UMASS/AMHERST 312066 0333 3018 2 ljaSfla)fllta!BBB(fla««mfi*fflfflWia!(mjw,iw,a^ 7 2- LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE No._„l?_§3.k„. DATE. 4 - 1 838. 1877 v.ia ^. J. aic'cAc^^ (Pu acPPLBMBKT TO THE OABDEf, UEC. 29, 1877t JiliUi^ supplem:nt tj the garden," deoembeh se 1S77 Il,l^U3T^ftT£;D WE^E^KU^ iOUT\nAU HORTICULTURE IN ALL ITS WRANCHES, FOU^•DED BY W. Ilobinson, F.L.I3., Jluthor of " Jllpine Flozuers," eta. " YOU SGE] SWEET MAIDj WE MAF^I^Y A OENTUE SCION TO THE WILDEST STOCK; AND MAKE CONCEIYE A BAT^K Of' BASER KINO BY BUO OF NOBLEf^ t^ACE : THIS IS AN ART WHICH DOES MEND NATUt^E J CHANGE IT f(ATBE(^ THE Ai^T ITSELF IS NATUf^E." — Shakespeare. VOL. XII.-CHRISTMAS, 1877. LONDON: OFFICE: 3 7, SOUTHAjSIPTON STREET, COVENT GARDEN, W. C. |2~ rrrLEMBNT TO "the QABDEN," DBCFMDEE 21, 13,., TO JAMES MciNAB, Curator of the Royal Botanic Qardens, Edinhurgh, THIS TWELFTH VOLUME OF "THE GARDEN" IS DEDICATED IN RECOGMTION OF HIS LONG AND FRUITFUL SERVICB3 TO HORTICULTUBB. SUPPL^MBrfT T"» THB GiBDHST, DBC. 29, 1377. INDEX TO VOLUME XII. Abelia floridunSa, 30 Abies canadensis pendula, 437 ; Dou- glasi, 71; Englemanni, 71, 226; ilenziesi, 71 AbatiloaLemoinei,191; roaEeflorum, B37 Abutilons, culture o{, 133 ; notes on, 215 Acaoia Farnesiana in parfuoaery, 303 ; Parasol, 405 Acacias, culture of, 131 Acantholimon glumoceum, 58 Acanthus Candelabrum, 282 Acer dasyoarpum, 128, 228 Achillea tomentoaa, 417 Achimenes in boxes, 80 Acis autumnalis, 271 Aconite, winter, 288 Aoonitum Napellus, 383 Aotsea spioata, 362 Adiantum glaucophyllum, 398 Adonis autumnalis, 131 Adulteration of Seeds Act, the. 529 Aerides crassifolium, 28; odoratum, in Covent Garden, 30; virens, 106 ^3culus oaliiornica, 201, 236 Agapanthus, the double, 30 Agave americana, 396 ; Celsiana, 213 ; densiflora, 396; Miradorensis, 30; Soolymus, 397 ; Tuccajfolia. 633 Ageratums, Countess of Stair, in winter, 680 ; improving, 636 Agricultural Hall floral decorations, 199 Air roots on the Yine, 278 Alder, black, 682 Alexander IPalaoe Fruit Show, 267 j Rose Show, 27 Algeria, iflower culture in, 430 ; the Eucalyptus iu, 313 Alkali or charcoal, 35 Allamanda Hendersoni, 418 AUamandas, ilowerless, 75 ; in Dorset- shire, 103 Almond, the Dwarf, 273 Almonds at Santa Rosa, 30 Alnus oregona, 633 Alocasia metallica, 467 ; Thibautiana, 28 Amarantuses, globe, 419 Amaryllis Ackermanni oub-of-doors, 343 America, Lee's Proliflo Currant in, 118 America, the Pomegranate in, 265 American blight, cure for, 457 American Senna, 399 American Water Weed, 340 Amorphophallus Rivieri, 374 Ampelopsis Veitohi, 202 Amygdalus nana, 273 Anchusa oapensis, 69 Andromeda arborea, 175 ; floribunda, formosa, 421; japonica, 424 Androsace lanuginosa, 399; sarmen- II tosa, 483 Anemone apennina, 83; japonica, 295; 341,493; ditto, notes on, 215; ditto alba, 317, 347; nemorosa, 83; Pulsa- tUla, 83; " Robinsoniana," 515, 670; the wood, 83 Anglesey, plants in bloom in, 681 Ajigracums, notes on, 623; bilobum, 683; sesquipedale, 682 Annuals atChiswiok.lSl; August-sown, 173 ; notes on, 01 Anomatheca cruenti, 5S Antiaris toxicaria, 407 Antirrhinums, 151, 493 ; dwarf, 298 ; late blooming, 413 ; treatment of, 313 Antrim, frosts in, 361 Ants, red, 173 Aphelandra fascinator, 560 Aplopappus aliatus, 74 Apple, Cobbett's Fall, 276; Lady Henniker, 410; Small's Admirable, 124; stone, 33; in Kent, 374; Wor- cester Pearmau, 341 ; a few good, 663 ; American, 463, 633 ; best crop- ping, 160, 360, 457 ; Cellini, 131 ; extra growth in, 457; for England, 74; gathering, 350; hardy, 176; ditto iu Rutlandshire, 38S ; importations of, in 1773, 333 ; keeping, 413, 457 ; storing, 283, -157 ; sweet, 359 ; in Dorsetshire, 367 Apple culture in brief, 383 Apple grub, remedy for, 473 Apple trees, miniature, 347; Mistletoe on, 601 Apricot, c ilture of the, 661 Apricot disease, 231,601 Aquilegias, the, 8, 283 Aralias, culture of, 133 Araucaria imbricata at Kew, 125 Araucaras, Scotch seedling, 196 Arboretum, the Edinburgh, 8 ; Segrey- ianum, 330 ; the Arnold, 663 Arboricultural Society, Scottish, 459 Arbutus Unedo, 611 Aristolochias, the best, 329 Armenia, mountain flowers in, 1 Artichoke,the flake, 107, 233; Jerusalem, history of the, 48 ; effects of ditto in rheumatism, 36 ; origin of, 338 ; flowering, 173, 185 Artillery plant for windows, 193 Art studies, 258 Arums, tropical, at Kew, 207 Arundinaria falcata, 66, 269, 405 Arundo conspicua, 633 Asclepias, hardy, 165 Ash, Mountain, berries, 224 ; trees, splitting, 33 Ashes, coal, m the garden, 368 Asparagaa, culture of, 12 ; early with- heat, 413; forcing, 243; in rheumatism, 36; Asphalte, poisonous fumes from, 310 Aspidistra lurida variegata, 131 Aspidistras and their fertilization, 257 Aspidium fragrans, 176 Aster ericoides, 439 ; grandiflora, 570 ; pendulous, 439; Qailled, Novelty, 314 Asteriscus mauritauicus, 209 Asters, late flowering, 389 ; notes on, 13 ; Quilled, 339 ; Tasselled, 296 Athole, forests of, 348 Aucubas for market, 497 Audley End, 66 August, 198 Auriculas in pots, winter treatirent of, 492 ; notes on, 13, 67, 171, 2« ; show, 347; Avenue, Pjplar, 601 Azaleas, English grown, 341, Indian, 221 ; new, 488 B. Baccharis halimifolia, 436 Balsams, Sardinian, 66 Bamboo, remarkable growth of, 467 Bamboos, curious seed bed for, 405 ; hardy, death of, 65 ; mountain, 416 ; square-stemmed, 208 Bambusa arundiuacea, remarkable growth of, 490 Bananas cracking, 75 Banbury, cultivation of medicinal plants at, 4 Bark, spent, for mulching, 200 Barnet, Cucumbers at, 198 , Grapes at, 197; Melons at, 198; Nectarines at, 197 ; Peaches at,197 ; Strawberries at, 198 Barometrical flowers, 10 Basil, the Sacred, 208 Bathing places, 313 Battersea Park, 223 ; bathing in, 318 ; Bean, Flageolet, 391 ; the Sacred, 103 ; the Tonquin, 333 Beans, dwarf French, 186 ; French, for forcing, 388 ; ditto winter, 414 ; ditto late, 183; ditto two,' 391 ; in parafEm, dipping, 107; Runner, 138 Beaucamia longifolia suspended, 143 Bedding plants, wintering, 619 ; select 604 Bed straw for arpeting, 28 Beds cocked up, 347 Beech tree caterpillars, 292 Bees and fruits, 20 Beet, storing, 336 Beetle, Colorado, 392 Begonia Froebeli,'376, 613, 645, 604 ; Mo- narch, 76 ; Mrs. Charles Scorer, 75 ; ratalensis, 451 ; Octopetala rosea, 645; Queen of the Whites, 194; Star- light, 440 ; Begonias at Chiswick, 123 ; at Pine- apple place, 103 ; hardy, at Chelsea, 78 ; in winter, 311 ; new tuberous rooted (1877J, 311; three good, 330; tuberoua-rooted, for bedding pur- pos38, 203 ; tuberous-rooted, notes on, 39 ; tuberous-rooted, out-of-doors, 202 Belladonna at Hitchin, 410 Belladonna LUy under glass, 318 Bellow's Dictionary, 337 Berberis vulgaris, 363 ; Wallichi, 373 Berkheya purpurea, 56 Berkshire, Musa Ensete in, 177 Betony, white, at Hampstead, 228 Beverage, a new, 350 Biennials and prennials, 33 Bignonia radicans, 337, 349 ; venusta, flnely-flowered, 483 ; tree, a, 190 Birch, the cut-leaved, 138 Bird-cherry tree, an old, 47 Bird destroyers, 36 Birds, protection of, 196; small, and cats, 21 Bird's nest in a human skull, 133 Birds' nests in hothouses, 58; robbing, 319 Birmingham, park for, 634 Birthworts, the best, 33 Blackberries, American, 276, 316 Blechnum spicant trlnervium, 313 Blossnms in Shakespeare, 278 Blumenthal, flowers at, 22 Boccouia cordata, 303 Boiler, portable, 183 ; Wright's flame- compact, 31 Bolbophyllum odoratissimum, 683 Bomarea Carderi, 440 " Book about Roses," 390 Border3,floral effects in, 34; herbaoeoua 618 Botanical Fete, Maida Vale; Regents' Park, 1 Botanic garden, new, at Hull, 103 Bougainvillea glabra in autumn, 421; spcotabilis, 80 Bouvardia Humboldti corymbiflora 199 Bouvardias and how to grow them, 443 ; for market, 149 ; in autumn, 416 ; planted out, 619 Box edging, 135 Brahea filamentosa, 63 Brake, the common, 486 ; eradicatino-, 680 Bramble, Parsley-leaved, fruit of the, 255 Brambles at Cambridge, 419 " Breeze" as hothouse fuel, 610 Bridge, a natural, 167 Brittany, scene in, 333 Broccoli, Snow's, 391; Veitoh's Self- protecting Autumn, 107, 127, 565, 679 ; winter, 137 ; winter and spring, 409 Brook, a rocky, 7 Browallia alba, 106 ; elata, 106; Roezli, 341 Bragmansias planted out, 11, 380 Brussels Sprouts, 361 ; Dalmeny, 630 ; fly on, 183 ; large, 463 ; over-grown, 458 Buckeye, the Caltforuian, 204, 238 Buds in Shakespeare, 378 Buildings, over-decoration of, 439 Balbs, depth to plant, 381 ; hardy, planting, 227; potting of, 313; spring, 356 ; treatment of, 575 Borghley, frait crops at, 56 Bush fruit in Kent, 357 c Cabbage, sowing for spring, 68 ; St. John's-day, 453, 481 Cabbage beds, old, 163 Cabbages, culture of, 340 ; planting, 315; spring, 344; spring, notes on, 107 Cacti in South Africa, 77; Old Men, 30 Cactus, Tooth-pick, 601 ; Tnrk's-oap, 413 Oalanthes and Palms, 488 Calceolarias, bedding, cuttings of, 349 ; culture of, 339 ; herbaceous. 13 ; notes on, 114, 216; wintering, 393 TEE GARDEN INDEX. [SUtPLBlTBNT TO THE GABDEN, DEC 29, 3877. Calla (Richardia) reLhiopica in winter, 3U Callicarpa gracilis, 623 CalUrrhoa macrorrhiza alba, 69 Caltha palustris, 237 Calycanthus occidentalis, 438 Camellia leaves, striking, 181 Camellias, treatment of, 615 Campanula flesuosa, 175 ; macroatylaj 65, 209; pyramidalis, 231 j culture of, 385 ; Vidali, 2-17 Campanulas, 492 ; tall and dwarf, 445 Canary Creeper and Clematis. 376 Candytuft, carmine-flowered, 128 ; San- der's, 204; Tom Thumb, 143 Canra iridiflora, 126, 199 Canon Kingsley'a garden at Eversley, 493 Canterbury Bells, 455 j notes on, 39 Caper-plant, the, 181 ; hardy in Eng- land, 138 Capparis aphylla, 182 ; spinoaa, 181 Capsicum, the, culture of, 194 Carica candamarcensis, 104 Carlisle International Exhibition, 286 Carlisle, International Show at, 223 Carnation and Picotee Society, 76 Carnations, border, 162 ; from cuttings, 250; in leaden cups, 223; notes on, 114, 186 ; propagatine, 79 ; select, 406; treatment of, 349; Tree, 233, 618; Tree, in winter, 310; Tree, planted out, 224 Carpet bedding, 218, 459 Carrageen crop, the, 421 Carrot, James's Intermediate, 431 Carrots, culture of, : 111; 213; Early Horn, 35 Cas Crom, or plough, 553 Casimiroa edulis in Ireland, 458 Cassia corym.bosa, 66 ; marylandica, 399 Cassie, use of in perfumery, 308 Caatilleja indivisa, 51 Castor-oil leaves and grasshoppers, 409 Casnarinas, the, 233 Catalpa, a fine grown, 263 ; durability of, 23; in October, 367; the golden, 363 ; the, in London parks, 151 Caterpillar nest-destroyer, 538 Cats and small birds, 21 Cattleya exominsis, 510 ; gigas, a winter flowering plant, 468 Cattleyas at Chelsea, 483 ; select, 4i8 Cauliflower, early Snowball, 414 Cauliflowers, culture of, 182; frame, 336; notes on, 163 ; winter, 315 Caves covered with Ivy, 33 Celery, blanching in spent tan, 384 ; culture of, 233 ; late blanching, 315 Celosias for chuch decoration, 338 Centaurea americana, 224 Centaureas, culture of, 131; propagat- ing, 155,201, 232 Cerasus ilicifolia, 123 Cercis japonica, 263 Cereus, a large-flowered, 148; candicans, 467 Celtis occldentalis at home, 232 ChamiEdora Ernest-Augusti in bloom, 510; glaucifolia, 587 Chamaerops escelsa in Cornwall. 353 ; Fortune! at Alderley, 36 Oharcoa' or alkali, 36 ; wond for, 459 ChaiiaQ'bss e^fjaiis from s^eed, 438 ChaUriH, tjariy Be^oma>* at, 78; Lap- age'ias ac, 271 ; Lilium auratum at, 247 ; P'lcher-plants at, 271 Cherry-apples, 563 Cherry, May Duke, origin of name, 172 Cherry t^-ee wild in Ireland, 374 Cherries, culture of, 91 ; from France, 1 ; in Kent., 333 Chestnut. Golden, in Scotland, 223 ; the Wa-er. 23 >, 339 Chestnut trees, mortality of, 206 Cbicory, 513 Chilianthus californicua, 206 Chinese Cypress, 5G1 ; plants, drawings of, 103 ; vase, 591 Chirita sinensis, 519 Chiswick, flower trials at, 219 ; fruit trials at, 219; vegetable trials at, 219 Choisya ternata, 232 Christmas dinner-table, 581 Christmas Rose, large-flowered, 462 Christmas Roses, 283, 512, 553; culture of, 265; Madagascar, 357; out-of- doors and under cover, 515; protect- ing. 483 Christmas trees, 533 Christmas vegetables, 602 Chrysanthemum frutescens, 255 ; Ful- ton, 555; Golden Empress of India, 555 ; Precocite, 559 6hrys an them urns, a few of the best, 497; at Hackney, 510; at Kingston, 574; at Liverpool, 571; culture of, 113; early, 247; Japanese, 535; grafted, 175 ; in London, 416 ; in pots, 213 ; in winter, 311 ; notes on, 187 ; Pompone, 433; summer flowering, 516; treat- ment of, 432; .white, 416; ditto, at Christmas, 466 Church decoration, 361, 461 Cibotium pruinatum, 655 Cinerarias, culture of, 239, 575 ; in winter, 311; notes on, 137 Cissus porphyrophylla, 441 Citronella, 495 Citrons, otto of, 477 ; in Devonshire, 633 Citrus, peculiar varieties of, 421 Clapton, Cape Heaths at, 273 ; Orchids at, 272 Clematis and Canary Creeper combined, 376 ; cirrhosa, as an anti-epileptic, 198; flava,341 Clematis, the genus, 400 ; Vitalba, 83 Clematises and Roses mixed, 399 ; at Kew, 256 ; groups of,173 ; in autumn, 247 ; on trees, 520 Clethra alnifolia, 323 Clianthus puniceus at Edinburgh, 5 Climbers and rats, 350 ; hardy, 558 Cloches, 513 Clove, Mrs. Matthews, 75 Cloves, border, 162 Cochliostema Jacobiana, 223 Cock*s-foot, Yellow, 81 Cocoa-nut as a medicine, 286 Cocos australis, 392 CodUng moth, remedy for, 473 CofTee as an antidote to Strychium, 307 Colchicum nudiflorum, 295 ; speciosum, 295, 344 ; vallicola, 295 Colchicums and Crocus speciosus, 417 ; double, 413, 410 ; seeding without flowering, 339 Coleworts, planting, 136 CoUomia grandiflora in Germany, 376 Colorado Potato Beetle, 78, 104, 223 ; at Liverpool, 50 Columbines, the, 8, 283 (Combination, a pretty, 175 Combretum purpureum, 191 Comfrey, the, 109 ; variegated, 65 Compass-plant, the, 296, 541 Complaint from a Lady-bird, 170 Conferva littorea, 193 Coniferous tree, slow growth and dura- bility of, 497 Conifers in Somerset, 153 ; propagating, 31 Con-'ervatories, sizes of large, 435, 443 ' lunseivatory, C'latsworth, 435 Contrast a pretty, 78 Convolvulus manritanicus as a basket plant, 490 Coprosma Baneriana variegata, 134 Cornwall, Deodars not coning in, 289 ; Lomaria procera in, 103 ; trees in, 273 ■ioronina glauca. 592 ■ ^orsican Pine, sowing, 604 Oorylus algariensis, 320 Llossus ligniperda, 504, 509 Cottage, a VTistaria-covered, 256 " Cottage Gardening," 103 Covent Garden, Aerides odoratum in. 30 ; Egg-plants in, 123 ; fruit in, 392 ; flowers in, 463 ; Mangoes in, 271 ; Moss Roses in, 30; Sweet Peas in, 30 Coverings for pits, Ci Cowslips and Primroses, 233 Cranberry imports, 429 Cranberry, the, in pots, 276 CrBta^gus Hosti, 67 Crinum giganteum, 32) Crocus, diseases of, 375 ; sativus, 375 ; speciosum and Colchicum, 417 Crocuses, autumu-fl )wering, 271, 296, 339, 311, 39J ; culture of, 255 ; in win- ter, 493 Cropping, close, 107 Croton fdlcatum, 551 ; picturatam, 555 ; Qieen Victoria, 75 Cryptomeria elegans, 373 Crystal Palace Fruit Show, 314 ; gar- dening at, 293 Cucumber, Blue Gown, 211; squirting, at Hitchin, 410; Tender and True, 315 ; disease, 79 Cucumbers at Barnet, 193 ; autumn, 103 ; in A.frica, 388; in framss, 161 ; liquid manure for, 107 ; seel-bearing, 251 ; winter, 163, 335 Cultivation, deep, 602 Cultivator, the Burghley, 231 Cupania filicifolia, 519 Cupressus Lawsoniaia and its varie- ties, 225; in Devon, 313; macrocirpa submerged, 611 Currant bush, a brilliant, 271 Currants at Chiswick, 123 ; culture of, 114; in Kent, 357; late, 223; Lee's Prolific, 116 Cuscuta Cephalanthe, 553 Custom, a civic, 271 Cutting-pots, 41, 79 Cuttings, Carnations from, 250 ; pro- pagating Roses from, 75 Cyananthus incanus, 559 Cyanide of Potassium v. wasps, 265 Cyathea Burkei, 223 Cycas intermedia, 612 ; revoluta, re- markable growth of, -163 Cyclamen sports, 533 Cyclamens and Primulas, 4:3 ; culture of, 433; hardy, 41); in winter, 311; notes on, 171 Cymbidium Mastersi, 433 Cypress, a columnar, 631 ; deciduous, 405, 623; Weeping ditto, 539; the Lawson and its varieties, 225 ; the Lawson, in Devon, 243 Cypress trees, submerged, 343 Cypripedium alto-purpureum,23; Box- alli, 510; macranthum, 572; occiden- tale, 65 ; parviflorum, G5; Sedeni, 463 ; Speciabite, 3), 65, 85, 172 ; vexillarium, 510 Cytisus proliferus, 103 D. Da'jcecia polifolia in winter, 311 Daboesias in Hants, 367 Dacrydium Franklini, 175;"atLongleat, 404 Dahlia catalogue, a, 31 Dahlia. Bessie Ford, 213; Charles Lidgard, 314; Charles "Wyatt, 243; Dictator, 314; Emulator. 314, 333; Lady Golightly, 311; Louise Neate, 213; Marion, 314; Mrs. Shirley Hib- berd, Henry Bond, 213 ; history of the, 366 ; James Willing, 31 1, 333 ; Robert Barns, 314; Ro-e Circle, 314; species of, 352 ; The Countess, 213 Dahlias, culture of, 93; notes on, 91; select, 496 ; single, 345, 352 ; small- flowered, 298; unlifted, 22), 268, 462 Daisy, the Paris, 255 Dandelion Salads, 523, 579. 602 Daphne indica ordorata, 411 Darlingtonia californica at Glasnevin, 151 Dasylirion glaucum, 393 ; Dasylirions after flowering, 151 Deciduous and evergreen, 32 Decoration of churches, 364 Decoration, over, 439 Decorations at Agricultural Ha^l, 199 ; dinner table, 366; wild flowers for, 149 Delphinium Ajacis, 362 ; cardinale, 158 ; Cashmirianum, 383 ; nudicaile, 492 Delphiniums, select, 415 Dendrobium album, 416 ; bigibbum superbum, 416, 438 ; Wardianum. 533 Dendrochilum filiforme, 52 ; suavissi- mum, 145 Dendrobium, notes on, 523 Denis 3n, Archdeacon, on Potatoes, 223 Deodara not coning, 239 Desfontainea spmosa in. Scotland, 3J, 392 Dianthuses, notes on, 91 Diary, extracts from my, 13, 39, 67, 91, 113, 131, 162, 183, 211, 239, 262, 284, 311, 3 17, 350, 378, 409, 433, 451, 479, 508, 518, 551, 575, 593 Dicksonia Berteroana, 459 "Different Forms of Flowers or Plants of the same species," 2U Dioscorea Batatas, 413 Diosma ericMdes, hardy in Dublin, 233 DircEea refulgens an^mala, 377 Disa grandiflora, watering, 463 " Discovery," an odd, 556 Dockyard, a model, 250 • Dorsetshire,Allamandas in, 103; weather in, 56 Doryanthes excelsa, 533 Dove-plant, the, 153 Dracsena australis iu flower, 7, 31 ; propagation of, 413; Beausei, 146; fragrans, 416; Goldiena, 151, 367; indivisa, 131 Dracsenas, propagating, 330 ; three good, 438 Dropwort, the douqle, 65 Druramond, Mr., testimonial to, 578 Dublin, notes from, 22 J Ealiog, striped Petunias at, 103 Earthworms, their food and uses, 356 Echinocacti, a few good, 572 Echinocactus grandicarnis,75; Vianaga, 501 Edelweiss protected by law, 123 ; the, in Scotland, 173 Edging, Bos, 185 Edgings, mud, 271 Edinburgh, Clianthus puniceus a*;, 5; hardy plants at, 316, 417 Edraianthus dalmaticus, 3 Edwardsia grandiflora, 16 ), 244 Egg-plants in Covent Garden, 128 Egyptian desert, gardens in, 260, 235 Elder, the Golden-leaved, 247, 273 Electricity and trees, 167 "Elements of Agricultural Chemistry and Geology," 401 Embankment gardens, 271 Embothrium coccineum flowering a second time, 156 Embroidery, Ivy, 317 Emmenanthe penduliflora, 15) Endive blanching, 338, 579 ; culture of, 38. Hi, 162; autumn, culture of, 186; for autimin and winter, 323, 401 ; notes on, 137 ; to stand winter, 185 England, Apples for, 74 ; Mr. Meshan on trees in, 205; the Cap.r-plant hardy in, 193 Entomology, practical, 2 Epacrises, standard, 619 Ephedras at Cambridge, 419 Epimedium alpinum, 363 Epiphyllum trancatum grafted on the Pereskia, 151 Epiphyllums after flowering, 680; at Chatsworth, 480, 533; culture of, 113, 265, 311, 440 Eranthemum lasiflorum, 463 DBC. 29, 1877. THE GAEDBN INDEX. Eraafcltis hycinalis, 293 Erica McNabiana hardy in Dablin, 233 Erigeronalpinus, 417 ; glaucus, 71 Eriof^onam umbellatum Sileri, 156 Brodiam maritimum, 34C] Erodiums ia autamn, 333 Brjngivini pandanifoliam, 330; Serra, 4>i'), 58 J. ErytbrinaCrista-GraUi, 151 Erythroaium purpurascanp, 173 Escallonia macrantha in Nottin^hai]- shire, 433 Eschscholbaia crocsa, Q -pi , 23 ; crDcea Mandarin, 1, 28, 563 Eschsclioltzias, notes oo, 39 Eucalyptus,ab.ind3om'^,263; cit-riodoras, 273 ; globulus, 433 ; dltso a-i Killarnay, 233 ; ditto, fii'8 proof, 532 ; in Algeria, 313 Eucbaris amasonicJ, 619 ; well flowered, 34i ; Candida, 533 Eucryphia pinnabifolia, 541 Eulalia japonica, 333, 316; ja;)OQica variegati, 370 Bulophia guineensis, 148 Euonymua japonicus in London, 436; standard, 5S3 Europe, clmate oE colder, 295, 361 Eurybia corymbosa, 236 Burycles, the green, 473 Bustoraa esalta'.um, 156 Evergreen and de^iduoas, 33 Evergreens, propagating, 273 Everlasting Pea, 56 Everlastings, 503 F. Fairmounb Park, 67 "Familiar Wild Flowers," 103 Farmers' gardens, 351 Faulhorn, Alpina flowers on the, 101 Fence, creeper-covered, 556 Fence posts, to preserve, 134, 436 Fern, an old, 574 Ferns, British, 2)6 ; culture of, 13 ; exotic, hardy, 291. 35 J; hardy ever- green, 460; in boxes, 8); select, 13 ; three new, 2J4 ; two useful, 510 Fernery, Brighton Aquarium, 222 Fern spores, great depth of, 137 Ficus elastica, propagation of, 439 ; Parcelli, 510 ; repens as a curtain plant, 413 Fig, Bju^jassotte Griso, 340 ; Negro Largo, 31) Figs in the open air, 133 ; the best, 301 : trained, 2 ; untrained, 2 Filbert, the, in Kent, 303 Finchley, the large Vine ah, 126, 157 Fire-bush, the, flowering' a second time, 15S Fir, the Silver, 48 Firs, Silver, large. 83'; sizes of, 459 Fir trees in a northern rspecfc, 437 Flax, New Zealand, in Irelani, 30; in London, 457; in Scotland, 151; the variegated, 134 Flinteriea and cUnkeries, 215 Flora, English, 603 ; in the music hall, 56; the Mediterranean, 407; of Zer- matt, the, 125, 177 *'Flora of Mauritius and th3 Seychelles," 170 Floral decorations, 447 ; table, 604; at Regent's Park, 34; at weddings, 438 Floral effects in borders, 34 " Flore des Serres," 533 Flower beds, effective, 462 Flower fertilization, 283 Flower garden, 33 ; and lawns, 373 ; on St. Paul's , 303 ; under glass, 126, 618 Flower gardening, modern, 569 Flower Mission, Manchester, 37 Flower Mission?, American, 195 Flowes Patkthes, the Ghbat : — Calame, 234 De Heem, 103 Flower screens, garden, 272 Flower Show, City, 62 Flower trials at Chiswick, 219 Flowers, Alpine, at home, 233 ; ditto, fertilization of, 263 ; ditto, on the Faulhorn, 101 ; barometrical, 10 ; cross-fertilization of, 23 ; cut, 26 J ; ditto, arranging, 20D ; ditto, keeping fresh, 63 ; ditto, show of, 314 ; dried, 510; ditto, colour in, 357 ; for per- fuming tea, 40 ; hardy, in London, 23 ; ditto, notes on, 13, 39, 67, 91, 114, 171, 136,215,2 43; ditto, of week, 44, 73, 93, 115, 140, 169, 103 ; in Shakespeare, 278 ; mountain, in Armenia, 1 ; on walls, 417 ; self-fertilization of, 23 ; tall border, 2i ; the valley of, 29; tried at Chiswick 123; wild, British, 83, 129, 237; ditto, decorative, 149; ditto, in Wigtownshire, 33 j dit'^o, in Rouminia, 56, 79 ; ditt^, of New Zea- land, 233; wint:rr, 633; hardy, 604; old, 581 Food, Church on, 163 Food reform, 279 Forests, new, in France, 419 Forget-me-nots in pots, 106; islets o', 249; notes on, 171 Fosfcil plants, 203 Fragaria indica, 560 Frames, management of, 507 France, birds protected ia, 198 ; Cherries from, 1 ; new forests ia, 419 ; Peaches from, 33 ; Pears from, 5G Francoa, notes on, 215 Frasinus oregona, 533 Freesia odorata, 78 Fremontia californica, hardiness of, 83 Friend, a, in need, 19 Froebel's Begonia, 376 Frost in valleys, 39 Frosts, early, in Trelani; 361; Septem- ber. 338 Fruit, a large cargo of, f31; dessert, tropical, 101 ; for tarts, 1^3 ; from beyond the sea, 217; in Italy, 3)5; thinniog, 32 ; show of, 261, 314 Fruit cellar, a, 333 Fruit, crop?, the. 78, 94, 118; at Burgh- ley, 56 ; in Ireland, 5 Fruit culture, 454 ; and wa^te lands, 521 Fruit garden at Birnet, Mr. Munro's, 197 ; Mr. Scott's, 599 Fruit gardens, aspects for, 123 ; Kent- ish, 101 Fruit growing in Kent, 253, 357 Fruit ladder, 474 Fruit missions, American, 195 Fruit Show, Alexander Palace, 2G7; Crystal Palace, 314 Fruit stores and frost, 476 Fruit trials at Chiswick, 219 Fruit tree borders, 03 Fruit tree walls, 63 Fruit trees, Be'gian, 331, 393, 425, 454, 473,493, 549; best, 360 ; best cropping, 367; b3st sites for, 263; disease of 499; dwarf, best, 151; training of, 453; healing wounds in, 359; improv- ing weakly, 457; insects affecting, 500; planting, 403; pruning, 653, ripening wood of, 183 ; root pruning, 312 ; screens for, 29; selection of, 316; summer pruning, 29; training, 617; transplanting, 336, 337; Willows for tying, 551 ; buying, 599 Fruits and bees, 20 ; and vegetables, 501; French, 531 ; bush, 135 ; at Singapore, 317; ripening in houses, 163 ; small, in Kent, 66 ; terms used in describing, 157 ; tried at Chiswick, 123 ; wild, 124 ; Christmas, 603 Fuchsia coccinea, 77 ; ditto, the first, 10; mineana, 434; Earl of Beacons- field, 151 ; gracilis at Kensington, 175; Regalia, 356; virgata, 52 Fuchsias at Chiswick, 123 ; culture of, 66, 283 ; in winter, 432 ; notes on, 67 Fuel, Breeze as, 510 Falbam Nurseries, notes from the, 78 Fumigator, a new, 123 Fungi in hotbsds, 373 ; select edible, 321,331; poisonous, 340 Fungus feasts, 217 Furniture, art, 395 G. Gale, the late. 387, dl9 G.ileworts, 313 Galium saxatile, 233 Gardenia florida, 412 ; rad'.cans, 413 Garden, a Chinese, .652 ; a Japanese, 435; auho'el. 108; an old-fashionei, 227; botanical at Port of Spain! 511; Canon Kingsley's, 493; fruit, 453; M. Thuret'i», 533 ; my town, 414, 491 ; nDt spoiled by bed^J, 369 ; the town, a pretty, 126 ; town, 536, 609 Garden, churcbyard, 221 Garden- craft of Shakespeare, 278, 305, 331 Garden design, 31; What to Avoid, 419 " Gardsn Ferns," 103 Garden Labels, 412 Garden of Hotel Dieu, 271 Garden of wild flowers, 363 Garden round Tour St. Jacques, 236 Garden seats, 80 Garden streamlet, 249 Gardens, city avenue, 81 ; farmers, 351; hill, 49 ; in sunburnt lands, 529 ; market, acreage under, 434 ; men- tioned in Shakespeare, 305; provincial, 79; public, costs of, 241; public, in North England, 2 ; rating, 249 Gardener, a centenarian, 556 Gardener's house and garden, 337 Gardeners in Shakespeare, 3J7 ; shear- ing, 223 Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institu- tion, 3, 89, 320 Gardening, co-operative, 287 ; house, 430 ; in Egyptian deserts, 260, 285 ; landscape, 236; profitable, 435 ; rock, at Kew, 105 ; spring, 297 ; winter, 297 Garrya elUpttca, 5S3, 583 Gas-tar not injurious to trees, 361 Gastronema flammeum, 217 Gates, rustic, 89 ; park, 453 Gazania splendcns, 410 Gentiana pneumonanthe, 246 ; septem- fida. 233, 216; acaulis, 633 Geonoma princeps, 560 Geranium argenteum, 492 ; cinereum, 492; molloaureum, 510; Wallichianum, 151,196; scent yielding, 191 Germany, Potatoes in, 330 ; vegetarians in, 219 Gesnera cxoniensis from leaves, 443 Gethsemane, Vines from, 265 Ghent Show, for 1878, 660 Gift, a welcome, 533 Gladioli, inexpensive, 218 Gladiolus, a new, 217; Baroness Burdett-Couttp, 191; Charles Noble, 194; culture of, 162; Cymbeline, 194; John Laing, 311; Marcianus, 314; Prince George, 191; Rhamnes, 338; Richard Dean, 311; Saundersii, 64, 320 ; The Bride, 333 ; the, notes on, 67; The OdaUsque, 194; tristis, 103; Venulus, 314 Giasnevin, Darliugtonia californica at, 161 Glass, a flower garden nnder, 126 Glazing, Rendle's, 616 Globe-flowers, 287 Gloxinia, seedling, 377, 421 ; semi- double, 154 Glyptostrobu5 sinensis, 561 Goat Moth, the. 504, 509, 693 Godetia Lady Albemarle, 143, 174, 223, 416; Whitneyi, 244 Gombo, 113 Gomphrenas, the, 419 Goodjera RoUisjoni, 419, 490, 636, 653 Gooseberries at Chiswick, 123 ; culture of, 114 ; in Kent, 357 ; late, 222 ; sum- mer pruning, 20 Gooseberry, the Cape, 553, 563 Gourds, wintering, 412 Graft hybrids, 623 Grafting fruit trees, 395 Grape, Chasselas de Fontainebleau, 410; a new Belgian, 533 ; Golden Queen. 600 Grape culture at Berkampstead, 313 Grape growing on back walls, 493, 547 ; simple, 276 ; at Oakhill, 601 Grape sports, 231 Grapes, Alnwick Seedling, 433 ; another use for, 183 ; at Barnet, 197 ; black, heaviest bunch Of, 476 ; large bunch of, 551 ; losing colour, 3S6 ; mildewed, 58 J; preserving in bottles of water, 500; rust on, 123, 143, 551 ; stalking of, 230; show of, 267; some new, 359 ; without fire-heat, 128 Graves, fliwers on, 412 Greveyards, trets in, 438 Grasshoppers and Castor-oil leaves, 409 Grass, Verbena, 495 ; in Hyde Park, 396 Grasses isolated in turf, 413 ; ornamen- tal, 75 Grass Nuts, 251 Greece, Lemons in, 103 ; Oranges in, 103 Greek ploughs, ancient, 531 Greenhouse plants, sweet-scented, 441 Greenhouse stages, 573, 6)3, 028 Greens, winter, 440; notes on, 135 Greviilea robusta, 131 Griffinia hyacinthina, 433, 530 Griselinia lucida, 236 Groundwork, 2S3. 518 Gymnothrix latifolia, 105 Gynerium jubatum, 150 H. Haberlea rhodopensis, 199 IlabrjLhamnus elegans,397; variegated, 612 Hsemanthus albo-macnlatus, 560 Hailstone, a remarkable, 160 Hall Place, Tonbridge, 4'j4 Hampstead Heath, the White Betony on, 328 Harvest decorations, a few words on, 461 Hawthorn, infant, in fiower, 308, 263 Heather in Nova Scotia, 10 Heath, Irish, in Hants, 341 Heaths, Cape, at Clapton, 273 Hedges, deciduous, 135 ; evergreen, 185 ; Rose, 232 Hedychium Gardnerianum out-of- doors, 343, 398 Helianthus argophylius, 280 ; multi- flirus fl.-pl , 283 Helichrysum orientale, 508 Heliotropes for bedding, 33 Hellebores, the, 283 Helleborus niser, culture of, 256 ; niger maximus, <4>, 463; augustifolius, 584 Hemlock at Hitchia, 410; distinguish- ing. 83 Hemlock leaves, ns'.s of, 63 ; Spruce, a weeping, 363 Henbane at Banbury, 6 ; at Hitchin, 411 Herbaria, access to public, 367 Herbs, culture of, 114; uses of, 233 Hibiscus esculentus, 507 ; Lamberti, 519 ; prpccox, 112 Hill gardens, 40 Hitchin, medicinal plants at, 409 Hobart Town, Botanic Garden at, 421 Holloway, Oncidiums at, 247 Holly and other fruit-bearing trees, 592 Holly berries and birds, 533 Hollyhock, new Japanese, 10 Hollyhocks, culture of, 90; notes on 13 Honey, Narbonne, 187 ; poisonous, 273 Hop Hornbeam, 373 Horseradish, culture of, 18 Horticultural Exhibition at Oporto, 52 "Horticulture," 142 10 THE GARDEN INDEX. [SUPPLEMBNT TO THB GA.BDEN, DBC. 29, 1877, Horticulture, educating power of, 690 Horticulture, Barber-ous, 199 ; house- hold, 430 Hothouses, birds' nests in, 53 Houses, cold, and their uses, 564 Huntingdon Nurseries, the, -406 Huou Pine, the, 175 ; at Longleat, 404 Hyacinth glasses, improved, 574 Hyacinths at Christmas, 490 ; culture of, 253 ; Roman, 533 Hyacinthufl candicans, hardicess of. 446 Hyde Park, 271 ; Grass In, 296 ; new house in, 344; plantiDg in, 199 ; the dell in, 175 Hydnoras, 357 Hydrangea arborescens, 193; japonica. 162 ; paniculata, 363 ; paniculata grandiflora, 33; radiata, 193; Thomas Hogg, 75 Hydrophobia, plant cures for, 436 Hypericum hircinum, 176 ; nepalense, 377 ; oblongifoliam, 377 ; Olympicum' 445 ; patulum, 377 ; ditto at Comely Bank, 293 Hypericums, 417 ; varieties of, 290 I. Iberis coronaria pumila, 204 ; Sander'r=, new Dwarf, 204 Ice-plant, the, 281 Idesia polycarpa, 55, 532 Ilex verticillata, 562 Immortelles, 603 Impatiens Jerdonite, 560 India-rubber trees, new, 333 Indian Corn, tinned, 251 Indian Seas, in the, 317 Indian Yersailles, an, 249 Insect Borers, 568 Insect destroyer, new, 411 Insects and flower fertilisation, 23 ; destruction of, 373 lone paleacea, 416 Ipomjea Horsfalliee, 433 Ireland, fruit crop in, 2, 5; new and rare shrubs in, 560; New Zealand Flax in, 30 Iris alata, 463; 532 ; florentina, 210 Ktempferl, 116 ; ditto alba grandis- sima, 23 ; ditto Mrs. Barr, 28 ; ditto Robert Parker, 28; pumila, 247; ru- thenica, 247 Irises from seed, 172j in glasses, 344 Ismene calathina, 493 Italy, fruit in. 305 Itea virginica, 193 Ivy embroidery, 347 Ivy for narrow beds, 10 ; on high win- dows, 430 ; on ruins, 338 ; rocky caves covered with, 33 Ixora Colei, 30; formoaa, 191 Jaoaranda filicifolia, 490 Japanese Garden, 435 Japanese note-paper, 85 Japanese vases, flora of, 384 Jasmine, in perfumery, 309 ; large- flowered, in autumn, 330 Jasminum grandiflorum, 441 ; ditto, as standards, 438 ; officinale in per- fumery, 309; Sambac, 377, 443, 439, 536 Judas tree, the Japan, 283 June, vegetation in, 70 Juniperus Sabina, 464 K. Kalosanthes, 285 ; coccinea, 393 Kensington, Fuchsia gracilis at, 175 Kensington gardens, improvements in, 367; trees in, 405 Kent, Cherries in, 333; fruit culture in, 333 ; fruit garden in, 101 ; fruit grow- ing in, 252, 357 ; Potato crops in, 315 ; small fruits in, 66 ; the Apple in, 274 ; he Filbert in, 303 ; the Pear in, 303 Kentia Canterbury an a, 201 ; Veitchi, 201 Kerosene and paraffin, 195 FC'srria japonica, the single. 89 " Kettner's Book of the Table," 379 Kew Gardens, 209, 247 ; early opening of, 195 Kew, Araucarla imbricata at, 125 ; Cle- matises at, 256; "common" plants for, 29: flowerjfgardening at, 126; heated Palm-house at, 246 ; locked gates at, 344. 416 ; notes from, 77, 128, 176, 298. 339,1415, 451, 473, 436,612; plants at, 534, 559 ; rock- gardening at, 105 ; tropical Arums at, 207 ; plants at, 531 Kew Report, extracts from, 143 Khiva, a new Melon from, 216 Killarney, Eucalyptus globulns at, 228 Kitchen gardening made easy, 629, 543, 579, 602, 627 Kniphofia Macowani, 112, 247 Koalreuteria japonica, 292, 316 Labels, new, 58; wooden, 412 Laburnum seeds, a poison, 273 Lachenalia rubida, 316 Lfclia carminata, 583 lady's-slippers, hardy, 65 ; Snowy lip- ped, 65 Lamp, caterpillar, 536 Lancaster, gift of a park to, 367 Land, effect of sea-water on, G9 Lapageria, a new, 634 ; rosea, finely- bloomed, 421 ; white, 463; in cold pit, 537 Lapagerias at Chelsea, 271 ; finely- flowered, 560; propagating, 376 Larix Kcempferi, 497 Larkspurs, select, 415 Lasiandra macrantha floribuuda, f34 Lathyrus latifolius magnificus, 75 Laurus Sassafras, 206 Lavender at Hltchin, 409 Lavenders, the, 199 Lawns, renovating and imprjving the turf on, 509; treatment of, 115, 349, 430 Leaves and trees, 55, 104 Leaves, coloured, 555 Lemons in Greece, 102; peculiar varie- ties of, 422 Lentils, 80 Lettuce, the best winter, 530 ; to stand winter, 135 Lettuces, culture of, 34, 33, 114, 162 ; wintering, 336 Liatris pycnostachya, 369 Libertia grandiflora, 346 LiBBAET, The (see Reviews) Ligustrina amurensis, 623 Lilac, the Himalayan, 419; Alphonse Karr's, 592 Lily of the Valley forced early, 540 ; ex- posing, 604 ; for market, 620 Lily, new White Martagon, 81 Lily bulbs, growth of, 543; reproduc- tion of, 505, 557 Lilies, culture of, 239, 265, 433 ; hardy, 176 ; pigmy, 1 ; planting Water, 446 ; imported, 534 Lilium auratum at Chelsea, 247 ; ditto, branched, 28 ; croceum Chaixi, 28; candidum, blooms of, 146 ; ditto, evergreen, 375, 398 ; elegans Mawi, 23; neilgherrense, 247 ; superbum in Ohio, '84 ; LThomsonianum, 136 : Wallacei, 208 LimnocharisHumboldti, 255 ; outdoors, 223 Linaria repens; 366 Linarias, British, 345 Liriodendron tulipiferum, 481 Liverpool, Colorado beetle at, 150 Lobelia Ebor, 78 ; fulgens, winter treatment of, 234 ; Lustrous Improved (Henderson's), 316; speciosa and its varieties, 9 ; The Bride, 78 Lobelias, blue, 118 ; for bedding, 38 ' tall, 491 Lodoicsa Seychellarum as a medicine, 236 Lomariaprocera in Cornwall. 103 Lomatias, culture of, 134 London, environs of, 591 Longleat, sale of timber at, 152 Lucalia gratiasima, 223, 443, 5i2, 687 ; in America 535 Lycaste, notes on, 524 Ljchnis",Haageana, 346 Lychnises, 492 Lycopods on tree stumps, 519 Lyda clypeata, 509 Lysimachia Nummularia aurea, 282 . punctata, 34'3 Lythrum a'atum, 417 M. Macleaya cordata, 203 Magnolia Campbell! in Ireland, 436 ; HaUeaua, 32 ; hypoleuci,373; Lenn^, 82; new late-flowering, 373; Thurberi, 82 Mahogany, large piece of, 342 Maize, parthenogenesis in, 380 Mallow, White Musk, 297 Malva moschata alba, 297 Mandevilla suaveolens out-of-dojrs, 446 ; variegated, 412 Mangoes in Covent Garden, 274 Manure, farm-yard, substitate for, 436; liquid, in Vineries, 150 ; proper appli- cation of, 494 Maple, Silver, 123 ; Wier'a Out-leaved, 32 Maples, ornamental-leaved, 269 Marigold, Marsh, 237 Market garden notes, 44') "Mirriage Bells," floral, 432 Masdevallia chimcera, 30 ; Harryana sanguinea, 30; melanopis at Kew, 534 Mitt-, 552, 693 Maurandya Barclayana in Ireland, 492 Maxillarias, notes on, 524 May Duke, origin of name, 172 Meadow, a Welsh, 307 Mcconopsis nepalensis in winter, 533; Wallichiana, 105 Medicago arborea, 472 "Medicinal Plants," 108 Meehan, Mr., on trees in England, 205 Melaleuca rigida, 421 Melianthus major in Ireland, 463 Melocactus communis, 443 Melon, a new, from Khiva, 216 ; East- nor Castle, 142 ; Exquisite, 459 ; Queen Anne's, 126 Melon wine, 568 Melons at Barnet, 190 ; late. 161 ; liquid manure for, 107 ; miniature, 229 ; Spanish, 199; water, 151 ; early, 601 Menziesise polyfolia alba, 603 Mesembryanthemum cordifolium varie- gatum, 172 Mesembryanthemums, annual, 281 Meteorological observatories, 592 Michigan, forest trees Id, 160 Microcachrys tetragona, 486 Mignonette, insects attacking, 196 ; the year round, 329 Mildew, salt no remedy for, 220 Millabiflora, 199, 292, 296 Millets, the, uses of, 68 Mimulus cardinalis, 346; m^Bchatus Harrisoni, 78 Mint, Black, 294 j White, 294 Mints, scent -yielding, 250 Miocene period, vegetation of, 276 Mirrors in gardens, 436 Mistletoe on Apple trees, 601 ; propaga- ting, 61 L Mitraria coccinea, 262 Moccasin-flower in England, 85 Moltke, Count, on the treatment of water, 146 Momordica Charantia, 161, 173 Monarda didyma, 346 Moneywort, Golden, 283 Morina longifolia, 492 Moss, Iridescent, 203 ; Iiish, 424; Spanish, 449 Munro's, Mr., fruit garden at Barnet, 197 Masa Ensete in Berkshire, 177 Slaseums, provincial, 79 Mushroom beds, making, 483 ; open-air, 107 Mushroom cave at Montrouge, 477; in Paris, 19 Mushroom ketchup, 327 Mnsbroom spawn, beeping, 22} Mushrooms and saltpetre, 163; culture of, 214, 378; ditto, without manure, 506; in a fruit-room, 530; in coal-pits, 351; various, 321 Musk, Harrison's, propagating, 439 Myosotis, Imperatrice Elizabeth, 175 Myosotises, notes on, 171 ; in pots, 106 Myrica arguta, 348 N. NiBgelias at Kew, 451 Narbonne honey, 187 Narcissi, culture of, 256 Narcissus Bulbocodium and its varie- ties, 345; white Hoop-petticoat. 412» 445, 610, 547 ; Clusii, 583 Nasturtium, the Flame, 271, 609 National Rose Society's Show, 26 Nectarines at Barnet, 197 ; show of, 267 ; transplanting, 336 ; Victoria and other good, 567, 608 Neillias, the, 19) Neja gracilis, 440 Nelumbium aspericaule, 356 Nepenthes at Chelsea, 274 ; Courtii, 338 ; hybrida maculata elongata, 333 ; rubra maculata, 338 New England, public gardens in, 2 " New London Flora," 170 New York, Strawberries in, 2 New Zealand, wild flowers of, 286 Norway, vegetation in, 280 Note paper, Japanese, 8o Notes, market garden, 135; seasonable, 74, 107, 135, 163, 463, 490, 523 Nottingham, Boses at, 79 Nova Scotia, Heather in, 10 Nurseries, acreige under, 431 Nut, the Atlas. 320 Nymphffia odorata, 442 Oak tree, an ancient, 190 Oak under water, duration of, 349 Obituary, 23, 411 Ochra, the, 507 Ocymum sanctum, 253 Odontoglossum Andersonianum, 524; cirrhosum, 510 ; miniatura, 75 ; vexil- larium, 30, 126 ; Alexandra?, 582 ; Crispum, 532 ; Roezli, 582 ; Uro- Skinneri, 532 Odontoglossums, sweet-scented, 510 CEnothera grandiflora, 244 ; montana, 303 ; riparia, 346 ; various, 588 Ohio, Lilium superbum in, 84 Omphalodes Luciliee, 547; hardiness of, 558 Oncidium crispum, 440; macranthum, 30 ; prgetexum, 194 ; Rogersi, 510 ; ditto, finely-flowered, 416; tigrinum, 416 Oncidiums atHoUoway, 247; notes on, 524 Onions, autumn-sown, 124, 127 ; culture of, 114, 240, 233 ; Giant Yellow Zillan, 364 ; winter, 409 ; ditto, sowing, 135 Onion juice V. stings, 391 Oporto, Horticultural Exhibition at, 63 Opuntia Raffinesquiana, 151 Orange, otto of, 447 Oranges from Brazil, 367; in Devon- shire, 533 ; in Greece, 102 ; peculiar varieties of, 421 Orchard, a valuable, 215 BtrrPLHMENT TO IHE GAEDlW, D-EC. 29. 1877.] THJll GARDEN INDEX. 11 Orchards, aereage under, 431 ; green crop for, 200 ; Peach, cultivated, 200 ; screen for, 287 ; sheltering, 245 Orchard-house, a cool, 183 Orchard-houses, fruits ripening in, Itii orchid, the Dove, 201, 22-1 ; white- flowered, 410 ; winter-blooming, 4 :6 Orchids at Clapton, 272 ; at Drumlanrig, 416 ; at Holloway, 392 ; effective ar- rangement of, 633 ; finely-flowered, 126 ; for general culture, 671 : in flower, 416 ; ditto, at Chelsea, 433 ; in winter, 560; seasonable notes on, 449, 488, 490, 623 ; in winter, 685, 620 Orchid-houses, pretty effect in, 416 Orchis foliosa. 1, 156 Orris-root, the, 210 Ostrya vulgaris, 372 Othonna crassifolia, 233, 187 Overdoing, 691 Oxalis lobata, 418 Preonia Browni, 379 Palm, a graceful, 392 ; hardy, in Cjrn- wall, 333 Palm-house at Kew, heating, 216 Palms and Oalauthes, 433 j in winter, 660 Pampas Grass, 533 Pancratium calathinum, 238 Pandanus sylvestris, 161 Panicum miliaceum, 60 ; plicatum, 517 ; ditto, self-sown, 421 ; variegatum, 63 ; ditto, as a pyramid, 553 Pansies, 388 ; bedding, 416 ; culture of, 154; in Scotland, 531; notes on, 67; for exhibition, 610 Pansy Show, Paisley, 124 Paradise Stock, flower and fruit of the, 613 Paraffin and Kerosene, 195 Paraffin oil and seeds, 35 ; Peach trees killed by, 20 Paraguay tea, 552, 593 Parasite, a pretty, 553 Paris, a Mushroom cave in, 19 Paris Exhibition, 344 Park at Westminster, new, 151 ; for Lancaster, 367 ; gateways, 452 ; gift of a, by the Queen, 510 j scenery, rooks in, 129 Parks, London, 269 ; provincial, 79 ; pnblic, cost of some, 244 Parlatore, Prof,, death of, 391 ; the late, 340 Parsley, amongst Broccoli, 391 ; culture of, 3o, 114; thinning, 240 ; wintering, 409 Parsnips rotting at the crown, 436 Parthenogenesis in Maize, 360 Passiflora edulia as a dessert fruit, 7-" ; princeps, 176 Pasque-flower, the, 83 Patchouly, 495 Paul's (Wm.) nursery, 105 Pavements, street, 148 ; wood, 355 Pavia califomioa, 204, 226 Pea, CulverweU's Telegraph, 507 ; Hun- dredfold, 284; Richard Gilbert, 391 ; season, the late, 431 ; Veitoh's Perfec- tion, 172 ; Victoria Marrow, 160 ; Wil- liam the First, 361 Peace, 10 Peach Alexander, 339 ; Early OrauEord, 271 : Early Victoria, 47; flat, of China, 387 ; ripening, variations in, 64 ; stones, splitting of, 62, 75 ; trees killed by parafBn, 20; wall at Versailles" 263 Peaches at Barnet, 197; bad, 367; cul- ture of, 12, 90, 239 J dried, 109 ; early, 268; from France, 30 ; new early, in 1877, 175; ripening of, 287; show of, 267 ; transplanting, 336 Pear, Beurr^ de I'Assomption, 233; Doyennd dn Comice, 203; Emile de Heyst a good November, 561; Jo- sephine de Malines, 429 ; Knight's Monarch, 304; Monseigneur des Hons, 276 ; the, in Kent, 303 ; the Washing- ton, 287 Pears, autumn, 333; best bearing, 36 >, 433; culture of, 90; eirly, 107, 183; from France, 51 ; gathering, 265' 350 ; November and Dgceraber, 513 ; Octo- ber and November, 423, 453 ; on Pear stocks, 631 ; September and 0 itob ;r, 331; spots on, 537 ; storing, 233. 457 Pear tree, ornatnenbal -leave 1, 416 ; rooted on both sides of wall, 316 Pear trees, training, 517 Pear walls of the future, 429 Pea, Sweet, Violet Q i3en, 563 Peas, early, 6 ; ditt ), under glass, 631 ; from June to De;emb3r, 579; green tops of, for soups, 331; in November, 433 ; in pots, early, 36 ; late, cul- ture of, 186 ; ditto, in pots, 163 ; notes on, 135, 340; under glass, 643 ; Sweet, in Covent Garden, 30 Pelargonium incplnatam, 658 ; Lafay- ette, 191; L'Ble^ante, 413 ; Littre, 191; New Life, 313; Pioaae-, 433; Queen Victoria, 178; RolU^soa's Unique, 491 ; Spotted Gem, 113 ; tricolor, 91 ; White Vesuvius, 555 Pelargoniums at Ohiswick, 133. 333; at Swanley, lO'i ; bedding, 285; double Ivy-leaved, 151; for winter decoration, 463, 430 ; imp-oved, 410 ; in winter, 310; large-tlDwered, 66, 113, 239; notes on, 13; select Z^nal, 406 ; standard, 420 ; tricolor, 33; Vesuvius, sports of, 463 ; wintering, 674, 580 ; winter-flowering, 604 PellKi Ornithopus var. Braohyptrum, 204 Penrose, effect of winter on shrubs at, in 1860-61, 41 Pensbemon Iffitus, 199 ; sacandiflorus, 174 Pentstemons in autumn, 314 Perennials and biennials, 38 Perfumery, Cassie in, 303 ; Jasmine in, 309 ; Tuberose in, 309 ; Violet in, 310 Peristeria elata, 163, 201, 234 Persimmon, Japanese, 411 Petit Trianon, English garden side of the, 513 Pctreea volubilis, 40 Petunias, green, 13 1 ; notes on, 67 ; seed- ling, at S,7denham, lU ; strip 3d, at Baling, 103 Phaias Dodgsoni, 194 Phalienopsids at Chelsea, 510 Phalsenopsis amabilis, 572 Phellodendron amurense, 130, 510 Philesia buxitolia, 50, 103, 491, 613 Phlox Beauty oE Edinburgh, .81; Drummondi, notes on, 39, 137 Phlox Drummondi grandiflora, 462 ; the species of, 298 Phloxes, autumn-flowering, 1st ; her- baceous, 181; select, 415; Bummer, flowering, 181 ; tall, 7 Phormium tenax variegatum, 134 Photinia serrulata, large, 56 Polyanthus nivosus, 510 Phylloxera and its changes, 183 ; and sandy soils 334, best remedy for, 103 ; in Devonshire, 384 ; and plaster of Paris, 604 Physalis Alkekengi, 440 ; peruviana, 623 " Physical Geography," 360 Physostegia imbricata, 215 Picea peotinatia Massoni, 43 , religiosa, coning of, 6 Picotees, notes on, 114, 138 ; propagat- ing, 79; yellow, 616 Pieris japonica, 424 Pilocereus fossulatus, 133 ; senilis, 30 Pilumna fragrans, 416, 573 Pine-apple Nursery Fete, 76 Pine-apple Place, Begonias at, 103 Pine-apples, eating, 102 ; imported, 463; keeping after ripe, 383 ; West Indian, 126; white scale on, 80 Pine lands, the, in Gergia, 18 Pines the Corsican, sowing, 683 ; the stone, 273 ; the Swiss, 265 Pine seeds, germination of, 238 Pine tree oil, 152 Pines, culture of, 115 ; show of, 267 ; the Screw, 184 Pink, the old White, 78 Pinks, 491 ; Chinese or Japanese, 520 ; culture of, 90 ; in Shakespeare, 236 ; mule, 313; notes on, 114; old and new, 418 ; propagating, 79 ; treatment of, 349 Pinus Boursieri,483 ; Cembra, 263, 273 ; 373 ; contorta, 318 ; 'omorika, 14 ; pyrenaica, 319 ; tamrac, 341 Pistaciae and their uses, 355 Pistacia tribe, the, 393 Pitbury, the Australian, 46 Pitcher-plants;at Chelsea, 271 Pitmaston Pear, 416 Pits, cold, 'covering for, 580, 601 Pittospornm Tobira, 80 Plane, the Oriental, 223 Plans, garden, 51 Planters, hints for, 337 Planting Cabbage?, 315; Celery in trenches, from seed-bed, 74; in H.yde Park, 199 ; railway, 311 ; hardy bulbs, 227 Planting out Broccoli, 74 Plant-boxes, aijastiole, 182 Plant-cases, heated, 69; Wardian, 221 Plant houses, 214 Plant-lore of Shakespeare, 16, 43, 53, 85, 109, 137. 163, 179, 211, 233 ; notes on the, 289 Plant, a winter-flowering for the dinner table, 154 ; the Compass, 511 Plants, airing, 41 ; Alpine, at home, 177, 215; ascent of water in, 268 ; bedding, 503 ; ditto, culture of, 162 ; ditto, spring sown, 196 ; bulbous, potting of, 312 ; Chinese drawings of, 103; colour in, 320; damping, 41 ; decorative at Clapton, 510 ; distri- bution of, 330 ; effects of blue light on, 134; fed or injured, 439; fine- leaved, 133 ; for covering bare places under trees, 319 ; for Wardian cases, 268 ; geographical distiibution of, 476, 601, 636, 593, 612, 637, 662; greenhouse, 266 ; hard - wooded greenhoa;e, 265 ; ditto, housing, 294; hardy at Kdinburgh, 316, 417; ditto for narrow beds, 10 ; her- baceous culture of, 161 ; ditto divid- ing, 349 ; hybridization of, 621 ; in flower at York, 533 ; in Paddington Canal, 268 ; in Shakespeare, notes on, 337 ; stands, 431 ; longivity of varieties of, 209; medicinal, 409; ditto, Ban- bury, 4 ; miscellaneous, 28, 75, 76, 148, 194, 243, 268 ; mystical, 218 ; new, 263 ; new mode of propagating. 224 ; out-door in Edinburgh, 2C0 ; packing in damp material, 493 ; preparations for wintering, 674; propagation of by roots, 389 ; protecting half-hardy, 501 ; rock, hardy, 270 ; scent-yielding, 173,210,230, 308, 417, 491; shading, 41; stove. 266; sweet-scented, 441 ; tied into bundles, 56 ; timely repot- ting of, 153 ; unseasonably in bloom, 418, 670; Wardian, cases for, 244 ; water, a raft for, 68 ; wearied, 61 ; winter-flowering, 310 ; ditto useful, 139 ; wintering, 607 ; yellow-flowered, 272 ; in bloom, 583 ; migration of, 682 ; naming, 690 ; wild, of New England, 687 ; in poor soil, 615; fine- leaved, hardy, 626 " Plants of Eastern Europe," 243 Platanus orientalis, 226 Pleiones, or Indian Crocuses, 468 Plough, Skye, 553 Plumbago capensis, 66 Plum, the Czar, 668 ; the Victoria, 699 Plums in Kent, 333 Plum trees at Versailles, 304 P'ldocarpus macrophjlla, 655 Poinsettia pulcherrima, finely flowered, 660, 683 ; dwarf, 688 Poinsettias, bottom heat for, 416 double, 617 Poisoning by honey, 272 ; by Laburnum seeds, 273 Polianthes tnberosa in perfumery, 309 " Pollen," 204 Pollen, old, 219 Polyanthus, Gold-leaved, 297; Hose-in Hose, 443 P0I5 gonum Brunonis, 417; sachalinense, 692 Polypodium Scouleri,|204 Polystichum munitum, 204 Pomegranate in America, 255 ; in Shakespeare, 15 Pomegranates, fruit of, 410 Pomewater in Shakespeare, 10 Pomological aociety of America, 344 Pond weeds, 198 Popering in Shakespeare. 16 Poppies, Alpine, 318 Poppy in Shakespeare, 16 ; white, 5 Poppywort, the Pky blue, 103 Popular British Fangi, 201 Posts, preserving, 433 Potash and Vines, 47, 64 Potato, Alpha, a good earl,y, 74 ; Hamp- shire Hero, 235; in Shakespeare, 16 ; of the future, the, 315 ; Schoolmaster, 311 ; Sweet, flowering of the, 21 Potato Beetle defeated, 1 ; in Iowa, 337 Potato crop, the, of 1876. 233; in Ire- land, 231; wreck of, 199 Potato crops in Kent. 315 Potato-digging machine, 316 Potato disease, 74; and Salus, 85, 214, 368 ; outbreak of, 2 ; remedies for, 363 Potato exhibition, 333 Potato-sprouts for seed, 6 Potato stores, 575 Potatoes, 236; Archdeacon Denison on, 223; a». Bingley Hall, 556; culture of, 186 ; disease in, 124 ; disease-proof, 368, 391, 414, 458, 413 ; from 1 lb. of seed, 333 ; grafting, 522 ; greening for seed, 196 ; in Germany, 320 ; in Wor- cestershire, 506 ; lifting early, 281 ; on newly broken up land, 351; seed, over- ripe, 238; ;sub3titato for, 453; t'to crops of, in market gardens, 127 ; the two best, 433; forcing, 601; new, 688 Pots, worms in, 191 Potting, soil for, 262 Primrose in Shakespeare, 17; Moun- tain Evening, 303 Primroses, 232 ; coloured, 496 ; hardy, wet on, 233 ; evening, 683 Primula capitata,416, 459; Princess, 333; Mrs. Barron, 338 ; White Lady, 338 ; Primulas, 463 ; Chinese, winter, 310 ; crossing, 533 ; culture of, 113, 239 ; 575; double, 265; Gilbert's new double, 411, 463 ; two good Chinese, 634, 685 ■ Pritchardia grandis, 439 Propagating Centaureas, 165, 201 ; ever- green trees and shrubs, 273; plants, new mode of, 231 ; Wallflowers, 293 ; by leaves, 181 ; by roots, 339 Protection, does It protect, 383 ; winter, 569, 681 Prunes in Shakespeare, 18 Pruning fruit trees, summer, 29 Prcmus, the Carolina, 236 Pteris Layi, 438 ; Dixoni, 671 Puefballs, giant, 210 Pumpkin seeds, 213 Pumpion in Shakespeare, 42 Pyrethrum aureum laciniatum, 416 Prethrum, best, notes on, 227 ; double, 647 ; notes on, 13 ; select, 416 Pyrus arbntif olia, 367 ; Maulei, fruit 344 Q. Quince in Shakespeare, 42 12 THE GARDEN INDEX. LSUPPLBMENT TO THE GABDIJT, DEC. 29. 1877. Badish in Shakespeare, 42 Kadishea, 74 ; for autumn and winter, 24!.) ; preparation of ground for, 453 Radish-pods, cooked, 183 Raft, a, for water plants, 15, 68, 84 Railway planting, 311 Rain tree, the, 240 Raisin in Shakespeare, 43 R,Hnuuciilu3 aconitifolius fl. pi., 492 Ranunculuses, the, 129 ; Enslish names, for, 198 ; notes on, 114 Raspberriep, culture of, 91 ; in Kent, 353 ; on a new plan, 217 Rating gardens, 219 Rata and climbers, 353 Reading, annual* at, 56 Redwood, the, 295 i as underwood, 434; in England, 437 ; tree, large, 340 Reeds in Shakespeare, 43 Regent's Park, bedding plants in, 320; floral decorations at, 32; water in, 175 Ro-potiing, timely, 153 Reservoirs Bill, the, 167 Restaurants, vegetarian, 320 Retinospora ericoidcs a misnomer, 553; 588, janiperoides, 404 Reviews— t A Book about Rosea : How to Grow and Show them, 290 A New London Flora: or Handbook to the Botanical Localities of the Metropolitan Districts, 170 Annates du Jardin Botanique de Buitenzorg, 532 Brief, 533 Cottage Gardening, 103 Diagnoses de CucurbitaceesNouvelles, 243 Dictionary for the Pocket, 337 Elements of Agricultural Chemistry and Geology, 404 Enumeration Mcthodiqnc des Plantes NouvcUes ou Interressantes qui ont cto Signaleos en 1876 par Andre de Vos, 460 Familiar Wild Flowers, 1C8 Ferns, Brifish and Foreign, 103 Ferns of the British Isles, 577 - Flora of Mauritius and the Seychelles, 170 Flowering Plants and Ferns of Servia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, Mon- tenegro, and Albania, 2J3 Food : Some Account of its Sources, Constituents, and Uses, 460 Fossil Plants and their Testimony in Reference to the Doctrine of Evolu- tion, 203 Bandbook to the Environs of London (3 vols.). 360 HorLiculturo, 142 Kettner's Book of the Table : a Manual of Cookery— Practical, Theorctrical, Historical, 379 Kitchen and Market Gardening, 577 Leaves from my Sketch Book, 532 Medicinal Plants, 103 Physical Geography, 360 Pollen, 204 Popular British Fungi, 204 Researc'icis on the Fossil Remains of the Extinct Mammals of Australia, with a Notice of the Extinct Mar- supials of Eng'and, 360 The Different Forms of Flowers or Plants of the Same Species, 241 The Fern World, 203 The Royal Parks and Gardens of London, 242 Thompson's Gardeners' Assistant, 676 Van Houtte's Flore des Serres et ct Jardins de TEurope, 532 \Veather Warners for Watchers, 460 Rbexia v'rginica, 175 Rhodanthes, notes on, 13 Rhododendron califomicum, 206 ; Countess of Derby, 28 ; Princess Royal, 296 Rhodondendrons, Liliputian, 77, 236 ; Novelty, 693 nhubarb at Banbury, 4; in Shakes- 43; late gathering of, 135; Monarch, 453 ; forcing, 627 Ribes aureum, 271 Rice in Shakespeare, 43 Richardia gethiopica, 283 ; maculata, 640 Richmond Park, 23 Ricinus Gibsoni, 399 River sides, protecting, 279 Rivers, Thomas, death of, 411 Hivina humilis, 52) Robinia dubia, 5^2 ; umbraculifcra, 405 Rockets, Double, 256 Rock-garden and sculpture, 432 Rock plants, hardy, 270 Rockwork. 345; in Fdinburgh, 560 Rocks, high, in park scenery, 129 RoUisson's, Messrs., Indian Azaleas at, 221 Roman ploughs, ancient, 631 Romneya Coulteri, 228, 247, 393 ; hardy in Dublin, 223 Root Fungi, 459 Root-pruning fruit trees, 312 Root show, Messrs. Sutton's, 530 Roots, air, on Vines, 276, 316; prooa- gation by, 389 Ro.^a viridiflora, 34 Rose, a green, 34; a November, 534; Baroness Rothschild, 673 ; Beauty of Glazenwood, 30 ; Bengal verte, 34; Bessie Johnson, climbing, 30 ; Burgh- ley Yellow, 65 ; Cheshunt Hybrid, 543 ; climbing on Grass, 487 ; Crim- son Cliina, 4H2 ; cultivation of the, 369; devcniensis, climbing, 8; Gloire de Dijon, 333, 542 ; Marchioness of Exeter, 23 ; Marochal Niel, 512 ; Mar- quis of Salisbury, 146 ; May Quennell, 23; Niphetos, 78; Rove d'Or, 256; Single China, 570 ; the, as a scent- yielding plant, 173; York and Lan- caster, 56 " Rose Annual,'* 44t Rose farms of Roumelia, 173, 175 Rose hedges. 282 Rosemary in Shakespeare, 85 Rose Show, Alexander Park, 27 ; West of England, 52 Rose Soeiety, National, 367 Rose Society's Show, National, 26 Rose tree, an ancient, 393 Rose trees, umbrella-shaped, 573 Roses, a few greenhouse, 573; a garden of, 105 ; among the, 220 ; and Clema- tises mixed, 399 ; and Tritomas, 247; at Nottingham, 79; best time for manuring, 33, 73 ; Christmas, 256, 658 ; climbing, 340 ; culture of, 9J ; cut, 76 ; from cuttings, 75 ; green, 53; in November, 610; in pots, 233; in Shakespeare, 53 ; late-bloomtng, 437; ditto, in pots, 441 ; Marechal Niel, forcing, 487 ; Moss, in Covent Garden, 30 ; new, 471 ; notes ou, 38, 39 ; old, 31 ; on their own roots, 1, 34, 414 ; planting and pruning, 512; selections of, 290; Tea, 512 ; the best forty-eight, 471 ; their propagation and culture, 5i0 Roumania, wild flowers in, 56, 79 Roumelia, Rose farms of, 173, 175 Royal Botanical Society, 56 Royal Caledonian Horticultural Society, 293 Royal Horticultural Society, 28, 75, 143, 194, 243, 333, 459, 555 Royal Nurseries, Slough, 469 '" Royal Parks and Gardens of London," 243 Rubus laciniatus, fruit of, 255 Rudbeckia bicolor, 176, 223 ; Newmanni, 417 Rue in Shakespeare, 86 ; Meadow, Yellow, 84 Rush in Shakespeare, 86 Rye in Shakespeare, 109 Saffron Crocus, 375 Saffron in Shakespeare, 109 Salading, culture of, 240, 283 ; Dande- lion, 522, 579,6)2 Salislaurifolia, 3L Saltpetre and Mushrooms, 163 Salus ard the potato disease, 80, 241, 3:8 Salvia Bruaisti, 41G, 462 Salvias in winter, 310 Samphire in Shakespeare, 111 Sandersonia aurantiacs, 3:'9 Santa rosa, Almond planting a*, 20 Sap, flow of the, 147, 193 Sarracenia Chelsoni, 459 Satyriums at Tottenham, 19D Sarory in Shakespeare, 111 Sawfly, a destructive, 509 Saxifraua Burseriana, 256 Scabiosa caucasica, 346 Scarecrow, Chinese, 286 Schistostega peimata, 203 Scillasibirica alba, 418 Scion on stock, influence of, 150 Scotland, Desfontainea spinoea in, 30 ; New Z3aland Flax tiowering ]'d, 151 ; the Edelweiss in, 178; the Golden, Chestnut in, 223 Scottish Horticultural Association, 52, 170, 658 Scraper Mat, metal, 405 Sculpture and rock gardans, 432 Scutellaria Mociniana, 2 Seasons, teachings of the, 327 Sea-water, effect of, on land, 69 Sedge in Shakeapeare, ill Sedum Sieboldi in vases, 367 Seed, changing, 523 ; killed, a country- man on, 580 ; Potato eprout.3 for, 6 ; Potatoes from 1 lb. of, 223 Seed-saving v. vegetable-growing, 167 Seeds and paraffin oil, 35 ; injurious to animals, 128 ; sma'I, raising, 397 ; travelling, 316 ; adulterated, 603; long- buried, 609 Seghers, Daniel, 33 Sempervivum tabula^forme, 393 Senna in Shakespeare, 113 September, frosts ii,323; SLrawberries in. 316 Service tree, fruits of the, 393 ; in France, 301 Sequoia sempervLrens 295; as under wood.431; in England, 437 ; large, 340 Shaddocks, large, 532 Shakespeare, garden-craft of, 331 (see Plant-lore) Shows, three days', 363 Shropshire, trees in, 85 Shrubberies, treatment of, 185, 239, 483 Shrubs at Penrose, 1860-61, 4 1 ; autumn- flowering, 363 ; deciduous, pruning, 373 ; evergreen, propagating, 273 ; flowering, hardy, 70 ; for forcing, 575 ; Japanese, at home, 171 ; new and rare in Ireland, 660 Siberian Squill, white, 413 Sicily, a remarkable hailstone in, 16) Silene Elizabeths, 393 Silphium laciniatum, 290 Singapore and its vegetation, 317 Slugs, precautions against, 4?4 Smilases, hardy, 437 Snapdragons, treatment of, 313 Soil, deep, 208 ; potting, 262 ; ditto, storing, 536 Solanums, berry-bearing, 265, 433 ; cul- ture of, 1 13 Somerset, Conifers at, 152 Sonerila Hendersoni, 416 Sonerilas as winter flowers, 490 Sophronitis grandiflora in winter, 488 SorbuB domestica, fruits of, 392 Sorrel tree, the, 175 Sowing Lettuces for winter, 74 Speargrass in Shakespeare, 112 Spinach, culture of, 233 ; winter, sow- ing, 135 Spira3a Aruncus, 1 ; C93spit0Ea, 203 ; Filipendula fl.