UMASS/AMHERST 312066 0333 3026 2 m im»»milKIWVI30tfMlHcna»BH)rV^^ ^leimhswiHRVMrMininwAMjimwnniK-tw LIBRARY OF THE i i MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE No.__(s_9.0.4...-DATE__.4r.!SSB. souRCE__l:IalcVL— ^LLna "-^^^ IJ^X^U3T^AT£;D W£;f;KX^Y JOUI^KAI^ HORTICULTURE IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. W. I^ohinson, F.L.S., fiuthor of '• filpine Flowers," etc. "You see, sweet maid, we raarry A gentle scion to the -wildest stock And make conceive a tark of baser kind By bud oJ nobler race : Tliis is an art Whicb does mend nature change it rather. The art itself is nature. "—S/uziesJu-iiri: VOL. XX.-CHRISTMAS, 1881. LONDON: OFFICE: 37, SOUTHAMPTON STREET, COVENT GAEDEN, W.C. TO THE MEMORY JAMES CRAIG NIVEN LATE CURATOR OF THE HULL BOTANIC GARDENS, Tins, THE TWENTIETH VOLUME OF "THE GARDEN" IS DEDICATED. W. J!., Dccemler 31, 188!. N/. ^o Jan. 1882.] THE GARDEN INDEX. izsrnDE!:^^ to -voLTjaycE ixiix:. Abbey gaideu on the Lnat-her See, 009 Abelia nipestris, 31S Abies alba, 134 ; Alcoquiaiia, 523 ; cana- deiisis, 262; variegata, 173;pendula. 262 ; cai-oliniensis, 360 ; excelsa, 90 ; niirra. 134 Abutilon vexHlarium bar*ly in Ireland. 36S; Yellow Prince, 522 Abutiions in winter, .'.43 Acacia platyjitera, 4.^7 Aciona Nov;e Zeahindi;e, 98, 234 Acantbopanax quiiiquefolia, propagating 359, 401 Acanthus in flower, 103 Acer dasycarpuni, new forms of, 167; Wieri laciniatuni, 220 Achimenes coccinea, 563 Aciuetas, the, 143 Acis autumnalis, 203 Aconitum japonicuni, 36S ; Lycoctonum 2 0 Actsearacemosa, 124 Actinidia Kolomikta, 9 Actiniopteris australia, 172 Action of glass on light, 382 Adenocalymna nitidnm, 262 Adhotoda cydonirefolia, 457 Adiantuni aneitense, 172 ; I'apillus-vene- ris iucisum, 276; cuneatumgrandiceps, 3SVt ; Latbomi, 389 ; Oweni, 311 ; Taba- rnni, 264 jEchraea cconilea, 437 ; Liudeni, 624 Aerides japonicum, 62 ; Leeanum, 522 -Eschynanthus Lobbi, 222 -Esculus californica, 52 Agapanthus maxinius, 381 ; uniV^ellatus, 325 Agave dasyirioides, 564; Parr>'i. 26 Ageratum, new varieties of. 431 Ailantus glnudulosa, 263 ; glandulosa, a fine, 231 ; in fruit, 223 Alders for tbe lawu, 29 Aleurodes Clielidani, 633 Alexandra Park, show at, 174 Allamanda graudiflora, 332 Allaraaudas, cultuie of, 441 ; training, 382 Allium, a new, 25 ; creruleiim, 135 ; stel- latuni, 440 Alliums, the white-flowered, 79 Alnus glutionsa aurea, 28 Alnwick Castle, 155 Aloe arboresceus, 597 ; green, -115 Alonsoa intisa. 40S Aloysia citriodora, 262, 484 Alpine plants, soil for, 479, 540 ; collect- ing, 636 Alstrtemeria Pelegrina rosea, 24 Alyssum argenteum, 386 Amaryllis Ackermanni, 177 ; at Calke Abbey, 38S ; hardy, 283, 455 ; ili-s. Gar- field, 389 Amateurs, hints to. 343 America, fruit growing in, 3ft.> American blight, 38 ; crops, 23, 31S ; woods, 495 Ammophila sabulosa, 5S9 Amorphopballus Kivieri, 21 Ampelopais japonica, 479 Amphicome Kmodi, 625 Anjcctochili in flower, 542 Auasacantluis Wrighti, 317 Ancient Ilritish homestead, the, 280 Andromeda, species of, 26 Androsace coronopifolia, 325 ;' lanu- ginosa, 300 ; sarmentosa, 2rt9 Andropogon Schtenanthus, 350 Anchusa angustifolia, 423 Anemone japonica under glass, 463; the Red Japan, 283; vitifolJa, 261 Anemones in November, 497 ; in Septem- ber, 320; in Surrey, 560; single, 300; in winter, 609 Angnccum Ellisi, .522; Kotschyi, 344 Annuals for autunm sowing, 341; autumn sown, 82 ; in pots, 280 Anomatheca cruenta, 97 Anopterus glandulosus, 543 Ansellia africana, 582 ; nilotica, 495 Antennaria tomentosa, propagating, 359 Antherlcum Dorsetti, 210 ; Liliago, 6 Anthurium Andreanum. 362 ; a fine, 477, 478, 607 : Kalbreyeri, 46 ; leaves, dis- eased, 606 Antigonon insigne, 437 ;leptopus, 317, 442 Antigramma braziliensis, 46 Ants' nests, 363,382,437 Apera arundinacea, 261, 325, 497 Aphelandra punctata, 46, 362, 457 Apios tuberosa, 408 Apple, the. 399, 424, 444, 469, 528, 551, 589, 631 ; American Mother, 407 ; Co" kle Pippin, 448 ; cordons of Normanton Park, 401; crop, the, 127, ItO; Echlin- ville Seedling, 471 ; Goflt, 348; Gra- ham's Kusset, 348; Lnddington Seed- ling, 331,318; Prince Albert, 493; Red Astrachan, 8, 63 ; Ribston Pippin on French Paradise stock, 425 ; rooms, dark or light, 553 ; tree, a large, 400 ado en goo 'I, 338; selection of, 379 free bearing 330; kept in water, 68 the best, 430 ; Transparante de Cron eels, 632; trees, pruning, 632; storing in banels, 632 Apricot, decay in the, 539 A(iuilegia fragrans, 325 ; glandulosa, 326 Alalia japonica, 498, 586 ; Maximowiezi or ricinifolia, 12; Sieboldi for sea shore, 220; in the house, 538; spinosa, 366 ; Sieboldi, 602, 615 Aibutuscanariensis, 388 Arctotis grrndillora,415, 456; culture of, 546 ArdisiaOlivfri, 222 Arethusa bulbosa, 87 Argeraone and otiier flowers, 112 Aria Decaisneana, 134 Aristolochia Sipho, 189; tiicaudata and others, 179 Armerias or Thrifts, 57 Arnebia esbloides, 209, 262; from root cuttings, 401 ; propagation of, 300 Artichokes, Globe, 215 Arundo conspicua, 270 ; Donas variegata, propagating. 359 Asclepias quadrifolia, 87 Ashes in the garden, 380 Asparagus tcthiopicus, 562 ; at midsum- mer, 37 ; falcatus, 222 ; mulching, 525 ; ornamental, 363; plumosus. 354, 401; propagating, 567; plumosus nanus, 294, 326; prizes, 96; salting in winter, 578 Asphalte, compressed, 228 Asphodelu3 luteus, 98 Aspidistra lurida, best room plant, 3S Asplenium pteridoides, 173 Aster Amellus, 342 ; elegans, 388 ; grandi- florus. 459, 496. 520, 543 ; longifolius for- mosus, 422 ; oblongifoUus, 458 : ptarmi- coides, 262, 440 Asters, China, 182 ; seed of 600 ; divid- ing, 438 ; quilled, 290, 294 ; the latest, 457 Astilbe rivularis, 185 Aston-Clinton straw mats, the, 53S Astrantia major, 23 ; maxima, 109 Astragalus Tragacantha, 633 Athyrium Eilix-fo;mina acrocladon, 73; VictoricT, 204 Aubrietia oljmpica, 543 Auricula Society, the National, 403 Auricula, the, SO Auriculas in December, 584 Australia, notes from, 544 A ustro- Hungary, gardening in, 465 Autumn, the mild, 558 ; tints, 420 ; notes, 326, 438 Azaleas planted out, 435 ; white, in open air, 12 ; new hybrid, €04 B. Babianas, culture of, 319 Balsamita grandiflora, 103, 123, 136 Balsams, 402 ; from home-saved seed, 462. 547, 564, 575; out of doors, 252; single made double, 414 Bambusa Fortunei, hardy, 111 ; Eaga- mouski, 343 ; Simoni, 29 Barberry hedges, 12 Barometer, garden uses of the, 181 Baskets of plants at exhibitions, 587 Batatas paniculata, 98, 457, 610, 625 Battersea Park, carpet beds in, 252 Bean Ne Plus Ultra, 215 Heiiufortia decussata, 622 Bees, bumble, and flowers, 546 Beetles on Cauliflower, 30 ; plant eating, 382 Begonia castanaifolia, 293 ; corallina, 262; discolor Rex, 223; Frtebeli, 540; seedling, fine, 460 ; insignis, 543 ; Mar- tiana gracilis, 331 ; Moonlight, 416 ; natalensis, 26 J ; octopetala, 515 ; Pearcei, 540 ; socotrana, 415, 479, 492, 543 ; tuber destroyer, 247 Begonias, 162 ; at Stanstead Nursery, 24 ; bedding, 252 ; fertilisation of, 3si ; for bedding, 326 ; hai'diness of tuberous, 325 ; in open borders, 320, 422, 480 ; not flowering, 461; self fertilising, 422 ; luberous, 421,518 ; tuberous, peat for, 36 ; winterflowering, 455, 515, 564 ; winter, 624 Belladonna Lilies, 585 Bell Oird scarer, 305 Bellflowei-s (see Campanulas), 26 Bellium rotundifolium c«erulescenp, 415 Belvoir, hardy flowers, oOO ; notes from, 236 Berberis Darwini, 560 Berry bearing Aucubas, 29; buthes, 539 Berries, coloured, 568 Bickley, notes from, 2C4 Eignonia grandiflora, 209, 332 ; as a stan- dard, 2.52; jasminoides, 9, 153; Un- guis, 178; venusta, 603 Eillardiera longiflora, 177 Billljergia vittata macrantha, 597 ; Bara- quiuiana, £05; fainiosa, e05 Bingham, notes from, 128 Birches, cut-leaved and others, 53 Bii-d scarer, the bell, 305 Birds, garden, 251, 549 ; wild, 69 Birmingham, autumn flowers at, 3S0 ; Botauic Gardens, 277 Black Spruce, the, 134 Bladder Sennas, 136 Bletia hyacinthina japonica, 23 Bog plants, culture of, 99 IJoIlea ca?lestis, 104 Bomarea Carderi and oligantha, 457; conferta, 458; multiflora, 212; the species of, 138 ; Carderi, 626 Books :— " A Book on Building," 350 "Arboretum Segrezianum," 10 "A Year in Fiji," 431 "Herefordshire Pomona," 432 " Bijou Biography of the World," 245 "Country lleasures, chiefly in a Gar- den," 337 " Dictionary of Plant Names," 280 " Dictionary of Quotations," 16 " Elements of Agricultui'al Chemistry and Geology.'' 352 " European Ferns," 5-27 " Fruit Farming for Profit, 623 "Half-lours with Greek and latin Authors," 402 " How to make the Best of Life," 245 "Iconography of Indian Azaleas,'' 489 "Manual nf lujurious Insects,' IS'i " Monaco and its Gaming Tables," 550 "Profitable Clay Faiming." 489 "Scribner's Masazine," 245 " Se'.ect Extra Tropical Plants," 191 "The Chrysanthemum, ■ 453 " The English Flower Garden," 24 " The Fig, Mulberry, and Quince," 245 " The Formation of Vegetable INIould," 483 " The Orchid Album," 98 " Where to Find Ferns,'" 402 "Wild Garden, The," 54 Border, a mixed. 235 Botanical pronunciation, 281 Eotrychium Lunaria, 42 Bougainvillea glabra, 402, 414, 441, 45G, 547, 582 Bouquet, an artist's, 101 ; at ilanchester, 260 ; making, 229 Bouquets, artistic, 77 ; how to make, 3S Bournemouth, planting at, 335 Boussinpaultia biselloides, 415 Bouvardia Alfred Neuner, 172, 563 ; corymbiflora, 153 ; double, 34 ; Hum- boldti, 262 ; triphylla, 362; in summer, 184, 212 ; jasminiflora, 607 Boykinia aconitifolia, 72 Brahea, species of, 382, 414 Bramble, Parsley-leaved, 342 Brassia antherotes, 416 Briers, no more, 175 Broccoli, heeling, 458 Brockhurst, notes from, 326 Bromeliaceous plants, 62" Bromeliads, 624 Bromsgrove, notes from, 517 lirowallia elata, 390. 582, 626 IJniceFindlay testimonial, 558 Brussels Sprouts, exhibition, 525 Buitenzorg Botanic Gardens, 343 liulbophyllum umbellatum, 408 Bulbous plants, winter flowering. 476 ; not flowering, 456; sowing seeds of, 622 Bulbs for a grave, 392 Burlingtonia gr^natensis, 495 ; refracta, 623 Bu&h and heath fires, 143 Butterflies in December, 563 Butterworts, the, 212 C. Cabliage, Gilbert's, Broccoli, 600 ; seed sowing, 148 ; planting, 373 ; powdered wing, 633 C.cti, hardy, 43, 58,637; tall growing, 72; indoor and in the optn air 601, 626 Ctesalpinia pulcherrima, 294 Cairo, notes from, 596 Caladium candiduro, 46 ; Comtesse de Condeixa, 46 ; .T. R. Box, 46 ;Mithridate 46 Calamintha alpina, 264 Calanthe bella, 598 Calanthe, culture of, 593 ; Veitchi and vestita, 435; Veitchi, 602 Calanthes falling to bloom, .''i82; not flowering, 522 ; not opening their flowers, 542 Calceolaria bi color, 365 ; Em-bidgei, 422 ; fuchsiiefolia, 365 ; Kellyana, 81 ; Pavoni, 365 ; pinnata, 234,^261 ; scabioEtefolia, 393 ; violacea, 356, 402 Calla albo maculata, 17 Callicarpa purpurea, 496 Calliopsis in October, 381 Calliphruria subedentata, 522 (.'aliirhoe involucrata, 4i)8 Callistemon rigidum at Cork, 78 Calochortus, culture of, 440 Calystegia sylvatica, 603 Camas&ia Leichtlini, 352 ; the species of, 302 Camellia, the, and its culture, 277 Camellias in pots, 486; in vineries, 331; pruning, 204, 331, 394 Camellias or Roses, 628 Campanula azurea, 17 ; carpatica on walls, 108 ; carpatica pelviformis, 137, 184 ; garganica, 362 ; Hosti, 423 ; lac- tiflora, 93 ; latifolia, 17 ; nobilis, 44 ; persicifolia fl.-pl., 136 ; pyramidalis, 368, 440 ; tomentosa, 72 : turbinata var., 82; urticaifolia, 44; Waldsteini- ana, 81 Campanulas, 5, 44, 56 Canadian Golden Willow. HI Canarina campanulata, 597 Candytuft, the Rocket, 586 Canna Ehemanni, 177. 459; floribundn, 21, 615; iridiflorahybrida, 173 Canterbury Bells, 209 Capsicum Prince of Wales, 293 ; Little Gem, 311, 416 Cardift" Rose show, 48 Carduus eriophorus, 222 Carex pendula variegata, 361 Carnation and Picotee sections, 283 Carnation Clarissa, 103 : Duke of Al- bany, 593 ; Gloire de Nancy, 46, 73 ; Negro, 493 ; Lady Middleton, 73 ; Susan Askey, 177, 564 ; the old Clove, 14U Carnations all the year round, 331 Carnations and Picotees, 5, 56; freaks of, 149, 300 ; at Chelsea, 98 Carnations, border, 157. 420 ; Clove, 210 ; drooping, 44; from Paris seeds, 325 ; from seed, 476 ; hybridising, 157 ; in Italy, 137 ; Malmaison, 137 ; new, 99, 262 ; picking, 423 ; packing for Ca- nada, 474 ; perpetual flowering, 382 Carrots for market, 448 Caryopteris incana, 362 Cassia corymbosa, 361; Sophora, 366, 308 THE GARDEN INDEX. [Jak. 7, 1882. Casuariiia qiladrivalvis, 441 Catalogue of Potatoes, IG Catalogue of trees at Bitton in 1S30, C12 Catalpa, blooms of, 153 ; spcciosa, 12 Catalpas, 01 ; two kinds of, 109 Catasetum buccinator callosuni, 582 Caterpillars, 253 ; Oak, 1(36 Cattle poisoned by Uenilock, 504 t.'attleja aurea, 41C, 463 ; Chamberlaini, 172; culture, 204; dolosa, 40; Dor- luaniana, 521 ; fausta, 521 ; gigas, a nne, 478 ; Jlardelli, 104 ; llcMorlancIl, 40 : Meudelli superbissiraa, 352 Cauliflower, Veitch'a txtra Early, 16 Cauliflowers, 240 ; and Lettuce plants, 524 ; in August, 104 Ceanothus flowers, 154 ; Gloire de Ver- sailles, 62, 134, 30.^ 300, 414 ; hardy, 129 ; new varieties of, 234 ; papillosuB, 407 Celery, American, 598 ; crop, the, 448 ; kinds of, 526 Celosia, pyramidal, 477 Celsia bugulifolia, S7 ; cretica, 200 Celosias in winter, 022 Centaurea Cyanus, 0 ; macrocephala, 201 ; montana, 25 ; moschata, 264 ; I'agusina Russelli, 228 Centipede, the luminous, 420, 499 Cerceris arenaria, 589 Cereus C. M. Hovey and others, 102 ; gi- gauteus and pectinatus, 173 Cerinthe major, 21, 202 Cestrum aurantiacum, 499 Chama'dorea glaucifolii, 456 ; in flower, 604 Charcoal, manufacture of, at Penrhvn, 503 Charles JI. Hovey, 71 Cheiranthus Marshalli, 572, 5S4 ; in autumn, 361 Cherry, the Ostheim, 125 Cherries, double-flowered, 195; in pots, 00 ; Kentisli, 348 ; Jlorello, 144 ; Mor- ello, as bushes, 8, 73 ; select, 509 ; trees in Japan, 20 Chimney Campanula, 440 Chimouantlius fragrans, 573; grandi- florus, 543 Chinese Yam, 448 Chirita sinensis, 563 Chironia Lxifera, 204 Christmas Koses, 6S0 ; from Houth, 603 Christmas table decorations, 003 Chrysauthemum coronarium, 153, 440; lacustre, 343; Lady Selborne, 415, 402; la Petite JIarie, 467; Pvex Rubrorum, 402; sliow at Royal Aquarium, 516; Societies' rules, 6f)7; two new Pom- pones, 522 ; early-blooming, 202, 326 ; for exhibition, 270; from seed, 478, 667 ; in November, 613 ; in pots, 414 ; new, 560 ; propagating, 359, 687 ; show and other, 566; the Japanese, 310; un- thinncd, 547; adrastus, 457: culture, 614 ; La Petite Marie, 015 ; late, 624 Church decoration, 437 Cienkowskia Kirki, 17, 73. 129, 504 Cineraria leaves curling, 507, 606 : seed- ling and named, 238 Cissus antarcticus, 322 Ciatus crispus. 111 ; florentinus, 25 City Park, New Orleans, 170 Clematis coccinea, 71, 184, 263; crispa 290 ; Davidiana, 203 ; Duchess of Edin- burgh. 546; graveolens, 342, 300, 373, 461, 672, 680; lanuginosa pallida, 540; Miss Bateman, 81 ; Viticella. 237 ; Viticella rubra grandiflora, 393 Clematis and Wistarias, 134 ; new, 4 Clematises, single, 034 Clerodendron liungei, 388 ; the fragant, 239 ; volubilc, 467 Clerodendrons, the shrubby, 133 Clethra arborea, 547 ; a flue, 659 Clianthus Dampieri, 86, 101 Climbers for porches, 223 Cloches for protecting crops, 606 Clouded Iris, 42 Clubbing in Cauliflowers, 249 Coburghia incarnata, 415 Coccidie, the, 306 Coccocypselum, 025 Cochlioatemon .Tacol>ianmn, 563 Cochroaches, 303 ; eradicating, 407, 382 Cockscomb, Hnely grown. 2a2 Ccclogyne barbata, 561, 598,622; corru- gata, 101 : cristata, thinning bulbs of 601 ; Massangcana, 389 ; Peltastes, 521 '; cristata maxima, 023 Colchicum autumnale, 440 ; speciosum 381 Colchicums in grass, 325 Coleus Ada Seutance, 3a9 ; Columbine 492; crimson velvet, 414; Dolly Var- den, SS9 ; Bdith Seutance, 228 Collecting alpine plants, 636 Columbines, hylirid, 0, 53, 108 Columnca schideana, 596 Coluteas, tlie,138 Combretum purpureum, 222, 359 Comely Bank, notes from, 101 Committees of the Royal Horticultural Society, 605 Composites, autumn flowering, 263 Comptonia asplenifolia, 87 Coniferic at Alnwick Castle, 156 ; juve- nile forms of, 321 Coniferous forests in California, 295 Conifers at Uropniore, 20, 537 ; pruning, 322, 606 Conservatory, light in the, 628 Convolvulus altlucoides, 320 Cooperia pedunculata. 440 Coprosma lueida in fruit, 597 Coreopsis lanceolata, 124, 234 Cornelian Cherry, 444 Cornus florida, 20 ; Mas, 444 Cornwall, notes from, 78 CoroniUa glauca, 603 ; out-of-doors, 506 ; Iberica, 24 Corrca cardiualis, 024 Correas for autumn flower, 540 Corydalis pallida, 440 Costus speciosus, 203, 212 Cotoneastcr Simonsi, 478, 644 Cotoneasters, 433 Cottage gardens, 306 ; at Welmingham, 67 ; combinations for, 365 Country Seats and Gardens : Alnwick Castle, 155 Danesbury Park, 417 ■ Endsleigh, 131 Hampton Court, 105 Trentham, 265 Warwick Castle, 345 Crabonidw, the, 407 Crambe palmata, 72 Cranberry, the American, 32 Crape Myrtle, the, 212, 317 CrassulaSeptas, 416 Crata-gus Crus-Galli ovalifolia. 307 ; Lie- laudi, 366 ; orientalis, 406 ; oxyacantha variegata, 220 Crawfordia japonica, 440 Crinum caribbxum, 440 ; new, 263 ; ama- bile, 622 Criticism at ilanchester, 200, 311 Crocosoma aurea, 177 Crocuses, autumn, 868, 415 Crop, the Potato. 251 Cropping, notes on, 323 Crops and the drought, 26 ; two at once, 215 Croton Bergmani, 40 ; Hawkeri, 478 ; Laingi, 46. 493 ; new varieties of, 200 ; rubio-lineatum, 40, 73 Cucumber Cardirt Castle, 215 Cucumbers, fertilising, 21.5, 251, 3"4 ■ twin, 324 Cucutnis grossularia, 457 Cup flower, 307 CupheaZ,impani, 203 Currant Black Champion, 173; Black Naples, 121 ; Victoria Red, 144 ; keep- ing red, 400 ; on north walls, 169 Cuscuta reflexa, 507 Cyclamen blooms.58S;hardyautumn,290, 318 ; hedera'folium album, 325 ; seed, old and new, 36, 92, 139 ; the Persian, 514 ; .autumn treatment of, 664 ; hardy 319 Cydonia japonica in December, 563; Maulei, 310 ; nivalis, 6U Oymbidium Lowei, 561 Cypripedium insigne Maulei, 641, 662 ; new hybrid, 344 ; Parishi, 161 ; specta- bile, 151 ; sowing seeds of, 562 ; Spicerianum, 521 ; Hooker:c, 023 ; Mau- lei, 622 Dacrydium Franklini, 523 Dactylis glomerata elegantissima, 401 Daffodils, 6, 67 Dahlia Beauty, 389 ; double headed, 262 ; George Kawlings, 290, 311 ; glabrata, 223, 490, 5S0 ; gracilis, 408 ; imperialis, 524 ; Juarezi, 391 ; Mrs. M. Batchelor, Pioneer, 311 ; roots, lifting and storing, 392 ; scapigera, 136, 1S5 ; the Cactus, 381, 408 ; the single white, 318 ; White Queen, 439 ; with double florets, 307 ; single, 630 Dahlias and Pyrethrums, 6 ; propagating, 350 ; wintering, 237, 264, 299, 317, 361^ 392, 410, 421, 160 ; single and double, 340 : single, under glass, 478 DaniEon croplin Kent, 303 ; in Lancashire, 330 Danesbury Park, Wehvyn, 410 Daphne Mezereon grandiflora, 540 ; papy- racea, 499 Datura Mttel, 178 ; sanguinea, 97 Davallia fljiensis plumosa, 493 ; gibbe- rosa, 3S9 : Lorraiuei, 40 ; Mai'iesi cris- tata, 46 Decorations, hardy foliage, 683 Deep cultivation and drought, 44 Delphinium cardinale, 1C3, 178, 319 ; Leon Dubois, 73 ; nudicaule, 9 ; Pom- pon Brilliant. 320 ; rannnculoides. 136 Delphiniums in autumn, 342; select, 130 Dendrobium chrysotis, 320 ; Fitzallani, 416 ; formosum giganteum, 320, 344, 560 ; Goldiei, 561 ; philippinense, 344 ; speciosum Hilli, 582 ; snperbiens, 61 ; Tattonianum, 62 ; aureum, 623 ; mo- niliforme, 623 Dendrol'iunis, the best, 36 Deodar- killed by lightning, 124 Designing gardens, 4S5 Desmodium penduliflorum, 126 Desmodinms, the, 195 Deutzia gracilis, 79 ; hardiness of, 109 ; pruning, 239 ; a new, 167 ; Pride of Rochester, 109 Deutzias, the, 70 ; on grass, 60 Devon, holiday ramble in, 181 ; rambles in, 301 Dianella caTulea, 252 Dianthus cinnabarinus, 72 ; deltoidea, 72 : glacialis, 9 ; longicaulis, 184 Diellenbachia memoria Corsi, 332, 362 Dietes bicolor, 3^7 Dimorpbantlius manschuricus, 234 Dinner-table decoi-ation, artistic, 240 ; at Manchestei-, 250 Dionjea muscipula, 310 Dion edule lanatum, 389 Dioscorea Batatas, 448 Diplacus glutinosus, 54(S Dipladenia auiabilis, 26 ; profusa, 464 ; the species of, 464 Dipladenias, some good, 252 DipteracantJius attinis, 541 Disa grandiflora Barrelli, 203 Disas at York, 153 ; finely Howered, 222 Dodder, the bell-flowered, 567 Dodwell testimonial, the, 625 Dog's-tooth Violets, the, 186 Dogwood, new weeping, 361 ; the varie- gated, 247 Dominy, Mr., presentation to, 408 Doryatithes excelsa, 479, 504 Downside, Leatherhead, Orchids at, 641 Dracwna Goldiei in bloom, 364 ; Lin- deni, 478, 493 Draca'nas colouring, 477 ; growing quickly, 452 Drainage of flower beds, 545 Dropmore, Conifers at, 539 Drosophyllum lusitauicum, 600 ; out-of- doors, 171 Drought and seed bearing, 185 Dublin, notes from, 261, 335, 462 Dublin Natural History Museum, cura- torship of, 625 Dumesuil's Moss, 560 Dutchman's Pipe, the, 190 E. Eastern Thorn, the, 465 Echeandia terniflora, 381 Echeveria metallica in winter, 546 Echcerias for winter flowering, 189 Echinocactus tubiflorus, 212 ; Wislizeni, 173 Echinops, the, 177 Echium rubrum, 136 Economy in fuel, 583 Edelweiss, the, 6, 79, 182 Edge Hall, the gardens at, 151 Edinburgh Botanic Garden, autumn flowers in, 203 EUcagnus argcntea, berries of, 290 Electric horticulture, 503 Elms, old, 443, 478 Endsleigh. 131 English Flower Garden, the, 197, 256, 284, 312, 364 English names, 580,622; a suggestion, C ; at Kew, 4 Enville Hall, 64 Epacris pungens, 458 Epidendrum dichromura, 344, 416, 4S5; Wallisi, 104 ; inversum, 623 Eranthemimi albiflorum, 415 Eremurus himalaicus, 137, 597, 637 ; robustus, 597 Erica Alporti, 203 ; cerinthoides, 262 Eriobolrya japonica, 121 Erodiura hymenodes, 563 Erpetion reniforme, 613 Eryngium spina alba, 319 Eryngiums, the, 177 Erytliricjlittoralis, 136 ; aggregata, C14 Erythrina laurifolia, 137 Erythronium, the species of, ISO Escallonia Ingrami, 407 Espaliers, 245 Eucalyptus Gunni, 71 Eucharidium Breweri, 34 Eucharis amazonica, 522, C26 ; culture of, 506 ; Candida, 437. 469, 681 Eiicomis regia, 264 Euonymus angustifolius, 103 ; latifolins, 311. 307, 394 ; radicans variegatus, 611 Exhibitions, notes on, 291 Exogonum Pnrga. 467 Experiments in Kent, 263 Expenditiu'e in gardens, 621 Fabiana imbricata, 401 Falfugia parado.\a, 25 Fatsia japonica, 493 Female labour in gardens, 339, 367 Fern aphis, the, 64 ; fronds drying, 683 Ferns and gas tar, 253, 280 ; and Ivy in dwelling rooms, 353; liest eight Bri- tish, l;)6 ; hardy, 167 ; spring flowers and, 569 ; in a small town garden, 204 ; native ttlniy, 402 ; small, for market 588 Fertility of fruit trees, 32 Ficus elastica planted out, 588 Filbert trees, barren, 633 Fir-tree oil insecticide, 39 F'loral decoration, simple, 1, 568 Floral decorations of London windows. 216 Floral table decorations, 292 Floral tent, a, 62 Florist's art, plea for the, 1£3 F'lower bed uiaKing, 482 Flower beds, drainage of, 659 ; antunm mixed, 387 Flower gardening on Grass, 018 Flower decoration, wedding and other, 327 ; dressing, 73, 209, 229, 240 ; grow- ing company, a lady's, llti ; hardy, a good, 262 ; a wild, in Sligo, 292 Flowers .Miiongst Roses. 162; at Lang- port, 58 ; autumn, 393 481 ; outdoor, 421 ; becoming weeds, 136 ; bou-shire Gardens, .^4 ; Comely Bank, 101 ; Cra- ven, Yorks, 34 ; from Dublin, 21, 98, 123, 128, 204, 201, 335, 421, 4'12 ; Eilin- bui-gli, 184,293; Olasnevin, 171 ; Mid- Norfolk, 408 ; Mr. Hovey, 681 ; New JCngland, 340; Newry, 171, 217,234 ; New South Wales, 604 ; Norfolk, 204, 327, 686 ; Passiac, 440 ; Scarborough, 101 ; Switzerland, 57 ; .Mount Merrion, C25 Nurseries in the United .States, 205 Nurserymen, caution to, Gj2 Nut, the purple, 219 Nuts, keajtinj-', 500 Nymphaa alba, large, 78 ; alba var. rosea, 17, 394 ; tiava, 17, 1S4 ; odorata rosea, 121 ; tuberosa, 124 NysE.'i aquatica, 415 Oak caterpillars, 3S, OS, 106 ; insects, 105; the prickly, 274; flue foliaged 103 OBn'U.ii!V— Alex. Ingram, 494 Charles Lee, 281 Charles Sijuivep, l.'iO G. C. .load, 474 Hewetf I'ottrell Watson, LTO J. C. Niven, 432 John Ciitteuden, 53S Madame Van Huutte, 223 Alichael Watc-er, 678 Provost Eussel, 432 S. Jr. Carson, 150 W. E. Kendle, l.'iO Wilham Sliarpe, 150 Thomas Williams, 610 OdontoglosBura Coradinei, GI ; crispiira (.Alexandra), 12, 37 ; var. 320, 581 ; grande, 344, 496 ; haslilnbium, 410 ; Londesboroughianum, 410 ; madreuse, 344 ; Roezli, 344 ; vexillarium atroro- seum, 40 ; vexillarium ruljeilum, 339 ; V. rubrum, 46 (Knothera Fraseri,44 ; tarax.'icifolia,234 Oiled paper, 440 Olea frasians, Oil (llearia Haasti, 223,360 Omphalocarpum procerum, 456 Oncidiuni clieirophorum,52I;daEytyIe,104; Forbesi Carderi, 6:>>;(.iardrieriiinum, 73 ; lanceanum, fine v.uiety of, 20S ; O'Brien- ianum, 453 ; ornithoi-hjnchum, 453 (incidiuras at home, 208 Onion maggot, 05 Onions, autumn sown, 215 ; keeping, 54 '-Inosmas, the culti^-ated, 183 opuntia Kaflnesiiuei, 548, 014, 637 Orange bushes in pots, 504 Orchard home, the, 244, 590 ( irchard management 346 ; trees pruning, 577 ; space and cultivation for, 121 Orchid culture, 37, 282, 593. 6C0, 639; clay slabs for, 382 ; cool, 562 Orchids atBrentham Park, Stirling, 582 ; Bridge of Allan, 104 ; Camden Park, 604 ; Downside, Leatheihead, 541 ; Drumlanrig, 61 , SO, 252 ; Glasnevin, 382 ; Regent's I'ark, fo ; failing to bloom, 495 : hardy of Northern Indiana, 61 ; in November, 521 ; importations of, ■403 ; importing cool, 576 ; made-up specimen, 149; making up specimen, 207, 251; native h.ibiiats of, 1,58; notes on in tlower, 01 ; shy tiower- injr, 561, 581 ; tastefully arranged, 495 ; temperature and system of management. 334 ; winter, 479 ; at Christmas, 015 ; at Sudbury House, Hammersmith, 617 ; Dr. Paterson's, C17 Orchis sesfjuipedalis, 72 Oriental Plane, the, 524 Ornithcgalum arabicum, 24 ; pyraraidale, Osbeckia pulchella, 437 Ouvirandra fenestralis, 546 O.xalis incarnata, 391 ; luteola, 305 Oxycoccus mac ocai-pus, 32 Oxjria reniformis, 5si Padua Hue, 81 Palafo.xia Hookeriana, 262 Palms of elegant growth, ill ; the Date. 189 Pamp.as Gras«, the, 519 ; hardiness of new varieties, 202 Pancratium illytitum, ino, 223 Pancratiums, their uses .and culttire, 237 Pansy Golden Perfection, 326 Pansies, a list of the best, 68. 342 ; and the weather, 156, 423: and Violas for spring decoration. 160, 391 ; in sum- mer, 601, long in bloom, 58, 275 Papaver nudicaule, 261 ; miniatum, 172 ; spicatum, 42 ; umbrosum, 393 Parnassia asaiifolta, 380 Parsley sowing, 10 Passaic, notes from, 440 PassiHora kermesina, 407, 414 ; vitifolia, 26 Passionflowers, showy, ?1I Paste and insect pests, 00 ; and Co altar, 121 Paulownia imperialis, 319, 373 Favia nnu-rostachya, 22;i Pea and Bean weevils, 548 Pea, a uew, 264 ; Day's Ktirly .Sunrise, IG ; Giant Marrow, 323 ; GlaTiator, .578; John Bull, 148 ; Kelway's Gladiator, 5iJ7 ; Laxton's Alpha, 10 : perpetual bearer, 173 ; President Garfield. 458 Peas, amongthe, 152, 216. 251, 204, 323, 363 Peas and Potatoes 324, 428 Peas attacked by Krysipha. 150 ; autumn and spring sown, 54 ; early, 667 ; for early cropping, 525 ; late, 249, 323 ; new, 37, 557 ; varieties of, 54, 122 Peach, Early Beatrice, 90 ; flowers ferti- lising, 67 , Late Adniiraljle, 252 ; Henii Micheliu, 633 Peaches ana Apples at Manchester, 305 ; and Nectrrines out-of-doors, 33.) ; stan- dards, 144 ; summer pruning, 187 ; and Pears, settiiig of, 8 ; best for outdoors, 380 ; droppinir, 380 ; early, 314 ; in California, 214 ; in November, 465 ; setting of, 77 Peach trees, brushing foliage from, 144 ; brushing leaves from, 245 ; sectional trellises, .509 ; sta-dard, 221. 253 Pear, Alexandre Lambre, 3u5 ; blipht, cause of, 244 ; culture of, for profit, 172 ; Directeur Alphand, 503 ; LJoytnne du Comice, 425 ; General Todleben, 509, 664 ; Welton BeurriS, 479 Pears, a few good, 448 ; a few market, 265 ; at Ai-undel, 380 ; bird-pecked, .=00 ; cracked, 331 : popular American, the best, 88, 144, 167, 189, 213, 33", 377 Pear trees, renewing old, 563 ; scale on, 633 Pelargonium, Annie Hemsley, 46 ; Bon- fire, 275 ; Britomart, 46 : Christobel, 46; Dr. Andr6, 212: Formosa, 46; Henry Cannell, 73 ; Lucie Lemoine, 46; Had. Thibaut, 40; Mrs. Miller, 311 ; Sunbeam, 46 Pelargoniums, continuous flowering, 190; defoliating, 264, 'i^5 ; in autumn, 343 ; new, 102 ; pinching, 281; whi'e thow, 15 : zonal, 581 ; winter blooming, 620 Peliionia Davaueana, 311, 624 Pentstemon oarbatus, 209 ; Cobiea, 171, 216 ; Torreyi, 343 Pentstemons from seed, 181 ; hardy, 44; select kinds of, 129 Peperomia prostrata, 261 Pernettyas, 013 Pescatorea Klabochnium, 622 Petunia Mount Beauty, 407 Petunias at Forest Hill, 17 ; from seed, 54 Pha':cnoppids, 18 Phahcnopsis Casta, .521 ; at Clapton, 407 ; intermedia Portei, 521; leucoihoda, 521 ; Schilleriana, 453, 485 ; violacci, 40, 344 Ph.alangium elegantissimuro, 598 Philadelphus, species of, 10 I'hlomis fruticosa, 25 Phlomis, the species of, 301 Phlox Drummondi Victoria in antumn , 367; glaberrima, 99; new white, 480; pilosa, 440; stellaria and otherspecies 66 Phloxes, 177 ; autumn, 2S3 ; herhaceon.=, 223 ; from seed, ;!85, 393 ; perennial, 422 : seedling perennial. 438 Pb\geliU3 capensis, 320, 502 rlijllagathis rotundifolia, 212 I'hylloxera, the, 480 Phvtenmas, the, 43 Picea nobilis in cone, 293 ; pectinato :j94 ; a fine, 321 Picot-e, Painted Lady, 128, 130 ; new, 100 Pihimna fragrans, 410. 622 Pine forest of Ravenna, 505 Pine sawfly, 247 Pines in Arizona, 360 ; in pits, 633 Pine apples, plunging, in sawdu-t, 471 Piii-iiicula caud.ila, 300 ; grandiHora, 327 I'ingu'ciila, the, 212 Pink, the garden, ls3, 402 ; a plea for tlie 237 Pinks, Chinese, 421 ;" cutting," 408, dwar', 25, 208 : good sorts of, 64 ; Indian in October, 308 ; Jllule, 283, 401 ; propagating, 167. 294 ; and other flowers frnm seed, 630; single, 013 Pinus austriaca, 443 ; ponderosa, 171 ■ reflexa 360 Pit, a span-roofed, 75 Pitcairnia ferruginea, 504 ; Jacksoni.SIl ; zeifolia Decaisneana, 415 Pitcher plants, new, 407 ; raising, 53 ; W'allichisna, 457 P'antes dun Horticulteur, IG Plane, the Eastern, 433; trees, the, 309 Planes in London, 497 Plantain Lilies, 70, 82, 390 Plantations, ornamental , 10 ; thinning, 221 Plant collector, rambles of a, 84, 239, 274 Plant fertilisers, 5;'>7 ; food, 34 ; growth, exuberant, 185 ; houses, 15 ; hybrids, 403 ; and labels, 120, 2(2, 302, 363 ; mimicry, 178 ; names, Latin, 00, 142 ; nomenclature, errors in, 358; rarities in Eilinburgh. 236, 459 ; at home, 282, 502 ; collecting, 678 ; iu winter, 519 ; soil for, 341, 387, 430, 459, 479, 610, 555, 669, 580, 685 ; aiTanging for etiect, 64 ; bedding, 229 ; at Bathronan, 44 ; in succession, 392 ; bulbous native, 237 ; by post from abroad, 76 ; certificated at Chiswick, 149 ; cool house for orna- mental, 35 ; exchanging duplicate, 306 ; fine folif^ged, a few good, 251 ; for exposed places, 342 ; room decoration, 180; for ihe house. 293 : hard-wooded greenhouse, 331 ; hardy bulbous, 416 ; h.irdy in November, 601 ; hardy, lists of. 600 ; hardy, notes on, 669 ; hardy w.ater, 299 ; herbaceous, aspect of, 108 ; house, 281 ; hybrid, 81 ; Indian, 264 ; in flower in November, 651 : interest- ing aquatic, 394 ; in the right places, 600 ; labels for, 506 ; large herbaceous, 136 ; North American, 13 ; over potting, 238 ; photographs of, 143 ; propagating bedding, 236 ; seaside, 182 ; soils for alpine, 307 ; specimen, " made up," 104 ; staking, 44 ; variegated, 77 ; win- dow, 180 : window blooming, 93 ; winter flowering, 354 Plants, Hlpiu^i and soil, 635 ; alpine col- lecting, 036 ; alpine at home, 601 ; bed- ding and fine foliage, 014 ; bulbous, sowing seec's of, 622 ; growing alpine, 634; protecting outdoor. 020; rare, 002,036 : winter-flowering, 6i'8 Platanus orientalis, 42 \ 433, 524 Platyceriuins, the, 63 Platjcodons, the, 177 Plumbago capensis and rosea. 111 ; out- of-doois, 423; zejiandica, 468; rosea suiperba, 025 Plumiera rubra, 178 Plum leaves, diseased, 281 Plums under glass, 214 Plum trees, barren, 337 ; in pots, SS Podfiyibyllum peltatum, 261 Poet Waller's garden, 34 Pt^gonia ophioglossoides, 02 Piinsettias, 697 ; failure of, 587; fine, 681 ; losing leaves, 618 ; and Primulas, 027 ; culturt of, 624, 636 ; fine, C05 • for maiket, 004 Poljanthus Sunrise, .544 ; gold-laced, 036 Polyanthuses, the gold-laced, 339, 392. 474, 480. 519, 615 ; treatment of, 400 Polygala Chamaibuxus, 467 Polyponuni cymosum, 320 Pompone Brilliant, 103 Poldar, the Lombard), U Poppies, Indian, 128 ; the best, 17, 21 Popular errors in horticulture, 507 Populusfastiginta, 11 Portugal Laurels in Hower, CO Potato culture, 275; disease, the, 262 412 ; Early Alpha, 16 ; harvest, the, 323. 339,386, 5,58, ,513; Mona's Pride, 249 ■ Parisienne, 448 ; planting, 276, 324 ; Pride of America, 194, 215 ; prospects- 05 ; show, Essex, 386 ; show, interna, tional, :J38 ; Sutton's Hero, 428 ; Ch.om- pion, 412 ; trials at Chiswick, 492 Pctatoes, Anglo-American, 104 ; apply- ing patent manure to, 16 ; at the Cry- stal Palace, 363 ; planting, 270 ; a word .abjut, 525 ; fashionable, 37;!, 428 ; lift- ing early, 148 ; some new, 260 ; win- tering. 657 Pot culture and root pruning, 31, 121 Potenlillas, 0 Pothos argyraia in flower, 222 ; avwca, 14 Powderham Castle, 245 Pratia aiignl.ita, 222, 563 Presentaiion, the Dodwell, 491 Preston show, awards at the, 362 Prices of seeds and roots, 15 Prickly Pear, the hardy, 548 Primroses and Polyanthus. 156 Primroses in November, 496 Primula capitata, 9, 12,8, 182, 368 ; Fhe Queen, 586; floribunda. 72; japonica, 99 ; Meteor, 407 ; sikkimens'is, 421 :, sinensis foliis variegalis, 492 ; the blue ,581 ; White Lady, 520 ; Eeadin Pink. 625 Primulas, the, 79 ; at rest. 324 ; Chinese, 643 ; culture of, 120 ; double propagat- ing, ,546 Privets, the, 293 Prizes, special, 040 Profits of fruit growing, 654, 573 ProraeiKca citrina, 61 Prnug hoes, 37 Propagating evergreens. 322 Pruning Plum trees, 144 Prunus Pissardi, 203 ; serotina, 29 ; Si- moni, 385 Pteris scaberula, 563 Pulmonaria saccharatagrandiflora, 299 Pyrethrum uligino&um,"301 I'yrethrums, double, ;106 ; single, 6 Pyrns Uosti, 153, 370; Sorbus domestica, 444 <3 Quumoclit coccinea, 3G2 (Jueruus coccifeia, £74 (juince, fruit of the Japan, 509 Rainfall of the British Isles, 130 Ranioiidia pjrtnaica, b7 Kaphiolepissalicifolia, 498 Kaspberriep, 170 ; cuttiiis down, 531 uewly planted, 501 ; piuniiig, SfiS Reading Anrstry, notes frf^m ihe, 137 Redleaf, near Peiishuist, 373 Retinnspora ol.tusa aiirea, 524 Rhamnus Krangula, 223 Rhexia vjiginica, 213, 264 Rhudouhitiin volubile, 11:9 Rhododendron Auckltndt, 328 ; lia*-diness of, 361 ; cinnat>arinum, 52 ; UtKhess of Edluburfch, 17; Lady Alice Kitz- William, 2S0; retufcum, 08; New Bor- nean, 6u5 EhododeiidroTip, ^eenh-'iise, 547 ; hardi- ness of the Himalayan, 38 7, 517; hybrid, 419 ; in Austria, 478 ; sawdust for, 74 Rhodotypoa keiriuides, 523 RhusL'oiinus. 204 ; laciniatigl?bra, 220 ; Osbecki, 420 Richardjii hastata, 153 Richmond Chrysanthemum thow, '.IG Riviera shore, by the, 508 Riviny flava, 3(i(; Rivinasin fiuit. 4PS Robinia hispida. 12, 294 ; viscosa, 420 Rocheafalcata, ■542 Rockeries and alpine (lowers, 43 ; forma- tion of. J:S Rock garden, the, 150 Rock gaidens in Austro-Hungary, 500 Rockwork, creep. rs for, 2lii Rogiera Ln-atissima, J72, (iu4 Romneya foulti: ri, 31*3 Romulea Macowani, 543 Rondeletia anomala, 72, 437 Root blasting with pcteutite, 2S, 304. 3G5, 553 ; pruning. 632 Roots and dynamite, 505 ; fibrous, 26S ; too deeply covered, 448 Rosa blenda, G7 ; polyantha, 407 ; rugosa, 102 ; autumn tints of, 437 Rosemary twijr?, 557 Rose Acacia, the, 295 Rose blooms, 162; buds, 247; Campion the double, 184; elections, 6; garden our, 579 ; growing v, showing, 161 hedges, 418 ; houses, 170, 498 ; in the garden, 434; ilarechal ivieJ, a Xlori- ferous, 8; a large, 176; Maiguerite Brassac. 17G ; Panach^e d'Orleans, 130;. season, the, 30 ; of ISSl, the, 289, 497; shoots in December, 579; show at Sheffield, lOO; shows, autumn, 419; the Japanese, 102. 133; Thomas Go- rard, 207 ; York and Lancaster, 102 Rcses, a book about, 8 ; a field day among, 132 ; and Violets in Yorkshire^ 422 ; at Goodwood. 30; at Manchester,. 288; at Sheffield, 161 autumnal, 390; autumn-blooming, 3J0 ; bedding per- petual and other, b75 ; best for a small garden. 67 ; best Lea for forcing, 74 ; budded, 418, 4')7; budding of, 30, 66; Christmas, 5S6 ; for towns, 579 ; la November, 457 ; in orchard houses, 579 : in pots, 390, 467, 4S2 ; mildew on, 30, 133 ; Jlr. Bennett's, 579 ; new, I ; notes on, 576 ; October, 435, 548 ; of the season, 102 : origin of Moss, 346 ; pegged down, 161, 207 ; planting. 271, 498 ; propagating by layers, 207 ;' pro- pagation of own root, S3, 271 ; protect- ing in winter, 175 ; protection of, 548 ; scarcity of, 8 ; second crop, 339 ; show, 7, 30; show of cut, 130; some garden, 175 ; strong diet for, 161 ; Sweet Ptas on standard, 162: Tea, from Donny- brook, 520 ; Tea. in pots 567 ; Tea, iu the garden, 289; the gale among the, 435 ; the time of, 30 ; too much pruned, 419; typical, S3, 102; or Camellias. 628 ; pot, 029 ; Tea, potting in mid-sum- mer, 629 Royal Arboretum, Edinburgh, 522 Rubus canadensis, 171 ; odoratus, 125 ; phienicolasius, 129; hardy 178 Rudbeckia Xewmanni; 3Sl;nitida, 293; virginiana, 32G Jan. 7, 1882.] THE GARDEN INDEX. Kudbeckias, -ICi Rust on Grapes, 592 Ruta patavina, 81. S. Saccolabiiim HeiKleraoni, 46 St. John'3 Wort on dry ground, 520 Salads, winter, 324 Salix altta 4-20 Salvia liethelli, 416, 563 ; coilestina, 544 ; gesnerioflora in borders, 290 : Greigi, 317 ; interrupta, 303 ; Mens. Issanchou, 45" ; Pitcheri, ri46 ; porphyranthera, 1-2.1 ; rutilans, 541 ; Schiraperi, 522 Salvias, winter, 522 ; indoors in winter, 607 Sarabucus macrophylla, 217; racemosa, 52 Sand wasp, the, 580 Sarraoenia Conrti, 311 ; IJnibata, 46 ; pur- purea, bardinesa of, 7S Saxifra^'a t'ortunei, 458 Saxifrnges, broad-leaved, 310, 242; and Croci, 476 Sawdust for plunging Pines. 471 Scabious cauca?ica, 325 ; dwarf and tall, 421 ; in winter, 624 Scale insects, 306 Scale OH Pear trees, cure for, 633 Scarborough Lilv, the, 318, 402 Scarlet berried KUler, 52 Scarlet Runners, 324 Scented Verbena, 484 Schizoneura lanigera, 38 Schizostylis coccinea. 462, 560 Schonbrunn, notes from, 264 School gardening in Ireland, 185 Scilla lingulata, 264 Scypanthus elegans, 367 Sea Buckthorn, the, 524 Sea Lavenders, 151 Seakale, substitutes for, 375 iSeason, mildness of the. 516 Sedum carneum variegatum, 301 ; spec- tabile, 209 ; spuiium for bedding, 157 ; Telephium, 154, 422 Seed catalogues, 639 Seed pods, thinning and removing, 283 Seed testing, curiosities in, 350 Seeds, autumn, 57 ; good and bad, 240 Selwood Cottage, near Frome. 205 Senecio macroglossus, 544, G15, 620; mi- crophyllQs, 261 ; oxycrirefolius, 563 ; pulcher, 128, 177, 217, 2Qi>, 320; ab- ainthifolius, 42, 81 Sequoia senipervirens nlba spica, 613 Sericographis Ghiesbreghtiana, 597 Shrubberies, renovating old, 217 Shrubs for a north wall, 23 1 ; for flower garden, 223; under Beech trees, 337; variegated, 167 ; ben-y-beariug, 602 ; oranmental. 611 Sida raalva'flora, 130 ; vitifolia, 184 Silene pennsylvanica, 87 Silver I'ir, a remarkable Silver Maple, new forms of, 167 Siou Hill, Ferry Bank, 34 Sitona lineata and crinita, 548 Skimmia japonica, 625 SmUax, the, 100, 105 Snapdragons, 154 ; dwarf, 103 ; for rock- work, 157 Snowdrop tree, 10 Snowy Fly, the, 633 Sobralia xantholeuca, 18 Societies— Alexandra Palace Chrysanthemum show, 507 ; Crystal Palace fruit, 232 ; Flower garden at Hawley, 234 ; Har- borne Potato, 338 ; International Potato, 33S ; Jlancbester Inter.'iational, 224 ; National Carnation and Picotee, 99, 232 ; National Rose, 45, 232 ; Pelar- goniom, 74 : Royal Botanic, 46 ; Royal Horticultural, 18, 73, 125, 172, 228, 311, 389, 492, 598 Soil, a book on, 338 Solanum, a new, 149 ; jasminoides, 478 ; laciniatum, 207 ; venustum, OS Solidago rigida, 320 Sonerilas. 479 Sophora japonica, 178, 373 Southend, Darlington, 4-18 Sparaxis pulcherrima, 153, 588, 605 Specimen Orchids, made up, 161, 100 Speedwell, the Grey, 79 Spenserian flowers, 341 Sphagnum, living, an aid to culture, 252 Spinach sowing, 122 Spindle Tree, fruits of, 369 SpiiicaaiiD-'folia, 21, 08, 134 ; crispifolia, 440 ; Filipendula, 6 ; Lindleyana, 78, 111 ; Reevesi, 23 ; sorbifolia, 0 ; trifo- liata. 5; venusla var. lobata, 78 Spiraias, forcing, 515, 566, 60S ; shrubby, 103 ; liome grown, 608 Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, 557 Spring, preparing for, 156 Stapelias, culture of, 586 Star Grass, 88 Statice taurica, 216 Stenibergia lutea, 388 ; angustifolia, 482 ; sicula, 423 Stobxa purpurea, 438 Stock, inriuence of, on scion, 531, 501 Stocks in November, 541 ; Ten-week, for cutting, 137 Storm, the, 506 Strawberry, a new, 9 ; beds, digging. 244 Strawberry British Queen, 425; La Mar- guerite, 33, 144 ; plants for an acre, 244 ; plants for ftircing, 244 ; plants, planting out forced, 8 ; plants, two in pot, 00, 121, 160, 243 ; runners, plant- ing for, 304 Strawberries, forced, in autumn, 243 ; forcing, 577; for light soils, 08; in clumps, 33 ; in pots, 592 ; late, 393 ; layering, 67 ; new, 509; pot, 330 ; pot- ting, 68; the best for light soils, 400; cropping between, 633 ; in December, 633 Straw mats, 587 ; the Aston- Clinton, 53S Strcptocarpus jiauciflorus, 178 Styraxes, the specit'S of, 273 Succulents for winter decoration, 436 Summer notes 49 Sunflowers, tall, 261 Superphosphate of lime, 3S0 Swanley Nursery, 475 Swede Turnips, forced, 324 Sweet Brier in the wild garden, 56 Sweet Ferns, 87 Sweet Williams, the, 10, 43 Symplioricarpus racemosa fructo-rubra, 540 ; vulgaris, Oil Symphytum otticiuale aureo-variegatum, 261 Syon by the Thames, 425 Syon House, large trees at, 613 Syringa for forcing, 515, 565 Tabemremontana Camassa, 222 Table decoration, 353, 538 ; for Christ- mas, 603 Tachiadenus oarinatus, 125, 362 Tagetea Parryi, 262, 331 Tecoma capensis, 457 Tennis lawns, 303, 584 Terrace wall, the, 14 Testudinaria sylvatica, 499 The Dell, Egham, 22 Theropogonpallidus, 21 Thibautia pulchra, 222 Thorn, variegated, 220, 2i7, 274 ; the Glastonbury. 625 Thoughts about Roses, 50 Thuubergia alata, 164 ; and others, 211 ; fi-agrans, 362. 402 Thymus azureus, 136; patavinus, 171 Tiger flower, the, 109 Tilia macrophylla, 396 ;nussissippiensis, 420 Tillandsia Lindeni vera, 543 Tinna^a ajthiopica, 415 Titlie, the extraordinary, 130 Tomato, the, as an insecticide, 353, 382 ; Dedham Favourite, 125 ; Bed Currant, 215 ; Carter's Yellow Plinn, 323 Tomatoes and insects, 463; huge, 600; hybrid, 37 ; for winter, 324 ; from Ca- nada, 403; well grown, 54 Top dressing, 636 ToxicoplivK-ca cyanocrocus, 62; specta- bilis, 457 Tree, a well trained, 160 Tree lifter, the new, 412 Tree roots and dynamite, 505 Tree, young fruit, in Kent, 348 Trees and health, 43(i Trees and shrubs at Byfleet, 12 ; bright fruits of, 321 Trees, carpeting under large, 240 ; date of flowering in New England, 218; fruit, training, 292 ; fruit, transplant- ing, 553 ; near houses, 478, 650 ; or- chard house, 447 ; protecting from rabbits, 247, 352 ; remarkable at Gor- don Castle, 305 ; replanting large blown down, 517, 550 ; storm broken, 506; town, 210; training wall, 448; uprooted by machinery, 223 ; varie- pated, 24; at Bitton in 1830,612; at Highclere, 611 ; at Syon House, mea- surements of, 613 ; grown at Bitton, 604 Trentham, 265 Trichinium Manglesi, 171, 172, 456, 478, 515, 625 ; propagation of. 567 Tritonia Burchelli, 361; McOwani, 129; aurea, 458, 569 Trollius europrcus, 44 ; naturalised, 81 Tropicolum, Bedfont Rival, 08, 136, 318; Empress of India, 130 ; Hermine Gras- hott", 398; pentaphyilum, 203; specio- sum, 124, 177, 178, 210, 519; among Bamboos, 6 ; in fruit, 482 ; tuberosum, 368 Tropjeolums, propagating double, 17 Tropical plant house=, 14 Tuberose, the, 210; liarainess of, 108 Tuberoses at Birmingham, 238 ; cool treatment of, 127 ; under cool treat- ment, 112 Tulip tree, flowers of the, 321 Tupa Fuelii, 203 Turnip flv remedy, 143 Turnip, New Whi'e Fgg, 402 ; Rabiole, 394 Turnips, early, 148 Tussilago fragrans, 5S5 Tydaias, 302 Tyuingbame Muscat Grape, 554 Urceolina anrea, 507 ; peudula, 437 Utah, wild fruits of, 68 Utricularia Eudreii, 46 ; montana, 98, 515 V. Vaceinium erythrinum, 663 Valeriana Plui aurea, 585 Vallota purpm-ea, 178, 318 ; planted out, 367 VandaBatemanni,62.407 ; Beusoni, 407 ; coerulea, a tin**, 560 ; at Crewe Hall, 495 ; forms of, 521 ; the Burford Lodge, 581 ; cristata, 522 ; insigois, 104 ; lamel- lataBoxalli, 522; Lowi, 61 ; teres, 21 ; furva, 622 I Vegetables, novelties in, 165 ; forced and ' protected. 75 ;f(ircing, 122, 525 ; green, 1 75; green in winter and spring. 164; j keeping in winter, 164; preserved, ' :i:t9, 402 ; special prizes for, 494 I Venidium calendulaceura, 234 Ventilation overdone, 401 Venus Fly-trap, 310 Verbascum olympicum, 261 Verbenas from seed, 104, 137, 318 Veronica devoniensis, 70 ; neglecta, 23 ; subsessillp, 310 ; Traversi by the sea, 135 Veronicas, New Zealand, 342 Viburnum Opulus, 12; plicatum, 407 Vicia sylvatica, 200 Victoria Park, the long border in, 282 Vienna, fruit and flower show at, 386 Villanova chrysanthemoidee, 439 Vine and Peach leaves, 401 ; at Hampton Court, the, 244, 501 ; borf'ers, 306 ; culture of, 486, 550, 6:t'J ; growing in Germany, 24 1 ; leaves diseased, 270 ; borders, the Clovenfords, 633 Vines barking, 502 ; beautiful, 237 ; for late crop, 53^ ; material for plunging, riOO;meal.v bug on, 304 ; on the extension system, 554 ; open air, 8, 331 ; planting. 348, 380 ; prepaiing for forcing, 447 ; pruning, 413; resting, 531, 502; syring- ing, 9; diseased. 370; barbing and dressing, 633 Viola odorata and argentiflora, 400 ; pe- data, SS, 440 ; bicolor, 200, 381 ; Vestal, 223 Violas, new strains of, 17 Violet, Marie Louise, 204, 496, 510 Violets, forcing, 311 ; in frames, 477 ; Neapolitan, 520 ; propagating, 209 ; red spider on, 585, 601, 626; ventilat- ing, 401, 442 ; winter-flowering, 36 Virgilia lutea, 52 Vitis heteropliylla, 367 Vittadenia australis, 366, 423 w. Wahlenbergiu dalmatica, 72 Wallflowers doulde, 520 ; in autumn, 572 ; in winter, 510, .544, 0 3 ; single, 156 ; single yellow, 636 Walnuts, keeping, 456 Wash for outbuildings, 125 Wasps, 420, 538 Waste of force in heating, 476 Watering in autumn, 350 Water Lilies, tropical, at Kew, 130 Water plants, hardy, 290 Watsonia rosea, 319 Wax Myrtle, 87 Weigela hortensis nivea, 362 Weirs, making pictures{|ue, 33 Wellingtouia in fruit, 360, 420 Western Pitch Pine, the, 171 Wild birds, 69 Wild gardening, planis suitable for, 41, 50. 76, 349 ; in Pine woods, 156 Wild i\ highly kept gardens, 208 Willow culture, 396 Willows, basket, in Scotland, 91 Window boxes in wiater, 537 Window plant, a novel, 538 Winslade Park, 301 Winter Dattodil, 482 Winter, elfects of, in Nairnshire, 34 Winter flowers at Chiswick, 562; stove flowers, 475 Winters, fatal, 29 Wistaria sinensis, 420 Witsenia corymbosa, i5S Woods iu Am rica, 475 Worroia Burbidgei, 564 ** Worm twios,'' the, 454 Worms in gardens, 580 Xanthoceras sorbifolia, propagating the, 134 Yew, ancient, in Hayling Island, 195 Yew, golden berried, 543; poisoning by, 558 ; varieties of common, 218 Yorkshire, notes from, 216 Yucca fliamentosa, 363 ; Feacocki, 26 ; recurva, 237 Yuccas in flower, 124 Zauschneria califomica, 367, 368 Zephyranthes subispatha and rosea, 190 Zinnia Haageana. 423 Zinnias, 82 ; tine, 201 Zygopeta'um Clayi hybriduni, 561 ; Mackayi, flne, 562, 623; Sedeni, 104; Wendlandi, 344 THE GARDEN INDEX. [Jan. 7, 1882. ENGRAVINGS. Abieaalbn 1:U ,, exceUa »1 „ uigra 134 ,, obovata 91 Acer dasycarpum crispum .. .. 166 ,, laciniatum I(i7 ,, Wieii )nt-iniatiiiii ., .. 220 Acineta Uuniboldti 113 Actiniopteris radiata 529 Aleurodes Chelidoni .. .. .. 633 Allium cieruleum 135 Alliums, white flowered . . , . 79 Alnwick Castle 155 „ „ Percy Tower at . . 159 American Aloes by the Riviera . . 508 American blight 39 Andromeda panicnlata .. .. 27 Anthurium Aiidreauum, fine flower of C07 Aquilegia cicrulea ., . . . . lOi Arch and root ornament .. .. 9G Armeria Laucheana ,. .. .. 57 Aaplenium lepidum 527 Batatas paniculata 625 Bed in Hyde Park 545 Bed with fine foliage plants .. 614 Betula pumila .. .. „ .. 58 Birch, the cut-leaved 50 Bird-scarer, the bell 305 Bomarea Carderi 627 Bouvardia Alfrel Neuner .. „ 35 Bramble bored by (."rabonidic , . 46.-' Cabbage Powdered Wing . . „ 631 Camellia scale .. .. .. .. 307 Candytuft, Giant Rocket .. .. 58(1 Casuarina qnidrivalvis .. .. 441 Cherry, the douMe flowering .. 104 Chrysanthpmum, the Japanese .. 810 City Park, New Oileans, view in .. 179 Clematis graveolens 461 Clematises, sirgle 634 Clouded Iris 42 Crabro cephalotes 468 ,, Panzeri 463 Cratiegus oiientalis 465 Crocus nudiJioiiu 415 Ciiscuta reflexa £67 Dahlia White Queen 439 Deutzia Pride of Rochester. . . . 109 Edelweiss, the 1S3 Elephant trap 97 Endsleigh, Pond Cottage at .. 131 Epidendrum diuhromum .. .. 485 Eriobotrya japonica 121 Euonymus latifolius 395 Fa';ade fur a e nservatory . . Ferny nouk, a Fruit garden, plan of a French Funkia lancifid'a variegata.. ,, SieboUU Garden and 1 iwn, well designed ,, a small town sougfeters Gaillardia granditlora maxima Gau'tbeiia proeumbens Gladiolus hybridus Fni-beli.. GK'xinia maculata, . .. 07 146 446 403 592 ?50 235 2C9 384 547 Hampton Court 105 Ilelianthus niultifiorus irajor .. 4 1 Hibberd's Potato cul \vc .. .. i)6 Hibiscus sjriacus 360 Huntingdon Willow at tlaverholme Prioiy 336 trunk of .. 337 Hyde Park, subtropical bed in .. 545 Iris sordida (i^jiectibilis) Ixid'.iiiin tataricum .. Jacque-ncntia azurei Juniperus hiberuica . 42 63 631 172 Lagerstrcumia indica 26 Leontopodtum alpinum .. .. 182 Lily of the Valley, Victoria.. .. 565 Lilies, Ijud of Tiger, at Moultou Grange . . ,. . . .. 585 Lilium Humboldti 568 „ longitlorum florlbundum .. 505 „ pardalinum, t)ulb of.. .. 526 „ showing h:il)it of growth . . b26 Liudenia rivalis . . . . . . 609 liriodendron tulipiferum, flowers of 321 Loquat flowers and fruit .. .. 121 Melastoma malabathrica ., .. 163 Melon in open air (Uibbenl) .. 98 Miltouii Candida grandiflora .. 4(>3 Monaco, view in garden at . . . . 550 Mr. C. M. Hovey 70 Mr. John (iibsou 1 Mnstel scale 307 Nelumbium luteum 500 ,, at home 501 Onosma fauiica 183 Parterre at Castres, Fr,ince.. .. 419 Pea wtevil, the striped .. .. 549 Pemphredon nnicolor .. .. 4 8 Phlomis frutxosa 301 Phygelius captniis .. .. .. 503 Pink, a tingle — .. .. , 613 Pinus austriaca , . .. .. 413 ,, i)ondtroFa .. .. .. 170 Plan of a French fruit garden .. 446 Plane tree in Stationeis* Hall Court 4s8 Platauusacerif'^liahispaniea.leaf of 37 J ,, aeerifolia, leaf of .. „ 371 ,, cnneata, leaf r)f ,. .. 371 „ digitata, leaf of .. ..371 ,, occidentalis, leaf of .. 370 ,, orientalis at Ilighflere .. 3*i0 ,, at home 373 „ leaf of 371 Podophyllum peltatum .. ,. 261 Poplars by mill stream, Thatcham 11 Poppies, fringed 123 Primula sikkiraensis 421 Purple Loosestrife, flower of „ 129 Rhodotypos kerrioides . , , . 523 Robinia hispida .. , .. 295 Rock fernery at Danesbury . . 417 Rockery at Langport, a nook in the 217 Rockwork 99 Sand wasp, the 585 Scabioea caucasica 325 Schi2oneura laniiera 39 ScoUpeudrium vulgire, seedlings of 529 Selwood cottage, near Frorae . . 205 Senecio macroglofsus .. .. 629 ,, niacroph^lhi.s .. .. 261 Silver Maples, new 167 Snowy Fly 633 SolanuD), a new 149 Stembergia lutea 483 ,, anguslifulia .. .. 48:i Syon by the river 424 Tortoise scale 307 Trentham, from Monument Hill .. 26> ,, private conservatory ... 267 principal front .. .. 269 Tiitonia aurea 66i> Tropical plants in Palm house, Kew 14 Tulip tree, flowers of the .. ,. 321 Villa of M. Ch. Gamier, Brodi- ghera « 4CG Warwick Castle from the river .. 345 ,, Cedars by the riyer 349 ,, within the walls .. 347 Weir's Cut-leaved Maple . . . . 220 Wild garden, colonies of Narcissus, &c 55 Woodwardia orientalis, frond of . . 530 XerophyUum asphodeloides IDS COLOURED PLATES. BATATAS PANICULATA IJOMAUEA CALDASIAXA CAM ASSI A EyCL'LE NTA CATTLEVA MENDELLI SUrEllDLSSlMA CEREU8 C. M. HOVEY CIENKOWSKIA KIKKI CLIANTHUS DAMPIERI DAHLIAS, OKOUP OF SINGLE DIPLADENIA PKOFUSA ERYTHRONIUMS. GROUP OF EUCHARIDIUM EREAVEKI IRIS ORIENTALIS IRIS RETICULATA IRIS, SPANISH, GROUP OF GIO 1:^8 at)2 :ir>L> 46-1 186 :u 112 442 LUJUM HUMROLDTI LILIUM PARDALINUM LILUiM roMPONIUM LILIUM RURESCENS LILIUM WASHINGTOXIAXUM ODONTOGLOSSUM CPJSPUM OPUNTIA RAFINESQUEI PINGUICULA CAUDATA FYRUS HOSTI RHODODENDRON AUCKLANDI ... SAXIFRAGA PURPURASCENS SPAKAXIS PULCHERRIMA TECOPHYL.EA CYANOCROCUS ... TROIVEOLUM HERMIXE GRASHOFF 566 528 420 484 481 12 548 212 376 328 242 588 62 398 Jan. 7, 1882.] THE GARDEN INDEX. JAMES CRAIG NIYEN. ^Ie. J. C. NiVEN was born in 1823, of Scotch parents, in Dublin. His father, Ninian Niven, held for many years the position flf curator of the Eoyal Dublin Society's Botanic Garden at Glasnevin. Mr. J. C. Niven was educated in Dublin, with a view to entering the medical profession, disliking which, be commenced his career in his father's profession at the Eoyal Botanic Gardens, Belfast, in 1843, where he passed through the initiatory stages of his training, and, after two years' residence, he went to the Duke of Buccleuch's establishment at Dalkeith Palace, where, under Mr. Mcintosh (then one of the leading horticulturists of the day), he found active employment, and acquired a position, not only in the horticultural branches immediately connected with the ordinary routine of gardening, but was also actively employed in the preparation of the plans for " The Book of the Garden," a standard work, which still holds a prominent position amongst horticultural literature. In the early part of 1847 he obtained an appointment in the Eoyal Gardens, Kew, where, although he had held the position of foreman in one of the departments at Dalkeith, he entered simply as one of the ordinary staff, his object — a most exemplary one — being to take advantage of the widely-extended iield for information which an establishment such as that at the Eoyal Gardens offered, even at a sacrifice of position, both in a social and pecuniary point of view. However, within the short space of twelve months a vacancy occurred in one of the most important botanical departments of that establish- ment, and, though then under twenty years of age, and the youngest in the Gardens, he received the appointment, after passing through a tolerably stiff examination, and for the five following years held under his control a gradually-increasing botanical department, until, in 18.52, a special position as assistant curator of the Eoyal Gardens was assigned him ; a change, however, in government, and a consequent reduction in the expenditure in connection with the garden caused the new appoint- ment to be abolished for the time being. At the close of the j'ear of 1852 an application was made to Sir William Hooker, then director of the Eoyal Gardens, by Mr. Spence, the entomologist, for a curator for the Botanic Gardens at Hull. The meeting of the British Association was to take place in that town during the autumn of the following year and the committee of the gardens were most anxious to do the best they could to resuscitate an institution that had almost become extinct — so far, at least, as any pretension to science was concerned. Mr. Niven in the previous year had been one of the three candidates selected for examination, out of about eighty applicants, for the curatorsLip of the Cambridge Botanic Garden, and was declared entitled to the appointment by the examiner, having obtained the largest number of marks, but he was thought too young by the authorities ; the appointment at Hull, however, was at once offeied, indeed, urged upon him by Sir William Hooker, and he entered upon his duties in January, 1853. In accepting this appointment Mr. Niven undertook a task of no ordinary character, as the gardens were in a wretched state of neglect, devoid of all the elements of popularity, and in a state of all but financial collapse. Owing, however, to the industry and energy he brought to bear on his work, Mr. Niven had succeeded within twelve months in re-modelling the garden, and giving it much of a scientific chnracter. In addition to the immediate work connected with the garden, Mr. Niven took an active part on the Committee in connection with the arrangements for the reception of the Association. After the first two or three years, during which time the curator had to contend with a deep- rooted spirit of exclusiveness on the part of the committee of management, a thorough reorganisation of the Institution took place, resulting in a steady increase of its popularity, and in the subscription list being nearly trebled. The collection of plants also rapidly increased, till, in 1866, the catalogue of hardy, herbaceous, and alpiine plants then in cultivation numbered upwards of 6000 species, and look rank as one of the most extensive in the country, a fact of which the town, as well as Mr. Niven, might well feel proud. In the year 1853 the Botanical Lectureship in connection with the Hull School of Medicine became vacant, and Mr. NiveQ was at once appointed to this responsible position, and for fifteen years he delivered each summer his course of fifty lectures to the medical students, with such benefit to the students as many of them, now in practice in the town and country, will, no doubt, look back upon with feelings of pleasure. The Medical School having (for reasons we need not mention) ceased to exist, the Chemists' Association secured his services as their botanic lecturer, which position he held for above seven years. In addition to this he also delivered a winter course of lectures at the Philosophical Society's class rooms under the auspices of the Art and Science Department. It is stated that during Mr. Niven's residence in Hull he delivered nearly fifty courses of botanical lectures. In literary matters his pen was not idle, being a frequent and large contributor to The Garden and some other horticultural papers. He also edited the last edition of " Maund's Botanic Garden," in six volumes, and, in addition to this, he contributed largely on hardy plants to various works in course of publication, and wrote a little pamphlet on window gardening for the society in Hull. The old gardens at last began to show signs of inactivity for want of pure air. The gradual loss of rare plants, and the slow, but certain destruction of the already dilapidated buildings called for some sure, but speedy remedy, and, through the instrumentality of Mr. Niven and a few of the proprietors, it was decided to close the garden and purchase a site for a new one. Mr. Niven at once undertook to furnish the necessary plans for the same, and, these accepted, the work was pushed on rapidly under his constant and watchful superintendence. At the closing of the old garden in September, 1877, a hope was expressed by the management that the new one would be ready for the opening ceremony about May, 1879. This THE GAKDEN INDEX. [Jan. 1882. hope, keenly entertained by Mr. Niven, was destined not to take place. A vexatious litigation commenced respecting the sale of the old garden, and the directors threw the affiiir into Chancery, which ultimately extended over a period of three years, so that it was found impossible to have the new gardens ready until -July 19, 1880, when they were opened to the public, between 20,000 and 30,000 persons visiting them on the opening day. In August of the same year the directors decided to give a grand fete in honour of the cutting of the first sod for the Hull and Barn.sley Railway. Arrangements had been partly made with the town authorities to throw open the gardens to the public on this occasion, but, from a mercenary spirit shown by the town, the arrangements fell through, and the director.s, acting in a most liberal spirit, in spite of the town opposition, gave the fete in its entirety, with loss to themselves. On this day Mr. Niven was far from well, suffering from an attack of nephritis, for which he consulted his old friend and colleague. Dr. AV. H. Browne. He was advised absolute rest ; this he declined to take. Ever thinking of the welfare of others, he refused to take care of himself and take that rest which Nature required. The original disease improved towards the end of the season, but much graver symptoms with lung complication began to make serious inroads on a previously healthy constitution. Even then his friends did not expect any serious mischief, and his own refrain, " Oh 1 I .shall soon be all right," told how little the sad end was expected. Nearly a year ago his medical attendants advised change of air, and he, with a dear friend of his, started for Dublin. The change of scene and new treatment appeared at first to be beneficial, and, from the flattering reports that arrived, it was hoped that his life might be prolonged ; but evidently he, with his usual foresight, felt this was not to be. On his return to England he was evidently changed for the worse ; the end was slowly, but surely drawing near, and on Sunday morning, Oct. 16, 1881, he quietly passed away. His genial, pleasant face will long be remembered and missed in Hull, where his scientific acquirements had been much appreciated, and indeed of much use to the town. B. July 2, 1S31. THE GARDEN VOL. XX. omitted LORAL DE- CORATIONS. A few remarks on the late ex- hibition of floral decorations in the gardens of the Royal Bo- tanic Society, and some advice offered by the judges, may be useful and en- couraging to exhibitors. In the objects and arran g e m e n t s lately shown there were found a few general defects, but chiefly a want of simpli- city of effect and unity of design. Too many flowers of too many kinds were crowded together; it was more than once the remark of the judges: "If such and such this would have flowers had been deserved a prize." In arrangements for dinner tables, or any decoration to be seen at night, it should be borne in mind that flowers of warm colours should be used, warm colours being any kind of red or pink, orange, j'ellow, and any white that is tinged with red or yellow, to the exclusion of the cold colours, blue, purple, lilac, and cold whites ; these make no effect at night ; also that the yellower shades of green show brightest under artificial light. A perfect dinner-table decoration may be made with one kind of flower only with appro- priate foliage, or with two or three kinds of flowers of harmonious colouring. It may be accepted, as a rule, that the greater the number of varieties and colours of flowers used, the greater the ditficulty of making a satisfactory arrangement. It is recommended that not more than three principal objects should be upon a large dlning- table ; this would apply to a table not larger than would seat eighteen or twenty persons. The only othe^ flowers would bs in specimen glasses, and these should agree in colour with the chief decoration. It is a common fault that dinner-table flowers are made to stand too high ; there should be nothing so high that persons on either side of the table may not see each other clear above the flowers ; therefore it is recommended thatlow bowl-shaped vases be used rather than trumpet-shaped. It would be different, and liigher decorations would be advised, in the case 0I:' a state banquet or dinner of ceremony, where the great length of tables would demand larger features, and where the guests would be probably unknown to each other. The small bouquets in specimen glasses ought to show well all round ; they should not be over large, and may be of the most delicate flowers, as they are close to the eye. Above all, the glasses should not be tall or of such a shape as to he easily upset ; 3 in. to -'U in. is recommended as a good height. Flowers in baskets offer opportunities of doing pretty things, but also temptations to go wrong in the way of tying cut flowers to handles, some- times in a thick bedding of Moss. We advise that the handle should at most have a flowering spray wound lightly round or passed over, its cut end being in water with the other flowers. In the late exhibition the decorations for side- boards were generally unsatisfactory, and no prize could be awarded. Some were even strangely grotesque, and, with an ingenuity of contrivance worthy of better work, showed a total absence of beauty or sense of decorative propriety. In the case of a buffet for the display of ornamental gold and silver plate there is nothing better than a pair of well matched fine foliage plants or Ferns in gold or silver yases. Hand bouquets were well represented, though the effect of some was rather spoilt by a stiff white paper frill. It should be remembered that the paper frill represents delicate lace, and the flat stiff kind should be avoided. Some of the bouquets were finished in excellent taste with a soft falling lace and well chosen satin ribbon. The defects of overcrowding and of using too many kinds of plants were again conspicuous in the arrangement of plants in standing baskets. We earnestly advise intending exhibitors to study this important principle of obtaining a distinct effect by simple means, assuring them that having once taken hold of the idea, they will find their work easier and simpler, and the result infinitely more beautifal and truly decora- tive. Bouquet Grasses. — I have found the undermentioned sorts very useful for bouquet making late in summer, and in a dried state during autumn and winter. If sown say in February and pricked out, in very small bunches, into shallow boxes or a frame in very gentle waimth, and after gradually hardening ofE, planted out in good free soil in Jlay, they will develop their individual characteristics sooner than by sowing them where they are intended to stand. The inflorescence should be gathered, if for dr}ing, a short time before the seed begins to form. If bleaching is desired, this can be easily performed by suspending the bunches in a close-iitting chest, and applying burning sulphur for a short time. The sorts to which I allude are Aira pulchella, Anthoxanthum argenteum album, Briza maxima (gracilis), Bromus brizseformis, Benni- setum longistylum, Stipa pennata, and S. elegan- tissima.— Sylvestris. Flowers on Housetops.— Mrs. 8oper, in her recently pablislied account of the home life of the Japanese, says that the houses in the country are straw-thatched, and frequently have a novel arrangement for a fiower garden on tlieir summits. A trough is placed along tlie roof filled with soil, and planted with various flower seeds. The plentiful rains and genial suns of Japan cause these unique flower beds to bloom brilliantly in due season, and the effect of a whole village thus decorated is quite picturesque. GARDEN THOUGHTS. The longing which was evoked by Mr. Baker's 8000 Rose trees just breaking into their first vernal growth to see the Rose in her beauty was speedily gratified. The morning after I left Exeter, I saw box upon box of the lovely Niphetos which had been brought to Covent Garden by Mr. Philip Ladd, and later in the day a far more beautiful expositif)n of Rose trees in their integritvat one of the spring exhibi- tions of the Royal Horticultural Society, in the gardens at Kensington. I admired the magnificent fai-ades, the porticoes, the portals, the vestibules 'of 'the royal building. I passed through those stately corridors, so profusely yet so exquisitely decorated, so costly and yet so chaste, so scru- pulously clean, so bright and cheerful, that the most depressed spirit rises at the sight, and the startled foreigner, like Tennyson's lark, can scarce get out his notes for joy as he gazes on those triumphant achievements of Art, in which architecture, and painting, and sculpture seem to contend, like the three goddesses of old, for the meed of beauty. Nevertheless, it struck me as I entered the conservatory in which the show- was held that there was a good deal to be said for Nature, and I had not been long among her productions before— biassed no doubt by my countrv education, and blended it may be by the brilliant beauty of my favourite, the Rose— I came to the conclusion that on the whole I even preferred her to Art— I mean Nature in com- bination with those attentions and assistances which slie herself suggests— !?i(a? Natura sui spout e suggerit, as we u.sed to say in our Oxford logic, to the gardener, and of which Shake- THE GARDEN. [July 1881. speare said, referring to hoi'ticullure, "tbo Art is Nature." I have never seen so good a collection of standard Rose trees in pots a.s those which were shown on this occasion, April L'(i, by Messrs. Veitch, of Chelsea. The flowers were large, full, symmetrical, and brig-ht in colour; the foliap-e was glossy and abundant. The trees were ta.ste- f iilly grouped, having a background of Japane.se Maples and a foreground of charming Clematis, and the varieties were distinct and excellent, of equal merit throughout, one, perhaps, attracting special attention, a glorious bloom of the Tea- scented Rose, Jean Ducher, displaying its manifold tints intermixed in lovely confusion — a white saucer (I confidently submit this beauti- ful metaphor to the admirations of our festbetic gushers) in which Strawberry, Lemon, and I'ine-apple ices had been vigorously stirred with a spoon. Grand specimens came, as a matter of course, from the old nurseries of Messrs. Paul & iSon. but I was chiefly interested, as the readers of The Gahhen will be, in the specimens of tho.?e newer varieties of which we amateurs mostly have only heard or read. The happy family to which I, Reynolds Hole, 11. P., have the honour to belong, which has been formed at Cheshunt by our lespected pro- prietor and showman, Mr. George Paul, and in which you may .see the " !Marquis of Salisbury " in close communication with Mr. " John Bright," and several members of our royal race on the most neighbourly terms with the " Sultan of Zanzibar " and (and I would take this oppor- tunity of assuring the public that the perform- ances of " (-'limbing Bessie Johnson " and "Climbing Mdlle.Eugi5nie Verdier," assisted by " Climbing Edouard Morren," are always of the most gi-aceful and decorous character), this heterogeneous, but harmonious, group has received another brilliant addition in the " Duke of Teck," brilliant in colour, vivid crimson, large and well formed. " Probably the finest Rose we have yet raised," says the raiser ; but the new baby is always the favourite. * Every year brings in some good new Rose s indigenous as well as imported. Of recent introductions from our home nurseries 1 would recommend to my brother amateurs Harrison Weir, May Quennel, Charles Darwin, and Duchess of Bedford ; and of foreigners, Catherine Soupert, Comtesse de Mortemart, Ferdinand Chaflfolte, Gloirede Bourg-la-Reine, and Madame Julie Dymorier. The mention of Bourg-la-Reine reminds me of an international incident. An English rosarian, thinking that he should "astonish the Browns," and trani;cend his neighbours by procuring his Rose trees direct from France, having heard, but not accurately remembering, the address of Mons. Jules Mar- gottin, and seeing in the catologues a Rise named Belle de Bourg-la-Reine, directed hi.s letter accordingly, and the jolly old Rose master was delighted one morning to find himself designated, in spite of his years and obesity, as Mons. Jules Margottin, Belle de Bourg-la-Reine, Paris. Leaving these fair ladies and distinguished gentlemen recently admitted into the hou.sehold of 11. M. the (^ueen of Flower.s, and retracing my steps through those halls of dazzling light which surround the gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society, I returned home. And who comes home so happily as he or she who loves a garden ? Although the goings out of the gardener, when he has earned his holiday, are made bright and joyful by previsions of the new beauty, and anticipations of the genial welcome which he ia sure to find, yet docs absence make the heart grow fonder of the beloved darlings he has left, and .soon, like some fond mother separated from her children, he begins to vex himself with terrible mi,«givings as to the con- duct and capacity of the under nurse. Jle has dreadful dreams. If his joiu'ney is in the winter, he has a vision of John, the foreman, skating with bis sweetheart on the lake by moonlight, and the thermometer in tlie stove down to .'iO^', and all the inmates look like the*ensitive plant just pressed by some large hot hand. If he is away in the summer, then is he dismally depressed by fears that his choice fruit is appropriated by the wasp, and his specimen plants by the mealy bug. Wherefore be rejoices like the mother aforesaid to find himself once more at the door of his nursery. And lo, the baby can walk, that is to say, the cutting is established on its own roots ; Master 'Gustus's rash has disappeared under the cooling influence of magnesia, that is, a little mildew in the Rose hou.se has succumbed to sulphur ; and Miss Gwendoline, promoted from a short frock to a gown, has pa.ssed from childhood to girlhood, that i.s, .some pretty, but straggling plant lias been repotted, and tied, and trained — made admirable in both cases "for dinner table decoration." * 'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam ; abroad, beneath the stately Palm, where the ilagnolia grows into a great timber tree, and a nightingale sings from out the glowing Camellias, and the fire-flies gleam in the Orange grove ; or at home, through some of our famous nurseries (I was in one of them not many da3'S ago, at Kuaphill, covering more than 200 acres, where you may drive through long avenues of glorious Rhododendrons, here born and bred, white, pink, crimson, purple, multimac\ilated, or may stroll through large squares of lovely Azaleas, surrounded by their high evergreen walls, wherein Belgium and England — Louis Van Iloutte and Anthony Waterer — contend for the mastery, or peep tlirough vistas of the roseate Kalmia, or rest under these noble and rare trees which alone would repay a pilgrim- age) ; or whether we have been conducted through miles of glass, where almost every plant, from a Cattleya to a Cucumber, has a tenement of its own, and the conservatory is big enough for a town hall, and the Mushroom house is like the crypt of a cathedral : aye, though we may have wandered (as I did wander in the month of April) amid " Belvoir's lordly terraces," and there seen the most beau- tiful spring garden which is to he found in this land of gardens, we come always home with happy memories, and not seldom with generous gifts, to love .something which we have not seen el.sewhere more tenderly than ever, and, profit- ing from our observations abroad, to make our dear little garden dearer still witli new design and decoration. * In my next paper I propose to suggest a few .specialities which ought, as I think, to have a place in every garden. S. R. H. some of the commonest trees of our gardens and woods have only a long technical name. THE FLOWER GARDEN. English Names at Ee'w.— Weare plea.sed to see that in many ca-scs and among the newer labels the English name gets precedence at Kcw Gardens. This is as it should be. We observe, liowever, some American trees have only the Ijatin name, while by reference to American authorities it would be found that they too have English names In fact, as regards hardy trees and shrubs, any intelligent superintendent would have little difficulty in finding English names for everything. In such a garden as Kew this .siibject deserves the greatest attention, and we are glad to notice it well carried out in many cases, though in others NEW CLEMATISES. For, the purpose of planting out it may be a matter of taste or of surrounding circumstances whether the plants should be neatly trained or left to grow as they please. When tliey are planted against walls it is best to train the twisted Vines neatly and regularly to the wall, and then allow the loose flowering growths to hang naturally without allowing them to become too much entangled together. The Clematis is also well adapted for pot culture, and when well grown is a first-rate exhibition plant. For a number of years well grown specimens have been exhibited at the London and Manchester shows, but perhaps the grandest display ever seen anywhere was at the Regent's Park Botanic Gardens, on the 25th of May this year. The large bank of well- trained specimciis arranged there by Messrs. Jackman, of Woking, was a sight never to be forgotten. Mr. Noble, of Bagshot, also exhibited a verj' meritorious group of smaller specimens, and Jlessrs. Smith, of Worcester, likewise showed a group of well-grown Clematises. Not only were the plants large and well furnished with blooms, but the size of the latter was also very remarkable. I measured one of the variety called Mrs. Jloore in Messrs. Jackman's collection and found it to be lOA in. across. Many blooms on other varieties were 8 in. across. In the different collections there was also a considerable number of noteworthy new varieties, and it is worthy of remark that those selected for first-class certifi- cates were the kinds that come nearest to the recognised standard of the florists, viz., broad massive petals of great substance and rounded at the points. Narrow-pointed petals, whether in a Phlox, Cineraria, or Clematis, may be " artistic,'' but they are not appreciated bj- the public in cultivated flowers. Jlr. Noble exhibited the greatest number of distinct and good new varieties. The best of them were the following : William Ewart Gladstone, a sort witli flowers i\early 9 in. acro.^s, of a bright lavender blue, petals broad and well formed ; Lady Constance Kennedy, paper-white flowers of large size, and semi-double : George Eliot, violet- blue and good in shape ; Pirate King, purplish blue, petals of good substance and well shaped; May Queen, pale purplish rose, flowers of good shape and freely produced ; Aurora Leigh, white tinged with pink, and having broad well shaped petals ; and Margaret Dunbar, blue, with a purplish tinge, a lovely combination. Others of Mr. Noble's flowers were Circe and Fndine, double blue ; Imogene, fine white ; Countess Gleichen, blush; Lord Gifford, pale-reddish purple; Sirs. Cholmondelcy, large blue-purple. The best of Slessi-s. Jackman's varieties, all of which were trained into large specimens, abun- dantly furnished witli flowers, were lanuginosa Candida, white, with a faint tinge of pink : Mrs. Kcnnet, blue, with a purple shade, flowers large ; Mrs. Hope, violet-purple, and good in shape; Henryi, white, flusliLd with pink ; Princess of Wales, flowers large with broad petals, of a purplish lilac colour : and JIadame Van Houtte, creamy white, with .i pink flush. In Messrs. Smith's collection the following were well wortliy attention, viz., Gloire de St. Julien white with a palepurple tinge, flowers 9 in. across; Victoria, deep reddish-furiile ; Lord Neville, blue- purple, with large broad petals of good .substance; Faiiy Queen, white, centre of petals stained with red ; Purpurea elegans, a vei-y good variety, with flowers of a deep ijuiplish tint ; JIarie Lefebvre, deep blush petals, well shaped. In the above list will be found .ill, or nearly all, the best varieties in cultivation. They are all of C. patens or C. lanuginosa type, and produce their flowers from the old wood early in the season, to be succeeded later on bv varieties of the Jack* July 2, 1881.J THE GARDEN. manni type, which produce their flowers on the young growths of the same year. J. Douglas. CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES. Ip you grow Carnations for purposes of exhibition they will require special and careful treatment. The best time to get plants is in Sep- tember or October. Let them be wintered in 3-in. pots singly in a cold frame plunged into CoLoa- nut fibre, giWng as much air as possible. In April or Jlay shift them into 7-in. pots and treat them carefully, as described in a recent number of The Gaeden, until the flower-buds show, then the special treatment will begin. Carnations and Picotees are generally exhibited on cards, in stands of twelve or twenty-four blooms, dissimilar. Each stand measures 15J in. by, 12 in., and accommodates twelve blooms, and is fitted with little tubes for water, into which the stems are put. The blooms should be as nearly as possible the same size, but if there is any difference the largest should be at the back of the stand. They are also exhibited in pots, but this being a very cumbrous mode at present it is confined to one or two large growers. Only let your exhibition plants make two or three stems ; cut off the others as soon as they attempt to rise. As soon as the buds appear pinch oif all but the top or most promising one, only allowing from one to four blooms on each plant. Do not grow too few flowers on a plant if it is a free-blooming sort. If strong plants are forced into making one solitary flower, that one will be too coarse for anything. Disbud according to the constitution of the plant. You can tell with a little practice what buds to leave and what buds to pinch off on each in- dividual plant. If the bud is full and obtuse at the top, presenting altogether an appearance of healthy obesity, the flower will probably be good, so leave that bud. If, on the other hand, a bud be long and pointed, it does not promise well for the ensuing bloom, which will probably be of poor substance, so that bud may be pinched ofi^. As soon as the bud begins to swell watch carefully for any signs of splitting of the pod, in which case the sepals must be carefully divided at the seg- ments, as before mentionecl in The Garden. Also carefully tie round the bud with a little band of bast about half way down tlie calyx, and finally slip over the whole a cardboard "collar" (such as are made for this purpose expressly by Mr. G. Meek, Crane Court, Fleet Street, E.C.). These collars are kept up to the bloom by a Carnation pin, which is slipped over the stem round the head, and stuck into the supporting stick. As soon as the petals have reached their largest size, the day before the exhibition, having carefully reversed the points of the calyx on the card, take hold of the six largest petals (which are the outer or guard petals), and, carefully pulling them out to their fullest extent with a pair of ivory dressing tweezers, arrange them in as perfect a circle as you can on the card, which w^ill form a sort of background to the flower. The next six in size are then disposed over the first set, so as to form another and smaller layer, imbricated with or covering the joints of the first, and so on, tier after tier, rising one above the other, each smaller than the preceding one, till you come to the centre of the flower, which should not be crowded or confused, but just fill up the centre of the bloom, nicely finishing off the hemisphere. If the centre is too crowded, a few of the petals may be pulled out, being very careful not to damage the pistil or horns rising in the centre, which should fall gracefully down along both sides of the flower. Imperfect petals, which are called strap or finger petals, may be drawn out, but any other perfect petals substituted for them, or in any way added to the flower, would instantly and infallibly disqualify it in exhibition. The flower, wlieii dressed, should be as nearly as possible a perfect circle of smooth-edged, imbricated petals. The flowers will be dressed again on the morning of the exhibition, and gently touched up at the exhibition itself, where they should be taken in cases made to contain the stands, and transport them already mounted for show. During the time the plants are coming into bloom they must be carefully shaded from sun, and if they are going on too slowly to fall in with tlie date of the exhibition, they must be watered with some gentle stimulant frequently. Be careful to guard against vermin of all kinds. The inverted flower-pots on which the stages are stood should stand in saucers of water, or surrounded with and standing in lime. Devote the exhibition plants solely to exhibition ; you maj' allow three or four shoots to spring from the base of the exhibition plant for layering if the variety is a strong-growing one. I prefer to grow one plant of a pair in one pot for layering and saWng seed, and the other in another pot for exhibition. According to Mr. Dodwell, who is w-ell known to the readers of The Gaedex as a dresser of this, his special plant, the instru- ments required for dressing blooms, which are to be obtained from Mr. B. Simonite, PiOugh Bank, Sheffield, are as follows: (1) A i^air of steel tweezers, roughed in the inner surface for reversing the points or sepals of the calyx. (2) A pair of smooth ivory tweezers for placing or dressing the petals. (3) A pair of fine-pointed scissors for removing deformed petals. (4) A camel's-hair brush for removing dust from the surface of the petals. Girofle. DAFFODILS. Mb. Buhbidge now says distinctly (p. 633) that there is but one form of the wild Dafl^odil, viz., that more or less, but always, bicolor, and that the "self yellow" form is a nonentity altogether ; and this although I have stated that, to others besides myself, it has been shown that there are two forms. Tlie proof must now be waited for until next spring, and no doubt your many readers -n-ill help to the solution of this interesting question by looking through the wild Daffodils as they bloom in the meadows where they abound ; and it any will communicate the result of their investigations to me I shall feel obliged, and we shall thus arrive at the facts. I had no wish or intention to misrepresent what Mr. Burbidge w-rote, my object merely being, as in my first communication, to emphasise the word "bicolor," and in this I was not far wrong, because I hold there are two wild varieties. At any rate Mr. Burbidge 's plate iii. is coloured wrong, as it clearly represents the wild form of Daffodil with both tube and perianth of the same colour, except the inside cresting of the tube, and as he does not say one word about the colour in his descrip- tion of the plate, nobody would suppose for one moment that he held then, as he holds now, that the wild form is bicolor only. I also fail to see the use of Mr. Barr's sending information in 1874 as to the connecting links between the wild form and the cultivated bicolor if the typical flower was already bicolor. But if the wild form of Daffodil is thus only bicolor, what are the links which con- nect it with the self j'ellow scries, which culminate in Emperor and the Tenby Daffodil l Thediffierence is very marked, but only in colour. They evidently come from the wild Pseudo-Narcissus ; and if Mr. Barr or any one else can give us the stages of this development, they will be very valuable. If Mr. Burbidge's plate had shown the wild Daffodil bicolor instead of self-coloured, I should have raised this point instead of the other, as I believe it is answered by the simple fact, which I think is already proved, that there is also a wild variety, self coloured, from which the deeper self yellow varieties are descended. The discussion has been an interesting one, and I hope it will be continued next spring, when we can all refer to the living Daffodils for the true facts. Broclilinrst, Didshury. Wm. Brockbank. a prominent place in our gardens. The New Plant Company grow it well, and send us these specimens. CAMPANULAS. Lilium pulchellum. — Two forms of tliis pretty Lily, which at one time used to be some- what needlessly confused with L. tenuifolium, are now before us, one a much darker red orange than the otlier. This j^lant is rather easily grown, and being early and distinct will, we hope, take The summer Campanulas are now in their glory, and very beautiful they are. As we have a good many varieties, some of them rare, a few notes may perhaps interest your readers. Campanula barbata is not in our florists' catalogues, so I suppose is not common. Our plants came from Switzerland. It is a most beautiful Campanula, and ought to be widely culti- vated. It has a rosette of long lanceolate leaves, from which rise numerous flower-stalks about 1ft. high, each bearing about 1 doz. pale blue bell flowers, resembling our English C. rotundifolia. The stalks, however, are much more sturdy, and the plant has altogether a much more symmetrical appearance, the flowers being regularlj' disposed and stiffly carried. It seems likely to continue a long time in bloom. C. alpina. — This quaint little plant, wliich came into flower some three months ago, has continued to bloom ever since ; it is but 4 in. or 5 in. high, and is now covered with seed capsules resembling those of the Auri- cula. It has 24 such seed capsules already, some nearly ripe, and there are two fresh blue flowers open to-daj'. C. pusilla, also from Switzerland, is a larger plant every way than C. pumib, which it resembles. Its blue bells are as large as C. rotundifolia, but the flower-stalks are much shorter, the tallest being but 6 in. high. The bell flowers therefore look very large for so small a plant. This is a very lovely Campanula. C. pusilla alba has much smaller flowers, of the palest blue, almost white, and is exceedingly floriferous. The stalks are but 3 in. high, so that a mass of it is like a white cushion. C. turbinata is dwarfer still, with deep purple bells, carried erectly, and quite 2 in. across. There is a pale blue form, very nearly white, called C. turbinata albida. I see very little difference between C. turbinata and C. Kaineri. They flower together, and I believe are the same plant. C. carpatica is very similar, but much smaller in its flowers. On the rockery it completely covers the stones and forms a mass of colour. Of CL persicifolia alba there are many varieties, and the most beautiful I have seen was sent me from Cambridge by the late Wm. Hull, the artist, who said it abounded in the gardens there. It has a slightly blue tinge of colour in its white, but the flowers are of exquisite shape and more beautiful altogether than the more common form. The Cambridge Campanula deserves a dis- tinctive name. The double varieties, white and blue, of this Campanula are very beautiful, and there is a third form, C. coronata alba, which is also very pretty and quaint. At this season of the year, when white flowers are scarce, one cannot have too much of C. persicifolia alba in the borders, and we cultivate it largely in consequence. C. macrantha is a giant, but still it is welcome in the trimmest borders because of its orderly habits. It grows with us 7 ft. high, and its general form and handsome leafage are ornamental. Its flowers are of the deepest purple, stiffly carried, so that it forms a grand object when a good mass of it is in blboin. C. grandis is to be avoided except in the wild garden, for it cannot be kept in bounds, and although handsome both in its purple and white varieties and useful for cutting, it spoils any herbaceous border. Its great use is to fill up odd comers where it can spread as it likes. The same remarks apply also to our native Campanula, C. Ra- punculus, and C. glomerata ; both are beautiful and well worth growing if a proper corner can be found for them, but they are unsuited to the flower beds or borders. Lastly, C. pulla, with its deep purple bells, of lovely form, carried on slender stalks is amongst our loveliest. Dklslury. Beockhuest. Spirsea trifoliata.— In "Notes from Dub- lin," by " F. W. B.," enquiry is made about this plant. It is a North American species, but, like c THE GARDEN. [July 2, 1881. the Spirica (Hoteia) japonica, it is not a Spirasa at all, but a Gillenia, a njant belonging to an allied genus. It is a very desirable plant, and one not at all common. There are two varieties of the type, and a variety major. If "F. \V. B." will send me a bit of it I will tell him which of the two he possesses. The yellow "distinct and rare plant" is Plagius grandiflorus, a cousin of the Pansy, striking and attractive for its singularity, but more singular than beautiful. I have grown the plant for years, but have lost it. It is one of those plants that seem hanging in the balance between biennial and perennial. — T. AVilliam.s, Bath Lodge, Ormshirh. The St. Bernards Lily (Anthericum Liliago). — This, though not quite so liandsome a plant as the St. Bruno's Lilj', is worth a place, its long and graceful spikes of white flowers coming in well in a border, and succeeding the larger and fewer-flowered A. Liliastrum. Flame Nasturtium among Bamboos. — Mr. Woodall tells us of a successful plantation he has made of TropiEOlum speciosum in a group of Bamboos. It requires little effort to imagine how graceful the combination will prove, as the brilliant .shoots wander among the hardy Bamboo shoots. When gardeners make pictures for which they possess materials, the art will earn full recogni- tion from tlie educated public. The Dropwort (Spiraea Filipendula). — One of tlie prettiest plants in our mixed borders at present is this beautiful Spiraja, wdiich is well worth growing for its leaves alone, as they form tufts equal to those of man}' Ferns, and when the plants are covered with blossoms they are very effective ; they are readily increased by division, and grow well in any ordinary garden soil.— J. G. L. Single Pyrethrums.— I quite agree with your editorial remark that the single varieties of B^-rethrum roseum are far to be preferred to the double. A desideratum, however, for which I have long been searching is a jjure white single variety. It is true that the Ox-eye Daisy and the large- flowered Paris Daisy are not bad substitutes, but we miss the flat disk and the double row of outer rays of Byrethrum roseum. — C. W. DOD, Eihje Hall. Hybrid Columbines.— I send you a few blooms of Columbines, hybrids 'between A. chry- santha and a small double blue. I think they are interesting, and an advance on Aquilegia chrysautha hybrida. How the pink came in I cannot imagine, as the plant of A. chrysantha (female) was in a house protected from bees, and the hybridisation was carefully carried out. I think some pink pollen must have been on the bloom gathered for the purpose of hybridising. — A. EAW.SON. [We have seen quite enough of liybrid Columbines, and would if we could send the hybridisers with a sack each to a separate mountain range to collect seed of the beautiful species for our gardens. It would be worth while to import seed yearly from the native localities of the better kinds.] The Edelweiss in Flower. — I observed a letter from a correspondent of Tub Gahden a week or two ago informing you that on two plants of the Edelweiss he had eight flowers. I am not aware that it is in any way unusual, but I have now eight flowers on one plant of Edelweiss. It has survived two winters in the open air here — on tlie site of one of the stations (the third) on the old Koman wall — on an exposed rockery quite 300 ft. above the sea level. After the melting of last year's snow, there was no trace of the Edel- weiss, and I thought I had seen the last of it. How- ever, as spring advanced the plant appeared, and is now in vigorous health. I raised it from seed obtained from Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich.— John P. JlULCASTER, Benwcll, Xeii-cnxtlc-on-Ti/ne. Single Dahlias v. Pyrethrums.-" Bere- grino ■' says the latter are going to be the rivals of the former. Well, I do not think so ; they do not run in the same race to begin with, blooming at widely dilterent times or seasons. Tliere is room enough for both in our gardens, and, of course, tastes vary almost as widely as our plants. Byrethrums, especially some of the single ones, are also very beautiful, but they are hardly to be pitted against single Dahlias, nor to be compared with them forrich, dazzling, decorative effects. The single Dahlia, with its semi-free style of growth, continuous flowering, and marvellous profusion of blooms of almost endless variety of colour and size, and considerable variation of form, is one of the most attractive, and will probably become the most popular of all our summer garden plants. For cutting in long branchlets of leaves and flowers there are few plants more useful for large vases, &c., in rooms and corridors, whilst its staying powers are so great that it may remain in any position till you weary of it, by merely attending to the replenishing with water of the vases, baskets, &c., in which it is placed.— D. T. F. Honesty in the "Wild Garden.— One of the most effective hardy plants for the wild garden is the old Honesty. It is capable of being used with good effect in the wild garden, or in the half-dressed portions of pleasure grounds. Its robust character, floriferous habit, and the ease with which it may be established even in positions generally unfavourable to flowering plants, com- mend it to the notice of those who have a large extent of pleasure grounds to embellish, and who would wish to see them bright and cheerful during the early months of the year. I'he Honesty is such an old-fashioned plant that few growers think it worthy of any great cultural care, and the condition in which one generally sees it in gardens fails to convej' any adequate idea of its beauty and decorative value. As commonly used, dotted here and there in the form of isolated specimens in the open border, its true worth is not perceptible. When, however, massed and in close association with other forms of vegetation it is capable of producing brilliant effects. One of the prettiest floral pictures that I have' witnessed this season was produced by large groups of the Honesty, so planted that the flower beds rose boldly from amongst vegetation of minor growth, whilst a background of sombre-hued evergreens served to show up the rich mass of colour to the best advantage. There are many such positions in gardens where a similar use might be made of this plant. In order to establish it in the wild garden all that is necessary is to prepare the soil for its reception in the usual manner, dibble in the plants as soon as they have come to the rough leaf, and keep them free during the summer from rank weeds, or from being too much encroached upon by other plants. The Honesty makes a thick fleshy root, going down at once deeply into the soil ; it therefore thrives in many places where few plants would give good results. A little care, however, in its earlier stages of growth is amply repaid by increased luxuriance and finer heads of bloom. Blanted in masses in the fringe of woods, margins of shrubberies, and such like places, the Honesty produces an effect scarcely equalled by any spring-blooming plant. As before stated, its proper place appears to be in close association with taller-growing subjects, and its true worth is only perceived when a number of healthy vigorous specimens are grouped together. — J. C. English Names— a Suggestion.— What a numerous and interestingcollection of plants was that (p. 643) observed on a brief June evening at Mr. Parker's Nursery, Tooting ! and all luckily having more or less well-known English names I Who that has thought over the matter but must have felt for the young man of ordinary intelli- gence, commencing his gardening career, trj'ingto spell out and then to remember what has been appropriately termed (p. 612) as those long-drawn- out, "jaw-breaking" names, and what Goldsmith, the poet, would have likely called " words of learned, lengthy, and thundering sound 1" I know botanical and private collections where only tlie long botanical names are given, both in England and Ireland, and would suggest that the English name alone or at least both should be on everj- label — not, however, in my own interest. — W. J. il., Clonmcl. A Garden of One Orchid. — Fifty well grown plants of Odontoglossum vexillarium, embracing several different forms, now make a charming show in Mr. Peacock's garden at Sud- bury House. THE ROSE GARDEN. ROSE ELECTIONS. Some of the horticultural journals occupy them- selves much about what they call Rose elections, in which everybody puts down what he con- siders to be the best Rose from all points of view. They simply lead to the enumeration, in most cases, of a few Roses tliat we already ad- mire— such as La France and Marechal Niel. In other words, much trouble is taken to let us know what we knew alreadj'. We trust these lists or selections will have little influence in limiting our appreciation of the Ro.se — a beauti- f ill plant in every shape and variety, and the true way to look at it is to have Roses for every taste, every position, eveiT climate, and, if pos- sible, every garden. AN'hat is the good of all liybridising and cro.ssiug, and years of care, if it only lets us know a set of half-a-dozen or a dozen varietie.s, which everybody has and knows already I" The Rose is of inOuite beauty and shape, and variety of colour, but not if we limit it to the few varieties which everybody declares to be the " very best." There are beau- tiful old Roses, which have charms quite as high as those whicli have succeeded them — at least for some of us. There are Roses still ob- tainable with souvenirs of 200 or 300 years ago. In Roses, as in other things, what one hardly ever sees carried out would be the right thing — that is to say, to adopt the variety to tlie posi- tion, instead" of everybody growing La France and Marechal Niel, and Roses equally popular, whether they did well or not in the position or climate. Some mild districts would favour a different type of Rose from what cold and dry ones would. Then there are the tastes of the owner to be consulted, who may, very properly, like to see other Roses in his garden besides what he sees everywhere else, and it might be ■well not to admit our visitors iu considering such matters, because it would surely gratify all of us more to see Roses we were not accus- tomed to than everywhere the same elected of universal suffrage. Fortune's Yellow is not supposed to be a flrst-rate Rose, at least we do not suppose it would come into the very select election returns of these writers ; but it is a lovely Ro,se withal, aud one of the most pleasant surprises we have had for some time was from a large plant of it wreathing one of the pillars in the kitchen garden at Blenheim, sending down a snower of buds and flowers. So, again, there are many Roses of twenty or thirty years ago which in the chase after novelties have dropped into the background, and wliich in many cases have the highest merit and b?auty ; in fact, it would be interesting to make a Rose garden without the chosen, and probably a fairer Rose garden could be made of it than of all the full-blown accepted of the people. Then we have the different families of Roses, which some may prefer to study, and a very good thing it would be if each lover of Rioses would extend his favours to one particular Ro.se family or group, aud study and grow them to a larger extent than others" IIow of the lovely wild Roses that never enter into these selections at all, and of the single Roses, which have all been thrown away iu the race after double ones? The day will soon come when people will appre- ciate a fine hybrid single Rose, just as they have July 2, 1881.] THE GARDEN. lately learned to appreciate t be single Dahlias. Avhich are many of tliem really handsomer than the double ones, but, according to the now for- gotten rules of the florist, were a year or two ago the only ones ever seen. A'. SHOW ROSES. I AM pleased to see this Eose question discussed. I am quite on your side, and against the dear Canon : his is too much of the " florist's" view. If you are going on with the amicable fight he seems to put a stick in your band to beat him with in his illustration about horses. Anyone will allow that a thoroughbred racehorse is the best horse that can be bred, only he is not beautiful, or only beautiful from a trainer's point of view. No artist would paint bim if lie could help it ; he would rather paint a cart- horse or a rough moor pony. The thoroughbred is a regular " florist's flower," and, like a florist's Auricula or Dahlia, beautiful only if agreeing to certain rules laid down, but not beautiful for beauty's sake. I allow that the Rose question is complicated by the fact that a florist's Rose is a beautiful thing ; so is a florist's Carnation : but it seems to me that we should look for beauty in the whole plant, not in single flowers only. I liave a climbing Rose that for pure beauty, as I understand it, could hardly be beaten. The flowers are a fairly good size, and not too full, the palest blush, deepening to a delicate mu.'^b- room pink, and tbornless, smooth, red stems — an old arbour Rose ; I do not know its name. It has a way of shooting its long red rods up through trees and bushes, and throwing out great swinging arches of lovely flowers, and even when the petals come shattering down, and make pinli pools on the path below, there is still a sense of picturesque propriety ; whereas the fallen petals of standard Roses look littery and untid}', and one is glad to have them swept away. Even as cut flowers I could arrange a bowl of these or of Moss Roses, or even of Sweet Brier, that would show as much real beauty as an arrangement of prize Roses. That reminds me that I never knew the true beauty of Carnations till I saw them as they are commonly grown in Italy — as window plants left to tumble down over the front of a marble balcony, showing their true habit and graceful growth. Our poor things, tied up to sticlis, have not a chance of showing what they might do, and yet, as we grow them in beds, they must be tied up. I am for making a bit of steep rock wall on purpose for Carnations, and I expect they would be longer lived. Munstead. G. Jekyll. ROSES FOR EXHIBITION. The late bright weather has opened the flowers almost too rapidly. So much has this been the case, that of some Roses we have hardly been able to say. They are here, before they are gone. There have been, there are, many fine flowers, but, on the whole, the form and sub- stance have not equalled those of last year, and then they were hardly up to the average. A great many blooms have also been undersized. The size of the ragged regiment has also produced a feeling akin to dismay. Can it be possible that the frost, not content with killing so many Rose plants outright and crippling more, has also stung the buds through so cruelly as to mar the symmetry and spoil the form of many of the coming flowers in embrj-o. It really seems like it. The faults in our strata are as nothing to the faults among our Roses. Not a few parts of petals seem undeveloped or wanting. These are quite distinct from those consumed by creeping maggots or wriggling caterpillars. They have come so out of bud, and the fault in many of the flowers cannot be laid to the charge of that most virulent and cunning of all the Eosarian's enemies, " the worm in the bud." Exhibitors from this and other causes have had a most anxious time of it. Winds are no doubt good and beneficent, sanitary and saving in their general effects and results ; but on the eve of a show they are simply maddening. A breeze of an hour's duration arising suddenly in the night while we sleep dashes to the ground the hopes of a year's labour and anxious toil. And the winds will often blow just on the eve or day of the greatest event of the year. And the sun was never so fierce and full of scorching glare as just on those few days when shade was needed to intense and fix the colour of our Roses. Protecting caps are all very well, but Roses that have been long capped are apt to prove frail and capricious afterwards, and to fall to pieces, even at critical times, should a rift in the tent expose them for a few minutes to the mid-day sun's broad glare. So that, on the whole, perhaps, the le.?s capping of the flowers the better. The Black Roses, however, must have shade, or burn. There is no alter- native. The}' absorb so much heat that they become red — no, black hot, and simply undergo slow combustion and complete destruction. More singular still, some of the more delicate light Roses will not bear the sun. Possibly all show Roses would be benefited in bright weather if shaded for a few hours on either side of noon, and yet it is somewhat singular that those fur- nished with appliances for this purpose by no means take all the first honours. Nevertheless, we never see such Roses as when Nature shades the flowers with a screen of clouds for a few days preceding a show. Havlngsecured the best flowers, the diflScuIties of Rose showing and conveyancing may be said only to have begun. Those who know little and care less about Rose showing are mostly loud in their condemnation of the stiffness and ugliness of the boxes in which the flowers are arranged. If these can be improved without distracting the eye or disturbing the judgment of the jurors, well and good. But those who make such complaints only show how little they really love or care for Roses. Tlie real rosarian sees nothing but the flowers ; all the accessories are trifles light as air to bim. And though anything approaching to slovenliness or carelessness is to be condemned in regard to either boxes, cushioning, &c., yet it is neverthe- less true that not a few of the most dilapidated, weather-beaten stands, very imperfectly mossed, kc, take the first prizes. Depend upon it the jurors will find the best flowers, be they where or how they may, and will give them their deserts. Those who can see at a glance the perfect points of Roses see nothing else. The Roses by their overmastering beauty absorb their senses, steal their sight, enchain, enrapture, confirm their judgment. What form, substance, colour, size, sweetness, contrast may be seen in a perfect stand of Roses, and what an amount of thought, work, energy, perseverance, love, genius it represents. Thus a Rose show embodies — incarnises, as it were — many of the noblest physical qualities, mental powers, and moral characteristics of the exhibi- tors. It is not simply a concentration of sweet- ness, a display of beauty, but also to a great extent a measure and a test of men. The quali- ties that win success at Rose shows are exactly those that command it in any ordinary and every extraordinary sphere of life. Give exhibitors of Roses something like a fair start, that is, an equality of condi- tions and of material, and it wiU be found that be who puts the most thought, the best work. and the strongest love into his flowers, will win all the chief prizes. It may be going too far to say, as is often said, tliat tlie best men will win, but assuredly the best Roses will, and he who grows these will probably also be the better man. One of the greatest difliculties in Rose showing is to muster sufficient perfect flowers at a given time. Something may be done by semi-forcing and retarding to Increase the number of our marshalled hosts on a given day. But Roses are bad keepers ; hardly are some of them cut till they open their eyes as if to see what was tlie matter, and an open ej'e or one about to open is fatal. But the chief difliculty is with their colour ; that, though so deep and dense, is fugitive to a fault as soon as the Rose is cut. It is possible to keep their eyes closed, their form perfect, their substance intact; but hardly have the Rose stems touched the water than the colour of the Rose begins to dissolve or to be dissipated into tlie air. Now a Rose that has lost its colour has also lost its character. It is as true of a Rose as of a horse — that a good flower cannot be of a bad colour ; and jurors reckon all colours bad that are not true to character. They may be extremely beautiful, but then they are not themselves, and there- fore are nigh to rejection. Roses, like virtues, should be above suspicion, and need no explanation. When the latter is needed the stand may be said to be already doomed, just as a man who is always explaining his words or actions has a blot or a blemish somewhere in his character. Each bloom sliould not only be strong enough to stand alone, but be able to lend support to its immediate neighbours, and to strengthen every bloom in the stand. It is difficult to explain in detail bow this is done, but each exhibitor has to solve the difficult problem for himself in his own wa3^ And the ways of arranging Roses so as to win honours seem almost innumerable ; cutting, carrying, and setting up demand and receive the utmost at- tention. Rosarians never excite our sympathy and admiration so tborougblj' as when finally disposing of their forces at the last moment before the final tug of war and test of merit in the presence of the jurors. Every power and faculty is in li'ely exercise to place each Rose to the most advantage. My own impression is that these last touches are often overdone. The violent exertion and incessant changes indulgtd in by some of the largest exhibitors can hardly be favourable to the exercise of a sound judgment and cultured or correct taste ; neither is a sort of St. Vitis Dance, from place to place, or box to box, the most favourable exercise to preserve the freshness or sustain the stability of the Roses. The practice of making so many changes at the last minute also frequently leads to the accidental transference of names even by those that know Roses best. Wise jurors can generally tell whether or not such changes are accidental or designed. Where it is obvious that a mistake has occurred, I have always advocated its correction, but, of course, a fraudulent application of a nanie merits disqualification. But most of such mis- takes would be avoided were the Roses arranged carefully at first, and few or no changes made afterwards. The lids should be kept on the boxes till the last minute, then a last look taken, and generally that loolc will confirm your hopes of victory, "or tell you you are beaten. Thus fore- armed, you will be able to bear victory more modestly and defeat with more equanimity than if you had neither the knowledge nor the fair- ness to judge your own and others' Roses righteously. Either way, having done our best, let us rejoice in the beauty and perfection of the Rosas, 'have a word of hearty praise for 8 THE GARDEN. [July 2, 1881. the victors, and one of kindly sympathy for the vanquistied, and thus, whether we win or lose. Eose showing will bring iis pleasure and profit. D. T. Fisn. A Floriferous Marechal Niel.— In an unhealed spau-roofcd house, L'S It, long by H ft. wide, we have a Marechal Niel which has been planted eight or nine years. The house was at first planted with eight or ten different varieties of Roses ; but we have gradually reduced the number to the one Marechal Niel. Its roots are inside, and the following figures will show how well it has flowered. In 1879 we gathered 1500 blooms from it, in 1880, 1800, and this year we have 2600 blooms, and at the same time it pro- mises well for next year, the growth being free and vigorous. I attribute our success to cool treatment and plenty of water when growing, with unbounded root room and careful pruning, merely cutting out where too thick. \Ve annually, about the end of Februaiy, thin out and tie all shoots, large and small, in a regular way to the trellis ; at the same time wc give a top dressing of pig manure. The circumference of the stem is 8i in, two of the leading branches 6i in. and 6 in., other two oi in. and 5 in. — J. W. BAYNE, Aiiir/stiin Gardens, Derby. Scarcity of Roses.— Mr. Fish (p. 623) asks whether this is local or general. I am in- clined to reply local, although, doubtless, there are many places where the severity of the past winter has left its mark on the bushes, and it will take them this 3-ear to make wood, and pos- sibly in some cases a good late blooming season may follow where sorts that tire really perpetual in something more than name are employed. I find that our beds of crimson Cliinas, that were much cut by the frost, are already sending up healthy young shoots that are full of flower-buds, and that will doubtless flower well during the rest of the season. As to bloom on last year's wood, I never remember having a more abundant or finer show than we have at present. Our plants are all dwarfs, and nearly all on their own roots, a system that promises to surj^ass all others, and they are a complete mass of flowers and buds. We prune rather hard, cutting out all the old worn-out wood and weakly growths of last year, and shortening the shoots that are left more than one-half. We give the beds a good dressing of rotten manure in spring before growth com- mences or directly after pruning, just loosening the surface with a steel fork, for the richer and better the soil the better the quantity and quality of the Roses. We have some beds that were re- planted two years since in newly-broken-up turf, and although they were old hard stumps rejected in forming a Rosery, yet by planting deeply they took quite a fresh lease of life, having formed roots right up the stem, and are now in robust health. I, therefore, look on the quality of the soil in which tliey are planted as being more im- portant than the question of young and old plants, for with dwarfs that are constantly being" refur- ni-shed from the base there is no necessity for old worn-out wood in that quarter, as there are no suckers to worry one when Roses arc on their own roots. — J. Gnoo.M, JAiiton. A Book About Roses.— The Guardian of May 2J writes : " We gladly welcome the seventh edition of Mr. Reynolds Hole's charm- ing ' Book about Roses ' (Blackwood & Son), All good gardeners are aware that it contains the very poetry and romance of Rose-growing, and is well worth reading for the many good things and sensible remarks in it, even by those who have little personal acquaintance with the queen of flowers. There is something truly poeti- cal in the simple enthusiasm of tlie opening sen- tence— 'He who would have beautiful Roses in his garden must have beautiful Roses in his heart ; ' while the account of the mechanic's Eose show at Nottingham, wdth the winner's testimony to the secret of his own success — ' I'll tell you,' he said, ' how I managed to buv em — by keeping away from the beerhouse,' can- not be read without deep interest by all who care for the elevation of the labouring classes. Mr. Hole announces in his ])reface that, ' in grateful appreciation of the sympathies ' of his numerous readers, he has added the names of thirty new and beautiful Roses to his list. Possibly it might have been better if he had given some plain and intelligible ndes for bud- ding, instead of refeiring his readers to other writers on the art. Few readers can afford to have a library of books about Roses, and most would like to have all that is necessary to be learnt in a book of this kind. And besides, a word of caution may be u.seful to any who are inclined to be seduced by Mr. Hole's enthu- siasm into a large order to the nursery gardener. New sorts should bo attempted with much caution by those whose purses or whose space is limited. They are tthis is the fruit of much experience and some disappointment) very ajit to be a delusion and a snare." Tlie kindly re- viewer has not noticed that t'anon Hole purposely omits verbal instructions as to budding, advising the novice to learn the ait by watching the process (by far the surest and quickest educa- tion) ; and he does not seem aware that the thirty Roses added to the select list have been chosen from many hundreds of " new Roses,'' and have proved their excellence in the garden and at the show. — One who kbads the Guardian AND THE Garden. THE FRUIT GARDEN. the crocks, the roots arc carefully loosened round the edge of the ball, and, when planted, the soil is trodden quite firmly up to them, and they are well watered in. After that little attention is required if the weather is moist and showery beyond stirring the surface and keeping off runners ; but if drought follows, they must be well watered until they get established, when they may be treated as other established beds — i.e., half-rotten manure is .spread all over the surface at the commencement of winter, and is pointed in in spring just as growth commences ; and when the flower-spikes appear, a good thick mulch of stable litter is placed between the rows. That keeps the roots cool and moist, and the fruit clean anil dry. After trying most of the sorts in cultivation, we still rely on Keen's Seedling, Vicomtessc Hericart de Thuiy, and La Grossc Sucrec for the earliest both indoors and in the open air ; and for main crops, President, Sir C. Na]iier, James Vei'ch, and British tjueen. l!y planting for the earliest crop on .sheltered borders sloping lo the south, and for main crops on open quarters, and for tlie latest on the coolest north aspect, we contrive to get a regular supply for about half the year: for although Strawberries may be produced nearly every month in the year,we cannot rely on a sufficient quantity to class them with fruits available for dessert all the year round, but by adopting the above prac- tice, anyone who can get a supply of forced plants now may rely on a full crop twelve months hence. Linton. J. G. PLANTING OUT FORCED STRAWBERRY PLANTS. The season for indoor Strawberries being now over, the old plants maybe turned to good account by planting them out, for they will produce a much larger quantity of fruit than young jjlants from runners of this j'ear's growth, howe\er well they may be treated. Although young plants produce the finest fruits, and are therefore valuable for ex- hibition or other special purposes, the ordinary' daily demand for dessert fruit, or for preserving, is what most people have to consider ; and in order to supply fair-sized truit in quantity, there is no plan which I have yet tried equal to planting several large beds annually of Strawberry plants that have been forced in pots, and doing away with an equal quantitj' of old beds. We generally fruit the plants three times, viz., one year in pots, and two years out-of-doors. Directly after the crop is gathered for the last year, the old crowns are cut off with a sharp spade, and winter Greens or Broccoli are put into the land, so that there is no loss of time. And in planting out an equally rapid rotation is followed, for we generally plant our main crops on open quarters, as they are cleared of early Potatoes or Peas. At this time of year there should not be much uncropped land in a garden ; and in order to keep the plants in good health until they can be planted out they must be as legularly watered as when bearing a crop, for drought is fatal to the Strawbeny in all stages of growth. Red spider follows drought, and the plants are severely checked in consequence. 'Where the autumn fruiting of forced Strawberries is practised, they will cither have been planted out some time since, or else specially treated lo induce late flowering by generous treatment, and keeping all runners picked oft' as they appear. The latter greatly weaken the parent plants and are seldom so good for providing healthy runners for forcing as those produced on young plantations of the previous year's planting. If the laud has been well manured for previous crops, it need not have fresh manure put into it at the time of planting, as a good dressing applied in autumn will be more beneficial, and if left on the surface will work in gradually, and help to screen tlie crowns from frost, lu planting, wc usually dig the ground, and plant as we proceed, having the rows 3 ft. apart, and the plants 2 ft. asunder in the row. The ball of roots is well moistened before planting ; and, after picking out Open-air Grape "Vines. — So opposite are opinions as to the ripening of Grapes on open walls that one is forced to conclude that the successful ones treat their Vines well and the un- successful ones badl}'. The seasons being alike for all, I would advise any one having a neglected '\''ine to tr)' at once the experiment of careful stopping and tliinning of both shoots and bunches, for I know manv instances where barren "S'lnes have been converted into prolific and remunerative ones by such means alone. — J. G. The Bed Astrachan. — Of the 321 varieties of the Api^le catalogued in the American Pomo- logical Society's latest report, Red Astrachan is found to have the widest adaptation, being starred in no less than thirty-seven States as recom- mended for cultivation, and in twenty-six of these it is double starred, to show its superiority. Ranking next in order of general favour over a wide extent of countrj' are Early Harvest and Maiden's Blush, these being voted for in thirty- five and thirty-two States respectively. Setting of Peaches and Pears Before Opening, — Mr. Wysor, Virginia contributor of the liural .V(«- Yorher, writes as follows in a letter to one of the editors : I have examined the flowers of Peaches, Pears, and Apples. In the case of Peaches, I have pretty well satisfied myself that fertilisation in nearly all places takes place before the flowers expand. With Pears, I found two trees in which it occurred after the flowers expanded, and one in which it did so before. I noted that the tree which was fertilised before the flowers expanded set fully twice as much fruit as the other two. The same remark apiilics to Apples as to Pears. Morello Cherries as Bushes.— If there is any one fruit that has continued to yield good crops in the face of adverse seasons, it is the Morello Cherrj- ; and not only as a wall tree, but as an open bush or pyramid, which is no small boon for those who have no wall space at dis- posal. I find this Cherry so superior when worked on the Mahaleb stock that I would strongly urge all who grow it in the form of dwarf bushes to be particular as to the stock on which their trees are worked ; they may then gi'ow abundance of Morello Cherries on trees not larger than Currant buslics ; in fact, we have planted them 6 ft, apart, and by pinching the strongest shoots in summer they may be kept quite small bushes, easily netted over, in the manner in which Gooseberiy bushes are netted to keep the birds from attacking the July 2, 1881.] THE GAEDEN. 9 fruit. I believe that Cherries are more impatient of the knife than any other fruit grown, but by carefully pinching all the strong shoots in summer, very little pruning will be necessary in winter beyond cutting out dead or weakly pieces, or shortening back any long shoots that are getting bare. Altliough the Jlorello is but little relished as a dessert fruit in a fresh state, there is no variety for which a greater demand exists as a culinary or preserving fruit, and as a dessert fruit when preserved in brandy it is without a rival, the thick tlcsh and small stone placing it far aliead of all other sorts for that puii^ose. — J. G. Popular American Pears. — The recently published catalogue of the American I'omological Society gives a favourable report of the Bartlett (Williams) in thirty-seven States, in twenty-iive of which the double stars attached to its name indicate its great superiority and value. Next in general value is tlie Seckel, of which a favourable report is given in thirty-five States, twenty-one of which are marked with double stars. Huchessc d'Angouleme is nearly as high, being reported from thirty-three States, from which there arc twenty-three double stars. Beurre d'Anjou has nineteen double stars in thirty-three States in which it is recommended. Next after these four great leading sorts is Flemish Beauty, with 16 double -stars in 31 States ; Lawrence, with l-t double stars in 32; Howell, with 14: in 29; Belle Lucrative, with 11 in 28; Dovennfi d'Ete, 9 in 32 ; Winter Nelis, 8 in 28 ; Sheldon, 8 in 25 ; Giffard, 5 in 27 ; Boussock, 6 in 2G ; Clairgeau, 6 in 23 ; Vicar of Winkfield, 5 in 21 ; Beurre Boso, 3 in 24. It is an interesting fact that fruit cul- ture has made such general progress that these 16 varieties have already been sufficiently cultivated in from one-half to three-fourths of the States and Territories (except a few west of the Eocky Mountains), as to bear recommending in each for general cultivation, and there are a still larger number of additional sorts that are recommended in from ten to twenty States. — Country Gentle- man. Syringing Vines.— I think " Peregrine " (p. 627) is not quite correct in asserting that in- sects attack the undersides of the leaves only ; on the contrary, the upper surface of Vine leaves is frequently found to be seriously infested by the brown scale, as well as not infrequently encrusted with accumulations of dust, which must necessarily impede their functions, and af- ect, in a more or less degree, their health. The real reason why gardeners syringe the undersides of the leaves only is simply because, owing to the construction of the houses in which the Grape Vine is usuallj' grown, the upper surface cannot be reached. All gardeners know well enough that nearly all plants in a natural condition, i.e., growing in the open air, and including, of course, the Grape Vine, have the upper surface of their leaves frequently wetted, while the under surface remains comparatively dry. It cannot, I believe, be disputed that there are manj' successful culti- vators who never syringe their Vines at all ; but, on the other hand, it cannot be denied that the practice of syringing, with the view of securing cleanliness, is a healthy and in most cases a necessary operation. And if Vineries were so con- structed as to admit of the Vines being trained at a greater distance from the glass, with roofs constructed so as to admit of the upper surface of the leaves being reached by the syringe, the jnajority of cultivators would be far from being slow in a\ailing themselves of the opportunity of well washing both sides of the leaves whenever it was considered necessary or desirable to do so. — r. Gkievi:. New Strawberry.