wigtownshire. — Late frosts, when Pear trees were in full bloom, did much damage, and standard trees are carrying poor crops. The protection afforded to wall trees was the means of securing a good yield, which helps to counteract the shortage on standards. Straw- berries promised well when in flower, but a pro- longed period of drought reduced the size of the berries, and many of the fruits failed to swell. The Gooseberry crop is over the average here, but in other gardens in the neighbourhood the crops are small. Samuel Gordon, Monreith: House Gardens, Whauphill. 2. ENGLAND, N.E. Dr/RHAM. — All our Apple trees are very clean and healthy, and most of them are carrying crops, especially the following varieties : — Lord Grosvenor, Ecklinville Seedling, Worcester Pear- main, James Grieve, King of the Pippins, Stir- ling Castle, and Lord Sufneld. All small fruits have suffered from drought and aphis. W. Smith, Lambton Castle Gardens. Northumberland. — Owing to sharp frosts in the early part of May many fruits dropped, this particularly applying to Gooseberries and Pears, but these latter are an average crop of good quality. Apples aTe bearing large crops, and required much thinning. Black and Red Cur- rants, Raspberries and Loganberries are above the average. Our soil is of a light nature, over- lying gravel and sand. Walter Thomson, Aln- wick Castle Gardens, Alnwick. There is an abundant crop of Apples, Peasgood's Nonsuch and Gascoyne's Scarlet Pip- pin both looking well. Pears and small fruits, es- pecially Black Currants, were damaged by late frosts. Raspberries promise to be up to the average, and there was a good Strawberry crop. The soil here is light and sandy, and not suited to hot, dry weather. /. Thomas, Bywell Halt Gardens, Stocksfield-on-Tyne. Yorkshire. — These gardens, situated 150 feet above sea-level, are exceptionally well sheltered. There are large crops of small fruits, with the exception of Black Currants, which have suffered , from a severe attack of blight. The soil is a medium loam of good depth resting on chalk. Sidney Legg, Dalton Holme Gardens, Beverley. The fruit trees and bushes bloomed freely, but they did not set their fruit well. Drought and frost have since done much damage, and stone fruits have dropped freely. Gooseberries are practically a failure in some dis tncts, but Black Cur-rants are above the average. Strawbeiries promised well at the beginning of the season, but the young fruits shrivelled badly as the result of the June drought. The crops are thus below average in quantity, although the quality is good. .4. S. Gait, Kutherglen, Round- hay, Leeds. The fruit crops are good, notwith- standing the severe drought in June. There are very good yields of Gooseberries, Straw- berries, and Pears, but Apples, owing to lack of moisture, dropped many of their fruits, leav- ing only our average crop. Our soil is good loam, with a layer of clay on red sand. Jas. E. Hathaway, Baldersby Park Gardens^ Thirsk. [To be continued.) THE CHAIN OF SAINTE-BAUME. (Concluded from p. 50.) The village, of Plan d'Aups, where I slept is charmingly situated on the north side of the main range of Sainte-Baume, with its stupend- ous limestone cliffs. A few meadows ready for the scythe give an aspect of partial fertility in the early days of June. Close to the road is a mass of Phlemis Herba-venti, and in the cornfields are Neslia paniculata, Iberis pinnata, Bromus patulus, Echinaria capitata, a curious rigid grass impossible to mistake, Asperula arvensis, Scandix australis, Valerianella echin- ata, and other weeds, including the purple Melampyrum arvense, soir.e of which had white or greenish-white flowers and bracts — a con- spicuous variety in the corn. In the pine-woods of the plateau, below the Forest of Ste. Baunio itself, there is much Lavender — the form with green, narrow leave*. The Pines give shelter also to the Bee Orchis, C.eum svlvaticum, and G. urbinum, Vicia tenai- 64 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 31, 1915. folia, Genista hispanica, Acer monspeBSulanum, Juniper, Daphne Laureola, the bright yellow Achillea tomentosa, Xeranthemum inapertum, and the shrubby whitish Santolina incana. Now we pass a picturesque farmhouse (Ferme de Giniez), with Walnuts, old Chestnuts, probably planted trees, a large Maple and Oaks. „The path ascends towards the forest, and Digitalis lutea, Cephalanthera pallens, and Euphorbia dul- cis come into view. At the entrance to the thick forest — part of the Foret domainale d© Ste. Baume — Holly is dominant, and then Beech, Sycamore, Yew, and Lime become the leading trees. Some of the Yews are particularly fine specimens. The undergrowth is very similar to that of a lime- stone wood in Switzerland, for we find, amongst others, Sanicula. Tamus, Ruscus, Mereurialis perennis, Lithospermum purpureo-coeruleum, Anemone Hepa-tica, Melittis Melissophyllum, Coronilla Emerus. Campanula Trachelhrm, Phy- teuma orbiculare, Lactuca perennis, Pyrethrum corymbosum, Polygonatum verticillatum, Liliuin Martagon, Luzula sylvatica, and Melica nutans. Among the shady rocks, at about 2,500 feet, we come across Saxifraga hypnoides, Geranium lucidum, G. Eobertianum, Silene italica, Cam- panula rotundifolia, Biscutella laevigata, Sedum altissimum, Erysimum longifolium, Euonymus, and Neottia Nidus-avis. On some of these same rocks also the handsome Saxifraga lantoscana reaches its most western limit in Europe. Having been asked to look for it by a French botanist, it was particularly gratifying to me to alight upon a few rocks thickly covered with this Saxifrage, surrounded by Quercus Ilex, Coron- illa Emerus, Cytisus sessilifolius, Acer Opalus, Beech, Wild Balm, Martagon Lily, Saxifraga hypnoides, Polygonatum, Euphorbia dulcis, and Hepatica. Near the cave, known as the Grotte de Sainte- Baume, Hutchinsiapetraea, Linaria simplex, and Veronica origanifolia can be seen. By the path towards the Col du St. Pilon (about 950 m.) are Rosa pimpinellifolia, Calamintha Acinos, Globu- laria nana, and Anthyllis montana var. inter- media; while the rocks of the Co] du Pillon itself are clothed with the rare silvery Parony- chia capitata var. Kapela. The ridge which stretches upwards towards the Croix aux Beguines (1,154 m.) has a very rich flora; for, in addition to most of the plants noticed the previous day on the Col de Bertagne are Trinia glauca, .Scorzonera austriaca, Leontodon Villar- sii, Senecio Gerardii (only known in France, and not tinlike a green-leaved S. DoTonicum), Genista hispanica, Jurinea humilis, Thalictrum sp. Juni- perus phoenicea. and others. Sycamores attain about 1,100 metres, and at or near the rocks on the summit (1,150 m.) are Pyrus Aria, Amelan- chier vulgaris, and Aphyllanthes. Retracing one's steps through the forest there is a descent of about a mile through the ForSt domainale, in which tall Beech, trees are mingled in splendid profusion with Lime, Yew, Holly, and occasional Acer opulifolium (A. Opalus Mill.). Martagon Lily descends almost to the plain, and at the foot of the forest there is a belt of Oaks, Sycamore, Maple, Ash, and Lime, with Privet, Dogwood, and Spindle-tree in the boundary fence. Between the old Hotelerie and Plan d'Aups is a somewhat dull, level stretch of arid, barren land, three miles in length. The only plant not seen in the district before was Nasturtium sylvestre, which grows in the sandy bed of ft email stream meandering across the wilderness. Such is a very brief sketch of the phanero- gamic vegetation of this picturesque district. No botanist finding himself at Marseilles, with a couple of dkiys to spare, should fail to visit Ste.-Bamme : and if he wants an account, of the flora of this range he will find ail he is likely to require in Dr. Mader's Le Massif de la Sainte Baume, in " MalpigJiia," , Vol. XX. (1906). H. Stuart Thompson. The Week* s Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By John Higitgate, Gardener to the Marquis of Linlithgow, Hopetoun, South Queensferry, N.B. Vines.— Let occasional applications of some approved Vine manure be given to early Vines from which the bunches have been cut. If the border has become hardened to any extent lightly fork over the surface before applying the manure. The manure should be watered well in, and sometimes it is necessary to apply water on two or three occasions, so that every part of the border becomes moistened, for it is imperative to retain the foliage in a healthy condition as long as possible. The Vines should be freely syringed, particularly in fine weather. Whilst watering liberally, take care that the border does not be- come saturated, as this would result in badly- ripened wood and soft, quill-like roots, which are liable to die before the Vines are again; started. If from any cause the foliage has be- come scorched, the lateral shoots may be allowed to grow without being checked, as this will assist in the maturing of the basal buds. Grapes that are Colouring. — Houses containing vines on which the Grapes are colour- ing must be freely ventilated, but the plants must not in any case be exposed to cold draughts. Assuming that the border has been regularly attended to as regards water, little or none should now be necessary. The surface should receive a covering of short manure or meadow hay, as ad- vised in a former issue. The lateral growths should be pinched to one leaf as they appear. When this is not done, large quantities of growths have to be removed later, and in such cases this must be done gradually, or the check caused to growth will be ruinous' to the Grapes, for in the case of varieties such as Madres- field Court and Muscats splitting of the berries would almost certainly result. Overcrowding of the foliage should be avoided, keeping only such leaves as can be fully exposed to the light and air. Figs. — Trees developing the second crop should be given manure water, and the border may receive another surface dressing. It will be advisable to thin out the shoots where they appear crowded. Let the foliage be kept in a healthy condition by vigorous syringing in fine weather. The crop must be thinned, if thinning has not already taken place. Fig trees in pots that were started late in the autumn will now be cleared of their second crop, and in favoured localities the trees should be stood outside in a sheltered position fully exposed to the sun. In colder districts they had better be given the shelter of some light structure, where, however, they should be exposed to light and air. They must on no account be allowed to become dry at the roots, and occasional waterings with liquid manure from the farmyard will be bene- ficial. THE FLOWER GARDEN, By A. J. Cobb. Gardener to Reginald Cory, Esq., Duffryn Gardens, near Cardiff, South Wales. Layering Rhododendrons and Azaleas.— Branches of Rhododendrons and Azaleas which have become straggly may be layered. Sever the branch partially and split the stem by an up- ward cut for a few inches. Make a small hole in the soil, and bury the cut portion, securing it with a strong peg, afterwards filling the hole with a mixture of peat and sand. Secure the branch to a stake to prevent it swaying, and see that the soil never becomes dry. Budding Roses.— The end of July and early August are generally the most suitable times for budding Roses, but the exact date is not so much governed by the calendar as when the bark " runs " easily in bud and stock. Recent rains have greatly benefited the stocks, and they will probably be in a good condition for taking the buds. Select, plump buds from well matured, flowering shoots, and just as they are ready to start into growth. In the case of dwarf plants, insert the buds quite near to the roots, and bud standards close to the main stem, thus minimising the probability of numerous suckers developing. Flower Beds.— Give constant attention to the flower beds, that the plants may produce a bright effect quickly and thus have a long season of blooming. Remove faded flowers, dead leaves, and seed pods. Keep the surface soil stirred with the Dutch hoe until it is covered with the plants, and stake neatly subjects that require a support. Certain plants, such as Verbenas, Phlox Drummondii, Ivyleaf Pelar- goniums, and Gnaphalium microphyllum, need their long growths pegged down, whilst Pyre- thrum (Golden Feather) and others used as edgings should be pinched. Layering Border Carnations.— Carnations may be layered during the next fortnight, and the earlier the work is done, the better it will be for the future success of the plants. Prepare a compost of finely sifted loam, leaf mould, and sand ; make a slight depression around the plants by lightly forking and drawing away the soil, and fill tne cavity with some of the special soil. Cut out any weak growths in the plants to be layered, and in the shoots for layering make a suitable tongue with a sharp knife. After pegging the layers to the ground and covering them with soil, give the plants a copious water- ing, and continue to afford water in dry weather, sprinkling the foliage late in the afternoons of fine days. Beds in which the rooted layers are to be planted in early autumn may be prepared in advance. Thoroughly drained, loamy soil, that has been dug deeply and enriched with stable manure and lime rubble is suitable. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By W. Hbdlby Warrbn, Gardener to the Aaton-Clinton Park Estate (the Rt. Hon. Lord Rothschild), Buck- inghamshire. Gathering Stone Fruits.— It is still the practice of some to allow fruits to remain upon the tree as long as they will, or even to drop from the shoots into nets, from the idea that they are then in their best condition and flavour. This is wrong, and for two or three days previous to the fruit dropping the flavour is actually declining, whilst such fruits become the more tasteless the longer they are kept before being eaten. The best time at which to gather the fruit is about three days before it would fall from the tree, as it is then in its highest state of perfection. There is cer- tainly some difficulty in knowing the time when the fruit is in a proper condition for gather- ing, and the knowledge can only be got by close observation and experience. Never pinch a fruit in order to know whether it is sufficiently ripe, particularly the Peach, Nectarine, or Apricot ; but, instead, let the hand be placed underneath and' the fruit gently raised a little ; if it is in a fit state for gathering it will part from the stalk immediately. Strawberries.— Now that the fruit has been gathered, beds that are to be retained for another year should be cleared of the surplus runners, all weeds removed, and the surface soil flat hoed. Do not remove any foliage now in a healthy condition. If the crowns appear to be weakly or the plants have been overtaxed by carrying a heavy crop of fruit, the surface of the beds may be mulched with half-decayed manure and given two or three copious waterings with manure water or a surface dressing of arti- ficial, well watering the beds afterwards. Apples and Pears.— The summer pruning of these must still have close and constant attention ; not only espaliers, pyramids and bushes, but also standard trees, where possible, should be treated so that all superfluous wood may be removed. Those trees that are carrying light crops of fruit are making vigorous growth, and will, in all probability, require severe pruning at a later date. This may be done as soon as growth has ceased. Where the woolly aphis or American blight makes its appearance, treat the affected parts with an insecticide, well rubbing it in with a stiff brush. . The. application afterwards of pure linseed oil to the parts affected has its advantages, for the damaged tissues of the bark heal quickly after treatment with the oil. July 31, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 65 THE ORCHID HOUSES. By T. VV. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Lvsaght, Esq., Castleford, Chepstow, Gloucestershire. Resting Orchids that have Flowered Recently.— Laelia purpurata, L. grandis, L. tenebrosa, many of the Laelio-Cattleyas, Brasso-Cattleyas and Brasso-Laelio-Cattleyas that have flowered recently should be placed in the cooler end of the Cattleya division until new growth begins. The ventilators imme- diately above the plants should be opened on all favourable occasions, and the surroundings kept fairly dry. Only sufficient water is needed to keep the pseudo-bulbs plump and the roots alive. Each plant should be examined for in- sect pests, especially scale. All loose sheaths should be pulled off and the tops of others examined, as scale often harbours in them. Odontoglossum cit rosmu m.— When the plants have passed out of flower and the roots become active they may be repotted. Large receptacles, whether Teak-wood baskets or pans, are not required, but sufficient drainage should be provided to allow surplus water to pass away quickly. Firm potting is essential. The compost should consist of either Osmunda or Al fibre cut up moderately fine, and a sprinkling of chopped Sphagnum-moss. The plants will grow well in association with such subjects as Laelia anceps, but if this is not convenient, choose a light position for them in the Cattleya house, preferably near to the roof-glass, and in close proximity to a ventilator. After root disturb- ance but little water will be needed, for some time afterwards, but when the roots begin to penetrate the compost increase the amount of water gradually, keeping the plants well sup- plied with moisture until the pseudo-bulbs are matured. During the resting season the soil should always be on the dry side, until the flower scapes develop from the new growths. The back pseudo-bulbs may shrivel, but the grower need have no fear, for they will soon regain their rigidity when water is again applied more liber- ally. Colax jugosus.— As soon as the plants of Colax jugosus commence to grow repot them in a mixture of loam, Osmunda-fibre and Sphagnum-moss, with a moderate sprinkling of crushed crocks added. Pans are the most suit- able receptacles. Grow the plants afterwards in a light position in the intermediate house. The hybrid Zygocolax Veitchii will succeed with similar treatment. The young shoots are occa- sionally troubled with thrips ; directly this pest is detected vaporise the house and dip the plants in an insecticide. The Hot-Water System. -The present is a suitable time to flush the hot-water pipes, attend to leaky joints, pack the valves where needed, sweep the flues and chimneys, and carry but repairs to the brickwork of the furnace. Such work as painting and repairing the wood- work of the houses may also be done now. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lady Nunburnholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire. Gloriosa.— If Gloriosa plants are growing in small .pots, weak liquid manure should be ap- plied at alternate waterings. Keep the shoots trained regularly to the trellis as they extend, and, as soon as the plants come into flower, gTOw the plants in slightly cooler conditions, in order that the flowers may remain fresh for a long period. When the foliage begins to die, let the soil becomes gradually drier, thus preparing the bulbs for resting through the winter. Chrysanthemums.— P 1 a n t s that were sufficiently advanced to receive the final shift at the beginning of last month will now be making roots freely, and may be given manure water. It is better to commence with weak stimulants a month or six weeks after potting than to mix large quantities of manure will) the potting soil as is often done. As to liquid manure, much harm is sometimes done by applying this in too concentrated a condition. There is, however, less danger when the manure water is made from horse-droppings with a little soot added, than from some of the concentrated fertilisers. The extent to which stopping is practised must be regulated by the form the plants are to assume. In the case of the ordinary bush shape some half- dozen or more shoots are convenient, and bushes of this description prove suitable for decorations. Syringe the plants regularly as recommended in the calendar for June 26. At the present time cuttings may be rooted of large-flowered, strong- growing varieties to flower in 5-inch pots. Plants of this character come in most useful during the winter months. Strike the cuttings in small pots in a gentle hotbed and shade them from bright sunshine. Syringe the foliage on bright days and when well rooted move them into 4 or 5-inch pots, using a fairly rich compost and potting the plants firmly. As soon as the pots are filled with roots liberal applications of liquid manure must be afforded. Trachelium coeruleum.— Few grow the common Throat-wort in pots, and yet it is a most delightful plant, of easy culture for con- servatory decoration. Seed may be sown now for raising plants to flower early next summer, or old plants may be divided, as they pass out of flower or potted on if larger specimens are required. The plants do best if kept cool whilst growing and the roots fed liberally with manure water. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Parsley.— The leaves of spring-sown Parsley should be picked rather hard for the next few- weeks, and, if necessary, the foliage may be cut close to the ground at about the end of August, for sturdy leaves will stand the winter best. Hoe the ground frequently during the autumn, and dust the plants freely with soot. Winter Greens.— Continue to plant winter crops as the ground becomes vacant, and keep a sharp eye for slugs. Curled Kale and iSprouting Broccoli mav still be planted ; as the season ad- vances, allow a little less space 'between the plants. Spring Cabbage.— The first sowing of spring Cabbage should be made within the next ten days. Choose an open situation where the ground is not too rich, and sow the seeds thinly in drills made at 1 foot apart. If the soil is dry, water it thoroughly before sowing the seed. Place a net over the seed-bed to keep birds away. Harbinger, Early Offenham, Flower of Spring, and Milecross Marrow are grown in quantities at Frogmore, where no fewer than 60,000 plants are put out in August and September for spring supplies. Asparagus.— Some provision should be made at once to secure Asparagus growths from the effects of rough winds. For this purpose let a number of strong sticks be driven into the bed and wires extended along the rows to which the shoots may be tied. Keep the beds free from weeds and apply a light dressing of artificial manure during showery weather. Seakale — This crop will beuefit by a dress- ing of .artificial manure. Examine the crowns and remove all side shoots, leaving one or two crowns to each plant. Seakale will force much better in winter if water is supplied freely during the growing season. Keep the soil fTee from weeds bv the frequent use of the Dutch hoe French Beans.- If cold pits are available they should be filled with French Beans with as little delay as possible in order to furnish a supply throughout the autumn. The soil for this purpose may be enriched by a dressing of manure from a spent Mushroom bed, and after digging and mixing may be made moderately firm by treading. The seeds should be sown in double rows in the middle of each light, and the seed- lings afterwards carefully thinned in order to admit light and air amongst them. So long as the weather continues favourable the plants may be left uncovered in order to keep them stocky. Slugs may he kept in check by the Ere quent use of lime. Apply water freely as soon as the plants are well through the surface, and by syringing in dry weather much may be done to keep the plants healthy and free of pests. Plantations should be made in slightly heated I 'its in the months of August and Septembej at intervals of ten days. Early Potatos. — These should be lifted as soon as ready in order to prepare the ground for some winter crop, such as Turnips, Spinach or Coleworts. In the case of Turnips or Spinach, it is specially important to prevent any over- crowding, as the plants must have plenty of light and air. Onions.— A sowing of some approved variety of Onion should be made on rich ground in an open situation eariy in August, sowing the seeds thinly in rows 18 inches apart. A second sowing should be made at about the middle of the month. Ailsa Craig, Golden Eocca and White Lisbon are good varieties for the purpose. Only a small quantity of White Lisbon should be sown, as the bullbs do not keep long after they are matured, but the plants are valuable for pulling in winter and spring. Carrots. —Carrots should be thinned as soon as they are large enough to handle, allowing 3 inches between the plants. Dust them fre- quently with soot. Make a sowing of Early Scarlet. Horn on a warm border, for furnishing roots in October. If the soil is dry the drills should be carefully watered the evening previous to sowing. Tomatos- Keep out-door Tomato plants free from side shoots and encourage the extension of the leading growth, which should be kept regu- larly tied into position. As soon as sufficient fruits have set to produce a crop the tops may be removed and supplies of stimulants given, either small applications of chemical manures or manure water from the farmyard. Radishes. — Seeds of Radishes may be sown in a cold pit in good rich soil. Apply plenty of water in order to insure quick growth. THE " FRENCH "GARDEN. By P. Aquatias. Crops in Frames.— The Cucumber plants are well established, and most of them are showing young fruits on the laterals, which should be stopped at the second leaf. The work of ventilating frames and watering the roots should be regulated by the weather ; ex- treme moderation is required in both cases. . Shading the lights with limewash is now pre- ferable to covering the glass with mats. Re- move the lights from the frames in which Kidney Beans and Vegetable Marrows are grow- ing, and stack them under cover for overhaul- ing in the next few months. Beans are bearing freely, and should be watered with liquid manure to lengthen the fruiting period, as, owing to late frosts and the drought. Beans will not be available from out-of-doors in large quantities before August 20. Make a sowing of Beans for a late crop in beds made 4 feet wide, leaving a path 18 inches wide between each pair of beds, to enable the frames and lights to be covered at the flowering period late in Sep- tember. The ground is sufficiently damp to en- sure a quick germination of the seeds, but it may be necessary to water the plants if hot weather prevails again, as quick growth during August and early in September is essential to success. Crops in the Open.— The winter crops, such as Celery, Brussels Sprouts and Broccoli are well established. Keep the ground clear of weeds, and before the leaves cover too much ground dress the soil with a fertiliser. After this has been done the soil should be ridged up, either by hands or with the Planete Junior. Witloof Chicory is growing freely, and the plants should be thinned at an early date, for the more space allowed between each plant the better will be the roots for forcing. After the work of thinning and hoeing is completed very little attention will he needed until the lifting of the roots is done in October and onwards. I'm true the end of the present month sow Spring Cabbage and Onion White Lisbon. Where a large quantity of Cabbages is required make another sowing at about August 8. The seeds should be sown in drills. Onion Wliii- Lisbon should ho sown, preferably, in drills I.. Facilitate hoeing the soil. When ground i: Available a large sowing of Onions may he made Tlie germination of Onion seeds in July and Am nst is mil always a aificess, ami ample allow- ance should lie made for failures. 66 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 31, 1915. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Oovent Garden, W.C Editors and Publisher- — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communications, and save us much time and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that all letters relat- ing 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. Tfie two departments. Publishing and ^Editorial, are distinct, and much unnecessary de- lay and confusion arise when letters are mis- directed. Special Notice to Correspondents- — The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contribu- tions or illustrations, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspondents. 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 AUGUST, TUESDAY, AUGUST 5— Scottish Hort. Assoc, meet. Walsall Floral Fete (2 days). WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 4— Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 3 p.m. on " Clematis, their Development and Cultivation," by Mr. A. G. Jackman.) THURSDAY, AUGUST 5— Burnham y a collision on the company's system. Mr. Bennet sustained compound fractures of both legs, and a considerable sum was claimed. The action has now been settled 'by the railway com- pany making a payment of £1.000 and expenses. Lucerne Seed and Other Russian Pro- duce.—The British Vice-Consul at Baku (Mr. A. E. R. McDonell) reports that a business man at Baku desires to enter into negotiations ■with United Kingdom importers with a view to establishing a working arrangement for tlhe supply of Lucerne seed and other Russian pro- duce. Mr. McDowell has been informed that the quantity of Lucerne seed harvested annu- ally in Central Asia amounts to from 400,000 to 500,000 poods, the best quality coming from Khiva- Samples of this seed as well as of Worm seed have been received at the Commer- cial Intelligence Branch of the Board of Trade, where they may be inspected by United King- dom firms interested. Goods Suitable for the Russian Market. — An enquirer is desirous of getting into touch with United Kingdom exporters of goods for the Russian market with a view to acting as their representative. Correspond- ence may be conducted in English. United Kingdom, importers and exporters interested in either of the foregoing enquiries should apply, in the first instance, to the C'ommereial Intel- ligence Branch of the Board of Trade for the ■name and address of the enquirer. Further communications regarding the enquiry should be addressed to the British Vice-Consulate, Baku. Oriental Lilies in South Western Scotland. — The Rev. David R. Williamson writes to us as follows from Kirk House, Kirk- maiden, N.B., on July 22 :— " In this region of Scotland the Lily season has been redeemed .from comparative failure, by the advent of Uie Tecent beneficent thunder-rains. I find that in Logan Gardens, at Lochinch Castle, and elsewhere, Lilium giganteum lias not -attained to its normal strength and height, %ut will nevertheless in most instances make a fine display. The Countess of Stair informs me that many plants at Lochinch and Castle Kennedy which the long-continued drought had threatened to destroy have been greatly im- proved in aspect since my visit of three weeks ago by the abundant rains. This, I think, is especially realisable in such Lilies .as L. speciosum magnificum and S. Kraetseri, which usually are among the very latest to flower in autumn ; but I greatly fear that Lilium auratum, and particularly its grandest representatives, platyphyllum and virginale, •will not reach the same dimensions as in many former years. Here I am growing Liliuims. auratum, longifloruim and speciosum in a minia- ture conservatory (where they are growing and flowering admirably), as the garden at Kirk House. though completely sheltered from northern blasts, is somewhat exposed to the in- fluence of east winds, though not so much af- fected by them as I anticipated. I am glad, however, to record incidentally that my Roses (including such fine recent introductions as Lady Clanwdlliam, Iona Herdmann, Majestic and Mirs. Wemyss Quin), my Sweat Peas and Antir- rhinums, sheltered by a high wall and a Haw- thorn hedge, and growing on a terrace with a sunny soutfhern aspect, are perfectly secure and blooming far beyond my utmost anticipations. With regaid to the present Lily season, 1 have only to add that my successor, the Rev. James MacMorland, B.D., has every reason to be proud of his L. Szovitzianum and L. candidum in Kirkmaiden Manse Gardens, which are by far the finest I have seen this year." Peach Growing Sevfnty Yfars *co — Beinc an old hand at Peach forcing, and not an unsuccessful one, I beg to throw out a few good gardening, is without mystery, and when carried out, inexpensive in most places. One of the most important points in Peach growing is to get bearing wood. The border has a great deal to do with this, for when manure is liberally supplied to the border, or when the roots have a superabundance of moisture, caused by imper- fect drainage, the shoots, under such circum- stances, are not of that quality which gardeners distinguish as short, well-ripened bearing wood. The soil I have ventured to recommend laid upon a dry bed, as above detailed, will correct this redundancy of growth ; but there is still another important point to be attended to, and that is the ripening of the wood thoroughly. First, then, no more shoots should be left than are required for next year's bearing, all others are only incumbrances, preventing the access of light to those which should be left aa well as to the. fruit. The pruning of a Peach house in autumn or winter ought to be a very simple operation, certainly unlike the thinning of a coppice, which the tree, too frequently presents. Extract from tin' Gardeners' Chronicle, July 20, 1SJ5. -pentstemon jaffrayanus : colour of flowers reddish-purple. (See p. 68.) bints which may be of service to those who may not have succeeded so well as I have done. First, then, the border is the battle field, and this should be formed with something like a physiolo- gical knowledge of the. constitution of the tree itself when planted, more especially under glass. Its tendency to wear out or become sterile, its liability to accidents, and other incidental casual- ties attending all fruits grown in forcing houses, the production of shoots unfit, for the production of fruit, the hatching of insects, to which this tree is especially subject, are a series of calamities which desolate Peach houses, and with which badly-formed borders have some connection. Drainage, then, of the most perfect kind is abso- lutely demanded. On no tree do the effects of bad drainage sooner manifest itself than on the Peach. No operation can be more simple, or of so much importance, as that of draining a Peach border ; 9 inches of flints, stones, or brickbats, with under drains to carry off the water, will accomplish this. On this lay 18 inches of mellow loam, of a turfy nature, from a dry, healthy old pasture, without any manure, and the border is complete. This arrangement, like all others in Hay for His Majesty's Forces.— In consequence of the erroneous idea which pre- vails in some districts that the military author- ities intend to commandeer the stocks of hay in the country at whatever price they deem reason- able, and without regard to the amount re- quired for use on the farm, the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries desires to make known as widely as possible the policy of the military authorities in respect of the ac- quisition of hay. 1. The military authorities are Teady to buy at its fair market value any suitable hay which is offered to their -purchasing officers by the grower. 2. It is not the intention to acquire hay which is proved to be wanted for the use of the stock on a farm, and instruc- tions have been issued to purchasing officers net to requisition hay actually required by a fanner for the use of his animals. Should any question arise on this point it is to be referred at once to the Forage Committee, who will take imme- diate steps to deal with it. 3. Soft meadow hay and clear Clover hay is not required as a rule for army purposes, but should seed mixture. Sainfoin, Lucerne, or upland meadow hay be 68 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 31, 1915. purchased by anyone before it has been offered to and refused by the military authorities, such Hay will be at once requisitioned. 4. In view of the short Hay crop this year, the mili- tary authorities have decided to reduce mate- rially the quantity of Hay purchased in this country. This should insure an adequate supply of Hay remaining for farm stock and prevent inflation of prices, and it is possible that after the lapse of a few months the military author- ities will not be large buyers in the home market at all. 5. Under the Army Acts, 1879 to 1915, any difference respecting the amount of pay- ment when Hay has been requisitioned shall be determined by a County Court judge, but with the object of preventing the inconvenience which an appeal to the County Court may cause the Army Council have appointed for England and Wales a committee for the northern area and one for the southern, area, for the purpose of hearing the views of the owner on the value of the Hay requisitioned from him, and the views of the district purchasing officer on the same. The committee in each case will give their opinion on the price which should be paid for the Hay in question, and this opinion the War Office will accept; but if the owner of the Hay is dissatisfied with the opinion of the com- mittee which has considered his case, it is still open to him to apply to the County Court judge. 6. Each committee will consist of three mem- bers : — (1) A farmer selected from one of the Farm Produce County Committees of the area concerned, (2) a Hay merchant, and (3) an Officer from the purchasing establishment of th' War Office. The secretary to each committee is Lieutenant C. B. Rolfe, 64, Whitehall Court, London, S.W. The Hanbury Medallist.- The Hanbury Medal, which was struck in 1881 to per- petuate the memory of that eminent phar macognosist, Daniel Hanbury, has this year been awarded to Mr. Edward Morell Holmes, F.L.S., the fourth Englishman to iwhom the medal has been awarded. Mr. Holmes, who has been curator of the Pharma- ceutical Society's museums since 1872, is gener- ally recognised as the leading authority on medi- cinal plants, and is widely known as a contribu- tor to the literature of materia medica and botany. He has for many years been an enthu- siastic gardener, and visitors to his garden at Sevenoaks rarely leave it without carrying away some interesting plant. The garden contains am extraordinary number of plants for its size. Many rare British plants are grown there, in- cluding Simethis bicolor, Cicendia pusilla, Lloydia. serotina and Arabis stricta. The culti- vation of these plants was undertaken partly with a view to learning the conditions of their growth, partly so that when asked for informa- tion on a rare plant it might be possible to show a cultivated specimen. Cotoneaster vulgaris, Teucrium Botrys, Sisymbrium Irio, Veronica spicata, Lithospermum purpureo-coeruleum, Carex depauperate, C. tomentosa, Ornithogalum pyrenaicum, Romulea Columnae. Another object has been to cultivate and learn the requirements of medicinal plants, and the results of Mr. Holmes' experiments in this department have been published from time to time. The garden, being above the road, is a very dry one, and to remedy this Mr. Holmes has had inserted in the ground at intervals of about 20 feet several halves of paraffin barrels ; in some of these water plants are grown in pots raised to a suit- able level. Many members of the Pharma- ceutical Societies abroad send to Mr. Holmes seeds and plants for identification ; if they hap- pen to be Tare and show any signs of life he dis- tributes them to various botanical gardens and gets useful plants in exchange. Frequent ob- servations have led Mr. Holmes in late years to the study of insect pests. Noticing one day that the young inflorescence of Aconitum Napellus was blackened, and finding a grub at work eating it, Mr. Holmes decided to breed the insect, with the result that he found it to be a naturalised alien moth, Plusia moneta, only noticed in this country a, few years pre- viously. Space will not permit, of more than a brief allusion to Mr. Holmes' scientific achievements, but it should be mentioned that in conjunction with the director of Kew Gar- dens he acted as botanical referee for the last two editions of the British Pharmacopoeia. He is generally recognised as the premier authority on British seaweeds. He discovered the only fossil seaweed ever yet found, and for safety's sake he has had it mounted in a ring which he is seen wearing in the accompanying portrait. ROMNEYA COULTERI. — Mr. H. ALDERSEY sends us a malformed flower of Romneya Coulteri, in which the. six petals are united together to form a perfect bell-shaped, gamopetalous flower. The petals are so perfectly amalgamated that at first sight the flower was scarcely recognisable. Mr. AlDeesey informs us that the flower was cut from a plant bearing large numbers of flowers of normal shaoe. PENTSTEMON JAFFRAYANUS. MR. E. M. HOLMES, HANBURY MEDALLIST, 1915. ROBINIA KELSEYI. Robinia Kelseyi (figs. 24 and 26) was introduced to this country from North America about 1901, and few more attrac- tive flowering trees or shrubs have appeared since then. At the time of •writing (mid- June) it is in great beauty, the branches being laden with clusters of bright rose-coloured flowers. Like all the Robinias, it is rather brittle and is ill-adapted for an open, wind- swept spot. It is perfectly hardy, and shelter from south-west gales, which are more likely to prevail whilst it carries its foliage, is perhaps preferable to shelter from the opposite quarter. It is easily propagated by grafting on roots of R. pseudacacia. Fig. 24 represents the full- sized but as yet unripened pods. In this con- dition they are remarkable and not with- out beauty, as they are thickly covered with red gland-tipped hairs. I remember seeing a small tree in Mr. Maurice de Vilmorin's garden at Les Barres so thickly laden with these red pods as to give quite a glowing effect. The origin of this Robinia has been rather doubtful, but it now appears that it came from the Allegheny Mountains. It is allied to R. his- pida, but has smaller flowers and leaves, and is more tree-like in habit. IT. J. B Under the name of P. Roezlii the plant illus- trated in fig. 23, p. 67, namely P. Jaffrayanus, was exhibited at the R.H.S. Chelsea Show on May 18 last. The true J. Roezlii is a plant of more slender habit, with long narrow leaves and small, violet-coloured flowers about half an inch long. P. Jaffrayanus, on the contrary, is closely allied to P. azureus, and has oblong or oval leaves on the barren shoots, while those on the flowering stems are broadly ovate and glaucous. In general appearance and habit the plant re- sembles some of the forms of P. Menziesii, but differs in not having the woolly anthers and slightly serrate leaves of that species. The plant is of a shrubby nature, growing from 6 inches to 9 inches high, and bears large flowers of a reddish-purple colour, the unopened, buds being tipped with buff. It is a native of the northern part of California, and occurs through- out the Sierra Nevada. It has withstood the winter well at Kew on a rocky ledge thoroughly well drained. Out-of-doors the plants bloom in June, but, like many of the Pentstemons, the flowers do not last long. W. I. WAR HORTICULTURAL RELIEF FUND. REPORT OF R.H.S. COMMISSIONER TO SERBIA. During the spring of the present year (1915) evidence reached England that the state of Serbia was in many respects one of extreme gravity. Food was known to be scarce, disease was rife, crops were unsown ; and of the peasant army which had succeeded in repelling the invading Austrians many had fallen, moTe had been stricken with disease, and there wab hardly a man available to work on the land. Urgent need for help was emphasised by those in authority in this country, and hence it was that the R.H.S. undertook to play a part in sending immediate relief to our Serbian ally. It was unfortunately too late to send vegetable seeds, and the only courses open to the society wetre either to send a large sum of money or to despatch a commissioner to investigate on the spot the horticultural needs of the country. Of tlhese alternatives the latter commended itself to the council of the society. Negotia- tions took place with the Royal Agricultural Society, and it was agreed that the two societies should together appoint a commis- sioner to investigate and report upon the horti- cultural and agricultural needs of Serbia. To tlhis pest I was appointed, and tihe sum of £500 allocated from the War Horticultural Relief Fund was set aside and earmarked for expendi- ture on strictly horticultural objects. I left England on April 18, and travelling by Paris and Marseilles, embarked on the " Ville de Ciatot " for Salonika. After touching at Malta, the PiTaens, Lemnos and Dedeagatch, I landed at Salonika on the 29th, and left on the following day for Nish, where I arrived on May 1. During my tour through Serbia I re- ceived invaluable kindness and assistance from our British Minister, as well as from the Serbian authorities. On May 2 I met by ap- pointment the Minister of Agriculture, who is honorary president of the Co-operative Union of Serbia, and Mr. Lozanitch, the acting pre- sident of this remarkable union. My experi- ence in Serbia amply confirmed the information which I had received in London, namely, that this Co-operative Union is the most effective organisation in the country. I have satisfied myself that it is able, by means of its local com- mittees which are scattered all over the coun- try, to distribute seeds, implements, and pther articles directly to the peasantry, and I may add that the Union has undertaken to distribute im- July 31, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 69 partially to the peasants whether they are or are not members of the Union. It is interesting to record that the Co-operative Union is modelled on the Agricultural Organisation Society of Ire- land, whose inspirer and president is Sir Horace Plunkett. I regard it as most fortunate ithat I have been able to make such an arrange- ment with the Union, for otherwise the task of rendering effective horticultural help to the Serbian peasants would be an impossible one. Salonika at present, the only port of entrance for goods, is in Greek hands, and the port is so congested that consignments to private indi- viduals lie for months on the quays. By con- signing goods to the Agricultural Union tihe Society has the absolute assurance that the steamer will be met by the Union officials, and that the goods will arrive at the distributing centre in Serbia without any delay. As those who have followed the heroic straggles of Serbia know, that country is bounded on the north by the Danube and the Save, and on the west by the Drina. South- wards and eastwards from the banks of these rivers stretches a low and fertile alluvial plain. In time of peace this plain is planted densely with Corn and Maize. Now, except for a field here and there, it lies waste for lack of cultiva- tors, implements, seeds and cattle. Rising 'from the plain to the southward are the foot hills, which occupy about the same breadth as the plain, i.e., some thirty miles. The wave of Austrian invasion swept over the whole of the N. and N.W. of the country, engulfed the plain, and penetrated into the foot hills. Thanks to the marvellous power of recuperation of the Serbian army, and the happy and mys- terious arrival of munitions, it was flung back 'before it reached far into the hills. Of the in- vaded aTea the N.W. suffered most, nor is this ■to be wrondered at when it is known that the Austrian army which operated in that district was composed largely of German-Austrians and Hungarians. The former have made good their title to infamy wherever they have operated, and the latter have a peculiar race hatred for Serbians. This army carried out with a deipraved docility the orders which it received to destroy everything. It is known that men of other nationalities who made up the rest of the army refrained from the excesses which marked the passage and stained the honour of the troops of the Central Empires. Of the atrocities per- petrated I shall not write, for in truth many of them could not be printed. No British mind could even conceive the bestial tortures which these troops practised on the Serbians. Evidence of their doings is in my possession. Much of it I have witnessed, and in proper time and place it will be put upon record. Spoliation, robbery, murder and torture were practised wholesale and in detail. All valuable property was car- ried off, and what could not be plundered wa« burned. Chabatz, the chief market of thn N.W. and the second richest town in Serbia, was first shelled and then, after being entered by the Austrian troops, it was deliberately set on fire, and is now but a gaunt and blackened ruin. Of its inhabitants about 2,000 were killed and 3,000 taken away into captivity, and of their destination and fate nothing is known. There can be no question but that the Serbian peasants need our pity and aid. Cer- tain features of Serbian life help, howeveT, in some small measure to alleviate the sufferings caused by the war. Of these features one is the reality and strength of the bond which unites the peasants in communities of families. As each son marries, the father builds him a small house, standing slightly behind the farmhouse, and so in time clusters of houses arise occupied by the peasant and his sons, and surrounded by the fields and orchards from which they all gain their livelihood. If misfortune overtake one member of the family community, that member and his dependents look, and not in vain, to the rest of the family for assistance, and thus it is that the foundations cf Serbian national life stand secure to-day although so sorely strained by the storm of war. In only a. lesser degree the homestead exemption law is serving as a strong bulwark to the State. This law enacts that all buildings, land up to 6^ acres, a couple of cattle and the necessary farm implements are inalienable, exempt even from mortgage or seizure for debt. Serbia, though of great potential mineral wealth, is to-day a country of small holdings. A 40-acre farm is accounted a large one. The fields are open and in strips, and the strips possessed by one owner may be scattered a mile or more apart. Beside the main crops, which are Maize and Wheat, the peasants cultivate small breadths of vegetables, and I am assured by the Co-operative Union that it is only for want of seeds that they do not grow more. This want lias in the past been due to the isolation of Serbia, which isolation has been deliberately fostered by Austria. The peasants are strong and industrious, and with the advent of peace Fig. 24. — fruits of robinia kelseyi. (See p. 68.) there will be a great opportunity not only of helping to Testore their present cultivation, but of teaching them the uses of many crops now rarely grown, and I believe that out of the aid now to be rendered by the R.H.S. permanent demands for seeds and the like will arise. I have therefore recommended in my report that seeds for autumn and spring sowing should be despatched to Serbia. The following are those which appear to be at the moment most in de- mand, viz. : — Peas, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrots, Kohl Rabi, Spinolch and Rotates, particularly the early varieties. The Co-operative Union has agreed not only to undertake the distribution of the Is, out also to make sure that the peasants are instructed by the local committees in the cultivation and use of those sent. Accompany- ing each packet of seed there should ho printed, in English and Serbian, instructions giving brief cultural details. • During the six weeks which I spent in Serbia I visited practically the whole of the devastated area, and of the many -indelible impressions en- graved upon my mind, two stand nut most vividly. One is the finen- o I is S-rhi.-rn peasantry, and the other is the work which has been done in Serbia by the British doctors and nurses. Words fail me to express the admira- tion which I feel for the splendid devotion and superb organisation displayed by the British medical service in Serbia. I have to acknow- ledge a deep debt of gratitude to the military authorities of Serbia, without whose active assistance it would not have been possible to visit tihe devastated area, for in the greater part of it occupied by the military and returned refugees, no private supplies of food exist. The population has to rely for subsistence on the rations provided by the Government. My stay in the couintTy was rendered endurable only by the constant use of a specific against vermin, discovered by Professor Lefroy, the society's entomologist at. Wisley ; and my return was made easy by the kindness of Sir Thomas Lipton, who gave me a passage home on his yacht. {Signed) W. J. Herman, J. P., R.H.S. Commissioner to Serbia. THE FLOWERS OF MILTON. (Continued from page 33.) COWSLIP. 1. The yellow Cowslip and the pale Primrose. Od. May, I 2. With Cowslips wan that hang the pensive head. Lycidas, lift. 3. I set my feet O'eT the Cowslips Velvet head That bends not as I tread. Camus, S97. CROCUS. Crocus and Hyacinth with rich inlay. P. L. IV. 701. See also Saffron. CROWTOE. The tufted Crow-toe and pale Jessamine. Lycidas, US. A name given to many British plants, but in Milton's time chiefly given to the wild Hyacinth. DAFFODIL. 1. And daffadillies fill their cups with tears. Lycidas, 150. 2. Pancies, pinks and gaudy Daffadils. Com us, S51. DAISY. 1. Meadows trim with Daisies pide. L'AUegro, 775. 2. The Wood-Nymphs deckt with Daisies trim. Comus, ISO. EGLANTINE. The twisted Eglantine. L'AUegro, $S. The name has been given to many dif- ferent plants, but Milton's "twisted" seems to limit his Eglantine to the Wood- bine or wild Honeysuckle. See Honey- suckle and Woodbine. ELM. 1. They led the Vine To wed her Elm; she, spoused, about him twines Her marriagiable arms, and with her brings Her dower, th' adopted clusters, to adorn His barren leaves. P. L. V. H5-19. 2. Under the shady roof Of branching Elm star-proof. I ■ cad* s, SO 3. Against the rugged bark of some broad Elm. Comus, S5f. EUPHRASY. Then purged with Euphrasy and Rue The visual nerve. P.' L. XI. 41S. Euphrasy is a common English weed, nnd was much praised by the older poets as good for the eyes. It is now considered to be of no medicinal value. I > he cunt in. 70 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 31, 1915. POUR NOS AMIS FRANCAIS ET BELGES. CHRONIQUE SPECIALE (XXXVIII). CORRESPONDANCE DE BRUXELLES. La situation est tres cakne. Par suite du imanque de forcage dans les etablisseanents de culture fruitiere, l'egrainage des Raisins de culture ordinaire et retardee a entraine des dif- ficultes augmentees par l'absence des nombreux ouvriers competents qui se trouvent sur l'Yser. Les produits arrivent toujours a Bruxelles au moyen de camions, personme n'ayant recoups aux trains que les Allemands font rouler. Par ordre de l'administration teutonne, des reunions de producteurs ont eu lieu le 27 juin et il a ete porte a la connaissance des interesses que si le chemin de fer continuait a etre " boy- cotts," les gares seraient fermees pendant tout rhiveT et les envois de charbon arretes ! II en resulterait la destruction de la recolte tardive. Des c-arnets valables pour 10 voyages, revenant a 8 centimes en 3e et 12 centimes en 2de clisse par kilometre et par voyage, sont offerts. Les fruits se vendent a tres bon comipte main- tenant ; le Raisin vaut (30 juin) 1 f r. 20 u 2 f r. le kilo, les Peches 0 fr. 40 a 0 fr. 80 la caissette de 6. Les Tomates qui, au debut, ont rapporte jusqu'a 1 fr. piece, puis 5 a 6 fr. le kilo, pairce qu'une seule marque (J.V.M.) etait dis- ponible en tres faibles quantites, sont a des prix plus abordables. Elles font cependant encore 0 fr. 80. Dans line de mes premieres correspondances, je vous ai annonce que d'aucuns coupaient leurs vignes pour etablir des cultures de Tomates et de Melons; pour autant qu'on peut se faire une opinion main- tenant, ceux la n'auront pas fait un mauvais calcul. Les legumes ordinaires ne sont pas chers non plus. Pommes de terre 13 a 15 centimes le kilo, petits Pois 30 centimes, Carottes 25 centimes, etc. II est excessivement difficile mainitenant de vous faire parvenir des correspondances, mais avec un peu de retard nous nous tirerons d'affaire. J'enverrai une note detaillee sur la situation chez les maraichers et fleuristes. G. M. "LA QUESTION DE L'CCCUPATION DES BELGES." Monsieur le Redacteur en chef du Gardeners' Chronicle. Au risque d'abuser de l'hospitalite de vatre estimee publication, je me permets de vous de- mander de bien vouloir inserer oes quelques lignes. Nous savons bien, les Beiges, que le Gardeners' Chronicle est le Times de l'horti- culture, le premier journal horticole du monde, mais qui eut pu prevoir 1 'influence qu'a acquise la page franchise publiee regulierement dans votre interessante revue ? Mon article d"u 10 courant, sur l'occupation des Beiges, cette ques- tion d'actualite brulante, m'a valu a mon adresse particuliere, ainsi qu'aux Royal Nurseries a Maidstone, nombre de lettres et de demandes de renseignements, que je donne avec plaisir. Je profite de l'occasion pour remercier sin- cerement les personnes qui ont bien voulu me donner des preuves d'encouragement. L'Autorite Beige, dans une lettre datee He Londres, declare que mon projet est tres in- teressant et qu'il merit* qu'on s'y arrete. Le Local Government Board m'informe que pour le moment il est inopportun de prendre les mesures suggerees. L'initiative privee, qui a. realise tant de choses en Angleterre, pourrait prendre le projet a coeur. I-e Gardeners' Chronicle et la "Royal Horticultural Society" me semblent parfaitement qualifies pour lui accorder leur patronage. Leur intervention serait d'un effet moral considerable, et facili- terait largement la cooperation beige. Les resultats permanents qui seraient obtenus par la mise en execution du projet rappelleraient plus tard cette oeuvre creee par des Beiges sur le sol hospitalier de l'Angleterre et constitue- raient un lien de plus entre nos deux nations. Qui veut aider? L. Jacops. NOUVELLES DIVERSES. Les Cultures pres oes Tranchees.— Suivant I'Irish Times, les Allemands auraient mis en culture le long de la ligne de bataille en Flandre et en France, 200,000 hectares de terres abandonnees par les exploitants. Cent miLle hectares auraient ete plantes en Pommes de terre. Les travaux sont faits par des mili- taires detaches aux " fermes " et par d'autres soldats envoyes au repos. Les Alle- mands prevoient une recolte totals de Pommes de terre de 2,500,000 tonnes soit 25 tonnes a l'heotare. Tenant compte des conditions dans lesquelles ils travaillent, on avouera qu'ils sont assez gourmands. Remarquons que derriere les lignes des allies la tenacite et le patriotisme des cultivateurs sont tels que l'armee ne trcuverait pas de terrains laisses en friche. Jusqu'a peu de distance des tranchees de premiere ligne, tout est en culture, les paysans montrant un sang froid etonnant pendant que les obus passent en sifflant au dessus de leur tete. Ils n'est pas rare d'en voir occupes a niveler le ter- rain qui vient d'etre bouleverse par l'eclatement des obus ! Le travail se fait souvent la nuit, la population se terrant lorsque l'artillerie ennemie semble viser plus particulierement sa residence. Et detail interessant pour les lecteurs d'un journal horticole, les tranchees elles memes sont transformers en jardins fleuris. Au prix de mille difficultes, souvent sous les balles, des soldats sont "lies chercher les touffes de fleurs croissant autour des fermes detruites et les ont plantees dans les creux qui leur servent d'abris. Certains de ces jardinets sont entretenus avec un soin qui pourrait rendre jaloux bien des amateurs. Et nos heros, aux heures d'aecalmie, se reposent des fatigues dii jardinage en en- voyant quelques pruneaux a l'ennemi retranche a cinquante metres de la. L'AppROVlS'ONNEMENT DE LEGUMES A PARIS — Le comite de l'Alimentation de Paris, fonde mar le prefet de la Seine au debut des hos- tilites. signale dans son rapport que la mo- bilisation du plus grand nombre de rraraichers et ouvriers agricoles devait avoir une faoheuse repercussion sur la production des legumes Une certaine hausse est inevitable, affirme le Comite, le public doit la prevoir et 1'accepter patriotiqueiment, comme les autres con- sequences de la guerre. Cependant, la produc- tion est encore considerable et il serait facile de limiter cette hausse au moyen de certaines mesures d'ordre. Ligue riE Propaghnde pour l'Emploi des Proouits horticoles— L'association des hor- ticulteurs prof.-ssionnels anglais a receonment cree une ligue en vue de pousser a la consom- mation des fruits et legumes. Les oommis- sionuaires et detaillants se sont declares favo- rables au mouvement qui se manifestera par la distribution de brochures. l'apposition de nancartes dans les traims, les magasins, enfin la reclame directe par la voie de la presse. II sembl? que pour ce qui concerne les 'egranes il y a un vaste champ d' action pour la ligue, car si la comsommation anglaise de fruits est enorme, beaucoup verraient avec plaisir uri menu plus varie et plus abondant de legumes. L'initiative est certainemj?xit tres interessant© et meriterait d'inspirer les producteurs du con- tinent, oh l'emploi de fruits et de fleurs pour- rait etre plus abondant. Pouvons nous nou* attendre par exemple a une ligue de la fleur a la boutonniere ou, comme diraient les Anglais, une ligue de la boutonniere? Exposition de Roses a Boskoop. — La Ligue Pomologique neerlandaise a organise une exposition de Roses, les 15 et 16 juillet a Boskoop. Cent quarante varietes, obtenues au cours des cinq dernieres annees, y etaient pre- sentees. La plupart, suivant la liste que nous> trouvons dans De Tuinbouw, sont familieres- aux habitues des expositions de Vincent SquaTe. La qualite des fleurs etait excellente et l'assis- tance tres fournie. Commerce horticole en Hollande.— La. direction de l'Agriculture neerlandaise public le tableau du commerce d'importation et d'exportation pour ce qui concerne les produits horticoles en Hollande. Pendant lemoisde juin, la Belgique a pu lui envoyer 134,800 kilos de plantes vivantes. L'Angleterre a fourni 170,100 kilos d'Oignons. L'exportation a surtout ete active vers les lies Britanniques et FAllemagne. Ce- dernier pays a recu 2,787,100 kilos de Fraises, 1.361,800 kilos de Cerises, 1,696,800 kilos de Groseilles a maquereau, 1,415,400 kilos de Che-ux- fleurs, 1,174,700 kilos d'Oignons, 13,653,700 ( ?> kilos de Concombres et C'ornichons, 154,000 kilos de Tomates, 1,525,400 kilos de Carottes et 6.661,200 kilos de produits horticoles divers. Pendant le mois de juillet, la demande pour l'exportation a continue d'etre tres ferme. Les Pommes de terre a Loosduinen ont fait, du 15 au 20 juillet, une moyenne de 15 a 20 fr. les 100 kilos. Ainsi qu'il avait ete prevu, les envois diminuent deja, tout le monde s'etant hate de profiler des hauts prix offerts au debut de la saison. Les Concombres de serre valent 12 i. 15 fr. le 100, de chassis 7 a 12 fr. les Tomates 60 a 80 fr., les Oignons 18 a 20 fr., les Fraises 40 a 50 fr. NOUVELLES DE LA GUERRE.— M. G. BaZUl, ancien eleve de Versailles, redacteur au Mont- teur d' Horticulture, a ete tue en Argonne ; M. Jules Rudolph, collaborateur au Jar din, est decede a son depot d'une congestion pulmonaire. KORT OVERZICHT VOOR DE VLAM1NGEN. Roxd Brussel is het knippen der druiven met moeilijkheden gepaard gegaan daar ibaj gebrelr aan vroege teelt alles te gelijk moest gedaan worden en veel bekwame werklieden zich op den Yser bevinden. Het fruit is goedkoop. De kweekers worden door de Duitchers af- gedregen : zoo ze zich niet van de treinen bedienen, zal geen steenkool mogen vervoend worden. 51. Jacops. wiens voorstel we over drie weken bespraken, doet een oproep opdat men het in uitvoering brenge. In Vlaanderen is het wonder hoe de akkers tot onder het vijandige vuur be- werkt worden. In de loopgrachten hebben de- soldaten op vele plaatsen bloemtuinen aan- gelegd. In Londen is eene vereeniging gesticht met het doel de ibevolking tot een grooter verbruik van fruit en groeten aan te zetten. July 31, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 71 HOME CORRESPONDENCE. {The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Novelties at R.H.S. Shows.— May I ask the hospitality of the Gardeners' Chronicle for the purpose of suggesting to the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society that in future both at the fortnightly meetings and at the big shows a table should be set apart for the plants and flowers sent up to the Floral Committee for certificates, and an official told off to see that they get there directly the Committee has finished its sitting? By this arrangement the plants would not run the risk of being left un- protected behind doors or in passages as is the case now ; and the Fellows would be able to see them without being distracted by all sorts of other flowers, which is what happens when they are put back in the midst of some large nursery exhibit. They would, moreover, be able pro- perly to appreciate the taste and discrimination with which that august body of their representa- tives distribute its awards. E. J. P. Magor, Lamellen, St. Tudy, Cornwall. [See Gardeners' Chronicle, June 26, 1915, p. 558— Eds.] American Pond-weed.— If Hooker was right in fixing the date of this plant's introduc- tion about 1841, it certainly was not the Cam- bridge Professor of Botany who was my father. The tradition was, when I entered Christ's College in 1854, that Mr. C. C. Babington, Fellow of St. John's, and author of the Manual of British Botany (1856), introduced it into the Botanic Gardens, and that thence it found its way into the Cam. It was abundant in that river when I Towed, but not very troublesome till the long vacation ; and it seemed to die down before the October term. Attributing it to him, some undergraduate dubbed it fiabingtonia interna ! George Henslow. National Diploma in Horticulture.— Under this heading in your last week's issue you give the address of Wm. Stewart as " Oak- ieigh Bishopsworth, near Bristol." Is this a printer's or examiner's error, as my address is The Gardens, Industrial School, DesfoTd, near Leicester? Wm. Stewart. [We printed the official communication. — Eds.] Rambler Roses. -The supplementary illus- tration issued with the Gardeners' Chronicle for last week of three Rambler Roses was much appreciated. They are varieties that never fail in any garden. They possess the necessary attributes of true climbing Roses. Vigorous growth, good foliage, freedom of flower, comparative immunity from pests, and easily kept in flowering condition from base to apex. I have never seen Blush Rambler, American Pillar, or Mrs. F. W. Flight attacked with aphis, which for the amateur is of the utmost importance. Blush Rambler and American Pillar will throw up suckeT-like growths every year, many of them Teaching 14 feet. From such shoots the finest crops of flowers are obtained. E. M. Australian Bottle Brush (see p. 58). — It may interest your correspondent to know that I have a bush of Callistemon lanceolatus (Metro- sideros floribunda) on a south-west wall with 13 large blooms on it. This is its third season, and it has grown from a small plant to a bush 5 feet high by 4 feet wide, with no protection beyond a mat in frosty weather. The last two winters have of course been mild, but we have had an unusually long spell of east winds in the spring, which are more trying than frost to plants in this district. I think that if it will stand our climate it is more hardy than people imagine. When in full bloom it is certainly very handsome and well worth growing. JR. E. Pcalce, 6, Montpclier Bow, Blackheath. Late Summer-Flowering Shrubs. — Sir Herbert Maxwell migtht have added to the list of July-flowering shrubs (p. 40) the following species which are in bloom here now — July 23 : — Genista aethnensis, tihe Mount Etna Broom, 20 feet high, a shower of gold, ami Cytisus nigridus Carlieri; Notospartium Carmicheliae, 10 feet, a mass of pink; Escallonia pterocladon, just over, but the bushes, 15 feet high, have been very effec- tive ; Gassinia fulvida, better in bud than in flower; Lomatia ferruginea, 12 feet, has flowered best on its north side; Plagianthus Lyallii is full of flower; Stuartia Pseudo- camellia has flowered for the first time here : Magnolia Soulangeana iseems about the latest Magnolia, at least it is only now in bud, several other varieties are nearly over. Among the Hydrangeas, H. petiolaris clings like Ivy and reaches to the roof, and deserves special mention as flowering the whole summer. Also on the house are Ceanothus Gloire de Ver- sailles, Jasminum officinale and J. fruticans, Solanum jasminoides and Berberidopsis coral- lina. Sir Herbert does not mention Roses, but they are at their best here now. Bobert Birk- beck, Kinloch Hourn, Inverness-shire. The Fruit Crops (see Supplement Gard. Chron., July 24). — Since your returns of the fruit crops were collected strong winds have prevailed throughout nearly the whole country on two or three occasions, blow- ing large quantities of Apples off the trees and causing many breakages of branches of Plum trees, heavily loaded in some districts with fruit. It is to be noticed that from Kent, which is vastly more important as a source of market Apples than any other county, there are three average returns, only one over, and four under average; also that for Plums, which are very extensively grown in Kent, only two re- turns are average, while six are under and not one is over. You call attention to the fact that the complaints of the most serious damage to Apples from the aphis are from southern counties. I am informed that in Kent orchards generally the deplorable condition of the trees, owing to the infestation, is similar to that of which 1 am the victim. I believe that the reason why I am usually an exceptionally great sufferer from aphis attacks is that my place is practically exempt from spring and summer frosts. Since I have been in my present locality, over fifteen years, frost has never injured my Apples to the slightest extent, while only once, and then slightly, has it injured Plums or Currants. For this immunity I have to pay in the exemption of aphides from destruction by frost, which gets rid of vast numbers of the earliest viviparous females where it occurs with even moderate severity after they have appeared. Last year my fruit crops all round were very abundant. This year they will be mostly very meagre. Enough Apples set for quite an average crop ; but the aphis has spoilt more than half, except on mature trees of the more sturdy varieties. Hun- dreds of trees of dessert varieties, five to seven years from the planting, will not produce a gallon of full-sized fruit each, while many will not yield any marketable fruit at all, in conse- quence of the aphis infestation, against which spraying was useless. .4 Southern Grower. The counties of Kent, Hampshire, Sussex and Dorsetshire appear to have suffered worse from aphis attacks upon Apples than any other. In my case I never saw the trees so badly crippled as they are this season.; indeed, I should not be ' surprised if some of them die, so adversely is the foliage affected by the attacks of the purple aphis; even where spraying was rigorously done the effect is the same. My experience confirms the conviction that winter spraying has no effect upon aphis attacks in May. Here we had but 0.11 inch of rain from May 20 to June 24. During this period we had many cold sunless days, which is all in favour of the spread of aphis. It is strange how this pest attacks trees in one garden while those in others close to are immune ; indeed, in tine same garden there are unmolested trees. I note also that branches in one tree are quite free from aphis, the foliage clean and the fruit swelling normally, while three parts of the tree is scorched and the fruit at a standstill. Plum trees are quite clean, the foliage vigorous, the medium crop swelling satisfactorily, and fortunately they have not such heavy crops as last year to develop. Strawberries have done well on the whole in well-managed fields. The season was shorter owing to drought, but prices have been good. which is an equivalent to a heavy crop, mean- ing less expense to the grower. E. M-, Hants.. R.H.S. Awards to Roses.- The Royal Horticultural Society has given several recent, Awards of Merit to single Roses. I do not condemn single Roses ; in their way they are very beautiful, but I see signs of this type being very much overdone. The production of such Roses is a matter of the greatest ease, and single seedlings can be readily raised in enor- mous quantities. What steps are the Floral Committee taking to make sure that the single- Roses it distinguishes with its Awards are worthy of a place in commerce? The- mere staging of flowers, no matter how attrac- tively this may be done, at one of the fort- nightly meetings of the Royal Horticultural Society is not sufficient, and no member of the- Floral Committee can possibly determine the character of the seedling set before him from cut blooms only. Single Roses should be tested by trial at Wisley or elsewhere. In no other- way can those qualities which determine merit be arrived at, and I think it is absurd to grant Awards of Merit on the present basis to such. flowers. It is making this Award very cheap, and easily earned ; raisers of seedling Roses bearing double flowers of exquisite refinement are placed on an equal level with raisers of a type of flower that is procurable in enormous numbers with the greatest ease. There are some very beautiful single Roses, varieties that flower freely, that have ideal habits for garden purposes, and whose- blooms neither fade nor require dressing. These qualities, however, were not ascertained on the show bench, but were determined in trial under garden conditions. I hope to see- no awards given to seedling Roses, no matter what type, until the Floral Committee has. seen them growing. Such a wish is neither un- practical or unbusinesslike — it is the opposite. The modern demand is for " garden Roses," and I respectfully submit that the necessary qualities of such Roses can only be ascertained in "garden' conditions. The old order,, however, so far as " Awards of Merit " are con- cerned, is gradually changing. Circumstances have forced the Royal Horticultural Society to- insist upon trials at Wisley of many things before any honour can be given, whereas in earlier days the simpler method of staging the object before the Floral Committee was deemed,*- sufficient. This change is as it should be, but why should Roses — especially " garden " Roses, which are evidently so easily raised — be an exception ? It is the simplest thing in the world' to raise new Roses and stage them before the Floral Committee in an attractive manner.. One of the most difficult things is to raise new Roses, send them to Wisley, let them grow there for a season, and convince the authorities that the seedlings are superior to the tried sorts now in commerce. George M. Taylor. Midlothian. A Tomato Fruit Rot.— An account of a* fungus, Phoma destructiva, causing fruit rot in Tomatos, is given by Clara 0. Jamieson in the' Journal of Agricultural Research (Vol. 4, No. 1, Washington). The symptoms of the disease are dark spots on the fruit. The spots occur on both green and ripe fruit, and measure from 1 to 3 cm. (half inch to one inch) in diameter. They are brownish-black in colour, of definite outline, and on the surface small dark pustules may be seen. On ripe fruits the spots are surrounded by a more or less watery-looking zone. The fungus causing the disease has been isolated, cultivated in artificial media, and used to inoculate both fruit and leaf of the Tomato. Punctured fruits are readily inoculated with the disease, and leaves may be infected by distributing the fungus on their surfaces ; as a result dark patches appear at the points of inoculation. Tho fungus may also be caused to infect Potato leaves, though attempts to infect tubers have not been successful. The pest has been identified with Phoma destructiva, first described in 1881 in the Gardeners' Chronicle (n. 8. Vol. 16. No. 411. p. 6201. K. 72 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 31, 1915. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. TRIALS AT WISLEY. A trial of Perennial Poppies will take place at /the Royal Horticultural Society's Gardens, Wisley, during 1917. A trial of spring Cabbages will also take place during the coming season. Seeds of all varieties which it' is desired should be tried should be sent immediately to the Director, R.H.S. Gardens, Wisley, Ripley, Surrey, from whom forms of entry may be obtained. .NATIONAL CARNATION AND PICOTEE (SOUTHERN JSECTION). July 22. — There was a poor attendance at the annual show of the National Carnation Society at Vincent Square, and ill many classes, due partly to the lateness of the season, exhibitors were fewer than usual. Mr. J. Douglas again won the first division aggregate cup, and Mr. J. A. Foht was the winner of the cup in the second division. The Martin Smith Memorial Challenge Cup and Medal, offered' for the highest aggregate in the third division, was won by Mr. E. W. Painter. Flowers on Cards. In the classes for selfs and fancies — the most decoTative of this section — there was only one exhibitor. Mr. James Douglas, Great Bookham, was awarded all the first prizes. His blooms in the uncontested classes were the best, and here he had flowers of Mrs. Henwood, Miss Elizabeth Shiffuer and Bookham White (selfs), Lord Steyne, Mona and Linkman (fancies). The Bizarres and Flakes were all of veTy moderate quality — the ground colour was poor and the stripes irregular and in most cases washy. The best blooms were Recorder, Sarah Payne and Claude Loraine. Of his twelve white-ground Picotees, Fair Maiden, Mrs. Chaundry and a rose-edged seedling were the best, whilst chief amongst the yellow-gruund varieties was Niel Kenyon. Flowers in Vases In four of these classes, which required three blooms of distinct varieties in separate vases, Mr. James Douglas won the first prize and Mr. H. Lakeman was second. As a rule, the flowers were good and much more attractive than in the preceding classes, but three blooms arranged in a large vase with a super- abundance of foliage and unopened flower-buds look sparse and unsatisfying to any of the visi- tors other than those of the old school. Of Mr. Douglas's blooms the following were especially noteworthy : Pink Clove, Cardinal and Bookham White (selfs), Pasquin and Edenside (fancies), Othello and Mrs. Owen (white-ground fancies), Togo and Mrs. J. J. Keen (yellow- ground Picotees). Mt. Lakeman also had many beautiful blooms, and especially of Thomas a'Beckett (fancy), The Nizam (white-ground fancy), and Mrs. J. J. Keen (yellow-ground Picotee). In the larger class, requiring nine varieties of selfs. fancies and yellow-ground Picotees. three blooms of a variety in each vase. Messrs. Douglas and Lakeman were again first and second in the order named. Mr. Douglas had an excellent exhibit of such sorts as Bookham White (self), Elizabeth Shiffner (apricot self). and Liberte (yellow-ground fancy Carnation). Of Mr. Lakeman's set Mrs. George Marshall (self) and Thomas a'Beckett (fancy) were of out- standing merit. Amateurs' Classes. Flown? on Card?. — Six blooms of distinct varieties were required in each of the five classes. Mr. H. A. Taylor, Cheam, was the chief first- prize winner, and he showed very creditabie col- lections, especially of self Carnations, which were worthy of hish praise, such sorts as Tubal and Daffodil being excellent. Of his fancies Lord Steyne and Mrs. Leo Hunter were especially good, whilst of the six yellow-ground Picotees the very best were Eclipse and John Ruskin. Mr. J. Fairlie, Acton, showing fine blooms of such as J. S. Hedderley and Gordon Lewiss. won the first prize for bizarres and flakes, and Mr. J. J. Keen, Southampton, with especially good ex- amples of Clvtre and John Smith, was the most successful exhibitor of white-ground Picotees, in which class Mr. Taylor was second, and his out- standing bloom was of Clytre. Mr. J. A. Fort, Winchester, who included a delightful flower of Fujiyama, won second prizes for selfs, fancies and yellow-ground Picotees. Mr. Keen was awarded 2nd prize for bizaTres and flakes. Flowers in Vases. — In the amateurs' division Droitwich, by Mr. Frostick. The 1st prize for three blooms each of six varieties of selfs, fancies and yellow grounds was won by Miss E. Shiffner, Lewes, who included excellent flowers of Rosy Morn and Cardinal. Mr. J. A. Fort won the 2nd prize. There were 13 classes for the smaller growers. Mr. E. W. Painter, Brentford, won the three 1st prizes for 6 varieties of selfs, fancies and yellow-ground Picotees with admirable exhibits. His blooms of Etna, Hildegarde (selfs), Skir- misher, Sam Weller (fancies), Exquisite and Ophir (Picoteesl were excellent. He also won Fig. 25. — ROBLNLA KELSEYI FLOWERING (See p. 68.) the classes for flowers shown in vases were what May be termed colour classes, and each of tne ten required three blooms of one variety in a vise. The 1st prize varieties were: — Pink or Jlosi Self, Mrs. R. P. Smith, by Miss. E. Shiffner. White Self, Bookham White, by Mr. Frostick. Dark Red or Maroon Self, Mrs. ge Marshall, bv Mr. F. E. Gray. Yellow Self, Daffodil, by Mr. Gray. Red or Scarlet Self, Fujiyama, by Mr. E. Morton. Yellow-ground Picotee. Onward, bv Mr. R. Morton. Buff Self, Elizabeth Shiffner. by Mr. Fort, Any other Self, lima, by Mr. Morton. Yellow or Unit Fancy, Pasquin, by Mr. Morton. Any other Fancy, 1st prizes for 3 white selfs, 3 yellow-ground i ies, and 3 yellow-ground Picotees with equally c;ood blooms. Mr. A. Charrington. i ixtcd, showed the best 3 vases of rose selfs and of fancies other than yellow ground. Open Competitions. These 10 classes, which each required 9 blooms of distinct varieties of stated colour, were the most decorative in the show, the number of blooms lending themselves to artistic arrange- i nt. Unfortunately, although the flowers were of eat merit and skilfully arranged, the competition was very limited. Mr. H. Lake- July 31, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 73 man and Mr. J. Douglas shared all the 1st and 2nd prizes, Mr. Lakemah winning six and Mr. Douglas four lsts. Of Mr. Lakeman's delightful flowers those of Mrs. George Marshall (very large crimson self). Daffodil (yellow sell), and Book- ham White were especially worthy of mention, whilst Mr. Douglas had equally admirable flowers of Innocence (pink self) and Fujiyama (scarlet self). The five classes for seedlings raised by the exhibitor were very disappointing, one 2nd prize only being awarded. Premier Flowers. Flowers on Cards. — Bizarre, Master Fred, by Mr. J. J. Keen ; Flake, Gordon Lewis, by Mr. J. Fairlie; self, Tubal, by Mr. H. R. Taylor; Picotee, Eclipse, by Mr. J. J. Keen, Flowers in Vases. — Self, Bookham White, by Mr. H. Lakeman ; fancy, Lord Steyne, by Mr. J. Douglas ; white-ground fancy, Othello, by Mr. Douglas ; heavy-edged Picotee, Togo, by Mr. R. Morton ; light-edge Picotee, Onward, by Mr. J. A. Fort. MIDLAND CARNATION AND PICOTEE. July 23, 24.^This Society's twenty-fifth annual exhibition, held at the Botanical Gar- dens, Birmingham, on the above dates, was very much smaller than usual, due principally to the fact that the season is a backward one, and to the show being held a week earlier than last year. Messrs. A. R. Brown, Ltd., were the most successful all-round exhibitors, and Mr. R. Bruce Waite is to be congratulated upon his successful debut into the large open classes, and in carrying off the Bronze Medal offered to the second-best exhibitor. Mr. C. H. Herbert secured four of the eight premier awards offered for dressed flowers on cards. The only contestants in the Second Division (amateurs) were the Rev. C. A. Gottwaltz, Mr. T. M. Tranter, and Mr. A. H. Birchley. In other divisions notable successes were achieved by Mr. F. Woodward, Mr. E. Kenwright, and Mr. A. J. Hill. First Division (Open). Flowers Shown on Stands. Twelve Self Carnations. — 1st, Messrs. A. R. Brown, Ltd., King's Norton, with excellent flowers of Rosy Morn, Mrs. Elliott Douglas, Jean Douglas (Premier), Bookham White, Furthest North, John Knox, Ann Hathaway, Irma, Fujiyama, Mrs. Arthur Trow, W. H. Par- ton and Bob Acres. 2nd, Mr. C. H. Herbert, Acocks Green, whose best flowers were Mrs. G. Marshall, Fujiyama, Bookham White, Brigadier and Basuto. 3rd, Mr. R. Bruce Waite, Har- borne. Twelve Fancy Carnations. — 1st, Messrs. A. R. Brown, Ltd., with nice, clean flowers of Becky Sharp, Hercules, Liberty, Rhea, Mandarin, Sir Olaf, E. V. Lucas, Bombardier, Skirmisher, But- terfly (extra good), Charles Chappell and Link- man. 2nd, Mr. C. H. Herbert. Twelve Yellow-Ground Picotces. — Here again Messrs. A. R. Brown, Ltd. , secured the first prize with grand flowers of Margaret Lennox, John Ruskin, Santa Claus, Exquisite, Onward, Togo (Premier), Mrs. C. F. Budenberg, Pure Gem, Corona. Queenie, Professor Burstall and Miss Winifred. 2nd, Mr. C. H. Herbert, who had excellent specimens of Eclipse (Premier). John Ruskin and Santa Claus. 3rd, Mr. R. Bruce Waite. Twelve White-Ground Picotees. — 1st, Mr, C. H. Herbert, with choice flowers of Mrs. Twist, Fortrose, Ganymede, Mrs. Gorton, Lavi- nia, Clementina. Favourite, Kathleen, Radiant. Fair Maiden (Premier), John Smith and Ed- mund Shorthouse. 2nd, Mr. R. Bruce Waite, whose flowers of Mrs. Hammond, Edmund Short- house (Premier) and W. E. Dickson were meri- torious. 3rd. Messrs. A. R. Brown, Ltd. Twelve Flake or Bizarre, Carnations. — Mr. C. H. Herbert was again placed first with medium-sized, well-finished flowers of Master Fred (Premier), George Melville, J. S. Hed- derley, Sarah Payne, J. J. Keen. Admiral Cur- zon, Gordon Lewis, Robert Houlgrave, Teddy, Harold, Ophelia and Wm. Skirving. 2nd, Mr. R. Bruce Waite. 3rd, Messrs. A. R. Brown, Ltd. Flowers Shown in Vases. Blooms Staged in Threes. Six Varieties of Self Carnations. — 1st, Messrs. A. R. Brown, Ltd., with large, beautifully set- up flowers of Mrs. Elliott Douglas, Rosy Morn, Mrs. G. Marshall, Titan, Britannia and Cardinal. 2nd, Mr. R. G. Rudd, King s Heath. John Knox, Mrs. Robert Gordon and Furthest North were the best in this stand. 3rd, Mr. F. Bayliss, Walsall. Six Varieties of Fancy Carnations. — Messrs. A. R. Brown, Ltd., won the 1st prize with un- usually large flowers of Becky Sharp (Premier), Lord Steyne, Mandarin, Alice Byron Stewart, Queen Eleanor and Linkham. 2nd, Mr. R. Bruce Waite. Six Varieties of Yellow-Ground Picotees. — 1st, Mr. R. Bruce Waite. The varieties ex- hibited were Eclipse (Premier), Neil Kenyon, Corona, F. W. Goodfellow, Mrs. J. J. Keen and Santa Claus. 2nd, Messrs. A. R. Brown, Ltd. Six Varieties of White-Ground Picotees. — Here again Mr. R. Bruce excelled with dainty flowers of Mrs. Hammond, Ganymede, Lady Sybil, Mrs. Openshaw, Thos. William and Maud Brown. 2nd, Mr. C. H. Herbert. Second Division (Amateurs). Flowers Shown on Stands. Six Self Carnations.— 1st, Rev. _C. A. Gott- waltz, with large flowers of John Knox, Hadzor, Wyatt, 'Solfaterra, Albion and John Pope. Six Fancy Carnations. — The last-named exhi- bitor won first prize with first-rate flowers, Mrs. Leo Hunter, Robert Morton, Linkman, Bom- bardier, Skirmisher and Mona. Six Yellow-Ground Picotees.— 1st, Mr. T. M. Tranter, whose specimens of Mark Twain and John Ruskin were noteworthy. Six White-Ground Picotees. — Rev. C. A. Gott- waltz was the only exhibitor in this class. He showed beautifully clean flowers of Gertie, Lucy. Agnes Helen, Georgina, Mrs. George Chaundy and Pride of Leyton. Mr. T. M. Tranter had a walk-over in the class for six Flake or Bizarre Carnations. He had Master Fred and J. S. Hed- derley in good endition. Flowers Staged in Threes (Amateurs). Three Varieties of Self Carnations.- — 1st, Mr. A. H. Birchley, Selly Oak, with very large flowers of Gordon Douglas (Premier), Daffodil and Bob Acres. 2nd, Mr. T. M. Tranter. Three Varieties of Fancy Carnations. — Mr. A. H. Birchley again excelled with heavy flowers of Hercules, Linkman and John Ridd. 2nd, Mr. T. M. Tranter. Three Varieties of Yellow-Ground Picotees. — Mr. A. H. Birchley led with Margaret Lennox, Neil Kenyon, and Togo. 2nd, Rev. C. A. Gott- waltz. Three Varieties of White-Ground Picotees. — The 1st prize in this class was also won by Mr. A. H. Birchley, whose flowers of Lavinia, Fair Maiden (Premier) and Mrs. Gorton were very beautiful. 2nd, Rev. C. A. Gottwaltz. Third Division. Competition in this section was more spirited than in the previous ones, and some very good flowers were displayed. Only exhibitors whose collections of Carnations did not exceed 300 plants were eligible to compete. The most suc- cessful exhibitors were Mr. E. Kenwright. Smethwick ; Mr. F. Woodward, Bournville ; Mr. P. J. Brookes. Bearwood ; Mr. A. Hall, Harborne ; and Mr. J. T. Simister, Rocester. Premier Flowers {Dressed Bizarre). — Master Fred, shown by Mr. C. H. Herbert. Flal-e. — J. J. Keen, shown by Mr. C. H. Her- bert. //- avy-Edgt ■ Raspberries, skips 1 0 — perdoz-punnetts 3 0 a.d. 14 0 lft o 2 G per 52 0- 1 0 i0 0 per i«; 6 10 0 6 • 1 6 5 0 Remauks. — The following varieties of English Apples are now available: Julien, Keswick Codlin and Lord Suffield. Shipments of the dessert variety Sturmer Pippin are arriving from Tasmania. Strawberries, packed in punnet baskets, are still obtainable. Of Raspberries, Loganberries, and Black and Red Currants there are plentiful supplies. Dessert 'Gooseberries are sufficient for the demand. The following varieties of Cherries are now available : Black Eagle, Flemish Red, Napoleon Bigarreau, and Turkey Heart. Large quantities of Plums and Greengages are arriving from the Continent daily. Black Grapes and the Muscat varieties are now very plentiful, with the exception of the variety Canonhall Musrat. The market is still well supplied with Peaches and Nectarines, and Melons and. Figs are more plentiful than they have been. E. H. R., Covent Garden, July 2S. Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices. Artichokes, Globe, perdoz. Aubergines, per doz. Beans, Broad, per bus. — French, per lb. Beetroot, per doz, bunches . . Cabbage, per doz. Carrots, bunches .. Cauliflowers, per doz Cucumbers, per doz. Garlic, per lb. Herbs, per doz. bunches s.d. s.d. 2 0- 2 6 3 0-36 2 6-30 0 2-0 2.» Leeks, per dox*>n .. Lettuce, Cabbage and Cos, per dor. Mushrooms, culti- vated, per lb. . . — Buttons — Outdoor, per A bus Mustard and Cress, per dozen pnn- neta 2 6-361 Onions, per cwt., o n 4 n Foreign ° u — green, per doz. 10-16| bunches 1 — Valencia, per 2 0-60 ' case sd. 2 0 *n 10 if) 10 0 10- 3 6- 1 0 6 0 Peas, per bus. Radishes, per doz. bunches .. Scarlet Runners, per bushel Spinach, per bus... 6 0- 4 0 — Tomatos, English, perdoz. Turnips, new, per doz. bun. | Vegetable Marrows, per tally | WaVtrcresB, p. ^oz. s.d. s.d 2 0- 4 3 5 0-6 0 0 4- 0 (i Remarks. — Tomatos have been less plentiful during the week. Peas are scarce, but of Runner and French Beans there are moderate quantities available. Cabhage and Vegetable Marrows are sufficient to satisfy the de- mand. There nave been, fewer Cucumbers available this week. Field Mushrooms are very plentiful. Business has been moderately brisk during the week. E . 11. J?., Covent Garden, July 2S. New Potatos. sd. s.d. [ s.d. s.d. Bedford .. .. 4 3-53 Kent 50-56 Blackland .. .. 4 3- 4 6 | Lincoln .. .. 4 6-56 Old Potatos. 3s. Od. to 4s. fd. per bag. Remarks. — Trade, both in old and new tubers, is very- slow this week, and prices are decreasing. The supply is quite equal to the demand. E, J. Newborn, Covent Garden and St. Pancras, July 25. THE WEATHER. THE WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending July 25. Another Cold and Wet Week. — All the days of the past week have been below the average in the tem- perature for the time of year. In fact, there has not been a single unseasonably warm clay since the 7th jnst., or for three weeks. The first two nights were rather warm, but since then they have been below the average in temperature. The ground is at the present time 4° colder at 1 foot deep and 2° colder at 2 feet deep than is seasonable. Some rain fell on each day, and to the total depth of an inch. During the last fort- night there have been only three days without rain — the total fall for that period being nearly 3 inches — or more than the average rainfall for the whole month. During the week 2 gallons of rainwater have come through the bare soil percolation gauge; but none at all for nine weeks through that on which short grass is growing. Both iiiese percolation gauges ate a yard square, and 2'2 feet deep. The sun shone on an average for bit hours a clay, which is the mean daily duration for the month. Light winds and calms alone prevailed during the week. The mean amount of moisture in the air at three o'clock in the afternoon exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by 13 per cent. E. 31. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Stuart Low & Co., Bush Hill Park, Middlesex.- Greenhouse Plants, Trees and Shrubs. Costers, B. Fletj, Jr., Germantown, Philadelphia.— Tree, Shrub, and Fruit Seeds. Little and Ballantyne, Carlisle— Bulbs, Roses, and Fruit Trees. -Rare DEBATING SOCIETIES. BATH GARDENERS'-The meeting held on the 12th inst. was well attended. The Chairman, Mr. T. Parrott, presided. The special feature of the meeting was an exhibition of Sweet Peas, and the Chairman congratu- lated the members on the fine display. In place of the customary paper there was a discussion on the merits of the various exhibits at the meeting. WATFORD HORTICULTURAL. — At the monthly meeting, held on the 13th inst., papers were read on " Bottling Vegetables," by Sir. F. J. McLces, and " Roses," by Mr. W. B. Kettle. An honorary exhibit of Sweet Peas, twelve varieties, was staged by Mr. W. E. Catesby. J.V. (gr. Mr. W. Webb). WARE GARDENERS'.— A meeting of this Society was held on the 20th inst., Mr. AV. T. Porter presiding. Mr. F. W. Miles delivered a lecture on " Conservatory- Decoration." which was followed by a discussion. Strawberries were shown by Mr. 0. Andrews and a group of Campanula pyramidalis exhibited by the lec- turer was awarded the Society's certificate of merit. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. [Correspondents are requested tn write the names of nersons and places as leg-ibly as possible. No charge is made for these announce- ments, but if a sntafl contribution is sent, to If placed in our collecting Box for the Gardeners' Orphan Fund, it will be thankfully received, ami an acknowledgment made in these columns.] Mr. J. McTaR-gart. for the past two and a half years Gardener to H. M. Banntyx, Esq., Milhaugh, Blantyre. as Gardener \n J. Carrie. Esq., Uphn ■ House, Aldbourne. Wiltshire. [Thanks for Ls. for R.G.O.F. Box.— Eds.] SCHEDULES RECEIVED. Special Exhibition of Chrysanthemum^. arranged by the Burnley and District He- ticultural Society Mutual Improvement Association, to be held at the Mechanics* Institut '. November 13. Secretary, Mr. J. G. Elliott. 22. Hind Street. Queensgate. Burnley. 76 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [July 31, 1915. ENQUIRY. Have the following plants ever borne fruits in English glasshouses? If so, where? Berthol- letia excelsa, Achras Sapota, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, OTeodoxa regia, Piper nigrum, Caryophyllus aromaticus, Myristica fragrans, Elaeis guineensis. M. Buysman, Lawang, East Java. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. "There are few gardeners, and still fewer amateurs, who d' not on occasion require immediate information upon various poinls ol practice. But either from an unwillingness to inquire, or from not knowing of whom to make the inquiry, they too often fail to obtain the information they are in want of. And let no one be alarmed lest his questions should appear trifling, or those of a person ignorant of that which he ought to know. He is the wisest man who is conscious of his ignorance : lor how little do the wisest really know 1 — except that they know little. If one man is unacquainted with a fact, however common, it is probable that hundreds of others in the same position as himself are equally in want of similar information. To ask a question, then. it to consult the good of others as well as of one's self. — Qwrdenertf Ckroniele, No. 1, Vol. I., January 5, 181*1. Boxes foe Bay Trees : M. Davey. We do not advise the use of oil for treating the wood- work as a preservative, as oil of any kind is harmful to plants. The best plan is to char the insides of the tubs by burning. Buctda Buceras : Anxious Enquirer. The cor- rect name of Bucida Buceras is Terminalia Buceras. It is a member of the Combretaceae, a native of the West Indies, and was introduced to this country in 1793. The bark has been used freely by tanners, and possibly it is still used for tanning to some extent. The plant may have been used for the medicinal purpose you name, but of this we have no knowledge. If you cannot obtain the plant from the nurseries you might try the Botanic Gardens Carnations Unhealthy : S. W., Horsham. See reply to H. G. S. Cucumber and Tomato : T. A. L. The Cucum- ber does not appear to be affected with the fungus C'ercospora melonis, but we suspect that the trouble has arisen from excessive applica- tions of manures or from manures of an un- suitable nature. You might inquire into the circumstances and see whether the question of manuring has not been overdone. The Tomato is a very spindly specimen, and could never have produced a satisfactory crop. The leaves are ill-developed and drawn, whilst the general appearance of the plant would seem to show that you have the Tomatos growing in a structure that is in- sufficiently ventilated. Indoor Tomatos cannot be over-exposed to light, and in order to 6ave the plants from attacks of fungous diseases it is necessary that a current of air should at all times be perceptible to anyone passing through the house. If the plants are growing in the bed of the house we advise you to look them over, taking out any that appear sickly and unpromising like the specimen sent us. Then see that watering is given the proper attention, so that the ground is never waterlogged, but that it is allowed to become fairly dry between the applications. Economistng Fuel : E. T. P. The practice of mixing chalk with fuel for greenhouse boilers is a very old one, but it is doubtful if any advantage is derived therefrom. An authority on engineering to -whom we submitted your letter informed us that there was very little, if any, value in the chalk, but that you would be well advised to make the experiment, for, contrary to your fears, the chalk would not harm the boilers, and it might act as a good radiator. The following details on how to use chalk with fuel were given by a corre- spondent, in the issue for January 1, 1876 : — 1. The chalk should always be beneath the coal, and the stratum of coal should be to the chalk in the proportion of at least one part to two parts. 2. The lumps of chalk should bear some proportion also to the size of the grate or furnace — never above 2 inches in diameter. In an ordinary grate they should be about the size of a hen's egg, and in an ordinary cottage grate not laTger than a Walnut.' Frame for Violets : Dublin. Your want of success in previous seasons with frame Violets is probably due to the fact that you omitted to provide a hot-bed of any description, and merely relied upon protecting materials, such as garden mats or a hot-water apparatus, which is often, in the hands of amateurs, exceed- ingly injurious to such plants as the sweet Violet. You should take out the soil from the frame for at least 2^ feet in depth; then loosen the soil below so that the water will get away easily. Place on the loosened soil a bed of suitable latter and leaves, prepared in the usual way by turning it over occasionally for some time before use, in order to allow the volatile gases to escape from the litter. This bed should be made firm by treading, and after treading the depth of the bed should be about 1 foot. Then you will need a layer oif soil about 6 inches in depth upon this bed of leaves and litter. To be of the best possible it should consist of pasture turf of a rich loam, rather than sandy, and if it has been stacked in a heap for twelve months so much the better. Some decayed cow manure should be mixed with it, or, failing this, some decom- posed manure from a spent hot-bed, taking care to avoid fresh horse manure. If the soil is of a heavier nature than is desirable mix some good leaf-mould with it — leaf-mould that has been formed from decayed Oak leaves. If these directions cannot be complied with an amateur might make his compost with old potting soil, decayed vegetable refuse, and such materials, though partially decayed vege- tables may possibly cause trouble. If the loam is of a very light nature, sandy or gravelly soil, it may be all the more important to add cow manure. When the plants have been put •out in the frame the level of the bed should have been so arranged that the leaves of the plants will be not more than 3 inches from the Toof glass, for they need full and imme- diate exposure to the light. The hot-bed, if properl}' prepared will supply as much warmth as is necessary, and save you from many of the failures that arise from a damp and cold frame, and from frames that are apt to be over-heated by the hot-water apparatus. Fuller particulars in regard to the cultivation of Violets in frames and in open borders can be obtained by reference to Panties, Violas and Violets in the Present-day Gardening 1 Series, price Is. 9d., post free, from our pub- lishing department. Grapes Dropping : //. ,S. Black rot (Guignardia Bidwellii) of Grapes is present. Kemove and burn every leaf and every fruit that is diseased. Following the attack, spray the vines with half-strength Bordeaux mixture when the leaves are unfolding, and continue the operation at intervals. Iron in Soil : W. 11. We do not suspect that the iron in the soil is the cause of the failure of your summer .flowering plants, especially seeing that spring flowers, including bulbs and late summer-flowering plants, do well. Send some of the diseased plants for examination. Names of Plants : W. H. (1) Cassinia f ulvida ; (2) Thunbergia aatalensis ; (3) Pentstemon sp., possibly heterophyllus, but specimen insuffi- cient to identify ; (4) Convolvulus althaeoides " Borden." — W. J. B. Scorzonera purpurea. — E. Stickland. Bl, Holcus lanatus ; A2, Agrostis vulgaris ; 3, 4, Phleum pratense ; 5, Dactylis glomerata ; 6, Bromus sterilis. — G. 1, Pentstemon tubiflorus; 2, Gaura Lind- heimeri ; 3, Senecio macrophyllus ; 4, not re- cognised from specimens sent ; 5, Lactuca Plumieri ; 6, Populus alba ; 8, Acaena myrio- phylla. — Ij. T. 1, Fuchsia gracilis ; 2, Fuchsia Riccarton.ii. — F. J., Gloucester. 1, Danaea Laurus (Alexandrian Laurel) ; 2, Liriodendron tulipifera (Tulip tree).— W. D. and S. Tilia vulgaris. — D. M. 1, Rhododendron ferru- gineum ; 2, specimen insufficient, impossible to identify properly from a single leaf ; 3, Car- pinus Betulus. — Mrs. Bruce. 1, Platanus oc- cidentalis ; 2, P. orientalis. — T. H. Smith. Cytisus nigricans var. Carlieri. — Constant Reachr. Notts. 1, Centaurea montana (white variety) ; 2, Lysimachia vulgaris : 3, Thal- ictrum minus ; 4, Tradescantia virginica ; 5, Hemerocallis graminea (minor) ; 6, Epilobium angustifolium ; 7, Lastrea Filix Mas; 8, Spiraea ariaefolia ; 19, Polvstichum angulare ; Conifers next week. — A. W. G. 1, Hieracium aurantiacum ; 2, Zephyranthes Candida. — A. E. The specimen sent appears to be Helxine Soleirolii, a Corsican plant bearing in- conspicuous flowers, and not Nertera depressa. Probably the light soil and excessive shade account for the production of abnormal flower-heads of Lilium candidum such as you send. Peas Unhealthy : J. T. S. There is no disease present. \vatering late in the day often causes the appearance about which you com- plain. Pruning Fruit Trees : Oheshunt. It is too late to prune either the Peach, Nectarine or Cherry trees. The shoots should have been cut back last winter or spring to the fourth or fifth basal bud, and as the work was not undertaken then it must be left until next March. In the case of the Plum tree, cut back all breastwood to about the fourtn leaf. Allow the leaders to continue growing, and prune these early next winter. Tie, or nail in, all loose shoots that are retained. Roses : H. C. B. The three long shoots, which you say are now being produced from the head of the weeping Rose, should not be cut back but kept for flowering next year. They axe likely to produce flower trusses from most of the leaf axils. The shorter growths, for the greater part, will need to be taken out at the time of pruning. Generally speaking, the stronger, longer growths should be retained and the weaker and ill-developed shoots cut out, but in doing this regaid must be shown for the symmetry of the head, which should be preserved as far as possible. Roses Diseased : G. H. E. The specimens are injured by green fly. Spray the trees with an insecticide early next season. The variety J. B. Clark shows a trace of Rose-leaf black blotch, which, beyond disfiguring the fobage, does not cause much harm to the plants. Spray with liver of sulphur. Rose Mildew : Oheshunt. To check or destroy mildew on your Roses, spray or syringe the trees with a solution of 1 oz. soft soap, 1 oz. flowers of sulphur, and 1 gallon of soft water, choosing a still evening for the operation. The sulphur will damage any blooms, and should, therefore, be applied before the buds expand or after the flowering period. Useful books on Rose culture are The Handy Book of Pruning, by James Udale, price Is. 9d., and Poses, by H. R. Darlington, price 2s. 10a., post free, from our publishing department. Tomato Leaf Spotted : Polo. Tomato leaf-rust, Cladosporium fulvum, is present. If the fruits have formed, spray with liver of sul- phur, but if the plants are young, use Bor- deaux Mixture at half the usual strength. Ventilate the house freely, and burn the diseased portions of the plants as soon as they are detected. Tomatos : F. F. S. and Co. There is no disease present. Nitrogenous dressing applied too freely has caused the fruit to crack round the stalk region and ultimately to rot. — G. E. A. The spotting of your Tomatos is due to a lack of phosphates in the soil, which should have a top-dressing of superphosphate to counteract the deficiency. Vines Diseased : G. H. The fungus present is Botrytis cinerea. This is caused by an excess of moisture, and when once introduced is diffi- cult to eradicate. Spray the plant every four days with liver of sulphur, 1 ounce in .6 gallons %vater, and ventilate the house early in the day. Collect the leaves and fruit attacked by the fungus and burn them to prevent as far as possible the disease spreading. Communications Received-— A- E. W.— Gardener —Anxious— Ool. R. C— F. C. W.— H. S— W. E.— W. H.— F. O. G.— H. E. J.— Pomologist— E. St — R. B — II. P.— Mrs. A. B., Toronto— E. L. St— G. H.— R. G. -V. -^5. SI. H.— S. J. St. A.— A. J. B— SI. B — R. T. G.— R. P. B — F. C.— Regular Reader— Dr. H. E. D— C. T. D. — E. H. H.— H. S. T.— W. J. B— W G. S — G. H. H. W. -A. C— O. H. H.— S. St— Sir H. M— A. T. to— VV. B. H.— W. K— P. B— W. F. R— H. R D— W. R. D. August 7, 1915.] THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. 77 THE (Bartomrs' (Cljrmurls Xo. 1,493.- uTURDAr, August % Sfegs CONTENTS. Gooseberry Parks, flowers in the public i s\i A 111 e r i C mildew, sprays for the 79 Aphis pest of Apples .. 8£ books, notices of — Botanical Magazine, the 35 Publications received.. bG Cbeiiaiuhus Allionii ... S7 Cftelidonium Fran ken I annm Cupressus funebris .. 78 DesigU for an Iris par- terre, a .. .. - - SO Edinburgh public parks.. 84 Flora of Kwangtung . . 85 Flowers of Milton .. 89 Fruit crops, remarks on the condition of the SI, 81 Gladiolus kubangen&is .. S7 Goodyera repens . . . . 89 Indian Cotton cultivation seventy years ago . . SO Iris, species of bearded . . 77 Kolkwitzia amabilis .. SO Lime spraying and insect pests 89 National Botanic Gar* dens, Kirstenbosch .. SO Orchid notes ; nd glean- ings— Lizard Orchid, the .. 77 Vanda teres Fowler's var 77 Physick Garden, Oxford, date of the ... "Pour nos amis francais et beiges" Powdery scab of Fotatos Primulas, new Chinese .. Reader, Mr. Frank, pre- sentation to Rosary, the— New single Roses Season, the Societies- Hay wards Heath and Mid-Sussex Hurt. Irish Rose and Moral.. Ontario Rose Royal Horticultural .. Royal Lancashire Agri- cultural Soil protozoa and soil bacteria War items .. Week's work, the— Flower garden, the Fiuits under glass Hardy fruit garden, the Kitchen garden, the Orchid Houses, the Plants under glass Xanthoceras sorbifolia .. ILLUSTRATIONS. Cupressus funebris ^S Design for an Iris parterre , . . . . . . . . . SJ Gladiolus kubangensis .. .. .. .. .. . - 87 Polystachj a paniculata 35 Xanthoceras sorbifolia 90 SPECIES OF BEARDED IRIS. (Concluded from page 60.) OF all the bearded Irises, plicata is the most interesting, and presents many problems of its own. Its apparent connection with Red Pallida and sambucina may be only acci- dental, due merely to the fact that sambucina (probably a hybrid of un- known parentage) and the varieties of Red Pallida which I happened to use in 1113- crosses have plicata in them as a re- cessive. The results, however, are in- teresting, and- may help to throw some; light on the. problem. Plicata (Mme. Chereau) was crossed with examples of all the sections and reciprocally. I did not expect to get any plicatas in the Fi generation, intending to self or cross again to obtain the results I looked for in ¥2, and, in fact, no plicatas appeared in F, from any crosses with varieties of any of the sections I used (about 160 seedlings from 12 distinct crosses), except from Red Pallida ? x plicata and plicata § x Red Squalens. These two crosses, however, repeated in succeeding years, gave invariably about one half plicatas (11 out of 22 seedlings as yet flowered). Subsequently, and still more unexpectedly, evidence appeared of the connection of sambucina with plicata (and Red Pallida), a cross of sambucina x a Red Pallida seedling (that is, two red- flowered Irises) giving 5 plicatas to 3 " reds." Plicata, therefore, is evidently in the varieties of Red Pallida and Red Squalens which I used, and also in sam- bucina. I use this expression loosely to cover the alternative possibilities either of all the factors for the plicata type being present but recessive, or that plicata is produced by the meeting of two separate factors, one only of which is in Red Pal- lida (and Red Squalens), and the other) in sambucina. Which is the correct in- terpretation I cannot yet say, as my crosses were not planned to test that point. When all the seedlings of my second generation crosses (of varieties whose im- mediate parentage I know) have flowered it may be possible to say at least which is the most likely, but the results of those, so far flowered are conflicting. If the plicata type (the flower) should prove to be due to the meeting of two factors it would suggest the very curious conclusion that each of these two factors by itself produces red colour in Irises. One of these later results must, however, be men- tioned, as it shows that plicata can be in, and can be reproduced from, an Iris other than Red Pallida or Red Squalens. Plicata crossed by pallida dalmatica (Princess Beatrice) gives exclusively violet-blue pallidas (80 seedlings flowered). From a pod of seed of one of these, un- crossed (possibly fertilised by a plicata) I have flowered one plicata, and no doubt all these varieties will give plicatas. I think, however, this may be a special case, as it involves this particular variety of pallida dalmatica (Princess Beatrice), which appears to me to be a hybrid and not simply a variety of pallida. It has the characteristic of imparting a blue tone to the seedlings of almost every cross made with it, as if it contained a red-in- hibiting factor. There are two other points not yet re- ferred to which must be taken into ac- count in any investigation into the original parent species of these Irises. One is the dark coloured tipping of the hairs of the beards. In most Irises where it occurs the hairs are tipped brown, but in many plicatas, the hairs being white or porcelain, they are tipped violet or purple, and the tipping may be strong or weak, coarse or fine. This character is never seen in pure pallidas, and is not mentioned as existing in variegata in any descriptions I have seen. It is a distinct character, I feel sure, and not due to +he combination of blue hairs and yellow hairs, for I have seen the result of this in my aphylla seedlings, and it is quite different. If, then, this character does not occur in variegata or any of its wild forms, it is a very strong indication that there is another species in these flag Irises, and that it is one which has its beard tipped brown, or, more probably, violet or purple. The other point is the dark purple colouring of the base of the leaves of many varieties. Where does this character come from? As with the tipping of the beard it is never seen in pure pallidas, and I can obtain no evidence of it occurring in variegata. Whatever may be the value of these two characters in the determining of Iris species, at least they cannot, I think, be altogether ignored. As I have but a slight_ acquaintance, with Iris species, it would be foolish to make any suggestions, except in an in- quiring spirit. Two species, however, appear to me possible. One is aphylla, on account of its tendency to give red coloured (Kochii-like) seedlings, its pro- jecting and comparatively dense beard, and because of the blue flush (as distinct from tipping), seen in the beards of many of my Red Pallida seedlings. The other is balkana (or some closely allied species), on account of the dense, violet-tipped beard, and red-toned flowers. The chief difficulty with regard to these species is their time of flowering. This may sc-em a very immaterial character, but as a matter of fact, it is usually a very strong one, and seedlings from varieties whose times of flowering are wide apart generally flower -with almost mathematical accuracy about half-way between. But Red Pallida flowers about 10 days or more before variegata, and if variegata is also in Red Pallida this would allow for. or counteract, a species 10 days earlier. Also, I think, judging from some second generation seedlings of a cross with an early species, the time of flowering cart be altered by cumulative crossing with- out anv appreciable loss of other charac- ters. Still, one would expect some earlier flowering throw-backs, and I must admit I have not had anv. A. J. Bliss. ORCHID NOTES AND CLEANINCS. VANDA TERES FOWLER'S VARIETY. Flowerlno for the first time in the collection of J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., at Braekenhurst, Tun- bridge Wells, is a remarkably showy and distinct form of Vanda teres, with flowers 4 inches across. It has a very remarkable feature in the brightly- coloured upper segments, which contrast quaintly with the white lateral sepals arranged wing-like beside the large yellow-tinted lip. The upper sur- face of the petals and the dorsal sepal are bright rosy-mauve, the other side of the petals being slightly lighter in colour and with purplish vein- ing. The lateral sepals, an inch wide, are white, the lower halves tinged with yellow, the upper halves having a slight blush tint, The lip, which is of massive proportions, is yellow streaked with red-brown lines, the apical half of the front lobe being rosy-mauve. There are several forms of Vanda teres in the Bracken- hurst collection, including the white form, but this for effective contrast of colour is by far the most remarkable. THE LIZARD ORCHID. On June 20 last a fine specimen of Orchis hircina (Lizard Orchid) was found growing in a chalky pasture near the gardens at Goodwood. I showed the flower-spike in a fresh state to two well-known botanists in Sussex. Both gentle- men said there was no doubt about it being Orchis hircina. I am drying bh« spike, and hope to preserve it to show to anyone inter- ested. I cannot find any records of it having been found in Sussex previously. Hooker's Flora gives two counties in which, it has been found— Suffolk and Kent. Sowerby's English Botany gives, I believe, two localities, and men- tions that a specimen (or specimens) was found near- Dartford, Kent, about 1863 or 1836. It would be interesting to learn if the species has been found since then in those or any otSer localities. F. Bror/.-, Goodwooi Chid ' , Su 78 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 7, 1915. NOTES ON CONIFERS. IX.— CUPRESSUS FUNEBRIS.* I now come to the Chinese Weeping Cypress, •which may be considered among the most orna- mental Conifers in cultivation, but it will only succeed in the milder parts of our islands, such as the south and south-west of England, and in Ireland, and is accordingly rarely seen in gardens. In the colder districts the plant is sometimes cultivated in pots in the greenhouse. Cupressus funebris, which is a native of Cen- tral China, appears to have been discovered by Sir George Staunton, who was secretary to Lord Macartney's embassy to China in 1793, in the Vale of Tombs, near Lake. Sihoo, but the plate referred to below shows a very pendulous Cypress, and much more weeping than is usually found in Cupressus funebris, though there can be no doubt that this is the species intended. It is a native of Central China, occurring in moun- tainous districts, at elevations usually below 3,0CO feet, in the provinces of Szechuan, Hupeh, Anhui, and Chekiang. Henryt points out that Lindley, Masters, and Kent were all in error in describing this Cypress as belonging to Northern China, where the climate is much too cold for it. Fortune* gives an account of the tree in the famous green tea district of Huichou, and says that the first specimen he saw had a stem as straight as a Norfolk Island Pine, and pendulous branches like the Weeping Willow. II As he jour- neyed westward it became more common, and had a most striking and beautiful effect upon the' Chinese landscape. Wilson§ describes it as the most handsome of all the Asiatic Conifers, as well as one of the most useful. In Central and Western China its timber is used for house building and general constructive purposes, and is also largely employed for boat building. This tree has been known in China from the earliest times, being called Poll or Peh, a name also applied to other Conifers. BretschneiderU states that it was planted by the founder of the Yin dynasty about the altars of the spirits of the land. Cupressus funebris is well known in the Eastern Himalayas as a planted tree, being often found near temples and monasteries. Sir J. Hooker** mentions a large, one in a temple at Doobdi, probably the oldest specimen in Sikkim, at 6,470 feet elevation, which was 90 feet high, with a girth of 16£ feet at 5 feet from the ground. The date of introduction into England is doubt- ful, according to Loudon, although Lambert con- sidered it came from South China in 1804. We know for certain that Fortune sent cones to Standish in 1848, from which young plants were raised at his Bagshot nursery. The finest speci- men now on record is one at Haldon House, Exeter ; in 1908 it was 50 feet high by 6 feet in girth. There is a smaller one at Tortworth, which was about 35 feet, high in 1909. A speci- men was found at Killerton, cultivated under the name of Cupressus sinensis. I have seen trees about 30 feet high at Lamellen, Heligan, and Penjerrick, in Cornwall, and there is also one at Osborne, Isle of Wight. In Ireland there are trees at Powerscourt, Kilmacurragh, and Castle- martyr. The specimen shown in fig. 26 was sent me from Lamellen by Mr. E. L. P. Magor. A. Bruce Jackson. * Cupressus funebris, Endlieher, Sun. Conif., 5S (1S47): Masters in Jmim. Linn. See. (Hot.). XXXI., 337 (1896), anil XXVI. 540 (1002); Kent, Veitch's Nan. Conif., 203 (1900); Elwes and Henry, Trees of Great Britain and Ireland. V., 1162 (1910); Clinton-Baker, Illust. Conif., III., 60 (1913); Bean, Trees and 8hraJn, I., 443 (1914). Cu/uessus pendula, Staunton, Embassy to China of Earl Macartney, II., 525, pi. 41 (179S) ; Lambert, Genus Pinus, II., 124, t. 60 (1832) ; London, Art. ct Frut. Brit., IV. 2479 (1838). t hoc cit., V., 1163, notel. J Gard. Chron., 1859, p. 228. II The tree is fancifully depicted in the old willow-pattern china. 8 Gard. Chron., XXXVIII., 94 (1905). «|f Hot. Sinicum, II., 336, 381 (1892). ** Himalayan Journals, I., pp. 316 et seq. (1854). THE ROSARY. SOME NEW SINGLE ROSES. The progress of our garden flowers seems often to follow a fairly well defined course. The h?ads of the Chrysanthemum gradually in- creased till those of the Japanese varieties at- tained a size so great as to become coarse ; when this occurred taste inclined dn a different direc- changed and the massive heads were followed first by the Cactus Dahlia and then 'by the return to popularity of ,the single forms. We need feel little surprise if the 'progress of the Rose should follow somewhat similar lines, and this appears to be the case. The process is slower, for it takes jnany years to raise and bring out a new Rose, but the path traversed differs little save in time. [Photograph by E. J. Walli*. Fig. 26. — cupressus funebris, from lamellen, Cornwall (one-third natural size). tion, and single or nearly single varieties he- came popular. , The heads of the douible Dahlia waxed great until, if we may credit the story of a certain battle of flowers reported to have taken place in one of our northern towns, they were found effective missiles hy some of the ■more strenuous combatants. Here, again, taste The exhibition Roses have become larger each year, for the prizes are awarded to size rather than beauty, and the method of setting up the flowers is stiff and tiresome in its uniformity, while it gives no idea of the probable appear- ance of the flower in the garden. The result is that the public who visit our August 7, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 79 shows are becoming more and more attracted to the decorative groups and stands, where there is scope for variety and taste in arrangement, and are rather disposed to neglect the serried ranks of single upright flowers in the exhibition boxes. This was particularly noticeable at Leamington, where the provincial show of the N.R.S. was held this year, under the auspices of Mr. Franklin Denndson. Here the exhibi- tion flowers had been collected into one tent and the decorative groups and stands -were placed in another, and (a little unfortunately, as it turned out) narrower tent, the new seed- lings occupying a third tent. Thfi two latter appeared crowded all day, and perhaps few things excited more appreciation and comment than a wonderfully beautiful group of the single Rose Princess Mary (see fig. 135, Gard. Citron., May 2, 1914, p. 304), set up by Mr. Elisha Hioks, in a stand that contained many fresh and delightful flowers. At the London shows in the Botanic Gardens and in the City the beauty and novelty of many of the single Roses attracted great attention from the visitors, to many of whom the appear- ance of a single Rose at a show was evidently quite unfamiliar, and the comments passed upon them were often both interesting and amusing. The raisers of new Roses have not been slow to follow the development of public taste in this matter, and the tendency in this direction is reflected an the new seedling Roses seen at our Rose shows. The single Rose Cupid, as staged by Messrs. B. R. Cant, is undoubtedly a thing of beauty. The petals are large and of a very delicate pale, soft pink, with a shade of yellow, which is perhaps enhanced by the bright yellow of the anthers. The flowers appear to be carried in bunches of eight or ten blooms, and the growth seems strong and up- right. Messrs. Paul and Son have shown a very distinct single form in Naiad. Here the flowers are also a soft pink, but deeper in colour than Cupid, and have very large petals with red anthers, which give it quite a novel appearance. It is very beautiful both in the bud and the open flower, and in habit seems suited for grow- ing as a big bush. Queen Alexandra (see fig. 5, Gard. Chron., July 3, 1915, p. 12) is another new single Rose, brought out by the Rev. J. H. Pemberton. This must not be confused with a climbing Rose of the same name introduced by Messrs. Veitch in 1901. The new Rose is per- petual flowering and of bushy habit, and the flowers are very pleasing when fresh, the petals being of a pale lemon tinted blush, which form a good background to the yellow stamens. Cherry Page may also be classed as a single Rose ; it was introduced by Mr. W. Easlea. The colour is unique and lovely when fresh ; it has been called cerise-pink, but it has no blue in it, and perhaps cherry-pink is nearer, while a faint tint of yellow helps to light it up. Mrs. Rosalie Wrinch is another beautiful pink, single Rose that has been well shown by Messrs. W. and J. Brown. The habit of the plant is strong and upright, and the effect is pleasing. Not unlike it in colour is Salmon Queen. Mr. Frank Cant has exhibited this with success on several occasions, as well as Rouge d'Angevine, a bright crimson single Rose of very dwarf habit, brought out in 1908 by M. Guinoisseau. Of bright crimson, however, perhaps Princess Mary of Mr. Hicks and Red Letter Day of Mr. Hugh Dickson are the most noticeable. In the garden the latter flower is so bright for the couple of days the flower lasts that it catches the eye whenever one approaches it. Ulster Standard and Ulster Gem, also shown by Mr. Hugh Dickson, are worthy of notice. The same raiser obtained a Gold Medal at Leamington for a semi-double flower called Golden Spray, creamy-yellow in colour, Messrs. McGredy and Son securing a like award for a very beautiful single Rose called Isobel. Perhaps it is to- Messrs.' Alex. Dickson and Sons more than any other raiser that we are indebted for helping us to realise the garden value of the single Rose. Irish Beauty, the first of the series of single Irish Roses introduced by this firm, was brought into notice in 1900, and thence for- ward one or more appeared annually, Irish Elegance (see fig. 52, Gard. Chron., February 24, 1912, p. 121), perhaps still the best of the group, coming in 1905, and Irish Fireflame in 1913 (see fig. 156, Gard. Chron., May 31, 1913, p. 365). The latter comes within the scope of this article and is certainly a very striking flower. In form it much resembles Irish Elegance, but the pink is replaced by red and the yellow is more de- cided. The result gives us a harder colour than the delightfully soft shades of Irish Elegance, but for decoration it is extremely effective and always attracts notice. A semi-double flower of new and bright colouring was shown by the same raisers at Leamington, and though, it did not actually secure an award it must have come very near to OBe. The Roses mentioned above are sufficient to show the direction in which popular taste is moving, and the list might be increased. Silver Moon, Adrian Riverdron, Pink Pearl, and Mrs. A. Kingsmill, with many others, are all beautiful in their way and of recent introduction, and we have clearly a large number of forms from which we may now select. It is therefore incumbent on us to determine their value for the decoration of the garden, for this must ultimately be the criterion by which every Rose will stand or fall. In considering the value of single Roses for this purpose it is to be remembered that in order to show a single Rose in perfection it must be picked before it is fully out and allowed to open indoors for the full beauty of the antheTs to be seen. Consequently out-of-doors the flowers have but a short life, and to make a good garden plant they must be produced in tolerable quantity and in rapid succession over a considerable period. They are, it is true, not so likely to be destroyed by rain, and to Tefuse to open, as is the case with fuller flowers. A single Rose seldom suffers in this way, but it is of considerable importance that the petal should be of good substance and lasting power, and if the beds are to be kept in good order so as to look their best much attention in the re- moval of the old and faded floweTs is de- manded. In the case of the climbers, on the con- trary, where the constant removal of flowers that have faded is out of the question, there is some advantage in flowers which will shed their petals quickly as they go over. In order to secure quantity and continuity of flowers, free and rapid growth and a good branching habit are essential, while it is gener- ally desirable that the flowers should ibe carried in fair-sized trusses, so that one may open as another goes off. A single Rose that bears only one or two flowers on the top of one upright stem is seldom of much value in the garden, and for decoration such a large number of plants would be necessary that the amount of room occupied by them would in all probability be excessive for most gardens. A good carriage of the flowers, so that they are held well above the leaves, and strong and abundant foliage of a good colour to set them off, are qualities that are scarcely less necessary. All this, it may be said, is truism ; but how are we to estimate the qualities of a Rose in these respects without seeing it grow either in our own or our friends' gardens? In strictness it is doubtless true that only in the garden can- the final test be applied, but a good deal of information may be gathered as to the character and habit of "the plant on which the flowers grew even when examining them at a Rose -li„w. To obtain this we must by no means confine our attention to the beauty of the flowers slmwn, but should examine the foliage carefully, also the number of flowers on a truss and the way in which they are carried on the stems, and whether a wire must be used to keep them upright. Besides this the strength and appearance of the stems and the^ number and characters of the thorns they bear, the size < E the leaves, and the smoothness or roughness cf their surface, and sometimes the form and character of the stipules, will also help to en- able us to make a tolerable guess as to the class of plant to which the exhibit belongs. Many, perhaps most, confine themselves to a considera- tion of the beauty of the flower, and find them- selves disappointed when they buy a plant which differs from their expectation, and is per- haps unsudted for the position they had de- signed it to occupy. From exhibition Roses staged in boxes with their heads tied tightly to a wire stake, it may be very difficult to extract much information of this kind; but decorative Roses are for- tunately not set up in this manner, and the National Rose Society's rules direct that the flowers shall be arranged in the decorative classes so as "to show as far as possible the foliage and habit of growth of each variety." No doubt this regulation is often broken, and unfortunately sometimes with impunity ; but it is not wholly without effect, and the careful ob- server may learn much of a new Rose from a thorough examination of the flower-leaves and stems. White Rose. PRELIMINARY NOTE ON SOME SPRAYS FOR AMERICAN GOOSEBERRY MILDEW. In recent years considerable attention has been paid to experiments in the control of American Gooseberry Mildew by spraying. Most of the experiments have been done with lime-sulphur solutions, and comparatively little attention has been paid to the possibility of utilising other solutions. Further, much of this recent work has been devoted to ascertaining what action lime- sulphur has upon the bushes themselves. How- ever effective this spray may be as a preven- tive, the fact that certain varieties are adversely affected makes its general adoption somewhat doubtful, and renders it desirable either to secure some modification of its formula which will ensure a wider range of application, or else to obtain some other substance which will be equally effective and capable of more general use on all varieties. This problem has engaged the attention of one of us for some time past. From an extended chemical examination of the lime-sulphur wash, it appears that the active sulphur must be pro- vided by the polysulphides of calcium. This ts in a very loose state of combination, and in fact may be regarded largely as sulphur in solution. The wash is also strongly caustic, due to the hydrolysis of these polysulphides. Reasoning from this, and without exact experimental bio- logical evidence, it seemed that the lime-sulphur wash might profitably be replaced by two washes, viz., an alkaline solution and a neutral sulphur wash. These could be used at different times, in order (1) to avoid injury to the trees or bushes, and (2) to combat the summer sta^c of the mildew with active sulphur without affecting the fruit. In the neutral sulphur sprays, two washes were employed which will be described in detail elsewhere The first, "Colloidal Sulphur No-. I.," is a true colloidal solution of sulphur obtained by the interaction of sulphur di and hydrogen sulphide, the acid liquid being neutralised by ammonia. This solution was -i in 1013 upon a number of plant- to ascertain what injury, if any, might from its use. The plants tested included Apple, Pear, Peach, Gooseberry, Red Currant, Straw- berry anil vine. No scorching or loaf- fall re- sulted, ''.'lie preparation -if this solution, 80 THE GA RDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 7, 1915. ever, involved certain technical difficulties which rendered its practical adoption temporarily im- possible. "Colloidal Sulphur No. II." is prepared by precipitating lime-sulphur solution with acid in presence of gelatine undnr suitable conditions. It has been tested fairly extensively, and is easy to prepare. The wash as used is a neutral, opaque, milky fluid, which will pass through filter paper. The sulphur does not separate from it within a week of preparation, and the wash has been kept a month or more without complete precipitation of the sulphur. As pre- pared for these experiments, it was diluted to six times the original, and the final wash ap- proximately corresponded in content of sulphur with the lime-sulphur washes used. At the same time, one of us, in the course of certain laboratory trials, came to the conclusion that ordinary commercial soda might also be of service. This idea was strengthened by finding that the Institute of Phytopathology, Petro- grad, after repeated trials, had come to the con- clusion that this substance had certain merits beyond all others tested. Accordingly, soda and borax were employed for the alkaline sprays. A series of ten tests was finally arranged : — I.— Colloidal Sulphur No. II. II.— Lime-sulphur 100: 233: 100. III.— „ „ 100 : 200 : 100. IV.— „ „ 100 : 100 : 100. V. — Precipitated lime-sulphur. VI.— Soda. VII. — Unsprayed. VIII.— Borax. IX. — Ordinary lime-sulphur (commercial), x— „ The experiments were conducted at Mr. Lob- joit's Heston Farm, Heston, Middlesex. The varieties were Whinham's Industry and 'White Lion, 25 bushes of each being used in each of the above series. The bushes were from 6-8 years old, of strong growth, closely planted, and partially shaded by the Plums and Apples, be- tween which they had been planted. Before the experiments commenced the bushes had been at- tacked by mildew, which threatened to be more severe than any previous attack. A light spraying with lime-sulphur had been given early in the year, but when the first experimental spraying was conducted there was little evidence of the previous spraying on the bushes, and the disease was making considerable headway. The lime-sulphur solutions No. II., III., IV., V., IX. and X. were used at a specific gravity strength of 1.01. The soda and borax solutions were made up at the rate of 3 lbs. to 100 gallons of water, flour or size being em- ployed to increase the adhesiveness at the rate of 1 lb. of either to 100 gallons of solution. All the solutions were prepared at University College, Reading, and conveyed to Heston by motor-cycle, with the exception of Nos. IX. and X., which were prepared from ordinary com- mercial lime-sulphur. As the experiments were purely of a pre- liminary nature, two sprayings only were at- tempted. The first of these was carried out on May 26, the day being bright and sunny but somewhat cold. The second spraying took place on June 24, which was somewhat dull and cloudy, with a high temperature. The bushes were carefullv examined on May 27 and 28, June 4, 16, 22, and 24; July 3, 13, 20. 29; August 10, 20, 26; and September 10 and 24. Throughout the whole period no spray injury whatsoever was noted upon the Whinhams. All the lime-sulphurs caused a slight scorching of many of the White Lions, but no leaf-fall took place. The remaining solutions had no in- jurious action. The growth of the bushes was somewhat un- even. Generally speaking the White Lions were much more vigorous than the Whinhams, and formed a thicket so dense that accurate observa- tions could onlv be made under considerable bodily discomfort. The whole" of the rows, however, were praotically identical. This was not the case with the Whinhams. Rows I. and X. showed, unfortunately, the least growth. In descending series, i.e., starting with the bushes which showed maximum growth, the rows were classed as follows : — (a) Rows VI. and IX. (b) „ II. and III. (c) „ IV., V., VII., and VIII. (d) Row X. (e) „ I. Since the individual bushes varied, and the difference between some of the rows was not marked, the above can only be regarded as an approximate grouping. Throughout the whole area, both on Whin- hams and White Lions, it was obvious that the sprays, with the exception of the borax solu- tion (which was only applied in July for the purpose of testing its covering power), had (under the conditions of the experiment) served to check the further spread of the mildew. For the reasons already suggested, it was found impossible to gain definite figures from the White Lions. In the case of the WThinhams, however, conditions were more favourable, and on Julv 29 it was decided to count the number UN ITS Fig. 27. — design for ax iris parterre. Scale : One unit equals one-eighth inch. of diseased shoots in each row, and so gain more definite statistics. The results were as follows : Series. No. of No. diseased shoots.* 1. Colloidal sulphur II 32 3. Lime-sulphur 100: 200: 100 38 5. Precipitated lime-sulphur 41 6. Soda 60 4. Lime-sulphur, 100: 100: 100 98 10. Commercial lime-sulphur 178 9. „ ,, 202 2. Lime-sulphur, 100: 233: 100 228 7. Unsprayed 800 Alongside of these figures there must be set the growth tables, since otherwise a somewhat exaggerated deduction might be made. In ad- dition 15 shoots on Row 1 (Colloidal lime- sulphur) were marked as being definitely at- tacked by the mildew. On July 29 all trace of this mildew had disappeared. It should further be noted that the soda solu- tion, in addition to checking the disease, im- • These figures throughout are considerably lower than those obtained by Salmon, Journal of the Souih-Sas ern Anriiultural College, No. 22, 1913. proved the general appearance of the bushes, and did not mark the fruit. A number of shoots was taken from each of the rows on June 24, July 29, and August 10, and examined microscopically. Perithecia were found on the shoots from the unsprayed rows on June 24, but not on the others. On July 29 they were abundant on this row, and could be seen with the naked eye without any difficulty on all the bushes. They were also present on all the bushes of the remaining rows, but in greatly reduced numbers. This was most obvious in rows Nos. 1, 3, 5, 6, and 4, where the mildew at this date was still largely in the summer stage. Through- out August and September very little further growth of the bushes took place, and as a con- sequence there was very little new infection throughout these months. Conclusions. — Under the conditions present in these trials, it may be said : — 1. That the action of the mildew was checked by the use of colloidal sulphur No. 2, precipi- tated lime-sulphur, various lime-sulphurs and soda. 2. That these sprays also seemed to defer the formation of the perithecia, and 3. That these experiments — being conducted on a limited scale — cannot be regarded as in any way conclusive, but are of such a nature as to warrant more extensive and more detailed trials. These trials are accordingly being repeated — (a) on a larger number of varieties, (b) under varying conditions, (c) with mor; frequent applications of the above and certain additional sprays, ranging from two applications upwards. Further, cer- tain of the sprays are being used in combination, commencing early in the year with a sulphur wash, followed later by an alkaline wash, and still later bv the original sulphur wash. /. it. Hector, B.Sc, and S. /. M. Auld, D.Sc, Ph.D., F.I.C., University College, Reading. NOTES ON IRISES. A DESIGN FOR AN IRIS PARTERRE. Irises are beginning to come into their own. No well-planned herbaceous border is now com- plete without a series of clumps of the easily- grown Flag Irises. This is well ; but what is better is that Irises should have a bit, of the garden to themselves. Grouped together, with a selection of the right kinds, an Ins parterre will be a joy to the eye from mid-April to mid-July, peopled by the lesser and greater Flags, with a sprinkling of the Spanish and English bulbs. The difficult ones, and those flowering at other seasons, are not included here, as the object of the scheme is to have a display of colour with the orderly succession of vigorous varieties. As for situation the parterre must be exposed to full sunshine and have no trees near to shade the plants and rob the roots. The plan shown in fig. 27 is a parallelogram, longer than broad ; and if the proportion of the beds is kept it may be made of any size to suit the style of the garden of which it forms part. Whether it is placed on an open lawn or enclosed by a low Yew hedge may be left to individual taste. The same latitude may be shown with regard to the spaces between the beds ; turf is more seemly, but gravel or brick or stone paving may be substituted. For the kinds of Iris chosen for the parterre the soil required will be a well enriched loam, with lime worked in where the soil does not naturally carry that constituent. It is now fairly we'll understood that the rhizo- matous or Flag Irises require to be planted near the surface, so that the root stocks should be well ripened in late summer after flowering; also that they should be lifted at that period August 7, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 81 about every three years in order to remove the old dead l-ootstocks and so lessen the danger of disease, and to renew the exhausted soil. In winter, when the withered foliage has been cleared away, a veTy light top-dressing of leaf- mould with a sprinkle of lime is beneficial. Now for the selection of plants : — 1. The four small three-corneTed beds are for the early dwarf-bearded Irises, which are usually inaccurately termed "pumilas," whereas most of them are forms of Chamaeiris and aphylla. The dwarfesit, the true purnila coerulea, a lovely China blue, should border the inner edge of each bed ; the rest of the space should contain, clumps of the yellow and purple forms of dwarfs, of which there are many pretty shades. These flower from mid-April to mid-May. Between the clumps spece should be left to dibble in a number of Spanish Iris bulbs of mixed colours; these will flower from the middle to the end of June. 2. The four corner beds are for the beautiful intermediate bearded Flags ; a charming new race which flowers during most of May, filling the gap between the early and late Flags. Some of the best kinds are Ivorine, Queen Flavia, Dolphin, Mars, Brunette, Odin and Charmant; the colours are artistic blendings of French grey, red-purple, pale lavender, light yellow and ivory. These clumps should be spaced so that bulbs of mixed colours of English Irises (I. xiphioides) may be scattered between them. These last will flower from the end of June to mid -July. 3. The four long narrow beds are for clumps of the tall late Flags which begin in mid-May and continue till nearly the end of June. The clumps should each occupy the whole width of the bed, and should be arranged for colour effects, those that flower together being placed in juxtaposition. For example, the early-flower- ing white floirentina and the early dark purple germanica ; next come the mauve pallidas with the light yello-w flavescens ; and then the dif- ferent shades of the later-flowering varieties — the variegatas (yellow standards) contrast with the neglectas (blue standards), and the amoenas (white standards) with the squalens (dull lilac standards). There is a large choice in this group of Irises, and selection may be guided by personal predilection ; among the most attractive and floriferous forms are : — ger- manicas : Purple King, Troyana and Kharput ; pallidas (sweet-scented) : type and Princess Bea- trice, Samnite and Celeste, and several other newer hybrids, the pink forms Her Majesty and Queen of May are not so hardy ; Yellow Species, flavescens ; plicata (frilled blue and white), Mme. Chereau ; amoenas : Mrs. Darwin, Bridesmaid, and Thorbeck ; squalens : Plumieri, Geertii, Jac- quiniana, Prosper Laugier £nd Pfauenauge ; neglectas : Harlequin Milanais and Black Prince; variegatas: Gracchus (early), Mme. Neubronner, Darius, aurea, Innocenza, Iris King, Princess Vbtoria Louise and Maori King. The variegatas are mostly late and should be grown in quantity, as they aTe among the most brilliant and daring in their cotour contrasts. 4. The central bed should be planted for effect as being the focus of the parterre ; all the middle being occupied by groups of the tall flags with narrow green or glaucous leaves. Such are ochroleuca, Monnieri and aurea, in white, pale yellow and gold ; spuria, in shades of blue, and several good hybrids between these. They will be in flower from m'd-June to mid- July, and grow from 4 to 5 feet high. In a wide border all round the bed will be large clumps of Spanish and English Iris alternately, each of a separate colour, the Spanish flowering a fortnight before the English. Some of the "Dutch" varieties of Spanish Iris are desir- able, as they flower still earlier, and are of large size and good substance. Eleanora Armitage. REMARKS ON THE CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS. (See Tables, Stipplement, Gard. Chron., July 21/, 1915.) (Continued from page S3.) 2. ENGLAND, N.E. Yorkshire. — In the course of my travelling this summer through the fruit-growing districts of Yorkshire, I have noticed that fruit crops vary considerably in quantity of produce. Here and there in gardens and orchards there is an abundance of f rait, whilst in other gardens there is very little. Small fruits were much infested with aphides, but recent heavy rains have cleared them. Black Currants are disappointing. Alfred Gaut, Leeds. Some varieties of Apples are carrying very large crops, including Bramley's Seedling, Lane's Prince Albert, Duchess of Oldenburgh, James Grieve and Ecklinville Seedling. Pears are up to the average, but Plums are scarce. All bush fruits, with the exception of Black Cur- rants, have yielded good crops. Strawberries, especially the varieties Wonderful and Fill- basket, are exceptionally good. Of Apricots there is only a poor crop. A. E. Sutton, Castle- Howard Gardens, Welburn. Our garden being on the top of a hill, the six weeks of drought spoilt the prospects of the Strawberry crop. There seem to be more pests than usual, owing to the mild winter and lack of the use of stringent preventive measures owing to depletion of staff. Copious waterings saved the Pear crop, and rain during July did much good to the Apples. /. G. Wilson, Chevct Pari- Gardens, Wakefield. April frosts damaged the Plums and slightly affected the Pears. Small fruits have been inclined to drop owing to the drought, but the rain came in time to improve the outlook. Insect pests have been very troublesome, neces- sitating frequent sprayings. F. C. Puddle, Sc-ampston Hall Gardens, Billington. Considering the dry weather, the fruit crops in this district are most satisfactory. Apples, Pears and Plums (Victoria) are yield- ing large crops, and bush fruits an average one. Strawberries were of excellent quality, but suffered from the drought. Fruit trees on walls are carrying good crops, with the excep- tion of Apricots, which suffered from severe frosts at the end of March. Charles Fulford, North Hiding Asylum, York. There was a great deal of blossom on all kinds of fruit trees, but the season has been a. trying one. The weather was bright and dry when the trees were in bloom, and notwith- standing a prolonged period of cold nights and a continuance of north-east winds, the fruit crops are looking satisfactory. The prolonged drought has had a most serious effect on small fruits, and the trees have suffered much from attacks of insects. Apples, Pears and Plums have been much affected by maggot, but rains at the end of June washed the trees clean, and a marvellous improvement has been effected. F.Jordan, Warter Priory Gardens, Pocklington. 3. ENGLAND, E. Cambridgeshire.— The drought of 1915 was exceptionally severe, and the trees in this gar- den— being on marshy silt — canker quickly. There is a shortage of keeping Apples, Bramley's Seedling, Lord Derby, and Lane's Prince Albert being scarce. Pears are plentiful. Of Plums there is a plentiful crop of Early Rivers ; the variety Louvaine is scarce, and the Victorias vary considerably, the lower boughs yielding better than the upper; the late frosts have damaged the crop. Raspberries were plentiful. The general cropping of this district is variable. Potatos were cut down to the ground by frost on June 24. Stephen Castle, Walpole St. Andrews, Wisbech. Although we have about a dozen Apricot trees, there is not a single fTuit on one of them. We have an exceptional crop of Red Currants and Gooseberries, but Cherries have failed to swell owing to the dry weather. Our soil is of a heavy nature, and seems to suit small fruits. H. Head, Hatby Park Gardens, Sandy. Black Currants suffered severely from frosts at the end of March. Strawberries promised well, but the drought during the early part of June injured both plants and fruits ; later varieties benefited by the rain on June 30. Apples in many instances have been badly at- tacked with aphis and Apple-sucker. .1. Sewell, The Palace Gardens, Ely. Essex. — The fruit crops, with the exception of Plums, are remarkably good and clean. We experienced no late frosts while the trees were in bloom, and aphis has not been so trouble- some as in some years. The prolonged drought of six weeks' duration gave us cause for great uneasiness, but the last days of June brought welcome showers, from which the trees have greatly benefited. Standard and bush tree Plums bloomed freely, but the crops failed to set and are a complete failure, though trees on the walls are bearing satisfactorily. The soil is strong clay. Arthur Bullock, Copped Hall Gardens, Epping. The Apple crop in south-east Essex pro- mises to be an abundant one. Trees growing in stiff, low-lying situations are clean and vigorous, and are carrying heavy crops of good fruit. Trees on light land well above the natural water-line show the effects of the long spell of dry weather during the last two weeks of May and the entire month of June. Pears are a good crop, both trees and fruit being clean and healthy. Cherries are also bear- ing good average crops ; but Plums, on the whole, are less plentiful. Strawberries and bush fruits are plentiful. H. W. Ward, Say- leigh. Notwithstanding the heavy, retentive soil, the fruit crops suffered from the drought. Late frosts damaged the Strawberries when in bloom, but rain came in time to swell the late fruits. Edwin Guile, Short Grove Gardens, Newpiort. The fruit crops are good, on the whole, but Apples have suffered very much from blight. The soil here is of good loam resting on about 4ft. 6in. of brown clay and stone drift. .S'. T. Martin, Stisted Hall Gardens. Braintree. The Apple crop is a. large one, although the damage done by hail storms is consider- able. Plums are almost a failure, with the ex- ception of a few Victoria trees, which are yielding a fair crop. Small fruits are rather under the average, and Gooseberries are very scarce in some localities. Strawberries were almost a failure, the early blooms being cut off by frosts, and the drought also did much damage. Nuts seem likely to yield a good crop. llr. Johnson, Stansted Hall Garden'. Stanstcd. Huntingdonshire. — Six weeks of drought prior to June 25 ruined the Strawberry crop. Apricots are scarce, partly owing to inclement weather when the trees were in bloom, and partly owing to the heavy crops which the trees bore last year; 13° of frost were registered on the mornings of March 29 and 30, and it is re- markable that Pears and Plums did not suffer more severely. A. V. Coombe, Ramsey Abbey Gardens, liamsey. Late frosts damaged the Apricot blossom and Strawberries were injured by drought in May and late frosts. Our soil is heavy, with a sub-soil of clay. 67. H. G.. Hun- tingdon. Lincolnshire. — Fruit blossom was very abun- dant, and there are good fruit crops, with tile 82 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 7, 1915. exception of Cherries arid Apricots, which failed to set. Bees are few in this district, and we attribute the non-setting to this fact. Straw- berries promised well, but the long-continued drought prevented the fruits from attaining good size. Small fruits, especially Loganberries and Raspberries, are yielding good crops. F. J. Foster. Grimsthbrpe Castle Gardens, Bourne. Apples are doing well, but Cherries and Plums are very scarce. I think the low tem- perature for so many nights in the spring caused the fruit to drop. Most trees are grow- ing well, in spite of dry weather. Strawberries were small, and the season a short one. H . Vin- den, Harlaxton Manor Gardens, Grantham. Fruit trees generally flowered well, but we experienced 12° of frost on three successive mornings during the flowering period of Peaches and Apricots, which destroyed the flowers, in spite of the protection afforded them. The soil is light loam on a sand sub-soil. E. C. Norris. Elsham Hall Gardens, Grimsby. Norfolk. — Owing to drought, aphis has been very troublesome, especially on Black Currants. The Strawberry crop was a short one, but the fruit was good and very bright in colour. Apples are very promising, but Plums are below the average, probably due to the heavy crops the trees bore last year. H. Goude, East Dereham. There are exceptionally good crops of Apples and Pears, this being the third con- secutive season for such heavy crops. In many places Plums are almost an entire failure. Small fruits vary considerably, and Strawberries failed owing to a lack of rain. William Orr, High House, Church Road, Doumham Market. Bain fell in time to enable the Apples and Pears to swell. Strawberries were seven days later in ripening than in 1914. The wind was in the east and north-east for more than three months. Our soil is of a light nature, with a gravel sub-soil, varying in depth from 18 inches to 3 feet. Isaiah Johnson, Cotton House Gardens, Norwich. Suffolk. — The Apple crop promised to be ex- ceptionally good this season, but the trees were badly infested with caterpillars during the dry weather, which caused the dropping of a great quantity of fruit. Pear trees bloomed abun- dantly, but failed to set their fruits well. Late frosts destroyed a good deal of the bloom of the stone fruits. Small fruits are yielding heavy crops, of good quality. Our soil is of a calcareous loam on a gravel sub-soil. Thomas S tiling, Livermere Park Gardens, Bury St. Edmunds. East winds were very prevalent this spring, and the frosts in May seriously affected our early crop of Strawberries, though the later varieties have given good crops of splendid quality. Plums and Apricots are below the average. Fortunately the Apple and Pear blossom suffered no ill-effects from the frosts, and the prospects for good crops are excellent. Bush fruits, especially Black and Bed Currants, are abundant. American mildew, notwithstand- ing remedial efforts, still seems to make head- way in this neighbourhood, and several small growers have destroyed their Gooseberry bushes and given up the cultivation of this crop. James Hilson, Flixton Hall Gardens, Bungay. A wealth of fruit blossom led us to an- ticipate good crops, but forty days' drought encouraged blight, which has destroyed much of the foliage, aDd the shrivelled fruit has fallen in abundance. However, the Apple and Pear crops will be up to the average : but Plums are scarce. Baspberries are plentiful, but Straw- berries suffered from drought. On the whole the fruit season, which promised to be above the average, is somewhat disappointing. 7?. Fmns, Great Barton Gardens; Bury St. Edmunds. (To be continued.) FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By John Highgate, Gardener to the Marquis of Linlithgow, Hopetoun, South Queensferry, N.B. Melons.— Plants intended for late fruiting should now be permanently planted or potted into their fruiting pots, and every encourage- ment given them so that they may set fruits whilst there is still plenty of sunshine. Attend to the timely pinching of the shoots, and en- deavour to get a good number of the female floweTS fully expanded, it being desirable that the whole crop be set on each plant at least within twenty-four hours. When the desired number of female flowers has been secured and the flowers are pollinated, the side growths should be constantly pinched to one leaf beyond the fruit. If this is duly attended to it will prevent any overcrowding of the shoots, and consequently throw all the energies of the plants into the fruits. As soon as the fruits "start swelling they should be sup- ported to prevent any undue strain on the vines. Watering and feeding must be given even more care than was necessary in the earlier batches. Experienced jrrowers will be guided in this matter by the strength of the plants. Syringe the plants and damp the borders and paths twice daily in fine weather, and close the house early in the afternoon to conserve the sun's heat. Muscat Grapes.— Any bunches still hang- ing in the early house should now be cut and placed in bottles in the fruit-room. This will not only relieve the vine of a certain amount of strain, but will enable the house to be thrown open for the better ripening of the growths. Later houses will require careful management at. this time, especially in dull and sunless weather. Should the berries be somewhat late in colouring it will be necessary to increase the amount of artificial heat and the amount of ventilation. Where these Tate Muscats have outside borders these must be protected from heavy rains either by wooden shutters or sheets of galvanised Iron. Wasps. - From the number of nests already found it is evident that in order to prevent unnecessary damage to indoor fruits every nest must be destroyed. A systematic search of the grounds in the vicinity "of fruit-houses should be made, and each nest found should be care- fully marked, to be dealt with at nightfall. Those bag-like nests that are found suspended from trees can be most effectively destroyed by pouring a small quantity of paraffin oil into the opening. It is by no means necessary to set this alight: indeed, to do so would assuredly burn- and otherwise disfigure the branch. However careful a search is made, there is sure to be quite a number of nests left undiscovered, ard consequently means must be taken to protect choice fruits. The fixing of canvas over the ventilators is fairly successful, but somehow or other wasps seem to find a way inside. In some instances it is- necessary to protect each bunch of Grapes and each Pear in small bags specially made for the purpose. But as this cannot be done with Peaches the canvas must be fixed securely over the ventilators, and frequently examined to see that it has not become displaced.' THE FLOWER GARDEN. Bv A. .1. Cobb. Gardener to Rekinild Tort. Esq., Duffi-yn Gardens, near Cardiff. South Wales. The Rock Garden. -Many plants used for the rock garden may be propagated now, either from cuttings, layers, or division of the root- stock. Insert the cuttings in a bed of about 6 inches deep of clean sand, and cover them with small frames or handlights. Keep the sand wet . spray the cuttings frequently, and lightly shade th«m during the brightest part of the day. Im- mediately the cuttings are rooted they should be potted into small pots, placed in a frame and kept close- for a time. The cuttings of some plants, including Lithospermums, Rock Pinks, Androsace lanuginosa, and Helianthemums, root best if detached with a heel of the old wood. Others, such as varieties of Iberis, Codonopsis ovata, and Cyananthus, strike well if they are made from about 3 inches of young growth. For Daphne, Ledum, Dryas, Shortia, Gaultheria, and dwarf Phlox, layering is the best method of propagation. The heavy rains in some parts of the country may have washed away the mate • rial used as top dressings, leaving the stems of many plants bare ; this must be replaced at once. Plants which have overgrown their space and are encroaching on others must be clipped back. Seedlings should be pricked out as soon as they are large enough to handle. Pricking Out.— If not already done no time should be lost in pricking out thinly seed- lings of spring bedding plants, such as Wall- flowers, Polyanthus. Myosotis, Alyssum and any biennials. Give them unremitting "attention afterwards in the way of weeding, hoeing and spraying, so as to ensure strong, healthy plants for setting out in the autumn. De lph i n i u m.— Remove the faded bloom spikes from Delphiniums, except those required for seed. The latter, when ripe, should be sown in boxes and in a frame, pricking out the seedlings when fit. Feed the plants which have flowered with manure water, or a concentrated fertiliser, and thus encourage second growth, which will give a fair display of bloom later. Hedges.— Evergreen and deciduous hedges should be given their final pruning or trimming during the next fortnight, then the subsequent growth will have time to harden before winter. Large-foliaged subjects, such as Laurel and Aucuba, should be pTuned with a knife, if this can be managed, for if clipped with the shears many leaves will be cut through, and an un- sightly effect result. Any specimen of a shrub or Conifer may also have unnecessary growths shortened. Hedges greatly benefit if the roots can be given a thorough watering two or three times during the summer, as it is impossible for them to have the full benefit of the rainfall. In a moderately dry summer it is necessary to water to ensure free growth. The soil must first be loosened with a fork, and, after soaking it with clear water, follow later with another of liquid manure or a good fertiliser in solution. THE ORCHID HOUSES. Bv T. W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Lvsaght, Esq., Castleford, Chepstow, Gloucestershire. Cattleya.— Such species as C. Dowiana, C. D. aurea, C. Warscewiczii (syn. gigas), with its variety Sanderiana, and the hybrid C. Hardyana, are maturing their flowering growths, and should be only moderately supplied with water until after the spikes are removed, and the pseudo- bulbs matured. It will be noticed occasionally that the sheath encircling the new bulb contains a certain amount of moisture, which, if allowed to remain, may cause the pseudo-bulb to turn black and decay. Split the sheath from top to bottom with the point of a sharp knife to allow the moisture to escape ; if several plants are affected in this way, keep the atmosphere drier for a few days, and reduce the amount of water at the rots, but do not withhold water to such a degree as to interfere with the further development of the plant. Where a pseudo-bulb has decayed through the cause mentioned, remove it at once, or the whole plant may die. Sometimes it is possible to save the shoot if the mischief is detected early, by scraping away the decayed portion and filling the cavity with pow- dered charcoal or sulphur. These Cattleyas need a little more sunshine than other members of the labiata group, and especially C. Warsce- wiczii ; for this reason the plants are often sus- pended from the roof-rafters of the Cattleya division. About a week or so after flowering, C. Warscewiczii may be repotted or top-dressed. I am not altogether in favour of top-dressing tlii-5 Orchid, but there are isolated cases where it is an advantage. As a rule, when a plant requires fresh rooting material it should be re- i ti ,1. The details as tncomnnst mid potting were given in the issue for April 24. If the plants are August 7, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 83 not over-watered they will become well estab- lished before the winter, and be in an excellent condition for producing a fine display of flowers next season. Plants that are not disturbed should be encouraged to consolidate their pseudo- bu'bs bv standing them where they will be ex- posed t'o light and air. These remarks apply- also to C. Dowiana aurea and its numerous hybrids. Epidendrum. — This is a very variable and large genus, but it contains only a few plants of horticultural merit, including the group with more or less flexuose stems. This section em- braces E. radicans, E. xanthinum, E. evectum, E. Wallisii, E. ibaguense, and the delightful hybrids E. O'Brienianum, E. Dellense, E. Boundii and E. kewense. Owing to their somewhat scandent habit they require some kind of support, and for this reason they make excellent subjects for covering walls and pillars to which wires or a wooden trellis are attached. Another method is to grow them in pots, using ordinary sticks to hold them in position, or several stems may be placed in a receptacle and the shoots trained round supports. When it is intended to cover a wall it is best to make a long box in which the stems are planted. They require good drainage and a mixture similar to that recommended for Cattleyas. Spray them frequently throughout the growing period. Aerial roots appear on the stem, and will soon attach themselves to the wall or trellis if it is kept moist. As the stem elongates young shoots are produced at intervals, and when they push out roots the shoots may be cut off and potted up to replace any examples that have exhausted themselves in flowering. These Epidendrums are not fastidious in regard to temperature, and they will thrive in almost any structure, perhaps excepting the cool division. If grown in a high temperature thrips will often appear, especially in the centre of the growth, but these can be held in check by the use of a reliable insecticide. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By W. Hedley Warren, Gardener to the Aston-Clinton Park Estate (the Rt. Hon. Lord Rothschild). Buck- inghamshire. Wall Trees. — Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots should be examined to see whether all the branches and young growths are secure in their proper places. Where any have been dis- placed by winds or other causes- let them be nailed, or otherwise made secure, in a neat manner, so that the fruit may be fully exposed to sun and air. Pears, where they have set thickly, may yet be thinned, and those remaining will reach a larger size. Grapes should also be thinned, and the lateral growths kept to one joint. Fig trees will now have the fruit at full size and at the point of ripening. All strong shoots should be laid close to the wall, usin-g the pruning knife as little as possible. The ad- vantage of allowing plenty of space between each shoot will now be seen, for on account of the natural size of the leaves they shade the young shoots to a very large extent, and if the latter are in the least degree overcrowded it is im- possible to secure properly Tipened wood by the end of the season. Remove no shoots, except those which grow foreright ; such as are in a proper position should be carefully trained in, for it is from these shoots that the fruit is to be expected next year. Allow no growths to cross each other, for if trained in to that degree it will become necessary to prune them away at a later date. Bjdding.— The budding of most kinds of fruit trees may yet be done, hearing in mind that much depends upon the condition of both stocks and buds, which nothing but experience can determine. Stocks that were budded early in July should be carefully examined, and the ligaments loosened where necessary, otherwise, as the buds swell the flow of sap will be checked and the parts above the buds swell irregularly. Strawberries. -Young plantations of Straw- berries may now be made. The runners that were layered early in July will be ready for re- moval from the parent bed. and may be planted in their permanent quarters within a week or ten days after their severance from the plants. Planting should take place as early as possible, the young plants having a faT better chance of making satisfactory growth and becoming estab- lished in their new quarters before the advent of winter. Where the layering of the young runners in pots has been impracticable the layers should be lifted from the bed. retaining as much soil as possible about the roots, and planted direct into the prepared beds, and afterwards watered. Raspberries. -Remove all last yearns canes of such Raspberries as have ripened their fruit. To allow the old canes to remain longer than is necessary is to deprive the young canes of a. very considerable amount of nourishment. General Remarks.— Continue to protect all ripening fruits from birds by applying suitable coverings to the trees, whether growing against walls ot in bush form. Wasps have given no trouble in this neighbourhood. It will, how- ever, be wise at this time to make a diligent search for nests in the immediate neighbourhood of gardens and orchards. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. JORDAN, Gardener to Lady Nonburnholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire. Hybrid Calceolarias.-SucIi Calceolarias as C. Veitchii, C. Bronze Age, C. Golden Glory and C. Clibranii are well worthy of cultivation. One of the advantages of this section is that thev will keep in good condition for a long time and attain a very large size. These quali- ties, with their habit of blooming through the greater part of the spring and summer months, are well worth consideration. Seed may be sown now in the same manner as previously recom- mended for the herbaceous kinds. The earliest of last year's seedlings will have passed out of flower, and those which are still in bloom nius* not be allowed'to suffer for want of water. Al- though they are not so much troubled with aphides as the softer -leaved herbaceous Calceo- )ar:as, they must be kept clean or the appear- ance of the plants is soon spoiled. Salvias.— Late-struck plants should now be moved into the final pots. The blue Salvia Pitcheri is one of the smallest growers and does not require so much pot-room as the others. Salvias generally branch sufficiently with one or two stoppings, but where they are not furnished with enough shoots, it will be necessary to again pinch the points of the strongest shoots. If the pots can be plunged in ashes it will be better for the plants and the soil will not become so dry. Feed the roots liberally and syringe the plants, as recommended in the calendar for issue of June 5 last. . Euphorbia j«cquini»efloh». — The size tint this fine winter-blooming stove plant will attain depends veTy much on its treatment dur- ing the next six or eight weeks. Although a • comparatively spare rooted plant it requires a wonderful amount of manurial assistance to bring out its best qualities, much more than is usually given. With a brisk stove heat and a liberal use of weak stimulants to commence with. increasing the strength as the plants increase in size, the plants will grow apace. They must be exposed to the light by keeping the tops close to the glass in the house where they are grown, lowering the pots gradually as the heads extend. In these conditions the plants will attain a robust character and be capable of profiting by liberal feeding. Cineraria.— Plants that were raised from seeds sown early should now be ready for moving into larger pots. In the case of Cinerarias in- tended for flowering in winter it is a matter of the first importance that the plants should gain size and strength before the short days. Pot the plants in a rich compost, using rotted manure and leaf-mould with plenty of sand. Ordinary garden frames sufficiently roomy to admit of the plants standing clear of each other are the best places in which to grow them dur- ing summer. Provide shade from hot sunshine : admit plenty of air during day, and on warm nights let the lights be drawn completely off to expose the plants to the night dews. A little seed may still be sown for a later batch. General Work. — Achimenes, Tuberous Be- gonias, Gloxinias, Richardia africana, and many- other plants will now be passing out of flower. They should be kept in a house or pit where they will have plenty of light with little or no shade, and watered regularly so as to keep the soil fairly moist until the leaves or tops turn yellow and die off naturally. The cause of many failures in the spring may be traced to neglect of the plants after flowering. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Mushrooms.— Make preparation for a supply of autumn Mushrooms. If horsedrop- pings are available they should be collected daily and placed in a dry, open shed, and turned frequently until a sufficient quantity has been obtained. When all danger of sourness is past remove the material to the house in which the bed is to be made up, and after a few days ram it tightly together and insert the spawn when the temperature of the bed is at 80°. The spawn should be placed within 1 inch of the surface of the bed, which must be made firm after the surface has been covered with fine new loam to the depth of 1 inch. A covering of straw may then be placed over the bed to pre- vent evaporation. Within six weeks of the time of spawning the young Mushrooms should begin to show through the surface, when a care- ful examination of the bed should take place, and, if necessary, a gentle application of rain water given through a fine rose. Frequent waterings should be rendered unnecessary by- syringing the walls and floor, thus keeping the house cool and moist. Cucumbers.— Sow Cucumber seeds singly in small pots for producing a supply in November and December. Place the pots in a warm pit which is free from red spider and other insect pests. As soon as the young plants have made one rough leaf pot them into 5-inch pots, and keep them growing without a check until they are ready for planting out. Cucumber plants now yielding' fruits should be stopped and thinned. To prevent overcrowding remove overgrown leaves and make Toom for young fruitful shoots. Topdress the bed lightly with loam and decayed manure as often as the young roots appear through the surface. Apply a light dusting of soot previous to watering the bed. Svringe the plants frequently and maintain a night temperature of 75°. Lettuce.— As regards an autumn supply of Lettuce no date enn be fixed for sowing, as so much depends on the weather, but it is safe to make sowings at weekly intervals through the month of August, and transplant the seedlings on warm borders or in spare frames, leaving a crop also in the spots where the seeds were sown. Prince of Wales Cos, All the Year Round, and Monument are good varieties for sowing now, and Hardv White Cos. Maximum and Stanstead Park for' later use. Lettuces require rich soil and plenty of space between the plants. Globe Artichokes. -As soon as the crop is over the stems should be cut down and the ground between the plants lightly pricked over with a digging fork. Endive.— A sowing of Batavian Endive may still be made for raising winter supplies. Choose a sheltered situation, sow thinly, and prick out the seedlings as soon as they can be handled. Cabbage.— Another sowing of Cabbage seed may be made at once on ground which is no! too rich. From this sowing the most valuable plantation may be obtained, as the plants will stand the winter better if not extra large, and are less likely to run to seed than those from the earliest sowing. Mint. — In order to secure a supply of green Mint in October a number of plants should be cut over quite close to the ground at once, and a supply of clean, young shoots will be the result 84 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 7, 1915. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. 41. 'Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W C Editors and Publisher- — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communications, and save us much time and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that all letters relat- ing 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. TJie two departments. Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much unnecessary de- lay and confusion arise when letters are mis- directed. Special Notice to Correspondents. — The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contribu. tions or illustrations, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspondents. Lccal 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. 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 OP THE PAPER, Sent as early in the week as possible,' and duly signed by the writer. If desired, the signature will not be printed, but kept as a guarantee of good faith. Illustrations. — The Editors will be glad to receive and to select photographs or drawings, suitable for reproduction, of gardens, or of remarkable flowers, trees, etc., but they cannot be respon- sible for loss or injury. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich, 62.8. Actual Temperature :— Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London : Thursday, August 5 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 29.5. Temp. 67°. Weather- Showery. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. WEDNESDAY- TWO collections of established Orchids, by Protheroe & Morris, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, EC, at one o'clock. Under the title, " A Powder* scab Contribution to the Life of Potatos. History of Spongospora subtefranea," Mr. L. 0. Kunkel gives in the Journal of Aqricul- tural Research* an interesting and valu- able account of the mode by which Potato tubers are infected by Spongospora. As is generally known, the organism which causes the powdery scab diseases has a Iffe history very similar to that of Plasmodiophora brassicae, the parasite which induces club root of the Turnip and other .members of the brassica tribe. Briefly that life history consists in the following phases : A spore is produced which, after a period, bursts, and releases a minute, naked piece of protoplasm which constitutes the amoeba stage. The amoebae give rise either by coalescence one with another or by growth of a single amoeba to a plasmodium. In this stage the organ- ism consists of a naked mass of proto- plasm with many nuclei and endowed with the power of that peculiar creeping move- ment known as amoeboid, and effected by the pushing out of an arm-like branch and a flowing of the remainder of the Plasmodium with that arm. Later there arises from the plasmodium a group of * Vol. IV., No. 3. spores which, on germination, repeat the life cycle. It has been assumed generally that in- fection of the Potato by the Spongospora, and that of the Turnip by Plasmodio- phora, is effected by the parasite in its amoeboid stage. This, however, is shown by Mr. Kunkel to be inaccurate so far as Spongospora is concerned. He has ob- served, and the observation is of consider- able practical importance, that the earliest visible sign of infection consists in minute spots (1-1 00th of an inch in size) on the young tubers. These spots have the form of circular blisters, and are light-brownish in colour : each spot is surrounded by a circular, translucent area of from l-25th to l-12th of an inch in area. Hence the infection spot — as it may be termed — is visible to the naked eye. Microscopic examination reveals the fact that beneath each of these spots occurs a Plasmodium of Spongospora subterranea, and: it also provides evidence in favour of the view that infection is brought about by the entrance through the skin of the Potato, not of an amoeba, but of the plas- modium. In its course the plasmodium destroys the superficial cells across which it passes. It then throws out branches (pseudopodia) which penetrate between and into lower groups of cells. Having gained access to a cell, the pseudopodium, which is cuily a branch of the plasmodium, separates itself from the mass of the plas- modium and enters into close relation with the protoplasm of the Potato cell. That cell is not destroyed, but is stimulated to excessive growth. Thus the infected cell becomes a giant cell, and when it divides the protoplasm of parasite, as w7ell as that of the host, passes into such daughter cell. Later on groups of spore-balls are pro- duced. These spore-balls may germinate during the time that the Potato is in store ; the amoebae are thus liberated in the tissues of the tuber, and, attacking the mature cells, destroy them and set up a dry rot. When diseased Potatos are planted the spores germinate, and if they do not find suitable conditions, they sur- " round themselves with a wall and pass again into a resting, encysted state, to emerge once again and continue their de- structive career when the conditions are favourable. The chief practical use of this investiga- tion would appear to be the discovery of the very early " spot " stage of infection. The scientific value of the investigation is considerable, for this would appear to be the first, discovery of infection by a plas- modium. Belgian Nurserymen s Exports to America.— Last month the President and Secre- tary of the Chambre Syndicale des Horticul- teurs, Beiges, which since the war has had its headquarters at Rotterdam, with a branch at Sas Van Gent, memorialised the Worshipful Com- pany of Gardeners to the effect that the restric- tions imposed by the British Government in re- ference to expotts to the United States of America through Holland were operating strongly against the interests of Belgian horticulturists. The Cham- bre Syndicale pointed out that if these restric- tions were made to apply to the autumn exports it would mean the ruin of some Belgian nur- series. They therefore begged the intervention of the company with the British Government. The company accordingly applied to the Board of Trade, and afteT the matter had been fully considered and due weight had been given to the representations of the clerk of the company, a letter was sent to the company by the Board of Trade stating that His Majesty's Government would offer no objection to the shipment of plants of Belgian origin to the United States of America through Holland, provided that payment for the goods had been made into a hank in the United Kingdom, and an undertaking submitted to the Board of Trade by such bank that the money will not be allowed to be withdrawn while the enemy's occupation of Belgium continues, except under licence given on behalf of His Majesty's Government. The Board of Trade further stated that it would be necessary that a permit for shipment be ob- tained from one of the British Consuls in Holland after the production to him of documentary evidence that the plants are, in fact, of Belgian origin. War Items.— Messrs. Kelway and Sox, Langport, intform us that thirty-three memhers of their staff have joined His Majesty's Forces since the outbreak of war. Of these two are sergeants, three are corporals, two are lance-corporals, twenty-five are privates and one is a stoker. This total is about 23 per cent, of the staff of men, women, boys and girls employed by Messrs. Kelway. Private T. Constable, 2nd Black Watch, formerly a gardener at Mountquhanie, Cupar- Fife, has been killed in action. He was first re- ported missing, but news of his death has now been officially announced. Mrs. Benson, Buckhurst. Withyham, Sussex, sister of Sir George Holfohd, has opened her gardens to the public twice a week, the proceeds derived therefrom to go to the War Horticultural Relief Fund. Private William G. Dickson, 5th Royal Scots, is reported wounded and missing at the Dardanelles. Before the war he was employed at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh. Private Gilbert Meikle, l-5th Battalion of the Royal Scots Fusiliers, was killed at the Dardanelles on July 1. Before enlisting he was one of the staff in the gardens at Pinmore House, Ballantrae, the residence of his commanding officer, Colonel Poixok M'Call. He was twenty-two years of age. Glasgow Public Parks.— The accounts of the Glasgow Parks Department for the year ending May 31 last have now been issued. The expenditure for the year was £110,245, and the income £108,754. The rate imposed was 3.68d. The assets amount to £1,283,804, and the liabili- ties are £1,047,117. Edinburgh Public Parks. — In accord- ance with an endeavour which is being made to reduce expenditure by the Edinburgh Cor- poration, considerable reductions have been made in the estimated outlay on the public parks. At a recent meeting of the Town Council, when these estimates were submitted, along with those from other departments, a member of the Council proposed a further re- duction of £1,500. The convener, Mr. Inman, stated that the estimates had been reduced by £1,892, and could not be further lowered. No bulbs for next spring were to be purchased. The estimates of this Committee were then ap- proved of by 35 to 6. It was stated that the income from golfers and bowlers had fallen off by £1,200. Dr. A. F. de Waldheim.— The Director of the Imperial Botanic Garden at Petrograd, Dr. Alexander Fischer de Waldheim, completed August 7, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 85 his fiftieth, year of scientific activity on June 30, and the occasion was celebrated by the presenta- tion of addresses of congratulation to the veteran botanist. Among the telegrams of felicitation was one from our own Koyal Horticultural Society. Presentation to Mr. Frank Reader.— On Tuesday last many of the principal exhibitors at the R.H.S. shows presented to Mr. Frank Reader a silver salver and a purse of gold in token of their appreciation of his unfailing courtesy, and to mark his quarter century of service with the society. There were 84 sub- scribers. Mr. Harold Beale (of Messrs. Carter and Co.) made the presentation. He referred to Mr. Reader's never-failing geniality and helpfulness to all the exhibitors. Mr. W. Cuthbertson said that, speaking as president of the Horticultural Trades' Association, he was sure that the feelings expressed by Mr. Beale were shared by all the members. He proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. F. Herbert Chapman, who had acted as hon. secretary of the presen- tation committee. Mr. Reader, in thanking the donors, said that he felt, whatever he had been able to do to make the way smooth for exhibi- tors, Mr. S. T. Wright had done very much more, for no society could be represented by a more painstaking superintendent. Appointment. — Mr. William Broadhurst Brierley, M.Sc, of the University of Man- chester, has been appointed by the President of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries a first-class assistant in the Plant Pathology Laboratory of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Visit to the Kinver Trial Grounds.— On the 28th ult. the foremen of the various parks of the city of Birmingham, accompanied iby the chief officer, Mr. William H. Morter, jour- neyed 'by motor- 'hus to the trial grounds of Messrs. Edward Webb and Sons, Ltd. , Stourbridge. After a tour of the grounds the party adjourned for luncheon provided by Messrs. Webb, and later a visit was paid to the famous Kinver Edge, from which a magnificent view of the surrounding country is obtained. Favoured with delightful weather the outing proved very enjoyable. Accident to a N urser yman. — Mr. David Hunter, of Messrs. Barr and Hunter, nurserymen and seedsmen, Maxwelltown, Dum- fries, met with an accident recently, when a motor-ear dashed into Mr. Hunter's cycle. Mr. Hunter was dragged along the road for some distance, and it is feared that two of the smaller bones of the right leg were broken. Poisoned Bait for House Flies.— Mr. C W. Mally, writing in the South African Journal of Science, describes the good results obtained by the use of sodium arsenite as a de- stroyer of house flies. The "bait " is prepared by mixing 1 lb. of sodium arsenite with 10 lbs. of sugar and dissolving the mixture in 10 gallons of water. The solution may be syringed over manure and rubbish heaps. Leafy twigs dipped ill the solution and hung up in, places where flies congregate serve as death-traps. Germination of Seeds. — An interesting experiment in the germination of Teak seeds is described in the Indian Forester for May. It was found that charred seeds collected from a burnt Teak forest germinated within fourteen days of sowing. The Flora of Kwangtung.— Mr. W. J. Tutcher has published a supplement to Dunn and Tutcher's Flora of Kwangtung in his report on the Botanical and Forestry De- partment, Hong-Kong, 1915. It includes forty- six additional species, five of which are de- scribed as new, all belonging to common genera. Sassafras Tzumu was among the discoveries. The enumeration is preceded by seme interest- ing notes on the country and vegetation. "Botanical Magazine. "-The issue for July contains illustrations and descriptions of the following plants : — ■ Echium Perezii, tab. 8617. — This species was introduced into cultivation by Dr. G. V. Perez, of Teneriffe. E. Perezii is very close to E. Wildpretii, which formed the subject of the coloured plate in Gard. Citron., October 26, 1912, but the leaves are decurrent to the base and the flowers pale pink, a lighter shade than panicle ; the sepals and petals are yellow striped with orange-red; the tip is' wholly orange-red. Meconopsis Prattii, tab. 8619. — This is the plant referred to as M. rudis by Mr. Farrer in Gard. C'/iron., November 14, 1914, p. 318, and February 27, 1915, p. 110. The species was originally included with M. sinuata and Later with M. rudis, from which it differs in its more herbaceous foliage, shorter flowering pedicles, white stamens and pale-green, stigma. The Fig. 28.- -polystachya paniculata. colour of flowers (See " Botanical Magazine.") ItEPIUKH-uIlANGE. those of E. Wildpretii, which are pale Ted. The new species is said to make a good green- house plant. It grows wild in the island of Palma, one of the Canaries. Polystachya paniculata, tab. 8618 (see fig. 28). — This West African Orchid was illustrated in Gard. Chron., Vol. XLVIIL, p. 462. When first discovered, Swartz placed it with the Den- drobiums, but it was transferred to its true genus in 1897. The flowers are borne in a d?ns3 flowers are bright blue, sometimes with a flush of purple or pale purple throughout. The species is hardy in this country. Rhododendron concinnum, tab. 8620. — ■ Several dwarf Rhododendrons have been intro- duced from China in recent years and accorded specific rank ; but now Mr. Hutchinson lumps R. concinnum, R. yauthinum, R. Benthamianum and R. coombense under the one species — R. concinnum — for the morphological differences 86 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 7, 1915. are very minute, although as forms they will probably be treated as culturally distinct. The flowers, as shown in the illustration (whicu is an exceedingly effective plate), are carmine, with ferruginous lines on the paler undersides. ' Gardening Implements. — The Hoard of Trade Journal makes the following announce- ment:—"The office of H.M. Trade Commis- sioner for South Africa reports that an agent de- sires to secure the agencies for South Africa of United Kingdom manufacturers of leather, sew- ing machines and garden implements. Communi- cations in this connection should be addressed to H.M. Trade Commissioner for South Africa, P.O. Box 1,346, Cape Town." The National Botanic Gardens, Kir- stenbosch.