-pl., 65 ; Thunbergi, 374 ; tomentosa, 374 Spiraeas, the, 137, 319 Springhead, Watercresses at, 292 Spruce, blue, 194 ; Hemlock, a weeping, 283, 437 Spruce, the Colorado, 71 Squash in Shakespeare, 113 Squill, white, 430; white, Siberian, 383 Stains on pavements, 243 Stanhopeas, notes on, 624 Srapelias, 52; a few, 524; at Kew, 123, 298 S'ephanotis as a basket plant, 519; floribunda, 443; in small pots, 467 Sternbergia lutea, 416 Stings.. Onion-juice cure for, 391 Stoba3a purpurea, 56 Stock, Mauve Beauty, 209 Stock seed, home-saved, 412 Stocks, East Lothian, 4G4 St;-,ver in Shakespeare, 113 Stove plants, sweet-scented, 411 Stone walls, ornamenting. 153 Stoves, Barnard's Slow-combustion, 550; kerosene, 486 St. John's-worts, the shrubby, 23J St. Panl's Cathedral Garden, 303, 510 St. Peter's Sperm, SO Strawberry Duke of Edinburgh, 151 ; Indian, naturalised in Cornwall, 66 J ; the, in Shakespeare, 137 Strawberry ground, treatment of, 350 Strawberry tree, a, 611 Strawberries at Barnet, 198 ; autumn- fruiting, 335, 364, 467 ; clearing run- ners, 267 ; culture of, 12, 66; in Kent, 359; in New York, 2; in pots, 255; in September, 316; potting of, 162 j remarks on, 170 ; varieties of, 20 Strelitzias at Kew, 534 Streptocarpus Greeni delicatus, 194 Strychnia, Coffee as an antidote to, 3.7 Stuartia virginicn, 78 Study of the Cucumber family, 243 Summers, sunless, 0J3 Sunflower, the Silvery, 280 Swanley, new Pelargoniums at, 103 Sweet Bays, OU Sweet Majorum in Shakespeare, 133 Sweet Pea Violet Queen, 560 Sweet Peas, 80 ; for market, 103; in spring, 201 Sweet Potato, flowering of the, 21 Sweet Williams. 126 Sycamore timber, 374 Sydenham, seedling Petunias at, 151 Sycamore in Shakespeare, 133 Symphytum officinale var., 63; orien tale, 109 Syringa Emodi, 419 Syringe Emodi, 419 Taberna^montana camassa, 63 Table decorations, 271 Table plant, a winter- flowering, 15 Tamarinds : a caution, 372 Tar dangerous to trees, 287 Taste, modern, a paper on, 365 Taxodium distichum, 405 Tea, flowers for perfuming, 40; Para- guay, 552 Tecoma radicans sanguinea prsecos, 327 Tellimas, 346 Temperature, influence of, on the ger- mination of Pine seeds, 226 Testacella haliotoidea, 35 Thalia dealbata not hardy, 10 Thalictrnm flavum, 84 " The Fern World," 203 Thistle, the, in Shakespeare, 133 ; the Milk, 9 SBPPLEITENT TO THB G^BDSH, DBC. 29. 1677.3 THE GARDEN INDEX. 13 Thorns in Shakespeare, 139 Thrifts, the Prickly, 6G Thuja gigantea, fruiting of, 343 Thunbergia laurifolia, 420 Thyme in Shakespeare, 166 Tillandsia usneoides, 449 Timber, European, 481; best time for felling, 434; sale of, atLonRleat, 162 ; Sycamore, 374 Time coming, a good, 139 Toad-flaxes, British, 345 Toadstools in Shakespeare, 169 Todea barbata, 416 Todeas, shading, 398 Tomato, Hathaway's Esoelsior, 234 ; Stamfordian, 128 Tomato disease, 320, 356, 388 ; in Pratice, 3 4 Tomato farms, 38 Tomato salad, a, 74 Tomatoes and coal as':ies, 506 ; at Burghley, 14-, 391; diseased, 390; for profit, 78 ; notes on, 107 ; varieties of, 643 Tomicas chaliographus, 568 Tonqoin Bean, the, 232 Too soon, 163 Torenia Fournieri, 154, 191, 194, 413, 467. 616 Toumefortia heliotropioides, 78 Tour St. Jacques, plan of garden around, 236 Town gardens, soil in, 146 TosicopMsea spectabilis, 14 Transplanting, difficult, 349 ; fruit trees, 336, 337; summer, 6 Trapa natans, 200, 339 Tree, a new, 510; new India-rubber, 388 Tree altitudes, 663 Tree Carnation A. Alegatiere, 555 ; Osman Pasha, 338 Tree felling by electricity, 437 Tree planting at Woolwich, 660 Tree studio, a, 367 Trees and electricity, 167 Trees and leaves, 55, 104 Trees, aquatic, 273 ; clothing bare places under, 319 ; commemoration, 437 ; electric conductivity of, 388; ever- green, propagating, 273 ; excrescences on, 49 ; flowering, hardy, 70 ; gas tar dangerous to, 287 ; gas tar not inj u- rious to, 364 ; in Cornwall. 273 ; in England, Mr. Meehan on, 205 ; in graveyards, 438 ; in Kensington Gar- dens, 405 ; in Marylebone, 655 ; in Shropshire, 85 ; in towns, 131 ; in tubs, 297 ; Ivy on hollow, 388 ; Japanese, at home, 171 ; memorial, 205; moving, 662; nursery, staufiard size of, 210 ; on mounds, 433 ; planting, 479 ; Sia- mese twin, 32, 83 ; suitable for screens, 479 ; the, of Judeea, 206 ; in Washing- ton. 683 Triteleia uniflora in pots, 74 Tritoma grandis, 449 ; in Ireland, 684 ; Macowani, 112, 247, 329; Uvaria, 163 Tritomas and Roses. 247 Tritonia aurea in November, 413 TroUius europteus, 287, 493 Tropa?Dlura Ball of Pire, 574 ; as a stan- dard, 489 ; Bedfont Rival, 113; Per- fection, 555 ; polyphyllum, 513 ; speciosum, 271, 513 ; aitto, in Scot- land, 491 ; ditto, in Warwickshire, 558; tuberosum, 399, 463 Tropteolums for winter, 487; notes on. 91 Tropics, a friend in the, 330 Trumpet Creeper, 337 Tuberose in perfumery, 309 ; Pearl, 3it Tuileries garden, the, 2 Tulips at Christmas, 490 ; collection of show, 493 ; culture of, 266 ; notes on, 39 Tulip trees, large, 481, 486, 531 Turf, renovating, 509 Turk's-cap Cactus, 443 Turnips at Chiswick, 123 ; culture of, 33, 283; in Shakespeare, 166 ; laSe. thin- ning, 185 ; preserving, in winter, 50t ; sowing, in dry weather, 13 ; price of, 601 U. Ungnadia speciosa, 273 Upas tree, 407 Valleys, frost in, 39 Vallisneria spiralis, 537 Van Mons, 389 Vanda ccerulea, 440 Variegation in plants, curious fact about, 151 Vases in autumn, 33) ; flora of Chinese and Japanese, 334; and gardening, S81 Vegetable crops, 126 Vegetable- growing v. seed-savino:, 167 Vegetables and water, 556 Vegetables at Chiswick, 219 ; at Singa- pore, 317 ; French, and fruits, 60 ; new, 80 ; old, 80 ; select, 503 ; show of, 267, 263, 314 ; tried at Chiswick, 123 Vegetarian Restaurants, 320 Vegetarian Society, meetinpf of, 435 Vegetarians in Germany, 212 Vegetation and man, 80 Vegetation in Jane, 70 ; in Norway, 233 ; minute, 313 ; of the Miocene period, 276; of the United Kingdom, 593 Veitch Memorial Fund, 440, 556 Veltheimia viridifolia, 399 Venice and its gardens, 464 Verbena Grass, 495 Verbenas at Chiswick, 124 ; for bedding, 38; in pots, 466 Vernon, Mount, 21 Veronica Andersoni, 488 ; Dabneyi, 112 Veronicas, culture of, 113, 265 ; in No- vember, 610 Versailles, a Peach wall at. 253 ; an Indian. 249 ; Plum trees at, 304 Vetches in Shakespeare, 167 Viburnum plicatum, 231 Vine, a town, 412 ; culture of the, 513; in London, 327 ; large, at Viceregal Lodge, Dublin, 343; ditto, at Finchley, 126, 157 Vine borders, construction of, 514 ; covering early, 2 ; experiments in making, 563; top-dressing, 476 Vine disease, new, 45 i Vine diseases, 423 Vine-grafting, experiments in, 229 Vine leaves, coloured, 436 Vine mildew, 333 Vine roots, fungus on, 230 Vine stem, an old, 305 Vineries, late, 239 ; management of, 50, 335 ; manure-water in, 103, 142, 150; site for, 513 Vineyards, the French, 143 Vines, air-roots, 276, 316, 339; and potash, 47, 61, 547; bleeding, 305,593 ; culture of, 115 ; disbudding and thin- ning, 516; diseases of, 517; dressing for, 450 ; from Gethsemane, 265 ; in pots, 450,500; in Shakespeare, 179; on back walls, 533, 567 ; planting, 514 ; pot, 517 ; pruning, 450 ; scalding, 433 ; spot in, 423 ; warts on leaves of, 423 Vintage in the Pyrenees, 429 Viola Munbyana, 510; Vestal, 169 Violas, 442; at Chiswick, 123 ; bedding, 446 ; ditto, in autumn, 462 ; by post, 333, 430; culture of, 15i; in Shake- speare, 211 ; notes on, 13, 91, 114 ; the best. 463 Violet in perfumery, 310 ; new doub'e white, 536 Violet banks, 363 Violet leaves, diaeased, 293 Virginian Creeper at home, 74 ; pro- pagating, 436 Vittadinia triloba, 346 Vriesia brachystachya, 416 w. Walks, to keep clean, 578; treatmcn'^ of, 480 Wallflowers, 492 ; propagating, 293 Walls, covering, 304 ; flowers on, 417 ; fruit tree, 63; stove, ornamenting, 150 Walnut in Shakespeare, 213 Walnut trees, large, 32, 152 Waltham Cross, Roses at, 105 Warden in Shakespeare, 212 Wardian cases, plants for, 244, 2G8 Wasps' nests, to destroy, 265 Water, the degradation of, 113; treat- ment of, 146 ; underground, 380 Watering, 74 Watercresses at Springhead. 292 Water Lilies, planting, 418 Water plants, a raft for, 58, 8t Water weeds, 244 Water-weed, American, 341 " Weather Warnings for Watchers," 460 Wedding decorations, 483 Weeds, when to destroy, 23 Wellingtonia, weeping, 562 Welsh meadow, a, 307 Wheat iu Shakespeare, 233 ; Mummy, 361 Wigtownshire, wild flovrers on the sea- coast or, 33 Wild flowers, exhibition of, 234 ; garden of, 363 Willow in Shakespeare,- 334 Wilson Raft, the, 15 Wimbledon Common, gravel from, 173 Windflowers, autumn, 295, 311 Wine, unfermenteJ, 255 Winter, Begonias in, 411 ; Calla Ecthiopica in, 311 ; Carnations, tree, in, 310; Chrj'santhemums in, 311; Cinerarias in, 311 ; Cyclamens in, 311 ; Epiphyllums in, 311; Pelargoniums in, 310; Primulas, Chinese, in, 310; Salvias in. 310 Winter-sweet, the, 14 Wire netting, 80 Wishaw. new public park for, 531 Wistaria japonica in fruit, 344 Wistaria-covered cottage, a, 256 Wistarias, Japanese, 291 Women as gardeners, 293 Wood ashes, 196 Woodbine in Shakespeare, 235 Woods, acreage under, 434 ; gravity of, 206 Worm destroyer, a new, 271, 318 Worms iupots, 191; precautions against, 481 Wormwood in Shakespeare, 235 Wright's boiler, 21 Y. Yam, Chinese, 413 Tew, the, in Shakespeare, 235 ; adpres- sa, 622 Yew, poisoning by, 388, 689 Yews and their uses. 620 Yponomeuta cognatella, 439 Yucca Treculeana, 323; hardiness of, 3)3, 369, 446 Yuccas, culture of, 134 Zephyranthes, the, 88; as border flowers, 104 Zermatt, flora of, 135 ; plants from, 177 Zinnias, 268; Sardinian, 68 Zygopetalum Sedeni, 136 14 THE GARDEN INDEX. [SUPPL'^MFTVT TO THE GABDEH", DBC8MBK0 29. 1877, ILX^USTRATIONS COLOURED PLATES. ANDROMEDA JAPOXICA ... BEGONIA FRffiBELI CATTLEYA DOWIANA CHINESE PINKS OHOISYi TERNATA CLEMATIS INDIVISA LOBA.TA D\HLIA IMPERLILIS EDWARDSIA GRANDIFLORA E3CHSCH0LTZIA "MANDARIN"" EUCRTPHIA PINNATIFOLIA EDBTCLES AUSTRALASICA FIG, NEGRO LARGO GLADIOLUS SAUNDERSII... GRAPE, PEARSON'S GOLDEN QUEEN HYPERICUM PATULUM PA OR ■124 370 418 520 232 400 352 160 5G8 5U 472 304 CI GOO 280 LILIUM TUO.MPSnxtANUM PEAR, DOYENNE DU COMFCB .. PETR.EA V0LUBILI3 PHLOX, BEAUTY 0? EDINJURGU PRIMROSES, HARDY RUODODENDROX NOVELTY SAXIFRAGA BURSERIANA SWEET PEA, VIOLET QUEEN ... TORENIA FOURNIERt TOXICOPHL^EA SPECTABILI3 ... TRITOMA (KNIPHOFIA) MACOWANI YUCCA TRECULEANA ZEPHYBANTHES ROSEA ZEPHY'BANTHES TUBISPATHA ... 130 208 40 184 490 5b2 230 568 . 610 14 113 328 88 88 15 THE GARDEN INDEX. [BrPPLEMBKT TO THE QABSSIT, DBC. 29, 1877. WOODCUTS Acacia Pamesiana Acacia leaf Adonis autumnalis ^sculus californica (3 illustra- tions) 201, Agave americana ,, Celsiana ,, densiflora „ Scolymus Agava yucCEefolia Amorpliophallus Eivieri Amygdala? nana Andromeda japonica Andropogon citratnm „ Nardus Anemone apennina ,, nemorosa ,, Pnisatilla ,, " Robinaon'ana " Antiaris toxicaria Aponogeton distachyon Aquilegia vulgaris Arum, a tropical ,, Dragon's Aristolochia fimbriata ,, tricaudata Asclepias tuberosa (2 illustrations) 153, Aspidistra, fruit of ,, immature fruit of „ lurida variegata „ section of fruit ,, seed of AudleyBnd Avenue of Old Lombardy Poplars Azalea, deciduous Bain Mari^ formaceratiou Bamboo, Himalayan Bamboos, square-stemmed Baneberry Batatas paniculata Beds, " cocked up " Begonia Froebeli Black Mint, sprig of Botanic Garden at Port of Spain ... Brittany, Pastoral Scene in Brugmansia planted out Burghley cultivator, t lie ... Cacti, Mexican Calycanthua occidentalis Caltba Guerangeri fl.-pl „ palustris , Camellia anemoneflora Campanula macrostyla Canon Kingsley's garden Caper-plant, the, in flower Capsicum in open border Carnations in leaden cups Cas crom, or ancient crooked spade Cassia marylandica Caauarina, branch of Catalpa syringffifolia Caterpillar lamp Cattleya TriansB Caves covered witb Ivy Cerenfl candicans Chamserops excelsa in Cornwall ... Chateau de St. Suzanne Chicory— root and flowering top ... Chirita sinensis Ciflsus porphyrophylla Citrus, large Citrus Bergamia City avenue gardens Clematis setbusBBfoHa „ coerulea odorata „ erecta fl.-pl. „ Viticella venosa Clematises on trees in May Cloches CoBSus ligniperda Cotton plant... Cryptomeria elegans CupresBua Lawsoniana Cutting-pot, section of a Oyananthua incanus Cyclanthera pedata 308 613 131 205 397 213 396 397 683 374 273 424 495 495 83 S3 83 r,is 407 613 288 207 539 329 330 167 257 257 257 267 257 57 5B1 593 308 693 208 362 211 347 376 251 511 333 14 231 615 433 287 287 533 2 9 493 181 194 228 663 399 233 505 536 418 33 467 352 40 632 619 441 423 447 81 402 403 401 400 620 643 601 614 373 225 41 669 617 Cypress, deciduous 623 Cypress, a columnar 621 Cypripedium occidentale ... ... 65 ,, epestabile 85 Dacrydium Franklini ICg Degradation of water, the 113 Dianthus 639 Dirccca refulgens anomala 377 Doryanthes excelsa 635 Dove-plant, the 153 Echinocactus Cummingi 672 ,, hex^drophorus ... 573 ,, longihamatus ... 573 ,, multiflorus 572 ,, myriostigma ... 673 ,, obvallatus 573 ,, Visnaga 501 Ecuelle, the 447 Epimedium 363 Branthis hyemalis 288 Enrycles anstralasica 472 Foliage, a study of 685 Flower-de-luce 639 Flower Market and Square in Paris 408 Flowers, hardy, of the week, in London gardens— in all, 120 Illustrationa— 22, 23, 41, 15, 72, 73, 93, 93, 115, 116, 117, 140, 111, 168, 169, 192, 19) Frame for inflowcring grease ... 308 Frame for inflowering oil 338 Fruit terms (38 illuatrations) 158-159 ,, tree, formation of (5 illus- trationa) ... 382-3 Fruit trees, grafting 391-6 „ 426-8 „ pruning 473 4 ,, tools for pruning ... 474-6 ,, Wall at Versailles ... 393 Fungi edible (21 lUustratiouB) 331-327 Garden in a City 609 Garden in a sunburnt land ... 528 ,, not spoiled by beds ... 369 ,, rocky streamlet 651 ,, streamlet, a 249 Gardener's house 33J Gardens, farmers' (6 Illustrations) 351 Gateway, Park 611 Geranium, scent-yielding 491 Glasses, framed, pile of 308 Gomphrena globosa 419 ,, Hoveyana 419 Grape sport 231 Grape, Pearson's Golden Queen ... 600 Grass isolated in lurf 418 Groups of FruitB (De Heen) 108-109 Grub of the Codling Moth ... 463 Gunuera scabra... ... ... 6l3 Hailstone in Sicily 160 Hall Place, Tonbridge, plan of ... 485 Haihaway's Excelsior Tomato ... 381 Hawthorn, infant 266 Helichrysum orientale 508 Helleborus fcetidus 288 Hibiscus esculentus 507 Hydnora ,357 Hypericum olympicum 446 Idesiapolycarpa, flowering branch of 633 Ice-plant, the 281 Immortelle 508 Iris tiorentina 210 Ivy-clad rocks in park 129 Ivy clad tree-trunk 589 Ivy on high windows 480 ,, on raUings 462 Japanese vases 381 Jasmine, the Spanish 309 Jasminus officinale 593 Jerusalem Artichoke 185 Kalmia latif olia 696 Kentia Teitchi 201 Kerria japonica 89 Lake scenein Switzerland 261 Lamp for destroying caterpillar nests 536 Larch, Krompfer's Larkspur, annual Ladders, Garden Leonotis leonurus Lemon, clustered Lilium giganteum, base of flower- ing stem of Ligustrina amurenais Limnocharie Humboldt i Lydaclypeata 497 362 606 613 423 oli 623 235 509 Macleaya cordata 303, 663 Maize, parthenogenensis 360 Meconopsis Wallichiana 105 Melocactus communis 413 Melon-growing in pots 229 Milk Thistle, the 9 Mikaria coccinea 262 Momordica Charantia 161 Monkshood 363 Monstera deliciosa 307 Mud edging, a ... 271 Musa Ensete in Berks 177 Mushroom cave in Paris 19 ,, sectional view in ... 477 Mushrooms, select (21 illus.) 321-327 Myrica arguta 349 Narcissus Clusii 315 Neuilly, plan of, garden at ... 61 Oohra pod 607 Orange 613 Orange tree scale 621 Orange, Horned 433 Orangerie in the Petit Trianon ... 676 Orchid, terrestrial 639 Ostrya vulgaris 372 Palms at Port of Spain 511 ,, naturalised in Southern Europe 637 Pandanus sylvestris (3 illustra- tions) 164, 165 Panicum miliorum OS „ plicatum 617 Paradise Stock, flower of the true 514 ,, fruit of the true 515 Paris Daisy, the 265 Parthenogena is in Maize 360 Patchouley , 495 Bassifiora Cierulea 614 Peace 11 Peach wall at Versailles 353 Pears, Ananas de Courtiai 183 ,, Doyenne Boussoch 183 ,, Mouseigneur des Hous ... 376 ,, William's Bon Chretien ... 183 ,, tree rooted on two sides of the wall 316 ,, early (3 illustrations) ... 107 ;, September and October (8 illustrations) ... 331, 335 „ October (8 illustrations) 428, 429 ,, October, November (6 illus- trations) 153 ,, November and December 648, 549 Pelargonium, Rollisson's Unique 491 Peristeria elata 163 Petit Trianon, English garden side of the 613 Phloxes (12 illustrations) ... 298,303 Phyllocactus Anguliger 620 Picea pectinata Massoni 48 Fieris japonica 424 Piloereas fossulatus, flower of ... 133 „ ,, fruit of ... 132 Pines on Calif omian Sierras ... 597 Pinus Boursereriana 483 ,, Cembra, cone'of 263 „ contorta 348 „ pyrenaica 319 Pinus excelsa 593 Pistachio-nut-tree, branch of ... 356 Plant boxes, adjustible (4 Illustra- tions) ... 183 Plant-cases, heated (5 illustra- tions) 68, 60, 61 Platinus orientalis 541 Plough, drawing of an ancient Greek 531 Plough drawing of an ancient Roman 631 „ Skye 663 Plum tree at Versailles 301 Podocarpus macrophylla 656 Polygonum sachalinense 693 Pogostem on Patchouli 495 Polygonum cuspidatum 663 Port Said, Batatas paniculata at 261 Primrose, long-styled 311 ,, short-styled 311 Pritchardia grandis 189 Propagating plants, &c. (2 Illus- trations) 79 Pseudo-larx Ktempferi 497 Puffball, a gigantic 210 Pyrethrum roseum 337 Ranunculus aoris fl.-pl 130 ,. bulbosus fl.-pl. ... 130 „ fioribundus 130 ., repens fl.-pl 130 Redwood, cones and fruit of ... 295 Retinospora juniperoides 404 Rocky Brook 7 Rose, climbing, on Grass 487 Roaa centifolia 173 „ damascena 173 ,, polyantha 663 Saffron bulbs, fungus on 375 Saxifraga Basseriana 256 Saxifraga, a Himalayan 593 Scarecrow, a Chinese 288 Sculpture and rock-gardens ... 432 Bedum spectabile 663 Seghars, group of flowers, by 36, 37 Betaria italica ,. 69 Sequoia gigantea 695 Sicily, a remarkable hailstorm in 166 Spirtea Fortunei paniculata ... 189 Squill, large 639 Stapelia grandiflora 625 ,, glauca 634 „ Thuyti 525 ,, tubata 625 ,, variegata 525 Still for distilling perfume 493 Stuartia virginica 593 Sunflower, the Silvery 280 SyringaEmodi 419 Taxus adpressa 622 Tea, Paraguay 663 Tastacella haliatoidea 35 Thalictrum flavum 84 Thunbergia laurifolia 420 Tomicus chaliographus 669 Tonquin Bean and section 232 Torenia Fournieri 616 Tour St. Jacques garden, plan of ... 237 Trees in tubs... 297 .. on mounds 483 TroUins europasus 388 Tropteolum tuberosum ... , 399 Upas tree 407 VanMons 380 Vase, Chinese gourd 591 ValUsneria spiralis 587 Vegetation by Suez Canal 285^ „ in Siberia, 665 ,, minute 312 ,, of Miocene age, ... 377 Veltheimia viridiflora 399 Verbena Grass 495 Vine in pot at Berkhamstead ... 343 ,, stem, an old 305 Walls, flowers on 417 Wardian Plant case, a 221 Water Margins 449 White Mint, sprig of 261 Wilson Raft, the 15 Wistaria on Mr. Turner's house at Slough 469 Yam 613 Tponomeuta cognatella 439 Tucca Treculeana 321 16 THE GARDEN INDEX. ' [s^pp^mbst ™ thb g.bd,^. JA.MES nyicNA-B. James McNab, the present Curator of tlie Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh, was born at Richmond, in Surrey, in April, 1810, and was taken to Scotland when five weeks old. For twelve consecutive years before 1834, he served as an apprentice, journeyman, and foreman in the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens with his late father. Besides the general routine of garden work, his early life was much devoted to the preparing of plans of gardens, greenhouses, heating apparatus by steam and hot-water, as well as to the drawing of many of the plants which flowered in the Edinburgh Gardens and Nurseries from the year 1829 and onwards. These were figured in the "Botanical Magazine," Sweet's "British Elower Garden," and other works. The year ISo-i was spent in travelling in the United States and Canada, and the records of the more interesting plants obtained in this journey are to be found in a series of papers published in the " Edinburgh Philosophical Journal " for 1835, and in the earlier numbers of the " Transactions of the Edinburgh Botanical Society." In 1835 he was appointed Curator of the Caledonian Horticultural Society's Experimental Garden at Inverleith, where, besides the management of the garden, he had much practice in land- scape gardening. This situation he held till 1849, when, on the death of his father in December, 184-8, he was appointed Curator of the Royal Botanic Garden. At that time the garden contained only fourteen imperial acres. During 1859 two additional acres were added to its western side, and these were laid out and planted by Mr. McNaj!. During 18(34, by the annexation of the old experimental garden ground which belonged to the Crown, ten additional acres were added to the Botanic Garden, and re-arranged by the Curator for Conifers and other evergreen trees and shrubs. On the additional ground a rock garden was commenced in the autumn of 1860, in order to utilize the stones of the wall which originally separated the botanic from the experimental garden. This rock garden contains 5442 stone compartments or spaces for the cultivation of Alpine and dwarf herbaceous plants. To this rock garden additions have been made every year since its commencement. At first, all the plant compartments had more or less a northern exposure, but now many portions of the southern Grass slopes have been devoted to the culture of bulbous and other plants that require their roots to be thoroughly ripened for flowering, and the result has been in every way satisfactory. During the present year, twenty-six additional acres have been acquired by the City of Edinburgh, in order to be laid out as a general arboretum. This ground lies immediately to the west of the present garden, and is well adapted for arboretum purposes, being beautifully situated and commanding one of the finest views of Edinburgh from the north, besides affording great protection to the present garden. In addition to the extensive practise of gardening, Mr. McNab has often been a contributor to horticultural literature, as his writings, not only in The Gaeden, but also in the transactions of the Botanical Societies of Edinburgh and elsewhere, amply show. He did not, however, confine himself to strictly botanical and horticultural matters ; on the contrary, his writings embrace numerous essays on Vegetable Climatology, landscape gardening, and arboriculture, all of which, if gathered together, would form many volumes. He is a corresponding member of several societies, both at home and abroad ; also one of the orig-inal members of the Edinburgh Botanical Society, established February 8, 1836, to the transactions of which he has been a frequent contributor ever since their commencement. Among the various features of the Edinburgh Botanic Garden which we owe to Mr. McNab's skill is the Palm-house, which is most satisfactory from the point of view of design, and still more so from' the admir- able cultivation and arrangement shown in it by the Curator. If size only is not to guide our judgment, we must pronounce this the best-managed tropical house (both from the point of view of design, arrangement, and culture) of any in the botanic gardens of the United Kingdom. Not less satisfactory are the collections of hardy herbaceous plants, Alpine flowers, shrubs, and trees in the garden. Mr. McNab is among the faithful few who never deserted the beautiful hardy flora of our gardens for the famous red and yellow streaks that sometimes disfigure even our great botanic gardens. The Edinburgh Botanic Garden was always a garden, even during the most dismal period of the absence of variety in gardens. Therefore, when the tide began to turn back to pure gardening, Mr. McNab found his reward in richly-stored collections of the finest hardy plants. His knowledge of these in such a national garden is most precious. It comprises the culture and habits of the plants, in addition to a mere acquaintance with their names and relation- ships. To enter, however, into the various departments of the garden which owe their riches in great part to long years of unwearied attention on the part of the Curator, is beyond the scope of the present note. It has been part of our plan to publish a portrait of a horticulturist who has done worthy work for our art with each volume. For this one we could think of none more worthy than James McNab. W. R. /o//. ^. '^^^^^^-t ' Jdit 7, 1377. THIE O-JLI^IDEIN". VOL. 511. PiGMT LiliES. — It is not only the tall and stately Lilies which recent years have added to our gardens that give new and valuable materials to the flower gardener — the dwarf races are no leas precious. We do not mean by this diminutive Lilies like L. tenui. folium, fine as these are, but the much dwarfer forms of Lilium Thunbergianutn, particularly the variety alentaceum. The remark, able value of these arises from the fact that the flowers are as large as the stoutest of the Orange Lilies, and the stems as dwarf as those of Cowslips. There are sheets of those now in Ware's nursery with large and glowing blossoms below the level of some of the dwarf Hairbells near. It is needless to add that these dwarf Lilies are very precious to all who wish to make artistic use of hardy flowers on the rock garden, or in borders or beds. A Splendid Eschscholtzia. — From a gardening point of view' sometimes a new form may be a greater gain than many new species- Anew variety of this old plant now in possession of Messrs. Carter, of Holborn, really deserves the above hackneyed epithet. The flowers, instead of being of the usual colour, are of a most brilliant orange, crimson outside, and deep orange within. The buds are partienlarly brilliant, but- in all stages the colour is wonderfully showy and lustrous. The Botanic Evening Eete. — This was very successful on Wed- nesday, and the gardens looked as beautiful as usual. The various garnishings for tables, &o., were graceful, though perhaps a little too much after one style, and that a painfully tedious one to carry out ; we hope few will be led by these displays to worry themselves with elaborate compositions in floral decoration. The best of all are those which anybody can make in a few minutes with a handful of flowers or a few sprays. A list of prizes will be found in our outer sheet. Eosss ON Their Own EooTS.^The Rev. Canon Hole spoke as follows on this subject at a meeting of Kosarians which took place in St. James' Hall on Wednesday evening last ; — The result of my expe. rience is this, that the seedling Brier is the best stock for Roses, but I have a presentiment that ultimately the Rosarian will discard, not altogether but mainly, stocks of all kinds, and will grow Rosea on their own roots. Mountain Floweks in Armenia. — In the wild and cruel work now going on in Armenia, there is little time to think of botanical subjects ; but we occasionally get from correspondents a reminder of the natural wealth of flowers of the land. A writer to the " Times," speaking of the Khargar Bazaar Range, says : — There was still snow remaining on the Herman Dooz. The parts where it had recently melted were covered with wild flowers of every hue and kind. A delicate Bluebell, such as I have never before seen, drooped gracefully at the very edge of the snow, while within a few yards a more homely-looking Bell and a delicately.tinted pink Anemone were to be seen. A large and very handsome Orchid, with Tulips of every colour, was found on the lower slopes of the moun- tain, and Sweet Brier, Mint, Thyme, Fennel, and wild Rhubarb were in great profusion. Cherries prom France. — Last week an immense quantity of fruit was brought into Newhaven harbour. In two days only no less than 190 tons of Cherries were unloaded at the wharf and despatched at once to London. SPIR.EA Akuncus and ITS FoRMS. — Mr. Amos Perry calls our atten. tion to the variability of this plant as regards stature, time and character of flowering. Some of the forma where the flowers are white and abundantly produced in beautiful plumes are so valuable that they ought to find a place in even the smallest collection of hardy plants. They are well fitted for planting in an isolated manner on the turf near beds of shrubs. Orchis toliosa. — This lovely early summer-flowering plant, though perfectly hardy, is exceedingly useful in pots for greenhouse or conservatory decoration. In Mr. B. S. Williams's nursery at HoUoway, plants of it are grown in 9-in. and 10-in. pots, and when bearing from twenty to thirty strong spikea of rosy.purple blossoms, as one now finds them, they are very effective, especially when associated with either cool Orchidaceous or conservatory decorative plants. Strawberries. — These have been gathered about London for the past fortnight. They promise to be plentiful in this year of scarcity as regards hardy fruits generally. Thefollowing method of keeping Straw- berries fresh is recommended in the " Bulletin de la Societe Pratique d' Horticulture du Rhone." The fruit should be gathered early in the morning soon after the dew is off, spread out in shallow layers on screens, sieves, or the bottoms of wicker.work baskets, and lightly covered with Vine leaves. These receptacles are then placed on vessels of fresh water in a cool cellar. Thus treated, the most delicate and perishable kinds of Strawberries will remain fresh for a con. siderable length of time, even in the hottest weather. The Potato Beetle Defeated. — Mr. E. S. Carman, writing to ua from River Edge, Bergen, New Jersey, states that, as regards the Potato beetle, Paris green is so effectual a remedy, and so easily applied , THE GARDEN. [July 7, 1877. that after one bscomea used to it the beetle ia no longer a source of dread. A paper hag been printed by the Lords of the Connoil, Whitehall, with a coloured engraving of the beetle life-size and mag- nified twice. The paper in question is the memorandum of the Canadian Minister of Agriculture seat last November, which the Lords of the Council think it desirable to reprint and circulate, as intimation has been received from Ontario, Canada, that the country around that town is swarming with beetles. London papers contain alarming statements concerning this beetle — " leaders" appearing on it in all directions. Much of this might, we think, be spared till the enemy shows some sign of threatening na. The beetle is well figured in The Garden (see Vol. X[., p. 460). Edraianthus dalmaticus. — This very beautiful Campanulaceons plant is now blooming freely in Mr. Ware's nursery at Tottenham. It seems robust enough to thrive in ordinary borders. The Wioax Park Committee have received twenty-one designs tor the laying out of the new park, the estimatedVost ranging from £2200 to £18,000. Six have been selected for further consideration. — " Architect." A Botanical Fete and Musical Proitenadb will be held in Messrs. E. G. Henderson & Sons' conservatory in the Pine-apple Nursery, Maida Vale, on Thursday evening, July 12, in aid of the Fund for the Enlargement and Improvement of St. Mark's Church, Hamilton Terrace, N.W. The conservatory will be illuminated with gaa and coloured lights, and embellished with works of art oontri- buted by various artists. The Tuilekies Garden.— The new Kue des Tnileriea, out through the late private garden of Napoleon III., in front of the charred ruins of the Palace, was opened for traffic on Friday week. The construe, tion of this street — an immense convenience to the Paris population — was voted by a great majority of the Municipal Council in 1875, on the motion of M. Yves Guyot. Scutellaria Mociniana. — This highly ornamental greenhouse plant, a coloured plate of which was given in The Garden (see p. 606, Vol. X.), is now finely in bloom at Kew, and for some time past small plants of it may have been seen in the Centre Avenue, Covent Garden. Considering its easy culture and attractive character when in bloom, it |is however surprising that it is not grown for market more extensively than it is. Cuttings of the yonng wood taken off in the autumn, and inserted under a bell-glasa, strike readily, and if grown on liberally in a warm pit close to the glass, early in the following summer they make dwarf handsome plants, which, when in flower, are unsurpassed as regards brilliancy of colour by any other plant at this season of the year. Public Gardens in New Enqlanb. — Boston's great scheme for the construction of an elaborate system of public gardens has been favourably reported upon by a majority of the Government Committee. The estimated cost of the proposed Charles River Embankment, the Back Bay Park, and the South Bay Park, is over £1,800,000. The committee urge that the work be begun at once, as land, labour, and materials are unusually cheap. Practical Entomology. — A pamphlet has recently been printed and distributed amongst farmera and gardeners, accompanied by ruled sheets, and illustrated, for the purpose of recording monthly observations on certain selected insects, for the most part remarkable for the injury they cause to our common crops. This distribution is somewhat of an experiment, but similar observations taken by the Meteorological Soaiety have not been without benefit, and we hope in this instance it will result in assisting to clear a somewhat vexed question, and help to relieve our agriculturists from one of the heaviest of their losses. Strawberries im New York.— The " New York Times" of Jane 1 says :—" The quantities of Strawberries sold in the markets of this city yesterday were the largest ever known. Upwards of 750,000 quarts were shipped to the markets, and all were disposed of. Thirty thousand quarts came from Charleston, while the steamer from Nor- folk brought the enormous quantity of 300,000 quarts ; 75,000 quarts of this shipment came from one grower. He has upwards of 200 acres in Strawberries, and gives employment to 1000 pickers. The freight bill for yesterday's shipment was over 1000 dels., and the profit from the sale of the fruit will be about 5,000 dols. About 300,000 quarts came from Delaware and Maryland, and a large quantity from New Jersey, and some small shipments were made from points along the Hudson. The prices realised on the fruit were from 5 cents to 12 cents per quart." Outbreak of the Potato Disease.— The Potato disease has broken out in this locality to a serious extent, the first affected being the Americin varieties. The following are notes made after inspect, ing some cottage gardens this morning: — American Early Bos e — spots in leaves noticed first week in June, haulm now nearly destroyed , one-fourth of tubers effected, and very small. American Natives^ leaves slightly spotted, a few of the tubers effected. Rector of Woodstock — leaves slightly spotted, no disease in tubers. Improved Ashleaved Kidney — leaves much spotted, tubers affected. Snowflake — leaves spotted, no disease in tubers. Early Red Emperor and Rector of Woodstock on same plot of ground, in rows parallel with these, but not at all affected. Bresee's Peerless — leaves spotted. Perkins' Pink Eye, Lapstone, Wilmott's Black, and Flounders grown in some garden, but not all affected. — Andrew Donaldson, Stood- lei'jli Court, Tiverton. Figs Trained and TIntrained, — Some are of opinion that Figs on open walls are more satisfactory left to grow wild than trained. The reason for this is obvious ; the training was not suited to the requirements of the subject dealt with. I have myself seen fruit in abundance in exceptionally fine seasons on trees uninterfered with, bat the crop was certainly not so regular, fine, or satisfactory as that on trees which were systematically trained so that the maximum of heat and light might reach the useful bearing wood, and the strength of the tree be directed towards its production, instead of being wasted on useless watery growth. My own impression is that no fruit tree better repays a little extra attention than the Fig. — James Groom. Henliam. Covering Early Vinery Borders. — Neither Mr. Baines nor myself are, 1 trust, actuated by the motives to which he alludes in this discussion, viz., a determination to carry the argument rightly or wrongly. 1 submit that I have fully stated my side of the ques. tion, and in the plainest English, to put it as shortly and concisely as possible, it is simply this, the root temperature necessary for the successful culture of the Vine cannot be sustained by the aid of non-conducting materials alone, where the roots are all outside, and where forcing is carried on throughout the winter and spring. This is the question involved and the point which Mr. Baines has hitherto evaded. I have never known good crops of early Grapes to be produced under such Jcircumstancea with any constancy or regularity — I might say, never — and Mr. Baines himself is not able to produce any such instance, for the case which he cites, near London, in which half the roots are'inside, and in which there does not appear to have been any particular object in apply, ing the non-conducting materials, cannot reasonably be offered as evidence in support of his case ; and besides Mr. Bainea keepa the whereabouts, &c., of the experiment a secret, while he does not hesitate to call it evidence sufficient to satisfy any unprejudiced person, and accuses me of not furnishing evidence on my side, where, as'jl have given him evidence of the most decided kind, the truth of which he may prove to his own satisfaction if he will try and a ther. mometer inserted in an outside early Vine border protected in the way he recommends will indicate a state of things wholly unnatural and most certainly injurious to Vines. This is the aspect which the question assumes in the mind of anyone who realises the force, as I said at the outset, of Mr. Baines' remarks at page 312. As I am not very anxious to have the last word, I here leave the subject. — J. Simpson. The Fruit Crop in Ireland. — From what has come under our own observation and been gathered from other sources, we ("Farmers' Gazette ") cannot help coming to the conclusion that the wail a? regards the year's fruit crop need not be quite so despairing as we have heard it ; on the contrary, we anticipate that when the wind, up of the season comes, the prophets of evil, who prematurely announced the " total wreck " of the crop, and that we would have " no fruit " this year, will have no great reason to be proud of their vaticinations. It is true that, with the exception of bush fruits, as Gooseberries, Raspberries, and Currants, and also Strawberries, all of which are up to and perhaps over the average, the crop of other out-door fruits will be considerably under it. But neither the Peach crop nor the Pear crop, the Apple, or the Apricot will be, as we were told they would be, blank. It is at all times rash to draw conclusions from particular instances. Situation, soil, shelter, habit of the tree, and other circumstances, modify greatly the results of the season as regards fruit. For instance, we have remarked that the early bloom, ing Pears, as the Jargonelle, pulled through this year rather safely, and are carrying fair crops ; so also have Pears on south walls, while later.flowering kinds are nowhere as regards a crop. Peaches will carry a crop quite heavy enough for the trees to ripen, taking into account how the foliage has suffered this year. Plums will, we apprehend, have the worst account to give of any, Pears coming next. Apples will by no means be so scarce as we were led to expect. Of some kinds and in some places the crop is even a heavy one. When we take in account that in ordinary Pears fruit thinning is not practised to one-half the extent it ought to be, we may expect that size and quality will, too, this year go far to make np tor quantity. July 7, 1877.] THE GARDEN. THE GAKDBNBRS' ROYAL BENEVOLENT INSTITUTION. The thirty.fonrth Anniversary Peatival of thig Institution was held on Wednesday eveninof last at the " Albion," Aldersgate Street, under the presidency of Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart., MP., and there were also present among; others Mr. W. E. Brymer, M.P., Serieant Oox, Lord Alfred Churchill, Major Sandys, Messrs. G. P. Wilson, A. Philbriok, J. S. Bockett, Robert Wrench, H. J. Veitoh, Edward J. Beale, George Deal, John Lee, Charles Lee, John Fraser, and B. S. Williams. The Chairman, after the usual loyal toasts had been given, pro. posed the toast of the evenings" The Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution, long may it prosper." He said that when four months ago it was proposed to hira that he should have the honour of taking the chair at the thirty. fourth Anniversary Festival, he confessed that it was not without very serious misgivings that he consented to do so. He had a sense of considerable fear that owing to the inefficient way he should lay before the company the claims of the Institution, that, owing to his inauffioient force in urging its great and just claims — the Institution might in some shape or other suffer. How. ever, they all knew that there was some excuse made for people if they had their hearts in the right place ; and he thought he might safely say that his was so as far as the Institution for which he was pleading was concerned. His early recollections were associated with gardening ; and he did not think that, from the time that ho was able to " toddle" about the room, that he had been long absent from the associations of gardeners and gardening ; it would therefore be strange it the man did not grow up as the child was trained. He might say that in hi? great love for gardening, and for all who belonged to it, he yielded to no one. In his opinion gardening and gardeners had almost as great a claim upon the public as upon those who were especially devoted to the pursuit. He did not believe that there existed in this country even one man or one woman who had not been much influenced and attracted and delighted by the produce of the garden. The real truth of the matter, so far as this conntry was concerned, was that England was a country of gardens. Recently he had been talking to Mr. Walters, M.P., of the "Times," and that gentleman said that it was almost impossible to describe the delight with which he came, after a long journey amid the endless plains in America, to the beautiful hills and cultivated conntry of Warwickshire. And there was a somewhat similar to feeling that with travellers when they came back from northern parts of France and passed through Kent, for it was impossible for them to draw comparisons not altogether favourable to the country they had left. He wished to urge that there was no purer, simpler, and healthier taste than the taste and delight which were experienced in gardening. One of the great features of this country were its gardens. He need not ask them to go far to prove how true that was, for those who lived a great deal of their time in London had only to walk into one of the parks of this great Metropolis to see what strides had been made in garden. ing, so far as certain parts of the Metropolis was concerned. He did not believe that more beautiful gardens of their sort existed than those which the nation had been wise enough to give them in Hyde Park, in Battersea Park, and other parks. Anyone who compared the condition of those parks now with what they were ten years ago, ranst see that we have among us a great love of flowers, and that leads ns to think of those who tended them and to whose skill and care we were indebted. Many of the gardens on the Continent were under the care of English and Scotch gardeners ; and we believe that it was a fact that no nation had so successfully devoted itself to the beautiful productions of Nature — the flowers, fruits, vegetables, and trees — as the English, the Scotch, and the Irish. It was very common in this country to hear complaints about the climate — and he was not going to deny that there were certain features about this climate which were not altogether what we should like them to be — but he had had a good deal of experience about climates, and he was certain that if they took the climate s of the countries around they would not find a climate nearly as good as that of England. They might pick two or three months in one country, and two or three in another, and out of such a combination they might make a better twelve months than they could get here, hut on the whole he pre. ferred the English twelve months. Whilst the gardeners complained that every now and then nature placed great obstacles in their way, it was all the more creditable that their skill was able to triumph over those obstacles. He need hardly remind them that the surface of this country was covered, in a great measure, with plants, fruits, and flowers, which were not strictly indigenous to the soil. They were exotic, and it was only by the care and the great skill of our gardeners that they had been naturalised in this country, by which means they had been adapted to the new condi. tions under which they had to live. Farther than that, as exhibiting the great skill shown by gardeners in this country, he referred to the beautiful hybrids which were continually being raised. When they came to consider what it was which made a successful gardener, he thought that they would allow that he must possess very consider, able natural powers, that he must have used those powers of obser. vation to advantage, that he must have been both careful and indus. trious, and that he mast have employed the early years of his life to the best advantage, and the outcome of such use of his powers was the grand results produced by such persons as those on whose behalf he ventured to ask for support. Prom a statement which he had had placed in his hands, it appeared that the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution had now been established for a considerable number of years, since 1838, and daring that time it had assisted 242 persons — 242 gardeners or their wives — at the cost of £21,700. It had now upon its funds 72 pensioners, and with regard to these he would ask them to look at the list, because it afforded a great deal of satisfac- tion to notice what a healthy man the gardener was, and that he attained to an advanced age, some of them having reached to ninety- and ninety.one. £16 per annum was allowed by the Charity to a male, and £12 per annum to a female pensiioner ; the amount of the funded property of the Institution was £11,000, invested in Three per Cent. Consols, and he had ventured to suggest to the secretary that the money might be so invested as to produce a larger amount, but the reply was that the Aot under which the Charity was regis- tered would not allow it to be done. The income of the Charity was mainly depending upon the donations received at the annual dinner, the annual subscriptions, the money received from advertisements, and the dividend on stock, but the first — the donations received at the annual dinner — was the most important. He therefore asked them to drink the toast with all gratitude to those persons with whom they had been connected, perhaps for many years, and to whom they owed many of their purest and most satisfactory pleasures. While asking them to drink the toast with all enthusiasm, he asked them to support it with the best and most kindly intentions. Mr. Robert Wrench (the treasurer) responded to the toast. He was glad to see Lord Alfred Churchill present ; it was an example which it was tobe hoped would be followed. There were many gardeners, but they would like to see their employers there. They hoped to have the Prince of Wales to take the chair some day, and when that happy occasion arrived, they might depend upon it it would result beneficially for the Charity. Mr. Philbrick, Q.C., proposed the health of^lia Chairman, and referred to his great love of flowers. The Chairman expressed his desire and willingness at any time and on all occasions to assist both the Institution and those who were engaged in gardening. He expressed his thanks on behalf of the company to those nurserymen who had contributed to the evening's entertainment by the trouble they had gone to in providing beautiful decorations of fruit and flowers and plants. Serjeant Cox, in proposing " The Horticultural and Botanical Societies of London," said that the toast could not be omitted, for they were honoured by the presence of a vice- president of one of those societies. Those two great societies centred in themselves in this country the science of horticulture, and they showed the import- ance of bringing together the horticultural knowledge of the country. It was only by so doing that it could have made the progress which it had done of late years. Thes must all regret that one of those societies was now under a cloud, but he trusted that it would be merely temporary, and that when the cloud had passed away, the society would have before it a long lite, and would be able to render even greater services to horticulture than it had done. He could not say much of the Royal Horticultural Society, because they could not conceal from themselves that its object was rather to induce a love of flowers than to give a knowledge of horticulture. Nevertheless, the Society performed a very important work by keeping before the public by its gardens the fact that horticulture was a science. But what would those societies be but for the work of the gardeners on whose behalf they were assembled on that occasion ? They could do little but tor those men whose power, mind, and muscle were devoted to performing the work of those societies. What would they do without the services of such men as Mr. Alfred Shuttleworth and Mr. Dominy ? Those were the working men — whose hands and heads were doing the work that was centred in the proceedings of the societies to which he was referring. Therefore it was most proper when success to those societies was being proposed that they should recognise the claims of the persons whom they were assembled that evening to support. Those persons were entitled to every assistance and support when illness overtook them or when old age came upon them. Lord Alfred Churchill, in responding, said that he was glad to say that the Society which had been referred to as passing through some difficulty was now showing signs of improvement in its financial THE QAEDBN. [July 7, 1877. position, and it was now also endeavouring to encourage Bcientifio horticulture. For that purpose the Society had determined to re. conamence the publication of a journal in which would be published correspondence from scientific societies on the Continent and the . reanlts of scientific meetings of the Society. It was also intended to resume the provincial shows, and in the following year to establish a great national show similar to one which took place in 1866. Ho renjered them his cordial thanks for the support which they had given those societies on all occasions. After the health of the Secretary had been proposed and responded to, the 'i Patrons and Lovers of Gardening " was next proposed by the Chairman, and Mr. Philbrick, Q.C., responding, said that to thoae who lived within the limits of London, it was a great privilege to be able to pursue their favourite amusement and their favourite relaxation, despite the difficulties which the surrounding atmosphere and circumstances entailed upon them. They had to rely upon the constant care, vigilance, and attention of their gar. doners ; and a more faithful, honest, and respectable body of men than the gardeners of the United Kingdom he thought could not be found. Reference had been made to the ennobling effect which the pursuit of horticulture had upon persons, and he quite agreed with that. Their efforts wore now directed by the continual struggle to bring back the primeval paradise, and they got the nearest to it when their gardens were the best. Therefore, the most ancient of all arts, the best of all pursuits, the most ennobling, and of all occupations that which most tended to refine and to give the greatest enioyment was — gardening ! THE CULTIVATION OF MEDICINAL PLANTS AT BANBURY. The principal grower o£ raediciual plants in the neighbour- hood o£ Banbury is Mr. Usher, of Bodioote, a small village about two miles from the town. At present he has about sixty-five-aoi'es under cultivation, twenty of which are devoted to Rhubarb, forty to Henbane, and four or five only bo the "White Poppy. He has also lately commenced the cultivation of Rosa gallica, L., on a small scale. On a recent visit to Ban- bury much interesting information vcas kindly given mo by Mr. Usher, and as it was the i-esult of observations which had been made by that gentleman during the course of many years, ib seems very desirable that ib should be placed ripoii record. Rhubarb. The history of the cultivation of this plant in this district has been brielly sketched by Hanbury in " Pharmacographia." In thab work he attributes the plant cultivated at Banbury to Rheum Rhaporticum, L. It, however, more closely resembles R. undulatum, L., differing chiefly from the description of that plant, as given by Meisner, in the upper leaves being distinctly stalked. From R. Rhaponticum it differs in all the leaves being longer than broad and minutely ciliate at the margins, and in the petiole being distinctly channelled on its upper surface above the middle, although ib becomes flat near the base. The leaves have a few large somewhat triangular teeth near the point and the petioles and stem are slightly furrowed, and the ochreas do not appear to be deciduous as in R. undulatum. It would -thus appear to be a hybrid between the two, if indeed the two species be really distinct. When in blossom the panicle is at first decidedly spreading, so much so as to present an appearance totally different to that which it offers at a later stage, when its branches become quite erect. Indeed, had I not found the two stages proceeding from the same root, I could hardly have beheved that there were not two species growing in the same field. On closer inspection, how- ever, the characters presented by the leaves and leaf-stalks convinced me that only one species was under cultivation. The soil on which the plant is chiefly cultivated is a rich red friable loam, which appears to suit it well, although in some spots where the soil is damp the root decays and the plants gradually disappear. Mr. Usher's experience with regard to this plant is as follows : — Up to three or four years of age the plants flower rather freely, but after that time they rarely produce inflorescence. Singularly enough, for many years past no fruit has been ripened, the little that is formed falling off soon after " setting," so that it would seem as if the plant had already acquired a tendency to become a root-producing rather than a fruit-yielding form. The Rhubarb plant does not appear to be much attacked by insects or by fungi. After about eight or nine years the soil becomes exhausted, and a rotation of crops becomes necessary. The exhaustion of the soil is, however, in some degree counterbalanced by the matter returned to it by the leaves, which are allowed to decay on the ground, and even those which are taken up with the root are afterwards returned in the form of manure. The young plants are not obtained from seed, bub are always propagated from the lateral shoobs of plants about four years old, at which