MASSACHUSETTS STATE COLLEGE LIBRARY \/.5\ JrLT 3, 1897.] [The Garden-. Jii.y A, 1897 1 --^ ^^ L^.^t^'A _^LW.|^^ u^l ^ '^'S^^BIkl ^ \^^^^^^~^ 1 'l^^gg^ 1 1 ^./f.S^f'MuJ-- ^^i,sft)te-', <# uL}/'^ mi^usTT^ATED weje;ki,y journal. HORTICULTURE IN ALL ITS BRANCHES, W. Itohinson, Authur of the " HiujUsh notrer Garden." " You see, sweet maid, we marry A gentler scion to the wildest stock ; And make conceive a bark of baser kind By bud of nobler race : Tliis is an art Which does mend Nature, — change it rather : but The art itself is nature." Shakesfeare. VOL. LI. -MIDSUMMER, 1897. LONDON : OFFICE: 37, SOUTHAMPTON STKEET, COVENT GARDEN, W.C. [July 3, 1897. The rev. q. h. Enqleheart (Raiser of beautiful Narcissi) THE FIFTY-FIRST VOLUME OF "THE GARDEN |s bctiif.ilfb, fT. E., July. 1897 July 3, 1897.] THE GAEDEN INDEX IIsriDE^^ TO "VOXiTJIMIE XjI. (Illustrations in Italics.) Abutilon Switd, 235 ; vitifolium, 334, 362 ; vUiJ'olium at Ardcairn, Cork, 335 Abutilons, 59 Acicia affinis, 162, 217; Drummondi, 107; dealbatB, 145 ; longifolia, 124 ; Riceana, 187 Acer Negundo vaiiegatum, 20; opulifolium var. utapolitanum, 2.7 Achillea m ugolica, 419 Acineta lIim,)i..Mti, :;jii Ada i ' Adi»nt 1 EdgJtorthi, 157; tuni dolabriforme, is/,,.-c ijardm. 85 '.ij ; viviparLUB, for A;thionema grandiflorum, 419 ..Eschynantbua cordifolius. It 9 ; fulgens, 189 ; gi .indiflorus, 1R9 ; Hildebrandi, 189 ; Lobbi- anus, 1S9 ; longiflorup, 189 : obconicu", ISO ; pulcher, 189 ; speci.sus, 189 ; tricolor, 189 .ffischynanthnaes, ISS Alsculus iiidica, 474 Agapa,rll<<'s ../ ,1 l,'[s, 77 Agapetr- I ,! i I Agave ,-r i.i,./, 407 Agaves HI :.' . .- ., M \'. .It.. 407 Aiebia MsxVa, I A , ^ ii;,.ai, 151, 185, 307; i,mnata, 151 Akcbias, 151 AUamauda, Cltrodeudron aiid Plumbago, 144 Allium karatavieuso, 271 ; naicitsiflorum. Almond tree, the, 231 Almondbury, notea from, 225, 384 Alocisia Curt si, 71 ; indica, 71 ; Liiideni, 71 ; lorgiloba, 71 ; Lowi, 71 ; macrirrhiza, 71 ; marginata, 71 ; metallica, 71 ; plumbea. 71 ; Putzeysi, 71 ; rcverea, 71 ; Sanderiana, 71 ; Thibautiana, 71 ; zebrina, 71 Akcaslas, 71 Aloe ameiicana flowering, 368 ; Lynchi, 89 ; platylepis, 108 Alstnemeiias, 224, 296, 424 Alyssum gemonense sulphureum, 361 Amaryllis Drenda, 288 ; Chlmburazo. 288 ; Duke of York, 2S8 ; Ignacite. 2SS ; Melpo- mene, 252; Per», 234; The Czir, 288; Thunber^, 288 ; Topaz, 288 AmarylUEes, 277; potting, 14, 58, 161; the cultura of, 96 Amelanchier oMgocarpa, 340 200 ; Koses in, 231 Americans and the imjorttd jrcduce of nur- Ai i..'lTi:ns S:,,nl liamis, 418 J,... .• . ' ,.■ ./.,, 57 Aiil. ,1 : .la, 203 ; spcciosa cas- Anil I. . ; '7 ; f.)lios.i, 477 ; Laggtri, All. t . , qiennina, 271 ; a. albj, 1 . -J, 283; tar. tcythinica, ■j: ; .-. r ■ .1 . . .., ::t.i8 ; intermtdia, 236; rariifsillora, :;7:i ; ralmata, 379 ; Fulfatilla, 2i5;P. patens, S(y,1 ; ranunculcidcs, 271; Robinsouiana, 290, 307. 331 ; scytl inica, 271 ; sulphurea, 361 ; eylvettris, 408 ; ver- nali', 253 Anemones, Aldborough, 37 Angrsecum arliculatum, 84 ; citratum, 475 ; Bllisi, 274 ; eburneum virens, 129 ; e. su- perbum, 101 Aoguloa Clowes!, 435 ; uniflora Turnerl, 475 Animals poisoned by Broom. 226 Annuals, 387 ; for cutting, 112 Anorganthus breviflos, 119, £54 Ansellii africana, 86 Anthtmis Biebsrsteini, 477 ; Cupaniaua, 344 ; macedonioa, 425 ; maceilniih-a. 425 Anthurium Andrea Geaut Sauglant, : Aphelandra aitrant'aca Roizli, 1S7 Aphis, the wooUy, 20 Applii Alfrlston, 27. 103 ; a good late 0,221; Scherzerianum Baumann's Red Keinette, Bolle de Boskoop, 48. 170 ; Belle S'liiuiL Btauiia, iij ; Xuithern Greening, 278 ; Old or Winter P1S, 448 ; proatable, 315, 355 ; Savoy, 158 Caladium Lady Stafford Norlhcote, 41S ; Jlrs. ,418 Caladiums, distinct, 440 Calanthe Turner! nivalis, S3 Calceolaria alba, (0, 90, 108, 165 CaUa EUiottiana, 179 213, 276 Callas, early, 14, 58, 97 Calochortus amosnus, 420 ; Gunisoni, Calochorti, planting, in spring, 140 Calpumia aurea, 280 Calystegia Sepium ' Caltha palustris i Camarotis purpui , Camellia Chandler! elegans 10" 160 ■ rcticu lata 235 Camelbas 43 tdo rs n Sur ey 344 Cam] nula ab et na 31 B 1 1 n ana 451 ga ga ca 1 r ti 45 gl merata spec osa 84 phylla alba '' 5 persie fol a alba I mnej 2''l Ida the cl mate of 108 aa A t 43 Comte de Bouchard irld fl 1 Ehmanni 60 125 n the 91 1 te flowe ng w nter ng 59 Al ge and Deutsche I 185 Marguer te Tree 439 young let Perfect on 260 spring 260 late Mend Ml I M oerba 303 M r n I 33 M 3 0 44 M Em pre a of Ind a 455 M Empress Queen, 418; M. In Memcriam Richard Curnow, 435 ; Percivaliana, 34 ; Schilleriana, 418 ; Schrojderaj, 120, 340 ; S. alba. 340 ; S. (Harefle'd Hall var.), 442; Skinneri, 404; S. alba, 442 ; Triana; alba, 175 ; T. delicata, 120 ; T. eximia, 125 ; T. gamma, 273 ; T. Imperator, 125 ; Walkerima, 101 Cattleyas of tVe labiata group, 202 Cauliflower Early Snowball, 135 ; Walcheren, 392 ; plants, protecting young, 314 Cauliflowers bnltine, 314, 433 ; summer, 228 Cedar, the, in North Africa, 395 Cedrus atlantica glauca, 106. 456 Cek-ry, 172 ; earthing up. 230 ; fly, the, 303 ; pithy, 22 ; trenches, 342. 393 Celeries, profitable, 172, 229 Celeriac, planting, 433 Celmisia Monrooi, 456 Centaiirea candidissima, 223 Cercidiphyllum japonicum, 131 Cercis. 375 ; canadensis, 375 ; chinensis, 375 ; Griffithi, 376 ; racemosa, 375 ; siliquas- trum, 375 ; tesensis, 376 Chelranthus HarpurCrewe, 306 ; MarshaUi, 361 Chtrry orchard in Iicland, 327 Cbicory a.i a veg,;tab'.e 229 Chionodoxi Luci.iiB, 168, 283 ; L. alba, 196, 269 ; Bigantea, 204 ; g. alba, 271 ; sardensis, 128, 179 ; p. alba, £04 ; Tmoluei, 252 Chiswick, Muscat Vims at, 322 Choisya ternata, ',3b Cbou de Burghley. 22 Christchurch, notes from, 571 Christmas flowers, 13 Chrysanthemum Antoinette, 93 ; Boule de ^eige, 181; cauc.ficum, 879; Calliope, 51 ; cuttings, 61 ; E. G. Hill, 6, 61 ; Golden D..rt, 108 ; la Neige, 51, 90 ; Leon Fr che, 6 ; Mme. Camot sport, 16, 51 ; Mme. Ther. .e Key, 16 ; MUe. M. A. de Galbsrt, 6; BJrs. Jerome Jones, 89; names, 6; Niveum, 6, 181 ; notes, 181 ; Princess BlaLche, 373 ; Princess Victoria, 54, 139 ; show at Oporto, 17 ; Tuxedo, 51 ; The Chrysanthemums ii^.r ■M, ■■-' :;-- . Calvafs 1 . . ' .l.nrin, lo;caddliiit;.inti. -;.l:unp. early l^-.w.■,■i„^^ ■. forthr H ,,K,, t ,- . for market, 14; la Portugal, 17; :i. 138; new, 18; notti i.i . • , . J :.;;o^ beeches. 266; pi -1 . :.ti..ii . r sports, 94 ; sports, 90 ; se »sonable notes on, 373 : seme pretty varieties for groups, 17 ; stopping, 181 ; suggtstions for future ex- hibitions of, 5 Chysis bractescens, 153 Cineraria kewensis, 14 I Cinerarias, 236 ; at Farnhlm Royal, 254 ; dtawings of, 307 Oirrhopetalom Medusaj, 29 ; robuetum, 389 Cissus discolor 2''1 Claytonii carol niaua 2 1 Clemat s baleanc 5 c rrhosa, 75 ; Duchess of Albany 418 graveolens, 198 ; Marcel growing montana 349, Cl tise 434 fo e rly floweiing in pots, 13 on a I. 11 434 Cl dendron tnch tomum, 320, 374 ; t. al A hot i 3 0 01 ntl sp n ceos in Dorset, 362 Cl ubers pla t ng at the foot of large treea, Cl V iCha lesVerme re "34 ; miniata citrina, 2 0 Cob-ea scandens ''bS s o a cottage ixt Leif/h- d L b C yp el m re pens 9 C 11 la \o I ana ''3 r Wedd 11 1 364 ; cristat i var. , 3ll var.), 418 ; Massan- ta 435 ; speciosa, 33 GoUetia cruc at a 432 Collet sandD i Canad an 389 a c t flowers, 385 hapoy 19 tef C n ndron Co bular a Cork Coryd : C rylop s sp cat 1 . Crab double American 457 C assuH jasm nea 436 lactea, 107 Crataegus Carr en, 49 , Crus-galli ovalifolia, Crinum angustum, 164 ; Moorcanum. 146 ; pedunculatum, 325; yuccteflorum, 325 Crocus Imperati, 145 ; species, 179 Crocuses and sparrows, 164 Crossandra undulajfolia, 437 Croton Her Majesty, 418 Croin Imrerials, 367 Cryptomeria elegaos, 180 Cucumber Model, 22 Cucumbsra, 158, 471 ; good quality in, 123 ; growing without air, 211 ; house, culture of, 355 Currant, the double-flowering, 340, 361 Currants, flowering. 208 ; Red and White, 412 Cyclamen Bush Hill Pioneer, 127 ; Charming Bride, 125; colchicum, 193; coum, 113; europaeum, 143; mmstrous, 58; neapoli- tanum, 37 ; n. at Livermere, 31 ; p°r6icum grandiflo um album, 196 ; p. (Papilio vars.), 48 ; rf paudum, 348 Cyclamens, 97; growing, 221; in fiames, 58 ; hardy, 91, 111, 148 ; in Central Italy, 167 ; the Europ3an, 225 ; the Ivy-leaved and European, 144 ; the Reading, 186 ; well- flowered, 54 Cyenoches chlorochilon, 171 ; Loddigesi, 389 ; Warsoewiczi, 172 Cydonia japonica Simoni, 341 ; Maulei, 314 Cydonias, 223 ; and Kerrias, 303 ; combina- tion of, 321 Cymbidium ebumeum, 195 ; Lowianum, 130 ; Lowio-ebumeum, 164, 237 Cypripedium aeaule, 441 ; Argus, 120 ; arie- tinum, 441; bellatulum. Iz9, 364; bella- tulo-vesUlarium, 359 ; Calceolus, 33, S89, 441 ; caricinum, 390 ; caudatum roseum. 364 ; Chapmani var. magnificum, 339, 418 ; Chas. Canham, 84 ; conco-bellatulum, 418 ; Dauthieri, 320 ; Drurji, 435 ; Edwardi, 63 ; Empress, 270 ; grnde, 3311,441 ; guttatum. [lorophyllu nianuni, 153 ; Lebaudy- rrhodum, 273 ; Lilian luacranthnm, 380, 441 ; vifolium, 441 ; ]'lui, 239 ; arch across border at, 241 ; border at, 23n, 24S, 250 Fiiia>:r atuf toe in '!■:■-■•■■'-. 17'> Firs, Scotch, villus ,1, ,t... ;a_-, :; i'. Flow r-buds an I Im i <: I 181 ; giinUii. a j.u - 150, 506, ting, 4;5, 452; pic in the, 75 ;S.a< i Flowers, hardy, f.) tures of, 216 ; Iw.j wiinur, au Foresti of Soutlaud, the, in 1896, 216 Forget mo nota, 20. Si'.r., 408 Forsythia iutcrnieUia, 303 ; suspousi, 5 Fragrances of the opm air, 591 France, cold weath-r in, 381 Froesia icfrarti alha, 11, 49, lOS ; r. market, :''il; ,. , ,- ■.■■ ■ 'i- ^r Fritiliaries, Ciiifomian. 20o Kroit, 252 ; of the 30th March, 271 Fruit and Ho,yers, -ii Jfruit gar.I. II h u !,- ■ nl.iiilii 11,82,155, 449, 47J; kjciiMt;, Al:. : it .-|. •et.-i, 220; troj borders, mul.liiii,,', J'. ; ti.' s by the roaiside,32S ; trjes, I itL-vl:aitia, :-;-_• ; t ees, lifting young roots.. I, Im ; li ...s, iii;i..urin?, 27; trees on walls, .lisbii.i.iiii:,', iii'l ; trees, protecting, 220, 280, 321 ; trees, red spider on, 182 ; trees, staking, 87 ; trees, statioDS for, 134 ; trees, the planting of, 3 ; tr es, useless growth on, 4 ; trees, watering wall, Galauthus Alleni, 145 ; caucasicus grandis, 179, 2C8 ; Elwesi Cassaba, 179 ; Ikaria;, 146 ; latifolius, 127 ; Nioana, 283 ; Perryi, Gale, the recent, 217 Galeindra nivalis, 442 Garden, a Spani&li. 1 1 Miss I'mniesat Eld,rfuld, 311 ; refuse, utilis- ing, 139 ; sigos n[ spring m an Irish, 50 ; tenancies, surrender of, 290 ; the hardy fruit, 345 ; tho, ia relation to the house, 190 ; the winter, 32 Gardens and fruit trees in Central Asia, 329; railway, 38, 62 ; town, 347 Gardenei-s, orders of merit fur, 70 Gardenias in winter, 213 Gardening, the science and prictice of, 32 Garland Flomr, the, 358 Garrya elliptica in Devon, 257 ; e. at Trelis- sick, Truro, 257 Oaultheria procumbens, 26 Gean, the, 330 Gelscmium scmpervirena, 198 Generafifi , Grenada, Spain, view of t/ic, 414 Geoetyliis tulipifera, 440 Genista hispinica, 393 ; priB;o!r, 359 Gentiana acau'is, 409 ; lutei, 477 ; vema, 361 Geranium cinere ,457 ; eanguin Gesnera longifl rj, 424 Gerbera Jamesoni, 197, 226 Geum coccineum plenum (Wincbmira Hill var ), 384 ; HeldreichI, 325; H. superbum, 419 ; hybridum, 331 ; miniatum, 216 ; GladioKn Cooperi, 436 Glasnevin, water plants at 365 ; v Botanic Gardens at, 3(i5 Oleichenia Mendeli f/laucesccAS, 472 Oleichenias, 472 ,'.0, 321; Ironmonge Graftinit clay, 41-J ; evils of, 85 ; notjs on, 250 Granadilla, the, 813 Grape Chaotal, 43 ; Gros Maroc, 182 ; Trob- hian.i. 27, 103; room, the, 101; thinning, !■ .■..I...irlngoarly, 421; scalding of, 473; .'77 ; shinkoJ, 147 ; two good late, t ■, .useful, 4 (,/ ' . // rurths, a ffrouji of, 137 i;,.,j.iL,..i,..c3, buildlog, 180 Urevillcis at Cimbiidie, 198 Hedera Helix Mrs. PolHik, 203 Helcia san^uiuolcuta, 339 Heli.'onia illustrls, 27i; Heliotrope, 127 Heliotropi, Mounta'n, 283 Hellebores, Hi Helleborui guttltus sub - panctatis, 216; niger, 11 ; n. angustifolius, 49 ; Otto Proebel, 197 Hemerocillis Bava, 477 ; graminifolia, 410 Hepatioa angulosa, 148 ; double blue, 269 Hepatic IS, 205,206 Hesperis mitronalis pi., 420 Heu?hera macrophylla, 312 ; sanguinea, 419 Hibbertia Reidi, 243 Hibiscus Ro^a-sinensis Cooperi, 98 Hieracium viHosum, 419, 463 Himantophyllums. 161 Hipp-.astrura pardinum, 276 Hippeastrums, 307 Hoe, the, 32 Hoeing, 372 Houstonia cierulea, 366 Hutchinsia alpina, 30 j Hyaciuthus amethystinus, 420 Hyacinth bulbs, eczema from handling, 1 ; La Tour d'Auvergnc, 30 Hyacinths in grass, 252 ; Roman, in frames, 187 Iberis saxatUis, 239; Snow y-aeen, 361 ll;xcrenata, 12 llej.es, bineath the, 153 Impatiens Hawkeri, 337 InoarvUlea Delavayl. 361, 419, 438, 458 Index expurgitorius, an, 165, 2J7, 242, 282, 312, 348, 42J, 46i Insect pest9, 2S chids. , Onii bed, 402 ; under glass, de- 477 ; gi-andiflora, 464 .rm in, ^'^'.^ \ a Cherry nr- li.ii-iiu f.-,.i,i, 216; Des- dwarf, 3ill ; early, Italr.aSmilaxfroir, ivfj on Oak 2^ale Jencii 'I'-hardtf Jlotoin lies, 875 Kalmia angustlfoUi, 436 Kerrtas and Cydonias, 303 Kew, Snowdrops at, 145 ; at, 243 Kitchen garden, work in, 11, 41, 62, 81, 99, 138, 156, 173, 189, 210, 227, 245, 26', 281, 300, 318, 336, 353, 371, 39,, 411, 429, 4l9, .halotc.i, 207 . ., 2,'i3; stollati, 259 463 Kniphof a Northiffi, L. Liburnum Adai.ii ,,n, , ili.in.ii.) :',I1 ■ a AUch ngori, :!!,; ii,, I,' :,. Parke V, tol is a'ur.i'. (..hi., .'■1. !• 303; . fraarai.,., V. pendulum, 303; v. lueicif.jlium,' 303 ■ ilifolium, 303 Laburni m, the, 302 the Natal, 283 1 aburn mr. 302 Lachenalia glau in a, 316 pendu-a, 54 ; tri- color, 198 Lffilia, a fine, 442 ; acum'nata. 83 ; albida Stoba ti.na,83; aneeps Kinnastiana 125; cinua j:irina,__2T0 r,.rm mni.na. 129 ele- 1.53 ; ■ mil.. 'a hatpophylli majalis, 436 ,hworthiaua. 100, ^4f8": p f. ; p- Will u', 101, 174 la. , .-, La?i..i , 441; Digbyana T i.M , 1 ' ■1,1. Empress of India, ■ var.), 359 ; Lady Wii'i >.ir 1, icen, 455 ; Tyntes- 383 ; tho break of, in ,419 Mel.111 Diam..i: Melons, 169 ; early, 422 ; early, sowing, 43 ; ia pots, 414; late, 27; la'siog unler d ffi- cultUs, 214 Meuyanthes trifoliata, 368 Mertensia sibirici, 466; virgioica, 283 Mez;reoa, the white, 216 Jlicrolepia hirta cristata, 2-')9 Mignonette, spring-tlowering, 270 Mildsw on Vines, 412, 445 Miltonia cuncata, 154; It lezli al'a, 101; vtxillaria, 175 ; v. rosea, 340 Mistl.tnf Oil Cotoneatter, 340 Jl..icbi.ll,ies..-.lleuta, 30.-1 fiel.l;eu,sis, .il.s; V...letta, 125 Lapigeria rubua (Wanibam Court var.), 126 Lapagerias from seed, 356 Lasiindra macranttia as a pot plant, 13 ; for winta- flowering, 367 Latania borbonica, 5S Lathraja clandostina, 263 Lathyrus, a blue, 311 ; sp'eudens, 3f0 La»a-eia trimjstris, 212 ; floicers of, in a vase, Lavender, 67, 118 ; the production of, 49 Liwn sand, 380 Leium lalifolium, 420 Le;k, Musselburgb, 211 L.ieks in spring, 169 Lent Lilies, 164 Lenten Roses, packing, 128 ; sending and keeping flowers of, 108 Lepachys, 98 Leptospeniium bollitum, 145 ; scoparium Lettuces, useful early, 251 LeuQojum c.arpaticum, 127 ; vernum, 161 Lerens, rieer-side plants at, 115 Lesi^iareiiviva, 45S Liboniaa, 395 24 ;ovalifo'liui.i ■ ; , ,' . • .. ' , .. , ^4 ; stronglopliv l'- _ i . ,1 : Lilac Mme Loucii. ■ f i I ... in,., 1.-, ■-.i. tor Holland, 3.0 Lilacs, a new disease in forced, 243 Lilies at the Temple show, 452 ; in pots, 440 ; Madonna, in a rase, 232 ; the, of tha Pacific coast, 74 ; Maiiposa, p'antin/ in spring, 141 ; the early, 470 ; Water, tho new, 197 Lilium auratum failing, 450 ; Bloomerianum. 168 ; Bolanderi, 168 ; Browni, 34<) ; candi- .liiin, .^,',s ; columbianum, 168; forma- ,1, ,1 I, i , : llumbollti, 168, 226; H. and ! :.^, 168; H. ma^nificum, 168; i 1 vcrum, 457 ; Thomsouianum, ,.., .v.,.!. ..-a,, so LUiuu^oiii >.i;cJ. 232 liOi, ihe iclalc Turk's-cap, at Warlei/ Place, 142 ; 0/ the Nile at Los Angchs, 122 ; the Jacobaja, 93 Lily cf the Valley, 298 ; all the year round, 108 ; forcing, 186 Lime, the, on back walls, 134 Lindelopliia loiigif...li,i, 366 Linum arborouiii, 437 ; trigynum, 11 Lithospt;rmuni multitl..rum, 477 ;tinct5rium, Lomaria ciliati grandis, 196, 324 ; c. ma- jor, 324 ; gibba, 423 ; ffiMa, 423 Lonicera fragrantissima, 60 in -ledum, 137 ;paradoxura, .,;-..: . •Mil, 137 .\l...l,r...i.i I i^, 11 , -I'l'' "ill.-, 124 Mv..s..li, ,; -• : : iiUfcn Victoria, 'ir.i ; 1 I :: -1, 29; dlssitl- tl..ra, I'l ; 1 il. . [ ■ . iiiit !i I, 20; palustris, 29 : Princess .Ma.jd. 29 ; pygiiia^a, 29 ; Rech- steineri, 29, 325 ; rupicola, 29, 384 ; sylva- tica, 29 Myosotidium nobile, 326 Myrlocarpalongipes, 164 Myrobalan, the, 257 Narcissus Ard-Righ, 49 ; Birri conspleuus, 252 ; Bui oocodium at Wisley, 312 ; ccrnuMS, 242 ; Co.-bularia monophyllus, 49 ; Count'ss of Annesley, 107; cycUnjioous, 14.5, 179, D^wnton Im- OBlXnARY— Clarke, Col. B. Trov DougUis, Robert, 47 THE GARDEN INDEX [July 3, 1897. Essex R val 3 Exon n 1 P d f the M ket 4 fetrat gem 1 b d B 118 depth of ' ach Amsden J c bloom on oj e bloon s UEder gl unde gla 5 list ng p opagat ng 311 31 !t 4 0 3 Belle Bea ce 46 P pp gath e 1 450 oriental 4C7 Populus alba 5 c dens s 25 canf 5 fast g ata 25 gra 2 Port mouth Ro e th w at 4 P lat a 1 al e Ea ly Pur t : t loucest 1 1 ] y 15 J 392 &h 1 21 Sn « Potato s Redwood he ght of the 133 Reseda alba d31 Ehai 8 hu u Us 100 Rh I dend on a fine 3 1 I atum 259 ai s,2 Early ft a' " flats 329 houses, I groujs at ty t 1 1 21 313 J fl tc cordon 43 orchard 3S3 scare ty u Duel ess of Marlborough 11 Stanley 43 Mis Parker 428 &t I 4 Phyllis 30 Snowdroi 11 me s me comparative merits of ppeU 144 b hjl r dus 4 1 lagaton f 1 o 364 ,t DunroblD 12 Phyllocactus Adonie, 41b SyreuF 418 Phyteuma oibicula e 419 103 167 "H 244 Ch Isea the Phjs ck tare CI erteey ec eat on e und Churchj ard Bottom W cod I gbgat 108 Commons Preserv t on Soc ety 108 21 C od ton and the J b lee 4 8 Cloydo recreat on ground for 90 Deptford Park open ng o' 4iS D gs n London v k 12 Dork ng recreation gi ound for 344 G ays Essex 402 Ha npfet sd Heath 438 proposed add t on to 1 proposed cemetery nea ISO Prote tionSccety ■'90 308 treeloppng Leamington, open sfacefor, 3C8 London and suburbs, open f paces in, 290 London parks, dogs in, 12 London, public gardens in, 293 Metropolitan Public Gardens Association, Open op-.v Ul.cn sjai public park for, ew suburban, £72 ,312 : nga for a London, 12 Parks.'public, votj for, ICS Prospect Park, Biooklyn, 180 Public Ga dens Association, 438 Raynes Park, 362 Richmond Hill, view fiom, 50 Rii hmond, recreation ground for, 50 " Right of way " in Surrey, a question of, 50 Sheffie'd Botanic Gardens, 254, 326 Sheffield, gift of a park to, 402 St. George's, Southwark, open space for. 302 Thames Embankment, extension of, 70 ■\Vaterlow Park, improvements in, 320 Yeovil, a public park for, 478 Thunbcr^iani, 184 Fuer. Pulm Puschtiuia libanotici conipicta, Pyracantha L,a!landi, 432 Pyrethrum Wilson Barrett, 418 Pyrcthrum-, 465 ; single, 457 Pyrus spectabilis, 396 Radish Extra Early Olive, 325 ; Scarlet, French Breakfast, 228 Radishes, early, 169 Railway gardens, 38 Ramonda pyrenaica, 205, 446 Ramondas, the, 427 Ranunculus aconitif jlius, 333 ; am] caulis, 307 Raspberry Norwii-h Wonder, 4 Raspberries, 412 ; on wall borders, yellow, 103 iAlls aureu a .iCJ e e m 53 (uch loides 20 ( d n 0 hyb iduo- 09 Lobb 0 mult flo u n 0 sangun m 209 s fl 1 1 340 spec OS m 09 Ribs on n fe asex 14 R cl ard a albo maoulata 356 Elhottara 313 Rehma 307 Riviera notes from the 226 Rob ns n t \\ rd Locke and Co Ltd Sbl Robinia 1 i da 2 neo mex oana Rodgersa s 1 fol a 451 H ac p nn ta 451 podopljlla 43 451 RodfeC a to n 4 1 double de Co rbet 1 calocarj 1 r Chedan Cu no ssea 15 fi 1 ta 152 r Mme C W tl 16'' r Mme G B ant 16 M \ Waterer 1 r ^ el 3 5 A I All Paje 121 ; Amazonc, 378 ; Anna Alexieff, Anna Ollivier, 376 ; Antoiuo Riviire, 234, 377, 464 ; Bardou .Tub, 402 ; Baronne Gaston Chandon, 199; Bouquet d'Or, i66; Capt. Hayward, 197 ; Catherine Meimct, 236 ; Christine de None, 121 ; Clar* Watson, 376 ; Comte Raimbaud, 199 ; Comtesse do Ludre, I'H ; Crimson Rambler in pot', 266 ; Dr. Andry, 455 ; Duchesse de Momy, 255; Duchess of Albany, 199; Duke if Teck, 417 ; Francisca Kruger, 377 ; For- tune's Yellow in Hampshire, 455 ; garden, the, 199 ; the new, 121 ; Gtoire de Dijon, stuiulnrd tree of, 454; Gloire de M»r- gottiu 121 • Gloire des Rotomanes " ■ Golde Gate 19 Go tault 417 Gracj Darl ng 3 4 g ow g in England n n d t r 45 n Scotland 162 G s t V 1 g 4 Gustav Reg s 40 Her Maj t 46 H pj oljte Barreau 1 H E 1 th G flo i 454 Irene ■ftatt J an Pe et 41 Je nn e Dick 4 1 1 e To 111 Lau n e Alen44MCp n 3 Mme I r n t 1 Mme Ch rl s 40 Mme Cha les Crape et 3 Mn e 1 A Nolt 455 Mme G urges Dur schm dt 45 Mile Helena Camber 466 Mme Lamba d 8 Mme Mar e LavdU6e 7 Mme Pern t Ducher 4 8 Mme Plant er 3 Made le ne d Ac st 4b M man Cocl et 3 b M r chdl N el 3bl Ma e \ a Hoatte Vive s 4 6 Merverlled s Mens De ir 3 3 Ms t 3 Mrs John La ng M rq 3 3 4 400 the M July 3, 1897.] THE GARDEN INDEX. terlstioa of tho principal (n'oups of cnlti* v.ted, r.:i: f..r :i low sitiii.tion. 'J-l-J ; f,.r forcing'. -", 1 ''.'■• : 1 ■ i-ir m , l ; In Anirii. 1<19: our I- • '.' ■: , 1 • c . climbing under glass, 877 ; tha I'eft, 265 ; under glass, 416 ; witli U, 121 listniM, from St. Brlgld, 90; in , 112, 193, 207, 226, 271 ; as cut ; at the Drill Hall. 269 ; at the , 193 ; prizje for, 70 iponaria Uoi*8i ivoy, tho Tulips of, 333 ixifraga apiculata, 104; aretioides primu- Una, 333 lalcilwi, 2C0 ; l.itlori, 2S3 ; Boydi, 2S'.i: liurse-i,,,, . , ,, , ,.,],, _.:j-, ; B. major. VJT ; B. s| - . . ,i s 458; coriophllya, jii ; :, , ; , , >:i; irrlgua, 307; KoIslIim, :,;,: .j.ma superba, 410; lon^'ii\.ip ,, t::; I ,■. .-j,ur- purea, 334; Malyi, L'l'i ; maryiuata, 271; Maweana, 34.S ; oppositif..li.i sulendeus, S16 ; Richeliani eoriophvUi, 254; Palo- moni, 164 ; sanct). 20S ; sarmentosa, 437 jhijocoion sjldauelloido', 4:)7 :hiz3petalou. name of, 253 hiiwtyl's cocouiea, 68 ; c. in pot», 162 holirshipi, horlicu'tural junior, 30S ;illa sibirica albj, 252 ; s. taurica, 208 the, 35 J era rosea, 384 ;otland. Rose growing in, 152 jakale for forcing, planting, 314 ; Uve, 171, S55; planting, 314 ; jJOls in Jioirei- gixnlen, d sowing on wet soils, 312 lecio grandifoliu?, 140 ; saglttifolius, 437 leep eating Liure's, 254 ; and lihododen- udbotkla pin Part, 205 ilvias, 243, 151 ; elegans, 198 1,344 syrinohiv I granditi >rum, 224 ; g. :a japonic!, 11 ipper Flower, the white, 00 a, from Italy, 231 nilaies io Eastern England, 25S -pdragon, the, 4e5 wdrops, a dlseise of, 139 ; at Ktw, 145 early. 37 owflake, Carpathian, 149 >p Trees, Chinese. 35 bralli macrantha, 4i2 BS AND Exhibitions — I Ilorticulttual, 252 t'ryslal ralace fruit show, 272 343 Iv'V >l l: I .11 ■ ; ' I, :irs, 432, 430 Ho> .1 y-'-'' "i "i|ilian Fund, 108,103, Royal Horticultural. 32, 47, 70, 108, 12.'i, 180, 195, 215, 233 272, 287, 306, 323, 351l, 457. 478 Royal Yorkshire gala, 49 Temple show, the, 379, 398, 418 United Horticultural Benefit and Provi- dent, ISO, 215 S-il for winter, 131 ; preparing the, 40 ; tht surface, loosening, 308 Soil-s, seed sowing on wet, 342 Soldanella alpina, 308 So'anum erispum, 230 ; c. at Offivgton, 230 ; jMninokles on a house at Penzance, 358 ; tubcro: lira yariegatum, 288 Sr.iinuoi'^, ii-^rriol, 72 ; from seed, 276 --'■ ■■■!• i.'i,iUa, 236 ^ I ' ' 1 iiua, 120 ; grandiflora, 339 Spain, glimpses of th) eastern seaboard of, 3)1 Sparrow, the, 32 ; ravages of the ommjn, Sparrows and gaden stuff, 290; destroying Wistaria blooms, 437 Spathoglottis aurea Viellardi, 418 Spider on fruit trees, 18i ; on Peach trees, 45, 10, 147 Spinach, 447 ; The Carter, S2S, 260 ; winter, 281, 301 Spiranthes colorans, 54 ; colorata var. macu- lata, 133 Spira;a arguta, 374 ; astilboides, 276, 305, 313 ; confii I. IT ; I . i it:i, 30ii ; mullillora ar- guti, i'> : ; -ii'! '"I LI a standard, 341 ; Spir!!"/^";. ... '.[ .^^ Spring c garden the. 3 ! Stinhopea Bucephalus, 404 ; Wardi, i Stapli'.'l.'T .'. I.i. i, !_.. Statu..-. 'i ■ ; in .Mrdens, 1 iipto East Lothian, 225, 450 S rawberry Gunton Park in pots, 264 ; Keens' Seedling. 3, 44, 103, 316, 383 ; La Grosse S Jcrce, 205 ; layering, preparation for, 444 ; notes, 382: President, 42!; Royal Sove- reign, 27S, 346. 3S:i, 421 ; /(. S. ,,( BurghUy. 293; R.S. for forcing, 2;i3; R S, i. Stevens' Wonder, 340, 474 ; runners, planting late, £66; Stevens' Wonder, 321, 370 ; Waterloo, Strawberries, alpine, at Gunnersbury, 474 ; and frost, 4i2 ; early, 147 ; Hivour in forced, 27m ; for pot work, 202 ; forced, 253 ; forc^d, f.ailiner. 1S2 ; in cold fmraes, 278 ; growing on ri I . -, in : ..',■ ..i.iug fresh stooB of, 3.s;i ; I I ', 114; protecting, 370 ; I ! . . . . >l..vuns' Wonder aad R"yil " .i^ii. . ., -",'3; top-dressing, i7s; ui,:.itl,i..:L.jrj. p.,t, 136; wintering pot, 4 Streptocarpus, 439 ; achimeniflorus, 300 Strtptocarpi, 161 Stuartia pentagyna and S. virginica, 396 Stjlophorum dlphyllum, 344 Summer, preparations for, 349 ■incrl, 325 loia, 283 Hcolor, 198 ■issus flies, 450 l)iloe, 419 ; Oranstefield, sor, 325 ; Sjon Prolifio, yv.i, ■/,,/,,',;/ ',.<•>!, <',n ai a i-ase plant, S4 Trcci and slir.ibs, some American, 430 Trees at Syon House, 100 fruit, for a north wall, 56; newly ittiog grafted, 309, 413 ; ctum, 301 ; gra-di- 372 ; 15 dl of Fire, 213 ; II; L'ImmaouWe, 30 ; sp. .illionBriUiant. 49, 98 mita, 361; aximensii, 334 ; In: : ; l.itloramajor, 253; Billietti- 33 1 ; Culsiana, 334 ; Clusiana, 334 ; leri, 334 ; Greigi, 286, 307 ; G. aurea, Gipsy Queen, 361 ; Kaufmanniana, 530 ; Kolpakowakiana, 379 ; Marjo- , 331 ; Mauriana, 334 ; plaaifoia, 334 ; :ox, 334 ; retroflexa, 344 ; Segusiana, ; sylvestris, 331 ; violacea, 180 at Kew, 2Si ; go id pot, 5S ; late, 384 ; , from Ireland, 341; some new early le, 310 ; the late, 350 ; the, of Savoy, the so-ciUed Darwio, 420 ; two Kate, >', cry weather, 433; forcing, 88; Urceocharis Clibrani, 436 Valerian on railway embankments, 205 Vanda Agnes Joachim, 456 ; Amesiana, 339 ; casruleicens, 120 ; suavis, 64 ; teres, 326, 434 Vanilla planifolia, 65 Vegetable Marrows, 223 Vegetable seeds, selection of, 40 ; seeds, sow- ing, 261 Vegetables, early, 314 ; new, 251 ; new and inijir jved, 157 ; protectors for, 229 ; scarcity of tood, 3'j4 ; spring, 301 \'citch an.i Sons. Messrs. Jas., 12 Veitcli MLiiurial Fund, 70 Veitcli prizes fur flavour, tho, 293 Veitehs, notes from. 277 Veltheimia viridifolia, 31, 145 Veronica Lavandlana, 361 ; ortentalis tenul- folia, 477 yc'tailUa, V,e gotrdm at, 8; tho ugliness of Vlbi'imum plioatum, 305, 432 Viela sylvatica. 430 Vine, ail old, 278 ; borders, manuring outside, 383 ; eyes, 56 ; rodn, cutting down old, 4 ; shortening young, 103 ; shoots, shortening, Vinos, dealing with sub-laterals of, S^O ; failing, 413; grafting, 330; hardy, CO; mildew on, 412, 445 ; mixed, 134 ; .Muscat, at Chiswick, 822 ; outdior, 293; plinting, 109 ; pot, 109 ; tr.aincl near tho glass, 370 Vinery, mealy bug in, i20 Vineries, li.iu'M i . .nm. in "■". Viola odorat I .M . ' I I I . . .. l.ita bicjlor 380 Vilet Amir.il \ . 127: Cali- fornia, 198, I'l , \ !■ Ill 1,-/1. 193, 20S ; Maiie Louise, no, lii;,-.. ijio, a^l ; Princess of Waits, 271 ; the Neapolitan, 67 Violifts, 297 ; double, p'anting, 408 ; tingle, in fruit houses, 207; two new swee", 211 ; Dog's-tooth, 137 Vitislnconstms, 340 Voles destroying Scot.h Firs, 305 Waldsteinia trifoliata, 350 Wales, notes from, 181 Walk, an Iltx-shadtd, 183 Wall, a pretty bit of, 97 Wall fruit trees, disbud ling, 321 ; north, fruit trees for, 56 Walls, wiring fruit tree, 272 WallBowers, 5, 465 ; double, 410 ; yellow, 308 ; from Exeter, 320 Warley Place, Narcissus in the grass at, 167 W.asp3, 420, 438 Water, g..rden charges for, 217 iru(«>- ganl. n, \i,,,,r.r -part of, at Graveli/e Manor, 113 Water gardens, i i Water LiUcs,,! I i Watertiaeplin ,..;.>/', 119 Wataonia iri.lii : " i: . , Hill, ,281 West Herts, tho weather in, 1?, 32, 49, 70, 89, 107, 128, 146, 164, 183, 218, 236, 254, 272, 308, 325, 343, 30 ', 380, 402, 420, 438, 457, 478 Weigela Abel CarriE^re, 436 Wicklow, Rhododendrons in, 445 Wigiram of tree branches at IfarUy Place, 4:5 Winter Aconite, 128 Winter, useful flowers for, 161 Wistaiia in Han's, 285 ; on an east trail, 396 ; on Ool pale fencing, 405; sinensis, 364; 2S0 ; the, 396 ,64 Yellow Root, the, 254 Yew tree, the, in Ireland, 132 Yew trees, clipping, 438 THE GARDEN INDEX [July 3, 1S9'( COLOURED PLATES. ABUTILON VITIFOLIUM AND VAR ^SCHYNANTHUS SPECIOSUS ... CALCEOLARIA ALBA CALPURNIA AUREA CATTLE YA LABIATA CONANDRON RAMONDIOIDES ... CYCNOCHES CHLOROCHILON ... DENDROBIUM JOHNSON.E DIPLADENIA SANDERI DRAC^NA GODSEFFIAXA ERANTHEMUM NERVOSUM ERYTHRONIUM JOHNSONI LEPACHYS COLUMNARIS; 2, L LEPTOSPERMUM SCOPARIUM PULCHERRIMA GRANDIFLORUM LILIUM WALLACE! MELASTOMA HETEROMALLUM... MUSCARI CONICUM ODONTOGLOSSUM GRANDE ONCIDIUM SPLENDIDUM P.EONL-V ALBIFLORA MAJOR ... PINKS, SINGLE PRIMROSES, TWO CHINESE ... PRIMULA OBCONICA RIBES SANGUINEUM; ■>, R ALBUM BRIDUM ROSE MME. CHARLES ROSE MME. PERNETDUCHER... TRIGHOPILIA BREVIS ■;; JrLT 3, 1897.] [TnK Gabdem. REV. G. H. Enqleheart. Applkshaw, once famous t(ir its Ajiplc orchards, but now better known as the birthplace and home of nearly all our best new garden Narcissi, is the home of :Mr. Engleheart, and here on a warm, dry soil, resting on the chalk, and not particularly well suited to the Narcissus, unless the season be a wet one, he has produced some of the finest varieties now known. During the past sixteen years Mr. Engleheart has devoted his leisure and energy to the hybridising and improvement of these now popular spring flowers, and we have only to glance at the reports of the Royal Horticultural Society's Narcissus Committee those of the Birmingham Narcissus shows to see how well his labours have been rewarded, although we feel quite sure that his greatest pleasure has been obtained from the flowers themselves. Much as we are indebted to the raiser of a series of most perfect garden flowers, his experiments possess, moreover, a special value, even superior to those of his kinsman, the late Hon. and Rev. Dean Herbert, who studied Narcissi some sixty or more years ago. Apart from his having practically enriched our gardens with added beauty, grace, and variety so far as the Narcissi are concerned, Mr. Engleheart has deliber- ately traced and verified the almost unrecorded labours of former English Narcissus raisers, such as Backhouse, Lseds, Hors- fiekl, and others. It is scarcely too much to say that Mr. Engleheart has reduced the rearing of Narcissi to a state of exact- ness and precision quite unknown before his experiments began in 1882. Not only have most of the seedling forms of the above-named pioneers been re-made, as it were, by Mr. Engleheart, but he has carefully kept records of his work, so that all these seedlings possess an exact pedigree for the first time. Another very important phase of these experiments at Appleshaw has been a similar verification of the parentage of the numerous wild hybrids and seedlings, such as N. incomparabilis, N. Bernardi, N. odorus, N. biflorus, N. montanus, N. gracilis, N. tenuior, N. Johnstoni, N. triandrus var. pulchellus, N. triandrus var. calathinus, and others that have been accorded specific rank until very recently, although Herbert long ago surmised that some of them were really of hybrid origin. When we come to consider the new kinds produced at Appleshaw, nothing impresses us so much as their superior size, form, and colouring, and the following twenty-three varieties may serve as the types representing hundreds upon hundreds of seedlings as bloomed or as yet unbloomed, and not as any attempt at a complete list : — • POETICUS SrEIiLINC!.''. Iloraee. 1 *H,.mer. *Dantc. Herrick. Sir W. Scott. I These N. pooticus seedlings are very fine, no previous raiser having apparently tried to improve the N. poetious pure and simple. Triandrus Hybrids. * Snowdrop (N. triandrus X N. albicans). *Naiad (N. triandrus X N. posticus). Rather tender in open ground, but beautiful as grown in pots in a frame or cold greenhouse. * Those thus mai'l, 1S97.] Flower Garden. THE WINTER SOLSTICE AT MADEIRA. The autumnal appearance of the gardens of Madeira is cbaracterised by a revival and burst of vegetation distinctly vernal, and suggest- ing the existence of conditions which in point of climate are truly spring-like. Thus, imme- diately on the fall of the first rains, after a long period of dryness, the ground becomes clothed with new growth ; Roses start, bud and blossom, fruit trees (Apples and Peaches) revive and flower, and there is a general return to an appearance which existed in March and April, though less marked in vigour. Something of this is due to the equivocal character of the climate as to spring and autumn, but much also is due to habit in plant life and the hesitation shown in adopting the routine of new circum- stances ; hence, after many years, several spe- cies introduced from the Southern Hemisphere have quietly settled into their original seasons, and have their periods of spring growth and full vigour of flowering at our coldest seasons even in the mountains — Acacia dealbata, for example. Others will maintain as long and completely deciduous a season as they were accustomed to in the north, and decline to be moved by even an excess of sunny, showery summer weather — Platanus for instance. About twelve years ago I introduced a new species of Pancratium from South America ; these plants have thriven and multiplied, but some groups will spring up, flower and die down in October, and others will perform their functions in March and April. Other and more occult dif- ferences exist in the behaviour of examples of the same sjjecies at varying altitudes, suggestive of profound physiological influences in difl'erent environments. But the general eft'ect of the unvarying mildness of the climate of Madeira is to prolong the season of active growth and to render it in many cases enduring and permanent, and in other cases to multiply the periods of growth in number in a given period. The gardens at Christmas are not with- out a free growth and flower show of most kinds of (ieraniums, but Pelargoniums are generally quite out of bloom now. Familiar annuals are growing rapidly, and some few are in flower^ Stocks, Mignonette, ito. To a new-comer the show of Roses is truly surprising, Lamarque covering enormous spaces over gateway and bal- cony with fragrant masses of flowers in countless numbers, whilst Adam, Cloth of Gold, and other less well established varieties are amongst the climbers of the class also in full flower. In the beds almost any kind of Rose , well known in England is to be seen [ covered with large attractive blossoms. Camellias in all the shades supplied from Oporto I are in full season in many gardens and in pro- fusion. Two species of Bougainvillea which blossom in winter, B. spectabilis and B. lateritia just now cover many a wall and lattice with their deeply coloured and prolific flower bracts. Big- 1 nonia venusta is quite as striking and extensive. Giant specimens of Poinsettia with tree-like | growth, great bushes of Salvia and Hibiscus of several sorts combine to dazzle and astonish the visitor from the north, while amongst the usual garden plants are the Sweet Canary Violet, two sorts of Strelitzia, many kinds and shades of Azaleas, splendid Rhododendrons (chiefly beyond Funchal), quantities of familiar and unfamiliar Irises, all lovely, all quite at home, large bushes of sweet Olive, sweet- scented Heath, Lemon-scented Verbena, showy - Bouvardias of many shades, long sprays of scarlet Euphorbia, hedges of blue Plumbago and Heliotrope, overhangicg bushes of Brug- mansia covered with white trumpet flowers, charging the night air with their aroma and re- flecting X-like light in the bright moon. Palms and Cycads are intermixed, some in fruit, and specimens of Aralia, Castor-oil, and giant Echium are to be seen growing freely with flowering Aloes, bushes of Spiraea, Pittosporum and Bottle- brush, which in a Madeira garden live healthily together and confound any pre- conceived ideas of growth proper to latitude or altitude. Nor do the larger trees ofl'er any more definite idea of a given district or zone, for the deciduous examples of the north and south grow promiscuously and harmoniously with the Camphor Laurel from Formosa, the Acacias of Australia, the Laurels of Madeira, the Mango of India, with the Erythrinas, Magnolias, Casuarina, Bignonias, Schinuses, the Celtis, Cercis, Ceratonia, the Persea gra- tissima (with its Pear-like fruit), and every conceivable diversity. The kitchen garden is not less interesting or comprehensive, and abounds at this season with green Peas, Beans, and Lettuce, with most of the familiar esculents of our home gardens added to the list. Several sorts of Gourds, one of them especially (Sechium edule), a small and delicately flavoured vegetable almost perennial in habit and yield, a small uncultivated Tomato, as well as several im- portant additions to the Mints and herbs of our own home growth ; a Yam (so-called) and an important country food, the sweat Potato, a tuberous-rooted Convolvulus (one to be seen ou every side), and well-known varieties of the Potato appear in successive crops. Among the fruits. Oranges figure conspicuously at this season, and enormous trees are everywhere seen heavily freighted with them. The Tangiermes are plentiful and good ; the Mango is almost over, and so also the Alligator Pear. Guavas and custard Apples are plentiful ; Straw- berries are ripening fast, and there is plenty of Apples and Walnuts. Coffee is grown abundantly. Many of us cultivate our own arrowroot, which is excellent ; and much use is made of the so-called Cape Gooseberry (Physalis peruviana). The Citron is only seen in gardens here and there, but grows per- fectly, and is most excellently candied in the island, as are also many other fruits in their To describe fully the gardens of Madeira is siraplyto write ageneral epitome on horticulture ; nor is it possible to handle the fringe of the subject without reference to the richness of the native flora, the local agriculture, the prolific yield and quick succession of crops, and the vaiiety and excellence of the food which is here produced. The importance of the island is now, moreover, enhanced by the comfort and swiftness of the steamers now visiting it. It has become practicable to spend a short English holiday here, and, moreover, the English markets have become available for our perishable produce. The authorities have fallen behind, or at least stagnated, in the duty of keeping pace with the mo'leru rem not an advocate for protecting. In many cases too much old unfruitful wood is allowed, with the result that in the summer there are too many leaves and poor fruit. Now is a good time to remove useless wood and in a measure protect the good fruiting wood. My idea of Fig culture is to prune in the summer to ripen up the wood and thus make it better .able to stand severe weather. There is less loss when the trees are grown thinly. It is useless to attempt to preserve the larger fruits formed late this season. In re- moving old wood previous to protecting, one may with advantage secure the best growths for next season. Of course, these remarks apply to trees not carefully stopped during the past season, as these latter will need little pruning, and may with advantage be left till spring. Neglected trees may with advantage have useless wood taken out to give any new wood wall-space and timely protection.— W. S. M. STRAWBERRY KEENS' SEEDLING. I (.lUiTK agree with the courteous note of " S. H. M.," and am now content that what seemed a general libel of shy-bearing against an old favourite has been withdrawn. Years ago I tried La Grosse .Sucn'e abreast of Keens', with the result that the new rival had to be given up. Besides the risk cf getting a faulty or weedy strain there are two other faults referred to by your correspondent. One is the large percentage of small fruits after the first few gather-ings. But that may be described as the natural failing of most Strawberries. In the case of good true Keens' Seedling, such heavy yields are given in two or three gatherings that tho small fruit can be converted into jam, or the plants dug in without regret to make ready for a succeeding crop. But those giant Keens' Seedlings must be eagerly watched for and vigorously suppressed. No grower, so far as I have learned, has ever as yet discovered whence these came. But they are always taller, stronger, and have many times more runners, and the latter are severa' weeks earlier than the true strains of Keens' Seedling. The moment one such plant appears it must be destroyed, root and branch, for all such yield a mass of foliage and fail to fruit, as your corre- spondent puts it. The abnormal length of the foot-stalks of tho loaves, tho extra siza of the latter, and their moro vertical growth proclaim the spurious Keens' at sight. But tho earliness, strength, and abnormal precocity of rooting have caused thousands of barren Keens' to bo propa- gated, thus ruining the reputation of one of the oldest of all Strawberries.- D. T. F. This is one of those fruits which havo enjoyed popularity so long that it has become heresy to say a word against it. It was fortunate in being raised and sent out at a time when good Strawberries were few and the raising of new varieties occupied but little of the attention of growers. Had it been produced in recent years I very much doubt if it would have become at all well known, as it does not approach in any of tho points which go to make a first-class variety niiny of our leading sorts. The best thing about it is its thivour, and even here it is beaten by others, though it still remains in that respe::, quite distinct from all others, and, it may be, that many people like its peculiar flavour and texture batter than those of any other variety, in the same way that many other people proffer tho eciually distinct flavoured Sir Charles Napier. This dees not, however, prove that either the one or the other is particularly papular with St;raw- berry eaters generally, and I do not find it is so. " S. H. M." notes one of the defects peculiar to Keens' Seedling, viz., its failure at times to croj) freely, and his experience is not peculiar in that respect, as I have found the same thing occur in a hot, dry season when others have beaten it. Other defects are its remarkable softness, which makes it totally unsuited for packing or for marketing, and the tendency which the plants have to go blind, it being quite an exceptional thing to be able to go through a plot without finding a few or many blind plants. Add to these defects a tendency to produce a big propor- tion of small fruits, and we havo quite sulfioienb reasons for discarding it where its flavour does not gain for it an especial demand to the exc'.u- sion of other more satisfactory varieties. In criticising "S. H. M.'s" remarks " D. T. F." gives Keens' Seedling a great record, but I can- not agree with his estimate of it as a" persistent" fruiter, my experience being that its season is but short at any time, and I fear that the glamour cast over it by long association must have helped to form this rosy estimate of a fruit which, in its day, had the highest value, but which has been outstripped in the race.- Fkac.irh. Apple Ecklinville Seedling.- 1 think this, to be profitable, as a market fruit should be gathered early ; then it is not likely to show the ill-eflects of rough handling. This season good fruits made as much as Os. per pot, that is our local standard measure of 7'2 lbs. The above is tho price which one grower secured in this dis- trict for early fruits. A fortnight later tho price was Gs. A year or two back growers were think- ing they had made a mistake in planting so many trees of this Apple, as this variety did not pay so well that season, but I have not heard any com- plaints lately. Five shillings for 72 lbs. would bo a paying figure. Ecklinville is of little value from a housekeeper's point of view, as it melts away so during cooking. I have a great call from the farmers for this variety from the home nur- sery, where thousands of trees are grown for estate planting. Grown as a stand.°rd in the ordinary farm-orchard on grass, the fruits are not ipute so large, but tho trees crop freely. — A. Younc, Witky Court. The planting of fruit trees.— The season so far has been grand for planting, as though rains were heavy and continuous through the early autumn, they were of great assistance, as they prepared the soil for the roots after a protracted THE GARDEN. [Janoart 2, 1897 drought. I am aware in heavy clay land there may have been a little delay, but on the whole November was all one could wish. By planting before the close of the year the trees start away much better in the spring if the soil is in good workable condition at time of planting, and in light soils they do not require so much at- tention next summer. I am aware many are unable to plant before the close of the year and must plant late. If this is done with care there are few losses, as we SOB how fruit growers shift their stocks late. They also pay great attention to planting, making the roots firm, and of course the roots ;ire not long exposed like those of trees sent to a distance. Drying of the roots is most in- jurious, and the rains we have had in such quan- tity have been the salvation of many fruit trees, enabling growers to shift them with every chance of success. Such trees as Cherries and others which bloom early are much bttter in every way if planted early.— S. B. Cutting down old Vine rods. — Cutting down old Vine rods to within 1 foot or IS inches of the surface of the border is an excellent plan to adopt so as to refurnifh a vinery with a set of young rods. If one or two rods are cut down annually, the vinery can be refurnished without any material loss of crop. In very many cases the vinery is so crowded with rods that, by cutting down a few, the remainder would be greatly bene- fited even if these were not cut down. By cutting down the Vines the resulting growth is stronger and better in every way than when taken from the lowermost spur. In this latter case the old lorl draws off a deal of the strength, consequently the younger rod is inclined to be weak. The system of running up young rods from the lowermost spur, as noted by Mr. Burrell, is excellent as far as it goes, and with many people this may be the only possible means to adopt ; but if anyone would try the method I have described, he would, I think, never regret doing so.— A. Yoong. WINTERING POT STRAWBERRIES. In a recent issue "A. W." gave some useful hints ou the above subject, and invited other gardeners to give their experience. For my own part, I cannot see that a more convenient or safer way of storing pot Strawberries in winter can be named, than giving them the shelter of ordinary frames or shallow pits, without plung- ing the pots at all. Protection can easily be given in extra severe frost by placing a cover- ing of clean litter on the glass. In hue weather the lights can be removed entirely, and th plants thereby exposed to rain and air. Many gardeners, however, have not sufficient frame accommodation for, say, 2000 or 3000 pot Straw berries, and are compelled either to plunge them in the open, stack them on their sides ' the old-fashioned way, or place them ou t floors of fruit houses. Of these three ways, I prefer the first, as incurring the least labou the end, although the best pot Strawberries I ever saw grown were from plants laid on thi sides in November and stacked in ashes. If the system is so injurious to the plants as some contend, how was it that the old school of gar- deners, who always stacked their plants, grew such fine early crops of Keens' Seedling and succeasional ones of Sir Joseph Paxton and President '. True, the exposure to frost and wind, and entire absence of moisture, caused the balls to become hard and dry, but the best proof of the eft'ects of this condition lies in the fact that luxuriant foliage and abundant crops of fine fruit followed their introduction to th forcing house ; indeed, I have an idea that the stacking system was beneficial rather than otherwise after a wet, sunless summer and autumn, inasmuch as the root dryness and ex- posure of the crowns induced maturity and rest, conditions impossible if the plants are plunged out of doors and kept, as they must then be, in a soddened condition. The first year of my ser- vice at Hutton Hall, all the pot Strawberries, some thousands in number, were stood on the borders of the large span-roofed vineries, little or no water being given till the return of spring. No secondary growth occurred and the plants fruited most satisfactorily the following spring. It must be confessed that the plants were well ripened and the crowns large and thoroughly browned, as the autumn was fine and sunny. In my opinion the ripeness or unripeness of the crowns should decide the question whether they shall behoused in fruit houses or exposed the open, as although, if badly ripened, their condition does not improve when exposed to all the rain that falls from the clouds, storing them in vineries and orchard houses has, if th- winter turns out mild, a tendency to excite the roots and produce blindness. Many complain of the inconvenience experienced in e.xtricating the pots from frozen ashes when plunged them. I never use ashes, finding rough leafy rtf use far better, as it never freezes so hard ashes. If empty pits or frames are at command, and these will not be wanted for other purposes early in spring, my advice is to adopt ''A. W.'s" plan of storing the plants in them, as extremes, either dryness, wetness, or cold, can then be avoided. — J. Ckawfokh, Xi'irark. The advice recently given by "A. W." as to protecting Strawberries in pots during winter is perfectly rational, and as there is no coddling recommended they will in frattej and pits keep admirably. This practice (in th3 main) is the oldest I know of, but has to be aban- doned by many by reason of absence of these simple structures, pits and frames, which have to give protection to so many things less hardy than Strawberries. Where they have to be grown by the thousand many lights would be required to protect them. I have often placed boards, in form of frames, in suitable positions, and fixed wire Pea trainers, stakes, wire netting, or other things which would bear up mats or straw covered hurdles to afford some shelter in very severe weather. In the winter of 1S64-G.5 (the most se- vere one I ever had to contend with) my St.-aw- berries for forcing were placed closely together on dry ground, with ashes free from any coarse material packed firmly round the pots. They were frozen for many weeks and had to be thawed as they were wanted. None seemed to suffer, no pots were broken, and the roots which filled the pots were perfectly healthy. I have known frost to be more severe in Wilts, Suffolk, Middlesex, and Herts than I ever experienced in Scotland. — M. Tejitle, Carroll, Sliriingshire. Two useful Grapes.— Surely " C. C. H." (p. .521) is romancing, or he is hopelessly ignorant about what he writes. Almost every Grape grower knows Chasselas Musque to be a small, round, white Frontignan of the highest quality, but positively worthless on account of its habit of cracking. Who ever heard of it resembling Black Hamburgh or Alnwick Seedling, &c. ? Again, Chaptal is stated to be not unlike Buck- land Sweetwater, but smaller both in bunch and berry, whereas it really has a very large bunch with greenish white berries of poor quality.— A Grower — Chasselas Musque was inadvertently named by me last week. The Grape I meant was West's St. Peter's. I saw my error as soon as I saw my notes in print. — C. C. H. Pears. — I quite agree with the remarks of "C. C. H." (p. 477) on Pear Comte de Lamy. I once put the (juestion to the late Archdeacon Lea, of Droitwich, " Which are your favourite Pearsr" The one indicated was among the num- ber which that great pomologist named, but, con- tinuing, he said that he would put Doyenne du Comice second to no Pear (for excellence of flavour) he ever knew. It is singular how judges at horticultural exhibitions are so often led away with large sorts of Pears often only fib for stewing, and sometimes poor even for that. The judging of Apples is much better understood, but size too often is made too much of. — M. Templk, Can-on, X.B. Pear Passe Colmar.— This, although an old kind, is still amonget the best, especially when the season is warm, like the past summer. In this garden this Pear is one of the highest} flavoured kinds this season. The tree is growing on an east wall, and was removed to its present position recently. The tree is a good grower. I remember this was one of the best flavoured kinds growing on an east wall at Hedsor Park, Maiden- head, some twenty-five years ago. — John Crook, For,le Ahbry. Raspberry Norwich. Wonder.— This very hardy and prolific Raspberry, which originated in the neighbourhood of that city, and which is ex- tensively culti%'ated for market in Norfolk, seems to be growing in favour. For some years its ex- cellence did not appear to be known outside its own neighbourhood, but as in the case of all other good new fruits, time only was required to make its value known. It is now catalogued by several of the leading nurserymen, its cropping ciualities, which are its chief qualification, being there noted. The fruit is not so large individually as that of Baumforth's Seedling, but more tapering in shape and very solid in texture, the latter fact rendering it a capital sort for market growers. Norwich Wonder does not decay through wet so (juickly as Baumforth's Seedling ; in fact, it is in this respect very similar to that other excellent market variety, Superlative.— C. C. H. Dessert versus kitchen Apples.- 1 am pleased to see " A. D." has suggested that the Roj'al Horticultural Society should take the above pressing question up. A case came under my notice this autumn where an exhibitor was dis- qualified for fhowing a h.andsome medium-sized dish of Gravenstein in a collection of three dishes of des-ert Apples. The authority the judges gave was a trade catalogue in which the above Appb was described : " A popular German Apple, often good for dessert." Now nearly all our best nur- serymen class Gravenstein pi-acisely as Blenheim Pippin, and rightly so, I maintain, and yet tho latter was allowed to pass in every other exhibit. Probably had the exhibitor not named the Apple in question he would have got first prize, as his other dishes were extremely good. I think flower show committees should enforce the rule that a'l fruits must be correctly labelled, a much-needed reform, and one not impossible to comply with. By so doing shows would be more interesting and instructive. — W. J. N. Useless growth on fruit trees.- It often happens that ou old wall trees the spurs get so far away from the wall that they lose the protection, and in many cases only give poor crops, with a gross or strong growth at the upper portion of the trees. In gardens where fruit culture is studied, the yearly pruning prevents such growth, as the operator is careful to get enough young wood each season to produce a crop. By useless wood I mean old spur growths which have been cut back many years, and at each cutting from an inch to double that length has been added to the trees. These growths at close ([uarters are useless, as they produce a thicket of spray and weak bloom only. In the case of wall trees now is the time to remedy the evil. Removal must be piecemeal. Although a large tree can be made good in a short time, I would advise giving three seasons to the work. If removed all at once fruit-buds would not form, but a forest of weak twigs ; whereas by going carefully over the trees and removing gradually there is a stronger break, the trees do not lose so much wood at one time, and fruit buds form. By the removal of useless gro%vth light and sun are admitted. In the case of bush or pyramid trees there is the same useless growth, and the thinning of old spur growth should annually re- ceive attention. Trees that are pruned hard are more liable to form useless spur growths than others given more room. — S. B. M. January 2, 1897.] THE OxARDEN". ROWFANT. As the southern counties are not, perhaps, so richly strewn witli old houses as the western, it is the more pleaeant to see them when, as in tills case, they have the colour and form of the good old building. Rowfant is happily not the "pattern" garden we see so often. There is a pretty open lawn in front of the house, of which the eflect is very airy and good, even in the cold autumnal days, owing to the number of good American trees which have been planted here by Sir Curtis Lamp.son. We shall probably never ex- perienca the full value of these American trees; until they are grouped in an intelligent way according to their kind. The universal mix- ture of the British planters of shrubbery is death to many distinct and beautiful trees whereas if we used the most natural way, the choicest shrubs would often escape contact with the more vigorous trees. From the want of this grouping, no things have suffered more than the surprised to see good crops of Indian corn stand- bloom the following year. There are even nowa ing8feetand 10 feethigh and bearing large cobs. I '•ays many poor and inferior strains of Wall (irown in this way it is an excellent vegefabli Although the district is not, perhaps, a favour- able one for Pears, there were many noble fruits of the Pear Doyennfi du Cornice, some ' of the large.st wo have seen even among im- ported fruit. The tree seems to do well both on walls, from which the finest fruit were J. U. gathered, and as standards, and to thrive both ' on the Pear and on the Quince in the cool, rich soil of the place. Among the beautiful American trees was the American Dogwood, l' very rich, and peculiarly pretty in its foliage. ' We were informed that the plant flowers fre- quently, which we did not expect, and in that state it must be beautiful. flowers, and, as a rule, the striped or blotched forms are very poor. The self-coloured strains are by far the best, liolvoir Castle Yellow is very hard to beat, being very stocky in its habit of growth, also hardy and free flowering Of dark forms, the old Blood Red and Covent (Jarden Red are, according to my experience, unsurpiseed. — Chrysanthemums. nnu-fant. Kn beautiful American trees and shrubs, the eflect of which in autumn is so bright and distinct. Even many that never get much into cultivation when seen properly grouped are very efTective. The general practice of jumbling such things together in the shrubbery has been to kill the half of them and show little cf the beauty of those left. Rowfant is one of the few places where one can see much of the beauty of American trees and shrubs. In many cases it would be best to keep the sunny side of an old house for flowers, but the true way as to design is to have no rule of any kind, but rather to seek variety, even at some coat ; and here the eflect of open southern lawns is very good. The kitchen garden here is on a hill imme- diately behind the house, which is generally a doubtful plan, though in this case the garden is pretty well hidden out. The modern wealth of glasshouses, however much we may enjoy them when inside them, is not so happy in point of eflect, and it is just as well to be careful where we place them. I In the well-looked- after kitchen garden we were | SUGGESTIONS FOR FUTURE EXHI- BITIONS. The sameness which characterises Chrysanthe- I mum shows all over the country seems to point Wallflowers.— These beautiful and fragrant ^° the need of an alteration if the public in- spring flowers are often badly managed, the seed terest in them is to be maintained. No matter in the Kret place being far too thickly sown and in which direction we go, the .same arrange- thinning the young see-ilings carried out in a ments seem to be in force. Accordinw to the position attained by the society, so large or small classes are the rule. The Nation^ Chrysanthemum Society in the first place ^ sets the example, and this is followed by others whose aims are high and who in ji several instances otter prizes of equal value— sometimes higher — for classes of a similar character. In this way competi- tions which characterise the exhibitions of the National Society in London are repeated in almost every important centre throughout the country. Each succeeding season seems to prove how important is the need of introducing greater novelty into the shows, but which cannot be so long as the system of exhi- biting which at present prevails is allowed to continue. Except to those specially interested in the stands of blooms exhibited in competition for the piizes ottered at the respective shows, comparatively little interest is shown by any others but those attending the exhibition for the purpose of comparing notes. The special object of Chrysanthemum societies is to promote and encourage the cultivation of the Chry- santhemum, and in this praiseworthy eflbrt they have achieved considerable success. Those opposed to the present method of exhibiting blooms showing high cultural skill have almost reluctantly been compelled to admit this much, yet much more remains to be done before those responsible for fulfilling these objects half-hearted manner. Sometimes even they re- in every particular can rest satisfied. The main altogether unthinned till planting-out time enthusiastic grower, whether he be a profes- arrives, when, of course, the plants are weak and sional, amateur, or a humble cottager, is satis- leggy and lifting them with a ball of earth fied so long as he can show his very best attached ,s quite out of the question. Moreover, ^^ and! after the awards are made^ care- ''Z.7lLT.V:orZ-rj:i^ Ify scrutinises the stand, of his r-ivals, all '.d i\ir The GiRDKN from a photograph sent hy Misr< Julia Allan, Diippas IIill, Croydon. Wallflowers ground in some out mistake, as there is really nothing in the hardy *''.': "''^'''^ ^J^^^S [" ^^^^'^^ ^^ere he has himself flower line that pays better for liberal treatment. ™led, and at the same time acquiring the I usually sow the seed durhig the f econd week in necessary knowledge to set to work and do better May in ground that has been well manured early another season. In this respect the present in the winter, and am careful not to sow too form of exhibiting answers its purpose. But it thickly. Thinning is performed immediately the is from a totally different point that the object seedlings can be handled. They are planted out of societies must be viewed if the very best results on a similarly prepared plot about the middle of are to be achieved. The present-day exhibitor July. If the summer is hot and dry I mulch with will, no doubt, always feel a special intere.st in spent Mushroom manure and give several good t^g Chrysanthemum, no matter in what form it fiml^H fftlrlni' °°' ^r ''^,'°S;'^""y»"l may be exhibited or in which way an alteration liquid. It the eeedlings are thinned out to, sav. i, j t^ • ^ ^^ i i ,■ a foot apart, good bu.hes will be the result, 'theJ; TUl^ ""^^^^ ]' T- '? the general public generally flowering f ooner than the transplanted '^''^.*^ })^^ ^""\ ^\^ ^'I'J'^'^*^^ ,°.f C irysanthemum plant,*. Many people err in fowing the seed too societies should be directed if the best results soon; consequently the bloom-trusfEs are formed »'':' Clironirle a, moat interesting account of it from the botanist's point of view, and a picture of it appeared in the Bntanical Marjadne in 1880 (t. 0484). Botanically, Conandron is of excep- tional interest, because of its forming a sort of connecting link between two natural orders — Oesneriace;e and Scrophulariacea:. "It is, in fact, a regular-flowered five-stamened Ges- neriad, and were it a monstrosity instead of a normal type, it would be classed under the head of regular peloria. In habit it resembles Ra- mondia, Streptocarpus, Haberlea, and, in a measure, Wulfenia." These are its near rela- tions, and to them may be added Bcea, Didy- mocarpus, Didissandra and Primulina, all dwarf _ herbaceous plants, which have a general resem-' blance to each other in leaf and flower, and which not only possess features of interest for the botanist, but are also worthy of the atten- tion of the gardener. Streptocarpus and Ra- mondia are now established favourites in the garden. Didymocarpus has lately attracted attention through the introduction of several * Drawn for The Garden by Mau3 West ia the Eoyal Gardens, Kew. Lithographed and printed by J. L. Goffart, successor to Guillaume Severeyns, The Garden.] tTUK GAErr Mr. Henry Eckford. Mr. Henry Eckford, to wliom the present volume is dedicated, was born at Stonchouse, in tlie iiarish of Liberton, near Edinburgh, on May 17, 1S2:3. In December, IcSSD, he was sent as an apprentice to the gardens of Lord Lovat, Beaufort Castle, Inverness, where he remained for three years. He returned to Edinburgh and then went to New Listen, the seat of Mr. Jas. Hogg. He subsequently was employed as foreman in the following gardens : Fingask Castle, Perthshire ; Penicnick House, Midlothian; and Oxenford Castle. In the beginning of 1847 he arrived in London with a letter of introduction from Mr. McNab, of the Edhiburgh Botanic Gardens, to Mr. Hugh Low, by whom he was sent as foreman in the gardens of Colonel Baker at Salisbury, then under the management of Mr. Dodds, who will be remembered in connection with the improvement of the Dahlia and other florists' flowers. He remained here for two years, afterwards serving under Mr. Fleming in the gardens at Trentham, and going thence to Caen Wood, Highgate. In 1854 he was appointed head gardener to the Earl of Eadnor at Coleshill, Berks, where during his stay of twenty years he raised many Dahlias, Pelargoniums, and Verbenas, which were for the most part sent out by the late Mr. Keynes, of Salisbury. In the year 1878, Dr. Sankey, who was an enthusiastic florist, invited Mr. Eckford to take charge of his gardens at Sandy well, Gloucester, with the view to raising seedlings of florists' flowers. At this time improvement in Sweet Peas had not been thought of, and in 1879 he obtained the best varieties of edible Peas and various Sweet Peas. He soon set to work and raised many fine varieties of edible Peas which are a gain in our kitchen gardens at the present day. To him is due the great improvement that has been made in the Sweet Peas, these more particularly having had his special attention of late years, and visitors to the Boyal Horticultural Society's meetings will remember the fine collections he has on many occasions exhibited there. The Sweet Pea is the most valuable of all annual flowers of the present day ; its delicious perfume, its diversity of lovely colours, its lengthened succession of bloom, and its value for cutting entitle it to a jjlace in every garden. It may be had in bloom for seven months in the year from one sowing if care is taken to pick oft' every flower as soon as it shows signs of fading, not letting any seed-pods form. In order to obtain the best results from Sweet Peas, Mr. Eckford sows very thinl3^, with the result that each plant branches out and forms quite a bush. If gar- deners would only sow their Sweet Peas and edible Peas as well thinly in good soil, they would be astonished at the results. By thin sowing we get fine flowers and in abundance. The work of Mr. Eckford with the Sweet Pea shows how much may be done with sinijjle and often negleeti'd things in our gardens. The Sweet Pea certainly was always one of the most valued of flowers, but now with so many delicate and lovely hues. Sweet Peas are a garden of beaut}-. Who knows how many other things in our gardens may not have in them the germs of like improvement? Even some of the shrubs that now only have one as])ect for us may some day show us a like variety. In any case we owe many charming things for our open-air gardens to Mr. Eckford, and wish him many hajijjy years more o( his chamiing and useful work. \f~'--^ KB J^' Tz- ^W' " January 2, 1897.J THE GARDEN. pretty species from the mountains of Malaya. Didissandra, known only to botanists at present, is almost certain to be introduced into gardens before long, some of the Chinese species being " beautiful little plants witli spotted flowers, similar in size and shape to those of the common Foxglove." The Conaudron remains even yet practically an unknown plant. It is doubtful if there are a dozen cultivators who grow it, notwithstand- ing the prominent notice it obtained when in- troduced seventeen years ago. Possibly Messrs. Veitch and Sous have it still at Coombe Wood, though probably they havediscarded it as a " non- commercial " plant. The plate published here- with ought to carry conviction as to the merits of Conaudron as a garden plant. It was prepared from a plant grown at Kew this year in a cold greenhouse, where it continued in all the beauty shown in the plate for at least a mouth. This plant was treated as follows : In January it was a small crown in a 3-inch pot, and it had stood on a shelf in a cold pit since the autumn, when it had lost its leaves and gone to rest. It was then shaken or rather washed free of all old soil and replanted in an 8-inch .shallow pot in a mixture of equal parts of loam, peat and leaf- mould with a liberal addition of silver sand. The soil was pressed only loosely about the roots and well watered. In a week or two the new leaves began to unfold, and the plant grew vigorously in an airy house along with Cape bulbs till .Tune, when it developed numerous scapes, bear- ing elegant drooping cymes of purplish-rose flowers. Seeds were eventually ripened, and by October all the leaves had fallen off, leaving only a cluster of crowns enveloped in soft, brown, silk-like hair, like what one finds on the leaf-stalks of some Tree Ferns. The new leaves are at this time all enfolded in the most crinkled manner and form a nut-like cluster at the apex of each crown. The plant has just been repotted. This time, however, the crowns Lave all separated through the decay of the base which united them, and there are now six plants where only there was one before. Whether Conaudron is hardy or not has not been tested at Kew, where it has always been grown in a cool, airy greenhouse or frame, but I have read somewhere that it had proved hardy in the south of England, and I notice that Dr. Mas- ters says it is likely to be hardy, and will be highly prized for the rock garden. The close relation- ship between Conaudron and Ramondia is likely to receive confirmation at Kew, where a batch of seedlings is now germinating from seeds obtained by crossing these two genera. Evidently there is considerable variation in the colour of the flowers of Conandron, those figured in the JSotatiirnl Matj' -.ine being " white or pink with a purplish eye," and I have read of purple-flowered varieties. The leaves vary in size, the largest being about 8 inches by 3 inches; they are quite glabrous, very rugose, of a dark glossy green colour above, paler below, and the margins are doubly dentate. The scapes curve and grow downwards as the fruits mature, so that when ripe the latter pr^ss the ground firmly. The fruits are conical, about half an inch long, and the seeds are about the same as those of Gloxinia. In Japan the plant i) known as Iwa-tabako. There it grows on wet rocks and flowers from June to August. Another interesting Gesneriad from the same region as the Conandron, or rather from China, is Primulina Tabacum, which was introduced to Kew ill 188i», where it flowered in a cold house. This plant has the habit and foliage of a Primula, and even the flowers are so wonder- fully like some species of Primrose, that Dr. Hauce, who discovered the plant, ouly found on dissecting them that it was a Gasneriad, and not a Primula at all. Its leaves exhale a tobac2o-like smell, and in China it is known as Rock Tobacco. The flowers, which are in cymes on erect scipes, arc regular, silver- shaped, three-quarters of an incli across, and coloured white and purple. W. W. Rose Garden. AYRSHIRE AND EVERGREEN ROSES. No words can convey any idea of the beauty of these lovely rambling Roses, especially when they are met with growing in their natural wild profusion over some old ruins or ro^ks. Grand specimens can often be seen clambering over pretty thatched cottages in many a village. Their culture is of the most simple character. Like all Roses, they require good loam and an abundance of it. I fear that, on account of the character they enjoy of being such free, rambling Roses, their need of good soil is not sufficiently studied. It should be always borne in mind when planting climbers on walls that builders are by no means gardeners, and the soil immediately near walls should be viewed with a very suspicious eye. In the majority of cases this soil is of the most wretched descrip- tion, and it is the best economy always to re- place it with several loads of good jiasture loam. This, combined with good drainage and watering with liquid manure in May ami .June, and again after»flowering, should produce speci- mens of climbers that one could really be proud of. These Ayrshire and Evergreen Roses are the ideal clambering species. They will pro- duce huge shoots in a season which the follow- ing year are borne down with their weight of bloom. Very little, if any, pruning is needed. Avoid overcrowding of the shoots. Care should be taken in the first instance to train the main shoots in a palmate ma.nnei', which will give the plant an opportunity of obtaining plenty of sunshine in the centre to ripen the growths and thus ensure a full crop of flowers. I am aware that these Roses are extensively planted each year, but if we visit any large garden we can see m.-iny a position that, if covered with these lovely Roses, would still further add to the beauties of the place, especially in the month of June. What a beau- tiful sight it would be to see a fine gateway leading to the mansion wreathed with the snowy white Felicitu Perpetur, the purity of the flowers considerably intensified by the beau- tiful glossy green foliage ; or the main walk spanned at intervals by arches, on which the several pink and white varieties could be har- monised together. There are no plants more suitable for covering rustic arbours, stumps of trees, or climbing up trees than these free- growing Roses. 1 am often surprised they are not more frequently seen running over rock- work. If planted on the top where a suflicient depth of soil could be obtained and their pen- dulous shoots allowed to hang over the rocks, they would make a beautiful picture when they were in bloom. Again, for covering banks or mounds they are unrivalled, and as weeping Roses, budded on o-feet to G-feet stems, they are also very fine. I lately saw a fine old specimen of Ruga on the high road at Forty Hill, Enfield. It is growing in a cottage gar- den and forms a natural arbour in itself. The tree must be forty or fifty years old, possibly more. Growing as it is on the side of a hill is evidence of the benefit of good drainage, which, of course, such a position would afford. This tine old tree is one of the sights of the neighbourhood when in full bloom. In plant- ing these Roses we should insist that they be on their own roots. I append a list of the best varieties in each class : — Ayrshire. Rui:a.— I'ale ehell-pink, double, and psrhaps the best of this group. Dundee Ramiu.er. — White, semi-double. ViKciNiAN R\Mi;i,Eu.— Beautiful loose pinky white flowers, most abundant bloomer. Si'i.ENDENS (or Myrrh scented). — White, some- times edged red. Alice Gray. — White, delicately edged with pink, and it has beautiful foliage. ijlDEKN OK THE Bkliiiass. — White, preity form. An exceedingly slender grower. Bennett's Seedlini:. — Pretty double white. Ever(;reen or Sempervirens. rK.r.iL'iTi'; PERfETUE. — Baiutiful creamy white and exquisite Camellia-like form. Certainly the most lovely of all. Mykianthes renoncdle — Pretty double pink flo'vors. A fine variety. I'RiNCESs Marie. — Double pink. This variety appears to retain its foliage much later than the other varieties in this section. Fliira. — A beautiful variety which always ap- pears to me to be a hybrid with the Teas. It has pretty red wood and fine glossy foliage, and tha flowers are a lovely bright rosy pink. It grows admirably in towns and it appears to withstand the smoke better than any variety I am acquainted with. Leiiioldine d'Orleans. — White, tipped red, and double. The above represent the best of each section. I should like to see more attempts made to- wards improving them. The one great fault, if it can be called a fault, is that they are summer blooming only. An effort should be made (hy hybridising with autumnals, such as the Musk Roses, Alister Stella Gray and the Bourbons and Chinas) to obtain an autumn blooming race of these beautiful typical rambling Roses. Philomel. Rose Gloire des Bosomanes.— I amglad to find from Mr. Ta}'lor'8 note that this Rose still makes midsummer brilliance in the end of grey November at Shrublaud. For years I have been recommending this Rose for its continuous bloom- ing as well as its brightness. I am also glad to see Mr. Taylor recommending such old and good Chinas as Cramoisi Supi^rieur, Hebe, Louis Phi- lippe, &.C. Even the pink and crimson common Chinas or the so-called white will mostly under favourable conditions furnish the first Rose of spring in the open and the last Rose of summer. -D. T. F. Rose Wm. A. Richardson.— I agree with " S. W. F." that this popular Rose doas not suit every soil or locality in retaining its colour, upon which no doubt its popularity depends. Indoors, i e., under glass, I can do nothing with it, and whilst out of doors in one part of my garden it is simply perfection, in another part, but for the label and leaf, only a very experienced grower would recognise it. My experience tells me that it requires a warm aspect, a good loamy soil, a rich mulch and not over-fed with liquid manure, or it will run too much to wood rather than bloom. Like most Roses, it loves bone manure. — Gwent. I suspect "S. W. F.'s" dullest white Richardson Roses were from plants on walls, and that the plants were also over-fed, and perhaps worked on gross, over-fed stocks. Mere vigour of growth has mostly a tendency to wash out some of the more delicate colours. Surely, however, "S. W. F." is asking too much of this charming but somewhat erratic coloured Rose when he asks that the orange-fawn shall be transmitted to every part of the petals, and complains that he has not seen a crop of perfectly self-coloured Sowers during the past summer. The chief at- THE GARDEK [January 2, 1897. traction of William Allen Richardson lies in its ever-varying blends of orange-yellow and white. We have but one other Rose approaching it in variety of colouring, .and even that (I'Ideal) is not so variable, and seldom gets beyond varying blends of metallic red and yellow-— t). T. F. Boss Marie Van Houtte.— I quite agree with your high estimate of the extreme beauty, lateness and hardiness of this lovely Tea Rose. I have it alike on walls, a3 a standard and as a bush, frequently blooming through the whole of November. Like not a few other Roses and many other plants, old-established plants of Marie Van Houtte are hardiest on poor soils on dry bottoms. In such positions it will run Gloire de 15 feet to 20 feet. During the past year it has given four crops of bloom. At the present time (Novembar IS) I am cutting very good flowers, and this has bsen going on during the past three or four weeks. A slight heat is turned on at night to keep Chrysanthemums from damping. —J. Crook. Climbing Roses.— I should like to be able to write of Noisette Lamarque in as glowing terms as " A Grower " does, but whilst admitting that the buds when just on the point of bursting are of the purest white and singularly beautiful, yet is there hardly so disappointing a white Hose as Lamarque is when fully expanded ; then it is really a worthless flower. I planted Lamarque high north wall, getting plenty of water with occasional syringings, flowers should not lack colour. On a lower wall a board coping or pro- jection might help to materially arrest the strong sunlight. I have had rich red Roses on a south wall suffer in the same way, yet beautiful on the other side.— A. D. THE UGLINESS OF IT: VERSAILLES. Gakhen designing, by all the writing about it, seems to be becoming a fashionable profession. We hear high talk about it among the archi- te:t=!, nnd but very little evidence of the sUgh'-est ugliness of if : The (jarden at Versailles. From a photograph. Dijon and Homere at times hard for the latest and best buds from the opsn air.— D. T. F. Rose Mme. Lambard. — A good Rosebud is always appreciated, whatever other flowers are in season. One of the best ways to attain to this end is to grow some of the strong and free- blooming Teas. Wherever it can be done these ' should be planted out. I am convinced Roses give a better return when grown against walU in glasshouses than many of the climbers now used for this purpose. Mme. Lambard is one of the best for this purpose. I have a plant growing on the back wall of the greenhouse ; it was planted here some three years ago. It is bj- no means a good position, as the house is high, with a very high stage, on the top of which are grown big Camellias in pots in winter. Nevertheless, this Rose has done grandly, reaching a height of from some years since in a large span house to furnish white flowers for catting. The plants did well, blooming finely for a week or two ; then all was over, not another bloom being produced all the year. Then, as the flowers had to be cut when so small, they realised no price and did not pay. I therefore budded Lamarque entirely with Mare- chal Niel, the strong Noisette forming a splendid stock, that being worked on the Brier, and soon had grand crops of Roses that were worth ten times what the white flowers were. But Mar^chal Niel is unfortunately but a single season bloomer also, hence probably some of the weaker growing Roses that bloom over so long a period might have paid even better. With respect to W. A. Richardson not colouring well outdoors, it is very probable that Devonshire is .for that variety far too hot a locality ; still, where growing on a knowledge of the subject, the main idea they urge being that the best and only kind of gar- den is one with a good high wall, though there are many situations where such a high wall would be ruin to all beauty, both of landscape and garden. So we thought that perhaps it would be as well to call attention in The Garden, which has shown so many examples of really beauti- ful gardens in our country, to what the builder's garden really is-how extravagant, lifeless, and ugly. This view of Versailles, for example, shows the present effect of that famous garden from one important point of view, the very opposite of a picture. People who say that this sort of thing is necessary in such a situation January 2, 1897.] THE GAl^r>E^. do not consider the other beautiful effect.s that might be shown on tlio same pioce of ground. The total absence of tlie lite and grace of vegetation may be indeed the archi- tect's notion of form in gardens, the only sign of life being the few trees of the orangery, and of course they disappear iu the winter. How- ever, the picture tells its own .sad story of waste aud ugliness. W. R. The Week's Work. FRUIT HOUSES. CrcusinERs.— Plants which have been bearing since the early part of the autumn will require careful attention to maintain them in a fruitful condition, more particularly if the precaution was not taken to fet cut a batch of plants at the end of August or early part of September to take up the supply. 'I"he great thing to avoid is over- cropping, which, although exhausting at any time, is more particularly so in the neighbourhood of large towns, and when daylight is reduced to a minimum. The plants should not be allowed to carry more fruits than are necessary to me3t the demand, allowing, of course, a margin in the shape of a few e.vtra ones, in case anything unforeseen bhould occur, cutting them as soon as they aru large enough for ueo. Cucumbers will keep in good condition for a considerable time if their shank ends are inserted in a pan filled with water or well- moistened sand, and stood in a fruit room or similar place out of the reach of frost. The plants should also be encouraged to make as much growth as possible and the young shoots kept regularly traine.i out. To make way for these it may be necessary to remove some of the older foliagt and a little of the old bine occasionally. This may safely be done so long as there are young healthy shoots coming forward to replace them, and to keep up an even distribution"of the vital forces of the plants. Stopping should not be done too severely, and instead of pinching out the points of the shoots at the first or second leaf, leave three or four, and five if there is room. Attend to top-dressing whcbher the plants are grown in plants or pots, and in the latter case. entice the roots over the rims by placing light, rich soil within their reach.' This top-dressing should not be done at any particular time, but when the roots are seen to be working freely in that which was la«t applied, a further top-dress- ing about 2 inches thick should be giifen. The principal material for this purpose is good turfy loim, not broken up too fine, with a little spent Mushroom manure and bone-meal added. This should be mixed and pUced somewhere to get thoroughly warmed through before placing it about the roots. Other details will be care in" the matter of watering, damping down of floors, walls and the surface of the beds, with a light dewing overhead with tepid water on bright mornings oiily. Plants in houses inadequately supplied with hot-water pipes are apt to become infested with thrips and red spider ; in consequence, the fires have to be hard diiven to maintain a proper temperature during frosty weather. Fumigating will kill the former, but it must ba carefully done and spread over two or three evenings, instead of giving too strong a dose at any one time. Red spider is more difficult to deal with once it gains a footing, but much may be done to keep it at bay by giving proper attention to damping ani by keeping the evaporating troughs regularly filled, clarging them occasionally with diluted liquid, or by sprinkling a little Peruvian guano in them now and again. A little sulphur put in the troughs o.-casionalh- also materially assists in preventmEr attack. ^ ScccKssioNAL ri.ANTs.— These, if planted early in the autumn, will be commencing to bear, and the previous remarks and advice as to light crop- ' ping, top-dressing and other incidental matters apply here also. As soon as the plants come into full bearing, diluted liquid and guano water ma"! be given alternately when water is rc(|uired This will stimulate and keep them in good bear ing condition until the plants raised from seed at the commencement of the new year begin to fruit and take up the supply. Skki) sowiiNd. — When Cucjmbers are notgrown the whole year round, it is usual to make a fresh start at the new year, and should they be required at Kaster, then no time must be lost in getting the seed sown. Use ^-inch pots for this puri)03e, fill them with light, rich soil, place one seed of some approved variety in each iind raise them a bed of warm leaves in a forcing house under bell (»lass or handlight. Pinch out the first true leaf when formed, keep the plants well up to the light and give them a shift into larger sizad pots when well rooted. When the new soil is tho- roughly permeated with young white roots, they will be ready for planting out. In tho meantime the structure in which they will eventually b grown should undergo a thorough cleansing, to be followed by the white-washing of all brickwork, and if necessary the woodwork should be painted also. To have the Cucumbers ready for cutting by the time mentioned growth must be quick and uninterrupted. A bed of leaves will greitly facilitate matters, especially if the bottom-heat pipes are inade(|uate to keep up a nice steady temperature of 7.")° to )S0°. All these details, how ever small they may seem, should be attended to at the earliest opportunity, and then the hou will be ready for the reception of the plants as soon as they are fit to plant out, and delay will be obviated. Melons. — When these are recjuired early in the season no time should be lost in getting the seeds sown. Proceed in the same way as advised for Cucumbers, but use soil in a thoroughly moist state, and it may consist entirely of loam. This will not only obviate the necessity of watering until the plants are through, but the use of loam alone will promote good sturdy growth. The house in which they are to he grown must be pro- vided with ample top and bottom heat, and the house itself must, as a matter of course, be tho- roughly cleansed beforehand; If large pots are to be employed for growing the earliest crop in, they should also be prepared and filled with the re(|uisite quantity of compcst, taking care, how- ever, to drain them well first. This system of growing Melons answers well, but planting on hillocks or in a narrow border of soil is quite as successful a system, and it gives loss trouble. I have discarded the pots for several years now, as I find that equally as good results cxn be secured by planting out. With regard to the (|uestion of soil, I advocate the use of heavy loam or the nearest approach to it that can be had, and do not use manure in any shape or form if it can possibly be avoided. Thorough consolida- tion of the latter is also another imi)ortant matter. This, together with the employment of soil of the description mentioned, leads to the production of short-jointed, fruitful growths, and after the fruits are set and begin to swell, stimu- lants may then be administered freely. Light sods can ba rectified and made sufficiently heavy by the addition of dried pulverised clay, and in this latter case a little bone-meal may also be added, and in some cases is actually needed. I have dealt with sandy loams in the way described and secured excellent crops as a result. Road sidings also make a capital compost for Melons, particularly in limestone districts, and the turf parings from the edging of drives and walks are also useful for the same purpose. If Melons are in refjuesb right through the season and there is ample accommodation for growmg them, seed should be sown at intervals of a fortnight or every three weeks to afford plants for setting out io keep up a regular succession. I do not give a ist of varieties, as most gardeners have their special favourites, but I can highlj* recommend Davenham Early as a first-rate kind for growing for first crop. Pines. — Where Pines are grown and fruits are in request for the London season, a batch of plants should bo started with the advent of tha new year. For this purpose a house large enough to hold the requisite number of plants should if po.ssible be devoted entirely to them, in order that they may receive the right kind of treat- ment. Tho house or pit, :n the ease may be, ahouhl receive a thorough overhauling after cleaning out the old plunging bod if it his baan used for Pine growing previously, lime-whiting all brickwork, well washing evary particle of woodwork and tho glass, and getting any neaas- sary repairs done without delay. Tnen get in a new bed of fresh leaves or tanner's b irk, whichever is most convenient or preferred. When tho ma- terial has ijecome warmed through, the pHnts may bo taken in and stood on the surfaca until thoy can be safely plunged. If plunging is done at the outset the materials must bo placed about the pots very loosely, and the thermometer watched closely. Inattention to this matter may lead to the plants being spoilt through the roots getting scalded, and that is why I prefer to merely stand the plants on the surface of the bed until danger of overheating is past. Selection of plants.— The plants for this pur- pose should have perfected their growth early last autumn, and have been resting since that period in a rather low temperature, and if such is the case they will quickly start when placed in heat. When selecting them, give those the preference which have good stout stems and leaves of moderate length, and with centres filled with short pointed leaves. Such plants seldom fail to throw up (jaickly and invariably give good results afterwards. After the selec'.ion is made the plants should be overhauled, staked, and top- dressed. Staking can be more easily accomplished before the plants are plunged in their permanent quarters than after they have thrown up their fruits, and it also saves a great deal of trouble. After the stakes are placed in position, the tou- dressing should next be done. For this employ good turfy loam and incorporate with it a fair percentage of bone-meal or any other manure that has been found by actual exparience to answer for Pine growing. Before using it pall off a few of the lower or oldest leaves and remava all the inert surface soil, taking care, however, not to destroy any roots. Then placa the new compast about them and make, it firm by ram- ming with the potting stick. All being finished, move the plants ta the house in which they are to ba fruited, and in a fortnight's time after taking them in give a thorough soaking of tepid water at a tamperature of 8.5°. By advising this to ba done I am assuming that the plants hive had proper treatment and have been kept on the dry side sinca they went to rest. By this time tha violent beat will have bagun to subside in the beds and tha plants may ba loosely plunged, but when this should be done will be best ascer- tained by consulting the bottom-heat thermo- meter. A safe rule for guidance is never to plunge so long as the temperature ranges above 1)0°, but when it falls below these figures, ta SO-' or two or three degrees more and remains fairly stationary, then plunging may be done wiin safety. If possible, maintain the battom-heat at the figures mentioned by the aid of the hot water pipes when the temperature oi the fermenting bed is seen to be declining. When the plants ara finally plunged, make the leaves or tan firm around the pots. The distance the plants should stand apart will depend entirely on the spaca at command. If the house is small and it is neces- sary to accommodate as many plants as possible, they may stand '2 feet apart, but if the house is a roomy one, allow a distance of 3 feet or 4 feat, especially if the bed is a wide one. To commence with, a steady day and night temperature of 70^ and G5° respectively will sutfice, and a little air y be admitted on bright sunny mornings after I thermometer indicates a further rise of 10°. Sprinkling the walls and paths with tepid water and damping the surface of the beds with the syringe should be performed daily, varying it according to outside climatic conditions. Keep the evaporating troughs filled with water, and to 10 THE CxARDEK. [January 2, avoid overheating the pipes at night during in- clement weather run down the blinds or cover the roof with dressed canvas or mats in the case of pits and small low-roofed houses. A. W. KITCHEN GARDEN. Skeds CATALOi;rES.— It is always interesting to turn over the pages of a new catalogue and note the diBerent novelties which peihips are appear- ing for the first time. Frtc|uent]y it happens that a clear conception is not always formed by the young hand, who pei haps has had no previous expeiience in such matters in deciding what to order. It would be impofsible in these notes to givealistof tho best varieties of diflerent kinds of vegetables to suit all soils and requirements, but my advice to everyone is to keep as much as possible to well-known varieties, as many so-called novelties or improvements fail to equal these which have stood the test for years, and when one is called upon to keep up a constant supply of the choicest sorts, he may place himself in a false position perhap? if he trusts " to fcmething new ■' to meat the demand. It must not be taken, how- ever, that I ignore novelties; far from ir, as 1 consider nothing is more interesting to the gar- dener than testing the qualities of anything fresh by the side of older kinds. The mistake, however, is often made in giving up the best positions in the garden to try them, and becaufe with this advantsgo and perhaps a little extra attention they surpass older kinds growing under ordinary cultivation, the latter are placed at a discount. The best guide anyone can have in or- dering only the be.-t and most suitable varieties of seeds is to take notes each year how dififerent kmds' have stood the test both in dry and wet seasons, and by doing this there is less danger of a failure. On the arrival of the seeds the packets should be sorted, the different kinds keptseparate and placed in drawers or cupboards, or confusion may occur later on, and there is also the danger of somethmg being overlooked at the proper sea- son for sowing. In the meantime a number of labels should be prepared and written for each and tied to the different packets, and though this may be considered a trifle and unnecessary, it is a sav- ing of much time during the busy seed-sowing season when details such as these are done before- hand. Soils.— Selecting suitable sites and properly preparing the soil to receive the different crops are matters which demand careful attention, and must be taken in hand at once. To grow early crops, attention is naturally drawn to south or other sheltered borders, and though probably most of these are occupied at the present time with Lettuce, &o,, provision should be made to clear certain portions to allow of the ground be- mg got ready for early Peas, Cauliflowers and many other things, which the earlier they are ob- tained the more they are appreciated. It is some- times desirable to vary the annual dressings such borders receive, and, as a change from farmyard manure, the ashes from burnt gs rden rubbish prove most valuable in heavy soils and cold, wet localities. A dressing of this description not only greatly assists the seeds to germinate mote freely and quickly, but the roots of such as Cauli- tiowers and other plants scon become established when transplanted from pots or frames, which is of much importance in bringing the crops to maturity in the shortest time possible. There are other things which may be used with sdvantace as a change from L as decayed leave road scrapings, lime rubble, &c. ; but as each of these proves more beneficial to heavy soils than light ones, the general condition of the latter can be greatly improved by a dressing of good heavy loam. Here the kitchen garden has been in existence nearly 200 years, and the soil, which is naturally light and porous, has been made more so by the many dressings of manure year after year. With a view to making this of a more holding nature, one south border has received a good dressing of marl, which has been well forked in, and, I have no doubt, will prove most beneficial to future crops, p.articularly Peas and Strawberries. Lime, when given in small quan- tities and at proper intervals, proves of great assistance to most crops. If more lime were used and less manure for a few seasons, its puiifying properties would soon be realised, and ground that has practically become manure sick would be brought again into a sweet, fertile condition. Many are particularly shy in using gas-lime, but they have yet to learn the value of this when care- fully applied. To guard against any accident resulting from its use, ground should be dressed with it several weeks before plants or seeds are put in, and if left exposed for some time previous to digging it in, much of its strength will be ex- hausted. Several patches were treated in this way a month ago and the lime is still on tho sur- face, but it will be dug in at the first opportunity, and as the ground will not be required until February or March, there is little fear of any harm resulting to the next crop, which will be Onions. Two small cartloads were spread over a piece of ground which measures 20 yards by 40 yards. Gexekai. WdHK. — To keep up a regular supply of Asparrgus, a batch of roots should be placed in heat eveiy fortnight or three weeks, and for this purpose, if not already dene, a good quantity should be stored ready for use, cr the plantation must be covered with a good thickness of litter so that no difficulty will be had in digging the loots up during frosty weather. When a is conoidered how easily and cheaply this delicious vegetable is obtained at midwinter, it is surprising so much valuable house space is devoted at this season to French Beans, which entail so much heat to pro duce only light crops. If the same were devoted to Asparagus, which only requires a gentle warmth, it would prove a great advantage, as then the labour of preparing fermenting material would be dispensed with when pits and frames are used for growing it in, and the heat could be regulated to suit the crop at different stages of growth. During the shortest days it is much better to cut the "grass" when it is from .S inches to 4 inches long, as if allowed to grow taller it quickly becomes much weaker. It is therefore necessary to look the bed over daily and cut the "grass" as soon as it has grown this length. To keep the "grasi'' any length of time after it is cut, I find it a good plan to place some damp sand on a cellar floor, stand the bundles upright on this and cover with a flower pot. In this way it will keep fresh for a week or moie. Seakale —This will force more easily now than it did in November ; therefore it is better to place fewer crowns in heat at one time, but at shelter intervals. Care should be taken to keep everv particle of light from it, and though the old purple variety did splendidly for very many years, it is gradually giving place to that known as Lily White. I find it forces equally as well as the old purpb, and those who intend making fresh plantations in the spring should secure crowns of this variety for the purpose. This crop is often spoilt by affording too much warmth ; the more gradually the shoots appear the more substance they have. Provision should be made for later batches, and the crowns fin per- manent plantations sliould be covered with suit- able pots or boxes and covered with leaves or stable litter. Although this is the old-fashioned way of forcing, the shoots, I always think, come much crisper than when grown in Mushroom houses and the like. Saladinc:. — Thanks to the mild season up to the present, we have not had to resort to growing either Lettuce or Endive in frames. This has proved a great saving, and there should be no lack of either for the lest of tho winter. Endive that has become well blanched by the aid of pots or tiles placed over them in the open borders should be lifted and placed in a cool cellar, and if lifted with good balls of soil, will keep quite fresh and crisp for many days. When allowed to remain outside after it has reached this stage it is ;oon damaged by frost or rain. Eichaed Parker. Kitchen Garden. FRAME POTATOES. The ease with which Potatoes can be forced in frames if due attention be paid to the prepara- tion of the sets and selection of variety makis the forcing pleasant if there is ample attenticn to details. Of late years there have been more varieties used for forcing. Years ago the old Ashleaf was the one mostly grown, and often grown well too, but one cannot in these days of rapid culture spare the time for the crop, and now there are kinds which have size and earli- ness in their favour. These have been raised from the Ashleaf crossed with some American kinds, the latter giving more size with earliness. I do not think these precocious kinds are equal to the true Ashleaf in flavour. On the other hand some do not like the close firm texture i f the Ashleaf "when forced, and welcome a good tuber of the type named above. As regards varieties to plant now I will briefly note the good qualities of half-a dozen, including tli^) Ashleaf section. The varieties noted should .suffice, as all may be termed reliable. Last season I gave a new variety a trial, and was de- lighted with its good qualities both for framn culture and in the open ground. It was both early and of fine quality. This is Sutton's A 1, foliage very dwarf, erect and just the type fi r pot or frame culture. It is a better cropper than the Ashleaf, and of splendid cookiig quality. I do not know the parentage of A 1, but, doubtless, one of its parents has some of the Ringleader blood, as it is even earlier than that, it being one of the first to mature. A 1 is a flattened round of good size and shape, with few eyes and a bright golden skin. There is no ditficulty in having it fit for table in ten weeks from time of planting, indeed, with pre- pared sets it may be had in less. I still grow Sharpe's Victor on account of its earliness. The tubers are very shapely, with few eyes and a very smooth wax-like skin. It is very prolific and of good table quality. I have grown thii variety in frames with gre.at success, but am now giving A 1 the most space on account of its drier eating and flavour, it being equally as early as Victor. Another excellent frame Potato is Ringleader, a very fine type, and one everyone may force, no matter in what soil. This variety possesses astrong constitution, and Ihave never failed with it either indoors or outdoors. I look upon this variety as one of the most profitable anyone can grow. For years I grew Victor and omitted this, but seeing a note in these pages from "J. C." as to its forcing [ualities, I tried it and found it most excellent. The best of the Ashleaf section is Veitch's Im- proved. Doubtless this is a selection from the old Ashleaf and an excellent variety for forcing. It is larger and a heavier cropper than some varieties of this type, and of fine flavour. An- other less known is also an Aslileaf. This is Early May, a variety of great value for frame culture, top dwarfer than Veitch's, but with a smaller tuber. I pay great importance to preparation of sets, and for this work it is well to grow an early crop in the open, well ripening the seed. It is well to start the seed in advance. I either place in boxes in leaf-mould, standing these on warm pipes, cr pot up singly into 3- inch pots. No matter whether pots or boxes, the seed sets should be placed on the -inds not covered with eyes. In a few days it is well to reduce the growths to the strongest. One is sufficient, but many leave more. I prefer one, as it is well not to crowd in the frames. At the time of starting the tubers in a gentle heat, the frame Januakt 2, THE (LVRDEN", 11 should receive attention. I am obliged to use fresh leaves as the bottom-heat. Others may be more fortunate and have hot-water pipes. In any case it is well to have the soil for plant- ing warm to prevent a check. If the tubers are started early in the year, the frame thould be prepared in advance to allow the soil to get nicely warmed. Leaves give off a gentle heat, a cardinal point in forcing, as when large qmntities of manure are employed the heat is '.ioleut, with the result that there are niu.h top growth and few tubers. If manure 18 u'pd It should be placed in bulk and turned freiiu^iiily before placing in pcsition. P.y this means it can bs niacie more solid, a necessity, as it should give a gentle heat as long as possible. Leaves and stabfe manure, well mixed and pre- pared, form a good boltoir.-heat, as the leaves do not decay so readily and the htat is re- tained. No matter how waimth is secured, a firm bed is essential, as shrinkage causes a poor tuber, one part of the bed getting less warmth and moisture than the other. When hot-water pipes are used there is less preparation, l)Ut not better results. Some of the very best frame Potatoes I have had have been grown in frames with only leaves to give warmth, as with pipes, unless there is much attention, the soil soon gets dry, and the tubers once checked refu.se to swell. Moisture is a great point ; indeed this and attention to airing to get a dwarf top are of special iniportanca. The tubers during their early growth should never be allowed to get too dry ; of course a wet bottom is not advised, but avoid extremes. Temperatures should never be high ; (iO° to 05° by day at the start is ample, and 5" to 10° less at night, as it is much better to cover up the glass to maintain warmth than to over-heat the pipes. I get excellent results with only a single flow and return pipa in the frames by covering at night, as the top growth is much dwarfer, and if this is maintained better tubers follow. Plenty of air is a strong point, as any neglect in this matter ends in failure. In closing it is well to damp overhead in mild weather and close early in the day. Ample soil for the roots is needed. Any good loam may be used with a liberal addition of h ood ashes and bone meal. A firm soil (not heavy, bat made firm) will promote a sturdy growth, and as top growth is made, warm liquid manure will be of great benefit to the crop at every other watering. G. Wythe.s. Muehroom beds.— I made up two Mushroom beds in the usual way. The spawn teems to have run freely, but as eoon as the Mushrooms were the size of Peas they turned quite soft and dis- appeared. In previous years I have had grand crops in the same house. I have kept the house damp and also dry, but to no purpose. The house is heated with a small flow and return pipe. Will any reader kindly say what is the cause of the failure -.'—R. M. Keeping Onionp. — Manj' good Onions are destroyed by being kept during the winter in tco close and damp quarters. I keep them well till May. After they are thoroughly ripened I tie them into bunches of eight or nine bulbs, and sometimes to sticks. They are hung up in a dry and airy outhouse, and thus take no harm. During 1894-95 my Onions were frozen for many weeks, and the supply remained sound till June. I always plant a number of bulbs in February or March closely together, also Potato Onions, an! Shallots. These come in early, and each bulb divides into four or five. These are of mi'd quality and much appreciated in the kitchen. — M. Temi-i.e, Car, -011, X.B. Protecting Parsley.— "J. C." does well to draw attention to the protecting of this. I am obliged to resort to several makeshift methods to protect this, and am scarcely ever short of nice fresh Parsley. Every year at the end of Juno or early in July 1 plant several lots at the foot of warm walls. I take up some strong roots and put them into well prepared ground with a dibbor or crowbar, cutting oil' tho leafage within 2 inches or ."! inches of the crown. It is astonishing how quickly the plants begin to grow again. I have some splendid growth on a lot now, December 12. Another good method is to take up roots as above advised, filling some big pots or tubs. When severe frost comes remove these into a shed or cold house. These will give a grand supply in severe weather and can be put into warmth in spring to make growth. — J. C. F. Notes of the Week. Hsemanthus albifloe.