— The Bulhtin d'Arhori- cidtiire speaks in glowing terms of a new early Strawberry, raised and grown largely b}' a Belgian cultivator. If what is said of this Strawberry be correct, we have a striking instance of what selec- tion alone will do in the matter of gaining useful kinds of fruits or flowers. It appears that the grower in question, who forces annually some thousands of the variety Comte de Paris, remarked that amongst them there were always some that came much earlier into bloom than the others, and it struck him that by taking his stock from these plants only he might eventually succeed in securing a variety that would come into fiower at a very early period. The idea was carried out, the result being a sub-variety, which, whilst re- taining the general good qualities of Comte de Paris, excels that variety, not only in earlinesst but also, it is asserted, in flavour. It has been named Marie Henriette, and will shortly be dis- tributed. The fact of a new and valuable va- riety of Strawberry being obtained by means of selection is interesting, and causes one to ask whether many of our fruits might not be improved in the same manner. If selection can influence to so great an extent the earliness of any one va- riety, we should be enabled by the same means to develop any one particular cliaractcr or suppress an objectionable trait. It appears to be simply a question of time, patience, and perseverance. — J. COBSHILL. EDITOR'S TAIJLE. The Sorb-leaved Spiraea.— From South- wood comes a graceful shrub, Spirrea sorbifolia, somewhat like the Lindley Spira;a, but distinct. Well placed, and not robbed of good soil and air by coarser shrubs, it will prove a welcome orna- ment to lawn plantations. Parry's Lily. — This graceful and distinct Lilj* comes in two forms|from the New Plant Com- pany at Colchester, one kind being the dark and tubular form figured in The Garden some time ago, and the other more open, lemon coloured, and spotted. The odour of this Lily is good, and its form and habit very good. The Bavarian Gentian (Gentiana bava- rica). — This lovely Gentian is grown at Mr. Whitehead's as we have not seen it grown since we saw it in the Grass by the alpine rills on its native mountains in early June years ago. At Bickley it is growing in a little bog— simply a bed of peaty level earth with means of keeping it moist. It is a plant of rare beautj' of colour. A Decaying Barberry.- The evergreen Japan Barberry, referred to recently, has now its foliage as finely coloured as leaves can be, deep red, yellow with broad veins of red (a beautiful harmony of colour), and soft yellow. In the centre are three racemes of dark purple berries with a fine bloom. Two weeks ago, when the shoot was placed in the jar, both leaves and fruit were quite green. We have never noticed anv- thing so instnictive or beautiful In decay. The Potentillas. — These are now in great force, but though showy and vigorous enough, there is a want of quality about them — a sort of paralytic hesitation apparently — as to whether they ought to be single, semi-double, or double, which makes one a little doubtful of them. More satisfactory than any of them seems to be the double scarlet Geum. A good race of single Poten- tillas having the fine colour of those half mon- strous or half-double kinds would be welcome. Pansies Everywhere.— Even one's delu- sions sometimes turn out pleasantly. The idea expressed by us some time ago that the hotter weather made the Pansies and Violas prefer the cool north for their perfect summer development has led to the receipt of certain charming bunches in the best state from Sussex, Surrey, and Bed- ford, and now Mr. Stevens comes with l.')(l kinds of Violas and Pansies, conveying argument in the most pleasant manner concei\'able. They were gathered in his garden at Byfleet, in Surrey. Cornflowers (Centaurea Cyanus). — What- ever the charms of the rare or costly flowers of the season may be, the Cornflower of our fields is one of the best that comes to us, and we should like to see every gardener doing it honour, and giving it a good place. There is no more useful plant. Strong autumn-sown plants grown in the strongest soil are well worth having for the sake of cutting alone, and a bed or several lines of them should be raised in the nursen- or reserve ground each year, if not elsewhere, i'he delicate .and varied colour is charming. The bunches of the blue variety grown for Covent Garden Market have a Gentian-like vivacity of tone, which nothing else resembles or comes near. The "Semperflorens " Forget-me-not. — This is the name of what appears to he a strorg and good form of the common (and the best) Forget-me-not. It comes from Jlr. Betteridge, oC Chipping Norton, and it is to be hoped deserves its name. What is the length of time during which the common Forget-me-not flowers sav when in a rich ditch or fat river side 1 The Glacier Pink.— A bright and lovely Pink ; large, too. At Mr. Whiteheads in the warm south the stems get up bold above the foliage, and the deep rosy colour of flowers is splendid. We had mostly seen it before as com- pact cushions of flowers over small pointed leaves. It is even finer when the warm air makes it rise bold and singly, so to say. Dianthus glacialis is its botanic name. Primula capitata.— This charming rich purple Primrose comes in fine condition from the gardens at Pusey, Farringdon. Its beauty and distinctness are sufficient to give it an important place in its family, but the summer flowering habit of the plant is its peculiar charm. The rich purple and mealy heads give a colour that is valuable on the rock garden at the time when it flowers. It is quite free as a rock garden plant and hardy too. A Fine Japanese Shrub (Actinidia Kolomikta). — Here is a dreadful name for a beautiful and singular shrub, singular in its cupped cream coloured flowers and handsome foliage with red stalks. Mr. David Evans, writing from Basset Wood, Southampton, says it rambles loosely over the west end of the house, and its abundant and free-blooming shoots over- hanging a gay Convolvulus, have a very good effect. He also sends good flowers and foliage of Gaul- theria Shallon, which he praises for its willingness to embellish unhappy nooks and shadj' corners. The Dwarf Scarlet Larkspur.— Tliis comes better than usual from the gardens at Pusej', and is a welcome reminder of one of the most singular aspects of vegetation in California. It requires to be grown well and placed well, being in our climate a little fragile, and to be raised not unf requently from seed, so as to secure strong young plants. It cannot be compared to the lovely and stately blue and purple kinds in quality, but the novelty of a good red Larkspur is so charming, that many will desire to grow Delphinium nudicaule well. The Jasmine Bignonia.— We introduce so many novelties that people are apt to forget to give at least equal chance to some fine old favourites ; moreover, they are apt to judge them unfairly. While the old ones may be starved, unpotted, or unpruned, the new-comer starts with every advantage in life. We are reminded of our old greenhouse climbers by a fine form of Bignonia jasminoides from the gardens at Pusey, the whole of the limb of the flower being delicately veined and suffused with rose. Few things ever brought from hot countries to our glasshouses surpass this in foliage or flower. True, it sometimes flowers sparsely, but how to flower it freely is certainly worth the attention of everj'body having a winter garden or good green- house. British Hardy Heaths,^ AVe have enjoyed the sight of various hardy Heaths from an early period in spring, and now, the last day of June, we have received from Mr. James Smith's nursery. Barley Dale, near Matlock, a no less valuable series in full bloom, among them being liis new [seedling, the dark red variety of the Scotch Heather, the white variety of the cross- leaved Heath, E. cinerea alba major, E. tetralix alba, the St. Paboc's Beatb and its bicolor form. 10 THE GAEDEN. [July 2, 1881. They are as well grown, as beautiful, and show that at least in one place a cliarminf; race of native plants get fair treatment. We should advise the use of English names for these in catalogues — as -'Bark Red Scotch Heath"; all the species have good English names, and it would add to the interest of amateurs to use them for the varieties. If the very long names often affixed to these are given, it should be in brackets, to prevent confusion. S'W'eet Williams. — There are so many Sweet Williams and I'ansies in this world that he who could choose between them would be a wise man. They have this great advantage, that they are all beautiful, and this we can well say of a bright series sent us by Messrs. Daniels, of Nor- wich. The only unpleasant souvenir of Sweet Williams we have is this : Once upon a time it was our fate to judge Sweet Williams and many other things at a Welsh show near a famous iron- making town. The entries for Sweet Williams alone amounted to nearly 250. They were all beautiful, but three prizes must be given, so we gave them. In the afternoon, when the rushing and judging was cjuieted down, a nice old gentle- man accosted me, and asked if I were the man who judged the Sweet Williams. " Yes," I said, " I am the man." He took me to a stand where they were, and, pointing at the first prize-lot, remarked, " I could find a donkey in South AVales who could judge Sweet Williams better." Alas for the pleasure and justice of flower shows I We regret that, owing to a great press of matter, many interesting notes are unavoidably left over till next week. TREES AND SHRUBS. ORNAMENTAL PLANTATIONS. The primary object in forminp; shrubberies ■would seem to be that of obtaining privacy, shelter, and intricacy in design, and that is as easily obtainable with our common native shrubs and trees as with e.xotic ones. But exotic plants being obtained, it became requisite to find a situation, suitable or otherwise, for them in tlie park or garden. What place so handy, there- fore, as the possibly existing border of native shrubs ? and eventuall}', owing to numerous new importations, the older forms were driven out to make room for those that were handsomer in leaf and bloom or habit. This Las led, in the majority of old gardens, to mixed borders be- coming destitute of order or system. The plants stand, as a rule, much too thickly together for their natural development, and the consequence is, that the operation of mutilating with knife and axe is of constant occurrence to prevent the ■whole from becoming a jungle. It would cer- tainly be an improvement in large gardens if, instead of planting extensive shrubberies with the more valuable shrubs and trees, we used the commoner forms for the interior of the masses, or iudeed made them up almost entirely of such, and u.sed the finer and more choice plants either iu conspicuous places, foregrounds, or else dis- pose of them in the more natural and pleasing rnanner of groups of various dimensions and single specimens on lawns. More richness and variety would be the result in our garden land- scapes by so doing, and we should also do away almost altogether with tliat worse than useless cutting and pruning, which we find so con- stantly being recommended in works on garden- ing up to the present day. In smaller gardens, the finer varieties of shrubs might predominate in the necessary shrubberies, but not to tlie ex- clusion of some of the better native or commoner forms. The smaller the garden the greater the difficulty of the shrub and tree ar- rangements, and in villa gardens the task of making pleasing designs seems insuperable by resgon of tbejr narro^vness, and dividing walls and other fences. But if builders and others could be brought to consider the whole of the ground pertaining to a group of villas as being capable of being dealt with as a garden for the enjoyment of the villa residents on communistic principles, much would be gained in a garden point of view. The entire management would cost each tenant less money than under the pre- sent system, aud each would have a large gar- den in which to perambulate instead of the small strips one is accu.stomed to see in and about London aud all large towns. AVe seem to act on the principle of regarding each man's bouse as being virtually his ca.stle, and his bit of garden as the castle quadrangle, with its walls, chevaux de frise, and moat. It is to be feared, although here aud there small beginnings are being made in the indicated direction, that the idea is too Utopian for to-day, so it must be left to i(.s merits or demerits or feasibility for an- other decade or two. I have in my mind's eye a place in which may be seen — perhaps at the present time, although it is some few years since I was there — some striking examples of what one should not follow. The designing had been made by a London nurseryman. I entered at a lodge gate, not the principal entrance, I believe. The lodge had not yet been built, and was at once in what 1 may call " the dressed grounds." The road was capable of accommodating at least three omni- buses abreast, aud on either hand were very moderate strips of lawn, in fact, out of all pro- portion to the desert of gravel. On the one band was a young plantation, of forest trees chiefly, not badly planted, but placed far too near the road ; on the other side was an oval shiubbery, perhaps, one hundred and fifty paces in length, and with a shorter diameter of twenty paces. That bed of shrubs was one dead level, without any prominent plants, small trees, or indeed a)iything to break its monotony, and it was filled with the choicest of evergreens. Everything stood as thickly together as in the nursery quarters ; the stronger growing plants had already begun to smother the weaker ones, and, owing to the extent, nothing in the middle portion could be seen at all, except here aud there the rounded top of some struggling evergreen. If somebody has not come forward with some " radical coercive measure " the greater part of the valuable plants in that shi-ubbery may be reckoned among the things that were. Let us take another example from the same garden — a bank of bare earth, sloping steeply to the lawn at its base, the out- line fearfully serpentine, and planted in the same crowded method as that just alluded to ; but, owing to the rapid acclivity, the plants could not harm each other so much as in the flat bed. How the rains must have washed all the earthy, fertile particles out of that steep border of unclothed soil. In the front ranks were tiny Heaths, Vacciniums, Menziesias, Ledums, mixed up with insignificant herbaceous plants ; and the nearest walk, from which the observer would usually stand to view this bank, was fully sixty paces distant. These, and all other borders full of young plants, were duly tortured with spade and fork in winter and spring, and in summer and autumn the hoe and the rake continued the cruel work. I should like to see more shrubs of a deciduous character planted, instead of so many evergreens; we seem to ignore the beauty of the former, to the exclusion of so many really decorative subjects. I prefer the icicle and snow-beladen deciduous tree to tlie withered, pinched, woe-begone ever- green, with one exception — that of the Fir tribe. Why do people plant .so few siicli things as Euonymus, Cornus, Hydrangeas (especially paniculata), Corylue, Ilaliciodendron, Halesia, Viburnum (some ten .sorts), Weigela, Vitex Tamarisk, Lilacs (e.<-pf cially persica, Charles X. Duchesse de Nemours, and Maxima alba), the iSpirseas, Sophoras, .Salix, liubus, Khus, Jas- minum,and the smaller growing American Oaks (such as tinctoria and coccineaj .'' The colours of tliese latter are most gorgeous in autumn, and one can cramp them and root-prune them, and by that means dwarf them to suit .small quarters Prunus pyrLfolia has pleasing autumn tints. Pyrus coronaria, transparens, speclabilis, coc- cinea, salicifolia, argentea, pendula, and several others should find a place in every garden, for in bloom or fruit they are equally beautiful. Then Philadelphus coronaria, c. nana, and c. grandiflorus fl.-pl. are charming sweet-scented shrubs. I'lants of Hibiscu.s, in many sorf.s, in groups or single specimens in sunny spots, are always telling; so also are the Ela;agnuses near water, with dark Conifers behind or beside them. The varieties of Cytisus and C'ratfcgus are so numerous and good that no one can make mis- takes in selecting them. These and many others have fallen into much apparent desuetude during the last two decades, the blooms of which are very suitable for bouquets. We have ransacked the earth for Pines and Firs, and flowers that bloomed gorgeously, sometimes for two or three months, despising the inheritance of good things which our fathers had left us. But the cure has come at last, and we may really hope — each in his own garden, in the way best adapted to the climate, soil, situation, and means at his disposal — to be able to produce a garden picture worthy of our taste and means. AVliy should the owner of a garden be pro- hibited from having at least one-half of his shrubbery to consist of fruit trees ? If the ground has been properly trenched, and other- wise well prepared. Pears, Apples, Cherries, Plums, Paspberries, ('urrant,s, and Strawberries, might be planted either in groups or singly, amongst the other trees and shrubs. Vines and other creepers might also find a place in the shrubbery. The strong-growing sorts seem better adapted to this kind cf planting than the weaker and more delicate subjects. Syltestris. The Sno'wdropTree(Halesuatetr.nptera) — I think " W. G." over-estimates the merits of this tree. It isgood enough, but not so very remarkable. In this country cultivators like to have one or two, but we do not consider it a necessity of existence. The flowers are pretty and curious, and always short lived, but not so large as the engraving might make the reader suppose : in fact, there are several deciduous trees of American origin that we consider much more ornamental and valuable, whether for foliage or for flowers. Nor does the Halesia prosper better in South Carolina than in other parts of this country. There are trees in my neighbourhood on Long Island that are :i() ft. high, and it bears with success the severest frosts that we know here. — C. A. D. [It will be seen that the writer of the above and Jlr. G. Kerry, of Longleat. are of the same opinion as regards the merit of this tree.] The Mock Oranges at Kew.— The species of Philadelphus at Kew have lately been in flower, and there, as elsewhere, are somewhat confusing from the number of names being in excess of the number of forms. What those forms are, and how far they are really distinct, deserves to be " worked out." They are not very happily placed at Kew in a border somewhat in the shade of trees. They deserve a good open space where their natural form and size might be fairly developed. Aralia Sieboldi as a Seashore Shrub. — Mr. Woodall tells us that this tine shrub, well known to many as a good room plant, is succeed- ing well as a sea-shore plant at Scarborough. Tbe fact may be useful to many of our readers, July 2, 1881.1 THE GARDEN. 11 THE LOMBAUDY POPLAR. (POPULUS FASTIGIATA.) This is believed by the best authorities to have originated in Persia ; some writersstate that it is truly indig-enous to Italy, but the evidence, however, I thiuk is strongest in favour of Persia, from whence most probably it was in- troduced into Italy, where it is now a favourite tree and extensively grown. Lord Rockford lias thf credit of having imported this Poplar into England, bj' means of cuttings brought inferior qualit}' ; the stem, too, in matured trees is deeply fissured, which causes much waste of material when the tree is cut up into scantling. My object, however, in writing now respecting the Ijorabai'dy Poplar is more particularly to note its marked aud prominent features as an ornamental tree of singular habit and appear- ance, and I may also add that it possesses a solitary and sensitive nature or disposition not usual amongst other trees, by showing a decided aversion to thrive well when closely surrounded Poplars by mill stream near Tliatcliam, Berks Drawn for Tnr, Gaedcn by Alfred Parsons. from Turin in the year 17o8. The original trees raised from those cuttings are supposed to have been planted at Blenheim, in O.xfordishire. AVhether any of them are now in existence or not I am unable to say ; probably not, for it is by no means a long-lived tree, being liable to heart disease, from which cause it is not un- frequently blown down after being in an advanced state of decay and rottenness at the core. As a timber tree of commerce it may be said to be almost worthless; the wood is of very by other trees in plantations, and even when planted in the open in company with its own species, no matter how closely planted together, it refuses to interlace and embrace its neighbour, but grows up thin and attenuated rather than touch its associate. When planted in a mixed group of other species of trees with wide- spreading heads, and pressed for room by their branches, it will become denuded of foliage and its side twigs die back wherever it is touched by its surrounding companions ; the rapidity of its growth, however, soon ensures it head light, air, aud the freedom it delights in by pushing its slender plume-like top out of harm's way, high above its compeers, or, as the poet writes, Shoots up Its spire, ami shakes its leaves in tlie sun. The Lombardy Poplar is most pleasing and effective in the landscape when planted in judiciously arranged groups of say from two to six or eight trees; if by the side of a river or stream, they may be planted in a row with two or three Willows or other trees of a drooping habit planted near them or at eitlier end of the row. When a group of these Poplars is placed in a field or park in the open, it will present a more ornamental appearance aud be less formal looking by being distributed at various and irregular distances apart, not all in a line, as they may too frequently be seen standing throughout; the country; two or three may be in a row, but the others should be disposed at different distances and angles — straying away, so to speak, from the rest. A group of Lombardies alone has a gaunt, naked, and incomplete look without the addition of a few, say about half their number of other species of trees, round-headed aud drooping kinds — not lofty and tall grown sorts such as the English Elm ; and hence as they have a tendency to depress and take away the towering and majestic character of such a group, these round-headed trees should be planted in an easy and natural-looking style, one or two amongst the Poplars, others some little distance away in groups of two or three placed pretty close together, and perhaps a single tree still further away will help to lessen any stiff or abrupt effect the group may present. The mistake so often made in ornamental clump and group compjsition is forming round, square, and oval forms. This should be avoided as much as possible in all cases where it is desired to give to the landscape a natural look. Bold clumps are no doubt very effective in pai'k scenery ; still, they can be rendered more pleasing to the eye and none the less effective by judiciously scattering a few trees a little way from them. The trees I would suggest to accompany Lom- bardy Poplars in groups in parks or fields where there is plenty of room and scope for full development are Ilorse and Sweet Chestnut, Sycamore, Walnut, and Ash. In situations where the space is more limited, such as the squares and outskirts of towns and suburban places, trees of less spreading and umbrageous habit should be selected from the following : Birch, Hornbeam, Slaple, Wild and Bird Cherry, Willow, Uobinia, and Gleditschia. In still more confined places, or close to houses the following may be planted : Laburnum, Thorn, Cofoneaster (deciduous), Virgilia lutea. Mountain Ash, Pyrus Malus floribunda, and Sophora. Tlie Lombardy Poplar is a distinct and peculiar tree, aud well repays a little gar- nishing. It may not be inaptly compared to a fine monument or a handsome house; both may be beautiful in themselves in one point of view, but capable of vast improvement as regards appearance by tree adornment, to tone or soften down the dead stiffness that per- pendicular and straight lines invariably present. Just somewhat in a similar sense the Lombardy Poplar requires broad-headed aud pendent trees to contrast with its tall, elegant, and upright form. Although it is one of the most welcome trees the eye can catch sight of in passing through the country or town, planters should take care not to plant it too frequently, or do any- thinf to bring it into too bold prominence by forming avenues of it entirely, and planting- single specimens of it in open positions is equally objectionable and devoid of good taste. It is in 12 THE GAEDEN [July 2, 1881. mixed groups that the Lombardy Poplar com- mands the greatest amount of admiration, when situated in a flat or low-lyingdistrict, or planted outheslopesof rollinghills,its waving spiry head is seen high above its less aspiring and round- headed neighbours, breaking and lifting the landscape as it were by giving a pleasing and irregular contour to the sky line. The annexed picturesque group, so well and truly drawn to nature, is a striking instance of the capability of this Poplar to give ornamental and impressive effect to the landscape. George Bkuky. Lonrjleat. [The following is an artist's view of the way in which the Lombardy Poplar should be dealt with : "The same principles which would guide a man in planting hardy flowers would equally ap- ply to the planting of trees. Asa rule,one would use them in groups, sometimes a clump composed entirely of one kind, and somethnes a mixed tUunp carefully arranged as to growth. The Lombardy Poplar would naturally make a kind of highest point in the composition to which the other lines would lead up. I do not think that it looks well isolated, nor do you get the full advantage of its distinct form when it occurs singly among other trees, but the repetition of the perpendicular line is what you want. I think, too, for an avenue, or for a line of trees by water, the Lombardy is not easily beaten. It would be very effective on high ground, but it usually gets broken by the wind in such situa- tions; it seems also to do best in a damp soil."] Half-hardy Trees and Shrubs.— Of late yuurs Mr. J. Stevens has set apart a slieltered liortion of his garden at Grasmere, Byfleet, for testing tlie hardiness of tlie many trees and slu-ubs wliich are reputedly tender, and tliis trial iiimually furnishes some highly interesting results. The two last winters, being so exceptionallj' severe, have wrought much havoc among the more tender sorts, but the strong growth which some kinds are producing is remarkable. The following are among the kinds we noticed a week or so ago that are recovering from injury : IJuddleia Lindleyana and globosa, Photinia ser- rulata, Veronica pinguifolia, Ceanothus azureus and C. Fontainesi, Idesia polycarpa, I'terostyrax liispidum, Xantlioceras sorbifolia, Cunninghamia sinensis, I'aulownia imperialis, Catalpa syringie- folia and golden-leaved variety, Ligustrum coriaoeum, severely injured; L. sinense, also badly injured; Lerberis I'ortunei, 13. Hookeriana, Arbutus Croomi, much cut; Saxe-Gothoea conspicua, an interesting Chilian Conifer, Ilhodca japonica, and most of tlie hardier Fuchsias ; all the Hydrangeas are completely destroyed. The Rose Acacia (Robiuia hispida).— This is one of the trees that, although comparatively common, is not .seen so often as it deserves to be, for now that the masses of bright coloured tliorns are over, it is one of the most conspicuous of our shrubs or small trees, and this season botli this iind the common False Acacia are unusually full of flowers. In its variety macrojihylla tlie flowers are much larger and somewhat brighter, and it is altogether sutficiently distinct to be noticed. Yet a word in favour of the golden-leaved variety of the common Acacia, which is now remarkably effective, as while many plants which in the first flush of their foliage were very bright have now paled somewhat, this Acacia is brighter than ever. In several gardens about London the Hose Acacia is now beautifully in flower, and a fine old speci- men adorns that portion of the arboretum at Kew known as the dell. Barberry Hedges.— ^Ir. Quetton states, in the Canadian llorticalturint, that he has several miles of Barberry hedge, and he prefers tins shrub to any other for hedges on dry ground. They do not succeed on wet or marshy places. Their well known characteristic of stooling freely soon renders the hedge thick at the bottom, so that when planted a foot apart he has known them to become so thick in three years as to defy sheep, pigs, or geese. The well-known drawback of Osage and Honey Locust hedges is the annual care required in cutting back, and here the Oarben-y possesses a great advantage. Although a close hedge of Barberry, which cattle cannot see through, may prevent them from ever attempt- ing to pass, yet greater security would be afforded by placing a single barbed wire lengthwise through the centre while they are growing, as has been recommended on former occasions. The facility with which the young seedlings are raised, and the ease in transplanting them in the hedgerow, give them additional advantages. White Azaleas in the Open Air.— After the manner in wbich these have stood the test of the past few winters, there can be no question as to their hardiness and ability to withstand our severe and trfing winters ; they are now in full bloom, and may be added to the list of hardy shrubs useful either for decoration or for affording a supply of cut bloom after those under glass are over. As there are many places where old bushes in pots and tubs arc found that have been used for cutting from for years, I would advise that a trial be made of them by planting them out at once ; and as some of the dark coloured varieties will probably prove quite as hardy as the white, I look forward to some day seeing the Indian Azalea quite a common shrub in groups on the lawn. — J. Grooji, Linton.. The Old Guelder Rose.— Vou uttera word of praise anent this Viburnum. I tliink that no other Viburnum is at all equal tu it. Here, this season, it has been and is still splendid masses of snowy white ; many of the licails are fully 4 in. in diameter — snowballs, indeed — and besides it is so hard}', whereas V. macrocepbaluiu is not ; even in mild winters it is injured here. It has, how- ever, one merit, and that is, it flowers much later. I saw a pretty picture a few days since : a Guelder Kose had been planted many j'ears ago in a corner behind an Irish Vew. The latter has grown up into a stately tree nearly 20 ft. high, and about two-thirds of the way up a branch of the Guelder Rose has grown through, and now bangs in massive wreaths of snowy whiteness, showing to great advantage against the dark green back- ground.— T. Smith, Xcn-rij. Catalpa speciosa. — Tliis has been a favourite tree in tlie prairie towns of West Louisiana, where fine specimens of it are com- mon ; and at several places both in Western Louisiana and Eastern Texas it is naturalised in the woods at considerable distances from any existing settlements. Mr. Letterman, of Allen- ton, who devoted last summer to studying the forests of Arkansas and the Indian Territoiy, discovered some fine specimens in the town of ^\■asllington, in Southern Arkansas. In the hotel yard there, he writes me, are two trees which were brought from Nachitoches, on Red River, in 1840, and which measure IL} ft. and 10.^ ft. in circumference at 4 ft. from the ground; and two in the grounds of General Royston, which were brought from Monroe, La., in 1830-3", and which girth 10.^ ft. Mr. Letterman found this tree thoroughly naturalised in the woods about Wasliington, and about Little Rock, on the Arkansas River. — C. S. Saugext, in Ganhnern' Moulhlij. Camellia Leaves from the Shrubbery. —With the Tulip tree blooms sent to us from the well-stored gaidens at Slargam, S. Wales, came some Camellia shoots more glossy than Laurels, and which have been a surprise to all who have .seen them. In this garden they are grown out of doors, and with a freshness and vigour of foliage such as one never sees them display in houses. Aralia Maximowiczi or ricinifolia. — This most distinct and handsome shrub, de- scribed as hardy in The Garden' (p. CG4), has, I am sorrj' to say, not proved so with me in the south of Ireland, as a healthy young plant sent me last summer by Messrs. Veitch from Coombe Wood was quite killed during last winter, con- siderably to my surprise, as I had always before believed it to be hardy. Its leaves, when fully developed on a strong plant, are, I should say, at least double the size you name. — W. E. G. THE GARDEN FLORA; PLATE CCXCI.— ODONTOGLOSSUM CRISi'C-M. Tins Orchid has now become a universal favourite, and ju.stly so, for if we were asked to name the mo.st useful, profitable, easily grown, and beautiful Orchid in cultivation, it would without hesitation be our choice. Nothing can svell surpass the chaste beauty of the blossoms of this Orcliid, not even its newer congener 0. vexillariuni, which some consider the queen of the genus. The gracefully arching spikes of bloom which remain in perfection for many weeks are in strong contrast to the somewhat flimsy flowers of O. vexillarium, which, more- over, is a plant more ditTicult to grow well, re- quiring more heat, not being so serviceable for floral decoration. It is one of the numerous plants about which botanists have disagreed somewhat, especially with regard to its name. .Vbout forty years ago Ilartweg discovered in woods near the village of Pacho, in the province of Bogola, a species of Odontoglossum that the late Ih'. Lindley named O. crispum on account of the crisped edged flowers. .Sub.sequently .John Weir, the Koyal Horticultural Society's plant collector, discovered in the gloomy forests of Santa Fe de Bogota, at an eb'vation of 9000 ft., another species which Mr. liateman named Alexandra;, in compliment to the Princei'S of Wales. This was in 1^04; since then our knowledge of Orchid.?, and particttlarlv of Odoutoglossums, has become so much extended, owing to the large quantities of them that have been imported and the numerous varieties that have resulted therefrom, that now, we think, no one would hesitate to consider the two so-called species one and the same sort. Another name (O. Blunti) has been given to one that is very similar to O. crispum, and which is found also in Santa Fe de Bogota. It differs, however, somewhat in the form and colour of the blossoms, but no more than other varieties of 0. crispum. 0. Pesiatorei, discovered in the Oak forests of Xew Granada by Funck and Schlira in 1S47, is generally considered to be distinct, notwithstanding the fact that some forms of O. crispum so strikingly resemble it as to be almost undistinguishable from it. The shape of the pseudo-bulb often affords .so distinct a character in the numerous varieties and so called species that experts can distinguish them by that alone, even wlien not in flower. The varieties of 0. crispum, as we before ob- served, are now very numerous, and every large importation of plants invariably yields many forms, some iul'erior, others superior to the typical kind. As a natural con.'d more or less largely, but nowliere beyond tlie Tropics can they be seen in such perfection, or in a nearer approach to their native vigour and dimeasims than in our national garden at Kew, which for nearly a century has held a prominent position among European botanic gardens. It is more particularly tlie plant life in the Palm stove to wliich the present remarks are directed, and the little illustration here given represents a small portion of the central portion of that house, slietched when the singularly effective Agave attenuata, shown in the foreground with a tall arching flower-spike, was in perfection. The effect of this plant, with its attractive yellow feathery blossoms and noble piort standing out in bold relief from the background of stately Bananas and Palms, was extremely striking, and arrested the attention of every one at the time. The aspect of the whole of the central portion of this house is one of imposing grandeur, the majority of the plants being of huge dimensions, and some not far sliort of the size which they attain in their native habitats. The most prominent features are, of course, the Palms, than which there is not a finer collection in cultivation. The noblest of the.se are the Wine I'alm (Caryota urens), which long ago reared its stately head of foliage to the highest part of the dome, but now apparently gradually eking out its existence, as most of this cla.ss of Palms do w-hen they have once flowered ; they produce their gigantic clusters of blossoms from the axils of the topmost leaves and then successively from those below, and so on until the lower leaves have been reached with flowers and fruits, and then the plant dies. Opposite is an immense specimen of Sea- forlhia elegans, a Palm which in its young stage is such a favourite for the adornment of hothouses of small dimensions. This Palm annually bears a huge cluster of flowers, which hang in long white ihongs, which have a strange yet noble appearance. Near to this is an ex- ceptionally hue example of Caryota Itumphi, one of the grandest Palms in the house, which throws its broad leaves far an) to white Pelargoniums, and justly observes they are always welcome and generally in demand. Looking through the large collection, both zonal, show, fancy, and of the regal type at the Hon. Judge Gough's the otlier day, indoor and out, I would be inclined to strongly commend for decorative purposes Claribel and The Bride in preference to many others. They are both pure wliite, nearly similar, with small blotches of rosy carmine on the two upper petals of the softest and richest shading. The trusses, especially of the latter, were numerous, comparatively large, and well thrown up above the foliage. They seem to do best in comparatively small pots, and with the coolest treatment. It is useless to expect satis- factory flowering under glass, except with shad- ing or muffing as here. — W. J. M., Clonincl. Plant Houses. — There is a marked differ- ence in the description of plant houses con- structed at the present day by market gardeners and nurserymen compared with those that used to be erected for a like purpose in times past. Now the woodwork is made no stronger than is just sufficient to support the weight it has to bear ; the bars are placed far apart, so as to admit of very large panes of glass, often from 18 in. to 20 in. wide or more, the whole held together and strengthened by extra tie rods, placed in such a way as to stiffen and support the roof sufficiently without intercepting a single ray of light more than can be avoided. Every existing wall or building used to be built up witli a lean-to house or pit, under tlie Jimprsesion that a gain was ef- fected by using the wall as a back to the new structure ; by such an arrangement no doubt a little was saved in the first instance, but this was adversely over-balanced ever after by the one-sided and diminished light tlie plants received. This is now generally understood and admitted by a class of individuals whose business it is to cal- culate the return for every pound they spend, in confirmation of which we recently heard one of the oldest and most experienced of the London market growers, who still has a number of these old-fashioned houses so placed in use, say that if anyone would now build him a similar lot free of cost, he would not accept them. The houses at Swanley Nursery are good illustrations of these cheap erections ; they stand where there is not a tree or wall of any kind to diminish tlie light : they are span-roofed, resting on walls some 2 ft. or 3 ft. high, with no side lights ; they stand about 18 in. apart, the space between being filled up with earth rammed hard in ; on the top of it is placed a thick laj'er of chalk or other hard ma- terial, the whole asplialted over and sloping slightly to the middle of the space ; they thus do double duty, as paths to get between the houses for repairs and painting, to push on or remove whatever shading is required in summer, and act as gutters to receive the roof water, for whicli purpose they have a slight descent from each end to the centre, where the water is received into a very large brick and cement tank sunk beneath the floor, and intersecting the houses. It is a simple and efficient arrangement that we have not before seen adopted, but which does away with the annoyance and cost of leaking spouts or gutters, and is a decided gain where numbers of bouses of this kind are erected. — P. J, NOTES AND READINGS. The fancy prices charged by some members of the trade for seeds and roots, and the great difference in the prices of different firms and tlieir way of dealing with customers, are things that puzzle gardeners and their employers not a little every now and then. There are seed.«men who cannot sell certain flower seeds except in the form of 2s. Cd. and •». packets, and there are others who can do the same at ;!d. There are those whose pinches of seed of the same kind differ to the extent of 100 per cent, in tlie quantity given, the price, strain, and quality being the same — or in other words the article is that much dearer or cheaper as the case may be. 1 saw two lots of a certain popidar herbaceous plant the other day from different nurseries, and in one lot the roots were four times as big as those in the other and dearer lot, which were, it was said, sold at the lowest figure. Tuberoses are sold in one shop at from os. to 7s. per dozen, and in another at 2os. per hundred. Lily roots of the same kind and quality are sold by some firms at prices ranging from £3 to .£5 apiece, and are offered by others for about as many shillings " in the legitimate course of business." 1 am assured this is correct. One does not ob- ject to paying a fair price for a good article, but such disparity in prices makes buyers fear that the dealers are either imposing upon themselves or their customers. The prices of fine Gra.ss seeds, too, differ in an equally wonderful man- ner, but it is only fair to state in their case that the dearest seeds are, as a rule, the best, and that in this particular style of goods the quality differs more than the price. 1 have had some opportunities of seeing the samples of dif- ferent firms tried in both small and large com- pass, and the difference in quality would hardly be believed. The effect upon crops of digging and pulver- isation is a subject, that has now and then re- ceived some attention from cultivators who are not, however, all quite agreed as to their necessity under all circumstances. Tliere is a pretty un- animous opinion in favour of digging and stir- ring previous to sowing seed crops, but such pre-liminary operations do not appear to be ur- gent in the case of crops that are transplanted. It was stated once, in The Garden or else- where, that at C'hatsworth and some other places crops like Cauliflower and Broccoli, &c., were planted in hard, undug ground by iron crowbars, and crops equal in every other respect to those treated in the usual and approved man- ner were the result. The manure, in.stead of being dug into the soil, was spread on the soil as a mulching, as the French treat their Aspa- ragus. It is of course manifest that if one crop can be planted ou ground vacated by another without digging, a great saving of labour must be the result, as one good digging or trenching will serve for two crops, but both digging and manuring periodically will be necessary all the same. The practice of frequent digging and fork- ing is founded, no doubt, upon the notion, not altogether correct, that soil not so worked gets as hard below as it does on the surface. In ordinary good ela.stic soils this does not, however, appear to be the case. Soil does not settle yond a certain point, and it requires enormous pressure to affect newly dug ground more than a few inches below the surface, while turfy composts, like Vine borders, are hardly affected in the smallest degree, though treadirig with the f§et pa Vine borders is very much objected to by some growers. Turfy composts are so elastic that a steam roller pressed over them would hardly produce any sensible effect. En- gineers are familiar with tliis fact, and maca- damised roads, calculated to bear the heaviest traffic, are made successfully over spongy mo- rasses, the only point of importance being to spread th? stones evenly to ensure sufficient resistance. Plants dibbled into undug ground with a hardened surface are not really in an unnaturally hard soil, for once the top tap root is inserted through the top crust the soil is tolerably open and permeable, and if it has been previou.sly well tilled, there is nothing to hinder the plants from tliriving. This is probably the secret of the success which has attended the practice, for such subjects as Cauliflowers do not grow fast or well in a soil that is really hard about the roots. It is not profitable work dig- ging in the dog days, and it is hard work for men ; the idea of planting large breadtlis of gar- den crops without incurring that labour ma_y, therefore, commend itself to some cultiva- tors, and suggest experiments in that way. « As regards fruit-tree borders, it may be worth while hinting to those who believe in hard bor- ders for such subjects as the I'eacli that they cannot make a border hard if made of turfy compost except by treading the compost in in thin layers at a time, as the compost is filled in and then it cannot be made so firm as to obstruct the roots from taking a straight course if they choose. Years ago I remember seeing a number of men making a Peach border with their feet in this way. Tire soil was light, and it was trodden as hard as a number of heavy men could tread it. The gardener, a man of experience, declared it could not be made hard enough in any other way. The trees grew and bore well afterwards, and that they did not find the rooting medium too hard was evinced by the fact that they required root pruning a few years after planting. * A recent lecturer before the Scottish Horti- cultural Association, whose name causes one to exclaim, " Is Saul also among the pro- phets .P" said some rather severe but true things respecting flower gardens of fifteen years back or thereabout. " The gardener," it was stated, "has begun to see that the cutting up of a small rectangular or circular piece of ground into a lot of ingenious lines, and planting the whole with a combination of various colours, neither con- ■stitutes beauty, nor lias the slightest approach to it." If this be true it would have been difllcult to find a garden approaching the beautiful at the date referred to. The lecturer overshoots the mark here, however. The worst opponents of the bedding system have never sought to deny that pleasant contrasts could be effected by combina- tions of colours merely, and there are gardeners who have shown both taste and judgment in producing such displays. The fault of their svstem was that it was all formal combinalions, and notliing else — it monopolised the garden. The cutting up of small rectangular or circu- lar pieces of ground, &c., is, as the lecturer states, a fault without doubt, and he might have added big pieces of ground as well. A small bit of formal gardening is almost excusable beside a large extent of ground occupied by labyrinth upon labyrinth of intricate patterns varied only by the shape of the beds composing them, and nothing else. The lecturer also stated that "In autumn we cannot dispense with strong colours," which striltes one as a curious fact, if it is a fact. Gar- dening and poetry must be at variance on this 10 THE GARDEN. [July 2, 1881. point, for, says Biirns, with true poetic feeliug- — Cume autumn, so pensive in yellow and prey. Ami soothe nio with tiding? of Nature's decay. Terhaps " strong colours in autumn" arc ucccs- sary from the biddin's point of view, iu order to sustain the spectator's interest after a sum- mer's dissipation in the same style of gar- dening. It is a promising sign to see such sub- jects as "Present -day Flower Gardening'' taken up by as.sociations like the iScottish one. THE LIBRARY. Catalogue of Potatoes.— Essai d'un Cata- logue metho'lique et synonyniiq\ie des principales varietes de I'ommes de Terre, jiar Henri Vil- morin. — This is a most interesting catalogue of Potatoes by 'SI. Henii Vilmorin, wlio lias paid as much attention to them as to many other classes of vegetables. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. Plaintes d'un Horticultsur.*— This is a pamphlet by M.Godefroy-Lebeuf.Argenteuil.onthe present state of the Garden ot Plants in Paris, and it also contains explanations regarding two of the late employes of that garden as to the reasons why they were oljliged to retire from it. The Garden of Plants at Paris is naturally a subject of interest to many visitors to that city, and its condi- tion and management arc not without importance to horticulture generally. Any large national establisliment much visited and much talked of has a great influence for good or evil. As we have several times ventured to point out, the state of this garden is deplorable. An old-fashioned and unsuitable plan makes impossible any such charm of design as we expect in a garden. The whole placemay do very well for nuiseums and menageries and so on ; but mixed up with the garden these things form rather an incongruous whole, and the interest attaching to both plants and gardens suffers very much in consequence. It would appear that what is so clear to some foreign visitors as regards the state of the Garden of Plants begins to attract the attention of the nation, and M. Godefroy-Lebeuf, an old pupil of the Garden of Plants, puts very clearly in his pamphlet certain unpleasant facts as regards the work and the management of that institution. We hope they may do good, and help to lead to tlio sweeping reform that is needed. The truth is, the old notion of a botanic gardenis long behindthetime, thou,gh many a fusty old garden in a Continental city still bears the name of " Botanic Garden.'' Arboretum Segrezianum. — This remark- able work makes .steady progress, as in addition to the first number which wo noticed some time ago two others have now appeared, in which the fol- lowing 7iew trees and shrubs are figured : No. 2 : Crataegus Ltivallei, Diervillasessilifolia, Xuttallia cerasifnrmis, Catalpa Kicrapferi, Exochorda grandifiora. Xo. i!: Idesia polycarpa, Ithodo- typos kerrioides, Prunus divaricata, Crataegus punctata and hetcrophylla. Aria Decaisneana. The plates are very carefully done, and in most cases of tlie size ot nature. It is seldom in a book of this sort that the public reap the advantage of the experience ot one wlio is both a grower and lover oE trees, and who at the same time knows them well botanically. This book is a fitting record of the finest collections of trees formed in Europe in our own day, and whicli we hope, notwithstanding the unkindness of recent winters, may long con- tinue one of the garden honours of La Belle France. A Dictionary of Quotations from the English Poets. f— This is a new edition for the public, of an excellent book formerly published by Mr. 11. G. liohn f(U' private circulation, ami which had become very rare. The veteran author, who to his many acquirements adds that of an en- tluisia-itic and successful gardener, is among our mo.-t remarkable examples of men who far beyond the allotted age of man do excellent work. The quiet and cliarra of his richly stored garden may jierliaps account in part for such a green eld age. The book is admitted to be exceedingly well done and far above the level of similar books. " Plaintes d"un Hortifulteur sur la triste situation de la Section de Culture au MusOum d'Histoire naturellc. Saint- Germain-eu-Laye : D. Bardin. t George Bell & .Sons, York Street, Covent Garden, W.C. OLD KITCHEN GAKDENS. Attached to some of our old English mansions one frequently finds a genuine old-fashioned kitchen garden — one that still retains traces ot the time when the kitchen garden was a mixture of what now constitutes several distinct phases of gardening, for now-a-days not only is the flower garden quite distinct from the kitchen garden, but the fruit garden is ever.y year, as it should be, gettin,g more isolated from the vegetable quarters. Eacli class of subjects requires special treatment, and they can be better grown, both as to quantity and quality, .separate tlian mixed. The orchard full of standard trees, still a reality, is only going back to tlie good old plan in days when fruit was ])lentiful. But the fruit garden as distinct from the kitchen garden is a modern idea, as yet only partially carried out, while the separating vegetables into field and garden crops sets free enclosed kitchen gardens for the larger demands now generally made on tliem for choice vegetables and salads. The fiower garden, too, is rapidly divesting itself of formal squares and straiglit lines. The brilliant flowering plants occupy one portion, stately foliage or sub-tropical groups another, and dwarf or carpet p ants another ; and although it may be long before perfection is reached in the arrangement or grouping of plants, yet one cannot but admit that gardening Ijoth in its ornamental and useful branches has made good pro.grcss during the past twenty years. Turning to the still existin,g examples of our ohl English gardens, one must, liowever, admit that they were well designed to meet the end in view. In many cases the kitchen garden did duty for tlie flower garden, fruit garden, and its various offshoots, such as the Pinetum. And in liouses Orchids were grown with Pines, and stove plants under the shade of Vines, yet by un- wearied perseverance good crops wei'e produced, notwithstanding defective heating, ventilating, and other details on which success or failure often rests. In these old-fashioned gardens aged fruit trees leant in all directions; there were old knotted espaliers and glorious wreaths ot Hoses or Honeysuckle that found a support on their stems, while by the sides of walks were huge masses of Thyme, Parsley, or other herbs alter- nated with flowers, either pleasant to the eye or grateful on account of their perfume, but now the tendency of the times is all against ancient gardens, liowever interesting they may be. Liiitiin. J. G. Laxton's Alpha Pea. — Tliis is an excellent variety tfu- main early or second early crops, a profuse bearer, and one tliat, if sown in the end of Feliruary or JIarcli, will not be much behind those raised under glass, or even those sown the previous autumn. Among the many good Peas Mr. Lax- ton lias sent out. Alpha is likely to hold a first place. — J. G. Day's Early Sunrise Pea. — Early Wrinkled Peas have of late years come to be greatly sought after, and although not given to trying all the latest improvements that are sent out, yet I have heard sueli excellent reports of Day's Early iSnnrise, that I resolved to give it a trial. We suwcil two rows of it on February 7, from which wo h.'ivo had a ver.y fine crop, pods being plentiful from very close to the ground to the tips of the haulm, which with us is about ;'. ft. high. They are very deep green, and easily recognised in the row, and from what I hear among gardeners. Day's Early Sunrise is likely to become a very popular Pea. — J. G. L. Early Alpha Potato.— At a recent meeting of our < 'ottage G.ardcn Society several dishes of this very early rounil Potato were brought for exhibition. They had been grown in the open garden, and were considered to be equal in earli- ness to any kind of kidney in cultivation and more prolific; in fact, they are especially adapted for small gardens, as they make bii't little haulm, ami are useful for filling up odd corners and sheltered places, such as the foot of a wall where a single row may be grown for a very early supply, the samples referred to being dug the third week in .1 nne from quite an exposed situation, where the haulm was cut to the ground in Jlav bv frost. — J. G. Applying Patent Manure to Potatoes. A correspondent, writing from Wickham, New- bury, states that a few weeks a.go it occurred to him to sprinkle almost a pound wei.ght of Amies' .Manure on the fifth row ot nine rows he had planted of the Woodstock Kidney Potato. The effect produced is that of a marked increase in tlie strength of the plants, producing a much darker foliage and larger seed balls than on the other rows. He had previously been in the habit of using this manure in considerable quantity without being able to notice any material differ- ence in the appearance of the foliage, or, what is of more importance, in the weight of tubers pro- duced. Tliis led him to think that hitherto he had done wrong in mixing the manure with the earth in the drill at the time of planting, the wet season having, in his belief, carried the manure too far down to benefit tlie roots. By applying it to the surface near the neck ot the plants after earthing up, the rains wash it down into im- mediate contact with the roots, which readily avail themselves of it. — K. D. 'Veitch's Extra Early Oauliflo'wer.-This dwarf early Cauliflower is unquest ionably a decided acquisition, coming in as it does at a time when vegetables are generally somewhat scarce. As its name implies, it is exceedingly well adapted for growing entirely under glass, being very dwarf and producing a fine head in proportion to the size of the plant in a minimum of time. But it is as an out-door vegetable that 1 would specially recommend it; it comes in after the latest Broccoli ends and before the earliest Cauliflowers begin. Planted side by side with the Early London and other early Cauliflowers, and treated the same iu every respect, viz., sown in September, wintered in a cold frame, and planted out in deep drills in the middle of March on a border with a south aspect, we cut beautiful iieads the first week in June, or nearly a fortni.trht before the other varieties that looked the strongest were fit to cut. In ordiuaiT seasons the shelter of a cold pit would bring this excellent vegetable quite a fortnight sooner, so that where either Broccoli or Cauliflowers are in request the year round there need be no ditiiculty about the gap between the two being now filled up. Tliere are now several excellent varieties of very late Broccoli that extend the supply to within what may be called a measurable distance of the time wlien Cauli- flowers, by the aid of these early sorts, may be relieil on "to take up and carry on tlio supply. — JAME.S Groom. Sowing' Parsley. — Tlie demand for Parsley never slackens, for altliough many substitutes have been tried for garnishing, there is nothing that finds so much favour as fresh green-curled Parsle.v, and the quantity that is used in large establishments makes its cultivation an important matter. In order to meet this demand the best way is to sow largely at once, for sowin.gs made in June or July last for a lon.gtimc befin'crunnin.g to seed. In tact, these sowin.gs will supply the year with care in transplanting while the plants arc young to various positions where shelter or shade is available. We have a large portion of our kitchen garden edged with common bricks, and by sowing the Parsley about G in. inside the edging, an ornamental and at the same time use- July 2, 1881.J THE GARDEN. 17 ful addition is made to ouv garden edging. In August, as soon as the plants are large enough to handle, the)' are thinned out to 1 ft. apart, and the thinnings are planted in cold frames where they can be efficiently protected in cold weather, ancf some are planted on dry sheltered banks or at the foot of walls where they can be readily protected with Fir branches. To protect the open rows, I find stout boards nailed together to make a temporary roof an excellent plan, as when snow lies heavy on them they can be cleared of it and lifted" carefully otf, and the produce gathered without injury to the roots, such as is caused by picking it from the plants among the snow. It is a good plan to sow some in March and April for smmmcr and autumn use, and we find single rows between young bush fruits answer well, for when frost is not to be dreaded it cannot ba too vigorous or strong. NOTES OF THE WEEK. The Stuartia. — We hear this beautiful North American shrub is in ilower at Syon. The Spotted Calla. — C. albo-maculata comes to us presumably from the open ground of the New I'lant C'ompanj- at Colchester, and a graceful plant it is, the iiower, too, being of good form ; but the fact that we have so grand a plant in the common Calla rather overweights this. We should like to see the yellow Calla well grown under various conditions. The Spiked Star of Bethlehem.— Ornithogalum pyramidale has at flowering time ^uch poor leaves, that by itself on a border or in a bulb garden it does not attract much attention, but that it is a beautiful plant anybody can find out who scatters a few good bulbs of it among a tuft of dwarf Roses or any other open dwarf shrub. AVe noticed it lately standing forth from some dwarf plants of the Eamanas Kose. Campanula azurea. — Among the many Hairbells of the season this is sent to us, and very pretty it is, of the Hosti race. How beauti- ful the Peach-leaved Bell-flower (C. persicifolia) now is on the Sussex liills I We ha^•e never seen anything more lovely than tufts of this. Its aspects in London gardens are not at all com- imrable with what one sees in country places; the plants do not seem the same. The Giant Bell-flower.— Campanula lati- folia var. macrantha is tlie name of a very fine herbaceous plant whicli is now in bloom in some gardens, and also abundantly wild in the north of England, where Mr. Woodall says it attains a height of 6 ft. sometimes in copses. It is a hand- some and striking plant. It is surprising it has not been used to give rise to as valuable varieties of flowers as the Cauteromy Bell in its own way. As after flowering it would be somewhat un- sightly in borders, the true way is to establish it in copse or shrubbery, in which its fine spikes of great blossoms would tell well. Plants in Flower at Farnborough Q-range. — We have here plants of .Saponaria ocymoides and splendcns in patclies from 1 ft. to 2 ft. across, which have stood the winter on our exposed border perfectly and have flowered profusely. Poppies, too, are most showy as well as several kinds of Campanula, including persici- folia alba and the double form. We also have good patches of the Double Hweet William full of bloom. Hybrid Pinks of several kinds are like- wise grand ; they are most useful when in large patches. Dianlhus neglectus and glacialis were good here this spring. — J. C. F. New Park at Halifax.— A new park for Halifax wasopened last week. It iscalled Shroggs Park, is on the north side of the town, and has an area of about 2-3 acres. The site has been gener- ously leased to the corporation for 999 years by Mr. Henry Savile, of Rufford Abbey, at a nominal rent, and part of the expense of formation has been borne by Mr. Edward Akroyd, formerly M.P. for Halifax. Tlie park contains large football and cricket grounds, a central pavilion, drinking and ornamental fountains, a fine waterfall, &c. About 60,000 trees and shrubs have been planted. A drive round the park runs along the top of a rooky cliff commanding good views. The Rose-coloured Water Lily.— We learn that this plant has flowered in a very satis- factory manner in the York Nurseries. The colour is said to be even finer tlian that shown in our plate (Vol. XV., p. 516). We endeavour to avoid exaggeration, give instructions tliat the plants should be drawn life size in all cases where possible, and insist on the flowers being drawn as they are and without reference to the ideals (possible and impossible, ugly or otherwise), which we find some are too ready to suggest to the artist. As the plants we have figured become known in cultivation, the faithfulness and the selection of Tj[E Garden plates will be recognised, and they will be found to have a value more than was anticipated at first. New Strain of Violas.— In the Stanstead Park Nurseries, Forest Hill, we saw two varieties of Viola, which indicate quite a new departure from the ordinary strains of Pansies and Violas. The flowers are quite devoid of tlie centre dark eye and the usual dark pencillings that radiate therefrom, so that the flowers ha\e quite a distinct appearance, and are greatly improved, as the colours are purer. The names of these are Hybrida alba, which has large flowers of good form and pure white, and is, moreover, a free grower and flowerer ; Golden Queen of Spring, similar to the last, but of a pure golden yellow, and extremely pretty. Jlessrs. Laing have not acquired these long, but they speak highly of them, and predict a bright future for them. New Yellow "Water Lily (Nymph^a flava). — This extremely rare North American Water Lily may now be seen in flower in the old Lily house at Kew, near the I'alm house. The plant much resembles in appearance the ordinarj' forms of tropical water Lilies, and also in the size and form of the flowers, but the colour is a pure canary yellow, quite distinct from that of any other Nymph;Ba known. It is, we believe, even rare in its native habitats, and has not been known very long to botanists, judging bj' what is said re- specting it in the last volume of the "Botanj' of California." It is said to be nearly, if not quite, hard)- in our climate, and if so, it will prove a great acquisition to our aquatic plants. New Tropical Gingerw^ort (Cienkowskia Kirki). — Under this not very euphonious name there is now a plant in flower in one of the stoves at Kew. It is apparently an ally of the Curcumas, and like them has ample broad foliage which has a handsome appearance at all seasons. The flower-spikes, which overtop the foliage, are stout and erect, and are terminated by dense clusters of flower-buds which expand two and three together. The blossom consists chiefly of a large roundish lip-like petal of a delicate pink colour, at once reminding one of Odontoglossumvexillarium. There is a deep orange blotch in the centre, and from it radiate several white pencillings which give the flower a pretty appearance. It was we believe, discovered by Dr. Kirk at Zanzibar, and has not been long in cultivation. Show of Petunias. — A magnificent floral sight is afforded by some twelve or thirteen thou- sand plants of Petunias now in full beauty in Jlessrs. Carter & Co.'s nursery at Forest Hill. They are grown in frames and pots mainly for seed, and, thus grown, every facility is afforded for weeding out those that do not conform to the standard of excellence required. The strain is a fine one and the variety endless, but some of the most distinct and beautiful have been named, so that if particular colours are required by seed purchasers they can have them. Among the most noteworthy named sorts are White Pearl, pure white ; Blue Vein, streaked and pencilled with black on a lavender ground ; Queen of Roses, a delicate rose tint, very pretty; Maltese Lace, prettily netted and veined ; Japanese, similar to the last, but larger ; Cerise Brilliant, deep cerise. These are but a few of the varieties named. These flowers are all single, but there is likewise a fine collection of double varieties. In the adjoining houses there is one of the most complete collec- tion of varieties of Coleus we have ever met with, there being some 150 named kinds, though neces- sarily there are several nearly alike. Crotons may also be seen in a like variety, and the collec- tion, though not large as regards the individual size of the plants, is a very numerous one. The new double Bouvardia is grown here in quantity, and some of the plants arc in flower. LATE NOTES AND QUESTIONS. Sc^le. —Cheahire Gardeiie};— Try Fir tree oil ; it is s.iid to be a good insecticide. Double Tropeeolum. -■-/'','/■— Propagate it the same as ;i Verbena. It has not as yet seeded. It is Ijest propa- gated from cuttinjj;s.— C. Vine Leaves.—//. S.—Yomv leaves are attacked by a fungus ; all art^cted by it had better be picked olf and destroyed at once.~G. S. S. Gooseberry Leaf.— J". For,'^iitk.— The Gooseberry leaves are attacked by a fungus named .Ecidium grossularirc. Though usuaUy very local or rare, the fungus is this season both widespread and common. — W. Rosa blanda.— I have a healthy plant of this iu a pot. Is it tender or hardy, creeping or not? Wouhl being planted against a south wall suit it ? and is it a pood flower, single or double? I cannot find it in any Rose catalogue.- S. W. C. Poppies." Will some oue tell me the best kind of scarlet Poppies (-ingle or double) to grow for decoration (for cutting chiefly)? Also if they flower the same year from seed sown in the spring? or whether an autunm sow- ing is preferable ?---W. H. Tuck. [Papaverorieutale and its varieties. The best time to sow is in summer, when the plants will (lower the following year.] Judging Kidney Beans— How are these judged at horticultural shows ? At a show at which I ex- hibited last year near here the Beans that took the prize were not particularly flue looking ; in fact, to the outside observer they were not nearly so fine as my own, which were long (nearly 6 in.) straight, and not at all old. Is there any standard work which gives the qualifications o£ prize vegetables?— C. L. H. Trees Decaying.— On this estate several Lombardy Poplars are quite dead, an i I see that the same thing has happened to a good number of the same sort of trees around the adjoining villages. They first l)eganioshow signs of decay last year. Our soil here in the north part of Cam- bridgeshire is a very heavy clay 1 may mention, too, that our Pears and Plums are lookicg very sickly ; the foliage is all turning yellow. Perhaps some of the readers of The Garden might suggest something as to the cause of such disasters.- Thos. Smith, Papworth Hall, St. Ives. Names of Plants.—//. X.— 1, Spircea Filipendula ; 2, Veronica pinguifolia ; 3 Lithospernuim purpureo- cccruleura. )V. Powell. ■■■1, Campanula muralis ; 2, C. garganica ; 3, Galega persicft alba ; 4, G. ofiicinalis alba. ■ J. S.—l, Begonia fuchsioides ; 2, Acacia species. Cannot name without flowers ; 3, Polygonum Bistorta ; 4, Stellaria Holostea. E. M.—l, Hesperis matronalis; 2, Achillea Millefolium rosea ; 3, Inula macrocephala ; 4. Hieracium aurantiacum ; 5, Campanula persicifolia ; G, Xiphion vuJ- gare. K. T. T.— J. Lychnis Viscpria fl.-pl. ; 2, Bianthua deltoides ; 3, Silene (species); 4, Helitropium ptruvianum, o. Alyssum montanum. C. J. R- (/JnV'^o^.— Tradescantia elata. W. II. (Batj^liot).- -We cannot undertake to name varieties of florist's flower. Send to some specialist. J/ai:.— Spiraea Filipendula, Sedum glaucum.^ G. T.—l, Sedum refiexum ; 2, S. glaucum ; 3, S. lydium. J. Dovaj. — 1, next week; 2, Oneidium crispum. M. B. G. — Salvia Grahami. C. E.—l, Silene inflata ; 2, Genista tinctoria ; 3, Helianthemumvulgare. W. iJ.— 1, Gleiche- uia microphylla ; 2, Jlaranta roseo-picta ; Abutilou vexillarium. J. J ("iJojJise//).— An Albuea, but we can- not name the species.- Weekhj Sub.~l, Davalba canari- ensis ; 2, Platycerium grande ; 4, Pteris scabernla ; cannot name others T\ithout better specimens. — TT—. £.--Odonto- glossum Rossi ;Brassiavernicosa; Cypripediumlongifolium; apparently G ongora portentosa. R. W.— Bignonia Cherere. T. li. S.—Vanda tricolor. //. t{- Co.— Speci- men not sutticient. 11*. il/.— Areuai-ia purpnracens. T. P. /*.— Aquilegia glandulosa H. .1/.— Apparently an annual Senecio, l)Ut cannot name from withered specimen. Mr. S. 31. Carson, for some thirty years gardener at Nonsuch Park, Cheam, died on May 22 last, at his residence at Gatehouse, of Fleet, aged 67. Mr. Carson, who was one of tlie fore- most plant growers of his day, was for a lengthened period an exhibitor at the great London shows, successful!}^ contending in the classes of Azaleas, and stove and greenhouse plants, with such men as Green, Falconer, Hunt, and Barnes, all in their day grand plant growers. But plant culture was not his only strong point ; he was an equally good gardener generally — an excellent man in all departments, and as such appreciated by liis em- ployer, who allowed him on his retirement from Nonsuch Park, in 1872, a liberal annmty. THE GARDEN. [July 2, 1881. SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. June 28 and 29. The show on this occasion was an important one, seeing that there were five distinct events em- bodied in one, viz., the fortnightly floral and fruit committees, the Rose show, competition for special prizes, show of the Telargonium Society, and evening fete. Floral Committee. — Messrs. Veitch ex- hiliited a choice gro\ii) of new and rare plants, which included Globba coccinea, Astilbe Thun- bergi, Amaryllis The Siren, Impatiens Mariana', Saccolabium Hendersoni, a Bornean species, Styrax serratum, Cattleya I'hilbrickiana, I'halajnopsis violacea, sumatrana, rosea Ludde- manniana. Messrs. Cannell and Sons, Swanley, showed the new double Bouvardia, the first plant exhibited in this countrj- ; also I'clargonium Hender's Crimson Vesuvius, a fine new bedding zonal variety. Messrs. Carter showed Dianthus barbatus magnificus. A fine dwarf tlouble variety with crimson flowers. A fine plant of Dendrobium McCarthia; in fiower was exhibited by Mr. Batten, Highfield, Bickley, who was accorded a cultural commendation. Tlie very pretty Rose White Pet was shown by Messrs. C. Lee & Son, Roj-al Vineyard Nursery, Ham- mcr.smith, and these with a few Sweet Williams, Campanulas, and other hardy plants from Mr. R. Dean, comprised all the objects in the Council room. First-class Certiflcates were awarded to the following: — Me.'isrs. Veitch & Sons, Chelsea, for — Sobralia xantholeuca, a noble Orchid, very similar in habit of growth, stature, mode of "flowering, form, and size of flowers to S. ma- crantha,but the colourof the flowers is a pale sul- phur yellow on the sepals, while the large lip is a bright yellow. Phalsenopsis violacea, a new species of dwarf growth, with broad deep green leaves, and flowers Ir^.-in. across, prettily marked with deep violet-purple on the sepals and lips. Juncus zebrinus. — A second-class certifi- cate was awarded to this plant. It is similar to our native Rush in growth, but the leaves are al- ternately barred with green and yellowish-white, which gives it a very striking and ornamental ap- pearance. Fruit Committee.— A first-class certificate ■was awarded to Mr. J. Hopkins, Highcross, Fram- field, for Melon Highcross Hybrid. It is a large, round, finely-netted fruit, with green flesh, juicy, and of an extremely fine flavour. The committee awarded the certificate on account of the flavour, and also in consequence of the hardy constitution it is said to possess. Mr. Gilbert showed a new Peach, The First Lord, a pale-skinned variety of medium size, and also a fine Melon, which was not cut by the committee. Some won- derfully fine bunches of Madresfield Court Grape were shown by Jlr. Charles Lee's gardener, Croxby House, Hounslow. The bunches were large, the berries as large as Walnuts ; and though scared}' ripe, showed well what this Grape is in good hands. Mr. Ross, Welford Park, Newburj', sent a large Melon, said to be a cross between Colston Basset t and Read's Scarlet Flesh, and Mr. Car- michael also sent a large frxiit of Melon D. T. Fish. Messrs. Veitch were awarded a first-class certifi- cate for Veitch's Extra Early Forcing Cauliflower, a large-hcadedj variety of vigorous growth said to be earlier than Early London ; both were sown on February 14, and even now Early London shows no sign of heading, while the Extra Early Forcing is fit for table. Mr. Gilbert sent samples of Sut- ton's Marvel Lettuce from seed sown on a west border on Jlarch 1, and Mr. Miles showed another fine Lettuce named Sutton's New Mammoth Cos. Mr. Piper, Uckfield, exhibited a new Broad Bean with yellow pods, and Mr. R. Dean showed the Blue-wrinkled Marrow Pea, a dwarf sort, and ap- parently a heavy cropper, Roses. There was a fine displaj- of these, though the date of the show was somewhat early for the majority of the exhibitors, consequently the blooms were not so large or of such high quality as they would have been a week later. There were, how- ever, some exceptionally fine examples in several of the collections of large size, fine fonu, and high colour. Nurserymen's Classes. — These were uniformly well represented, both as regards num- bers and quality of blooms, and were, on the whole, better than the amateurs' exhibits. The first prize in the first four classes were taken by Jlr. Turner, Slough Nurseries, whose Roses seemed to be in fine condition ; as a rule he is not excep- tionally early, but it is eiident that he possesses advantages of soil and position. His 48 trusses included splendid examples of Niphetos, Charles Darwin, Senateur Vaisse, Dr. Andr\', Exposition de Brie, Ferdinand de Lesseps, General Jacquemi- not, Starof Waltham, Peach Blossom, John Bright, La Rosi6re, Camille Bernardin, Duke of Wel- lington, Marquise de Castellane, Sir Garnet Wolsele}', I\larie Baumann, Bessie Johnson, liaroness Rothschild, La Duchesse de Morny. Messrs. Curtis, Sanford, & Co. were an excellent second, though their blooms were weak in some points ; thej' had fine blooms among others of Marie Finger, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Le Havre, Senateur Vaisse, Madame Marie Rady, Etienne Levet, La France, Barthelemy Joubert, Magna Charta, Abel Carri^re, Francois Michelon, Egeria, Beauty of Waltham, Camille Bernardin, Exposi- tion de Brie, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, and the old General Jacqueminot. Mr. B. R. Cant in the third collection had some fine blooms, as did also the three other competitors. The class for twenty-four sorts, three trusses of each, was represented by four collections. The best was also from Slough. It contained fine Marechal Niel, Mrs. H. Turner, Jliss Hassard, Alfred Colomb, Duke of Edinburgh, Countess of Oxford, Elie Morel, Prince de Rohan, Senateur A'aisse, Fisher Holmes, Avocat Duvivier, Annie Laxton, and others before mentioned. The Torquay collection was again second, and Mr. B. E. Cant third. In their stands the finest blooms were Madame Gabriel Luizet, Barthelemy Joubert, Duke of Edinburgh, Beauty of Waltham, Madame Eugene Ver- dier, Magna Charta, Le Havre, Lord Mac- aulay, Victor Verdier, Constantin Fretiakoff, A. K. Williams, Pierre Guillot, Duke of Teck, Duke of Connaught, Duchess of Westminster, Jules Chretien. Mr. Piper, Uckfield, was third, with May Quennel, Duchess of Bedford, A. K. Williams, Mrs. Laxton, Marie Verdy, Duke of Teck. The other exhibitors were l\Iessrs. Paul & Son, Ches- hunt, who had Catherine Soupert, Duchess of Bedford, Claude Bernard, Dr. Hogg, Duke of Teck, A. K. Williams. Messrs. Curtis, Sanford & Co., Torquay, showed Claude Bernard, Harrison Weir, Duchess of Bedford, Jules Chretien, Souvenir de Victor Verdier, Souvenir de Mad. Robert. Mr. Hawtrey showed the other collection, which in- cluded Lord Beaconsfield, Charles Darwin, Mrs. Laxton, Beauty of Stapleford, Countess of Rosebery, Souvenir dejjVictor Verdier. Six Roses of any sort of Hybrid Perpetual were shown best by Messrs. Curtis, Sandford, & Co., who had fine blooms of Franrois Miche- lon. Mr. B. R. Cant took the second with A. K. Williams, and Marie Baumann won the third. There were only three collections of six Roses of any sort of Tea or Noisette kinds. Some fine flowers of Devoniensis were placed first. Amateurs' Classes. — Five exhibitors com- peted in the cl.-iss for twenty-four single trusses. Mr. Ridout, Rcigate, showed an uniformly fine collection for the first prize. It included, among others, splendid examples of A. K. Williams, Le Havre, Abel Carri^re, La France, Aljol Grand, Etienne Levet, and Countess of Oxford, allof which indicated high-class culture. The two next best collections were likewise verv- fine, and in them we noted grand blooms of such excellent Roses as J. S. Mill, Marie Baupiann, Duke of Edinburgh Charles Darwin, Duchess of Bedford, Mons. E. Y. Teas, and Mad. Gabriel Luizet. The class for twelve treble trusses was represented by five collections, all in good condition. Mr. Holling- worth again took the premier prize. Among his Roses were splendid examples of Mons. E. Y. Teas, Avocat Duvivier, Camille Bernardin, Senateur Vaisse, Ferdinand de Lesseps, Mad. Gabriel Luizet, and La France. In the other stands we noted fine examjjles of |Egeria, Duke of Wellington, Marie Cointet, Jules Margottin, Auguste Rigotartl, Paul Neron, Countess of Rosebery, Hippolyte Jamain, Mrs. Baker, and Fisher Holmes. Single trusses of twelve kinds were shown by seven exhibitors. Mr. Ridout was first with an ex- cellent dozen blooms of sorts previously men- tioned. Tea or Noisette Roses, twelvesingle trusses, were shown by five exhibitors, the best from Mr. Pem- berton, Romford. It contained Homere, Belle Lyonnaise, Souvenir d'un Ami, Madame Berard, Madame Bravy, Madame Ducher, liouquet d'Or, Marechal Niel, I'erle dcs Jardins, Caroline Kuster, Rubens, all of excellent quality. Among the other stands were fine blooms of Souvenir de Paul Neron, Madame Furtado, Marie Van Houtte, Amazone, Souvenir de Elise Varden, Safrano, and Souvenir de Madame Pernet. Six Roses of any sort of Hybrid Perpetual were shown b\' half-a-dozen exhibitors. Fran(^ois Jlichelon took the first. Souvenir de PieiTe Netting the second, and Pierre Netting the third. Paul Neron and Senateur Vaisse were also shown well in this class. There was a similar number of Tea or Noisette (any sort). Bouquet d'Or took the first and third prizes, and Caroline Kuster the second. Catherine Mcrmet, Mare- chal Niel, and Celine Forestier were the other sorts shown. New Roses of 1878 and 1879. — This was an open class for six blooms. There were sis competitors, Jlr. Turner, Slough, taking the le?d. His collection consisted of Duchess of Bedford, Charles Darwin, Countess of Rosebery, Mrs H. Turner, Paul Jamain, Madame Eugfrne Verdier. Mr. B. R. Cant' " was next with Mad. Crapelet, Antoine Ducher, Dupuy Jamain, Marie Van Houtte, Francois Michelon, Mad. Lacharme, Etienne Levet, and Mons. E. Y. Teas. There were six exhibitors of twenty-four single trusses. In Mr. Turner's premier collection were, besides others before noted, Penelope Ma}'o, Xavier Olibo, Harrison Weir, Princess Beatrice, Charles Darwin, all in excellent condition, and among the other stands the most noteworthy were A. K. Williams, Devoniensis, John Hopper, Black Prince, Louis ^'an Houtte, Baroness Rothschild, all fine exhibition sorts. The stands of twelve single trusses were five in number. The best from Mr, Turner contained fine blooms of Miss Hassard, Prince Arthur, Baronne de Bonstettin, Sir G. Wolseley among others already mentioned, and the best flowers shown by other exhibitors of sorts not previously notedwereEdouardMorren, Mirchioncss of Exeter, J. S. Mill, Paul Jamain, and Jlrs. Charles Wood. Tea or Noisette kinds were shown by three exhibitors only. Mr. I'iper, Uckfield, was first, with a good collection of twelve blooms, which included Jean Ducher, Catherine Jlermet, Safrano, Niphetos, Souvenir de Paul Neron, Marie Van Houtte, Marie Guillot, Comtosse Riza de Pare, Souvenir d'un Ami, Celine Forestier. In the other collection were good blooms of Devoniensis, Caroline Kuster, JIad. Lambard, Comtesse de Nadnillao, Amazone, Rubens, .Mail. Bravy. Groups of Plants Arranged for Effect. — The society offered on this occasion three medals, a gold, silver gilt flora, and a silver flora, as prizes for groups of plants arranged in the most effective manner on a space of 300 square ft., to be competed for by nurserymen. Three groups were exhibited, from Jlessrs. Cutbush & Son, Laing & Co, and Hooper .t Co., who were placed in order mentioned. 'J'lie first group was boldly and effectively arranged, consisting of large Palms, Ferns, and other fine-foliagcd plants mixed wUh flowering plants. Some large vane- July 2, 1881.] THE GARDEN. 19 gated Maples were used with fine effect, as were also some well-flowercd Heaths. The general effect was good, but one side exactly reflected the other, as it were, which gave an aspect of for- mality. The second group contained many large and well-grown plants, arranged more openlj^ and many would have preferred tlio style to the other, though there was rather too much colour, and not in every case blended, that somewhat detracted from the effect. The remaining group was similar to the second, but more crowded. It, too, contained many fine specimens of Palms and other fine foliaged plants, but of course this point is but of secondary consideration where an effec- tive arrangement is desired. Special Prizes. Messrs. Sutton's for Vegetables.— There was an excellent competition for the prizes, amounting to 16i guineas in six prizes, offered by this firm for twelve liinds of vegetable, with no restriction as to sorts. There were thirteen col- lections shown, many of which were exceptionally fine, and none were decidedly of inferior quality. Lord Carington's gardener, Mr. G. T. Miles, took the premier prize for an extremely fine collection. It included Telegraph Peas, Leviathan Beans, Pine-apple Beet, Black-seeded Brown Cos, Cab- bage Lettuce, E.arly Municli Turnip. Nantes Horn Carrot, Earlj- White Naples Onion, Canadian Wonder Bean, Model Cucumbei', Woodstock Klil- ney Potato, and Early London Cauliflower. All these productions were uniCormly of high quality, and indicated very skilful culture. Mr. Haines sliowcd the next best, whicli included, among others. All the Year Bound Lettuce, Improved Lapstone Potato, Tender and True Cucumber, Telegraph Pea, Pine-apple Beet, Nantes Horn Carrot, Leviathan Bean, Early Munich Turnip, Canadian AVonder Bean. In Mr. i\Iead's third collection was made up of the kinds mentioned, except Walcheren Cauliflower, which, like the other kinds, were very fine. In the other collections were noteworthj' dishes of Sutton's Ashleaf Pota- to, Egyptian Beet, William the First, Telephone, and Giant Marrow Peas, Giant Rocca Onion, early Snowball Cauliflower, Berkshire Champion Cucumber, Giant Marrow, Sutton's King of the Cauliflowers, and Giant Longpod Beans. It is worthy of note that nearly all of the collections were composed mainly of the sorts mentioned in the first and second collections, a proof that they are the best for exhibition purposes. Messrs. Carter's for Peas.— The com- petition for tliese prizes, whicli amounted to about £12, was likewise excellent, and scarcely an in- ferior dish of Peas could be found in the whole of the SI shown b_v the 21 competitors. The prizes were offered for four new Peas sent out by this firm, viz.. Telegraph, Telephone, Stratagem, and Pride of the Market. All of these are wonderfully fine sorts, being large in pod and well filled, and said to be abundant croppers and of excellent eating quality, There were five prizes given, Mr. Miles, AYycombe Abbey Gardens, taking the first with extremely fine dislies, and scarcely inferior were the second and third collections ; indeed, the judging of these Peas must have been an arduous task. Messrs. "Webb's for Vegetables— This firm offered 10 guineas in three prizes for six kinds of vegetables, with no restriction as to special sorts. 19 collections were exhibited, all of excellent quality, and the three winning exliibits were exceptionally fine. Mr. Meads, Shrivenham, was first with fine examples of Tele- graph Peas, Canadian AVonder Beans, Suttons' Tele.graph C'ucumber, Improved Lapstone Kidney Potato, Nantes Horn Carrot, and White Naples Onion. Jlr Miles' second collection included fine Walcheren Cauliflower, Telephone Peas, Porters E.TCelsior Potato, Model Cucumber, Early White Naples Onion. The third collection, from Mr. Haines, contained Early London Cauliflower, Telephone Peas, Nantes Horn Carrot, and Tender and True Cucumber, all very fine. Other sorts shown well were Jersey Lily Turnip, Pine-apple Beet, Kinver Mammoth Bean, William I. Pea, and Enfield Market Cabbage. Messrs. "Webber's for Packed Fruit. — In order to sliow fruit growers and the public generally tlie best mode of packing fruit for mar- ket or elsewhere, so as to enable it to arrive at its destination in the best condition, Messrs. Webber offered three prizes, amounting to £10 10s., for the best three boxes of fruit, consisting of one of Grapes, not less than 14 lbs., a box of Peaches, not fewer than twenty-four, and one box of Strawberries, not less than 2 lbs. These were to be sent to the exhibition, and delivered by the railway company. For these prizes there were only four competitors, a singular fact considering the importance of the subject, especially to gardeners, though the boxes sent were sufhcient to exemplify good and bad modes of packing. The first prize was awarded to 31r. Crump, gardener to the Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim. His fruit was uniformly well packed. The Grapes were packed on what is now generally known as " Coleman's system," as it originated with Mr. Coleman, of Eastnor Castle ; it consists in placing the Grapes together on a firm yet elastic bed of SIoss lined with tissue paper. The sides of the box are likewise padded with Moss and a lining of tissue paper, so as to firmly hold the Grapes in the box. In this way they travel un- rubbed and not in the least bruised, for the berries seldom, if ever, rub themselves. The Peaches were wrapped first in tissae paper and then with wadding, and placed closely on a bed of wadding. Tliough this is a good method, fruiterers prefer i\Ioss also for packing Peaches, as it is more elastic, and not so likely to bruise the fruit. The Strawberries were packed in a flat box in one layer, and each fruit was wrapped in a JIulberry leaf. It ought to be mentioned too that the fruit was of high class quality, particularly the Strawberries, which consisted chiefly of President. The second prize boxes were similar to the foregoing, but wadding was used instead of moss for the Grapes. The most obvious fault of the third prize boxes was that of the Peaches being placed with little wadding or moss beneath, and the boxes being too shallow the fruits were bruised at their bases. The other competitors' boxes differed from the others in the Grapes being packed in moss surrounding each bunch, which was wrapped in tissue paper, a plan not advisable, as the paper is liable to rub off the bloom. The Peaches were in tissue paper and surrounded by bran, a good material for packing if properly employed, but the prevalent practice is to simply place it round the fruits and fill the box, conse- quently the train shakes down the bran to half its bulk during transit and tlie fruits become loose. If bran is used, it is always advisable to well shake it down and completely fill the box before closing that all chance of the fruits moving, is removed. Messrs. Rivers for Nectarines.— There were only three competitors for the 2 guinea prize offered by Messrs. llivers & Sons, Sawbridgeworth, for six fruits of Lord Napier Nectarine. Mr. Williams, Lower Eaton, Hereford, took the prize with a dish of large and higlily coloured fruits. General Horticultural Company's Prizes for Groups of Plants.— Considering the high value of the six prizes (£1,30) offered by this Company for groups of plants arranged for effect on an area of 400 square ft., it is remark- able that there was not more competition, as there were but two groups exhibited, and these were only awarded equal third prizes. These were in the class for amateurs and gardeners, and there was not one group shown in the class for market gardeners. Mr Eann, gardener at Handcross Park, Sussex, showed one of the groups, and Mr. Croucber, gardener at Sudbury House, Hammer- smith, showed the other. That of the former was a bold and effective arrangement of many well grown plants, consisting chiefly of Palms, Cycads, Ferns, Yuccas, Crotons, Dracfenas, and other fine foliage plants interspersedcopiouslywith flowering plants, such as Heaths, Pelargoniums, Azaleas, Roses, and similar plants. There was evidence of overcrowding, particularly in the front, or otherwise the effect was fine. The group shown by Mr. Croucher, on the contrary, was more scattered, in fact too much so, as the bare turf was too visible everywhere. It, however, con- tained some wonderfully fine plants, particularly of Odontoglossom vexillarium, an Orchid so numerously and well-grown in Mr. Peacock's gar- den ; one plant jjlaced in a jjrominent position was an exhibition in itself, as there were several long arching spikes of bloom.'!, representing a very fine variety. There were other fine forms of this Orchid shown, and one with exceptionally large flowers, of a deep rose, was awarded a cultural commendation. Masdevallias,Oncidiums,Lycastes, and other Orchids were in great variety, and were highly attractive. Among other "noteworthy plants in this group were some huge Cacti, notably Echinocactus visnago, whose cumbrous form was a contrast to the elegant Orchids. Then there was a host of other smaller Cacti, such as Pilocereus senilis, also such handsome Palms as Verschaffeltia splendida, a fine plant. The style of arrangement of this group was decidedly original, though it did not appear to conform to the judges' idea of an effective group, and the fine specimens it contained were not, of course, taken into consideration. Miscellaneous Exhibits. Besides the long tent, which was filled with Pelargoniums, Roses, and vegetables, the large tent was well filled with plants, thougli to effect this Mr. Barron had to draw largely on the re- .sources of the Chiswiolc garden, but had there been a better response to tlie valuable prizes and medals offered for gioups there would not have been much room to spare. The opposite end of the tent, entering from the long tent, was occupied by an extensive group of plants from the General Horti- cultural Compan}', arranged in a tasteful and ef- fective manner by Mr. Wills. Never have we seen Crotons or Dracfenas to better advantage than in this exhibition, in which they were in groups, placed below the eye and intermingled with elegant foliage, a mode of arrangement far more effieciive than dotting the plants about singly. The group also consistedof huge Palms and Cycads, Pitcher plants. Orchids, Gloxinias, graceful Sela- ginellas, and Feathery Asparagus, all arranged most harmoniously both as regards form and colour. This fine group was deservedly awarded the large gold medal. On one of the central banks Mr. B. S. Williams had also a very choice group of plants, including Orchids and fine foliaged plants, arranged so as to be very effec- tive. A silver - gilt medal was awarded. Another of the central mounds was taken up by an extensive display of Petunias and Coleus from Messrs. Carter & Co.'s nurseries. Forest Hill. These were interspersed with the graceful Eula- lia japonica, which modified the otherwise flat appearance of the group. The whole bad a pe- culiarly bright appearance, the Coleus and Petu- nias being arranged in checkered squares. To this fine collection a silver-gilt flora medal was awarded. A similar award was also awarded to Messrs. J. Laing &; Co., Forest Hill, for a magni- ficent display of single and double-flowered tu- berous Begonias, which represented every con- ceivable shade of colour yet attained in these plants. The varieties were almost innumerable, and there were besides many unnamed seedlings. Near to this collection was a fine collection of pot Roses from Messrs. Paul, Cheshunt, which though small were well flowered, and represented some very fine varieties. A silver flora medal was awarded. For a splendid display of zonal Pelargoniums i\lessrs. Cannell & Sons were likewise awarded a silver floral medal. These occupied a large space, and comprised the finest of the newer kinds, and a variegated variety with double pink flowers was specially noteworthy. A ver}' fine collection of Foxgloves and Larkspurs was also shown. Messrs. Barr and Sugden occupied a large space with their display of cut blooms of bulbous and other plants, the English and Spanish Irises being particularly fine, as were also the many kinds of Lilies. A silver flora medal was awarded. A similar recognition was accorded to Mr. Brown 20 THE GARDEN. [July 2, 1881. llcndon, for an extensive collection of I'elar- goniums in pots, chiefly market varieties. They made a brilliant display, and formed a fine con- trast with the group of Maiden-hair Ferns from iMessrs. Hawkins and Bennett, Twickenham, who were also awarded a silver flora medal. For a small bnt choice group of hardy plants and Ferns ilcssrs. O.'iborn, Fulham, took a bronze medal, and Mr. Burley, Bayswater, a silver-gilt flora medal for a large group of fine-foliaged plants, while Mes.srs. Hooper and Co., who showed a splendid collection of ciit blooms of bulbous plants, took a silver Banksian medal. Among other miscellaneous exhibits were Pelargoniums from Mr. Pearson, Chilwell, Pyrethnim and Pansies from Messrs. Kelway, also from Messrs. Downie and Laird, Edinburgh, and ilr. Hooper, Bath, and Cacti from Mr. Boiler, Kensal Xew Town. Outside the tents there was a large display of hothouse implements, boilers, kc, but there was nothing diflterent from those we noticed in our report of the great show a short time ago, except a new portable garden table, made and exhibited bj' Mr Wolstancroft, of Euston Eoad. It is the most ingenious invention of the kind we have seen, and possesses much to recommend it. The evening fete was a great success, and the electric light had a brilliant effect on the floral exhibits. Some elegant dinner table and other floral decorations, arranged by Mr. Aldous, Gloucester Eoad, South Kensington, were very effective, as were those from Messrs. Pounce l^- Son. PELARGONIUM SOCIETY. The annual exhibition of tliis Society wa.s held conjointly at South Kensington with that of the Itoyal Horticultural Society, which adunflowers. Hollyhocks, Dahlias, and large-growing Hemp and Maize. I am afraid Mr. T. Williams is a little aside in his shot at my "distinct and rare " plant. It is a Composite plant, and therefore very re- motely connected with the Heartsease or I'ansy group. [Mr. Williams wrote Tan.sy, misprinted Pansy.— Ed.] ily plant isavery distinct andlovelv kind of Alecost or Costmary with golden flower heads (of dis'i floretsonly) the size of aero wn-piece when larae or of a florin when small. Again, I ara afraid I must ask if this same showy plant which is grown here is Balsamita grandi- flora. After all that has been said and written of alpine plants, and the difficulties of growing them in the lowlands, one of them, and that long thought to be one of the rarest and most uncul- tivable — I mean the Edelweiss — seems to me pretty robust and hardy in its younger stages. About two months ago a lady brought me some of its woolly. Anemone-like seeds, which I at once rubbed up in a handful or two of dry sand, in order to separate them thoroughly, and then I spread sandandseedsinatliiulayeron the .surf ice of a welMrained.»:eed-pan, giving a slight surfacing of sandy earth over all. Now the seedlings are strong and healthy after having been iu a cold frame for about si.x weeks, and the pan is in full sunshine. My rule is to put all woolly- leaved .seedlings and all of a succulent nature thus fully expo.sed to the sun, and I rarely lose them through " damping off," the common fate of such seedlings or cuttings if placed in the shade. Before I pot-off my little plants, I want some one who has successfidly grown the Edelweiss to tell me the best soil to use, i.e., whether calcareous or peat v, or pure loam and sand ? ■ F. W. B. from falling, I gave this mode of making it to a florist tiiend o£ mine, but he tells me that neither he nor the chemist, to whom he has given the re- cipe to make up, can cause the shellac to dissolve thoroughly. Is there anytliing more to be known about it ? — X. Flower Gum.— In The Garden, p. 22.'), Vol. Jn, Mr. Il.nv.ird give-i a recipe for m.aking the gum or cement which florists use to stick the flowers of Pelargoniums together and keep them THE HELL, EGIIAM. Neah the Bishopsgate entrance to the Great Park at Windsor is the charming residence of Baron Schroder, surrounded by one of the most admirably kept gardens that it has been our good fortune to see for a long time. No place could possibly have a better site, as one of the principal fronts of the house immediately over- looks the royal park, which at this part, as, indeed, in almost every other, is studded with magnificent trees — Oaks, Beeche-s, Elms, and various others — all of which combine to produce a matchless example of park scenery. The Dell is separated from the royal demesne by an ornamented palisade supporting a gravelled ter- race close under the windows of the hou.se, and the herds of deer rove amidst the thicket of Bracken quite to the boundary wall. Directly facing the Baron's residence, at about two or three miles distant, is Windsor Castle, of which an uninterrupted view can be obtained from the terrace, as the trees form an open glade straight away until the tops of those on the lower ground are overlooked. Whether this opening was effected by design or other- wise, we could not ascertain ; but, be tliat as it may, it forms one of the most beautiful pieces of landscape that could be imagined. The natural contour of the surface of this part of the park is considerably undu- lated, and there is a steep declivity with rising ground to the right and left immediately below the terrace wall, so as to form quite a dell, and from this circumstance no doubt the appellation of "The Dell" was taken. At the other side of the house, on the con- trary, the surface is almost a dead level — in striliing contrast to that we have just described, but it has been laid out very appropriately, and embodies a wonderful variety of tree and shrub growth of an ornamental character. The principal features of the garden are Rhododen- drons, of which there exists one of the finest collections in the country, consisting as it does of every variety of any merit that has yet been sent out. This garden, like that of Mr. Mcintosh noticed a short time since, might fairly be called a gai-den of Rhododendrons, though here they do not form such an exclusive feature, for there is besides them a thoroughly representative col- lection of Conifers. — Of these there are grand ex- amples of I 'upressus Lawsoniana, oneof wliicli is among tlie finest in tlie country. Deodars are also very fine, and one, with a silvery hue to the foliage, is remarkable and hia-hly ornamental, forming a distinctive aspect from its whitish feathered foliage, so iiiucli so, that it deserves a varietal name, and to be largely propagated. The true Abies (Picea) amabilis, an extremely ornamental species, is repre.sented by a hand- some specimen, though unfortunately it has lost its leader. This is one of the few existing examples of this rare ('onifer in this country, though the name is often applied to .spurious kinds. The true plant is one that ought to be in every garden, for there are few more elegant trees grown. Other Conifers of fine growth are Wellingtonia, Douglas Pine, Nordmann's .Spruce, various Cupressuses, Juni- pers, and a host of others too numerous to men- tion. Tlie majority of tliese are placed in groups on the lawn that .skirts either side of the carriage drive, and interspersed with fine .specimens of Hollies, together with the pon- derous old Oaks that tower above, and other evergreen shrubs in great variety, have a fine effect, far more appropriate than bedding out plants, whicli in nine cases out of ten would have been in such a position. Rhododendrons. — The soil here seems naturally adapted for the fine growth of these shrubs, for they certainly acquire a growth seen but in comparatively few places. The beds are large, irregular, and grouped in an informal j manner about the broad lawn in front of the I hoiLse. Some of the beds are smaller than others; the.se are intended to be occupied by particular varieties. Tlie Baron is an enthusia.stic lover of plants, but particularly of Rhododendrons, and therefore nothing is spared in order to render the collection of them as complete as possible. The varieties are, of course, too numerous to particularise a tithe of th^m, so we will confine j our remarks to a few of the newest and the most i remarkable of the others. The majority of the | new kinds have been raised in the famous nur- sery grounds of Mr. John "Waterer at Bagshot, some few miles distant. Among the finest is one named Baron Schroder, a distinct variety with large trus.ses of finely-shaped flowers of a rich deep plum colour with a yellowish centre. .\nother lovely sort is named Baroness Schroder, a variety having a wdiite centre margined with the brightest rosy-pink. These are honoured with separate beds, and seen en mnwe have an extremely fine effect. Duchess of Connaught is one of the grandest of the light varieties, the truss being exceptionally large and the blooms of fine form and substance. Kate Waterer; figured in The Oabdex, Vol. XVI., page ^O.'^, is one of the most beautiful and distinct of all , the colour, a deep rosy-pink, is set off by a con- spicuous yellow blotch on the upper petals. Madame Carvalho,TheQueen,Mrs.Tom Agnew are the best of the white kinds. W. E. Glad- stone has a deep rosy tint and bears a splendid trussof remarkably large flowers: it also possesses a fine habit of grawth. B. W. Currie in the way of Alarm is a \ery fine kind, and Lady TaukervUle also, with a pale centre, is unsurpass- able iu its part icular shade of colour. I'rincess Mary of Cambridge is a stronggrowerand very pretty, the colour being rosy-purple, with a light centre. Mr. Charles Leaf has a light centre also, and Duchess of Bedford in a similar way produces a grand truss of flowers. Among the finest of the other kinds that would form a thoroughly representative collection we might mention Quadroona, bright rose ; .loseph Whitworth dark purple; ^Irs. Russell Sturgis, rose with. lightcentre; Papilioiiaceum.a line light variety ; Earl Shannon; Duleep Singh, a beauliful dark sort ; Sidney Herbert, crim.son ; Lady Godiva, white with yellow spots; Bu'lerianum, fine white; Helen Waterer, a grand variety, while margined with bright rose; .laines Mason, .John Walter, Warrior, Jlrs. .F. Penn, Lady Eleanor Cathcart, Countess of Clancarty, Lady Olive Guinness, Crown Prince, verv fine; Mrs. Arthur Walter, Mrs. R. S. llolford, and the varieties of Roseum. These were all in flower in the second week iu June, but the earlier kind.s were past, and later ones even uot then iu their best condition. Plant and Fruit Houses.— The whole of the glass erections here have been built com- paratively recently and on the most approved system. They form a compact group easily accessible one from the other, and the whole is heated by .Stevens' Trentham boilers, so arranged that they may be detached and worked sep.arately, or combined so as to give the full heating power. The Vineries and Peach houses are well stocked, the former with a good selec- tion of the best kinds, including iladresfield July 9, 1881.] THE GAEDEN. 23 Court, Gros Colmar, Duke of Buccleucb, and Alnwick Seedliug, which succeeds here better than in some places. Among the Peaches, Kivers' Early Beatrice is grown, and Mr, Ballantine entertains a high opinion of it on account of its earliness, as the fruits are no sooner stoned than they begin rapidly to ripen. The crop was gathered three weeks previous to our visit, about the middle of June. The culture of Strawberries in pots. Tomatoes, t'ucumbers, and Pines is, of course, provided for on a similarl}' large scale. The favourite Melons here are Jeramit's Hybrid, a finely- netted, red-fleshed sort of local reputation, Dell's Hybrid, and Blenheim Orange, the latter a new kind so highly spoken of lately. The true form of Telegraph Cucumber and Sir Charles Xapier Strawberry' likewise find favour here. The plant houses contain a rich collection of ornamental foliaged and flowering plants, the latter comprising those most serviceable for cutting purposes, for which there is a great demand. Among- the latter we observed some plants of the new Continental varieties of Iiuantophyllum miniatum that have lately been so much talked of. Martha and Marie Eeimers are two of the finest, their flowers being far superior, in point of size and colour, to those of the original. There are others that have not yet flowered which, no doubt, will turn out to be good. Some of the ornamental foliaged plants are exceptionally fine, particularly the Anthuriums, such as A. Veitchi and A. Warocqueanum. One plant of the former is the largest we have ever seen ; some of its leaves measure consider- ably over '■> ft. in length and broad in proportion. A. Warocqueanum is not so large, though it promises to grow to a large size soon. The Crotons, Palms, Cycads, Dracajuas, Ferns are also represented by very fine plants, and tlie climbers overhead and the drooping plants in baskets all combine to ]'ender the houses attractive. The delicately cut and exquisitely coloured foliage of the Japanes! Maples are u.sed with extiemely fine effect in the green- house mi.xed with other plants. Orchids.— Though an Orchid collection here is a comparatively recent innovation, it already bids fair to become one of the most important in the country for its formation, is carried on with that enthusiasm which can only be the outcome of a true love of the plants for their own sake. Although as yet it is not of great extent it comprises such rarities as a couple of Cypripe- dium Stonei platyt«nium, lately acquired and thriving finely, and Cattleya Mendelli super- bissima, a splendid variety in flower at the time of our visit. Of this Orchid we hope shortly to give a coloured illustration. Other rare kinds in flower wei-e Saccolabium Turneri, said to be one of the only three in the country, Aerides crassifolium, Vanda Batemani, Lajlia'purpurata Williamsi, alba, and several other splendid varieties, Cattleya Warneri superba, and many others. The Orchid houses form wings jutting from the loftier main range, and are low pitched and otherwise well adapted for the successful growth of Orchids. "\Ve noticed that under the stages Mr. Ballantine places layers of broken coke, which is found to give off evapora- tion better than any other material known to him, and besides it has a cleanly appearance. W. GoLDHIXG. and acreage. IJeotles never more numerous. All crops two to three weeks late. — JliirulAciv Yorker. EDITOR'S TABLE. American Crops.— Apples, a fair crop for the "off" year; Pears, a good crop; Peaches, a comparative failure. Small crops in Delaware, Mary- land, and the Michigan Peach Belt. Small fruits abundant. Potatoes, an average crop in stand Reeves's Spirasa. — A neat double white bush kind of elegant foliage and habit. It kept well in the hot days when otlier cut flowers mostly perished quickly. From Mr. Stevens. The Columbia Lily.— A deep glossy orange Lily, with clear spotting of black-brown and a pleasant fruity scent. A native of Oregon and Washington Territories, and a pretty Lily. The Double White Campion comes from Mr. E. Jenkins, of Birmingham, with flowers, each over 2 in, across. It is one of our best old border flowers. Lychnis vespertina fi.-pl. may help those who do not know it by its English name. Mrs. James Helme, the name of a very pretty Delphinium, a seedling raised at the Tot- tenham Nurseries, is remarkable on account oE its very slender, unbroken spikes, all rising near each other and giving the notion of a rain of blue. The Cape Crinum comes in flower from Llandegai, " from a border among Belladonnas, Tritonias, and the like." It seems to be valuable over a large extent of country, and evidently does not always require the warmest places. We never noticed it better than with Mr. Ross, at Highclere, on the Hampshire hills. The Arabian Star of Bethlehem.— The flowers of this plant bloom bravely and persis- tently in a room long after they are cut, showing well the polished black centres of the white blossoms. They have a pleasant odour. The kind of treatment which this Ornithogalum re- quires is elsewhere spoken of. The Clove Pink.— This is a very pretty purplisli rose and vigorous I'ink witli a good Clove scent. It is as well worth growing as a Clove Carnation. There is a good deal of it at the Tottenham Nurseries, where we w-ere pleased to see Pinks of all kinds in line free flowering condition. A charming plant for cutting. Tile Hardy Bletia (B. hyacinthina var. japonica). -Mr. Barnaart, of Vogelenzang, near Haarlem, informs us that this interesting and graceful Orchid has come through all the recent trials with him, and grows and blooms well in the open air, but best in peaty, somewhat sheltered spots. The Double Purple Rocket— The best heads of this good old flower we have seen for a long time come from Mr. Cetteridge. In nurseries generall3' it is seen in a starved state. The label bears the name Hesperis matronalis compacta rubra, a name which must be a comfort to some of our readers. Violas Free from Marking— A pretty group of Pansies, which are most delicate, and which give a softer and yet more definite effect in group or masses than the variegated kinds. The colours are the palest cream, light golden- yellow, and deep cream colour. From Messrs. Dicksons & Co., M^aterloo Place, Edinburgh. Astrantia major. — When this old inhabi- tant of botanic gardens and curious collections came to us from Mr. Betteridge, we wondered why he grew it ; but a large loose tuft by itself in a jar and near the eye becomes most interesting, and, closely examined, beautiful. It is worth a place on a hedge-bank or a bye nook in a shrubbery. The Immortelle Plant (Gnapbalium aren- arium). — This comes from various gardens of late, and it is a pretty plant well placed on a dry, raised border or rocky bank, allowed to form a free- spreading tuft. On wet borders and cla}- soils it is a poor thing, or perishes. The pretty little bright yellow flowers are worth gathering when fresh. This is the [ilant, grown so exceedingly well abroad, used for forming wreaths. It keeps in good condition a wonderful time when cut, Canterbury Bells.— As the " swells " and beauties o£ the season pass, we should not forget old friends, and there is nothing more pleasant than to see a batch of this grand old plant well grown. The advent of Vilmorin's pink kind is a great addition to the older forms, but some of the distorted doubles would be no great loss. Dwarf Pinks. — A very interesting race of Pinks, double, and so dwarf and sturdy in habit, that they support their numerous flowers without tying up. We hope Messrs. Dicksons, of \Vaterloo Place, who send us these, will persevere in this direction, and get the, greatest variety of colour and all other desirable qualifies in tliis strain of one of our oldest and best flowers. The White Martagon Lily.— Mr. Edwin Jackson speaks of the fine effect now of masses of this plant, a fact worth noting in the case of all who study picturesque gardening, as the Marta- .gon grows so freely in any ojien wood or copse. Its odour being so powerful would be another reason for such a position for it. Some of his spikes bear twenty and twenty-two flowers. Button-hole Lilies, — Under this name have come two pretty dwarf Lilies, L, concolor and L, coridion, one a bright cheery red, with faint spots in the throat, the other yellow, with brown cloudings and spots. Both are now in flower in the New Plant Company's Gardens, Colchester, and both are pretty hardy things, useful when well grown and well placed. Lilies bloom so long, or for so long a period, that we can scarcel.v speak of a Lily-tide as one does of Lilac or Azalea-tide, but perhaps they are most ab^undant and most glorious during the present month. One of the handsomest is Brown's Lily, just opened, fine in form and remarkable in colour. Hanson's Lily, which was figured in The Garden, is also in bloom. Both come to us from the New Plant Company, Colchester. Milla laxa. — Two forms of this fine purple- flowered bulbous plant, one a very dark and large form, come to us. We are getting mucli richer than we liave liitherto been in blue-flowering bul- bous plants of an ornamental and hardy character. This plant is called Brodia>a in the " C'alifornian Botany." It has several names, hut changing them is so awkward that we shall use the above name for it. The Siberian Lung^wort (Mertcnsia sibirica). — This beautiful and graceful novelty among hardj' flowers comes to us from Mr. Bet- teridge, of Chipping Norton. It was figured in The Garden last year, but it is difficult for a figure to give an idea of its qualities when well and freel}- grown. It reminds one of the old ■Virginian Lungwort, but has the merit of being easilj' grown in an ordinary border, and of flowering a long time. The Grey Speedwell CVeronica neglecfa). — -Tliis, fiecjuently used for edgings and bedding, and tliercfore pinched, is a distinct and singularly pretty plant in many districts when well grown, the violet-purple of the flowers and buds look so well rising from the silvery leaves and Lavender- like spikes. It is a charming rock or border flower, and its merits as such have been overlooked owing to the use of the plant for the .silvery colour of its leaves. The Freshest Flowers that come to us seem to come from Mr, Edwin Jackson's little garden at Llandegai, near Bangor, The air of hill and moist districts favours out-door flower life greatly, and the fact shouid show the line to follow in many a place. His flowers also remind us of how many lovely plants a man with taste and wisdom can cultivate with his own hand in spare hours. His flowers of the golden-veined Spir:r;a japonica are the best we have met with of that usuallj' poor thing as seen in London gardens. Phlox The Queen.— This fine white Phlox comes from Mr. Betteridge, of the Aster Nurseries, Chipijing Norton, who has gone into the growth pf liardy flowers with some spirit. In a modest 24 THE GARDEN. [July 9, 1881. preface to his lis! he ref^rets his limited IcnowleJge of them ; but, notwithstanding, he grows them uncommonly well, and sends us many handsome bunches of summer flowers. We should like to see similar collections established in various parts of the country. The rule in such should be, throw away the weedy or poor types, and give the purchaser good strong plants of things worth growing. Single Pinks. — The taste for single flowers we have happily seen revived in many cases lately, and to-day we have received a charming buncli of single Pinks from Messrs. Uicksons and Co., Kdinburgh, who, we hope, will persevere in the cultivation of this most welcome addition to our gardens. The flowers ha\ e a tine deep car- mine centre, fringed with white, some being laced again on the margin. A good race of these, and if possible, so sturdy as to support their flowers well, would be welcome and useful. Even these first fruits, so to say, are brigliter in colour than the double kinds near them. But we want both. A Beautiful Alstrcsmeria.— Miss Rose Kingsley, whose notes in past years' volumes may be remembered, sends us from Tachbrook, Leamington, a bright and novel flower, which she says grows in abundance in an old 'Warwickshire garden. It has grown there forthe last 30 }-ears, and is now a beautiful object under an cast wall. On some of the heads I have counted 40, -18, .50, and 59 blooms. These plants, save the orange one (A. aurantiaca), do not seem to become established in our gardens, and therefore we have pleasure in recording one that has been so well proven. Its name, according to Mr. IJarr, is A. I'elegrina rosea. The Iberian Ooronilla. — This is a brave little hardy plant that makes a glorious show if let alone. As to these Alpine flowers, which have so often been crushed in between pieces of rub- bish and stuck in dry walls or banks, people have yet to learn what noble colour tliey afford. I'ul nine or ten plants of this on a ledge or bank or flat in tlie rock garden with plenty of good soil beneath it (say, not less than 18 in.) ; let it alone for a year or two, and wait for the result ; then compare it some summer morning with the Calceolaria or other yellow flowers that happen to be near, and are grown for their colour alone. Variegated Trees. — " Out of evil comes often good." Mr. Charles Lee good-humouredly sends us a rare batch of variegated trees from his richly stored tree nursery, as a comment on our frank remarks concerning variegated trees in a recent issue. Conversions of this sort are very agreeable. He says the trees are better as they grow older. We trust it may be so. We looked upon tliem long with a kindly eye, and only repeated disappointments have made us doubtful. Among the variegated shrubs and trees sent are the following : The Silver-edged Cornus, Golden Cat-leaved Elder, *Golden Oak, *Purple-leaved Filbert, Variegated Turkey Oak, *Variegated Field 5Iaple, *Golden Acacia, Uroad-leaved 'V^arie- gated Field Elm, * Purple-leaved Peach, Rosseel's Golden Elm, Golden Elder, King Leopold's Jlaple, 'Variegated Scarlet Dogwood, Elegant Golden Cornus, and the Variegated Alth.'ca. Those marked thus * seem to us the most valuable of the series. Three Stars of Bethlehem.— Ornitho- galum arabicum, a very singular plant, not without beauty, comes to us fairly well grown from Colchester. Its position is a little indefinite, owing to being somewhat tender, though some say it is hardy enough. The polished black centres in the ivory-white flowers give to it a striking character, and we wish it were more grown than it is, but 0. pyramidale is the hardiest and the most effective as a garden plant. About the same time as both the little Narbonne Star of Bethlehem (0. narbonense) comes in, an elegant diminutive of the preceding. ^Vell placed, all three are good plants. Jlr. Horsman writes of the Arabian kind as follows : It is delightfully fragrant, not al- together easy to flower, but if a little pains are taken to give the bulbs a good roasting after flowering, they will amply repay the extra trouble by flowering the following year. I would proceed as follows : take up the bulbs in the middle of July, dry them in full sun, and let them remain out in the sun until September ; when it rains take them in or cover them. Keep them in a dry hot spot until March, then plant them. THE LIBRARY. THE ENGLISH FLOWER GARDEN'.* Those who have read Mr. Bright's gardening experiences, as told in " A Year in a Lancashire Garden,'' will welcome another work from the same graceful pen, written " with a twofold object, to give in the smallest compass an outline history of English gardens, and to show once again what makes the true charm and happiness of a garden." With the large tolerance of a man who" may have preferences, but has no exclusions," Mr. Bright can find much to admire in gardens of the most different types, and has a genuine appreciation of the stately old Englisli garden with its clipped Yews and formal avenues, such as he describes at Leven's Hall, in Westmoreland ; but he is too genuine a lover of flowers in all their varying moods and idiosj'ncrasies not to enter his protest once more against the abuse of the bed- ding-out and ribbon-border system, and the further degradation of carpet-bedding. " That a carpet should imitate a flower-bed is one thing. Years ago Mrs. Browning wrote of some carpets where j'our foot Dips deep in velvet Roses. This may be well enough ; but who wants flower beds to look like carpets ? They may strike you at first as being ingenious and even pretty, but the feeling is at once followed by a sense of their essential debasement as regards gardening. The most stupid follies of the old gardens were grace- ful and sensible compared to this. I*; is less cliildish to trim a Yew-tree into a peacock than to arrange your Sedums and Alternantheras to look like animals on a _badly-woven carpet. Nor has the absurdity even the merit of being original. It is really an old French invention, and about the time of Henri IV. the gardens at Fontainebleau and Chantilly were known for their quaint devices in flowers, their ships, armorial bearings, and cyphers interlaced.'' Mr. Bright then tells us with ever- growing enthusiasm what a garden ouglit be — such as Milton pictured it with Flowera worthy of Paradise, which not nice art In beds and curious knots, but Nature boon Pour'd forth profuse on hill, and dale, and plain— and points out in how man}' directions we might enrich our borders, our shrubberies, and our lawns with fresh accessions of colour, form, and fragrance. He feels the sympathy of a practical gardener for a gardener's difficulties : " The weeds that worry, and the seeds that fail, the wireworms that attack the roots, and the slugs iliat breakfast upon the tender leaves, the moles, tlie birds and the caterpillars that have each and .all theirpcculiar plans for vexing the gardener's heart ; " and j'et he feels that " It is fortunate that gardening should be always more or less of a struggle, for the very struggle, as should always happen, has the element of pleasure about it." The notes con- tain much pleasant chat, botanical, literary, and artistic, which will help us to appreciate Mr. Bright's parting words : " We must learn to look on plants, not as mere points of colour, but as old friends, on whose coming we can rely, and who, returning with the recurring seasons, bring back with them pleasant memories of past years." and lia\e all lieen specially prepared for the work. BOOKS RECEIVED. A Winter in Madeira. By IIeiu"y Gordon I-.eDno.^, ^f.P. Caialofiuf lif Orchids Grown. By Krastus CorniDg Ksij., Albany, New York. New Commercial Plantii and Drwjs. By Tlios. Christy, F.L.S. Easai d'un Catalogue ihHhodinue et Syiionymiijue feg principalea vari^tis tie Pommes de Terre. By Henri Vil- morin, Paris. Arboretum Segrezianum. Part 2, by Alphonse Lavallee Album VanEeden, or Flurao/ Ilaaiicut. By .V. C. Van Eeden. The 'Wild Garden in its illustrated form is now ready, and may be had at our office or through the booksellers. 'There are ninety-four illustra- tions, drawn and engraved in a manner not usu;il in works of its class, and the book is nearly re- written. The illustrations are all from Nature, * " The English Flower Garden," with illustrative notes, by Henry .K. Bright. Macmillau * Co., 1831. BEGONIAS AT STAXSTEAD NUKSERY. The name of Laing has so long been identified with the improvement and popularising of tuberous Begonias, that it seems ahno.st unneces- sary to mention that the growth and propagii- tion of this beautiful class of plants constitute the chief feature of this nur.serv. Several span- roofed houses are filled to overflowing wifli an innumerable quantity of finely-grown speci- mens, representing nearly every variety that has yet been raised in this or any other country. The list of named sorts nearly amounts to 200, including double-flowered kinds. As we have so frequently alluded to the fine.st of the older kinds, we only intend in the present notice to give descriptive notes of such new sorts as have been brought under our notice. Amongst single kinds the most prominent are tlie following: Lady Scudamore Stanhope, a variety with iin- usually large and finely-draped flowers of a deep carmine-rose, borne plentifully on plants of a robust and compact habit of growth ; Cieneral Roberts, fine in habit, and with flowers of a pleasing lilac tint and of roundish .shape; Alba iioribunda, remarkable for its extreme florifer- ousness ; tlie blooms are pure wliite and medium size; on account of its free growth and other good qualities this is, w-e consider, a fine acqui- sition. Purity is another white variety, and as the flowers usually have six petals instead of four, it is showy. Mrs. Robert Whyte is a novelty of high merit on account of its rich crimson flowers shaded with rose, borne pro- fusely on compact growing plants. In Annie Laing we have a charming variety, remarkable for its large deep rosy-pink blooms and healthy growth of foliage. Mrs. llighgate reminds one of Lady Hume Campbell, but it is much more copiously suffused with red than that variety. General Wood, like its compeer General Roberts, is a fine addition as regards colour, as the deep rich crimson, over- laid with a velvety facing, is an uncommon tint in these plants, and is in striking though charm- ing contrast to the delicate tinted sorts. Rose d'Aniour is very floriferous, and the colour, a beautiful rose, is very fine. The finest of all, so far as we have yet seen, remains to be noticed ; it is named Consul Darlington, and is decidedly the climax in respect to size that has yet been attained. It measures o in. in length and 4i in. in breadth. Its colour, which is a vivid scarlet vermilion, is quite dazzling in strong light. It belongs to Staustcad Rival gioup, raised a year or two ago, and wliich was at th • fiuie con- sidered to be the acme of perfection in pjint of size, shape, and colour. The h.abit of growth is robust, the branches stout and not t oo long jointed, and the flowers, considering their size, produced in abundance. This latter is but one of anui n-inous quantity of seedlings raised here, many of which, on account of their superiority over older kinds, will receive distinctive names. We had nearly overlooked two exquisite new varieties of small growth that have originated from the Davisi type, a dwarf-growing species with very deep crimson flowers. They are appropriately named July 9, 1881.J THE GARDEN. 