period the shoots are more vigorous and produce finer ;plants than if obtained from older ones. The petioles are never gathered for food, because it has been [found that so doing injures the size and quality of the root. The young plants are set at distances of 3 ft. apart, and the root is not tit for collecting until the plants are about four years old. From that period up to nine or ten years of age the root improves in size and quality. Plants of different ages are of course cultivated in different fields so as to secure a succession of harvests each year. Plants of about four years old yield from I5 to 2 tons of dried root per acre, bub ten-year-old plants will yield about 5 tons per acre. The drying is by no means an easy task. The roots are dug up in hob weather, at any time between July and October, and for the first fortnight ai-e exposed to a current of air on wicker baskets in a covered shed. They are then removed to the dryiug-i'oora, where they are dried gradually but thoroughly for about six weeks, by means of a current of heated air. This part of the process requires great care, lest their outer portion should be dried too rapidly, while the interior is still moist. The large central portion, or tap root, furnishes the pieces known in trade as " fine large flats " and " fine large rounds." The " small rounds " and the cuttings commonly known as English " stick " Rhubarb are obtained from the side branches of the root. Some of the flat pieces, except for their shrunken exterior, are not unlike the East India Rhubarb of commerce, and being more thoroughly dried right through and harder in the centre seem to meet with a greater demand than the rounds. The raspings obtained in trimming the pieces are ground into powder. The average yield of the dried root every year is from 8 to 10 tons. Of the Rheum officinale, Mr. Usher has now under cultiva- tion in his garden about forty largg plants between two and three years old, as well as about 200 seedlings. These plants are truly magnificent, each plant occupying a space from 8 to 12 ft. square, and standing 4 or 5 fb. high. Some of the leaves are nearly 3 ft. broad, and longer than they are broad. It is just suitable as an ornamental plant for lawns, where it would have plenty of room to grow; indeed it is already used in this way in some of the public gardens in Paris. The root of only one plant has as yet been dried, and was obtained from a plant barely two years old. A piece of this root has been presented to the museum of the Pharmaceutical Society, the remainder having been almost all sent to the Philadelphia Exhibition, where ib obtained a medal, and was purchased. In colour, the dried root is paler, although the veins are darker, than in the Earst Indian Rhubarb. Mr. Usher informs me that it nevertheless yields a bright yellow powder. The external markings do not exactly correspond with those of the East Indian Rhubarb, the peculiar reticulated appearance cha- racteristic of that sorb not being visible on the two pieces thab I have seen. This may, however, be due to the age of the root, which was less than two years old. Ib yet remains bo be seen whether the root differs when older, or whether some portions present a different aspect to others. These points I hope to have an opportunity of investigating a little later on, when Mr. Usher will dig up some larger roots. To- wards the close of the year he will probably have sufficient of the dried root of this species to be available for therapeutic purposes, and it will then only remain to ascertain whether its purgative properties are equal to those of the foreign Rhubarb, which after ail will be the test of its acceptance with the medical profession. A chemist at Banbury has prepared some simple tincture from the ti'immiugs of the root, in the proportion of two ounces to the pint of proof spirit, and has found it an effectual purgabive in ounce doses. JuLT 7, 1877.] THE GARDEN. Henbane. Doubtless many o£ the readers of this Journal have often ■wondered at the high price of biennial Henbane. The informa- tion which Mr. Usher has kindly furnished will probably throw considerable light upon this point. The biennial plant is the only one cultivated at Banbury, it being found that the presence of the annual plant tends to deteriorate the biennial vai'iety. With regard to the difference between the two plants, Hanbury says there is scarcely any distinctive character, except that the one is annual and the other peren- nial. There is, however, something very distinctive in habit. The biennial plant grows to the height of 2 or 3 ft., and is abundantly branched, and the stem is ofteu nearly an inch thick at the base. At a distance, a field of biennial Henbane looks like a field full of Thistles, so much so, that Mr. Usher has occasionally heard the remark from farmers passing by. " That is bad farming, look at those Thistles." This curious appearance is owing to the leaves being deeply cut, in fact almost pinnatifid. The chief diiJerence in the leaves of the two varieties is, that in the biennial plant the leaves are about twice as long as in the annual one, and deeply out, and the terminal lobe of the leaf is long and rather narrow. The leaves of the upper branches, however, resemble when young those of the annual variety, being shorter and having the top of the leaf much broader, and more ti'iangular, not lanceolate as in the stem leaves. The seed of the biennial plant is sown in May or June, and either appears in a few days or not for several years. Mr. Usher informed me that in one field sown ■with Henbane none of the seed came up, and the field was again sown with other crops, and it was not until nine years afterwards, during which period the field had been several times ploughed, that it yielded ajgood crop of Henbane, quite unexpectedly, and without any more Henbane seed having been sown. This uncertainty seems to depend upon the weather being dry soon after the seed is sown. If the weather be damp immediately after sowing the seed, it usually comes up at once. The cultivation of the plant is beset with difficulties. In the first place, it grows very slowly when young, and is soon hidden by weeds of more luxuriant growth, so that it has been found necessary to mix some rapidly growing plant, such as Mustard, with it in order to indicate where it is sown. It also requires shelter when young. This difficulty Mr. Usher has obviated by sowing it in rows between Beans, so that it may be protected in its early stage. As soon as the young leaves are fully formed the Turnip dy attacks them ; when the autumn leaves of the first year have decayed, a white slug eats away the central bud ; and if it still manage to live, a wire- worm attacks the root during the winter. It will be easily understood, therefore, why the fields of Henbane often present very large bare patches, and why the price of the drug is so high. The plants are collected for drying about the third ■week in June. The upper leaves are deprived of the midrib, and these as ■well as the flowering tops are dried, and form the best biennial Henbane of commerce. The lower leaves and stems are used for preparing extract, for which purpose they are crushed under an edge runner, and the juice squeezed out by hydraulic pressure, and then evaporated down to a proper consistence. It is obvious that an extract prepared in this ■way on the spot by the grower is likely to be better than when prepared from the herb sent to a distance by rail, for these plants become heated in twenty-four hours when packed closely. The leaves and [flowering tops are dried in malt- kilns, of which seven are in use at once. The leaves are spread thinly at first and are turned over about three times a day, and as they become somewhat dry are collected closer together into rows or heaps on the kiln floor. As one lot becomes partially dried it is removed to another kiln until quite dry, which usually happens in about three days, and a fresh lot takes its place. There are one or two points with regard to the flower which are rather interesting. The flowers are proterogynous, the stigma becoming mature and viscid before the anthers open, and the stigma and nearly half the style are protruded beyond the unopened flower-bud. The corolla is more deeply divided in its lower half than else- ■where, and the stamens and pistil are depressed towards this portion, bo that insects visiting the flower for nectar must pitch upon the stamens and receive the pollen upon their legs or abdomens, and must thus almost of necessity convey it to the protruded stigma of the unopened flower. When the corolla is fully grown it exceeds the stigma, so that the style does not appear to grow in proportion to the corolla. The anthers are furnished with a curious connective of a narrowly triangular form into which the fllaraent tapers. As soon as the anther bursts it becomes bent backwards away from the stigma and towards the ovary, as if to prevent the pollen from falling on the stigma of the same flower. Mr. Usher informs me that the annual variety does not possess a long protruded style, but as he had no plants growing, I was unable to verify this observation. It would be interesting to ascertain if the Henbane be dimorphic, and if the annual plant be the second form. Another interesting point of inquiry is whether the plant possesses the power of digesting the multitude of minute insects which late in the season are caught by the clammy glandular hairs. The frequent occurrence of Henbane on manure heaps or places in which insects are abundant seems almost to point to such a property. White Poppy. The culture of this plant is attended with so much trouble and expense that it scarcely repays the labour expended on it. The seed has to be selected very carefully, for singularly enough the Poppy shows a constant tendency to " sport," and if left to itself, the flowers of the White Poppy become coloured in a few generations ; the size of the capsule decreases, and the colour of the seeds and of the flowers becomes darker in proportion, until at length the flowers become purplish-black, and the seeds quite black. Mr. Usher accounts for this fact by supposing that insects carry the pollen from the wild Red Poppy (Papaver Rhseas) to the white one. In order to get large capsules, only the very whitest seeds are retained and sown. Those Poppies which have dark flowers, he states, produce darker coloured somewhat oblong capsules. The German Poppy seed produces a large capsule much flattened at the top and bottom, and with the carpels strongly convex and prominent so as to have much the appearance of a peeled Orange, or of the capsule of Papaver hybridum, L. This variety is not, however, readily accepted in commerce. The seeds of the White Poppy are'sown in rows about 20 in. apart. When young the plants require constant weeding. The capsule, when the flower has fallen, is about the size of a Walqut, and is stated by Mr. Usher to grow to the size of an Orange in the short space of ten days, although it takes nearly five weeks to ripen. Each plant bears about two or three capsules. The harvest is collected during the last week in August or the first in September. A waggon-load of the capsules is placed on the floor of each of the kilns and forms a layer about a yard deep, the whole of which becomes dry in about twelve hours, and is then ready for sale. — " Pharmaceu- tical Journal." OLIANTHUS PUNIOEUS AT EDIKBURGH. At Almora, near Edinburgh, the residence o£ Mr. Guthrie, this favourite old greenhouse plant has been for some weeks beautifully in bloom. It was planted six years ago in the ordinary soil (a strong loam) in front of the mansion, which faces south-west. It covers 15 ft. by 6 ft, of the wall, and is still one mass of bloom from the ground to the top. It would have occupied double the space, but it is properly kept within certain limits, so as not to interfere with important architectural lines on the building. Ou the front of the house, which ia panelled, grow other plants besides the Clianthus — such as Bscallonia maorantha (a fine wall shrub, both as regards foliage and bloom), Forsythia viridissima, Ceanothus rigidus, Gloire de Dijon Rose, various creepers, and a Black Hamburgh Vine, all sufficiently luxuriant to show that their wants are specially studied. The two last, indeed, are in much better condition than that in which they are usually met, and are only surpassed by a Mareohal Mel Eose and a Black Hamburgh Vine a short distance from here, on the house of the Eev. D. K. Guthrie. This Eose is furnished with 100 expanded blooms, each of which is sufficiently good for an exhibition stand, and the Vine is now in flower. The situation is high and exposed, and success in this case is only the result of constant care and attention. I may add that indoors, where plant cultivation is successfully carried on, I noticed growing on each side of the inner door of the entrance THE GARDEN. [JnLT 7, 1877. hall a Kangaroo Vine (Ciesua antarctica), forming an unbroken arch from floor to ceiling, and in point of luxuriance quite equal to Vines growing outside. A. ilcIiLOD. 14, Boyal Exchange, Edinburgh. A RARE INSTANCE OP CONING AND SUBSEQUENT DEATH. In March 1876 I sent to the Royal Horticultural Society in London two coned sprigs of Picea religiosa, the sacred Fir of Mexico, grown at Penrose. Mr. A. Murray, then secretary of the Arboricultural Committee of that Society, believed it to be the first recorded instance of the fructification of this graceful and delicate Conifer in England, a fact which may be worthy of record. I have only two specimens of this Picea; one is a seedling raised here from a cone which was brought me from Mexico, planted out in 1859, and now about20ft.higli; the other, ■which produced these cones, was bought by my father in 1847, and transplanted by me in 1857 into a sheltered spot in the rich soil o£ an ancient rookery ; here it died back after removal, was cut down to a promising shoot, survived the severe winter of 1860-61, lost its head again in a gale in 1867, was pruned again, and though not, as might be expected after such treat- ment, a very shapely tree, was fairly vigorous, about 25 ft. high, and 2 ft. 10 in. in girth at 30 in. from the ground. In the autumn of 1875, I observed more than 100 cones had formed upon it ; in December, I picked a few, which then had the purple tint of those of P. Webbiana, but somewhat smaller. The finest cones, when I gathered the remainder in March, wore 4| in. long. Loudon represents them as only \\ in. in Mexico : but I have observed a similar increase in the size of cones under favourable treatment of the parent tree in England, in the case of other varieties. The specimen cones were deposited in the Museum of the Roj'al Botanic Gardens at Kew, and the remainder were carefully sown, some here, some at Mr. Nichol's nursery, Redruth; but no seedlings were produced at either place, the climate of Cornwall being pro- bably not dry enough to mature the seeds. I have now the mortification of reporting that the effort has destroyed the parent. The tree is quite dead. J. J. Rosers. Penrose, near Helston. The Edinburgh Arboretum. — Twenty-seven acres of ground have been added to the Botanic Garden, which now embraces 51 acres. The first steps for the addition were taken by Prof. Balfonr three years ago, with the object of having room for the cultivation of trees suited to the climate of Scotland, and to prevent devoting the ground for building purposes, which would not only have spoiled the amenity of the gardens, but would have been productive of much injury to the plants by the smoke which would have been carried , over the gardens by the west winds. Mr. Alexander Seattle was the first with whom he (Prof. Balfour) communicated on the subject, and through him he was enabled to bring the matter under the notice of the Secretary of the Treasury. The First Commissioner of Works, Lord Henry Lennox, approved of his proposal, in which also he was supported by others. His next step was to go to London, and per. sonally bring the matter under the notice of the Treasury. Having laid the case fully before Mr. Smith, shown him the plans of the ground, and urged the importance of making such an addition to the Royal Gardens, he pointed out to him that the Chief Commissioner of Works had seen the ground and considered that it would be a most important and valuable acquisition. Mr. Smith stated that if it were proved to him that the town of Edinburgh would take an interest in the \rboretum by contributing to the acquisition of the ground and handing it over to Government, the Arboretum would be put under regulations similar to those of the London parks, and would be supported in all time coming by an annual grant from Government. On returning to Edinburgh he waited on the Lord Provost, who entered enthusiastically into the plans, and said he would do all ha could to further the scheme. Many difficulties presented themselves, but by hia energy and tact he overcame them all, and to his lordship the city of Edinburgh was indebted for this important addition to its gardens. The Government was pledged to enclose the grounds and complete the arrangements in two years, and he therefore hoped that immediate steps would be taken to fence the grounds and begin the building ot the lodges at the different entrances. Summer Transplanting. — With care many trees and shrubs may ba moved aaooejjEuUy daring sumiisr. Tii933 CJasist of HjUiej Ehododendrons, Azaleas, Aucubas, Lanrnstinus, Common and For. tugal Laurels, Box, and, indeed, most evergreen subjects, except the Pine tribe, which it is better to leave until autumn or spring. The same advice applies to deciduous subjects, though they are sometimes moved in full leaf. The young growth of summer-transplanted ever, greens is almost certain to suffer, but that is not of much importance, and is soon made np again. In summer of course the plants must be lifted with good balls and plenty of roots, and be well and frequently watered and mulched. In looking over some Yews and other trees, a number of which were planted early in March, and the rest in May and up till the end of that month, I find that the earliest-moved trees have suffered worst, the persistent east winds of March and April having scourged them severely, while the later, moved ones — all of them begun to grow at the time — look well. Laburnums from 8 ft. to 9 ft. high were just coming into leaf when lifted, and they are now in flower and growing away famously. They were taken from a thicket of self-sown seedlings, and consequently had no soil whatever to their roots. A quantity of named Rhododendrons, hybrids which were planted some years ago in somewhat heavy loam of an irony character, were found to have rooted in it freely and made good growth, though they were originally transferred direct from the Surrey peat. There is no difficulty in getting all the hardy Rhode, dendrons to grow and flower freely in good loam that is free from " lime. I am acquainted with one large plant, or rather three plants in one — all having been planted together — that are just about 100 paces round, and they are growing in loam j but of course the fallen leaves have been allowed to accumulate on the ground under the branches for years, and no doubt they constitute part of the rooting medium and keep the roots healthy and enriched. In all shrubbery and Rhododendron borders the fallen leaves should be allowed to he and decay — they are sa good a top-dressing as can be provided. Newly-planted shrubs of all kinds should of course be mulched. — Chef. Early Feaa. — I have always until this year gathered my first Peas (outside from seeds sown early in November) from the 28th of May till the 6th of June, but this season the look of my November sowings in January was anything but satisfactory. I therefore sowed 4 doz. boxes of Little Gem in the Cherry-house, which was unheated, and grew them close to the glass. When coming into bloom I top- dressed them withjrotten manure, and gathered half a peck from them on May 13th, and I have continued to gather from them twice a week until late in June. The boxes are 3 ft. long, 11 in. wide, and 3 in. deep. This plan I shall continue to practise. I sowed under the protection of a wall on Feb. 13th Laxton's Harbinger, and gathered my first dish from it on June 3rd. This Pea comes into use earlier than any other. Criterion, one of the late Mr. Standish'a seedlings, has been in bearing since June 22nd, beating William the First and Little Gem by about a week as regards earliness. It is a green marrow of the very richest flavour, and grows from 5 ft. to 5 ;c. high. This Pea is destined to become a popular one. — E. Gilbert, Burghley. Potato Sprouts for Seed.— It is now upwards of forty years since I tested the uso of " Potato shoots for seed," and I continued to do so for some years as an experiment — for at that time my Potato growing was confined to garden produce. I had the buds carefully picked from the tubers, after they had thrown out roots outside the parent bulb — at the same time I had other tubers cut for seed in the usual way. I planted three drills in the garden, side by side — one ot cut tubers, one of sprouts, and one of small whole tubers. When at maturity, I daily dug up three stalks from each drill, counted, and weighed the produce of each three, and found that of the sprouts fully equal to any of the others, both in weight and in number. The second year I did the same, taking no pains to dibble the sprouts, but scattered them in the open drills, and covered lightly. I went fur. ther, for having found a heap of fine sprouts on the road — thrown over the wall by some sagacious cultivator who had got his seed Potatoes carefully turned and picked, and had thrown away the vigorous shoots — I had some barrowsful gathered up and scattered broadcast on a few ridges prepared for the purpose, and covered them with mould out of the furrows. The result was most satis, factory. The sprouts soon appeared over the ground, and the crop came to matur ity much earlier than that from Potatoes planted the same day. It must be obvious to any one who considers the matter, that once the tuber has generated the sprout, it is no longer of use, for on digging the crop the tuber — whole or cut — will frequently be found whole and detached from the roots of the stalk. Why, then, pick off !>he first vigorous growth and plant the tuber to produce a second, and more puny and sickly one ? Sprouts can be planted much later than the tubers, or, if at the same season, they will coma to maturity earlier, because they are so much ahead of the tuber which, after being planted, has to throw out a bud or sprout.— .' Toronto, Globe." July 7, 1877.] THE GARDEN. THE FLOWER GARDEN. TALL PHLOXES. These unquestionably rank amongst our most beautiful autumn flowers. They are quite hardy, are easily propagated, and they can adapt themselves to any locality or situation. Nothing can be more beautiful for a mixed border, and they are equally useful in pots for the embellishment of the green- house. Phloxes are divided into distinct sections, viz., the decussata group, which blooms from July to October, and the sufEruticosa section, which flowers during June, July, and August. The kinds belonging to the first section are as a rale the favourites ; they form magnificent pyramids of bloom from 18 in. to 3 ft. in height, the colours varying from pure white to the most glowing crimson-red, with many other shades of colour. The varieties of the suffruticosa group are altogether o£ a different habit ; they are dwarfer, and the flowers, which are fragrant, are much more delicate in appearance, and they bloom earlier, too, than the decussata breed. Phloxes are easily propagated. Cuttings of them may be struck in spring and early summer. About the middle or end of March the plants will have made shoots 2 in. or 3 in. high, and then is the best time to take the cuttings. As many as are required should be taken from a plant, and inserted singly in thumb pots. If a yery slight hotbed be at work this would be the best place in which to root the cut- tings, but they would strike freely in a cold frame under hand- lights, or even in the open air, if shaded from bright sunshine. If under glass, whether on a hotbed or in a cold fr.ime, they will, providing all goes well, be rooted in about three weeks, ■when they may have more air, and soon after be placed in a position in the open air. If they are in- tended for pot culture, as soon as the pots are filled with roots they should be shifted into 6-in. pots, in which they may be allowed to bloom. A very excellent compost for Phloxes consists of three parts sandy loam, one part leaf-mould, and one part rotten manure. During the period of growth the pots should be plunged up to the rims in coal ashes in the full blaze of the sun, but sheltered from cutting winds, and they should I'eceive abundant supplies of water, both at the roots and overhead. Occasional supplies of manure water will con- siderably increase the size of the truss. As the shoots advance in growth they must be carefully staked, and each branch neatly tied. During the first year, if the plants bo struck from cuttings only one shoot will be thrown up, but the second year a number of shoots will rise from the base. If the plants be grown for exhibition and the trusses be required very fine, about -four shoots should be retained to each plant, and the rest cut clear away. Phloxes make grand ornaments either for planting in separate beds or in mixed borders ; but when they are made a special object of culture, they should be grown in beds by themselves. A few plants in a mixed border form a pleasing feature, and afford a marked contrast to other herbaceous plants. It is in the mixed border that we grow our Phloxes, and as all the plants in the same bed are equally choice, they come in for a fair share of attention. Early m March is the best time to plant them, and the ground should be deeply dug and well enriched with good rotten manure, and throughout the growing season they should be liberally supplied with manure water. Where not offensive to the eye a mulching with half -rotten manure would be highly beneficial. When planted in beds the first year the plants should stand about 15 in. apart, but the following spring 'they should be replaced, for by this time they will have increased in size, and will require more room. The first year they will begin, to bloom towards the middle of August, and continue for six or seven weeks, and the second year they will begin in July, and coatinue till the end of September. When the plants are m a healthy condition, the second season they will throw up a good number of shoots, when they should be reduced to five or six. When more are allowed to remain the flowers are not so fine. A stout stake should be placed to each plant, and as the shoots keep growing they must be securely tied to it. In exposed situations high winds make terrible havoo_ with Phloxes when this little daty is neglected. A succession oE young plants should be kept up from cuttings. Dividing the old roots with the spade is a rough-and-ready way, but the plants are never so fine either in flowers or foliage as those raised from cuttings. Those who have only a limited knowledge of plant culture can- not do better than grow Phloxes ; they do not require half the care of many of our half-hardy bed- ding plants, which must be wintered where artificial heat can be given. The following are good sorts, and well worth growing, viz.: — Ad- miration, A. F. Bar- ron, Edith, Gladstone, Larina, aurantiaca superba, Garabefcta, Queen of Whites, Madame B onneau, Madame Hoste, Madame Beust, Mrs. W a re, Mrs. Laing, Triomphe de Pare de Neuilly, L o t h a i r. Mens. Van Houtte, Madame la Comtesse de Turenne, and Wal- ter Ware. There are many more the names of which are well worth recording, but these are some of the brightest and most continuous flowers. K. E. Ss>-«-&> Eocky Brook. Bocky Brook Mouth. — The accompanying sketch shows a successfnl attempt to ornament the mouth of a streamlet as it joins a piece of water. Here the placing of a few natural rockg gives an interesting diversity to the scene, and allows of the culture oE a more striking variety of plants than oonld be otherwise grown. A small rocky bridge— a kind o£ stepping-stone bridge— crosses the streamlet a little this side of the rocks, and from this point of view the effect of the rooks, trees, &c., with the lake immediately beyond them is very interesting. The spot affords a home for a variety of water-side plants. DraCEena australis in Flower.— I have this now in good bloom in the open air. Mr. George Viciry, who gave me the seeil, has jast oallel and says it is a very fine plant, and an unusual thing to see such a good blossom outside.— N. F. BiEION, Coraley House, Wanihister. [I have just seen this plant, which ia 'beautifully in flower ; it was planted in the flower garden about ten years a^o. Its spike of bloom measures 6 ft. through at the base and 4 ft. 6 in. m length ; the plant is about 3 ft. high up to where the bloom-spike shoots out. Gr. Beekt, Longleat ] 8 THE GARDEN. [July 7, 1877. THE OOLUMBINES OR AQUILBGIAS. Those among us whose memories date far back iu the present century will recollect how popular these beautiful hardy bor- der flowers were at that time, and with what care they used to be cherished ; but since then fashion has changed many things, and the present mode of embellishing both beds and borders is very different from what prevailed when such good old- fashioned plants as the above were more in favour than they now are. Without in any way decrying a system of decora- tion that has many admirers and which has done a vast amount of good in extending a love for flowers among the multitude who have first been attracted by gaudy colours, I do think it is much to be regretted that many choice hardy perennials and biennials that once had prominent positions, and which were so attractive in shrubbery and mixed borders should now be BO seldom seen, for, after all, there is nothing to equal them either in form, colour, or interest ; and being of a hardy enduring character, there is not that ever-recurring expense which there is in the case of bedding plants that have to be worked up annually and wintered under glass. Common as many of the Aquilegias may appear to be from the persistent way in which they seed and propagate them- selves, they are in certain situations even more desirable on thab account, as, for instance, in semi-wild places, where with Foxgloves, hardy Geraniums, both native and foreign, and many other plants of similar habit and character, quite a ■wealth of beauty may be enjoyed, and that of a kind far more satisfying than is afforded by long lengths of ribbon border or the most intricately woi'ked patterns which it is possible to devise. All that is required when it is desired to establish them in such places is to dig over a patch of ground and either to sow the seed at once, or raise plants in nursery beds and transplant them in the spring or as soon as they are large enough to be handled ; but it should be borne in mind that only the more common and robust kinds will thrive without good cultivation. One or two of the choicest Alpine species of recent introduction only succeed really well in very favoured situations where the conditions under which they grow some- what resemble those of their native habitat in regard to moisture, shade, and shelter. The Rocky Mountains of Cali- fornia appear to be rich in Columbines, if not in varieties at least in quality, as they have afforded us some of the choicest of the family, and as all seed and cross so freely, there will be no difficulty in raising others of a hardier constitution and possessing some of the characteristics for which these are so highly prized. Indeed, this has been done already, as many new hybrids are now to be had, which, if not equal to some of the Californiau species, afford variety, and are therefore desir- able on that account. Besides an endeavour to effect a cross with the view of raising new varieties, the aim of cultivators should be to keep pure those which we now have, and which, with such sportive tendencies as is natural to Columbines, can only be done by isolating the plants from which seeds are to be saved. Aquilegia cceettlea. — This is by far the most beautiful and perhaps also the most difficult to keep and cultivate ; it was introduced by Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich, to whom we are indebted for bringing not only this, but, also many other useful plants into notice. To get strong healthy plants that will flower freely, seeds of this kind should be sown annually, and treated after the manner of Canterbury Bells or other biennials, as it rarely does well after standing the second year, and in many cases dies out altogether at or before that time. The flowers are, however, so lovely and so useful for cutting, that it is deserving of any amount of trouble and attention to have it in good condition, a result which can only be attained by treating it in the manner just indicated. All the Columbines delight in a deep rich sandy soil where they can flnd plenty of moisture below for the roots, and as they make their growth early, the friendly shelter of shrubs or rock to keep off cold cutting winds and frosts is of great benefit, if not too near to rob them or restrict their root-room. The best way to treat them when they are to be grown in single patches in borders is to dig up the soil to a good depth, and, while doing so, to work in some rotten manures, keeping the same well down in order that the plants may have ic to feed on as they come into flower. If when this is about to take place a slight mulching of leaf-mould be afforded and a soaking of water given, the bloom will be much finer and more lasting than it otherwise would be. A. CHRYSANTHA. — This stands next in point of merit, and is one that affords a rich contrast as regards colour. It has canary-yellow flowers of the same form, and nearly as large as the foi'egoing. This by many is considered only a variety of A. ccerulea, but although the botanical distinction may not be great, they differ considerably in habit and time of flowering, A. chrysantha being at least a month later, and altogether of stronger growth and constitution. Although it has the same spur-like appendages, the flowers are smaller and not nearly so much distended as those in A. ccerulea, and these differences taken altogether are sufficient to warrant it being regarded as a distinct kind. A. CANADENSIS. — This, till within the present century, was the only representative of the New World Columbines, and is, compared with the two kinds just named, a very slender grower, rarely exceeding 12 in. high. Its flowers, too, are much smaller, but what they lack iu size is made up in brilliancy of colour, the sepals being scarlet and the petals bright yellow. A. canadensis lutea, introduced in 1835, is, as its name implies, a yellow form of canadensis, which it in other respects resembles. A. KANAORiENSis, a native of the Himalayas, is a delicately beautiful variety, having small flowers with white sepals and petals, the latter of which at the upper part gradually merge into a soft blue, and this deepens in intensity at the end of the spurs, thus giving the blooms a very ornamental character. A. GLAXDULOSA is a charmingly beautiful species, but one which does not succeed well except in favoured, cool, shady situations, where its roots can find plenty of depth and mois- ture. It is a native of Siberia, where it is found near the margins of mountain streams. A. CALiFORNicA. — This, the strongest and most robust of all the American species, grows to a height of 3 ft., and bears flowers of a shell-like form, which, from their pendent position, are not seen to advantage unless turned up and examined. A. vuLGAEis, with which most of us are more or less familiar, used at one time to be an occupant of almost every cottage garden, and a more graceful or ornamental plant than it there formed cannot well be imagined. Although it has in most places been lost or eradicated to make room for others of more recent date, it is not yet surpassed either in utility or beauty by its more favoured rivals. Now that we have these new comers from California, which have brought the Columbines again prominently into notice, no doubt they will ere long take the position which they formerly held. There are many more named kinds, but those enumerated above are the kinds most deserving of cultivation, and by growing them near together and sowing seed, there is no end to the variety of colour and form that may be obtained, especially among our native kinds, which are the most suitable for growing near the margins of drives or woodland walks, where, once fairly established, they would take of themselves. Excepting these, all the others should be looked on as biennials, and, as before observed, raised annually by sowing the seed under glass early iu spring, and afterwards pricking the plants out and nursing them on till strong enough to plant out in August, or if sown at that time, to keep them under protection till the following spring; but the first is the best way of treating them, as they have the whole summer for making their growth. J. Sheppabd. - Climbing devoniensis Rose. — This is a beautiful Kose for covering a lofty wall, and at this season its flowers are lovely in a cut state. It is often complained of as being a shy bloomer, but it is a rampant grower, and in order to induce it to flower well, the young shoots, which in vigorous specimens are often 10 ft. or 12 ft. long, should be left their full length. The pruning should be con. fined to thinning out the wood, and removing occasionally an old branch to make room for the young shoots, as it is towards the points July 7. 1877 ] THE GARDEN. 9 of these that the flowers are chiefly produced ; no shortening should be permitted beyond removing a few inches of the soft points. — E. Hobday. THE MILK THISTLE. This old plant should find a place oftener in our gardens in these days of fine-foliaged plants than it does. It is hardy, easily-grown, biennial, and raised readily from seed. It looks exceedingly well in the mixed border before the flower.stems spring up. It is, how. ever, most suitable for growing in a semi-wild state on dry banks and similar places. LOBELIA SPEOIOSA AND ITS VAEIBTIBS. In the open air and in pots the speciosa section of Lobelia is one oi! the largest and the most important ; hardly auy flower garden is now considered complete without one or more beds or borders being plentifully supplied with this beautiful Lobelia ' or some of its many varieties, such as Lustrous, Blue Stone, Blue King, and the lovely Paxtoniana, a white variety margined with blue. There are also one or two pure ■white Lobelias of the speciosa section with flowers nearly as large as the species. Of the smaller or pumila section of L. speciosa, magnifioa, grandiflora, and Mrs. Murphy (pure white) are perhaps among the best. The double variety is also magnificent where it succeeds well, but it is very erratic, and hardly to be depended upon in beds or borders, some- times forming a complete sheet of bloom, and at others the shoots running up through it, as it were, overpowering and preventing it from blooming, presenting the appearance of tufts of Grass. It seems diffioult, perhaps impossible to guard against this peculiarity, inasmuch as where the plant is perfect in form and flowering one season, it becomes weedy- looking the next. This double blue is, however, a grand sub- ject for culture, and under the superior climatal conditions that glass afllords, it comes with greater certainty, and hardly any plant can equal the richness and beauty of this double Lobelia crowned as thickly as possible with its lovely balls of beautiful blue. The chief points to start with in the successful culture of the Lobelia are good soil and well-grown established plants. The soil should be light and rich , and rest on a dry and per- fectly drained bottom. The Lobelia enjoys abundance of water when in robust and free growth, but nothing is more fatal to its well-doing than stagnant water at the roots — if on a porous bottom it may be plentifully watered during a dry time in summer, without fear of injuring the roots, neither can the roots of Lobelia make way nor the plants thrive in a strong adhesive soil composed of clay or heavy loam, or if the compost be heavy, it must be lightened by a plentiful addition of leaf -mould, sand, or peat. The Lobelia thrives admirably in equal parts of rather sandy loam and leaf- mould with a fair admixture of sand to keep it open. Charcoal dust and peat also form capital additions to loam for their successful culture ; likewise spent manure from Mushroom beds. A slight mulching of one-year-old sifted hotbed manure will be found a capital addition to beds or borders for keepino- out the drought from and nourishing the roots of Lobelias through a dry season. One of the greatest difiiculties, how- ever, in carrying Lobelias in full beauty through the season is the freedom with which they produce seed and the tentative mode in which it is ripened — a pod at a time almost is the order of ripening. But where flowers are the object, this stage of maturity should never be reached. The moment the flowers fade they should be picked off, and so on persistently every week or ten days throughout the season. Of course the labour is great, but so is the reward. Few features in the flower beds or borders are more thoroughly enjoyable and satisfactory than a perfect band or small bed of any of the varieties of Lobelia speciosa from the middle of June till the frost clears the garden of its autumnal beauty. Of course this mode of culture prevents the saving of seeds, but this is of little moment, as it is better to purchase them than save them. If, however, any plants of unusual merit, distinctness, or improve- ment in size, colour, or substanse of flower, appear, it is easy to perpetuate such, either by means of cuttings, rooted branches, or by lifting the plant, potting it, and placing it in a gentle bottom-heat \\nu\ established ; after that set it on a light, airy greenhouse or forcing-house shelf, when it may be increased by cuttings and root division to any extent in the spring, planting a stock on a piece of reserve ground for seed. This increase by cuttings, rooted side-shoots, or conser- vation of the old plants by potting a few of them in the autumn, is also the best method of preserving and increasing the stock of special varieties. The seeds of even the truest types vary considerably from each other, and also from the original, and to this inherent variability we owe the many kinds of Lobelia speciosa that add so largely to the enrichment of our flower gardens. It is, nevertheless, mortifying when white or semi- white flowers break forth among the truest strains of Blue King, or tall speciosas revert from the most carefully selected stock of L. pumila grandiflora. To avoid the risk of all this strike cuttings, plant rooted layers during the summer, or pot sufficient old plants for stock in the autumn. The Lobelia strikes roots freely in a brisk heat in a moist propagating pit or frame in spring. These cuttings, should be potted or boxed off, and got into bulk by the end of May in exactly the same way as seedlings sown in heat in September, October, or February. Those who want early Lobelias from seed should sow in the autumn, and prick the seedlings oS in boxes or pans, or shift them into thumb pots before winter. Store them on shelves near the light exposed to abundance of air, give another shift into small 6-in. pots in March into equal parts of leaf-mould and loam, and such plants will be perfect for plant- ing by the end of May. Spring-sown seedlings may go into smaller-sized pots, and be planted rather more closely, but will not flower so early nor so well. On the whole, therefore, autumnal propagation, either by means of cuttings or seeds, is preferable to the sowing of the seeds in spring. For pot culture these autumn-sown plants are best. They are merely pushed on a little farther till they are large enough to fill a 6-in. or 8-in. pot ; the first size is the best, the second as large as any pot should be for a single Lobelia speciosa. The taller-growing sections may be stopped a few times during the earlier stages of growth, to cause them to grow horizontally. At the final shift the plants should be kept well up in the pots, so as to allow the shoots to fall over the sides and cover them as they grow and flower. In the case of well-grown plants belonging to the taller sections, such as Paxtoniana, one of the chief merits of pot plants is that of drooping over and wholly hiding the pots. In the_ pumila section the plants are too dwarf to do this, but the rim may be entirely covered by a carpet of blue. The double blue is also of this dense habit, and is inimitable for the decoration of light-coloured marble, glass, or silver vases, or flat baskets. Some of the taller ones are also admirable for the furnishing of small hanging baskets or raised stands. The soil for Lobelias in pots should be equal parts leaf-mould and loam, mixed freely with silver sand or charcoal dust. The drainage should be clean and ample, and over it should be put a layer of small pieces of manure about the size of marbles, and almost as bard, such as that of cows at least two years old mixed with a little Cocoa-nut fibre refuse, to ensure a thorough and nourishing drainage. When the plants are in full growth and fiower, they enjoy manure-water at least once a week ; that made of a slight admixture of guano and soot suits them admirably. Having such a limited root-run, these plants must 10 THE GARDEN. [July 7, 1877. never once be allowed to become dry ; and if carefully attended to they will contiaue long in beauty. When done flowering they may be cut down, repotted, and used for flowering again or for stock. With about three lots of Lobelias in pots to be brought on in succession, the conservatory, window garden, or sitting room need seldom be without the enlivening and enriching presence of these lovely plants from April to November. f). t. Fish. HAEDY PLANTS FOE NAEEOW BEDS. In the immediate neighbourhood of large mansions or build- ings it is sometimes desirable to cover certain places with some permanent living carpet, especially in positions where Grass cannot be got to grow satisfactorily, or where it is diflicult to keep it in good condition by means of the mowing machine or scythe. Areas surrounded by stone curbing and its usual adjuncts are difficult to mow, and where the necessary opera- tion of clipping has to be performed with shears, other subjects might be substituted for Grass that would have a good appear- ance at all seasons, and that would require less labour. We have some narrow borders enclosed with massive stone curbing, and the majority of these are planted with Irish Ivy, pegged down close until well established, when the only attention which it requires is clipping over occasionally, and the beautiful, fresh green groundwork which the young foliage presents can scai-cely be surpassed by any plant with which I am acquainted. When the borders are wide enough to admit of its being done, a space is left in the centre for brightly coloured flowers, which the Ivy shows off to great advantage, and iu spring a beautiful fffect is produced by large masses of Snowdrops peeping through the foliage of the Ivy. These were planted with the Ivy, and have been allowed to remain undisturbed for years. Large specimens of Hydrangea and similar plants have an excellent effect plunged in this kind of border during summer, and replaced by Thuja aurea or Golden Tews in winter; in fact, any number of variations may bo worked out on this simple but effective groundwork. As a good contrast to the above we have planted some panels with Golden Honeysuckle (Lonicera aurea reticulata), and treated it iu every way like the Ivy. It is a charming; subject, and in such positions is better variegated than on pillars or arches, as there is always an abundance of small spray-like shoots with the freshest and most effectively-marked variegation, induced by the frequent pinching and clipping to which it has to be subjected. On some very shallow panels, wbere the curbing is only 2 in. or 3 in. high, I have found the different varieties of Sedums or Stonecrops most effective as groundwork, as, though only planted thinly at first, they quickly form an even unbroken mass, and they have this advantage, that they will grow in shallow, dry soils where liftle else will succeed. EenJiam. Jaues Grooji. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE FLOWEE GARDEN. Thalia deaHata not Hardy.— In reply to ■' V " (see p. 523, Uol. xi.,) allow me to say that this plant has not proved hardy with me either here or at Bitton. I have tried several well-rooted plants of it, and though a successful grower of hardy aquatics in tubs for more than forty years, Thalia dealbata never would succeed with me — H. T. Ellacombb. Clj/sf St. Qeorge, Heron. New J^apanese HoUyhock.— This distinct variety was offered last year, I believe for the first time. It differs from the ordinary Hollyhock in its pyra- midal form and dwarf growth, growing only about 2 ft. in height. The flowers are semi-double, and of a.bright crimson-scarlet ; it blooms during the summer months. — Peteb Hbndbbson. Barometrical Flowers.— A sympathetic friend sent me a barometrical Hyacinth and Rose from Paris last week to keep me company dui-ing an attack of rheumatism. They are quite as clever weather prophets as the little man and woman who are always oscillating between going to market and stay- ing at home. Like the chameleon, my fiowers keep changing colour, and their language is interpreted thus :— When " fair " they are dark blue ; when 'changeable " a pale mauve ; and when " rain " they become a bright pink. These curious and interesting effects are produced by some chemical ai'eut into which they have been previously dipped.—" The World." Heather in Nova Scotia.— Prof. Lawson adds to the localities of Calluna vulgaris in America six other stations, and iu an interesting paper on the subject gives the foUowmg as his conclusions :— Calluna vulgaris is an indi- genous plant, and still exists as such in very small quantity on the peninsula of Halifax. In Point Pleasant Park, at Dartmouth, and possibly in other places, the stations for the plant are artificial, but the plan s are probably native. The various traditions as to the foreign origin of the Heather are not unlikely to hive been suggested by the desire to account for the presence of what was regarded as necessarily a foreign plant rather than by actual historical facts " — " American Naturalist." PEACE. " How are the mighty fallen ! and the weapons of war perished ! " I. Sing OD, sweet bird, thy thankful psalm of peace, Sing on, to Him, Who maketh wars to cease ! Armed men came, trampling down the corn and flowers, Silenced thy mirth, and scared thee from thy bowera ; — And, where God's Beauty held its ancient reign, Hate maimed and murdered, and thieves stripped the slain. II. Sing on ! Once more, by His eternal Love, Where swooped the vulture, coos the happy dove, — Where shot-torn banners swayed 'mid battle-cries, The fruit-trees blossom 'neath the deep bine skies, — The shepherd whistles where the soldier fell, Once more 'tis Eden, where it seemed as hell. III. Sing to n3 men, that death shall die, and Life And Peace prevail, and Victory, after strife. Sing on, sweet bird, sing to our Faith and Hope, That they shall conquer, who with sin shall cope. '■Peace at the last" — proclaim it in thy song. For all who love the right and hate the wrong. S. Eevnolds Hole. THE FIRST FUCHSIA.. (f. coccinea). This well-known but lovely Pnchaia associates well with the ordinary occnpants of a mixed border, and is so graceful and beautiful both in growth and bloom as to commend itself to the notice of the most casual observer. It readily adapts itself to any locality, provided the soil be not of the wettest and coldest description, and even then a slight covering of coal ashes after the stems have been cut down in autnmn will suffice to protect the roots in winter. In favourable situations it often attains a height of 6 ft. From the axils of the leaves, which are of a fine green colour, beautifully tinged or veined with red, the flowers, which before they fully open are not nnlike crimson drops, are produced in profusion during the greater part of the summer. In the " Botanical Magazine," vol. iii., t. 97, it is stated that this plant is a native of Chili, and that it was introduced to the Royal Gardens at Kew, in the year 1788, by Captain Firth. It tabes the name of Fuchsia from Fuchs, a German botanist of great celebrity, author of " Historia Stirpium," in folio, published in 15t2, containing woodcut illustrations of 516 plants, which; though merely done in outline, express the objects which they are intended to represent infinitely better than many laboured engravings of more modern times. The Fuchsia in question was at that time supposed to require the temperature of a hothouse ; consequently we may pre. sume that it was lost to cultivation prior to the ultimate pnrcbase of a plant of it by Mr. Lee, the founder of the well-known nursery at Hammersmith. Of this transaction I find the following account written in an old scrap-book just as I heard it narrated at Knowsley twenty-five years ago. Mr. Lee having heard that in the window of an humble dwelling in Wapping, growing in a pot, was to be seen a beantiful plant with drooping fiowers like earrings, his curiosity became excited, and he at once determined to proceed to the locality and see for himself. Once there, he oonld not disguise his admiration of the plant in question, and soon intro- duced himself to the owner, whom he found to be the wife of a sailor. After some preliminary conversation, he offered her a golden guinea in exchange for the plant, but this she refused, saying that her " Jack had brought it home from a foreign conntry, therefore she would not part with it for his sake." After some persuasion, how- ever, and a promise that he would propagate a plant of the same for her, and at the same time placing in her hands all the cash he had about him (about ten guineas), he obtained possession of the plant, which was speedily propagated, and found, as may be imagined, a ready and profitable sale. The fine old Fuchsia gracilis rubra and F. Riocartoni may also be used for outdoor decoration, being equally hardy ; but where a strong-growing, free.blooming kind is required for training against a wall or fence, there is, as yet, nothing to equal the old F. corallina, which is a cross between F. rupestris (a climbing species) and F. exoniensis, this latter being a cross between F. globosa and F. cordifolia. E. Bullen. July 7, 1877. THE GARDEN. 11 FLOWERS AND SONG VICTOEIOVS. 