— Some large masses cf this species are now in flower in the No. 7 range at Kew, the short, broad and blunt leaves appea ing with the pure white heads. Eranthemntn nervosum. — Perhaps one of the brightest bits of blue produced by any stove flowering plant just now is to be seen on th' species, which of late has been flowering i Kew, the plants bushy and compact and litt'.o more than 1 f jot high. The Algerian Iris in Ireland. — Mrs. Lawrenson send.s i:s seme beautiful specimens of this from her garden in Ireland, large and fine, the colours white and purple. This is perhaps tho most precious winter flower we have, and not difficult to grow in sheltered parts of the gardtn where soils are warm and sandy. Skimmia japonica.— At the last meeting of the Pv.HS. for 1MI6 the Messrs. Cutbush put up a fine group of this well-known as well as useful plant. The plants were in 5-inch pots, and were noteworthy for their compactness as also the wealth of coloured berries that had so nearly at tained perfection. Pelargonium Duchess cf Marlborough.— This fine vaiiety may justly be considered as vetj near perfection both in size of flower as well as ir its great beauty. The central portion of the flower is deep salmon, the tii)3 of the petals to nearly or fully one-third their depth being pure white. The effect in a mass is very pleasing. Calyetegia Sepium var. incarnata.— /.' your article on and illustration of Calystegia Se pium var. ir.cirnata, this is to be found grow ing wild abundantly on the sandy embankment of the seashore at Clevelejs, four miles from Black- pool and equi-distant from Fleetwood. I hxve seen it both this year and last. — G. F. Ashton, Series. Dsedalacanthus striclus. — Though com- paratively rare, this certainly deserves to be more generally seen in collections of stove flowering plants. The genus is allied to Eranthemum, the culture being identical. In the above-named species the flowers are of a most pleasing shade of blue, and produced somewhat freely in terminal and axillary clusters on plants about 2 feet high. Chinese Primroaes. — The greenhouse or con- sarvatory at this time of year that has not its com- plement of these plants is certainly lacking one of the best groups of winter-flowering subject.^. The strains now obtainable are of such a high standard of excellence, that they are well-nigh in- dispensable, and, well grown, produce a profusion of blossoms throughout the dullest days of winter. Eapatorium odoratissimum.— Plants that are noted for abundant as well as continued flowering are ever welcome to the gardener who has a daily supply of blossom to provide, and where the plants are of the very easiest culture also, such things become doubly valuable. The above is one of these useful subjects, growing freely and flowering continuously over a long season. Epacris Model. — This very fine variety has long spikes of bloom, the longest nearly 2 feet, and for the greater part very closely set with lively pink flowers. These latter are always moat durable when subjected only to a cool tempera- ture. Princess Beatrice is another well-marked kind with pink and white blosioms, tho spikes in this instance being very compact. For associating with other things in the greenhouse Epacrisea are very suitable. Pelargonium Snowdrop.— Among tho win- ter-flowering zonals this fine variety re ono of the purest, tho truss being handsciue and well formed, while the blossoms individually are faultless in form and very pure. In striking contrast with this is one called Soldier's Tunic, in which the co'our is certainly the pui-ast and richest of scar- let, exceedingly vivid and striking. Both kinds are worth . attention where these pUnts are grown under glass for winter work. Linum trigynum. — The clear orange and yel- low blossoms of this old plant, that come in such great profusion during the winter months, are just now very showy in the greenhouse. To grow the plant successfully, however, it must be kept quite free from its one great enemy, red spider. Thrips also frequently visit this species, and the leaves at times tali from the plants wholesale, as a result of their united attacks. These p^sts re- quire to be kept off by a fre3 use of soot water and quassia during the growing season. 'i^alip La Reins.— Among the white Tulips that are at once of easy culture, fairly early and obtainable at a reasonable price, the above is worth a note. Grown naturilly, however, it is not a pure white flower, but is somewhat heavily stai'-ed with pink or red. For forcing into flower at C.Tristmas or even earlier it is all that can bs de?ired ; the flowers with good culture not only cone well, but are produced on good stems also, which is most important, while the high tempera- ture and partial darkness ensure that purity of tone which is so much desired during the winter season. Eucharis grandifloia — Among stove flower- ing bulbous plants few can equal this noble plant when well grown. Quite recently we siw a Urge number of plants in a market nursery producing their spikes of blossom with as much freedom as in the summer. The plants were growing for the most part in 11-inch or 12 inch pots, each con- taining six or seven bulb?. Each spike bore from five to seven flowers of the very finest quality. A low, compact, spin-roofed house some 75 feet long by 15 feet wide was fillei to overfios'ing with the plants, which were yielding hundreds of their chaste and beautiful flowers daily. Viewed in its entirety the house presented a charming sight, and, judging by the great succession of spikes, thtre will be plenty of flowers for somo time to come. Freesia refracta alba.— Fragrant and de- lightful are the chaste and ever-welcome flowers of this plant. Too often, however, they are among those things that are but only indifferently understood, and Irequently we see them in gar- dens all too feebly grown, the wea'ily stems in- sufficient to carry even a representative spray of bloom. There is now a very fine and beautifully grown bitch at Kew in one of the Urge green- houses there. There were some two dozen li inch pots, each pot containing ten or a dozen bulbs, and each bulb producing a stout flowering spike, freely branched, and carrying a large number of blossoms. The flowering-spikes were each fully 12 inches high, the foliage vigorous, strong and sturdy, the result of slow growth, with free ven- tilation. The whole wrrj arranged in one group thinly on one of the side stages, and a careful inspection did not reveil a solitary fiowerless growth. Their great beauty and, not least, their most pleasing fragrance are well known, and, seeing how very serviceable such things are in mid-winter, they are well worth special cire. Helleborus niger.— Sheltered from the hot summer sun by an udjacent hedge <>f Laurels, some compact tufts of Christmas Roses are put- ting forth their warm-tinted bloeeoms. Near to shrubs of this kind these plants are invariably 12 THE GARDEN. [January 2, If more content, as they get the benefit of a circula- tion of air that in some degree is debarred them when the shade and shelter thev receive are from a hou^e or wall. At Kew some attempt has been made to establish these pUnts beneath the fhade of lar^e trees, but the choice is not a happy one. In these and similar places the plants are robbed 01 that nourishment so essential to success, to say nothinj; of a certain degree of moisture which the plants appreciate. When ilaitincr such things under large trees it wouli bi wellif the planter would bear in mind the years it had taken to pro- duce the trees, and with this some vague idea of the naturally impoverished condition of the soil would be apparent. Shade of a kind these plants appreciate and where it is afforded by trels the latter should be at a suitable distance. Some of tne most suitable positions in a private garden are fronting a belt of Rhododendrons, or in the foreground of the shrubbery, or. again, in com- pany with some hardy Ferns and the like. The white-barked Hubi.-In recent years more attention has baen given to ornamental- barked shrubs and trees than was formerly the case. There are several of the Brambles that come under this category, and they are noteworthy Deciuse the curious bluish white covering of the stems IS not common among hardy shrubs, and in no instance, except possibly in Salix daphnoides ana its allies, is this colour so vividly displaved as in several of the Rubi. One of the best of them 18 Rubus biBorus, a native of the Himalayas at this season it makes a bright and pleasing c fleet, the waxy bloom on the stems being almost wdite. Another species similarly distirguished is K. leucodermis; this is a native of North-west America, and is the species of this group most easily obtained from nurseries. Another specias equal to It m beauty and a recent introdGction from In. America is R. neglectus ; this is of very vigorous growth, and the waxy covering of the stems .s mora distinctly blue than in either of the preceding. Lastly, there is R. lasiostylus, a new Chinese species discovered and sent to Kew by nry. Its blue-white stems are thickly set Dr. He wiuu jn-icKres. To get a sufficiently striking ith jn-ickles. To get these Rul- " - half a doz3n or more specimens. Ilex crenata.-There is no shrub of ,, hich one more frequently feels the need at the plai,ting season than a dwarf evergreen, which will keep Its characteristic shape and remain dwarf without the continuous application of the knife. It is to the attempts to make such things as the Cherry Laurel and Pontic Rhododendron serve as dwarf evergreens that the meaningless stretches of flat cropped shrubs so often f ean are due. One of the most distinct and pretty of dwarf evergreens i. Ilexcrenata. This species is a native of Japan, and 18 said to be the most common of all the tver- hlTh" ^°lf' "? ^^""^ 'country. It is cf dense, bushy habit ard from L' feet to 4 feet high, al^ though frequently more : its dark green leaves are usually Irom half an inch to 1 inch long. The branches are short and rigid, and so sturdily do ins plants grow in some parts of Japan, that it is possible for a person to stand upon them, the same as one may sometimes do on a thick, flat- topped (,iuick-set hedge in this country. There are varieties in cultivation with much larger leaves than the type, and one with yellow variegated v»t?a\ f 'l"" ^'•°,"' gfo«''Dg plant, and is some years before it reaches any appreciable size ; this of course, adds to the value of large bushes, and aso explains Its comparative rarity in gardens. It strikes root more quickly from cuttings than the common Holly, and, this being so, it may be worth while to give up a small portion of ground to growing a few scores of plants.— B. H^,,^"^'"^^^, 8^^°''«a— This Japanese Witch Hszel IS one of the first among hardy shrubs whose flowers welcome the new year. Already a few of Its bright golden flowers may be seen expanded. Its floH^ering so early, however, is only an evi- dence of the mildness of the winter, and it is not for a couple of months (cr even more if prolonged frost set in) that we shall see it in its full beauty Among hardy shrubs there are few more charac"- teristio and few more charming than this. Flowering as it does when the great bulk of de- ciduous vegetation is still dormant, it possesses a very distinct value of its own, especially as its beauty is so marked that it would not escape notice if it blossomed some weeks later along with the great host of spring-flowering .shrubs. It is a small tree, of slow growth, and flowers when quite small. The leaves, which do not appear until sometime after the flowers are over, have a strong resemblance to those of the Hazel (Corylus Avellana) ; this, together with the common name, has led to the Hazel being tried as a stock for it— of course, a hopeless experiment, for the two belong to widely separate families. The flowers have much the same character as those of the Vir- ginian Witch Hazel (H. virginica). The calyx is short and of a reddish colour, whilst the petals are like narrow twisted strips of gold leaf, threa- quarters of an inch long. This species, although perfectly hardy, has hitherto remained rare because of the difficulty of propagating it. Last year, however, it ripened a fair ijuantity of appa rently good seed near London, and as it probably did so elsewhere, there is a likelihood of its becom- ing more frequently seen in future.— B. Phormiums atDunrobin, N.B. — With refer ence to recent notes in The Garden as to the hardiness of Phormium tenax, it may be of in terest to record that a plant of Phormium has been growing out of dcors in the kitchen gardens here for something over fifteen years. The plant was originally growing under gliss, but in th course of some alterations it had to be removed when I thought it might be of interest to plant it outside and note whether it would live outdoors without protection. The plant, or clump, is in excellent health at the present time, although it has come through some severe winters, notably those of 1878 7!t, also 1880. 81, and January, Feb- ruary, and March of 1895. The two first men- tioned winters were exceptionally long and severe, snow lying for nearly four months, and the tem- perature, as registered by tested thermometers in a Stevenson screen, sometimes showed from l.'i' to 19° of frost. Ice on ponds in the neighbour- hood measured 10 inches thick on deep water, while some shallow ponds of 12 inches to 18 inches deep were frozen to the bottom. An Aralia Sieboldi and some Eucalypti were planted at the same time. The Aralia is still alive and doing well, but the Eucalypti succumbed to the first sharp frost. The Phormium has flowered on several occasions, throwing up two and some- times three flower stems Iti feet to 12 feet high. The plant is growing within about l."ii) yards of high water mark, and is sheltered from the north by trees and rising ground, and on the east by garden walls and trees. I have grow n the Pampas Grass and Arundo conspicua for many years here thout protection of any kind in winter. Of the latter I have some fine clumps, which some sea- sons show six to eight dozen of their feathery les each, mostly from 8 feet to HI feet high. mica Traversi seems to do well in some places in this neighbourhoor^. At the British Linen Bank House at Golsj ia I saw recently several plants growing in the gravel by the wall in front of the house some 3 feet high and about 4 feet through. This plant does not do so well in the gardens here in winter, probably owing to being too much sheltered by trees, and so suffering from damp in the richer soil.— D. Melville, Diinrohin Castle Ganluts. The weather in West Herts.— The weather mained very cold until the 24th ult., but since then the temperatures have been unusually high for the time of year, the readings in shade on three days exceeding 50°. The only cold night was that preceding the 24th, when the exposed thermometer showed 15° of frost. The tempera- ture of the soil at 2 feet deep is now 1°, and at 1 foot deep 3°, warmer than their respective aver- ages, the reading at the latter depth having risen 5° during the week. There occurred only two days without rain, the total for the week amount- ing to about IJ inches. The winds were, as a rule, rather high, and came mostly from soma westerly point of the compass. On the 25th the sun shone brightly for 5| hours.— E. M., Berk- hamsfed. Messrs. Jas. Veitch and Sons.— We learn that, for family reasons, Messrs. James Veitch and Sons, of The Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea, have decided to convert their business into a private limited company under the name of James Veitch and Sons, Limited. None of the capital of the company will be issued to the public, and the conversion will not atl'ect the general conduct of the business, which will be carried on as here- tofore under the direct superintendence and management of Mr. Harry J. Veitch and his two nephews, Mr. James H. Veitch and Mr. John G. Veitch, who will act as directors of the company. Public Gardens. The "Physick Garden" at Chelsea —The question of obtaining the historic " Physick Gar- den " at Chelsea as a public garden is once more before the local authorities. It is almost the sole remnant of the picturescjue old Chelsea left un- touched by the modern expansion of London. Should the Apothecaries' Company decide to give it up, it will be surrendered to Eirl Cadogan. The value of the site for building is sufficiently obvious, but it is to be hoped that public spirit will prevail, and that this quaint old relic will be saved for posterity. Gift of paintings for a London park. — In November last year the Parks and Open Spaces Committee of the London Council received an offer from Mr. J. St. Loe Strachey to decorate the walls of the refreshment-room at the mansion in Brockwell Park. Mr. Strachey proposed to have fitted at his own expense pictures to be painted by his brother, Mr. H. Strachey. The opinion of Mr. Frampton, A.R.A., was sought as to tho suitableness of the proposed decorations, and upon his advice Mr. Strachey's offer was accepted, and the work has now been carried out. The pictures represent scenes of country life connected with hay-making and are executed in oil-colours on canvas. The portions of tho walls not covered by the panels have been coloured to harmonise with the paintings. The committee feel sure that the public will greatly appreciato the beautiful decoration which has been so gener- ously provided. The thanks of the Council have been formally tendered to Mr. St. Loe Strachey and his brother for their gift. Dogs in London parks. — One of the bye- laws of the London County Council for governing the parks and gardens provides that persons may not take into any park or garden or other en- closed place where notices prohibiting the admis- sion of dogs are exhibited any dogs not led by a bain or other sufficient fastening. With two ex- ceptions only, prohibitive notices are posted at all the Council's parks and gardens. The exceptiors are Battersea Park, where does are allowed to run free on the portion of the park near the river, and Brockwell Park, where they may enjoy full :ty up to 11 a.m. It has not been found that any damage to the parks themselves or incon- venience to the public visiting them has resulted in these two parks, and it has accordingly been decided by the Council, on the recommendation of the Parks and Opan Spaces Committee, to re- ■e the prohibition from some other parks and fford further opportunities to owners to give their dogs the exercise that is necessary to keep them in health. For these privileges they have chosen the parks and parts of parks in which there are no flower beds or other things which the dogs might injure. The following are the parks in which in future dogs will be allowed to xercised without being led : Battersea Park, Bethnal Green Gardens, Brockwell Park, Clissold Park, Deptford Park, Dulwich Park, Finsbury Park, Kennington Park, Maryon Park, Ravens- court Park, North Woolwich Gardens, Southwark Park, and Victoria Park. THE OAIJDEN". 13 No. 1312. SATURDA Y, January 9, 1897. Vol. LI. " This iB an Art Which does mend Nature: change it rather; but Tbk Art itself is Natuhk. "—SAalMpearfc Stove and Greenhouse. CHRISTMAS FLOWERS. Weke it not for the great variety of bulbous subjects which may be had in bloom at Christ- mas ami throughout the early spring months, the conservatory, drawing-room, and dinner- table would present a poor appearance. Luckily, however, a good display can be kept up by this useful class of plants, and by a little tact in bringing on one batch after another, a continuous one also. I annually force many thousand bulbs ; these with few exceptions being placed on a hard bottom ol ashes and covered with some 3 inches or 4 inches of rough leafy refuse, are removed to the shelter of a cool house for a time. As soon as growth is sufficiently advanced, they are taken into heat as the demand necessi- tates. Leafy refuse is far better than ashes for covering the pots with, as the ashes often be- come so hard during frost as to resist the force of a pickaxe, and many of the pots are broken in the attempt to remove them from the plung- ing bed. I usually have the old double Daffo- dil in bloom by Christmas, but not by quite so cool a system of treatment as that described some time since by " E. J.'' and which the London market gardeners now adopt. No doubt quantities are had in flower by Christmas by the cool system, but then these large growers buy direct from the wholesale men and are able to procure and pot up their bulbs very early in the autumn. Private gardeners, how- ever, must wait until they are sent from the nurserymen, and sometimes several weeks elapse from the time the order is given till the bulbs arrive, rendering the employment of a certain amount of artificial hea*-. imperative if bloom is to be had by Christmas Day. I always plunge the pots in a gentle warm bed of leaves, the house having a temperature of about G0° at night. This was done about five weeks before Christmas, and at the present time I have numbers of fine highly- coloured blooms which are much appreciated. They last a good time in a cut state if a change of water is given. I re- quire some hundredsof Tulips, principally yellow, by the second week in January, the two varie- ties grown being Canary Bird and Chrysolora. The former is rather earlier in opening and of a beautiful canary yellow, Chrysolora being of a somewhat darker shade, but stifl'er and stand- ing more erect. The plants are brought on in Pine stoves, where the winter temperature ranges from 00' to 05° at night, rising some- what in the daytime from sun-heat ; the pots are merely stood on the kerbs and shelves. I always allow from a month to five weeks from the time of placing them in heat. Lily of the Valley is forced largely, and I find the English grown crowns give more satisfaction than the Berlin crowns, coming away more regularly, and producing, as a rule, more bells on each stem. My mode of forcing is as follows : The evaporating pans in the Pine stove are first lined with Moss, the Lily pots, which are about ;! inches in diameter, being then placed in the trough and surrounded with Moss, verted pots being placed over the tops. A month Ls sufficient to bring them into full flower. As soon as the bells are well advanced he pots are raised and stood on a warm shelf o expand. Where so many fail in forcing this Lily is in giving only a fluctuating biittom-hoat ; whereas a steady continual moist heat of from lOO"" to 110° is what is needed. Dryness is fatal ; in fact, I always water the pots every morning with tepid water, as there are no new roots to su9"er from excess of moisture, the stored-up nourishment in the crown doing all the work. The blooms last the longest in a temperature of about 55=". Roman Hyacinths and the Paper-white Narcissus I force by the hundred, always placing them in an intermediate house until the spike is somewhat advanced, afterwards giving more heat to draw up the spikes. Later flowering varieties of all the most suitable Narcissi and Tulips are brought forward in cooler houses and pits, and keep up a supply until the early section opens out of doors in April. A houseful of Tree Carnations, good batches of Christmas Roses, Eucharis, and double white Primulas afford a good and varied supply of bloom at this comparatively dull season of the year. .). C. Carnation Wm. Scott is a fairly good doer among the winter-flowering kinds. There is, however, little cither of beauty or refinement in the rose-magenta of its flowers or its coarfe saw- edged petals. The variety is, however, of good perpetual habit, and under artificial light the colour tones down considerably. The same shade occurs, however, fre(]Uontly among the Marguerite kinds, which comes bo very freely from seed, that it will never be classed among choice kinds on this side of the Atlantic. The variety is of American origin. Asparagus tenuissimus.— I saw lately at WinthorpB House a capital batch of this most or- namental and useful Asparagus. The plants were raised from seed sown in February or March, A. tenuissimus always producing abundance of ber- ries. The plants were grown on in a comfortable warmth through the summer. They are of course not large, being in very small pots, but having each seven or eight of their graceful plumy growths, which are extremely useful for cutting. One-year-old specimens produce plenty of berries and the seed germinates freely if sown in shallow pans or boxes and placed in a comfortable tempe- rature. A small graceful Palm, the ball surrounded by Moss, into which are inserted a few plants of this Asparagus, red and white Carnations also being sparingly introduced, forms a graceful and attractive centre piece for the dinner table.— J Crawford. Erica hyemalis. — What charming little examples of this Heath are to be seen in Covent Garden Market at the present time ! They are nearly all grown in pots 5 inches in diameter, and consist of neat bushes, each carrying from eight to ten principal branches, with a number of minor ones all crowded with blossoms. The white riety affords a pleasing contrast to the coloured form. This Heath is one that the market growers around London seem to have made essentially their own, as many of the plants could not pos sibly be improved upon. Strange as it may seem the origin of this charming Heath seems to be doubtful, though its merits as a market plant have been long recognised. When it is taken into con- sideration that Heaths are not easy subjects to strike from cuttings, that they take some time to attain flowering size, during the whole of which period they need special attention in the matter of water, it is somewhat surprising that when in full flower they can be Eold at such a cheap rate.— H. P. Carnation Ww. Robineon. — In "E. J.'s" note on the above, he refers to it as having a dull leaden hue. This is certainly quite a new descrip- tion to me, for as I have it now and as it was sent out it is one of the most vivid fcarlet varie- ties I am acquainted with. I do not know the origin of the so-called improved variety and did not see the plants exhibited, but no doubt many of the committee are acquainted with theorigma variety, and it would bo a Ijad precedent to^^cer- tiflcate well grown blooms as "improved, be- cause inferior blooms were staged beside them All Carnations are inclined to vary, more par- ticularly those flowering at midwinter. I could show W'inter Cheer with (|uite distinct blooms, and those of the dull and inferior shade have <|uite a distinct appearance in urowth. The same thing occurs with other scarlet varieties. One wmter almost the whole of the stock of A. Alegatiero had flaked blooms, but in its best condition it is .still a good variety. I may add that W. Robinson is a seedling from Winter Cheer crossed with A. Alegatic-re, and is of good constitution.- A. IlEMhl.HV. ^ , , Poinsettias.- A truly magnificent batch of I'oinsettias may now be seen at Winthorpe House, near Newark. The plants occupy 4.Vinch pots and most of the bracts are a foot in diameter, the colour being also excellent. Mr. Bardon, the gardener, struck the cuttings in the first week of June, growing them on from the first potting in a pit facing south and having a little artificial heat in it, keeping the j.lants close to the glass. The roots were assisted with a stimulant when numerous, and the plants housed when the cold nichts came. Nothing could possibly be finer than these plants, and Mr. Bardon told me that he could grow first-rate dwarf plants suitable for dropping into small receptacles or for furnishing ornamental baskets in the drawing-room by pro- pagating the first week in July and growing them on in the same way. The cold frame systern, practised so successfully by many gardeners in the south of England, cannot be relied upon in the midlands, and, indeed, it is useless risking the ex- periment when such good results can so easily be secured by the adoption of Mr. Bardon's plan. I'lants grown in pits have a better chance in every way than those in arid houses sometimes far from the glass.- J. C. Lasiandra macrantha as a pot plant.— At page 428 "North-West Cheshire" asks why this plant is not more frequently met with. The only answer I can give is that it is comparatively useless for cutting from. I once had two large specimens of this growing in big pots, and, wish- ing to take a collection of stove and greenhouse plants to a country flower show, 1 resolved to try and get one of these into bloom. This I did, and the day previous to the show every expanded flower was gone over and a drop of florist's gum put into it. The same was done on the morning of the show . When the plant arrived at the show only the few blooms that had opened that morn- ing remained on the plant when staged. As a plant for home decoration, nothing is more efiective at this dull season. For years I have grown this plant in just the same way as noted by your correspondent, and with equally good results. During the last three months I have had a half-standard plant, about 5 feet high, in full bloom in a 10-inch pot. It has stood in the entrance hall from eight to ten weeks. Associated with brightly coloured Chrysanthemums, such as Cullingfordi, Florence Piercy, and Palms and Ferns a.'; an undergrowth, the eflect is very good. -J. Crook. Dracisna Broomfieldi.— This beautiful Dra- ca-na, which was recently awarded a first-class certificate by the Royal Horticultural Society, well deserves the few words of praise bestowed upon it at pa?e 481, in which, by the way, the writer says if easy of increase it should quickly take a foremost place. It is, however, not the class of Urac;una to be increased with any rapidity, as very few of the thick underground roots are produced, while the stem is so hard that after cutting it does not break out at all freely. Various ways are resorted to for the propagation of Dracanas, as the ordinary garden forms, such as terminalis, Cooperi and the many varieties raised by the late Mr. Frederick Bause, can be increased in great numbers, first by the toes or fles-hy underground shoots, and secondly by ttie stem, which, if cut up into lengths and placed in cocoa-nut refuse on a moderate hotbed or any 14 THE GARDEN. [January 9, 1807 other condition favourable to growth, will pueh out a ehoot from every eye. Again, such kinds as D. gracilis and D. Goldieaiia are best propa- gated by taking off the top and striking it, leaving the stem still in the pot. It must be kept somewhat dry, as it will have few or no leaves, when, if still kept in the stove, young shoots will soon push forth, and as soon as long enough they may be taken off as cuttings. D. Sanderiana increaees rapidly, as its long Reed-like stems will, if cut up, break from every eye. — H. P. Carnation Mile. Carle.— At page .506 it is stated that very few white perpetual-flowering Carnations can equal Mile. Carle, but the writer admits that it is slow in building up a good plant. I grew this variety for many years, but was never satisfied with it, as not otily is it a slow, poor grower even under good cultivation, but also a very shy bloomer. It may suit those who are fatisfied with a bloom or two in the spring months and allow them to remain on the plants merely to look at, but for market growers and gardeners who want lots of flower at Christmas and throughout .January, Mile. Carle is in my opinion next to useless. For this purpose com- mend me to La Neige, which produces twenty blooms where Mile. Carle only produces one, and these of the purest white. I have tried keeping plants of Mile. Carle the second year, but thev did not pay, and as soon as I obtained L-i Neige, I threw Mile. Carle away. I do not consider that we had a really free-floweting white variety from a market grower's point of view until La Neige was introduced, and I feel quite sure that if the writer who accords such praise to Mile. Carle would but try i-„ he would, like me and some of my friends, have cause to speak well of it.— J. Crawford. *,* With this note came some remarkably fine blooms of La Neige and A. Alegati^re, the flowers of the former being all one could wish as regards size, th.3ir perfume also adding to their value. It is a remarkably free-blooming variety, and those who require white Carnations in quantity at this season should grow it largely.— En. Early Callas.— With regard to the article on "Early Callas," by "E. .1." on p. JS6 in last volume, it may interest some of your readers to hear that an opposite treatment, outdoor and very simple, answers well where the circumstances make it possible. This garden is in the e.xtreme north-east of Lancashire, practically, as to climate and conditions, in Westmoreland. About May I turn the Callas out into a narrow ditch in deep black peat, fine black peat mud at the bottom with water running slowly through the ditch. There they stay all summer without any attention oeyond cutting off the blooms which they some- times throw up. Some time in September I take theni in again, lifting them very easily out of the fane black mud, which is so soft that to keep them upright when they are put into the ditch I have to tie the plants to sticks stuck across the ditch from side to side. They make beautiful roots in this^ and when potted up and put into a vinery 4. . 1 : 1 n in about ^' "" ' they begin to flower in about a month. This year they were not taken in till the end of September and the first blooms opened late in October since when from twenty plants I have had flowers con- tinuously The plants will go on blooming freely till after Easter, judging by previous years. Call'a Little Gem, which has not been planted out (five or 8I.X plants), has only just opened its first flower >iext year I propose to plant this out also for the summer. I can easily suppose that in say a hot, sandy soil, perhaps in a heavy clay also, it may be better to keep Callas under control in the house. But I do not understand why it should do aquatic plants good to dry them off for six woDks. In any case I think that people who have a wet ditch :n suitable soil will find the plan I describe very simple and efficient, and will find no difficulty in having flowers at any rate in October, probably in September, by potting ear- lier. I imagine a good deal depends on having the soft mud I defcribe, out of which the rootl aro drawn without difficulty, the check to the plant when taken up being coneeiiuently very small.— A.M. Potting Amaryllises.— The garden varieties have been at rest for three months or more, but, with the advent of the new year, they recjuire to be started into growth. Before doing so it is better to repot the entire collection and place in a gentle bottom-heat The repotting of Amaryl- lises must be carefully pei formed, and the potting material should be good and moderately moist. When the bulbs are turned out of the pots in which they have been growing examine the base of each, and remove all decayed and decaying matter. The flower-pots being clean and well drained, place some potting soil in the pot in the form of a cone, the apex of the cone as high as the rim of the pot. The bulb is placed on this cone with the rcots hanging down its sides ; fill up with soil over the roots and press in firmly ; by this means the bulb will be about half its depth out of the compost. A.9 the potting pro- ceeds let the bulbs be plunged in the tan bed or other heating medium ; a bottom-heat of about S5 18 sufficient. The temperature of the house should be about 50° at first, and be very careful of moisture. I do not water for three or four weeks after repotting, nor, indeed, until the bulbs show some signs of growth. It is better not to have an over-moist atmosphere ; watering the bulbs too early causes them to rot off at the base, and a moist atmosphere causes de ciy to set in at the apex of the bulb. As the growth of the flower- scape and leaf proceeds, the temperature of the house must also be increased, until, by the time the flowers begin to open, a minimum of 00° has been attained. A lower temperature than this would be desirable when the flowers are fully open. Of course I am well aware that all gardens do not possess a house set apart entiiely for Amaryl- lises : in that case they can be started in a vinery or I'each house, and there be allowed to flower, or after growth commences they may be placed in a plant stove or hothouse. — J. Doiglas. PROPAGATING. Onk of the most interesting subjects connected with gardening is a study of the various methods by which plants may be increased. The most natural is from seeds, but when this fails, which is often the case, other means will be found. There are many plants which rarely bloom, and others which, though they flower, rarely perfect their seeds ; others also which have become abortive through the pollen- bearing parts being transformed into petals, as in the so-called double flowers. In many instances where two species have been crossed, the hybrids prove aborti although the flowers may appear perfect. In taking up the subject of propagating and dealing with the treatment required for various subjects it is somewhat difficult to avoid a repetition of the same advice when dealing with some details. The better the accommodation the easier it will be to succeed, but when we see so many failures where all other conditions appear to be the most favourable, and successes under adverse circum- stances, it becomes evident that careful attention to the smaller details is the secret of success. This applies equally to all of the various methods of propagation. Taking seeds as the brst example, I believe where failure occurs it will often be found that the cause is in the treatment rather than that in the quality the seeds. In the first place, the natural conditions under which seeds would germinate St be studied, and here we find many going the very opposite to Nature by keeping such as usually I spring up under the influence of the brightest sunshine under heavy shading, and although the seeds may make a start under the»e conditions they will generally die off before they get established. Of course there are many subject, which require shade, but, speaking generally, It IS far better to give plenty of daylight trom the first start. I remember the first time I sowed Centaurea candidissima placed the seed pots in a pit and kept them carefully shaded, and only succeeded in getting a small percentage of plants. I now place the seed pots on a shelf where they are fully exposed to the sun, taking care that they are kept moist, with the re- sult that the seeds germinate as freely as Mustard seeds, and short sturdy plants are formed which rarely damo off or gi\e any trouble. Taking Primulas, ('yclamen, and similar plants, if the seeds have a slight covering of Sphagnum Moes and are exposed to the light there will he no fear of failure. I may here mention that I find fresh Sphagnum chopped up very fine and mixed with some sand an invaluable covering for many seeds, especially those which lie some time before they germinate. Many seeds perish in a short time if kept in a drj', warm place, while if put into a close tin box in a cool place they may be kept for a very long time ; and while some seeds require a good deal of harvesting, others are fit to be stored away as soon as they are ripe enough to fall from the seed-pods. Palm seeds are, perhaps, among the most difficult to deal with. It is only those who get them directly they are imported and sow them at once that can rely on success. Altliough the seeds or nuts are very hard, the vital part perishes quickly. To all outward appear- ances the seeds may seem gocd, but if they are cut at the point where the cotyledon starts from, it will be found to be shrivelled up. Seeds which have been packed moist enough for some to spear on the journey will generally prove the most satisfactory ; this especially applies to Arecas and Cocos. Araucaria excelsa is another example of hard-shelled seed which perishes ([uickly. It is rarely that imported seed will germinate. Aralia Sieboldi, which is now grown so extensively for market, is chiefly obtained from imported seed. It is always recommended that the seed should be sown immediately it arrives, but I find if kept close in a cool place it will retain its vitality for some months. In almost all instances seeds re- quire to be well ripened before they are sown, but there are exceptions to this. Canna feeds, if sown before they have become too hard, will ger- minate more quickly than when thoroughly ripened. Seeds which have been kept should be soaked in water until they begin to swell before sowing them, but the water should be changed every day. Many seeds will germinate better and more evenly if scaked for a day or two, but care must be taken that they do not get dry again be- fore they are sown. I like to sow them as soon as the water is poured oft', shaking a little dry sand among them to keep them from sticking together. With seeds which lie in the ground a considerable time before they germinate there is a r:sk of losing them through a fungus. To prevent this they may be kept in moist sand for a time. Then wash the sand out and sow them in fresh clean soil. Most of the conifera- seeds should be treated in this way. A. H. Chrysanthemums. CHRYSANTHEMUMS FOR MARKET. Ik there is one thing growers of these flowers for sale require to be fastidious about it is in regard to the varieties they cultivate. It means a considerable loss at the end of the season to find the flowers of a shade of colour that does not take. No wonder then that growers are cautious, and we see year after year prac- tically the same varieties grown. With these cultivators who stage exhibition blooms, the sorts are ever changing, and sometimes most beautiful kinds get discarded. To pay well, it seems early and late Chrysanthemums are the more desirable, and thus I was surprised to find more than one grower say that the ever-popular Source d'Or would not sell. This, of course, is late October variety : white, yellow, bronze, pink, red, these appear to be the shades, but January 'J, 1897.] THE (iARDEN. 15 they must be decided. Dirty washed-out tints are a glut on the market. To begin with Oi'T-oF-nooR Kinds, there is no variety to equal Mme. Desgrange as a white, or its sport G. Wermig for a yellow. These two sorts also lend themselves to lifting. They can be dug up with large liidls of earth and may be put under glass to get the blooms cleaner. The white, too, of the former comes more pure if so protected. I am, however, de- cidedly against the practice of lifting Chrjean- thomums for what may be termed the best produce. The operation gives a check just at the time the flower-buds are forming or swell- ing. Rime. Desgrange and the sport may be cultivated for extra large blooms by disbudding and cutting back the growth at a certain period This last item is important, because these sorts if left to grow naturally, show a quantity of flower-buds on very short stems, and have con sequently no tin}e to develop extra largi blooms. I grow the young plants on i: pots with single stems and cut them back to within 0 inches of the pot early in June These varieties are bushy ; one may there- fore run up from five to six stems, each to produce a single bloom. This cutting back causes a longer growth to be made before the flower-buds appear, and thus we obtain stouter wood. I have obtained (is. per dozen for flowers of Desgrange grown in this way ; they are most useful for wreath-making and such purposes. M. Gustave (irunerwald is the best early pink, and M. Dupuis the finest bronze early Chrysanthemum. There is nothing in the way of reds to surpass lloi des Precoces, but this out of doors is rather later than the above, and may therefore require protection. Following the early sorts, we have Lady Sel- borne as a white, and its yellow sport, an ex- cellent companion in that shade. Lady Sel- borne has been in favour for October work a considerable number of years, and the only white I know likely to replace it is Souvenir de Petite Amie. This variety has all the necessary characteristics of a good market kind— dwarf, free, early, and with pure white blossoms, which are lasting. The shape of the bloom is recurving, so that it diflfers from that of Lady Selborne, which twists its florets in a very peculiar manner. I thought last year Pallanza was a yellow likely to suit market growers' tastes for October blooming, but I am told by several who have tried it that the flowers do not stand stiffly enough on thtir stems. Curiously, with me, and also when I first saw it, every bloom, even the little side ones, seemed to possess that desirable (juality ; hence, for this reason, and that it has charming deep yel- low flowers and is free, I thought so highly of it. Phcebus (the new variety) has every essen- tial quality of a first-rate market sort. It may be had in bloom before the glut of November kinds comes in. The yellow is pure and pleasing, and the shape of flower recurving. Emily Silsbury is a new variety that will be very much in demand for market when better known. The blooms are remarkable for fine quality, and it may be had in flower at almost any time, August or October, by select- ing buds at difi'erent stages. It has been likened to Mile. Th6rese Rey, a great favourite as an exhibition flower. Kentish SVhite has pure white flowers of an incurving shape. These are of good substance and the plant dwarf and free. This, again, is an October variety. A new white kind likely to be good is Barbara Forbes. Wm. Holmes is a red sort which is still much favoured as an early autumn market Chrysanthemum. Cullingfordi follows a little later, .T. Shrimpton is rather an im- provement on the latter, inasmuch as it isa better grower ; the colours are similar. I have noted Source d'Or, and whilst on this name I cannot under.stand why a yellow Source d'Or should bo thought valuable ; there are plenty of better ones of that hue. It is the peculiir bronze tint of the type which has made esteemed so long. Gaspard Boucharlat (bron/.y yellow) and Mrduse (bronze) are two I am try ing as October sorts. The flowers of both are bright, and their habit of growth seems to have the necessary essentials. Elaine, white ; Mile. Lacroix, white ; Annie Clibran, pink ; and Mr. C. E. Shea, yellow, are all desirabli market sorts which are at their best befori November. Ryecroft Glory should be a popu lar market variety. It grows naturally into a first-rate dwarf bush, and the bronzy yellow blooms are borne in great profusi' n. November Varieties must have flowers of exceptional quality to command good pir At this period such a quantity of the ordinary kinds gets into the market that one wonders where they all come from. Of yellows, there has not been seen anything to equal the new Modesto for richne.ss of colour. Growers should make a note of it. Western King, again, is an extra fine new white. Both sorts have incurving - shaped blooms, and they are of American origin. A. H. Fewkes, rich yellow, and of dwarf growth, is excellent. 'Viviand Morel, pink, is in demand. A pink not much known is Mme. Marie Ricoud. The colour is clear and deep, and the flowers are borne in abundance on an easily grown plant. I do not know a better sort of its colour. Miss Elsie Teichmann should prove a good market kind. This has creamy white blooms of fine substance. It is a dwarf growing plant. Thomas Wilkins is a likely kind to produce bronzy yellow flowers, a shade much appreciated. 1 will now deal with the most important section of all from a paying point ot view. Late Kinds. Here the choice is somewhat limited, but the few extra good sorts should be grown in abund- ance. In whites the two best are undoubtedly L. Canning and Niveum. The latter is not quite so late as the former, but it is a fine sort to last in perfection. The blooms are pure white, graceful in shape ; it has capital foot- stalks, and the plant grows well. Nothing else desired. L. Canning is dwarfer than Niveum and equally pure in colour, but it requires more skill to do it well. Here I would like to con- demn the practice of planting out and then lift- ing the plants of L. Canning. I was tempted to try the plan (which I did not previously be- lieve in) by a note in The Garden early last year. Planting out in the open ground cer- tainly saves labour, and the dwarf, bushy habit makes this variety suitable by its lifting with a close ball of roots. But the practical point is the flowers. All goes well for a time and an abundant crop promises ; finally, however, there is a collapse and the buds refuse to open. At least, they open with generally a few straggling petals, and the leaves turn yellow simultane- ously. I thought, perhaps, mine was an isolated case, and I therefore visited a grower who ffoes in largely for market Chrysanthemums, and who had, 1 think, over 1000 of L. Canning. There in the same large greenhouse I saw L. Canning grown in pots the whole season rersii.< the same kind planted out. On the one hand there was literally a sheet of well-developed, pure white blossom, and on the other a large batch of plants with the leaves and flowers in a similar condition to those of my own. In the one case a first rate price was being made of the blooms ; the others, in the words of the grower were sent to market as "ottal." The question is an important one in regard to so popular a late sort as L. Canning. W. H. Lincoln is still the favourite late yellow. It has its faults m being none too easy to pack for travelling. The florets are brittle, and it would be better if they incurved more. Golden Gate should bo a first- class late yellow. The growth is good and the flowers gracefully formed. Gohlen Dart is an excellent late yellow. The habit of the plant is naturally dwarf and branching. This should become popular. I have not seen anything to equal Tuxedo as a late bronze, although the plant is rather tall. E. G. Hill is good and easy to grow. Princess Blanche, white, and the yellow sport (.Jeanelte Sheahan) are both very late sorts, but they are not easy to grow ; the roots are comparatively tender and will not stand over-feeding with stimulants. Here is, I think, the chief ditficulty. Mme. Rozaiu is a pink noted last vear. It is a most useful kind for late work. This, again, is not easy to grow. The nicest pink late Chrysanthemum 1 have seen is FramtieUl Pink. 1 liLs is especially pleas- ing in colour, but 1 do not know anything of its habit of growth. This was mentioned by me in previous notes, and afterwards I received a bloom of a variety called Mme. Felix Perrin, the grower stating they were one and the same thing. I must say, however, that the colour of the bloom appeared to me much less deep and taking than that possessed by the newer sort. I hear of a pink sport from Niveum. If this be properly fixed it will be an acquisition. Then if we conld get a dark red Chrysanthemum equal to such types, market growers would be pretty well satisfied. A red late sort is much wanted. Cullingfordi seems to lose its bright- ness as Christmas approaches. Nyanzi and Elmer D. Smith are two sorts well worth a trial. H. S. PROPAGATION OF KARLY SORTS. Ai.THOucH the constitution of the early-flowering Chrysanthemum appears to be very strong during the bloEsomiDg period, in the majority of cases the varieties at present in cultivation lack some- thing in the way of a robust character during the succeeding dull winter months. This peculiarity ore noticeable in those plants which have been grown in pots, more especially those cultivated solely for producing blooms ol extra excellence. There is little doubt that the high culture to which such plants are subjected is responsible for their unsatisfactory appearance when cut down after flowering and preparatory to taking them in hand for propagation. While the early sorts are very welcome after the first of the early frosts, and provide us with an abundance of blossoms, also tillins up the blank usually very apparent at that season, we frequently see these plants sadly neglected. The rush which invariably charac- terises indoor gardening a week or too later is largely responsible for the condition of the early- flowering Chrysanthemum. Most people are so busv housing the later sorts, that they are very often cast aside. Then, again, a desire to produce a few individual blooms showing the highest cul- tural skill has in many cases caused the plants to be highly fed, frequently much beyond their power ot endurance; and this together with an apparent want of interest in the welfare of the plants for the time being, is to a large extent the cause of their weakness. Such plants as are hero described, after having been cut down, are placed a cold frame, and in such a position they are allowed to remain until the propagating season again comes round. The earlyflowering sorts would give equally good results in the product icn of cuttings if the same attention which is lavished on the later sorts were devoted to them. 16 THE GARDEN. [January 9, 1897. One of the beet plans to ensure their healthy I flowers this season are yellow. This year again increase is to shake the plants out of their pots as two have originated in different localities. I soon oB possible after flowering, then to reduce would suggest as the name Yellow Mme. Carnot the ball of earth around the roots, repotting them again into 6-inch pots, using some nice light and gritty compost for the purpose. If these plants are then returned to cool <|uarters, from which fro3t can easily be excluded, there is good reason to believe that they will soon recover from the check and afford a number of ideal cuttings when propagation commences. Another excellent plan, provided such accommodation can be afforded them, is to shake the plants out and plant them in the compost already described either on a cool greenhouse bench, or, failing this, a pit or frame on to which artificial heat may be turned if neces- sary. Under such treatment the most sanguine anticipations are often realised. Plants which flowered in the open border during the autumn months are generally the picture of health after having been cut down, and after a severe winter have thrown up their new growths with vigour. Of course a little attention in the way of mulching before the hard weather sets in is a guarantee that in the spring-time the plants will be able to give a good account of themselves. But by far the best method is to take up the plants before severe weather sets in, and if possible to plant out these old stools on the greenhouse bench, itc. , as advised with those grown in pots. Scarce sorts and those varieties which are rather shy in the production of cuttings well repay one for the extra trouble taken, while the freer grow- ing sorts are most prolific when treated in this way. Mme. Eulalie Morel as a typical September flowering variety is indispensable in the open bor der, and yet, unless special means be taken, there is little prospect of the stock ever being large. As an October blossoming sort Mme. la Comtesse Foucher de Cariel is probably one of the very best. This, too, is extremely shy, and only stei cuttings can be secured. Planting out i the manner mentioned suits these two varieties admirably, and as this method is so successful those varieties possessing similar characteristics might well receive the same treatment. Opinions vary as to the best time to commence propaga- tion, but January and the early months of the year should be selected. If large bush plants be desired, the present month is by far the best, and if nice healthy cuttings can be obtained, grand results may be ultimately achieved. Some of the very best varieties, however, will give exceedingly good results propagated from March until the early part of May, although, of course, the first month is to be preferred. Cuttings inserted dur- ing March and given a little bottom-heat root readily enough. These after rooting should be carefully attended to during their early stages and potted on when ready. When nicely established they may be transferred to cold frames, and adeijuate protection afforded against frost and cold winds. On fine days air may be given, in- creasing the quantity as more genial weather is experienced, until at last the lights may be en- tirely removed just before the end of May. Treated in this way, late propagated plants, without pinching out the points of the shoots or stopping in any way, make a natural break early in the season, continuing to make successive breaks at every few inches of growth, until at last bushes :i feet in diameter and carrying innumer- able blossoms are perfected. Of course there are exceptions to this rule regarding the branching habit of the early-flowering Chrysanthemum, yet it would be a comparatively easy task to make a selection of varieties with this desirable quality. D. B. Crane. instead of giving friends' or raisers' names. — B Chrysanthemum Boule d'Or.— This is an- other of the useful late-flowering varieties, the colour of which is rich in the extreme, being clear yellow w^ith a reddish brown centre. The flowers are beautifully incurved, the plant also being vigorous and free. To be successful with it, how- ever, specially good treatment is necessary. As in the case of Mme. Tht-rese Rey, small pots are the best. Boule dOr produces such noble orna mental foliage that nothing else is needed when arranging the flowers in vases. As I shall re- quire a large quantity of cut bloom about the middle of .January, Boule d'Or, together with that other elegant gold and bronze variety Comte de Germiny will prove a boon. The latter is, I con- sider, second to none for late use, and the beauti- ful blooms are borne on such long stems that their value is greatly enhanced. — C. NOTES ON CHRYSANTHEMUMS. R. Katzer asks (p. o52, last volume) which of four sorts is the best and if any of them may be discarded. They are Puritan, Louise, Eda Prass and M. Gruyer. The last-named is hardly worth keeping ; its blooms are coarse and want- ing in colour, although a very easy variety to grow. Louise, I should say, is decidedly the best of the number, and is among the choicest of Japanese Chrysanthemums with incurving-shaped blooms. In this country it is somewhat early, and hence does not figure so prominently at the exhibitions in November as it otherwise would. The dwarf and easy character of the growth is not the least of its merits. Puritan is not much grown now, but it may not be wise to discard a sort that produces such striking and graceful blooms because they lack the dimensions of some others ; this, too, is dwarf and easily grown. Eda Prass is hardly worth growing now that there are others of the shade of colour much better. Mrs. Briscoe-Ironside is a decided im- provement. Eda Prats has a fault in the lower florets going off before the upper portion of the blooms is open, which thus gives them a faded look. Mrs. H. Weeks and Rose Wynne are very fine examples of incurving blooms of a flesh- white tint. The latter is somewhat tall and the former late. A mode adopted in this country is stopping the growth ; that is, pinching out the tip ot the plant early in the season to in- duce flower-buds to appear early. I do not think Ivory is worth growing ; at least it has been a failure here, although very popular as a market sort in America. It is pure white, but the constitution of the plant seems unfitted to our perhaps cooler or more changeable climate. Gladys Routh is a variety unknown to me. Your correspondent asks for a golden yellow Chrysanthemum similar in shape to Chas. Davis. Phu-bus— the ne«- variety (for one so named has been cultivated a consider- blenumber of 3'ears)— should answer, although shorter than in the sort named. It theless, be kept as the most finished and rich white variety yet raised. The newer sort Emily Silsbury resembles it slightly and is earlier, but to my mind the blossoms are inferior to those of the first-named. To replace Alberic Lunden, Commandant Blusset and other amaranth-col- oured varieties. Pride of Madford should be in- cluded. It is of Australian origin. This and Beauty of Teignmouth are now considered to ba one and the same variety. It bears fine massive blooms, the colour is rich and the plant dwarf and easy to cultivate. I am not surprised at the old variety Peter the (Jreat being discarded. It is now rarely seen in this country. Yellows of an incurving shape and splendid quality are repre- sented by M. Pankoucke, Oceana and Modesto. The last is the deepest in colour, but all three are fine types. I still regard W. Seward as the best dark-coloured Chrysanthemum. Shading the blooms will assist somewhat in saving the rich colour. Jeanne Delaux is an old and extra fine dark coloured sort, but the growth is so weakly that few have retained it in their lists. G. W. Childs is an uncertain variety. This, too, has been generally discarded. There was a compara- tively unknown dark-coloured sort named Elmer D. Smith exhibited in good condition at the last Chrjfanthemum show held in London. Its blooms have long and graceful florets and the colour is rich, but the growth is, I fear, too tall to please. I would like to add the names of four other sorts which would well repay a trial by R. Katzer. They are Mme. Ad. Chatenay, a white incurving flower of excellent quality ; Miss Elsie Teichmanr, creamy white ; Mutual Friend, another pure white, and M. Chenon de Leche, rich in combina tions of rose and gold. H. S. Chrysanthemum Mme. Carnot sports.— It is not a little curious that when once any va- riety of Chrysanthemum starts sporting it should ofljen do so in several places the same year. In this instance I hear of two cases where the sport is properly fixed. That is to say, cuttings from the sported branch last year were rooted and the thei has many first-rate qualities : large, handsome blooms, clear in colour, the habit dwarf and easily grown. Edith Tabor is a magnificent yel- low variety too, but inferior to Ph.ibus in the matter of habit. I fancy Souvenir de Petite Amie described is true, but the blooms were pro- duced from early-formed buds. In such a case they come with long, narrow florets, and the flowers lack depth as well as good form. I would not discard it by any means. It should be grown with not less than half a dozen shoots, and if the buds be not secured too early, a similar number of fine blooms will result. Grown as a bush plant, with a large number of growths, this sort has few to ecjual it. I forgot to mention Lady E. Saunders as a pretty variety, with flowers of a drooping character. It is a very light yellow and the growth is especially dwarf and sturdy. R. Katzsr would be pleased with this sorb. Mile. Theri'se Rey grows rather tall ; ib should, never- Chrysanthemum Mme. Therese Rey.— This beautiful ivory white variety is most useful just now, grown in bush form and kept out of doors, protected by canvas at night until the beginning ot November, putting it into a north house till the buds are somewhat advanced, and then treating it to a gentle warmth to encourage full expansion and good colour. The latter point should be observed, as, in common with mos; white sorts, the colour is apt to be greenish if the flowers are allowed to open in a perfectly cold house. This variety produces its blooms on long stalks, which render them more serviceable for cutting. I do not use large pots, about 9 inches in diameter, as these late sorts if grown in much soil and not somewhat root-bound are very liable to produce blind flowers, especially if the season is a wet one. My blooms will remain in good condition till the end of January.— J. C. Change of colour in Chrysanthemums. In the notes on Chrysanthemums at Framfield (n. 461) attention is drawn to the fact that many white and yellow varieties were developing dark- tinted blooms, and the suggestion is made that this variation in colour may be accounted for by the presence of a considerable solution of iron in the water. I have noticed this season many yellow flowers suffused with the crimson flush mentioned, the most striking case being that of the so-called single. Admiral Sir Thomas Symonds. This va- riety should be of a clear yellow, but this year many of the flowers are a rich bronze. This change of tint was noticeable to a certain extent last year, but is far more pronounced this season. If the discoloration was attributable to the presence of iron in the water, it should have been as apparent during the first year succeeding this variety's introduction as at the present time, which is not the case, as for some years the yel- low tint in many collections in this district re- mained pure. Peter the Great this year shows no inclination to assume a bronzy tint, but twelve years ago, when I was residing in a neighbour- hood in which the soil was practically destitute of iron, this variety produced flowers the outer petals of which w"are heavily suffused with crim- son ; so much so, indeed, that at a show a bloom was' objected to for not being true to name.— S. W. F., South Devon. jANnABT 9, 1897.] THE ^.ATJT)ET^I. 17 CHRYSANTIIEMIMS IN PORTUGAL. A VERY successful Chrysanthemum show, iin illustration of which is here given, was held at the Crystal Palace, Oporto, on Ni)vemb^r 7, 8, and !•. This was the second annual exhibition of Chrysanthemums in Portugal, the first haying been held in 1MI5, and the improvement since then in the number of exhibits and in the quality of the blooms was very marked. The climate of Portugal resembles that of .Japan very closely, and is, therefore, well suited to the cultivation of Chrysanthemums, and wliere . attention is paid to their cultural requirements good results are obtained. The plants seed i very fairly, so that seedlings are easily raised and many now varieties are produced. The show was held in the central nave of the Crystal Palace, and the general efl'ect was very good. The best cut tiowers were shown by Mons. Henri Cayeux, curator of the Botanic Gardens, Lisbon, and the same gentleman sent six very handsome seedlings, with which he obtained the champion vase. Other amateurs had good exhibits of pot plants, amongst which Oceana, Enfant des Deux Mondes, Louise, Col. normal size only. Grown in medium-sizeil pots, merely assisted occasionally with 8timulant.s and not disbudded, thoy stand damp weather witih impunity, and hisb over a long period. I have in my mind a batch of plants now the second week in December in grand condition which were grown in the above manner and kept out under canvas until the third week in October. Although the house in which they are arranged faces due north and is anything but a dry onv, the blooms seem to defy the damp and retain their colour and texture to the last. — C. C. H. CODDLING IN THE EARLY STAGES. Although die raising of young Chrysanthemums is not difficult it is not tco much to say that a considerable percentage of cuttings is lost annually through over-kindness. I know how easily this may be done, especially with the newer or choicer sorts that may have come into our possession. They are, for instance, not suffered to flag in the least : and by sprinkling them with water too regularly we cause them to rot. Placing the cuttings in a close, heated structure, again, is a frequent cause of losses. Chrysanthemum cuttings will root readily in heat it is true, but bottom Chrysanthemum shou at Opo to F om a phutoqiaph ^cnt by Mr A W Tait, Oporto W. Smith, Duchess of York, and Eda Prass were much admired. Among the nurserymen the best exhibit was a group of eighty pot plants shown by Jacintho de Mattos, and it was pleas- ing to an Englishman to find that nearly all of them had come from England. The competition for table decoration with Chrysanthemums was very keen, and some beautiful ellects were produced. Most of the prizes were obtained by English ladies resident m Oporto — the Misses Kendall, Shore, Sande- man, and Newton. A bazaar for the sale of cut flowers was also held for the benefit of the orphan technical schools, and a Urge sum was realised. A. W. T. tiporto. Damping: in ChryBanthemnms.— We hear a great many complaints about the petals of Chry- santhemum blooms decaying quickly in damp weather, but the chief cause of this is undoubtedly 80 much feeding during growth. This is proved by the long lasting character of the flowers on ordinary decorative bushes, and that are of a [ heat and air should also be provided. Under these circumstances young plants are quickly made, and if properly hardened afterwards give ! good results. But the idea obtains that the leaves must not droop or flag ; a mistaken one accord- ing to my experience. I have rooted some thou sands of cuttings in open greenhouses, that is to say not protected in any way by propagating frames, or shaded from any sunlight we may ob- tain in winter and early spring, and not one in a hundred has failed to grow when the cutting has been in even tolerable health. A small close frame collects impurities in the atmosphere, and if not very carefully managed decay or bad health is certain to affect the cuttings. In pre- I vious notes I have probably recommended the use of boxes covered with glass within the cool struc- j ture, but I feel sure with many it is not the safest mode. As has been stated the cuttings are j coddled. It is only in recent years one hear.'i of ! anything but a cold frame for striking Chrysan- i themums. Were we sure of a mild winter I still j think it the better plan in obtaining sturdy stock, I was struck the other day in a walk I round a large nursery where the produce goes to mirket fco find about 20,0(M) Chrysanthemum cut- tings dibbled into soil in low cold pits like one would strike the bedding Calceolarias— close to the glass. In many cases the glass frames were far trom air tight, and I asked if any covering was given in case of severe weather. The reply was in the negative, and by these means a supply of short sturdy young plants is invariably ready each spring whatever frost they may have passed through. I may mention the sorts grown in this instance are the early flowering onei which, under the coddling- system, are notoriously delicate in the young stages. Mr. Mease, whose success last year was remarkable, roots Chrysanthemum cut- tings in a pit similarly filled with soil well up to the glass, but where a little warmth may be tiirneii on if thought desirable. Thatched hurdles, however, are preferred for protection unless the weather be uncommonly severe. I root many cuttings in the beds of greenhouses where Tomatoes have grown in the summer just dibbled into the earth and never expect to lose one. They are sprinkled with water each morn- ing, and if at night I am forced to turn on the fire heat, those near the pipes are again sprinkled. Ail' is allowed whenever it is not freezing, and by this means the process of rooting is (|uick and satisfartory. The leaves flag slightly for a few d.ay.s, but soon get erect as the cuttings beco-ne fiUused. Boxes, again, the shallow ones about IS inches long and .'! inches deep, so much employed by market gardeners, are first rate for looting Chrysanthemum cuttings. These are filled to the brim with a compost of loam, leaf soil with a little sand added and all sifted together. The cuttings are put in 2 inches apart each way. The boxes are stciod anywhere under If quick rooting is desired, as in the case of a new variety, they may be placed on bottom-heat. But it is important that they be removed to a cooler position near the glass the moment the cuttings begin to grow, or the plants get drawn and weak. It is claimed that in rooting Chrysanthemum cuttings singly in small pots we avoid a check when potting otT as in the case of other modes. I fancy this is another fallacy. Is it not likely that by being kept in the close, stagnant "*ls ^^^ atmosphere of a frame within a ^^»««tj^»i| frame, as it were, for about six weeks the soil becomes soured '! I have found in practice repotting does not check the young plants. The very opposite is the case. The little tender roots run readily into fresh sweet earth, and we get a correspondingly satisfactory growth of leaves. With regard to the cuttings. Too much is made of those of a big, fat nature. Take a sappy, sucker- like growth to begin with, about 4 inches or so in length. This may be taken up with a few roots attached if you will. Against this strike a small piece, just the soft tip of a young shoot taken from near the base of the plant '2 inches in length, and I would expect to find the plant resulting from the latter cutting well ahead of the other by midsummer. H. S. Some pretty varieties for groups.— At the Paris show I was much struck with the large number of Chrysanthemums in the various groups that are almost unknown in England. Many of them have, no doubt, been introduced here at some time or other, but have been dis- carded for reasons best known to those who have tried them. Among them were varieties of American and Italian origin, and one of the best was a much used Japanese called Fratelli Cattaneo, a cicsaly built flower of medium size, 18 THE GAEDEN. [January 9, ii bright purple-amaranth and silvery reverse. M. Oslet, a velvety crimaon-gold Japanese with a bronza reverse was another. Mme. H de L. Blanchetais, deep yellow, seemed to be an especial favourite both at Ghent and at Paris, but it had a hollow centre that would be considered a fault by English grower;?. That, however, might be merely a result of poor cultivation. Very effective was Jardinier BiJrard, a small Japanese, colour reddish rrimson and reverse golden, with fine narrow florets. Indian Chief, crimson-red and reverse of gold, was often met with. Heroine d'Orleans, a large white Japanese, often used in these French group?, is quite a stranger, but a useful flower. Wes; Newton, Japanese incurved, colour pure golden yellow, very globular in form, and Mrs. Geo. Magee, silvery lavender, were also much in request. Prizetaker, which from our point of view would be regarded as a misnomer, was very pret'y, but not very large. It is a Japanese, colour rosy pink, and helped to brighten up many an interesting collection. Rime, de Riaz, yellow : Amiral Gervais, violet-mauve and silvery reverse; Ella May, pale yellow: Mme. Valla, deep golden yellow ; Creole, velvety amar- anth ; Grand Napoleon, white, slightly tinted blush, all of the Japanese type, were noteworthy examples of decorative varieties. — C. H. P. NEW CHRYSANTHEMUMS. Now that all the floral meetings and shows are over, we are not likely to see anything further that is new or interesting in Chrysanthemums. Having attended all the floral meetings of the N.C.S. with one excer>tion, visited several of the leading specialists and several shows on the Con- tinent, I think I may safely claim to have seen all that is newest and be?t. Novelties of an excep- tionally high order of merit are probably scarcer this year than we might have expected, but there are some that will hava to be reckoned with in the near future. There are now several societies at work on the Continent, and it will be interesting next year to watch the novelties that these socie- ties have certificated during the pa^t season. The condit-ons mostly are more severe than here, but then the standard is lower from an exhibition point of view, and flowers that have failed to secure the coveted award here in England seem to have had no difficulty in getting several first-class cer- tificates at the various French societies' floral com- mittee meetings. Bnrhara ForhcA.- Japanese ; large blooms, with florets of medium width, grooved uud twisted, and of great length ; early. Qtteen of the A'nriies.— Japanese ; rather a doep, globular bliom, with grooved florets of medium width ; colour white. Mme. Qustave Henru. — Japanese incurved ; rather narrow f orets, grooved and incurved, very large ; colour white. M. J. Bte. Cauvin. — Japanese ; colour deep carmine- crimsnn, rever.se gold, centre deep yellow, fiat flore's. Sitrprii.e. — Japanese ; rather broad florets ; colour deep rich nurple-amarantb, reverse silvery. Rena Dula. — Incurved; silvery white, tinted rosy mauve, paler towards the centre, very full and double. M. Hoste. — Japanese ; very large blooms, wi^h rather broad florets ; white, streaked purple. Pride of JUmlfonl. — Japanese incurved; a big flower, wifh t ro.Td grooved florets ; colour velvety amai-anth, with silvery reverse. We.-iii-rn A'i;i<;.— Japanese incurved ; a big, solid- lookiiie variity, with curly poiuted florets; colour .1/ ' 'ii.inese iacurved ; another massive lil I 1 1 uoldea yellow, very pure in tone. /' ' Ni'-;".— Japanese; florets of medium iviiUli, grooved and veined ; deep golden yellow, shiny yellow reverse. Mrs. J. Lewis. — Japanese ; large blooms, with rather broad, curly and intermingUng florets ; colour pure '.n Neville. — .Japanese; very long drooping floret; ! distinct variety, rich reddish cr'mson, reverse Ceo. Scicard.— Japanese ; long ilroopiiig florets of .xUum width; colour a beautiful shade of golden bronze, reverse old gold, centre paler._ May Neville. — Japanese ; florets of immense length, ut flower.s rather loose; rich golden carmine-bronze. /■'i^rv — Jnri,iii.\so incurved ; very large, medium- /.! !' .' , ii irj.ly pointed and curly at the tips; ; . ! . \ ) .line, shading ofl'to pure white. .1/,, , i I ,,.j)rf(.— Japanese ; an Italian seed- 11^ .'I -I.. it piuaiice; colour soft pale pink, reverse Smislone. — Japanese ; rather broad florets, pointed lid fiirly at the tips; colour good and pure, deep /i..,.' .1:11 se incurved; a fine globular flower ' , I imnpfo; a bold flower with medium ( r. 1^ : ..I |nre white. Liniiinre Zi-rfe.— Japanese incurved ; a big solid flower, with broad, deeply grooved florets sharply pointt'd ; inside colour rosy amaranth, reverse deep irma.— Japanese incurved ; very long, broad- ted florets, a compact, Eolid-looking flower of a pretty shade of rosy amaranth, reverse silvery pink. 7';,'m(/c))( Nonin. — Japanese incurved; another jig .=olid-looking variety with very broad florets; ■olonr golilen bronze. Mine Bergier. — Japanese ; very long florets of nedium width ; colour white, shaded and streaked pale Topoze Orientale. — Japanese incurved; solid and ■ompact in build, broad grooved florets with rather jlunt tips ; colour pure lemon-yellow. il/((('. Lueie 7'a!(,re. — Japanese incurved; deeply grooved florets, rather close in form, making a massive "loom; colour white, slightly tinted yellow iu the ntre. A/r.s-. C. Orchard. — Japanese incurved ; a very fine rge novelty with broad grooved florets, curly at the ps ; coluiir white, shaded deep cream. C. W. Ha-hnnhon. — Japanese; large blooms, florets 3ry loijL,'. curly and iiilermingling, pa'e cauary-yel- of Eorls iifiiioiie ; fiat guard yellow sport from Mr,. F. A. Bffan.-.hip dme, Cariiot. W. Wri,iht. — Japanese; large in size, having very ng droo]jing florets of medium width ; colour white, Mirl/lie:'- //.„?, r.-o,, — j.,|i.i,in,,^ . long drooping l.M ,.t ~ .>t I.I.- hiMP ... '.It 1, 1 V. , .t,., I ;,f ti,e tips ; colour M li , '. - ,' I II. II Anemone; very iiil: ^'i .i! I'iinr>, ijiiii-r iKiifiiv. and pointed, deep •osy am;iriiiilli, centre yellow, tinted mauve. TTm. Pai/«e.— Pompon ; a pretty little variety with ihort, stiiJ. flat florets ; colour golden bronze. Roijal Sfandan?.- Japanese; very long florets of uediuni width and drooping ; colour deep rosy car- uine-crimson, reverse gold. MuMapha. — Japanese; very large, florets rather .iroad and grooved and of good size and substance ; ;■.— Jiip.anese incurred ; florets of "Id; compact flower, pure white. Japanese ; largo in size, florets ■olour golden terra-cotta, the inside crimson, reverse golden. C. Uarm.^x-Pav.xe. CALVAT'S NOVELTIES FOR 1896. Now that the season U over and this eminent raiser of new Chrysanthemums has been exhibit- ing his novelties "for next >ear all over the Con- tinent with unvarying success— for he has been awarded tifty-eijh': first-cl^ss certificates and awards of merit — wo may well inquire what are the best of his collection which tie called the "jubilee set,' and which were distributed last spring. The palm must certainly be awarded to his Australian Gold, for wherever it has come under my notice it; has been of gocd size, and, if somewhat pale in colour, a very distinct and pro- mising novelty. The next best is undoubtedly Mme. Gustave Henii a large white Japanese in- curved certificated early in the season, and follow- ing this is Mrs. J. Lawis, another white variety, but of Japanese form. M. Hoste, also certificated, is a very large flower, but wanting in beauty com- pired with the three previously'mentioned. The colour is white, rather dirty perhaps in tone, and streaked with purple. Its size is a recommenda- tion to the exhibitor, but to my taste that is all. Others, such as Baronne Ad. de Rothfchild (a large white Japanese), Perle Dauphinoise (a big Japanese incurved, colour golden orange-yellow), Ed. Andre (with long, curly, intermingling florets, colour crimson and reverse gold), and L'Emindra (a Japanese, colour creamy white, tinted in the centre), have not been met with quite so often. Mme. Menus de Proli is a large white Japanese, very pure in colour and deep in build. Fleur Grenobloise is a curious Japanese, with long, intermingling florets, colour white, shaded pink, and Ma Perfection, a pure white incurved, very deep in build, is one of the best of that type he has sent us, if it can only be allowed to remain in that section. M. Calvat has not done much in hairj' varie- ties, but his ISilfi collection comprises three, vi/., Capt. L. Chaure, of Japanese incurved form, and of a beautiful shade of golden bronze, paling off to yellow towards the centre ; Belle des Gordes, pearly rose or pink, and Rachais, a most attractive novelty, colour rich reddish golden bronze, reverse bright gold. A few others, such as Mme. Esche- nauer. Souvenir de ma Sour, and Viccmte Roger de Chezelles, may be heard of again. P. JANUARY CHRYSANTHEMUMS. No matter how plentiful good blooms of Chry- santhemiims may have been through the ordinary season of November and the first lialf of Decem- ber, the January varieties are always highly ap- preciated where cut flowers are in demand. It is somewhat strange that this season the late-bloom- ing sorts are in most districts, even in the mid- lands, earlier than usual, as the weather just as the buds were well formed was anything but of a forcing character. I always ke^p my stock of late sorts under canvas at night as late as I can, not only to avoid placing them under the thickly- foliaged Peach trees, but also to retard their opening to as late a date as possible. They are then, if the buds appear perfect, housed in a north aspect, in which position they usually open satisfactorily, mildew being guarded against by one or two dustings of flowers of sulphur and by watering the plants in the early part of the day, also airing freely. A most useful and delicately- coloured late sort and one which we seldom see mentioned is Aida. With me it is now ex- panding its rich creamy petals, which contrast pleasingly with such better-known varieties as Comte de Germiny, one of my standard January sorts, than which there is no better for cut- ting. The blooms, which are a mixture cf old gold and bronzs, are borne on long branching stems, thete having a most attractive appearance arranged in vases. Meg Merrilies, a variety which requires gocd treatment during summer to induce the formation of perfect buds, is perhaps most useful on account of the length of time the flowers last when cut. This sort, in f8c% together with the much thought of variety The Thistle, las':s much longer in water than .any others I am acquainted with, some of mine having this year been u-ed a second time after having stood in the drawing-room for a week. Meg Merrilies is much addicted to mildew, and there- fore should not be crowded up with other sorts, but stood where p'erity of air and light can reach it. Perhaps the latest as well as the mos-t beau- tiful of all the yellow late Chrysanthemums is Golden Dart, for which Mr. Jenkins, of Hamptnn, secured a certificate last year. I have several healthy plants of it, the buds of which are onl}' at present in quite an unexpanded condition. Yet I have every confidence that they will open per- fectly, giving cutting material as late as the end of January. What is badly needed is less new sorts which flower at the oidinary season and more January varieties that can be relied upon to open instead of going blind. Those who do not keep their ordinary stock of plants out later than say the first week in October, would find it an rdvantage to retard these late- flowering sorts by Jaxuart 9, 18V.7.] THE GAEDEK means of a rouph framework and a canvas cover- intj, housing;- them at the end of October or beginning of November. The glasshoueos have then become ijuite cool and the latest possible blooming is encouraged. J. C Rose Garden. A HAPPY COMBINATION. Not a little judgment was employed when planting the beautiful old Rose Folicito Per- petuc upon the archway shown in the illustra- tion, at the same time associating with the Rose the lovely Clematis Miss Bateman. It is in such positions as these that the true character of many climbing plants is faithfully exhibited. How often do we find most unsuitable varieties of Roses planted upon archways, Rose temples, I should gladly welcome an autumn-fioworiug race of the Evergreen and Ayrshire Roses. A climbing White Pet is announced, but I do not attach much faitli to it. The description sounds too much like our old friend the Fclicite Per- petu6. Of course, if it proves itself autumnal it will soon settle the matter. Now that the bedding-out craza may be said to be fast dying out, it is encouraging to ob- serve a more natural style of planting. Be the garden ever so small, there can always be found room for a natural picture which such an old archway affords. Good soil ia most essential. It would bo useless just making a hole and put- ting a plant in, even if we obtained the finest plant it were possible to procure, unless pre- vious preparation as regards trenching, manur- j ing, and draining had been resorted to. Both I subjects on this archway, the Rose and Cle- I matis, revel in good fibrous loam and well- decayed manure, and if some old mortar were Roses and Clematis on an old archway in Fairfields Garden, Fareham. From photograph sent by Mrs. Deane, Fairfields. arbours and such-like places. It is useless in our uncertain climate attempting to cultivate choice Teas in such places unless in an exceed- ingly sheltered part of the garden, and even then we are never certain but that after a severe winter we may find the wood of such varieties so much damaged that it will all need to be pruned away, leaving our archways, trellises, itc, bare for the next year or two. Of course, in southern counties where frosts are not troublesome the Teas and Noisettes may be profitably employed, for although none can sur- pass the grand old Felicite for effect when in full bloom, it is nevertheles3 summer-flowering only ; but with the Teas and Noisettes we are sure of a good autumnal display in addition to the summer feast, provided always due atten- tion is given to assist the ripening of the growths by preventing overcrowding. added the beneficial effects of it would be soon manifest. In planting climbers it is always necessary to lay a j,ood foundation in the form of good sound plants and to have the soil in a suitable condition, because they are not like some sub- jects that can be transplanted every two or three years. Climbers when once planted must there remain, and it behoves us to look well to their future requirements. If at any time these climbers show signs of deterioration, then the art of the gardener must help Nature by the removal at the resting period of some of the old worn-out soil, replacing it with some good maiden loam. If this plan were more frecjuently adopted not only to climbing plants, but deciduous shrubs, evergreens, and the like, we should observe a vast improvement in their I appearance. Many a grand old climber miy be i almost like a climb- large seen simply jiiniug for food. It is not alway.s that li(|uid manure will supply their wants even if it can bo satif-factorily given. The soil needs sweetening and replenishing. If the root is happy, generally speaking, all is well. I observe complaints are being made about the over-laudation of the Crimson Kambler Rose, but failure on the part of one or two in- dividuals is not sufficient evidence to condemn a plant. Doubtless this Rose has been planted in many very unsuitable positions. On a hot, scorching south wall, for instance, is about the worst place to put it, for it is notoriously addicted to attacks of red spider, and such a position, combined with the drought, would be sufficient to cause this Roie to cut a very sorry figure. I know of no Rose that re(iuires so much water. Given abundance of water, occa- sional doses of li(iuid manure and a nice open position, this Rose should be a glorious sight when well established. It would be a grand success on an archway intermingled with the Fclioite Perpetue, which is about the best white companion to the Crimson Rambler, flowering, as they do, simultaneously. These beautiful rampant Roses might be more profitably em- ployed in garden decoration than they are at present. Of variety, we have abundance to suit the most fastidious. Taking summer-flowering varieties first, in addition to the two varieties above noted we are promised from Germany a yellow Rambler named Aglaia, which is a hy- brid of R. polyanthaxReve aOr, then a pink Rambler, Euphrosjne (R. polyantha x Mig- nonette). There are also such old favourites as — Claire Jacvciek, which i ing Perle d'Or. Mme. d'Arblay. — White, flowering clusters, and an immense grower. The Garland. — Nankeen and pink, in panicles of sixty to seventy blossoms ; exceedingly vigorous grower. Polyantha (iRANDiFLORA.— Large single white, another very vigorous variety. BonRSAULT Amaiiis.— Purplish crimson. Reine Ou:a de WuRTEMurRc (H.T.).— Fine vigorous crimson variety ; flowers semi-double. This variety is almost evergreen. The above, combined with the several Ayr- shire and Evergreen varieties, would make a fine selection, and can be confidently recom- mended. For good autumnal-blooming varie- ties, we have the following extra vigorous reli- able varieties, which from their hardy nature render them suitalile for exposed positions : — AiMEE ViRERT. — A fine old Rose, pure white and exquisite almond perfume. It is very averse to pruning. Plenty of room must be afforded this variety and care in well spreading out the growths to ensure ripening. (!loike de Di.ion.— Even now unsurpassed for hardiness and usefulness. Red Gloire, ou Reine Marie Henriette. — This is a tine vigorous Rose of a deep carmine colour. Pink Rover.— Beautiful hardy Hybrid Tea, of a soft pink colour and very fragrant. Alister Stella Gray. — This Rose is not so vigorous as Claire Jacquier, but being autumnal it perhaps makes up for this defect. The flowers are almost identical. Roiu'sTA (Bourbon). — A grand crimson Bour- bon, making wondrous shoots each season. The colour is a fine vivid crimson. LoNi^woRTH Rami'.ler — Beautiful cherry-crim- son, fioweiing abundantly and late. All the above-named Roses I can confidently recommend as sterling varieties for the purpose stated. There are, of course, numerous varie- ties not mentioned above, and if sheltered spots are available, I would recommend the planting 20 THE GARDEN. [January 9, 1897. of some of the finer climbing Teas and Noisettes, but where vigorous, clambering hardy Ptoses are desired, the list given may be taken as a fair representative one. Philomel. SOME LITTLE-KNOWN ROSES. Both among old and comparatively new Roses there are a few really good varieties that are by no means so generally known as they should be. Even several of our home-raised varieties are scarcely known. May Rivers (Tea) is one of these. It is a stout and dwarf grower, good for pots, and carries a bold, upright flower of a creamy white colour, with pale lemon centre. Comtesfe Dusy (Tea), although the result of a cross between Innocente I'irola and Anna OUivier, is scarcely known. The flowers are lemon-white, very Uirge and double, and freely produced. .Vline. Alfred de Rougemont is an old white (1863), flushed with rnse at the edge?, a good grower and almost a Noisette in its freedom of blooming ; a grand gar- den Rose. Charles Wood must not be confused with Mme. Charles Wood ; both are Hybrid I'er- pctuals, the former scarcely ever teen, jeb it is one of our very best dark Roses, with a distinct shade of purple. Cloirede Ducheris also a reirer approach to the purples than any of the mote modern varieties, as is Matciuis d'Hervey. Clo- tilde (sjn., Bougtre) is a very useful clear pink, especially under glas?. Comte de Paris (a Tea sent out in 1839; is little known, jeb it is almost always in bloom, and is as good a grower as Souvenir d'Elise Vardon or Cleo- patra. This must nob be confused with a Hybrid Perpetual of the same name. Coquette des Blanches is one c.f the hardiest and purest whites we have ; it makes a grand pillar Rose, and is in flower all summer and late in autumn. Due d'Orleans, although distributed by so noted and reliable a raiser as E. Verdier as long ago as ISSft, is scarcely known outside of a few trade growers. It is a brighter for-m of Marie Baumann and a much better grower. Where else do we get the deep maroon tound in Empereurde Maroc 't It is a good grower and. if not large, each bud is per- fect. Eugene Apperb and Geanb des Bataillesare two more good old dark Roses of Camellia form, very lasting, and good for beds when planted thickly. G. Nabonnand and Dr. Grill I have men- tioned in previous notes, but they are not so well known as should be the; case with two such reliable Roses. Then there is Jeanne .Vabonnand, one of the best chrome and chamois-yellows we have, and very sweetly s sen ted. Le Pactole is a dwarf grower, but so profuse a bloomer as to almost hide its foliage with soft, pale yellow blossoms. Mme. des Tartas throws a quantity of large trusses, each bud of which is borne upon a stem sutticiently long to be useful when cut. It opens well, is excep- tionally hardy, and is a grand late variety. A pretty little white Rose for bedding' may be had in Mme. Franrois Pittet. Mme. Vidot, Mar- guerite Boudet, Comte de Mortemarb and a few more are rather bad growers, but they are beau- tiful Roses. One of the hardiest and earliest blooming of our Teas is Pauline Labonte, sent out by Pradel as long ago as 1852, and now only found in a few old collections ; yet it is a gt early and late Rose, carried boldly and lasting well when cut. I have come across it once or twice under the name of Devonshire Souvenir d'Elise — not the Vaidon variety. Souvenir de Charles Montault is among the first of the Hybrid Perpetuals to open, the colour bright scarlet, densely shaded with velvety maroon. R. Rose notes. — In looking over " Ridgewood's" usually interesting notes I find in the first sen- tence a comparison drawn between the greater freedom of flowering of Teas over Perpetual; and Bourbons. Possibly " Ridgewood ' may not have grown Bourbon Queen or Souvenir de la Malmaison for autumn or early winter blooming under glass. I am not sure that Gloire de Dijon itself could beat either of th for freedom uf flowering. Eurttier on " Rid wood "says that Mrs. W. J. Grant, a cross be- tween La France and Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, is great improvement upon either as a pot plant. I have nob grown Mrs. W. J. Grant, but have grown La France and Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, and have seen both, but especially La France, in superb form in pots and as cut blooms at shows. I am glad, however, to have "Ridgewood's" favourable estimate of the newer Teas, and (|uito agree with him in estimating their merits fo highly for bluoming in the autumn or, indeed, at any other season. — D. T. F. Bose Aimee Vibert not bloomiDg.— I ave grown Aim<5e Vibert everywhere and in every possible manner, excepting on a south or any other wall, and in all sorts of forms it has 1 smothered with bloom. I cannot remember a single case in which it failed to bloom, and yet the treatment ranged through every possible style of pruning from a free head without a single touch of the knife, to the ordinary routine into which the Aimee Vibert occasionally fell among other Roses. Surely your correspondent must have planted his Rose trees on manure hills to reap nothing but leaves from Aimee Vibert, and the south wall would foster the leafy develop- ment, though the intense light hhould have ciused the plants to bloom. " W. E 's " plan of judicious thinning, root pruning, and no manure will probably fetch the blossoms in welcqme showers, though I hardly understand the meaning of his closing sentence, "about three-year-old wood produces the beet flowering shoots." This can hardly mean that the young wood of the previous year does not bloom the next, for, on the contrary, few Roses can be more free flower- ing on last year's wood than Aim^e Vibert.— D. T. F. ROSES FOR FORCING. In The Garden for November 7 last (p 3C6) is an inciuiry for Hybrid Perpetual Roses for forcing and a selection of kinds given for the purpose, placed, as it is stated, '• in order of merit." In this instance, however, the "order of merit" must not be confounded with or regarded as synonymous with adaptabilitv for forcing, which in quite another matter. Nor does it detract from the merit of any Rose to say this or that variety is not suited to forcing under glass. In- deed, the number of Roses uf all sections that can endure a forcing tenaperature is decidedly limited. The first variety named by "E." is La France, which, in my experience and so far as forcing is concerned, is a most unsuitable kind for first place. To begin with, this variety has a bulky, globular formed bud, always the worst for forcing. If La France is r-equired before March it will be found a most trying ordeal, while General Jacqueminot may by treatment almost identical be had six weeks in advance. To get La France good ib requires a very low, even tem- perature, disbudding the main growths to nne bloom, as the side buds are of but little use. One of the most important items in Rose forcing is that of avoiding those with very full and globular- formed buds, and kinds in particular that take a far greater time to expand in their own season in the open can hardly be expected to come well out of season and under glass. Such, for example, as Capt. Christy, La France, Merveille de Lyon, &c , I would as readily recommend for forcing as the old Souvenir de la Malmaison, which is perhaps one of the wor.-t. Some of the varieties that in- cline to fly open rather quickly in summer are among the more suitable for forcing, suitable by reason of easy expansion as a result alike of the comparatively few petals as well as for their elongated and rather thin, tapering buds. These points are worth greater attention by those who force Roses of the H.P. class under glass, and by adopting it in conjunction with any prior exjieti- ence bearing on the subject fewer disappoint- ments would ensue. Some few years since, being desirous of getting the best forcing kinds obtainable, apart from General Jactiueminot (of which alone I force some hundreds annually), I placed an order for 500 in the hands of a well known Rose grower, leaving the selection to himself, with the intimation that I only wanted about four kinds, but these the best and most suitable for the purpose indicated. Presently the consignment came to hand, the se- lection being Fisher Holmes, Jean Cherpin, Earl Dufferin and Duke of Edinburgh— by no means an elaborate selection and by no means a suitable one. Fisher Holmes of these is the best, but this is not good for early work, owing to the fulness of the buds as well as their short, blunt character also. The colour when well grown is excellent, and the blooms may be allowed to get fairly well open on the plant?. Jean Cherpin and Earl Dutl'erin I discarded at once as most unsuitable for forciner, the colour being much against them. Duke of Edinburgh is good in colour and form, rather shy and slow in coming ; it is good for early April, when of course many others also come good. Mrs. John Laing is given second place in the list at page 306, though a safer variety under glass is the older Baroness Rothschild, and if scentless, must not be despised even yet. Much of the suitability of kinds can only be learned by experi- ence, and a good way for the average gardener is to get a selection, and when established prove t heir worth, as also their suitability, for early forc- ing. Where the latter is strictly meant, one thrng is absolutely essential, that the plants be all on the Manetti stock. Nothing can equal it for early work among these plants. E. J. THE WOOLLY APHIS, OR AMERICAN BLIGHT. (sCinZONEDRA LANICERA.) This insect, according to a leaflet just received from the Board of Agriculture, has decidedly in- creased during the last few years, particularly in orchards and Apple plantations where the trees have been unprunedand neglected, and its action is most injurious. Young trees planted in in- tested orchards and plantations are frequently so injured by the woolly aphides carried to them by wind, and by the winged females, that they die. Their bark, being tender, is easily pierced by the sharp beaks of the larva-, and they cannot long withstand these attacks. Apple growers often notice bunches of a woolly or cottony substanco on the stems, branches, and twigs of Apple trees, especially upon scars and cracks where the bark has been injured, or where side shoots and branches have been eut off in an unworkmanlike manner, so that wet has collected and caused de- cay, and fissures have been formed which have increased in depth and width, while the edges of the outer layers of bark do not join, and a thin tissue covers the exposed parts. Upon examination the white substance on these will be found to consist of little groups of aphides in various stages, some of which are clothed with fine woolly coverings, and are actively engaged in piercing these denuded surfaces with their suckers and in feeding on the sap, thus causing an abnor- mal growth of tissue. Extravasation of sap occurs, giving rise to excrescences and warty growths, which afford food and shelter for the numerous generations of larva- ; and eventually the whole branch is affected and its vigour and fruitfulness materially impaired. The infestation spreads rapidly to other parts of the tree, and the smaller branches and fruit-bearing spurs are in time at- tacked. When the twigs and fruit bearing spurs are attacked they are soon killed by the action of the aphides. After an uninterrupted visitation of r^hese insects, it often happens that the infested tree dies, or becomes useless. The effect of this attack is sometimes attributed to canker, but it is altogether different ; and careful inspection will show that the woolly aphic is the sole author of the mischief. It spreads from branch to branch, from tree to tree, and from orchard to orchard, unheeded and unchecked, and it is sheltered and protected by the lichenous and motsy growths upon the trees, and the thick interlacement of boughs and branches unpruned for generations. Jasuasv 9, 1897.J THE OAl^DEK iii The woolly aphis ie occasionally found upon I'lum treea, especially where they are planted ne:ir Apple trees, as well as upon Elms, and it also infests and injures the roots of Apple trees and causes swelliiifis and excrescences upon them. It has been suf;t,'ested that the aphiHes merely go under the ground close to the roots for protection from cold : but the colonies found there were evidently feeding upon the rootp. Besides, it is certain that they can bear great cold, iis tliey have been seen flouri-hing under their woolly coverings in the cracks and crannies of the branches after 12" of frost. The aphis belongs to the genus Schizoneura of Aphidid:i-. Iti^i|uite distinct from another spe- cies of aphis found upon Apple trees, known as Aphis mali, which lives upon the leaves and blos- soms. The winged ft male, which brings forth living larv;v, ia dark brown, having large wings with black veins ; the cubital vein, as pointed out by Mr. Buckton, has a single furcation, or fork, dirt'jring in this respect from other tribes of the Aphidid;i;. Towards the end of the summer, among the larv;r produced by the winged females are wingless, egg-bearing females of a dirty yel- low colour, without beaks or rostra, and therefore unable to feed. Only one very small, round, transparent egg is laid by each of theee wingless females, and is deposited in the crevices of the bark. Propagation is principallj- carried on, how- ever, by the hibernating viviparous larva;, which pass the winter wrapped in their woolly coats upon the trunks of the trees, on the branches and twigs, as well as upon the roots. These wingless females are woolly, of a brown colour, and broad or squat in shape The larva; from these are at first rather lighter in colour, and after a time emit wreaths of woolly material from their dorsal pores, and become completely covered, so that a group of them has the appearance of a piece of cotton wool. In their early stages the larv:v have enormously long beaks or rostra, bent underneath the body, and extendmg much beyond the extremities of the iiody, so that they appear to have tails when seen without a microscope. There appears to be no visible diBFerence between the generations of this insect that are fonnd upon the branches and those on the roots of Apple trees. Methods op Prevention and Re-\iediks. Apple trees should be kept free from mossy and lichenous growths which serve as shelters for woolly aphides, as well as for many othtr injurious insects. Lichens and Mosses can be killed by throwing finelypowderedlimeoverthe trees during the winter in foggy or damp weather, so that the lime adheres to the trees. This can be done by men with tin scoops, like flour scoops, fastened to the ends of long poles. Sulphate of iron dis- solved in water, at the rate of 1 lb. to 1 gallon of water, sprayed over the trees in winter by means of a powerful garden engine or hop-washer, will kill Lichens and -Mosses, and interfere much with the woolly aphis. Young trees should be care- fully and systematically pruned, so that their boughs do not intertwine, and plenty of air and light is admitted. Periodical search should be made for woolly aphides and other insects upon young trees. When the woolly aphis is dis- covered in wounds and scars on the stems and branches, which are often frequented by its colonies, these places should be treated in the late autumn or winter with a thick compound of soft soap and paraliin oil, mixed in the proportions of 3 gallons of paraffin to 1 lb. of soft soap and 25 gallons of water, worked into the cracks and scars with a stiff brush. Infested boughs and twigs should be syringed at the same time with a mixture of ."> or 0 lbs. of soft soap and .5 gallons of paraHin oil to ICil gallons of water. In mixing the parailin washes the soap should be dissolved in hot water and the paraffin put in whilst it is hot, and the whole incorporated into a cream with a hand pump or syringe, working the liquid up and down. Cold water must then be added in proper proportions. In old orchards and planta- tions in which pruning has been neglected, boughs and branches crossing each other should be cut away judiciously and dttjlight let in. Scars and deep tissures on the trunk imd stems where woolly aphides congrfgnto should be treated with freshly mixed limewash having a litllo powdered sulphur in it, worked well in with a stifV brush. The thick soft soap and paraffin wash would bo more efficacious, but it is somewhat expensive. For the infested branches, boughs, and twigs of largo trees, spraying with the soft soap and paraffin mixture should be adopted. In orchards where trees are in regular lines horse hop-washers n;ay be used. In old orchards, where the trees stiiid irregularly, and inplantationswithstandards and bushes btlow, hand washers or garden engines with powerful pumps and long lengths of hoso must be employ! d. Where Apple treea are in- fested with woolly aphides on their stems and branches, examinalion of their roots should also be made for infestation thereon, which is indicated by swellings upon the roots and by the groups of woolly insects. The earth should be removed from the base of the trunk and from a few feet of the lateral roots. Limewash with sulphur brushed well in, or the thick paraffin wash would be advantageous. Penning pigs close round in- fested orchard trees, or watering the roots with strong li([uid manure, would make it unpleasant for the subterranean invaders. Kainit hoed in round the roots has been found efficacious in Canada. Before Apple trees are planted, their roots should be well soused in a tub containing fresh limewash and sulphur. In Australia there are varieties of Apples said to bo proof against the action of the woolly aphis by reason of their bark being hard and its tissues close, and so re- sisting the action of the beaks of the inecds. These are the Northern Spy, an American Apple, and the Majetin, a Norfolk (England) variety, and Apples in Australia are now always worked upon these stocks Mr. French, the Government entomologist of Victoria, says, "Before the ad- vent of these excellent blight- proof stocks, the Majetin and Northern Spy, it was exceedingly ditticult to find in most orchards an Apple tree that was clean or in perfect health. Now, with a little care and attention, the fruit grower, as a rule, may snap his fingers at the A blight." Kitchen Garden. EAP.LY TOMATOES. After repeated failures with raising Tomatoes from cuttings which Mr. Crawford advises at page 513, 1 have for some seasons obtained much better results from seedlings, and am obliged to differ somewhat from him. By raising plants in July or August there is less anxiety as to their fruiting, the plants are less spindly than when raised from cuttings, and in the sunless winter months I find I get much better plants with less labour when the seedlings are raised without heat, and there is no attempt to force till the new year comes in. Mj first failure with plants from cuttings was some five or six winters ago, when we had much fog and little sun. I lost every plant raised from cuttings, only saving a few small ones sown late and not specially cared for. Though up to that date 1 was equally as enthusiastic as Mr. Crawford as to the value of cuttings for winter work, I must confess I made an entire change, and, so far, have done much better with less labour, and I may add cost also. 1 am aware many growers may have succeeded where I failed. My plants from cuttings did fairly well till the end of January, when they all collapsed. I have observed some growers think cuttings in small pots are safe, but my idea ia the reverse ; they are too deticient of roots to withstand a check of any kind. Doubtless the plan advised of striking the cuttings in .January is far better than the older one of fi three moi if Very early Tomat time the January cu g the cuttings usually rooted larlier, but this is not applicabU are needed, as by tlic gs are in their fiiiitiig pots it will be May before one can obtain rip'- fruits in quantity, and with care, seedlings raisid early in January will be nearly as early and much more jiroliHc. Mr. Crawford notes that plans raised from cuttings are weak. That is a gre^it objection. 