— The Report on the National Botanic Garden of South Africa shows that the honorary Director, Professor H. H. W. Peabson, is carrying on the work of creating a great botanic garden with energy and success. The planning and laying out of the garden must and should take many years of labour and study, and we are glad to observe that it is not pro- posed to treat this great museum of living plants merely from the point of view of landscape effects. The motto for a botanic garden must always be "the plant's the thing,'' and al- though it is by no means necessary to sacrifice fine landscape effects, such effects must be the outcome of the best and most natural grouping of the plants. Kolkwitzia amabilis — Tlrs native of West- ern China is the only representative of a genus which is related to Diervilla and Abelia, and although it reached the Arnold Arboretum (U.S.A.) in 1908 it has flowered recently for the first time. The flowers are borne in pairs on long stems at the ends of short, lateral, leafy branchlets an inch long with a two-lobed oblique corolla deep rose colour in the bud, becoming paler after open- ing, the inner surface of the thre-3 divisions of the lower lobe being white blotched with orange colour at the base. Kolkwitzia is an erect- growing shrub with slender stems and branches and is apparently perfectly hardy. The Arbor etum specimen is now nearly 6 feet high. Cotton Cultivation Seventy Years Ago. — It will require some investigation and a caie- ful examination of any facts that may have been observed to determine whether there is really truth in the suggestion that the difficulty of cul- tivating American Cotton in India is due to the deteriorating influence of the indigenous varie- ties of Cotton. Some species being indigenous in America and others in India, nothing wculd appear simpler than to cultivate the former species in the latter country or the Indian species in America. Experiments on this sub- ject have for many years and at different times liven made, both by the East India Company and individuals, but with the single exception of what is called Bourbon Cotton in the Tin li- velly district, no permanent success has attended them. Without referring to any recent results that may have been obtained, it is an important question to ascertain the cause or causes of this failure. In looking over the chapters on the cultivation of Cotton, pp. 78 and 312, in Rotlk's Essay on the Productive Resource.? of India, we find that numerous experiments have born made on the subject ; that the attention of the Direc- tors of the East India Company was called to it as early as 1788 ; that sa-ds, with a machine for cleaning Cotton, have been sent to India ; and that a Cotton farm was even established in the last century. So, again, in 1810, 1813 and 1818; and in 1840 Captain Baylis, who had re- turned from America with 10 experienced planters, was sent with them to India to culti- vate American and Indian Cotton in tfv Amer- ican method in different parts of that extensive empire. In addition to this, we find the Agri- cultural Society of India and numerous indi- viduals making experiments with the same object in vi^w. Success has certainly not been in pro- portion to the efforts made. This cannot be because American Cotton will not grow in India, for the complaints in some places are that it grows too much. We cannot believe that ail the experiments have been unskilfully performed in a country where Indigo, Poppy, Sugar Cane, Mulberry and Rice are successfully cultivated. We suspect, there-fore, that the causes of failure in producing an article suited to the European market must be of a very general nature to have been productive of so many similar results. And as these results may depend upon many different parts of the culture b^ing carefully attended to — that is, the growth, the gathering the crop, the cleaning the Cotton, the proper housing, and the careful packing — it is a question whether the people pay equal attention to every part of the culture, although each is of equal importance. It is probable also that in so wide a sphere of experiment, and where there are considerable differences of climate, the srme causes may not be those which are the most influential in. all the different situations : for instance, the soil may be too rich in one and too poor in another situa- tion ; the winds too violent, or the cold too great ; the moisture excessive, or the dryness intolerable. Extract from the Gardeners' Chron- icle, August 2, 1SJ,5. Soil Protozoa and Soil Bacteria.— At the meeting of the Royal Society recently Dr. E. .1. Russell made the following communi- cation i — " In view of the claim recently made by liooDF.r that soil protozoa cannot function as a factor limiting the numbers of bacteria in soils, the author has brought together the evi- dence on which this view is based. It has been shown in numerous experiments that the numbers of brcteria in normal soils are relatively low, but they can be raised by any treatment that kills trophic forms and not spores. Start- ing, in the first instance, to find the properties of the factor which keeps down the bacterial numbers, and without framing any hypothesis as to its nature, these were found to be : — (a) active, and not a lack of some essential ; (b) not bacterial ; (<) extinguished by heat or poisons, and after extinction does not reappear ; (d) can be reint i duoed by adding a little untreated soil; (c). is favoured by conditions favourable to trophic life in the soil. These properties indicate that the factor is biological. Search was there- fore made for organisms fulfilling these condi- tions and numbers of protozoa were found. Definite evidence has been obtained that trophic forms occur as normal inhabitants of the soil; and the estimates of numbers so far available show that they are considerable. There is the closest possible relationship between the extinc- tion of the protozoa and the extinction of the limiting factor, and also between the re-estab- lishment of the protozoan fauna and the setting up of the limiting factor after reinfection with small quantities of soil. Hitherto the reinfec- tion with mass cultures of selected protozca has net had the effect of reducing bacterial numbers, but this is attributed in part to the difficulty of obtaining a suitable control, and in part to the fact that the fauna developing in culture infusions (from which the organisms were selected) differs from the trophic fauna, the forms predominates; in th? one not necessarily figuring largely in the other. Until more is known of the life-history of the protozoa of the soil, it is unsafe to attach too great importance to failure of reinfection ex- periments made with mass cultures of forms pro-, minent in hay-infusion cultures from the soil." Ensilage.— In many cases hay aftermath might be converted into silage. When the after- math is grassy a top-dressing of J cwt. sulphate of ammonia or other quick acting nitrogenous manure would be useful. It is not too late to sow crops for silage purposes in July and August. A mixture such as ATetches, Oats, and a little Rape would make good s-'lage and prove an effective " smother " crop if sown early in July on land where roots may have failed be- cause of drought. If the stubbles are broken up as soon as the corn is in stock and sown with White Mustard or Rape, useful crops for filling the silo may be expected. The main essential in making silage is compression, to exclude air, and this object is usually best at- tained when the silage crops are cut while still in the immature condition and carted soon after- wards. Silage is now generally made in stave silos or in stacks. The stave silo, which is widely used in the United Str.tes, has been suc- cessfully tried in some parts of England. It entails less waste than the stack, and needs no artificial weighting ; the fodder is chaffed before being stored, and the greater depth of the silo, as compared with its diameter, ensures sufficient compression. On the other hand, a stack saves the initial cost of a silo, and may be erected in any convenient position. Full particulars on the making of silage will be found in Leaflet No. 9, and on catch crops in Special Leaflet No. 28. Copies of either may be obtained free of charge and post free on application to the 'Secretary, Board of Agriculture and Fisheries. Publications Received. — The Handy Book on Pruning, Grafting and Budding. By James Udale. Third edition. ( Evesham ; W. &.H. Smith, Ltd.) Price Is. Cd.— Hom Belgium is Fed. By William C. Edgar. (The National Committee for Relief in Belgium, Trafalgar Buildings, Trafalgar Square, London. ) - Fungoid Diseises of Farm and Garden Crops. By Thomas Milburn and E. A. Bessey. (London: Longmans, Green & Co.) Price 2s. — The History of Kew Gardens. By G. S. Boulger. (Richmond: Iliscoke & Son.) Price Id. CANADA. SUMMER EXHIBITION OF THE ROSE SOCIETY OF ONTARIO, The third summer exhibition of Roses was held by the Rose Society of Ontario on Friday. June 25, at the Margaret Eaton Hall, Toronto. It may be said that in every way the show was a marked improvement upon those of the two preceding years of the society's life, and a very satisfactory feature was the presence in larger namibers of exhibitors of the amateur class, whose encouragement is one of the main objects of the society. There were in all 75 exhibits and 30 exhibitors, of .whom 20 were jn the Amateur Class. The eai-ly part of June was cool with an abundane? of rain, and as the showery days alternated wi*h days of brilliant sunshine, the weather was unus-ially favourable to the Roses, causing an exceptional brilliance in colour, with great vigour and stoutness of habit and a frtr better texture in the flower than can usually be obtained here. The names and classes of exhibitors w,?re as foUows : — Professional Classes. Mr. J. T. Moore, Moore Park; Mr. Law rence, Mr. Thomas Manton, and Mr. Muston, of the Toronto Horticultural Company. Mr. J. T. Moore is the owner of large Rose plantations in North Toronto. His Roses are under the practical care of his able superinten- dent, Mr. James Bryson, and his exhibit of Hybrid Perpetuals and Hybrid Teas was es- pecially fine. Among many hundreds of others, the later favourites, such as Juliet, Betty, Bessy Brown, the Lyon Rose, Mrs. Wallace Howe, General-Superior A. Janssen, Miss Alice Rothschild and Lady Alice Stanley found their place upon his benches. Mr. J. T. Moore was sole exhibitor in the Novelty Class. This always popular exhibit included beautiful buds of the Old Gold, YVillowmere, Mrs. Ambroise Ricardo, Florence For?ster, Mrs. F. W. Van- denbilt, Mrs. Charles Pearson, Mrs. James Lynas, Colleen and Madame Edousrd Herriot. August 7, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 87 Mr. Thomas Manton, who is one of Toronto's oldest established and most expert •decorators, has always, at all shows, added to the cultivator's skill the talent of the artist. and his representation (by means of single Poses and foliage fastened to th° "-.-111 rt — lancifolium album, long .. — short .. Lilium lancifolium rubrum, per doz., long short .. s.d. s.d. 3 0- 3'0- 0 9-10 10-16 0 0-10 0 9-10 2 0-23 19-26 s.d. s.d. Lily-of ■ the- Valley, per dozen bunches : — extra special . . 21 0-24 0 — special .. ..15 0-18 0 — ordinary .. — — Marguerites, yellow, per doz. bun. . . 16-20 Orchids, per doz. : — Cattleya . . 8 0-10 n Harrlsoniae 4 0 5 0 — Odontoglossum crispum .. 16-20 Pelargonium, per doz. bunches, double scarlet 4 0-60 — white, per doz. • bunches . . 4 0-50 Roses : per dozen blooms, Bride 10-16 — Duchess of Wellington .. — — — Frau Karl Druschki 0 9-10 — Gene"ralJaeque- minot . . . . 0 4-06 — Joseph Lowe.. 0 9-10 — LadyHillingdon — Liberty — Itadarae A. Chatenay — Melody — My Maryland.. — Niphetos — Prince de Bui- ca-ie .. — Richmond — Sunburst — White Crawford 10-20 j Scabioaa caucasica (mauve), per doz. bun. .. 2 0-26 Spiraea, white, per doz. bunches.. — — Statice, mauve, per do*, bun. . . 4 0-60 — white and yel- low, per doz. bun 4 0-60 Stephanotis, per 72 pips 10-16 Stock.double white, per doz. bun. . . 5 0* S 0 — mauve, perdoz. bunches . . 6 0- S 0 Sultan, white, mauve, yellow, perdoz, bun. .. 2 0-36 Sweet Peas, per doz. bunches, special. . .. 4 0-50 — ordinary . . 2 8-30 Tuberoses, per pac- ket, 24 blooms 0 4-06 Wbite Heather, per doz. bunches . . 0 0 0 9 0 9- 1 0- 1 0 1 0 1 6 1 6 6 0-90 Cut Foliage, &c: Average Wholesale Prices. Adiantum Fern (Maidenhair) best, per doz. bunchea Agrostis (Fairy Grass), per doz. bunches Asparagus plumo- sus, long trailB, per half-dozen — medium, doz. bunches — Sprengeri Carnation fnliacre, doz. bunches . Croton foliage, doz. bunches . . Cycas leaves, per doz Eulalia japonica, per bunch 1 2 6 12 0 18 0 6 0-12 0 10-16 s. d. s. d. Fern, French, per doz. bunches.. 0 6- 0 S — common . . 3 0-40 Galax leaves, green, per doz. bun. 2 0 — Grasses, various, per doz. bun. Haidy foliage, va' ious, per doz. bun. . . 2 6-40 Lichen Mobs, per doz. boxes . . 10 0-12 0 Moss, gross bunches . . 8 0 — Myrtle, doz. bnchs. English, small- leaved 60 — — French, per doz. bunches.. 10-13 Smilax, per bunch of 6 trails 1 0- Remarks. — Business has been brisker this week than formerly, the supplies being shorter. The greatest de- mand bag been for white flowers ; Liliums. Asters, Stocks and Acnillea all realising' high prices for the time of year. Carnations, particularly the white varieties, have been more popular, and although the prices advanced, pi] thp supplies were sold out before closing time on Saturday. White Asters are more plentiful, but white Stocks are still scarce. A few blooms of white Chrysan- themums of the variety Countess find a ready sale, and will be more plentiful in a few davs. Lilies"-of-the- Valley are still scarce, but the qualitv of the flowers '^ niuch finer than formerly. There are abun- dant supplies of Gypsophila paniculata, and of the double variety, which is particularly fine this season. There are plenty of varieties of Gladioli. Blue Corn- flowers are still obtainable, as also are Iceland Poppies. Plants in Pots, &e. : Average Wholesale Prices. s.d s.d. 8. d. b. d. 4 0-60 18 0-21 0 Aralia Sieboldii, dozen Araucaria excelsa, per dozen Asparagus plumo sus nanus, per dozen .. — Sprengeri Aspidistra, perdoz. green .. ..18 0-30 0 — variegated .. 30 0-60 0 Cacti, various, per tray of 15 s tray of 12's Campanula iso- phylla^S's.per dozen . . alba Cocos Weddeliana, 48's, per doz. . . (JO'S, per doz. Croton, per dozen 18 0-30 6 Dracaena, green, per dozen .. 10 0-12 0 Ferns, in thumbs, per 100.. .. 8 0-12 0 — in small and large 60"s . . 12 0-20 0 — in 48's, per dozen .. .. 5 0-60 — choicer sorts, per dozen .. 8 0-12 0 — in 32's, per doz. .. ..10 0-18 0 Ficus repens, 48*s, per doz. . . 4 6-50 10 0-12 0 6 0-80 4 0 — 5 0 — S 0- 9 0 9 0-10 0 18 0-30 0 8 0-12 0 Ficus repens, per doz. 3 0-36 Fuchsias, 48's, per dozen . . . . 6 0-80 Geonoma gracilis, 60's, per dozen 6 0-80 — larger, each . . 2 6-76 Grevilleas, 4S's, per doz 5 0-60 Hydrangeas, pink, per doz. .. 6 0-90 Kentia Belmore- ana, per dozen 6 0-80 — Forsteriana, 60's, per dozen 4 0-80 larger, per doz 18 0 36 0 Latania borbonioa, per dozen .. 12 0-30 0 Lilium longiflorum, per dozen .. 15 0-1S 0 Marguerites, in 48's, per doz., wbite 4 0-60 Pandanus Veitcbii, per dozen 36 0-48 0 Pelargoninms.zonal, 4S's, per doz. . . 4 0-50 Phoenix rupicola, each .. ..2 6-21 0 Spiraea, white, per dozen . . . . — — — pink, per doz. . — — Verbenas, Miss Willmott, 4S's, per doz. . . 6 0- S 0 Viscaria, 4S's, per dozen . . . . 8 0-90 Remarks. — Many stands are empty in this department, an'd flowering plants now consist of Marguerites, Cam- panulas, Lilium Harrisii, and the pink Verbena, Miss Willmott. There is very little business done in this department during August, and foliage plants such as Palms, Ferns, and Aspidistras will be the chief attrac- tions during the next few weeks. Fruit: Average Wholesale Prices. Apples — s.d. B.d. I — Australasian pnr >,nv — English cook- ing, per bug... — Dessert, per i bus. . . .'. Bananas, bunch: — Medium — X -medium — Extra .. — Double X — Giant .. — Red, per ton — Jamaica, p. ton £13- £14 Cherries. English, per $ bus. — Morello, per J sieve Currants, Black, per J bus. — Red, per J bus. Figs, per doz. Gooseberries, dessert, per lb. 0 6-07 Grape Fruit .. 25 0-30 0 Grapes: English, Black, per lb. 0 7-20 — Canon Hall, per lb 2 0-40 15 0-17 0 6-5 0 4 0 6 ( 7 6- . 10 6 — . 11 0-14 0 £20 6 0 14 0 6 0-70 S 0- 9 0 4 0-60 10-16 Grapes. Mii*p«t pr-r ]h . . 0 9-20 Greengacp«, Conti- nental p. i bus. 5 0-14 o Loganberries, skip l o — Lychees,perdz. lbs. 17 0-18 0 Melons, each .. 16-20 — French Canta- loupe, each 3 0-70 — Valencias, per case 10 0-15 0 Nectarines, per doz 1 0-10 0 Nuts, Almonds, green, per lb. 0 6 — — Brazils, new, per cwt. .. 05 0-75 0 — Coconuts, per 100 .. .. 24 0 — — Walnuts, dried, per cwt. .. 75 0 — Oranges, per case 10 0-16 0 Peaches, English, perdoz. .. 1 0-11 0 Pears, Williams (4S) per box .. 5 6- 0 R Plums, per i bui... 3 6-56 Raspberries, skips 16-20 - perdoz. punnetts 3 0-50 Remarks. — The season for Tasmanian Apples is over. The following English Apples are now obtainable : Dessert varieties. Beauty of Bath, Gladstone and Quarrenden ; and cooking varieties Keswick Codlin and Lord Suffield. Cherries of the varieties Napoleon Bigarreau. Turkey Heart, and Black Eagle are still available. The sup- plies of dessert Gooseberries are equal to the demand. Strawberries are nearly over, but Raspberries are arriv- ing from Scotland in fairly large quantities, packed in chip baskets containing about 4 lbs. English Plums of the varieties Rivers's Early and Czar are avail- able, and from France the principal variety is Royale. Greengages from France and Spain are still plentiful. Pears are now arriving from the Continent and home growers, those from France being of the variety Jargon- elle and the latter of the varieties Chalk and Llamas. The market continues to be well supplied with Peaches and Nectarines. Of Figs, the supply exceeds the de- mand, and Melons are plentiful. Black Grapes of all varieties are available at moderate prices, and the supplies of Muscat Grapes are increasing dailv. E. H. R.. Covent Garden, August .',. Vegetables: Average Wholesale Prices. Artichokes, Globe, pfrdor. Aubergines. per doz. Beans. Broad, per bag — French, per lb. Beetroot, per Ml*. .. Cahhaee, per fr01y Carrots, per cwt. .. Cauliflowers, per doz Cucumbers, per doz. Garlic, per lb. Herbs, per doz. bunches j.d. s.d. 2 0-26 ■i <;- ;. o 5 0 — 3 0 4 0 2 0-80 10-16 2 0-60 Leeks, per donen . . Lettuce, Cabbage and Cos, per doe. Mushrooms, culti- vated, per lb. .. — Buttons — Outdoor, per J bus l 6- Mustard and Cress, per dozen pun- nets ,. 0 1C Onions, per cwt., Foreign 3 6 — ereen. per doz. hunches — "Valcnc a, per case s d. s.d. 16-20 0 sn 10 ii -i, 10 0 94 THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE. [August 7, 1915. Vegetables : Average Wholesale Prices— Continued. Peas, per bus. Radishes, per doz. bunches .. Scarlet Runners, per bushel Shallots, per doz... Spinach, per bus. . . s.d s.d. I 4 0-66 10-13 4 0-50 3 0 — 3 0- 3 G Tomatos, Engl ish , per doz Turnips, new, per doz. bun. Vegetable Marrows, per tally WatercresB, p. doz. =.d 2 0-43 5 0- 0 4-06 Remarks. — Tomatos are not so plentiful as is usual at this season of the 3 ear. Cucumbers are sufficiently numerous to satisfy the demand. Peas and Cauliflowers are scarce, but Runner and French Beans are now plen- tiful. The supplies of vegetable Marrows are increasing daily. Mushrooms are abundant. Business is fairly brisk in all departments.— E. H. R., Covent Garden, August h- Bedford Blackland New Potatos. sd. s.d. I 4 0-46 3 0-40 Kent 4 6-50 Lincoln 4 6 Old Potatos. 3s. 0>. left of the picture, is still active ; a larger active volcano (Smeroe), over 12,000 feet high, is shown in the far distance. No sight in Java is better worth seeing. At the time of our visit the Bromo showed but slight signs of activity ; the crater, though small, is a wonderfully perfect inverted pyramid, and its inner surface is most ex- quisitely coloured in every shade of jellow and brown. In visiting the Tenger region we were also able to see that, in some districts, the high- lands of Java are as well cultivated as the low- lands. On our way to the Bromo„ leaving Pasaruan railway station, we motored up through a more or less deserted hill', Tegion, formerly under Coffee, but now overgrown by the shade trees ; several good houses on <>he way, in which Coffee planters had lived firmerly, were in the occupation of wealthy Ciinese — the Chinese are the traders in Java, and own practically all the shops in the towns. As we approached the hill station at Tosari. 6,000 feet above the Plain, which is fast becoming a popular health resort on account of its cool climate, we found the steep slopes every- where under cultivation, cropped either with necessary that they should give heed in advising and organising, and not allow themselves to overlook the differences between their own tem- perament and abilities and those of the people over whom they are set in authority. Hitherto the school has played no part in Java, but steps are being taken by the Dutch to provide instruction for the natives. It is a grave question whether the attempt will prove to be in any way in the interests of the people, as it cannot easily be made of such a character that it will suit local conditions. The limited outlook of the teacher — patent everywhere — is bound to operate unfavourably. Our own attempts since 1870 to deal with our rural population have been such a hopeless failure, and we English have such reason to rue the, policy of enforcing our Western ideas upon the Orient that we cannot but have grave mis- givings of the result of veneering the Javanese with educational tenets made in Europe. We live in days when rural education is much under discussion, and the release of our children from school so that they may learn the ways of the land is being more and more pressed upon us ; much can be learnt in the Orient of the superior value of ignorance. That the simple folk in Java are full of artistic feeling is shown by their dress, which is in perfect harmony with the surroundings ; their love of their native music, too, is proof that the aesthetic plane upon which they stand is by no means low ; indeed, there is reason to think that they are in advance of their white brethren in rural England in such matters. Where ignorance is bliss 'tis folly to be wise. So long as it was possible to assume that education might have some permanent effect upon the individual we were able to persuade ourselves that the school might be of substantial value to all sections of the community ; but now that we are forced to admit that so-called ac- quired characters are not heritable, our belief in the power of the book is much diminished, especially as the war is showing us that the bar- barian is only made more effectively a barbarian by culture. It were time that we called a halt and put aside purely artificial and useless forms of training in favour of natural forms, other- wise there can be no return to the land. S. E. A. THE MARKET FRUIT GARDEN. Rain fell on twelve days in July at my sta- tion, amounting to 3.81 inches. It was welcome for fruit trees and for softening the ground for the hoe. The expected effect in swelling Apples has not been very striking at present, possibly because the temperature of the month was generally abnormally cold. But varieties which were very badly attacked by the aphis had their foliage so much spoilt that the trees cannot produce much fruit of full size. Withered Leaves on Apples. Some varieties of Apples have a great many leaves withered, in addition to those ago the Elgin Town Council, the proprietors of the fine old wood known as the Elgin Oak Wood, agreed tot place at the dis- posal of the Abe.deen and North of Scotland College of .Asrricuiture, for demonairs-t-ive pur- poses, some four a'tes of the wr-x! " ±i. Peter Leslie, lecturer in ' irestry at the College, took charge of the expei! nents. The Pirch and Fir trees were cleared out., and the Oaks remaining numbered about 15 or 20 per acre. These were under-planted with Douglas Fir, Abies grandis and Thuja gigantea. The thinning out of all the trees except the Oaks for the under-planting with the new species I as had a result which was not anticipated. Tli =• whole of the ground of the experimental area has now become thickly studded with young Oaks. On ex- amination these are lu Mid to be attached to acorns in the soil The acorns rrust have been sown by the ok' wood la-t autumn, and were afforded an op^ rtunity of germinating by the removal of the Bj.-ch and sen !■ The young plants are healthy and strong The results throw a light on the natural I'istribution of the Oak, as many believed that the ci'.'rnte of North- East Scotland was too cold for the Oak naturally to reproduce itself. The Elgin Oak Wood has be": an Oak wood from time immemorial, and there ar>' records of Edward I. living in the district and enjoying the chase in it and adjoining wood". Experts thought the climate had greatly deteriorated since those far-off days, but the result of thin- ning at Elgin shows that the Oak ca.j still readily reprodr.' e itself in the North K.is', of Scotland. Correspondi nt. VEGETABLES. It is gratifying to notice the increased in- terest taken in the cultivation of vegetables, an interestproved by the large number of inquiries which reach me by post from various parts of the country. If the war does nothing else, it will have taught many people how much Great Britain has been dependent on foreign countries for its food supplies, and how urgent it is that efforts should be made to raise a larger propor- tion ourselves. The amount of waste ground suitable for cropping in nearly every county is appalling. I refer only to sites which are prac- tically idle, but the land which is already under cultivation is not made to produce anything like what it should do, and this should be thoroughly brought home to every cultivator. At this season particularly every effort should be made to see that all spare ground is occu- pied with some kind 01 -egetable, so that there may be plenty of frrsh vegetables during the coming winter and st ring. August is one of the best months in the whole year for stock- ing the ground. There is yet time for putting out any spare plants of what is generally termed planted in various aspects rather than one large one. Spinach. — Three sowings at least should be made during the present month and two in Sep- tember to guarantee a regular supply. Turnips should be sown eveTy ten days during the next six weeks. Onions. — Few vegetables are in greater demand in every household, the whole year through than Onions. It is only during the past few years that householders have begun to realise that specimens superior to the Spanish bulbs can be cultivated in this country. Fortunately, by adopting proper methods, the Onion may be culti- vated in the same site for an indefinite number of yeaTS. From the middle to the end of the month seed of the varieties generally known as Winter Onions should be sown largely in well- tilled and very firm ground. Endive and Lettuce. — Sow small quantities weekly during the present month foT raising plants for cultivating in frames during winter. Parsley. — This should be sown near the glass in 'cold frames. Carrots. — Where young Carrots are in re- quest during the winter months two sowings Fig. 33. — java : terraced rice-fields in valley. (See p. 95.) winter greens. Among the most important are Savoys ot all kinds ; these are frequently planted too early, and in consequence are injured by severe weather, whilst late plantations are often proof against frost. Kales of sorts and Cole- worts may be largely planted providing the ground has been well worked for previous crops. There will be no need for digging ; holes should be made with an iron bar and the plants well watered in, afterwards pricking over the surface about 3 inches deep with a garden fork. Celery may still be planted in large quan- tities for late supplies, planting three rows in a trench. Select as far as possible the more hardy varieties, bearing in mind that the reds and pinks are generally more hardy than white Celery ; lift with good balls of soil, shorten the longest leaves, plant very firmly, and apply a thorough watering. i.kf.ks. — Any spare plants left in the seed-beds si mid be planted in good ground. Cabbages. — There is no more important vege- t Able than the Spring Cabbage. The last sowing ■mould bo made not later than the middle of the. present month Two or three plots should be should be made in frames, on old hot-beds if possible, in full sun. The stump-rooted, quick maturing varieties should be chosen for this purpose. The foregoing kinds are amongst the most im- portant vegetables, though there are many others which may claim attention. Let me emphasise the importance of producing all that is pos- sible. It is pleasing to notice that the majority of crops, owing to the welcome rain, are in splen- did condition, and by exercising due care our markets should be well supplied1. Edwin Beckett. PEA QUITE CONTENT. One of the finest examples of Pea cultivation possible was to be seen a short time since at Aldeniham, where this Pea was raised. Mr. Beckett sowed a row 100 yards long of the variety Quite Content to test the variety as an economical Pea, in the same way any market grower would cultivate it, and without adopting exhibition cultivation. The ground was deeply trenched and heavily manured. The seed was sown 6 inches apart. The haulm grew vigor- ously up to 7 feet high. No topping was prac- 98 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 14, 1915. tised, nor any disbudding or thinning of the pods ; the plants were firmly supported and allowed to grow normally. As many as 20 bushels of Peas could have been gathered at one time from this row. The pods averaged 6 inches long and most of them contained ten large, deep-green Peas. Such a result fully demonstrates the value cf this Pea, not only as an exhibition variety but as an economical sort also. I have heard it said that the huge pods of this Pea do not fill well, but such a display as this proves that it do?s. E. Molyneux. FRUIT REGISTER. RED CURRANT FAY'S PROLIFIC. Those who appreciate a handsome bunch of Red Currants should certainly plant this variety. It is not unusual to have bunches of fruit 6 inches long, bearing as many as twelve large Currants. The colour and flavour, too, are all that could he desired. E. also have an occasional 'brown spot. In the markings of the flowers the Ansellias of this sec- tion vary from unspotted forms to those in which all the segments are hlotched. It is the An- sellia gigantea of Reichenbach, hut the variation in the forms is so great, gradually merging from those of West Africa to East, that the differ- ences seem to be more floral than botanical. ORCHIDS AT THE WARREN HOUSE, STANMORE. In" Mrs. Bischoffsheim's garden only species of Orchids were grown formerly, and very fine shows were made by Cattleya Mossiae and other large-flowered Cattleyas in their season. But between the flowering periods of the species, and especially in winter, there were in- tervals of scarcity of bloom. Consequently hybrids were included and provision made for raising showy crosses, work in which Mr. F. Jones, the Orchid grower at The Warren House, is getting good results. The value of hybrids for giving variety and beauty to the display in the Orchid houses is Fig. 34. — JAVA Z\NI>ZEE FROM THE PENANDJAHAN. (6ee p. 96.) ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. DENDROBIUM O'BRIENIANUM STRIATUM. A slender, drooping, many-flowered in- florescence of the striped variety of this greenish- white species (see Gardeners' Chronicle, Febru- ary 27, 1892, p. 266), is sent from the gardens of Mr. Harry Whateley, Kenilworth. It differs from the usual type in having rather larger flowers, which are about 1 inch long. The sepals and petals are of a greenish shade, prettily striped with reddish purple, the labellum being similarly coloured. Although not a very showy species, its gracefully arranged flower-spikes make it attractive. Disa grandiflora does well with Mr. Whateley, and this season has been unusually successful, having given a fine display of its large, scarlet flowers. ANSELLIA AFRICANA LUTEA. A fine inflorescence of the plant known in gardens as Ansellia africana lutea and A. afrn ana natalensis, is sent hy Mr. W. H. Bacon, gardener to Sir Marcus Samuel, The Mote, Maid- stone, the plant having ib°en collected in South Africa. The large and well-displayed' flowers are yellow with a slight green tint, the petals having sepia-brown spotting and the side lobes of the lip lines of the same colour. The sepals now shown by a group at the end of the inter- mediate house, where some good specimens of Cattleya Warscewiczii and Phalaenopsis Rimestadiana are arranged, with hybrid Cat- tleyas and Laelio^Cattleyas, among which there are several which are specially attractive, as, for instance, Laelio-Cattleya Bryan (L. crispa x C. Gaskelliana) with several spikes ; L.-C. Herga (elegans Turneri x C. Gaskelliana), a very large cream-white flower with the front and tips of the side lobes of the lip purple ; Cattleya Pittiana (granulosa Schofieldiana x Dowiana aurea), a grand variety with violet- crimson front to the lip ; C. Goossensiana (Gaskelliana X Schilleriana) and other pretty Cattleyas that need not be specified on the pre- sent occasion. The house of Vanda coerulea has the plants in fine health, and the Odontoglossum house is furnished with many good specimens in bloom. The Calanthes are vigorous and the rapidly- developing pseudo-bulbs promise a good supply of flowers for the autumn. In one house is a well- advanced seed capsule on Cymbidium insigne crossed with Sophronitis grandiflora, a specula- tive cross made hy Mr. Jones, as former ex- perience shows that there is nothing impossible in Orchid crossing or too improbable to be at- tempted by energetic cultivators who may be desirous of achieving something fresh in the field of hybridisation. The Brazilian Oncidiums also thrive well at Warren House in a cool in- termediate house. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. JAPANESE SPECIES OF ABIES. (See fig. 36.) PICEA AND PlCEA KOVAMAI, SHIRASAWA. This new species was first discovered in 1911, on Mount Yatsugatake, in Shinano province, a-t an elevation of l,500-2,000m., where it forms in a valley a pure stand in the midst of a forest of Larix leptolepis. A tree of forty to fifty years of age is 10m. tall, with a straight trunk 25cm. in diameter, and has erect-spreading branches forming a conical head very like a young tree of Picea excelsa. Old trees are very few. Bud conical, moderately large, brown, and covered with resin. Young slioot reddish-brown and glabrous ; leaf-cushion prominent, ascending 15mm. long. Leaves crowded obliquely on the branchlets, dark green, short, stoutish, obtuse, almost straight, hut sometimes a little incurved, 7-13mm. long, l-5mm. wide, marked on each face by rows of stomata, which are especially numerous on the upper surface and bright greyish in appearance; in cross section quad- rangular, somewhat flattened ; resin canals two (rarely one), lateral and marginal. Cone pro- jected almost horizontally, but pendalous when mature, obovate-oblong, abruptly narrowed near the summit to form an acute apex ; yellowish-green, brownish when ripe, 3-6cm. long, 2.5cm. in diameter. Scales 1.5-1. 7cm. long, 1-1. 5cm. wide, broadly obovate, margin rounded, brownish, broadly wedge-shaped at the base ; bract 3mm. long, 2mm. wide, acute, and irregu- larly toothed. Seed small. 3mm. long, 1.6mm. wide; wing broadly lance-shaped, entire, margin brown, lustrous, 12mm. long, 6mm. wide. I have named this new species in honour of Mr. Koyama, its discoverer. Picea bicolor Mayr var. acicularis, Shirasawa et Koyama. (Abies acicularis Maxim., P. japoxica Regei..) This variety has a very limited distribution, and we have only found it on Mount Yatsuga- take at l,500-2,000m. above the sea in mixed forest of Larix leptolepis, Pinus koraiensis, P. parviflora, and certain deciduous broad-leaved trees. Aged trees are very few. Trees of about forty years of age are 10m. in height, 25cm. in diameter. In young trees the branches are erect- spreading, forming a broad conical crown ; bark dark grey, fissured, with long, shallow clefts which are dark brown within ; young shoots dark brown on the upper side, yellowish-brown below, with fine brown hairs which are more abundant and more persistent on the upper side than on the lower ; leaf-cushion moderately as- cending, the upper portion 1-1. 3mm. long, pro- jected at an acute angle from the shoot ; but short, broad, purple-brown, lustrous, firmly covered with greyish-coloured resin. Leaves linear, obscurely 4-angled, pointed but not so sharp as those of the typical Picea bicolor ; upper face with bluish-white rows of stomata, 15nrm. long, lnim. wide, quadrangular in cross- section, with two resin canals each situated on the lateral margin ; the leaves are crowded obliquely and spirally around the branchlets. those of the under side of the shoot upturned by the twisting of the petiole. Cone pendulous, ovoid-cylindric, 7-10cm. long. 2.5cm. (4cm. when open) in diameter, uniform in shape, always smaller than those of the typical Picea bicolor ; when mature bright brown, lustrous ; scales obovate, thin, entire, margin sometimes finely toothed, not undulate, 2cm. long. 1.5cm. wide ; bract small, rhombic to narrow, elliptical, finely toothed, 5mm. long, 2mm. wide. Seed obovate, dark brown, 3mm. long. 2mm. wide ; wing fournr five times as long as seed, 5mm. wide, oblong, elliptic, entire, bright brown, lustrous. Wood white, somewhat lustrous : specific gravity 0.50 in air-dry, and 0.43 in absolute dry ; annual August 14, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 99 rings in old trees very close and regular ; bark dark reddish-brown, peeling off in thin patches like that of a Pine. This variety is distin- guished from the typical Picea bicctor Mayr by its densely crowded, long, linear and mostly incurved bluish-white leaves, and by its entire, smooth, and not undulate cone scales. It is difficult to reconcile in all respects the descrip- tions of the species named by Maximowicz and Regel, Abies acicularis and Picea japonica re- spectively. These are very incomplete so we have given a new description and name to this Spruce as a variety of Picea bicolor Mayr. Picea bicolor Mayr var. reflesa, Shirasawa a>t) Koyama. This variety is found in the valleys of Oi and Hay a rivers in the region of Mount Shirane in the prefecture of Yamanashi, Central Japan, from 1,500-1, 800m. above the sea, mixed with Tsuga diversifolia, Pinus koraiensis, Pinus par- viflora, Abies Veitchii and Picea hondoensis. A tree of gome forty years of age is 15m. in height, with a straight trunk and a pyramidal crown of horizontally spreading branches ; bark on trunk of mature trees peeling off in small, thin scales. Young shoots bright brown, covered with hairs ; bud short, conical, reddish-purple, lustrous and without resin. Leaves more or less incurved, flattened, sharp pointed, four edged, upper sides bluish-white, 8-14mm. long, 1mm. wide. Cone oblong, bright reddish-brown when mature, 7-8cm. long, 2.5cm. wide; scales broadly ovate, thin, almost entire, often occasionally a little toothed or notched, but not undulate, as in the case of typical Picea bicolor Mayr ; summit of scales in ripe cone tongue-shaped, and reflexed at the apex, bright brown, lustrous ; bract small, pointed, 3mm. long. Seed oblong-obovate, dark brown, wing four times as long as seed. Notwithstanding the fact that the habit of this tree is very similar to that of typical Pdcea bicolor Mayr, we are able to distinguish it easily by the broad and reflexed apices of the cone- scales. Picea Maximowicztt Regel, syn. Abies obovata japonica maxim. Picea excelsa Lin. var. obovata japonica Maxim. Picea Tschonoskii Mayr. This species was first described by Maxi- mowicz, but its native place was unknown to him. Two years ago it was discovered on the mountain ranges of Shinano province, Central Japan, where it forms a mixed stand with Pinus koraiensis, Picea bicolor var. acicularis and Larix leptolepis, and sometimes with other species of Picea. A magnificent tree of this species is crowing in the garden of the village temple at Kawakami. This tree is 50m. tall and 1.7m. in diameter, with stout horizontally spreading branches. The shoots are bright reddish-brown, the old branches are glabrous and dark brown ; leaf-cushion descending, leaf- scars almost rhombic ; bud short, stout, conical, red dish -brawn, lustrous and covered with resin. Leaves on old branches 4-angled, short, 7-12mm. long, stout, straight, obtuse, on the. young shoots and on the branches growing in the shade linear, pungent, crowded almost perpendicularly around the axis, rhomfbic in cross section, re-sin canals two (rarely one), lateral and marginal. Cone pendulous, greenish-yellow, oblong or spindle-shaped, 4-7cm. long, 1.5-2. 5cm. diameter; scales obovate, short, flat, rounded' at the summit, wedge-shaped at the base; bract broadly linear, apex somewhat prolonged, very thin, 4mm. long, 1.5mm. wide. Seed obovate, some- what flattened, contracted at the bnse, brownish- grev, 3mm. long. 2mm. wide; wing three times as large as seed, 5mm. wide, sometimes obscurely toothed. Wood white, annual rings, very often with broad, longitudinal resin clefts ; specific gravity 0.52 in air-dry. 0.46 in absolute dry. The bark on an old trunk is moderately thick, scaly, longitudinally fissured, dark brown, passing to greyish-white. This Spruce is very rare, and in habit and aspect we can scarcely distinguish it from Picea polita. It is probable that in ancient times big trees were standing here and there in large numbers, but during the last fifty years they have been exterminated by axe and fire, and nowadays a big tree is only to be found in temple grounds or in private gardens. Abies Veitchii Lindlet var. olivacea. Shirasawa. This tree grows on the higher mountain ranges of Central Japan (Fuji, Shirane, Nikko, etc.) at 2,500m. above the sea, mixed with the typical Abies Veitchii. The trunk, branches and leaves are similar to those of Abies Veitchii. Cone cylindrical, abruptly tapering at summit, 7cm, long, 2.5cra. in diameter, olive-yellow ; scales thick, 10mm. long, 15mm. wide at the summit, half-moon-shaped, somewhat flattened at the base, narrowed to a short pedicle, olive- yellow above, bright brown below, margin rounded and deep violet ; bract almost as long as the scale. Seed obovate, three-edged, wing thin, rounded at the summit, deep bluish violet, lustrous. This species is easily distin- guished from typical Abies Veitchii Lindley, and also Abies Veitchii var. nikoensls Mayr, by its olive-grey cone. Homi Shirasawa. THE FLOWERS OF MILTON. {Continued from p. 89.) OAK 1. Hollow'd bodies made of Oak or Firr. P. L. VI. 67}. 2. Under the Covert of some ancient Oak. P. R. I. S06. 3. Gently o'er the accustomed Oke. II Penseroso, 60. 4. Pine or monumental Oake. 11 Penseroso, 1S5. 5. I only with an Oaken Staff will meet thee. Samson Agonistes, 1123. 6. I live in Oaken bower. Arcades, j5. 7. When Heaven's fire Hath scath'd the Forrest Oaks. P. L. I. 613. 8. Sturdiest Oaks Bow'd their stiff necks. P. R. IV. 1,17. 9. Thus sang; the uncouth swain to the Okes and Rills. Lycidas, 186. 10. A Cottage Chimney smokes, From betwixt two aged Okes. V Allegro, 81. OLIVE. 1. See there the Olive grove of Academe. P. R. IV. ?U. 2. In his bill An Olive leaf he brings, pacific signe. P. L. XI. 859. 3. Peace crown'd with Olive green came softly sliding. Od. Nat. 47. Milton must have known the Olive well, but he only speaks of it as the emblem of peace. OSIER. By the rushy-fringed bank Where grows the Willow and the Osier dank. Comus, 889. PALM. 1. Cedar, and Pine, and Firr, and branching Palm. P. L. IV. 1S9. 2. They went Shaded with branching Palm. P. L. VI. 885. 3. Of stateliest Covert, Cedar, Pine or Palme. P. L. IX. 43S. 4. Of Laurel ever green and branching Palm. S. Agonistes, 1735. 5. Than fruits of Palme-tree pleasantest to thirst And hunger both. P. L. VIII. SIS. 6. Jericho The city of Palms. P. R. II. 21. 7. Those just Spirits that wear victorious Palms. Sol. Mm. 14. 8. Palmie hillock. P. L. IV. 254. It is not easy to identify Milton's Palm. It was not known in England in his day as a living plant, but he had probably seen it in South Europe,. Yet if he had observed it he could scarcely have called it branching. The Palm or Date Tree can scarcely be said to have branches at all, certainly less so than any other large tree ; and his description of the fruit (No. 5) will scarcely fit the Date. Still, I suppose he did mean the Date Palm. The "Vic- torious Palme " he borrowed from Horace and other Classical writers. PANSY. 1. Pansies and Violets and Asphodel. P. L. IX. 1040. 2. Of Paneies, Pinks, and gaudy Daffadils. C omits, 807. 3. The White Pink and the Pansie streak'd with jeat. Lycidas, 144. PINE. 1. His spear — to equal which the tallest Pine, Hewn on Norwegian hills to be the mast Of some gTeat Ammiral, were but a wa.nd. P. L. I. S9S. 2. Cedar, and Pine, and Firr, and branching Palm. P. L. IV. 1S9. 3. Of Stateliest Covert, Cedar, Pine or Palme. P. L. IX. 435. 4. The Gummie bark of Firr or Pine. P. L. X. 1076. 5. Pine or monumental Oke. II Penseroso, 136. 6. Forrest Oaks or Mountain Pines. P. L. I. CIS. 7. Tore up by the roots Thessalian Pines. P. L. II. 544. 8. Wave youT tops, ye Pines. P. L. V. 193. 9. A Mountain half sunk with all his Pines. P. L. VI. 198. 10. Cover me, ye Pines ! P. L. IX. 10S8. 11. Among these Pines His Voice I heard. P. L. XI. Sli. 12. The Vext Wilderness whose tallest Pines. P. R. IV. 416. 13. Under the spreading favour of these Pines. Comus, 1S4- See Fir. PINK. 1. The White Pink and the Pansie. Lycidas, 144- 2. Of Pancies, Pinks, and gaudy Daffadils. Comus. S07. POPLAR. From haunted Spring and Dale Edg'd with Poplar pale. Od. Nat. 1S5. PRIMROSE. 1. Bring the rathe Primrose that forsaken dies. Lycidas, 143. 2. Soft silken Primrose fading timelesslie. Od. f. Inf. S. 3. The yellow Cowslip and the pale Primrose. Odes: May Morning, 4- The connection of sadness with the rathe Primrose sounds strange to us, but it was the fashion in Milton's day, handed down to him from the older poets, especi- ally Spenser and Shakespeare. But it passed away very soon after his death and became for us the beautiful and joyous herald of Spring. //. X. Ellacombt . (To be continued.) 100 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 14, 1915. The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By T. W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Lysaght, Esq., Castleford, Chepstow, Gloucestershire. Epiphronitis Veitchii is a hybrid between Epidendrum radicans and Soplironitis grandi- flora, and with a few brilliant exceptions it is rarely seen in a healthy condition. It is best described as a small edition of E. radicans, fOT in habit it is very similar. Unfortunately it develops the spot disease in many districts, and it is difficult to find just the right place where it will thrive, but a light and fairly dry position in the intermediate house would in the majority of instances be likely to give the best results. A low temperature with a moist atmosphere is detrimental to the well-being of this plant, and as much air as possible should be admitted at all times. Several growths may be placed in a pot or pan, which must be filled one-third of its depth with drainage, and the compost should be made up of Osmunda fibre and Sphagnum-moss. Make this very firm, and keep the growth in position by a few thin stakes. Other Epiden- drum hybrids include Epi-cattleya matutina and Epi-laelia Charlesworthii. but many of them never make really decorative plants. They re- quire the same treatment as the parents, but frequent propagation is needed to maintain healthy stocks. General Remarks.— All plants that are growing freely and are well rooted must be afforded plenty of water and never be allowed to become dry at the base, but those that are weak, and have in consequence made little root, should only be given water when the compost is fairly dry. Winter -flowering Cypripediums repotted last February are now making head- way, and should receive encouragement to make luxuriant growth. This may be brought about by an ample supply of moisture, both at the root and in the atmosphere, while all insect pests must be destroyed. Cymbidiums, Cattleyas, the Mexican Laelias, and. in fact, any other plant that is making its season's growth must be treated generously and assisted in every way to build up strong pseudo-bulbs, capable of producing stout flower-scapes. Calanthes up to the present time have not been watered very liberally, and they have rooted freely into the soil. From now until the foliage begins to decay they must not be allowed to suffer from dryness, and where the loam was not of the best, alternate waterings with weak liquid cow manure will be beneficial. Do not stage the plants thickly. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By JOHN Highgate, Gardener to the Marquis of Linlithgow, Hopetoun, South Queensferry, N.B. Cucumbers. — Plants intended for autumn fruiting should now be planted out, but if the necessary space is not available, very useful crops can be obtained by growing the plants in 10-inch pots. The pots should be stood on large turves, and the plants grown in a house where a good command of heat can be maintained. Water must be applied cautiously for a time, and ventilation given only moderately on fine days. Peaches.— The present is a suitable time to bote trees that have failed to perfect their crops, or any that are showing signs of exhaustion. In the majority of cases the mischief will be found to be at the roots, and these must be examined some time before the leaves begin to fall. With established trees it may only be necessary to open a trench 6 or 8 feet from the stem, and earefully work under the tree with a fork for a short dis- tance in search of strong tap roots. When these have been cut away, and before filling in the trench, it will be advisable to ram some lime rubble under the tree, which will ensure better drainage and prevent the roots getting into the subsoil, afterwards filling in the trench with a mixture consisting of good loam, lime rubble and a little charcoal, firming this well as the work proceeds. In the case of young, vigorous trees it may be necessary to lift these out al- together, being careful to retain as much soil about the roots as possible. Before replacing the trees trim any damaged roots with a sharp knife, and shorten those strong ones that have made root^pruning necessary. Examine the drainage, and should this be at fault it must be put right before replanting. Should the soil have become sour, it will be as well to have this renewed entirely. The trees should be lifted while the leaves adhere to the wood, and the operation must be performed with every care possible. Choose a dull day. and have everything in readiness, so that no delay may arise when once the work has commenced. Shade the roots with damp mats during the short time they are out of the ground. As advised for older trees, see that the drainage is in perfect order, and in replanting carefully fill in the trench with tne mixture already mentioned, spreading out the roots in layers, and making the soil firm as the work proceeds. After planting, the trees should receive a good soaking of tepid water, and to ensure a speedy recovery from the check lightly spray the foliage with clear water and shade the trees by hanging up a mat in front, keeping it clear of the foliage. Continue to syringe the trees twice daily in fine weather, and keep the house moderately close until the trees recover from the check. Late Peaches in Unheated Houses. — Trees now ripening their fruits require very careful ventilation, and should a period of dull weather set in the house should be kept fairly close during the day, opening the top and bot- tom ventilators at night to cause a free circula- tion of air. See that the border is kept suffici- ently moist, and syringe the trees in bright weather. Expose the fruits to the sun's rays, and do not hesitate to thin out the shoots where there is the least suspicion of overcrowding. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. J. Cobb, Gardener to Reginald Cory, Esq., Duffryn Gardens, near Cardiff, South Wales. Roses.— As soon as Climbing and Rambler Roses pass out of bloom they require a certain amount of pruning in order to admit light and air, and to encourage extra vigour in the wood that will flower next year. A drastic pruning is not now advisable ; but merely the cutting back of weak, lateral flowering wood, and short- ening the stronger growths ; whilst any old main shoots may be removed to the base. Vigorous shoots coming from the base must be carefully looped up out of harm's way. Some of the Wichuraianas will give a sprinkling of bloom later, but the best variety for autumn blooming is Trier Multiflora, a strong growing pillar Rose, that blooms well in September and October. Others which promise to be valuable as late bloomers are Moonlight, Galatea, Danae, and Ceres. An occasional application of manure water at this season will benefit all climbing Roses. Colchicum.— By planting bulbs of Colchicum autumnale and its varieties now and at intervals of a week or so to the middle of September, a bright display of bloom will be obtained from a few weeks hence to November. They do well in sandy loam, but are not very particular as to soil. The bulbs should be set about 3 inches deep. Colchicums lend themselves well for naturalising in grass, the latter forming a suit- able setting for the flower-spikes which precede the foliage. They may be grouped informally undeT tall, deciduous trees where the sunlight is not much obstructed ; on sunny banks, or in patches in the rock-garden. There is also much to be said in favour of planting them to cover bare patches of soil beneath tall trees in the wild garden, where the foliage of the Colchicums produces a pleasing effect in its various stages. Hardy Cyclamen.— Corms of autumn and spring-flowering varieties of hardy Cyclamen may be planted, the former without delay, but the latter at any time from now to October. In suitable positions, such as any part of the wild garden where partial shade and thorough drainage are provided ; sloping banks under trees, or shady parts of the Tock-garden, Cycla- men when once established give very little trouble. Soil of a porous nature, such as a mix- ture of leaf-mould, grit, sand, and old mortar rubble, is essential. When planting, surround the corms with sand, after which give a good watering, and if the weather be dry, slightly cover the corms with a layer of moss or Coco- nut fibre. They will require sufficient protec- tion during the first winter to prevent frost lift- ing them ; dry leaves make a suitable covering. Varieties mostly grown are C. Coum, C. Atkinsii, C. ibericum, and C. europeum. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lady Nunburnholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire. Bouvardia.— To have Bouvardias (orward enough for blooming in the autumn it is neces- sary to have plants that were rooted eaTly. The larger the plants gTow, provided the shoots are proportionately strong, the more flowers they will bear, and the longer they will continue in bloom. Any very late-struck plants should be potted at once ; 5 or 6-inch pots will be large enough, as the time in which they have to grow is not long. As advised for the earlier-struck plants, give them rich soil, composed of turfy loam, with about one-third of rotted manure, leaf -mould, and sand. If proper attention has been paid to stopping the shoots the plants should have enough by this time, as a moderate number of stout shoots is preferable to a larger number of weaker ones. Push the plants forward by giving careful attention to synnging, and closing the frames early in the afternoon, which will yet do much to bring these late plants to a useful size. When pushed on in this way it is necessary to keep the plants closer to the glass than when grown in cooler conditions. Prevent any overcrowding of earlier rooted plants, and now that the pots are full of roots, liquid manure or other stimulants may be given twice a week. When the weather is very bright Bouvardias require a thin shade during the middle of the day. Primula siNENSis.-Late-sown seedlings of single and semi-double Chinese Primulas which have been pricked into boxes will now have made sufficient growth to require potting. It is not well to allow them to remain too long in the boxes, as in that case the plants suffer a severe check when they come to be moved. They should now be put into the pots in which they will bloom, in a potting compost of turfy loam, rotted manure, leaf-mould and sand. Pots 5 or 6 inches in diameter will be large enough, for if well cared for and assisted later with manure water the plants can be grown as large and strong in these pots as it is necessary to have them. Stand them in a cool pit close to the glass ; admit air in the day time, and shade lightly when the weather is bright. Draw off the lights at night when there is no danger of heavy rains, for exposure in this way to the dew and moist night air will greatly benefit the plants. Double Primulas.— Plants that were raised from side-shoots early in the summer and are now well rooted should be moved into larger pots, using soil similar to that recommended iot single varieties. Pot the plants well down in the pots ; many think that low potting tends to aggravate the liability of double Primulas to damp off at the collar. Provided the watering is done carefully, fairly low potting is, on the con- trary, the best means of preventing trouble of this kind. Grow them as sturdily as possible by keeping them near the glass during the summer, and in winter expose them fully to the light and keep them in an intermediate temperature. Hippeastrum. — Plants of Amaryllis that were started early will have completed their growth. Let nothing be left undone to assist the plants which flowered later in getting their leaves well matured. Use a thin shade when the weather is bright, and give plenty of air with enough water to keep the roots healthy. A good washing with the syringe from time to time with the object of keeping the leaves free from red spider will be well rewarded. August 14, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 101 French Tulips.- Where these plants are re- quired to flower early the bulbs shouU be potted at once, as it is necessary they should have enough time to form plenty of roots before any attempt is made to force them. Six-inch pots are large enough for all purposes. Where large quantities are grown they may be placed in shallow boxes. Fresh loam mixed with sand in proportion to the more or less heavy nature of the loam will be found suitable. After potting, an open place out-of-doors is the best position for them ; they should be stood on a layer of ashes to prevent the ingress of worms, and they ought to be covered with about 4 inches of the same material. Allow them to remain until the soil is fairly full of roots, when they may be forced in moderate heat. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By V Heoiey WaRREN, Gardener to the Aston-CIinton 'U.rt L^ale (the Rt. Hon. Lord Rothschild), Buck- inghamshire. Fruit Trees on Walls.— Many of the instructions given during the past month will still apply to the management of wall trees. Apricots are ripening, and should be exposed to the sun. Keep the leading shoots closely laid in and all foreright shoots stopped. Peaches and Nectarines that have made strong shoots this sea- son will require full exposure to the sun to get the wood properly ripened and the buds matured. Remove all growths not required for bearing next year, particularly the gross shoots, where they can be spared, and the weaker ones, of average fruiting size, kept thin and closely nailed or tied in. If mildew should make its appearance dust the affected shoots, especially the tips, with flowers of sulphur. Protect MoTello Cherries from the birds, and gather all fruit as it becomes ripe. Bush Fruit.— The present is a good time to mark or destTOy any bushes of an inferior kind. If this is left undone until the fruit is gone, and the leaves are off, mistakes are likely to be made. Keep the surface of the ground frequently hoed among all bushes, especially those which have been attacked by the caterpillar. Past experi- ence proves that where the ground is kept clean and frequently stirred between the bushes the less likelihood there is of attacks by that pest. Avoid planting anything permanent or herba- ceous near the bushes ; in fact, have nothing about them that will prevent the soil being stirred fre- quently. Fruit Room.— If not already done, the first favourable opportunity should be taken for put- ting everything in this department in readiness for the storage of fruit. Cleanse every part of the structure inside, by washing, limewashing and freely ventilating "for several days, before the storage of any kind of fruit is attempted. There must be no mustiness of the interior or the fruit will become tainted and quickly decay. A cool, dry atmosphere is essential. General REMARKS.-The selection of all kinds of trees required for autumn planting should now be decided upon, and it would be wise to select those varieties that succeed best in the particular district or soil. It is desirable to plant new varieties in a plot of ground where they can remain for three or four ye,i-*, luring which period it "will be seen wheiaer n: not they are likely to succeed in the district i.. -,'i and pyramid trees are adaptable to this trial treatment, the subsequent removal causing theti to fruit earlier than if allowed to remain undis- turbed at the root. Trees devoid of fibrous roots take years to become fruitful, hence those with an undue proportion of large, coarse roots should be rejected. This remark applies to Apples, Pears, and Plums. THE " FRENCH" GARDEN. By P. Aquatias. Old Manure Beds.— The autumn crops, such as Celery, Carrots and Cauliflowers, are now well established on these beds. Carrots are thinned out repeatedly till each plant has suffi- cient space to develop a strong and healthy foliage. Catch crops sown or planted among the Celery will be removed before they impede the growth of the main crop. The bleaching of the earliest batch of Celery has begun. A dress- ing of quick-acting patent manure and a heavy watering was first given, after which the Celery is covered with mats for a period not exceeding three weeks. In dull weather it may be neces- sary to remove the mats at regular intervals to prevent decay in the Celery. Open-air Crops.— The Tomato crop pro- mises well this season. The plants were stopped in the middle of July ; the majority had only then three trusses showing. The bottom truss, and in many cases the second one, is fully grown, and a spell of fine weather will ripen them. The plants were grown in frames till early in June ; when they were transplanted in the open the first truss was" setting fruits, and now they are earlier than we ever had them in the open. Owing to the scarcity of labour many growers have this year sown the spring batch of Cabbages directly in their final quarters, and the departure has proved a success owing to the damp weather. This crop is disregarded in some districts on ac- count of the disease known as black leg. It may be stated that plants Teared in ground free from it will not be attacked after the final planting, while contaminated seedlings are not cured by being removed to clean ground. Crops under Glass.— Cucumbers in fiames are now producing fine specimens. Ven- tilation is regulated according to the outside temperature, but all lights are closed at night from the end of August onwards. Vegetable Marrows and Kidney Beans grown in cold frames have been marketed at excellent prices, especially when one considers the cost of pro- duction is solely a matter of labour. It has proved again that crops grown under temporary shelter, so as to mature three or four weeks earlier than the bulk from the open, are more remunerative than those grown expensively to come on the market at a more out-of-season date, and the risks of losses are no bigger than with those grown in the open. The last lot of Kidney Beans for October and November is growing rapidly. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Winter Spinach.— Make a good sowing of Winter Spinach on this date, and another sowing a week later, choosing moderately rich ground protected from east winds. Sow the seeds in shallow drills drawn at 18 inches apart, and when the plants are well through the surface carefully thin them to prevent damping taking place in winter. Slugs must be destroyed by frequent light dustings of soot and lime. Keep the hoe at work between the rows. Tu R N i ps.— This crop should also be sown with as little delay as possible. Thin the seed- lings to 9 inches apart as soon as they are large enough to handle; dust them frequently with soot and wood ashes, and do everything possible to promote free growth. Model White, Red Globe, and Green Top Stone are good varieties for present sowing. CEL-nv.— fhs early plantations of Celery will i ,uire frequent attention with regard to k> fcb- . g up the plants. Choose a time when the fn lags is quite dry, and. remove all decaying f liiage before tying the leaves together. The soil should be broken up finely and placed care- fully round the plants with the hand, applying only a small quantity at one time. Basil.— If this herb is in demand during the winter, this is the best time to sow the seeds. Sow thinly in boxes or pans, and place these latter in a temperature of 60°. When the young plants are large enough they should be pricked into 6-inch pots, putting four plants in each pot, and growing them in a cool pit. A temperature of 60° will suit them well throughout the winter. Cucumbers in Unheated Pits. -Extra care will be necessary for the remainder of the season to prevent Cucumber plants in frames becoming attacked with mildew. Keep the foliage thinned out so that light may reach all parts of the bed. The syringe may be lightly applied early on sunny days, but the foliage should become dry again before closing time. Any water that is necessary at the roots should also be applied early in the day. Weak, licjuid manure may be applied weekly if necessary to promote free growth. Winter Onions.- The sowing of _ Onion seeds with a view to producing bulbs in May should take place at once. Select rich soil, and sow the seeds in shallow drills 15 inches apart. As soon as the seedlings are through the surface apply the Dutch hoe for the destruction of weeds. Lettuce.— Continue to prick out young Lettuce plants on warm borders in order to pro- duce a supply throughout October. Make further sowings of Maximum, Stanstead Park, and Hardy White Cos. These plants may prove valuable throughout November. Chervil.— This plant is easily raised from seed, providing the weather is moist a. 1 cool. Seeds should be sown now for a ci p in October, and a month later for plants to ^'. ind the winter. Coleworts.— Continue to plant Coleworts as the plants become large enough, allowing one foot between each plant each way after this date. As soon as growth commences hoe the ground care- fully. Leeks.— These may still be planted for use during the spring. Select rich ground, and allow 10 inches between the plants in the rows. Plants which have become established should be watered freely with liquid manure, and the ground between the rows carefully broken up with a hoe. CmcoRY.-The latest batch of Chicory should be carefully thinned to 9 inches apart. A good dusting of lime and soot will keep slugs in check, and act as a stimulant to the plants. THE APIARY. By Chloris. The Queen for the Heather Stock.— In most parts of the country apiarists will be considering the advisability of removing their best colonies to the Heather. If the queen put forth her utmost during the fruit bloom season, there is every reason to suppose that she will not be suitable to head a stock for the Heather, as she will be exhausted. This also applies to districts where the White Clover has been a heavy crop. The strain upon the queen is not usually realised by the casual beekeeper. During the time that the honey flow is greatest the queen's attendants feed her on stimulating predigested food to cause her to deposit as many eggs as possible, but as the honey flow decreases the attendants, realising that less effort is required, feed her on less rich food, and so egg-laying is reduced, and the queen is compelled to seek her own food in a crude state; but the attendants seem to urge her to consume large quantities when the need for progeny is greatest, because bees at this season only live six to eight weeks. If queens of proved fecundity have been raised earlier in the season they should be used to supersede the old queens. Introducing the New Queen. -Remove the old queen, carefully examine the combs to make certain there are no queen cells and adopt one of the following methods :— (a) Use the smoker to make the bees gorge themselves with honey, remove the hive to a quiet part of the garden (during the early evening), take out the frames, one by one, shake off the bees on a sheet on which a. skep is resting propped up on a brick to make an enlarged entrance. When the bees cannot be removed easily by a sharp shake, then they may be brushed off with a stout quill. Remove the hive to its old stand, place a board in front, covered with a sheet, shake the bees out of the skep, and place the new queen among them, and it is rare that they will reject her. (b) Remove the queen as before, and examine for queen cells. In the evening, just before dark, liberate the new young queen on the alighting board, allowing "her to run in, and take care to cause no alarm. In all likelihood the colony will accept their new sovereign. It is often wise to strengthen all stocks with driven bees before taking them to the Heather. The colonies must be strong to be successful. 102 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 14, 1915. EDI1 ORIAL NOTiCL, ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to tha PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W-C Editors and Publisher. — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communications, and save us much time and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that all letters relat- ing 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 de- lay and confusion arise when letters are mis- directed. Special Notice to Correspondents- — The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contribu- tions or illustrations, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspondents. 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 17— Koy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 3 p.m. on " The Mustard Beetle." by Mr. Frederick Enock.) THURSDAY. AUGUST 19— ' Manchester and N. of Eng. Orchid Soc. meet. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich, 61.9. Actual Temperature :— Gardeners' Chronicle Office. 41. Wellington Street. Covent Garden, London : Thursday, August 12 (10 a.m.) : Bar. 29.5. Temp. 68°. Weather- Dull. ■ 8ALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY— Gioat trade sales of Dutch Bulbs, bv Protheroe and Morris, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.C., at 10 o'clock. The present position of Br« ium and our knowledge with. re- Plant Growth. Spect to the influence of radium on plant growth deserves to be stated in order that those gardeners with Athenian mind — ever seek- ing for some new thing — may exercise caution before investing seriously in this latest kind of artificial manure. That position put briefly amounts to this, that there is no well-authenticated and controlled experiment which demon- strates that radium, either by its rays or its emanations, exercises a beneficial effect on plant growth. Nor is it surprising that our knowledge should linger in this uncertain state, for on the one hand radium and its ores give off no fewer than three kinds of rays, each with its special properties, and they give off also what, in the slipshod language of the day, are known as emanations. The effect of estch of these agents may, for all we know, be beneficial, detrimental or nil. Until, therefore, these effects have been established it is impossible to recommend, gardeners to invest in the various nos- trums which are being put on the market under the magic of the name of radium. Some of these materials have their virtues fortified bv admixture with arti- ficial manures — phosphates and the like. They may, therefore, be expected to pro- duce beneficial effects, and hence to per- suade the uncritical that an elixir of plant life has at last been discovered. Before they become persuaded such people would do well to try a simple test. Let them ex- pend as many pence on a good artificial manure as their radium elixir costs them shillings, and having done so study the effects of the two materials on the growth of their plants. We venture to predict that the result will convince them that the purchase of radium ores or radium fertilisers is not at present a profitable investment. It may well be that many virtues hitherto unsuspected lie in the use of radium, but until those virtues are dis- covered the man who gardens for profit will do well to rely on the more hum- drum virtues of farmyard and artificial manures, and to leave to the professional experimenters the investigations of the effects of radium rays and emanations on the growth of plants. In the meantime Mr. Martin H. F. Sutton has carried out this year at Read- ing certain experiments with radio-active ores on Tomatos, Potatos, Lettuces, Radishes, Marrows, Beets, Carrots, Onions and certain flowering plants. One of these experiments affecting the ger- mination of seeds has already produced results of considerable interest. It should be stated that Mr. Sutton's experiments last year showed that when radio-active ores were mixed with the soil the germination of Rape seed was accele- rated. This year a small experiment was made healthy and vigorous, whilst the other two began to show signs of giving up, and by July 10 the contrast was extra-- ordinary, as is shown by fig. 35. On taking up some of the plants it was not found that there was any excessive root- development. Mr. Sutton, therefore, regards the ex- periment as appearing to prove that the gamma rays have a distinctly noxious or inhibiting effect on plant growth. The War Horticultural Relief Fund: Relief for Serbia.— In accordance with, the recommendation of Mr. Hexman (see p. 68), the society's special commissioner to Serbia, the council of the Royal Horticultural Society de- cided at its last meeting to send out to Serbia seeds to the value of £500. The order for the seeds was placed with Messrs. Hurst and Sox, and, thanks to the personal interest which Mr. Edward Sherwood has taken in the scheme for relief, the total of seeds to Ibe sent, as will be seen from the following list, is a very consider- able one. The seeds were sent out by a boat belonging to the Johnstone Line on August 8, and consigned to the President of the Co- operative Union in Serbia. This gentleman has given strict undertaking to see that the ship is met by a trustworthy agent at Salonika, and to use the resources of the Co-operative Union for the impartial and thorough distribution among Fig. 35. — a and c, rape exposed to gamma rays. b. rape not exposed to the rays. to see the effects on Rape seed when the radio-active ore was enclosed in glass b'ottles and inserted in the box. Three large flat boxes, each 3 feet square and 6 inches deep, were filled with plain garden soil and stood in a row, at a distance of about 15 yards from each other, and were sown with Rape seed. One box was plain, as control. Another box had a bottle in the centre con- taining about one-four-thousandth of a milligramme of radium bromide. The other box had two bottles, one at each of two corners, each bottle contain- ing about one-four-thousandth of a milli- gramme. The seeds were sown on May 31. At 9.30 a.m. on June 4 the seedlings in the control box looked as though they would be the earliest, but by 4.50 p.m. on the same day the boxes containing the bottles of radio-active ores were much more advanced than the control, the box containing the two bottles being the strongest. Up till June 11 the two boxes with ore continued to be stronger and better than the control, but it was im- possible to say that one of these was better than the other. Further, the growth of the plants nearest the bottles was not appreciably different to that in other parts of the boxes. By June 17 the control had over- taken the two containing ore, and was the small iSerbian farmers. It is largely owing to the energetic action of Mr. Arthur Sutton, Rev. W. Wilks, and other members of the sub-committee appointed to deal with the immediate needs of Serbia, that the task of dis- covering exactly what the needs were and of contributing towards their satisfaction has been discharged so promptly. When it is remem- bered that the needs of our alli?s — for example, Belgium — are even greater, there is good hope that the appeal of the R.H.S. for contributiens to the Allies War Horticultural Relief Fund will continue to meet with an increasing measure of support. Subrcriptiors, large or small, to this fund may be sent to the Treasurer, R.H.S. , Vincent Square. S.W., or to the Editors of the Gardeners' Chronicle. List of Seeds *ENT TO SERBIA. 21 cwt s. Mangel Long Red 25 lbs. Cauliflower Waleheren 10 ,, ,, Yellow In- 25 „ ,, Autumn termediate Giant 10 „ „ Yellow 50 lbs. Carrot Nantes Globe 50 ., ,, St. Valerv lobus Pea Bountiful 50 lbs. Kohl Kabi Fine Top 10 ,, „ Pilot Green 1U ,, „ E^ex Star 2 cwts. Spinach Long- 10 ,, ,, Hllbasket stand1 ne Prickly 1" M ,, Senator 2 cwts. Onion White Spanish 10 ,, ,, A Merman 1 „ „ Flat White 1" „ ,, Ne Plus Ultra Tripoli 60 lbs lirocco i Purple 1 cut. Leek Flag Spioutii g 2 cwts. Kale Thousand- 25 ,, Self- headed Protec'ing 1 cwt. Be< t Turnip-rooted 15 „ ,, Late Queen 2 cwts. Turnip Green Globe (0 lbs. Brussels Sprouts 1 „ ,, Fosterton Covent Garden Hybrid 25 lbs. < ;i i>;i_r'.' OflVnham $ cwt. Onion Giant Rocca 25 ,, Rainham is qrs. Wheat 25 ,, „ Leeds o qrs. Barley Market lo qrs Oata 23 „ Enfield «i cwts. run! Clover Market 4 cwts. Lucerne 50 „ Small 6 cwts. Ryegrass Italian Drumhead 0 CWtS. VYi ,tei Tares 50 ,, ,, Larae l cwt. spinach Beet Drumhead 6 cuts. Perennial Ryegrass August 14, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 103 FIG. 36.— JAPANESE SPECIES OF PICEA (set- p. 98). 1-8, Picea bicolor Mayr var. acicularis — 1, Branch with mature cone ; 2, ,'S. Inner and outer sides of scale ; 4. 5, Inner and outer sides of seed ; 6, 7, Leaves; 8, Cross section of leaf (magnified). !)-17, Picea BICOLOR Mayr VAR. reflexa 9, Branch with mature cone ; 10, 11, Inner and outer sides of scale ; 12, Lateral view of scale ; 13, 14, Inner and outer sides of seed ; 15, 16, Leaves of different shape ; 17, Cross section of leaf (magnified), ls-27, Picea Maximowiczii— 18, Branch with mature cones ; 19, 20, Inner and outer sides of scale ; 21, Scales of different shapes ; 22, 23, 24, Seeds ; 25, 26, Leaves : 27, Cross section of leaf (magnified). 2S. -35, Picea K.OYAMAI— 28, Branch with mature cone ; 29, 30, Inner and (inter sides of scale ; 31, 32, Inner and outer sides of seed; 33, 34, Leaves of different shape ; 35, Cross section of leaf (magnified). 104 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 14, 1915. The R.H.S. Fruit and Vegetable Com- mittee.—In addition to the exhibits noticed last week, the following collections of fruit were staged at the R.H.S. meeting which took place on the 3rd inst. : — Messrs. S. Spooner and Sons, Hounslow, exhibited a collection of Apples and a dish of very highly coloured Strawberry-Rasp- berries. Such Apples as Early Red Margaret, Devonshire Quarrenden, Worcester Pearmain, Gladstone, and Beauty of Bath were finely coloured. The green-skinned varieties included clean and well-shaped fruits of Early Rivers, Stirling Castle, Grenadier, and Lord Suffield. (Silver Banksian Medal.) A collection of excellent Apples grown in New Zealand, and collected from the Cromwell Develop- ment Co. and the Otago Expansion League, was sent by Messrs. Adolph Mokitzson and Co., of Dunedin, and exhibited by the High Commissioner of New Zealand, 13, Victoria Street, S.W. The Tonkin's Trustees of Treliske Orchard, Ettrick, contributed the following varieties: — Cleopatra, Delicious, Eso- pus Spitzenberg, Jonathan, Monro's Favourite, Rome Beauty, Scarlet Nonpareil, and Sturmer Pippin. The Ltpper Clutha Association, Crom- well, sent Ballarat Seedling, Cleopatra, Jona- than, Lord Wolseley, Scarlet Nonpareil, and Sturmer Pippin ; and from Mr. Albert Birch, Birchdale Orchard, Teviot, came Cleopatra and Esopus Spitzenberg. A Silver-Gilt Banksian Medal was awarded to the collection, which at- tracted considerable attention. The Hon. Vicart GrBBS, Aldenham House, Elstree, Herts, (gr. E. Beckett, V.M.H.), was awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for his collection of Cherries. Royal Agricultural Society's Show at Manchester, 191 6. -The attention of those interested in fruit growing and fruit preserving is directed to the competition arranged by the Royal Agricultural iSociety of England for bottled fruits and vegetables in connection with their show, to be held at Manchester in June, 1916. Prizes are offered both to amateurs who bottle fruits and vegetables for their own use and not specially for the purposes of sale, and to "fruit preservers," who bottle the fruit for the purposes of sale only. Particulars can be obtained from the Secretary, 16, Bedford Square, London, W.C. War Item. — Orchidists will be interested to hear news of M. Chas. Maron, the wrelI-known raiser of Orchids of Brunoy, Seine et Oise, France, who has officiated with many of them at the international exhibitions both in England and on the Continent. M X.'.ros writes thr.1 all the Tr.ale members of bis fam ,;y are awaj on active service. Assistance in the Orchid In uses being difficult to get, he is almost alone and can o ? Lyon, qui avait vivement appuye le mouvement contre les denominations alle- mandes : — Nous inspirant de l'heureuse initiative du groupe Lyonnais des rosieristes et du fait que Paris avait ete designe pour la temue du congies des rosieristes empeche par la guerre, nous avons cru opportun, pour l'avancement des decisions a prendre en vue de la redaction des futurs catalogues de Roses, d'elaborer un travail provisoire concernant : 1° Le mainitism sous certaines conditions de nonis de Roses d'obtention allemande ou autrichienne ayant des qualites ou une notoriete commerciale ; 23 Le changement de nom de certaines varietes de meme origine ou d'obtention en France, chez nos allies ou les neutres, mais (presentant des appellations trop allemandes ; 3° Une liste de varietes de ces origines diverses pour laquelle la suppression dans nos catalogues nationaux nous a ete proposee, mais au sujet desquelles nous pensons qu'il doit y avoir etude ulterieure de la question. Les varietes allemandes-autrichiennes ou a appellation de tournure trop allemande devraient etre exclues de nos catalogues, a moin6 de changement de leur nom par leurs cbtenteurs francais, allies ou neutres, ou inserees dans la section III., si on leur reconnaissait une valeur suffisante. Des rosieristes des regions parisienne et orleanaise reunis a l'occasion du concours de Bagatelle se sont adresses au Comite des Roses de la Societe nationale 'd'Horticulture de France pour lui signaler l'avantage d'une prompts etude de cette question delicate, par noire col- laboration aux travaux de l'importante region lyonnaise si bien representee au sein de la Societe d'es Amis des Roses. Notre travail preliminaire est apporte par nous comme une contribution aux notes et travaux communiques a votre 'Societe. A celle-ci, croyons-nous, revient le soin de porter le resultat de. son travail aux Societes qui s'occupent de la Rose chez nos allies et chez les neutres, et de porter la proposition du changement des noms trop allemands des Roses a leurs obtenteurs, si ces Roses doivent continuer a figurer sur les catalogues francais. NOUVELLES DIVERSES. FRU1T8 BELGES POUR L' ALLEMAGNE.— Le traite de commerce conclu le 22 juin 19C4 entie 1'Allemagne et la Belgique aeeordait les exemp- tions et reductions de droits prevues par le tarif conventionnel allemand, aux fruits de provenance beige designes au n° 47 du tarif douanier alle- mand, e'est-a-dire aux fruits suivants : Pomrmes, Poires, Coings, Abricots, Peches, Prunes de tout genre, Cerises, Griottes, Nefles, fruits d'eglan- tier, Prunelles et tous les autres fruits a noyau et pepins, Fraises, Framlbois?s, Groseilles, Groseilles a maquereau, Mures sauvages, Myr- tilles, Baies de Sureau, Airelles rouges, Baies de Genevrier et toutes les autres baies comes- tibles. Le traite de commerce entre 1'Allemagne et la Belgique etant mis hors de vigueur par suite de la guerre, les fruits de provenance beige devraient etre soumis aux droits du tarif general allemand, qui sont plus eleves, mais un arrete allemand en date du ler juillet stipule que provisoirement ces fruits d'origine beige seront admis en Allemagne au tarif de faveur etalbli avant la guerre. Nouvelles de la Guebre.-JI. Jean Guilmont, caporal d'infanterie, neveu de M. Bouohe, le president de la Societe francaise des Rosieristes, a ete tue a Beausejour, a l'age de 21 ans. M. Etienne, Fanton, jardinier au Fleuriste municipal, actuellement lieutenant au 271e d'in- fanterie s'est distingue au front et a ete porte a l'ordre de l'armee. Produits horticoles et Change.- VEcho de Paris apprend que les maraichers hollandais qui vendent lenrj legumes a des marchands alle- mands ont refuse d'accepter des billets de banque malgre la prime elevee de 20 pour cent qu'on leur offrait. Ils exigerent le payement en or. Comme il fut impossible de leur donner satisfaction, ils remporterent leurs legumes. Legumes et Contrebande de Guerre.— A diverses reprises du materiel de guerre a ete decouvert dans des envois de legumes destines a 1'Allemagne. Voila que le meme procede est employe pour exploiter les popula- tions restees en Belgique. Le beurre y est a un prix ties eleve et la falsification a l'aide de mar- garine est revenue en honneur. De llaestricht, des quantites de margarine destinees a etre melangees au beurre etaient expediees sur Liege, cachees sous des legumes. Le pot aux Roses a ete decouvert et le XXe Steele annonce que differents marchands de "legumes" vienneut d'etre condamnes par le tribunal de Liege. KORT OVERZICHT VOOR DE VLAMINGEN. De Tuinbouwsehool van Vilvcorden is geopend met een veertigtal leerlingen. De leeraar Ambroise werd in't begin van den oorlog inder- daad doodgeschoten, doch te Onhaye en niet te Borgworm. De Zondagscholen van Leuven en Aarschot konden niet heringericht worden bij gebrek aan het noodige personeel. Er komt ons eene lijst toe met prijzen te Brussel in Juli voor fruit en groenten gemaakt. Deze zijn een weinig hooger dan verleden jaar. Bessen bereikten echter de koersen niet die in andere landen gemaakt weidiii. In de Nationale Tuinbouw-Jlaatschappij van Frankrijk werd de vraag van bet verwijderen der duitsche plantennamen opgeworpen. Het staat vast dat de welbekende rozen van duitschen iiMi .pinng niet zullen berdoopt worden. De Duitschers passen opnieuw de laagste in- vcerrechten toe op het belgisch fruit. 108 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [Ad gust 14, 1915. HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Peach Growing Seventy Years Ago (see p. 67). — You do well to call attention to this subject bv quoting the commonsense instructions given so 'long ago. The late Mr. Wildsmith forty years ago at Heckfield gave some of the best lessons in successful Peach culture, both under glass and on the open walls. If such prac- tice was more widely followed now we should see better results. The greatest mistake made by present-day growers is that of pruning the trees at the wrong time. Too many defer this detail until the time arrives to train the trees prepara- tory to starting them into fresh growth. It dis- budding of the shoots is properly done when these are but 2 inches long little pruning is after- wards necessary. We are apt to allow too many shoots to remain, as a consequence overcrowding is the result. Instead of removing the useless growths, even after the fruit is gathered, it is allowed to remain until the leaves hav" fallen, on the plea that it is difficult to see what shoots should be retained. The result is too often ill-ripened growth, resulting in shed- ding of the buds before they develop blossom. A skilful practitioner can tell at a glance how many shoots are required to fill a certain space, and he should promptly remove surplus growths. In this way the remaining shoots would be ex- posed to the light and air : they would mature naturally and swell their buds in such a manner that if root moisture is provided there is no fear of bud-dropping in autumn and spring. E. Late-planted RosES.-It is a good plan to cut tolerably hard back newly planted Roses of the climbing section. I know quite well the value of such practice, but to test the matter further with special regard to late planted ■ Roses. I transferred in the latter part of April plants of such varieties as Mrs. Walsh, Snow- don and Climbing Mrs. Cutbush from one part of the garden to another site, carefully lifting them from the site which they had occupied one season with as much soil attached to the roots as possible. After planting they were well watered, the shoots 6 feet or more long were tied to supports intact, not one of them had even the point shortened. Un- fortunately for the trees less than a quarter of an inch of rain fell for the next month. Growth was slow, although the shoots pushed freely from the nodes the whole length of the shoots at first, they afterwards came to a standstill, when they were 3 inches long, and there they remain. The plant of Mrs. Cutbush, which had previously made growth 7 feet high, refused to show signs of growth, although watered repeatedly and syringed daily. In the middle of June I cut this plant down to within 8 inches of its base, when new growth commenced to push at once ; it is 2 feet long. The trial proves the wisdom of cutting back newly-planted Roses to within, sav, 1 foot of the base or even lower. M. Chelidonium Fr anke ni anu hi.- -Iii last week's issue, p. 89, Sir Herbert Maxwell de- scribed a plant under this name which is evidently intended for C. Franchetianum. This is a well-known plant, and the description given by your correspondent agrees with it. C. Franchetianum was not in cultivation at Kew when the 1895 list (not 1893) was printed, but is included in the 1902 Hand-list. It is a Chinese plant, also known as Glaucium lactucoides. TT. /., Kew. Belgian Exports to the United States (see p. 84). — Our Association, fully sympathising with our Belgian friends, memorialised the Government and received the same Teply as that sent to the Worshipful Company of Gardeners, and I believe several influential persons also joined in the movement. Clia*. E. Pearson, Si cretary, Horticultural Trades' Association of Great Britain and Ireland. Orchis hircina.— In reply to Mr. F. Brock's query in your last number (see p. 77) respectins; Orchis hircina. if he refers to Know- ledge, Vol. XXXV., No. 528 July, 1912, he will find that Mr. E. J. Bedford records his find of this plant in the Cuckmere district, Eastbourne, 1911, and mentions his belief that a specimen was found in West Sussex in 1907. He gives some good photographs with his article. I find this Orchid easy to cultivate in pots in a cool house, and it shows better tuber increase than many European Orchids. I have planted twelve and transplanted fifteen after two years' growth. They might possibly be reinstated as a common British plant by any dweller on the chalk who took the trouble to grow and sow them. Last year I fertilised 316 of the flowers, which formed" good seed-pods and ripened ; there are no seedlings up yet. This plant, like many other British Orchids (Ophrys apifera. Orchis Morio and Orchis pyramidalis), comes above ground ten, nine and eight months before flower- ins;, according to seasons, and makes its chance of forming new tubers very dependent on hard frosts, but they are all very difficult to kill. Richard F. Burton, Longnor Hall. Salop. Mr. F. Brock's discovery of this Tare plant near Goodwood was indeed an interesting one, for it is, I believe, the second only found in Sussex, the other being in 1909 near Boxley. The plant was first recorded in England in 1641, end until 1858 was fairly well known in Kent. From 1858 until 1898 it was believed to be ex- tinct in our country. That year a specimen, to everyone's delight, was rediscovered on the Wye downs in Kent." It has since been Tecorded from near Guildford, in Surrey_. and several times in Kent. On the Continenf the plant is not un- common. In Italy I have found an enormous number of specimens of all sizes, near Florence. 11'. Herbert Cox. Lime Spray for Fruit Trees. — As Southern Grower asks others to give their ex- perience, 1 may say that I have utilised lime exclusively for a number of years past. Before other insecticides came into use lime was the principal wash used for spraying fruit trees. The great objection to the use of lime was the glaring whiteness of the trees, and to over- come "this I blacken the lime with soot. The bag containing the soot is immersed in water for three days previous to being used. Lime and soot certainly cleanse the trees of lichen, scale, and other pests. It should not be sprayed on in too thin a state. I find it best at .bout the consistency of a thick cream. It shor.ld be strained twice through coarse sacking before use'. D. D. ltobertson. Asltridge Gardens. Bcrkhamsted. In reply to Southern Grower. I may sr.y that for several years I have used hard Buxton lime for spraying Apple trees at the rate of 50 lbs. to 40 gallons of water, and it is not of the slightest use in preventing an aphis attack. I have used it at various periods when the buds were "cracking" from the clusters, and even when the trees were in full bloom, and all with the same result. Last season I finished spraying Lord Grosvenor on April 15, when the buds were well advanced. I find no difficulty in getting the lime to adhere to the trees ; in fact, there is plenty of it on the branches at the present time. I have used salt with it, but see no ad- vantage in that. If the lime is of the right sort — hard — and it boils well when mixed and is put on hot, I find no difficulty in getting it to adhere, no matter what the weather is at the time. Naturally I should not apply it during heavy rains, but a slight drizzle does not matter. Lime-spraying cleanses t!