12 THE GARDEN. [July 7, 1877. THE AMATEUR'S GARDEN. By THOMAS BAINES. Ferns. — Of late years Tree Ferna and other strong.growing kinds have been so much in fashion as to put in the shade the gi'eat number of small and more elegant sorts that met with favour when these beautifn' plants first came into ordinary cultivation. This is much to be regretted, as amongst the dwarf species are to be found many of the most graceful forms of vegetable life in existence, and which are better suited to the space which numbers of amateurs have at command than the large-growing kinds. The raising of decorative plants of a permanent character from seed is always a pleasing operation to those who are fond of gardening, and one in which amateurs with a little practice will be sure to attain success. The seeds or, more correctly speaking, spores (as these germs from which Ferns increase naturally are not f ally-developed seeds), can with little troable be induced to vegetate in large numbers, but from their peculiar character they require different treatment to that employed with seeds of ordinary plants. The spores in the case of the majority of species are produced in little brown masses on the backs of the fronds ; they are extremely small, more like particles of fine dust than living organisms. As they require from the time of sowing to be kept continually moist, and, if watered on the surface in the usual way, they are likely to be carried down too deeply in the soil for them to vegetate (and although young plants are moisture-loving plants, they need the (and although young plants are moistnre-loviug, they need the treatment: — Procure as many feeders (that is, shallow pans, like those sometimes placed under flower-pots) as the number of kinds of spores to be sown ; also an equal number of smaller-sized seed-pans to stand ia the feeders ; place in the pans one-third of drainage material, covering it with some decayed Sphagnum or a few rotten leaves, filling them up to within J in. of the rims with half turfy peat full of finely-sifted vegetable fibre, rubbing the vegetable con. stituents of the soil with the hand through the riddle along with the earthy matter ; to this add one.fourth of rough, gritty sandstone (a portion of it broken fine, the remainder left in bits about as large as marbles), and an equal part of charcoal broken in like manner ; mix the whole together, pressing it firmly down with the hand or the bottom of an empty pot ; take a fine-rosed can, and give as much water as will thoroughly saturate the whole, again smoothing the surface ; and on it immediately bow the spores, scattering them on much thicker than ordinary seeds, as only a moderate percentage will grow ; cover each pan with a bell- glass or a sheet of ordinary window glass cut so as to just cover the pan. There is a twofold object in thus covering the pots — to retain the moisture so as to keep the surface continually damp, and to pre- vent water from accidentally getting to it, which, as already observed, would have the effect of washing the spores too deeply into the soil. The pans must be placed in the feeders, which should be kept with about half-an.inch of water in the bottom, of which the soil will absorb a sufficient quantity to keep itself always moist. They should then be stood in a shady position in a stove or greenhouse, according to the warmth required by the respective species. Even the green- house kinds will be none the worse for an intermediate temperature, such as a late Vinery, but the pans should be on a moist bottom of sand or ashes, and not on dry shelves ; if placed where the sun will have a direct influence on the glasses, shade them with paper, so as not to darken the surface too much. In the course of eight or ten weeks some kinds will begin to vegetate, but even if longer one need not despair of their appearance ultimately. Their first appearance will be indicated by diminutive green cups not larger than the head of a pin; these will increase in size and ultimately push np from their centres small green fronds. When the seedlings are large enough (which, if the spores be sown shortly after this time, will be in the course of the ensuing spring), they must, be pricked off 1 in. apart in pans or pots drained and filled with sifted peat made porous with a mixture of sand and broken charcoal, kept continuously moist and slightly shaded ; and, when of sufficient size, place them singly in small pots. Many amateurs are under the impression that if they have not got a stove or house devoted exclusively to the cultivation of Ferns, they can only succeed with a few of the commonest kinds, whereas there is a large number of the most beautiful species that will thrive better in a greenhouse temperature, with a fair amount of air and plenty of light, than if grown in a hotter temperature, for not only are they more robust and healthy under the cooler treatment, but they are much less subject to the attacks of thrips, which insect is the bane of greenhouse Ferns grown in heat ; yet in the case of these during the first year after potting it will conduce considerably to their size and strength if they can be accommodated with an inter- mediate-house temperature, after which the darkest corner in the greenhouse should be selected for them. Not only will this be an advantage in leaving the lightest positions for other plants that require them, but a shady, somewhat confined situation where there is no necessity for giving air so as to come in direct contact with the Ferns, will be better suited to their requirements ; yet here, as in the first stages of their existence, they should not be stood npon dry shelves, but on some moisture-holding material. The following are a selection of the most beautiful small and medium-growing species : — Adiantum caneatum, A. gracillimum, A. hispidulum (pubescens), A. formosum, Davallia buUata, D. elegans, D. Nova) ZelandiEe, Nephro. lepia exaltata, Pteris serrulata, and P. cretica albo-lineata. The above are the best and most suitable for cutting to mix with flowers for either bouquets or other floral arrangements ; the Davallias named are especially useful through the autumn when the fronds are fully matured. The undermentioned are equally handsome, but not so generally nsed for cutting : — Adiantum sulphureum, A. scabrum. A, Capillus-Veneris, Asplenium Belangeri, A. bulbiferum, Cheilanthes dealbata (one of the most beautiful of silver Ferns), C. frigida, Davallia canariensis, D.dissecta, D. ohserophylla, D. pyxidata, Lomaria gibba, L. Cycadifolia, Lygodium scandens, L. palmatum (the last two are climbing Ferns), Nothoclaana nivea, N. rufa, N. tenera, N. Eokloniana, Platycerium aloicorne, P. Stemmaria, Pteris scaberrula, P. aspericaulia, P. serrulata variegata, and P. serrulata corymbifera. The following are equally handsome and deserving of cultivation, but require an intermediate temperature : — Adiantum cnrvatnm, A. Far. leyense, A. tenerum, A. trapeziforme, Brainea insignis, Asplenium dimorphum, Cheilanthes elegans, Davallia Mooreana, D. scabra, Lomaria Zamisefolia, Platycerium grande, Polypodinm Musaafolium, Pteris tricolor, P. palmata, and P. rubrioaulis ; to these may be added Gleichenias — Speluncaa, rnpestris, flabellata, and dichotoma — free, growing, distinct kinds ; they will grow in a greenhouse, but do better continually in a little warmth, always moist at the roots, but with a drier atmosphere than most Ferns like. I have purposely omitted Gymnogrammas, the gold and silver varieties of which are much liked, but they require a considerable amount of heat to keep them in good condition through the winter, and they are not of use for cutting. Peaches. — In this most exceptional season I have found it neoes. sary to refer to the treatment requisite for Peaches on open walls, and though often spoken of I consider it advisable to urge still further upon those who have not had to manage this fruit during a summer so adverse as the present, the production and necessary ripening of the wood for next year's bearing. Owing to cold cutting winds, aphides, and blister, the trees in many places, where not closely attended to, have only within the last few weeks begun to make growth of a character calculated to produce fruit ; there is no possibility of this late growth getting fully matured, except by careful attention and keeping it sufficiently thinned out so that every shoot retained may be fully exposed to the sun. I should recommend all the young wood that is thus allowed to remain to be kept tied or laid in to the wall, as there is no question that the heat given off from the bricks helps to ripen the wood much quicker than if it be left growing loose at a considerable distance from the face of the wall : but in doing this it is necessary to remind beginners in Peach culture that a few inches of the points of the shoots should be left at liberty so long as they keep extending, for, if tied in too closely, their growth is frequently stopped, in which case some of the lower eyes would break instead of forming bloom-buds. Use the syringe regularly to keep down red spider, which at this time generally makes its appearance, and unless more precautions than usual are taken with the trees, there is every probability that next Bummer's crop of fruit will not exceed the scanty supply of the present season. Strawberries. — Late varieties of these, such as British Queen and Elton Pine, will be greatly benefited by liberal waterings. With this fruit, as with other things, mere sprinklings are worse than use. less ; where the time at command or the supply is insufficient to water further upon those amateurs who have not had to manage this fruit daring a summer so adverse as the present, the necessary berries last formed and the last to ripen will keep on growing to a larger size ; this watering will also greatly assist the production of runners required for planting shortly, which otherwise promise to be very late. Asparagus, like all other things this year, has been more than usually late in springing, and through the scarcity of other vege. tables, many will have been tempted to continue cutting longer than the welfare of the plants would warrrant; where this has been the case, it is well to assist the growth as far as possible with liquid stimulants, the advantage of which to Asparagus ia that they act so much quicker than solid manure, giving strength to the plants immediately they reach the roots ; it is immaterial what is used to enrich the water thus given — horse or fowl manure, or guano — and as Asparagus is a marine plant, some salt added will be an advantage, in the proportion of a JULY 7, 1877.] THE GARDEN. 13 small handful to 3 gallona of the water; one copious soaking to the beds given early in the present month will generally be found suffi- cient, escept in extraordinarily dry seasons. All weeds should now be removed by hand, for if allowed to remain, the liberal amount of manure given to Asparagus accelerates their growth apace. GARDEN WORK FOR EVERY DAY. EXTRACTS FROM MY DIARY. By W. DENNING. July 9. — Potting Celosias, Primulas, and herbaceous Calceo- larias. Shifting Amarantns salioifolius, and potting off young Bal- Bams. Sowing Bath Cos Lettuce, Digswell Prize, and dwarf green Curled Endive and Spinach. Placing pot Vines in house where they are to fruit, syringing and keeping them in a temperature of 70° at night. Earthing up Cucumbers and French Beans. Planting out Sunaowers. July 10. — Potting Bouvardiaa. Basketing Aerides quinquevnl- nernm and repotting Odontoglossum Phatonopsis in Moss, top- dressing with peat. Sowing Nonpareil and Advancer Peas, Cab- bages, and Early Horn Carrots. Putting in Pelargonium cuttings. Clipping shrubs, and giving Peach trees in pots a top-dressing of manure. Hoeing among fruit bushes and putting Epaorises in cold pits. July 11. — Putting freshly-imported plants of Cattleya snperba on blocks, and placing Dendrobium McCarthiEe in a bare basket. Sowing Six-week Turnips, Long-podded Negro, and Sir Joseph Paxton French Beans ; also a late crop of Broad Beans. Putting in cuttings of Crasanla coccinea. Watering and mulching Peach trees and training conservatory creepers. Placing Camellias in Peach- house where they can be shaded a little. Staking Peas. July 12. — Potting Cypripedium Lowi in peat. Moss, and sand. Sowing Ne Plus Ultra Peas. Planting Ten-week Stocks. Salting Asparagus and Carrot beds. Nailing up Tomatoes and outdoor Figs and Vines, and watering Scarlet Runners with guano water. July 13. — Shifting Odontoglossum Andersoni, and sowing a border of Early Horn Carrots and a box of Intermediate Stocks. Planting Asters. Putting in cuttings of Poinsettias. Clearing land of Early Peas, and digging it for late Cauliflowers ; also preparing land on which to plant Endive. Watering French Beans with guano. Leaving night air on Vineries and Peaoh.honses in which fruit is ripening. July 14. — Potting off seedling Musk plants, Colens cuttings, and White Pinks. Sowing Mignonette in pots for autumn flowering, also Prickly Spinach, and Radishes. Planting Cauliflowers for late supply, and pricking out Wallflowers, clipping hedges and cutting Laurels. Pinching and pegging down plants in flower garden, and picking off all decayed flowers and leaves. Sowing Turnips, having previously watered the drills into which a little guano has been placed. Planting Neapolitan Cabbage Lettuce, Sweet Basil, and Marjoram. Putting in cuttings of Kalosanthes, clipping Arabis and Cerastium edgings, and digging land for late French Beans. Hardy Flowers. • Auriculas. — Plants which were re-potted at the proper time are now busily engaged in putting forth new roots into the fresh soil, and, as a consequence, the outer leaves, put forth with so much vigour in early spring, are dying away and giving the plants an unhealthy appearance. There is, however, no cause for alarm ; the plants may bear soft showers, but heavy drenching rains should be avoided. As the outside leaves decay they should be removed, and the surface soil should be stirred occasionally. Asters. — Every efforj; should be made to induce these to make a strong uninterrupted growth by means of watering, mulching with manure, and sprinkling overhead in dry weather. As soon as the buds begin to form, a little weak manure-water will be found of great assistance. Hollyhocks. — These are already in many instances diseased. It fastens on the lower leaves and eats them quite away, eventually destroying the flower-stalks also. Some assert that moisture at the roots will prevent the spread of the fungus, but this of itself, I fear, will not prove sufficient to stay its progress. It is stated that Mr. Worthington Smith's remedy for the Potato disease — a preparation to which he has given the name of Salua — has been applied to the Hollyhock disease with considerable advantage. In the case of this peat it is best used in solution ; the plants should be well drenched overhead with it, and the undersides of the leaves washed also. A healthy growth is soon the result, and if the disease again appear, a second application will soon subdue it. A mulching with manure, and copious root waterings will greatly assist the Salus. Pelakgoniums. — As early blooming varieties of the show class go out of flower, they should be placed out-of-doors and kept a little dry. After a few days they may be cut down, and it is always well to allow the soil to become quite dry about the roots for two or three days before this is done, as the wound made by cutting away the branches will heal all the sooner. Then, when the cuts begin to heal over, the plants may be placed in a close frame to induce the branches to break vigorously. As soon as the shoots are 1 in. long, water should be withheld for a day or two, the plants turned out of their pots, the whole of the soil shaken out, and the main roots cut away to within 3 in. of the main stem, leaving some fibrous roots about them. The plants should then be re. potted in 5-in. or 6-in. pots, according to their size, in a soil consiating of good yellow loam, aand, leaf-mould, and a little well-decompoaed manure, dry enough when used to crumble to pieces in the hand. After potting, the plants need to be kept close for a time to induce them to put forth roots, when they can have more air as the growth lengthens. The branches cut away make good cuttings, and if six or eight be put into a well-drained 4i-in. pot they will soon root and make excellent plants for potting in autumn to bloom in spring. Pykethrums. — A surprising improvement is taking place in the double varieties of the perennial Pyrethrum. I have just received a box of blooms of some new seedling varieties that are large in size, richly coloured, and singularly double — the centre being densely filled with quilled florets, and then surrounded with a double row of broad guard-petals. They have more than rivalled the Quilled Ger. man Aster, and they are much more satisfactory plants to grow. Let me describe a .few of theae flowera : Captain Boyton ia cherry-red, large, and full; Captain Narea, magenta; Galopin, deep magenta, shaded with maroon ; Kremhilda, pale pink, large, and full ; Queen Mary, blush, flushed with pink, a charming variety ; Ceres, bright pink, deepening to rose on the outer florets, large, and fine ; Achille, rosy.pink, large and full, and fine in outline ; Amethyst, amethyst, pink, brightening to violet, large and full ; Cleopatra, pure white ; and Duchess of Edinburgh, pale pink, tinted with violet and margined with silver. There are now a great number of varieties of double Pyrethrums in cultivation, and they take high rank as border flowers. Some of the brightly-coloured single varieties are very effective also, but generally they have a loose and more branching habit of growth, which is thought objectionable. Rhodanthes, — In the exhibition of annuals in Regent's Park, these form a conspicuous feature. There is the old Rhodauthe Man. gleai, and then come the more recent introductions, maculata, macu. lata alba, and atro-sanguinea. These are just now so full of flower that I give them the highest place among annuals suitable for pot culture and decorative purposes. Rhodanthes, too, are so lasting in character, and, even when the blooms are cut, they are of great service for winter decoration. Violas. — A Viola that will succeed well in the London parka is one that can scarcely fail to be invaluable for bedding purposes. Such an one is Princess Teck, a pale mauve-coloured variety, which ia now very fine in Battersea Park, and strongly recommended by Mr. Roger, the superintendent. D. WELL-GEOWN HERBACEOUS CALCEOLARIAS. Oalceolamas may be said to consist of two distinct sections the shrubby and herbaceous, which do not readily blend with each other. The shrubby sorts are well known as useful decorative plants for the flower garden during summer, although they are now less favourably regarded as bedding plants than they have been in times gone by, a circumstance due in a great measure to a difficulty which has in many localities been experienced with respect to their culture. The herbaceous section are seldom used as bedding plants, but are found to be exceedingly useful in greenhouses, conservatories, and even in sitting rooms, in all of which with attention they will continue to be highly ornamental for a period of not less than three or four months. Herbaceous Calceolarias may be readily increased by division, or cuttings inserted in light soil or sand, and placed in a close pit or frame, an opera- tion which should be effected soon after the plants have ceased flowering ; but unless it be with the view of increasing unusu- ally meritorious kinds, propagation by this method is seldom 14 g:Sb garden. [July 7, 1877. resorted to at the present time, as herbaceous Calceolarias can now be raised from seed, and the plants so obtained will be found to possess every good quality that can be desired or expected. Mr. Barratt, of Bury St. Edmunds, has for years devoted attention to this .section of Calceolarias, and his plants have this season been greatly in advance of those of former years. This result has been secured by a jadicious system of selection, having reference to the habit of growth, form, tex- ture, and healthy colour of the foliage, as well as the form, colour, size, and markings of the blooms. This season the foliage has been clean and healthy, the flower-stalks stout and robust, carryiug abundance of large, -well-formed blooms, the markings of which are of the most diversified character, and the colours vary from a straw-white or pale primrose-yellow to the richest crimson-magenta and deep maroon. So distinctly diversified, indeed, are the markings of the flowers, that out of a very extensive collection, it was found to be difficult to select two plants whose blooms were in all respects alike. Mr. Barratt sows the seed about the middle of July, and the plants generally commence ilowering about the end of April. He flowers them in pots 7 in. or 8 in. in diame- ter, and when large speci- mens are desired he uses pots of larger dimensions. The seeds of the Calceolarias being exceedingly small, a little care is necessary in sowing as well as in the treatment of the plants dur- ing the early stages of de- velopment. It is advisable to use for the purpose small seed-pans, or pots some Gin. in diameter. These should bo well drained, and filled with light rich soil, which should be pressed moder- ately firm, placing the rougher portions upon the Moss which should cover the crocks form- ing the drainage. The sur- face of the soil should [be made perfectly smooth and level, and should then be well watered with a fine-rosed watering-pot. When this has been absorbed, the seeds should be sown upon the wet surface slightly pressed down ; and they may have a slight portion of light soil or silver sand dusted upon them. Some growers, however, do not cover with soil at all, but merely cover the surface of the pot with a piece of glass which the rim will prevent from pressing upon the soil. The pot or pan should then be placed in a pit or frame, or under a hand-glass, so that it can be shaded from the sun, or the pot, with its glass covering, may be placed on the north side of a wall, where the seeds will speedily germinate. As soon as the plants are lai-ge enough to handle they should be pricked into pans of similar soil, and shaded from intense sunshine ; afterwards they should be potted singly into 3-in. pots, from which they may in due time be transferred into pots of some 6 in. or 8 in. in diameter, in which, unless in cases where large specimens are desired, they may be flowered. They should be wintered in a light pit, or on a shelf in a greenhouse as close to the glass as possible ; and as Calceolarias are very liable to the attacks of aphides, the structure containing them should be fumigated with To- bacco or good Tobacco paper, whenever these pests make their appearance. The soil used for the final shift may be composed of about two parts turfy loam, and one part well-rotted hotbed manure or leaf-soil, with the addition of a portion of silver or other sharp sand, should the loam be of a heavy or tenacious charac- ter ; and as soon as the plants begin to throw up flower-stems they will be materially assisted by the use of clear soot- water, applied about twice a week, more particularly in cases where it is intended to flower the plants in comparatively small pots. As soon, however, as the blooms begin to be fully developed the use of soot or manure water of any kind should be discontinued, as it is possible that a persistence in its use might prove prejudicial to the exquisite markings of the flowers. P. Gbieve. Culford. Brngmansia planted out. THE WINTER-SWEET. (T0XIC0PnL.EA. SrECTABILIs). Drawn by Mas. DUFPIELD. Tins handsome Cape plant bears, as will be seen by the coloured plate, compact clusters of white blossoms, which in the case of well-grown plants, are pro- duced freely. As a winter and spring-flowering greenhouse plant it well deserves atten- tion, its blossoms, which are sweet-scented,beingproduced in succession for many weeks at a time when really good white flowers are scarce. Tears ago it used to be grown in a few establishments, but became somehow lost to cul- tivation. Mr. B. S. Williams, of Holloway, however, re- cently re-introduced it, and brought it into notice by exhibiting finely-bloomed plants of it at South Ken- sington and elsewhere. In habit of growth and general appearance it bears some resemblance to a Posoqueria. The soil best suited to its growth is a mixture of equal parts of loam, peat, and leaf- mould, to which a little sharp sand should be added. It may be easily increased either by means of seeds or cut- tings. Seedling plants, how- ever, are never satisfactory, on account of the rampant habit which they assume pre- vious to flowering. Healthy cuttings of half-ripened wood taken ofl: in autumn and inserted in sharp sandy soil under a bell-glass, will, under favou«ible circumstances, make bushy, flowering plants the following spring. The White Brugmansia Planted out.— All who aim at making the greenhoaee or conservatory beantifal and piotureBqae with the smallest amount o£ trouble have a valuable aid in this well, known plant. Planted oat in a bed or border of any kind, and with- out any special culture beyond allowing it plenty of root.room and water it quickly becomes |a handsome bush. It is also generally so healthy and vigorous that year after year it is a source of pleasure. The long and fine white fragrant trumpets are produced plentifully, and are seen to advantage among the soft and ample fresh green leaves. They last a long'time in flower, often appearing till nearly the end of the year. It is fitted for walls in certain positions as well aa for beds and wide borders, and it is particularly valuable in large cool houses", where more natural verdant effects are sought than are obtainable by means of plants in pots. Pinus omorika. — A new European Conifer, to which the name of Pinna omorika is given, has been discovered by Dr. Pancic in the mountain regions of South-western Servia, It is said to attain a large size, and to be closely allied to P. orientalis. rujjpk-rr.ei-d: to The Garden, Otfice.- 37, 3 ou.t:iiaraptoii Street. Covent Garden London, W G ^ .^t^^ r<«gaig»itiigjti „ is::,! gig;;-iK<^A. ■ i ^■v^t?«■^■■-^;-;-^■^^vi^^'-^-1^^^gAVf■<»'n^':■,^'iaw^ia THS VvlNTER SWEET fTOXICOPKL-^A SPECTABILIS ;, July 7, 1877.] THE GAKDBN. 15 THE WILSON RAFT. I HAVE sent you a sectional illustration of the raft which in a tank in our garden at the cottage has proved so useful in the cultivation of bog and water plants. For more than a year I have tried experiments, and can now report perfect success. It will be readily admitted that in ordinary gardens growing marsh and water plants requires much care, and is by no means easy, and that many of even our native bog plants are of very great beauty, for example, the Buck Bean (Menyanthes trifoliata), and Grass of Parnassus (Parnassia palustris). I will now proceed to show what we have done, in the full hope that others will take up the idea and work it out more fully. Our first raft was very rough and small ; it consisted of two pieces of Fir tree, connected by narrow boards ; this had not much floating power, but the plants in the few pans which it carried gave good promise. We next made the present raft ; this is 8 ft. square, and consists of nine planks, connected underneath by cross pieces, and having about 2 in. open spaces between ; this was sunk by the weight of the pots and pans — ■ until sufiiciently weighted by pieces of rock — to 2 in. or 3 in. under the surface. On the raft bog plants in pots and water plants in pans were placed, with the result that, with no attention, they flourish as well as in their natural homes. After a time, when the wood had become saturated with water, and its floating power thus lessened, we nailed large pieces of Cork underneath the raft ; this enabled it to carry a heavy load. The plants now growing on the raft number twenty, and were The Wilson Raft for Water Plants. chosen as representative plants. There are the North Ame- rican Pitcher-plant (Sarracenia purpurea), with three flowers out ; Saxifraga palmata, Buck Beans (these were sent from America in ignorance of their flowering in this country), Bog Violets (Pinguicula vulgaris). Grass of Parnassus, several sorts of Mimulus — the Spotted Mimulus overgrows its pan, and with floating roots in the water is most beautiful — Lobelia cardinalis. Bog Myrtle, a large variety of Yellow Iris, and North American Lady's-slipper (Cypripedium spectabile). It is obvious that, while the raft floats between 2 in. and 3 in. under water, each pan or pot may be adjusted according to the requirement of its inhabitant ; thus a water-plant is sunk to the full depth, while a plant requiring only moist soil is raised up by a piece of wood placed under its pot. Hitherto I have confined the experiments to simple cultivation ; the next aim should be to add ornamental arrangement. Of course the weight of the pots and pans wastes much of the floating power of the raft: I propose superseding these by wood and Cork boxes, the diminished weight will allow the raft to be covered with plants, and to have the effect of a floating island ; but pro- bably a still more ornamental form would be a round raft of wood with Cork or wood fastened with copper nails to form sides, the bottom to have only small holes all over to admit the water; there might be cross divisions for different mixtures of soil suitable for the various plants, made not deep enouo'h to show above the surface ; in this case the whole raft would be covered with soil, and all woodwork, except the sides, hidden. In any garden with a pond this floating island might be moored to the bank or anchored. As I believe this raft to be a good idea, and that it will prove a real boon to the gardening world, I should like my name to be associated with it, and therefore propose to name it the " Wilson Raft." Heatherhanh, Weyhridge Heath. George F. Wilson. THE PLANT-LORE OF SHAKESPEARE. (.Continued from p. 553, Vol. XI.). Pomegranate. (1) Lafeu. Go to, sir, you were beaten in Italy for picking a kernel out of a Pomegranate. All's Well That Ends Well, act ii., sc. 3. (2) Juliet, It is the nightingale, and not the lark, That pierced the fearful hollow of thine ear ; Nightly she sings on yon Pomegranate tree. Romeo and Juliet, act iii., sc. 5. (3) Francis. Anon, anon, sir ; look down into the Pomegranate, Ralph. 1st Henry IV,, act ii., sc. 4. There are few trees that surpass the Pomegranate in interest and beauty combined. " Whoever has seen the Pomegranate in a favourable soil and climate, whether as a single shrub or grouped many together, has seen one of the most beautiful of green trees ; its spiry shape and thick-tufted foliage of vigo- rous green, each growing shoot shaded into tenderer verdure and bordered with crimson and adorned with the loveliest flowers ; filmy petals of scarlet lustre are put forth from the solid crimson cup, and the ripe fruit of richest hue and most admirable shape" (Lady Calcott's "Scripture Herbal.") A simpler but more valued testimony to the beauty of the Pome- granate is borne in its selection for the choicest ornaments on the Ark of the Tabernacle, on the priest's vestments, and on the rich capitals of the pillars in the Temple of Solomon. The native home of the Pomegranate is not very certainly known, but the evidence chiefly points to the north of Africa. It was very early cultivated in Egypt, and was one of the Egyptian delicacies so fondly remembered by the Israelites in their desert wanderings, and is frequently met with in Egyptian sculpture. It was abundant in Palestine, and is often men- tioned in the Bible, and always as an object of beauty and desire. It was highly appreciated by the Greeks and Romans, but it was probably not introduced into Italy in very early times, as Pliny is the first author that certainly mentions it, though some. critics have supposed^that the aurea mala and aurea pomi of Virgil and Ovid were Pomegranates. From Italy the tree soon spread into other parts of Europe, taking with it its Roman name of Punica Mains, or pomum gra- natum. Punica showed the country from which the Romans derived it, while granatum (full of grains) marked the special characteristic of the fruit that distinguished it from all other so-called Apples. Gerarde takes advantage of the name to give a queer instance of local etymology : — " Pomegranates grow in hot countries, towards the south in Italy, Spaine, and chiefly in the kingdom of Granada, which is thought to be so named of the great multitude of Pomegranates, which be commonly called Oranata." This derivation, however, may be matched by the derivation of Yucatan, from the quantity of Yuccas growing there. The Pomegranate lives and flowers well in England, but when it was first introduced is not recorded. I do not find it in the old vocabularies, but Chaucer gives it a prominent place in " that gardeyn, wele wrought," " the garden that so lyked me." There were, and that I wote f uUe well, Of Pomgarnetfcys a f uUe gret delle, That is a fruit fuUe welle to lyke, Namely to folk whaune they ben sike. « Eomaunt of the Rose. Gerarde had it in 1596, but from his description it seems that it was a recent acquisition. " I have recovered," he says, " divers young trees hereof, by sowing of the seed or grains of the height of three or four cubits, attending God's leisure for floures and fruit." Three years later, in 1599, it is noticed for its flowers in Batte's " Dry Dinner " (as quoted by Brand), where it is asserted that " if one eate three small Pomegranate flowers (they say) for a whole yeare he shall be safe from all manner of eyesore ; " and Gerarde speaks of the " wine which is pressed forth of the Pomegranate berries named Rhoitas or wine of Pomegranates," but this may have been imported. But, when introduced, it at once took kindly to its new home, so that Parkinson was able to describe its flowers and fruits from personal observation. In all the southern parts of Eng- land it grows very well, and is one of the very best trees we 16 THE GARDEN. [July 7, 18?7. have to cover a south wall ; it also grows well iu towns, as may be seen at Bath, where a great many very fine specimens have been planted in the areas in front of the houses, and have grown to a considerable height. When thus planted and pro- perly pruned the tree will bear its beautiful flowers from May all through the summer ; but generally the tree is so pruned that it cannot flower. It should be pruned like a Banksian Eose, and other plants that bear their flowers on last year's shoots, i.e., simply thinned, but not cut back or spurred. With this treatment the branches may be allowed to grow in their natural way without beicg nailed in, and if the single-blossomed species be grown, the flowers in good summers will bear fruit. Last year (1876) I counted on a tree in Bath more than sixty fruit ; the fruits will perhaps seldom be worth eating, but they are curious and handsome. The sorts usually grown are the pure scarlet (double and single), and a very double variety with the flowers somewhat variegated. These are the most desirable, but there are a few other species and varieties, including a very beautiful dwarf one from the East Indies, that is too tender for our climate out-of-doors, but is largely grown on the Continent as a window plant. Pomewater (see Apple). Popering (see Pear). Poppy. laijo. Not Poppy or Mandragova, Nor all the drowsy syrups of tlie world Shall ever medicine thee to that sweet sleep Which thou own'dst yesterday. Othello, act iii., sc. 3. The Poppy had of old a few other 'names, such as Coru- rose and Cheese-bowls (a very old name for the flower), and being " of great beautie, although of evil smell, our gentle- women doe call it Jone Silverpin." This name is difiicult of explanation, even with Parkinson's help, who says it means "faire without and foule within," but it probably alludes to its gaudy colour and worthlessness. But these names are scarcely the common names of the plant, but rather nickuames ; the nsuat name is and always has been Poppy, which is an easily- traced corruption for the Latin jiapaver, the Saxon and early English names being variously spelt popig and paplg, pop! and pupij ; so that the Poppy is another instance of a very common and conspicuous English plant kuown only or chiefly by its Latiu name anglicised. Our common English Poppy " being of a beautiful and gallant red colour," is certainly one of the handsomest of our wild flowers, and a Wheat field with a rich undergrowth of scarlet Poppies is a sight very dear to the artist, while the weed is not supposed to do much harm to the farmer. But this is not the Poppy mentioned by lago, for its narcotic qualities are very small ; the Poppy that he alludes to is the Opium Poppy (P. somniferuni). This Poppy was well known and cultivated in Eugland long before Shakespeare's day, but only as a garden ornament ; the opium was then, as now, imported from the East. Its deadlyqualities were well known. Spenser speaks of the plant as the " dull Poppy," and describ- ing the Garden of Mammon, he says : — There mournful Cypress grew in greatest store, And trees of bitter gall, and Hebeu sad. Dead-sleeping Poppy, and blaek Hellebore, Cold Coloquintida. And Drayton similarly describes it — ■ Here Henbane, Poppy, Hemlock here, Procuring deadly sleeping. The name of opium does not seem to have been in general use, except among the apothecaries, and I believe that Milton is the first writer of eminence that uses it. Which no cooling herb Or medicinal liquor can asswage. Nor breath of vernal air from snowy Alp ; Sleep hath forsook and given me o'er To death's benumming opium as my only cure. Samson Agonistes. Many of the Poppies are very ornamental garden plants. The pretty yellow Welsh Poppy (Meconopsis cambrica), abundant at Cheddar Cliffs, is an excellent plant for the rock- work, where, when once established, it will grow freely aud sow itself; and for the same place the little Papaver alpinum, with its varieties, is equally well suited. Eor the open border the larger Poppies are very suitable, especially the great Oriental Poppy (P. orientale) and the grand scarlet Siberian Poppy (P. bracteatum), perhaps the most gorgeous of hardy plants, while among the rarer species of the wibe we must reckon the Meconopses of the Himalayas (M. Wallichi and M. nepalensis), plants of singular beauty and elegance, but very difficult to grow and still more diSioult to keep, even if once established. Within the last three years they have been successfully grown at Kew and in a few other places, and have been proved to be perfectly hardy, for they have been grown iu wonderful beauty in Mr. Elwes' garden at Miserden, one of the coldest villages on the Cotswold, biit whether they can be permanently preserved, time only can show. Besides these Poppies, the large double garden Poppies are very showy and of great variety in colour, but they are only anuuals. Potato. (1) Thersites. How the devil Luxury, with his fat rump and Potato- finger, tickles these together. Troilus and Cressida, act v., sc. 2. (2) Falstaff. Let the sky rain Potatoes; let it thunder to the tune of green sleeves, hail kissing comforts, and snow Eringoes. Merry Wives of Windsor, act v., sc. 5. The chief interest in these two passages is that they contain almost the earliest notice of Potatoes after their introduction into England. The generally received account is that they were introduced into Ireland in 1584 by Sir Walter Raleigh, and from thence brought into England ; but the year of their first planting in England is not recorded. They are not mentioned by Lyte iu 1.586. Gerarde grew them in 1597, but only as curiosities, under the name of Virginian Potatoes (Battata Virginianorum and Pappas), to distinguish them from the Spanish Potato, or Convolvulus Battatas, which had been long grown iu Europe. They seem to have grown into favour very slowly, for half a century after their introduction. Waller still spoke of them as one of the tropical luxuries of the Bermudas. With candy'd Plantains and the juicy Pine, On choicest Melons and sweet Grapes they dine, And with Potatoes fat their wanton swine. T1ie Battel of the Slimmer Islands. Potato is a corruption of Batatas or Patatas. As soon as the Potato arrived in England, it was at once invested with wonderful restorative powers, and in a long, exhaustive note in Steevens' Shakespeare, Mr. Collins has given all the passages in the early writers in which the Potato is mentioned, and in every case they have reference to these supposed virtues. These passages, which are chiefly from the old dramatists, are curious and interesting in the early history of the Potato, and as throwing light on the manners of our ancestors ; but as in every instance they are all more or less indelicate, I, of course, refrain from quoting them here. As a garden plant, we now restrict the Potato to the kitchen garden and the field, but it belongs to a very large family, the Solanaceffl or Nightshades, of which many members are very ornamental, though as they chiefly come from the tropical regions, there are very few that can be treated as entirely hardy plants. One, however, is a very beautiful climber' — the Solanum jasminoides from South America, and quite hardy in the South of England. Trained against a wall it will soon cover it, and when once established will hear its handsome trusses of white flowers with yellow anthers in great profusion during the whole summer. A better known member of the family is the Petunia, very handsome, but little better than an annual. The pretty Winter Cherry (Physalis Alkekengi), is another member of the family, and so is the Mandrake (see Mandrake). The whole tribe is poisonous, or at least to be suspected, yet it contains a large number of most useful plants, as the Potato, Tomato, Tobacco, Datura, and Cayenne Pepper. JuLr 7, 1877.] THE GARDEN. 17 (1) Queen. (4) Hermia. (5) Perdita. Primrose. The Violets, Cowslips, aad Primroses Bear to my closet. Cymheline, act v., sc. 2. (2) Queen Mary. I would be blind with weeping, sick with groans, Look Pale as Primrose, with blood-drinking sighs. And all to have the noble duka alive. 2iid Henry VI., act iii., sc. 2. (3) Arviragxis. Thou shalt not lack The flower that's like thy face — pale Primrose.^ Cymheline, act iv., sc. 3. In the wood where often you and I Upon faint Primrose-beds were wont to lie. Midsummer Night's Drscim, act i., sc. 1. Palo Primroses That die unmarried ere they can behold Bold Phosbus in his strength. Winter's Tale, act iv., sc. 3. (6) Ophelia. Like a puffed and reckless libei-tine. Himself the Primrose path of dalliance treads And recks not his own rede. Hamlet, act i., sc. 3. (7) Porter. I had thought to have letlin some of all professions that go the Primrose way to everlasting fire. Macbeth, act ii., sc. 3. (8) Witness this Primrose bank where on I lie. Vemts and Adonis. Whenever we speak of spring flowers, the first that comes into our minds is the Primrose. Both for its simple beauty and for its early arrival among us we give it the first place over Whatsoever other flowre of worth And whatso other hearb of lovely hew. The joyous Spring out of the ground brings forth To cloath herself in colours fresh and new. It is a plant equally dear to children and their elders, so that I cannot believe that there is any one (except Peter Bell) to whom A Primrose by the rivei-'s brim A yellow Primrose is to him — ■ And it is nothing more. — rather I should believe that W. Browne's " Wayfaring Man" is a type of most English countrymen in their simple admi- ration of the common flower — As some wayfaring man passing a wood, Whose waving top hath long a sea-mark stood. Goes jogging on and in his mind nought hath. But how the Primrose finely strews the path. Or sweetest Violets lay down their heads At some tree's roots or mossy feather beds — Britannia's Pastorals — (Cotemporary with Shakespeare). It is the first flower, except perhaps the Daisy, of which a child learns the familiar name ; and yet it is a plant of un- failing interest to the botanical student, while its name is one of the greatest puzzles to the etymologist. The common and easy explanation of the name is that it means the first Rose of the year — but like so many explanations that are derived only from the sound and modern appearance of a name, this is not the true account. The full history of the name is too long to give here, but the short account is this — " The old name was Prime Holies — or primerole. Primerole is an abbreviation of Fr., primeverole : It., immaverola, diminutive of prima verairomflor di prima vera, the first spring flower. Prime- role, as an outlandish unintelligible word, was soon familiarized into primerolles, and this into primrose" — (Dr. Prior). Tet though the name Primrose was not applied to the flower, it was an old English word, used to show excellence. A fairer nymph yet never saw mine eie, She is the pride and Primrose of the rest- Spenser — (Colin Clout) . Was not I (the Briar) planted of thine own hande To bee the Primrose of all thy lande, With flow' ring blossomes to furnish the prime And scarlet berries in summer time — Spenser— (Shepherd's Calendar, Februarie). It was also a flower name, but not of our present Primrose, but of a very different plant. Thus in a hommale of the 15th century we have " hoc ligustrum, a Primerose," and in a Pictorial Vocabulary of the same date we have " hoc bigus- trum, As? a Prymrose" — and this name for the Privet lasted with a slight alteration into Shakespeare's time. In Tusser's " Husbandry" we have " set Privey or Prim" (September Abstract), and Now set ye may The Box and Bay Hawthorn and Prim For clothe's trim— (January's Abstract). And so it is described by Gerarde as the Privet or Prim Print {i.e. prime printemps), and even in the 17th century. Cole says of ligustrum " This herbe is called Primose." When the name was fixed to our present plant, I cannot say, but certainly before Shakespeare's time, though probably not long before. It is rather remarkable that the flower, which we now so much admire, seems to have been very much over- looked by the writers before Shakespeare. In the very old vocabularies it does not at all appear by its present Latin name, Primula veris, but that is perhaps not to be wondered at, as nearly all the old botanists applied that name to the Daisy. But neither is it so much noticed by its English name. I can only find it in two of the vocabularies. In an English Vocabulary of the 14th century is " Hasc pimpinella, A"* primerolle— but it is very doubtful if this can be our Prim- rose, as the Pimpernel of old writers was the Burnet. But in the treatise of Walter de Biblesworth (13th century) is Primerole et primeveyre (cousloppe) Sur tere aperunt en tens de veyre. I should think there is no doubt this is our Primrose. Then we have Chaucer's description of a fine lady — Hire shoon were laced on herlegges hie She was a Primerole, a piggenie, For any lord to liggeu in his bedde, Or yet for any good yenian to wedde. Canterbury Tales, i., 3267. I have dwelt longer than usual on the name of this flower, because it gives us an excellent proof of how much literary interest may be found even in the names of our common English plants. But it is time to come from the name to the flower. The English Primrose is one of a large family of more than fifty species, represented in England by the Primrose, the Oslip, the Cowslip, and the Bird's-eye Primrose of the north of Eng- land and Scotland. All the members of the family, whether British or exotic, are noted for the simple beauty of their fiowers, but in this special character there is none that sur- passes our own. " It is the very flower of delicacy and reflne- ment ; not that it shrinks from our notice, for few plants are more easily seen, coming as it does when there is a dearth of flowers, when the first birds are singing, and the first bees humming, and the earliest green putting forth in the March and April woods ; and it is one of those plants which dislikes to be looking cheerless, but keeps up a smouldering fire of blossom from the very opening of the year, if the weather will permit " (Forbes Watson). It is this character of cheerfulness that so much endears the flower to us ; as it brightens up our hedgerows after the dulness of winter, the harbinger of many brighter perhaps, but not more acceptable beauties to come, it is the very emblem of cheerfulness. " Tet it is very curious to note what entirely different ideas it suggested to our fore- fathers. To them the Primrose seems always to have brought associations of sadness, or even worse than sadness, for the " Primrose path " and " Primrose ways " of Nos. 6 and 7 are meant to be suggestive of pleasures, but sinful pleasures. Spenser associates it with death in some beautiful lines in which a husband laments the loss of a young and beautiful wife — Mine was the Primerose in the lowly shade ! Oh ! that so fair a flower so soon should fade, And through untimely tempest fade away. And in another place his only epithet for it is " green," which quite ignores its brightness — And Primroses greene Embellish the sweete Violet. Shakespeare has no more pleasant epithets for our favoiirit* flower than "pale," "faint," "that die unmarried;" and Milton follows in the same strain, yet sadder. Once, indeed, he speaks 18 THE GARDEN. [July 7, 18?7. of youth as " Brisk as the April buds in Primrose season " (" Comus,") but only in three passages does he speak of the Primrose itself, and in two of these he connects it with death — Bring the rathe Primrose that forsaken dies. And every flower that sad embroidery wears. Ly'cidas, O fairest flower, no sooner blown but blasted. Soft silken Primrose fading timelesslie ; Summer's chief honour if thou hadst outlasted Bleak winter's force that made thy blossoms diie. On the Death of a Fair Infant. His third account is a little more joyous — Now the bright morning star, dayo's harbinger, Comes dancing from the East, and leading with her The Howery May, who from her green lap throws The yellow Cowslip and the pale Primrose. 0)1' May Morning, And nearly all the poets of that time spoke in the same strain, with the single exception of Ben Jonson and the two Fletchers. Jonson spoke of it as " The glory of the spring." Giles Fletcher says — Every bush lays deeply purf amed With Violets ; the wood's late wintry head. Wide flaming Primroses set all on fire. And Phiueas Fletcher — The Primrose lighted new her flame displays. And frights the neighbour hedge with fiery rays. And here and there sweet Primrose scattered. Nature seemed work'd by Art, so lively true A little hcavou or earth in narrow space she drew. I can only refer very shortly to the botanical interest of the Primula, and that only to direct attention to Mr. Darwin's paper in the '• Journal of the Linnean Society," 1862, in which he records his very curious and painstaking inquiries into the dimorphism of the Primula, a peculiarity in the Primula that gardeners had long recognised in their arrangement of Prim- roses as "pin-eyed" and "thrum-eyed." It is perhaps owing to this dimorphism that the family is able to show a very large number of natural hybrids. These have been carefully studied by Professor Kerner, of Innspruck, and it seems not unlikely that a further study will show that all the European so-called species are natural hybrids from a very few parents. Tet a few words on the Primrose as a garden plant. If the Primrose be taken from the hedges in November, and planted in beds thickly in the garden, they make a beautifial and true display of flowers and foliage from February till the beds are required for the summer flowers ; and there are few of our wild flowers that run into so many varieties in their wild state. In Pembrokeshire and Cardiganshire I have seen the wild Primrose of nearly all shades of colour, from the purest white to an almost bright red, and these can all be brought into the garden with a certainty of success and a certainty of rapid increase. There are also many double varieties, but all of these are more often seen in cottage gardens than elsewhere ; yet no gardener need despise them. One other British Primrose, the Bird's-eye Primrose, almost defies garden cultivation, though in its native habitats in the north it grows in most ungenial places. I have seen places in the neighbourhood of the bleak hills of Ingleborough, where it almost forms the turf ; yet away from its native habitat it is ditEoult to keep, except in a greenhouse. For the cultiva- tion of the other non-English species, I cannot do better than refer to an excellent paper by Mr. Niven in The Gakden for January 29, 1876, in which he gives an exhaustive account of them. I am not aware that Primroses are of any use in medicine or cookery, yet Tusser names the Primrose among " seeds and herbs for the kitchen," and Lyte says " the Cow- slips, Primroses, and Oxlips are now used dayly amongst other pot herbes, but in physicke there is no great account made of them," Fruaes (See Plums). H. N. ELLiCOMBE. (To he continuedj. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. SOWING TUKNIPS IN DRY WEATHER. It often happens at this season, when the main crop of Turnips for the winter's supply requires to be sown, that the land is in a '.dry, rough, harsh condition, totally unfit for the germination of small seeds. Some may say, wait for rain, and this I have sometimes done ; but I have never been altogether satisfied that I have acted rightly in doing this, for not only are delays dangerous, but frequently at this season if we have a passing shower, it is of no real loenefit in the case of our porous soil. I find it to be a better plan to sow about the right time, and if the land be dry and no immediate prospect of rain, to break down the soil so that the drills can be drawn, and, before sowing the seeds, well water with liquid manure, made with guano and salt, about 2 lb. of each to 40 gallons of water, covering the seeds with a mixture of fine soil and ashes or burnt earth, saved for such a purpose when the rubbish-heaps are cleared up. This moistening of the soil in the drills and for some distance down with liquid manure has a wonderful eliect on the vigour of the plants all through the season. Of course, at the time it involves a little extra trouble, but then reliance may be placed upon having a crop, and it is worth something to feel free from anxiety on that head — especially in a place where the Turnip-fly is troublesome if the plants be weakly. I am rather partial to this mixture of guano and salt for many things on our soil. Lettuce, Spinach, and many other crops of which a succession is required to be kept up are greatly benefited by having the drills soaked with liquid manure at the time of sowing ; it enables them to make a start, and when rain does come they have the full benefit of it. Waiting for rain is, in most cases I think, a mistake ; even in planting out Broccoli or Winter Greens two or three good waterings will usually be sufiicient to establish them, drawing a little dry earth round the stems after the last watering to check evaporation ; and everyone knows how much cleaner and pleasanter the work can be done when the surface is dry. Although I have only mentioned guano and salt, nothing that has any value as a manure need come amiss. Soot in a liquid form, applied in the drills with the seeds, is very beneficial, as the crop at once appreciates its presence. Itamseij Ahhetj. E. Hobday. CULTURE OF HORSERADISH. HoESERADisu succceds best in a deep, rich, sandy soil. The finest Horseradish which I ever saw was grown in mud thrown out from the River Lea ; by the side of the river was a large bed of Horseradish that had been growing there for a number of years, the digging of it up, when wanted, being generally done haphazard wherever there were likely to be the best sticks. It became necessary to clean out the river, and mud was thrown over the bed of Horseradish to a depth of from 2 ft. to 3 ft. Next year the Horseradish came up through the mud in the shape of clean, straight sticks, from 2 ft. to 3 ft. in length, and in every way excellent. The general way, how- ever, of growing Horseradish is to trench a piece of ground I 2 ft. deep, adding plenty of rotten manure, and in the spring to plant crowns with 2 in. or 3 in. of straight root attached to them, or, in the event of not having sufficient crowns, to use pieces of straight root 4 in. or 5 in. long. The best way is to plant in rows 12 in. or 1.5 in. apart, the sets being 8 in. or 9 in. asunder in the rows ; holes may be made with a stout stick or crowbar 15 in. or so deep, and the set dropped in and covered with a little fine soil. Some prefer a ridge similar to that between Celery trenches, planting small, long roots, 14 in. or 15 in. long, in three rows, and as the sticks are dug up for use the ridge is made up and planted again, therefore a succession of good Horseradish can always be obtained. By the following method of growing Horseradish sticks that measure from 5 in. to 8 in. in circumference may, it is said, be produced in ten months. During February take small, straight pieces of the roots about the size of, or somewhat smaller than, the little finger; from these remove all the side-shoots and roots, and form them into straight sets from 8 in. to 14 in. long. Pre- pare a piece of ground by deeply digging and well manuring July 7, 1877.J THE GARDEN. 