1 find plants raised from this sea- son's fruit in a ciild frame with the sashes le- moved at night till frost threatens are strong, sturdy, free of disease, and when placed n their fruiting quarters go away without a check. At thic date 1 have a number tf plants on shelves close to the glass in a cool Iruit house as sturdy and healthy as possible. I sow in a coM frame either at the end of July or early iu August, and when the seedlings are large enough, pot up singly into 3-inch pots and ex- pose freely. When making new roots I pot on into 0-inch pots about the end of September. I place much importance ujiou free exposure to night dews, these causing a sturdy, hard growth. At the approach of frost, say in late October, the plants are housed near the glass in a cool house, and are healthy stuff', bristling with flower-trusses nearly down to the pot. No attempt is made to feitilise them ; indeed, I think it useless in winter. Early in January 1 plant out one lot and pot on the rest. The temperature Mr. Crawford gives is maintained and much the same treatment bestowed, but, 1 should add, with the increased warmth flowers open freely at the end of January and are then set with little difficulty on fine days. I secure nice fruit at the end of March. The pot plants are the earlier, but those planted out give a much larger quantity and can be kept fruiting for months. The weight of fruit is much greater than I obtained from plants raised from cuttings. G. Wythks. Sowing Tomatoes.— The old-fashioned plan of raising a stock of plants is not good, as the seedlings when raised in large pots or pans thickly get such a severecheck when transferred to the pots at what is termed the first potting. A simple plan is to sow two or three seeds in a 3 inch pot, place on warm pipes or in a hot bed and when the seedlings are well above the soil thin to the strongest and grow on near the light in a brisk temperature. Plants raised thus are much better than when raised as described. They are soon ready to shift on into larger pots and will fruit a month earlier. — S. H. B. Sprouing Potato seed.— There ia a great gain in sprouting early Potatoes for forcing or early planting tubers. In many gardens one can utilise any spare boxo for the purpose. The boxes should be of sufficient depth to take the tubers on end and allow for good seed. Boxes 4 inches to (i inches deep will answer well. These when filled should be placed in a cool, light place. The tubers will make a strong growth, it being an easy matter later on to reduce the sprouts to one or iwo of the strongest. By doing the work now there is a great saving of time. There is no danger of weak sprouts, which are often much dam.iged when the sets are placed in baskets,— G, W. Pea Autccrat,- At p. 513 "W. S ," Wilts, does well to refer to the good qualities of the above, as many growers who require Peas in quantity now grow this variety largely for main crop. It is not fastidious as to soil or situation, and with me is lees subject to mildew than many others. I am a great lover of what may be termed the medium growers, and this is one. In our light soil Autocrat last July was not more than 3 feet hii^h. Doubtlesa its free bearing in adverse soils is due to it? strong constitution, as it is a robust grower, and being much branched there is a heavier yield than from varieties with THE GARDEN. [January 9, 1897. on)}- a few straight growths. I quite agree with all " W. S." says in its favour, and would go further and urge its claims for late use. — S. B. Chou du Barghley.— This is a most excellent vegetable ;it this season of the year, it being when cooked of delicate colour and rich flavour. It is, moreover, quite hardy, resisting ordinary frost well. The great mistake often made in its culture is sowing the seed too soon in spring; con8e(|uently the heads get too forward, and a spell of wet followed by frost rots the centre. The best dates for sowing are the end of spring and the third week in June, satisfactory results being then certain from one or other of the sowings, as if the season is such that growth is rapid and the heads from the first sowing are too forward, the latter sown batch turns in just at the right time, namely, Christmas, when Cabbages are scarce. When cooked, in general appearance and flavour it is much like that little-grown but really excellent vegetable, Couve Tronchuda. — C. C. W. Cutting forced Asparagus.— It often hap- pens that one is obliged to cut forced Asparagus in small quantities, and the usual plan to preserve it is to place the lower part in a pan of water and keep on adding to that whicli has been cut. Many will have noticed that when treated in this way the heads double over and do not keep erect, but twist about. If any attempt is made to straighten the heads they break off short. A much better way of keeping the growths fresh is to lay damp Moss or any moisture-holding material in a close bo.x, placing the growths flat on this and keeping cool. The grass may be kept good for ten days or a fortnight and the flavour is retained, which is not the case when the heads are immersed in water. The same treatment may be given to Asparagus from beds in the late spring and early summer months. The chief point is to put it in a close place and keep it quite dark. I have from want of a better plan buried it in Moss in hot wenther under a north wall and kept it a long time in this way.— W. B. French Beans in winter.— No matter how good the culture, French Beans are anything but a profitable crop, as in my experience I have never found a mid-winter crop worth the attention given it. These remarks need not deter anyone from sowing early in the new year, as with longer days, when the plants are in bloom a fair return may be expected. For a first crop, I find much better results are secured by sowing in Ginch pots, not following the usual advice of half-filling the pots and moulding up afterwards. I have seen many winter Beans decay at the part newly soiled, and do not advise it ; in fact, I never top- dress forced Beans, as their season is so short. By feeding freely the plants get the food neces- sary, and in heavy loam such aide as old mortar rubble sifted fine, or wood ashes witli a dash of bone-meal, will encourage (juick root action and form sturdy plants. I have often noticed how well large growers cultivate French Beans, the plants being rarely top-dressed and having but a small root space. — G. W. S. Forced Broad Bsane. — Very few adopt the old plan of planting in November for early crops, neither do I advise it. There is no need to sow at the season named if the plants are raised in heat for first supplies. The old method had many drawbacks. It was difficult to keep a full row of plants ; mice, birds, and in heavy soils decay, much thinned the plants, but with sowings under glass during January it is an easy matter to get strong seedlings for March or early April planting. Five- inch pots are the best, three Beans in a pot, stand- ing the pots in a warm house till the seeds push through the soil, when they should be removed to a cold frame, kept close for a few days and watered sparingly. Grown near the glass with frea exposure in mild weather, they can be planted out in March, and fruit weeks in advance of those sown next month in the open ground. I have also sown thinly in boxes stood on hot-water pipes till the seed germinated, then removed to cold frames. Pota are best, as transplanting from boxes causes a check. The Early Longpod is as early as the Mazagan, being equally hardy and of superior quality.— S. H. B. Pithy Celery. — At p. 514 Mr. Young notes the quality of Celery this season. I admit where due attention was paid to culture it is excellent, but I fear many who grow limited quantities are less fortunate. Mr. Young hits the mark when he states that Celery i9 often moulded up too early. Too rich food in the shape of rank liquid manure is equally at fault. A few seasons ago during my absence my men wishing to secure extra good heads gave the Celery liquid manure undiluted, then moulded it up, with the result that there was much decay and many plants were not worth lifting. A wet season in certain soils is favourable to good quality, but it often leads to hollow growth. This is caused by insutficient moisture when the plants are of a good size. With much leafage the moisture does not reach the roots unless applied artificially, as rain runs off and the plants soon suffer. In light soils with large or early plants it is a safe plan to flood the rows weekly. — W. I. M. Cucumber Model.— Although during the last few years a good many good new Cucumbers have been raised, there are still several older varieties I would recommend to those who wish for quan- tity and quality combined. Amongst the very best is Model, a variety of medium length and perfect symmetry, having scarcely any neck and taking a lot of beating when exhibited. Indeed, Model has, I should think, secured as many first prizes as any variety during the last fifteen years. The growth is veiy short, pointed, and the clusters of fruit so numerous that much thinning is gener- ally necessary. Further, Model is equally as suit- able for frame culture as for growing in ordinary Cucumber houses, and as a proof of its profitable character I may mention that an old Norfolk grower for market, whose establishment I visited last year, had planted Model freely with several other old-fashioned, medium-sized varieties. I would advise amateurs whose experience of Cucumber growing is limited to give Model a trial. — J. Cr.\\V1-(]RD. Pea Pride of the Market.— This is one of the most serviceable Peas of its season one can grow. Many who proved its value when first sent out many years ago still grow it. It belongs to the same family as Stratagem and is not unlike that sterling variety in shape and length of pod, al- though not of quite so dark green a colour. Its height is from 21 feet to .3 feet, while when well grown it is clothed with pods from top to bottom. The seed must not be sown too thickly, as it is a very robust grower, and crowded haulm generally means a loss both of quantity and quality. It may well be sown with the first early lots on south borders, as like Stratagem it will follow the round seeded varieties very quickly, other rows being sown as soon as these peep through the soil. Pride of the Market was a favourite Pea with that veteran vegetable exhibitor, Mr. Miles, of Wycombe, and I have seen it in grand condition in his collections at York and London in the middle of June. — J. Crawford. Rhubarb Prince Albert.— I am not sure whether Prince Albert and Royal Albert as quoted in trade lists are one and the same variety of Rhubarb, but I know from long experience that the true I'rince Albert is unsurpassed for early forcing. A fortnight's warmth is sufficient to produce sticks of fair size and thickness for tarts at Christmas. I have forced it here for years, having obtained the stools in the first place from an Essex garden in which I was formerly em- ployed. The stick is of a most brilliant colour and not grooved like some varieties, the flavour being all that can be desired. I have seen Prince Albert in the garden above mentioned pushing up freely during early spring, even in snowy weather, through the small hillocks of stable litter which had been laid over it. The gardener there had a bed of it, the stools of which ho used to surround with short stout stakes so as to form a square, afterwards winding hay-bands round them and filling in between with newly gathered leaves; small lights were then laid over each, these being covered with a little litter. When ready for pull- ing it was easy to get at, and later on air could gradually be given to harden it off.— J. CiawKOKD. Coarse Beetroot. — OJ late years there has been in some kinds a tendency to coarseness, as at shows I notice many large roots are staged and many are anything but shapely. I am aware such a season as we have just passed through was not an ideal one for root crops, still the observant cultivator could learn a lesson in vegetable cul- ture. I did, and shall act upon it in future. We sow Beet much too early. I must admit with the soil in a warm state growth is more vigorous, but even then one may with advantage sow later, get better i]uality and more shapely roots. I am never in a great hurry to sow the keeping roots, or what may more properly be termed the main crop, as in old, rich garden soils the roots run coarse if sown early. Everyone knows what a dry state the soil was in in May, and many sowed early in that month. In June the soil was more un- suitable than in May, so that sowing was deferred till the end of .June, and even then seed did not germinate till the last week in July, the soil being watered in the evening to assist germination. What is the result? I have just lifted the best crop of roots I ever had. There was a total absence of small or useless roots, and the whole crop was as good as one could wish, none having to be discarded owing to coarseness. This shows the roots do not require such a long season of growth, and even in ordinary seasons if sown in June the earth is warm, the growth is rapid, and the roots are large enough for all purposes. For early crops one can sow a small quantity as early as possible. For this purpose I sow early in March. Of course these plants are not stored. — S. H. B. Garden Flora. PLATE 1100. SEEDLING PINKS. (with a colouked plate.*) XoTwiTHSTANi iNG the great beauty and de- served popularity of the double forms of Diantluis, such as Carnation, Pink and one or two fomis of Sweet William and hybrids from it, theru is no doubt that some of the most beautiful of alpine rock flowers are those of single Pinks, either the wild forms and occasionally hybrids. Among the rock plants of the Alps there is a variety of brilliant Pinks, some of them not in cultivation, and there is the beautiful Dianthiis superbus. The Pinks in our plate are garden hybrids, such as anybody can raise easily. Kecently there has been raised a race of semi-double and double Pinks, which prolong their bloom right up to the autumn, but the mass of flower is never so great from these as from the ordinary old double kinds. Late-flowering Cannas.— The very few, though very welcome and equally handsome, trusses of bloom of the above shown by Messrs. Cannell at the Drill Hall on the 15th ult. showed how valuable these Cannas are at this season. Glancing at their exceedingly brilhant trusses, the thought occurred of the great value of these things could their flowering with any degree of certainty be relied upon generally in the winter season. And it may not be impos- sible, by a very cool system of keeping the crowns and then starting them in ([uite cold frames, say * Dra-n-n for The Garden by H. G. Moou. Litho- graphed and printed by J. L. GofTart, successor to Guillaome Severevns. January 9, 1897.] THE GAl^DEN. 23 late in May or early in June, after the same manner ae the latest batches of Tuberoses, to so- ■cure a good batch of thrm at Christinas or there- abouts. At any rate, they are so universally ad- mired and so very striking at this time of the year, that the thing is worth attempting in large ■gardens where flowers are valued to the full. Nor should their flowering at the date named be fraught with much difficulty ; and seeing the plants themselves are .■'n profuse flowering, the I middle of May may be late enough for starting them. Could their finwering be extended to the i dullest months of the year, a new value would at once be set upon them. Thus grown it would be needful to house the plants early in September 1 before frosts began. Another way in which ex- periment may be made with a similar object in view would be growing them from seed, as the inferior and useless seedlings would prove attrac- tive when all else of their tribe had passed away. The seeds are frcciuently slow to vegetate, and are best soaked for a lengthened period and then sown in gentle heat, afterwards growing the plants on quickly to the flowering stage, whioh is only reached by the strongest ones in the Krst year, and this when .m early start is made. Under all the circumstances, therefore, the best results are likely to accrue from dividing the older plants. — E. J. The Week's Work. FRUIT HOUSES. Eakly Stra\vi;ekkik,s. — In a great many gardens Strawberry forcing is not commenced until January, and this is quite early enough if ripe fruits are not required until the middle of Marrh. Assuming, therefore, that a batch of plants was started in November, they will be coming into flower now, and when they reach this stage they must have all the Ight possible. If plunged in pits they may be moved into the Strawberry house proper, if such an one exists, or otherwise placed on elevated shelves in early Peach or Fig houses. The plants should be stood sulliciently far enough apart to ensure a free circulation of air round about them, and when the flowers are fully open fertilise them in the ordinary way by the aid of a camels-hair brush. This should be clone daily until a sutlicient number of fruits has set. When this is accomplished, remove the plants to a house where a higher temperature is maintained, and here they will, with good man- agement and liberal feeding, swell rapidly. A Pine stove or similarly heated structure answers well for early Strawberries. SuriKssioNs. — If not already done, take in more plants in suMicient numbers to meet the probable demand to succeed the above. For starting Strawberries into growth at this time of the year nothing equals a pit filled with Oak or Beecli leaves, the mild heat being just sufficient to excite the roots and cause the plants to throw up their flower-spikes without the latter or the foliage be- coming in the least unduly drawn. Leaves, bow- ■ever, are not within the reach of all, neither does a proper Strawberry house exist in all gardens, and recourse must then" be had to shelves fixed in the lightest and most elevated positions in early started fruit houses. Before taking in the plants they should be freed from decayed leaves, also Moss on the surface of the soil, and the pots should be scrubbed. Should any doubt exist about red spider, give the foliage a plunge bath in soapy water to which a handful of sulphur has been mixed. Some growers insist on top-dressing their plants at starting-time, but I do not prac- tise it, and rely solely on feeding after the fruit is set. It may, perhaps, be requisite in some few cases, but I think that if a good compost is used in which to pot the plants and it is rammed firmly, top dressing is unnecessary. Where it has to be resorted to good fibrous loam mixed with some approved :irtificial manure or bone- meal will furnish the requisite materials. If the pgts are to be plunged, sink them up to the rims in the leaves and keep them as near to the glass as possible, and they may be placed fairly close together. When putting the plants on shelves they may stand close to each other for a time if space is limited, but it is imperative that they be thinned out and given more room when they commence to grow and throw up their flower- spikes. It ia a good plan when starting suc- cefsional vineries and Peach houses to fill the shelves with Strawberry plants, as thus a regular supply of plants to draw from is furnished to fill up vacancies either in the Strawberry house or wherever the fruits are ripened as often as they occur and to keep up an unbroken succession. Early Peach house. — The absence of severe weather has enabled the forcing cf early Peaches to be carried on without the employment of ex- cessive fire-heat. Trees that were started in the month of November will soon be in flower, and no doubt in some cases where very early forcing is conducted the flowers will be open. Before the flowers open it is always advisable to give the houEe a mild fumigation two or three evenings in succession even if fly is not prefent, and this will ensure them immunity from attack during the flowering period. Until the petals of the flowers unfold continue to keep up a moist atmosphere, which should, however, be varied according to outer climatic conditions, lessening the amount in dull and foggy weather and damping down more freely on bright, sunny days, if water is needed, supply it in sufficient quantities at a tem- perature of 85°, and this will carry them through until the trees have flowered and set. When the flowers open, a drier atmosphere is of course neces- sary, but it must not be carried to the extreme, otherwise the inside air will become too dry and arid. To counteract this it is always advisable to lightly damp the paths and surfaces of the borders after closing on bright, sunny days, the slight moisture arising therefrom acting in a bene ficial manner on the delicate organs of the flowers and favouring a good set. The camel's-hair brush or rabbit's tail must be used when the flowers are fully open, and this must be attended to daily until all have been fertilised. It is not necessary to brush a flower more than onoe if the pollen is perfectly ripe. While in flower the temperatures should read .30° by night, with a further rise of 5'^ more for the day. Allow a rise of 10" more with sun-heat and ventilate carefully. Avoid cold, cutting draughts, and to this end a piece of thin tiffany placed over the ventilators will temper the cold air and render it less hurtful to the well-being of the trees during bright, frosty weather. Second house. — Another house should be started to succeed the above if not already done, and such preliminary operations as moderate fumigation three nights in succession and a thorough moistening of the border, if it is an in- side one, should have attention. Start with a day and night temperature of "l.")" and 40" respec- tively, and syringe the trees with tepid water twice daily. Outside borders should be protected with shutters or a few inches in depth of dried leaves, with a little long manure on the top. Put Vines. — Where these are grown in lieu of forcing a house of permanent Vines for the early supply, they will have flowered and set. The bunches should be reduced to the proper number and thinning commenced as soon as the berries are large enough. Thinning, although absolutely necessary to secure good results, must not be done with quite such a free hand as would be the case with Grapes on permanent Vines later on. After the thinning is completed, feeding with tepid diluted liquid or guano water should be resorted to. A further top-dressing of good fibrous loam, enriched with a woU-proved Vine manure, will keep the roots in a healthy, active condition. The space being limited between the surface of the ball and the rims of the pots does not leave much room for top-dressing and the application of neces- sary supplies of water ; it is, therefore, a good plan to place strips of zinc inside the rims of the pots to hold the soil in jiosition, or ■oieces of fibrous turf may be employed instead. 4t one place vhere I lived the pots were stood in others everal sizas larger, and this proved a capital plan of getting over this difliculty and gave ex- cellent results. Some growers plunge their pot Vines in a bed of fermenting material, standmg the pots on a firm basis, such as bricks or inverted pots, to prevent them moving out of place as the materials sink. This plan has much to recom- mend it provided plenty of leaves ie available, as the roots benefit by the mild, moist heat, but a reserve heap should always be kejit mixed in readiness outdoors for replenii-liing the bed with, otherwise the heat will be apt to decline, and more harm than good will accrue if bottom- heat depends on this alone. Ec|ually as good re- sults may be obtained by standing the pota on slabs of stone or wood placed over hot- water pipes, and this method has the recommendation that the heat can always be regulated to a nicety. Eari.'i' vinery.— If started in November and all has gone well, the buds on the Vines will bo bursting into leaf. When this stage is reached a higher temperature is necessary, and that for the night may read .55^ and 00" for the day, with a further rise of ')" when the shoots are about 3 inches long. When the latter lengthen out and the bunches become visible, the temperature should be still further increased to IJO" and 65° respectively, with a ri?e of IC more with sun- heat before affording ventilation. Disbud and tie down the laterals before they come into contact with the glass, bringing I hem into place gradually if the growths are at all gross, which is hardly likely to be the case so early in the season. Stop at two or three leaves beyond the bunch accord- ing to training space at command, always remem- bering that, so long as the foliage is not crowded, leaf growth leads to increased root action. If the borders are outside and covered with fermenting material, this latter must have attention as often as is found necessary, and do not allow the heat to decline. Inside borders will not require atten- tion at the present time, as I am assuming that they were thoroughly soaked with water at a tem- perature of !10° when the Vines were started. However, should water be re(|uired, give sufficient to thoroughly moisten the border throughout. Second house.— In many gardens this is often the earliest house, the rule being to make a start at the beginning of January. If started now, ripe Grapes may be had by the middle of June from these Vines, and this is quite early enough for some families, especially where the growing of late Grapes is made a speciality. Lady Downe's will keep plump and sound up till May in a properly constructed Grape room, and I have seen it hanging in good condition even later than that. A.ssuming that such details as the cleansing of both house and Vines have been attended to and borders top-dressed, nothing remains but to close the house and to give the border, if an inside one, a thorough soaking with tepid water at yu-". A bed of leaves with a little long manure mixed with it placed on the floor of the house will assist the Vines to break by the ammoniacal vapours given off in the process of ferm3ntation, and the syringe need not be used quite so freely in conse- quence, and besides this it economises fire-heat. Failing this, sufficient fire-heat must be used to ensure a day and night heat of 45° and 50° until the buds commence to swell, when the tem- peratures should be increased 5° more. All young Vines in the house should be bent round, bringing the points down to the wall plate or border in order to secure an even break. The outside borders of early vineries should always be covered in the autumn with dry leaves or long manure to conserve the warmth still remaining in them, and if this is done annually, the necessity for covering them with fermenting materials at the lime of starting is obviated. L.vte Grates. — If not already done, these should be cut and placed in bottles in the (irape room or some improvised dry place, as I am firmly convinced that if allowed to hang long after the turn of the year, the Vines are weakened thereby and do not break so strongly when started. I always cut and bottle towards the latter end 24 THE GARDEK [January 9,'1897 of the year, and since adopting this course there has been a considerable improvement, not only in the Vines, but the produce also. This will enable the pruning of the Vines to be carried out at once, and the house may then be cleaned and borders topdresfed as opportunity offers. A. W. Trees and Shrubs. THE PRIVETS. (LICiUSTllU^l.) To the majority of people the word Privet probably suggests but little more than a hedge, or perhaps some of those products of topiary work to which Loudon applies the rather amus- ing term " verdant sculpture." The genus con- tains several species whose elegance of growth and beauty when in flower give them a high place among attractive hardy shrubs. Their usefulness is enhanced by their adaptability to almost any soil or position and by the ease with which they can be propagated. The genus is purely an Old World one, being quite unrepre- sented in a wild state on the American conti- nent. The headquarters of the genus is Northern Asia, and quite three-fourths of the species hardy in South Britain come from China and Japan. More tropical species are found in Java, the Philippines, itc, and one reaches Queensland. The common European Privet is the only one that is found in Africa, and it is possibly a re- mote introduction there. In botanical relation- ship the Privets come near the Lilacs, Ashes, Phil'lyreas, and Jasmines. They have entire leaves arranged in pairs, and the flowers, which are always of some shade of white, are borne in branching panicles that are sometimes small and dense, or, on the other hand, large and lax. Some of the species are purely evergreen, others are deciduous, whilst several may be descril)ed as intermediate, losing their foliage only in severe winters or in very impoverished soil. They are propagated by means of cuttings. L. coriaceum. L. Ibota (syns., L. amurenee, L. ciliatum). L. japonicum (syns., L. Kellermanni, L. macvo- phyllum, L. Roxburghi). L. lucidum (syns., L. magnoliiifolium, L. ainense latifolium robustum). L. lucidum var. Alivoiii (fjn., L Alivoni). L. MaFsalongianum (syns., L. angustitolium, L. myrtifolium, L. rosmarinifolium). L. ovalifolium (syn., L. californicum). L. Quihoui (syn., L. brachystachyum). L. sinense (syns., L. Fortunei, L. frondosum). L. strongylophyllum. L. vulgare. L. (■ORiAc'ECM. — A very distinct and curious species first sent to England by Fortuue from Japan in 1861, and distibuted from the nursery of Messrs. Standish some six or seven years later. It is an evergreen species, and one of the dwarfest of the Trivets. It is of very compact, bushy habit, and is eaid to grow 5 feet high, but I have not seen it more than half that height. It branches close to the ground, and has thick, short twigs clothed densely with thick, coriaceous leaves. These leaves are roundish, frequently notched at the apex, each about IJ inches long, quite smooth and of a very dark glossy green above, paler green or slightly glaucous beneath. As someone has said, its rigid leaves give the plant the appearance of having been cast in metal. The flowers, produced in short terminal panicles, are small and white, with an odour like that of those of the common Privet. At Kew the species has stood outside without protection for several years past, but it grows very slowly and cannot be described as hardy enough for general cultivation in the more northern parts of Britain. L. IiioTA. — There are two forms of this species in cultivation, one of which is much superior as a garden plant. The other is the one that has be come more generally distributed in this country and the species has not, in consequence, obtained the recognition it deserves when seen at its best. The better form has, however, been Eent in recent years from America, and it is in the Kew colU tion and in the Knap Hill Nursery, possibly eli where. An American writer has described it as one of the best shrubs introduced to the United States for many jears. It is a native of the mountains of Central Japan and ranges from ."i feet to 111 feet high. It is of free and elegant habit, its branches being long, slender and arch- ing. It blossoms with great freedom about June and July, the white flowers appearing in short ter- minal spikes. The leaves are of the type of those of L. sinense, being narrow oblong, and the branches (as in that species) are covered with a dark pubes- cence. Its round berries are black, covered with a purplish bloom. It was introduced as L. amu- rense, and is a native of China as well as Japan and Corea. L. .i.M'OMCU.M. — This is a handsome evergreen species allied to L. lucidum, and so often con- founded with it that it will be worth while to here point out the distinctions between the two. Briefly, L. japonicum is to be distinguished by its dwarier, more bushy habit, its laxer flower- panicles, and its smaller leaves, which have not the distinctly marked nerves on the lower surface seen in L. lucidum. It is quite hardy in the London district, its oval, pointed leaves being each H inches to 3 inches long, of leathery tex- ture, and of a lustrous deep green, relieved by a thin marginal line of paler green. The loose, straggling panicles of flowers are white, and are produced soon after midsummer. The species is of Japanese origin, and was introduced into Europe by Siebold in 1845. Kellermanni, macrophyllum, Sieboldi, and Roxburghi are names (amongst others) by which it is known in gaidens. L. LUCIDUM. — In regard to its foliage, this is perhaps the handsomest and most striking of the Privets. It is of somewhat erect growth, and reaches a height of 9 feet to 12 feet, its sturdy upright branches being specked with small corky glands. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, taper- ing at both ends and of very firm texture ; the upper surface is of a deep lustrous green, whilst the lower one is paler and marked with prominent branching veins. The white, fragrant flowers are borne at the ends of the shoots in large pyramidal racemes, measuring (i inches to 8 inches in length and breadth. It flowers from July to September. The leaves, which are the largest among the hardy Privets, measure 5 inches to (i inches in length by 2 inches to 2J incbe? in width. It was introduced from China by Sir Joseph Banks about 100 years ago. Some twenty years or so ago it was sent out from the Continent as T^. sinense latifolium robustum, a name still occasionally applied to it. It is time it was dropped, not only because of its length, but also because this shrub is about as far removed from the true sinense as any Privet is. In China, where it attains to the dimensions of a tree, it is of some economic importance, as the chief species on which the " white wax " insect deposits its eggs. The variety Alivoni is dis- tinct, having longer, narrower, thinner, and less glossy leaves than the type. The blade varies from 3 inches to 7 inches long by I inch to 2 inches wide, and tapers to a long narrow point. The stems are marked with small corky glands, but they and the leaves are quite glabrous. The variety tricolor (also known as japonicum tri- color) is a very beautifully variegated plant, but, unfortunately, tender. Ic requites the protection of a wall, and is even worth growing in pots for the cool greenhouse. Another variegated variety whose name sulHciently indicates its character is var. aureo-variegatum. L. M.\ss.\U)N(:iANUM.— This is a very distinct and handsome species, although, unfortunately, not quite hardy. This might be expected from its native habitat, which is the Khas:a Hills. It is an evergreen, with glabrous, narrow, linear and very pointed leaves (it is sometimes called rosmarinifolium). The flower panicles are ter- minal, branching, and densely packed with numerous small white flowers. Jt has been killed more than once in the open at Kew, but would probably thrive against a wall. L. (JVALiKOLicM. — This and the common Privet (L. vulgare) are the hardiest and most accommo- dating of all the Privets. For forming hedges of large size it is preferable to L. vulgare, retain- ing its foliage through most of the winter and being of sturdier growth. For planting in shady, out-of-the-way places, where nothing more than a block is needed, there are few better things. It is of tall, erect, and somewhat stiff habit, its oval or elliptical leaves being of a pale glossy green. The flowers, produced in short crowded panicles, are dull white Except for the purposes just men- tioned, t is one of the least desirable of the Privets. The variety foliis aureis is undoubtedly the best of all the variegated Privets, and it has during the past few years been grown and sold by the trade in immense numbers. The leaves, ex- cept for an irregular patch of green in the middle, are coloured a rich golden yellow, and for the greater part of the year are especially bright and vivid. It is best in a young state, the leaves becoming larger than on older plants and more richly coloured. This variety, if not so vigorous as the type (and fortunately so), is quite as hardy ; for small town plots it is a really bright and valu- able shrub planted in moderation. L. (>>uiHoui. — A Chinese species of rather wiry, stunted growth, and the least luxuriant in leafage of all the Privets. Its leaves are small, narrow, oblong, dull green, and from 1 inch to IJ inches in length. The young branches are covered with a short, purplish pubescence. It flowers freely, producing at the ends of the shoots and in the axils of the terminal leaves cylindrical racemes of white flowers. It is decidedly pretty when in blossom. Although not much known, it was de- scribed by Carriere as long ago as 1860 in the rierue Hortkoh. It is quite hardy. L. SINENSE. — When planted in suitable places this Privet is a valuable shrub. In beauty of flower and gracefulness of habit it is not surpassed by any other species. I have never known it killed outright by frost, but in winters of more than ordinarj' severity it is liable to be cut back a little, especially if planted in exposed positions. lb should, if possible, be planted amongst other things for the sake of shelter. In the dry sandy soil at Kew it succeeds admirably, and last summer the shrubs were almost covered with the cloud- like masses of white flower-panicles. These were followed by a great crop of the small purple berries, which still (in late December) give the shrubs quite a striking character. The species is not strictly evergreen except in mild localities, but retains its foliage well into the new year. 'Its pale green, thin leaves are arranged in a decussate manner, but the petioles are twisted so as to give the appearance of a distichous arrangement ; they are about the size of the common Privet leaves, and when young are pubescent, as are the young branches also. This shrub is 12 feet to 18 feet high, and is usually seen with few branches near the ground, but with a wide-spreading Bat top. It was one of Fortune's introductions from China, and has only been in cultivation some twenty-two or twenty -three years. The species is a variable one, and is known by at least half a dozen names besides the proper one here given, but there is a- strong similarity running through the whole of the forms. L. STKOXCYLOPHYLLUM.— A new species de- scribed by Mr. W. B. Hemsley in vol. xxvi. of the Journal of the Linnean Society. It had been collected by Dr. A. Henry in Central China. For some time past Messrs. Veitch have had an un- named Privet in cultivation at the Coombe Wood Nursery, and this, on being shown to Mr. Hemsley, was at once recognised by him as his new Chinese species. It is, apparently, a dwarf shrub and has small Box-like leaves, each about half an inch long, almost round, thick and leathery, shilling on the upper surface and very obscurely veined beneath. I have not seen the plant in flower, and Januabt 9, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 25 on the whole it does not impress me as being of very preat promito in this country. Small speci- mens are in the collection of Privets at Kew. L. vri.cAUK (common Privet).— Although in recent years the oval-leaved Privet has to some extent dipplaced this species, it is still, for arbours, hedges, topiary work, &c., very com- monly used. It is a useful shrub for planting in shady out oftheway places and for rough work generally : few shrubs w ithstand drip and absence of sunlight better thon it does. Its toleration of emoke and a town atmosphere also adds to its value. Except in warm localities or in specially sheltered positions, it is deciduous. The sweet- scented flowers are at first white, but change shortly to brown. The fruits are dark purple in the ordinary form, but in var. xanthocarpum they are yellow, and in other varieties white or green. There is a weeping variety (pendulum) and several variegated ones, none of which are equal to the golden-leaved L. ovalifolium. Var. itali- cum (cr senipervirens) retains its foliage better than any other. The common Privet is wild in Britain and is spread over Europe, reaching North Africa. W. J. F Kiir. THE ALEPPO PINE. This, savs M. Cannon in " Proprietaire Planteur," is grown successfully in the South. Outside these limits where it thrives naturally its utility ceases, it not being proof against severe frost. Its pecu- liar feature is that its leaves are joined together in twos and sometimes in threes. In the young stage it has even been known to bear leavts in combinations of four and five. Later this peculiarity disappears and rarely more than the twin-leaf is seen. The following description is borrowed from M. de Kir wan :— The Aleppo or Jerusalem Pine is a bushy tree with almost always a fiexu )us stL'm, twisting in various directions. "Branching up from the base in early age, it presents then a compact pyramidal form and its growth is rapid. At twenty or thirty years its development is less rapid; the lower branches disappear and the top becomes flatter, more depressed and rounded. At its greatest development the ti-ee is not above 15 metres or 16 metres. Its partiality, however, for chalky, warm, dry soils in which it thrives vigorously, thin and poor though such soils be, pro. vided that they are not too compacted, are qualities which lender i'ts utility beyond price. To this we may add its rapidity in growth as an indispensable iiuality from the standpoint of the private owner. It demands a high tempe: ture, and is unable to stand the climates of Central and Northern Kurope. Its leaves long and delifiate, and last only two years ; its shade is therefore very light. Its roots are tapped or spreading according to the nature of the soi' (we quote M. de Kirwan), insinuating thcmselve into the smallest crevices of the barest rock where they take vigorous hold. As regards its propagation, the best way in rocky burning soils, for which it is especially adapted, is by seed. The seed resembles that of the Corsican Pine \intain the soil around them, and if the plan is carefully carried out they can scarcely fail to take root. Of the number of plants thus put into a single hole, one almost always gets the upper hand, to the detriment of the rest, whose only utility is to maintain its upward growth and keep down weeds, after which they disapper soontr or later in the process of thinning. The drawbacks to this method are (1) not having asufhcient number at hand of the right sort of plant, in which case it is altogether impracticable ; (2) the expense of transport, which is considerable. Therefore il ought to be sparingly employed. In other re- spects the planting of the Aleppo Pine is carried out on the same principles as those described in the chapter en the Corsican Pine. The wood of this Pino is used chiefly in the construction of packing cases, barrels, &c., for commercial pur- po-es : it is also used for sleepers on railways and in ordinary joinery work. THE POPLARS. \Nv. take tlio Aspen first (Populus trenuila) as the native typo of the race. It i.s the only one indigenous to our woods. In the cool recesses cf the woods it may attain to a height of 10(t feet, and in favourable soils, therefore, it is not to be despised. The con- stant nu/vemeut of the leaves suspended on long .slender stalks imparts to it an extreme lightness. The trunk is generally slender and .straight, the bark smooth and clean, the leaves rounded, sinuous, indented, and of alight green on the uudenside. Avoid planting this Poplar on the skirts of arable land, as it produces a great many suckers. As M. Mathieu observes in his "Flore Foresticre," this tree is rather poor in growth. An injury to its stem even in its early stage is not recovered from. Its longevity is not great, being barely more than seventy to eighty years, and fifty years is the latest period which deterioration sets in. This Poplar less easy to increase by grafting; than others of the family. Its reproduction depends principally upon its habit of throwing out suckers. In cool soils it suckers so much, that foresters have often great difficulty in preserv- ing more valuable trees from its encroachments. Since the development of the paper industry the wood of this Poplar has been much in re- quest, as being the best for this purpose, a fact which should make it find favour with the woodman. It is better suited than any other of the genus for heathy ground. The White Potlar of Holland (P. alba). — This tree is easily distinguishable by the white cottony down which coveis the underside of the leaf, and to which it owes its distinguishing name. It is hardly to be distinguithed from the last described species except for thi.s peculiarity of the leaves, which, moreover, are longer and more heart-shaped ; it is generally larger in stature also, and is further distinguishable by the fissures which in its old age are to ba seen in the bark, which originally was as smooth and as green as that of the wild type. According to M. Mathieu, the White Poplar is a spontaneous growth in Algeria and the southern and central parts of Europe ; its cultivation, however, has been carried as far north as the southern parts of Sweden. It is in alluvial and clayey-sandy soils that are deep, cool, and humid in low-lying regions that it succeeds best ; in mountainous countries it seldom attains to any height. It is a fine handsome tree, rapid and long-sustained in its vegetation, and one which at forty years in favourable circumstances reaches an elevation of nearly KJllfeet. It will live for ages and attain to the greatest dimensions. Like the wild Aspen, it furnishes many suckers, and is, therefore, not a very desirable tree to have near cultivated land. Thk Gkev Poilar (P. canescens). a type inter- mediate between the Aspen and the White Poplar, is regarded as a hybrid of both the above named. From the White Poplar it derives the cottony down which covers the undersides of the leaves, but in its general aspect and the carriage of its leaves it is absolutely like the wild type. Like it, it is pro- pagated by suckers, which it throws out in extra- ordinary abundance, and, like it again, is happy in any moderately cool soil. It is a native of Central and Southern Europe, where it is chiefly found on the banks of streams or margins of pools in association with its two kindred species, and is rarely cultivated. We should expect these two last-named va- rieties, owing to their strong resemblance to the wild type, to be the most hardy and the least liable to fall victims to the attacks of in- sects, which, especially of late years, have ught such havoc among the Poplar planta- tions. Wo will now give a quick glance at the other species of Poplars, with the appear- ance of which we are all too familiar to need a detailed description. The species most com- monly met with is The Black Poplar (P. nigra).— This name, which its general appearance scarcely seems to justify, it has doubtless received to distinguish it from the White Poplar and on account of the darker colour of its bark. Its heart-shaped leaves, indented like a saw, are a very bright green, which is most grateful to the eye, especially when glistening in the sunshine after rain. Its seeds are covered with a light cottony down, which makes it easy for the wind to scatter them far and wide in abundance. It is said that the royal kitchen garden at Versailles, being neglected from the Revolution up to 1S19, was during the intarval coveted with Poplars propagated in this manner, and which had then attained to con- siderable size. It i3 likewise related that afier the burning of Moscow the Black Poplar ro^o from the ashes in such numbers, that had the town been abandoned, its site would have soon become a forest. The Blick Poplar is at home in cool soils, watered or even submerged at times by running streams, but peat and its attendant con- ditions of stagnant humidity, and the sourness which it engenders, are entirely inimical to it. It is very subject to the attacks of certiin injects — large coleoptera which breed their larva- amongst the twigs of this tree, and their ravages, aggravated probably in seasons of exceptional drought, mnke it wise in many districts not to plant it. The wood of the Black Poplar, which IS used for making battens, is considered inferior to that of the whits species, and its leaves, green or in the dry state, form a forage of middling quality for cattle. The Pvuamidal Poilar (P. fastigiata), com- monly known as the Lombardy Poplar, is generally looked upon as an upright variety of the foregoing. It is the male plant which, always propagated by cuttings, is generally cultivated. There do exi^t, however, female plants, of which some are to be found in the garden of the Ecole Foresticre during the past forty years or so (Mathieu, " Flore Foresticre"). It is the monumental tree Jiar exrel- Uiire : it is the tower, or rather the steeple, of which the landscape architect knows how to make good use ; but its cultivation is not to be thought of in every soil. It is only in the coolest soils th.it the Italian Poplar attains to the gigantic stature that makes it so imposing. Planted in lines, it offers to the eye of the distant spectator an ad- mirable outline of the windings of a river through a valley. Its timber is even more soft and porous than that of the grey species, and, moreover, the deep channellingsof the trunk lessen considerably the proportion of useful wood, which otherwise, having regard to the perfect straightness of form and thickness of girth of the tree reaching to a considerable height, might be great. The Canadian Poi-i.ar (P. canadensis), one of the most beautiful of the species, is endowed with growth of extraordinary quickness and long continuance. It is remarkable for the regularity of its cylindrical mast, which is not marred by any projections or by furrows, and for its large heart-shaped leaves. In forty or fifty years it is capable of attaining a height of about loO feet. The male displays a vigour and attains to a si/.s which the female never eciuals, and is for this reason freiiuently looked upon as belonging to a different species and has become known as the Virginian or the Swiss Poplar. Among trees it is one of those which deserves to be cultivated in avenues: it has no great tendency to throw off suckers and is not liable to become overrun with greedy branches. It is easily increased from cuttings. There is an improved variety, P. canadensis nova, which i.s highly spoken of by nurserymen. 26 THE GAEDEE". [Jancary 9, 1897. The Caroltxa Poplar (P. angulata) is a tree of some 70 feet or SO feet in height, with olive-coloured branches, very angular in growth, leaves very large, broader than long, heart-shaped ao the base, and indented with strongly marked veins, the median one being reddish. — I). Cannon, in " Proprietaire Planteur." Gaultheria procumbens. — This is largely used in Mr. G. ¥. Wilson's Wieley garden as a carpet plant for taller- growing things, such as Lilies. When well establiehed it covers the soil with deep green foliage, which retains its colour all through the winter, and at this time of the year is studded with berries about the size and colour of those of the Holly. When it covers some square yards of ground it has during the winter months a very cheerful appearance. This little Gaultheria may be usefully employed for clothing dry banks where flowering plants gene- rally cannot be induced to flourish. It increases freely by means of underground stems, and is of such a hardy nature as to be indifferent to extreme cold and parching heat. It is one of those things that can be induced to thrive where the soil is very poor or becomes very dry in summer, and in most gardens there are such places. I should imagine that this Gaultheria might be usefully employed as a carpet for many bulbous flowers, such as the stronger growing Narcissi. Snowdrops. Snowflakes, Crocuses, Fritillaria Meleagris, &c. When Daffo- dils and similar things are grown on the bare ground, the blooms after heavy rain get splashed, and their beauty is marred considerably. Spiing- ing from an undergrowth of some kind, they are quite unaffected in this way, and have a moie pleasing and natural appearance.— J. C. B. Orchard and Fruit Garden. PEAK MARIE LOUISE. Thi.s deservedly popular Pear is without doubt the highest flavoured and most universally cul- tivated variety we possess. Some people place Doyenne du Cornice before it for flavour, but that is not the opinion of fruit growers in general. At the Pear congress held at Chiswick in 1887 Marie Louise gained the highest number of votes, heading the list with a total of ninety-three, or only seven votes short of a possible 100. This fact shows what a universal favourite it is. Though raised ninety years ago it still retains its hold of popular opinion, and if proof were needed in support of this state- ment, a visit to one of the large trade fruit tree- growing establishments in the kingdom would convince the most sceptical that it is as popular as ever by the number of trees that are propa- gated and sold. There may be, and no doubt there are, a few isolated cases where this Pear is not a success. Wherever the Pear wOl suc- ceed, Marie Louise will generally be found, and is very often represented in the shape of aged trees, both as standards and as trained trees on walls. Quite recently I saw some line old standards growing in a garden 100 miles north from here and which still bear good crops of highly-flavoured fruits. A fortnight ago two old trees, planted as nearly as I can glean about sixty years ago, were grubbed up here, as they had far outgrown their allotted space and un- duly shaded other trees. Had it not been for this I am confident they would have continued to give good crops for some years to come. Mane Louise was raised about ninety years ago by an ecclesiastic named Duguesne, and was named after and in honour of Marie Louise, Napoleon Buonaparte's second con.sort. Ten years afterwards it was sent by Van Mons to a Mr. Braddick, of Thames Ditton, Surrey, since when it has become distributed not only all over the country, but it is also to be met with, , trees of both bushes and cordons on the (>)innce I believe, in a few of the colonies as well. Un- j which are not only healthy and vigorous Ijut like many French Pears, Mane Louise succeeds j they also bear well. But in my opinion the when grown in any form of tree, and it received , best results are obtained from trees that have nineteen votes at the Pear congress as being been double grafted, and such trees are now suitable for orchard culture. It also does well sold by not a few of our leading nurserymeu on most soils, unless they should be very un- From a tree of this description growino- a<'ainst congenial. I have had experience with this a west wall I have gathered fruits each°fully Pear on a great variety of soils, ranging from a three-quarters of a pound in weight, with clear, light sandy one to the cold, heavy clay of bright-looking skins, and which could not be South Lincolnshire. On the latter I used to , surpassed for lusciousness when ripe, be successful in growing good crops of medium- Respecting the best positions for throwing sized fruits of excellent quality both on pyra- Marie Louise, in the warmer parts "of the mids and trained trees against walls. Although country and in sheltered situations it will the soil was not a Pear soil, it was well drained, succeed well enough in the open, but in cooler and this, coupled with the fact that the roots localities the trees should have the protection of walls, varying the aspect according to the climate, and in very cold situations growing them against south walls only. Marie Louise has the reputa- tion of being rather shy- in bearing with some growers, but I have found it here a most con- stant bearer, and on look- ing up my notes I find that only once during the ]iast twelve years has it missed carrying a good crop, and that occurred through the majority of the blossoms being killed by spring frosts. With me it is not only a sure, but a heavy cropper, and til at it is the same else- where, a glance at the ac- companying illustration will show. It is almost superfluous to give a description of the fruits, as they are so- well shown in the illus- tration. It is a good plan to thin the spurs on old trees, and in some cases it is also necessary to thin out the blossom bud& into the bargain, as they are apt to become very crowded. In the former case, the practising of spur pruning leads to a renewal being brought about, with the natural sequence that in this ami also in the latter iii.stance finer fruits will 1)6 obtained. Thinning of the fruits should have attention not only in relation to Marie Louise, but to all other heavy cropping Pears, and if this is attended to, more were kept near the surface by annual manurial certain continuity in fruit-bearing will follow, mulchings round and about the trees, was in a A. Ward. measure responsible for the good results ob- ,sVo7,« Edith Gardens, Ucreford. tained. A cold, wet soil would not do for Marie '_ Louise any more than it would for any other _ .^ „ . „, ,,,-., kind of Pear, and it would be folly to attempt to ,1'ear Passe Coimar.--This good old Pear. grow this or any other variety in such a soil which when in good condition it is hard to beat until this defect has been remedied by drain- dunng December and January, seems to be fast .^ . -, , i 1 •' m going out 01 cultivation. In Jiast Anglia a mg, supposing it is possible to do so For f J^^^ „f ^ ^^^^ j^ ,„„,a b^ found in al- standards and large-sr/ed pyramids and bushes, ^^gt ^11 gardens, ripening perfectly in the warm the Pear or free stock is the best. - I have both Ught soils characteristic of that part. It must not heard it stated and read that the Quince does be planted in cold soils or in very late localities, not make a suitable stock for this Pear. This although I have it here grafted on some old- is contrary to my experience, as I have several fashioned monstrous-stemmed Pear on a west .lANUAKY 9, 1897.1 THE GARDEN. 27 ^all, which is kept constantly wsrra all the year round by thu chimney from the kitchen fire, and in nine eeasons out of ten it ripens fairly well. In a neifjhbourins garden, grown on an espalier in a lisavy soil, it never ripens so as to be free from grit at the core. The fruit is of medium size, having a bronzy red cheek next the sun. Passe Colmar is well worth room in an orchard house, and might, I think, safely be planted in all southern Lrardens having a warm soil, always giving it, if pofsibic, a south wall. — J. C. Disbnddingr Peach trees.— I fancy I read somewhere in Thk U vkdks some notes upon dis- budding Teach trees. I must confess that my re- sults with Peach forcing are very bad. I have two Peach houses, planted live ye:irs ago. In the first house are planted Amsden June, Royal George and Hale's Early ; in the second, Montauban, Madeline Rouge de Courson, and (Jrosse Mig- nonne Hative. To jirevent their growing too strong I lifted the trees two years ago. At the present time I cannot say that they are too strong, but as regards croppine, only a few fruits here and there. Last year, for instance, the trees flowered profusely, but most of the blossoms dropped soon after expanding. Amsden June was c|uite covered with splendid large blossoms, and for two weeks the whole tree was covered with hundreds of small fruits. These email fruits only attained the size of Peas and dropped. Only about a dozen swelled and ripened.— R. KatZKU, iSV. Ptien-linrrj. Peach forcing.— Much has been written about the temperatures to be maintained when forcing Peaches. For instance, in Germany and here in Russia, too, the general rule is as follows ; the first week ;!2° to 36°, second week 3(i° to 40°, the next 40° to 44°, and so on till it reaches (iO°. As socn as the blooms open the temperature is lowered a few degrees (,5(l° to 5."i°) which is main- tained durirg the whole flowering period. As soon as this stage is past the temperature is again raised to about (i.'i" till the stoning process. Dur- ing the stoning the temperature is lowered sgain to t)t>° ; after stoning, a temperature of about 70° is maintained. In The Garden (p. 47."i) it is said that a temperature of from 40° to 4.5° will bo ample till the fruit is set. In "Fruit Culture under Glass' by D. Thomson at p. 166 it is said, "By the time theblospoms are open the night temperature should be gradually raised to 55 , after the fruits are set rai.«e the temperature to gd*^." In compar- ing these figures you wiil see that there is a great difference. I should be glad to have the necessary directions.— R. Katzeh, St. Pela-shurrj. Cleansing' Fig trees.- Few fruit trees are 80 deceiving as the Fig. At this season one may observe a few specks of white matter nestling round the embryo fruits, but those with little knowledge of the pests theee trees are subject to will have no idea what mischief these minute and apparently harmless mites will do. There is no better time to clean the trees than the present ; indeed, when at rest it may be done with ease ; wherta? when in full leafage it is a serious under- taking and rarely successful. White and brown ecale are most troublesome, especially the former, and mealy bug once it gets a footing needs strong measures to eradicate it. I would advise that a good portion of the old wood be removed before cleaning begins. This not only benefits the future crop, but facilitates the cleansing. As most cul- tivators are aware, the finest fruit is produced on the strong, well ripened wood. The old plan of well scrubbing all old wood with soft soap and tepid water, to every pailful of which may be added a half pint of soluble petroleum, cannot be beaten, and when the wood is dry, painting it over. In scrubbing the wood a soft brush should be u?ed for the points or parts which bear the fruit, as these will not stand rough usage. For painting I find soluble petroleum, at the rate of a pint to a gallon of water, mixed with clay and I lb. of sulphur, excellent, and in very bad cases I have used a wineglassful of gas tar, omitting th sulphur. This will keep the trees clean for the whole season. The above should be well mixed and if tar is used it should be warmed a little before being used.— G. Wythes. Bush fruits.— Gooseberries, Currants and sum- mer and autumn-fruiting Raspberries are the better for an annual dressing of manure. In the former case the manure may be dug lightly in round about the bushes, but with reg.ird to the last, merely spread it on the surface, as the spade should never be used among them. Failing stable or farmyard manure, recourse should be had to artificials, and these must be employed according to the character of the soil to be dealt with, and not indiscriminately, as the manure that will suit one kind of soil may be useless or injurious to another. These are matters that can only be ascertained either by experience or by submitting a sample of the soil to be analysed by an expert, the latter mode being the more preferable, as the analysis will show exactly what the soil is deficient of. Wood ashes 1 have already mentioned, and containing as they do a fair porcentaije of potash, they do a vast amount of good. Liquid manure should also be utilised, and if applied now while the soil is in a saturated condition, the manurial elements will he arrested in the process of filtration through the soil and remain fixed there for the roots to fc3d upon. This may be applied to Apple, Pear, and Plum trees, bush fruits and orchards, and if the trees are out of health it soon alters their condition. — A. W. MANURING FRUIT TREES. In the absence of very severe weather work in the outdoor fruit garden should be in a forward con- dition generally, with tli9 exception of planting, which has been delayed in some localities through the soil being in an unfavourable state owing to heavy rainfall. In some few favoured districts this only occasions a few days delay, and pro- vided a further fall of rain does not ensue, plant- ing can then be pursued as briskly as ever. I am no advocate for late planting, and prefer the autumn for such work, but where from unavoidable circumstances this has got into arrears, I would advise its resumption at the earliest favourable opportunity, with a view to bringing it to a close at an early date. If frosty weather should intervene much may be done to expedite the work, such as manuring of borders and bush fruit (juarters, the hard state of the ground allowing this to be done without causing any harm to the latter by wheeling on it. Ma- nure plays an important part in fruit cultivation, and trees and bushes, as the case may be, cannot be expected to continue in a productive state un- less some of the elements taken from it are re- turned to it again in some shape or form. By this it must not be taken that I advise manuring in an indiscriminate manner, as such is not my intention, but trees that invariably give good results should be maintained in that state of etticiency by the means suggested, while, on the other hand, it would be folly to manure trees that are unfruitful, as this would only make matters worse. Such trees need looking to at the roots, and although late for such work, it had better have attention now than allow it to stand over for another season. Apples, Pears, and Plums in the open ground will benefit by manure being placed immediately over their roots, but not dug m. All loose soil overlying the roots should be drawn away with a hoe previous to placing the manure over them, and the soil can then be thrown over the manure to help hold it in place. Ma- nured in this manner the roots are kept con- stantly up to the surface, and these roots are of the greatest possible benefit in assisting to grow not only good crops of fruit, but fruits of the highest quality. Trees growing against walls also need feeding to keep them in a fertile condi- tion, and in some cases, i-uch as cordon Pears, for instance, a little new soil in addition to the ma- nure will prove of immense benefit if they have been planted several years and havu received little or no attention in this direction. As cordon Pears are mostly worked on the Quince stock. which is naturally a surface rooter, they appre- ciate high feeding, and unless there are ways und means of giving them this necessary amount of attention when established, I would never advise their being planted. Cordon Plums as well as trained trees are apt to become starved in course of time and always pay for manuring. Lime or lime rubble is also beneficial not only for Plums, but also for all stone fruits, and all soils deficient of lime should have a dressing. This, like the manure, may be spread on the ground and lightly forked in. Sweet Cherries must not be overfed, but it is almost impossible to do so with regard to the Morello and Kentish Red. Apricots, Peaches, and Nectarines may have a mixture of well-rotted manure, lime rubble, and wood a^hes just forked in under the surface of the soil. Wood ashes may also be employed for top-dress- ing all the foregoing fruit trees, as they not only act as a fertiliser, but they also tend to heighten the colour of fruits, especially Apples. I use them extensively ; in fact, all the fruit tree bor- ders here receive a good dressing every sea^cn. When forking in the manure keep a gocd look out for suckers, and ruthlessly remove them. S. E. P. Apple Alfriston.— One of the very best cook- ing Apples in use from November to March and one that succeeds well in a strong soil is Alfriston. It bears very freely, the tree being of close growth. A market grower near here, whose soil is astirt loam, often realises good prices late in the season for his stock of Alfriston. The fruit is of fine ap- pearance, of a greenish shade of colour and occa- sionally slightly freckled. When cooked it is of a most delicious flavour and beautiful colour, re- quiring less sugar than many late sorts. The amount of sugar required by some late Apples in order to make them palatable is positively in- jurious, so that an Apple like Alfriston is doubly appreciated. Although, peihaps, the heaviesr, crops are borne by trees growing in strong eo:U, Alfriston also does well in that of a lighter nature, and, what is more, having a hardy constitution, it may be planted in all localities. — J. C. Late Melons —I quite agree with the re- marks of " H. R." (p. 477) on late Melon grow- ing, as the best Melons I tasted last season were cut at the end of November, and that does not mean that the numlier tasted were few, as I have frequently gone through the ordeal of judg- ing by flavour at large shows (not alw.ays a pleasant duty). My favourite green-fleshed Melon for a number of years has been La Favorite (t suppose a descendant of the good old Beech Wocd, now seldom seen in its true form). This Melon is seldom found with inferior flavour, and when grown under conditions as advocated by "H. R.." I do not know a more desirable variety. It is one of those which will keep a long time if cut a little before it is ripe. It has a great depth of flesh and is melting throughout. Eastnor Castle is my earliest green-fleshed sort, aUo one of the best flavoured Melons which I have tasted. Blenheim Orange is still one of the best scarlet-fleshed va- rieties. I try most sorts which receive certificates of excellence. When judging Melons I seldom find first-rate quality among the largest fruiis, and rarely among those with strong perfume. — M. Teh'ile, Carron, X.B. Grape T/ebbiano.— This late white (irape would not so often be condemned did gardeners but know its real value and the (juality present in well-grown samples. The great mistake in the culture of this as well as several other large- bunched white sorts, such, for iistance, as White Nice and Raisin de Calabre, is supplying too littli heat. Trebbiano is of much better quality than either of the two last named ; indeed, it is a very fair Grape for use during .lonuary, February, and March. Mr. Edmunds grows it at Bestwood and sets much store by it, as it hangs so long without shrivelling, and keeps plump and sound after being cut and bottled. Trebbiano being a very strong grower wants very little feeding as a rule, the aim being to get moderately sized laterals and 28 THE GARDEK [January 9, 1897. these well ripened. Failing this, it is liable to mies showing bunche?. Some time ago I saw three Vines of it growing in a span-roofed house near Birmingham, the soil being a rather sandy loam and the border shallow. Here it fruited as well as one could wish, almost every lateral bear- ing a fair-sized bunch— j"8t, in fact, what would be termed good market bunches. I believe this Grape might with comparative ease be grown profitably for market. People get tired of one or two varieties, and would gladly hail a white Grape after Christmas, when what few Muscats there are in plump condition are very dear. Trebbiano would, I feel certain, supply this want, as the bunches, if somewhat larger than needed for selling, could easily be reduced in their infancy. Plenty of heat is wanted for it, or it finishes otf greenish white in colour. What suits it best are a not over-rich loam and plenty of old mortar rubble, alfo a shallow border, say 2 feet deep at the most. If started not later than the 1st of February and given a Muscat temperature, then market crops of medium-sized bunches will be produced. I have known several gardeners root out Treb- biano, as it failed to please them. —J. Crawford. [ helps to make it lighter and is better for I the flower for obvious reasons. Whether wire or wooden baskets are used, it is imperative that plenty of large, rough lumps of charcoal or crocks be placed in the bottom, and while not being placed so loosely as to rock about when moving the plants, the further they are I apart the better for the descending spikes. I It is important, too, that a lasting make-up I of compost is used, as the majority of the kinds 1 do not take kindly to disturbance or flower freely for a few seasons after it. An exception in this respect may be made in the case of the beautiful S. eburnea, this fine species often | vance root action will be rapid, and when once they have obtained a good hold an abundant supply of water is necessary. Take the plants down and entirely immerse them in a pail or tank for a few minutes each time they require water. It is a waste of time trying to soak through these baskets with an ordinary pot or .syringe without taking them down. The baskets ought always to be hung at the sides of the paths or in some other position where the water cannot drop through on to other plants. Frequent , light dampings overhead are very beneficial, helping to keep down red spider and assisting the growth. The root moisture must Orchids. STANHOPBAS. This genus contains upwards of a score of very interesting and beautiful epiphytal Orchids, the quaint structure of which is shown in the illustration. The lip is one of the most wonderful and striking of all Orchids ; it is usually thick and waxy in texture, and consists of a hoUow cavity at the base termed the hypocil, a centre portion usually with horn-like protuberances, and the front lobe. This latter, the epichil, as it is called, is in many cases as large as the entire lip of some Orchids. Most of the flowers are strongly scented, and they all occur on pendent scapes that are as often as not pushed through the compost and downwards between the rods or wires of the basket wherein the plants are grown. Large and fleshy- looking as the blossoms are, they do not, un- fortunately, last long in good condition, and it is the excep- tion for any single bloom to last a week. The plants are free blooming, on the other hand, and often keep up a succession of flowers for some time. At all events they are well worth attention from all classes of Orchid growers, and if reasonably well cared for will not fail to give a good account of themselves when flowering time comes round. Owing to the habit of bloom- ing mentioned above, they must be grown in some kiud of basket with open sides and bottom, so that the scapes may push cut easily. These need not be large, as the less compost the flower-spikes have to push through the less likely are they to damp off before reaching the light. The baskets should be shallow and fairly wide rather than narrow and deep, and a capital make of wire basket for these pi that with an outstanding or cornice top. The narrowing of the basket below Stanhopea Wardi. From a photograph sent hij Mr. C. Metcal/, Mill House, Halifax. flowering twice and even three times the next season after being rebasketed. In place ot the usual mixture of peat and Mo;S use two parts of the latter to one of good sound loam fibre and crushed charcoal or crocks in equal proportions, sifting and shaking out every particle ot dust and soil from the latter ma- terials. To prevent the plants sinking, allow the large lumps of charcoal to come up nearly to the base of the bulbs, and after placing the plants in position fill closely and firmly around with compost. The best time to rebasket the plants is in spring just as they commence to grow. It will not usually be necessary to water the roots for a week or so afterwards, but keep the plants in a nice moist atmosphere and a st )ve temperature. As the young shoots ad- be kep' well up until the new pseudo-bulbs are well tilled out and the foliage fully developed. A gradual decrease may then begin and go on until the plants are quite at rest in winter. At this time if the house is not kept too dry the plants require hardly any water, just enough to keep the bulbs plump. All the light obtainable must be allowed during late autumn, winter, and early spring, but shading from the brightest sunshine is necessary in summer to prevent injury to the foliage. Bonatea speciosa. — The Orchids hailing from South Africa which can be described as at once showy and easily grown are so few as to be almost cast up on the fingers of one hand. It must be admitted that Bonatea fpeciosa ie not January 9, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 29 one of them in epito of its epeci6c name. Never- theless, it possesses a certain attractiveness, and is besides a species of t;re'it scientific interest. [Darwin, in his "Fertilisation of Orchids," says: "1 should doubt whctlier any member of the lorchidean order has been more profoundly modi- fied in its wliole structure than Bonateaspeciofa." I The flowers are borne at the apex of the past year's growth on an erect spike, which continues for some weeks to give a succession of blossoms. Each one of these is about M inches in vertical diameter, and in colour is a mixture of green and i white. The flower appoars to have considerably more than the ordinary number of segments (-ix), ' the petals being each divided into two and the lip into three. At the first glance it is ditlicult to ; tell which are sepals and which petals and lip. The stigmatic organs are also remarkable in being borne on white, cylindrical processes half an inch long. This Orchid was exhibited a short time ago at the Drill Hall, and may now be seen in flower at Kew.— B. Cirrhopetalum Medusae. — This Cirrho- petalum will always remain a noted example among the many curiosities comprised within the O.-chid family. Discovered over fifty years ago in Singapore and introduced by Messrs. Loddiges, it has never since been out of cultivation, or, at any rate, lost sight of, yet it has always remained eutticiently rare to renOer its flowering of interest to lovers of curious Orchids. A couple of plants in bloom are now among the attractions in the Oicliid house at Kew. The plant has ovoid, ndLjcd pseudo-bulbs, the single leaf by which each IS ,-uimounted being about G inches long. The Honors are crowded in a dense mass at the end of the slender scape, the remarkable part of the flower being the lateral sepals, which are narrow, almost thread-like, and over 4 inches long. Thete long tails, which are creamy white with a few yellow spots, hang like a tangled mass of loose threads. The petals and lip are so small as to be scarcely in evidence. This little Orch'd rei^uires tropical conditions, and should be grown in a hang- ing basket in the usual compost of peat fibre and Sphagnum, suspending it near the roof-glass of the East India house. Flower Garden. FORGET-ME-NOTS. Pjjruai's no genus of flowers is more alike in the colours and general appearance of the different sorts ; from the first to the last all are so distinctly Forget-me-nots, that a child would know the flowers at a glance. I mention this because one is almost compelled to speak of the varieties by comparison. In this case we have a world-wide favourite as a tyjjs, with a great family likeness running through all the mem- bers, so that it may be the readiest way of conveying an ideal by relative descriptions. Common as Forget-me-nots are, the species and varieties of Myoaotis have proved a tangle in the hands of botanists, as evidenced by the many synonyms registered under one descrip- tion or species, and to-day many of us are not quite certain what some uf our plants really are, and it is also notorious that in commerce one cannot depend on always getting the one kind of plant under the same or a given name. 1 have now especially in mind M. rupicola, al- pestris, and azorica. Asa matter of fact these from a gardener's point of view are very difJe- rent plants. M. SYLVATICA may be said to head the group comprising alpestris, rupicola, and several garden varieties. It comes from mrthern parts or high habitats as regards its varied forme, though Tts name would imply shady or wooded habitats. No doubt the type will attain the higher stature of H feet in such places ; it is biennial or an in- different perennial, and by no means one of the best for garden purposes, and only mentioned now because of its typical char.acter. This, how- ever, does not apply to the commonest form, which, einployed as an annual for bedding, is ellective in ma.^ses. M. ALrE.sTKis is one of the most beautiful of the genus, very dwarf, compact, a free bloomer, of high colour, and lasting a long time in flower. With me it grows 4 inches to S inches high in moist places, and proves a fairly good perennial, losing all its foliage in autumn. Tliough the plant is much smaller, the flowers are larger than those of aylvatica ; no rock garden can be complete without this gem. M. RrriroLA is a name often applied to the foregoing plants, and said to be a synonym ; still, the rupicola of Smith, I think, »s grown here is c|uite distinct. It is a dwarfer plant, but 2 inches to 4 inches high, every part less, the leaves more spathulate or le.=s stalked than in alpestris ; the foliage, too, both radical and of the stem, is more spreading. It is hardy ana perfectly perennial. I know it; has a reputation for a shorter duration, but I have proved, at least to my own satisfac- tion, that if the head of the plant is kept dry in winter it goes on for years ; in other words, it is our wet or absence of a snow covering that kills. I have long grown the form found on Ben Lawers in Perthshire, as well as the Swiss form. The latter, according to my experience, has not all the distinctions just named, but suggests to my mind that it is intermediate between the Scotch plant and alpestris. 1 prize the Ben Lawers form because of its charming habit, as well as its va- riety, and I chance to know that the plant was recognised some years ago in the Edinburgh collection as a distinct and rare form. Its flowers are of the deepest blue, and side by side with al pestris, if a much humbler plant and lees flower, of a more strikint;- colour. It is true also that rupicola as known in commerce is different from alpestris. If a variety of alpestris, it is a very distinct one. M. Prinoes.s Mauii is a variety of alpestris that reached me last year. So far as I can see now, the roots, which were a year old when I got them, are likely to prove perennial. The flowers are of good size and deep rich blue when mature. The plant, tufted and robust, stature 9 inches, is said to come true from seed. I consider this worthy of note, and as I am seeking to convey chiefly an idea of the floral merits of the kind, I also will venture to say that this kind will shortly be more heard of. M. AzuKicA is an exquisite species 6 inches to '.I inches high, with a sturdy habit and good-sized flowers without the coloured " eye.'' It is a late or summer bloomer and lasts a long time. It may be readily known by its obtuse or broader leaves, and it is evergreen. I have kept it three years in one place sheltered from north and east, but, without doubt, it is a tender plant for these northern parts. It is said there is a white form of it, and another variety is the well-known Im- peratrice Elizabeth. M. DissiTiFLORA mueh resembles sylvatica, but is lees in stature and has larger flowers produced in early spring. There are well-marked differ- ences, but they are mostly of a botanical nature. It is perennial and a Swiss species, widely culti- vated now. M. I'Ai.usTKis is the species to which the name Forget-me not specially belongs. It is a British plant, but proves most useful in gardens where it makes a pretty display for several months from spring to summer. It has a creeping habit, but in its marshy habitats will often grow a foot high. It likes a moist plaeo. Belonging to the same group is M. c.ESPiTOSA (Schultz.), a type from northern regions. I have not grown this, and only men- tion it to introduce a variety of it called M. Rechsteini:i;i (Wartm.), a lovely dense and ininute creeper from the Lake of Geneva. I should like to strongly urge the use of this for moist ledges or seams of rockwork, where it makes matted tufts of pale green herbage and in early summer sends up numerous little raceme^ of turquoise-blue flowers of proportionally large size, barely 2 inches from the ground. It is one of the best carpet plants I know for bulbous things in the rock garden, and iefly laid down as follows : In the spring, as soon as the longer days and brighter weather warrant, the atmo- sphere may be made a little stimulating, this eiving the plants a good start for the season. Where the night temperature during winter has been kept at or about tiiV", let this rise say 5^ in as many weeks, closing the house with sun- heat whenever possible and maintaining a fairly bri.sk, dry temperature. Keep the plants well on the move all through the summer, and towards the end of August, by slow gradations, allow a little more sunlight and air by drawing the I blinds a little earlier every week and clos- ing the bouse a little later, for at this time it is not usually advisable to re- move the shading at closing time. When it is seen that the plants are steadying down, allow the night temperature to drop again by degrees until the minimum point is reached at midwinter. Root moisture must never be en- tirely withheld, but much less will be needed during winter, the roots themselves beinf less active and evaporation not so rapid as during the growing season. In every case where they have the oppor- tunity, the roots of Phahenopsids jnefer running in straight lines, along the rods of a basket cr cylinder, up and down a block, or in any other receptacle that may be used. This is all very well as long as the root-hold lasts, but when a shift becomes necessary, considerable difficulty will be found in removing them without serious injury. This first led me to try pots for these strong-growing kinds, and if these are nearly filled with rough crocks and charcoal, it will be found that the roots ramify more freely, and in consequence are easier to transplant. A layer of Moss of varying thickness, according to the habit and vigour of the plant, must, of course, be allowed on the surface. Light is as import- ant as heat or moisture, so as little shading possible without injuring the foliage should allowed. During bright summer weather, of course, the blinds will have to be down the most of the day, but at all times when prac ticable give the leaves the advantage of a full, clear light. H. R. Oncidium Kramerianum.— A plant of this fpecies has been in bloom with me since last June, the blossoms following each other in quick sue- ceetion upon the scapes. As there are now several new scapes pushing, the older ones will be cut off, the blossoms being finer and more lasting from the newly-formed ones. It is a beautif Orchid, the rich brown tint of the lip margm contrasting strongly with the bright golden yel- low of the blade; and although sometimes called a variety of 0. Papilio, it is quite distinct, with its knotted flower-stem and prettily crisped dorsal sepal and petals. — H. Dendrocliiluin uncatum.— The pretty arch- ing racemes of greenish yellow flowers produced by this species are distinct from anything else now in bloom, though by no means showy. They occur from the last formed pseudo-bulbs, which are roundish, with narrow leaves produced singly from the top of each. The plants are evergreen and should not be too much dried during winter. Equal parts of peat and Moss will euit this plant for compost, and large pots are not required. It does best in the East India house during the growing season and requires a very moist heat. It is a native of the Philippine Islands, and was introduced by the Messrs. Low, of Clapton. Lycaste Barringtoniae.— This ia one of the oldest known Orchids, and though formerly plen- tiful, is not often seen. It is very free-flowering, the blooms occurring singly on short stalks froai the base of the pseudo-bulbs. These have broad, well-formed segments, the whole flower being of a clear greenish yellow with a little crimson about the lip. The plants should be repotted if neces- sary after the flowers are past, using a compost consisting of e(|ual parts of peat fibre or leaf mould, good fibrous loam and chopped Sphagnum Moss. The plants need not be elevated above the rim, but kept below as in ordinary potting, and they require plenty of water all the year round. It is a native of Jamaica, whence it was intro- duced upwards of a century ago. Cypripedium inaigne.— This beautiful old plant is now in full flower and extremely uteful for many purposes. For table decoration there is no Cypripedium and few other Orchids to beat it, the bright glossy surface of the blossoms showing up extremely well by artificial light. Its lasting properties are wonderful either on the plant or when cut, for in the latter state they may be used over and over again, while the plants may stand about in living-rooms week after week and are apparently none the worse for it. It is not wise to repot this species too often, as the plants are moie free flowering when they are feeling their pots, as the saying goes. Nor will it do to run to the other extreme and leave them year after year without any attention at the root. They are long-suffering and put up with a lot of ill- treatment, but sooner or later the flowers will become smaller, if indec d they open at all. I always repot, large and medium-sized plants once in three years, and find that this keeps them healthy and free flowering. Peat, loam, and a little chopped Moss, with plenty of charcOHl are the best compost, and there is no need to elevate the plants above the rims of the pots. It may be grown in an ordinary plant stove or vinery, or during the summer months it does well in an ordinary pit.— K. Coelogyne speciosa.— This is a largo flower- ing and useful species, ([uite distinct trom moet other kinds. The pseudo-bulbs aiu large, and each bears one dark tjreen leaf. The flowers, which are produced on twin-flowered peduncles, each measure about 4 inches acroes. The sepals and petals are of a brownis-h green, and the lip is brown and white with dark crimson veins. This has a beautifully fringed crest that consider- ably heightens the beauty of the whole flower. The plants are extremely free-flowering, but not con- stant in their blooming season, this, in fact, oc- curring twice in a year. It may be grown in a shady part of the Cattleya house, and during active growth requires an abundant water suppl.\. It is a native of Java, whence it was introductd in 1845. MaedevalPa polysticta.— This is a distinct and beautiful species, the earliest blossoms of which are now open. The plant is of a clo?e, tufted habit, growing about 6 inches high ; the flower-scapes are thrown well above the foliage and carry a good many flowers. These are rosy white in ground colour, spotted all over with purple, and the tail-like ends of the sepals are yellowish. Like most other Masdevallias, it has a very small lip, and the petals are also insignifi- cant. Owing to the number of flowers produced this makes a bright and ert'ective plant, and as they remain good for several weeks they make a display over a long seasin. This Mafde- vallia likes a good clear light during the winter months, and if grown on the stage should be ele- vated BO as to bring it as near the glass as pos- sible. During the summer months it must be kept quite cool, and in a position where it can get the full benefit of all the air currents at com- mand. From the time growth starts in spring until the days shorten it is hardly possible to over-water healthy plants, and even during winter nothing approaching drought mu.^t le allowed. The plants may be grown m tairJy small pots, which must be thoroughly drained and clean when used. For compost, equal patts of good fibrous peat and Moss may be used with bout half the bulk of clean, finely broken crocks nd charcoal, and in this the plants must be rmly set. It is a native o[ Peru, whence it was itroduced in 1874. CYPRIPEDIUM CALCEOLUS. I SHOULD like to supplement my previous re- marks by a few words about a fact which did not then occur to me, but which may prove valuab.e to H. Selfe-Leonard, Guildford, in his endeavours to get the Lady's Slipper re-naturalised in Eng- land, as showing that even in the wild state this Orchid is not after all so very exacting as to the composition of the soil. In my first note I sta' cd hat the Cypripedium invariably grew on solt limestone mixed with stifi' clay. This, howevtr, I have now to modify, for in the particular d s- trict to which I have referred I now recollect, as a very remarkable exception, a small station of the plant where the conditions, soil, and aspect alike are difl'erent altogether, for whereas the limestone formation on the one side of the iiver is hilly and of the stiff soil as described, the other bank presents perfectly level, low-ljing gj-' ""d and though still in a thinly-wooded copse the soil of this station consists of almost barren sand, covered only by a layer of decayed vegetable matter with a tangle of fibrous root ets (in scmo degree corroborating W. Mauger's description of 34 THE GARDEN. the soil at Ragatz), but — and this appears to be the condition — the calcareous element is not absent even there, for at no great depth there is a substratum of gypsum (sulphate of lime). If, therefore, it be attempted to naturalise the plant on soils void of lime, a periodical aprinklinK of chalk over the surface might probably be all that is required to supply the deficiency, analogical to the sudden a])pearance of chalk-loving plants on BtiiFclay where a dressing of quicklime had been applied to render it more friable, but where such plants were not indigenous previously. There is in connection with this same district another very remarkable circumstance. A little distance from the Cypripediums there some badly drained meadows on this gypsum, the surface being a black greasy substance, such as we often meet with in the Alps. These meadows although at an elevation of nob more than G(H feet above sea level, are indeed <|uite alpine in their character altogether. The short, wirv grass there never yields hay, but amongst it, hundreds of miles away from the nearest other station, grow such lovely things as Gentiana verna, TroUius europaius, Adonie vernalis. Pri- mula farinosa, and others, making their display in such numbers that the spot has been popularly named " The flower garden of the village." Munkh. E. Heinkicii, CATTLEYA PEROIVALIANA. The earlier introduced forms cf this Cattleya were many of them small, and had the bad habit of remaining hal closed. Later importations have shown a marked improvement in both of these respects, the flowers now being as large as those of a medium C. Triana?, the segments well .thrown back and disclosing the rich tints of colour on the labellum. No species, not even C. aurea, can show a more beautiful lip than that of a good form of Percivaliana, the lovely combina tion of golden yellow and crimson being exquisite. It is a native of Venezuela and is found growing at considerable elevation, so the ordinary Cattleya house temperature is quite high enough for it. It delights in ample light on all sides, and for this reason the plants should be suspended from the roof in proximity to a ventilator if room can there be found. If not, it will be satisfactory on the stage if this is not too far removed from the glass Growth as a rule commences early in the new year, and a solid hard pseudo-bulb should be the endeavour of the cultivator rather than great size. If grown in a suitable temperature, the bulbs take on a bronzy reddish tint that is dicative of health, tliough this is more strongly marked in some plants than in others, though they may be growing side by side. By August the pseudo-bulbs usually attain maturity, and a slight drop in the temperature, coupled with rather less moisture in the atmosphere, helps to keep them at rest. The roots must not be dried, for they are often very active at this season, and of course the formation of the future blossom is going on. These are now just opening, and very useful indeed they are, brightening up the house considerably now that the labiatas are on the wane. Drier atmospheric conditions will of course be maintained while they are in bloom, the plants being either grouped at one end of the house in which they are growing or removed to the flower- ing house. The usual tint of the sepals and petals IS a bright rose, but many variations exist, including the rare and beautiful alba, that has white segments and a blotch of yellow in the throat. In habit, too, they vary, the largest bulbs not being usually (|uite as large as those of O. Moseia-, which it most resembles. As fre- quently noted, the plants should be repotted when free root-aetion is imminent, this re-esta- blishing the plants in the new material quickly and making them more easy to water. If grown in pots, let these be half filled with drainani,j;,isl and I'harma.-eulkal He- 4^ Desfontainea spino.t% in the opi-n border in Mnjor Gninfm-rl'.^ garden at Offnjton. From a photograph by Miss Oaifford. F'urther north it occurs in Chekiang and Hupeh, although it is rare in these provinces. The fruits of all the tree." of this genus have the same pro- perties, two of them growing spontaneously in the United States, one on the keys of Southern Florida, while the other is widely distributed along the southern boundary of the United States from South-western Missouri southward. The fruit of I'ancovia Delavayi resembles that of Sapindus, and is also used as soap, according to the French missionary Dolavay, by whom it wa? found in ^■unnan a few years ago. The most esteemed of the Chinese fruit trees, however, ia (iymnocladus chinensis, a ne»r relative of the Kentucky Cofl'ee tree. This tree grows in Central China in the provinces of Hupeh, Szechwan and Anhui, Che- kiang and Kiangsi. The Chinese name, Fei-tsao, meaning fat (Jloditfchia, refers to the fact that the pods of this tree are much thicker than those of the true (Jleditschias. Eastern Asia must be considered the home of this last genus, eleven species or forms being known in the forests of 1 that region, while in North America there are only I two. The pods are employed in Asia for washing, and those of Gleditschia ollicinalis are used as a drug by the Chinese. As Dr. Henry points out, there is at present considerable contusion regard- ing the diHerent species of Asiatic Gleditschias, and a monograph of the whole genus is very much to be desired. The Lungngan tree (Nophelium Longan) occurs wild in Formosa and is cultivated in that island and in Southern China for its edible fruit. The seeds are ground into powder and are said to be used for washing the hair. Saponin also occurs in the Chinese Tea-oil tree (Camellia Sasanqua). This plant is cultivated in China for its seeds, which yield the so called tea oil. The seeds contain about 10 per cent, of saponin, and the refuse after the oil is extracted is known as tea-seed cake, and this refuse is used bj' the Chinese for washing and to poison fish. The saponin stupefies fish, which rise to the surface and are then easily captured. It is interesting to note that ''a de- coction of the refuse poured on a grass lawn causes the earthworms to come to the surface, and it is used on this account to eradicate earthworms from soil in which plants in pots are grown or to obtain speedily bait for angling.' given the protection of a wall. The foliage is much like thit of a Holly ; the flowers, in the form of a long tubs, are bright scarlet, tipped with yellow and very showy. It usually flowers at the end of summer, and a bush covered with bloom is very beautiful, and at the same time uncommon. Evils of gT&fiVOg. — Last autumn, wishing to plant a hedge, I had some large Privet bushes taken out of the shrub groups, and on examining them closely I found thit originally they were Lilacs. The Lilac remains in the centre dead. cord on Chinese Soap trees. From very early times the fruits of these trees have been used by the Chinese for washing, and, in spite of the in- troduction of alkaline soaps from England and Germany, they are still esteemed for washing the hair and cleaninji delicate fabrics like silk. Chinese Soap trees belong to two natural families, the Sapindacea' and the Leguminosa'. The best known, perhaps, of these plants is Sapindus Mukorossi, a Chinese and Formosa tree cultivated in .Japanese gardens and in those of Northwest India and Bangal. Dr. Henry tells us that this tree is common in the southern provinces of China and in the islands of Hainan and Formosa. THE CORSICAN PINE. (riNls LARirio ) The great value and the stately dignity of this tree are our excuse for translating the following article from the " Proprietaire Planteur," by M. David Cannon, who probably is as well able to instruct us in the value and raising of trees as any man in Europe. M. Cannon, an Englishman settled in France, has endeared himself to a good many people in the part of France in which he lives by his spirited and extensive planting, and we had the pleasure of visiting his nurseries and plantations in France in the autumn with much profit to ourselves. This Pine is the most gigantic in stature of the European conifera-, and in the forests of Corsic i ordinarily reaches a height of .30 niMres to 40 metres and in certain cases 45 metres. Very large stems are rarely seen now a days, but we have measured one that combined a height of about 4.3 metres with a circumference of about 5'70 metres. According to Baudullatt, such trees should give froui 45 to 50 metre cubes of wood. There are loftier Firs in the Jura and Voeges, but not, we believe, giving the same average thick- ness. The mean altitude at which it thrives in the mountains of Corsica is 700 metres to II KM I metres. In growth it is very erect, like the Fir. Even in an isolated position it rears a fine pyramidal head, to which the delicate foliage of the branches imparts an aspect of elegance and regularity. The cones, about 6 centimetres in length, usually grouped in twos and threes, are slightly curved in form, and contain seeds of fair e:/.9 and greyish colour. 36 THE GARDEN. [January 16, 1897 As regards the roots, although in its sapling stage the Corsican Pine has a well- developed tap- root almost destitute of fibrous excrescences, yet its roots after it has reached a certain stage of development are entirely spreading, although of no great length as compared with the size of the tree. The growth of this tree in favourable soils the first year after planting is very rapid, and at times as quick as that of the maritime Pine. This rapidity of growth continues for a consider- able time, having regard to the great stature and longevity of the trees, the age of which sometimes extends to several centuries. As regards the manner of sowing, the common mistake is to sow too thickly, increasing the expense unnecessarily and producing an over- thicknesa of growth, which, though pleasant to look upon during the first few years by reason of the vivid covering of verdure which it imparts to the land, soon results in sickly and stunted trees unless very careful thinning is resorted to. In order to avoid such a result, it is a very good plan not to sow broadcast, but in lines ; this will ensure the health of the seedlings and make the thinning at a future time much more easy. A kilogramme of seed contains on an average 40,IJIKI seeds. The seeds are larger than those of P. sylvestris and smaller than those of P. maritima. The percentage of non-productive seed IS generally higher than in the case of either sylvestris or maritima. The right quantity to sow, having regard to the probable failures, is 7 to 8 kilos the hectare. The price of sead varies from 7 francs to 'J francs the kilo, eo that the ex- penditure on seed alone would amount to from 50 to 7t) francs the hectare. This Pine, in our opinion, should be sown with- out any admixture of sylvestris or maritima, or its growth, being less rapid than theirs at the first, would run the risk of being overshadowed and enfeebled, even if not absolutely choked off by tliem. On the other hand, it is very suitable for mixing with the evergreen sorts of trees, and may be sown at the same time. In such cases a smaller quantity of seed can be sown if care be taken to keep the evergreen trees in separate linrs. Having regard to the high price of seed and its generally middling quality, we think it preferable to plant out than to sow and more economical. If carefully done it is fairly successful, especially if the plants are properly looked after. The plant.s where p08i.ible ought not to be taken up before the day, or at most the evening before planting out, and if brought from a distance, they ought to be treated with care and kept sheltered from the sun and wind up to the very moment of planting. It is as well not to plant on hot, scorching days, which sometimes occur even in spring, and only to plant in still, overcast weather. Having regard to the lightness of the foliage, we think the plants ought not to be given more than IJ yards space between them in all directions, because the contact of the branches of the young ■ rees will better enable them to keep down weeds. If this Pine is put amongst evergreen trees, the ^pace may be a little more, say 2 yards or even .3 yards, having regard to possible losses and to the density of the other trees, as these ought never to be allowed to dominate the Pines. Care must be taken to see that those who do the plant- ing do not, for the sake of regularity of spacing, plant the Pines under the clumps of other kinds of trees. Despite a esrtain constitutional delicacy reveal- ing itself at intervals, which, however, can be over- come by planting under favourable conditions, this Pine has certain good qualities. Its rapid growth, straight stature and light foliage adapt it to the mixed plantation and enable it to grow along with the evergreen trees without being injured. Another good quality and a rare one is that the young plants are generally avoided by game, so that it is valuable in places in which it would be foolhardiness to plant sylvestris, that is to say, where rabbits abound, and for replanting vacant spaces and clearings whera the pretence of the rodent would be a permanent menace to the existence of other trees. Also, like its congener the Austrian Pine, it is fairly successful on chalky soils if allowed a certain depth of good soil. Lastly, the extraordinary siza to which it may attain, its great length of life and the good quality of the timber make it a fit obj ect of the planter's ambition. Like all the conifora-, it succeeds best on light, cool soil which contains a quantity of humus. Its native country is granitic ; it thrives also in sand-clayey soil, and even, as we have seen, in dry chalky soils. It ought not to bo given a too acid soil in which strong Heaths thrive, and, by drying up the soil, prevent the free circulation of the spreading and not too robust roots. The wood of the Corsican Pine in perfection is considered as good as that of sylvestris, and, in fact, in Central and Southern Europe, in condi- tions resembling somewhat those of its native habitat, it is to be preferred to that of sylvestris, which is in far less congenial surroundings there. Unfortunately, it matures late. In Corsica, as M. Maberet, conservator of forests, tells us, the wood is not perfect under 200 years of age. No doubt in places where its longevity and development are not so great, its wood arrives sooner at ma- turity. The value of the Corsican Pine in ship- building is great; the wood is fine and close in grain and the stem perfectly straight, the resin being abundant. There is also another variety of this Pine, namely, the Calabrian Fir. It was introduced into France by M. Vilmorin in 1819, 1820, and 1821. It is now common enough in plantations, but has not yet taken the place in forest cultivation which its merits entitle it to. Its resinous properties are of the first order ; it is second to none as regards size ; straight and almost cylindrical in form, it is without lateral branches. During a visit that we paid to the Des Barres estate we were struck by the fact that the Calabrian Pines were, amongst conifera- of the same age, those which showed the finest growth and the greatest amount of wood. The foliage is stronger, more marked, and less twisted than that of the Corsican Fir, and its branches are, if anything, stronger, but without showing any tendency to development at the expense of the trunk. Its shade is conse- quently thicker than that of the Corsican Pine. In habit it seems to occupy an intermediate place between the Corsican and the Austrian Fir, which latter is generally classified as a variety of the Corsican. The Calabrian Fir promises to be a valuable acquisition, uniting as it does the rapid growth and regular form of the Corsican to the vigour and hardiness of the Austrian. Unfor- tunately, it is not easy to obtain. Its seed is scarce and expensive and is often unproductive, so that the plants are rare. On the other hand, we have found it hardier when planted out than the Corsican kind. As regards propagation, thi „,.:„ ! pruning time, also anv that may happen to be have used will stop their depredations. In any , managed pretty much on the 'let-alone prin-^ located near to the ends of the leading shoots : garden where there is a wire netting erectionit is ciple, for pruning only tends to produce gross these also having a crippling tendency. People much best, as if placed sufficiently high the fruit and unfruitful shoots which smother ths rest ot are naturally anxious to secure fruit as soon as can be readily gathered, and, what is so important the tree, and manuring has mush the same The Nottingham Medlar. From a photograph sent !)!/ Mr. J. C. Tallack. January 16, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 45 effect, though an occasioual mulching may sonic- times be helpful when the soil is very poor. In selecting trees for planting, the situation should be considered, as the stocks on which they are worked have a great influence on the future well-being of the tree. If wanted for a dry site or a light soil the White Thorn is the best host ; for a wet spot or heavy soil, trees on the Quince should be selected ; while for a medium soil, no stock is better than the Medlar itself. The trees from which the illustrations are taken are worked on the White Thorn, and suckers of this are troublesome and have to bo frequently removed. Medlars should be al- lowed to hang as long as possible on the tree provided they are not subjected to severe frosts. They never rii)en better than when they can be allowed to bang until quite the end of October. To ripen the fruit properly it should be quite dry when picked, be stored thinly on a cool shelf where no moisture can reach it, and allowed to develop without subjecting it to any heat. As the fruits will not ripen all at once and keep well for two or three weeks after ripening, they may lie had in good condition for ten or twelve weeks at a season when the home-grown dessert fruits are not very varied. In selecting fruits for dishing up, see that there is not the least trace of mould at the stem or in the eye, and choose those which have softened throughout, but discard any that appear more than ordinarily soft, but which do not retain the impression of any slight pressure which may be used on them, as such fruits are not right, their pulp being very watery and insipid, if not altogether unpalatable. Those who have a surplus of fruits or who do not care for them in a raw state may convert them into a most de- licious jelly much resembling that made from Guavas. J. C. Tallack. Peach Belle Beauce. — The above variety is not often seen, but it is, 1 think, one of our best September Peaches. It is about ten days later than Grosao Mignonne, though the last summer it was (juite ripe on a south-west wall at the end of August Belle Beauce is large, somewhat like Grosse Mignonne, and of fine colour, with equally (;ood flavour. 