«e trees of moss and lichen, and many insect pests. We are never troubled with winter moth caterpillar, yet we never use grease bands. The present year is the worst for aphis I ever knew. Many of the trees of Worcester Pearmain, Lady Sudeley and Lord Grosvenor have not a healthy leaf on them, they look as though they had passed through a fire. The crop is an immense one, " scrumps " of course, and although only the size of small Walnuts thev are colouring and falling off. I wish all would fall ! Such a check to growth cannot fail to have a serious effect on the trees next season. Trees vigorously sprayed, too, wiui various washes are equally bad. Bramley's Seed- ling for the first time "has suffered severely. Cox's Orange Pippin, Mere de Menage and Warner's King have not suffered to the same extent. Plums are particularly healthy, whether it was the spraying or not I cannot say ; certainly the sprayed trees are free from fly, whilst some nearby that escaped spraying are affected with the pest. I experimented with a tree of Merryweather Damson by spraying with lime when fully in blossom ; the lime did not affect the " set " of trait in the slightest. I note some Damson trees not sprayed at all are much crippled in the leaf. E. Molyneux, Swan- more Park, Hants. SOCIETIES ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. Scientific Committee. August 4. — Present: Mr. E. A. Bowles, M.A. (in the chair); Messrs. W. Fawcett, J. Fraser, J. T Bennett-Poe, W. Hales, F. J. Chittenden (hon. sec), and Mr. Grove (visitor). Leaf-cutting Bee. — Mr. J. Fraser showed leaves of Laburnum from which pieces had been cut by the leaf-cutting bee for nest-making. Campanula hybrids. — Mr. Grove, of Sutton Coldfield, showed a further series of seedlings from Campanula Norman Grove,' self-fertilised. They showed a great range of variation between the parents of C. Norman Grove in colour, stature, habit and foliage. Mr. Grove had taken great pains to record the parentage and variations in the seedlings he had obtained, and the Committee recommended the award of a Certificate of Appreciation to Mr. Grove. Lime wood attacked by fungus. — Mr. Bowles showed a specimen of lime from a branch which had fallen from a tree in the avenue at Forty Hall, Enfield, in which the annual rings of wood were separated from each other. This separation had evidently been brought about by a fungus, the mycelium of which could be dis- cerned as a thin pellicle between the rings, but could not be further identified in the absence of fruit. A curious Onion. — Mr. H. J. Chapman showed a curious Onion consisting of a basal stem por- tion from which roots had developed and a fistular leaf of over an inch in diameter and more than a foot in length. It was perhaps the result of injury to the terminal bud of the shoot, and the direction of all the food and water into one channel. Abnormal Agapanthus. — Mrs. Bischoffsheim sent an inflorescence of Agapanthus umbellatus having a few flowers branching from the stem about 3 inches below the main umbel. The stem bent sharply there, and owing to the tension set up had cracked and broken. This kind of mal- formation is very common in Agapanthus. Malformed Cypripedium. — Mr. C. J. Lucas sent a turious malformed specimen of Cypri- pedium warnhamensis x C. insigne, upon which Mr. Worsdell reported as follows: "The an- terior sepai is separating, or, rather, has begun to divide into its two original components, as shown by the apical division and the extension of the arc of insertion of the sepal towards the ' posterior ' side. One of the narrow elon- gated petals has disappeared. The other has become displaced in order to occupy the median posterior position of the posterior sepal, which has also vanished. Thus there is dimery of the corolla, lateral petal rnd labellum in the median plan, and a tendency to dimery of the calyx, which, if it had been carried through, would have resulted in two sepals placed in the trans- verse plane, at right angles to the two petals. The two lateral stamens of the inner whorl, normally fertile in Cypripedium, r.re here quite absent. Instead the median stamen of the inner whorl is present and fertile just above the big stami- node." NATIONAL GLADIOLUS. August 4. — On the above date the National Gladiolus Society held its Summer Show at the R.H.S. Hall. Owing to the war and the im- possibility of bringing flowers from abroad, none of the society's Dutch or French members was able to compete, and verv few of the classes August 14, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 109 filled. Owing to pressure on the L. and S.-W. Railway the parcel containing the schedules, entry and award cards was unfortunately lost, and the judges were therefore obliged to maTk their awards on plain white cards, which un- doubtedly made matters very difficult both for the public and the Press. Both Major Churcher, of Alverstoke, and Mr. H. Emmons, of Hamble, were successful exhibi- tors, and showed two or three fine seedlings of their own Taising. New varieties from the society's trial ground were brought before the Committee, and Awards of Merit were granted to the following : — " Vanessa," raised by Messrs. Kelway and Sons ■WUhelm Steinhausen," raised by Mr. W. Pfitzer. " White Giant," raised by Messrs. Van Meer- beek and Co. " Erica von Barczay," raised by Mr. W. Pfitzer. " Nonpareil," raised by Messrs. Kelway and Sons. " George Gordon," raised by MessTs. Kelway and Sons. " Picotee," raised by MessTS. Kelway and Sons. "Red EmperoT," raised by Mr. K. Velthuys. "Mrs. Swainson," raised by Messrs. Kelway and Sons. " Princess Patricia," raised by Messrs. Kel- way and Sons. " Mts. Robert Wordsworth," raised by Messrs. Kelway and Sons. ;s of Merit for good garden varieties were granted to "Brilliant" (J. L. Childs) and "Princess of Orange" (M. F. Wright). ROYAL SCOTTISH ARBORICULTURAL. Aberdeen Branch. August 7. — The members of the Aber- deen branch of this society, on the invi tation of the Governors of the Aberdeen and North of Scotland College of Agricul- ture, visited Craibstone estate, now the pro- perty of the college, on August 7. There was a capital attendance, the three counties served by the branch — Aberdeen, Banff and Kincardine — each sending its full quota of landed proprietors, estate agents and professional foresters. The weather was good, and the large company spent an informative and interesting afternoon. On arrival at Craibstone the party proceeded to view the forest garden and demonstration area of some 30 acres. This is now being prepared, and the Development Commissioners have granted £250 to aid the work, with an additional £100 a year for five years towards the expense of maintaining a lecturer or demonstrator. The soil of the area is good, and the situation not too exposed, suitable shelter being afforded by a series of morainic mounds which set off various clumps of trees to considerable advantage. Al- ready on a portion of the area Scots Pine planted a few years ago are growing vigor- ously, while attention is also being paid to other forest trees for educational purposes, the idea being to have a portion of the estate laid out to demonstrate the possibility of having timber of commercial value grown on sylvicul- tural principles as apart from arboricultural specimens. The expressed opinion of the visitors was that for educative and demonstrative pur- ooses the place is admirably suited. Much of the success of the scheme, however, will depend upon circumstances — the chief being the question of finance. WALSALL FLORAL AND HORTICULTURAL. August 3 and 4. — The thirty-sixth annual ex- hibition of this society was held on these dstpp, and was a great success, the quality cf the ex- hibits being remarkably good. In Class 1, for a group of plants, not to exceed a space 15 feet in circumference, and in the. class for 6 stove or greenhouse plants, the 1st prizes were awaided to Messrs. Jas. Cypher and Sons ; 2nd. Sir Geouce Kenrick (gr. Mr. J. V. Mac- dona'd). ... the c'hss for 48 Roses Mr. W. H. Fret- tingham, Beeston, Nottinghamshire, was 1st, conspicuous varieties in his exhibit being George Dickson, Madame Constant Soupert and H. V. Machin. In the class for 24 Roses, dissimilar, Mr. Frettingham was again 1st, his exhibit in- cluding specimens of the varieties Marquise de Ganay, Mabel Drew and Mts. George Shawyer ; 2nd, Messrs. Arthur R. Brown, Ltd. For 12 Roses, dissimilar, the same competitors were placed 1st and 2nd as in the foregoing class. In the class for 12 Roses of one variety Mr. Frettingham was again 1st, showing the variety George Dickson; 2nd, Mr. L. Horton, Woh hampton, with the variety Frau Karl Druschki. The classes for Carnations and Picotees were keenly contested, Mr. F. Bayliss, Walsall, being 1st for 12 fancies ; 2nd, Mr. R. S. Rudd, King's Heath. The prizes went in the same order for 12 selfs, and in the class for 12 yellow-ground Picotees Mr. Rudd was 1st and Messrs. A. H. Brown 2nd. For 12 vases of Sweet Peas, 20 stems in each vase, 1st, Mr. W. Phillips, Astley; 2nd, Rev. J. R. Rees, Helpringham. There were not many entries in the fruit classes, and Mr. J. Aspinall, Walsall, was the principal winner. There weTe many fine exhibits of vegetables, the chief prize winners being Mr. THE LATE THOMAS A. H. RIVERS. G. W. Robinson, Burton-in-Needwood, Mr. E. Winchester, Rubery ; and Rev. J. R. Rees. Trade Exhibits. Gold Medals were awarded to the Clury Nursery Co King's Langley, Buckingham- shire, for a collection of Perpetual-flowering Car- nations ; and to Messrs. Bakers, Wolverhamp- ton, for a collection of herbaceous plants. Silver Medals were awarded to Me=srs. Simpson and Son, Chad Valley Nurseries, mingham, for Phlox and Antirrhinums; Messrs. Arthur II. Brown, Ltd., King's Norton, 1 r Carnations and Roses; Messrs. T. B. Grove and Sons, Windley Nursery, Sutton CohlfiVM, for herbaceous plants; Messrs. H. Wnoi.vUN and Sons, Shirley, for a collection of Zonal leaved Pelargoniums; and to Mr. R. G. Rour, King's lleath, for Border Carnations. ©bituav^. Thomas Alfred Hewitt Rivers.— We have to record with deep regret t>" sudden death, on the 6th inst., of Mr. Thorn's A. H. Rivers, the eia^r of the two brothers who, until recently, constituted the well-known firm of nurserymen at Sawbridgeworth. Hertfordshire. Deceased had just completed his fifty-second year; he was born on August 5, 1863. He had not en- joyed good health for some years past, but his sudden death was not anticipated. The eldest son of the late Thomas Francis Rivers, he was educated privately, and was at Felsted School. 1877-79. In 1886 he went to Colorado, America, where he spent eight years in mining and ranch- ing. Returning to the Sawbridgeworth nurseries in 1894, he has since taken an active part in the business, but was most closely associated with the farming department and the outdoor section of the extensive nursery grounds. He took an active part in the British Fruit Growers' Association, and within the past few weeks was invited to serve on the Fruit Com- mittee of the Royal Horticultural Society in place of his younger brother, Mr. Henry Somers Rivers, who is now serving in the Sportsman's Battalion of the New Army. The deceased was a member of the Horticultural Club and of the Management Committee of that body. In private life he was both a cnurchwaTden and school manager at Sawbridgeworth, taking also an active part in parochial and other charities. He officiated as a Steward for the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution on several occasions. De- ceased leaves a widow and five children, to whom our sympathies are tendered. His widow is the daughter of Colonel Hall, of Tonbridge, Kent, and her eldest son is now training for the Navy. The interment was in the family grave at Great St. Mary's, Sawbridgeworth, on Monday last amidst many manifestations of sympathv. ./. H. Andrew Hutton.— Gardeners all over the country, but particularly in Scotland, where he was best known, will hear with regret of Mr. Andrew Hutton's death. For the past five years deceased was gardener to C. E. Gunther, Esq., of Tongswood, Hawkhurst, Kent, a position he filled with great credit. Before entering on his duties at Tongswood be was gardener to G. Keith, Esq., of Usan, Montrose, a very keen florist who encouraged his gardener to exhibit. Many were the trophies that fell to Mr. Hutton at the great autumn shows at Dundee and Aber- deen for his exhibits of fruits and vegetables. Chrysanthemums also claimed his attention, and he won the Scottish Cup twice at Edinburgh, besides many other honours, and just previous to the death of Mr. Keith he won the Challenge Trophy for Boscs at the Dunfermline Rose Show. Mr. Hutton's duties at Tongswood allowed him but 1-tMe time for exhibiting. Here there are extensive fruit orchards, a large glass department, and i garden which is particularly rich in choice ■'(' k and border plants, trees, and shrub*. His fit- ness for the new post was quickly apparent, and Tr.ntrswood Gardens to-day bear evidence in abundance of his energy and ability It can be truly said that his life was one of hard work and close attention to duly N'S enthusiasm for the work he loved so well kept him at his post long after weakness and sickness had sapped his strength. He was laid to rest at Hawkhurst Churchyard en Tuesday of last week amid many tokens of respect from the whole district. Mr. Hutton leaves a widow and young daughter to mourn his loss. Thomas Foulds.— We regret to le-.rn from the American Press of the death of Thomas Foulds, on June 18, at the age of 69. Deceased was a native of Lancashire, where he was trnined as a g.rdener. In the year 1867 he en. i' '.led to America, and ^atcr filled several positions as head gardener. Subsequently he started a florist's business at Gwynedd, Pa., and having managed it successfully for about nine years he sold it and went to Northamp- ton, Mass., where he had charge of the grounds of the People's Institute. Finally he was man- ager of the Lenard Estate in Amherst. Mass., which position he held until his death. De- ceased was an enthusiastic gardener, and was the originator of the Chysanthemum Major Bounaffon. Twice married, he leaves a widow, two daughters, and three sons. Arthur Young.— We regret to state that as these pages go to press, news reaches us of the death of Mr. Arthur Young, gardener to the Earl of Dudley, Witley Court, Worcester. De- ceased, who had filled the position at Withy for nearly a quarter of a century, is reported to have died in London on the 7th inst., following upon a surgical operation. 110 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 14, 1915. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Ants : J. P. If the nests are in positions where it is possible to pour boiling water over them this is sufficient to destroy the ants. Failing this it may be possible to inject a little bisulphide of carbon, or Vaporite, the fumes of which will at once cause death to the ants. Apples Diseased : Caltha. The injury is caused by Apple scab (Fusicladium dendriticum), a fungus which attacks the leaves and fruits. Remove all the dead shoots, and next spring when the buds are beginning to open spray the trees with diluted Bordeaux mixture, re- peating the oi^eration when the petals are fall- ing from the flowers, and again when the young fruits have attained the size of Peas. Beans Dying : Anxious. There is no disease pre- sent on the parts of the plant sent. The ap- pearance suggests a fungus at the roots. Add kainit to the soil before planting another crop. Caterpillar : .4. E. N. The larva of the privet moth. Chrysanthemum maximum : Caltha. There is no doubt that the failure of Chrysanthe- mum maximum to develop its ray floret.s is due to some cultural or climatic con- dition, and not to any disease. In the case of Chrysanthemum cultivation in pots, it fre- quently happens that plants that are cultivated for the production of large blooms fail to expand their florets in much the same way as your Chrysanthemum maximum. In the case of a florist's Chrysanthemum, the condition is due to a variety of causes; such, for instance, as selecting the buds too early, extra hot sun- shine during the development of the buds, or to the excessive use of stimulants. It may be that your Chrysanthemums have been growing too strongly ; at any rate something has operated to bring about the condition which cultivators frequently describe aa " hard buds." Cold Storage for Lily Bulbs : H. ,S. You are right in assuming that your want of success in storing imported bulbs of Lilium Harrisii, L. longiflorum and L. speciosum is due to the fact that the cold has been suffi- ciently severe to injure the bulbs. In order to retard any bulb or plant bv cold it is only necessary to employ that degree of cold which is essential to prevent growth. Therefore a few degrees below freezing point for the Lilium would be much better than having the temperature at 13 degrees below that point which you have already tried. Respecting the book you desire on the forcing of Tulips, you cannot do better than get the volume Tulip* bv the Rev. J. Jacob, in the Present- Day Gardening Series, as he deals with the question of forcing Tulips and enumerates the varieties best suited for this work. You can obtain a copy from our publishing department, price Is. 9d. post free. We may add that no bulbs that have been potted up should be allowed to remain plunged in the ashes out- of-doors after the pots are moderately well filled with roots, it being essential that the top growths should be delayed until the plants are introduced into heat. Corrections. — At the Lancashire Agricultural Society's Show (see p. 92). Messrs. Alex. Dick- son and Sons, Ltd.. were awarded a Large Gold Medal fcr their exhibit of Sweet Peas. Messrs. W. and J. Brown, Peterborough, were 1st i:i the class for a table of cut floweTS covering 100 feet, exhibiting cut Roses, and Mr. Garner 2nd. Euphorbia pulcherrima (Poinsettia) : M. S. A.. Wimbledon. Euphorbias, or Poinsettias, as they are generally termed in gardens, are ex- tremely delicate plants, and even under the best cultivation that long experience can give them, it is sometimes difficult to prevent the plants losing some of the lower leaves before the season comes round for the brilliantly- coloured bracts. In your case, the plants have probably suffered a check, either through lack of water at the roots on a particular occa- sion or exposure to cold winds, this latter being quite sufficient to cause Poinsettias to cast many or all of their leaves. You state that the specimens are growing tall, and we assume that you mean to convey thai/ they are growing taller than you wish them to grow. This exoessive elongation is probably due to the plants being placed too far from the light. They should be cultivated during the summer in a light frame with their heads near to the roof glass, or if they have to be grown in the greenhouse or stove care must be taken to give them the same light conditions as they would enjoy if a frame were available. For further hints on the cultivation of Poinsettias refer to the following issues : July 24, p. 51 ; May 22, p. 276 ; and May 10, p. 194. Figs : E. H. You do not say whether the out- door Fig tree has ripened its fruits in previous years. It looks as if for some reason or another the flowers, which of course are borne in the interior of what we term the fruit, have failed to set. Consequently the fruit seeds are not formed and the fruit ceases to develop, and is cast off by the tree. It is impossible here to determine the reasons for the failure, but an inspection of the tree might at once reveal them. Fungus : H. R. The fungus is Phallus impu- dicus (Stinkhorn) in the egg stage. Gardener's Notice : Tr. P. In the absence of any agreement to the contrary, we should assume that you are entitled to a month's notice, or a month's salary in lieu of notice. In any case after twelve years' service you could scarcely be expected to be turned away with only a week's notice, unless there are circumstances which would justify summary action on the part of the employer, and you do not refer to anything of the kind in your letter. Grapes Diseased : ,9. W. and A. Black Tot (Guignardia Bidwellii) is present. Remove and burn every leaf and fruit that is d'seased. Next spring, when the leaves are unfolding, spray with Bordeaux mixture, and repeat the operation at intervals. When the fruit is half- grown use ammoniacal solution of copper car- bonate in place of the Bordeaux mixture so as to avoid spotting the fruits. Melon Leaves Diseased : B. P. L. Melon spot mould or blotch (Cercospora melonis) is present. Every diseased leaf should be burnt as soon as the malady is detected, treating the whole plant in the same manner if the • attack is severe. Spray the plants at inter vals of four days with a solution of liver of sulphur, at the strength of one ounce in five gallons of water. Melon Plants Dying : Subscriber. Eelworms are the primaTy cause of the injury. W ■ some sulphate of ammonia into the soil, wh'ch should be sterilised when the plants are re- moved. Names of Plants : P. B. B. 2, Ammophi'a anindinacea ; 3, Cotoneaster frigida ; 4. Gynerium argenteum ; 5. Spiraea palmata ; 6, Polygonum sachalinense ; 7, Saxifraga pel- tata ; 8, Inula glandulosa ; 9, Lysimachia vul- garis.— F. Clarke. 1. Thlaspi latifolium ; 2, Chenopodium urbi~um. — A. J. Ivens. Dian- thus sp., but specimen insufficient for proper identification. — G. F. 1, Juniperus Sabina ; 2, Juniperus sp. We cannot recognise this in its present juvenile condition. — R. T. W. HeHchrvsum rosmarinifolium, a native of Tasmania. — G. Edwards, Taunton. Fuchsia corymbiilora. — G. B., Burks. Equisetum arvense (Field Horse-tail). — A. Z. Pro- bably Yucca or Agave. Send leaf or a por- tion of a leaf with description. — C. R.. Ton- bridge. MomoTdica Balsamina. One of the Gourds (Cucuribitaeeae) allied to Momordica Charantia, which usually has reddish fruits. — Nedos, Chard. Gloriosa grandiflora, of which a full-page illustration was given in the Gardeners' Chronicle, September 10. 1904. together with an article on Gloriosas. — W. S., Oswestry. 1. Polygala myrtifo'ii grandi- flora. known i:i gardens as P. Dalmaisiana ; 2, Euphorbia Lathyris (Caper Spurge). Nectarine E\rly Rivers : H. B. and A. G. E., M. The condition of the Nectarines is due to frequent syringings. Early Rivers Nec- tarine has a somewhat sensitive skin, and if the water stands on the fruit too long in the day the sun scalds the skin and causes the fruits to rot. Lord Napier is abo a variety given to this trouble, but we think you will be able to remedy it by care in syringing. If the trouble cannot be prevented in the manner we (have described the particular specimen may have been budded on a stock that does not suit it. Early Rivers usually succeeds in a cold house, or with a little heat, and if the other trees are doing well in the same house the best thing to be done is to clear the tree out and try another specimen of the same variety. Sotl Sterilisation : .4. Niel and D. S. and Son. The sterilisation of soil on a large scale out- of-doors is an operation attended with con- siderable difficulty. You will find particulars with illustrations in our issue for March 2, 1912, page 146. But at the best the appliances at present available for these operations leave something to be desired, and it may be hoped that some ingenious cultivators r^ay devise some simple means by which sterilisation on a large scale may be made easy. This is the more to be desired seeing the frequent reports that reach us as to the excellent results follow- ing the sterilising of soil for indoor plants. We now give the following information re- specting soil sterilisation under glass. Soil sterilisation may be effected either by chemical means, or by heating. The former has not yet been sufficiently developed to allow of application on a large scale. Three heat- ing methods are in use under glass, and all of them have certain advantages, the choice between them is largely dictated by reasons of convenience. (1) Baking. — The soil is placed in some sort of heater, of which there are already two or three on the market, and heated either by coke or with waste material for any period up to 24 hours. This method works well for small quantities, and has the advantage of cheapness. It requires, how- ever, that the soil should be carried to the heater and back again, and therefore breaks down where large areas have to be dealt with. (2) High Pressure Steam. — Two methods are used. In the first a box is made, without top or bottom, about 6 to 9 feet by 3 feet, and some 18 inches deep. This is placed on a grid, formed of iron pipes 1? to 2 inches in diameter, perforated with i inch holes, and connected with a boiler; steam is blown in at a pressure of 40 to 80 lbs. for twenty minutes. The soil is then thrown into a heap. In the other method the steaming is done in the soil itself : a trench is dug the same size as the grid, this is then placed in the bottom, the soil replaced, and steam blown through. Mean- while another trench is dug alongside the first, from which the grid is then hauled out by means of hooks. (3) Low "Pressure Steam. — This can be used in the same way as the high pressure steam, but a longer time must be allowed. Another method has also come into use. The soil is forked over, and on it is inverted a tray made of galvanised iron backed by boards ; the steam is then blown underneath and finds its way into the soil. Six feet has been found to be a convenient length for the sides of the trav. An iron pipe H inch in diameter is used for the steam main, it terminates in T, so as to facilitate the dis- tribution. The time of steaming depends on the soil, and it can be ascertained by finding how long is required to heat the soil to a depth of 8 inches up to a temperature of 180°. For large areas and for border work this is the most convenient of all methods. Fuller information is given in " Reports on the Par- t-'al Sterilisation of Soil," by E. J. Russell and F. R. Petherbridgc. Journal of the Board of Agriculture, Jan., 1912, Jan., 1913, and May, 1914. Ommunicationq Received.— -I- H. T TThantts for £1 fir R.G.n.P. box]— Anxious— X. T. 7..— W. F.-r F P. -II. T.-C S— B. O. M.— G. Tt.—n. H. D— T.— A. C. B.— T. H.— K. A— A. C. B.— Hoti. V. G — H P— D. B. P..— E. M.— T. L.— P. B.— W. K — A. B. B. —P. B.-C. P.— A. T. G —0. C— E. S.-.I. McD.-H. J. G. _W. A C— W. C. C— W. B. H— G. C— Lt. C"l. F G. L. M.— P. T. (Ohio)— C. H. T.— O. E. P.— G. C. J. (Washington). August 21, 1915.] TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. Ill THE (5 avbtxmz Cljrmtick No. 1,495.— SATURDAY, AUGUSTS!, 1015. CONTENTS. Admiral de la Galis- Nursery notes — sonnifcre 120 Sutton & Sons, Reading American Gooseberry and Langlev-- 122 Nursery stock for Canada 119 Books, notices of— Obituary — Climbing Plants . . 112 Young, Arthur 12V The Ferns of South Orchid notes and glean- Africa 118 ings 112 Catalogues, the value of 123 Orchis hircina in Sussex 122 Celery leaf spot .. .. 118 "Pour nos amis franeais Chinese ice-houses .. 118 et beiges " m seventy years ago . . 118 Societies — Ferula tingitana . . 123 Manchester and North Flowering plants, a new of England Orchid . . 125 natural family of .. 120 Perpetual -flowering Forest trees in trenched Carnation 125 anduntrenchedground 111 Royal Horticultural . . 123 Fruit crops, remarks on Scottish Horticultural 125 the condition of the . . 113 United Hort. Benefit Fruit-growing in Scot- and Provident 12B land 117 Vegetables, notes on . . 115 Horticultural Relief 119 Fund, the Allies' . . 122 Week's work, the 11C 11 V Market fruit garden, the 120 White Island, New Zea- Milton, the flowers of 113, 122 120 Ka t i o n al diploma in W itches' broom on the horticulture .. ..123 Willow 123 ILLU8TR ATIONS. Cattleya Sybil Scintillant and C. S. rotundo bella 119 Clematis Henryi 124 Design for flower border 127 IW Tropaeolum poly phy Hum 114 Vegetables exhibited by Hon. Vieary Gibbs 125 Young, Arthur, portrait of th 127 FOREST TREES IN TRENCHED AND UNTRENCHED GROUND. THE RATES OP GROWTH. 1HAVE recently been reading a very- interesting paper in the July num- ber of the Journal of Forestry " on the harmful effects of certain Grasses and weeds around the roots- of young forest trees." I heartily commend its perusal to readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle, and especially to those, if there be any, who are not already convinced of the ad- vantage which young trees gain from being in open ground as against those which stand on turf. The paper gives details of some experi- ments which were carried out at Ryston in 1912. Fourteen plots were laid out, 7 feet long by 3 feet wide, and on each of them were planted three common Ash and two Larch. Two plots were kept clear of all other growth ; one was sown with Sting- ing Nettle, one with Creeping Buttercup, and the remaining ten plots with various kinds of Grasses such as are commonly found in young plantations. The result was as follows, taking 100 as the percentage of growth in the two clean plots. The least harmful of the ground coverings proved to be the Creeping But- tercup, where, however, the percentage of growth of trees was only 52, or little more than half that in the clean ground. The next was the Stinging Nettle, where the percentage was 41. In the case of plots covered with various Grasses the percentage ranged from 33 to 13, the covering of the ground which proved most detrimental to tree growth being Couch Grass and perennial Rye Grass, in which two cases the rate of tree growth was but 15 and 13 per cent, respec- tively. There appears to have been but little difference in the effect of the various crops on the Ashes as distinguished from the Larches. A photograph of the Ashes and their foliage, which accompanied the paper, brought out very markedly the dif- ference not only in height of the trees growing on clean ground, but in the colour, size, and appearance of the foli- age. Reading this paper, of which I have given a short and imperfect account, has tempted me to set out the results of a some- what similar experiment which I have made (unintentionally) at Aldenham of the different rate of growth of trees of the same kind when planted in trenched and untrenched ground. Some eighteen years ago I planted a row of fourteen Maples (Acer Schwedleri). Twelve of them stand on lawn, being planted in holes 6 feet across, which are kept clean and free from turf and weeds. At the time of planting the clay was removed and the holes filled with good light loam. The thirteenth stands half on lawn, half in a shrubbery where the ground was well trenched ; the fourteenth stands wholly in trenched ground. About the same time, perhaps a year later, I planted fourteen Copper Beeches, and in this case, too, the conditions are the same, twelve trees being in a field, the thirteenth on the edge of a trenched plantation, and the foui-teenth growing wholly in the plantation. About the year 1875 my late father planted a double avenue of Horse Chestnuts along the drive in the park. The holes made were not large, and there was no breaking up of the adjoining ground, consequently though the trees are healthy the growth has been very slow. Some eighteen years ago it was decided to put a new bridge over the lake at the end of the Chestnut avenue, and this necessitated a gradual raising of the drive as it approached the bridge, and the consequent lifting and re- planting of the first trees in the loose, newly-raised ground at the sides of the road. Although it might have been ex- pected that moving fairly big trees aged about twenty-four years would have checked their growth and thrown them behind their unmoved brethren, yet so great has been the advantage to them of growing in what is equivalent to well- trenched ground that it has much more than compensated them for the check of moving, and now after eighteen years they are bigger, taller, with wider spread, more vigorous and darker foliage, and in every respect finer than the unmoved ones. I will now set out in tabular form the results in all three cases of planting in trenched and untrenched ground, and I hope it will convince any intending planters who read these lines, that, at an.v rate on heavy clay land like ours, the labour and cost of trenching is not only not thrown away but is absolutely essen- tial to successful planting. Many years ago when I had less experience than I have now, I tried making small planta- tions without trenching, as I grudged the labour and expense. The attempt resulted in total failure. After wasting ten to fifteen years I had to have the ground trenched after all, and young trees planted in between the others, and these havo already passed those which had a long start of them. I can say broadly that on this heavy London clay all trees benefit enormously by trenching, and as for even the hardiest Conifers, they will not grow at all without it, for when their roots reach the walls of the hole they fail to penetrate, and the trees become hole- bound. Maple .. Copper Beech . . Horse Chestnut TRENCHED GROUND. Circumfer- ence of Height. branches, ft. in. ft. 31 0 40 0 106 Girth 3ft. 6in. high. 28 PARTLY IN TRENCHED GROUND. Maple 23 0 .. 67 .. 18 Copper Beech . . . . 27 3 . . 42 . . IS* UNTRENCHED GROUND. Maple 19 0 .. 42 13J Copper Beech . . 19 9 .. 36 .. 12 Horse Chestnut . . 34 0 . . 75 34 There is one other matter which I should like to mention before concluding my remarks. Although the deleterious effect of Grass and weeds on young trees, re- ferred to in the earlier part of this article, is generally recognised, yet the expense of weeding is so prohibitive that it is usually abandoned the moment that the trees are high enough not to be choked by the Grasses. Yet, if people would only realise it, it is possible to take most satis- factory crops of vegetables, such as Pota- tos, Cabbages, Kale, Savoys, Broccoli, and Turnips, off ground where the young trees are eight to ten years old, and range from fifteen to twenty feet in height. I should like to show any readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle the young covert at Aldenham, where every, available inch of ground is cultivated, and has been cultivated, with profitable vege- table crops ever since the trees were planted. Of course, in time of war and high prices, such as we are living in now, a very good profit can be made out of vegetables from land which would otherwise lie idle, but the same crop was taken two or three years ago when the German peril was scoffed at by the majority, and when the primary object of such planting was to make the crop pay for the cost of weeding. Cer- tainly the result has been to produce an abnormally rapid and satisfactory growth in the mixed timber, with which the young wood is planted, and which consists for the most part of Ash, Oak, Norway Maple, Hornbeam Elm, Cherry. Birch, and Lime. Some parts which have only been planted three and four years have all the appearance of five to six years' growth.. I should add that the land has not only been well trenched, but well drained with open ditches, otherwise the results would have been very different. Vieary Gibbs. 112 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 21, 1915. ORCHID NOTES AND CLEANINCS. NOTICES OF BOOKS. SEEDLING ORCHIDS IN UNHEATED HOUSE. In Mrs. Bischoffsheim's Gardens, The Warren House, iStanmore, a very interesting point bear- ing on the possibility of keeping quite small seedling Orchids, and by inference larger ones, in an nnheated house during the summer months has been demonstrated. The seed-raising house was one of a block heated by a used boiler, which it was intended to Teplace by a new " Robin Hood." In June the work was put in hand, and Mr. F. Jones, the Orchid -grower at Warren I 1 Climbing Plants.* A new volume in Messrs. Jack's admirable "Present-day Gardening" series is sure of a warm welcome from professionals and amateurs alike, doubly so when it comes from the com- petent hand of Mr. Watson, curator of Kew Gardens. In one respect the title, Climbing Plants, is somewhat misleading, inasmuch as the author treats not only of true climbing plants, but of many plants which can only be termed "climbing" in the sense that they may be trained against a wall, a discipline to which almost any plant can be forced to submit. For Fig. 37. — clematis henryi. From Climbing Plants. See Review on this J age. House, removed most of the seed-pots and stores ■to a warm house in another range. A good number of seed-pots with numerous young plants in various stages, from which a sufficient stock had been pricked off and re- moved to the heated house, were allowed to remain in the cases in the house from which the heat had been cut off from the middle of June until the present time. Although tne weather, especially at night, on some occasions has been dull and colder than usual, not one of the little plants has died, and all compare favourably with those which were removed to a warm house. In- deed, the sturdy look of the numerous little seed- lings seems to indicate that when artificial heat is again turned on they may, as a result of the change, make better progress than their fellows which were kept warm during the temporary disarrangement caused by the fixing of the new boiler. instance, a very remarkable effect may be seen at Keir House, in Frith-hire, where a row of the Italian Cypress (C. sempervirens) has been planted against the £cuth front of the mansion, forming a series of slender green columns from plinth to cornice. Hovvbeit, what most people want to be informed about is the growths that may be applied with best effect as wall- covering, and Mr. Watson is an ideal guide in that matter. He offers timely warning, as well as encourage- ment, to ambitious gardeners. The craze for per- golas is as prevalent at present as that for rock- eries, one being the cause of almost as many dismal results as the other. Mr. Watson wisely observes that, in a climate where sunshine is more to be desired than shade, the proper function of a pergola is to serve as a support for climbing plants ; but even so, " the plants trained up and * Climbing Plants. fly William Watson. "Present-Pay Gardening" Series, Vol. xvii. (London : T. C. and E. C. Jack. 1915.) Price 5s. 6d. over a heavy-topped pergola cannot be properly seen from the inside." The only type of pergola which is both beautiful in summer and not un- sightly in winter is that which, in the time of Roses, is one of the chief attractions in Kew Gardens — namely, a series of arches at wide in- tervals with side rods connecting the tops of the standards. Was it a covert sense of humour that caused Mr. Watson to persuade Mr. W. Robimon to write an introduction to his volume? In effect it has had the advantage of instructing readers about both sides of certain questions. For in- stance, in the introduction one reads : " Ivy should not be put on a house or wall. . . . Ivy takes care of itself in the woods and copses, and though some people are careful to cut if off trees, it is a mistake to do so. ... I rather like taking one of the fine forms of Ivy and putting it at the base of a tree, with a stone over it, leaving it to climb up" (pp. 3 and 6). Mr. Watson, on the con- trary, writes of Ivy as " a public benefactor " in masking ugly buildings. " It is not so harmful to buildings as some people suppose," but " that its presence on trees is injurious to them cannot be gainsaid " (p. 57). Again, about the management of Clematis Mr. Robinson writes : " I lately read in one of the great morning papers elaborate directions for pruning Clematises — whether one should prune last year's growth, or this year's growth, or som« other year's growth. It was probably written by one of the lady students at some horticultural college. If we' had one here we could hardly p!ace°her 40 feet high in a Corsican Pine to prune a Clematis. By giving up all pruning trouble is sived and one gets a more picturesque result." Mr. Watson's experience leads him to a very different conclusion. "Pruning," says he, "is o.ie of the important points of good manage- ment," and he devotes Chapter IX. to gener-.l instructions upon the system to be followed in cultivating the various groups in the genus. Much disappointment, the ine-wtable lot of pur- chasers, might be averted if growers would only adopt Mr. Watson's view that grafting is not the best wav to propagate Clematis, and that it is done as'easily and quickly from internodal cut- tings, as recommended by Professor Balfour. It would have been an incalculable boon if Mr. Watson had revealed the secret of pruning Wis- taria, after which some of us have been groping for many years. In a "small volume treating of stove, green- 'house and hardy climbers, it would be un- reasonable to expect more than a very limited selection oi species. Moreover, there are manifest difficulties in preparing a list adapted for all parts of the United Kingdom. It would be an extravagant waste of wall space in mild districts to plant some of the shrubs recommended for walls, such as Fab'.ana, Griselinia, Leptospermum, Olearia macrodonta, which over a great part of the country require no protection. I cannot endorse Mr. Watson's approval of Lonicera Henryi, a profuse flowerer indeed, but much inferior in beauty to our native Honeysuckle. L. tragophylla, which is not mentioned, is far more brilliant than either. The distinction between north and south in relation to British climate is a deceptive one. Thus, although the author describes Hydrangea petiolaris as being "quite h3rdy in the south and well adapted for covering tree stumps, but requires a wall or cool conservatory in the northern counties," he may travel four hundred - miles north of London and find this plant climb- ing to a height of 30 ft, upon trees in Argyllshire. No notice cf this book would be just that paid no tribute of praise to the illustrations, coloured and plain. Anyone hitherto unac- quainted with " Constance Elliot" has only to look at her portrait in the frontispiece to fall in love with her at first sight. The book is won- derfully good value for half-a-crown. Ucibert Maxwell. August 21, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 113 THE FLOWERS OF MILTON. n. (Concluded from p. 99.) REED. 1. The balmie Reed. P. L. V. 23. 2 Part incentive Reed ' Provide. P- !>■ VI. 519. 3 A Seraph stood and in his hand a Reed. P. L. VI. 519 4. Up stood the Cornie Reed Embattled in her field. P. L. VII 5 The Pastoral Reed Of Hermes. P- L. XI. 131. 6. Sound of pastoral Reed with oaten stops. Comus, 3(5. 7 All at once their Reeds Put forth. P. L. VI. 582. 8 WheTe winds with Reeds and Osiers whisp'r- ing play. P- ■»• H. 26. 9. Smooth-sliding Mincius, crown'd with Vocal Reeds. Lycidas, S6. The Cornie Reed in No. 4 is Wheat. ROSE. 1 Sight of vernal bloom or Summer's Rose. P. L. III. 1,3. 2. Flowers of all hue and without Thorn the Rose. P- L. IV. 2.56. 3. She strews the ground With Rose and odours from the Shrub unfum'd. P. L. V. 31)9. 4. Gentle Aires from their wings Flung Rose flung odouTS from the epicie shrub. P. L. VIII. 617. 6. As killing as the Canker to the Rose. Lycidas, 11)5. 6. Like a neglected Rose It withers on the Stalk with languisht head. Comus, 7(3. 7. ImpuTpl'd with Celestial Roses smil'd. P. L. III. S6(. 8. Iris all hues, Roses and Gessnmin. P. L. IV. 698. 9. And on their naked limbs the flourie roof Showr'd Roses. P. L. IV. 773. 10. In yonder Spring of Roses. P. L. IX. $18. 11. So thick the Roses basking round About her glow'd. P. L. IX. (26. 12. Down diop'd and all the faded Roses shed. P. L. IX. S93. 13. And fresh-blown Ros»s washt in dew. V Allegro, 2$. 14. And ye, the blooming Roses of the wood. Arc. S3. 15. Beds of Hyacinth and Roses. Comus, 997. 16. Courts thee on Roses in some pleasant Cave. Horace, Ode, t. In all these passages thore is not one that can b-; called descriptive of the Rose except its scent, which may be accounted for by Milton's blindness. But I may note on No. 2 that thornless Roses have not been confined to Paradise. They have come down to us. No Rose has a true thorn ; it has prickles (setae) springing from the bark, but no thorns springing from the wood underneath. In this way we may certainly apply to the Rose what Keble said of other flowers: "Relics ye are of Eden's bowers " (15th after Trinity). RUE. Then purged with Euphrasy and Rue The visual nerve. P. L. XI. (1(. RUSH. The rushy-fringed bank. Comus, S90. SAFFRON. There let Hymen oft appear In Saffron robe. L'Allegro, 116. Saffron is produced from the stigmas of Crocus sativus ; once largely cultivated in England, and much thought of as a medi- cine, but now only used as a colouring for cakes, etc. See also Crocus. SEDGE. 1. Or scattered Sedge. P. L. I. SOI,. 2. His mantle hairy and his bonnet Sedge. Lye. 101). 5. Or rockie Avon, or of sedgie Lee. Vac. Ex. 97. Any marsh plant. SWEET BRIAR. Through the Sweet-Briar or the Vine. L'Allegro, (7. THISTLE. 1. 'Thorns and Thistles it shall bring thee forth. P. L. X. 203. 2. Amongst rude burrs and Thistles. Comus, 352. Thistles are the emblem of useless growth ; so in another place, speaking of the Education of his day, Milton describes it as " the Asinine feast of sow thistles and brambles, which is commonly set before them. " — Education. THYME. With wilde Thyme and the gadding Vine o'ergrown. Lye. 1)0. VINE. 1. The flow'ry Vale of Sidma clad with Vine. P. L. I. 1,10. 2. The mantling Vine Lays forth her purple grape and gently creeps Luxuriant. P. L. IV. 258. 3. The Vine curies her tendrils. P. L. IV. 307. 4. Thev led the Vine To wed her Elm. P. L. V. 215. 5. In Heaven the Vines yield Nectar. P. L. V. 1)27. 6. Forth flourisht thick the clust'Ting Vine. P. L. VII. 320. 7. With wilde Thyme and the gadding Vine o'ergrown. Lycidas, 1)0. 8. Through the Sweet-Briar or the Vine. L'Allegro, 1,7. 9. I saw them under a green mantling Vine That crawls along the side of yon small hill, Ticking ripe clusters from the tender shoots. Comus, 293. 10. A Vine from Egypt Thou hast brought, # * * « To plant this lovely Vine. Ps. LXXX. 33-36. 11. Visit this Thy Vine. Visit this Vine which thy right Hand Hath planted. Ps. LXXX. CO, 61. See also Grape. VIOLET. 1. Underfoot the Violet. P. L. IV. 700. 2. The glowing Vio!i-t. Lye. 1(5. 3. There on beds of Violets blew. L'Allegro, 21. 4. Pansies and Violets and Asphodel. P. L. IX. 101,0. 5. The Violet-imbroider'd Vale. Comus, 233. WHITETHORN. When first the White Thorn blows. Lye. 1,8. Now known as the Hawthorn. WOODBINE. 1. To bind The Woodbine round this Arbour. P. L. IX. 216. 2. The Musk Rose and the well attir'd Wood- bine. Lye Ih1- The same that Milton also calls Eglan- tine (which see). It is our beautiful wild Honeysuckle, a plant which, though a great many of the same species have been introduced from all parts of the world, still stands unrivalled for beauty and scent. The Woodbine finishes the flowers actu- ally named by Milton, but something must be said about his general notices of flowers, gardens, and gardening. FLOWERS. I do not quote all the passages, but only those that are more or less descriptive. 1. Each beauteous flour, Iris all hues, Roses and Gessamin, Rear'd high their flourisht heads between, and wrought Mosaic. P. L. IV. 698. 2. From the root Springs lighter the green stalk, from thence the leaves More aerie, last the bright consummate floure Spirits odorous breathes. P. L. V. 1,78. 3. Flours worthy of Paradise which not nioe Art In beds and curious knots, but Nature boon Pour'd forth profuse on Hill and Dale and Plaine. P. L. IV. 21,1. 4. 0 flours * * » * My early visitation and my last At Ev'n, which I bred up with tender hand From the first op'ning bud and gave ye names. P. L. XI. 277. GARDENS AND GARDENING. Adde to these retired leasure, That in trim Gardens takes his pleasure. II Pens. i9. There are many other passages in which the words garden and gardening occur, but in none of them is there any descrip- tion of the gardens or of the garden-craft of his day. So I do not quote them, and will only add my wish to the readers of the Gardeners' Chronicle that if any of them detect any omissions or mistakes in what I have written they will kindly write to me. Henry N. Ellacombe, Bitton Vicarar/e . REMARKS ON THE CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS. (See Tables, Supplement, Gard. Chron., July 24, 1915.) (Continued from page 106.) 4, MIDLAND COUNTIES. Northamptonshire. — The season for fruit crops is a late one. Plums, Apricots, Peaches and Nectarines were adversely affected by the cold nights of April and May. Drought caused much stone fruit to fall ; but showers at the end of June improved the prospects. Our soil is light, sandy loam overlying ironstone, but it is very shallow and dries rapidly. John Meager, Harrowden Hall Gardens, Wellingborough. - Where orchards have been sprayed and cleansed, there are good crops of fruit of good quality. Apple trees flowered profusely, and set the fruits well. Cherry trees on walls are yielding exceptional crops. All fruit trees have been fed and watered frequently, as we have had very little rain here. The soil lias been in cultivation upwards of 70 years. Richard D. Greenham, Eawsley Park Gardens, Daventry. Nottinghamshire. — TheTe are very good crops of all fruits with the exception of out- door Peaches and Plums, which are failures owing to damage by frosts when the trees were in flower. On June 18 we registered 2° of frost. Our soil is light, on a sub-soil of sand. James E. Allan. Osberton Gardens, Worksop. The fruit blossom this spring was a wonderful sight. Apple trees are bearing heavy crops in most places, but locally the hailstorm on June 30 damaged the fruit much. Many Pears dropped owing to the six weeks' drought, but some varieties are carrying full crops. Plums vary considerably; a large proportion dropped off, but the varieties Czar and Victoria are cropping well, as also are Early Trans 114 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 21, 1915. parent. Damsons are rather poor. Goose- berries have yielded badly, Currants are good, but many Black Currants are reverting. Of Strawberries, the varieties Royal Sovereign and George V. were excellent, but many of the later varieties suffered from drought. J. R. Pearson and Sons, Lowdham. We registered 10° of frost on May 3, and 6° on May 14, which caused the failure of Plums, and together with drought and 6° of frost on June 18 completely destroyed the Strawberry crop. The Apple crop is an exceptionally large one, and the fruit looks well. Pears are yield- ing a good average crop, as also are Cherries, Gooseberries, Raspberries, and all other small damaged with blight, but Pear trees are healthy. The Raspberry crop was good, but Strawberries were a complete failure, owing to lack of rain. The soil here is a light loam on gravel and chalk, and in a dry season, such as this, it is difficult to obtain good results. This year we are also handicapped by the scarcity of labour. /. A. Hall, Shiplake Court Gardens, Henley-on-Thames. Considering the splendid show of blossom on all the fruit trees, the crops are very light, this applying especially to Apples. Plums are the most plentiful of the stone fruit. Last summer was not favourable to the growth of Strawberry plants, and the dry weather this Fig. 38. — tropaeolum polyphyllum. From Climbing Plants. See Review oil page 1P2. fruits. The soil here is of a light sandy nature, resting on a substratum of red sand. N. Barker, Clumber Pari Gardens, Worksop. All fruits, with the exception of Plums and . Apricots, are yielding average crops. Apricots, however, are a complete failure, partly owing to the inclement weather when the trees wer3 in bloom. Apples are plen- tiful. Currants have been aibove the aver- age, but the prolonged drought of six weeks from the middle of May till the last few days in June encouraged aphis, from which many fruits, and especially Black Currants, have suf- fered. Gooseberries and Cherries are satis- factory, and nuts are plentiful. ,4. C. Lehane, Park Hall Gardens, Mansfield Wood house. Oxfordshire. — Apple trees are badly spring was also against a good crop. The late variety, Givon's Prolific, has, however, done well. There is much blight on the fruit trees. .4. /. Long, Wyfold Court Gardens, Beading. The Apple crop was damaged by blight and drought, and the fruit dropped con- siderably. Strawberries appeared promising until the fruit was injured by late frosts, and the undeveloped blossom was killed. Blight damaged Black Currants, and caused the fruit on old trees to drop ; but on recently planted trees a few berries remain. We have a record crop of Raspberries, especially of the variety Superlative. T. W. Whiting, Shotoicr Park Gardens, Wheatley. Shropshire. — The fruit crops, especially those of the small fruits, suffered from the drought of May and June. Many of the Plums dropped, but this is an advantage in cases where the crops set heavily. Cherries were small and in- ferior. Apples are variable, and have suffered from attacks of aphis. Our soil is heavy loam. G. T. Mallhouse, Harper Adams Agrictdtural College, Newport. Staffordshire. — There are average fruit crops in this district. Early varieties of Straw- berries did badly, owing to drought, but such varieties as Givon's Late Prolific did well. Rasp- berries weTe excellent. The soil in this district varies considerably, and is clay, gravel and sand. It becomes very hard after heavy rains. M. Huntley, Old Fallings Hall Gardens, Wolver- hampton. Warwickshire. — There were laTge crops of Gooseberries, Red Currants and Raspberries, but Strawberries were under the average, although the quality was good. The early fruits of Strawberries were injured by frost. On May 15 we registered 10°, which damaged our bush Apple trees very 'badly, and only Allington Pippin, Lane's Prince Albert and Worcester Pearmain are carrying large crops. Chas. Hard- ing, Ragley Hall Gardens, Alcester. The fruit crops on the whole are pro- mising. Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines flowered well, but were damaged by cold winds and frosts, and where no protection was given we have hardly any fruit. Early Strawberries suffered from the drought in June, but late varieties were good. Gooseberries in exposed positions were damaged by frosts. Raspberries and Loganberries are exceptionally good and plentiful. Most varieties of Plums have cropped well. H. F. Smale, Warwick Castle Gardens. In the low-lying districts, close to the river, where these gardens are situated. Apples, Pears and Apricots are under the average, owing to the frosts and snow on May 13, 14 and 15, when we registered as much as 10° of frost. On higher ground, about one mile from here, only 4° were registered. The soil is heavy. Wm. Hay- lock, Ettington Park Gardens. Vtra/ford-on- Avon. 5, SOUTHERN COUNTIES. Berkshire. — The fruit crops are good on the whole, but Apples and Cherries have been damaged by blight, which has been more preva- lent than for many years past. A. MacKellar, Royal Gardens, Frogmore, Windsor. The crops generally are very satisfac- tory, although cold winds during the month of May caused both trees and bushes to suffer from aphis. The Strawberries were smaller than usual, hut on heavier land the fruit was of good quality. Nuts and Walnuts are plentiful. J. Howard, Benham Park Gardens, Newbury. The fruit crops here are very poor, although there was a great quantity of blossom. The frosts in May, however, were severe, the result being that all fruits set indifferently. We have a fair crop of Pears, but Apples are scarce, having suffered much from blight. The soil is light, with a subsoil of solid clay. Thomas Timson, Shinfield Lodge Gardens, Reading. The fruit crops in these gardens are up to the average, with the exception of Apricots on walls. Apples are not plentiful, owing to blight and drought. All bush fruit trees and Peaches trained on walls have done well. The Strawberry crop was good, but the fruit was small. The soil varies, being chalk or gravel, with a clay subsoil. ,4. B. Wadds, Engiefield Gardens, Reading. Cherries, Apples and Plums are badly in- fested with aphis. The soil here is heavy loam over clay subsoil. If mulched before the ground cracks owing to drought, the fruit withstands a dry period very well. John T. Tidl. Bear Wood Gardens, Wokingham. August 21, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 115 There was plenty of blossom on all fruit trees, but owing to the north-east winds Pears and Apples did not set well. Some Pyramid varieties, however, are carrying good crops. Peaches and Nectarfnes are yielding good crops. Bush fruits and Strawberries were excellent this year. It has been difficult to keep green and black fly and caterpillars in check owing to shortage of labour. Fred J. Thome, Sunning- dale Park Gardens. The fruit crops generally are above the average. Apples are exceptionally good, and are free from pests, although there is a great deal of aphis in the district. Pears promised well at the beginning of the season, but a great many of the fruits have dropped. Plums are plentiful, and small fruits generally are above the average. From May 18 to June 25 we were without rain, but we registered 1.75 of rain on the 25th, which greatly benefited the Strawberry crop. Edw. Harries. Lockings Park Gardens, Wantage. There has been a general infestation of aphides, owing in a large measure to a drought of six weeks' duration. A good many Pears are falling, owing to the larvae of the Pear midge. Hand-picking was resorted to in the case of trained trees, but this was not possible in the case of tall orchard trees. Raspberries, Currants and Gooseberries aTe yielding a large crop of good, clean fruit. The Strawberry season was a short one, but the fruit was of good quality. The soil is a strong clay, overlying chalk. IF. Oliver, Park Place Gardens, Henley-on-Thames. There are exceptional crops of Rasp- berries and Red Currants, whilst Gooseberries and Black Currants are up to the average. Pears set well, but have fallen in quantities. It has been the worst crop of Strawberries I have had since taking charge of these gardens. Apples vary considerably, some varieties having very large crops and others very small. Apricots and Cherries are not a success on out hot gravelly soil. J. Atkinson, Oakley Court Gardens, Wind- sor. There are excellent crops of Black and Red Currants, and Gooseberries are up to the average, the dessert varieties being exceptionally good. Some of the Apples are small, owing to lack of rain. Our soil is rather light, with a gravel subsoil, and unless we have one wet day a week throughout April, May and June, the crops are seriously affected. W. Tapping, Shin- field Manor Gardens, near Beading, Apples are yielding splendidly, and much thinning was necessary. Pears also are good. Red, White and Black Currants are a good average crop, but Gooseberries are unsatisfac- tory. Plum trees blossomed well, but two frosts late in May did much damage. The late frosts followed by drought did much damage to the Strawberry crop, which previously had given promise of being satisfactory. L. T. Petty, Arlington Manor Gardens, Newbury. Dorsetshire. — With the exception of bush fruits, the fruit crops generally present an ad- verse contrast to that of 1914. Of orchard Apples Annie Elizabeth and Golden Noble aTe the only two varieties which, although carrying a full crop last year, are bearing again this year. Pears are bearing light crops generally, and, so far, the fruits are small and unhealthy, owing to the severe atlack of black aphis. Of Plums, with the exception of Early Prolific and Czar, growing on a south wall, the crop is poor. Of Cherries, both Sweet and Morello, the crop is much under average, and the trees have been badly infested with black aphis. Peaches and Nectarines, on the con- trary, are so far healthy and carrying average crops. The cold weather experienced from March 26 to April 2 inclusive (when the total frost registered was 78°) is responsible for the failure of the Apricot CTop. Of small fruits Currants were very good indeed, but except in sheltered gardens the Gooseberry crop was cut off by the frost. Strawberries suffered from the five weeks' drought, which commenced May 20. Both Cob Nuts and Walnuts promise an average crop, but are late. T. Turton, Castle Gardens, Sherborne. There was a .good show of blossom on most fruit trees, and it set fairly well, but many Apples and Pears have dropped. Apples pro- mise well, but will not require much thinning. Bush fruits aTe rather under the average, but of good quality. Black Currants are the least satis- factory, most of the buds being destroyed by birds in about two days. The Strawberry crop was a good one, but owing to the dry weather the fruit was small. Raspberries aTe about an average number, and there is every prospect of a good yield of Morello Cherries. Figs usually do well here, and this year is no exception. Spring frosts did very little damage, everything being very dry at the time. Aphis has been much more prevalent than usual. /. Jaques, Bryan- ston Gardens, Blandford. The Apple crop is good, but not so ex- ceptional as it was last season, when many orchard trees were in danger of breaking. Pears are less plentiful than last year. Apricots are yielding better than I expected, as we had 15° of frost when the trees were in bloom, and every petal turned brown in spite of glass coping and special nets. All small fruits are plentiful, excepting Black Currants, which are badly affected with "big bud." The Strawberry crop was one of the finest we have had, the fruit being exceptionally large, although we had 5° of frost when the plants were in full bloom, but no flowers seem to have suffered. The soil is light, with clay subsoil, and the position is low and close to the River Axe. A. Shakelton, Forde Abbey Gardens, Chard. The crops on the whole may be described as good in quality and generally up to the average in quantity. Apples are rather under ; doubt- less due to overcropping last year. The quality is good on garden trees, but orchard trees have suffered greatly in some districts from the pro- longed drought and severe attacks of aphis. Trees while in bloom have rarely looked more promising. Raspberries were a heavier crop than usual, but Strawberries were badly frozen in some districts. The quality was good, but owing to the absence of Tain the fruit was smaller than usual, and the season was a short one. Plums are a much better crop than was generally expected, considering the severe aphis attacks and the heavy crops of the last season. E. C. Parslow, County Offices, Dorchester. {To be continued.) VEGETABLES. TELEGRAPH CUCUMBERS. I was interested in the excellent note of G., Stretton Hall Gardens, respecting Cucum- ber Every Day (see p. 50). 1 have never yet found a variety to beat our old friend Telegraph for purposes of utility. FTOm a plant of the latter variety growing in a bed in the Melon house here, and having the same treat- ment as Melons, I have cut about 30 fine fruits which had an average length of 18 inches and 8 inches in circumference, bearing 16 fruits at the same time ready to cut. It would be interest- ing if G. would state what quantity of fruit the pot plant was bearing at the same time, if the large specimen mentioned was one of a number of other fruits or just a special one for show purposes or something of that kind. Philip Bolt., junr., The Gardens, Stand Hall, Man- chester. PE-TSAI. The Pe-tsai, Chinese or Shantung Cabbage, is, I think, distinctly worthy of a place amongst our autumn vegetables, though it is not much grown in this country. The plant has a, some- what artistic appearance in form and colour, and the blossom is a far richer yellow than that of the ordinary Cabbage and its congeners ; it is totally unlike the ordinary C'albbag.3 in foliage and habit, and, roughly speaking, may be said to resemble the ISeakale Beet. It forms a heart somewhat like that of a Cos Lettuce, and may reach a weight of 5 lbs. Besides the main heart lateral hearts are often thrown out, and after cutting one or more of these may be encouraged. The seed may be sown in pan or bed, and the seedlings pricked out when ready directly into permanent quarters. I have not found that a sojourn in a nursery bed is at all advantageous. Sticcessional sowings of a pinch of seeds should be made. If sown too early it is aipt to bolt, and if too late it may not heart up before the cold weather sets in. Sow in July for cropping September to October and August for Octo- ber to December. My present experience is that about the middle of August is the latest date advisable in this district, and June sowings have mostly bolted. A good rich soil and a fair amount of attention to watering should be given. I grow it on my in- tensive bed, which is protected from the N. and E. by walls and is well supplied with stable and artificial manures, and with bonfire ashes and lime. The plants should be not less than 18 inches apart. Should eariy frosts occur it is well to give some shelter with twigs or matting, or transfer them to a frame. Plants grown without protection have mostly survived the last few winters, which have been mild, but the hearts suffer. Slugs must be well trapped from the bed, or with time and inclination the evan- escent soot may be used. Cropping is done either picking the tender kaves and their stalks as in the case of Couve Tronchuda and Seakale Beet, or the whole heart may be cut, when prob- ably another heart or hearts (if not thinned) will be available. I may note here that other things, such as Calblbages and Lettuces, may be double cropped by thinning down the shoots to one after cutting. The leaves or iearts may be treated as is the ordinary CalWbage 'by the English coot, but are preferably given a turn thereafter, when thoroughly drained, with a little butter or gravy or stock. The flavour is delicate and more com- parable to that of eooked Witloof than to that of ordinary Cabbage. The hearts may also be sliced and stirred up with a vinaigrette, suitably furnished with a little ravigotte, and served uncooked as a salad. Last autumn a guest asked what was the delightfully crisp and tender salad which was presented at table ; it was Pe-tsai. It may be remarked that in this form it is totally unlike the sliced raw Cabbage that one meets in U.S.A. under the name "cold slaw " — indeed a hard, noisome and unprofitable dish. My first trial of the vegetable was made with a poor strain and was not very satisfactory ; since then I have grown Vilmorin's Improved. This year I have harvested a quantity of seeds from the improved strain. H. E. Durham, Hereford. VEGETABLES FOR AUTUMN USE. Inasmuch as we have been urged officially to be abstemious in the use of meat it is de*ir- able, at the risk of reiteration, to draw attention to the advisability of growing as largely as pos- sible a stock of vegetables for autumn and winter use. The advice given in these columns at the outbreak of war a year ago should again be followed, and all the ground available in the vegetable quarter should be planted with suit- able kinds. The advice is repeated now in order that our readers may not only follow it themselves but also urge it upon those with whom they have influence. The unthriftiness of some people is almost incredible, and al- though there are many owners of small gardens who make the most of them, there are, un- fortunately, not a few who do not. If ever there was a time when it paid to cultivate gardens intensively that time is now. 116 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 21, 1915. The Week* s Work. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. J. Cobb, Gardener to Reginald Cory, Esq., Duffi'yn Gardens, near Cardiff, South Wales. Dahlias.— All Dahlias must now be strongly staked. In sheltered positions one support may be sufficient for plants from this year's cuttings, but those from old tubers will require three, to which the now rapidly-extending growths must be looped. These plants are flowering freely, and the faded blooms must be removed un- less any are required for seed, in which case the pod should be marked with a dis- tinguishing tie. A little thinning of the shoots may be necessary on old plants, but for a garden display it ought not to be necessary on cutting plants, if suitable varieties are grown for the purpose. In poor ground a little liquid manure occasionally will be helpful. In the case of some few varieties the habit of which indicates the re- quirements of the plant, feeding is essential ; such varieties include Chatenay Tuskar and Brentwood Yellow. Paeony-flowered, Collerette and Decorative Dahlias usually become exhausted through flowering freely. Propagating Bedding Plants.— Where large bedding schemes are carried out the next few weeks will be a busy time in propagating. Such plants as Pelargoniums, including Zonal- leaved, Ivy-leaved, and Cape varieties, Helio- trope, Lantana, Salvia, Tropaeolum, Coleus, Ire- sine, Calceolaria, Marguerite, Verbena, Fuchsia, Pentstemon, Viola, Leucophyta Erownii, and Gnaphalium microphyllum, must be dealt with as time permits, and suitable cuttings are forth- coming. Cuttings of Zonal Pelargonium will root readily in a sunny border in sandy soil, from which they can be lifted immediately they are rooted and potted. The more general method of striking these plants is in pots and boxes ; in favoured localities they root best in full sunshine out-of-doors, but in colder parts it may be neces- sary to afford them the protection of a frame. We propagate a large number of the variety Paul Crampel singly in 4-inch pots, choosing only strong cuttings. A few of the finest plants are shifted into 5-inch and 6-inch pots in the spring, and the others planted out of the cutting pots into their summer quarters. The soil should consist of a mixture of good loam, leaf-mould, and sand ; and the pots should be well drained. Our plants are never housed, being wintered in lean-to frames against plant houses, which afford a little heat, and protection is given from frost. Venti- lation and watering need careful attention. This method saves time in potting and valuable house space in the spring. With the exception of Coleus and Iresine, which need a little bottom heat, and the Zonal Pelargoniums, which should be exposed for some time to the open air, the other plants mentioned should be rooted in a cold frame and shaded from sunshine. Moderate waterings and sprinklings overhead in the after- noons of hot days will soon induce roots to form. To prevent damping, remove the lights for a short time in -the early mornings of fine days. Heliotropes intended to be grown as standards should be propagated from strong basal shoots inserted singly in small pots; when rooted, the plants must be kept growing steadily all the winter ; the same remarks apply to "Lantanas and Fuchsias. For general purposes, several cut- tings in a 4-inch pot or a larger number in a box will be found convenient. In dealing with a large number of Violas and Pentstemons, root the cut- tings .in close frames over beds, 6 inches deep, of very sandy soil, with a few inches of coal ash and cinder at the bottom, the whole pressed firm. Viola cuttings may now be had in abundance, and many of the shoots may be obtained with a few roots attached. Stock plants of Lobelia for furnishing cuttings early next year should be clipped of the flowering growths. Choose the best specimens of good strains: when growth has recommenced lift and pot the plants for winter- ing indoors. Note-taking. — The note-book should be a gardener's constant companion. Records should be made of the various parts of the garden as they are at their best. There is much to note now, as the summer bedding is at its full beauty and the borders of perennials gay with Phloxes, Pentstemons, Antirrhinums, Violas, Kniphofias, Gladioli, and annuals. Good varieties should be noted carefully, and definite arrangements made, if possible, for next year's plans. Changes in summer bedding are generally looked for yearly, and as the propagation of many plants must be undertaken now, it is necessary before commencing these operations to know approxi- mately how many plants of each kind aTe re- quired. With the present scarcity of labour in many gardens some may find it necessary to adopt a scheme which entails but little labour. For in- stance, Pentstemons, Antirrhinums, Violas, Cal- ceolaria amplexicaulis, and many annuals will give a splendid return with much less labour than is necessary with Heliotropes, Lantanas, Salvias, and Pelargoniums. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By V? Heiu.ey Warren, Gardener to the Aston-CHnton Pan Estate, (the Rt. Hon. Lord Rothschild), Buck- inghamshire. Apples and Pears.— These fruits, since the heavy rains of the past month, have swelled freely in this neighbourhood, and the trees ap- pear cleaner and healthier. Attend to the stop- ping and removal of superfluous growths. Most of the trees are now pretty free~of insect pests, and only want a few weeks1 sunny weather to ripen the wood. Espalier and bush trees especi- ally are looking promising for bearing next year, and the fruiting buds are swelling fast, the spurs of some varieties being studded with flower-buds. Figs.— Outdoor Figs are ripening, and no fruit seems to attract wasps so much as these. Besides destroying the nests, an excellent way of entrapping wasps is to hang bottles, partly filled with syrup and water, on poles high above the wall upon which the fruit is growing, or the bottles may be placed on the top of the wall. Most of the insects that enter the bottles get drowned ini the liquid, very few finding their way out again. It is not safe to use poisonous liquids, and espe- cially those containing arsenic, near ripening fruit, unless it is absolutely certain that the in- sects cannot emerge from the receptacles in which the poison is placed. The bottles should be emptied at frequent intervals, or as soon as a good catch has been secured, and fresh liquid placed in them. Do not over-water the roots whilst the fruit is ripening, nor gather the fruit before it is quite ripe, as, unlike many other fruits. Figs do not improve in flavour by being gathered before they are fit to eat. To those who contem- plate planting during the forthcoming season it must be remembered that the Fig delights in a well drained, deep, light, loamy soil. If the sub- soil is not sufficiently porous drainage must be provided. Little or no manure need be added to the soil, unless it be a small quantity of quarter or half-inch bones, as these, unlike stable manure, will not cause the trees to make strong, sappy growth. The distance at which the trees should be planted from each other is for a wall 10 feet or 12 feet high, about 18 feet apart, and in favourable conditions the trees will quickly fill the intervening spaces. The trees should lie either fan or horizontal shape. Some regard the horizontal trained trees as more fruitful than those trained more erect, but as a rule Fig trees quickly come into bearing, pro- viding the wood is well ripened. In pruning and training the Fig, endeavour to have a regular supply of young wood in every part of the tree. The distance apart for each shoot should be sufficient to allow plenty of sunshine and air to reach every part ; an average space of 12 or 14 inches is suitable, unless the tree be a small-leaved variety. At the end of the summer or autumn the lateral shoots generally show plenty of fruit, but these appearing so late in the year will not ripen in this country the same season, yet some of the fruit will attain to half its size, or more. Such as reach the size referred to, or even if much larger than a large Marrow Pea, will very seldom survive an English winter. It is therefore the practice of some — and it might be generally recommended — to remove at the end of the autumn all fruits of the size described, but in most instances they might, with advantage, be removed at an earlier period, for by doing so the sap is diverted to the formation of one, or occasionally two, em- bryo Figs at the side of the fruit removed. These secondary fruits will be so small as to escape injury, and they will ripen well the follow- ing summer. During a severe winter the trees should be protected, and this is absolutely neces- sary in gardens in the colder parts of this country. Dry Bracken Fern is an excellent mate- rial to use, and can be so fixed among the branches as to afford all the necessary protection without excluding much air and light. Place a thick mulch of the same material, or strawy manure, over the roots to protect them from be- coming severely frozen. The material may be removed, if needs be, early in the following spring. The pruning of Fig trees was described in the issues for March 13 and 20 last. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lady Nunburnholme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire. Bulbs for Forcing.— To obtain bulbous flowers early it is better to order and plant the bulbs early than to subject them to hard forcing later, as flowers that develop slowly have more substance, and last longer when cut than those that are hurried. A start may be made with White Roman Hyacinth, Paper White and double Narcissi as soon as the bulbs are received from the nurserymen, potting or boxing a sufficient number, and then following with the standard varieties of Narcissus and Tulips. Consideration should be given as to whether the plants are merely intended to furnish cut blooms or to be used as decorative plants. Where large quantities of cut flowers are required, boxes are the moTe suitable receptacles; they should be about 6in. deep, and> the length and width to suit the convenience of the garden. Grade the bulbs so as to place those of the same size in the same box, then the flower-spikes will be of an even size, and the appearance of the boxes improved. The box method gives excel- lent results, but it is an advantage to grow some of the finest bulbs in pots. In both cases the bulbs should be first covered with the soil, which should consist of good loam, mixed with plenty of sharp sand ; do not use rank or half-decayed animal manures. After planting, place the boxes or pots on a well-drained bottom, and cover them with coal ashes or similar material, to the depth of several inches. Water is not usually required until after the pots or boxes are removed from the plunging material. Euphorbia (Poinsettia) pulcherrima.— Plants raised from cuttings inserted late in the season should be shifted at once into the pots in which they will flower and afforded every encouragement to hasten their growth. Pots 5 inches in diameter are large enough for this late batch. . Much may be done to keep the plants growing freely by feeding them with liquid manure and other stimulants. Plants of the earlier batches will soon have attained as much size as is necessary, when more air should be admitted and the atmosphere kept drier. The plants, both large and small, should stand clear of each other, for when crowded the bottom leaves may drop before the inflorescence appears, thus spoiling the effect. Winter -Flowering Pelargoniums.— Con- tinue to pinch out the points of the shoots occa- sionally, to induce a bushy habit, and to remove all flower-buds until the end of August.^ By the middle of September arrange the plants in a cool greenhouse, and let them enjoy plenty of fresh air whenever the weather is favourable. If fresh batches of plants are brought under glass as re- quired, and the temperature kept as near 50° as possible, a succession of flowers will be assured. Richardia africana (AbumI- In gardens where the fine bold floweTs of the White Arum are in demand for winter and early spring decorations some of the roots should be placed in pots. Those planted out-of-doors August 21, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 117 during the summer give good results with little trouble. The plants should be lifted carefully, and the loose soil shaken from the roots with a view to reducing the ball to a size suitable for the pots. The root may be placed in a 5-inch pot, or two or three in larger pots, which should be well drained. Use a rich compost, as the plants are gross feeders, and need plenty of stimulants during the growing season. After potting them stand the plants in a deep pit, where they can be kept close and shaded for a short time, and syringed frequently overhead. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Ro}ral Gardens, Windsor. Carrots. —Plants raised from seed sown a month ., Geo. Bunyard & Co., Barr & Sons, Hobbies, Ltd., Stuart Low & Co., Dobbie & Co., Edwin Hollamby, and Alex. Dickson & Sons, Li d. Alone among the firms circularised Mr. F. jOMEb Waterer, of J. Waterer, Sons & Crtsp, Ltd., lends sup- port to Dr. Hewitt's cri'icism. He agrees to some extent with Dr. H'WITT and says that the packing of Continental stock is often supe- rior to that of stock sent out from this country, adding that " The Continental packers pay minute attention to the smallest detail, while I have seen English stuff arrive without any attempt at packing in the proper sense. It would seem probable that the offenders — if offenders there be — are the smaller men, and that it might be worth the while of the Horticultural Trades' Association to issue — diicctlv, or in co-operation with the Horticultural Branch of the Board of Agriculture — one or more leaflets on the proper packing of nursery stock." Priz-s for Railway Station Gardens.— The awards in the annual competition for the best-kept station gardens on the Portpatrick and Wigtownshire Railway have just been issued. They are as follows: 1st (equal), Creetown and 1 —lliole ; 2nd, Newton-Stewart; 3rd, Glenluce. Prizes for Cottage Gar dens.— For a number of years past the Countess of Selkirk, Balmae, has offered .prizes for the best-kept cot- tage gardens in her locality. Mr. W. Hutchin- S3N, gardener to C. E. Galbraith, Esq., Terregles, officiated as judge this season and awarded the 1st prize in the St. Mary's Isle district to Mrs. Dorrance, Mute Hill, and the 2nd prize to Mrs. Grahame, Auchenfleur. In the Balmae district Mrs. Boyle, Craikness, won the 1st prize, and Mrs. Caldow, Dromore, the 2nd. Admiral de la Galissonniere, 1693- 1 756.— The second of a series of articles on famous amateurs, published in Le Jardin, deals with the distinguished Admiral de la Galisson- niere, who defeated Admiral Byng in 1756. In the course of his many voyages he planted vege- table seeds and fruit trees in the countries which he visited, and also brought back to France seeds obtained from those countries. His intro- ductions were mostly from the French posses- sions in North America. Thus it was to Ad- miral de la Galissonniere that we owe the first introduction, in 1732, of the Tulip tree (Lirio- dendron tulipifera), of which three seeds only germinated in the Trianon Garden. He intro- duced also Acer Negundo (1735), Acer sac- charinum, and in 1738 the red "Cedar" (Jun- iperus virginiana), raised by Duhajiel. In 1748 he brought home seed of the swamp Cypress Taxodium distichum, which, however, did not grow, owing to its having been planted in an unsuitable situation ; and probably about the same date the gallant admiral introduced the fine variety of Magnolia which commemorates his name — M. grandiflora Galissonnierensis. In his retirement, spent in the chateau at Palet, near Nantes, he grew the products of his peace- fid conquests, Oaks and Acers, Ostrya virginiana, Sassafras, Tulip tree, and many another which made the Pare de la Galissonniere celebrated among gardeners the world over. The chateau was burned during the war of La Vendee, the park was sold, and the trees were felled and converted into firewood. American Gooseberry Mildew.— Experi- ments carried out by Messrs. Brooks, Petherbridge and Spinks on Gooseberries grow- ing on Messrs. Chivers and Son's Histon fruit farm indicate that spraying is not a satisfactory mode of checking American Gooseberry mildew. The varieties experimented with were Whin- ham's Industry and Keepsake, and although both lime-sulphur and Bordeaux mixture were found to reduce slightly the amount of the disease their preventive effect did not in the opinion of the authors justify the cost. The remaining alterna- tive— tipping — is recommended, although it is curious to observe that the authors, who experi- mented with twenty-two plots, did not reserve a plot on which to observe the efficacy of this method. They recommend that tipping should be carried out in early autumn, as soon as danger of renewed growth is past — early September being the best period. Diseased fruit should also be destroyed. White Island, New Zealand.— Whakari, or White Island, in the Bay of Plenty, North Island, New Zealand, viewed from the sea, Mr. W. R. B. Oliver informs us, is a magnificent sight. The outer slopes of the water are coloured pink, and have at their base and western end dark green patches of vegetation. From the south a portion of the sulphur-coloured cliffs within the crater is seen, while from the top of the island issue immense columns of steam, which in fine weather rest as a white cloud above. The cliffs' are rather brightly coloured, yellow and Ted tints prevailing. A lake of greenish-yellow water, boiling in many places, stretches from cliff to cliff. The steam is heavily charged with hydrochloric acid fumes, which are highly detrimental to vegetation. Mr. Oliver gives the results of his botanical investigations of the island in the Journal of the Linnean Society. Leaving out particulars of associations, the vascular plants observed were : — Pteris in- cisa, Poa anceps, Deyeuxia Forsteri, Phormium tenax, Chenopodium triandrum, Mesembryan- themum australe, Metrosideros tomentcsa, M. robusta, Solanum nigrum, Coprosma Baueri, Gnaphalium luteo-album and Sonehus oleraceus. A New Natural Family of Flowering Plants.— The announcement of the foundation of a new family of llowering plants is sufficient to awaken the curiosity of gardeners as well as botanists. Very few persons have seen a member of the Podostemaceae, as generally limited, in the living state, and the name even will be un- known to the majority of cultivators. The plants of this family, in the wider sense, are herbs closely attached to rocks and sub- merged trunks in running water. They are very dissimilar in habit, but mostly moss-like with inconspicuous flowers, and they are sparsely dispersed throughout the tropics, though rela- tively common in America. One species is re- corded from tropical Australia, and two or three species inhabit extratropical North America. Dr. J. C. Willis's new family, Tristichaceae, published in the Journal of the Linnean Society, XLVIIL, p. 49, is based on the genus Tristieha and two other small genera (previously included in the Podostemaceae), on grounds which need not be discussed here, as these very singular organisms are difficult of classification. Their present distribution is highly interesting ; some of the species are apparently quite local, while others have a wide Tange. Thus Tristioha hypnoides ranges from Mexico to Uruguay, and also occurs in tropical and South Africa and Madagascar. Altogether about 150 species are on record. They grow in torrents and rapid streams, flowering with the fall of the water and germinating in the rise, the seeds adhering to the matrix by their mucilaginous testa. Publications Received. — Report on the Improvement of the Victoria Garden, Bombay. By C. D. Mahaluxmivala. (Bombay: The Times Press.) — Illustrations of the New Zealand Flora. Edited by T. F. t'hee6eman, with the assistance of W. B. Hemsley. The plates drawn by Mi*s M. Smith. In two volumes. (Wellington, N.Z. : John Mackay, Government Printer.)— The Indian Emigrant. Edited by T. K. Swaminathan. Vol. I, No. 11. (Madras: 33, Broadway.) Annual subscrip- tion 10s. — A Disease of Pines Caused by Cronartium phyriforme. By G. G. Hedgcoek and W. H. Long. (Bulletin 247 of United States Department of Agriculture. Washington : Government Printing Office.) — Journal of Genetics. Vol. 5, No. 1. July, 1915. (Cambridge University Press.) Price 10s.— The Journal of Heredity. August, 1915. (Washington. For cir- culation among memuers only. — Wallrothiella arceuthobii. By James R. Weir. (Reprint from Journal of Agricultural Research. Washington, Department of Agriculture.) THE MARKET FRUIT CARDEN. A Point for Vegetable Physiologists. Does the mere setting of embryo fruit neces- sarily involve .pollination ? * I hope that this question is not an exposure of ignorance. It is commonly supposed that if the tiniest fruitlet appears after the fall of a blossom the latter must have been pollinated. But is this certain? The extensive failure of tiny Plums to swell and stick on the trees in this and some recent seasons makes me doubt the truth of the supposition. For example, a row of Black Diamond Plums on the outside of one Apple orchard and another row of the same variety on the outside of a Plum orchard blos- somed well and set many f ruitlets ; but not one of them matured. Now, Black Diamond is notoriously not a self-pollinator, and although some other varieties are close to it in both cases (a few Plums being grown in gaps between Apples in the Apple orchard) they bore hardly any blossom this season. Apparently, then, the blossom of Black Diamond was not pollinated', and for that reason, it may be suggested, the fruitlets all dropped. Bellbine in Orchards. Surely Bellbine is the worst of all weeds in garden or cultivated orchard. Couch Grass is bad enough, but can be extirpated at some ex- pense, whereas, so far as I know, Bellbine can- not be got rid of permanently. The present season seems to have suited the weed especially well, as there has never before been such a com- plete covering of an orchard on my lightest land as there has been this summer. Hoed up twice, it is coming thickly again, and must be dealt with a third time. If I had to choose land afresh for fruit planting, I would not buy any subject to Bellbine at any price. Results of Top Grafting. The droughts of the greater parts of April, May and June were very unfavourable for graft- ing. To begin with, the sap was running none too freely in the latter half of April, when a large number of Irish Peach Apples in one of my orchards were topped and grafted with Bramley's Seedling. The variety is not a good one for the purpose. It is even less sappy than Duchess of Oldenburg, the on.er one dealt with this year. The drying of the soil became much worse in parts of May and June, and the grafts were dried up on occasional branches, though the great majority made a gcod start sooner or later. The most common causes of failure, apart from the drought, were the use of scions not stout enough and insufficient care in coating over the cuts with wax. Sometimes the smear of wax, apparently covering the grafted places well when put on, is too thin to stand unbroken when dried, so that it gapes open more or less and lets drought in to the scion. It is a good plan to go over the grafts a couple of days after placing them, and to make gocd any cracks in the wax where a scion has died. The stock lower down has been budded since, and the buds have apparently "taken" in nearly all cases. The rains of July have helped the grafts remarkably well, and the latter have grown with such vigour that the trees begin to look well furnished. A Southern Grower. I"* No. It is a well-established fact that cer- tain varieties of such fruit as Apples are partheno- carpic, i.e.. they set fruits without fertilisation. For a general discussion of the subject, see Card. Chron., December 14, 1912, p. 457.] August 21, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 121 POUR NOS AMIS FRANCAIS ET BELGES. CHRONIQUE SPECIALE (XLI). LES FRAISES EN ANGLETERRE. Les premieres Fraises z. bunches... — Yellow, per do7. bunches .. Eucharia, per doz. Gardenias, per box of 15 and IS blooms.. Gladioli : — Brenchleyensis, per doz. spikes — The Bride (white).. — America, per doz, spikes . . — Halley (salmon) perdoz. spikes — Pink Beauty . . Gypsophila, pani- culata, double, per doz. bun. . . Lapageria, per doz. blooms L f 1 ium longi- florum, per doz.. long short — lancifolium album, long . . short . . i mum lancifolium rubrum, per doz., long Bhort .. Lily-of - the- Valley, per dozen buncheB : — extra special . . Cut Foliage, &e.: Average Wholesale Prices. 3.d. i.d. Lily-of- the -Valley, per d oz e n bunches— cortt. : — special . . 15 0-18 1 — ordinary — — ilarguerites.yellow, per doz. bun. . . 1 6- 2 0 Orchids, per doz. : — Cattleya 10 0-12 ( Harrisoniae 4 0- 5 0 — Odontoglossum crispum 2 6- 3 0 Pelargonium, per doz. bunches, double scarlet 4 0- 6 0 — white, per doz. bunches 4 0- 6 0 Physalis, per doz. bunches 6 0- 8 0 Roses : per dozen blooms, Bride 1 0- 1 6 — Duchess of Wellington . . — — — GeherahTacque- minot .. 0 4- 0 6 — Joseph Lowe.. — — — LadyHillingdon 0 9- 1 0 — Liberty 1 0- 1 6 — Madame A. Chatenay 0 9- 1 0 — Melody 0 9- 1 0 — My Maryland. . 0 9- 1 0 — Niphetos 0 9- 1 0 — Prince de Bui- garie . . — — — Richmond 0 9- 1 6 — Sunburst 1 0- 1 6 — White Crawford 1 0- 2 0 Scabiosa caucasica (mauve), per doz. bun. 1 6- 2 0 Spiraea, white, per doz. buncheB.. — — Statice, mauve, per doz. bun. 3 0- 4 0 — white and yel- low, per doz. bun 3 0- 4 0 Stephanotis, per 72 pips . . 1 0- 1 6 Stock,double white, per doz. bun. .. 4 0- 5 0 Sultan, whi te, mauve, yellow, perdoz, bun. . . 2 0. 3 0 Tuberoses, per pac- ket, 24 blooms 0 4- 0 6 Violets, per doz. bunches 1 6- 2 0 White Heather, per doz. bunches . . 6 0- 9 0 Adiantum Fern (Maidenhair) best, per doz. bunches Agroatis (Fairy Grass), per doz. bunches ABparagus plwno- sus, long trails, per half-dozen — medium, doz. bunches — Sprengeri Carnation foliage, doz. bunches . . Croton foliage, doz. bunches .. Cycas leaves, per doz. Eulalia japonica, per bunch s. <1. s. d. s. d. s.d. 12 0-18 0 6 0-12 0 3 0-60 12 0-16 0 10-16 Fern, French, per doz. bunches.. — common Galax leaves, green, per doz. bun. Grasses, various, per doz. bun. Hardy foliage, various, per doz. bun. Lichen Moss, per doz. boxes . . 10 0-12 0 Moss, gross bunches Myrtle, doz. bnchs. E n g 1 i a h , small- leaved — French, per doz. bunches.. Smilax, per bunch of 6 trails 0 6-08 3 0-40 2 0 — 16-26 4 0-80 I 0 — 6 0 — 1 0- 1 : 10-16 REMARKS. — Prices for Liliums are exceptionally high for the time of year, and especially for Lilium longi- florum. All flowers from out-of-doors have suffered from the frequent rains, especially white Asters, for which there is a good demand. All white flowers have advanced in value. Good Roses are scarce ; the better varieties are Mme. Abel Chatenay. Climbing Liberty, Molly Sharman Crawford (white), and Melody (yellow). There are large supplies of coloured Gladioli, includ- ing G. Brenchleyensis, and the varieties America, Halley and Pink Beauty. Sweet Peas are nearly over. The supply of Chrysanthemums, for which there is a good demand, is gradually increasing, and the flowers are arriving in a better condition than hitherto. The disbudded varieties are Countess (white) and Mercedes (yellow). Roi des Blancs is the best spray white, whilst of coloured varieties Verona (bronze), Carrie (yellow) and Horace Martin (yellow) are the best. Of Orchids, Cattleyas are more plentiful, Odontoglossums are scarce, and there are a few good Cypripediums. Physalis is available, and a few English Violets are also on sale. Plants In Pots, &e. : Average Wholesale Prlees. s.d. s.d" i. 0-18 0 Peaches, English, per doz. . . 10-00 Pears, English, per bus. .. 3 0-50 — Williams, (48) per box . . 2 6-36 Plums, peri bus... 16-50 Raspberries, — perdoz. punnetts 6 0- S 0 Remarks.— The supplies of English Apples, both of cooking and dessert varieties, are increasing daily. English and Continental Pears, Plums and Greengages are plentiful. A few Raspberries are still available, but Currants are over. Morello is the only kind of Cherries still on the market. The supplies of Peaches and Nectarines exceed the demand ; Melons and Figs are plentiful. All varieties of Grapes are arriving in large quantities. The first consignments of Cobnuts are to hand. E. H. R., Covent Garden, August 18. Vegetables: Average Wholesale Prices. s.d. s.d. Artichokes, Globe, per doz. . . 16-26 Aubergines.perdoz. 2 0-26 Bee troot, per bus 3 6- — Cabbage, per tally 2 6-30 Carrots, perewt. .. 5 0 _ Cauliflowers, per doz. 4 0 5 0 Cucumbers, per doz. 2 0- 8 0 Garlic, per lb. 1 0- 1 6 Herbs, per doz. bunches 2 0- 6 0 Leeks, per dozen . . 