25 General Mite and Commodore Foot. The General has rich orange-red flowers, the Com- modore blossoms of a deep crimson ; both are brilliant and highly attractive, free as regards growth and production of bloom. Double-flowered varieties are of course not so numerous as the single Idnds, but some good strides have also been made in tlieir improve- ment, the most striking being that of the fine double form of B. Davisi, named superha, which undoubtedly is the finest yet raised as regards size, symmetry of form, and brilliant colour. It is named superba in contradistinction to the ordinary double form of llavisi, -which is lilie- vvise in commerce. Wherever superba has leen exhibited it has unanimously received un- qualified praise, and certificates of merit have liliewise been awarded it. There is likewise an orange-tinted double-flowered form of 13. Davisi named lutea, said to be very fine, but we have not met with it in good condition. Other new double kinds are Mons. Carriere of the Paonife- flora type of flower, and of a fine red colour. Mons. iJrouet is of the Bouchet or cut-petalled type, and of a violet-rose tint. Bernice is a deep crimson with very large flowers. Marie Diot is a beautiful rose with a light centre, while one called Adam de Craponne is distinct in tint, as there being in it a decided suffusion of mauve. Other beautiful double kinds in flower were Clovis, Dinah Felix, Gloire de Nancy, AVilliam llobiuson, !Marie Bouchet, Mons. Malet, and C'omtesse de Choiseul. The houses in which the principal specimen plants are grown are span-roofed structures nearly 100 ft. in length. Some of the finest plants consisted of Lad}- Ilume Campbell (some 4 ft. through), Massange de Louvrex (still one of the best), Mrs. Laing (a lovely pure white sort), J. "\V. Farrand, Stanstead Rival, Paul Masurel, Maude Churchill, Hon. Mrs. Albert Brassey, J. T. Laing, and many others. The pits and frames adjoining teem with seedlings and propagated plants, and the beds in the open air are well stocked with fine plants, while in another part there is a plot consisting of nearly 10,0150 small plants. A recent addition to this nursery is another establishment a few hundred yards distant known as the Vineyard. The glass structures, four in number and span-roofed, are well built; they are loO ft. in length and 18 ft. in width. One of these is exclusively devoted to Tea Koses, principally Niphetos, for cutting pur- posjs; these are planted out on either side of the central pathway. Another, the largest house, divided into four compartments, is de- voted .solely to Vines, the sorts being Alicante, Black Hamburgh. Madresfield Court, Lady Downes, Muscats, Foster's and Alnwick Seed- ling. The latter ia evidently the bad set- ting variety of this Vine, for every bunch has failed to set satisfactorily. The Tines are some three years old, and will be soon in their best bearing condition, and even now there are some exceptionally fine bunches, which, no doubt, will reach the exhibition table this autumn. W. G. Labels at Kew.— The old cast iron labels long in use at Kew were excellent. Tliey might have perhaps been improved a little in shape, but they were far before any complicated or costly label. They were also as easily written on as anv label could be. The new delf label fixed on to an iron socket is not by any means so good as the old label, while it is more expensive, and dis- jointed so to say. We observe some of them tied to the iron stem with wires already. They are also much more glaring than the old label. In fact, painted black or brown, not white, and with white lettering, with a coat of copal varnish over the lettering, tlie old cast iron labels are the best that could be had for a botanic garden. The larger size of the cast iron labels was an excellent label for a shrub or any large plant in the open ground. NOTES or THE WEEK. Cistua fiorentinus. — This forms compact evergreen little bushes from 9 in. to 18 in. in height, and bears a profusion of snow-white flowers about half as large as those of the Japa- nese Anemone. Examples of it may now be seen in the York Nurseries. The Tuberose Out all 'Winter.— A plant of this has remained on the rock garden in the Tottenham Nurseries throughout the past severe winter. Tlanting the fresh roots out in spring to flower in the open air has been practised for some time, but we have not seen the plant survive the winter out-of-doors before. A Daughter of Anne Boleyn.— We are glad to receive from Messrs. Dicksons & Co., of Edinburgh, a seedling of the favourite old Pink Anne Boleyn. The flowers are large, massive, and the outer petals of a delicate peach colour, marked with deep crimson towards the base. The inner petals, which are much curved, are cream coloured and deep crimson. The Sweet Brier in Bloom.— One of the pleasantest sights we have seen for a long time is a large bush of the common Sweet Brier in flower in Mr. Edwin Chadwick's garden at East Sheen. The large finely coloured flowers fairly surprised us. It may be a large variety. A more pic- turesque object we have never seen — long shoots boldly thrown out, and bearing plenty of large deep rosy cups. The Red Valerian and its Forms.— Three varieties of this come to us from Mr. Betteridge— the white, the deep red, and the common form. The white and the deep red are worth growing, as a variation from the ordinary form. They are good plants for adorning walls, rough rocks, old bridges, or banks. They will grow anywhere where a Snapdragon or a Wall- flower will grow. The Jerusalem Sage (Phlomis).— The old P. frutieosa is a very distinct and pleasing shrub plant, often ill-placed and ill-grown, and there- fore not cared for, but fully exposed on a warm bank or among a group of rocks it is excellent, or on a border with good soil. There is something very pleasing in the form of the whorls of flowers and graceful foliage of the shoots of a healthy plant. The Variegated Jacob's Ladder.— I'ole- monium coiruleum in its variegated form comes to us strong and full of flowers from Chipping Norton. It is the white variety that is thus variegated. It is so often pinched to make it suit as an edging plant, that it is seldom seen in flower. We clo not remember if the blue kind occurs among the variegated forms. The Double Red Sweet "William- Beds of this at Mr. Ware's lately have looked like sheets of velvet. It is a capital sturdy little plant, very hardy, and very easily increased. Tufts of it pull in pieces easily, and form good plants soon. When established in congenial soil the tufts last two or three years. It is dwarf enough for a rock garden. The Mountain Cornflower (Centaurca montana).— This old neglected plant never seemed to be worth a place. It is now, how- ever, coming into the market as cut flowers, and being larger than the Cornflower they seem to meet" a want. There is a good blue with a purple centre and a whitish kind, both of which are sent us by Mr. Betteridge. The plant grows in any soil and might be easily naturalised. Oalifornian Lilies.— Thestatcly Californian Lilies are now very fine at Mr. Ware's. One can give no idea of the fine form and growth of Lilium pardalinum and its forms. The secret of good culture is found to be good depth of decomposing vegetable soil, manure, leaf-mould, i:c. What our Lily people are doing nosv would very much ■astonish those who only know the few Lilies dwindling here and there in gardens some years ago. They are a new revelation of the beauty of the plant world. Lilium canadense. — I have been much surprised to lind this Lily in Jlr. Charles Van Geert's garden, at Antwerp, 4 ft. high, in full sun, without the slightest shade, except a few low growing shrubs around the base of the stem, and much finerthan Ihaveever seen the flowers in Eng- land. Golden Spergula (S. pilifera aurea) oar- pets the gi-ound in this dry spot. — F. H. A New Allium. — Mr. Horsman, now in Belgium, informs us that ho has seen in Mr. Vanderswaelmen's nursery, at Gendbruggc, .a plant in flower of what appears to be a species of Allium. The whole plant is like a Yucca or a Doryantlies with very broad leaves. The flower stem is C ft. in height and bears a head of flowers round as a cricket ball and 9 in. across. The colour is a lavender-purple. This wonderfully striking plant has been introduced from Bokhara. Mr. Scaling, of Basford, Notts, informs us, to our regret, that he is leaving Basford and giving up Osier growing in England. The interference with the employment of cheap labour (women and children) has made the cultiv.ation of Osiers im- possible. We are no longer able to compete with foreign produce, and as a consequence the 700U or 8000 acres of wet or undrainaljle land in Eng- land will become pestilential swamps, seeing that the greater part now under Osier crops cannot be used for ordinary farming purposes. Flowers at Heatherbank.— Some Calo- chortiis planted on a warm bank in February, 1880, at Oakwood, Wisley, have bloomed well, as has also Spinea palmata, which is richer in colour than usual. The latter is on a damp border. Kniphofia glaucescens has stood the last winter, and has bloomed well in our cottage garden. A friend gave me two blooms of Oinothera eximia, very beautiful. Surely this plant should be more grown than it is. Lilium Kramcri has bloomed very well in the Rhododendron beds. We have a flower of L. auratum in the orchard house 12 in. across.— George F. Wilson. New Rosaceous Plant (Fallugia para- doxa). — This is one of the most remarkable plants we have met with for a long time, so dis- tinct is it from any other with which we are acquainted. The stems are slender and erect, furnished with numerous small and deeplj'-cut leaves. Each stem is terminated by a pure white flower about 1^ in. across, and similar in form to those of Kubus deliciosus, but expanding more fully. It is now in flower in Jlr. Joad's garden at Oakfield, Wimbledon Park, wlieio it is growing in a cold house with other doubtfully hardy plants. Meat and Fruit.— "Excessive meat eating,'' says Sir Henry Thompson, " is undoubtedly a pro- lific cause of disease, such .as gout, rheumatism, and their allies." The Mctctic Hifnrmcr quotes the .above with approval, but does not state another of Sir Henry Thompson's experiences— i.e., that Strawberries are the worst things he knows of for the production of lithic acid in the bloo4 The vegetarians do not seem to be aware that some things they recommend are as fraught with danger as the butcher's shop. The products that seem safe and wholesome all round are the cereals, green vegetables, and the fruits having a low percentage of sugar, as the Apple and the Peach. Dwarf Profuse'blooming Pinks— It gave me great pleasure one d in. io IS in., and all roots that ran in a parallel direction were cut. A hole in a r.ather slanting direction was bored, 1 ft. 7 in. deep, with a l.j-in. auger. Four charges, including fuse, comprising 8 oz., were rammed home, and the result was by no means equal to expectation. A piece of considerable size was detached from the centre and thrown in the air, am! tlie rest of tlio root appeared to be much shaken. In the next test the same root was atc.ackcd bj- three holes being made under the timber in a soft matrix. It will be observed that in each case the charge was inserted into solid ground close under the central part of the root. Had dynamite been similarly used, we are certain that, besides a little splutter of earth, no effect would have been produced. In one hole no less tlian six charges, ff., 12 oz., were inserted; the other two had 6 oz. in each. The fuses were fired simultaneously, and tlie effect was truly mar- vellous ; large shreds of wood were torn up and thrown 40 ft. to 50 ft. in the air, and carried to a distance of GO yds. ; the largest of these frag- ments weighed 84 lb. Two portions of the root still remained intact. One part had two charges, and the other one, each taking G oz. In one of these explosions a splinter of considerable size was carried l.jO yds. We are of opinion that a single charge, judiciously applied, is often more effective than a large quantity, and that in the experiments described a considerable saving of material might ha ve^ been effected. The actual cost of the potentite'emplo_vcd was 4s. lid., 44 oz. being consumed. The labour of clearing away the soil round the root to the depth of 18 in. was probably Is. 6d., and Is., more might be expended in filling in the .soil and making good. Labour of bla.ster, say Is. Gd. ; total outlay, 8s. Ud. To grub and bur}- such a root would certainly have cost 10s. Gd,, and probably more; therefore, in point of outlay, thepotentite was successful. But there are two other points of importance, viz., expedition and the breaking up of the root into fragments more or less available for firing without further expense. By the ordinarj- process of stubbing, the root itself remains as a nuisance, either to be removed at considerable cost, or to be broken up by a slow process and with a large out- lay of force, or to be buried below the reach of the plough, and even then injury may arise to the crop from its presence, obstructing drainage or generating fungi. By the use of potentite, we have the root reduced to fragments, most of which are suitable for firing, and the rest can be readily reduced to a proper size. When dried, such material must be valuable, and generally worth a sum that will go a long way to pay for the explosive. The second experiment was on a Beech root, the tree, which had recently been sawn down, containing about 40 ft. of timber. This was not nearly so large a root as that of the Oak. One bore-hole was made in the centre, about 16 in. deep, with a I^-in. auger; 8 oz. of potentite was inserted. The' explosion shattered the root into fourparts. One side, which was the least separated, was attacked with G oz. This caused a great shattering, but still a iiortion in the middle was left untouched, and a third charge of 2 oz. com- pleted the dismemberment. Thus, at the cost of 1 lb. of potentite, value Is. 6d., the Beech root was so far uprooted and sh.attered that the work of a few minutes completed the business and restored the soil. Here, again, the saving of money bj-tlie use of the explosive is n or () acres that produce from GO to 100 busliels per acre, wliich is considered a satisfactory result, as manure is unnecessary, and the trouble of culti- vating, gathering, and marketing is less than tiiat required by the Strawberry or any other small fruit. A correspondent describes a plot of nearlj' three- fourths of an acre completely covered with beds of Cranberries, the vines "thicklj' matted and in a flourishing condition.'' These grounds, which were naturally slightly moist, were prepared as for Strawberries and then planted with Cranberry vines. They were placed in rows or beds in the same manner as Strawberry plants, and then served with a top dressing of meadow mud which liad been taken from its natural bed and expf)scd to the frosts of one winter, by which it was ren- dered verj' loose and friable. They were after- 'wards cultivated with the hoe until they had completely covered the ground, simply passing between the beds, pulling out such weeds and Cirass as might occasionally be growing among them, and killing the worms, if any might be found on the plants, until they become thoroughly matted. The cultivator "succeeded in obtaining a good crop — an average of HiO bushels to the acre. The fruit was excellent in quality and sold readily for one-third more than the common uncultivated Cranberry of the swanjps in that vicinity. In regard to the success of Jlr. Bates in his method of culture, Mr. If. G. Boswell, of I'hiladelphia. gives the following testimony, viz.: "As this ]ilant naturally grows in a very -vvet soil, it is generally supposed that it will not thrive in a di'y soil ; but thi.s idea is erroneous. Mr. S. Bates has cultivated the Cranben'y on a drj' soil for several years with the utmost success. His method is to ))lough the land — spread on a quantity of swamp manure, and after harrowing tlie soil thoroughly, set out the plants in drills 20 in. apart, hoeing them the first season. After this no cultivation is needed. By the above method the plants will cover the ground in three j-ears."' PROFUSE BLOOMING IN ITS RELATION TO FERTILITY. " Pereorise '' has done well to call attention to this matter. My observation and experience are very much like his. It is by no means (he trees that have most bloom that set the most fruit. Not seldom quite the contrary is true. We have suffered so much from frost of late .years that wc have come to set down all failures to that as a matter of course. A good many of the slips be- tween the cup and the lip — the bloom and the fruit — arise, however, from other causes. Fruit trees, for example, under glass can hardly ever have their blossoms chilled or frosted off, yet how frequently the crops prove more or less dis- appointing. This is especially the case at times with Plums and Cherries in frost-proof quarters. The trees are smothered with bloom, but when it fades the fruit is found to be thin or poor; and the same thing too often happens in the open, so that an over-close atmosphere under glass can hardly be credited with the failure. I'ossibly the mere development and maturation of the fruit buds in such numbers tend to wear out and ex- haust the trees. If so, the best time to thin fruit blossoms would be when they are being manufac- tured in the autumn, but such processes need more patience and time than the majority of cul- tivators are endowed with; and so the thinning alike of partially-developed and finished buds is left till the whole have fully expanded into bloom. The trees, having made a supreme effort to manu- fa:;ture and open so many flowers, not seldom seem to faint and flag, and finally cast off the majority of them in the setting. This is probably the simple history of a profusion of bloom suc- ceeded by a scanty crop ; but other causes, such as cold and semi-starvation, also bring about similar results. To moderate cold is beyond our power, but no one is obliged to allow his trees to starve. Abundance of food and water may often succeed in developing the major portion of the blossoms and fruit. Overhead waterings, especi- ally should the weather prove verj' dr}' about the time the blossoms ai'e fading, seem to have a powerful influence in causing them to hold on. Moist and moderately rich root-runs ai'c also fa- vourable for the same purpose, but all over-feed- ing or stimulating treatment must be avoided, as well as sudden alternations or extremes of temperature or treatment. No doubt it is these unavoidable alternations in the open air that are so largely responsible for so nmch fruit-blossom failing to set securely. Still, there are other and more preventible causes, and among these one of the most potent is the overcrowding of fruit blos- soms, and fortunately it is also the most amenable to successful treatment. D. T. Fl-SH. "Vine Leaves.— t/. P. T. --Possibly your leaves are scatded by tbe sun shining upon thetn when wet. .\s a rule, if you hold a diseased leaf up to tbe light and the injured places are transparent, or semi-transparent, the injury is due to scalding, Imvning, or the burrowini; or eatinj; of insects— the tissues are gone. If the injured parts are dense and more or less opfti(Ue, some fungus is probably at work ; and if tlie fungus does not show itseU outside, it is inside and causes the ol)Scurity."-J. Grapes in Cool Houses.— Dr. Newington, of Ticehur.st, has great success with these in houses running from north to south, and having a roof with a steep slope. In such houses the leaves July 9, 1881.] THE GARDEN. 33 do not scorch and tlie fruit becomes perfcctly ripened. Sometimes tlicre is danger from a spring frost, but no serious loss has as yet occurred in that way. Fruit in Tins.— A correspoudent writes : At this Beasnn nf the year, \vl\en ripe Apples cannot ba proou'ed, there isalar^'O inianlity of American tinned Apples con- sumed. There is i,'reat danser in eating fruit so packed, for the acid acts upon the tin and solder which is some- times thickly coated inside, leaving a deposit of acetate of lead, which mixes with the fruit. A case has come under uiy notice of a whole f imily exhibiting prave symptoms of poisoning through eating these Apples.— Ba'V;/ jNcir.s. ^ [We never could sec why Apples are put in tins when thev can be had so good in a dried state at all seasons. Apples are obtainable in such abundance for a considerable portion of the year that Apples in tins are not a necessity. The American growers will no doubt cease tinning, enjoying as" they do such rapid and cheap means of transit and such efltective means of drying their fruit when they cannot sell it fresh.] La Marguerite Strawberry.— I have recently had the pleasure of lool^ing through many gardens in this vicinity, and of observing numerous varieties of Strawberries. I confine my remarks to those grown outdoors now ; and for size (and tlie latter quality especially), I have seen nothing to equal this Strawberry. It was ripe outdoo'i-s, pulled, and sent to London, I under- stand, from the head gardener, Mr. Ryan, at Knocklofty Gardens, the seat of the Earl of Do- noughmore, the last week in May. President, as here, is ten days behind, so is British Queen and V. Hei-icart de Thury. From my experience I would class La Grosse Sucree as second best, and then President from the above points of view. Now that runners are preparing for a new crop, observations of this kind would, I presume, be acceptable to most readers of The Gaudes. — W. J. 3r., Clonmcl. Frontignans Shanking. — " Peregrine " seems fond of denunciating everybody whose experience or taste does not happen to coincide with his. My experience of the Grizzly Frontignan Griipe corresponds with that of the writer in the J''liirisf, as quoted by " Peregrine.'' In a mixed Vinery here, in which are canes of Hamburgh, lUickland Ssveetwater, Lady Downes, Alicante, iMuscat of Alexandria, and a strong young Vine of the Grizzly Frontignan, the latter has not produced a hunch fit to send to table for the past two seasons ; in fact, there has not been two dozen sound berries on any one bunch, owing to its shanking badly, though there has not been that number of shanked berries on all the others com- bined. The few berries which escaped were smaller than those of any of the other sorts, quite earning the name of being below medium size. " Peregrine " does not say who his " best authorities '' are ; and ho says himself that it is only sometimes that the ben-ies are the size of those of the Hamburgh, and when the}' are I should fancy the Hamburgh must be rather small for the variety. I am thinking of cutting back the Grizzly Fron- tignan and grafting a Buckland Sweetwater on the stock ; but if " Peregrine '' can give me any rules to work upon to prevent its shanking, I will try it once more, as its flavour is excellent. I have always found it shanked wherever I have met it, though not to the extent it is here. — John C. Tallack, l^rit^eaux Place, Padstow. Strawberries in Clumps. — As our plan for growing large crops of Strawberries may not be generally known, I will explain the method in as few words as I can. Our plants are from ten to twelve years old ; that is, the clumps are of that age. These clumps or stools may consist of a dozen plants. For many years we have produced large crops and fine fruit by transplanting every two years those large stools at 3 ft. apart on fresh soil ; if they remain a year longer, the friit is smaller. This shows that it is the constant change of soil which suits the plants. The soil is a stiif loam, prepared by manuring heavily and double digging. The plants are taken up with a steel fork, and sometimes two forks are necessary to secure a large ball of earth. All the beds are well watered after flowering, the water being sup- plied by means of a hose and in any quantity. The fruit, which is now most abundant and of a large size, has been propped up by circular wires, which not only prevents the plants being splashed by rain, but it enables the sun to ripen the fruit all round, and snails do not injure it. I have seen accounts of hundreds of acres of Straw- berries grown in Kent on my plan. A plan which will secure a large crop the first year of planting must be an advantageous one. To keep olf birds, stretch a string from one pole to another through the bed, and tie two or three sheets of newspaper to the string. — Philodesdeon. "What our Cousins want. — Those who can remember the best standard fmits thirty years ago will perceive a great change for the better as they look over the adopted lists of the present day. But we are still dissatisfied, and should still aim for something better. We w^ant a Piaspberry as productive as the Philadelphia and as good as the Herstine, with the berries at least 1 in. in diameter and perfectly hardy. We would like a Blackberry as large as the Wilson Strawberry, as good as the Dorchester, and as profuse a bearer and as hardy as the Snyder ; and a Gooseberry as large as the English Roaring Lion, and equal to the Houghton in growth, bearing and freedom from mildew. We ought not to be satisfied with a Currant less in size than the Delaware Grape, and as reliable as the Red Dutch ; a Strawberry with the general adaptiveness and bearing of the Wilson, the quality of the Wilder, and the size of the Sharpless, a field of which in bearing would appear like a fine crop of Red Clover in blossom. Among Apples we have a fine grower and a great bearer and a handsome fruit in the Baldwin, but many would like it better if as good in quality as the Swaar, and as hardy as the Duchess of Olden- burg. The Wealthy, with its handsome appear- ance good quality and hardiness, would be more valuable if a longer |keeper. Even the Bartlett Pear not quite perfection, although so great and early a bearer and so fine a grower. We want another Pear as free as the Duchesse from blight, as handsome as the Clairgeau, and as good as the Seckel, outbearing the Bartlett, and a month later. — Country Gentleman. SEASOKABLE WORK. Pines.— About this time a pit should be prepared tor a batch of suckers from the early summer fruiters A close moist pit, in which a bottom heat of 90^ to 9.5'^ can be maintained, will suit them better than a large house, as they will require less artificial moisture, and shading will bo reduce i to a minimum. Use cle in pots of Gin to 8 in. in diameter, and ram the soil, pure loam, very firm with a blunt stick. Plunge to the rim near the glass. Give a little water at once ; keep close and moist until roots are formed, when more air may be given. Fruiting plants should be removed to a dry, airy house to finisn slowly as soon as the Pines show signs of changing colour. Draw starters from the succession house to take their place, and pot on the best plants from the reserve pits before the roots be- gin to interlace each other round the balls. Strong, lumpy fibrous loam, with a little bone dust added, is preferable to a mixture of soil and vegetable matter, which soon de- cays and forms food for woruK. H likely to become adhesive, a little chopped straw may be added. Grapes.— As nothing so completely mars the appear- ance ot a bunch of Grapes as stoneless berries pass the scissors over late crops for the last time, and see that those intended to hang through the winter are well thinned To insure early matmity under the influence of solar heat, and to prevent scalding of Lady Downes and Unseat, continue night firing, with a little air, and ven- tilate freely through the day. The rainfall having been light, see that external borders are well mulched, and give diluted liquid or guano water to the inside roots in (pian- tities that will reach the drainage, as often .as may be necessary to the maintenance of a moist growing state of the soil. Succession Houses in which Grapes are taking the last swelling should be closed with plenty of sun heat for two or three hours every afternoon. Give night air and a little fire heat, to maintain a minimum temperature of CS^. Early Vines, from which the Grapes have been cut, may be encouraged to make new lateral growths by copious watering and good syringing. If portable draw off the lights in showery weather, or wash the upper sides of the leaves on fine evenings. Many people play most assiduously upon the under sides of the leaves, but where the upper sides are neglected their work is only half done. Pot Vines intended for next year's forcing, which have made their growth, will now require more air to harden their gi-owtb. Remove all laterals close to the eye, from the base of the cane up to the point at which it will bo pruned. Take care of the old leaves, which are required to feed the buds, and keep them clean by a liberal use of the syringe. Figs.— Pot trees now swelling oiT second crops if well drained cannot be overwatered, neither can they be too freely syringed. Give air early, and keep the house or pit well ventilated when the Figs begin to ripen, but carefully guard against producing a check by withholding water from the roots. Permanent trees carrying ripe fruit must have plenty of air and all the light that can be secured to them. \Vhere this is neglected the Figs will be pale and vapid, and, as a matter of course, flavourless. Jiastmtr Castle. W. CoLESIAN. GARDEN DESIGN. MAKING WEIRS PICTURESQUE. It appears from advertisements that it is contem- plated to construct a weir across the River Crocker, at Crummock Water. It has long been intended to carry out a similar work at Thirl- mere. Where such works are necessarj', there seems no reason wdiy they should not be done in such a way as to avoid damage to the surround- ings ; on the contrary, instead of mechanical weirs simply, they should be natural waterfalls or cascades, and would answer the purpose equally well. Thus treated, when done and planted, they would look as if they had existed for ages, be natural to the site, and really form a picturesque part of the scenery, with rock, wood, and water combined — elements that constitute the beautiful in landscapes. In this case, where there is lake and mountain scenery, all would be in harmony with the surroundings. When the large sums of money expended on such works are considered, surely the little additional cost need form no obstacle, for there need be only a rugged facing of rock joined on to the weir proper, and this rock facing would enable the less to be used in build- ing the weir, as it would add strength to it, and therefore not all be additional expense. iMany instances occur in which beautiful valleys have been injured by the maldng of weir dams, reser- voirs, &c., of formal shapes, and without regard to picturesque effect, whereas they might often have been so constructedas to improve the land- scape if carried out by those who understand and appreciate natural beauty. Anent this subject, I may remark with regret how seriously our picturesque bits of natural scenery are injured by engineering and other works from want of taste, little or no attempt being made to avoid ugliness, although just the reverse might have been secured sometimes at no additional cost. Even in cuttings through pic- turesque scenery a smooth bank seems to be aimed at, instead of having the rock roughly broken, so as by the aid of planting a good effect might be produced. Where there is no rock, the planting alone would add to the stability of slipping banks. Others besides engineers seem to encourage ugli- ness rather than beauty. I was sorry to observe lately the beautiful WyndclifEe, near Chepstow-, being seriously damaged, apparently only for the sake of quarrying stones, which could easily have been got elsewhere. Engineers are not at fault in this case, but the owner of the property (I believe the Duke of Beaufort), who would be supposed to have better taste, though he may possibly not have obserwed such work, or the injury it^ does to the landscape. One instance of a railway embankment being made picturesque by the aid of a landscape gardener is at Preston, where the line passes through the public park. It looks as if it ran on a natural cliflE overgrown with varied foliage. Water has been laid on to flow over the rock in one place, apparently natural, and forms a drinking fountain. I have often noticed about the country, in the case of pleasant resorts both by the seaside and inland, that owners are not so careful as they should be to preserve the natural beauties or antiquities of such places. In some cases pleas- ing objects are allowed to be obscured from view, as at places I could mention. What a certain writer says of art is, I fear, too true, -viz., that 34 THE GAEDEN. [July 9, 1881. tlie great public need educating up to its ap- preciation ; and so it seems with the beautiful in Nature. The clipping of slirubs into rounded forms, even where there is not the excuse of pro- truding into tlie pathway or road, is anotlier perversion of good taste. It seems as if a smooth, rjunded, or conical form is preferred to irregular, natural, and, of course, better shape. This may appear to be beside my subject, but it is one of the things that so often damage the pictur- esque effect of plantations, pleasure grounds, parks, and gardens, that I could not help allud- ing to it. It is doubtless done under the im- pression that it produces a neat appearance, but most of us, I liope, would prefer a good rugged, natural outline. JAS. ^ULlIA.^t. lirihcbimrnc. proved it. It has since been owned and occupied by l\rr. A. Jlorrisoii. ]0. THE rOET WALLEK'S GAIiDEN. In travelling by the London and 0.\ford coach in former days, after passing liulstrode, now the iJuke of Somerset's place, you entered the wide street of a country town, known by name throughout the world as Beaconstield. Edmund Burke's house, long since destroyed by hre, stood in a small park close to the town, and Hall Barn, the residence of the poet Waller, is a mile distant in the opposite direction. The home of AValler in the seventeenth century is now, in the nineteenth, very much what he made it. The bouse, it is true, has been enlarged, but the park and gardens are the same, e.xoept that the lapse of 200 years has added to their beauty. The only drawback in the planting of the trees and shrubs, such as Yews and Hollies, which Waller largely used, is their slow growth. The planter cannot see them grow, as he almost can in the case of ephemeral subjects, but they endure for ever. An exposed aspect, north and east, of one of the fronts has been protected here by the planting of Yew and Holly hedges, and "Waller's walls," well clipped and trained, and green to the ground, are now 20 ft. in height. The poet must have been a skilled gardener. All the leading principles of the landscape gardening art were observed in his plans. It is a common error in designing the grounds of a country house to provide too much landscape and not enough seclusion. Waller's judgment taught him better. He has secured in one direction pleasant views across tlie park to Burke'.s Grove and other points, and, in.stead of opening otlier Iand.scapes similar in character, but not quite so pleasing, he has left his successors, on the south side of the house, a charming garden, with delightful lawns. In this part of the grounds the walls of evergreens shut out the cold winds and conserve the sunbeams at those periods of the year when they are scarce. From tlie lawn you enter a wood planted by Waller as an additional breakwind, and any person who may be now engaged in the delightful task of forming a new place, or increasing the comfort of an old one, may wander witli advantage in \Valler's Grove. Much of its novelty and beauty consists in the winding walks and vistas which tlie skilful poet arranged with a view to the distant scenery, and also with a view to several summer houses and classic buildings which form the starting points of these woodland walks. A\'aller lived at a period when garden architecture and imitations of the ancients were in vogue, and therefore his chef da-uvre in the middle of the wood is a temple without seats and open to the winds. Its views and vistas are delightful. The park at Hall Barn was improved in IS.'i!) by a storm of wind, which tliinned the too abundant timber and overturned oOO trees. Just such a storm is needed in some other parks. Waller died at Hall Barn, and Sir George Ouseley, Bart., pur- chased it of his family in IHS-J and greatly im- Sion Hill, Ferry Bank.— This is not a large place, but neatly kept. In a small Vinery I noticed Ktillwell's Sweetwater grafted on the r.lack Hamburgh, on which it was doing well. On the back wall were some line Cacti. The Teach houses contained liarrington and Hoyal George, both carrying heavy crops. The roots of these, which are in an outside border, are root-pruned every year to within 6 ft. of the stems ; the trench is then filled up with good maiden loam and lime rubbish, and rammed firm, The bai;k wall is covered with Gloire de Dijon Uose and Aloysia citriodora, and I also observed some good Camellias in 12-in. pots 5 ft. high and i ft. through. The plant stove contained a good collection of indoor plants. In the flower garden, besides plants bedded out and dwarf Dahlias, hardy plants are used on a much larger scale than hitherto. There is also an interesting little indoor Fernery and an outdoorpond.thesidesof which afford accommoda- tion for hardy Ferns, and in the centre stood two plants of Osmunda regalis in pots on stakes driven down for the purpose of supporting them. — John A. Coi,thorfe, Summerville, Waterford. Notes from Craven, Yorks. — Notwith- standing the severity of the past winter, the spring has given us a glorious show of bloora on all the principal flowering shrubs. Rhododendrons, Aza- leas, Hawthorns, both white and red. Lilacs, and Laburnums have been unusually full of flowers. The hardiness of the Retinosporas has been proved here.iOO feet above the sea, by the lu.xuriant growth which they are now making after three such severe winters as we have bad. R. plumo-sa aurea is certainly one of the loveliest hardy ever- greens tliat we have, rivalled, however, by Juni- perus chinensis aurea. Whether C'upressus Lawsoniana aurea will prove as bright in colour as the above seems doubtful. The cold winter seems to have suited the alpines. The various ;ilpine Primulas, Soldanella, Cortusa, Linnea, Edelweiss, and the numerous Saxifrages and Sedums have bloomed profusely out on the rock- work. Has any one of your readers remarked that Sweet Violets have this year flowered white ? Almost all my Violets have done so. I note tlie same as regards Lupines (perennial), all of whose spikes, last year, as heretofore, lilac, are this season a dull white. Many of our common laced Finks have undergone the same change, and, losing all colour, have become almost pure white flowers. — R. JIiLNE Redhead, llohlcn Chmijh, Cl'ithmn-. Effects of the "Winter in Nairnshire. — On looking carefully over my garden, I And I have not suffered from our late severe winter so much as many, and we have bad late frosts and east winds with one night this month the thermometer down to 29°. I'otatoes are a little touched, and French Beans also. All my bulbs have flowered better than usual, and the foliage is of a richer green. I take care of all the old- fashioned herbaceous plants, but Roses have tlie first place, being most liked. I have the old York and Lancaster and Rose Celestial, and of my finer kinds I have only lost about twelve stan- dards. Marechal Niel, Celine Forestier, and Gloire de Dijon all look healthy, and are fur- nished with strong shoots and plenty of buds, and on the 16th I picked two lovely Due de Ma- gentas. None of these had any protection, the last two or three winters all being in the open borders and manured. I have lost no I'ansies through the frost. The blossoms of our Horse Chestnuts, Lilacs, Laburnums, and pink and white Thorns are very abundant and rich this season. I have all the old Roses in quantity, Cab- bage and Moss. Last year I had Paul Neron 5.^ in. across, and one of my Tulip leaves this spring measured 7 in. across and 9 in. long. I have most Roses on their own roots or Manetti, and also standards. We are close to the sea, but shel- tered by a good wall from the east winds, though we suffer from high west ones. Nairn is a very sandy dry soil, and we have little rain, a sliower being always welcome. I have the Grape Hya- cinth, wliite and blue, thousands of the latter, 81 long thick rows of them.— C. A. C. THE GARDEN FLORA. PLATE CCXOIL— EUCHAKIDIl'.M RUEWEKI. EuciiAniDiUM BnRWKni was fir.st describtd by Professor Gray in the " Proceedings of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences," just si.xteen years since, but, occurring only in one locality seldom visited by travellers or collectors, it has remained un introduced to gardens until no w, not, however, witliout numerous attempts on the part of the writer of these lines to instigate its collection, and hereby liangs a tale. \\\ one instance seed was actually sent him, purportinj^ to be that of the much coveted species. The quantity being but a mere pinch, it is perhaps superfluous to say that it was sown with all due precautions, which in time were rewarded by a fair crop of seedlings. These were care- fully pricked off and treated secundum arlem, being finally planted out in a well-prepared bed of soil. The seedlings grew apace, soon attain- ing a large size for such a plant, and branched considerably. As the development proceeded, a faint suspicion arose that the plants bore a considerable resemblance to the older species, until at length, when tlie long-anticipated day arrived, and the first flower expanded, suspicion was changed to certainty — my obliging corre- spondent had sent me Eucharidium concinuum. But, grievous as was tlie disappointment, one good at least resulted from it — it demonstrated (and liere is the moral of my story I how little those cultivators who sow their annual seed in thick patclies are in a position to judge of their capabilities and value. Let the amateur for once treat his annuals as the before-mentioned pinch of Eucliaridium was treated, and my word for it he will be astonislied at the result. The genus Eucharidium (a creation of Fischer and INlcyer) is clo.sely allied to t'larkia, and the authors of the " Botany of California " are of opinion that it should be united to it. Be that as it may, the chief distinction consists in the fewer stamens of Eucharidium, which has but four, wliilst in Clarkia there are eight. E. concinnum, the earliest species introduced, is now too well known to need description, but merits a strong word of recommendation to those in search of cheap material for filling their beds and borders, or I should state that this applies rather to the seed sold under the name of grandiflorum, which I take to be a wild form of the original plant. The only other species at present known is E. Breweri, of which the annexed illustra- tion is a truthful representation. As the reader will note, its most remarkable features are itsdwarf spreading habit of growth, narrowly lanceolate foliage, and especially the broad obcordate petals overlapping at tlieir margins and furnished with a narrow tapering lobe from each sinus. Another noteworthy character is the clavate filament of the stamen, but the villosity of the last-named organ referred to by Professor Gray is scarcely seen in tlie cultivated plant. The colour of flower is, as the figure shows, a pleasing purple, sliading to white in the centre, but the tint varies in different specimens. Culture and Position. — On the first year of cultivation a preity pure white variety made its appearance, which it is to be hoped may sooner or later re-appear. Tlie cultivation of the older species, E. con- cinnum and its varieties, is of the simplest UJ p 111-4 'X. Q o D '7 July 9, 1881.] THE GARDEN, 35 cliaracter, that is to say, It would succeed in almost any soil ■with the treatment of the tJaliforniau annuals, bearing well the vicissi- tudes of our climate. E. Breweri is also fairly amenable to treatment up to a certain point, but it has unfortunately shown a susceptibility to excessive moisture when in flower, which is, however, scarcelj' surprising in a plant found on the dry summit of iMomit Oso. There are grounds for hoping that it will in time become acclimatised, a residt which all the readers of Tub CrAiiDEN in particular, aud horticulturists in general, cannot fail to join me in desiring. I am indebted for the seed of this plant, as well Plant Pood. — I notice a correspondent en- quires about this and says he used dissolved bones, and considers them so far ineffective, as they stimulate more than they feed. Very likely, though bone-dust is a very good manure, but pos- sibly your correspondent means superphosphate of lime. The cheapest, and on the whole the best, stimulants I have found for plants are closet sewage and manure water made with the manure of bullocks or cows. The late Mr. Joseph Knight, of the E.xotlc Nurseries, King's Koad, Chelsea, a shrewd, far-seeing cultivator and business man, was the first to teach me the value of the first. The second I have also found good for almost everything. In regard to both, weak, little, and lie Double Bouvardia (Alfred Neuiicr) ; life size. Dra"n June 24, ISSl. as for many other favours, to the generositj' and courtesy of Professor Sargent, of the Arnold Arboretum, Harvard University. Ipsiokh. W. Thompson. The Double Bouvardia.— ^Ve have thought it well to figure this plant exactly life size from the first plant of it which we saw In flower in England at Mr. Cannell's nursery, Swan- ley. What good culture may do for it in the future remains to be seen, but. In any case, it will be useful to sketch it on its first appearance. Having several times before alluded to the plant, more need not be said here. often have been my mottoes. By the way, it is needful to be very cautious in trying some manures. I saw Camellia flowers brought off in showers this spring from a slight dressing of a powerful fertiliser, and the plants several months afterwards looked undecided whether to live or die. I noticed, however, the other day that they had got over it. All natural and artificial stimu- lants should be used weak and often, and of course closet sewage ranges from mere water up to concentrated manure of a potency that might prove fatal to many pot or other plants. Stable drainage or urine is still more dangerous, and should never be used for pot nor any other plants unless in an extreme state of dilution. — D. T. F. THE INDOOR GARDEN. THE COOL HOUSE FOR ORNAMENTAL PLANTS. Can you, or any of your readers, sjiecifn in detail the purposes for ichich a series of well built and jilanned, hut wholly unhealed, houses might be used to give a satisfactory result? A. 1. — The advancing of Rhododendrons in bloom and the growth of the noble Sikkim kinds in districts where they cannot be grown out-of- doors, and also for their protection from the seasons. A house well planted with Sildtim Rhododendrons, Clematises, LUies, and Cliinese and Ghent Azaleas would always be well fur- nished with leaf and flower beauty. A few of the more hardy of Tree Ferns (Dicksoniaantarc- tica, Cyathea medullaris) and other hardy fine- leaved plants might be added, but the above four grojips alone would be ample if well planted and well cultivated. 2. — Tlie growth of Camellias planted out — the true way of growing them to show their fullest beauty with the least trouble to the grower, and fewest chances of failure. •3. — The growth of a great number of beautiful Ferns, such as the New Zealand filmy Ferns. The position and aspect of a cold house is, as a matter of course, very important. Thus, that for filmy Ferns shoidd have a north or north-east aspect. I would build the walls either hollow or 2 ft. thick of any rough stone best afforded by the locality. The roof might with advantage be double glazed. In such a house all the European, New Zealand, and even some tropical filmy Ferns might be well grown. Camellias and Tree Ferns might well furnish a rather shady, cold house, and other plants might be added — I mean such plants as would with- stand the syringing and closeness which is essential during April and May, when the Camellias would be luaking new growth. 4. — Tile gentle forcing of beautiful hardy flowering shrubs, securing at the same time an early bloom and flowering, free from accidents of frost or rain or wind. Examples of shrubs to be treated in this way among many might be Lilacs, Chinese Plum, Daphne, Weigela, Maule's Pear, Tree Paeony, Veronicas, Clematises, Tea Roses, Magnolias (Campbelli, f uscata, and others) , Abutilons, Solanum jasminoides, Clematises, Fremontia, Calceolaria, Fuchsia, Azalea, &c. ; indeed a house of such might be a most inte- resting and useful feature. 5. — The advancing in bloom and protection in bloom in like manner of a great number of the finest hardy plants and hardy bulbs, Christ- mas Roses, Narcissi, Suowflakes, Gladioli (early), Solomon's Seal, Lily of the Valley, Globe flower. Phlox (early), and numerous other plants. All kinds of hardy plants and bulbs, such as Hyacinths, Narcissi, Dielytra, Ixias, Sparaxis, Calochortus, Brodijea, Tulips, hardy Orchids, Lilies, &c., grow and bloom best in a cold frame, or, what is even better, because more convenient, a cold house. In the early spring months more especially such a 1 "aise gives us beauty unattainable in any other "vay. G. — The growth of shrubs, trees, and plants from cool temperate regions. New Zealand, ChUi, and others, many of the plauts from which are hardy enough to endure our climate, but just require the aid of a cool house to allow of their perfect beauty of bloom being developed. Lapa- gerias, white and red, Embothriiun coccineum, Sarmienta repens, greenhouse Rhododendrons, some Passion flowers, Habrothamnus, Cape species of ornamental Asparagus, Myrsiphyllum, Bomarea Carderi, and other kinds would succeed. 7. — The planting out of a great number of subjects, now grown — and badly grown — in pots, 36 THE GAEDEN. [July 9, 1881. as, for exaniplc, tlie Camellia, Azalea, hardy I'alms, and mimcrdiis otliers. The arraiig'e- inents in tlie ordinary heated houses prevent the formation of proper beds and borders for planting out, so tluit the plants may have all the benefit of abundant light, as well as a free root- run in good soil. 8. — The formation of more picturesque houses without stages (or witli but few), for the sake of simpler and more naturil effects, which may easily be secured with less trouble and cost tlian at present. After all, a cold house is very like a paint- brush or a gun — not of ujuch service unless rightly used. A good cultivator will effect much with the poorest of appliances, and a bad one will not effect much witli the best. If a man — I mean a proprietor — was bold enough to say to a good gardener, " Xow, I will build you tlie best of .structures, such as you require io all ways, but without a fire-])lace or a yard of flue or piping — these I am determined uot to tolerate." If Ibis was done once or twice, and people saw tlie results gained, we should soon have cold plant houses springing up everywhere. It is a mistake to think that heat-loving plants are more beautiful than those of temperate climes. .V cold, moist, shady, and low-lying house is better adapted for hardy Ferns, Orchids, IMr- lingtonias, Sarracenias, &c., than for light and sun-loving flowering plants. A cold, .shady house of the proper kind, low and close, would grow North American Orchids, Pitcher-plants, and Ferns to perfection, and would be interesting all the year round. B. It. Peat for Tuberous Begonias— In Tub Gaudex (p. 6i;:i) Jlr. Smith, of Kewry, writes as follows in reference to tliese Begonias : " I dis- tinctly object to the introduction of paat into the compost in which these beautiful plants grow, for, according to my experience, tliey abhor peat.' My tuberous liegonias this year were first potted in the following compost, viz., good loam and peat in equal proportions, and a sprinkling of silver sand. On the itli of Jlay the.v were repotted in the same kind of couqiost. They rooted and grew amazingly fast, ami at the present time are flowering in the most satisfactory manner ; the foliage, too, is looking remarkably health^y. I cannot, therefore, believe that they " abhor peat.'' - Gloxinia. ■Winter - flo-wering Violets.- This is a critical time for these, for if neglected now no amount of attention later in the season will make them satisfactory ; whereas if well treated now they are sure to flower well during the winter ami spring. I'rcsuming that runners were planted in lines 1 ft. apart each way on rich well prepared soil, screened from the mid-day sun, and kept clean by hoeing, and also well watered during drought, they will now be strong plants and beginning to send out runners to form another crop of young plants, and if these are allowed to grow for any length of time, the strength of the plant will be so far exhausted tliat tliere will be no bloom in winter, for it will lake (lie plants until t)ie following .spring to recover the loss occasioned by growing; runners instead of forming a strong crown full of flower-buds ; therefore keep all ninners cut closely off with a pair of sharp-pointed scissors as fast as they are observed. Keep tlic soil clean by hoeing, and moist by copious water- ings in dry periods, and when the plants are transferred to their flowering quarters in .September they will be bristling witli flower-buds, that will quickly reward one for all care bestowed on them. — James Groom. Old r. Ne'w Cyclamen Seed.^It is generally suppiisiMl tliat (_'yel:i[]U'nsced germinates most freely wlien sown as soon as ripe, manv growers asserting that it should never be allowed to thoroughly harden, but be committed to the soil as soon as it falls from the capsule. Until last season I had always held this view of the matter myself, and was consequently much sur- prised to experience the very reverse. Having in my possession some seed of a good strain, some four years old, which had been lying by forgotten in a cool, dry place, I sowed it on the very day that I committed to the soil some newly-ripened seed. The pots containing both kinds of seeds were placed in the same frame, and treated in exactly the same manner. Judge, therefore, of my surprise when a difference of ten days was observable in tlie germination, and tliat in favour of tlie old seed. It may be said that thj new seed was not properly ripened ; all I can say is that it fell from the capsule, and nearly every seed germinated, although, as just stated, at a later period. Almost every grain of the old seed came up, ami very finely, thus proving that in the case of the Cyclamen perfect reliance may be placed in seed several years old, pro\ided it has been properly kept. Jly own imjiression is that nothing is gained by sowing from the pod, but that the seed should be laid up in a warm, dry place for a fortnight, in order that it may harden, otherwise it passes some considerable time in the earth before making any attempt to swell. I think, however, that after four years germination cannot be relied on, as I sowed, by way of experi- ment, some seed five and si.x years old, of which but a small portion came up. — J. C, JJ;/J/cft. ORCHIDS. THE BEST DENDROBRiMS. This genus of Orchids contains some of the most desirable and useful of flowering plants, and may with confidence bo recommended to those who have uot had much experience in the culture of Orchidaceous plants. The question has more than once been asked in Thk G.\niiEX, Are Orchids easy to grow I-' When that question is asked, one expects as a matter of course that the questioner knows something about the cultiva- tion of ordinary greenhouse or stove plants. Orchids are as easy to grow as the largest pro- portion of these, and much easier than some of them ; and if a person who understood sometliing of plants was to put this question, 1 would cer- tainly answer it in the afliiinative. Dendrobiums, or at lea.st the best of theiu, are easily managed. Some complain that their Orchids grow well, but do not flower, and that Dendrobiura nobile will not grow from the base of the stems, but persists in throwing out growths up the stem. It is easy to see that here a mistake in culture has been made. If a Deudrobium grows strongly, but does not flower well in its season, it is certain that it has not had a good season of rest. If Dendrobium nobile throws its growths from the old stems instead of from the base, the plants have been kept too diy at the roots. Only yesterday a complaint was made that D. nobile did not start from the base of the bulbs, but from the stems, and, on enquiry, it was admitted that the plants had been kept dry after flowering. Now there are some Orchids, many, indeed, which ought to be kept dry after flowering, but not Dendro- biums. Most of them are now making their growths and rooting freely, and at that time they must be well supplied with water. How much water should we give them ? some may ask. The only answer one can safely give to this question is, That all depends on circum- stances. Watering a plant is one of the simplest operations in gardening, and yet few will take the trouble to do it well. It ought to be done without disturbing the compost in which the plants are growing, and in the case of Orchids a fine-rosed watering-pot or a syringe .should be used, and in the case of Dendrobiums in free growth the water ought to be applied before the com- post is very dry ; but as the plants ought to ha growing in a hot-hou.se with a high tiunperature and moist atmosphere, tlii'y do not require so much water as if tliey were in a drier place. Kain- watcr ought to be used when it can be obtained, and always in a moderately warm state, made .so by standing close to the hot-water pipes iu the atmosphere of the house. Some give manure water to Dendrobiums; if this is done, it ought to be very weak and clear. Cow manure should be used in preference to an}' othei'. I do not recommend the tise of manui-e water, but must say that good results have followed from it application ; at the same time, I believe that where manure water is used j'ear after year, the plants subjected to such treatment will most likely be short-lived, although they will grow and flower stronger from its use. Dendrobium nobile is one of the most usefid of its genus, and withal one of the mosi; beautiful aud miit easily obtained. A large specimen of I), nobile is a striking object, much valued by exhibitors, but for ordinary decorative purposes a number of small plants are better, as thej' can be had in bloom in succession from Christ- mas to July. AVe have bloomers of tliis species in good condition now (July 2), and have had them in November. The treatment now is to water freely, keep the plants in heat until growth is completed, and then place them in a greenhouse, removing them into heat as they are required. During winter no more water should be given than just to keep the stems from shrivelling. The best time to pot is shortly after flowering. Use good fibrous peat. Sphagnum, and broken charcoal and clean potsherds. D. "Wardianum is also a grand species, and one which succeeds belter in a basket than in a pot. It docs equally well in the teak baskets, or in shallow pans suspended from the roof. This species was very scarce some yeai-s ago, but recent importations have caused a considerable fall to take place in its price ; unless, however, there arc more ini|)ortafions, its value will increase, as it cannot be propagated freely like D. nobile. It requires much the same treatment during the growing and resting period as the last named species. D. Dalhousieanum is a noble, free growing evergreen species, which produces stout stems over 0 ft. in length. It should be grown in pots, and its growth should be made now. It will grow late into the autumn un'ess it is afforded a high temperature tlirough the growing season, in order to induce rapid .growth. If the plants when in flower are moved into a warm greenhouse or con.scrvaf ory, the flowers last quite two weeks without fading; whereas in a warm house they will not last more than a week. The large flowers on pendulous .spikes are verj' effective in a large conservatory. D. thyrsiflorum is a very showy species, and the best of the species with dense drooping spikes of yellow and white flowers ; there are some varieties of it better than others. D. formosum and the variety gigantcum are both exceedingly beautiful and useful. The}' do best when grown in baskets bung up near the glass in the warmest house, and they do not like to be kept quite so cool in winter as some of the other species. The flowers are large, pure white, with a yellow centre to the lip, which is also white. The blossoms when kept will last two months in full beauty, and are well adapted for choice bouquets. D. devonianum is a very beautiful pendu- lous growing species, and one which does best in a basket, producing its flowers in June and July. The young growths are well advanced before the flowers open on the pseudo-bulbs of the previous year. During the growing season the young growths should be syringed daily at least. D. Falconer! is another variety with slender pendulous growths, which require frequent JcLT 9, 1881.J THE GARDEN. 37 syringing and a moist atmosphere. When the plant is in full growt'i it oug'ht to be rested in the greenhouse, and should receive but little ■water during the resting jieriod, only enough to keep the pseudo bulbs from shrivelling too much. J. borGLAR. ODONTOGLOSSUJX CKISPUII. This, as has just been stated (p. 12), is one of the most Viiriable and beautiful of all cool Orchids, and a universal favourite wherever Orchids arc grown. It is imported by the thousand, and yet tiie supply always seems less than the demand. One of the greatest charms of the plant consists in the fact that while all its varieties are beauti- ful, no two individuals have (lowers exactly alike ; we therefore thus obtain flower beauty of the highest type without that satiating sameness which stereotyped likeness of form and colour invariably produces. One of the reasons why Orchids generally are such favourites is their protean variability, and in the case of 0. crispum variability of the most beautiful kind seems to be the rulerather than the exception. The groundcolour of its blossoms varies from the purest white through all shades of flesh, and in some cases they arc heavily flushed with rose or flesh colour. There is also a race of which the ground colour inclines to delicate sulphur yellow, and even where the ground colour is white its variety is \'cry extensive. Some sorts are remarkable for their purity of petal, while others are richly spot- ted with purple, reddish brown, or ruby. It is a native of the mountains of New Granada, and was formerly very abundant near Bogota, at an altitude of from oOOO ft. to 8000 ft. By culti- vating this species in quantity, it may be had in blossom all the year round, each individual inSorescence lasting in perfection for a month or six weeks in a cool house. When well grown no other Orchid surpasses it in beauty and usefulness, se far as cut flowers for decorative purposes are concerned. The coloured plate in last week's Garden gives one an excellent idea of the beautj' of the plant. F. W. B. Orchid Culture. — I have read and re-read " J. C'.'s" remarks on this subject (p. 6.56,Vol. XIX.), and I cannot see how he can mistake bulb or leaf growth for flower-spikes. True, the leaf growth in the case of Coelogyne cristata is not much unlike a strong flower-spike, but anyone acquainted with a Coelogyne would soon discover whether it was making growth or flower-spikes, or resting Orchids are easy enough to grow when one knows how to treat them ; and if " J. C' has a good collection of them, his best and cheapest way is to get a man wlio understands their cul- ture.— A TonxG Grower, Bit-Male. An "Orchid Album. "---Under this name Mr. B. S' Williams propuses to publish in monthly parts a series of illustrations of Orchids, drawn by ilr. X. Kitch, with a descriptive te.xt from the pen of Mv. Thomas Moore, and notes on cultivation by Jlr. Williams. Each part will contain four plates. "Wanted, an English Name.— Will any kind friend tell us how to christen harmoniously Funkia ? A gentleman who sometimes assists us with a little shorthand writing occasionally spells it " Phunkia.'' Neither will do. On refer- ring to " Hardy Flowers " we find we have met the difliculty in no brave way by saying in one case the "white-margined" Funkia, and in the other the blue Funkia, neither of which are happy. The question is really an important one, because, apart from the flowers of F. japonica, which are beautiful and fragrant, other species have some beauty of flower, and several are precious from their grace of foliage and habit ; moreover, they have a quality which is rare in foliage. Some leaves sent us by Miss Jekyll, thrown carelessly into a jar, maintained their freshness and rigi- dity more than a week, being at the same time the perfection of form, of grace, and leaf. llr. Burbidge has sent some leaves of Siebold's Funkia 13 in. long and 10 in. wide, counting the blade only. Some of our readers who can place them fresh from the garden in water might be able to test their endurance in a room, and in any case will learn their great value as room plants. Any one who finds a happy and appropriate English name for Funkia will receive a collection of the cultivated species at the expense of a well-known bulb grower, in contrition for his having in- flicted more barbarous names on the horticultural community than any other person. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. NOTES ON LETTUCES. In winter when Lettuces are not much in use except in salads, their merits are not thought much of so long as they can be had fairlj' good ; but in summer it is very different, as then every- body who can get Lettuces eats them readily witli- out any accompaniment, and when thus used it is easy enough to tell a good Lettuce from a bad one. Lettuces may be regarded as one of our chief kitchen garden crops in summer, and although their cultivation is most simple, rich ground being about all the}- require in order to insure perfect development, yet the selection of variety is of much more importance, some running into flower before little or any firm crispy centre is formed, while others do not do this until long after they are well liearted. In Cos varieties the old Paris green and white have long been favourites, and no new kinds of recent introduction have fairly taken their place as summer Lettuces. Under ordinary culture they attain a fair size, but not so large as some. In this respect Kingsholm Cos was at one time thought to be unsurpassed, but it is now beaten by Sutton's Superb White. 'We have had them side by side, and the Superb'always kept the lead in size and quality of tender centre. Of new, distinct, and improved Lettuces we have four from Reading this season. We have had many new Lettuces on trial, but never any equal to them. One is named Golden Ball. It grows larger than that good little Cabbage Lettuce Wheeler's Tom Thumb, folds in equally well and compactly, and is all that could be desired as regards flavour, and crispness. It catches the eye of every stranger, and has been much praised for its beautiful colour and firm, well swelled heads. Quite different from this in colour, but identical in quality, is another Cabbage variety named JIarvel. When small the colour of this one is very dai'k purple ; as it becomes older this becomes a little paler, but to the end it remains an attractive purple colour. Both these are sure to become favourite summer Lettuces. The other two are Cos kinds, the Mammoth promising to be a weighty rival to the Superb White already referred to ; but the new one is green in colour, the only difference perceptible between them. The other is more of a winter Lettuce, and ma}' be noticed at that season. Amongst winter Lettuces, Carter's Northern King is a promising new sort. Of old kinds which will not be easily driven out of cultivation are the Black-seeded Bath, Stanstead Park, Hammersmith, and All the Tear Round. M. Fine Aspaiagus at Midsummer.— Mr. J. K. Simpson, St. Botolplrs, Colchester, sent us a wonderfully fine sample of Asparagus on the first day of Jul}'. It is the same bundle that took the prize at the Esses show a day or two previously. This Asparagus was good and regular throughout, and blanched nearly to the tops, as all the Aspara- gus grown by the best market gardeners in this country is. But the 5 in. or 6 in. of white blanched stem was perfectly tender to the bottom when well cooked, as all fresh Asparagus is. Prong Hoes. — For earthing up Potatoes or an}' other garden crop, these are preferrable to either fiat or swan-necked hoes, as they pulverise the soil and earth up at the same time ; in fact, they are a combination of a fork and hoe, and in counties where they are not so much muse as here, they would be well worthatrial. Theyareuseful for a variety of purposes, but especially for breaking down ground that has been roughly dug up, and for separating weeds, such as Docks or Couch Grass, from it, as well as for purposes attending summer fallowing or cleaning of land. — J. G. L. Ne'W Peas. — I have found .Vmerican Wonder and Day's Early Sunrise to be two first-rate kinds. I sowed both under the same conditions in the open ground on February o. The pods of American '\Vondcrwcre full and quite ready for picking on June (!, and Sunrise on June 10. Another sowing of Sunrise made on March o was just a week behind the first sown as above. Both kinds have given great satisfaction indoors at table. As regards crop, Sunrise is especially good, being covered with pods hanging in pairs mostly. Since the late rains American Wonder is throwing out fresh growth and buds, looking like giving another good picking. I have for two or three years given up growing the early white round kinds of Peas, as they are not nearly so good in flavour, nor do they give such satisfaction indoors as other kinds, such as Sunrise, &c., and as for the four or five days they may perhaps come in earlier, we do not think that worth attention. — J. H., 3Iid-Sussex. Hybrid Tomatoes.- How considerably the outdoor crop of these may be accelerated is evi- dent wlien plants turned out of 6-in. pots at the end of May, 12 in. or 11 in. in height and very robust, are compared with the tiny things in 3-in. pots with which some are content. The larger plants have a good month's start, and have great advantages, being enabled to ripen the larger portion of their crop) during August. If there is no sparing of the knife to keep out all superfluous shoots, few plants improve faster under the influ- ence of liquid manure than does the Tomato. Through tie past spell of dry weather I have given my plants liberal doses from a cesspool, and they like it immensely. A mulching of long manure about the roots is also of great service, for the roots, when well fed from the surface, will come up in search of food. I am looking with much interest for the result of a cross made last year with pollen of the Green Gage Tomato upon the large red Stamfordian. All the plants resemble each other so much in foliage and habit that I fear I have made no change ; yet one feature always before found in the Stamfordian is wanting. Previously I had always noted that the first ex- panded flower upon a truss was larger than the rest, and of course always produced the largest fruit. There are no such large blooms now to be found on any of the plants. We have such good kinds of Tomatoes and some so handsome and prolific, that it will be difficult to excel them in these particulars, while I do not think the yellow kind very desirable as regards colour. Certainly it is not so acceptable as is the bright red hue. It is in the direction of flavour and aroma that the hybridist should work; and if we could get a Tomato that had lost the usual mawkish sweet- ness and possessed instead thereof a piquant flavour even pungent or acid, we might find it to be a useful dessert fruit No one can tell what may result from inter-crossing, but we have few allied plants that can help in the direction in which we would like the Tomato to go. — A. D. SEASONABLE WORK. With a good supply of manure, and a bre a'er put out now will do good service. An early kind of French Bean should be planted out on a warm sheltered border for giving a late supply, but without means for protecting from autumn frosts the crop is a precarious one. The dry harsh spring having favoured the rapid spread of one of our most lively enemies, the Turnip-fly, crops of this use- 38 THE GARDEN. [July 9, 1881. fill vegetaljle nre by no means plentiful, but iiaticnce, per- severance, and wouil-ashes must be steadily apitlied. In this locality all tlie llrassica tribe, Seakale and yoiins: Let- tuce plants, have been devoured, and now Horseradish, by way of change, is likely to share the same fate. The last sowing of iMarow Teas should begot in at once, either in trenches prepared as for t elery, or on deeply trenchei ground. The term "sowing" oi Peas >s an annmaly, as all Peas shimid be planted in llat-bottomed drills, 0 in. wide, and the Peas should be placed 2 in. apart. Attend wtll to mu'chiny alter rain in preference to giving' driblets of water, and keep the hoe constantly at work, as nothing adds more to the beauty of a place than a well kt^pt kitchen garden ---W. Coleman, Eadnor Caatle. THE GARDEN IN THE HOUSE. HOW TO MAKE A BOUQUET. BY AX ARTIST. Take first a mass of white, it may be a truss of wliite Geranium, a double white Stock or a Clematis, or for a small bouquet a buueh of the small double Pj-rethrum ; then scarlet, ■which to an artist; means orange, as, for instance, b double scarlet CTeranium,Tom Thumb Nasturtium, or any brilliant orange, though that colour is not so abundant as it ought to be ; put any of these next the white on one side of it. Then take red, a bright rose, and the brighter the red the nearer it should be to the white, so that other duller reds may be beyond it (by red is meant all colours of crimson, but red is the true designation); place these on the other side of the white. Some very dark, almost black, flower may be also brought near the white, but only a very little of that colour, and beyond tlie scarlet a very little bit of blue, such as that of an Emperor William Pansy or a little sprig of Lobelia. Beyond the red have purple and yel- low brought together, and on the other side Picotees, which, although rich in colour, are not prominent, though any flowers that have broken colours will do ; beyond these again bring in blue in some mass and your taller flowers, as Pentstemons (the blue kind makes an aduiiraljle background) are always to be had, dark-coloured Fuchsias (some flowers or leaves of a brownish hue should interpose beyond the blue), and the last to introduce should be the Maiden-hair Fern, which certainlv makes at all times a very pretty background. Malic thisbouquet upinyourhand,andavoid too much formality, as the colours will generally arrange themselves with sufficient effect and force, though tliey may interniiA' a little. A bouquet has generally only one view, in which case it should slope gently upwards, then the white .should come near the bottom. If it is to be seen all round the white should be in the centre, with the above arrange- ment of colours in ma.sses round the white. "When your bouquet is large enough tie it round in the middle of the stems, cut them off evenly, and drop it into a vase of water. Two principles may be followed in making up a bouquet — one harmony and contrast of colour, the other force of light and shade ; whichever is chosen to begin with, pure white is absolutely necessary ; even if only composed of a single white flower it should be the largest mass of the whole. Yellow Flowers at Nfght.— Is yellow a useful colour for table tWcoration?-li>TA. [Hi. me of the liest dinuer table ileeoratious I remember were of pale yellow Tulips early in the season, later of yellow Day Lilies, or of Kschscholtzia, ami the most glorious I have ever seen were made of bold masses of J.— The wasps are all queens ; had they lived each would have formed a nest.— G. S. S. Beetles.— i/. Z).— The beetles attackingynur Cauliflower and Cabbage plants are a kind of weevil (Centorhynchus contractus) and a Turnip liy (Phyllotreta undulata). The latter are those with a pale stripe down each wing-case. They may be caught by drawing a strip of canvas nailed lengthwise to a lath (newly painted, tarred, or covered with birdlime) over the plants, sprinkling the plants with an infusion of Wormwood or Quass'a chips, which makes the leaves distasteful to them. Burning weeds to windwai'd of the Cabbages, so that the latter get well smoked, is also a useful remedy if quite young plants are attacked. Push them into lapid growth as quickly as possible.— G. S. S. Gooseberry Caterpillar.— Thinking that the Gooseberi-y bushes of your readers may this year be afflicted with the destructive larva; of the tiooseberry sawfly, which last season played such havoc, I send j'ou an account of m}' experiences in my efforts to destroy this plague. Some six weeks back my trees were revisited by their old enemies of last year. Acting on the advice of a friendly miller, who was the only fortunate preserver of his crop last season in these parts, I made my gardener sprinkle the trees with " middlings." In a few hours the trees were en- tirely free from their enemies. Last week thej* reappeared, but a repetition of the dose had a like effect. Can any of your readers tell mo of any remedy for the Hollyhock disease ? Last year I lost all my plants just as they were coming into bloom, and now I find that some of the young seedlings planted in another part of the garden are just beginning to show signs of the same malady. — Aethub H. Lancastee, Wallhavi. Fir-tree Oil Insecticide.— We, Journal of Fon'xfrij, liave freely tested this insecticide on all manner of insect-vermin, and it h.as proved more than equal to our expectations. Applied according to the directions furnished with each sample, it is generally effective and safe in its use. P^ir-tree oil mixes freely with water, while petroleum and other oils do not. For plants and trees it may be used with a garden engine, syringe, or brush, or by dipping ; in fact, it is of the easiest application, and possesses neither poisonous properties nor a disagreeable smell. Insect Pests and Forest Trees.— A correspondent of the Journal of Forexlri/, writing from the West Highlands, says : The Alder trees in this part of the country are quite smothered with a white blight, similar to that which appeared on the Larch trees here last season. Both Alder and Beech have to support an insect plague as well as the Larch. The appearance of these trees is affected by the myriads of insects, whose cottony-like surroundings whiten the foliage. A serious blight of caterpillars is seen on the Oaks in many parts of England. In Windsor Forest we have seen hundreds of acres of almost leafless trees. In the latter place we are informed that, while the Quercus pedunculata are without exception stripped and bare, the Q. sessiliflora or Durmast Oak is quite untouched. In the Forest of Dean, too, complaints are general of tlie wide extension of blight in the forest Oaks this season, caused by the larva of a small green moth. Many of the trees are almost bare. The pest is aggravated in that district by the scarcity of birds, particularly starlings and rooks, which formerly preyed upon the insects. MAKKET GAKDEN NOTES. Manure. — Dr. Lawes tells the readers of the Rural New Yorker that his experiments at Piothamsted lead him to the conclusion that the influence of one dressing of manure may not be entirely at an end for twenty or thirty years, or, perhaps, even a longer period. " On the whole,"' he says, '' as regards the question of economj', I am tlierefore inclined to advise that the manure should be carted from the yards to the field, and there be left in a heap until required for applica- tion, or that it should be ajiplied direct from the yards. All labour expended upon manui-e adds certainly to the cost, but does not add with the same certainty to its value."' Market Ferns. — The varieties wliich are in demand in the market may be taken as repre- senting a group of considerable value for general furnishing and decorating purposes. Of these we may make special mention of Pteris serrulaia, serrulata cristata, and its fine variety grandiflora (a very desirable one), P. argyrea, cretica, and cretica albo-lineata, Nephrodium moUe corymbi- ferum, Adiantum cuneatum, scutum, trapeziforme, formosum, and gracillimum, Lomaria gibba, Phle- bodium aureum, Blechnum brasiliense and corco- vadense, and Nephrolepis exaltata. This does not exhaust the list, but it suffices to intimate the leading Ferns in demand. All the foregoing are raised from seed, and in enormous ciuantities. The seed is sown in September and October, in fine light soil and plenfj' of heat, and, as might be expected, the pots are well supplied with drainage. The seed is laid on the top of the soil, and bell-glasses are then placed over the pots, as it is found the seed germinates better when covered in this way, and it keeps the soil moist without the necessity of sprinkling the seeds. When there are signs of germination taking place 40 THE GARDEN. [July 9, 1881. ami the plants become large enough, the liny plants are pricked out into other pots in little clumps, so as to give them more room to grow, and these again are potted oil singly into small pots, and grown on into size, fiome of the Gymno- grammas are also grown tor market, but they do not succeed in winter, and require to be managed with great care in the seedling state. A great many are sent to market in 2i-in. pots about the month of April, when the jjlan'ts are about 3 in. in height, and the remainder are grown on into size and sent to market now well established in 5-in. pots. That truly regal JIaiden-hair Fern, Adiantum farleyense, not being a fertile plant, does not produce seeds, and the plants are in- creased bj' division, breaking u]) a large plant into as many pieces likely to make plants as possible. This work of division is done at the end of the winter and in spring, as the pieces grow much better then. This tine Fern is marketed almost all through the year, so long as the stock is avail- able for this purpose, and the plants always have a ready sale. — K. U. NOTES AND READINGS. The editor has almo.'it anticipated my reply to Mr. Tliomsoii in regard to n-ardeuiiig on the Grass. I would just add, among other things, that I had no desire to accuse Mr. Thomson of saying things that w-ere " untrue," and I think be bad no occasion to interpret my words in that light. In saying I was not aware that ex- amples of gardening on the Grass " such as bave been suggested in The (jaudex from time to time " (a qualitication wlicli jMr. Thomson suppre.sses in quoting me, thus making an an- swer on liis part possible) " abounded in Scot- laud," I meant what I said and nothing more, and I beg to assure your correspondent of this. AVhat these examples are the editor in bis note has pointed out, and the readers of The Gar- den know what they are very well. Of such examples Mr. Thomson records none. His list comprises Snowdrops, Narcissus, Crocus, Prim- roses, Lily of the A alley, and Tulips, the last in one instance only — not an extensive list surely from all Scotland, and all spring flowers only. I'ar be it from me to disparage attempts at park or garden decoration, even with these ; but, as I said before, something better is contemplated, and such examples as those of which 1 spoke are exceedingly rare in Scotland or anywhere else in this country. I send you a letter from a correspondent — a well-known man both in Scotland and England — in which be says, " The kind of gardening on the Grass alluded to by Mr. Thomson in Till'; Gaude.v is not the kind of thing which the author of the " Wild G.ir- deu" contemplates, 1 am afraid; I never saw this in Scothinil. Sometimes when the hardy borders were thinned out tlie thinnings were wlieeled under the nearest trees, and so grew, but that was all." This testimony, I may sav, was unsolicited. That this particular style of flower gardening lias not occupied the attention of gardeners much — hardly ever been tbouglit of, in fact — is patent from the flower-gardening literature of the past thirty years. I cannot remember an instance in which any of our foremost prac- titioners or writers on the special subject of flower gardening has seen .so much as alluded to gardening on the Grass. I bave just been scan- ning the contents of .some of the horticultural journals for years back, some of them papers to which Mr. Thomson contributed extensively at one time, but as yet bave been unable to find a ■single allusion to the subject. It would appear, therefore, that the references to the matter in TuK LiAiiiir.x bave been timely, and bave not come sooner than needed, for Mr. Thomson's examples read like the records of a past age, most of them dating far back. Mr. Thomson desires ine to name the " im- portant gardens " in Scotland referred to by me where gardening on the (Jra.ss was not thought of or attempted. It would be invidious to do that, and I think -Mr. Thomson's list renders such a course unnecessary, for most cf the noted flower gardens of present and recent years are conspicuous by their ab.sence, and do not need naming. In speaking of flower gardens, I may add that I mean flower gardens of the present dav generally. The Gardeners' C/imnide, taking up the subject of a too floriferous habit in some cultivated fruit trees, suggested in these notes about three weeks ago, and re-echoing my words and opiuion.s, tliinks the time opportune to press the question a step further, and asks if anything can be done to moderate or check excessive flowering. A few weeks ago, while as yet the possibility of creating a too floriferous disposition had not suggested itself, certain pyramids, furnished with fruiting spurs to their very base, one of them a sheet of bloom and notliing else, were a source of much gratification to your contemporary, and one regrets to bear that the fine .show of flower is gone and left but a sorry crop behind it. This excessive and use- less flower-bearing, it appears, is due to artificial culture, root pruning, surface planting, the use of dwarfing stocks, double working, and semi-starvation practices generally. * I have not the least doubt that this explana- tion is the right one. It is rat her a sad reflection, however, that the truth should only be dawning upon cultivators now, for there cannot be any doubt that hitherto the most floriferous fruit tree has been always regarded as the best, and the man who could discover a stock or a system of treatment that would produce the best example of this kind, has been regarded in the same light as the man who makes two blades of Grass grow where only one grew before. » The path of horticultural enquiry and prac- tice Seems to be beset with greater difficulties and obstructions than almost any other. Xo sooner are we embarked upon the one and seemingly right course, and fairly under weigh, than some one calls a halt, and brings us all to a dead and sudden .standstill, and the next move 13 a retrogressive one, and much lost ground has to be recovered. It would be easy to recount numbers of mistakes made of this kind, but the less said about them the better, as events march so fast now-a-days that mistakes are discovered before the originators of them have had time to discover their error themselves. The truth of the matter is horticultural investigation is not conducted methodically enough, nor upon .sure foundations, and the number of investigators are all too many and too irresponsible; they have no connection with each other, and stand upon no common ground, but every man says and does whatever .seemeth riglit in bis own eyes, and in nine cases in ten draws rash and erroneous conclusions from bis own practice and that of others. This is shown in the matter of fruit tree culture more than in anything else almost. -Ml the operations of pruning, root pruning, grafting, &c., have been conducted with the object of securing what the gardener calls a balance between the roots and the branches. This balance, which, under our preconceived notions of culture, is as unattainable as perpetual motion. is suppo.sed to be a happy mean state of things in which the roots and branches of an Apple tree, for example, will exactly counterpoise each otlier, resulting in a permanent state of health and fertility. It is to be brought about in the first instance by the application of the spade and the knife, the one applied to the roofs and the other to the branches, in conjunction with stocks of a certain description. But liitherto, cultivators, like the ancient philosopher who wanted a fulcrum whereon to rest the lever with which be proposed to move the earth, have been ever seeking the balance without finding it, save by a continual alteration of the weights of the scale. » Tfiere is only ouewayof permanently ensuring a permanent balance between the roots and the tops and the right degree of fertility, and that is by limiting the rooting area of the tree, not by cutting the roots off periodically, but by preventing their unlimited extension. Effect this, and you control your subject at once and entirely. Far too much stress has hitherto been laid upon the repression of the growth of the tree as an aid to fertility. Without root restriction curtailment of the branches is almost III/ in its effects, although .some noted authors and cultivators Jijave carried the idea to such a fine issue as to advise that the leaves of strong shoots of Plums and other subjects should be re- duced in dimensions during the season of growth by means of the scissors, jiust as if tailoring operations of that nature were an every-day part of a gardener's duty. There is still plenty to be said on this subject. * In the interests of gardening it would hardly be right to suffer that reference to beating at Hatfield in The Gauije.x of June :?o to pass in silence — the lime-kiln .system of beating "was practised on a somewhat extensive scale there, but now it is entirely abandoned, and the only traces of it are the deep excavations which the system necessitated." What a commentary on the " glorious success'' of the Hatfield kiln, and on its advocates who guaranteed it, and did so much to persuade the public that it was a .sy.s- tem that would certainly supersede any other, leading not a few to expend large sums of money to no good purpose. The history of the Hat- field lime-kiln is the history of not a few others that were erected about the same period. # I have been reading an "Epitome of Gar- dening " lately, and have been much struck with the marvellous discrimination required in the production of such a work in order that nothing may be omitted and everything receive that degree of attention which its importance demands, and notliing more. That this rule has been observed in tlie epitome I am speaking of is evident to the most casual reader. I'lower- pots, for example, are unfamiliar objects, and it is not everyone who knows that they are made with a hole in the bottom, or that some pots have also holes at the side, near the bottom ; but all this is made clear now. For the first time in horticultural literature it is explained what a crock is. It is " a broadish piece of potsherd made from a piece of a broken garden pot,'' and its use is to cover the aforesaid hole in the bottom of the flower-pot. On the other band, such subjects as the flower garden and its arrangements are disposed of with courageous brevity, on the j rt.siim]-tion, no doubt, that particulars were unnecessary. The pots and crocks occupy nearly a page, and are illustrated by an engraving as well, but the orna- mental water of the pleasure garden becomes" a small pool of water for the culture of aquatics."' The rock garden should consist of variously July 9, 1881.1 THE GARDEN. 41 grouped masses of stoue. A Kosery is a separate compartment laid out on some regular plau and set apart for Roses. Tlie American spring and winter gardens are all equally succinctly de- scribed, occupying together about as little space as the pot and the crock. Equally' judicious discrimination has been exercised on the subject of garden appliances, lieckoned by the illustrations and the .space devoted, the most important of these are a fork, a hack, a dibble, and a pair of bellows, and those who want to know what a transplanting machine is like are informed that it "will be found figured and described in the various horticultural and arboricultur»l publications." An epitome, we are told in the preface, is more acceptable than a ponderous and exhaustive volume, but to com- prehend this epitome, I find, by its numerous references to ponderous volumes, that I would require a small liljrary. Such books, it appears to me, are sometimes written by people who misunderstand their object, and published for the benefit of those who do not need them. PEHECniNE. THE FLOWER GARDEN. WILD GAKDEXING. Amongst the numerous species of strong and hardy herbaceous plants that are suitable for naturalising in woods or other semi-wild places, the following are a few that have been found to thrive well, regardless of rabbits or the encroach- ment of rank and wild vegetation. The plau adopted in some cases has been (and 1 think it is the best one) to plant bold colonies of distinct species in separate groups, while in others a mixture of herbaceous and bulbous plants has been tried, whilst a single specimen of such a rampant grower as Polygonum cuspidatura is quite effective enough in itself; it succeeds in almost any kind of soil or situation, and after planting out a single plant it will in a few seasons develop into a large spreading bush, and when in full bloom is highly ornamental. I'erhaps it is seen to best advantage and is most effective on a Grassy bank or rocky steep ; it is infinitely more at home and beautiful in such a site than when crammed into a formal herbaceous border, where this truly wild ornamental plant may too often be seen kept a prisoner and restricted in growth by a constant application of the spade about its roots, instead of allowing its stoloniferous habit of growth unlimited freedom to ramify at its will. Bocconia t;ordata is a vigorous grower, but does not succeed so well on thin poor ground as the Polygonum ; it seems to prefer a deep and fairly good soil. It is a plant well worth the trouble of preparing a place for its reception by means of turning and enriching the soil. When seen in vigorous growth its tall stalks of large, uncommon, and curiously cut leaves of a peculiar hue render it an exceedingly attractive and conspicuous plant amongst native vegetation. The diiTerent sorts of Ciomfrey, although strong growing subjects, are suitable plants for distributing on the sides of wood rides or other rough spots, and a very pretty contrast they give at a little distance when exhibiting their droop- ing flowers of many colours, obtained by planting groups of different kinds together of half-a-dozen or more plants, composed of the white, blue, and purple varieties with a plant or two of Anchusa italica amongst them, this being a near relation of the Comfrey. They are planted in an informal group, some rather close togetlier, others ■'! ft. or more apart, thus allowing them ample room to increase in size every time they are cut down after blooming. ^^'he^ forming these groups I have in some cases filled up the bare spaces between the plants with Pulmonaria (common Lungwort), so as to get the ground quickly covered, which I think answers better than waiting until covered by natural herbage, as rabbits are so mischievous wherever soil is exposed on the surface ; and, moreover, the Pulmonaria's spotted leaves and pinkish-blue flowers produced in early spring are doubly welcome at that sea,?on. If the groups appear to the eye somewhat stiff in out- line, which newly formed clumps invariably do, in spite of care, to give a natural appearance at once a few strong roots of Ferns are dropped in here and there, as it were, at various and ii' regular distances from the C^omfre}', a plan I think worth doing, as the Ferns give an easy and more natural finish to a group than any other plants I have tried. Monkshood (Acouitum tauricum) has succeeded well in the woodlands; although not so robust as the preceding ones to fight against rongh growing neighljours, it will, however, if liberally treated by giving it a good start in rich soil, be easy to establish in colonies where its dark blue flower-spikes pushed up into prominent view at this season of the year cannot escape notice. Of course the rabbits do not deign to taste its poisonous juices; it therefore may be freely planted where rabbits — the worst enemies we have in the case of wild gardening — are plentiful. White Foxgloves and improved varieties of the common wild plant are very desirable additions to the wild garden ; a group of the wliite variety of from a dozen to a score of plants growing near the stem of an Oak tree a little distance from one of the principal rides in the ornamental woods is just now a pretty sight — not a bold, staring, conspicuous-looking colony, but half hid by suri-ounding subjects. Iliglit in front of the group is a spreading bush, and on either side of the Foxgloves and close to them are some strong vigorous hardy Ferns, their fresh green fronds half hiding the tall stalks of the Foxgloves, and giving a soft and refreshing contrast to the erect group of pure white flower- spikes. The beauty of a group of flowers may, I think, be much enhanced by its surroundings; in this case the grey Lichen-covered stem of the burly Oak and the Ferns, &c., lend a soft and modest look to the smart, showy Foxgloves. A good siglit had obliquely in passing either way is, to my thinking, more pleasing to the eye than when fully exposed to the gaze on every side, and in the semi-shade of the Oak tree the pure whiteness of the Foxgloves and the refreshing greenness of the Ferns seem more strikingly intensified. Mulgediura Plumieri, a big hardy plant withhuge leaves, doubtless nourishes bestinadeep, rich, light soil ; single specimens of it having been out in the woods about three or four j'ears, I can vouch that it can be planted in the rougher parts of a wild garden and left to take care of itself, as nothing seems to interfere with its rapid and vigorous growth. As an isolated plant on Grass it presents a bold and uncommon appear- ance, and when growing among other plants its remarkable leafage forms a strong contrast, and at once arrests observation; its blue and compara- tively small flowers are not particularly at- tractive. The Campanula latifolia is one of the best of the species for the fringes of wood riiles and drives. Only given a fair start in well stirred ground witli the addition of some liglit rich soil, and it will soon develop into compact, vigorous, showy clumps, throwing up strong gross stalks laden with flowers. Too well Ijnown to need description, suflice it to say that no wild garden should be without this Campanula ; tliere are many other varieties varying from 6 in. to 3 ft. high, all desirable flowers for naturalising in woods and pleasure grounds ; the dwarfer kinds, of course, should only be planted on rockeries or other places clear of rough and tall vegetation. The Spiraea, or Meadow Sweet, is quite at home in the woods on the sides of lakes and ponds. 8. Aruncus and S. Gmelini are just now in full bloom ; their numerous white plumes wav- ing to and fro in an exposed open glade of the woods are conspicuous ornaments at a great dis- tance off, and even when under close inspection they are none the less graceful and beautiful. Tlie rosy broad corymbs of S. venusta form a fine contrast to the white varieties. It is, however, hardly so vigorous a grower, and should be planted in strong clumps or roots, and where it is not likely to be overgrown by rougher plants. These Spir;eas are gross feeders, and thrive best in deep rich, moist soils. If the situation is dry and in- clined to poverty, a mulchingof manure in autumn is of great service until they become thoroughly established in their permanent quarters ; indeed, small weakly plants of any kind should not be used for wild garden planting, but sliould be grown on in a nursery or trial ground for several years preparatory to planting out inrougli places. Hemerocallisdistichaandflava are asuc- cess in woods; solitary plants of the former variety underneath old Thorn bushes where herbage is short and bare thrive wonderfully well, and rab- bits do not seem to interfere with them. H. flava is planted in a colony, with the Poet's Narcissus between. Being a very prominent site, it was thouglit desirable to decorate it with flowers as long as possible. The bloom of the Hemerocallis quickly succeeds that of the Narcissus, and keeps up a succession of flowers well nigh through the summer. The Hemerocallis does well in almost any kind of soil ; even in a wet site on a heavy clay a clump of H. disticha flourishes and increases in size yearly. The Broad leaved Saxifrage, wit h pinkish flowers, is an excellent plant for the wild garden. It has been growing in the woods about 4 years underneath an old Thorn tree, and blooms beauti- fully ; nothing appears to molest it or check its development. It is one of the best of the pro- cumbent class of plants for woods or wild gardens. The broad glossy leaves and spikes of pinkish flowers are distinct and pretty, and contrast strongly amongst native plants. Iris (Spanish or narrow-leaved). — A blue variety of this has been tried in the woods here with partial success. Where planted in bare ground rabbits have nibbled and more or less damaged many of them, but where the herbage was moderately strong they have grown on and multiplied. When scattered about indiscrimi- nately in small groups in a green glade, they are both natural looking and etfective. The kind to which I allude is a dark blue variety with a white eye in the centre of tlie falls, a very common sort in cottage gardens about here. It grows freely in almost any kind of soil and increases rapidly when once established. Doubtless the majority or the Iris family, both broad and narrow- leaved, are most desirable plants for the wild gar- den, either for ijlantingon Grass or for decorating the fringe of a lake or pond. Judging from the appearance of a collection of Irises in the trial ground in our nursery, each having formed strong roots, one can form some idea of the beau- tiful effect which they will present when trans- ferred to grassy glades or other wild and suitable SJiOtS. Omphalodea verna has been established several years in various sites alongside the wood rides. Although it grows well enough and soon spreads about where the Grass or herbage is not too rank and strong, I have found that it will not flower freely unless it is planted in a warm corner and fully exposed to the sun ; indeed, if the position be a shady one no flowers appear. Near one of the wood rides there is a good mass of this prospering, inter- mixed with Camassia esculenta, which is well shown off on a sparkling blue carpet of flowers in spring, and no sooner have the charmingly Forget- me-not-like flowers of the Omphalodes passed away than they are succeeded by the none less 42 THE GARDEN. [JtiLY 9, 1881. beautiful blue star-clad spikes of the Camassia. After the latter has done bloomino:, and its foliage has withered, the Omphalodes forms a secure sheltering rug for the bulbs, ] Cyclamen europseum; which is rather difficult to grow, but was doing well in a jhady spot covered with Moss ; Juniperus sabinioides, a beautiful silver shrub which covers the ground like a mat. We also noticed the following dwarf Campanulas : C. pulla, ('. Barrelieri, C. turbinata floribunda, C. rupestris, C. Raineri. In different parts of the garden were little nooks where large pots filled with water, and water plants were sunk in peat, which, owing to the constant over-flowing of the pots was a miniature bog, where some lovely hardy Orchises and several varieties of the Osmunda Fern were growing to perfection. Saxifraga lougifolia, was also growing well in the crevices of perpendicular rockwork. By-the-bv, I ought to mention tliat no more rock is used than is sufficient to keep up the sides of the mounds and to prevent the water washing away the soil, except where small pieces were scattered over the surface in a few spots where plants were growing which need a stony bed. I must not forget a very good effect wliich was produced in one of the paths ascending from the lower ground, wdiere flat pieces of rock had been pl3Ceact growth, having liroad leaves elegantly marbled with green and golden-yellow. C. Baron Frank Selliere, also a highly attractive plant, with broader leaves than the last, but variegated in a similar manner. Messrs. J. Laing & Co., Forest Hill, for — Croton Laingi. — A long narrow-leaded variety, with the leaves of a bright golden-yellow, in their lower halves sufliused with crimson, while the upper jiarts are a deep bronzy-green. Caladium Mithridate, J. R. Box, Can- didum, and Comtesse de Condeixa, all superb varieties, described in our columns a short time ago. They are all decided improvements upon older kinds, and, without exception, are extremely handsome. Mr. Croucher, gardener to Mr. Peacock, Sudbury House, Hammersmith, for Odontoglossum vexillarium atroro- seum.— A splendid variety, remarkable for the exceptionally fine blooms, which are of a deep rose-pink colour ; one of the fine.'t yet exhibited. Floral Certificates were awarded to — Jlr. Turner, Slough, for — Pelargonium Kunbeam (Foster). — One of the large-flowered type, with intensely brilliant crimson flowers of fine form. Messrs. H. Cannell ..t Sons, Swanley, for — Heliotrope White Lady.— A very fine variety with fine clusters of flowers of a pure white. The habit of growth appears to be vigo- rous, and the plant a free flowercr. Jlr. Wiggins, gardener to Jlr. Little, Hillrngdon Place, I'xbridge, for — Pelargoniums Britomart, Formosa, Christobel, large or show-flowered varieties; Lucie Lemoine, Annie Hemsley, Mad. Thibaut, decorative varieties : ami an unnamed Ivy-leaved, with double flowers, raised by JL Lemoine. As we have so recently alluded to these kinds, further comment is unnece.ssary. save that they are all very beautiful, and well deserve the distinction accorded them. Messrs. Veitch, for — Carnation Gloire de Nancy.— A variety of the Clove having large pure white flowers finely doubled and deliciously scented. Orchids. — Though not so fine as at the Jlay show, these made a highly attia^tive group. There were only two collections of twelve plants from amateurs, that from Sir Trevor Lawrence's garden, Burford Lodge, Dorking, being the finest. It comprised fine examples of Epiriendrum nemorale, a magnificent plant, 4 ft, through, with two or three dozen spikes; JIasdevallia Harryana violacea, very fine plant; Cypriptdium Pai'ishi, with four spikes ; Renanthera Lowi, with a spike .") ft. long, bearing 30 flowers ; Dendrobium JIcCarthi;e, a fine plant; Aeiides afline, La:lia purpurata, Cypripedium Veitchi, C. niveum, Oncidium unifolium, V.anda suavis, Dcndrochilum filiforme ; the other collection, from Mr. Dorman, Sydenham, containing fine plants of Cypripedium Stonei, Odontoglossum vexillarium, O. Roezli, and Dendrobium suavissimum. In the nurserymen's cla.ss Jlr. B. S. Williams took the first prize in both the classes for twelve and six plants. In the for- July 9, 1S81.] THE GARDEN. 47 meiwere graml plants ol Brassia verrucosa, Aerides oduratum luajus, Cattleya Mossiie and Jlendelli, Cypripedium barbatum superbum, C. superbiens, Vauda tricolor, and Odontoglossum vexillarium. Among the six were Lxlia purpurata, Epidendrum vitellinum majus, Cypripedium superbiens, Sacco- labium Holfordi, Cattleya Mossi;e superba, and Anguloa Clowesi, all in tine condition. The other collection, of twelve plants were from Mr. James and Messrs. Jackson, who took the second and third prizes. Among the former were fine plants of Epidendrum vitellinum majus, Oncidium crispumgrandiflorum, and Cypripedium barbatum, while a line plant of Calanthe veratrifolia was conspicuous in the Kingston collection. Tliere were two collections of six plants in the amateurs' class ; the finest came from Mr. Coningsby, Mr. Dorman's gardener, w-ho had splendid "plants of Odontoglossum vexillarium, O. cordatum, Oncidium curtum, Dendrochilum tiliforme, Cattleya Mendelli, and Odonto- glossum citrosmum. A fine plant of Aerides odoratum majus was shown in the other collec- tion. Stove and Greenhouse Plants were not nearly so fine as usual, neitlicr were they so numerous, as onlj" six collections were shonm. In the open class for twelve, Messrs. Jackson showed for the finest collection ; the best plants were Kalosanthes coccinea, M. Duphemis, a very bright coloured variety, Hedaroma fuchsioides, I'imelea mirabilis, and Dracophyllum gracile. In tlie other two collections shown were llondeletia speciosa, Jledinilla magnifica in fair condition, but the other plants were below the average qualitj*. The best six plants from nurserymen came abo from the Kingston Nursery. It comprised fine plants of Kalosanthes coccinea Br. E. Itegel, Erica ventricosa Bothwelliana, and .Statice Butcheri. In the other collection were fair plants of Erica affinis, Kondeletia speciosa, and Ixora Prince of Orange. The amateurs' class for six plants was onlj' represented by two collections ; the best of these, from Mr. Donald, comprised fine examples of Statice profusa, Bougainvillea glabra, Ixora Fraseri, and Draco- l^hyllum graoile ; also Hedaroma fuchsioides and Dipladenia amabilis. In the other collection was a well flowered plant of Erica depressa. Fine-foliage Plants.— The classes for these were not so well represented as usual, but some of the collections werevery fine, particularly that from Jlr. Rann, Handcross Park, Crawley, who was first in the amateurs' class for six plants. Thej' comprised Cycas revoluta, Areca sapida, Latania borbonica, Croton variegatum, C.angusti- folium, and Gleichenia rupestris glaucesccns, all of which were remarkably fine specimens. In the second collection were Dicksonia antarctica, Seaforthia elegans, Chama^rops humilis, in fair examples. One other group was shown among nurserymen ; iWr. B. S. Williams was first with a fine group of six plants, consisting of Croton angustifolium,C. majesticum, Geonoma (Seemanni, Kentia australis, Eucephalartos CalTra, and Dasylirion acrotrichum. Messrs. Hooper were next in the class ; their best plants being Thrinax argentea, Anthuriura crj-stallinum, I'ritchardia macrocarpa, and I'hyllotasnium Lindeni. In the other group were fair examples of Croton interruptum, Theophrasta imperialis, Cocos Weddelliana, and Dracrena Mooreana. Ferns. — These were numerously and finely show-n. The best six from amateurs came from Mr. Brown, Streatham, who had grand plants of Davallia Tyermani 4 ft. across ; Gleichenia microphylla 6 ft. or 7 ft. through ; Davallia Mooreana nearly as large ; Adiantum farleyense, Microlepia hirta cristata, and a fine specimen of Adiantum Williamsi. The second collection was also good, consisting of grand specimens of Gleichenia glaucophylla, G. Mendelli, G. rupestris glaucescens, Dicksonia squarrosa and antarctica, and Cyathea dealbata. These were shown by Mr. Piann. In tlie third collection were fine plants of Davallia Jlooreana, Phlebodiumaureum, Gleichenia Mendelli, Jlicrolepia hirta cristata, Adiantum farleyense. In the other group, awarded an extra prize, were some fine tree Ferns. The nurserymen were poorly represented as regards numbers, there being but two collections of six. Mr. Williams was first with Cibotium regale and prumatum, C. dealbata, Asplenium Nidus, Gleichenia circinata, and G. flabellata. The second prize was withheld, and the third awarded to a poor collection. Pelargoniums. — Nine plants of the zonal type were shown b3' three e.xhibitors. The finest, from Mr. Catlin, comprised grand plants of Fanny Catlin, M. Thibaut, Devotion, Lively, Gorgeous, F. V. Easpail, Fannj- Thorpe. The other two collections were inferior. The large-flowered or show type was not nearly so large or fine as usual. The best six and only one in the nurser}-- men's class, from Mr. Turner, comprised the sorts Modest^-, Claribel, Victory, Cicely, Illuminator, Quadroon, and Digby Grand. The only collection in the amateurs' class was from Jlr, Wiggins, who had moderate-sized plants of Setting Sun, Mag- nificent, Madame Favart, Illuminator, Morning Star, and Decorator. The fancy or small-flowered class likewise was represented only by two col- lections. In Mr. Turner's six were Duchess of Edinburgh, Sarah Bernhardt, Fanny Gair, Jewess, Mrs. Pope, Jlr. Hart ; and the other group, from Jlr. Wiggins, was similar, but both were inferior in point of size and quality. Begonias. — Both of the collections of six plants were fine, particularly that in the amateurs' class for six plants. These were from Jlr. Child, the varieties being Reine Blanche, i! ft. through, J. W. Farrand, Kallista, L^lia, Jliss Bertha, and Jlonarch. Jlr. Coppin's group consisted of fine plants of Sir Bartle Frere, Venus, Mrs. C. Goschen, Ol3'mpus, Jlrs. H. Coppin, and JIarie. Heaths. — These were far finer than usual, especially those from the Kingston Nursery, which comprised Erica ventricosa Bothwelliana, E. tricolor rosea, E. Parmenteri rosea, E. Vernoni, and E. Kingstonensis. The second collection was also fine, consisting of large examples of E. Easoniana, gemmifera elegans, tricolor Hol- fordiana, and Paxtoni. Cut Flo'wers, Roses.— These were not numerous, but very fine. In the nurserymen's class for forty-eight single trusses, Jlr. Cant had a very fine collection, all in first-rate condition ; and scarcely inferior were those from Jlr. Turner for the second place ; but this exhibitor secured the first prize for twenty-four treble trusses, while Jlr. Cant was second, and Jlessrs. Paul, Cheshunt, the third. Three other collections were sliown. The amateurs' class was not well represented ; Jlessrs. Jloorman, Hawtrey, and Hollingworth were the only exhibitors who were placed in the order named. The best dozen Roses of any variety were some fine JIarie ISaumanns from Jlr. Cant, who also showed Devoniensis for the best white, while Jlr. Rann was the onl3- exhibitor of a yellow variety, showing Gloire ae T>ijon. Stove and Q-reenhouse^Flo'wers. -Tlie finest 2i trusses of these came from Jlr. Jlorse. Epsom, who had a fine collection, among which were Anthuriums, Allamandas, Orchids, Passion- flowers, &c. The other collection from Jlr. Rann was also good. The only exhibitor of twelve cut trusses of Orchids was Jlr. Douglas, who had some fine blooms, among which were Vanda teres, Odontoglossum vexillarium, Roezli, hastilabium, and crispum in fine condition. Hardy Herbaceous Flo'wers were sliown well by Jlessrs. Hooper, and Jlr. Douglas, and Jlr. Bolton who were placed in the order named. In the first collection were some fine Larkspurs, Fox- gloves, Irises, Kiumpfer's Iris, Spiraja palmata. Scarlet Larkspur, Carnations, Alstro^meria aurea. Miscellaneous Class. — This constituted a most important feature, for without it the large tent would have been but scantily furnished. The central mounds in the tents were occupied by four miscellaneous groups of plants all arranged in a tasteful manner. Jlessrs. Veitch exhibited one which consisted, besides the plants before men- tioned, many other new and rare kinds, either of an ornamental-leaved character or flowering. Opposite to this was one from Jlessrs. Laing, in which some grand specimens of Begonias formed a conspicuous feature. Jlr. Williams' group of new and rare ornamental foliaged and flowering plants was another fine object, while opposite was a similarly large one from the General Horticul- tural Company, in which Jlr. Wills produced a fine effect with a collection of Crotons, Dracienas interspersed with other fine foliaged and flowering plants. Near to this group Messrs. Carter Sc Co. had a large display of Petunias and Coleus, the former in large numbers, and arranged so as to produce a striking efl'ect. A bright collection of Pelargoniums from Messrs. Cannell & Son were highly attractive, as were also other miscellaneous groups, arranged in a tasteful manner. Fruit. — There was an excellent display of fruits, which were on the whole of fine quality. Collections of six kinds were shown by eight exhibitors. The finest came from Jlr. Wildsmith, gardener to Viscount Eversley, Heckfield Place, Winchfield, which consisted of Black Hamburgh and JIuscat of Alexandria, Royal George Peaches, Elruge Nectarine, Queen Pine, and Heckfield Hybrid Jlelon, all in fine condition. The next, from Jlr. Coleman, Eastnor Castle, contained fine examples of lUack Hamburgh Grapes, Queen Pine, Lord Napier Nectarine, Bellegarde Peach, and Colston Bassett Jlelon. The third collection, from Jlr. Jliles, Wycombe Abbey, contained fine Foster's Seedling and Black Hamburgh Grape, Royal George Peach, and Elruge Nectarine. In the other collections were some very fine Dr. Hogg Strawberries, Violette Hative Peach, and Black Hamburgh Grapes. The^latter, from JJr. Pratt, Hawstone, Shrewsbury, were particularly fine. Pine-apples. — About a score of these were shown, and some were very fine. Nine Queens were .«hown. The best, from Mr. Bailey, Shar- deloes, was a splendid fruit. In the class for any variety there were ten fruits shown. A Smooth Cayenne from Jlr. Jlclndoe took the first, a fair sized fruit of Lord Carington, from Jlr. Jliller, for the second, and a fine Jlontserrat from Jlr. Wil- kinson was equal second. Grapes. — These were fairly well shown and rather numerous. There were thirteen collections of three bunches of Black Hamburgh, and those which took the three prizes were very fine in every point. Four collections of any variety were shown. Some fine Black Hamburghs from Jlr. P. Edwards were first, JIadresfield Court second, and Black Prince third. The four collections of Mus- cat of Alexandria were poor, the date being too early, as were also the white Grapes of anj' other kind. The baskets of black Grapes were very good, particularly those from Jlessrs. Edwards, Wildsmith, and Coleman, who were the prize- takers. Eight other baskets were shown. The baskets of white Grapes were six in number, but none of tlie bunches were tlioroughly ripe. Peaches and Nectarines. -Twenty dishes of the former were shown. A fine half-dozen of Chancellor, from Jlr. Edmonds, were first ; Bellegarde was next, and Gros Jlignonne third. A similar number of dishes represented the Nec- tarines. Jlr. Edmonds was again first with fine fruits of Lord Napier, while the same variety obtained the second and third prizes. Stra'Wberries. — There were twenty-four dishes of these shown. Jlr. Jliles showed a fine dish of James Veitch and Sir J. Paxton for the first; Jlr. Allan, Sir Harrj- and President for the second ; and Jlr. Douglas, Unser Fritz and Lox- ford Hall Seedling for the third. Melons. — The class for two sorts was repre- sented by a dozen pairs of fruits. Jlr. Carmichael, Bury St. Edmunds, was awarded the first prize for Semper Fidelis, a large netted red-fleshed sort, and Nowton Court, a green firm green flesh. BIr. Coleman for the second had Dickson's Exquisite and Hendre's Seedling ; and Jlr. Allan took the third with Benham Park and Ne Plus I'ltra. Heckfield Hybrid, Blenheim Orange, Earner Castle, Hero of 48 THE GARDEN. [July 9, 1881. l.nc-kinge were also shown well. Besides these a collection of twenty kinds was shown by Jlr. Ilobins, Aylesbury, which was awarded a large bronze raedal. Mr. Crump, o£ Blenheim, also showed five fine fruits of Blenheim Orange. Oherriea, of two dishes each were shown by eight exhibitors. :\lr. Bailey took the first prize with Bigarrcau and Black Circassian ; Jlr. Mills the second with the same varieties, and liigar- rean Napoleon and May Duke took the tliird from "Sir. Douglas. Figs were only shown hy three exhibitors. Mr. Coleman took the first prize with fine fruits of Brown Turkey. Fruiterers' Company's Prizes.— On this occasion the valuable prizes (ten and five guineas') offered by the Fruiterers' Company for the best collection of fruit, and also a prize of a piece of plate, valued at ten guineas, for the exhibitor who should take the highest amount in prize money at the P>oyal Botanic Society's Fruit E.xhibition, took place. There were but two collections shown, one from Jlr. ('oleman, gardener to Earl Somcrs, Eastnor Castle, the other from Mr, Wildsmith, gardener to ■\'iscount Eversley, Ileckfield Place ; these exhibitors took the first and second prizes respectively. JI-. Coleman's collection numbered about twenty-five dishes, consisting of five of th-apes (three bunches in each), four Pines, four Melons, two of Peaches, two Nectarines, three of Strawberries, two of Figs, three of Cherries. These fruits were all of high-class quality, and the sorts were of the best. Jlr, Wikbsmith's collection was more numerous, there being nearly forty dishes in all, consisting of five sets of Grapes, two Pines, seven Melons, three of Figs, six of Strawberries, six of Cherries, eight of Peaches, and three of Nectarines. These were all likewise fine examples of skilful culture. The same exhibitor also won the piece of plate as the highest prizetaker in the fruit show. A list of awards will be found in our advertising columns. CARDIFF KOSE SHCSV. TiTE impression is not uncommon that England, the proverbial home of the Rose, is the only part of our island in which the queen of flowers is grown, shown and cherished as she ought to be : but although this idea might be true at one time, it cannot be proved to be so at present. Scotland, I know, is proud of her Roses, and Wales looks on them w'ith the greatest admiration, and in our beloved principality tlie cultivation of the Rose is carried on as extensively and to as great a state of perfection as is to be found in tlie most Rosy counties in England. True, against some of the large ironworks, where the most hardy vegetation has mucli difficulty in existing, Roses cannot be found in a condition to equal Canon Hole's wonderful collections about Not- tingham, but far up in the rugged hills and low down in the fertile valleys, in the gardens of the well-to-do, and against the walls of the cottages, lioses are grown with much success. At high elevations, where dwellings are frequently built, as much forethought is exercised to secure a sheltered nook for Roses as there is for the choicest vegetables. That this feeling should exist and be extending in Wales will surprise no one whe knows tlie kindly feeling and poetic character of her people. A taste fcir flowers they most undoubtedly possess, and if Roses are not connected with every habitation, it is simply from want of a perfect knowledge of how to set about getting and keep- ing tliem. For some reason or other most of our Roses ai'e standards, but that dwarfs are the best type to grow is now generally admitted, and to all Rose growers in Wales and elsewhere this fact cannot be too well known. As a rule' the climate and soil of Wales suit Roses well, as we generally see them growing with as mucli luxuriance in all our counties as we have ever observed them in England. The winters, too, although severe, are not so very injurions to them, and, altogether, tiiose beginning Rose culture in Wales have everything to encourage them and nothing to fear. Rich soil, dwarf plants, plenty of moisture, and a genial climate are a few of the main conditions necessary to ensure an abun- dant supply of superb blooms, and most of these are naturally at hand. As further proof that Roses will do well in Wales when almost a failure elsewhere, I may say that this year the Rose crop in Wales is unusually fine, and the blooms in numbers and quality excellent. A special Rose Society has lately been formed in Cardiff, and its first show was held there on Wednesday last. Although open to the United Kingdom, all the finest Roses shown were Wel.^h — a gratifying fact, as far as the principality is concerned. The classes numbered some 29. In the nursen-men's class for 48 distinct varieties, the first prize was gained by Jlessrs. Cranston, of Here- ford, whose blooms were in fine condition, parti- cularly Boildien, Souvenir d'Elise, Jlrs. Baker, Monsieur E. Y. Teas, JIarquise de Castellane, and Senaieur Vaisse. The second prize in this class was won by Jlr. Stephen Treseder, Ely Road Nurseries, Cardiff, whose blooms were little if any inferior to those from Hereford. For twenty-four distinct varieties £.i and the silver medal of the National Rose Society were offered, and this much coveted prize was won by Mr. R. Crossling, gardener to Lord Windsor, St. Fagan's Castle, Cardiff. His blooms were well shown, and excellent in quality. Mr. Pettigrew, gardener to Lord Bute, was a close second, his blooms being uniformly good, but rather wanting in size. In the class for twelve distinct varieties three trusses of each were shown. Jlr. Pettigrew was first. For twelve distinct Te.as Jlr. Crossling secured the first prize with Letty Coles, Niphetos, President, Catherine Jlermet, and JIarie Van Houtte, and other equally fine blooms. In addition to the ]irizes offered by the Society, Lord Bute gave £■> and £'i for the best box of the old York and Lancaster Rose, and the first of these prizes was easily secured by Jlr. Pettigrew, with a really magnificent boxful. Jlrs. Lee, The Jlount, Dinas Powis, was second. Other special prizes were given by the JIayor and others in the neighbour- hood of Cardiff ; and the first show of the Cardiff Rose Society may well be considere<^ a success. Cambrian. LATE NOTES AND QUESTIONS- Diseased Datura Leaves.— ".—Round the small lioles with corroded edges on tlie leaves sent there are a number of extremely small brownish insects (or a larv.il form of some insect) aliout 1-SOth in. long. Wash them well with soap and water. Diseased 'Vine Leaves — W. (}., I.i/ton. — Thc leaves are covered with tlie mycelium of asupertlcialfiin^us. The spawn will probably give rise to OidiuTii Tuckeri — the Vine mildew. .Sulphur fumes are ctTectual in destroying this, but they must be employed with caie. Gardening in the Channel Islands.— Will any of the readers of Thk CJardk.v oblige me by saying whether Jersey or Guernsey are suitable for gardening— I mean economical gardening, whether the thermometer ever falls below the freezing point, whether water for gardening purposes is easily procured, and which of the two islands is to be preferred f^ growing plants of all sorts? Are there any books on the Channel Islands describing the climate, mode of living, Ac? — E. B. Grapes not Seating.