19 it, and plant the sets in it in rows 3 ft. apart, and from 12 in. in the rows ; the sets must be planted in a slanting position, and must not bo more than 2 in. beneath the surface. The ground at all times must be kept free from weeds, and should be well watered in very dry weather. Planting the set at an angle — in fact, in nearly a horizontal position— is, no doubt, the great secret of success, for, being placed so near the surface, it has the full benefit of the sun's heat, which, as a matter of course, induces it to make rapid growth long before that which is planted according to the ordinary method— i.e., from 18 in. to 20 in. deep, and in a perpendicular position — reaches the surface. One cultivator with whom I am acquainted inserts a common round drain-tile a couple of inches in the ground, fills it with fine earth, and plants a set near the top of the tile and 10 in. above the surface, a plan by which digging for the pro- duct is saved, and a fine clean stem is the result. Another easily grown as Horseradish should be sufficiently remunerative to pay for importation, whilst in London market gardens com- paratively little of it is grown. The reason for this may probably be that there is only a demand of any importance at certain seasons of the year, December being the principal month in which it is required. It might perhaps, therefore, scarcely do for market gardeners near London, who have to pay such high rents to occupy a very large portion of their ground with such crops as Horseradish, that will not admit of other crops being grown amongst it, and for which the sale is somewhat uncertain. Indeed, only a few salesmen who do business with hotels and similar places can dispose of it in any quantity ; and Horseradish being a root that will keep good for a considerable length of time, they can afford to import large quantities of it at a time, and by so doing buy at a much cheaper rate than would remunerate English growers. S. MostaToom Cave. says that by placing leaves or litter on he tops of Horse- radish crowns 2 ft. or so thick, the plants grow through them in the course of the summer, making small white roots the thickness of one's finger, which are as tender as spring Eadishes. During the winter months, a supply of Horse- radish should always be at hand, stored away in sheds, &o., and covered with dry soil, or sand, in the same way as Carrots, &c. The salesmen in Oovent Garden Market have a large demand for Horseradish, judging by the immense quan- tities of it which are imported from Holland. Huge heaps of it maybe seen on market mornings about Christmas time, consisting of bundles containing from twenty to twenty-five sticks each, of first-rate quality, tied up with small but strong withies. These bundles arrive packed firmly in large barrels, and in many cases the heads are found to have made a con- siderable amount of growth on their way, which, of course, is blanched_ as white as Seakale. The sticks are not washed before being packed, but are placed in the barrels apparently as they are dug from the ground with a quantity of soil adhering to them. It is somewhat remarkable that a crop so Blusllroom Cave. — The accompanying view of one of the Parisian Mushroom Cavea was drawn by M. Da Bar daring the present year. As we have before fally explained this oarioas and profitable mo3e of Mushroom culture, it is needless to say more on the subjeofc. We, however, think that so striking a view by one of the best artists in black and white, and so well engraved, can hardly fail to interest our readers. A Friend in'Weed.— Nobody can read the following extract without feeling the great need of knowing the habits of the insect creatures that haunt our gardens: — "One of the most troublesome of all garden pests in the way of raising Cabbages is the white Cabbage butterfly (Pieris Rapse) and its cater- pillars, or " green Cabbage worms *' as sometimes called. This enemy of the Cabbage was imported from Europe to America nearly twenty years ago, and appeared near Montreal. Its principal enemy which has held it in check in Europe for hundreds of years was left behind, and it was unopposed in its ravages in tliis country for half-a-dozen years, during which it spread over New England and the Middle States, and has now reached Nevada in the west. After a time, however, its insect enemy, a minute fly (Pteromalus puparum), found its way over the ocean and commenced its attacks on its old enemy in the New World. The female fly deposits her eggs in the body of the cater- pillar just under the skin, sometimes to the number of twenty, which hatch there and feed upon the fat of the caterpillar. These grubs continue to feed npon the caterpillars until they cause their death, which is before they become transformed into butterflies." 20 THE GARDEN. [July 7, 1S77. THE FRUIT GARDEN. STJMMEE-PRUNING GOOSEBEREIBS. " J. M. D." (see p. 542, Vol. XI.,) asks for the opinion of Goose- berry growers as to the merits of summer-pruning; and in giving a short outline of the system of pruning and culture practised here, I by no means wish to imply that as good results may not be obtained by other means, but simply that the pro- duce is so satisfactory that no change is desirable. We hare at present an unusually heavy crop, and, although the fruit has been thinned several times for tarts and bottling in a green state, what is left increases in weight so rapidly that the majority of the outer branches rest on the ground when not supported by temporary forked stakes or other supports. We have a new plantation, made only eighteen months ago, pre- pared in the following manner : — The ground was deeply trenched in the previous autumn; a quantity of old hotbed manure was worked into the bottom of the trenches, and in February last year, a number of healthy young bushes that had been closely headed down the previous year were planted in rows running north and south, 6 ft. apart each way, and as soon as they commenced to grow a good mulching of old spent tan and leaf-mould was spread over the roots, and a row of Strawberry plants, from which to procure pot runners was planted half-way between each row. Although the summer- was hot and dry, the bushes grew amazingly, and each produced a few fruits ; they were all headed back, and the branches were thinned out as soon as the buds began to burst, and now every piece of wood is literally lined with fruit, averaging from 3 to 4 quarts per tree. There is therefore no necessity for keeping old worn-out, sucker-producing bushes, for fear of being without fruit for years. I may add that all our bushes are on single stems, and they are never summer pruned, because the weight of crop keeps them from requiring it, and there are no suckers. Our spring pruning exactly coincides with " J. M. D.'s" practice, viz., to keep the centre of the bushes open and the branches thinly and evenly balanced ; side shoots where not required for filling vacancies are cut in close, and if the trees be kept free from the attacks of birds the main shoots will be well furnished with fruit buds ; although our bushes look thin after pruning, they are so full of fruit and foliage during the gathering season as to leave just sufficient room for getting amongst them. Of bushes left entirely unpruned we have examples in those that are to be destroyed the following year : but for bushes intended to stand several years there can be no question as to the pro- priety of judicious pruning. J. Groom. Henham. VARIETIES OP STRAWBERRIES. This season is teaching us, somewhat roughly, the great value that ought to be placed upon the Strawberry as a fruit both for dessert and preserving, even under not too favourable circumstances. Whilst so many of our hardy fruits are thin as regards a crop, and in some cases absolutely barren, the Strawberry has done remarkably well — a great point in favour of this fruit. Perhaps of all hardy fruits the Strawberry and the Raspberry are the most certain to produce regular crops ; neither are, however, keeping fruits. They must therefore be largely preserved, and for that purpose I certainly expect to find the Strawberry more largely grown in priyate gardens in future than it now is. A few weeks ago I alluded to some few varieties that I was growing here this season in larger quantity than usual. The selection comprises a dozen of the best kinds ; the soil in which they grow is a stiff, clayey loam, and in it, in spite of drought and the soil baked to the hardness of brick, the plants have done remark- ably well, and for yearlings have borne a good crop. Straw- berries, like other fruits and many vegetables, are apt to change character on diverse soils, but that a stiff loam is the very soil in which these plants succeed best, I am constrained to believe. I have found each variety displaying its true merits or demerits, as the case may be. Not only earliest but best of the earhest kinds is Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, a variety of the old Keen's Seedling type, having that broad. robust foliage so peculiar to that section. It is a first early cropper, and bears medium-sized fruit of a rich deep colour in profusion. Next in order of ripening comes La Grosse Sucree, a French kind, having broad foliage, robust growth, and an average cropper. The fruit, which is medium-sized, is pale red, pointed, and of brisk flavour, but it is only a second-rate variety. Sir J. Paxton possesses considerable excellence, and is much in favour for market purposes. Premier proved to be the best in the collection : at the blooming time it exhi- bits more flowers than any of the others, and its fruit is the finest ; it is an early second early, and is evidently a superior variety ; its foliage is broad, robust, and handsome ; the fruit is large, broad, solid, richly coloured, and of a pleasant brisk flavour ; it is a first-rate market variety. President is almost too well known to need description ; it is a capital kind for forcing, and in some soils is a valuable outdoor variety, but with me it was not particularly good ; it is, however, a useful sort, and finds a place in all good collections. Dr. Hogg is perhaps the very best, and also the earliest of all the British Queen section ; its fruit is large, generally well coloured, but at times apt to show a green point ; this, however, detracts more from its personal appearance than from its value, as it is a luscious variety and a good cropper. Empress Eugenie has narrow foliage, but a strong, robust habit, and it is a heavy cropper; its fruit is large, somewhat pointed, rich in colour, and excellent in flavour ; it is a valuable variety as a general cropper. Lucas is a particularly fine, robust, third early variety with a broad, umbrageous foliage that serves so well to protect the flowers from frost and the fruit from bright sun- shine ; it is an abundant cropper, the fruit being rather long and pointed, richly coloured, and good in flavour. James Veitoh has foliage like that of the British Queen ; its fruit is mode- rately large, and of good colour, but not first-rate in flavour ; some growers have, however, written favourably of this kind. The Rev. W. F. RadclyfEe is another variety of the British Queen type, but rather later ; it is a good cropper, and the fruit is large and delicious in flavour ; with many growers this is an exceedingly popular kind. Amateur belongs to the Pine family, and has peculiar foliage that renders it more distinct ; it is a robust grower, and a heavy cropper ; its fruit is somewhat sharp in taste, but it is one of the most useful kinds to culti- vate for preserving purposes. Last of all is that most excellent and popular variety, the Frogmore Late Pine ; this, in soil that suits it, produces most delicious fruit of the true Pine flavour late in the season ; it is a robust variety, and one which should be grown in all gardens where late Strawberries are in request. If I could grow only six kinds, I should select Hericart de Thury, Sir Joseph Paxton, Premier, Dr. Hogg, Lucas, and Frogmore Late Jr'ine ; and for three varieties only, Hfericart de Thury, Premier, and Lucas. A. D. Bedfonf. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE FRUIT GAEDBN. Bees and Fruits.— A correspondent of the " SociiSiiJ Oentrale d'Apicnlture at d'Insectologie " in France denies the accusation that bees injure fruits. He states, and from our experience correctly, that the bee does not attack sound fruit; that it only sucks injured fruit, or such as has been punctured by the sparrow or earwig, or that the rain has cauEed to split open. Screens for Fruit Trees.— Mr. P. Barry stated, at the horticultural meeting at Eochester.that winds often have a drying effect, and often injure the blossom- buds or blossoms. He had known fruit to succeed in the city and fail in the country. Mr. Moody had known feaches killed on the windward side o£ trees and ^cape on the other side. Mr. Adams, of Michigan, said that screens as windbreaks were tne best protection for the tops, and mulching for the roots. Mr. Moody said that wind-breaks also prevented the snow blowing off, and thus saved the trees from exposure. Peacli Trees KUled by Paraffin.— My Peach trees were well formed and healthy, and bore crops equal to any in the county. Scale having appeared on them, I was strongly recommended to brush them over with paraffin oil, which I did on December 21. It not only destroyed the scale, but the trees also. There were no signs of harm done until the fruit was set, when gradually branch after branch showed signs of decay, and now they are more like fire- wood than ■'rowing trees. I also know others in this neighbourhood who have suffered through using paraffin, and would therefore, like "K. W.," recommend your readers to consider before using it on trees or Peas. I have also tried an experiment on a plant of Prickly Oomfrey, which it destroyed m two days.- S. Laisd, Bmminald Castle, hij Montrose, N.B., in" Gardener's Chronicle. Frost and Low Ground.— It appears from the " CaUfornia Horticultural," that the planters of Almonds at Santa Bosa are avoiding the valleys and plant- ing on hUls. No failure of the Almonds is recorded when growmg on. the higher grounds, but the crop ia sometimes lost lower down. July 7, 1877.] THE GARDEN. 21 WRIGHTS ENDLESS FLAME-IMPACT BOILER. This boiler,which is constructed on a somewhat novel principle, has lately attracted a good deal of attention. I had an oppor- tunity o£ seeing it at work at two different places during the last month, viz., at the Grange near Chester, and at Cloven- fords vineyard, where Mr. Thomson intends to replace all the old boilers with it, feeling confident, as he told me, that it would effect a great saving in fuel — ^a very serious item of the expenditure at Clovenfords, where none of the numerous long ranges of Vineries are under 200 ft. in length, while they are nearly all span-roofed and 24 ft. wide and nearly as high, and consequently expose a vast area of radiating surface to the air, fully taxing the dozen or more long rows of 4-in. piping in each house. The merits of Wright's boiler, scientific and otherwise, are fully set forth in the advertisements, and it is not my intention to say much about them here. What gar- deners and others want to know most in such cases is what the boiler can do, and on this point I shall only record what I saw. It is necessary to explain first, however, that the boiler is constructed in sections which are cast separately in one piece, and afterwards put together by india-rubber joints at the corners in what appears to be an excellent and secure manner. Thus more power can be added to the boiler when necessary by simply putting on additional sections, and the whole process is very simple. Unlike the saddle boiler, or other sectional boilers, the flame does not travel horizontally but vertically, and without any doubt at all in Wright's boiler is secui'ed that direct action of the fire upon the boiler surfaces which, as the late Mr. Robert Thompson observes in his " Gardener's Assistant," is the great point that should be aimed at in the construction of hot-water boilers. In short, Mr. Wright boils the kettle from the bottom and trusts as little as possible to side or auxiliary surfaces. The flame from the furnace first hits the bottom section along its whole length, then splits, hits the side sections, meets again, and again splits and meets, and so on till the draught escapes into the chimney by the hole in the centre of the top section. Here, however, recent experience has suggested an improvement which is, we believe, to be adopted in future. The top of the boiler may be compared to a table with a hole in the centre of it ; this hole is the flue- way, and, being in the centre, it was found to control the direction of the draught to some extent. To prevent this, and make the flame travel equally over all the surfaces, this central hole has been done away with, and instead four holes, one at each corner of the table, has been substituted, which is found to produce the necessary divergence, thereby enveloping the whole of the sections in flame when the flre is going well. Other and recent improvements, which are introduced for the first time at Clovenfords, consist in a contrivance for warming the air before it passes into the furnace, either through the top or bottom doors. As regards the circulation of the water in most boilers, as is well known, the water is left pretty much to flnd its own way, and consequently there is often a good deal of churning after the lighting of the fire before a regular cir- culation is established, but in Wright's boiler this cannot take place, for owing to the way the boiler is cast and put together, the water is compelled to flow in the channels provided for it, which is over the entire surfaces of the boiler from base to summit, and in the direction of the draught. And now as to the way the boiler does its work. I had intimated to Mr. Thomson that I desired to do the stoking myself, or at least to superintend it, and he had obligingly complied with my. wish, for I found the boiler and pipes quite cold on arrival, and the flre ready for lighting. The boiler— the first of several that will be required to heat the whole of the pre- mises at Clovenfords — is not much bigger than a good-sized tea-chest, if the depth of the furnace be excluded, and it is intended to heat 2600 ft. of 4-in. piping, or two long houses, each 270 ft. long, one of which is just finished, and contains 1300 ft. This amount of piping the boiler heated up to a tolerably high degree in two hours and a half, the water all being cold to begin with, and at a distance of 300 ft. from the boiler the pipes were just as hot as they were near the furnace. I had no means of testing the temperatiire of the water in the pipes, but the heat was just such as the hand could easily bear — a heat which gardeners do not care to exceed in their hot- houses if they can help it, and to effect this but a very small quantity of coal was consumed. In addition to the few spade- fuls used to start it, the fire was mended twice, a few shovelfuls being added each time, and by five o'clock the fire had burnt quite out, having been lit a little after twelve o'clock. I am particular in stating these facts, for they furnish data for those who are accustomed to judge in such matters. My own opinion was that it was the quickest example of heating by hot water I had ever seen, and I left with a very favourable impression of the boiler's merits. I witnessed similar results with the same boiler at The Grange, near Chester, only the boiler there, which was 4 ft. by 3 ft., and 2 ft. wide overall, including furnace room, was much in excess of its work. It had at the time of my visit 1547 ft. of piping to heat, and all of it throughout the entire range was so hot that the hand could not bear it ; the temperature of the water could not be under 190° and at the time about 100 ft. of the piping was exposed to the open air and the rain. At the first trial, Mr. Edge (the gardener) informed me he had heated the above amount of piping up to 180° in 2J hours with cinders from the gasworks, the pipes having been just filled with water from the pump. Mr. Edge, like Mr. Thomson, expressed a very favourable opinion of the boiler, laying particular stress on the saving of fuel which it effected and its quick action. A feature of the piping arrangements at the Grange gardens is that the top of the boiler is above the level of the pipes C in., the flow-pipe dropping down with an elbow as soon as it enters the hot- houses ; yet, and as indicating the force with which the water is driven through the boiler, this descent in the piping does not appear to impede the circulation in the least. Daring the cold weather, the fire was made up every night at nine o'clock, and left till seven o'clock next morning without any reduction of temperature in the houses. J. S. W. MOUNT VERNON. I WENT down the Potomao to see the old home of George Washington and his garden and trees. The Potomao hereabouts is a wide and beautiful river, its banks frequently wooded to the edge and rising in varied folds till they present a well-wooded line against the sky. Orer it occasionally tosses a little boat on its way to Washington laden with Water Melons, the oarsman having just space to work between the piles of large fruit. Here and there nets are seen from which the sturgeons that plough about the muddy banks like so many great river pigs are taken almost as easily as so many sheep when once in the net. Mount Vernon is interesting even now, showing the first president's love for trees, gardens, and oonntry life, and a sunk fence and other objects rarely seen in America show that he designed it after old-country models. Many trees of his planting are still here, and among them a greater number of the true Service tree than I have seen in England. The Box edgings in the old kitchen and flower garden have grown into large shrubs. Specimens of the Allspice tree (Calyoanthus floridus) presented by Jefferson to Washington, huge Paper Mulberries, and a good many interesting trees are here. The old gardens are being saved from the negleot into which they had fallen ; the orchard is to be replanted, and means will be taken to preserve the old place in as interesting and uninjured a condition as possible. From the little lawn in front of the old house the most beautiful scenes at Mount Vernon are enjoyed. Three openings through the woods that fringe the little lawn show the wide expanse of the Potomao, and in consequence of the couflguratiou of the ground and river at this spot, the effect is as if one were looking on a broad and noble lake with large wooded islands. I have rarely seen a more lovely site for a garden ; with trifling expense and a little judicious clearing and opening up of more views here and there, it could be made a very charming spot. H. Cats and Small Birds.— The note of "E.G." on this subject merits attention; my experience has been similar as to the unceasing destruction of small birds by cats. One marauder, however, who tried to destroy a nest of tits in the pedestal of a large vase, got into trouble thereby. Not being able to reach the nest through the drainage hole of the vase into the pedestal below, it placed itself on the pedestal to watch the birds, but in doing so managed to overturn the vase and get caught beneath it, the young birds remaining safe in the pedestal. — 0. Flowering of the Sweet Potato.— The " New Tork Tribune " gives the statement of a Florida correspondent that the Sweet Potato blooms in that southern region, the flowers resembling those of the Morning Glory, to which, as is well known, the plant is nearly allied. They are pink and pale lilac in colour, and remain open only in the morning. 22 THE GARDEN. [July 7, 1877. Dwar£ Crimson Bramble (Kubus arcticus). Rocket Larkspur (Delphinium Ajacis fl.-pl.). Double Cinquetoil (Potentilla atro-sanguinea var. hjbrida). "~^, Strawberry Elite (BUtum capitatum) Cenlinn-like Grammanthcs (O. ffentianoides). Spotted Sun-ro3e (Heliantiiemuoi guttatum). Lance-leaved Day Lily (Hemerocallis lancifoUa), Virgiuian Poke (Phytolacca decandra) . Large Indian Oress (Tropceolmn majus). Variously-coloured Lnpine (Lnpinus mutabilis). Sweet-aeented Bramble (Rnbua odoratus) SOME HARDY FLOWERS OF THE WEEK IN LONDON GARDENS. July 7, 1877.] THE GARDEN. 23 HAEDT FLOWERS IN LONDON GARDENS. Lilies of the candidum, Thunbergianum, and Martagon sections now rank amongst the most attractive occupants of eur gardens. Delphiniums, too, are more beautiful at present than they have been all the season, and now that so many improved kinds, all of which are hardy, have been raised by different cultivators, the effect of groups of them planted in small isolated beds on the lawn or in front of shrubbery borders is better than can be obtained by even the most showy Butterfly Schiaanthua ( papUionaceus), bedding plants. The white Gladiolus Colvilli, now very attractive, is being brought in a cut state to the London markets, and the purple-crimson G. byzantinus is also finely in flower. Hemerocallis fulva and H. Thunbergi are likewise very showy. The double Dropwort (Spirsea Filipendula fl.-pl.) is flowering remarkably well this year ; it is frequently used as edgings to borders, but that is a position in which its real worth can by no means be appreciated. Foxgloves, which are just Double-flowered Meadow Sweet (Spiraea Ulmaria fl.-pl.) Cut-leaved Mearlow Sweet (Spiraea lobata). now at their best, are shown off to good advantage when dotted here and there among ornamental trees and shrubs. When planted in formal masses — beautiful as are some of the seedling kinds now in cultivation — they lose much of their effect. The scarlet Invincible Sweet Pea, when properly used, is very attractive, and affords abundance of flowers for cutting purposes. Irises of the Xiphion and Keerapferi sections are still finely in flower, as are also Potentillas of various shades of colour. Different kinds of Yucca are throwing up flower-spikes, and the noblest of them all viz., Y. gloriosa, is in many places in full flower. 0! ffinotheras, all of which are showy plants, one of the best for shrubbery work is CE. Youngi, which grows about 2 ft. high, and bears great quantities of rich golden-yellow blossoms. The Bell-flowers (Uampannla grandis and pyramidalis) are very attractive. The white Water Lilj', too, is now flowering freely, and affords abundance of blossoms for use in large vases, in which, associated with Club Mosses, they have a cool and striking appearance. Ornithogalum pyramidale is very pretty just now, as is also the crimson-purple Triteleia Murrayana. Ixias and Sparaxis, planted in warm soil, are very showy, and the Pa3onias still yield abundance of large gorgeous blossoms. Calochorti in variety may still be met with in good condition, and some of the kinds are peculiarly interesting as well as attractive. Hardy annuals of many kinds are beginning to flower, and, where skilfully arranged, add greatly to the beauty of gardens in which they are grown. S. SELF-FERTILIZATION AND CROSS-FERTILIZATION OF FLOWERS. By T. MSB HAN. At our last meeting I inquired whether insects are any material aid to plants as regards fertilization. After another year of observation I desire to answer my own question in the negative. Insects sometimes fertilize flowers and cross-ferti- lize them, but I believe these cases are less frequent than they are supposed to be, and that when they do occur, they have no bearing on the general welfare of the race. In other words, such fertilization is of no material aid to plants in the progress of the species. I may repeat the argument of those who differ from me. All plants with brilliant colours, with fra- grance, or with honeyed secretions, have these attrac- tions for the purpose of enticing insects, which unconsciously bring pollen at the same time, and thus cross-fertilize the flower. The proof of this is thought to be chiefly in the fact that many plants do not perfect their stamens and pistils at the same time, are placed in relative positions which make it seem difiicull; or even impossible that they should have any influence on each other, or in some other way present apparent obstacles to sexual union. From this it has been assumed, and not from any actual experiment of which I am aware, that plants abhor close breeding. That plants abhor close breeding is an idea borrowed from a supposed experience in the higher animals ; but the comparison is not fair. In the higher animals the idea of sex is essential to the perpetuity of existence, but it is not so in plants. They reproduce them- selves by bulbs, tubers, suckers, offsets, buds, and in the lowest organisms by simple cell division. Propagation, as an idea, is entirely independent of sex in plants. True, many of our forest trees have none of these accessories, even the skilful horticulturist can scarcely graft some of them,and then there are annuals which depends wholly on seeds — a product of the sexes — for perpetual existence; but there is not one that I know of that a horticulturist would say could not be repro- duced indefinitely without the aid of seeds. The Red Dutch Currant is an individual plant which has been reproduced by cuttings from long anterior to modern history, and I believe the Canada Thistle, Couch Grass, Horseradish, and numerous other plants could be continued for countless ages by their running roots aloue. Now this is a closer kind of breeding than anything that could come through the operation of sepa- rate sexes, and with which no analogy can be drawn from any experience in the higher forms of animal life. We can see that seeds in plants favour the distribution of species, and enable them to maintain existence for a longer period than mere plants could. Sex in plants may be a factor in the evolution of form ; but those who have kept pace with botanical knowledge, and are familiar with what is known as bud varia- tion, will not lay much stress on the absolute necessity of sex to this end in vegetable nature. I believe lam safe in saying that there is nothing whatever known to prove that there is any physiological benefit to plant races by the establishment of the sexes. Some have thought that the varieties of Apples as sexual products wear out in time ; but even this is being argued on both sides by the most distinguished horticulturists ; 24 THE GARDEN. [July 7, 1877. and I may say that I have seen at the recent Centennial Exhi- bition, as fine Golden Pippin Apples (the kind used to illustrate the theory), as ever Mr. T. A. Knight thought were only seen in his younger days. We must then lay aside all considerations of the benefits of cross-breeding from analogy or inference, even though we should find that all plants discarded their own pollen. There may be some other reasons quite independent of any sexual consideration ; and it is because I believe there are other reasons in diceoious, monoecious, and other cases, that I adhere to my statement. We may note, in the first place, that insects visit some anemophiloua plants as freely as they do others. They, for instance, abound on the male floirers of the Willow, especially Salix caprea, which have abundant honeyed secretions ; but they avoid the female plants. If honeyed secretions be for the purpose of enticing insects for cross-fertilizing purposes, how is the object attained here P Later in the season we see the same thing in Rhus. R. glabra and E. copallina are in effect dioecious. The male flowers have a honeyed secretion peculiarly attractive to innumerable insects. A panicle of these flowers is a wonderful entomological cabinet. I know of nothing like their visits here in the whole floral world. I have six plants of Rhus copallina within twelve paces of each other. Five are males and one is a female. I have never seen one insect on the female plant, neither does it seed, neither wind nor insect serves it. Here are two species with colour and honeyed secretions on which insects abound inordinately ; and yet the insects aid fertilization in no degree whatever. I ask you whether I may not say most decisively that whatever may be the purposes of colour, fragrance, or honeyed secretions, they are not for the purpose of attracting insects in the interests of cross-fertilization. Then there is Yucca, about which so much has been made. In my grounds. Yucca filamentosa abounds. It opens its Dowers about the 25th of June. In ]875aplantof Yucca angustifolia blossomed on the 5th of June. Though closely watched, I found no Pronubas about them. They produced no seed. The Y. filamentosa had numbers, and seed abounded. About the 5th of June this year, the Y. angustifolia again opened its flowers. On the 12th I noticed the Pronuba to abound, and I hoped for seed. There were from one to five in each flower. On the 19th, I noticed that the flowers had almost all fallen fruitless. I then placed some pollen on four of the flowers, each pollen from its own flower, and these four capsules which I exhibit are the results. They are the only seeds the plant produced. Even when fertilized at all by insects, I am sure the fertilization is from the pollen of the same flower. My experiment shows its own pollen is acceptable to it. It is true it is diiEcult to understand why the plant seems unable to fertilize its own self without extraneous aid ; but it is clear that it is not from any abhorrence of its own pollen, or an especial desire for insect aid, especially the aid of an insect whose chief mission, seems to be to prey on the fertilized seed ! The chief arguments for the necessity for insect fertilization are drawn from structure and not from fact. For instance, we are told that Iris, Campanula, Dandelion, Ox-eyed Daisy, the Garden Pea, Lobelia, Clover, and many others are so arranged that they cannot fertilize themselves without insect aid. I have enclosed flowers of all these named in fine gauze bags, and they produced seeds just as well as those exposed. _ I was somewhat surprised at the two first. Iris virginica and Campanula, producing seeds under these circumstances, as they are common illustrations of the necessity of insect fertilization. In short, in all the cases I have tested in this way, seeds were produced as well lander the gauze as without, except in one instance — Baptisia australis. In most Papilionaceous plants that I examined, in spite of the suggestions of my friends, I thought the arrangements favoured self-fertilization — not only by the position of the organs, but from the fact that the moment anything touched the flower so as to liberate the pistil or stamens, a mass of pollen floated around like a little cloud; a dispersion of pollen, which, by the way, in view of prevailing theories, the class of flowers with " fragrance, colour, or honeyed secretions," ought not to make. Genista scoparia will give an excellent illus- tration of this. But in Baptisia I did not notice this little cloud ; and it did seem in the actual act of collecting honey, the humble bee's pollen-covered abdomen pressed itself closely down on the stigma. I covered a spike of a dozen unopened flowers with a gauze bag, and had only one seed-vessel, though in the exposed spikes nearly every one perfected. This fact may go for what it is worth ; for be it remembered, I am far from denying that flowers are sometimes fertilized by the aid of insects. It is the extent of these facts, and the theories to be deduced from them, that I have to deal. Independently of trials by gauze bags, I have experimented with single flowers of some species. I take plants of which there are no others in the vicinity, and pick off all but a solitary flower, not per- mitting another to open until the other has faded, and if they seed, it must be only by their own pollen. I was led to try this from noticing a few first flowers of CEnothera serrata (which open about noon and die in a few hours) seed when I was almost sure no insects had visited them. In watching for this purpose Talinum teretifolium, I found that it opened always a few minutes before one p.m., began closing at three, and by half-past three had wholly closed. No insect visited them in that time, but every flower seeded, as did subsequent experime'.,wS with single flowers. An ally, the common Purslane, remains expanded only from eight to nine a.m., and is, I think, an undoubted self-fertilizer, and yet on what theory of the advantages of cross-fertilization could a plant make better headway through the world ? It is, of course, well known that some flowers are opening and closing at almost all hours of the day and night, many remaining open but a very short time. Can this varying and limited time have anything to do with insect fertilization ? Would not fertilization by insect aid be more certain if at least a whole day were given for the chance ? In my district the little florets of the Chicory are all fertilized before eight o'clock, and by nine have faded away. This "species is an excellent one for noting how self-fertilization is efiieoted in Composite plants, as the pistils are blue, and the pure white pollen is easily seen. Soon after daylight, the corolla lengthens. After a little while it rests, but the stamens and pistil go on. Then the stamens cease to grow, but the pistil continues to lengthen, carrying an immense quantity of pollen with it. Here is the difiiculty which those who difier from my experience. The pistil has to cleave, and only on the interior of the clefts seem to be the stigmatic surface; the pollen then must, it is said, rest of necessity only on the exterior, where it cannot operate ; but if any one will get up early and spend a couple of hours in watching the development of the flower, driving away an occasional sand-wasp that would like to gather the pollen, he will find there is not a cloven pistil that has not some pollen on the interior stigmatic surfaces. Of what avail are " must he's " against positive facts like these ? But if he watch closely, he will see that this pollen falls into the chasm made by the opening stigmas. In the language of my friends, it is a " beautiful arrangement " for ensuring self-fertilization. If, further, we allow the sand-wasps to work at pollen gather- ing, we find that while clearing the pistils of pollen, they push quantities into the clefts, and are, therefore, agents in self- fertilization instead of the reverse. I have observed the same in Dandelion and the Ox-eyed Daisy (Chrysanthemum leucan- themum), as well as I am sure that thousands flower and per- fect seeds that no insect visits. There seems to be something yet inexplicable as to how some flowers become fertilized. In Cirsium Pitcheri and many others of that section, what in others is a bifid stigma, is nearly entire, the stigmatic surfaces being almost, or perhaps in some cases wholly, united together. C. Pitcheri has very long pistils ; the honey-bee seems very fond of the flowers ; it works between the pistils. I have never detected a gi-ain of pollen on the almost entire apex, though the sides are covered as in other composites ; but it seeds abundantly. I think the peculiar closings of flowers are as much designs for effecting self-fertilization as for anything else. It does efl'ect it in Ranunculus, Claytonia, most likely in the Iris enclosed in the gauze bag, and perhaps many plants with flowers that close and twist up in fading. In Ranunculus, on the first day's opening of the flower, the outer of the numerous rows of I pistils throw their pollen on the glazed petals ; these close at night, and the pollen is dropped in over the hollow in which Jnir 7, 1877.] THE GARDEN. 25 are the mass of perfect pistils. I refer to E. bulbosus. lu Claytonia -virginica the same thing occurs with the early- flowers, so far as drawing the stamens up to the pistils is concerned. la the later flowers the anthers recurve more, and in the closing at night are drawn under the pistils, and hence we find seed here only from the earliest flowers. These illustrations are not uncommon. Even in wind fertilizing flowers, the times of opening and closing of certain parts of the flowers may be worth a study. I find Luzula campestris — the wood form — bursts it anthers about nine o'clock a.m. ; by ten, the pollen is committed to the atmosphere. As its own pistil has dried up by this time, having expanded two days before, it cannot fertilize its own pistil. There is no evidence that it would not be just as well if it could. This precision and uniformity as to time shows that there are other con- siderations involved in the acts connected with fertilization besides those usually suspected. This brings us to the question of dichogamy as an agent in this question. Much stress is laid on the fact that in many flowers the pistil is mature before or after the stamens, and this is interpreted as an especial arrangement for cross-fertili- zation. I pointed out last year that this difference in time varied with the season in many species, but the difference is striking in some closely allied species. Barbarea prEeoox and B. vulgaris, two Cruciferous plants, are so nearly related that the difference can scarcely be defined. The former, however, has its pistil of about equal length with the stamens, all included in the petals. The stigma certainly receives its own pollen simultaneously with the expansion of the petals ; but ia B. vulgaris the pistil protrudes beyond the closed petals, and in perfect condition to be fertilized by extraneous pollen before it can be served by its own : both species make their way equally well through the world. I think no better illustration could be offered of the fact that a dichogamous plant has no advantage in the struggle for life. This fact may, however, be illustrated in various ways. Sup- posing the Iris could not self-fertilize, its next of kin (Sisyrin- chium) is certainly a self-fertilizer, and who will say that it has not made its way proudly? Iris virginica is comparatively local, but any student can get a specimen of Sisyrinchium bermudianum on a few hours' notice. You can find flowers which seem to forbid self-fertilization, it is true, but let us not close our eyes to those so constructed as to render insect aid impossible. There are some Scrophulariaceous plants which have the pistil arranged above the stamens so as to seem placed there, in order that a visiting insect may rub its pollen- covered back against the pistil on entering ; but many Pent- stemons (P. grandiflorus, P. Oobeea) incline the pistil down- wards, impossible for any such insect-fertilization, yet every flower perfects seeds. Browallia elata has a hairy cap over the stamens, and an insect would only aid in self-fertilization ; but when the Browallia is not visited by insects it yet seeds abundantly, and it might be argued because it has no fragrance ; but there are some garden Verbenas which have fragrance as well as colour. No insect visits them on my grounds as far as I can find, but both kinds seed equally well. In fact, this idea that colour and fragrance are necessary to attract insects, and are given to plants for that purpose, does not accord with the fact that flowers with neither are thronged with insect patrons ; but I have taken especial pains to note Rubus occidentalis, our native Black-cap Kaspberry. It has not the faintest trace of odour. Its small, greenish-white petals are so inconspicuous that it might as well be apetalous ; but nothing can exceed the fondness of the honey-bee for it. They abound in my vicinity, and from sunrise to far into the twilight of evening, the honey- bee crowds on them. They neglect every flower, even White Clover, for them as long as they last. Surely, there should be a necessity for insect-fertilization in cases where insects are so assiduous ! I have had this point suggested to me. A cluster of flowers had a gauze bag thrown over them, and yet there was a perfect fruit to every blossom, as also had all the neglected Clover flowers as well. As to Clover flowers, I will refer you to what I said of them last year. Since then, so great is the faith in the necessity for insect-fertilization, that humble bees have been sent from England to New Zealand to help the Clover along. Since last season I have discovered that our humble bees do not enter the mouth of the Eed Clover, care nothing for the elaborate arrangements for cross-fertilization, but slit the tube and get at the honey from the outside ! And yet the Clover seeds abundantly. So far as I could see, every flower in the field where I saw the bees behaving so outrageously, bore its seed. Many fiowers are served in this way, and unless one looks closely he may be deceived. In the Persian Lilac, if we follow the course of our friends of the insect-fertilization school, we see the stamens arranged above the pistil, and as the pollen bursts simultaneously with the opening of the corolla, it ought to fall on the pistil, and the entrance of an insect would only aid its self-fertilization ; but with us it never yields a solitary seed, and we may be asked to behold the results of self-poUenization ! But we see exactly the same arrangement in the common Lilac, and that seeds abundantly In both cases the humble bee slits the tube, and the honey-bee follows in the slits made by its stronger friend, or else makes slits for itself — a point I was unable positively to determine. Indeed one of the points I wish to insist on most strongly is, that the facts in the question have been but imperfectly observed, and then erroneously construed, and of this I will offer but one more illustration. It relates to dimorphous flowers, those with the pistils long in some flowers, and short in others, as in Epigaea, Mitchella, Houstonia, and others. When we look at the allies of these plants, we notice that this behaviour is exceptional. It may be assumed that they have wandered from a condition when the separate sexual organs were nearer to a perfectly hermaphrodite condition, and it is assumed that this wandering is in order to derive some benefit from cross-fertilization through insect agency. I have en- deavoured to test this assumption in Houstonia coerulea. I selected a number of plants of both forms, and marked them when in flower. In some clusters aggregating about fifty flowers of the short-styled plants, and which, I have no doubt, were self-fertilized, forty-two perfected seed. Of fifty with long styles, and which would necessarily have more difficulty of availing themselves of their own pollen, only five matured seed. Thus we see that the self-fertilizer has at least the advantage of numbers, and, in the battle for life or for any purpose, that is surely an advantage of no mean importance. I believe I have shown that the facts ai-a not wholly as i-e- presented, and that the facts, even when they may exist as represented, do not produce results according to the deduc- tions drawn from them. Let me now show the danger of attempts to read the pur- poses of Nature from her direct acts. If we examine swamp vegetation, we find Magnolias, Willows, White Cedars, Red Maples, Cypresses, and numerous others growing therein. We at once conclude that they grow there because these trees prefer the wet to the drier land ; but a wider acquaintance with trees will show that all of them do better when, as we often find them, growing in drier places. A suspicion then arises that there is something wrong with our reasoning, and we find at last that Nature has a deeper purpose than merely an individual regard for these trees. Their seeds will only grow in wet^f soil, and of necessity, and not for individual benefit, have these trees to remain there. Again, I think there is nothing more certain than that effects will continue long after the causes which produced them have ceased to exist ; so that actions which you see may be associated with degrada- tion instead of evolution, may be the last flickering of a dying light, and not an Aurora indicating the birth of a new day. In the present question, our reason will tell us that the phenomena we see may bear this interpretation as well as those given to them by our friends. In Europe, for instance, the common Strawberry is almost universally hermaphrodite; but in this country the tendency to dicBoism is well known. We know also that those parts of the world in which dioecism prevails is not so favourable to the existence of the Strawberry as the other, and we may safely conclude that dicecism — a form of dimorphism — has no relation to any advantage to be derived through the sexes, but is an actual result of degrading con- ditions. Then, physiologically, what good can result ? It is asserted by those who differ from me that probably most of the large Order of Composites are cross-fertilized ; the flower in one head receiving the pollen of another flower in the same head, by the aid of insects. This they contend after an 26 THE GARDEN. [July 7, 1877. examination of the structure. After noting the behaviour of the parts, and in the absence of insects, I contend that they are self-fertilizers. But supposing they were all that is asked for them ; compare one with an ordinary polypetalous flower — say Eanunculus— and where is the gain ? The floral parts are all on the same common peduncle in both cases, and the stamens and pistils are more widely separated in a Eanunculus than in a Dandelion. Practically there is a wider separation of the sexes in the Eanunculus than in the Dandelion, granting even all ormore than is asked for as cross-fertilization in Composites. Physiological disturbances that aid the vital principle in the pistils, and interfere with that of the stamens, of course weaken the vital power of the pollen. In such cases foreign pollen — pollen from flowers free from these disturbances, or where the disturbances favour the stamens instead of the pistils, would have more potency. It is there- fore_ not surprising that some cases should occur proving foreign pollen better than their own pollen. It would be more surprising if there were none ; for in every direction we find Nature with overflowing abundance, pushing beyond what we regard as the necessary mark. As the boy, who to jump across the stream first goes back, and when he lands on the other side goes farther than he wants; so does Nature in all things, or I have not read her story rightly. I can refer, in a brief paper like this, to but a few observations I.have made, nor do I think it necessary. I will now submit these propositions : — 1st. That cross-fertilization by insect agency does not exist to near the extent claimed for it. 2nd. "Where it does exist there is no evidence that it is of any material benefit to the race — on the contrary. 3rd. Difficulties in self-fertilization result from physiological disturbances that have no relation to the general welfare of plants as species. — " Proceedings of the American Academy of Sciences.'' SOCIETIES AND EXHIBITIONS. THE NATIONAL EOSE SHOW. This, considered simply as a Rose show, gave satisfaction to good jadges, considering the lateness ot the season and the fact that the northern growers were at a disadvantage from this cause ; but from the point of view of the public, and all who look at the Rose from anything more than the exhibitor's standpoint, we regret to say that the arrangements were far from what one would like to see those of a great National Rose show. In the first place, St. James's Hall is a most unsuitable place in which to hold any kind of flower show, paiticulnrly during hot weather. If any building were desi. rable, it should have been a more commcdicus one. The fact is, Londoners accustomed to the charms of Grass and trees and fresh air in connection with our flower shows, do not care to face St. James's Hall in July, even for Roses. Thus it happened that a most extensive and beautiful display of Roses, forming undonbtedly the most charming sight in London on the 4th of July, was left mainly to the contemplation of those who staged them. We never expected any better result from holding it in St. James's Hall. There may be good reasons why Rosarians keep their show away from the great societies, but not that it should be held under such disagreeable con- ditions as on Wednesday last. There are the Floral Hall and the Albert Hall, where much better arrangements could be made both for the convenience of the public and for the effect of the flowers. At St. James's Hall, in the centre the light was too strong, at the sides too obscure. At one end, nnder the wide gallery, a fine display of Roses was almost hidden away in dismal obscurity. In judging, the boxes had in many cases to be carried from where they were placed into a better light to enable the judges to see them. We do not hesitate to speak plainly in the matter, seeing the importance of the interests concerned. A National Rose Society should meet with sympathy from all who care for our gardens, and it ought on such an occasion to make a display of the most admired of all flowers which would be an attraction to all London. As it was arranged, there was positively not standing room for one-fourth the number of persons who attend a good London flower show. This trouble was, however, got over by the public not coming. If Rosa- rians merely seek to please themselves and their friends the recent show may be all very well, but a National Rose Show should be arranged on a very different plan. As regards the exhibitions in the nurserymen's class for seventy. wo single trusses, there were six competitors, all of whom produced blooms much better than might have been expected considering the season, which, on the whole, has been anything but favourable to the proper development of the Rose. The best stands came from Messrs. G. Paul & Sons, The Old Nurseries, Cheshunt, ia whose collection we remarked magnificent examples of Antoine Ducher, the brilliant crimson maroon-centred Jean Liabaud, the rich rose magenta- petalled Star of Waltham, very large and highly. coloured flowers of La France, the satiny-white Madame Lacharme and Mareohal Niel set off to advantage amid brilliant scarlets such as Louis Van Houtte, and others ; the same collection also contained Baroness Rothschild and exqaisitely. formed Prangois Miohelon. Mr. Cant, Colchester, who produced blooms scarcely inferior to those just named, had good examples of Captain Christy, Annie Disbaoh, Exposition deBrie, Duke of Wellington, and Senateur Vaisse, still one of the best of Roses for exhibition purposes. With these were associated Antoine Monton, the lovely Souvenir d'Elise, and the brilliant Sir Garnet Wolseley, each bloom being surrounded by abundance of foliage and unex- panded buds. In the class for forty-eight varieties, three trasses each, there were five exhibitors, all of whom had fiue blooms tastefully arranged both as regards colour and position. The best collection came from Messrs. George Paul & Sons ; it contained magnificent examples of Madame Jamain, supported by highly-coloured blooms of Frangois Miohelon, the dark crimson Xavier Olibo, and the beautiful lively flesh-coloured Madame Eugene Verdier. Associated with these wore also blooms of the deep magenta coloured Comtesse d'Oxford, Louis Van Houtte, and the daik-flosvered La Rosiere. The next best group came from Mr. Charles Turner, who showed amongst others good blooms of Madame La Bxronne de Rothschild, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Comte do Nauteuil, the dark maroon-crimson Lord Macaulay, and grand examples of Frangois Michelon, a Rose which throughout the show held a prominent position in nearly every collection. The next best group, which came from Mr. Cant, contained fine examples of Souvenir d'un Ami, the cream-coloured. Tea-scented kind called Rubens, the bright rosy Sir Garnet Wolseley, and Frangais Miohelon. Amongst other collections in this class were beautiful blooms of La Baronne de Hausmann, Madame Nachary, and Louis Van Houtte, In the class for forty. eight single trusses, seven exhibitors staged blooms, of which the best came from Messrs. Cranston & Co.; amongst them were magnificent examples of Marguerite do St. Amand, Duke of Edinburgh, the dark crimson Baron de Bonstetten, Madame Chas. Wood, and the rosy-salmon Madame Theresa Levet. Associated with these were also well-formed blooms of Madame Lacharme, Madame Vidot, Niphetos, and the rich salmon-pink-coloured Mdlle. Marie Cointet. In the class for twenty-four varieties of Hybrid Perpetuals, three trusses of each, there were six exhibitors, the most successful one again being Messrs. Cranston & Co., Hereford, who had effectively, arranged blooms of Baroness Rothschild, Lord Macaulay, the deep rosy Annie Laxton Xavier Olibo, and the beautiful satiny-white pink- fleshed Marquise de Mortemarte. Some good Roses also came from Messrs. Paul & Son, who showed Duke of Edinburgh, Marquise de Castellane, and Maurice Bernardin, in unusually good condition. In the class for twenty-four trusses there were nine exhibitors, and taken as a whole, the blooms individually were perhaps better than those in the larger classes. The best came from Messrs. Curtis, Satiford, & Co , Devon Rose Nursery, Torquay ; amongst these were the dark velvety. crimson Prince CamiUe de Rohan, the piuk Princess Beatrice, fine examples of Paul Neron, and a beautiful creamy, white kind. In the class for twelve Tea-scented or Noisette Roses, distinct trusses, Mr. Cant showed a fine stand, in which were good blooms of Madame Bravy, Vicomtessede Cazes, and finely-shaped examples of Souvenir d'Elise, and La Boule d'Or. Messrs. Mitchell & Son, Pitl. down, was a close second with magnifioent blooms of the creamy, white, pink-edged Due de Magenta, Souvenir d'un Ami, and excellent examples of Marie Ducher. The premier prize in the amateurs classes was awarded to Mr. Jowitt, The Old Weir, near Hereford, who furnished splendid blossoms of Captain Christy, Madame Hippo. lyte Jamain, the dark velvety crimson Prince Camille de Rohan, and the largest blossom of Frangois Michelon we have seen this season. Next to these came a stand of beautiful blooms from Mr. R. N. G. Baker, Heavitree, near Exeter ; amongst them were Captain Christy, Marie Baumann, Madame La Baronne de Rothschild, and Frinoe CamiUe de Rohan, all in fine condition. In the amateurs' class for thirty-six single trasses, the exhibits were so numerous that they occupied one whole side of a long table. The best blooms in this class came from Mr. Baker, who had exquisite examples of La France, Duke of Wellington, Edward Morren, Dr. Andre, the beautiful pink Rose called Miss Hassard, and pure white, satiny blooms of Marquise de Mortemarte. The next best, from Mr. J. Brown, Reigate, contained good blooms of similar kinds. July 7, 1877.] THE GARDEN. 