1 6- 2 0 Lettuce, Cabbage and Cos, per doc. 1 0- 2 6 Mushroom a, culti- vated, per lb. . . 1 ti- 2 0 — Buttons 1 6- 2 0 — Outdoor, per £ bus — — 7 6-80 3 0-60 1 0- 1 :« 10-20 1 0- -1 0 3 0-36 2 0-30 4 0-46 2 0-30 0 4-00 Remarks. — Large quantities of Tomatos are arriving daily. Cauliflowers and Peas of good quality are scarce. All other seasonable vegetables are plentiful. E. H. R., Covent Garden, August 18. s.d s.d. Mustard and Cress, per dozen pun- nets .. .. 0 10- 1 0 Onions, per cwt., Foreign . . 3 6-60 — green, per doz. bunches .. 2 0-30 — Valencia, per case Peas, per bus. Radishes, per doz. bunches Scarlet Runners, per bushel shallotB, perdoz... Spinach, per buB. .. Tomatos, Engl ish, per doz. Turnips, per cwt. Vegetable Marrowa, per tally Watercress, p. doz. August 21, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 127 New Potatos s.d. s.d. Bedfoids— Puritans . Epicures . Eclipse Black! and . 3 G- 4 0 3 G- 3 9 3 9-43 3 3-39 s.d. s.d. Kents — Puritans .. .. 3 9-43 Eclipse . . . . 4 0-43 Sharpe's Express 4 0-43 Lincolus — Queens .. .. 3 6-40 Epicures .. .. 3 3-39 Eclipse . . . . 3 9-40 Remarks.— Trade is still slow and the supplies are equal to the demand. Unfortunately, some tubers are showing signs of disease. Edward J. Newborn, Covent Garden and St. Pancras, August 18. THE WEATHER. WEATHER IN WEST HERTS. Week ending August 18. Warm, Calm, and Sunny.— The days of the past week were, with one exception, warm for the time of year, and also most of the nights, but at no time did the tem- perature in the thermometer-screen rise above 71°. The ground is at the present time at a seasonable tem- perature both at 1 foot and 2 feet deep. Some rain fell on four days, and to the total depth of half an inch. During the week nearly a gallon of rainwater has come through the bare soil percolation gauge, but none has come through that on which short grass is growing for a fortnight. Both gauges are a yard square and 2£ feet deep. The sun shone on an average for eight hours a day, which is two hours a day longer than is usual in August. Calms and light airs alone prevailed during the week. On the last day, the 17th inst., the total velocity for the twenty-four hours was only nine miles — making this, with two exceptions, the calmest day in August during the twenty-nine years over which my records at Berkhamsted extend. The mean amount of moisture in the air at- three o'clock in the afternoon exceeded a seasonable quantity for that hour by 3 per cent. E. M. GARDENING APPOINTMENTS. [Correspondents are requested to -write the names of persons and places as legibly as possible. No charge is made for these announce- ments, but if a small contribution is sent, to be placed in our collecting Box for the Gardeners' Orphan Fund, it will be thankfully received, and an acknowledgment made in these columns.] Mr- Alfred Jakeman, for four years Foreman at Holkham Hail Gardens, Norfolk, as Gardener to J. Meglaughlin, Esq., Rockhurst, West Hoathly, Sussex. Mr- F- W- Shemming-. previously Foreman at Parkwood, Englefield Green, Surrey, Leyswood, Groombridge, Sussex, and Heacham Hall, Norfolk, as Gardener to J. Chambers, Esq., Elstree, Redhill, Surrey. (Thanks for Is. for R.G.O-F. box.— Eds.) Mr. G. H. Akerman, for the past 6 years Gardener to P. F. Wigan, Puckrup Hall. Tewkesbury, as Gar- dener to Viscount Gort, Cave'-rsfield House, Bicester, Oxfordshire. (Thanks for Is. for R.G.O.F. box.— Eds.) Mr. W. Collis. for the past 12 years Gardener at Grove Lodge, Muswell Hill, London, as Gardener to Percy Honri, Esq., at Cromwell Hall, East Finchley, London. (Thanks for 13. 6d. for R.G.O.F. box.— Eds.) Mr. Charles Hill, for the past 5J years Gardener to R. S. Boden Esq., Aston Lodge, Derby, as Gar- dener to Lady Hepton, Newton Green Hall, Leeds. DEBATING SOCIETIES. WATFORD HORTICULTURAL.— The usual monthly meeting was held on the 10th inst., at the Friends" Meeting House. Mr. H. Newman presided. The even- ing was devoted to questions, which were very ably answered by Messrs. J. Leslie and W. B. Kettle. CATALOGUES RECEIVED. Bulbs- Dickson, Brown and Tait, 57, Cross Street, Manchester. Fisher, Son and Sibray, Ltd., Handsworth, Sheffield. Robert Sydenham, Ltd., Tenby Street, Birmingham. Alfred Dawktns, Chelsea. John Waterer, Sons and Crisp, 10, The Arcade, Liver- pool Street, London. Brown and Wilson, 10, Market Place, Manchester. Kent and Brydon, Darlington. W. Dhummond and Sons, Ltd., Stirling. Miscellaneous. John Waterer, Sons and Crisp, 10, The Arcade, Liver- pool Street, London. — Roses, Fruit Trees. ©bltuar^. Arthur Youno.— The death, of Mr. Arthur Young, gardener at Witley Court, Worcester- shire, was announced in our last issue. We now print the following particulars of his caTeer, kindly forwarded by Mr. William Crump, Madresfield Court Gardens, whose friendship with deceased has 'heen uninterrupted during the past thirty years. "Arthur Young was born at Becket House, Shrivenham, in 1856, where his father was head gardener to Viscount Barring- ton. He commenced work at an early age, and by the time he was 22 he was foreman under the late Mr. James Douglas at Loxford Hall. Two years later he became head gardener to Earl Chesterfield, Holme Lacy, Hereford, where cordon Pears and other fruits were specialities. His next move was to Abberley Hall, Worcester- shire, where he stayed nine years. From Abber- ley Hall he removed to Witley Court, the resi- dence of the Earl of Dudley, and he continued his devoted service there to the end. Mr. Young was chairman of the Parish Council, school man- ager, and church warden, and a most energetic committeeman of the Gardeners' Royal Benevo- lent Institution, Worcester Auxiliary, from its THE LATE MR. ARTHUR YOUNG. commencement. He was laid to rest in the quiet little graveyard of Witley, and the funeral was attended by the Countess Dudley, the Ladies Ward and other members of the family (the Earl being at the front), and a very large number of friends, including a deputation fTom the Wor- cester Auxiliary of the Benevolent Institution and several other public bodies. Mr. Young leaves a widow, one daughter, and two sons, one of whom is in the Army." Wnwfm LorrtepondcnU Aspidistra Leaves : H. T. The injury is due to stagnant water at the Toots. A plentiful supply of water is requisite, but the drainage must be good. Carnation Leaves Turning Brown : Constant Header. The Carnation plants are not dis- eased, but their failure is due to cultural treatment — too much moisture or an excess of stimulant. Flower Border : E. O. V. The dimensions of your border are 10 yards long by 12 deep. We assume you mean that it is 10 yards long by 12 feet deep. The partial shade caused by the Sequoia will not be a serious drawback. As you desire the main scheme to be rows of Michaelmas Daisies we advise you to plant three rows of these, the first 2 feet from the back, the second 5^ feet, and the third 8 feet. This will leave a good frontal margin for annuals or other plants. The back row of Asters, of tall and strong growers, should be planted 4 feet apart, the row taking seven plants. For the other two rows 3 feet between the plants will suffice. At the ex- treme back of the border, behind the spaces Mlx,-d Annutvls orAnMrrhmur with E-dqinO of Pir.k& or Viola of the Asters, there will be room for seven plants of Delphiniums, or, if preferred, Del- phiniums and Kniphofias alternately ; the Del- phiniums will rise above the Asters and give a display in June and July, and a small per- centage of bloom later if the faded flower- spikes are removed and the plants fed with manure water. Between the back and second row of Asters, Delphiniums and Phlox decus- sata in variety planted alternately and at the same distance apart as the second row of Asters wouid continue the colour through August. Between the second and third or front row of Asters alternate clumps of Mont- bretia and Phlox would give a gay colour tone. The space still available at the front of the border, namely 4 feet deep, will be partly taken up by the Asters, leaving 3 feet for annuals or, if you prefer, Antirrhinums, or Pentstemon Middleton Gem, with an edging of Pinks or Violas. This 4 foot front could be utilised for spring-flowering plants, such as Wallflowers, Polyanthus or Myosotis, among which and through the whole border could 'be planted buljbs of Tulips of the early- flowering and May-flowering types. You may also plant freely through the front 8 feet of the border late-blooming Gladiolus and Hya- cinthus candicans. The Tulip bulbs could be lifted when finished blooming and laid in soil to ripen, and the Gladiolus and Hyacinthus, or Galtonias, before winter. When the Phlox and other subjects have finished blooming the staking of the Asters will be of great import- ance, and if done well will hide much of the somewhat untidy appearance of Phlox and Delphinium stems. With proper attention your border will give a Ibright display of ibloom, with a few short intervals from spring to autumn. We append lists of varieties : — Aster— Back Row. 1. 2. 3. 4. Moonstone Rev. Wilks Beauty of Cohvall White Climax (Grey white) (Mauve) (Double blue) (White) Climax (Blue) I.il Fardel (Fink) Coombe Fishacre (Flesh) Aster— Second Row. 1, 2. 3. 4. 5, 6. 7, 8. 9, 10. Diana St. Egwiu Nancy Maidenhood Feltham Blue (Mauve) (Pink) (Blue) (White) (Blue) v.* Aster -Third Row. 1. ?• 3, 4, 5. G. 7, S. 9. Ideal Hou. V. Gibbs Graeillimus Dan Clarke 'Delijrlit (Mauve) (Pink) (White to (Blue) (White to pink) pink) Delphinium— Back. 1. 2. 3. 4. Florence Rev. E. Lascelles Moerbeimi Kinjr of (Cambridge (Dark blue and (White) Delphiniums blue) white) (Gentian blue) 6. 7. Nymphe Francis F. Fox Concours (Azure) (Dark) (Rosy mauve) Dei.i'mimi m ami Phlox- Second row. 1. 3. 5. Delphiniums Persimmon Amphion Duke Of Con naught 2. I. 0. Phlox (Jen, von llrutsz Fran Buchner Coquelicot (Salmon red) (White) (Orange scarlet) 7. 9. Delphiniums Mr. .1. S. Brunton Candidat 8. 10. Phlox ivl.iireur Paul Bert (Carmine) (Violet blue) 128 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 21, 1915. Phlox and Mostbbetia— Third Row. 2. i- 6. Phlox Elizabeth Campell Selnia Antonin Mercie (Li^ht salmon) (Light pink) (Lavender) S. 10. Phlox Flambeau Frau teuchner (Fiery red) (White) Giant Puff Ball : J. C. Your fungus, which measured 34 inches in circumference, is Lycoperdon bovista, the Giant Puff Ball (see fig. 42). It is one of the best of the edible fungi, if eaten -when young ' and the flesh is still white. The late Dr. M. C. Cooke, in his book British Edible Fungi, gives the following directions for cooking : (1) Cut in slices half an inch thick, it may be simply broiled or fried in Gutter, pepper and salt, and when served up hot will meet with general approbation. (2) Cut the slices less than half an inch thick, cover them with egg beaten up, and sprinkle with bread crumbs; fry them until the surface ninghill. 1. Veronica exaltata ; 2, Artemisia lactiflora ; 3, Sidalcea malvaeflora; 4, Lysi- machia verticillata ; 5, Rudbeckia laciniata ; 6, Rose Philadelphia Rambler ; 7, Rose Wichu- raiana alba. — H. S. E. Elymus arenarius, far as can be determined without foliage. — M. M. Escallonia macrantha : N. 0. Saxi- fragaceae. Nymphaea Leaves Diseased : Caltha. No fungus is present on the Water Lily leaves, but it cannot be stated definitely that the injury is caused by tar water from the road entering the stream. Peach Leaves : B. P. L. The injury is caused by the shot-hole fungus (Cerco- spora circumscissa), which attacks several of the stone fruits. Remedial measures should have been resorted to earlier, but next sea- son, when the leaves are young, spray the trees with liver of sulphur, one ounce in five gallons of water. Rambler Roses for West Wall : G. C. The following varieties are suitable for your pur- pose : American Pillar, Shower of Gold, Silver Moon, Miss Hellyett, Gerbe Rose, and Fran- cois Guillct. Rose excelsa : H. C. B. We regret that it is not possible for us to form an opinion in respect to the failure of particular shoots without seeing the specimens and learning something of the cultural conditions. Rose Leaves Diseased : W. S. L. The leaves are injured by the Orange Rust of Roses, which pest is common on certain varieties in August. In autumn it develops into little black spots on the leaves, which fall prema- turely in consequence. The appearance of the two stages is so distinct that they were at one time thought to be separate diseases. All that can be done to check the disease is to burn any 'nfested leaves and shoots and spray the plants with potassium sulphide. Fig. 42. — the giant puff ball. is browned, like a fried sole, and then serve. Of course, pepper and salt are better sprinkled over before frying. Grapes Diseased : Anxious, X. Y. Z. See reply to S. W. in the issue for August 14, 1915, p. 110. Green Tomato Chutney : G. H. A delicious chutney may be made of unripe Tomatos as follows : Take of green Tomatos 4 lbs., Apples and Onions lj lb. each, Sultanas £ lb., sugar I lb., salt 1 oz., and Peppers and Chillies to taste. Slice the Tomatos, Apples and Onions and boil these with the other ingredients for four hours in 1£ pint of vinegar. Names of Plants : M. 6, Verbascum sp. We cannot identify the species, nor the other speci- mens, the flowers sent being inadequate. Send larger and better specimens, packed in a sub- stantial box, as the package arrived in a crushed condition.— B. S., Hertford. 1, Stachys lanata ; 2, Santolina Chamaecyparissus ; 3, Anaphalis margaritacea ; 4, Euphorbia Cyparissias ; 5, Echium vulgare ; 6, Eupatorium cannabinum ; 7, Lysimachia clethroides.— G. H. Denby, Sun- Pruning Pernetiana Roses : G. Bennington. If the varieties are capable of passing through the winter uninjured they require only very moderate pruning the first sea- son of planting, but unfortunately the shoots of Rayon d'Or have a tendency to die back. Mme. Edouard Herriot, Cissie Easlea and Louise Catherine Breslau are of a much hardier nature. These three varieties develop firm, ripened wood. At the end of March leave the growths about 12 to 15 inches long. In subsequent years a very moderate pruning is best The plants will send up strong basal growths, and some of the older shoots should be cut out during the summer, preferably after the first flowering. You should allow plenty of space — say 2 feet at least — between t". s bushes, and in all other respects treat them as Hybrid Teas. The new variety Constance is said to be a great improvement on Rayon d'Or in the matter of growth, and you should also plant- Mrs. Wemyss Quin, a variety with flowers of an ''nter.se shade of yellow and an excellent grower. Thyme : J. II. The specimens sent are too scrappy to identify. If you send larger speci- mens, packed so that they arrive in good con- dition, we will do our best to name them. Tomato Diseased : C. S. The plant is attacked by the fungus Botrytis. Put quicklime in the soil where the plant grow, to prevent the disease from spreading to neighbouring plants. Vine Leaves : Foreman. The wart-like excres- cences on the underside of the leaves are caused by the climatic conditions of the house, a want of proper balance between the temperature and the amount of atmospheric moisture. Afford special attention to ventilation. Communications Received-— H. E. C— A. T.— H. M wich) A. D. A.— D. M-— I. M.— J. F.— L. C, Hants— N._F. R.—R. J.— A. B.— W. C. L— R. B.— A. B.— N.— P. T.— Constant Reader— N. R— J. B. H.— H. M.— C, S.— R. S. H.— G. H. D.— F. P.— W. F.— T.— W. C. C— A. B. H.-R. A. R.— W. B. H.— A.— T. A. W.— K. A.— G. C. J.— E. A. B.— T. L.— R. H.— E. W.— C. C— W. K.— E. M— R. A. (Nor- August 28, 1915.] TEE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 129 THE (Bavbmtvs Cljnmick No. 1,490.— SATURDAY, AUGUST 28, 191$. CONTENTS. Australia, notes from . . Bailey, F. Manson, the late Books, notices of — The Well-Considered Garden Chlorophytum Bowkeri Clematis, grafted Codonopsis convolvu- lacea (Confessions of a Novice Corn crops, the .. Cucumber Every Bay . . Dawe, appointment of Mr. M. T Espalier Apple trees .. Fitch, Walter Hood .. Freesia Chapmanii French notes Fruit crops, remarks on the condition of the . . Fungus parasite of Radhhes Hayward'a Heath Hort. Show Indian garden, an Kew, new laboratory at Milton, flowers of Nerine Bowdenii.. New York Botanic Gar- den Nursery trials, value of Obituary- Bruce, A.J. P. .. 143 Campbell, M 143 Forget, L 143 Orchid notes and glean- ings— Cypripediums . . . . 130 Pelargoniums in Japan 13S Petroleum, origin of .. 137 Plants, new or note- worthy— Cypripedium papua- num .. .. . . 131 Pope, Mr. W., retirement of 138 "Pour n os amis irancais et beiges " . . . . 140 Queensland, garden seeds for ,. .. 138 Rome Convention, the, and the horticultural industry 130 Roses for buttonholes .. 129 Societies — Royal Horticultural . Wages in war time War and nursery trade. War items 137 Weeds a;. d war .. .. 137 Week's work, the 134, 135 Wislt-y notes .. .. 141 Witclus Broom on Willow 139 143 139 139 ILLUSTRATlCr.'S. Bailey, F. Manson, portrait of the late 136 Chlorophytum Bowkeri 141 Codonopsis convolvulacea .. 137 Cypripedium papuanum.. -■ 131 Forget, Louis, portrait of the late 143 Nerine Bowdenii 13i ROSES FOR BUTTON-HOLES. THE qualities that go to the making of a good Rose for wearing in the button- hole are doubtless to some extent a question of taste ; and it is proverbial that matters of taste do not admit of discus- sion. The occasion on which the adorn- ment is ivorn is also a factor to be con- sidered. A button-hole that is tolerated in a wedding guest may seem out of place and too conspicuous for the business man on his way to earn his daily bread. For such a one, a Rose having the size and proportions of an exhibition bloom would seem scarcely suitable ; its weight would tell on the lapel of his coat and cause it to hang downwards in an awkward fashion. It is a common sight at a Rose show to see some of our friends who have just finished staging their exhibits select from their " spares " the largest and most striking flower wherewith to decorate their person during their visit to the show. Anywhere else we might ques- tion their taste, but at the Rose show we accept the adornment as natural and ap- propriate, and, it may be, even, sym- pathise with the feeling that has caused our friend to carry his large and beautiful flower so that it may be seen by his ac- quaintances, rather than consign it to the dark box beneath the staging, where it would blush unseen. The exhibits in the classes of Rosesi for button-holes met with at country shows are usually rather spoilt by the permis- sion to use added foliage. This liberty is freely taken advantage of by the addi- tion of Adiantum fronds or Asparagus sprays, both of which are singularly out of place with a button-hole Rose. The only foliage really admissible i si that of the Rose itself, and it is open to question whether even this is desirable. When, however, as often happens, the flower can be gathered with an upper leaf which can take a suitable position without being detached, it is clearly desirable. The button-hole Rose is frequently carried in a little metal tube sold for the purpose, at the bottom of which a few drops of water can be placed, and the Rose, with this assistance, will keep fresh for a whole day or longer. But if the leaf, instead of being attached to the natural stem, is broken off and inserted behind the Rose, it quickly fades and is apt to some extent to spoil the appearance of the flower. In early spring and until the middle of May, or later if the season be backward, one has to rely for one's daily button-hole on the flowers that happen to be out in the greenhouse at the time. Richmond, Melody and Mme. Abel Chatenay will often be found suitable, and the side buds, i.e., small flowers, of many of the Teas, such as A. Hill Gray, Bridesmaid and Molly Sharman Crawford, are often gathered. Curiously enough, Lady Water- low under glass often makes a flower of good enough shape for the purpose, though it rarely does so out-of-doors, because it comes out too quickly. The button-hole Rose may or may not have fragrance; iE so, this confers an additional charm, but it is of the first importance that it should be of shapely form — a loose and floppy Rose such as we find in many mem- bers of the China group is of little value for the purpose. When the outdoor Roses begin to appear in my own garden some of the ear- liest and most attractive flowers for button-holes are found on the unpruned plants of Marquise de Salisbury. These Roses are admirably suited for the pur- pose ; nearly always of rather small size, the}' are of a fine rich crimson colour and possess a delightful perfume. I grow two beds of this Rose, one of which is pruned, and the other merely has the dead tips slightly shortened, being practically left unpruned. By this means a succession of bloom is assured, and, somewhat to my surprise, I have found the unpruned plants usually the more satisfactory of the two. Nevertheless, it will not generally be advisable to leave them too long unpruned, because the stems then often harden unduly and the plants become leggy and difficult to treat. With the double-bed system this diffi- culty is easily surmounted, for the bed that is left unpruned one year can be pruned the next. Among the summer Roses, the deep rich colour of the Old Tuscany and its delight- ful scent make an attractive spot of the corner of the garden where it grows during its brief flowering period. Among the Hybrid Teas the best button- hole Roses will generally be found among the decorative rather than the exhibition varieties. Of the crimson varieties to suc- ceed Marquise de Salisbury, few are better than Richmond, which also has the charm of fragrance, or Liberty when it is caught just right, in succession to Richmond ; while of the pinks Mme. Abel Chatenay is always reliable. In pale shades delicately pretty flowers for the purpose may be found in Mrs. Harold Brocklebank, Lady Greenall, Souvenir de Gustave Prat and Ophelia, all of which have beautiful form, and a bed will provide some suitably-sized flowers. Early in the season, while we get its intense yellow colour, few varieties are better than Mme. Ravary. It is well to make the most of it while we can, for as the season advances the intense yellow disappears, and though flowering freely unt il well into the autumn, it has too little distinction for our purpose. For the same reason Melody, striking as it is when grown under glass, is of little use from the open ground — at least in my dis- trict. Of the art-coloured flowers, the variety Lady Pirrie is excellent as quite a tight bud; and often Mrs. Alfred Tait is pretty, though I do not find I use this flower so much as I had expected to do — perhaps it is a little loose in the petal. Rayon d'Or, though a fine colour, is usually of too poor a shape to be useful for our purpose; but Mme. Edouard Herriot seems highly pro- mising— not only are the flowers of striking colour, but they are very freely produced, and, at least on cut-back plants, not too large. The smaller flowers of Willowmere are also attractive and likely to be useful. Arthur R. Goodwin again is a most fresh and lovely colour, but it must be picked and worn quite as a bud. When the flowers expand they become useless for our pur- pose. Of the Tea Roses I should put Lena easily first. It is a finely-shaped little Rose of intense orange-yellow colour, and the bud is almost invariably about the right size for a button-hole flower. Lady Roberts, however, makes a good second choice, and should also be picked in the bud state before the flower expands. Very good, too, are the smaller flowers of Mrs. Herbert Stevens, some of the best whites we have, for the}' are almost always of good shape, with long petals and high- pointed centre. By no means to be de- spised are the smaller flowers of Mme. Jean Dupuy and Mme. Henri Berger, but the former is of little use if the weather be unfavourable. I have said that the Chinas as a class ar» too wanting in form for our purpose, but I think I ought to make an exception in favour of Comtesse du Cavla on account of its wonderful colouring, which in favourable weather is sometimes almost equal to that of Mme. Edouard Herriot. For our purpose it should be picked quite young. Now and again, too, a flower of Queen Mali may be found attractive. Queen Mali is perhaps the best in shape of the China group, and its soft, pale-peach colouring is very pleasing while fresh. Hitherto I have taken little account of fragrance, but in truth this quality is a great asset in a button-hole Rose. In order to obtain this in its greatest perfection we must have recourse to the crimson Roses. Deepest in colour of the crimson flowers is Chateau de Clos Vougeot, with a most delightful aroma, ami if it is to be picked in the bud state we maj 130 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August -28, 1915. pardon its want of form when the flower ex- pands. I often find myself searching-even among the Hybrid Perpetuals for a small flower of good shape, and not always without success. The bed of Victor Hugo and that of Comman- dant Felix Faure are by no means always examined in vain. Hugh Dickson is usually too large, and on my light soil Horace Vernet pro- duces too great a number of flowers of poor form. But occasionally a small, well-shaped flower, even of Horace Vernet, may be found, and when it is obtained it affords one many pleasant moments throughout the day, for at its best in fragrance, colour and form Horace Vernet is still without a rival. While Hose. CONFESSIONS OF A NOVICE.— III. I believe that I have discovered the chief dif- ference between the uninformed amateur and the skilled practical gardener. The former is all agog to discover the reasons for things — reasons for failures and peculiarities of growth ; the latter has more philosophy and is content to recognise that the skein of cause and effect is generally too tangled to be unravelled. He there- fore invents a sententious form of words to em- brace the phenomenon, and, to use a colloquial- ism, "leaves it at that." Thus our language is enriched by such time-hallowed expressions as " the rising of the sap," "the ripening of the wood," " a check to growth," and so forth. They don't seem to mean anything very definite, and yet these terms appear to me to be more, service- able than the explanations which biological science in its present infantile and loquacious state is able to offer us. What has set me thus philosophising is the way in which autumn has chased and overtaken summer in my garden. With respect to this year's summer Byron's lines were prophetic — the English winter ends in July to begin in August. At all events, the trumpets of winter's floral heralds have begun to blow, and the pageantry of autumn is rioting with that of summer in my garden. The climbing Roses were so late that many of them — White Dorothy, Excelsa. as well as Hiawatha — are even now not at their fullness, yet their aspiring blossoms are flanked with the gigantic growths of Heleniums, Solidago and Asters. Why the drought of June should have checked the Roses and accelerated the flowering of autumnal things is beyond me to imagine. A question of more practical import, which I hope some reader with knowledge wider than mine will answer, is, What are the best yellow climbing Roses for a light soil ? Of Gardenia I had great expectations, but it will not grow for me. Of Gold Finch I had hopes, but they yet await fulfilment. Shower of Gold is scarcely a yellow, and is more curious than beautiful — save for its foliage — and my specimens are parsi- monious enough to please the Chancellor of the Exchequer. I planned to have a mass of yellow Roses flunking tall, straight bushes of Bergamot — the Bergamot is there, flourishing riotously, but the flanks of yellow await the wise advice of some good-natured reader. The. idea of the groundwork for my Rose beds I borrowed from Wisley — it consists of a pale- blue lavender Viola, which is there called Maggie Mott. The learned in these matters say that it is wrongly named, though rightly placed. A comparison of the Wisley Maggie Mott with the type in the small Wisley collection shows Ilia I the former is quite distinct from the latter, of better and freer habit, of less elegant flower- shape, and lacking the lilac -violet of the type. Whatever this spurious Maggie Mott may be, it is certainly a great acquisition, for though indi- vidually the blue of the flowers may be a trifle washy, the mass which this plant produces and goes on producing atones for the defect. I owe a word of apology to the annuals which I despaired of so vocally a little while ago. The Clarkias have come away magnificently, and are flowering their lives out, and even the Antirrhinums, which a few weeks ago nothing would move, have suddenly in these humid days blossomed out as though they enjoyed the gentle trouble of the rain. Mankind made a great fuss about the number of the plagues of Egypt, but it seems to me that they were just a cinema show of what all good plants have to endure in a season in the garden. Aphis swept away the opening leaves of my soli- tary Nectarine. It in turn was swept away only to be followed by leaf-curl. Those leaves re- moved, more were pushed forth, to be devoured — as a nocturnal visit and an electric torch discovered — by earwigs. Of these we made short work, for their shamming dead betrays them. You shake the branches, and the earwigs fall and lie for a moment motionless on the sheet of brown paper spread on the ground. You roll up the paper and put it on the garden bonfire. Of my early Apples, e.g., Irish Peach, the wasps have left nothing but a few hanging skins : flesh and core have all been devoured. I pity the wasps, for a sample that I tried was as bitter as my wrath at my loss. A. V. THE ROME CONVENTION AND THE HORTICULTURAL INDUSTRY. ORCHID NOTES AND CLEANINCS. CYPRIPEDIUMS. A correspondent who is a consistent col- lector of good Cypripediums writes: " \\ ill th? Cypripediums for general cultivation, and com- mercially, ever regain their former sway in Orchid circles? Not so many years ago the Cypripedium reigned supreme, and anything fairly good found a ready market. Later only the very foest were marketable at reasonable prices, and now the whole class seems to be passing under a cloud." Regarding the points raised in this letter, it may be remarked that good, distinct species of " Cypripedium, and especially hybrids, have never lost favour with Orchid-growers, but whenever two or Hire? new collectors having a special fancy for these, showy and long-enduring flowers come on the scene there will be a revival of greater interest. The same varying fortune has been the lot of many classes of plants which change of fashion or lack of new admirers has forced into temporary and partial neglect. With hybrids of all sections the same is l'.koly to take place, first with one set and then with another. One cause is that existing collections get clogged with inferior varieties, which depreciate the in- terest and value of the whole. The remedy is to clear out the inferior varieties and make room for better things — in fact, make a fresh start. HYBRID ORCHIDS. ( Continued from June .5, p. SOB. ) At a Conference held in Rome in 1914, repre- sentatives of this country signed a convention setting forth restrictions on the trade in plants that they were prepared to recommend their Governments to carry out. The restrictions, if agreed to, will veTy seriously affect horti- cultural trade here. They have, however, not yet been carried out, nor has this coun- try assented to them, but sooner or later the subject will come up again, and it behoves the horticultural industry to be ready for that time. If this country assents to the convention, how will it affect the trade ? Firstly, all nurseries and establishments supplying plants, seeds, etc., will be registered, licensed and inspected. Secondly, all nurseries will have to notify at once the appearance of certain scheduled diseases. Thirdly, they will have to adopt standard methods of dealing with certain diseases, spray- ing, fumigating, tipping or the like. Fourthly, their methods of packing and transport will be inspected and controlled. Fifthly, they will have to obtain, for each consignment of living plants destined for sale or for export, a certificate from &\\ inspector as to its freedom from certain dis- eases or as to the nursery itself being free from certain diseases. This last will, perhaps, be the most trouble- some, as it involves the inspection of each con- signment by an inspector before it is packed and after it is packed. The consignment must be packed according to the instructions, and the certificate specifying its contents must go with it. A further clause in the convention lays down that plants cannot be imported from any country that either does not adhere to the convention or that has no service of officials for giving certifi- cates, so that all importation of any plant at all, say, from China or Tibet, would appear to be absolutely stopped. There is no question but that this procedure is going to be troublesome. Is it worth it? If this country does not adhere to the convention, what will happen ? Its export trade in plants with adhering countries will cease to a large ex- tent, if not wholly. It will be unable to send any living plants into any of the twenty-five countries that have joined the convention. It will be able to send plants to the United States, but only by curving out a similar procedure in order to satisfy their requirements. Whether to adhere or not is evidently a very difficult ques- tion, and a joint committee, formed under the auspices of the Royal Horticultural Society, has been engaged on this problem. Clearly there are many things to be taken into Hybrid. Parentage. Anguloa Rolfei, nat. hyb Cattleya Caspar Cattleya Ordumi Cattleya Paula Cypripedium Sinbad Epidendrum fragracarpum ., Lycaste Atthuriana Laelio-Cattieya Apricosa Laelio-Cattleya Cortina Laelio-Cattleya Domallas Laelio-Cattleya Emmeline Laelio-Cattieya Leda Laelio-Cattleya Irensis Laelio-Cattleya Mrs. Harold King Laelio-Cattleya Rbenns var. Prunella Laelio-Cattleya Roger Sander Odontioda Cereus Odontioda Red Cross Odontioda Redwing Odontioda The Prince Odontoglossum Cerissimum Odontoglos-unr Delta Odontoglossum Evelyn Odontoglossum Fascisolon Odontoglossum Menier var. St. Vincent. Odontoglossum Milan Odontoglossum Wilchello Odontoglossum Wylamense Odontoma Kaffir Queen Ruckerl Cliftonii Sander and Sons. G-askelliana alba x Parthenia Prince of Wales .. Fantia Raili, Esq. Caimm Fabia Flory and Black. Clarkiae ■ Powiana aurea .. .. .. .. J. and A. McBean. Vandyck x C. P. Moore Sir Geo. L. Holford. fragrans x rrismatocarpum i Sir J. Colman. plana X Balliae [ R. Ashworth, Esq. L.-C. Ophir X C Srbrodevae , Flory anil Clack. C. Empress Frederick v. L.-C. callistoglossa .. .. Flory and Black. Dominiana x Pallas Flmy and lllac-k. I. anceps Schroderae x C. SVhitei J. and A. McBean. L pnvpurata x L.-C. Martiuetii .Sander and Sons. C. Iris x L.-C. bletcbleyensis Sander and Sons. Epicasta x callistoglossa Mrs. K. le Doux. L.-C. Geo. Woodhams x C. Dowiana Rosita .. .. J. G. Fowler. Esq. L.-C. luminosa x C. Mossiae Sander and Sons. Odm. excellens > Oda. Charlesworthii Armstrong and Brown. ii. I i Ciink ac - lliliti. ani.'ii! issi Jim n .1 <■ l'i»l''i, l!-i|. Odm, Rolfeae x Oda. Charlesworthii W. Thompson, Esq. Odm. Ernestii x Oda. Charlesworthii Mansell and Hatcher. Ceres x ardentissimum Flory and Black. Rolfeae x Othello C. . I. Lucas, Esq. PI in ■: cristjo-Harryanuni Mansell and Hatcher. Fascinator x Solon.. C. J. Lucas, Esq. gandaveuse x amabile .. .. .. .. .. ,1. G. Fowler, Esq. Rolfeae x Harryanum Flory and Black. Wilckeamim x Othello C. J. Lucas, Esq. percultum x Harryanum Mrs. N. C. Cookson. 0. hnrvengtense X M. Warscewiczii U. T. Pitt, Esq. August 28, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 131 account. What diseases are there which we do not desire ■admitted into this country? Where do they come from and how ? Have we suffered in the past from introduced diseases? Will the convention's restrictions keep diseases out or will they simply restrict trade and be of no use? To answer these questions we must have in- formation. We are using this interval to get that information, so that when the time arrives for discussion, the trade can take up a definite position and back it with facts. We have col- lected information about the diseases and pests which have been carried from country to country in the past and what carried them. We have in- formation about the restrictions on trade at pre- sent in force. We have information about the diseases which do not exist in this country and which we do not want admitted ; but we have no information as to the trade itself in this country, and this is a necessary part of the enquiry. Particularly we require this : What is the position of the industry as regards imports and The Board of Agriculture has intimated that it will not adhere to the convention if it be against the interests of the trade, and it is ex- tremely important that the trade should have the necessary information on which to judge whether to recommend, adhesion to the convention, whether to stand aside, or whether to ask the Government to seek to modify it. It is impossible in a single article to make clear what the effect of the convention will be, but I propose in another to explain the regula- tions already framed in France in anticipation of this convention being adopted. Whether this country adheres or not, the effect will be far- reaching, and we hope the trade will give the committee the help it needs by filling up the forms and returning them when completed to the Secretary, Royal Horticultural Society. The information will be treated as strictly confiden- tial, and the only use made of it will be to com- pile tables of the total imports and exports of living plants, with the countries of origin or destination. H. M. Lefroy. Fig. 43. — cypripediitm papuanum : flowers dull crimson tinged with green or greenish- yellow. exports respectively? What are these, where do they go and whence do they come ? Are the imports of new wild plants from, say, China, more important than the imports of cultivated new varieties from Europe? If a clause in the con- vention concerns, let us say, the importation of Japanese Maples and deciduous nursery stock from Japan, are we affected, or not? There are countless points of this sort which can only be answered by a knowledge of what the imports and exports are, what kinds of plants, of what value and amount, where from and where to, and whether the imported plants are from the forest or jungle or from foreign nurseries. In the hope of getting this information the Royal Horticultural Society has addressed a letter to every firm dealing in live plants. At- tached are forms so prepared that each firm may give, with the least trouble, the information that the committee wants, and the committee very strongly urges all members of the trade to give the information asked for. Sooner or later a decision will have to be taken. NEW OR NOTEWORTHY PLANTS. A NEW CYPRIPEDIUM FROM DUTCH NEW GUINEA. Among the plants collected on Dr. Wollas ton's recant expedition to Dutch New Guinea is a new Cypripedium, which Mr. H. N. Ridley, who was responsible for working out the collection, has named Cypripedium papuanum (see fig. 43). The dried material was very scanty, but a number of living Orchids was collected at the same time for the Hon. N. Charles Rothschild, and among these the Cypripedium in question has recently flowered under Air. Wright's care at Ash- ton Wold, Oundle. It is a small plant 8 to 10 inches high, with a proportionately tall, single-flowered scape springing from among a few thick, leathery, tesselated leaves. The colour of the flower is a rather dull crimson tinged with green or greenish-yellow. The plant was found by Mr. C B. Kloss, the botanical collector to the expedition, on Mount Carstenz, at an elevation of 2,500 feet ; it was collected in flower in December or January. Cypripedium papuanum is a Paphiopedilum (which Mr. Ridley prefers to regard as a section of Cypripedium), and belongs to Pfitzer's section, Blepharopetalum. It is evidently nearly allied to Paphiopedilum violascens, recently described by Schlechter, from the mountains of Kaiser- Wilhelms-land', which, however, differs in the colour of the flower, relative proportions of sepa]s and petals, and in having larger leaves. Both species are allied to P. javanicum from Java and Sumatra. P. praestans and thfl nearly allied P. glanduliferum, which are also natives of New Guinea, are widely removed from these and 'belong to a different section of the genus. The following is a description of th.3 new species : — Plant, 8 to 10 inches high ; leaves, 4 to 6, leathery, oblong, 2^ to 4 inches long, | to 1 inch in greatest breadth, somewhat acute, the extreme tip minutely tri-cuspidate, p-ale green with darker green markings on the ripper face ; scape, 6 to 8£ inches to the Ibase of the ibract, deep crimson, bearing numerous stiffish hairs ; bract ovate, similarly hairy, about 5 inch long ; pedicel and do^p-green ovary, hairy like the stem, 2 inches long ; dorsal sepal, broadly ovate, with a short, abruptly acute apex, green, with five to six somewhat obscure deep crimson 6imple nerves on either side the mid-vein, barely 1 inch long by § inch wide, hirsute on back, margin ciliolate ; united lateral sepals elliptic-lance- olate, subacute, % inch long, 3 inch wide, hirsute on back, with about seven raised nerves ; petals oblong, broadening slightly upwards, oibtus -. 1§ inch long, ^ inch greatest width, glabrous except for the ciliolate margin, eleven-nerved, dull crimson dotted with darker spots in fho lower half and tinged with greenish yellow ; lip, li inch long, including the broad claw, which is about equal in length to the cup, minutely pubescent lateral lobes somewhat obtuse, cup 10 lines broad, dull crimson as in the petals, lebes tinged with greenish yellow ; stamincde lunate- reniform, notched' above, lobes blunt, median process obtuse ; column greenish yellow. The appended diagnosis* has been supplied by Mr. Ridley. The illustration is a photographic reproduction from the plant in Mr. Rothschild's collection at Ashton Wold, Oundle. .-1. B. Bundle. NERINE 60WDEHII. This beautiful African Lily is perfectly hardy in several parts of Devonshire ; the specimens shown in fig. 44 are growing in Messrs. R. Veitch and Son's nursery at Exeter, under a south wall- Thirty-nine bulbs were planted on November 24, 1910, at 9 inches apart. By the time the photo- graph was taken the bulbs had multiplied ey- •ceedingly, and some seventy trusses were ex- panded, carrying from six to twelve flowers each, and many other inflorescences were de- veloping. The scapes coming up in succession and the umbels opening by degrees gave the border a good appearance for from six to eight weeks. The flowers are pale pink with a darker shade down the centre of each petal. The plants were occasionally watered during dry weather. The season of flowering is the end of September to November. Nerine Bowdenii is equally serviceable as a pot plant ; such * Cypripedium ($ Paphiopedilum) papuanum, ap. nov. Folia 4-6 oblonga, coriacea, (MO cm. lon^a, 1.3-2.5 cm. lata, glabra. Scapus 15 cm. longus, nirtus. Bractea ovata, hirta, 1.;'. cm. lwn^a. Sepal urn publicum ovatuui, aciilum, -J 4 cm. lougum, 2 cm. latum, dorso hirtum; lateralia connate, elliptico-lanceolata, Bubacuta, hirta, L9 cm. longa, .8 cm. lata, nervis elevatia 7. Petala oblonga, obtusa, 1.2 cm. longa, 1.2 cm. lata, auophtbalma, glabra, marginibus cilio- latis exceptis. Lahellum 3.7 cm. Ionium. J cm. latum, minute pubescens, ungue lato, sacco aequilongo, lobls lat 1 Tali 1 -us Bubobtusis, Staminodium lunato-reniforme, lobis oblongis obtusis, processu mediana brevi obtusa. Rostelluin grande, oblongum, obtusum, linguaeforme, cana- liculatum. Papua. Mt. Caratensz, 2,500 ped. alt. //. JT, Ridley. 132 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 28, 1915. need a liberal supply of water during the grow- ing season — that is, from the New Year until after the flowers are over — when watering should be discontinued until growth commences. The bulbs should be re-potted while dormant. Mi ssrs. Veitch inform us that the two ends of the same border, about 3 feet each, are now occupied with Watsonja Ardernei, and on June 8 the plants were covered with bloom, there being about thirty spikes open. NOTICES OF BOOKS. The Well-Considered Garden.* This book comes from the other side of the Atlantic, is written for American gardeners, and embodies the experiences of an amateur gar- dener, «,iined in the formation of her own Ameri- can garden. It nevertheless has several claims on the notice of English gardeners. It gives us, for instance, an idea of the present-day conditions and aims of gardening in the Northern United States : and it is gratifying to note that English Heucheras familiar to me before were the common species, H. sanguinea, or the much- vaunted variety Rosamunde ; in that the genus is native of tempeTate North America. When one considers what gains to garden beauty have been derived from the cultivation and selection of our native plants by English gardeners — as, for instance, the Primrose and Cowslip, Pansy, Wallflower, and that naturalised alien the Car- nation, it seems a pity that American gardeners are not moTe enterprising with regard to many lovely natives that might yield as rich results. The climatic and general conditions of Amer- ican gardens seem to be ideal for the Tnlip and Gladiolus. Mrs. King tells us : "Tulips are un- failing, certain to appear. No coaxing is neces- sity, nor do they require special conditions." Lucky Americans ! A chapter devoted to the newer Gladioli shows that they are happier in American gardens than in the majority of Eng- lish ones. The description of a trial garden for new plants provides a good suggestion for careful and fastidious colour schemers. A chap- ter on garden books is interesting reading, and shows that, except Bailey's 'Encyclopaedia, those REMARKS ON THE CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS. (See Tables, Supplement. Gard. Chron., July 2l. 1915.) (Continued from, page 115.) 5, SOUTHERN COUNTIES. Dorsetshire. — Although we escaped the late frosts, the drought greatly affected the fruit crops. We had a good show of Pear and Plum blos- som, and Pears set very fairly, but afterwards fell in quantities. Gooseberries, Currants, and Strawberries also promised well, but the two fomier crops were a failure. Disease is very bad in places. The rains since June 22 have done much good. 77. Kempslwll, Abbotsbury Castle Gardens. Dorchester. Hampshire. — The fruit crops generally in this district are very promising. The present sea- son has been favourable for everything ex- cept Strawberries, which bloomed well and were not damaged by frost, but owing to the continued drought the fruit failed to mature. Aphis, both black and green, have been Fig. 44. — nerine bowdenii flowering in Messrs. Robert veitch and son's nursery, exeter. gardens and writers have been closely studied. The style of gardening that has found most favour is that of formal design, with rect- angular beds, somewhat stiffly furnished with herbaceous plants. These are grouped for colour effect with such an amount of care and elaborate forethought that one might imagine the labour would become irksome were it not that M is. King constantly shows what genuine delight she derives from the subtle colour harmonies she ar- ranges and achieves. For the most part the plants made use of are Darwin Tulips, Bearded Irises, and the herb- aceous and. bulbous plants most familiar to Eng- lish gardeners. In fact, unless Mrs. King is too modest to praise the native plants of her coun- try, it would seem that they are somewhat un- fairly neglected. Trilliums, for instance, are not mentioned, and Erythroniums only alluded to as being found wild in the woods. It seems strange to read of Heucheras, whose "little roots had been subjected to the test of a two- weeks' journey by sea and land from an English nursery to Michigan"; and, again, "the only * The Well-Considered Garden. By Mrs. Francis King. Charles Scribner's Sons. New York.) that have proved most helpful are of English origin. The text is wonderfully free from errors. The English eye is rather worried hy the use of a capital letter for all specific names of geograph- ical origin, and the lack of it for generics when used without specifics. Crocus biflorus pusillus is not the Scotch Crocus, and the occurrence of Ixiolirion pallasi, Deutzia Lemoineii and Tulipa clusiana in the same paragraph with that misstatement makes one wish an English proof- reader had re-arranged it. Mrs. King is so happy in her zealous search for garden harmonies that it is easy to believe she must have an inspiring effect on her country's gardeners. Let us hope, however, that they will not follow her too slavishly, nor without some originality of their own. or else the com- binations of Tulipa vitellina and Scilla campanu- lata, or pink Campanula medium and Stachy-- lanata will become as universal as those of Cur- rant jelly with mutton and Mint sauce with lamb. One finds on every page evidence of the hap- piness Mrs. King derives from gardening — the sure sign of the good gardener. troublesome, and have damaged the young growths of Apples and Cherries, but heavy rains helped to clear the trees of the pest, and the fruit is fast swelling, with prospects of a splen- did crop. Lewis Smith, Cadland I'm/; Gardens, Fawley, Soulliampton. The Apple crop is a poor one, the trees being badly attacked by aphis. The trees carrying the best crops are Bramley's Seedling. Annie Elizabeth, Emperor Alexander, Lord Derby, James Grieve, Allington Pippin, and Fearn's Pippin. Pears are fairly plentiful, and the quality is good. Plums are a failure ; most of the trees bloomed fairly well. but. the fruit did not set. Peach and Nectarine trees on walls are carrying excellent crops, the leaf blister not being so prevalent as in former years. Straw- berries have done well, the quality being very good. All small fruits are carrying good crops, with the exception of Gooseberries. A. J. Legge, Dogmersfield Park Hardens. Winch field. Our Apple trees blossomed remarkably well, but they were attacked with the purple aphis, which quickly curled the leaves, and owing to scarcity of labour the trees could rot be sprayed. There is an abundance of fruit, but August 28, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 133 with the • crippled condition of the foliage the fruit cannot be expected to swell. The ■varieties which have suffered most arc Bram- ley's Seedling. Worcester Pearmain, Lady Sudeley and Lord Grosvenor. The varieties yielding the best crops are Warner's King, Cox's Orange Pippin, Mere de Menage and Norfolk Beauty. The Plum crop is an aver- age one, and the trees are quite healthy. Raspberries, Currants. Gooseberries and Logan- berries are heavily laden with excellent fruit. Strawberries were not so plentiful as in some past years, owing to long continued drought early in June. E. Molyneux, Swanmore Park. The trees of Apples. Pears, Plums and Cherries blossomed splendidly here this season, and gave promise of record crops. Unfor- tunately, an early drought set in, which caused some of the fruit to drop from Apple trees. Other years I have given the trees copious water- ings, especially those growing on the walls, but shortage of labour has prevented me from doing jo this season. Green and black fly has been troublesome, and I have been obliged to spray several times. The severe frosts on June 19. 20 and 21 did not affect our fruit crops, but some of the neighbouring gardens suffered badly. The soil is very sandy and dry. /. IF. Bucking- ham, Milland Place Gardens, JA/phook. Kent. — The winter rains had a bad effect on Strawberries, which made scarcely any growth during these months. The Gooseberry yield is a poor one. Apples are suffering from an unpre- cedented attack of aphis, and the crop will be seriously affected in quality and quantity. E. A. Bwnydrd, The Boyrd Nurseries, Maidstone. Owing to a very severe attack of aphis Apples will not be such a heavy crop as they pro- mised earlier. PeaTs are good, and fairly clean. Strawberries yielded a poor crop, but Rasp- berries and Loganberries bore heavily, and the fruits were excellent. There are about six to eight acres of Loganberries near here, and they are looking exceedingly healthy. Black Currants are very scarce. Peaches and Nec- tarines promise well, but much washing has been necessary to keep the trees free from aphis and red spider. George Woodward, Barliam Court Gardens. Maidstone. The condition of many Apple trees in this district is deplorable. Owing to an attack of aphis of unusual severity the foliage and young growth in many instances are shrivelled up. Lane's Prince Albert is amongst the varie- ties most seriously affected, yet it is carrying an abundant crop of small fruits. PeaTS and Plums, though in many cases similarly attacked, are not at the present time affected to so great an extent. Geo. Fennell, Bowden, Tonbridge. The fruit crops vary, but the late frost did much damage. The Plum yield will only be fair, the frost and east winds spoiling the crop. Peaches and Cherries on walls are good, as also are Raspberries, Black Currants and Gooseberries. The Strawberry crop was a mode- rate one. /. T. Shmm, Betteshonger Park Gar- dens, Eastry. The crops of most varieties of Apples are much under average, but a few trees are yielding average quantities. iThe drought has thinned the Pear crop very considerably, yet leaving a sufficiency of fruits which will attain extra size. Victoria Plums will he very plenti- ful, but other varieties are much under the aver- age. Of small fruits Gooseberries, Black and Red Currants and Raspberries are all well over the average. Strawberries suffered severely from the drought of last autumn, and the crop was small and soon over, with the ex- ception of Givon's Late Prolific, all first year's plants, whose fruit was aibundant and very laTge. Charles E. Shea, The Elms. Foot, Cray. On the whole the fruit crops this season are disappointing. Strawberries were much under the average, those giving the best returns being one-yeaT-old plants of Royal Sovereign. The berries of late varieties did not swell well. Apples had one of the worst attacks of aphis ever experienced, and owing to the scarcity of labour spraying could not .be done as methodically as usual. Plums on walls look fairly promising, but fruit on bushes is extremely scarce. /. G. Weston, Eastwell Park Gardens, Askford. Middlesex. — The crops of Peaches and Nec- tarines are vary good, although the leaves were much infested with aphis. The growth is now free and clean. Of Apples and Pears we have average crops. Strawberries suffered from want of rain, and did not swell their fruit, con- sequently the crop was below the average. Our soil is light and porous, and trees need much feeding to have the fruit in fair condition. H. Markham, Wrotliam Park Gardens, Bar.net. This year the Apple trees are bearing remarkably heavy crops in most places, and the fruit of nearly all varieties is of good quality. Cox's Orange Pippin is bilow the average in many places ; Lane's Prince Albert, Bramley's Seedling, Lord Suffield and Lord Grosvenor are excellent, and Dumelow's Seedling, which was poor last year, is bearing well this season. Kes- wick Codlin trees are over-cropped. Of Pears, Williams's Bon Chretien are heavy in places. The Plum crop is, with a few exceptions, a small one. John Weathers, Park View, Isle- worth. Apples suffered considerably from the dry weather during the latter half of May and June, which, was accompanied by east winds, together with a bad attack of aphis. Many of the fruits have fallen. From May 19 until June 26 we registered only 0.12 inch rain in the 38 days. The Pear crop is a good one. Straw- berries were satisfactory, but the late varieties were small, owing to the drought, Royal Sove- reign being the best. We experienced few frosts in May. The soil in these gardens is light loam, overlying a gravel subsoil. James Hawkes, Osterley Park Gardens, Isleworth. ■ We have good all-round crops of fruits this year. The spring being somewhat late, we escaped some of the spring frosts. The Cherry crop on walls has been exceptionally good and the quality excellent. This applies not only to the best dessert varieties, but also to Morellos. The soil here is a light loam, resting on gravel and overlying the London clay. James Hudson, Gunnersbury House Gardens, Acton. Surrev. — The fruit crops are satisfactory on the whole. Apples are much stunted, owing to excessive attacks of aphis. I attribute the smaller crop of Strawberries than is usual to the exceptionally dry autumn, our plants hav- ing made only about half their usual growth. Cherries are good, both dessert and Morello, but much difficulty has been experienced in keeping the trees free from aphis; in fact, all fruits have suffered from this latter pest to a great extent. The soil here in the valley is a medium loam, with gravel subsoil, which quickly dries. On the rising ground we get a chalk subsoil, and further from the valley the loam is shallower. It seems evident that chalk subsoil holds the moisture better than a gravel subsoil. George Kent, Norbury Park Gardens, Dorking, ■ Apples were sufficiently plentiful to require thinning. The Strawberry crop was a failure, owing to the protracted drought, which also affected other small fruits. Trees bloomed abundantly, the weather during that period being exceptionally fine. Our soil is weald clay. James Watt, Mynthursi Gardens, lieigate. - The early frost seriously injured Apri- cots, but Peaches and Nectarines fared better. Plums. Pears -and Apples have been badly injured by aphis, in spite of autumn fpiry- iug witli quassia and other insecticides. The soil is light sandy loam. Jas. Lock, Oat- lands Lodge Garden-, Weybridge. Apple trees in the grass orchard are suffering to an unprecedented extent from in- sect infestations, and have an exceedingly un- healthy appearance, but trees in the garden are healthy and clean. In many cases the trees are bearing crops above the average. Pears show ex- cellent promise; the fruit is swelling rapidly and the foliage i-; clean and hea.thy. Black Currants. Red Currants and ' '■ rries are well :,}■■,: ■ the average and the quality is first-i-ate. TJios. Smith, Coom.be Court Gardens, Kingston Hill. Sussex. — Nearly all varieties of Apples car- ried large quantities of blossom, and in most cases seemed to set, but later they dropped to a large extent, although some varieties are carry- ing good crops, and require thinning. Aphis has been very prevalent, and I have not seen the Apples so badly injured from this cause for years past. The soil is clay. J. Muddell, Sedg- wick Park Gardens, Horsham. Quite half the Apple crop was spoilt by the worst, most general, and most persistent attack of aphis ever experienced, notwithstand- ing timely spraying. Plums appeared to set well, but not one in ten swelled, the rest having dropped. Except for Gisborne, which is an average crop, there is only a sprinkling of fruit, and hardly any on Monarch. Cherries were very slow in swelling and ripening, and failed to come to full size. Apart from scab on some varieties, Pears developed well. Goose- berries were half spoilt by mildew. Black Cur- rants " ran off " a good deal, and ripened irregu- larly. The extreme wetness of the winter and the severe droughts of the spring months and June rendered the season a very unfortunate one for fruit generally. Fungous pests were deve- loped to an extraordinary extent, and trees were nrevented from growing away from insect attacks. William E. Bear, Magham Down, Hail- sham., Sussex. Wiltshire — The Strawberry crop in these gardens would have been a good one. but 3° of frost registered in the middle of May spoilt many of the trusses. Following this we had five weeks' of dry weather, accomnanied by north-east winds, so the later berries failed to swell. Gooseberry bushes are yielding a good crop, as also are Black Currants, but Red Currants are not so plentiful. There is a good crop of Rasp- berries, especially the variety Laxton's Bounti- ful. Of Pears, Doyenne du Cornice and Winter Nelis are very scarce this season. Of Apples, Blenheim Pippin is very plentiful, also Rib- ston Pippin. Green and black fly have been very troublesome on Plums, Apples, and Cherries. T. W. BirkinsJtaw, Campion Bassett Gardens, Colne. 7. ENGLAND, N.W. Lancashire. — The fruit crops in this district vary considerably. Considering the amount of blossom, the April and Pear crops are disap- pointing. Insect pests have been very prevalent. The soil is light and friable, on a clay subsoil. J. Gibbins, Croxteth Park Gardens, LAverpool. The < ■: 1 1 ■ 1 1 it i i ins prevailing in this district are most unfavourable for the production of out- door fruit. The soil is of a cold and wet nature, having in some places a clay subsoil not many inches below the surface. Being in the vicinity of large towns, in which are factories (from whose chimneys quantities of black smoke are emitted), coal pits, and two or three large chemi- cal works from which poisonous gases escape, foliage on fruit trees, and especially on the north side, is completely spoilt. It will thus be seen that the terms average and good, when applied to crops in this district, will not have the same meaning as they would in a good fruit- growing locality. Jos. Hani--. Gawthorpe Half Gardt ns, Burnley. The fruit crops in this neighbourhood vary very much. The following varieties of Apples are carrying fan crops: Golden Spire. Duchess of Oldenburg, Warner's King, Cellini 134 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 28, 1915. and Lord Grosvenor. The Pear crop is under the average, with the exception of Jargonelle. Plums are fairly plentifnl. The small fruits have yielded good crops. Strawberries were the best for many years, and we have a large quantity of Gooseberries. Joseph Stoney, Rose- high Gardens, Woolton. The dry autumn last year greatly assisted the ripening of outdoor fruit trees, and this spring they all carrieo1 large quantities of large, well-formed flowers. Pears suffered during the flowering period from frosts and east winds, which reduced the crop to an average one. Apples promise to be clean, healthy fruit. There are large crops of Cherries, Gooseberries, Rasp- berries, a'.id Red and Black Currants, and their quality is good. The Strawberry season was a good one. Our soil is of a heavy, retentive nature, and the drought at the end of May and nearly all June did not cause the fruit to drop. C. H. Cook, Knowsley Hall Gardens, Prescot. Westmoreland. — There was a good show of blossom this spring, but severe frosts in the third week of May damaged the flowers, especially thos3 of Gooseberries. Apples are very promising, but Pears are scarce. Of Straw- berries, Royal Sovereign is still amongst the best for cropping and general utility. Three months' drought ended on July 4, and the rain helped to clear the foliage of honeydew. IF. A. Miller, XJnderley Hall Gardens, Kiriby Lons- dale. — — The fruit crops in this district have suffered from late frosts and continued drought, there being scarcely any rain from the end of March until nearly the end of June. Apples appear to be fairly plentiful, but many are falling. Although Westmoreland is noted for Damsons, these fruits are very scarce. Victoria Plums and a few of the later sorts are doing fairly well H'u-hard F. Lam.be, Witherslach Hall Gairdens, Grange-over-Sands. 8, ENGLAND, S.W. Corn-wall. — The fruit crops are more satis- factory than was at first anticipated. Apples are almost a failure, owing, no doubt, to the abundant crop the trees bore last season. Pearsj are up to the average, and promise to be of good quality. Peaches are above the average, the trees being clean and making good growth. Strawberries and all small fruits are very good. The soil is light and well drained. Wm. Andrews, Tregothnan Gardens, Truro. The Apple and Pear crops are very dis- appointing. The blossom was plentiful^ but the fruits set badly, and just at the critical stage cold easterly winds prevailed. Peaches and Nectarines have set much better than usual, and there is promise of good crops. Soft fruits are abundant, Black Currants, Raspberries and Strawberries being especially fine. Our soil is a moderately light sandy loam, deficient in lime, ar.d his a rocky or granite subsoil. Fran!: J. Clarl, Teh id u Park Gardens, Camborne. AH fruit trees blossomed profusely, but owing to the north-east wind the fruits on the more exposed trees did not set very freely. The trees are looking clean and healthy, and making good growth. J. SpUsbury, Clowance, Praze, S.O. Devonshire.— Many Apple trees are but sparsely fruited this year, whilst others are carrying good crops, thus making an average return. Plum trees bloomed profusely, but failed to set their fruit, and silverleaf "disease is attacking many of the trees. Peaches and Nectarines are carrying good crops, and are healthy. Small fruits generally are good and plentiful. Strawberries were somewhat poor, but rain came in time to improve the crop con- siderably. Our soil is composed of light loam overlying the red Devonshire sand subsoil. T. H. Ballon. Poicderham Castle Gardens, Exeter. (To be continued.) The Week's Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By John Highgate, Gardener to the Marquis of - Linlithgow, Hopetoun, South Queensferry, N.B. Pineapples.— Plants with maturing fruits require very careful attention, and especially in watering the roots. The amount of soil moisture should be reduced gradually as the fruits ripen, and the same remark applies to atmospheric moisture. Air should be admitted through the top ventilators early in the morn- ing, when the weather is favourable. This will dry the fruits if moisture has condensed on them during the night. Should the fruits promise to ripen in excess of the requirements, some of the plants should be removed to a cooler house or pit. Plants of the Queen variety that are in- tended to furnish ripe fruits in May or June of next year require very careful watering. By this it is not intended that they should be kept dry, but for early forcing it is essential that the plants be allowed a certain degree of heat, otherwise, if they are kept growing till late in the autumn, great difficulty would be experienced in getting them to fruit early. Reduce the tem- perature gradually, and admit air freely on all favourable occasions. Pot Fruit-Trees.— Trees from which the fruits have been gathered should be removed from the orchard-house and plunged in a cinder- bed out of doors. They will still need careful attention, as they have yet to mature and develop the fruit-buds. In hot, dry weather syringe the foliage twice daily. Trees that have borne heavy crops should be watered with liquid manure and soot-water. Those intended for forcing early should be attended to without delay, shifting any that require larger pots. Some may only need top-dressing, but in any case it is necessary to examine the drainage, to see if it needs renewing. If top-dressing is de- cided on, remove as much of the old soil as can conveniently be taken away without damaging the roots, and replace it with compost consisting of good loam, lime-rubble, and a sprinkling of artificial manure. Stand the plants outside in ajjght shade until they have recovered from the disturbance, and syringe them frequently for a time, especially in dry weather, but guard against over-watering the roots until they have grown freely in the new soil. Cherries. — Trees growing in borders have completed their growths, and any shoots not re- quired for extension should be pruned at two or three buds from the base. Trees that have failed to produce satisfactory crops and have made luxurious growth should be root-pruned ; if they are not over-large, it would be better merely to lift them. In doing these operations, take the opportunity to examine the drainage, which may possibly be the cause of the trouble. In replanting, use fresh loam to which has been added a fair proportion of lime-rubble, and ram the soil rather firmly about the roots. Shade the trees that have been disturbed during hot weather, and spray the foliage at least twice daily. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lady NunburnhOLME, Waiter Priory, Yorkshire. Nerine Fothergillii major. — When the plants show signs of throwing up their flower- spikes they should be made tidy and placed in a cool house. It is not necessary to re-pot these plants more often then once in three or four years, and it is remarkable in what a small quantity of soil they will thrive. Mignonette. —To have Mignonette blooming in pots over a long season it is necessary to make successional sowings, and a sowing should be made now to have plants that will bloom early next spring. They should be grown during the winter close to the roof-glass. Schizanthus.— Sow the first batch of Schizanthus seed in 3-inch pots, placing half a dozen seeds in each pot. Stand the pots in a cold frame, and, as soon as the plants are large enough to handle, thin them to about three -in each receptacle. Let them have plenty of light and air, standing them in winter close to the roof-glass in a cold house or pit. When the plants have made plenty of roots shift them into 5-inch pots, and early in spring, if large speci- mens are required, shift them again into 7 or 8-inch pots, and grow them in a cool house until they flower. Another small sowing may be made in a month's time. Salvia splendens.— The plants are growing freely, and strict attention must be given to watering and feeding the roots, also syringing the foliage. Do not stop the plants after this date, and make sure that the water is well applied with the syringe to the undersides of the leaves, as this is where red spider attacks the plants first. Insects rarely attack these, or indeed other plants, if the cultural treatment is satisfactory, therefore every effort should be made to maintain healthy conditions. One of the chief essentials to success in the cultivation of plants under glass is care in the application of -water to both Toots and foliage. The effects of careless watering and syringing of plants may not be noticed for a time, but they will be apparent later. Shading.— The time is at hand when it will be necessary to reduce or discontinue the shading of glasshouses. The shading material should never be allowed to remain on the glass after it can be dispensed with, that is, after the sun's power has so far waned that it will not injure the leaves. Span-roofed houses facing north or east do not require, shading either so early or so late in the season as those facing south or west, or lean-to houses facing due south. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By T. W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Lysaght, Esq., Castleford, Chepstow, Gloucestershire. Disa.— Disa grandiflora, D. racemosa, D. tripetaloides, and the hybrids kewensis, langley- ensis, Luna, and Veitchii, constitute a charming series of terrestrial Orchids, well adapted for growing in a cool house. The cultivation of the plants does not appear to be fully understood, but there is no difficulty in growing those of the D. Luna type. If the new D. Blackii proves to be easy of cultivation, these Disas may find favour in many collections. The chief causes of failure are a close, stuffy atmosphere, and re- potting at the wrong season. D. Luna and some of the other hybrids flower slightly in advance of D. grandiflora, and need attention at the root during the present month. Disas have no derided resting season ; they are practically per- petual growers, and for this reason drought at any time is harmful. Ordinary flower-pots are the best receptacles, and should be filled one- fourth of their depth with drainage material. A suitable rooting medium consists of rich fibrous loam, with a little peat or Osmunda-fibre, and Sphagnum-moss added. The soil and fibre should In' used in a lumpy condition. Make the soil fairly firm, and surface it with live Sphagnum- moss, which will tend to keep the roots moist. Plants that are healthy should he shifted into pots two sizes larger than the old ones, taking care not to disturb the tubers too much. Large specimens with small, weak growths should be divided into several pieces. If the portions are placed in small pots with a few crushed crocks incorporated with the compost, they will soon become re-established, and later may be shifted into larger receptacles. They will develop into healthy flowering plants in two years, and eventually make specimens that will produce several flower-scapes. For a few weeks after they are disturbed water the roots with extra care, but when they have grown freely give copious supplies of moisture. Grow the plants in the cooler end of the Odontoglossum house, directly beneath a ventilator, for an abundance of fresh air is essential. The ventilator should be open more or less, according to the weather, both day and night. Plunce the pots in a bed of moss or any moisture holding material, to keep the roots damp. During bright, hot August 28, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. ffl weather, spray the plants lightly overhead. Plants that are not re -potted and have filled their pots with roots should be fed from time to time with weak liquid manure made from cow- dung. When the house is vaporised with XL A.11 or any other fumigant, it is advisable to remove the Disas until the fumes have escaped, and this remark applies more especially to the time when the plants are growing freely. Thrips are occasionally troublesome, but spraying with an insecticide will generally destroy them, or the plants may be dipped in an insecticide. Insect pests must be watched for closely when the new growth is pushing through the soil, for at that stage they will do irreparable damage, causing the shoot to be stunted for the rest of its career. The plants of the section of Disa of which D. graminifolia may be cited as an example are somewhat difficult to cultivate, and are rarely seen in collections. They have been termed heath plants, and should be potted in peat and sand. Whilst in active growth the roots should be kept moderately moist, but when growth is completed and the foliage decayed, the plants should be rested by keeping the roots quite dry. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By W. Hedi,ey "Warren, Gardener to the Aston-Clinton Park Estate (the Rt. Hon. Lord Rothschild), Buck- inghamshire. Wall Fruit. — Continue to nail or tie the shoots of wall trees, remove all surplus growths, and stop all gross ones. Give Apricots, Peaches and Nectarines constant attention, as the trees promise to continue growing late in the season, owing to the wet weather. Make secure the leading shoots of Pears, Apples and Plums, and pinch back closely all foreright growths. Protect ripening fruit from insects ; earwigs, woodliee, flies and wasps are becoming .very troublesome. Cover the trees with hexagon netting and hang on the branches wide-mouthed bottles partly filled with some sweet liquid, such as sweetened beer, or treacle and water. Attend to the gathering of Plums as they ripen, espe- cially in showery weather, as the fruits soon crack and become spoiled after heavy rains. Nuts.— Filberts and other nuts are swelling fast, and the prompt removal of suckers as they appear at the base of the 'bushes will assist their development. The trees quickly respond to liberal treatment, such as an occasional applica- tion of liquid manure at the roots. Apples and Pears.— If not already done, remove at once all superfluous shoots from espp.lier. dwarf, pyramid, and standard trees. Ncc a single shoot that will not be wanted next year should be retained after this date, as there is now no danger of the buds at the base of the shoots being forced into growth. Attend to the tying of the leading shoots of espalier trees. Grafts that were inserted on old trees should be tied securely to stakes, to prevent them being broken by autumn gales. Strawberries.— Keep all runners removed from the plants, and, if necessary, mulch the surface of the beds with a thick layer of half- decayed manure. Forced plants that have been set out in beds for fruiting next season should have all flower-trusses removed as they appear. Autumn-fruiting varieties are growling vigorously, producing an abundance of foliage. Remove the runners until the fruit commences to swell, en- couraging the trusses to rise above the foliage in order that the berries may be exposed to the sun. Should abnormally wet weather prevail during the ripening period, cover the beds with movable lights, keeping the glass well above the foliage, to allow the air to circulate amongst the plants freely. Morello Cherries.— The crop of Morello Cherries should be retarded as far as pos- sible, taking care to protect the fruits from damage by birds and insects. Fruits required for bottling or preserving should be gathered on a fine day, when perfectly dry, and should not be over-ripe. Trees from which the fruits have been gathered should be cleansed of insect pests by syringing with soft soap and water, at a strength of about 1 ounce of soap to 1 gallon of water. General Remarks.— When . the crops of loganberries, Brambles, and similar fruits are gathered, cut out the old fruiting growths and treat the plants generally as in the case of the Raspbei-y. The present is the best time for making notes of trees that require root- pruning or lifting ; the present condition of each tree will indicate very clearly the extent to which these operations are necessary. Trees for planting in the coming autumn should be selected in the nursery, which should be visited for the purpose. It is much better to make the selection before the leaves have fallen, for the general health of the trees can be better determined before defoliation. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. J. Cobb, Gardener to Reginald Cory, Esq., Duffryn Gardens, near Cardiff, South Wales. Herbaceous Phloxes. — Border Phloxes have done splendidly this season ; the rains of July fell just when root-moisture was of great value, whilst the subsequent dull weather caused the blooming period to be prolonged. Before the plants pass out of bloom notes should be made of varieties of special merit, with a view to increasing the stock of these later, should this be desired, by division of the roots. By planting as soon as the plants have finished blooming the roots will become re-established quickly, and with the aid of a slight mulching later they will come safely through the winter. Phloxes are gross feeders, and repay for plant- ing in deep, well-manured soil. They are very suitable for growing in beds or borders, by the waterside, in the foregrounds of shrubberies or skirting woodlands. The two last positions may be chosen for older, though still favoured, varieties, such as Coquelicot and Eclaireur, and the beds and borders devoted to the newer and improved sorts. There are numerous varieties ; a selection of the newer, choicer ones includes Mrs. A. W. Alder, Doreen, America, Loki, Wilbur Wright, Mrs. H. J. Jones, Frank Bouskell, F. W. Mander, John Meakins, and Mrs. G. F. Richardson, these ranging in shade from pale pink to carmine ; F. Richard Gross, white and carmine ; and Gloire de Marc, blue. Eremurus.— Now that the foliage of Ere- muri has died down, the work of planting or transplanting may be undertaken. The plants are best left undisturbed for several years, but as each plant, in time, forms several crowns and the flower-spikes become smaller each suc- ceeding season, it_ is advisable to lift and separate the crowns by gently pulling them apart. Perfect drainage is essential to success, and the situation must be sheltered from cold winds of early spring. Choose a border pro- tected on the north and north-east by an ever- green hedge, which provides a good background for the stately flower-spikes and affords the necessary shelter. Spaces among shrubs also provide excellent positions for planting. Light, sandy loam, with manure incorporated deeply, forms a suitable staple. Make holes of sufficient width and depth to allow the roots to be spread out horizontally; work dry soil and sand amongst the latter, which are very brittle, and then fill the holes with the excavated soil, the crowns to be 6 inches below the surface. Pro- tect the young growths from spring frost ; in- verted flowerpots are frequently used for the purpose. Lilium candidum.— Early planting is neces- sary for success with the Madonna Lily, there- fore the bulbs should be obtained at once. They will grow best in well-drained, sandy loam. Only just cover the bulbs with soil. When this Lily is established and doing well it is advisable not to disturb the plants for several years. In many cottage gardens magnificent clumps have been known to flourish for a very long time. Where it is desirable to transplant through over- crowding or deterioration, this operation should be done now. The bulbs will soon commence to develop leaves, which remain green through- out winter. Fritillaria.— Fritillarias require to 6e planted early. The Crown Imperial is well worth a place among dwarf shrubs, and is best planted in small groups. F. Meleagris, "Snake's Head," is useful for naturalising in grass. Examples of how well they do in this way may be seen in moist meadows near Cricklade, Wilt- shire, and, I believe, around Oxford. Gladioli. — Early-flowering Gladioli are parti cularly useful for furnishing cut blooms, which last fresh a long time. For this purpose bulbs should be planted freely in the reserve garden, in beds which are well drained. Set the bulbs 4 inches to 6 inches deep and in rows made 12 inches apart. In cold districts the growths will need protection during unfavourable weather, and nothing is better for the purpose than dry Bracken, which keeps light and airy. Good varieties are Ackermannii, Delicatissima, Salmon Queen, Ne Plus Ultra and Colvillei. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Winter Tomatos.— Plants which are in- tended to produce fruits in winter should be ready for transference into 10-inch pots, provided with good drainage. The soil should consist of a mixture of three parts turfy loam, one part decayed horse manure, and a sprinkling of old lime rubble. Pot moderately firm, leaving suffi- cient space in each pot for future top-dressing. Secure the stems to suitable stakes at once, for they should never be allowed to fall over. Re- move all the side shoots as they appear. Water the soil sparingly until the roots are growing freely, when liberal supplies of moisture should be afforded. Grow the plants in a well-ventilated house with a view to securing sturdy growth and a good set of fruits. Plants from which ripe Tomatos are being gathered will be benefited by a top-dressing of loam and concentrated fertiliser, pressing the materials tightly on the surface of the bed. Remove all decaying foliage and worthless growth, and ventilate the house freely whenever the weather is favourable. Cucumbers. — Material should be collected and prepared for making the beds in which to plant Cucumbers for winter cropping. Before the soil is brought indoors, cleanse the house and fumigate it. The beds may be arranged to within 2 feet of the roof-glass, and small mounds of a mixture of loam and leaf-mould placed 5 feet apart on the surface. When the soil has become warmed through, planting may be done. A few holes made in each mound will prevent an excess of heat through fermentation, and thus obviate the danger of harming the roots from this cause. When the plants reach the trellis the leading stems should be stopped ; this will result in two or more leading shoots developing, and these secondary leaders must be tied carefully and stopped, until the trellis becomes filled with short-jointed, fruitful growth. Only a small quantity of soil is necessary at the start, to be supplemented later by top-dressings. Ventilate the house with great care, and promote a humid atmosphere by syringing at night and morning. Leeks.— Plants which are growing freely may be assisted by a little fertiliser, but do not use rnanure water, as the soil is very wet already. Further plantations may be made to furnish roots for use next spring. French Beans.- Plant French Beans in pits where a little fire-heat can be used if neces- sary. Sow in rows made 2 feet apart, and cover the seeds with 1 inch of fine soil. Slugs are sometimes troublesome to this crop, and must be guarded against : soot and lime act as good deterrents to this pest. The lights should not be used where Beans are growing in cold pits until they are absolutely necessary. If 7-inch licit s are available they may be filled with rich soil and Beans grown with a view to producing pods in November. Crock the pots sparingly) and use a compost consisting of three parts turfy loam and one part of decayed horse droppings. Make the soil moderately firm, and place six- seeds in each pot. thinning the seedlings if necessary. The plants may be grown in a pit or house, and should be placed close to the roof- glass. Protection is only necessary for the time being, the aim being to secure strong, healthy plants that will crop late in the autumn. 136 THE GA RDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 28, 1915. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVEKTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER. 41. Wellington Street. Covent Garden, W.C- Editors and Publisher. — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communications and save us muck time and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that all letters relat- ing 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 de- lay and confusion arise when letters are mis- directed. APPOINTMENTS FOR SEPTEMBER. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1— Glasgow and W. of Scotland Soc. Show (2 days). THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 2— Manchester and N. of England Orchid Soc. meet. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7— Scottish Hort. Assoc. Meet. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8— Royal Caledonian Hort. Soc. Show, in Waverley Market. Edinburgh (2 days). THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9— Dickson and Robinson's Vegetable Show at Man- chester (2 days). B.G.A. (Watford Branch) meet. Lecture by Cyril Harding. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13— United Hort. Ben. and Prov. Soc. Com. meet. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14— Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. (Lecture at 3 p.m. on " Dahlias," by Mr. J. Riding). (National Dahlia Soc. Combined Show.) THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 16— Manchester and N. of Eng. Orchid Soc. meet. Nat. Rose Soc. Autumn Show at R.H.S. Hall, West- minster. MONDAY. SEPTEMBER 20— Nat. Chrvs. Soc. Executive and Floral Corns, meet. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28— Roy. Hort. Soc. Corns, meet. Vegetable Show (Lec- ture at 3 p.m. on " Early Flowering Chrysanthe- mums," by Mr. Robert Fife). Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich, 59.8. Actual Temperaturb : — Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, London : Thursday, August 26 (10 a.m.). Bar. 29.8. Temp. 68°) Weather- Sunshine. 8ALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY— Dutch Bulbs, bv Protheroe and Morris, 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.O., at 10.30. WEDNESDAY— Special sale of Bulba for the Trade, by Protheroe and Morris, at 1. F. Manson Bailey, c.m.g. The many friends of Frederick Manson Bailey, Colonial Botanist to the Queensland Government, will learn with deep regret that the veteran Australian botanist is no more. He passed away on June 25 at the advanced age of 88. Bailey came of a race of gardeners, and he leaves behind him in the person of Mr. J. F. Bailey, Director of the Brisbane Botanic Gardens, one who maintains worthily the high traditions of the family. To those whose fixed habit of thought is to regard Australia as a " new " country it will come as a surprise that that State has known how to make use of the scientific services of three generations of this dis- tinguished family. So long ago as 1838 John Bailey left the then suburban fields of Hackney and set sail on the Bucking- hamshire for the Antipodes. This vessel, a frigate of 1,500 tons, was the largest that had ever sailed to the Antipodes. By a happy omen the ship anchored in Hold- fast Bay, S. Australia, and the family that it, bore held fast, and have made good in the land of their adoption. On his arrival in the Crown Colony, as it then was, John, the father of the subject of this memoir, became Government Botauist and laid out the first Botanio garden in the Southern capital. But, as so often happens to new States, hard times befell S. Australia, and John Bailey had to resign his position and re-enter the nursery busi- ness. This he did in association with his son Manson. Then oame, during the 50's, the gold rush in Victoria, and young Manson Bailey, exchanging nursery spade for miner's pick, packed off to Bendigo. But before he had achieved success he was recalled, by the illness of his father, to Adelaide. After some three years, how- ever, adventure claimed him again, and lie journeyed to New Zealand, where he took up land in the Hutt Valley. The Maori war broke out, and Manson Bailey was perforce compelled to trek once more. He journeyed to Sydney, and after a short stay- in New South Wales went on to Brisbane. THE LATE FREDERICK MANSON BAILEY. In 1861 he set up a seed business, but the times were unpropitious, and the venture did not prosper. His opportunity came in 1875, when he was appointed by the Queensland Government to take part in an enquiry into the causes of the diseases affecting stock and oroips. In the course of his investigations Manson Bailey pub- lished valuable articles on the native Grasses of Queensland. His next official post was curator of the Botanic section of the Queensland Museum, and in 1881 lie became Colonial Botanist of Queensland, which position he held at the time of his death. The work of this important post was thoroughly congenial to him, and lie travelled widely, amassing material not only for his great work on the Flora of Queensland, but also for valuable publica- tions on the timber resources of the coun- try. His knowledge of plants was pro- found, and the services which he rendered to the State were the greater owing to the fact that he combined a sound knowledge of systematic botany with a no less sound experience of practical gardening — a com- bination as fertile as it is rare. After thirty years, in 1911 his services received official recognition in the award of a C.M.G. But he who would under- stand: the stalwart nature of the man must appreciate not only his devoted work and numerous publications, but also his be- haviour in adversity. When in the nine- ties retrenchment became imperative, the position of Colonial Botanist was abolished. Imperturbably Manson Bailey continued to attend his office and dis- charge what used to be his duties — ob- serving that, pay or no pay, the work must go on. The public, wiser than the politicians, intervened, and Bailey was reinstated. In this episode we find the measure of his magnanimity, and though Manson Bailey will be remembered by the wealth of his contributions to systematic and eco- nomic Botany, those who look at life whole will not forget this fine example of how a great-hearted man may meet and disarm adversity. He died full of j-ears and honours, and his virtues are commemorated not only by his published works, but also by the irilnites of his fellow-citizens, of which no finer has appeared than that published in the Brisbane Courier. From it many of the facts cited in this memoir have been taken. CODONOPSIS CONVOLVULACEA.— Most Of the Ci 1: nopsis species are remarkable for their ,' f strong, unpleasant smell when bruised, the best known, perhaps, being the Himalayan ~^ C. ovata. There are some six or more - species in cultivation, some with flowers of great beauty. C. convolvulacea has a wide area of distribution, being found wild in Western China, Tibet and the Himalayas. Tbe plant illustrated in fig. 45 was raised from seeds sent to Kew by Max Leichtlin in 1906, and' it flowered first in August, 1907. The seeds were stated to have been received from the North-Western Himalayas, although the species was not previously known to have been a native of that region. C. convolvulacea is a perennial herb, with slender, smooth, twining stems, sparingly branched. The leaves are mem- branous, mostly alternate, ovate-lanceolate in shape, and from 1 to 2 inches long. The deep lavender-blue flowers are about 3 inches across, with the lobes divided almost to the base. They are produced on long pedicels, and are both ter- minal and axillary, but always solitary. Although the Kew plant has flowered yearly since 1907, no seed has ripened, but this year the capsules look promising. Only one stem is pro- duced annually from the woody rootstock, so that it has not been possible to increase the stock to test the plant's hardiness, although there is little doubt that it would survive our winters, seeing that it came from the Himalayas. Haywards Heath Horticultural Show.— A very successful show was held at Haywards Heath, under the auspices of the local horticul- tural society, on Bank Holiday. The net profit amounted to £100, which is being sent to the R.H.S. as a donation to the War Horticultural Relief Fund, and nearly a ton of fruit and vege- tables was forwarded for the use of the Navy. It may be added that the Society makes fort- nightly collections of fruit and vegetables on be- half nf the Navy, and this example might well be followed by other horticultural societies. August 28, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 137 New Laboratory at Kew. — A new laboratory of plant pathology at Kew Gardens has been opened for use. The building has been formed from two cottages on Kew Green, for- merly known as Gumley and Chestnut Cottages, which were originally united, and used, it is be- lieved, as residences for ladies of the (bed- chamber when Queen Charlotte occupied Kew Palace. Mr. A. D. Cotton, assistant in the herbarium, has been promoted to a first-class assistantship in connection with the new labora- tory, and Mr. \V. B. Brierlet, of Manchester University, has also been appointed a first-class assistant. A temporary assistant and a preparer comprise the staff up to the present. A portion of the laboratory is being used temporarily by the entomologist of the Board of Agriculture, so that opportunity is also afforded for the investi- gation of plant diseases caused by insects. Appointment.— Mr. M. T. Dawe, formerly a member of the gardening staff of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and lately Director of Agriculture, Portuguese East Africa, has been ap- cluding one of the sub-foremen, have enlisted. As two men have been discharged a.s unfit, the number of Kew employees serving with His Majesty's forces is now ninety-two. One young gardener has recently received a commission. Messrs. Webb and Sons, Ltd., seeds- men, Stourbridge, recently received the follow- ing communication from the commandant of one of the large base camps for British troops in- France : — " I write to thank you again for the flower seeds you sent for the soldiers ; they all came up and have made a splendid show." Pte. H. Penton, King's Shropshire Light Infantry, eldest son of Mr. W. Penton, Rooknest Gardens, Godstone, Surrey, was killed on the 12th inst. when on duty in the trenches. He joined the army in September last, but had only been at the front three weeks. Private Penton7 was held in high esteem in his regiment, as is fully shown by the letters received from the commanding officers, Major Welch and Lieu- tenant Sidebottom, and the chaplain, Rev. M. W. T. Conran. mineral origin. He finds that petroleum- bearing rocks are invariably sedimentary, and never present characteristics suggesting an igneous type. The oilJbearing rocks contain de- posits denoting alternations of marine and lagunary conditions. During the lagunary periods there was an accumulation of organic debris, the remains of animals and vegetables which had either lived or died there. The marine recurrences brought impermeable sedi- ments which covered the debris and protected them from the oxidising action of the air, thus permitting them to become bituminous. The Value of Nursery Trials.