- -t. Buiccr.—A very bad case of imperfect fertilisation. Tlie Black Alicante variety, though not a Ijad setter in the strict sense of that term, produces, luiless artificial aid is alforded, a larger per- centage of stoneleas berries than any other variety with which I am acquainted ; the remedy, therefore, is obvious, namely, when in flower to aid fertilisation by distributing the pollen from one bunch to another with a camcrs-hair pencil, and if the pollen can be collected from the varieties that may be in flower at the same time good results will be more certain. The conditions as to the successful distributi-nof pollen are a moderately U<'y aud buoyant atmosphere. — W- V>\ Names of Plants. — n. G. G. — 1, Polemonium ca-ruleum album ; 'J, l^pilobium angustifoliimi album ; 3, Xipbion vulpare sordidum ; 4, Astrantia major. tr. //.—I, Kerria japonica 11. -pi. ; 2, Thalictrum aquilegi- folium ; ii, Hieracixuu aurantiacum ; 4, Centranthus ruber. Mifis Farrer. — Aristolochia Sipho U. P. M. — Probably a kind of Poplar, but we cannot name accurately from leaves only. .S'. (4. i>. — Lilium Martagon album (not common). F. li. .1/.- 1, Campanula pusilla nlba ; '2, (', muralis ; ?•, species of ^'iolu, n<'t in condition to name ; 4, Lamium Galeobdolon. Mac, -1, Centranthus ruber; 2, Galega persica var. A. P. — lluscari mon- strosum. W. E, G.— Aristolochia Clomatitis, Achillea Millefolium rosea. E. Molyni'ux.—l, Veronica longi- foUa variegata ; 2, Delphinium ( garden variety ) : 3, CEnothera fruticosa ; 4, Campanula persicifolia ; 5, Epilobium angustifolium ; 6. Veronica Teucrium var. J. G. ii.— Krancoa sonchifolia. J. ytear/. — Next week. London and International Horticul- tural Directory. — We should be greatly obliged bj' nurserymen and others aiding us in the compilation of this directory by furnishing lists of those occupied in the business of horti- culture within their respective districts, and in all cases under the towns or places, and includ- ing important agricultural houses also. TheDominy Presentation— Jlr. Dominy well deserves some reward for the services he has rendered to liorticulture. He was the first hybridist who was successful in producing hybrid Orchids and Nepenthes, to say nothing of other plants ; and when we realise the fact that to him we owe Calanthe Veitchi and Cattleya exoniensis, the first one of the most useful, and the .second one of the most beautiful of all Orchidaceous plants, it will be seen how deeply we are indebted to him. If it be tnie th.at " a man's life's work is his most telling monument," then is Jlr. Dominy honoured above most men in his own sphere, and it behoves horticulturists to be jealous of the honour due to their original workers, since through them only will she be remembered in the days when present-day practice shall become future history. — DUBLIKEXSIS. Mulching r. Top-dressing.— The value of mulching is only fully apparent in seasons like the present of protiacted drought ; and, although frequently confounded with top-dressing or ma- nuring, it is really quite distinct. Yet when the two can be combined it is a decided gain, as, for instance, in mulching Strawberries with litter more or less impregnated with manurial proper- ties, it is a decided gain to have the rain or water that is artificially applied passing through it, and while it cleanses th.e mulching, it at the same time carries down stimulants for the ripening crop. But, lacking the means of supplying all the crops that would be benefited by such a mulching, there are many things that might be utilised for keeping the roots of fruit and vegetable crops moist that might in themselves have but little m.inurial value, but which, by checldng evaporation and w,arding off the scorching rays of the sun, greatly help whatever crop they are applied to. In mulching wall trees, for instance, we only do what they, to a great extent, do for themselves under more natural conditions ; for, whether as bush or standard trees, the tops shade the roots to a great extent, and with all deciduous trees the falling leaves of winter make an effective mulch against the winter's colds and the summer's heat and drought ; I find, indeed, that even the thin- nest coating of shoit grass make a vast difference in retaining moisture in the soil. In fact, when wall trees really stand in need of artificial appli- cations of water, it is always Labour saved to mulch the surface soil with some kind of material to check evaporation ; and if the trees are bearing a heavy crop, and not over luxuriant, there is nothing like good farmyard manure. Watering through it carries its manurial properties down to the roots ; but if the trees be strong, we find some non-stimulating material the best, as over- luxuriance is quite as likely to end in infertility as debility. In watering fruit trees it is useless to adopt half measures ; they require thoroughly saturating. Vegetable crops, such as Peas, Scarlet Runners, Vegetable JIarrows, and similar subjects, should have some covering over the surface of the soil as far as the roots extend : and in the pleasure grounds short grass from lawns may be utilised for mulching trees and shrubs, for, if evenly spread over the soil under the branches, it will be no means unsightly, and will gradually become absorbed. In the flower garden a mulching of cocoa fibre over the surface of the beds is a great savins as regards the use of the watering-pot, and a decided benefit to the jilants ; and where the supply of water is limited it will be found not only the best, but the cheapest method in the end.— J. Grocm. THE GARDEN. 49 SATURDAY, JULY IS, 1SS1. [Vol. XX. " This is an Art Which does mend Nature : change it rather : but The Art itself is Nature."- S/ia*fspe«r«. HOUSES FOR GREEN VEGETABLES IN WINTER AND SPECS' G. I AM desirous of making an experiment on which I should like the opinion of some of your experienced readers, the more so as I never saw what I am thinking of well carried out, or even attempted. I wish to make a series of houses to ai^'ord the greatest possible amount of green tender vegetables in winter and spring — Kidney Beans, Peas, herbs, and also Tomatoes and Strawberries if the house can be made suitable for these, bearing in mind that the essen- tial object is plenty of tender green vegetables. Asparagus and Seakale would be desirable also. A main object of the plan I have in view, however, would be the preservation of the best vegetables of the open garden, which have so often perished during recent winters ; and therefore, of the three or four sized houses I propose to erect, a considerable portion should, I suppose, be used as a store to save and keep in fresh condition the choicest portion of the outdoor crops, such as Celery, Broccoli, &c. Should I have lean-to or half-span houses facing south, or a span roof facing north and south ? Would the open garden vegetables, taken indoors, not do better in a north light and not directly exposed to sunshine ? To what extent should I heat the house for forcing Beans, &o. ? What green vegetables are - most desirable to grow indoors in winter or spring ? or are there any worth growing after the French Bean ? I am willing to carry out any experiment in the best manner as regards building, and will be greatly obliged to any of the readers of The Garden for any hints or for any note as to any good practice of the kind I allude to that has come within their observation. I can find plenty of well con- structed plant and fruit and propagating houses, but in my own neighbourhood little that is sug- gestive of the plan I have in view. — H. [We shall be glad if any of our readers who have had similar wants to supply will kindly answer this interesting question. — Ed.] COOL HOUSES PROFITABLE. Roses. — No houses are so profitable as un- heated ones, as in that case one escapes the coal bill, which takes such a quantity of produce to pay. The best paying things in cool houses con- sist of Marechal Niel Roses, white Camellias, Mushrooms, and Mignonette. Strawberries also pay, but they should be confined to Sir Charles Napier. Beginning with the two grand Roses, Marechal Niel and Lamarque, the great drawback is their being often on wrong stocks. They should be on the common Brier, but young Briers. Hide- bound stocks never swell in unison with the scion, but by using them young, say the thickness of one's thumb, with all the spines on, stocks and scions swell together and flourish — no dying off at the collar ; in fact, all is well balanced and success becomes a certainty. These stocks should be the height of the front of the house, planted 6 ft. apart. Remove every bud but two, and encourage these to grow. I have this year grown them 22 ft in length. Let them reach the top of the house, then stop them. A very good way to fill the house quickly is to train one shoot of each plant horizontally, and so have a couple of shoots all along the bottom. After flowering, cut back those shoots that have run up the roof, say the end of May, and then begin by disbudding those along the front, leaving plenty to pick from, and begin to fill your house the second year. These young shoots should bo trained l."> in. from the glass, and 1.") in. will be wide enough apart. Large bright yellow Roses are the things to sell. The shade of the leaves gives the colour, and the robustness of growth the size. Therefore, cut the Roses down to the bottom wire every year, and train the young shoots^ as before said. Good heavy loam, enriched with rotten cow manure, is the best compost for them. Well drain the border, and when young water freely. If I were going to plant any quantity I should plant the stocks inside the house, bud them in June, and break them the same season. I have here five rafters covered with Roses (Marechal Niel), and this season, besides supplying them by the two dozen at a time for private purposes, they have realised .fl2. If the houses are lean-tos, plant Camellias, and nail them to the back wall, but they must be all whites; these and the fimbricated sell best. Good yellow loam alone with plenty of water is all that is required. If the houses are span-roofed, grow the Roses up each way, to meet at the top, and dispense vdth Camellias. Mushrooms. — From my Mushroom bed, out- side S9 yds. long, I have gathered on an average 100 lbs. a week, and sold them from Is. 4d. to Is. 6d. per lb., but not in London ; there they do not fetch so much money. The secret in making Mushrooms a paying crop lies in well working the manure : generally four times turning is enough. If di-y it must be watered and so turned that it becomes sliort, but not rotten, and the time to begin is September ; work all outside, and when ready wheel the material into the house and pro- ceed as follows : Mark out the site of the bed 4 ft. wide and the length of. the house; pile the manure up into a ridge, insert sticks to ascertain the temperature, and spawn at new milk warmth ; cover in with soil, well beating and treading all firmly. Successional Crops. — Cool houses, to be profitable, must be so arranged that something must be always ready for market. Beginning with Mushrooms in September, and having plenty of glass, one ought to gather Mushrooms by the middle of November and continue doing so until June. The succession will therefore be as follows : first crop, Mushrooms, then Camellias, and then Roses, which will all be over by the 1st of June. When the Roses are cut down shut up and bos in the sun heat, syringing freely be- fore the Roses get to the top. The Camellias must have a bit of tiffany put over them to keep the young shoots from being burned. The Mushroom manure being all wheeled out, dig up the border and plant Tomatoes, which should be 3J ft. high, supported with stakes. Moderately good ground grows Tomatoes well, but if richly manured, leaves onlyare the result; so do not use too much manure. If Tomatoes are not thought worth growing. Cucumbers and Melons cannot be substituted, because the Tomatoes will grow in the shade while Melons and Cucumbers must be near the glass. Peaches take four years before they get estab- lished, and then the foliage is so dense, nothing grows under it. The last crop of the season should be CbPi'santhemums, but none but white ones sell well. Presuming there are some old plants in pots, prepare a piece of land outside in Ma}', say the 10th, pull the old stools to pieces, leaving bits of roots to them,plantthem withadibbleandsprinkle them with water if the weather is dry three times a week. Stop themthefirstweekin June, and againin the first week in July, but no more. AVhen the Tomatoes are removed in the latter part of October lift the Chrysanthemums and put them into their places. The succession will therefore stand thus : November to May, Mushrooms; December to April, Camellias; April to May, Marechal Niel Roses; August to October, Tomatoes ; and lastly. Chry- santhemums up to Christmas. Mignonette. — I have not named Mignonette but unless there are stages near the glass it does not succeed. If so, however, nothing pays better. It must never be over 8 in. in height. To grow this plant well obtain 5-in. pots, put one crock at the bottom and a few smaller ones round it, and on the crocks a bit of real good manure. Fill up the pots with pure loam, and ram them down firmly up to .J in. of the rim, then put a sprinkling ot sand, and on tliis sow the seed evenly. Cover it, and, with a round bit of wood the size of the top of the pot, press all down level ; set them thickly together and cover up with old news- papers, keeping all quite dark until the seedlings appear ; thin out, leaving 12 of the strongest, and give all the air you can in order to grow them bushy and dwarf. R. G. SUMMER NOTES. Now that midsummer is past, everything begins to look big and untidy; so it becomes a constant fight to keep the borders trim, the plants pro- perly tied in, and when the bloom is over, cut laack. We have filled up the gaps with Pent- stemons. Asters, African and French Marigolds, and other autumn-bloomers from the reserves, so we shall now be gay for the rest of the sea- son. Irises now come in very useful, especially Iris anglica, which is a grand flower. I often wonder why it is not more generally cultivated. We have it here in large quantities, and in solid clumps, showing from ten to twenty flower- stalks, and of every shade of white and grey, blue and purple, and many of the variegated sorts which the Dutch growers send us. They increase from year to year, a single bulb soon becoming a clump. AH the Irises are useful, but this is the best. Violas now make a pretty display. 1 think our gardens are made the brightest by them, because of the lively masses of bloom they carry, — wet or fine, especialh' such sorts asPioturata, Lady Matheson, and the purple, blue, white, and midberry-coloured. These now fringe our borders, and are backed up by Roses, Delphiniums, Campanulas, Pyrethrums, Irises, and other tall-growing plants, forming a very gay mass of bloom. There are many interesting plants to be noted in the special corners and on the rockeries. Inula viscosa and grandiflora are useful yellows, the latter resembling a small Sunflower. Two of the late flowering Forget-me-nots, the dark blue Imperatrice Elizabeth, and the light blue azurea grandiflora are now one mass of bloom ; and we have a good many Cistuses, of which the best is C. lusitanica, with very large white flowers, fully 0 in. across, each of the five petals having a deep crimson spot near its base, and a rich golden centre of feathered anthers. Its only faidt is its frailness, for you cannot handle itatall. Thelatestof the Primulas is now at its best — P. capitata, and I still think it the loveliest of all, its deep violet flowers and pow- dered foliage being very beautiful. It also lasts for a much longer time in flower than any other Primida, as well as continuing to bloom over a much longer period. It com- menced with us in June, and will probably continue blooming till October. A good many of the yellow Sedums are now in flower, such as kamtschaticuru, and the rock- eries are very gay with the Dianthuses. The best of these are deltoidea and cresius, pink ; Balbisi, white with a pink spot ; Garnerius, very dark crimson ; and Mons Peliacus, a curious feathered sort, pure white. JIule Pinks do very well on rockeries, and are now very gay indeed. Veronicas are just commencing to bloom ; of these the most interesting one is corymbosa, which carries its flowers very curiously, as its name implies. Erodiuin Manescavi is a capital rockery plant, showing to much greater advantage when perched aloft than in the borders. Another of the Cranesbills, E. hymenoides, is a very interesting plant, like a miniature fancy Pelar- gonium, having white petals spotted with crim- son. The Tradescautias are very useful plants in blue, white, and purple, and there are double flowered forms now which are 50 THE GARDEN. [July IC, 1881. good. Arnebia ecliioide.'f, which flowers thrice a year, is now coming into bloom for the second time; it lias bright yellow flowers, with a deep brown spot on each petal, but these spots fade away, and the flower becomes a self-yellow. This is a very curious fact, and lends additional interest to a plant already peculiar, ^^'o have several other rare plants in flower kindly sent last year by Mr. Max Leichtlin, amongst which are Linaria pallida, an excellent rock plant of close habit, with grey-green bright foliage and very pretty lUao flowers, like our English Toad- flax, but larger. It remains iu bloom a long time, which is a great point. Prunella py reuaica, lilce a dwarf-growing Betony ; Scutellaria Wright i, with pale lavender flowers; and, lastly, Dracocephalum Ruprechti, a very beauti- ful plant, with loug whorls of pale lilac flowers, somewhat like the I'entstemous. Bidsbury. Brockiiuhst. "WILD GAEDENDsG. To the plants recently recommended by Mr. Berry, of Longleat, for wild gardening (p. 41) you should add Dictamnus Fraxinella, especially the white form. Last week I had the pleasure of seeing the garden at Crowsley Park, Oxford- shire, where many plants are grown in the long grass. Among these none surprised me so much as the white Fraxinella — usually this is not an easy plant to grow, and so slow of increase that "instances are known where the Fraxinella has outlived father, son, and grandson on the same spot without increase, all attempts at multiply- ing it having failed." Yet in the long grass at Crowsley Park it seems to revel singly, but very striking in the mass. It is perfectly hardy. The other plant is Oreocome Candollei, one of Max Leichtlin'sgood introductions. This too stands about 0 ft. high, strong and erect. The leaves are as finely cut as a Tudca, and the flower-stems end in one large umbel divided into many small umbels, the flowers white, and the pedicels also white and transparent. In the sunshine, when seen with the light shining through, the appearance is very beautiful and peculiar. It is quite hardy, but I do not know its native country. I shall let both these plants form seed, which I shall be glad to give to any who would like to try them. — IIexhy N. ELLACOiiBE, Bitton Vicarage. THOUGHTS ABOUT ROSES. l'TTEREI> AT SBEFPIEI.I), JOLV, 18S1, BY S. RErNOlUS HOLE. ]\Iany years ago, in the palmy days of the Garrick Club, when Dickens, and Thackeray, and John Leach, and A'Be:kett, and Douglas Jeirold, and Shirley Brooks, and many other bright stars no longer visible in this firmament were its constant inmates, I was engaged there one evening, lUie a good gardener, in the act of fumigation — I was destroying a weed. I had two companions, and a conversation arose between them concerning a work which had been recently publislied, and had created a great interest — Buckle's " History of Civilisation in England." The dialogue ultimately resolved itself into an argument as to the future achieve- ments of science and -philosophy ; one of the speakers, who was then among the most brilliant writers of the Times newspaper, prophesying unlimited power and happiness from the victorious march of intellect : the other ex- pressing far less confidence in the capacities of human reason, maintaining, witli Newton, that it always had been, as it was and would be, but as a little cliikl picking pebbles on the great sea's shore, and that for himself, the chief result of his knowledge was to show him bow little he knew. My humble sympathies were all with him who expressed these latter views of the question — his name was AVilliam Makepeace Thackeray — and my humble sympathies are with him now, when, after thirty-five years of enthusiastic love among the Koses — thirty-five years of daily observation, anxious inquiry, careful culture — I come to communicate results. I feel much asIfeltwhen,travellingonedayon the underground rail, I misunderstood directions, and, crossing the wrong bridge, found myself, after forty minutes' absence, at the station from which I started. I go back thirty-five years — nay, to a yet more distant period, for there is a tradition in my family that my love of tlie Rose began with babyhood, and that I made a clutch at an artificial specimen which adorned my nurse's cap (I can't say whether the Rose was a monthly Rose, but I have a strong idea the nurse was), and tried to devour it, and so to die of a Rose, without the aromatic pain — and I recall the same unsatisfied craving for the Rose in its perfection which I feel to-day ; and though since that distant date I have grown Roses hj the thousand, and instituted Rose shows, and won silver cups by the score, and walked through miles of Roses as a judge, and written a book about Roses, I am here after all to confess that my knowledge, as compared with my ignorance, is as a penny squib to a comet, as an unfledged tomtit to allying eagle; that I have made mis- takes innumereble; that I have planted too deep and too shallow, pruned too long and too short, too early and too late, manured too much and too little, exhibited flowers which were superannuated, and flowers which had not arrived at Rosehood; that I have succeeded where 1 expected to fail, and failed where I hoped to succeed. The explanation is, that the Rose, like the only object of our admiration which excels her in beauty, that Flora, like the rest of the fair sex, is delightfully mysterious and difticult to understand. From the variableness of our cli- mate, from differences of soil, from delicacv of constitution, lovely Hoses, like lovely ladles, are by no means easy of cultivation. In both cases you may be too attentive, and then the objects of your affection exalt themselves un- duly, or, as we gardeners term it, " run to leaf " On the other hand, if you have been neglectful or indifferent, when you go to gather Roses you will find — thorns. You must be devoted, but not too demonstrative — hopeful, but not pre- sumptuous; and then, when your loyally and love are proved, you may win the smile of beauty; even then uncertain and capricious, coming sometimes when we least expect it, and suddenly changing into a frown, without a glimpse of explanation. Ah, my brothers, don't you remember how graciously and beautifullv that Marie Baumann came out on the eve of the show, when you had given up hope, and how, on the contrary, that Marie Finger (will any one inform me whether Jlarry Finger means the third of the left hand ■') on whom we relied so confidently, shut herself up, and remained motionless, as though in a swoon, de- spite every effort which was made to rouse lier, by blowing into her face, and putting her feet in hot water ? But you will begin to murmer internally, " Surely this man is not come all the way to Sheflield to tell us that ho knows nothing," if not to express your remonstrance, as when the blue ox of .\rtemus ^Vard rubbed some of his paint off against the central pole of the exhibition tent, and the spectators openly declared that " that sort of thing would not go down in their enlightened district." I hear you sa_v, " Let us have the results of your experience, however small they may be;" as when an Oxford examiner, being told by an under graduate who had failed dismally, that he liad not been ques- tioned upon the subjects which he knew the best, tore oft' a tiny scrap from the paper before him, and handed" it to the plaintiff, saying, " Be so good as to write what you know on that. " Gladh' and unreser' edly 1 offer you the result c^ of my experience with regard to the cultivati 'to ' of the Rose. In the first place, as I have alreafly intimated, your heart must be in your enterprise. ' There is a good deal of "mere verbiage" — frothy - effervescence, humbug — in some of those gushing' expressions of delight and admiration which we hear so often. "Oh, Canon Hole, what a heavenly duck of a Rose!'' "Well, it's not quite in its best form as you see it there." "No; but isn't it too awfully jollily not quite?'" Misled on one occasion by these professions of adoration, I presented a lady with a lovely Rose, and, not long after, when she became inten.se upon some other topic, she began to pick off the petals I I stood astounded, like Launeelot when the Queen Brake from the vast, oriel-embowering vine i.eaf after leaf, and tore, and cast them off, Till all the place she stood whereon was green : and then I remembered I had business in another direction, and 1 went to it, a sadder and a wiser man. Then there are not a few professed admirer.^* of Roses who only want them to show, or to cut, or to make their neighbours jealous. They have no true appreciation of the flower as a thing of beauty and a joy for ever, but regard it as ornamental furniture, and the sort of thing one likes to have, you know. They come into your garden, and you show them some .specimen of perfect loveliness, and they turn away, saying disdainfully, " We have heaps of those " (as if they were coaLs or Potatoes) ; or, should it happen to be some- thing which they do not possess, they con- descend to take a note of the name, and they seem to think that they are conferring a great honour, not upon you, but upon the whole vegetable kingdom, when they make the announcement, " We must have that." Supposing the love to be sincere and the intentions hearty, what next ? Pure air. And with a most unaffected sorrowful sympathy I speak those words, because to hundreds who love the Rose as well as I do they mean no hope. Every vear, and many and many a time in that year, " when the bloom is on the Rye,'' and on the Rose, I wish from my heart, as I wander in my peaceful pleasant gardens, ',that my brothers — born and bred, some of them 'mid gardens and green fields, but now toiling in dusky lane and wrangling mart, and having only caged birds and window plants to remind tliem of the past — could share my happiness. I have seen good Roses, it is true, which were grown within three miles and a half of St. Paul's Cathedral, and were exhibited at the first Crystal Palace Rose Show by the grower, my friend Mr. Shirley Ilibberd. But the dis- appointments are so many, and the successes so few, that I should say to all persons pro- posing to grow Roses within six miles of a smoky 'manufacturing town or city, as Punch said to all persons about to marry — "Don't." This pure air must nimbly and sweetly recom- mend itself to the Rose, but must not visit her cheek too roughly. Roses must have shelter, but not shade — free trade in sunshine, but pro- tection from storms. They should have a screen of shrubs or of walls, but they must not be placed too near it. They dislike wind ; and, as all things else which are fresh and clean, from a fair reputation to a leg of mutton, they must not be blown upon. Let your Rose trees have July 16, 1881.] THE GAEDEN. 51 all the sun (it is not mucli) which can be had iu this cloudy clime. As to soil, 1 have scon lioses growing, and have grown them, iu all kinds of earth, from a lieavy moist red clay to a light marly loam — in everything except gravel. If you have not a good soil naturally you must have it artificially; if i is too heavy, make it light with lime, ashes, burnt earth ; if it is weak, strengthen it with turf, leaf-mould, &c. Unbounded nonsense is emitled concerning soil. If Koses were good to ei t we should have no more of it, but as it is, you will hear persons who grow delicious Asparagus, the mealiest of Potatoes, and the biggest of Strawberries maintaining that it is simply impossible to grow Roses in sudi a soil as theirs. Tlie best soil which 1 have ever possessed was a rich old pasture, broken up some six years ago. It was "double dug," and having been well manured and manipulated ever since it is now most friable, mellow, and nutritious — good enough for pot Roses without any addition, except the crocks for drainage. What form of Rose tree shall we grow ? Our fathers were in ecstasies when Mr. Lee, of Hammersmith, and Mr. Rivers, of Sawbridge- worth, introduced from Belgium (I think) the tall standards, and they bought them at a guinea apiece. Their children denounce them as mops and broomsticks — unnatural, and there- fore unsightly, tliey are gradually disappearing, but a few old fogies, including yours sincerely, ■will plant a few standard Briers each year, and bud them in some quiet corner, because when there is a genial frostless May — a phenomenon which occurs in this country about twice in a long lifetime — those buds" will produce the loveliest Roses which the rosarian can hope to see.^ 'With us (the fogies) they will perish, until — like single Dahlias, stage coaches, short waists, and cracked china — they are reproduced by fashion as delectable novelties, and Vox Populi shouts, "Bravo ! Beautiful !" The bush is beyond a doubt the prettiest form in which we can grow the Rose, and this we obtain by grafting, or budding, or by striking cuttings from the parent plant. You have all beauty of flower, foliage, and form under your eye, with this additional andsupreme advantage over the standard tree, that, when you have placed a thick blanket— that is a good covering of straw manure — over your sleeping beauties towards the end of November, you may go to bed with the thermometer at zero and dream of Rose shows. A bed of these dwarf Roses, with the long laterals pegged down one year, and blooming from laterals of their own the next, is one of the most charming sights in a garden. The bed should be round or oval, raised in the centre, and with a large surrounding of well-kept Grass. On what foundations shall we build ? This depends much upon the soil. Make experiment. Procure Rose trees on the Brier, on the Manetti, and on their own roots from the ]iui'series, and also Brier and Manetti stocks for budding in due season. Try your hand at striking also, and note results. In my own case, the foreigner (it takes its name from Signer Manetti, who raised it from seed at Monza, gave it to Signer ('rivelli, of Como, and he sent it to my beloved friend — the beloved friend of all rosarians— Thomas Rivers, of Sawbridgeworth, about the year 16o3), the Manetti in my strong soil is worth- less ; tlie indigenous Brier, tlie English Dog Rose, is always a success. Nevertheless, I am more inclined by my experience to the belief tliat the favourite Rose tree of the future will be the Rose tree on its own roots. Meanwhile, give me tbe Brier, whether it be grown from seed, struck from cuttings, or taken from the liedge- row or the wood. "VVliat sorts, what varieties of Rgse? shall we grow ? All sorts. Single and double, large and small. And in all forms — trailing along banks or towering on walls ; making fountains, arches, and aisles ; glimmering in plantations like "stars which in earth's firmament do shine ; " rising from beds of slirubs, or circling them, as we saw the old China Rose the other day in the gardens of the Crystal Palace. He is no true rosarian who docs not love all the Roses ; and some of you may have read the pub- lic and indignant protest which I have made against an accusation which has been brought against us, that, because we believe those Roses which you have seen to-day to be of all the most beautiful, we are indifferent as to the other varieties, and it has been suggested that, because the National Rose Society proposes to publish a catalogue of Roses most suitable for exhibition, it maybe necessary to establish a rival institution to watch over the interests of Roses for the gar- den only. I think — and it is such a happy thought as even Burnand himself never excogi- tated— that I know more rosarians, and more of the rosarian mind, than any other living man, and what I know most surely is this, that he who loves one Rose loves them all. Only the other day, when I had left in the garden some of the loveliest Roses I ever grew, and was on mj' way to the station, that I might adjudicate next day at the Crystal Palace aforesaid, I sur- prised a servant who was with me by stopping my dogcart to gaze at a garland of Dog Roses drooping down the roadside hedge, and I believe that most of my brethren would have been as charmed as I was. Where is the exhibitor of Roses who does not grow Roses which are not available for exhibition ? Name the writer on Roses W'ho writes about show Roses only. Thomas Rivers gives us half-a-dozen pages in his" Rose Amateur's Guide "as to theexhibition of Roses in pots. William Paul, in " The Rose Garden," the same quantity on cut Roses for show, the remainder of the 300 pages being de- voted to garden Roses. Shirley ilibberd, in " The Amateur's Rose Book," gives a similar space to the subject of exhibition, and even he, who wrote specially upon it. How to Show the Rose, occupies not less than two-thirds of his book in discoursing upon tlie irarden Rose. In fact, and in fine, it seems to me (though I must whisper this quite sub rosa) that some of our friends, who, from soil, situation, or want of zeal, do not grow the most perfect Roses in their most perfect form, are at times a little invidious ("we are the sons of women, Master Page"), and that when they declaim against our "huge, fat, overgrow-n Roses, which anybody can have who will pluck off all the buds but one, and put on tons of manure ;" and when they go into ecstasies about " the darling old Cabbage, and the exquisite York and Lancester, and the dear old Tuscan, and the rich velvety Damask, and the little gem Rose de Meaux" — this, in most cases, means to me, " You won't find a Rose in my garden which anyone woidd look at at a Rose show;" it has the same significance as when short girls call long gh-ls gawky maypoles, or as when gentlemen who are not at their ease on horseback disparage the pleasures of the chafe. Gi\e me the sight that is clear enough, and the heart large enough, to see and to admire beauty wherever, and in whatever form, it is found. I don't believe in musicians who chatter when others sing or play. I contemn the critic who gloats upon a flaw (just as that clumsy rider of whom I spoke will go a mile out of his way to find a weak place in a fence), who, if he praises, nullifies his praise: "Ah, yes, she's prettj', but, my dear fellow, she has the fist of a pugilist; " " bats nicely, but a mere dummy in the field ;" " fair at feathers, but a muff at fur" (this I once heard from a third-rate shot of one of the best gunners of the day, who had missed an invisible rabbit) ; " undoubtedly a nice little horse, but I hope you have not given much for him, for those hooks will never carry your weight." I am constrained to confess that H. M. the Queen of Powers is not refined in the matter of diet. She is a gross feeder, and when I think of the quality and quantity of her favourite food, I recall a passage in the letters of Charles Kirkpatrick Sharpe : "I met Mrs. Siddons at dinner just before the death of her spouse. It was at Walter Scott's, and you cannot imagine how it annoyed me to behold Belvidera guzzle boiled beef and mustard, swill porter, take huge pinches of snuff, and laugh till she made the whole room shake again." So does the prima donna of our stage; so does the Rose rejoice in strong sustenance, solid and fluid, with occasional pinches of tobacco powder and lac sulphuris ; but, as with Mrs. Siddons, they who had dined with her forgot the beef, and the beer, and " the pungent grains of titillating dust " when she appeared in all her power as an artist. So when we see the Rose in her beauty, we forget the midden and the tank. I go fur- ther than this in my devotion to the ladye of my love, and her likes are mine also. However unsightly to the ej'e, or unsavoury to the nose, they seem to say, like the Earth in the Persian fable, " I am not the Rose ; but cherish me, for we have dwelt together ; " and they do not appeal in vain. Ever since I lost my heart to the Rose I have been trying to discover the esculent which she most prizes, and at this present time her menu in my garden consists of eight different kinds of (if I may be allowed the expression) manure. 'These were applied some weeks ago, so that they have been well washed in by the rains, and in every case part of the bed was left without any addition, so that a comparison of results could readily be made. 'These confections are : 1 cwt. of Peruvian guano; 1 cwt. of pure dis- solved bones ; 1 cwt. of these two in combina- tion, i cwt. of each ; 1 cwt. fine bone-dust ; 1 cwt. ammonia phosphate ; 1 cwt. mineral phosphate ; a small bag of Clay's Fertiliser ; an unmeasm-ed quantity of liquid manure from a farmyard tank. Three of these have signalised themselves be a special success — the farmyard liquor, the Peruvian guano, and Clay's Fertiliser. Pure dissolved bones is second after an interval, closely followed by mineral phosphate. Am- monia phosphate a bad fourth. The rest nowhere. I was prepared for the success of Clay's Fertiliser, having seen a grand collect on of standard Rose trees in pots at the April Show of the Royal Horticultural Society at Kensington, grown by Messrs. Veitch, of Chel- sea, and assisted by the reverend — I beg pardon — assisted by the tonic aforesaid. I do not, of course, regard this report as final, and shall note careiully, pro bo7io publico, the future influence of my applications ; nor must I forget to remind our j'ounger brethren of other vic- tuals which are wholesome for the Rose, and which they will find in the sheep-fold, in the hen-roost, and the dovecote. Malt-dust, the sweepings of the kilns, or better still, but costlier of course, malt-culms, are also nutritious food. Mr. Rivers's prescription of malt-dust and contributions from the stable, mixed and fermented with liquid manure, is probably the most powerful stimulant which can be given ; and I have recorded how, many years ago, I took off my coat and harrowed a large heap of it to a lot of budded standard Rose trees, just before a very heavy thunderstorm, and how some six weeks afterwards this adroit manoeuvre in manures achieved for jne the highest honours 52 THE GAKDEN. [July 16, 1881. of the year — tlie first pvlzo for forty-eiglit Koses at our National Sliow in London. But that victory anniliilated tlio army who won it : not one of these soldiers ever foui^ht again. What is tlie main result of my long- and varied experience in this matter? It is that I lind myself, as upon the Metropolitan Railway, at the place from whence I came. The S3'stem which I followed thirty years ago I propose to follow so long as I am attached to this machine, and have the happiness of growing Roses — namelv, to give them a liberal supply of farmyard manure about the third week in November, wliich will act both as food and clothing also; to dig this in early in March, and afterwards to apply occasionally liquid from the tank or some other of the refresliments to which I have referred. From bird or beast, bovine, ovine, porcine, eriuiue, animal or vegetable dust of bone or Barley, I recommend all to your experiment, and leave to you the selection of the fittest. ]>ut the young rosarian must not place his main reliance on these enrichments, indispensa- ble as they are admitted to be ; lie must not be- lieve in the manure heap, but must regard his soil and its cultivation as of primary and perpetual importance. Success in Rose culture can only be obtained in accordance with the universal and eternal law — you must work to win. There must be draining and digging, lioeing and weeding, and a watchful loving patience, which defends the Rose from its enemies, as well as surrounds it with friends. Hence the paucity of rosarians worthy of the title. There are numbers who gush at shows, take down names, give orders, plant Rose trees, but who never stoop to pull up a weed, and as for extracting the grub from his leafy, bower and handling him somewhat severely between finger and thumb, why that is "simply disgusting!" These are the sort of people who think when they have signed a cheque that Roses should immediately spring up around them about the size of punch-bowls, and that thank- ful nightingales should sing in them night and day. Somehow this firework won't go off. " 0, yer don't want to go into business, don't yer ? " said an angry father to his lazy and loutish son. " Yer want an appointment in the Post Horfice, do yer ? Post Horfice indeed ! Why, all you're lit for is to stand outside with your tongue hout for people to wet their stamp against ! '' He who would grow Roses must not be afraid of dirtying his fingers — of resembling that clergy- man of whom Sidney Smith said, that he " seemed to have a good deal of his glebe on his own liaods ; " or of a likeness to Martin Burney, to whom Charles Lamb remarked over a rubber, " Oil, Martin, Martin, if dirt were trumps, what a hand you'd have ! " A\'here shall wo buy our Rose trees ? From any extensive Rose nursery which is nearest to you, and has a soil most like your own, or from any of those professional rosarians who have shown you to-day what the Rose can be. I say can be, because you must not expect to achieve perfection at once, and your first flowers may perhaps disappoint you. Only be not discouraged"; work at your model bravely and you shall re- produce it. And I advise amateurs to visit some of the renowned homes of the Rose. They will find a far more genial welcome than the mere com- mercial spirit can give to a customer, because the hearts of our Rose merchants, whose friend- sliip I have enjoyed for so many happy years, is with the Rose; and they will liavcmcn as pupils, and please themselves more completelj- as pur- chasers, than by any amount of reading or correspondence. And, on behalf of tliese visitors, may I ex- press the ^hope that my professional brothers will take into consideration whether, in addition to their standard and dwarf Rose trees, they might not exhibit the Queen of Flowers in some other form of beauty, showing us, for example, the best varieties of climbing and pillar Roses, Roses for a shrubbery, Roses for beds, uniform or in contrast, Roses for edging, Roses for bouquets, &c. But I forget that this is the overture, not the opera, and 1 hear a bugle-call from conscience, " Let the cannon cease firing." It only remains for me, as President of the National Rose Society, to thank you heartily for the pleasant reception which you have given to our brotherhood to-day, and to solicit those who sympathise with us in our desire to extend tlie love and successful culture of Roses, and therewith, as many who hear me can testify, the happiness of human life, •' the purest of human pleasures," to ask those who are inclined to help us to signify their wish to me or to om- secretaries, that their names may be enrolled upon our lists. EDITOR'S TABLR Rhododendron cinnabarinum. — This curious or.inge-crimson kind comes from Higli- clcre, where it is hardy. It has been figured in The CtAkden. A hybrid between the Azalea and Rhodo- dendron— soft bunches of I'each-coloured flowers, very freely borne among grassy leaves, glaucous beneath — seems to be a valuable bush as grown at Highclere. Has a delicate scent. "White Azaleas, in cool looking bunches, in tlie middle of July, are welcome among the an- nuals, which are very showj' and numerous just now. A hill garden has ni.any charms in hot weather. A Late Rhododendron.— A fine dark puiplish-erimson kind comes from Highclere, one of the seedlings raised in the garden there, and one which we hope will get into general culti- vation. It is not often we see one in fresli flower in the middle of July. The Californian Buckeye (.Esculus caL- fornica). — A valuable tree and rare, flowering long after the common Horse Chestnut. A low, quaint looking shrub on the Californian plains, but in tlie valleys attaining a height of 40 ft. From Highclere come the best specimens we have seen in this country. Mr, Eoss says the head of the tree is 30 ft. in diameter. Tliis proves its hardi- ness and fitness for our country, as Highclere is far from being very warm, and has a verj- diiferent climate from the foot-hills of the sierras. Yellow "Wood in Flower (Virgiiia lutea). — Some fine flowering branches of this handsome North American tree come from Highclere, where it evidently thrives better than in most jilaces. Tlie soft green of the pinnate leaves and the pure white I'ea-shaped blossoms, borne in long racemes, should cause it to be jilanted more frequently, and it is not only in summer that it is attractive, but agr-in in autumn, when the foliage changes to bright yellow and crimson. Scarlet-berried Elder (Sambucus race- mosa). — At this season this shrub is a most attractive object on account of its showy clusters of bright red fruits borne in profusion. In others respects it resembles the common Elder, and grows freely, yet how seldom is it seen in gardens or, wc might .almost s.nj, in| nurseries. I'rom Higliclere, where it thrives. It is a native of the mountains in middle and south of Europe, growing frnraG ft. to Tift. high. Inthetimcof I'inks and Carnations, Lilies, and annuals, and longaftcr the great flowering time of the trees and sliruljs, it is pleasant to find oneself surrounded by a little arboretum ot tree and shnib blossoms grown on the Hampshire hills, from that noble tree-garden Highclere. Double Dyer's 'Weed (Genista tinctoria fl.-pl.). — A neat low bush, a cultivated form of a native plant, worth a place on sunny bank or rough rock garden ; full of flowers. Red Souvenir de Malmaison Car- nation.— Good specimens of a varietv of the old Carnation of this name. The colour is a rose- pink. From Messrs. Kclway, of Langport. Spiraea elegans, or S. palmata elegans, is really very pretty when well grown, as it is by Mr. Wolley Dod. The crowds of little pink stamens give the inflorescence an odd and pretty character. Lilium polyphyllum.— This distinct Lily has a bad scent, a characterwhich we regret to have to give to an}' flower of so noble a race. Figured in The Gabden. Now in bloom in the open air at Colchester. Dwarf Chinese Privet. — Ver)- graceful in foliage, and having a dense spray of white pearl-like buds. Some of the Privets and allied plants deserve a place as flowering shrubs. From Grasmerc. The Double Sweet William.— The dwarf double Sweet William, mentioned la-t week, remains fresh, and is in a cut state placed by itself, and arranged closely and somewdiat com- pactly like a boss of crimson velvet. Kramer's Lily.— From Mr. G. F.Wilson come fine specimens of this Lil}' grown in a rdiododcndron bed ; some of the stems bear two, three, and four blossoms, and attain a height of 4 feet. Lily Scents. — In some danger of Lily sick- ness, so to say; some " powerful'' kinds are at once put outside for the benefit of the street. The scett tiiat sweetens a valley or a garden is too much for a room. Lilium auratum, 14 in. in diameter of each bloom, two blooms on the stem. Put outside the window. Prought by Mr. G. F. Wilson along with most graceful and large specimens ot Kramer's Lily Parry's Lily. — Lovely specimens of this, with from three to seven flowers and buds on a spike ; habit, form of flower, scent, all good, r.uds bold and graceful; over 3 in. long. From the New Plant Co., Colchester. "Van Houtte's Bell Flower. — Surprised at seeing this Campanula, a giant from Mr. Wolley Dod : the bells are .'! inches long, and in one sentot a paler colour they arc even more. It grows to 5 ft. in len,gf h in the " strong soil " at Edge Hall. The Clove Pink.- This delightful border Pink and many others come from Miss Owen, of Gorey. We wish the whole Irish race would take violently to Pink and Pansy culture. The country is loved b)' flowers ; they even grow better than shillelaghs. Ceanothus Gloire de 'Versailles.— A dense spray of sky-blue flowers from this valuable shrub. Mr. Ross states that it has not suffered at Highclere from recent winters, but whether growing in the open or on a wall is not stated. The Ceanothus on the walls at Arundel have been killed by frost. The Brown Daisy. — Numerous forms, double .and single, of this (Chrysanthemum coro- narium) come from Mr. Balding, of Clapham. Some of the single forms are more striking and valuable than the double ones ; the range of colour in C. tricolor, from same gentleman, is remarkable. July Spiraeas.— Among the .shrubby kinds of Spir:ea now in flower are S. callosa superba, californica, Rcevsi, sempcrfiorcns, Eillardi, car- pinifolia, ariirfolia, and amirna, all graceful and pretty. From Grasmerc. Lovely bushes if well grown, well placed, and occa.sionally and moderately pruned when they get old. Mock Oranges (Philadclphus). — How cool and beautiful these are in our hottest weather. Many names, and not so many kinds, but all or July 1G, 1881.] THE GAEDEN. 53 nearly all good. Excellent material for the garden artist o£ the Tuture. Some old kinds to be rescued from the misery of the slirubbery, and new ones to meet a better fate. The First Japan Iris. — Is evidently of the Kampferi typo. It is of the richest pace colour, shaded almost to black, with a beau- tiful velvety appearance ; a few flowers placed m a vase near Tarry '.s Lily have a novel and fine effect. From Colchester, bearing the name I. violacca major. Fiowsring Baspberry (Eubus odoratus) is the English name for a free-growing, showy Bramble. ^ It grows well in any copse or wood, and is in flower in July— a good wild garden bush, not uncommon, but not often well placed. The Englisli name is in Gray. A Fair White Phlox.— Lady Napier is the name o£ a beautiful Phlox sent from Cheshire by Mr. AVoUey Dod. It has large flowers of a creamy whit ?, with the little yellow stamens peeping from the centre. How good and well worthy of culture and a suitable place are such Phloxes I Mimulus cardmalia about London is frequently a poor plant ; in Mr. Wolley Dods garden in Cheshire it seems to be fresher. Four forms of it are sent, one a good purple rose with crimson throat. They have a strong musk scent. The varieties of the common Mimulus are so much larger and better in habit, that this plant has little chum for general culture. Myrtles in Flower come from Cornwall from Mr. Roberts. Among the " aspects of vege- tation " one remembers with pleasure are the Myrtle, Sweet Herb, and Balm-clad copses and knolls of the Mediterranean shore. Where the Myrtle grows in the open air with us, no pains should be spared to give it a fitting place and the soil which it enjoys. July Flowering Shrubs.— Mr. Stevens is strong in these, his later Mock Oranges and Deutaias being fresh and varied even after the great heats. Mock Oranges,various bushy Spiraeas, Viburnum dentatum, Cytisus nigricans, and_ the sdwarf Chinese Privet are among the test. Spira:a, ariajfolia, with its foam of flowers and buds, is one of the treasures of our gardens, and good in all ways out or otherwise. Beautiful Larkspurs.— Some ten days ago a superb and numerous series of perennial Del- phiniums came from Mr. Stevens, so varied and so fine in colour, tliat no description could do justice to them. He now sends five other kinds that came somewhat later than the others. We hope soon to .publish some notes on his collection of these best of hardy mid-summer plants. The "White Peruvian Lily (Alstrcemeria Pelegrina alba) is much like the Gladiolus, as it is white, save the greenish spots in the throat. We should like to see a good group of it. The Flame Nasturtium (Tropseolum speciosum) in brilliant condition comes from Mr. Kingsmill. One slender shoot of scarlet flowers nearly 6 ft. long. The White Musk Mallow (Malva mos- chata alba). — Very cool and beautiful are bunches of this, one of our most attractive native plants. The perfume is like JIusk, but more delicate. Pansies. — The hottest weather we have had for years in London has not dimmed the beauty of these, which come fresh in flower and leaf from Mr. Kingsmill's garden at Eastcote. Milla laxa. — The fine dark purple form of this plant, which we received from Colchester, has surprised us by the length of time it lasts in a cut state in a room. It is so large and bold that it is like a spike of the African Lily (Agapanthus). Oytisus nigricans. — A peculiarly pretty broom seen in the cut state. It grows from 3 ft. to i ft. high, and about 4 ft. through— a mass of yellow flowers. From Grasmere. More graceful in the racemes of flower than many of its allies. Gladiolus The Bride is chastely beautiful, and a contrast to the brilliant orange-red of Lilium pulohellum ; both from Mr. Kingsmill. This is a white variety o£ G. Colvillei, and a useful and graceful plant. A most brilliant little Rliododendron from Mr. Luscombe, of Combo lioyal, with leaves not much larger than a Myrtle, and vivid scarlet bells like a bright Corrca or Mitraria. Probably its first visit to London, and the name not yet known to us. The Rosy Spiraea comes in rich and lovely colon- from AVales (Mr. Edwin Jackson's). It is one of the best of all the newer hardy flowers ; good in foliage .as in fiower, Spiraea palmata deserves our best care ; a group filling the whole space between a few select shrubs with plenty of room between is one good way of placing it. Ground not to be dug in winter, only cleared and covered with a dressing of light soil. A New Elecampane. — The " Daisy people ■' would be delighted to see the flowers of Inula glandulosa, an orange-rayed flower, 5 in. across. The ray looks like that of a Japanese Chrysanthemum, the divisions being very narrow and somewhat tossed about. So far as can be judged from two cut flowers, this plant is likely to be of more permanent value in our gardens than most plants of the same Order. From Edge Hall. Lilium pardalinum from Cheshire.— This noble Lily seems to do as well in the north- west as in the east of England, judging by specimens from Edge Hall. Let any one look at a well-grown group of this — plants from 6 ft. to 8 ft. high— and he certainly will not remain among those who beUeve that good colour is only afforded by tender plants. In a garden of hardy plants, properly arranged and well grown, the colour is more brilliant than can be obtained in any other way. We have often said this when everybody laughed at the notion. The day is, however, not far away when it will be clear to all. The Hardy Heaths, varied in form and much varied in colour, are pleasantly suggestive of the airy heaths and hill-sides, the more so to those in the deep hot furrows of London. Apart from the two forms of the Heather, eight kinds of hardy Heaths with pretty little bells, white, pink, crimson, magenta, remind us of Mr. Jackson's garden at Llandegai. They are valuablefor cut- ting for their beauty as well as for what they remind us of in mid-July. THE INDOOR GARDEN. OLD PLANTS FOE NEW HOUSES. Pomegranates grown as dwarf bushes or low standards are pretty objects iu cool houses, their bright scarlet, russet-like flowers produc- ing quite an enlivening effect. They are easily grown in moderately rich loam, and they bloom best if somewhat stinted as regards pot room. For a ladies' head-dress or a button-hole, Pome- n-ranate blooms should become as popular as those of the Carnation. Punica Granatum nana is a naturally dwarf kind, and on that account might be preferred by some for small houses. Oleanders.— These pretty flowering shrubs are not nearly so often met with as they deserve to be. Tlie directors of flower shows, especially provincial ones, should, I think, offer special prizes for them. They are poisonous certaiiily, but so are Lobelias, Petunias, Euphorbias, Ste- phanotis, and Yew. If not required largo for indoor or outdoor decoration they can be easily o-rown in small pots, and can be made to bloom abundantly with less care than Primulas or Cal- ceolarias, and a host of similar material met with in every garden. There are some thirty sorts of Oleander, single and double, iu cultiva- tion—Nerium :Maddeni grandiflorum (double white), N. flavum duplex, N. Uelphiue, N. Ma- dame Baltet, Professor Planchon, N. Souvenir de Cazalis Allut being quite di.^tinct sorts amongst those of recent introduction. They will grow and flower well in a sound loam with a little manure, sand, and burnt earth or char- coal intermixed. When the plants have got to the size required, annual repotting should give way to biennial partial shaking out and repotting, assistance being given tlieni iu the shape of manurial waterings in summer. Any place partially lighted and free from frost will suit them in the winter time, and during that period but little water sliould bo given them — say perhaps two or three thorough soakings be- tw-een November and the beginning of March, depending, of course, on the amount of dryness surrounding them. Oranges are not so often seen in English gardens as they formerly were. I do not mean big plants in tubs which used to be honoured with a house to themselves, and were treated as valuable heirlooms, but handy useful little stan- dards or bushes from -2 ft. to .5 ft. in height. Such plants can be had in bloom during the greater part of the year by treating them suo- cessionally, and they are always admired for their sweet-smelling flowers and pretty fruits. AVhen once a few plants of certain sorts are ob- tained, such as Citrus sinensis, C. Daidai, O. japonica, C. nobilis (Mandarin), C. taitensis, by raising stocks for grafting from seed or cuttings, the various sorts can be ea.9ily increased by summer grafting, an interesting and profitable amusement for the amateur. Nothing is so interesting as a group of such plants in full bloom close to a room window. The lively tender green leaves contrast well with the sweet-smelling blooms and golden fruits (for ripe fruit and blooms are met with together on the same plant). The odour pervades the room directly the window is opened, and is less powerful than when the plants are actually in the room. Syl^tsstbis. SEASONABLE WORK. Plant Houses.— Up to the present tune stoves ami cool houses liave been abimdautly supplied with flowering plants, hut a period is now approaching when choice hloom will not he so plentiful, and on this account steps should he taken for keeping fine specimens which flower as they CTow in the best health and vigour by the hberal applica- tion of liquid. Such subjects as AUamandas and Cleroden- droiis should be top-dressed mth rotten manure .and kept perfectly clean, as plants grown under high pressure cannot 1)0 expected to remain long in beauty where their leaves are disfigured by fllth or insects. Large pots of iucham which have flowered a second time should have a thoiough rest by beins placed in a dry ho^se I'etore they are again starte'd for the autumn. In coiu-se of time the pots become crowded with small roots, but instead of breaking up the plants they may be turned out of the pots, and by a careful manipulation with the fingers on the surface of the ball n general thinning may take place, when they may be repotted with fresh draiiiage iu the pots previously occupied. _ _ Greenhouse or conservatory climbers growing in inside borders will now take large supplies of water of a stimulat- ing nature. In many houses the roots are placed partly beneath the pipes, and when this is the case they should be well surfaced with rich lumpy rotten manure. To have Tacsonias and other dependmg chmhers nice Mie yomig growths should be well thinned out, so as i,o keep them quite clear of each other ; and, unless the roof is very lofty each rod should be pruned hard In every winter and dressed exactly the same as a vine. Azaleas that were forced eaily will soon be fit for removal from the house in which they have made their growth to cooler pods rather more than tilled a pint measure. I'ride of the Market is also an excellent Tea. All of them were admirable examples of good culture. — M. Autumn )•. Spring - sown Peas. — Opinions differ as to the advantage of sowing Peas in autumn and spring. Last November 1 determined I would sow some as a trial, which I did about November 20, consisting of Dickson's First and Best. I also made a sowing on the first week in February of the same sort and side by side on a south border. None were protected. We gathered the first dish from the autumn-sown ones on June the 4th and from the Februarj' sow- ing on the I8th, thus giving a fortnight in favour of the former. I used to sow in strips of turf and plant out, but on our light soil I prefer autumn .sowing. While on early Peas, I would like to name a good kind to come in about four days after William the First, namely, Wellington JIarrow. It is a good cropper, produces from six to eight Peas in a pod, is of good flavour, and grows 4 ft. high. — J. C, Farnhoroiigli . Tomatoes 'Well Grown.— Wc Litely saw a metlio'l of growing Tom.atoes whlL-ti we think is the t)est way of growing this now popular vegetable. The Tomatoes in (|Uestion, which were growing in a span-roofed h«nise 240 ft. long, were planted on narrow wooden stages erected near the glass on each aide of the house. On these stages had been placed about 6 in. thick of pure loam, and the plants had been planted in it 9 in. apart. All side shoots are kept pinched off, and tlie main stems are trained np under the roof, so that in time the two rows of plants will meet at the top. Krom the axils of the lejives on the main stems are produced large trusses of fruit. The main stems of the plants in question were at the time of our visit 5 ft. long and as thick as a good walking-stick, and from top to bottom were bearing large trusses of fruit or bloom. This plan gives a good succession of ripe fruit, inasmuch as blooms are produced as the main stem advances, and, as the fruit is removed, adds additional strength to the plants. Mr. Hawkins, of Ealing, in whose nurseries we saw the bouse of Tomatoes referred to, asserts that this is the lust plan he has ever tried, as he can get double the weight of crop from a given space than by any otlier method. When this house of Tomatoes is in full bearing, it will be worth seeing. — GaTiieainj. nicely grown flowering plants, and the surface was covered with small Ferns and Messes, the whole being edged with small growing plants such as the Fruiting Duckweed, Gloxinias, Achimenes, and Billbergias, the latter raised above the smaller undergrowth. This group came from Mr. R. Lloyd, of Brookwood. — J. C, Fctriihorovijh. THE FLOWER GARDEN. Arranging Plants for Effect.— Offering prizes at tlower shows for groups of plants ar- ranged for effect affords many advantages ; among others, I may mention the fact that many are able to compete in this way who have not the conveni- ence to grow large specimens. At the flower show in Bagshot Park the other day, I was very pleased to see six groups of plants arranged for effect. The space for each exhibitor was 1(1 ft. by 10 f t , and amongst the six groups not one could be said to be barl. They were arranged round the tent, leaving the middle open. The first prize group was arranged in a natural and very graceful way. It contained some tall tree Ferns, the trunks of which were covered with leafy vegeta- tion ; also a few good Dracaenas and other tall fino-foliagcd plants, Hetween th?se were some PETUNIAS FKOM SEED. The.se scarcely come within the definition of bedding plants. They are not as a rule popular in that sense because they do not strictly confine themselves to certain forms and spaces. They rather like to ramble and grow in a style that is pleasing and graceful enough, but altogether too irregular for the bedder out. Therefore Petunias are not nor have for a long time been favourable bedding plants, and the flower garden has rather lost than gained by the comparative exclusion, Mr. Wildsmith uses a few plants of a rich purplish flowered kind at Heckfield, and gets from them a rich bit of colour, but that is almost an exception. There was much that was interesting in the large collections of Petunias which Messrs. Carter have been exhibiting recently at the metropolitan shows. There were to be seen flowers in infinite variety, selfs and strijies, singles and doubles, large and medium sized, and all very striking and doubtless in masses exceedingly effective. Perhaps the prettiest of all was a rosy carmine self named Queen of Roses, and as the habit of the plant was somewhat compact, I can well imagine that a bed of this would indeed produce a charming effect. Tiiere is considerable satisfaction attending the fact that these Petunias come freelj' and true from seed. Some thousands of plants are grown in pots and each bloom is carefully fertilised. Without this trouble the plants would be unproductive. The double and semi-double kinds present more difficulty because it is necessary to split these flowers with a knife carefully before the seed organs can be properly fertilised. Probably these large flowered sorts are in the best place when grown as pot plants. The habit generally is of an exceedingly robust character, and in the open ground is apt to degenerate too largely to wood. In pots, however, this coarseness is held in check, and by dint of a little pinching a good base is soon formed and a fine showy plant is the result. The great size of the flowers also militates against their general employment out doors, for tliese suffer much more from wind and heavy rains than single sorts. In fine dry weather, however, there is ample bloom and much effect, although perhaps not so much as is obtained from a good mass of the smaller flowered self and striped kinds, as these have more wiry growths, flower most profusely, and if injured by a heavy storm are soon as bright and gay again as ever. These smaller flowered kinds usually seed freely in the open ground, and need not artificial fertilising. Tlie flowers are varied and striking, and naturally attract bees and other insects. Seeds of any good kind will usually perpetu- ate it, and striped flowers will always reproduce their kind largely. The ease and freedom with which the Petunia grows render it peculiarly acceptable for massing in large beds where its bounds are not matters of matliematical preci- sion. It also makes a good basket or vase plant, and mixes well with similar plants. A few scarlet and pink Pelargoniums, rising up above the Petunias, are very pretty ; so also are Humeas, Hemps, or Cannas. Petuniaseed grnninates freely even without artificial heat, but choice kinds do best with warmth. Without heat seeds should be sown in February, but with heat a month later will suflice, as it is not desirable to have the plants too large before turning out of doors. A shilling packet of seed sown in a 12-in. pot will give, per- haps, 200 plants, enough to make any moderate- sized flower garden look gay. It is not at all needful that all these should be potted. If pricked out into shallow boxes some 2 in. apart, and put in the light with ample air, they will make good robust plants to put out with a garden trowel at the usual bedding period, and will often thrive better than will those whose roots have been confined. A. D. NOTES FROM A CIIESIIIKE GAIIDEX. RExrnNixo after three weeks' absence, I find that the " dripping June" which Cheshire has enjoyed has done its proverbial work, and though I arrived the morning after a heavy thunderstorm, flowers never looked better. Some plants arc overgrown owing to the lieat which has accompanied the wet, but in most cases tlie size of the flower is in proportion to the size of the plant. 5Iy eye is first caught by masses of the bright pink Silene armeria. Why is not this plant grown more ? Some bienniala are troublesome to rear, but this claims to liave establislied itself as a native plant. Sown last July and transplanted singlj' to vacant spots in May, the plants, where they have had room enough are now .'1 ft. across and i ft. high, covered to the ground with sprigs of pretty and durable flowers, produced in tlie most con- venient form possible for mixing in nosegays. Spirjeas are now in full force. There are the double and the variegated wild Meadow .Sweet, almost too large for gardens; dark pink .S. pal- mata and its variety elegans, with white flowers and pink anthers, said to be a hybrid between the two ; there are the Dropworts, double and single, with their pink buds and crisp leaves, and the large Spirrea Ariincus,claimiDg to have a dwarf variety, but this depends on soil and situation more than on nature, for all are gigantic here ; there is the tall and fast -spreading S. venusta, hardly out yet, with its light rose-coloured plumes of flowers ; lastly, there is S. trifoliata, now called Gillenia, distinct and rare, but not so handsome as the otliers. Mimulus cupreus is a brilliant little ornament in moist spots, and several varieties of M. cardinalis last in flower for a long time, the gayest being one called Crimson King, introduced last year by Ware. Drought is a greater enemy to these than cold, and on light dry soils they often die after flowering. Of Phloxes, those called by florists "suffru- ticose " are now out. This class of I'hlox has the merit of producing its crowns well separated, being to some extent stolon iferous, and tlie plants areeasily divided. The fin 'st white I'hlox 1 ever saw was one called Lady Xapier, but all tlie class arc fine this year. The Spotted Cat's-ear (Ilypoclbieris niaculata), which is our finest native composite, though I never saw it wild but on the Urme's Head, produces in culti- vation four or five flowers on a stalk, and four or five stalks on the same crown. The flowers are of the colour of pale Australian gold, and the leaves are handsomely spotted with black. Lychnis chalcedonica, both double and single, found something ungenial in the spring, and neither are doing well. Lychnis Ilaageana, how- ever, is remarkably fine. Of those sown in the spring of last year, most flowered in the autumn. A sowing planted out indi.scriniinately will produce some satisfactory results, Ihougli many may fail. The foot of tlie stalk is so little as to be liable at all ages to be snapped by wind if exposed to it, and sliould be tied. The colour of the flower varies from very dark scarlet to w liite. It is too soon to say much about Lilies. 1 can speak well of Lilium colchicum, which is past, and L. pardalinum, and some others, -which are present, but some which are still to flower behaved so badly about this time last year that I will wait" before I give them a character. I3ollflowers and Speed-svells are July 1G. 1881.) THE GAEDEN 55 flowering without number, and many of tliem without name, oi- to a name which they have no right. One of tlie most useful and free flowering of the Campanulas is sold as C. alpina, C. azurea, and C. rotundifolia major, the last name being, I believe, right, for it seems to pass by imperceptible gradations and various names into the native Harebell, though it is much larger and more robust. Of border Campanulas, none are handsomer including- pure white ; many of them relapse in the direction of (!. carpatica, which I suppose is the parent. Last spring 1 gave half-a-crown for a Campanula called Raineri, which I cannot distinguish from a good turbinata. Of rockery Campanulas, besides the blue and the white 0. pumila — goodexcept for their running propensity — there are a large number, of which C.garganica may be taken as the type. Most of them have white as well as " hirsute " varieties, the white The Wikt Garden : Colonies of Narcissus, Broal-Ioavecl Saxifrage, &c., in rough shrubbery. than C. Van Ilouttei, with its large flowers of soft blue, and if any one could raise a white Van Houttei, he would earn the gratitude of gardeners. Those who wish to make a great show in July with little trouble and cost will find the Canterbury Bell, with its monstrous varieties and many colours, useful for their purpose ; but it is short lived, and not a pleasing flower. C. turbinata, which produces its flowers as fast as there is room for them to open, is a better plant. The seedlings show a variety of colour. being generally difllcult to keep. The Spider- worts, of many shades between dark blue and white, are now very pretty in the sunshine ; and the Potentillas, both single and double, are very showy, but not neat in their habit. A curious and interesting plant, which formerly grew on the coast of North Wales, but is now nearly extinct there, is Mertensia maritima, the Oyster Plant. It grows well here in light soil covered with fine shingle, and has for two months borne abundance of small flowers of porcelain blue. The prettiest Stonecrop now out is Sedum pulchellum, very free flowering and dividing its flower-heads into five branches like a spread hand. 13ut I have taken enough space and will only add that I never recollect July opening with a better prospect of being a flowery month. C. WoLLEY Dod. Edye Hall, Malpas. THE WILD GARDEN. The illustrated edit ion of this book is now ready, after being long out of print, owing to the time necessary to obtain drawings and execute en- gravings, of which there are over ninety. It was felt that the use of illustrations would help to make both the aims and sugges- tions of the book clearer. It was equally desirable to show by illustration some of the more valuable types of the vast stores of material which may be used in the Wild Garden. Of this term there has been some misimderstanding, and it is thus referred to in the preface. It is applied essentially to the placing of per- fectly hardy exotic plants in places and under conditions where they will become established and take care of themselves. It has nothing to do with the old idea of the " wilderness," though it may be carried out in connection with that. It does not necessarily mean the picturesque garden, for a garden may be highly picturesque, and yet in every part the result of ceaseless care. What it does mean is best explained by the winter Aconite flowering under a grove of naked trees in February ; by the Snowflake growing abundantly in meadows by the Thames side ; by the peren- nial Lupine dyeing an islet with its purple in a Scotch river; and by the Apennine Anemone staining an English wood blue before the bloom- ing of our Blue-bells. Multiply these instances a thousandfold, illustrated by many different types of plants and hardy climbers from countries as cold and colder than our own, and one may get a just idea of the wild garden. Some have erroneously represented it as allowing a garden to run wild, or sowing annuals promiscuously ; whereas it studiously avoids meddling with the garden proper at all, except at attempting the improvements of bare shrubbery borders in the London parks and elsewhere ; but these are waste spaces, not gardens. I wish it to be kept distinct in the mind from the various important phrases of hardy plant growth in groups, beds, and borders, in which good culture and good taste may produce many happy effects ; distinct from the rock ganien or the^borders reserved for choice hardy flowers of all kinds ; from the best phrase of the sub-tropical garden — that of growing hardy plants of fine form ; from the ordinary type of spring garden ; and from the gardens, so to say, of our beautiful native flowers in our woods and wilds. How far the wild garden may be carried out as an aid to, or in connection with, any of the above in the smaller class of gardens, can be best decided on the spot in each case. In the larger gardens, where, on the outer fringe of the lawn, in grove, park, copse, or by woodland walks or drives, there is often ample room, fair gardens and wholly new and beautiful aspects of vegetation may be created by its means. The Pinks at Pilrig Park Nurseries, Edin- burgh, to-day were so beautiful (scenting the air everywhere near them) that I asked for some flowers. Ascott, Hercules, Derby Day, androbustus, which I send you, are tied together ; the others are seedlings raised by Jlr. Grieve, one of the largest being a hybrid between Anue Boleyn and multi- florus. Plants of it, as well as of all the other seed- lings, are covered with buds, and remain in flower till late in the season. Most of the plants are from 5 in. to 1 ft. high, so that they require no tying. Another point in their favour is that almost all are propagated by division, not by cuttings, 56 THE GAEDEN. [July 16, 1881. which ought to make the cultivation of I'inks easier and more widespread. — C. M. 0. SWEET BEIEU IN THE WILD GARDEN. Nothing can surpass the beauty of this just now, covered, as it is, with its soft rosy-pink flowers. A few years ago a good many Sweet Briers were planted in hedges here and in the ornamental woods, and they are all now blooming most pro- fusely, particularly those in the woods ; the)' have not been pruned or restrained in any way, but allowed to grow anyhow, being planted in rough open places with abundance of room for full de- velopment. They are now wild, rambling bushes, and, as I have said, literally covered with blossom, a fact that seems to me to point out that if this fragrant plant is to be seen in its full beauty un- limited freedom should be given to its naturally wide-spreading, scrambling habit. No matter how rough the situation may be, it can accommodate itself to any circumstances. Having planted it freely and reaped much enjoyment therefrom, I advise others who have the opportunity to do like- wise. I may add that I never imagined the Sweet Brier (that common old-fashioned plant) capable of making so lovely a picture. These wild bushes when seen at a little distance just now are almost startling at first sight, their showers of flowers quite eclipsing everything near them. No other shrubs in flower are necessary to blend, mix, con- trast, or enhance the beauty of the Sweet Brier ; its delicious fragrance and modest lovely flowers render it charming wherever it may be placed, whether in wood, copse, or hedge. In wild garden or flower garden it is equally a favourite ; it never seems to look like an usurjjer either in a lowly or exalted position. G. Berkt. Lonrjleat. THE CHICKWEED AND OTHER PHLOXES. Probably no other American genus of plants affords to the flower garden such a number of unlike forms as the Phlox. The annual Phlox Drummondi has produced distinct varieties enough to alone furnish a garden with almost every shade in colour, while the perennial species are very numerous, and present such a variety in habit, that they may be for garden purposes re- garded in three distinct groups. One set are properly alpine in habit ; of these the beautiful P. subulata, or Moss Pink, is the best known, but there are many others in the Rocky Mountains and westward, some of them more truly alpine, and quite unknown to cultivation. Nest to these are several that may be grouped as running or creeping Phloxes. These are perennial, but their principal stems are prostrate, though their flower- ing stems are erect. Lastly, there are the well- known tall garden Phloxes, which are generally called the perennial Phloxes, though all but P. Drummondi arc also perennial. Perennial Phloxes have been so hybridised that the original species are quite lost sight of, and a vast number of garden forms of the greatest beauty and variety are the result. It is remarkable for one genus to Iiave produced what may be regarded as the most widely popular annual, and well-nigh the most useful perennials of our gardens, but its possibilities have not yet been exhausted. In the alpine section, while there are yet a number un- known to our gardens, and may be regarded as raw material in reserve, florists have been at work upon the one so long cultivated. The Moss Pink, I'hlox subulata, varies so in the wild state that its forms have been described and named as species ; this has of late been takeii in hand by European florists, and already varieties of en- couraging beauty have been obtained. The group we have designated as running appears to have received but little attention at the hands of the florists. This may bo because of the irregular rambling habit of the plants, though in some the flowers in their natural state are of tints not found in the other section, and in two species the lobes of the corolla are deeply divided or cleft. If these will hybridise with the section of peren- nial Phloxes, it will allow new forms, and perhaps new colours, to be introduced among them. One of the rarest of the species of this section — indeed one of the rarest of our Phloxes, unless it may be some of the high mountain — is P. Stellaria, it having been found only in a locality in Kentucky and sparingly in Southern Illinois. The slender, .smooth stems run from G in. to 8 in. high, the leaves narrow and the flowers white, with a bluish tinge ; each lobe is cleft, like the petals of the C'hickweed (Stellaria), a resem- blance that no doubt suggested the specific name. There is but one other species [of Phlox with the lobes tlnis split, P. bifida, which is lessrarethan the present one, and is fonnd in Illinois and Missouri. It differs from its relative, among other points, in being downy and in having pale purple flowers. — American Agriculturist. CARNATIONS AND PICOTEES. The Properties of a " perfect " Carnation or Picotee, according to the written rules of exhibitions drawn up from time to time by the best autliorities, are as ^follows : The flower should have a diameter of about 3 in. or more. This is not so important as other points, though if two flowers were otherwise equal, the prize ■would go to the largest. The first circle of petals (commonly called the guard petals) should he broad and smooth, absolutely plain round the edge, and without notch or indentation of any sort ; in nuinber six or seven, lapping one over another, so as to form a perfect circle without serrature. All the successive circles, or tiers of petals, should consist of six or seven petals, gradually getting smaller in each successive layer, until it rises to the centre, as a perfect hemisphere. The small petals, forming the centre of the bloom, must not be crowded or confused; the horns or styles (the pistil) must lie gracefully down on either side of the flower. Each individual petal should be quite smooth at the edge, and in the case of hizarrcs each petal should have both colours marked on each petal, even though one of the colours should be extremely faint (a tiny flush is enough to qualify the bloom), the white groundwork of which should be pure, lustrous, and sparkling. The substance of each petal should be full and rich, and should be slightly concave or cupped. If the flower is a self it must be quite pure in colour, without any specks or darker shades of colour on the petals. If the flower is a flake the stri])es must be quite clearly cut out on the pure white ground, not tinging the white or running into one another. The colours must be decided and brilliant, no neutral tints being allowed unless possessing a decided individuality. In tlie case of bizarres the colours oiight to contrast powerfully and favourably — the darker, ricli and velvety and as dark as possible, the lighter, pure and brilliant. Tlie calyx sheath or pod should be quite whole, a reasonable length, about I in. or a little more, unsplit and carrying the petals well. Picotees, as has been mentioned before, are divided into heavy edges, light edges, and yellow grounds. Ths marginal band should be clearly and evenly traced on the edge as if it had been done by hand ; the colour uniform in tint, and not running down into the ground, and not notched by the white ground running into it. The ground must under no circumstances be specked with colour. Faults.— The following faults di.^qualify a Carnation or I'icotee in an exhibition': If there be any petal dead or mutilated. If any petal is totally devoid of colour. If any petal is entirely suffused with colour and shows no ground. Picotees must on no account be f eatliered or barred in any way. The calyx must not be .split too far down. Under uo circumstances must there be a notched petal. These rules are, of course, not to be taken as necessary con- ditions to the perfection of the flower ; in fact, try to conceive anything more hideous tlian a bloom containing all the above " virulence of perfection," hard and regular in its outline, it would be positively painful to look at ; but the flower which contains some or all of the above conditions in a certain degree, cannot possibly be surpassed in beauty by tlie most beautiful gem of our gardens. The beauty whicli is so much wondered at by visitors at the Carnation and I'icotee exhibition is of course the result of careful '• dre.ssing," an operation which, delicate and scientific in its performance, completely f ran.'iflgures the bloom, as much in fact as careful dre.ssing transforms, or ratlier, I should say, enhances the beauty of the visitor.? themselves. IMuch has been said by high authorities both for and against this art ; but those who have seen the Carnation or Picotee bloom dressed and undressed will ever readily prefer the latter to the former. Girofle. GAMPANULA.S. The notes you inserted in your last were not in- tended as an exhaustive account of the Campa- nulas, but were merely written down at the moment, describing those which were in bloom here. Your correspondent, C. II. W. Martin, will find, on referring to a previous communica- tion of mine (June 4, p. oGO), that I then de- scribed several other most interesting Campanu- las, viz., C. thyrsoides, C. glomerata alba, and C. Wanneri, all of which I exhibited at the Manchester Flower Show at that date. We have several others now in bloom which deserve a passing mention, as the subject appears to have interested many of your rea- ders. Of C. persieifolia alba, another form is now in bloom, having much longer flowers and more of the C. rotundifolia shape than the ordinary type. This variety was given me by the Kev. ( '. AN'olley Dod, and it is equal to auv of the varieties in beauty. C. grandis alba 1 had also from the same friend ; it is very elegant, and will be a useful sort for bouquets. C. Van Ilouttei should be in every garden ; it has large and handsome flowers of a very rich deep violet-purple, carried stiffly on stalks of from 1 ft. to '2 ft. high. C. alliariKfolia, lacti- flora, azurea, celtidifolia, and linifolia are all good sorts ; the latter has Grass-like foliage, and long narrow bells of the rotundifolia class, and is exceedingly graceful. C. garganica was one of our exhibits at the show in AVhit week, and the same plant is now one mass of colour in a cool greenhouse, having bloomed ever since. This is one of the loveliest of Campanulas, and should be grown for greenhouse pui-poses. One of your correspondents refers to C. latLfolia, and another to C. pyramidalis, but neither of these is yet in flower with us, nor is C. Ilendersoni, one of the very best. Mr. Burbidge and another of your correspondents refer to C. I'aineri, and some friend has sent nie a .Campanula by post, which is, I believe, C. turbinata, but as neither letter nor addres.-* accompanied the flower I cannot send a reply ; however, I believe I am wrong about C. 'lUineri, as Mr. Whittaker, of Morley, was through my garden on A\'ednesday last, and he tells me I have not got the true Raineri. I have plants under that name from two of our best florists, but Mr. AVhittaker says they are both turbinata. If any of your readers will kindly send me the true sort I shall esteem it a favour. The Canterbury Bells, which are but biennial Campanulas, are now coming into flower, and these are quite as beautiful as the perennial sorts. We have them in a great many varieties and colours, one of the I July 16, 1881.] THE GAEDEN. 57 loveliest beino; of a delicate piuk, with a frill rouud its neck lilce a Queen Elizabeth's ruff. Others are double. Mr. Dean, of Ealing, lias a capital strain of Cauterburj^ liells, from which many of ours are descended. All good gardeners should grow these largely, as they come in most usefully for filling up gaps in the border.s, bloom when tlowers are getting scarce, and harmonise well with the Roses which now abound. — "\Vm Beockbank, Brockhurat, Bidsbury. THE ARMEItlAS, OK THRIFTS. Many novelties in the hardy plant way are yearly introduced to our gardens. INIany of them, though beautiful, through difficulty in the way of culture, or some inconceivable reason, are popular only for a time, and are soon forgotten. The Thrifts, however, have become such established favourites that it seems im- probable they can ever be lost, especially the common Thrift, or Sea Pink ( Arraeria vulgaris, or A. raaritima of some), the cottager's favour- ite. They thrive luxuriantly when grown in a well-drained, but retentive soil — by retentive, I do not mean clayey loam, but peat and stones. They may always be seen to the best advan- tage in gardens where the natural soil is moist and gravelly. In nurserymen's catalogues the names of many Armeria laucheana. kinds always occupy .specific rank, but I think that for a gardener's purpose they might weU be classed in two groups — under A. cephalotes and A. maritima. \Ve grow the miniature A. juncea, A. maritima, and A. cephalotes near each other. A number of self-sown seedlings are flowering in the neighbourhood of all three parents, and it is exceedingly interesting to note the wonderful variety in habit and colour of flower that exists among them. It may safely be said that the various recognised types are so nearly allied, that, at least, in strict botanical technicality, they might be considered all varieties of one type. "\Ve have all intermediate forms between the miniature A. juncea and A. cephalotes. AU the kinds have flowers arranged in heads, supported on scape-lUce stems, pro- ceeding from a tuft of Grass-like leaves. They are exceedingly floriferous, flowering from May throughout the summer. The blossoms vary in colour from deep rose to white. They are in- creased either by division or seed. A. cephalotes is a strong growing kind, which throws up its flower-heads to the height of about 1 ft. They vary in colour from deep rose to lilac. With this as type I include the forms sold as A.grandi- flora, A. purpurea, and A. plantaginea. It is scarcely capable of division, but increases freely from seed. If opportunities for hybridising are given, various forms will result. A. maritima is a muchmore compact grower than theformer. The flower-heads are supported about G in. above a tuft of flexuous Grass-like leaves. They are rose coloured. It is capable of division. Under this as type may be included the forms known as A. alpina (A. vulgaris being- synonymous), A. maritima rosea, A. m. alba, Mr. I'arker's variety (A. m. coccinea), and a rather distinct variety named A. juncea, with much smaller flower-stems, and heads with fewer, but larger flowers — a most beautiful kind. T. D. Hatfield. AUTUMN SEEDS. At this season the herbaceous plants will be bearing ripe seeds, and if these can be utilised they will furnish abundant stock for another year. Of course the best plan is to gather the seed carefully on a dry, sunny da}', and pre- serve it for next spring, and for this purpose I keep a stock of small white paper Isags, of which I carry a few in my garden coat pockets ; so that whenever seed appears to be ripe and fit, it can be gathered, and the name and particulars written upon the bag. But this plan involves a lot of trouble, and the seedlings are often lost or forgotten when they come up in due course next spring. I have therefore adopted the simple plan of always letting the seeds fall near the plants, there to come up and in time become seedlings around the parent ; and for a good many sorts this plan answers admirably. Primroses, Polyanthuses, and Primula japonica are bestmanaged thus, and'you can tell pretty nearly the character of the seed- lings from their relationship to the parent plants near to which they are clustered, and you take further trouble with them by carefully pricking them out if they are of any value. The big perennial Lupines, Delphiniums, Ver- bascums, Lychnis, Saxifraga peltata, Aquilegias, and such large plants I sow broadcast in suitable situations, amongst Inishes, in any open spaces, and in any situations where they can have room for growth, and it is surprising what large numbers of plants are matured in this way from the seed otherwise wasted, for you would never have troubled to gather the whole, or to sow a tithe of it next spring. Our Myosotis, used for spring bedding, when taken up is trenched in a long line, and allowed to drop its seed, and thus we get thousands of plants for next year, which are carefully pricked out in due season. On the rockeries we take care that loose soil is prepared round the Saxifrages, Dianthuse.?, and other small plants, so that the seed may fall and find a resting place. Fritil- lary seed we gather when ripe, and drop here and there in suitable corners and crevices, where it comes up in due time. Androsaces we take out of pots and plant in flat boxes filled with suitable soil, and leave the seed thus to sow itself, where it can be placed under cover from winter rains. In this way our Androsace sar- mentosa has given us a very large number of seedlings for next year's use. There is not very much for an amateur to do in his garden at this season, and he may thus utilise his leisiu-e to good purpose. It is also well to reserve a stock of seeds for your friends and for exchanges. My friend, Mr. Leo H. Grindon, remembered my hobby during his travels last year, and brought me home the seeds of some thirty rare herbaceous plants, all carefully named and their habits noted on the parcels. Of these at least two-thirds have grown, and we have thus obtained a number of very rare plants not to be found in any catalogue. This is a welcome and valuable sort of present, and worth making a note of. Wm, Beockbank. Brockhurst, Didshury, DAFFODILS. In Tub Gaeden for July 2 (p. 5), Mr. Brock- bank .states : — ■ Mr. Burbidge now says tlistinotly (p. C331 that there is but one foini of tlie wild Daffodil, viz., that more or less, but alw.ayg, bicolor, and that the "self yellow" form is a nonentity altogether ; and this althoush I have stated that, to others besides myself, it has been shown that there are two forms, "SMiat I really did say on p. 033 was as follows ; — ■ Now as to the wild forms, there are at least twenty wild forms of the common Daffodil to be found in Britain and elsewhere in Europe. The " self yellow " is a nonentity altogether ; at least after some ten or more years' study of Daffodils, no form is known to me which has not more yellow colouring on the corona or crown than on the perianth segments. I can well believe that Mr. Brockbank really had no wish or intention to misrepresent what I wrote, but the fact remains that (as I have before proved on p. 033) he did so misrepresent me, just as he again does on p. 5 of The Gakdbn for July 2. Now, Mr. BrocJcbankgoes on to say that Plate 3 of, the Narcissus is coloured wrongl}', " as It clearly represents the wild form of Daffodil with both tube and perianth of the same colour, except the inside cresting of the tube." The plate really does not represent perianth and crown or corona of the same tint, and the tube of which Mr. Brockbank speaks as if it were the corona is tinted green ! My book was published in 1875, and our knowledge of Daffodils has largely increased since that time, and it is a fact that I now hold many views about Daffodils that I did not hold then. Lest Mr. Brockbank should again misunderstand me, I repeat the fact that all DafiodOs are more or less two-coloured, but this statement does neither mean nor imply that aU Daffodils are either the bicolor of our gardens of to-day, or the bicolor of the Botanical 3Iatjaz.ine, t. 1187. When Mr. Brockbank refers N. Emperor (see p. 5) to the " self-yellow " series, he cannot be really serious, since the perianth and crown are of two distinct shades of yellow, not self or concolorous in any way. The two Daffodils which most nearly approach to being tndy self-coloui-ed are N. obvallaris and N. maximus, but even in these the crown is of a distinctly deeper shade than are the perianth divisions. I trust that the Daffodils may form a medium for discussion, not only for next spring, but for many springs to come, and, supposing such an inducement to industry to be acceptable, I will gladty send a copper kettle to whoever first sends to me a Daffodil in which the perianth segments and the crown are of exactly the same tint of yellow. F. W. B. NOTES FROM SWITZERLAND. (alpine plants at the newmunsiee NUnSEEIES.) Although a snowless winter proves often very dangerous to alpine plants, our collections have, on the whole, not suffered much, and the rockeries look this year as bright as ever. But a few days ago the Pyrenean Stone-break (Saxi- fraga longifolia) was the sight of the place; as many as fifty plants were flowering at the time, and the grand old specimens flgm-ed in our catalogue of hardy plants were transformed into a snow-white pyramid, 2 ft. high, composed of innumerable flowers. Ramondias have been very fine this year ; the variety having pure white flowers forms a pleasing contrast with the dark violet corollas of the typical plant. Our specimensgrowso well on the perpendicular shady rocks they are occupying, that they have quite the appearance of being naturalised there. Next to Ramondia pyrenaica grows the allied Haber- lea rhodopensis with its delicately coloured small flower-bells overshadowed by a large flowering specimen of our alpine Rose (Rhododendron 58 THE GARDEN. [Jtav IG, 1881. liirsutum). Kosa berberidifolia is in bud, and we shall shortly liave the pleasure of seeing for tlie first lime the flowers of this remarkable plant. AcanlhoUmon vennstum forms among the stones a cliarmiug carpet of spiny glaucous leaves, and is just now opening its numerous rose-coloured flowers borne on slender arching spikes. In a shady nook AVulfenia Amhersti is flowering, and on the top of the rockery, placed in the full sun, a fine specimen of Lithospermum petraeum is in bloom. The collection of House Leeks takes up the driest part of the rockery, and here, among Sedums, Umbilicus, and various kinds of Sempervivum, grows the beautiful Opuntia camancliica, bearing many large pale sulphur-coloured flowers. A tall plant of Lilium dalmaticum is open- ing its buds, and for the second time this year Arnebia ecbioides develops its showy spotted flowers. Linaria pallida covers a large piece of sloping ground, and exceedingly prettj' look the dark blue spurred flowers among the small shining leaves. The Italian Lilium pede- montanum shows a good number of flower-stems carrying clusters of nodding lilac -coloured fiowers. Everywhere appear the brilliant corol- las of alpine Poppies, from pure white to dark red ; all intermediate sbades are represented, froducing lively effects among the grey rocks. )ryas octopetala and the American Dryas IJruinmondi are growing side by side, and cover a whole corner of the rockery. Their dense creeping branches are surmounted by fruit- bearing flower-stems, which, crowned by long- tailed silky skins, look very pretty indeed. Atragene alpina, having flowered profusely this spring, is ripening seed. Onona fruticosa is flowering next to a large specimen of Laserpitium Siles, a fine umbelliferous plant which forms a very conspicuous feature on the top of the rockery. .Ethionema coridifolium and grandi- florum liave been imusually fine this year. A beautiful tuft of Thalictrum adiantifolium growing out from the rocks resembles — with its delicately -shaped leaves — very much some kind of Adiantum. The rare Erodium chrysanthum bas bloomed well ; it still shows a good many of its small fragrant yellow flowers, and in another place a specimen of the white-flowered variety is covered with blossoms. The Olympian Ileron's- bill has large purple flowers, and the rare and beautiful Erodium cheilanthifolium bears the last lilac-coloured blooms among its silverj- leaves. Different forms of Edraianthus (a sub-genus of Campanula) are flowering now, and while the charming Campanula AVanneri is past flower- ing, other alpine forms show their tiny blue or white bells. The Edelweiss, often alluded to, has been very fine ; hundreds of them growing in an open border were literally covered with fiowers, and are now ripening seed. Astragalus adsurgens, which has flowered well, presents a most pe- culiar aspect now with its chocolate-coloured pods of the size of a small Plum, lying on the ground among the creeping branches. Ery- throoa linarifolia is quite a gem ; scarcely '2 in. high, this beautiful little plant produces in abundance its lively rose-coloured blossoms. An exceedingly rare Soapwort (Saponaria pulvi- naris) has flowered here for the first time ; it forms a desse light green carpet, studded with tiny red flowers. Planted on the edge of a Khododendron bed, Aquilegia alpina has flowered remarkably well. In form and colour the flowersseem equal, if not superior, to any other kind of Columbine. On the same spot are growing two alpine Ferns — Notholajna IMa- rantae, from the Southern Tyrol, and Woodsia ilvensis, of our own mountains, plants not often met with, thougli among the best of the class to which they belong. Hardy Lady's Slippers have been as bright as usual ; several hundreds of our indigenous Cypripedium Cal- ceolus are growing, together with the American C. pubescens, in a shady border and flower abundantly every year. Of C. spectabile, whicli is grown in shady peat beds, a good many have been displaying their lovely wliite and rose- coloured flowers. The beautiful purple C. macranthum has been in bloom, and also for the first time a plant of the rare Siberian C. guttatum. The curious shape and the large brown spots of the rather small flower dis- tinguish this fine species from all others. Ziii-ir/i. Li. L. :M. NOTES AND QUESTIONS. Hardy Cacti. — All the Echlnocereus, Opuntia missouriensis and its varieties, 0. Katfines- quiana, O. vulgaris, and 0. glomerata, and most o£ the Echinopsis are all hardy, but the soil must be well drained and sandy. It ought to be jjre- pared for the reception of the plants, and the position exposed, say an old or new wall, on which they could grow like Wallflowers or Antirr- hinums, or brackets may be made for them with pieces of stone and cement. — J. CitorCHEn. Hybrid Columbines —Referring to Jlr. Dod's plea for these, we have no desire whatever to take a botanical view of tlie subject, but long experience has shown us that none of the hybrids ever surpass in beauty the species as we know them. We shall be glad to alter our opinion on seeing anything better than the true A. coerulea or its fine white form, or the golden Columbine, or the alpine, or A. glandulosa. No doubt many seed- ling Columbines are worth growing.but not worth sending out as improvements, while they are even more ditficult to keep pure than the species. Select Pansies.— The following is a list of some of the best Tansies which I saw at Filrig Park, Edinburgh, viz. : Fancies — Mrs. George Koss, Telephone, Zulu Queen, J. C. Grieve, Miss Duncan, Mrs. G. Muirhead, John Joss, William Welsh, Mrs. Miller, Mrs. Thompson, Mary McComb, True r.lue, George Wyraess, Beauty, Robert William- son, Mrs. Hugh Hunter, William Dalgetty, Mrs. Wilson, John Officer, Dr. Thompson Forbes, William Stuart, Pioneer, Viola formosa, lavender, and Countess of Kintore, shaded purple and mauve. Most of these are new ones, of which some of your readers may like to know their names. Home of the seedlings not yet named equal many of these in beauty. The profusion of Pansies and Violas in blossom now makes it diffi- cult to realise that many thousands of plants were killed last winter, which with frost 2° below zero cannot be wondered at. I send a sweet- scented Viola, Alba odorata, and a very distinct Pansy, Pioneer. — C. M. Owen. Flowers at Langport. — Pyrethrums, in their second liloouiing stage, are very fine just now. Of Delphiniums tliere are now twenty varieties in bloom, of which Bella Donna (sky blue, free bloomer, making lateral flower-stalks the whole summer, fine for bouquet making), Ranunculoides (double violet), JIdme. Chatc (fine spike of sky blue with a white eye),andConspicuum (violet, with a white eye) are very fine ; masses of these have a very striking effect. Redding Violas are still finely in flower. Amongst the best arc Picturata (silver grey), Rlue King, Forerunner (violet). Gold Prince, Lavender Queen, Peach ISlos- som, Waverley (violet). Genista tinctoria is a fine shrub. It bears golden yellow spikes of flowei's about .') in. in length ; plants covering a space ."! ft. diameter are one mass of bloom. Stenactis speciosa, single, lavender with yellow stamens, grows about 1 ft. high. Of this" I saw plants furnished with fifty umbels of bloom, and flowers li in. in diameter, three or four flowers being on each umbel. Antennaria arenaria has yellow flowers with golden centres, about i in. in diameter, produced in umbels of about fifteen to thirty. Messrs. Kelway have plants of it 4 ft. in dia- meter and r. in. high ; (lowers everlasting. The Petuidas, finely striped and good in shape, are worth seeing. They are dwarf in habit, care being taken to save tlie seed of the best only. Of Ilyacinthus candicans there are many thousands in flower. They are very strong and pronnse to make fine bulbs. This plant, though perfectly hardy, is valuable for forcing, the flowers being pure white when grown indoors. Each spike produces from ten to twenty blooms. The flowers of Campanula persicifolia alba fl.-pl. are excellent for bouquet making. I saw large plants of it in full bloom, each with from twenty to thirty spikes and with from five to ten flowers on a spike. The plant grows 'Ji ft. high, and is in bloom during June and July. Aster Amellus bessarabicus, sky blue with yellow disc, is similar in habit to Stenactis speciosa. (Enothera Youngi grows 2 ft. high, and blooms during June, July, and August. — K. TREES AND SHRUBS. THE CUT-LEAVED AND OTHER BIRCHES. OxE of the most graceful trees we have ever seen on a lawn is a tree of this in Messrs. Ellwauger & Barry's nurseries at Rochester, in the State of New York, though far from the Eetula puuiiU. city of that name. It was a fall and stately tree, though with all the grace of its kind. AVe do not remember to have .seen so good a tree of this Birch in this country, from which we believe Messrs. Ellwanger obtained their speci- men when young. The American Birches aie trees of some intere.st to planters, and tlie following account of them from the liiiral Xeio Yoi-ktr -will be read with interest. Betula lenta, the Pliant Birch, otherwi.se called the i^weet. Black, or Cherry Birch, does not look unlike a Cherry tree on a casual glance. It grows large and prefers moist ground like many of its relatives, but also, like most of its relatives, adapts itself readily to most soils, even the most sterile. The leaves push forth early and are downy, and the bronze red twigs I are aromatic. Indeed, many Birches after a > July 16, 1881.) THE GAEDEN. 59 shower or dew give forth a faiut, delicate, but delightful odour. Neither sliould I forget to mention the beautiful yellow " pussies " or cat- kins that appear on this, as well as niauy other Birches early in spring. lietula lutea, the yellow or gray Birch, has a trunk yellowish gray, almost silvery in hue, with leaves more downy and less heart-shaped than the last. Of the white-trunked Birches of America, there are canoe building. B. alba populifilia peels readily also, but not in such large masses as B. papy- racea. Indian Birches.— B. Bhajapaltra, called the Indian Paper Birch, is a beautiful Indian species, not unlike our papyracea. B. acuminata of Nepaul is another Asian species, with very taper-pointed, smooth leaves, and a beautiful, pendulous, oval shape. These Asian species The Cut-leaved Birch. two noteworthy species: Betula alba populi- folia is decidedly attractive and valuable on the lawn. It is a moderate-sized tree, bearing triangular, taper-pointed, smooth, and glossy leaves. The Canoe Birch (Betula papyracea) is perhaps the most noteworthy American Birch. It makes a large tree with quite ovate or heart- shaped leaves. These leaves are dark green, and contrast strongly with the distinctly white older portions of the trunk. The bark peels off readily in ample sheets, whence its use for generally are very like American Birches. I should have mentioned, perhaps, among the European "White Birches the variety pubesoens, bearing leaves covered with beautiful white hairs, as well as B. a. urticfefolia, i.e., nettle- leaved, a deeply-cut, serrated, and hairy variety, and a variegated kind of the same with leaves blotched with yellow. I do not pretend to have mentioned all Birches valuable for the lawn, but only a few of the most distinctive, No lawn is perfect without some of these Birches, and any lawn is graced by their light and airy presence. Variegated Sugar Maple.— Among the new and valuable productions at E. Y. Teas is a beautifully variegated leaf form of the native Sugar Maple (Acer saccharinum), which bids fair to become a valuable acquisition to our list of native ornamental trees. The original tree has grown toalarge size, and still holds its variegation during the whole summer with as much per- menancy as any of our other variegated forms of trees or shrubs. It is now being propagated, and in due time will be oiiered to the public. — Botanical Tiitltw. ViY KOT HUKTFUL TO TREES. The following observations on the effects of Ivy on trees, written by Repton many years ago, and published in " The Transactions of the Linnean Society," appear to be so valuable and hitherto seen by so few, that we have tliougbt it well to reproduce them : " Although I am afraid," says Repton, " that any attempt to remove the long- established prejudices concerning Ivy will be deemed chimerical by those who have taken up a contrary opinion from theory to that which I de- duce from facts and observation, yet I will venture to assert that Ivy is not only less in- jurious to trees than it is generally deemed, but that it is often beneficial, and its growth deserves to be encouraged rather than checked, as is too often practised in woodland countries. I have been led to adopt this opinion during the last two or three years, f I om having observed the timber in some very old parks and,woods (as at Stoneleigh Abbey, Warwickshire, Langley, in Nottingham- shire, and some others), where the Ivy had not been cut off, and where the timber was in greater perfection than at other places in the same neigh- bourhoods where the Ivy had been most cautiously destroyed; and during the winter of 1808 and 1809, the contrast betwixt the scenery of different places with and without Ivy was so striking, that I was insensibly led to collect facts in support of the opinion so diametrically opposite to the theory of those who consider Ivy as a destroyer. In ' Miller's Dictionary,' by Martyn, Ivy is said to waste and devour trees ; and in Evelyn's ' Silva,' book ii., chap, vii., it is classed among things in- jurious to trees without any reason assigned, and is thus mentioned : ' Ivy is destroyed by digging up its roots and loosening its hold ; but even the removal of Ivy itself, if very old, and when it has long invested its support, is attended with per- nicious consequences, the tree frequently dying from the sudden exposure to unaccustomed cold.' And I have found in the north of England that Ivy is considered as a ' clothing to keep the tree warm.' Yet the poets of all ages have accused the Ivy of feeding on the tree by which it is sup- ported ; although"'it is now very generally known that it draws its nourishment from the soil by roots, and not from those irbres which have been mistaken for roots, but which are in fact claspers by which it fastens its tendrils to the bark of trees, when the bark is of sutficient thickness ; but it is a remarkable fact, that Ivy will not lay hold of the shoots of any tree till the bark is three or four years old ; and that it is more apt to attach itself to trees whose bark is decayed than to young and healthy shoots where the bark is thin and smooth. It very rarely happens that Ivy climbs to the extremity of a young shoot, and if it were capable of doing so, and of subduing the growtli of young branches, it would more easily destroy the shoots of pollards cut down close into very large masses of Ivy, as we often see by the sides of high roads ; whereas, on the contrary, it will be found, that if there be any difference in the growth of such shoots, it will be in favour of those pollards that are most profusely covered with Ivy. "Ivy-bound Trees. — Another mistaken idea prevails among woodmen respecting Ivy-bound trees, as if the tree were bound round by Ivy, as is often the case by Honeysuckles, Traveller's 60 THE GARDEN. [July 16, 1881. Joy, and other creepers, which form a spiral round the stem, and may perhaps check the cir- culation oi juices in the tree. 13ut this is not the case with Ivy ; it goes up straight on one side, or trails along the surface of lateral branches, with- out attempting to girth round or form a spiral line or tight bandage; on the contrary, it may be re- marked that Ivy appears to feel its way with a sort of finger-like extremity, by which it insinuates itself into cavities in bark or crevices in the wall, but does not affix its holders till it meets with a substance which cannot be injured by them. In- deed, of so singular a nature is the mode of growth and attachment in Ivy, that it seems possessed of some sensitive quality ; for the first effort to fasten itself is by a Icind of gluten, or by a spongy substance like that by whicli flies walk up the smooth surface of glass windows. This is par- ticularly evident in the five-leaved Ivy ; but the common Ivy does not attach itself to smooth or vigorous young bark of the trees that support it, nor will it fasten to its own shoots, but seems cautiously to avoid them, generally by taking a different direction, and sometimes by crossing over the fibres, leaving a space between for each to swell ; while, on the contraiy, it feels its way and insinuates itself most closely into all cavities, particularly in old walls, which may sometimes be injured, but I believe are more often supported, by the matted and reticulated fibres which hold the loose stones together. Linnajus affirms that ' Ivy does no injury to buildings,' and his obser- vation respecting Ivy on buildings confirms mine respecting Ivy on trees ; that although it may in a few cases be injurious, it is ottener beneficial : and therefore I hope it will not be deemed pre- sumptuous in me to say, after Linnaeus, and in his words, that ' it does no injury to ' trees. It is a fact, that of trees covered with Ivy, there are ap- parently more sickly than sound ones. But there are many reasons to be assigned for this appear- ance ; 1st, the Ivy in winter renders the trees more conspicuous, and few people who see dead branches proceeding from such trees examine whether there may not be other trees near them equally decayed. 2ndly, because a decaying or even a dead tree often serves to support Ivy, it is too often hastily supposed that Ivy is the cause of its death or decay. And .3rdly, it is the property of Ivy to attach itself to decaying trees in preference to the more healtliy ones ; and as such trees are of less value, they are often left after their neighbours have been cut down and sold. This will alone account for the comparative difiEerence in the number of sound and unsound trees supporting Ivy. But if a single instance be produced of a healthy tree covered with Ivj- near another tree not so healthy without Ivy, this alone would lead us to pause before we cut the Ivy from the tree, 'lest,' as Evelyn asserts, 'the tree may be killed by the sudden exposure to un- accustomed cold.' Instead of a single instance, I could transcribe from my minutes examples of every kind of tree compared with others of the same kind near it, and could confirm my facts by sketches taken in various parts of the "kingdom ; but I shall only subjoin a few specimens of such facts as have induced me to take up an opinion on the subject. "Pacta.— No. 1. At Twickenham Park are two rows of very large Cedars ; two trees are most profusely covered with Ivy, and a nurseryman propo-sed cutting its roots to preserve the trees till I convinced him that these two were the largest trees, and that the Ivy seemed coeval with the Cedars themselves, which they had certainly not in the least injured. No. 2. At Blickling, in Norfolk, the greenhouse stands between two very large Fir trees ; the biggest is covered with Ivy the other IS a bare pole and not so large, thou4 evidently of the same date, and both equally healthy. But the gardener could not be convinced, and only replied by an answer often made. v,z., that the tree might perhaps have been X* .."""^n^," '^ '' ^^'^ "Ot •'een loaded with Ivy No. .!. The trees on Lord Hardwicke's estate at Uimpole furnish very striking effects of Ivy; in the pleasure ground east of the house the Ivy trees in the grove are most decidedly the tallest, largest, and most healthy. No. 4. A large Ash very near the road in Arrington is a curious example of prejudice ; it is a forked tree, one half naked, the other has been loaded with Ivy ; the naked side shows strong symptoms of decay, the other is quite healthy ; but under an idea (I sup- pose) of saving the tree, the Ivy has been recently cut off, and was hanging in vast masses, with stems of great bulk loosened from the tree with- out leaving any indenture in the bark of the tree ; but the Ivy is the ofi'euder. No. ."j. At .Stone- leigh Abbey the timber is generally of prodigious size, some Oaks measuring 20 ft. round at 5 ft. from the ground ; many are richly covered with Ivy; but I could not perceive any difference between those and the more naked trees, except that they appeared more luxuriant in the ex- tremity of their branches ; and I observed many coupled trees and forked trees under similar cir- cumstances. No. 6. At Langold, in Yorkshire, the trees are not generally so large as those at Stoneleigh ; but the two places agree, in the Ivy not having been so much destroyed as is generally the case ; and, both in examining the trees near each other and those growing from the same root, I was confirmed in my opinion. No. 7. In a lane betwixt Hertford and Hatfield there are many very large old Thorns in the paling of Hatfield Park so covered with Ivy, that in the winter of 1808 I thought it an evergreen hedge, and the sprays of the Thorns were hardly visible ; yet when compared with a few Thorns in the same lane, they appeared to be equally vigorous. Last summer I was surprised to miss the Ivy, till I perceived that the foliage of the Thorns' had so entirely covered it that the Ivy was only a secondary object in Nature's great plan of decora- tion, and seemed humbly to retire into the shade of more luxuriant ornament, to come forward again, as I have lately seen it this la,st winter, when the neighbouring bushes were reduced to mere sticks. No. 8. At Woburn Aboey the timber has so generally been denuded of Ivy that I despaired of finding any example, except in an Elm near the Duke's apartment, and which is very conspicuous (in winter) from its profuse mantle of Ivy. But this was deemed inconclusive, although much superior in growth to some other trees near the same spot, because it was supposed that they might have contributed to its growth by shelter- ing it from the south-west winds. I afterwards discovered in the park a remarkable specimen, which is the outennost tree of a grove, and the most exposed to the south-west. The tree nearest to it has some dead branches, and seems evidently to have yielded to its neighbour's superior vigour. I should here further add the result of some experiments made by Mr. Salmon, who has tlie superintendence of the woods at Woburn. He tried the comparative substance and strength of several Idnds of timber with the same kinds Ivy- bound as he calls it ; but he could not find any difference, and is of opinion ' that in old trees it does no harm ; and that in trees of ten or twelve years old it neither checks the growth, nor is the wood lighter or weaker ; but he is still convinced that he has seen young trees killed by the Ivy.' It is therefore, in this sense of the word, that Ivy may be considered as a destroyer, although, for the reasons already assigned, I do not see how Ivy can oppress plants to whose bark it cannot attach itself. It remains only to mention "The advantages to be expected from a less rigorous prosecution of this plant : 1st, it may be stripped from the trees in winter to feed sheep and deer, to whom it is grateful and whole- some food. 2ndly, its berries are a great resource to pheasants and every kind of bird during very severe weather. And lastly, if it were more generally encouraged, or rather if it were less unmercifully destroyed, our winter's landscape would be greatly improved. I could not but observe tlio contrast of places visited during the same winter. Instead of that melancholy sccnerv in parks where no Ivy is permitted to grow, anil where each rugged and venerable Oak, without its foliage, presents in winter a picture of old age witli poverty and nakedne.ss, the rich mantle of Ivy thrown over the trees of Langold and Stone- leigh gave grace and dipity to age, while it concealed its decrepitude.'' KOTES AND QUESTIONS. Cutting Down Rhododendrons.— ^^^lnt is the licst time to cut li.ack Rliuriiiileinloiis. or rather, I sliuuM say, to cut them ilovi n V---!';. H. 0. \Earl;i in. nirring is the best time, bejore the^i start into growth.— G. B.] Golden Conifers -We have received from Sir. Charles Lee specimens of Ahies excels.1 aurea, a liandsume variety of the ^'orway Spruce, golden now, l>ut even more so in winter. It is not a case of variegation, hut rather one of suffusion, and therefore more valuable, the whole of the upper part of the branches being yellow. Variegated Shrubby Trefoil (Ptelea trifoliat.-i). — A liandsome yellow variegated foiTn of this tree comes to us from Grasmere. It is richer and prettier than most variegated trees. The Tulip Tree.— Of this there is a fine specimen in flower at the northern end of the hollow walk at Kew. Although rather past its best, thousands of blossoms may at the present time be counted on it. It is many years since it flowered in sucli profusion. — H, P. Portugal Laurels in Flower. — Al- though tlie various sorts of Laurel are generally gi-own as evergreens, yet their beauty when in flower, and the extremely floriferous character of the Portugal Laurel, have this year at least en- titled them to a high place in the list of flowering shrubs, especially as they bloom when many of our early flowering shrubs are on the wane. The Portugal Laurel is equally well adapted for form- ing single specimens or groups on the Grass, where by being fully exposed to the sun and air its wood well gets ripened, and fine masses of bloom that make a very effective display are the result. — J. G. L. Deutzias on Grass.— The late growing and late flowering Dcutzia crenata, single and double, make lovely buslies on the Grass, the strong shoots of last year's gro\vth being now wreaths of delicate blossoms. These Deutzias, being perfectly hardy, cannot fail to become favourites, but have hitherto been generally grown'as greenhouse or conservatory plants. An idea has got abroad that they need protection. In shrubberies they grow up weakly, for this variety has naturally an erect habit, and, therefore, in order to show its full beauty it needs space all round, for when its long shoots become laden with bloom they droop in the most graceful manner imaginable. They arc extremely valuable as cut flowers at this time of the year both for drawing-room and table decoration ; and I have no doubt that as shrubberies get opened up so that every occupant gets space to show its indi- vidual character, the Deutzias will be held in high esteem both for groups and single specimens. — J. Groom. ■Waved Hedges. — These are not common, yet I think they aie worth adoption, on account of their graceful appearance. If the hne of hedge be straight somewhat of its necessaiy formality is disguised if the upper line be made to rise and fall in eas}' curves. This seems to apply more particu- larly to clipped or shorn hedges made up of such plants as Pyrusjaponica, Thuja sibirica ^Varreana and T. plicata. Golden, Green, and Silver Euony- mus. Holly, Yew, Box, Junipenis sinensis. Thuja aurea, and the like. Such materials are very accommodating, and perhaps need the use of the knife or the sliears, whereas the more nlgligc plants, such as Sweet Brier, Dog Rose, Lycium barbarum. Honeysuckle, Jasmines, and Roses generally, are graceful in themselves, and are therefore better when not forced into any con- ventional form. The distance between the "lowest points of two depressions in the formal hedges should vaiy with the height of the liedge, and may be anything between 12 ft. and 20 ft., and, as a rule, the higher the hedge the greater depth should tlic depressions have. — Sylyesteis. Oatalpas. — It is now acklowledged by all that we have in the United States two distinct species, July 16, 1881.] THE GARDEN. 