27 In the class for twenfcy.four Hybrid Perpetuals, Mr. Atkinsom Brentwood, showed excellent blooms of E J ward Morren, Duke of Edinburgh, and Marie Baumann. Associated with these were also the salmon-tinted Baroness Rothschild, Dr. Andre, and Countess of Oxford. Mr. Baker also showed in this class good examples of Marguerite de St. Amand, Victor Verdier, and Baroness Rothschild. In other classes provided for amateurs, the best examples came from Mr. Baker, Mr. J. Ridoat, Woodhatch Lodge, Reigate, Mr. T. Lakin, Chipping Norton, and Mr. Smallbones, Chatteris. Amongst these we noted remarkably fine blooms of Ferdinand do Lesseps, Elegant, Xavier Olibo, Sir Garnet Wolaeley, Dae de Rohan, very large blooms of Mareohal Niel, Lonis Van Hontte, and unusually good trusses of Duke of Edinburgh. In the amateurs' class for twelve distinct trusses, there were staged some remarkably fine blooms ; indeed iu these collections might have been seen blooms superior to those in any of the other classes. Of Tea-scented and Noisette Roses, some fine blooms came from Mr. J. Brown, Reigate, who had amongst others Anna Olivier, Souvenir d'Elise, Niphetos, alba rosea, and Souvenir de Paul Neron. Mr. Chard, Salisbury, contributed good examples of devoniensis, the flesh.tinted Catherine Mermet, and finely.coloured blooms of Cloth of Gold. In the class for twelve trusses of English.raised Roses, the best came from Messrs. Paul & Sons, Cheahunt, who had examples of Reynolds Hole, Marchioness of Exeter, Duke of Connaught, Annie Laxton, and Dake of Edinburgh, all in excellent condition. The same firm showed John Bright as the best new seedling Rose, and it obtained, as it well deserved, the first prize in that class. Messrs. Paul & Sons also exhibited several other kinds of new Roses, amongst which we noticed Robert Marnock, a finely.formed bloom with dark maroon petals edged with scarlet. Mr. Turner furnished a kind named Penelope Mayo, which, when well established, will probably be a firat-class Rose. In the class for twelve blooms of La France, Mr. Baker showed a stand of magnificent blooms, and in competition for the prize offered by Messrs. Fisher Holmes & Co., Sheffield, for twelve blooms of Fisher Holmes, Mr. Baker was first. In the class for the best stand of Fran9oi3 Michelon, Messrs. Curtis, Sanford, & Co., showed splendid examples of that fine Rose, a coloured illustration of which was given in The Garden (see p. 356, Vol. XL). The best stand of Marie Baumann came from Mr. Cant, who had even, well-formed, and richly, coloured examples of that fine variety, and Messrs. Paul & Sons had lovely blooms of Alfred Colomb. Of Reynolds Hole, a kind also figured in The Gaeden (see p. 356, Vol. XL), Messrs. Paul & Son, showed twelve charming blooms j and of Mareohal Niel the exhib. tions were numerous and in every case excellent ; the best of them came from Mr. Turner. Mr. William Corp, High Street, Oxford showed a collection of Tea Rose-buds gathered from plants budded on seedling Briers ; though small, this collection afforded an excellent opportunity for j odging which were the best kinds to grow for market purposes, as, of course, for bouquet making, small buds are at all times preferable to f uUy.expanded blossoms. In the evening there was a dinner, well attended by Rosarians — though probably less so than it would have been had it not have been for the counter-attraction of the Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Insti- tution dinner taking place on the same evening. The Rev. Canon Hole, who was in the chair, in proposing the health of the Queen Said: — Rosarians, I will not ask you to remember the Queen of Bourbons, nor the Queen of Denmark, nor Frederic the Second, nor Leopold the First, nor Roi des Beiges, nor Em. pereur de Maroc, nor the Sultan of Zanzibar, nor Rivers's George the Fourth ; but my toast shall be La Reine, Paul's Victoria, and everybody's Victoria — our Perpetual Rose ! Esto perpetua ! May she live for ever, and you and I be there to see. And let us add to our Souvenir do la Reine d'Angleterre, the rest oE the Royal Family. The Duke of Edinburgh, the Duke of Connaught, and Prince Arthur have been a good deal tried by the heat ; but Princess Mary of Cambridge and Princess Beatrice have bloomed in royal beauty. But where, my loyal Rosarians, where are our Prince and Princess ? The Prince of Wales, sent out by Laxton (alas, my brother, misereatur Deus !), is not a success, and we have as yet no Rose of Denmark. All honour to the man who shall supply the vacancies with Roses raised on English ground ! Gentle- men, I give you the Queen and the rest of the Royal Family. The Chairman then said : — We do not propose to prolong our floralia this evening — some would return to the Roses, and others to home, sweet home — and I will therefore express at once another sentiment, which must be uppermost in all our hearts — Success to the National Rose Society. I may not dwell upon the privileges which such an institution brings to us — the communion of kindred spirits, the brotherly friendships, the extended and more careful culture of the most beautiful of all flowers, and therefore the greater and purer happiness of men (for where have we such fresh, innocent, and enduring happiness as in our gardens ?). I may not dwell on these things, because it was my good fortune to suggest, some twenty years ago, a society of this kind, and with the help of earnest brothers, to establish the first National Rose Show, and I might seem, therefore, to be imitating the conceit of John Hopper— I beg your pardon — I mean John Horner, who " put in his thumb and pulled out a Plum, and said what a good boy am I." And agaia, if I say too much about the present revival and development, if I express my feelings of deep gratitude to my old and dear friend, D'Ombrain, for his successful efforts, I shall seem, perhaps, to flatter, and some may say, that, though they don't dislike anchovy toast with coffee, they don't like buttered toast with wine. Well, let the National Rose Show speak for the National Rose Society. There has been a good deal written about the " language of flowers," and I certainly seeui to hear these Roses speak, and what they say is this : Whatever diffi- culties may oppose you at first — however coldly jealousy and apathy shall say you nay — even though your coffers may not overflow upon your opening day — though your space be insufficient — with such an exhi. bitiou as this, you must, you shall, succeed. Just let me add one word more on the title of our Society. If it is to be really National, we must have two annual exhibitions, for this simple reason, that the Roses of the nation do not bloom simultaneously. We should have a Rose Show in London towards the end of June, and, some ten days later, a Rose Show in the midland and northern districts. I should have so little apprehension as to the success of the latter, that I would take upon myself, because I rely on the sure support of the brethren, the hazard of a first experiment. I am sure that in Not- tingham, Liverpool, Manchester, Scarborough, Hull, York, and many other places, an exhibition of Roses, under the auspices of the National Rose Society, would be appreciated and supported by them, who believe that Old England's emblem is the Rose, There is no other flower, With haH the graces that adorn This beauty of the bower. ALEXANDRA PALACE ROSE SHOW, JONE 30. This Show may fairly be pronounced to have been a success both as regards quality and quantity of exhibits and the numbers of visitors. In all the classes, of which there were twenty-five — there were numerous entries, and the exhibits in all were so good that in many cases extra prizes had to be awarded. Cut Roses, of which the Show was chiefly composed, were arranged in boxes which occupied five long tables, between which was allowed plenty of room for visitors to pass and repass. The premier prize wa« awarded to Messrs. Paul & Sons, Cheshuut, for seventy-two distinct trusses ; among them were specially noticeable fine forms of the amaranth-crimson La Rosiere, very large blooms of Frangois Michelon, the beautiful semi-double velvety-black Xavier Obilo, Charles Lefebvre, and Wilson Saunders ; these were effectively relieved by the bright golden blossoms of Mareohal Niel, finely-shaped blooms of Madame Lacharme, and the white rose-tinted flowers of Duchesse de Valombrosa. In the same class Mr. Cant, Colchester, exhibited capital examples of La France, the dark crimson Louis Van Houtte, and Comtesse d'Oxford. In the class for forty-eight trusses of three blooms each Messrs. Paul and Mr. Turner, Slough, had effective groups, conspicuous in which were Monsieur Boucenne, Exposition de Brie, Baron de Bonstetten, and Etienne Levet, and associated with these were fine examples of Madame Lacharme Mareohal Niel, and Duke of WelUngton. From Mr. Keynes, Salisbury, came Louis Van Houtte, the blush-centred, white-petalled Captain Christy, and Alfred Colomb in capital condition. Tea-scented and Noisette Roses were well represented by Mr. Turner and Mr. Keynes, the most prominent in both collections being Ferdinand de Lesseps, Madame Lacharme, alba rosea, Countess of Oxford, Dean of Windsor, and Prangois Michelon. The best collection in the amateur's class came from Mr. R. N. Baker, Heavitree, near Exeter, who had excellent blooms of Duke of Edinburgh, Sultan of Zanzibar, Frangois Michelon, the dark crimson Louis Van Houtte, the bright rose-coloured Louisa Wood, and the velvety crimson Prince Camille de Rohan. Mr. Thomas Jowitt was second with good examples of Horace Vernet, La France, and an excel- lent bloom of amcBua. The best Tea-scented and Noisette kinds came from Mr. Pemberton, who had good examples of Lyonnaise and Madame Bravy ; and Mr. Davis, Aynhoe, Banbury, had fine blooms of Marie Van Houtte, President, Souvenir d'un Ami, and Perle des Jardins. In the open classes for twelve Roses of 1875, 1876, or 1877, Mr. Turner was awarded the first prize for excellent blooms of Miss Hassard (one of the best pink Roses in cultivation for exhibition purposes). Rev. J. B. M. Camm (a large, globular-shaped, rosy-pink kind, exquisitely scented), Alex. McKenzie, and Monseigneur Fournier, a kind with very large flowers of a reddish-rose colour, and finely imbricated in form. Messrs. Paul & Sons showed in the same class magnificent blooms of Duchesse de Valombrosa and Marchioness of Exeter, a kind raised by Mr. Laxton, and admirably adapted for exhibition. In the class of EngUsh-raised Roses in commerce, Messrs. Paul & Sons and Mr, Turner were the chief 28 THE GARDEN. [Jtjlt 7, 1877. competitors, both pioduoing fine blooms of Dute of Edinburgh, Emily Laxton, Reynolds Hole, Marquia of Salisbury, Sir Garnet Wolseley, and Oxonian. In the class of twelve blooms of specified kinds, that best of all white Roses, Madame Laeharme, was shown in unusually good condi- tion by Mr. Cant and llr. Turner. The best blooms of Princess Beatrice came from Mr. Cant and Messrs. George Paul & Sons ; and Marechal Niel, large and fine, was shown by Mr. Turner and Mr. Davis. La France was furnished in good condition by Messrs. Paul and Messrs. Cranston ; and the best box of Marie Baumann came from Mr. Cant. Mr. William Paul,^ Waltham Cross, showed a miscellaneous collection of cut Roses beautifully fresh and fragrant. The best vase of cut Roses came from Mr. Turner, who, in addition to having good blooms, had them tastefully arranged. Palms, Ferns, and other fine-foliaged plants were arranged in sach a way throughout the show as to sot the Eoses off to advantage, a point of_ much importance as regards effect in the case of such exhibitions as that in anestion. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S SHOW. July 3. Tnis meeting, though perhaps the smallest that has talcen place this year at South Kensington, was not without interest, Mr. Cannell showing some good Verbenas, and Mr. Turner cut blooms of Pelargoniums; there was also a number of new plants. Pir.st-claaa Csrtifleatea.— These were awarded to the following new and rare plants : — Aerides erassifolium (Veitch).— A dwarf-habited plant, bearing drooping spikes, furnished with large flowers, having rich purple-tipped petals, and ivory white throat. Alooasia Thibautiana (Veitch).— A vigorous-habited kind, with large, heart-shaped, deep green leaves, having, very prominent, fleshy greenish white ribs, and white cobweb-like veins. Cypripedium albo-purpureum (Veitch).— A twin-flowered v-iriety- a cross between C. Sohlirai and C. Domiuyi. The leaves of this plant, which are of a lively green colour, assume a gracefully drooping habit, and measure about 18 in. in length. The flowers, which are of a diiUish-brown crimson, have a beautifully-spotted throat, and long twisted rosy-pink tails on each side, rendering it one of the most distinct and useful of Lady's Slippers. S,liodode"lidr(JB; CouTitoss of Derby (Veitch).— A compact- habited greenhouse shrub, with glossy green leaves and an abundance of long tubular-shaped flowers of a bright pink colour suffused with orange- aoarlet, and having o^nspicuons bright scarlet, black-tipped anthers. Rose, Marc' .v nes3 of Exeter (George Paul & Sons).- A Urge, well-formed, conical-shaped flower, very double, and of a clear rose colour, some of the petals being flushed with cherry-rose. One of the best English-raised Roses, of which we have already several fine kinds. Rose, May Quaanell (William Paul).— A fine Hybrid Per- petual^ose, with well-formed, stiff petals of a deep rose colour suEfusod with Bright magenta. Iris Kssmpferi olba grandissima (Barr & Sugdon).— A large broid-petalled flower of good substauce, pure white, with bright greenish-yellow throat, aud well worth a place in every collaction. Iris Ksempferi, Mrs. Barr (Barr & Sugden).— A kind with petals having a lilac ground, conspicuously marked with bluish-purple veins. Iris KsempFeri, Robert Parker (Barr & Sugden).— Flowers rouud-petalled and of good form, the centre being rich dark purple, and the petals, are of a lilac colour strikingly marked with deep purple and wine-coloured stripes. Esehscholtzia croc9a, 'Mandarin (Carter & Co,).— A florifer- ous kind to which allusion is made in "jSTotes of the Week " (see p. 1). Esclisolioltzia croeea fl. pL (Carter & Co )— A ssmi-double- yariety having a rich orange-colour, and probably the bcguining of a race of double-flowered Eschscholtzias. Xjilium elegans, Mawi (Maw).— A variety resembling the type bnt with larger flowers, orange in .colour profusely spotted with dark purplish crimson. liiliura croeaum, Cliaixi (Maw).— A roundish-petalled flower of a rich orange colour, and having short, stiff, reddish-brown anthers. Miscellaneous Subjects.- Prom Messrs. Veitch & Sons came a collection of new plants, consisting of Cypripedium,Masdevallias, Vandas, two Rhododendrons, and other interesting genera. Mr. W. Paul, Waltham^ Cross, showed a box of Eoses containing several kinds of a meritorious character, and Messrs. Paul & Sons showed three new Roses, viz., Marchioness of Exeter, Duke of Teck, a kind with brilliant crimson well-formed flowers, the outer petals of which are of a dark velvety maroon, and John Bright, a kind with remarkably bright crimson- coloured flowers, and ample green foliage. Mr. H. J. Elwes con- tributed an interesting group of bulbous plants, consisting of varieties of Calochortus, a white variety of Gladiolus Colvilh, Lilium parvum, a spike of Hyaointhus candicans bearing drooping bell-shaped blossoms, and a fine variety of Lilium auratum called Wittei. In the same collection were also some fine varieties of Alstroemeria, Lilium Washingtoniannm purpureum, and several choice kinds of Irises and Ixias. Lilium Thunbergianum came from Mr. Maw, Benthall Hall, Broseley, who also sent L. Chaixi, and L. canadense ; to this group a label of com- mendation was awarded. Mr. G. P. Wilson, Weybridge, showed several varieties of Lilies, including Lilium Krameri, the small bright scarlet-flowered L. callosum, and L. columbianum ; Eurya latifolia variegata was also shown in flower by Mr. Wilson. From Messrs. Barr & Sugden came a collection of cut blooms of Lilies, comprising all the best kinds now to be found in flower. Prom the same firm also came a coUeotiou of new varieties of Iris Ksempferi, to which allusion is made elsewhere. Amongst Mr. Turner's Pelargoniums we noted a pure white-flowered kind with purple anthers, admirably adapted for bouquet making. A bright-flowered kind named Challenger is also worthy of notice ; its lower petals are bright crimson, the upper ones being blotched with dark velvet. Amongst others, too, the semi-double, Regal kinds were conspicuous. From the Society's gardens at Chiswick came a collection of cut blooms of Antirrhinums and Sweet Williams, which, being intermixed with Perns, constituted an interesting feature of the show. Prora the same source also came a well-grown panful of Mimulns moschatus Harrisoni. A collection of Sweet Peas and other hardy annuals came from Messrs. Carter & Co. A Tree Carnation, named Lady Avenel, from Mr. Turner was admired on account of its large pure white, waxy-looking, sweet-scented blooms, which are produced in great profusion. Messrs. F. & A. Smith, Dulwich, sent plants of show Pelargoniums and double-flowered Petunias. From Mr. Parker, Tooting, came branches of Fremontia caUfornica, bearing numerous large yellow flowers, cut from a bush grown for many years in the Tooting Nurseries, where it has had no protection even during the severest winters. A vase of cut flowers of .'Vndromeda cassinefolia came from Mr. OUerhead, gardener to Sir H. Peek, Bart., and the same exhibitor also showed two well-grown Queen Pine Apples. A collection of Strawberries from the Society's gardens at Chiswick consisted of most of the varieties in cultivation ; amongst them, the best as regards appearance were Lucas, Royalty, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, and Keen's Seedling. Mr. Wm. Bull showed a brace_ of Cucumbers named Excelsior, and Messrs. Veitch & Son exhibited a now Pea named Criterion, evidently a heavy cropper, and otherwise an excellent variety. NOTES AND QUESTIONS-YARIOUS. DaraT^ility of the Catalpa. — Prof. Burrill, of the Illinois Industrial University.farnishes the "Prairie Fariner"mthanumbBroE statements to prove the ejreat durability of the Catalpa. One of these would draw hard on the credulity of t^ome person? — a tree lyin^ on the grouni]! about a century was found to be sound, and was sawn up into good boardo. Weeds.— The best time to kill a weed is as soon as it has germinated, before you can see it. Wben it is jast ready to break through the pfround, the least disturbance of the aoil disarrauijea its oounectiona and it dies in the sun ; but if it frrow.s until it makes roots it is not so easy to disturb it, it has a hold upon the soil audit sometimes lives on in spite of one. — T. The Georgia Fine Lauds.— Across the State of Georgia, from east to we3t, extends a broad belt of primitive Pine forest. Its width is about 75 milea and the surface of the country is almost a dead level. No underbrush grows, and no other tree besides the tall, spindling, long-leaved fine. The ground is carpeted with a green growth of wee^is, and so open is the forest that were it not for the fallen trunks o£ dead trees, one miijht ride through it at a gallop. Streams are rare. Ihcro is a melancholy monotiny in the endless vistas of - tall, brown columns roofed with green, that becomes oppressiva aCoer hours oE travel through this sombre region. — Correspondent of "Tribune." [This, we presume, refers to Pihus palustris, rarely seen in cultivation in this country."] Tall Border Flowers.— Can you furnish me with the names of a few hardy plants of this description whicTi would look well in front of shrubberies, or at the back of mixed borders ?— Delta. — Aconitum Stcerkianum, A. variegatum ; Delphinium, tall varieties : Baptisia esaltata ; Lathyrus latifolius, L. latifoliua albus, L. grandiflorus; CEaothera Lamarckiana j Epilobium angastifolium, Lythrum Salicaria rosea ; Echinops exaltatus, E. ruthenicus ; Galega officinalis. Aster Kovaj-AngliEe, A, Novi-Belgii, A. elegans, A. ericoides, and many others ; Achillea Eupatorium ; Campanula pyramidalis ;'Asclepia3 Cornnni ; Verbascum Chaixii; Phlox, taller kinds; Tritoma Uvaria grandiflora ; Dracocephalum speciosum ; Lilium in variety; Polygonum cuspidatum ; Arundo Donax , Pampas Grass; Anchusa italica ; Arundo conspicua ; Eupatorium ageratoides; E, purpureum; Helianthus orgyalis, H. multiflorus flore pleno ; Hollyhocks ; Dahlias; Pyrethrum uligiuosum ; Crambe cordifolia; Phytolacca decandra; Lupinus pdiyphyLlus ; and Macleaya cordata.J Eichmond Park.— The followiog letter has been sent by Mr. De Morgan to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, Ranger of Richmond Park ; — " Commons Protection League, June 29. — Sir, — My attention has been called to your illegal enclosures of portions of Richmond Park, and to various illegal practices you have resorted to since you were appointed Ranger. I have to inform you that X have been appointed by request and public meeting to assert the right of the people to enjoy Richmond Park, and I have concluded to put in force every legal means to maintain that right. As I do not wish to do anything unlawful, I will thank your Eoyal Highness to cause to be torwarded to me copies of any Ace of Parliament or other authority under which you have made the said enclosures. I have sent a copy of this letter to Her Majesty's First Commissioner of Works.— Tour obedient servant, John de MoBGiN." The foUowinsr reply has since been received from the Duke's private secretary. — "July 2. — Sir, — I am directed by his Royal Highness the Ranger of Richmond Park to acknowledge the receipt of your letter, which has been referred to Rer Majesty's First Commissioner of Works and Public Buildings, under whose authoriiy all enclosures and plantations are placed, and by whose ordeiB all works in the park are executed," — " Times," THE GiARDBK 29 TXo. S95.] BAIUBOA'Z'. JULY 14, 1877. [Vol. SII. •" This !s an art Which does mend Nature ; change it rather : but ThK AkT ITBBliF IS Natceb."— Staiejpcarc. THE VALLEY OF FLOWEES. Abodt half an hour's walk north-west of the Hotel des Alpes at Miirreu, lies a broad valley known as the Blamenthal, and well it deserves its name. It is about three-quarters of a mile broad and about a mile and a half long, surrounded on three sides by walls of green grass sloping steeply up rocky cliffs which rise at the upper end to a height of some 2000 ft., and are part of the first slopes of the Schilthorn, which is hidden by them. Up this valley I lately took a botanical ramble, and though I returned drenched to the skin, I thought myself amply repaid by the rich harvest of plants which I brought home. My way lay through the picturesque chalets of Miirren, and np a steep path of stone steps between fields of uncut hay, which now look like brilliant flower-beds with half-a-dozen different sorts of Campanulas, Pink Polygonum, Orchis, Phyteumas, Ranunculuses of different kinds, and here and there a grey rook peeping out encrusted with Saxifrage, Sempervivum, the exquisite dark blue Veronica saxatilis, and every crack full of Ferns — Polypodium Dryopteris, Cystopteris fragilis, and Asplenium septentrionale being among the commonest. After passing the last chalets, where later in the afternoon the whole village congregate to meet their goats as they return from pasture, we found ourselves fairly in the Blumenthal, the Almendhubel rising green and fir-crowned to our right, the pi'ecipitous rocks of the Schiltgrat to our left, and down the middle of the valley from the snows of the farthest wall rushed the beautiful Miirrenbach between high rooks which broke it into scores of tiny waterfalls. The hay was white with Ranunculus, and blue with Forget-me-nots ; but my object was thoroughly to search a mass of high rocks at the upper end of the valley, lying just below some large patches of unmelted snow, and for these I made with as little delay as possible. The first thing that attracted attention was a bed of Anemone narcissifiora just coming into full bloom, the unopened buds pink like a bunch of Crab blossom, and beside them in every sheltered damp hole between the rooks grew Thalictrum aquilegisefolium, with heads of pinkish-purple flowers. The short damp turf was studded with Primula farinosa, here in full bloom, while below at Miirren nothing but seed-vessels are to be found. The large blue Gentian, the smaller G. bavarica with its almost sky-blue blossoms, Pingui- cula alpina, P. vulgaris, and the grand golden flowers of Geum montanum, each as large as a penny-piece, were to be found here. On the rooks themselves grew sheets of the exquisite Dryas ootopetala, Saxifraga Aizoon in full flower. Primula viscosa with a few blooms still left on it, and last but not least, P. Auricula, though with nothing but seed-vessels to be seen. This last formed the special object of my search, and I had vowed that if it were to be found in flower I would find it; BO after half-filling my baskets with roots from the rocks, I pressed on towards the great sheets of snow which lay above me. As I neared them, I found myriads of delicate white Crocuses springing up through the burnt brown Grass mingled with the small purple parasols of Soldanella alpina, and around each heap of stones a fringe of a little and richly- scented Oxlip. At last, on the top of a heap of stones, I espied the treasure for which I was looking — a splendid plant of Primula Auricula in full bloom. Around grew thousands of the splendid white Anemone alpina and A. sulphurea; at this height their petals were all a purplish-grey outside, and the plants were somewhat dwarfer than below, where they were rapidly passing out of flower, and were either pure white or sulphur-coloured. They grow here in such immense quan- tities that I am surprised they are not more commonly found in English gardens, for certainly it wonld be hard to find two more beautiful plants, or plants more useful for the garden or for indoor decoration, as they last many days in water. And now having gone so far, I determined to go still farther, and to try and reach a col on the wall of the valley between the Schwarzhom and the Schiltgrat. A smooth green slope, broken here and there by piles of stone or a solitary rock, led up to this col, and on I went. Never was green slope more cruelly deceptive. I am afraid to say at what angle it lay ; I only know that with nailed boots and strong alpenstock I could hardly keep my feet as I toiled sideways up it, for in reality it was a mass of the finest slate detritus covered with vegetation, which the rain had made as slippery as so much ice. Once on it return was impossible, so with great difiiculty I managed to get to a large boulder, which gave one a firm foothold, and to my great delight I found it covered with pink cushions, which proved to be Silene acaulis in full bloom. While resting here and waiting for my com- panion, who was laden with the plant-basket, I heard a roar and a rattle, and to my horror saw a couple of big boulders bounding down from the upper cliffs. They passed within half-a-dozen yards of where she stood, and plunging on buried themselves in the snow below us. This was an unpleasant warning, so we hurried forwards, and at last reached a small path, which led us in a few yards to the summit of the col. Here a magnificent view greeted us, but as it was getting late, and the rain-clouds were rolling up from the valley, we hardly stayed to look, but followed the path along a knife edge ot shaly rock to the highest point of the Schiltgrat, 6970 ft. above the sea, and IfiiS ft. above Miirren. Here we stayed for a moment to !get breath, and to get some roots of Anemone sulphurea, which was here in great beauty ; large blue Gentian, Primula farinosa, a small Ranunculus, Hedysarum obscurum, Botrychium Lunaria, and to gaiher some Alpen-rose (Rhodo- dendron ferrugineum) which clothed the precipitous cliffs to our left into the Blumenthal. We were now on a high and dry green Alp, and finding a good path we set off for home, reaching the hotel in forty-five minutes, wet through but triumphant. Rose G. Kingslet. Miirren. BUYING "COMMON" PLANTS FOR KEW. Sir Joseph Hooker suggests in his recently-issued report on Kew, that it would be well to purchase from suburban nurserymen the commoner kinds of plants for the embellish- ment of a certain house at Kew. Considering the appliances, the cost, and the able staff at Kew, this will scarcely be thought a desirable innovation. There is certainly glass enough at Kew to provide for all its wants. But we believe with the director that it would be well to " devote attention to the rarer sorts alone." It would be greatly to the gain of our horticulture if the director would courageously throw over the practice of growing tender plants that may be seen on every hawker's barrow and in every garden we pass by. The aim of the garden should be to lift us out of ouf meanness and poverty of garden embellishment. We have, for example, always held that one of the things that ought to be done well at Kew would be the hundreds of fine hardy plants now worth a place in the best parts of our gardens. Instead of healthy aim in that way, however, it for years past has merely tried to rival the big bedding-out places. We could well spare many " common " plants at Kew. But how much remains to be done in making uncommon ones known to us ! We can allow for the many cares of such an establishment, but with bedding- out and "common" plants on one side and fine hardy plants and rare ones on the other — there should be no hesitation as to the right course. SUMMER PRUNING FRUIT TREES. In nearly all dlBtriota fruit thia year is tbin, and there will probably be a tendency to produce too much wood, especially late in summer. This scarcity of fruit may perhaps in some cases beget an indiffer. ence abont giving the trees the necessary attention, a course which would be moat unwise, aa it is only by close attention now that a crop next year can be secured. It is true we cannot control the seasons ; nor is it possible in all cases to carry out our ideas in the matter of glaaa or other protectors, but the trees themselves, at thia season are, or should be, under control, and can be so arranged by thinning and training as to expose the future bearing wood to the fnll inBuence of air and sunshine, and the thorough maturation which such treatment ensures. In the case of trained trees, it is 30 THE GARDEN. [July 14, 1877. important to secure well. developed foliage and buds — the one cannot be had without the other — close to the base of the spars, and this can only be obtained by keeping the joung wood thin. If the shoots be allowed to unduly extend themaelves before pruning begins, the bottom leaves will lack substance, and the buds will be weak and probably imperfectly ripened. At the same time, very close pruning or pinohing is not desirable, for if the young shoots be cut in closer than four or five leaves, the back eyes may start into growth instead of forming fruit buds. Trees of a rather weakly habit, or that have in previous years borne heavy crops, should be allowed a little more freedom of growth, as, provided a gross habit be not con- tracted, and the young wood not crowded, the stimulus imparted by a greater breadth of foliage will infuse new life into any tree that lacks vigour, and enable it to go on again for a series of years in a fruitful condition. E. Hobday. NOTES OP THE WEEK, A Beautiful Shrub. — We once figured (see Vol. X.,p. 58) a most beautiful Abelia (A. triflora) that forms large bashes in the Botanic Gardens at Glasnevin, and this week we are indebted to Dr. Moore, the director of the Gardens in question, for specimens of a more showy species, wreathed with large tubular flowers of a fine rose, viz., Abelia floribunda. Desfontaisea spinosain Scotland. — At the Marquis of Tweeddale's fine old gardens at Tester, in Haddingtonshire, I noticed a noble plant of this in flower in the open air, though in a pot. It was about 4 ft. high and nearly as much through, and bore numerous flowers. It is set out in the open air in summer, and no doubt protected in winter in a cool house. In this way this brilliant plant is wo!l rvorth growing where it does not thrive out-of-doors, ac; [a Wales and the Bouth of England and Ireland. I also noticed here a plant of the old Venus Victrix Fuchsia, now so deldom seen, and which is said to be the first white Fuchsia «-7er raised. — D. S. FlNELY-rLOWKKEu ORCHIDS. — We have at present a plant of Odonto- glossum Vexillarium roseum bearing on four strong spikes fifty-two ,expanded flowers. The sepals and petals are of a very dark pink colour, and the tip nearly blood-red, and measuring 3 in. across. It is one of the best varieties I have seen. We have also a fine specimen of Oncidinm maoranthum bearing 156 flowers ; its longest spike is 12 ft. 3 in. Masdevallia ohimsei'a is showing twelve spikes ; and M. Harryana sanguinea is producing eighty.foar flowers. — A, Falconer, The Poplars, Leyton. Moss Roses in the Market. — Notwithstanding the unfavourable season which we have had. Moss Roses seem this year even more plentiful than usual in London, for at the corners of nearly every street may be seen huge baskets of them, whilst in Covent Garden and other markets early in the morning they may be seen by the cartload. They are made into "button-holes" and sold for Id. each. There are white, red, and pink ones, but the latter are most abundant. Of all under crops in market gardens Moss Roses are the most profit- able, and about Baling, Kew, and Hammersmith many acres of land are devoted to them. Lieyare grown chiefly under orchard trees, and therefore the young buds are protected in spring from late frosts by the overhanging boughs, which of course are not then anfiioiently leafy to injure the Roses by their shade. — S. Ci'PRiPEDiUM SPECTABILE. — A large mass of this Lady's-slipper may now ba seen in Messrs. RoUisson's nursery at Tooting. It grows near a wall belonging to one of the plant-houaes, where it is somewhat sheltered, and thus situated, it flowers freely. If a few weeks previous to the blooms o.xpanding the plants be taken up and potted, they make excellent subjects for conservatory, greenhouse, or room decoration. As a pot plant this Lady's-slipper is, however, a little too leafy in proportion to the flowers which it produces ; but if it were possible- to hybridize this with such kinds as C. insigne or 0. barbatum, this objection might probably be obviated, and a good hardy, free-flowering greenhouse variety be obtained. — C. S. Carlisle International Horticultural Exhibition. — The Exe. outivo Committee have nearly completed their arrangements for this great show, which is to take place on September 6, 7, and 8, next. The fruits, plants, flowers, and vegetables, will be exhibited in large marquees, and the accommodation will be on a more extensive and ooTveoient scale than that provided for the Dundee International Show last year. There will be a large central pavilion 100 ft. in diameter, from which will diverge marquees from 40 ft. to 50 ft. wide and 1000 ft, in length. The exhibition will take place on The Saaceries, a beautiful meadow close to Carlisle, extending from the ancient walls of the castle to the River Eden, which will be the northeni boundary of the show ground. The principal entrance is a few yards from the roadway in Dacre Street. The interior arrange- ments and general management of the show have been entrusted to Mr. William Thomson, of Clovenfords, who will be assisted by an Executive Committee experienced in all matters relating to garden- ing. In the meadows outside the marquees will be an exhibition of horticultural buildings and other appliances connected therewith. Agave Mikadokensis. — A large plant of this at" Sudbury House, Hammeramith, is throwing up a flower-spike which has grown 10 ft. in three weeks. It belongs to the American Aloe class. — J. C. Imported Old Men Cacti (Pilooereus senilis). — Of a quantity of these which have been imported, some only 2 in. high have hairs 3 in. and 4 in. in length, giving them quite as old a look as if they were 103 years of age. — J. Croucher, 75, South Bow, Eensal New Town. Climbing Bessie Johnson Rose. — This is the name given to a new Rose now in flower in Messrs. Paul & Sons* nurseries, Cheshunt. It has flowers resembling those of Bessie Johnson, but it is a climber, a great advantage, considering the few good free-blooming, light- coloured climbing Roses which we possess, — F. Rose Beauty of Glazenwood. — We regret to see that the "Journal des Roses " reproduces the monstrous exaggeration which was figured in an Eoglish publication under the above name. We have seen spaci- mens of the said Rose, and wonder by what imaginative process the drawing of the plate in question was obtained. IxoRA CoLEi. — Fine specimens of this white. flowered Ixora may now be seen in flower in several of the London nurseries. In habit it is compact and dwarf, and quite as Qoriferous as other kinds, single plants bearing in some instances from flfty to sixty clusters of flowerj of snowy whiteness. — S. Peaches froji France. — These are arriving in the London markets in large quantities, and some of them are very large in siz9, reaem. blingjin form Grosse Mignonne, but very inferior to that kind in flavour. Royal George, from the same source may, however, be had in excel- lent condition, many fruits of it beiag very large and beautifully coloured. Aerides odoratuji in Covent Garden. — -Fine spikes of this Orchid may have been seen for some time past in the florists' shops in Covent Garden. Such spikes are, of coarse, too large for use in ordinary floral decorations, but the individual, sweet-scented, white purple. tipped flowers, when stripped from the stalks and wired, are valuable in small bouquets, in which, associated with Rosebuds and scarlet Bouvardias, they have a charming appearance. The New Zealand Flax in the South of Ireland. — Dr. Moore writes to us from Glasnevin : — " I have again had the rare treat of seeing, at Lismore, the Phorminm in all its beauty, with thousands of wasps feeding on the nectar which fills the tubes of the perianth ; it is truly magnificent. The stems rise from 10 ft. to 15 ft. The double purple Deutzia is also a fiae plant, as it grows there, in the midst of Myrtles and other shrubs." The Double Agapanthus.— This form of a well-known decorative plant will doubtless, when plentiful, be largely grown for f urnishiag cut blooms for market. For bouquets or button. holes, its double deep blue flowers are admirably adapted, and form a pleasing contrast to white Rosebuds, Jasmines, or Gardenias. Really good blue bouquet, flowers are generally scarce, the kind chiefly used for that purpose now being the Cornflower, to which the Agapanthus might be made to form a good succession. Flowering plants of it may now be seen in the Victoria Nurseries, Holloway. Sweet Pe.as in Cotent Garden. — Of these the pure white, flowered forms and the Scarlet Invincible are the kinds liked best on account of their decided colours. They are the produce of seeds sown in November, a time when many sow their first crops of culi. navy Peas. As soon as they ai'e above ground they are earthed up and staked. As the weather gets warmer the plants grow apace, and in June they yield a good supply of bloom, which is kept regularly cut three times a week, and the better this is attended |to the longer the plants continue to grow and yield blossoms. For later supplies seeds are sown in succession during the spring months, and in dry seasons they are given copious supplies of water. — S. National Carnation and Picotee Exhibition. — This is to take place in the Westminster Aquarium on the 18th and 19th inst., when the number and value of the prizes offered will doubtless induce keen competition. The prizes are open to all exhibitors, whether they are subscribers to the Society or not. Notice of entry should be given to Mr. E. S. Dodwell, 11, Lnrkhall Terrace, Clapham Rise, not later than the 13th inst. Prizes offered for Roses by the Royal Aquarium Company will be competed for on the same occasion. Entries in the Rose classes must be sent to Mr. E. Bennett, at the Aquarium, not later than the 14th inst. July 14, 1877 THE GARDEN. 31 PEOPAGATINa CONIFERS. CoNrrEKOTJs trees and shrubs are propagated by means of seeds, cuttings, and grafting, the latter process being reserved for those kinds which either do not strike readily from cuttings, or from which seeds are not easily procured. Grafting now, too, takes the place of layering, which was formerly extensively practised, but is now, owing to a better knowledge of grafting, taut seldom resorted to. There are two methods by which seedling Conifers may be raised : they may be either sown in pans or boxes, and placed under glass, or they may be sown in the open air. In the case of rare kinds, or where but a limited quantity of seed is intended to be sown, the former is preferable, as, owing to the seeds being protected from accidents and variations of temperature and moisture, there is a greater certainty of the seed germinating properly. The pans or shallow boxes in which the seed is sown should be well drained. The soil used should be a mixture of loam and leaf- mould, with the addition of about one-third of sand. The pans or boxes should be filled about three-fourths full, the soil made firm, and then watered ; this to be done the day previ- ous to sowing, as it is necessary that the bulk of the soil should thoroughly settle into its place before the seed is sown. On this another layer of fine sandy soil must be put and firmly pressed down. On this the seed should be sown, making the surface firm, and giving a moderate watering. If they be placed where not exposed to drying air and sun, there will be no occasion for subsequent heavy waterings. The consolidation of the soil is an important point as regards this description of seed, at the same time it must not be rendered in any way hard, or impervious to the young rootlets. If, however, the compost be not of too tenacious a nature and have been carefully prepared, there will not be much to be feared upon this score. Especial care must be exercised not to over- water just as the seedlings are pushing through, as a little indiscretion in that respect at that period often proves disas- trous. As soon as they are fairly up they should be placed where air has free admission, or whole panfuls of young plants will go off in a few days, if a free circulation of air be not kept up among them. If it be intended to plant them out in open ground a bed should be prepared for them, say 4 ft. in width, which will allow of their being easily watered and cleaned when necessary. In planting out it is extremely im- portant that the young fibres do not in any way go dry. The contents of each pans should be carefully knocked out, and all the roots retained. The best way to plant them is to cut out a small trench several inches in depth, against the side of which each plant should be firmly but gently pressed, allowing the roots to extend downwards to their full length, covering them immediately with soil. In this way fresh roots will be made in a few days, which will at once strike deeply into the ground. The difference which these few precautions and extra care makes in the growth of the young plants is surprising, for although Conifers are as a rule hardy in character, yet if subjected to careless manipulation they do not fail to show the effects of it in the shape of stunted growth. If once they get into bad condition it is difficult to in- duce them to start freely again into growth. Water must be given them when reqaired, and if cleanliness be observed a satisfactory growth will be the result. If sown in the open ground 4 ft. beds should be prepared, and the soil well pulverized, and according to its consistency it must be made more or less firm for the reception of the seed. The latter may either be sown broadcast or in drills, and the thickness of soil used in covering it will have to be regulated by the size of the seed. When sown it is as well to lay some boughs over the beds until the young plants begin to germinate, as they pro- tect the seeds from birds and hot sun. Branches of the White Spruce answer well for this purpose, but failing them any evergreen will do. The ensuing season they may be pricked out in beds in the manner just mentioned. Cuttings. There are several ways of propagating Conifers by means of cuttings ; one of the best is to take strong shoots in August with some 2 in. of ripened wood attached to them. These should be inserted firmly in 4-in. or 6-in. pots, in a light, sandy compost, and placed in frames situated, if possible, in a north aspect. Here the greatest amount of air and light possible must be admitted to them, only shutting up and shading lightly during the hottest part o£ the day. On fine, still nights the lights should be entirely removed, in order that they may enjoy to the full extent the refreshing dews which generally fall about that season. In September a mild hotbed should be made up either of tan or leaves and manure ; if the latter be used, then it must be surfaced with about 1 ft. of tan or sawdust, in which the pots should be plunged. Thus treated, the cuttings, after being callused, speedily emit roots, and oa no account must they be allowed to suffer from want of moisture. By the end of October they will be well rooted, when they may be removed to a cool house or frame, there to pass the winter; in spring they may be potted off or planted out. In the case of kinds which it is desirable to push into quick growth, or of which there is only a limited stock, great advantage will be gained by potting them ofi early in February, and plunging them in a gentle bottom-heat. This will induce the formation of an extra amount of rootlets, by means of which the plants v/ill be benefited when placed in the open ground. The method just described can only be employed where there is plenty of strong plants from which to take cuttings ; where the stock is limited, and it is desired to make the most of it, it will be necessary to proceed difierently. The cuttings must be taken in a smaller state from the green wood, and put into pots or pans, which should be surfaced with 2 in. of silver sand. In autumn they will have to be placed in a close house, where they may enjoy a warm, equable temperature during the winter ; if a little bottom-heat can be afforded them they will be all the better for it, and will have made good root by the spring, when they may be either potted off or planted out. There is another way by which many of the Coniferous tribe may be propagated with a fair amount of success, and which possess the merit of simplicity. Take strong shoots early in September, and put them firmly in sandy soil in a north border, or where they are effectually screened from direct sunshine and drying air in the early summer months. The cuttings should have quite 3 in. of the ripe wood inserted in the soil, and in dry weather should be kept well watered. In this way many of the Thujas, Cypresses, &c., will strike fairly well. Grafting. Grafting may be performed either early in spring or about the month of August. For this purpose two-year-old stocks are preferable, as it is desirable that the stock and scion should be as near of a size as possible. They should be established in 3-in. pots, and if it be intended to use them early in the spring they should be kept during the winter in cold frames. There are several methods of grafting Conifers, but ordinary side-grafting is in most cases the best. This operation con- sists in making a clean out in the stem downwards about an inch in length, then at its termination making a transverse cut, thus removing a piece of the bark-wood clean away from the side of the stock. The scion should be cut off clean and square at the end, and a piece of the wood should be shaved off about equal in length to the cut on the stock. The butt-end of the scion should then be placed upon the notch cut in the stock, taking care that the bark on one side meets exactly the whole length of the cut. The great aim in this operation is so to cut the scion and stock that the former when fitted on nearly replaces the piece removed. The scion being thus fitted must be held firmly in its place by the thumb of the left hand and tied on with bast or wool so that it does not afterwards shift. When the scion is very small, or the stock much out of proportion to it, another method may be practised. This consists in simply making an incision obliquely in the stock, the scion being so cut that one side of it forms a sharp edge, in order that it may be easily inserted therein, the bark of the scion thus coming level with that of the stock. This is a neat and expeditious method, as when united it is difficult to per- ceive the union. The cuts must be cleanly made with a sharp knife, and the incision in the stock and the cut on the scion should correspond in length as nearly as possible. This latter method scarcely needs tying, as if properly done the scion will not easily move, and it quickly unites to the stock. In neither of the methods just described is clay or grafting-wax 32 THE GARDEN. [JuLT 14, im. necessary, and the stock is not headed down but merely short- ened by cutbing a portion of the top away, leaving sufficient foliage to ensure a free flow of the sap. The plants should be placed as soon as worked in close frames or cases. If in early spring, the latter should be in a house where a regular tem- perate heat of aboub 55^ is maintained; and if in the summer, they may be placed in any ordinary glass structure where shade can be easily given them. After the first few days air must be admitted every morning and increased in amount when the graft begins to unite to the stock, which is easily perceived by a white callus being formed at the union of the bark. As soon as the graft appears to have fairly taken the sashes may be entirely removed, and in the course of a week or ten days the plants may be placed in a cool frame, where it is, however, advisable to shade them from the hot sunshine. The regular daily admission of air is the most important point to be observed, as, if neglected, the grafts are apt to become yellow and fall off, and much to the surprise and disgust of the operator this will often happen, even after the plants are turned out to all appearance in good vigorous health, BijJIeef. John CoRNuaL. Evergreen and Deciduous. — Than this no division is better understood. He would be a bold man who ventures to throw a doubt on the fact that trees and shtaba are either evergreen or deciduous ; but it may have escaped the notice even of naturalists that the divi- sion is not quite perfect, and for this reason that, although no deci- duous tree (as generally understood) is evergreen, yet some ever- greens are deciduous. Indeed, by far the greater number of theui Bhed their old leaves as the new ones take their places, as any one may observe at this time of year by looking at the ground under a Holly, an evergreen Oak, or most of the Pine trees. This rule is so general, that it need not be remarked on if it were not for the fact that some evergreens are not deciduous. My attention was first drawn to this fact by observing the Araucaria imbricata, whose epikes never drop off, bat appear to be gradually absorbed into the stem, and if they be forcibly removed Nature does not replace them. I have gone on to observe that the same rale applies to Wellingtonia and to all the Arbor-vitse tribe, and, as far as I can see, also to other Conifers, such as Pioea nobilis, but I would request some better- informed observer to give ua the benefit of his knowledge on the subject.— I. T. Large Walnut Trees.— There is a Walaat tree here whicli measures as follows : — 16 ft. girth, not measuring the roots, and the branches cover 297 ft. cir- cumference. I am under-es'iraating the amount of tirabar by putting it at 223 ft. Is this uiiuSQallv lar:;e? Where are the largest Walnut trees on record in Britain?— H. M. RiDLBT, Z)otrrt/a)i4 House, Liphoofc, Hants. [ This must be an exceptionally Qoe specimen, and, if sound, it is o£ considerable value. The ji^reat. spread of branches and cubical contents are particularly remarkable. It is probably one of tbe largest examples of the Walnut tree in Britain. There is H fine Walnut tree at Rufford Abbey, Notts. The eirth of its butt, which is only 4 ft. long, is 21 ft. 10 in. at 2 ft. above the ground. The stem divides int) huge limbs at 4 ft. up, forming a not particularly handsome head.] Ash Trees Splittiug.— On a property in Ireland a large number of Ash trees usedtogrov. A certain mmber are still there, and unusually large in size; bat when they reach about the age of thirty-three years' they begia to split down the tranks, and thus in time they die. Can any of your readers explain the cause of this ?— H. M. R. [It is not easy to account for the splitting of the Ash trees in que»tion wiih any degree of certainty without knowing more Earticularp, or peramal inspection. Probably the soil and subsoil are not iv.m'-able to the hea'thy grosvth of Ash. Ash timber is often grown where the soil is light, thin, aud poor, and although the trees seem to thri'i^e and grow rapidly for some years, and to outwa'd appearance the timber looks clean and of good quality, it is generally the reverse, being sh^rt in the gi'ain, brittle, and mfenor. Where plantations have not been regularly and judiciously thinned when young, and the trees allowed to get ihick and drawn uo, and then sub- jected to a severe thinning, the sudden exposure to rough and prevailing winds "will cause many to be blown ove-, and in the case of Ash. moat probably many will be split from the fork downwards. Ash trees should be planted in loams and clay soils, to become valuable timber and of first quality.— Ed. ] Siamese Twin Trees— An example of this kind of abnormal growth may be sesn in Windsor Park, near the B.shopsgate entrance lodge, Englefield Green, very near the water to werlm Baron Schroedei'a grounds, on the outaeirts of the park. Two very large centenarian Beech trees, sprins^ing apparently from the sarae'root, are united at about 11 ft. up. Ahunorei yards or so fur; her on may be seen, through a forest vista serving as a frame to the picture, perhaps the most charming miniature view of Windsor Castle to be seen in the vicinity. — Toii Smith, Olanty House, Egham. I was induced this morning to make a sketch of two Oak trees, standing about 5 ft. distant from one anoher, which trees apparently started in life quite independent of each othi^r. but, after growing in this unfriendly state for many jeare, they mu6t have determined to live together ; one. therefore, took a header into the other, and this being received in a friend y spirit by his neighbour, they have groivn up as one tree some 35 ft. or 4 > f t high, quite healthy, and viiiorous. Tue junction is made some 10 ft. or 12 ft. from the ground, and makes a picturesque arch seen from a footpath clo33 by. My woodkeeper, who has been on the estate with me for many years, sajs he has met with several instances of "Siamese twin trees;" but they have generally been rather higher un the trunk of the tree than in the sketch Ben-; by Captain Morns.