— Few realise the amount of time and labour expended by seed firms in keeping their strains of seeds true to name, and of uri ailing germination. The placing of a new annual, for instance, is not simply a matteT of growing the anticipated quan- tity of seeds and giving the novelty prominence in the next issue of the catalogue. The novelty must first be tested to make sure that it is fixed and true, hen/1* the need for the trials which are [Photograph by W. Invntj. Fig. 45.- codonopsis convolvulacea : COLOUR of flowers lavender-blue. (See p. 136.) pointed, on the recommendation of Kerw, Agri- cultural Adviser to the Government of Columbia. War Items. —The late Able-seaman Wil- liam Charles Williams, V.C., was the son of Mr. W. Williams, foreman at MessTs. Pil- linger's nursery, Chepstow, where he has been employed for more than twenty-seven years. The Victoria Cross was awarded for gallant conduct at the landing at V Beach, on the Galli- poli Peninsula. A member of the crew of H.M.S. Hussar, Williams assisted in bringing to- gether the lighters which had broken adrift, and held on to a line in the water for more than an hour under heavy fire, until killed. We learn from the Kew Bulletin that seventeen more employees of the Royal Botanic Gardens have enlisted or re-enlisted. Nine members of the uniform section, including Cor- poral Constable J. Sealt and Laboratory Porter J. A. Minoat, have re-enlisted, the two latter to serve in the Army Ordnance Corps ; three labourers, a carter and four young gardeners, in- Mr. Robert Pringle, the head gar- dener at High Canons, Barnet, writes us : — " I regret to inform you that Lance-Corporal Arthur Long, Royal Fusiliers (Machine Gun Section), has "Been killed in the Dardanelles. Pre- vious to the war he was engaged in these gardens, and was much valued by his employers." Weeds and WAR.-Shortage of agricultural labour is responsible for no small amount of neglect, and it is to be feared that agricultural yields will be affected adversely. It is reported, for example, that Charlock has been more than usually rife in our Cora fields, and our contem- porary, Knowledge, publishes a striking photo- graph of Charlock in a field of Oats. It cannot be too often repeated that this weed may be de- stroyed by timely spraying with sulphate of copper or of iron. Details of the method have been published already in these pages. Origin of Petroleum.— According to in- vestigations carried out by M. Jean Chautard, petroleum appears to be of organic and not constantly being made. Records are made and kept of the behaviour of each sort from the seed- sowing to the harvest. It would be quite easy to " arrange " the trials for visitors and to show every variety as being absolutely true. But this is not the object. To take the compact Lobelias, for instance. The trials could easily be rogued whilst the plants are in the seedling stage, for even then any strays of the gracilis type can easily be detected, but to find the true percent- age of purity all seedlings in the trials must be pricked out without the slightest selection. Again, with Antirrhinums, the discerning eye can detect at an early stage the rogues, and it would be an easy matter to replace them with type plants, but the rogues must remain, so that tin- correct percentage may be recorded. Then follow two or three, or even more, years of selection, until at least 98 per cent, of the new variety come true, before it finds a pluoe in the catalogue. There are, naturally, many disap- pointments. Some beautiful and desirable new varieties of annuals refuse to come true in the 138 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 28, 1915, high percentage which is insisted upon, so thess are. finally, but reluctantly, discarded. Other equally charming varieties persistently refuse to seed freely, and these also have to he eliminated. A Fungous Parasite of Radish and Beet. — The fungus which causes damping off of Sugar Beet seedlings and 'black rot of Radish has been investigated by Mr. H. A. Edson (Journal of Agricultural Research, Department of Agricul- ture, Washington, No. 4, Vol. IV., July 15, 1915), who refers it to a new genus, Rheospor- angium, and names it R. aphanidermatus. The general symptoms produced by the parasite re- semble those set up by Pythium debaryanum, and the fungus belongs to the Saprolegniaceae. Nursery Stock Imports to U.S.A.— Estimates made by leading American nursery- men and published in the National Nursery- man indicate that the supply of French fruit stocks expected via Bordeaux will be normal, and freight rates no higher than last year. French women and children are doing the work of the men called to the colours. Of English shipments, Gooseberries are very deficient owing to quarantine regulations. There will lie no ship- ments from Germany, owing to the British blockade by " Order in Council." New York Botanic Garden.— The New York Botanic Garden in Bronx Park will cele- brate its twentieth anniversary in the week be- ginning -September 6 next. Meetings will be held in the gardens and visits made to Staten Island for the study of the coastal flora, to the Pine (barrens of New Jersey, and to the Brook- lyn Botanical Garden. Wa'-ter Hood Fitch.— The last number issued of the Kew Bulletin contains a condensed, partially classified bibliography of the pictorial botany of the late W. H. Fitch, of whom an obituary notice appeared in the Gardeners' Chronicle, January 23, 1892. We learn from the brief biographical sketch which precedes the enumeration in the Kew Bulletin, that the activity of this accomplished botanical artist covered a period of about fifty-five years, and embraced some 10.0CO figures of plants, or por- tions of plants, apart from dissections, illus- trating almost every known family in the vege- table kingdom and almost every British botanical work published during the period which may be termed the reign of FnCH, namely, from 1834 to 1888. Disregarding the bulky and expen- sive illustrated botanical and horticultural books of such early authors as Bradley, Dillenius, Gerard, Mabtyn, Miller and others, the Botani- cal Magazine, started by William Curtis in 1787, may be regarded as the foundation of periodical illustrated garden botany at a moderate price. We specially name the Botanical Magazine, because from its commencement till the present day it has been almost entirely devoted to culti- vated plants, and because W. H. Fitch was its almost sole artist for upwards of forty years, contributing about 2,900 coloured plates. It may be repeated here that Sir William Hooker dis- covered W. H. Fitch working for a Glasgow firm of calico printers, and procured his release by redeeming his indentures. At first Fitch was almost entirely engaged on Sir William Hooker's publications, inducting the Icones Plantarum, various journals, and illustrated books on Ferns. Then came Sir Joseph Hooker's Botany of Boss's Antarctic Voyage, Sxkkim Rhododendrons, Himalayan, Plants, and other splendidly illustrated books, and during Fitch's long active career "practically every illustrated publica- tion, official and unofficial, issued from Kew was adorned by his pencil." Fitch was also a pro- lific contributor to the leading horticultural periodicals, including the Gardeners' Chronicle, from 1869 lo 1883. Prominent among his work in these pages is a series of folio coloured plates representing groups of Orchids, Camellias, Gladioli, Tulips, Lilies, Calceolarias, Roses and Plums. Notable among his larger works on cultivated plants are : The Genus Lilium (Elwes), Select Orchidaceous Plants (Warner), Odontoglossum (Bateman), and Garden Ferns (Hooker). He was also a master in reduced representations on wood, and in this way illustrated the various Kew Guides, The • Treasury of Botany, The Imperial Bible Dictionary, and Pentham's Illustrated Hand- book of the British Flcwa, the last num- bering 1,295 figures. By some mischance Wil- son Saunders's Refugiuni B&tanicum seems to have been omitted from the list. This little- known publication was established for the pic- torial record of such cultivated plants as were not sufficiently ornamental for general purposes and not easily dried. The number of head- ings in the Bibliography is nearly 150, and it should be remembered that the headings cover from 1 to 2,900 plates each. We have said nothing except in general terms of the quality of W. H. Fitch's work, leaving the work to speak for itself, fortified by the appre- ciative testimony of the two Hookers, Sir William and Sir Joseph, with whom he was more intimately associated. Retirement of Mr. W. Pope.— Mr. W. Pope, gardener at The Willows, Wargrave, Berkshire, for the past forty-five years, has relinquished his post. During the time he has worked at The Willows he has served five families. Mr. Pope was a keen gardener, and a, prominent member of the Wargrave Gardeners' Association, frequently exhibiting at the Society's meetings. Local affairs attracted his attention, and for some years he served as a parish councillor. Through the efforts of Mr. Pope the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution has benefited to the extent of £173 15s. 6d. The Corn Crops.— The Board of Agricul- ture and Fisheries has received the following in- formation from the International Agricultural Institute : — The total production of crops in 1915 in the undermentioned countries is estimated as follows : Wheat, in the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Russia in Europe, India, vTapan, Tunis, United States, and Canada (winter Wheat only), 1.383,889,000 cwts., or 17.9 per cent, above last year's production. Barley, in the same countries, except India and Canada, 414.411.000 cwts., or 19 per cent, above last year's production. Oats, in the same countries as Barley, except Japan, 755,136,000 cwts., or 24.1 per cent, above last year's production. Rye, in the same countries as for Oats, except England, Scotland, and Tunis, 514,365,000 cwts., or 18.7 per cent, above last year's production. The esti- mated production of Maize in the United States is 1,458,993,000 cwts., and of Potatos 230,899,000 cwts., or 9.2 and 6.2 per cent, respectively above last year's production. Variegated Pelargoniums in Fashion in Japan.— The latest floral fashion in Japan is the variegated Pelargonium, and the Japanese are said to be paying considerable sums for plants with well-variegated leaves. Garden Seeds for Queensland.— The Queensland Agricultural Journal states that "Owing to the scarcity caused by the war, it is of the utmost importance that seed merchants in Queensland make early arrangements for their next season's supply of vegetable and flower seeds, and those who are in the position to im- port their own supplies would do well to at once get into correspondence with English firms of re- pute. It will be a satisfaction to loyal Queens- landers to know that vegetable, flower, and farm root seeds are grown in the South of England on a large scale, many varieties of both vegetable and flower seeds being exported to the Conti- nent and to the United States of America, some of which reach Australia after two profits have been made on them. Even Asters, Ten-week Stocks, and many other choice flower seeds can be. grown, to advantage in Essex, where most leading houses have seed farms. Turnip, Cab- bage, Beet, Mangel, Swede, Rape, and other seeds are grown in both Kent and Essex, and from there exported all over the world. Cheaper seeds may in some instances be obtained, but better it is impossible to procure ; the thing is to get these supplies to Australia at first cost. Such seeds as Cauliflowers are grown in Italy, near Naples, and merchants who require large quantities could purchase direct ; but for orders of, say, 28 lb. of a variety, London still offers the best market, as the buyer has the assurance that the large firm from whom he purchases has in- spected the growing crop, and is satisfied that it is true to name and free from sports. Pictorial flower and vegetable seed packets are printed on a large scale in England. Horticultural sundries, such as flower sticks and wooden labels, can also often be purchased in London of better quality and at lower prices than from Conti- nental houses." HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) The Flowers of Milton. -Having long been interested in the references of our great poets to garden flowers, I have read with ap- preciation Canon Ellacombe's article on the flowers of Milton. Quoting from Lycidas, under the heading of " Pansy," Canon Ellacombe gives No. 3 as "the white Pink and the Pansie streak'd with jeat." In his Plant Lore of Slmlcspeare he gives almost the same quotation, excepting that jeat is spelled jet. Many other authors also give the word streaked ; but being desirous of verifying the quotation I recently purchased a small volume entitled Milton's Minor Poems, and there the line reads : " The white Pink and the Pansy freak' d with jet." There may not be much difference between streak'd and freak'd, but I should like to be sure what Milton really wrote. Hulme, in Bards and Blossoms, gives it as freaked, but the question could only be decided perhaps by a reference to the first edition of Lycidas, and that to many of us is inaccessible. C. II. P. Grafted Clematis.— In Sir Herbert Max- well's review of Mr. Watson's book on Climb- ing Plants I notice a statement that grafting Clematis is not the best method of propagation. My experience is, however, that the stock only serves as a mother for a few months. I have never yet seen a plant more than two years old on which the stock was alive, as the scion roots very freely and is soon self-supporting. It will be interesting to know if any of your readers have ever seen the stock of such plants alive after this period ; and even if so, it is, I imagine, the exception rather than the rule. Edward .1. Bunyard. Cucumber Every DAY.-In reply to Mr. P. Bolt (see page 115) the Cucumber mentioned in my note was not grown for any special purpose such as exhibiting. I have cut several fruits measuring 20 inches in length and 9 inches in circumference from the same plant, which has been in bearing all through the summer. G., Stretton Hall Gardens, Stafford. I have never found a variety of Cucumber to equal Every Day, either for small or large gardens. It is far superior to Telegraph. I have grown large specimens of both varieties, not just special ones for show purposes. It would be interesting to know if P. has ever grown plants of Telegraph and Every Day, side by side, in a bed, dn pots, and in cold frames. I have always found Every Day give the better results. I have cut large fruits of Every Day this season. R. Jones, Highfield Gardens, Bram- ley, Leeds. Gardeners' Wages in War-time.— Since the commencement of the war the industrial conditions in this country have changed con- siderably. The cost of living has risen very considerably, and to meet this increased cost August 28, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 139 the majority of workers are receiving either in- creased wages or a war bonus granted by em- ployers, but not so the professional gardener. The wages of gardeners were never very high, and, at the present time, many of them are suf- fering real hardships in the struggle to make both ends meet. The isolated position of gar- deners renders it difficult for them to organise and to put their ease collectively for considera- tion. The Executive of the British Gardeners' Association earnestly asks all employers of gar- deners to consider the question of wages. If an increase has not yet been given, we appeal to employers, both private and public, to remedy the omission. Cyril Harding (General Secre- tary), British Gardeners' Association, 1, Ulysses Road, Fortune Green, Hampstead. "Witches Broom on the Willow" (see p. 123).— It may interest Mr. A. D. Web- ster to know that in October, 1906, I showed a Willow " Witches Broom," as Mr. Webster calls it, at a meeting of the Scientific Committee of the E.H.S. (reported in your columns at the time) from the neighbourhood of Buckhurst Hill, in Essex. Two or three years after, Mr. Bowles brought similar specimens from Enfield Lock, where the malformation still persists. Even at that date it seems to have been somewhat widely distributed, although few noticed the curious and often huge bunches hanging in the trees. The tree from which the Enfield speci- mens came is now dead, whether as a result of the attack of the mite or not is not known. Mr. Miller Christy has recently written an in- teresting account of the occurrence and distribu- tion of the galls in and about Essex, in which he shows how far the attack has spread since it was first noticed in 1906. Fred J. Chittenden. The War and the Nursery Trade.— A year ago the President and Council of the Royal Horticultural Society expressed to the Fellows their opinion that in troublous times, such as we are at present passing through, coun- sels of perfection cannot always be carried into effect. At the same time it is none the less the duty of those who are placed in a responsible position, and who can exercise any influence in the country, to give the best advice in their power, leaving it to the judgment of individuals to act upon it as far as they are able to see fit. The letter further went on to say that it was already evident that not only actual gar- deners, but all who in any way were dependent for a living upon horticulture, will be certain to suffer seriously from the indirect effects of the war. It is known how loyally Fellows of the Society responded to this appeal, and nur- serymen and seedsmen throughout the country have been deeply grateful for the effort Fellows have made to maintain, as far as they reasonably could, the upkeep of their gardens, adjusted to the times. There has recently appeared in the public Press correspondence urging the entire cessation of all garden expenditure, and though the letters have more pointedly aimed at public parks and gardens, such expressions are apt to be dangerous, inasmuch as the gardening public at large may be likely to interpret and apply them to themselves individually. Indeed, that this is happening is evident from correspondence recently received on the subject from promi- nent and well-known firms, who tell us that their trade is very seriously depressed, and who point out that an entire cessation of trade means not only temporary financial loss, but the irre- trievable sacrifice of many years of labour spent in introducing new and improving older fruits and vegetables for our use, and flowers, trees and shrubs for our solace and enjoyment. They rightly feel that, as they have catered for our highest happiness in times past, it is hardly right that they should now be brought to a position in which they can no longer even retain their employees' services. Most of their younger men have enlisted, and they ask, not for the usual trade, but for just sufficient support to keep them going and to meet current expenses which cannot be suspended. The President and Council feel that in drawing the attention of Fellows to this trade aspect of the question they are but again advising that medium policy which, in the long run, is always the wisest, and Fellows are -urged not to forget this when fram- ing their economies. II". Wilhs, Secretary. FRENCH NOTES. NOTES FROM AUSTRALIA. ASPARAGUS IN FRANCE. Most of the Asparagus grown in Fiance is of the Argenteuil variety — early or late — and characterised by the large stalks and closely- overlapping scales. It is propagated solely from seed, and since the plants are unisexual, crossing always occurs, and much care is taken in select- ing good parents. For this purpose the best yielders are set apart, and from them Asparagus is not pulled. Hence they flower earlier and risk of pollination from other sources is avoided. Growers often prefer not to raise their own but to buy in young plants from one to two years old. The production of giant forms is a matter of cultivation. Asparagus flourishes in sandy or chalky soils and it is a greedy plant ; chemical manures in particular give good results. In the neighbourhood of Paris (Argenteuil) planting is done in March and never in autumn, for the roots in the latter case would Tot during the winter. At Argenteuil planting is done in lines 15 inches apart and 1 yard from plant to plant. The plants are put in holes not deeper than 4 to 6 inches, and in the centre of the hole a little mound of soil is disposed to spread out the roots. THE GARDEN OF THE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY AT SOISSONS. News received recently from Soissons gives the information that the very charming garden at Soissons was in part destroyed by the Ger- mans after their retreat on the Aisne. The crime is peculiarly gross, and serves but to demonstrate once again that the difference be- tween culture and Kultur is that between crea- tion and annihilation. This "school-garden," the property of the Horticultural Society at Soissons, was established in 1868, and enlarged in 1890 at the time of the dismantlement of tho fortifications of the town. Near the entrance the garden consisted of smooth lawns, fine trees and masses of flowers, beyond which were the botanic garden, glasshouses and fruit garden, and also a lecture hall, library and museum. The garden has suffered already and from the same cause, for in 1870 it was destroyed completely by the Germans, and again in 1879 80 the terrible winter did almost as much damage. The garden plays an important part in the horticultural education of the district, and serves as a centre for the dissemination of knowledge as well as of plants. As symbol of the recuperative powers of France stands the fine male tree of the Canada Poplar. Decapitated in 1870 by a Prussian bullet, it branched vigorously and grew so strongly that last year the spread of its branches was no less than 9 to 10 ares. Another interest- ing tree is Ginkgo biloba pendula. Planted in 1868, its branches cover — or covered — an area of over 30 yards. EXOTIC FRUITS ON THE RIVIERA. Dr. Robertson Proschowsky, -well known for his zeal in the acclimatation of exotic fruit trees in the Riviera, has published a note (Bull. Soc. Nat. d' Acclimatation, May, 1915). containing the results of some interesting experiments carried out in the gardens of the Villa Marguerite at Eze, near Nice. It is found that Achras Sapota grows vigorously and bears fruit; the Canary Banana, Musa Cavendishii, and its several varieties, fruit well ; the different forms of Psidium Guajava produce abundant fruit. So ako does Passiflora quadrangularis ; and Aegle marmelos, which fails to survive the winter in Dr. Proschow- sky's garden, is perfectly hardy at Eze. Close to the property of Mr. Bergous at Eze was, until recently, a plant of Cocos nucifera, which had been established in the open for some years. Its growth was slow, and after 10 years was only 3 metres high ; but it developed normally, and died not from cold but from neglect. A. .1/. A DISMAL SEASON. The season 1914-15 will live long in the memory of Australians, quite apart from the war and its consequent sacrifices. Our winter of 1914 was almost devoid of rains, and spring began with dry waterholes and creeks, the natural grasses, so plentiful in our average spring, being almost non-existent. The spring continued dry, and only in a few isolated districts was there anything worthy of the name of a Wheat crop. In our own State an area of 1,000,000 acres yielded, three-quarters of a bushel per acre, tbe usual yield being 10 to 12 bushels, the total harvest of Australian Wheat (being over 100,000,000 bushels below the average. Fruit crops also were scanty. Plums, usually valued at £5 per ton, were eagerly bought at £13, whilst Apples were a complete failure in 80 per cent, of the districts. The hand-feeding of stock be- came a necessity, and as a Tesult of the enor- mous demand, the price of chaff, hay and bran rose beyond the reach of thousands of farmers. Thousands of sheep were sold for wrhat they would fetch, Is. per head being a common price and 9d. per head being recorded in some cases. Wheat was 8s. 6d. per 601b. bushel, bran 2s. 2d. per bushel of 20 lbs., chaff £15 per ton, and flour £17 10s. per ton. To-day good meat is worth 8d. to Is. Id. per lb., bread 9^d. to lOd. the 41b. loaf, and we are importing butter from U.S.A. and England and retailing it at 2s. to 2s. 2d. per lb. Potatos were an excellent crop, but they have been used for stock-feed to such an extent that their market price is £10 per ton. However, a record acreage was again sown with grain, and good rains falling during April, aud continuing since then, the aspect changed ; within a fortnight the country became green with shooting grass and sprouting grain. This change of weather conditions, so neces- sary to the growth of herbage, proved fatal to large numbers of poorly-conditioned horses, cattle and sheep, and. the lambing season being May to June, the losses of sheep have been enormous, estimates varying from 15 to 25 mil- lions of sheep alone. This loss of grown sheep, taken together with an anticipated lambing per- centage of 15 to 30 per cent, (as against 75 to 85 per cent, normal), will require several years to replace, and already the question of " pro- hibiting the slaughtering of female sheep and cattle" has been raised in our press. BROKEN TULIPS. Referring to the many notes on the "break- ing" of Tulips in the issues for May and June last, here we consider the breaking of Darwins to be due (1) to the presence of too much lime in soil, (2) to a deficiency of potash, (3) to the soil being impoverished or too poor in the first instance. A neighbour whose garden is on a basaltic soil imported Tulips the same season as myself ; his Darwins have all broken, whilst my bulbs — now some 5,000; — grown in soil of granitic character, have not yet shown signs of breaking. Sinee being imported the bulbs have experienced both a very wet and a very dry season, the last season being the driest on record. I have here some 60,000 Tulips, and find that the early singles break whenever planted in " poor " soil, whilst cottage varietii s very seldom do so. Possibly some of your readers may have noticed the different behaviour of Tulips in limestone and granite soils. Gilbert Errcy, Errey's P.O., Victoria. Publications Received. — Onion Cultiva- tion. (Bulletin No. 78, issued by tho Commis- sioner of Agriculture, Imperial Department of Agriculture, for the West Indies.) Price 3d. — Annual Report on the Department of Agri- culture, Jamaica. (Jamaica : Government Printing Office, Kingston.) 140 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 28, 1915. IS FRANCAIS ET BELGES. CHRONIQUE SPECIALE (XLII). L'APPROVISIONNEMENT DES PRODdiTS HORTIGOtES EN ANGLETERRE ET LA GUERRE. De- tcms cotes la guerre a oecasiorrne une veritable disorganisation dans l'approvisioiuie- ment en demees alimentaires. Merae en Angle- terre, pays si favoraiblement organise pour con- tinuer. son tralic avec les continent.-: d'outra mer, mais- tributaire dans line mesure .aussi large de l'etranger, on s'est vivement preoccupe des mesures a prendre pour assurer 1'alimentation de la population. Aujonrd'hui les craintes se dis- sipent, car ntalgre tout, les differents services s© trouvent tres peu affectes. Pour 1' horticulture dont la prosper ite a. an cours des dernieres decades, ete si intra) ement lie© au commerce international, la question se posait sous an point de vue special : il fallait craindre iron pas la penurie, mais Timpossibilite de. S3 debarrasser de produits dont aucun n'est reel'Iement indispensable, certains paraissant meme devoir etre rejetes des que la moindre crise. economique se fait sentir. Et cependant malgre le cataelysme qui s'est abattu sur le monde civilise, la production horticole — prise dans son sens le plus large — n'est pas trop atteinte. En Angleterre la situation tie semble pas bril- lante pour 1'industrie de la plante ct de la tieur. Le campartiment des fleurs a Covent Garden est moins anime qu'autrefois et des plantes de serre trouvent difficilement acquereur : on peut sans grand inconvenient prolonger quelqne peu le delai au bout duqu?] les plantes decoratives sont renouvelees dans les appartewents. Par contre, pour les produits qui ont un rapport avec 1'ali- mentation — fruits et legumes — le marche est tres favorable. La demande de ces articles n'a cer- tainement pas flecbi a la suite de la guerre. Pour certains meme, notamment les fruits mous, susceptibles d'etre mis en conserve, les cours ont ete extremement remunerateurs. Comparant la situation a celle que Ton observe dans les pays neutres, on arrive a la conclusion que lis fruits et legumes sont de moins en moins prcduits de luxe, et si Ton excepte les articles de haute primeur, on peut dire qu'il faut des circon- stances particulierement nialheureuses, cnnnne celles que la Belgique traverse aetnellement, pour que la crise surgisse. Et ajoutons que, pour OS qui concern? la Belgique, la situation se coni- plique du fait que sa production horticole est basee sur 1' exportation, virtuellement impossible depuis la guerre. L'hiver dernier, Ti'mportation de prcduits etrangers en Angleterre a quelque peu souft'ert. La Hollands avait avantage a expedier ses legumes en Allemagne on on se les disputait a prix eleve. Vers I' Angleterre les envois etaisnt irreguliers et arrivaient sonvent en mauvaise condition, c? qui, il est vrai, etait du souvent a ce que les envois ne se faisaient que dans les periodes de congestion qui allaient de pair avec une temperature tres douce et des retards dans les marches de distribution liollandais. Les Cerises du Limboufg Hollandais (les Bastaarddikke d'Eysden) ont egaJement trouve a se vendre en Allemagne. II en est neanmoins arrive des envois a Londres par la voie detournea de Rotterdam. Normalement les expeditions se font via la Belgique par le port d'Ostsnd i el rejoignent en routs les chargements de Mouland. de St. Trond, etc. L'Espagne et le Midi de la France out, a diverses reprises, essaye de faire leurs expedi- tions oTdinaires, mais faute de main-d'oei l'emballage etait imparfait ou encore le materiel de chemin de fer I'aisait defaut et le trajet durait trop longtemps. Les envois de fleurs dites do Nice, out a peu pres ete mils. Plus tard, les services se sont ameliores et recemment les Cerises, les Reines-olaude arrivaient a peu pres normalement. Aetuellement, les , Poires Bon Chretien William sont amenees en ibon etat. [A suh-re.) NOUVELLES DIVERSES. Les Fruits dans le Pays de Herve.— La production -de Poires et- de Pommes sur !e plateau de Herve, la region renommee des vergers patures au Nord-Ouesl de Liege, est abondante. Dans Jes conditions actue'lles, il est probable que tous les envois se feront vers 1'AUe- magne. Ou se rappelle que les droits d'entre© sur les fruits beiges y ont ete ramenes au tarif de faveur. Deja precedemment, le pays de Herve fournissait des centaines de wagons de Poires et Pommes aux marches des provinces dn Rliin et de la WestphaHe. Exposition horticole a Verviers.— Lc AAV .Sirrh annonce qu'nne exposition horticole a recemment eu lieu a Verviers. Les rcceites out ete affeetees a 1'Oeuvre des prisonni?rs de guerre. Les Legumes en Alle m agne.— Comme suite aux mesures deja prises pour assurer 1'a.p- provisionnement en legumes, le gouvernement allemand est, annonce-t-on, decide a operer la saisie des legumes k cosse detenus en Aliema.gne et a lixer un prix maximum pour ces produits. En ce qui concerne les Pommes d-e te*rre, TAssn- ciation des Consommateurs d'Elbcrf eld -Barmen a demande que le Reichstag prenne de? mesures pour en diminuer les prix. II s'agirait de crei une reserve de quinze millions d' tonnes et de reglementer 1'emploi des tubercul«s pouc la fa- 1-j i, ;ition d'alcool. Les consommateurs de- mandent aussi que hi speculation prenne fin. L'agene? Renter signale que la rt^ Ite des Pommes de terre pour 1915 est officiellement estime-.1 a cinquante millions de tonnes. Quinze millions de tonnes seronl ne ;saires pour l'ali- iM mtation de la population, sept millions deviont etre rc>;TV(.-os pour les plantations de 1916, cinq millions seroiit requises par rindustrie. Les vingt trois millions de t « m^ ties qui restent pour- ront etre employees pour ralimentatiou des pores. La Restau ration de (.'Agriculture en France.— La commission agj oole de !'Aot t'<>. Raynea Park. London.— Rulhs. R. H. Bath, Ltd., Wislx'ch— Bulbs, Roses, Paeonies, Hardy Plant-, Fruit Trees. John McJaerchar, 35, C.ieshach R^au, Upper Holloway — Bulbs and Flower K oots. Dobbib and Co., Edinburgh. — Bulbs, Sweet Peas, Car- nations, Pansies, R< 144 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [August 28, 1915. Border Chrysanthemums : J. K. B., Holland. If by Border Chrysanthemums you refer to those of the early-flowering section, you will find the paper read by Mr. C. Harman Payne at the Chrysanthemum Conference, held under the auspices of the National Chrysan- themum Society on October 4, 1905, suitable for your purpose. The paper was published by the society in pamphlet form, price 6d. The secretary is Mr. B. A. Witty, 72, Saver- nake Boad, "Gospel Oak, London. CHErRANTHUS Allionii Failing : /. P., Hampton Court. The plants have been injured by the mining maggot of a fly. In future you should sprinkle the surface of the soil, while the plants aTe still quite young, with guano. This will deter the flies from depositing their eggs on the stems. Coloured Bean : A. G. J. The purple-podded Bean ; the variety was shown well in the Hon. Vicary Gibbs' collection of vegetables at the B.H.S. meeting on the 17th inst. Dwarf Boses : Stedman. Allow the long shoots to remain until pruning time next sprmg, when they should be shortened to about 1 foot. The weaker growths will need pruning more severely. Gooseberries Diseased : C. S. You are correct in your assumption that the plants and fruits are affected with American Gooseberry mil- dew. See coloured plate and description with remedial measures in the issue for December 7, 1912. Grapes in Unheated Houses : Sir A. B. H. Black Hamburgh Grapes may be grown in un- heated vineries, but it is doubtful if Muscat of Alexandria would succeed unless in very favoured districts. Provided the wood is thoroughly ripened by the autumn, both varie- ties, however, may be safely wintered with- out the using of artificial heat. But it would not be advisable to allow the thermometer inside to register more than 8° to 10° of frost, for then there would be great danger of water in the pipes freezing and cracking them. The fact that the vines have been subject to frost during the winter would naturally retard growth in the spring, so much so that, with careful management, fire-heat would not be necessary much before the end of March, by which time the vines will have started into growth natuTally. Grubs in Soil : /. H. The insects are the larvae of one of the Aculeate Hymenoptera. They are too damaged to name or rear. Limes as Ornamental Tall Trees : /. B. H. The best Lime to plant as ornamental speci- mens is Tilia euchlora, also known as T. dasystyla, and T. petiolaris. When fully grown T. argentea, or correctly T. tomentosa, is also a very handsome tree, but when young it has a somewhat stiff and formal appear- ance. This Lime is quite hardy and pro- duces very ornamental leaves, but for general planting it is less useful than the two pre- viously mentioned. T. spectabilis is con- spicuous by reason of its large foliage ; it, however, hardly blooms so freely as some of the others. T. platyphyllos, T. cordata, and T. vulgaris all blossom freely and early, but the leaves often become unsightly and com- mence to fall in August. Melon Leaves Affected : Anxious. Your Melon plants are attacked by an organic disease, and should be sprayed twice a week with a solu- tion of liver of sulphur. The proportion is one ounce in five gallons of water. It should be noted that this solution has a deleterious effect on white paint, which it turns black, so that care should be exercised in its application. Names of Fruits : W. T. and Co. Apple Beauty of Bath. — Anxious. 1, Devonshire Quarrenden ; 2, Bed Astrachan. Names of Plants : D. M. Juglans regia var. laciniata. — If. Houlden. Taxodium disti- chum. — A. Newnham. Coronilla Emerus.- — H. E. C. Lysimachia barystachys. — /. M. 1, Polygonum aviculare ; 2, Medicago sativa ; 3, Sonchus asper ; 4, Lactuca muralis ; 5, Potentilla arguta ; 6, Lotus corniculatus ; 7, Prunella vulgaris ; 8, Lapsana communis. — .4. T. 1, Melilotus arvensis; 2, Centranthus ruber; 3, Eeseda alba.— P. B. B. 1, Eose (not recognised) ; 2 and 4, forms of Statice latifolia ; 3, S. limonium var. ; 5, S. tartarica ; 6, Echinops Bitro ; 7, Eryngium amethystinum ; 8, Yucca filamentosa: 9, Ligustriim coriaceum. — W. J. G. 1, Hemerocallis Kwanso variegata, a Japanese form of Hemerocallis fulva ; 2, An- thericum elatum variegatum ; G. E. G. Kalmia latifolia (Calico Bush).— A. B. H. Desmodium cinerascens. — /. 0. 1, Helxine Solierolii ; 2, Bhamnus Frangula (Berry^bearing Alder).— L. C, Hants. 1, Aralia chinensis ; 2. too withered to identify; 3, Inula glandulosa ; 4, Alyssum argenteum ; 5, Cytisus nigricans ; 6, Spiraea japonica ; 7, Astilbe Davidii ; 8, Spiraea palmata var. alba. — R. 1, Nandina domestica ; 2, Astilbe Davidii ; 4, Lysimachia barystachys; 5, Cimicifuga cordifolia ; 6, Ophiopogon Jaburan variegatus ; 7, Saponaria officinalis (double form) ; 9, Lycium chinense ; 3 and 8, specimens insufficient for identifica- tion.— C. Fulton. Mal-va sp., probably M. par- viflora. — G. D. A. 1, Veronica gentianoides ; 2, Sedum sp. (send Bowers) ; 3, _ Veronica Chamaedrys ; 4 and 5, cannot be identified ; 6, Linariadalmatica. Although it is essential that specimens should be packed moist, yours were so wet as to be half decayed. — IF. H. B. Rulbus phoenicolasius, Japanese Wine Berry. Oak Tree Struck by Lightning : A. H. it. The death or partial death of a tree after being struck by lightning depends largely upon the severity of the shock. In some instances, though the actual course of the lightning may not be well marked, considerable injury may have been caused to the cambium, whilst in other cases the bark may have been loosened over a considerable area, although not actually removed. In other cases the shock may have been confined to one side of the tree, the opposite side being intact and able to carry out its proper functions. One authority, F. Cohn, suggests that when lightning strikes a tree the wet cambium-zone conducts the elec- trical discharge, and the contained water is suddenly converted into vapour, the expan- sion thus caused stripping off the bark in various places. This would naturally destroy the cambium layer connecting the wood and bark. The reason why one side of a tree should be killed and not the other is a more difficult matter to explain. Peas Failing : F. R-, Harrow, and .4. B., Miekleoier. The Peas are attacked by a disease known as Thielavia basicola. Whether there is still time to save the crop depends on the extent of the disease, but we fear it is very doubtful. Try watering the plants twice a week with a solution of sulphate of potash. Plums Injured : R. /. The damage has been caused by the Plum fruit moth, Opadia fune- brana. The only treatment is to tie sacking around the base of the tree 1 to 2 feet from the ground, double folded, so that one piece is tied tight to the tree and the other outer one left loose. This should be done now, as the larvae are maturing. Take off the bands and burn them in winter with the hibernating larvae. Poinsettia : Tivi/ford. The shoots of Poin- settia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) should not be stopped in September, as the bracts are formed on the growths of the current summer. It is rather fate in the season to pot the plants. Allow two or three shoots to remain on each plant, and feed the roots twice a week with weak liquid manure. Syringe the plants on frequent occasions, and grow them in a tem- perature of 60° to 75° with plenty of moisture in the atmosphere. Potato Tubers Eaten : R. B , Ipswich. The Potatos have been eat'.n by an insect known as Julus pulchcllus. Mix some guano with the soil in whicf". the Potatos are growing, which will have the effect of driving the pests away. Rhododendron Leaves Damaged : Constant Reader. Your Rhododendron leaves have been eaten by the Bean Weevil, which occa- sionally attacks Bhododendrons. It is a diffi- cult matter to destroy the pest ; the use of Vaporite in the soil around the plants and constant stirring of the surface of the ground, especially in the drier spots, is recommended. The browning of the edges of the leaves is due to climatic causes, probably a. burst of strong sunshine after rain. Rhubarb : G. E. R. The variety is The Sutton. Salvia splendens : R. Evans. Bedding Salvias are among the easiest of soft-wooded plants to propagate, and the cuttings may be inserted now. Place about ten cuttings in a 48 6ized pot filled with light, sandy compost. The cut- tings will form roots readily in a cool propa- gating frame or pit if kept close, damped daily, and shaded from strong sunshine. Salvias may also be propagated from cuttings rooted in a warm house during the spring. Spring-rooted plants make good specimens for 'bedding the same year. Shallots Diseased : D. M. The Shallots are attacked by a fungus known as Sclerotinia, and nothing now can save them. They should at once be rooted up and burnt, leaving no trace either in the ground or anywhere else, and the ground immediately afterwards treated with quicklime. Storing Apples and Turnips : Anxious. The method you have adopted in storing Apples is the opposite to what you should practise, for a dry. airy box-room is the worst possible place in which to store fruits. Place the Apples when thoroughly matured in a practically air- tight room or cellar and keep the floor damp. The trays you employ are suitable. Turnips are among the worst roots for storing, and should not be placed together in laTge num- bers. The roots may be pitted much in the same way as Potatos, but between each layer straw should be placed, and the top of the pit well ventilated. Turnips are best left in the ground, for if the bulbs are well covered with soil frosts will not injure them. Syringing Peach Trees ; .4 Constant Reader. The soft soap and paraffin specific may be used to destroy red-spider on Peach trees if you proceed as follows : — Dissolve i lb. of soft soap in one gallon of boiling water, and add one wineglassful of paraffin. Keep the mixture well stirred by returning every alter- nate syringeful to the vessel containing the liquid, and do not syringe when the sun is shining on the house. Late in the afternoon is the best time for the operation, and the trees must be rinsed with clear water with the syringe before the sun reaches the trees the following morning. Tomatos Unhealthy : W. C. S., Breakspear. Owing to the slow progress of anything sent by rail at the present time your parcel of Tomatos has only just arrived. We have sub- mitted them to our expert and he reports that there is no organic disease discernible. In the cases of Nos. 1 and 2 the trouble is due to overfeeding, i.e., the too free use of stimu- lants. If you correct this the unhealthy con- dition of the plants will by degrees disappear. No. 3 has suffered from lack of potash in the soil. In ordinary circumstances an application of potash salts would be the natural remedy, but as they are at present very difficult to obtain it will be best for you to make as free a use as possible of wood ash mixed with the compost. Communications Received. — J- S.— Gardener, Herts— Brewer— T. N.— A. H J. G. W.— T. & Co.— J. W.— H. B.— J. W. W.— D.'s— Cvmro— H. W. W — .1. W. F— E. S. S— W. R. D.—O.C. J September 4, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 145 THE No. 1,497.— SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1915. CONTENTS. Araucaria imbricata, cones on. . .- . . 15i Books, notices of — Botanical Magazine, the 154 My Villa Garden .. 146 California 147 Cucumber Every Day . . 157 Cultivated fruits, history of— Thomas Andrew Knight . . .-145 Flowers in season . . 154 Flowers of Milton .. 157 Forest trees in trenched ground 157 Fruit crops, remarks on the .- .. - .. 14S Heather on Wisley Com- mon 157 Market Gardeners' Asso- ciation 153 National diploma in horticulture . . 157 Nursery inspection in France 157 Obituary— Cogger, G. F. .. ..150 Harvey, F. W 159 Pouley, J ir»9 Orchid Notes and Glean- ings— Sander's List of Hybrid Orchids .. .. 14C Pamphlets, R.H.S. "Pour nos amis francais et beiges " Presentation to a gar- dener Rogue, an incorrigible . . Societies — Royal Horticultural .. Stachyurus chiuensis Suburban vegetable gar- dens Temple Gardens in war time Trees and shrubs — Planting hedges War food societies, vil- lage War Horticultural Relief Fund . . . . 152, War items 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 . . White fly and soft scale, control of 153 155 153 152 15S 147 154 154 148 153 156 154 151 151 150 150 151 150 150 ILLUSTRATIONS. Harvey, F. W. r portrait of the late . . Knight, Thomas Andrew Peas, rogues in .. Plum Allgrove's Superb Stachyurus chiuensis .. 150 .. 145 152, 15:i .. 157 .. 148 THE HISTORY OF CULTIVATED FRUITS AS TOLD IN THE LIVES OF GREAT POMOLOGISTS. VIII.— THOMAS ANDREW KNIGHT.* THE advance of pomology in Britain before the nineteenth century was largely dependent on the stimulating influence of foreign countries, and especi- ally on that of France. The cultural side of the science had, at that time, in large measure, broken away from its alien tutors and begun an independent existence. In cultural matters, however, progress had come to a stop, and the authors of the time expended their energies in dialectics rather than in research. On the Conti- nent a new school was arising, which made the production of new varieties of fruits by cross-fertilisation its principal study ; and it was not long before this movement spread into England and aroused interest and eventually imitation. The leader of this movement forms the subject of the pre- sent memoir. As before noted, the disregard of Bacon's suggestive hint as to the cross- breeding of fruits, and of Bradley's actual experiments, was very remarkable. The versatile Evelyn in his Sylva also pointed to this method of improving varieties in the following words: "Nothing is more faoile than to raise new kinds of Apples, ad infinitum, from kernels, yet in that Apple country (Hereford) so much ad- dicted to orchards, we could never en- counter more than two or three persons that did believe it." It is not strange, * The previous articles appeared in our issues for June 14, .Tulv ?« and August 31, 1913, May 2, December 5 and 2(i, 1014, and June 12, 1915. therefore, to read that the artificial crosses made by Knight were received as a novelty, and the explanation of the functions of pistil and stamen came as a revelation to gardeners of that date. Thomas Andrew Knight was, by in- clination and circumstances, well fitted to launch such experimental work in this country. His father was vicar of Ribbles- ford and Bewdley, in Worcestershire, ami possessor of a considerable fortune, and was thus able to give his son a good education. read ; an excellent plan in general, but one which led him sorely astray when he touched upon subjects where historical evi- . dence was necessary. In 1790 he married Frances Felton, of Woodhall, near Shrewsbury, and settled at Elton, a name which the well-known Cherry still commemorates. Soon after this he became acquainted with Sir Joseph Banks, that great stimulator of research, and the result was a series of papers which placed Knight in a prominent position as Thomas Andrew Knight. The time spent at Oxford by Knight was not remarkable for any severe application to work; his tastes being of the country gentleman order, he preferred an outdoor life to an undue consumption of midnight oil. His remarkable memory, however, enabled him to gain a knowledge of Latin and Greek with the minimum of work, and. in after years, this acquirement permitted him to grace his writings with Latin quo- tations, an indispensable decoration in Georgian days. In the study of nature he always preferred to observe rather than to a scientific horticulturist. In 1795 his first paper was communicated to the Royal Society. It was entitled " Upon Inherit- ance of Decay Among Fruit Trees and the Propagation of Debility by Grafting." In this he enunciated his famous theory of the limited duration of fruit trees. In his opinion no Apple, for example, could last longer than 200 years, even if regrafted ; the young trees would show all the signs of age displayed by the original tree. His opinion is summarised in the following quotations: "From the description 146 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 4, 1915. Parkinson, who wrote in 1629, has given of Apples cultivated in his time, it is evident that those now known by the same names are different, and probably new varieties, and though many of those mentioned by Evelyn, who wrote be- tween thirty and forty years later, still remain, they app?ar no longer to deserve the attention of the planter. The Moil and its successful Tival, the Redstreak, with the Musts and Golden Pippin, are in the last stages of decay, and the Stire and the Fox Whelp are hastening rapidly aftrr them." "All efforts which have hitherto been made to propagate healthy trees of those varie- ties which have been long in cultivation, have, I believe, been entirely unsuccessful. The grafts grow well for two or three years, after which they become cankered and mossy, and appear, what I consider them really to be, parts of the bearing branches of diseased trees." While it would be rash to dismiss this theory as totally unfounded, it cannot be accepted in the extreme form as stated by Knight. Since we can still grow the old Golden Pippin, Fox Whelp and Court Pendu Plat Apples, and it is cpiite possible that Shakespeare may have refreshed himself with a dish of Jargonelle Pears, it is evident that an age limit such as Knight placed is not a general rule. In this matter it is easy to see that a knowledge of pomological literature would have prevented this statement in its dogmatic form. Happily, Knight's contributions to pomology did mot stop at the promulgation of theories, and it is mainly as a producer of new varieties of fruits by intentional crosses that he claims our remembrance and gratitude. His principal ex- periments were with Apples, Cherries, Straw- berries, Nectarines, Currants, Pears and Plums. In the first-named he endeavoured to obtain by crossing with the Siberian Crab a variety of greater hardiness and range of cultivation. The results of this, however, were disappointing, and his Apples, with one exception, were not of re- markable merit. The most important of those crosses in which the Siberian Crab was used are the Siberian Harvey, Siberian Crab x Golden Harvey (an attempt to combine the vigour of the former with the sweetness of the latter), and the Foxley, Siberian Crab X Golden Pippin. The Grange Apple and the Downton Pippin were both the result of a crossing between the Golden Pippin and the Orange Pippin. In both these fruits the influence of the Golden Pippin is obvious, but neither have held a place among more modern varieties. The only Apple which is still in general cultivation is the Yellow In- gestrie, so named from Ingestrie, the seat of Earl Talbot (pronounced Ingstre). This valu- able fruit, which resulted from a cress between the Grange and Golden Pippins, is largely grown on the brick earth soils of Kent for the London market, where it is often called Summer Golden Pippin, a name belonging rightly to a distinct and earlier Apple. The same cross also produced the Red Ingestrie, an attractive fruit of the Golden Reinette type, now rarely seen. Knight's other Apples — the Grange, Spring Grove Codlin, Bridgwood Pippin and the Downton Pippin — are now out of general cultivation, though trees doubtless exist in old-world gardens. Knight's greater successes were secured with Cherries, of which three still remain in the front rank. A cross between the Bigarreau and the Duke produced the Black Eagle and the Waterloo, two fruits of great value which are , !y grown in Kentish Cherry orchards. I i, i variety, the Elton, was raised in 1806 from the White Heart, and is a dessert fruit of the highest quality, not possessing the rather tough flesh generally found in the Bigarreau Cherries. Knight was impressed by the hardi- ness and fertility of the Morello Cherry, and raised many seedlings from it. These, however, all proved sterile, even when pollinated, though the trees grew and flowered well. The P?ars which Knight raised were numer- ous, but among them few are now cultivated. Of these Monarch is undoubtedly the best, com- bining good flavour with free cropping habits, and ripening after Christmas, a season when good Pears are not plentiful. The varieties of Nectarines raised at Down- ton have not held their own, but Imperatrice, Downton, Ickworth and Althorp gained some popularity in their day. In the smaller fruits Knight scored some successes. Among Strawberries Elton and Downton and among Rod Currants Knight's Red and Knight's Sweet Red are still cultivated and appreciated. Of the work done by Knight on the cultural side of pomology space will not permit a detailed review ; but the early numbers of the Trans- actions of the Royal Horticultural Society show that his knowledge of this subject was wide and thorough, and the same may be said of his re- searches into vegetable physiology. His study, moreover, did not stop at these subjects, and we find him corresponding on zoology and ornithology with Sir Humphrey Davy, De Can- dolle, Huber and other notables of the day. Circumstances had in later life caused him to move to Downton Castle, an estate of 10,000 acres, and here he led the congenial life of the country squire, experimenting in sheep-breeding and taking part in the administration of the Poor Law and other local matters. His last years were marred by recurrent illness, and he died in May, 1838, in London, where he had journeyed to take the chair at the anniversary meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society, over which he had long presided. In Thomas Andrew Knight we have an example of the gifted amateur who, though lacking scientific training, is able by un- obtrusive work to add some few facts to the general store, and whose infectious enthusiasm does even more by its stimulating influence. As the first to show the methods and results of the scientific cross-breeding of fruits, he takes an important place in the history of British pomology. E. A. Bunyard. NOTICES OF BOOKS. " Fob Villa Gardeners.* The villa garden dealt with in this work is a strip cf ground approximately 100 feet by 25 feet and contains a lawn, herbaceous borders, rock- eries, a fernery, a moraine, a bog or two, a valley, Rose beds and Rose arches, with a little wall garden, and a few trees and shrubs thrown in. If one measures off 100 feet by 25 feet and tries to conceive how it is done, one is fain to confess that the arranging and planting must have been the work of a genius. It is true the moraine occupies only 2 feet, one of the Rose beds is but a yard square, and probably the other parts are proportionately diminutive, but the multum in parvo is nevertheless there. The book takes the form of a monthly review, with digressions, of what passes in the garden. The author, as a rule, does not say how this, that and the other has been done, and he frankly tells his readers not to expect difficulties to be solved. His tastes are vaguely wide. He has explored Teesdale for its treasures of Lucken Gowans and Oak Ferns, and Wensley Dale for its Lady Slippers, and makes room in his plethoric garden for such common weeds as Bird's Foot Trefoil, Rock Ros?s, Orchis Morio, Ragged Robin and Marsh Marigolds. He hints of rambles on the Alps in pursuit of Dianthus and Primula for his Tockeries and tiny moraine. The book is very pleasantly written. This is the way the author speaks of the feeling many of us have for particular plants : " We greet our Columbines, Paeonies and Gentians each spring with a keenness allied to * My Villa Garden. By S. Graveson. (London : Heudley Bits. ) Price2s.Gii.net. that with which we -greet a returning friend from over the sea. Our mental attitude towards the flowers we love is very much that of lovers. The opening Paeonies recall the memories of our first introduction to one another years ago in an old cottage garden carefully tended by a signal- man and his homely spouse. The opening Gen- tian flowers recall a first meeting on the upper pastures above the Pine woods of Lanslebourg. What a day of days that was." And of annuals thus : " They are gay, they are winsome, and they try hard to please, but, after all, they are too much like actors on the stage, brilliantly clever and marvellously bejewelled, but when the curtain is rung down they are no longer a part of our life." Though the illustrations are not so good as the text, the book ought to make its way into the homes of those who own a garden similar to that chronicled in its pages. B. ORCHID NOTES AND GLEANINGS. SANDER'S LIST OF HYBRID ORCHIDS. Science, as well as horticulture, urgently re- quires that every available means of correctly recording the parentages of hybrid Orchids and their ancestry should be resorted to in order that the many interesting points which the great Orchid family has already disclosed may be elaborated. Orchidists are always glad of infor- mation on the manner in which so many beau- tiful hybrids, with their erratic variations, have been obtained, and on the means of ensuring increasingly good results in future. The great need of the hybridist has always been a reliable record of the work already done. Messrs. F. Sander and Sons, St. Albans, first for their own use and later for the benefit of all Orchid hybri- dists, have always kept careful records, their book of 123 interleaved pagrs, with supplement, dated 1912, being by far the best of such publi- cations up to that period. Since that time they have printed annual supplements, but the diffi culty of separate reference to each supplement, and the need of various alterations (more particu- larly to bring the records into line with those of the Royal Horticultural Society), necessitated a thorough revision, and their new hybrid Orchid list, completed up to the. present month , will be recognised as the standard work on the subject. Particular care has been taken to em- ploy in every case the correct name, with such success that the nomenclature in this woTk will form a safe and trustworthy guide to Orchid growers, both British and foreign. The "Fore- word," by Mr. J. Gurney Fowler, chairman of the Royal Horticultural Society's OTchid Com- mittee, while being an admirable appreciation of the work, is also a worthy contribution to Orchid lore. In the course of his remarks, Mr. J. Gurney Fowler, after touching on the various stages in the evolution of Orchid hybrids and the increas- ing difficulty in determining whether any par- ticular cross has been named before or not, points out the ease with which it can be accom- plished by reference to this new work. He remarks, " As a guide to the hybridist, this book is invaluable, and as I believe all records have been searched up to July 18, 1915, the text used in the title-page, ' Concise, Reliable, and Indis- pensable,' is, I think, well merited." Mr. Fred K. Sander is chiefly responsible for the revision and completion of this work, which embraces particulars of all known hybrid Orchids. There are. ruled blank pages between each leaf, on which to fill in new hybrids as they appear. The hybrid Orchid list published periodically in the Gardeners' Chronicle, con- taining the names, parentages, and raiser or exhibitor of novelties as they appear, will help to keep the work tolerably complete, pending new isues. September 4, 1915] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 147 STACHYURUS CHINENSIS, FRANCHET. The genus Stachyurus has long been known, although not so well as it ought to be, by S. praecox, a species introduced from Japan. This is a hardy deciduous shrub remarkable for producing stiff, perfectly pendulous racemes of pale-yellow flowers in February and March. It is said to grow 10 feet high in Japan, and there are specimens 6 or 7 feet high in this country. The flowering spray illustrated in fig. 47 is of a closely allied species from Central and Western China, which Franchet named S. chinensis in 1898. The plant is now fairly com- mon in gardens through having been more than once introduced by Mr. E. H. Wilson. The branch figured was taken from a plant growing near the King William's Temple in Kew Gardens, which made a very charming display last March and April. Growing near it is a plant of S. praecox, and out of flower it is difficult to dis- tinguish one species from the other. The young twigs of S. praecox, however, are of a brighter, tion to the variety of its climate — as indicated by a rainfall ranging from 40 inches in the north to less than 10 inches in the San Diego country — he draws attention to the richness of the native flora, combating the general idea that the flowering season is a short one. With the advent of the first rains the hillsides become decked with flowers, and during January and February a host of plants burst into bloom — Eschscholtzia, Coreopsis, Nemophila, Platystemon, Mimulus, Gilia, Lupinus, Pentstomon, Delphinium, Calo- chortus, Clarkia, Godetia, Aquilegia and species of many another far-famed horticultural genus. The traveller wending northward may, if he progress in leisurely fashion, find flowers all the way, for in the moist woods of the northern region the flowering season is some six months later than in the more arid southern part of the State. In the former region in the autumn the woods are bright with wild Azaleas, Rhododendrons, and Arbutus, all flanked by the giant Redwoods, and even later in the year the mountains show many an enchanting Alpine plant. on the underside, Q. californica (Black Oak) ; Q. agrifolia (Live Oak), and of Pines, Pinus Lambertiana (Sugar Pine), P. ponderosa (Yellow Pine), P. radiata or insignis, Monterey Pine, Abies grandis, White Fir, Libocedrus decurrens (Incense Cedar), and Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress). The variety of physical features and of climate has permitted the introduction of many species native both of semi-tropical countries and of dry regions such as Australia. Thus the Acacia and the Eucalyptus have found a new home in California. Not without reason has this State been called the fruit-growers' Paradise. Beside the Citrus fruits many tender sorts of commercial value have been and are being planted — Avocado, Anona, Feijoa, Psidium. The physical extremes are reflected in the vegetation ■ — in the far south, where little rain falls, the Cactus, Yucca and Artemisia flourish in the hills, and Washingtonia Palms in the canons. In the far north, the region of the big trees, the winds from the ocean bring moisture for the luxuriant growth of Fig. 47. — stachyurus chinensis : flowers greenish-yellow. [Photograph by C. P. RiiffiH. redder brown, the flowers a rather more greenish- yellow, and according to Mr. Render the fruits are larger than tho&3 of S. chinensis. As ornamental shrubs the two are practically identi- cal, except that S. chinensis has the valuable characteristic of flowering a fortnight later than S. praecox, and thereby providing a succession to it. Both these shrubs grow best in a sunny position, and should be planted in lightish loam with abundant leaf-soil added. W. J. B. CALIFORNIA. The exhibitions at San Francisco and at San Diego, and the holding of the annual meeting of the Society of American Florists at the former city, have provided occasion for the issue by our contemporary, the Florists' Exchange (August 7, 1915), of an admirable supplement on the horticultural history of California. Mr. Leonard Coates writes of the physical features of California, and after drawing att«n- Evergreen trees and shrubs are among the greatest beauties of the Californian flora, and include species of many genera native or common here — Acer, Salix, Quercus, Populus, Platanus, Alnus, etc., and also such plants as Arbutus Menziesii, Arctostaphylos, Ceanothus, Garrya and Romneya. Ceanothus covers the hillsides with its panicles of blue and white. Of shrubs and trees distinguished by their aromatic frag- rance are TJmbellularia, (Californian Laurel), Eriodictyon glutinosum, the Audibertias, Caly- canthus and the lowly Micromeria Douglasii. On the subject of trees, mention is made, among others, of Sequoia gigantea of the Sierra Nevada, and the yet more beautiful S. semper- virens of the coast range, that series of broken ranges of mountains which runs parallel with the coast from north to south, covering a varying width of from 10 to 20 miles. The hills of the Coast Range usually run from 500 to 2.000 feet, but occasionally rise to 4,000 feet. Other notable trees are Quercus dcusiflora (Tan Bark Oak), with dark Chestnut-like evergreen leaves, bronze a rich flora. Besides the groves of Orange and Lemon which are to be found almost every- where, a great Grape-growing industry thrives. Its centre is the San Joaquin valley about Fresno, where thousands of acres are planted with "Muscats,." In the Santa Clara Valley Plums and Apricots are largely grown. Rice flourishes in the overflow river lands, and in the extreme south-west, in Imperial Valley, Cotton is becoming a staple crop. In that valley Grapes ripen out-of-doors in June, and to illustrate the rapidity of growth in the warm interior valleys of the south, it is remarked that a propagator may, if he care to do so, plant a Peach stone in February, bud the plant in June, remove the top and have a developed Peach tree 3 feet high by November, plant it in the orchard, and, if it be not pruned, pick several fruits the next summer — from seed to fruit in 16 months. Even so brief a sketch as this serves to justify the claim of Mr. Kruckenberg, who writes mi the horticulture of California, that that State 148 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 4, 1915. deserves the title of the Horticultural State of the Union. Its present name, the Golden State, is not nearly so well deserved, for whereas the gold won from the soil annually is worth some 17 millions of dollars, the fruits won from the soil and air are worth three times that amount. The rise of California as a seed-growing State has been astonishingly rapid. Its flowers, plants, and nursery products now yield over 3^ million dollars per annum. About 6,000 acres are devoted to the growing of plants and flowers. We have been able only to draw attention to a few of the many interesting articles which have been brought together by the Florists' Exchange in this Californian supplement ; but all are well worth reading, and do great credit to the enter- prise of our American contemporary. TREES AND SHRUBS. PLANTING QUICK OR PRIVET HEDGES. The number of Quick plants generally used in making a hedge is three to the foot, and in the case of Privet 10 inches is allowed from plant to plant. For a single-row hedge this method is successful, especially if the plants are cut down the same season to within 4 inches of their base ; this induces shoots to grow out from the bottom, and a good, close hedge is quickly produced. There is, however, another method which will, with care, produce equally good re- sults from a less expenditure. Plants about 2 feet long are chosen and the tips (about 6 inches) cut off. The plants are then laid flat on the ground along the line of the proposed hedge, and secured to the surface with a stout peg. At the same time the roots are carefully and firmly put into the ground. As growth begins and proceeds from the horizontal plants, the shoots take naturally an erect position, and grow vigorously as long as the roots are well supplied with moisture. The growth of a hedge planted in this way often attains 2 feet the first season, and if the plants are cut back to 18 inches or less the following spring, the hedge will be of ex- ceptional thickness and firmness at the base. The cost is much less than in the case of the upright method, as fewer plants are required. E. Molyneux. REMARKS ON THE CONDITION OF THE FRUIT CROPS. [See Tables, Supplement, Gard. Chron., July HI,, 1915.) {Concluded from p. 134.) 8, ENGLAND, S.W. Devonshire. — Apple blossom was very plenti- ful, but was much damaged by the easterly winds which so often prevail when fruit blossom is opening. This has been noticeable in the district for the past six years. IF. Lock, Eastcliffe Gardens, Teignmouth. Gloucestershire. — Apples, Pears, and Plums all bloomed remarkably well, but some of the Apple trees are affected with blight. The Pear trees are healthy, and, notwithstanding the great crop of last year, are bearing fairly well. Plum trees are loaded with fruit. Of Cherries, Morellos and May Dukes are satisfactory, but the choicer varieties are somewhat scarce. Apri- cot trees are bearing a light crop. Black and Red Currants, Gooseberries, Raspberries and Loganberries are plentiful and good. We had a fair crop of Strawberries, the young plants pro- ducing good, large fruit, the older ones were checked by the drought. Nuts will only yield a light crop. There was no rain here from May 19 till June 25. Soil in the fruit garden is fairly deep and friable, overlying the old red sandstone formation. John Banting, Tortworth Gardens, Falfield. In this county Apples, Pears and Plums are largely grown in grass orchards. There was abundant blossom, and the outlook was at one time very promising, but a long spell of dTy weather in May and June, which favoured a very severe atta-ck of insect pests, altered the outlook considerably. There will probably be fair crops of fruit, however, both of com- mercial Apples and Pears and cider and perry varieties. I do not anticipate that Plums will be as plentiful as they were last year. Gooseberries are good, but Black and Red Cur- rants are adversely affected by severe attacks of aphis. The Strawberry crop was light, and the picking season short on account of the dry weather. G. H. Hollingworth, County Educa- tion Office, Gloucester. In these gardens the fruit crops of all kinds are very satisfactory. Apple and Pear trees which bore abundantly last year are also bear- ing well now, although they do not require thinning to the extent they did last season. There are large crops of Apricots, Peaches, Plums and Cherries. Black and Bed Currants are up to the average, and there was an abund- ance of Baspberries and Strawberries. Fred- erick C. Walton, Stanley Park Gardens, Stroud. I neveT saw the Apple trees more laden with blossom than they were this year, nor such a quantity of fruit set ; both dessert and culinary varieties required a great deal of thinning. Aphis has been very troublesome, and the foli- age is not so clean and vigorous as I should like to see it. Pears, too, set well, but some of the choicer varieties were attacked by the midge ; however, there is still a good crop left. The crops of Plums on walls are good, but the standard trees which bore heavily last year are yielding a moderate crop. The varieties Victoria and Rivers' Early Prolific are carrying the most fruit, and I consider these the two most reliable varieties to grow. Cherries set well, but the greater portion of the fruit dropped, owing to the drought and blight. There is a good average crop of Peaches and Nectarines. Apricots are under the average, many of the branches having died. I find the variety Moorpark the best to grow. There was an abundant crop of small fruits. The crop of Strawberries was an average one, the varieties Roy.al Sovereign and Givon's Late Prolific do best with me. Our soil is light and porous, with a subsoil of stiff clay. A. Chapman, Westonbirt Gardens, Tetbury. Apples, Pears and Plums are yielding average crops. The Pear trees are clean and healthy, but the Apple and Plum are badly at- tacked by aphis. Gooseberries, Currants and Raspberries are good and clean. The Straw- berries were not so large as usual, but the fruits were of good flavour. W. H. Berry. Highnani Court Gardens, Gloucester. Herefordshire. — The Apple crop here is a light one, due in a great measure to the strain on the trees last season, when they carried a heavy crop. There is a good, healthy crop of Pears. Plums are up to the average, and the trees are growing well, especially considering they have been badly attacked by aphis, and through shortness of labour this spring we have been unable to deal with the pest. Small fruits are yielding well, but Strawberries, owing to the drought, were small, and the plants suffered. Our soil is light and sandy, resting on sand- stone. Thomas Spencer, Goodrich Court Gar- dens, Boss. All fruit trees here have (been continu- ally attacked by aphis, caterpillar and other insect pests, besides which they have suffered from the prolonged drought. Pears and Plums flowered profusely, but failed to set their fruit, this being due, perhaps, to weakness after carrying such heavy crops last year. Lying very high we have escaped all spring frosts, though the surrounding hills were covered with snow on May 12, 13, 14. The soil is light, easy- working loam on limestone. A. J. Morris, Downton Castle Gardens, Ludlow. Monmouthshire. — The Apple crop may be classed as good. The trees are in excellent health, although woolly aphis is unusually preva- lent. The Pear crop is thin, and in a measure this may be attributed to attacks of the Pear midge. Plums bear a moderate crop, owing to the blossoms in some low situations having been damaged by frosts. Peaches and Nectarines suf- fered in a like manner. Early-flowering Straw- berries also were injured in some degree by frosts. The July rains have decidedly improved the prospects of the later fruit crops. Thos. Coomber, The Hendre Gardens, Monmouth. Somersetshire. — The fruit crops generally are very good, but Pears and Plums are scarce. Apples are rather uneven, many of the trees having a very heavy crop and others none at all. Strawberries and Raspberries have been plentiful and good, and of other small fruits there have been average crops. Aphis has been troublesome, and most fruit suffered from the long spell of rainless weather from early May to the end of June. George Shairley, Hals well Park Gardens^ Bridgwater. The soil here is of a very dry nature, the garden being situated on the side of a hill about 180 feet above sea level. The Apple and Pear crops are much less satisfactory than last year. E. A. Hnssey, Leigh House Gardens, near Chard. Worcestershire. — The fruit crops generally in this district are very good, with the excep- tion of Peaches and Apricots, which were damaged by cold, wet and dull weather when flowering. Late frosts have not affected us, but the period of drought, with cold, north-easterly winds, checked the fruit ; yet there will be a good average yield of fruit. A. Young, Withy Court Gardens, Worcester. Apples are yielding good crops all round, but the trees have been attacked persistently by aphis. Pears are clean, and have good crops. Of Plums, the foliage has suffered con- siderably from aphis. Small fruits are abun- dant and good. The early varieties of Straw- berries weTe good, but the mid-season ones suf- fered from drought, and were soon over; later varieties on north borders have fruited splen- didly, especially Givon's Late Prolific and Waterloo. A heavy hailstorm on July 2 damaged much of the fruit, and made deep indentations on both Apple and Pear fruits. W. Crump, Madresfield Court Gardens. Malvern. All fruits suffered badly from drought in May and June, but the Apples Blenheim Pippin and King of the Pippins are yielding good crops. Some trees are loaded with Apples, whilst others have none. Baspberries and Red and White Currants are yielding well, and the fruit is of good quality. Pears, on the whole, are finer than last year. Most varieties of Plums are plentiful, particularly Pershore, and Victoria is very fair. The Strawberry crop lasted about a fortnight longer than usual, but the quality was poor. Our soil varies, in some places being brown and sandy, in others a good sandy loam, while in others it is a stiff, marly clay, scarcely workable. Thos. Watkins, The Grange Gardens, Claines. The fruit crops in these gardens are very disappointing. There was an abundance of blossom on Pear trees, but many of the fruits dropped. This I attribute to drought and cold winds in early spring. Strawberries also promised well, but owing to the drought the fruit was small. Raspberries are of good quality, and there is a heavy crop. Our soil is a good. medium loam, resting on a bed of sand etone. Ernest Avery. Finstall Park Gardens, Bromsgrove. September 4, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 149 The frosts in May did much damage to Pears, Plums, Gooseberries and Strawberries in low positions. On ground fifty or a hundred feet higher the crops escaped injury. Conse- quently there are heavy crops in some places and poor crops in others. Heavy hailstorms on June 30 and July 4 injured much fruit on Apple, Pear and Plum trees in certain districts. James Udale, Ombersley Road, Droitwich. WALES. Anglesey. — The fruit crops this year are up to the average. The soil is very light and stony, and is not good for fruit in general. Peaches and Nectarines do very badly, but Gooseberries and Raspberries succeed. W . Tiso, Glyngarth Palace Gardens, Menai Bridge. Cardiganshire. — Taken as a whole, the fruit crops are very good. Plums and Pears are not so plentiful as last year, but they pro- mise to be good. The growth is free from insect pests, with the exception of some of the Plums. W. Phillips, Derry Ormond Pari Gardens. Carnarvonshire. — Apples, Pears and Plums flowered profusely, but the set was most disap- pointing, the reason being, I think, that the trees carried heavy crops last yeaT. Aphis is not very troublesome so far this season. Our soil is very light, and the subsoil gravel, there- fore all fruits require to be heavily mulched to give good results. June was a very dry, hot month, only 1.10 inch of rain being registered. /. S. Biggins, Glynllivon Gardens. Denbighshire. — The fruit crops in this dis- trict are good on the whole. Some varieties of Apples are carrying heavy crops, and need thinning Small fruits are plentiful, and Straw- berries have been very good. Owing to the drought the trees were badly damaged by insect pests. The soil is rather stiff, overlying a clay subsoil. /. -4. Jones, Chirh Castle Gardens, Ritabon. Glamorganshire. — The fruit crops in this district are up to the average. All kinds showed great promise, but the cold nights during part of May and early June, and the exceptional quan- tity of aphis with which all kinds of fruit trees have been infested, caused a great percentage of the fruit to drop. Peaches and Nectarines are carrying large crops, but I never remember the leaves so badly infested with ''blister as they were early in the season. Apples are an average crop, but like other fruit trees 'badly infested with aphis. Pears, although they promised well, are under the average, and the same applies to Plums. All small fruits were plentiful and good. Straw- berries have been exceptionally fine, but owing to the dry weather the season was short. R. Milner, Margam Park Gardens, Port Talbot. Montgomeryshire. — Cherries and Straw- berries suffered very much from the drought. ProbaMy the subsoil toeing gravel would account for these fruits being so poor. When plant- ing young fruit trees I always put a stone or slate slab underneath roots to 'keep them near the surface, as the soil is very shallow. Alfred Gribble, Plas-Machynllcth Gardens. Pembrokeshire. — The fruit crops are fairly satisfactory in this district, with the excep- tion of Pears, upon which we can never rely. Apples are very good, but in late, cold gardens the fruit is less plentiful. Small fruit is almost a failure in many gardens, but in our sheltered situation there is an abundant crop. Strawberries were good to begin with, but the season was curtailed by drought. Geo. Griffin. Shbech Park Gardens, Haver jordwest. ■ Apples are not plentiful in this dis- trict, but are of good quality. Pears bear a good crop, and so do Peaches and Nec- tarines. Plums are not plentiful, nor are Cherries. Strawberries were not good, but Raspberries, Gooseberries and Currants, both Red and Black, are yielding abundant crops. W. A. Baldwin, Clynfiew Gardens, Boncath. Radnorshire. — We have, on the whole, about average crops of fruit. Apples are rather under the average, but certainly are not scarce. Plums are very few, but this was to be expected after the glut of last year, when every variety was laden with fruit. Small fruits are a good average, and Raspberries very plentiful. The drought coming soon after the late frost ren- dered early varieties of Strawberries, such as King George and Royal Sovereign, failures. Rain improved the late varieties, but they weTe not good. /. MacCormack. Maesllwch Castle Gardens, Glasbury, Radnorshire. IRELAND. 9. — Ireland, N. Down. — The cold winds and want of pollin- ating insects spoiled what promised to be re- cord crops of Apples and Pears. There has been a remarkable crop of Raspberries, and all bush fruits yielded well. The dry weather affected early Strawberries, but the rains came in time to improve later varieties, and the fruit was good and plentiful. The soil here is a stiff loam w:th a Tocky bottom. T. W. Bolas, Mount Stewart Gardens, Newtownards. Fermanagh. — Small fruits have done very well, the crops being the largest for many years. 'Strawberries were good, but many were spoiled by rain. The Apple crop is almost a failure, although some Apple trees late in flowering have a fair crop. The soil in this locality is peaty. ■7. Moncrieff, Florence Court Gardens, Enni- skillen. Londonderry. — Late frosts in the month of May did much damage, especially to Cherries and Plums. Hailstorms injured the Black Cur- rants, otherwise we should have had an abundant crop of these fruits. Some varieties of late Apples are bearing large crops, whilst the early varieties are scarce. The soil in this dis- trict is of a gravelly nature, not suitable for Apples and standard Pears, which are more or less affected with canker. G. M., Garvagh. Monaghan. — All fruit trees and bushes flowered well here, and as we had no late frosts to damage them our fruit crops are very satis- factory. Apples have had to be thinned in some cases. Our soil is heavy and wet, in some parts being bog land. /. Hepburn, Dartrey Gardens. Tyrone. — The fruit crops this year are on the whole satisfactory. Pears have been disap- pointing, as after a fine show of bloom and an apparently good set, many trees have cast their fruit, until less than half a crop remains, although in other cases they have retained enough for a good average crop or slightly over. Insect pests have not been more troublesome than usual, but woolly aphis on Apples has been rather prevalent ; also Black Fly on Cherries. Silver-leaf is becoming common amongst Plums, especially the Victoria variety, and I have noted one or two cases of the Gooseberry Mildew in the neighbourhood. Fred. W. Walker, Sion House Gardens, Sion Mills. Westmeath. — The prospects of abundant fruit crops were seldom more promising than at pre- sent. Strawberries, however, are an exception, the continued drought during May and June having had a very adverse effect on the crop. Pears are variable, some trees carrying very heavy crops, and others bearing none. Rasp- berries are much more plentiful than they have been for some time. The caterpillar was very troublesome during the drought, and did con- siderable damage to Gooseberries, and in some cases to Red and White Currants. Our soil here is medium, heavy in some places. Geo. Bogie, Pakcnhnm Hall Gardens, Castlepollard. Cork. — Early June frosts were very injurious to Pears and some varieties of Apples, the varieties suffering most being Allington Pippin, Cox's Orange Pippin and Worcester Pearmain. Codlin Moth and American blight are very troublesome. M. Colbert, Aghern Gardens, Conna. The spring was a very cold, late one. Aphis is very prevalent, but other insect and fungous pests are not so troublesome as in other seasons. J. Dcarnaby, Magazine Road, Cork. Kerry. — Nearly all fruits flowered well, but frosts ruined the prospect of heavy crops in many places. This was most noticeable where the soil is of a boggy nature. Currants, Red, White and Black, are very good in quality, and above average in quantity. Raspberries are extraordinarily plentiful, and their quality is excellent. The soil here is peaty, mostly reclaimed bog, but in the district a good, strong loam is to be found on limestone. Wil- liam H. Arrowsmith, Deneen Gardens, Ken- mare. Kilkenny. — It is seldom we get two such good fruit years in succession as 1914 and 1915. This is especially Temarkable in the case of Plums, Apples and pears. Weather conditions during the critical periods were favourable, and, except for a bad aphis attack on Black Currants in May, insect pests have not been troublesome. Goose- berries, however, are a fast disappearing crop in this part of Ireland owing to American Goose- berry mildew. The moist climate is no doubt conducive to the rapid spread of this fungus. T. E. Tomalin, Bessborough Park Gardens, Pil- town. Limerick. — The Apple and Pear crops in this district are not nearly so heavy as last year, when they were remarkably good both in quan- tity and quality. Plums promised well early in the season, but are dropping badly now, owing no doubt to the drought of May and June. Gooseberries and Currants carried very heavy crops of fine fruit ; the mite on the former is practically unknown in this district. Straw- berries are not very plentiful, but are of good quality. The soil is a heavy loam, overlying limestone rock, which is very near the surface in most places. Harry Nixon, Roekbarton Gar- dens, Kilmalloek. Longford. — Apples promised a record crop, and some set well, but others were badly damaged by frost. Pears are an average crop and of good quality. The very dry season ad- versely affected small fruits. J . A. Boyle, Castle Forbes Gardens, Newton Forbes. Queen's County. — Fruit is very plentiful in this district, and the quality is exceptionally good. The Strawberry crop was an enormous one, and the fruit was of first-rate quality. The soil here is a light sandy loam. G. McGlashan, Abbey Leix Gardens. Waterford. — The fruit crops in this district are up to the average. The absence of late spring frosts assured a good crop of Apples. The standard varieties, such as The Queen, Bram- ley's Seedling, Lane's Prince Albert and New- ton Wonder, are very good. Strawberries were an abundant crop, the fruits of King's Early being exceptionally large. Cherries aTe rather disap- pointing, but Plums are yielding a fair average crop, the variety Victoria being plentiful. The soil is rather poor, on a hard clayey bottom. D. Crombie, Curraghmore Gardens, Portlaw. CHANNEL ISLANDS. Jersey. — The fruit crops in this district are on the whole poor. The trees flowered well, and there was promise of good crops, but owing to the east wind, frosts, and lack of Tain the fruit has nearly all dropped, and the trees have suffered very badly, many having died. The stone fruits seem to suffer most, owing to lack of lime in the soil. T. Shar- man, The Imperial Nursery, St, Helicrs. 150 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 4. 1915. The Week's Work. FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By John Highgate, Gardener to the Marquis of Linlithgow, Hopetoun, South Queensferry, N.B. Vinery.— Vines growing in pots and intended for starting in November should, if the canes are sufficiently hardened, be placed out-of-doors in a sunny position where the rods may be loosely tied to a wall or hedge — the latter for preference. During this resting period very little water is required at the roots, but suf- ficient must be afforded to prevent the roots from shrivelling. If the pots are covered with some loose material the roots are not likely to need moisture. Young Vines raised from eyes inserted early in the year should be encouraged to complete their growth. Place the plants in full exposure to 6unshine, and should the weather be dull employ a little extra fire-heat. Remove all lateral growths, and, save for an occasional damp- ing with the syringe, keep the atmosphere moderately dry. The canes cannot be over- ripened before the leaves fall, when the plants should be completely rested. For this purpose it may be necessary to remove them to a large airy house, where they can be kept better under control than out-of-doors. Early Vines grow- ing in borders also claim attention, particularly if the roots are in an unsatisfactory state, for this condition is best corrected before the Vines are entirely denuded of their foliage. Vines that have completed their growth should be pruned, and where the spurs have become long and unsightly Temove a number of them entirely and make provision for training up a new rod from the base. Let the rods be washed thor- oughly, and if red spider has been troublesome paint them with a mixture of soft soap, sulphur and paraffin. Remove the spent soil from the surface down to the roots, and replace it with a compost consisting of loam, lime rubble, char- coal, bone-meal, and a fair sprinkling of Vine manure. From now onwards, until the Vines are started keep the ventilators open to their fullest extent in order that the Vines may have a complete rest. Late Grapes.— To keep Grapes well into the winter the berries should be ripe by the latest at the end of the present month. In order to prevent unnecessary dampness, and at the same time permit a free circulation of air, pinch all lateral growths. Tomatos.— Plants intended for fruiting in winter and early spring should be kept growing steadily- Those that weTe moved into 5-inch pots some time since should be shifted into their fruiting pots before they become pot-bound. The plants should be encouraged to make sturdy, short-jointed growth by ramming the soil rather firmly. At this stage do not feed the roots, as this may be done more profitably when the first fruits have set. After repotting, water the Toots with great care. Grow the plants in a light, airy house until danger by frosts threatens. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By T. W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Lysaght, Esq., Castleford, Chepstow. Gloucestershire. Odontoglossum.— Where a representative collection of these Orchids is grown a few ] 'lints require attention at the roots at in- tervals throughout the year, but, as a general rule, the greater number may be repotted in February and the present time, and more especially those of the Colombian group, which include 0. crispum (with its host of varieties and hybrids), 0. triunrphans, 0. gloriosum, 0. Pcseatorei, 0. luteo-purpureum, and 0. Ander- sonianum. Many hybrids and certain Odon- tiodas may also be repotted if necessary. Before the plants are rearranged on the staging the interior of the house should be cleansed thor- oughly and the old moisture-retaining material, whether coke or shingle, renewed. Where a permanent shading has been employed in addition to blinds this should be washed off, as the new growths will make stronger foliage and more solid pseudo-bulbs when the glass is not too densely shaded. On the contrary, an excess of sunlight must not be admitted, or some of the back leaves will turn yellow and drop. All Odontoglossums that are making new growth and are about to develop roots from the base may be repotted if necessary. Small plants are best repotted annually, and this should be done without much disturbance at tlie root, but many of the larger specimens, for example, those growing in 5 or 6-inch pots, that were afforded fresh rooting material last year, will not require this attention. The pots should be filled to one- third of their depth with drainage material, which should be covered with either a small quantity of Sphagnum-moss or the rougher parts of the compost. The soil should consist of Osmunda or Al fibre, one-half ; good quality peat or partly decayed Oak leaves, one-fourth ; and Sphagnum-moss, one-fourth ; with a sprink- ling of sand and finely-crushed crocks. In repot- ting remove the decayed soil and cut off the dead roots and the leafless back pseudo-bulbs, which may be used to increase the stock. The recep- tacle should be sufficiently large to accommo- date the plant for two seasons. Press the com- post moderately firmly, and do not let it reach above the rim of the pot. All the plants that have been repotted may be put together and well watered. Shade the plants from bright sunshine and keep the atmosphere humid by damping the bare spaces whenever they become dry ; on bright days a light spraying overhead will be beneficial. Plants that are not quite ready for repotting may be attended to later, but do not defer the work until after the end of September. Each plant should be examined for insect pests, and if thrips aTe present the young 6hoots should be dipped in an insecticide and the pots afterwards placed on their sides to allow the specific to drain away. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. Jordan, Gardener to Lady Nunburnbolme, Warter Priory, Yorkshire. Gesnera. — The last batch of tubers of G. cinnabarina and G. chromatella should be re- potted. Place them direct in their flower- ing pots ; any feeding that may be re- quired may be given in the form of liquid manure. Use a similar compost to that recom- mended in the Calendar for June 19. Owing to the hairiness of the leaves, overhead syringing is not advised, as sediment in the water soon spoils the plants' appearance. For the same reason, keep them free from insects, as washing or syringing in any form is equally objection- able. Grow the plants in a position near to the roof-glass in a light pit, with a temperature between 60° and 70°. Cyclamen latifolium (persicum).— Now is the time to sow seeds of greenhouse Cyclamens if blooms are required within fifteen months of the time of sowing. The best method is to sow the seed soon after it is ripe in pans or boxes which have been well soaked in water, properly crocked and filled with a mixture of light loam, leaf-mould or peat and sand. Sow thinly, cover the seeds with a little fine soil and gently press the surface. Water the soil lightly and stand the pan in some moisture-holding ma- terial near to the roof-glass. Germinate the seeds in a temperature of about 60°. Take care that the soil never becomes in the least dry, covering the pans with a piece of glass to insure close conditions. As soon as the young plants have developed their first adult leaves, prick them off into larger pans or boxes, using similar compost to that employed in the seed-pan. Continue to grow the plants in the same tem- perature as at first, but when they have made a second leaf the thermometer may be allowed to drop a few degrees. Pot the seedlings later into single pots, suited to the size of the in- dividuals, using the compost at this and sub- sequent pottings in a rougher condition, one half of it to consist of loam, with plenty of sharp sand added. Low-roofed houses are best suited for these plants. Excellent results may be ob- tained by growing them in heated pits, even in winter, provided the temperature does not fall below 45°. When grown in a low tempera- ture, extra care must be taken in watering the roots, or damping off will occur. Any plants which are not yet in their flowering pots should be shifted at once and their growth hastened. Thorough syringings are of the utmost benefit to the plants whilst they aTe making their growth. As Cyclamens are very subject to insect pests, they must be treated with a weak insecticide or fumigated lightly, but both operations must be done with great care, as the young leaves are easily injured. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By W. Hedley Warren, Gardener to the Aston-Clinton "Park Estate (the Rt. Hon. Lord Rothschild), Buck- inghamshire. Vines.— The stumps of all useless lateral shoots that have been pinched previously should be cut back close to the bud. This will allow the sunlight to ripen the wood and fruit. All loose growths should be tied or nailed securely to the wall or other support. In warm dis- t-icts the berries are beginning to ripen, and if the bunches are attacked by birds or wasps they should be covered with thin gauze or muslin bags. It may he necessary to thin the bunches that have not yet reached the ripening stage. It is of importance that this should be done in time, as it will tend to increase the size of the berries, and also prevent them from rot- ting. Insect Pests.— Persistent efforts should be made to rid fruit trees of insect pests as soon as the crops are gathered. Resume the use of the garden engine or hose upon the trees, and particularly Apricots, Peaches and Plums. Red spider may have spread whilst the fruit was ripening, but now insecticides may be used again. Later the trees can be kept healthy by the use of clear water only. Strawberries. — Late runners imay be planted, and in favourable conditions they will quickly become established. Since the Toots grow to a great depth, the ground should be dug deeply or trenched, and enriched with decayed manure ; indeed, it can scarcely be made too rich for these plants. After the runners have been planted water them freely until the roots are re-established in the soil. Remove all runners from Strawberries planted in lines in the fruit garden, and place a liberal dressing of manure along the rows as a mulch or fork it lightly into the ground. Do not trim or Temove any of the foliage — as is the practice of some — for this not only injures the plants, but leaves the crowns without adequate protec- tion during the winter. A sufficient number of reserve plants should be placed aside for win- tering in frames or sheltered places to make good any losses that may occur during the win- ter, and if these aTe potted into 5 or 6-inch pots so much the better. Planting.— Preparations shou'd shortly be made for planting fruit trees. The ground may be got ready now, as the wood of many fruit trees of the earlier kinds will be sufficiently Tipened by the end of this month to admit of transplanting. One great advantage is gained by early planting ; the roots will, if kept well supplied with water, soon develop fresh fibres, and the tree thus become re-established before the winter. This is especially true of the earlier varieties of Peaches and other stone fruits. If the work is done carefully a crop of fruit may be expected from the trees the fol- lowing season. When the ground has been systematically and properly prepared before- hand, there is less risk of the operation of planting being carried out in a hurried and careless manner. Peaches and Nectarines— Trees of the earlier varieties that are cleared of their crops should have all useless shoots removed, and those remaining tied or railed securely. Later varieties, that are swelling their fruits. September 4, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 151 should receive timely assistance by soaking the borders with liquid manure before the fruits reach the ripening 6tage. Care, however, should be exercised in the use of stimulants, especially to young, vigorous trees. The latter, if healthy and carrying only a light crop, should not be fed, or they may continue growing until late in the season, which is not desirable. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. J. Cobb, Gardener to Reginald Cory, Esq., Duffryn Gardens, near Cardiff. South Wales. Shrubs and Trees.— Flowering shrubs have bloomed remarkably well during the past and present season. The rains since early July have done much to promote growth, and pro- vided warm sunny weather prevails during the next six weeks to ripen the wood, the promise of a good display of bloom next year should be equally good ; the same ■ conditions will also insure a display of colour next October and November. The removal of useless shoots, stir- ring the soil and keeping it free from weeds will all help to this end. Any proposed plant- ing or rearrangement in the coming autumn should be planned now ; and if the various subjects have been noted when in flower, the notes will be helpful. Shrubs at present in bloom include Buddleia variabilis magnifica, probably the best of the family ; B. variabilis Wilsonii, which is just commencing to flower, the pale lavender-coloured flowers being produced on long, pendulous racemes ; Ceanothus Gloire de Versailles, C. Ceres, C. Arnoldii, all of which are flowering profusely ; Hydrangea hortensis in variety, including Lindleyana, Thomas Hogg and Madame Moulliere, all of which are de- sirable varieties and hardy (H. hortensis TOsea comes an intense blue with us) ; H. quercifolia and H. paniculata grandiflora, which is un- equalled among dwarf shrubs for blooming in August and September, and is most effective in the foreground of shrubberies or for planting in large beds. A few standard trees of Acer palmatum atropurpureum planted among this Hydrangea will add to the effect from spring to autumn ; or, if desired, the variety may be associated with one of the early spring-flowering shrubs, such as Cerasus J. H. Veiteh, which grows best in rich loam, needs plenty of water during the summer and should be pruned in the spring. Clethra alnifolia (the North-American Pepper tree) and C. canescens fa Japanese species) are both covered with fragrant creamy-white blossoms. The list also includes Sambucus canadensis, with large heads of white bloom : Olearia Haastii, Spartium Junceum (the Snanish Broom) and Rhus Cotinus (the Wig Tree). Though too early for planting, the work of preparing the soil may be undertaken if opportunity affords. Fresh ground should be trenched at least 2 feet 6 inches deep, and manure should be added if the soil is of poor quality. In heavy ground of a clayey nature it will well Tepay to provide drainage, 'as few subjects thrive in a water- logged soil. Propagating Shrubs.— The present is a suitable time for propagating a number of shrubs from cuttings. With care success is almost cer- tain in the case of such subjects as Buddleia, Ceanothus, Crataegus, Samibucus canadensis, Cotoneaster, Veronica, Escallonia, Cistus, Hydrangea, Olearia, Diervilla, Viburnum and Myrtus Duma. Root the cuttings in a close frame, arranged in a shady position, with a layer about 9 inches deep of very sandy soil in the bottom ; if a large stock of a par- ticular kind is required, hand-lights or bell- glasses can be used. Should the soil be dry, water it thoroughly the day before in- serting the cuttings. Sprinkle a layer of dry silver-sand on the surface so that a little may fall into the hole made by the dibbler, for the base of the cutting to rest on. Choose cuttings of half-ripened shoots, make a sufficient number of each kind as required, and insert them with as little delay as possible. Water the cuttings freely to settle the soil about them and then close the frame or hand-lights, as the case may be. Admit a little fresh air for a short time each day and damp the inside of the frame both mornings and afternoons of fine days. Cuttings of hardy Heaths and of certain Conifers may be inserted in a mixture of sand and peat, and afforded similar treatment to the others. As root action commences, gradually admit air by tilting the frame or hand-lights. Border Carnations.— The layers of Carna- tions to be used for propagation may be de- tached from the parent plants, severing the stems a few days in advance by means of a sharp knife. Lift each root with a good ball of soil, and replant in ground that has been pre- viously prepared. Do not plant deeply, but make the soil firm. A number of plants should be placed in 3-inch pots and wintered in a cold frame to replace any that may fail. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn, Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Spring Onions.— Let the bulbs be dried carefully before they are stored ; place them thinly on a hard clean surface and turn them frequently until they are quite dry. Arrange them in the store so that the air will pass freely amongst them throughout the autumn ; this season they will need more space than usual, as they are very green. Mushroom Beds.— If the spawn was in- serted in the beginning of August, the young Mushrooms will soon begin to appear. Examine the bed, and if found to be dry, damp it with rainwater gently applied through a fine rose, but do not practise frequent waterings, as this may cause many of the young Mushrooms to be spoiled. If the bed is moderately moist a covering of clean straw placed lightly on the surface will do much to prevent evaporation, and thus obviate the need for water. Continue to collect and prepare material for the making of suceessional beds. The manure must never be allowed to become sour for want of turning or the prospect of a successful crop will be very slight. Place the horse-droppings in a dry, open shed and turn them frequently until sufficient for the purpose have been collected. When the manure is thoroughly prepared, form the bed, ramming it tightly, and spawn it when the tem- perature from fermentation is 80°. Winter Spinach.— This is an important winter crop, and the plants should be thinned as soon as they are large enough, also the soil kept stirred with the Dutch hoe. Slugs are frequently troublesome and should be kept in check by dusting soot along the rows from time to time in the early morning. . Another sowing may be made on a warm south border, but the plants must be protected from cold winds. Lettuce.— Seedling Lettuces should be trans- planted from the seed-bed at an early stage to prevent overcrowding. Plant in rich soil and allow plenty of space between the plants, so that the hoe may be used freely amongst them during the autumn. If sheltered positions aT6 available later on, where the plants can be covered with wooden frames in winter, the supply may be continued to the end of the year without much trouble or expense. Another sow- ing of a good hardy variety may be made at once ; provided the weather is mild the plants from this sowing will be of great service. Endive.— Transplant seedling Endives as soon as possible. Improved Batavian is the best variety for planting now, and the plants should be allowed at least 15 inches each way. The early varieties should be blanched carefully by tying the foliage together with some soft material ten days before the salad is required for use. Ceuery. — The earliest batch of Celery will require earthing. Tie the foliage together with soft string, which should be removed after the fine soil has been placed around the plants with the hand when the foliage is quite dry. Take care that the soil does not enter the centres of the plants. Late-planted Celery should be care- fully picked over and all discoloured foliage re- moved. Hoe the ground carefully. Hoeing. -Hoe the soil between all growing crops, for it is important that the surface be thoroughly broken up and all weeds destroyed before the days become short. Late-set plants may receive a dressing of artificial manure pre- vious to hoeing. THE APIARY. By CHLORIS. Robbing. —At this time of the year, when the flow of nectar is becoming less, it is not sur- prising that bees take short cuts to obtaining a load to take home. A favourable opportunity is frequently offered to them by the carelessness of beekeepers, who leave about pieces of comb containing honey. Even during the height of the season a bee often has to visit one hundred heads of Clover to obtain a load; this business necessitates an absence from the hive of one or two hours. During hours of enforced idleness they rob their neighbours, if these have lost a queen or have through some other cause be- come weak. The taste for robbing is often first acquired by the discovery of a piece of comb. Prevention is better than cure, and this is cer- tainly the case with bees. In order that bees may more easily defend themselves against in- truders, all entrances should be arranged so that only one or two bees may pass at a time. If robbing has already begun, nearly close the entrance, so that only one may pass, and place in front a sheet of glass to baffle the robbers. Some beekeepers place a few handfuls of wet grass in front of the hive which is being robbed, as bees will not creep through wet grass. If this plan is adopted, the grass must remain until sundown. In very bad cases a little car- bolic acid may be used" with advantage in the water (one in 500 of water). Should the colony be queenless, supply a queen, and add a few driven bees to strengthen the hive. Failing driven bees, unite two or more weak colonies, utilising the best queen to head the new stock. Nuclei stocks are often attacked at this time of the year because they are numerically weak. Drivfn Bees. — In many parts of rural England cottagers still indulge in the wasteful practice of destroying bees with sulphur in order to take the honey. This method, besides destroying insects which can be ill spared in the interest of rural economy, spoils the delicate aroma of the honey. Many bees are thus use- lessly sacrificed in a country where disease has already wrought such havoc. All beekeepers should take care that the bees in and around the apiary are free from disease. Where a number of colonies are to be driven a bag will be ne- cessary, made large enough to prevent the bees from being crushed. The bag should be made as follows : — Take a length of cane or similar material, and make it into a circle, having a diameter of 14 inches. Over this stretch, and securely sew, a piece of stout calico. Next tear a strip of calico, selvedge way, about 16 inches by 4 inches, fold, making it 2 inches wide, and secure it across the calico-covered frame, to be used as a handle when completed. To finish the bag, form li yard of calico into a circle and sew one selvedge to the bottom of the frame. Fasten a length of tape about 6 inches from the top, with which to secure the mouth. All the bees may be emptied into this bag, the best queens being taken home in match-boxes, to be utilised where necessary. The evening is the best time to drive the bees, if the weather be warm. Give the colony to be driven a puff of smoke, and tap the side of the hive to cause the bees to gorge themselves with honey. After allowing two or three minutes to elapse, give them another puff of smoke and overturn the skep, standing at the back ; then use the smoker again to drive the bees down. Take the skep to a table on which a bucket has been previously placed, into which the inverted hive of bees should be put. An empty hive is needed to receive the driven bees. This must be fixed to the hive below by a skewer, .to act as a hinge, and held in position at the sides by a pair of driving irons. All is now ready for the driving to begin, and this is done by tapping the sides of the full hive with the palms of the hands, continuing until all the bees have left the hive. The operation will take from fifteen to thirty minutes. Watch must be kept for the queens; it is a good plan to stand with one's back to the light, so as to perceive them easily. Where the bees are still on the wing, an empty skep should be placed on the stand to receive those returning from the fields. 152 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 4, 1915. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVEBTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHER, 41, Wellington Street, Covent Garden, W.C- Editors and Publisher. — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communications and save us much time and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice printed weekly to the effect that all letters relat- ing 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 oil plants to be named, should be directed to the Editors. The two departments, Publishing and Editorial, are distinct, and much unnecessary de- lay and confusion arise when letters are mis- directed. Special Notice to Correspondents- — The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contribu- tions or illustrations, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspondents. 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 ENSUINC WEEK. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7— Scottish Hort. Assoc. Meet. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8— Royal Caledonian Hort. Soc. Show, in Waverley Market. Edinburgh (2 days). THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 9— Dickson and Robinson's Vegetable Show at Man- chester (2 days). B.G.A. (Watford Branch) meet. Lecture by Mr. Cyril Harding. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich, 58.8. Actual Temperature : — Gardeners' Chronicle Office, 11, Wellington Street. Covent Garden. London : Thursday. September 2 (10 a.m.). Bar. 29.5. Temp. 57°. Weather- Dull. 8ALE8 FOR THE ENSUING WEEK. MONDAY, TUESDAY. WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY AND FRIDAY— Dutch Bulbs, by Protheroe and Morris, at 67 and 68, Cheapside, E.G., at 10.30. MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY— Bulbs, Bay Trees, etc., at Stevens* Rooms, King Street, Covent Garden. WEDNESDAY— Special sale of Bulbs, Palms, Bays, etc., by Protheroe and Morris, at 1. Most people who culti- An incorrigible vate Peas and the habit Rogue. 0f observation have ob- served from time to time plants of culinary Peas with a peculiar " Tare-like " appearance. These Tare- leaved rogues (cf. figs 49 and 50)* are characterised by the possession of stipules and leaves narrower and more pointed than are those of normal plants. The pods borne by such rogues are, even in races which normally bear straight pods, curved and narrow (see fig. 48), and the peas themselves lack sweetness. The Tare-leaved rogue is the skeleton in the cupboard of the Pisum family, and just as among humans, impecoable respect- ability and pedigree are no guarantee against the appearance of an occasional black sheep, so among these Pisums Tare- leaved rogues are just as likely to crop up among the well- as among the ill-bred. Though the seed-raiser rogue never so vigorously, pulling up and destroying them as they appear, these rogues are apt to reappear in each successive generation. The curious in these matters may ob- serve a close parallel between the methods which Societv has adopted in dealing; with its incorrigible rogues and those adopted by seedsmen. In the earlier days Society attempted, like the seedsman with his * We are indebted to the Cambridge University Press for the use of the blocks from which figs. 48-50 are' taken. seed, to purify itself by arming justice with lethal weapons where- with to destroy all rogues. The method failed, for though one crop was weeded clean, yet "while it slept an enemy sowed Tares," and the incorrigible human rogue reappears in undiminished numbers in each successive generation, till at last Society has recognised that in an understanding of the rogue — of his origin and his nature — lies perhaps a surer method of controlling him. Thus we see the dawn of a scientific criminology. So with the seedsman ; he has torn out the Tares, and yet they have come again, and hence he recognises that the problem is one of scientific investigation — on the principle that " il faut tout montrer pour tout guerir." Thus it has come about that the investigation of the Tare-leaved Pea has passed into the most competent hands of Fig. AS. — pods — a. straight early giant type ; B. CURVED AS IN INTERMEDIATE CLASS IH. C. CURVED AND NARROW AS IN ROGUE Professor Bateson, the Director of the John Innes Horticultural Institution. The results of this investigation have now been published (Journ. of Genetics, Vol. 5, No. 1, July, 1915) and should be studied with attention by all seed-raisers. It is true that in spite of the compre- hensiveness of the enquiry the nature of the enemy that sowed these Tares has not been discovered. It is also true that neither Professor Bateson nor his colleague, Miss Pellew, is able to prescribe for the pre- vention of rogues; yet, nevertheless, this research stands out as a very important contribation to genetics. It is valuable both for its practical and scientific results. With respect to the former, the new fact is established that there is a series of degrees of Tare-leaved roguishness. In some plants all the symptoms — narrow- pointed leaves, curved and narrow pods — are present. These are the thorough- paced rogues. But in others — inter- mediate between type and rogue — not all the rogue characteristics are patent. In some, for example, the leaves and stipules may be nearly normal, though beaming rogue-like at the top, and the pods de- finitely curved (cf. fig. 48). Yet, and herein lies the point of practical import- ance, these incipient rogues produce among their offspring many thorough- paced rogues. Hence it becomes necessary for the seed-raiser not only to dtfctroy the manifest rogues, but also those which exhibit roguish symptoms. Moreover, since these symptoms are often confined to the youngest parts — those nearest the tip — roguing must be done not only in the seeding stage, but also in the later stages of growth. Even so, Professor Bateson does not give much hope that the rogues may be elimin- ated once for all, for, as he has shown, normal plants which exhibit no sign of rogue characters may throw occasionally true rogues. It is, however, not yet cer- tain that this holds good of all varieties, and it may well be that certain of the varieties now in commerce may be found free from this congenital defect. Of the behaviour of rogues in breeding, much may be said in few words : Thorough rogues beget only rogues. Normal plants crossed with rogues give nothing but rogues, and the progeny of these are also rogues, even to the third generation. They may look normal when young, but when mature, they exhibit all the stigmata of the Tare-leaved Pea. This remarkable result was obtained in 50 out of 52 crosses. Leaving aside from con- sideration the two exceptions, we have in this gonetical behaviour an example of a class of fact new to the science of plant- breeding : a character introduced from one side only imposes itself on all the de- scendants, and maintains itself in their descendants. No less remarkable is the fact that rogues may appear in the pro- geny of normal plants, the descendants of normal plants. We confess that these facts are as astonishing as they are at present inexplicable. But the progress of science depends on the discovery of that which requires explanation. We have no doubt that the mystery will yet yield its secret to their questionings, and, in the meantime, we congratulate Professor Bateson and Miss Pellew, not only on the discovery of a new order of phenomena, but also on pointing the wav to n more thorough elimination of the Tare-leaved rogue. War Horticultural Relief Fund.— On p. 156 we publish a list of subscribers to the War Horticultural Relief Fund of the Royal Horticultural Society. It is gratifying to learn that over £5,000 has been promised, but the need for help is veTy great, and we appeal to our readers to give liberal support to the fund. The secretary, the Rev. W. Welks, sends, with the subscription list, the following letter : — " I am enclosing herewith the first list of contributions towards the Society's War Horticultural Relief Fund. So far the appeal has been made only to Fellows of the Society. A wider appeal to the public is to September 4, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 153 be made by a committee of ladies who have kindly come forward to help to promote the success of the Fund. They are now busy organ- ising their work in order that when once it is put in motion it may go forward effectively. I would like to call your readers' attention to a little collecting card which the Society have had printed, which affords a simple means of glean- ing small amounts. I should be pleased to send one of the cards to any of your readers who would apply to me for it at the R.H.S. Office, Vincent Square, Westminster, S.W. As an instance of ways in which help can be forth- coming from those with only limited means, I have before me a letter enolosing 6s. and a pro- mise of three further donations of 5s each, to be sent monthly until the sum of one guinea is completed. This strikes me as a very nice example, which might be widely adopted, and I therefore cite it that others may follow." near Surbiton. Mr. Lyne, who had been at Fox- bury in the service of the late H. F. Tiarks, Esq., for 25 years, has had a long and successful gardening career. He began work in the gar- dens at Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire, in 1856, at the early age of ten years. Seven years later he entered Messrs. Lee's Nursery at Ham- mersmith, thence going successively to Drake- lowe, Burton-on-ITrent, Colworth Hall, Bed- fordshire, Messrs. Veitch's Nursery at Chelsea, and Shipley Hall, Derby. In 1872 he became foreman at The Dell, Englefield GTeen, and sub- sequently head gardener at Belvedere, Wimble- don, where he remained until 1890. Having been known by Mr. Tiarks for some years, he was then engaged by him to go to Foxbury, where he carried out many improvements in the gardens and pleasure grounds. For many years Mr. Lyne has been an active member of the committee of the Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund, giving it vegetables and salads in substitution for meat (including bacon), and other articles of food which are very dear at the present time. The Association is affiliated to the Central Chamber of Agriculture, and is co-operating with other associations interested in the culture of British fruit and vegetables, the more extensive use of which is being encouraged by various means. The 87th annual general meeting of the Asso- ciation was held on the 12th ult., and the ac- counts for the year ended June, 1915, showed gratifying results. R.H.S. Pamphlets.— The Royal Horticul- tural Society has lately published, through Messrs. W. Wesley asd Son, 28, Essex Street, Strand, a series of eight pamphlets on various subjects connected with simple gardening. The first five deal with actual gardening operations, chiefly with a view to the needs of the cottage gardener or allotment holder; the last three deal ' '■- ..' -'■ i - V "■.-•'-- i v ■.'*.- ; 1 / ... i ' ftp $4 . 4 W£$* ;- 3 ."■■ - fi ■ X ■<- . '::*>* FlO. 49. STIPULES ANT) LEAF OF BT7KE OF ALBANY ROGUE, LEFT-HAND FIQ., 14l'H NODE; RIGHT HAND, TOP OF STEM. FlQ. 50. — STIPULES AND LEAF (RIGHT HAND) AT IOtH NODE, DUKE OF ALBANY : DO. (LEFT HAND) AT TOP OF STEM. Retirement of Mr. William Sturrock — Mr. William Sturrock, who has been for some time manager to Messrs. Wm. Learmont and Son, Larchfield Nurseries, Dumfries, has re- signed his position, and is leaving to take up fruit cultivation in Florida. Mr. Sturrock had won the general esteem of horticulturists in Dum- fries and elsewhere, who wish him every success in his new sphere of work. Mr. Sturrock has done much good work in connection with the Dumfries and District Horticultural Society, and also in the Dumfries and Galloway Gardeners' Association, of which he was one of the vice- presidents. Retirement of Mr. John Lyne.— In con- sequence of ill-health Mr. John Lyne will, in a few days, retire from the charge of the gardens at Foxbury, Chislehurst, and settle at Tolworth, material financial assistance. Mr. Lyne will be succeeded at Foxbury by Mr. C. England, gardener to F. C. Tiarks, Esq., at Woodheath, Chislehurst. Mr. Lyne's friends sincerely hope that a period of complete rest will restore him to his former state of good health. Presentation to a Gardener. -Mr. A. A. Pettigrew, who has recently relinquished the position of head gardener to the Earl of Ply- mouth at Hewell Grange, was last week pre- sented with a cabinet containing a set of silver and cutlery. The cabinet was inscribed : " Pre- sented to Mr. A. A. Pettigrew by his many friends at Tardebigge, 1915." Mr. Pettigrew is now chief officer of the Cardiff parks. Market Gardeners', Nurserymens, and Farmers' Association. — A movement has been recently inaugurated by this society with the object of increasing the consumption of fruit, respectively with the bottling of fruits and vegetables, vegetable cookery, and the making of salads. The cultural matter in the gardening pamphlets is admirably clear and practical and meets a real need. The pamphlets which deal Tather with cookery than with gardening will also prove a boon, especially at the present time, when the dearth of meat is turning the attention of the housewife nioTe and more to the substitu- tion therefor of vegetables. If this timely advice does something to check wastefulness, it will by this alone justify the publication of the series. The price of each pamphlet is 2d. Village War-Food Societies.— The Board of Agriculture and Fisheries has issued a leaf- let (Special Leaflet, No. 32) suggesting the formation of village societies which would per- form the function of regulating the production and consumption of food in the district. The 154 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 4, 1915. object of each society would be to ascertain the position of any land at present uncultivated and arrange for its co-operative and mutual cultiva- tion, providing for the supply on favourable terms of all necessary materials. The society would also foster and encourage the keeping of stock, such as pigs, goats, poultry, rabbits, pigeons and bees, and would assist in the pre- servation of such products as eggs, honey and fruit which, might not be immediately required. The collection of wild fruits, nuts and acorns could also be readily organised by such a society, and would add considerably to the avail- able food supplies. Copies of the leaflet, and any other information required, can be obtained free of all charges from the Secretary, Board of Agriculture and Fisheries, Whitehall Place, London. Suburban Vegetable Gardens.— We learn from the Willesden District Council that theTe is a large demand for allotments in that district, and the Council have had to provide a hundred fresh plots over and above th? 1,200 already in existence. The increase in the de- mand for vegetable plots has been accompanied by a corresponding decrease in the requests for cricket and football pitches, which would seem to point to the substitution by the youths of Willesden of gardening for games. Temple Gardens in War-Time.— Those who attended year after year the annual summer exhibition of the Eoyal Horticul- tural Society in the Temple Gardens (where it was always held until within recent years) will have viewed with concern the effects of the drilling which has taken place during the past year on the lawns. The hold- ing of the flower show was always attended with slight unavoidable damage to the fresh greenness of the well-kept turf, but this was of short duration and easily remedied. Now, how- ever, the trampling of heavy boots has com- pletely destroyed the turf over large tracts of what was once smooth lawn, and has quite spoiled the appearance of that part of the gardens devoted to the training of soldiers. At any other time such wanton destruction of these beautiful gardens would have seemed an unpar- donable vandalism ; but when the sacrifice made by these soldiers is compared with the loss en- tailed by th? desecration of the gardens this latter pales into insignificance. War Items. — 51. Adxet, of Cap d'Antibes, whose name will always be associated with tire Gerbera as the pioneer raiser of hybrids, has, we ]>arn, met with an accident that nearly cost him his life. He has lost the use of his right arm. but notwithstanding this he has returned to service and is a captain instructor at the depot of the 111th Regiment of Infantry. M. Henri Chatexay, who exhibited Carnations in the French Section at the Eoyal International Horticultural Show at Chelsea in 1912, is instructor at the motor-car depot at Boulogne-sur^Seine. 51. Lucien Charles Baltet, son of the late M. Charles Baltet, the eminent pom- ologist of Troyes, is a lieutenant in a squadron of Territorial Cavalry. M. Lucien Chauise, editor of the Moni- tt in- d' Horticulture of Paris, is, notwithstanding his advanced age, actively engaged in the ser- vice of his country. M. Chaure is an old sol- dier of many years' standing, having had experi- ence in the war of 1870. ■ L' Horticulture Franraise gives the names of sixteen members of the firm of Messrs. IUnniER, Orleans, who have been wounded in the war M. Girault, nurseryman and market gardener, of Orleans, has suffered the loss of three of his sons, who have been killed or died of typhoid fever at the front. He has still two other sons on active service at the seat of war. Latest advices from Paris inform us that 51. Henri 51artinet, the editor-in-chief of he Jardin, is still without any news concerning his son. It will be remembered that young 51. 5Iartinf.t, who was a corporal in a line regiment, left the French lines with his com- rades in an attack on the German trenches, and was reported as missing after the fight. II. 5Iartixet has the deep sympathy of his English friends in his great anxiety. We regret to learn that 5Ir. Douglas A. Sinclair has been wounded at the Dardanelles — we trust not severely. He was a nephew of the late Mr. Sinclair, who held a responsible posi- tion in the firm of 51essrs. Jas. Veitch and Sons. Some three years ago 5Ir. Sinclair went to Borneo to collect OTchids for the Hon. N. Chas. Eothschtld and Sir Marcus Samuel. Later he emigrated, and ultimately found himself in the ranks of a Colonial battalion at the Dardanelles. Flowers in Season.— We have received from 5Iessrs. Kelway and Son, of Langport, Somerset, several very fine specimens of their latest strains of Gladioli. The blooms are of par- ticularly good size, borne on stout, erect stems, and give every evidence of careful selection and good culture. Colonel Dennis Boles is a deep rose variety, blotched with cream. White Lady is of a beautiful creamy-white, the inside of the petals touched with soft lemon colour. Sir Oliver Lodge is a deep salmon-rose variety, the colour deepening to crimson inside the lower petals. Gordon Selfridge is a brilliant flower, almost vermilion in colour, with a crimson streak down the interior of each petal. Autumn Beauty is of a warm crimson, streaked with white ; and Golden 5Ieasure is a lemon variety, with a crim- son touch inside the petals. Botanical Magazine.— The August number of the Botanical Magazine contains descriptions and illustrations of the following plants : — Alpinia mutica, tab. 8,621. — This was ob- tained by Roxburgh from Penang in 1810, and cultivated in the East India Company's botanic garden at Calcutta, where it flowered freely during the greater part of the year, and par- ticularly in the hot weather. It was also introduced into Europe at about the same time, for it is mentioned by Salisbury in 1812 as flowering in Bayswater, at the house of the Comtesse de Vandes. Later it seems to have disappeared from cultivation in Britain. The A. mutica figured in tab. 6,908 of the Botanical Magazine is erroneously so de- scribed, and the error has unfortunately crept into many horticultural lists. The true plant was reintroduced by 5Ir. H. N. Ridley, who sent the plant from which the present plate has been prepared from Singapore to Kew. It has done well in a tropical house, and flowered for the first time in July, 1914. It is a perennial herb, with stems 6 to 8 feet high. The leaves are long and narrow, usually measuring 1 to 2 feet, by a couple of inches wide. The calyx is white, tipped with pale pink, and the petals are white. The lip is a deep yellow, spotted and lined with bright red. Rhododendron Souliei, tab. 8,622. — This Rhododendron (figured in Gard. Chron., 1909, Vol. XLV., supp. facing p. 380, and p. 581, fig. 167) comes from Western China, and occurs abundantly in Western Szechuan, near Ta- chien-lu, at about 12,009 feet above sea level. The plant here represented was raised from seed collected in 1908 by 5Ir. E. H. Wilson when travelling on behalf of Professor Sargent, of the Arnold Arboretum, by whom the seeds were pre- sented to Kew. R. Souliei is one of the most distinct of the new Chinese Rhododendrons, and may be easily recognised by its long-petioled wideJbased leaves, well-defined calyx lobes edged with red glands, and flat, saucer-shaped flowers. It is of low, bushy habit, and thrives well in a somewhat shady position. Corylus mandshurica, tab. 8,623. — The Hazel here figured is a native of Eastern Asia. It is closely allied to the Eastern North American C. rostrata, but the leaves are broader and often lobed in the upper part. C. mandshurica is common in mountainous districts in Eastern 51an- churia and forms dense thickets. It was first collected by 5Iaximowicz near the Amur River in 1865, but it was only introduced to Kew in 1882 by the late Dr. E. Bretschneider, and it is from one of the plants raised from this seed that the material for the present illustration was derived. It forms a bush about 5 feet in height. It is very hardy, but it may be observed that the best and most abundant crop produced was that of 1912, following the abnormally hot summer of 1911. Senecio glastltolius, tab. 8,624. — This Senecio is a native of South Africa, where it occurs throughout the coast region from Rivers- dale to Algoa Bay. The plant which forms the subject of the illustration was presented to Kew in 1913 by 5Ir. H. Rabjohn, Twickel, Holland, and flowered in a greenhouse in April, 1914. It is a perennial and easily cultivated. It can be readily propagated by cuttings. It forms a neat, upright plant, about 4 feet high, and flowers during April and 5Iay ; it may be considered hardy, but will succumb if the thermometer falls to 15° of frost. The ray florets are a clear rose- lilac, and the disc-florets yellow. A full-page illustration of this plant was given in Gard. Chron., 1910, Vol. XLVIIL, and a note accom- panying the plate (p. 43 loc. cit.) records that S. glastifolius was raised by 51essrs. Sutton and Sons from seed received from the district of George, immediately to the east of Riversdale. THE CONTROL OF WHITE FLY AND SOFT SCALE. TWO USEFUL PARASITES. In August, 1914, the Figs in the R.H.S. Gardens, Wisley, were found to be suffering from Soft Scale (Lecanium hesperidum), and, as no parasites were found, scale infested with a para- site was introduced from elsewhere and the para- site established. The parasite did good work before the leaves fell, and this year the scale, while present in small quantity, is practically neg- ligible. During the next few weeks it will be possible to send material infested with the parasite which destroys Soft Scale to those who have Figs or other plants infected with this scale. Soft Scale is a common greenhouse pest, and it is worth while introducing its parasite as a means of controlling the pest. For over two years White Fly has been grown under control, and quite recently a very valu- able check on it has appeared in the foTm of a parasite which destroys the scale stage. This parasite is multiplying rapidly at Wisley, and material is available for distribution to any greenhouse that is infested. All that is required to be done in order to establish the parasite in a house in which White Fly occurs is to open the parcel of infected leaves which will be sent, in the greenhouse, and to leave it there for some days. In both cases, the parasite is a very useful check on the increase of the insect it attacks, and where soft scale or white fly occurs, these parasites should be established. Particularly is this so with the White Fly parasite. White Fly- is a troublesome enemy to Tomatos. Up to the present, no parasite destructive of this pest has been known in Great Britain, and we are anxious to establish this one in as many places as possible besides Wisley. Those interested are requested to write to the Director at the Wisley Gardens. H. M. Lefroy. September 4, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 155 POUR NOS AMIS FRANCAIS ET BELGES. CHRONIQUE SPECIALE (XLIII). L'APPROVISIONNEMENT DES PRODUITS HORTICOLES EN ANGLETERRE ET LA GUERRE. [Suite de la p. lift.) Les envois de l'il© de Madere ont souffert enormement. Les Haricots, dont elle fait de grand es fournitures a l'Angleterre au prin- temps, ont souvent suibi des retards et sont arrives en mauvais etat. Grace a cette circon- stance, les producteurs des lies de la Manche qui leur disputent le marche de Londres ont fait de 'bonnes affaires, leur trafic n'etant guere contrarie. II en fut de meme pour les Tomates natives, les expediteurs des lies Canaries qui approvisionnent la marche en hiver ayant ren- contre des difficultes pour assurer les arrivages normaux. En ce qui concerne les envois du Cap, le ser- vice de la Compagnie " Union Castle Line," qui arnene les Peches, Prunes, Poires et Raisins de Capetown a Southampton, n'a pas subi d'inter- ruption, mais les exigences de la marine de guerre ayant necessite le transfert du port d'at- tache a Londres, il s'est produit de legers retards sans influence sur le marche de fruits emballes et expedies dans d'aussi bonnes conditions que ceux du Cap. L'approvisionnement fut cepen- dant moindre, les expediteurs craignant la crise; il en resulta des prix exceptionnels. Plus tard sont survenus les fruits d'Australie qui se sont ecoules nonnalement. II est nean- moins probable que les expediteurs auront subi des pertes, vu la difficulty de trouver place a bord des transatlantiques. De plus, le de'bouche alle- mand qui recoit directement des quantites con- siderables de produits australiens, fut supprime des le debut de la guerre. En ce qui concerne les Oranges, les retards ont agi defavorablement sur le marche. De nom- breuses cargaisons ont du se vendre a la hate, leur condition etant mauvaise. iL'industrie du triage des Oranges par les colporteurs a ete tres remuneratrice. On sait qu'une couple d'Oranges gatees dans une caisse enleve a celle-ci toute valeur commerciale, parce qu'au bout de tres peu de temps toute la caisse entre en decomposi- tion. Les colporteurs le savent et rodent autour des magasins. A prix tres bas ils font un gros achat, trient immediatenient et quelques instants apres, la charrette remplie hier de Bananes, ou de Pommes, est chargee d'Oranges a un penny, deux et parfois meme trois pour un penny selon les dimensions ou selon le voisinage plus ou rnoins imniediat dans lequel elles se trouvaient avec les fruits decomposes. Les producteurs anglais, de leur cote, n'auront pas a se plaindre. Tout petit accroc dans les arrivages etrangers a fait sentir une influence favorable sur leurs transactions. Les considerations relatives a l'influence de la crise economique sur le rnarche des fruits et legumes ne s'appliquent d'ailleurs pas a ce pays, la crise n'y existant pas dans les classes populaires. Les comparti- ments reserves a ces produits dans Covent harden ne paraissent pas avoir souffert ; ils sont tout aussi encombres et animes qu'en temps de paix. Les primeurs, Fraises, Raisins, Peches, ont maintenu de bons prix, meme en plein hiver ; actuellement encore le cours des fruits de serre est au moins aussi favorable que les annees precedentes a la meme epoque, car la produc- tion indigene (Environs de Londres, cote m6ri- dionale et lies de Jersey et de Guernesey) est seule maitresse de la place, les Beiges se trouvant dans 1'impossiibilite de faire leurs importants envois. Une chose curieuse est la prosperite des producteurs de Concombres. Normalejnent ceux- ci font d'importantes expeditions en Allemagne et on s'attendait done a, la debacle : le contraire s'est produit. Les fruits mens ont ete exceptionnellement chers. On estime que la recolte des Groseilles a maquereau et cassis n'a pas ete tres abondante, la premiere a cause de l'oidium americain qui malgre tout continue ses ravages, la seconde a cause du grossissement des bourgeons qui fait avorter les fleurs. D'un autre cote, les envois de Hollande ont ete reduits, toujours a cause de la facilite avec laquelle on les ecoulait en Allemagne. II n'en est pas moins vrai que la demande a ete extremement vive, beaucoup de gens desiramt faire des conserves. Les nomjbreuses nsines ont fait des achats importants pour leur permettre. d'executer les ordres recus ou attendus des ser- vices de l'lntendance des armees alliees. La Gros?ille cassis a, dans ces conditions, couram- ment assure un prix de soixante centimes la livre. La recolte sur pied des Pommes et Poires est tres importante. Dans certains districts on declare meme ne pas se rappeler une abondance de Poires comme cette annee. Deja des quan- tites de Pommes se sont ecoulees, surtout pour la compote, car de nombreux envois etaient loin d'etre murs, ce qui confirme 1'intensite de la demande, et ce n'est guere que maintenant que les fruits murs, tels que Lady Sudeley, se font plus abondants. Les Prunes pour lesquelles les rendements ne paraissent pas mauvais, envahis- sent egalement de nomibreux carreaux au marche et assurent de l'occupation dans nombre de fabriques de conserves ou la demande etait a nouveau telle qu'on trouve impossible d'attendxe la pleine maturite pour commencer les travaux. En ce moment, on prevoit une bonne demande de legumes pour l'autonine et l'hiver. Aussi les eonseils pour les semis tardifs se succedent et nul doute que de nombreux rnaraidhers ne dis- posent d'une bonne quantite de produits a la fin de l'annee : le deficit eventuel dans les envois des legumes de l'etranger sera, de cette facon, comble par l'augmentation de la production indigene. NOUVELLES DIVERSES. Haricots geants.-Au meeting hoTticole tenu mardi dernier au Royal Horticultural Hall, MM. Sutton, de Reading, exposaient des Hari- cots Best of All dont les gousses atteignaient 40 centimetres de longueur. De vrais legumes de guerre ! Au Champ d'Honneur.-Oh annonce la mort, d'un eclat de shrapnell au couts d'une reconnaissance aux environs de Ramscaipelle, de M. Ledoux, ingenieur agricole, chef du personnel de la Forestiere et Commerciale du Congo au lac Leopold II. M. Ledoux, qui faisait autrefois partie du personnel du Jardin Botanique de 1'Etat Independant du Congo, avait ete a Namur et a Anvers avant de prendre part a la defense de l'Yser. II avait recu la croix de St. Georges. Les Houblons en Belgique.— En temps normal la cueillette des Houblons dans la region de Poperinghe exige l'aide d 'environ 8,0C0 travailburs supplementaires, recrutes dans la partie de la Flandre occupee par l'ennemi. Pour eviter que la recolte ne soit detruite, l'etat- major vient de decider que les soldats beiges, originaires de la region hoiiblonniere*et faisant partie des Compagnies de Travailleurs, pouiTont obtenir un conge de quatorze jours en vue d'aider a la cueillette. Cette mesure interesse onze localites de la Belgique non occupee. En 1914, l'etendue consacree a la cul- ture du Houblon dans la region de Poperinghe etait de 1,533 hectares 11 ares, en augmentation, sensible sur 1910, lorsque 1,064 hectares seule- ment etaient recenses. Le rendement moyen. etait de 2,000 kilos, dormant un total de 3,066,000 kilos. Depuis l'annee derniere beaucoup de champs sont regulierement laboures par les ohus et l'etendue qu'on a pu maintenir en culture n'est pas superieure a 500 ou 600 hectares. Le rendement prevu etant de 1,500 kilos a l'hectare, la recolte produira 750,000 a 900,000 kilos de Houblon. Credit horticole en Flandre.— Un comite s'est constitue a Gand en vue d'accorder du credit aux horticulteurs. Par son interven- tion, des prets ont ete obtenus au taux reduit de 4 pour cent. Des traites et des factures ont egalement ete payees. De plus a la suite de la constitution du comite, des horticulteurs qui, se basant sur le moratorium, refusaient de rien. payer, ont accepte des traites, d'autres, le plus grand nombre, ont paye des acomptes. Fraudes dans le Commerce des Engrais en Belgique. — La falsification des engrais est tres lucrative en Belgique par suite de la Tavete des produits. Du guano vendu 29 fr. les 100 kilos valait en realite 2 fr. 50. Du puriu desseche dosant moins de 2 pour cent d'azote est vendu 11 fr., du guano a 3 ou 4 pour cent, 33 a 34 fr. , des engrais potassiques accusant a Tanalyse une richesse de 3 a 4 pour cent de potass?, 27 a 30 fr Des comites de defense contre ces fraudes ont ete crees. L'Exportation de Legumes hollandais.— Un arrete royal du 18 aout interdit l'exporta- tion de Choux-blancs et de Haricots, sauf ex- ceptions a determiner par le Ministre de 1'AgTi- culture. Un arrete ministeriel du 21 aout lev© 1'interdiction et charge le secretaire du Conseil horticole neerlandais de delivrer les " permis " d'exportation, mais seulement aux personnel qui s'occupaient deja de ce commerce avant le 31 juillet, 1914. Pour les Choux-blancs aucune restriction n'est mise a Texportation, mais en ce qui concerne certaines categories de Haricot?, pour chaque exportation de 100 kilos, cinquante kilos doivent etre fournis a la consommation in- terieure, a un prix fixe d'avance. KORT OVERZICHT VOOR DE VLAMINGEN. Heel wonder is het dat, niettegenstaande d°n oorlog, de engelsche liandel in keusvruchten zoo levendig bleef. Komkommers maakten loonende prijzen alhoewel de gewone uitvoer naar Duitschland geen plaats kon hebben. Druiven z:jn duurder omdat geen ibelgische op de markt komen. De Hopvelden rond Poperinghe zijn van 1,500 hectaren op ongeveer 500 gevallen daar vele in de vuurlijn liggen. Aan de soldaten der betrok- ken gemeenten worden thans verloven gegeven om in het plukken te help^n. Rond Gent is eene vereeniging gesticht die tijdena den oorlog, krediet verschaft aan de tuinbouwers. In Belgie is buitengewoon ibedrog door koop- lieden in kunstvette gepleegd. 'T Obracht veel op daar de scheikundige mesten zoo duur waren. Uit Holland mogen witte koolen en boo-nen sleohts door bekende handelaars naar 't buiten- land gevoerd worden en mits te gelijker tijd een deel, aan op voorhand bepaalden prijs, voor ]wi- iulaudsch trcbruik over te laten. 156 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 4, 1915. R.H.S. WAR HORTICULTURAL RELIEF FUND. LIST OF DONATIONS UP TO AUGUST 26, 1915. Patrons : His Majesty the King. Her Majesty the Queen. Her Majesty Queen Alexandra. His Imperial Majesty the Emperor of Russia. Her Imperial Majesty the Empress of Russia. His Majesty the King of the Belgians. Her Majesty the Queen of the Belgians. The President of the French Republic. The Prince Regent of Serbia. £ s. d. His Majesty the King 100 0 0 Royal Horticultural Society (first donation) 1,000 0 0 "A." Abernetihy Acland, Beatrice D.. Adam, Mrs. A. O. ... Adams, Mrs. A. O. Adams, Mrs. S. F. Adams. Miss B. O. Adlard, Mr. and. Mrs. Edward) .... Agricultural Dept., Cairo Airedale, Lady Laura Aitchison, Mr? Akroyd, Miss E. ... Alderman, A Aldrich, Mrs Aldridge, Mrs. C. H. Alexander. J Alland, Hon. Mrs .. Allan, Janie Allan, W Allen, A. C. Allen, MrB. B. W. ... Anderson, E. J. ... Anderson. Mrs. W-. Arbuthnot, Mrs. Hugh ArkwTight, Godfrey E. P ., Arkwright, Walter G Arthur, Mrs. A Aecher. S. G Ashburnham, Lady. Ashwell, Miss Phyllis Asser, S. B. T Aston, Miss E Atkinson and Stat- ter, Messrs Awdry, Miss A. E.... Bacchus, W. W Bailey, Mrs Bailey, Mrs. O. H.... Balfour. Oapt. O. B. Balgarnie, Mrs. A. B. Ball, Lt-Col. E Barbour, Miss G. ... Barlow, Mrs. F. Pratt Barlow, O. J Barnard, Lord Barry, R. M. After Barton, J Bart rum, Mrs. D. ... Battersea, Lady Baxter, Miss B Bayley, Miss M Beaufort, Duchess of Beaumont, Somerset. Beck, Mrs. O. J. ... Beckett, E Beddington, H Beddome, Mrs. R. H. Benjamin, Mrs. J.... Bennett, Mrs. F. W. Bennett, Mrs. R. ... BenBon, Mrs. R Bentinck, Lady Henrv Bentley, Mrs. D. K. Berkeley, Mrs Bertram, Miss M. ... Bevington, Miss K.. Bigge, Miss J. O. ... Bilney, W. A Birkbeok, Mrs. E. ... Birt, Miss A. Bischoffsheim, Mrs. Bishop, Mrs. E. W. Blackburn. H. R. ... Blades, G. R Blenkinsop, A. (Col- lection) Blom, Walter Boake. A Boardman. Mrs. E. H Bolith... Mrs Robins Bond, F 0 Booth, Mrs. Haworth 0 5 0 0, Booth, Mrs. Home... 2 2 0 0|Borlaud, Mrs 0 10 6 0 2 6 0 Borough, Mrs. E. M OjBoscawen, Lady 0| Margaret 110 0 Boston, Herbert ... 1 0 0 Boswell, Mrs. J. Ir- vine 5 5 0 Boughton, Lady R. 2 2 0 22 0 0 Bound, W., and Son 10 0 Bourne, C. L 2 110 Bowles, E. Augustus 5 0 10 0 BoxeB, Chelsea Show 0 4 Boxes, Holland House Show... 1 17 0 Boycott, Mrs. Leeke 0 5 0 Bradford, Miss M.... 0 10 0 Bradshaw, R 10 0 Bramston, Lady .... 1 1 Brassey, Mrs. H. ... 10 0 Bridge, Mrs. R. T. 0 10 1 1 5 0 2 2 1 1 20 0 10 10 1 0 0 3 5 0 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 5 1 1 1 1 5 0 0 10 2 2 0 10 Brown, W 0 10 6 Browne, Rev. E. L. 10 0 Browning, R 5 0 0 Buckingham, Sir Henry 110 Bull, Henry 5 5 0 Bullen. Mrs A. M. 1 0 0 Bunting & Son 110 Burnham Horticul- tural Society 2 16 Byron, Mrs. E 0 10 0 Campion, Mrs. Wal- ter 2 0 0 Cannon, Ruth B. ... 2 0 0 Carrol, Miss 10 0 Garter and Co 25 0 0 D 0 0 Bnggs, Mrs. S. O. ... 0 10 0 Brock, Mrs. G. O. E. 0 5 0 Brook, Miss F. M... 3 Brooke, Miss O. ... 5 Brooking. Mrs. H. B. 1 Brown, Miss M. V. 5 Brown. Miss H. M. 1 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Oaspell, John J. Oaufleld, Mrs. R. Oautley. Mrs 110 Cave, E. H 2 2 0 Cecil, Hon. Mrs. E. 2 2 0 Chads, Miss A. M.... 0 10 0 Ohamberlayne, Mrs. H 2 2 0 Chapman. Htm. Mrs. O. 1 0 0 Chawner. Miss E. F. 1 10 Chelsea Show (half the pony collec- tion, per Lady Dondas of Armis- ton) 62 10 6 Child, James 0 10 0 •Ohivas-Adam, Mrs. A 3 3 0 Cholmondeley, Miss E. K 1 1 o Ohristv, Wm. M, ... 2 0 0 Clarke, Mrs. Ste- phenson 5 0 0 Clarke. W. J 2 2 0 Clayton, Mrs. 21 0 0 Cleasby, Mrs 2 2 0 Olephane, G. D. D. 5 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 Cleasby, Mrs 2 Olephane, G. D. D. 5 Clerk, Mrs. Dugald 1 Cloudsley, Mrs 2 Clout, A 1 O. M 2 0 0 1 0 0 C. N. C Cobb. A. J 10 0 OCookshut, P. 1 Coles, Oscar E 1 1 1 5 0 1 0 _ 1 0 Colman, Sir Jere- miah^ Bart. . ... 262 10 0 0 10 0 0 Coles, The Misses Colt, Miss H 6 5 Connell, Mrs. A. K. 1 1 Coode, R. C 2 2 OiCook, Miss S. L .. 0 Cooke, James .... 0 Cope. Miss 51 S 0 5 5 0 £ s. Corbet, Hon. Mrs.... 1 0 Oorderoy, Mr. and Mrs. G 1 1 Cory, Reginald .... 150 0 Corry and Co 1 1 Cotton-Jodrell, Col. 5 0 Cox. G 1 1 Oranbrook, Cicely, Countess of 1 0 Crewe, Lady 3 3 Cripps, Reginald ... 1 0 Croft, Mrs. T. J. ... 0 2 Cross, Arthur 1 1 Crowfoot, Wm 1 1 Currey, Mrs. C. H.... 2 2 Currey, Miss F. E. 0 10 Curtis, Rev. F 0 10 Cuthbertson, J. G. 5 5 Dangar, Mrs. D. R. 2 2 Darwin, Hon. Mrs. H 5 0 Davidson, A. O. ... 1 1 Davie, Miss A. F. ... 1 1 Davis, Miss M. J. ... 1 1 Davison, Miss L. ... 1 1 Dean, Mrs. A 10 0 De Chaumont, Mrs. F 0 2 Denison, Mrs. H. ... 0 10 Dent, Mrs. O. H. ... 1 1 Devenham, Mrs. E. B 5 0 Dew, Mrs. Walter F. 0 10 Dickson, Brown & Ben 5 0 Digby, Rev. C. T. 2 2 Dixon, C. L 2 0 Dobbie & Co 50 0 Dollar. Mrs. Peter... 1 1 Donner, Lady 5 0 Dorej Mrs 1 0 Dorrien - Smith, Major A. A 5 0 Do rr ien . Smith, T. A 5 5 Douglas - Pennant, Hon. May 2 0 Dow, F. M 1 0 Down, E. T 1 0 Downing, Miss 0 10 Du Buisson, A. E.... 1 1 Ducie, The Earl of 25 0 Du Forest, Mrs. J. L 2 0 Dugdale, Miss If. E. 2 2 Dugdale, Mrs. Lionel 1 0 Dugdale, Mr.s. James 5 0 Du Plat, A. B 0 10 Durell. Miss D. ... 0 2 Dysart, Earl of ... 25 0 Eddy, Misses 3 3 Edgell. Herbert ... 2 0 Edgerley, Sir T. ... 2 2 Edwards, Mrs. James 1 0 Eland, Rev. Thomas 2 2 Eland. Mrs 2 2 Elliot, John 1 1 Ellison, Mrs. Alice E 3 0 Elton, Mrs. A. G. G. 1 0 Elwes, H. J 5 0 E. M. N 0 2 Engleheart, Miss M. 1 1 E. S 5 5 Everett, Miss H. C. 1 0 Exoelsa 10 0 Eyres, Mrs 1 0 Fair, Mrs. Arthur... 3 3 Fairbank, C. B. ... 1 1 Falmouth, Viscoun- tess 2 2 Fenwick. Mark 3 3 Fisher, Mies E. M. 2 2 Fletcher, R. Warne- ford 1 1 Fletcher, Mrs. Phyllis A 1 1 Fletcher, Sir L. A.... S 0 F. M. W 1 1 Fortescue, Mrs. J- B 10 0 Foster, B. J 10 0 Fotheringham. Miss A. N 0 10 Foulterton, Miss L. A 5 0 Fowler, J. Gurnev 100 0 Francis, Mrs. ".. 0 10 Friend, Mrs. James 1 0 Friend, A 1 0 Froraow & Sons ... 5 0 Gamble, J. Sykes 6 0 Gardener. A 0 5 " Gardener s' Chronicle" 100 0 Gardener, John 5 0 Gartside. Miss B.... 2 0 Gaselee, Lady 1 0 George, Mrs. Mary 5 0 Gibbs. Archdeacon the Hon. K. F ... 2 0 Gleadow, Miss M. C. 1 0 Glover, Dr. W. Kensit 0 10 Godlee, J. Lister ... 2 2 Goodhart, Mrs. M Gordon, Mrs. E. 0 Gould, Mrs. E. B. 01 Grainger, J 0 0 5 0 0 10 0 10 0 10 0 2 10 10 0 0 1 Grant, W. H Gray, Mrs. W. E. ... Gray, the Misses ... Green, Mrs. C. H. Greg, Miss M. S. ... Grenfell, The Eight Hon.' Lord 5 0 Grosvenor, The Countess 0 5 Guildford, Miss S.... 1 0 Julland, Miss J. K. 10 0 Gutteridge, Michael 0 10 OiHadden. Maj.-Gen. 0 Six Ohas. F 3 17 Hale. Miss H 1 0 OjHall, Mrs. W. G. ... 1 1 0 Hamilton, Mary 01 Duchess of 5 0 0. Hamilton, Marjorie 0 D 10 01 Hampson, Mrs. H. T 1 6; Hampstead 0 0 Hanbury, Cecil O'Hargreaves, Mrs. ... 1 Hanuer. F. A 2 0 Harris, Mrs. G 1 6 Harris, James, & I Sons 5 o 0 Harrison, T. Fen- 01 wick 50 0 0 Harrison, L. A 3 0 0 Hawker, Oapt. H. 0 G 2 2 0 Hay, Mrs. Charles... 2 0 0 Hay, Mrs. Walter R. 2 2 | Hay, Mrs. A. S. ... 1 1 Hayhurst, Miss All Haywards Heath & Mid - Sussex Hor- ticultural Society 110 0 Hazelton, E. F. ...... 1 0 Heape, Chas 1 o Hearne, Miss L. ... 0 10 Henage, Lady 10 10 0| Henderson, Mrs. ... 1 0 0i Henderson, Mrs. I M. E. (on behalf 0 of Mrs. Paul 0 Turner) 0 10 Henderson, Mrs. o! B. S 1 1 Henry, Miss Agnes 0 2 0 Henslow, Rev. Prof. 0 G 6 0 6 Henty, Mass M. A. 3 3 0 Herbert, Lady Mar, 0 Herring, L. K. ...' 0, Hewitt, Lady 1 1 0 Hewitt, Wm. W. ... 5 5 Hevgate, C. B 2 2 0 Hilder, Mrs. F 0 10 0 Hither & Sons 1 1 0 Hillyer. Mrs. W. H. 1 1 0 Hinde, Mrs. Edith... 1 (1 IHitchings, O. M. ... 0 5 olHoare, Mrs. Rolls... 5 0 0 Hobby, Mrs., Mr. 0 and Son 1 Hodgson, M 5 Holdsworth, Alice 10 Hole, Mrs. H 5 _ Holford, Sir Geo. ... 50 5' Holmes, M. G. 0 0 0 10 Holmes. Mrs. G. T. 1 Holroyd, Lady 1 Hopkins, Mrs 1 Hopkins, Mrs 2 Horliek, Sir James 5 Horticultural Club, The 50 0 Hoseason, E. M ... 1 1 Hotchkin, Mrs. and Miss Staniland ... 0 10 Howell, Mrs 2 Hoyland, E. Doug- las Hovlte, Miss H. S ,Hubbuck, Miss E.... 0 Hulton, Lady Mar- J fc-aret u Humphery, Frank t Humphries, Sydney 0 Hunt, Mrs. Warwick Oi Hunter, Robert S. 0, Hurst & Son 100 0, Hutehins, Sir P. ... 5 0 Illingworth, Mrs. "i Harry 5 0 0 In Memoriam (Miss °' Annie Wilson) ... 1 1 ' Ingham, Miss E. M. 1 0 0 Ingram, G. J 2 2 0 Ireland, S 0 10 O.Jackson, W. C 2 2 ^James, Mrs. 1 n 0 James, Mrs. J. H.... 2 2 Jarvis. Miss M 1 0 0, Jefferson, F. T 10 0 0 Jeffreys, J 1 1 Jennings. Mrs. 6! Thomas 2 2 0 Jevons, G. Walter... 2 2 £ s.d.i Johnson, Mrs. E. W. 2 2 0 Meinertzhagen, Miss Johnson, Mrs. Stan- B. A. . 2 ley 0 10 6 Mellersh, R. "E '"' j Jones, E. Marsden 2 ?. DIMellor, Lady . 1 Jones, H. C 2 2 0, Melville, A. s" Jones, R. P 5 0 01 Leslie 5 Kearne, Miss L. ... 0 10 6| Melville, A. II Keeble, F.R.S., Dr. 21 Kelly, Rev. E. C... 0 Kelvin, Lady 10 Kemble, Mrs. H. W. 1 Kendall. Miss L. M. 1 Kersey, Mrs. C. J. 5 Kessler, Mrs. G. A. 1 Khory, E. J 3 Kingsburg, Mrs. Kinnear, Mrs 11 Kirchner, G. G 1 1 0: Leslie 3 0 Menzies of Menzies, Oi Miss 0 10 0! Menzies, W. D. Oj Graham 10 10 OiMerton, Mrs. A. R. 50 0 0; Metcalfe. W. P 10 10 0 Miller, Mrs 1 0 0 10 0 Millet, Mrs. F. D. 1 0 " 0, Mitchell, F. W. V. 3 0 0' Mitchell, W. F. ... 2 2 Kirkby, Mrs 3 3 0 Montague, O. E. Klein, Mrs. H 0 10 6 Montague, Miss M. Klingenstein, W. ... 2 2 0 Montgomery, Mrs. 0 10 Knapp, J. W 0 Krabbe, Mrs. C. H. 5 Lafone, Mrs. Harriet 5 Lake, Chas 2 Landale, Mrs. A. K. 10 Lane, S. H 5 Lane, William 1 Lane, Col. C. T. ... 1 Lang, Major E. A. 3 Lansdell, F 1 Lascelles, Rev Edwin, and Mrs. 2 Lascelles, Hon Gerald 2 Law, Hon. Mrs. A. 5 Lawrence, Mrs 3 Lawrence, C. W. ... 2 Lawrence, Ladv Durning 25 Laxton Bros 5 Leach, Herbert P.... 10 Leggatt, Mrs. J. M. 1 Legge, Lady Octavia 1 Leslie, Miss 5 Lewisham and Dis- trict Horticul- tural Society 5 L. H .' 5 Lidderdale, Miss C. 1 01 Mary 1 OlMontizambert, Miss 0, E. C 1 1 0 Moon, Mrs. Richard 5 0 0 Moore, Mrs. J. H.... 1 1 0| Moore. G. F 5 5 0 Morconi. Miss M. W. 5 0 0 Moreland, Harold... 5 0 OMorris, Sir Daniel... 5 0 (V Morris, Sidney 10 0 Morrison-Bell, Mrs. 0| M. E 2 2 j Mortimer, Alex. ... 10 10 0 Mortimer, Mrs. 0| H. P 5 0, Morton, A. H. ...... 1 2 Lindley, Miss Julia 10 10 Link, Frederick . 2 Llewelyn, Sir John 25 Llovd, Frank 25 Lloyd. Mrs. H 0 Lobb, Miss A. C. ... 1 Lockwood, Rt. Hon. Col, Loder, Sir E 50 Logan, Mrs. 1 Longfield, R. E, 1 Longhead, Mrs. S. F. 5 Longster, Harold ... 1 Loreburn, Countess of 5 Lowenadler, Mrs. F. 1 Lucas, Mrs. A. G.... 1 Luff, Mrs. A. P. ... 1 Lugard. Mrs. E. J. 0 Lushington, Miss S. 1 Luxford, Mrs Robertson 1 0 Mini. Miss C. F..., iMundy, Miss E. ... 1 OjMurison, J 0 0 Murland, Mrs 1 CI Murray, Miss E. ... 1 CM. V. B 5 C Myers, J. J 2 O'N 2 National .itosfi Society 25 0 C Neale, G. H 0 10 f|Needham, Sir F. ... 10 0 1 Neeld, The Hod. 1 Lady 3 3 (. Nevill, Mrs. Maud... 0 10 ( Newberry, Miss 'i F. L 15 0 Luxmore. H. E. Lvall, The Misses.. Lyell, Mrs Lynch, R. Irwin Mac McAndrew, John ... McConnel, Mrs. James 2 McConnell, Mrs. ... 1 McDonnell, Dr. W. Campbell 2 0 2 2 1 1 0 10 0 2 McFarlane, W 5 MacKinnon, Mrs. McLogan, A. G. ... 5 Macleav, Lady 5 Madeley, Mrs'. C... 1 Maitland, W. J. ... 1 Malcolm of Poltal- loch, Col. Malmesley, B 10 Mangles, Miss C. ... 1 Mansfield, Hon. John 1 Manvell, G. S 1 Marnham, H 2 Marriott, Miss D. O. Smith 1 Marshall, Leonard 2 Marshall. Rev. H. I. 2 Marshall, C. Camp- bell 1 Martin. H. J 2 Martin, Henry 0 Martineau, Sarah E. 2 Mason, Mrs. Walter 1 Massie, Mrs 5 Maud. Miss M 1 Maunsell. Edith. Mrs 2 Maxwell, Mrs. Shir- ley 1 May. Miss E. S. ... 5 May. Frank 3 Mavnard, Miss E. A. J 1 M. D. R 0 Meade-King, Rev. F 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 10 1 1 5 0 0 10 5 0 1 2 6 0 1 I Niblett, Mrs. A. ... t Nicholson, Miss R. S 1 tNicholl, Miss E. ... 1 ( Nieholls, Mrs. ( Aubitt 2 ( Nicholson, Lady ... 5 ('Nix, John A 10 I Nix, Chas. G. A. ... 5 Norfolk, Duchess of 5 ( Norris, Mrs. R 3 I Xotley, R. A 1 ( ' Ogden, Mrs 10 I Ugilvie, Dr 10 Ogilw, Mrs. Frank 1 Oliver. Col. H. D. 1 Oliver, Dr. and Mrs. 1, George 5 ( Onslow, Miss E. H. 2 I ! tjppen, Mary 1 I i Osborne, Mrs. P. H. 1 1 ,' Oxenden, Miss M.... Oxley, Mrs. R. S... Paoke, Miss G. F. Paget, Mrs. Welles- ley Paget, Miss L Palmer, Wm 1 Parsons, A 2 Parsons, H 0 Parsons, Mrs. C. ... 1 Partington, C. F 1 Pattinson, Mrs. H. 1 2 0 Paul, Mrs. Herbert 1 1 Payne. Miss A. L.... 2 0 Paynter, Walter A. 2 2 Peace, G. H 2' 2 Peacock, Mrs. W. L. 0 10 Peake, Mrs 0 10 Pears, Miss M. M. 1 1 ( Pearson, R. Harper 5 I Pearson & Sons ... 10 Pearson, A. H 5 ( Pearson, C. E 5 f Pease, Mrs. J 2 I Pease, Miss M. M.... 1 Pease, Miss Ella ... 1 C Peers, Miss M. H.... 1 C Pemberton, Mrs. 0 H. E. M C Pennant, Hon. Mary C Penrhyn, Lady C Gertrude 0 Perrins, Dyson 10 10 Peto, Sir Henrv. Bart 1 Petherick, G. J.... 25 0 Phara, Mrs. 0 1 0 Philips, Miss Chrvs- 0, tine A. 1 [Piesse, Mibs E. M.... 2 0,Platt. JoTin 5 0 Plavfair, Lady Edith 0 Plavfair, H. 0 10 2 0 1 1 1 0 0 10 September 4, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 157 £ s. Porter, Surg. -Col. A. 1 1 Potter, J. Wilson ... 26 5 P. R 1 0 Prance, Miss E 2 0 Preston, Thinnel ... 0 10 Price, Athelstan ... 2 2 Price, A. E 2 2 Price, Miss G. O. ... 1 0 Prnby, Lady Mar- garet 6 ° Probyn, Gen. Sir Dighton 2 2 Prootor, Miss 1 1 Pryor, N. R 2 0 Radnor, Countess of 5 5 Ralli, Pantia 50 0 Ranken, Miss M. W. 1 0 Ransom, F 1 1 Rawson, Col. H. E. 0 10 Rea. Mrs. Russell ... 0 5 Redd, Miss E 2 2 Reid. Mrs 1 1 Rendell, Mrs. R. ... 0 5 Rennie, Mrs 1 1 Reuthe. G 1 1 Reynolds, C 1 0 Richardson, C. E. ... 1 10 Riohardson, G 5 0 Rice, Mrs. H. C. Talbot 2 0 Rice, Mrs. G. Spring 0 10 Ridley, Mrs. Mary A 2 2 Ridlev, Miss M 1 1 Ridsdale, Mrs. S. S. 1 1 Rigden, W. J 10 10 Riley, J 2 0 Rivington, C. A. ... 1 1 Robinson, Miss M. E 1 1 Robinson. Mrs. G. H. Carew 1 1 Roobford. Mrs. Blanche 1 1 Rollit, Sir Albert ... 10 10 Rolls. Lady Ger- trude 1 1 Ronaldson. Mrs 1 0 Roscoe, Miss D. 0 10 Rosenheim, P 1 1 Rothscbild, Mr. and Mrs. Leopold de... 50 0 Rowntree. Joseph ... 5 0 Rnxby, Mrs. H. E. M 0 1C Royds. Col. Sir Cle- ment 25 0 Rucker. Lady 1 1 Rutherford, H. K. 1 1 Rutter, H. Lee 2 0 Rutler, Mrs. H. Lee 2 0 Sadler, Mrs 1 1 St. George, Mrs. E. 1 0 St. Quinton, W. H. 5 0 St. Osyths Priory Gardeners 1 1 Salt, the Misses ... 1 1 Sampson, Mr. and Mrs. J. H 1 1 Samuel, Farny E. ... 10 10 Sandeman, Col. J. G 5 0 Sanderson, Rev. Finlay 2 2 Sandoe, Mrs. A. K. 10 0 Sanitas Company ... 1 1 Sargood, Lady 10 0 Schuster, Mrs 8 0 Schuster, Mrs. A. ... 1 0 Schuster, Mrs. M. Theresa 2 2 Schwind, Mrs. F. S. 0 5 Scott, Philip 2 2 Scrimgeour, Mrs. R. M 5 0 Scurneld, Mrs. R. IS 5 0 Sedgwick, Mrs 0 10 Sendall, Lady 2 2 Sewell, W 2 2 Shakespeare, P. ... 1 1 Sharpe, O. J 2 2 Sharpe, Montagu ... 0 10 Sharpin, D. E. O. ... 1 1 Shea, O. E 6 5 Sheard, Mrs 1 1 Sheepshanks, Mrs. 1 1 Sherriff, Miss J. W. B 1 0 Shuster, Mrs. C. ... 1 0 Shute, Mrs 1 1 Sidebottom, Col. W. 5 0 Siggs, G 2 Simmons, Mrs. George 1 1 Slade, Mrs. Wynd- bam « 1 1 Slingsby, Mrs. Helen J 2 0 Smart, James 2 2 Smith, Mrs. Eustace 1 1 Smith, Mrs. ' J. Bowers 0 10 Smith, Frank E, ... 1 1 Smith, Frederio ... 1 0 Smith, F. N 2 2 d. £ s. d. Smith, Rev. P. n dementi 5 S 0 0 Smythe, J. H. R. ... 1 1 0 0 Sneath. George 10 10 0 0 Sooiete Francaise 0 d'Horticulture ... lb 0 0 0 Sparks, Mrs. Harry II J 1 I) 0 0 Spencer, Mrs. A. G. 1 1 0 Sperling, Mrs 2 0 0 0 Spicer, Albert 3 3 u Spicer, Monro 1 1 0 0 Spragge, Mrs. F. J. 1 1 0 0 n 1 1 II Stephens, G 2 0 0 Stephens, J. W 1 1 II n Stevenson, Mrs. E. 0 E ft 0 II Steven6on, Rev. 0 n A. B 2 2 n Stirling, Right Hon. Sir James 2 I) n n Stoneage 1 0 0 0 Stone, Mrs. 1 (1 n Stotherd, Mrs 5 0 0 Stracey, Mrs. Gilbert ft 0 0 Stratford, Capt. H. n Wingfield 1 0 0 Street, Mrs. O. W. 1 1 0 Strickland, Mrs. R. 0 10 n Stuart, O. M. Villiers 1 1 n 0 Stuart, Mrs. A. ... 1 1 n Studholme, L. J. ... 2 2 n Styles, Miss C. J. ... 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Sutton & Sons 100 0 n Swaine, Mary E. ... 1 0 0 Swan. Miss W. E.... 1 1 0 Swann, Mrs ?, 0 n Swetenham, Mrs. E. B 2 0 2 5 0 Sykes, Miss E. M. ... n Svkes, Mrs. Hard- 0 1 1 0 Sykes, Mrs. Frances 5 0 0 0 Taite, Miss S. D. ... 1 1 n Talbot, Sir Reginald 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 Talbot, Miss E. C... 3 0 0 Tatham, Miss Tatton, R. A fi 0 0 Tavlor, Capt. W. ... 1 0 n 0 10 0 0 1 Taylor, Rev. A 0 11 0 0 Taylor, Will 1 1 Teage, W. R 1 1 0 0 Templer, Miss 1 fi 0 fi 0 0 0 Thackwell. Mrs. ... n Thomas, C 2 2 0 Thomas, Capt. Joce- lyn H. W 2 0 n Thompson, Mrs. X 0 0 Thompson, Mrs. H. A 1 5 1 0 0 Thorpe. Mrs. Roby 0 0 Thudichum, L. M.... 0 10 o Tinne, Miss B. E.... 1 I n 0 Todd, Lady White... 5 s 0 0 Tollemache. Miss C. K 1 0 n 0 Toller, Mrs. Wallis 2 ?. 0 Tompson, Miss K. R. 2 2 n 0 Trench, Col. C. C. 2 0 n G Trevelvan, Lady II Eleonora .7 ?, II n 0 Tristram, Mrg. 5 0 0 (1 Trollope, T. E 1 1 0 n Trower, J. S 1 1 0 Turnbull. Mrs 1 0 0 0 Turner, Col. F. M. 0 2 6 0 Turner, Miss L. Scott 2 0 fl 0 10 Valentine, Mrs, M. 0 2 2 0 c Veitch, Sir Harry J. ibO 0 0 0 Ve.itch, P fi 0 II 0 Veley. Mrs. H. M. L. 2 0 0 fl Vernon. Hon. MrB. 0 Warren 0 ft 0 n Vyse, M. Howard... 1 0 0 0 Waddingham, Mrs. •i •4 0 0 Walker, Mrs. T. A. 1 1 0 n Walker, J. Liddell 1 0 0 0 Walker, Mrs Wallace. Prof. 5 0 0 n Robert 1 0 0 n Wallace & Co. (Col- n lected by) 40 0 0 n Walton. Mrs. Emma 1 1 fl n Ward, Col. H. H.... 5 0 1) Ward. Mrs. S. M.... 1 0 0 o Warre. Mrs. E. A.... 1 1 0 Warren. Miss E. M. 0 b 1) 0 Warrender, Mi BS A. H 2 0 0 0 Watson, Mrs. Fisher 1 0 0 Watson, Miss K. B. 2 0 II 0 Watson, Mrs. and 0 2 2 0 Watt, James - 1 1 a b Watt. Mrs. V A.... 0 b 0 0 Webb, Mabel E. ... 0 6 0 (1 Webb, Miss O. E.... 1 1 0 0 Weekes, Arthur ... 0 b 0 £ 3. Weinberg, Mrs. Fred S 1 1 Wernher, Lady 50 0 Wharram, J. W. ... 1 0 Wheatley, Joseph ... 1 0 Wheeler, Miss L. ... 10 10 Whisb, Miss G. M. R 10 White, E. A 2 2 White, H. F 1 1 White, H. J 0 15 Whitehead, Sir Beethom 20 0 Whitfield. Mrs. W. H 0 10 Whittet, A 10 10 Wigan, Arthur L.... 5 0 Wilkins, Mrs 2 2 Williams, J. C 105 0 Williams, Miss E. E. 6 0 Williams, Miss M. G. 1 0 Williamson. R 10 0 Williamson, Mrs. H. 1 0 Willink, H. G 2 0 Willis. Mrs. W. O. 2 2 Wilson, A. M 3 3 Wilson, Mrs fi 0 Wimbledon 0 6 Windham. Mrs. F. 1 0 Winscr, Ada 0 10 d.l £ , Winwood, Rev. 0 H. H 1 0 Wishart, W 0 0 0 4 0 Sir Wolseley, Bart., Sir Chas Wolseley, Gen. Geo 5 Wombwell, Mrs. R. 1 Woodall, Mr. and Mrs. Henrv 5 Wood, Mrs. J. B. ... 10 Woods, Mrs. J. G. 1 Woods, Col. H. C. M. 3 Worsley, P. J 50 Wright, J 1 Wright, Lieut.-Col. G. A Wright. V.M.H. Wright. V.M.H. Wyndham Wyndham Young. Mrs. O. Younger, James Zurhorst, Mrs. . John, Miss E. H. Saxe Total £5,234 18 0 HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) National Diploma in Horticulture.— There has been a good deal of discussion as to the advantages of this examination, and whether it is worth the expense it entails. Among North- country gardeners there is also a feeling that to be examined, at Wisley Gardens in the South of England is very little use to them. May I, as a North-country gardener, say a word or two in answer to this objection? It is my opinion that the scheme is of undoubted merit, and those fortunate enough to obtain the diploma will always find it useful to have something tangible to show as evidence of their abilities. The ex- amination at Wisley is such as to exclude an un- qualified man ; again, the mere theorist or student has no chance of success ; but a good, practical gardener can pass whether he comes from the North or from the South. Again, if a man has specialised in any line — fruit-growing, Orchid- growing, or market-gardening — he can be examined in that special section of the work ; and always by practical men, not mere theorists. Therefore I would say to all gardeners, go in for the diploma. I am, of course, aware that written tests are not the best way of examining a practical gardener, and it is to meet this difficulty that a part of the examination con- sists of viva voce questions on the written answers. Personally, I think that in this direction lies the salvation of our profession. Cymro. Cucumber Every Day (see pp. 50, 115, 138). — I have read with much interest the com- ments on the productiveness and all-round utility of Every Day Cucumber. This variety is undoubtedly widely esteemed and justly so, but I may state that I am not greatly im- pressed with the accounts given as to the size of the fruits. With proper cul- tivation the fruits of any _ good variety of Cucumber will attain dimensions beyond the normal if allowed to remain long enough on the plant. I find that young, good-shaped fruits of medium size are most appreciated at table, and I know of no Cucumber that meet3 these requirements quite so well as Delicacy. This variety seems to thrive and give of its best under ordinary cultivation, whilst the fruits are as near to perfection, both in form and flavour, as one can hope to obtain. We have grown it here for two seasons, but un- fortunately I have kept no record as to the number of fruits we have cut. However, I can safely assert, without fear of contradiction, that it is extraordinarily prolific, and it is a variety of much value to private gardeners. F. W. Miles, Ware Park Gardens, Ware, Hertford- shire. Cones on Araucaria imbricata.— During a recent holiday in Scotland I visited Crieff, Perthshire, and in a villa garden there I saw a tree of Araucaria imbricata bearing about one dozen beautiful cones, all about the size of an average Pineapple. The tree was in perfect health. I should imagine that it had been planted about thirty years. It stands on a lawn, with a south aspect, in full view of the sun. Although) I have been all my life in close association with- this beautiful Conifer in many parts of Scotland and England, I have never before seen it in fruit. The owner of the tree has never known it to bear cones before. The fine dry autumn and summer in Scotland last year must have thoroughly ripened the wood. I should be in- terested to learn if this tree has coned before in Great Britain. James B. Allan. Flowers of Milton.— I have several editions of Milton, and in all of them " freak V and not "streaked" is used to describe the variegation in the Pansy. The former describes more faithfully than the latter the markings in the flower. Canon Ellacombe was mistaken in attributing to Milton the earliest use of Iris as an English word. A reference to Lytes' Niewe Hcrball (1578) shows it had been incor- porated in the English language at that date. Lyte gives Irices as the plural. It is doubtful if Fleur-de-luce in its many spellings was ever applied to Prises as a whole. The Fleur-de-luce of the early poets seems to have been Iris floren- tina, e.g., " Lillies of all kinds, the flouTe de leuce being one." The branched Palm of Milton must be one of the Willows. The name was in constant use, and has come down to the present day, being common in parts both of England and Scotland. By the way, can anyone give me the scientific name for " shate " ? B. May not the " rathe Primrose that for- saken dies " be an allusion to the quick fading of the earliest flowers when they are plucked and thrown down (forsaken) ? The soft, tender petals of the "rathe" Primroses flag very quickly; later on the flowers have more sub- stance and last much longer. A. Cecil Bartlett. Heather on Wisley Common.— A remark- able patch of purple Heather is to be seen on Wisley Common adjacent to the well-known Wisley Hut Hotel and within a mile of the R.H.S. Gardens. The colour is far more dazzling and beautiful than any to be seen else- where. This I attribute to that part of the common being on fire some four years ago — hence the new growth. Every shoot is full of flower, which makes a lovely carpet. W. H . Bailey, Burwood, Cobham. Forest Trees in Trenched Ground.— The object of this note is not merely to cor- roborate Mr. Vicary Gibbs' remarks on p. Ill, but to give a few of my own experiences with the planting of forest trees. On this soil, which is heavy and retentive, with a hard pan of subsoil through which the roots penetrate with difficulty, Larch trees are subject to canker after a certain number of ^ years' growth, but where the soil is trenched two feet deep, canker is unknown. This would seem to dispose of a theory which is fairly widely credited — that canker in Larches is due to abrasions of the skin, in which the floating spores find lodgment. With reference to Mr. Gibbs' remarks on the deleterious effects on orchard trees of the growth of grass, these are supported in the case of an orchard near here. The trees were properly planted and should have grown well, but owing to the spread of the_ grass at their roots they are becoming quite crippled and stunted. E. Molyneux, Swanmorc Parle Farm. NURSERY INSPECTION IN FRANCE. The Journal of the National Horticultural Society of France for June, 1915, contains a sum- mary of the regulations made for the inspection of plants in relation to the Rome Convention of 1914. It is worth noting that the French Government has organised a service to com- mence to carry out a part of this inspection, clearly expecting to adhere to the convention, and anticipating that the convention will be adopted pretty much as it stands. It is there- fore of particular interest to see in what direc- tion it is considered necessary to proceed under this convention— the formal beginning of what, presumably, would be done here if this country adhered to the convention. 158 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 4, 1915. The staff appointed in France includes a chief ■'nspector and an assistant chief inspector, both of them men of wide reputation in Europe. There are a number of inspectors, who inspect estab- lishments engaged in plant export, and give cer- tificates ; theTe are also assistant inspectors and " controleurs." The last are resident during the export season, so that they can be continually present at exporting establishments and super- vise the packing. The inspectors and assistant inspectors have also to be constantly recording what pests and diseases occur in their districts, and are ex- pected to be well informed on the condition of the crops as regards disease, so that the occur- rence of dangerous diseases may be immediately known. Fees are payable by the licensed nurserymen and dealers to cover the expense of this service of inspection. Duties of Exporting Firms. In order to get a licence, the firm applies annually, paying a fee : the form of application for nurserymen states that the applicant is signment any plants other than those that have already been inspected, then inspection of these must also be obtained. Each consignment can be inspected separately if preferred, and if it be possible. The exporter has to number each con- signment, attaching this number to all docu- ments. The following are the measures to be taken in regard to nurseries and consignments : — (1) Nurserymen have to take all precautions against pests and diseases, and to follow the ad- vice and the formulae laid down by the phyto- pathologieal service. (2) During the winter, the nests of the brown- tail moth, the egg-masses of Gipsy and Lackey moths must be destroyed on fruit trees and on adjoining hedges. From the first of September all new nests of caterpillars are to be destroyed on stock destined for export in the following autumn or winter. (3) Before lifting fruit-tree stock, the nursery- man will strip all leaves and remove all nests, egg-masses, etc. (4) Workmen who sort the plants, either in the nursery or in the building, should be well ac- Fig. 51. — plum allgrove's superb. (See awards by the Fruit and Vegetable Committee, p. 159 ) already well acquainted with the regulations in force between France and the countries he will deal with : that he will conform to the regulations that may be laid down : that he will g've every facility to officials : that he agrees not to include in consign- ments from his establishment plants derived from other establishments without having pre- viously given ample notice (these other establish- ments also to be licensed) : that he will attach to each consignment a copy of the invoice, with values, and a declaration that the whole consign- ment is from licensed and inspected cultivation. A similar application is to be made by expor- ters of agricultural produce. The licensed firm can then apply for inspection of the tota'i stock intended for export. This inspection must take place within eight days of the application, and the firm then gets a certifi- cate of inspection for that stock. Certificates of freedom from disease are given on the above inspection, if required, but no certificate will be given without a copy of the usual exporting documents. If it be desired to include in a con- quainted with the egg-masses, caterpillar-nests, etc., and make certain that none are left on. If sorting is done in a building, this must be a well-lighted one. |5) When stocks of fruit or fruit trees, Roses and other plants are brought in tied bundles to the despatching building, if the plants measure more than 5 millimetres at the crown, they are not to be packed in eases until they have been untied and examined. For plants measuring from 1 to 5 millimetres, the workman doing the packing separates the twigs to the point where they are tied, and makes certain that no cater- pillar-nests are present. This final examination is to be carried out by a special workman or by the workman who finally places the plants in the ca-:e. The regulations about inspection of all stock to remove egg-masses and nests are designed to comply with the requirements of the United States. That country does not propose to adhere to the convention, and has its own restrictions on imports ; but until the countries that adheTe pub- lish their list of scheduled diseases, no one can tell what the carrying out of the above inspec- tion will mean. Meanwhile the French nurseryman is getting used to being licensed, to having his stock in- spected, to being obliged to get a certificate be- fore exporting, and the inspection and certifi- cate now relate only to a few pests or diseases. As each country joins the scheme the nurseries will have to be inspected for the diseases also listed by these countries, and the kernel of the matter lies in the list of diseases each country will schedule. Nurserymen in this country will note that in these regulations new stock can be obtained only from other licensed nurseries — i.e., if a particular nursery desires to obtain stock other than that it has grown, it can do so only from other licensed nurseries, and must give notice if this stock is to be included in any consignment. The regulations dealing with the question of exporting nurseries, and the decree authorising them, are dated February 15, 1915. H. M. Lefroy. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL. August 31. — As on the last occasion, an ex- hibit from the Hon. Vicary Gibbs' garden was the outstanding feature at the fortnightly meet- ing held on Tuesday last in the Vincent Square Hall, Westminster. Mr. Gibbs showed an in- teresting collection of trees and shrubs of recent introduction from China, consisting of 260 plants in pots. A Gold Medal was awarded for this remarkable group. The Floral Committee awarded four other medals for groups and twelve Awards of Merit to novelties, of which eight were Dahlias. The awards to Dahlias were made in conjunction with the National Dahlia Society, which con- ferred its own Certificate of Merit in each case. The Orchid Committee awarded two medals for groups, and recommended three First-Class Certificates, and two Awards of Merit to novel- ties. The Fruit and Vegetable Committee sat for much longer than usual, owing to the large num- ber of subjects submitted for awards. Messrs. Laxton Bros, showed no fewer than twenty-six seedling Plums, and many seedling Pears, Apples and other fruits were shown, besides col- lections of fruits and vegetables. This Committee recommended one First-Class Certificate, two Awards of Merit, and two Cul- tural Commendations. At the 3 o'clock meeting an address on " The Respective Values of Organic and Inorganic Manured" was delivered by Mr. F. E. P. Hodsoll. Floral Committee. Present : Mr. H. B. May (in the chair), Messrs. Geo. Harrow, G. Reuthe, J. W. Moor- man, J. F. McLeod, W. Howe, J. Jennings, \V. H. Page, Chas. Dixon, H. J. Jones, A. Turner, Chas. E. Pearson, Chas. E. Shea, J. T. Bennett-Poe, W. P. Thomson and E. H. Jenkins. AWARDS OF MERIT. Eschscholtzia The Geisha.— This variety is of distinct colouring, the exterior being bronzy- scarlet with a glowing sheen and the interior orange colour. The petals are pleasingly fluted. Shown by Messrs. James Carter and Co. Ci/donia Mallardii. — A new Chinese Quince, with narrow, Willow-like foliage. The plant was about 12 feet high, of distinct pyramidal shape, and bore numerous Lemon-shaped fruits close to the main stem. Berberis Sargentiana. — A hardy, evergreen species, with reddish stems bearing relatively large leaves, some of which were bronze tinted. Subtending the foliage are three large spines, that add to the decorative effect. The berries were immature, but we were informed that they are a dull purple colour when ripe. The Ber- iberis and the Cydonia were shown by the Hon. VrcARY Gibbs (gr. Mr. Edwin Beckett). MontbreUa Quern Elizabeth.— A hybrid raised from George Henley X Pageant. The September 4, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 159 large, bold flowers are coloured orange-red with gold colour in the base of the tube. Shown by S. Morris, Esq. (gr. Mr. G. Henley). The following varieties of Dahlia received the R.H.S. Award of Merit and the National Dahlia Society's Certificate of Merit : — Dahlia Miss Judd. — A Cactus variety of the exhibition type. The florets are a pale yellow colour with lighter tips. D. Washington. — A large, well-formed Cactus variety of deep-red colour with sheen of purple at the tips. D. Herald. — A Collerette variety of large size. The outer florets are magenta-coloured at the tips, the central parts being reddish-orange pass- ing to gold at the base. The collar is white and gold. These thTee were shown by Messrs. J. Stred- wick and Son. D. Caprice. — A single variety of very distinct appearance. The florets are white with a well- defined narrow band of claret-colour along the margins. Shown by Mr. C. Turner. D. Yelloni Star. — A variety of the new " Star " type, like a "cupped " single Dahlia. The tone is clear yellow, and the orange-coloured centre adds to the bloom's attractions. D. Primrose Queen. — The colour of this Col- lerette variety is pale-lemon, the collar being white. The»3 two shown Dy Messrs. J. Cheal and Sons. D. Scarlet Queen.— A grand Collerette variety of scarlet colour and perfect form. The collar- is gold-coloured and the disc orange. Shown by Messrs. Dobbie and Co. D. Warnefnrd. — This variety marks a great advance in the decorative type. It is a clear white bloom, of very large size and exceptionally handsome shape. It has much merit for decora- tive purposes, and will doubtless prove a useful flower for florists. Shown by Mr. West. Orchid Committee. Present: Mr. J. Gurney Fowler (in the chair), Sir Jeremiah Colman. Bart., Sir Harry J. Veitch, Messrs. Jas. O'Brien (hon. sec), Gurnev Wilson. R. A. Rolfe, Pantia Balli, T. Arm- strong, A. McBean, W. Cobb, W. H. Hatcher, C. H. Curtis. J. E. Shill, W. H. White, S. W Flory, and W. Bolton. AWARDS. First-Class Certificate. Catasetum Bungerothii (pileatum) white variety, from Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart, Gat- ton Park, Surrey (gr. Mr. Collier). A magnifi- cent clear white variety, probably the best and largest of its kind ever exhibited. The plant was a fine specimen, showing good cultivation. The spike bore very large, white flowers, of wax- like substance, the spur of the lip having a small green spot with yellow shading in front. Sophro-Cattleya Sylvia (S.-C. Doris x C. Hardyana), from J. Gurney Fowler. Esq., Brackenhurst, Pembury (gr. Mr. J. Davis). A beautiful hybrid, with flowers of Cattleya shape, and the darkest and finest in colour of any SophrojCattleya crosses. The sepals and petals are dark vinous purple in colour, with a ruby- crimson shade. The crimped lip is deep claret coloured, with gold lines running from the base. Cattleya Sybil var. W. P. Lee [Dowiana aurea x iridescens), from W. R. Lee, Esq., Plumpton Hall, Haywood, Lancashire (gr. Mr. C. Branch). A second form of the beautiful rounded labellum type, similar to that illus- trated in Card. Ch.ron., Aug. 21, 1915, p. 119. The flower has the form and fragrance of C. Eldorado, one of the parents of 0. iridescens, hut the front of the lip is broader. The sepals and petals are Cowslip-yellow, tinged with bronzy-rose ; the lip is rulby-red with gold veining at the base. Award of Merit. Laelio-Cattleya p.rimia dcfiratissiuia (L. pur- purata x C. Warneri). — A magnificent variety of the fine cross originally flowered by Messrs. Jas. Veitch and Sons in 1891. The plant has two spikes, each with four very large flowers, composed of white sepals and petals and very handsome, broad lip. which is white at the base and with a large, blush-white blotch in front, the sides and central lines being dark purple. The plant, which was in the collection when at Glebelands, is a splendid specimen. Cattleya Hardyana alba Fowler's variety. — This variety is equal in size to the best coloured C. Hardyana, but has white sepals and petals. The lip is niby-purple, with a yellow disc. A fine plant of C. Hardyana Countess of Derby was shown for comparison. General Exhibits. J. Gurney Fowler, Esq., was awarded a Silver Flora Medal for a group, which, besides those described under Awards, included several good forms of Laelio-Cattleya eximia, a very dark- flowered L.-C. Geo. Woodhams, Cattleya Harold, showy unnamed seedlings flowering for the first time, and Miltonioda McNabiaha (Odm. Edwardii x M. Bleuana), having pleasing whitish-rose-coloured flowers, marked with claret colour. Messrs. Charles worth and Co., Haywards Heath, were awarded a Silver Banksian Medal for a group of finely-flowered Orchids, among which were noted good Odontoglossums, the large white Cattleya Alcimeda (Gaskelliana alba x labiata alba), choice examples of C. aurea, Vanda coerulea, Habenaria Suzannae, THE LATE F. W. HARVEY. Catasetum Russelianum and the rare Laelia belia (majalis x purpurata). R. G. Thwaites, Esq., Chessington, Streat- ham (gr. Mr. Hannington), showed a selection of Odontiodas, Odontoglossums, Laelio-Cattleya callistoglossa, L.-C. Rutiens, and other Orchids. Messrs. Flory and Black, Slough, showed the new Brasso-Cattleya Miguel (B. Digbyana X C. Carmen), a very large, pale blush-rose flower, with a marbling of purple on the broad, fringed lip ; B.JC. Ilene magnifica, a grand light rose flower, with chrome-yellow disc to the lip; B.C. Andre Maron (C. Schroderae X B.-C. Mrs. J. Leemann), and a good form of Laelio-Gattleya Rubens. Messrs. Hassall and Co., Southgate, showed a selection of their Cattleya Sybil, which has already been productive in fine novelties. The plants were all pretty, and varied considerably in colour and shape. The firm's own form of C. Adula and other hybrids were also shown. Lieut.-Col. H. V. Warrender, High Grove, Pinner (gr. Mr. Strong), exhibited Cattleya Clarkiae (bicolor x labiata). Fruit and Vegetable Committee. Present : Mr. J. Cheal (in the chair), J. Willard, Edwin Beckett, W. Pope, H. Markham, A. R. Allan, Horace J. Wright, A. Bullock, A. W. Metcalfe, P. C. M. Veitch, E. A. Bun- yard, Owen Thomas and W. Poupart. AWARDS. First-class Certificate. Himalayan Blackberry. — The award was made, after trial in the Society's gardens at Wisley, for prolific cropping and excellence of quality. The sprays exhibited bore a great resemblance to our native Blackberry, but the berries, which were not quite ripe, weTe a little larger, and the trusses more numerously fruited. Shown by Messrs. Laxton Bros. Awards of Merit. Plum Allgrove's Superb (see fig. 51).— A des- sert variety of purplish-red colour, oval in shape, with a prominent suture on one side; the stalk is about % inch long. The flesh is of a delicious flavour and equal in quality to Jefferson, of which it is stated to be a vegetative sport. Shown by Mr. Allgrove, Langley. Pear Laxton 's Superb. — A dessert variety of medium size, roundish in shape, with greenish-yellow skin flushed with red on the side next to the sun. The flesh is white, juicy and of excellent flavour. The award is made tentatively, subject to a report on the habit of the tree by a deputation of the Com- mittee. Shown by Messrs. Laxton Bros. Cultural Commendation to Mr. W. Pope, Welford Gardens, Newbury, for fruits of Apple' Chas. Eyre ; and to Mr. A. R. Allan, gardener to Lord Hillingdon, Uxbridge, for superb fruits of Nectarine Milton. {To be continued.) ©bftuar^. F. W. Harvey.- It is with great regret that we learn of the sudden death, following an operation, of Mr. F. W. Harvey, the editor of out contemporary, The Garden. Mr. Harvey had been suffering from an abscess on the brain, for which he underwent an operation. He was removed to the London TempeTance Hospital on the 23rd ult., but succumbed earlv in the morning of the 31st. Early in life Mr. Harvey engaged in the business of market gardening, and later studied horticulture at the County School of Horticulture, Chelmsford, under Mr. C. Wakely. He was afterwards a member of the garden staff at Kew, where he remained until 1905, leaving to take up the position of sub-editor of The Gardener, under Mr. W. P. Wright, who was at that time editor. Here he stayed for about three years, and left to take up a similar position on The Garden, under the late Mr. E. T. Cook. He made the best use of the experience thus gained, and when, about four years ago, Mr. Cook left foT America, Mr. Harvey was able to take up the position of editor thus vacated. Under his editorship The Garden has more than maintained its standard, and his loss will be deeply felt by the staff, with whom he worked in amity and harmony. Although his duties were onerous, Mr. Harvey found time to interest himself in matters con- nected with horticulture. He was chairman of the Sweet Pea Society in 1914, a member of the Floral Committee of the R.H,.»S., and a member of the Council of the National Rose Society. Mr. Harvey leaves a widow and one son. J. Powlev. — We regret to learn of the death of Mr. J. Powley. which took place at Norwich a few days ago. Mr. Powley was one of the old school of gardeners, and was veTy successful as a grower and exhibitor. He was at first en- gaged in private gardening, but in 1881 he left private service and started as a market grower. He took a keen interest in local horticultural matters, and was for many years president of the East Anglian Horticultural Club. During the past year he was confined to the house by the maladv which subsequently proved fatal. Il< was deservedly popular among horticulturists, and will be very much missed. G. F. Cogger.— We learn from the Bechen- hum Journal of the sudden death of Mr. G. F. Cogger, who was for nearly twenty years gar- dener to Mr. Wm. PotteT, of Elmsidc, Becken- ham. Mr. Cogger was a prominent local horticulturist, and frequently acted as judge at local and neighbouring shows. 160 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 4, 1915. ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. ■ There are few gardeners, and still [ewer amateurs, who d' not on occasion require immediate information upon various points of practice. But either from an unwillingness to inquire, or from not knowing of whom to make the inquiry, they too often fail to obtain the information they are in want of. And let no one be alarmed lest his questions should appear trifling, or those of a person ignorant of that which he ought to know. He is the wisest man who is conscious of his ignorance ; for how little do the wisest really know !