61 C. bignonioides, a native southern form (with half a dozen, more or less, synonyms), very extensively cultivated through the North, and C. speoiosa, a native of the Northern States, and only very spar- ingly utilised as an ornamental tree. After a careful comparison of specimens in Dr. Grey's herbarium, with the acknowledged authorities, he decides the dwarf form looking like a huge Cur- rant bush, with leaves and shoots exactly like the common Catalpa, and distributed from European nurseries, as C. Ksempferi, to be nothing but a dwarf American Catalpa, and proposes the name of C. bignonioides nana for this form. We might say it is not as hardy as any of the other forms under cultivation, consequently not so desirable. The small variety, growing into a small tree, with long, slender pods, also sent out by European nurserymen as C. Bungei, is the true C. Kajmpferi, while "C. Bungei is probably not yet introduced into America. — Botanical Inde-c. ORCHIDS. ORCHIDS AT DRUJILANKIG. It is no exaggeration to say that at Drumlanrig there are thousands of Orchids consisting of all the best kinds. Specimen plants of some of the older sorts may be seen in abundance, and of the newer varieties the most useful only receive at- tention. Not many years ago there was no Orchid house at Drumlanrig ; now there are four or five, and good houses they are, classified according to the requirements of their occupants, tliose which can only be grown well in a cool house having ample inducement to do so, while kinds that en- joy more warmth are equally well provided for. The two best houses have a pathway up the centre and a wide stage on each side. In the cool section the Odontoglossums are wonderfully luxuriant. They are not grown for the mere sake of having a collection, but for the value set upon the flowers in a cut state. For this purpose alone there is doubtless a bright future for Orchids, especially cool-house sorts, w'hich can be cultivated to per- fection without any fire heat or more attention than is needed to grow a Fuchsia or a Pelargonium successfully. Amongst Orchids which may be de- pended on in this way, Odontoglossums stand at the head of the list, and probably near them must be placed the Cypripediums, a good collection of which may also be found at Drumlanrig. Of C. insigne there are twenty four plants some 4 ft. across, and the same number of C. insigne Maulei, but not so large. There are also numbers of C. Boxalli, which is considered the best of all the Lady's Slippers for cutting. Quantities of C. villosum, C. Lowi, C. Hookeri, C. Sedeni, C. Domini, and others are also grown here. Some plants of the latter two are as much as 6 ft. in diameter. Some of the blooms of C. caudatum giganteum roseum had tails 3 ft. in length. Several spikes of Odontoglossum Alexandras were each furnished with twenty-five fine blooms ; O. cirrhosum had spikes i ft. in length ; 0. vsxil- larium comes next in order of merit to 0. Alex- andrte for cutting. Masdevallias were also in luxuriant condition in cool quarters. This is anotlier f avour te section of Orchids, and well they may be, as they are both choice and showy. One plant of M. Harryana lately produced seventy blooms. Coelogyne cristata is grown in quantitj' in pans some 3 ft. in diameter, and the plants themselves are more than that in width, the large duck-egg-like bulbs clustering over the sides. Than this no Orchid is more valuable for winter flowering, and it does equally well at Drumlanrig in both cool and hothouse. Amongst Cattleyas are fine plants of C. labiata, C. labiata pallida, C. exoniensis, C. Jlossije, C, Mendelli, and others. Vandas are strong, healthy, and clean ; some of them growing in groups together in large Oak crates, others in the shape of single specimens. Some of the best plants are 4 ft. high, and well furnished witli leaves from the very bottom. Tricolor and the Dalkeith variety of it are the kinds most in request. The latter differs from the type in being much larger in the bloom and brighter in colour. On- cidium obryzatum was, when I saw it, bearing a spike 7 ft. in length. Oncidium cucullatum, one of the sweetest smelling of Orchids, is grown here in quantity. Its flowers, too, are not only fragrant, but pretty, although small. Of Phalsenopsis amabilis there are some fifty plants, every one of which bears from four to a dozen leaves in the finest possible health. They are growing in earthenware baskets, and as they hang in a row, their snowy flowers drooping over the baskets have a grand effect. Of the best varieties of Dendrobium there are some fine speci- mens; the old D.nobile,beingoneof the most useful and showy for cutting, is grown in quantity. Lycaste Skinneri is regarded in the same light, and a very large, bright-flowered variety of it has been selected for the purpose. Aerides, Epidendrums, Lselias, Saccolabiums, Zygopetalums, and many others are all well represented ; and the Indian Crocus, the beautiful little Pleiones must not be forgotten. They were out of flower, but the size of the carefully potted bulbs bore ample testi- mony to what they had been and what they are likely to be again. Many of these Orchids are growing in pots, and I observed that the rooting material was chiefly living Sphagnum, peat, and charcoal. M. NOTES ON ORCHIDS IN FLOWER. The Orchid houses in Mr. B. S. Williams' nurserj', at Upper Holloway, have for some weeks past been highly attractive ; not only the small plants that usually comprise a nursery stock being in bloom, but also huge exliibition specimens, many of them the largest examples in cultivation, and several of them quite unique in their way. The houses are gay with Cattleyas, Dendrobes, Lady's Slippers, Odontoglossums, Onoidiums, Masde- vallias, Aerides, Saccolabiums, and numerous other genera, among which the following are the most remarkable : — ■Vanda Lowi (the Necklace Orchid). — This is undoubtedly the noblest Orchid known, and the specimen in this nursery is probably the finest in cultivation. . It has a break about 7 ft. high, furnished with twenty of its long leathery leaves. From the upper part of the stem proceed six flower-spikes, three on each side. These are each furnished with about thirty flowers, and when the spikes have attained their full length they will doubtless be from 6 ft. to 8 ft. in length. The plant will be in its best condition in about a week hence. For those who are not acquainted with this grand Orchid, it may be well to add that the flowers are of two different colours on the same spike ; most of them, however, are of a rich reddish-chocolate hue, mottled with golden yellow, wMle the others are the reverse — a golden yellow mottled with reddish chocolate. It has taken about fifteen years for the pUnt under notice to attain its present dimensions. Promenaea citrina. — This rare species is one of the prettiest of small-growing Orchids. At first sight it bears some resemblance to Oncidium con- color, the flowers being of a similar clear yellow colour, but the flowers are not so large, though the lip is broad and flat, as in Oncidium ; a speci- men of it on a block is furnished with a profusion of flowers. Another species, P. stapelioides, so named on account of the flowers bearing some resemblance to the Carrion flower (Stapelia), though not so showy as the other, is highly in- teresting, the marking of the flowers being very singular. The blossoms are about 1^ in. across, of a deepvinous purple colourmarginedwithalighter hue. When the flowers are partially expanded the colour is very deep and has a velvety appear- ance. It is also a small-growing plant, and succeeds well on a suspended block. Masdevallias. — Among these are a few note- worthy kinds. The rare M. trochilus and JM. Shuttleworthi are in flower ; their singularly long- tailed and not very shov?y flowers strongly con- trast with the large and bright-coloured kinds, among which we noticed a new variety of M. Harryana, named Ireta, remarkable for the un- usual breadth of the flower and its extremely bright violet-j)urple hue, which is very attractive. Superba, too, is a lovely variety and yet very un- common. Lady's Slippers.— Of these several are finely in flower. Cypripedium Swanianum, a handsome hybrid between C. barbatum and C. Dayanum, is remarkably fine, as is also C. Sedeni, of which there is a specimen quite 4 ft. in diameter, though not yet in flower. C. Stonei, one of the finest of all the species, is represented by some fine specimens, and C. la;vigatum, with its singrUar twisted sepals, is, like Parishi, in fine flowering condition. The latter is an extremely handsome species, quite distinct from any other, both in the colour and form of the blossoms; other Lady's Slippers in fiower were C.Hookerie, niveum, and C. superbiens, the latter being particularly fine. Dendrobium superbiens. — This lovely Australian Orchid is well grown in these Nurseries, and it is evident that its requirements are understood notwithstanding that it is reputedly difiicult to manage. The plants we saw were growing in a rather dry house, having an extremely high temperature and unshaded. Here the pseudo-bulbs attain a great size and have the appearance of being thoroughly ripened, a fact which no doubt constitutes the secret of growing it successfully if secret it be. All the plants indi- cate unusual vigour, a fact confirmed by the fine spikes of flower which they are producing. Of the pretty D. Parishi there is a large quantity in flower, the rosy pui-ple blossoms producing a fine effect. Odontoglossum Coradinei.— This rare species is just expanding its flowers, which are handsome, though not show}'; they are pale yellow, heavily blotched with rich chocolate-brown. O. sccptrum is also in flower ; it strongly reminds one of the 0. luteo-purpureum type, to which it evidently belongs. Of the showier kinds, such as 0. vexillarium and crispnm, there are, of course, large quantities. One of tlie latter has flowers some 3 in. across, with unusually broad sepals. Among other conspicuous Orcliids in flower were Saccolabium Holfordi, with two fine spikes, each 1 ft. long ; remarkably fine varieties of S. gutta- tum, Aerides Fieldingi in numbers, A. Lobbi and affine in like quantity ; Ccelogyne corymbosa in full flower, and barbata, a very handsome species, developing several spikes which will shortly be in perfection. One other kind remains to be noticed, viz., Trichopilia hymenanthera, an ex- ceedingly pretty species, having thick leaves like those of a Brassavola, and long pendulous racemes of semi-transparent white flow-ers, spotted and blotched with purple. W. G. HARDY ORCHIDS OF NORTHERN INDIANA. This family is well represented in this part of the State. The varieties found are all terrestrial. While they do not equal the strange epiphytic varieties of the Tropics in brilliant colouring and grotesque forms, still they are well worthy of study, presenting asthey do many various curious shapes, combined with the more delicate and beautiful shades of colour. From May to November there is no time that some of the family are not found in bloom. The first to appear in spring is Orchis spectabilis. This is widely distributed and rather common, though not very abundant in any place. It is only found in rich soil in damp shady woods. Aplectrum hyemale is also found in the same localities, though rather more rare. Goodyera pubescens grows on lighter soil, and is found on dry knolls and ridges, but always in the shade. Cypripediums. — Four varieties are found here : acaule, caudidum, pubescens, and spectabile. The first is quite common, but only in Tamarac swamps, gi-owing in the Moss (Sphagnum) where there is not a particle of earth near the roots. The last, spectabile, is also found in the same swamps. But there is this difEerence between them, acaule 62 THE GARDEN [July 16, 1881. will do well in the full light of the sun, but spec- tabile only thrives in the shade. If the Tamarac trees are cut off, it makes little if any difference with the first, but the last dwindles in the sunshine and soon disappears. Cypripedium can- didum is found in peat bogs, where the roots are always wet, wliile the tops are fully exposed to the sunlight. Cypripedium pubescens is least par- ticular as to soil or situation. It is found in dry soil, in the shade, in low wet timber, where the water stands all around it, in the Tamarac swamps where there is no soil, and along the edge of grassy marshes fully exposed to the sun. Oalopogon pulchellus is most abundant and thrifty in Cranberry swamps in the moss, but is also found in some grassy marshes, and is occasionally seen on solid ground in low wet timber. Pogonia ophioglossoides and P. ver- tioillata grow in the Cranberry and Tamarac swamps. The first thrives in full sunlight, while the secondgrows under the trees and large shrubs where it is partially shaded. Pogonia pendula is the most delicate and graceful species of the Orchidacese found in this part of the country. It Is only found in damp v/oods where there is an accumu- lation of leaf mould. It is very seldom found in common soil. Its favourite habitat is close to old rotten logs or stumps, and in little hollows where the leaves gather and rot. Liparis lilifolia grows in the shade on high ground. The greenish-white bulbs lie around on top of the ground among the dead leaves, having almost no connection with the soil. Often if you pick up a thrifty, fresh-looking specimen, you will not find half-a-dozen roots, and none of these will be over 1 in. in length. The roots instead of growinf; down into the earth, keep on or near the surface under the leaves. Liparis loeseli is only found in the Tamarac swamps. Habenaria ciliaris, H. lacera, H. leucophsa and H. psychodes are found here, but only the first is common. It is most abundant in the Cranberry swamps, and grows most luxuriantly in the Sphagnum while fully exposed to the sun. It also flourishes in low moist woods, and is sometimes seen on high, dry sandy ridges in the shade of heavy timber, but it does not seem to thrive in the latter situation. H. lacera is found in low ground near marshes, both in sun and shade. H. leucophoea grows only in very wet peat bogs or in Cranberry swamps in the moss, always in the sunlight. H. psychodes is sometimes found along the marshy edges of small streams, but seems to do best in stagnant pools under cover of heavy timber where the sun never shines. None of the three last is common, being only occasionally seen. Corallorhiza multiflora is quite common in the deep shade of heavy timber, with its strange coral-like roots and leafless stem of curious flowers. Spiranthes cernua grows very abundantly on low, wet bogs. .Spiranthes graminea is occasion- ally met in the deep shade among Tamarac trees, and so also, though more rarel}', is Arethusa bulbosa. In the above notes I have not attempted to describe the appearance of the various .species, nor to give any idea of the strange forms and delicate colours of the flowers. The plants varj' in size, from the delicate and beautiful I'agonia pendula, which seldom exceeds 6 in. in height, to the tall and showy Habenaria psychodes, which often reaches a height of from 3h ft. to 4 ft. Of the L'l varieties above mentioned, I have never seen but four previous to May, 1879, yet eight of the new species had grown and blossomed each year for years within half-a-mile of my home. This in spite of the fact that I have always taken an interest in wild flowers, and gathered any new specimens I happened to see There is a great difference, however, in picking what you happen to see and going out purposely to look for new things. Tryit next yearand you will be astonished before the season is over at the multitude of new varieties j-ou will find on ground that you have been over many times before. — \V. C. Stekle, Z« Porlf, Indiana, in ISotankal Judex. New Hybrid Orchid.— The latest novelty among hj'brid Orchids raised by Mr. Duminy is the result of a cross between Cattleya Dowiana and C. e.xoniensis, itself a h\'brid. These are the same parents that produced La;lia Dominiana, and as the present hybrid is of a lighter tint, it has been named L. Dominiana rosea. The plant par- takes strongly of C. Dowiana in gi'owth, particu- larly in the pseudo-bulbs. The flowers are magnificent ; they are about the size of C. Dowiana, with a large shallow lip similar to that of that species, but of an intensely deep violet-purple hue, and beautifully crisped at the edges, which are white. Tlie sepals are broad and of a delicate rosy tint, a lov'ely contrast with the dark lip. It was exhibited by Messrs. Veitch for the first time at the last exhibition of the Iloyal Botanic Society, where it was awarded a certificate of merit. It is certainly among the finest of the numerous hj-brid Orchids raised by Mr. Dominy. Vanda Batemani. — A fine example of this noble Orchid from the Philippine Islands is now in flower in the Kew collection. The plant is some 4 ft. or 5 ft. in height and furnished with about two dozen leaves on one " break," from the upper part of which a tall erect spike is produced, bearing a dozen or so of its large wax-like blossoms of a reddish yellow tint, copiously spotted with rich brown. 'We observe that at Kew priority is given to the name first applied to it, viz., Fieldia lissochiloides, but it is generally known as Vanda Piatemaui. Dendrobium Tattonianum.— This is a singularly ])rc[ty Australian (hchid, known also as 1). caualiculatum. 'It is of dwarf growth, being not more than 1 ft. high, with splendid conical- shaped bulbs furnished with thick and deeply- channelled leaves. The flowers are produced in racemes of about a score each from the apex of pseudo-bulbs in the same manner as the better- known D. speciosum. The blossoms are about I in. across, with narrow recurving sepals, which are white and tijiped with yellow, while the lip and wings are a bright bluish-purple. It is in flower at Kew in the coolest compartment of the Orchid house. It was first exhibited by Messrs. Veitch some fifteen 3'ears ago, when it was awarded a certificate. Aerides japonicum. — An exceptionally fine form of the .Japanese Air plant, the finest we have met with, may now be seen at Kew. It differs from the type in the flowers being longer, the sepals purer white, the lip more highly coloured and more distinctly crisped, and in the perfume being more pronounced. It is growing in the coolest apartment, and is the only species of Aerides that will thrive satisfactorily in a greenhouse temperature. — AV. G. Clematis Flammula.whichturned round thecentre pole and formed a bushy head at the top. The spray fr an acre for it when the adjoining land pays 30s. — H. E., in Field. THE FRUIT GARDEN. FERTILISING i'EACII FLOWERS. That observation of Mr. Wysor's in the Rural New Yurker, that Peach flowers are fertilised before they expand, is one that should set cultivators thinking. In this country it Las always been assumed that fertilisation did not take place till the flo-^vers expanded and the blooms and oi'gaus were fully developed. No doubt it will be difficult to induce people to believe that such is not the case, but the obser- vations of an experienced horticulturist, carried out in a way that perhaps cultivators generally do not adopt, deserve consideration. When we remember that some have strongly advised the use of the syringe to promote fertility, others the use of bees in early houses, and others some disturbance of the branches to liberate the pol- len, no stronger evidence is needed to show that a belief entirely diverse from that entertained by Mr. Wysor is held here. Wliat has often struck me as curious in relation to the setting of a crop of Peaches under glass is the fact that cultivators have all succeeded in doing so ■«'ell, and yet by such diverse modes of treatment. Beyond giving the needful air many men have secured just as good a crop as others have who thought it essential to fertilise each bloom singly with a brush. What would be of interest in the matter would be to learn whether in this latter case any observation was taken as to whether any blooms not artificially fertilised did set fruit or did not. Even in matters of this kind there is too much following the beaten track without due consideration as to the necessity for it. If Mr. Wysor is correct in his theory, it fully ex- plains how it is that the most careful artificial fertilisation and tlie entire lack of care in the matter have been productive of identical results. In reality, the fertilisation has been already accomplished, and syringing, pencils, bees, and all other aids are so much waste labour. No doubt some of our able Peach growers will have a word to say on this interesting subject. A. D. LAYERING STRAWBERRIES. One of the most important parts of Strawberry culture in pots ■will now be occupying atten- tion, and as every day no^w is ■«'or:h two later in the season, I ■would advise all who desire a good supply of forced Strawberries to lose no time in pushing on the layering in small pots of a sufficient quantity of the earliest runners that can be got ; by a sufficient quantity I mean enough to fill all the pots proposed to be forced, and enough to ensure the filling up of all gaps occasioned by blind or worthless plants ; in fact, we usually layer enough to be able to select only the best for potting; all that are not quite good enough for this purpose are planted out in single lines for fruiting and supplying runners next year, as we find that the earliest and best runners are always pro- duced by young plants the first year after 68 THE GARDEN. [July 16, 1881. planting. Before commencing to lay the plants we get a sufficient quantity of •'i-in. pots filled with soil, ('hopped up turfy loam, and a little wood ashes or Ijurnt eartli, and thoroughly rotten manure fi-om old hotbeds make a soil in whicli Strawberries grow well. These pots are carried to the beds and plunged in (he soil up to the rim around each plant according to the number of runners on it. The ends are tlien cut off beyond the first runner, and the runner or embryo plant is either pegged down on the .soil, or secured by a stone heavy enough to keep it from getting displaced, with the additional advantage that it helps to retain moisture where it is most needed, and thereby insures speedy rooting. The soil must be kept moist by watering, which in dry weather needs fre(iuent attention, and in three weeks the plants may be severed from the parent and re- moved to a partially shaded position, near the potting shed, ready for their fiual sliift into their fruiting pots. Bat from the earliest start with layers nntil they are finally divested of their fruit. Strawberry plants shonld never be allowed to become dry, for although the Strawberry will bear any reasonable amount of heat and moisture, the chances of a crop are very mnch reduced by drought if of the .slightest duration. J. G. THE WILD FRUITS OF UTAH. A\'k do not expect much nati\-e fruit in so dry a region as Utah, yet .some does occur. In the south of Utah is Kibes auremu, the black berries of which are very grateful to the traveller. It occurs on almost all the stream banks, and is extensively cultivated, both for its fruits and flowers ; the fruit is much like that of the Black Currant of the gardens. Growing in the sand and on lava beds is a peculiar plant, a wild Peach, Prunus fasciculata. Though it is almost devoid of the delicious in- terior of the cultivated one, yet it has exactly the appearance of a small Peach, and, according to Gray, is its nearest North American relation. It is a small scraggy shrub, 2 ft. to 4 ft. high, with an abundance of small white blossoms. There is also a wild Grape growing there ("^'itis arizonica), but I have never seen its fruit. Those who live on the broad prairies of Iowa and adjoining States can hardly reali.se the feel- ings of a botanist who toils over mountains with snow often Ih ft. deep, and along valleys in deep slush, half snow and half mud ; then descends a narrow valley and suddenly finds himself traversing a dusty road, lined on either side with Peach trees loaded with Ijlossoms, while the air is full of their fragrance. Yet such is the experience of almost every one who makes a journey to St. George in March. Later in the season there is an abundance of delicious fruit, such as Peaches, Cherries, Grapes, Pears, Apricots, S:c., and soon there will be Figs also. In the mountains of Utah, during July and August, there is an abundance of fruit. The most plentiful is the Service Beriy (Amelanchier aliiifolia), then tlie wild Cherry (Prunus de- mi.9sa),wliose fully-ripened fruit is very pleasant. Next comes the wild tiooseberry (Pvibes divari- catuui var. irriguum), whose large blacl; fruit at once starts tlie question : AVliy is it not culti- vated more ? It is well wortliy of cultivation, and I think would prove hardy in the Eastern States, for it grows in the caiivous at an alti- tute of 7000 or 8000 ft., where the winter lasts from October 1 to May. It is well adapted to a dry soil, too, for it is extensively cultivated in the valleys. Tlie stems are scantilv clad with prickle-s, and almost devoid of the small decidu- ous prickles that clothe the lower stems of many Gooseberries. The Eastern Easpberry is rather common, but does not fruit as abundantly as in the East. A black Itaspberry (IJubus leucodermis), of fre- quent occurrence, is still more worthy of culti- vation. It surpa.sses the common Black l!a.sp- berry of the States in flavour, .size of fruit, and productiveness. I chanced to be in a canyon where thej' are abundant when the bushes were loaded with ripe fruit. Handful after handful of tlie delicious berries were greedily devoured, till it seemed as if I could never eat enough. This plant is deserving of cultivation more than any wild Bubus with which I am acquainted. I feel quite sure that it will be hardy, since it reaches an altitude of 8000 ft. at least. The two Strawberries (Fragaria vesca and virginiana var.) are frequent in the canyons, but seldom bear much fruit. Several species of Vaccinium occur in the AN'asatch, but are not common. Ihe Oregon Grape (Berberis re- pens) is common ; its fruit is eaten, and is highly prized for its medicinal properties. The undescribed Crata?gus of this region bears an edible fruit abundantly. Two species of Elderberry (.Sambucus glauca and racemosa) are common. S. glauca sur- passes all others in the size of the fruit and clusters. I have gathered clusters of ripe fruit that weighed se\eral pounds, and were over 1 ft. across. The bei-ries are black with a bloom, and are more agreeable than those of S. canadensis. — M. E. Jones, Salt Lake City, in Botanical Index. ALNWICK SEEDLING AND OTHER GRAPES. Last yearl complained that the Alnwick Seedling was all but a failure with me, so tar as setting its fruit was concerned, but I must say that this season it has set beautifully grafted onthe Alicante, and on our two canes, run up the year before last, I have a crop of fine bunches. Why it has set better tliis season than last I cannot tell, as the circumstances are the same in every way except that the canes are a year older. Curiously enough, too, Venn's Black Muscat, or iMuscat Hamburgh, which has hardly set a respectable bunch since I got it, has also produced some fine regular bunches that both set and coloured well, and were cut some time since. I have also this season an undoubted example of the scion affecting the stock that may be worth recording. About four years ago I grafted the Duke of Bucclcucb Gnijie on a strong and fertile black Hamburgh in the centre of a house of Hamburghs. The Duke produced some small, but well filled bunches the first year, fewer the second year, and this season it showed no fruit at all, though remarkably strong and with plenty of young wood on it. And not only this, but it has apparently turned the lower Black Hamburgh, half of the vine all but barren as well, for it has shown fewer and fewer bunches each year since the Duke was put on it, and this season has produced three small imperfect bunches only. All the other vines are carrying an almost ex- cessive crop on each side of it. If I am correct in my surmises, it would seem as it a weak growing vine could be invigorated by gi-afting a strong growing scion on it as readily as by putting it on to a strong stock. I have never bad any faith in using strong growing vines as stocks and confining their use to a root only, but have always inarched half w.ay up a vine, or grown a limb of the stock and another of the scion — agreeing with wh.at the late IMr. Pearson, of Chilwell, said of it, that the root became pretty much what the top made it— and we have had a number of old vines worked on the half-and-half principle in past years. Twenty j-ears ago or thereabout, 1 remember that the iSLiscat Hamburgh was recom- mended to be grafted on the Black Hamburgh to improve its setting power ; as the Grape had a certain reputation at the time tlic nurserymen took it up, and one firm advertised all their Muscat Hamburghs as worked on the Hamburgh root, but I do not think much success attended the specida- tion. J. S.W. NOTES AND QUESTIONS- The Fruit Crops.— We sliall be greatly obliged to any of our readers or correspondents wlio may not have received notice privately if they will send us a few words as to the state of the fruit crops in their neighbourhood in the course of tlie coming week. Information as re- gards the sorts tliathave turned out the best, tested by recent winters would be waluable. Red Astrachan Apple.— I am pleased to observe that tliis very hand.some Apple is so highly prized in America. I have two fine young trees of it here carrying good crops, and asarule it colours well here. The trees have a very robust habit, wocd stout, and leaves dark and leathery. It thrives well in our stiff strong clay, as do many other good kinds. I have that earliest ripening of all Apples, Early Harvest, fruiting fairly well also. It is never a very free bearer, as, like Golden Noble and Yellow Ingestre, it fruits onl_v at the ends of the shoots. It is a sweet and pleasant Apple it eaten when just ripe, but will scarcely keep a week later and soon gets woolly. — A. D. Strawberries for Light Soils. — All Strawberries do best on a good holding and moderately rich soil, but some are better suited than others for light soils. The following named in the order of their ripening will succeed on them, viz.. Black Prin:^e, Pioneer, a good prolific variety forearly market work, Keen's Seedling, A'i- comtesse Hericart de Thury, President.Sir J . Paxton, Unser Fritz, Jlr. Eadclyffe, and Hel&ne Gloiide. The fruit of the last-named variety is excellent in flavour, but the plants suffer considerably from red spider even when planted out-of-doors. There- fore it cannot be recommended for indoor purposes. Jlr. Radclyfte, a late variety, will be found to be more prolific than the British Queen in light soil, and it is nearly equally good in flavour. — R. G. Apples Kept in "Water.— Several state- ments have been recently published of the entire success which has attended the keeping of winter Apples under water. The experiment is worth repeating, observing the precaution of maintaining the temperature nearly down to the freezing point. The advantages of this practice are, first, the exclusion of air currents, and secondly, a temj^erature not liable to fluctuations or which cannot quickly change. So long as the water can be kept quite cold, the fruit will be likely to re- main sound ; if too waim, the skin will swell and crack by an over absorption of moisture. Grapes have been successfully kept in the same way, the water remaining near freezing. A damp cellar for fruit on shelves is better than one so dry as to cause shrivelling, provided it is cold. If warm, decay would be likely to commence soon. — Coun- try Gentleman. Potting Stra'wberries.— There exists a great difference of opinion as to the best sized pot in which to plant in order to secure the largest and most certain crop of early fruit. Small pots get quickly filled with roots, thus inducing the plants, to ripen their crowns early. Hence, before being forced they have the benefit of a much longer resting season than plants kept growing in large pots until a later date. This is a point that should not be overlooked by the advocates of large pots. It is a veiy good plan to use three different sizes of pots — -t-in. ones for the earliest, and 5-in. and G-in. ones for the second and latest plants, placing only one plant in a pot. By all means pot firmly, but do not resort to the practice of excessive ramming, which is often detrimental to the plants in after stages of growth. Drain well and over the crocks place a layer of fibrous loam or turf. Guard against introducing any kind of stimulant in the shape of dry manures amongst the drainage, which do more harm than good. If soot be used for the pre\ention of worms, let it be placed over the layer of fibrous loaiu above the potsherds. No ramming whatever is required until the runner is placed in the pot from the layering size, and only just sufficient compost should be employed to raise the crown of the plant to the required height. July 16, 1881.] THE GAEDEN. 69 Eamming the portion of soil wliicli rests between the ball of the runner and the potsherds is very apt to disarrange the drainage, and afterwards cause many pots to become water-logged. Leave ample space for water between the surface of the soil and the rim of the pots. Place the plants when potted in a fully exposed position, and when those in the smallest sized pots have completed their growth, they may be removed to a somewhat more sheltered jjosition, oreven plunged to prevent them from beooming too dry, and at the same time to diminish the labourof incessant watering. — K. G. SEASONABLE AYORK. Peaches and Nectarines. -Trees in enrly houses from which the fiuit has been gathered will well repay careful attention to syringing and ventilation until the blossom buds are properly formed and matured. It will also be necessary to thin out all useless wood, and to stop lateral or foresight growths back to a single leaf. Towards the end of the m'onth the lights, if portable, may be removed for a few weeks to give the old foliage the full benefit of showers and dew, and at the same time to expose the ripening wood to the influence of light and air. ifulch external borders and see tliat tlie internal roots do not want for water. Succession Houses in which fruit i.s ripening may have full .air by night and day, and if it be thought de- sirable to retard some of the fruit, a piece of thin shading may be drawn over the lower parts of the trees for a few hours during the hottest part of the day ; l)Ut on no account must it be left on through tlie night. Elevate the fruit in late houses by passing pieces of lath beneath it, and avoid tying the shoots down too close to the trellis until after the stoning process is complete. In dark old-fashioned houses this advice may be moditied ; but under modern roofs slight shade from the young growths conduces to the rapid and even swelling of the fruit. If well made and drained inside borders cannot easily be over-watered. Melons — Where late Jfelons .are in request seeds of free-bearing, hardy kinds may still be sown. Cox's Golden Gem and Gilbert's History of Bath answer well, and produce the best flavoured fruit when grown in pots plmiged in a bottom heat whicli can be maintained at 90° through the last stages of swelling and ripening. Strong plants for fruiting in September may be planted out in pits or frames where they can have the benefit of good linings, or, better still, warmth from a hot-water pipe when days decrease in length and nights become cold. The soil best adapted for late crops is a strong loam to which old lime, rubble, or charcoal may be added. Kich manure should be avoided, but warm stimulating liquid may be used for watering the roots and damping all available surfaces after the fruit is set. Cherries.— These easily excited trees should always be gro^ni in a house composed of portable lights which can be removed as soon as the fruit is gathered. Early forced trees require good syifnging to keep them free from spider, and mulching with short manin-e to keep the sui-face roots healthy and active initil the foliage is ripe. If late kinds in pots require potting, the operation may be performed at once, when the trees luay be kept indoors until the roots have taken to the soil. "When ijotting is not needed re- move at once to an open, airy place out of doors. Mulcli with good rotten manure and screen tire pots from the drjdng influence of sun and wind. Hardy Fruits. --The light crops which many of tlie trees are carrying will favour the production of a great number of vigorous growths from the centres and ex- tremities, and as these, if left too long uudisturlied, are calculated to weaken and prevent the perfect ripening of the blossom buds, const.ant thinning and shortening back nmst be kept well in hand. Trees of all kinds growing against walls should not lie allowed to carry more young wood than is absolutely rcinired for tlie production of next year's crop ; and after projtcrly cleansing from insects, they should be neatly tied or nailed in. Peaches and Nectarines are carrying good crops of fruit wliich promise to be flue. To keep them free from spider and to encoiu-age the spread of surface roots, a good mulching of stout manure laid on the borders, copious watering, and occasional washing with the hose will be necessary, as flue full flavoured fruit cannot be obtained from trees that are infested with insects. Trees that were grafted in itarch will now require attention to staking to prevent injury from wind and rain. When this has been done the ligature may be cut or untied, and all gross shoots which enumerate from the stocks shortened back. To keep a supply of flue Strawberries old beds should be broken up and a corresponding breadth of deeply trenched and heavily manured ground planted annually with rnnnere from maiden plants. August is the best month for planting, and each plant shouUl have a liberal supply of new calcareous loam. W. Coleman. Eaatnor Castle. An observant contemporary states that when- ever a newspaper says a kind word of a man, that man never discovers the favour ; but if a newspaper handles a man a little roughly, the man finds it out by eight o'clock next morning. This kind of a man is he who, 'n'hen conferring 'with the editor upon his grievance, says his " attention has been called '' to the article question. WILD EIEDS. The new or rather the amended Wild Birds Pro- tection Act being now in full force, it may be well (says a writer in the Standard) to pass in review some of the birds so protected. Looking over the list of those specially referred to in the schedule, it seems odd that so many which are truly useful are omitted, whilst others are very indefinitely described, making it a puzzle to identify them by the names under which they are catalogued. Take " the owl," for instance. In the schedule it is put down only as " owl." What does that mean ? Does it include the 'whole family of owls, from the noble-looking eagle owl down to the lesser owl ? or does it mean only the white, tawny, or barn owl ? Yet with all its shortcoming's every one will admit that the Act is good, which prevents persons from killing or taking old birds in the breeding season. It is good from a moral point of view. It keeps the j'oung in the nest from being deprived of their parents. The Barn O'Wl.— Useful as this bird is, I am sorry to say that there are few land birds that suffer more on account of their beauty. Bird- stuffers especially destroy scores of them, killed simply for the reason that they sell readily when stuffed and put into glass cases, and because there is a great demand for their wings for fans, fire screens, or trimming for ladies' hats or bonnets. Who that has watched the barn owl. in the twilight of a summer evening, as it silently glides through the air in search of its legitimate prey — rats anc^ mice — but would at once try to preserve as many of them as possible about his premises ? The good they do, especially at the breeding season, is indeed great. A gamekeeper found an owl's nest with only a single young one in it. He visited the nest for thirty consecutive mornings, and in that time he removed from it one hundred and five rats, forty-nine mice, eleven shrew mice, two robins, and one sparrow. This •n'as what was over ?,nd above what the owl needed for its own consumption. Taking the rats only, the bird had evidently earned its living well, for many persons will gladly give threepence a head for the death of a full-grown rat, so destructive are they ; so these owls, in thirty days, had more than saved the outlay of twenty-five shillings and threepence to the rat-catcher alone, independently of mice, &c. One almost wondej's how it is that the barn o-n-l's life is not entirely protected bytheState. In fact, the bird has derived one of its names on account of its frequenting barns for the purpose of catching rats and mice which infest such places for the sake of the grain generally stored there. In many parts of Kent and Sussex there used to be holes made in the barns, granaries, and also in the roofing of the old farmhouses, for the ingress and egress of barn owls, and if they would onl}' breed there it was considered a good omen. Yet now an Act of Parliament is consiclered neces- sary to protect it from slaughter. The Starling, I find, is not in the schedule. It is admitted that his presence is not much wished for near a Cherry orchard during the time of ripening ; but, apart from this love of Cherries, he does an incredible amount of good, and al- though I am a fruit grower, I have had holes made about m}' house and outbuildings, and boxes put up purposely for starlings to breed in. Some time ago I had two nest places made close to a window where I was in the habit of sitting. The holes were made at six in the evening, and at seven nest morning the starlings began to build in them. After the usual time of the birds sitting the young were hatched, and then I had the pleasure of ob- serving the parent birds. They were up and about soon after four in the morning, commencing the day with chattering and whistling and other queer noises. Then, after a brief space, they went forth to breakfast. At six they began to feed their young. I noticed they were seldom gone more than a minute, the fullest extent being two, ere they returned with a grub in their beaks —sometimes more. Their'nest being but 3 ft. from the window, I could discern that many of these grubs were those of the Daddy Long-legs (Tipula oleracea). There were mostly secured from the meadow close by, and, thanks to the starling's, my Grass grew abundantly. Some- times the yellow Cabbage butterfly was brought, and this went on for hours ; then a little rest and more chattering and whistling, then again to feeding, which involved more grub and insect gathering for their little ones. In all cases I found the feeding of the young ended very nearly if not quite about six in the evening. The old birds then 'ivould plume themselves, give more whistling and chattering, and then go to rest a little while before dark. One curious fact I have noticed, which is that when the young birds can all fly well they entirely disappear from the neighbourhood with the old ones, and invariably return and visit their nesting places again in September. In only one instance in all my experience of years of observa- tion have I ever known them to bring any fruit, and that once was a Cherry, but not from my own trees, for I saw the robber bring it from a distance, and they never touched either my Plum or my Currant trees. It is delightful to watch the tactics of a flock, or rather a pack, of starlings in a meadow and note how curiously they feed, the hind ones continually flying to the front, by which means they can observe the holes of the insects in the ground, from which their shaii> pointed beaks quickly draw forth the occupants. I look on starlings as some of the very best friends I have. The Song Thrush is another. I do all I can to get as many of these about my grounds as possible. I feed them in the winter, and I pro- tect their nests in the summer ; but it is a delicate bird, and, feeding as it does on insects such as snails, worms, grubs, &o., not many can live in one spot, as there is not food enough, so they are driven off by their own species beyond a certain radius. A\'here thrushes abound you may be sure there are plenty of worms, grubs, and snails to be got. So look on them kindly and indulgently as friends working foryou, though they do eat a little fruit such as Currants and Strawberries (which you can net) when the weather is dry— for if moist or wet they generally prefer insects, as does also The Blackbird, though, savefor hismelodious song, he is not such a favourite with me as the thrush, as he makes sad havoc amongst the fruit, especially the Apples and Pears, pecking small holes first in one, then in another, spoiling many before they are ripe, and in dry weather he does more mischief to the Plums than the Apples. These birds will also clear a large Cherry tree in two or three mornings if not scared from it in some -n'ay. I have found that red, yellow, and blue rags, feathers, looking-glass, and other scares only answer for a few days, the birds rapidly getting used to them. They heed them so little that they sit in the trees eating the fruit, evincing a perfect contempt for the gorgeous flickerings about them The Cuckoo eats insects, and is of particular service with regard to the CTOOseberry caterpillar, which he frequents the gardens to secure, and is the only bird that I know of that has a particular fancy that way. Here I may mention that, although a garden may have many varieties of insect-eating birds within its boundaries, yet they may not feed on those particular insects which are doing the most damage. Insect-feeding birds do not feed on every kind of insect that falls in their way. Few birds, for instance, will eat a hairy caterpillar, and I know of none that feed on those that enclose themselves in groups in a kind of web, such as are found on Apple trees, and which denude them often of every leaf. Each bird has its particular food, and, as a rule, does not depart from it, unless driven to do so by hunger or thirst. JIany a time have I watched The Blue-tits among the Apple and Plum trees in winter, searching here and there, above and below, hanging head downwards with 70 THE GARDEN. [July 16, 1881. observing eye for any larv;B about or around the buds. How quickly, when found, are their sharp- pointed beaks inserted, and then what would have been a caterpillar destructive to the tree is itself destroyed. For my part I feel I never have too many blue-tits, cole-tits, and marsh-tits, and yet in the autumn, if the weather is hot and dry, these good friends of mine peck little holes in the Tears just by the stem, and so spoil some fruit ; but I reflect that this fruit, and many others, would not have had an existence, possiblj', had it not been for the insect-searching eyes of those self-same little beauties, the tits. 1 have never known them destroy blossom buds of the fruit trees, like The Bullflnch ; but even these, as a slight reparation, feed their young with caterpillars. Rooks. — Often have I placedmyself in jeopardy of being " locked up '' for trespassing by getting over hedges and invading fields belonging to others, from seeing a dead rook hanging by the leg from a pole as a warning to other rooks not to come there. I have run this risk for the purpose of seeing what the bird's crop contained, and in no case as yet have I found any grain, but only worms and grubs. It is my belief that they often are really doing much good at a time they are supposed to be doing much harm. A case illustrating this came to my knowledge. A farmer I knew living near the South Downs had a certain newly seed-sown field. In one part of the field the rooks were busy at work. They rose on seeing my friend, and one, unfortunately for the rook, came near. He, having a gun, shot it. On his going to pick up the body he found that three wire worms had just crawled from its beak. He then opened the crop of the dead bird, and found several more wire worms, besides grubs. " 'Well," said I, " what did you then ?" " Why," he replied, " I allowed the rooks to have their own way." Eooks do an enormous amount of good by eating the grubs of the cockchafer, and from my own examination of the crops of their young I found they were fed almost entirely on worms (and worms destroy the fertility of the soil, as any one can easily learn for himself if he tries to grow plants in mould formed entirely of worm casts). These young rooks are generally shot for sport at the very time they are and would be of the most benefit. Out of thirty-two A-oung rooks whose crops I examined, I did not find in one a grain of any sort. The Kestrel is another bird of great service in destroying mice, young rats, and large insects, such as cockchafers, &c. ; yet no sooner does one appear than every endeavour is made to shoot it. It seems to me a grave omission that the blackcap warbler was not put into the schedule of reserved birds, as it is one the bird-catchers like to get . It sells well, and is a sweet singer— in some parts being called the mock nightingale. And I for one should have been glad to have seen most of the warblers included; indeed, I feel astonished that so very few birds are selected, though they appear more than they really are, on account of so many local names being appended. Still, to my joy, I find the Act strives to preserve the nightingales, whose numbers for some years have been decreas- ing in this neighbourhood, only one singing in the adjoining woods last spring. The difference in this is great, for I have counted as many as nine warbling in delightful harmony at one time. " Epigram on the Burser (.si'c)of St. John's Col- lege, Oxon, cutting down a fine row of trees." Such (says a correspondent of Xotea and Queries) is the heading of tlie well-known epigram in " A Collection of Epigrams," London, i7;!.), second edition, small 8vo, where it is printed as follows. Epigram Ivii. : ludul^ent Nature to each kind bestows A secret instinct to discern its foes : The goose, a silly bird, avoids the fox ; Lambs fly from wolves ; and sailors steer fi-om rocks ; A rogue the ^'allows, as his fate, fortsecs, Aud bears the like antipathy to trees. CILVRLICS M. IKAEY. Mn. ('HARLES JI. IlovEY, of Boston, or Cam- bridge rather, is almost as well linown in thi.s country as in America, and therefore we have thought it desirable to reproduce a portrait of him which recently appeared in the liiirul New Yorher. Mr. Ilovey ha.s been long a devoted horticulturist, and, though now in liis seventy- first year, he is as hale and Iiearty and as ener- getic as ever he was. Wlien we fir.st knew him, some thirty y<'ar3 ago, lie was proprietor and editor of a monthly periodical called the Maga- zine of Iloriioiltufp, a worlc ■which he succes.sfully conducted for more tlian thirty vears. A\'hen but fifteen years of age he with Pear and other trees, and extensive glass houses were erected. Until tliis time tlie culti- vation and improvement of greenhou.se and liardy ornamental plants chiefly occupied his attention, but with greater convenience fruit trees and ornamental trees came in for a rigo- rous share. Fired by love of his avocation as well as commercial enterprise, he vhited I Europe in lS44, and bought in the English, Scotch, French, and Belgian nurseries such orna- mental trees and .shrubs — two or more of a kind t — as he thought would be hardy and of u.se in New F^nglaud. About 20 per cent, perished in their passage hither ; 50 per cent, of the whole \ succumbed within a year or two, and of the Cliarles M. Hovey. began gardening for pleasure, his father's ampl garden affording him room enough for his gratifi- cation. "When between si.xteen and seventeen he had gathered together a goodly collection of Hyacinths, Tulips, l\anunculuses,andotherbulbs and plants, and with borrowed tools built a small greenhouse. In this work he was assisted by his elder brother, who is still associated with him. And thus by love and application tliey proceeded and succeeded in their work, and by economy, exchange, and purchase increased the variety of their stock till they laid the foundation of a famous ciirsery and seed busi- ness. In 1S40 the present nur.sery ground in East Cambridge was bouglit ; it wa.s then a 40- acre piece of wild woodland. The woods were cleared ; it was cut up into squares aud avenued remainder a goodly number, proving unworthy of cultivation, were rooted out and destroyed; but of the collection then begun there are in his nursery now some l"o specimens from 10 ft. to 00 ft. in height. During his whole career the hybridisation of plants has been with him a favourite work, and by this means he has secured .some very fine results, especially among Camellias, lie began the liybridisatiou of Camellias in 18;3.3. Fortho pistillate parent lie used Waratah, which iias ' red, cockade-like flowers, aud for the stamiuate ones such of the best doubles as he could get pollen from. All of the first lot cf seedlings j showed imperfect flower centres, but there was one among them of good form and whose petals , were beautifully rounded without any of the July 16, 1881.1 THE GAEDEN. 71 characteristic indention of the end ; therefore tills one was selected as a pistillate parent and the others were discarded ; the staminate plants as before were the best doubles. From this second crossing; were obtained all of Ilovey's fine Camellias that have latel}- tiojiired si conspi- cuously in America and in Europe. Amonj; them are Mrs. Anne ulariellovey, white, striped and blush-pink, and for which a first-class cer- tificate was awarded by the London Koyal Horticultural Society in IS'd, and a prospective prize of $00 by the Mass. Ilort. Society, also in ]S7!); ('_ H. Flovey, almost the colour of a General .lacqueminot Kose, and for which was awarded a first-class certificate by IheL.R.II.S., and ( '. M. Ilovey, scarlet, not unlike the colour of the bracts of I'oinsettia pulcher- rima, and for which tlie Mass. Ilort. Society an'arded its large gold medal in 18o4. The above mentioned awards are the highest honours conferred by the Mass. Ilort. Society. In the spring of 1879, with true American enterprise, Mr. Ilovey shipped a largequantity of Camellias to England, himself accompanying them. Tliey were then bursting into blossom. lie exhibited them in London, where they were bought readily. In 18.38 he hybridised some Indian Azaleas, and from the seeds raised America, Suzette, Alba crispiflora, and others. In 184-j he began the hybridisation of Japanese Lilies, and as the result secured Melpomene, Terpsichore, Thalia, rolyhymnia, Clio, and others, all pretty forms of L. speciosum. Many fine sorts of Verbenas, Phloxes, Pelargoniums, Pansies, Carnations, and the like were also raised about this date, but most of them have now given place to better sorts. Tiut Pelargoniums Cambridge Pet, Dolly Uutton, and Commodore Nutt are still favourites in cultivation. Epiphyllum ('. M. Ilovey, glowing violet and red, is also a hybrid by ^Ir. Ilovey. Of this we hope soon to give a coloured plate. In I8;>'5, by means of hybridisation, he secured the Strawberry seeds from which, in the follow- ing year, he raised Boston Pine and Ilovey's Seeding, the last named still one of the finest of American Strawberries. After several years' trial the Mass. Ilort. Society awarded it a prize valued at $-jO. From the time it was first ex- hibited for twenty consecutive years it was awarded the first prize for the best two quarts of any kind of Strawberry ; and later, in 1877 and 1880, for the best four quarts. In I8.5.5 he raised the Ilovey Cherry from seed, a kind which Mr. Downing states is " vigorous, yro- ductive, and very good." lie has also introduced the Sheldon, Dana's Ilovey, and other Pears. In 1844 he began to make a collection of all the kinds of Cherry, Plum, Peach, Apple, and Pear trees to be obtained, numbering over I'lOO, and which were fruited and proved, and many of them described in the Magazine of Ilorticitlfure. In IMCK) he raised Thuja Iloveyi from seed, and five years later avariegated leavedform of Mag- nolia acuminata. In 1848 he began the publication of the "F. nits of America," of which two volumes and three numbers — in all 27 numbers were issued. This is a beautiful work ; each number contains four coloured plates of fruits, together with woodcut illustrations of the trees. These wood- cuts are claimed to be exact copies of the trees and in order to have thempositivelycorrect,Mr. Ilovey not only made the sketches himself, but also drew most of them on the blocks. It is much to be regretted that the spirit, energy', and talent that began such an exhaustlesswork could not find it convenient to continue it. For the past forty-eight years Mr. Ilovey has been sin active njember of the Masg, Ilort. Society, and president of the same in ISO.'i-lSCf) inclusive. It was during his administration that the present Horticultural Hall, so spacious and magnilic >ut and so centrally situated, was erected, and great credit is due to him for the untiring energy which he displayed iniiveting the influence required to build this edifice. Mr. Ilovey, in sliort, is in himself a horticul- tural eneyclop, Seln;rit)ella WiMonovi ; 6, Aspirtium aculeatum. ~ 7, Scnlf.penilriiuii Mil;4:uc. J. L. — Next week. LATE NOTES AND QUESTIONS- Deposit on Grapes.— Tlie nther day 1 syringeil my Vines for red' spicier, and unfortunately left a dejiosit on the (irapes, and I find syringing,' won't take it ott". \\'hat is the best for me to do with them V— Subsciubkb. Mildew. — The most efTective way of eradicating nuldew on i;ra]tes in a cool house is sulphur. Dust it on the leaves when they are wet, anil allow plenty of air to circulate tlu-on;jh the house. Roses — What are the best Tea Roses for forcing in pots — I.I.. T. [Mr, Geo. Paul rcconuiieilds Sonrejur (f'un Ami, Mad. WiUrimoz, Isabella Sjuviif, Mad. Falenf. Alba rnsea, Mad. La)id'ard, Marie Van llontte, Anna OlUvier, Preai- deul, yiphetfiji, Rvbcns, and Sn/rano.] Names of Plants.— j4. G. jtfoncrif/rffro/imji.— Gera- nium pratense, the small plant ; the other is Camjianula latifolia. T. Lonf/lei/.—l, Hemerocallis fulva ; 2, Lilium Martagon ; 3, .Spirwa Aruncus ; 4, apparently Rosa spino- sissima. Orchis. — Halicnaria bifolia. Lenzie. — Pyrus Aria. J. G. Gra!f.~\, Pteris umbrosa ; 2, Nephrodium molle; 3, send a specimen with spores on hack of frond; 4, Dictyiigr.'ininic jiiponicavariegata. T. Partiii(]tfin.—i^t'\\A a better specimen, in flower if possible. S. W'. C— Lilium Martagon. (laillardia aristata var. (perennial). F. B. (Lefgtrorth). — 1, .Sa.\ifraga hypnoidcs var.; 2, 3, and .'», send in flower; C, Perlploca grfeca. i'jnWr^.— Vicia lathyroidcs. Mac. — Bryonia dioica, .^eilum album, Spira'a salicifidia var. T. II. A. //. — Campanula grandis ; the small flowered species we cannot name. ir. /*. M. ClTa^er/orrf^.— Apparently Kondeletia spcciosa. J, ^rifoW.— Centaurca montana. J. /i'af/.— Sapo- naria \'acearia. // /J.— Allium nigrum var. M. S.— Ijetnnica gi-andiflora (the red flower), liieracium aurantia- cnm. It. r. v.— Rulms nutkanns. //. T. X — 2, Kestnca Myurne ; 3, Brounis secalimis ; I, It. arvensis ; .^, 15. mollis ; 6, Poa maritima ; 7, Festuca bromoiiies ; S, Poa distiuis : 0, Pestuca pratensis ; lo, Poa rigida ; 11, Avcna prntensis. Please note that our rule is only to nantc four plants at one time J. J)., CAater.— Bignonia uapreolata. GAIIDEN APPOINTMENTS. IIASNE.SS Hall, Cockermoutli, Cumberland, Mr. J. Taylor. Clahendox Park, Salisbusy, Mr. Warren. Camp Ville, North Shields, Jlr. W. S. Campbell. Fern Hill, Thorpe Hamlet, Norwich, Mr. T. Lown.^. Makston House, Frome, Mr. W. Iggulden. Belmont, East Barnet, Sir. T. Record. Melchet Court, Romsey, .Mr. Benliam. Wherwell Priory, Andover, Hants, Mr. J. ,'^paven. Howsham Hall, Kirkham, York, Mr. J. Hatherly. Attingham Hall, Shrewsbury, Mr. W. Spinks. Cbeedy Park, Crediton, Devon, Mr. W. Seward. Glyliffon Park, Carnarvon, Mr. JI. Hartwell. Elmwood, Bickley, Mr. J. I'aul. Hazel Hall, Ep.som, Mr. W. JIanning. The Cedars, Leamington, Mr. F. Southam. OSPKINGE House, Faversham, .Mr. H. King. Highcroft, Husbands Bosworth, Mr. G. Radford. Cateriiam Valley', Mr. W. Millard. Elkington Hall, Louth, Mr. B. G. Stone. Brooke, Isle of Wight, Mr. D. Judd. St.\geniioe Park, AVelwyn, Herts, Mr. John Chisholm. Rosepield, Sevenoaks, Jlr. S. Cook. Sunderla>-d Hall, Selkirk, Sir. D. Crombie. Peelways, Ayton, Jlr. D. Clunas. Dalhousib, Crieff, Mr. A. Ross. Skibo Castle, Sunderland, Mr. C. Bartleman. Culver House, Chudleigh, Jlr. E. Sclater. Villa JIagorie, Torquay, Jlr. W. Wood. Holcombe, DawUsh, Mr. W. Book. MiciiELSTOWN Castle, Cork, Mr. W. \y\nh- bcrley. Nantclwydd Hall, Ruthin. Mr. G. Hubbard. Floraire, Aigburth, Liverpool, Jlr. J. S. Trevor, Elmswood, Denmark Hill, .Mr. W. Camp. Alvington, Torquay, Mr. J. Dawe. Hatton, Fcltham, Jlr. J. Gardner. Buynallt, Hertford, Jlr. A. Iving. BULWICH I'ARK, Wansford, Jlr. J. Park. Moat Mount, Jlill Hill. Jlr. Jas. Read. I'ERNSIDE, Bickley, Mr. E. Wilson. Cave Castle, South Cave, Yorks, Mr. N. Coppin. LUDDINGTON HOUSE, Eghaiu, Mr. G. Spring- thorpe. Headingtos Hill Hall, Oxford, Jlr. W. Hovell. CHEL.STON Cross, Torquay. Mr. J. Hobbs. Warfield Park, Bracknell, Jlr. W. Hazel. Wanlip Hall, Leicester, Jlr. E. James. Canons Park, Edgwaro, Jlr. A. Bradley. Blake Hall, Ongar, Jlr. W. Bailey. PoRTMORE, Eddlcstonc, Sir. Cosh. Desart House, Co. Kilkenny, Sir. R. J. Wilson. Hay Brow, Scarborough, Yorkshire, Sir. James Robertson. Cassiobuky', Mr. Joseph Fitt. London and International Horticul- tural Directory. — We sliould be greatly obligcil by nurserymen and others aiding us in the compilation of this directory by furnishing lists of those occupied in the business of horticulture within their respective districts, including impor- tant agricultural houses also. Sawdust for Rhododendrons.— Dr. Xcwington, of Ticehnrat, informs us that Pine sawdust will grow Rhododendrons perfectly in districts where theie is lime- Btone soil or Idue gault to prevent their culture in the ordinary soil. He says he has seen satisfactory jiroofs of this, and that the Rliododendrons grew and flowered admirably in it. The fact may not be unimportant in dis- tricts where Rhododendrons cannot be grown, and whera considerable eNpense to obtain peat is sontetintes incurred, THE GAEDEN. No. SOS. SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1881. "This is an Art Which does mend Katm-e : change it rather : but The Akt itself is Nature."- S/iaATSj)far«. PLANTS PER POST FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES. CoxsidehinTt the facility ivitli -n-bich living plants of small size can be got from abroad through the post office, I am surprised that this plan is not much more frequently adopted than it is. Perhaps it is not generally known among amateurs that for a few pence a small packet may be brought from almost any part of the world. I have had them sent me through the post from New Zealand, Demerara, Sandwich Islands, Porto Rico, &c. The packet from Porto Rico, received a few days ago — costing Id. — consisted of a lucifer match box containing two living tilmy Ferns, one of them having a young frond about \ in. long grown during the journey. Unfortunately, however, after sur- vi\'in^ a 3000 miles' journey and being safely deposited, as I thought, in my filmy Fern house, I found the following morning that a vile .slug or other pest had made its supper off the tender heart of the plant, including the foresaid young frond— much to my disgust. The other filmy escaped. The packet from Sandwich Islands was still smaller — little more tlian a walnut in size. There were in it half-a-dozen very small Fernsasdry astinder. Howeyer,onbeingputinto moist heat they started into growth, and are now doing well. One is Pteris decora— uewso far as Iknowtocultivation—the other (Pteris decipiens) is common. From Switzerland lately three packets of alpineshavereached me,costing only 2M. each. The packets contained about two dozen" alpines each. One failure, however, I have to record f rorn New Caledonia ; a considerable number of filmies were in this packet, but all were dead, owing to insufficient packing. Everything depends upon the packing. In each of the above cases I have sent to my correspondents a small piece of gutta-percha sheeting for enclosing the plants to prevent evaporation. "When from a great distance, several independent wrappers should be used. A square yard costs under 2s., the weight of this being only 2 oz. An air- tight tin box would answer the same purpose, but the postage would be much increased. Perhaps those who have friends abroad— not necessarily botanical — may be induced to try this system, especially any travelling or residing in little visited districts. Something new would in all probability frequently be the result. There is always great interest in getting a new plant. My experience has been principally with Filmy Ferns, which are amongst the worst subjects to travel. If such can be successfully imported, almost anything may. It is a different matter sending plants from this country, as everything of the sort must be paid letter rate. The postal authorities abroad are much more liberal than our own in this respect. Some time a^o I sent a quantity of Rose cuttings to a friend in Demerara which cost me as many shillings as the same parcel would have cost pence coming from that country. My friend tells me the cuttings for the most part are growing luxuriantly, which is a consolation so far. P. Neill Phaser. Ediithurgh. FORCED AND PROTECTED VEGETABLES. French Bean House.— The object which " H." has in view is constantly attempted and more or less successfully put in practice every [Vol. XX. season by most cultivators, but in the majority of instances the work is done in a makeshift sort of way, that is, witli houses not generally constructed and devoted to particular varieties of vegetables, as is the ease with fruits. Of course houses such as your correspondent wishes to get up are certainly to be found about London, and occasionally in the large gardens in the country, but generally such houses are erected for a double purpose. A French Bean house, for instance, is not required for Beans all the year round, and therefore it is utilised for plants, or say Cucumbers or Melons in summer, and why not ? but then a compromise is made in the construction. Beans only in winter and spring, from your correspondent's point of view, should be the primary idea in the construction of the French Bean house, and for every other sort of vegetable the same leading idea should be upheld to insure the greatest amount of success. Green succulent vegetables in abund- ance in winter is a delightful thought — a product of the mind like a Spanish chateau, but not so easy to realise. French Beans after November will require a narrow lean-to house, steep, with a short hip behind, therefore not lofty — 9 ft. to the apex will be high enough ; it should have wide panes, a minimum of timber in the shape of rafters, so as to admit all the light possible, a sunk path in front, a short upright sash there, say 18 in. high, on which to rest the rafters, and an open shelf 20 in. wide next the glass, under which would be four 4-in. pipes. In the body of the house, which may be 10 ft. wide inside, should be a steep stage, corresponding with the lie of the roof, on which to place the pots or boxes containing the Beans. Underneath the stage should be four more pipes laid horizontally side by side, so as to heat the house comfortably without having to overheat the pipes, producing that roasted smell of the atmosphere invariably experienced in houses where the heating appa- ratus is strained to do its work. Means of ven- tilation can be made in the short hip sash. The object of this narrow steep house is to catch all the light of the sun in winter, and the use of the steep stage is to give the Beans all the bene- fit of the light possible, and to admit of a cir- culation of air among the pots or narrow boxes in which the Beans are to be grown. The steps of the stage need not be wider than 9 in. The greatest want of Beans in winter is sunlight — their greatest enemy damp. A great cultural mistake is planting in too much soil; a hard mature growth, induced through having plenty of light and a free circulation of air within the house, should be aimed at. This is no ideal house for the special culture of Beans in winter and spring, but one which I have actually seen in operation. It might not be called a handy house, but handiness vv ill have to be sacrificed to the ne- cessities of the crop. The wateringandpickingmay be done under difficulties, but "catch your hare before you skin it" is good advice. If the back wall is whitewashed and the flues from the fire are made to traverse it from end to end before com- municating with the chimney, much economy in heat will be the result. A house of this de- scription will answer admirably for Strawberries, but without the four pipes underneath the stage ; the centre stage also may be flatter, because the Strawberry does not require so intense sunshine, and rather rejoys a moist atmosphere. Early Pea House.— For very early Peas a long narrow house with the same description of roof is the best, except that the front upright sash should be 3 ft., and three pipes only will be sufficient,and they should be under the centre stage ; a row of Peas will then be grown on the narrow border next the glass, or in along narrow box for the purpose, similar boxes to be placed on the stage in the centre, of thehouse, to which, that is, to each side of the box, a row of wir^ netting should be attached for, the., support of ; the Peas. Such yarieties^,as Dicksok's First and' , Best or William the First are thabest for, eal-ly work. For the spring and early eiuliiiier supply; A pits 10 ft. wide with a good pitck..tot.he3nniand with a flow and return pipe in fi%nit,,_are the best in which dwarf sorts can be sown in 1 ft. depth of soil. Such as Tom Thumb or Little Gem may run in rows across the pit the same as in the open ground. This may seem a great width, but there is economy iu it in relation to the pipes, and handiness must give way to other considerations. I prefer light and handy appli- ances, but there is also a limit in this direction. HiBEnNIAN. Green Vegetables. — Having had forty years' experience iu growing these for winter and spring use, allow me to offer the followingremarks on the subject : For French Beans I have found Melon and Cucumber pits suitable where the temperature can be maintained at from .55" to 60". I have had two crops of Beans from such houses from May to September, sowing the first on the soil from which the Melons or Cucumbers were taken. For the second crop I added a little fresh loam, and planted the Beans out from 3-in. pots. In November I have found it a good plan to plant my Vine borders with Beans (a fortnight after the houses are started) from 3-in. pots ; the same may be done in suc- cession as the Vineries are started, thus securing a good supply all through the winter and spring months. Peas I have known to do well in pits with just sufficient heat to keep out frost. Basil may be sown on the surface of light soil in shallow pans or bcxes, and placed in a house with a temperature ranging from 00" to 70" ; keep it as dry as possible in damp weather, as it is liable to damp off. Mint, Tarragon, &c., succeeds on borders of Vineries and Peach houses where the temperature is from 50" to CO". Tomatoes require a span-roofed house devoted to themselves. For Strawberries I recommend a lean-to house with a stage placed near the glass, just leaving sufficient room for watering. I have never seen Broccoli grown' in houses, but have had it excellent in the most severe weather merely by adopting the old plan of taking up the plants when full grown and placing them upon their sides with the heads facing the south. Celery I have known to last good all through the winter planted out-of-doors in narrow ridges well earthed up ; at the last earthing up in October the surface should be well smoothed down with the back of the spade from the plant downwards to carry off the heavy rains. It wiU keep in this way till it runs to seed. M. Span-roofed Pit. — If given good houses, and the requisite labour to work them, there is no reason why the products desired by " H." should not be forthcoming in abundance. Generally, cultivators have to put up with make- shift conveniences, particularly as regards the winter protection of Broccoli, Cauliflowers, Lettuces, and the like, and as yet I have never been fortunate enough to have at command any better convenience for lengthening out the supply than that afforded by the shelter of a wall, and Fern or long litter shaken over the plants in severe weather, or a few skeleton frames, over which were tacked mats or canvas ; either of these modes preserves Broccoli, Cauli- flowers, Celery, and the hardier Lettuces fairly well, but if I "had " II." as minister of the ex- chequer, I would certainly go in for building houses, or rather frames, for the purpose of wintering them the more effectively, and with less labour than is inyolved by the practice just 76 THE GARDEN. [July 23, 1881. alluded to. One of tlie best forms of lionse, or rather pit — for boiise it could scarcely be called — would be a span-roofed one running north and south, 12 ft. in widths and of such di- mensions as to length as the supplies required demanded. The lights should be movable, in order that they might be taken off or put on, as needed, and the whole interior of the pit should be a bed of good soil in which the seeds could be sown or the plants be planted out, at a date calculated to furnish the supplies when required. Arti- ficial heat would rarely be necessary, as the best protection would be an exterior covering of good thick mats, or Frigi Domo, but as a safe- guard ,in very severe weather a single line of pipes round the pit might be desirable. This form of pit would do well for Broccoli, Cauli- flowers, C'olworts, and Lettuce, which might either be sown as above suggested, or be trans- ferred from the open garden at the beginning of winter. Span-roofed House. — French B>au3, Tomatoes, and Asparagus are about all the really good winter vegetables worthy of forcing, and for these provision sliould be made for heating the pit to a temperature of 7.>' — not that this figure would need to be always adhered to, but .sometimes it might be necessary. This house I would also have span-roofed, the gables pointing north and south, and l-'j ft. in width ; this would allow of a 6-ft. bed on each side and a ;J-ft. path through the centre. The bed on the west side should be entirely reserved for the growth of French Beans, and the opposite side for Tomatoes and Asparagus ; a bottom heat of not less than 70^ would be needed in each case, and this could be produced by placing the pipes in a chamber formed of Oak| slabs or earthen- ware tiles, and the soil placed over them ; on the east side a central dividing line consisting of 4^- in. brick-work would be needed through the entire length of the bed. Of the partitions thus formed, tlie one next the outside wall should be planted with Tomatoes, and the inner half with .\sparagus. The Tomatoes could be trained up the roof and over the Asparagus without any bad result. Provided the path was sunken, which might easily be done by having a step or two down into the house, a .shelf might be suspended from the centre to thereof, on which might be grown Peas in pots. Straw- berries, &c. Cold Pits. — For the winter growth of llad- ishes and saladings generally, no structures are more suitable than what are usually termed cold pits ; indeed, personally, I should prefer a series of these having a southern aspect to the best planned forcing houses that could be built, and for bottom heat, not much of which is ever required by .saladings, nothing equals Oak leaves, eitlier for regularity as regards heat or the length of time during which they retain it. As to top beat, about GO^ as a maximum would be ensured by a single row of pipes round the pit, but this heat .should not be used except the temperature is liliely to fall below .50^, the reason being that none of these things thrive so satisfactorily in heat so imparted as in that given off from leaves and manure. Store Houses. — For open garden vegetables undoubtedly a north aspect is best, and so long as the atmosphere is free from actual frost the cooler they can be kept the better. The sheds that are generally built behind vineries and other lean-to houses might with slight alteration, especially as regards light, be ni.ade available for storing Broccoli that had attained an advanced stage of growth, and (Jelery that had begira to decay. Beetroots, Turnips, Parsnips, and all other culinary roots winter perfectly in such situations. ' " W. W. Cloches.—" II." (p. 10) will be able to .supply himself with Lettuces, Endive, Radishes, young Onion.s, Mustard and Cress, and other green salads in winter and spring by the use of French cloches with or without fermenting materials. In order really to see what difference the cloches made to crops without any assistance from hotbeds or top coverings, I, last February, sowed Early Hammersmith and Tennis B.all Lettuce under about fifty cloclies, and at the same time sowed beside them a similar quantit)' without any protection. This was on a south border pretty well manured previousl}'. The cloches were simply set on the soil, but as the season advanced a small peeble was put under the edge of each on one side to admit air. The result was tliat we cut Lettuces from under the cloches just about twenty days before those on the open border were ready. I would not^have believed the difference would have been so great, but the protection of the seeds from frost, cold rains, and snow makes all the difference. Our cloches are about 18 in. in diameter, with- out knobs, and cost somewhere about Is. Od. apiece. If " II." has the materials and con- veniences I should advi.se him to collect a long and broad heap of tree leaves in autumn, about 3 ft. deep and 20 ft. or .'!0 ft. wide, cover the same with good mould and place the cloches on it, and sow or plant under it anything that he wants early which will succeed in that way. The slight hotbed of leaves will greatly accelerate the progress of the crops, and I doubt if he could adopt a cheaper or better plan. French Beans and Strawberries can be grown well together. A lean-to house with a sharp slope to the south, say 1.5 ft. high at the back and 10 ft. or 12 ft. wide, and glazed down to the ground, including the front lights or shutters, will grow Strawberries on shelves on the back wall capitally, and French Beans on the floor or bed in front. It may also be used for Tomato culture as well. It should be heated sufficiently to keep the temperature up to •50 deg. or 5-5 deg. at least in cold weather, and four or five rows of 4-in. pipes will be needed to do that. It pays to provide sufficient heating power. Frames. — He may also grow Beans, Straw- berries, Peas, Turnips, Carrots, Lettuces, Pota- toes, herbs, Asparagus, &e., in low frames, built of brick G ft. wide, with movable sashes, and heated by a 4-in. coil of piping running round the pit back and front — that is, a single pipe flowing along the front and returning by the back. AVhen heated by pipes we find that fermenting manure is not required. The disad- vantage of frames is that the lights have to be removed to admit of watering, lice., which is a drawback in severe weather, but they are far better than draughty orchard hou.ses, except for Peas and Cauliflower.s,&c., which do best in such structures. We should prefer to have the French Beans and the Strawberries in a house lofty enough to permit of the plants being watered and attended to inside. Tomatoes also do best in such structures, but we have had immense crops of these from May till December in heated frames, a few old Pea sticks being laid over the bed and the plants pegged over them. It does not pay to grow either Peas or Cauliflowers under glass. But Broccoli raav be lifted, after it has grown, in October or November, and laid in by the heels, 18 in. apart, in any temporary frame made of tui'f or deals, and covered by glass sashes or shutters to be removed in fine weather. Tliis is the best and cheapest way to make sure of a supply of Broccoli in winter and spring, and the plants lift easily with balls of soil to their roots in the autumn. If one frame faces the south and another the north, it will prolong the supply till the summer Cauliflowers come in. Eclipse and Carter's Champion Broccoli are the most reliable kinds for late work. No one need lack a supply of Broccoli who is prepared to take this trouble with them. Tender Brussels Sprouts and Spinach any one ought to have outdoors every day throughout winter and spring without any protection whatever if the crops are sown at the right time. Our hardest frosts make little or no impression on these, and if breadth enough be planted the supply will be sufficient. Spinach grows slowly during winter, hence the breadth sown must be greater. We have never been without the.se two when most other things have been killed. What kills Celery in winter is the alternate frosts and rain.s, but light, water- proof, felt shutter.s, made riige-shape and wide enough to cover a trench, will keep the ridges dry, and straw will exclude frost, and in this way good Celery may be kept long enough and in better condition than lifted and stored in a shed. Your correspondent is right in thinking the French Bean the best green vegetable to force, and with a kind like Osborn's Prolific he should have good crops. They can be grown in A"ineries, Pine stoves, or Peach houses, always bearing in mind that tliey must havelight and be near the glass, and have a temperature ranging from <;0° to 7-5^ at least. All the salad tribe named above ai'e easily produced at any season of the year if the accommodation before described is provided for them, and Chicory will force well in any warm cellar, and with these and Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, .Spinach, and French Beans, &C., most people could be satisfied during an English winter. J. S. W. WILD GAP.DENING. To the plants recently recommended by Jlr. Berrj', of Longleat, for wild gardening (p. 41) you should add Dictamnus Fraxinella, especially the white form. Last week I had the pleasure of seeing the garden at Crowsley Park, Oxfordshire, where many plants are grown in the long Grass. Among these none surprised me so much as the white Fraxinella. Usually this is not an easy plant to grow, and so slow of increase that " instances are known where the Fraxinella has outlived father, son, and grandson on the same spot without increase, all attempts at multiplying it having failed.'' Yet in the long Grass at Crowsley Park it seems to revel. This, and the fact that in its native habitats it grows in Corn- fields, seems to show that the right position is where its roots can be shaded, but its flowers can get sun and light ; and, speaking of large plants, there are two now in flower here wliich I can strongly recommend to anyone seeking such plants. One is Veratrum viride. This is a Southern States plant, and verj- different from the European forms V. album and nignim. When in flower it is more than 6 ft. high, with a strong straight stem, requiring no supports, noble foliage, and ending in a loose panicle of j-ellowish-green pendulous flowers, unattractive singly, but very striking in the mass. It is perfectly hardy. The other plant is Oreocome CandoUei, one of Max Leichtlin's good introductions. This, too, stands about 6 ft. high, strong and erect. The leaves are as finely cut as a Todea, and the flower-stems end in one large umbel divided into many small umbels, the flowers white, and the pedicels also white and transparent. In the sunshine, when seen ■with the light shining through, the appear- ance is verj- beautiful and peculiar. It is quite hardy, but I do not know its native countrj-. I shall let both these plants form seed, which I shall be glad to give to .iny that would like to try them. — Henry X. Ellacojibe, Hilton Vicarage. [This is reprinted from TiiE GARDEN of last week (p. '){)), owing to a page having been omitted by accident.] J July 23, 1881.] THE GARDEN. 77 NOTES AND READINGS. That ejaculation of thankfulness in Thb Gab- den for the " great mercy that only one out of fiftj' of the variegated plants sent out are ever worth a farthing," will cause, I have no doubt, some consternation. Is another fond delusion to be dispelled ? The editor, no doubt, referred only to those gre?n and white things ■which raisers dignify with the name of "varie- gated trees and plants,"' and does not include in his condemnation such subjects as golden and silver Hollies, Aucubas, Caladiums, Begonias, tricolor Pelargoniums, and the like, be they hardy or tender ; but there can be no doubt that the variegation craze has in its time beeu a little overdone. There are, however, variegated and variegated plants even among the green and white section. The occasionally splashed Elder, looking as if somebody' had hit the foliage here and there with a whitewash brush ; the blotchy and sometimes wholly albino-leaved Alocasia macrorhiza ; or the erratio^Cyperus, always hesi- tating whether it will be green or white, or both, are not subjects that one contemplates with feel- ings of admiration ; but the slender and regu- larl^'-margined Sibthorpia europcBa is a pretty object, and formed one of the most attractive plates The Garden has ever issued. So is the little Panicum variegatum, and so is the Old Gardeners Garter. A variegated Geranium like Flower of the Day, with its imperfect, crumpled, and manifestly-diseased foliage, is a nothing, except from a bedder-out's point of view ; but the first time I looked upon good spe- cimens of Grieve's tricolor varieties I thought the delicate tints of the leaves looked like sun- shine photographed. One of the earliest was appropriately named Sunset, if I remember. Variegated trees and shrubs have not had such pood luck as small plants. There is a variegated Rhododendron occasionally seen in such a miserable-looking aspect as to suggest horrid ideas in connection with blood-poisoning. Who raised it we cannjt say; but no doubt the raiser had a certificate of merit from some society or other when he first sent it out. It is a truly pitiful specimen of its class. * The variegated Acer Negundo has also helped to bring its neighbours into disrepute, although we have seen very telling groups of it in shrub- berries, planted by Mr. Dick, at Canford, near Bournemouth, where it seemed to grow well and produce ample foliage. In more unfavour- able climates it becomes a scarecrow, looking always more dead than alive. "\'ariegation in the Acer results from a feeble circulation, the real o-xygenised blood, so to speak, not reacliing the extremities hence the white portion of the foliage is always going off, or suffering from adverse conditions of the weather. A leprous variety of the Wellingtonia and one of the Cupressus have also been brought under the notice of cultivators, but they do not find favour apparently, for they are not much sought after. * The glossy, bright-leaved Aucuba and the golden and silver Hollies are, on the other hand, deservedly popular shrubs, and no one would think of condemning them, though there are some Hollies that are not worth notice as variegated subjects. In fact., the line must be drawn somewhere in variegated plants, and a mere variation from the original green to green- white should not be invariably recognised as a claim to notice and recommendation, as has hitherto been the case in too many instances. In the case of the Coleus, for example, it seems only necessary to sow seed in order to get new shades of colour and degrees of variegation, and perseverance in sending the same before the committee at South Kensington to get certifi- cates, for it has beeu truly observed that there does not appear to be any limit to that body's power of discerning " acquisitions " in the new subjects presented to it so long as they indicate a hairbreadth's]dift"erenee from anything that has come before it previously. I have been rather disposed, if anything, to favour the ideas of artists in things per- taining to ornamental gardening, but since studying that artist's bouquet in The Garden (p. SS), I wish to confess that I draw the line at bouquets. That bouquet is, to begin with, a white mass of any kind; and as to the artist's" scarlet" meaning " orange," no doubt orange means all degrees of yellow as well, and anything between these two extremes is to go against the white, on one side, and on the other red, and the brighter the red the better. Next to that and the white is to be an almost black flower ; beyond the scarlet, blue ; beyond the red, purple and yellow Picotees and a bluePentstemon, which it seems is always to be had ; and lastly, flowers of a brownish hue — Fuchsias, and a margin of Ferns behind all. This is how to make a bouquet by " An Artist," and we recommend the article to the ( 'ovent Garden bouquetists. It is to be white, scarlet or yellow, red, black and blue, and no fringe of green, or any delicate contrast, is to come betwten these colour's, nor any delicate tints. No such outrage, nothing so common, nothing so impossible has yet been con- ceived in the vilest bedded out flower bed ever yet planted. This bouquet, it appears, exhibits the two principles to be kept in view by bouquetists — one, harmony and contrast of colour, the other force of light and shade. In reading the directions furnished by " An Artist," we felt very much like the backwoodsman, who could not comprehend the bill of fare at a certain hotel in New York, and guessed he would go back to first principles and take Beans and bacon. • The "garden nursery," which was at one time a useful adjunct to many a large private garden, has somehow or other sadly fallen into neglect in these days of fast gardening, but now when a taste for greater variety in the way of hardy shrubs and plants is reviving, it is beginning to be missed. A spare piece of ground, which need not be large — a receptacle for nick-nacks and devoted to the propagation of select plants and shrubs — would prove a boon to the gardener and enable him to fill up many a blank in the garden without delay or trouble to himself, or much expense to his employer, who at the present time buys more from the nurserymanthanheused to do or need do. * Canon Hole, in his eloquent discourse on the Rose the other day, said, in speaking of its propagation, that the time was coming when Roses would probably all be grown on their own roots, in wliich case the garden nursery would be the place in which the rising gene- ration for the Rose border would fiudahome; and when we take to propagating batches of Roses every autumn, as we do our Calceolarias and Pelargoniums now, the time will have gone by when we need to discommode ourselves much con- cerning the destruction of a few plants by frost or any other cause, and gardens will not remain unfurnished because of possible diffi- culties in the way of procuring fresh stock. # The Canon's discour.se on the Rose, which so many people went to the Sheffield exhibition expressly to hear, delivered in his own inimitable manner, had a true practical ring about it which elicited many a grunt of satisfaction from that portion of the Yorkshire Rose growers who are accustomed to express their feelings in that way, and many a broad ripple of fun passed over their faces at his apt and pointed anecdotes and comical allusions, while the "intellectual mind. " which, a certain horticultural writer once said, craved for something more than mere practical information in connection witli Vine culture, I think did not go away disappointed. The comic element of the occasion was f iir- nishedby the capital brassband of the n9th,which, astounded apparently at the sudden disper- sion of its fashionable and appreciative audience (which trotted after the Canon ), left Its stand and followed, bursting with its brazen voice upon the lecturer and his hearers just as the former be- gan,but "stopped short," like " M}' Grandfather's Clock," as soon as it realised the awful nature of the " charge " it had contemplated, and fled from the Canon's presence, it was said, to the refreshment tent, carrying with it a member of the managing committee who had laboured under the hallucination that the Canon expected to be accompanied in his discourse by the band playing "The British Grenadiers" and "My Love is like a Red, Red Rose," in complimentary allusion to past and present associations, and who had given orders accordingly. * No one, we are sure, who knows anything of him would accuse the Canon of lacking sympathy with Nature in its broadest aspects, and least of all in the case of the Rose. Men- tally and physically he is too big to be fettered. He was not wholly and unreservedly charitable when he insinuated " sub rosa that some of our friends" objected to the florists' Rose, and took little interest in Rose exhibitions because they could not win prizes themselves — a proposition which is just about as sound as that no one has an}' right to criticise a baby show because one did not send their own baby to it. There are plenty of contented lovers and growers of the Rose who bear no malice to exhibitors, and care not a jot whether they win or lose. We suspect such unworthy jealousies are the product of competition, and exist among a certain section of exhibitors only, but are far from thinking that there is no chivalrous feeling as pure and high as ever actuated a Saladin or a Knight Templar among that class of exhibitors of which the Canon himself is such a worthy ornament. * On the subject of manures for the Rose Canon Hole is evidently in sympathy with the old gardener whose best analytical test was his nose, and who had a profound contempt for all compositions that did not appeal " strougly " to that organ. In short, the great Rose grower pins his faith first to farmyard liquor, next to guano, and, lastly, to Clay's Fertiliser— all of them, like Rimmel's cards, delicately perfumed, although, to do the Canon's philosophy on the subject justice, his preference for tliose origi- nated from a practical testing of their value in the Rose garden. So Peaches have begun to set in America before they come into flower, have they ? It would be dangerous to say what might not happen in America maybe, but Peach growers in this country have not patented the process as yet. It will surprise no one to learn, a short time hence, that the trees have dispensed with flowers altogether, and that the fruit has begun to grow right away without their assistance. Until this is accomplished we fear the bees, the syringe, and the like aids will continue to be popular. No one ever saw the anthers or the pollen of a Peach flower developed before the 78 THE GARDEN. [July 23, 1881. flowers expanded. " Si>t cultivators a-think- ing! -set them a laufrbin£r would be more like it. Gardeners have certainly acted on the assumption that the fertilisation process was effected after the flowers opened. They have never hitherto been able to fertilise the flowers till that happened, for no one gardener ever saw the pollen wherewith (o effect the operation until it was produced, and that never happened until the flowers had been expanded some time and the pollen matured. Mr. Wysor's Peaches must be endowed with true American pre- cociousness. I don't intend to " think about " the subject, os "A. D." suggests, because I do not believe a word of the story; but I will give £■> to the first man who will produce a Peach tree that sets its fruit on " Wysor's principle.'' Pehegbixk. EDITOR'S TABLE. Lady Middleton Carnation —A very large t'arnation described by Jlr. W. Young, of Edinburgh, wlio sends it, as the largest of all the tree kinds. It was a sport from Souvenir de Malmaison. Mr. Young says the flowers are sometimes 5.| in. across, colour a delicate pink with numerous snail stripes and spots. Ths Cape Hyacinth (H.candicans).— Fine plants ot this, over ;i ft. high in a pot, come from Messrs. Beckwith, of Tottenham. These excellent growers have been trying the fitness of this plant for pot culture, but they find it too strong a grower for tliat purpose. Had we not, however, seen it growing in rich ground out-of-doors we should have thought these pot-grown plants very remarkable, Mariposa Lilies.— These strange and grace- ful plants (Calochortus) are perhaps made happier by tlio glowing days of our warm July— days which might well pass for Californian. In any case we have not seen them so tall and free flowerinir before in tliis country as they come to ns from the New Plant Company at Colchester. Two species are sent, C. luteus and C. venustus : the latter, drawn by Mrs. DufKeld, was one of the first o£ our successful plates. An Australian Shrub from Cork.— Perfect bloom of a pale lemon coloured " Bottle Bru.sh " plant from Jlr, V,'. E, Gumbleton, who snys: I enclose blooming specimens of what I con- sider an exceedingly ornamental flowering shrub (Callistemon rigidum). It is growing as a large bush iua villa garden on the top of Queenstown Hill, and is quite hardy and uninjured by the last three winters. Some of the more showy Au.«tralian shrubs of the same family would probably do well in the same district. The Hardy Pitcher Plant.— The Pvev. Mr. Kawson sends from Bromley Common a specimen of this which has stood out in his gar- den during the past winter. As the plant may be seen in every ice-clad bog in the Northern States of America, its hardiness is beyond doubt. With such summers as this the growth of Sarracenia purpurea would be free and well ripened in the open air in England ; as it is, it grows steadily and is hardy enough. The Hardy Heaths still continue beauti- ful. A silvery white form of the common Heather (Railed Calluna v. alba minor) is peculiarly chanu- in<: ; so is the Cornish Heath (Erica vagans),which comes with it in two forms. The pretty little Partridge Berry (Gaultheria procumbens) is in fiower with these, and bears many Lily of tlie Valley-like flowers, with a faint pink tinge to- wards the base — a precious little shrub for the rock garden, evergreen, very dwarf, glossy, and later on studded with red berries. Spiraea venusta var, lobata.— A lovely and stately plant as it comes to us from Mr. Hawson, of Bromley Common. It is one of the plants that will repay for thought in the selection ot a position, and is not so happy as a mere dot in a mixed border. A cool but not sliady place near the hardy Fernery or bog garden will do for a mass of it ; an open moist spot in a bed of lihododendrons will suit a colony. Its rosy plumes are lovely in July, and the foliage ot this form, as grown by Mr. Kawson, is bold and hand- some. Large Water Lilies.— llespecting some very large and bold Water Lilies sent to us from Highclere, Mr Koss writes from the gardens there as follows : The double variety th.at I sent to you is dccidedlj- superior to the common semi-double sorts that we have here. The leaves ot the double Lilies are large, of a bright green, glossy tint, and the plants are strong and more robust in growth than the others. The flower-stalks, too, are stout, consequently the flowers are raised well above the foliage, and in many instances i ft. above the water, tlius showing the beautiful white flowers to good advantage. It continues to flower for a longer period than the common sort. The flower-stalks of the latter are generally weak, and the flowers lie flat on the surface of the water. Lilium testaceum is praised much just now. Mr. Burbidge says it is nearly 7 ft. high with him — one shoot with eleven flowers at top. It was always a free-growing and handsome Lily, conspicuous in old days wlien Lilies were not getting much attention. Supposed to be a hybrid between the scarlet Martagon and the white Lilies, this is a stronger grower than either parent, and easily grown. Mr. Burbidge saj's " The white Lily^is now glorious, and also L. longi- florum in borders. Our best clump ot auratum, two years planted, has ten stems 6 ft. high, and bears over 50 buds. Even the little shoots from the small spawn at the base of large bulbs give a fiower each at 6 in. to 1 ft. above the ground level," Lindley'S Spiraea, — A fine wreath of a noble flowering shrub, which invites the outdoor gar- dener to go a little out of his way to give it the place and soil it deserves. The usual st-ite otthis shrub, at once a fine-foliaged plant and a flowering shrub of the highest merit, shows as well as any the thoughtlessness which is the rule as regards the finest things we have. How does this come about ? Partly because few good examples exist ot such shrubs at once grown well and placed well. A group of Spini^a Lindleyana, say three to five bushes, with ample room on lawn or Grassy slope, w'th no interloping roots or boughs near to rob them of sun or soil, would be a graceful sight in July. Mr. J. D. Nanscawen, who sends one plume of the bush from Whiteway Gardens, C'hudleigh, Devon, says it was taken from a speci men about 10 ft. high and the same in dia meter. Mr, Betteridge, ot Chipping Norton, grows his flowers well,and on one of the hottest days ot the week it was refreshing to see certain old friends among the hardy Pea-flowers which always seemed to us worth growing — the rosy Coronilla (C. varia), a pretty and very free plant ; the pink and white Goat's Rue (Galega ofiicinalis) ; these are hardy enough to grow in the hedgerow, but are well worth having as cut flowers when well grown, as in this case. Among other good plants he sends us (July 19) is the Queen of the Prairies (Spirtea venusta), a tall and beautiful plant when well grown; Oinothera Y'oungi, Sida malv,^flora, some handsome spikes of the Black Mullein ( Verbascum nigrum ), the always welcome old blue and white Aconite in long spikes, and a variety of otlier handsome plants recently mentioned in our pages, and which, therefore, we do not repeat. '"Woodman, Spare that Tree,"— The fine Plane tree in front ot the old entrance door of the South Kensington Museum is, according to a writer in the Tlmrs, about to be sacrificed. Now that efforts are being made to preserve things beautiful in London, surely a word may be said in favour of sparing that old tree. It has been the growth of a century or more, and, once cut down, can never be replaced, The copies of trees in oils and water colours within the Museum are good, but the glorious living tree without is better. NOTES FliOM CORNWALL. The change one sees after a few weeks' aUsence from home is surprising ; everywhere before I left. Narcissi, Wallflowers, Arabis, and similar plants were in full flower, but now these are succeeded by Brompton Stocks, Lupines, Iri-ses, Geraniums, Roses, Pinks, &c. It is somewhat rare to .see the Passion Flower in a deciduous state, but it was so this winter ; and was only just recovering a few weeks ago, and now where it is trained against hou,ses it is in positive tropical luxu- riance. Bedding Out. -Plants bedded out do not present quite a happy appearance. In fact, they never do ; when it rains they have a " washed out " appearance, and in drj- weather they are " baked up." In old-fashioned gardens one constantly sees such lovely plants as Lilies : the Tiger Lily, the Fire Lily, and occasionally the AVhite Lily (Lilium candidum), and the Pyrenean Lil}' (L. pyrenaicum) ; grand plants these ; they do not originally cost more than one or two second sized Pelargoniums, incur a great deal less trouble, and are hardy ; and one Lily is worth a score of Pelar- goniums ; in fact, there is no comparison between the two. There are three seasons in the year when the majority of gardens around Penzance are particularly " striking " as regards one specia- lity ; in spring we have the lovely Arum Lily, with its trumpet-shaped flowers in abundance ; just now (July) the lovely Lilium lancifolium album ; and in autumn the Belladonna Lily ; this last is abundant, and it is surprising how few amongst visitors know its name. American Aloe and other Plants.— There is an example ot this about to flower in Mr. Newall's garden at Penrose Terrace; at present it is about 1.") ft. high, and is estimated to be from 40 to 50 years of age. The stem is thick and strong ; it lengthens at the rate of about 2 ft, per week ; of course it has to be propped up. This came originally from the Scilly Isles. Some years ago one flowered at Alverton— an extraordinarily fine one, finer than the one in Mr. Newall's garden. Saxifraga Wallacei. — In the white-flowered sec- tion this is a little gem. The individual flowers are somewhat large, and are borne in small um- bels. The leaves are formed at the base, like a kind of mat. The whole height is not more than ij in. or 4 in. It was finely in bloom a few weeks ago in Mr. Nicholl's nurseri", Redruth. Spergu- laria rupestris is another native gem, and one that will occupy a prominent place in out-door rockeries. Itse-xtremely bright pink starry flowers are very pretty. It grows plentifully on all the cliffs around here in all sorts of out-ot-the-way places, such as on bare rocks, wedged in between two rocks, itc. Some one wanted to know a few weeks ago whether variegated forms ot Barbarea vulgaris were rare. They are neither rare nor very common — that is, they occur now and then. I cannot, however, say that the variegated kinds are improvements on the normal form — rather otherwise. The Myrtle-leaved Eugenia (E, myrti- tolia) is a beautiful white flowered hardy shrub. Mr. Mitchinson has it now finely in bloom. It has withstood the severity ot the past winters. Dracajnas in Mr. Mitchinsons garden were to all appearances dead a few months ago, but they are now pushing young plants from the root ot the old one, although the main stalk is quite rotten, Jackman's Clematis is now beautifully in flower in several places around here, trained against the front ot houses chielly. Its very large purple flowers are very handsome. William Robekts. The Mock Orange is not an easy plant to arrange gracefully as branches, but a few little twigs of the flowers placed in a Violet glass have a good Primrose-Uke effect, JtTLT 1881.1 THE GARDEN. 79 THE FLOWER GARDEN. WIIITE-FLOWEKED ALLIUMS. The Alliums, thoug^U large as a family, comprise but few that are really beautiful flowering plants, and none that are popular in gardens ex- cept the white-flowered kinds, than which we know but few hardy flowers that are more desirable for purposes of cultivation. Of these the following are the best, and all of them grow from 1 ft. to 1^ ft. in height, viz.: A. neapolitanum,ciliatum,8ub-hirsutum,Clusianum, all of which bear delicate umbels of pure white flowers on graceful, slender stalks iu such a manner as to be admirably adapted for cutting purposes. .\11 are natives of .South Europe, perfectly hardy, and if the bulbs are left un- disturbed in good rich garden soil they will in- crease rapidly year by year botli in size and numbers. Although the difference between the species just named is not very apparent except to the botanist, it is well to have the four as mixture I use for all truly alpine plants. My three patches face three different aspects, but I see no difference in their growth. They are all above the ground level from 1 ft. to U ft. The finest piece, formed of three plants, now carries twenty-four heads of flowers, and many have been gathered, so charming are they for button-holes, used in conjunction with spraysof Thalictrum minus, which stands very much better tlian the fronds of the Maiden-hair Fern. Ladies are all charmed with it, and use it in their hats and bonnets. A fourth patch I have lost, and I cannot account for the loss in any way, except by supposing that it was because of its being planted slightly below the ground level in a hollow. In winter, it might have been damp, for by springtime it had rotted away. During winter, I throw all the snow I can get over the alpines, and it is very pleasant to me to see them emerging from their snowy coverlid when thaw sets in. It is one of the best things we can do to imitate their homes among the mountains. In common with all White -flowered Allium. they flower one after the other in sucession. In spring and early summer Covent Garden is well stocked with these Alliums in a cut state supplied by growers round London who cultivate them in large quantities, and find them a remunerative crop. An advantage tliese Alliums possess, and combined with their delicate beauty, is that they are quite or nearly devoid of the character- istic Garlic smell belonging to Onions. They all thrive well in an ordinary border of good light soil in a wann situation, and they are also admirable subjects for planting in certain positions in the rock garden. They may be readily propagated by means of the bulblets or seeds. W. G. NOTES FROM CARNARVONSHIRE. The Edelweiss.— " F. W. B." asks for information as to the proper compost in which to grow this interesting alpine. My patches of it, three in number, are growing luxuriantly in a mixture of about two parts good rotting turf from an old pasture, one part peat, and one part coarse sandy grit. The latter contains pieces from the size of a Walnut downwards. This alpines I supply the Edelweiss with abundance of water; but this year we have had such copious supplies of rain "that the hose has been seldom used. One point more — when autumn comes the Edelweiss begins to get ragged and shabby, and in winter shows nothing but a tangled mass of brown or black leaves. I fear, when seen in this condition, that many have concluded it was dead, and have forked it up and consigned it to the rubbish heap — a sad mistake. Have patience, and when the warm genial days of spring come you will soon see signs of life iu the little white woolly buds, peeping out and expanding day by day to reward you. At this period I give a little top-dressing of the compost mentioned be- fore with the addition of a little soot to try and keep the slugs away. The Grey Speedwell.— I am glad to find a few words in praise of this plant at p. .'W. Both leaves and flowers are ornamental; the former a very hoary white, the latter a purplish- blue. In the days when I had bedding-out on the brain, I used it often as the front row of a ribbon border, but I never could bring myself to cut off the beautiful spikes of bloom until we bad enjoyed their beauty. I now grow it in large irregular patches about rockwork on slopes, where its plumes are seen rising one above the other. It shows more effectively planted thus than on the level. It becomes rather untidy in winter, and frost destroys all but the semi-woody portion. It is a great favourite of ours for making wreaths to place on graves. One of our prettiest effects was formed of a groundwork of the leafy sprigs of this Veronica, enriched with the pure wliite flowers of the sweet-scented double Poet's Narcissus. The plant is very readily propagated in spring by pulling it to pieces, when the smallest sprig will grow. Punkia.— Will the Plantain Lily suit this plant as a popular name ? The plants bear a fair resemblance in habit of leafage and intlores- ceuce to the familiar Plantain of our fields and roadsides, Plantago major ; while the Funkias are one branch of the very extensive Lily family. [A good name.] Dianthus deltoides (Maiden Pink). — At present, this is one of the prettiest plants on my rockwork. Individually the flowers are small and close in the evening, but in the mass, during daytime, the effect they produce is very telling. From its procumbent habit, its beauty is shown to the gi'eatest advantage by planting it on a slope, down which the stems may lie. It is one of the prettiest of our British native plants, and I am glad to be able to enrol it among our local flora, it being found wild near Conway. I have three colours of it — red, white, and another white witli the most delicate shade of pink thrown over it. It grows vei-y readily from seed. Any of our garden Pinks are very suitable for rockwork, but should be planted on ledges, over the front of which they could fall in their own natural manner. Carnations, I am afraid, are too lanky, and any tying up, or staking, or artificial support whatever is inadmissible in good rockwork. Deutzias. — The prettiest shrubs now in full bloom here are the double Deutzia crenata and D. scabra. The former is smothered with its half-drooping racemes of double white flowers, the outer petals of which are deeply tinged with pinli. D. scabra has single flowers of dazzling white very freely produced. These two being very accommodating, very hardy, and very effective, and very cheap, ought to be in every garden, large or small. The earlier flowering D. gracUis, so commonly used for forcing purposes and generally grown under glass, is perfectly hardy here on our light, warm, gravelly soil. I never saw it so full of bloom as this year. It receives no protection during winter, has been outside six or seven years, and is now between 3 ft. and 4 ft. through every way. Veronica devoniensis. so called by Viurserymen, but which I have been given to understand is more correctly V. Traversi, is the last of my flock of shrubby Veronicas. I had a very nice collection of them a few years ago, but during the three past winters they have become smaller and beautifully less in number. But this variety is so unmistakablj' hardy, bear- ing itself so bravely through severe winter, that I am inclined to ask if it is hardy elsewhere. In full bloom it is a lovely sight. The flower spikes are excellent for those who prefer natural flowers tj artificial ones in their hats and bonnets. Colour, a very light lavender or heliotrope. Primulas. — Two species of Primula are flowering a second time this season — Primula cortusoides and P. farinosa. Of the latter I have a large colony growing in an artificial bog where they receive plenty of 80 THE GARDEN. [July 23, 1881. moisture. In such a position the flowers are much larger, more lasting, and the foliage much stronger than when grown elsewhere. Among them is a seedling which appears to be a cross between P. japonica and P. farinosa. It resembles the former in habit, having three distinct tiers, and rising exactly -0 in. high. The flowers and leaves are unmistakably those of farinosa, but rather larger than the type. Edwin Jackso.v. Llandegai, Banyor, Carnarvonshire. THE AURICULA. I HOPE " Peregrine " will not set me down as an infuriated florist who would like to pillory him because he has made use of depreciatory re- marks with regard to the labours of the florists in the matter of the Auricula when I take excep- tion at least to some of his statements, and especially to what I believe to be the burden of his complaint, that in improving the Auricula its constitution has been injured, and that hence their labours have been in the wrong direction. As a florist of the old-fashioned kind, and as one who has grown the Auricula more or less for the last forty years, I venture to take up the gauge he has thrown down. With some of the conclusions of my brethren I have done battle, more especially in the matter of dressing Carnations, but in the matter of the Auricula I am altogether at one with them. I know it is a peculiar flower ; that to many peoi^le there is a stiffness and formality about it that most of the uninitiated do not admire; but there is no flower which excites greater enthusiasm in those who are devoted to it. When increasing age and infirmities have caused florists to drop one after another of their favourites, the Auricula has retained its hold to the last, so that one does not like to hear it underrated. " Peregrine " speaks of it as that hardy little alpine flower, and deplores that by cultivation and breeding it has become less hardy ; but is he quite correct in these statements ? In the first place it is questionable if there has not been other blood imported into it. A German writer saj's that it has been crossed with other species, but the effect of high breeding must to a certain extent have this effect, and yet surely he would not deny the pains and expense that have been expended in producing for us Master Butterfly or Bend Or, but do we not know that the hardy cow or horse will endure treatment under which these would speedily succumli. But I think it is at least questionable whether this loss of hardiness has really been occasioned. It must have been, says " Peregrine,'' because when you ask florists about growing it in the open air they shake their heads in true Lord Burleigh fashion, I suppose as it seems so significant, but there arc perhaps reasons, and they not altogether idle ones, why this dissent has been made. "Alpinus " has alluded to their dearness. He says, " Compared with Orchids, they are perhaps almost as costly;" and I think if Auricula growers hesi- tated to make experiments with them in the open air they might well be excused on this ground alone; but there is another point to be considered. The classes green, gray, and white-edged varie- ties, known as florists' flowers, all possess a mealy paste, and sometimes a slight sprinkling of the same on the edge, and the selfs have the same mealy paste. Now, wet utterly destroys the beauty of this, and, as in the case of manj' flowers, we prefer keeping them where they may be sheltered from what nmst destroy or impair their beauty. Some few years ago, before tlie invasion of the pest that has nearly ruined my collection, I had a few seedlings which were not up to the mark in a florist's point of view, and which, for the sake of seeing what would become of them, I planted out on my little rockery. They have flourished in a very remarkable manner, have spread into large plants, but I cannot say that the result is satisfactory. As soon as the flowers open, if rain comes, they become draggled and dirty looking, and even in this very dry spring the appearance of even the selfs is anything but pre- possessing. The alpines, as they are called, not having this mealy pa^te, do not suffer in the same waj', and are consequently better adapted for out-of-door cultivation ; but I am quite convinced that if " Peregrine '" were able to persuade some large grower of Auriculas to plant out some of his choicer varieties, and were to visit them in the following spring, he would bo utterly disappointed at the result. One mustdeplore the paucity of exhibitors, and, say what we maj-, there are difficulties connected with its growth. I had a letter to-day from one grower, who says, " I am sure that within the last two years I have lost twelve hundred plants ; '' another has lost four hundred ; my own losses I do not care to think about. Sometimes some un- congenial soil containing some element little expected has wrought woeful havoc, as in the case of one collection in the north that I know of. It increases slowly, and of some sorts it is often im- possible to obtain a plant. The demand for them is large, but there are not more than three or four persons who avowedly supply them, though, I believe, ma7iy are sold privately ; but so many are now engaged in raising seedlings, and so much is reported of the excellence of these (and, indeed, of some of them I can speak most highly from personal knowledge), that there will be less demand for the named varieties, and so, perhaps, more may be tempted to grow and exhibit them. Delta. [" Peregrine " pointed out the need of raising handsome hardy forms for the open air not liable to the ills mentioned b}' " Delta," and that is what is wanted. — Ed ] LILIES AND THEIR CULTURE. The Lily ranks pre-eminent among herbaceous garden perennials ; its brightness, beautj', sweet- ness, and grace make it a favourite with all. It is more oxtensivelj- cultivated, in greater request and variety now than ever before, but it has been grown in gardens since time immemorial. Lilies prevail through Central and .Southern Europe, in the alpine districts, also the Caucasus, Asia Minor, throughout Siberia to Northern China and Japan. A few fine species occur in the mountains of India, and the United States, east and west, contribute handsomely to the list. Succession. — An uninterrupted succession of Lily flowers may be had in our gardens from the 1st of June till October, which we can govern by a selection of kinds and conditions of growth. With me Lilium tenuifolium is the earliest of all, and the double Tiger Lilies the latest ; but where they will thrive, neilgheiTenso and Wallichianum would prolong the blooming season for another month. According to a memorandum kept by me of some of our Lilies when in bloom in 1879, the following blooming sequence is obtained : L. tenuifolium began to bloom June '}t\\\ davuricum, Gth ; pulchellum, parvum, Martagon, Szovitzianum, croceum, and c. var. umbellatum, 13th; Hansoni, Washingtonianum, and rubescens, 20th ; elegans, e. var. atrosanguineum and davuricum var. incom- parabile, 21st ; candidum, 21th ; canadense, Cxrayi, Humboldti, and fulgidum versicolor, July Ith ; philadelphicum and tcstaceum, 6th ; longiflorum and pardalinum, 1.3th ; callosum and superbum, 20th ; auratum, 2Gth ; speciosum, August 2nd ; tigrinura, 7th ; and tigrinum fl.-pl., 10th. These Lilies were not all gi-owing under the same conditions ; hence, under other circumstances, a slight variation in time might be apparent. Kinds. — As there arc no generally accepted English names for the great majority of Lilies, I must, though reluctantlj-, use the botanical ones, and thus avoid confusion. The common white Lily is L. candidum ; the Trumpet Lily is L. longi- florum ; Canada Lily, L. canadense ; Wood Lily, L, philadelphicum ; American Swamp Lily, L. superbum ; Tiger Lily, L. tigrinum ; Orange Lily, L. croceum ; and Turk's-cap or Martagon, L. Mar- tagon. Beyond these there are but few accepted English names for Lilies; not even is the "gold- banded " Lily universal for L. auratum. For general garden use I would recommend old and tried favourites in preference to new and untried sorts ; for instance, L. candidum and its variety speciosum for white ; longiflorum, and its varieties eximium.Takesima; and Wilsoni, white ; speciosum and all of its varieties, white, rose, and crimson; elegans (Thunbergianum) and any of its many varieties for scarlet, crimson, orange, apricot, and yellow ; monadelphum, lemon-j'ellow ; davuricum andany of its varieties, scarlet,crimson,and orange- shaded, especially its variety incomparabile, intense crimson spotted with black; Szovitzianum, primrose to golden yellow ; chalcedonicum (the scarlet Turk's-cap), intense scarlet ; carniolicum, orange scarlet ; bulbiferura and its variety umbellatum, crimson ; croceum, orange, and its varietj- elegans, yellow ; tigrinum splendens and Fortune's double variety, orange-scarlet ; tenuifolium, scarlet, a little gem ; testaceum, apricot ; Martagon, purple, and its varieties album, white, and dalmaticum, intense crimson-purple ; pulchellum, bright scar- let, a little beauty ; and all the forms of canadense, superbum, and philadelphicum. I would like to add Humboldti, reddish orange, and pardalinum, bright orange-red— two splendid Californian Lilies that have done well here. Ne"W Kinds. — The following are new,rare,anil choice Lilies, which on account of non-extended trial I can only reckon presumably hardy : L. Parryi, pale yellow ; Washingtonianum, white, changing to purple ; rubescens, just like a pale, rose-purple variety of the last ; and parvum, yellow, small flowers. These are Californian Lilies, and have a b.ad reputation in the East, but they have grown and bloomed so well in the Botanic Garden here that I regard them quite sanguinely. Also Grayi, like a red canadense ; auratum virginale, white (all the auratums are sometimes very fickle ; elegans Batemana;, clear orange apricot; albanium, yellow; Leichtlini, yel- low, spotted witli crimson ; Hansoni, golden yel- low, spotted with crimson (named in compliment to j\Ir. Hanson, of New York, and who has an exceedingly fine collection of Lilies); japonicum, white, also a pale rose-coloured form — excep- tionally fine ; and Browni, white insid'», vinous purple on tlie outside, very fine. Such of these as will not thrive well out of doors can be success- fully grown in pots in the greenhouse. And for pot culture I would likewise recommend all the varieties of the auratum, also philippinense, white, trumpet blooms 8 in. to 10 in. long on plants 12 in. to 20 in. high ; giganteum, white, tinged with purple on "the out- side, the tallest growing of the genus, often 12'ft.high; neilgherrense, white, tinged with pink on the outside, bears larger flowers than any other Lily ; they are trumpet-shaped, and 9 in. to 12 in. long ; and Wallichianum, white, trumpet-shaped, the "prince of the longiflorum section." The three last named are from the mountains of India. The Lily Bed.— The horticultural prescrip- tion for a Lily bed is, soil i ft. deep, to consist of two parts peat, one part loam, and one part sand. The peat herein inferred is not meadow peat or muck, but that thin fibrous surface-skin often found in woods and hills where water never stagnates, and which is known as upland peat. All kinds of Lilies will grow well in deep, light, rich loamy soil. Unless the peat is 'good, many Lilies, as candidum, longiflorum, and Browni, positively dislike it ; therefore, rather than use meadow jieat, I would advise not to use peat at all. L. philadelphicum, concoloi, pulchellum, and some others prefer a sandy soil ; jiarvum, superbum, and canadense a moist, peatj- one, and luxuriate in meadow peat; and quite a number, as the Martagons, Tiger, and scarlet Turk's-cap Lilies, while they prefer a loamy soil, will luxuriate in any kind if it be not very dry. Well-rooted leaf mould is good for Lilies. Green or half-rotted manure should never be introduced to the soil of Lily beds, but old manure, decomposed to an earthy mass, may be beneficially used. The land may" be enriched by surface dressings of manure, which may remain July 23, 1881.] THE GARDEN. «1 on as a mulching against tlie winter's frost and summer's sun. A cool, moist, and sliaded soil in summer is highly beneficial to Lilies. The soil should be as deep as we can conveniently have it, and as deeply prepared, but it is not necessary to have it 4 ft., or even 2 ft., but the deeper the better. And above all things, let it be well drained. Lilies will tluive in open, sunny places, pro- vided tlio ground they occupy is covered over by other plants or a mulching, but many of them, as philadelphicum,candidum,and our common Lilies, although profited by a mulching, do not demand it. A full sun exposure hastens on and past their flowering time, wilts them in the drouth, and after rain their blossoms oftentimes get scorched. I prefer a sheltered, faintly shaded place, but not under trees. Lilies seem most at home and thrive the best when grown among the bushes, as in shrub- bery beds, noting that they be of greater stature than the shrubs ; the smaller ones may fringe the front. They look their prettiest dotted in sombre beds of evergreens, but as Rhododendrons, Eetino- sporas, JLihonias. and the like are greater strangers thanLilies in thefarmer'sgarden, we had better set them in our Eose beds, between the Deutzias and Diervillas, in clumps along the bor- der, or in old nooks, where little else will grow, and they may rest in peace. Planting. — As soon as Lilies have done blooming they may be lifted and transplanted safel}', but it is far better to delaj' interfering with them till the stems have died down ; from which time and till just before they begin to grow afresh is the proper season to shift and plant them. With L. candidum this is from July till August; most other kinds from autumn till spring. Lilj' bulbs should be planted some 6 in. to 12 in. deep, according to their age, size, and kind. In light ground the depth may be greater; in heavy, less. Californian Lilies, es- pecially, should be planted very deej]. In planting carefully observe that no piece of manure or clod of peat comes in contact with the bulbs, else rust and rot may ruin them. It is not well to keep Lily bulbs out of the ground and in a dry place for some weeks or months as you would a Hyacinth or Tulip ; tliey are not solid bulbs, but sc.ile bulbs, and suffer much by such exposure. If of necessity they must be kept unplanted, pack them in sawdust, sand, earth, or leaf mould ; and if you desire to send them from one place to another, sawdust is about the best thing you can pack them in. Propagation. — This is the most tedious, difficult, and least understoodpartof Lily culture. All Lilies may be propagated by seeds ; some seed freely, others scantily. Seedlings through- out retain their specific identity, though they may differ considerably in variety, as may be seen among our native Lilies in the woods, meadows, and swamps. The seeds had better be sown as soon as ripe in light earth in pots or boxes set in a cold frame, or plunged in some sheltered border, away from drying sunshine and drip ; or they may be delayed till spring or summer, and then sown as before stated, or kept in the dwelling house or greenhouse. I find that in a night temperature of 60° L. tenuifolium germinates in eight days, pulchellum in ten, longiflorum and davuricum in twenty-one ; Mar- tagon and tigrinum germinate within a few weeks. Mr. C. M. Hovey tells me the seeds of auratum and speciosum, if sown as soon as ripe, germinate the next spring ; if not sown till spring they do not appear till the succeeding autumn, and many of them not till the fol owing spring. I have just sown a number of kinds in order to ascertain the time it takes them to germinate and bloom from seed. It usually takes them from three to seven years to bloom from seed. Lilies are propagated by increase of bulbs at the root, also by bulblets on undergi'ound stems, as in Leichtlini, or axillary ones above ground, as in bulbiferum and the Tiger Lilies. To form blooming bulbs, these bulblets have about a year's start of seedlings. Bulbiferous Lilies bear seeds sparingly ; but if the bulblets be removed early, seeds ^vill be borne as freely by other kinds. The outer scales of Lily bulbs are removed and used in propagation in like manner as we use tlie leaves of Echeverias. This method is extensively practised, especially in tlie neighbourhood of Haarlem, Holland. Hybrid Lilies. — Many have endeavoured to secure new Lilies by hybridisation, but nearly all have failed ; indeed, the genus Lilium, even in repeated generations, most stubbornly resists an intermixing of its species. To two Boston culti- vators, named Francis Parkman and P. Brown Hovey, belong the honour of having raised the two finest hybrid Lilies extant, which are L. I'ark- mani and L. Hoveyi. Both are hybrids between auratum and speciosum ; the first is like a deep red auratum, and the second like a deep red- banded auratum ; each one expanded measures 1 ft. across. Beyond these two I do not know nor have I heard of as many as lialf-a-dozon authenticated hybrids cither natural or artificial. — Co ti n try Gi'/itlfmiiii. HYBRID PLANTS. Vamous accounts of hybrid Aqullegias have from time to time appeared in The Garden, and tlie remarks that were made about them in a recent number, following the notice of Mr. Rawson, must have struck others, as they certainly struck me, somewhat with surprise. I have aln-ays looked upon hybridisation as the mode in which many of our beautiful garden plants are produced; in fact, is it not to this we owe so many of oiu' Pinks, Pansies, Phloxes, Campanulas, Saxifrages, and other garden flowers, to say nothing of Roses ? And are not our borders and rockeries in a great measure stocked with hybrid plants ? No doubt a great deal of this hybridising is artificial, but there are plants which undergo variation in a natural way with- out any care on the part of the cultivator, and, so far as my experience goes, no plants are so open to this natural variation as Aquilegias. I have an abundance of these beautiful varieties in my garden, but they are all, without exception, the results of natural hybridisation ; indeed, though possessing upw^ards of 1200 distinct perennials, many of which show a tendency to vary from seed, I never hybridised a single plant in my life. I care, in fact, very little for what are called gardeners' varieties, and admit very few of them into my collection ; but in some cases, and notably in Aquilegias, I find I cannot help myself. After Aquilegias, perhaps Campanulas (especially those of the turbinata type) are the most troublesome in this respect. They seed themselves with me in all directions, and the result is a pleasing, but very confusing, variety of colour, ranging from dark to light blue,pure white and dark with white centre. In one case the variation extends to the form of the flower, which is not bigger than an ordinary Buttercup. Now if these natural variations are against good taste in gardening, the question is with those who, like myself, do not practise the art of hybridisation, how is it to be prevented ? If there is no remedy for the evil, I cannot see why beautiful plants, the result of natural crossing, are not quite as worthy of notice as those which the hand of the craftsman pro- duces. F. M. BuRTOx. Highjiehl, Gainshorough. abrotanifoliiis is similar to that of S. artemisi- folius, but the heads are larger, fewer in number, and of a good orange-yellow colour. — T. D, Hatfield. Senecio absinthifolius. — As to Mr. Wolley Dod's query concerning this, it should have been written S. abrotanifolius, which is also distinct from S. artemisifolius. Our plant of this we had from Mr. Niven, of Hull. It is a showj', clear, yellow species, with umbels growing 2 ft. above a carpet of Camomile-like leaves. The small heads of which the umbels are composed are about i in. in diameter. The foliage of S. Souvenir de Malmaison Carnation. — We hear of 0 to 70 per cent, of plants. I am, of course, alludiugtoplantsgrowninthe open air, and whether standards or in beds or borders, they must b." in bad condition if they will not furiiishafewcuttings now for this purpose. If you want to make plants at express speed you must have a hotbed specially prepared, but if you are patient a hotbed is not absolutely necessary. With one properly made you can get rooted plants in si.