1 do not advise its culture in heavy or clay soils, as the tree under adverse conditions <;oB8 not thrive. In places where the Peach is a success this variety should be grown for its su- perior qualities. I have not grown it under glass, but a friend who grows it in an unheated houeo is loud in its praises. As an exhibition Peach it is always admired for its good tinish. — W. M. A good Christmas Pear.— I recently saw pome excellent fruits of Pear Zephirin Gregoire. It is an excellent fruit and, as my friend who grew it in quantity observed, a Pear that all should grow for December or January supplies. It is above medium size, roundish, with a greenish yellow flushed skin, flesh lirm and melting. I do not say it is first-rate, but it is of good quality, and with but a limited list to select from in De- cember it will hold its own. The flavour reminds me of that of Passe Colmar, and, like that variety, it succeeds admirably as a bush or pyramid on the Pear stock. In the west of England, where the trees referred to were grown, it was thought highly of, and cropped freely. The best flavoured fruits of this variety are had from trees on the Pear stock, and they keep longer, though it bears freely on the (Juince.— S. H. M. Spider on Peach trees— Frequently if red spider is allowed to get a footing on Peach trees under ghisa previous to the period at which syringing must be discontinued, the enemy makes such headway by the time the fruit is gathered that ordinary insecticides ure of no avail. In such cases my advice is to adopt the remedy ad- vocated by Mr. Iggulden last saason, namely, coating the foliage thoroughly with flowers of sulphur. There are various ways of applying it. The foliage may first of all be well wetted by the syringe and the sulphur afterwards dusted on by moans of a sulphur distributor. It will then set (|uilo fast, and remain on until the leaves fall. Nor will it in any way injuriously atfect the tree. Another way of applying the sulphur is to mix it in a pail and then to syringe it on to the trees. To prevent the noccssitj-, however, of such drastic measures, syringe the trees several times with ([uassia extract, half a pint to about 4 gallons of water. -J. C. Pear Princess.— I was pleased to see the above variety noted at p. 3 by "C." My only excuse for supplementing the remarks made is to note its merits as a splendid cropping variety. Some five or six years ago I planted this in various forms but am most pleased with it as a cordon, .is it bears freely, the fruit also being of good size and very handsome. My trees are on the <>luince, and I can recommend it as a pyramid. In this shape the fruits are of better quality, and it makes a true pyramidal growth and is equally as prolific as in cordon form. I have not grown it. on a wall other than as a cordon, neither do I think it .advisable as it does so well in the open. Some trees I saw on chalk last summer were ex- cellent, both as regards crop and free growth. I am not able to keep my fruits of this variety till Christmas, and this I regret, as " C." gives that .is its season. My fruits were all ripe by the middle of November, but probably the soil and situation may be answerable for this, as all our Pears are in long before the season usually given. — W. M. Apple Ribston Pippin on own roots.— J. Crawford asks for practical remarks in reference to the above Apple grown on its own roots. I quite concur with him in his remarks, so far as my experience goes, and I have grown many of these trees in Monmouthshire for upwards of thirty years on their own roots. As a rule the soil is a heavy one, and consequently not suited to the Ribston. For a few years it will do fairly well until its roots descend to the more clayey subsoil, when it at once begins to canker and decay. The only remedy I have found is imme- diately canker shows itself to lift or replant the tree, giving it a solid bottom of old lime rubble and an artificial bed of good compost. This will keep it in a healthy, vigorous state for probably several years .and it will produce good crops, though even then not such as if originally planted in a light gravelly soil. — Gwext. TWO GOOD LATE GRAPES. Nearly everyone knows the value of such kinds as Black Alicante and Lady Downe's for late use, but this note refers to two kinds which have been introduced of late years and which, I think, will prove valuable late Grapes. Of the two varieties in question. Lady Hutt and Appley Towers, the former is clasEed as a mid-season Grape, and being a Sweetwater may be supposed to be a poor keeper, but this is not the case. I find it excel- lent for winter supplies if grown for that purpose. In Mr. Barron's work on Vines I note he classes Lady Hutt as a mid-season Grape, and gives it first quality, a place I am sure it deserves, as when grown solely for late use there aiefew white Grapes excepting, of cii rse, Muscat of Alexandria, so deserving of the award. The parentage of this variety being two late varieties would in a measure point out its good keeping qualities, and though the skin is less thick than that of many late Grapes, the fruit keeps grandly if well thinned. I note this latter point, as the bunch, being short, not tapering, more like that of one of its parents, the GrosColman, needs severe thinning if required for keeping. At this season the flavour of this variety is exceedingly ple.asant. Some of the best bunches of this variety I have seen were recently staged by Mr. Smith, of Mentmore, before the fruit committee of the Royal Horticultural So- ciety. .'Vppley Towers was staged in ecjually good condition. It is only fair to state that both varieties had been started late. The growth of Lady Hutt is stronger than in many kinds, some- what like that of Gros Colman, but the leaves are quite distinct with largo lobes and die off a pale yellow. They do not colour in any way or assume the reddish tints of those of their parents. Probably many will think the black variety the better of the two, but I am not of that opinion, as a good late-keeping white (irape is a great acquisition, and the more I sou of Lady Hutt the better I like it. List year from Vines started in January the bunches hung well into December without a blemish. The bunch of Appley Towers favours that of Alicante in shape, and in my opinion is greatly superior in (juality, and the Vine is of as good constitution. With little heat these varieties set freely. I have Keen both thefo varieties grafted on other kinds, and the results have exceeded my expectixtions. I prefer Appley Towers to Alnwick Seedling, as it sets better and is of better c|uality, though, as most growers are aware, when Alnwick Seedling is fully ripe and been hanging some time it is rich and sweet. In noting the value of the newer kinds I have no desire to find fault with others, but merely to compare (juality and seasons and to point out the merits of those less known, but equally deserving of extended cultivation. G. WvTiii;s. SHORTENING VINE SHOOTS. Katzer states on page .519 that he could not understand the following sentence which occurred on page 803 : " The greater part (of the young canes) grew .strongly, were stopped at a lengtli of 8 feet, the laterals resulting at the first joint." What I meant was this, that the laterals resulting were also stopped at the first joint or leaf, and if these broke strongly again, the sub-laterals would likewise have been stopped at the tir.st joint. If the laterals had been allowed to grow unchecked, that, I main- tain, would have been .so much wasted vigour, while if hard stopped, not leaving a single joint, then some of the basal buds which were wanted for fruiting or developing lateral growths the following season would have started prema- turely. This actually happened in "R K.'s" case, and I have known similar instances. His Vines were evidently very vigorous ; mine were not particularly so, and had Tomatoes on both sides of them to further check undue luxuriance. Had they been planted in a comparatively rich border with no Tomatoes to interfere with them, a grosser habit of growth would have re- sulted, and I should have left a greater length of rod. It is only right to add that the great majority of Grape growers in this country "build up" their permanent rods more slowly tlian I think expedient, shortening their young rods at pruning time to a length of 3 feet or so and cropping very lightly indeed. It is sup- posed that a more durable and generally service- able rod is thereby formed, but market growers would starve if they adopted such slow jiractices. In all probability the happy medium would be more to the purpose, among private gardeners in particular. When vigorous young growing canes are hard stopped they are liable to push out the uppermost basal buds prematurely, and when this happens I prefer to prune hard in the winter, shortening the rods to the joint below where they broke from the buds that should have remained dormant. The other alternative which a grower should adopt if a heavy crop of bunches must be had the following season would be to shorten the lateral growths that had been allowed to run up the roof, as in " R. K.'s" case, at the winter pruning to about one-third of their length, and to liglitly crop these as well as the lower breaks on the young cane. From near the ground a fresh young growth would be trained and duly stopped when from G feet to 8 feet long, stopping the lattra's 46 THE GARDEN. [January 16, 1897. from this at the first joint. This clean, straight cane would take the place of the first-formed rod, cutting the latter soon after the crop has been removed, or while yet the leaves are fresh and green, when there will be no bleeding. No hard-and-fast lines can be drawn as to the length young canes should be left at pruning time, so much depending upon their vigour. If they are weakly, prune hard with a vie^ strengthening them, liut if strong, or, say, th quarters of an inch or more in diameter, leave them either to their full length, that is, sup- posing they were stopped as I have suggested, they ought to be at a length of (1 feet or 8 feet, or only slightly shorter. According to my exjierience, young canes not shortened at the winter pruning break the most regularly, and the straightest rods most evenly furnished with fruiting spurs are those that have been formed in about three seasons. Gros Colman is a grand Orape for late autumn and winter use, but not only does it re- quire a much longer time to ripen than is the case with the other varieties named by " R. K. '' on page 510, but it is considerably improved in quality by ke?ping several weeks after it is well coloured or ripe. Early in the season there is a taste of Ivy observable, but with me this was got rid of in November this year, or a month earlier than usual. It ought to be started into growth in March, and with the aid of a litHe tire- heat and abundance of sunshine will be colouring in August. This variety would, in my opinion, be out of place in an earlj' vinery, but may be .successfully grown with other black and white Grapes, other than Muscat of Alex- andria, in successional and late houses. W. lG In order to obtain good plants, liberal treatment is neces- sary. Give the plants an open soil composed of fibrous loam and leaf-mould, with plenty of finely pounded crocks or brickbats intermixed, as also some artificial manure, and keep them growing steadily in a temperature of from .^0" to 66°. Under such treatment the results will be most satisfactory. P. T. Justicia carnea. — This plant is not cultivated so much as it deserves to be. It stands a con- siderable amount of rough usage with impunit}-, and 18 well adapted for grouping or placing singly in ornamental stands in the house. More over, it is tolerably eafy of culture, the cuttings rooting readily if taken from the tops of the fioner bearing growths in early summer, inserted firgly in very email pots and plunged in a mild bottom heat. When rooted, gradually harden oft' in a cooler temperature, placing the plants in a pit having just a little warmth in it about the middle of .Tune. Some advocate placing the plants out of doors in summer, but, unless in southern counties and in warm sea.* 3ns, they are very apt to be injured, either by cold winds or too much wet, and turn yellow. Light friable loam three pans and one part leaf-mould, thoroughly decayed cow manure and leaf mould suit them best, well draining the pots. Manure water much diluted may be given twice a week when growing freely, and a little soot water given occasionally improves the colour of the foliage. In early is made, shaken completely out and repotted into the compost recommended above. Over-potting muet be avoided, or a soft growth, minus bloom heads, will be the result. There are few plants more accommodating than Justicias, as, by giving different temperatures, a succession of bloom may ba had over a long ptriod. They look best when placed in the drawing-room or at the foot of stair- cases if surrounded by a few Ferns.— J. C. Bubus roseefoliusooronarius.— Some fifteen or .sixteen years ago a good deal of attention was- Epiphyllmn truncatum cocc a pliotagraph by Willinott, Warley, Essex. autumn the plants must be removed under glass again, and if kept in ((uite a cold house during the winter must have only just f-ufiicient water to keep them from flagging. If this is not done the leaves turn yellow and sometimes fall altogether. I think the best results are obtained by giving a temperature of 50° to 55°. Some maintain that a frost-free temperature is quite sufficient for Jus- ticias, but in such the plants more often than not get crippled and flower imperfectly. Old plants I should be kept dry for a time after flowering, then < cut hard back, and when an inch of fresh growth directed towards the Bramble as a very desirablfe winter flowering plant for the greenhouse, or rather for a structure somewhat warmer than an ordinary greenhouse, as in order to bloom it well the minimum temperature must not be less than 50°. It is more of a shrub tban many other mem- bers of the genus, and its usual habic when grow- irg freely is to push up a number of upright shoots, thus forming quite a clump. The ftems are furnished with sharp hooked prickles, and the midrib of the pinnate leaves is also similarly armed. The flowers, which are borne in loose Janiiaky 1G, 1897.] rill] (;aim)ek 47 clusters, are pure white and Eomi-double in cha- racter. They are very pretty, particularly so at the present time. The leaves are thin in texture, and very liable to the attacks of rod spider, and on this account a sharp look-out shouki be kept, more particularly during the summer months, when the plants may be placed in a cold frame or plunged outside in a sheltered spot. The typical Rubus roea'folius with single blossoms is said to be a native of the Himalayas, Burmah, and Java, and is in some places grown for its fruits, which are a good deal like those of the Raspberry, but of a bright rod colour. In Japan the double form (coronarius) is cultivated as a garden shrub. — H. P. _____________^_ TROPAGATING. Cdttincs. — (,>aito a host of subjects may be readily increased by this method, and in many instances where there is little difficulty in raising seedlings, cuttings are preferable, as they make more compact plants and also come into flower much sooner, while improved varieties can only be perpetuated by propagating from cuttings. As with seeds, cuttings of various subjects require widely different treatment, but there are some rules which apply to all. One important point is to have everything connected with the propagating house sweet and clean. All pots, if not new, shouki be thoroughly washed and dried before using them : even the crocks used for drainage should be clean. The compost, let it consist of what it may, must be free from any substance likely to contain germs of fungi. Nothing that has been previously used should bo added, and if stored indoors it should not be in a moist place or near wood that is likely to breed fungi. Careful attention to having quite fresh compost will often save a lot of after trouble. The plunging material must also be changed periodically and the walls well whitewashed. Bruised leaves are often a source of trouble. If by chance a leaf does get bruised in any way it should be removed. Many subjects also sufl'er if allowed to get withered. Of course, this does not apply to succulents and others, which may be exposed to the sun for some time before being put into the cutting pots. In making cuttings I generally prefer short-jointed growths and short cuttings. All such as have hollow stems are best when taken off close to the old wood, or if not possible to do this, they must be cut off quite close below a joint. Some plants root from any part of the stems, and in making cuttings of these it is not necessary to cut to a joint, and they may be put in deeper into the soil than those which root only from the joints. I find all semi-hard-wooded plants, such as Abutilons, Fuchsias, Ceanothus, Ac, do much better it they are put in only just deep enough to keep the cuttings firm, or in some instances a stick may be used to hold them firm, the cuttings being only pressed into the surface sand. This is the only way I have succeeded in rooting cuttings of Luculia gratissima. This may be had from seed, but seedlings are even more liable to die off than plants obtained from cut- tings. In all instances where the leaves can be pulled off without damaging the stem, it is better to do so than to cut them off, as it will generally happen that a portion of the leafstalk is left on, and this is liable to decay and affect the base cf the cuttings. In making cuttings I like to retain as much foliage as possible, even to the leaf at the base of the cutting with such as root only at the joint. Some propagators trim off a portion of the leaves, but there is no advantage in this except to economise space. Taking the various subjects separately, I will refer to those of deciduous trees and shrubs, many of which may be propagated from young shoots during the growing season. Most of the Tea Hoses will root freely from young wood, but with many of the Hybrid Perpetuals, cuttings from the ripened wood in the autumn or winter may be taken. The Manetti stock, which, prior to the advent of the seedling Brier for grafting and budding on, was so much in demand and is still indispensable for some sorts, is readily pro- pagated from cuttings taken from the ripened wood. The cuttings should be taken as soon as the leaves begin to fall, or at any rate before the wood-buds have begun to swell. The cuttings should bo about 7 inches or S inches Ion;;. In making the Manetti cuttings, all the lower wood- buds should be cut way, bub with the Roses for flowering on their own roots all the buds should be careifully preserved, as the shoots thrown up from below the ground help to strengthen the plants, and those from the lateral branches taken ofl' close to the old stem are the best, as they have a number of buds or eyes close to the base, and these cuttings als ) callus better than those cut from long shoots. In making those which can only be had from the long shoots, they must be cut ofl' quite close below a joint or leaf-bud, and in shortening the tops they should be cut quite close above. If this is done, a callus will be formed over the cut, but if a portion of the stem is left it will decay and often continue down the length of the cuttings even after they have made a start. The above remarks apply to all cuttings made from ripened wood in winter. The earlier they can be made the better, and if simply tied in bundles and laid in, they may be bedded in or planted properly after they are callused. When put into the open ground, if frost occurs afterwards, it is apt to leave the cut- tings loose after tlio thaw, and they should be trod in firmly as soon as the ground gets a little dry on the surface. Vines are always propagated from the ripened wood, a:id the time is now at hand to start them. There are various methods of treating them. I prefer to cut the wood away nearly close above and below a single eye and put the eyes in singly into small pots, leaving the eye or bud just above the surface of the soil. Give plenty cf bottom-heat and a cool surface until they have made a start, when the surface heat may be raised. Under good treatment strong fruiting canes may be grown in one year. A. H. Societies and Exhibitions. ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. January 12. The first meeting for the present year must be regarded as a most auspicious one in every sense as it pertains to horticulture pure and simple. It was not so extensive perhaps as some, but full of interest all the same. It is open to question if the very largest gatherings after all are really the most interestmg, for when there is so much to admire it is not an easy matter to fix the most prominent exhibits upon the memory. The attendance was remarkably good. Orchids for rarity and attractiveness again held the sway beyond any doubt. The finest of the£e were some of the rare gems from The Dell collection of Baron Schfeder, prominent amongst which was a vigorous plant of Odontoglossum crispum Stevensi, which is a fitting companion to 0. c. apiatum of the same collection. The one now in question bore fourteen flowers, of unusual size and vigour, upon the one long, arching spike. These blossoms were resplendent in white and pale cinnamon spots and blotches. This is a veritable gem of the crispum class. With this was a lovely pale yellow hybrid (nat.) Odontoglot which had occasional spots of crimson, as well as another profusely spotted form of O. crispum. Towering over these was a grand spike of Schneder's Ca- lanthe, with flowers of the very richest tints, all the better displayed by reason of the green bracts. Other choice collections came from Messrs. Veitch and Sons, wherein Lalio-Cattleya Pallas was in fine form ; from Messrs. Sander and Co. and also Messr.s. H. Low and Co. Mr. F. A. Bevan (gar- dener, Mr. Lees) had a tastefully arranged group of Odontoglots and a fine plant of Cypripedium insigne, set up in an admirable manner with a groundwork of Maidenhair Feins. The floral committee had a rather light day's work as regards novelties, of which the Butter- fly forms of Cyclamen persicum were, to say the least, distinct, and in their way beauti- ful. Two splendid groups of Cyclamen were also staged, both of whic^h were composed of plants from the very best strains. A finely grown lot of Freesias was st.aged, most profuse in flower, and, above all, in quite small pots. Finer plants than these could not well be desired. Primulas were represented by one collection only, from Swanley, and in the usual fine style. Some well flowered winter Heaths and heavily berried Aucubas came from Highgate. Of fruit there were two very representative col- lections of Apples from Maidstone and Chelsea, both of which were in a fine state of preservation, retaining their freshness and colour well. The prizes for flavour in Apples and Pears continue to bring keen competition. This is a most practical mode of demonstrating this most desirable feature in dessert fruits. Orchid Committee. Awards of merit were given to the following : — L.KLiA Luiv Ingram. — A distinct and beautiful hybrid, the result of crossing L. purpurata and L. Perrini. The sepals and petals are of good form and substance, white, slightly suffused with rose. The lip has a good deal of the character of that of L. Perrini, but is br-aader and more open than in that species, crimson- purple in front, shading to white in the throat, which is lined with numerous purple lines at the base. This is certainly one of the best hybrids that have been raised from crosses in which L. Perrini has been used. From Mr. C. J. Ingram, Elsteid House, Godalming. Cattlkva Lohdicesi scrERi'.A.— An extra large form of C. Loddigesi; sepals and petals deep rose, of fine form and substance, the lip rose in front, shading to white, the side lobes heavily suffused with rose. This remarkable variety bore a spike of nine flowers. From Baron Schneder, The Dell, Egham. Mmrmodes ladium luteum,— a remarkable variety in the way of M. citrinum, but differing from that variety in the quaint flat lip, which is nearly an inch in breadtli. The flowers are bright yellow, borne on spikes each about a foot in length. From the Hon. W. Rothschild, Tring Park. Cvi'RiPEDirM Lebaudyanum.— a distinct hy- brid, the result of crossing C. Haynaldianum and C. philippinense. The dorsal sepal, white, shad- ing to green at the base, is spotted from the base upwards with large reddish brown spots. The petals are pale green, thickly spotted with dark brown at the basal half, the other portion covered with rich purple. The lower sepal is pale green, spotted with dark brown, the lip greenish yellow, eined purple-brown. From Messrs. Linden, C'Yi'iurEDiuM Lilian Greenwuod.— The parent- age of this was not given, but there cannot be much doubt that C. bellatulum and some form of U. barbatum have been used in its production. The dorsal sepal is rose-purple, lined with white and thickly spotted with dark brown at the base, the petals purple, thickly spotted with dark brown ; the lip purple, shading to pale green. From Mr. Henry Greenwood, Highfield, Hasling- den. Botanical certificates were awarded to Bulbo- phyllum Dayanum, the sepals pale green, lined with brown, the outer edges thickly covered with pale green hairs, the petals much smaller than the sepals, purple, also covered with hairs on the outer edges, the lip rose-purple, lined with a darker shade of colour — a remarkable and distinct variety, irom the Hon. W. Roth- schild ; Dendrobium Bancroftianum, a curious variety, belonging to the D. amn num class, but with larger spikes of flower ; sepals and petals white, lip white, with violet markings at the base. The habit of growth resembles that of a small- growing D. thyrsiSorum. The plant bore six spikes of flower. From Messrs. F. Sander and Co. 48 THE GARDEN. [January 16, 1897. A silver Flora medal wae awarded to Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons, Ltd., Chelsea, for a large and interesting group, containing many of the best forms of Cypripedium Lseanum, C. T. B. Hay- wood, C. Harrieianum superbum, one of the oldest and still one of the best : C. Oenone, several good forms of Odontoglossum crispum, Lycaste Skin- neri and the variety alba, the coralred Dendro biuni glomeratum and its companion D. subclau sum, a distinct form of Lalio Cattleya Ingram! ( Dowiana aurea x L. pumila Dayana), which was without the usual prominent lines in the throat, and several good forms of L.C. Pallas, which flowering at this season, is one of the most useful as well as one of the finest hybrids in cultivation, Cattleya Miranda, a new hybrid ; C. Trianajj C. guttata Prinzi, a free-flowering variety with a scape of four flowers, intermediate in character between the two species, and Cypripedium Pros- pero, a hybrid between C. insigne Sandeia^ and C. Spicerianum, were also shown here. Messrs. Hugh Low and Co. were awarded a silver Bank- sian medal for a neat group, consisting of fine forms of Cypripedium Leeanum, C. Calypso, C. Morganiiu, and various other varieties. Prominent amongst these was C. (ieorge Truflfaut (C. cilio- lare x C. Stonei). Lycaste Skinneri Imperator 18 a remarkably bold flower. Several finely- flowered plants of Angracum sesquipedale and a grand specimen of Phalanopsis Brymeriana, a dark form of P. intermedia, were also sent.' Messrs. F. Sander and Co. had an interesting group consisting of numerous hybrid Cypri- pediums, several plants of Dendrobium Cassiope, Lycaste Skinneri alba, L. plana rubroglossa, several finely flowered plants of Odontoglossum Rossi majus, Miltonia Warscewiczi, sepals and petals white, lip white with liaht brown d Cattleya Triame in variety, and .several well flowered plants of Phaio-Calanthe Arnoldiana. Messrs. L. Linden and Co. sent a group of named forms of Cypripedium insigne montanum varieties and good forms of Odontogloesums. O. Hunne- wellianum was represented by a well-developed spike. Several forms of Cattleya Trian:.-, Mesos- pinidium vulcanicum maximum, remarkably well grown, and M. miniatum,a highly coloured form, closely allied to M. Noezlianum, were also included in this collection. with numerous brown spots, and good forms of Lojlia autumnalis. Mr. C. L. Ingram sent Lselia Ex(|uisite (L. Perrini x L. pumila Dayana), sepals and petals white, suffused with rose, lip purple in front, shading to white and lined with purple through the throat: L. amcina (L. pumila Day- ana X L anceps), sepals and petals rote, lip crim- son, lined with a darker shade; La'lio- Cattleya Venus (L. elegans Turner! :■: C. Percivaliana), sep.ils and petals rich rose, lip purple, lined with yellow and brown in the throat, and L -C. Regina, sepals and petals rose, lip flat in front, rose- purple, shading to white. Mr. E. S. Clarke, Wrexham, sent a form of Cypripedium nitens and L. anceps Miss Little, a variety of the white flowered type. The council's report in respect to the painting of certificated Orchids was read. This was to the efl'ect that the council had adopted the sug- gestion of the committee, and that they had ap- pointed Mifs N. Roberts to do the paintings for six months, commencing from this meeting. Floral Committee. Mr. F. A. Bevan, Trent Park, Barnet, was awarded a silver Flora medal for a large group consisting of remarkably well-grown plants of Odontoglossum crispum, 0. Pescatorei, O. Hunne wellianum, and a form of 0. Wilokeanum. The centre of the group contained an enormous speci- men Cypripedium insigne, well flowered and in good condition. Baron Schr..der was awarded a silver Flora medal for Odontoglossum Stevensi, each flower upwards of 5 inches across: sepals white, heavily spotted and barred with reddish brown, the petals thickly spotted with the tame colour: lip white with a reddish brown spot in the centre, shading to yellow on the disc. The spike carried fourteen flowers. This is certainly one of the grandest Odontoglots in cultivation. The plant has been in The Dell collection since ISSC. Cyprijiedium Leeanum with sixteen flowers, Phaio Calanthe Sedeniana, sepals and petals white sufl"used with rose, lip white, heavily suffused with rose-purple ; a remarkably well - grown variety of Calanthe Baron Schmder (certificated and described in Tiik Garden last year) : Cypripedium insigne Sanderianum witli six flowers ; a good form of C. Hera and Odonto- glossum Evelina, white ground, thickly spotted with dark brown, were also sent. Mr. G. W. Law-Schofield, Newhall Hey, RawtonstuU, sent a form of Cypripedium Charles Riekman. Mr. F. Hardy, Tyntsfield, Ashtonon-Mersoy, sent Den- drobium Schneiderianum (D. Findleyanum x D. aureum), a distinct and beautiful hybrid inter- mediate between the parents ; a fine plant of D. Cybele, Cypripedium Germanianum superbum, and a form of C. insigne Sandera- with a pale green stem. Sir F. Wigan, Clare Lawn, East Sheen, sent a fine cut spike of the rare Cymbidium grandiflorum (Hookeri), sepals and petals pale green, spotted with brown at the base, lip white. An award of merit was given to — Cyclamen rEusnuM (Papilio yaks. ), to which allusion has been made. These consisted of eight plants in distinct colours, deep carmine-red, cerise, white, blush, and parti-coloured forms being present, showing the fixed character of the break. The flowers are crimpled around the margins, the ings being shortened, but not reflexed ; hence each flower is not seen to the best advantage. From M. de Langhe, Rue de Constantinople, Brussels. Cyclamens were shown in considerable quan- ;y. A particularly tine batch came from Mr. John May, St. Margaret's, and consisted of dwarf plants, well grown and some of them bearing flowers of an enormous size, whilst in others the rich colours were remarkable (silver Flora medal). Another group of these beautiful flowers came from Major Joicey, Sunningdale Park, Ascot (gardener, Mr. Thorne). These plants were larger and more bushy, and were flowering in great profusion. Some very lovely white varie- ties were particularly noticeable. Every plant was in admirable condition (silver Flora medal). A very attractive group was put up by Messrs. Cutbush and Son, of Highgate. Splendidly flowered Cyclamens formed a handsome centre, which was iianked on one side by Ericas, and on the other by Aucuba japonica alba, a showy little shrub, very thickly berried. Of the Ericas, there were three varieties, E. melanthera, very tall and particularly graceful plants ; E. hyemalis superba, fine bushy plants, bearing a great pro- fusion of their beautiful pink flowers : and E. hyemalis alba, a very lovely pure white (silver Banksian medal). A group of Primulas was shown by Messrs. Cannell and Sons, Swanley. All the plants were remarkably fine, notably Pink Per- fection, Swanley Giant, CannelTs Pink, Emperor Improved, a rich salmon colour; Eynsford Red, a remarkably vivid crimson ; Swanley Blue, a real blue of great delicacy : Duchess of Fife, a beauti- ful pink, admirably formed, and Her Majesty, a magnificent white with a well marked eye (silver Flora medal). A large group of splendidly grown Freesias was staged by Mr. N. L. Cohen, Engle- field Green, Surrey (gardener, Mr. Short). The plants were flowering very freely and were de- lightfully fragrant (silver Flora medal). A large and handsomely shaped tree of Cratagus Carrieri was shown by Messrs. Wm. Paul and Son, VValtham Cross. It was bearing a great quantity of fruit of a fairly bright colour. A box of exceed- ngly beautiful varieties of javanico-jasminiflorum hybrid Rhododendrons was shown by Messrs. Veitch and Sons, Chelsea. Very notable were, three double varieties, balsamina-florum album, a lovely creamy white ; b. aureum, a soft golden- yellow, and b. Rajah, bright orange, tipped with orange-scarlet. The range of colour in these beautiful flowers is marvellous, and contains some of the purest and most delicate tints to be found n J where. Some well -flowered specimens of Hamamelis arborea were shown by Messrs. T. Cripps and Son, Tunbridge Wells. The same ex- hibitors sent a very fine new Violet, Admira Avellan, a variety of compact growth, throw in| its flowers well above the foliage and having long stiff stalks. The colour is very charming, beinj a rich velvety purple : the scent is strong an( pleasant. An interesting and very delightful ex hibit came from the Botanic Gardens, Cambridge This consisted of the garden Cineraria x Senecii multiflorus. The result is a flower strongly re sembling the Cineraria in colour and in the size of the flower-heads. The growth is jiraceful anc good use might be made of the plant in decoration To this exhibit, staged by Mr. Lynch (the curator) a botanical certificate was awarded. Fruit Committee. Though fruit was mostly shown, and this of ex oeptionally good quality, vegetables were largelj staged. An award of merit was given to— Ai-F'LE Beli.e de BosKiiop, a nice looking fruii somewhat like Beauty of Kent, but larger, yellow streaked with red, flavour brisk. It is a mid season Apple of great excellence. From Messr.= Veitch and Sons, Chelsea. Messrs. Bunyard and Co., Maidstone, stagtc a magnificent collection of Apples, 100 distinc' varieties being set up, with a dozen varietiei of Pears. A few of the le.ading varieties o Apples must be noticed on account of theii splendid finish. Emperor Alexander and Tjlei'i Kernel were superb fruits, also Peaegood'i Nonsuch and Belle Pontoise. A dish of Mere d« Menage was of a darker hue than we have eve) seen it. Probably some of these fruits had beer grown under glass. Newton Wonder, King of Tompkins County, Bismarck, Lane's Princi Albert, and Gascoigne's Scarlet were also verj The Queen, Melon, Mother, the Russets Wagoner, Swedish Reinette, Cox's Orange anc Ribston were also noteworthy. The best Pean were Olivier de Serres, Marie Benoist, Due d( Bordeaux, Doyenne d'Aler. 500, Directeur Alphand Vicar of Winklield, Poire d'Auch, Bellissimf d'Hiver, Catillac, and Uvedale's St. Germair (silver-gilt Knightian medal). Messrs. Veitcl and Sons (Limited), Chelsea, also staged a hun dred dishes in as many varieties. The Cornicf Aromatic, Ribston, Cox's Orange, Margil, Adams Pearmain, Lord Burghley, Scarlet Nonpareil Cookie and Golden Pippin with several Russeti were of good colour and finish. In the cookine fruits, representing about half of the number staged, were excellent Royai Late Cooking, Bis marck. Lane's Prince Albert, Annie Elizabeth, Newton Wonder, Bramley's Seedling, Alfriston, Tower of Glamis, and Schoolmaster. In this cal- lection Standard-bearer was shown, and the award of merit previously given confirmed (silver-gilt Banksian medal). Messrs. Cannell and Sons, Swanley, staged about 100 dishes of Potatoes, representing some of the best in commerce. Such kinds as Satisfac- tion, Maincrop, Snowdrop, Snowflake, Beauty, Victory, Reading Giant, Colossal, Triumph, Reading Hero, and several seedlings were notire- able for their good shape and finish (silver Bank- sian medal). A large collection of Potatoes also came from Messrs. Young and Dobinson, Steven- age, Herts. The same firm also exhibited To- mato Young's Eclipse, pale coloured medium fruits. A fine dish of Tomato Frogmore I'rolific was staged by Messrs. Veitch. From Syon House Gardens Mr. Wythes sent a seedling To- mato, Duke of York crossed with Ham Green, nice shapely fruits of good colour, well meriting the cultural commendation awarded. Mr. Allan, Gunton Park, sent a dish of Pears, but past their best. Mr. Fulford, West I'ark, Salisbury, sent Easter Beurre under the name of Doyenn<5 d'Hiver. It is often grown under the latter name, but this was corrected at the Chiswick Pear con- ference in 1S85. The fruits sent were excellent in quality and size. Mr. Ward, Stoke Edith Park Gardens, Hereford, sent a seedling Apple of poor quality, and much like Crimson tituoining. Mr. Crook, Forde Abbey, Chard, sent an excel- lent dish of Wellington perfect in every way, January 16, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 49 also a dish of Betty Geeson. Mr. Sheppard, High Street, Bedford, Eent Apple Sheppard's Nonpareil, not unlike Scarlet Nonpareil, but dis- tinct in llavour and later. This the committee wished to see a^ain. Mr. Davies, Ripley, Yorkp, eent Apple September Beauty, but much too ripe. The Veitch prizas for flavour were keenly con- tested, but brought nothing new to light. For Pears, Mr. Woodward, Barhnm Court Gardens, Maid.^tone, was first with mcdium-sizod fruits of Winter Nelis, and Mr. Thcnias, the Royal Gar- dens, Frogmore, came second with a nice dish of Ne I'ius Meuris. Twenty dishes of Apples were staged, Mr. Powell, lUington Houe-e Gardens, Porchcstcr, being first with Cox's Orange, Mr. Woodward fecond with a nice sample of Blen- heim Orange. This being the last meeting of the committee, the chairman thanked the members for their at- tendance, the time they had given the society, and the great care with which they had made their awards. Mr. Farr proposed a vote of thanks to the chairman and secretary, which was carried unanimously, a very large number of members being present. Grand Yorkshire Gala.— The annual meet- I ing of the guarantors and life members cf the Grand Ycrksrhire Gala was held at Barker's Hotel, York, on January S. In the absence of Aid. Sir Joseph Terry, J. P. (the chairman of the council), the Lord Mayor (president of the Gain) took the chair, and there was a good attendance. Upon the result of last year's gala, he said that those associated w-ith the fete had every reason to congratulate themselves. It had proved one of their most successfnl ventures. Had the weather been tine on the opening day, the gala i might have been a record one. As it was there had been some extraordinary expenses, S3 that a most favourable balance had been somewhat diminished. They were prepared with a schedule of £~')0 for the ensuing year, which amount ho lielieved was as largo as that offered by any horticultural society in the country. Royal Botanic Society of London.— At a meetini; of this society on Saturday, the secre- tary, Mr. J. B. Sowerby, showed stems of the Egyptian papyrus, from the plant growing in the Victoria Water Lily tank at the gardens, which has this year attained extraordinary dimensions, forming a clump 7 feet in diameter, with stems 14 feot long, and 2] inches thick at the base. From the white pith of which the stems are composed, ancient Egyptians made a paper remarkable for its durability, simply slicing the pith up into flat strips and laying them side by side until a sutii- cient length was obtained. Under pressure the pieces adhered together, forming a perfectly smooth even sheet, which could be written upon and , rolled up without further preparation. He com- pared paper made in this way from plants grown in the gardens with a fragment taken from an Egyptian tomb, and, according to Dr. Birch, at least SOiiO years old, the only difference between . the two being the darker colour of the older .speci- , I men. Major Cotton said the plant, though once I abundant, was now extinct in Lower Egypt. The weather in "West Herts.— A warm, wet and gloomy week. All the last eleven nights have been more or less unseasonably warm, the exposed thermometer at no time registering more than 'y of frost. At both 1 foot and 2 feet deep the ground is now about :P warmer than the January average. Some rain has fallin on all but two days of the present month, and to the total depth of IJ inches. Since the Uh inst. the air has remained sirgu'arly damp, the difference at 3 p.m. between the readings of the dry bulb ther- mometer and one with its bulb kept (.'onstantly moist having been always below half a degree untU to-day (13th), and then the diff'erence only amounted to 1'. No sunshine at all has been re- corded for nine days. The winter Aconite, which was ready to open with the first gleam of sun- shine before the beginning of the week, has not yet shown an expanded bloom. — E. M., Berk- 'hamxled. Notes of the Week. Violet Admiral Avellan.— This kind was shown by Messrs. Cripps on Tuesday at the Drill Hall. The colour is purple, while the single flowers, which are beautifully fragrant, are borne on long stalks that will make it useful for bunch- ing. Carnation "Winter Cheer ie one of the brightest of all scarlet kinds, and when grown in sufficient ([uantity its brilliant flowers on stiff, erect stems are very effective. A rather warm greenhou.se and not too much moisture are points worth noting at this time. "Narcissus Corbularia monophyllns.- The Messrs. B-irr contributed tlu.-3 pans of this unique little DalTodil to the R. H.S. meeting on the 12th inst. There is something very chaste and beautiful in the dainty satiny white frilled flowers of this plant that one never tires of ad- miring. Hamamelis arborea.— A large group of this curious flowering shrub was ex^iibitea on Tuesday at the Drill H.iU, the smallest twigs being covered with tho flowers. Seeing how freely this blooms as well as the time of year at which this takes place, it should meet with encouragement from planters of hardy flowering shrubs. Pelargonium St. Cecilia is a winter-flower- ing zonal of considerable value, from the fact that it produces its handsome trusses during the very shortest days of the year. The pleasing salmon- pink shade is also very attractive, the flowers being large and good in form. Birthday is an- other excellent kind, blossoms pink and white. Prunus Davidiana.— The red form of this opened its first flowers on the 7th inst., and is at least ten days in advance of its white companion. It is a precious addition to our all too limited list of very early flowering shrubs ; the slender branches and branchlets, closely wreathed as they are with rosy buds and blossoms, are delightful. — T. Smith. The production of Lavender.— Owing to a series of bad seasons, but principally to the large quantity of foreign essential oils imported lately, the Lavender industry of Hitchin is threatened with extinction. Hitchin and Mitcham have for years divided honours in producing England's supply of Lavender water, their surroundings and subsoil of chalk being peculiarly favourable to the plant's growth. The principal growers at Hitchin are (,)aaker gentlemen. Crataegus Carrier!. —A fine plant of this covered from base to summit with brightly coloured berries was sent by Messrs. W. Paul and Son to the Drill Hall on Tuesday last. The ex- ample in question was about lo feet high and "i feet or more through at the base, and from in- formation given it appears to carry the berries throughout the winter, while the foliage remains persistent till December. In pyramid form and well fruited it would prove an attractive object in the garden. Heileborus niger angustifolius.- Tnough not seen in every garden, and still less fre(iuently in the large established masses of some other va- rieties, there is no doubt about the great value and beauty of this handsome form. There is little possibility of confusing this with the ordi- nary forms of H. niger, as the foliage is quite distinct, while as much or more may be said of the large pure white imbricated flowers. Where good plants of it exist every endeavour should be made to increase the stock. Narcissus Ard Righ.— This handscmo va- riety is now beautifully in flower in pots in the greenhouse, where its full, bold trumpet tells to advantage. Half a dozen good bulbs in a Tinch pot, each bulb producing a well-developed flower, have a very pretty effect in the conservatory hero and there ; tho foliage too is handsome and broad. Ard-Righ is a few days later than the much cheaper Tenby Daffodil (N. obvallaris), which is still the earliest of tho single trumpet kinds, and therefore especially valuable for forcing. i'ulip "Vermillion Brilliant.- This ie, per- haps, the most brilliant of all the Tulips, and in- stead of the rather lumpy form of so many kinds, we have a bud of (piite distinct character and more tapering. The colour, too, is very rich and brilli.ant, while the stems when judiciously forced may be had fully S inches or '.I inches long and without that clumsiness that characteriM:? so many varieties of Tulips. The slender stem of the above variety is strong enough to carry the blooms and yet permit of a graceful bearing that is almost unicjue among very early sorts. Freesia refracta alba.— A splendid lot of these in pots from the gardens of Mr. N. L. Cohen, Englefield Green, Surrey (Mr. Sturt, gar- dener), was sent to the Drill Hall on Tuesday. There were something like eighty or more plants, all profusely flowered and of much greater strength than is usually sean. Five-inch pots were used, each contiining S3varvl balbi. The plants averaged fully 18 inches high, whilo the fine heads of blossom were much superior to what is usually seen. In all gardens the chaste and lovely blooms of the Freesia are always ad- mired, and readers of The Garden would doubt- less be grateful to Mr. Sturt for some brief details of his method of culture. Narcisfcus incomparabilis fl.-pl. — This old kind is now expanding its earliest blossoms in the greenhouse. It cannot be said to be a very suitable kind for forcing for early work, though a few of its flowers are welcome for the sake of variety and especially for their fragrance. If un- duly forced, the flowers invariably appear at the summit of the stem without any inclination to assume their natural position. For these reasons it is best where this kind is grown at all under glass to treat it as a second early sort, and in this way it is very useful. When the flowers expand, a rather dry atmosphere will be found most suit- able to preserve the blooms. Polyanthuses in pots.- Some few years ago the idea of placing some cf these in pots wa3 suggested by the inclination of some plants in the nursery beds to push the truss rather early. In following the idea thus gained, the earliest were carefully lifted and placed in a cold frame till the end of the year, when they were introduced into a cool greenhouse. Here the plants soon became active, and presently the flowering truss began to rise, with the result that a bright, useful and varied lot of these ever-popular flowers was se- cured long before any were moving into growth in the open ground. For the conservatory and other cool structures these ea»ilygrown subjects are not to be despised, and under glass a greater length of stem is obtained. Rhododendron javanico - jasminiflorum hybrids. — These, as frei|ueiitly shown by the Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons, Limited, prove leyond any question their admirable qualities at this season of the year. At the last R.H.S. meeting thirteen varieties were staged; these were R. balsamina-florum album, R. b. aureum and R. b. Rajah (the three double forma, most unique and of excellent keaping ([uality), R. mul- ticolor Mrs. Heal, R. m. Neptune and R. m. Ruby (three of the newer and dwarf profuse-flewering section), with the following : R. amabile, R. Imo- gene, R. Cloth of Gold (a gem), R. Princess Beatrice, R. luteo-roseum, R. delicatum and R. Rose Perfection. Evidently these plants resist the fo'_'gy weather of the metropolis well.— H. Tulip (sp. nova). — At the first meeting of the R.H.S. for the preseit year, held on Tuesday at the Drill Hall, Messrs. Sander exhibited a small pan of what is presumably a new species of Tulip from Chitral, Kafiristan. As seen it is a neat and pretty kind, with white flowers of medium size, the buds tapering almost to a point. Gererally 50 THE GARDEN. [January 16, 1897 the plant is of slender habit of growth, leaves narrow, channelled, partially clasping an equally slender atom, the latter about 9 inches or 10 inches high. The foliage is erect and distinctly acu- minate. Doubtless the plants had been forwarded in heat. Judging by past experience in the spe- cies of Tulips, a decided improvement may be looked for in a year or two from cultivated bulbs. Meanwhile it is quite distinct and should prove a useful addition to the group. Signs of spring in an Irish garden. — The winter Aconite commenced to open during the last days of the old year, and now before the new one is a week cH clumps and masses are in full flower. Iris Bakeriana was the first to show also before the old year was out. It is very curious how these early kinds vary in time of flowering. One year I. Vaitani is first, and then I. hietrioides beats Vartani, and now I. Bakeriana is first. Many Croci are in flower. The fiery buds of C. vitellinus make quite a show, while the pure gold buds of C. garganicus are equally showy. Thou- sands of Imperati are in full flower, while Obesi, hyemalis, Salzmani, Boryi, cancellatus, hadri- aticus, Cartwrightianus, and Tommasinianus are open. Iris stylosa began to open in Novem- ber, which I never remember to have seen before here. Cyclamen coum is, as usual, brilliant. Narcissus cyclamineus will be the first to open, its buds being well advanced ; those of N. (iolden Spur and Henry Irving are above ground. The Christmas Roses have been and are splendid, while many of the Lenten sorts are opening.— T. Smith. Iris stylosa. — In warm and sheltered posi- tions this plant is already coming into flower ; some good-sized masses that have not been dis- tijrbed for a couple of years have many spikes, that a few days later will be expanding their flowers. In soil unfavourable to the p'ant it is worth growing in pots for the sake of its ex- quisite flowers in mid-winter. Thus grown, how- ever, it would be well to establish the plants in the pots for the year preceding lifting, and, if need be, dividing the clumps when flowering was past, giving them plenty of root room. Then the pots may be plunged to their full depth in the open or in a sunny, warm corner, giving them moisture when such is needful. Thus treated, the plants may be put into a cold frame or house early in November, to encourage the spikes to push up. In the culture of this species it is by no means an uncommon occurrence to allow the plants to re- main too long without division, and often one sees large clumps almost flowerless. While there is no need to pull the plants into small scraps, it is, in my experience, decidedly helpful to occa- sionally divide them into moderately-sized pieces ; this will give an opportunity for the full develop- ment of the new rhizomes, which cannot so readily follow while the plant remains in one large cluster. Pinus Thuntoergivar. aurea.— Pinus Thun- bergi is one of the common Pines of Japan, filling in that country, along with the nearly related P. densiflora, the place occupied by the Scotch Pine in Britain. Both these species are the subjects on which the Japanese exercise their famous art in dwarfing and distorting trees. The species itself was introduced to Europe in IS.lil by Sie- bold, but although cultivated varieties of it were known to exist in Japanese gardens, it is only re- cently that any of them have been imported. Perhaps the most promising of them is the golden- leaved variety. We already possess in the golden Scotch Pine a useful ornamental winter fiae, and this Japanese Pine is of much the same character. Like its European ally, it only assumes its gay aspect in winter, and just now its leaves are at their brightest, and of quite as bright a yellow as those of the golden variety of the Scotch Pine ; no doubt it will be quite hardy. Another of thi recently introduced varieties from Japan is called variegata. This has leaves of the same green colour (for the most part) as the typical form except that about the middle of each leaf is one or more bands of yellow, each half an inch to inch long. The effect is bizarre rather than pretty, but in the case of var. aurea there is every likelihood that it will have the same winter value as the golden Scotch Pine. Both these varieties in cultivation at Kew. Public Gardens. A recreation ground for Richmond.— We are informed that the Richmond Town Council have decided to take over S7 acres of the Old Deer Park for a public recreation ground. The timber in Kensington Gardens.— " Londoner," writing to the Times, says : "A few years ago a letter from me on the subject of a pro- posed railway across Kensington Gardens first called public attention to the injury to the trees involved in the scheme, which had to be dropped. May I ask a little space to describe what I have to day seen there'.' An enlargement or addition to the kiosk near the west end of Rotten Row is being made, and one of the trenches for the foundations goes within 3 feet of a fine old Elm, cutting four or five large roots, each at least as thick as a man's thigh. The Elm, like so many others, has lost part of its top, and is little able to stand the further weakening which this muti- lation mu.^t cause. I hope some of your readers will go and look at this before the trench is filled up and the roots removed, as will doubtless be done in a day or two. If this is a specimen of the way in which the timber is treated by those re- sponsible, it is surely time that something was done to preserve the remaining fine old trees which form so striking and unique a feature of these beautiful gardens." Open spaces.— At the monthly meeting of the Metropolitan Public Gardens Association, 83, Lancaster Gate, \V., Sir William Vincent, vice- chairmiin, presiding, it was reported that the joint committee of the Open Space Societies, for commemorating the Queen's reign by the provi- sion of open spaces had prepared a circular letter containing their suggestions. It was agreed to lay out St. Stephen's Churchyard, North Bow, should its maintenance be duly secured ; to make a grant, subject to inquiries being satisfactory, towards the acquisition of an open space at South Tottenham, for which it was stated f IdOU was still needed in addition to a sum of about £8.500 already promised, and to plant trees on a site in Deptford. It was announced that the Great Western Railway, the West Suburban Railway, and the East London Water Company were intro- ducing Bills into Parliament which proposed to appropriate over 100 acres of metropolitan com- mons, inclu. A".- 1, Asplenium Daccidum ; 2, A. laxum pumilum ; 3, Polypodium pustulatum; 4 and 5, Pteris straminea; 6, Hypolepis amaurorachis. Tl'. J. I. — Please send flowers and leaves. Eintnce F. Clarke.— 1, Cypripedium villosum; 2, Cypripe- dium venustum; 3, not recognised. C7. ij. P.— Ca- lanthe Veitchi. THE GARDEN. 51 '0. 1314. SA TURD A Y, January 23, I89T. Vol. LI. " This Ib an Art Which does mond Nature ; change It rather ; but Tbb Art itself is NnriaK."'— SAai:«j?ver are of considerable service to the grower if flowers iu ([uantity for cutting, especially fhere space doss uot allow of much being done pith very early forced flowers of other kinds. '•"or the past few years I have paid special at- ention to Chrysanthemums suited for this pur- loso, and have found that there are many of the ocalled mid-season varieties that are amenable o treatment for the production of late flow.rs. -'he method I practise with these is to grow the ilants during the early summer months iu a par- ially shaded position, such as can be had under u east or west wall, instead of growing them in ull sun throughout the year, and stopping them week later than is practised for November owering. For plants that are natives of unnier climes than ours this may be considered iTong treatment, but facts speak for themselves, nd though the autumn months of last year i-ere dull and wet, conditions that did not per- ait of the thorough ripening that is generally onsidered necessary for these plants, I have >een particularly pleased with their behaviour ince, and have had a better display during the atter half of December, and up to this date January l> -'^- S.'_^i^^^( m 9^'^M^^^SI^f^^ M^J'^^MA ^^^^M ^i^ " '^-^ ft .^^ ^W JjwTji' ii>'.' _ jiLti^* "T^^K^jp '"S ^^^^^^V^^w''^'^'''^^^i^^^^^*' ' ^^jK 1 r 1 •j^§A T 9^'£ i^ ' 1 Base of Pharaoh's Fig Tree, near Alcnin,lr„i. a native of Nubia, Abyssinia, and of Cochin China. Tourists who have visitsd Cairo will be familiar with the remains of the celebrated tree at Matarieh (ancient H-liopolis and scriptural Orr) in the Coptic garden, now two centuries old, but the original of which is, traditionally, the tree under which Joseph and Mary rested during their visit to Egypt. It is an evergreen in its native countrr, but in the climate of Alexandria is often leaf- less for a month or two in February and March. The fruit is borne from May to Sep- tember in large bunches on the main branches Frui,, ,1 pholo,,r.,ph sent by Admiral Blomficld. greater pain will kill the less from which they are suffering. Trees may be seen near Damietta studded with nails which have played their parts in various operations of this nature. The ripen- ing of the fruit of the " Gimmaiz," as the Arabs call the Pharaoh's Fig tree, is always artificially aided by cutting deeply into it near the top by means of a sharp semi- circular knife made for the purpose. The Pharaoh's Fig tree seems to be specially attractive to our horticultural plague, the " pon blanc." or " cottonina " (Icerya tegypt- iaca), which came to us with an importation of plants from Australia ten years agn, and, after being nearly exterminated by our im- portation of the tiny ladybird (Vtdalia car- dinalis), has this season reappeared in great force, the branches and undersurface of the leaves of an avenue of trees a few yards from where I am writing this being snow-white with these destructive insects, which when full grown and covered with their white woolly coats are as lurge or larger than a full- grown woodlouse. The ladybird which feeds in Australia exclu.sively on a closely allied insect to ours (Icerya Purchasi), I am glad to say, is not quite extinct, as I found some of the larvie feeding on the " cottonina " a few days ago, Imt the latter certainly seems to have the best of the battle just now. We have had more than .3 inches of early rain since September, with fine, warm weather since, so there is every prospect of a good harvest of barley for the Bedouins at Maruit, and a good show of the scarlet and yellow Buttercups in March. Alcxamhin. R. M. Blom field. Home-grown Apples.— The Apple crop of ISilO was the most complete failure of any that I have known during the past fifteen jears I have lived here. Although the trees flowered well and the fruit apparently set well, it began to drop from the trees very early in the season, and, aggravated by a protracted drought, continued to do 80 until there w:is scarcely any left for storing. Almost every fruit on the trees was worm eaten at the core, and therefore could not come to maturity. Althoui^h the home grown crop was a failure, there is no lack of Apples, as the imported fruit has been so plentiful, that very fair samples are now being sold at Sd. per gallon, and really fine fruit fit for dessert at Is. per gallon. Home growers have got to face the fact that in the future they will have to compete with importations from all quarters of the globe, and my own im- pression is, that if they are to make any profit by the transaction they must grow fruit of a better quality, and when sent to market must select their fruit and put it up in more tempting form than they have hitherto done. Tarts made of im- ported Apples have scarcely any flavour, and the only reason why they are used so largely by people who can afford to pay a good price is because a good sample of home-grown fruit cannot be had. The fruiterers and greengrocers prefer imported Apples, not only because they are cheap, but principally because the fruit is evenly selected and of the same quality all through the barrel, while the English growers putalt sizes in together. — James Gkoum, ijo^]'0it. Vine eyes.— -If young Vines are required for growing on as fruitmg canes for early forcing, or for planting out to succeed the earliest permanent Vines now being forced, the eyes should be put in at once. Vines will not sustain this constant forcing many ycirs in succession before givitig signs of breaking down, unless retted to enable them to recuperate. If this cannot be dene the only alternative is to root them out as soon as the crop is cleared and plant afresh, in a new border of course. This is quick work, but it can be done nevertheless, and splendid canes grown the first season. The border for the first jear need not exceed .'? feet in width, so that if sufficient of the old one is removed to allow the new border to be constructed, the remainder can be taken away ;it a future time. The woorf from which the eyes are to be cut must be well ripened, and the buds plump and hard. The cutting of the eyes is a simple operation, all that is necessary being to leave a quarter of an inch of wood on either side of the bud, and to slice away a small portion of 56 THE GARDEK [January 23, the wood on the under side. If pots are to be used they should be got ready, and the pots drained with four or five crocks. Fill these with a com- post consisting of three parts loam and one part well-decayed manure, which had better be passed through a sieve. Make the soil firm, open a hole in the ('Dntre, nearly fill this with sharp sand, press the eje into this and close round with the soil, leaving just the tip of the bud showing above it. Water moderately to settle the soil, and place the pots or turves in a house, where a tempera- ture of 60° is maintained, for a fortnight or three weeks, to allow the wood to swell and to favour callusing. After this plunge in a hotbed or pro- pagating case where they will experience a sharp bottom-heat of 80°, and keep the surroundings moist by gentle syringings. Watering must be very carefully done until the pots are full of roots, as an excess of moisture before these are formed will lead to fatal results.— W. FRUIT TT;EES for NORTH WALL. I HAVE a large brick wall facing the north What would you recommend me to grow on this wall in the way of good Apples or any other fruit V — W. V. RUNN\. *^* It is not often that Apples are trained against walls facing due north, but I have known these, Peirs, Plums, and Chen ies succeed remark- ably well against walls with a north east aspect. The Morello Cherry is the most reliable of all hardy fruits for growing against the coldest walls, trees after the first year or two r.arely failing to produce goods crops of fine fruit. In some gar- dens the whole of the north walls are covered with them. (Juite high walls can be the most (juickly covered with bearing wood by planting awarf fan shaped trees 12 feet apart, and mid- way between these "riders" or standard-trained trees of the same species, eventually cutting out or transplanting the latter when the dwarf trees require all the space. A single tree of Morello Cherry willin thecoureeof a dozen years cover spac^ given up to three trees at the outset, but on some soils the species is liable to fail badly, and in any case comparatively close planting is desirable at the outset. If Apples are tried in these sunless positions the varieties planted ought to bo those of a naturally free-fruiting character. I recommend Beauty of Bath for an early variety. Then might follow Duchess Favourite, another handsome variety not to be surpassed in its season, and to succeed this. King of the Pippins. Cox's Orange Pippin, Braddick's NonpareU, Scarlet Nonpareil, and Sturmer Pippin would carry on the supply of choice Apples till May or later. If cooking vaiie- ties are wanted, then I should advise that White Transparent be planted to provide early gather- ings. Lord Grosvenor, Stirling Castle, Cox's Pomona, Bismarck, Lane's Prince Albert and Newton Wonder forming as good a succession as can be named. All ought to be on the English Paradise stock, and I should prefer two or four- branched cordons to any other method of training. Arrange them so as to bring the branches l.'i inches to IS inches apart, and it matters little whether they are trained obliquely or vertically. The border ought to be somewhat restricted or not more than 3 feet wide, and be composed prin- cipally of fresh loam with mortar rubbish and charred vegetable refuse and ashes freely mixed with it. if in spite of this comparatively poor soil the trees grow strongly and fail to fruit satis- factorily, occasional partial or complete lifting and root-pruning must be resorted to, the check thus given inevitably promoting productiveness. Where swedt Cherries are in great demand, some of these are grown with the Morellos against north walls, but in such positions they are apt to grow more vigorously than desirable, and the fruit is not always so sweet as could be wished. A trial might be given Governor Wood, Bedford Prolific and Bigarreau Napoleon, .and they will be less likely to gum .-ind fail if worked on the natural stock (wild Cherry) than they would if on the dwarfing or Mahaleb stock. These, again, will grow too rankly if planted in a rich soil. Plums will also succeed in cold positions or against north walls. Those that have attained to a most productive state with me are Early Prolific, fit for cooking only ; Morocco, good for cooking and passable for dessert ; Victoria, excellent for cook- ing and sometimes good enough for dessert ; and Washington, showy, but only fit for cooking. I have had very tine fruit of Pond's Seedling, Jefi'erson and Yellow Magnum from trees against north walls, but only the first named were good enough for dessert and the crops were in- variably light. Czar and Monarch (two purple varieties) would most probably succeed satis- factorily against a north wall, but I have never had any experience with them in these positions. By a "large brick wall" I understand a high wall is meant, otherwise I should not recommend Plums, as they do little else but form rank growth when planted against north walls under 10 feet in height. A single tree will cover the gable end of a dwelling house, and these large specimens crop grandly. Plant in poor soil and feed at the roots when the trees have arrived at a productive state. Pears are rarely planted against quite north walls, but I have known them suceeed remark- ably well in positions where the sunshine reaches them during the early part of the day, the aspect being northeast, lu the case of a number of large trees growing against a high north wall in Sussex, the crops are occasionally heavy, but, more often than not, much too light, while the quality of the fruit in some instances is sur- prisingly good. One of the best in the latter re- spect is Marie Louise, but the blossom of this va- riety would appear to be peculiarly susceptible to injury from spring frost. The Seckle is de- licious from a north wall, and of fair size for that small variety. Beurre Did is perhaps the heaviest cropping variety in tool, sunless positions, and if the fruit is ripened in gentle heat, of better quality than might have been anticipated. Ne Plus Meuris crops heavily in the same aspect, but the quality is bad. Curiously enough, the despised 'Picar of Winkiield has proved superior in quality from a tree against a wall with a northern aspect than when gathered from trees growing in sunnier quarters. With me it has done good service in November and December as a dessert variety, and for stewing is preferred to any other Pear, requiring no artificial colouring to make it presentable. Pears on the natural or Pear stock against a north wall are a long time in arriving at a productive ftate, and they ought to be on the dwarfing or l>>umce stock. Treat as advised in the case of Apples. Red and White Currants trained with about four uprifiht branches serve to fill in between fan-shaped and horizon- tally trained wall trees till the latter require all the space, and these rarely fail to bear freely when grown against noith walls. Naturally there is more acidity in the fruit than when ripened in more sunshine, but the clusters and berries are large, and, if properly protected, will keep till November. Gooseberries also succeed admirably against a north wall, but I only recommend one variety for the purpose, the Red Warrington. No other variety keeps so well, and late in the season it is superior to all others in point of colour. All lateral growth should be summer pruned and spurred back at the winter pruning exactly the same as in Red Currants. W. I Figs on the south coast.— In this locality the Fig succeeds remarkably well as an unpruned naturally-grown tree, although the finest trees I have met with have in the first place been planted as wall trees, but from long neglect have long since left their supports and have grown away into wide-spreading standards. In the autumn of each succeeding year they are covered with heavy crops of luscious Figs that ripen in succes- sion for several weeks. The majority of the trees are the White Marseilles or Brown Turkey. Some cottagers in this parish get enough pro- duce from one large tree to pay their rent, as the fruit sells readily at Is. per dozen, and the xtra fine ones realise double that price. It is singular that Fig culture in the open air finds so few supporters, as the fruit when fully ripe is certainly equal if not superior to that grown under glass. The finest trees that I have ever seen are growing at Eaglehurst Castle, Fawley, near Southampton, and, having grown away from the walls, are supported on stout trellises about 7 feet high. Some hundreds of muslin bags are used to cover the fruit as soon at it begins to ripen.— J. G., aosjiort. Stewing Pear " The Orange."— Have any readers of The Garden any knowledge of the Orange Pear V Forty years ago it could have been found in many orchards in Suffolk bearing well as a standard. It was much appreciated in that county for stewing only. A friend of mine visited the Ipswich show last November, and there saw this old Pear in a Woodbridge nurseryman's col- lection. He at once recognised it as the Pear bis father used to grow at Rendle^ham when he was a boy, and knowing its good qualities for stewing at once ordered some frees.— (J. H. Spurs on Peach trees.- Short, stubby spurs upon the two year-old wood are apparently much more frequent in some kinds than others. I presume that a strictly orthodox trainer would remove these, but there is no doubt that often they pi-oduc3 fruit when the buds drop from other parts of the tree. A tree of Hale's Early I planted in a cool Peach house in October, 1S95, pro- duced about a dozen good fruits last year, and all these were from the spurs referred to. This has been just enough to check the first vigour of the tree, and in consequence this year's wood is jusc the kind for fruiting — hard, short-jointed, arrd bristling with fruit buds. The opposite tree is Early Rivers' Nectarine, and this, I am afraid, has grown rather too strongly to fruit much. Had there been spurs to fruit in this case it would, I am confident, have been better for the tree. That good all round old Peach Violetto Hativa produces these spurs very freely ; so does the newer Waterloo, but many kinds, both of Peaches and Nectarine-', seldom do so. It is not cultiva- tion that causes this, and I do not think it is a vagary of certain frees, for I remember a large tree of Sea Eagle in one of my past situations bad none of these spurs, while an equally large one of Princess of Wales next to it was closely covered with them every year, and they were, I think, quite wrongly rigorously suppressed.- H. R. PEACH CULTURE UNDER GLASS. INIak Y Peach trees planted under glass fail to give satisfaction, sometimes going on for years without fruiting, others being affected with gumming or canker, and losing branch after branch till there is no alternative but to root them out. These evils arise from a variety of causes, some of which the gardener has no control over, the foundation having been laid in the nursery, and which no after amount of cultural skill can counteract. Take for instance the too well- known malady "branch withering" attacked by which, a tree apparently healthy suddenly be- comes paralysed in one or more of its principal branches, this generally being followed by a total collapse in a year or two. In my opinion this arises from the use of unsuitable stocks for budding, as formerly when nurserymen used almost exclusively the Mussel Plum, this evil was almost unknown. There are now, how- ever, various varieties even of the Mussel Plum,. and probably all are not equally suitable aa slocks for the Peach. Since the greatly in- creased demand for Peach and Nectarine trees for planting under glass arose all sorts of stocks have been used, hence the many instances of undue swelling just at the union, and the consequent prevention of a free and natural flow of sap, which ends in branch withering. Nurserymen, again, often through want of space, grow their Peach trees year after year on January 23, 1897.J THE CAliDEK 57 the same ground, nmniiriDg freely to secure a stronir growth, which in crowded iiuraery quar- ters never ripens let the summer be ever so hot. No wonder that such trees when they pass into private gardeners' hands go wrong tlirough gum- ming and canker, these evils having bi'cn en- couraged by the freiiuent hard cutting back the trees received to keep them within bounds, frost often playing havoc with the wounds made by the knife, especially if the autumn has been a wet one. The objection old gardeners had to this system of cutting back led many of them to procure maidens, and prune them as they liked. Given, however, healthy trees, with well- ripened wood and abundance of fibrous roots, the foundation of failure is often laid by the gardener's own hand. The commonest mistake, perhaps, is giving too deep and too rich borders, and making these all at once. I have in my mind a case where a gardener in the north of England prevailed on his employer to build a Peach house, which was furnished with good fibrous character and must keep at home, the result b-ing medium-sized wood, firm, well studded with fruit buds, and which has every chance of ripening thoroughly, friiit in good iiuantities being almost a certainty the next year. Of course, trees purchased from a nursery, lifted and expnsed to drying winds before being packed, and then, as is unfortunately often the case, enveloped in perfectly dry straw, are bound to suffer more or less, and cannot be expected to fruit the following summer even if the wood is of the right kind. I see no reason why trees carefully lilted and moved a few yards across a garden and planted while the roots are fresh and moist, watering and slight mulching being afterwards performed, should not bloom and fruit well the first season, that is to say, if the above rules are carried out, and wide, deep, rich borders avoided. The annual shoots made being in such a medium of normal dimensions and well ripened, little heading back is needed, and the trte, even if ' ' ' thinned and an airy at lul trees will be out of i iiosphere secured, fruit- lie question. J. Ckawi-oiii.. SHORT NOTES.— FRUIT. kitchen Apples.— Aflermuoh • r sliow.s iind ;it liDine, 1 think the n > ' .' il I have a iielter under- ' ,111, as somo -Apijles I I, I 1 1 >■ unioiigbt tlie best 1, 1, ,,. i,| \i,i,l.' i.s not the best for fan-trained, The variegated' Pine-af pie {Ananas salivus variegatits) . trees, but the border was so deep and so rich that the trees grew out of all bounds, nor was | root-pruning of any use, as there was .so much stored-up sap. The gardener was at his wit's end, my advice to him being to lift the trees and replant in a shallower, poorer border, as I being the only chance of bringing them into a fruitful state. I hold that if watering is ; properly attended to, 2 feet is quite deep enough for any Peach border, the rooting medium to consist of a manure free loam and old mortar rubble, this being rammed as hard as a road. Moreover, 3 feet only should be made to start with, this u.^ually being sufticient for a couple of seasons at least. 1 would ask those who object to this area as being too small to start with, to remember that splendid Peaches are grown in pots in a minimum amount of soil, feeding of course being resorted to. In this shallow, firm border the roots will retain their its allotted space in a much quicker time than is usually expected when, on account of imma- turity, much shortening has to be done. In the case of large trees which are taken from open walls or from other houses and replanted under glass, a wider border must at first be given, but if the depth and solidity recommended are ad- hered to, all will be well. The advantage of shallow, firm borders is, perhaps, even more noticeable in the case of cordons than fan- trained trees, the former being, I think, more liable to rank growth than the latter. Cordon Peach and Nectarine trees are not in favour with everyone, and 1 must confess I admire a well-trained fan-shaped tree, but as now -a days time and profit are a consideration in many gaidens, cordons certainly fill a house much quicker and give a good return in a minimum of time. Of course suitable borders are not all that are wanted. Unless the trees are freely Birds 1'. buds. In th towns sparrows live and thi all weathers food is obtainable. To tlie liuit Kr .wer they are a great pest, for iit tlii.'- i ' ' \ n, "" matter whether the weather be tniM .• i , "i- severe, the spai rows amuse theni-scli , , , i nt the buds .,t lioisi'l.erriea, Plums, U ,t hi nit-, Ac, aiiiiiii, tiil\ I- 111 li.'.T mischitt, i',r it cannot be that t hi - \ 1 1 \ ,, ill any way driven t j it by lack of otli. I 1 to frightening thtm away,! thinkii.iiM,. „ -th.MMiowderandthothasanyeHect. —J. Ukoo.m, Un,^iH,ri. Stove and Greenhouse. THE VARIEGATED PINE-APPLE. The Pine-apple plant, Ananas sativus (also written Ananassa sativa), is the only species of the 800 Bromeliads that has an edible fruit, lo is supposed to have originated in tropical America, but it is now naturalised or cultivated all over the tropics wherever the conditions are favourable to its growth. It was intioduced into England by Lord Portland in IGilO. There are numerous varieties of it, some of garden origin, others natural, the most marked being tho°se in which the form or colour of the flesh or flavour of the cone-shaped fruit has been ditterentiated. Mr. Baker enumerates the fol- lowimr: Pjramidalis, with a large pyramidal, yellow-fleshed fiuit, generally known as the Suaar-loaf Pine-apple ; ovalLs, with an ovoid, wlute-fleshed fruit, known as the Queen Pine- apple ; viridis, with a pyramidal, greenish yel- low-fleshtd fruit, c.iUed the Montserrat Pine- apple ; serotinus, with small g.een, late-matur- in<' fruit, the flesh yellow ana sweet, known as the Green Olive Pine-apple cocoineus, with reddish flesh ; glaber, with only a few small teeth on the upper part of the leaves, known as the Havannah Pine-apple ; and lucidus, with bright green, spineless leaves, bright yellowish ' green fruits, the bracts often tinged with red. I This is the variety of which large quantities of ' the fruits are imported from the Azores and other tropical islands and sold by the costers, greengrocers, etc. . There are several varieties with variegated leaves, one of which is represented in the accompanying figure and is known as A. sativus variet'atus. Xhe origin of this plant does not appear to be known. It has been cultivate: as an ornamental stove plant for at least sixty years, having been described by Munro in his synopsis of the cultivated vaiieties of Pine- apple in the "Transactions of the Horticultural Society" in 1830, where it is mentioned with several other variegated forms. It la charac- terised by elegantly arched leaves about 2 feet Ion", channelled, with toothed margins and col- oured bright green, with stripes and marginal bands of cream-yellow and a tinge of red. It is easily grown in a stove and is propagated by means of suckers or from the cluster of plant- lets borne on the top of the fruit, which is variegated like the leaves. The variety Porte- anus, introduced thirty years ago from the Philippines, differs from variegatus in having 58 THE CxARDEN. [January 23, 1897. the variegation in tlie leaves reversed, i.e., the central band is yellow and the margins green. This striped form of variegation is not uucom- raon among Bromeliads, some of the Tillandsias and Vriesias being highly ornamental from this cause. They sometimes originate under culti- vation. Seedlings of T. Glazioviana recently raised at Kew are in some cases striped with yellow. W. W. GOOD POT TULIPS. I GROW many hundreds of Tulips in pots and boxes, requiring a succeesion of bloom from Christmas until May. Many I put into 4|-inch and C inch pots, and many more into shallow boxes, to be brought on in frames after they are removed from the plunging beds. The little early Due Van Thols, although good in their way, I have now discarded, as the stalks are so very short and the flowers so soon expand and become flat, that I find them of little value for decoration. The lovely Canary Bird and Chrysolora, both rich yellows, are unsurpassed for pot work, and if placed in a somewhat cool temperature as soon as at their best, they remain good for a con- siderable time. Cottage Maid, a beautiful rosy pink shaded flower, is a capital pot Tulip, holding itself erect to the very last. This stiffness is ne- cessary in pot grown bulbs, as many of the finest coloured varieties have weak stems, and unless staked, bending over mars their general appear- ance. Duchesse de Parme, bright scarlet, mar- gined and flushed with gold, is one of the most attractive Tulips and a capital doer in pots. Mixed with the foregoing yellow varieties, the flowers have a very rich and elegant appearance. Golden Prince, pure yellow, is most oS'ective, having extra large noble foliage, which sets the fine heads of bloom off' to advantage. This should always be included where pot Tulips are grown. The well known and beautiful crimson and yellow Keizerskroon, although tall, is sufficiently stout to hold itfelf erect. This variety shows well in a mixed basket of plants in the drawing-room and brightens up the conservatory or greenhouse. Perhaps the largest and handsomest yellow Tulip in cultivation is Ophir d'Or. It is rather expen- sive, but a dozen or so pots make quite a brilliant display and are invaluable for furnishing The yellow, white and scarlet Pottebakkers are al very telling and well suited for growing in pots Proserpine, a very distinct rose-carmine flowered Tulip, is of good habit and one of the best for pot work I know of. This variety also lasts a long time in full beauty. The colour is so telling, that it always commands admiration. Silver Standard and Thomas Moore, the former striped an ' feathered pure white, and the latter terra-cotta colour, are both distinct and beautiful Tulips and should be included in all pot collections. Another most dazzling variety of excellent habit for thi purpose named is Vermilion Brilliant. This used always to be shown by Mr. Douglas in his pot collections at the London sprinar shows. Oi the very latest for pot work is Yellow Prince. I alwavs grow it, in lact could hardly do without it. The latest batch of it I place behind a north wall to prolong the supply. The double varieties are not much appreci.atsd here as pot plants, but I always box up a lot of that good old double white, la Candeur. The quaint and rugged Par- rot Tulips are also grown in boxes for cutting in April, these being very effective when arranged with their own foliage. J. C. Rhododendron Cloth of Gold.— This is a very deeply coloured variety, the individual blossoms being large and very showy. The va- riety received an award of merit quite recently. — E. J. Latania borbocica. — Few Palms stand better in living rooms than this, and in medium- sized and large specimens it has a fine effect in entrance halls and similar positions. The gas made and burnt on private placss in the country is not as a rule very pure, and this causes the ints of the foliage to turn brown. But in a fairly heated and lighted room this Palm stands much better than the supposed more hardy Chama-rops in variety. The plants must be taken down weekly and thoroughly syringed, afterwards being sponged all over leaf by leaf. This will keep them in good order for a long time. Monstrous Cyclamen.— It is very curious, just when most of the leading growers of these charming winter flowers are priding themselves in having attained to almost the acme of perfec- tion, that we see some attempt being made to perpetuate a strain for which it is difficult to find a descriptive name. They may be termed " crested '' certainly, but whether this term would convey iny meaning to those who had not seen them is luestionable. Some of the flowers are cupped and fiinged with a dark base ; others, again, are not unlike a Cyclobothra, minus the outer seg- ments and so forth. The whole batch, very curious certainly, may possess a certain amount of interest for a few, but of beauty they possessed none. The group shown at the Drill Hall consisted of meaningless forms, devoid of beauty, of purity of colour, the blossoms generally contorted and com- paring most unfavourably with the splendidly grown examples to be seen in company with them. Growing Cyclamen in frames —The general rule with the majority of gardeners now-a days is to sow their Cyclamen seed in August or Septem- ber, and grow'the plants right up to the blooming time in pots. I recently learned from an old and very successful grower his method of culture. The seed is sown in September in pans in a com post of three parts sandy loam and one part peat, leaf mould and sand. The seedlings remain in the pans till the following May, when they are carefully planted out in a frame or shallow pit, having beneath them first a layer some .') inches or 4 inches deep of thoroughly decayed manure, and on this 9 inches of the above compost. Protect with the lights until the weather gets warmer, then expose entirely except when storms prevail. Water as required and lift the plants the first week in September, putting them into the same soil with the addition of a little rotten manure, place them in a warm frame till the roots lay hold of the fresh compost, then give an airy position in an ordinary greenhouse. This old gardener also grew on old plants in the same wa\- in summer, and did them well. — J. C. flower, and nearly as many now (January 13). These plants grow more or less all the year round, and are repotted as circumstances permit. During the very hot weather we had last summer these plants stood in a frame without the sashes for three months, with an occasional dose of diluted licjuid manure water, and are now as healthy a lot of plants as could well be desired. The hybrid seedlings are dried off and kept iu a cold frame from which frost is ex- cluded from October to the end of January, when they are taken out, pots cashed, drain- age examined, steeped a few minutes in a tub of tepid water, and then stood in a plant house at a temperature of about 55° or a little more to start, which they do in a short time ; there they remain until the flowers open, wlien they are used for conservatory or room decoration. After the flowers are over the plants are again put into a temperature of G(l° to complete their growth, any plants that require a larger pot being generally repotted at that time without breaking up the ball. Large plants that have a number of offsets are turned out of the pots, roots carefully disentangled, and repotted .singly, seeming to suffer very little from the ordeal. After having tried a good many ex- periments in the cultivation of them, I am fully convinced that bottom-heat is not essential, and always avoid using artificial manures be- yond a liberal supply of diluted liquid manure water from the cow sheds, with a little soot water at intervals. The potting material used consists of good loam, dried cow manure, and charcoal, with a liberal use of coarse sand to keep the compost open. Having lately examined a number of plants that have been resting as described, I find the pots full of live roots, and cannot see how shaking out these plants and repotting them at present would benefit them in any way. but rather think it would tend to materiallj weaken their flowering. By starting them a.' they are they come away freely and .send uf strong spikes with three and four blooms on a spike. David Ke:mi'. Stol;r Park Ganhn.'i, Slough. POTTING AMARYLLISES. Ix your issue of January 9 (p. 14) the following sentence appears : " As the potting proceeds " the bulbs be plunged in the tan-bed or other heating medium ; a bottom-heat of about 85° is sufficient." Then, again, in the same article the writer says, " All gardens do not possess a house set apart entirely for Amaryllises ; in that case they can be started in a vinery or Peach house," i^'c. Surely the difference between these mods s must be great, and if the plants succeed in the latter, one would expect very much better success in the former of these methods. I wonder if J. Douglas has always adopted the plunging system with bottom-heat. I may claim to have been fairly successful in growing Amaryllises during the last fifteen years or more, and can say that during that time I have never plunged them or employed bottom-heat in any way for growing them. In my first attempt at growing these I had no means of using bottom-heat ; consequently I felt very anxious about the results. Now I am quite convinced that Amarylli.sea may be, and are grown quite as well without bottom-heat as with it. 1 grow several hundreds of them here. None of the seedlings are ever grown in bottom- heat. I have a large number of plants of the old aulica and Ackermani in flower at present. These I find extremely useful for cutting, for fill- ing large vases, itc. On December 21, 1890, I had upwards of 100 plants of these two varieties in EARLY CALLAS. In commfnting on my note respecting earlj Callas "A. M." gives another method, though at the same time a very exceptional one, and such af few will have at command. It is, however, quite easy to understand how these Arum Lilies would luxuriate in the "black peat mud'' oi which the bottom of the ditch alluded to is com- posed ; infinitely better in all probability for the time being than in the average soil mixtures pre- pared for them. A little later on "A. M." re- marks, " But I do not understand why it should do aquatic plants good to dry them off for six weeks." In respect to these things being "aqua- tic " at all, I think " A. M." has just gone a trifle too far, for at the most these moisture-loving subjects are only marsh-loving, certainly not "aquatics" by nature. Of the hundreds of thousands of these pl.ants grown for market no 1 one, I feel sure, provides either tank or pond for cultivating them, the plants being grown as greenhouFe plants and receiving no more moisture perhaps than many other things, notably Genistas, Solanums, Chrysanthemums and the like. Here and there a grower may provide saucers beneath his plants, but even this is no more than is given to many a fine example of hard-wocded Heath. Upon several occasions when I have seen these things treated as aquatic they seemed to dislike the , treatment. Twice in my own experience I have; treated them thus, and in each case the plants] quickly displayed signs of declining vigour and rapidly declining health, rightly informed, these very plants in theii habitat Moreover, if I lative jbiected to a course of treatment Januaki 23, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 59 year by year almost if not quite identical with what I have recommoniled. Bo this a^ it may, there is not the least doubt of the wisdom of the system I have recommended, and which is even simpler than that noted by " A. M.,' because the planting out and stakinjr are dispensed with, the plants simply remaining in their pots and at rest after (and, I think, this is important) a long protracted season of work. Regarded from a rational point of view, I have yet to learn what is gained to the future plant by an endeavour to promote active growth at the very moment when the plant has finished its season's work. That this planting-out system with much moisture does excite, and that unneces- sarily, is proved by "A. M." at page 14, by the cutting otf of the blooms which ihey sometimes throw up. This savours of wasted energy, inas- much as the blooms arc not wanted and yec taken from the corms. Meanwhile the dry plants have all this in store, because in the case of these plants tlie blooms issue from the leaf sheath in ([uick succession, and where all the ne\\ly-formed roots are made and retained within a pot of given size, it should, as a matter of course, favour the plant in a greater or less degree. At the same time the requirements of private I gardens are so diversified, that each must be catered for according to its needs. Still it is in- teresting to learn the various methods resorted to for the one express purpose of securing the greatest supply of bloom. I know well that it is hard to forego a custom long established in any garden in this or any other matter. But where very early September blooms are required, I know of no system to e(|ual, much less surpass, that I have practised for years as recommended on page -ISG of the l:ist volume of Tue Gardkx, and with a full knowledge of the various systems in vog Indeed, it is only after due comparison of any two systems, coupled with a complete record of the crop of bloom, that a just estimate can be i obtained. In like manner those who now favour I the planting-out system for these Callas cm only appreciate the full value of the opposite syste: j by its adoption. E. J. CHRISTMAS ROSES IN POTS. I WAS much interested in " E. J.'s'" notes in a recent issue on these beautiful and, at this sea most useful flowers. 1 really think that when well grown they are very little inferior to T charis amazonica, as I know several garden who grow them quite as large as the latter, with stems 9 inches in length. True, as compared with the Eucharis they are somewhat stiff, bu this defect can easily be lessened when arranging the flowers in vases by intermingling a little f , able gracaful foliage. "E. .J.," I think, rec I mends potting, when that is necessary, to be done ; in autumn instead of early in the year when I growth is free, and gives it as his opinion that if this were practised failures in pot culture would be far fewer. I can believe this, as my plants, I which are now in full flower, were first potted autumn, some time after I took charge of the place, and for the following four or five years I being undisturbed bloomed well. The next shift i was given in, I think, April, when the you I growths were several inches high, and l" m 1 confess that for the next two seasons the bloom was not by any means either so plentiful or so fine. I although the plants seem now to be established j again. I used to stand my plants close up to a north wall where they did not sea the sun. In 1 this situation they did well enough provided the I summer was warm and dry, but after wet, sun- leas ones I found the plants grew less vigorously I and bloomed less freely. This led me to give I them fresh summer ([uarters, this being on the north side of espalier Apple trees, where a little sun reaches them, also plsnty of light and a free circulation of air. .Judging by results, I believe it to have been a step in the right direction. I know some gardeners think too much shade cannot be given to Christmas Roses, but my experience proves that they may easily be overdone with it, especially if abundance of rubble or some opening material has not been mixed with the potting material and thorough drainage given. The pots should always be stood on two^r more bricks so as to leave a cavity be- neath. I recently saw a tine batch of plants com- pletely ruined by the pots being stoofl on a deal beard in their summer quarters out of doors. The [)Ots, being large and heavy, had pressed so firmly on to the board as to render the escape of super- fluous water impossible, this resulting in root rot- ting, the case being aggravated by the autumn being a rainy one. My employers are very fond of Cnristmas Rjses for dinnertable work, and I ust say that a table decorated entirely with them, some suitable light green material being associated, gives a very chaste and beautiful effect. When well established the plants enjoy moderate doses of diluted farmyard liquid given several times weekly. Soot water in a claiified state is also good for a change. Of the white forms of this beautiful flower, the Bath variety of maxi- mua is, according to my experience, the best. For variety in open borders the purple sorts are all very well, but are little valued as a rule for pot work. A neighbouring gardener, who believes in partial shade for Christmas Roses, has some large clumps growing between his Gooseberry trees, mulching in summer and giving liquid ma- nure several times. In this position they do well. J. CftAWKOlI.. Wintering Cannas.— There is a wide-spread idea that Cannas should be kept dry during the winter months, and in the case of the old- fashioned kinds with their stout rhizome.'i this may be done without injury, but many of the large-flowered varieties, especially those with yel- low blossoms, more or less spotted with red, have weak rhizomes, that soon suffer if kept too dry. The newer kinds that have been propagated from to as great an extent as possible have in many cases but a small underground rhizome, and they are quickly injured by extremes either of drought or moisture. The new varieties purchased from the Continent generally arrive here very early in the new year, in the shape of dormant or almost dormant rhizomes, without any soil wh.atever ad- hering to them. I prefer to pot these directly on receipt, keeping the growing point of the rhizome just below the surface of the soil, which is from that time kept slightly moist, sufficient, in fact, to induce the formation of roots, and in this way the young leaves soon push up and the plant continues to gain strength ; whereas if kept dry for a longer period there" would be a great risk of injury to some of the weaker ones. The warmest part of a greenhouse or even a slightly higher temperature will suit these Cannas well at this season. Where it is required to increase any particular variety, eich growing point will form a separate plant^ but in the case of the newest kinds when obtained from dealers, they are sel- dom supplied with more than one good growing point each.— H. P. Asparagus tenuissim'os.— Where there is an established plant of this Asparagus sufficiently large to flower and fruit, it is, as pointed out on p. V.i, a simple matter to raise a stock of young plants, but everyone cannot induce one-year-old plants to produce plenty of berries ; hence this Asparagus is often increased by cuttings. This is quite an eas\- matter, as it is. as far as my ex- perience extends, the easiest of all the members of the genus to propagate in this way, though the typical A. plumosus is not far behind it, whilp, singulirly enough, I have never been suc- cessful in propagating the flatt»ned frond like A. plumosus nanus in this way. The cuttings of A. t enuissimus should be taken during the spring and earlysummermonthsjustastheyoungshootsbegin to get firm, and if put into a close propagating case in the stove they soon root. A length of :'. inches to 4 inches is very suitable for the cuttings, and if three of them are inserted around a small pot there will be no need to pot them off singly, as they form neat little plants in this way, which can be shifted on when required. A. tenuissimue is, to my mind, one of the prettiest of all these ornamental kinds of Asparagus. The cuttings of A. plumosus may be treated as above recom- mended, and in both oases an open, sandy soil pressed firm should bo used. The other forms of Asparagus, such as A. plumosus nanus, A. scan- dens, A. retrofraotus, and A. Sprengeri, can be increased by division, but this is far too slow a process to be generally adopted, and much the same may be said of layering them. Such being the case, the better way is to encourage a plant or plants of each to grow away as freely as pos- sible, in order that they may flower and produce seeds.— H. P. ABUTILONS. For winter blooming these plants in variety are very useful, their many bright and tolling colours and free-flowering habit, combined with the ease with which they may be grown, placing them among the best of greenhouse plants. Alter the Chrysanthemums are over there is sometimes a scarcity of flowers, and to fill the gap these plants come in nicely, and look very well grouped with Libonia floribunda and zonal Pelargoniums. As pillar or wall plants, too, the pretty drooping, bell-shaped blossoms have a natural and pleasing effect, and any spare plants come in nicely for planting out during the summer. A frequent mistake in their culture is allowing the plants to bloom when too small, the consequence of this being drawn, leggy plants. Cuttings should be made of young green shoots as early in the year as possible, these striking readily in a propagat- ing case or under a bell-glass in pots of light sandy soil. Take them out as soon as struck and pinch the point out of each, and as soon as the resulting shoots are starting, pot them singly into 3-inch pots, using as compost light loam, leaf-mould, and dried cow manure, with a good dash of coarse sand. When established in the pots the plants must not be coddled, but grown close to the light in the greenhouse or on the front stage of a vinery where they can be afforded plenty of air. A short, sturdy habit will be the result, and the plants will now need stopping occasionally, picking out every flower as it makes its appearance. With some kinds, notably the yellow-flowered varieties, this will not be neces- sary, as these seldom bloom until the shoots have made considerable progress. By the end of April the plants will have tilled these small pots with roots, when they may have a shift into 4-inch or 5-inch pots, according to whether the variety is a strong or weak grower, using the same compost. A frame with a south aspect should now be prepared for the plants, keeping them close and shading from bright sunshine for a week or ten days, after which they will require ventilation on every possible occasion, the aim being to produce hard, bushy plants without being stunted. If frame room is scarce the plants may be grown outside after the 1st of June until August. In July they must have the final shift into the flowering pots, and all through the autumn the more they are exposed to light and air the better. Stop the "shoots for the last time in October, and keej) them in any light cool house from which froso is excluded until they are v/anted in the con- servatory or greenhouse. From the time the flowering pots are filled with roots an occasional dose of liquid manure made from cow manure and soot may be allowed, varying this with guano or other artificial manures. It is a good plan to give the plants a light fumigating on two succes- sive evenings just before flowering, as green fly often attacks them when in bloom, and this opera- tion is injurious to the blossoms when fully ex- panded. After flowering, if it is desired to keep the old plants, they must be trimmed into shape a little and grown on the next season as advised for smaller ones. To give a stock of cuttings a few plants may be cut back earlier .and placed in a little more warmth. Varieties are now so numerous, that it is difficult to say which is the best in the 60 THE GARDEN. [January 23, various sectionn, bat the undermentioned I have grown in quantity and know to be good. As a pure white the old Boule de Neige is still the bast and freest, and quite unrivalled by any of the newcomers as a pillar or roof plant. Reine d'Or and Armaria are good yellows, but the large loaves of the latter somewhat hide the beautiful golden yellow flowers. Vesuvian and Scarlet (Jem are very bright red. King of Roses and Purple Emperor are hard to baat in their respec- tive colours. The striped section I Inve not grown much, as I think the more decided tints are much superior to them, but the prettily varie- gated Abutilon Thompsoni and its double-flowered variety are too good to be left out. H. Trees and Shrubs. HA.RDY VINES. Some of the finest scenes in landscape I can recall among the many I have admired in jour- neying through great forests were pieces of country roads usually approaching rivers or likes, lined with trees of all sizes and numerous kinds, many of which supported canopies of Grape Vines, with their long, pendulous arms swaying to and fro in the breeze, as though they were trying to fan us in the sluggish air below ; others with their old rugged bodies completely covered with a sheet of Virginian Creeper leaves, so glossy and clean, and if in the autumn, glowing with the richest scarlet and crimson ; others dressed in the massive feathery leaves of' the Trumpet Creeper, against which, as a background, nodded hundreds of clusters of the rich orange flowers, about which were circling rich hued humming birds, ever and anon dipping their tiny bills into the deep, richly-laden honey- cups ; others, usually saplings, bedecked with a crown of the golden clusters of Bittersweet (Celastrus scandens), and yet others bound round and round with Dutchman's Pipe Vines (Aristolochia Sipho) and covered thickly with the large, heart-shaped, light green leaves, among which peeped the odd flowers. Among the Grape Vines the proper species for good efl\?ct in the north are V. cordifolia, V. rubra, V. cinerea, V. riparia, which can easily endure a temperature of 15'-' to 20^ below zero. Staminate Vines alone should be used for such purposes, as fruiting Vines are not suitable. South of latitude 3C,° east of the Rocky Mountains, V. Munsoniana, a native of Southern P'lorida, V. monticola, V. Ber- landieri, and V. Champini of South-western Texas can be employed along with the species recommended further north. The Japanese and American forms of Vitis do well both north and south. The Bittersweet Vine (Celastrus scan- dens) is a fine thing in the north, but cannot endure the extreme south. In its place south the Trumpet Creeper (Tecoma ladicans) is very fine for some situations. A near relative of this last, the Cross Vine of the south (Bignonia oapreolata), an evergreen in the Gulf States, is line for tree stems. There are several spe of Cissus native here from which good effects can be had. C. incisa, with very fleshy leaves, as a very graceful, slender Vine for trellises and places where Ivy looks well, endures he.it much better. Only in the coolest situations do the Ivies succeed well in the south. Of all the rampant growers, yet slender, [ fectly drooping, most graceful, with small, .smooth, shining, toothed leaves, becoming fine scarlet and crimson very late in autumn, V. Mun- soniana excels. It endures a winter tempera ture of about 5° below zero and any amount of heat and drought. I regard this as the finest ornamental woody Vine known for the Gulf ,es. Its nearest relative among Vines is the common Muscadine of the south, which, though much coarser, is a splendid Vine for massing. The Mustang Grape (V. candicans) of Texas and the Pox Grape (V. Labrusca) and Summer Grape (V. iustivalis) of the east and south are too coarse and rigid to use to much advantage, but can (especially the Mustang) make great canopies of large leaves in open positions on frame-work, but suggest little more than the idea of a vineyard. — T. V. Mns.sON, in Pari- ami Cemetery. CLIPPING EVERGREENS INTO UNNATURAL SHAPES. Apart from the art of the topiarian, where it is still carried on, as at Levens and in some old and new gardens, and the clipping of simple lines of evergreens into hedges, &c. — both necessary clip- pings so long as we accept the design — there is much clipping of evergreens in use in English gardens, without any regard to design, or without any but a stupid motive to " keep them in shape," as it is said. The jobbing gardener and nursery- man, or whoever shapes these things, have the notion that all shrubs should be of pyr.amid or half-globe form, and the result of their mutilation where evergreens have been planted is as ugly and inartistic as one could see in the shape of living things. Why anyone of means should em- ploy them in order to produce a hideous result as the outcome of many years of culture of some of the most beautiful plants known to U3 it is not easy to see, but the distigurement is beyond all doubt. It prevents us absolutely from enjoying any distinction of form which in their natural state we see so well shown in our own woods, by all our nativ^e evergreens. Holly, Ivy, and Box in feathery groups on the chalk hills. Every good evergreen shrub has a character and form ot its own, which are destroyed bj- this odious clipping into one set of shapes. We may fee the thing carried out in London gardens (by the Bayswater Koad, for instance, in what might be a fine Eijuare), and also in pretty districts around Lon- don, such as Cobham, where the evergreens in almost every garden are shorn into ugly, formless mops ; and we hear from friends that the prac- tice has extended also to many American gardens. The cause of the thing should be thought of, and no doubt it is partly bound up with the planting of miscellaneous evergreens and trees in what we call the mix-muddle shrubbery, where things are jumbled up with much more regard to get- ting a formal, level bank when the planting is done than to the nature, stature, and habits of the things used. Laurel, Privet, and the cheaper free-growing shrubs are used to form a sort of base, and in rich and newly moved ground these, growing very rapidly, generally choke off the good things in course of time. When people see shrubs like Hollies scalded in their lower branches by crowding, or otherwise injured, the desire arises to shape them by clipping, although, no doubt, it is as often done from mere habit. If from the beginning we insietad on all hand- some shrubs being grouped together and allowed to show their natural forms, improvement must result, and there would be no need for the muti- lation of any beautiful shrub, of which even the leaf beauty is destroyed by clipping. Much of the beauty of evergreens is in their foliage, which ia cut across by the shears in thousands of gar- dens. Hollies grown naturally need never be naked about the base : their nature is to feather to the ground if given a chance, and the same is the case with nearly all healthy young evergreen shrubs, from Tree Ivies to Rhododendrons, but if all shrubs and trees are crowded together in de- vouring masses this cannot be. The true way is to plant in groups and families. Also we should plant more openly ; instead of using common de- vouring evergreens to fill the gaps in a choice shrubbery, cover the ground between with hardy flowers, of which we have many good ones to form a carpet, such as Solomon's Seal, Iris, or any perennials which spread freely, and which, dying down in winter, do not destroy the natural forms of the evergreens, which could have aU the space when they wanted it. One way to escape the difticulty of the common disfigurement of shrubs is to isolate them on the grass, in which way they keep their natural forms. But on a large scale this produces a dotty effect, and shrubs do not in youth grow so well on the grass as when held together in masses, so that the ground can get an amount of cultivation until the plants are strong. But whether this or any other plan be adc|ited, such clipping is a prac- tice which should be excluded from every garden with the least pretension to beauty. — Field. Lonicera fragrantissima. — Among the earliest of all hardy shrubs whose flowers greet the new year are this species and its close ally, L. Standishi. Neither of them can be called showy, yet they are both well worth growing because their flowers, although small, are abundant, and have besides a most charming fragrance. L. fragrantissima, which is already in bloom, is one of Robert Fortune's introductions fromChinawhen collecting for the Royal Horticultural Society. One of the first to flower it in this country was the late Mr. William Ingram, of Belvoir, when he was at Hatfield over forty years ago, and he described the flowers as combining the fragrance of Orange blossom with that of the Honeysuckle. It is a deciduous shrub (not evergreen, as the books so frequently have it) of low spreading growth, with short, elliptical or obovate leaves, which, except when young, are nearly or quite devoid of hairs (L. Standishi. on the other hand, has hairy, ciliated leaves). The flowers are pro- duced in several pairs from the joints of last year's wood, and they are creamy white or pale yellow. This Honeysuckle is useful for early forcing, a few plants in flower filling the green- house with their fragrance. In (he open it likes a sunny, sheltered spot, not because it is tender, but because it blooms more freely, and the flowers, appearing as they do in these inclement J.anuary days, deserve all the protection that can be conveniently given them. — B. Garden Flora. PLATE 1102. THE WHITE SLIPPER FLOWER. (calceolaria alba.) (with a coloured plate.'