— except that they know little. If one man is unacquainted with a fact, however common, it is probable that hur.dreds of others in the same position as himself are equally in want of similar information. To ask a question, then, is to consult the good of others as well as of ones self. — Gardeners Chronicle, No. 1, Vol. J., January S, 1SU. Asters Failing : /. A. The Asters have been attacked and killed by the fungus Thielavia basicola. In future, a fortnight before plant- ing or sowing, you should soak the soil with a solution of one part formalin to twenty parts of water. Beech Diseased : B. S. The Beech is affected by white scale, or "felted Beech Coccus." The best remedy is the application of paraffin emulsion, prepared by mixing a solution of soft soap in boiling water with an equal quan- tity of paraffin, thoroughly mixing and churn- ing, and adding, when required for use, twenty times the bulk of water, churning and mixing as before. You should apply the mix- ture with a scrubbing brush on the bark, tak- ing care to penetrate into all the cracks. A handful of sulphur and a pint of turpentine may be added with the water, if desired. If you prefer the spraying method, use the fol- lowing formula : — lib. commercial caustic soda dissolved in water, add lib. crude potash or pearl ash, also dissolved in water; add fib. soft soap, with sufficient water to make up to ten gallons. This mixture may be used as a spray in winter or spring, and should be applied two or three times at intervals of a few days. As the mixture is very caustic, closely fitting rubber gloves should be worn by the operator. It may be observed that at the present time, potash or pearl ash is very difficult to obtain, 60 that the first-named remedy would probably be preferable. Black Alicante Grapes : W. P. We have in- spected the Grrapes you sent and consider them very satisfactory; they are well coloured and t finished, and have all the appearance of having been well cultivated. It is, however, to be remembered that the variety is not one that provides much scope. Its qualities are rather those of free fruiting and long keeping than of delicate flavouT ; indeed, it is usually considered of third-rate quality. Further, the past wet season has been very unfavour- able. Probably your house has an outside border, which would mean that the roots, through no fault of your own, have been too wet nearly all the season ; and this would cer- tainly mean a deterioration in the flavour of the Grapes. If next season is a drier one you will probably find that the flavour is im- proved ; but, as before observed, the variety is not first-rate, and will never attain to more than mediocrity. " Botanical Annual " : IF. F. The first and only issue of this work was launched by Robert Mudie in 1832. The book appears to be somewhat scarce, but there is a copy at the library of the Linnean Society and one at Kew. It is of no great informative value. Cauliflowers Failing : T. The Cauliflowers you send are what is known as "blind." The cause of this affection is not known, but it is quite a characteristic of the Brassica family, and among almost every sowing of Cauliflowers there aTe to be found some few such as you send us. As the cause is not known it is difficult to see how to prevent it ; the only thing is to see that the cultural con- ditions are the best possible, so as to leave nothing to be desired in this respect. Celery Plants Affected : /. S. The plants appear to be suffering from a disease commonly known as Celery leaf-spot (Septoria petrose- lini var. apii). Sometimes the progress of the disease can be arrested by spraying with Bor- deaux mixture, but as it is very infectious the best plan is to pull up and burn all in- fected plants, and spray all the others to check any infection which may have already been carried to them. Currant Trees Falling : F. D. C. The trees were injured in the first instance by being in- fested with aphis. These insects deposited what is known as " honey-dew " on the foli- age, which was then attacked by the fungus Capnodium Footii, or sooty mould. The affected leaves should be picked off and burnt, and further attacks discouraged by keeping the trees free from aphis, on the honey-dew of which the fungus feeds. Farming for Retired Gardeners : An Old Reader. We note that you desire to give up private gardening and take up farming or nursery-gaTdening instead. It is true that on the whole dairy keeping may pay better at the present time than a general nursery (by which you probably mean one chiefly for plants and flowers) ; but a good deal of experience is needed for a farm, as well as theoretical knowledge. Probably you would find a market garden better fitted to your capacities ; well-grown fruit and vegetables are likely to find purchasers, especially now that meat is getting so dear. Your experience in the kitchen gardens of private houses would enable you to make the best use of your land. and you would have learned what sort of de- mand to expect in each season of the year. We do not accept fees for advice, and have therefore placed your contribution in the col- lecting box of the R.G.O.F. Gladioli : Lt.-Cd. B. The spikes of Gladioli you sent us arrived in good condition, and we recognised them as belonging to the section G. Childsii, the American strain of G. Nan- cieanus. The flowers were well grown, of large size on long stems. Perhaps a floTist might urge against them the criticism that they were a little rough, but they were cer- tainly attractive. Grapes Diseased : Minos, Herts. The Vines are attacked by the fungus Botrytis. In order to avoid a similar attack next spring, you should spray the plants with Bordeaux mixture at half strength, at intervals, until the flowers are ready to open. It will be well at the same time to look well after the ventilation of the house, as too much moisture encourages the spread of the disease. Hollyhock Diseased : W. T. and Co. The Hollyhock is affected by the fungus Puccinia Malvacearum. You should spray the plants next spring with a solution of liver of sulphur, beginning when the first leaves are quite young. With regard to the grub which bored the stem of the Potatos, the larvae of several moths have this boring habit, but in the absence of a specimen the particular one can- not be identified. Liliums Diseased : E. d'L. We cannot deter- mine the nature of the disease without seeing specimens, but the plants are probably affected by the disease caused by the fungus Botrytis. If they are badly affected the only thing to do is to take them up and burn them, planting a fresh stock as far from the old posi- tion as possible. It is sometimes possible to eradicate the disease by keeping the bulbs in flowers of sulphur through the winter, or any plants which are not badly affected may be treated by spraying in the early spring with a weak solution of potassium sulphide. Names of Plants : Brewer. The two detached leaves are not sufficient to enable us to recog- nise the plant. Send a flowering shoot. — B. B. M., Brighton. Bartsia Odontites, a semi-parasitic plant, which feeds on the roots of the gTass. Pulling up and burning the plants or close cutting to prevent seeding will help to keep the pest in check. — R. W. 1, Buddleia variabilis ; 2, Bocconia cordata ; 3, Cistus species ; flowers too withered for identi- fication.— B. B., Ulhwater. Olearia Haastii. Out-door Crops for Marketing from October to March : Scotch Grower. We suppose you do not mean to raise the plants in October and to have them ready for marketing in March, as vegetation is nearly dormant during the interval indicated. There would not in most cases be time to mature the crops by March, though Radishes sown in October might be ready for market purposes by the middle or end of March. Good sturdily- grown Wallflower plants raised from seed sown in May or June and transplanted in good ground in October would be saleable in March. Plants of well-established Cos Let- tuce raised from 6eed sown in July and trans- planted in October would, although not then fully developed, be saleable in March, when we presume you require the ground cleared for other crops. Planting Apple Trees : A. D. (1) There is a good deal of difference of opinion on the point whether bush or standard Apple trees are the more profitable. For planting on a large scale, short half-standards, with trunks only 2ft. high, are generally preferable to bushes, both for horse cultivation and where Goose- berries and Currants are to be planted among the trees. (2) Lime or chalk is desirable in any soil. For heavy land, a dressing of chalk, 10 to 15 tons per acre, is the best to apply, as it improves the soil for working, and its effects last for many years. Waste chalk can be had for nothing at many l>me works. (3) If the land is not well supplied with organic matter, a dressing of about 12 tons of decayed farm- yard or London manure before the final ploughing is desirable.. If, however, the land is already in a rich condition, it will not need manure until the trees begin to bear to a con- siderable extent. Potatos Scabby : /. G. W. The scab is caused by the fungus Oospora Scabies. In order to. prevent further attacks, you should sprinkle a little powdered sulphur in the rows when planting. It may also be mentioned that the presence of lime in the soil favours the growth of the disease. Pruning of Hardy Flowering Shrubs : Jour- neyman. Probably you would find useful Tree and Shrub Culture in the Pictorial Practical Series, by Wright and Dallimore. You can obtain the book from our publishing department, price Is. 3d. paper, or Is. 9d. cloth, post free. Rose Trees Affected : A. J. There is no disease to be traced in the Roses. The trees are evidently being grown in conditions unsuitable to this particular variety, and if you investigate the particular bed in which the affected trees are growing, you will pro- bably find some difference of soil or position which will account for their doing badly while those in the other beds gTOW satis- factorily. Sweet Pea Injured : /. W. There is no disease present in the Sweet Pea you send us, and the affection must therefore be due to some error in cultural treatment. Tomato Leaves Affected : Gardener, Berts. There is no disease present in the leaf sent for our inspection ; it is merely scorched by the sun. If you ventilate the house early in the day, and shade the plants from very hot sun, you will probably find that the condition com- plained of disappears. Weeds on a Lawn : T. N. The smaller speci- men is Sagina procumbens, the other Ceras- tium triviale. Dress the lawn with sulphate of ammonia at the rate of 2 ounces to each square yard of turf. Communications Received — A. O. B.— A D. w. — S. H.— D. B. A— T. H. M.— H B.— W. R — E. 0. H.— O. L— W. W. 0.— T. T.— W. W. T.— Anxious— O. B — H. S. T.— H. G.— A. T. S.— H. H.— P. B— B. L — Pharmaceutical Journal— F. O. — E. B. — F. J. — Edina— W. F— J. P.— .T. II— W. W.— R. A. R— A. T. H.— A. C. H.— B. and F. S. S.— A. J. L— B. of A— H. D. , SEPTEMBER 11, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 161 THE (Bazbmtxz CJjrmwk No. 1,498.— SA TURDA Y,SEPTEM BERll,191S. CONTENTS. Agricultural returns . . 171 Araucaria imbricata, cones on 173 Berlin, agricultural activity in .. . . 171 Books, notices of — Flora of the Malayan Peninsula .. .. 165 School Gardening 16'6 Building sites, cultiva- tion of 171 Chrysanthemum Day in Belfast 171 Conftssions of a novice 173 Fruit pulp, making of .. 171 Gardeneis' Royal Bene- volent Institution . . 168 Gatton Park, Reigate . . 161 Harvey, the late F. W. . . 168 Heliotropium The Speaker 173 "Horticulture Fran- chise, L'" .. .. 171 IriseB, notes on — Bearded Irises . . . . 163 Malmaison, La .. .. 161 Manure, organic v. inor- ganic .. .. 168 Market fruit garden, the 164 Obituary Bickerton, W 175 Groves, It. J. . . . . 176 Orchid notes und glean- ings— Cattleya Sybil var. Georgius V. Kex .. 162 Indigenous species .. 162 Packing plants for export Peaches, large Plant notes— Kaempferia Roscoeana "Pour nos amis francais et beiges " Sap, the transfusion of.. Shrewsbury parks in- spected Societies — Glasgow and West of Scotland H. nt. Manchester and North of England Orchid .. Royal Horticultural .. Sunflowers, trial of, at Wisley Vegetable and Sweet Pea Snow at Chester . Vegetables, dear.. Vines, stopping War horticultural relief fund Wasps, destruction of . . Water Cress, the cultiva- tion of Week's work, the — Flower garden, the . . " French " garden, the Fruits under glass Hardy fruit garden, the Kitchen garden, the . . Orchid houses, the . . Plants under glass West Indies, origin of economic plants in the 174 171 173 168 171 ILLUSTRATIONS. Annual border, plan of an Camellia japonica, fruits of Gatton Park — The upper fish pond .. Water garden Pool in the rock garden View in the pleasure grounds 162 163 165 169 LA MALMAISON. THE celebrated and charming home of the Empress Josephine, consort of Napoleon I., was opened from June 6 — July 15 for a small charge to visitors, the funds received being devoted to the assistance of " orphans of the war." The house and what remained of the grounds — some 10 acres out of the 4,500 of which they consisted at the time of the death of the Empress — were purchased in 1896 by M. Osiris, who presented them to the Republic. M. Osiris had also the intention of erecting in the Chateau a Napoleon museum, and he intended to endow it with a sum of £25,000, but his death occurred before the project was carried out. The park, has, however, been recon- stituted. Thanks to M. J. Gravereaux and to Madame Philippe de Vilmorin it has been planted with favourite flowers of Josephine, and a rosary has been laid out and planted with Roses which are known to have existed in the time of the Empress The estate was purchased by Josephine in 1799, and during the Consulat, Bona- parte spent some of his happiest hours there. Thus Bourrienne remarks in Lis memoirs: " Nowhere, unless on the battle- field, have I seen Bonaparte more satisfied than in the Gardens of La Malmaison." Readers of Lord Roseberv's Last Phase will remember how Napoleon at St. Helena, in his shipwrecked davs, found consolation at times in the cultivation of his garden. The foremost landscape gardeners of the day — Howatson, Morel, and Berthault — were engaged in designing the pleasure grounds of La Malmaison ; but it was for its flowers that La Malmaison was chiefly famed. Model glasshouses were built for the more tender subjects. Plants were sought everywhere, and England — then at war with France — re-exported from Lon- don the consignments of plants captured by its men-of-war. For Josephine had a passion for flowers of all kinds : she desired to have all at La Malmaison, in spite of, or because of, their price. Notwithstanding the war, she remained in correspondence with Kennedy, the celebrated nurseryman of Hammersmith. Josephine's predilection had a powerful and happy influence on the development of French horticulture. Up- wards of 200 species of plants flowered for the first time in those gardens, and their descriptions were given in a wonderful work, no longer to be obtained — Le Jardin de la Malmaison — finished by Bonpland, the successor of Mirbel, between 1812 and 1816. Three plants were dedicated to the Empress: (1) Brunsvigia Josephinae Ker- Gawl, figured under the name of Amaryllis Josephinae in the Liliaceae of Redonte. This plant was brought from the Cape by a Dutch sailor, and grown for sixteen years without flowering in a garden in Holland. Josephine bought it and brought it to La Malmaison, and it flowered in 1811. Of recent 3-ears Van Tubergen has ob- tained hybrids between this rarely culti- vated plant and Amaryllis Belladonna. (See Gafdeners' Chronicle, September 16, 1911, fig. 101.) (2) Josephinia impera- tricis Vent, also figured in Le Jardin de la Malmaison. is a biennial member of the Pedalineae from the Celebes. Although in- tended to commemorate Josephine, it has disappeared entirely from cultivation. (-3) Lapageria rosea, named in honour of Josephine's daughter, is widely cultivated. Josephine loved Roses above all other flowers, and desired to collect all the then known varieties. To this end she laid the collections of Dupont and de Vilmorin under contribution. The success of the effort made by M. Gravereaux to re-create the Empress' Rose garden has been considerable. In spite of the difficulties of tracing the names through a century-long maze of synonyms, no fewer than 197 out of the 250 varieties which La Malmaison possessed have been found and restored to the garden. After Josephine's divorce she resided continuously at La Malmaison, seek- ing consolation like many another in the flowers of the garden. In 1814 came the invasion. The ex-Empress fled, but was recalled to La Malmaison by the vic- torious allies. Victory, however, could mean nothing to her. She fell ill on her return and died after a few days' illness. Ten months later Napoleon escaped from Elba, learned of the death of Josephine, and made a pilgrimage to her tomb. Once again, on June 24, a broken man, he paid a final visit to La Malmaison. Waterloo had been fought and won, and " all the rest for which he toiled forgot." A. M. GATTON PARK. GATTON PARK, the residence of Sir Jeremiah Colman, Bart., is one of those favoured country places near London which retain their atmosphere of seclusion in spite of the advance of the builder. This immunity is due in considerable measure to the contours and great trees of the park, which accentuate the restful influence of the lake in the valley. The large expanse of water is main- tained by the overflow from many orna- mental ponds which contribute greatly to the charm of the beautiful grounds. Our illustration (fig. 52) is characteristic of the general scenery, and is reproduced from a photograph taken from the bank of the upper fish pond. Gatton Park is one of the many places improved by " Capability " Brown, and, when enjoying the beautiful landscape effects he inspired a century or more ago, one feels very charitably disposed towards him, in spite of the animadversion he has met with. Fig. 53 illustrates an attractive feature at Gatton Park which we prefer to designate as a " water garden," since one oriental lantern does not make a Japanese garden. In this view we are influenced by the recollection of our own feelings when we have been confronted abroad by specimens of so-called " Eng- lish " gardens. Be that as it may, this particular garden nestles most happily be- tween the wood and the lower fish pond, and offers many charming effects. The natural opportunities offered by the site of this garden were fully realised by those who designed it. The pool shown in fig. 54 lies in the foreground of the view of the park as seen from a recessed seat in the rock garden. The water garden illustrated in fig. 55 forms one of the many charm- ing features in the grounds of Gatton Park. It was devised four or five years ago with the view of masking the sluggish effect of the stream which connects the lower fish pond with the great lake. It is evident that the work has quickly matured. This is due partly to the shel- ter given by the wood from the prevail- ing wind, and also to the rich alluvial soii which had accumulated on the site. Neither must one forget the careful supervision given to every detail at Gat- ton Park, for a water garden needs con- stant attention if it is to retain its in- tended attraction. Water effects are a great feature of Sir Jeremiah Colman's beautiful estate, and there are few scenes in the grounds which are not enlivened or made restful, as the case may be, by this element. Th 9 pool in question is fed by an ample fall of water down the face of a cliff which is clothed by many choice rock plants. The rock garden itself is in the form of a horseshoe, of which the pool occupies the centre. The Hanks of the rock garden are pro- tected by old Yew trees, which help to make it one of the most peaceful spots in the serene atmosphere of Gatton Park. 162 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 11, 1915. ORCHID NOTES AND CLEANINGS. CATTLEYA SYBIL VAR. GEORGIUS V. REX. Mr. W. R. Lee informs us that the name of his Cattleya, which received the R.H.S. First- class Certificate on the 31st ult., -when shown as Cattleya Syhil var. W. R. Lee, should be Cattleya Sybil var. Georgius V. Rex. "THE ORCHID WORLD." The issue of The Orchid World for Septem- ber completes the fifth volume. This excellent illustrated monthly journal maintains its reputa- tion as a medium of information on matters of current interest to orchidists, and for ably written articles on cultural details. The Sep- tember number contains illustrations of Odonto- cultivation is 0. maculata, and I have known 0. latifolia to thrive for many years among hardy herbaceous plants. Its final disappearance was, I believe, due to a workman's carelessness rather than to a weariness of life in the plant itself. O. mascula, one of the earliest to flower, succeeds splendidly on the north side of a rockery where it is little exposed to direct sunshine. I have not found so many colour forms of this as of 0. maculata, nor a. puTe white variety, but have seen charming rose- coloured' varieties, as well as some of intense purple which on the whole excel others in colour value. Like many other plants these shift their positions, though it is only in the course of very many years that one notices the progress they make. They do not really die out of stations tubers. These names are reverend with age, though many names are older by centuries. The " Long Purples " or Dead Man's Fingers of Shakespeare have given rise to much con- troversy as to the plant the poet had in his mind. The two last named, if we go by the tubers, would be suitable, but the colours protest against that acceptation, and the other flowers, Columbines and Crowflowers, indicate an earlier period of the year, so that the ques- tion is one that perhaps will never be settled satisfactorily. The "pale Gander grass" of Davor's poem has been also applied to 0. mas- cula, but in an article in the Gardeners Chronicle for 1847 a correspondent assumes this to be Potentilla anserina or Goose gTass. On examination of the several parts of Fig. 52.- -GATION PARK : THE UPPER FISH POND. (See p. 161.) glossum eximium King of the Belgians, 0. Ame- thyst Glebelands variety, 0. illufitrissimum \V. R. Lee's variety, 0. Dora, Onoidium coryne- phorum, 0. Leopoldianum and other Orchids. INDIGENOUS SPECIES. The greater number of indigenous Orchises are English rather than Scottish plants, though both 0. mascula and 0. maculata are abundant in some parts of Scotland. The Madeira 0. foli- osa is by far the handsomest of the genus, in suitable conditions throwing spikes 3 feet in height ; but I have not found it to increase to any extent. And indeed from what I have observed of 0. imascula and others it is notable that Orchises are largely propagated naturally by means of seeds. The most amenable to ordinary entirely, they only become more numerous in the new positions than in the old. All grow best in a cool, moist loam, and it is quite easy when lifting selected plants to secure every root, provided transplanting is not too long de- layed after flowering. Superfluous vegetation removed with the Orchids should be left till the plants have become re-established, otherwise numerous seedlings of minute proportions would be destroyed. Hence the importance of leaving the surface undisturbed. In folklore. Orchises are very interesting plants, and 0. mascula supreme in interest. Along the coast of Berwickshire, where this species grows abundantly, it used to be named Deadman'a Thumbs, and 0. mascula and 0. lati- folia Deadman's Fingers, from the shape of the the plant, tubers, leaves, spikes and flowers, one is surprised to find how observant these must have been who have originated one or other of the numerous names by which the plant is or has been known. For the first named there is the common Adam and Eve, Dead Man's Thumb, Ballock Grass, Beldairy, Dagstone, etc., Salep and Man Orchis. The leaves give occasion for the word Gethsemane, Adden's Grass, Butcher's, etc. The stalk supplies the name Keatlegs, and the flowers give a large number, mostly variants of a few. Such are Cock's Kaimes, Cuckoo Flower, Paddock's Spindle and Sprtespipkle, the real name in many instances, as in some of those quoted, being hidden by the encrustations of verbal lapses during the course of many years. II., East Lothian. September 11, 1915.] TILE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 163 NOTES ON IRISES. SPECIES OF BEARDED IRISES. After reading Mr. A. J. Bliss's article on Bearded Iris species on p. 37, there are one or two points to which I should like to draw atten- tion. The first is that I. aphylla is only a name that covers a considerable number of local forme, of which we should perhaps have known a little more if this great war had not broken out. At the end of last July I was just on the point of starting on a journey, which would have taken me to the homes of many of the forms of this widely-distributed Central European species. My plan was to go south from Berlin through the Harz Mountains to the neighbour- hood of Halle, and then on into Northern Bohemia, all districts in which forms of I. aphylla are found. From there I intended to make my way to Breslau and Southern Silesia, and then through Galicia and over the Car- pathians into Hungary, where I. aphylla is found in the north in the Tokai district and also in the south-east in Transylvania ; but the prospects of making such a journey in the near future do not seem promising. Meanwhile, we can only remember that among the various forms of this Iris there are innumerable variations in colour and shape, and in that coloration at the base of the growths on which Mr. Bliss lays stress. Early this year there came up in my garden here many shoots of a form of this Iris from Ermihalyfalva, in Hungary. The deep, purple-violet tips of some of the young shoots were really an astonishing sight, and these plants now retain their deep colour at the base. Others were less deeply coloured, while a few were wholly green. As far as I can see, this colour at the base is a character unconnected with any other character, and occurs both in this species and in I. variegata in the most capricious manner. It would doubtless be interesting to investigate the question by breeding experiments begun with wild plants from known localities and not with the garden forms with which Mr. Bliss has conducted his interesting experiments. I. aphylla also varies very much in the colour and appearance of the beard, and I cannot be- lieve that in the present sta.te of our knowledge of the species it is safe to draw any conclusions as to the probability or possibility of any par- ticular type of beard appearing or not appearing among seedlings of I. aphylla. The colour of the beard of an Iris appears to be a most untrustworthy character. The best example is in I. stolonifera, where some speci- mens have beards of bright yellow and others of a brilliant electric blue. Unfortunately, the colour seems capable of changing in the same plants from year to year, and is often a compro- mise between the two extremes, being blue in front and yellow further back. On the contrary, I have known instances where the crossing of a blue, with a yellow beard produces a beard of a brownish tinge. We must hesitate, I think, to accept Mr. Bliss's suggestion that I. albicans is not merely an albino, but a hybrid of I. Madonna. I can hardly believe that he would make the sugges- tion if he knew I. Madonna or if he had grown the two plants side by side for several years. They are identical except in colour, and more- over, it is hardly likely that hybridisation with another species should have taken place in so remote a neighbourhood as the top of a mountain in the Yemen district of Arabia. Specimens of the two plants, gathered there nearly a cen- tury ago, still exist in the Paris herbarium. Another point which we must not forget is the difficulty of saying that any particular plant is the type of I. pallida. I feel certain that I could show Mr. Bliss specimens of I. pallida from known localities, some having "hanging" falls and some in which the blades extend almost horizontally. Foster's dark-reddish form from Monte Brione has spreading falls, and I only wish Mr. Bliss could have been with me on a memorable afternoon when, on a rocky cliff not many miles from Ragusa, on the Dalmatian coast, I found many thousands of specimens of Iris pallida varying in colour from deep violet or blue purple through pink or reddish-purple shades to pale mauve and even white. From Bozen I have two pallidas, of which one has spathes of silvery white, while in the other the spathes, though entirely scarious, are of a pale brownish tinge. Both these again are different regularly we might expect to find " dalmatica " in Albania or even as far south as Mount Tay- getus, in Southern Greece, where I have reason to believe some fine iTises exist. It can hardly be allowed, therefore, that I. pallida is " certainly homozygous " for the character of " hanging " falls. Another point which makes it difficult to follow Mr. Bliss's argument is that there are several white germanicas. The so-called I. florentina is the best known, and its dark, black- purple counterpart is used near Florence for the manufacture of Orris root, along with a pallida WATER GARDEN WITH JAPANESE STONE LANTERN. (See p. 161.) to forms from Riva and another from Como, while I have myself found others at Bolliinz and Popecchio to the south of Trieste, on Mount Veljun in Croatia, and on the Velebit Range further to the south. The differences are end- less. Some have green and some glaucous leaves, while in some there is a distinct pink tinge at the base of the leaves. The so-called I. pallida dalmatica has widely spreading falls, but I am inclined to doubt whether the plant is a native of Dalmatia. From Trieste to Ragusa the forms of pallida increase in size and vigour, and if the increase continues and, strange to say, albicans, while " florentina " itself seems unknown there. The variety atro- purpurea has a white counterpart that grows freely on the castle hill of Beaucaire, which faces Tarascon across the Rhone, while I have two others, of which I have no purple counter- parts, one from Metkovic at the mouth of the Narenta, and another with a white beard that I found growing in a wayside garden at Mat- tuglie on the way up from Fiume to Monte Maggiore. The last is, I think, the finest, and differs from all the others by having an almost entirely white beard. 164 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 11, 1915. Onoe again this year both I. albicans and Madonna have failed to mature any seeds in the pods they had formed, and I am as far as ever from knowing whether these two interesting plants will reproduce themselves unchanged from seeds as I should expect them to do. Mr. Bliss's seedling of albicans X macrantha does not surprise me in the least, if we may assume maciantha, as other forms of germanica, to have sprung from I. aphylla. Some forms of the latter have flowers of a pale pinkish purple, and I have also a form of I. ger- manica from the Greek island of Cephalonia, which has flowers of a distinctly pinkish purple. The combination of the wliite of albicans with the reddish purple w-hich occurs in I. aphylla would give a " pale rose-mauve," while the yellow-tipped beard of albicans would combine with the blue of aphylla to give the " brown- tipped " beard. It seems, indeed, that the more we learn of the infinite, variety to be found among local forms of the known species of Iris, the more reluctant we shall be to accept Mr. Bliss's theory of the existence of an unknown species, presumably in Europe or at any rate on the shores of the Mediterranean, which has hitherto escaped the notice of collectors in the field and of which no trace appears to exist in any of the great her- barium collections. The interesting question is at once raised as to whether it is possible to start with hybrids that are probably the outcome of several genera- tions of hybrids — for this appears to be the parentage of most of our garden bearded Irises — and by means of breeding experiments to get back to the types of the species between which the original hybrids were made artificially or occurred in nature. Approaches to the wild plants may undoubtedly be obtained, but do we ever get typical plants in which there is no trace of more than one species? From my own experience I am inclined to doubt it. TF. 7?. Dyles, Charterhouse, Godalming. THE MARKET FRUIT CARDEN. August in my district was an exceptionally dry month, the numerous heavy falls of rain which visited most parts of the country not having extended to this place. The only consider- able falls in the month occurred on the 15th, when the measurement was 0.26in., and on the 29th. when it was 0.39in. No rain of any con- sequence fell during the rest of the month, the total for seven rain days being 0.81in. For hoe- ing and fruit-picking the dry weather was suit- able, but it was not helpful to the swelling of Apples, so that the fall on the 29th was welcome. Marketing Plums and Apples. Up to tile end of August no serious glut in Plums or Apples occurred, although one in the former fiuit was expected. It is true that the sup- ply of Evesham and Pershore Egg Plums was ex- cessive, and that prices towards the end of last month were low, but they have often been lower, while other varieties made much better prices than those of last year. As for Apples, the generally small or otherwise inferior fruit made more than was obtained for excellent samples last season. If retailers had been more moderate than they were in the prices they charged to con- sumers, the demand for Plums, in all proba- bility, would have been well up to the supply, as jam manufacturers wanted large quantities, and the crop, except in Evesham and Pershore, was irregular and below average on the whole. By way of example, Victoria Plums in the last week of August were ticketed at 5d. per pound in several shops in the town where some of my Victorias, an excellent sample, were sold at 3s. per half-sieve of 28 lb., or at less than ljd. per pound, in the same week. Since then Victoria Plums and Apples have fallen in price. An- Under-rated Plum. The Gisborne yellow Plum always sells at 6d. to Is. per half-sieve less than the Victoria, although many people agree with me in ranking the former above the latter for puddings or jam. A handsome a.ppearance counts for more than flavour with consumers in relation to Plums as well as to Apples. Sizes of Apples. In my orchards comparatively few late Apples seem likely to attain their full size, while early and mid-season varieties have mostly been small. Packing has been depressing work, on account of the immensely large proportion of tail, only fit for pigs. In the case of dessert fruit even thirds have sold fairly, still leaving large quantities which one was fortunate to get hawkers to take at nominal prices. With cookers the loss was much greater, as no one wants tiny Apples of this class. The outlook for Lane's Prince Albert is quite distressing. An enormous superfluity of fruit was set, and I had it thinned twice, but the foliage was so badly injured by the aphis that the trees lack vigour for perfecting their fruit. Probably the drought of the latter part of May and nearly the whole of June stunted Apples in the first instance, while bitterly cold wind injured much of the foliage where aphides did not infest it. My best fruit is on my oldest trees' fifteen years from the planting, presumably because, their roots being deeper than those of younger trees, they suffered less from drought, while they were also less injured by the aphis. The only varieties which have attained or promise to reach their normal size are Warner's King and Royal Jubilee on young or old trees, and Bramley's Seedling, Newton Wonder, Lord Derby, Charles Ross, Cox's Orange Pippin, Bismarck, and Chelmsford Wonder on comparatively old trees. Even fruits of Bramley's Seedling on trees planted seven years ago appear unlikely to swell sufficiently, an 1 those of Allington Pippin will be smaller than usual. As a rule, young trees produce the finest fruit, but drought and aphides have ren- dered the present season exceptional in this connection. The Mysterious Apple Disease. In August, on page 96, allusion was made to an Apple disease new to me, as having at- tacked Worcester Pearmain somewhat exten- sively. Specimens were sent to the Board of Agriculture, and to Mr. E. S. Salmon, of Wye College, and, by request, further specimens to the Royal Gardens, Kew, to which place those sent to the Board were forwarded. Both the Kew authorities and Mr. Salmon agree in attri- buting the main, if not the only, cause of the injury to a Fusarium, the particular species of which cannot be identified at present. Mr. Sal- mon hopes that the identity may be obtained when the fungus reaches the nectria stage. At .present the Kew verdict is that the fungus on my specimens differs in appearance from that of any one of the four species of Fusarium known to attack the Apple. The Kew report states that other fungi present were Monilia fructigena (the conidial stage of Sclerotinia fructigena, or brown rot), Botrytis cinerea, and Fusicladium dendriticum (the conidial stage of Venturia inaequalis, or scab). But it is easy to imagine that the spores of any fungus flying about among the trees could find a lodgment on the rotten portion of an Apple, and not one of the three fungi just named causes the form of damage noticed. Moreover, there was no scab or brown rot on the fruit of Worcester Pearmain. My impression is that insect injury, probably that done by aphides, with which the trees were densely infested, opened wounds to which the fungus originating the injury found access. No one to whom a specimen has been sent, including the Kew authorities, Mr. Salmon, Mr. W. F. Emptage, and a friend who grows Apples exten- sively, appears to have seen the particular form of injury before. Hundreds of specimens were found on Worcester Pearmain, but only two or three have been noticed on Cox's Orange Pippin and one other variety. Green Manuring for Fruit Trees. The heavy expense of hand hoeing frequently and digging annually among Apples and Plums, and of dressing the orchards with farmyard or London manure periodically, and digging it in, makes one disposed to try an adaptation of the American green manuring system. In the United States green crops are grown in orchards, and ploughed in, but my plan would be more akin to what is there called the sod-mulch system, although I should not grow grass. My idea is to grow Lucerne, cutting it as often as necessary, and letting the cut stuff lie to rot on the ground as manure. Lucerne is a perennial and a nitrogen-accumulating plant, two essentials of my plan. If the land could be got clean before the end of April, and the Lucerne were sown thickly, there would not be much chance for weeds to re-establish themselves, and my impression is that the crop would not have the dwarfing effect which grass has upon tree growth. On the contrary, the steady accumulation of nitrogen should stimu late growth. The chief difficulties anticipated are in connection with such operations as spray- ing and Apple thinning. Winter spraying would be done before the Lucerne had started into growth, and any later spraying would have to be deferred until after the first cut- ting of the crop. Apple thinning would not be done until some time after the first cutting, but it might cause the trampling of the second growth of Lucerne. The second cutting would need to be done before the gathering of Apples or Plums, and it is uncertain whether a third cut- ting would he necessary. There would be a third crop, but possibly it might be left to be killed by frost. Each cutting would cost less than half the expense of hand-hoeing, and, of course, there would not be any digging or manuring to pay for. The plan could not be pursued so long as Gooseberries or Currants were growing among the fruit trees, but only after these had been dug up. It is my intention to try the plan on a few acres next season, if the land can be cleared of weeds in good time. There is no doubt that the accumulated mulch would be a preventive of injury to the trees by drought. Possibly, however, it might prove a favourable nursery for hibernating insects and fungi. Another drawback is that fowls could not be kept in the orchard after the Lucerne crop had started in growth for the season, but only for the winter half of each vear. A Southern Grower. PLANT NOTES. KAEMPFERIA ROiSCOEANA. When recently on a visit to a friend's gardeu I noticed Kaempferia Roscoeana in bloom. This was extremely interesting, because it is only on rare occasions that one meets with any of the Kaempferias. The plant under notice has variegated leaves which are somewhat round and flat, being quite close to the rim of the pot, while the white flowers are few and stand just above the foliage. It thrives in the ordinary potting compost, and forms a tuber similar to that of some other mem- bers of the Scitamineae. During the grow- ing season plenty of water is needed, and directly the leaves turn yellow the supply is reduced gradually, and finally withheld when the plants drop their foliage. Through- out the resting period the plants are stored under the stage, where they can be kept dry in the same way as Gloxinias. When growth commences in the spring the tubers are shaken out and re-potted in fresh compost and' grown in a warm house. K. Roscoeana is a native of Burma and was introduced in 1827. B. September 11, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 165 NOTICES OF BOOKS. Flora of the Malayan Peninsula. No. 25 of King and Gamble's Materials for a Flora of tht Malayan Peninsula contains the Cytinaceae (Rafflesiaceae) and the Balano- phoraceae, by H. N. Ridley, and the Juglan- daceae, Myricaceae, Casuarinaceae, Fagaceae, and Salicaceae by the surviving editor, Mr. J. S. Gamble. The root-parasites described by Mr. Ridley are :— Rafilesia Hasseltii, Brug- mansia Lowii, five species of Balanophora, and a distinct new type, referred to Rhopaloenemis. Two of the species of Balanophora have not been recorded outside of the peninsula, but the rest are regional, extending, jointly, to •Sumatra, Java and Cochin China. Balanophora insularis was first found in Christmas Island, a small island about 200 miles south-west of Java, and has since been collected in two local- ities on the peninsula. The present distribution, so far as known, of these tropical forest root- parasites is very peculiar ; but Mr. Ridley could doubtless tell us much more than appears in his present contribution to the subject, as he has personally collected specimens of the eight species he here describes. The Fagaceae, or Cupuliferae, constitute an important element of the forests of the peninsula. Mr. Gamble de- scribes three species of Quercus, thirty-five of Pasania (formerly regarded1 by most (botanists as a section of Quercus), and thirteen of Cas- tanopsis. Most of these Fagaceae are large timber trees, inhabitants of the dense forests, from sea level upwards. Salix tetrasperma, the only Willow, widely dispersed in India, China, and the Malay Archipelago, also descends to the coast region. TF. B. H. School Gardening.* This is an admirable little book and deserves to have a wide circulation, not only among the school gardeners for whom it is written, but also among young gardeners of all kinds. The writer combines in an unusual degree a know- ledge of garden practice with a power of im- parting it, and, thanks to these gifts, he has been able to make of his little book something far more valuable than the usual collection of scrap-exercises. As an example of his power to pick out strik- ing and useful points for teaching purposes, we may cite the exercises and illustrations (figs. 9 and 10) showing the effect on plant-growth of the addition of small quantities of humus to ordinary soil, sand or sub-soil. Again, his description of how to use a spade is terse and excellent, and we should like to see it applied not only by the children but by all garden labourers. Indeed, it is not too much to say that a youth who had worked through the exercises contained in this book would have mastered the essentials of sound garden practice ; for although of neces- sity the instructions are hrief, they generally succeed in emphasising the essential points. Here and there a little more space might with advantage have been given to the vegetable crops, and some advice given as to the use of the crops ; for relatively few cottagers make the fullest use of the vegetables they grow so well. How many know, for example, that Lettuce is one of the best of cooked vege- tables ? Or that Chicory, which grows like a weed on poor soils, may be planted thick, and the thinnings used for an early summer dish of a green vegetable as good as or better than any Cabbage ? In the hands of an energetic and practical instructor, however, the book will be of inestimable value, and many a youth will leave school imbued with an enthusiasm for horticulture which will remain with him long after the impressions of other less aJbsorbing studies have faded from his mind. * A First Boole of School Gardening. First Bonks of Science Series. Ky Alexander Logan. Pp.131. (Marmillan & Co.) Price Is. 6d. WEST INDIES. THE ORIGIN OF WEST INDIAN ECONOMIC PLANTS. In the Agricultural News, which is one of the official publications of the Imperial Department of Agriculture for the West Indies, there is an article on the " Origin of WeBt Indian Economic Plants and Animals." The writer says : " It is difficult to find anything more characteristically West Indian than the cir- cumstance that nothing is indigenous. By con- sidering the origin of cultivated, and even wild plants ; of domestic animals, and even man him- self, with his attendant culture, we readily dis- cover that the great majority of forms were moTe or less recently introduced from abroad. In no other country is such a pronounced condition of affairs to be witnessed, and to designate the Lesser Antilles a land of exotics would in no sense appear an exaggeration. " The information in this article has been selected principally to show the exotio origin of some of our most important crops, domestio animals and pests. A consideration of the sources from and agencies through which they have been This navigator was responsible for the introduc- tion of the familiar Bread-fruit tree. Commis- sioned at Mauritius (to which the tree was brought from its native home in Java), Captain Bligh's first attempt failed owing to the mutiny of his crow ; but the second voyage waB success- ful, and in January, 1793, he landed 163 plants in St. Vincent, whence the Bpecies has spread into most parts of tropical America. " An even more familiar tree is the Coco- nut Palm; but this is also an exotic, although it may now be regarded as growing wild in most parts of the West Indies. The original home of the Coco-nut was believed by De Candolle to be the Indian Archipelago. There is no doubt that it was established on the continent of America long before it found its way to the West Indies. In connection with this the attention of the reader may be called to the United States theory of the Central American origin of the Coco- nut. This is supported by Willis, and is prob- ably the correct origin. Amongst vegetables the Yam and Sweet Potato are South American, and several important fruits like the Banana and th? Lime came from Asia. As a matter of fact, if one considers the Geological age of the West Fig. 54. — gatton park : pool in the rock garden. (See p. 161.) obtained will form the subject of a later article. Taking first the case of plants, we naturally commence by considering the origin of the Sugar Cane. This plant is so classically a West Indian cultivation that many persons unconsciously regard it as indigenous. Botanically it is a native of India or Southern Asia ; that is to say, it has been found there growing wild. In ths Middle Ages it was introduced by the Arabs into Egypt and Spain. Thence it was taken to the Canaries and Madeira, whence it was introduced into Brazil in the sixteenth century. From Brazil it was brought to the West Indies about the middle of the seventeenth century, and from that time onwards has been the staple cul- tivation. " The economic plant in the West Indies which ranks next in importance to the Sugar Cane is Cacao. This plant, though a native of the New World, is not indigenous to the West Indies, though it is said to grow wild in Trinidad. Its original home is in the forests of the Amazon and Orinoco. This Tefers to the common species, Theobroma Cacao. The other species are in- digenous to various other parts of tropical America. Considerable romance in the West Indies attaches to the name of Captain Bligh. Indian Islands, which corresponds to the Plio- cene of other countries — a comparatively recent formation — one Tealises how limited has been the time for any evolutionary changes to produco an indigenous flora. To show the extent to which introduced plants may take possession, reference may be made to two Barbadian species, namely, the little yellow-flowered Wedelia buphthalmoides, and the well-known Australian tree Casuarina. The former, it is said, was in- troduced by a lady for her garden, but event- ually some seeds escaped, and now this sp"< ies forms characteristic carpets, having ocsted several older inhabitants in the struggle for exist- ence. Casuarina, the tree, has been equally suc- cessful in adapting itself to Barbadian condi- tions, and can be found growing in nearly every situation on the coast as well as inland. " In a general way the West Indies may regard with satisfaction their varied and valuable flora. In India during recent years there has been a tendency to attach less importance to the intro- duction of species. In the West we cannot afford to adopt this attitude, first because of the strictly limited number of indigenous forms, and secondly, because we have for so long derived such immense benefit from introduced species." 166 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 11, 1915. B The Week's Work. THE ORCHID HOUSES. By T. W. Briscoe, Gardener to W. R. Lysaght, Esq., Castleford, Chepstow, Gloucestershire. Miltonia vexillaria.— Plants that flowered early in the season will commence to grow during August, when the work of repotting may be done. A great depth of soil is not required, and the compost should not be pressed tightly. A suitable rooting medium consists of a mix- ture of Osmunda-fibre, peat, Sphagnum-moss, and half-decayed Oak leaves in equal parts. Cut all the materials into moderately fine por- tions, and separate all the finer particles by passing the compost through a sieve. Large plants which are showing signs of exhaustion should be thoroughly overhauled. Their dead roots and back pseudo-bulbs, excepting two or three behind each lead, should be cut off. These detached growths may either be potted separately in well-drained pots or arranged several together to form specimens. From now onwards the plants should be grown in a position near the roof-glass of the inter- mediate house, and must be moderately sup- plied with water until the roots are growing freely. Miltonia Bleuana and M. Hyeana with several other hybrids may be treated in the same manner and grown with M. vexillaria, but, owing to the irregular manner in which they produce their flower scapes, it may be neces- sary to repot them at other seasons. M. Eoezlii and its variety alba require a few degrees more warmth than the others, but in other respects the treatment should be the same. All the Mil- tonias referred to are best repotted annually. Masdevallia.— After the Odontoglossums are repotted, Masdevallias may be attended to, but there is no need to disturb plants that were repotted in February of this year. The larger growing kinds, which include M. Veitchiana grandiflora, II ignea, M. coccinea with its numerous varieties, and M. ^macrura, need larger receptacles and less drainage material than the smaller species. Those named grow strongly, and healthy plants have a large number of roots, which need generous treat- ment, in regard both to soil and water. The dwarfer species, which may be grown in well- drained pans, include M. Wageneriana, M. melano- pus, M. picturata, M. Arminii, M. tridactylites, M. caudata, M. rosea, M. polysticta, M. Estradae, M. Simula, M. ionocharis, M. Schroederiana, and M. Gairiana. All the plants of this section may be suspended from a wire stretched along the roof rafters, for they thrive best near the roof- glass. Moreover, the plants may be examined minutely and their requirements attended to conveniently when grown in this way. Certain species, such as M. nidifica, M. rnuscosa, M. Schlimii, M. maculata, and M. infracta, flower in the autumn, and the repotting of these should be postponed until their blooming is over. Those of the Chimaera group also should not be disturbed now but attended to in the spring, and the pure white M. tovarensis, which produces its flowers during the winter, should not be repotted at present, unless the soil is in a sour state, when it is advisable to replace it at once. The flowering period of all Masdevallias should be determined, and spikes that are produced at other times re- moved directly they appear. All Masdevallias, with the exception of those of the Chimaera sec- tion, which require a few degrees' more warmth during the winter months, may be grown at the warmer end of the cool or Odontoglossum house. They are injured by much heat and excessive sunlight, and, like the popular M. vexillaria, enjoy an equable temperature throughout the year. When it is decided to repot, the plant should be cleansed — an operation necessary at least once a year. Healthy specimens may be placed in larger pots or pans without much dis- turbance, but specimens that have become leafless in the centre should be overhauled and broken up. Cut away the portions without foliage, and place the remaining pieces in pots just large enough to accommodate them for one season. When plenty of roots have formed the plants may either be potted on, or several arranged together to make large specimens. The compost should consist of a mixture of good fibrous peat or Polypodium fibre, partly decayed Oak or Beech leaves, and Sphagnum-moss in equal parts, with a moderate sprinkling of crushed crocks. Half fill the pots or pans with drainage material, as Masdevallias are not deep rooting subjects. Make the soil moderately firm ; in the case of the stronger kind,s the compost should be level with the rim of the receptacle, but it should be made slightly higher in the centre for the lesser species. Give the compost a good watering, but it must not be kept saturated or the leaves will drop. Shade from strong sunlight until the plants are well established, and spray them lightly overhead on bright days. Keep the surroundings moist by damping the stages and bare spaces whenever they become dry. If "black spot" appears on the leaves keep the atmosphere drier, and venti- late freely ; the temperature must not fall below the normal when the atmosphere is heavily charged with moisture. There are a few other genera, such as Pleurothallis, which will thrive under the same conditions as Masdevallia. Restrcpia maculata, Pi. antennifera, and R. striata are also of this class, and should be grown in shallow pans suspended from the roof rafters. The quaint Stelis should be treated similarly to those described. PLANTS UNDER GLASS. By F. JORDAN, Gardener to Lady NUNBURNHOLMB, Warter Priory, Yorkshire. Lilium candidum.— The Madonna Lily will not succeed in all gardens out-of-doors, but there is no trouble in growing the plants in pots in- doors, where they will flower over a long season. The bulbs should be potted directly the stems decay, which occurs soon after the flowering is over. Bulbs imported from France flower the first season provided they aTe potted at the proper time, but afterwards they are not equal to healthily grown English bulbs. Stand the plants outside for some weeks, and, as the winter approaches, remove them to a cool house or pit, where protection is afforded from rains. Clerodendron fallax.- Seedlings of Clero- dendron fallax raised from seed sown last spring will shortly be in flower, and may be removed to a cool, dry house. Later plants should be afforded the same careful treatment as those of the earlier batches. A few of the best planU should be set aside in a cool, dry house for seed- ing ; they will afterwards be useful for flowering early next spring. Abutilon Savitzii.— Plants of this Abutilon raised from cuttings inserted last spring should be grown in a light position, and allowed plenty of room to develop. They will furnish useful plants for autumn decoration. Cuttings may still be inserted for raising small plants to be grown in 3-inch pots. Older plants which have been grown as tall specimens on single stems should be fed with weak liquid manure at regular in- tervals. Potting Loam.— A supply of loam from a pasture should be procured and stacked, grass side downwards, in a large heap made with sloping sides. If stacked in this way, with a sprinkling of lime between each layer, it will mellow and be ready for use next spring ; if the soil is poor in quality, pour liquid manure over the heap. Seed- Sowing.— Seeds of a large number of subjects may be sown with success in September for early spring and summer flowering. Sweet Pea, Antirrhinum, Clarkia, Celsia, Godetia, Larkspurs, Mignonette, Schizanthus, Thalic- trum, and Viscaria may all be sown now. The seedlings should be transferred to small pots as soon as large enough for transference, and wintered in a cold house or frame, where they can be kept free from damp and brought on in batches, according to requirements. Insect Pests.— Earwigs have been unusu- ally plentiful this season, and measures must be taken to see that they do not destroy the buds of Chrysanthemums. Earwigs may be caught in the dried, hollow stems of Broad Beans placed among the foliage of the Chrysanthemums. The portions of the stalks should be about 8 inches long. When the earwigs are trapped, it is an easy matter to blow them into a jar of insecticide. Quassia extract used at short intervals will kill aphides and render the foliage distasteful to all leaf-eating insects. If nist disease is present on Chrysanthemums spray with liver of sulphur once a week or once a fortnight — using 2 oz. of liver of sulphur in three gallons of water. General Remarks.— Work in the glass- houses generally will not be so pressing as during the past few months. The opportunity may be taken to wash the woodwork and glass thoroughly or to repaint if necessary ; the plants themselves should be rearranged, and all undesirable speci- mens discarded to make room for others. Many cuttings need to be inserted, and late batches of plants, such as Primulas, potted, but large pots should not bo employed at this late season. The heating apparatus should be examined for leakages and other faults, and put in order for the winter. Water should be drawn from the boilers, the latter thoroughly washed out, and all air tops put in good repair. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. By W. Hedley Warren, Gardener to the Aston-Clinton Park Estate (the Rt. Hon. Lord Rothschild), Buck- inghamshire. Wall Fruits.— Certain kinds of wall trees grow luxuriantly late in the season, and a .diffi- culty may be experienced in getting the wood ripened. To assist in maturing the shoots, remove all foreright growths on Apple. Pear, Plum, and Cherry trees at once, and thin the shoots on Peaches and Nectarines. Fruit Room. — The fruit room should be got in readiness for use ; most kinds of fruit are improved by placing them for a few days on the shelves in the fruit room. See that the walls and staging are perfectly dry before bringing the fruit in the store, which should not be warmer than 55° or colder than 40°. This range of temperature is sometimes difficult to maintain, but the room may bo kept cool and dry by venti- lating it freely. Great care and attention is necessary in gathering fruits intended for keeping, for if gathered too soon they will shrivel, and if allowed to remain on the trees after a certain stage will not keep well. Bush Fruits. — Gooseberries, Currants, or other bush or dwarf-trained trees that show signs of deterioration should be uprooted and de- stroyed, for if the ground is cleared of worthless bushes early in the season opportunity is afforded of making " it ready in advance for replanting. Ground in which Gooseberries, Currants, and Raspberries are to be planted should be well manured beforehand, unless it is in a suitable condition already, when mulching after planting will suffice. Mulberries.— The fruits, which are very fine this season, are ready for preserving. Unless the trees are planted on grass land, mats, sheeting, or tiffany should be placed underneath them to prevent the fruit becoming damaged by falling upon the ground. As a rule, Mulberries are not all ready to gather at one picking, and, like Raspberries, will not keep for any length of time after they are gathered. Cob Nuts and Fi LBERTS.-Some of the earlier varieties of nuts are ready for gathering. Spread them thinly on the floor of a dry, airy shed, or on mats out-of-doors, to dry before being placed in the store room. It is the prac- tice of some to remove the nuts from the husks and store them when quite dry in boxes or baskets — the latter for preference. General Remarks.— Although it is not quite time to undertake the work of planting, lifting, and root-pruning, much may be done now to expedite matters later. Material for drainage, soil, manure, wood ashes, stakes, indeed, every- thing necessary for the work, may be got in readi- ness. Examine the stakes or supports in the Raspberry plantations, and those to which young standard or other trees are tied, and replace any that are defective. Hoe the surface of the ground, destroy all weeds, and make everything neat and tidy. It is advantageous to both buyer and seller to select and order trees early. See that early varieties of Pears are gathered before they become over-ripe. Lightly prick up the sur- face of fruit borders — especially those near walls— that have become hard from constant treading. September 11, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 167 FRUITS UNDER GLASS. By John Highgate, Gardener to the Marquis of Linlithgow, Hopetoun, South Queensferry, N.B. Cucumbers. — Now that the days are shorter Cucumbers will be less productive. In these circumstances it is advisable to reduce the crop considerably, first removing all badly shaped fruits. Keep the trellis well furnished with young growths, but guard against over- crowding, which would defeat the end in view. Add a little rich loam to the bed as a top-dressing, and from now onward use tepid water at the roots. A little air may be admitted from the top ventilators on fine days. As the season advances syringe the plants less frequently, and only in the mornings. The night temperature should be 70° to 75°. Melons.— Plants with fruits approaching the ripening stage require very careful atten- tion at this season. Syringing should be entirely discontinued, and on the first signs of the fruits ripening reduce the supply of water to the roots gradually. The atmosphere must be kept dry, and a little fresh air admitted through the top ventilators at night. The fruits on the latest plants are swell- ing, and it may he necessary to hasten their development before the sun loses .power. Main- tain a night temperature of 70°, and allow the thermometer to rise to 85° by sun-heat before admitting air. Close, the house in the afternoon to husband the sun's heat, and damp the floors and walls to promote atmospheric moisture. Add a small quantity of loam and manure to the border as a top-dressing, and later on feed the roots with liquid manure and fertiliser. Pinch all laterals as they appear, and watch carefully for the slightest signs of the fruit cracking, which often results from a close atmosphere. Strawberries.— The weather of August was favourable for the development of the crowns, and the earlier plants are making good progress in their pots. It is important that each plant should have sufficient space for the development of the foliage. Later plants should be fed with weak liquid manure at alternate waterings. Where it is found necessary to shift the plants to new quarters, first dust the ground liberally with soot. Runners and side shoots should be pinched off closely and weeds destroyed as they appear. iStir the surface of the soil with a pointed dibber to allow the air to enter, and see that the plants do not suffer from want of moisture at the roots. THE FLOWER GARDEN. By A. J. Cobb, Gardener to Reginald Cory, Esq., Duffryn Gardens, near Cardiff, South Wales. Hardy Annuals.— If it is desired to have hardy annuals in flower early next year, seed may be sown now, and during the next fortnight, according to whether the district is early or late. For the seed-beds select soil that is not of a very rich nature, and sow thinly. The plants must be well thinned, so that those left may grow sturdily, and thus be better able to withstand the cold of winter. Suitable annuals for sowing now are : Candytuft, Cornflower, Clarkia, Lark- spur, Lupin, Godetia, Eschscholtzia, and Shirley Poppy. Sweet Peas may also be sown this month, though autumn sowing out-of-doors is not much practised, owing to trouble with slugs, and' danger from excessive wet and cold. Ground that has been well manured for a previous crop is best for autumn Sweet Peas, and if it is dry should be well watered before sowting. Trap slugs by sprinkling bran as a bait on one .-.id© of boards, and lay them, bran downwards, close to the rows. Lawns. — Mow the lawns Tegularly and trim the edges to maintain a tidy appearance. Bare or worn patches on lawns may be renovated by sowing seed of suitable kinds. First loosen the surfaoe, then sow the seed thickly, and roll the turf. In the wild garden, or where bulbs are naturalised, grass should be cut once more with the scythe. This will facilitate the planting of more bulbs if desired, or other working opera- tions. Bulbs.— The bulb order should be sent at once, so that the bulbs may be at hand for planting as time and soil conditions permit. At present the turf is too hard and dry to use a bulb planter or spade, but beds or borders may be planted with Narcissi, May-flowering and Darwin Tulips, and English and Spanish Irises to furnish cut blooms. Prepare the ground in advance ; dig deeply, and incorporate well-rotten manure in the bottom spit, sufficiently deep for the roots of the bulbs not to come in direct contact with it. Bone meal is very beneficial, and may be nsed freely. Plant in rows sufficiently far apart to permit of hoeing between them. Violets.— The weather of July and early August was ideal for Violets, and the plants made splendid growth. If the work of watering, feeding, spraying, and weeding was attended to, tlv.; plants should possess strong flowering crowns, which are of first importance for the production of a good supply of blooms throughout the winter and snring. It is time to transfer the plants to cold frames, previously prepared with a bottom layer of long stable litter or leaves well trodden down, and covered with about 9 inches of good, open soil. Soak the roots with clean water the day previous to planting, then they will lift with plenty of soil attached, to them. Remove runners and plant firmly, arrang- ing that the tops of the leaves will he within a few inches of the glass eventually. Water to settle the soil, and spray the plants several times daily; the lightsmust not be placed in position for fully a month from now. THE " FRENCH " GARDEN. By P. AQUATIA9. Manure Beds.— Celery and Carrots have grown luxuriantly during the past six weeks. The work of thinning Carrots has required more attention than usual, whilst the blanching of the Celery has been a difficult matter, owing to the tendency of the plants to decay when covered with mats during damp weatheT. After the beds have been cleared the old manure should be forked over at intervals of a fortnight to supply the necessary quantity of black soil for the rearing of Lettuces in their winter quarters. When breaking up the old manure beds it is advisable to reserve sufficient space for sowing Lettuces, as this crop will thrive much better on these old "beds than in other parts of the garden. Crops in the Open. Cauliflowers are almost over. This crop has proved more re- munerative than of recent years, because of the irregular supply of this vegetable from the Continent, and the damage by frost to the plants set out in March and April. Such tender varieties as Snowhall and Early Erfurt have been failures in the open, though they gave ex- cellent heads when grown on hot-beds or in cold frames. The variety AU-the-Year-Round has been a great success in the open, and the plants were remarkably sturdy and hardy. The inflorescences were of splendid quality, but Tather too large for the average customer, and the heads had to be cut before they emerged from the central leaves. Kidney Beans sown late in April in frames and under cloches were favoured by the fine weather in June. They yielded splendidly from the middle of that month until early in September, and weTe very remunerative. Vegetable Marrows set at the same period in cold frames produced an excellent crop. They cropped well during the wet and cold of July and August, as the plants were well hardened and established earlier. The main hatch of Celery is ready for the second earth- ing. First clear the ground of weeds and feed the roots with a fertiliser. The soil should be arranged to within six inches of the top of the plants. The final earth'ng up should be done in another fortnight after the leaves have grown again. Stimulate the last batch of Celery which was planted late in July with a suitable ferti- liser, and, after each stem has been tied loosely with string or raffia, place fine soil half-way up the plant. The ground for the planting of spring Cabbages should be prepared at once. It should be heavily manured, especially when close plant- ing is practised. Earliness is one of the chief considerations in the growing of spring Cab- bages for market, but quality is more important, as the grower has to compete with market gar- deners in the Evesham district and Ireland, whose Cabbages are unequalled for their hard, compact hearts. If the plants are strong a por- tion of the ground may be planted now, setting the Cabbages one foot apart each way. The main planting may be deferred till late in October. A further sowing of larger-headed varieties, such as Flower of Spring, Early Etampes, and Hyatt's Offenham, should be made to obtain plants for spring planting. Nursery Beds.— Plant Cauliflowers intended to be grown in frames in the spring about the middle of the present month, using plenty of black soil. Keep the so'l moist, but place the lights in position during wet weather. The best varieties are Snowball and Early Erfurt. A second sowing may be made about October 6 or 8 to obtain seedlings for planting out-of-doors in the early spring. Large varieties, such as All- the- Year-Round, Lecerf and Driancourt, are pre- ferable. Prepare at an early date the winter quarter of the Lettuces intended for forcing and setting under glass in the spring. We only sow early in October .such varieties as Little Gott, Passion, Milly and Paris Grey (Cos). The varieties Passion and Paris White intended for outdoor cropping are sown in the middle of November. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. By John Dunn. Foreman, Royal Gardens, Windsor. Parsley. —Parsley plants intended to furnish a supply of leaves in the coming winter should be attended to before the season is far advanced. Cut the foliage hard back, whether it is required for present use or not, as by this means stocky, green leaves will develop, and these new leaves will withstand the cold of winter much better than those already present. Hoe the soil and dress it w'ith soot. Where Parsley seed was sown in July, the seedlings are ready for thinning, and a number of them should be planted in a cold pit, which can be suitably protected in times of severe frosts and snow. Lift the plants care- fully and transplant them in rich soil. They will soon develop fresh roots, and the crop may prove of great value throughout the winter. Leave the pit nncovered by the lights for as late in the winter as possible. French Beans.— Ventilate freely plants in cold pits both by day and night while the weather is favourable. Water the roots with weak liquid manure, and syringe the foliage with clear soft water. Guard against damage by slugs, and if their presence is suspected in the pits dust the soil with soot and lime. Continue to plant Beans in 7in. pots, and germinate the seeds in a tem- perature of 60°. When the plants are a few inches high top-dress them with a mixture of fine loam and decayed manure, making the fresh soil moderately firm. Never allow the plants to suffer from want of water. The Belfast is a good variety for this sowing. Beans Growing on Sheltered Borders.— Provision should be made for the protection of this crop from early frost. A few wires extended along the border two feet apart and the same distance above the plants will suffice to carry a covering of light material, which, however, must never come in contact with the foliage. Cabbage.— Make a plantation of Cabbage at once to furnish heads for use in April next. The soil, which should not be of a rich nature, should be broken up, and the plants set in rows made 18 inches apart, allowing a distance of 14 inches from plant to plant in the lines. Water the roots freely at planting time, and, as soon as growth commences, stir the soil from time to time with the hoe. Another plantation should be made a fortnight later. Dust the plants and ground freely with lime in the early morning to destroy slugs. Sweet Marjoram.— Plants which have been growing in the open garden should be lifted and placed in 6-inch pots, and grown in a close cold frame until they are well rooted. When the plants are established in the ground ventilate them freely to prevent damping. This herb re- quires plenty of ventilation throughout the winter, and if the temperature is maintained at 45° the plants will grow freely. 168 THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. [September 11, 1915. EDITORIAL NOTICE. ADVERTISEMENTS should be sent to the PUBLISHES. 41, Wellington Street. Covent Garden, W.C- Editors and Publisher. — Our Correspondents would obviate delay in obtaining answers to their communications and save us much time and trouble, if they would kindly observe the notice ■printed weekly to the effect that all letters relat- ing 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 de- lay and confusion arise when letters are mis- directed. Special Notice to Correspondents- — The Editors do not undertake to pay for any contribu- tions or illustrations, or to return unused com- munications or illustrations unless by special arrangement. The Editors do not hold ihemselTes responsible for any opinions expressed by their correspondents. Loral 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. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 13— United Hort. Ben. and Prov. Soc. Com. meet. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14— Roy. Hort. Soc. Coma. meet. (Lecture at 3 p.m. on "Dahlias." bv Mr. J. Riding). (National Dahlia Soc. Combined Show.) THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 16— Nat. Rose Soc. Autumn Show at R.H.S. Hall. West- minster. Manchester and N. of Eng. Orchid Soc. meet. Average Mean Temperature for the ensuing week deduced from observations during the last Fifty Years at Greenwich, 57.5. ACTUAL TEMPERATTTRB : — Gnrrienern' Chronic!* Office. 11, Wellington Street. Coveint Garden, London : Tlnimdny, September 9 (10 am.). Bar. 30.2. Temp. 67°. Weather- Sunshine. SALES FOR THE ENSUING WEEK MONDAY. TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSTMY AND FRIDAY— Dutch Bulbs, by Protheroe and Morris. 67 and 68 Oheapside. E.O., nt 10.30. MONDAY AND WEDNESDAY— Bulbs, Bay Trees, etc., at Stevens' Rooms, King ■Street. Covent Garden. TUESDAY— Annual Sale of Winter-Blooming Heaths, etc. by order of Messrs. B. Mailer and Sons, at Burnt Ash Road Nurseries. Lee. S.E., by Protheroe and Morris at 11. WEDNESDAY— Trade Sale of Bulbs, Palms, etc.. by Protheroe and Morns. 67 and 68, Cheanside. E.O.. at 1. Unreserved Sale of Greenhouses. Pining. Horse, Vans, Geraniums and Ferns, nt Hvde Side Nursery. Lower Edmonton, by Protheroe and Morris, at 12.' Clearance Sale of Stove and Greenhouse Plants at Wood Hall, College Road, Dnlwich, by Protheroe and Morris, at 12. The history of science Manures. five or interesting chapter than that which records the growth of knowledge in the principles of manuring land. While from time immemorial the gardener has been content to use on his land as much good farmyard or stable manure as he could obtain, there have been periods when the agricultural chemist has urged that this faith in dung was excessive, and has maintained that a judicious outlav on artificials would result in crops at least as large as those obtained by the use of manure, as well as in a saving of monev. Nevertheless, the gardener went on using the product of stable or barn, and ignored the teaching of the chemists. Now we learn from Mr. Hodsoll, who lectured at the Tf.H.S. meeting on the •list ult, on the respective values of organic and inorganic manures, that there is much lustification for the gardeners' prejudice in favour of organio manures. By organio manure in contradistinction to inorganic Mr. Hodsoll means not only farmyard and stable manures, but any other waste products of animal or plant life — dried blood, fish manure, guano, rape dust, shoddy, and the like. He points out that the actual market price (per unit of ammonia) of dried blood is 15 or 16 shillings, whereas that of sul- phate of ammonia (an inorganic manure) is per similar unit 12-13 shillings; and he asks the pertinent question, why is the cultivator content to pay more for the one than the other if the amount of nitrogen is the same in both 1 Not so long ago the chemist would have maintained that sul- phate of ammonia was to be preferred ; urging in justification of that view that the high degree of solubility of the in- organic nitrogenous manure was a great point in its favour. Nevertheless it would be unjust to the chemists to claim that their conversion to a belief in organio manures is due to the gardeners' practice. They have worked out — or are working out — their own salvation, and the results of ex- periments carried on for years at Roth- amsted have been important elements in provoking their change of opinion. Thus in one series of experiments with Mangels it was found that whereas a complete manure of superphosphate and potash with nitrate of soda gave 18 tons per acre and roots to the number of 14,130. a similar dressing of superphosphate and potash, but with rape dust in lieu of nitrate of soda. gave upwards of 21 tons per acre and roots to the number of 17,474. A similar advantage in favour of organic manure is shown in the results of another series of Kothamsted experiments in which phosphates were given in different for.ms, namely, as superphosphate, basic slag, and bone meal In all cases — with Swedes, Barley, and Wheat — the best re- sult was obtained with bone meal. The conclusion seems clear. Since the difference between organic and inorganic manure lies in the fact that the former contains humus and that the latter does not, the superior results due to the organic manures must be attributed to the bene- ficent action of the humus. Now that action is of several kinds — mchanical, chemical, and biological. The effects of humus on the mechanical conditions of the soil are well known. Clav is flocculated by it, and, in consequence, becomes more open ; sand, on the other hand, becomes more retentive of water. The chemical value of humus is under- stood only in a general way. It is com- posed of a large number of compounds of nitrogen and other " plant foods," and these compounds presently become avail- able to the plant. The biological effect of humus is no less, and perhaps more, im- portant; for that substance serves as a store of food for bacteria, and the latter in the processes of living break down the humus into compounds which are capable of being absorbed by the roots of plants. It is furthermore suggested by certain American investigators that a disadvan- tage inherent in the use of inorganic manures is that they render the soil un- congenial to beneficent soil bacteria, and hence arrest in a measure the processes of decay which must take place in every fertile soil. Nevertheless, it must not be thought that Mr. Hodsoll would advocate the exclusion of inorganic manures from our gardens, but rather that they should be employed in conjunction with organic manures, and particularly those containing potash and phosphates. For, as is well known, although the use of such manures alone on poor land is productive of little good, their use in conjunction with dung leads to ad- mirable results. Yet another advantage of organic manures is shown by the Rothamsted re- cords, in which the effects of dung are shown to persist for many years, whereas the residual value of inorganic manures is soon lost. The main conclusion is clear : organic manures in one form or another are essen- tial. If sufficient dung cannot be obtained recourse must be had to other forms of organic manure, of which many are on the market. If sufficient supplies fail the gardener, he must, and should, resort to the practice of green manuring. More might be done in this respect, and we should like to see an autumn crop of Mustard or Tares sown in the vacant land of every garden. Worked in rotation, now on this quarter and now oh that, and dug in in the autumn, it woulcl help to a very considerable degree to keep garden land in good heart. War Horticultural Relief Fund. —A committee of Belgian horticultural and agricul- tural experts lias just been formed in London by the Belgian Minister of Agriculture to advise the various British relief funds Lai so far as they apply to Belgium. It is felt that the existence of such a. committee will make it easier to bring Belgian horticulturists, both in this country and in their own, into touch with those who will assist them to restore their establishments after the war. The president of the committee is Mon- sieur Lbfebvre, Member of the Belgian Parlia- ment, the secretary the Baron de Rosee, and the treasurer Monsieur Hector van Orshovkn-. Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institu- tion—Mr. Joseph Rochford, a member of the committee of the Gardeners' Boyal Benevolent Institution, has made a gift of £600 4.J per c?nt. War Loan stock to the funds of the in- stitution. The gift is unconditional, except that the interest therefrom is to foe considered as Mr. Rochford's annual donation to the insti- tution during his lifetime. The secretary has also received a sum of £20 from the committee of the "Queen Alexandra Day" fund. Funeral of the late F. W. Harvey. — The funeral of the late Editor of The Garden (whose sudden and early death we announced in our obituary column last week) took place on Satur- day, the 4th iust., at Romford. The burial ser- vice was read by the R?v. Richard Colborne, curat,; in charge of St. John's, the church at- tended by Mr. Harvey and his family, ass'sted by the Rev. J. Jacob, rector of Whitewell, Salop. A large number of relatives and friends w?re present, including the Assistant Editor and Advertisement Manager of The Garden, and representatives from The Gardeners 31a1 y a plutot avantage a les enlever a l'ennemi. Le gouvernement anglais exige aussi qu'aucun envoi de fonds ne soit fait sans son consente- ment et a cette fin, la delivraison de la mar- chandise n'est faite par les autorites douanieres que sur production d'un certificat d'une oanque etablissant que la valeur due y a ete deposee. ou sur declaration de 1'importateur qu'il ne fera pas l'envoi des fonds provenant de la vente. Toute contravention expose a de fortes peines du chef de "Trading with the enemy." Le destinataire aura de plus demande au Board of Trade une autorisation d'importer. Les permis, qui ne s'accordent qu'a des sujets anglais, sont valables pour toute la campagne. L'ex- portal, ur beige ne doit pas faire de demande. En ce qui concerne les envois vers les pays neut/res et speeialement vers les Etats-Unis d'Ameriquej les formalites sont plus com- pliquees, parce qu'en cas de fourniture, le gou- vernement anglais n'a plus de controle sur l'envoi du produit de la vente. II exige une demande de permis pour chaque envoi et le depot prealable, dans une ibanque anglaise, de la valeur de l'envoi. Celle-ci pent plus tard etre retiree dans les memes conditions que pour les envois vers l'Angleterre. II est evident que dans ces conditions, l'ex- portation vers l'Amerique est tres difficile. Ce n'est par actuellement que les producteurs beiges peuvent consentir du credit ; l'exportateur a en realite k payer deux fois la valeur des produits avant d'etre autorise a faire l'envoi, car les con- signataires ne paieront pas d'avance des pro- duits horticoles, dont la qualite depend de l'etat dans lequel ils a-rrivent. La necessite d'un permis pour chaque envoi constitue aussi une grosse difficulte, les produits, surtout les fruits et legumes, devant se decomposer si ce permis arrive avec du retard. Les envois vers l'Amerique ne peuvent en effet se faire qu'en coincidence avec les departs de la Holland- Amerika lijn, de Rotterdam. S'ils manquent le bateau, on eu est reduit a ecouler immediate- ment en Hollande ou on ne recouvrera pas les frais de l'emballage special necessaire au trans- port par mer, ou a deposer la marchandise en fiigorifere jusqu'au depart suivant, ce qui entraine des frais et un pour cent serieux d'avarie. Ce sont ces considerations que les producteurs beiges font valoir pour obtenir plus de facilites pour leur commerce. Ils expriment le ferme espoir qu'une solution compatible avec les exi- gences militaires pourra etre trouvee. NOUVELLES DIVERSES. Au Champ d'Honneur.— M. Girault, pepinieriste a Orleans a paye un lourd tribut a la patrie. Trois de ses fils sont morts au front. Deux autres font encore vaillamment leur devoir. M. Marcel Delavier, fils de M. Victor Delavier, le commissionnaire en fleurs naturelles, a ete tue a Souchez. Tombe aussi le lieutenant Alexandre de Lestrade, fils du president de la Societe d'horticulture du Perigord. Les anciens eleves de l'Ecole Nationale d'Horticulture de Versailles, mobilises au nombre d'environ 500, ont perdu 46 des leurs au champ de bataille. ,Nouvelle5 des Mobi lises. — M. Adnet, d'Antibes, a ete blesse au bras droit et a perdu l'usage de ce membre. II a neanmoins repris son service de capitaine instructeur. Le fils aine de M. F. Blot, aspirant, a ete olesse a Souchez; ses nouvelles sont bonnes. M. Pirlot, collaborateur au Jardin, infirmier fait prison- nier a Maubeuge, est rentre en France. Le caporal Louis Fauconnier, jardinier chez MM. Vilmorin-Andrieux, a eu la jambe brisee et a recu la medaille militaire. M. Henri Chatenay est instructeur au pare des automobiles de Boulogne, M. Lucien Charles Baltet lieu- tenant dans la cavalerie territoriale. On a de bonnes nouvelles de M. Alfred Nomlblot et du caporal Rouhaud, des sous-lieutenants Fieckhout et Loffix>n. M. Faucheron, secretaire general de la Societe pratique d'Horticulture du Rhone est medecin auxiliaire au 54e territorial. M. Lucien Chaure est toujours au poste. M. Henri Martinet reste sans nouvelles de son fils. Aux Halles Centrales de Paris.— Les mandataires aux Halles ont fonde, au chateau historique de Villebon, une M^aison de Con- valescence oil soixante soldats provenant des hopitaux militaires du camp retranche sont deja installes. LTn comite de mandataires assure les fonds necessaires au fonctiorrnement de l'oeuvre. Secours aux Horticulteurs des Pays allies. — Le montant des souscriptions recueillies par la Societe Royale d'Horticulture d'Angleterre en vue d'aider a la restauration des etajblissements horticoles detruits en Bel- L;ique et en France, s'eleve deja a 5,234 livres. La societe tient des bulletins d'inscription a la disposition de ceux qui veulent y ajouter leur obole. L'exposition horticole de Haywards Heath, dont les benefices doivent etre veTses au Fonds, a produit cent livres. A Berlin. — Suivant des nouvelles de Geneve, les Pommes de terre se vendent, a Berlin, 11 fr. 50 les 100 kilos. Les Choux y vaudraient 12 fr. 50 les 100 kilos, les Raves 17 francs. Les Legumes en France.— A la suite des conditions climateriques, du manque de main- d'oeuvre et des maladies, la recolte des Pommes de terre et des legumes est inferieure a la normale. La situation, sans etre inquietante, exige cependant que des mesures soient prises. A partir du 15 septembre, des restrictions seront raises a l'exportation. Exception est faite pour les Pommes de terre de semence, expe- diees en caisses, a destination de l'Espagne et de l'Amerique et aussi pour les legumes destines a la Grande Bretagne. Toutefois, l'ex- portation de Poireaux, d'Ognons, d'Aulx, de Choux, de Carottes, de Navets et de Pommes de terre (sauf exception stipulee plus haut) est interdite quelle que soit la destination. Importations en Angleterre.— Durant les s?pt premiers mois de l'annee, il a ete im- port* 9,000,000 kilos de Pommes de terre de plus que l'annee precedente. Les envois d'Ognons ont augmente dans les proportions enormes, bien que pour juillet il y ait une legere diminution. Pour le meme mois, les Tomates ont perdu 1,500.000 kilos. Les Pommes accusent une augmentation d'environ 3,000,000 kilos, les Oranges une legere diminution. Pour le mois de juiilet, les importations de Prunes sont tombees de 8,500,000 a 3,000,000 kilos, celles de Poires de 4,500,000 it 600,000 kilos. Au Marche de Turnhout.— Le bourg- mestre de Turnhout a fixe un prix maximum pour les Pommes de terre, soit 8 fr. pour les rondes, 9 fr. pour les longues. A la suite de cette mesure, les maraichers ont manifeste au Marche aux legumes. La plupart n'avaient pas amene de Pommes de terre et ceux qui avaient leurs apports ordinaires n'ont pas ete autorises a les vendre parce qu'ils refusaient de la fa-ire au prix maximum. KORT OVERZICHT VOOR DE VLAMINGEN. Uitvoer. van Belgische planten mag naar Engeland geschieden in geval van den Engel- schen consul in Holland een oorsprongcertificaat bekomen wordt. Het bedrag der levering mag slechts uitbetaald worden als de Engelsche regeering toelating geeft. Voor het fruit en de groenten is het oorsprong- luiat niet vereischt. Wanneer men met Amerika fwenscht te handelen, moet men voor elke zending eene toelating vragen. Bovendien moet de waarde der voortbrengselen op voorhaud in een En- gelsche bank gestort worden. De duitsche fruitkweekers hebben veel last met het plukken daar alle handen naar den oorlog getrokken zijn. Er is gevaa-r dat veel in den boomgaard zal verrotten. In FrankTijk heeft men noodig geacht paal te stellen aan den uitvoer van groenten die tot nog toe ongehinderd plaats had. Te beginnen van 15 September is de uitvoer van zekere soorten verboden, van andere beperkt. Van ongeveer 500 oud-leerlingen die binnen- geroepen werden, heeft de Tuinbouwschool van Versailles er 46 op het veld van eer verloren. Te Turnhout hebben de hoveniers geweigerd aardappelen le verkoopen, daar de van ambtswege vastgestelde prijs (8 en 9 fr.) hun geene voldoening gaf. September 11, 1915.] THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. 173 HOME CORRESPONDENCE. (The Editors do not hold themselves responsible for the opinions expressed by correspondents.) Cones on Araucaria imbricata.— A tree growing on the lawn in these gardens has, at the present time, about one dozen large, brown cones, and there appear to be more forming at the top of the branches. Like Mr. Allan, I have never before seen a tree of this conifer coning, and, so far as I can ascertain, this one has never done so before. W. Tee, Gardens, Twyford Lodge, nr. East Grinstead, Sussex. I have known many cases of this Arau- caria bearing cones. Last year was excep- tionally favourable for the production of cones, and the seeds ripened so well that the seed- lings came up, even on the paths under the trees. At Busbridge Hall, near here, there are large trees bearing quantities of cones this season, especially on the south side of the trees. At Leonardslee, in Sussex, several trees cone fairly regularly, and I have seen the fruits in different places for some years other than those mentioned. I have also seen trees with cones as far north as Peterborough, and I have known the tree to bear cones in Wiltshire and Dorset- shire, Cornwall, and iji the Channel Islands. It is evident, therefore, that coning is fairly com- mon in this country. IF. A. Cook, " Wind- whistle," Godalming, Surrey. At Basing PaTk there is an avenue of Araucarias a mile in length, and the trees usually bear cones freely. Possibly the reason that your correspondent has not seen the cones before is that the trees are unisexual, and male and female trees must be grown in close proximity for the seeds to set. Male cones are thin and pendulous, the female ones grow upright and somewhat resemble a Pineapple in appearance. Araucarias are peculiar in that no two specimens I have ever seen have had the same habit of growth. Some are very compact, others loose, some very stiff and upright, whilst others are pendulous. Again, in some the branches are disposed widely apart and in whorls, whilst the growth is very dense in others. Generally the female trees are more compact and regular in growth than the male, and make handsomer specimens. This may account for the more numerous planting of the female trees. F. A. Edwards, The Saints Gar- dens, Alresford. In these gardens we have several fine Araucaria trees, two of which are bearing cones. So far as I can gather the two trees in question were planted about sixty years ago, and this season one of them carries thirty-four cones and the other fifty- three cones. Other trees of the same age fail to fruit, but this can be explained by the fact that it is only the female trees that bear cones. Perhaps Mr. Allan has only come in contact with the male form of this tree until this year. E. Matthews, Stratfield Saye, Hamp- shire. In reference to Mr. James B. Allan's enquiry as to the coning of Araucaria imbricata in Great Britain, some years ago at Drayton Manor, Tamworth, Warwickshire, I saw a fine avenue of the trees. Several specimens were bearing gigantic cones, and I noticed that those bearing the fruits were of a pendulous habit, .while those with staminate catkins had an erect growth. Whether this dioecious characteristic is invariable or not appears to be questionable. It is said that occasionally both the male and the female flowers have been observed upon the same tree. W. G. So far from the production of cones being unusual it is of regular occurrence on mature trees. We have here a hill-top planted with 1,250 Araucarias raised from seed ripened in this country (Wigtownshire) upon trees in the avenue at Castle Kennedy. The female cones remain two years on the branches, the scales opening about midsummer of the second season, when fertilisation takes place by pollen dis- charged from the male catkins, which are pro- duced on separate trees. Herbert Maxwell, Monrcith. Heliotropium the Speaker. — Those who have not used this fine Heliotrope should add the variety to their list of bedding plants for next year. I have two laTge beds filled with the plants, with Harrison's Musk as a groundwork, and the effect has been much admired by all who have seen them. The soil is a light, rich loam, and the Heliotropes are growing and flowering profusely, bearing trusses measuring from 7 to 9 inches across, with delicious fragrance. This Heliotrope also does well in pots, but it is as a bedding plant that I specially commend it to those who have not tried it. Henry Henderson, Castlecomer, Co. Kdkenny. Confessions of a Novice.— Your corre- spondent who writes so ably and amusingly the "Confessions of a Novice" enquires for a good yellow Rose (Rambler Rose, I presume, to judge from the names given by him as being unsatis- factory). I consider our best Rose of this description to be Alister Stella Gray, and if your correspondent has not yet tried this variety he would, I think, find it to his mind. It is true that the colour fades as the flower expands— this is a defect of all yellow Roses— 'but for free- dom of growth and flowering the variety is supreme. Alberic Banbier is anotheT very good cream-coloured Rose, but not so free in flowering as the first-named. The foliage is. however, very handsome, and the plant is practically evergreen in these gardens. I hope this may be of use to one whose writings I enjoy. Alfred T. Harri- son, Eynsham Hall Gardens, Witney. Large Peaches.— During the past few days I have gathered excellent fruits of Peach Crim- son Galande grown in an orchard house. Several of the fruits weighed 8 ounces, one 8| ounces, and one 10^ ounces. Is 10J, ounces an unusual weight for a fruit of this variety ? F . G. Wicks, Bushey House Gardens, near Watford, Hertford- shire, August %If. [Our "Record " book has no entry for a fruit of this variety. The largest fruit recorded therein