^ weeks, but if you have only an old Cucumber or Jlelon bed you must be prepared to wait two or three weeks longer. In my own practice, and I have here many hundreds of own root plants, 1 have invariably struck them in a frame from which a stock of Cucumbers or Melons has been taken, and I have no fault to iind with the results. Pots and Soil.— If we begin early in August we must prepare some 0-in. pots by having them well crocked ; over the crocks put a layer of rough peat or loam. The best soil for the cuttings to root in is loam and leaf soil in equal parts and a good quantity of coarse silver sand, the whole to be run through a fine sieve. The pots must be filled to within J in. of the rim and well watered. An important point is to have everything ready, so as to do the work off-hand in an expeditious manner, from the moment the cuttings are taken until they are inserted in the pots and shut up in the pit or frame, for if allowed to lie about and ttag it takes them some time to recover. Hybrid Perpetuals.— All Roses may be in- creased in this way ; but I am no w referring to Hy- brid Perpetuals chiefly, and if anyone has a few old plants of these on their own roots planted out in the ground, they will have no ditficulty in finding cuttings, for, besides the flowering shoots, they generally send out some strong growths from the base, which, if not too soft, will furnish admirable cuttings ; but plants on the Manetti, or any other stocks that have shoots on them which have flowered this season, will furnish cuttings. I prefer moderate sized side shoots of the current season's growth, all of which will answer but the soft sappy tops. They may be cut into lengths, each containing three or four buds. The base of the cutting may be a joint cleanly cut. There must be in every case one leaf left entire upon each cutting, and in some cases two, but one is absolutely necessary in order to sustain the cut- ting until it has roots to support itself, and what is equally important in the after-management, these leaves must by judicious attention be kept in a fresh green state for at least ten days or a fortnight after the cuttings are put in. Five cuttings should be placed in a 6-in. pot, and no more, as it is important that the leaves should not be crowded, and they should hang as much as possible towards the centre of the pot — not over the side, where they are liable to get injured. The base of the cutting should rest firmly in the soil, which should be pressed quite firm. The proper way is to get a few cuttings at a time, and as soon as they are made and inserted in the pots to give them a gentle soaking from a water-can to which a fine rose is attached ; then take them at once to the frame or pit in which they are to be kept. For the first three or four days they should be in darkness, and no air should be admitted. Every evening both the cuttings and the sides of the frame should be gently damped with a fine-rosed watering-pot. After the fourth day some light may be admitted, but directly the sun shines upon the glass it must be shaded, and the brighter the weather the thicker must be the shading, which simply means that instead of one mat, two should be used. From this time a thin wedge of wood about j in. thick shoidd be placed under the light in the evening on still warm nights, and be removed again in the morning, which will be all the air they require until the cuttings show signs of making growth, and then they may have the same quantity of air during the day except when there is a drying wind. Then the frame must be kept close, as a fierce drying wind will do as much harm as several hours' strong sun- shine. As the young plants advance in growth the amount of air must be increased. Watering and Repotting.— The soil about the cuttings must at all times be kept moist, and a fairly moist soil means a genial growing atmosphere which will promote the for- mation of roots as well as top growth. As a rule, about the end of the fourth week both air and water may be safely increased, assuming always that the cultivator takes into considera- tion the state of the weather, for, as a matter of course, in dry, parching weather more water will be requii-ed than in dull weather when the air is heavily charged with moisture. August Cuttings- — These are best shifted singly into 4-in. pots as soon as they are sufficiently rooted, using a compost of half-leaf soil and loam with some coarse sand. As soon as they are potted off they must be replaced in a close pit or frame for a week or two. Through the winter they should be kept in some glass structure from which the frost is excluded, and in the spring they will be ready for any purpose for which they may be required. J. C. Clabke. TYPICAL ROSES.* To KNOW the peculiarities which pertain to cer- tain families of Hybrid Remontant and other Roses, would be advantageous to different people in many ways. There are some types, such_ as the La Reine, Jules Margottin, Victor Verdier, and Giant of Battles families, which are quite marked in their characteristics. If all new Roses were classified or described as being of such and such origin, or as belonging to a certain class, it would be of great value. The nurseryman is unwilling, with some exceptions, to undertake the propagation of a kind which will not root and i^row freely ; he also desires such as are of healtbyhabitandgood constitution in addition to excellence in colour and form of flower. The amateur, perhaps, would not knowingly purchase a variety devoid of fragrance, or one which is not a free autumnal bloomer. The florist would require, perhaps, that a variety should be of steadfast colour, one that does not quickly fade ; or that it should be useful to force, yielding flowers in abundance, &c. If, therefore, new Roses were described as belonging to the La Reine or Victor Verdier type, we should have some very important knowledge of their qualities, since these Roses have imparted to their progeny certain distinct attributes by which they may readily be distinguished from others. A con- sideration of the different prominent types found among HybridRemontant Roses may be studied with interest and profit. Baronne Prevost Type. The year 1842 ushered in to Rosarians what is now the oldest type of Roses in the class, viz. : * Eead by H. B. Ellwaiiger before the Western New York Horticultural Society. Baronne Prevost. This is not a numerous family, and is also of less importance to us than many of the others, but we can well imagine what pleasure it gave, in years gone by, to the rosarians of the day. This type makes long stout shoots, fortified with red thorns of un- equal length, but generally short ; foliage rather oval, somewhat crimpled ; flowers large, or very large, of flat shape, very fuU, fragrant, of some shade of rose. It is the most hardy type we have. Varieties: Boieldieu (1877), Colonel de Rougemont (ISo.']), Madame Boll, Oderic Vital. They are all free bloomers in autumn. Geant des Batailles Type. The founder of this family was raised by Nerard in 1840, and doubtless has Bourbon blood in its veins. The colours are various shadings of crimson, very rich and effective when in perfec- tion, but very fleeting ; the sun soon gives them a mtiddy hue. The flowers are well shaped, but small, and have slight fragrance ; they are very freely produced in the spring and summer months, but, as a rule, not in the autumn. The shoots are of moderate or short growth, short jointed, erect, very stiff, and covered with very numerous reddish thorns. The foliage is of lustrous dark green, very subject to mildew. They are difficult to propagate from cuttings, andliable to injury from frost. The leading sorts are : Arthm- de Sansal, Cardinal Patrizzi, Crimson Bedder (1874), Emperor de Maroe, Eugene Appert, Eveque de Nimes, Lord Raglan, Louis Chaix, Mrs. Standish, Vainqueur de Solferino. Jules Margottin Type. In 1853 Jules Margottin, of Boiirg-la-Reine, near Paris, sent out a fine Rose, which he called after himself; though he has been raising seed- ling Roses ever since, none of them have quite come up to this in worth. Wood, light green ; sharp, red thorns, somewhat numerous ; shoots rather stout and generally of vigorous growth. Crimpled foliage. Flowers of large size, very full, somewhat flat shape, mostly shades of rose and carmine, almost without perfume ; generally free in the autumn. They are very hardy ; as a rule difficult of propagation from cutting, but making very vigorous plants when budded. Abel Grand, Achilla Gonod, Bertha Baron, Bessie Johnson (quite fragrant), Charles Mar- gottin (reddish crimson), Claude Bernard, Comtesse de Serenve, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Edouard Morren, Egeria, Emily Laxton, John Hopper, Magna Charta, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Madame Lacharme, Madame Louis Leveque, Mademoiselle Therese Levet, Marchioness of Exeter, Marguerite de St. Amand, Marquise de Castellane, Miss Ilassard (scented). Monsieur Noman, Peach Blossom, Princess Mary of Cambridge, Rev. J. B. Camm (very sweet), are the leading sorts. Victor Verdier Type. The head of this family originated with Lacharme, of Lyons, and was sent out by him in 18-52. It is" doubtless from one of the La Reine type crossed with some monthly Rose, probably a Bourbon. The descendants are very numerous, and in spite of their rather tender habits form a valuable group, being the most free flowering of them all; had they but fragrance they would be unrivalled ; but, al»s ! they are devoid of scent, and therefore cannot rank as high as the others. Fine feathers alone do not constitute fine birds, and surely fragrarice is to the Rose what song is to the bird. The shoots are of moderate growth, stout, upright, nearly smooth, of a reddish green, with on occasional reddish thorn ; the foliage is very large, of a deep lustrous green, very attractive. The flowers are large, well built up ; generally shades of rose and pink prevail. It is the best 84 THE GARDEN. [July 23, 1881. adapted for forcing in winter of all llie families. The leadin},' varieties grown are Andre Diinand, Captain Christy, Charles Verdier, Countess of Oxford, Etienne Levet, Hippolyte Janiain, Julius Finger (1870), Mme. Geo. Schwartz, Mme. Devert, Mme. Eugene Chambeyran, Mme. Louis Donadine, Mme. Maxime de la Rocheterie, Mdlle. Eugenie 'N'erdier, Marie Cointet, Marie Finger, Mrs. Baker, Oxonian (somewhat fragrant). President Thiers, Pride of Waltham, Rosy Morn, Souvenir de President Porcher. La Reine Type. In 1S44, Laffay introduced what he loyally named Rose of the Queen (Rose de la Reine). This variety bore royal sway for many yeai's; it not only still sells well and is to be considered a useful Rose, but it should also have our esteem as being the parent of a most useful family. The ■wood is light green, furnished with occasional thorns, of strong growth ; foliage pale green and crimpled. Flowers various shades of rose, generally of semi-globular form, large, .somewhat fragrant, free in the autumn, quite hardy, en- during more cold than any of the other families except Baronne Prevost. The leading sorts are — Anne de Diesbach, xVntoine Moutin, Auguste Mie, Belle Normande, Francois Michelon, Gloire de Vitry, Lrelia, Louise Peyronny, Madame Alice Bureau, JIme. Nachary, Paul Neron, Reine du Jlidi, Mile de St. Denis. Gen. Jacqueminot Type. In 18-52, the head of what is now considered the most valuable type made his bow to an admiring world ; clad m rich crimson livery, he still commands respect and admiration," and marshalled under his generalship is the army of dark Roses which so excite and please our senses by their charms and loveliness. This familv probably originated from the old Hybrid China Gloire des Rosomanes; they are" moderately hardy, but less so than those of the Baronne Prevost, Jules Margottin, and La Reine types. The flowers are invariably shades of red and crimson, generally highly perfumed, freely pro- duced in the spring, but varying greatly as to their autumnal bloom. As "a family they are much more shy in the autumn than any of the others. The shoots are of vigorous growth, not very thick, generally upright, with quite nume- rous light green spines ; the foliage handsome, rather pointed. It is now the most numerous of the families, popular taste inclining more towards crimson than to light coloured Roses. The leading varieties are Alfred Colomb, Andri5 Leroy, Anne Alexieff, Beauty of Waltham, Camille Bernardin, Charles Lefebvre, Duke of Edinburgh, Empress of India, Fran9ois Fontaine, Gloire de Santhenay, Marie Baumann (mod. growth), Marie Rady, Marechal Vaillant, Maurice Bernardin, Oriflamme de St. Louis, Pierre Notting, Prince Camille de Rohan, Prince de Porcia, Prince Arthur, Senateur Vaisse, Triomphe d'Amiens, Triomphe des Beaux Arts, Triomphe des Rosomanes, Xavier Olibo (dwarf growth). Sub-divisions of this type occur, which may be classed as follows : Charles Lefebvre" family, with light reddish-green wood and foliage, and occasional pale red thorns. The flowers are more wavy in outline tlian in the other famOies; the gro"wth is somewhat less vigorous, the wood more smooth. Dr. Andry, Glory of Cheshunt, Harrison Weir, Horace Vernet, 'Lord Ma^aulay, Mme. Anna de Besobrasoff, Marguerite Brassac, Mrs. Harry Turner, Paul Jamain, and A\'. 'Wilson Saunders are the leading kinds. A second division of this type would be the Duke of Edinburgh family, with long growing, light freen wood, and a few small light green spines, 'lowers are thinner in petal than the others, rather smaller, burn much more quickly in the sun, and are not constant in autumn. It is a very beautiful family when grown in a moist, cool climate, but there [are very few of the members that will do well under our hot sun. The varieties best known, mostly of recent origin, are: Brightness of Cheshunt, Dr. Hooker, Duke of Connaught, Duke of Teck, Robert Marnock, S. Reynolds Hole, Sultan of Zanzibar, The Shah. A third division takes in the Alfred Colomb family, having a similar habit of growth to the Gen. Jacqueminot type, but the thorns are less numerous and with n'lore of a yellowish hue. The flowers are more glo- bular, stand the sun better, and are much more freely produced, constituting a most valuable family. The varieties are : A. K. Williams, Fisher Holmes, Wilhelm Koelle. A fourth division includes the Senateur Vaisse family. This is of moderate growth, with smoother wood than most of the others, and rather more per- fectly formed flowers. The foliage is more round, ani perhaps of a deeper green. Madame Victor Verdier, Mons. E. Y. Teas, and Mrs. Laxton form the leading members. Monsieur Boncenne Type. This type was introduced in 1804 by Liabaud, and gives us the darkest Roses we have. From appearances we should think it originated in a natural cro.ss between varieties of the Giant of Battles and General Jacqueminot types. They are of dark green wood, with few thorns, rather long shoots of somewhat spreading habit. The two varieties first named are of very vigorous growth, and resemble each other so much as to Ije considered synonymous. None of these bloom freely in the autumn, but they are magnificent in their dark velvety shades as seen in the spring. Baron Chaurand, Baron de Bonstetten, Abel Carriere, Henry Bennett, Jean Cherpin, Jean Liabaud, Jean Soupert, and President Leon de St. Jean comprise the family. This about ex- hausts the divisions which can be considered distinct types. Though there are other Roses which stand aloof, they have no followers. Such are Baroness Rothschild, Mabel Morri- son, Caroline de Sansal, and a few others. On examination it will be found that none of these types combine all excellencies, but that the Alfred Colomb, Charles Lefeb\Te, and Senateur Vaisse families have more good points concen- trated in them than the rest. It is from these types that we have the most to hope for, as the seed parents of the better varieties which shall be raised in the immediate future; but hybri- disers should seek to blend the excellencies which pertain to other families with the good features of these. Having this aim in view, we may hope in confidence for a deep crimson Marie Baumann of vigorous growth, a fragrant Eugene ^"erdier, a white Alfred Colomb. Rosea in Cool Houses.— One of the most delightful uses to which a cool house could be put would be the protection and gentle advancing of a great number of beautiful hardy plants and shrubs. Our climate allows of the growth of an immense number of things from all countries, which, owing to our variable springs, are often spoiled just as they bloom. This may be observed in the case of the flowering of many things, from that of the Christmas Kose to the Lilac bush. Some great advantages we should secure in the case of many of these things by the cool house, large, well constructed, permanent, placed in a sunny, sheltered, and well-drained spot : bvgrow- inga number of the flowers just named properly and shrubs in pots, we should be able to gently advance their blooming season by a few weck.s, and also protect the bloom efficiently during the whole of the flowering period. In talking to Jlr. George Paul the other day about the possi- bility of the culture of Roses in this fashion, either planted out or in pots, he said that a great deal of a mostdesirablekindof Kose culture could be carried out in the cool house. Some of the best Koses he ever showed were, he said, brought for- ward in an unhealed house. The only difficulty would be mildew, which, after all, might be over- come by some other mode of distributing the fumes of sulphur than that afforded by hot-water pipes. In the case of Koses in pots, a movable roof would not be necessary ; but in planting out lioses on tlie system so extensively adopted in America, or in any other way in such houses, it would be necessar)- to have the roof-light mov- able, so that the whole can be exposed to the healthful infJuence of the open air in summer. In this way we could secure a noble bloom of Hoses indoors, and prolong the season of tlie Ifose without artificial lieat. — V. RAMBLES OF A PLANT COLLECTOR. I WAS asked one day by ^Messrs. ^'eitc!l if I would like to collect plants for them in Japan, and without a second thought I said yes, my greatest ambition being to go abroad. 1 left London on February 1, 1877, and in due time arrived at Hong Kong, and then Ningpo. My object in visiting Ningpo was to find a "Lilac" I had heard about. It was said to be in a certain garden, easily found. I knew the owner of the garden, and obtained permission to take any plant I found there. I searched in vain, how- ever, and therefore made up my mind to start at once for the Snowj' Valley, some 00 miles up the Ningpo river. We travelled all night with the tide, and in the morning anchored at the foot of the hUls. As Fortune says, they were a mass of white, from the numerous Spirreas and Exoehordas which grow on them. Lauro- petalum chinense was in masses, creeping over the rocks, covered witli creamy-white flowers. A pretty Habenaria grew along the damp edges of the rocks, and a miniature Vanda, like V. teres, covered them in many places. I'inus sinensis, Cunninghamia sinensis, and Taxus were growing in a few places. Trees were very scarce. I found a spring-flowering variety of Angrascum falcatum on the large Yew trees round the Chinese graves. This is evidently different from the Japanese variety in its season of flowering, the latter being August. I am speaking now of about April 10. I found the natives here rather troublesome, so I determined to try another place in order to get up the hills to the temple in the Snowy VaUey mountains. In a few hours we reached a place called Ning-cum-jow, and on our way there we passed a high cliff on the left bank of the river covered with Polypodium and Spiraeas, with here and there a AVistaria hanging down sometimes .50 ft., and covered with flowers. As I walked over the hills I found the plants most common were Daphne indica alba, rubra, and Cssalpinia sepinaria, Akebia quinata,Cerasus ja- ponica, Pinus sinensis, evergreen Quercus glabra, and a deciduous Oak forming the thick scrub bushes. After leaving the town I saw some well- kept vegetable gardens, in which were grown Garlic, Onions, Cabbage, Fritillaries, Cotton, Rape, AVheat, Beans, and Peas. I did not find the "LOac" or anything new to me here after searching the hills several days, so I returned to Ningpo and .Shanghai. I now prepared to proceed to Japan, and as the steamer was leaving the following day I went to get my ticket. As Icameoutof theoffice I was struck by seeing a bunch of lilac flowers in a native's hand on the opposite side of the road ; it appeared to be Persian Lilac. I asked him where it grew, and he said in his garden. I asked him for a flower, and he gave me the lot. Then I found out to my inexpressible delight that it was the very "Lilac" for which I had been July 23, 1881. | THE GARDEN 85 looking. I went with the man to Iiis secure the canes from injury by nailing them up to the wall, and in order to prevent premature rijiening of the foliage, an occasional syringe after a hot ilay, and a mode- rate supply of water to the roots, will for some time be advisable. Later vines now ripening their^wood \rill re- quire more air and less moisture. Keep the foliage clean and healthy by sjTinging occasionally, and give sufficient water U} the surface roots to insure the proper tilling of the buds that are to give fruit. Pines.— Pines in all stages will now take more water than at any other season ; but plants swelling off fruit will derive most benefit from tlaily feeding with diluted liquid, syringed into the axils of tiie lower leaves, and closing with strong solar heat and atmospheric moisture every afternoon. The great drawback to the use or abuse of excessive moisture is the enlargement of the crowns ; but this may be moderated by keeping the fruit close to the gl.iss, giving plenty of air through the day and using the thinnest possible shading for a short time on very bright days. To secure bright highly flavoured fruit, every plant should he removed to a dry, warm, airy house or pit as soon as the pips begin to change colour, and if it be thought necessary to keep them f(jr any length uf time they may l>e placed in a room or cool vinery to dnish. Successions —If plants intended to throw up fruit this autunm incline too much to growth, a general turn over and rearrangement in a renovated bed will often produce the desired effect. Queens intended f(.r starting in February should have more room so as to secure full exposure to light and air. Keep them near the glass, ventilate freely, .and guard against sudden checks by main- taining a temperature of 85^ to 90" about the roots. If fruiting stock is likely to run short, another batch of the strongest successions may be potted into 10-in. and 11-in. pots. Keep young stock moving on, shift suckers before they become pot-bound, and insure firm texture by growing them with plenty of heat and light. W. CoLE.M.^N. Eastnor Castle. LATIN PLANT NAMES. At the risk of being called "pedantic," I am, with your permission, going to protest against what I consider errors too commonly seen in our botanical nomenclature, and the pronunciation thereof. In the first place, why will people speak of a plant from China as being "chinenois " .' .Such a formation is impossible; they mean "sinensis,'' which would be the nearest approach in Latin to describe the countrv of the Seres, w hence came our silk. It is to be feared our botanists know less of Latin than of their own department of knowledge. We see such names as " Phlox Nelsoni ;" the "crude form'' of that gentleman's name being "Nelson,'' the nominative in Latin would be " Nelso," genitive "Nelsonis;'' so we ought to speak of " Phlox Nelsonis." Before leaving these Latin names might I suggest that they require quite as much consi- deration as the English ones we are now seeking to give our flowers .' As an example of what I mean, take "Lilium speciosum, more usually but erroneously called lancifolium." Well, I would submit that lancifolium, as it gives us some in- formation as to the character of the plant, would be preferable to a vague adjective like speciosum.'' This "descriptive " system, too, might tend to limit the habit of naming plants (in barbarous Latin compounds) after persons, a practice carried to excess. To read some of these appellations is al- most as painful to a scholarly eye as is the deci- pherment of the labels at Kew, the majority of wliich are written verticallj-, for the greater com- fort of the earnest student. As for pronunciation ; would it not be better to call that elegant climber the Clem.ltls, instead of pronouncing it, as most do to rhyme nearly with Tomatoes I On my principles, too, Veronica is pre- ferable to Veronica, as well as more correct. As for getting my friends the gardeners to give up speaking of the Gladiolus (when they mean the July 23, 1881.1 THE GARDEN. 91 Gladiolus) I simply despair of it. It may be said that usage is against me ; but I maintain that to usage based on indolent ignorance no authority can be ascribed. Botaxicomastix. TREES AND SHRUBS. THE NORWAY SPRUCK (abies escelsa.) Although not indigenousto Britain, the Norway Spruce has been introduced so long, and is so extensively planted, as to be one of the most Korway Spruce (Abies excelsa). common of all Firs met with in this country. It forms a beautiful pyramidal tree when allowed to properly develop itself, but it is mostly too thickly planted or used as a nurse tree for other and more tender sub- jects, and cut down when they have at- tained sufficient size to take care of them- selves. Its thorough hardiness is a great point in its favour, be- ing proof against such ■winters as we have lately experienced, while many presumably hardy Pines have still a browned and unhappy appearance ; at the same time I do not sug- gest that we should depend wholly upon some half-a-dozen sorts, such as this Spruce, Pinus austriaca, Lari- cio, sylvestris, Pinastei-, and Strobus, for plant- ing, as many of the less-known sorts are thoroughly hardy, and succeed perfectly in this country. The Norway Spruce is by no means limited to the country from which it takes its name, but is found more or less throughout Central and Northern Europe, in many places forming huge forests, in which, where conveniently situated for transit, the trees are being rapidly thinned, as it is from this kind that the white deal of commerce is derived. This species seems unusually liable to sport, as there is an almost endless number of varieties of it, and while some can be accounted for by its wide geo- graphical distribution, yet the majority have originated in this country ; indeed, where grown extensively, it is an easy matter to pick out many distinct seedling forms. Of the dwarf or hedgehog Spruces there is quite a group, among which pygmsea, Clan- brasiliana, brevifolia, and Gregoriana are the most distinct. Of varie- gated kinds, there are aurea and Finedon- ensis, while others, whose names are suffi- ciently descriptive, are pendula, monstrosa, at- tenuata, horizontalis, and stricta. As stocks on which to graft many of the rarer kinds this Spruce is largely used. Another allied species is Abies obovata, so called from the shape of the cones which con- stitute one of its prin- cipal distinctive fea- tures. In habit it much resembles the Norway Spruce, but its growth is somewhat slighter and more pendulous. The cones, however, are so distinct that there need be no fear of confound- ing the two kinds, being in the Norway Spruce C in. or 7 in. long, with the scales pointed and rugged at the edges, while In A. obovata they are not more than •J in. long, almost egg-shaped, and the edges of the scales are perfectly smooth. A. obovata is a native of Siberia, and therefore quite hardy. Abies obovata. but the climate of this country seems unsuitable to its requirements, as it is rarely seen in a flourishing condition. It succeeds best in an open, airj-, sheltered spot. Alpha. BASKET WILLOWS IN SCOTLAND.* Scotland is not distinguished as a Willow-pro- ducing country, not because either the soil or climate is unsuitable, but because the subject has not received sufficient attention. Few countries in Europe of similar dimensions produce so small a quantify, or are so dependent upon foreign supply. The total area now under cultivation probably does not exceed 120 acres, and the year's produce would not supply the trade with more than a tenth part of its re- quirements. The deficiency is met by importa- tions from Germany, Holland, France, Belgium, and England, the best qualities coming from England, chiefly from Nottingham, and the inferior from Germany and Holland. Willows for basket-making purposes, of large size, have, how- ever, been grown in Scotland, and there is no reason why Scotland should not produce all she needs for her own consumption, and of a very superior quality to the greater part of which she now imports. It is only within the last twenty years that Willow caltivation has received the attention it deserves. Up to that time it was generally supposed that Willows would grow any where, and required neither care nor attention It was thought only necessary to push a few cut- tings (^collected at random) into any swamp or useless corner, and leave them to chance in order to obtain a crop ; and even now scores of water- logged patches are suffered to exist, with a few miserably starved Willow stumps dotted about, the crops of which would not cover the cost of harvesting, and yet there are few crops will yield a better return when properly managed. But in order to secure the best results many old and deeply-rooted errors must be cleared away, not the least of which is that Willows grow best in swampy, undrained land. The Species of Willows are numerous, and much confusion exists in their classification. There are, however, only about six species, with their numerous varieties, that are of any com- mercial value, or worth cultivating witli a view to profit. Three of those species are essentially basket Willows, and the other three are adapted for poles and timber trees, and they differ so much in character and constitution, that the treatment and soils adapted for one are very unsuitable for the others. The tree forms or species of basket Willow most in use are SaUxviminahs, S. triandra, S. purpurea, and their numerous varieties, about sixty of which are in cultivation ; but at least two- thirds of this number might be discarded with advantage to both grower and consumer. Salix viminalis, or the Osier proper, is the most important variety under consideration. This class may be easily cUstinguished by its long narrow leaf, widest near the base, but seldom exceeding three-quarters of an inch at its widest part ; the leaves are slightly dentated at the edges and of loose texture ; they are smooth above, and covered with a white, silky pubescence below, and are entirely destitute of stipules. The bark of the twigs is smooth to the touch and sweet to the taste. Between 30 and 40 varieties of this species are now in my possession, differing much in the colour of the bark, size of growth, toughness of wood, &c., but all may be known by the above description, and, what is of equal importance, the description cannot be made to apply to any other species of Willow. The six best varieties of the Ozier are known in the trade by the names of White Osier, Brown Osier, Merrins Osier, Basford Osier, Belgian Osier, and Longskin Osier, and this number is sufficient for all practical purposes of the basket-maker. The S. viminalis, or Osier proper, is the best adapted of all Willows to the rich soils found on river margins, where it is sub- ject to occasional floods. It is a vigorous grower, very hardy, and must be well fed by the deposits of floods or by artificial irrigation to maintain it in continued perfection ; and it bids fair at no distant date to solve one of the questions of the present day, viz., the dis- posal of surplus sewage. Its capacity for absorbing sewage has already been tried with * Hi. Scaling, in Highland Society's Transactions. 92 THE GARDEN [July 23, 1881. success upon several farms, as, for example, at Northampton. 8. triandra is the type of the next group of Willows used in basket making. It might be supposed that the name triandra was a sufficient guide to identification, but as the in- florescence of Willows is too variable to be de- pended upon, a more simple and certain means of identification is necessary. There are a great number of varieties of this Willow, more tlian twenty of which are under cultivation, but all may be easily recognised by the circumstance that from three years old and upwards they all annually shed their bark, and as this is not the case with any other W^illow, no one can fail to identify it. The S. triandra yields the best results when planted in a rich loamy clay. It is a native of Northern Evirope and very hardy in constitution. The wood is harder than that of the Osier, and it is slower in taking root ; but when it has obtained a good hold in suitable land, it will last longer without replanting, and under favourable con- ditions it is a very jirofitable Willow to grow. The best six varieties to cultivate are known under the following trade names : Brown Norfolk, Green Norfolk, Italian, lilack German, lilack Mule, and French. S. puqiurea, the type of the third group of basket Willows, is of more slender habit and more precarious to grow than those previously named ; indeed, it ma}- almost be said that none but professional W'illow-growers can deal with them profitably. They grow well in sandy loam, and will do moderately well in a gravelly soil. There are more than 20 varieties of this group, but only 2 that grow well in Scotland, S. purpurea and 8. Kirksi: the latter is known by nurserymen under the name of Whipcord. The demand for tills Willow is somewhat limited, and it cannot therefore be recommended for general cultiva- tion. Conditions of Growth.— One of the first and most important is tliat no Willow intended either for poles, timber, or for basket-work can be profitably grown in a sour swamp or in water- logged land No reasonable amount of flooding nor of artificial irrigation will injure Willows, provided the water can get away and not remain to become stagnant. Another matter of import- ance is the careful selection of cuttings. When forming a new plantation not only is it advisable to have the best kinds, but it is of equal import- ance to take care that there is no mixing of different varieties. Not only each species, but each variety must be kept distinct ; any mi.xture of sorts is fatal to success. Jlixed basket Willows, however good each sort may be, are of small value ; besides, no two varieties grow precisely alike ; one variety always overpo%vers the other, and unifor- mity of crop is destroyed. Cuttings may betaken from either one or two-year-old twigs. If taken from one-year-olds, not more than three cuttings must be taken from any rod, however large it may be, for if large there is a risk of the top not being sufficiently ripe to grow ; but if taken from two- year-old twigs, the}' may be cut up to the extreme growth of the first year. The recognised length for cuttings is 12 in. ; the thick ones may be 1 in. or 2 in. longer, and the thin ones 1 in. or 2 in. shorter. They should be cleanly cut, without any splinter, and with one stroke of the knife. The trade price for cutting is 10s. per 1000 for mixed or unseleoted sorts, and lus. per 1000 for guar- anteed sorts. The number of cuttings per impe- rial acre should range from 20,000 to 30,000. Pro- fessionals often plant many more, but the extra care involved by so doing would not do for general practice. The following distances at which cuttings may be planted will be found well adapted for general purposes : Salix liminalis, 20 in. by IG in.; S. triandra, 18 in. by loin.; S. purpurea, 16 in. by 13 in. It is not always ad- visable to follow a hard-and-fast rule in planting ; something in all cases must be left to the judg- ment of the planter. Therefore, in giving the distances just named it is with the idea that a margin is left to the judgment of the person who has the work in hand. It may, however, be said that it is safer to err on the side of over-close than over-wide planting when it is considered that the value of a b:isket Willow depends more upon the twigs being long, straight, and clean, than it does upon the toughness and elasticity. All basket Willows grow crooked and covered with lateral twigs when too much space is al- lowed ; and for the same reason they are not of much value when grown in long narrow planta- tions. To be good they must be massed, and receiTO light and air from above, and not at the side. Land for Planting. — In the preparation of this much must be left to the superintendent of the work. Where steam power or horsp power can be applied, it is cheaper than the spade and quite as effective. The chief thing to insist upon is, that by whatever means it is done, the hard pan or subsoil must be broken up to a depth of 12 in. to li in., and the surface brought into a good free mould before planting. The planting may be done at any time when the ground is free from frost between the middle of November and the end of March. There are some ad- vantages in early planting, but those ad- vantages chiefly arise from having the work well in hand, for if deferred, the .spring frosts may necessitate the work being done under un- favourable conditions; but in so far as the ensuing crop is concerned, it is of very little importance. When the land is in suitable condition the cut- tings are easily planted. The palm of the right hand should be protected by leather, for the pur- pose of pushing them down to the required depth ; and when pushed in, the soil must be firmly trodden around them, taking care not to bruise or bark them in so doing. Many cuttings die from this being imperfectly done. I regard this as of so much importance, that I alwa}-s appoint one man to attend to it, and at the same time to see that the work is neatly and uniformly done. The whole operation is simple; each man will plant from 2000 to 3000 cuttings in a day when he has got used to the work. After planting, the land must be kept clear of weeds. This is espe- cially important for the first two years, after which time less attention will suffice. But it must not be forgotten that if a profit is to be made by gi'ow- ing Willows, they must not be allowed to struggle for their existence against weeds. The first crop of Willows is seldom of much value ; but however poor it may be, it must be harvested or cut off ; for if it was allowed to stand over until the second year, the united pro- duce of the two years would be nearly worthless. If the first year's crop be carefully cut, without disturbing the rooted cuttings, the second crop will be of considerable value, from which time there will be a gradual increase of value up to four or five years, and should all circumstances lie favourable, a plantation of 8. viminalis should last (without re-planting) fifteen to twenty years, and a plantation of ,S. triandra from twenty to twenty-five years, and a plantation of 8. purpurea from fifteen to twenty years. All Willows for basket work should be cut as early in the winter as possible after the leaf has fallen. The knife used for cutting is shaped like a sickle, but not so large in the circle, and in using it the cut is made from the ground upward, the left arm encircling, and the hand grasping the twigs whilst the cut is made. The grass and weeds must be shaken out of the twigs before they are tied into bundles, for if this is not done, the Willows are apt to mildew. The size of bundle that is most convenient for moving about is 36 in. in circumference at the band. The bundles must be tightly tied, and the band should be 12 in. from the root ends. The appearance of the W'illows is much improved by neat and uniform tying, and extra care in this operation will not be thrown away when they are offered for sale. As soon as tied, they should be carried off the ground, and set on end ; and in this state they are ready for market. The cost forWillow plantingunderordi- nary circumstances may be stated at £2operacre for Salisviminalis,i!30per acre forS.triandia,and^35 per acre for S. purpurea, and when let by contract this is the usual price. The current expenses attending cultivation will bo as follows, under ordinary conditions : — Weeding per acre . . . . £10 0 Cutting and tying . . . . 1 10 0 Rent and taxes 2 10 0 Interest on outlay . . . . 15 0 Deterioration 15 0 Inciilental expenses .... 100 £8 10 0 The value of Willow cro])S will range from i;lO to £'20 per acre, according to the state of trade and the seasons. Occasionally they are worth more than twice that amount. But I should not advise any one about to plant to base their calcu- lations upon extreme profits, lest disappointment ensue. A good return for the outlay may be relied upon in the average of years, and it may safely be said that few, if any, crops will give better results, provided the rules here laid down are dul}- observed. THE INDOOR GARDEN. OLD AND NEW CYCLAMEN SEED. I All surprised that four-year-old Cyclamen seed should have germinated days before that which is newlj' ripened. This result is .so diametrically opposed to all my experiences in the matter of seeds sowing of nearly all sorts, including that of the Cyclamen, that I feel inclined to suspect some error has crept into the matter. May not your correspondent who makes the a.sscrtion (p. 36) have accidently mistaken the pan or pot con- taining the old seed for that containing the new by the unintentional displacement of the labels or" otherwise ? I have always fovmd that the older the seeds the more tardy they were in vege- tating, and if very old, that they did not vegetate at all. I am aware that there are many kinds of seeds (the seeds of most weeds, for instance) which will retain their vitality for an indefinite period when buried to a considerable depth in the soil, or in some way excluded from the action of air. But, generally speaking, however care- fully seeds may be kept in paper bags, air-tight drawers, or otherwise, their vitality, I have always been led to suppose, gradually diminishes until they finally become quite dead. The length of time which the different kinds of seeds may be kept dilfers, of course, very considerably, and much also depends upon the manner in which they are kept. The subject is one of considerable importance, as, if j-orr correspondent's experi- ment is correct, it is possible that valuable seed may not infrequently be thrown away as worth- less. I'." Grieve. KALOSANTHES. These when well grown are brilliant plants. The only thing that injuriouslj- affects their flowers i.i damp, which causes the petals to become spotted ; but if kept in a dry atmosphere they are always free from this defect, and remain in first-rate con- dition for at least six or eight weeks, and that at a time when such bright-coloured subjects are scarce. Not only are they veiy durable and ex- ceedingly effective, but they are also fragrant. The most useful sized plants for general purposes are such as may be grown in 6-in. or 8-in. pots, as, being of a succulent nature, they require but little root room, and may therefore be kept in a limited space in the most perfect health if their wants as to water are duly pro\'ided for. The great mistake many people make, however, is in keeping them too wet during winter ; when this is done it destroys the very fine hair-like fibres which are their principal feeders, but which during the short dull months of the year are com- paratively dormant, as the leaves are then gorged with sap, and make only verj- slight demands on the roots. Cuttings may be made of such of the young shoots as are not showing bloom. The strongest and best should be chosen, which, when July 23, 1881.] THE GARDEN. 93 cut off and made ready for iiiitting in, ought to be about 6 in. long. The way to prepare them is to turn the leaves sideways, so as to bring away the part that envelops the stem, which should be bared about a third o£ its length, so as to admit of that much being inserted in sharp sandy soil, in which they will root readily. The best place to ensure their doing this is on the shelf of a greenhouse, where they can be covered with a bell-glass tilted a little on one side, as when kept quite close there is a danger of their rotting, especially if watered, which should not be done unless they appear to be shrivelling, all that is necessary being to prevent this for a week or two, when they will be found sufficiently advanced to bear exposure. After being potted singly, and having had time to get hold of the soil, the heads of the shoots may be nipped out, which will cause them to break again and Hower the following year. To enable them to do this, however, they must be so managed as to secure their thorough matura- tion, which can be best effected by growing the plants in full sun during the summer, and, when winter sets in, placing them in a very light, airy position, with their heads well np to the glass. When there they must be kept quite dry till the days begin to lengthen, when they will gradually take an increase of water till the flowers e.xpand. As soon as the beauty of these fades the plants should be set outdoors to get them ripened pre- paratory to cutting them down ; as soon as this is done it is necessary to keep them quite dry, to prevent bleeding, an \ enable them to break again, which they soon do, when they are ready for shak- ing out for the purpose of- being repotted. This should be done in good fibry loam, with a sprink- ling of sand added, and the plants shou'.d then be placed in a cold frame, where they can be kept close for a week to give them a start, after which the more exposure they get the more sturdy will the young shoots be, These are generally emitted so close as to require a little thinning, which should be done so as to leave them regular throughout, and lay the foundation, as it were, of the future specimen. Grown to a large size, Kalosanthes make grand exhibition plants, and are most striking objects in a conservatory, and more particularly so if they can be set singly in vases in conspicuous parts. There are several varieties of Kalosanthes, all of which are very showy ; the brighest coloured one among them is the old K. coccinea, the flowers of which are quite dazzling to look on. Those who may have any plants that were cut down late last year will do well to keep them steadily grow- ing on, as they cannot be expected to flower, and it is only by keeping them over in this way that the best results are obtained, as, from the longer time they have, the shoots become i^erfected, and set their buds in the autumn. Excepting green- fly, Kalosanthes are not subject to insects; but this aphis, if not destroyed, gets among the young opening flowers, and disfigfures them to such an extent as to quite spoil their beauty. To obviate this, it is always advisable to fumigate the plants just before they reach the stage mentioned, which will carry them safely through ; or the heads may be dipped in or syringed with tobacco water instead of the fumigating — the latter, however, being preferable, as then every insect is reached. S. D. FUCHSIAS. There are cultivators to be found who treat Fuchsias in such a way as to show what can be accomplished by studying their requirements, but these are exceptions, and there is little question that Fuchsias are not nearly so well grown now as they were in times past. The habit of the plants is such that they naturally grow away with a single leading stem, which produces drooping branches so profusely that, with anything like proper management, they will all but hide the pots they occupy. There is no arbitrary rule that Fuchsias should be grown to any one particu'ar shape, but the sharp pyramid, formed by a single stem densely clothed with drooping branches, is the habit most natural to the plants ; moreover, this form contrasts so pleasingly with most other plants cultivated in pots, that on this, if on no other ground, it is most desirable to so have them. The bare naked bottoms and badly-furnished examples, so thin of side branches as not to bo more than half clothed, are the results of indif- ferent cultivation. Young plants are much preferable to old ones, and the ease with which they can be propagated and their freedom of growth is such, that there is no necessity for keep- ing the old scraggy examples that are more the rule than the exception. Provided cuttings are struck at the proper season, even where very large specimens are required, they can be grown in twelve months from the time in which the cuttings are put in. When to Strike Cuttings.— Pretty little plants full of flowers as they can hold can be had by the middle or end of May from cuttings struck in the early part of the year, and this is the time the market growers, who manage these little plants so well, strike them ; but for larger examples from the middle of July to the beginning of August is the oest time for striking cuttings. If such as are of the right description — that is, composed of free growth, not the thin flowering wood which does not grow freely — are put in about the above time, where they can be kept close and moist, they will at once strike, after which move them singly into 4-in. pots and keep them through the autumn and winter in an intermediate temperature in a house or pit where tliey will be close to the glass. Thus circumstanced they will keep on growing slowly, and the leading shoot should be stopped to cause a sufficient develop- ment of side branches if the habit of the variety is such as to require that attention. About the beginning of February give them] a little more warmth and move them into pots 3 in. or 4 in. larger, using good turfy loam with a sprinkling of leaf mould and some sand. Thus treated they will thrive apace. It is desirable to get them on in size early in the season, for the natural disposition of the plants is to flower when the weather becomes hot, and it is dlflicult then to get them to do anything else. By the middle of April they should be moved into their blooming pots, the size to which will require to be regulated by the size to which the plants are wanted to grow ; a 13-in. or 14-m. pot will support a large specimen. Stopping the leading shoot and also the side branches will in the case of most kinds have to be done once or twice, according to the habit of the particular variety and the character of the house or pit in which they are grown ; the lighter the structure and nearer the glass they are kept, the more dis- position they will have to branch out, but it is a bad plan to let them go too long without pinching out the points of the shoots, as this lays the foundation for fully furnishing the future specimen. Old Plants. — I have said that young Fuchsias, managed as above, are preferable to old ones, from their being better furnished. Still, even old plants may be much improved in this respect. The best way of accomiilishing this is to head them down to within 6 in. or 8 in. of the bottom, instead of the ordinary pruning back, which often results in their breaking so much stronger towards the top than at the bottom, as to leave the base insufficiently furnished. After heading down in this way, it is necessary when they have begun to grow freely to stop the leading shoots several times to cause the side growths to push freely, otherwise from the presence of so much root-i30wer, the leader rushes up too quickly without being sufliciently furnished with side branches. Some kinds are more disposed than others to spire up in this manner, but the judg- ment of the cultivator brought to bear on this will easily regulate the growth. T. Baines. iSottthgate. [Calceolarias. Would Balsams do in whiter or Asters ?— G. Neither Balaams nor Akters ivould do. The /oltowim/ no ttld be the mo.st likely plant8 to meet your wishes, viz., Bovvardias, Tree Carnations, and thehardy zonal suction of Pelargoniums. Of annitals the following might do if sown in pots now and grown on in the open air. viz., Collinsia bicolor, Limnanthes grandi/lora, Nemophila insignis, divarf Salpiglossis, Silene peiidnla conqmcta, a7id Virginian Stock. ~W. W.] Fuchsias.— J'. //.—You say truly, the " eyes of your Fuchsias seem eaten out." Sucli malformed growths are commou where mites and aphides abound. These crea- tures are very partial to " eyes," and as you sent us a fair stock of mites and aphides with yoiir Fuchsia branches, no doubt they are the depredators. The small holes in the leaves have also been eaten away by insects.— F. GARDEN DESTROYERS. Winter Blooming Plant?.— I wish to know tlie names of some plants and annnals for winter blossonung in a greenhouse and porch. Tliey should be pretty hardy, as the porch is cold. I have Chrysanthemums, and I wisli something to come in before Primulas, Cinerarias, and OAK CATERPILLARS. During the last week or two these seem to have all disappeared, and gone I presume into the chrysalis state. In the almost total absence this season of their more numerous and deadly ene- mies, the starlings, the rooks and jackdaws did good service in some of our woods by attending at the feast of caterpillars as long as the banquet lasted, every day, early and late, and kept up an incessant noise and deadly warfare against the destructive plague of leaf-eaters. The young pheasants, too, that are being reared in the woods also shared in the feast of creepers to, I should think, satiety, judging from the greedy manner with which the young clucks picked the cater- pillars up after the latter had spun cocoons and dropped in myriads from the trees. They seemed to thrive better on them than on tire artificial food supplied to them by the keepers ; indeed, the latter tell me that the young birds have not done nearly so well since the disappearance of the caterpillars. There was evidently the prospect of a heavy crop of Acorns on the Oak trees this season, but I should think that the denuding of leaves to which the trees were subjected will pre- vent the crop from maturing it. It is, how- ever, even surprising to see how quickly those trees that were almost quite bare of foliage are recovering the pent-up sap for want of leaves to feed on it, and the genial weather and high temperature that we have lately had have, no doubt, conduced in a great measure to convert the bare leafless trees in so short a time into green ones. Fortunately those insects that prey on the leaves of the Oak tree appear only to have one brood of caterpillars during the year ; I notice also that they are strictly gregarious in their habits, for some parts of the woods were com- pletely cleared of leaves, not only in the case of the Oak tree, but also that of Hazel and other underwood. Not only are flowers and fruit superabundant this season, but insects and grubs of all kinds swarm, so to speak, everywhere. A glance at the cottage gardens when passing through villages hereabouts shows the havoc that has been done to crops, more particularly Onions, Gooseberries, and Currants. In my own garden Onions have nearly all gone back through the grub, but in the case of the Currant and Gooseberry I have saved the crop by hand-picking the caterpillars. Insectivorous birds of all kinds are very scarce, particularly robins, chaffinches, and tits of various kinds, hence the greater necessity of strong measures being used to battle against all the plagues to which this event- ful year of over-productiveness is heir to. One who has tried the experiment of Fir-tree oil as an insecticide tells me that a free application of it with the syringe is certain death to the Goose- berry blight. Of course, every new brood of the caterpillar must receive a dose of the mixture as soon as they appear ; soft or rain water should be used to mix with the oil, for hard water will not blend. Doubtless, the only drawback to it is the expense. When whole quarters of fruit trees re- quire dressing, the work becomes costly. Soot and Hellebore powder are also effective, but their application renders the fruit more or less ob- jectionable, whereas the oil is said to be perfectly harmless and not offensive. Geoege Berry. 94 THE GARDEN. [JoLY 23, 1881. MARKET GARBENINO TN THE NORTH- WEST OF FKANl:E. Those who may carefully study the following pages will doubtless be struck, as 1 was, with these two facts : ( 1 ) That the market gardens in tlie districts wliicli I liave selected are on very poor land; and (2) that tlie quality of tlie land has much less to do witli its productive- ness than the available supply of water. In- deed, if one were to divide the market gardens into separate orders, classes, or other divisions, the result would be very much as follows : — 1. Market gardens with water under the soil. 2. Market gardens with water on the soil. 3. Market gardens with water above the soil. In the order just mentioned it will, perhaps, be as well to take the three classes of market gardens, namely (I ), those near Amienson water- logged peat ; (2) those irrigated by sewage near Paris; (.'5) those near Paris watered by artifi- cial means. In addition, some notes will be given on the methods of cultivation of certain plants, such as Asparagus, Dandelion, Figs, and Vines, which are pursued in certain localities in the north-west of France. Englishmen will read with some astonishment the enormous amount of care bestowed across the Channel on the cultivation of salads, and the large propor- tion of garden land occupied by them. But it must be remembered that neither tlie dejeuner nor the dinner is in France considered complete without a well-made salad. The consumption of Lettuces, ICudives, Radishes, Cresses, and things of that kind is something enormous per head of the population ; and so discriminating is the public taste that each of these plants is divided and sub-divided into varieties, each one of which has its proper season and uses. All this care is not confined to the production of the plant : it is continued into the kitchen, and is completed in the dining-room. Indeed, there are few i'rench ladies who consider their daughters' education complete if they cannot make a salad in a manner whicli will at the same time satisfy the requirements of the artist, the samnt, and the qourmet. I'.ut for this special feature of French living, it is doubtful whether the mar- ket gardeners of A'augirard, for example, could afford to pay half the rent they now do. Amiens Peat District. — Every one who has travelled from Boulogne to Paris 'on the Northern of France Railway must have noticed near Amiens a tract of peat-bog, consisting of alternate pat:;hes of land and water, the former nearly swamped, but nevertheless bearing crops of garden produce. A day spent in exploring this region would well repay, not only the pro- fessional market gardener, but every one in- terested in political economy. The district is about 2000 acres in extent, parcelled out in patches of small size. These patches are di- vided by ditches varying in width from •) ft. to many yards, and all sufficiently deep to allow the easy passage of canoe-like boats which are universally used by the gardeners to convey manure from the town to the gardens, and pro- duce from the gardens to the river-side market. The gardens rarely exceed 2| acres in extent, and one of that size would be managed entirely by a man and his wife, but then the work is simple slavery. In the summer the women •work on three days in the week from half-past two in the morning until ten o'clock at niglit, and on the alternate days from five a.m. to ten p.m., making an average of about eighteen hours per day! In the winter they work from daylight until dark. Similar liours are observed by the men, and tliey do the lu aviest portion of the work. If tlie "workpeople are hired, tlie women receive about Is. od. a day, and the men 28. 4^d. In some cases the gardeners are owners, and in others they are tenants of their land. The drier land is let at an average rental of nearly .£'•") per acre ; and the good land, with a portion of it peaty and only slightly decom- posed, lets at still higher prices, while the value of the fee simple exceeds .i'lOO per acre. Con- sidering that one-fifth of the so-called acreage consists of water and only four-fifths of land, it should be interesting to learn how the gar- deners manage to pay such rents and earn their livelihood out of sucli small gardens ; and how they obtain a gro.ss produce, estimated to average £:J.j per acre, out of a peat bog. The following description, in whicli it is assumed that a new garden is to be made, is drawn from information which I obtained partly from M. Mannechets, President of the Society of Agriculture and Horticulture of the Somme, but chiefly from M. Racquet, I'rofessor of Agriculture at Amiens. Preparation of the Soil. — A certain quantity, generally a thickness of C in., of peat, wliich forms the subsoil, is brought up to mix with the top soil, and thus give it a fertility wliich it does not naturally possess. The depth from which the peat is obtained varies, of course, with the nature and depth of the sur- face soil, but from 2 ft. to 3 ft. may be taken as an average. Beneath the peat is a layer of im- permeable clay, which is never touched in any ca.se. After the peat has been mixed with the surface soil, and in some cases ooincidently with the mixing, a double dressing of stable manure from Amiens, namely, from 20 to 24 tons per acre, is given. This manure costs lis. per ton, and probably the great demand for it is the ex- planation of its very high price. No lime is used as manure, and the great object of the gardeners is to preserve the vegetable fibres in the peat as long as possible. After a certain time, however, varying from twelve to twenty years or more, the'land gets " tired " of the con- tinual cropping, and then its fertility is renewed by an admixture with it of the same quantity of peat as before, followed by a double manur- ing as just described. I have stated that one- fifth of the nominal acreage consists of water. Therefore the owner or occupier of the garden has the riglit to renew the fertility of his land by obtaining peat or mud from his side of the bed of the adjoining ditches, instead of from the subsoil of' bis land. When the land has been fairly brought into cultivation it is dug by hand every winter two spits deep, and in spring it is manured with from 10 to 12 tons per acre of stable manure, which is forked in immedi- ately before the first sowing. During the last few" years a sewage manure, manufactured by the "Goux process, has been somewhat exten- sively used at the rate of rather more than 1 ton per acre, with less than 1 ton of stable manure. The Goux sewage manure is said to contain 2i to 3 per cent, of nitrogen, 3 to 4 per cent, "of phosphoric acid, and U to 2 per cent, of potash, and its price is £'o per ton, which is as high in proportion as the cost of the stable manure. Courses of Cropping. — Doubtless many variations in the system of cropping which 1 shall describe may be found in the Amiens market garden district, but I belie'e the follow- ing statement will give a fair general idea of the system pursued. It should be noted, in ad- vance, that the gardeners generally grow their own seed, as they assert that seed obtained from even the best seedsmen generally fails, and it is quite conceivable that a process of acclimatising both seeds and people is necessary to a success- ful result under the circumstances. (1) In February the laud is sown with a mixture of short Radishes and Tongres Carrots, and as these are gathered fliey are succeeded by a mixture of Onions, Leeks, and winter Let- tuces, which come off in succession. The Lettuce is called " gliante," meaning glossy or shining, and has its leaves bordered with a reddish tinge. Amongst the Onions a few seeds of Cauliflowers are sown for the purpose of bearing seed. It is impo.ssible to say what the portion of land de- VJted to the above course in one year will bear the next, but it may be assumed that it will be one of the following, and probably all of them will be taken in turn. In fact, the cour.se just described appears to occupy about one-third of the gardens every year, and thus Onions are not taken on the same ground more than once in three years. (2) This course is essentially devoted to the Marjolaine Potato, ■which isphinted in February. Between every second row of Potatoes, and in place of a third, shoots of Artichokes are planted in April, the plants remaining not more than two years. The distance between the rows of I'of atoes, or of Potatoes and Artichokes, is about is in. Sometimes the bed is planted entirely with Potatoes, and in that ca.se they are succeeded by Cauliflowers with Lettuces be- tween them, or with Lettuces and Chicory (Endive) in place of Cauliflowers. (3) In the August of the previous year, Batavian Lettuces nave been sown and pricked out in October or November ; they are gathered in May, and are succeeded b_v Haricots sown in May or June. (4 ) In November of the previous year, about the 2.'Jth, Peas having been sown in double rows I ft. apart, with a distance of 4 ft. (J in. between each double row, a line of Savoys is planted in May in that interval, and, like the Peas, gathered as soon as ready, and as the ground is cleared various salads are planted. ( .■) ) This course consists of winter Cabbages, which have been sown in August or September, planted out as soon as possible, and gathered in June. The Cabbages are followed by ( 'arrots, which are again succeeded by Chicory (Endive) in August or September. It should be added, that a piece of land is devoted to the raising of seedling Cabbage, Savoy, Lettuce, and other plants, to be pricked out as required. General Remarks. — The quantity of land cultivated by one person is generally in a number of pieces, more or less distant from one another. This is not objected to, as an accident happening to one part of the district, such as a flood or a storm of wind or hall, is not then so likely to affect all the plots belonging to one man to an equally injurious extent. Very ingenious temporary and movable fences are made of Willow twigs, mats, and all kinds of refuse material, in ord.-r to protect the plants from frost and from the prevailing winds. The drier the .season the lietter for this kind of gar- dening, as vegetables and salads are dearer in dry weather, and the Amiens marsh gardens rarely or never want watering, in consequence of the water level being so near the surface of the land. The porous nature of the soil is increased, or, at any rate, carefully preserved, by the annual diggings and manurings. The produce of these gardens is very large in quantity, but the quality of the vegetables is not the best. Although rarely or never watered, the crops are nearly always watery and deficient in flavour. Tbus, market gardeners who cultivate ordinary light land, and who frequently have to water their crops, can sell Cabbages, for instance, at 10 centimes each, when the Amiens gardeners have to content with 4 or o centimes apiece for most of theirs. Still, there can be no doubt that a large amount of valuable produce is economically obtained from a soil which an uninitiated ob.-^erver would consider impossible to cultivate under the circumstances which I have attempted to describe. When July 23, 1881.] THE GAEDEN. 95 taking leave of one market gardeuev I mentioned the bogs of Ireland, told him cf their neglected condition, and their microscopic rents, and asked him whether it would not be worth his while to make a personal examination of them with a view to emigration. His exclamation, evidently sincere, was : " Ah ! if I were young."' Sewage Market Gardening. — The object of this notice is to draw attention to the manner in which siwage is profitably applied in the vicinity of Paris to the growth of marliet garden crops. It is obvious that all culti- vators cannot turn market gardener.s, if only because fresh vegetables deteriorate by being carried long distances. On the other hand, land that is utilised for the deftiecation of sewage is nearly always close to a large town, where market garden produce is in great demand. In England this question is at present a matter of experiment, while in France, on the sandy plain of Gennevilliers, it has for some few years been demonstrated to be a success by the experience on a considerable scale of many occupiers of barren land which had hitherto been nearly worthless from either a horticultural or an agricultural point of view. It is stated that there were, at Ileathcote, near Leamington, 7 a. ;> r. 0 p. of sewage market garden ground in 1872, cropped with Cabbages in 1873. In 1874 there were 10 a. 1 r. -j-l p. of Parsnips, Potatoes, and Carrots, followed in 1875 by Rhubarb, Mangold, and Cabbage, and in 1876 by Rhubarb, Grass, &c. At Doucaster rather more had been done, though seme little doubt appeared to exist as to the value of the sewage for fruit crops. Besides ordinary garden vegetables there were Strawberries, Gooseberries, and Currants, all of which had been sewaged, and owed their productiveness, in some measure, so it was believed, to the occasional irrigation which they had received. At Bedford more attention is paid to market garden crops, as Rhubarb, Cucumbers, Cauliflowers, Red Cab- bage, Asparagus, Vegetable Marrows, kc, are all grown, in addition to large acreages of Potatoes, Onions, and Carrots; and at Wrex- ham, where Colonel A. Jones makes his sewage ground profitable, the market garden plot is one of the most productive. Sewage Gardens at Gennevilliers — In contrast to this brief sketch of the slow- growing germ of sewage gardening in England let me trace briefly the rapid extension of this means of utilising sewage which has taken place on the sandy plain of Gennevilliers. Commencing in 1800 with less than 18 acres of land under irrigation, the area devoted to the utilisation of sewage has annually ir creased, until in 1877 it amounted to between 800 and 900 acres, and in 1878 to nearly 1000 acres, while the rent of the land per acre has been augmented four-fold. This increase of rent is some measure of the value attached to the sewage as a fertiliser, because a mere nominal charge is at present made for it, and each cultivator is allowed to turn on to his land as much or as little as he chooses, and at such times as he considers it desirable that his crop should be irrigated. Land which, before sewage irrigation was possible, let at no more than from 2os. to 3os. per acre, although so near Paris, now easily commands from £'o .5s. to £7 7s. The produce of the land has changed from a miserable yield of 12 to 10 bushels of Rye or Oats to such enormous receipts as a gross money return of from £48 to £G4 per acre from Cabbages, and of from £80 to as much even as £100 yielded by Cauliflowers. Other vegetables, such as Carrots, Onions, and Artichokes, have yielded nearly as large a return, as also have Peppermint, Absinthe, and other savoury herbs. The sewage is conveyed from the pumping station to the fields in large closed conduits, and not until it is diverted into the main carriers on the laud is it exposed to the open air. In this way the nuisance which is inseparable from sewage is reduced to a minimum. On the land itself there are the usual series of mairi and secondary open carriers, and the latter are placed at right angles to the ridges. These ridges, on which the crops are grown, are not more than broad enough for two rows of Cabbages. The sewage is turned out of the small carriers or gulleys into the furrows between the ridges, and thus do not come into actual contact with the growing- plants, as is the case when they are grown on the flat. Generally, two parallel rows of Cab- bages, Cauliflowers, &c., are planted on each ridge, and scarcely a crop is to be seen without another and smaller or later crop coming forward between the plants of what may be termed the main crop. These peculiarities in tlie methods of cultivation and irrigation, in addition to the porous nature of the soil, have probably much to do with the successful application of sewage to market garden crops at Gennevilliers. Results. — According to a report of a com- mission appointed by the Prefect of the Seine to inquire into the results of the application of sewage to market garden crops, it appears that general yields were 30 to 50 tons per acre of Cabbages, 48 tons of Beetroots, from 20 to over 50 tons of Carrots, and 6 tons of Haricot Beans. But these figures b}' no means represent the total produce of the land in the course of the j'ear, for not only is there generally an intercalated crop, but after the Cabbages, &c., are sold off there is generally time to take another crop between the plants of what was the "intercalated crop," but which after the sale of the Cabbages becomes the main crop. Of other and more valuable crops than those already quoted, the following j'ields are given : Artichokes, 14,000 to 32,000 heads per acre ; (Jauliflowers, 8000 to 12,000 heads, weigh- ing from fourteen to sixteen tons ; Garlic, fif- teen tons ; Celery, more than forty tons ; Onions, twent3'-four to thirty-two tons ; Leeks, twenty- four tons ; Potatoes, twelve to sixteen tons ; Pumpkins, fortj'-eight to fifty-six tons ; and Salsify, 4000 to 5000 bundles, weighing as much as ten tons. The reporter of the commission adds, that if these figures are compared with the produce of land not irrigated, the difiference will be found in some cases to be even five times in favour of the irrigated land. Not less satisfactory have been the results obtained from the growth of scent-bearing and savoury herbs ; for instance. Peppermint has yielded from sixteen to twenty tons per acre in two cuttings. Absinthe from forty-four to forty-eight tons, and Angelica over eleven tons the second year. Tlie quality of the herbs and vegetables has been found excellent from every point of view, and many of the large hotels in Paris regularly obtain their supplies from the sewage gardens of Gennevilliers ; but it is found neces- sary in the case of savoury herbs to avoid irri- gation for at least a fortnight before gathering the crop. A^'ith regard to fruit trees and nursery plants generally, the commission express them- selves in equally favourable terms, while acknowledging the greater difficulty in bringing these products of the soil to so satisfactory a comparative test as can be easily done in the case X)f vegetables, flowers, and herbs. The general conclusion arrived at by this commission were formulated as follows: (1) The application of sewage to horticultural products, and particularly to large vegetables, is practical and sanctioned by experience. It presents considerable advantages from three points of view : (a) The abundance and the beauty of the products obtained, (b) Their quality and their healthiness, (c) The money return from their cultivation. (2) Green vege- tables, such as Cabbages, Celery, Spinach, Lettuces, Endive, as well as the edible roots and the savoury herbs, are all specially adapted for sewage irrigation. (3) The quantit}' of sewage absorbed by one acre cropped with vege- tables may at present be 21,000 cubic yards per annum. That quantity will probably be re- duced by the effect of improvements in the pro- cesses of irrigation. (4) The distribution of sewage by means of irrigating furrows is the method which appears most commendable. (5) The irrigation should be moderate, intermittent, and frequently»renewed. (0) The sewage should not be allowed to come into contact with the foliage or stem of the cultivated plants. (7) It is desirable that the position of the furrows should be frequently changed. It may be asked whether, if so large a measure of success lias attended the application of sewage to market gardening at Gennevilliers, the system will not be extended so as to flood the Paris markets. At present this contingency is so remote that it need not be seriously discussed. One circumstance alone renders the extension of the sewage gardens more and more difficult, and that is the cost of labour and the difliculty of procuring it. At present the ordinary pay of a garden labourer ranges from 4s. Gd. to 6s. per diem; but, en revanche, the day's worli round Paris averages fourteen hours. — Royal Agri- cultural Society's Journal. THE KITCHEN GARDEN. POTATO PROSPECTS. ALTiioacn we have now passed the middle of July and the period when the Potato disease usually manifests itself, yet little has been heard of it, and that little has arisen chiefly from confounding the results of scald on the leaves with the well- known Potato fungus. The heat and drought are doubtless holding the latter in check ; it cannot germinate without moisture, and what rains have fallen have been too heavy and rapid to enable the spores to get hold of the foliage. So far, therefore, as regards the Potato plant, the heat and drought have been productive of good. But, on the other hand, the crop is not an early one, and what early kinds have been or are being lifted are small. At planting time the soil was even then fairly dry, and both that and the atmo- sphere cold. These things did not conduce to an early and even starting, and it was almost uni- versally noticed that in fields the haulm in its early stages was weak and spindly. From out of that condition it has never fully come, and though much of it looks well, it is by no means robust. Much of this comparative lateness and weakness, however, results from the excessive cold of last winter. Vast quantities of tubers that were apparently uninjured by frost wore )'et so far affected as to have their constituents somewhat changed, and the eye buds so far injured as to necessitate the starting of other and, of course, weaker ones from the base. This led to a certain amount of backwardness, and this, allied to a cold, keen spring, caused the summer early sorts to be much later than usual in maturing. Of course to these causes we must largely attribute the comparative smallness of the tubers now being lifted, but much is also due to the dry state of the ground. Garden Potatoes planted in rich soils, and which have been from time to time deeply trenched, will not materially suffer from drought, and, in fact, may find this hot summer just the conditions needed in rich soils for the production of a good crop. Last year in such gardens the haulm growth was quite abnormal. In some it was enormous, and resulted in much dis- appointment, 3,s the tiiber crop was far from being OG THE GARDEN. [July 23, 1881. commensurate. This year rich deep soils should have the advantage, and good clean crops should bo lifted. Even without richness deeply trenched .soils show by far the best results, as there is moisture yet within reach of the roots, and, let the season be what it may, the best crops will always be found where tlie soil has been deeply moved, even though but little manure may have been added. These advantages cannot be given in field culture, except where steam machinery is brought into operation, and that is not always possible ; in fact, steam is less employed in con- nection with the culture of the I'otato than perhaps with any other field crop. In ordinary Held culture the moving of the soil to a depth of 10 in. with the plough is thought to be a great effort. THE ASPAEAGU3 PRIZES AND MR. IIIBBERD. Some time ago I offered annual prizes for the improvement of Asparagus culture, having no motive to serve beyond a wisli to see t)ie culture of Asparagus improved in private gardens and our markets supplied by our own growers. Now, thousands of pounds worth of Asparagus come to (,'oveut Garden in one day sometimes, and that long after Asparagus is fit to cut in this country. The first prizes were competed for at Tunbridge Wells, and, notwithstanding the novelty of the competition, and the fact that a block in the railway arrangements caused exhibits not to be delivered, a very fair begin- ning was made. When I began to observe and write about Asparagus culture the foreign supply of our markets was put down to the superiority of a foreign climate. I knew it did not arise from that, and my objeefc in the competitions is to prove that as fine Asparagus may be grown in England as in any other country. This was proved in the very first competition. E.xcellent Asparagus came from various parts of the country, and grown on soils not all so fitted for it as those in which the great supply is grown at Argenteuil. ^Ir. Harwood, of Colchester, showed three bundles, which were probably the finest ever seen at a show in England, and which won a prize of five guineas. From Kent (Bar- ham Court), from Norfolk — in quite a different soil and country — from Sussex (Ilailsliam), from Sandwich excellent Asparagus, which would be saleable in any market in Europe, was shown. Therefore, the very first year the object of the prizes was attained as far as could be expected. Good taste would have suggested to most men who felt they could not aid such a com- petition that at least they would not endeavour to mar its usefulness. JJJut Mr. Ilibberd pub- lishes statements concerning it that are untrue. He has on various occasions deliberately made the statement that the prizes were given to encourage " white " Asparagus ; whereas the exhibitors were left free to show it as tliey liked in this respect, and not one word was said in any schedule of the prizes as to the Asparagus being required white, or as to how it should be blanched. The growers -were left quite free in this respect. He next states, and that repeatedly, that the lots at Tunbridge AVells were green, whereas the best prize market lot (Mr. Ilarwood's) an the best prize private gai-den lot were blanched to tlie same degree as Asparagus is in Franco, or in the market gardens round London, and to a greater extent than the Asparagus that comes from Dijon, A'ersailles, or Toulouse. White Asparagus is only grown by the Dutch and Belgians. Their ways have not entered into the question, nor has anyone advised that their plan should be followed, though no person wlio had looked into the matter could say that Asparagus in these countrie,? was either tough or tasteless, Having shown how he distorts the truth and betrays no care as to facts,such as a conscientious man should while commenting on the doings of others, I now give a few quotations from a rich store in his books which may servo to .show what IMr. Hibberd's own ideas are, and how he illustrates them. Nothing is set down in malice, no words are used but his own, and the illustrations are exact reproductions, though diminished in size in two instances. This gentleman has original ideas of his own, which require for tlieir support all the time he gives to the work of those who do not interfere with him, except when his mis-staie- ments become so gross as to make it desirable to correct them. The following is his .suggestion for a means of "averting the Potato disease": — Mr. Hibberd's proposal for improved Potato culture. (Frora'bis "Kitchen Garden," p. 134.) "In a wet season," the author says, "when disease rages. Potatoes grown on tiles are scarce- ly touched, and the quality of the tubers is above the average. On the other hand, in a very hot, dry season the tile system does not p.\y so well, as the plant is apt to be starved through lack of moisture. Our tile Potatoes are always planted in January or February, that the plant may make a good root-hold as soon as the ground is warm enough to be the better enabled to withstand a drought. On light, dry land tiles are not to be thought of ; on heavy lands they will make a good return for a reasonable outlay." Mr. Hibberd also has paid some attention to Melons, and we find the woodcut illustration given below in the same book. It shows a Melon in the open air ! Tlie old gardeners, who state of progress (pictorial). True, he adds, the "elements have you at their mercy," and "if you do not cut ripe fruit before September is out, you will not cut any at all." But there is hope and more good advice, for he adds " you may cut the nearly ripe fruit with .some length of stem attached, and ripen it in a warm green- house. The instant that the stalk of a Melon begins to crack away from tlie fruit, the ripening process is completed, and the Melon should bo eaten." Mr. Hibberd on Landscape Garden- ing.— To his various talents he adds that of landscape gardening. The Arcti and " Root Ornament."— " The con.struction is simple, but produces an agreeable effect by means of a few accessories. The base on each side of the walk is flanked by a rough lattice of selected tree toppings, and the walk leads to a lawn, in the centre of which stands a root ornament, covered with a profusion of trailing plants. This and the shrubberies beyond form a picture to which the arch acts as a " Arch and Koot Ornament." framework, and the eye is gratified by a judicious disposal of a few very simple elements." — " Rustic Adornments," p. ,"0l.'. The Relief of Avenues.—" The gloom of green foliage is delightful, but how much is the joy of an avenue enhanced if light is seen at its termination." A Melon in the open air (ibid, p. 180.) (Eleven fruit are shu^\Ti un one side uf tlio liillocli.) were good ^lelon growers if nothing else, used to think eight in a large pit-light a good crop ; but Mr. Hibberd belongs to another generation, and his drawing shows eleven fruits in a fair " Kockwoili " (Hiljberd). " Now, a border of Ferns, a bosky corner, or walks diverging into other scenes, may form the July 23, 1881.J THE GARDEN. 97 vanishing point of your perspective, and the calm sliade lias no relief tlierein. Let the gar- dener get together a barrowful of white stones of any kind, the larger the better, and let these be thrown down ' anyhow ' at the end of such a walk, and in an instant the entire aspect of the scene is changed. So far the object is accomplished ; a bank of light stones is evidently just the thing to make the avenue charming. It is of course not to remain for ever a mere barrowful ' flung into the void,' but is to be built up neatly and properly planted, and may at last become a cairn after the fashion of the adjoining figure.'' — Ibid, 332. " As an example of a pardonable trick, here is a design for a frontage to a conservatory, showing how a most fantastic facade of the Chinese pattern may be adapted to a ridge and furrow roof (which in effect is a flat roof) concealing the harsh lines of the roof itself without the smallest violation of propriety." — Ibid, p. 202. These illustrations are given here in fulfil- ment of a promise made in The Garden, iu December last, that if obliged to deal with Mr. Hibberd's uncalled-for attentions again I should do so by the aid of illustrations from his own -writings. He no doubt understands his own proposals, and they require able support ; An elephant trap (Hibl eiJ) a figure of a screen which bears the designation ' elephant trap ' in a part of a garden which overlooks a road that no one in the house desires to see. The trees in the scene are real, but the contrivance is a delusion — the screen being flat, and the seemingly long winding path being taken up a gentle rise by a curve which lengthens it without seeming to do so. It answers its purpose, and that is one proof of merit." — " Amateurs' Flower Garden," p. H. Conservatory Building'. — " The con- ditions imposed upon us by the scientific view of the subject, whicli is the only one to be taken if be certainly does not understand mine in the above case, and therefore he may enjoy the reconsideration of more familiar ground. W. E. SEASONABLE \VOEK. Sowincr and Cropping. — About the last week in the month is a suitable time to get in a good breadth of Lettuce and Endive for use through the autumn. Endive transplants well, but where space is not an object, Lettuce always does best when sown thinly where it can remain on heavily manured ground. Moss-curled Endive is generally grown for early use, as it turns in quickly, and, being more tender than the broad-leaved Batavian, is best adapted for Fasade for a Conservatory (Hibberd). satisfactory results are desired, are quite com- patible with all the requirements of art. Here is placing under glass before autumn frosts come on. Where Spinach is extensively used, a good batch of the prickly kind sown at once will carry on the supply until Christma or even later, by which time the main crop sown in August will have l^ecome thoroughly est.aljlished and the better able to withstand severity. If not already done, a dry, warm border should be well dressed with wood ashes and soot and sown with Early Horn Carrot for use through the winter. Giving to the ravages of the Turnip beetle, early Cauliflower and P.roccoli plants are not looking so promising as tlicy mii-'lit ; but the planting out of such kinds as Stadt- holdcr and Wabhcren must be closely followed, as with a fine autumn they will form a good substitute for Eclipse and .\utumn Giant wiiere the latter have failed. With convenience for covering with lights in the auturnn, another sowing of some quick kincl of French Bean, like Osborn's or Sion House, may be made on a warm border open to the south and west. Tall Peas and Scarlet R unners will take copious supplies of water, and where they are not planted in prepared trenches, a mulching of some kind will greatly improve the quality of the crop and increase the ((Uantity. Late Celery for spring use may still be plaiUed, and early crops now growing freely will be in a fit .state for flooding with diluted liquid. Herbs of different kinds will now require attention. They should be cut when quite di-y and spread out thinly in an open airy shed or room. As a good supply of winter Parsley always re- dounds to the gardener's credit, sowings along the foot of a west wall or near a hedge should be made forthivith. When the plants are large enough the thinnings may be placed in pits, pots, or bo.xes for givmg a supply in bad weather. Cucumbers.— The end of this month is a good time to sow seeds or propagate cuttings of a strain of Telegraph for taking up the bearing after those now occupying pits and frames are over or their quarters are wanted for other crops. As these plants generally succeed Melons in hot- waterjpits, the latter should be thoroughly scalded and limewashed to free them from woodlice and red spider. The sm-face at least, if not the whole of the bed, should also be removed and replaced with fresh fermenting material. Good turfy loam and lime rubble free from manure make an excellent mixture for Cucumbers. The hills should be made small at first, and when the heat in the bed h.as declined to 90", there will be no danger ot burning the soil or tlie roots at the outset. Old plants that have been long in bearing will take liberal supplies of tepid liquid. Tliey will alsobeneflt by an occasional top-dressing of light rich turf and rotten manure. Wlien the summer supply is obtained from frames it is a good plan to take a few lights in hand, divest the plants of all fruit, cut out old vines and leaves, top-dress and partly bxury the stems that are left in fresh soil, and keep moist with slight shad* until new growth is secured. W. CoLEMAN. Eastnor Castle. NOTES OP THE WEEK. Anomatheca cruenta, from seed saved fromlastyear'sflowers,andsown immediately after being gathered, comes from Mr. Edwin Jackson ; the plants are about as strong as usual. Vanda (Eenanthera) IjOWi.— Vfe are in- formed that this fine Orchid is now in flower in the Victoria and Paradise Nurseries. The plant is 7 ft. high, and is furnished with six spikes about 7 ft. long— in all 191 flowers. Tliis is supposed to be the best specimen of the kind in Em-ope. The "Weather. — Mr. Chas. Turner writes from Slough that the heat of the past week has burnt the blooms of his plants up before they had time to open, adding that he had not seen a good bloom of anything for some days past. Last Friday the temperature in London was 9.5 deg. in the sliadc. Ne-w- and Rare Plants.— Among those in flower in Mr. Lull's nursery, Chelsea, are Cien- kowskia Kirki, the handsome African Gingerwort lately noticed; DisagrandiUoraBarrelli, Anthurium Andreanum, Blandtordia fiava, one of the finest of tlie genus ; Lilium cruentum, a red-banded kind : L. auratum, Odontoglossum vexillarium Chelsoni, Monolophus secundus, and the double- flowered Bouvardia Alfred Neuner. Rhododendron Duchess of Edin- burgh.— This greenhouse Bhododendron is one of the finest of the section to which it belongs, as the flowers are large of fine shape and texture, and the colour— a bright orange-red— is a striking contrast to the broad green foliage. The trusses, moreover, are large, and produced numerously on small plants. It originated in the Royal E.xotio Nursery, Chelsea, where it is now beautifully in flower with many others, among which is a note- worthy specimen of the pretty rosy-flowered E. Taylori, one of the best of its colour. Ixora Burbidgei.— This new Bomean plant promises to be a valuable addition to stove flower- ing shrubs, and distinct from other kinds. It is 98 THE GARDEN. [July 23, 1881. somewhat in the way of I. salicifolia, but has broader leaves, and it possesses the desirable character of producing clusters of flowers all along the upper part of the stem. The flowers are very showy, being of bright orange-scarlet, and the long pointed flower-buds and sharply-angled corollas give it a distinctive character. It may now be seen in flower at Messrs. Veitch's nursery at Chelsea. Datura sanguinea. — The huge specimen of this fine Solanaceous plant in the greenhouse (No. i) at Kew has been wonderfully fine this year, being covered from base to top with its long tubular flowers of an orange red colour. It is planted out in free soil in one of the central beds, which no doubt accounts for its large size. A fair sized plant of D. suaveolens in a pot has lilcewise been very fine, the plant being quite a mass of large white, trumpet-like blossoms. I5oth are wortliy occupants of any greenhouse. The Yellow Asphodel.— Mr. Betteridge, Chipping Norton, sends a spilie of Asphodelus luteus, about 2 ft. long. He says it has been in flower since early in May, and it has a bold spike not unpleasant in colour. We have so often noticed this plant do little good on clay soils, that one alwaj's doubted its merit for general cultivation, distinct and hardy as it is. In all these considerations as to the merits of plants we look at the matter always in view of the immense number of really good plants that do not find a ]ilace generally. Littonia modesta. — This is an extremely graceful plant with twining stems and tendrilled leaves similar to those of a Gloriosa or Methonica, as it is now called. Tlie flowers are bell-shaped and nearly 1 in. across, of a soft, orange colour, and they droop prettilj' from short hair-like stalks from the axils of the leaves, chiefly from the upper part ot the stem. It is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, and thrives admirably in an ordinary greenhouse, growing freelj'in pots, while tlie branches ramble freely along the ratters or up a pillar. In flower now in the T range at Kew. Beautiful Stove Climber. -One of the prettiest of stove climbers in the Palm house at Kew is Solanum venustum, a South American plant, much in the way of S. jasminoides, now fairly well known as a beautiful greenhouse and even liardy climber. It is of rapid growtli, and produces slender shoots furnished witli narrow leaves and terminated by large loose clusters of mauve-tinted flowers, which droop in graceful pro- fusion. It is a capital plant for a small house, as it may be easily kept within bounds, and, more- over, it furnishes a supply of flowers throughout tlie summer and autumn and far into winter. Rhododendron retusum.— This is the name given by Mr. Mangles, Valewood, Hasle- mere, to the pretty small red-flowered shrub received last week from Mr. Luscombe. Jlr. Mangles addsa fewinterestingparticulars respcct- ingit."JIr.Henslial],atonetime Messrs. Ilollisson's collector, found it in Java. That firm liybridised it with K. javanicum and raised R. I'rince of AVales (see Floral Magazine, plate 1.5.")). Mr. Uavies, of Ormskirk, exhibited this year what seems to be the same cross under tlie name of R. Uaviesi (see Garden, May 7, 1881, p. 464). This species is not ver^' numerous in English gardens." The Orchid Album.— The first part of this new work is before us. It contains four coloured plates (12 in. by 10 in.), accompanied by appro- jiriate letterpress. The subjects chosen are On- ciilium concolor, Lislia Schrtederi, Cattlcya Jlen- delli grandiflora, and Epidendnim vitellinum ma jus. The letterpress consists of a paragraph embodying a botanical description of the species in English, with authorities, synonyms, and refer- ence to figures, &c., followed by tlie history of the plant and remarks on its cultural treatment. Notes on Orchids of current interest are, wo find, interspersed throughout the work, wliich will be interesting to Orchid growers. Tlie authorities (or some of the names, we observe, are omitted, and thougli the artist lias failed to reproduce the exact shade of colour in some of the plants, tlie work will form a useful addition to illustrated books on Orchids. It is published by B. S. Williams, Victoria and Paradise Nurseries, Upper Ilolloway. Batatas paniculata. — Few stove or warm greenhouse climbers are more showy than this which is now finely in flower in tlie old Lily house (near the I'alm house) at Kew. The blossoms, which are bell-shaped, 2 in. across, and of a rich violet purple inclined to crimson in the throat, are produced in clusters from the axils of the deeply-cut leaves. It is a plant that one should procure wdio requires a roof of a stove quickly furnished with foliage, as the long slender shoots grow rapidly under ordinary pot culture. The plants should have an abundant supply of water during summer, and should be cut back to the thick root-stock in winter. Tropaeolum Bedfont Rival.- Tliis is one of the compactum section, and bears most profusely flowers of a bright orange-scarlet tint, well thrown up above the foliage. It is now in bloom in one of the flower beds at Chiswick, where it may be seen and compared with other kinds. The plants there are from cuttings, of whicli it is possible to obtain an ample stock from o'.d plants in the autumn, but it also comes quite true from seed. These compactum Trop:co- lums do well in such seasons as the present. They do not require much moisture, and the abundant leafage .serves to keep the soil about the roots wet. From the first moment of blooming till cut down with frost they are always in flower and always gay. — A. D. Mountain Bladder-wort (Utricularia montana). — One'of the most engaging plants just now in the Orchid houses at Kew, is tliis extremely beautiful epiphyte in hanging baskets ; though not an Orchid, it so much resembles one that the uninitiated would be unable to detect the dlflier- ence. The flowers, which are about H in. across, are singular in shape, as one petal overlaps the other in a peculiar way. The colour is pure white, with a conspicuous blotcli of j'ellow on the lower lip-like petal. The flower-stems are slender, and bear several blossoms that hang gracefully on all sides of the basket, as well as from the bottom through which they protrude. The bright green foliage and the curious bhadder-like tubes also add considerably to the attractiveness of the plant. Of the newer species, U. Endresi, we also saw, a short time since, a good specimen in flower at Kew. The colour of the flowers of this is a violet-purple, forming a beautiful contrast with that of its congener. It was the subject of a coloured illustration in TiiE Garden, Vol. XVIII., p. 432. Carnations at Chelsea.— It was quite a relief to turn from tlie Carnation show at South Kensington, wheie the blooms were all so unna- turally " dressed "' and bedecked with the conven- tional white paper collar, to plants growing free in the open borders in Messrs. A'eitch's nursery, where they are and have for some time past been extremely attractive. Here Carnations and Pico tees are grown in a natural manner ■without the disbudding and other little details which the exhibiting cultivator considers indispensable. All are planted out, and in most cases one variety occupies a bed ; therefore the masses of colour are well varied and imposing. The healthy vigour of the foliage, and the extreme florifcrousness of the plants, combined with the fine quality of the blooms with regard to size and form, point to the fact that neither Carnations nor Picotces require that skilful cultivation which people are apt to imagine they do in order to obtain beautiful flowers. The plants are shaded by a light canvas awning, as the excessive heat in a short time im- pairs their beauty. The most conspicuous masses are the Clove Carnations, of which there are .several sorts. The true Old Crimson, with its de- liciously .scented blooms, is grown largely, and when seen <■« ma,isc is very fine ; Crimson Pet is [ in some respects an improvement upon this, as the flowers are brighter and of better quality, but rather deficient in perfume ; Ethiopian is also similar to the old crim.son, but more floriferous, therefore better adapted for cutting. The beat scarlets are Coroner, a fine sort, having large flowers of good form ; Fire Eater, a rosy-scarlet, also large and fine ; Fireman, much in the same way as the preceding ; Dan Godfrey, a beautiful flower, remarkably bright in tint ; and Magnum Bonum, one of the best ; it is in the way of Coroner, but dwarfer, and hence in .some instances more desirable. Among the purples the finest are Auctioneer (finely formed and bright). Lord Rosebery (large and full). Purple Prince, Walter Ware (dark plum colour). Prince Arthur, and Elegant. The whites are very beautiful ; the best of them are Princess Alice (with delicately fringed petals). The Bride (very pure, with large smooth petals), and Mrs. Matthews (the purest white of all and free). Elysian Beauty is a lovely bright rose coloured kind, and Gertrude Teigner, a delicate pink, both good. Yellows and j-ellow ground sorts are now, we find, becoming popular. Sulphur King, Chromatella, and King of the Yellows are pre-eminently the best in theChelsea collection, and very beautiful they are. Lady Armstrong is a lemon ground Picotee, exquisitely edged with crimson, and seems to be a prolific flower. The above selection forms the principal masses in this nursery, but there is an infinite variety of others in flower in borders near them, representing the finest of the older kinds as well as many of the newer, consisting of Carnations, scarlet, crimson, and pink bizarre, and also flaked-flowered sorts in all colours, besides red, purple, rose, and scarlet-edged Picotees, the whole making a most attractive display, and scenting the atmosphere by their delicious perfume. NOTES FROM DUBLIN. Fkw shrubby Spi-ieas surpass — indeed, but few equal — S. ariffifolia either when grown as a wall shrub, or as a bush on the Grass or shrubbery border. Its white plumes are now quite lovely waving in the hot July wind. It grows freely, and flowers on the young or current year's growth ; hence, like Hydrangea paniculata and other plants of that class, it should be cut back pretty freely in early spring just as the buds begin to push. Thus treated, it forms a charming object, evsa when quite young and in a small state. • A word of praise for Campanula lactiflora, which grows 6 ft. high in our borders, each stem being much branched, and bearing just now hundreds of milk-white blossoms. The wand-like stems are stout and elastic, strong enough, in fact, to do without the torture of staking ; indeed, much of the grace of this and of other plants is lost when we rob it of its bend-before-the-wind kind of habit. One might ;us well attempt to stake a Lombardy Poplar. • Of dwarf-growing rock plants there are but tew which exceed Ac.Tna Novic Zealandia;, or as it is sometimes called A. microphylla, in beauty at this season. The flowers are not at all attractive, being in dense rusty-coloured heads, but as the fruit elongates after flowering and attains a rich glistening ruby red colour, then the plant is seen at its best, and continues in perfection for several weeks. On warm, dry soil it forms dense carpet- like patches a yard or more across, but as a rule it is best grown among the stones of a rockery. * The time of Lilies is one of the most enjoyable of all times in a good garden. The silvery sheen of the white Lily is of all things lovely on warm July evenings, and its fragrance de- liciois. The golden-rayed Lily of Japan opened its first flowers with us on July 13 in the open air, and will now go on flowering until the frost. * L. Krameri, with its soft pink bells, has proved quite hardy, and as I now write I stand before two stems of L, testaceum, each over C ft. in July 23, 1881.] THE GARDEN. 99 height, the one bearing eleven and the other eight flowers. Both stems are the produce of a single bulb nearly 8 in. in diameter. Lilium Washlng- tonianum is a lovely July Lily. We have two forms, one with from fifteen to twenty flowers, borne erect and of a rosy colour, dotted profusely with purple, the oilier with much larger flowers, and only three or four on a spilce, and they are of snowy whiteness, no spotting or suffusion of any kind. In addition to other distinctions, this white variety of L. Washingtonianum has a most deli- cious odour, being even preferable in that way to the old white Lily itself. * Primula japonica is in some places plentiful enough to be considered a weed. It comes more or less freely from seed self-sown or sown as soon as it ripens in the pods. If once the seeds are preserved for any length of time so as to become hard and dry, then one may have to wait a year or longer ere the young plants appear above ground. Sow at once is the best motto for all home-ripened seeds of Primulas and of many other things. Among dwarf annuals, Grammanthes chlorantha (sometimes called G. gentianoides) is neat and effective in the sun. It forms Sedum-like cushions of fleshy glaucous stems and leaves, and when its star-like flowers expand the plant is almost hidden by them. The colour varies from pure yellow to vivid orange scarlet. Like lonop- sidium acaule and Leptosiphon roseum, tliis Grammanthes is a little gem worth a place even amongst the choicest of perennial rock plants. A graceful plant is Phlox glaberrima— not too well known — just now bearing its trusses of pure rosy lilac flowers on slender stems loin, in height. Cuttings struck under a bell or hand-glass in autumn are row blooming freely, and it is well worth growing, for its flowers last well in water when cut for indoor decorative uses. A dwarfer plant which blooms earlier is P. amoena, which llr. W. Falconer sent me from the Harvard collec- tion some time ago. Ihe virid blue cups and the dusky buds of Gentiana septemfida are now very lo\ely — I mean the dainty torquoise blue kind with a neat bit of fringe inserted between each of the corolla lobes, the sort sometimes grown under the name of G. gelida. A clump of it with twenty stems each I ft. in height is now verj' pretty contrasted with the golden chalices of Papaver nudicaule and masses of the rose Silene 8chafta. * The dwarf, crimson, velvet-like Sweet William with double flowers is admired ty ever} one. Cuttings struck last autumn and planted out in March last are now blooming at C in. in height, and remind one of Cockscombs, so solid and rich are the dense trusses of bloom, and then each truss is fringed by a circle of young growths of a fresh green colour which enhances the effect. For masses, clumps, or single specimens, this plant is indeed well worth a place amongst select perennials. As a pillar plant or root climber for a green- house or conservatory, the old Fuchsia corymbosa deserves attention. It is of free growth, good distinct leafage, and its dense clusters of drooping scarlet blossoms are produced for several months in succession during the summer and autumn. .Jussiaja natans is a most interesting aquatic plant now blooming freely, its Evening Primrose- like flowers being of the size of a florin and of a vividyellow colour. A singular trait of this plant is the production of thick pithy adventitious roots or bladders which seem to serve as strainers through which moisture is absorbed, or perhaps also as floats to buoy up the plant to the water line. It may not be generally known, but it is a fact, that now is a good, if not the best, time in which to replant bulbous plants of the spring blooming type — I mean Scillas, Snowdrops, Narcissus, Snowflakes, Tulips, Hyacinths, &c., all of which are as near being at rest now as they ever are, and all of which commence to push out their roots about the time when the autumnal rains begin. For trade purposes it seems necessary to dry the bulbs and keep them in places where the moisture of the rains of autumn on the hot ground means nothing to them ; but in practice it is best to dry off bulbs as little as possible and to plant them as early as is convenient, and in all cases before the protrusion of the new rootlets takes place. There may be exceptions : for example, Iris susiana, some Anemone and Ranunculus roots, also those of Narcissus Bulbocodiam, Ixias, Sparaxis, and Galifornian bulbs of the JIariposa Lily, and the Butterfly Tulip types are beneflted by being dried off after blooming, and this is es- pecially necessary on cold, wet, or clay soils. When we come to Lilies, Narcissi, and Squills, however, the good rule is to replant early, as soon, in fact, as the leaves die off, and they then root freely in autumn and become fairly esta- blished before winter. * It is easy to grow Droseras, Pinguioulas, Cam- panula hederacea, and other delicate little bog pl?,nts when you know how to do it. This is the way : Fill the bottom of a deep seed-pan with peat, and then All the upper half \vith living Sphagnum Moss. Make the Moss into a rounded cone 1 in. or 2 in. above the rim of the pan in the centre, and level with the rim all round the sides. Press the Moss in quite firmly, and surface the top with the fresh green tips of the Jloss only. Water thoroughly, and then prick in the Sundews, Butterworts, Bog Pimpernel, Campanula, and any other delicate little bog plant, even Dionsea musoipula, and Cephalotus follicularis, and the lovely little Cape Sundews, if you are lucky enough to have them ; water again thoroughly, to settle them in their places, and then place the base of the pan in a shallow saucer or plate full of water, and always keep it full. An overhead shower bath twice a week will be sufficient to ensure this, and after keeping the pans thus filled in a cold, closed frame for a day or two until the little plants feel their way, place them on a shelf in a cool house as near to the glass as you can get them, and in the full sun- shine, and then they are sure to prosper — better, as I think, thus than in any other wav. F. W. B. LATEINOTES AND QUESTIONS. Walnut Trees.— I have two large Walnut Trees in my garden. "SMiat will 'avow under them, and will the dead leaves make guud manure or leaf-mould ? — MOLESEY. Mushrooms.— My JIushrooms rot off when they are about the size of Peas. Can anyone tell nie the reason of this ? The bed was well made, and is under an old shed. — :MoLESEy. Melon Leaver.— 5«&.— They swarm with green fly. Fumigate with tolwcL-o repeatedly until it is destroyed. Phyllocactus crenatus.— This is beautifully scented at night, and very imwL-rfnl when in a closed room. The specimen sent is much smaller than usual on account of its being the last bloom.— H.J. E. [The plant is the excellent one described as Jlowerlnfj so well in Mr. Peacock's collec- tion some iveeks ago, and icluch loe hope to illustrate.] Best Site for a Garden. ---If a person of moderate means wished tn obtain a few acres of land to build a small house upon, and to grow flowers and fruit naturally au(I under glass partly for profit, where, within abuut twenty miles of London, could be found the best soil, taking into consideration also the healthiness and prettiuess of the neighliourhood, and facilities for obtaining at low rates fuel, maniu'e, and other garden requisites?— Ex6Con').— Apparently Trifoliiim Lupinaster. SOCIETIES. NATIONAL CARNATION AND PICOTEE. July 19. On Tuesday last, the southern section of this society held its annual exhibition in the Royal Horticultural Society garden, at South Kensington. There was a very creditable display of flowers, though not so numerous as on previous occasions ; nor was the quality so high, a circumstance doubt- less attributable to the unfavourable weather for the Carnation and Picotee. The exhibitors were much the same as in former years and the majority of the exhibits came from the suburbs of London, clearly indicating that the Carnation and Picotee are pre-eminently flowers for town districts. One would imagine that the Carnation and Picotee wculd scarcely need a society specially devoted to their culture and improvement, but it is a noteworthy fact that even in large private gardens the higher types of varie- ties are only just beginning to be grown, though they have long been cherished objects of culture with many amateurs. To an ordinary observer there was not much novelty about last Tuesday's show, but the initiated had much to interest them in the way of new seedlings which generally were considered improvements in some form or other on existing sorts. Seedlings were rather numerous on this occasion, and they came principally from the veteran Carnation and Picotee grower, Mr. E. Dodwell, of Clapham. New Carnations. — Seedlings were really good. Jlr. Dodwell has worked quite a revolution during the last two or three years in the scarlet bizarre class, raising some flowers to surpass the fine variety Admiral Curzon, which has held the highest place amongst Carnations for more than a quarter of a centurj'. There were eight or nine very good varieties exhibited in the scarlet bizarre class. The two best were se- lected for prizes, the variety named Harry Turner (Dodwell) being placed first. It is a seedling from Jas. Cheetham, S.F., and has the rich dark scarlet of that variety, with a dark maroon flake, petals large and well rounded, flowers full, the Uakes evenly distributed. James Mcintosh (Dodwell) was placed second in it. This variety is remarkable in its class for the robust habit of the plant ; the flowers are very large, well marked with flakes of bright scarlet and maroon ; the petals are a little serrated, which is a fault. Joseph Crossland (Simonite), exhibited by Mr. Douglas, is a very promising variety in this class. It has broad, well marked petals and good colour, which was rather faded. In crimson bizarres noneof the flowers wereso rich in colour as a number of those exhibited last year. Squire Penson (Dodwell) gained the first prize. It is a seedling from Albion's Pride, but is superior to it in form of flower and shape of petal. The colour is not so bright, but the pink and maroon markings are very distinct ; the white is good. Harrison Weir (Dodwell) was placed second ; it is a seedling from Rifleman, having the paler colour of Albion's Pride with the broad petals of Rifleman. The flower is full with the white predominant, colour pink and pur- ple maroon in narrow bars and flakes. Mr. Douglas gained a first prize in the class for pink and purple bizarres with Miss Henderson (Dodwell), a very distinct variety, with large full flowers of excellent shape; the petals are broadly marked with flakes of purple and clear pink ; it is a seedling from Lord Milton, one of the brightest coloured crimson bizarres. There were no new flowers in the class for purple flakes, but in that for scarlet flakes, Jlr. Dodwell was first with Harry Matthews, a seedling from Admiral Curzon, S.B.; this variety has very broad, well marked petals, forming well-shaped large flowers of a rich scarlet colour ; white good. Matador (Turner) was second ; this is also a good and distinct variety, petals well formed and round, colour rich bright scarlet, white good. In rose flakes, but one flower was good enough to receive an award — Mrs. Matthews (Dodwell) ; the fonn of the flower is like Sybil ; the 100 THE GAEDEN. [July 23, 1881. liakcs, clear bright rose, are evenly distributetl on a good wliite ground. It received first prize in its class. New Picotees were not exhibited in large numbers ; the raisers of these do not seem to be so active as they were some years ago. In light red edges Mr. Dodwell gained the first prize with Elsie Grace, a seedling from Mary, light purple edge. The petals are not of such good shape as the parent, but the edge is well defined, petals purp white, without a spot of colour. It will be a dis- tinct and good acquisition in its class. Mr. Douglas gained the second prize in this class with Mrs. Gorton (Simonite), a fine full flower, with good-shaped petals, fine wire edge, white, free from markings. The only other new Ticotee worthy of notice exhibited was a very fine, light, scarlet-edged variety from Mr. Turner, named Evelyn ; it re- ceived the first prize in the seedling class, and should have been first in the class for single blooms. The only excuse for the judges was that they might have made a blunder in placing Mrs. Alcroft at the wrong end of the row, as it was certainly the worst flower of the five which re- ceived prizes. Evelyn is the best flower yet seen in this colour ; the edge is narrow, but well de- fined ; petals very broad, well shaped, and pure, forming a large fine flower. No first-class certifi- cates were awarded this year, probably not alto- gether because the varieties shown were not worthy of that distinction, but because they may be exhibited better on another occasion under more favourable circumstances. The principal classes, such as those for twenty- four and twelve blooms both in the Carnations and Picotees were very well represented with regard to the quality, and the exliibits from such eminent growers as Messrs. Dodwell, Douglas, and Turner were uniformly good, and so closely contested were some of the classes by these exhibitors that the judging was a difficult matter. The principal varieties among Carnations shown were— of scarlet bizarres. Admiral Curzon, a fine flower in every respect; Arthur Medhurst, Cam panini, Rembrandt, Mars, and True Briton. Crimson bizarres were represented by fine examples of Albert Chancellor, J. D. Hextall, Rifleman, Premier, John Simonite, Gem, and Albion's Pride. Among the pink and purple bizarres were Sarah Payne, Falconbridge, Ajax, Colonel Wyndham, G. F. Wilson, Mayor of Nottingham, Squire Meyuell, and True Blue. Of scarlet flakes, were Clipper, Sportsman, John Baylej', Illuminator,Annihilator, James Cheetham, and Bandmaster ; and among rose flakes were fine blooms of Sybil, Rose Perfection, John Keats, James Jlerryweather, Cleopatra, Falcon, and Rose of Stapleford. Fancy varieties were not so numerous, but they are very pretty and deserve to grown as much as the others ; the most prominent kinds shown were, Heather Bell, Eccentric Jack, Eurydice, G. P. Hawtrey, Elegant, G6ant des Batailles, Titian, Sportsman, Adonis. Among the Picotees were superb blooms of Her Majesty, Clara Penson, Fanny, Leah, Mrs. A. Chancellor (very fine), Alliaiice, Roval Purple, Zerlina, Jessie, Norfolk Beaiitv, Cynthia, Coro- nation, Lily of the Valley, Edith, Mmnie, Fanny, all purple-edged varieties ; while of red, rose, or scarlet-edged sorts were Royal A'isit, Empress Eugenie, Rev. J. B. Caram," Baroness Burdett Coutts, Constance Heron, Ann Lord, Clara, Ethel, Mrs. Horner, Mrs. Alcroft, Mrs. Payne, Juliana] Lady Beeston, and Rev. F. D. Horner. The sorts named above comprise a representative collection of both Carnations and Picotees, including many of the newest kinds. The following is a'list of the prize takers : — AW.\RD.S. Carnations. — TMenty-fcnir liliwiins, no finver tli.in twelve varieties : 1, Jlr. E. Do.lwell, Larkliall Rise, Clnp. ham ; 2, Mr. Douglas, Lo.xford Hall, Ilfonl ; :), .Mr. Turner Koyal Nurseries, Slougli ; 4, llr. H. Hooper, Viiie Nursery' Bath ; 6, -Mr. J. Hines, Tpswich. Twelve blooms : 1 Mr' Dodwell ; 2, llr. Douglas ; 3, Mr. Mattliews, Wan.lsworili Roail I 4, Mr. Hines ; 6, Mr. T. Buxton, Claphani ; ti, Mr. 0. Duffield. .-^a blooms : 1, Mr. A. Medhin-st, Clapham ; 2 Iju "u*,; '.' ?.'■'■ •'"""'P' Binningliani ; t, Mr. Allen Putney Hill ; 5, Master H. Itattliews. Wandsworth Eow. -Mr. AUercrombie, Cheltenlmm, showed the other collection. Sinr/le specimens.— fiiMrU't Bizarres: ], Mr. Turner with Oeorgu ; 2, .Mr. Donglas with Robert Lord ; 3, Mr. Dodwell with Arthur Medhurst; 4, Mr, Dodwell with George; n, Mr. Douglas with Dreadnought. Forty-two other blooms were shown, t'rinison Bizarres : 1, .Mr. Douglas with .John Simonite; 2, ditto with Ciimson Banner; 3, ditto with Lord Milton ; 4, Mr. Doilwell with Rifleman ; S, .Mr. Douglas with Lord Milton. Twelve other blooms were shown. Pink Bizarres : 1, Mr. Douelas, Sarah Payne ; 2, Jlr. Dodwell with Sarah Payne ; 3, ditto with Seedling ; -1, Mr. Douglas with Albion's Pride; a, ditto with same variety. Forty other blooms were shown. Purple Hakes : 1, ilr. Douglas with Florence Nightingale ; 2, ditto with the same ; 3, Mr. C. Turner w ith Lady Peel ; 4, ditto with Sporting Lass ; 5, Mr. Douglas with Florence Nightingale. Si.\ other blooms were shown. Scarlet Flakes: 1, Mr. Turner with Matador ; 2, ditto with same variety ; 3, Mr. Dodwell with Seedling ; 4, Mr. Douglas with Sp'ort^nan ; 5, Mr. Douglas with .lohn Bayley. Nineteen otlu r lilounis were shown. Rose Flakes ; 1, Mr. Douglas witli S\l)il ; 2, Mr. Turner w ith John Keats ; 3. ilr. Douglas w ith same variety ; 4, Mr. E. S. Dodwell with James Jlerryweather ; 5, Mr. Turner with Jessica. Sixteen other blooms were shown. Picotees. — Twenty-four blooms, no fewer than twelve varieties : 1, Mr. Douglas ; 2, Mr. Turner ; 3, Mr. Dodwell ; 4, Mr. Hooper. Twelve blooms : ], Mr. Douglas ; 2, Mr. Dodwell; 3, Mr. Matthews; 4, Mr. Hines: 5, Mr. BlLXton; G, Mr. Duftield. One other collection was exhibited. Six blooms : 1, Mr. Medhurst ; 2, .Mr. Sharp ; 3, Mr. .i^llen ; 4, Mr. Healy ; 5, ^Lister Matthews. Mr. Abercrombie showed the other collection. Single speeimemf.— Tied heavy-edged : 1, Mr. Brown with Emmeline ; 2, Mr. Douglas with J. B. Bryant ; 3, Mr. Turner with Picturata ; 4, Mr. Hines with \Vm. Summers ; 5, Mr. Dodwell with Brunette. Twenty-two other blooms were shown. Red light edges: 1, Jlr. Douglas with Thomas AVilliams ; 2, 3, and 4, ditto with same sort ; 6, Mr. Turner with Rev. F. D. Horner. Ten other blooms were sliowni. Purple heavy edges : All of the five prizes by Mr. Turner with Mrs. .\. Chancellor. Twenty-five other blooms were shown. Purple light-edged: 1, Mr. Douglas with Miss Clara Penson ; 2, ditto with Her JIajesty ; 3, Mr. Dodwell with Ann Lord ; 4, ditto with Minnie ; .1, Mr. Turner with Baroness Burtlett-Coutts. No other blooms were shown in this class. Rose or Scarlet heavy-edged : 1, Mr. Turner with Fanny Helen ; 2, ditto with same sort ; 3, ditto with Constance Heron ; 4, Mr. Hines with Mrs. Alcroft ; 5, Mr. Sharp w ith Seedling. Thirty other blooms were shown. Rose or Scarlet light-edged: 1, Jlr. Shaip with Mrs. Alcroft ; 2 and 3, Jtr. Turner with Evelyn ; 4, ditto with Lucy ; 5, Mr. Hooper with Be.auty of' Bath. Eight other blooms were shown. Yellow grounds : 1, ilr. Douglas ; 2. ditto ; 3, Mr. Hooper ; 4, ditto ; .5, Mr. Douglas. Selfs, Fancies, or Yellow Grounds —Twenty- four blooms: 1, Jlr. Turner; 2, Mr. Douglas: 3, Jl'r. Matthews ; 4, Mr. Hooper. Twelve blooms : 1, Mr. Dod- well ; 2, Mr. Medhurst ; 3, Mr. Duffleld ; 4, Mr. Catley ; 6, Mr. .\l)ercrombie. Yellow G'round Picotees— Twelve blooms: 1, Mr. Douglas; 2, Mr. Hooper; 3, Mr. Catley. The premier Carnation selected from the whole exhibition was Fred, a crimson bizarre, and the premier Picotee, Mr. Chancellor, heavy purple-edged, both shown by Mr. Douglas. Misceilaneous Class.— .