*) The species of the South American Slijiper Flowers are so distinct and variable in habit of growth and so rich and varied in the colour of their flowers, that the wonder is they are not more often seen in cultivation. Like the Be- gonias and the Pelargoniums and some other genera that hybridise easily, it seems to have been this very facility of variation that killed them — that is to say, the hybrids were grown to the exclusion of their parent species, because different, even if not because more beautiful. Mr. L. H. Bailey, of Cornell, Mass., has lately written a book, entitled " The Survival of the Unlike," and in passing I maypointoutthatthis habit of selecting the unlike, i.e., those unlike their parents, from the seedlings and hybrids grown in our gardens has not been in all ways' an advantage, and some of us to-day would gladly welcome back the more beautiful of all the many wild species that have been lost in the race after new variations. Calceolaria alba, although a new re-introduc- tion, appears to have been originally sent or brought to our gardens from Chili in 1844, and * Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Moon in t Eoyal Gardens, Kew. Lithographed and printed J. L. Goffart, successor lo Guillaume Severeyns. January 23, 1897.] THE CAKDEN. 61 a figure appeared in the Botaiiiail Ma was re-introduced to our gardens a year or two ago by Herr Max Leichtlin, of Badeii-Hadon. The plant is sub-shrubby in habit, about "J feet in height, the narrow serrate leaves being resinous or clammy. The illustration shows the globose white Howers as borne in dichotomous clusters or panicles towards the ends of the slender branches. So far as I have seen, this species is one of the most dainty and distinct of all the small-flowered kinds*, and it makes a charming pot plant as well grown in a sandy compost of pt at and loam. It has been somewhat usual to predict of any distinct species that it will be likely to lend itself to alteration or improvement in the hands of the hybridiser, but 1 hope that this elegant and satisfying plant will long remain an exception to this rule, for it is quile beautiful and distinct enough as Nature made it in its native Chilian habitat. Amongst other sub-shrubby native kinds well worthy of pot culture in the greenhouse I may mention C. amplexicaulis, formerly much used for flower beds and borders in summer, and bearing great clusters of soft clear lemon-yellow flowers. C. bicolor, like the last, is a Peruvian plant of good habit, with clear yellow flowers, the lower shell-shaped lip of the corolla being white behind. C. f uchsiitfolia, introduced from Peru in 1878, is remarkable as being singularly like a green-leaved Fuchsia in habit and leaf- age, its upper branches bearing great clusters of clear yellow flowers. It is a good late autumn and winter-blooming plant if grown in the shade, as its leaves are apt to turn brown and rusty if exposed to full sunshine. It it a very handsome plant, and has also been called C. deflexa. A coloured plate of it appeared in The Gakden for March 20, 1879, where a very full and accurate descriptive account of nearly all the cultivated species by Mr. Hemsley is given. Perhaps the most distinct of all the sub-shrubby Calceolarias is C. violacea, which grows 2 feet in height, and is hardy on warm, dry soils in sheltered localities. It has very short, serrate, hairy leaves and two-parted open flowers shaped like a helmet, these being deli cate mauve in colour, dotted with purple. It was introduced from Chili in 1853, and a plate of it is in the Uotaniad Marjazine, t. 4929. All the shrubby species are readily increase, from cuttings or by seed, and I hope that the readiness with which C. alba and its allies may be propagated and grown in a green house or cold frame will lead to this and others of the pure species being more often met with than is at present the case. F. W. I Bamboos ia winter.— There is perhaps no time whsn hardy Bamboos are more thoroughly admired or when they show their value mere than during the midwinter months. At this season there are certainly no other evergreens whose foliage has remained of so fresh and bright a green. Although there are a few exceptions, the bulk of the species and varieties grown in the Bamboo garden at Kew are now as fresh and graceful as they were four months ago, and no doubt it is the sime in other gardens, wherever they have been planted in fairly sheltered peti- tions. Among all the hardy Bamboos, Mr. Free- man-Mitford has frivon the first place for beauty and elegance to Phyllostachys Henonis, and the rich luxurianca and tender grace of the culms on the plants at Kew fully justify that distinction. To those cammencing the cultivation of these plants, It 18 the first to be recommended. Clo.«ely following it, however, are P. viridi-glaucescens and 1 . flexuo?a, two species nearly related to each other, but distinguished in the case of the former fay a mora vigorous growth and larger leaves. Both of them have retained their summer fresh- ness. Among others of the taller-growing section, the well-known Arundinaria japonica (Bambusa iletake) stands prominent in its bolder, if less graceful, aspect. Curiously enough, A. nitida, the new Chinese species, which stood the ordeil of February, ISil.'), better than any other Bamboos, has during this mild season lost a groat part of its foliage. Of the dwarfer species, the most pro- minent and striking are Bambum tessellatu and B. palmata, the two species distinguished by hav- ing the largest leaves of all the hardy kinds. A new Japanese species introduced under the native name of Kan chiku, and named Bambusa inar- morea by Mr. Mitford, has been very beautiful since the late summer. It is a rather low-growing plant with slender culms, well furnished with small, dark and shining leaves ; for the last few months it has been specially noticeable on account of the new culms. These stand well above the old leafy growths, and are clothed with purple sheaths, delicately and prettily marbled with sil- very grey. It is a very distinct and promising plant. — B. The Week's Work. FRUIT HOUSES. Muso.\TS.— If these are required in July or the be- ginning of August, preparation should be made for starting the first house. As this valuable highly flavoured Crape requires .'special treatment, and more time in which to mature than do other early forced varieties, it is always a good plan to have the Vines in a house by themselves. The border should also be an inside one if possible. Inside borders should be top-dressed and manured before starting the Vines. Prick up the surface with a fork, and remove the loose soil altogether if in a sour state before putting on the new. This should consist of sound turfy loam, with wood ashes and a due proportion of some artificial manure mixed with it, or this latter may be sprinkled on the surface of the border and the soil placed over it. Those having heavy loams to deal with should add lime rubble and a fair mcdicum of good sharp sand. Uorders that have been repeatedly dressed with the same kind of manure season after season, should have a change of plant food. A good substitute for a season or two is superphosphate and muriate of potash mixed in equal quantities, and applied at the rate of 2 ozs. to the square yard now ; again when the Grapes have set, and again aftsr the stoning period. The top-dressing done, the house may be closed and the border thoroughly moistened down to the drainage with water at a temperature of W. If available, the surface may be covered over with horse manure afterwards, to prevent too rapid evaporation. Bend down the points of all young rods in the usual way to ensure a regular break, and syringe all two or three times a day with tepid water, but allow the Vines to dry before nightfall. Keep the vapour troughs constantly filled, main- tain a steady day and night temperature of 55" and .")ii% and vary the damping down according to the weather. If a fermenting bed is used for pro- viding the necessary amount of warmth in the house, renovate it as often as is found necessary. If this has to be placad on top of the border, I do not advise it being retained after the Vines have burst their buds. SrccKssioNAi. viNEuiEs.— The Vines in these should be pruned, scrubbed, and dressed with an insecticide if necessary, after which a general cleansing of woodwork and glass should take place. This should be followed by the limewhit- ing of all exposed brickwork, and top dressing borders. Much of this work may be done by the outside hands on rainy days, or when through stress of weather outdoor operations are at"a standstill. Cut racks.— Many gardeners use these for growing on into fruiting canes for forcing, and when accommodation doe? not exist for strik- ing eyes early in the season, it is an excel- I lent plan to do so. These Vines should be cut back to the two lowermost eyes (I advise two, in case one should not start), and stood in a vinery which has ju.st been started. In the meantime prepare the necessary number jt 14-inch pots, also the compost, with a view to get- ting them potted early next month. The com- post should be good fibrous loam, with which mix a peck of bone-meal to every barrowload, and some lime rubble well crushed uj). Loam of a poor, hungry nature may also have a little thoroughly rotted manure mixed with it in addition to the above. Prior to potting, the compost should bo placed somewhere in heat in order that it may get thoroughly warmed through. The [jotting itself had better be done in one of the vineries to avoid chilling the freshly started plants. Pot Fics.— The November-started trees will be bursting into loaf if an even top and bottom-heat has been maintained. If botiom-heat is main- tained by means of hot-water pipes alone, the requisite temperature can be kept up without any ditliculty, but when leaves and litter have to bo employed, great care is necessary to keep the materials frequently renewed in order to avoid fluctuations in the temperature, which should not fall below 75 nor exceed Ml . When five or six leaves are formed, pinch out the points of the shoots to assist the fruits to swell, also to ensure a second crop if desired. Syringe according to the weather, and attend to the damping of paths, walls and surface of beds. The temperature at this stage of forcing should be 70° to 75° by day, with a rise of lir with sun-heat, and 60° to 65° by night, but do not exceed the minimum figures on dull days and cold, frosty nights. Another house full of pot Figs may be started if these are grown in sutticient numbers. The trees I will assume have been cleansed and repotted if necessary, and if such is the case, they can be plunged in the beds or stood on the stages according to the inside arrangements of the houte. If a hotbed is used, keep It at the temperature mentioned above. For starting, a day and nit;ht temperature of 50° to 55° will suffice. Allow a rise of 10" to 15° en bright mornings before admitting a little air. closing early and syringing freely. Give the soil about the roots a thorough soaking of tepid water, and do not allow them to get dry again, although anything like a saturated condition must be guarded against. Second hocse.— This in most cases will contain trees planted out and trained to trellises either under the roof or against the back walls, with, perhaps, the body of the house or merely the front filled with trees in pots. Heia the saire treatment is needed, and the advice given with regard to temperatures and other details for starting pot Figs wdl apply to these trees also. Late iiodses. — The trees in these should bo pruned and cleaned, especially if insects have been troublesome during the past season. Scale and mealy bug are the two worst fees to deal with if they once gain a hold. The points of the shoots should be brushed with a soft painter's sash tool, but the stems and branches may be scrubbed with the soft end of a scrubbing brush, well working the insecticide into all parts of the trees. Trees growing in narrow borders, which are best for Figs urder glass, should be examined to see if any roots have escaped, and if such are found, cut them off close to the ball. Any trees that have an unlimited root-run, and which in consequence give unsatisfactory results, should be root-pruned. This is best done by means of walls, and to make doubly sure the bricks had better be laid in cement. If this cannot be done, dig out a trench a yard wide down to the drain- age, and fill this with lime rubble and ram it as firm as po'sible. If any roots pu.sh into this they cannot take any harm, but it should be thrown out annuall}', when all roots found should bo cut back. Renovation of borders may, when neces- sary, be done now. Personallv, I prefer the autumn for this kind of work. For this purpose employ loam and lime rubble only. Cherries.— Where one or two houses are de- voted to Cherry culture the first may now be 62 THE GARDEN. [Januart 23, 1897. started. A mild warmth is sufficient to start Cherry trees into growth. Pot trees are the best for early work, and with the requisite care and attention such trees will last a good many years. A bad of leaves in which to plunge the pots greatly facilitates forcing, but leaves cannot be obtained in all gardens, consequently the requisite temperature must be maintamei by the aid of fire-heat alone. Fortunately not much fire-heat is required especially in the early stages of forcing, and this is a greit consideration where strict economy has to be practised with regard to fuel. Until the trees flower and set, day and night temperatures of 50' to 56 , and 45° are sutiicient. When the day temperature exceeds the figures mentioned admit air. The Cherry is very im- patient of hard forcing, but syringing of the trees and damping down must be done on bright sunny days. Black fly being one of the worst insect pests to deal with in Cherry forcing, frequent mild fumigations are often necessary between the time of starting and the flowering period. Give careful attention to root waterings, but avoid keeping them in too wet a condition, and for planted out trees a thorough watering at the time of starting should carry them over the flowering period, but in case of accident arising through over confidence in this particular it is best to test the border now and again. ToM.vTdEs — Fruiting plants that have come through the winter should receive every encour- agement now that the days begin to lengthen out. Plants ripening their crops will need assist- ance in the shape of stimulants, of which guano is one that may be applied with safety. I prefer this to all other manures for the Tomato, and if it is the genuine Peruvian guano 2 ozs. to every gallon of water are sufficient. Later batches of plants swelling ofT their fruits will be benefited by a little top-dressing in addition to stimulating waterings, using loam and a little bone meal mixed with it in preference to decayed farmyard or stable manure, as it is productive of a more fruitful growth. Plants in flower must be ferti- lised daily and keep the plants drier at the roots. Pot off young plants raised from re- cently sown seed into small pots and stand close up to the light to ensure sturdy growth. Sow more seed for furnishing a batch of plants for set- ting out early in March. A. W. KITCHEN GARDEN. General work. — The clearing of ground still occupied with different crops should be proceeded with on all favourable occasions, so that the same may be brought into a suitable condition to re- ceive other crops in due course. In large gar- dens with no stint of labour and manure the proper rotation of crops may be continued with- out much diflnculty, but many gardeners' ability is put to the test with limited space to keep up the supply, and several crops have to be taken from the same piece of ground each year. Nothing would be gained by leaving such things as Jeru- salem Artichokes, Parsnips, Leeks, and Turnips in the ground after this, and provision should be made for lifting and storing them, so that the ground will be available to receive a good dressing of manure during dry or frosty weather, and either dug or trenched ready for future crops. By doing such work as soon as possible the soil will have time to settle and become suitable for plants or seeds later on. Much valuable room is often devoted to Broccoli for a longer season than is really necessary, and the work of preparing the ground for succeeding crops is greatly delayed thereby. All plants that are ready for use should be lifted and stored in sheds or frames and sent to the kitchen as re(]uired, while later ones just forming heads may be retarded somewhat by removing them with a good ball of earth, and laying their roots in deep trenches close together in a less favoured position in the garden. Leeks may be treated in the same way, and as there are few things which impoverish the soil so quickly as these, it would be an advantage to remove them forthwith to some other position, and, failing a better place, they may be lifted with good roots and packed close together in some out of -the- way corner, where they will keep fresh for many weeks, particularly if some leaf-mould or the like is worked in between them. Parsnips after they are lifted from the ground should be either buried in soil or sand or placed in a cool, damp cellar, as they soon shrivel and lose their freshness if left exposed. Turnips will last for months if taken up now and protected from frost, but it is advis- able to leave a few rows of these in the ground for the sake of their tops, which are generally in request in the spring, and few vegetables are more acceptable or more wholesome than these at that season. Jerusalem Artichokes are often neglected, and though the tubers take no harm when left in the ground all the winter, it is much the better plan to lift them like Potatoes in the autumn and make a careful selection of suitable tubers for seed, storing the largest away ready for use, as there is sometimes great difficulty in getting these out of the ground during severe weather. The remainder of both Asparagus and Seakale intended for forcing should also be lifted, and the roots trimmed in readiness for placing in heat as re- quired. Asparagus roots are useless after having been forced, and may be burnt ; but with Seakale it is different, and some good sets may be selected for planting again in the open some time during March. The roots of Rhubarb, too, may be divided and buried in wood ashes or some porous material after they have been turned out of the forcing house, and replanted on rich ground later on, when, if all has gone well with them, they will be fit to force again the second or third year. Horse Radish should receive attention now, and to secure good serviceable roots fresh plantations should be formed at least every second year, as, when allowed to occupy the same piece of ground undisturbed, as it is in many gardens year after year, much trouble is experienced in getting a few sticks fit for use. In lifting the old beds, select a suHicient number of clean, straight thongs or roots, each about 6 inches in length : tie these in bundles, and bury in sand until the site intended to plant them in has been properly prepared by manuring and trenching, the latter being most im- portant to allow of the roots growing freely and to their fullest length and size. MrsHROOM EEDs^ — The mild winter has been greatly in favour of these, ami, so far, ours have carried heavy crops without the assistance of any fire heat whatever. As a rule, the first supplies during early autumn are not always satisfactory, though later on in the season thd spawn appears to run more freely. To guard against this, the greatest care is necessary to oljtain fresh spawn, as, when this has been kept many months, it often takes twice as long as it ought to to yield a return, and sometimes fails to produce a single Mush- room. Fire-heat, I always think, proves very harmful to this crop, and more failures, I con- sider, are due to its use than to any other cause. At the fiist approauh of frost many are tempted to turn a little warmth into the pipes, and as many Mushroom houses are in close proximity to the boilers, it requires the greatest care to prevent the pipes from becoming overheated. Instead of risking this, it would be much safer to cover the beds with a good thickness of dry hay or light litter, butas this, if not changed frecjuently, is apt to become damp and heavy by condensed steam and cause a number of the small" buttons" to damp off, I find it better to place sticks across the bods a few inches above the soil and cover with mats. This allows a certain amount of air to circulate between the bed and the covering, and as the mats are easily removed when required and are much cleaner than hay, I prefer this mode of protection. Should very severe weather set in, a covering of hay or straw may be placed over the mats, which will protect from the hardest frost, provided the fermenting material was properly prepared at first and is of sufficient depth to retain warmth over a long period. Beds that have been in bearing since autumn will begin to show signs of exhaustion. This is generally owing to the want of warmth more than through the spawn failing, and if space is not available to form other beds, steps should be taken to induce them to begin bearing afresh. This is often obtained by clearing all decayed matter from the surface of the bed and supplying water heated to 90°, adding about one tablespoonful of salt to each gallon. In the course of a day or so, when the water has soaked through the material, the bed should be made firm by treading or beating with a broad mallet, warming the surface again with water at the same temperature, and then covering with a good thickness of dry litter or hay. Continue to collect fresh droppings during dry weather and prepare them for making up other beds to come mto bearing during March and onwards. Celery. —I never remember this crop so satis- factory as it has proved this season, as during the autumn it kept quite free from disease, and the heavy rains we had during September induced it to make rapid growth, and so far we have not had sufficient frost to do it any injury. It is there- fore now in the best condition, of a good colour, and very crisp. However, we are not jet out of danger, and I am afraid this crop would be one of the first to suffershould we experience much frost in the future unless due provision is made to protect it in some way. The general way of doing this is to cover the ridges over with litter or Bracken at the first approach of hard weather. This answers very well so long as heavy rains do not intervene, when there is a danger of such coverings causing the hearts to decay owing to the amount of mois- ture collected. I find the best protection to guard against both frost and rain is to nail two weather boards together at the same angle as the ridges. These when made in 9 feet lengths can be easily brought into use as required. With a demand of several dozen heads each day, I find it a good plan to lift from 50 to 100 heads at a time, and if care is taken to tie a piece of matting round the leaves to prevent them spreading open, and a good quantity of soil left on the roots and stood in frames or in the root cellars the heads retain their freshness, and there is always a reserve should bad weather set in. "^Cauliflower plants. — These growing under hand-lights or in frames will be liable to be cut up somewhat with the March winds if not fully exposed during the mild weather we are having, as I notice they are growing much too freely to be safe. Fortunately, with the new varieties that can be raised in gentle warmth from now on- wards, and which will come into use as early as those sown in autumn, we do not have to trust to the latter so much as was formerly the case, but still plants which have not been coddled through the winter often prove most valuable, as there is sometimes a danger of those raised in early spring in heat not getting away so freely as one would wish, often buttoning when planted in the open. It is, however, safer to have two strings to one's bow, and a pinch of seed sown now in gentle warmth and the plants carefully protected after- wards, may prove most valuable later on, espe- cially if the late varieties of Broccoli should be destroyed by frost or cutting winds during the early spring months. There are several varieties to select from for this purpose, but the one I most generally sow at this season is Veitch's Extra Early Forcing, and for some years past I have succeeded in cutting beautiful white heads from the end of May onwards. R. Parker. Railway gardens —In the interesting article reprinted from the Guardian under this head (p. 38) allusion is made to the Valerian (Centran- thus ruber) on the chalk cuttings and embank- ments on the North Kent line near Gravesend, which is, in fact, one of the most extraordinary displays made by wild flowers conceivable, and is probably unique as to colour throughout the whole of the British Isles. It is, as the writer observes, almost worth a special journey to see, and the finest mass lies on the southern face of the high embankment immediately east of North- fleet Station, in the direction of Gravesend. The white variety is not, of course, so abundant as the red and pink shades, but there plenty of it January 23, 1897.] THE GARDEN. and anyone who keeps hia eyes out of tho window may fee plants of it from the passing train. If " N. ' is travelling on tho same line about seven weeks later (say the first week in August) he may notice a little further west and nearer Dartford the high-coloured virietie^ of Scabious fully naturalised, as also the Snapdragon in many colours, and I think I have noticed near the fame )>lace plants of the mother of all the Cabbages (Braesica oleracea), which grows so abundantly on the clitVs and railway cuttings near Hover. "N." is, I believe, wrong in calling the Valerian a " British pl.ant," in spite of the astonish- ing abundance of places and of the wide spread area, varying greatly in geological formation, in which it is found. Bentham and (as well as I can recollect) Sowerby speak of it as "naturalised," and the former calls it a " native of rocky places in the Mediterranean region,"' which precludes, perhaps, any claim it might set up to have come in with the Conciueror and the Caen stone, as did Dianthus caryophyllus.— T. C. L. Orchids. DENDROBiriM AINSWORTHI. Thk flowers of this delightful hybrid are among the prettiest in this favourite genus, while its free-blooming (jualities, combined with the fact of its being very amenable to culture, render it extremely useful as a garden Orchid. Most nurser\ men now hold good stocks of the typical form, so that it is easily obtainable, and cer- tainly all who can afford an Orchid house should obtain a few plants of it. The flowers are pro- 1 duced upon the last matured pseudo-bulbs, and usually occur in small racemes of two or three over the greater part of their length. The I sepals and petals are of the purest white in I some forma ; in others they are more or less sufl'used with rose. Those of the variety roseum are distinctly rose coloured, and in all thevarie- i ties there is a deep rich crimson-purple blotch j in the throat in shape like that of D. aureum, I one of its parents. In the warmest part of the I Cattleya house or iu the East India house D. Ainsworthi will thrive if kept well up to the light, especially during late summer and autumn. It may be grown in pots, baskets, or suspended '' pans, the roots being vigorous and freely pro i duced. They like a rough open description of j compost, about equal parts of the best peat fibre and Sphagnum Moss suiting them well, 1 enough rough charcoal and crocks being mixed ! with this to ensure thorough aeration. When I the plants have been previously grown in pots j or pans it is advisable to break these rather I than risk injuring the roots by knocking the plants out in the usual way ; then, by care- fully picking out the old peat with the fingers j and cutting away all decayed roots, they may be transplanted with hardly a check. If there is plenty of long roots alive and healthy, it is best to put only a little drainage in the bottom at first and bring this higher up after the plant is in the pot. This necessitates great care to avoid injury to the roots, but is preferable to coiling the latter up in a heap. If they grow in a close mass, as it were, fighting for a place with each other, all well and good, but it is wrong to compress them unnaturally. The base of the stems must be kept a little above the rims of pot or basket and the line of compost finished neatly. The best time to repot is after the growths are pushing from the base, but before these commence to root on their own account. This new root action then re-establishes them in the new material. Plenty of atmospheric moisture and a brisk temperature, quickened as far as possible by sun-heat, is advisable at this time and all through the growing season. By the time the ' i"ches across, its chief feature being the large terminal leaves apiiear the root moisture may dorsal sepal, which is of a purple-tinted white, be a little lessened until tlie bulb is quite com- with » purphsh stripe running down the centre, plete. From this time onward full exposure to The pouch .« brown with a reddish t.ngo, and the the .sun may be allowed, the water supply and P^'*'^' .^'^''I'^rYnfi V' ""h „H hTT'' ,,,.•' ^ L • 1 J ^1 1 are pale green spotteil witli red, and have a a so tho temperature being lessened as the days ^^j^,[;,, jf^^ ^^^' ^,,„ ^^„^^^ ^ .„^ ;„ shorten. During early winter and until the f^^^^^. ^f ^i,;^ pi^,^ ;„ j^^ flowering during nodes coninience to swell a temperature of :>() i ^hat is, perhaps, tho dullest time of the year will suit the plants well, and only enough mois- among Orchids, that ie during the two months ture to keep the stems plump must be allowed, before Christmas. The first pl.iiits were intro- The blossoms open according to the time the duced by mere chance among a collection of plants are again placed in heat, so that by keep- Indian Orchids, and the exact native homo of the ing some of them in the cool, dry house until i species was at first unknown. High prices were, well on in the new year, a long succession of | i" consequence, obtained, but soon after it was bloom may be ensured by having a sufticient imported by Messrs Sander and Messrs ' -"- - c 1 _i Tu,..,.i, „, t T ii.:„i. I suttieient ciuantity to bring it within the number of plants Though not, I think usually practised, this plant may be easily pro- pagated by laying the stems on boxes or pans of Moss. The young plants resulting are more vigorous than those obtained by dividing up older specimens. Well-ripened stems that have just flowered are the best for the purpose, and these if not too long may be cut ofl" and laid entire on the surface of Moss. A thick layer of drainage material should underlie this, as during the time young plants are forming the Moss must be kept very moist, and if stagnant water is present the latter soon sours and be- comes unsuited to the young roots. Weak or unhealthy plants should never be cut for this purpose, for whatever the advocates for prun- ing Dendrobes may say, the practice is to a cer- tain extent weakening. When well rooted the stems may be cut through, and the little plants either potted .separately or massed five or six together with a view to producing specimens more quickly. D. Ainsworthi was raised by Mr. Mitchell, gardener to the late Dr. Ains- worth, of Manchester, and it first flowered in 1874. H. R. Oncidium serratum. — This ie a very at- tractive plant. It is one of the set with long scandent spikes of flower, these often attaining a length of o or 4 yards, much branched and many flowered. The dorsal sepal is very broad, the lower ones and petals narrower and all rather deeply serrated at the margin. The lip is small with a prominent crest, the colour of the wholi flower being yellow with heavy blotches and markings of bri^iht reddish-brown. It may be grown quite cool in rather large pots, the compost being made very rough and open, and abundant drainage given. It was introduced from Peru in 1S.")0, and requires plenty of water at the root all t le year round. Cypripedium Edwardl.— This, one of the finest of the Fairrieanum hybrids, is the result of crossing C. Veitchi with C. Fairrieanum. The dorsal sepal is 2h inches long by '2 inches broad, the ground colour white, shading to green at the base, the sides heavily suffused with purple, the whole lined and veined from the base to the top with bright purplish brown. The petals are each 2| inches long, the ground colour on the lower half white, the upper part pale green, heavily suffused with purple at the edges, and spotted from the base to the tips with dark brown. The outer edges are thickly covered with dark purple hairs. The lip is brownish purple, shading to pale green, veined with a darker shade. It: first flowered in the collection of Mr. H. (iravee. New Jersey, U.S.A.— S. Cypripedium Spicerianum.— Since the first appearance of this species in the garden of Mr. Herbert Spicer at Woodlands, near Godalming, in ISTS, a good many new Cypripediums have been discovered and introduced. It is question- able, however, if any one of them surpasses this in value as a garden Orchid. It possesses a marked yet chaste beauty which cannot be said to be common to the Cypripediums as a whole. The plant itself is of neat, close habit, the narrow oblong leaves being of a deep green and each f pottery ware answering the purpose well. If several plants are put in, these may lie placed about IH inches apart, the trough of course be- ing made long enough to take them. Good hard wood boxes will also be suitable, but these will have to be renewed from time to time. The compost may consist of three parts of Sphagnum Moss to one of good lumpy peat, but not much of this is needed, the boxes or pits being nearly tilled with rough lumps (if crocks or ballast. It is not so much the lower tiers of roots as those produced higher up the stem that need the most care. If these can be induced to take a really firm grip of anything, be it wall, cork, wood, or anything else, the plants will not take any harm. The plant comes from the West Indies, but is cultivated in many tropical countries, and delights in a strong moist heat and shade. Owing to the free root-production all along the stems, the plant is easily propagated. Lengths of the stein may be cut ofl'with as many roots attached as possible and placed singly in small pots, these being plunged to the rims in Moas in a high, moist temperature. Let the stem go right to the bottom of the pot and place the crocks around it for about half the depth, filling up with clean Sphagnum and charcoal. The house should be shaded, but it is not neces- sary or advisable to shut them up in a close propagating box, as this tends to weak growth. As soon as these are rooting freely on their own account they may be jilanted as described. Other positions may be named where this Vanilla would look well and be a source of in- terest. The roofs of stove ferneries or conserva- tories are sometimes used, but here the plants are at a disadvantage in that they have no root- hold other than that provided below. Where large idauts of Dicksonia antarctica and similar Tree Ferns are grown they may be allowed to ramble up the stems of these with capital efl^ect. They will have the benefit of a per- fectly natural holding for their roots, and will clothe the steins also in a natural manner, the result being quite different from the ridiculous- looking plan of establishing Pterises, Adiantums, and other Ferns thereon. The stem is draped, not hidden, and still retains its distinctive ap- pearance. The fruit of this Vanilla has an aromatic taste and odour, rarely fully de veloped in this country. The blossom.s must bs artificially fertilised while still fresh if fruit is required. When fully grown the pods are from .") to 7 inches long, very slender and contain ing a dark brown or black pulp in which the seeds are enclosed. There are several other .species in the genus, some much more attractive than this in flower, but V. planifolia is the only one cultivated for its fruit. The flowers are each about 2 inches across, produced at various seasons, and in colour greenish with a white lip. Many people could grow this Orchid on the back walla of their stoves or on divisions of houses. The flowers are some '2 inches in length and are produced from March to June, mostly in May. All depends upon the warmth given the plants. Home-grown Vanilla is not common, but as the plant soon covers a good space, it may with advan- tage be more largely grown in mixed hou.'es where a stove temperature is maintained. To do it well it needs overhauling yearly, and at this season the long .shonts fail to push out their fleshy roots if not attended to. The plants do best in a narrow border ; a width of 6 inches is sufficient, allowing the same depth, as the rooting material can with advantage be built up the stems. In making a new bed it is well to obtain some strong shoots, using a compost of rough fibrous peat, broken crooks (clean), and good-sized lumpa of charcoal. A temperature of 70° is none too high by fire-heat. Syringe several times daily with tepid water, and in a few months the growths will have increased in length several feet ; indeed, with a good start there is no difficulty in filling in one season a bare wall I.*) feet to 20 feet in height. The flowers are produced on short racemes or spikes, which push out from the main shoots or trailing growths. Others may appear at the tO[) of a strong growth, but are not nearly so good as those noted above. During the flowering period syringing must cease and all the flowers must be set with great care, or they dro() wholesale. One person should do the setting, and about noon daily each flower must bo treated thus: The operator lifts the lip whi .1. Veituli (treasurer) — to whom Hm- . mim i .m in- debted for tlie proposal- and niiiiiy di licr iricinis of the iiistitiition, who have alsi) iiruini.scd generous con- tributions towards this object. 'I'lie committee would point out th.it Her Jloji'sty Ikir tirnn patrorcss of the charity for forty five years- ,";n ! -.^ Iv ! i * v-n- rvinoed I'St uls, to celebrate the iJiaiii..:.! ,!:;l.:' - '/■ . ,, \,inria in such a manner and willi 11. c jjuip ;. lu ,un\ , Ibey will receive the support and prajiigal sympathy of all friends of the inst tution, as well as of those who take an interest in gardening and flowers. The committee have also resolved, ia honour of the event, to i end on June 21 next the sum of £.5 to each unsuccessful can- didate at the present election whose name is then on the applicants' list. It is with fe.dings of deep regret that the oommittes have to recoid the decease of their valued colleague and friend, Mr. James Webber. From the year 1844 bis family had been warm supporters of the inttitu- tiou, whilst for the past tweuty-oue years he himself had been a member of the committee, and had invari- ably done his utmost to promote the interests and further the objects of the institution, and his loss wi 1 be severely felt and his services greatly missed. The committee, in conclusion, have the privilege and the pleasure of .announcing that the Kight Hon. Lord ttothscliild has very kindly undertaken to preside at the tifty-eighth anuiversary festival dinner on Thurs- day, Jlay -20, 181)7, at the Whitehall Rooms of the Hot 1 Metropole, and they confidently appeal to all those who are interested in the welfare of the charity to do their utmost to make the anniversary a marked success. The committee earnestly hope that the thank- fulness expressed for the success attained in the past will be an incentive to further exertions, so that the good work which has been cirried on by the institu- tion for fifty-eight years may continue to grow and prosper. Dr. Bjla!,ce She_t. Tu li,lUmce £'.103 15 5 „ Deposit 1. lis 0 0 ,, Animal siibscriptious .. .. £1335 7 0 ,, Douitiiiis at and in conse- quence of .innu I dinner, in- dudij-g stewards' list .and rollecling cards 2492 1 I] ,, Eiturn of income tax .. .. -J-i 19 10 (nts i By Pensions and gi Expenses of electiu Stcretiry's salaiy Ottice a-sistance .. Rent of office list ^^tltionc^y, includng scriptiuu Ijooks Book of cheques annual Less tickets told 86 Honorarium to J. S. Row Postige cf appsals Postage of rtport», " Deputation and travelling i Investment of life 6ubscripti( Eailway 3 per cent. Debentui On dt posit liaancB witli trcllm-er .. . (Signed)— TiioMAs M.axninc, Thomas Swift, J. WiLi,.\Rii, Auditors. At such a time as this it is well to take note of the following, viz. : In consequence of— 1, Richard Brimbleccmbe, of Exeter, aged 67, annual sub- scriber of £1 le. for sixteen years; 2, Henry 70 THE GARDEN. [January 23, 1897 Downing, of Hitchin, aged 61, annual subscriber of £1 l8., also life member for twenty years ; 3, Thomas Eleley, of Birmingham, aged 58, totally disabled, a life member for sixteen years, also contributed £7 The weather in "West Heitf.— A cold week, the highest temperature in shade at no time rising above 38°, while on the night jireced- ing the 18th the exposed thermometer showed 21° of frost. The latter is the lowest reading as yet recorded here this winter. During the week the temperature of the soil at 2 feet deep has fallen Iiaying out a jardtn (J/.).— Name sbouh ave been given. Haidy Feins, Solomon's Sea) are the only pla Foxglove.", likely to grow in such a pla Plants for front of house {H. R. D.) — Tl best things would be the Myrtle (we thick it coc well in your countr3),the Pyracantha, and (iarij elliptica, with a sood wall Rose. See the clindx the walls of the College Gardens, Dublin, net far your garden. THE GAliDEN. 71 0. 1315. SATLRDA Y, January SO, 1897. Vol. LI. "ThiaU an Art Whloh does mend Nature : change It rather ; but TBI Art itsilf is NiToBi."— SAoiupajri. Stove and Greenhouse. ALOCASIAS. coKsiiiEUABLK miniber of species and hybrids ' fe Alocasia arc, or have been, cultivated aa ••- irden plants in this couutiy. Most of them .•e to rank with choice ornaniental-leavcd lants for the stove, as they are easily accom- lodatfd. IVoely, and form handsome speci- lens in a shoit time. Such plants as these, wever, are apt to be overlooked liy the ordi- ary cjllector ami cultivator ; it will, thcre- ire, servo a useful purpose to pass in review lie best of what are in cultivation now, briefly 'idicating the clnracters of each. Alocasia roper consists of about thirty species of fleshy eiiniiol, Iari,'c'-leaved plants, all natives of the iipiis of Asia. It differs from Colocasia only I tlu' number and airangoment of the ovules. ;.; 11 the species ara evergreen, although some tj [iltivators find it most convenient to force 111 lem into rest for the winter, as is done with le CaKdiums. They like a rich, open soil II 1 plenty of water whilst growing ; indeed, o jihiuts revel more in what may be termed ittening treatment than these. A nuxture of i iirfy loam and feat, Sphagnum, chircoal, and :;: ;leiity of silver saud answers for all of them. : "hey are better accommodated in shallow pots ■ r p.ins than in the ordinary pot. The hottest ml nioistest position in the stove is suitable .r them. They may be multiplied by means f cuttings of the stsms put in in early spring, : r the stems may be half buried on their sides r a cocoa-nut fibre in a frame, where they will ,; Itish up lateral shoots. - ' Numerous hybrids have been raised in gar- lens, chiefly by Messrs .J. Veitch and Sons, , dr. Bull, M. Linden, aiul M. Chantrier. They a ippear to hybridise freely, and the progeny n' ;ave generally proved useful additions to gar- (i en plants. A. intermedia, raised by Messrs. i^ . eitch, and A. hybrida, by Mr. Bull, were dis- -: ributed about tsventyflve years ago. Other I nore recent hybrids are A. Augustiana, A. ., iachi, A. Chautrieri, A. Chelsoni, A. Luciani, : i. Margaritie, A. Sedeni, &c. The following species are in cultivation in his country, and are worth a place among orna- uental-leaved stove plants : — I Aloc.\si.\ Curtisi.— Sent to Kew from Penang )y Mr. C. Curtis in 1893, and named in compli- neut to him by Mr. N. E. Brown. It has leaf- , talks 2.ifeet long, coloured olive-green, barred ;■ vith purple: the leaf blade is heart shaped, 18 ^ nche^ long, 10 inches wide, the basal lobes broad ; ;! lolour of upper furface shining green, with grey ; nidrib and nerves, the under surface deep purple. ■ Ipathe 6 inches long, green ; epadix 4 inches long, ,, I'ellow. A. iN-i>i( A is a common plant, both wild and : ultivated in various parts of tropical Asia. It las a stout, fleshy stem 6 feet or more high, and ■vate cordate leaves a yard across, coloured bright 'jreen on both sides. A. LiNHKNi.— A remarkable plant, provisionally lamed Alocasia. It has a short stem, bearing lumerous leaves each a foot high, the blades cor- late, 11 inches long and coloured blight green and ,'ellow. When bruised the leaves emit a strong !)dour, like paregoiic. A native of New Guinea. A. uiNc.ii.oiiA.— A native of Malaya. It has ,eaf-stalk§ •_> feet long, coloured greenish white, jnottled with purple ; the blade is sagittate, IS nches long, with very long basal lobes standing erect like a pair of cars, upper surface green, with grey bands along the midrib and nerves, under surface tinged with purple : spathe ."i inches long green and yellow ; epadix yellow. A. Lowr.— Introduced from Borneo by Mesfrs. H. Low and Co. in istii. Leaf-stalks 2 feet to .'i feet long, dull rose coloured ; blade ovate, 1 inches long, (i inches wide, the basal lobes larg and acute ; upper surface coloured olivegieen, with silvery binds along the midrib and nerves ; under surface rich shining purple, spatho boat- shaped, creamy white, spadix yellow. The variety picta has the surface of the leaves covered with reticulating lines, and the spathe tinted with pink. A. MACRORXUU/A.— The largest and probably the commonest of all Alocasias. It forms a stem a foot in diameter and 1.5 feet high, bearing a head of stiff-stalked, heart shaped green leaves abnut :i feet long. They are remarkable for their broad conspicuous midrib and nerves. It is a useful plant for large tropical houses and is also know n as A. odora and A. commutata. A. MARoiNATA —Introduced from Brazil by Mr. Bull in 1S87, but unlikely to be a native of that country. The leaf stalks are each ;! feet long, pale green, barred with dark brown ; the blade is heart-shaped, 2 feet by 1 foot, the ba?al lobes 6 inches long ; upper surface dark green, under surface dull green, tinted with purple ; the leaf sheaths are margined with dark brown ; spathe G inches long, boat-shaped, white, spotted with purple. A. MKTALLiCA.— InlToduced from Borneo by Messrs. Low and Co. in 1861). This is perhaps the best known of all garden Alocasias, and when well grown it is ore of the most effective of fine-foliaged plants. It has a short fleshy stem, smooth green leaf-stalks each about 1.^ feet lone, and ovate, peltate blades, 18 inches by 12 inches, dark metallic green, with bauds of a still darker shade along the midrib and nerves, the under side deep purple. The leaf sheaths are red and the spathes purple and green. To grow a good specimen of this plant, a number of ycung stems should be planted about (i inches apart in a large pan. It is advisable to remove the flowers as they appear, if large leaves are desired. A. rn'MiiEA, also called A. grandis, is a hand- some species from Java. It was described by Mr. Brown in 1886 as being quite as ornamental as A. Thibaudi. The leaf-stalks are each :! feet long, purplish ; the blade is heart-shaped, 2 feet by 1 foot, the basal lobes 6 inches long, upper sur- face shining dark green, under surface of same colour, with purple midribs and nerves ; spathe 0 inches long, white, lined with carmine ; spadix 6 inches long, pale yellow. A. PtiT/.EVsi, also called A. Watsoniana. — First introduced from Sumatra by M. Linden in 1881, d again more recently by Messrs. F. Sander and Co., who gave it the second name in the belief that it was new. It is a very handsome plant, forming when well grown a noble speci- men. The petioles are 3 feet long, purple, and the blade is ovate, with a shallow sinus and acuminate apex from 2 feet to 3 feet long, and 1 foot wide ; the upper surface dark shining green, with bands of silver along the midrib and nerves, he lower surface deep purple ; spathe erect, boat-shaped, creamy white. , REVERSA.— A new introduction from the Philippines which we owe to Messrs. F. Sander and Co. It is a dwarf compact plant, the petioles 6 inches long and coloured bright green, the blade ovate, 8 inches long with a shallow sinus and acute tip, grey green, the midrib and nerves led with dark olive green, spathe 3 inches long, green with a red margin ; spadix yellow. A. Sanoeriana. — Introduced from the Philip- pines and distributed by Mr. Bull in 1884 as "a remarkably handsome and truly grand aroid, forming one of the flneat variegated- leaved stove plants yet introduced to Europe." It has erect petioles, 2 feet long, dark green, mottled with brown ; the blade is about 2 feet long, and curiously notched or lobed along the sides, the outline being extremely sinuous and irregular the colour is bluish green, with bands of white along the midrib, nerves and margins. A variety named nobilis has also been introduced. A. TiiiBAtiTiANA.— A Borrein species which we owe to Mr. Burbidge who collected it for Messrs. Veitch in 1878. It is a handsome plant, with smooth grey green petioles 3 feet long, and large ovate cordate blades 2 feet by 18 inches, the basal Inbes broad and rounded ; colour i ale green with silvery bands along the midrib and nerves, under surface deep lurid purple, spathe trreen. What may prove to be a variety of this with more rigid leaves less conspicuously variegated, was distri- buted a few years ago utider the name of A. Van Houttei. A. ZEI'.RISA.— A native of the Philippines which has been in cultivation since 1862. It sometimes forms a stout stem after the style of A. macrorrhiza, and is remarkable for its beautiful polished zebra-marked leaf stalks, which are often a yare- verely. Fortunately, at a time when the plants could btst appreciate it, a thorough mulching, together with a good wateriii' occa- sionally and an application at times of liquid manure, was given. A vigorous growth was the result. A few weeks before the conference, hich washeld in August, the long- look ed . for ra.n came, and fiom that time and until September the free-flowering characteristics of these plants were to be seen. When the committee appointed to adjudicate upon the merits of the varieties submitted for trial examined the collection, the liority of them were at their best. A further trial in the same gardens was proposed for the present year and a very large number of the best sorts propagated. Several vaiittus were discarded, beuig considered unwoithy of 74 THE GARDEN. [January 30, 1897. a further trial. Frame accommodation was liindly given, and this should ensure a nice batch of plants for spring planting. A cause for congratulation is the determina- tion of the Royal Horticultural Society to hold a trial of Tufted Pansies at Chiswick this year. The plants should have been sent in during October last, but there is reason for believing that the proposed trial is not yet generally known. It would be wise, there- fore, under the circumstances to receive plants in the spring and during the time the planting is being carried out, as by these means a trial of a far more extensive character will then be ensured. It is hoped that for the purpose of comparison, varieties of a colour will be planted together. The committee appointed to consider the merits of the different sorts would under such conditions find their task a comparatively easy one. The fancy, or as termed by some the blotched, varieties in their different markings might also be arranged together. In this way all the points in the different varieties could easily be compared. A Grower. FLOWER GARDEN NOTES. Hardy plants.— Unless the weather takes a di cided turn and gives us a repetition of the severe time experienced in February, ISflj, nearly all hardy plants will be extra strong and, in their respective seasons, earlier than usual. In all gardens where soil and subsoil are naturally light and porous they have benefited wonderfully by the over average rainfall of the four last •months of 1896, a soaking, by the way, badly needed after the very dry time earlier in that year. So far as our own borders are con- cerned, the annual mulch this time of extra thickness to keep in the moisture was hardly in its place when there was a twenty four hours' rain, so the coanforting thought arises that if we get another long dry season in the present year it will be some time before plants will suffer to any extent. It has been a grand winter for Car- nations. There are no losses and plants ate already slightly on the move, the only dotrimen- tal point being a slight visitation of spot on Uriah Pike and Ketton Rose. I am glad to see varieties grown for the first time among which are Mrs. A. Campbell, The Pasha, Lady N. Bal- four, and Cirolus Duran coming away slirong and well. In Carnations it is not only the ability to stand the winter that is required ; we want strong, healthy plants that will throw a goodly number of stems and develop the majority of the flowers well. Tufted Pansies all look strong and well, with the exception of William Niel. I shall have to invest in another stock of this, as a recent in- spection shows that every plant is gone. No cuttings of this variety were available when others were taken, so the plants were cut over early with the view of securing material for after propagation. All, however, signally failed, and the only feasible explanation seems to be that on a light soil and in a season none too favourable for Tufted Pansies, the variety in quescion literally flowered itself to death. The true tufted section of Pansies is emphatically the hardy flowering carpet plants of the garden, and may be used successfully with many taller things, both tender and hardy. In sue associations I should give the preference to hardy things, such, for instance, as the taller Antirrhinums, Pentstemons, and scarlet Lobelias Pyrethrums will be, perhaps, a little later than usual, tha greater pare of the stock having been lifted and divided with the view to increase the sama. the early flowering of these plants render- ing them exesptionally useful. The early-flower- ing section of Phloxes has started into growth quickly, and I am rather doubtful about this coming safely through. Given a spell of extra sharp weather, it has a succulent tender look about it that is not suggestive of frost resistincr. Given, however, clusters of early starting shoots, plenty more will be available later that as yet are only just on the move, and the safety of these is secured by the thick mulch. An exceptionally late-startiuf; plant is Platycodon Mariesi, especi- ally if newly planted, and those growing it for the first time are tempted to delve into the soil to ascertain if there is any sign of life. The early growth of this Platycodon is deeply coloured, and the spaces filled by it have to be rather carefully watched, or the young shoots are apt to be knocked off or bruised in touching over the border with hoe or rake. It is, unfortunately, true that several, perhaps many would be the more correct word, of the very best hond-ftle hardy, plants not as yet widely known ; at any rate they not often to be found in gardens. The cause of this neglect is not attributable to any difficulty in dealing with these particular things. Of course, some require a little special treatment, but given this they flourish amazingly and amply repay anj little extra care. Take the case of Alstra'merias. No one can grow them satisfacorily if they are simply stuck in an ordinary border just below ground and the barbarous practice of forking about them is followed every winter, but plant them deeply in a bit of good soil, leave them ulonu except for m annual mulching of manure, and no plants will make a better display or be more appreciated for the flower basket. If there is a suspicion that the quarter from whence they are obtained is not clean, a sharp look-out must kept for pieces of wild Convolvulus or ground Elder. Both these highly objectionable weeds are beneath the surface not unlike the smaller roots of Alstrnmerias— that is, to a casual observer, and are sometimes fostered at the expense of flowers. The Day Lilies (Hemerocallie) are siderably stronger in growth and larger in flower than tho last-named, but they possess this in common that well planted they are best undis- turbed, they stand well in water and are welcome in their season for tall vases. Exception to the lasting power, booh as to the plants and to the flowers in a cut state, must be made in the case of var. Dumortieri, and, except for its early flower ing, I fhould hardly recommend its inclusion in £ collection of Day Lilies— chat is, if the aim of the planter is as little after-attention as possible. The species may be included with Iris in water side gardening, the flag-like appearance being well adapted for such surroundings. I think the best forms of Sea Lavender if more widely known would be welcome in most gardens, if only for their value for cuttiing alike in a fresh or dry state. Like all deeply rooting plants, they will remain in their ([uarters lor many years, increas- ing a litcle, if only a very little, in strength with each succeeding year. If there are signs of deteriorating and they are taken up with the view to propagation, healthy pieces of root should be selected. It will be generally found that this is gone in places where foliage and flower-stem decrease in strength. If the stock is decidedly bad, a fresh start must be made with seedlings. The suggestion that many hardy plants are available that are comparatively unknown, or, at any rate, seldom found, holds equally good with dwarf things, one or two species already named — tojether with Pinks, Gentians, alpine Phloxes and Campanulas— furnishing excellent material in this direction. Campanulas are probably the most gracsful of dwarf plants, as, unlike the majority of things of this height, the flowers are borne on slender stems instead of being close up to the foliage. Reference is, of course, made here to such varieties as carpachica, Hosti and isophylla. They may occupy the same position for many years without removal, but some of the taller sorts, as persicifolia and its varieties, also grandis, require at least on some soils biennial lifting and the replanting of the strongest pieces. In suggesting above the names of a few species of hardy plants that are either well known, or, if not so common, equally deserviug, it will be seen that the list is mainly confined to families that embrace respectively a great number of varieties, and these will be founl most reliable. Somebaau- ' tiful things are certainly available where the numerical strength of sorts is very small, as Hem chera sanguinea, Anchusa italica or Senecio pul cher, and such plants may certainly be included but, unless tlio aim is a very extaneive collection, one cannot do better than begin with a selection o good things taken from the larger families, and there are so many good things now, that the ex elusion of poor kinds should be a primary con sidaration. Avoid, for instance, budsplittin' Pinks and Carnations, Tufted Pansies of raggec habit, the poorer Starworts, uncertain shades ir Delphiniums and Phloxes and the like, and ir planting borders of large size, endeavour to dis tribute the colours fairly well. Autumnal effects for instance, are sometimes marred by an over dose of lilac Starworts or Sunflowers. C/ai-emont. E. Bdrrell. THE LILIES OF THE PACIFIC COAST. The Pacific coast of the United States is wonder fully rich in members of the Lily family. Will nearly forty Calochorti, over twenty Brodiaji and thirty Alliums, nine Fritillaries and tei Erythroniums, as many or more Liliums, an( fifty other species distributed among twenty-fivi genera, the Liliace:v of the Pacific elope include i grand total of over 170 species, in a vast am comparatively unknown region, the exploratioi of which annually adds new species or proves thi existence of forms described by the earlie botanists and since lost sight of. I doubt if then is any other region in the world where the Lib family is so rich and varied. The number of Liliums or true Lilies on thi coast varies according to the nomenclature fol lowed. The " Botany of California," published ii liSSO, mentions eight species and one variety Mr. Baker more correctly, as I think, distribute the same material into fifteen species and vaiiei ties in his synopsis of the genus. These specie I can be divided into several groups according ti their natural affinities. Lilium Washiiigtonianuni and its varieties, with the nearly-related L. ru bescens, will form the first of these groups, am into the second will naturally fall L. columbianum L. Humboldti and its varieties, and L. Bloomer ianum, which is also known as L. Humboldt var. ocellatum. L. Bolanderi, too, shares in thi solid ovoid bulb and leaf character of this group although its flowers differ in forii. A third group, and a very large one it is, wil contain the western relatives of Lilium superbum large bog Lilies with rhizomatous roots and revo lute flowers. These are L. pardalinum, L. Roezli and L. Warei, with the innumerable forms of L pardalinum, some of which, as L. californicum, L. Bourgai, and L. puberulum, are often treated us species. This wonderfully varied group ia connected by a close chain of intermediate forms, possibly crosses, with the next group, which con- sists of the western relatives of L. canadense. In this group of small-flowered bog Lilies, L. par- vum is nearly as various in its forms as is L. pardalinum, but L. maritimum is, as far as my observation goes, strictly monotypic. The type of L. pirvum and that of L. maritimum hava funnel formed flowers. Lilium Parryi is closely related to the pardalinum group, differing only in having trumpet-shaped flowers. In growth it can hardly be distinguished from L. pardalinum. Of these eleven species, Lilium pardalinum is most widely distributed, being scattered from Central California to British Columbia, and east- ward to the shores of Lake Winnipeg. L. Wash/ ingtonianum inhabits a long and narrow belt in the main Sierra Nevada range and in the Cas- cades to British America. L. Parryi is found in Arizona as well as in its original location in Southern California, and L columbianum is found to extend far east of the Cascades in the Columbia River valley, but with these exceptions these Lilies belong to the mountainous regions of the Pacific coast proper in the Sierra Nevada and coast ranges. Carl Pukdv. Uk-iah, Ccdifomia, in Garden and Foresf. January 30, 1897.] THE GAKDEK 75 V SMALL FLOWER GARDEN, FAKX- HAM CASTLE. .' now, when it i.s being laid down !)}■ ;ome that the only flower garden worthy Iho name is one within four square walls, it ntercsts us to cimic upon gardens, as we jften do, of wholly difl'erent character, which diow the folly of laying down rules about subject which admits of so much variety f position, form, and detail as a flower arden does. One of the most interesting ,e have lately seen is the little flower garden on the top of the old keep at Farnham Uastle, which is as picturesque in situation ind informal in outline as a garden can bo, while it is extremely pntty with the broken Is on all sides clad with Ivy and Clematis, and in the centre many flowers. The variety i form from the walls surrounding it and the The following notes dealing with the ancient history of Farnham Castle have been kindly sent to us : — On the north side of the old town of Farnham is a steep aecent, but it is not until we have pasted through the lodge that we get a fair idea of the imposing grandeur of the castle and its position. The castle was garrisoned by the Parliamentaiy troops under Sir W. Waller in 1643. It was kept in a state of defence until lCi48, when it was seized by the Royalists. The most interesting feature of the castle is the keep, where we find a pretty flower garden. The keep is about 50 feet high, and it covers almost an acre of ground. From the tower we get a fine view of the large deer park and its grand avenues of trees. The castle first became a fortress in the troublous times of Henry de Blois, who was brother to King Stephen and Bishop of Winchester. The manor of Farnham came irito posfession of the see when Swithun was bithop. (^lueen Mary lodged at Farnham on her way to marry Philip of Spain at Winchester. Queen Elizabeth constantly vitited seasons as we have experienced during the last few years. It will remain in bloom from January right up to April. PL.\NTS IN POTS IN THE FLOWER GARDEN. A GFEAT deal nf ival -anl.ning pleasure and satisfactory ornaiiii'iilai illiMt is to be had from growing plants ill pots and tubs or in fancy vases and vessels of all kinds Ijoth in smalls and big gardens. I use large Seakale pots, when they arc no longer wanted for the Seakale, by turning them over, putting two bits of slate in the bottom of the pot, some drainage, and a few lumps of turf, and then filling up with good garden mould. Another useful pot is one called a Ehubarb pot. If you live near a pottery they will turn you out almost any .shaped pot you fancy. Flat garden in the ruined keep at Fiirnham Castle, Surrey. Fro tograph sent by Mr. Dowding. .'arious climbers give it a singular charm. The hardiest flowers are grown, as is most itting for such a garden — Irises in masses ind evergreen perennials, which help to keep ;ome grace in the garden towards the end of year, and Tea and other Roses also help fery much. Although we saw it on the ge of winter, it even then had some floral nterest and beauty of leaf and form. It should be clear, we hope, that in any :h situation it is only possible througli lower gardening of the free and picturescjue :ind to get a good result, and, happily, there re so many treasures in our gardens now, hat while growing things for their beauty of or flower or their fragrance, we may lave much variety as to contents, grouping, nd succession of bloom in such a garden. the castle, and Oli' years. Cromwell lived here for two Clematis cirrhosa or balearica. — Although one of the most modest of the Clematis, this spe- cies is well deserving of note because some of its flowers even at this early date are already ex- panded. It is an evergreen species, and if it did not flower at all would be worth cultivation for the sake of its handsome leaves. These are deeply and variously divided, and at this season become a deep bronzy purple colour ; they could no doubt be used in a cut state for table decora- tion. &o. The flowers are each about 1.^ inches across, of a yellowish white, and marked inside with reddish purple spots. This species is a native of the Balearic Islands, and was intro- duced from Minorca in 17S.3. It thrives best when given the sheltsr of a wall, for it is a sun- loving plant, and always flowers more freely after a hot, dry summer. Even in the open in a fairly sheltsred position it flowers very freely after such ones like those used by house painters, make a pleasant change, especially for small bulbs. Petroleum casks cut in two, burnt inside, then tarred and painted, are invaluable tubs. It must never, of course, be in any case for- gotten to have holes large enough to give good drainage. I use butter-casks treated in the same way, and have some little Oak tubs in which bullion came from America. These are very strong, and some water-loving plants do much better in wood, since the evaporation in summer is not nearly so rapid as from the earthenware. That is an important thing to remember both as regards sun and wind. If the plants are at all delicate and brought out of a greenhouse, the pots, when standing out, ought to be either quite sunk into the earth or shaded. This cannot, of course, be done 76 THE GAEDEK [January 30, 1897. the case of pots placed on a wall or terrace Joor pot plant. Fuchsias, especially the old- a stand, and so they must not be put fashioned fulgens, are satisfactory. Carnations '" ' - - -- - Eaby Castle, Countess of Paris, and ^Iis. out in the open till the end of May. Con- stant care about watering is also essential. Even in wet weather they often want more water if the sun comes out, as the rain wets the leaves, but hardly affects the soil at all. On the Continent, where all kinds of pot cultivation have been longer practised than in England, 1lower-pots are often glazed outside, which keeps the plants much moister because of less evapora- tion, and makes less necessity for frequent watering. The French especially understood much better the potting on of plants. They begin by putting seeds into pots no bigger than a thimble, and sinking them in boxes with cocoa-nut fibre ; the little plants are then potted on very gradually, never injuring the roots at all. The merciless way in which gardeners often tear off the roots collected at the bottom of a pot is most injurious to the plant. The large red jars in which oil is still conveyed from Italy, covered with their de- lightful coarse wicker-work, are useful orna- ments in some gardens. They are glazed inside, and boring a hole in the bottom of them is not very ea.sy work. They have to be more than half filled with drainage, and plants do not do well in them for more than one season, as the surface of the earth exposed at the top is so small. In old days the oil merchants in the suburbs of London used to cut them in two vertically, and stick them against their houses, above their shops, as an advertise- ment or ornament. The enthusiastic ama teurs will find that they get two very nice pots by sawing them in half horizontally just below the sham handles. The top part when reversed requires the same treatment as was recommended for the Seakale pots. All sorts of different things may be grown for standing out of doors in these large pots and tubs above described, and one plant may .suc- ceed another. The first rule, I think, is to grow in them those plants which are most desir- able, and yet do not grow especially well in your own local soil. To put into a pot what is flourishing much better in a bed a few yards off is, to my mind, a mistake. I grow large old plants of Geraniums. Henri Jacoby is especially good. They are kept on in the greenhouse from year to year, their roots tied up in Moss, and crowded into a pot or box with no earth and very little water through the winter ; they can be kept in a cellar or spare room. Early in April they are potted up and protected by mats in a pit, as 1 have no room for them in the greenhouse. This causes them to be somewhat potbound, and they flower splendidly during the latter part of the summer. Marguerites, the yellow and the white with large leaves, are good ]iot plants early in the year, far prettier than the narrow-leaved kinds. A double I'omegranate I have had for many years in a pot, and if thinned out in the summer it flowers well ; also two small Orange trees. The large old- fashioned Oak leaved, sticky Cape Sweet Geranium, which has a handsomer flower than the other kinds, makes a very good out- Eeynolds-Hole I grow in pots, and they do well; tliey must be layered early in -luly, and answer best if potted up in Septemlier and just protected from severe frosts. This year I took up a large clump of Montbretias out of a dry, sunny bed of Cape bulbs in. the kitchen garden just as they were coming through the ground and dropped them into large Seakale pot. They flowered exceed- ingly well, and in September I put them back in the dry border to die down. In fine summers, Myrtles and Oleanders flower well with me in tubs, not in the open ground. I treat Oleanders as they do in Germanj' — cut them back moderately in October and dry them off, keep them in a coach-house, warm shed, or wherever severe frosts will not reach them. When Cjuite dry they stand a moderate amount of frost. Then in March they are brought out, the ground is stirred and mulched, they are taken into a greenhouse and brought on a bit. In May they are thickly covered with good, strong horse manure and copiously watered. At the end of the month they are stood out in the open on a low wall. During May, June and July they cannot have too much water ; after that they want much less, or the leaves turn yellow and drop off. Campanula pyramidal' biennial, does well in pots, bhie and white both in one pot or apart. The seedlings have to be potted up in autumn (plants a year old). The same as with the Canterbury Bells, if you cut off the fading flowers the flowering season is much prolonged. Canterbury Bells (Campanula Medium) make charming pot plants fur large rooms or corridors in May or June. They are annuals, and the seed can be sown out of doors in starch or April, keep- ing the seedlings well thinned, transplanting in the autumn, and potting up the following spring. If strong crowns of Campanula persicifolia are potted up in autumn, they force beautifully in a moderate greenhouse in spring and are most satisfactory for picking or otherwise. Some years I grow Solanum jas- minoides over bent wires in pots ; grown thus it is pretty. Clethra (Sweet Pepper Bu.sh), a small North American shrub, I lifted from the reserve garden in .June and put into a pot, and it flowered vcrv w.-ll. The variety of plants which ciin Ik- tii.,! for growing in pots out of doors in sumiinr is almost endless. Love lies-bleeding (Amaranthus caudatus) is an annual, but if sown in January and very well grown on as a fine single specimen p)lant, it looks handsome and uncommon in a green glazed pot or small tub. Nothing I grow in pots is move satisfactory than the old-fashioned Calceolaria amplexioaulis ; it does not grow to any perfection with me in the beds, the soil being too dry, but potted, it makes a splendid show through the late summer and autumn months. A red-brown kind, little grown now. which I brought from Ireland and which I cannot name, also succeeds very well. They both want potting up in good soil in April. The shrubby Veronica speciosa rubra, V. im- pcriidis, and the variegated Andersoni, I gro\\' in pots because they flower beautifully ill the autumn, and the drowsy bumble-bees love to lie on them in the sunshine when Sedum spectabile is passing away. They are not quite hardy with me, as they cannot withstand the long, dry, cold springs. This in ilself justifies the growing them in' pots ; in mild, damp districts they arc large shrubs. The small bushy Michaelmas Daisies I put into pots at the end of July, and they fill up blank spaces on the wall late in the year. The blue Agapanthus everybody grows in tubs. The plants have to be rather potbound and kept dry in the winter to flower well, and as the flower-buds form they want well watering and a weekly do3e of liquid manure. Hydrangeas I find difficult to grow when planted out ; the common kinds do exceedingly well in tubs in half shady places if they get a good deal of water. A variegated, half-hardy shrub called Pro- cosma variegata makes a showy pot plant. Large standard Myrtles I have had covered with bloom in August in tubs. My large old plant, which I had had many years, was killed last spring by being turned out of the room it had wintered in too early, because I came from London sooner than usual. The great difficulty in small places is housing these large plants in winter. They do not want much protection, but they must have some, and the death of large old plants is grievous. I liave just built a new greenhouse, which I am going to try with no heating beyond a lamp-stove in very cold weather. If I lived in the country in the winter I should grow small evergreens and Ivy in pots and try various experiments, which are of no use toi me as I live in London. In many cases thei) lants would not got injured by frost if one/ pot were sunk inside another. Woodlands, Sinrei/. M. T. E. Marguerite Carnations.— That these most useful Carnations can be inducad to develop at least good biennial form is evidenced by the treatment given them by Mr. Springthorpe at Coombe Court, Kingston. He sows under glass in February, and thus gets strong plants to put out into the open ground in April. These are lifted again when they have become bushy into 8-inch pots early in August, and, becoming well established, give dense grass growth fully 12 inches through to open the winter season. Kept near the light and in gentle warmth, the bloom is produced in great abundance, new growths follow- ing in rapid succession, every fresh one ultimately producing a bloom. Then in the spring, the plants being no longer required under glass, they are placed in a cold frame to harden, and early in May a broad trench, as for Celery, is opened in the kitchen garden ; the plants, turned out of pots, are planted 18 inches apart in the trench, the soil being well tilled up about the stems. Stout stakes are driven in at either end of the rows and a few at intervals through it, and string is run along at intervals. To these supports the plant stems as they make growth are tied, so that as the season advances they reach a height of fully 3 feet, thus forming a Carnation hedge. In that way a really wonderful i|uantity of bloom is fur- nished. Where a large batch is grown from a fine strain, any that are of poor quality may be rejected. That is a good reason for planting out, at the first more than may be absolutely required for potting, as then the inferior ones can b( early discarded. Many of the plants bear double Jandary 30. 1897.J THE GARDEIT. n flowers. The colours are very decided and de- void of that slaty hue often seen. — A. D. CULTIVATION OF OSIERS. It has been represented to the Board of Agri- culture thixt infoi Illation about the cultivalinii of Osiers would be useful, with a view to direct the attention of agriculturists and others to a special industry for which there would appear to be some room for development in certain parts of this country. The Board have there- fore collected certain particulars, and have ob- tained a report by one of their inspectors — Mr. W. C. Little, of Stag's Holt, March, who was assisted in his inquiries by Mr. .J. Brown, of Wisbech— as to the conditions under which Osier growing is now pursued in the Fen dis- tricts, from which the following notes have been compiled. There are no official records of the quantity of Osiers imported into this country, but it has been estimated that some thousands of tons are received from abroad annually. There is also said to be a large and increasing importation of baskets. The number of baskets required for the fruit industry alone is con- siderable, and it must increase with the ex- tension of fruit cultivation. Formerly the fruit are grown in nearly every country in Europe. I Their cultivation has received attention in France, Belgium, Holland, parts of Germany and South Kussia. In France Osiers occupy large areas in the valleys of the Aisne, Oise, Loire, Oironde, and on the banks of the Dordo;^ne and Rhone. The basket Osier (Salix viminalis) is largely grown in the departments of Aisne and Ar- dennes. The area under Osiers in Bel- gium, according to the latest official re- turns, amounts to 1 1,03(5 acres ; the larger portion of this surface is in the provinces of Antwerp and East Flanders, which have 3780 and 2811 acres re- spectively. In Bavaria great efibrts hnvc been made to improve the cultivation ..f Osiers, and the area devoted to Osi.-i holts in that country is steadily really Willows, and not Osiers. At any rate, while growers use the term in a collective sense, they limit the term when distinguishing sorts of rods to a coarse-growing, soft-wooded Osier Growing in the Fen COUNTRV. The term Osier is popularly used as comprehending all the trees or shrubs of the genus Salix, which are cultivated as a crop to be converted by the basket- maker and similar craftsmen into various articles which are known as wicker-work. Seakale pots in fit species, which peels indilFerently, and is only grown in limited quantities for a particular purpose. Osiers are grown in enclosed plantations, which are locally known as holts. The produce of the Osier holt is known commercially as " rods." Green rods are fresh cut and unpeeled. Brown rods are those which have been lefD to dry in their skins. White rods are those which have had the bark removed or peeled. Bull' rods are produced by boiling brown rods and then peeling them, but the colour thus pro- duced is imitated by dyeing. In the Fen district the growth of Osiers is chiefly carried on in unembanked river valleys, which are subject to flooding. A variety of cir- cumstances contributes perhaps to this situation being almost universally selected. It is not ( merely that this is the natural habitat of ths genus and that the soil is suitable, but the j convenience of having close at hand water carriage for a bulky and heavy crop, which must be for the most part removed in a green state, has no doubt tended to restrict the I growth of Osiers almost entirely to the borders j of rivers. An additional reason for the selection j of such sites is, that the periodical winter floods bring down from the uplands a ci nsiderable quantity of soil, which acts as a fertiliser and is obtained at a comparatively cheap rate. Floods, however, are occasionally the cause of con- siderable injury to the holts. An ice flood cuts the rods and seriously damages thtm. Sheet ice settling down on the holt will entirely de- stroy a crop, and a spring flood, which entirely covers the young shoots, will kill them ; but freshets, which disappear quickly and which do not rise above the tops of the rods, do no , harm. The area of Osier holts in the district was generally packed m baskets made of red or , The genus Salix includes Willows, S unpeeled Osiers, but white (Jsier baskets are and Osiers. Most of the kinds grown for j question has been approximately estimated as almost invariably used now. Osier wiUows | a crop in the Fen district are, it is stated, I follows : - 78 THE GAEDEK [Januaey 30, 1897. In the Ouse Valley, between St. Ives (Hunts) and Denver (Norfolk), 190 acres. In the Cam Valley, near Cambridge and Ely, 108- acres. In the Nene Valley, in the neighbourhood of Peterboro', GO acres. In the Welland Valley, around Spalding and Crowland, 130 acres. But these estimates exclude considerable areas above St. Ives, Peterboro' and Cambridge. Ely and Earith are centres of a considerable growth of Osiers, of rod-peeling and also of basket-making. There can be no doubt that the extent of Osier holts in the Feu district is now much less than it was ; but at the present moment there is some evidence of increased in- terest in the subject and greater attention to the business. The indu.stry is apparently be- coming more of a speciality, and basket-makers are planting holts in some instances to supply their own requirements. The Cultivation of the Osier. The most suitable soil for the growth of Osiers is a deep, rich, moist, alluvial soil. Any good clay may be planted if sufficiently moist. Peat moor and hot gravels are absolutely unsuitable. Though water is requisite, a holt will not thrive in stagnant water. The site of a holt having been selected, the land must be thoroughly cleaned during the summer before planting, and it may be worth while to give it a complete summer fallow. Before the winter sets in it must be thoroughly stirred either by digging or ploughing to a depth of 14 inches or 10 inches. If the soil is not naturally rich, it should be manured, and soot is said to be a good preparation for the crop. Planting should be done in February or March. The sets are cut from wood of two years' growth — they should be 10 inches or 18 inches long, and about 10 inches of the set should be in the ground. During the spring and early summer the spaces between the rows must be kept clean by hoeing and forking. The cleaning must be completed before the middle of June, or the 0.siers will be injured. The cost of cleaning is variously estimated at from £1 to £2 per acre per annum for the first two years. After that time the ex- pense of cleaning is much les.s, as the dense and rapid growth of the Osiers stifles and smothers all other vegetation. It may be mentioned in passing that the young shoots from an esta- blished stock will make a growth of 18 inches in the course of a single week. Under the most favourable circumstances the newly-planted holt will be at maturity in three years, but as a general rule four or five years must elapse before its full development. A holt properly planted, kept clean, regularly filled up, and well managed will last from ten to fifteen years, the duration depending upon the sorts planted and various circumstances which aflect the several kinds of Osiers in different ways. The "Willows and Osiers usually grown in the Fen district are known locally by names indicative either of some characteristic of the tree or of the country from which it has come. The favourite sorts are — Glibskins. — In some situations this kind is particularly liable to scab, a disease to which re- ference is made later on. Black Mauls.— Small, but hard and tough, and consequently valuable. Gkeen SucKLiNcis. — A heavy cropper, but not liked by the basket-maker. WEL.S1I Osier.— This has a very bitter rind, which is dis.agreeable to all animals, and it is planted on the outsides of holts. Black Hollanders : Mottled Spaniards ; Cane Osiers ; and Dutch Red. A certain proportion of the coarse-growing Osiers may be grown, as the basket-makers re- quire some strong stout rods for uprights ; where they are not grown their place is supplied by leaving a portion of the holt to grow for two or three years. The cost of preparing and planting an Osier holt is variously estimated at from £14 to £23 an acre— the amount depend- ing upon whether the land is trenched or ploughed and upon the preparatory cleaning which may be necessary. Taking an outside estimate, the items of expenditure would be as follows : — £ s. d. Fallowing 4 0 0 an acre. Trenching S 0 0 ,, Sets,20,000atl0s. perlOOU 10 0 0 Planting 10 0 „ £•23 0 0 This is without any allowance for manure. ( )n the other hand, if fallowing is not required and ploughing is resorted to, the cost would not exceed £14 per acre. CuTTiN(i AND Peeling. The Osiers attain to their full growth by the middle of September, by which time the rods on established plants will have made a growth of 0 feet to 7 feet. Osiers and Sallows will make an average growth of 8 feet or !) feet, and, occasionally, as much as 13 feet, in a single season. Cutting the rods commences with the new year, if the holts are accessible. Sometimes, however, floods or other circum- stances prevent the early cutting, and the pro- cess has to be postponed. It is, however, con- sidered very desirable to cut before the sap rises, as the stocks bleed, and the new growth is less vigorous if the sap has risen before cut- ting. The rods are cut with a sharp hook, somewhat like a strong reaping hook ; a clean cut, without splitting the rod, is essentially necessary. As the rods are cut, they are tied up by Willow bands into bundles or bunches. Each bunch has a girth of 45 inches (an English ell) at a distance of 1 foot from the butt end of the bunch. The ell band is secured in its place by attachment to another band, called the breech band, round the butt end. A third band is placed higher up. The cutting is paid for by the score bunches, the ordinary rate being 23. Od. An average crop will be about 150 bunches, and a heavy crop will reach to 250. A green bunch will weigh G stones. The weight of rods per acre will range from 5 tons to 10 tons. It has already been observed that it is a great advantage if this bulky and heavy crop can be removed by water carriage. If the rods are to be peeled they are conveyed to the peeling yard and placed with their butt ends in water, where they remain until the rise of sap makes the peel separate easily from the stick. Sometimes after the rods are cut they w ill dry from exposuie to the air, and in that case they are put in a heap, watered, covered up, and sweated, or couched, as it is called. If the rods in the pits get too advanced in growth before peeling, the difficulty of peeling is increased and the rods are damaged. The work of peeling begins as soon as any of the rods are fit. It is chiefly done by women, who draw the rods through a break or cleave, which divides the bark into strips, which are removed by the hand. The children of the peelers assist in this latter operation. As the rods are peelf d they are sorted into three grades — large, Middles- boro, and small rods — according to their size and length. They are then exposed to the air for a fhort time on racks, or reared against hedges or walls. When dry they are tied up in bunches of the same dimensions as before and stored away in sheds. Rods which are adapted for the purpose, and which are, in consequence, most valuable, are subjected to another process known as skeining. This is the longitudinal division of the rod by splitting it into equal parts. The thick end of the rod is nicked with a knife, dividing the circle into three sectors. A triple wedge is then inserted, and the rod is drawn rapidly through the hand. The split canes are then drawn twice under a knife fixed to a gauge to remove the outer ring and inner angle, and the cane is reduced to a flat, thin strip of equal thickness. These skeins are used for weaving sieve and riddle bottoms, and for making basket handles and similar articles. Oreeu rods are skeined by the same process, for making eel grigs, hives, &c. Hitherto the ordinary practice of most growers has been to sell the rods when cut to persons who peel, sort, and store them. The peeler requires a consider- able supply of labour at a particular period, buildings in which to store the rods, and capital to enable him to hold the stock until it is wanted. The cost of peeling is as follows : Women are paid 5d. per green bunch. The rods are brought to them by men, who sort, dry, tie, and store the bunches. Two men will attend to ten or twelve peelers, and they are paid 2d. per green bunch. A woman will peel from three to three and a half bunches a day. The peeling process extends over eight or ten weeks. The percentage and weight of each class of rods pro- duced in a holt has been estimated as follows : — Large rods, .S5 per cent. 56 lbs. per bunch. Middle, 40 ,, 40-45 lbs. per bunch. Small, 25 ,, 28 lbs. per bunch. 100 Average weight per bunch about AS^ lbs. It takes three bunches of green rods to pro- duce two bunches of peeled rods, and the ratio of white rods to green rods will be, approxi- mately, 54| per cent, in weight. A large pro- portion of the Osiers grown are sold by the growers in a green state. In the Cambridge district it has become usual to sell by auction at so much per acre, the purchaser cutting the crop and carrying it away. Basket-makers fre- quently contract with growers to take their green rods at a fixed price for a series of five, seven, or even fourteen years. The most common plan is for the grower to cut and sell green on the spot at the market price of the day. This price has of late years ranged from Is. Od. to 2s. 6d. per bunch, and at the present time the price is 2s. for good rods. Some of the larger growers peel and store the rods, and sell them when there is a biisk demand. Some, and an increasing number, combine the business of growing with that of manufacturing. White rods are now generally sold by the ton, and the present price is about £18. It will be interest- ing to compare the relative returns to the grower who sells the raw material and to the intermediary who prepares that material for the manufacturer. Taking the figures and prices given previously as a basis, it would appear that a grower who sells his rods green would receive for an average crop at present prices £15 an acre. A grower who peels his rods would, receive for the same crop at present prices £34 10s. Id. This leaves £14 19s. Id. to pay the middle- man for his outlay of capital and risks of trade. It would seem, then, that at current prices the value of the crop is divided pretty equally be- tween the grower and the middleman, and that, . as usual, the producer of the raw material gets i very little in proportion to his original outlay ' unless he prepares his crop for the artificer. January 30, 1897.J THE CxARDEK The details of the calculation are as follows Average crop ICO bunches. a. (irower who sells green. ,C s. d. l.'iO green bunches at 2s. ... 15 0 0 /). tJrower who |ieels. 150 green bunches yield luO bunches of white rods, average weight per bunch 4:{.i lbs. = 1 942 tons at £18 per ton :U 19 1 Difference in gross returns 19 19 The cost of peeling, sorting, and storing has been stated as 7d. per green bunch. 150 bunches at 7d 4 7 0 Add for carriage from holt to peeling yard Id. per bunch 0 12 6 Coat of peeling, &c. 5 0 0 Of course, in the fluctuation of prices the circumstances are sometimes less favourable to the man who does the intermediary work of dressing the raw material. If the jirice of green bunches is 2s. 6d. when the price of the rods is no more than £18, the margin between gross receipts of the two is re- duced by £'.'i 15s., and if the minimum prices of green rods and white rods be taken the case is very much altered. £ s. d. £ 8. d. 150 green bunches at Is. 6d. 11 5 0 1-942 tons of white rod at £10 per ton 19 8 4 Expenses of peeling and carriage 5 0 0 ■ 14 8 4 Difference 3 3 4 It may, perhaps, be taken for granted that on the average the dresser or finisher has a good margin between the current price of the raw material and that of the prepared goods, and that an Osier grower who has conveniently situated and suitable premises, where a sufficient supply of labour can be found, has a great ad- vantage over one who has no choice but to sell his rods as he cuts them, because he can get the middleman's profit. Among other causes of the alleged decline in the Osier industry, it has been said that cane is now largely used in the place of wicker-work. Boxes have taken the place of hampers for the transport of fish. Barrels are much used for Potatoes, and iron .scuttles and sieves are more common than they were. There is also said to be some difficiilty in obtaining an adequate supply of labour at the particular period when the peeling must be done. If that process is not completed before midsummer the quality of the rods is seriously deteriorated. A grower is of opinion that " a holt planted in a suitable site, well planted, cleaned, and cared for, filled up and replanted when necessary, has always paid its way, and where the circumstances allow of peeling the rods a very good result has been obtained." Insect anh other Enejues. The green fly, a species of aphis, allied to the Pea aphis, does considerable damage to the Osier in certain seasons. If the plants are much afl'ected the tender shoot at the top is killed and the growth is stunted, lateral shoots are thrown out making the rods snaggy, and so injuring the sale. Some kinds are more affected than others. The black smother fly, another of the aphis family, in certain seasons also injures the rods in the same way as the green Hy. The tops of the rods are completely covered with them, the growth of the Osiers is stopped and the crop injured. This aphis has a preference for Gliliskins, white new kinds, and all rods with a sweet skin. The scab disease of the bark : the effects of an injury made by an insect in the early growth. The injury shows itself in the form of a scab bad place in the rod, going through the bark and some way into the wood, at these places the rod will break when being peeled, or if left brown will break when being worked ; there- fore if a crop is much affected it is a very great loss to the grower. The larvas of some moths and beetles, which are wood borers, are some times found in the heads and in the rods them selves when lefk for two year olds, viz., the goat moth, leopard moth, musk beetle, and the long-horned beetle. The larva of the goat moth, however, requires two or three years to mature, and the moth almost always chooses trees of larger growth. A great enemy of the Osier is a small round beetle, the willow beetle (Phratora vitellin.-e), which bites the young rods close to the head so severely that they break down with their own weight and come to nothing. The beetle is rather more than a sixth of an inch in length. It is somewhat variable in colour, from blue to green, with metallii lustre, having faint spots upon the wing-cases. The body beneath is of a reddish hue, thf anteunse are black. It is most tenacious of life, and difficult to kill with water and pungent and poisonous solutions and fumes. It comes forth in May from its winter retreats in the earth, in rubbish, under the bark of trees, in the chinks and crannies of buildings, posts, and rails. Fences, especially fences made of brush woven between stakes, form admirable shelters for it. In short, any refuge near the Will beds seems to be suitable to keep the beetles from birds and from weather, for they are not afl'ected by cold. Having strong wings, they can fly considerable distances. The eggs are placed under the leaves in groups and without any regular arrangement. In ordinary circum- stances the larvtB are found on the 'SMllow plants towards the end of .June. They are about half an inch long, dirty white in colour, with black heads and rows of black spots along their bodies ; they have 0 feet. In this country, as in Germany, there two attacks, one in the spring, and the other in September and October. To prevent the attacks of these beetles, flooding the Willow beds has been resorted to where this can be done artificially. Though they re- quire a deal of drowning, this tends to decrease them, or at least those below the water level. Many are ensconced under the bark of trees, in posts and hedges above the water mark. Flood- ing with sewage has been found to be far more ffectual than flooding with water. As far as possible, rubbish, and any other possible refuges for the beetles, should be removed from the Willow beds and their neighbourhood. Many things have been tried to dislodge these insects, such as soot, sulphur, and other un- pleasant materials. Those who have seen Willow plants growing luxuriantly in beds will appreciate the difficulties of applying insecticides insectifuges either in dry or liquid form. Paris green and London purple have been ex- perimented with and found of some benefit. These require to be applied early, upon the first appearance of the beetles and before the plants have made too much headway. Care must be taken not to make the ari=enical washes too strong, as the Willow leaves are tender. Not more than 1 oz. to 20 gallons of water should be used at first. Some Willow planters have taken to j licking the beetles off by band, and shaking them into vessels held beneath the plants ; this operation is said to have been effectual in small plantations. The larva; of the eye hawk moth and the butftip moth are found feeding upon the Osiers, and also those of the puss moth, but not in sufficient numbers to cause any real injury. The bufllips may per- haps in some localities do mischief, as they are numerous at times and strip where they feed. A fungoid growth of the < Ksier is a kind of rust, similar to the rust on Wheat. It conies ofl' upon the clothes of persons moving amongst the Osiers. The growth of Osiers would be retarded if severely afl'ected by rust. Rabbits, when numerous, are very injurious, biting ofl' the young shoots and injuring others. Hares are to some extent injurious in the same way, but not so much complaint is made about them as of rabbits. Water rats in some districts do a certain amount of damage by cutting a road through the young growth. Mice on fen land injure the heads by biting them close to the ground, causing them to die. PuKPO.SE.S To which OsIEKS ARE AlTLIED. The following are the principal purposes to which Osier rods are applied : — AiiRicuLTURE. — Nearly 25 per cent, of the supply of Osiers is used for hand baskets for Twitch and Potatoes, root and Potato skips, chafl' skips, riddle and sieve bottoms, hampers, flats, peds and baskets for fruit, Potato hampers and sieves, and fowl baskets. Manueactures and Tkade. — About 40 per cent, of the supply of Osiers is utilised in the manufacture of baskets used by cotton spinners, lace makers, hosiers, confectioners, wine and spirit merchants, brewers, carriage makers, fruiterers, gardeners, bakers, grocers, butchers, hawkers, coal miners and coal whippers. Ddme.stic Pur pcses. —About 10 per cent, of the Osier supply is used for clothes baskets, cradles, wicker chairs, market and other baskets, and small fancy articles. Post Office. — The manufacture of baskets used to collect and carry letters in the office, and of parcel post hampers, absorbs about 7 per cent, of the supply of Osiers. Railways. — Railway companies use about 10 per cent, of the supply for luggage barrows, meat and other hampers. The remaining 8 per cent, is used for herring peds, baskets for unloading herrings and other fish, smelt hampers, salmon baskets, anglers' hampers and baskets, creels, eel hives, and In addition to the above summary of Mr. Little's report, it may be useful to direct atten- tion to an article by Mr. W. J. Cochrane, of Hetton-le-Hole, Fence Houses, Durham, on the cultivation of Osiers as a profitable method of utilising boggy or marsh land, published in the Journal of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland, 5th series, vol. v., 1893, from which the following remarks have been reproduced : — Provided there is a constant supply of mois- ture, any soil is suited to the Willow, assuming, of course, that it be of such a nature as to supply the requisite amount of plant food ; but the most favourable land is a drained bog, rich in humus or decayed vegetable matter, and situated in the icinity of water, either in the form of dykes, ponds or the sea. All the varieties of Osier require a large .amount of moisture ascorap.ared with ordinarj'faim crops. Stagnant swamps, however, are not suitable for Osier growing, and such spots would recjuire draining, but not to each an extent as to cause the land in a few years to become dry : for it must be remembered that it is just as unreaeon- able to expect a good bed of Osiers on a dry soil as on a too wet swamp. In the first case they 80 THE GARDEK [January 30, 1897. soon dwindle down, become stunted in growth, and in a short time yield no return to the grower ; whilst in the second case, if too much water be present, the frost and hoar-frost resulting there- from tend to destroy not only the tops and young shoots, but also the root^. The great objection to a too dry Oiier bed is that during the spring the plants make too great a call upon the moisture existing in the soil, and thereby reduce it to such an extent as to cause a deficiency in the summer and a check to the growth of the trees. If basket-work is the main use to which the Osiers are to be put, perhaps the best kind to grow is the common white Willow (Sali.x alba), which grows fast and attains a large size, yielding tannin and salicin ; while, in addition to its utility for basket-making, its wood is suitable for wattle.=i, fuel and chip. The common Willow (Salix viminalis) is a very good Osier for general pur- poses, being suited alike to rough and to delicate work ; while a taller variety— the long- leaved Willow {Salix triandra), growing to a height of 20 feet— is one of the most useful of all Willows. Amongst others, S. rubra and S. laurina may be recommended. The crackling Willow (S. fra- gilis) is rich in salicin, and at the same time yields a fair amount of very good timber. The method by which Willow growing is ex- tended is by means of cuttings or slips, not less than 6 inches long, and having at least two healthy buds, taken from good strong plants before the sap has risen— that is, during the month of March for preference. Usually such cuttings may be obtained dressed ready for plant- ing at the rate of about 10s. per 1000,butwhen they have not been previously prepared, it is necessary to make a clean cut with a sharp knife completely round and immediately below a bud, just as you would treat slips of Rose trees or other garden plants. All the buds and young shoots but three should be carefully removed ; one of them only will be required to grow, but in every case three should be left, to allow for the possibility of any of them failing to produce a shoot. The slips should be put into rows singly, about 2 inches deep and a few inches apart each way, and the soil should be very firmly trodden down against the stem. This is done as soon after the cuttings have been taken as is practicable,/.'