— H. M. Hawley, Tumbt/ Lami, Boston, in *' Field," FLORA.L ARRANGEMENTS AT REGENT'S PARK. In addition to the exhibits which one is acoastomad to see at tbe evening fetes held by the Royal Botanio Society, several new classes were aided, some for flowers arranged for a head-dresa, garlands for personal adornment, wreaths of flowers or leaves, set of six specimen glasses for a dinner-table, &c. The specimens staged in several of these classes were so good that many eqnal awards had to be made. As a rnle the sprays arranged for the hair had a tendency to be over- done, and too many flowers were employed. In the lightest-looking and best made one, the exhibitor had not gummed the Pelargoniums, and therefore if touched it would have fallen to pieces ; arrangements of this kind require to be made as light-looking as possible, the flowers selected of varieties that last best, and if of a description that requires preparing, let the preparation be well done. In the class for garlands for dresses, those staged were one and all very pretty ; the same may be said in reference to the class for six speci- men glasses; all were made like button-hole bouquets, save those to which the first prize was awarded, and they were made all round in the form of table bouquets, and were composed of light-looking and light-coloured flowers, and wild Grasses. The entries in the class for a centre table decoration were much above the usual number, and there was not one badly-arranged stand staged. The table decora- tions were much aboat the same as usual, except that in one class the tables had to be furnished as well as florally decorated, and, as a rule, the exhibitors were not evidently so much at home in the fur- nishing as in arranging the flowers. An extra prize was awarded to one table arranged quite in the old style ; as far as the arranging of the flowers went, they were heavy and packed, bat a very fine eUect was made by the colouring of the stands, glasses, plates, &o., — all were well blended, and a rich effect produced, which would have been farther enhanced had they been on a handsome table without a cloth. In the miscellaneous class some pretty crosses were shown, suited for church decoration, as well as other purposes. Amongst the tables I noted one on which the flowers employed for decoration were nearly all white, with the exception of a few crimson Rosebuds ; they were charming, bat, from being nearly all white, a dead effect was pro- duced, bat had there been mits of crimson cloth or velvet under the stands the general effect would have been improved. Oq the whole, the Royal Botanio Society are to ba congratulated on their exhibition, which was the largest and best I ever remember seeing in the Regent's Park. Annie Hassakd. WILD FLOWERS ON THE SEA -COAST OP WIGTOWNSHIRE. These are in great profusion this year, and I was so mach struck by the variety and quantity that, as I walked along the high road lately, I jotted down the names of those that were most abundant and gay. The list includes some interesting species : — Authyllis vulneraria Armeria vulgaris Aspleniam marrauin Astragalus glycyphylloa CohtoItuIus Soldanella Digitalis purpurea Erjngium maritimani Geratiiam sauguineam Glaucium luteuoi Glaax miritima Hypericum Andros^^mum ,, E lodes Ills p-eudacorus Jasione montana Lonicera Periclymenum Lotus cornicalatus Lychnis Flos-cacali Lysimachia nemorum Malva sylvestris Mertensia maritima Myosotis palastris Ononis arvensis Orcliia maculata Oxytropis uraleasia Polygala vulgaris RtiiDaathus Crista-galli Rosa pimpiuellifolia „ rubigiuosa r Rosa canina t Scutellaria galerlculata Sedum Telephlacn „ acre ; ,, anglicam ', Silene maritima Ttiymas Serpyilum Verbascucn Tiiapsus Veronica Boccabunga ,, CbamEedrya Vicia tetrasperma ,, sylvatica ,, sepiam Salmoniceps. Thinning Fruit. — We have frequently pointed out the great advantages of thinning fruit on the trees while yet small. Many of our readers know that for marketing, well. grown specimens that have had plenty of room to develop size and quality, will sell at much higher prices than poor and crowded frait. In one experiment, recorded in the " Country Gentleman," after two-thirds of the fruit on trees of Louise Bonne of Jersey had been taken off, the crop was not diminished in quantity ; it would have been better it three-fourths had been removed. The objection that additional labour is required for thinning is not valid, as it is much easier to pick off the young fruit when no care is necessary to prevent bruising, than to hand-pick the same specimens after they are fully grown, and then to assort them carefully by rejecting all the poor ones. Well-thinned crops need little assorting. In thinning Apples and Pears, throw off the small, imperfect, and wormy specimens, and leave the largest and smoothest. In this way the insects are early destroyed, and the trees will not be exhausted by bearing a surplus of worthless frait. The earlier the work is done in summer, the better for both tree and crop. It is worth experimenting defiuitely to ascertain what distances are most profitable for the remaining fruit after thinning. July U, 1877.] THE GARDEN. 33 HYDRANGEA. PANICULATA GRANDIFLORA. Of this hardy, robust-growing, deciduous shrub, a coloured plate of which appeared in The Garden (see p. 264, Vol. X.), I have a good specimen in the nursery fully 6 ft. high and as much through, which has been a mass of bloom during the past month or five weeks ; I should think almost every bud on last year's wood has pushed forth a flower-spike. The buds are set opposite and in pairs along the drooping branches, and when they burst into blossom the latter present a pretty wreath-like appearance, all the branches arching one over the other from the base to the top. The flowers are palish when flrst opened, afterwards changing to pink and rose, somewhat resembling Weigela rosea in both foliage and flower, but it is a much stronger grower and the flowers are larger. My plant of Hydrangea, when not in leaf, might easily be mistaken for a Deutzia soabra or Philadelphus coronarius, on account of its strong woody growth. As a proof of how quickly a large bush may be grown, I bought it in a 4-in. pot six years ago, it being evidently a cutting-struck plant the previous year ; it would have been much larger, only I kept it in the nursery for a stock plant, and I have taken some scores of cuttings from it ; they strike as freely as any common shrub in the open ground. Many that were put in last winter are now in bloom, the flower- spikes being much larger than the actual plants or cuttings. This plant is, I think, a real acquisition amongst the many beautiful deciduous flowering shrubs. It should have plenty of good soil, as I find it, as well as most other shrubs, will well repay for liberal treatment. A good thick layer of manure laid over its roots in autumn or spring is the sort of stimulant in which it delights. Many trees and shrubs are nearly starved to death when planted out for want of a little extra atten- t i 0 u to encourage them to start into vi- gorous growth at once. They are often planted in small holes with nothing but the original poor soil cover- ing the roots, and then left to take care of themselves — the result, of course, is failure. — G. B. Rocky Caves covered with Ivy, ROCKY CAVES COVERED WITH IVY. CoNSPicDOUS common-looking buildings in gardens have been among the most effective means of neutralising any good effects therein, as, for example, the wooden structures in the centre of various London gardens. The accompanying illus- tration shows a successful attempt to hide with graceful vegetation (Irish Ivy) some caves for storing tools, and also, in part, serving as a shelter to passers-by in case of showers. These caves are almost completely covered with a mantle of Irish Ivy, which also spreads into the bushes and Grass around. Where the rocky masses forming the grottoes are seen, the effect is good, owing to the rock being well formed. The caves occur in a sloping bank backed with trees. It will be seen from this and from other examples that where such structures are necessary in gardens, it is easy to make them ornaments and not eyesores in the landscape. BEST TIME FOR MANURING ROSE 3. Roses require feeding. The more food the richer the colours, the larger the size, the more solid the texture, and more mar- vellous still, the sweeter the fragrance. There is, however, a proper time for manuring Roses. Many give it too late in the season ; they seem to imagine that when the strain is heaviest on Roses or other plants, that is the time to assist them with stimulants, and so it would be could the stimulants get at them, but it takes a long while for solid dressings applied at the root to reach Rose leaves or flowers. Even liquid manure, of which we are accustomed to speak and write as if it acted at once, takes days, weeks, and even in some cases months, to reach the points where it is most needed in our Rose trees ; while as for solids, they have to undergo no one knows how many processes of comminution and chemical decomposition, and perhaps recomposition, before one particle of their strength can go to support the Rose either in its efforts at growing or flowering ; hence the best time to manure Roses is, probably, November. Winds, rains, frosts, snows, sunshine and showers, heat and cold, all these prepare the manure for the plants and assist the roots to absorb it. The roots, too, are also abnormally active during winter ; they never cease absorbing unless when frozen, and then during the winter and early the manure may be turned in or out, or tossed about, in any way best suited for the Roses, withoixt creat- ing much or any annoyance to any one. Under such circum- stances, Roses feed at their leisure all the winter, and are well furnished for their work before their flowering season in June. On the same principle, even ma- nure-water should be applied early. March and April are much better months for sa- turating R o s e-b e d s with sewage and other manure-water than May or Jure. Water is no dou.v. quickly absorbed, but it is ex- ceedingly doubtful if the manure can be appropriated by the plants in anything like the same time ; or whether, in fact, it does not really take a long time to convert any of the strength of the manure into Roses. Besides, it is of the utmost importance for the proper enjoyment of a Rose garden that it should be kept sweet and clean throughout the flowering months. What are called surface-mulchings might also generally be dispensed with. They are mostly composed of some loose, unsightly material of slow-conducting powers, to keep the moisture in and the heat out. But a loose surface of the soil itself would answer either purpose as well or better, and prove at the same time neat and sweet. Roses are also often rendered disagreeable through the application of insect remedies of various sorts — such, for instance, as Tobacco-water, sulphur, and Scotch snuff. All such dressings should be forbidden. Only three remedies against insect-pests are at once effective, cleanly, or pleasant. These are the flnger-and-thumb cure in the early days of the grub or aphides, heavy washings with clean water from a powerful garden-engine, or doses of carbonate of ammonia, or smelling-salts, applied with a sponge or a small squirt. This last destroys the insects, adds a new perfume to the Roses, and seems to invigorate their growth and enhance their beauty. D. T. Fisu. 34 THE GARDEN. [July 14, 1877. A Green Eosa. — Dr. Wakley hag shovyn u3 blooms of & green Rose, which he states were produced ou bushes of very large size, and which have borne similar blooms for several years past. It is understood to have originated in America, from a sport from the old China Rose. Concerning this Rose, the late Prof. Lindley wrote, in 1860, as follows : — " There is to be found in French Rose catalogues a certain R. Bengale verte, which we seek in vain in those of Eng. land. In the "Prix Conraut" for 1857, of Guillot P&re & Clement, of Lyons, mention is made of a certain Rosa viridiflora, first intro- duced into the world in the autumn of 1856. Some thought this an apocryphal announcement, most believers formed an opinion of the new comer by no means complimentary, a very few resolved to judge for themselves. At last the has Rose appeared in various places between Ross-shire and London, and very strange it proves to be. Conceive a China Rose with every part bright green, deep on the outside, pallid in the middle ; the calyx wholly unchanged ; the five natural petals transformed into five, small, broad, green leaves, and all the rest of the centre consisting of pale green straps of various degrees of nar. rown ss, spreading evenly round the middle and forming a green star with innumerable points. Such is the Rose Bengale verte. Scent it has none, nor does it show the feeblest indication to exchange its verdure for a rosy hue. It is, however, quite regular in its form and greenness, no change having been remarked in it since the year of its birth. It is now a well-established five-year old, with a fixed habit." Mr. Brown, of the Exotic Nurseries, Tooting, where a plant of this Rose may now be seen growing, informs us that ho has known the plant twenty-two years, and that it has experienced no change during that time. Garden Design. — The teachings on landscape gardening that are more or less applicable to all grounds, may, I think, be briefly summed up aa follows : — 1st. Grounds must besufliciently graded — or, if not, a system of underdraining must be resorted to. 2nd. Lay out paths and drive wherever needed and only there. Let them curve as if of necessity, and as much as possible so that this appear- ance be preserved. 3rd. Then plant fruit trees — deciduous and evergreen ornamental trees as closely as possible so that each may develop the form that belongs to it in its finest maturity, and so that liberal areas be left for carpets of velvety Grass — the choicest gem of all. IE we be willing to transplant or remove them, as in later years they begin to interfere with one another — then we may prefer to set them so closely together that a year or two will sufiioe to obliterate that new, naked look so painfully conspicuous in newly, laid out grounds that, under the old plan, would require double the time. 4th. Arrange the shrubs and trees so as to conform, in a measure, to the paths and so to create secluded, shady, cosy nooks and openings through which the eye may range as far as the grounds permit and rest only upon verdure. 5th. Plant only low shrubs immediately about the house. 6th. Let the size of the trees in maturity be adapted, so far as may be, to the extent of the grounds. 7th. Give to each, as far as practicable, the soil and situation best adapted to its needs. 8th. So intermingle evergreen and deciduous trees that the evergreens may have proper winter distribution. Do not confine them to the N. S. E. or W. — bat ever bear in mind that evergreens are " friends in deed," since they cheer up when all else is naked am' shivering, and we have only them to depend npou for the bright relief of our winter grounds. — E. S. Cakman. THE KITCHEN GARDEN, NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE FLOWEE GARDES^. Draccena anstralis in Flower in Devonsliire.— There is now at Gorway, the residence of Mr. Whidborne, a splendid specimen of Dracjsna australia in full bloom in the open air. It was planted about five years ago, and is now 10 ft. high to where the flower-spike is showing. This spike is 4 ft. high, and 3 ft. through at the base, and is a perfect mass of white bloom. It is situated high above the sea, and has received no protection of any kind.— J. D. N. Roses on their Own Roots.— Mr. Gsorge Paul, at a meeting of Rosariana which took place the other evening in St. James's Hall, objected to these. He preferred to bud low and plant deeply, by which he maintained there was received— first, the impetus derived from the roots of the stock, and then the further support and permanency to be derived from the natural roots after- wards produced from the budded portion. Floral Effects in Borders. — For a spring and early summer border, a pretty effect can be produced by mixing Myosotis diasitiflora with Silene peudula compacta, using either for the edging of the other. Some bedding Pelargoniums can be reserved at the planting-out season to take the places of the Silene and Myosotis when required. Sow now for nest year, and plant the seedlings in their places when the Pelargoniums are removed.— B. S. A Dahlia Catalogue.— It puts us in mind of some thirty j'ears ago, to see a beiutit'aliy gob up cictlogae wholly on Dahlias ! It is from Mr. Max Deegan, junior, and from Kostriiz in Thuriugi-.i, and we really think tha Dahlia deserves more th lu the cool treatment it ha'S had of late years. Mr. Deegan grows only Dahlias, having given up all other branches of the floral business for them. Such devotion "deserves reward.—" Gardaners* Monthly." LETTUCES AND THEIR CULTURE. Lettuces appear to have been in cultivation ever since the time of the ancient Greeks and Romans. They form, when properly grown, a remunerative crop, inasmuch as a large quantity of them may be grown in a little space, and being quickly, off the ground they may be cultivated in many vaoanc places that could not be otherwise properly utilised, such as between rows of Celery, close under walls, between fruit bushes, &o. Lettuces are mostly placed on the table whole, or at least the leaves are not cut, but they are also used cut up in salads with other ingredients, and of late years it has been a custom even to boil Lettuces in the same manner as Cabbages. In order to have a good supply of Lettuces at all seasons of the year, glass structures of some kind are indispensable. The French use cloches, (i.e., large bell-glasses), for salad growing with marvellous success, and they might be tried here. One of the greatest aids to good Lettuce culture is a deep, rich soil, and it is far easier to make it deep and rich enough in the lirst instance than to struggle on through a hot, dry summer ou a poor, hungry soil, harassed by the necessity for incessant watering to keep the plants from bolting. The first requisite in Lettuce culture is a well-manured, deeply-cultivated soil — all other things are, in a sense, subordinate to this — and the nest is frequent sowing and planting. Sowing, Planting, and Mulching. Where the demand is regular and constant, a small sowing of two or three sorts once a fortnight from March till Sep- tember will ensure a supply, and save a good deal of annoy- ance. The first spring sowing should be made in February, in a gentle hotbed if possible, or if the hotbed cannot be spared, then a bos or two may be sown and placed near the glass anywhere, to be gradually hardened off, and finally planted out in April. It will succeed the last sowing made in September, and very frequently the finest Lettuces of the season will be produced from this February sowing. Towards the end of June and through July, sow on the north side of a wall, and thin the plants out according to the size of the kinds grown ; 8 in. apart will be sufficient for Tom Thumb Cabbage Lettuce, whilst the larger kinds of Cos and Cabbage will require 10 in. or 12 in. Sow in drills, as it gives facilities for frequently stirring the soil with the hoe. The thinnings, if desired, may be planted elsewhere ; but if the season be hot and dry, those that have not been transplanted will probably be most satisfactory. When hot and dry weather sets in, mulch with rotten manure, if possible, between the rows, laying it nearly up to the plants. A very great thickness will not be necessary; 2 in. or 3 in. at the most will be sufficient. This mulching saves a deal of labour in watering in dry summer. In fact, without mulching, on some soils watering is worse than useless ; it encourages, during the time the effect of the water remains, the production of fibres near the surface, and if the water be neglected for even a short time these fibres perish. Far better will it be on hot soils, if mulching cannot be resorted to, to deepen the soil in every possible way, keep the surface loose by constant hoeing, and discontinue watering altogether, unless a regular and constant supply can be given. But when plants are mulched, a watering once a week or so washes the soluble portions of the manure down to the roots, and pushes on the plants rapidly. The last autumn sowing should be made about the middle of September, on a warm south border, to stand in the seed-bed over the winter, as it frequently happens small plants survive a severe winter when larger ones perish. Blanching. This process is probably the most vital point in Lettuce culture, for to have badly blanched Lettuces, no matter how- ever fine they may be in other respects, they are wanting in crispness, flavour, and appearance. There are now so many kinds of Lettuces that naturally turn in and blanch themselves, that these are probably the most likely to give satisfaction to most people. Where, however, those kinds are grown that do not naturally turn in, tying must be resorted to. This July 14, 1877.] THE GARDEN. 35 operation should at all times be performed on dry days, for if tied up while the leaves are wet, losses from rot will be the result. Tying should be done when the plants have nearly attained their full dimensions, and two ties to a plant are better than one if time can be spared for it. If, however, Lettuces be wanted before they have time to grow to their proper size, they must be tied up at least a week previous to use. Varieties. Varieties of Lettuce, like those of most other vegetables, are known under so many different names that it is almost impossible to ascertain the true name of any of them. Perhaps to answer all purposes there is no Lettuce to equal the Black- seeded Brown Cos, whose chief faults are its wanting tying in order to have it properly blanched, and its brown colour. IE, however, it be well tied, the inner leaves may be had of a pure white with purple ribs. Among the varieties of Cos Let- tuce we may mention Alexandra (white), which grows to a large size, and is crisp and finely flavoured. The Paris White and Green Cos are too well known to need much comment ; for summer use, as every one knows, there are few to equal them, blanching themselves as they do in the most perfect manner, and thus obviating the tedious task of tying. Wil- liams' Victoria, too, is a fine dwarf kind, and excellent for winter use. The best kind of Cabbage Lettuce is probably Hammersmith Hardy for winter, and All-the-Tear-Eound for summer ; the old Neapolitan, however, still keeps in the front rank. Wheeler's Tom Thumb, Lee's Hardy Green, and White Dutch, are all good kinds. Commodore Nutt is a Cabbage Lettuce of the All-the-Tear-Eound type, but it proved to be still dwarfer than that variety. It is nearly all heart, does not run to seed so soon as some of the larger kinds, and is a great acquisition, owing to its taking up so little room in beds or rows. Sutton's Gem is another Cabbage Lettuce of a large size, and one which forms good hearts, which are crisp and well- flavoured. One market gardener, writing on the varieties of Lettuce, remarks that, after careful trials of many sorts of Cos and Cabbage Lettuces for several years, it has been proved that most of the so-called new kinds of white Cos are, after all, but mere selections from the old Paris white Cos. The two best strains are Waite's Alexandra and Dim- mick's Victoria, the first being exceedingly even, true, and slow to run to seed ; the latter also inherits most of these qualities, and is specially to be commended for its great size and usefulness for exhibition. Of winter Cos Lettuces the largest and best are Acme, White Cos, a very fine hardy variety, and Sugarloaf, Brown Cos, a strain of the Black-seeded Bath Cos. Neither of these require tying, and they are with- out exception first-rate. Among Cabbage Lettuces, the best is Leyden White Dutch for the earliest. If sown with the summer White Cos kinds, it will be ready for cutting a fort- night before them ; and with it also sow Victoria Cabbage Lettuce, a fine solid kind, but several days later, and one which stands well. For winter work sow in the end of July and beginning of August Staustead Park Brown Cabbage Lettuce, the finest grown, and with it Fearnought Cabbage Lettuce, which is made like the last, but stands longer. Than these no better selections can be made. S. PARSLEY AND EARLY HORN CARROTS. A GOOD breadth of these sown now will prove to be exceedingly usefal, but no time shoald be lost in getting them in. A south or sheltered border will be the best site for them ; it shoald be dressed with a sprinkling of gnano or some other artificial manure, or, if more con- venient, the drills may have a good soaking of liquid manure just previous to sowing the seeds. The drills for the Carrot may be 8 in. apart, and as soon as the young plants are up thin them out to 6 in. apart in the rows ; this will be sufficient, as the largest may be drawn for use when about the size of one's thumb, and the operation of drawing them fresh from the ground should be continued all through the autumn and winter, merely protecting with a thin covering of dry litter when severe weather sets in. The Parsley drills should be 1 ft. apart, and the yonng plants should be thinned out to 5 in. or 6 in. asunder. I have a bed that was sown about this time last year that is far superior to any sown in the spring,, in fact, without it in a a dozen plants have shown any symptoms of running to seed, and they will not do so before next year. With a good breadth sown now, and some efficient means of protecting during severe weather, there need be no scarcity of good Parsley. — E. Hobday. Early Peas in Pots. — I have practised growing early Peas in pots with sncoess for the last ten years, and in backward springs like the past they are most useful in furnishing early dishes. They are grown in pits built on purpose, so as to have them near the glass, and the dwarf early varieties only are grown, such as Little Gem, Multum-in-Parvo, and Blue Peter. This year I have tried The Shah, one of Mr. Laxton's new early kinds, which grows rather taller than the sorts just named, but it is a good cropper, excellent in flavour, and is likely to prove one of the beat early market varieties when it gets into general cultivation. The pits here, after the Peas have been all gathered in May, are useful for growing Tomatoes, Capsi- cums, and Vegetable Marrows in, and being heated with one row of 4-in. piping all round, severe frosts late . in autumn or winter are prevented from injuring the plants grown in them. The Multum.in. Parvo Pea, gathered in the end of April or early in May has as fine a marrow flavour as that of Ne Plus Ultra or Dr. McLean in summer. — William Tillery, Welbeck. Testacella haliotoidea. — We lately had occasion to speak of this slug — which one of oar correspondents blamed for eating the roots of his plants. We explained that the Testacella was carni- Testacella haliotoides. 1. Extended, 2. Contracted. 3. Under side of shell. 4. Eggs. voroua, and therefore must have been unjustly charged with the sup- posed mischief. We now give illustrations representing it extended and contracted, in which the characteristic shell is well seen. — M. PARAFFIN OIL AND SEEDS. . ^ ' There seems to be considerable diversity of opinion as to the safety of using paraffin oil in preventing seeds from being destroyed by vermin. We have formerly suffered very much in this way from rats, mice, and game, especially from pheasants and rats, so that we were obliged to cover all such thijigs as Peas, Beans, &c., with wire netting ; the netting kept the pheasants at bay, but of course was ineffectual as regards rats. In order to beat off rats I used to damp such things as Peas, Beans, &c., and then dust them over with crushed fiddler's rosin and arsenic, until they were coated over with the mix- ture. This had the effect of keeping them off for a time, but as soon as they burst the husk and began to grow, then the rats began at them as badly as ever. I have lost three sowings of Peas in succession by rats. This season I began to use paraffin oil as a preventive, and I must say with perfect success, so that I have not made use of any other protection whatever. The way I use it is this — I put what Peas or Beans I mean to sow into a biscuit-box, and pour on top of them some paraffin oil (one glass is sufficient for four quarts of Peas), and shake them about till they all get well moistened, and then sow immediately. It has not, in any case, prevented germination in the slightest degree ; indeed, from the luxuriant way the Peas are all growing, I rather incline to think it has acted as a stimulant to vegetation. Though the vermin above-named are as numerous here as ever they were, they have hardly ever attempted to touch them. At first both rats and pheasants scraped np some and tasted them, and then they seem to have turned tail on them in disgust, and now they never even attempt to scratch them up. I sowed a lot of Broad Beans without putting oil on them, and all have been eaten up. I 36 THE GARDEN. [July 14, 1877. have also tried it with suooess in keeping sparrows from eating the haulm of yoang Peas, by syringing them with a mixture of oneglaaa ot oil to 2 gallons of water. It requires to be repeated occasionally. Except in the case of Turnips, I have not tried it on any small seeds. After well moistening the Turnip seed with oil, I put a hand, ful of dry sand among the seeds, and rubbed all through each other, as it would not be possible to sow it without something dry mixed among it: and neither in this casebas it injuriously affected germination. In one instance it has done harm with me — in the case of some young Peach trees which had got very much aiiected with black fly. As fumigating with Tobacco had no effect on the fly, I tried paraffin, in the proportion of two glasses to a gallon of water, and bent the shoots down, shaking them about in the mixture for a few seconds. It did kill the fly, and every leaf it came in contact with as well, even the tips of the shoots. Probably the mixture was too strong, but I should hesitate in using it at all on any tender foliage. A farmer in this neighbourhood informs me that he steeped Peas twenty-four hours in pure paraffin, and then sowed them, and he thinks almost every Pea grew, though they were swelled up ready to burst when sown. This is not at all necessary, however, to attain the object in view, and I consider the risk too great. The same person also poured it in a highly diluted form along his rotvs of Carrots about the time they are generally attacked by the maggot, and he had a fine crop of clean Carrots, whereas he formerly could not get any free from disease. I mean to try this myself this ssason. — John Gaerett, WhUtingham, in " The Gar. dener." Bird Destroyers. — The paragraph in The Gabdex (see p. 21) reminds me of a ci cum. stance which I lately witnessed. Passing through the garden of a friend in this neighbourhood, I saw five sparrows which had been shot by his gardener, hanging on a string over what should have been a row of Peas. The poor birds had been shot for pecking off the yonng Peas, the fact be- ing that they had been engaged in the destruction of the real culprits, the Pea weevils ; and the gardener lamented that al. though he had destroyed " ever so many sparrows " the evil had not been stayed. It is almost possible to fancy the Pea weevils, while luxuriating on the few re. maining Peas, also enjoying the fate of their arch enemies — the sparrows ; it was much as though in a neighbourhood noted for bur. Sl^ries, 1 few policemen on the look. out 10" the culprits should have been impaled as a warning to the burglars. The ignorance of cultivators whose occupations it might be supposed would teach them the habits ot birds ana of insects is almost beyond belief. Is there any book on birds, and also ou entomology, which (in a concise form) would enlighten not only them oat also their employers ? — .1. Rennie, Milford. Works of the Great Flower Painters : Group of Flowers by Seghers. NOTES AND QUESTIONS ON THE KITCHEN GARDEN. Tomato Farms*— iluch as our readers know of the general use of Tomatoes, we doubt whether they have any idea of how extensive their culture for preserv- ing is. There is a Tomato- growing' company in King William's Co., Virginia, that plant this year 70J acres. The seeds were started under six hundred hot- bed sashes. The yield is about a peck to the hill. These farms are mainly for the canned Tomatoes now beginning to be so well known in London. Asparagus. —The advantages of Asparagus are not sufficiently appreciated. It is said that those who suffer from rheum itism are cured in a few days by feeding on this delicious escalent, while more chronic cases are much relieved, especially if the patient avoid all acids. The Jerusalem Artichoke affords a similar relief. [This is one of the notes— ani varied notes— of the *' Court Journal," which appears to be unsupported by any proof. No doubt it is as useful as any other wholesome vegetable.] Charcoal or Alkali.— Charcoal as an ingredient in soil has been highly re- commended by some plant growers, and decried by others, but the gist of the matter seems to be that pure wood charcoal or vegetable carbon is mostly beneh-ial, and never hurtful to the tenderest plant. Ou the other hand, much of ihe so-called charcoal used in some gardens is picked from the rubbish-heap fire, and contains as much alkali as carbon, and this latter is very hurtful to the roots of most plants, as is shiwn by the deserts near Salt Lake City, Utah, where buidreds of acres of laud are uncaltivatable and totally barren.— B. THE GREAT FLOWER PAINTERS. DANIEL SEGUERS — BORN 1590, DIED 1661. Among the flower painters of the Flemish school, Daniel Seghers, the Jesuit, was distinguished for his large, free, and partially idealistic method of painting, founded partly on his own individual taste, and influenced, no doubt, by the broad and dashing manner which the masterly brush of Rubens had communicated, not only to painters of his own walk in the higher branches ot historical painting, but more or less to other styles ot pictorial art, even to the animal and the flower painters. There is a freedom and breadth ot touch in the flower painting of Seghers, which the great painter ot the " Descent from the Cross " and the " Life of Marie de Medicis," by his fascinating and magniaoent facility ot execution, com- municated even to the sister arts of sculpture and engraving. Seghers not only became imbued with that dashing manner, but even in some respects went beyond it, in the direction of a reckless disregard of the relative proportions ot his floral models, and often in the characteristic individuality of the foliage proper to each flower. His groups, grand and attrac- tive at a glance to every spectator, and always so to one unac- quainted with the botanical character of popular flowers, will seldom bear a careful analysis. His Jesuitical dogmatism fol- lowed him into his painting — " So shall be my Rose," he seems to have said, "and so my Lily." This kind of pictorial despotism is strik- ingly illustrated in a well- composed group of flowers preserved in the Museum of Lyons, of which the large engraving is an excellent re- production. It will be seen that the White Lily (Lilium candidum), at the top of his composition, is almost en- tirely evolved out of his own impressions and recollections, rather than from a conscien- tious study of the plant itself, and yet the masterly treat- ment of the Lily buds, in a few happy touches, renders the identity unmistakable — ■ though the expanded flowers have but little ot the peculiar elegance of their well-known character — but the mass of white does its duty well, which is all that he intended, and forms an excellent apex to the composition. In immediate juxtaposition with his Lily, he required a contrast both of form and colour, and has apparently taken one ot the many kinds of Chrysanthemum as his model, making the flowers larger than those ot the Lily, to suit his special purpose ; while immediately below, to the left, is a stem of Hollyhock, which, happening to be on the external edge ot the entire group, he feared to make too heavy, and therefore without hesitation reduced the size of the flowers to something less than that of the Chrysanthemums. The sprays ot the Orange variety of the " Prince's Feather" are well treated, and, as it suited him to give them their proper proportion in relation to the other plants, he has, in this instance, adhered more closely to Nature. His Roses, on the other hand, are un- naturally small, indeed, insignificant in size — an arbitrary departure from the grand characteristics of the flower which was no doubt intentional. He required, for carrying out the theory upon which the composition ot his group was founded, several distinct shades of pink paling to blush, and blanching into white, and with that intention, one or two grand Roses alone would not have enabled him to carry out the idea. He therefore introduced many instead ot two or three, each one exhibiting an individual tint ot its own — a proceeding which is of the highest value in forming that useful artistic device, a mass of distinct yet closely allied tones. A plant, with July U, 1877.3 THE GARDEN. 8^ Campanula-like flowers — probably a stem of Campanula pyra- midalis — is thrown out at the side of the general mass in a drooping manner, regardless of its naturally erect habit ; and many other objects in the composition are made to play arbi- trary parts in such an exceedingly dogmatic fashion that it would be difficult to assign to them any specific name. Even the branch of Viburnum with its balls of white, the florets of which are well indicated, is made to play the part of a drooping spray— as he required such to straggle over and break the horizontal lines and mouldings of his marble slab.and to light up the deep mass of shadow over which the depending branch is made to stray. In the midst of all this defiance of accurate treatment of any special plant, the group, taken as a whole, represents the beauty and pro- fusion of a luxuriant mass of flowers, with a truth and general effect which is charming, while scarcely a single flower, in its indi- vidual treatment, is truly painted ; yet, with wonderful skill, the " modesty of Nature " is scarcely overstep t, and Seghers, in a flower region of his own creation, charms the eye, even of the botanist, who, through the fascina- tions of art, refrains from any scientific criticism of a thing of beauty, which, taken from the point of view of its pro- ducer, possess es merits, of invention and elS^uisite devices of pictorial skill, which he at once admits, admires, and enjoys. In the smaller spec imen, from another work of this audaciously clever flowerpainter, there are still more reckless departures from his models, whether physically present or only existing ideally in the form of more or less imperfect remi- niscences. There are for instance, sprays of an old spring favourite, Solomon's Seal, in which the typical elegance of the plant is happily caught, and yet the specific details are all but entirely absent, or incorrectly treated. Sprays of Clematis of two species, of a single white kind and of the double purple, are, for once in a way, botanically correct, or nearly so, because their natural characteristics happened precisely to suit his purpose in the position of his picture which they are made to occupy. The Roses, also, double and semi-double, are in some respects very fairly truthful, and yet a striking white ball of florets, which might be a Viburnum, or almost anything else, has had to submit to the idealistic and arbitrary treatment peculiar to the painter. Seghers received his earliest instructions in painting from his father, but sub- sequently studied under the celebiated Breughel, who was not Works of the Great Flower Painters : Group of Flowers by Seghers. only a delightful landscape painter, but also the greatest of Flemish flower painters of that day. At twenty-four years of age Seghers became an ardent and even fanatical student of theology, and in 1614 was admitted a member of the Company of Jesuits. He still, however, pursued his art, and soon became known beyond the boundaries of his native Flanders, and even in sternly Protestant Holland the talent of the young Jesuit was admired and actively sought after by enthu.^iastic amateurs. The Prince of Orange himself, deputing the Court painter, Willebouts, to obtain from Seghers one of his best works at any price, Seghers sent the Prince a magnificent group of flowers as a present from the Order of Jesuits, declining any kind of money payment. But the Prince, not to be outdone in generosity, sent to the Order a noble casket of jewels in return for the ex- quisite work in question. The Prin- cess of Orange, in her turn, having succeeded in obtain- ing a grand work of the painter, who still refused to accept any payment, pre- sented him with a pallet and maulstick of solid gold. His greatest works were, however, executed in and for the charities of Antwerp. In the Jesuits' church, the portal of which was designed byKubens, he painted many of the finely-c a r v e d panels of Oak with wreaths, f e s toons, and garlands of flowers, the striking and yet harmonious colouring of which was deemed in every way remarkable. Like his master, Breughel, h e was often employed to enclose the Madon- nas and other works of Eubens and his cotemporaries with borderings of flow- ers, which not un- frequently found as many admirers as the greater works, which they not only framed but adorned. One of the favourite artistic devices of Seghers was that of painting his flowers on a black ground, which, while it aids the definition of his always graceful outlines, produces at the same time an occasional hardness which has been severely criticised. Our smaller specimen is an example of this practice of the artist. H. N. H. The Hanchester Flower Mission.— The first year's work of the society bearing this title has just been concluded, and the committee have issued an interesting report containing information which will, no doubt, tend to assist them in the future. When the Mission was instituted only twenty-two bouquets could be distributed. The workers of the Mission have since met every Thursday morning, in the Association Booms, Peter Street-, and during the twelve months under review they have distributed 17.:118 bouquets in weekly Eumbers varying from 22 to 798. 38 THE GARDEN. [July 14, 1877. THE AMATEUR'S GARDEN. Bs THOMAS BAINES. Verbenas, Iiobelias, and Heliotropes for Bedding. — Carpet bedding has in some measure Bupplanted many of oar best flowering plants, amongst which in particular may be named Ter. benas, than which, when suitable varieties for outdoor culture are selected, there are few more desirable plants. To secure a stock from which to propagate next spring, some should now be placed in pots large enough to enable their attaining size and strength to fur. nish plenty of cuttings at the desired time ; this will be found much better than depending upon autumn-struck plants, which frequently do not winter well without more care than is necessary with those that have been longer established in the pots. Use 8. in. pots and drain them sufficiently ; in each place a spring-struok plant, which will generally be found to grow more freely than if struck in the autumn ; put them in ^ordinary loam, to which add ons-fifth of ma- nure and a little sand. Out of the many varieties, by far the greater number are totally unsuited for bedding, for however fine the indi. vidual flowers may be, unless produced in quantity, and the plants possess a close habit of growth, they are worthless for outdoor cul. ture ; neither is it advisable to grow many kinds ; the best repre- sentatives of the most decided colours will be found much more satisfactory than greater numbers. Amongst whites, White-as-Snow and Snowflake are the beat ; in reds. Basilisk and Ganymede (scarlet) ; Crimson King (crimson) ; and Purple King (purple), will all be found good. If these be well attended to with water through the summer and kept clear from insects and mildew, they will furnish abundance of cuttings in the spring. Lobelias should be similarly treated, as there is no dependence to be placed upon seed, for even when saved from the beat-selected plants, it usually produces flowers of many different shades. Amongst the blue varieties Ebor is a splendid kind — for intensity of colour I have seen nothing to equal it ; it is a most profuse flowerer, with a beautiful habit of growth, intermediate betwixt the compact pumila and speciosa eectiona. Lady Macdonald, white, edged with blue, is a fine variety. As a dwarf sort for edging small beds, pumila grandiflora may be selected ; a few plants of these placed singly in 6in. or 7-in. pots will furnish an almost unlimited quantity of cuttings in the spring. Some plants of Helio. trope potted on in like manner will be found equally useful to afford onttiu^'a for either bedding or pots. Cheshire Hero (violet), oculata (violet with white centre), and Heloise Delesalle (lavender) are good kinds for beds or pot oaltivatiou ; 7-in. or 8-in. pots will be suitable for them. The above plants should if possible occupy a cold frame with abundance of air night and day, and be stood on a few inches of ashes to keep out worms. Tricolor Pelargoniums are much more difficult to propagate than the green. leaved varieties, and, unless ihey are struck early in the season, many of the cuttings will damp off, and those that do succeed are not easy to keep through the winter, unless placed where they receive continuously a little warmth. Any plants of these to spare after the beds were filled should now be encouraged to make all t'.c growth possible, in order to furnish a crop of cuttings by the middle of next month. Their requirements as to manure, either in a liquid or solid state, are very different to the green-leaved kinds, which latter, it too liberally treated in this respect, grow coarse and strong, whereas the Tricolors will bear a large amount of stimulating, either in pots or when planted out. Those that are intended to produce cuttings will be much assisted iu making growth by being constantly supplied with manure-water, and when sufficient are thus grown to supply stock for increase, it obviates the necessity of taking cuttings from such as are bedded, with which there is usually a reluctance to interfere until late on in the season. The Silver Tricolors are not generally so much used for bedding purposes as the Golden varieties, but some of them are very beautiful. Biennials and Perennials. — Sufficient space in the reserve ground should be now prepared for the reception of the different kinds of biennials and perennials sown some time ago. These, as soon as they are large enough to handle, ought always to be pricked out from 4 in. to 6 in. apart in nursery beds, where they can remain through the winter until spring, at which time they should be finally planted where they are to remain. It is a very common occurrence to see the plants left standing in the seed-bed until they are so weak, ened by overcrowding as to be of little value. If the soil in which they are to be planted be of a heavy adhesive nature it must be made lighter by the addition of sand and decomposed vegetable matter, so that the plants when removed in spring will have an abundance of roots, a condition not possible where the ground is close and imper. vioas, but it should not be made rich by the application of manure, as the object is not to induce rank, succulent growth, but rather that of a compact character, such as will enable the plants to pass unscathed through the winter, and to suffer little or nothing whatever from the effects of their subsequent removal. Plower Garden. — Where any of the large-leaved snb-tropical plants are used for bedding out, it is essential that they are never allowed to suffer in the least degree for want of water, which, from their strong free-growing habit, they need much more than subjects of smaller growth, and if ever allowed to get too dry, their lower leaves lose colour and have to be cut away, in which condition the plants have an unsightly appearance. Koses. — Hybrid Perpetuals should be sufficiently syringed over, head to keep them clear from aphides, so as to encourage the produc- tion of second growth for flowering later on. The limited number of plants that amateurs usually grow admits of their being thus attended to, and the labour will be well repaid by the extra quantity of flowers they will bear throughout autumn. When the ground is at all dry, a good soaking of water at the roots will still further assist them in this way. Amongst the large number of fine free- growing Roses now in cultivation many will be found to succeed better in some localities than others, which knowledge can only be attained by individual experience. I should recommend amateurs in all parts of the country to take notes of the kinds that succeed the best in their own gardens and those of their neighbours, and for general decorative purposes to confine themselves to such sorts as grow and flower well. Half the magnificent Roses seen on the exhibition stages throughout the country aro all but useless for growing, except where soil and situation are especially adapted to their respective requirements. Kitchen Garden. — The rains which have recently fallen in many parts of the country will have a most beneficial effect on crops of all kinds. Advantage should now be taken of getting in the whole of the remaining crops of Broccoli, Kale, and Savoys, for winter and spring use. Where a portion of the plants, as recom- mended early in the year, were transferred to nursery beds, and another portion left thinned out in the seed-bed, the advantage of the former treatment will now be fully apparent, as on removal the plants that have been so pricked out will each be found to possess a dense mass of compact root-fibres, whereas those that have never been moved from the seed-bed will have extended much further, but net in such abundance, a circumstance which causes the plants in this condition to receive a much greater check in their future growth. If the soil be not sufficiently moistened by rain, the plants, before being taken up, should be thoroughly soaked ; this is of much more conse- quence than giving water after planting, as when well moistened beforehand the roots will take up with little breakage. Any Celery remaining to plant should at once be put out. All crops, such as the earliest Peas, Broad Beans, and Spinach, that are exhausted, should immediately be cleared off and the ground dug for the reception of the foregoing plants, as upon thus carefully husbanding the resources a continuous and sufficient supply of seasonable vegetables through the winter and spring will depend. Turnips. — Of these more should now be sown, and means be taken to preserve the plants when they germinate from being destroyed by birds and the Turnip. fly, as it is upon success with the present sowing that the autumn supply will mainly depend. Slight and repeated sprinklings with soot early in the mornings, whilst the dew is on the plants, I have found the most effectual means of saving Turnips from the fly, which, in dry districts where the land is not well adapted for the summer cultivation of this vegetable, is de- structive to such an extent as to render its growth very difficult until the advent of cooler autumn weather. Lettuce, Endive, &c. — Sow more Lettuce of both Cos and Cabbage kinds, as also Radishes, Mustard and Cress, where these latter are continually required ; a little Green Curled and the Plain- leaved or Batavian Endive should likewise be put in. Spring-sown herbs, such as Marjoram and Thyme, especially the latter, should in dry weather be well supplied with water, otherwise from the late season it will have little time to reach maturity. Herb beds collec- tively, as well as Onions, and all crops where there is not much room to use the hoe, should be frequently hand-weeded. A few years' careful attention in never allowing any weeds to seed very soon diminishes their production to such an extent as to enable their being kept down without difficulty, and this is not the only advantage, for, where they are permitted to grow under the impression that they are not doing much harm unless they absolutely interfere with the growth of the crops, they impoverish the land to a far greater extent than any crop in cultivation, and necessitate the labour and expense of much more frequent and heavier applications of manure. Any advancing crop that shows by its want of vigour that the soil is deficient in manurial elements, can always be assisted by manure-water, but it is in the early stages of growth that this has the most effect j for instance, if July 14, 1877.] THE GARDEN. 