\ large collection of blooms, numbering some 360 in ten boxes, was exhibited by Messrs. Veitch & Son, Chelsea. It comprised"Picotees, light and heavy edged in all the colours. Carnations, flakes and bizarres, but the most beautiful of all were the selfs, which were shown in large numbers. The best of these were — Lothair, delicate pink ; Fire Eater, high salmony pink: Lord Rosebery, purple-pink ; Auctioneer, "a splendid purple : Coroner, orange scarlet, one of the finest. The best yellows were King of the Yellows, Chromatella, and Sulphur King, all very fine sulphur yellows. Gf whites are Hodge's Bride, Princess Alice, beautifully fringed petals ; Wliite Clove, and Charmer, the latter remarkably pure and fine in form. The old Crimson Clove was shown finely, and a beautiful display it made, but an improvement on it called Crimson Pet is ex- tremely fine, the flowers being of an intensely deep velvety crimson.' These blooms were all shown without being dressed, and they attracted as much if not more attention than" the manipulated blooms. Messrs. Cannell &; Sons, Swanley, also had a collection of cut blooms and "a large and excellent collection of Verbenas in'great variety, and these, with a fine collection of cut Roses from Messrs. Cranston, Hereford, added considerably to the attractiveness of the show. During the afternoon Mr. Shirley Hibberd delivered a lecture on the Carnation and Picotee. THE SHEFFIELD ROSE SHOW. Last week, as would be seen, we printed the Rev. Canon Hole's " Thoughts about Roses,'' uttered in connection wi "i this show, and we herewith give the list of awards. The show was held in the Sheflield Botanic Gardens, the exhibition tent which was 70 yards in length, being pitched close to the promenade in front of the Conservatory. The Roses, as a whole, were excellent, and came, as will be seen, from localities widely apart. AWARD.S. Seventy-two (listi7tct, einiile trusses —1, a silver cup, value £10 10s., given by the Mayor, and £5, (Mansion's Nursery and Seed Company, Hereford ; 2, £6, Messrs. Keynes ami Co., Salisbui-y ; 3, £.5. Mr. Benjamin Cant, Colchester ; 4, i;2, Messrs. Paul and Son, Olil Nurseries, Cheshunt. Fiirlij-ei(jht ilislinct, three trusses 0.1 each.— I. im, .Messrs. Cranston and Co. ; 2, £5, Messrs. Keynes and Co. ; 3, £3, Messrs. Paul and Son. Thirty-six distinct, single trusses.— I, £0, Ifr. Henry Frettingham, Beeston Nurseries, Nottingham ; 2, £4, Messrs. Davison and Co., Wiite Cross Nursciy, Hereford ; 3, £2, ile.ssrs. John Jelferies and Sons, Cirencester ; 4, £1, Messrs. Cooling and Son, Bath. Eighteen distinct, three trusses o.f racA.—l. £4, Messrs. George Davison and Co. ; 2, £3, Mr. Frettingham ; 3, £2, Mr. Charles Turner, Slough. AMATEiTR Classes. Thirttj-six distinct, single trusses. ~l. silver cup, value £10 10s., given by the Master Cutler, and £5 Mr. 'niomaa Jowitt, Old Weir, Hereford ; 2, £6, the Rev. Canon Hole, Caunton ilanor, Newark ; 3, £3, Mr. T. B. Hall, Rock Ferry, Cheshire Twelve distinct, three trusses of each.— T, £4, Mr. Thomas Jowitt ; 2, £3, Mr. J. Howe, Nottingham Twelve Teas or fXaisettes, distinct, sinqle trusses.— I, a silver cup, value £5 5s. given by a member of the National Rose Society, Mr. T. B. Hall, Rock Ferry, Cheshire; 2, £1 10s., the Rev. Canon Hole. Twentg-fonr distinct, single trusses.-l, silver cup, value £5 5s., given by the town of Sheffleld, Mr. E. P>. Wliitwell, Barton Hall, Darlington ; 2, £4, Mr. Charles Davies, Grammar School, Aynhoe, Banbury ; 3, £3, Rev. E. N. Pochin, Parkby Vicarage, Leicester; 4, £2, Mr. J. A. ^^'illianls. Yardley Wood Vicarage, Birmingham Eighteen distinct single trusses.— I, £4, Mr. Charles Davies. Banbury ; 2, £3, Mr. E. E. Whitwel!, Darlington ; 3, £2, Mr. J. Radford, Nottingham JSine Teas or Noisettes, distinct, single trusses. — 1, £1 10s., Mr. Charles Davies ; 2, £1, Mr. J. A. Williams. Twelve distinct, single trusses.—!, £4, Mr. Edward Loseby, Nottuigham ; 2, £3, the Rev. J. H. I'eniberton, Havering-atte-Bower, Essex ; 3, £2, .^fr. Julius Sladden, Badsey, Worcester ; 4, £1, ilr. W. Walters, Burton-on- Trent. Six distinct, single trusses.— 1, £2, Mr. Edward Slawley, Croydon ; 2, £1 10s., the Rev. L. N. Cheales, Surrey ; 3, £1, Mr. James Brown, JIanchester. Six Teas or Xoisettes, distinct, single tnisscs.—l, £1 lOs., the Rev. J. H. Pemberton ; 2, £1, Mr. Edward .Mawley ; 3, 10s., the Rev. .\. Cheales, Brookliam Vicarage. Six new Hoses, distinct, single trusses (not in commerce previous to 1878).—!, £1, Mr. Thomas Jowitt. Open Classes. Twelve new' Roses, distinct, single trusses (not in com- merce previous to 1878).—!, £2, Cranston's Nursery Com- pany ; 2, £1 10s., Messrs. Paul and Son ; 3, £1, Mr. Fret- tingham. Ticeloe shigle trusses o/antj Ugbrid Perpetual, dark.— I, £1, Ci-anston's Nurseiy Company ; 2, l.'is., Mr. Thomas Jowitt ; 3, 10s., Mr. George Prince, Market Street, Oxfonl. Twelve sing e trusses of any tlyhrid Perpetual, light.— \, £1, Cranston's Nursery Company; 2, l.'>s., Mr. Thomas Jowitt ; 3, 10s., Messi"s. John Jetferies an, being a set of garden tools, given by W. Marples and Sons. Several Roses were exhibited, but none were considered w orthy of this prize, which was therefore withheld. DisiKicT Grown and Cut Roses. Thirty-six distinct, single trusses.—\, a silver cup, value £10 10s. (given by the President of the SheffleW Botani- cal Gardens), the Rev. Canon Hole ; 2, £4, Mr. R. W. Proctor, .\shgnte Road, Chesterheld. Twcntij-.fvur distinct, single trusses.— i, £2, Jlr. R. W. Proctor, cbesterneld ; 3,;£1, Jlr. Charles Storey, Hunts- man's Row, Atterclilfc. Twelve distinct, single trusses.— '2. £1 10s., Mr. W. H. Brittain, Storthoaks ; 3, £1, Jlr. Charles Storey. AMATEIRS. Twelve distinct, single trusses. — I. £4, the Rev. Canon Hole ; 2,'£3, Jlr. .lohn Bateman, South Street, Sheffield • 3 £2, Jlr. W. (i. Jackson, JIansfield. Six di.itinct, single trusses.— 1. £2. Jtr. Joseph Jlallijider Hodsook Priory, Worksop ; 2, £1 10s., Jlr. ('has. storey ; 3, £1, Jlr. Thos. Kirkby, Barnes Hall, near Sheffield. Jtoses in Pots, twelve distinct varieties.— 1, £5, Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt. BOCQUETS. Twelve bouquets (if Hoses for the hand.— I, £3 10s., Jtcssi-s. Cranston and Co. ; 2, £2 10s., .Me-ssre. Paul and Son ; 3, £2, Jlcssrs. Cooling and Son. Twelve bouquets of district grown Roues for the hand. —I. £3 10s., Mr. Richard W. Proctor, Chesterfield. Six bouquets of distinct grown Roses lor the hand. (amateurs).—!, £1 10s., Jlr. Joseph Jlallinder ; 2, £1 .Is., Jlr. Thomas Kirkby, Sheffleld ; 3, jtl, Jlr. George JLiller, Sheffleld. Extra Prize (specially offered by the Committee of the Botanical Gardens).— S/j distinct single trusses of Roses grown within six mites ofSheJield.—l, Ho, Jlr. Enoch Hol- land, Sheffleld ; 2, £3, Jlr. Frank Uiton, GreeiihiU ; 3, £2, Jlr. James Keeling, Sheffleld. THE GARDEN. 101 No. 506. SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1881. [Vol. XX. "This is an Art Wliicli does mend Nature : cliange it rather : but TUE Akt itsklp is NATnKE."-SA(itaj;care. AM ARTIST'S BOUQUET. I HOPE you will not condemn all artists' bouquets because the description of one lately published does not sound promising-. There are eome table nosegays now in our sitting room. One, large and tall, all white and green, is made of semi-double white Opium Poppies cut 2 ft. long, spikes of Bocconia cordata, white Ever- lasting Peas, cut long, foliage of Acanthus and Alexandrian Laurel (Euscus racemosus). Another tall jar is dressed with Orange Day Lilies, Prairie Sunflower, and Coreop.sis lanceo- lata; foliage, side shoots of Indian Corn and large leaves of Funlfia granditlora. A small table bouquet has cluster Roses, white tinged with piuli, pale salmon and salmon-scarlet French Poppies, pale pink white-throated Pentstemon, and spikes of Oaura Lindheimeri ; for foliage, some golden green shoots of Chasselas Vine and small fronds of the Dilated Shield Fern, the variety spinulosum, also a golden green. A bowl of Tea Roses, shades of pink, yellow, and white, Souvenir d'un Ami, Catherine Mermet, Lamai-que, and Celine Forestier; the latter is very valuable for its quantity of foliage and red-stained buds. A beaker-shaped glass holds a good handful of Carnations, pink, scarlet, and white. One nosegay, mostly for sweetness, is made of French Honeysuckle, .Jessamine, Mignonette, and a few pink Cloves, with foliage of sweet Geranimn. Anothbb, Artist. NOTES FROM COMELY BANK. A VI.SIT to Mr. Eraser's nurseries must be no small pleasure to any one who cares for hardy plants. The collection of hardy Heaths alone is Well worth seeing. Their beauty is enhanced by tlie dwarf way in which they are grown, the plants being deeply layered and earthed up, so^that no leafless stems are to be seen ; and many of the kinds form dense cushions of green, as do also some of the Ledums, especially Ledum thymifolium. Amongst the prettiest of the many Heaths (I think Mr. Fraser said that he has about forty varieties of hardy kinds) are the following : Five varieties of Erica cinerea, alba, atro-purpurea, coccinea, rubra (very d^Ya:■f), and one grown here as atro-sanguinea, a bright red or dark cerise shade; five varieties of E. vagans, besides the typical form, alba, alba minor, carnea, pallida, and rubra, E. tetralix.Mackayaua, pallida, and alba, the latter a lovely Heath. The varieties of E. vulgaris an; both numerous and beautiful— alba rigida, alha dumosa, decumbens alba, Alport i,argentea yariegata, aurea., Hammoudi, pygmea, pumila, Serlei, and rubra, the latter an early and very dwarf Heath. There were also E. ciliarls, E. m Mliterranea, E. Lawsoni, the white and pink forms of E. carnea, and E. austr.ilis, a taller kind. E. arborea is not hardy enough to stand the coldest of the Scotch winters. Empetrum nigrum, rubrum, and a third kind are growing liere. E. nigrum, the Crowberry, is also called the Ilillberry in Orkney. It has been found a.s far north as (!ape Sabine, lat. 78" 45'. E. rubrum represents this genus in the Southern Hemisphere. Rhododendrons of many species and varieties ire gTown by Mr. Fraser, and a border of Hollies I?hows well the great variety to be found even imongst the green-leaved kinds. The Holly- like Desfontainea spiuosa is not hardy here (though it is so in the south of Ireland), but a plant of it is in blossom out-of-doors now, as is also Mitraria coccinea, which is not hardy either. The waxy scarlet and yellow flowers of the former, and the equally waxy scarlet Pent- stemon-like flowers of the latter, make them well worth growing. Magnolia conspicua and Thompsoni are quite hardy, and blossom profusely every year. Abelia iloribunda lived out-of-doors for several years, and was covered with flowers, but it could not withstand the late severe winters. Many beautiful Delphiniums are now in blossom, some of the best being SIdme. H. .lacotot. Bella- donna, Mdme. Rigot, Mdme. Stenger, Prince of Wales, Le Mastodonte, Louis Tiquier, Magnificum (the latter now almost out of flower), and three double kinds. Pompon Brilliant, Beatsoni, and Barlowi. Lilium Browni is just in blossom, and so is Crinum capense, which seems quite hardy here. A large light mauve form of Iris Xiphion is strikingly beautiful as seen in a mass, and a bed of I. cristata must have been worth seeing when it was in blossom. Much as has been written from time to time in The Garden as to the beauty of Irises, enough can hardly be said till some of the best of them are grown in every garden, large and small. Acttea rubra and alba are in berry. In growth they somewhat resemble Dictamnus Fraxinella, a quantity of red and white liinds of the latter being now in blossom. Mr. Fraser has often seen the experi- ment of setting the plants on tire successfully tried. C'ampanula Medium and coronata, blue and white, are good border plants, especially the white ones. C. Ilendersoni is a good kind, but one of the prettiest of all Cam- panulas is C. "Waldsteiniana when grown in perfection, as a plant of it is here, the mass of flowers being nearly 1 ft. across. Many alpine flowers, which when seen at all in cultivation are generally seen as small plants, grow here in masses, which considerably adds to their beauty — for instance, the Mayflower (Epigasarepensj, the Gold Thread (Coptis trifoliata) with its golden roots, Rubus arcticus, and Dalibarda repens. Gaultheria procumbens also seems quite at home, and becomes covered with berries in winter. The Vi ry rare white form of Soldanella minima is to be found here, and such good alpines as Potentilla tridentata, Thalictrum alpinum, Statice minuta, Hypericum humifusum, Sisyrinchium mucronatum (like a dwarf S. anceps), Veronica telephifolia, and the dwarf Aquilegia pyrenaica. The double Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus fl.-pl.) and Teucrium pyrenaicum are also pretty for rockwork. Although alpines in small pots remind one of birds in small cages, there is no doubt that some kinds appear to thrive as well in pots as on rockwork where they have soil some feet deep. Perhaps some kinds, such as the smaller Saxifrages and Sempervi\iims, do even better in pots (though plenty of root room on well made rockwork is preferable for alpine plants in general). Tufts of Silene acaulis in little pots look as healthy as possible, and so does Ceraa- tium latifolium, which appears to be the same as C. alpinum, an arctic plant which has been found within 8" of the pole (lat. 8:.'-=' .50'). This plant does well even in the south of Ireland when planted on well drained ledges of rock- work. Amongst many Saxifrages, S. aspera, ca3sia, diapensioides, Ilirculus, pyrenaica, rubra; and amongst Sedums, S. brevifolium, lividuni, and the long-named dasypbyllum glanduliferum were some of the prettiest. Antbericijjn gra- minifolium and A. ramosum are grown m this collection j also the tall Linum purpureum. C. M. OwEjf. CLIANTHUS DAMPIERL Eespecting this beautiful Australian plant, the subject of our last plate, Messrs. Carter & Co. write: "The plant had over 100 trusses of flowers at the time the specimen was cut for your draw- ing. It was planted out in the greenhouse in April, 1880. It thrives best in an admixture of peat and good fibrous turfy loam in about equal parts. The drainage is best when composed of portions of brick and charcoal, broken up into pieces about the size of Walnuts. It requires fre- quent syringing during the summer months, and little or no water during the winter. The greatest care must be taken when planting out, so as not to injure the tap root. As it has a na- tural inclination to trail it •ucceeds best it, when about 2 ft. high, it is trained 18 in. from the glass so as to allow of the flowering spikes going upn-ards.'' In addition^to the methods recommended for'growing this beautiful plant, I have been very successful in its culture (especially in pots) by grafting it on the less delicate Clianthus puniceus, with which it unites freely. For the stock select a vigorous young plant in which the bark is still fresh, and after keeping it in the propa- gating house for a few days to inure it to the atmosphere, cut it down to about 3 in., and split it for the introduction of the graft in the ordinary wedge method. For the scion take the top of a young and strong plant, and after having prepared, inserted, and tied it securely, place it in a close case, where a union takes place in a fortnight or three weeks, after which the plants must have air given by degrees. The grafts succeed best without any covering, as the air of the case is sufficiently close, and the stem being so woolly, any such thing as clay or wax is apt to induce decay. When perfectly united they are placed in an ordinary greenhouse, in which they grow freely and may be potted on when necessary, as the roots of G. puniceus are not so susceptible of being disturbed as that of its more delicate kins- man. For soil about equal parts of loam and peat, with a liberal mixture of dry cow manure and sand, suits it admirably, and so treated fine flowering specimens may be had in pots. — H. P. FROM SCARBOROUGH. Thi,'? warm summer has stirred up the growth of plants, and in these cool northern regions most delightfully, more especially where a good supply of water is available, and I much wish you could see our various odds and ends just now, though as you do not know how wretched things have looked the last three years, the contrast would not strike you as it does me. I am amused to see you have got a good name for Funkia. I would suggest as an addition. Plantain-leaved Day Lily, as tlie plant is akintoHemerocallis. Somerockworkcombiuations delight me just now — a large tuft of Saxitraga Cotyledon, overgrown and surrounded by Acjena microphylla, already showing its rosy spikelets in contrast to the silvery leaves of the Saxifrage ; cushions of blue Lithospermum f ruticosum and rose Silene Schafta side by side ; Milla laxa flowering profusely amid the green trailers of Polygonum vaccinifolium, and also Muhlenbeckia complexa, for I carpet the ground everywhere if possible. iMule Pinks Marie Pare and Napoleon III. make a glorious display still, and tall Lamarck ffinotheras and testaceum Lilies light up the higher parts. A group of longiflorum Lilies and the old original Verbena Melindres is as charming just now as anything can be in a small way. Shrubby Veronicas have recovered tlie winter and are bloomingprof usely ; so altogether things look very bright, though there is but little, especially rare, to admire. A proof of the unusually hot weather is that a pot of Nerine Fothergilli, .and some pots of Belladonna Lilies which had flowered last autumn, and made good leaf growth during the winter, having been turned outside to rest, are ah-eady to my surprise sending up strong heads of flower. A point of interest, as being new to me, is that the same bulbs that flowered last autumn 102 THE GARDEN. [July 30, 1881. are agaia showing for flower ; whereas, as far as my observations went previously, bulbs have flowered only after a year's rest^ from so doing, showing that if only they are in sufficiently robust health they will flower every year. Pancra- tium caribbaium is in flower in the stove, but it is inferior in efEect to the old P. fragrans, as the flowers last so short a time, and come o at one by one like the Hemerocallis. A new Melon, called Hero of Lockinge (I do not know if that is right), is a great success. The flesh is white, more melting and better flavoured than any Melon I ever tasted before, and allourfriends like it. I see you have had the Rose-coloured variety of the common Pink sent to you from Devonshire. Mine are nearly over, but must have been brilliant. Violas have suffered from drought and heat, but Duchess of Sutherland, a delicate French gre.v, has stood better than any other, and looks well in combination with Dell's Beet and the variegated sweet-scented Geranium. THE ROSE GARDEN. TYPICAL EOSES. AVE shall have to look after our laurels if we are to lead the van of progress in Rose lore or culture. Only a few weeks ago an American told us in The Garden to work out mildew and other evils from our Roses by means of judicious and disease-proof stocks. We had also pointed out to us stocks for all kinds of soils, sites, and culture. Provided a true correlation was preserved between the culture and thestock, Roses could be made to thrive almost any- where. Andnow we have H.B.EUwanger's paper on tj'pioal Roses, as read before the VVestern New York Horticultural Society. The latter is a most solid and useful addition to our knowledge about Roses. As it is more easy to understand a unit than a hundred, it follows that if most of our Roses can be alBliated or arrayed around, say a dozen or even a score of well-known, distinct, and popular Roses, we should be able to understand their character and treatment far better. No one can find fault with Mr. EUwanger's heads of families. They are not only sufficiently distinct, but promi- nent enough to merit that distinction. La Reine is somewhat out of date, though a very distinct and still a good Rose ; it is also somewhat difficult to trace much connection between it and such Roses as Louise Peyronny, Francois Michelon, and Auguste Mie. It may also strike some as singular that such a Rose as Monsieur Bon- oenne should stand as a type, while Charles Lefebvre, Marie Baumann, and other magnifi- cent Roses are marshalled in the family of General Jacqueminot. But apart from these two, the other types seem strong and distinct enough to stand alone. These are Baronne Prevost, Gfiant des Batailles, Jules Margottin, Victor Verdier, and General Jacqueminot. In regard to the first, it seems surprising that such a vigorous free Rose has yielded so few varieties. In Mr. EUwanger's paper it stands at the head of a family of four. This gentleman is just right in saying tliat it is about the hardiest tj-pe they have. It is far otherwise with the next type, Gfiant des Batailles. This variety 'may be said to have mildewed itself out of the garden. It is also tender, difficult to propagate by cuttings, and easily injured by spring frosts. Lord Raglan, Emperor do Maroc, and Eugene Appert are the most prominent representatives of this tj-pe. It would be but little loss to our Rose gardens were tj-pe and family to disappear. The worst features of the next type, Jules Margottin, is that it is almost without perfume. This is well nigh inexcusable in a Rose, and scenttes types ought not to be encouraged. However, as Mr. EUwanger points out, such fine members of this family as Bessie Johnson, Jliss Hassard, and the Rev. J. B. Camm are very sweet. Such Roses as Edouard Morren, Comtessc de Serenye, John Hopper — by the way, this Rose has been poor this season — and Monsieur Neman can hardly be beaten for [size, form, or beauty. The Victor Verdier type is almost as scant of fragrance as][thc Jules Margottin. It is also a somewhat tender type, but the family contains some magnificent varieties, such as Eugfene Verdier, Marie Finger, Mrs. Baker, Etienne Levet, &c. F.ut, as might be expected, the largest and finest family is found under the General Jacqueminot type. This type Mr. EUwanger thinks probably originated from the old hybrid China Gloire des Rosomanes ; more brilliant, if possible, than the type, though its flowers were only semi-double. Hedges of this glory of the Roses, as I have seen it years since, would still, notwithstanding all our boasted progress, prove the brightest thing in Roses we possess. Charles Lefebvre'is erected into a sub-type of this glorious family, though we fear, as yet, worthy to rank with it. The Duke of Edinburgh is another sub-type, bearing such Roses as the Sultan of Zanzibar, Reynolds Hole, The Shah, &c.. Alfred Colomb is a third sub-type, with A. K. Williams, Fisher Holmes, &c.; the Senateur Vaisse family being a fourth sub-type, with Madame Victor Verdier, Mons. E. Y. Teas. The General Jacqueminot has also a large famil}' gathered around it as well as the four sub-types. Among these we find sucn per- fect Roses as Marie Baumann, Marie Rady, Senateur Vaisse, Beauty of Waltham, Xavier Olibo, &c. It is just delightful to see this magnificent Rose thus duly and highly honoured. General Jacqueminot is never likely to go out of date or fashion. Though almost thirty years old, it appeared on many of the winning stands this yt-ar ; and I am grateful to Mr. EUwanger for presenting its claims in such a telling way as the type of other types, as well as the parent of such a grand family. Whether we accept of all this gentleman's arrangements or not, all must admit that this aiTangement of Roses in types will not only give us a clearer, fuller knowledge of their character and constitution, but will also enable us to grow them with more ease and to greater perfection. I therefore heartily thank Mr. EUwanger for his i^aper on typical Roses, and trust he may be induced to carry the matter further. Should not La Reine, for example, form a new tj-pe ? and how comes it with its Tea blood among the Perpetuals ? Again, by whose authority and on what principle was Marechal Niel placed among Noisettes, and not among Teas ? Again, what tj-pe shall Boule de Neige be placed undei ? D. T. Fish. ROSES OF THE SEASON. It strikes me that it might be useful were a few of the many rosarians who read The Garden to give their experience of a few of the best Roses that they have either grown or seen this season. No doubt locality has a good deal to do with such matters. But the weather is also a powerful factor in the making or marring of Rose blooms. But Roses also have their seasons, determined often by influences .so slight as to defy detection. For example, how shall we account for the defection of three such fine Roses as John Hopper, |Barone.ss Rothschild, and the Sultan of Zanzibar ? Again, was the deterioration of such Roses general or local 1 the Baroness was thinner, the Sultan smaller than usual with us : while as for John Hopper, it was nowhere here this season, though generally remarkably good. The Duke of Edinburgh even was not quite up to liis high excellent mark this year ; while Alfred Colomb, Marie Baumann, Comtessc de Serenye, Xavier Olibo were almost better than ever. Among other well-nigh perfect Roses grown or seen were Alfred K. Williams, wonderfully fine; Niphetos, Marquise de Castellane, Beauty of Waltham, Star of Waltham, brighter than ever ; Senateur Vaisse, Fi.shcr Holmes, Francois Michelon, Exposition de Brie, La Duchesse de Morny, Etienne Levet, Mario Rady, General Jacqueminot, Elie Morel, Marie Finger, Duchesse de Vallombrosa, Penelope Mayo, Victor Verdier, Madame Eugene Verdier, Duke of Teck, Edouard Morren, Harrison Weir, Souvenir de Victor Verdier, Abel Grand, Madame Gabriel Luizet, Camille Bernardin, Fisher Holmes, La Boule d'Or, Mons. E. Y. Teas, La lYance, Horace Vernet, Louis Van Houtte, Belle Lyonnaise, Cap- tain Christy, &c. Of course there were ^not a few other fine Roses seen, but these may be said to be the cream of them. Among Teas and Noisettes the Marechal Niel has been sadly missed. Not only was it often absent, but where seen, except in a few cases, it was far under average quality. Among the others seen in first-rate condition were Niphetos, Souvenir d'Elise, Souvenir d'un Ami, Comtesse de Nadaillac, Madame Kuster, Marie Van Houtte, Belle Lyonnaise, Homer (fine all the season). Souvenir de Paul NcSron, Madame Willer- moz. Alba rosea, Comtesse Riza du Pare, Inno- centi Pirola, &c. In fact. Tea and some other tender Roses seem rather to have enjoyed the heat after emerging from their frost-bound quar- ters— those that did emerge, be it remembered — and have bloomed with a freshness, fullness, and beauty exceeding that of most seasons. The old Gloire de Dijon and the uncertain Souvenir de la Malmaison have seldom bloomed more freely or in better form than this year. D. T. F. York and Lancaster Rose.— In the Oxford Botanic Garden I was very much surprised to find that tlie Rose which we have always been in the habit of calling by this name is not it. In looking over a bed of tji^ical Roses (a bed which, though interesting, was quite enough to cure any one of the mania for substituting the old Roses for the new) I .said, pointing to a bud of this old favourite, I see you have York and Lancaster here. No, was Mr. Baxter's reply ; that is not it. I was taken aback, as you may suppose. That, he said, is a French gallica Rose, called Rosa Mundi. I will show you the true York and Lancaster. This has a different character — sometimes one halt of the flowers comes pink, and the other white, and I am bound to say is not so pretty as the old favourite, which, I suppose, to the end of time will retain its old name. — • Delta. The Japanese Rose. — We have had the following interesting note from Mr. John Thorpe, Queens, New York, concerning this Rose, which many suppose to be of recent introduction ; How long has Rosa rugosa been known to cultivation ? This distinct and characteristic species has been growing on Long Island, N.Y., for more than fifty years. This may seem incredulous, but there is not the slightest chance of any doubts. At the Queens Co. Exhibition in June last we exhibited a collection of cut flowers, amongst which were Rosa rugosa. An enthusiastic rosarian and lover of flowers, Mr. W. A. Harris, told me he knew where the Rosa rugosa had been growing for many j"ears, and he would bring flowers and wood the next day for identification, which he did, and they are undoubtedly the same. Since then Mr. Harris has kindly given me the historj- of this Rose. It was known more than fifty years ago to be growing on the same place as it is growing to-day, and was called a Scotch Rose, and known as Malcolm ; and in all probability it was brought from Britain. If any correspondents of The Garden will try and trace up Rosa rugosa on your side of the ocean, I hope we can settle how new or how old it is. 'WThat are "Extraordinary Tithea?"— Mr. Bry- ant, of Westerham, said there was a charge of 14b. per acre on all the land he held in the parish of Brasted which was devoted to Hops and fruit growing. He attributed tlie necessity we had been under of late years to import largo ciuantities of Hops. Onions, Potatoes, and such fruit as could bo grown in this country to the undue weight of the tithes deterring .igriculturists from developing the cultivation at hojne. He thought they should be abolished. Sir. Sankey. of Margate, said there were no " Eitraordinary Tithes" upon liis farm when he took a twenty-one years' lease of it ; but as soon as he planted Ilops application was made to the Tithe Coniraissioner^, and the "Extraordinary Tithe " was imposed. July 30, 1881.1 THE GARDEN. 103 EDITOR'S TABLK BALSAMITA GRANDIPLOEA. — This is a very curious looking comijosite, witli a close head of j^ellow flowers, set thick so as to look like a drum- stick. A bold and distinct hard}' plant from the College Gardens at Dublin, which lovers of plants are glad to see so full of interesting plants. Telekia cordifolia from the same garden has also huge " Daisy " flowers with very slender " rays.'' It is a big, bold plant for the picturesque garden. THE "SCARLET LAKKSPUE (Delphinium car- dinale) comes from Grasmere, from plants be- tween i ft. and 5 ft. high. It is proving a more vigorous plant tlian was expected, but there is a confusion in the form of the flower which seems to us a drawback. There is puro and fine form as well as unequalled colour in the blue and purple kinds. * EUONYJius ANGUSTiFOLius, a distinct and graceful evergreen species mentioned before when crowded witli its chocolate - col - oured flowers, comes to us in fniit from Grasmere. If the fruit should " open " by-and-by and prove showy like that of our native kind, it willprove an attractive dwarf shrub. ♦ POMPON BRILLIANT. — Among a lovely series' of Delphiniums which Miss Owen sends us from the Comely Bank Nurseries, at Edinburgh, which she has lately visited, is a very neat, close, double kind, rich purple, quite solid and compact in the spike, and bearing the above name. Even in presence of the wonderful range of colour and form, too, in these queens among purple flowers, this seems distinct and beautiful. If easily grown it must be a valuable plant. A JAPANESE IRIS of the richest purple with broad golden rays in the centre, the flowers over 6 in. across. These Japanese Irises are indeed wonders as regard colour and size. As to grace, the most lovely of the race we have seen is one that grows in a long border at Kew — purple and gold— but not in shape like the popular kinds, the colour rich purple with a golden spot in each division. It is called I. Isvigata, and is synony- mous with that called I. Kajmpferi. From Mr. Kingsmill. A HYBRID LILY.— A remarkable Lily from the Eev. H. Harpur Crewe, whose garden one would like to see periodically. He says, " It is now the chief ornament of my garden. It is a hybrid between L. tigrinum and the old orange Lily (L. crooeum). It was raised and given to me three years ago by Mr. J. D. Mangles, of Valewood, Haslemere. The stem is upwards of 5 ft. high, and is crowned by some forty flowers similar to the one I send you. It is growing in a mixture of silt, loam, and leaf-mould in a partially shaded position." * CHRYSANTHEMUMS in flower iu July come to us from Mr. Burbidge also, and welcome they are, though they seem to come too soon. Still, we are yet a whole season away from Chry- santhemum-tide—we mean their old tide ; for if these summer varieties should ever be improved into bold and showy kinds like the late ones, we may have gay gardens of these flowers in spite of frost and rain. If we could even advance the grand autumnal kinds three weeks on their usual term, it might enable them to weather the autumn better than they do, even in our warm counties. ACANTHUS IN FLOWER. — One generally sees the Acanthus flowering more freely about some Italian houses, where they care for gardens, or on warm soil in the south of England, and we had some doubt if it did so well in the west coun- try or in Ireland ; but handsome spikes from Mr. Burbidge, at Dublin, suggest that the fact that the plant is not much grown is the true re.ason why its fine and singular bloom is not often seen. There are few plants more imposing than a well- grown Acanthus in flower G ft. high or more— the tall flowering shoots, straight as needles, and every line of the plant— foliage, stem, flower, or bracts— fine in form. The common A. mollis, well grown on a warm, deep loam, attains a height of over .5 ft. in flower, at least in the southern coun- ties. * TANSIES.— Mr. A. Clapham, who has raised so many Pansies, Slimulus, and other flowers from seed, sends us many hybrid Tansies, that is to say, raised between the Pansies and some of the larger Violets, sends us a varied collection raised in West London, where he now lives, so that the table is as rich with Pansies as in April. Miss Jekyll writes (July 25) ; " Pansies have been in flower since March, and are still a mass of bloom, but going off in size and colour. I am cutting them all over to get a second bloom later." BUSH SPIR.EAS.— After, as before the great heats of July, these graceful bushes are rich in bloom. Few things we have seen during the year are more beautiful than a series from Mr. Stevens on July 2.5. Among the most noticeable are S. pachystachys, Nobleana, Douglasi, sorbifolia, syring.'Efolia.Hookeri, eximia (distinct and showy), callosa alba, Blumei, tomentosa, and californica. Some of these would prove valuable if well grown, and such pruning given as would encourage them to yield a good bloom yearlj-. HOLLYHOCKS, very fine and full, come from Messrs. Sutton, from plants raised from seed last year in January. It is interesting to know that the varieties come true from seed, and those sent are really good ones. So it is clear from this and other instances that much more may be done with many plants from seed than has been the rule. If the fact that so much may be done were recog- nised, it would, no doubt, lead to improved methods of raising and growing in their earlier stages the numerous things that may be so grown. ZINNIAS. — These, under good culture, are handsome plants; the flowers .3 in. across, the colours good and varied. It was the head gardener at Meudon, near Paris, who before the war first paid special attention to Zinnias, and, getting them as large as Dahlias, got also a fine variety of colour. To secure such fine flowers, each plant must be treated more like a Dahlia than what we see as usually the fate of annuals. What can we expect from most of our annuals crowded together like " Mustard and Cress ? " Large and well-coloured examples come from Messrs. Sutton, of Beading. vigour. These Indian Pinks are capable of noble use, either for their own sakes or as " ground plants," with here and there rising from them slender white Lilies, Gladioli, or other plants which, while beautiful in themselves, would allow of a perfect bloom of the Pinks. * OAKS WITH PINE FOLIAGE.— A series of Oaks having marks of fine foliage comes to us from the Lawsou Company's nurseries at Edinburgli. Some of these are what is called depauperated or contorted forms, but some are extremely valuable. The following are the most valuable kinds as re- gards fine foliage or colour: Quercus pannonica, Q. Ilex laurifolia, Q. ferruginea, Q. nobilis, Q. bal- lota, Q. Concordia, Q. Bruttia, Q, sericea, Q. ameri- cana aurea, Q. sessiliflora rubicunda, Q. americana macrophylla Albertsi. Mr. Ryme has good reason to speak of these as effective trees in ornamental planting. * AMONG many flowers from the College Gardens at Dublin we have the double and striped common Marigolds; flowers of the Plantain Lilies (Funkia, given in Latin in deference to our good friend Jean Sisley, of L3-ons) ; the old Catananche coerulea, which never quite makes itself a place ; the autumn-flowered Gentians ; blue - rayed Stenactis ; our native yellow Corn Cockle, which is allowed to be as good as the yellow Marguerites; double Pyrethrums ; the old border Fly-trap (Apocynum) ; and Silene Armeria, which has lately come to us frequently, and is a good free- flowering annual. Well grown, it would form a handsome plant, SNAPDRAGONS, very dwarf, also come from Messrs. Sutton. At a few inches high they look like rock plants ; good colours and distinct, this size would be desirable, though dwarfs will never equal the bold and free old kinds. Lobelias, too, some very dwarf and some tall, come from the same house raised from seed like the Verbenas ; however, they are more commonly treated so. Lastly, the old shaggy favourite. Salvia argen tea, a great Sage, with huge silvery leaves, comes raised from seed annually and very fine. How to get the fullest strength into an annual is a thing not always considered. To sow early, if one does not sow in autumn, to let the plant have plenty of room, and assume a stocky growth before it shoots up to flower, would seem to be among the essential points for success with annuals. GLOXINIAS FROM SEED. — A superb dish of these, using the word with due temperance and not in the loose way epithets are applied in cata- logues and descriptions of flowers, Messrs. Sutton, who send them, say : "We always treat the Gloxinias as annuals— that is to say, we sow the seed in January, and towards the middle and end of June we have well-established plants with several flowers on each such as those sent you. These plants seed and form good sound bulbs the same season. We thus produce seed and bulbs in one year instead of sowing one summer for flowering the following summer, and we save, of course, the trouble of one winter's storing." THE CRIMSON INDIAN PINK. — Among the really handsome flowers, not of those that appeal to one " set "only, but to all, no "smooth margin "to petals but boldly fringed, yet not so deeply as to cut up the flower ; colour, too splendid for accurate description — a rich dark velvety-crimson with a black circle round centre. Some such form was christened Crimson King by Messrs. Carter a few years ago. Mr. Kingsmill says this is from an old plant, which reminds us that the plants must be every year or two raised from seed. It is not on the whole a drawback, because the fresh soil and the seedling plant always give the presence of two sorts, A goocj border yellow CLARISSA is the name of a large and very pretty Carnation raised at Messrs. Carter & Co.'s nursery. They are full white flowers, striped finely with bright rose colour, and have a good scent. How much more beautiful a Carnation well grown is if not flattened out in the way usual at shows 1 The form is so much better. Every grower should sock kinds that are hardy and vigorous, and that all may grow as border flowers. Certainly we should not like to see the race of florists who love these flowers and " put them up," as we see them now, diminished by one ; indeed, they are so few that one would like to see them increase, but we have reason to believe that if the varie- ties we speak of above were easily obtainable as strong plants their culture would become as ex- tended as it deserves to be. *• THE CARNATION deserves more place than it has ever yet had for another reason than its in- trinsic beauty and fragrance. It comes just when the great hosts of the early summer flowers have passed out of their vigour of blossom. Sometimes the heat of a warm July will drive them away the sooner, and then plenty of Cloves and Carnations are welcome. A lecturer has been saying that some people wanted to do away with double Car- nations, but no one ever uttered such an absurd thought, nor could he quote a line to that effect. Mr. Stevens sends us aboutllOkindsofCarnationsfrom his garden at Grasmere. These indispensable flowers are rich enough in form, but many are not neces- sary, and many a cottage garden is beautiful from 104 THE GAEDEN. [July 30, 1881. is desirable. Whether the one grown in beds at I'enshurst is the best, time will decide. Its pure c:inary-yollow is very pleasing. ♦ MB. WILLIAM ELLIOTT sends US what he calls " the smallest double flower ever known," but ically it is so very small and poor, that we had b ttor tay no more about it. ANNUALS. — A bright and instructive series of annuals from Messrs. Sutton, of Keading, who re uarl<, " All were produced from seed sown this year, and in the case of Petunias, Verbenas, and Lobelias they are confident that it is impossible lo y:et from last year's cuttings anything at all equal to these seedlings for effectiveness and pro- fusiua of tlowers." It would be well if gardeners coubl be taught to realise this fact more than they do at present — so many of them still propa- gating everytliing they can by means of cuttings which have to be kept through the winter. * FOXGLOVES. — A boldly marked series from Mr. W. Elliott, who says, "The enclosed Foxgloves are all from one pod of seed, and I would recom- mend growers of this fine jilant to save seeds only f .om the varieties with large blotches of colour on a white ground; all the otlier varieties are sure t-i come amongst the seedlings. The seeds saved from pink or purple ground flowers liave a ten- dency to revert to the original type. I am getting the blotches on the outside of my Foxglove bells, and I hope in a season or two to have some as beautifully blotched as is the herbaceous Calceo- 1 iria. A wild one I saw.the other day had perfect 'bell' flowcri. I am endeavouring to save tlie seeds." * THE conyPLOWEK shows as well as any plant how much beauty even a thing so little thought of as an annual can give to gardens and rooms. We have just received a fine bunch of it from the College Gardens at Dublin, and for months past it has been one of the brightest and best flowers in Covent Garden. We have not noticed it for a short time past, and supposed its season was over, when the fine bunch came from Dublin. Like Sweet Peas, where they live over the winter, the finest result is got with the Corn- flower from autumn-sown plants, which are quite hardy, and come through the winter excellently on most soils. If allowed room enough during the winter these make strong early plants in spring, twice as strong as the spring-sown ones we usually see, which are crowded and rather late. ]!iit an early and careful sowing in spring will give us good results, especially if the plants are not too crowded and the soil moist and deep. The Uowcr is almost as good in its way for cut- ing as the Moss Itose or the Violet, while in the flower gaiden it is a handsome plant, and its season is a long one. * VERBENAS. — Among the plants which interest us most of those sent by Messrs. Sutton are Ver- benas, raised as annuals, and not distinguishable from well-grown cutting plants. One often asks why the Vt-rbena lias disappeared from our flower gardens. The tendency seems to be to take to things that give no trouble. One of the very best features of the flower garden of the past were beds of Verbenas. We believe the_v disappeared owing to disease in many cases, but they were plants that very easily got dirty, and insect life would be more readily kept in force by the cutting plan. l!ut, as clearly shown, Verbenas may be raised from seed easily, and this way may offer a cleaner and a simpler way of growing these pretty plants well. Messrs. Sutton would confer a benefit on many by separating and fixing for us distinct races of Verbenas — a good white, a good purple, as good a blue as could be obtained, a good scar- let, as well as mixed kinds. They send us agi-eat varii'ty of kinds-one very elegantly striped, arich purple with half tlie flower purple and half white, one Itaked and spotted like a Carnation, one good lilac, a large bunch of a good white, and a large bunch of a good scarlet. We have not seen any- thing for a long time that pleaseil us more. We shall be glad to hear of Messrs. Sutton making a speciality of these, for there are no prettier plants. Their successful growth is remarkable in so hot a summer. * CARNATIONS. — From Miss . Jekyll two bunches of Carnations, one white, the other a deep salmon pink, evidently only what might be called border kinds, thrown into a jar together. They, undressed, with green and half-open buds and leaves, make a little picture, and set one thinking how much better it would be if the societies which exist for the purjjose of promoting the love of these flowers would extend their schedule a little, and, without limiting the classes they now get together, would give prizes for various kinds, cut as they grow, and simjily and easily arranged in vases as they would be if cut for a room. Cloves and the various self colours would tell well in this way, as would mixtures. In any case this jar of two Carnations, consisting of about half-a-hundred flowers with their buds, is a handsomer thing than anything seen at the Carnation show, and this is not really a " matter of taste." Sufiicient reasons could be given why such a composition delights and why it would make a " picture " not unworthy of a true artist. Cut if the dressed floweis were exhibited as well as such as we speak of, then the matter could be fairly judged. Different tastes would be satisfied and the interest of the show extended. num, Gongora atropurpurea, Masdevallia Davisi, M. Harryana, M. H. coerulesccns, M. H. .superba, M.ignea, M. amabilis, M. triangularis, Mormodes luxatum, M. luxatum eburneura, Odontoglossum Scldicpcriaiuim, and other common kinds, Oncidium linguitormc, 0. cornigerum, 0. Schlimi, 0. Krameri, and otlier.s, Phalamopsis of kinds, and Tricliopilia lortilis.— Wil. Thomson, Jus., Clo re iifiirils, CI a Iwsh ich. ORCHIDS. BoUea ccslestis. — From the York Nursery, Messrs. Backhouse send us some charming varie- ties of this fine Orchid, which are by far the handsomest we have hitherto seen. They are — atro-rnbens, of an intensely deep plura colour, csjiecially the lower half of the sepals ; the lip is extrcmelj' dark, and the crest a light chocolate. Amabilis is a large and fine flower, with the sepals of a rich purple, tipped with pale yellow, while the furrows on them are a bright yellow. The flowers measure just 4 in. across. Another, named magnifica, is remarkable for the large size of the bloom and the rich deep colour, almost as deepasatro-rubens, but the crest of the lip a bright yellow. All three are very fine, and among the most attractive Orchids in season. " Made up ' Specimen Plants.— I was pleased witli Mr. Douglas' remarks in reference to the making up of Orchid plants for exhibition so as to pass for single specimens. I have often noticed this and considered it wrong, not only as regards Orchids, but in common things such as Lilj' of the Valley, Tulips, and Crocuses ; nor do 1 think right to allow two plants of the same kind in a class of six plants wdien there are scores of others dissimilar that would be admissible. Another thing I think ought to be discouraged is that of exhibitors near the show ground staging their exhibits the day before, selecting the best positions. This is scarcely fair towards those who have to bring their exhibits from a distance, especially during a cold night or morning, wliich often spoils them considerably, and consequently arc often beaten by inferior subjects. Thirty years ago such abuses as these would have dis- qualified the exhibitor, and they will have to be discountenanced if our exhibitions are to continue to be beneficial to horticulture. — FiICHAED BUTLEU, St. Uunstan's, liigcnfs Park, London. Orchids at Bridge of Allan.— I visited Dr. Patcrson's garden at the Pridge of Allan early in July, and made a few notes of what I saw in flower. For the size of the collection, I never saw so much bloom in an Orchid house as there. Tlierc were some sixty kinds in flower, ,araong which the following were the most noteworthy : Aiiguloa Clowesi, Prassia verrucosa major, Pletia Sherratiana, various Cattleyas, t'ypripedium Dominianum, C. Veitchi, C. ni%'eum, C. Argns, Cielogyne fuscata, Epidcndrum evectum, E. prismatocarpum, E. rhizophorutu, E. cinnabari- NOTES ON ORCHIDS IN FLOWER. Zygopetalum Sedeni. — This fine hybrid variety may be ranked among the useful cla-ss of Orchids, as it flowers plentifully at a time when the majority of other Orchids are on the wane. It is a handsome-flowered plant, the result of crossing the well-known Z. Mackayi with 2. maxillare, and whilst it possesses the free-flower- ing tendency and robust constitution of its parent, it is much dwarfer in gi-owth, being only about 12 in. or 15 in. high. The colour is a deep glossy purple, mottled with a lighter hue on the lip, while the sepals are a deep metallic green. We saw some fine plants of this and the follow- ing Orchids in Messrs. Veitch and Sons' nurserj', Chelsea, a few days since. Vanda insignis.— The true plant bearing this name is a very distinct one from the variety of V. tricolor which is to be found in most coUec- tion.s. In habit it is similar to V. suavis, but the flowers are of quite a distinct form, having a broad open lip of a rich mauve tint, surmounted by a pure white crest. The sepals are broad and slightly incurved by a deep chocolate colour, marbled with yellow, Epidendrum Walliei is one of ihe finest of the genus, being stately in growth and beauti- ful in li<'wer. It belongs to the section having tall slender stems, terminated by large clusters of flowers. These are 1 in. across ; the sepals are canary yellow, copiously .spotted with purple ; the lip is "white, with raised corrugations of a bright purple, combinations of colour that render the blossoms highly ornamental. It is of free growth and of easy culture. Oncidium dasytyle.— The yellow-flowered Oncidia are so numerous, that such a distinct coloured species of this is particularly desirable, the flowers being pale yellow, or, in fact, almost white, while they have a central black velvety top resembling some insects. They are about 1 in. across, and make a conspicuous display on the blocks and in baskets in this nurser^■. Oattleya Mardelli.— This is a new hybrid of Mr. Sedens, raised between C. speciosissima and La;lia devoniensis. The progeny is in no way inferior to its beautiful parents. Among other noteworthy Orchids in flower m this collection are C. Philbrickiana, C. dolosa, Lailia purpurata alba, Odontoglossum Lawrencianum, Dendrobium Rho- dostoma, and Phahtnopsis violacea. W. G. Scale Insects in Florida. — The Florida Agriculliiriitt gives hints of what the Orange growers are doing there, and what they are think- ing of doing. Mr. C. K. Illoomer, a large Orange grower, uses the following mixture: Five lbs. of common soap and ten lbs. of sal soda, mixed in an old kerosene barrel filled with water. His trees are clean and healthy. Another gentleman, near J.acksonville, recommends the following, which he has used with great success : To four lbs. of whale-oil soap, dissolved by boiling in one gallon of water, add a hanilful of wa.shing soda anil half a gallon of kerosene oil. If convenient add also an ounce of carbolic acid. Apply to trunk and branches with a flat paint brush. The editor of the Afirkiillurisl adds : " We have tried passing a flame of fire through tlie tree, with success, not keeping it too long at any place to burn the tree. In our opinion, the best and easiest remedy would be a portable furnace and boiler with pipe, by which hot steam could be injected into the tree," July 30, 1881.] THE GARDEN. 105 COUNTRY SEATS AND GARDENS OF and the magnificent tree growth which every- GREAT BRITAIN. where meets the eye. In contemplating these noble avenues one could wish that the fashion of HAMPTON COURT. avenue planting were still in vogue, not, how- Although, according to our modern ideas of ) ever, with untried exotics, such as many Conifers In the grounds immediately surrounding the Palace one is impressed with the simplicity of the design, amounting almost to formality ; and were it not for the gay flower beds, the garden has apparently undergone but little change designing gardens, there is not much to be learned in such a garden as that at Hampton Court, still there is much to admire in the simple grandeur of the long lines of noble avenues, the broad glades of uninterrupted greensward, are, but with such deciduous trees as the Lime, Horse and Sweet Chestnuts, the Elm, and the Oak, for what feature in a home landscape can create a better idea of sublimity than a venerable avenue of stately trees ? Standing in the centre of the principal facade of the Palace, the eye is carried along the lines of avenue in three directions ; that to the left, having the old tower of Kings- ton Church for a terminal, being by far the finest, as the trees form almost an archway, and therefore apparently add to the length of the avenue, which is about a mile. All these avenues consist of stately Lime trees, and these also form a grand semi-cir- cular avenuj immediately in front of the Palace itself, a striking feature,particularly when the trees are in bloom and their perfume pervading the atmosphere. during the centuries it has existed, though pro- bably the parallel lines of old Yews skirting the walks were clipped into formal heads, according to the old notions of garden scenery. The almost total absence of the modern types of exotic tree and shrub growth is another con- spicuous feature on the lawns — not that they would improve the scenery under the circum- stances. Some fine examples of Spirsea Lind- leyana, with their feathery foliage and large plumes of white flowers, are highly attractive just now in a long bed on the front lawn, but beyond these there is not much in the way of newer types of trees or shrubs. The Palace, an immense rectangular pile, so fa- mous in historic associations, is too well known to need description. The portion of it represented in our illustration is one of the oldest parts, and contrasts by its irregular disposition to the symmetrical aspect of the maiu building. The view is taken from about the end of the middle avenue, looking across towards the Palace in a north-westerly direction. Like the principal block, it is composed of brick, but, as in the case of the Kensington and St. James's Palaces, 106 THE GARDEN. [July 30, 1881. the glai-e of redness is toueil dowu by weather- beaten stains, aud tluis really forms the rnost picturesque part of the I'alace. A similar wing is on the south side, nearly opposite the sunk or private garden, adorned with old- fashioned borderflowers,that are more in keeping with the associations of the place than the modern bedding-out -plants. Indeed, this sunk garden, with it3 Ihames-side walk, grassy slopes, old Yew and other trees, is one of the most charming features of the place, and its interest and attractiveness would be in a great measure enhanced were it more richly stocked with the many fine newer types of hardy perennials and "shrubs that teem in our hardy plant nurseries. These would still be in har- mony with the present occupants of the garden, besides forming a contrast with the adjoining garden, which is kept in summer so gay with all kinds of tender plants arranged in various styles and positions, yet so neat and trim withal. Near this garden is the famous Vine, now 113 years old, still remaining an object of wonder to tlie multitudes wliich visit the place. This season it is bearing a fair crop, but of course the size of the bunches and berries is not remarkable. The trees in the Home Park consist chiefly of Lime, Elm, Horse Chestnuts, and a few Oaks and Cedars, but the three former pre- dominate. Some of the largest Limes have a girth of from U ft. to 10 ft. at .'3 ft. from the ground, and average from 110 ft. to 120 ft. in height. Those at the extreme east end of the south avenue line are the largest, and they rear their stately heads above the central piece of water, in which they are reflected, pro- ducing a play of light and shadow that everyone admires from the windows of the Palace. The Elms, too, are noteworthy for size, about a dozen of them having a girth of from 20 ft. to 28 ft., but several of the largest show signs of decay, as the large holes, some as much as •'! ft. in diameter, plainly indicate. Besides these venerable old living specimens there are many remarkable decayed stumps, though in a good state of preservation. There are a few large trees of the common Oak, one of which, possessing a girth of some -10 f t ., is a grand old tree, though the stem is hollow. The magnificent avenues of the Horse Chestnuts in Bushey Parle, as every- one knows, are matchless for healthy vigour and picturesque beauty, and when laden withmyriads of flower clusters, constitute a sight unequalled in their way. In that portion of the grounds adjoining the ^laze there are some fine examples of various kinds of deciduous and Coniferous trees, beneath which there is a carpeting of such shrubs as Berberis Aqnifolium, Laurel, Privet, Cotoneaster buxifolium, Box — all excellent shrubs for the purpose. The place, however, is cut up in such a meaningless way by walks as to more resemble a maze than the Maze itself; and the public are apparently not satisfied with such an inordinate supply of paths, but they make tracks of their own, so that the whole surface is a perfect riddle of walks, a contrast to the sobriety main- tained in this direction at Kew and other public gardens. The floral embellishment of the grounds is, as usual, carried out in an effective manner under the superintendence of Mr. ( Jraham, but, owing to the excessive hot and dry weather we have experienced, the beds do not present the appearance they ultimately will, therefore it is premature to give a detailed description, though now the display is highly attractive, owing chiefly to the plants being arranged in bold masses in large rectangular beds, and in such an arrangement each colour tolls its own story, as it were, so different to where plants of various tints are planted in narrow rows. One of the most brilliant of the zo- nal Pelargoniums is one Henri Jacoby with large trusses of bloom of a rich deep crimson. Violas are used with excellent effect intermixed witli Pelargoniums and other plants, that is if the two colours will harmonise ; for instance, Bijou Pelargonium and Mola Blue I'erfection, edged with Ireslne Lindeni and an outer row of Golden Chickweed, is a pretty arrangement, though the season has not favoured the growth of the latter. Another fine bed is with Abutilon noEvium maculatum and Petunias, and another with a mixture of the Abutilon and A'erbena venosa, bath edged with Linden's Iresine. But as we before observed the bedding is not at its best, and we uuist reserve details for a future notice. The warm border skirting the wall running on either side of the principal front of the Palace is an excellent site for plants of a sub- tropical character, and it is well stocked with such subjects as Castor-oil plants, Chilian Beet, Maize, and among them a goodly admixture of Hemp (Cannabis sativa), which by its light featherv foliage is a fine feature, and it might profitably be used with good effect more often than it is in smaller gardens. The wall is festooned with various lands of Clematis and Honeysuckle, forming an excellent background for the sub-tropical plants. W. Goi.uniXG. LIME AND ITS COMPOUNDS. The chief forms in which lime is used in con- nection with the soil are quicklime, carbonate, phosphate, superphosphate, and sulphate of lime. I propose to offer some suggestions on the considerations which should guide our choice of the particular form of lime to apply ac- cording to the circumstances of various cases. The carbonate, phosphate, and sulphate are natural productions, but quicklime and super- phosphate are manufactured commodities. Quicklime. — Besides the name quicklime, it is called hot lime, burned lime, caustic lime, &c. ; but the single word " lime " exactly represents its composition, and is the best term that can be used for it. This lime is manu- factured from its carbonate, which exists in the form either of limestone or of chalk, and is composed of fifty-six part.s of lime and forty-four parts of carbonic acid, making one hundred parts by weight of carbonate. By heating in kilns the whole of the carbonic acid is driven off, and lime is left. By this treat- ment, the lime having lost its neutralising acid, has become a highly active substance, exhibiting great caustic properties, and energetically en- deavouring to unite with some other body capable of satisfying and neutralising its pe- culiarly active character. This craving is usually satisfied in the following manner. Water may be added, or, if not, the lime will get it from tlie atmosphere, when com- bination takes place. In the former case it is quickly accomplished, and great heat is con s^quently developed ; whilst in the latter [a slow union goes on, proportionately as the lime can obtain the moisture from the sur- rounding air. "When tlie reaction is complete, hydrate of lime has been formed, and its com- position is b}' weight as follows : lime, fifty- six parts ; water, eighteen parts. This hydrate is a dry whitish powder, and is soluble in water, which fact is highly important, as it will be seen that tlie next cliange renders it a body perfectly insoluble in that medium when pure. Now the carbonic acid in the air begins to act on the hydrate, and gradually but completely turns out the water, and in course of time re- gains its original position of union with the lime, so that now wo have the same compound that we started with, viz., carbonate of lime ; and the only difference is that now it is in a minutely divided state, at'd so can the better be acted upon by disintegrating agencies but otherwise it is quite as insoluble as the clialk was in the first place. Therefore, to furnish plant food for present u.=e, the lime should be applied before it has taken beck its carbonic acid from the atmcspheie. Now, these various changes must be eharly understood if we are to know when and how to apply lime to the soil to the greatest advantage to the land and ourselves. \Vhen the lime is in the soil — suppose, for instance, in its form of hydrate — instead of getting supplied with carbonic acid from the air, it gets it from decom- posing matter in the soil, and by so carrying off the products of decomposition, aids and hastens the decay of further portions, and thus assists in bringingthem intoaform available for plant food. But if the lime has been long exposed to the air before spreading upon the land, this valuable property is entirely lo.st. On the other hand, it is not wise to spread the lime before it has become hydrated, as, .supposing there are com- pounds of ammonia in the soil, the lime seizes upon the acids of these compounds and .sets free the ammonia, which rapidly escapes into the air; besides, instead of causing the decomposition of organic matter in a favourable manner, it would take away its water, dry it up, and tend to carbonise it and render it useless. The lime .should really be shot in heaps in convenient places, and slaked in the same way as the bricklayer slakes liis lime for making mortar ; and as soon as it has been mixed up with suflicient water it should be covered up with earth, to keep the carbonic acid of the atmo- sphere away from it. After allowing it time to slake, it should be quickly spread upon tlie land and harrowed in immediately. It should not be ploughed in, as it is well known that lime rapidly sinks into the soil, so that it only requires a superficial covering of earth, just sufficient to keep the air from readily reaching it. Lime applied in this way also assists in decomposing the rocky materials existing in soils, thereby liberating the alkalies and aiding the formation of nitre, which is of such well-known value as manure. In this form also it neutralises free acids, and also renders land light and porous — sometimes, in fact, too porous for Wheat and other crops requiring com- pact soils for their perfect development. In cases of this kind, the roller will generally be a .sufficient remedy, as it is only the mechanical action of the lime, and not its chemical com- position, that has caused the difficulty. Indeed, it is impossible to injure heavy land by the ap- plication of lime in any quantity, provided it is properly slaked and applied in its hydrated form. With lighter soils it is different, and if too much lime in its caustic form be applied to these, it quickly decomposes the small available quantity of organic matter which such soils con- tain, and uses it up in one short season. No doubt it whips up the immediate crop, but it does so at the expense of the future. To .soils of this kind, sulphate may bo applied as a source of lime in large quantities without the slightest, fear of injury, and, indeed, with the most bene- ficial results; but of this I will speak later on. ^^'ith regard to the limes manufactured from chalk, it is believed by cultivators that those made from the lower grey chalk give better re- sults than the purer and whiter limes from the upper beds, and many who have had long ex- perience willingly give a higher price for the grey than the white. Before leaving the con- sideration of this simple form of lime, it may be well to mention that if it is mixed with perfectly fresh manure no harm will happen; but if de- July 30, 1881.] THE GARDEN. 107 composition has commenced ammonia lias been formed, and, no matter what form it may have taken — ■whether carbonate, humate, uhnate, &c., the lime will inevitably seize upon the acid and set the ammonia free to escape into the atmo- sphere. Phosphate of Lime, such as is found in bones, coprolites, and other natural substances, is composed of lime, 168 parts, and dry phos- phoric acid 142 parts, by we'ght. In this form it is a perfectly insoluble substance, the bone production being, however, more readily changed to a soluble form than the mineral. Cones iu their natural form cannot act as plant food. "Whether they are heaped with earthy matter, or whether as bone dust they are applied to the soil, the subsequent action in either case is similar. The organic portion is fermented and decomposed, and the phosphate of lime is acted upon in the following manner. Carbonic acid is perhaps the most obliging aoid known. It is turned out of its combination with all basic substances by the direct application of any other acid under the sun ; but in the case under con- sideration it has a slow, but effective revenge. It has such an atBnity for lime that, under such conditions as it finds in the soil or compost heap, it gradually takes away one-third of the lime from the insoluble phosphate, forming with it chalk, and leaving the remaining two-thirds behind. These two-thirds are now in comljina- tion with the original quantity of phosphoric acid, together with some water which has also been admitted, and the substance now formed is bi-calcic phosphate of lime, its composition by weight being as follows ; Lime, 112 ; phos- phoric acid, 142 ; and water, 18. Here, it will be seen, the carbonic acid has taken away 5G parts of the lime to form chalk, whilst 18 p.i.rts of water have replaced the .50 parts of lime taken away. The new body is fairly soluble, and is probably the very best form of phosphate of lime to add to the land. It is able to furnish plant food slowly, but surely ; it is sufliciently soluble, but it is not rapidly used up, and it feeds the plant through all stages of its growth. Cultivators were perfectly satisSed with fermented and ground bones until it was made known that, if bones were subjected to treat- ment with sulphuric acid, a more soluble and, it was supposed, better manure was obtained. This discovery was immediately utilised by a well-lmown manure manufacturer, and so great was his success that other large makers sprung into existence one after another, until the industry has now become of enormous dimensions. Now many hundreds of thousands of tons of pyrites are imported annually for the manufacture of the sulphuric acid required to make this manure. The principle involved in the production of superphosphate is as follows : After the gelatine has been extracted from the bones, they are treated with sulphuric acid, in proportion of 100 lb. of pure acid to 310 lb. of bone pliosphate. As before stated, this bone phosphate is composed by weight of 168 parts of lime and 142 parts of dry phosphoric acid. The sulphuric acid now acts in precisely the same way that the carbonic acid in the soil acted under the older system, but it does exactly twice the work of the latter, and it does it rapidly instead of by a tedious process. Instead of taking away oO parts of lime, as the carbonic acid did, it appropriates 112 parts, forming gypsum in this case instead of chalk, as iu the former, and leaving the newcompound — namely, superphosphate of lime, to possess the following composition : Lime bj weight, .56 parts ; phos- phoric acid, 142 parts ; and water, 36 parts. So now we have less lime by 56 parts, and more water by 18 parts. The gypsum formed artifi- cially in the manufacture of this 234 parts of superphosphate amounts to 272 parts, and the two bodies are iu a state of intimate mixture, and so remain to be sold, as is well understood, as superphosphate of lime ; and some manu- facturers further add large quantities of ground gypsum as a "drier." Therefore commercial superphosphate is very largely made up of gypsum. It was found that mineral phosphates, such as coprolites, might be mixed witli (he bones without seriously interfering with the quality of the manure, and it is now often the practice to mix equal quantities, and afterwards treat the mixture with the sulphuric acid. This has the effect of keeping the price within reasonable limits. The action of superphosphate depends greatly upon the composition of the soil to which it is applied. Leaving the gypsum for the present out of consideration, it is found that, if there are no free basic substances or car- bonates present in the soil, the superphosphate is quickly dissolved, and causes rapid and rank growth ; but its effects are quickly exhausted, and the plant then fails to acquire that nourish- ment it needs to till its cells in the later stages of its growth. But it almost always happens that there is more or less lime, or carbonate of lime, in the soil, and this immediately seizes upon a portion of the phosphoric acid of the superphosphate, and leaves precisely the same comjound as that obtained by the fermentation of bones, which compound is the mean between the natural insoluble tricalcic phosphate and the extremely soluble superphosphate of lime. This medium compound is also the form of the so- called " reduced superphosphates," which from age and contact with basic substances have lost some of their phosphoric acid; and though thereby they have become commercially depre- ciated in value, their practical utility 'has for many purposes increased. So, as a "rule, after superphosphate has been applied to land, it be- comes exactly similar to fermented bones, with one great difference, however, viz., that the former contains at least half its weight of gypsum ; and some of the good results usually ascribed to superphosphate are due to the presence in its composition of this large pro- portion of sulphate of lime. Superphosphate should be applied in small quantities to all soils that are short of phosphoric acid ; but it would often be found that a dressing of gypsum mixed with bone dust and soot, &c., would be equally efficacious, at a less cost. Carbonate of lime, in the form of chalk, marl, shell-sand, &c., is sometimes used for applying to land, and in some cases it has its advantages over hot lime ; for though it does not decompose the silicates, it does not use up the organic matter, and therefore is better adapted for light soils, which have not any organic matter to spare. It can also sometimes be obtained at a very cheap rate, and, where lime is dear, economical reasons may dictate its use. It is useful for neutralising free acids in soils, and so sweetening the herbage ; but it is lumpy and insoluble, and difficult to deal with, and, with manufactured lime and ground gypsum at reasonable prices, chalk is not likely to be used to any extent by practical people. Sulphate of lime is found naturally in the form of gypsum, which is composed of lime, 56 parts, dry sulphuric acid, 80 parts, and water, ."36 parts, by weight. This requires grinding before it is available for use, and it can now be obtained in the form of powder at a very mode- rate cost. The sulphate of lime is useful as plant food, whenever a soil requires lime or sidphuric acid. Lime is present in most soils, but many districts are very deficient in sulphuric acid, and ground gypsum is the most convenient and the cheapest form of sulphuric acid to apply. Where a sandy soil requires lime, in which case quicklime is objectionable, gypsum answers the purpose admirably. It is portable, easily spread, and slowly soluble, and it assists such light soils, both mechanically and chemi- callj', in retaining ammoniacal and other manures that are applied to them. The best results may be obtained by using gypsum with guano, bone dust, shoddy, rags, soot, and other nitro- genous and phospliatic manures, and it would probably be found that a mixture of bone du.st and gypsum would produce a more lasting effect at a cheaper rate than would the application of superphosphate of lime. Those who use gypsum as a top-dressing prefer to sow it on dewy mornings or evenings, or during a slight shower of rain, so that it clings to the leaves of the plants, and they say that its effects, when it continues for some time on the leaves, are very remarkable. Where a soil is deficient in sul- phates, and yet contains an excess of organic acids, which renders it sour, an application of SO per cent, of gypsum mixed with 10 per cent, of lime, or 20 per cent, of chalk, would be an efficient remedj'. There are, however, some samples of gypsum, particularly that from Sussex, which contain 10 to 15 per cent, of carbonate of lime in their composition ; and in such a case as the one luider consideration a dressing of this kind of gypsum would effectually cure the sourness without any admixture of lime or chalk, and it would certainly be the most convenient and best kind to apply. — W. J. Kemp, in Field. THE FLOWER GARDEN. HARDY FLOWEES AT KIRKSTALL. JnsT now the garden is very interesting, notwith- standing that the first and fairest blush of summer bloom is past. Roses are the main feature, and never before have we seen them so good here. They were mulched thickly in early winter and pruned late in spring. Mildew, fly, and grub attacked them simultaneously ; the first was soon got under, the fly was quickly cleared by scores of small birds from the woods close by, and the grubs, which destroyed many of the finest buds, were checked by hand-picking. The other day we arranged the finest combination of flowers of the present season, consisting of the following simple subjects : Aquilegia chrysantha, Tunica Saxifraga, Campanula coronata, Eosa villosa, Sweet Brier blooms, and a few Grasses, including Stipa pennata. The yellow Asphodel for a long time past has put out one or two of its starry blooms at a time from a stout spike. Geranium sanguineum.in from2-ft. to 3-ft. patches.is simply gi-and on rockwork. The various OSnotheras, in- cluding CE. glauca, ffi. speciosa, (E. Fraseri, 03. macrocarpa, and CE. fruticosa, and some of the annual species, are also very gay, and the same may be said of such perennials as Lathyrus grandi- florus, L. latifolius, and L. 1. albus. The Eryn- giums promise to be finer than heretofore with me, probably because of the rich quarters given them, VIZ., an old Asparagus plot. Double Potentillas are likewise very showy, and though their habit is most untidy, they are likely to gain a place amongst choice border plants. A handsome Phlox, having pure white flowers, and which has been in flower a fortnight, is grown here without a name, which I should be glad to learn ; it is perfectly hardy, which is not the case with other white sorts I have tried. Its height is 18 in. Campanulas have long made a fine show. Seven varieties, but slightly differing, of the turbinata section are most lovely — white, pale and dark blue, and whites variously tinted with blue and pink. C. coronata is quaintly beautiful, remind- ing one of the white-frilled caps worn by dames thirty or more years ago. C. hirsuta, C. muralis, C. garganica, C. pusilla, C. pulla, and C. Zoysi are even dwarfer than the varieties of turbinata, but to my mind the gem of gems in the Hairbell family is C. Waldsteiniana ; it has erect, fine, wiry 108 THE GAEDEN. [July 30, 1881. stems only 2 in. high, well rlividcd at the top, causing the foliage to be hidden by its flowers, which are in the way of those of C. garganica, but without the white starry eye, and perhaps somewliat larger. The foliage is nearly the size and substance of that of Gentiana verna, but of an unusual glaucous grey colour ; this greyness, in a pleasing and indescribable manner, pervades the bloom. 0. Henderson! is a grandly bloomed Harebell, darker and more densely flowered than C. tenella, sometimes but wrongly called C. alpina. Many of the tall species have been recently noticed, as have also the beautiful Thr fts. Acan- tholimum glumaceum has a neater habit than name, but with me its centre twigs die off every summer. Genista tinctoria fl.-pl. has been, and still is, much admired here, though my specimen of it is but little more than 18 in. across. C'oron- illa iberica, 5 ft. through, is in good character just now. Pentstemon Lewisi, Coba;a, Scouleri, pubescens, ovatus, and speciosus have all proved hardy, and their merits as alpines are of a high order. Linaria vulgaris var. peloria, having crept ■into my garden somehow, has pleased several visitors with it curiously distinct flowers. Aqui- legia trinityensis has proved to be one of the handsomest of Columbines. The Gentians have not done well with me this season, excepting the dwarf kinds, such as G. verna, G. bavarica, G. acaulis, and G. brachyphylla ; these seem to be more at home, as do also the Soldanellas, Cypri- pedium spectabile, established near these for three years, fails to blooms this season ; its growth, too, is much weakened, but Epigaia repens does well in the same quarter, viz., under a west wall, sheltered from the north by a Rhododendron and south by a little mound, topped by an Andromeda, 2 ft or 3 ft. high, so that there is but a narrow opening to the east. Planted in nearly all leaf- mould, amongst which some limestones are half buried, it has both grown and flowered freely for two years. Brodiasa congesta carries a fine head of bloom on a stem more than 3 ft. long. Actin- ella scaposa is an over-praised plant, having Coreopsis-like flowers, but in every way inferior to that plant. Saussurea macrophylla is neat and quaint — not showy in the least, but there is some- thing about it that will save it from being dis- carded from choice collections. Teucrium j^yre- naicum is a valuable rock plant, as are also Antirrhinum Asarina, Kdriantlius dalmaticus, Polemonium confertum, 8alLs reticulata, Helian- themum Tuberaria, and Convolvulus maritimum. One specimen of Saxifraga Hirculis is finely in flower in a position where it catches the surface water from the walk and fully exposed. In no other instance in my garden has this, the most beautiful flowered of all the Saxifrages done so well. It seems to like plenty of water and sun- shine. I should not omit to mention a little Daisy which has flowered here since March. Grown side by side with Bellium bellidioides, it proves to be quite distinct. It has much narrower petals, and they are more broadly divided, flower-stems 4 in. high, almost thread-like, but erect foliage, not half the size of that of B. bellidioides ; moreover, it grows in flat, but loose rosettes at the ends of underground runners. It was presented to me by a lady who collected it in Corsica, and hitherto we have spoken of it under the name of B. cor- sicum. Is this known to any of j'our readers ? and by what name ? I will only add tliat for rock- work it is a gem. John Wood. Hardiness of the Tuberose.— I was glad to read the note (p. L'.j) respecting the Tube- rose being out all winter at Tottenham, because I turned a few bulbs out of pots last summer, never expecting to see any more of them after being subjected to several severe frosts, but the note in question caused me to examine the spot where I planted them, viz., under some small Walnut trees, where I grow my collection of Anemones, and to my surprise I found them in a growing state, not strong, but stronger than many of the Tritomas have grown as yet with me since the past winter. What an acquisition this will be if it can be added to our hardy collections, and why should it not be equally hardy as many American roots so classed! — JoJiN Wood, Woodinllc, KirkdaU. Xerophyllum asphodeloides.— This is an interesting plant, but one rather more curious The Turkey's Beard (Xerophyllum asphodeloides). than beiutitul. It forms a tuft of hard setaceous leaves a few inches in height, with much the habit of a small Asphodel. The flower-stem is erect and leafy, and bears a compact raceme of white flowers with spreading segments. It succeeds best in moist peaty soil. In the Cambridge Botanic Garden it is planted on a mound chiefly of peat. In this position it seems to grow well, and around it has grown a cushion of Pearl-wort, whicli rather enhances its appearance and, perhaps, its well- being. It is a native of the North American Pine barrens, from New Jersey to Oregon southwards. — L. HYBRID COLUMBINES. There is no objection whatever to hybridism as such, or to cross-breeding, and in the case of the Eocky Mountain Columbine Columbines referred to by Mr. Burton last week, the answer is tbat no one has ever seen a hybrid Columbine quite so good as what we know as the pure species. That they (the hy- brids) are pretty no one doubts. It is not a question of hybridi-sm or cross-breeding, but of the value of the plant. We have never seen a hybrid Columbine so lovely as the true A. cojrulea or the true A. glandulosa. Therefore when we see people getting enthusiastic over the seedlings that occur in every garden where Columbines are grown, we always wish their attention was fixed on trying to secure a lasting stock, 60 to say, of the beautiful species. People do not always read carefully. No one ever said a word as to " natural variations" being against good taste in gardening; "natui'al variations" are among the blessings of gardening. The question is the value of what we get in that way. Some things are good — some worthless ; others good, but inferior to the types from which they sprang. The above illustration is from a flower of the Itocky Mountain Columbine pent us this year by Mrs. Davidson, in whose garden in Dorset the plant is said to be a good perennial. Of the various seedling Columbines none are more valuable for cultivation tlian certain forms of the common Columbine. A. good single white variety grown at Munstead. It is a very bold, graceful, .and hardy plant. Campanula carpatica aa a Wall Plant. — On the terrace walls here (which are built of rough blocks of stone) this dwarf creeping Campanula has got well established, and is spreading over the entire surface. At this time of year its masses of beautiful blue flowers look very pretty, peeping out amongst the white blossoms of wall shrubs, such as those of the Jessamine, or Deutzia crenata, or even amongst the variegated foliage of the Euonymus, with which the wall is covered, I have no doubt many might like to try so simple and pretty a com- bination ; if one good clump is put in at the top of the wall, I have no doubt it will quickly spread, and prove a source of pleasure for many years to come. — J. Groom, Linton I'arl, llahhtone. Aspects for Herbaceous Plants.— The aspect in which these are grown greatly affects their permanent welfare. In a border here baring a gentle slope to the north, being on one side of a walk, but in no way shaded from the south, except \>y a fence of Roses and a low Holly hedge, I have, during the past severe winters, lost many things that havesurvived on the opposite border, which faces the sun direct, a south border in- deed. On the northern aspect all the Tritomas have died outright : on the south side they have been injured, but not killed. It is the same with Lilium candidum ; but the scarlet Martagon does equally well on either side. On both north and south aspects all our Gcum coccineum died last winter, and so did many of the Poten- tillas on the north side ; some of these were, how- ever, new kinds only planted last year. Lark- spurs have likewise suf- fered severely, and I find most things grow weaker on the northern aspect than on the south, and spring bulbs do not bloom so well. I find it a good deal the best plan to plant all doubtful things in spring instead July 30, 1881.] THE GARDEN. 109 of autumn, as it enables the plants to get esta- blished, and in a condition to resist the winter. What I did not quite expect was that all the newer and finer Aquilegias, hybrids, and others liave stood the w-inter on both borders, and flowered well, greatlj' increasing their root size at the same time. Most of them were transplanted from a bed to the border in the autumn. Hyacin- thus candicans, planted 6 in. or 7 in. deep at midwinter, suffered no injury from the continual frosts and snows and late spring, and is now pushing strongly. — MiDL.^ND Gardeneb. The Tiger Flower. — Among the plants that stood last winter I was much surprised to find Tigridia Pavonia in the ordinaiy border, and on a rockery, Nothochlrena Maranta;, from Corsica last year. — A. Kixgsmill. Spiraea venusta. — A herbaceous kind, is hardly inferior to S. palmata, only taller and looser in habit, with flowers of not quite so deep a rose colour. It comes into flower just as palmata goes out, and is now expanding here. — J. S. ^Y. Astrantia maxiraa. - The usual plant of this name has greenish-white petals deepening in the centre to pink. We have here a variety obtained from the old garden of the late Mr. Leeds whicli has pale greenisli flowers almost white, but without any tinge of pink. I don't find this form described anywhere, but it is a very handsome variety, growing about 2 ft. in height and bearing its beautiful star-like flowers in profusion. Can any of your readers give it a name ?— Beockhurst, Didslury. Smilax. — I saw in your " Late Notes and Questions '' recently the following question : " Do 3-0U know a plant called Smilax? an American term." I should like to know why your corre- spondent calls Smilax an American term ? It is certainly Greek, and is mentioned in line 108 of the "BacchfB of Euripides," where it has the epithet fair-fruited, i.e., berried, applied to it. Theophrastus in his " Histoiy of Plants " describes it as a creeper, with a thorny stem and an Ivy-like leaf ; the flower he calls " white and fragrant as a Lily." To the same effect, Pliny in his "Natural History " writes : " Similis est hederie, e Cilicia primum quidem profecta, sed in Grajcia fre- quentior, densis geniculata caulibus, spinosis fruticosa ramis, folio hederaceo, parvo, non anguloso, a pediculo emittente pampinos, flore candido, olente lilium." I should not have troubled you with all this somewhat pedantic lore which I have culled from Mr. Sandys' admirable edition of the " Bacchaj," but that I am estr';mely desirous of ascertaining what the Smilax is like, and I trust your correspondent will kindly send me a spray of it. Like Ivy, it was twined into garlands by the votaries of Dionj'sus.— H. M., Bronugrove. TREES AND SHRUBS. SEASONABLE WORK. Pleasure Ground.— ^^^lere the annu.al pruning of shrul IS li.is been delayed it should now be taken in hand, othenvise young gi-owths which follow will be too tender to withstand the frost of the next winter. In many places the severe frost has left a terrible mark upon shrubs and conifers, and even common Oaks in this locahty now pre- sent a sickly appearance similar to that which followed the winter 1860-61. It is an ordinary practice, but never- theless, a mistaken one, to cut injured shrubs early in the spring ; whereas by the exercise of a little patience and the determination to put up with a temporary eyesore, the delay of a levr weeks would save many fine things from destruction. Shortly after the dreadful Tuesday in .January so fatal to animal and vegetable life, many of our Arbutus, Evergreen Oaks, Laurustinus, Escallonias, Chinese Privets, Garryas, Portugal and common Laurels would have been given up for dead by many practical men, but by leaving them heiToetically sealed with their own defunct tops, we now find 75 per cent, breaking freely from the branches up to the two-year old shoots, and many of the remaining 15 per cent. th.at were more severely injured are breaking up from the ground. We are now busy cutting back, and it is scarcely necessary to say the recovery of Arbutus Andrachne, of Ilex dipyreua, and a host of other old friends is entirely due to patience. \\Tiere tender Confers such as Pinus insignis, Cupressus niacrocarpa, and Deodars have been killed or disfigured they should be properly grul>bed up with all their strongest roots, particularly wliere choice specimens are growing near them. Conunon Laurels, also Bays, may be sawn off above the gromid. The general pruning of liWng trees and hedges of various kinds, pro- duces the most pleasing effect when perfonued with a knife. W. COLEJIAN HARDINESS OF DEUTZIA GRACILIS. I SEE Mr. Ed. Jackman refers to this in his Notes on Carnarvonshire. It may also be said to be hardy in East Anglia. Still the bloom in the open here, though plentiful enough, is smaller and less white than when grown under glass. It seems less injured by the cold than the drought. We, however, propagate all our Deutzia gracilis in the open air, mucli in the same way as our white Spiraeas. No plant, however, pays better for a little fostering culture, either out of doors or under glass, than the Deutzia gracilis. After flowering it should be cut back if need be, and allowed to make its new growth in a sheltered place or under glass. Thus forced and partially matured, the Deutzia gracilis may either be planted out or kept in pots in a warm sheltered spot in the open. Plants so treated will be drooping pendent bushes laden with fluffy pure white bloom the following season. Other Deutzias.— Neither D. scabra or crenata force so freely as gracilis, but they have no rivals in the open air. We have some magnifi- cent bushes of tlie former posted among Rhodo- dendrons, and the effect is charming. D. scabra is not, however, of much use for cutting, as its flowers fall very soon, and the orange colour of its stamens mars the purity of its white flowers when brought too near to the eye. At a distance, however, in shrubberies it is simply magnificent. D. crenata is yet more striking, and the flowers are also more durable. The chief drawback is the profuseness of pink on the under, outer, and especially on the under-sides, so that the flowers are really a mixture of those two colours, and neither of them pure. There is, however, a pure white double variety of this, which is charming. Double as the Jasminum Sambac, and white as D. gracilis at its best, this double white Deutzia is indeed a great acquisition for house purposes, or in the shrubbery. D. T. Fish. it excels all the other sorts in size of flower, length of panicle, profuseness of bloom, and vigorous habit. It must, therefore, be a worthy addition. New Deutzia, Pride of Rochester.— The old double-flowered variety of Deutzia scabra New Deutzia Pride ot Rochester. now in flower in most gardens is pretty enough, but a new form of D. crenata that has had its origin in Messrs. Ellwanger & Barry's nurseries at Ro- chester, New York, is an improvement upon it. As may be seen by the woodcut (which represents one-third the natural size), the flowers are very double and pure white,except the backs of the petals, which are tinged with rose. The raisers say that TWO KINDS OF CATALPAS. There need no longer be any question as to the two kinds of Catalpa. No observer who has ex- plored the country watered by the lower Wabash and White Rivers of Indiana, the southern portions of Illinois, the western lowlands of Kentuckj' and Tennessee, and the swampy region of south-eastern Missouri, and the adjoining portion of Arkansas, which lie along the Mississippi between the up- lands on the eastern and western sides of the delta lands, will hesitate for a moment in reach- ing the conclusion, that here he has found the native habitat of a tree that is very different from that which is usually cultivated, and that is known in these Western States only as a cultivated plant, since it is never seen growing wild. In all the tract just indicated, native Catalpas may be seen in the original forests. Unfortunately these are becoming more and more rare, since the merits of this Catalpa and its lumber have been known and appreciated. Crossing the State of Arkansas by the St. Louis and Iron Mountain Railroad, the explorer finds that the bottoms of the Arkansas are occupied by trees of the same character; and the whole delta of the great river where Catalpas grow is believed to be occupied by this kind alone. These Missis- sippi trees and their progeny, wherever found, which can be traced to this source, are all of the speciosa kind ; while all others in cultivation are more or less clearly and directly traceable to the hand of the nurseryman, and through his agency to the Atlantic seaboard, and so on back to the accepted origin of the typical form of the Catalpa bignonioides in Georgia. Let it be repeated, not one of this latter kind is ever found growing wild in the Western forests ; wherever the trees are seen, they are clearly referable to human agency, and that of very recent date. Diagnosis of the Two Forms The Species. — C. bignonioides. — Tree, as above described (by the botanists), usually low- branched ; short-stemmed when in open lands. When planted thickly in groves the stems become taller, but are seldom really straight. Young trees often winter-killed north of the Ohio River. Bark gray, and in mature trees (or those of 12 years or more) it is scaly, peeling ott in small thin plates, very easily separated. Flowers, as represented in Michaus' plate, tinged with violet, having yellow and purple spots inside the throat, as above described. Fruit, usually abundant ; pods 8 in. to 15 in. long, somewhat flattened, the valves meeting at an angle, forming a projecting ridge that can be sensibly felt by the fingers, transverse section lenticular, surface slightly uneven, usual colour light brown, especially on cultivated trees in this latitude and northward. Seeds applied end to end, in one or more layers, to a rather flat, grooved, gray placenta, winged as described ; entire length, 1 in. to 1 in. 7 lines; breadth, 2 lines; averaging 100 to' a pod. The coma or fringe is usually sharply pointed at each end. Well represented in Michaux' plate. Weight, 2000 to the ounce, says Barney. The "Variety speciosa. — Trees more erect, naturally growing taller, and better fur- nished with limbs where exposed. In thick groves erect, straight and tall ; in natural forests stems .50 ft. ; the tops of old trees apt to be broken. In cultivation more hardy than the bignonioides. Bark, in young trees, is light gray, becoming darker with age, adhering closely, and moderately furrowed vertically, much like that of White Ash ; when older, it becomes somewhat looser in. places. Flowers much larger, nearly pure white ; mark- ings in the throat clear yellow and purple, very showy ; one to three weeks earlier than the common species. Fruit often less abundant ; pods usually longer, 1.5 to 20 and more inches ; 6 to 7 lines in diameter; 110 THE GAEDEN. [July 30, 1881. generally of darker brown colour, more cylindrical, and usually marked with distinct parallel grooves in their entire length. Seeds, winged and fringed at both ends, larger than the species, 1 in. 8 lines long, iJ to -1 lines wide ; the coma or brush at the ends is more spread, less pointed, weight 1000 to 1200 to the ounce, 1300 by another count. Texture of the wing membrane more silky and softer, compared witli the satiny and harsher tissue of the bigno- nioides species. Dr. Engelmann, in the Jiotan'ical (laxetii\ Vol. .">, No. 1, January, ISSO, says: — " Catalpa speciosa (U'arder).— A middle- sized tree with grayish-brown, much cracked or furrowed, at last slightly flaky bark, and light yellowish gray wood ; leaves large, truncated, or more or less cordate at base, slenderly acuminate, soft downy on the under side, inodorous ; flowers in large and loose panicles ; tube of the corolla conical, longer than wide, its lower part scarcely protracted ; upper lip, before its expansion, longer than the other lobes, and enveloping them; lower lobe bilobed ; inside of corolla slightly marked at the throat with red-brown lines, and with two yellow bands at the commissures of the lowest with the lateral lobes ; stamens and style as long aa the tube, pod terete, strongly furrowed ; wings of seed about as long as the seed itself, rounded at the ends and split into a broad coma. "Common in the low, rich, sometimes overflowed, woodlands near the mouth of the Ohio along the lower course of that river and its confluence and in the adjoining lowlands of the Mississippi in the States of Illinois, Indiana, Kentuckj-, Tennessee, Missouri, and Arkansas, according to [Micliaux abounding near the borders of all the rivers which empty into the Mississippi further south ; whether the localities cited by him in West Florida produce this or the eastern species is at present unknown. Flowers in May. This tree has quite an inte- resting and instructive history. It was already known to Michaux and to many botanists and settlers of those regions ; even the aboriginal Shawnees appreciated it, and the French settlers along the Wabash named it for them the Shawnee Wood (Bois Chavanon), and prized the indestruc- tible quality of its timber ; but the botanists, even the subtle Eafinesque, who roamed over those verj' regions, seem to have taken it for granted that it was not distinct from the south- eastern Catalpa bignonioides. To me the fact that these trees, then not rarely cultivated in St. Louis, produced their larger and more showy flowers some 10 or 1.5da3's earlier than the eastern or common kind, was well known as earl}' as 1842, and their blcssoming has since ben annually recorded in my notes on the advance of vegeta- tion, but I hail not the sagacity or curiosity to further investigate the tree. It was reserved to Dr. J. A. AVarder, of Ohio, to draw public atten- tion to it in IS.^.'!. He was struck with its beauty in the streets of Dayton, Ohio, where a few strag- glers were cultivated, and described it cursorily in his journal, the Western llm-ticvUural Rericn, Vol. iii-, p. 5a.3, without deciding whether a dis- tinct species or a variety, and without assigning a name to it. It was soon named, however, pri- vately as it seems, by him and his friends Catalpa speciosa, and was propagated as a more ornamental form. Thirteen years later I find in the catalogue of J. C. Teas' nursery, Eaysville, Indiana, for 1866, Catalpa speciosa offcreci, tlie lOl) one year old seedlings for S51."i0. But only within "the last few years the beauty and importance of the tree has made a greater impression on the public mind, principally through the exertions of Dr. Warder himself, Mr. E. E. Barney, of Dayton, and Mr. R. Douglas, of Waukegan, Illinois. The latter was so much struck with the future importance of this species, that in the autumn of 1878 he collected on the Lower Oliio 400 pounds of its seed for his own nursery and for distribution to all parts of the world. " Catalpa speciosa replaces C. bignonioides en- tirely in the Mississippi Valley. It is readily distin- guished from it by its taller and straighter growth, its darker, thicker {.i in. to 1 in. thick), rougher and scarcely exfoliating bark (in the older species it is light gray, constantly peeling off, and therefore not more tlian 2 or IJ lines thick); its softly, downy, slenderly acuminate and inodorous leaves (those of bignonioides have a disagreeable, almost fcetid, odour when touched), marked with similar glands in the axils of the principal veins of the under side ; by its much less crowded panicle, and l5y its much larger flower, fruit, and seed. The flowers I found 2 in. in the vertical, and a little more in the transverse diameter ; the lower lobe is deeply notched or bilobed in speciosa, entire in bigno- nioides ; the tube in the former is conical and 10 lines, in the latter campanulate and about 7 lines long ; in the first slightly oblique, in the other very much so — the upper part being a great deal shorter than the lower one, so that the anthers and stigma become uncovered ; the markings in the old species are much more crowded ami con- spicuous, so as to give to the whole flower a dingy appearance, while ours looks almost white. The upper lip of the corolla before expansion extends beyond the other lobes and covers them like a hood in the western species, while in the eastern it is much shorter than the others and covers them only very partially. The pods of our species are 8 in. to 20 in. long, 17 to 20 lines in circumference, dark brown and strongly grooved, whiin dry, the placental dissepiment very thick; in the eastern species the pod is nearly the same length, but only 9 to 12 lines in circumference, its grooves very slight its colour pale, and the dissepiment flat. In both species the pod is perfectly terete before the valves separate, after that the valves of ouis remain more or less semi- terete, while the much thinner ones of the other flatten out, so that they seem to indicate a compressed pod. The elongated seeds, winged at both ends, are of about equal length in both species, but in speciosa they are much wider, 3J to i lines, and the wings have more or less rounded ends which terminate in a broad band of rather short hair ; in bignonioides the seeds are only '2h to 3 lines wide, with pointed wings, and their tips terminating in a long, pencil-shaped tuft of hair. "Our tree is larger, of straighter growth, and, being a native of a more northern latitude, is hardier than the south-eastern species ; the wood of both is extremely durable, i:)erhaps as much so as that of our red Cedar, and has the advantage over it of a much more rapid growth, and of pos- sessing only a very thin layer (2 or 3 annual rings) of destructible sapwood. But of these qualities and of its adaptabilitj' to manv important uses, others, and especially Mr. Barney in a recent pamphlet, have given a full account. It is already extensively planted in our Western prairie States, as especially along railroads, for which it is expected to furnish much needed timber in a com- paratively short time.'' — Avierican Agricultural Association's Journal. WOODLAND WOKK FOK AUGUST. Bark. — The peeling and harvesting of Oak bark this season was accomplished quickly and in good order, the weather being more favourable for that work than has occurred for many years. The price of Oak bark was, however, not as satis- factory as one could have wished,the average price realised throughout the country being about 10s. a ton lower than last year; the increased use of other tanning materials every year tends to diminish the demand for bark. The stock of old bark, too, still standing in stacks and sheds throughout the country doubtless caused in some measure the general reduction in price of new bark. The value of Oak bark as a tanning ma- terial is, I fear, rapidly on the wane. ■Woods and Plantations.— In these just now tlie principal work requiring attention is the clearance of all forest produce cut during the winter and spring months, and the repairing of any roads or rides damaged through the removal of timber, underwood, &c. Young plantations that are becoming too thick and crowded should be tliinned at once while hands generally can be better spared than later on when forest work is more varied and plentiful. In point of conveni- ence, too, where game is preserved, any covers thinned at this season can be left quiet and undis- turbed until cover shooting takes place, wliich is more particularly necessary in the case of outlying plantations adjoining arable lands, for as soon as harvest commences game of all kinds is driven into the covers, where it should there be allowed to remain in quietness until the shooting season. Gates, stiles, and all kinds of fences bounding woods, slopes, and plant itions ought to be made perfectly secure against the inroads of cattle, sheep, tec. Those fences adjoining grazing lands should have special attention during hot weather, for cattle, when driven by insects, quickl)' find out weak places in hedges, and when one breaks through the whole herd or flock will surely follow, and, of course, can in a very short time do an immense amount of injurj' to young trees or underwood ; and, besides, when once cattle get into a habit; of trespassing into covers it is no easy matter to fence them out. Top off and fore- shorten branches and spray of trees that hang down too low over roads, rides, drives, footpaths, and gates. Where the branches of trees are inclined to over-arch roadways or gate- ways encourage a lofty, broad spread of branches by keeping the spray and smaller branches well trimmed up above the centre of the way, and allow the terminal spray to hang naturally down on the opposite side, that is, when one tree only forms the arch ; of course when there is one tree or more on either side the ends of the branches must be shortened and not allowed to drop, but, rather on the other hand, to grow up- wards so as to form a lofty arch. An easj', natural looking arch of branches over a gate or roadway is a pleasing and picturesque feature that should be oftener seen in woodland walks and drives than it is. One umbrageous tree (when growing close to a gate or road) is quite sufficient to form a beautiful shady arch if a little attention be directed to it occasionally. Lopping, Pruning, and Staking. — A\'ork- men, as arule,aretooprone generally when entrusted with the lopping of branches over roads to over-do such work ; there are workmen, however, who possess a taste for pruning, and those are the men who should be entrusted with thisparticular branch of forestr}-. Such men I have known when once directed in the proper way gradually get their hands and eyes educated, so to speak, to the work, tliat it becomes a pleasure to masters and workmen when the annual turn of lopping and pruning is in pro- gress, every year adding as it were to the beaut)' or charm of some particular tree, archway, or arbour of greenery. Let me not be understood to mean hard pruning and trimming into formal and fantastic shapes and figures ; for such I have no fancj', and am glad that the taste for this style is becoming rare. Young trees in newly formed plantations should be gone o\er now, if not already done, to remove duplicate leading shoots and to foreshorten over-luxuriant side branches that are growing out of proportion in length and strength ; all surplus stem shoots should also be rubbed off or cut away. Trees of last season's planting that needed staking will require attention to see that the ties are secure and not too tight, as they so soon become so in the case of fast grow- ing trees, particularly of the soft-wooded class ; on the other hand, too, when stakes become loose, they often cause an abrasion of the bark of young trees by rubbing on the top of the stake through the action of the wind. The top of a tree stake sliould in all cases be sloped off from the side ue.xt the tree at a sharp angle, for even when a young tree is securely staked, the force of strong wind is apt to bend it over the top of the stake, and if neglected a season, the tree will probably be seriously damaged, and in some cases I have noticed trees utterly ruined from this cause alone. Relieve shrubs and other ornamental plants from the encroachment of rough weeds or undergrowth that is likely to interfere with their proper de- velopment. Root out Docks, Thistles, and July 30, 1881.] THE GARDEN. Ill Nettles on or near rides and drives ; indeed,^ any- where they should receive no quarter. Young hedges should be kept clean by means of hoeing, or, by what is still better, hand-weeding; older Iiedges may be kept clean enough by cutting the weeds off with a hook and spreading the litter over the roots of the hedges, unless in the case of Docks and Thistles, or other bad seeding weeds which should be exterminated by rooting out and burning. See tliat watercourses, culverts, and pipe drains underneath rides and drives are well cleared out in the proper order for ciirry- iug off a sudden flood of water. Clean and scour out open ditches and trenches and cut new ones, where Kushes and otlier aquatic weeds abound. Ground intended to^ be planted next season may now receive attention, whenever hands can be spared, by means of clear- ing, fencing, and cutting open ditches to dram wet places, and laying off surface water m low places. Nursery.— A sharp look-outshoulduowbekept on choice conifers for insects and their larvaj. This is about the time when, generally, ^ they begin their work of destruction, and, what is most pro- voking, the leading shoots are most liable to be attacked, tlius destroying the season's growth, and throwing the symmetry of the tree out of balance for perhaps two or three years ; some trees, indeed, never regain a proper leader. The hoe should be kept going wherever weeds show themselves, but little difficulty will be found in destroying the weed crop so long as this scorching liot weather continues. This has been an un- usually favourable season for the cleansing of foul ground. Any trees or shrubs that show signs of flagging or of backgoing should be well mulched with half-rotten manure, and a thorough watering should be given overhead occasionally ; tliis is best done in very hot weather towards evening. Newly grafted trees should be gone over, and the ties slackened or removed, where necessary, and all shoots and buds growing on the stock should be cut or rubbed off. Any trees intended to be budded may now be operated Clean all superfluous shoots off the stems of hard-wooded trees, lighten their heads when growing out of proportion to the strength of the stem, and if necessary stake them firmly, as they are liable to damage one another by wind- waving in the nursery rows. Hot pits of Haws and Holly berries should be well turned. Weed and compost heaps will be rendered valuable^ by mixing both with quicklime, reforming them into steep ridge-shaped mounds, so as to keep out wet. Dry, friable soil is most valuable in the nursery during wet winters and springs for covering the roots of young trees when planting is in progress and the ground is in a wet, sodden state. Attend to green crops by hoeing and thinning out the young plants. G. 11. on. young or thereabout, and it never fails to flower with the utmost freedom. It is with us only sliowing panicles now, but will not be in flower for a fort- night at least. It is valuable on account of its late flowering habit. It never exceeds 5 ft. or 6 ft. in height here in Yorkshire. — J. S. W. Canadian Golden Willow.— When living in Montreal I saw frequently in gardens a very beautiful tree, called by the Canadians " the Golden Willow.'' It was very like a common Willow in its manner of growth and the colour of the leaves, but the stems of the beautiful long sprays were a most beautiful golden colour. I have looked in Loudon, but cannot find it described. Can any of your readers tell me its botanical name .' and also where it is to be had .' as I am wanting one to contrast with a Copper r.eech in a small shrubberj'. I do not think " CJolden " describes it sufKciently, it is such a lovely orange colour.— F. DuSLOP, The Holm- wood, Dorkinij, Snrnij. Hardiness of Fortune's Bamboo and Camellias.- Were the merits of Fortune's Bamboo more generally known, it would, I feel sure, become popular. Twenty-six degrees of frost have not the power to dim its freshness. The wonderful hardiness of this plant, and its distinct manner of growth, should recommend it. A plant which passes unscathed such winters as tlie last seven may surely lay claim to be called hardy. Although we possess considerable variety of form amongst haidy evergreens, yet any addition to their number should be wel- comed, especially when marked by such distinct characteristic features as the Bamboo. The past winter has also served to illustrate the perfect hardiness of the Camellia. I have lately remarked instances where, although such shrubs as the Euonymus have been browned and quite spoilt by frost. Camellias standing in their im- mediate vicinity show not the slightest trace of injury. Such winters as we have had do one good service — they test the powers of endurance of our trees, shrubs, and plants, to the extent of ena- bling us to know what may ^be depended on and what not.— J. C, Bijfltet. the compost used for growing them in should consist of a good mixture of loam, leaf soil, half decayed manure, and^plenty of sand. I\Iany grow them in peat, but that cannot always be had, and so far as Plumbagos are concerned tlicy do very well without it. From tlie cutting pots they may be transfered to .3-in. ones, and from them to G in. ones, and in these plants good enough for any purpose may be grown. As soon as they have fairly begun to grow the shoots will run out and up quickly, but when dsvarf bushy plants are wanted these must be frequently stopped a few inches above the pot. A warm pit is tlie best summer quarters for P. rosea, and a cold frame does for P. capensis. Being near the glass, plenty of air and water must be given them at this season. In autumn they do not require to be subjected to such hardy treatment, and to induce the blooms to open freely in winter a little forcing must be resorted to. Young plants rooted now, or previous to this, will show blooms long before winter, but if they are grown purposely for winter blooming no flower must be allowed to remain on until that season, and the more they are deprived of flower buds the more freelj' will they bloom when they do begin. When they have once flowered they may be rested for a little time and started into growth again, when they will soon flower a second time. As wall and pillar plants Plumbagos are most useful ; in our conservatory we have pillars 8 ft. high clothed with them, and when in bloom they are exceedingly beautiful. In this position much wood has annually to be cut out of them, and after flowering we cut every shoot into the old wood. In short, I may say that P. capensis may be treated as a Fuchsia, and P. rosea as a Clerodendron. CAMBRIAK. THE INDOOR GARDEN. Cistus crispus. — This is a very beautiful plant with large flowers of a very rich crimson- lake colour, borne erectly. It has a bushy habit, and is a great ornament on a rockery. — BEOCKiirn.'ST, Myrtles in Cornwall.— The note in The Garden' (p. 53) respecting IMyrtles in the open air induced me to measure the heiglit of the taller of a fine pair growing here on the south front of the mansion. It measured 2-t ft. 3 in., and the other is only a trifle shorter. They suffered severely during the past winter, the tips of all the shoots being killed, but they are now one mass of green, being studded over with young shoots. — Jons C. TallACK, Prideaiix Plan', Padstan: Spiraea Lindleyana. — This fine shrub deserves all that is said of it (p. 78). Though a native of the Himalayas, it is not such a fastidious subject as regards soil and situation as might be imagined. Here, a clump of it about 10 ft., though growing in an exposed situation and in a soil that is neither deep nor rich, has survived every severe winter during the last thirty years. PLUMBAGO CAPENSIS AND ROSEA. These two beautiful plants are well worth cul- tivating. P. capensis is a greenhouse plant ; the other belongs to the stove. The flowers of both are peculiar in colour; indeed, I know of no other blue flower resembling P. capensis, and the colour of P. rosea is also distinct. The pale blue of P. capensis never fails to attract atten- tion, and rosea would be equally popular were it oftener seen. Both are readily propagated from cuttings put in during any of the spring or summer months. The best are the little side shoots, 2 in. or 3 in. in length. AVhere propagating accommo- dation is not very good, the shoots may be drawn off with a heel, but in the majority of cases any kind of cutting will soon root in a light, sandy mixture, and with a little bottom heat. '\^erj' early in spring warmth must be given , but no w they may be rooted in any close, moist place without bottom heat or being plunged at all. This par- ticularly applies to P. capensis, and P. rosea may o-enerally be rooted in the same box or pot. When once roots are formed the plants are easily managed, and will bear separating and repotting, although not a particle of soil may be attached to the young roots. To have a succession of plants and bloom two batches of cuttings should be rooted in the year ; one early in spring, the other about the present time. The first will produce flowers throughout the autumn, and the latter during winter. Than Plumbago flowers in winter nothing can be more acceptable, and having them at that season alone is ample recompense for any trouble taken in obtaining them. Cuttings of either kind rooted at the present time will produce plants which will flower during the winter. From first to last PALMS OF ELEGANT GROWTH. Taken collectively Palms are in the front rank of plants possessing elegance of growth. They possess a wide variation in form and general character, from the immense spreading leaves of Latanias and Sabals to the tall slender-habited Leo- poldinas, Chamajdoreas, and Geonomas ; although until comparatively recently we had not many in cultivation, our acquaintance with tliem being in a great measure confined to the few examples that were to be met with in the various botanical gardens and in the few private gardens. But within the last thirty years, plants remark- able for their foliage, be it large and bold, or the opposite slender and minutely subdivided, have come as aiuch into favour with cultivators as those which produce handsome flowers. The smaller growing Palms, particularly such species as possess a distinct appearance, have been much sought after. Millions of these smaller growing kinds have been raised, and not a few that naturally attain a considerable size have also been cultivated, for a good many of the larger growing kinds are found so accommodating that they may be kept for a number of years within a manageable size by restricting their growth, which is done by confining the roots in small pots, and keeping them in a low temperature. This latter, even when carried to a far lower point than that of the countries to which they are in- digenous, many Palms seem able to bear to a much greater extent than any other species of plants would. Of this, Latania borbonica is an example, although as its name implies a native of the Isle of Bourbon, and growing to a consider- able size, yet it will not only live, but preserve a fresh, healthy appearance for several years in an ordinary living room, and only in a small pot. _ We have nothing in the whole range of culti- vated plants that by the form of growth and general character give such a beautiful effect when stood on a table in a room, as some of the species of Palms, such, for instance, as Leopol- dina pulclira, better known as Cocos Weddelliana, Chamaidorea graminitolia, C. elegantissima, and Geonoma gracilis, when not too large, say from 12 in. to 21 in. high, varied according to the size 112 THE GARDEN. [July 30, 1881. of the room and other local circumstances. One of these, at least, the Leopoldina — perhaps the most general favourite, though only on account of its being better known than the others — will live and retain its fresh, healthy appear- ance through the winter very much cooler than many people suppose it would. I have seen two large .specimens, each some 6 ft. high, after being kept through the whole of last winter in a Fern liouae, where the temperature was often down to 45°, did not suffer in the least, and are now growing just as well, but, of course, not so fast as they would if subjected to warmer usage. If this one beautiful species alone will succeed under such conditions it becomes a so much greater acquisition tiian it hitherto has been when confined to warm treatment, with occasionally doing duty on the dinner table whilst in a small state. If even these elegant Palms will only live for the warmer half of the year in a dwelling house very many people will not grudge the few shillings they cost, and no doubt the great numbers that have in recent years been raised from seed, and which have so much reduced their price, will lead to a still further increase in their production. One thing necessary to keep in view with these and most other plants, when sub- mitted to cooler quarters for any length of time than they absolutely like is to bo rather under than over potted. When soil is limited, the roots of heat-loving plants are in- variably less liable to suffer through cold than if in a larger quantity of soil; and though from their nature, in being mostly moisture-loving subjects, tliey will not do to have the earth ever allowed to become dry, still when in cool quarters they must by no means be over watered. Another matter of importance is'notonany'accounttoplace the plants in a draught ; this is fatal to not a few room plants. Througli adisposition to benefit them through fresh air, they are frequently subject to a current near an open window. Such treatment often ends in killing them. A. Z. Qlaziova bauhiniopsis, a climbing plant in one of the stoves in the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, w-ould be as good, if not better, than Ficus repens or mimina for covering walls. Its foliage is very pretty, and the plant forms discs which cling to the smoothest surface.— C. JI. Tuberoses under Cool Treatment.— When I make up a hot bed for half hardy and tender annuals, say the beginning of April, I pot my Tuberoses in r^ in. pots and plunge them in Cocoa-nut fibre refuse on the top of a portion of the hot bed. Growth soon commences, and hardly any water is required till the young leaves are 2 in. or 3 in. long, when 1 give a good soaking and never again allow them to approach the dry state ; until the beginning of June they have the same treatment as regards air and warmth that tlie other things in the hot bed receive, after that time they are exposed day and night ; they get the sun all day and have plentiful waterings" over- head to keep down insects, and maintain tlie plunging material and surroundings cool and moist. Under this treatment they grow dwarf and sturdy with ample foliage, instead of beinc leggj-, weak, and co\ered with green fly, as I ha\e seen them when grown in a gi-eenhous"e. To-day July 21)one is all but in bloom and the others ail .showing their bloom spikes. I grow the variety called " Pearl.''— S. L. Boubchibr, Great Croshi near Liverpool. SEASONABLE WORK. Conservatory -With an aljundanco of frcc-Krowintr plants including Lilium.s, Fndisias, Knl.isaiitlies .\,-|ii inenes, Pelargoniums, and tuberous nrLcmiias witli a few graceful foliage plants rising above tlu-.n tliis house niav he kept very gay for some eonsideiahle lime ; indeed, with suitable strueturesateumi,Kuid,thet!eg„niasand(ieraiiiuins inay he had in bloom nearly all the year r.mnd, and under r^edP^hf ""!"'?'."."' '"'J'" **="''" S"l'J"'ts may he suc- ceeded by early batches of Primulas, Cinerarias, and other r,artfl1h'j;i' ■?'""'" ,V"S^' ''"^"s''' i" "f-'Iit rich Soil and To seeui e tine plants they should bcpotted on before the roots become hound, and a pit or frame facing the north will suit them better than a sunny aspect where shading is necessary. Salvia splendens, the old Chrysanthemum frutescens, still one of the best, and Eupatoriums now- growing in the reserve borders will require copious watering and syringing after the sun is olf them. Tree carnations will now be ready for the final shift into blooming pots of moderate size. The soil for these should he carefully liand- picked to free it from wire worm, and an open but slieltered situation in the open air where they can be ]ilui]ged to the rim in ashes, while securingthem from earthwi.injs, willalso induce the formation of short jointed sturdy growths from which good flowers may be e-xpeeted. Another sowing of Jlignonette must he made, and plants from former sowings shifted on will lie found useful through the early part of tlie winter. The lights in this structure may now remain o]ten by night ami day, and good syringing where water can he applied without injury to the flowers will tend to health, cleanliness, and freedom from insects. W. CoLK.MAN. THE GARDEN FLORA: PLATE f 'OXCV. — IRIS EETICULATA (XIPHION KETICULATUM) OR NETTED IKIS. TiiLS little bulbous Iris has long been known in our gardens, having been introduced apparently about 1821 ; but it is only within the la,st few years that it has been widely grown, and even now deserves to be more abundantly cultivated than it is. Its name was given to it on account of the peculiar netted structure of the outer tunic of the bulb. The plant illustrates in an interesting manner how a genus in its several species adapts itself to varying circumstances. In the structure of its flower and in the main characters of its bulb it is exceedingly like the Spanish Iris (Iris Xiphion, Xiphion vulgare) ; it is indeed a true Xiphion. But while the Spani-sli Iris flowers at midsummer, this little relative has, like the Oocus, learnt to flower in the earliest daj-s of spring, or indeed in the latter days of winter, and its features have become modified in accordance with its new habits. While the snow is still on the ground, in January, or even earlier, the leaves begin to shoot, and while these are only a few inches high, the bud opens out to the pale winfry sun its beauty of violet and gold. The leaves are singular in beino- four-angled, like those of Iris tuberosa, to which, however, it is by no means closely related. After the flower has faded the erect narrow leaves grow apace, attaining 1 ft. or more in height, and, as in the Crocus, the ripe ovary is in due time thrust upwards from the soil. This little treasure is indeed the Iris companion of the Crocuses, and those who have seen large clumps of it growing in some sheltered, but sunny, spot in the bright but gusty days of February or March, may well wi.sh for the time when its netted bulbs' shall be as plentiful as the Crocus corms. Two very distinct forms are known. One, the typical form depicted in the plate, may be recognised by its deep dark violet colour, and the brightness of the yellow mark on the blade of the fall ; tlie tube, moreover, of the flower always shows out above the spathe valves. This is the kind originally described by liieberstein, and comes to us from some parts of the ( 'aucastis and from Palestine. The other form is the one known as the variety Krelagei, attention having first been called to it by the well-known horticulturist, Krelage. It may be recognised by its flowers being of a purple or plum colour, with the yellow marking less vivid, the tube rising but little or not at all above the spathe valves, and the whole flower smaller, with the divisions of the perianth shorter and broader. This kind seems to be more abundant than the typical one, and is represented in many of theillustrations as Iris reticulata. It is the form which is common in the Caucasus, the Transcaucasus, and Persia. As far as my experience goes, this kind is the one most frequently supplied by Dutch and German firms. It is a matter of some little importance from a gardening point of view to distinguish between the type and its variety, for the former is not only far more beaut if ul than the latter — its deep dark violet and lustrous yellcw producing an exquisite effect, a long way surpassing the duller purple of Krelagei — but it posses.ses a delightful violet fragrance which the latter is absolutely without. I hear that in the Caucasus this little Iris has been found sporting in colours, and it is worthy of note that liieberstein in his original description of it speaks of the flower as being as large as that of Iris Xiphion. All the examples I liave hitherto seen have been dis- tinctly smaller than the ordinary specimens of the Spanish Iris, but it is possible that a large- flowered variety exists. In any case collectors would do -nell to .search for new supplies of this delightful bulb from new quarters. Culture and Position.