., in March. During the summer they will not re- quire much attention beyond an occasional hoe- ing, except in very dry weather, when they will be greatly benefited by judicious watering. However the soil of the future plantation may have been occupied in previous years, it will be necessary to either plough it over and harrow it level, or dig it, which latter plan if well executed is the best, though it is the most expensive. If there has baen a sward of grass or other herbage, it must be pared off and burned, the resulting ashes being spread over the land. If it is con- sidered that drainage is required, the tiles must not be placed less than 3 feet deep ; in the majority of cases this will be unnecessary. If digging is practised, the land may be trenched into beds 6 feet to 20 feet broad, according to the size of Oiier to be cultivated, cross furrows or narrow ditches being formed to carry the surplus water. If the plough has been used, the trench- ing and bedding up should be done soon after the harrows have completed their work. Transplant- ing should be left until the spring following the year in which the cuttings were planted, when it may be done without fear of injury. It is at this period that great care is needed to ensure a suc- cessful bed or holt, for it must be remembered that the plants have to remain here for the rest of their life, and no amount of trouble should be spared in their proper planting and establish- ment. Rows should be struck out 3 feet apart on the higher ground— a good distance between each water furrow being about 10 feet— so that the rows will be at even distances throughout the plantation. The plants should be placed uniformly 1 foot, 2 feet or 3 feet apart ; for general purposes 2 feet is the beet distance. The larger species re- (|uire more room than this, but in some parts of England the smaller kinds of Osiers are planted 12 inches apart, the distance between the rows being only 18 inches. Before the plants are finally placed in the ground, theshoots which have formed from the extra buds may be cut ofi' as close as possible to the stem, allowing two or three buds to remain for the next year's growth, but all those shoots which would go below the ground must be entirely removed. A spadeful of earth should be put round the young tree and firmly trodden down, so as to give it stability ; finally, the land should be cleared up and thoroughly dressed for the ensuing summer. Flooding with sewage water, if skilfully and carefully practised, is a great boon to the Osier grower, but unless the plants are growing in the immediate vicinity of some populous town or village, this is impossible. On sewage farms— the number of which is rapidly increasing — it has been the custom to grow grain and other crops, notably Cabbages ; but the re- luctance manifested among the inhabitants to vegetables grown with the aid of sewage is so great that consumers prefer to buy an inferior article from the market garden. To remedy this, the attention of the sanitary authorities has been directed to the growth of a more suitable and as productive a crop to take the place of others which are no longer profitable ; and in the indus- try of sewage farming Osiers now take a leading place on the list of products recommended to be grown. PROPAGATING. Gr.vfting. — Although grafting is sometimes con- demned as being an unnatural method of propaga- tion, it will always be practised, and in many in- stances with great advantage, for not only is it a most expeditious way of increasing stock, but in some cases it is the only method by which we can ensure a succession of useful stock, and in other instances more vigorous and healthy growth is secured. Some of the Tea Roses do well when established from cuttings, and though it takes longer to make good plants, they are preferable, as the strong shoots thrown up from the base help to keep up a vigorous plant. On the other hand, there are many of the more delicate sorts which do better when grafted or budded on the Drig Rose or seedling" Brier. For grafting, either the ripened wood may be used while it is dormant during the winter, or green wood after it is fairly firm may be used. In selecting the dormant wood, shoots of moderate growth that are well ripened should be taken. Soft pithy wood is of no use whatever. I have seen hard wood of two years' growth usvi with great success. January is the best time for grafting, or it may be done even earlier than this. The scions must be quite dormant. If there is any appearance of starting into growth, the wood should be cut from the plants and laid in in a cool place. Some people bury it altogether. This will keep it dormant untd it can be used, but even when the plants have started it will only be the tips of the shoots that break first, and this portion may be cut away. When the Manetti stock was used, it was considered necessary to grow the stocks one year in pots before using them, but seedling Briers may be potted in the autumn and used the same winter, or they may be grown and potted after- wards. It is undoubtedly better to pot them beforehand, as they can then be placed in warmth and given a slight start before using them. If put into the propagating pit where they are to remain after they are grafted, they will be only a few days before they begin to start. There are various methods of grafting. I like to cut the stocks off as near the surface as possible, leaving only sufficient length of stem for the scion. This enables the portion where the stock and scion are united to be buried when they are potted on. This is a matter of importance, as they will often root from the scion, thus having the benefit of their own roots as wtll as those of the more vigorous growing stock. The Brier stocks are generally rather coarse, and with thin wood for scions care is recjuired to make a good union. Side grafting is usually practised. If the scions are of fair size, there is not much diiBculty in making the cuts so that they fit together well, but in any case the bark of each must meet on one side the whole length. Success also depends somewhat on the after-treatment. Bottom-heat is essential, and a cool surface until the stock and scion are well callused together. Too much sur- face-heat will induce the scion to start before it can get any sustenance from the stock, and although the young growth may look promising for a time, it will gradually wither away, and it is a great chance if a fresh start will be made. Most of the Tea Roses, if worked early in the year, will make fine plants for forcing the follow- ing winter. For this jiurpose they re(|uire to be grown on in heat and then hardened off' in the au- tumn by well exposing them to the sun out of doors. A. H. Prnnus Davidiana alba.— The first of all the great Prunus family to open its flowers in the new year is this lovely Chinese Peach. There are two varieties of it in cultivation, the red and the white, and although the former (rubra) has the advantage of a soft and glowing colour, it is the pure white one, whose name heads this note, that flowers the more freely, and is, perhaps, the more valuable. Neither of them, however, should be overlooked by those who love early flowers out of doors. They are both already in bloom, although not fully. Both of them are comparatively recent introductions to Europe, and it seems curious that a beautiful tree like this, which is said to be abun- dant about Pekin and to be during its flowering season one of the mo,'t striking features in the environs of that city, should so long have remained unknown to European cultivators. As has been pointed out before in The Garden, it is impor- tant in planting any of these early Peaches and Almonds, which flower whilst all deciduous vege- tation is still bare of leaves, that they should have some darker background to bring their flowers into prominence. It is in front of a grove of Hol- lies perhaps that their charms are most conspicu- ous. P. Davidiana alba was figured in The Gab- den for August 29, lsii6, p. 165. Garden Flora. PLATE 1103. LILIUM WALLACE!. (with a coloured PLATE.*) Thi.s pretty little dwarf Lily was first sent from Japan to Colchester in 1870, and subsequently flowered in 1877. The plate scarcely gives the true habit of the plant, for the flower is erect, and not drooping. In growth it somewhat re- sembles the elegaus group, having short, thick stems, crowded, stiff' foliage, with a flower spotted like that of L. venustum (armeniacum), but the bulbs are small, csespitose, with a great tendency to reproduction (like those of L. coucolor). In the opinion of Pro- fessor Baker (The Garden, vol. xii., page 208), it is a garden hybrid, probably a cross between L. Leichtlini and L. elegans venustum. Planted in a moist and shady situation it grows well, increasing rapidly. Its reproductive pro- perties are so great, that although it seldom appears in the Japanese bulb importations, the stock both abroad and in this country is very plentiful. It is a general favourite, each bulb _ throwing up three to five stems, bearing rosy' apricot-tinted flowers with numerous slightly raised maroon spots, petals slightly reflexed. It flowers in August after the majority of the elegans group are well over, thus helping to lengthen the flowering season of this section of these beautiful plants. R. W. Wallace. * Draivufor The Garden by H. G. Moon in Messrs. Wallace's Dxirsery at Colchester. Lithographed and printed by J. L. Goffart. iLIUM VV ^ Januart 30, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 81 The Week's Work. i--'th in giyiner it a place next eeason. In going over by allowing them to remain too lon^r undisturbatl the different varieties I found most of them were in heaps and sacks. The sets I intend to plant on the point of starting, but by removing the have all been graded, as there is a greater chance shoots the (|uality of the tubers is retained, of securing a uniform crop by planting seed as which is not the case when the growths have been nearly as possible of the same size, and also in KITCHEN GARDEN. ■Oenkrai. work.— From the Ist up to the of the present month we have had rain more or less on seven days with a total of 2 inches. This liiuantity of rain following such a wet autumn will have caused most soils to be in an unfit state for Kligging or trenching, and on retentive land some time must elapse before such work can be taken in hand. Fortunately our soil is different, and will allow of the men working on it a few hours after the heaviest rain. My experience, however, has not always been so favourable, and I know the anxiety caused by seeing the land lie undug week after week, and tlie seed sowing season ad- vancing. It is one of those disadvantages, how- ever, that a gardener has often to labour unier, and the work of digging such ground bad far better be put off for a time than attempt to work it under such ungenial conditions, as much time and labour would be incurred later in the season to get it into anything like a friable condition to receive plants, to say nothing of small seeds, &c. To make up for any" delay thus caused, all other work that is possible should be pushed on so that when more favourable weather does come all strength and time may be brought to bear upon that which in the meantime has had to stand over. The Potato store. — Among other important matters to claim attention at this season is the I Potato store, as both those required for use as ' well as the seed will need careful sorting now. The former, I am glad to say, have kept much better than I expected, but I notice that there are fewer diseased tubers among those that were lifted early or before the rain of September set in, and although, perhaps, the skins of some were hardly ripe at the time of lifting, they have evi- I dently suffered less from this than they would had they been left in the ground later. Probably the best winter variety we have had this season so far is The Bruce. This gave us a heavy crop and appears to resist disease well, while the tubers are of uniform size, and having a smooth surface there I'l little « i^^te m preparmg them for tabk I way thes'e are i repare 1 foi plantm'g' andTf'atten' 1 shoo'ts"that Tub and vase plants on pavement at Turvey Abbey. Engraved fu photograph sent by Mr. J. Linnell, Leicester. (See allowed to grow a few inches in length. It is ; the same condition as regirds the stage of the even more necessary to go carefully over those growths, to secure which all the sets have been F„"'_ ^^'^^ ^'' ^^^'^ as so much depends upon the ; stood on end in shallow boxes, rubbing off any unduly ad%'anced so that all may A good companion to this is Up to Date, which, 1 1 tion is not given to sorb them over early in the ...l?»f '7 T^T® '' ^'^^^ acquisition to our late season it becomes a difficult matter to do so later, :InHT»?=;i,. ^T ! variety did well here, owing to the growths and roots becoming entan' ;^«,J f ?ir ^'■^°.°'*''^P°r'^''''°"''''^''°'^'^"^«''«"Mg'^'l' '^°'l the seed is much damaged thereby. parte of the country, so I consider anyone is safe I Many bushels of good seed are spoilt every year start regularly. Each holds bushel of tubers, and the different varieties can be carried into dif- ferent houses, as required, to start the sets without disturbing them, when growth can be gently excited, and they get into a good condition for planting in frames or other shel- tered positions as required. The convenience of such useful ledges for this purpose has only to be triei to be appreciated, and they are both clieap and durable. The sets l;eep better in them than in any other way that I know of, and a ,'reat number can be stored in a limited space by standing one upon another. Old Orange boxes cut through lengthways would answer the purpose well if a piece of wood IJ inches square was nailed in each corner, and allowed to stand an inch or two higher than the sides for the box above to rest upon, to allow a free current of air to pass between them. Eari.v Potatoes. — Planting lliese in pits or frames should now Ii3 proceeded with as soon as these fan be prepared to receive the sets, n advised last week. For early .-upplies I still keep to Sharpe's Victor, as it turns in so quickly, and its natural dwarf habit is all in its favour for growing under glass. This variety does well in pots, and if a number of tho?e recently used for growing Chrysanthemums be tilled with good rich compost, and a set or two placed in each and stood in a recently-started vinery or Peach house. 82 THE GARDEN. [January 30, 1897. they would yield a good return, which would not fail to be appreciated, beside putting the pots to a good use, and they will be available by the time they are required for Chrysanthemums. There are other varieties also suitable for forcing besides the one named, such as A 1, Myatt's and other Aeh leaf varieties. Ringleader and others. Whichever is selected, the chief item to ensure good returns is to maintain uniform and steady warmth from the first ; any deviation from this will soon have a marked effect on the young tubers. The condition of the soil should be always moist, taking care to use tepid water to keep it so, and fresh air should be afforded when- ever the weather is mild, as this strengthens the haulm and the size of the tubers is increased thereby. The soil required for moulding up should always be placed in a warm building some time previous to using it, to prevent a chill being given to the foliage, or the temperature of the bed lowered by its addition. It would be much safer to defer moulding up for several days than to run any risk of exposing the plants during inclement weather. Whether growing in pots or frames, the soil should be kept rather firm, as, when this is allowed to remain in a very light and spongy condition, the tubers are more easily affected by the drying influence of sun and air, causing their skins to become prematurely firm, and thus check free development. Aa the earliest crops are naturally light, every encouragement should be afforded by giving weak liquid manure or some other fertiliser, to assist the tubers to attain the largest size. Pea sticks.— The tallest of these when looked over and the ends repointed will come in for medium-height varieties next season, and it is not until these have been selected tliat an idea cAn be rightly formed of how many new ones will be required, and as the woodmen are now busy getting these cut no time should be lost in getting in the supply. The same remarks apply to those required for Scarlet Runners, and in fact all stakes and poles required for many things during the summer. Soils and manures will reed preparing for different crops, and a good heap ot mixed light soil proves invaluable, especially on heavy land in preparing seed beds, &c. A store also should be laid in and protected from wet, of lime, soot, vood ashes, and the like, which come in so useful lor surface dressings, or dusting over many crops during the early stages of growth. Manure, too, will be all the better for being turned to get it thoroughly decomposed before putting it on the land, while any walks or drains re- quiring mending, turning over, or regravelling should be done during the present wet weather, as the material binds well together. Richard Parker. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. PRUNiNd. — The pruning and nailing of wall trees, should the open weather continue, should be brought to a conclusion by the time these lines appear in print, with one exception. This will be Peaches and Nectarines, which many gardeners prefer to leave to a later date. Where the method of unloosening these trees from the walls, with the idea of retarding them, is practised, this should now be done, securely tying the branches to stakes to prevent their being blown about and broken by the wind. The stakes should be firmly driven into the ground, and they must also be of good length for full-sized trees, as the branches should not on any account be bunched up together, otherwise the object in view will be defeated. The wall trees finished, the pruning of bush and pyramidal Apples, Pears, Plums and Cherries should next be taken in hand. These, with the exception of Morello Cherries, will not require much pruning if they have been summer-pinched, beyond shortening back the young spur wood and leading growths. There is a considerable saving when summer pruning is adopted. If the shoots were checked by being pinched back about mid- summer or a little later, the sap, instead of teing largely appropriated in the production of wood to be eventually cut away, would be diverted to the building up of fruit buds. In the pruning of Apple trees due consideration must be given to those varieties that produce fruit buds at the ex- tremities of the young growths. There are several kinds which do this, and the best way is to leave them intact unless any are unduly long, and after fruiting, to cut them back the lollowing winter. Young trees must of necessity be allowed more latitude, and enough young shoots must be left to form the future tree. A great evil in con- nection with the cultivation of bush and pyramid trees is keeping the branches too crow ded. In all such instances a judicious thinning is necessary, although in very bad cases of neglect it would be unwise to remove a great number at once. Plums may have their branches left a trifle closer together than Apples and Pears, but beware of overcrowding. In the case of old trees crowded with spurs the advice given in a previous calendar with rtspect to spur-pruning wall - trees will apply with equal eil'ect to these, and it need not be repeated. Dessert Cherries as bushes are not so largely grown as the foregoing, and being so impatient ot the pruning knife, it is imperative that summer pinching be adopted in their cate, if gumming is to be avoided. The Morellos and Kentish Cherries will need thinning if too crowded, or if the trees have reached their limits. No shortening back of the young wood is required with these, all re([uisite stopping being done in the summer. If grafting is contemplated this spring, the requisite number of scions of the de- sired varieties should be saved, cutting them off before the trees are pruned. Label them at once to prevent any mistake, and then heel them in under a wall, preferably one with a northern aspect. Traininc— Some slight amount of training is necessary if the trees are to become well formed and fruitful. What I mean by training is simply preventing the trees growing into dense, compact bushes or pyramids by tying out or bending down as occasion may requii all branches inclined to grow in an upwara direction. The method I adopt here with young trees is to first see that the main stem and leader are securely fastened to the stake placed in the centre of the hole at planting. Short stakes about 2 feet long are then driven in at intervals all round the tree and about ;? feet distant from the stem. To these the twine is fastened wlian the branches are drawn down into the desired position. This is a cheap, effec- tive, and quick way of carrying the necessary amount of training into effect, and as a rule the ties can be removed after the second or third year, as the branches are by that time set and will not move out of place. The framework of the tree is thus, as it were, formed at the outset. In the case of young espalier and cordon-trained trees growing by the side of walks, the leading shoots on each tier of branches in the first case should be shortened back to a good healthy wood bud. The leader in the centre of the tree should be cut back just above each wire for the purpose of securing not only a new leader, but two other shoots, one to the right and one to the left, to form a new tier of branches, repeating this an- nually until a sufficient number are secured. For cordons, all that is necefsary is to shorten back the main leader to a well ripened portion of the wood, and spur back all side growths to two and three buds. WasiiiN!! and si'RAYiNG. — I attach the greatest importance to cleanliness. Fruit growers have so many insect foes to combat at the present day, that to leave matters alone means a partial and very often a total loss of crop. One of the best periods for destroying insect pests is the winter, as stronger remedies may be then used, and although such a course if adopted, will not secure immunity from attack in the spring, it greatly lessens the chances of attack by killing considerable numbers of insects and their eggs now. Besides this Lichens and Moss on the stems and branches are destroyed. I .always spray all the fruit trees here, and the results are so satis- factory that I strongly recommend the practice to the notice of all fruit growers. Spraying with a good reliable and effectual insecticide is the most economical and the ciuickest. Washing with soapsuds may be carried out at any time while the trees are dormant, for this an ordinary garden engine may be employed. As space will not ad- mit of directions being again given for making a few of the best insecticides, I must refer readers to p. 44G of The Garden for 1896. American blight or woolly aphis is a difficult insect to eradi- cate. The caustic soda wash it brushed into all the affected parts after scraping or cutting away the loose bark will kill it, as will also petro- leum emulsion if sufficient is mixed at about ten times the strength previously mentioned, and applied with a brush. Some use neat petroleum, but unless applied with great care more harm than good will result. Red and White Curkants. — These may be pruned at any time now unless it is absolutely necessary to defer it on account of birds disbud- ding them. Fully grown bushes will need all spur growths cutting back to two and three buds, but the terminal shoots may be left longer, if desired, for further extension and remove all suckers. Old bushes may be partly rejuvenated by cutting out a few of the older branches and retaining well placed young ones to take their places. Young specimens should be well thinned out. Keep the centre of the bush as open as possible, and do not leave any young shoots too near the ground line, as the fruit on these is generally spoiled through being splashed with soil in rainy weather. For this same reason the bushes should have a clear length of stem ec]ual to 1 foot between the soil and the first lot of branches. In the pruning of the Cherry Red variety of Currant be careful to see that all cuts are made at a sound bud, as this variety is rather prone to produce great numbers of blind buds in some seasons. Bi.aik Ci'kkants. — Instead of spur-pruning, thinning out of tho branches alone is required for these. Neglected bushes will need a severe thin- ning, cutting away the oldest of the wood, and shortening back some of the remainder to good healthy young growths, as it is on these the fruit is borne. If the bushes are plentiful a few may be cut back annually very severely, and then ir course of time the whole of them will become well furni.shed with healthy wood. Healthy, vigorous specimens should have some of the older branches removed each season. A. W. Erica melanthera.— In this very numerouE family this is one of the most desirable kinds, and much sought after during the winter season ae pot; plants for vases in the sitti.ng room. The Messrs. Cutbush contributed a capital lot of plants thickly studded with the tiny flowers to the meet- ing of tho R.H.S. on the 'l2th of the present month. Khododendron dahuricum. — Compared with the well-known and popular types of Rhododen- dron, this little Siberian species sinks into the place of only a very poor and modest relation. But whilst they keep their blossoms for the sun and warmth of May, this little northerner, like the Snowdrop, braves the snow and bitter winds of January and February. Even to-day (the 17th), with the earth covered with snow, its bright little flowers are showing against the glistening white ground. At this season even the moat modest of flowers is welcome, and those of this plant, although small, are very bright, their colour being a glowing rosy purple. Each one ie about IJ inches across, flat and saucer-shaped rather than campanulate. The leaves are small and of a dark glossy green, and the plants vary considerably in the quantity they retain through the winter, some being almost deciduous, others evergreen. Although one of the hardiest of ericaceous plants, this Rhododendron deserves, for the sake of its early flowers, to be given a shel- tered place— a consideration which is always re- paid by the longer duration and brighter colours i of its flowers than obtain in positions exposed to .. wind and weather. It wa3 introduced over 0 years aiio, and was figured in the early volumes the liotiniml Mn[/azine (t. 636). It is there id to be so plentiful in certain parts of Siberia " to empurple the mountain sidc.i when in OESom." — B. January 30, 1897.] THE CxARDEN. 83 Orchids, newly-imported orchids. HII.E many cultivators, eitLei with a view to btainiiig novelties or from consideration of )8t, rely entirely upon newly-imported plants enrich their collections, others will have none f them, and purchase their plants in bloom, or t all events in well-established specimens. )oubtless the appearance of plants just arrived rom their native haunts is hardly what one )oks for in a well-grown and healthy collection f Orchids. There is also a slight risk of dan- erous insects, such as cockroaches, large •epical ants and other unwelcome visitors, being itroduced with them. Neverthele.ss, there are ertaiu species of which I would always choose newly-imported in preference to a well-esta- lish'jd one, and for various reasons. One is that :hen I am trying my hand at a difficult plant, I Iways like to know the exact condition of the oots as well as that of the pseudo-bulbs or s, and with a plant purchased froin a nur- eryman already potted up this is an impossi- lility without turning it out of its pot or lasket. It is true that most nurserymen give he plants the most suitable compost for the arious species and the work of potting is pro- )erly carried out, but that does not alter the act that the cultivator is still to a certain extent n the dark as to the condition of the roots. Then, again, some kinds are known to be hort-lived under cultivation, and one knows hat a newly-imported specimen if fairly lealthy has in this case the longest pos- lible lease of life. For instance, take the )eautiful Epideudrum bicornutum. Plants of his usually arrive in fair condition, and it is by lo means a difficult subject to establish. Sac- :olabium giganteum is another instance. Each j'ear lessens its chance of remaining healthy, md it is difficult to bring unhealthy pieces back o their previous vigour, while a newly-imported )lant comes right away and often blooms the irat season. I have never seen such tine healthy th, such a quantity of bloom, or such line ;olour on any plants of Cattleya superba as on some fine plants I had charge of about five jyears back that were then in their second sea- p"on. Look at imported pieces of Dendrobium Falconeri, and see the dozens of nodes that will Ijurst into growth from the apparently dead bundles of twigs, and contrast this with a plant of the same size that has for years been pining in an Orchid house. Yet the latter may be what is described in catalogues as a healthy established plant. See the two a couple of years later, and the difference will be still further apparent. Take such easily ■ grown members of the genus as D. crassinode, the somewhat similar D. Wardianum, or any other in this section, and a newly-imported plant has, in my opinion, quite as much value as an 'jestablished one of the same size. Many other Instances could be given, but the repetitiou of names only becomes tedious, and enough has Ibeen mentioned to show that the plants I am treating of are in many instances worth buying ^rom every point of view. A few lines then as to the mode of treatment necessary. As is well (known, they are laid out or suspended in a warm house for a time for plumping up, as it is termed. A.fter this they are potted or basketed in the ordinary way. But with regard to difficult subjects generally, one cardinal rule should be ob.served, and that is to use only the most last- ing materials. Who that observes his plants has leen the shrivelling foliage on weakgrow- I'hahiiihpsids, Aerides, Saccolabiums and others of this class when they have been dis- turbed afler a long series of years on or in one basket, pot or block. And again, how fre- quently some of the pseudo-bulbous division make smaller bulbs and become sluggi-sh in root action after disturbance. It is only possible here to generalise, but one might give many instances of this. With regard to the Epidendrum above named, there is no doubt that by using a fairly thick layer of compost, and this of rather substantial character, very good results may accrue for a few years ; but with the decay of this material, and the in- evitable disturbance consequent on its re- newal in mind, provident cultivators will be content with a less stimulating diet and one that will last. Sphagnum Moss will be the chief ingredient, as this material in its de- cay does not run so closely together as peat, and forms even when decayed useful food for the plant, as denoted by the roots clinging to it and thriving. As little peat as possible, then, should be used, and that kept near the surface, so that most of it may be picked out when top- dressing ; none should be placed in the middle of the pot. Then in preparing compost for these imported plants it is wiser to err on the side of too much crocks and charcoal and too little of the seemingly fertilising ingredients than rice versa. A great number of Orchids are naturally epiphytal, so that the roots axe much more at home rambling about over rough crocks or similar material than embedded inches deep in peat and Moss. Although, as I have said, newly-imported plants often bloom freely the first season, it is better to restrict the number of flowers until they are well established. For the first season, even the coolest kinds of Odontoglots, Oucidiums, and similar kinds are better for a temperature several degrees above the normal ; this, combined with a plentiful supply of atmospheric moisture and judicious treatment of the roots, will replenish the wasted stores of vitality, revive the inherent vigour of the plants, and give them the best start possible under their altered conditions. H. R. liSelia albida Stobartiana.— A nice flower of this pretty variety comes from " R. R.," Ashley Down, Bristol, who says he flowered it from an imported batch of the type. It differs from the latter in having the sepals and petals tipped with rosy purple, this colour running out to a point about half an inch down each. The lip has the front lobe of the same colour, and the flower sent, although rather small, is extremely pretiy, and may be larger another season. L. albida is not so variable as some of the other Mexican kinds, and a distinct variety of it is well worth cultivating. Unfortunately, it is not easily kept in health, but as a note has recently appeared on its culture it need not be here referred to. Cattleya choooenais.— It is a pity the blos- soms of this charming Cattleya do not open more fully and let us see the rich tints of colouring upon the lip. In some varieties this is very beautiful, quite as handsome as C. Trian.T?, which in its markings, as in habit and general character, it resembles. The sepals and petals in some forms are pure white, and from this we get a gradation of tints to pale rosy purple. Some are simple, others prettily fringed, and all are well worth growing. C. chocoensis is a native of New Crenada and thrives well iu an ordinary Cattleya temperature. The plants must be fairly excited in spring, the sheath appearing upon the top of the new pseudo bulb about August. After this the plants remain quiet for a time until the flowers are pushed up in winter. It must be potted up in a rough mixture of peat, Mose, and charcoal, and the roots need moisture all the year round. Oncidium candidum.— This interesting little plant is now in flower, but, of course, from an un- seasonable growth. It is distinct from all other Oncidiums, and produces about half a dczen blos- soms on an erect tcapo from the centre of the forming growth. The whole flower is white, with a very light suflusion of delicate rote. 0. candi- dum may be grown in small pots or baskets sus- pended from the roof in the cool house. Good drainage and only a thin surfacing of the ordinary compost are neceseary. It must be judiciously watered the whole year round, requiring no dry rest. It comes from Mexico and was introduced in 184:J. Odontogloesum Iseve.— This is an easily grown, but not showy species, although the spikes on strong plants attain a great length and bear numerous blotsoms. They occur from the side of the pseudo-bulbs, and the flowers are each from 2 inches to 3 inches across. The sepals and petals are yellow, heavily overlaid with dark red-brown, V bile the lip is pale rosy white and the flowers are lasting and very fragrant. Being a strong grower, the pots used for this species may be a size or two larger than usual with Odontoglots, the compost being used very rough and open. No retting season is necessary, and it must be grown cool all the year round. 0. la-ve is a native of Mexico, and was introduced in 1.S41. Calanthe Turner! nivalis.- This white va- riety of C. Turner! is most useful, the chaste blossoms working up well for all jmrpofe? where cut flowers are rt(iuired. Flowering, too, after the bulk of Calanthes are over, it prolongs the season of this Orchid in a most desirable way. The blossoms are larger than those of C. vestita and are produced on longer spikes. It is a de- ciduous plant, in habit coming somewhat between C. vestita and C. Veitchi, and is quite as free a grower as the latter. It requires a hot, moist atmosphere and plenty of sunlight while making its growth, and afterwards a good spell of dry rest. The compost must be free and open, yet substantial in character, a good percentage of mellow fibrous loam and a little dried cow ma- nure being mixed with the usual peat and Moss. Dendrobium craesinode album. — This occasionally appears among importations, and al- though, as a rule, smaller than the typical form, ib yet makes a pleasing variety. The sepals have no purple tips, as in the type, and the lip has no other colour than a yellow blotch at the throat. To be sure of this variety ib is necessary to see the plants flower twice, for often the first weak blooms from the imported stems are iiearly white, while later, when the plants gain a little more strength, more colour appeirs on the segments. If the lip lacks the magenta-purple tip usually seen in the type, the variety, as a rule, is true, but if the least tinge of colour is there seen, the probability is the flower will revert to the type. Leelia acuminata.— This takes a high posi- tion among the Mexican Lalias, and diflers from L. ancepj, L. furfuracea, and others in producing its blossoms in more truly corymbiform racemes. These occur at the apex of the roundish pseudo- bulbs and are each from a foot to 1.5 inches high. The typical form has white sepals and petals, while in the variety rosea these and the lip are pretty mauve or rose purple. L. acuminata, in common with its allies, delights in a cool, moist atmosphere, but more sunlieht than the cool hou.se occupants can stand. They are, therefore, better grouped in a house by themselves or ar- ranged near the door or a ventilator in the Cat- tleya house. The roots abhor anything cf a close or spongy nature, and do best either on large rough blocks of Apple or Pear wood or on rafts, with only a little Sphagnum and peat fibre about them. To stick the plants in the centre of large pots with many inches of compost around them is 84 THE GARDEIS. [January 30, 1897. only to I mosphei very fr growth ouit failure. In this light and airy at- in that way, and one may just as well try to grow 3, with only a little material about them, a Phahvnopeis under nmilar coi ditions. The quent waterings are ntcessary whilt roots must be firmly attached to their adopted | 8 active. Even when at rest the supply home, no matter what this may be, and I know I of nothing better for the epecies in question [ than a small thallow basket nearly filled with crocks and a light sui facing only of clean Sphagnum. The roots push through this easily, reach the rods of the basket, which they closely entwine, and then the plant is in a fair way to health and longevity. During the surcmer, owing to this light and wellsi-iated medium, they will take abundance of water, and this with no danger of surfeiting. In the winter, enough to keep the leaves plump must be given, the roots themselves guid- ing the cultivator to a great extent. It requires plenty of warmth all through the season, being a native of Madagascar. _, DENDEOBIUM DEVONIANUM. The long, gracefTil stems of this species «hen covered from end to end with the bright showy blossoms have a most de- li'^htful eiTect suspended in a position where the flowers can be easily seen. At first erect, the forming growths across. The sepals and petals are nearly whj in ground colour, with magenta-purple tips, lip white with a rich yellow throat, the frill margin being rosy purple. The leaves fs away in autumn, so that the flowers are pro-, dnced upon the bare stems, and as its culture is similar to that of all the long-stemmed de ciduous species, it may be interesting to nott briefly the treatment required. It is not diffi cult to establish if the plants are firmly lised in position at the outset, but as it is usually 8 considerable time before roots are produced this is a very important point. The safest course is to wire the plants firmly to blocks, these being small enough to introduce entirt into small hanging baskets or pans. If the old stems are very far gone and decayed, it is best to shorten them to about half their length but if at all likely to plump up in heat and moisture, leave them entire and siniplj cut away any other parts of the plant thai may be decayed. If possible, wire them or so that the stems hang downwards, but if this is inconvenient because of the pos itiou of th( dormant eyes, it does not matter. Place th( blocks in the pans or baskets and fix then firmly by wiring or wedging a few pieces o) crocks around them. They will soon shoT\ I jar filled vith half hardy floicers. (Sei of water need nob be greatly diminished, as the roots are more or less active all the year round. The plants should have new material about once in two years, the best time to renew it being im- mediately after flowering. Dendrobium piimulinum. — Though the flowers of this Orchid are too pale to besoett'ective as those of some other species, yet a well-flowered plant has a pleasing appearance. The pseudo-bulbs are each about a loot in length, and the flowers appear in pairs or threes all along these. They are pale mauve or rose iri colour, the lip very broad and spreading, with a yellowish tinge, and covered with short dowry hairs. The blossoms are pleasantly, but not stiorgly scented, and last a long time in good condition. The plant is strictly deciduous, and thrives if treated as ad- vised for this section. It is a native of India. Cypripedium Charles Ctnham.— This is a very efl'ective and useful garden hybrid, free in growth and flowering, and ot easy culture. Owing to this free habit there are now fine plants in our collections, although it flowered for the fir.'st time in 1887. C. villosum was the seed-bearing parent of this hybrid, fertilised with pollen of C. super- biens, and in habit it is intermediate between its parents. The flowers are large, reminding one most of those of C. villosum. The dorsal sepal is much broader, whitish, with purple-brown markings, the petals brewn with dots of purple, the pouch brownish purple. Under the ordinary culture recommended for Cypripediijms and in an inter- mediate temperature this kind will do well. Angrsecum articulatum.— This is a variable plant, the flowers of some forms being much larger and superior to those of others. When a good variety is obtained it is worthy of great care. The flowers are pure white, borne on arch- ing spikes, the pendent elongated spurs having a peculiar appearance on a long raceme. Many cultivators err in giving these small-growing An- graicums too much compost, with the result that the roots never push through it to the sides of the pot or basket, and consequently the plants never attain a really firm hold. They cannot be healthy ,_^ ^..^ The Bine Throatwort (Trachelium carideiim) as a lase plant. (See 'p. 76.) by their weight assume a pendent habit, the ' signs of activity, and considerable care is neces- point again turning upwards in a gentle curve, ' sary when the young shoots are starting. Too and they are often over a yard in length. The \ much moisture, a .sudden drop in the tempera- blossoms occur all along these in small bunches I ture, or scalding from bright sunshine when of two or three and are individually 2 inches I they are wet will destroy them wholesale, and January 30, 1897.] TRE GARDEK 85 though the plant may lireak again, tlio back breaks will not be so strong and a good deal of valuable time will have been wasted. As a rule, roots are not emitted until these shoots are several inches in length, but before these make any progress it will be advisable to lay on a little compost, consisting of equal parts of peat and Sphagnum and a few small crocks. This may be all used much finer than for many Orchids, for it is noteworthy that the roots of these deciduous Dendrobes are not in the habit of pushing very far from the centre of growth, but prefer to grow over one another, as it were, and form a thick matted ball. This fact has led many growers to use sand largely in the place of the small crocks, but it is a bad plan. In the case of some terrestrial species for which loam in quantity is used, a little sand may do no harm, but it can easily be done without even here, while with these epiphytal kinds it is about the worst possible material to use. Repotting or rebasketing will generally be necessary the second or third season, and if the roots are much entwined about the small blocks and these are not decayed, fchey may again lie placed in with the compost. Should they be loose or decayed, there will usually bo roots enough to fix the plants without them ; so they may be carefully picked or cutout, avoiliug the j roots as much as possible. As a rule the same isized pots will suffice, and they must be well |drained and clean. Fix the plants firmly by dibbling the compost around them and keep the base of the leading stems well above the Irlms, bringing the surface of the compost \zp to them and trimming all off neatly. The plants require a long season of growth, so as soon as possible after the flowers are past they must go to a warm moist house. The heat that all Dendrobes revel in is that generated by shutting |up the house early with ample moisture and the isun shining full on the plant.?. In fact, the less (Shading they get the better when once the foliage commences tu unfold, and when the growths are about (> inches in length the blinds tueed only bo down for a few hours just at the hottest part of the day. The daily routine may during hot weather be something as follows: The pipes being nicely warm in the morning, open the top ventilators an inch or so at sunrise. As soon as possible damp thoroughly every portion of the house, on and under the stages and on the floors, but avoid the hot-water pipes as much as possible ; then when a slight rise in the temperature by the action of the sun is felt, 'increase the ventilation by degrees and lower ithe shading when the foliage of the most sensi- tive of the plants in the house is getting warm to the touch. Keep the moisture going till about midday, when the house may become |slightly drier preparatory to shutting up. The jtime for this must of necessity vary with the [aspect of the house, but be in time with it, so that after closing tlie temperature runs up to 1)0° or 'Xi° for an hour or so. First take off the air, then damp thoroughly and syringe the plants overhead ; then as soon as the moisture film begins to settle on the glass raise the blinds, and in the quickened moist heat the plants re- coup their energies and soon testify by their appearance that the treatment is congenial. In the evening it will be necessary to run the can and rose round, in order that what- ever fire-heat is necessary to keep the tem- perature at about 00° shall not cause a dry atmosphere. Growth will be very free under these conditions, which must be kept up till the stems are complete, when removal by degrees to cooler and drier, yet sunny, quarters will be necessary. As the stems ripen the leaves will fall, and so by degrees the root moisture must be diminished. During winter, when all the foliage has fallen, the plants may be grouped in any light house with a night temperature of about 45'-' or 50°. Well- ripened plants may be kept absolutely dry for several weeks, but it this was persisted in witli unripened ones, it would cause serious shrivelling of the stems, and sub- sequently poor flowers and few even of these. In any case the best ripened plants will l)e the most free blooming, and the more thorough rest they get during winter the better. D. Devoni- anum was named in honour of the late Duke of Devonshire, having first flowered at Chatsworth in IS.ST. It is a native of the Khasya Mountains, in India. Epidendrum syringothyrsus. — The ter- minal racemes of lilac blossoms produced by this plant last a very long time, owing to the number successively produced on each. It is a good grower, pushing up stems to the height of '.i feet or 4 feet, clothed with leaves in a distichous manner all tho way. It does well in an inter- mediate temperature, the Odontoglossum houee being rather too cool for its full development. The plants should be repotted when they com- mence to grow, and medium-sized pots may be used. Drain these well, and use for compost equal parts of rough fibrous peat and Sphagnum Moss, with enough charcoal and crocks to keep it all open. The roots are freely produced and fairly persistent, so it is not wise to repot unless quite necessary. When doing fo be careful to re- move everything of a close or heavy nature, and also any dead or decaying roots, as these will only contaminate the healthy ones. Keep the base of the stems a little above the rim in potting and bring the compost neatly up to them. After potting, a little more heat may be allowed until the roots are again well on the move, and a moist state of the atmosphere is preferable to much water about the roots at first. Eventually a free supply is necessary, and, being a restless kind, very little drying will be required in winter. E. syringothyrsus comes from Bolivia, where it grows at great elevations, and was introduced in iseo. Dendrcbium nobile pendulum.— The e£fect of a large and well-flowered plant of this Orchid is very beautiful ; the showers of blossom on bulbs, say, 2 feet long and wreathed from end to end, are bright and telling in the extreme, the pendulous habit giving (|uite a distinct character from the ordinary D. nobile. This Dendrobe is often de- scribed as having superior flowers to the type, and of some of them this is true enough, but there are small and poor forms with a pendulous habit the same as those that grow erect, so that in choosing a plant the pendent growth is not a guarantee that the blossoms will be of that rich tint and fine substance that characterise the best forms. Tho plants of this variety grow strongly in a brisk, moist heat, especially if plenty of ammonia is generated by means of damping with soot water and liquid manure. Under these con- ditions fine plants may be grown in Cucumber and Melon houses, the baskets of course being re- moved to cooler, more airy quarters as soon as the pseudo-bulb.? are complete. In the ordinary way the plants do best in the East India house, the warmest and sunniest position being chosen for them. During the winter a temperature of about 45' or .50° should be kept up, for though a hardy and vigorous kind, lees heat than this is rot advisable. During the resting season the plants require very little water, provided the stems were well ripened by exposure to sun and air in summer and autumn. Peecatoreas (Zygopetalums). — Such varie- ties as Pe^catorea cerina, P. Dayana, P. Klabocho- rum, P. Lehmanni, P. Roezli, and P. Schro'der- iana, where successfully grown, are much admired, and they are most useful, seeing that they flower through the autumn and winter months. These plants certainly have not the attention they de- serve in our Orchid collections. The only rea?on I can assign for this is that they are short-lived, or in other words generally considered difficult to grow. This is a mistake. When a suitable posi- tion is found for them, few Orchids grow more freely or recjuire lees attention. I find they grow and flower satisfactorily in the same house with the Phalanopsids in rather a shady position at tho coolest end of tho house, w here the atmosphere is generally humid throughout the year. My plants are growing in baskets, raised from the stage on pots, which are inverted in flat saucers or pans, rilled with water to prevent, as far as possible, cockroaches, woodlice, etc., from gaining access to the baskets. The best time to pot the plants is, I find, when the new roots make their appear- ance from the base of the young growth. If done at tliis time, the young roots quickly get hold of the new material and establish themselves in their fresh quarters, thereby avoiding the risk of the plants suffering from elirivelling and possible loss of foliage, which are likely to occur when the plants are repotted at an earlier season. Tho potting material should consist of good fibrous peat and living Sphagnum Moss. This should be pressed moderately firm about the roots and the base of the plant made firm to the top of the compost. The baskets should be sufliciently large to carry the plants at least two years, and as Pescatoreas are free rooting they soon fill an ordinary-sized basket. It is desirable to repot as seldom as possible, but should the Sphagnum decay on the surface, it should be removed and living Moss carefully pricked in its place. The plants require a fair amount of moisture at the roots throughout the year. Direct sunlight must be avoided during the hot summer months, but during the autumn and early spring months little or no shade is recjuired.— Stelis. PHAIUS GRANDIFOLIUS. Tnis useful and free-blooming old species is perhaps even now the most generally grown Phaius in cultivation, for not only is it met with in almost every collection of Orchids, but also in many other places where but few of these plants are cultivated. It naturally inhabits a very wide area in Asia and Australia. From the base uf the leaves the flower-spikes issue, and on strong plants they often attain a height of considerably over a yard, the upper 2 feet being closely covered with the showy blossoms produced successively. The sepals and petals are olive-brown inside, but on the outside white, this giving the flower a distinct and remarkable appearance. The lip is white in front, the side lobes rosy crimson and the throat yellow. Such a widely distributed plant is not likely to be fastidious as to temperature, and will in fact thrive in any warm, moist house where sufficient shade is aftbrded in the summer to prevent injury to the foliage. The roots are strong and persistent, and the plants may be placed in fairly large pots, clean and abundantly drained. Over the drainage lay a little rough Sphagnum Moss and half decsyed leaves to prevent the finer portions of the soil being washed down into it. For compost use equal parts of loam, peat or leaf-mould and chopped Sphagnum Moss, a good sprinkling of rough pieces of potsherds and charcoal being thrown in along with the soil. Large plants may have an addition made to this in the form of well- dried cow manure used in rough lumps, or if this is not at command, a little of any good concentrated fertiliser may be u.sed in its place. Although a vigorous rooter, many of the older roots will usually be found decayed at potting time, while should the compost have become waterlogged and sour, it is quite likely that all will bo in this condition. If so, the whole of the old material must be washed away with tepid water and the plants repotted into a very 86 THE GARDEK [January 30, 1897. light description of compost to encourage the emission of fresh roots, and so give them a start again ; but if reasonable care is exercised the plants seldom get into bad health, and the few dead roots may be cut out without in any way AfliU Norfolk Beavftn. From a photograph' sent hy Mr. J. C. Tallack, Liverinere Park. disturbing those in good condition. Get as much as possible of the old material away with the fingers and a pointed stick, and repot into a size larger, finishing the line of compost about an inch below the rim of the pot. Give as little water as possible for a week or two until the roots are taking to the new compost, when the supply must be increased. As the plants grow a full supply will be needed ; in fact, the roots must never become really dry during the summer. Syringing overhead is not advisable just as young growth is starting, as the water is apt to get down between the leaves and cause them to damp off ; but when the foliage is about half-grown and from then onwards syring- ing may be practised with advantage. After the pseudo-bulbs are complete, tin plants may with advantage be inured by degi < s to a cooler temperature and more light, this ripening and hardening the plants and makiii^' them more free-flowering. The water supply, too, may be greatly reduced, very little bemg needed during the dead of winter. When com- mencing to grow, it is often necessary to thin tlie young shoots considerably, as otherwise the pseudo-bulbs would 1)6 small and the flower- spikes few. Care is necessary to avoid injuring the parent bulbs, and the earlier they are re- moved, the less likely is this to happen. F. grandifolius produces its flowers at various times in the year. I have seen it in bloom in November and also in July, but the most fre- quent season is the present and the two succeed- ing months. The blossoms last a long time in good condition, and even when they have lost their first freshnesp, before commencing to fade, are by no means unattractive. There is a large and bright variety in existence called superbus, but it is not common. The typical plant has been in cultivation for more than a century, having been first introduced into this countrv in 1778. R. " Odontoglosaum pnlchellirm. — This is a very pretty little species, its distinct, erect scapes, closely covered with the little white blossoms, lighting up many a cool Orchid house just now. Easily grown, free blooming and very fragrant, it deserves a place in all collections. The blossoms have no colour excepting a golden yellow blotch in the centre of the lip, just enough to enhance the purity of the snowy segments. The best place to grow it is the cool house, and it delights in plenty of moisture all the year round ; still, it gets along fairly well even in a Cattleya house temperature, and this should certainly be chosen for the first season after importing. Good rough peat and clean Sphagnum Moss will grow it well, and, owing to the frecjuent watering required, plenty of drainage and plenty of hard material in the compost must be allowed. It is a very rest- less species, and plants now in flower are starting again into growth ; but this does not seem to affect its flowering, as in the case of some other kinds, so it is best, on the whole, to let it have its own way. There is a peculiar similarity between this species and O. citrosmum, but the erect habit of this and the pendent habit of the latter make the blossoms appear upside down. O. pulchellum is a native of Guatemala, whence it was introduced in 1840. Ansellia africana.— In habit this plant very much resembles a large Dendrobium, the stems being over .3 feet high, producing flower-spikes from near the top, each one containing a great many flowers. The sepals and petals are narrow, yellow, rather heavily spotted with reddish brown, the side lobes of the lip similar, the front one slightly serrated and pale yellow. The plants must be grown in a warm house all the year round, and may be placed in fairly large pots, owing to the fact that the roots are extremely plentiful and persistent. Equal parts of peat fibre, half de- cayed leaf-soil and Sphagnum Moss may be given it as compost, and quite one-half the depth of the 5 inches, not before, as they are apt to hold water to a dangerous degree. While at rest less water is needed, but at no time must the roots be quite dry. There are several varieties of this plant, which is the only well-marked species in the genus. Orchard and Fruit Garden. APPLE NORFOLK BEAUFIN. This famous old Norfolk Apple is still highly- thought of in the eastern counties, and de- servedly ranks with the best of our late cooking Apples. As a keeper it has few rivals, for it may easily be kept in good condition until the end of July, when new season fruits of the early varieties come into use. Though not so juicy as the Wellington and some others, its firm flesh makes it suitable for a greater variety of the purposes to which cooking Apples are put, it being excellent for baking whole, for stewing (though cooked in this way it requires more time than do the more juicy varieties), for pre- serving, and for drying. Varying seasons do- not apparently affect its keeping, and the re- mark so frequently heard in most seasons that " Apples are keeping badly this year" is never applicable to the Norfolk Beaufin, a quality- it shares almost solely with that much in- ferior Apple the Easter Pippin. The tree here, on a light and sandy soU, is a robust and healthy grower, and old trees bear fruit equally as fine and clear as do younger ones ; in fact, the va- riety in common with some other robust growers is not seen at its best whUe tha trees are young, neither will it respond to the close spurring system of pruning, and for all growers of that type I adopt the exten- sion system entirely, and only prune sufficiently to admit light and air to the trees. The tree on which the branch here illustrated was grow- ing is a low bush some eighteen years from the graft, and it has only borne freely during the past few years. It is in a grass orchard where it and its neighbours get an annual mulching of charred rubbish. During the heavy gale on March 24, 1805, a very fine specimen of the Norfolk Beaufii growing Pea) rondajite d'Autom'ne. From a photoaraph Budleiyh Salterton, Devon. pot should be filled with drainage. Over this, place a thin layer of rough Moss, and allow a good quantity of crocks and charcoal in potting. The plants need not be much elevated above the rims, and the best time for repotting or top- dressing is as soon as possible after the blossoms are past. Water must be freely given as long as the growth remains active, and frequent over- head dampings may be resorted to when the young shoots have attained a height of 4 inches or here was beheaded : the bole of this still stands and has since produced some healthy growth, which is now well set with fruit buds. At 5 feet from the ground the clean stem of this old tree girths exactly 5 feet, proof of the continuous well doing of the variety. From thia old specimen, up to the time of its beheading, I invariably got good crops of extra tine frnit. On cold, heavy soils the tree is said to canker badly, and the fruit is small and much spotted in wet seasons, but where it grows well the fruit is clean, handsome, above medium size, and of a uniform dull red colour except at the base, which is generally of a deep green. J. C. Tallack. Pear Bergamote d'Erptren.— I have just sent the last dish of this excellent Pear to table, and though ripe earlier than usual it has been in fine condition again this season. The largest fruits were gathered from cordon trees on the Quince stock.^ The trees were kept well mulched Miss Eyre January 30, 1897 THE GAKDEN. 87 and watered from the time the memorable drought set in la9t year until sufficient rain fell to enable the watering to bo dispeneed with. The fruits were allowed to hang as long as possible bcfure gathering bDth on the r-ardons and bush trees. The fruits from the latter have been equally as highly flavoured as those taken from the cordons, but not so large. Another thing to observe in the cultivation of this I'ear is to thin freely, as it is 60 prolific, and this combined with late gathering has, I consider, much to do with its coming to such perfection with ma. Were I planting Pears in quantity I should most certainly include a dozen trees of this variety, half as bushes and half as cordons.— A. \V. PEAR FONOANTE D'AUTOMNE. ALTHOiiiU there are hundreds of varietie,?, of Pears to select from, only a limited number can be termed reliable and good in most localities. The remark is sometimes made that if the fruit is not good enough for dessert it will ha accept- able in a stewed state, but it must be remem- bered that the greater number of dessert Pears are tine in the grain, and therefore not so well adapted for cooking as are stewing Pe^rs proper. By all means grow abundance of stew- ing Pears, as they are usually fully apprecia'ed, but valuable wall and garden space ought not to hd wasted on inferior dessert varieties. In Fondante d'Automne we have an old and well- tried variety which I have never known to fail. I first met with a large, old, horizontally-trained wall tree on a heavy, clayey soil in Kent. This tree seldom f-iilcd to crop heavily, and I grafted one side of it with Passe Colmar, an equally heavy cropping variety, sometimes extra good in quality, and in any case affording a good succession to the variety it was grafted uj)on. Since that time I have had experiencs with Fondante d'Automne in North Wales, Shrop- Ishire, Derbyshire, Middlesex and Somerset, land in each instance the trees were strong and productive, while the quality was invariably good. I have not seen it growing as a standard, ibut know it can I13 profitably cultivated in the tespalier-trained, bush and pyramidal forms, and it succeeds well on either the Quince 01 Pear stocks. If I wanted the tree to develop ito a large size, then I should purchase it on the natural or Pear stock, the Quince stock answer- ing best for cordons and comparatively small trees generally. The accompanying illustration faithfully conveys the true form of the fruit, which if left in clusters is only of medium size, put if more freely thinned, it naturally grows considerably larger. The skin of ripe fruit is emon-yellow in colour, with tinges of green pver the surface, while the flesh is white, fine- grained, melting, and agreeably flavoured. It is an October Pear, and second to none in point ?f quality during that month. W. I. I Highly coloured cider Apples.— Mr. T. Bmith having asked for the names of a ew of the most highly coloured varieties if cider Apple?, I submit the names of fifteen, h all of which the colour ranges between light W and what might be termed dark mahogany, hie being the colour of those to which the brm black is attached. They are all handsome h appearance, biilliantly coloured, and a ^w, such as Sam's Crab, Sack Apple and fherry Pearmain, are not to be despieed for ^ting when fully ripe. Planted in groups as |lr. Smith suggests they would indeed look beau- iful, especially if a few trees of the golden-yellow jinds were mi.xed with them. Planted for this urpose alone the fruits could then hang as long i they would, which in some instances would be ite in the fcason, and there is no question as to leir proving attractive if judiciously disposed in ther the pleasure grounds or ehrubberies. Red, Strawberry, an I Black Hereford, Cherry Pear- main, Dymock Red, Kingston Black, Cowarne Red, Pym Square, Redntroak, Sack Apple, Red Bud, Sam's Crab, Munn's Red, Skyrme's Kernel, and Red Fo.x whelp are the namas of the i^orts I refer to. Perhaps it should be stated that the first three mentioned were formerly considered Norman kinds, but as they were found on investi- gation to be nothing but seedlings raised m the county, the word Hereford was substituted in- stead.— A. Wai;i>. Gooseberries. — Bushes and trellis ■ trained cordons may be pruned unless birds are particularly troublesome. Bushes from which fruits will be gathered in a green state may have their branches left a trifle thicker than in the case of thofe on which the fruit will hang and ripen, and they will not therefore need such a severe thinning. In the latter case the branches should be kept thin to let in sunlight and air, spurring in in both instances all side shoots to two buds. Adopt the same method as advised for Red Currants for re- juvenating old trees if worth retaining, and cut away all pendulous branches reaching near the ground. Young bushes must have their branches thinned out and regulated, and leave just a sutfi- cient number to lay the foundation of well shaped open-headed trees. Cordon trees may if neces- sary for extension have their terminal shoots left nearly full length, and spur in side shcots to two buds. If needful, save cuttings of these and the foregoing, taking care to label each kind ac- curately, and tie up in separate bundles, heeling them in afterwards under a north wall or the shady side of a hedge. After the pruning is completed, all the bushes should be syringed with a mixture of soot and lime to clear them of parasites, and this will also render the buds dietasteful to birds where the bushes cannot be protected from their depredations. Currants may aho be served the same. If the fawfly caterpillar was trouble- some last season, clear away all loose soil from under the buthes to the depth of 4 inche?, and either take it bodily away or bury it deeply at some distance from the trees. Then dust the bared surface with fteshly slaked lime, and replace the soil taken away with some from an- other and non-infested source. A steady per- severance in this method of dealing with this pest has lead to its extirpation in these gardens, and I can therefore recommend it with confidence. —A. W. STAKING FRUIT TREES, ild, open winters a great number of fruit trees is always planted, as the ground cannot always be got ready so as to allow of getting the trees in at the best date— the month of Novem- ber. I think, however, that planters incur great risk in very wet winters like the present, that is to say, where the soil is inclined to be strong and the subsoil cold, as should very severe frost set in, as it Eometimes does, in January, the roots are very liable to sufJ'er. In such positions it is far better to let the ground remain rough through the next summer, scuHling it well to keep down weeds, or even cropping it with summer vege- tables, and then to plant the trees the following November. This is a gain in the end. Much, however, deijsnds upon circumstances and how the trees are planted. I have lately been plant- ing on land newly acquired by my employer trees of Lane's Prince Albert, Potts' Seedling, and Lady Henniker, three Apples that do well in this dis- trict, and I do not apprehend any tiarm even hould severe weather set in, as the soil is a light loam resting on a whitish sand bed. In this medium I ho[_c for early fertility, as should the roots descend into the tand a fibrous condition would be the result. In this case I did not adopt the mound principle, which I usually do when planting fruit trees nn a cold, retentive bottom or subsoil. Staking is often left until high winds work much mifchief. Stakes fhould really be in readiness when planting takes place, in which case they can be inserted previous to filling in the compost, firmness thus being then more easily i secured than when the stakes are driven in after planting is completed. How often do amateurs make the great mistake of mulching newly planted trees heavily with pig or cow manure, thereby adding fuel to the fire, should copious rains and frost follow. The best material to use is rough short litter, and failing this leaf refuse. Protection also from the ravages of hares and rabbits must be given as soon as planted, as these pests often ruin a whole lot of trees in a single night. Various methods are recommended, but I think nothing is better than emompussing the trea with wire netting. Even amateurs nowadays seldom plant on unturned ground, and it goes with- out saying that the cost of trenching and preparing the plot in the first instance is soon atoned for, not only by the extra vigour of the trees them- selves but by the chance adorded of growing be- tween the trees such things as bush fruits. Straw- ben ies or vegetables for a good many years, at least in cases where the trees are given sufficient room. J. C. Spider on Peach trees.— "J. C." (p. 4.1; recommends employing sulphur and quassia ex- tract for Peach trees affected with red spider. These are certainly the last things I would use after having seen the results produced by an applica- tion of them. Some years ago I had spider on the trees in one of the Peach houses, and as the fruit was ripening I concluded that were I to more or less coat the leaves with the sulphur this would prevent the pest doing much damage until I could again use the syringe on them. This was done, but the cure or preventive proved worse than the disease, as it took all the leaves ofT. Since then I have always avoided sulphur. When dealing with spider in the Peach house last spring, I syringed two Peach trees with C|uas8ia extract when the fruits were about the size of thrush's eggs, with the ie?ult that they were so bitter when ripe that they could not be used for cooking or dessert. The same effect was produced on some Red Currants with quastiiextract. With such practical proof as the above of the evils attending an application of either sulphur or quassia extract, I would strongly caution anyone acting upon the advice referred to. Quassia ex- tract is an excellent insecticide, but I doubt its beneficial effects on any fruit. My object is more tn draw the attention of your readers to the facts mentioned than to disagree with " J. C."— R. C. H. Young' fruit trees.- In dealing recently with a Urge Gloucestershire orchard, I spacially ob- served the poor starved appearance of a number of young standard Apple trees planted a year previously. I had a few of them liftei and found the cause of this appearance to be the terribly mutilated condition of the roots, which had been hacked in lifting with spades, so that there was not more than one-third of the root formation usually found on good young trees. They had been fairly well planted and protected from cattle, but there was no prospect of fair growth resulting for some three years at least. A few similar young trees, brought from a neighbouring farm, had capital roots full of fibre, but they had been intelligently lifted and not pulled up. Although antagonistic to trading, I felt compelled to advise the estate owner that it would bo worth his while to establish a nursery for fruit tree production on his property, putting it under capable control. His response was that he would cheerfully do so if his tenants would furnish the trees suitable treatment and culture. There is in many orchards no such thing as culture. The trees are planted and when they are well es- tablished are left to shift for themselves, the heads soon becoming perfect thickets of branches which soon become covered with Moss. — A. D. The best bud. — Pruners of Vine laterals are invariably instructed to cut back to the best, which means, of course, the most plump or strongest bud. But the best bud so regarded is not always found at the base of the lateral, and may be the second one at least. If, therefore, this bud be preserved, the spur is at once mate- THE GARDEN. [Janoary 30, 1897 rially lergthencd, and it would seem ae if this practice was in many vineries common, or other- wise we ehould not fee the rods cairying long ugly snags on either side, not infrequently 6 inches to 8 inches in lengfth. It becomes obvious that the elongation of there gnarled growths on the main rods presently leads to the very result the ofifort to secure the best bud; intended to obviate, as these snags are the reverte of helpful to the production of strong laterals. But in many vineries we see very little evidence of spur, the pruner cutting back very hard every year, apparently holding that a good base bud is the best, and doubtless finding it is so. Where these long spurs have been allowed to develop it is evident they cannot always remain, and either the entire rod must be sacrificed or else one half of the spurs must be cut hard back to induce the formation of new, close borne laterals, the rest being removed the following year, or the whole cut hard back at once, which may mean an entire loss of crop for that seafon. There seems to be here a ((uestion well worthy of discufsion, which in pruning is the best course to take, whether so to prune as that spurs greatly elongate, or to do so as to prevent their material formation '.' If as good crops of Grapes can ba obtained from the bard, clean pruning, then is it far better to do so than to allow long, ungainly spurs to accumulate. —A. D. Kitchen Garden. FORCING TURNIPS. Few stored vegetables lose quality so soon as the Turnip. No matter how stored, the roots next April or early May are soft and flavourless. I ara aware bulbs from a late sowing of the Golden Ball type may be kept sound lougerthan others, but even these grow out badly and lose quality as spring comes round. It is surprising Turnips are not forced more largely, as they are within the reach of anyone who can afford a frame and a gentle heating material for the roots at the start, the Turnip coming to ma- turity sooner than Carrots and being quite as useful. Then rapid germination and loot- formation make tbem valuable where early vegetables are prized. The great mistake in forcing Turnips is giving too much warmth either at the root or the top ; the plants run all to leaf and fail to bulb. This very difficulty brings their culture within the reach of most growers. Many can only give a cold frame and provide warmth at the roots with manure or other means, such as leaves or fan. I name the latter, as the best roots I ever saw were grown on tan, the variety being the French Forcing. I find the best roots are obtained when a liberal addition of fresh leaves can be used with the heating material. The leaves retain the warmth longer and are better in every way. Fresh manure alone is too rapid and only induces top growth. Good roots may be grown without bottom-heat at all, but they are much longer about, and at times bolt or run if not kept thin and ventilated freely. Ventilation is a strong point, as, once the plants are in the third or rough leaf, there must be no coddling. Provided a dwarf top can be maintained, there will be good roots. The dwarf growers should always be grown. For forcing, I prefer the Early Milan to the French Forcing or Paris Market ; this latter I grew for years, and though excellent as a forcer, it is now super- leded by the Early Red and White Milan, which are of quicker growth, and therefore more useful. The Red Milan is doubtless the earliest variety one can grow ; root flat, of medium size and smooth, with a crimson toj). The White is similar in build and earliness. Both are excellent for frame culture and come to matuiiiy in a short time. I do nut advise any of these early roots to be kept, their value being in their rapid growth. I have, by sowing the Milan type in the open and covering with dry Bracken or litter in severe weather, obtained nice roots by the end of May. Sown thinly under glass in February, there will be good roots in two months from date of sow- ing. The plants require plenty of air m fi weather, and a liUle also at night if the weather is favourable. Hard forcing means failure, and thin sowing is neces.=ary. G. Wythes. Exhibitioa Potatoes —The term " show " U frequently applied to certain varieties of Pota toes for the purpose of discrediting them :i9 table varieties. That is a great mistake, and arises entirely from ignorance of the quality of the va rieties. The very beautiful samples seen at times at exhibitions, and usually consisting of the emcothest, handsomest and brighte.st samples, are tubers cf cnmmonly grown and wellrecognieed varieties. Half a doz3n sorts of white kidney Potatoes will probably comprise Chancellor, Snowdrop, White Beauty, or Early Puritan, Reading Giant, Magnum Bonum and Main-crop. Six white rounds will probably be Satisfaction, Prime Minister, Windsor Castle, Goldfinder, White Perfection and London Hero — all first-rate cookers. Then of coloured kidneys, Reading Ruby, Prizetaker, Beauty of Hebron and the striped Purple Beauty — really a flat red Lapetone ; and of coloured rounds, Reading Russet, The Dean, Lord Tennyson and Conference are excellent. Prejudice against colour too often leads to first rate varieties being neglected in favour of white ones that have less flavour and starch in them. The selection given above, however, if the grower has good metbod.s and also a good soil, should enable hira to select a dozen dishes of perfect samples. To got the best form ariably select for planting the handsomest seed tubers, each of about 2i czs. weight, keep them well exposed all the winter iu the light and hav- ing plenty of air, but keeping cool and restful. Let each tuber throw but one stout shoot only. I'lant rather late than early so that growth is quick and unchecked, and in planting use wood ashes and old pot soil freely. — A. D. Mr. Eckford on growing Peas. — For the first crop prepare the ground in the autumn if possible, as Peas delight in firm ground. Autumn preparation allows it to consolidate. If the ind is dry and in proper condition, the first crop may be sown the first week in March. Before ng, the seed should have a coating of red lead, to prevent mice, birds, and other pests taking it away. My plan is to place the seed in a bucket and sprinkle with water, any water which does not adhere to the seed being poured off ; then sprinkle with sufticient red lead, and II round until each seed is thoroughly coated id free. Sow thinly in drills .) inches deep and from 4 feet to 0 feet apart, according to variety, the dwarf kinds requiring less room between the rows than the tall kinds. Cover the seed, and if the ground is in good working condition, treud firmly along the drill. When the young plants ap- pear, precaution should be taken to protect from slugs, &c. It is advisable (to avoid a possible failure) to sow at the same time a few of the same varieties in pots to fill the blanks should they from any cause occur. For succession sow at in- tervals as usual. For very early work Peas may be sown in pots, three or four seeds in a pot, in the last week in December or first week in January, and kept in cold frames, merely pro- tected from very severe frost, and exposed on all favourable occasions to keep them dwarf and hardy. If the weather is favourable, they may be planted out in clumps 12 inches to 18 inches apart in the first or second week in March, and a few bushy sticks put to them for protection. Peas are ery hardy, and if the plants have been property grown and not drawn up weakly, a little frost wid not hurt them. Peas do best in good, but not over-rich ground — ground that has been manured or the previous crop, such as Broccoli, is moat suitable. My experience in growing Peas shows that the modern system of sowing them in heavily, manured trenches is a mistake, and more condu- cive to the growth of stems and leaves than to the production of fruit. Starting early Potatoes. — Everyone is aware, from the position of the Channel Islands, that they have climatic advantages, but these have not all to do with the splendid early Potatoes we get from thence. Attention to small matters plays a very important part in their culture, and one of these is the way the growers prepare the tubers, by exposing them thinly in their specially made shallow boxes to light and air. Any ordin- ary shallow box from 2 inches to 3 inches deep will do, and a convenient size is 24 inches by 18 inches. A box of these dimensions would hold about half a bushel of seed sized Potatoes. Having got the shallow box, the next thing is to make a frame by nailing inside the box at each angle four uprights each 1 in. square and 0 in. long. Upon these uprights on the outside should be nailed a piece of wood, three-quarters of an inch by 2 inches, the width of the box. From the centre of thesa pieces a piece 1 inch square should be halved in, taking the length of the box, thus forming a handle. The object of this framework is that the boxes can be conveniently stored away one on another in an airy, open shed, where the light and air can play between each box. There is also lity in time, when you can take one go to the plot to be planted, thus avoiding shift- ing the Potatoes and the inevitable consequence of breaking off the best shoots. I can baar testimony to the great advantage in thus pre- paring the sets. With a little attention to covering I was enabled to dig Potatoes in May from the open under an east wall — James Hop- kins, The Gardens, High Cross, Framjidd. Public Gardens. THREE NATURAL PARKS. In the cities of Halifax, Truro, and St. John, in the maritime provinces of Canada, are patks^ of great natural beauty, each typical of the bold and rugged scenery which prevails on the adjacent coasts, and each one almost in its natural state. Point Pleasant Pakk, the oldest of the three, and formerly called Tower Woods, is on a point of land at the lower extremity of the magnificent harbour, stretch- ing along the water-front and looking out upon the Atlantic Ocean. It occupies the entire them end of the peninsula on which Hali- fax is built, and extends from the harbour on the one .side to the North-west Arm, and com- priaes about 180 acres, the highest point being some 150 feet above the sea. Except for the ht miles of road made through it and many delightful foot-paths, it is entirely covered with The property belongs to the Imperial Government, but the city has a perpetual lease and free use of it on the conditions that no buildings are to ba put on it, and no wharves traftic allowed on its shores, while the forts, of which there are several, are to remain under the control ot the Imperial Government. Thg park is in charge of twelve commissioners appointed by the City Council, five of whom are permanent, the others being the mayor and six aldermen, who hold the position until their terms in the City Council expire. The city appropriates the modest sum of 2500 dols. a year for the maintenance of the park. Of course, the commissioners are not paid, but the chairman devotes much of his time to the park as a labour of love. The main effort is to keep it essentially January 30, 1897.] THJ<] (;akden. in forest ami preserve its natural features. When the park was first bsguu, Prince Edward, the father of gueen Victoria, did much to beau- tify it, and his example has been followed by other distinguished commanders at Halifax since his time. The excellent roads are made chiefly by the soldiers. Except the fine iron gates at the entrance of the park, which, with a considerable sum of money to open the avenue to it, were a gift from the lata Sir Will YouQg, and ii handsome keeper's lodge in the course of erection, there is very little artihcial work in this oldest of the parks of Canada. It is practically a maguiticent grove of trees, jmakiug a typical forest of Eastern Canada. jDuring the last few years the commissioners have jplanted many young exotic trees and shrubs, but |the native species have been so well preserved and kept iu such prominence, that the visitor finds it difticult to believe that he is not iu a well-preserved natural forest. The fine public gardens of Halifax are not a part of the park, ibut are managed by a separate board. I The Viotokia Pakic kt Truro, Nova Scotia, was founded about ten jyears ago, in the Queen's Jubilee year. Its situation and surroundings are romantic in the extreme. From a plateau at the top of a range jf hills on the southern side of the city a stream flows down in a succession of cascades, forming 1 ravine which extends almost to the city limits'! The stream finds its way through this ravine, now bounding over rocky ledges, now dimpling in 'oamy pools, until it enters a little glen, bordered with evergreen trees, about a quarter of a Tiile from the city. Here is the entrance to the park, rather sombre even on a bright October day, but when once the visitor enters the gorge .he romantic beauty of the scene is one well itted to captivate him. A path follows the bindings of the stream for some distance, giv- ug new views of picturesque scenery at every urn. Here a bare wall of red sandstone owers above the path for nearly 1(H) feet. On he opposite sides of the chasm the wall of rock 5 broken, and from the crevices are seen hang ng in rich profusion Woodsias, Polypodiums, .ud Aspidiums, far beyond the reach of human lands. Here and there is some little dell hrough which bubbles a miniature stream, it: ocky banks covered with Mosses and Lichens :'he largest of the falls is about 30 feet or ,!0 feet in height. On the plateau, 200 feet bove the ravine, a carriage-road extends, en- ircling the outer edge of the park, and number- pss by-paths extend from this to points of vau- jige on the crags overlooking waterfalls, where n a bright October afternoon the visitor looks own on a scene of marvellous beauty. MovNT Plea.sant Pakk, t St. John, New Brunswick, situated near the iity, has not yet been formally opened. It onsists of L'-iO acres of land, some of which has een given by liberal citizens, some acquired by lurchase, and some will come by expropriatior Nring the past two years the members of the lorticultural Association have endeavoured in very possible way to interest citizens in the ark scheme by planting the squares of the ty with trees and flowers and by holding ex- •ibitions. When they have secured en^'ough •nd for the park and have paid for it, the isociation proposes to hand it over to the city ,s a gift, it is hoped that the liberaliry and ubhc spirit of these citizens will meet with a merous response on the part of the city overnment. The park site is a broken acd icturesque plateau overlooking the city, in- irsected with ravines. A lake lio^ =.* ii-= whiuh a small stream finds its way over a succession of perpendicular locks to the meadow below, forming a series of beautiful cascades about 80 feet iu height. The most of the park lands so far acquired consist mainly of rocky hills and mounds covered with a growth of small shrubs, with stunted Spruces, Firs, White Birches, Maples and Cedars. The Cedars are shapely and beautiful, and will becirae (me of the most beautiful ornaments of the park, the limestone formation being well adapted for their symmetrical growth. A special feature of the park at this .season is the native shrubbery which covers the rocks, and which yields the iiiost brilliant and varied colours — stunted "V'acciniums with their purple hues covering the rocks in every direction ; several species of Viburnum, with their white and blue fruits in pleasing contrast, Kalmia angustifolia. Rhodo- dendron Rhodora, Ledum latifolium, Pyrus nigra and many others. G. U. Hay. St. Jehu, N.l:., in G„nh,i ami Forest. |estern extremity, from the eastern end of JUDGING. The notes that have appeared on judging Apples open up a wide field, and deserve more than a passing notic?, especially in the case of local shows, which are multiplying with each succeed- ing year. Really, given good judges, it seems to that committses have the matter entirely in their own hands. The diti'erent clasfe? of the schedule should ba very clearly defined and the ■■■"^es in,structed to work in strict accordance I the same. Instead of this latter poin', being enforced, members of committees are often in- clined to hint that certain points may not be pressed, not with any intention of wilfully in- ■ nging the wording of the schedule, but lather, to put it in homely fashion, " to give everybody a chance." Take, for instance, the case of Potatoes. There are few c3ttage shows where kidneys are not shown in the round class and riee rer-^a, and jet if the error is pointed out, one is often met with the remark, "Give it to the best dish : we must not be too particular." Such errors, however, might easily be rectified when final arrangements are made, and so avoid putting judges in a false position. The cut flower (luestion again is nearly always a ticklish business if the schedule reads six or twelve, as the case may be, distinct species. Varieties is a dif- ferent matter ; there is seldom any difficulty here, but over distinct species cottagers and gardeners also occasionally come to grief, and if disqualifica- tion follows the showing we will say of two varie- ties of I'hlox or of perennial Sunflowers, the judges are apt to have a warm time of it. In the matter of Apples there should be no hesitation if the wording of the schedule is clear. A lioiuh/ide collection of dessert kinds should always score against others containing uncertain varieties that are named as available for either dessert or kitchen, but if the latter ,ire excluded in all the desEert collections, they must be judged accord- ins to their respective merits. As to a kitchen Apple pure and simple being allowed to pass muster in a dessert collection, this is decidedly wrong, and not permissible under any circumstances, and I suppose, according to the correct reading of the schedule, a vice-vtrsa ease would hold good, although, as pointed out in an editorial note, the majority of dessert kinds are very fine from a cooking stindpoint. 1 hardly see what the fruit commit -ee of the Royal Horticultural Society can do in the matter, except to recommend both a correct and well-defined wording of schedules and the strict enforcement of the same. E. BURRELI,. by this thermometer placed on the surface of the snow was 2P of frost on the night preceding the 18t.h. Both at 1 font and 2 feet deep the ground is now about 2' colder than the January average. On the 22rid. snow fell during the daytime to the depth of 4', inches, and on the following morning the measurement was 74 inches, or deeper than at any time eince January (i, 1SS7, or f)r ten years. The most noteworthy feature of this fall of enow was the drynnss, and con80(|uently light- nesf, of the flakes. This is shown in two ways : {i; By the compiratively small ([uantity of water it yielded when melted ; (2) by the rapid way in which its depth on the ground decreased during the next two days after it hai fallen. To show what a great protection to low-growing vegeta- tion such a fall of snow must prove, I may state that on the nights of the 2i.h, 2.'ith and 26 ;h the temperature was respec lively U', 'J ' and 1 1° higher beneath the snow than immediately above it. The depth of snow on these nights was 1 inches. The air during the last five days has been drier than any time since Novembar, while the record nf nshine for the same five days has averagad .SJ hours a diiy.— E. M., !:< rUi'inistnl. The weather in West Herts.— The present frost may be said to have set in on the 16th insc, since which time all the days have been more or less unseasonably cold, while on every night the exposed thermometer baa registered from i° to 21° of frost. The lowest reading indicated as yet Notes of the Week. Medinilla javanensis.— This species is now in flower in the great Palm house at Kew, the flowers white, tinted with flash colour, and ar- ranged in small panicles or clusteri. Begonia manicata.— This is, perhaps, one of the freest of winter- flowering Begonias, and very pretty are the numerous sprays of its blossoms mingling with other things in the greenhouse at this time. Beg-onia Gloire de Lorraine.— Among the winter-flowering Begonias, this la (■3rtainly one of the most precious. In some example; at Kew little else is seen but the miss of bloom, even ((iite small plants being literally crowded with flowers. Aloe Lynchi. — This very distinct hybrid is now flowering in the succulent house at Kew. The inflorescence is rather large and much branched, the drooping blossoms, which are of a pink shade and heavily tipped with green, being produced in great numbers. Solomon's Seal.— This is among the most graceful and pleasing of plants for growing in pots under glass, as when gently forced, its fresh green foliage and drooping flowers are pretty in the ex- treme. The plant is readily accommodated, and easily forced into bloom in an ordinary green- house. Spirsea Thunberg'i. — This neat and pretty species forms a most compact bush, and as such is weU suited fjr pots. Given this treatment, established plants may with gentle warmth be had early in bloom. Apart from its value as a pot plant it is almost unique among dwarf shrubs in the open in autumn. Brunfelsia latifolia is a very attractive Bra- ian shrub now fljwering in the large Palm house at Kew. In general appearance the flowers are not unlike those of the Vincaat tirrt sight. The blooms, which are about the size of a florin, are freely produced and of a delicate mauve, eventually passing to a lighter shade. Cyrtantbus luteus.— Some masses of this have for a long tuna past been producing their nearly tubular blossoais in tha No. 7 range at Kew. A slender scape a foot or so long has many flowers, the latter arching in a most graceful manner. Two other species, C. albus and C. in- termedins, the latter with salmony yellow flowers, are also tl jwering in company with the above. Chrysanthemum Mrs. Jerome Jones.— Speaking from memory, I have lut seen this useful Ute white mentioned during the past sea- son, though the American papers speak of it in glowing terms. I giew a few plants cf it in 1S96 tor the first time, and was surprised that at Christmas the flowers had scarcely begun to ex- 90 THE GARDEN. [January 30, 1897. pand. The l)loDm3 are ivory white, and are pro- duced on good long stiflf steins. Those who value very lata kinds should note it for future use. Iris sp. nova.— What is undoubtedly a new, and certainly a lovely species of Iris, has expanded its first flower today (January 26) at Kew. The flower now expanded is about 2 inches across and of the purest white, with a few yellow spots near the base of the segments. The foliage is made up of great flat blades, dark green, and of consider- able vigour, quite out of proportion to the present somewhat thin and wiry flower-stem. The plant is flowering in No. 7 range. Christmas Roses from St. Brigid.— These from Killiney are very cheery in colour, suffused with rose, and probably seedlings from the bold winter-flowering H. maximus. These plants happily want no very choice climate to thrive, but gritty or open soils they enjoy best, and are slow on heavy soils. Few, even of those who grow them, really know their great value when treated artistically, or their fine colour etfects in the winter garden when well grown and massed on warm borders. Chrysanthemum La Neige.— At page 51 "J. C." refers to a Chrysanthemum by the above name, but, judging by the description which fol- lows, I am of opinion'he is referring to the well- known Boule de Neige. If the latter is intended, I can well bear testimony to its usefulness, having for Eome six or eight years in succession grown about OOtI plants of it in 8-inch pots. The variety is so compact and free-flowering withal, that it deserves all the praise " J. C.'' has bestowed upon it.— E. J. Double Daffodils forced.— With this I an Sending for jour insfection a "market bunch' of the old double yellow Daffodil, the bulbs pro ducing them being of my own growing here ir Middlesex. I think you will agree with me tha' the colour for forced blooms is in every way ex cellent ; size of bloom and length of stem are als( noteworthy features. When gathered the stems were even longer, but they were shortened for convenience in packing. The outer segments on the reverse side — often so heavily tinged with dark green- are also noticeable for the unifor yellow tint. I have but rarely seen the colour so rich.— E. H. jEynKS, Hai>i2iton Ilill. Primula floribunda.— If only for the great abundance of its bright yellow blossoms, this charming little Himalayan speiies should at this season of the year be found in every greenhouse In the conservatory, where small marginal plants are freely used, a few pots of this interesting Primula will be found an agreeable change. By sowing the seeds early in the year and treating the seedlings like the Chinese Primulas, good plants of P. floribunda may be had in a few months. Though small individually, the flowers never fail to attract where good examples exist. After the first season the plants create a pretty effect on shady rockwork in the open during the summer months. Calceolaria alba.— The charming plate of this beautiful species in the last issue of The Gakden should tempt many to grow it during the present year. Fcr weeks during the latter part of the summer of 1S96 this delightful plant, against a wall in the hardy plant department at Kew, yielded seme hundreds of its pretty spikes of pure white flowers. It is so easily grown all the summer long against a warm wall, and yields so profusely of its useful sprays of blossom, that all gardeners who have to supply cut flowers would find it very useful. A wall is by no means an essential in its culture, as, doubtless, in any warm, sunny spot in light, well-drained would do ecjually well. Primula verticillata.— This species when well grown is one of the most sitisfactory of the neaily hardy kinds for winter flowering. In a private garden of which I had charge the plant was an especial favourite, and was grown specially for winter flowering. This was readily accom- plished by sowing the seeds at any time from March to May. The largest plants were flowered n 6-ineh pots. Apart from the pleasing efl'ect of ts whorled spikes of yellow flowers, the foliage, owing to its dense covering of whitish meal, is even more attractive. Seedlings of this give far better results than divided plants. Fresh home- saved seeds of this are decidedly the best, though some seeds of it that I kept for six years in an ordinary paper packet germinated well in three weeks from sowing.- E. J. Tussilago fragrans (Winter Heliotrope).— We saw ((uite an abundance of this plant the other day beneath the stage of a greenhouse which at the moment was unoccupied. Under the circumstances this fragrant weed was evi- dently at home, working its way from end to en d of the narrow border below the stage, and with the protection named was flowering abundantly. Doubtless there are other places of a similar character that could thus be turned to account, for the grateful fr.igrance of the blossoms is ever welcome, and the plant is not without value in its rightful place in the garden, where a favoured locality cr a sheltered spot is best, as the flower-heads suffer generally from wet and frost. Chinese Primulas.— When a comparison is made between the flowers of the Chinese Primula of to- day and t hose of thirty years ago, one c jnnot but be struck with the great improvement that has been made. We have now a great variety of colour— from the purest white to the richest crim- son-in the Bowers, while the beauty of the foliage, too, is further heightened by the Fern-leaved kinds. The advert of Chiswick Red greatly en- hanced the depth of colour, but this has been im- proved on. We now, too. have the so called blue Primula, though this is not in favour with some people. We are reminded of the great strides that have been made in the Chinese Primula by a gathering of flowers which has been sent us by Messrs. Stuart and Co., of Covent Garden. Tli blooms embrace all the colours now to be found in this favourite winter flower, including The (,lueen (white). Alba magnifica (white), rubra lacea, Chiswick Red and Cottage Maid, an old riety, but still worthy of note. The semi double flowers were represented by Double Crimson (with lichly coloured flowers), Chiswick Red (double) and a new variety called Paper White, a double form of alba magnifica, flowers pure white, large, full in the centre, the foliage a beautiful, air transparent green, and crimped like Parsley. The report of the committee appointed to' adjudicate on questions of disputed nomenclature in the incurved section was submitted. A number of varieties, probably thirty, were considered and relegated to what the committee consider the proper sections. This report will be printed and will form an addendum to the recent issue of the society's catalogue. .Judges were then appointed for the shows for ls;i7, the first in importance being the November exhibition, and were as fol- ; : For plants, Messrs. Lyne and Prickett ; .„! incurved, Messrs. J. W. Moorman and C. Orchard ; for Japanese, Messrs. G. Gordon, C. Gibson, E. Beckett, and E. Molyneux ; for fruit, Messrs. Tcgg and Reynolds ; for table decoia- tions, Messrs. Bevan and Marshall. The Septem- ber, October, and December shows were ako dealt with in like manner. Silver-gilt jubileemedals wereawarded toMr. B Wynne and Mr. T. W. Sanders, and bronze jubilee medals to Messrs. R. BixUantine, T. Bevan, and Williams in recognition of their services to the society. Twelve new members were elected and the Dorking Chrysanthemum Society was ad- mitted in affiliation. Societies and Exhibitions. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY. The general committee of this society held a meeting at Anderton's Hotel, Fleet Street, on Monday evening last, Mr. B. Wynne presiding. After reading the minutes of the previous meet- ing, a question was asked concerning the dates of the exhibitions for the current year, when the secretary explained that the final fixtures were as follows : September 7, s, and 9, October 12, l.S, and 14, November 'J, 10, and 11, and December 7, 8, and !). Mr. Harman Payne handed over to the chairman the silver-gilt medal and diploma awarded to the National Chrysanthemum Society at the Ghent Chrysanthemum show for a collec- tive exhibit of cut blooms. It was resolved that the same be photographed and a copy presented to each member of the society that furnished con- tributions to make up the exhibit. Mr. W.Piercy, the eminent specialist in early Chrysanthemums, having recently died, a vote expressing the sense of the loss that the society had sustained was unanimously passed. Floral committee meetings for 1807 will be held on the following dates, viz , September 7 and 20, October 12 and 25, Novem her 1, 15, 22, and 29, and December 7 and 13. The general committee will assemble on August 23, September 20, October 25, November 22, and December 13. Obituary. MR. W. PIERCY. We regret to announce the death, at the age ol 71, of Mr. W. Piercy, of Forest Hill, who bac for more than fourteen years closely identifiec himself with the early flowering Chrjsanthe mums. He raised many excellent sorts, whicl now find much favour in the outdoor garden, i variety raised by Mr. Piercy during the first yea: of his attention to this section of the Chrysanthe mum from seed sent by a friend in America, am named by him Piercy's Seedling, is probably on. of the most popular sorts in many of our publi parks and gardens, and will ably serve to pet petuate his name. In more recent years Mi Piercy was successful in saving seed frcm severs of his favourites, and by these means the hort: cultural world is licher for his efforts in thi direction. One special feature in his connectio with the early Chrysanthemums was his ob jection to the custom of allowing only thre or four blooms to each plant, and to those whos privilege it was to visit his garden during th flowering season a wealth of blossoms in grea variety of colour on plants only slightly dif budded, and growing in the open, was thei reward. He also had a strong objection t the blooms of late varieties being exhibited a the National Chrysanthemum Society's earl show. ^__^___^^_i—^.^.^— Chrysanthemum sports. -Mr. Henslow «i be greatly obliged to cultivators of the Chryeat themum if they will kindly inform him of an sports which they have had during the las two or three seasons, stating the name of tli parent plant as well as the colours of the flower of both parent and sport, aI.so describing an special treatment the parents may have had. 1 they can suggest any other cause of the sport h will be glad to hear of it.— Drayton House, Ealini London, W. BOOKS RECEIVED. } " Calceolaires, Ciueraires, Coleus, Heliotr-pes.l avec 38 figures dans le texts. Par Jules Rutlolplj Octave Doin, Paris . „ ■„ ,' "Culture des Fougeres Exotiques. Far / Bujssons. Octave Doin, Paris. Names of plants.- G. E. P.—l and -2. h\ possible to name from leaver only ; 3, Phaius WalM, Names of fruit.-3/rs. Fnwidin-Feav Bem\ S^ance Eeclor.—l. Tom Putt ; 2, Emperor Ale' ander ; 3, Incomparable Pippin ; i, New Hawthor den • 5, New Northern Greening : b. Court Vem\ Plat- ", BraddicVs Nonpareil; 8, Soldatd'Espereu (.- THE GARDEN. 91 1316. SATURDAY, February 6, 1897. VjI. U " Tills i8 an Art Whifh does moiid Natuvo : chimito it ratlio TiiK Art iTSKi.K IS Nati-re."— SAotMiimit. Flower Garden. ilLWKS SPKING-FL()\VEHIX(; PLANTS. )nisliiiig that so few (if these gardens and woodland walks, tllose \\1 have been made lie mere in eresti f SeiUa |,1; ntr,l ur w llan. wmI t!iev Wills,,, n ),e '{ is ratlier re seen in |irticularly (cent y>':irs^ ian the \.i jjisses .•il.iM'j ;hwc if Kit Liwllya cmipanion t,i the Sn,.u,ir,,]., W ii.t,i Umite, Chion,i,hixa((il„ry of the S,„.u), ;,i„l few others. Here l„.fl, the l.hie a,„l whit,- ..rieties ,.f S. silMru:, ,1,. well, lh.,ii-h theldl.T ,iusnoti!r,,w s,. r,.l.uslly. 'I'll,' pretty sky-lilue „wers' I,, l^iwn almost anywhere. When plintcl in tld masses along the margins ,if p.itlis ,.r in Amps they are far more interestiui,'. .M. itryoides is a splendid subject for r, leky i,'r,Min,l planted in a light sandy soil am,.m,'st'tiie ,i,- rs. while the feathery illumes ,if M. m,,nstr,,- n, make a fine .slniw. There is al.s,. the illjucudium vernum, with its ro.sy purple I, wers springing up and expanding just above Ije surface of the ground almost as soon as the tist has disappeared. Beautiful as all these , uhtless are, none of them are to be compared th the Erythroniums or Dog's-tooth Vinlets 1,11 allowed a free run. Here they .seem t,i ,it hiime, having, seeded freely, the ymuig lints spiin'4iii,_' II], Ih-re and there in the mo.st I ,.xpi',ir,l ]il,u 1 s. ill,- 1, 1 -autifully spotted foliage 1 iiiiidin^ ,,n,- ,,f s,,iii,- i-hoice greenhouse plant. ' ,y si-,iii |,r,„,f .e^iinst rabbits, as I have m-v,r l,,«n iIk-iii Ii, ti,u,-h a leaf even when ,,tli,i [lilts h.-n,- l„-,-M , -.11, -II, itf all around. Gr,m 111-4 1 ^'niiips at thi- f,„,l ,,f trees or in seatt,-r,-,| itches on gentle sl,,|„-s thi-v make .1 tin,- t,-,i t(-e. TriUimus,!,, n,,l ,-,,iiim,-,ii,l th.- ,-,tt,-i,ti,,., tby deserve. Wlu-n ;4i-, ,u n in a iii,,ist. sli;i,l\ l-,ce they flower m,,st pnifusely. Fntillanes, 111, deserve a place. Planted in irregular yiups in the grass, the flowers, rich and varied ijcolour, are very efieetive. romanvthi-sr ,.ld-f,ishi,pne,l flowers are far lire pleasin.4 tli.iii tin- ,-li,.i,-,.st Orchids, by Mich Slime st-i such si,, re, .aid as they may be S/iwnwith but little trouble or expense, they ebuld be planted more largely. What is more tfective than a group of Solomon's Seal. Tough not exactly a bulbous plant, it may for ■ present purpose be classed with that grouji. 15 delights in a, deep richsoir, aJid may there- fiire b.- planti-d in moist situations or i.i b.i.a groups along the margins of streams where few- other things would thrive. For cutting this is most valuable, as the soft green foliage is so pleasing. Ornithogalums are of easy cultur^^ and when .mee plante,! will in must places t.-ike e.-ire ,,r nienis,-K s. N,-ii-,-issi li.iv,- l„-eu Very „ls. ililiits t,,m-li llK-1,1. flK-n-f,,i-,- th,-\ uv^^ «ii ilety Ih- largely plaiil,-,! .-d,,ii,i,' the si,l,-s ,,r ,.11 ill be sure to plea.se. Bii'xted Pari; Uclfiehl. H. C. P THE CANNA. li.ici.t, hi.t .America. I Daisies. au'eeliud this become in a garden that 1 kno\i-, that their culture has been entirely relinquished. R. Hardy Cyclamens. I u^is Inlkiii'j- the nthei- ,,\,-,l , lining the summer in 111, 11 \v here the soil is dani|, ii.iiMii an exposed one, it is I ill, i,,.,ts and store them m - i,„,i- ,,f Dahlias. The p,-,-ii luliii'j the raising and bi,i,,ii |,:ii 1 1,-iilarly experienced in Ilia. .Seeds of fine varieties 1 itained that it is scarcely w, keep roots through the win IS have experienced a diffienlt lid readv for transfer I laiks where Cannas are employed tli'i-t. it is usual to pive them a the period of "its, or such as it is desirable to ifted and stored a-\vav in some ,-Mnnnt ven,--h them. "Thev will when grown in a greenhouse they may be had in flower until a mucli later period. R. D. Typha minima.— It was a pleasure to me to e the illustration of this plant in The Garden- of .Tanuarv 23, p. C6. For over twentv vears I ■ased to a eonsiilerable extent. I should have been glad if " F. W. B." had told us a little more of his experience with it, and how he got it to (lower. Does he enrich the water by putting in manure ? The plant appears to be a native of France, S-witzerland, and other parts of the Con- L-k«i .lore eoum, vernum, and Atkinsi. They have ,„-i,-it,-,l « itli t '1,-111 in the rockwork, ..It tlii-v ,1.. iH.t iiit,-rf.