39 given to Peas, French Beans, Lettuce, Cabbage, Cauliflowers, or any- thing of a similar nature before they have more than half arrived at maturity, its effect in increasing the quantity of produce will be much greater than if applied when growth has farther advanced, although there is no question that even when thus given in the latter stages it assists development. GARDEN WORK FOR EVERY DAY. EXTRACTS FROM MT DIARY. By W. DENNING. July 16. — Potting Tree Carnations in stiff soil, pressing them in firmly. Potting off seedling Musk plants and Coleus cuttings, and shifting Lselia pnrpurata. Sowing a row of Mignonette for supply. ing out blooms ; also another crop of Endive. Planting Cauliflowers and Paris Cos Lettuce. Clipping hedges and cutting Laurels. Pricking dead flowers and leaves off flower beds, and pegging down such plants as require that attention. Thinning Turnips and drawing drills in which to sow Spinach. July 17. — Potting old winter Carnations and staking them neatly. Shaking out and repotting old plants of Poinsettias. Block, ing Epidendrnm bicornutum. Palling np Shallots and laying them in the sun to ripen. Watering Cauliflowers, seed .beds, Radishes, Vegetable Marrows, and Celery. Tying Lettuces. Netting Currant, Cherry, and Gooseberry trees. Plunging Chrysanthemums and Cherry trees in pots out-of-doors. July 18. — Repotting Lyoaste Skiuneri, Epidendrum Frederici Galielmi. Planting a border with Endive. Hoeing among all vegetable crops. Earthing up Savoys. Taking np Strawberry runners. Plunging all Roses in open ground, and placing Azaleas out-of-doors to ripen their wood and clear them of thrips. Storing away Shallots and Garlic on floor of cool loft, and shading Peaches that are ripe, in order to keep them back. July 19. — Potting Roses in a mixture of loam, manure, bones, charcoal, and sand. Planting May-sown Veitch's Autumn Giant Cauliflowers on land lately cleared of Peas. Leaving the lights of Peach-houses open day and night where the fruit has all been gathered ; also giving abundance of air to all Vines where the Grapes have commenced to colour. Nailing in leading shoots of Apricot, Peach, and Plum trees. July 20. — Potting Strawberry runners j also Coleus and Balsams- Sowing Cucumbers for late crops ; also Turnips, Radish, and Chervil. Tying Peach trees, and planting Green Cos, Bath Cos, and Neapolitan Cabbage Lettuces j also late Celery. Patting in cuttings of Hydran. geas, scarlet Pelargoniums, Cytisus, and Coleus. Hoeing among Raspberry plants ; also all vegetable crops, and digging land for more Spinach. July 21. — Potting Mrs. Marshall and Rose of Castile Fuchsias ; also Abutilona, Clerodendrons, and Keen's Seedling Strawberries, and repotting young Cyclamens in loam, leaf-soil, and sand, afterwards placing them in a cold pit and shading them until well established. Sowing Batavian and Green-curled Endive, Hill's Incomparable, and Early Market Cabbage ; also Cucumbers for winter supply. Digging land in which to plant Wallflowers, and earthing up Cauliflowers and Winter Greens. Hardy Flowers. Ttjbeeous-kootbd Bbqonias. — When planted out in a light rich soil, on a sunny, warm border, these do. well, and flower profusely, and their blossoms prove more durable than when the plants are in pots in the heated atmosphere of a greenhouse. It is an interesting process to raise a few of these Begonias from seed. It is easy to get a good strain of seed from any seedsman, and it should be sown in a pan or box of light sandy soil, and then placed in a gentle bottom, heat with a piece of glass over it. As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, they should be pricked off into pots and grown on as fast as possible. Tuberous-rooted Begonias make good exhibition plants, but they require to be conveyed with much care to the place of show or they will shed their flowers. It may not be generally known that B. Weltoniensis makes an excellent town plant, growing well and flowering freely in confined places where other plants will fail. CiNTEKBURT Bells. — Somo beautiful forms of these have appeared this year, the flowers of which are very large, and in many cases double. They vary in colour from pure white to blnsh, lilac, pink, rosy.purple, violet, and blue. They rank amongst the most attrac- tive of border flowers, because they bloom so freely and so con. tinuonsly. Then there is the form known as C.Medium Calyoanthema, in which the calyx is coloured and of large size — in the form of a disc. In this section we get white, cream, delicate mauve, and blue flowers. They are very attractive, but one could wish they were a little less lanky in growth. In this respect the new strain of Canter, bury Bells decidedly gets the best of it. It is best to sow the seed in March and April, in order to get the plants strong before planting, out time, but some may be sown at once if the plants be pushed on into growth as soon as possible. EsoHSCHOLTZiA. — The beautiful new forms of this glowing annual, which we have recently seen, are indeed great acquisitions ; the rich reddish-orange of Mandarin, and the unique form of the double crocea, are accessions of real value, and with crocea, alba, and the orange aurantiaca, give us a batch of most attractive flowers. What is known as E. rosea is decidedly pretty, but is so apt to revert to the white form from which it sprang. Some jagged.edged sports, named deutata, are really not worth growing, and have become almost lost. Eacbscholtzias are very effective when treated as biennials, the seed being sown in well-prepared ground in September to bloom early in spring ; the plants get well established, and send their roots readily into the soil during winter, and then bloom with dazzling splendour in May. Phlox Dkummondi. — Here is what is known as a tender annual, that is, for all practical purposes, a hardy bedding plant, and a most effective one, too j its great requirement is a fine soil into which its roots can make a free growth. I have recently seen a bed the soil in which was made np of loam, manure, leaf-mould, and a quantity of finely-sifted mortar-rubbish. During dry weather the plants were watered freely, and they now cover the bed completely, and are throwing up remarkably fine trusses of flowers, double the size usually seen. This Phlox must be in rich soil to produce fine fiowers, and it is a mistake to have it in poor soil ; a good mixture of kinds is essential, that is, the bed should contain plants having flowers of varying and, let us add, striking colours. I saw a bed a few days ago in which the prevailing colour was a pale, indistinct lilac, with scarcely a dash of any brightness to break, the monotony. Phlox Drummondi is much to be preferred to the Verbena as a bedding plant, and the rich blood-crimson P. grandiflora splendens is most effective. This variety especially should be used for bedding and border purposes. Roses. — Roses have given amateur gardeners much trouble this season ; they did not break into a kindly growth, and the shoots got sadly infested with blight. I have a select few on the seedling Brier, and seeing them thus affected I mulched them 'with manure and then sprinkled them heavily with hot soapsuds ; this was done for two or three weeks, and a great improvement has been the result, a vigorous, clean growth is being followed by fine flowers. The blooms are somewhat late, but they are so fine as to be doubly wel. come. Some growers speak of the rich. coloured Louis Van Houtte asa"miffy Rose" and a "delicate grower," but on the seedling Brier and in a stiff loam it grows vigorously, fiowers freely, and such fiowers, too ! large, full, and superbly brilliant. Tulips. — A leading grower of these, writing to me a few days ag-o, said: — "Tulips are taking up beautifully." He meant by that that they were coming up clean and bright, and large and pHmp. It is best to take them up as soon as they have ripened, that is, when the foliage has quite died down. Growers have drawers prepared with small compartments, and each bulb is put into a compartmert with a little fine sandy soil adhering to the roots, and the drawers are put away in a cabinet in a cool place. Those growing choice Tulips should put each sort in a paper bag, and place the bags in a cool, dry place till October, when the bulbs may be looked over, cleansed of the old shell or skin, and will then be ready for planting out again early in November. — D. Frost In Valleys.— It was thirty-eight years ago that we made and published some marked observations and experiments on the destruction of Peacb-buds by frost in warm valleys, and their escape on elevations, which was the resalt of more rank growth in the rich soil below, greater stillness of the air, and the settling of the colder and heavier air at the bottom. We have frequently recorded the reported observations of others in later years as additional con- iirmation of ithis fact. A late number of the"American Farmer" contains a state- ment, the substance of which is as follows : — A Peach orchard was placed on the slope of a hill, 49 ft. above the Creek Valley, and the crop escaped the frost, which destroyed the fruit below. The past winter being severe, the tops of the highest trees this spring were the only parts that blossomed, an^ trees on ground 21 ft. higher up escaped, being 70 ft. above the bottom of the valley. In moderate winters, the cold lake of air was shallower or nearer the bottom ; in colrler winters, it filled the valley to a greater depth. When orchards cover a slope, the exact line of the fatally cold air may be seen on a level along the inclination, varying in height in different years with the varying intensity of the cold of the winter. These observations have been so many times made and repeated, that the principle is now well understood by most fruit-growers throughout the country.—" Country Gentleman." 40 THE GARDEN. [JULY 14 1877. HILL GARDENS. "We have often, in speaking of terrace gardens, alluded to the kind of position in which they were originally made, and for which they are only really fitted. The accompanying illus- tration shows the kind of situation referred to', where the small town spread around the chateau or villa, the slopes were occasionally terraced for ornamental as well as useful culture. In such ground and in ground much less disadvantageous no culture at all is possible without the terrace, therefore the walls of ten thousand valleys in Europe are terraced into steps or stairs. In many parts of Italy and in the Maritime Alps, towns maybe seen perched onthe hills, just as is the castle in the accompanying cut. In such places when men began to form gardens the terrace was necessary, and it was natural that it should be made ornamental in the hands of the wealthy. The IPXj.A.'X'E XjXXXIII. PETR^A 70LUBILIS. One amongst the many objects in which Tue Garden is helpful is in rescuing from unmerited oblivion long-intro- duced but now little-known plants of sterling merit, and such is the beautiful climber now figured. Although introduced from Vera Cruz more than a century ago, Petraaa volubilis is at the present day scarcely known to modern plant growers, and is rarely, if at all, to be met with outside botanical collections. Yet, where even among the glowingly depicted modern introductions, can we find a more worthy subject for the plantsman to take in hand than this, possessing, as it does, wealth of bloom, exquisite delicacy and contrast of colour, and a grace and elegance probably unequalled amongst indoor Chateau de St. Suzanne, rude stone wall of the cultivator soon became in the hands of artist architects the stately terrace, necessary to secure water, soil, and standing ground for flowers and trees, and also for those who tended them. We are convinced that one of the most hideous errors running through the whole practice and history of landscape gardening is the carrying out of the same style and the various modifications of it in the level meadows of Europe and Britain. Flowers for Perfaming Tea.— A Chinese " Materia Medica " affords some information regarding the flowers used for perfuming Tea. The principal ones appear to be those of Garc^enia radicans, Jasminum Sarabac, Aglaia odorata, TernstrEemia japonica, Camellia Sassanqua, and Olea fragrans ; those of the last-named shrub being especially esteemed for the purpose. The leaves of Salix alba, and many other species of Willow, are employed in making a kind of Tien-cha, and are said to be openly mixed with the Tea intended for export- ation at the Chinese ports. climbers ? The genus Petrsea is a very small one, comprising only a very few species, amongst which the one now figured and P. Stapelsias are both twining stove shrubs, the stems of each being woody, somewhat rough, and of a brownish colour. The leaves are oblong, blunt, and of a rather hard leathery texture. The flowers are borne in marvellous pro- fusion on elongated light airy thyrses. The calyx of each individual flower is divided into five radiating narrow strap- shaped segments of a very pale mauve, and are almost twice the length of the divisions of the corolla, which is bluish- purple, presenting a pretty and pleasing contrast to the paler tints of the conspicuous calyx. The corolla is rather fugacious, the calyx, on the other hand, being remarkably persistent ; consequently, when some of the flowers part company with the latter, they leave behind pale lingering stars, a circumstance which makes the casual observer imagine that the plant pro- ■up-'ieiuera tc Tfie Garden Otfioer .37, .Goiiihanrptoiu .street, Covent G-.^rden, LonrJoiu W TWINING PETRyEA (P VOLUBILISj. July 14, 187?.] THE GARDEN. 41 duces two distinct kinds of flowers. The appearance o£ the scattered stars in a cloud of azure is singularly pretty. In the flowers of Petreea we have a colour unique perhaps among stove climbers, and one calculated to afford a pleasing variety in the plant-house and still more so on the exhibition stage. Its most congenial quarter is no doubt a warm conservatory, where, planted out, its roots and stems may have free play, [t is not quite so amenable to pot culture ; but taken in hand by a skilful plant grower there is little doubt that it could be turned to good account. Be that as it may, however, there is no more beautiful object to be met with in the stove than this, when, in April or early in May, from roof or pillar it throws out in rich profusion its pendent thyrses of starry flowerets. It grows freely in a compost of light fibry loam to which a little sandy peat or heath-mould has been added, with a portion of charcoal, taking care that the drainage is good. Cuttings strike freely in sand, plunged in heat, and covered with a bell-glass. When growing, it likes a moist heat, and should then be watered freely; but during the resting season it should be kept rather dry than otherwise. Ambuose Balfe. CUTTING-POTS. Those, who find their Pelargoniums and other cuttings to suffer from damp, should try the method indicated in the accompanying illustration. The damping off of cuttings usu- Sectiou of a pot containing Pelargonium Cuttings. ally results from applying water by pouring it on the sur- face of the soil, and allowing it to percolate through. But if a small pot be sunk in the middle to receive it, moisture will be supplied where it is of most use ; the quantity can always be regulated, and the cuttings are not so likely to suffer so much from an occasional overdose as they otherwise would. The best pots for Pelargonium cuttings are those whose width exceeds their height. The section, which is taken vertically through the middle of the pot, shows the cuttings, two only of which appear; the mould in which they are planted should contain plenty of silver sand, a thin layer of that material resting on a layer of Cocoa-nut fibre, and below that a quantity of corks or washed cinders to ensure perfect drainage. B. S. SHADING, DAMPING, AND AlfllNG, These are as ticklish duties as can devolve upon any one in charge of hothouses, and this season, so far, has probably been as trying to the patience of cultivators as any they can remember. The long spells of dull weather which we have experienced have told upon the well-being of the inmates of both plant and fruit houses. Throughout the whole of the spring the weather was cold, with a constantly overcast skj', which prevented free ventilation ; and the foliage of Vines and other subjects has a pale flabby look, which does not bode well for the successful finishing of the crops. Peaches, as a rule, always flag and droop considerably under such circumstances ; but they never scorch, and they recover when shut up in the afternoon with a little moisture, and in a few days are sufficiently hardened to be out of danger ; but Vines, and par- ticularly the woody-leaved sorts, do not escape so easily, and with the greatest care they are usually singed more or less. It is not so much the bright sunshine which does the mischief as the freer circulation of dry air that one is necessarily com- pelled to admit in order to keep down high temperatures. Forethought in such cases is necessary ; and the great point is to reduce the necessity of giving so much air by checking the fires early in the morning, and in damping the floors and paths frequently during the day. Vapour has a great capacity for heat, which it kills, or neutralises, so to speak, and by raising a vapour under and about the trees in hot days the atmosphere is cooled while the air is moistened, thus les- sening the evaporation from the foliage in two ways, and preventing injury. But the syringe is too slow an implement for damping at such times. A good-sized pitcher with a large and free-running rose, should be used and all inside surfaces should be sprinkled before the thermometer indicates a rise, and then the ventilation should afterwards be regulated. If these precautions be attended to in good time, it is rare that much injury is done by scorching, though the plants may droop for a few days. Such precautions are more necessary in the case of Vineries and other fruit-houses, because it is seldom that provision is made for shading them ; nor is it advisable to shade fruit trees under glass. I never use shades, nor afford opportunities for their being used, as they are apt to be employed on any occasion as a mere convenience ; and frequent shading is as bad as a dull sky, and simply aggravates the evil it is intended to prevent. With many kinds of plants it is quite different, and a word of caution is particularly necessary in the case of Camellias, which cannot stand bright sunshine under glass at any time, let alone after dull weather ; but they do not object to plenty of subdued light. In their case the danger is that those in charge will not use the shading in time, and a few minutes' neglect will sometimes half ruin a collec- tion of Camellia plants. The safest plan is to paint the glass on the outside with whiting mixed with a little turpentine or milk, or anything else to make it stick, but it should be put on as thinly as possible ; the merest streak of the brush will break the sun's rays, and that is quite enough. Such adhesive mixtures come off easily in autumn if the glass be first wetted with a strong solution of soft soap. In the case of plant- houses containing subjects that need shade — such as Ferns, Oaladiums, Orchids, &c., placed perhaps with others that require most light — a compromise must be made by using a movable shading that can be rolled up and down as occasion requires. All that our shade-loving plants object to is fierce sunlight, which some other subjects often necessarily occu- pying the same house enjoy; but the latter will not suffer from being shaded during the hottest part of the day, while the former will be saved. The shading should not remain on the roof a moment longer than is necessary, however. lu span-roofed houses, exposing one side of the roof to t!ue east, and the other to the west, the shading should be let dovra on the respective sides before the sun gathers power, and puffed up again when its influence is on the wane in the afternoon : there is never so much danger after the house has been damped down, even though the sun is shining upon it. Leau-to houses, which receive the direct rays when they are most powerful, require more watching ; and the most dangerous period of the day is between ten o'clock in the morning and four in the afternoon, and between these hours the shading should be done on hot days. Connected with the subject of airing must be mentioned that peculiar accumulation of moisture which gathers upon the leaves during the night under certain conditions, and which is most frequently notice- able in the case of Vines, the leaves of which are often laden with dewdrops in the morning. As a rule, this is a welcome sign, for it is often associated with good health, and shows the Vines to be gorged to repletion, and that the night tempera- ture is not too high. Vines and other plants will show dew- drops in this way when the house is shut up after a fine day and left all night without fire-heat. There is danger, however, at such time ; for, unless air be given early in the morning to dissipate the moisture, scorching of the leaves and scalding of the berries will occur, through the rapid evaporation produced by the sudden and free admission of air, should the morning prove bright. A chink of air left on all night, and a slight increase by six or seven o'clock in the morning will generally prevent any mischief. Chef, 42 THE GARDEN. [July 14, 1877. THE PLANT-LOKB OF SHAKESPEARE. (Continued from p. 18). Pumpion. Mrs. Ford. Go to, then. We'll use this unwholesome humidity — this gross watery Pumpion. Merry Wives of Windsor, act iii., so. 3. Pumpion, Pompioii, aud Pumpkin were general terms including all the Cucurbitaoese, such as Melons, Gourds, Cucumbers, and Vegetable Marrows. All were largely grown in Shakespeare's days, but I should think the reference here must be to one of the large useless Gourds, for Mrs. Ford's comparison is to Falstaff, and Gourds were grown large enough to bear out even that comparison. " The Gourd groweth into any forme or fashion you would have it ... . being suffered to clime upon an arbour where the fruit may hang ; it hath beene seene to be nine foot long." And the little value placed upon the whole tribe helped to bear out the comparison. They were chiefly good to " cure copper faces, red and shining fierce noses (as red as red Roses), with pimples, pumples, rubies, and such-like precious faces." This was Gerarde's account of the Cucumber, while of the Cucumber Pompion, which was evidently our Vegetable Marrow, and of which he has described and figured the variety which we now call the Custard Marrow, he says, " it maketh a man apt and ready to fall into the disease called the cholericke passion, and of some the felonie." Mrs. Ford's comparison of a big, loutish man to an over- grown Gourd has not been lost in the English language, for " bumpkin " is only another form of " Pumpkin," and Mr. Fox Talbot, in his " English Etymologies," has a very curious account of the antiquity of the nickname. " The Greeks," he says, " called a very weak and soft-headed person a Pumpion, whence the proverb ■ttittoi'os fiaXaKwripog, softer than a Pumpion ; and even one of Homer's heroes, incensed at the timidity of his soldiers, exclaims w Tmrovig, you Pumpions ! So also cornichon (Cucumber) is a term of derision in French." Tet the Pumpion or Gourd had its uses, moral uses. Modern critics have decided that Jonah's Gourd, " which came up in a night and perished in a night," was not a Gourd, but the Palma Christi, or Castor-oil tree. But our forefathers called it a Gourd, and believing that it was so they used the Gourd to point many a moral and illustrate many a religious emblem. Thus viewed it was the standing emblem of the rapid growth and quick decay of evil-doers and their evil deeds. "Cito nata, cito pereunt," was the history of the evil deeds, while the doers of them could only say — • / Quasi solstitialis herba fui, Kepente esortus sum, repente occidi. Quince. Plaidus, 'Murse. They called for Dates and Quinces in the pastry. Romeo and Juliet, act iv., sc. 4. Quince is also the name of one of the " homespun actors " in " Midsummer Night's Dream,'' and is no doubt there used as a ludicrous name. The name was anciently spelt " coynes.'> And many homly trees ther were That Peches, Coynes, and Apples beere, Medlers, Plowmes, Perys, Chesteyns, Cherys, of which many oonfayne is. Chancer {" Eomaant of the Rose"). The same name occurs in the old English vocabularies, as in a nominale of the fifteenth century, " htec cocianus,acoven-tre;" in an English vocabulary of the fourteenth century, " Hoc coccinum, a quoyne," and in the treatise of Walter de Bibles- worth, in the thirteenth century — Issi troverez en ce verger Estang un sek Coigner (a Coyn-tre, Quince-tre). And there is little doubt that " Quince " is a corruption of " Coynes," which again is a corruption, not difficult to trace, of Cydonia, one of the most ancient cities of Crete, where the Quince tree is indigenous, and whence it derived its name of Pyrus Cydonia, or simply Cydonia. If not indigenous else- where, in the East it was very soon cultivated, and especially in Palestine. It is not yet a settled point, and probably never will be, but there is a strong consensus of most of the best commentators, that the Tappuach of Scripture, always trans- lated Apple, was the Quince. It is supposed to be the fruit alluded to in the Canticles, " As the Apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons ; I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste ; " and in Proverbs, " A word fitly spoken is like Apples of gold in pictures of silver ; " and to have given its name to various places in Palestine, as Tappuach, Beth-Tappuach, and Aen-Tappuach. By the Greeks and Romans the Quince was held in honour as the fruit especially sacred to Venus, who is often represented as holding a Quince in her right hand, the gift which she received from Paris. In other sculptures ''the amorous deities pull Quinces in gardens and play with them. For persons to send Quinces in presents, to throw them at each other, to eat them together, were all tokens of love ; to dream of Quinces was a sign of successful love " (Rosemmaller). The custom was handed down to mediceval times. It was at a wedding feast that " they called for Dates and Quinces in the pastry ; " and Brand quotes a curious passage from the " Praise of Musicke," 1.586 (" Romeo and Juliet " was published in 1596) : — " I come to marriages, wherein as our ancestors did fondly, aud with a kind of doting, maintaine many rites and cere- monies, some whereof were either shadowes or abodements of a pleasant life to come, as the eating of a Quince Peare to be a preparative of sweet and delightful dayes between the maried persons." To understand this high repute in which the Quince was held, we must remember that the Quince of hot countries differs somewhat from the English Quince. "With us the fruit is of a fiue, handsome shape, and of a rich golden colour when fully ripe, and of a strong scent, which is very agreeable to many, though too heavy and overpowering to others. But the rind is rough and woolly, and the flesh is harsh aud unpalatable, and only fit to be eaten when cooked. In hotter countries the woolly rind is said to disappear, and the fruit can be eaten raw ; and this is the case not only in Eastern countries, but also in the parts of Tropical America to which the tree has been introduced from Europe. In England the Quince is probably less grown now than it was in Shakespeare's time — yet it may well be grown as an ornamental shrub even by those who do not appreciate its fruit. It forms a thick bush, with large white flowers, fol- lowed in the autumn by its handsome fruit, and requires no care. "They love shadowy, moist places" — " It delighteth to grow on plaine and even ground and somewhat moist withall." This was Lyte's and Gerarde's experience, and I have never seen handsomer bushes or finer fruit than I once saw en some neglected bushes that skirted a horsepond on a farm in Kent ; the trees were evidently revelling in their state of moisture and neglect. The tree has a horticultural value as giving an excellent stock for Pear-trees, on which it has a very remark- able effect, for " Cabanis asserts that when certain Pears are grafted on the Quince, their seeds yield more varieties than do the seeds of the same variety of Pear when grafted on the wild Pear " (Darwin). Its economic value is considered to be but small, being chiefly used for Marmalade, but in Parkinson's time it was in higher repute, for " there is no fruit growing in the land," he says, " that is of so many excellent uses as this, serving as well to make many dishes of meat for the table, as for banquets, and much more for their physical virtues, whereof to write at large is neither convenient for me nor for this work." Hadish. (1) Falstaff. 'When he was naked, he was for all the world like'a forked Radish. 2nd Menry IV., act iii., sc. 2. l2) Falstaff. If I fought not with fifty of them, I'm a bunch of Radish. 1st Menry TV., act ii., sc. 4. There can be no doubt that the Radish was so named because it was considered by the Romans, for some reason unknown to us, the root par excellence. It was used by them, as by us, " as a stimulus before meat, giving an appetite thereunto" — " acriacircum Rapula, lactucae, radices, qualia lassum Perrellunt stomaehum." — Horace. JuLr 14, 1877.J THE GARDEN. 43 but it was cultivated, or allowed to grow, to a much, larger size than we now think desirable. Pliny speaks o£ Radishes weighing 40 lb, each, and others speak even of 60 lb. and 100 lb. But in Shakespeare's time the Radish was very much what it is now, a pleasant salad vegetable, but ol: no great value. We read, however, of Radishes being put to strange uses. Lupton, a writer of Shakespeare's day, says : " It you would kill snakes and adders strike them with a large Radish — and to handle adders and snakes without harm, wash your hands in the juice of Radishes and you may do without harm." — " Notable Things," 1686. We read also of great attempts being made to procure oil from the seed, but to no great effect. Hakluyt, in describing the sufficiency of the English soil to produce everything necessary in the manufacture of cloth, says — ■" So as there wanteth, if colours might be brought in and made naturall, but onely oile ; the want whereof if any man could devise to supply at the full with anything that might become naturall in this realme, he, whatsoever he were that might bring it about, might deserve immortal fame in this our Commonwealth, and such a devise was offered to Parliament and refused, because they denied to allow him a certain liberty, some others having obtained the same before that practised to work that effect by Radish seed, which onely made a trial of small quantity, and that went no further to make that oile in plenty, and now he that offered this devise was a merchant, and is dead, and withal the devise is dead with him." — " Voiages," vol. 2. The Radish is not a native of Britain, but was probably introduced by the Romans, and was well known to the Anglo- Saxon gardener under its present name, but with a closer approach to the Latin, being called Rsedic. A curious testimony to the former high reputation of the Radish survives in the "Annual Radish Feast at Levens Hall," a custom dating from time immemorial, and supposed by some to be a relic of feudal times, held on May 12th at Levens Hall, the seat of the Hon. Mrs. Howard, and adjoining the high road about midway between Kendal and Milnthorpe. Tradition hath it that the Radish feast arose out of a rivalry between the families of Levens Hall and Dallam Tower, as to which should entertain the Corporation with their friends and followers, and in which Levens Hall eventually carried the palm. The feast is provided on the bowling green in front of the Hall, where several long tables are plentifully spread with Radishes and brown bread and butter, the tables being repeat- edly furnished with guests. — " Gardeners' Chronicle." Haisins. Clown. Four pounds of Prunes and as many Raisins of the sun. Winter's Tale, act It., sc. 2. Bearing in mind that Raisin is a corruption of raeemus, a bunch of Grapes, we can understand that the word was not always applied, as it is now, to the dried fruit, but was some- times applied to the bunch of Grapes as it hung ripe on the tree. So Chaucer uses it ; — ■ For no man at the firste strote He may not f elle down an Oke ; Nor of the Keisins have the wyne Till Grapes be ripe and welle af jne. Romaunt of the Rose. The dried fruit were Raisins of the sun, i.e., dried in the sun, to distinguish them from those which were dried in ovens. They were, of course, foreign fruit, and were largely imported. The process of drying in the sun is still the method in use, at least, with " the finer kinds, such as Muscatels, which are distinguished as much by the mode of drying as by the variety and soil in which they are grown, the finest being dried on the Vines before gathering, the stalk being partly cut through when the fruits are ripe, and the leaves being removed from near the clusters, so as to allow the full effect of the sun in ripening." The Grape thus becomes a Raisin, but it is still further transformed when it reaches the cook ; it then becomes a Plum, for Plum pudding has, as we all know, Raisins for its chief ingredient and certainly no Plums ; and the Christmas pie into which Jack Horner put in his thumb and pulled out a Plum must have beeu a mince-pie, also made of Raisins ; but how a cooked Raisin came to be called a Plum is not recorded. In Devonshire it undergoes a further transformation, for there Raisins are called Figs, and a Plum pudding is called a Fig pudding. Beeds. (1) 2iid Servant. I had as lief have a Eeed that -will do me no service, as a partisan I could not heave. Antony and Cleopatra, act ii., sc. 7. (2) Arviragus. Fear no more the frovm o' the great, Thou art past the tyrant's stroke ; Care no more to clothe and eat, To thee the Reed is as the Oak ; The sceptre, learning, physick, must All follow this and come to dust. Cymbeline, act iv,, sc. 2. (3) Ariel. His tears run down his heard like ivinter's drops From eaves of Reeds. Tempest, act v., sc. 1. (4) Ariel. With hair up-stai'ing — then like Reeds, not hair— Hid., act i., sc. 2. (5) Hotspur. Swift Severn's flood. Who then, affrighted with their bloody looks. Ran fearfully among the trembling Reeds. 1st Henry IV., act i., so. 3. (6) Portia. And speak between the change of man and boy With a Reed voice. Merchant of Venice, act iii., sc. 4. Reed is a general term of almost any water-loving, grassy plant, and so it is used by Shakespeare. In the Bible it is perhaps possible to identify .some of the Reeds mentioned with the Sugar Cans in some places, with the Papyrus in others, and with the Arundo Donax. As a Biblical plant it has a special interest, not only as giving the emblem of the tenderest mercy that will be careful even of " the bruised Reed," but also as entering largely into the mockery of the Crucifixion. " They put a Reed in His right hand," and " they filled a sponge full of vinegar, and put it upon a Reed and gave Him to drink." The Reed in these passages was probably the Arundo Donax, a very elegant Reed, which was used for many pur- poses in Palestine, and is a most graceful plant for English gardens, being perfectly hardy, and growing every year from 12 ft. to 14 ft. in height, but very seldom flowering. But in Shakespeare, as in most writers, the Reed is simply the emblem of weakness, tossed about by and bending to a superior force, and of little or no use — " a Reed that will do me no service" (No. 1). It is also the emblem of the blessedness of submission, and of the power that lies in humility to out- last its oppressor. Like as in tempest great. Where wind doth bear the stroke, Much safer stands the bowing Reed Than doth the stubborn Oak. Shakespeare mentions two uses to which the Reed was applied, the thatching of houses (No. 3), and Lhe making of Pan or shepherd's pipes (No. 6). Nor has he anything to say of its beauty, yet the Reeds of our riversides (Arundo Phrag- mites) are most graceful plants, especially when they have their dark plumes of flowers, and this Milton seems to have felt — ■ Forth flourish't thick the clustering Tine, forth crept The smeUiug Gourd, up stood the Comie Reed, Embattled in her field. Paradise Lost, book vii. Rhubarb. Macbeth. What Rhubarb, Senna, or what purgative drug Would scour these English hence ? Macbeth, act v., so. 3. Shakespeare could only have known the imported drug, for the Rheum was first imported by Parkinson, though it had been described in an uncertain way both by Lyte and Gerarde. Lyte said — " Rha, as it is thought, hath great broade leaves ;" and then he says — " We have found here in the gardens of certaine diligent herboristes that strange plant which is thought by some to be Rha or Rhabarbum ;" but from the figure it is very certain that the plant was not a Rheum. After the time of Parkinson, it was largely grown for the sake of producing the drug, though it is still doubtful whether any of the species now grown in England are the true species that 44 THE GARDEN. [July 14, 1877. have so long produced Turkey Rhubarb.* The plant is now grown most extensively as a spring vegetable, though I cannot find when it first began to be so used. Parkinson evidently tried it and thought well of it. " The leaves have a fine acid taste ; a syrup, therefore, made with the juice and sugar cannot but be very effectual in dejected appetites." Yet even in 1807 Professor Martyn, the editor of " Millar's Dictionary," in a long article on the Rhubarb, makes no mention of its culinary qualities, but in 1822 Phillips speaks of it as largely cultivated for spring tarts, and forced for the London markets, " medical men recommending it as one of the most cooling and whole- some tarts sent to table." As a garden plant the Rhubarb is highly ornamental, though it is seldom seen out of the kitchen garden, but where room can be given to it. Rheum palmatum will always be admired as one of the handsomest of foliage plants. The finest species of the family is the Himalayan Rheum nobile, but it is exceed- ingly difficult to grow. Botanically the Rhubarb is allied to the Dock and Sorrel, and all the species are herbaceous. Bice. Clown. Let me see. What am I to buy for our sheepsheariBfr feast P Three pound of sugar, five pound of Currants, Kice. Wlat will this sister of mine do with Rice ? TFtnte-'s Tale, act iv., sc. 2. Shakespeare may have had no more acquaintance with Rice than his knowledge of the imported grain, which seems to have been long ago introduced into England, for in a nominale of the fifteenth century, we have " Hoc risi, indeclinabile, ryse." Tet lie may have seen the plant, for Gerarde grew it in his London garden, though "the floure did not show itselfe by reason of the injurie of our unseasonable yeare 1596." It is a native of Africa, and was soon transferred to Europe as a nourishing and wholesome grain, especially for invalids — " sume hoc ptisanarium oryzas," says the doctor to his patient in Horace. It has been occasionally grown in England as a curiosity, but seldom comes to any degree of perfection out-of-doors, as it requires a mixture of moisture and heat that we cannot easily give it. There are said to be species in the north of China growing in dry places, which would perhaps be hardy in England and easier of cultivation, but I am not aware that they have ever been introduced. H. N. Ellacombe. CTo he coniinued). Effects of the Winter of 1860-61 on Shrubs at Penrose. — August, 1860, was clondy and wet (21 days' rain), and snmmer .obooto -if ehrnbs were not ripened properly. Winter began early, and half-hardy shrubs, whose young branches were still full of sap, suf. fered severely in Cornwall, whilst the same kinds survived the winter in the euburbs of London. ShbuBS KILLSD AT PbTTBOSB. Abutilon vitifolinm (some). Acacia lophantha (all). Araucaria brasiliana (all). Arundo Dorax. Benthamia fragifera (some). Cineraria arborea. Cedrus Deodara (some). Daphne purpurea. Jnniperus flaccida. Mesembryanthemums (all). Olive. Paulownia imperialis (all but one), Physiantbus albiflorus. Piptanthus. Pittosporum. Thuja Donneyana. Veronica picta (all). Died back, sri becoveeei) suice. Acacia dealbata. Deciduous Cypress. Humea. Rnen Macartneyana. Viburnum suspen&um. IlfJUBED, Azalea (various). Benthamia fragifera (all, and some killed). Cedrus Deodara. Hydrangea. Hydrangea japonica. Liqnidambar. Rhododendrons (some), Unihjtjbed. Araucaria imbricate (all). Camellia japonica, Jnniperus (various, except flaccida), Phygelia capensis. Pomegranate. Rhododendron ponticum. Thuja nepalensis. Injury to trees was rot gfnerally registered, but Pinns anstriaca Buffered mnch more than Pinaster, Pinns insignia Buffered from snow, — John Jope Eogers, • When writing the above, I was not aware that the Bhenm officinale, and other species, are largely grown in England solely for their medical uses, and that very good Rhubarb is produced. But in The Gabdbn for .Tuly 7, 1 find a vei-y interesting accouit o£ the growth of Rhubarb by Mr. trsher. near Ban- bury.—H. N. E. HARDY FLOWERS IN LONDON GARDENS. The rains which we have lately had have greatly altered the appearance of gardens in and around London for the better, and some plants have become wonderfully improved ; but no amount of fine weather can wholly obliterate the effects of the disastrous easterly winds and frosts experienced late in the spring. Lilies have suffered severely, especially the south European red Lilies, Humboldti, Washingtonianum, super- bum, canadense, and the early flowering forms of colchicum. The later-flowering ones look well, and from them we may Gilia liniflora. safely expect a good display. The finest Lily at present in flower is L. Szovitzianum, which is one of the best of all Lilies ; it grows from 4 ft. to 5 ft. in height, and bears from four to ten sweet-scented flowers on a stem, the colours varying from creamy-white to deep golden yellow; of these there are some thousands in flower in the north of London. L. elegans and its numerous varieties also afford a blaze of colour just now, some kinds having from three to five large Godetia rubicunda. Lilium Szovitzianum, flowers on stems not more than 6 in, above the ground, L. tenuifolium, also in flower, is vivid scarlet; and L. philadel- phicum, on a warm sunny border, is likewise in fine condition, as is also L, Washingtonianum and its purple variety. Most of the Calif ornian section, indeed, will prove grand additions to our list of hardy plants, as they appear to grow almost any- where, and they are not injured in the slightest by the late spring, L, canadense, which is very showy, varies consider- ably in colour ; the most beautiful is the Californian variety called parvum. L. longiflornm and L. Browni are just open- ing ; L, excelsum and L, candidum and its varieties are also Jtjlt 14, 1877.1 THE GARDEN. 45 Slender Loosestrife (Ly thrum virgatam). Calandrinia discolor. Phlomis Herba-venti. Bird's-foot Stonecrop (Sedum pulcliellum) Large Evening Primrose (tEnothera grandiflora). Gilia tricolor. Devil-in-a-bush (Nigella damascene). Mountain Sheep Scabious (Jasione montana). Gilia laciniata. Royal Fern (Osmunda regalis, var.), SOME HARDY FLOWERS OF THE WEEK IN LONDON GARDENS. Common Baueberry (Actsea spicata). 46 THE GARDEN. [JuiT 14, 1877. coming finely into flower. Of Martagons, the most beautiful is the white, and all the varieties of bulbiferura and croceum are likewise pretty. These constitute the best of this family now in bloom. English Irises still form an attractive group, and some of the late-flowering Ixias, especially I. longiflora, are in perfection in some of the London establishments. Brodisea coooiuea, a perfect gem, should be grown by every one ; it has been in flower a month and is now as fresh as ever. B. grandi- flora, congesta, and capitata, are likewise pretty, and the curi- ous climbing B. volubilis is worthy the attention of all lovers of hardy plants. Alstroamerias are just in perfection, as are also some of the Bomareas ; B. oculata, a handsome climbing plant, has dark olive-green foliage and numerous heads of deep crimson flowers. Triteleia laxa, and Allium acuminatum, are at their best ; both are perfectly hardy and exceedingly orna- mental. Tropseolum polyphyllum is now a mass of golden- yellow — a lovely plant, and yet almost unknown ; it succeeds in nearly any position, is easily propagated, quite hardy, and attractive from the moment it starts growing in spring until it has done flowering. Sparaxis pulcherrima is still showy, although now past its best. Amaryllis longifolia and the white variety are very conspicuous : their stately heads of long, tubular flowers entitle them to a place in every garden. Freesia odorata, and the variety Leichtlini, are just expanding in the open ground, but they are better adapted for pot culture indoors ; as pot plants (sis in a •5-in. pot) they are superb. In the bulb grounds there are at least thirty varieties of Gladioli now in full bloom, principally varieties of G. ramosus, trimaculatus, Oolvilli, and sagittalis ; among the best may be mentioned G. Colvilli var. The Bride, pure white, a most useful plant for cutting from ; Queen Victoria, Princess Mathilde, insignis, Laviuia, Little Beauty, emicans, and Rosa mundi, are also beautiful and invaluable in a cut state. They will grow in any moderately light soil, and may be allowed to remain undisturbed for years. Among perennials, Cypripedium spec- tabile is now in perfection, some of the strongest plants bearing three and even four flowers. For this Lady's- slipper Orchis foliosa makes a good companion, both growing freely in peaty soil in a quiet shady nook. Phlox ovata makes a fine deep rose-coloured border plant about 1 ft. or so high. Onosma tauricum (deep yellow) and O.echioides ((jreamy white and very fragrant) are also two good plants for the front row of a herbaceous border. Symphyandra Wanneri, a charming little Alpine closely allied to the Campanula, forms a pyramid of purple flowers ; Lysimachia lupinoides, a Japanese species, I believe, and probably not very hardy, bears abundance of white flowers ; and among the Campanulas the most note- worthy are the varieties of 0. turbinata, pusilla, pumila, garganica, muralis, carpatica, lactiflora, and numerous forms of the old Peach-leaved Bell-flower O.persicifolia. Actaaa raoemosa is 0 stout-growing border plant which bears drooping spikes of white Sowers. SpiraBa Aruucus, when furnished with feathery plumes of white flowers, is a good plant for the margins of shrubbery borders. Wyethia amazonica is a showy Californian Composite, which bears bright yellow flowers 4 in. in diameter ; and Linum viscosum is one of the best perennial Flaxes, and is easily grown. The Cape ForgeC-me-not (Anohusa capensis) although not hardy is well worth grow- ing, treated as an annual ; its flowers are deep gentian blue, and they last until late in the autumn ; Edraianthus dalmaticus, with numerous purple flowers and a dwarf prostrate habit, is at present very attractive ; and Sedum pulc^ellum, one of the most beautiful of the Stoneorops, is very floriferous on rock- work, the flowers being of a light rose colour. A. P. Tlie Australian Pitljury. — Baron Mueller has given, in an Australian medical journal, an account of his examination of the leaves of the Pitbury, said to be of marvellous power as a stimulant, and to be found growing in desert scrubs from the Darling River and Barcoo to West Australia. He is of opinion that it is derived from the Duboisia Hopwoodii, described by him in 1S61, the leaves of which are chewed by the natives of Central Australia to invigorate themselves during long foot journeys through deserts. The blacks, he says, use the Duboisia to excite their courage in warfare ; a large dose in- furiates them. The " Sydney Herald " la informed also that some dry leaves and small stems, said to come from far beyond the Barcoo country, and called " pitcherine," are used by the aboriginals as we use Tobacco, for both chewing and smoking, and it is stated that a small quantity causes agreeable exhilara- tion, prolonged use resulting in intense excitement. HISTORY OP THE JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE. By J. H. Tefhbdi,!, and Asa Geit. Ltnn.eus, in " Species Plantaram," gave to the Jerugalem Artichoke (Helianthas tnberosas) the habitat in Brasilia. In hia earlier " Hortu3 Cliffortianua " the habitat assigned was Canada. M. Alphorse De CandoUe, in his " Geographie Botaniqne," ii., 824 (1855), refers to this as " decidedly an error, at least aa to Canada properly so called," assigns good reasons for the opinion that it did not come from Brazil, nor from Peru (to which the name under which it appeared in cultivation in the Farneas garden seemed to refer), but in all pro. bability from Mexico or the United States. He adda that Humboldt did not meet with it in any of the Spanish colonies. About this time I received from my friend and correspondent, the late Dr. Short, of Kentucky, some long and narrow tubera of Helianthus doroniooidea, with the statement that he and some of the neighbours found them good food for hoga, and, if I rightly remember, had planted them for that purpose. They were planted in the Cambridge Botanic Garden ; after two or three years it was found that some of the tubers produced were thicker and shorter ; some of these were cooked along with Jerusalem Artichokes, and found to resemble them in flavour, although coarser. Consequently, in the aecond edition of my " Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States" (1856), it ia atated that H. doronicoides ia moat probably the original of H. tuberoaua. Thia opinion was strengthened year after year by the behaviour of the tubers.and by the close similarity of the herbage and flowers of the two plants, aa they grew side by side ; indeed, aa the two patches were allowed to run together in a waste or neglected place, they have become in a meaaure confounded. Wiahing to obtain an unmixed stock, I applied laat autumn to Prof. J. M. Coulter, of Hanover, Indiana, and received from him a good number of tubera from wild plants of the neighbourhood, which will now be grown. Some of these were slender, some thicker and shorter, and a few were to all appearance identical with Jerusalem Artichokes. If they were really all from one stock, aa there ia reason to believe, the question of the origin of Helianthus tuberoaua ia well-nigh settled. We were now interested to know whether our Indiana — at least those of the Miaaissippi Valley, where H. doronicoides belongs — were known to cultivate these tubers or to use them for food. Recently a note in the " American Agriculturist" called attention to a sentence in Dr. Palfrey's History of New England, i., 27, stating that the Indians of that region raised, among other articles of food, '* a species of Sun- flower, whose esculent tuberous root resembled the Artichoke in taste." The venerable historian found himself at the moment unable to refer me to the sources of this statement ; but, as it waa now cer. tain that some record of the kind exiated, I applied to Mr. Trumbull, who obligingly and promptly supplied the information required, and placed it at my disposal in the following letter : — Hartford, Conn., March 26, 1877. My deak Pkof. Geat : — I cannot refer you to the authority for Dr. Palfrey's statement that the Indiana of New England cnlti. . vated " a species of Sunflower whose esculent tuberous root re- sembled the Artichoke in taste," buc there can be, I think, little doubt of the fact. The historical evidence that " artischoki sub terra " were cultivated in Canada and in some parts of New England before the coming of Europeans, is tolerably clear. The only ques- tion, if there be any, is as to apaoies, and thia doea not appear to have been raised for more than half a century after the Jerusalem Artichoke was known to English and Continental botanists. I can discover no authority whatever, before 1700, for ascribing; to the Helianthus tuberosus either a Brazilian or a Mexican origin, except ■ — and the exception is unimportant — in C. Bauhin's identiScatiou (in his " Pinax," 277) with Helianthemum indioum tuberosum (H. tuberoaua), of a plant that he had described in his earlier " Prodomua " (ed. 1671, p. 70) aa Chrysanthemon latifolium Brasi. lianum, from a dry specimen sent to him *'eo nomine" from the garden of Contarini. The first trace I find of this species in Europe, ia in the second part (cap. 6) of Fabio Colonna'a " Ecpbrasis minus coguitarum stirpium," published at Rome in 1616. He described it from a plant growing in the garden of Cardinal Farnese. The Sun- flower was already well known to European botanists, and had been described and figured by Dodoens (1563) and Lobel (1576) as Chrysanthemum peruvianum and Flos solis peruvianas. With refer, ence to these descriptions, probably Colonna gave the new species the name of Aster peruanus tnberosa radice, otherwise Solis flos Farnesianua. (He gave a more particular description of the plant in his annotations to Recchi's Hernandez, Plant. Mexio. Hist., 1651, pp. 878, 881, as Peruanus Solis flos ex Indiis tuberosus). The author of the "Descriptio variorum plantarum, in Horto Farnesiano," pub. lished under the name of Tobias Aldinns (Rome, 1625), gave some account of the roots, which he calls Tubera indica, of the " Solis Flos tuberosus, seu Flos Farnesianua Fabii Columnse" (p. 91). It July 14, 1877.] THE GARDEN. 47 may be'obaerved that several of the rarer plants in the Farneaa gar. den at this time were from Canada and Virginia. The Passion. flower (admirably figured by Aldinus) is described under its Vir. ginian name, Maraoot (the Maracooks of John Smith and Straohey) j and a Campanula americana ia otherwise named Campanula vir. giniana, sen ex Virginiis inaulis. C. Bauhin, in his " Pinax " (first published in 1633), ed. 1G71, p. 276, notes that the Helianthemum indioum tuberosum is called Chrysanthemum e Canada, quibusdam. Canada et Artischoki sub terra, aliis. Gigantea, Bargundis. P. Laurenberg, Apparat. Plant. (Rostock, 1632), names the species Adenes canadensis or Flos solis glandulosus. Ant. Vallot, " Hortus Regis Paris.," 1665 (as cited by Bauhin) gives the names Canada and Artischoki sub terra, and Canadas, and describes also Helemum canadense altissimum, Vosaoan dictum, which Tournefort distin. guishes as Corona Solis rapnnculi radice (Inst. Herb., 490), and which became H. strumosus. Vosacan, by the way, is a French fashion of writing the Algonkin word wassakone or luassahwan, which means a " bright yellow flower." The modern Chippewaya give this name to the flowers of the Pumpkin and Squash. Under whatever name the Jerusalem Artichoke was described, there seems to have been a general agreement among Baropeau botanists that it came from Canada. F. Schuyl, Catal. Horti Lugd. Bat. (Heidel- berg, 1672), varies the specific name to Chrysanthemum canadense arumosam. P. Amman, Charao. Plant. Nat. (1676), has Helemum canadense. It was introduced to England about 1617- In that year, Mr. John Goodyer, of Maple Durham, Hampshire, " received two roots thereof from Mr. Franquevill, of London," which were planted and enabled him, before 1621, to " store Hampshire." He wrote an account of the plant, under date of October 17, 1621, for T. Johnson — who printed it in his edition of Gerarde, 1636 (p. 753). Before this species had been figured and described by J. Parkinson, in " Paradisus Terrestris " (London, 1629), as Battatas de Canada, and in his " Theater of Plants," 1640 (p. 1383) he haa the figure— a good one — without the description, under the names Battatas de Canada, the French Battatas, or Hierusalem Artichoke. Johnson in Gerarde (p. 753), refers to Parkinson's description, and gives the name as Flos Solis pyramidalis, Jerusalem Artichoke. It already grew well and plentifally in many parts ef England. The notices by early voyagers, of Gronnd-nuts eaten by the Indians, are generally so brief and so vague, that it is not easy to distinguish the three or four species mentioned under that name or its equivalents. The Solanum tuberosum, Apios tuberosa, Aralia trifolia, and a Cyperus (articulatua ?) were all Ground-nuts, or Earth- nuts. We find, however, in a few instances, unmistakable mention of the roots already known in Europe as Canadian. Brereton, in hia account of Gosnold's voyage to New England in 1602, notes the "great store of Ground-nuta found on all the Elizabeth Islands." They grow " forty together on a string, some of them being as large as a hen's egg " (Purchas, iv., 1651), These doubtless were the roots of Apios tuberosa ; but when Cham plain, a few years later (1605-08) was in the same region, he very frequently observed that the Almouohiquois Indiana near Point Mallebarre (Nausat Harbour, probably), had •' force des racines qu'els oultivent, lesquelles ont le gout d'artiohant" (Voyages, ed. 1632, p. 84). And it ia to theae roots, evidently, that Leacarbot alludes in " Histoire de la Nouv. France," 1612 (p. 840) : Here -is in the country of the Armouchiquoi3,(i. e., New England, west and south of Maine,) a certain kind of roots " grosses comme naveaux, trea exoellentes si manger, ayans uu gout retirant aux cardes, mais plus agreable, lesquelles plautees multiplient en telle fa^on que c'est merveille ; " and he thinks theae muat be the Afrodillea deacribed by Pliny. Sagard-Theodat, Hist, du Canada, p. 785 (1636), mentions the cultivation of the Sunflower by the Hurons — who extracted oil from its aeeda — and names also the " roots that we [the French] call Canadiennes or Pommes de Canada, and that the Hurons call Oras- queinta, which are not very common in their country. They eat them raw, as well as cooked, as they eat another sort of root resembling Parsnip [Slum lineare ?], which they call Sondhratates and which are much better ; but they seldom gave us these, and only when they received some present from us or when we visited them in their cabins." He goes on to speak of " patates, fort grosses et trea excellentea," some of which he had obtained from an English vessel captured by the French ; but none of these were to be found in the Huron country, nor could the Indiana tell him the name of them ; and he regretted that he had not brought some with him for planting, since " this root, being cut in pieces and planted, quickly grows and multiplies, it is said, like the pommes de Canada" (pp. 781, 782). It ia plain that the Huron roota first mentioned were, or that Sagard believed them to be, Jerusalem Artichokes — already known as Canadian. I find no mention of the Artichoke in Virginia, or the Southern Colonies, before it was cultivated by Anglo-Americans. The author of " A Perfect Description of Virginia," printed in 1649, says that the English planters have (inter alia) " roots of several kindes, Potatoes, Sparagua, Garrets, . . . and Hartichokes." Beverly, ("Hist, of Virginia," 1722, p. 254), mentions Batatas Canadensis, or Jerusalem Artichoke, as planted by some of the Eng. lish, for brewing beer. Yet the name of one of the esculent roots mentioned by Hariot ("Brief and True Report,"