— Concerning its culture very little need be said. It is absolutely hardy, and may be planted wherever the Crocus is planted. A slieltered spot is, however, advisable, in order that its tall narrow leaves may, after flowering is over, flourish protected from the wind— a spot sheltered, but sunn v. It flourishes in sandy .soil ; it thrives in peat, which is dry and warm in summer; it does well in common garden ground ; and I know a gentleman with whom it takes kindly to in a stiff heavy clay, so that it does not seem particular about soil. Sometimes, however, it turns awkward, and refuses to giow, and in damp places the bulbs wUl rot in summer. Since the flowers come before the leaves grow tall it makes a good pot plant, and a well grown clump of the fragrant sort is a charming addition to the Christmas table. Some care, however, is needed to make it bloom more than one year in pots, and I would advise those who cannot give it the requisite attention to harden off the pot plant when it has flowered and plant it in the open, seeking a fresh supply for the next winter from some older clump, or from bought bulbs. F. [Our plate is from a drawing of a plant that has grown for years in Mr. llobert Parker's nursery at Tooting in the open border, the soil being a sandy loam. In this position it flowers every spring as regularly as a Crocus.] AKGEMONE AND OTHER FLOWERS. You mention that Argemone grandiflora is said to be a true perennial, but that you have not seen it live more than a year. I have now in my garden here a plant which I raised from seed in the spring of 1880. It grew and flowered in a pot, and I kept it in a cold frame during the winter. I planted it out in the open border in the spring of this year, and it is now showing bloom. I .should mention that two other plants grown and left in the open ground perished in the winter. As my plant kept in a cold frame survived, it is possible that in some soils and' localities it would live out-of-doors. I think it is a striking and handsome plant, the foliage being very beautiful, and the blossom somewhat suggestive of Anemone Honorine Joubert, but of a more delicate texture. Another plant which I raised from seed last year, and which survived the winter in the open ground, is Gaillardia Loselli, which is now just opening its handsome blooms. Cam- panulas do well here, too. A tiny plant I ob- tained from Jlessrs. Clibran in the spring of 1880 of a kind called bj- them turbinata Hendersoni now covers a large space on a little rocker}', and has been for some weeks past a- mass of large French grey blooms. Lilium auratum bloomed in the open border with me early this month, and Lilium longiflorum is just over. IlrU-ton. Walter J. Todd. — ~^£ IRIS RETTCULAn:'p 1 s July 30, 1881.J THE GARDEN. 113 THE FRUIT CROPS. JIETKOrOLITAN AND SOUTH-EASTERN DIVISION. Aldermaston Court. — Fmit prospects now, compared with those of spring, when every tree was covered from top to bottom with blossom, ire somewhat disappointing, especially as regards Apples, I'cars, and Plums. True, some trees ; especially Apples) are bearing full crops, but in manv instances that is not the case. Small fruits ire very abundant and fine in quality. Currants I't various sorts are excellent. Raspberries and Strawberries are smaller than usual on light soil, the dry hot weather having been almost too much for them. Apricots are rather a light crop, but lean. A good protection for these is Heather (of which we have abundance), pulled up, cut into convenient lengths, and fixed in tlie form of very small bunches behind the wires all over the tree, letting the tops spread over the fruit-buds ; the operation is safest done before the buds are open, as they are not then so readih' knocked off. AVe leave this covering on till the leaves afford sufficient protection for the young fruit. We have ceased to grow Teaches out-of-doors ; their room, we hope, will be better occupied by some good cordon Fears lately planted. Walnuts are a heavy crop in most places. — Alexander Galt. Bridge Castle, Tunbridge Wells.— Apricots of some kinds are a full crop ; Apples an excellent crop; Pears quite an average one; Peaches not quite up to the mark; Nuts excellent; Strawberries plentiful and good ; Easpberries good — best in the shade : Cherries quite an average crop ; Plums, some trees full, others not so : Figs scarce, trees suffered during the winter ; Currants very good. On the whole it may be said to be a good fruit year, the very dry spring having been favourable to the blossom setting. AVe are 400 ft. above sea level, and so escape spring and autumn frosts. — JosEni PiUST. Cobham Hal], Qravesend. — Among f\pples, Keswick and Alanks Codlin are heavy .•rops. Cellini Pippins are of the best of bearers, a fair crop ; other sorts average. Apricots, half a crop, but there are not manj- grown in this nei.ghbourhood.; Clierries, con.sisting of May Duke, Flemish, Kentish, and jMorello, are fair crops ; most other sorts not an average crop. Currants are a fair crop, both Black, Eed, and White, but I am afraid that a great many of the Black Naples will drop if we don't have rain shortly. Nuts are a fair crop. Strawberries, a good crop, but soon over. Most of the land about here is either chalk or gravel, which requires a good shower of rain every week to prolong the gather- ing season. Peaches and Nectarines are good crops, but not much grown about here. Pears are a fair crop in most places, but far short of what one would ha\e expected from the great quantity of blossom the trees bore. Plums, consisting of Green Gage, Prince of Wales, and A'^ictorias, are a full crop ; other sorts rather under the average. — Fred. Dewsberry. Canon Hill, Maidenhead.— Peaches and Nectarines are a good crop; Apricots, half a crop; Apples, plentiful ; Pears and Plums, good crops: Cherries (both kinds), good; Strawberries, good, but, owing to the drought and our light gravelly soil, were not long in season; Easp- berries, very good. Bush fruits of all kinds are extremely plentiful. Filberts, above the average ; Figs, scarce. Our choicest fruits are protected in spring by means of canvas blinds, to the use of which I mainly attribute the crops we get. — Henry E. Gribble. Coombe, Kingston. — Apples are a good crop. Pears aluiut half a crop, but promise to be very fine. Of Plums we have none at all. Cherries about half a crop ; Frogmore, Early Bigarreau, and Governor Wood do the best. Peaches and Apri- cots very heavy crops. Strawberries only two- thirds of crop, and very soon over. Eed, AVhite and Black Currants good crops. Easpberries a thin crop and small. Gooseberries a thin crop, Init no caterpillar. Soil a sandy clay ; no lime in it. Rhododendrons thrive well here in the com- mon garden soil. Our gardens are well sheltered from "the north and east, and we have abundance of water in the subsoil. — AV. Denning. Albury, Guildford. — Of Apricots we have about half a crop ; Apples, an average crop ; such kinds as King of the Pippins, Blenheim Orange, Scarlet Nonpareil, Juneating, Lord Suffield, Pearmain, Manks Codlin, Hawthornden, Baldwin, Besspool, Court of AVick, and Irish Peach are all heavily cropped ; Pears are a fair crop ; Plums and Cherries an average crop ; Peaches and Nectarines, both in and out of the houses, good ; wall trees, suffering from the dry weather"; Gooseberries, Black, Eed, and AVhite Currants, very heavy crops; Strawberries, con- sisting of such kinds as Keen's Seedling, Sir J. Paxton, President, British Queen, Frogmore Late Pine, Hyatt's Eliza, Carolina Superba, all very good ; r>aspberries are a good crop, but want rain; AValnuts, Filberts, and Cobs very thin.— AViLLiAJi Kemp. Strathfleldsaye, Wiu chfield.— Apples here are a fair crop, and promise to be finer than in ordinai-y years. Our soil being exceedingly heavy, we only get first-rate Apples in seasons when we have a period of hot dry weather. Kes- wick Codlin, Duchess of Oldenburg, King of the Pippins, AVellington, Northern Greening, and Cox's Orange Pippin are by far the most certain bearers, and probably among tlie very best for heavy soils. Pears bloomed profusely and gave promise of a full crop until April 21, when we had 11° of frost, which utterly destroyed the bloom on standards. AVe have, however, a fair crop on walls, where they were protected by Bracken fronds and Yew boughs. Althorpe Crassane, AVilliams' Bon Chretien, Marie Louise, and Doyenne d'Esperen seem to suffer less from frost when in bloom than most others. Peaches and Nectarines are a full crop where protected with canvas screens ; Apricots are plentiful, but unfortunately many branches full of fruit have lately died; Plums and Cherries are thin, al- though they bloomed profusely, and seem to have set well ; Gooseberries, Easpberries, and Currants have been very fine crops, with quality much above the average. Strawberries gave promise of a large crop, but the intense heat which has so long prevailed fairly dried up all but the earliest fruit. — J AS. BELL. Easthampstead Park.— In consequence of a sharp frost (7^) which we had on the 11th of May, our fruit crops are all under average except Currants. There is a thin sprinkling of Apples on trees such as Keswick Codlin, Court Pendu Plat, Hawthornden, Golden Noble, and Cox's Pomona. Apricots never do well here. Chen-ies, too, are thin. Gooseberries were good until cut up by the frost. Nectarines and Peaches are never worth the labour bestowed on them on open walls, but under glass they are a very heavy crop. Pears were destroyed by the frost in May. Plums are a thin crop ; AVashington and Green Gage are the best. Easpberries and Strawberries also suffered, and now the intense heat has made the crop a short one. The thermometer has stood at 80° in the shade, and 1 1 2° on a hedge i ft. above the ground— not against a wall, which gi\-es a false maximum. Potatoes, up to this date, could not be more promising, but they are now drying up like the rest of vegetation. Our soil is poor, on a deep bed of clay. AVe do not have much natural pro- tection, consequently spring frosts are destructive in our locality.— N. Sinclair. Highclere. — Currants, Gooseberries, and Easpberries plentiful ; Strawberries extra fine- President, Sir Joseph Paxton, and A'icomtesse Hericart de Thury are good trustworthy sorts here ; Apples, heavy crops— Blenheim Orange, Hawthornden, Norfolk Beaufin, Newtown Pippin, King of the Pippins, Keswick Codlin, and Golden Pippin do well with us ; of Pears, some sorts, such as Passe Colmar, Beurre d'Amanlis, Marie Louise, Jargonelle, Williams' Bon Chretien, Beurre de Capiaumont, AVinter Nolis, Bergamot d'Esperen, and Easter Beurre are bearing abundant crops ; of Plums we have very few — Early Prolific and Denyer's A''ictoria are the best here this season ; of Peaches and Apricots we have not many outside— our Peach trees have suffered much from the frost of the past two winters ; Cherries here are partial crops ; Figs, not many- the young wood was very much injured by the frost of last winter. The greatest portion of the above are growing in heavy soil on a sub- stratum of clay.— S. Ito.ss. Idsworth, Horndean. — Fruit prospects were never brighter than last spring, but the severe east winds, coupled with drought and frosty nights, were more than the tender blooms could bear. Of Apples we have scarcely an average crop. The Codlin varieties still do best, such as Lord Suftield, Manks, and Keswick. AVe have good crops of Deux Ans, and fair sprinklings of Wellington. Pears will not be half a crop; sorts that are doing best are Duohesse d'Angouleme, Knight's Mona'-ch, Beurre d'Arcmberg, Gloii Morceau, Ne Plu. 'leuris, Hacon's Incomparable, Due de Orleans, md AVilliams' Bon Chretien. Marijchal de la Cour is fruiting thinly this season, the first time for four years. Of Cherries we have very good crops, especially on standard trees. Plums, not half a crop ; the best are Green Gage, Red Gage, Coe's Golden Drop, and A''ictorias. Damsons will be an average crop. Figs, almost none ; the bearing wood suffered severely last winter. Raspberries are a good crop, but the continued heat and drought tell against them. Gooseberries are a good crop, but it has been one continued battle with the caterpillars ; where the latter have not been kept under the trees are entirely defoliated. Soot and lime helps to keep them down if put on early enough, but hand-picking and Hellebore powder are the most effectual remedies. Currants of all kinds are good crops. Quinces and Medlars the same. Filberts and other Nuts thin ; AVal- nuts vary— periiaps half a crop. As regards pro- tection, wo don't use any; the gardens are tolerably well protected by plantations, and, being 300 ft. above the sea, generally escape late frosts. The worst thing with which we have to contend is the soil, which is mostly clay and flints, resting on chalk. It takes years to get it into a workable condition. A^egetables generally do fairly well when once started, but frnit trees canker very much, and look quite venerable with Moss. I may state that Apricots are not much grown in this part, and Peaches and Nectarines do best under glass, but this season there are some good crops of Peaches and Nectarines out- of-doors in the neighbourhood.— N. Fuller. Shardeloes, Amersham. — Of Peaches and Nectarines we have fine crops, the best we have had for years, and the trees generally look remarkably well ; Pears are a grand crop ; Apricots are very poor here, tlie Moor Park kind losing its branches so continually ; Plums are not so plentiful as in some years, but generally a fair average crop ; Figs were much injured by the late severe winter ; although thickly covered with furze, we have only a few, but the trees are gradually improving. AVe always cover our Peaches and Nectarines with nets during the spring, and Apricots with Beech boughs. Cherries on walls a fine crop'; in the orchard, which lies in a hollow, scarcely any, but on the hills there is a fine crop generally ; Apples more plentiful on high ground than in the valleys ; bush fruit of all sorts very fine, and Strawberries remarkably good and plentiful ; Filberts also are a fine crop ; AValnuts, like the Apples good, only on the hills. The character of the soil is generally light, with a great deal of flint in it. AVe find the Eoyal George Peach as useful as any, and Noblesse and AValburton Admirable the best for late crops.- Tiio.s. Bailey. Southgate, Middlesex.— The fruit crops in this neighbourhood collectively are better this season than they were last and the preceding years, but again are far from good, especially Apples, which are much below an average ; many 114 THE GARDEN. [July 30, 1881. of the dessert varieties that are held most in favour are more partial in cropping this year than I recollect to have seen them ; In a few places they are bearing fairly, but in the majority of gardens all but a failure, the kinds that have anything approaching a crop being the hardiest culinary sorts, such as Keswick Codlin, Manks Codlin, Lord Suffield, Wellington, Cellini, Ecklin- ville, and Yorkshire Greening. Apricots are nearly a total failure. Peaches much better generally than they were the last two seasons, the fruit looking healthy and promising where the trees receive a fair amount of attention. I'ears are thin generally on standards and espaliers, but better on walls. Plums a moderate crop, mostly confined to the freest bearing sorts like Victoria. Cherries, a fair crop, the fruit fine in most cases. Strawberries, which ordinarily succeed well in this locality, if anywhere, have not yielded more than half what they usually do, and w^ere very soon over. Kaspberrics, a fair crop generally. Gooseberries and Currants sufficient, and fine in quality. Nuts, not many grown, but where they do exist mostly very thin. — T. IlAINES. (SOUTH MIDLAND DIVISION. Mentmore. — Apples and Pears in low-lying orchards are almost a failure, while on higher ground they are abundant. Small fruits have been an excellent crop, but mostly small. Of Walnuts we have none on trees in a southern ex- posure, while on trees exposed to the north there is a very fine crop, the bunches of fruit consisting of as many as .sixteen and seventeen in a cluster. Filberts are a fine crop. Plums and Damsons are grown extensively in this neighbourhood ; in some orchards they are almost a failure, in others a fine crop ; many are now falling off owing to the heat and dry weather. Wherever the trees are shel- tered from the east winds eitlier by large Elms or higher ground the crops are invariably good. About hall! the gardens here are something like 600 ft. above sea level, theotlier half from 450 ft. to 500 ft. All our trees on the higher ground are bearing good and fine crops, while on the lower parts the crops are almost a failure, owing to east winds and spring frost and damp. It would be interesting to know if other districts are affected in the same manner. Here the effect of cultiva- tion is most marked. — jAiiES Smith. Moor Park, Rickmansworth.— Apples liere on mi:ist trees are a fair crop ; on others a heavy ornp. Pears on walls a full crop ; on pyra- mids and trained trees partial. Apricots on all established trees are heavy crops. Plums under the average ; few trees heavily cropped. Damsons good. Peaches and Nectarines fair. Strawberries abundant and fine, as are also Cherries. Goose- berries and Currants heavy crops. Ilaspberries plentiful, but fruit small. — J. C. jVIUNDELL. Wycombe Abbey. — With the exception of Apricots, all kinds of fruit here are plentiful, and such as have reached maturity are excellent in quality. In the way of Apples for culinary purposes, the sorts we select for coming into use at the earliest period comprise those belonging to the Codlin section, and include the Old Keswick and the newer variety White Transparent, Lord Suifield and its compeer Lord Grosvenor. As a successional crop to these we prefer out of numero\is other kinds. Lord Derby, Emperor Alexander, llound Winter Nonsuch, Ecklinville Seedling, Peasgood Nonsuch, New Hawthornden, Golden Noble, il&ve do Menage, Beauty of Kent, Nelson's Glory, while for the latest and longest keepers we select Kentish Fillbasket, Alfriston, Rosemary llussct, and Annie Elizabeth. These, with ISringowood Pippin and Wellington, the two latest and best keepins witli which I am acquain- ted, constitute varieties fit for any garden. Amongst dessert sorts, the old Red Quarrenden and the White and Red Juneating and the newer sort, Worcester Pearmain, which comes in at the same season, are the most useful as early kinds. For subsequent periods, in point of quality no kinds surpass the Eibston Pippin, Margil,Cox'sOrangeand Kerry Pippins, and Blenheim Orange, and for a long keeper Cockle's Pippin is unrivalled in this section ; and other kinds, as the Golden Russet, Claygate, and Adams' Pearmain, King of the Pippins, Court Pendu Plat, Sturmer, and Fearn's Pippins, may be noticed as being in general good and excellent .sorts. Our markets are so abundantly supplied with American Apples now as to demand the attention of English growers as to whether or not those kinds which yield an early supply are not likely in the future to be most profitable. If so, large early kinds as those ^ust enumerated should predominate extensively amongst the many delicious kinds of Pears which we possess. It may not be out of place here to point out such sterling kinds for cultivation on walls as Louise Bonne of Jersey, JIarie Louise, Pitmaston and Duchesse d'Angou- leme. Doyenne du Comice, and Van iMons Leon le Clerc. These varieties should be planted propor- tionally more extensively than most other kinds, the best of which here include WiUiams' Ijon Clu'ctien, Beurre de Capiaumont, B. Eance. B. Boso, Fondante d'Automne, Winter Nelis, Glou Morceau, Beurre Bachelier, Passe Colmar, Knight's Monarch, and Josephine de Malines. In connec- tion with out-of-door fruits, it may not bo amiss to record the fact that we have this day (July IS) gathered fruit of Early Beatrice Peach in good condition here.— G. T. Miles. Dropmore. — Apples here are a very heavy crop; Peaches and Nect.arines, light ; Strawberries, Currants, Gooseberries, and Plums, hea\y crops ; Apricots and Pears, light ; Cherries (in places), good ; Walnuts, very good ; Raspberries, good ; Nuts, light. Taking crops in general, tliey are the best we have had for many seasons. Apiiles very heavy, the branches already breaking down with the weight of fruit. The Potato crop never looked better, not tlic least disease being a2iparent, and they are yield- ing well. The soil here is chiefly light, the sub- soil a rock of red gravel, and in some districts chalk abound.s, cropping out quite at tlie surface. —P. Fkost. Panshanger. — Fruit crops here and in the surrounding neighbourliood arc generally good, with the exception of Apricots and Pears. Apri- cots are thin, owing to the deficiency of bloom, the result of unripened wood. The trees are, however, now making fine healthy growth, and promise to recover themselves. Pears when in bloom were much injured by frost, consequently they are only a partial crop. Apples, Plums, and Cherries are good, but Cherries are rather small. GoosebeiTies and other bush fruits are bearing heav}- and fine crops. Strawberries abundant and excellent, but their season w-as short, owing to the hot weather and our light gravelly soil. Potato crops, both early and late, are looking well ; the earlier sorts, which we are lifting for present use, are excellent as regards quantity, size, and quality, and we have not yet seen any symptoms of disease. — RICHARD RuFFETT. thin, and the trees arc not making satisfactory growth ; crops are abundant under glass without any heating power whatever. Of Cherries we have now small fruits moderately good, but not heavy crops. Strawberries suffered much in the winter, some of the kinds being entirely killed. Raspberries are better than they have been for several years. Cobnuts are .scarce ; Walnuts plentiful. This is a Walnut-growing locality. Potatoes, I am glad to say, are looking remarkably well this season, and, as yet, quite free from disease.— Geoege BEECH. Blenheim, Oxon. — Fruit pro.spects are better this year than they have been for at least four seasons, though not nearly so good as we were at one time led to expect at the flowering period. The best bearing Apples are Stirling Ca.stle, Ecklinville, Hawthornden, Keswick, Lord Suffield, Cellini, Cox's Orange, Kerry Pippin, Dumelow's Seedling,and Blenheim Pippin. Pears— amongst the best are Pitmaston Duchess, Glou Morceau, Jargonelle, Bon Chretien, Marie Louise, and Beurre d'Amanlis. Peaches and Nectarines a fair crop, but trees suffering from spider an.l drouglit ; Apricots, where protected by Parham's glass wall coping and three thicknesses of herring netting, have a fine crop ; the trees are very healthy, and there are few dying branches, but where not protected, there are no fruit, and many large branches dying. Is not this protection of the young foliage during the months of April and May an antidote for this disease ? Plums (Damsons excepted) have good crops ; Cherries, quite an average crop, Morellos on standards being especially so ; Strawberries promised an immense crop, but after one gather- ing the fruits shrivelled from the intense heat and drought. Filberts and Walnuts are heavy crops ; bu.sh fruits, abundant and good. Our soil is a brashy limestone.— William Chump. Burghley. — Of Peaches we have a first rate crop, and the same may be said of Nectarines, and the trees are healthy ; Pears are scarcely an average crop, but the fruit is good and clean; Apples are a better crop than we have had for years past ; of Plums we have scarcely anj'. Green Gages are the best crop ; no Victorias ; of Figs we have none whatever, the trees were killed last winter ; Strawberries are an enormous crop, and Gooseberries and Currants are abundant ; Quinces and Medlars both under average. — K. Gilbert. Castle Aehby. — Fruit crops in this neigh- bourhood arc again as inferior as last year with a few exceptions. There is almost a total absence of Apples ; the trees were well bloomed this year, and promised at one time to yield satisfactorj' crops, but the blooms were destro.yed by the frost, which set in just as they opened. Of Pears there are a few on walls, also on pyramids and espaliers; the kinds most prolific are, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Williams' Bon Chretien, Gratioli of Jersey, Summer Beurre d'Aremburg, Zephirin Gregoire, and BeuiTe de Capiaumont ; these gener- ally produce an average crop. Of Plums we have a moderate sprinkling on the walls, but none at all on standards. '\Ve have only a few dozen Apricots ; although well covered during blooming time, we lost the veiy scanty crop of bloom which they bore. The trees are not at all in a _satis- factory state of health ; they are now just beginning to grow out of the apparent para- lytic condition brought about by the excessively cold winter. I fear there are many similar cases to our own in other gardens, especially as regards Apricots. Peaches and Nectarines on the walls WEST MIDLAND DIVISION. Tort'Wortll Cou rt. — I never remember seeing the Peach and Nectarine crop so promising as this year. Thetreesareperfectas regards health, and are swelling off a very heavy crop, after much labour being expended in thinning, and all this without the slightest protection at any time, cither in the shape of coping or covering. Apricots also are fine ; old trees that have not borne a fruit for years are now carrying a fair average crop. They were not protected, and are apparently free from gum- ming this year. Cherries are abundant and fine, both on walls and pyramids. Morellos suffered somewhat early in the season from black fly, but they are free from it now, and are bearing a full average crop. Figs. — Trees grown as bushes were killed by the severe winter, but those on walls stood better, and are now showing a few fruits, but of little value. I'ears on walls are abundant, irrespective of sorts and position. All alike are loaded with fruit ; that on pyramids, however, is very partial. Plums are quite an average crop and good, particularly tlae season standards. Apples are very scarce; indeed, much more so than last year. Cider fruit also is scarce ; the trees bloomed well, but the blossoms dropped off. Strawberries are abundant, and good both in quality and quantity. Raspberries are also abundant and good. Red and Black Currants are very much over the average, and finishing grandly. Gooseberries very abundant and very fine. The caterpillar attacked the trees in strong force, but with timely hand-pickings we have again saved our fruit and bushes. Medlars are I July 30, 1881.1 THE GAEDEN. 115 plentiful, but good Quinces scarce. Filberts, Cob- nuts, and Walnuts are full average crops. Totatoes of all kinds are very promising every way, and there are no signs of disease at present. — Thomas Shingles. Witley Court. — In this neighbourhood a few isolated orchards may be found bearing average crops when sheltered, but this is by no means general, and the loss of the Apple crop is of serious importance in localities like this wliere Apples are largely grown, and where so many mainly depend on them for subsistence. Many of the orchards show unmistakable signs of hav- ing been crippled by the recent severe winters, and doubtless from this exhaustion failures ha\e arisen more than from actual ft-ost. The bloom, though plentiful, was weak, and excessive flori- ferousness is by no means a sure precursor of an abundant yield of fruit. Apples which are bear- ing moderate crops are tlie Ecklinville, Malster, King of the Pippins, Baxter's Seedling, Kerry Pippin, Scarlet Pearmain, and Sum- mer Golden Pippin. Pears bloomed but irregu- larly, some sorts profusely, whilst others but thinly, and the crop is a very small one. Upon walls Marie Louise carries by far the heaviest crop, and also in the form of standards or bushes, Williams' Bon Chretien is the heaviest cropped. Pitmaston Duchess is also bearing well. Huyshe's Victoria, Marechal de la C'our, Beurre Hardy, Passe Colmar, Beurre Bosc, Bergamot d'Esperen, and Seckel are amongst the heaviest cropped I'ears. Cherries are a very partial crop ; in some orchards they are fairly good, whilst in others there are hardly any. The Kentish and Morello are both bearing hea^y crops. Plums are generally a moderately good crop— that famous sort Victoria even a heavy crop. Purple Gage, Belgian Purple, Golden Drop, and JeiHer- son are also heavily cropped, and the same remark applies to Damsons. Peaches and Nectarines are heavily cropped, and are making good growth, having suffered less from the weather than during the previous two seasons. Small fruits of all kinds are abundant. Strawberries bore good crops, but they were of short duration, owing to the dry weather. The best sorts were Sir J. Pax- ton, Keen's Seedling, Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, British Queen, Dr. Hogg, President, and Lucas. Gooseberries are carrying heavy crops, and so are Currants of all kinds. Raspberries are an average crop. ^Valnuts a large crop. Filberts a thin crop. Potato crops are looking well, and, so far, are free from disease. — Geo. Westlaxd. Madresfield Court. - The sharp frost on the 10th May did great damage to fruit crops in all low-lying districts. Apples, which bloomed well, are not more than one-fourth of a crop. Pears seem to have escaped better, and in many places are abundant, particularly on walls. Of Apricots there are but few fruit. Peaches and Nectarines are generally good hereabouts. Plums and Damsons verj' partial, many large planta- tions being comparatively barren, while in others the trees are heavily laden ; wall trees showed but little bloom, and the crop is, in consequence, ver_y short. Cherries are fairly good : Morellos on walls a heavy crop. Figs were nearly all killed to the ground by the severe frost of last winter. Bush fruits, such as Currants, Gooseberries, and Rasp- berries, are clean and abundant. Strawberries, a short crop, being much injured by frost in Jlay. Of Nuts and Filberts we have very few, and 'Walnuts none. Potato crops extremely healthy, and should the present fine weather continue, a large proportion of early kinds will be housed in good condition. — ■William Cox. Eastnor Castle.— Owing to the long pre- valence of east winds and severe spring frosts which continued up to the 9tli of June, when we registered i°, the better kinds of fruit are by no means plentiful in this district. Apples, at one time promising, are partial. Keswick Codlin, Lord Suffield, Lord Grosvenor (a kind whicli never fails), Golden AVhite Pearmain, Hawthorn- den, and Emperor Alexander are carrying heavy crops. Kentish Beauty (a useful kitchen Apple), Irish Peacli, and Herefordshiie Pearmain arc also fairly good. Pears on walls are a fair crop. Marie Louise, Pitmaston Duchesse, Williams' Bon Chretien, Knight's Monarch, Passe Colmar, and Josephine de Malines are perhaps the best. Bushes and standards are a failure. Apricots on cottage walls and in some gardens are a fair crop. I'lums, at one time very promising, are a thin crop. The Pershore, of which many thousands are grown in this and the adjoining county of Worcester, are a failure. Dessert kinds seem to have suffered as much on walls as they have on standards. Prince of Wales, Drap d'Or, and Victoria on north walls are fairly good. Cherries on walls are a good half crop, and fine in quality. Morellos much blighted, and trees not looking well. Peaches and Nectarines, a full crop, and the trees are clean and healthy. Belle- garde, Barrington, Violette Hative, Royal George, Alexandra Noblesse, Stirling Castle, Grosse Mignonne, and tfulbampstead require much thin- ning. Early Louise will be first to ripen. Cm'- rants and Gooseberries, plentiful ; Raspberries, a fair crop of good fruit. Strawberries, a good a\'erage crop of fine quality. Vicomtesse Heri- cart de Thuiy, Sir Joseph I'axton, and President have been very good, but the latter suffers so much from mildew both indoors and in the open ground that we think of reducing our stock. For late crops Oxonian and the old Elton Pine are unsurpassed. The last named is still one of the best for preserving. Nuts and Figs are a failure. Many fine trees of Brown Turkey and the hardy old Brunswick, although well protected on good walls, have been killed to the ground. Walnuts in good situations are an abundant crop. Potatoes. — Up to the present date Potatoes, both early and late, are looking all that can be desired, and quite free from disease. Perhaps a little more rain might have improved the yield, but the quality being so good we are hopeful that the best Potato harvest of the last seven years is now approaching. For early use we grow Veitch's Asbleaf and Mona's Pride, Schoolmaster and Lap- stone for successicn. Champion for use after Christmas, and Magnum Bonum, which eats well off the limestone brash, carries us to the end of the season. — W. Coleman. Blithfleld, Rugeley. — Fruit crops are very fine here this season. Tlie dry weather suits our soil, wl>ich is Iieavy with maily subsoil. Dr. Hogg, British Queen, and Keen's Seedling Straw- berries are very fine, and I consider them the best sorts for this neighbourhood. Pears and Apples are looking very promising. Apricots are scarce in the gardens here, but plentiful on the ends of the cottages in this locality, and fruit and vege- tables are looking better here than they have for twenty j'ears. — Thos. Bannermas. Alton Towers. — Crops of all kinds are generally good in this locality, especially small fruits. Strawberries are abundant and very fine ; Gooseberries, Currants, and Raspberries the same. Damsons and other Plums plentiful. Apples, a good crop, but Pears only an average one. Nuts, under the average ; Peaches very good ; Apricots, fairly good ; Cherries, abundant and good ; Bil- berries, in the woods, abundant and remarkably fine. Potatoes, early and late, never looked better ; there is no trace whatever of disease in early sorts which we have been digging for daily use.— T. H. Rabone. Kingscote Park, Gloucester. — Apples here are an average crop ; Pears rather under the average, but both trees and fruit look healthy. Plums are an average crop, and so are Peaches. Cherries, an average crop. Figs are tolerably good here, but very few are grown in the neigh- bourhood. Strawberries have been over the average, and very fine. Raspberries are a good average crop, and the same may be said of both Black and Red Currants ; and Gooseberries are an abundant crop, but the caterpillars liave been very destructive. It is also troublesome among the Red Currants. Our soil here is of a light character, resting on the rock. — Samuel Wathen. I Attingham, Shrewsbury.— Apples are very thin, except Pearmain, Keswick Codlin, Haw- thornden, and Norfolk Beefing, which are bearing average crops. Apricots are under the average, except the Kaisha. which is bearing a full crop. Moor Park was much injured by the severe winter, which killed most of the fruit buds. Figs were killed to the ground. Pears are also thin ; the best are Marie Louise, Beurre de Capiaumont, Sec- kle, and Duchesse d'Angouleme. I'lums and Dam- sons are thin; in some cases Victoria is a full crop. Morello Cherries arc a good crop ; other kinds under the average. Nuts and Walnuts average crops. Gooseberries, Currants, Straw- berries, and Raspberries good crops. The soil in these gardens is a good loam mixed with gravel, well sheltered by a wood on the east side.— Geo. Pearson. NORTH MIDLAND DIVISION. Thoresby, Ollerton.— In .spring tlierc was abundant promise of heavy fruit crops this year. Now Apricots have not borne half a crop ; they were the only trees that did not flower abundantly in spring. Some sorts of Apples are good crops, but many are dropping off. Pears set well, but many when they should begin to swell drop off ; when in flower many of the blooms looked small and weak. Beurr6 Diel, Easter Beurre, Willianrs' Bon Chretien, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Thompson's, Marie Louise, Beurre Superfin, Catinka, Matthews' Eliza, and Beurre d'Aremberg are amongst our most regular cropping sorts. Plums are going to be very scarce. Dessert kinds were full of flower, but quantities never set, and many that did dropped off soon afterwards. Damsons bore little or no bloom. Cherries are plentiful and fine. Strawberries, hea\'y crops and good. Goose- berries, abundant ; also Currants of all kinds ; likewise Raspberries. With the exception of Plums and .Apricots, out-door fruit in this district will be a fair average crop, some orchards being very fine, while others are not so good, though close together. — A. Henderson. Clumber. — All small fruit plentiful and fine. Sweet Cherries excellent ; Morellos plentiful, but small. No Plums nor Nuts. Our Apple orchard is well sheltered and the trees flowered well, but the bloom got killed by late frosts. For several years the trees got badly affected with grubs, and last winter we had all their main stems scraped and dressed with lime, soot, and cow manure. Foliage is now healthy and clean. All standard Pears in the orchard are blank : a few young trees upon walls are carrying half a crop, viz., Easter Beurre, Marie Louise, Marie Louise d'Uccle, Ne Plus Meuris, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Zephirin Gregoire, and Williams' Bon Chretien. Apples on the Paradise stock, planted about six years ago, and gi'own as pyramids, pinched, and trained, wore all beautiful in spring while in flower planted along the borders in the kitchen garden, and the following sorts are fruit- ing freely, viz., Radford Beaut)', King of the Pippins, Bishop's Hero, Downton's Nonpareil, Court Pendu Plat, Sturmer's Pippin, Manks Cod- lin, Ribston Pippin, Sleeping Beauty, Dutch Mignonne, Cox's Pomona, Kirk's Fame, Nonsuch, Normanton Wonder, Lord Suflield, Bedfordshire Foundling, Fearn's Pippin, Golden Noble, Dume- low's Seedling. Upright cordons with from four to six stems, and coming into bearing, consist of Magnum Bonum, Charleston I'ljapin, Colville Blanche, Cellini, Crof ton Scarlet, Northern Green- ing, Claygate Pearmain. Peaches and Nectarines are clean and healthy, and are bearing fair crops. The trees, too, are making an amazing growth. The only difficulty will be to get the wood well ripened "to stand the winter, and the only way to manage that will be to keep the shoots thin and nailed close to the bricks, pinching back all laterals, and stopping all strong growing leading shoots.— J. Miller. Lenton Hall. — Our position is high— equal to the highest point of the town of Nottingham, from which we are distant only two and a half miles. 0\ir orchard is on the clay. We catch all 116 THE GARDEN. the winds that blow, though well protected by a wall of Walnuts on the north-east side. Generally speaking, the fruit crops stand thus : Apples from early summerings to late greenings (even Besspool having a few) are a good fair crop, on some trees a heavy crop ; Tears are a poor crop, scarcely middling ; Plums verj' scarce ; Damsons none : Cherries a fair crop ; Apricots on strong youno- trees on a drj' aspect and wall (as the wall of a cottage or other building, for instance) are a fair crop, older trees none; Teaches none; bush fruit good all through. We escaped the sharp frosts of early May ; Strawberries a good crop, well flavoured ; Raspberries good ; Nuts none. Of Strawberries which do well here Sir Charles Kapior, James Veitch, Eclipse, President, and La Constante are about the best. Sir Charles Napier has cropped abundantly, and swelled off all the lesser flowers well, which such sorts as Keen's Seedling do not do. Looking all round at the fruit crop, I think we shall have nothing to com- plain of, particularly as regards Apples.— N. H. POWNALL. Kingston Hall.— Fruit crops in this neigh- bourhood are better than they have been for these last five years. Small fruits particularly are abundant. Goo.seberries are quite laden with fine fruit; Kaspben-ics the same, especially the Fastolf. Black and lied Currants are fair average crops, but not so large in the berry as we have had them. Strawberries are a good crop; our best are Sir Charles Napier and Vicomtesse Hericart de Thury, Lucas and James Veitch come next ; Wonderful is a first-rate bearer with us, but its shape and colour are rather against it. Apples show a fair yield, particularly the summer varieties Keswick Codlin and Summer Strawberry'; Blenheim Orange is bearing a heavy crop, and the Kentish FiUbasket a fair crop ; Pears are not a heavy crop ; Winter Nelis is our best and surest cropper. The frosts in April did great damage to the Pear bloom. Some trees that were laden have not set a flower. Peaches were much injured by the winters frosts ; therefore, we have but few" fruit. The same may also be said of Plums and Apricots. Our soil is a strong holding clav — J.W. Bayxb. » i- [JuLT 30, 1881. Cole Orton Hall.— As on some sorts of Apples there is a heavy crop, on others verj- few on the whole nearly an average cro)i ; Apricots, a very thin crop in this neighbourhood ; Cherries, a good crop of all kinds ; Strawbemes, abundant and fine in size and quality ; of Peaches and Nectarines we have a great crop, and the trees are very clean • of Tears we ^have very few indeed ; Tlums, not half a crop; Gooseberries and Currants of all sorts and Raspberries are abundant ; Filberts, a full average crop; Walnuts, very few; Fio-s none, the trees being nearly all killed 'by last winter's frost.— MoNTfiojiERY Hendehson. Bloxholm Hall. Sleaford.— Fruit crops in tins neiglibourhuud look better than thev have done for years, although the two past winters have been very destructive to Apricots, Teaches, and Tlums. Apples are a good average crop, and the fruit IS swelling fairly well. Pears are a fairerop on walls and espaliers but thin on bushes pyra- mids, and standards. Apricots are a fair crop where protected, but tlie trees are much injured by the late severe winters. Plums arc a complete failure on walls, bushes, and pyramids. Straw- berries are abundant. Cherries had an abundant show of bloom, but light crops arc the result Peacli and Nectarine trees were very much injured by frost, and crops are light. Gooseberries abundant. Ked and white Currants good • Black Currants not quite an aver.age ; thev s'utfered from one night's frost when in bloom. Rasp- berries are a good average crop. -Walnuts a fair crop. Filberts very thin. Potatoes are doing well; eariv sorts bein^r lifted are turning out clean and souml.— David' LuMs- DEN. Belvoir Castle.-Following two wet, cold, ungenial seasons, with the legacy of succulent growth and unripened wood, great results in fruit growing could not be freely anticipated. Although standard and pyramid fruit trees, on which the greatest care has been expended, have failed, the hardy orchard Apple trees are affording in many instances heavy crops. Standard Kentish Cherries in orchards have also produced great crops, but have ripened prema- turely, owing to prolonged drought. The Apples which are bearing abundantly are Keswick Codlin, Frogmoi-e Prolific, Stirling Castle, Warner's King, Blenheim Orange, King of Pippins, Northern Greening, Betty Gee.son, Golden Noble, and Court of Wick. We have scarcely any fruit on the many pyramid Pears we possess, but trained wall treesa"re more satisfactorj' in fruitfulness. Williams' Bon Chretien, Poire Peche, Warie Louise, Louise Bonne of Jersey, B. Clairgeau, Josephine de Malines, Orphcline d'Enghien, Easter Beurre, Bergamot d'Esperen, Beurre d'Automne, Doyenne Boussoch, Pluysche'.s Prince Consort, Crassane, Ne Plus Mouris, and Shobden Court are exccptionaly prolific, but now- suffering from drought. Trained Morello Cherries on walls are wonderful examples of fruitfulne.'is. Tlums are generally thin ; Damsons, a failure! The Green Gage Victoria on walls, and Orleans and Winesour in orchards, are bearing moderate crops. Our orchards and fruit gardens are on lias clay, with about 2 ft. of soil, generally modified clay with .some admixture of lighter soil. Our elevation is 2.?7 ft. above sea level ; we are near large woods which affords shelter, but also intercept afternoon sun. The river Devon is half-a-mile distant. With one exception, and that is a tree against a large building. Apricots are thin— the exception is bearing too heavily. Peaches are healthy and bearing light crops. Both these and Apricots had the protection of canvas and a wooden covering for a short time while in bloom. Raspberries, Cun-ants, and Gooseberries are bearing great crops. The Gooseberry cater- pillar has been very destructive. Strawberries have borne well, but have suffered from the frost and drought. Nuts and Walnuts thin — W Ingram. SOUTH-WESTERN DISTRICT. Powderham Castle, Exeter.— The state of the fruit crop is certainly more cheering than it has been for these last four years. Apples are good, though the long period of dry weather ex- perienced in early summer affected some localities The Old and New Hawthornden, Cellini, King of the Pippins, Blenheim Pippin, Winter Majctin, Flower of Kent, and others are very abundant' Pears are a good average. -We have full crops of Williams' Bon Chretien, especially on bushes ; though smaller than those on the w'alls, yet they ripen quite a fortnight earlier; JIarie Louise, Passe Colmar, Doyenne Boussoch, Louise Bonne of Jersey, Beurre Ranee, Catillac, and Uvedale's St. Germain are bearing very good crops. Plums, as a rule, are good in this neighborruood ; I cannot say that I have a large crop, but more than usual. Early Cherries were very good and fine, as are also the later ones the Morello and Kentish. Of Apricots we have good crops, but there is the con- tinued dying off of the trees to contend with. It commenced about two years ago, caused to a great extent, I believe^ by the severe frost. Peaches and Nectarines are a fair crop, but red spider has seriously affected ours, owing to our limited; supply of water during" the grcaterpart of the summer. Figs wore cut so verj' much by the severe frost of last winter, that I question if we shall gather any at all this season. All bush fruits have been excellent. Strawberries have been very good, both in size and flavour. The earlier varieties were three times caught by the frost, and had all the expanded blooms destroyed, and they are generally looked for here, being situated in close proximity to marshy ground. Si'r Joseph Ta.xton and Tresident were our best general croppers. Elton Tine has again yielded good crops after all the otliers had given "up. A thick mulching of stable manure carried them safely througli the dry season. I have for several years past well imed my beds previous to mulch- ing, and have found it very efficacious in the pre- ser\ation of the fruit from slugs. Totatoes.— I have not seen any disease in Potatoes as yet ; the early varieties are neariv fit to take up for storing.— D. C. Powell. Enys, Penryn. — Apples are a moderate crop in most gardens. In orchards (owing to their not being pruned, I tliink) in many instances they are almost a failure, much fruit having dropped." The sub-soil is more or less impregnated with metal, and the trees being allowed to grow rampart at first soon get their roots down into it and the result is canker and nakedne.'ss. They are as a rule looking more healthy now than they were last year. Root pruning answers where trees are deeply rooted and sickly. The same remarks apjily to Tear frees. The Tear crop is an average. Almost all the kinds will do when the trees are small and well pruned. Small fruits are an average crop; so are Teaches and Nectarines. Cherries, below the average. Tlums, an average crop. There is also a fair crop of Fiud Plums in the open air, in consequence of the ravages of the Cuculio, a little beetle, which July 30, 1881.] THE GAEDEN. 121 stino'3 the fruit when just parting from the blossom, deposits an egg, sometimes several, wliicU soon becomes a maggot, which eats its way to the heart of the fruit, causing it to fall. Every sort of remedy has been suggested and tried for this enemy — jarring the trees over a slieot .spread on the ground, picking up the fallen Cuculios and stuag fruit, and covering the trees witli fine mosquito netting. I have a house, -jO ft. by '20 ft., completely made of wire, which is planted witli Tlums and Nectarines; this keeps out the (luculio, but probably prevents the thorough ripening of the wood, as the fruits generally fall. The impossibility of growing any of the smooth-skinued f ruitsoutside has necessitated the introduction of fruit houses, where the fruit is grown to fine size and colour, but deficient in fla- vour, and I write this to ascertain through The Garden the difference in England in flavour between fruit grown under glass and the same varieties outside on walls or as standards. We have no difficulty in ripening the finest Peaches as standards m the open air, which are all that can be desired in size, colour, and flavour, since the thick, woolly skin of the Peaches seems to prevent the attack of the Cuculio; but smooth sldn fruits — even t!herries to some extent — it is impossible to grow. A large grower of fruit near Boston has a very fine show of Nectarines and Plums this year thoroughly exposed to the air, the sashes having been removed from his glasshouses July 1 when the Cuculio season has passed; but his fruit, especially Plums, he describes as tasting like a piece of cloth. In some of my own houses I have every other sash, 8 ft. long by 4 ft. wide, taken of? in May, and the top sashes also removed and wire sashes put in their place, as is also done with the doors at either end. Yet, though well coloured, the flavour is far from what it used to be in old times before the Cuculio came. In addition to this enemy, we have another more fatal to the trees — a borei' — which, spring and autumn, gets into tiie trees just above the crown, and if not taken out by a knife or wire in two or three years completely girdles the tree and destroys it. The result of all these troubles is an almost total disap- pearance of Nectarines, Apricots, and the finer Plums in marlcet. In fact, I doubt if many persons rmder thirty ever saw au Apricot or Nectarine, and but very few Plums. Apples and I'ears are abundant, though the former requires a semi-annual examination for the borer, and the fruit is always more or less stung by the Codlin moth. Nectarines, Plums, and Apricots are hardly ever planted anywhere, even in the best gardens, and though Nectarines, Apricots, and Plums are abundant under glass, yet so discouraged are planters at this total absence of flavour of fruit under glass, whether forced or in unheated houses, that before longthey will, I am afraid, disappear also. "What is your expe- rience in England with fruit under glass as compared with that outside ? IIexrv Winthrop Sargent. Wodenethe'_Fishkill-on-Hudson, U.S.A. Madresfleld Court Grape.— In one of the Vineries at Swanmore Park, Bishop's Wal- tham, there is a grand crop of this Grape, the whole being as jierfeet in colour and finish as they are fine in both bunch and berry. There is an entire absence of cracking — a failing com- mon to this variety in the hands of most culti- vators. Mr. Molyneux attributes his success in its culture, particularly in preventing cracking, to never stopping the laterals, but in allow- ing them to run, and certainly they were grow- ing in a state of wildness. No doubt many of your readers will be glad to have this hint as to how to prevent the cracking in this fine Grape. — H. W. Paste V. Coal Tar.— Thanks to Dr. Newing- ton for the relief he has affoi-ded to at least one of your readers by ridding him of the "coal tar" nightmare, for even though he is only given " skilly," he much prefers it to the poisonous and dangerous recipe promulgated by those who, to say the least, ought to know better. — W. II. Out-door Grapes. — I have not seen these JO promising since lt>70. The present tropical weather just suits them, and if given plenty of water and not over-cropped, they will this season bear comparison with a good many hothouse Grapes. The old white Dutch Sweetwater is the most fruitful, but at the present time the hardy Black Esperione is best in appearance. — W. TlieljOquat(Eriobotryajaponica). — Although seldom grown as a dessert fruit, this Japanese shrub is well worthy of culture wherever space can be afforded it in a cool house, for being nearly hardy it only ^requires ; slight protection to keep it sate through the winter ; in fact in mild districts it might safely he grown on open walls in ordinary winters ; but, like most of our fruit- bearing trees, it flowers early in the season and would probably require protection from spring frosts as much as from the cold of winter. We have a large tree planted in an Orangery that every The Loquat Flowers and Fruit (reduced). year produces perfect fruits, ripening about this date, and they form an agreeable change in the dessert, as it is very pleasant to the taste. Apart from its fruit, the Loquat is well worth cultivat- ing as a fine foliage plant, the leaves being verj' handsome, and as an evergreen for a cool house. It thrives in a soil such as Oranges are usually planted in, and the two may be grown together. It is an excellent subject for covering a wall in a glass-covered corridor, and would doubtless be very fruitful in such a position it it could get light and sun heat. The flowers are wdiite, borne in bunches at the top of the shoots, and they usually set from three to five fruits in a buncli ; each fruit contains a large seed like ,1 Bean, by which means it may be propagated, or it may be grafted on Quince stocks like a Pear. — J. Groom, Linton. Tw^o Strawberry Plants in a Pot.— To advocate sucli a practice as this must require some courage, but I unhesitatingly pronounce the system a mistake, and hope none of your readers will adopt either that or the plan of securing plants advocated by " Anon " at page 90, but con- tinue the plan of layering the runners directly in the pots, these being plunged between the rows of old plants, and allowed to derive nutri- ment from tlie parent plant till able to support themselves by their own roots. Plants obtained tlius will be doubly as strong as tlioso that have been shaded, crowded, and drawn by coddling in a frame. — W. W. The Black Naples Currant.— Amongst bush fruits the Black Currant holds a foremos place as a remunerative crop, provided one has a suitable position in which to grow it, viz., where some shelter can be given from cutting winds, and where the soil is deep, rich, and moist, or where it can be made so by artificial means. On light sandy soils the Red Currant succeeds better, but it is not so remunerative. The best sort of Currant to plant is the Black Naples, a very fine and prolific variety. It is rapidly superseding other sorts here ; in fact, it is almost exclusively planted whenever fresh plantations are made. Healtliy j'oung bushes, set out 6 ft. apart each way, and kept carefully thinned, and young wood being constantly brought up from the base, pro- duce profitable crops for market. A single row of vegetables maj' be planted between the rows the first two seasons, after which they will profit- ably occupy all the ground. — J. Groom, Linton, near ilaidsloiw. Space and Cultivation for Orchards. — \Vm. Sanders, of Washington, has observed that the outside rows of the trees in Apple orchards always grow more luxuriantly than the interior rows. He attributes this superior growth to the cultivation of the soil in the adjacent fields, by which the roots of the outer trees are benefited as they extend be3'ond the orchard boundary. We therefore infer that the orchards he has seen do not receive cultivation. He suggests setting the trees in two parallel rows, 30 ft. apart, with spaces 300 ft. between these double rows for cultivating in hoed crops. It is evident, however, that the same benefit would be secured by cultivating a regularly planted orchard ; and if 30 ft. is too near, greater space should be given them, say 40 ft. or 50 ft. The great requisite is cultivation for young orchards, and top-dressing with manure for old and bearing ones. The fact, which has been fully shown, that the roots of ^pple trees, even in orchards not more than ten or twelve years old, extend far enough to cover the whole surface of the ground, and that in trees, young or old, the roots are about twice as long as the entire height of the trees, shows that they will do best with plenty of space ; but cultivation and manure will supply the demand, which without them must be obtained by greater distances. — Country Gentle- man. Pot Culture r. Root Pruning.— I was pleased to see the remarks of " Peregrine " and Mr. Fish on this subject, for they both aim at what we all most desire, viz., to cause fruit to be more abundant and cheap, so as to come within the reach of all, and the only debatable point is how this desideratum is most likely to be effected. " Peregrine " evidently did not recommend pot culture pure and simple for confining the roots of trees to a given space, thereby insuring fertility, but such partial checks to their unfettered deve- lopment as should do away with the necessity for root pruning. This might also be done by putting in a slate or concrete foundation to pre- vent the tap-roots from running down, but still letting the side or horizontal roots grow as they please. I do not think that " Peregrine " or any one else seriously believes that the Rivers' or pot system of fruit culture is ever likely to supply us with cheaper fruit than we now get. It is well suited for orchard houses in which fruit may be got out of its ordinarj' season, but that is all. We will do well, I think, to let both pot culture and pot pruning alone, except, as I have said, where fruit is required out of its ordinary season. Mr. Fish (p. 32) says, " It is quite a mistake to suppose that those who practise this short cut to fertility are always, or even often, at it. Nothing of the sort. Trees once led into fertility at the point of the knife are not likely to need a second edition of this sort of thing." Any one interested in fruit can see it grown in quantity all round this neighbourhood, but they would never get any practical lessons in root praning except as a final measure when the tree is grabbed up. What is called here half a crop would astonish root pruners. For the safety of their trees fertiUty is effected by means of suitable sorts, and suitable stocks, and judicious pruning. The roots are also mulched. — J. Gboom, Linton, near Maidstone. 122 THE GARDEN. [July 30, 1881. Vine Leaves.— ^7". ;r.— They appear to be scorclied. Is your Vfiitilatiou sufficieut?— M. The Gooseberry Caterpillar.— I liope next year to try Mr. <;;L'iirt,'e liLrry's recipe of Fir-tree oil, mixed with soft water, for the g.".(iscl)erry Iilight, mentioned in The Garden (p. 03). Our gouseben-y bushes were attacked this season, mul although the cuckoo is said to clear off the grubs, and our garden is open to the cuckoos in the out- skirts of a village, and the cuckoos were numerous and might have worked their will before the village was awake, early morning songsters .is they are, the grubs increased. iCone of the useful garden pest-destroyers came to the rescue, and the bushes would soon have been stripped naked, when we applied the well-known remedy of tlie fingers. After trj'ing a thick sprinkling of flowers of sulphur, as well as ashes, both of which proved of no avail, ten nimljle fingers set to work, and so the enemy was de- stroyed. But picking is a slow process. I hope to try the i'ii'-tree oil.— E. H. SEASONABLE WOKK. Peaches.— If the weather continues hot and dry, trees in early houses will derive great l)enotlt from exposure to showers of rain and night-an' sent us a fine .specimen, under the name of H. Katherina3, but what appeared to b? an exceptionally fine flower-spike of H. Kalbreyeri. The globular head of vermilion tinted blossoms measured fully 11 in. in diameter, and the singular protruding stamens tip[ied with yellow anthers were extremely pretty. If this kind is what we suppose it is, the plant is far better grown than we have seen it hitherto, and clearly indicates what a splendid plant it is. We gave a coloured illustration of H. Kalbreveri in The Garden, Vol. XVI.. p. 4:18. A Ne-w Hardy 'Water Lily.— We have been much pleased to see several strong tufts of Nymphiea tubero.sa in the open air tank at Kew. The leaves of this N. American kind stand above the water in close tufts, somewhat concealing the flowers. We have never in this country seen the otlu^r hardy N. American Water Lily (N. odorata) well grown. A poor little sickly plant usually does duty for it, whereas in the New England lakes it is a bold, handsome plant. It would be very interesting to see the various hard)- Water Lilies grown together and well grown. The American Fruit Crop.— From the various reports in the papers, in addition to some personal observations, we learn that the Apple crop, both at the East and West, will be small this year. Although this is the odd or unproduc- tive year, the trees in many places set quite full of blossoms, but a larger proportion of the young fruit than usual has dropped, and left small crops. In some portions of E.n.stcrn I'ennsylvania, in Delaware and parts of Maryland, an unusually heavy crop is reported, as well as in some of the extreme western counties of New- York. A largo part of the Poach crop, and in some cases the trees, have been killed by the winter, but when the fruit ripens there will probably be more than was expected by many. Grape Vines in many instances havo been killed suflSoiently to destroy July 30, 1881.] THE GARDEN. 125 or lessen the crop. This is tlie abundant year for Pears. — Coa itri/ Oentlcman. Rubus odoratus.— We have a shoot of this with one leaf over 1 ft. across, so that in addition to its showy flowers, which have earned for it the English name of Flowering Kaspberry, the leaf is bold and good in form, and the scent pleasant when rubbed. The Bee Balms with the scarlet flowers (Monarda K ilmiana and II. didyma) remind us of a pleasant aspect of the American woods in early autumn when their red blossoms are scattered under the trees. From Grasmere, good border plants in this country. Sweet Willianis. — Good and numerous specimens of these come to us on July 26 from Mr. C'audwell, of Wantage, who says some of the "Sweet Williams (Barlow's Giant) have ragged edges, but they seem too good to discard " — a very true remark. There is no reason why we should discard a Hweet William for a fringed edge. But keeping such Sweet Williams need not prevent us keeping and enjoying those diiferently formed. It is surprising to see such a good bloom after the great heat. A Collection for the Gardeners' Benevolent Institution. — I am instructed by committee to draw your attention to the accompanying prospectus of this institution, and to seek for your co-operation and support. A strong feeling exists among the supporters of the institution that the amount of the pension is scarcely sufiicient, and, the committee sharing this feeling, have determined, if possible, to raise the funds, to increase the pension by i:i per annum. A scheme has been arranged that on a certain daj' every gardener and horticulturist in the United Kingdom shall be requested to make a simultaneous collection among tliose employed under him for small .sums, and among his friends, and to bring the institution before the notice of his employer. Saturday, the 30th inst., has been fixed for this purpose. — Edw. U. Cutlek, Hec. [We feel assured all our readers will give trhis movement hearty support. — Ed.] AMERICAN NOTES. The Japan Maples.— It is an ungracious task to be obliged to tell how sadly the past winter has robbed these of their claims to being con- sidered hardy. We find that Acer palmatum or polymorphum, which we said was killed to the ground, is killed outright — roots and all. This seems to us inexplicable for the reason that this is the stock upon which the many varieties of the Japan Maples are worked. Perhaps the death of the A. palmatum is due to some other cause besides the severity of the winter. In fact, either this must be accepted as the case or it must be supposed that it is rendered hardier by the varie- ties worked upon it, since the latter, though badly injured, are in no case killed. The Cut-leaved Maple (Acer dissectum), a variety of the Norway, is really one of the finest of Maples for ornamental grounds. Its leaves are deeply and peculiarly cut ; of a dark green when mature, while the young leaves are as purple as those of the Sohweedler's M.aple. A Russian Mulberry. — On the bare Western plains an interest is felt in every tree and sort of tree tliat can be made to live and grow. Mr. Clark, of Beatrice, Nebraska, sends an interesting account of the sort of Mulberry brought by the Menonite immigrants from similar arid plains in Russia — the steppes of the Volga, in latitude about 4:9°. There this Mulberry is the best source of wood for farm supply, and so valu- able and indispensable that the new settlers brought along seeds which grow well and, like other sorts of Mulberry, very rapidly when young. The full height of the species is claimed to be about 40 ft. As in other Mulberries, too, the leaves of the seedlings vary in being more or less lobed : some of these are out as much as those of any Oak, and these varieties are propagated as trees for ornament as well as use. The fruit is said to be edible and good, but the pale Mulberries are generally inferior both in size and flavour to choice specimens of the dark sorts. Mr. Clark thinks this Russian Mulberry is not of the alba species. Loudon describes a Mulberry native on the steppes as Morns tatarica, but thinks it only a geographical variety of alba, having variously scalloped leaves and reddish fruit of no very good flavour. The Pendulous Trefoil (Desmodium penduliflorum). — This Desmodium is one of the few plants that bloom in late summer and autumn, and it has a gracefully pendent habit and delicate foliage which is embroidered and tasseled with rosy-purple flowers resembling those of the Pea. On many accounts the Pendulous Trefoil finds its most appropriate position in the mixed border of hardy herbaceous plants and hardy shrubs. Its habit of weeping to the ground gives it peculiar value for the outskirts of shrub groups where erect-growing shrubs or even trees need a certain amount of masking to secure their most artistic effect. If this plant, however, had no other qualities of value than its beautiful and abundant August flowers, which last until frost, we should recommend it. The Ostheim Cherry. — Prof. Budd, speaking of the Ostheim Cherry in the lotva. Home- stead, says he has had several letters from Europe saying it had proven one of the hardiest and most profitable varieties grown on the steppes. Not knowing that it was to be found in this country, he had already ordered trees from the nursery of Dr. Regel, at St. Petersburg, when he incidentally learned that Mr. Meyer, of St. Peter, Minnesota, had brought this variety with him from his home in North Germany, and had fruited it for a num- ber of years in the most trying portion of Min- nesota, where he had become discouraged in growing the Apple. Prof, Budd received this spring a few small trees of the Ostheim from Mr. Meyer, the blossom buds upon which were in per- fect condition after enduring the past severe winter in their northern position. The hardiness of the tree and the fruit buds seem beyond ques- tion. The next point of consideration is the size and qiiality of the fruit. Charles Downing says : " Fruit large ; roundish-oblate ; skin red, dark at maturity ; stalk long : flesh liver-coloured ; tender, juicy, almost sweet sub-acid ; very good. Season, middle of July.' Wash for Outbuildings.— Professor Ked- zie, of the Agricultural College of Michigan, an expert chemist, recently said that a paint or wash made of skim-milk, thoroughly skimmed, and water brine will render wood uninflammable, and he proved it by experiment. He said this paint or whitewash is durable, very cheap, impervious to water, of agreeable colour, and, as it will pre- vent wood from taking fire, urged its use, particu- larly on roofs, outbuildings, barns, &o. — Rural Kew Yorker, of our native Plantago media, which, on a small scale, so much resembles the Funkia? — Hibebnia. Gardening on Grass.— I have not ob- served that any one has recommended Bocconia cordata as a plant suitable for clumps on Grass. We have clumps of it 6 ft. high now in full bloom, growing in soil wliich has last week required the pick to cut through in the making of a drain near the roots of the Bocconia. A noble plant it is, and one which takes care of itself when it gets established. It permits no rival to grow mixed with it. A clump of Veratrum nigrum close by rivals the Bocconia in height, with spikes of flower of quite a contrast in colour to the Bocconia; the flowers of both are equally modest taken indi- vidually. Within a few yards is a flne mass of Funkia Sieboldi, with its Plantain-like leaves perfect. Another plant of the same is riddled with snails. The carpet one is protected with a broad carpet of sawdust among the stems and under the foliage, which arrangement the snails abhor. By the bye, is the name Plantain Lily derived from the Musa Plantain ? or from the foliage SOCIETIES. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETT. July 26. Ox this occasion the exhibits were few in number, and, with the exception of a collection of Tomatoes grown in pots from Messrs. Carter & Co., possessed but little interest. First-class Certificates were awarded to Messrs. Veitcli & Sons for — Ixora Burbidgei, a bright, free-flowering species, similar in cha]-acter to I. salicifolia. Lindenia nivalis, a remarkably distinct plant from Mexico. Its flowers, which are pure white and freely produced, remind one of Bouvar- dia Humboldti corymbifiora, but they are four or five times as large. Tachiadenus carinatus, a small grow- ing, glossy-leaved plant, bearing large bluish- purple blossoms. To Mons. Lemoine, Nancy, France, for — Montbretia crocosmaeflora, similar in every respect to M. Pottsi (figured in The Garden, Vol. XVIL, p. 84), but more robust in habit, and having larger flower-spikes. To Messrs. Carter & Co., High Holborn, for — Tomato Dedham Favourite. — A kind which bears smooth dark red fruit as large as a medium sized Orange. It also appears to be a very free bearer, a plant in a 12-in, pot being furnished with a dozen and a half of good fruits. Messrs. Veitch & Sons exhibited a collection of varieties of Lilium a'lratum, which were very handsome; also a pan of finely coloured plants of Phyllanthus roseo-pictus and cut blooms of a bufE coloured border Carnation named Mr. Toby. A group of flowering plants of the rare Phalffinopsis violacea was also shown by Messrs, Veitch & Sons ; also a fine specimen of the variegated Crinum Verschaffeltianum and Gloriosa superba, Messrs, Cannell and Sons, Swanley, Kent, ex- hibited a magnificent display of cut blooms of Verbenas. The trusses were largo and of fine form, as were also the individual flowers, Jlessrs. Cannell grow Verbenas remarkably well in pots, and plants laden with such trusses as was on this occasion exhibited rank among the most attractive of decorative conser\-a- tory plants at this season of the year. A vote of thanks was awarded. From the same exhibitors also came fine blooms of Afi-ican Marigolds, which are among the most showy of summer and autumn plants, and grow well near towns. Mr. B. S. Williams, Victoria Nurseries, Upper Holloway, showed a new plant, named Maranta Leitzei, which, in some respects, is an improve- ment on kinds already in cultivation. Mr. H. Eckford, The Gardens, Sandywell Park, Chelten- ham, exhibited several Zonal Pelargoniums which were good, but no better than many kinds already in commerce. The same exhibitor also exhibited two white Begonias, which were very pure in colour. One was named Princess Royal, and the other Triumph. Seedling Coleuses were also shown by Mr. Eckford, but of these we have already too many of a similar type. Messrs. Hooper & Co, sent from their Twicken- ham nurseries a plant of the Ivy-leaved Pelar- gonium Mons. Crousse, a kind strong in habit and bearing immense trussesjot very large, semi-double, salmon-pink blossoms. The same firm also had a brilliant-flowered Canna named Nardy, A remarkably fine variety of Oneidium Lan- ceanum was shown by Mr. Hodges, gardener to E. Wright, Esq,, Gr?.velly Hill, Birmingham. A vote of thanks wiis awarded. A seedling Cro- ton of the trilobe-leaved section, named Tinnea- num, came from Mr. G. Clark, gardener to J. A, Tinne, Esq,, Briarley, Aigburth, Liverpool, for which a vote of thanks was awarded. A fine group of well-grown plants of Tuberous Begonias was sent from the Royal Horticultura 126 THE GARDEN. [July 30, 1881. Society's Gardens, Chiswick, from whence came also well flowered plants of that fine greenhouse decorative plant Cassia cor3-mbosa and a silverj- metallic coloured Begonia of tlie Ilex type, named 15. Louise Chretien, and some unsurpassed varieties of Lantana ; also beautifully grown plants of Torenia Fournieri in G-in. pots, and cut spikes of Pentstemons. Fruit and Vegetables.— Mr. J. Walker, nurseryman, Thame, Oson, exhibited a collection of forty varieties of Gooseberries; also two dishes of Currants, viz.. Coster's White and Red Gage, both excellent kinds. A seedling Melon named Champion was shown by Mr. C. Salter, gardener to J. Southgate, Esq , Leigham Court Eoad, Streatham. It was a cross between Read's Scarlet Flesli and Eastnor Castle, but was of no particular merit. A collection of remarkably well grown Tomatoes in pots was sliown by Messrs. Carter & Co., of High Holborn, a kind called Dedham Favourite being wonderfully fine, the fruits being as large as a good-sized Orange, very smooth, and of a dark red colour, One plant of it in a 12-in. pot bore a dozen and a half large fruits. Mr. Walker, Thame, Oxon, showed a Pea called Perpetual Branching, which has the merit of bearing, for a long time in succession, fine crops of well- flavoured Peas. PLANT LABEL COMPETITION. The competition for the silver medal of the Society of Arts and the prize of £b offered by Mr. G. F. Wihson has just taken place, and the results appear in a recent issue of the Society's Journal. The conditions under which the prizes were offered were as follows : The label must be cheap and durable, must show legibly whatever is written or printed thereon, and must be suit- able for plants in open border. One hundred and twenty sets of specimen labels were sent in. Some of these are ingenious, but many show ignorance o£ the conditions to which labels are exposed in open border, rock- work, &c. There are a great number of applica- tions of glass to labels ; some of these specimens were broken even in the transit, showing how unsuitable they are to stand rough usage. Some very useful labels have been sent in, which, though not perhaps absolutely new, are unknown to the generality of cultivators. The committee are of opinion that none of the labels .sent in competition are deserving of the Society's medal, but they have pleasure in expres- sing their opinion tliat the following possess many points of merit, and they therefore beg leave to draw the attention of persons interested in the subject to them: — E. J. Alment, 194, Romford Road, Stratford.— YAnc labels, with galvanised iron wire stems. J. Pinches, 27, O.xendon Street, S.W.— Zinc labels, with stems of zinc, iron, and oxidised iron. Thomas Johnston, Saw Mills, Renfrew, Scotland. — Labels of teak wood. J. ■\Volstenholme & Sons, Grimes Street, Mill Street, Ancoats, Manchester. — Holly wood and box wood labels. Rev. H. Ewbank, St. John's, Ryde, Isle of Wight.— Wood labels, with iron wire supports. These are painted white, and a coat of black paint added, which, when wet, is removed where the letters are required, in order to show the white ground beneath. J. Wood, Woodvillc, The Spring, Kirkstall, Yorks. — Zinc labels, with galvanised iron wire supports. Walter J. Todd, n2, Angell Eoad, Brixton, S. AV. — Wood labels, with wire supports. C. Yates, Mortlake. — Zinc labels of various patterns ; ink for writing on same. S. Jlount, Harbledown, Canterbury. — Painted iron labels. J. C. Turner, Sali.sbury Road, lUandford.— Zinc labels. J. Dowdney, 1, MontpeJlier Villas, West Street, Croydon. — Wood labels, with wire supports. Kev. C. Wolley Dod.— Iron and wood labels. There was also an iron label sent in by the Rev. H. N. Ellacombe, for the in.spection of the com- mittee, though not in competition, which is well deserving of notice, since it has been in use for more than sixty years in Mr. Ellacombe's garden, and is still in perfectly sound and good condition. The committee would suggest that the proprie- tors of the labels sent in should present their .specimens to the Council of the Royal Horticultural Society, if that Society is willing to accept them, in order th.at they may form a permanent exhibition of labels. They also recommend that the offer of the prizes should be renewed for the following j'ear, and for the guidance of future competitors they offer a few suggestions. Wood is probably the cheapest and best material for cheap labels. It is at present liable to the objections that the part in the ground rots, and the writing on the label becomes illegible. If by some process, such as perfect kyanising or treat- ment with paraffin, these objections could be removed, an excellent cheap label would be the result. Such labels, however, would have to be tested in actual use against unprepared labels before any award upon tliem could be made. Slate labels, made thick enougli not to break, might be useful. Cheap thick glass labels might be useful for the same purpose, if proper means of writing upon them were provided. The committee consisted of George F. Wilson, F.R..S. (chairman), F. J. Bramwell, F.R.S. (chairman of the Council), Lord Alfred S. Churchill, Rev. H. Harpur Crewe, Professor W. T. Thiselton Dyer, F.R.S., Rev. H. N. Ellacombe, H. J. Elwes, Sir Joseph D. Hooker, K.C.S.I., C.B., F.R.S. , Jeffrey Whitehead, George C. Joad, Rev. J. G. Nelson, William Sowerby, Rev. Charles Wolley Dod, and Colonel Trevor Clarke. Exhibition at Liege. — Tlie show which has just taken place at Liege has been a great success. Orchids especiallj' were, numerous, and well .shown by Messrs. Oscar Lamarche, Dieu- donne Massange, Ferdinand Massange (amateurs), and Messrs. Jacob Makoy & Co. (nurserymen). Amongst the most remarkable plants showed by them we noticed especially the new Phalajnopsis violacea, showed in perfection by M. D. Mas- sange ; also the Vanda cocrulca, Lielia purpurata, Anguloa Clowesi, Disa grandiflora, Cattleya superba, Mossia;, labiata, &:c. The Aniectochili were well represented by a good collection from Makoy. Messrs. Linden and \arx Houtte, nur- serymen, from Ghent, had brought some collec- tions of Palms, stove jilants, &c. Roses were sent from Luxemburg by jlessrs. Souppert and Not- ting, and Ketten Frferes, but of course, though in quantities, they were not what might have been expected if the weather had been more suitiible. The arrangements of the .show were well carried out, and the strangers to the town of Liege were received by the members of the society in their usual kind wav. DifID, on 22nd inst., Mr. Benjamin Hyde, for about a quarter of a century in the service of the Royal Horticultural Society at Chiswick. Mr. Croucher. — AVe learn that Mr. Croucher has secured a suitable nursery at lirook Green, Hammersmith. He does not propose to resign the situation he has filled so long, and vnW be assisted by his sons in his new undertaking. We trust he ma}' be able to use his very considerable knowledge for the benefit of horticulture, Mr. a. Moore has been appointed superin- tendent of the State nurscrj', which is being made in New South Wales by the Govern- ment to supply forest trees for the colony. The intention of the Government is to introduce as many of the timber trees from different parts of the world as will grow in New South Wales, which has a very wide range. The site cliosen for the nursery is the best that could be got for the object in view : there are about twenty-five acres of good land at Campbelltown, about thirty miles from Sydney. LATE NOTES AND QUESTIONS. Corn Marigolds.— 1( " E. H. " would like some Com Marigolds, I cull send him some gratia if he will send me his address through The Gakde.n office Achnamaha. Tahiti. — Your name is as good as any other, and is the one we usually use, Platycodon autumnale is increased by seeds or division, but is slow in the last way. " A YoUNO GARltENER " sends stamps f'lr an advertise- ment without giving any name or address ; postal mai-k, Richmond, Siurey. Communications of this sort are far from rale. Monstrous Foxglove— Z>. if.— The flowers you send show a curious sport, which is not, however, uncom- mon. It would be interesting to obser^'e if it is perpetuated tn the seedlings — EIi. Yellow Daisies.— The malformed flowers appear to be the result of insufficient nourishment. Repot the plants in good soil, and treat them liberajly with water and weak liquid manure now and then. Diseased Lily Leaves.—.?. Galbraith Bole.- The in- jury to the Lily leaves you send is no doubt the results of a chill— a drop of cold water on the leaf when the sun shines after cold rain.— G. F. W. Hollyhocks Diseased,- //, //fn/is.- The leaf you send is attacked by a fungus peculiar to the Mallow tribe, and is particularly prevalent in dry seasons. The only remeily is to supply the plants with plenty of water and a robust growth encouraged, as moisture is unfavourable to the growth of the fungus. In order to check its progress, sprinkle the leaves with sulphur.— H. Diseased Poplar Leaves.— i^a«(i'p(i(f.— The "sac- like glands " on your Poplar leaves .ire caused by the aphides iwhich they enclose. Several species of these in- sects cause somewhat similar galls on the leaves of various trees. They are not likely to occur in sufficient numbers to cause any injui'y to your trees. The aphides puncture the leaves, which causes an abnonnal growth of the surround- ing parts. The aphides were so dried up that I cannot name them, — G. S. .H. Culture of Primulas.— H'Afi' IS the proper soil and treatment for the JoUowing Primulas — viz., P. cashmeri- ana, P. denticulata, P.farinosa! Information as to the first }nentioned is spcciallij desired. — ROCHDALE. [" Roch- dale " will find a mi,\ture of two parts peat, one part silver sand, and one part good sweet loam the best for alpine Primulas— all the better if some broken pieces of rough sandstone be placed ue.ar and upon the surface. All these Prunulas require a moist situation, but there must be no stagnation. They would not live on a ckiy bottom, so that perfect dr.iinage is requisite. With these conditions they will enjoy a sunny situation, and in any case they require a clear sky overliead. In the neighbourhood of Rochdale it will bo difficult to flower them well in the open garden, except our English P. farinosa, which will thrive almost anywhere if properly treated. They are all quite hardy, but our severe winters stunt their growth, so that it is advisable to use cloches in the early spring to ensure per- fect flowering. To enjoy the rarer Primulas in all their beauty, they should be flowered imder cover, as with the Axmcula. A cold alpine house, into which they can be placed at flowering time, is the best place for them, and in such a situation they continue to bloom for a long time, and the rich mealy coating of leaf and stem is preserved, and adds greatly to the beauty of the flower. — BROCKHL'RST, Didsfjury.] Names of Plants.- S. Hinge.— \, Abutilon veslUa- rium variegatum ; 2, Fittonia argyroneura ; 3, Diplacus glutinosus ; 4, Maranta olivaris. T. W. — .\erides odor- atum ; 2, Rondeletia auomala 3, Graphophyllum pictum ; 4, Dicksonia antarctica, F. It. J/.— 1, Campanula rapun- culoidcs, Epilobium hirsutum ; 4, Agrimonia eupatorium ; 3, Lysimachia Nummularia. Mac. — 1, aparently Circfca Luteiana (no flowers) ; 2, Kpipactis palustris ; 3, send better specimen.— 3/rs. £i'rtfts.— Diplacus glutinosus, cool greenhouse shrub, grows in pots in an ordinary way. F. ir. Burton. — Astrantia major ; the pink flowered one is A. helleborifoiia. David Rhimi.—l, Pteris tremula ; 2, send again ; 3, .\diantum hispidulum ; 4, Aspidium caryotideum ; 5, Scolopendiium ^Tilgarecrispum; G, apparently Gasteria verrucosa. .V. E. Stansfield. — Senecio sarracenicus. Potentilla sp. Blackmore. — Peri* ploca gra;ca. C. S.—\, ; 2, Glaux niaritima;3, 8edum dasyphyllum. We do not recognise the other plants, as they are badly damaged. Mr. Riches, of Tooting.— We regret to state that we have eight letters now before us (apart from others sent by us to Mr. Riches) in which the writers state that they have forwarded money for plants to him without getting plants or even a reply. One correspondent from Scotland, who wrote twice to Mr. Riches after sending a money order without getting any reply, adds, " I have so uniformly met with the utmost attention and courtesy from many nurserymen when I have sent for plants, that I cannot help thinking there must be something peculiar in this case, and that Mr. Riches may never have heard of my appli- cation at all." As Mr. Riches has not replied to our repeated complaints, and we have stopped his advertisements, we have no alternative but to call attention to the above-mentioned facts. THE GARDEN. 127 No. 507. SATURDAY, AUG. 6, 1881. {Vol. XX " Tills is an Art Which does mend Nature : change it rather ; but The Art itself is Hk-LVV.^."— Shakespeare. ARRANGING A GREENHOUSE. All of us wbo live in country places 'see occa- sionally rustic maidens carrying huge nosegays. They are most likely going to the railway, and are bound to some town whei-e probably Howers are scarce ; or if not, tbey would consider it very ill manners to visit a friend unless they plun- dered their gardens of every available bit of colour. I often glance at these nosegays, com- posed with reckless disregard of all the prin- ciples of colour or art. What business have I to feel hurt th.it the maiden has chosen to arrange her flowers in her own way ? or to find that she had never read Merim^e or Field on Colour ? "\\'hat difference is there between her simple knowledge and the arts of an accomplished gardener ? Not an enormous difference, but it e-xists, and ought to be attentively considered. I see sometimes greenhouses resplendent with vivid tints, but where the gardener has paid as little attention to arrangement of colour as ou r maiden with her nosegay, but in tliis case he ought to have known a little better. Surely he might have tried the value of a little contrast or harmony, or grouping his plants in an effective way. I constantly see greenhouses where a veiy little change from the indiscriminate would greatly improve the general effect. Plants of the same kind should, as a rule, be kept more together, not dotted about all over the house; for instance, two Fuchsias or two Gloxinias placed together make a better show than by themselves. If a plant is very large it will be hurtful to its effect to add a second, unless the second is of a different colour or unless it harmonises; as, for instance, two Begonias, which at times grow to an immense size ; unless one of them is white and the other orange, they will not go well to- gether. It is the same with all other plants. Masses of colour are far more effective than iso- lated patches, especially white ; and the same rule of colour I gave in my recipe for a bouquet applies equally well to plants in pots — white, scarlet, red, &c. White is the most powerful of all colours ; it is seized upon first by the eye, and is the key and guide to judge all colours and tints by. I know of no more beautiful white than the double white Pelai-gonium. I have had none in my greenhouse covered with bloom for some months. Every large house should be pro- vided with masses of white, and orange and carmine should be near it. I did not intend in my bouquet (p. 101) that people should get the exact flowers 1 mentioned. On careful reading it will be found that it was only similar colours that were required. I con- tend that the principle is right, and in accord- ance with the rules of the best colourists, so I think any one who gives the idea a fair trial will not regret it ; at the same time I by no means wish to dogmatise on this subject. People may safely indulge in any style they please, and, if they like, make their bouquets and arrange their plants on the same principles as the country maidens. The most indifferent to this subject will admit that there is such a thing as harmony and sympathetic colours, for Nature herself is full of such. I have a double Zinnia, of rich apricot-yellow, the centre of which has an aureola of purple so wonderfully blended with the yellow, that no intermediate strain can be seen. The Coleus is generally painted by Nature exactly as a good colourist would choose to do it by Nature's established rules, even if he had never seen one. I have one with a crimson centre, then black with a thin emerald-green edge ; another chocolate with edge of emerald- green; these tints all harmonise. Occasionally there is a daring transgression, but not often. As in the case of The orange tints that gild the greenest bough, She does not hesitate to bring pink and green together, yet we contemplate a Baroness Rothschild Rose amidst her green foliage without our feelings being wounded. She can afford to do it, for her materials are semi-transparent ; ours, stiff paints or dyed stuffs. W. T. Dorset. LATE GRAFTESfG. Although it is best to take time by the fore- lock, and to be rather in advance than behind the proper season, yet it sometimes happens that it is impossible to get some particular operation done at the best time, and the only choice that remains is to do it late or let it alone for the season. The regrafting of fruit trees is one of those things that, although the exact date at which it should be performed has been fixed, like that on which some of our vegetable crops are to be sown, yet it has always been considered essential to cut tlie stock down while the sap was dormant, and to regraft as soon as the bark would run, or the sap to flow sufficiently to make the work of uniting the scion to the stock one of the first acts of the rising sap ; and in an ordinary way no better mode has yet been put into practice, for the earlier grafting is done, the longer the season the grafts have to perfect their growth, and the stronger they will have become at the end of the year. Never- theless, as I have stated, there are cases in which it is impossible to get this operation completed before the showers of April have left us ; and although some would hesitate to re- graft Apple and Pear trees when May flowers begin to fade, I can assure your readers that the operation may be quite as successfully performed then as earlier, provided the grafts have been kept cool and moist ; and if they are plump and good I would guarantee that they would even grow at midsummer, but if dried up they are useless at any time. We regrafted several Apple and Pear trees this year when they were in full leaf in the end of May. The topmost branches that showed a good prospect of fruit, but of indifferent sorts, were left intact, and all the lower branches were sawn off and regrafted in the usual manner. They not only grew quite as well as those grafted earlier, but are now but very little behind them, although the top branches are carrying a good crop of fruit, and these will probably be left for another year, by which time a good dwarf head will he formed to replace that taken away. In this manner any upright pyramid Pears, Apples, or other fruits may be converted into natural spreading bushes by grafting the lowest tier or two of branches and letting the top remain for a year or two to bear what it will until the new sort or sorts get established, when, by cutting off the top, a fruitful bearing tree is rapidly formed. Another case I may mention — that of a neigh- bouring fruit farmer who did not come into possession until the orthodox time for grafting was over ; he, nevertheless, boldly headed down all trees that were unsatisfactory, and having grafts in reserve, has now a fine graft growth established on them. I would therefore advise any one similarly situated to put the plan just adverted to into practice, for by so doing even a late start may be jjiftde a positive gain as regards time. J. Ghoom. COOL TREATMENT OF TUBEROSES. It is quite possible the Tuberose will prove hardy in many warm, sheltered places where the sub-soil is dry and consequently warm. It has lived in tlie open here, and in several other places in this county. Hitherto its flowers under such treat- ment have not proved satisfactory, but these may probably come more perfect under superior cul- ture in the open air. The cool treatment of the Tuberose under glass is a matter of more pressing practical importance. Anything that can dwarf the stature of these beautiful sweet flowers is of the greatest importance, for the height of the plants mars their usefulness for many decorative purposes. Nothing has been found to dwarf Tuberoses so efEectually as the placing of them in cool quarters, or even the open air, as soon as the flower-stems are fair'y started. Nor does this cool treatment, if associated with liberal culture, lessen the quantity or lower the quality of the flowers ; it only brings them nearer to the root — that is all. Of course, where the flowers are merely grown for bouquet or other purposes the mere height of the plant is of little or no moment. But even then cool treatment is useful in retarding the blooms, and thus extending the blooming period. This is daily becoming of more import- ance, as Tuberoses all the year round are about as much in demand and as difficult to supply as Eoses or Grapes. A brisk heat of 60° or more seems almost essential for the starting of the Tuberose, but after it has fairly started it thrives best in a moderate heat freely exposed to the air. It also resents severe forcing, the flowers either burning or refusing to open when subject to a high temperature. I had a marked illustration of this during the spring. Anxious for Tuberoses by a given day, a quantity was placed in a temperature of from 70° to 80°, but the flowers, which were nearly full grown, refused to open or move, while others that had been left in a temperature of from 55° to 60° or so opened before the severely forced flowers. D. T. Fish. THE APPLE CROP, I'EOM a careful perusal of the reports on the fruit crops I am glad to find that Apples are a much better crop than they have been for some years, for although we hear of some failures, yet in the aggregate I feel sure that not only will the quantity be far in excess of that of any crop of recent years, but, what is of even more importance, the quality will be good. I find that such sorts as the Wellington, that in unkindly seasons are speckled and deformed and almost worthless, are this year beautifully clear in the skin, and promise to swell out to a large size. We are now gathering Keswick Codlins, medium-sized trees of which are yielding from 8 to 10 sieves each. All the largest should be gathered first,and the small left for a late crop, for in abundant Apple years the price sinks so low as not to be remunerative if they are all left until fully grown. Even during the bad years through which we have passed really good orchards that have had any care bestowed on them have been remunerative, and I feel certain that with a return of brighter and better seasons, of which we have now a fair commencement, the cultivation of orchard fruits, especially Apples, will be one of the things in which we shall be able to hold our own against foreign competition. If, however, hardy fruit is to become a source of national wealth, and a means of employment for our surplus population, cultivators must see that it is grown on the cheapest system possible. In that respect home growers are unfairly handi- capped. A correspondent asks, " What are extra- ordinary tithes ? " Well, he would soon find out that if he came here ; after agreeing to pay a good rent he would be called on for " extraordinary tithes " assoon as he planted the land with fruits, Hops, or garden produce, which, coupled with the high rates by rail for fruit, keep the land from being turned to the profitable use it might be for around here it is well adapted for fruit culture. If we bad free trade in land, growers 128 THE GARDEN. [Aur,. 6, 1881. could apply their energies to its culture with a reasonable hope of recompense. Linton. J. Groom. NOTES FROM BINGHAM. Some rare plauLs have been in bloom at Bing- ham, but I have not been there to see them, except occasionally. The hardy red Water Lily (Xymph.'ca alba var. rosea — syn., sph.Tro- carpa) has bloomed with me for the first lime in the pond, and is now thoroughly established; but it will not be seen at its best for se\-eral seasons. AVater Lilies take a long time esta- blishing themselves, and oven strong plants do not .show their full character under four or live years. The common yellow Water Lilies planted some eight years ago now have such large flowers, that one would really think them some new_ species. So I will not report on tliis Water Lily for another summer ; but I believe it is the most splendid hardy plant we have. The seedlings grow rapidly when once up, but are very capricious in germinating, and if once the seed gets dry apparently it never will come up at all. Of twenty seeds I have given to Battersea Park for the ornamental waters there seventeen have germinated. My Xelunibiums in tubs in a frame are now making very good growth, but 1 do not think we can grow these in the open air in our English climate. A week of hot n-eather does wonders for them, but as it is generally followed by very cold weather, they are put back again in their growth. Possibly the dwarf Japanese varieties may be hardier, and this I hope to test next summer. Nymplu-ea flava has not made growth this summer, and 1 suspect it is an annual, like some of the other Nymphreas. It makes runners like a Straw- berry plant. The blue Cape Nymphaa has been in bloom with me, but I do not think it is quite hardy. Nymphsea pygnii-ea is also in bloom. The hardy red American "\^'ater Lily (Nymphfca odorata rubra) I had from Woolson, of Passaic, was frosted coming over, but 1 hope to get it again. A cross between this and the Swedish rose variety ought to produce some- thing very valuable. About Lilies.— Lilium llansoni has been in bloom and has proved perfectly hardy, and as easy to grow in the open border as any of the common Martagons, which it much resembles in form and growth, but is yellow with dark spots. Medeoloides has also proved itself a pretty little border Lily ; also Lilium callosum, of which 1 have a nice batch from Japan. The white auratum (virginalo) is just over, and I hope to get seed. It is a glorious plant. The superb Lily INIessrs. Veitch have named by Mr. Baker auratum virginale is a different tiling altogether, as it has no spot of any kind at all, being in texture of petal very like our own Madonna Lilies (candidum). It comes from an island off Japan, and is, I expect, a new species, though perhaps the same as Lilium Wittei, described in Lr. "Wallace's book. Their broad petalled variety of auratum is also quite new to the gardening world. It grows about I'i ft. high, has very broad leaves like speciosum,"and very large flowers with more spots and broader petals than any auratum seen before. But the gem of their collection is Lilium gloriosoides, which in growth is like an auratum, in flower just like speciosum; but the spots, instead of being magenta or crimson, are the most lovely flame colour, like a pinky-orange Azalea Among other Lilies I have had in bloom is the ■white spotted Martagon, a creamy white with red spots, a Lily of great beautv; also LiUum polyphylhim, no^y well established, but not worth much. LiUum Krameri is reallv easy to grow if you get a light and very deep soil with rapid drainage. Allthrouf^h this hot weathermy auratums have never required water or shown a sign of dropping their buds or leaves, and that is because they can send their roots into 2 ft. of the lightest soil, and then into 6 in. of broken bricks beneath. 1 never saw Lilies in the open air in a more healthy state. The deep preparing of a border may be very expensive to start wilh, but it entirely saves the trouble of watering, as they have had none at all. Lilium llansoni I fancy is from the Kurile Islands. The scarlet (Uematis has stood the winter un- protected, but it will not be of much value till we get crosses from it. EremurusTobustus,from 7 ft. to 8 ft. high, has been in bloom and is now seeding. 1 thought I had lost it during the winter, as the snow got pulpy and soft from the rapid changes of weather, but now it is in good health, and is perhaps the finest late spring plant we have. Delphinium cardmale, now about •) ft. high with us, has quite astonished me with its beauty — a lovely scarlet with a yellow centre. I look on tliis as a great plant of the future. It is perfectly hardy and easily managed. Euank Miles. NOTES FROM DUBLIN. Indian Poppies (Jleconopsis).— Some one wrote in The Gauden a few weeks ago that these were "interesting," but not beautiful. My first plant of Jleconopsis M'allichi, from last year's seed, opened its flowers a fortnight ago. It was a pale flabby variety of a bluish-lilac shade, and it went a long way towards convincing me that Fitch's beautiful figure in " Himalayan Plants " was —well, a trifle too dense in the blue ; and also that the statement of the writer in The Gaedex was quite correct. Now, however, a stronger seedling of 31. Wallichi, opening its first blossoms (the first flowers at the top of the plant are far finer than later ones lower down tlie stem), proves Fitch's representation to bo pretty near the mark, and I fancy the plant could not have been seen in good condition, or perhaps the variety was but a poor one, when the term " interesting " was used re- specting it instead of beautiful. Without a doubt well-grown plants of Jleconopsis nepalensis (sulphur yellow) or M. Wallichi (Prussian blue) afford one a treat when in bloom. They do not succeed with me in the full sun, but when so planted that the mid-day glare is tcreened from them they luxuriate, and their great rosettes of hairy leaves are beautiful even if one did not see the flowers. Treated as biennials and saved through the winter under a cap-glass or in a cold frame, they bloom strongly the second season. Flo-wers for 'Vases.— As a rule even the best decorators flU their vases too full. One now before me contains three leaves and three flower-spikes of the purple-flowered Plantain Lily (Fuukia ovata), a flower of Lilium longiflorum, three tall spikes of Gladiolus Colvillei albus, a single spike of G. brenchleyensis, and two slender sprays of the common Asparagus. The vase itself is of a soft grey tint, 1 ft. in height, and 3 in. across the top from rim to rim. Cutting the flowers and tlie arrangement of them took up less than ten minutes. In the cutting of flowers for vase decorcMon the tendency is— and among young gardeners it is a strong one— to cut them with short stems. To catch hold of a flower- stem just below the blossom, as if it were a snake, and then to reap off the stalks just below the hand, is not the right way. If blossoms are borne on long and graceful stems, such must always be out full length for vase decoration. Cut your flowers with the stalks as long as is natural, arrange a few of their own leaves with them, and above all (lo not cram the vases too full. Two or three distinct types of flower beautv arranged with fresh bold leaves, or a bit of graceful Grass- like spray, is far more pleasing than a bouquet- like handful of flowers caught up tightly by the throat, so to speak, and then jammed down into the neck of the vase Large Crimson Groundsel ^Seneoio pulchcr).— Like some other growers, I some time ago began to think this plant rather difiicult to manage rightly in order to make sure of its late autumnal blo.ssoms. Now I find it best to treat it as a biennial as follows: In November or Ueceinber dig up such stock plants as are not showing flowers and you will find to each several long white roots as thick as a crowquill, or tliicker if the plants be strong. These roots cut into 1 -in. lengths, and inserted as cuttings in a pan of coarse sand, root and break into leafy growth freely if tliey be watered occasionally and placed on a shelf near the light in a tempera- ture of 50=^ during the winter. In April each will have become a plant with several leaves vary- ing from 1 in. to 2 in. in length. Pot them off separately in .-J-in. pots, using leaf mould, loam, and sand in equal proportions, and place the plants in a cold frame, which should bo kept rather close until new roots are made. They may then have air during fine weather, and may be planted out in a well dug sunny border in May. Thus treated, they make strong and rapid growth. Some of the strongest will throw up a sjjike the first year, but all bloom strongly the second season. My plants propagated in this way in December, 1879, are now vigorous, and all promise to produce strong spikes. The strongest pieces are throwing up two or three flowering stems each, and have magnificent leaves of great sub- stance. Any plants which fail to flower the second season, or which show a tendency to break up into several weak crowns instead of one strong one, should be broken up for stock, using the thick quill roots for cuttings as before mentioned. Picotee Painted Lady (Somers). - This is a bright and effective flower. In vivid colouring and brilliancy it is one of the finest things I know in its way, and the fringing of the petals, which prevents it becoming a florist's flower, enhances its beauty a thousand-fold, and gives a lightness to its vivid colouring which it would otherwise lack. It was given to me by the raiser, Mr. John Somers, a zealous am.ateur florist. As a border flower it is very floriferous, and the foliage is bold and of a clear glaucous tint, some- what resembling that of the old Clove Carnation. The colour is light rosy scarlet, each segment being edged and lined behind with white in a very elegant way. From the same collection we got the old "Waterloo and Wellington Pinks, robust and free-blooming varieties with bold fringed flowers of a deep rosy lilac colour, with dark purple velvet-like markings in the centre. Unlike many of the delicate productions of the florist, these two varieties arc perfectly hardy, and give an abundance of bright and sweet flowci-s from the open ground for decorati\ e uses. Q-ladiolusSaundersi —Amongst the many beautiful bulbous plants figured in The Garden this is one of the best, harcUest, and most effective. It is now in bloom here, a strong clump bearing three spikes. Last autumn I paid a shilling, I think it was, to Mr. Thompson, of Ipswich, for a good sound bulb, which was planted on a deep sunny border close to a brick wall. Last August it produced a good strong spike, and, as before stated, this season there arc three vigorous spikes now in perfection. In point of Ijcauty the vivid scarlet white-eyed blossoms, each of good texture, and nearly 5 in. across, are comparable with those of Disa grandiflora, and when the bulbs become well established, there is a great improvement in the size, texture, and colouring of the flowers. If only as a companion for the long-tubed white Japanese Lilies, this Cape bulb is well worth a place in all good gardens. Primula capitata.-Of Primroses now in bloom, this is one of the finest. It seems to be a dark and late flowering purple or plum coloured variety of the P. denticulata section from Northern India, and, thanks to the generosity of an amateur whom I have never seen, it is now in bloom in our collection. Different individuals, as raised from seed, vary much in colour — a charm in store for those who will boldly raise seedlings Aug. G, 1881.] THE GAEDEN. 129 of all good hardy flowers. I wish Mr. Wolley Dod would, at his leisure, kindly tell us how to preserve this Primrose through the winter months. 1 lost several plants of it last year in a cold frame, and I am sorry to hear that my own ex- perience was not unique in that way. P. erosa, P. mollis, and P. Munroi in the same frame were uninjured. P. rosea is already showing the short scaped trusses it generally aifords in late summer or autumn, and the old Siberian P. cortusoides grown in the shade is throwing up tall scapes of its deeply gashed rosy lilac flowers, as indeed it has not failed to do since May last. It is now known to be quite distinct from P. Sieboldi, of Japan, which is yet in some jO-ardens grown under the erroneous name of P. cortusoides amcena. Gladiolus Colvillei albus.— Of all white flowers tliis has been most plentiful during the months of June and July. As vase flowers its cool white blossoms, set so prettily on long slender arching scapes, are unique in their way. Cut when the lower-most flower expands and placed in water, every bud opens fresh and fair, the aver.ige duration of each spike so cut being a fort- night, txood sound bulbs produce one spike the first year, and from three to five the second season after planting— that is to say, they do so in our light rich sandy soil. AVe plant a few bulbs of it every autumn, and find that they flower earlier and better at the foot of warm walls than when planted in the open border. A friend who has much to do in the way of filling drawing-room vases has a sunny two-light frame full of it every season. In October a bed of loam, leaf- mould, and sand in nearly equal proportions is made up in which to plant the bulbs. The bed is about 1 ft. in depth and well drained, and in this the bulbs, some hundreds in number, are planted rather thickly and i in. in depth. The lights are replaced, air being left on always except daring .severe frosts. No water is given until the leaves appear about February, or earlier if the season bo mild, and then only enough to keep the soil moist. The lights are thrown back during mild weather; in April they are removed altogether. During the latter part of May and in June, sheaves of scapes are cut for decorative purposes, and are then much admired. The bulbs are marked at los. per hundred in a catalogue now before me, Montbretia Pottsi. — Will 'some one who has had much experience of this plant (figured in The Gardes) kindly oblige by saying if the leaves turn yellow quite suddenly just as its flowers begin to expand 1 This is the case with two tufts of it which we have here, and the same thing happened at precisely the same time last season. As it was very hot and dry in August last year I supposed at the time that extreme drought wasthecause.butthis yearthc plants have been watered thoroughly, and so I am now con- vinced there is some other reason, especially as Tritonia aurea is as fresh and as green as a Leek close beside the Montbretia. I may add that the Montbretia increases very rapidlj-, a single corm planted two years ago now forming a dense mass of leafy shoots 1 ft. through at the ground level. The yellowness of leafage to which I refer is strikingly similar to that attributed to sun-stroke, drought, kc, bj' various growers in tlie case of Lilium auratum and other kinds of Lilies. Tritoma (Kniphofia) McOwani.— This is one of the dwarfest of all the species, and also the first to flower in our climate. A good figure of it has appeared in The Garden, and now, after several more years' experience of the plant under cultivation, it still continues to rise in my estimation. It would appear to be a good, safe, and showy plant in nearly all soils and situations, and is certainly most brilliant and effective here when in flower. To say that its red flower-spikes are produced in succession from August until the sharp frosts of November check them is no mean recommendation. Another dwarf and effective plant appears to be even less common in gardens. I allude to T. jjumila, as figured in one of the early volumes of the Botanical Magazine. The name is quite familiar, but the true plant is rare in comparison with the labels, which so often are all that represent it. F. W. B. NOTES OF THE WEEK. Royal Horticultural Society's Gar- dens.— The number of visitors to these gardens and the Medical and Sanitary Exhibition on Bank Holiday was 12,209. Magnolia glauca. — As a sweet scentedshrub for a lawn this species is specially commendable, as it produces its white flowers so low that they may be examined closely and their delicious odour inhaled. On the lawns at Kew are some fine examples now in flower. OienkoWSkia Kirki. — As a further instance of the great value of this new African Gingerwort as a decorative subject, we might mention that it is still in flower at Kew, and is even developing some more flower-spikes. It is now some two months since we first noticed the plants of this in flower. Purple Loosestrife.— The pretty Lythrum Salicaria may now be seen in flower almost every- where along with water-side plants, among which it stands out prominent owing to the gay purple- rose of its tall spikes of blossoms. Pretty as is the ordinary wild kind, it is far surpassed by the varieties that have originated in gardens, of which those named superbum and roseum are the Flower of Purple Loosestrife (enlarged) . finest, .and both arc in flower in most of the hardy plant nurseries round London. The colour of these is a much clearer rose than the common kind, and the spikes also are larger, parlicuUrly those of superbum, which, under good cultivation, rise 5 ft. or 6 ft. high. These fine varieties should taketheplaceamongwatersideplantsof the typical kind, particularly in localities where the latter grows abundantly in a wild state. Himalayan Blue Poppy.— A fine plant of Meconopsis Wallichi is now in flower on the old rockery at Kew. It has been planted out for about a year, and is now covered with numbers of its large porcelain blue flowers, which are higlily attractive. If treated as a biennial in this way it is a very satisfactory plant to cultivate. Salvia porphyranthera is by far the brightest and best Sage among the numerous species grown in the open air at Kew. It is a hardy kind, but thrives finely during summer out- of-doors, and it flowers profusely, and the blos- soms, about medium size, are of such a brilliant crimson as to eclipse all others as regards colour. It is a dwarf grower, and very compact. Hardy Oeanothus. — There are so many kinds of Ceanothus that are not sufficiently hardy to withstand the rigour of our climate, that the perfectly hardy kinds are doubly valuable. The most beautiful of these is Gloire de Versailles, now in great beauty in the open air at Kew. The flowers are produced in feathery clusters, termi- nating each branch, and the colour, a pale bluish- purple, is really lovely. It is perfectly hardy, and the plant does not appear to have been in the least injured by the last two winters. Beautiful Greenhouse Climber.— One of the finest of all greenhouse climbing plants is undoubtedly Khodochiton volubile, a slender- growing plant bearing flowers with a pink bell- shaped calyx encircling a deep crimson-maroon corolla. These hang in graceful festoons from the slender twining branches, and retain their beauty from the beginning till the end of summer. Some fine examples of it may now be seen in flower in the greenhouse (No. 4) at Kew trained to the roof of the house. Howardia caracacensis.- In the Victoria regia house at Kew there is now in flower a specimen of this singularly attractive Cinchona- ceous plant from South America. It is of shrubby growth ; each branch is terminated by a loose cluster of long tubular flowers of a purplish rose hue. The most attractive organs, however, are the heart-shaped bracts of a pleasing rosy tint, which subtend the flowers much in the same way as in Jlussajnda frondosa and luteola, belonging to the same family, and which are both in flower at Kew. Dipladenia boliviensis.- This beautiful stove climber is one of the most desirable for general cultivation, as it is more easily- managed than the pink flowered section, and, being freer in growth and flowers, renders it all the more valuable. In the Victoria regia house at Kew there is now a vigorous plant twining prettily round one of the pillars, and the large white blossoms with orange centres contrast finely with the shining green foliage. The beautiful D. aniabilis, one of the finest of the carmine-tinted kinds, is likewise in bloom in the stoves. Seedling Pelargoniums. — Herewith I send trusses of blooms cut from three seedling plants of zonal Pelargoniums. The three plants were raised this year from one pod of seed from Dr. Denny crossed with Violet Double — seedlings not yet cut down. — W. Faeren, //»«" House, Cambrid/je. [The flowers sent represent some very beautiful varieties ; one a good double ; another a semi-double; while the third is a single sort with large and finely-formed flowers. All are of a rich deep crimson, the doubles being particularly brilliant.] A Beautiful Bramble.- One of tlie most attractive plants in the temperate house at Kew just now is Piulius phrenicolasius, a climbing Bramble from Japan. The plant is growing luxuriantly planted out in the border, climbing to a tall polesome 15 ft. high. It is now covered with its bright scarlet fruits, which in form and size much resemble Raspberries. It is presumably quite hardy, but on this point we have no con- clusive evidence. The fruits are said to bo delicious, of fine flavour, pleasantly sub-acid ; hence it would make an addition to our list of fruits if grown on a large scale. Select Pentstemons.— Amongst the best Pent.stemous at Messrs. Downie & Lairds nur- series, near Edinburgh, are the following : Miss Arnott, Mrs. Robertson Munro, Mrs. 8. Walker, W. P. Laird, Provost Shields, William Thom, T. P. W. Butt, Richard Dean, William JIulligan, Jlrs. Dow, Miss Melville, James Eadie, Mrs. F. Terret, Master F. Terret, Lady Mathieson, James Leadbeater, Jolin J. Hewison. Some of these have flowers almost like Foxgloves in size. Amongst many very beautiful Delphiniums, double and single, is one called Douchfour, curiously like the old D. grandiflorum in flower and manner of growth. Some of the finest Phloxes I saw at Pink Hill were Lady Belhaven, Bellini, John Anderson, Mrs. Row, John Shearer, Earl of Mar, and James Black, tall, late kinds, most of which are not fully in blossom.Mr. Goodall is beo-inning to introduce a dwarf form of the late I'hloxes, which will be an improvement. Some of the early dwarf Phloxes now in flower are very good in shape and colour. — C. M. Owen. 130 THE GARDEN. [Auc. 6, 1881. Jean Verschaffelt, ivc learn, has piven up his nursery at Faubourg de Bruxelles, Ghent, and it has passed into the hands of Messrs. Komain and Raphael de Smet, by whom the business will be carried on under the name of De iSmetFr&res. Tomatoes and Melons.— At the meeting of the Koyal Horticultural Society, on Tuesday next, the prizes offered by Messrs. Hooper & Co., L'ovent Garden, for twelve fruits of Model Tomato and one fruit of Melon Kirdar of Cabul will be competed for. Qrammanthes chlorantha (gentian- oides). — 'J'liis is a bright little plant in sunshine ; it should be treated as a tender annual and put out on sunny spots and choice borders. Sent by Mr. Burbidge. It is usually somewhat uncertain in cultivation, but no doubt a gem seen in a some- what better climate. New TropSBolum.— Messrs. Carter & Co. send us specimens of tlieir new Tom Thumb Nasturtium Empress of India, to be sent out this season. It is far in advance of that already popular variety King of Tom Thumbs, the colour being many shades deeper, and the haliit of tlie plant perfect. Fine Lilium auratum. — Mr. Peacock sends us from his garden at Sudbuiy House, Hammersmith, an exceptionally fine flower of this Lily. It measures about 15 in. across the extreme tips of the petals. The bands of the petals are suffused with red, and the flower is copiously spotted with the same colour. National Bose Society.— A special meeting of the general committee of tliis society wall be held at the Horticultural Club, 37, Arundel Street, Strand, on Tuesday, August 9, at twelve o'clock, for the purpose of drawing up a statement of the terms on which the society will be prepared to hold their metropolitan exhibition in the gar- dens of the Royal Horticultural Society in 1882. Large Brussels Sprouts.— We have a photograph showing the wonderful size and vigour to which this plant has been grown by Mr. Gil- bert, of Burghley. rcr.sonally, we like Brussels Sprouts as they are eaten in Brassels and by all Christian people who really know them ; but, as our friend at Burghley says, there is a large por- tion of the public " who like something to look at as well as something to cat ;" and no doubt these Brobdingnagian Brussels Sprouts " meet a great want." Show of Out Roses.— During the past week a collection of cut Roses has been exhibited in the gardens of the Royal Botanic Society, Regent's Park, from Cranston's Nursery and Seed Company's grounds, at King's Acre, Hereford. It consists of a fine display of the best sorts as well as several new kinds. Among the new varieties is a seedling of last year, called Mrs. Jowitt, a bright carmine flower of fine form. Another novelty, one of this year's seedlings, is named Mrs. Gretton. It is of a deep velvety maroon, with thick petals, and is of good form. Crimson Redder is also a desirable variety on ac- count of its lateness. Other varieties shown were Reynolds Hole, Mdlle. Oswald de Kerchove, Madame Gabriel Luizet, deep pink, John Stuart Mill, Constantia Fretiakoff, deliciously scented, Mons. Etienne Lcvet, rosy vermilion, Emilio Hausburg, Louis A'an Houtte, and Marguerite Brassac, a new Rose of a rather deeper shade than the well-known Charles Lefebvre. The show will be continued until the 9th inst. Water Lilies.— These constitute at the present time one of the chief attractions at Kew. In the old Lily house near the Palm house the tropical kinds are in great beauty. These principally comprise the varieties of the Egyptian Lotos (Nymphaja Lotus), viz., dentata, with large and beautiful flowers of a pure white: rubra, of a deeper rose tint than tlie type ; and rubra minor, a charming little variety, quite dis- tinct from the rest, the colour being deeper and the flowers much smaller. N. stellata is rather a poor flower as regards size and colour, but very delicate in form, the petals assuming a star-like pattern. N. scutifolia is an intense blue, though the flowers are not nearly so large as N. gigantca minor of the same colour. The latter is a small flowered form of the Australian Water Lily that prows to such a large size in the still lakes about Brisbane and other localities in the west part of that continent. There are several other tropical species represented in the collection, though they are not in flower at present. One other kind remains to be mentioned among those gi-owing in the ^Vater Lily house, which is the rose-coloured variety of the beautiful North American N. odorata. It is known as N. odorata minor, and also as N. odorata rosea. The flowers are smaller than the typical N. odorata, and of a beautiful, soft, bluish tint, even more pleasing than the rose-colouied form of N. alba. Among the Water Lilies in the open-air aquatic tank in the herbaceous ground, N. tuberosa is still in flower, and may readily be distinguished by its manner of growth from cither of the other hardy kinds. Extraordinary Tithe.— This impost, ac- cording to tlie report of the .select committet appointed to inquire into its assessment originated under tlie Tithe Commutation Act of 18.S6, which empowered the com- missioners to make Hop gardens, market gardens, and orchards into separate districts, on which an extra assessment was to be levied. This distinction was based on the plea that the produce of garden and orchard land is more pro- fitable than that of ordinary arable land. If a district producing Hops, fruit, or vegetables is converted into corn land the extraordinary tithe ceases ; and when land previously devoted to grain or pasture is cultivated for Hop; or gardens the extraordinary charge i: put on it. The objections to this system are obvious. Tlie ordinary tithe is merely a charge on the land, while the extraordinary "tithe is a charge on production. A difficulty, moreover exists as regards making a distinction between agricultural and garden produce. Some crops, such as Potatoes, Cabbages, Peas, and Beetroot, are classed both as field and garilen produce, and in parts of Scotland even Strawberries are regarded as field crops. The difficulty of drawing a clear line between tlie two has given rise to consider- able litigation at times. The general effect of the operation of this increased assessment is recognised by the .special committee as mis chievous, and they propose a substantial measure of relief, which is called for alike in the interest of producers and consumers. EDITOR'S TABLE. A EOSE-COLOITJED pixK.— Mr. Woodall Sends us from Scarborough a liriglit and pretty rose Pink. It .seems distinct in colour from any grown about London, and a desirable companion for the old white, the purple Clove Pink, and Giber favourites of the same family. A STitirED HOSE.— A very pretty and fragrant Rose, the buds and flowers of wliich are all well dotted and striped with deep ro.se on a pale ground, comes from Sir A. .lardine. It is named Panachi^.e d'Orleans, and seems better than most Roses of a similar class that we have seen. * The cape hyacinth.— Very good and very graceful Just now when vi-ell grown, and the pips bold and fresh. As a cut flower it is use- ful for the simpler and bolder kinds of arrangement. From :Mr. Kingsmill. It has looked well in borders of late. The japan anemone.— The first blooms of tliis handsome plant come to us from Mr. Edwin Jackson, in North Wales. They seem to open earlier than those about London. "We shall now have a long season of it. "We did not expect it would be earlier in "Wales than in the London district. Gentiana septemfida. — A pretty autumn- flowering Gentian. It is to be desired that the good autumn Gentians were got out of the "dotty" state, and planted in little spreading colonies and groups on the rock garden, that one might see them to fuller advantage ; only they must always have plenty of good soil wherever placed. P^rom Mr. 10. Jackson, Llandegai. # PicoTEE PAINTED LADY. — This is a charming novelty, and beautiful even among its race ; the colour is very bright and peculiar; it would almost give a new zest to the culture of the Carnation and Picotee, rich enough and fair as these already are. It is typical of the interesting "breaks" one may see among those flowers when free from binding rules as to what are called " perfect " flowers. Sparaxis piLCHEiimMA.— The most beautiful and graceful plant that has come to us this year, 7 ft. high, -with drooping racemes of lovely bloom. To see it so grown is worth a journey to the Caledonia Nursery, Guern.sey, whence it is sent us by Mr. C. .Smith. This lovely plant is rarely seen in good bloom in England, though we have seen it charming on light loam at York. Ipomopsis elegans.— The name of this biennial occurs very often in catalogues, but it is not often one sees it well grown. Some spikes of it sent during the week are among the brightest and prettiest things we have seen for a long time. The plants require peculiar treat- ment— sowing in autumn to flower the follow- ing year. They seldom get what they want. Where they would live out-of-doors "througli the winter the desired result would be obtained in the best way, no doubt. * A NEW sHnuDBY HiBiscvs. — The post is a friend to The Garden and brings us from Mr. John Saul, of Washington, L^..S., a nice dried specimen of " a beautiful scarlet Hibiscus from •South-Western Texas, of shrubby habit, similar in growth to an Abutilon. " Inthe summer of ]t