-i,- Mitli their ripening.— D. FLOWER GARDEN NOTES. propagation of specialities require! I- ,1,- at one time have questioned the advisaliihty of utilising either of these for small beds, but have reason \n alter that opinion, and quite concede that thcv arc havdlv ever out of place, only that th,- stxl',- ,,f |.laiitiii-j- iiiii-'t 1..- ri-4iilat.-,l to suit til,- s,-v,-ial -i/.,s .,f 1„-'U-. ill til,- ca-,- ,if large |i,.,U a l.,,l,l nia-- Willi |u-i siilliii, lit carpet li,-t«c,-n t,. -Ii,.« .-ii"l -illi'v- f,,rtlie lull develop, m.-iit ,,t plant- ,-11 all -i,l,-: uith small, a mere 111-,, II,. nil, -.-,1 ,-ai|,.-i an, I ,.,, --cnal taller plants. (i,-iii-ial i;,il„,i-. hill., ,,1 l-alinl,iirgh. Abundance, |;,i>,. ,,f ( 'a-i il, . .\i,n, 1 1.- and Floeon de Nei^e are h',ilf :, ,1,,/, 11 lii.-h-iii- lliat have been used suc- ,-,--liillv li.i -,\,ial \,,,is for outdoor work, and ih,,,- a'l,- ,l,.,il,il,— ',iili,-rs of equal merit. Th6 150U, or, lauiiij: nils. ,,,- ,- ■ •-■, •■■■■■ supply water, 1 w,,iil,l -.i,\ l'.\ all m.-ans ^row Tufted Pansies. I.ui if ila.^ h.iM- t,, -liitt for themselves, idvcn a Icdit, Lp-n -,.il ami the pro- ),.,l,il,,v ,,| a .li\ iiiii,. it is advisable to shelve til. Ill t.'ii -,,111. iliiii4 iliii with one good watering xvill h,.l,l It- ,,wii ilii,.iichout the season. The ,i,,,--ii\ , nil 111,- to secure Begonias will depend ;, -,,,,11 'ihal ,,ii the size of beds. Seedlings may .,i,,M,i ih, 1,1,1 |,.,se in some cases, and -ft'ill flower tinh .-ai K .111,1 lust well if seed is sown early this month, and the young plants are grown along quickly without a check. For larger beds tubers saved over from last year can be started at any time and as circumstances permit. If no propa- gatint-- house with bottom-heat frompiiies >= available, a deep bed of leavi ordinary pit 92 THE GARDEN. I February 6, 189' that will thr( purpose. Tlif liiat.Ti:,! Ii.4l,llv .ili.iil ll,,.,,, It .,|.| I,, uaud, seWt as inu.'l, a^ |,M„il,|r ri..t il varieties. Tin- \.ilii.' ,:]' i],..,- im oin.l.. is now fully rn'u.jiii-.il. .ml tor iln- lar purpose the i-llni I ^ ,,i l.x L, i,!,-,, - ,,,, trated on them to sti > irji h.-i, iImi, „ for the same work siii-N - .m :i. ,, cidedly preferable to li-iiilil- I,, ili. Heliotropes, if the stn. k ii.- bri l.r I Inn , manbiinl i,,n of Fu.-b-l'a- and l;,.,uni:,. „,,|,. i| nici-.iiA^ :, few i>Iaiii~ lit CiiAill,;, and l-lii.-ah pt ii- tiM.'inn- S3nt r.-spn.t n , 1\ .ji, . ii and silvery'foliage. _Hat;iii ih\ts. I -tist week's notes, containing tie su'4'_:i>i i.in Ml a very mild time and the con- s;quent (.rubability of an early season, were hirdly finished when the weather suddenly changed, and since that time we have had a winterly spell. It has come at the right time, much bettfr. that is, than if wc li;id il '\,i\ mild then a liinu- sl.nll lit lnl Irr m 1 al b. 1 m \|:,|,.|, \, opportune time. 80 far a^ ibi- di ni/.ii~ ul borders are concerned, wlial with ibc Ibrnk nm and the additional coviiln^- nf siiin\, tli,\ simply under a blanket, andlis the actual ni'gli amount of frost registered is by no means grt they will appear again when the snow '. vanished, fresh, healthy, and strong'. The el cause for regret is tlicrl'i.-, 'k in tl ai br-i ll,,\i , suchas Snowdin|i- and ill- iii-i |iiil,„l;|-. \\h the accommodtii Inn ha tiaiiip' i~ nni m, a i I, ihg at a big batch of Tenby on a sunny slope, and noted from the Chrysanthemums. •HinsAXTHK.MrMS ABROAD. ist tr about ten perhaps at iiost. Chrysanthi-niiiiiis abroad have made rapid strides m the public estimation than has been the case before in the same space ime. The first exhibition in Belgium in •rn times was held in Ghent in the year since which date the Royal Agricultural P>otanical Society has held an annual ex- ion, and other towns, such as Bru.ssels, ■rrp, M.ms, TiiuriKiy. and pinbibly many the famous autumn flower in England, but the most marked attention to it has of all Continental countries been found perhaps in France. During the past season exhibitions have been "t^aiiised in almost every quarter of that ' dry, and towns like Valenciennes, Amiens, i'.nst, Bourges, Troyes, Macon, Valognes, Paris, tuid others have held with more or less success cxliibitions of Chrysanthemums. I »tlicr agencies are now at work, although these are at present in their infancy. The three recently formed Chrysanthemum Societies at Paris, Lyons, and Lille have started a series of floral meetings, to which the growers, either native or ^foreign, are invited to send their IliiHi^rs. The proceedings of these minor bodies iisciid)le to a large extent those of floral coni- iniiice meetings here in England, although the conditions under which the novelties are sub- in 1 il ed vary somewhat from ours. But the ob- icct is the same. Taken in nrder ..f date, ..ne ,.f tl,e uiu.st iui- porttmt I under tin. santhcniu .iccs.iftlie French Xatt.inalClirv- -eiety in cujunctiuii with ti local society. It is not a part of the programme of the French National Chrysanthemum Society to organise shows on its own account for the picsciil. bid raflier tl. enci.nr.ai^e the cultivators i.r the tli.ucr by biildiiic a ninfereiice once a \v.tv 111 a liiuii u III. IV a slum- is aiiiiniinced to be belli, and silcctiiiu-^ a fresli field of operations MMi atfci Mar, The idea is certainly a good niic 111 nian\ Kspccts, and is somewhat similar bi I lie |iiii\ inci.d shows of our own National ( 'lii\s,iiilliciiniiii Society, An exhibiticin having lice, ..innoiuiccd to be licld .at P.oui-e,s, that town w;is ehcseii by Hie execntiveof the French Ntitinntil Chry.s.mtheiuuin Society as the place in which to hold its first conference. BotrRGES. The congress was a great success, much more so than could have been expected for a first attempt. The floral committee had much work tn get through, there being no fewer thantifi seedlings submitted for adjudication. Fil ., 11 rtilicates were awarded to the followiic.. \ , Ins: Lawrence Zed6, Mnie. Deis, Mm., Koner, and Mme. A. Brun, staged bs . iMiiest Calvat ; to Mme. Maxime Jobcii, 1 M. de Reydellet ; to Cte. de Cavour, r.ii-,c. M A. Scalarandis, gardener to H.M. the , . of Itdy ; to Parachute and Alice Dczapliy .v lubited liy M, Uozain Boucharlat ; to JV.o, Marie .lau'er. ( 'Ijivsanthemiste Rozain, (n. inand.iiit Silliol. si.uvenir de Pont d'Avign, ,dl from M. H6raud, a raiser of some at modern repute; to Mme. Mantin, frond. Li-cr ; to Leocadie Gentils, a yellow sport m Enfant des deux Mondes, and submitted b rl. yuetier ; and finally to Mme. Aug. Cho it. one of M. Molin's novelties. Various sub its were submitted for consideration, and the a le of the proceedings were under the presiden of M. Maxime de la Rocheterie, an ardent d- niirer of the popular favourite and the presi nt of the French National Chrysanthemum Soc ly;. The appellations " crown bud " and " terr lali bud " were decided to be retained, the period to strike cuttings was discussed, and question of classification was also dealt wit being decided that the system in vogue he England should be adopted. The societ;! tends to present 3very year a medal grower who has done most to promote thei tivation of the Chrysanthemum, and the fii these medals was awarded to a cultivator known in EiiLjl.Liid, at least by name- Simon jiel.iux, npiiosition having been r. I I the 1 ei|uii.'iiicnt of the floral committee, varieties subinitted for certificates mus shown in five blooms of each, resulted in rule being affirmed, but a slight modific. was conceded as regards the length of f The exhibition wtis considered a fine one Ir princiii.il exhibitors of large show bl is being .Messrs, P.itrolin, Couillard, Juge, 1- vat, Sealtiraiidis, Chantrier, Hi'raud, B( e- fons, De Reydellet, Rozain-Boucharlat, De x, Liger and Quitier. The text of the papers id at the conference is given in the Dece er number of the society's journal, together Ji the discussion that ensued after each. C ii and terminal buds were discoursed upoi ly M. Ctilvat ; the same gentleman contribu a (i.ipcr on the period for stiikiiii; cutt s. (Itli.r iiiicresting subjects couiici.d witliic ( 'lji\,s,inllieiiium were dealt with. es|icci.Ll i,v M. Y'ouiUard and M. Charles Albert, Ai ig other matters it was resolved that the « ference for 1897 should be held at Orleans. ||i Ghent. ' The exhibition of the Royal Agricultural W Bl itanical Society of Ghent was the next of 'f' portance, and a special deputation from \» National Chrysanthemum Society of Loi'« was commissioned to visit that and any ot is-' on the Continent that it might find converak to visit. The Casino at Ghent is emini ly suited for a flower show. It is a large, spac s, well-lighted hall on the' ground floor, of ly access and with good accommodation in e'y respect. The plants and flowers were all liro it in the day before the opening of the shov,' ul placed in their appropriate positions. . ic judging is done by persons non-residen in Ghent, and this being finished, busy hands ■ e soon at work re-arranging the exhibits so ,1 ^ produce the most artistic effect. The gn « were charmingly arranged and had an edgin -'f green turf which formed a series of win a paths all round the hall. Huge Ptilms J Ferns were freely interspersed with the C|i- santhemums, conifers and fine-foliaged pl;'s being so disposed as to relieve any monOt y Fbbruabt 6, THE GARDEN. 93 s. l\r. Ei'iiest Fieivns was uguiii first iiothcr .s|ilonom])ons and Anemones, siiili ;is Kiihiprise, .John Bunyan, Delaware, Krs.-.nirs, ,Miss Annie Lowe, W. W. Astor, •Ini i,>iii'rii Klizabeth, &c. Among the .Ia|j.uu;sr uure Mine. Carnot, M. Pankoucke, A. H. Woods, Hairy Won.ler, M. Chenon de hichi, Wilfrid Marshall (very tine), Pluehus, Viviand Mr.rel, Mile. Marir li..str and otlier.s, Mil rxrcllrnt .■\ai„l,l,-s nf K,,"l, ,I| .u 1 1 n ,, I 1. ,11 . thr feature hnest M\l M, .1. luuli. of the I was made by M. Ernest Fierens, the it:iry, who contributed an extensive eol- of 100 plants in pots (see illustra- arrangod in a group of sloping and !!■ lin.si ill the .show coming from M. (>. il.iiliii.irie, who had International, 5 feet ^s. liriii^ followed by M. Ernest Fierens .Souvenir de Jambon. The best incurved Baron Hirsch, the best reflexed, Julie Swanley, also contriljuted cut lilooms, novelties in the Japanese section, and received similar awards. M. Ernest Calvat exhibited cut blooms in two classes — mostly new seedlings of the past two years. He received two silver-gilt medals iiip of Chrymnthomims shotni by M. Fierens at the Ghent Chry. by Mr. C. Harman-Payne. milul.iting form and occupying a superficial T.: p.in- of about 450 square feet, and for which I'. 11- w.is awarded a work of art. Many of 1 1 lie plants bore a large number of well-de- p. i eloped blooms, the most noticeable being ]•• I. Delamotte, a large yellow Japanese ; Ci V. H. Lincoln, Edwin Molyiieux, Mrs. ('. V. larman-Payne, Mllo. Jcannr lii^v. V.il .1' An tr on-e, verv rich in .■.,I..ur: INilr I •;iii|ilnii. .i..'. \ {eine d'Aip^lrtniv. Cli.nl,.^ 1I:im^. Mum. i.h. T ave Hciirv.lli.' imv, uliitr innirvr.l .l;i|i:iih -.■ : S i^toile .1. i.i. II. , ,::\ ,,f the large Ami .-. >- dlle. Til. I l;. . I.uuise, Col. W. B. Siniil,. ili 111 ■ liiss for nurserymen. .M. i! .eVricsuic Ucnaii,. u.as first for a collection , si iiid the be.st Anciiion ■f which were well-fl"«i i' tition for the best tl^wn ,tv, Aimd Porte, a '■■< < shown liv M. dr M. ■naere. 1 staged a mixed collect at an I Ernest Fierens, a whi e con- and his colleague, M. 1,-t .also re vlties.allof ( Ither ex- h ivns, who iig which iM'Xcellent, Chrysanthi C. H.Ut.M.\N-P.iY.VE. Antoinette. — This white 111 gla rial hl.ait •riu\ » ,cd Ultll .small xhe ictive the chich was on the whole dwarfer and composed j Adiantums in pots, and formed a very attractive 1 the supply of f smaller flowers. For a group of fifty plants feature of the show. There was a large number I well worth growinj. 94 THE GARDEN. [February 6, EARLY-FLDWERING CHRYSANTHE- MUMS. It is to be regretted that the many excellent i|ualities of the early siirts have not received a larL'ii- sh.iri' "f .itti'iiti.in. In the cour.se of .'i sciirs of \iMts .liiiiir^ the autumn of IS'.K; t.. iii:iii\ ,11.1.11-. 1 Ha- much surprised to .-..• |„.u'n,",n I, til,- ll„-.- plants had l.e,.,i u-.-.l. Will, il,.. ..X. ■.■oil. .11 ..f Mi.^lia.'liii.^is Hal-i.'-. ore) .sooner tlian crests of the H.iu.' lenii.hlleof S,-|.t lavof aniuchlai^j tlie Royal H..itv l)est ni- xed for tlie dis- rranged tlie early-H..wenn..;(1,rv-ai,tl,.i,iinM .s,,ns there are «li.. .■..n.Uiiir, tins "golden" Hower .■in.l .lus.rll,,' tli.; are grown as of a wa.sliy ami in. lilt. There may have been canst- f..r I tion of the early varieties s..iir- fu but progress has .since been ma.li. ,.l til- this n.l 1"- f.. haliit and each flower li..rm^ I iistead of a lot of wasli..l out colonis tlu-n- may now be had a capit.^Ll selection, including flowers of diverse forms and colours, embracing primrose, yellow, orange, crimson, terra-cotta, orange-red, bronze, and clc.'ir ]iink, besides many intermediate shades. ()!!.■ p. .int ..f special importance to.tho.se who think of ili-v..tiiig a portion of their garden to the .■ultin^e of these plants is their branching habit and dwarf growth. Many of tlie bi'st varieties rarely exceed 3 feet in lui.^lit. tin- majority of them attaining to ali.ait -J^ fi.l. Of course there are taller sorts, and if any reader wishes to group a number of plants, he would with very little trouble find ample material for ensuring a bold mass of C( ilour. Many i,T,,wers have hitlu-rt.. f.-iiU-.l l»;c;uis,- .,f the undcsii-abk- pnictice ..f s.^v.t.^I y m.iv M-t ),.■ ni.'t.U-, .■..nfininu th.^ . \l,i 1,111.,,, t,, tr„,;.^ Nali.'tlcs h1,i,;1i al.' .^.n.lalh classlll.'.l 111 tla.l.' lists a,li.l lll.^ .■til al. .-ll,^ ..t 111.' N.itionta Chry.-tiuthumum ^society tis i-tiily^ flowering varieties. As a rule, too, the early show is held a week or ten days (sometimes I- t,'eneral ciiltivtitiou. Two plants or LUttings of each variety are asked to be the gardens in March by all growers The jubilee edition of tl„- Xt,ti.,na Chrystni- themum Society's .tit ,|.„jii.^ ...ntaii, Wlltll is quite a new fetitufc. r.,t..i,- it- ., ll.|illt,tl,,l ;i number of gr.jwers ni ditlerent ptirts ot the country were asked to give lis ferent types of the flower, and on thi ,s of dif- occasion. timong other new features, a .sek ction was tisked, fi-..iii th.-s,- sp.-i-it,lly interest. -.1 of et.rly suit of this prtii.seworthy elloit. tli.-i ,- an, i included in the National Chiy -ant h.-n Society's catalogue thirty e;iil\ .laptn varieties and a similar number of tli.- p. .m type. This is a step in the right direction, one that should be of immense assistance to those desiring such information. D. B. Crane LATE CHRYSANTHEMUMS. I \v\s paiti.-iilai'ly int.T.-l .-.I in Mt. Tti they havi other ye;i 8-ineh p. reduced being rti til.- spiil X.,..ili.-i .li>f,,,.-t aii.l .|.-i,alil.'' - .ti .l.aiu-tte Sheahan, I y.-lli.w -p.. ft from tins, ami (lolden Dart I hopf to prove anotht-r year. (hilden (!em has anc will for some time to come remain a standart variety for January flowering. E. G. Hill ha; nome to the front as a good bronzy yellow. Mr H. lii.imhead is of a pretty cinnamon colour anc It It. I., I .loom. Of pink shades there are not si mtiiiy t.i choose from for late cutting, Mme l-'i li\ r.-nin and Leon Frache being the besi kn.,\Mi I,, mi-. There are still fewer reds ; thi only \ariiti.-- thtit can be said to be available fo Chi i-tin.i- ,11.- the old Julie Lagravere and Elme l>. Siiiiili. \\ . W. Cnles, a reddish bronze, onci ,1 ftn ..iinti- >li.i\v ll.iwi-r, is a very useful late one lull not siiili a fi.i- i;i-..wfr as one could wish. Wlun tiiiif peiiiiits of their trial there will un doubtedly be some among the large number o new varieties sent out by the leadinij specialist last year that will take a foremost pkice amon; the late winter-blooming section, Edith Taboi- Mrs. A. Weeks, Mme. Carnot, Modesto, am Baron Ad. de Rothschild having ah-eady re.-.ive. favourable notice in some quarters. I fei sure nurserymen would find that a special selec tion for late blooming would stimulate a sale fo this particular cla.ss of plant. The average pri vate grower has not the means of proving th charactei- of the newer kinds from a decorativ stan.lp.iint, tiiiil until he has those means li ^^..llIll ih.i 1.. |ii-iilii-il in investing freely. . -,l.-.i,.,,, ,,f k,i.- -i.it- 1 am sure would be a we ...111.- ,i.l.liti..ii to 111.' specialist's catalogue. KuudAMoii, Wilts. W. S. —,1,1. :i,I.>pt.'il nor advised. Last autumn the late- Howeiing batches seemed to have a forward ten- ileiiiv. to counteract which I stood a portion iin.lcV the sheWer of buildings havine ti northern a-|,.-,^l. an.l , ,i, ,1, ■,■!.■. I tli. in ....■I, imjlil «l,.-ii tli.- 1,. »lii. l.-ssh- ruin.-.l an.l «..iil,l 1 ,M- 1..-.-II 1., l.a lli,.,«- tiwtiy iiisti'tiil ot l.t-iii..' lioi nisla-il ti lesson for the fi ai.- nivaluable. The plt.ii 1,..., 1,,-tter indoors even II 111, 111 «.,uld have been . ulit.l, ,- fav..i,i:il.lv .-..lilt lark, ;il,.l .■.-.■I:il.ilx'lifjil;. Iiif.^, tiii.l - - ^^..,,l.l ,■. .1 ll„-\ ll..» -,,,il.l., 1 .■m.-.l ..n 1 -l.'.^lM.'.l ,1 ..in.l XMll, - fli l.--.,i laiiiK l„i\ ■l,-,l ■. :,lll. \- M, Ta' ■|1,.-,^ -J,,, ,li„n,,,lk. ._0-..«.l- l..-,^,.,.-.- It-, ■, .1,-1,1 robust. 1 .jLiNv- it in fail! cember tin.l .lannaiy .-nil to do so d.^spih- 111.- unf, l,irj.^ I,, ,1,1 ti-j. an.l -1,, \.„,i,il.l.. Il -iltli,„l,ll ,-ii ,i,l!,pl.^ ■ in every point. It i.j; number of good \ for late blooming bloom w ithout any enforced effort after RECENT SPORTS. Sever.u- excellent new varieties have bee obtained during the past year or two by th natural habit of the Chrysanthemum throwiii branches -with t)lossoins difl'erent in colour froi ' those .,f til. ptii-..nt sti-ni. In one or two ill sttim-i-s til.' im-rit of tin- ilistinct forms makesu f..i- ti itithcr smtill numl.erof really good w\ x.iruties that have originated from seed, be ctuisi- the parent plants of the sports are highl, popular on account of the beauty of thei ll,.\Mis. The most valuable gain is, of cimrst till- yellow sport from the Japanese variety ;\liiif. Carnot. I should have written yellox sports, for I note a statement in The Gakde: llitil lli.-rc tire i-i-ld of them already. The firs IS iitim.-.l <;. .1. Wtiiivn, with wlumi I believ it .. 11,4111, it.. 1. ami ,111. .tiler is being sold a V1II..W Mnir. (ain..t. It may be that eacl pers.in f.irtiiiitite enough to olitain these aoci .k-nttil sports will ckiiiii shades of yellow difler ing in richness, but as far as the three I havi seen are concerned, there is in them a distinc tion without a difference. The colour is ligli and pleasing, and the form of flower e(]uiil ii grace to that of the parent. There is just t doubt as to these several sports being properl; fixed ; all the branches, however, appear ti have changed in each case, so that they an reallv root sports. Instances of the latter art perhaps rtire. 1 believe. In.weyer, thtit the in cinve.l ytiriety, Miss Violet Toinlin, was fixeiUi this intuiner, and I myself had ;i creamy-whitt, sport from the pink Hero of Stoke Newington all three blooms on the plant coming thai February 6, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 95 colour. ( ' base, anil I l)eariu;4 I'l chanci's ,11. vrll.iW Mm, In,i,v,l r!.,l.t. r.t .. duly nM,t.ul from tlie tin- •r since kt>|)t ([uito tnu', f"n i-t from the type. Tlu- | ■ i. tliat in the case of tlic , ll.u.i ., .mil \ii\ I n i II will liecome iixecl, and liucLil a s|«iiL uallud ipihiiial merit will be other gain iu its way. Mil. which appeared to ) M. G. Grunerwald, a | li. i.nuiiiated from the ! its usefulness. A yv une in \,r\ shel- tered spots and under very f.i\ . .iiiil.l. ..imli- tions indeed, either in Cornw ill, m li.\.in, in Wales, or in Ireland. dm wint.is ;ire too severe to allow it to thii\.' in ih.. open. Such, however, is not ih.> ..is.- wuh regard to Adiantum ped.atum, which foiiiisthi' subiect of th "■' " - • illnst is popularly c.ill.-.l. .s I land, as in its n.it i\ .- 30" of frost, .anil .is . il.-.l 11 any part of Eng- ,\ it will bear over of what is stated Mr. Lowe, in his llsh ;ili,l K\..li.'." V..I. ill., s,ns th.ll ■■ 1,1 .l.l,MI:il\, I.S.M. |,l.,,,t, of A.lfiiitiim [leilatiim live.l out ..f iloois with the temperature aid to Ikim- seen niueh of both kinds, anil ih Ikimii- frc(|uent experiences of the dull III, i.t.ii.d to in the flowers, I have n,\,i • ■ 11. ,!,,■,, I til,' l.-ast ehauTO of habit nf <.|,.ulli looked ixpLaledly lor any .htieieuee of habit, though always in vain. I am always interested in Tree Carnations, and took especial notice of Wm. Rol.iinson when it first appeared at the Drill Hall, and a 1-.,. hiIi-.m,,,, ut l\ Hli,m tli,- awaid ,.f merit wa> •jiaul.', 1 il , lam i al li,a ,it , ipiiiiou thai this disrohailalh.u , ,t llio p, I a N liia\ I- illl,- I,, over-muol, wat,a al tl,,- n,,,!. ,mii-,',I I ,> h,aNx ,■1,10,^ ,,l,lll,-,l. ,l,>ill,l al,.,ill III, lll,■^llp,,,^,■,| f iaii,l ll,,,,ruj, al l„.,ai >,.l,. ,■!,., I al ill,' ii, \t m. 1,1 l,a\,' -IX, ai Ml, II, l;, \l:n Our attention has been called to The I ;. Ml I, IN of the 9th ult. in which a paragraph ■ttrittun by A. Hemsley appears resjieeting this Carnation. A. Hemsley writes (pii'^i- I'ii : "I do not know the origin of the so-rall, ,l iiii|.i,,\< ,l varietv," and yet he replied to the I, ii, t w, h i,,t, bis firm last Novend.er eallin- th,ir ait.ntiou t,, th,- fa,') ,.f lh,av l„ai|,j' tvw, ,|l-tii„'t Mill, 11, -s m -III, ,.ro, ,a II, -,l,,in ti il-,-,-,' an, I lla- l,ri..iiit .scarlet tl,,«,i- , ,f |.,it,,'l -hap,-, good size, and produced \,r\ fi,, i\, I KWi; .V ( 'L.-iRKE. Imu,U,,ii I,1,„„m- .,f Carnation W. Robin- son wbi.'h I liiiiik Hill fiillv l.,ar out all I have queiitly .seen. The past autuimi has lieen ve unfavourable to this useful class of wintt flowering plants. — A. Hemsley. Carnation Mrs. LleweUyn. .\-: """■'"■^'■,- ' r'-"'l l'"l^ '•• '"•■">'"-■ popillal, in,' colour being su xunahlc at, tunes. Indeed, it is the most sportive in its flowers of any Carnation I have grown. — E. J. Carnation Andalusia.— This is, jierhaps, one Freesias. The flowers of this pretty and h,autifiilly scented Cape bulb are in gre'at de- mand nouai (lays, and most people who have a greenhuu.se grow them. Unfortunately, their foliage is long and not very sturdy, so that it hangs about over the pot in an untidy-looking th,-x ai,' h,i,',',l, >,, that tlic lm,',',,ll.','ti,,n..l,uwn at II,,' Drill Mall tli,',,lli,'i .lax 111, I llnir licautv -,.m,'Hliat m,ii,,',| l.\ tin- ,|,'i,', I ii, il„'ir h,liao-e I cau,,iilx 'j,,,u a |,'» II, my -mall greenhouse; the-,' ai,' II,, I t,,i,',',l anil ai-e only just now show- in;j ,',.1 'Ill, y ai, planted six in a pot, and as -ooii as thi' ll.iw ,1 111'.: stems appear I place fine twigs to each -ho, it ; these do not give the ap- pearance of formality, as the foliage pretty well conceals them, so that the flowers do not fall aliout in all directions as they do when they are unsupported, \o more charming addition to our -pi iirj l|,,xi, I iii'j- bulbs has been made of late the St ind ; in fact, I find that ic commencement of the se t proti-.ti-fl overhead from i Carnation Mile. Therese Franco. — In X,,x,'ii,l" I ii',i,'l I,, 1 1 did not think this neii piiik , "I I Ii 1 illation would come up t< ill, ,|, ' ,| ,,t it in the various tradf eai:,l,i_ iii- I iiili. . \|,crience withit, however c,,ii\iii,,- 111, iliii il I- a most valuable variety hiniirj ,\iia lai'j, l„iiutifully coloured flowers on, ,,t Mhi,'h i- ,|iiii,' large enough for a button liol,'. It has not tliat ileep, rich pink tint so pro mill, lit in well-grown blooms of Miss Joliffe, but f,,rall t hat it is very soft and chaste. Ihaveanidet that it will never equal Miss Joliffe, so far a; ■ plant ity of bloom is concerned, nor is it so earl; 111 , ,,iiiing into flower. If, however, it proves i ,li-,,i-e resisting variety, those who now fail witl Ml— .lolitfe on account of its liability to siiddei |,aial\-is will heartily welcome Mile. Tht^rfe I'laii, ,., \\ ith home-raised plants I hope to hav still l„it,i I, -lilts next sea-son, as thestoeklhav Ha- h,,u,jlii in and was somewhat weak am Ic'jjx. riant- ],ur,-based from nurserymen ii aiii iiinii aie ,,ti,'ii ,li ,'iH II and weakly on accoun of lia\ iirj- l„,'ii lo'pi nil, ler glass during the whol ,,t tlie-iimiiiei iii-i,,i,l ,,f having been stood until the oj.cn air. ,[. t 'lavHKuRD. Carnation Winter Cheer. — Although I liav been snccissful in the culture of almost all th standard sorts of wintei'-blooming Carnations, cut, -- that W inter Cheer does not flower here a "ell I- I sh,,iil,l like. The plants grow very we an, I -, I pi, lit \ ,,f buds, but when the blooms ar ahoiii till,, parts exjianded they turn up at th ,', I'j,'- aii,| lak,' oii a half H i/,'ii,'il appearance. As alnax- k,',.p ii,x I 'a,iiatl,,li ho, 1 -,• .| llite COol thfOUg th,' \Miii, nth-, I tli,.ii.jht perhaps Winte (1i,','rdi,| i„,i 1,'li-h it, hut ,,n ,jiving the plants s,iiiieH hat Hai 111,1 I .iiipirat un- Huth no better rs siih-. I am I II, 1 in, , I i,. think that it is a eapriciou vaiiet\, '111.' ,,ii„Hl ,,ld A. ,-\le,.;'atiere blooms wit 111,' iii,'i'jiiili,','iii I\ . th,' size and colour of th lle",'i- 1,,'iii'j all ihat ,'an be desired. I have al Ha\- iiml, 1-1 1 ill,',! I he market growers succeei HillHith Willi, I I In'.r, but should be glad t leaiii It ,,ili,i 'jai,l,'ii,'i's have experienced an; diHi,'iilt\ Mill, It III a recent note the sportin; piop, 11-11;, ,.t I™, ill W inter Cheer and Alegatier wasalliiihd to. 'I'll, latter with me does not pro duee many flaked flowers, but any plant that doe so is marked and no cuttings taken from it. think this is the best way to keep the stock true The culture of- Amaryllises.— I fail to sei aiiv mati'tial , littir.'n,',- in the dire.-tions given 0} lia.j,, I I. .laiiiiaiy '.I. by Mr. .las. Douglas and th tieattiHiit a,l\i-i',l h\' Mr. llaviil Kemp in you 1-11,' ,if .1,111, lalx ■_■:;■ ipa,j,. .-,Si. x„ ,|„ubt Mr' |i,,ii,jla- Ha- iliiiikiii'j ,,t th,' piiH'ticc of iilungin; ill,' hull- III ill, li,,l- ,,f 1,'iiuentincr materia uhl.'li al, s,,lM,'lll„,'- u-,'il II, Mil. .lies, '"and whid h,' ha- ,-,, ,,tl, I, I,,',, Hill, ,11, 1.., I t,, i,.a,l,.rs of ThI Cmioi X. .\l aiix nil,'. 1 kiM.H Mr. Dom^fas haii .^roHl, .\maixlli-,''- ,1, lhat Ha\, aii,l lias won firs 1,1'ues al th,' l.,.i„|,,u -h,,H- Hith plants thuil treated. Mr, K, mp i-,x ,|,iiil\ -ii,',','-ful in hi;' mode of tr.'at uaiit . hut I ,1 i a'ji,,' H'ith hin where he sa_\s thai '■ la re,- ],lauls laft.'r ll.iwering that have a mimlier of ohsets are turned out ol the pots, roots carefully disentangled," &c. Jj think this is much best done before the jjlanfc Febulauv 6, 1897. THE GARDEN. 1.0th below anil aliMV. il„. |„,t., ,,.i the plants in t'..i inurj- - I plnn will -•■■"•■'•l"v ll.M,;^ lu... :„u\ ,„ thre.-, Il..w,--.|.,k,- ih,- i,,||m«,,,l: oftheaiilira ,umI A,lr, ,„;,,,, .,rl,, with mu.'l. iuu.^Ih-i I, ,.:,!. .,,.11 ih.i hybrids of tiif t\|ii-.-> ot \utata a (}. NEVII.I.K, rpl'oH J/ou-sL Uanluis A PRETTY BIT OF W AL By some tlic liauk or eiifl wall furnished with a v.uiety of pl.Li I l.ll.at klh.»„.,.„M„ llsrif ti. 111.' H.lll l,\ ,1 liou tu,,,,- M.i ■ iV- il the nio>t iiotir._M iifing HO (iiti'erent in pcindapsus ai-yyrea, ire each about';) ind Kiuallv side-d afliitl Thry .l,v uf ., rregulai mIv.tv Mm laradoxa in its juvenile his has roundish, um bout 6 inches across. ; hey are closely adprc idedly curious inaiiner. malleV anil naii-owcr 1.- gnnMh. and tie- lu ished II. ' hat van - blonK->ll:il'.'.l l.:n, -. lr.illi,T\ III Jeep n,.,., ,, Ulll, i,..l,;ur>'l,i I *y. I'ip.i ln,ipl,_vn,pl.yUun,, u, lives of a bronzy-green, sprint ots is very beautiful, but it do eely as the others under siuii eluded in other genera, but it is under the abo\ e names that they are generally known in the few nurseries where such plants are cultivated. H. P. Early Callas. — My treatment and the results «eir much the same as recorded liv "A. M." in Till Cm.i.kn of .Taiiuarv 9. 1 simph i.lanl.il il Wh.ll I ll.lX.' Ill ml the s.'eiK lu. ..IV .Mill tlllnuii I.. Ilk Up over titty stroni; ill doiiii;- well and seem Carnation Mrs. Keene. I II. ClM..!.!, Il.iurlvil liv,- 111, I.-. I,. ,11,.- \ ■ik. Ik, «,■!,.. I l.ni,, .,11 ||„. M,l,' -1 1- ,1,1, ,1,. iiil,.r. «l,ll,' ,11 I'lLll, I'lk,. 111,. M,|,- -1 1- ,,.11,. I ,|i„i.- ,|,,ii„.,,i. 11,1k,' ,,i V,.ik 1- ., ,. 11. .,>,.!,. With Luge lull tluwer., and a Vlg,:,l .iliit of growth. Mrs. Herasley may also 1, iitioned, but I find this is inclined to det« II,. -.\. H. docos Weddelliana. Th,- sniU ,,f il,isl„ ■Ih fl,,.„ i;..,zil ll,;,l ll,,~ |.,;,lll i,,,,iate. Two or three y,-..i~ .ij,, \ili,ii ~,',,U \i,.| -,,-s,-ai'ce the cause \va- ..t i i ,1..., . . I ,,, 1 1,, \v . troubles in Brazil, but it ..|,|.,'.ii- ili.ii ii i> n, only wars which allect ,,iii Mip|,l\. f,,i l.i^l y: the scarcity w-as .,i irikui,.! i,.l,:i.l « , .,i I,,. . .... the quality of 1 1,.' s, ■,■,!- \>,,iil,l l.,:ii llii>,,,.i. 1, -,..,-,,,1 ll„-\ .I,,- p'li,i,,p.,,,.l l,.ii,r. r,,l,." |,',,k. i„„,. ri..,,i- ul... I, h.ivc been exposed to cold .,i„l ,,,!,, I k:,.,ll.i|. do not, however, start away ml., ji,,\iil. ,. ,11. in-eh' even under the most -,ni.lle 1,1 -. .\. H. Cyclamens.— 1 read with interest the note on Cyclamens by " R. D." (TllK (iAUDEN, p. 012). I grow annually from HOO to 800 jjlants. Some six J,-li. Of the .\ll,i-rt Victor, -, a splendid Tree Carnations La Neige and Deutsche Biant. — In Tin: ( kutHKN of the !)tli ult. we notice leneuUs made respecting above. Ileut.schc Brant is of CiT.ii.in on.j-in and tl,- l|,,w.-,s are pure Willi,.. Til,. 1,1. ,,,11, - ,„, tl„. |,l.,iii- «,■ showed at 111,, hull II. ill I,.,, I .^,,1 v,.iN ,I„-M .„, 111,.- journey. Tl,,- w.,1,., ,.i il.,- |,.ii...ji.,|,l, ,|,. :;ii. ,,mitted to 11. ,-1111. ,11 II- -ii,,,,.j ,-l.,\,- I. ...ji., .,,.,.. Thi^ v.u-icty, CARNATION CUTTIXCS. We I icing corrcspond- two years ago in .Although it took i.idieate rust from :ai-roofed of about For the f,,ltniffht stem, tliis utloiding a greater callusing surface than when the cuttings are merely cut across the bottom. Of course in the case of new or scarce 98 THE GAKDF.K [February 6, 1897. Moss system prev strong shoots fi,. growths. These de and potted on will make extra large specin that will commence blooming in October, and yield innumerable iJowers throughout the winter J. Crawford. Hibiscus Rosa-sinensis Cooperi. — Small plants of this are \civ easily raised from rutt of half-matured \v...',.l. th'.- |.i,inK ^:,n..^ foliage makint:- such V, TV i,^,.|>il l,., -liiiMlin- :J the house. Theval^^.c:,,,!.- u K t.., -, i and wen fnr t-jU,' .!.■.■, „;ii ,,,,,. l-i ll.ni,,,,,. .liage ,-li-, le flower peduncles are all thickly covered with lii-s. The small blue flowers are borne in clus- ■rs in the axils of the leaves, while the berries lii-n ripe are of the size of large Peas. This .specimen, but when allowed th.— H. P. Thunbergia a manner, with its liberty, there is not ture brings the culuiir ,.ni I,csI.:iimI :i sns pn.H .soil and not too much root moisture are hel[is in the same direction. Forcing' Iris reticulata.— No matter whether The flowers are for richness equal to any spring- blooming Orchids, and they are sweetly scented also. By forcing I do not mean a strong heat. on until 6-inch, pots are ii i-ule. large enough ; or thr plenty of room to run ; jii.-t own way, when some of the sli horizontallv, others will crc. 31-1 ng liy rich, using about one-fourth iiilk of soil, together with a little ic-meal. One small oyster shell «illi a small handful of short iii|'l. diainage. When growth l\. -u|.ply water at the root -MiMjiiig 'the leaves with clear :iiii^ lii.i.x be kept free from red I I h 1 1 1 1 s syringing when the iiIIn jinwn and use clear water .till i]i:i\- lie used three times iIm li-i^lill the pot. Excellent III 'jMiwiii- niM- l.ulb in a ."j-inch - 111.1 \ lir -i.iii.il into growth at id ..t'Apiil ,.i May.— E: J. The Jacobaea Lily (Sprekelia formosissima). -This, which isiiuitc as often met with under the i-ated ill the May. :> grow depen n pots icipnll^ Tulip Vermil mention is made o III lor table decoration. Iris iiiily well when cut and :i nitlier cool position should, • i. ('. n Brilliant.— At page 49 this Tulip. I have grown it n planted out for many years, th nil the writer says of it. ■jr. at demand is proved by 111 l.iilbs, this being as high :. The pretty lirown eye will I with careful - THE TUBEROSE. Would some reader give the cultivation of the sweet-scented Tuberose and number of bulbs to a tj-inch pot '! — A Subscriber. *,* The present is the most seasonable time to make a start, assuming the plants are required for llowering in the greenhouse. It is of primary im- ilii- iv li; the Ijase. whicli Eotting them, ow many are not usual to groN, Ihl^ lllav be ,1 A- :i 11,1. .11,1 inter skins and Ijuds that can 1 the rough the of old roots at ,11,1,., led l.,.fi,lv III, li.il. Il ,> 111. T. 1,1 «1,. Coccocypselum repens. — This procum- bent habited soft growing stove plant, in no remarkable for the beauty of its blossoms, but when they are succeeded by berries which, when ripe, are of a beautiful indigo-blue, it is then decidedly ornamental. The ovate leaves, the stems, and % 1..,,,.^ ■ Ilk. l.i.lle, 11- |.i llll,~ « Iv to e 111 1.' ■lie . iiii'li |ii.i- iiii^jr i; ,1|.^ ll.i-.- ..1 11 III could 1. the tuliei s in th e la Sized pot takf care not to hiT a,k he ball of gen tly working the soi into the c iiitii\ li\ si.meof the Dutch culti- i.l tliiM. 1 III..; bulbs are readily ob- i.^a|i iiii,^ , luring the autumn and If p.jttcd up and started gradu- th these imported bulbs can, as ii ided upon to flower well. When this Sprekelia succeeds best in a • composed of good loam, and it I \\ith an occasional dose of weak , luring the growing season. The lifter flowering be encouraged to •ji.i«th. and when the leaves show til ,e-t water must be gr.adnalh liiii,ll\ il,e [ilants should be dried 1,1 this way a good display ol louiiig season will be ensuretl.— Garden Flora. PLATE 1104. LEPACHYS. (with a coloured plate of L. COLtrMNARlS AND L. PULCHERRIMA.*) Lkpachys is a small group of composites in- cluded under the Rudbeckias, the latter name, indeed, in many books of reference pre- dominating. In the above genus, however, the cull, lik, ,lisi of the Rudbeckia is replaced by f so, ,,,-\\ 1,1,1 i\liiidrical column, which doubtless liiis '4i\. ,, Use to the specific name given abo/e. L. iiibiiiin.nis is usually cited as a hardj pereiiiiml, thou.^h I belicye the plant is nol iiMially found to be perfectly hardy in man} of our English gardens. In any gardei or locality, however, where with sUght pro- tection the plants may be preserved through moderately severe winters, there is little doubt that the abiinilaiice of their flowers in the en suiiil; year would amply repay the slighl tr.iiil.le iiiMiheil. Where the reverse is the case, L. coluiiinarisand L. pulcherrinia — the tvfi kinds so well represented in the accompanyiii;. plate — wiU be found to answer well from seet sown quite early in the year. In this way flower * Drawn for The Garden by E.G. Moon in Messrsi Barr's rursery at Thames Ditton. Lithographed an;i printed by J. L. Goffart. ^^^^.^.^, ,., .^, --MN^ Fbbruart 6, 1897.] THE GARDEN. i*9 handle, tliu plants m.iy l)e gradually hardc and planted out in fairly good ground, ting an early start in this way conipaci nre formed wliieh provide a great profii very useful ll.iwers. Sowiiii^suiav also 1 early in tlir oprn i;,llier (liiiil\ . .-.'n.! in t a prolonued sias..]] ,.|' llowrvniL; sniinil. well grinvii. till' pl,iii(satl,iiii Io.iIm.iiI ■_' fc L. coluninaris, as will 1m- smi l.v .. ivln the plate, has vrll,.w I>1ossm,,,s. «ImI,- I.. , rima has blossouis ,,f :> |MM|ilr li,,.un mai-gined with m-IIow. 'I'lns liihi i ■effective in a cii( st.itr ;iihI I;i-,i, ^^,^\. ,„■ tureof both Uin.ls ,-,.1 »iil, taiiU \.^u- s- secure a |,ropoM„,„,.f, I,,.,-, ■]..,., Mil> ,n will I.rodur.. ,.,. |,l,.,M,m ,v.Ml,. „, nie plants llou,-,- f,,.rl,v II .Imir lo i there sli.Miid' ij n'. Luk ..(WJSrLh subjects. Tlie -r,,uii has fim,, li,i„. ; enjoyed a varirty of nanus, ,iiii.,nu <)belisc.-iri.ipuhli,.iTin,a,Knai,.rki,,|i,ni, R. column;, lis ;n„l I!, trxana in,-.\ l.r n,,., IWer tlir lasl naiiK- a ^,■r^ |.ivtlv ttowerr.l at Chisu ,ak last v,.a,-. an,l ', I'ontincnt.il li.t. th^. plant is still .-at The Week's Work. WORK IX FRUIT HorsKS. rBriTiX(: Pines.— Now that thdv i, a |„ i, j increase in the amount of dayliiilii an.l ili more powerfid, the forcing- of tin--, max lir rated, if it is neees.sarv tn l.ax.- up- timi- ■early date, hv a o-er,,-,al , i-.- ,-t m,,,,, I Therefore if the fruits ar.- -vi ,-lliii-j la-i , ili ] temperatui-p may lie rai-i-d tn 7.^ . an.l i the day to S.5". "in the event of tin |ii.-,r, of cold weather continuing, 7(1' at in-jlit (Sufficient, as nothing is gained li\ niain hi^h temperatures vdien the outside ihcin is below freezing point. On bright moiDii I on a chink of air to change and sweeten side atmosphere, and close again earh' in t More frequent damping will he neeili-.l a off against this rise of ti-iiipc-iariii-r. i-|m-( hard firing has to be i-L-SMi 1 , , I in. l.ui aM-: head sjTinging for the pr.-. Ill aial k.np.v ing tronj-hs nnnst.-intlv lillcL Whi-n tli ■demand it, -j-na- ampin' ~ii|,|,li,-~ ,,t' nii.-m,. ; and sutli.-a ni in i li,,i nii-jkl\ iii..i^i7-ii th down to ll n-rl,-. I, at i lii-niii^l }„■ m iil cons, will require a little more room, must be made for this when pluny KKi-iTKKS.— This honsp will ion of some fresh to starting them. • end of the month the stums of plants lit, and bury them '- plunging bed and lo-pt fi-eflv aired on «laM v.Tv .severe -. - iiiilatni-s', and if - iii|iu\ from frost Ik- 'a,,-' still out- Mcnt modified, .so ih,- a reasonable chain-, iierforce be of a no M -""■"'"- '" ""■ I'l-ll"- 1"--|.\ '"' '■-■OlM-.l I»T I -■ It tin- |,nllnrj .l,a,l I, u -al.-,l, I ac-.-,,i,li,in- In h.-i-jht and size. ll new i^-X I" lis all- r. i|iiii,-,| ,,1- much new material in till- ifno\ation, the plunging must of ty stand over until the temperature has re- o a safe point. EssioNs.— These must be kept quiet a few lonirev. nr until tho first and spJ-nnd w.-r-k causes til.- ti 1 E.AKI.V 11, iginnin<; of t .showing sij^- remains stea calendar, (-. already kr,i thernii'iiiH-i,-, peratuii- -k. ing of till- I.-, to prevent a the flo-Hers 1 will be of a down and i ,, plants shoul i while in fii, .jjiractise ove I to come. .\ ! general adv .light when L' tTgur If the 1 given in sing if tl idt-nt should a rise occur. Until !■ fruits open and set, the work ine character, such as dampiny ll attention to watering. Tin- k. |,t a tiilli- drier at the root,- ■11, ,1- -,- ,,ilvised above, do not I .~> , iii-.:iii-_: for some few weeks -tlou Lib open there should 1., ,i in temperatures; that fm ik. should read 70°, and 7o' k\ ,1 n, '■V liseof 10° before admin II, .1 ai-s tie iloH,-,> have set. Xo hard-and-fast lule |i:an be laiU down for watering Pines at this stage, vut It they are in a healthy, vigorous condition [111. plants soon a stock barrow-load of loa III a 1 1 , 1 a loinck |ii,iti meal and the sana- iiiianiiix ,,i k.-ilt . If the loam is of a heavy iialuii-, aikl - sihi-i- sand or lime rubble tokei-|> ii , oal liroken to the size of Cob-nuts in; -,M,1 instead of half-inch bones, ami i- which have fruited anrl pot them up as i they can be had or are large enough. If s short, resort to the good old method of KITCHEN GARDEN. Bkoai. Bi.;.iNs. -These will .stand bad weathe of Kally Ala/.a^;in lia~ ],,M lin.ai ma-k- ,li -ImIIow boxes filled wiili -.,Nhi\s. I'liiKili or autumn-sown Onions are ■ ill" 1.1 ttri loi' so much rain, and I notice the ilny'oMI,!' 'i!h,n;"'|Kn'''j."\"'l. 'a '[ h":' "'^ ■■""i"l'""-tl"'l""l-v,l In, -n,,l ■,.. s.... tMM.I |hrn,,;J, Im I IIliII Mill Orchids. LJELIA HARPOPHYLLA. The pretty briglit red blossoms of this L;cli j\ist uiiw very beautiful, and being such a iiloiiHiing plant when well managed, it liaiclly fail to give satisfaction to anyone takes' lip its oiilttire. T)ic plants arc si, •ml lial.lt. the lili.l,/.v li.ril.li. Ill, Ills ,,tt;.llil,m 1 The s„ ■h \,-l, to liud lUtlieult of cultivatiuii, tJie j.seiuli.. not being apparently of the kind to witli checks of any kind ; nevertheless, I have its recu])erative jiowers to lie mucli greatci those i.f iiiiniv stouter -rouers. A few . 1111, 'IIS ili.slike being disturlinl. ,1 111.',- ..|.,ii ilescription of coii,p,ist. th,' |,l„iit so that tlie lasesof the I, 'ail ii.lo-liiill.s .',.1,,,' ;il..,iit an iii,-li al.ov,' tin- llii' pot. .\ hftli' e,ir.' ill tvii,"' IS u.'ll ly the miproved appearauce ,'if the plant. Ill, l)ut neat stake may be jjlaced in the cutting of}' the top of this just low so that it doo.f not show above the i,',piire two ,.1' thr.'e stakes in a,l,liti,,ii to the central one, but for medium and small plants I ine_ is ani|ile. Being, as described, of rather slender proportions, L. harpophylla will not l,\ II.. u. llu' lias,' of tlu' st,'„i-llke l.llll.s. ,i.„l ,'\,'i, iio« •4l'eat care umsl be lakili li..t t . . , .\ el'- u at el' the plants. When r,.,.t acfi,,n becniics brisk ami -rowtli has a.lvanced several niches, a full sujiply of water must be allowed. .Syringing ovcrhe.-id is n,,t .ulvisable, but a iia.i.st atm,e sphere. created by fi','.|ii,'i,t .luiipiim li.'lweeii the p.its, is of -l','„l assislai,,'.'. This »,ll ^.. far t..keei, down Ih.' 1 r. niMis. .n,,' seal.' i.'f.ri'i'.l to aliov,', ill th,' |.r,'s,'iic.' ..f ulii.'li th,. plants :is occasionally happens during dull weather in winter and early spring. K. Maxillaria venusta. — This is ,i sii..iij .jn.u iiiii' and useful species now in 1.1. i i:,ii'l H.iwi-r is about (i inches across, 1 h. s. p,il: an.l p.'tals white. al„l liaviii,.- „ v.'ll.,uisli h, .ii.ok.'.l Willi liri"lil r.'.l. Til.' Il..».|s ,,,.. l„-i iii'j. Ii,i'j.,iiil. am III. '.'.I h'.iMi Ih.' I„,s.' .,1 th. Th. and well watered while making ; s a native of Ocana, where it : . the mountains, and was intro- Odontoglossum blandum.— Flowers of this retty spei-ii-s .'..ui,' from a ,.'on'esp,,iid,'nt. They I',' liuie whit,' ill ..^a'.aiiKl ,'olo,ir. streaked and ...tt.'.l w.th ...l.lish piiipl.'. ami oue spike is III \ iii'j t.iiii'i.'.ii ll'.w.'i's. (1. Ill, imlimi should be lo" I I II 11.' 1 1 1.' . ... .l.'st hulls.', ill,.- roiits being .iiiiii.'.l 1.1 -mall ,i,.i,s. ih.'s.' I,.', 11.4' suspended if .. --il.il' .1..-.' I ■ ..I 1 h.' \ .'iitilators. Heavy i.iiliii'j I- .--;ii\ .hniii'j siiiiimer, and in I A.'i\ i,i\ ol li'jhi ih.ii Is at,-,,mmandmust '..I'll ill.' |.i,iiii-. Til.' i.si,,,l |..'at and Moss mix- ni' suits II H.'ll ,,v.'i' ,.:'.ioil ili'aiiiage. Plenty of ali-i umsl III- ,.;'i\,ii all th, year round, more ea- Denclrobium Hildebrandi.— Although said I 1.,- \ei-y fi',',--lil,„iiiiiiig in its native country, lis ]ilaut. as fai- as I Iiave seen, is by no means itisfa,-f,ii-y iiiiilei' ,-u!t ivation. I noted it flower- iLf on oil,- or t\\,i ,i,-i-asi,. us last year, and have oiii-.'il II ' iliaii :i ...iijil.' of lilos.soius at each ...I.'. ,iiii| a ui'll ll.,«. i.'.l plain 1 have yet to see. '.'I'lap- 1 h.ix.' III., I iiiif. .1 tunate, and should be kill I -. h.'ai 1 1 I III- Is 1 111' .'a.se, for if the plant can ,'li.'\ .' 1 - ml r... 111. 1 loll, it would certainly be II ,ii'i|iiisii ; ..I h. I'w isi- tlie genus contains too i,i,i\ -J... 1.1 ihiii'^s l.\ lai- for this to find favour, ml II will li,n.' I.. i:,k,- a back place. It is a loll-.: 'jr..\\. I, ami llu llowi'rs are produced along I. s,..,,,. „- ,,, 1 1,.. ,,-,,,,1 .l.'.-idiioiissperi.-s. The p., Is ,m.l p. i,,U .,1. Ii'jhi N.'lh.w ,111.1 pn-ttily .n-i.'.l, ih.' lip whii.' Ill tioiii, with a y.-llow II. .a! ,iml a |.,,ii ..t I Ill i.-,|.|.sh l,iowiil.lot,.-hes I I h.- SI. lis. 'I'll, spi-.-i.-s was named in comph- 1,-iit 1.. .\1. 11. lliM.litaml, who discovered it in I.- .Sh.iii .Slaiis ali.iiil three years ago. It was itii..lii,-eil l.v Missis. Hugh Low and Co., of lapt.iii, ill whii.s,- estalilislimeiit it first floweicd I 1S!U.-H. THE MEXICAN L-ICLIAS. The well-known species of Lwlia that are nati of Mexico and one or two adjacent counti-ies Central Amei-i,-a ale a u.seful and beautiful el. 111. 'I ^: nd similar stage, but he roof in h .us.- IS ex- 1,1'i'iits arc .T .■l.,;.-Iv on iinU-ss the ^ 1. that the ','■'. 1 .-.,uip,.st, Tin- com- -,. ih.ii 111.' lau'i of .'..iii|iost is not: woik.il ill alo'ig with the peat and' lmls,lislik.'iuni-hmaterialaboutthem,| I.' ili.'\' h,iM' must hi- open and freej I, II 1 1, m'.-. If raft- oi' roii,<4-h blocks arei , ,is.| 1,1 'J. ,11.' mil .,f .'oiii'.se required,' liask-is. ..1 p,iiis tliey should occupy! February G, 1897.1 THE GAT^DEN. 101 of tllrin .■m[I,..I,>Hv, their -11'" ill 1-1 I'lii' openanur;! ,inii,N 1, majal,.-, :mi.I u.i, n , plants xM.Mlii 1. I..I1 inc.'. (■l..anhn,-~ ,i,h lis in the (1 of the 1 to L. Blling. Miltonia Roezli alba, di,,- ,if tli- in..-i beautiful vant-tifs of tlii- (111 liiil 1 liu, .mi -, . r was in llowtT in a nri.^1,1 iin- .•..ll.rtioi, i|„. week. Tlu'>r|.als, |„lal>, ,111.1 li| Ur M^, ,!;.,, makin..;a full ll..» ,i ,,f ( I,.' iini.M uliiti^ »ilii lli. eXCCpIl I :i -I.lIi. 111.-.' ..I N.ll.iH ..II ill.' 1.;.-. of til.- Il|.- Ill 111.- t-,,„ II l-;ni .'X. Illicit.' (l|-,'l,l.l anddilli.-uli m.l.r.l I,, :„.;ii f,,i|Minlv ami lifaiitv Itlik.-s n„,i,. laal tlian M. v.xillaiia and is nul UilK.-.llt t<. t;|-ow if tlirips can I.,- kri.t otl.— H. Angrsecum eburneum superbum. — This ii by far the bt.st of the varieties of A. eburneum and a large plant I have is carrying three spikes of i the beautiful pure white blossoms. Not a tinge of green can be seen on these. The flowers last r long tinif in f_'ood condition and the strong rohusi • characti T of ilic |il,int is remarkable. The lime- are each 'J t. . i in l.-ngth and very tlii.k am i leathery in i.M.ii.'. It is of the easie.st culture never tails to bloom freely, and the flowers ar< 1 very sweet ly scented. — R. Cypripedium villosum.— Among recent im I portalions of this old species there seem to be a great many Aurieties after the style of C. v. au reum, but lacking the golden tint of the best , forms of tliis beautiful variety. They are very useful, and it is really surprising whnt"a length of time they remain in good .■..mliti..ic ('.villosum I is one of the easiest of all t . i .j i . .« a n. 1 never fails I to bloom freely. By follow imj tin- .mlinary rou- tine of culture anyone may gnm it in a green- hou.se temperature, provided the atmosphere is kept a bttle moi.st. Lselia superbiens.— A snudl i)lant of this spe- cies was reccntl\ in ill. ".Ill at M. ~>i -. Horsman's nursery at INbnk^ 'V<\. m.ii ( olrlic-t.M-. Small I plants'are not ^.. -li..\\\ .,- -,.m, ,,ilicr kinds of Lielia, as the Ion..: I1..H . i -ciip, - icjuiie some- ^ thing in the way of Ferns or tine-foliaged plants to take oB' the bare appearance. The flower-scapes j grow from 4 feet to 6 feet high and produce a ■ M liorl of many flowers upon the apex. The sepals ill. I ]H-tals are narrow, bright rose, the lip similar ^I'.iind colour, and marked with lines of .1. . |. ' -.111. L. su|)erbienslikesalargepotaml Liic^li "I'. M .-.imiiost. and a tligh position in the Cattleva house should be chosen for it. . Coelogyne barbata.— Though lacking the grace and letincment of C. cristata, this sjjeeies is white. Willi th.- .xcci.ii t til.- lii.oMi ,,,,,iii.' t.. thebp. It ,,-,, tl..-;jnAM,i- n,l,ilM |,l:,nl, ■1,1,1 :,. ■'iiKi'f .''l"-|| l.i.ii- ..t p.i.'r, .\b,'-~ ':in''l'l,-af'ni'.',MV'l, the roof of the C'attleya liouse anfl AUTUMN AND WINTER ORCHIDS. ate apt to conclude that Orchids in Hower Mill coloured; the sepals and jjetals Seep purplish the lip even decider in colour, slightly marked 1 . ....I ..I ml. I mediate house treat- '■iii an. I Ml. 1-1 he «,,|| «:it.icil. It comes from idia, »li. ncc It x,iis intro.lii.-cd in 1837. Cattleya Walkeriana.— A fine plant ..f tliis -cry at Marks Tey. (1, the blossoms large and ileepU ■autifu \.l ilistiibuted, and among these there arealways I .J Ily number in flower. If I could atibrd it 1 sliouki form a complete collection of Dendrobiums, and also if I were asked to name any one species of Orchid worthy of special or even exclusive at tention, Dendrobium Phalienopsis Schrcederianmo would at once receive that distinction, .Ml things considered, no Orchid is more bcaiilifnl ..i more generally serviceable, a collection of |il,iiits being equal to making a good disjjlay fr-om lat.- m in tloMcr so.iT. r,-m..lv this defect, ami those lone;, cl.eant, ai.liing .spikes of kively flowers delight eMiyoiM- who sees them. The individual flowers in.a-iii. :> iiidies to 4 inches across, are perfect in foiin aii.l colouring, the colours of dif- ferent varieties MiiyiriLr from pure white t.i soft rose, crimson ami pniplc -ha.l.'s, 1 \\ a- t \\ .. .la \s too late to see a piiiv w-liit.- f..nii .Mr. I 'ypliii- lia.l been fortunate enough to obtain among a number of imported plants, 60 guineas being a price too tempting to refuse. According to my own ex- perience, the cut blooms of this species — rightly termed the king of the Dendnibes— h,st lietteV than most other flowers ..i < inln.U in .n li. i \ i-. -. boutjuets or wreaths, am I 1 1 1 . ■ \ ii.\.r tail i.i|i|e,i~e. There must be no undm- .Iimhj ..!! ^n i.-mej .,f this Dendrobe. such .as aii-» ,',- -..w.ll iii i lie e:i-e of D. nol.il.-aii.l Nai-icti.'s, 1,111 til,- |,I:,iii. ,,iie| be kept .■..iiMant K in le-n, | ,i ;,ei le.ilh lecun,,^ the same li-.-atmcni asth.- ,,1.1 1 1. I,cj i r,l,,iii,, ,,,„l, in common with the latter speci,-s, l„,il, ,,l,l ;i,i,l youngpseudo-bulbs producespik,'s .,t lli,\\. , tie, 1\ from near the points. Over-]),,ti iicj ,,,ijiii |,,ii ticularly to be avoided. I m.t,.! tl,,,t M,. I Cypher's |ilants were in quite >iii;ill, -lia ll,,« , I |,.i foiateil pots or somethin.L' I,.'Im.',i, |,oi~ ami pans, the majority being fai t,,., i,.|,li,a\\ t,, .stand alone. While growin.j, ami in ...me ea.ses while in flower, th.' plants a,, -u-p, n.l,il near the roof in what I ^li,,,il,l i.ini an ordinary stove heat. I'iimh,' .j,ii,I, m, , .. will ilo well to adopt similar met li.„K .,f t natiiiint, ovcr- p, .tting being a most freipient cause of failure. \\ li, n they require water the pots or pans are im- iii.'is.'d in buckets of tepid water, a far better |.laii tlian L'iving- driblets through a watering-can. I'll.' of till- liist I. 's>,)ns I received in connection "iili III, 111. I .'iiltiii.' was this: Always try to fill ill. I'l.ts .,1 pan> with active roots, and flower- .■-)iikcs will follow almost as a matter of cour,se, Preserving the roots from woodlice and cock- roaches is a difficulty in many jirivate gardens, but the suspended plants are 'the least damafcd in that respect, f), Stattcrianuni, a sr„.,-ies"iii- Ir.i.lii.-.-.l l.,'f.„'.' 11. l'lial;i'n,,p-i- Sell, M.le.'i:, nil,,,. Mienl at Mr. Cypher s liands, and the same mav be said of D. bigibbum, which has long been most successfully grown and flowered liy him. The iitur plants ot til.- eiaml I), tmiii,,- bloom, with more to fi>llow. be said for 1). glorneratum, as \ ous and su|)erior forms of I). ily alluded tu, and plants form stout at ripen perfectly iter-flowering Cat- cius than formerly, s we l,ave some of II. iU, Ml. CM,),cr - ilivplay ow.-ring. )Ut even gorgeous has the ata, only '"-"■''•' '■• '""'-■ |.nii.i|.all,N im.iiM' lour the s.'|.:iK,'lll.l |.,'l;.lsa,'.' ,,f ;, I „';, ,il ,1 ,, I m-H.iw, the lip M.'li |,iir|.l.-, -Iia.l.'.l Willi I,,-,- and striped with ,\.ll..w . 1 s.-ai ,',-ly .'xp.-.t.'.l t.i see C. citrina, but .'^li- l',\pli.-i li.is s.i.-h ; mlier of strong, well- reel. -.l plants that h.' i, i a r, -ly without some of III.' rich fellow liowcis of this distinct species. .\11 the Cattleyas are in perfect health, with roots iiimh in evidence. These, in common with L«lia piiipurata, share the staging in a large span- roofed house where no woodlice are allowed to exist. That grand mid-winter Orchid, Laelia anceps, and the beautiful white form, L. a. Williamsi, are well rcpn-scnt.-d, e-ieaf mass,-s as well as small plants b.-in.j; al.un.lalitlv furnished with their I,,...,' Il..w,-rspik.-,s. I,. D.'iviinaand L. cin- nabarina an- als,, w.,i I In ,,f , i.al ni.'iition. The old JbiMlI.'.iri "I, imI :■ '■', ,, , li, -nil n, I,,- erown. re: a bank ,,f th, ..jersi or varicosum \ lili-st part of the yi |,li.-r a|)tlv remarke, s. Siin-lV this is ,,!,', ll.,«.'Viirj- Or.'li .U -|,ie:„|ii,e' ,|„K,„ ,,f .,,,, ,,,ii,,„ ti.iw.r. a-.H'iate ,.||Miir,.l.l,\ with a variety of other plants and lUf- 1.1-.' a \ 1.1. I like scent. It is easily grown, too. I '1 111 I 111 ilinms in flower were 0. cheirophorum, II .li>\-i\l.-, 0. incurvum, O. Jonesianum, O. .,iiiitliorrh_Miehum, O. Papilio majus, and O. Kiiiiieri. Of Odontoglossums, again, there seem I . . I ,c always some in bloom at Cheltenham. .\iiiong these may be noted O. crispum, O. blandum, O. grande, the, to me, disappointing (because never apparently properly expandecf) 0. Harryanum, O. Rossi, a little gem, and O. Sanderianum. Cypripediu.ms appear to be quite at home. The owner of a fairly large, well-selected collection of .Slipper Orchids need never be without a few of the quaint, ,'iiii.,,i'-l\ i,,,,i k,-.l flowers. Properly managed, the pliiii- l,e,icj .j,,,wii .hiring the early part of the Mill 111 I l,ii-k. iiiei-t hi^at, and rested in frames .■aliinnii. C, i-anhiial.-, I', Cliantini. C. Maulei, ithe two latter forms of nisignei, C. Charlesworthi, C. Harrisianum, 0. leucorrhodum, C Ljvuchea- mmi, C. fpnanthum sui)erbum, C. Roezli, C. 102 thjs garden. [February 6, 1897. mi|.n-Ml.|( tn ,,,11111 111, 1,111,1 laijfe pLmt. Other Mawl, ^ , ing alluhion may be made .i^ recent h' were M. bella, M il. H.nnana, M. macruKi ' M 7;,„/"l) .111,1 M V, II, 111 -^rand unoiig ODONTOGLOSSUM LUTEO-PURPUREUM. I SUPPOSE there is hardly a more variable Odonto- glossum in cultivation than this, though not sc many vaiieties ,,f it aie leoided as uf smne othei Im|„.lt,,l liiallt. .iM -,l Mlllll, - .IllllLUll t„ establish ; tliej »tt, n |,liiiii . u|, .11 light and look well, but do not i , , .i In K ,11,1 consequently .,,in|„.st Thisises- peciallv the case m itli \ , i \ - 11 ill |il lilts •mdthese. although often oil, i, ,l ,1 ,1 ,|. 1 It, lie not leally sugoodxahi, ,- l,,j 1 |,l:iii- ,1 , higher HgUle. A house .il„,nl 111 ,,i 1 . « 1,.,,., than water lodge about tli deca\ed jioition nt i i withthem. Tliepln put, and not uiitd y,i tage of its sMeet ai been placed on bet, have become soui , may be treated as , d,.es ,i„t dltlel 11, le, ,,1,11,1, II, I,, I t,,l when the outside at III -| no good comes „i 1, n open with a view t,, Rather let them be ke] day, even if the glass ris likes, and open the hous \ not to let lor to let a iito contact '11 up m the 11, „J should that ■ ally. duiing thi 3 a little higher than one : at night, when the cool Orchard and Fruit Garden \ TROPHY OF PRriT,S AND FLOWERS. uucloi gentle mucted by double festoons of lits. The groundwork of the of four wicker baskets, ,sup- uUy hidden central pole. The IS about 6 feet in diameter and rested on a square siqiport, the were filled with growing Pine- , , ,, , f .. I ii- 1- full fruit springing from a. 1, tent hill 111 lul ot the | mossy bed. In the basket itself were piles of \IIh It Mils, 111,1 ,t lixeter I Apples, Oranges, Pears, &c., and the central s, 1 In ,k, ,,1 III, ,ns were column was covered chiefly with Honesty ,.t tho leading ladies and (Luna- ia biennis), the silvery pods of which ty, and the share of deco- ' f„rmed a g.M.d contra.st to a large number of sprays of the scarlet- berried wild Iris (I. fce- tidissima). The second basket contained on its- outer rim several rods of Grape Vines with foliage of glorious au- tumn tints and grace- fully entwined as if growing naturally, and bearing suspended clus- ters of black and white 'irapes in great profu- I'ln. From the tliird 1 1 isket projected three huge bunches of Bana- nas, each weighing about 1 cwt., surmounted by twigs of the scarlet- fruited Berberis vul- garis. The outer margin of the basket was en- circled by festoons of the Granadilla (Passi- flora quadiangularis), bearing sexeial dozen full-sized fruits. These (iranadOlas came from thehothousesof Bystock where they are grown extensively for dessert. The top basket contained a huge Pine-apple and sprays of Bougainvillea glabra, Asparagus jilu niosus nanus, Siml i\ asparagoides, &c , w Ink a few Chijsantheiiiuii^ indiitheith.wtisbii^ht .md tla l.iwti puts, it tlllstl,,ph\«hRllt,,lllltd A. AisniiB Apple Blenheim (hange. — .Stiuck with the beautiful coloui and appeal ance of some fiuit of this in a cottagei'^ garden near here last season, I bought all the medium - sized fruit hf ,j,„, I could pick out. These 1 have been sending tc table with Ribston, thinking they would at lease by their appearance. I find that mj and his friends eat quite as many pi Trophy offniit anil flouers. Fiom a photngrajih Mr. F. tV. Meyer, Exeter. rating the supper room fell to Mrs. Bryce, of] least Bystock, neai E\iii,iuth. Desiring to intro- ' empl, liii ,■ siiiiR ii,,m1 f, ,tiii, fur the centre of the | tl"^ ■^l'""!'^"" ^** ''f t^^ Kil^ston, which is, of course. I, I, nil tills I iil\ ,, 111 111,,, I the services of Mr unequalled as a dessert kind now that Cox's r W' .M,N,i I, iiils, i|„ ^aidelier to Messrs. r'. Orange is over. -H. R. \.it,l, 111,1 .s,,„ hJuu wl„. erected among ' ^„^^^^^ XftTTtMuTh ,^:~°i't,'' °!lu"ti/f^^^^^^^ itliii t, itiiiis ill, ii,,]ili\ htie illustrated, and ■j',','|^\^\^/\|,'", j'^i' "''i ,I",''-^' f ",,'' ',', h'i",'!''|,|ant'iii,, h1ii,Ii \\ is icpi,„liK,,l ti,,iii I photo taken at , j.-''|,_, , ^ ^ n^, ', ^"„' ' ]|^ |, ./i',!,',,,," p,','^,,,,,,', , ,',,'i],l 1," lil'^llt b,\ iiiagllisiiiiii huht li\ .SLott, of Exeter, o^,,, jl, ,x, -, , n •^,i,,',| ,i,,ps m ta, t, ,j,,t <_'00,l The trophy, which was about 13 feet high, [ crops— in such a jiosition, and have also seen t occupied a position in the centre of the room, without a fruit. I may add the latter were i nd was surrounded by eight tastefully deco- I tirely shaded by Vines and not attended to inl 1<'EBRDAB\ 6, 1897.] THE TxARDElL 103 keeping; leaves Tiuk.x mass o{ poi-tioi of f Blown vent, t lis « do not It OUfU ■iv.l 1 house, i-enu)V( ;il 1 Nectarines Downton and Downton Im- coUeotioii, llo^vr^,■l■ limited, .is ii,.( ..nly is it ';i regular niiil lie.-i\\ lirai^r. Iml lln. (|ii;ilil\ is ,,| the fifst onlei-. TiMt.v,. ,, v,.,A lK■,■,l^ ;,,mI «,-1I adapted for pl.-iMl 1.1- on ,,|,.n xmiIIs, T\v tiint i- und'l al«^ys roved about ten n Lord Napier, corner of the traeted al.so. fron. which they never afterwards iecip\er. Vines, liowever, that tire planted in sli.illow, firm, not too rich borders, and that li.ne plenty of healthy fibrous roots to start with, usually make ;i steady, even growth throughout, the eyes being as j)rominent on tlie lower as on the top half of the rod. Siieh might be left full length at pruning time witli every pinspc.l iif ill, l„.si ivsiilts. provided only I''''"' ""ir"'-' " piinHscd. As a rule, .\"nnu 1..I- -. ,11,,,.. 1,.,,,,, ,|„. |,,,,se. „f the old Nines nil,, li.n,,,;. !„,,.„ 1,1,^,1 and relaid into fresh couiijost, or after cutting old Vines down to the bottom of the rafters, are even through- out and erpially furnished witli plump eyes, in which case there is no need for much if any shortening. J. (J_ Yellow Raspberi ^■ell^wRa " X;l vrell known as it .leseives to be. -J. C. Setting' Peach blooms under glass. — With iiiiild went her liar 1 1 fmcing will not have been neces- sary, but attention is lequired to set the bloom. As there has been so little sun. aititicinl fcitilisution lias been required daily. In bright fnisty weather, owing to more siinsliine and the |i,,lli-ii bcinL:niore readily distributed. 1 not,- tl,,- M.i'im s.ts n readily than in mild siiiil.s. w, :,tl,.., , sii,li n- named, hard to yn •■ ii|„> t,-,,,i ,,, A| most reliable. 'ri,c ..,,11 ,\,-,|mi ,,,,,,, .strong wood for fi,i,t,ii'.;. imicl, .if tl borne on small woorl. 1 think tem| I)e at fault. M. Katzer does not give information on this point. — B. M. ■atui much SHORTENING YOUNG VINE RODS. L.isT summer I allowed two young growt which .started from ne.ir tlie b.ise .,f an old lil.i lave Weather there is a greater feiidciiiy fur tin- w 1 growth to precede the flowers, and unless tl,, dowers receive due attention and afree circ'iih,! i,,n pf air, they fail to set. This is more noti,,-,,l.l,. II the case of youngvigorous trees and tb.is,- « itl, strong wood. I recently saw y,iii,ej \ i..;(,i ,i,is rees quite denuded of their ein|,. 'li, .jm^.h., thinking the crop safe because th,' «, at),,-, w;,^ iiild and fertilisation was not considered iieie.s- «ry.— W. S. H. Protecting Peach blooms on open walls.— The |)raetiee of covering Peach trees with frigi- lomo and other warm coverings is not so much in ogue now as a cpiarter of a century ago. I do lot hesitate to say we have better crops by giving : indeed, I would advise no pro- ind. Last season was a mild one ■t ion was needed. I value a good .iny other protection, but even ,g one may with advantage nn- ,»«). .mil by free exposure li;iiilr[i •11,1,1 stronger bloom. If a cix.,. :,, liitti-r have that which a, In, its "s n.it .ibstruct the light. 1 lind ees not eovered in anv wav rarelvfail to pi.idn,.,- crop. I have some late varieties on a west «i,ll 2ver protected, and these are fair eruppcis. ne never need 1,,- inn hurry to protect, as it is le foreriiiin.r ,,f fly, and this soon ruins the 5wers if it .j,.| s ,,i all nunierous before the bloom set. Wli.n |,i,,ti.it,,in is really necessary, it surprisiii'j- w hat a little will effect its purpose, double net is as good as anything.— S. H. M. Peaches dropping.— At p. 27 R. Katzer re- tps Ins ex|iiiienees as to Peaches dropping. He ates hundreds .., 'jl,,. |,a!i,i ,,| ,1,,. i,,., dense a,,il i « ,.j._. \ , , ..i,,,., ,,,, m K ,,,|| Strawberry Keens' Seedling. — Being a lllls ing tlic number next year and the following one. With abundance of new fibrous rootlets working in the renewed border, I fully expect that the isten all i and get g is neci ir freelv : eet or 4 feet of the front sasl ired to recommend this n J in the case of newly-i.lan when in o..nversati,,ii xMtl, interest pages. 1. I place I have \s here the or flowers. lany kinds Apple Alfri ■;J. CJ."(p. 27), , though an old va make it a great f sful light 1 II be left their entire length as not, cropping judiciously for a year or two. In the case of young vigorous canes, however, I have frequently noticed that even at the end of the first year they are much thicker at the to], than lower down, the eyes also being 'duciiig much str inge growths the fnl- ■iidiiig into arch lis being so, the stroii;4 lafi-rals m, tlic upper part of the Vine draw away the bulk of the .sail the following year, leaving those on tlie lower half in a slim, starved condition and the main rod mucli con- i.s I 111 to grow fiv,.]\ al I lie st: conference al ( 'lii-.w lek shown bv iiiii,t\ -fixe e\l popularity. -C.' W. Grape Trebbiano.- this drape rcenmmende not often one sees d I am pleased to :e (ji-apes hang better: the lierries .assume a deep amber colour, and do not shrivel like Mus- cat of Ale.\andria. I thoroughly agree with Mr. 104 THE GARDEIN. [February 6, 1897. }I::l'!:!'i:l \.,luf,if u wllltr(;i.l|,.-.it Ih i\s I .1, iiiinil in.l 1 ^ mIJiIimm I.. <]>• 'h --. 11 . OMmI I iI. It tin- .\ <\: 111 ,11, li 1 l-i.iii, 1 Ii. - WMM'iM- xel beds. 1 (' maybetlisMl'",',,, ings m ^111. 1 --1.. Koodsoiikiii. lit 1 buideis ,,!.,, 11, 1 1m\.. liad attenti.Mi, tin- linnse lU.lM- lli.l t« till.. .M„ , IIh |iit ti.,- niu-t ll,^. a h. . 1-. .it lilint.il^i.ilt till, ,f :::':i,::1:':um::';;,'',i,;";'!i:i:v ;;:!:;';.,, 'p^'u':]!':':':^,:?T^°'s^^t^^"-^ p:..,^^^^^^^^ Trees and Shrubs. The Grape room. I I shmddbe caiefulh . ninin anvbadbeniesiii. .1. <■ ■ li.l AK.. l.K.k t,. til. b.itil. - in I I in ilw i\ - 1. I\ 111)1111 a fair ll, . ll„lM ih. IM. i_,'sii.f..-W S 1, .■,ri.„,','i'i^n,l' -1.1,1, ii'ihI., I'lii' teach AN UAK TREE AT DALLWITZ. The grand old Oak whose picture I sent to y.m I came across on a visit to the porcelain _ ^^ ^^^^^ f.ict.iu. A\liuli is, so far as I can remember, tive ~\I,iiii,,ii .11.1,1 li ,11 ill. II,,- I, II iti.. nnl tiill .1. M l.iii '"■'1^ lull, s li ..111 Carlsbad. I there heard of Yiii ,'|',',' ,Hi'i' 'iii'iiii' ' I I'li- I'lii iM_ 1- II II 1 1, 111 ,1 K ii-iliilt.i-i •"'" t iiii.iiis ( I ik-,, and, of course, went to see „,l[ , n-i|, liuit^wli.i. tiiii. h knit. «..ik iiii..ii.. t li. In. m. lit- tlum. .iii.l tln\ are well worth seeing. One is 1.1- 111 not Iwuiild liave au injuiioub tendency. '^ The woik ib 1 dead, a .second is more or less knocked about hy ill. Muscats) best done when the leaves fall in November, but I I the ravages of time, but the third is s]ilcnilid Peach Belle Beauce.— I am glad , s, , tax.mi.il.I. ni.ntiun made In \\ M .it 111,- V Ml. I^ ..t I'. 1. Ii I n.l. 1 _Ii -.nil. 1 as a second eailv ,1.1-, ,-.,n kiii.l A. W. Late Peachas for forcing. T rm I.. I. 11. -.' 1 ^ - 111. I -It M,.« Base nf an Oak near DuUwit:,CarhhaJ,AaitiM. Fium a iilwtuyrapk ieul hi/ lUi . Hem y Eu'hanl, Ue of Wighi .1 (' uit.-n.l.'.l t.. 11. Im-.- III.' i.kiiiting f late siirts 111 ihe luiciiij; lu.use, but simply wnnld ratli.f d.. it: ii.iw than U-ave it till aimther ' still : its picture speaks of its magnificent size uoted the in.stance as being somewhat beyond sras..n. Miil.li .,v. , 1 1... ,..,.1- « ,tli inanni.' an.l Of c.nirse it li.is sutfered in its long life hat may have been expected.— W. S., Hm«. ' n.x , i .itt. i u ai.l- ,i-. ,i -|ia.l. ,.. a, 1 1..' 1 1 . .-. Tli.^ Imt it l.,..ks ,is if it w.. aid li..ld nu for many i Growing Strawberries on ridges.— I litive '^l ' ',~ ""'' ' '' ' ,''',' '',""', "i "'""'"''," ,"i.|„','' \'''\. :-;''>ii;i;'ti..ii t.. c.nie.aiid is vig.pi-.i sand strcmg. I' ,..,,,1 ,,t an.l iii.l.'.'.i :i,K.,.'ati-.l I .la 1 1 1 1 la ■ Sf 1 .1 \v ■ '''",;"'"'■ -^"> '"IHi.^ L'tii.' i.i.iis.ii .1 I 1 1 111, 1 1 ' . u , aili] -iir| HIS. ' tile to conic aci'oss ti fiuei' ti'ec tliai 'I'll.' MlkiL^e near to whicli it st.nuls i: .1 halKwtz fit is on the left bank ..f th. , ,|,,iil,|,. |i,,,i,.tit --E H ,rnciEgei. The trees are extolled in the p. lem: of Koriier, a German poet of at all events smiii Plums under glass.— When a house can be i^cal celebrity. The age that is claimed for th. lai. .1 I'liims do well grown under glass either j ^^.^g j^, ^qqq yg^rs, but whether that is to be I'f iai.i, .1 ...It ..I 111 pnts. I prefer tlie latter system, , „..jj,^jy,j ,^„ f.^^.^ ,,^. fiction T cannot say. L,',"i',l',"ir'."i>li..n'','l "in?r?i'|'! lii!i'i-!,' rn'li^il t!.- " H. EwBANK. ».ilk. it .,t tll. soil alt'orded by the ridges and the preservation of | can then be accorded the right kind of treatment, i does not occur in that publication either as moisture by the tiles. He found that the ridges 1 Assuming that such matters as potting, top-dress- 1 species, a variety, or even as a synonym of soni Fbbruary G, 1897.] THE GAEDEN. 105 other kiiul. B.N snlnrailll Olitir , it is IX'O mini as av;ii-irly ..f Sa! \ .illia, l.u l,v .. lir|>l( i- — Il'Ii.'.I spcci/i.' I.lllk. :t III II 1- -,i I'MllI i ilalK 1-. f 1 ; . .1 1 . in vari.iii. Ii.i, h iilliiriil |>llll|l al hill-. Ii.il 11 - omissidii h hr ll^l i 1 (|l|l- tiuii. uh .Il 1- -.. compTvlinislN,- 11 TMaiiy (U tails. s all the IIDIC ill expli,.al,l,.. T. Hamamelis arborea. -A la •rrfi {ri-oul ) of tliis wintrr-llnui-i ill' sIllMlll Isi linnni in II.' .illl'll atlu-w. Sl„„," III ll - f.ill ,,,, .,, .1 Mllli a |.,lll evii ut:,„ l:irjh-li « 111. r h"... iml ■vvurlll\ too, tlial llir |.l ml ll.iXMT -n fl nelv from liasf to siimniil. 1 Im- -11 il!.-l IVM -. nil aleveU ■ith the earth, hax i lull riMllI t of the curious yellow H.iui i>. OSTEOMELES ANTHVLLIDIFOLIA. Amo.wst the p .lilts ,.f \vl irll s, 'lis «,•!■,■ srllt l.\ M. TAMk- I). i\a,\ li. t h'r M islllll fl .111 111'.- proviiiir of ^111 hyM. Cnniu. I ''f''sM'''i' l.'Cil tnl 1., Ill llll,.. O.st Inii.l- -.1111. -lis anthylliilifi.l,,, ( la, 'nil.') lia ved the most ,sa,tisf;at(. V rnnii a ■nihil- il iMiiiit of view. It beh.iiLjs t: ^ -111. ..r.lei of the natural fuiiiih- . .-.lit ..f bloom it has ti llli' Mipr lina'l ..l.s.aA.a all 111, appearanco ..f a ,ia|„l, ii'.'a'ti'r .lis - l.'.^l 1IIIII..I1S plant, its fnliau ihlUt .n-|,ri.siugi|uantitynfll.,urr,s 111 the year ISiKi, when it was exhibited in full bloom on February 9 before the Committee I d'Arburicultuiv d'Oriiemeiit of the Nation.al IlnHi.-iillin-al S..,-i,.U .,f Fraiirc. ami it uas -1.1 nils iiist l|..\u-nii,-, It may uul be uiiint t-i-u.stiii- to statu here tliat out of fifteen jihuits pro- duced from the seed.s sown in 1888 only two Howered last year and only one in the spring (if tlie present year. At the Mu.sfiuin there is a sjjecimen of an Oste..meles much older than those just nieii- tii.m-.l. and wliich was one of the 'plants .-x- lls()st:-..mi-lrs.-iiilli\|li, Itoll,- ,s.-,,-.. .1 1|.. about .") (rvt lll-^li. w nil sli^htU t » i gracefully iiiHcii .1 1. ■ill.-lh-,, kI l.-ll 11-.' ..f violet-brown c..l..iii 11.1 M-ly .1 young state. Th.- 1,-, \-cs al-i- pr sistL- nate, scssiK-. an.l ...ns ,st of ten o • ele% ell p.-in- of .small, niip.-in pm late leaflets, w ii.-li .11-, mostly ..|, p. .Mt... I.iit occasionally alien at;- .-.Is., oval-acumiuatf an.l \-i. rv downy „ ll. til sl.l.- alike. On the youn.' sll....|s ,'.,-„ 1 1.-, f is tin nished with two i.roiu of the leaf-.stalk, but t !'ir!!!'i''''i til,' 1,'.- becomes ohli-r. Tli,-i, -Il tl are attai.-li,-.l. is sli-.h 1 1,'|,.|..||,,. 1 -1 each pail- ..f l.-afl.-is. ,- 1.1 ..11 til - nil l'- is hollowed out llke.i -iittn-. It i's",-i s., to In remarked that wlieii a leaf dies ,t falls i.tr .-iiti, gether, in «hich res|,c ■t this plan dit ers fi-.,ii most comi.ositede.ivei 1 Jilants. i leaflets fall ,.tf la-f..!-,- thr |-a..-liis 1 ins tiched. 'I'll,- tL.w.is . l.-n- 1 plant an- l,..i-,i,. n, I,...- ■ .-..r\iiil,-' Mth fugal e.xpaiisL.ii. .,f l-olll ' ,-11 t -,it\ ti\. entirely uliii.- 1..M-. t-ilk.-.l tl,, M-, s corymli.s. u|,i.-l, ..,,^. their appi-,.a.-liiii.4 -i|M Ml-.|1^ .-,ii\ mill ita.ii o't ;.lu luced at llic I'ML-iiii, , 1 1 , .' 1 - "l they are, consc.iii.-nlK s. fully inflected, it -.. th.it . ■"settenf tw - ,1,1. Ilk.- Ill,,, ul 1. h , I at tliL ccurs in '■■.a,- ,,-,-. -s. |,||||..|.,1 ..Ulli-ju-al- hlsl )sette of which I write, not a sini^le II.. u-v has iii.-i.l,. Its or f. a[)peiirance on this s, 11.41, la. s|"- -11, tl„. characteri-stics nf which 11, ..t Sol,l,-wll.-|t dlttc,-l-,lt fl-..ll, th.. 1..IS.-.I fl-olll til,' S.'.'.ls S.'llt f,-,,l (lst;'..„l.'l,'S ,-'litlnlll,llf..ll,l . at .-ill fasti. lions a^ 1 . ili,- s. ,.-1- i-.'sp,.,'ts alv 1- of the plants I ^ niinan. pp.'.-n-s to be not II m which it is Tl of s its )f Roses, &v. Unci I I.I not iunipio In May of the following year they are taken out of the cool house, and are placed either under screens or in .any cool and slightly shaded po.si- Mt!,, and in prccisely first year. By eare- -4 directi(ms, vigorous >■ lie obtained in three e of .sowing. ;s. -. 1 ,ki II in II \ li.-i-, .- -tl cuttings July or in a cool i,.-V root 1.ii'mi,i\'-:',!;s'- 111.- soil t ..t .„,'_'- s.il, anil 0,1 .-ill W,-|| IIILX,. dom well roi two months, of the next 1 off sciiaratel- surti- ild March, and to keep the bell-glas.ses well pro- tected with dry litter or matting in very frosty weather. From a practical point of view the p,-opa'4.-itioii ..f this plant liv nii-a,,s of cutting.s li.-is .1 ,I,-..»l,,i.-k in 111.- .-,i-;-in,i-t.„i.-,.' that the s|ii i-niHiis ol.i iin.-.l l.\ tills 1 ll' of increase :i,,' n.'V.'i- v,-i-y Muor..ii-L;,-.i«iim nor tall, the figorous I xtremity iVear of it re or less •s at its ^•ery first rli f,- uiitams live small sP.Ufs. Al fagreen clour; it next takes ..n a vi..loi L.l ue, and tinally becomes black wilh ,1 Ii.hm loom when fu'lly ripe. The iM.',sisi,',it r:,\\\ nd styles remain attached to the apex of the es anthyllidifolia flowered and fruited woiils, at Cherbourg, Brest, and ^'antes, dis- tricts which, as is well known, are especially f'i\ , aired in the mildness and equability of their Til.' '^I'lins ( Istiaiiiu'les has a very wide range ..t Ul ..'41'iplii' 'll ilistiilmtion, being found not oiil.\ I,, ('l,i,i-l,,il,a. China and Japan, but also 111 the .Sandwich Islands, on the Andes of Peru, and in the islands of the Magellan Archipelago, &c. MlTlTlPLICATlOX. The Osteomeles is propagated by means of seed, or, in default of seed, by cutting.s and grafting. Seed-sowing. The seeds of this plant being covered with a bony shell, it is imp.u-taiit that they .should be say that they should be sown in pans of sandy heath soil in a cool house, or at least in a frame kept well protected during winter. Th ruit lik Ostein aa.i'^'^T'^'^'u""® "'/'l'^ Mus6um in the year I may not germinate until the second year after w^. in t ebruary of that year a single corymb sowing, as often happens in the case of the stones flowers suddenly made its iippearance ori a I of the Cotoneaster, White Thorn, IMedlar, the Ge.\ftixg. This is certai ilv. 11 the c ISC of the )st4- oniclcs. Ilic niosl mt H'sliii" : ml .1! ■4,ilar mode of pi-..pa'4.it|on. ,1. ,' llllli ; -^ 1 '|." -. to 1 orti- ru!ti,l-lsl- anotl. -r 1 ..::.l|.l'- . I -1 - ting ui a stock of a ditici L'l.t 4c,ius. ■. lie ,1, estlon was on what stock sh ould we attei ipt to srraft this new genus? Fc r a long time w^e have leen seeking a suitable si bjcct, ai d we think tliat last year we h; \,' .- t l<-,,'4t!. ills.-. \-i',-,',| o,,f. Under the direct ..1- 1 ' III, 1 Kill,' succe.ssiveattci,i| t- t . "i-,ift t 1.. ,,s "ll ihe Quince, tlic W ll t.- Tli'.r 1. .-111. tli.' stock. On thcs, St... ,s ill.. Ill oil ol 1 l|.' 1 1- ,.| ..-, >f the graft was M-ll 1.. .- 1-4 1. I.lll -lll.-l 11I...1 .1 '41.1 1 1 1 1 '4 last year, being si i-ii.-k with th,' .il.iin.laiit fni',-- tificationof the < ki n.'li-s an.l tin- i-<-s,..iiil,l,iii.-j of the fruit of tins si,, ,, I, to that ..f tl,cC,.t,„i- easter, I conceived the iilea (when 1 was veneer- grafting Aucubas, conifers, &c., that is to say, in the latter part of August) of grafting the O.ste- 106 THE GARDEN. [Fbbbuaby 6, 1897. ..■.aelt.-s..ii tw..^.Vt.-ai-n],l stocks nfCtnlRvlst.-lM nni,;if;n:iis,.,lii, iinls. All tl,.. -rafts |,iit in (a). Mtrru III nuiiilMr) l,„,k uvll in a slmrl tii As 111,- Mwrl.s H,.|V ;,hva,lv soliiruliat s( I. ,„ thai. Ill- srloiis. uhirli alv always slrll.lrr, I ii..t iiiak,. us,. ,,tllH.or,li.ian iiirtli.,,1 ,,f v.-iu iiiattfi- js that <'.it..ii.asl^i- am ai ,. , ni- l.loyud as;ist(.ck f.,r ( Kt-mn.'lrs, lias alLaa-.l uxcrlK.i.t ivsnlts, ami thu luuclu uf gTaftiuy U, whicli I lia\f allialid a]jpuai's to be ill every Thf IMusLiiiN .listiihuteil young i.Umt.s of .l.^,s'n',"Ai^uM !^f l«in\uHlTi''Kl,i,l'all!rs,v!ls ..f tl„. saiiir |.lanl tl,r.a,-li ,„ir ■■Iii.lrx Snni- iniin -..f IS'X:. I ,„,.,y ,.i,l.l that this new |.la.nt has |,isl l„.,.n oin,i-ed for .sale by MM. Li-iu..iii.- rl tils, \aiir\ (catalogue No. 127, publishcl last .Maivh LMI). Sllcllalvll,...|cl ,ils,,f lhc,h.sr,i|,li,„l.lM.|nl\. an. I ■.\i,st,.s l.jtwecii tlic tun great groujis of the ■osaceous and the papilionaceous - leguminous )lants.— C. Grosdemange, in Le Jardin. TREES AT SYON HOUSE. DURINC the past antnmn I visited tliis nla.-c and that room can li- linniil tMrsuinaliN ln-,s ~,,ii t it iirall, lie.;, I, :„).,„ Alio-ctlier, the visitor to Syon, who has time spall' and the privilr<;e of wandering over than oidniarv inteiest. .J. C Cedrus atlantica glauca.— At Jcrda It is growing on a moist, loamj' soil and somewhat near the water, but sheltered by high trees. — Jonx Crook. H. CL.\iiKE, TninitDii. Park and Woodland. DEER PARKS IN OLDEN TIMES. Of the thirty-one deer parks noticed in Dome.sdav Book," eight belonged to the Robinia hispida. A.- .sented by a fine, vci \ . its sjjreading bran. 'la directions. Of tl„- ( Its pendulous vari,.(v. lli.- lall, r I., n,.. :, „.. tree so haudsume iirf.ain as t.j m.ik.Mi m.miI,' ,,t a place in anv garden. HolUts w.i. in .jn al variety, the best of the rarer forms li.ii,.. U,.\ dipyrena, very distinct; the Ani.ii. an "li.,lK (1. opaea), most etlective and a good spccinjen'; and the Highdere Holly, a distinct and fine forni of the common Holly, with large and glossy ...aii,' so r.aisi.l, ral.l... ilial a f llic l.arilorv ..f tli.. i.^alni u.is .1, .M..r.' Iliaii 7 \rrr parks 111.' maps I'lrjiavcd by Saxtou ars l.-.T"! .111.1 1;VS0. A great ,,irks 1„ l,.n'..'.l t,. the Church. lurch on the head of a with ' c. i-liiinling ha.l, iii.lced, become quite a f.isln.iiialil.' .iiiiiisi'iii. Ill in the reign of Eliza- l.clli. ami til.' parks «ith which England then ali..iiiiili .1 H. 11' II.. I. as in the present day, en- .'1..SI11. s \\li. 1, .1,'. 1 ai.' maintained chiefly for ..rnani.'iil. lail hiiniiii'.; grounds wherein the inniai.'s ..f ili.' .asil.', the stately mansion, or 111.' l.ai'..nial hall 1. ".^iilarly took their diversion, 'I'll.' (hi. '.'11 li.'is.lf was an expert archer, ami ..11 ..n.' ...■.'asi,,ii kill.'il with her own Ijow Iw.nty SI \. II lai.ks in Lnrd Berkeley's park hi nl f N,.w,;,Ml,.,.„U .l,st t'llli',!. Av,ii,,,.s. Ill,, yniwth of centuries H..f a tive \va.s Ivft U, ,k-note the s]iot tlia .been the ijride huiI deli-ht of faiiiili, genemtiou.s. — ftt/r?. liy the be{;iiiiiiriu; of the ■lies. On the morning of was no longer completely of HllllW, llilWl-\-,T, took I'ROPAOATINO. RosKs. Ill a,l,lit!on to hein-j lar<^elv ust-d f,,i tl Thh H,,s,.., ,|„. ],„.,. R.,s,. (Rnsa ,.ani,,ai i, aKo,,, I'I'O-'I I'M tl,.. Ihlni.l l',.,-,„.,„;,U l„,,l, ,,„: l„ :in.'l„.sor8 inches lon;^. i;,k,,,M ,.;,,,. ,,, ,.„, , |, , it, . .'hise below a joint. ii.iii,i\-ii,.j- all ih,- \,,„ .11, Is ,.x,_.ept two or three at 1 1,,, (up. If tl,,-.. , ,.,t ,.,it out carefully, suckers ^^\\] ],,. v^i y li,.iil,l •ome. t'uttiii.^s |i,,r in now will make ii-, f; fitocks f,.i' l,ii.|.lii,..j i|„. following autumn. ■n„ fhould be i,Ia„t,.,l -,,111, i,.ntly far apart to all.,« , iCettmg betw,.ii, ih.-m. Seei)Lim,s.--.S, ,111,. nurserymen raise vei\ li,._ jjuantities of .s,.,.,lli,i<;-s, and one-year-old ',, la,, ^ «ay be stcmed at littl,. <.,ist. These will l„ , jmy thread-like plants. Imt if pinnti-d nut i,, b'ound thev mak.- ,ai,i.| ,, ,■,,..,.,.,- ,1,,, aids to lie useil for out- a hirge .stock of Roses ear from a single plant )f all the means of jiro- A. H. Books. Thk indefatigali the French, and i . -W an(;lo-frex ,i:A,sArxcK.» -Ml. \\l,,ik las gone am e famous for ind.hismis. Iiother \g seas to show a Woss.,i„ M,il„.„.,,ils ,,p. stamens being si.,i,. ..\, ,,,.. i.i'il,,. .shine in the first inslaii.-,-. aii,l alt coveiingof snow.-E. .M., /I, ,/./,a. Notes of the Week. Begonia semperflorens rosea. Th,- t,.ri,, of ,ii,i,U' blooming for severaf months in sueces- lias a value uf lis own by reason of tiie beautiful hade of colour. As a compact, free-tlowering ariety the one named is equal to any we have seen. Crassula lactea is oi,,- ,.f ili.na.st ,ivif,il .,f l\ I,; "I- iiiii'' III '4 1 .-.aidition. Where the plant '.II.-. I liii 1.. ill III, I lull after flowering and the II 'J. -I pill, I- all. 1. lilted, several in a 6-inch pot, 11, ,1- ,i~._tid examples are ensured for another Acacia Drummondi.— This makes a very use- il iiiif plant for i-onservatory decoration in winter, The weather in West Herts. '..st has II, ,w last,., I 11,-arlv tliiv,- lili 1, 1,111.' all 111,. I,,..|„.s| ,|..n I,.,,,, Ilia Chandlei rst two It all the ' at this ' l.-,.d, the .Mill their .,,,■ an ex- 'll..,-tion is ill,- result. above is -hke rosy Idition tomakiii.. p!,,,,- ,,ii,,|., i| '^ iiii.i,,p. , t larger bl03ms than fr,,n, pi'un-.ln , |V ,1 |j , . I" umih i >ts. For pot work th.i-i- .'^ati.il ,, ,.,',',,,' lailiiHn ^nded in my last note make t'he I,. -, ' ,,1 ,,',J " ",, I ■■ 11, ! season, but where the stock is si, '1,1 I, ,li. li "i^'iih" nts are stait.>d early, some go,„l -,■ ,,, , -' lin 1 had from the young wood about Ap> il u, \| ,\ I i la ■-:i"|^ ' 5 u/.L.'!'^" .='.«'/• ^e "sed at this seas,in * "Mayville.an Anglo-Frenc^hPiil^Iun^^ 1 the open untd they are re- I trated by Phil May. rieasaunr-e ture of the soil, owing to the , has scarcely change'd at all It was issued. On the 23rd iilt. vcred with snow to the di-iitb of luld be ke Narcissus Countess of Annesley.— Though s are quickly spoilt fiy the requisite Later on in a cooler house, with slower it is a great beauty with its perfect Narcissus Golden Spur Pots of this with some half-dozen or so bulbs m flower are now very 108 THE GARDEN. [February 0, 1897. 111.' .I;i\s Ir.-ivrs :,u<\ lluuri- 'jr^u ■M.-ialiie rapidity. Fur thdse who i\\ers this trumpet Daffodil is one it can be grown. M. Hardy, Tl,. le dull winter season. Aloe platylepis.— A good sized jjlant of thi istini-t >|,f.i,.- i. ,i,,u- ill l\,,^^,■y in tli.- -iirriili-i; AV tiower^. from Zau/.iba Fine Lilies of the Valley all 1 .im.l Wi- l>:iv.- i„-t v,.,T-iv,.d from ^\ •2(1. illtl and attt-r ear's end. Plumbago rosea superba.— At anv time of the year the briylit nw lour of the bllissoui-; of this plant is welcMii-, | ,,0 ; ii-.,l.irl\- mI,, ,, iImu.i ing plants in (hr «;iini .j ivrni,, ,11-,. :,,. ,,,i|„i scarce. By reg-iil.-il nrj ili.' -to|.|.iii'j .m. I , ■»]-., 1. tarding a few planu in ,1 .unl,! I ^r ;i |,,irj succession of its ll..«.-i- iii,i\ \ 111.- .- mill..- tiilK ,..,,.-uii.-.|, l„l„.M,i.. i:,l ill.- .~l:,l,ll-l:li,. Ill . .t :i |,l:iMli.j -j 1 tll.-|.- :,- iH;,01lll. Til. .-:, 11011,11..- ...,.:,,,:„ ml,-,! 111,. ll.. |il: 1" lit i-'i Hardy plant borders.— The council ival Hoiti.ultinal .S. iciety have asked mt i'sv.ai I.. ...ntiil.i.t.- t.. their journal, anil pay all the costs of the accpiisition and hiy out and maintain the land as a place for pidjlic recrea- tion. Royal Horticultural Society. -The ne.xt meeting of the Roval Horticultural Society will take place in the Drill Hall. .Tames Street, Vic- toria Street, on Tuesday, February il. The various committees will assemble at noon as IfaineB of plants.— R'm. Kemp.—Deiiii usual, and at 3 o'clock the annual general meet- nobile. — -A. McLennan. — Anemone coronaria. ,.- |i:iili,-iihus ,.t ■■r..ll)llli.-tiull: x> 1,1.-1, thoy have proved pra.:-!! :iii. .- ..f the kind I should inin ii.^lit lielp to make my paper THE GARDEN. 10'.) 1317. SATURDAY, February 13, 1897. Vol. LI. " Tliis is an Ait Wliii'h (loos mond Natm-e : chniigo it rathe TiiK Art iTSELK IS Nati'be."— SAatwjKiire. RCHARD AND FrUIT GARDEN, FKiS INDKI! (ILASS. ■;U.-MANA.n:i. Ki.' tivus, wlini f,.ivr,l. "ivroiu uii 1 cli. n..t lifiv .illu.l,. 1,1 iiv.s II, |„,i. : In llii.so i)liintui;,i,. I have ,,ever found that st..p I' 1,. Ips ii, the least the second crop borne '^ ll. I lees, as under the non-stopping system f I li.Mvy second crop to ripen continuously I I.'ii'-; period. "i.v .w.iis ..I til,,. .,1,1 ti-ee of Brown ;. ji,,\\,i li,.|.. li.is |ir, ,.lii..,.,l its crops as I' 11 si .I'.i,, tr.,iii ,11.1 i.f April to end -il.y ..1 liegniuing ,,t .June ; then a break of lu weeks, more ,.,r less according to season, I, ieh tliore is n,, further l)rcak i; I ill the end of Seiitember, and. v imn, 1 can jjick good fruit from thi o October. The method I praet lal pruning, which takes place dii le second crop is over, is to eii it tlie point from which the Ihm 111,,, the main stem all brai,ih.s ■ I,,' tree i.s furnished with young wood ;li.'ut, and no branch with a diameter of .s e..uld now be found on tile tree, though lur of the house the Fig and (i Insects, es gives an excellent opportunity for such syini.j; ing, which should bo taken every advaut,,,.;, . 'f. as this has to be suspended when up. Il.iiii llis,,.tiei.l,,s lliali th.at .,f ali\ .,lli. l Hull ;,■,■.-. .■..lis,,,|iielltly I a.lvise ealllh.n Ultli sii,li, liinii'j siMiiiner if ii.,.-,.^s.-iry to keep the fiaiiis I. '.lit. aii.l ;, mil. I .iii.i.k <.f scale appears til 1 1,' I M' liitl,'. if ,iny. haiiiiriil effect on the growth ..f he trees. Figs in well-drained borders require a con- ^lderable amount of water, and this should ihvays be applied at a temperature of 10° oi- „..iv alMive that c,f the house. There is ,,lso ini.ther i„,]i,_,rtant ]iiiii,t to be ..b,seive,I I'egaiil- i,g the ai>plieati..n of water, which is that th,' i..,il. r sli.iulil lie made sufficiently wet a w,','k "'f.ir.' ill,' flowei'ing period, when the tiisi .\M lliii'4 ..f ilie fruit ceases, to can'.\ ii liLiii'^li lliat period without neediu'g nny una., or I liiiil that watering during the lim,' ili,' lulls are at a standstill causes a ]ioili..ii .,f ih.- Top ,'illier to drop or to si.iftei, ],i ,'iiiai ui. ly rhiiniing of the fiist . i lie fruits being far i, liiiik it benefits tli.,s. and expected to fruit well in the shade of otli, things is to me inexplicable. J. C T.VLL.U'K. Apple Blue Pearmain.— A,, .\|.|.l. -. LLn, seen, but, I should think, worth a pl.i. . in , ,,||. ,• tions of any size. Fiuit .staged ti-u,,, th.- ( liisvM.k (iardens was of good size and shape, of veiy hand- some appearance, and, if my memory' serves ■ightly, pronounced of very fair flavour. When hese iioints ai-e taken into eonsideration, also the a,'l llial 111.' r.aii I family a,',' inva.-iably « .,1 1 ll a note. II nmH kindly •E. BUKBELL, it on a wall? If so the result. It see,, well in Rur-h a sitna Is a s|..'.'lal laviiurite of Till Cv .N tried - il,..\ »,ll .'1,,'ouicle , il,,,i ll ,.,i._.l,i to do .1, -,iili,.|,Mi 1. Him to ,1,1,., ,,,,,«ili ai„l the , ll,,. . ,,.l .,f ll,.' same. 1" .1.1 1'.' .-asily ,,- ,„,!,. 1 al„,^.•, hold |,i,,i, , ii,'n 1^ given. ,,,'1, ,ni,| lai'j.'lfruit- u,,l.,. , -|.,,ilii,g every ,1,1,. ,,,,, Ki,i'j of the ,11, .!,,-,' ,11 liand rc- la-iiii,'! 1, a, Is them , ,111,1 I am iiiiaM.' lo -a\- : I li.- ta.l ^ a r.' ,'ipparent ,.'iy y.'.-ii'. — B. Apple Bibston Pippin.— The best fruit I i\,' -.'.'11 alike f,dni standards and espaliers has ,1, ,,l,iaine,l in ol,l .j-ai.U-ns f,-o,ii binfk-looking ,|l ..f •,|,';,t .i,'|,ll,, S..II M -lali.ialils in a „..,.s ,,,,,..1,.,, llial .-.'1.1. ,111 lalL.I 1'. |.l,>.li,.','CrOpS f .'x, ','11, III tiiiii ». I,' a- .'„,,'t,,ll\ !. i,.l,.l as the ,',',^,. Ini^',,.,,!,.'- „,„'„|, ,,,,,!,, , i.„, t,.,' n-,",-,f the 11,1,' :,,,■,! .,.,» |„,l,a|,- I,, -i,,l III,' m,.,|.„-ity of ,,,„,.,-, I„,i ll,.' ,, -,,li ..., iii,',| I,, |,,-lify the 'I,, a,, an, I l;il,-l,,|,- »,!.' a v ,, 1 1., I 'I, ' t, ', . I, '-sei't for ex- am,,1,:. ,.,a,|,l 1,,' |,,ili,.l ll,;ili 111,'-.' at I'ains Hill ,jl,,«ll|,j in a \.i\ ,'|,l. I'.w KlM'j ,j:il'il.'li close to ik,' ,,\, I \1,,1,', ' r,, ll,',-,' wli,, have not as yet I,, -I ill,,, iiii,').'-i III 1 III- 111,, -1 .'\, 'client Apple, a I, .,.,,,, I ,,i ill,. ,1,111, I,-,,, n- ..f ili.-se remarkable ,|„.,'iiii.'ii- «,,,il,l 1,,' a.'.'.'pial.le, and their crop- |,iii,j ,|,,al,ii.'- a,.' t, -iiii.'il to in the fact that the xaii.ix 1- aim,, -I , '\, I u-ively used for dessert all il,i,,,,.jl, ll,,. A|,|,|, -,',,-,,11. or at any rate as long us It IS a\ailal,l.', «lii.li in some seasons is from the beginning of Novel, iber until nearly the end of February.— E. B. POT VINES. These will require special care now, particularly duiing cold weather. When the pot vinery is in- a,l.'.|mil.'lv sii|.pli.'il with hot-water piping, hard liiiii.j ..,inii,,i 1,.. ax.,i,l...l. Under such circum- -t;,i,....~ ill.. im|i", t,i,i, ,' ,,f covering the roof at i,,,j|,i «iili .li',--,.l ,',iii\as covers, tiffany or frigi' . I, „,,,,, ,,,' II,,., I- -,\\i, i,,,j.'il,,'r .'annot be too vti,,,,,_'lN ,,',',,n,ii,.'ii.l,',l I'oM "111. Is are then set ;,i ,l,'ii:,ii,... , III, 11,, J ll,,' nrjlii .'ll least, a more ..,|,iaM.. 1..1IIII, rat 111.' i- iiKiintain.'il. and overheat- ing of pijies is avoided, to the general benefit of I he occupants. As a rule six good bunches are sufficient for ( aeh Vine to carry and perfect, although one or t HO more may be left if the Vines are strong and \ igorous. Once the Grapes are set and swelling fi eelv, guard against fluctuations of temperature, ind inaintain the heat as near as possible to the li.jiii.,- llial Hill i.i'.'-.'iiily I,.' iii.'iiii..,i.'.l. To aid ven for ige use guano. Although copious supphes are needed, anything ap]jroaehing a soddened condi- ion must be avoided. A safe rule is to allow the ,,il 1,1 I..','.„ii,. ,iio.l, I'atclv ilrv before giving a ,,'-1, -,i|,|,l\, ,,11. 1 ill, n 'H,it,'i fi-eely. As the .',!-, ,11 a.lxaiic.'- ,ji,:it,i ,1.111,111,1- will be made [...n th.' ro.its, ,,11.1 ill. I. f.ii,' mole moisture will be recjuii-ed. it is a nood iilan to leave the water- in the hands of one person, and if this is done 110 THE GARDEN. [Februart 13, 1897. be no Top- and he understands his work, there will danger of erring one way or the other, dressnig will now play an important pc theroots,„„M l,,.,v,. p|,.n,vuf l,,n,l pl:„..l then- r.virli, fln^ ix |,r~i ^ni,,,!,,.,! ,,,, ,|„. and-0ftr„ |„,,„l|,|r. A |„,,|,,,1 -Mil:, I, I, .: should :il«, IN - Im. Iii.|,( |,.,|.|x iiiiM,! |,ir u-c early fc.iciipj- is cun.Ml ,,,1. I.,,;iin nl ,■! pliced in-.il ■ I III |rii . I I ||,,M I ],, "rif tl„. |„,i,,.,n.- I „„| ,|,-. .' largei-, tin' lnl.T\ .■mirj' .n:tr>- i,i;, 1 i , ',li b:)ttoni. Wlhii 1 1,,. |„,i , ;,,,, i,],,,!,,, | :',^' , |, the ci)My|i.i,-i ,■ III li,. I,, ,1 ,,,, 1 1,,, j ,| ^ ^ 'ji roots over, 'rin- -p nr l.ri « i.,.,, 1 1,,, i ,,,, ,,| , and the rims of tin' p;,i,s shunM ii,,i I,,. ,.,,ii, filled up, as a liasm .,r ilr|,r,.x.,,„i i,mi-i i!, hold water. Wlirn .-i In.i |i,,,| .^ .r In, iii.,| ,, ways bt'st ti. Ij;i\,- Iml l.ini |h ';i| nil,,, auxiliary 111 I lie , .Mill ,,| ;, ,|,.,.|nii. ,,| }','•,, bed takiiii: pin,,. If 1 1,,- ^|i,,,,|,| i'/,, ," ',' badweatli.,.. (I„.,.,.,ji,i„„.|„,„ ,,,,, Zn h up until a tresi, quantity of materials ean troduced. Other c.dtural details will be close stop, all suh-hitenil .j-rowths !„,l,„r th,- lnin.li,.; those al II i\ '• iii.i\ Ii.'im. ri liiili. i,,,,,,. | ,, ,| i,,],, . them if >|i,ii.|. » ill iiiiiiiii ii, ,||.|| at the M...,„i.| iiiiii 1 1,11,1 I,,, I ,„■ ^ '],','"', I ^,|' when ,spa.L:B in i,.-i , n-i , ,| ,[,,. i , ,, ,.",| i,'.,", pulsory, as tlii. hlhh ,,, ,,:, ,,, , '' "' laterals must nut -nili i i i, , , , ,,| produced by lli,. ^,.,.,,,,,1,;. ,, , 'ii,^ |' that are not'fMiiMii.j ii.,,| i,,,, h ' i ,,,!,V,| ,' closely, bill IIS III,. ,.||,.| ., I,., ,,[ ii,,, \ ||,|.' '' concentr:ii,.i| ,11, li,,. i h , ,i|ii,.| |,,|| ,,( ti iiii" growths ~li,,i,l,| I.,. , III. ,,„,,.,,,.,, I i'|'|.,|/'",i| 'i' cient ti. , . 1,1(1,1. Ill,, I,,. Ill, j,, , , ^1^.^^ ^ 1^ for red simlii, A- ,i im .m- i ii\' n ,|,' l", ',' ,' pest in el L.--i),.M i -m ill , mini I'l , ",''"' the flours ;iii,| ,,„t I,.,. ,,t III . I I ; V '"'" Sulphur |,„l III il„. ,.Mi|i 1,111 ii'|.,V,'.,„'|,||7|'; good anl II I. Ill , Villi il,.|i i.,i', tiiiiiii, ',',.,,!", I'l' tion, pa|.|l,.||l:i, h ,1 !,,.,, I,, i.^lii ,,11111,'/, I '^ ," a spell (ililiill, fi'iijij^ „,,.|| I,,.,, !/ 1 1 ',' i'' ~ ' apt to III. ,...iii,;.,.^'ii,.|i,i,^ ,,;,,' ,i,;,|,;;,.;|-',. Durino- th.. |,|.,.x:il, .,„... ;,f ,.,,1,1 ,.,,| ",|,„|. care is ni.|.i|i.,|, l.in 1 1,,, ,.,,|,| ,, j^. ' ^^^.^ | / " temperrd lirtnn. ii ,.|,|,.| ^ , i,,, j^,,,^ \; .' ,' til'itors III,. ,.,,\ ,., ,.,| „ I, I, I III . ,, Put on I, ,.li,,ik i.tiiiruliiM .SO' ,- i,'.,'li ',1 ' ingit:is,„.,...|.,.ii, .li.|iiii,i,U. ;i,i,||.|,„;,',',\'|;',' to ensure .-i ns,. ,it ii.iiii„.| ii m , i,, s^,-- the aid ,if snn-lnni. |;,,„ ,,,,' ,,'|' ^.\f^\ ' draughts, pml i,.iiliii Iv.iti , i , 1,,. ( :',',,„' ,', and until tli..\- Iium' iii,,,i,,.,i ', ', ~ '' " ' and 80 to 8.5 should be the tempera^ :o ensu.'H ,,!entv „f hrnlthv surplus ones, and then start thinning as soon as the berries are large enough. Tie all laterals down into place before commencing thinning. A. W. Apple Royal Reinette. -This cooking- tilt l'i-l1llisi, -Mtli (111. \- a.tmosfiheric umj..? m ,. u\i\- p3nsed with, as .i i,, , hi.i ,| hasa tendency t.i iii|iii, i li flowers, especialls win i, lii. warmth is seeii'r.il n! - means alone. .-V slrjln ,| m fore once or tuir,. \, dm is very beneficial. Kecpili medium state of moistun.. ui when feeding and top-drissi I When the bundles have liiij^ to determine which are thi ti'iii III 111. lii.^ ii.-iili,.d in hne .solid truit. It i: ■I s|il..iidiil wiiiiii I unking Apple and not to bt d..s|„„.,| ii.i i|i.,-i.,i H. C. Nectarine Balgowan. On \<. 44 i.-fii,,,. , n iniid.. Ill ll,|. .\,.,.|;,ill,|. I,v ■■ X. X,. »l,-i , III. It uih,., ,i.|idi.|s,,t Till.: i:auii;n vmu il. I Ikim i.nly i.ilr l|-,.|.. and that an ul,l ,„i... mid ll.is i- tli, Hist anil only one I have nut \miIi. \\ Ii.iI " N. N." advances in respect to .|iialit\ 1 lai cjuite bear out, for I regard it as . ,|ii;il in Viitmii in ))oint of llav.iur. ' In an iiiiliiaiid li,,iis, .aiiily. -W". ,S.. \l'i/>s. Spider on Peach trees.—" R. C. H."' (p. 87; lis, i.jivi-s with ".T. ('." as to sulphur and quassia ■Miai.t l»-i„-j- a r,-n„.dy fc.r the above post ni, fn- pest. " K. ('. II, ~,i\^ III. nil leaves. I suspni ]„■ .,\ i i.li, lows the folianr i- .iiil\ -h- difference to ciiaiiii.j, I ii,ii: adMs,..! ,,f , .,1,111,1 alli.,.|..d Mill, ii.,| ■Il 1,11 i.|,|,l,.:i,„i,i time the tree is covered with healthy blocmi \\1 just setting. Perhaiis the trees nf \\\ R. ('. H." s,,r.„ks bad becnme so badlv i,ifi.. i'ii,.!.M!l"'ii"s!.!'ins l.ld Mi:t till. lillM slniliu.. Iliat if tl ,iii. ^^,l,|.Jv.| «li. n l],i fnill 1- ill a small s to the .softfuiiiij |i.. 'i'!|'lhi'.~t'!ili'l ^Vn'i'ill bitter. (Juassia i ii ,.| 1,1,^ ,1,11 1 ||,. 1 or two been fm K n^i 1 till finlt III |.~ l.\ whu lunu piaisiil i l-'ii, lll.l l\ 1 iilw il\ - -\ 1 ingedniy trees tlie f. il.n M nil .'li ,,|. ^^,■,ll r. but owing to press 1 did iml II-... ..|ia, vater last summer iV.n.lics »..ri.. Hcll lla •oured.-J. C. PRUNING PEACHES. ed, I think, in Itist year as t les. I have ne\ Tl fl III' riim^ii '.'I'ls Ml row ers in ife th nil lidll iif 1 1,.. Inst fruit . iiiiiiii. s. and forty or fifty years ago it w,is mil iiiiiiiinii fur the Peach trees to be left ha 111.^ iiiinail.d from the walls till Febriui Till. 1 1, I -. were in first-rate cdiiditimi. fur Slid \ias .41, ml and the wall was lufty and uo.iil cniiditioii, and as an additiniial pivcaiit the Peach walls uciv lliifd. aii.l a.s sii.m a.s pruning and naiiiir^ wm.. Iluislicd tlic ii|i|icrl of the trees w: IS ri.\.ri..| with iiiii\;iliK' ligl During the .seven or uiglit yetirs 1 was tliei iiivrr knew even a partial failure tn oci Sin.c then for a good many years I have ha linn... nr less free hand in the inanagciiiciit the b t equi Ijtained by pr! I ni.|is III rnai Iks can he ootameu ny pr aiu tiiiin.iftirtl,,. leaves fall. ThePeachill v th\ niiiditiiin IS niie of the freest fruit tri'l' ;;if. Xi. iii.ilter wlien or how the trees K.I, if tliciv IS health and the trues vin- 111 a suitable soil, there will he I. Si. far as I have .seen, more trees . .il li\ Ii.a\iiii4 nil too much wood .aiid \ Iriiiis i|i,,ii f|...iii any other cause. •haie t.. la- tniced early, 'l always 'like the wnrk dniie before the buds iiu h. In tile first place, I thin the van 1 srvcrclv. and make it a rule to wash ev. if iiaiiil and ulass ali.l liluewa.sh the w.'i ,.,. til,. 11. ...s ,.|,|. i„.d iiti In III.- tivllis, a incr sulphuf w as , » .'Hid Inll ii,iiii,,.illv. La.st I nplK-d, and at the picsent I ■ l.iiisilili. icasnn for late pruniii'^ I HI,. IS tins: It may be soiinl ntil the buds move to be sure ali -.Mid bud tn cut back to. Thi.s Febhuary THK (JAIIDEN. Ill )rtjiut, and if some kinds are pruned early, may necessitiitu leaving the ynung slionts ther longer tlian is roatly nocsss.iry t.i W iro of leaving ;i \V(.(i(l liiid I. . Ir.i.l llu- ^,i|. u|> ards. Manv IVarh t.v.s |,n.aur,. ll„. I.u.l. triplets aw 1 l.iul h.^t u ,m n tun |1,.wct l.u.ls -and here, nf i-.hiim , ilnr.^ . muiut be any niis- ke made. 1 lik. m ImmLim^ round a garden see a well miiii . .1 I'l.uli wall, for, as rule, wlure 1', ,n l„s ,,ie done well other ings an- .il^o |.i.is|KTous. I do not say this jcause Pi.'acln-s .iiitsi.if are difficult to nian.im'. have luv.T I, ,1,1 I his view if tlie walls ar,- lodand th,' s,.il MMiahl,.. If tlu' I'.Mrlu's fail, ,ere is u,-n.-ialK s,,„„tlnn.4 la,kMm- n, the ustl la,l,' M.x I'lally u,'l 111 ,h\ -.lasons, but the character he Mill anil .iilin local circumstances will ii'iiio tills iiiaiU'i, and it may not possess same importance everywhere. The bearing 1. his of any Peach tree either indoors or nh- sli.nilil not be trained closer than () I's, This will give room to lay in the young il and .secure healthy, well-developed foliage. E. H. given in TilK (i.\uni;N (p. 47.')) and Mr. Thoms. With the early trees I make but slight varia j„ til.- (,.,„|„.r:'ilin-.- at ni.dit till tli- l.lo,,.„> ,-,-k I.-. UlK ^lu.ll I. to (K)" and on to : id I think he woul ; a lower temiicratii Flower Garden. Spurs on Peach trees. ■■ ivinalks „f --H. l;.- (1.: M' I' iii|.h'. -it ('aimii House, that I - \, ; inn. .an. I I ha \ .■ never regretted i;|.'il. \aiiily in every way and - .lallv -int.. I till- torcillg. — .J. CR.4WF0ED. Peach forcing.— Though much has been 'litteii ill tli.-f |)agea, M. Katzer apjiears to !..■ Mitl.iv.l l.a.lly. No matter how eareful a -iM. I'l kllMH uT.,,! «,.;itlM.| «||| tul'iMW.' For iiai-l lah.' th 1-1.1. .Iiti..ii- int., a. ■.•..lint I. ! -I. iiij. ,1,1, 1 111. -.■ who do will force moie ' • 'll.\ an. I 'J. 1 I \i better results. After - n ' .J. 1. 1 .1111,1 1 \ requiring much fire heat. i.,iiM -ay ,0 \\:i, inu.-h too high, and I would fer o.j° to (jir. Oiven the temperature referred our trees would soon be a mass of black fly and spider. Mr. Thomson, an authority, gives 60° safe at the time the fruits are set, and this is '■■ There is little difference in the figures HARDY CYCLAMENS. To hear of hardy Cyclamens j^'rowing from self-sown seed all over a garden — of which "D." tells us on page 91 — sounds so charm- ing that Tve cannot help regretting that " D." has not also told us in what latitude between the Land's End and John o' Groats House he has attained to such success. The naming of Cyclamens also is very vague and misleading, and cross-naming amongst them can be sup- ported by very high authority. In speaking of them I shall adopt the latest settlement as given in " Index Kewensis " and in the Kew hand - list of herbaceous plants. There the obsolete name C. vernum (.Sweet) is referred to the orthodox name C. coum (Miller), and C. vernum (Reichenbach) to C. liedenvfolium (Aiton), also called C. re- pandum (Sibthorpe). C. Atkmsi is referred to a garden hybrid, in which C. ibericum (Goldie) has a large share ; anyhow, the hy lirid is fertile and varied and is considered hardy. I will assume that C. vernum, men tioiied by "D." is C. hedenvfolium (Aiton), a species wild in Italy and the warmer parts of South-eastern Europe, and doubtftilly hardy in any but the more favoured English gar- dens. Many gardeners who read the note of "D." will hope to establish these plants in a similar similar way in their own garden, so I have done my best to conjecture to what kinds " D. " refers, and, having done this, I have lost no time in ordering myself one or two dozen. It will be observed that those mentioned are all spring-flowering. I will now add something about hardy Cyclamens, as I know them in my garden in Cheshire. About twenty years ago the late Mr. Tyer- nian, a keen gardener, known as the intro- ducer of Senecio pulcher, sent me from Corn- wall a hamper of hardy Cyclamens, which he aid grew all over his garden there in the way escribed by "P." He told mo there were everal species amongst them. There may lave been some which could not stand the liitierences between the climate and soil of Cornwall and those of Cheshire, for when they became established in flower I recognised only two species — C. neapolitanum (Tenore) and C. coum (Miller). Of these and their habit I will speak separately. C. neapolitanum (Tenore) has probably the Avidest geographical range in Euroiie of any Cyclamen, but it does not seem to be found on the Asiatic continent, though E. Boissier in " Flora Orientalis " attributes C. cyprium (Kotschy) to this species. Its commonest misnomer is C. hedersefolium, a name which corresponds with its nature, for both in shape and in colour its leaves strongly resemble those of wild Ivy, and had not that name been anticipated by another species, its pro- prirly a-, applied to C. neapolit.anum could III, I 1„. call, ,1 in cpiestion. It flowers abun- ilautly ill early autumn, a drawback being that the flowers appear a month before the leaves, though the leaves are generally well out before the flowers are over. The colour of the flowers varies from puiple, through rose colour to pure white, these colours coming promiscuously from seed of the same plant. The leaves, which last through winter and spring nearly to midsummer, vary much both in shape and in the intensity of their marbled markings, some being nearly round, others very angular in outline, and some almost uniformly green, and to attempt to divide the species into varieties according to the shape or markings of the leaves seems useless. This is the species for which favoured spots in difterent parts of England take credit as a native plant. It is described and misnamed in nearly every English flora. In Sowerby's large English botany there are three life-size portraits of it under as many wrong names. Even Bentham in his " British Flora " calls it C. europa^um (Lin- lueus), a name which the excellent engraving of it contradicts. C. europseum (LinriKus), the commonest species in South-eastern France and .Switzerland, has small dark purple very fragrant flowers and round glossy leaves of uniform dark green, and flowers early in autumn. In general appearance it much re- semliles the spring-flowering C. coum. I have imported it in abundance from France, but have always failed to make it do well in my garden here. To return to C. neapolitanum, the luxuriant masses of leaves it makes where it thrives are very ornamental all tlirough winter and spring. They look unhappy while under the influence of hard frost, but I have never known them killed by it, and they recover as soon as the thaw comes. The curious seed-pods, with their stalks curled up like the mainspring of a clock, do not ripen the seeds until ten months after they flower. Mice are very fond of them, and if left in undisturbed pos- session, will clear the whole crop. Slugs and beetles or grubs bite them out long before they are lipe. Any which survive these enemies will come up the following spring where they fall, but I find it more profitable, after pro- tecting them during their long ripening, to gather them and sow them at once in pans or boxes. From these I make flourishing colonies ... all parts of my garden. Seed saved from plants which flowered in autumn, 1892, have made good flowering corms in 1896. I do not find that they object to either sun or shade, provided they are not smothered by the overgrowth of other plants. One preva- nt heresy about hardy Cyclamens must be 112 THE GARDEN. [Febeuabi 13, 1897. guarded against. They must not be laid on the top of the soil, nor allowed to stay there if they push themselves up, but must be buried 3 inches or 4 inches deep, and if with their base resting on a rough .stone, so much the better. A model bed for them may be made by an uneven layer of brick ends, covered with a few inches of leaf-mould and a little sandy loam. I planted my first lot in this way, but now I have plenty I only plant them anywhere amongst a few broken stones, and they, seem quite happy. Decayed Fir needles seem to be much to their taste, and they thrive nowhere better than at the base of Spruce Firs. The only other hardy Cyclamen of which I have had long and successful experience is C. coum (Miller). By the way. Miller seems to be answerable for many geographical plant names which are misleading. A friend lately expressed surprise when I told him that C. coum is the hardiest of the genus, because, as he remarked, the climate of C^s is very waim, and so he had never ventured G. coum out of his greenhouse. But, according to E. Boissier, C. coum is not found in Cos, teing a native of the bleak mountains of Thrace and Asia Minor at high elevations. It is the only spe- cies of which both leaves and flowers endure in my garden severe frosts without flinching It is here winter- flowering rather than spring- flowering, as it generally begins to bloom before Christmas and ends when spring begins— before April. On the day I am writing, afttr three weeks of alternate snow and rain, thaw and frost, including a minimum of 15", both leaves and flowers are fresh and bright, and it owes very little protection to the snow. The same treatment suits C. coum LS I advise for C. neapolitanum. Its seeds take as long to ripen and come up equally well, but C. coum seems more rocky in its tastes, and is nowhere so happy as cramped in a recess amongst the stones of a rock bank. The flowers, which vary from dark purple to white, are never without a crimson centre. Much might be added about the medicinal virtues and vices ascribed by the ancients to the Cyclamen. It is one of the few plants of which the characters are so marked as to be unmistakable when described. The equivalent of its ancient and ugly Eng- lish name. Sowbread, is not found in Greek or Latin classics, but exists in France and Italy, and can be traced back to the fourth cmtury of our era. There was an old belief, mentioned both by Dioscorides and by Pliny, that it was dangerous to some people to walk over this plant even when buried in the earth. Unless, however, we knew that equally silly superstitions about subterranean influences survive in England even to this day, we might suspect the sage physician, John Gerard, of solemn irony, when he gravely tells regarding this danger, '• I have about the place where it groweth in my garden fastened sticks in the ground, and some other stickes [sic] I have fastned [sic] also crossewaies over them, least any one should by lamentable expeiiment find my words to be true by their stepping over the same.' EJ'je Hall, Malpas. C. Woiley-Dod. ANNUALS FOR CUTTING. If the ground allotted for those annuals that are likely to be reqnirfd for s\uiiiiifr nittiiicr m:is pre. pared in early Miiit.i, it ^^ill l.i^.ik il.iHn «,■!! after the frost. l':iiliiiu ilii- r.nlx |,i.|Mr.-innTi, it .should receive :il l.ni i.iti ;i- -non .is r.es^il.lr Itisnowfnllv r.r.. .,,,-,, I ,1,,,, all :,,MII,aU ,.-,„.,.,- ally thos.' ,.f rinlin nrj haLit. -1 1,1 -j,! a Inl ,,f good.snil. AI|1m.i|,j|, ,1 |, ,,|,ls lal.K lliat ihr^,. thinKshax,.|„.,„ap|„..,al,.,laI ll„,, IMH x: a branching Stocks, (Jodctias, Sweet Peas, and Mignonette are always in great request. Some of the.se may be sown where they are to flower. but tlie majority are better if they get a start under cover, and may be divided' into two or Ihiee ;.o«iii;j.s, i.e., under glass respectively in l'elMiiar\ anil early in April, and out of doors lit little r, oaiued li"ili for housing the -"IV II and a frame or I lie seedlings may be -tait. Ill the matter -" III .1- vv e are con- aim MI nation and a ev| I, Ml, I, a IS the best In' .all an even ].lant, and if light and dry, a slight sown on borders icscr\e(i for them mainly for cutting they should be |,nt iti drills; cleaning isso much easier under ih,-, ,■ lit ions. The things n..t. ,1 l.,.|,,« ,aii bo recommended as first rate f,,r il„' snpi.U ,,f ,ail ll,,„ers, and ,1 l„ latter just after tin that we get a sii five months. Th, \ into a bit of lujii with a good ball, .so that no che.k is ,-.,- 'nce I1.,«,t and ver\ showy of the fainilv. I,ni lb,' n„,si in.lniinK. ^dik,- in the way flowers ai,- pi,„lii,,.,l and when cut- To secure an earl \ ,lispla\ s,,il should be put in this month. Use li,jlit s,iil .and exercise care in pricking out and planting to avoid breaking the roots. Gaillardias are among the most brilliant of annuals, and quite as good results may be ob- tained from a packet of seed as by purchasing ordinary named varieties. They may be safely classed w-ith the annuals, because nothing is gained by saving old plants if seed is sown in February and the young plants receive [h attention. Stocks of branching haVjit, from which a goodly number of side shoots ing nice flowers and with stems from 6 inel 8 inches in length can be taken, are mo.st se able for cutting. Sown the latter end of .' in slight warmth, they come in well aft, autumn-sown East Lothians. Gypsophila el is an invaluable annual, coming in earlier th: well-known ijereimial. Sow under cover and in a bit of good soil to obtain additional len; stem and larger heads of flower. The flo« Cosmos bijiinnatus and its varieties stand well in a ent state. The iilants will eontii ,1 ie tliese Howers would be short-lived, ,Sue er, is not the case. La Belle, Bridesmai )uchess of Albany may be noted in tht tive colours. [The necessity for sowii last yc tting. A variety known as St, II ir proved an improvement on i li,> i being larger and the stem lonj , i , saved .seed of Sweet Peas is not availaM means buy from a good source an, I ,1,, tli ill,' ,-,,inl.in.ations desirable beiiiij- |,,n'j-s t|,,\\ ,i iii,i:\ l„,ld llowers of good siib-ian,,' : stulks. Un Rose borders Mignonette gn and a fragrant and long-enduring summt for the same is thereby provided. Claremont. E. Bri Lenten Koses. — The weight of snow- severe weather recently experienced have proved t heap) learanceoftbeseearly-flowerii tiful foliage safe from the keen bit ring. Plants of such distinct cha of ■ . handsome withal are worth all the give them, and for preserving the beauty of th foliage a sort of natural break for the eiitti winds of March is of importance. Freipien when position is disregarded these plants .■ greatly disfigured for the remainder of the year Two new Asters. — Two new species of .\s interesting to gardeners, which \vere dis,-ovei (bina'liav,- l„,ii nam,, I li\ \l,iiis. A, braii.-l Ast,-1 \-lllll, ,111,1 an, I A-I,T l>,lavaM. (if 1 t,, M,,ns, Ma,iii.-,- ,1,- Vilmorin", with whom t plants tliiis iais,,l have already flowered. Tl spe.i.s, wliii-li app,,iis to delight in shady i»i ,■,,!,. ,11, ln-t.a,l ..t being \ellu» <-l,a i ,-_, i lej lM,,r,- l,ss I,, hr, ,\\ ii.as is observed insom, ,,i In i s|„-,-ies A-t,i, Tills species has its nativi- l,al,iiai on i ele\at,-il pi.-inies of Yunnan, whei , ■ it »as t,,iii by the Abb(5 Delavay at an all it ml,- ot :« metres. The double row of very nan., « li-jula ray-flowers which occurs in these t \> ,, sp, li, s c,, firms the link between the Asters and llie E gerons, which has already been pomted out, t pecially in the case of Aster diplostephioidf^ Two other new species named by M. Franchl Aster Bieti and A. yunnanensis are, in his oi| nion, well worth cultivating on account of large size of their flowers.— Sfr«c Hortieoh. Febbuar? 1.3, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 113 WATER GARDENS BY VARIOUS (i ROWERS. is not only from the mountain's breast, fed with A''iolet and Gentian, the Suuflower- rewn prairie of the north, or the sunny Ids where Proserpine gathered Howers, that ir garden llora comes. River and stream are 'ten fringed with handsome plants, and little sets of Water Lily — silvery fleets they look [ one sees them from the bank — sail on te lakelets far away in North America and sia, even where the water is solid ice in inter. One need not go so far to see beau- ful things, as our own country rivers and kck'naters of uvtr [ ossess many Our gar I often made ib ut towns where there few chanter f s pin_ nur mtive water sliould bo kept a little away ; and, since this is impo.ssible in very small places, "artificial" water is often better excluded from them. In one form, however, it is always pretty — the streamlet. This may, in a garden or near it, be kept always alive with beauty by bordering it with flowers and trailing shrubs, broken by little bits of turf. A hundred yards of a clear chalk stream alive with fish, such as one may see among the Wilt- shire Downs, is better than many jneces of "artificial water." A defect of the ugly duck ponds — and, indeed, of all kinds of artificial water in gardens — is the way they get filled up with mud the cost of cleaning them being great When in i large park the effect of water in the distance is rich growth of such Reeds as are found beside natural waters, but not beside those formed in poor and, it may be, .shaly soil in which we often find artificial water made. Water with a hard, naked, beaten edge and little or no vegetation is not good to look at, and a margin of rich living plants is better for fish and game as well as for effect. The waterside plants one may establish in that way are worth having and give good cover for duck. Perhaps tlie most beautiful of all water gardens are the river and stream gardens, as their form is so much better than anything we can make and the vegetation is often rich, even without caie With a little care we can make it much moio «!o and m oui river seamed Inil tl 1 1 1 ^ Imniin s tes which Liper pirt oj my aU jarie hg it I Jo lat. ijARUh\ Jru i i phut j pi t il ,; b ^ b r Ht jllo Ji6t IS pnt?, but by the back-waters of rivers and 1 streams in many situations, and by lakes 1 e the Norfolk Broads, one often sees native ^ ter plants in very handsome slates. One iiy often see as handsome plants in these lices, and also in the open marsh land, as in ay garden, and some that we do not often see 1 ppy in gardens, such as the Frogbit, the }!tty Bladderworts and Water Soldier, l^clean and ugly ponds deface our gardens. 5|me people have a mania for artificial water, t; effect of water under its best conditions pasing them so well that they bring it near t?ir houses, where they cannot have any of ij good eflfects. But they have instead the fill that gathers in stagnant water, and its smell on many a lawn. In our cold, wet cknate, too, it is desirable that the efleots of Mer— even beautiful and clean water — I good, " mudding " may be worth doing, but in places where the scum and the suiell are j the main results, and the best part of the lawn is cut up for the sake of an ugly pond, a good way often is to cut a drain from it and make it into a little garden for Ehododen- drons, Ferns and Lilies. But where a pond or lake, even if artificial, is in form such as to make us wish to keep it, the "mudding" may be a serious toil, especially in lakes fed by little streams. Where, as often is the case in artificial waters, the margin of the water is not the rich deep soil that we have by the Broads and by the sides of rivers, which themselves carry down beds of rich soil, a good way is to put the mud which we take out of the bottom of the pond around its sides a little above and below the water line. This will encourage a will come well to help the garden or lawn picture. The stems of Reeds and tall grasses in winter are very good in colour, and should always be allowed to stand through the winter and not be cut down in the old tidy way that all gardeners used to practise, sweeping away the stems in autumn and leaving the surface as bare and ugly as that round a besieged town. The same applies to the stems of all waterside and big herbaceous plants, stems of plants in groups often giving beautiful brown colours in many fine shades. Those who know the plants can in this way identify them in winter as well as in summer — a great gain in changing one's plantings and in increasing or giving away plants. Moreover, the change to all these lovely browns and greys is a distinct gain as a lesson in colour to all who care for 114 THE GARDEN. IFebruart 13, 1897. good colour, and also in enabling us to get more lieautiful contrasts and effects in our ■winter gardens. Waterside plants. — The water-margin offers to lovers of hardy flowers a site easily made into a fair garden. Hitherto we have used in such places aquatic plants only, and of these usually a very meagre selection ; while the improvement of the waterside will he most readily effected Ly planting the banks near with vigorous hardy flowers, as many of the finest plants, from Irises to Globe Flowers, thrive in moist soil often near water. Bank plants have this advan- tage over water plants that we can fix their position, whereas water plants spread too much, and some one kind often over-runs its neighbours. The repeating of a favourite plant at intervals would mar all ; groups of free hardy things would be best : Day Lilies, Meadow Sweets, Phloxes, which love mois- ture ; Irises, mainly the beardless kinds, which love wet places, and all the German Irises ; Gunnera, American swamp Lilies in peaty .soil, the rosy Loosestrife, Golden Eods, Starworts, the Compass plants. Monkshoods, giant Knotworts, the stouter kinds of Yar- row and Moon Daisy, the common Lupine — these are some of many types of hardy flowers which would grow freely near the waterside. With these hardy plants, too, a variety of the nobler hardy Ferns, such as the Royal Ferns and Feather Ferns, would also associate well. Water plants of northern and temperate regions, associated with our native plants, add much beauty to a garden. If the soil be rich, we usually see the same monotonous vegetation all round the margin of the water, and whore the bottom is of gravel there is often little vegetation, only an unbroken, ugly line of washed earth. A group of AVater Lily is beautiful, but Water Ldies lose their charm when they spread over the whole of a piece of water, and waterfowl cannot make their way through them. The Yellow Water Lily (Nuphar lutea), though less beautiful, is well worthy of a place, and so is the large N. advena (a native of America), which pushes its leaves boldly above the water. The American White Water Lilies (Nym- phrea odorata and N. tuberosa) are hardy and beautiful, and of recent years much interest has been aroused in the hybrid hardy Water Lilies raised by j\I. Latour-Marliao, who has added the large and noble foims and the lovely colour of the Eastern Water Lilies to the garden waters of northern countries. The splendid beauty of these plants should lead people to think of true and artistic ways of adorning garden waters. Our own poor Water Lily was always neglected and rarely effective, except in a wild state ; but when people see that they may have in Britain the soft yellow and rose and red flowers of tl tropical Water Lilies throughout summer and autumn, they take some interest water gardens, and even the wretched duck ponds which disfigure so many country seats will begin at last to have a reason to be. The change should be the means of leading us to think more of the many noble flowers and fine-leaved plants of the water- side, apart from Water Lilies. The new hy- brid kinds continue blooming long after our native kind has ceased, and from the middle of May to nearly the end of October flowers are abundant. The engraving (p. 119), for which we have to thank M. Kropatsch, of Vienna, shows how waterside plants group themselves, and how essential it is to have masses of them to tell, if we desire good effects. The Los Angelos Lilies (p. 122) look happy ; unfortu- nately, they do not do quite so well with us, although they live out of doors in the southern counties of England now and then ; but now with our noble hardy Water Lilies of various colours we need no longer look for half-hardy things. Enemies — Many water plants will grow almost anywhere and bid defiance to game or rats, but the new Water Lilies, which for long time will be rare, are worth looking after, as they will not show half their beauty if they are subjected to the attacks of certain water animals. They may, indeed, when young be easily exterminated by them, and even when old and established the common water rat will often disfigure and destroy the flowers. The water rat attacks the suc^ culent parts of the flower, and, taking them to the bank, eats them at its leisure, leaving the petals there. But when the plants are small, the attacks of the common moorhen and other water fowl may mean & the difference between life and death to a Water Lily. Perhaps, therefore, the first thing to be done in establishing these plants is to put them in a place (some small pond) apart from the rougher waterside plants, and especially where they will be safe from the attacks of the water rat and other creatures which cannot be kept out of ponds fed by streamlets. By these and river banks or back-waters water rats often take a lot of killing to keep them down, and guns, traps, ferrets, or any other means must be used. The common brown rat is not, we think, so fond of these flowers as the true water rat, but it is so destructive to everything else, that it is essential to destroy it at the same time, as it often abounds near water. Certain rare water Lilies should be grown in places apart where we expect to get the best results from young plants. When these become plentiful they may be put anywhere and take their chance. Thus there should be two divi- sions of the water garden, and, considering the great beauty which these Water Lilies give us and the little care they require, they are well worth this attention. Once esta- blished nothing gives a better result and finer or longer bloom without care or protection of any kind. But what we wish to emphasise is, that, apart from waters fed by natural streams, it is desirable and often easy to have a little water nursery to keep Water Lilies in — a small pond in any place not frequented by water animals which are not fond of being away from streams or lakes. Even in a large fountain basin the plants would get strength because free from attacks at first. — W. E. — The pond or canal at Glasnevin is fed by water brought in from the little Tolka River which flows all along the lower part of the arboretum and partly through the garden itself. It is tastefully filled with native Nymphieas and Nuphars, Reeds and Sedges, and aquatic grasses of many kinds. Hero the true Bulrush (Scirpus lacustris) is at home, and Mare's-tail (Hippuris vulgaris), Horse tails (Equiseta) and the great goldeE blossomed Spear-wort (Ranunculus Lingua) are luxuriant and beautiful all through the summer season. There are in all four kinds of Nuphar growing rampant here, viz., N. lu tea, N. kalmiana, N. advena, and a fine va riety like the last somewhat in habit, but hav ing paler yellow flowers, minus the crimsor blotch on the petals. Here also the commor whita Nympha?a alba and its rosy flowered va riety from Sweden maybe seen, together witl mo.st of M. Latour-Marliac's seedlings and hy brids, and the whole length of the windin; pool is gay with its flowery margins of Calthi and Grasses earlier in the year. Quite nea to this pretty jiiece of artificial water is th( river Tolka itself, where you can sit beneatl one or other of the noble old trees of Sali^ vitellina, "a Willow tree that grows aslan the brook," as Shakespeare has it, and watcl the speckled trout as they snap at the Mai flies. The representation of water-side vegetatioi is perfect, and shows how easy it is to hav^ the bare banks of pond or stream clothe( elegantly with Rush or Grass or Sedge at al seasons. Later on you may have the Fla; Iris, the Funkias, or Plantain Lilies, th> great Spirwas of Japan or Kamtschatki there, or the finest of North Indian Rhubarbs or even the giant Gunneras of Chili anc Peru. There is scarcely a limit to the luxu riant vegetation that will grow better and happier by the water-side than elsewhere Take the exquisite Bog or Water Iris o Japan (I. Irevigata var. Ksempferi) and thi N. American Swamp Lilies (L. superbum L. carolinianum, L. pardalinum, &c.) fo example, or such noble bog Primroses as P japonica, or the dainty sulphur-blossomec Sikkim Cowslip (P. sikkimensis), which 1 have seen by the hundred and fully 4 feet ii height close beside a running streamlet thai could be made to overflow during dry, hoi weather. This beautiful water garden at Glasnevit is always an admirable object lesson, and il is one that might be imitated elsewhere witli advantage, so I'resh and verdant and peaceful are its effects at all seasons. — F. W. BuB BiDGE, Botanic Gurdens, Dublin. For many years, pond, streamlet and, lake to a very considerable extent were left very much to themselves, with scarce a thought bestowed upon them or the plants that were suitable for beautifying their sur-. face or margin. In a large London nurseryi nearly twenty-five years ago, where a very! large and, perhaps, complete Fedruart 13, 1897.J THE GARDET^. 115 f water plants existed, I was suriiriseJ 0 find that so very few aquatic plants hould bo required year after year ; so few, ndeed, that the cost of maintaining the vhole was barely met. This was most dis- ouraging, because even water plants, where representative collection is grown, cannot eceive the necessary space for full develop iient in a nursery, and attention is needed rem time to time to keep certain of them vithin limits. Tliis was even so in the case )f that lovely and fragrant Cape Pondweed, Vponogeton distachyon, that, seeding in such .bundanee, was floated hither and thither in housands, and in consequence had to be ppt in check. The rapid increase of this ilant, however, is by no means common ; ndeed, many instances are known where it annot be induced to flourish in the open. Jut in the nursery just referred to, by eason of the (juantity, and age, and size of lie plants, flowers of this Aponogeton were >resent the greater part of the year. Fre- hcavy loamy soil— if on the clayey side it will do e(iually well — to the spot by means of a punt and empty the soil over the side. Then the plant itself, well iixed by wire to the side "f a basket already filled with similar soil, should be gradually lowered on to the mound of soil already deposited. In thi; natural lake no soil will be needed prior to sinking thr jilant in position, though similar means may lie used to lower the plant, which will ([uickly take to the accumulation of earth, leaves. iVe., that years have deposited. In these positions few things produce a finer effect than broad patches of even the common white Xymphwa; and now we have so much colour added to this group, it will only need a few seasons to get tine patches of these also, and then the ornamental waters of our gardens will be or- namental indeed. In conclusion, it may be well to state that many of the most lovely of aquatics may be grown with considerable suc- cess even where neither pond, lake, rivulet, nor ornamental water is found, some very aently in the wintry season its flowers have ien floating on the surface by hundreds, f course, the water in this instance, supplied lom an artesian spring, contributed largely 1 the complete success of the plant, as also s freedom of flowering and the like, iradually, however, the aquatics are coming 1 the front, and certainly an altogether esh impetus, as well as a great one, has re- Uted from the introduction of the many iiarming new hybrid Nymphreas raised by 1. Latour-ilarliac, and which are fast making feir appearance in some of the best-known irdens. As yet many of these hybrids are jarce, and caie will be needed, and possibly rotection required, on the larger pieces of namentil water where -water-fowl are en- uraged. In planting these choicer kinds, some pre- uiion is necessary when sinking them into eii places. Very deep water is not essen- il, but if the pond be an artificial one, it will : found a good plan to take a few bags of photograph sent hy good results having been derived by growing them in tanks 2 feet or 3 feet deep into which a depth of some 12 inches of clay earth has been placed. The recent hybrids are well worthy of attention in this way, and if a fair sized tank be made and so placed that it will catch the rain water, so much the better for the plants. In this way also fountain liasins on the terrace garden may be made to do some service. Besides the hybrid Nym- phieas, such places are well suited if the water bo fairly deep for such things as Orontium aquaticum, the Pontederias and Sagittarias, ail of which are perfectly hardy with their crowns 8 inches or 10 inches below the sur- face of the water, while Thalia dealbata, a rarely seen plant from Carolina, is quite safe with similar treatment. Indeed, it is to be regretted that this handsome plant is not more frequently seen in the water where its hand- some glaucous leaves and heads of purple blossoms are very showy, but our country is too cool to show its fine form and stature. Subjoined will be found a list of some of the best and most useful kinds, among which the Nympha'as are a host in themselves, the real gems of the whole race, though as yet many are extremely rare, while all are beau- tiful in the extieme. A|i.in,,.j.loii ilislaehyon " caniea (S, l;,ii 1^ mi.l)ullatus Chromatella ('iill:i |j;ilii-i 1 1- rubia imnctiita .huldti LUN Xu[.]my luhvnn li'.iaeea lutea pill |>ii,'ala sagittiefolia I{ubl,,sui,i Nympha>a alba (l))(),„l,tii„„a,,.lalieulil (I)) rui,tent tlie case. Few things are brighter han the brilliant purple flowers of Lythrum alicaria var. roseum superbum, or tlie large 'ellow flowers of Inula Helenium and Telekia peciosissima. Groups of Iris Ka^mpferi nd the well-known Iris gormanica, also ook exceedingly well on the margin of a ond, and the " tlowering " Fern (Osmunda egalis) simply delights in that position, aenecio japonicus grows really well only when ts roots can find abundance of moisture arge deeply-cut leaves are as handsome as its leep yellow flowers, i inches across, and borne ■n a stem 3 feet to 4 feet high. A similar losition is reiiuirod by Spinea gigantea (syn i. kamtschatica), which bears its flowers on jtems .3 feet to 6 feet above the ground. Spir; pbata and S. Aruncus (venusta), though not |o tall, are, nevertheless, most suitable, ire also its smaller, but still more handsome [ompanions, Spinea palmata, S. palmata alba P. astilboides, and Astilbe rivularis. Very iiright and effective, too, in such a position ire Chelonc barbata and Chelono Lyoni, and jhe Globe Flowers (Trollius) show by th( ^•atcrside a vigour they do not develop else 'here. This might also be said of the ouble Marsh j\larigold (Caltha palustris .-pi.) and of several varieties of Heme illis. For a Shady Nook y the waterside we are by no means mited to Ferns. It is in such a jjosition lat Primula japonica and Primula sikkimen- s delight. Here also the blue Himalayan oppy (Meconopsis Wallichi), the tall yellow entian (Gentiana lutea), and tlie bright blue ^ertensia virginica will flourish as well as laxifraga peltata, Sanguinaria canadensis, fodophyllum Eniodi, the handsome P. pel- itum, and Eodgersia podophylla, while Tril- lum grandiflorum and Solomon's Seal will e at their best. There is, no doubt, a ,umber of other suitible plants for the jater garden, especially if we include the fants generally known as bog plants, which, pwever, are perhaps more suitable for the pg bed of a rock garden than the bolder Margins of ponds or lakes, but enough plants jve been enumerated to show that we have igreat variety to pick from, and that certainly lere is a great future for the water garden. F. W. Meter, Elmsidi:, Exeter. It is now some fifteen or sixteen lars since I planted the common white ''ater Lily in the pond here. Noting how ell it grew, I was induced to try the pink rose-coloured form of it which had been troduced from Norway — /.c, Nymphiea ba var. rosea. Finding, too, that this was riving, I further extended the Lily culture J the addition of a dozen more varieties and lecies, after having perused the occasional tides with reference to them which have 'peared from time to time in The Garden. f these I have only lost N. flava, and that curred during the severe and prolonged frost of 18!)4-95. All that I gave in the way of protection then was laying a few mats upon the ice when it was sufficiently strong to bear one's weight, and that small amount of pro- tection was more in the form of a preventive against any skaters running over them where the ice was none too strong, and possibly causing injury should it have given way. During that winter the ice was unusually thick ; so much so here must it have been as to almost, if not quite, reach the Lily roots, the depth of water over them then being only about 12 inches. No better tost of their hardiness is, I think, needed than this, save in the case of N. flava. Last spring I added X. Eobinsoni, the present winter being of course its first test, but of its hardiness I have not the slightest doubt. In addition to the foregoing I have three of the pigmy varie- ties, which, with a distinct form of the common white from Norway, make in all eighteen kinds or varieties. In the spring, when I added the twelve varieties (chiefly those of M. Latour-Marliac's raising), these being small tubers, I com- menced by putting them carefully into soil in large-sized punnets, the entire dozen coming to hand in one parcel by post. I mention this so that some idea may bo formed of the then size of the tubers compared with the present time. During the summer of 1894 they thrived well, making steady progress, and towards the autumn a fewflowers appeared on the strongest plants. The following summer {i.e., 1895) a most marked pro- gress was made, the stronger - growing kinds beginning to give some indica- tions of their true character, whilst the flowering period was well prolonged and a considerable number of flowers produced. Seeing that more room was essential for their perfect development, I decided to provide for this by carefully lifting the plants last spring when the first indications of growth were visible. This operation was performed about two years from the time of first planting them, but so well had they rooted in the case of the strong growing kinds, that it took three men to lift them with digging forks, several of the roots being as large as one's fingers and of considerable length. These came up with I balls, and were immediately transferred to large rounds {i.e., circular baskets as re- ceived with plants) which had been half filled with good loam and leaf soil, a few hand- fuls of bone-meal being allotted to each basket according to its size. When the roots were carefully spread out more soil was added to fill each basket, which was at once sunk again into the water, but at a greater distance apart than in the first instance. This time the strongest were placed at some 10 feet or so from each other, but I can see already, after only one more year's growth that they will require more room even than this. These plants were sunk in about 18 inches of water this time in order to be more in accord with their growth. The more moderate growers were arranged in front of these and in about 12 inches of water. No apparent check ensued even at the first, for they grew away most vigorously, and in most cases have flowered as profusely. By the autumn the strongest clumps v/ere fully 6 feet across, and this season I shall not be surprised if they touch each other. The lake has a fair quantity of mud in it, about 6 inches perhaps where the plants aie at present, the bottom being puddled with clay. The supjJy of water is from a spring in the grounds and which continuously discharges into the lake. I have thus far entered into the treatment accord(>d to these handsome water plants so that others may be induced to commence their cultivation at no distant date. A few supple- mentary remarks anent each variety will, I trust, give additional interest at the present time. To say anything about N. ALBA would be almost superfluous, but I W(jm1(I iciiiaik tliat an iK'ciiKional l)rcaliinir U)) of til. ■, ,1,1 MiioN Hill l„. f.HlIl.l lirllrli.-i;,!. M\ n;,^,,,! lately hide the flowers save at the margins of the N. At.RA ROSEA has not much in common with H- s|ici'ii's. Tt dofs lint ]irndiir-f offsets so freely, :i-l 111. II I- l.i\ iV|„.ri,nri. ,4 II. II I- i.lioof the ■lA ,;.,il,.M IM .j,-,,w an. I ;iNn tn llnuir. It has ri.-ii III IjIooiii lit'ie 111 .Ma\ .iimI .|iiii . as soon as k. and in it is not ■ss. a de- ai-liest to iest to go N. allja. Its colour is a snti m-x size rather smaller than tli.' i \ |i. . « I so piofuse ill flowering, lint, iumi .•i.l.il aiilin-irni .Aidcnce has been t.,lllir,i„,l,,.j ,,- I,, ll,,.,, M-.tllllMSS. Of X. l;,.i.iNs,,M I l,;,x, ,, ^,.,^ tine and thriv^ log example, consid.Tinu llml li Has.inlv plant. .1 last April. It av;i- I.\ Hi,, lair aillill'nn ,|illl,' 4 feet across, and had ■iiiriii'_: l hr ^.a^^.n |ii,i, |ii,..il dozens of its ric-hh- .■,.l,,uivd l.l.i..iiis; ilirs,- m thii No other kind lias flowered 'so profusely remarkably fine hybrid. The foliage ' marbled with reddish bronze on a dark green ground. The growth thus far, althoii<_-h pinfnsp, its jiarentage, but at least on oik- sidr I - jlx surmise N. Laydekeri rosea to ha\i- i\. k i>ril cmi- siderable intluenoe. These fine water plants as grown and bloomed here are singularly beautiful and effective ; either one or another is always producing the distinct and pleasing flowers. The flowers remain open, too, for a prolonged period each day, either one or another being in good condition from 9 a.m. to nearly dusk when the weather is bright. On more than one occasion I have also noted how beautiful they have been during showery weather ; the water then being clear added to their beauty, the flowers glistening and sparkling like diamonds when under a brilliant light. When seen in this state, scarcely anything in the way of flowers coidd be more laeauti- ful. I have not, 1 am glad to say, been troubled with the water-voles, which I learn are in some instances destructive to the plants, nor liave the few moorhens, which find congenial quarters amongst the Keed Mace (Typha latifolia), done any harm. — Jas. Hudson, Gunnevshiinj Huu! down to the compost line. I do not mean ti say cut out healthy bulbs t)r any bearing foliage, but those that are spent and of little further * Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Moon. Litho* graphed and printed by J. L. Goffart. February 13, 1897. rHE GARDEN. 1 19 l.ciiftit to the plant. Trim oil' all r.igguil uiuls .f |H'ataiid Moss a.s tidily as ]x).ssible, a.s it is lillirult to tell whether or not tlie plants an- liv at the root wliou these are left on. When ifor gro^vin,^' ir Isplendiil result subdued li-lit : of all Uri and 1 have of culture. s and the tr In a greeidiouse temperature undoubtedly they |will, but most people who have only one green- house look for a general collection of plants, such a.s Pelargoniums, Azaleas, and others, that require quite different atmospheric conditions, more sunlight and less moisture. Even here. .11 dry. m an ajipei Imported ] warm house for a time, or to pot them up in crocks alone. When healthy and well esta- blished it is one of the best Orchids for room decoration, the flowers lasting well without in any way injuring the plant. There are several named varieties, including net of an exeeed- I'ls of (Jape bulbs irerl jilate of this dy IS, 1891. Orchids. PHAL.l^NOPSIf- tlie winter-floweri: s (I„. PI,;,I;,.„..ns.. Either the leaves have been cut .imuhIi i- i.. pie- vent the dreaded spot from dc si im\ m^ the plants, or the plants have a yellow Lmk, .iml are in baskets out of all proportion to the size of the plants. After all, when a position suitable to their requirements is found, there is no Orchid enna, {See p. Hi.) \i a corner can be allowed the Orchids shut fway from the other plants, it is possible, by (Shading and frequent damping, to be fairly suc- cessful, but in a greenhouse as usually under- stood and standing on a di-y stage, even O. ^ande, which is one of the easiest to please, »vill refuse to grow. If tli._. plants ran be given • cool, shady pit or frainr .luiiuu llir summer nonths, they may pass th, uinin- in such tructures fairly well, as th, ir is n..t enough un to harm tluin and -i..wth, as a rule,^s Imost at a stan.lslill. Where grown in the )rchid hou.sL- pi.,p,.i, tin- summer temperature )y day .should range between 60° and 70°, the •entilators being thrown o len at night to en- ure a cool, restful temj er'.iture. During the nnter the night temperature .should never go lelow 50° if it can be avoided. Plenty of rater must be allowed while growing, this isually being from March until the end of Sep- O. grande magnificum, a large flower produced in considerable numbers upon the scape ; O. grande splendens and O. grande su|H'rb\nii, ' highly coloured and beautiful forms. Thetypi cal plant has been in cultivation neail\ si\t\ years, Mr. Skinner having discovered an|.iL.- .:,|imIK. ( Sophronitis c-ernua ;,hi9S|„vl,-. aiv .,,,;, II tl and i.mk.- ,|»H'- • ' I'" types. Tlii'v ai. Iml, i and occiif fnun m. i,, racemes. Tlir -r,,,K ,■ scarlet, tl.rl,|. 1.1, ,1,1 v, is pseiKin ImiIIim,,-. IhiI t tOgeth.T .- n. ..,,„ :,,, an inuli ur .,. n, l„.,,l,t Igreen l.';il ,iI„h,i , i, blOCk.stlll- Inuk, ^,.,V IK ently likr iIm, ,,,:,i .•>,,■, 1, to It iinil rM, n 1 Im.'In gl-OWIl tlli~ H :i\ , ,Im~,> a waterill..;' .Imii., Iioi , ^ pigmy .s|HTir. ,,, 1 ,1 tionsof ,liuu^,l,l aii.l nin liltl,- M..,> n^n I.,. |,lar,. vama-r, a,al ,1 |.,,t.nv theUilnnt,,-l,i>.,M,', l,,',,,- CattlfVa lamsr th,. |,lal C. II. —Though the flowers of >y are extremely liriprlit. lie bulbs grow so closi'ly irregular and dense t\itt t. Each bears a siiigK- •h long. On rough wood itural. The roots appar- as they cling very closely ■ in all (lireetioik But Unit. on must !..■ paid t.. iplentyof water must be given, and even when at rest they must not be much dried. Care is neces- 'sary in damping overhead just as the leaves are unfolding, as these form a lodgment for the water, !but afterwards when the leaf is fully formed and the tiny iiseudn-lmllis swelling, light dewings morning and afti-iiionii are helpful in keeping the atmos]ihere aliout them moist. It is the species upon which Dr. Liiidley founded the genus on its introduction from Rio de Janeiro in 1826. Rose Garden. THE NEW ROSE GARDEN. It is instructive to study the influence of Rose books upon the Rose as well as that of the Rose exhibitions, as they brought about an idea that the Rose was not a "decorative " plant in the language of recent days. In these books it was laid down that the Rose did not associate pro- perly witli ntlur sliiiibs, and it was therefore better t<> |iiii it m a place by itself, and though this nwi-w lia|i|iil\, had any influence in the K:ottage gaiiluu, it ditl harm in all large places. fn the last book on the Rose, by Mr. Foster- ilelliar, we read : — I look upon the plant in most cases only as a brieans whereby I may obtain glorious Roses. Moreover, though some enthusiasts may think it heretical, I do not consider the Rose pre-eminent ^vs a decorative plant : several simpler flowers, much less beautiful in themselves, have, to my Wnd, greater value fur geiieial etiect in the garden, and even the blooms are. I imagine, more iifiicult to arrange in water for artistic decoration than lighter, simper, and less noble flowers. And again, in chap, iv., p. 45. It must be renieiiilieveri that the Rase is not ike a beddiiifr plam , h ludi ^iH U,.,.p upeonlinual nasses of eol(.ui i liMiirjlMiiu i h.. simiuiei- but lliat theflushof flow, ,, I- tol inoie tlian'a luolitli It most, after h hiel, uuu.y sorts, even of the Teas, n-ill be ofl' bloom for a while, and the general etiect ill be spoiled. There was some reason in the older state- iients, because until recent years the Roses nost grown were summer flowering, that is to say, like our wihl Rose.s, they had a fixed and ihort time of blo(jm, which usually did not last nore than a few weeks ; but in our days, and (vithin the last fifty years. Rose growers liave, ula mainly by crossing with the Bengal Hi sonic others, rai,sed a number of lieanliru which flower for much longer peii,„K a.e, for example, well-known old Monild and the lovely Teas, whicli also come i' way from the Indian Rose, and uhal well grown will flower lliiou^liout Ihe suininer and antiiinn ; not every Uind, peih.ips, but in a collection of the best there is scarcely a week in which we have not a variety of beau- tiful flowers. So that, while our forefathers luiglit have been excused for taking the view tliat Ko.ses are only tit to ]ilant in a (ilaee .ap.ait, there is no need for it by the iii.Mleiii glower, who is not tied to the show bench as bis one ideal and aim, and nothing could be more un- true and harmful than this idea from a garden point of view. Tlie Rose is ii.it only " decorative," l,ul is the .pieen nf ,-,11 deeo,,dive plants, not in one sort of position or ^anlen, but 11, many not in one ra.-e or soit, but in iii.-uiy, from Aiin.a Olivier, Kditli (^iHoiil, and Tea Ro.ses of that noble type in the heart of the choicest flower garden to the uild Rose that tos.ses its long arms from the hedgerows in the rich soils of midland England, and the climbing Roses in their many forms, from the somewhat tender Banksian Rose to climbing Roses of British origin (as from our field Rose). Fine as the old climbing Roses were, we have now a far nobler race tliaii e\er — finer indeed than one ever expected ti > see of climbing Teas and Noi.settes, which, in .idili- tion to the highest beauty, have the spliiiili.I quality of flowering, like Bouquet d ( ii , throughout the whole summer and late into the autumn. Of these there are various climbing Roses that open well on walls, and give meadows of beauty, the like of which no other [ilant whatever gives in our country. See the IMonthly Roses in cottage gardens in the west and cool coast country, beautiful tliiou;4li the suiiiiner and far into the cool autiiiiin, .ami con- sider the many China Roses, such as L.iunite Me.ssimy, raised in our own day. Aie tla \ not decorative in the highest sense of tliat | i word ; and the red Roses or hybrids, a.s they are called, although no more hybrids than any other, look at their finij quality for cutting for the house, and for the open air too, where grown in a free and bold way in close and effec- tive groups, as the grower for exhibition never does grow them. If we go to see him, we shall probably find his Roses in a corner of the kitchen garden, looking in winter like a lot of tall sticks. His object is to get hold of any stocks that give him good blooms, and he takes no account of the lovely foliage of the Tea Roses, for wliieli alone they are worth growing, even if they never flowered. He does not care even for the buds. Wild Roses do not interest him at all, although these have the highest and most beautiful "decorative" value, from the Sweet Brier of our own Cfiuntry and France, lovely throughout ei-lit inontlis of the year, to the Marsh Rose of Alaelira (l;. lueida), ulilrh, though a wild Rose, MoolusoH ll.totllealltuillll. The outcome of it all is that the Rose iiiust go back to the flower garden — its true place, not only for its own sake, but to save the gar- den from ugliness and hai'dness, and give it fi.e.;i.,nee .and di-nity of leaf and flower. The slalriurni l,v Ml. I'oster-Melli.ar, th.-it ue ean- iiol ]v.nr prolonged bloom from R.ises. is not the fact, liecaiise the tiller Monthly anil Tea Ro.ses flower as long as any bedding plants, even without the .advantage of fresh soil i veiy year which bedding plants enjoy. We haxe Roses growing in the same places for seven or eight years which have the fine quality of blooming in ordinary autumns, and even into winter. And they must conic back not only in lulls, but ill the old ways — over bower and I 111 lis and as bushes where they are hardy I ii.,iiL,'li to stand our winters, so as to break up lial surf.ids, ;mcl .ji\e us liL;lit and shade where .all IS u:,M;,ll^ ■.. Ivel and li.inl. llni i!ie I;,,,, iiHia i,,,i eoine liack in ugly ways, ill K.I-.. , Ml. I, .ill. I most ly starving — on the tops of sf.l, .,1 -I .i,.l;,i.|,;.,r set in raw beds of manure. ..i iIhmIn ,.ii.| mil;, -et out to attain some ]io.,,il,l.' i.l,-,, .,i , xliil.iuon glory— we mean jiriin. .1 haid and set thin so as to 'level, .p lai-e liliLiiiis; but, as the bhiom is lieallllflll 111 all ,st;e,.es and sizes, Roses .shouhl be seen eli .sely m.issed, feathering to the ground, ,■11 of the flower garden in all ways, — Field. Rose Comtesse de Ludre(H.P.)— Those who saw the do/en blooms of the above variety which Ml --IS. Mack e.xliibited at the Crystal I'idace in .liih last w ill not soon forget them, aiifl they will assinedly add it to their collection if not abeady there. I consider itajidfi.t I;,,-,, fm form; it is of fair size, full, and llic i 1.I..111 .,t a clear, fresh carmine-red. It is also swcd l\ pciluined. — P. Rose Gloire de Margottin (ll.l". ).— This is a grand \aiiet y fur niassiiic and garden decora- tion. The ii'iowtb is lu.\iiiiant. but at the same time it yields an abunilanee of tloweis of a most biilliaiit losv red colour. A tine efleet would be proiliiced by planting this Rose in a large bed, tiainiiii^ s e on pillars, others as bushes, with the outer lows jiegged down. As a standard it li seen to great advantage, its somewhat straggling .jL.uths bending down with the weight of Roses ■with fine buds. There is a growing dcmanil for \aiictics of Koscs tti;it pioduce fine lonu l.iiils. ami it is not to I ic w 1 mdci ed at eonsider- iii'j' the popiilaiily .if tlowii-- fill- pi r-oual adorn- iniiit. It wi.iil.l III- ililliciili I.. ..l.'.'t anything iiior.' Iieaiitilul ili.iii .1 il.ip p.i.ill.'.l Rose, ex- a;jc, .Mtlioii.jli llic majority of the Teas produce iii.i l\ shape. I l.u.U. some few stand out promi- 1 1,\ a- l.iii'j l.ii.l.leil varieties. I admit many ot ill. 1,11,1 ,,!. tail, Ill's as full blown Roses, but wliiic iiiiicli cut I III, is done they would rarely be allowed to icacli that stage. Rose Julie Touvais(H.P.).— loft-times think that if some of oui old friends were introduced afroli iiiidii new names, what a, furore they would ciiate. 'I'll,' all. .V. \ aiiety issuch an one. It has almost i|i-ap|.. .11 . il fiiim all catalogues, yet I know of 110 \.iiii ly 1 li:it produces such a beautiful etleet when grown 111 a mass. The flower is extra large, but still not coarse, one very distinct feature of this \-ariety being the outer row of petals. These spread out in a marvellous manner somewhat after the style of the semi-double Pieonies. The colour of Julie Touvais is a lovely soft flesh, shaded deep pink, satin-like in appear- ance, and it has very handsome spiny wood. — P. Rose Albert Paye (H.P.).— As a garden Rose and where al,,iiiilaiii^e of pretty buds is required for biittiiii holes or bouiiuets the above is ex- ils to good cultivation. I ,it Roses for sale who holds III esteem than La France. 1 can verify) that the buds for cutting than are those of xhibition stamp ; the nne size, ana (juite up to exninition stamp ; ine petals of splendid substance. It is a tine Rose, with the sturdy habit of such as Grace Darling, 122 THE GARDEN". [February 13, 1897. Kitchen Garden. vn under gUiss in stron; TEA ROSES. I MUST confess that I read with a good deal of astonishment and, I may add, amusement, the article on "Tea Roses" in your issue of January Ki, otter a few nlis.i \ ^ii imm^ i , ( li .liiii -■. I A -i know in Mli.ii |..'iil -t 111.— )~I;umI~ i1m' ui.hr lives, Imt I lliiiik llin,. :,,.■ ^. ,•, l.u ,.1:,.-- u, Ed.] tliem, I 'V suffer EARLY PEAS. .\ll gardeners are anxious to produce" these, if '.'"' only in small quantities, as early as possible, i"i and to do so many resort to autumn sowing. ^11 It is only in the most favoured districts, how- ,,,,,. ever, that this can be done with any degree of il,.|, success, as there are .so many risks, that the i.jh I return does not compensate for the valuable e^i. I site allotted to tlum f..r s,. many months. So beds iir.tiil :il I |in ~riMn;^tli.-ii|,|,.i |.ait of the :i~ tliiii will III' all eut away at pruning ■ iimI .lr|i. niLiM. must be placed on the wliiili -|iiin'j tr tlie base. In any hard - and 111 -oiii.- localities, especially where 1 is strong, they may suffer, but as a rule, liat they do not. This beautiful class of \ery year becomes more popular, as they \ery early and carry on a succes.sion of i until late in tie autumn, and even into rirter. I);;:ta. .kinii' doubt mail) ant uiiiii-sown \\-: at the present tiiiii'. but tin- L;ri.itist r.ire will be necessary to protect them from cutting winds and frost, as growth is naturally very sappy. The first opportunity should be taken when the ground is sufficiently dry to make the soil firm about the roots, afterwards moulding the plants well up with light, dry compost, which is the best protection that can be afforded. Sparrows often do much damage to the young plants early in the season unless protected with wire There are, of coin- of Tea Roses as in which are as xiu .such .-is sialic V Ktlicl KmauiI-m. »liilc ilicic aic miIm I- uliicl, ;,ic Mnt^iul, liirjiii lo-r .cntrc, the base of peti not -o M.joioi,,, Mirl, a- llial .Man. ot all T.;.,, ,.o|i|,ciy ylloM. Il I- a large full flower, very roinl.--.| (I.- Nailailla.-. Iiu(thi>ha> iioi Iniaj to do ..\s cct --.ccni cil. and ca n withstand rain better than with the stock on which they are worked, but to the ; the majority of Tea-scented varieties. Under natural constitution of the variety. [ We think glass it is very beautiful, especially if grown il has very much to do icilh the stocJ: on u-hirh I somewhat cool. guards. Mice, too, are troublesome, and must be trapped if they put in an appearance, while frequent dusting with soot or lime will be neces- sary to protect from slugs, &c. A few extra early dishes may be obtained by sowing some dw.iif and early variety now in pots or on till \cs. and planting out later in pits or frames _ _^ ^ ^ ' as for Potatoes. To raise early nches'figh^oTRosa l^atches of Peas under glass, either for growing in frames or for planting out later on wami Rose Souvenir de Gabrielle Drevet (Tea). border.s, I much prefer sowing the seed on thick tin-ves, as the roots get matted in these, and nnuli lietter than when grown ntaiiiiin4 tine .soil. I have just i\\iiiL; in this way by placing a ■s alioiit 2 inches thick, 4 inches \- .lulios long close together, wards, in shallow boxes similar uudcd last week for Potato sets. | Seed of Cheksea Gem was sown on these, slightly . pressing each seed into the turf and afterwards covering with about half an inch of rather heavy loam. The boxes were stood in a vinery re- [ cently started, where there is just sufficient heat ■ to excite the seed gradually. In the meantime a • Feuruabt 13, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 123 ,!li,|,lh„i t-r |i!;ii.iiii-. The rows sliuukt bu init.- ir lu - i|iiit. which will allow of a row if 1,,'iiucr pliiii s li. Ill" "rown between thom, :„. :, anil ..f r.nlv Kailislu.s m.iv br s-un. the Peas shouM U- sup|.,.|U.l as umulll a, I |-ances, to Uv], t\u- flnwurs ^w■ll U|i In llir h-hl \Hmi-.1 tepid water at the roots as reiiuin.l. \. n ilaiinii being very necessai'y to promote slunlv lowth, and for a few weeks it may be lu.rs iry the Iirackeli. ( Hlirr sowings »e,v iiia.lr at 111. ime time and in the same ua.\ f. ii- planlmu- . .i south border later on or some time duriii; larch, but tlicse are placed near the glass ii )ld frames, and very strong plants will bi ;ady by the time mentioned. These will conr I, to bearini; as early as if s.iwii in November ,r Lettuee and Kiidive. William Hurst and Iradus are the varieties depended on for this urpose, and though I grew the latter for the rst tiine last season, I am so pleased with it >v early cropping that I am growing mucli lore of it this year. G. French Beans in winter. — Although as :ated by Mr. Parker in last week's issue the ulture of Beans during the dark days of Decem- •T is far from profitable, yet in a few private tablishments they are expected if even in small uantities. One of the most successful gardeners th them I ever knew was Mr. Taylor when at longleat some years ago. He used to sow the eans in very shallow boxes, in fact the quantity of hey held would have been thought by some eople to have been too limited for the support of le roots. These were elevated on shelves near the glass which was kept clean by occasional ashings in order to admit all the light possible, d the temperature was maintained at about 65°. o syringing was practised, and when the bloom lowed, assistance was given either by means artificial manure or diluted farmyard liquid, f course a large number of plants is needed to isure several dishes weekly. Mr. Taylor main- lined ■ that if roots could be induced to work eely in such a limited quantity of soil feeding as an easy matter. — J. C. Bhubarb. —Permanent roots will fnvre easily )W if covered with boxes or bani'ls. ininiis ilan ids, and surrounded with a k'""' iln^ Um-- ' f aves and stable litter. The freed um \Mtli hIii.1i le crowns start into growth, however, will deiiend eatly on the variety grown. Some varieties are it at all suitable for forcing, as, apart from their itural lateness, they lack both colour and flavour, id are also very coarse in quality. I have cently done away with an old plantation of this jscriptioii, and formed a new one of earlier varic- es and more delicate in quality. Last year 1 ade a new plantation of Royal Albert, wl'iidi is le of the best to give early supplies. TIhk ai.- hers, however, perhajis e(iuall_v as LCnml. aial ershaw's Paragon, Myatt's Victoria, and Ha w k. 's lampagne should be planted either for eail\- tiling or for general use. These can be raised 3m seed, but I prefer obtaining young roots or )wns from a reliable source, as' mneh time is doist.?|'',''!|l'?iV|'i,"|i!!,'!'H\'''''l'mlnihrM,^M"," gand tivi.rlnirj, and a~ Kliul.alli .lrl...|il- 1,1 :, h soil u heavy da.ssm- of mamuu slaiul.l !..■ Forded. The roots or crowns may be i.l.i himiI y time during the winter, but it is beti. i plant them until about the time they hi.hIiI lit. into growth naturally, as some of the roots e apt to decay if placed iii wet soil some time fore growth commences. If the ground is roots ashes about to start and IIh ilai'c . «1 |,la irh will cause its will l.r dl\ warm .-P. iOOI) ( QUALl TY IN CUCUMBERS TlIK make In a. season is at hand ion of the b when it is neeessai stvarietiesofCiienm . I \tniild |.Minl mil ■Ills: ture go a long way to give a g. ^ala■l^ a l.a.l name more than anything I know. 'Iln -,■ all. . i the 1 I I ^ iiiiiiii the cuttings for the re- iiiii\ilit ii\ -I _ 1 1- 111 ill I .IV and also for watering- "III -- II \ \- 1 III I uttm.js loot, which may III Uiii ^wl liN 111.,, I i.iini. ,„ .,_ to ..now, a httle III -1.11-1 I I _.M .. liN t. It. Ill, tin liell.^Uss, and til - II. I- I- I till II 1- iltiijillu-i itmoved. mence to open early in the year, are now in- cluded in the genus Eupatorium. Kp;ii rises — as represented in our gardens by a f.-« s|iii-ies and great number of varieties — are |iiii|i.i.j.ilcd from cuttings, and a very good plan to till low is, as soon as the plants have done tlowering to shorten back the long shoots and keep the plants rather warmer than they have hitherto been. This will start the plants rapidly into growth, but the shoots will be somew hat weaker than in a cooler structun-. Tins nmhIm lunu of the shoots, technically calli-il iIi.im in.j, is i.t jn .it service, as the weaker shoots >tiiki- imiili imni- .1 u.ii.il. sary forthe pi-o(i.i.-lii.M ut ll.i«i-i>. 'ilii nirjlioiii this time care should lie taken that the plants ilo not suffer from want of water, and as the pots get full of roots liquid manure occasionally will be of III till -11- length, ,\s I 111- i-iittings .. tl.i-si.eofthe til. It .111- .n.ill.ilili- : tint in .my i-.isi- I In- pot or pan III. Ill- ill. Ill I iiii-li III till- i-iiii wiih broken crocks, rii.ir^i- ..I I III- liiit iiiiii. III.! MIX tine on the surface, (hi tills M-iy s.iiiily pi-.il. sitli-il through a fine sieve, should be placetl and pressed down as firmly as possible, leaving just sufficient space on the surface for a thin layer of clean silver sand. This clean must be used, and the soil best suited is sandy peat passed through a sieve with a quarter of an inch mesh. The young plants must be potted very firmly, and great care should be taken that they are not buried too deeply in the soil. After this is done they need to be kept rather closi- .md .^li.iil,-d till again established. The tops si Ill III |im.lied out to encourage a bushy giiiwtli. .mil .1 .j-ood place for the young plante fill till Willi. I IS on a light shelf in a greenhouse. Till 111 \i -i.i-iiii till SI- |.lantsmaybe shifted into |iiii^ fiiiiii I ,,iilii-^ iii."i inches in diameter, using til.- till- |iiir|ii.-i- s.mily |,.-at, but not sifted. The s.iiiii- linn |iiiil.iiij iiiii-i Ih- observed, and as the .summei- .hImiih-i-- tin- pLiiits m.iv l,e stood out of doors to riiii-ii thi-.r -j.-hmiIi. tli.- roots of the Epacrisari- li.ni-liLi- .md \i-i\ ili-lii-ate, so that the watering must be caicfuUy done, for either drought or an excess of moisture is likely to prove fatal. Flowers of the Epacris are not much brought into Covent Garden Market, for though occasion- ally seen in the florists' shops of London, they take too long to grow and need too much atten- tion to become general favourites with our market growers. — H. P. Acacia longifoliai is a very distinct mem- ' ber of this genus, producing a great profusion of FaBRUART 13, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 125 yellow blossoms at this season in common wit! inaiiv of tl... san.,- fa.nilv. In the very eoo Cyclamen Charming: Bride.— I herewith kid von a ft ' ' Ind/iuiil' |.d wh'itin-, \. l,„n iSKiveri .111.1 llii ~h,i ,the|,l,'i,il-. I.lir^ |,i, of ( ■inn.-.- 11,1. ,.,,1, .., mo^t vli.m^ .,1 ,1, ineral ainieaiaiiLL' ui i the coloured plate in January 21, 188-2. ated were drawn from etchingley, then the acleay, where so m; and a congenial home. mound of earth in : oist house, wheri- it (1.. nder condition^ ^n. li :stion floweretl i oughout the jiiealc 1 i to Mr. r.::k.-r. tlu.C: .-H. OCIETIES AND EXHIBITIONS I ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. FEIiKl'ARY 'J. . MEETI.SG replete with interest and varietx \\;i lid on the above date, there being likewiM- , ;od attendance of members. Xo une wIki li.i 1 3 opportunity should mis.- the-,, nuif in'j>. Tli. \ !> instructive and, at th.- -;imii> tinn'. iiHmiiI ,■ jiat amount of pleasure tu mi lni-i.isi, in Ik.iii ilture. whether thev I. ,i„k,i,iii- ,,i ,.,.. \~\nn:,U. TI,.- I,.-l ■uMliMilii.il .xluliii l„.t,„, re de Seeaux il.n.... '-|,i Viumi, |,|:,i,im ;.',',',,',' f|mHighgate. in U;..:\ ll, ,„,.,-, th, Sl;i| ,|i\ I. i ."hica from Syoii lliiii.~e «a.> very line, in ik.. ion of dower tlie best we ever remenil" i i.i e seen, the plant.s from 5 feet to 6 feet Injli, e spring bnlbons Huwers, as represented In i le- '■• ^-arcissi and Irises, were quite an enju\able these came from Tottenham and Thames 1 ton. A beautiful boxful of Rhododendron 3ses, Veitchian hybrids, was also contributed. eae few groups of decorative plants likewise " -"■ to the efi'ect. i were profusely shown by the best known *, one most re.iia.kable fea(n.e bein-j the with the Orchids fron a lot of attention h\ nn'll 'llaVUUl. Tlu I ( 'ourt and Frog rnt to Belvoirand Orchid Committee. i.KV.\ TRi.iN.ii Imi"er.\tor. — This is one of ■St distinct and finely-coloured forms W( ■en. The se]ials and ))etals are of tine form owards the base. Fri •ll.-;ll J 1 ir yellow. The plant was flowering- I liiiie and carried a single bloom. -. Linden. s, i.r. Kii.NVsmsv. A iliMiii,! ami with ten flowers, several good forms of C. Eury- ades, C. Penelaus, a grand specimen ; C. euryan- drum, with nine spikes, many of them with two and three flowers each, and C. Prospero (C. Spieerianum X C. insignc Sandera>). Dendro- bium Cordelia ipterum and I), aureum, has the lint.il Willi luse ; the lip ■-lili-h |.iii|ili' ilise in the liM. i uiili |, 111 pie. Den- Ill'. ■ ■-■• I1-. liiiMi llie .same light lunuHiUi; good forms of form of C. E.\ well flowered) goon rkably Per- green at the base, lip white, shading to yellow at the base). with liniw II, ihr |,( I .il- cr.aiuy yellow suHused with rn.i'. ]i|i |)iii|ili liniwii, shading to pale green. C. Riilirii- if. h. Ihiiiilmn X C. callosum), the re- verse eruss luC. Wetieiii, is totally distinct from that variety, being thickly covered with spots 126 THE GARDEN. [February 13, 1897. and resembling closely members of the C. Chas. Rirkman swtinn, (', triumphans is another tine tl.in-, liiii >.iN -HMil.u' to C. Milo graiulr. piv- \inii-|\ .|, -. , il» .1 III llii; (iARDEN. The Hun. .1. liMiMiiiii I I rimll, \:i,inint: «pii:i1s in',.1 iirl.-.l- h-.-. ']•],.■ Hull, W . l;uil,-ulii i;.ii.l iC. S|,iiurMn .■-|„,,|,'l,. .-il the 'top. >IkhImi"- \r.:-.r. (1,1. p,.|:,U r|.,,,,r, V. 1 1 1 ,;u,:.. l;u:ilii, Kpiilrii.liinii KlIlM, l.v.-;i>iu '^lualdra ;mhI Li.-ll., Klauca. Floral Committee. As on the former occasion, so also on this, tht awards made to new plants or novelties were but few. No one, however, could w-ell dispute tin decision in favour of those given at this meeting. First-class certilicates were given to — Iris Bakerian.\. A ihi.nt ^r.minu >piriis n the way of I. retimlipi. .|imIu :i 'jum. ami \.i\ distinct too, the 'jluwlh r\,ii .hiiut-i ihan II tinted flower ; JFis. Nansen, a beautiful rich ison ; Eyiisfc.id Purple. White Terfection, somewhat like Annie Elizabeth. It is above mei dium size and an excellent addition to the desserj kiiid,-^; from Messrs. Rivers and Son, Sawbridge! «ai,ll,. I .M.-Ms. Chealand Sons, Crawley. Sussex, stage'i li.ui.lvni.il. an.l .if luhKiikable size (bronz .\ pi,.|,\ ixli.liii of ,ut Lily of theVnl lll-i Iv -p:i|l,i! ^Wll, uirM-ti uliila ; ||||. Iill s.nii.'Hlial vliiirl. Imt sIumI .and ihlrk. .\ superior variety. From Mr. LucaS, \\ lii i Court, Horsham (gardener, Mr. Duncan). An award of merit was given to — Vtoi.et AHMIH.VT. AVEIJ.W. — .A d.-liri, ^^v.•,.t \aiii.|\- nf 11,,- C/ar Ivpi-. ■rli- llowi a-. I'luiu M.-,v A larar nil section,. a Ml I. <■• lis. Some of the 1 tolia alba, lutea .ha-.- and a lai- Cannell's White, bearing very heavih'-flowf trusses ; Swanley Giant, a very striking rr HoM-,-is. A .siii,.n. wassta-ffl liy .M.- l.alanlliM- (Imoii/i I'lma.. ,\li.,lli.a ..xhll.il ..f vninr. iliiu,i- iMi.H- I.Miii Ml, ■!■, S W.ll.a flair t'i,,irNni-MH-. T iiliaiii. Till- pink \-..|- ,|i,.ini,a Miiihtolia »,a. -linu.i In maivii In alili- nlity. Varieties of Iris reticulata were well ivpi.sn'ited, also several Snowdrops (bronzi r.anksian). Fruit Committee. There were scnn. mi. i, -t m-j ixlnliit- In forr tlii committee, qualil \ maknrj up tm- ipiani it\ . 'I'll fruit from MesM^, lliMa. and Clical and lli >pi,ip.,lrn,i,p,.t.li.iii til, the \-eitch prizes made ^1 ,1,1 ~li,,\\, \', ji i.iM.s were poor, only Potatoes An aivai'd ,if una it «as given to Apple Prince Edward, a nice looking fruit, sweet, well coloured. ,, .|,a and in.aiti.in niu Xewt< special! .(ubilef ber of dishes perfect and ivas sliowi rkable U tine colour. Blenheim Orangi ■dling, Cox's, equal to fruits ju; I,.,, "i;,an,tti- and Suttnii Beaut' I'.r -liapia Mliai's Eve r. ■km 11 \ auaril ; 1 hk,. tail ,.,.,.kin.j 1 l„l- ,,t (l| MaKilk-. ■,k'- ri, ; a Naiiety !■• -ant, a gnin : and Bijoi .lip thee. al-. stage. lla. Im IllM ir^ til, S N,a ( H.ali III. Ivi.j. , . the Whit -;t. .Mi.liael' Ah It,-,, (ha . and II il.as, a larj witli a di.,h of t ic small iiji.u Lenu Kuinhti m medal The > essis. Pdve t a ind seedling Apple St. M one named Carmeral, a iitin's, notf jiiettv frui 1. r .s«r«. Tnia er, Slon.jl , sent-Appl. an iiunanif ,"^ l.;i,l ^'^Sz-! TTxr'u 1, Il had hei ,. f„.,iu Maj, II. 1 ,,k,well,Uerli\ (gai'aJiie, ,Mr,Harvej > ,, Stevenage but of no , Herts, merit. sent a colle '"t,'', - f 1 1, ; "■ ,f In,''"' and Pea s for aavoi , and no le ,ll II, - ,it~ \i 'p|,.v«,ae 1,1, ii>. C shown. M K, i'' i-i !,• < . ■aiitham, w 1 II Uia, luedium-sizi _!',„„1. Ml "iriaUon, Cnn.iersbui .\r ,111 M ,■!,,.,■ „.,-,.„d wii X,, .' al. .J 1 ,,f .-xuellei 1,1, I'.-al ik- I'ippiu.Pea , . ' , V Inn- di.v , of Barna. .^i' til. .\ppl,a ( iayijatn, ; iid Mannin; ,;'l! Ka /it- kiairj I l.aul.ai Pears we vtaoed. M - Maiilston , ii !:;'!"( ;a 1',-- ( , ,,-. I'm 1 i-ane; M li„i,a-. bei. a g lUli llisll 111 xNe Fill:- .M.uiis. Tl arie ies taged wei e Beigan ote d'Esper* and Olivier de Serr Annu.u. Meeting. held at the society's offices. 1, Kensington, just ten yeai i.f no merit had been n ( ii's or approved kinds hai tli.itiks were due to seven 1 excellence, so as to ivards. The council aiiue The value i arransred to haN 1897.] THE GARDEN. 127 the plants ; painted liy and olitain in niinil |.l the rnn.-l acloptr,! il„ Voi-k a nil tliey expr,.: for tlu- li,.; and Vfjvi:i Imd bci-n I those yen 111 loss of nuK I'ommittee.s hefore tlu-n ofscV.M ISir F.T,l,,i; AnthonN W •iociety w^i- not be till lialanee, am in memoiv Should niak liaU, 1.1 It tl tnisted till' jind enahli' I (nimber of 1' , at ai .This was 'rnr,,,, inore Fellows tli. [hey had paid i'. j'hiswii'k. and I •ishtsidr. ,1 ,»:, jicealilr. Medal of I Profess,, [doption ,i lures, as n kork. H, f)rchids r, hr.MasI,, Foster, in seconding t . welcomed the new depi 1 1 . Turner, declared Marshall and H. J. THE GARDfJNEHS' ROYAL BENEVO- LENT INSTITUTION. CiNDLY alloiv me to say a word in favour of his noble and iirnspernus institution, and esiic- lally in favour, ,f the ■■ Vi,-t,,ii,ni Kr.i Fun'l " lose (•aiiili,|.,t,s V.I,,. luiist ii,.,,.ss.-,iiK |„, ,11, irtunatu ami ili.sapp,,iiitu,l .it every eleetiou. i« a society that inculcates the principle of ;lf-help, and no one who subscribe.s need feel egRuled if a rainv d.'iy comes and forces him to -•cept relief fr,,i„ ils fuii.ls. T,. sul.serilie t,, ich as.H.elyis;, ,1,,,^ ,„,„„,l„nt ,„, .-.ll ■,;,,• eners w h,. ,iii,,\ ,',.i,if,>it:,l,|,. |i,,Mt i,,i,s ,,n,l ii. i-eii the p,„,i,.st ,,f the eraft. a sure i-iid eerlain ■estment is offered, and one far better than lything offered by clubs, lodge.s, or insurance tices. There .arc two classes ,,f .r,„,li.,„.is tli.,s,. ell off, and those who ar.. , r. and tl„. f,„i,„a lould give freely as a thank ,,(1.tiii',, uI,,],- iI„. wh( Iineas, ,,!■ hfi .„n -iiiuea.s paid in lift,' annual iiistalmeiits, en-sures the el, candidate who is over sixty years nf ; 'linger one who is totally incajiaeitat, inual pension for gardeners is ii'ii, idows of gardener.s £16. During the last sixty years a sum of £71,000 as been distributed in pensions and gratuities, I id .it the present time there are Kil persons , iving permanent aid, wliilo twiiii\ inn, 1, -sing cases are on the society's list .iwaiiii,- ,,ii,,ii. The ]irincip;il nur.serymen and many 1 ■,_-', ■„|.,,i,,ir,' ,,M,l\r]ia't' seems no'w'Wi'osI r -ratin- es, A,-.. l,.ll„,s,.,.aM,li;iat,-swh,.areiiiis,i,v.ss gardens who can ali'ord to gi each to such a good cause. A f i subscribed £:OT to the institut .i,\iiin "a word in season'' as to it I'll, i;reat point is to get every gar , I, sled in the cause, each trivin'' or results to their own self esteem, than by doing their best on this occasion. — F. W. Burbidge. _ We are asked to state tliat in aid of the {jrinted without delay, as there were many m(|uiries for them and the prospect of a ready Bunyard's Centenary show. .\s a result n his shmv, Ave le.avn that Mp-is. H,,„vaid have ,i»ar.|,.,l t,, ll„. \lal.i-|,.,|.- Chin,'!, ■|n-lll,lte. NATIONAL VIOLA S0('11;TV. Thk first annual m.-, imj ,,t iln- -,„,,.t\ Has li,.|(| jn one of the rooms ,.t W m, 1,, -i, i l|.,,i-i i il,| Broad Street, E.C W ..ImMlav .x.ann.^ last at 7 iVeloek. Mr. W. Kulimsun, piesident of the s,„uty. ,,ei'iipied the chair. A goodly number of m.-i,,l„Ts was pi-esent. .\fl,i the minutes of the last general meetino had been read ami .■,,,ilirine,l. lli,- ,-liaiianaii ,',all,-i| upon the honorary -,-, i,iai\ i.\li, A,.l. I;,,\\ l„i , \ , to read the re] I, ,1 1 an, I -iai,i,,.ait ,,ta,,' is he report ■,| l!„ Royal Botanic S,i,i,i\ i,, ,,,, , „ given, and for wl, ■,-!,' ih,. m.aiil,a- ,a il,, '\"i Society were de,|,l\ ii,,l, lii,,|. 11, ,. i,.|„,,i al ■1,1. Mr W ]; ^•■•il'- l'al-k,a,„l \l,, .1. W. \|,., ' I, ail, \-|,-t,,na Park, H,i„a,|,|„,l ,,, i I „_,,',,,„.,, ,., I,, till two vacancies that had occurred. 'Ih, ilal,- ,f 111,' next show was left over for a few d.ivs in ,i,l,i that a fi,\ture should be arranged with the Ko>al Botanic Society. It was proposed that the proeeedmgs of the late conference should lie Notes of the Week. Spirasa confusa.— A compact little bush with nail, pure white tru.sses of blossoms, which arc eiidedly mat and pretty. A small group con- il,iil,,l by tl,,- .Messrs. Veitch on Tuesday re- Cyclamen Bush Hill Pioneer is the name \\ell as fuller appearance, while it in no «ise de- tracts from their value. Galanthus latifolius.— Among a \aried ass,,itiii,a,l ,,f ,a,l\ ll,,«,is at tli,' Diill TTall.in ■r,l,.s,la\. Ml, T ,S, Wai, ka.l |.,,|s ,,f ll,,- halld- s,,l,„- s|„,,,„„. „||| I , I,, 111, I Ml,,- ,.l ll„- ,,„,s| Nalll- al,I,- II, .aill.xall,,,, al ik.- |,l.s,.,,| |,ln.'. TIm- t,.ll- ae, )- l,r,,a,l ,, I „ I hands, ,m,-, ami forms a beautiful s,ai,i,'j t,,i 111,. |„„e white tk.wers. Violet Admiral Avellan.— .A (jnantitv of this II. v \,,,l,i ti,,ii, \l,ss,s. I Vipps was admired bv Msii,,i- I,, ll,., I>,,ll H.all ,.i, Tii.-.lav last. In .■,.l,,iir Ik,' I, I,, --,,11,, ,■ I a i.d |,.,i|,ie hue and plant docs not appeal to be ehaiaeterised by abundant flowering, which is so desirable in a Violet. 1,1, ,—.,111- .i-,iall\ 11, |,,airs. Simie good masses of I Ills kill, I », I. -I,.i\\ 11 liv Messrs. Ban- and Son on ■rn.,s,lav al W,-I.nil.ster. Hill rtield just begin- ring its fragrant Staphylea colchica. - In an int. i, si in.,^- roup of plants, from Earl IVi,\, Sx,.n 11. .,,-<■ rar.fener. -Mr. Wvthes), at the' Hull Hall ..ii iiesdav hist, were "several examples,, f this -lunb I lloH, I, Tl,,- plants were 6 feet or 7 feet high he ])ure white clusters of its |iietty against its ]>innate K ll. an. I. like that species, it has flowers with a most I .ha lining fragrance. Rhodora canadensis.— A small group of this ):;rettv deciduous shrub was e.xhibiteo in flower at the lirill Hall on the Oth inst. by Me.«sr.s. Veitch 128 THE GARDEN. [February 13, 1897. md Son to show its value for early forcing. Al- ere though leafless, the jjlants were covered with clusters of rosy libir 11 iileasinjj subject fni ili.- .,..,1 <-..iis.i v.-ilm v. Chionodoxa sardeusis.— In Messrs. Ban :iMn|. Ml liiill,,,,,,., plants at the Royal He iruliiir;il Siiiiciy's meeting on Tuesday we Th. nay lie ([uiclily established, anil of green to ward off the heavy ry pretty object in the earliest Winter Aconite. \\\ eagerly remark shruhbr ry dry at times, owing to the Is, is freely dotted over ^^■itl) Iris histrioides of the gems of the . ;i rising to about (i im I M'hat is of the -iv;, thcs.. ,-.;nlvfI.™-;i- 1^ with white. Tlir I1m», ,. -,,,,. of greater subistam . i1i;hi i^ early Irises, and ii i- ili.n t,. the early s]irino-tli- iiiiin, even before the These look just as well for the lie same sorts do in the southern 1 see ill last week's issue an inrpiiiy ;is tn the best means of packing and kn [.iirj inl Mnnms of Lenten Roses. These floxin- mr sn ipminl and come at a time of ycai whin aiiMlnne i- ap|iiiiialtd ill the way of flowers from the op.n. iind. niiireover, when thoroughly esta- l.li-lird lil.i.ini .so freely, that I wonder the}' arc nut mure generally grown. However, I know tlierc is a drawback to their use for indoor decora- tion on account of their flow-ers drooping, but I think if the following details are strictly adhered to your correspondent will find the blooms will travel any distance and keep fi-esh for days. Immediately the flowers are cut they should be placed in water ; in fact, it is quite as well to have a bowl of water I at hand to place the flowers into as soon as cut, fur if they are once allowed t.illej lliey tnke mufli liiii'jer to recover. They -1h>u1.I leni.iin m uatn' ■ It le,i>t three hours befoie li. Ml J p:Ml,eil. \, i,. 'jiiriUlhe methods employed in pMekm^' lliein, it d.M ~ iiMi ^i-jiiify so much, so long as care is taken iIimI ilie lildMiiis are securely packed, and cannot -liiike :ii I. .As soon as they reach their joiini, y ^ ,inl I liey should be plunged into a boivl i.f te|,id »:itei. -n tliat the stems, leaves and llnw,.,,., ;ii I 'ill III w.iiii. leaving them for quite an liiiiu, anil li\ ihat I line they will become perfectly fresh, and can then lie arranged as desired anil will keep fresh for some days.— J. H. B. Public Gardens. Open spaces. .\t the luonthly met he MellMpullhin I'nlille Caldell- .-\>M. \:\. l.;iM,l,-l, , l,;ile. .Sir Willi;, III \-inee,i id, Noitl Ilalkilis: Ihiil lln l.MiMh-ii I I I hilt I he (in. eel," I '. .11 1 1 .1 1 11 \- 11 11. 1 tile \'illtliei¥ .iiipiiMN hii.l ii>k..l ll..- i.s-.'„-iati..n til improvi Obituary. MRS. FOSTER-MELLIAR. I'r is with regret we have to record the death i the wife of the Rev. A. Foster-Melliar, which oc .111 le.l 111 S)ir..uyhton Rectory, near Ipswich, oi 'riiiii-il:i\ ni..iiiiiig last. The deceased lady hai h. , II -. 1 i..ii-l\ ill for .some time, but it was hopei si..- \\..iil.l h. uhle to battle against the diseast Thi-. li..H.\.i. 1. ti her so weak that she had nu -ti(-n..;tli 111 ii.ll>, M.-i 1. iss will be deeply mourne. The weather in West Herts. —The recen frost liii.ke up un the 4th iiist.. having lastei nnu-leeii davs. Siii.e then tlie weather has beei x.-i\ Muiiil.j.-, l-'..r iii>tiiii.-.-, ..n the (ith the tem p.-imiu.- ,.t ih.- i.ir n.-M-i 1..M- higher than 38° nh. i.;i~ ,.ii 111.- 'Jlh Ih.- l.i-^li.--t leading was 52' .\i ■_' h-.i .l.-.-p ill.- -jii. mid is now about season iil.h- 111 I. Ml p. Ill l.iit at 1 foot it is 3° warme ihiin Ih.- I--. l.iiiiiiN iix.-iage. The lowest readiiii; .hiiiii-- ih.- i..-.-i,i ti.Kt were within 2" of tli free/.iii" I il iit ih.- .h-pthnf 1 foot, and wit-liii 4" of th.- -;.!...- p.,iiii 111 -J h-.t .l.-,-p, Sineetli month l.i-.jiiM mill hi.s liill.-n I., Ih.- depth . Ihai i.-ii ..f t h. l;.-i .-l.v.ii .lays no sunshine at all liii I..-. -11 1-.-.-..1 .l.-.k (ii. ih.- one sunny day (the 71 1 lli,-«iMl.-i \.-..iMi. Ill ~i showed an open blossom whi.-h i> 1 ih-.M II fortnight later than it iiveiii'j.- .lai.-l.'i th. [.levious eight years. Han tli.-iiih ,.t .1; i.i\ |.i..\eil even moderately brighl| the date n.. .1.1. .1 t..i the flowering of this plan! would have been the earliest of all, instead of on( of the latest I have yet noted.— E. M., Berhhani\ sted. I Names of plants. — A. Lanaon. — 1, Acaci| Drummondi ; 2, Daphne laureola. THE GARDEN. 129 No 1318. SAIURDAY, February 20, 1897. Vol. LI " Tliis is an Art Whidi does mend Nature : ehani^e it ratlier ; Tkk Ari rrsELK is NATrRK." — Stiaktiptarc. Orchids. DENDROmUMS. The nuuiy (liHuruiit species and clistiuot liyhritls of tlio (Icciiiiiims secticin of Dfiidrdliiuiiis an' i becoiniiii,' imiiually nunv [loiiular. Tn jiiovc this 1 neVd (.nlv ivfor tc. the ,^'raiid display iiia.lo ftt the last iiu'utin^^' ..f tlic Koyal Ilorticidtural |~ Society at the Drill Hall, this popularity is not to l)e wondei't'd at when it is taken into I consideration that the plants are in no way cumbersome, and with a little amount of tare they yield an abundance of bloom. Aiintust the species, D. nobile in its varird f..ii]is li^Ms the sway, and as this is one thai tlinvrs under be womleivd at. With I). Wardianum it is quite dilt'eiviil. AlthoUL^Ii the plants thrive and ' flower well for tlie liist three years after importa- tion, they usu.-illy after that tiuie commence to de- teriorate. I know of a few )}laees where the plants thrive from year t.. veal-, but these are few and far between. I lliiuk this eN|.e, i.nee willbe I shared l.v lunsi n.vln.l m..Hers n, this e u■^ . , This belt,- the, MS,.. ,t l„.,..n,es -.ss.uN »h,.iv itlsdesirabl,' t,, niaiiitaiu an elheient. staudanl to replenish tie- st,ielv annually with the newly- imported plants, and as the season is now at hand when iinp,a tations of this .section arrive, they should re.ene .itteiition withcmt delay. I .sible, so that they e.iii make up their growths j during the sumniei' m,)iiths. If this is delayed, I it will be found that the later imjjortations do not finish their growth before the dull season Icjines round, and this often causes the weak i^iowths, aiir the first few weeks after potting .and uiiti the young growths have commenced to .send on new roots water must be i^'iven with '^'reat can- but when the mots hav.- a tirm li.,l,l ,.f tie- inw material they reiinin- an .-iIiiiimIiii.-,- .if iii,iistiir, until the growths .-in- m.-ule up. With hut te« itiii,,spliere duiiii',; the growing season and ai ilMin.l.-uu-e ,.f li,,'lit. The East India house oi in ordinary plant stove suits them well. Almost all the species and hybrids meiitiinied above may be increased by cutting off some of the back bulbs, choosing as far as jmssil tho.so th.it h.-ive not bloomed. These should laid down ,iii .i Im,| of living Sphagnuni M, w.iiiii, iiioist |.i,ipag,ating case, or they in; ut into lengths of 2 inches or 3 inches (tl ■ndiiig on the distance between the ii.id, inserted into ]ians filled with the same in :1. They shouhl then be placed in a wan I position, where they will so injury to the leaves. — H. R. Ang-raecum eburneum virens.— This plant is smaller in all its ],arts than A. iliuiiieniii. th,- haves seldom attaining iiion- tlian a fo,,t in leli.^'th, the thiwer spiU,-s also IniiiL' sb,.it,l ami more arching. The Ho\m i - ,n ,■ [ FALCONI ing growth; •»* This mistakes in the ( -C. R. quite correct. One of the greatest '■ ire of this jirPtty Dendrobe is ttle S peat-lined ^ blocks once in i:,-.oni, ;,i„l -nil used to some extent, are about th, \-.,ii-i ■mmI naisi untidy of all receptacles. Flat | jn- nil. ,1 n ily to the rims with clean crocks ami :, m, o -m ' i, in'.;- of compost on this will give good results if caie i^ taken to go over the plants annually and remcve 130 THE GARDEN. ill decayed linlbs, allowing; a little fvesh ^■:i'l\ :i.-.M,,i,,,,j 1,, ,1,,., it- -r;i„,M Ml L'l.mlll, \> ''B::: k,-..|. U MU„.,. \:u...: to .start in eaiiv -|.i i ' IUmI "I,,', the summer, so tli:ii Ill.il-I lllilll IJM' 1 in II i'omI, 1i;jIiI mill mi lnii\ ii.jmi, li, 'jimlu.ill Miulli. mill k Irjiil il, 1 -i'ihIm I, III!,. 1 1- 111 ,| li.iii-. ■ M|i|"r iM.i MIIIM.I 1,. liiiM 1, till .mil it |irii|i:i'4iiliipii of the plant is desired it may lliiii lie ili\ idcd into as many pieces as necessary. H. R. Dendrobium moniliforme.— Two quite dis- till' I I ii iiiIimIiiiiuis have been given this name. (liir iif (li.iu i> iiiivv more fre(|uently known under .sonie .sjiecies of the nobile jiiMii|i, Tin i.iln i (miil the true) moniliforme is a niinli dwii i i. i , -nnillr i Hovvered species, which is iiou n|i]. si nti .1 in iln Kew collection by a specimen very preltih in flower. This has pale-coloured stems'froni (inn In - to 12 inches high, bearing at each of the u|i|ii i nodes a fascicle of pure white flowers, lii, I, Oncidium dasytyle.— A pretty form of iluv [leeies riiiiiis lllilll ••];. R." It is asmall-gniw iinj lurid, with |i^inil..-liiill,s each about U imln- iiiv. It IS a native of Brazil, and Spiranthes colorata var. maculata.— Unde Ins iiiuiii. thc'iv .-111. now in flower at Kew seveni lootstock, and spread outwards" in somewhat rosette fashion ; they are 6 inches to 8 inches much wide, and r of rich velve ilarly marbled grey. From tli ,' tufts of folia.j I- III- llMUr,.. 'Ilns li.-mititiLllittle Uivliid is 'iii-tiiiil liabit, and comes from Tropical 1 nil , « briice it has recently been imported in ii 11 \ li\ Mrssrs. Sander, lontog-lossum pulchelltim. - .Mthnujjli ..nf V nue, aiiiUli.u cAcn nou il i- 1. In theearly annals of (111 11 portation, especially as ie;jm tliere are few better-known Mr. (J. Urf. Skinner. It w:i- rVMBIDTUM LOWIANUM. liist tliiwi IS ,,f tliis fine species are now , mill uiili 11 Imr stock of plants a suc- il Miiiiiii ni;i\ lie kept up for three or I \\;is to be seen. In 1 inu uivi's ri.se to one t the plants each time larger pot, and conse- ge. One always feels e specimens, but they tnd llnl Iln 111 1 1 ssiiiy, the plants will have Is mill roots that it is difficult III -I I til, 111 iiiii \Milii,ut injury. The pot .should lie lii.ikuii witli u haiiiiner in jireference to this, and the roots will probably be found to have taken po.ssession of every jjarticle of compost [Febrdaey 20, 1897. and drainage. Great care will b disiiitmi'^liiiL,' these, and if it •< «illi.iiii iiijiiiA it will be advisable in plare the ■ ilil bull ciitiii' in a pot large enough tn allow nf .1 Li'i'iil mmuiii of new compost all round it. (■"Oil lomn lilire, lumpy peat, and chopped S|.liagiiiiiii .Muss maybe used as the basis of thei riiiii|Hist, aililiiig to this a few pieces of well- iliiiil ciiw in.iimre — or in lieu of this a little of s'.iiu niiniiit rated fertiliser — and plenty of iiiiil;Ii rli.ii iiial and crocks. A thin potting stiik must lir used to work this material down the sides of the old ball, carefully avoiding leaving any vacant places, yet not ramming it down ton tiniily. The plant should be set in so that a little new material can be placed or the top of the old compost, covering the root' that are, as a rule, thickly entwined in this. Bring the new compost right up to the base ol the le.iiliiig psciiilii-liullis, and lie careful not ti kimrk till' \. 11111- -1 ts.itf with the dibber wher iiiiiktir^ it'lniii. It is .littinilt to account foi :in\ .■iiltiMit..i iilli.iMii- snrli plants as these b -.■1 lilt:, :i .,,11, iitnl «;il|.lli,.-|.,l iminlili,,,,. yd n,» i,„,ts killiil as fast as they are put forth. 111,1 s 1 |.i, sint a very unhappy appearance 'I'll,' s,i,,iKn they are out of such material th( li,ll,r, 11,1 matter what time of year it maybe. lA , 1 y bit of the old material must be washec iiuiiy uith clear tepid water, wa.shing the root' i|nitr ileau in order to see which are dead ant uhiili alivf. T'lvs.ive every bit of the lattei mill ini iMTMliinu rise rli'mi away, at the same tiinr niin,\iii;_; mil il'inl MiMny far gone pseudc bulbs. Then place the plants'into mucli smallci pots — the smallest they can conveniently hi, put into, in fact — using only a very light com post. A little more warmth may be given aftei tills .Usfiirbaiice, when the plants will, if al > ui 11 s wi II. siMiii emit plenty of young roots, am pii. lllilll) fmily-ood growths will be produced Tln^ 1,1111 il\ may seem rather a drastic one; but It IS liiitir than any half measures whei till plmits mi in really bad condition. It givei tliimi .111 eiitiii.ly fresh start, and once get then ■ healthy they will soon make up for lost time C. Lowianum is easily kept to its annua routine of growth and flowering. The spikei apjiear at the base of the newly-formed pseudo bulbs after a short rest in late autumn oi Hinlm. These take a long time to come tt pi ifiiiiiin and are a considerable drain upor tlm ic'siiiiroes of the plant, so the roots must h^ ktpt faiii\ iii,,ist all the winter. S,iiii,' ,-ullivatiirH use liquid manure ratliui freely wlule the spikes are forming, but 1 question if much lasting good accrues from it. It may lengthen the .spikes, but it is not good fur the roots unless given in very small or weak doses. \ substant'lal compost as described al,,,M- ,111,1 liberal supplies, ,f clear water have with 111,' lie,'ii sullii'U'iit til obtain capital results. Sonietiiiies line spikes are produced, but the buds turn yellow and drop off in considerable numbers. As a rule this is a sign of a bad state of the roots, and it is seldom seen under the cool system of culture. An even more fre-, quent trouble is the little brown scale that afl'ects these plants. This clings with suchj tenacity and increases so rapidly, that it isi i|uit,. a f,,,' ti. be i',','ki.ned with, and I strongly .'hUis,' miM.iii' win, si'.'s a few of the insectsl al.i.iit lii.s pi, lilts ti. i;ct rid of them with as^ little delay as possible. | When first introduced, C. Lowianum wasj thought to be a variety of C. giganteum. It is[ quite distinct from this, though closely re-, sembling it in habit. It comes from Buriuah, whence it was introduced in 1878. R. FEBnuARY 20, 1897.' THE (lARDEK 131 Trees and Shrubs. A WEKlMN(i ELM AT KENSIN(;T()N. ;"y''> HIsl)oanfifuI hv,. is a W\r1, Kin, ulii.li is in ,V '!,',„'l leganl.-n :,I < l.ik I.n.luv, A.l.lis,,n I!,..,.!, K.ns \1 , h gtllU, 'inr .if llir |iivllu'sl -.iiilrns mail.' Ii\ l""- i he Into K..l>.rt Mavn.K-k. a„,l f,.i' a I, ,u n u'.n.l.n ■■""' - :ry cliiinuing iiiul ijicturesiiuc. Tins 1 1 n, w n h '" I line others, sliows well tlic aihania^c- .ii i'''i^' antiii!; native and nortlievn t-rns as will as '""' ' . ...tirs,^ \\\. are all sn Inisv with ^P^anlir W.I -^""' ,.Mi,,s an, I u I.Ts fi-.an all | .a i I s ..f lli,' '[' V' ', ,;',L .hal III.- nalur tlv.' .|,H'sn.,l al«a\st;,'l a / ,'' ' ", , .an- o.iiiiti-y is f„r f„nn and >lignity l)etter coloured form is known as R. priecox rubrum, and lian tlie mountain or Wycli Elm. Trees over ! of (his ii very characteristic coloured plate was ill :i-|ii.l. anil li.- 1 liell.-l.i ll" III "I'l'i.' ' 'V morning n l.ti an ini|ii. will Ilol 1..' la-lK . la-i' ir untidy and loose shoots can be pruned ffore grow-th commences. — John Crook. •Il)TrHVLU"M .TArnXK 'UM. likely . with name The Weeping Wych Elm at Onk Lmlqe. Kensinqton. Engraved For The phofojraph hij Mr. H. N. King, Goldhawk Road, W. feet round are not rare, and, being a native the mountains of Northern England, its hardi- •is need never be in doubt. This tree is the iiiit nf the large-leaved \Vi'i|,inL; I'llni int' luli there are so many ^' 1 tiers t.. be s.i m. '1 the wild tree itself in its ,,1.1 a-.- has als., •■••''■■\>uvj habit. But the weepin- -ai.Irn II !•- i|Mi,i' ilistinct and a tree ,,f I'.anaikabli 'i'';i'i 'Hii value. Like other we, ■|ii]i^ tnas. I, It lULie.i.ses in value with age, like the uidold Weeping Beeches at Knaphill, which i late Mr. Anthony Watererwas justly prriud Rhododendron prsecox.— Rhododendron da- ivicum, recently alluded to in The G.\rdkn-, is, I given in The G.vrdex, Jidy 12, 1890. It is amen able to (jentle forcing, and, like Azalea amrena l"iej |ilaniii| ni a somewhat sheltered )iiisition. I- '|"'0- I" lis larly dowering, the blossoms are III ill' "iiiii s,iii,,uhat liable to be injured by late A good winter picture.— It has oft.-i cuii,il t,i me that ».• do not make old w alK. fen,-es. an. I ui;ly sp.,ts s,, ornamental as we inijln. more es|ieeially in the winter. Among the ma terials suitable for covering the above places arc Jasminum nudiflorum and the red-berried Cotone- aster. These planted so that they will inter- (led. I ,ut thev brine. It is readily ine from Japan or from COMER, Philaihlphia, ir 132 THE GARDEK [February 20, 1897. THE YEW TREE IN ICELAND. The coininon Yew tree is one of the most 1m mu- tiful and useful of all our native evergrt-in . .m.l its many effects in gardens ])ast and nii'-.iir would fonii .-i ii.,.st deli-litfiil and sal ist\ ,,,.. hist, .IV. l)L.:,n II, .1,-, uh,,i, .l,.|,x,,,,nu ■ his iHi'innrahie hrtiiiv ,.ii •■ ( iai d,,,, (Vatt •■ at the importance of every gardener taking up lovingly the culture and care of si>ine lle.4e s,piaie, vi/.., one 14 feet round at .", teat III l;,.iL;ht, .'JO feet high, circumference '•''•' feet ; th, other is 11 feet 6 inches at 5 feet 111 height, .'SO feet high, .spread 126 feet. The nolile old avenue of Yew trees at Glen- cormac, near Bray, is one of tlie finest of its kind to be seen anywhere. It consists of thirteen trees, of whicli ten exceed the 10 feet Fl,. and the ish As rather to be pitied than praised or admired. Now and then a shaped Yew cr Box or Holly ,,1,1,. St, if 11, .t the original golden-fruited Yew, exists at <'l,.iitarf Ca.stle, near Dublin, a spot lii-t.iieil 111 many ways. Mackay says the tiiiest soeciinens of the upright ,.i- Fhueii.e Court Yew.^ in Ireland are at CmimIhi, C, . Down, these having, as he supp,,se,l. sixty years ago (1836) been planted above tift\ ye.iis. The late Dr. D. Moore found the connnon Yew wild at 1200 feet on a mountain called Benyevena, in Go. Derry, where it grew juos- tr.ite in rocky crevices a,s a low .shrub. Dr. j M,. .re .lis,, t ,1,1 .Ma, kay that large trunks and r.„,is Will ,111.4 u|. Ill the bog or flat of Magil- liu.iii, l),.twe,.ii the i-,ieksand the sea, and that jit I lull- seemed to supersede the Bog Oak, f.aiiiili.ii in other places. Large boles of Yew ar.. .lis,, touiid in other Irish bog.s, the wood being \er^- hard and- beautifully veined. It I is valued for the making of choice furni- , ture. but is very destructive to fine tools. The most important use of the Yew foriuei was to yield bow staves, which were not on made at home, but akso largely imported fr other parts of Europe during the old days .•irehery and b,.f,,re the juvictical use of firelo, that . the C it that t d forests ■Iter t, Seeii; aiMl l.,..isl ill p;da.,,|,thie times. Seeil toal,.,v ,n N,,rtli,.|„ liuli.i the Yew emulat Cedar 111 SI/.,.. „. ,|,.,.a,K.,iee m N. Euro ay lie due tt Innate, or the wo. ..^...•ely tax. ses. all the may li.'n,. I.,,.,, tofUHTly in, .re .seVerely tax t,,r e..,,i.,.ii,i,- ..11,1 «,.,rlike puip,«es. all the wi or unjirotected trees being thus destroyed. List of Remark.\bi.k Yew Trees in Irelax og Girth of trunk at 3 feet ait OK Locality. ground, except wLere oth ~ wiso stated. (ilencormac, Co. 17 feet 6 inches; also nin Wicklow. others, varying from 1 feet to 10 feet. 1. Maynooth Col- 20 feet at 5 feet abo\ lege, Co. Kil- ground. There also ai four other fine tree dare. varying from 14 feet t 1 1 feet. 1. Carton, Co. Kil- 12 feet C inches at 4 fee dare. above ground. Tint others over 10 feet. 1. Fornac, Co. Kil- 12 feet. dare. 1. Killybairh Castle, 12 feet. Also six iitln Co. Down. trees over 10 feet. 1. Moira. 16 feet. i. ' Caiii.jallen. 12 feet 8 inches at 2 fee 1. ' l;,.,kiiianshall. 10 feet. 1. 1 n.illynui... 14 feet. ( lones Croni Castle. Lough Erne. 12 feet in girth, height stem fi feet ; circumft enee of branches 2. feet. 1. Muekross Abbev, 10 feet girth at gioui Killarney. level ; height of stem feet. 2. Milford. 1.3 feet, and another feet 2 inches. •2. Johnstown House Golden Ball, Dublin. Both 12 feet in girth. '• Yew Park, Clon- 10 feet. Loughciew, One is 11 feet at groui level, and the other feet 7 inches same heigl •J. Banneatli Castle, One is 10 feet, and there Co, Loi.th, a cloister arch of Ye- near the old churc built in 1632. 4. R a t h k e n 11 \- Respectively measure House, Slane, feet, 12 feet, 11 feet Co, Meath, inches, and 11 feet girth, and with these a four others under 10 fei 1. Rossfad, near The Rossfad Yew is 13 fe to Halli.iamal- at 8 inches above «,.!. Tlu'iH. was foniivi l> ,. Hi l,.n.lMl.Mi.il,. ('... Wickluw. but ! liii I iv,itiiii-nt killed it many y , .;l..l 111.' .Martyr's Yuw. _ Ther ilh icas, through all of which runs a stn.iin I^l■Iu'ss, are neut, deep j^reen- leaved shi'ubs, hardy as most of our commonly grown ';-, The height of the Redwood It piiMu-n.>).— It has iisualh li..ii . a the students of our treis lliii ilu if'Yew trees in the Botanic the tallest. a« it is the l.,i..-i i s W.ilk,"' A. Mis,,,, li;,vill, I.., 11 I I""' '"■ '- I I" II" ' '111'" '- Ik-c: .c jiiace n 10 trees are not large in girth, but arch over- lad in a pleasing manner. F. W. BuRBUKiE. Eucalyptus citriodora.— This species of ii-alvptus is \.i\ (lillrifiit from the Blue (Sum .-,ial deMlal.l.- >|Ua I least beinu- the fa is lever injured by r. it severe winters. n •itiiaiia lir>( li:,,l a a • amount ,,| ., it, Med towai',1- it in Orchard and Fruit Garden. -U'PLE WELLINGTON. There can liardly be two ojiinions as to the Ljreat value, both as a keepint; and a eookin-j; finit, of the .\i.ple known m tin- ■- ■•' . • Apple Wellington. Fiom a photograph sent 61/ Mr. J. C. Tallack, Livermere Park, Bury St. Edmunds. ffa considir: •Isitv of tl„ i:Ktext(iii.l li inches long, an< 1 -i also worthy of lilt of view, as the High suveral centuries ami reached a iter height. — C. S. S., in Garden and he Privet, but tl„' l,,.,-t >;,1 l-t'a,'t,,l\ l,,,.,l,> ,,t -li' • ' ' i .hIliiii,',-,! I.,, ll,,,- \,;,,- 1,, ;,,, lily enough in an uidmaiy garden frame. 1 >oi,„- ..1 y.ni i,a,lci.~ lo hear of iL liaMMKKi"«ri "ties the specific name of Vilmoriniana it is for uejirly thirty years (IStiS) in a garden in known as P. decora and P. laurifolia. The ' the west of Ireland (Co. Leitrim) unprotected .,t'l,M t,,,|l,,l llx l„.|l,V 1 1 1,:','. "p'lv,!,: ,,„„,l,.,.|. ., 11,-1, \s\,, 1. 1 1 1 1 ,,^ i,U,-r l,;„ll>. 11,1! !,l-.! il,', ,]„- |,i..,|,i,-i l„ this prevents 11 soils known too free use ,e dlf- , i.itnr form. iM.nil theni- X crops, while I,.- ,,t fnii>. ill ( In the' Crab ing, bush-sh fr,,,,, ,sr..l, ,1 his Apple is ...ns.ilerably in- stnek on which it is grafted, ows into a very robust spread- tree bearing large fruits, pale (those here illu.strated were . «I,il,- ,,11 a .luiiillli- st.ick it .,'l\. 'I'l,i' tiiiii-. ;ii,' ii,s\ ,'li,-ck,-,l, more , .Mill al I half til,- s,/.c' .-f tl„-sc on the st,,ck. I iniist admit that the.se .smaller < learly. This does not amount to much jier tree. I akso mulch the trees with long stable litter l)ienuially, tloing half tlie orchard each THE GARDEN. ; February 20, 1897. using the manure thickly en(iU'_;h t liii.st of the grass. 1 s|.iv,ii! .mi il |iiiti' as far as the bv.nu i I' s directly on the feediiri i.,<-i, iii.i i i,o ,t to a small radius. Th.^ W lIIiiii favnurit,. .■.H.kiii- .Xpi.lu, as indeed with all wh.i valuj in this sectio :„l,nnMl v,;t'i -u,,d flavour. J. C. T.A.LL.\.CK. The exigencies c to plant a mix< this should nut tion and knowl chosen. il i- strong-vi.iiv iii'j latter an' \v;Min roots of .ill .11 '■ I or sa V t u 1111 111^ the Bperiiillv Ml the resu ably fri The be those (1 centlv itself. 1 iHiil 11 kiepsr as is Bke purposes, and 1 a rod from one avoid in future e mixed vinery, unl pyranml. \\ Imi iii:i1,.'- ii m..).. \ :ilii,-ii.li. i~ latenes>. I li,i\. -..n ii .j.,..! m .\|.iil nn.l In sfiindani, and I 'iii..hT il a- a bush. It thri a-li .jnin wli.n "■athered. After it has been ke|,i f.,i ^din.. tiin.- it b. .lies III i.jlit V.11..W. The H,.-l, 1- ^^l,ll.., anil ksbk.. Ilial .if ;'i W.H.li.jl.iie A~ a nil. I NM.il.a I'hich they can run at will. I ha\'e a good outside borde Apple Sutton Beauty. Wli Its gtloil first l|lla splendid appearai bright. 1 sweet . of good 1 fear it cataloijii lie. - Oiange, but is of : I.. II. sli is very firm am -I lii I ly dessert kinds am 11 well to note theaboNe lentiful, as I fail to see i ve seen it shown on seveia Apple Peck's Pleasant. — This variety is :C3n in many gardens, but whei-e it thrives i i,dmii'ed for its cliar skin and fine qualitj'. It fruit of it in the fruit room.— .J. Ckook. A good late dessert Apple. — Those wlm re<|uire late dessert Apples, and do not grow Allen's Kveikisting, would do well tn inelude it 111 111! 11 ...illeetion.s. It is a nieiliiiiii--i/..il fnni, iiinian.l i .t" lirst-rate quality. 1 liiM' lepi tin's v: I^ uill mill Mavill a ei.ul si ami .jali.eled The Lime on back walls. — In many gardens III.. ( 11 r.iii e.uild be cultivated for ornament ami ii-ia a- it a 111 tie care is taken when the trees are in liliii.in ami the flowers kept dry, they n.-nally .JIM' a ._. I .aiip of fruit. I saw some e\ei lleni liiiii^ 111 ill.. Lemon recently on the baik wall ..t a late vmery, the house being freely exjiosed when the (irapes were cleared. The flowers of the Lemon were usually set before the new foliage of the Vine was too dense. Unfortunately, the Apple Scarlet Nonpareil i-alue as a standard. It is an abundant bearer and nvaluable for the orchard. In northern districts .i|>.velely. -S. H. B. Stations for fruit trees.— I was pleased ' ■■ I'- lb ■ i|i. lot) advising the use of statii I'iew to indueiii tward direction and to < 1! of tap roots. I have of IS, in fact seldom plant n unless the soil is shallow ,L;ia\'el or sand. In plant i-^s 1 like to place a coupk .■ .lisi. up to the front w orchard near here some time si s were blown down by a gale PEACHES ON CROSS TRELLISES. Encloskd is a |)lan of a Peach house my emiilo 11 kiiiill\ u'ive me your advii.- ;e shiiulil .^et .satisfactoi-y results fi liiin ,'1- |ir.ipnsed, or in the nnlin t iilanl-.l .a.t and west what ilista \ I.I- li.iMi .a.li ..tli.i-; If 1 ivniei. heat thev woulrl l.ieai' good crops of frui J. R. B." *,* The class of house that is to be erecte not wi-ll adapted to the nrnpiised methorl either single or double Fkbhuary 20, 1897.] THE GAKDEK 135 [lins uml Wliitu I'a list: that I wish In k it has been m IS. I have found s many persons can digest a well-served Arti- jhoke who are iniable to eat other roots. There are several ways of serving to make them lalatablc. Tf wo liad a few severe winters l„ss trellisfs. If the i-niwd trellis li. bin the back wall the trees on the In [lit res>ilailv nearly down to the ffiui ISyringing Peach trees in bloom. l.iuh had 1... .1 MM.IV.d lir;n,l\ i |iandcil. lli'ii II"! jmn ~.:ir.'. I\ II 'til thf iv.ult thai 111.. I.lnums tail :i amount of moisture in tn _iiil: the trunks or stems, li Ml 1 1 Miner a fiee How of sap. 1 ■r,l ,,i,ly t.. liiaiiitani a ImmUIiv un,«il, 11 III, licred to_ deviate from the ii>iial i > iN|K-rience is that in many casi- iIim i\ nut their own ideas often >;'ft iIh- I I-. lu loealities, the kind of Tiou-i. mi, ■d to be studied. — S. H. Unsatisfactory pot Strawberries. — I ljn:lad to leani how early liatnhes of i>nt t w Vi les King of the Pippins and White gravel subsoil. — John Ck.vicik, T/h <• I iic/u'iita'ihaH, near 0/a>i;ioir. Kitchen Garden. ARTICHOKES IN WINTER. winter vegetable I do not think tliu drill Mirirtiis h:nr tlu- lu'st | .o.ssil ,1,- ,ail ■ III iii.iii.v uardiar,. 'I'll,, plant li.iirj .. , 'ir,\ I:, til,. w,,is? parts uf the' -arduii an,l IS a sir. Ill or orown under trees. I am ,1 t i s,r the increased liking for the wliit,' Miiicty. and of this there are two IV kinds, a long tuber and a round one : till IS the better. Another white one I uiowii this sea.son is from 8 inches to lii's iu length. By .some persons this inal growth, if it can be termed sucli. is I to the dry .season from March to .Inly, the tubers made little growth, and lli,- rainfall afterwards. T ,:iii la.t iihlm ,| I, make the weather eniii,l\ iiri\.i M as h,' 1 idlers were long at ]p1::iii iiiu ! I'lml, n t listinet variety; at any rat '. ::ii,il!i,a' s,;i,<,;i rt ill clear up the matter. The roots in question liave only been in this country one season. Flavour is a cardinal point, and this is much superior to that of the old iiink v.iriety and it IS ,.,|„allv liarilv. Tl,,. wliita oval t nber is a .,,l,iiili,l .ie,|nis,t„,ii, ,,nd no ,ai,' ,li,,nld now •i,,v, ilie ,,1,1 lorin. I hav,. keen eliarv in ad- \.„ii;nu ,lis,:i,,l,ir4 , la, ,1,1 kind till I was sure ,f tie- liar,liiiiss ,,l 111,- wliite, but the severe Willi 1 ,,t' -laniiarN. ks'.i.;. :|inte assured me on III ii ,,,,1. as the stock uas left in the soil and n,>i ,'11, » IS injured. I am aware the Jeru- s tl, III \iti, li,.ki- cainiot in any .sense be termed I t: 11,1, I pl.int, but it is well to make surj be- f,.r,- .li-ar,linu an old kind. The new white is. «,ll w,,itli ,1 trial liy tliose who areu.sually in- ilitt, r, n' t , tills \ ,Lj''tal)le, an, ar in th, -am,' spot my givt ■a! dres.sing of Inirnt garden refu.se. In \ land old leaf soil or spent manure, road- lings, and similar aids will greatly improve pi.ality of the tubers. G. Wythes. Potato Jeannie Deans.— Both private gar- deners and market gi-owers would do well to turn Onion Trebons. — Those who have not a good )nion soil will find Trebons a capital variety to rrow, as it is \-er\- liardv and makes headway in Tlip,,h-. an,l 1,11.1,1 It I,. ~lai,l tli,- «.nl,a .m-u l„it,i than most of the wliite-.skinned Italian t\ p, ,111,1 iiiak,' splendid bulbs by July or .4.ugust. 'I'liii^ tiiMiiii It was not molested by the grub. Cauliflower Early Snowball. — I used to ij-row this excellent earlv C'auliflower, but on account of the ditiienltv I had in obtaining the true Snowball, hav,' lat.ly , ,,lii,l.,l it from my seed list. If my m, iii,,i \ -,in,- m,' iijlii.it was tir.st sent out nn,!-i ili> n: ,,t I', .m- I'.aily Snowball, but noxv a ,la\- maii\ tiiiii- a,l\, iti-,' a so--alled improved Snowball of their own. The original type was a small, compact, intensely white head, just the very thing in fact for a gentleman's 136 THE GARDEN. [FEBRnARV CO If'ST lvirl\ I Im,, ,umI \\.-ilrl„.i-,.|,. W,.|V I r.il.nii n! (il.lainin- ll,.' tna- Snowliall, I would ceitainly j^KJH tin- \anfty now for first early supplies. — .1. ( 'l: WMOKIi. Raising- Onions and Leeks in heat. — These are two iini^.n liint cii.|is in all gardens, and now- a-days tlir |. .h in. i.t i.iising a stock of both in heatin>|Miiij li,i~ I.,,.. me common, I knew- one Sl^M.I I full of , sooner liad the -y 'j/it \\i-[[ cstalilis plant ran to seed. He repeated with the same result. Many peo| i spring-sown batches in heat from judgment in management. As .■sn growers have to contend with, and if he had treated u])on them, more space, which evidently enough was required, would have been left for cultural details. Attn fli.-.. f,-w general remarks 1 mi'jlit. in all taniM--. In .liscuss some of the on. "I |.i.iiiK in I li. i> .11 k. all lii.ii.^li I shall disagree, i.i ..LaliK , \iiil Mr. Wirjlil in some of his assert ]. .n- an. I '.mIm.. , a 1,..,.... !,,■ drawn anrl are practica thinning is often negle. crowd each other, wl ■ Ulll .■., !i,,| i, lilll.. ,i:n I,, ,. ,.,,,-;, 1.. a lli.ai tl..al.l... ■|-|„.v » ill n|,., Ini.l lli.at .■ l"-t ..r .■viyllniiy «ill „.|1, ll,.. i.M has early given away. By all means gro«- more nit consume it on the place. That is the enjoyment comes in, all the family .Im Books. FRUIT CULTURE FOR AMATEURS,* In- all probaliilitv Mr. Wrieht was suDnli.al « was once ujmn tree. Th..^.^ inai\.'ll,,us ,,|a-.-.a,iai i,.i,- .,t ]■.:'.'], and Nertaiin.' I !■.■.■> nn.l.a' ._;ia.-.s l|>, lull, if ni\ memory i~ in. I ,.i t.inli , \\ .-re certainly not first given in"Fniii iiiliai. I.. r Amateurs," and not one of the Mil..;,- ,, |,i. -. ni.'.l is to be met with in general laili ui.' imih a-days. Mr. \\ii he iii.ule lnMiitifiii, Tile Grape HyacinI pi..duce themselves freely at the root a so hy seeds, the Latter being only of value [ e ease of the best varieties. That representj the coloured plate — j MnscARi c'ONieuM — is one of the most charmij • Drawn for The Gaeden by H. G. Moon, 'I Muscari from flowers sent by Mr. Moore, Glasnev and the Erythronium in Messrs. Wallace's niirs. at Colchester. Lithographed anJ printed by J- (Joffart. THE GARDEN. 137 sluuly \yjat bed or iiuantity. E. HARTWK(iI AND ] Hendkksoxi are also choice positic found bearing whit l:it Dittiiii la M. AZl'liH jmce. A ti; The (Jaiuh M. HDTU |the prettic wlii M is another pleasing member of this ine of this has already appeared in ; ; while the dainty spikes of oinKs and its varieties are anions t of them all. M. b. album has iml M. b. pallidum skvbluc flowers. I 1 1 ihliil \\ 111, lilac. In all these, Mi\.l' W ■ lii\.- .-Iiaia'-li' s linking them, as it ,.,, ;„((, ( no olmin more o less either in folia-e flower, sc that the lovely new and distinct kind w fjiven n the plate, viz. K. .lolIN ,nNl, will l.r : , a. 1,1. linn loll, ,\rrvh;] aecpn-itinn sl„,Mlllfnl .a,'.. It 1- ek 11.1 Wall M. XBiLEiTi'M, a very early kind, and the It id curious plumes of the feathered Hyacinth, M. plu- | fu inosum mimstrosum, are well known md often seen M S/OMi/HNUM ind M armenia cum are w ith\ of mention isimon^ the gem t th. p tt^ is well i useful 1 i| t I I 111 11 « 1 A.llth I HI I 1 I it tl\ bii 1\ md^i « 111 1 111 1 1 ticdj 111 tilt pen^jiouiid 111 m ist s uidj s il ThP Dot s TOOTH ^ lOLEIs I Kiythi mum i | i iit 1 m the u)l luitd I 1 t I \ ih 1 1 charming f i iit mii In ii i 1- T ihuboni iiu iK I U lutitiil 1 ii|i of easily giown bulbous I nil, floweis The commonei 1 111 1 E dens c uiis ind its \ i ueties hiN 1 II 1 II _i H 11 111 111 ^aidLii 111 1 1 < II I u 11 I 1 ill futhful III 1 I 1 I t I 1 nil 1 II which tlit\ 4 1 11 ) 11 I \ >L I flower in shiubbn} b i ki like with little ii n > c ul in there aie no moie btiutiful things than these on giassy slopes with i waim sunny exposure oi again J, \ery pretty eflect is created by planting such things to succeed the winter Aconite among American : plants of shrubby habit, or for a I carpet among the liardy Azaleas I these things are very pretty and give no trouble. It should, howeve; that Erythronium.s cannot be kept .state out of ground very long without injury •ir decay. When dividing and replanting are neces.sary they may be done during the 1. summer months, replanting the bulbs in I their fresh positions without delay. The Icommon Dog's-tooth Violet - (E. dens-canis) lis abundant in some gardens, and for 1 naturalising is among the best of early flowers. Most .soils, excepting those of a heavy clayey nature, will .suit tliese ordinary kinds, wliilr t h.- several species and varieties of Aniericau .a i:,'iii are best suited in .sandy loam, or this and peat combined. will quickly becou lis, where it will The Week's Work. be stated the dry A group of Grape Hyacinths. succeed in company with the American generally. It is a native of the coast ran^ Southern Oregon, where it was discovered \i\ A. J. Johnson, whose name it bears. E Destroying insects under glass, year ago I burnt my last tobaee. ■ |.i|h r. chased a set of lamps and a sin, k ^t and have never had anv tnmlil.' will since. Before I elmimedmv svM. in. in- past V -111 .so is house until the 70° by day and 6.5° mild ; :> less « ()U° by ilay. I during the f'' and dry tlr.' half st any in Erytiironu'm AMERicAStTM has blossoms of a golden y<-llow, very Tiretty and decided in eoloiii-, foliage IwanlitMllv inail.l.d. .ni.l i ,n iM in-,,,.^' ,,,]. vellow 1,1, 1..,,],,:- »l,i,-l, l,;n.- a an-.'-rMl.,nn,l base. Tlie llu«eis uit; v,;ry huge and iircdueed in profusion, often four to eight on a single stem. , —. ,,. _- This plant is best suited in a slightly moist and I small glass bottles and are charged witl smallest two. 'I he uieotiiie is [loureil dish and placed over the lamp. TIk nlier-started Vines in \vill be approaching , i,il growths may be of red spider, glass touches ,,„l l,,,|l|.nll\ |.,mI 1m l.a.i ,■:,-,■, ,,f la-L, l,c.,ule.>'el»'..uia;4ilig attacks I'ut on a chink of air wlicn the 0°, and increase it gradually until 138 .HE (lAllDEI^ [Febkuary 20, 1897. will be needed. il. .»,.,■> ;,',mI |„/.x'.'„('',i,|,,,a i',!'',".'."|',„h" Io \\u"u tr.il v>.:ll .ll\M — . Wll.n ->HMrj l~ .Mill. Ml ar,.^,■^r,:d », li.;,|,of leaf mould may lie plaeed over the ii>. and the gi-owth which is made thi'ough ■^iveiing will be both beautifully white and <\^ ;.M.| M, ;1m KITCHEN GARDEN. 'oTATOKs stored in "pies" or " clai Hr it will not force freely. When for growing proves a cold wet much later and the crowns are th: l:ll. ^ I ■jr,M'l:,llN I of liquid manure and moulded \\\ I 111 y will become (juite large enougl: having a spell I totlie tiraeof h tlian several sharp froste. more injurious to outsiM' ■I iously upon hotbeds uaw- iid otiier early vegetables. 'a'lni'ss for packing li I lyiiis weather, ( ->il.lr, and a covering I. ml ,i; moir in thick- Ill..., 1.. mats during irr i.t llii> il.'S(..riptlon ll ■.■iipants of the ...-.■.I I.. Ii'jlit, if only .w 1 1. w ill I. .■,-.. me very Cari..!^ an. I lladishe! -Irjiil'lv i'a,'.'il"at'Tl" till' frames, if possible, before the sun .11 them, as by so doing a certain amoUS \\ armth is retained. R. P-4RKER. Chrysanthemums. LATK CHRYSANTHEMUMS. • of till- Laroe number of white varieties M. I I. , Man. I il- .aill.ir... It I,. '.III. I !.,■ r.alh.a' iii..l.a lliaii..Ma .Iv. Ihr white IS Niv.-um with late yellows are )^ the American II. \\ . W . III.- a III. .mil lat.a lliali llial Impillar variety, i~ |..all\ a 1..1I.I lial.ll ..1 .jn.ulll. wllilst the rill .it ill.' 1.1. ...Ill I- l.'v- t..iii.al and tlie colour ear, I-. Km.' .'xli,!,,! I.|..n,,,s may be had at li,,~l],,a- Mill, ..i.liiiai\ caili nation. Iving of. Iiiiii.- I- an. .ill. I \.i\'lin.' lat.' yellow and is II.' I.I l...'..i,,.' |.,.].,il:',,'. ll i- ,.r in.'.lium size ,,l ..I I n.in. 1,1 ta.i, I. a, .x-.aAthing to ■.'..I ,1,1 II I,. I lai. .a,,!,,,'., la.l.l.ai ( iem for ,1111, .J ,,, ~|„a\- I- ll,.' l..'-l |,',l.' v.'llnw I know a.'.-.l 111 a h.'al.'.l M . . ,, 'I'l I ,. '' 1 1 1. ■ 1 .1. ,. .ms , '.'.in.' ( .f : „,,. 1..I Na..' an.l lalile .i',,n/,'- 1 |.,.'t.'. Ml" (1, llill. I..|.,.in.. 111.' Il„. I„'.'i)nnii" ..t .liilv, . a d../.'n l.l.,..ia> .,n a .iil.l n,.l 1,.. .hslmdded. 1 lat,' .rin.M.n or red. Fbbruary £0, 18J7.1 THE GATJDEK 139 I not fre of tall Brilliant is s|i!.'iiiliii<;v!»4 " W. S." mentions Ivlill. ■|'.il" i m ! Mrs. Wffks for lute woi-U. Tlir>.> 1 Iiih! useless for the purjwse. — \V.,I.(I :m , / I hope "W. S." (|>a<,'o -M) u.ll .■■.ru-. ^ my poinliii'^ cuil thai I do not advoeate grow 1 ing thesr iiini.r ihi- shade of a north wall, but siniph iliji iliov shall have an eastern or west rr look where thev will eet shade I .-.ther before or after mid-day." Bmlssel in I h. -hade of a north wall will never devlop •■ I ll.mers, and mimy varieties will not rv. n Imi,,, seeinj.' tlii< trl..! t,,i l w o N,;ir, m ~i --hin iii,iii\ Vears a'^.i. I Im l. -nh - .-n ;, t:ill l\ I.IL' rnllrrl hill of plant-, »lo-l, u.,,. 1M,M,,| »,1 Iht m .spects. ^^ry. W, pl.M.llil.', I ,1 IW Ilk,' 1,1 tli.-i.ik "W. .S." to, :„l,llM,^ ,,, ,1„. llM ,,1 IK.III,.. ,,t l:H, Varietii'N, :i- 11,- :,r,' ll,,l Ilk, K 1 ,, I., -,,,,11 ,,\ ,1 ,l,,li,- with plain- 1.1 llil- .,.'li,,ii, .l.aiMll,, Sl„ali:iii will not, 1 fear, ever take a bej. jiosition. tlioipji the flowers are soft vellow cok u m lorm ana oi a |,i,a-ii, t Ido not find it fie. , i j satisfaetory. E. C. Ilill i ■ially when grown in spia Hits,'as it may then be en lis some 18 inches in lengtl ,iii,',l l,,i M,l.,ii, Chrysanthemums dwarf for decoration.— I'leasegive names of twelveliest Chrvsanthemums of dwarf liabit for deeoratioii. Fivo'kloomin- ^•a rieties of robust constitution and ,l,,cid,,| .^.k.ur- and to give a succession of likiom ai,' \Mint,,l. Proved varieties are preferred to ii.\i ,,iiiv-. Tli,, plants must be naturallv dwarf, as tlie house is \er\' low. -A. V. *»• The following sorts will proxide a suc- cession of flowers from October to Christmas : Ryecroft (llory (bronzy yelloui. La Xyiiiple- i|,iiikk Souvenir de Petite" Ann, iwliii,,'. C'ini,, V. Uurani (white and rose,. William II,, In,,- , ,11111- -sonk A. H. Fewkes (bri-ii) y.'llowi, l.oiii-,, illesli- uliitf-,, M. ( 'henon de Leehe (ro.se and yellow), I'll,!,' ,,f Malford (amaranth-crimson), Boule d'Or .lahat- Mir. . (buft'), W. H. Lincoln (yellow), I.. Caniiii..^ (white). Chrysanthemum Princess Victoria. — •Tudging bv the lieautiful examples of this rhrvsanthemum shown bv Mr. Wells at tie- Royal Hortii'ultiiral Soniety's nieetiii"- on .lanuai v ••2, it sla.illd l„, ,ii,,l,„l,.,l ni .■v,Tv"'li.sI ,,f lal,' Howerin,^ ('liiN-aiitli,n,iiin-. Il i- l,\ n,, naan-a novehy. a- 11 \i.i- -li,,uii -, , k.irj a,j,. as ili,- lUtumn of bsll'J l,v \li. W. ,s,.m,ii.I. its raiser, nd was then awai',|,,i a In -1 , lie National ( 'Iha -am li. nnnn ward of merit l,v ili,' tl,,ral Royal Hoiti,-iilhiialS.„i,.n. h, itwasdi-tiikiii,,!. 1,111 11 li I'-ali,^ ysoni.-. tl„,i|,jk '2 1 l,,i l,,i,' ll Wlien tins van, l\ i„,,,i .•hiteones. The plant 1- ,,t -t 1 arrying its Howers . 1,, t ,,11 leeds no sjieeial care 1,, lia\,' hristmas. I grew sex.ml plan 'eason, and thev were onh ,■, 11 henXiveumwason ll„ «,,n,. lowers are very Hue.- .(. 1... i,\. too lowahgii I know of o quantity of a j and snows. These simple ad\antages make all I the difference to those whose lot it is to produce good fruits and vegetables by a given date. J. C. Osier culture. — The interesting inforination given in The G.^rden on the cultivation of Osiers reminds me of the large bed of Willows which grew in an Essex garden some years ago. The gardener, who hailed from Scotland, had learnt the art of basket-making during his ajiprentiee- ship, this beiu'.' formerly a r-nnnuon thinir in Seoteb gardens, Tli,, Will,,w l„-,l in <|ii,-li,,n iticate by . and an ee of the discarded — T. these l"-iii,j -I I III a |,.,ii,l ,,f w; prevent ili,- l,ai k fi,.iii -,l 1 nej-, day Ma,- ,-li,,-,ai, ,-, ,,,|,|„., li,nt.,,i. placed tliori-ili tor a -Imll tun,, I, easy of reuunal. |„,liii,j afi,'i\i formed. On otlna - 1 li,' l,ai k \mi- being used in ik,' niiikin'j ,,t I carrying and lan— -liandl,-il lia-l garclen use. the ]ieeled Willows fruit baskets. — J. C Utilising garde SOIL FOB WIXTF.H. wcome impei\ :now only too venience of bring- 1 times i be turned over several iighly incorporate it, finally whole of the Br; Destroyers. DISEASE OF SNOWDROPS. i are largely eultivated in soi :,n,| .,,1, ll --.,,, atl,T III.' t|,,«, iin. III,- l,illl,-'a,Vl',,k,,', 111 1- t,,ilirl 1 , I,,' ,,' 1 tin- .■illll\,,li,,ii 1- ',' pl'ilil"il ^^lll,'ll , ||.,»,T :,! - ■i',,lrl ll IN kintly < ,«,,| 111,4' tl sold to gari-kai, 1 : 1 k' -:ii:ll I, nil,- are retained and planted ajiin 1 ■ t,!,!,!,, Il,,\\,i- and bulbs induecour.se. ,\ l,i, j, ■_ i,,v\ ,1 \\ -: — So far as I can tell, a, bulb is attacked after the flowering season, as I have never observed the plants to look at ail eiculy during their green state, but they seem to go otT at'terwurds as if by magic, whole beds becoming entirely worthless. Another grower says that a Plot of .Snowdrops at the end of two years did not show the slightest sign oi dise^ise, and the foliage died bright and naturally ; but thi< spring not one in a thousand put in an appearance, only a stray bulb here and there, and no sign whatever of the others. They had all rotted and disappeared, leaving no trace behind. My experience is a common one ; all goes right for a time, and then the fatal disease puts in an appear- ance and the bulbs wholly disappear. ,1,1- o! the 0 the root, the inner le bulb be- ,-s to black. attacks the ly corrobo- ,,; after the this disorder is altogether caused by Polyactis ally, 1 galanthina, or even by any fungus especially, as 140 THE GARDEN. [February 20, 1897. -I.llr, I, 111 11,,^ |;,|X:i 1, 11- mmIn IIm l.liril,' III,' tlmil p;ill ,,l tr. I . IS niite is a species of Rhizogly- I'^iiishes it from species of the III.-,- which nil,-, should riil,l,.-,rw'ith Ferns. NORTH AMERICAN FERNS IN DEVON- SHIRE. Of the liuinei(.u.s Ferns we owe to North AiiK'i'1,',1 frw. if ;iiiv. ,;,ii in.il III l„-,nity (hioclea sciisil,i!i^ ;iii,l ,Si I Mi 111, ,|,i , ; I -, ,^, I iii.uiica for size, ek'i;;iii,u, .iinl '^iiht;,! ,i |,|i,;i i .i ii,,,. as iilso for In.lii ,S;,sL,-,l,|„.u;,l, ,111, 1 l.iLr \\ii,iiii„,, t,, N,,« r.I'l.lisN,, i,-k ,,i„| „„itl,u.n,lx I,, r,-l,l,Mhalil;. .■in,l nil s, ■■ III lll,s,. |.l,„vs,- s:,\s I'iari.li (■■F.TIIS nf N,.iili \iiM,|i,';,-) -Mil,- l,arivii fr,,n.ls,,f th,, <»stn,l, |-,n,. „|,,,|, ,. ,„,,■ ,,f th,, tinrst N,,rtli Aiii.,M(.-a iT,„l,i,;rs, atlam 10 feel in length, the grand vase-like circle of foliage of this species being often higher than a man's head and some- each." ture is .soft and | ipery. tlici r surfaces are per- e con- fectly Ki,i,,.,lli. ', 1,1 lli(-ii- mde.-side sliglitly 11 this bluish. K.iiil, 1, 11,1- al-,- the il- and are s., anlik,- ill,- l,arn-i .iiics, that no one IV.- .111 tli,-i,i U, l„- r,.l;,i, li ,l„- |,l lit wnuld suppose ..tlu-r ; tlu-y stand -i-,i,i ,,f n ■ li.in-cn ones, and ■■"■'-■ l"it.-<-tly ri,^i. and lu-a, V black when fully ilants require an abundance of water at ; all the year round, and the soil which f.-r is a cmpost- of tlircc -[lart-s of >um\ ..nil -HI, I .,11,. ,.f l,-af-,,i,,iil,l. \ltl.,Mi,rli S|H ..Ions both of a St per- at rest, fr.iiu Octiilier ,-,l, p.,.l-likc body. the middle of I Fui-ii shnu-u in the foreground of the ___^^^_^_^^_^__ 111,, II is Onoclea sensibilLs, of purely -Vinerican origin, Eaton saying that it is THE PAST YEAR IN SOUTH DEVON. day found growing wild in wet meadows In making the usual comparison between 189(iand lickcts from New Brunswick to Saskat- the two immediately preceding years, we find ii iii,,'s,.iitlnvard l-kan-,is 1,, |,,,i li,:jjtLH^ cermaniea at the hack, with Onoclea sensibilis photograph >,ent by Mr. Mayor, Paignton, Devon. i-li Da,-,.t,-i l:,-aiilllill I'', iiii.l,,iiM,.,lly ,,11,- .,1 i,^;.,, -j..,s;- in is.),;. 77-0" ,„ IM!),",, and 72-9° in 111,- ,,l,list. It 11, ,t th,- \,-iy ,,l|.iin.j ,,t IMIa, ■ Th,- lal-Ji- -lali.l.M.I \l,, .|i,.li.-', "- |il-'iil-- .,t Ih- 1 In,-.. X,:,l. .\, Ih, |.,,- l.\ ..V, 1- inii li.inrs. .Jian.lllh.ia liim ll..».i.-.l « . .m 1. -i 1 n Ih „,-ll. im 1 .1 -|i,-|| ,,| ,||,.,| , , „ , .,| 1,,,, „ ||,,.|, ,|i,,ii|,| il . ,,||. Tli. 1 ainiall l,„- 1896, 20 -S'i inches, is nearly H li'-I hi. -Ill ..|..-inmj 111 ll„- mid. II.- ,.t .I'l ami ih.- ' ■ h,l a l,.,lin-ahi a -.",. xx 1 1 1 .h.iil.ll,- . -, ,,-,'-,. In- I..I..H III., iiveracrc whiuli stands now at la-1 h.-iii-a .-III 111 t).-l..l..-,. hiiiimj III.- - „,., ,, 1 "'1 iii.'l,.-, isn.-.. «itli :;i-:;7 m.-h,-. m.t .|iii(,, a i,.j 11. llM.imli IMII \i nil 11- li.'aN X a.j.jl.'aal.- |s:i--., ,.»in-j 1.. Ih. hml l.iiil. ll.'-ii'i-, .l.-li"..'xV-!| I'.v ■/'"'■'/"",'/. S. W, 'l'. r; _':; m.-li. - i.nn.j- nj. iiir lainia'ii t..i ll..' :; . 1.. In4|-J lli.'li.-, an ax. la.j,, . .; :;r.SII iil.'li,-. . 1. -!,..»- an iiilinil.'-iiiial ' a.lxaii.'., ..n lli,' Ih.- tl..-l. Ih,- .-n.l ..1 S.-|,l.-|lll..-l h.-al a|.|,la,-i,-li.-;i l.'il a doz,.n or so, had expanded. Rommva ('..ul- Flower Garden. „,, t,.rlli,' |.a-l 17 N.ai-, OllI ,,t tl„, li.lal i.ii has in some gardens done remarkably well in ,■■ - tail .,t -jr. S-J ,,i,,l„.:. 17a;.-. ini'll,-. ,.1 alH.ill .■,., llnnl>. t.ll ,iu tlic luNt luui- m,,litli-, ll,.- taIN -int.- ..f the dry weather, one strong plant that I -a« lM-in.,r S feet in heiebt and the pint,,,-,. „f PLANTING MARIPOSA LILIES IN h.-allh. Thisrbai-niin.j- lil,,,,! is son), an at t iin-l i.m THE SPRING. ii.l Au.ju>f m^ajregating only 2-)li\ in. h. -.' ■Iln' ill >!...« ina the greatest rainfall VM.> 1 (.•.■.■ml.. a . ,itli 7;i7 iiiL-hes, which amount, liu«e\t;i, tails ::!^:^i:iB^''iJX^^ From practical experience I liave found tliat these e.xi|uisite and fascinating Howers of early lliorl by over half an inch of the record for and will become rotten to the very roots it -nl,. aiim,imi- may in.l only with impunity be planted toveinber, IS'J.i, namely, 7-98 inches. jected to stagnant moisture, discretion imi-i l„ .11 Ih,- |i,-n-M-,il iini,-. but that the result will be The anemometer shows ISflO to have been slicrhtlv " uillily tliall IS'.la, ll... l,.lal b,.ll/..ntal lllnv,'- exercised in this matter. It is vcrv imiialnni .,t ,-n„tdistnrbi,nrn, ur mi-. -ht be lift, ,1 at th. a |, ,.,,.... h ..t wint.-r. I.iit fi.im mv . -x , ..-i ,. -m-,- .,t ll,,- plain |,.-,t.-, ilv -ati-ra,-t..iy aial their flowering a eom- hli'tn -1,.-.-.---. ,,r.,x,.h-.l , lx,,,x . ,,r r-,. ;-,,,t .-.■ a.jain-l vj.li;! mil. - m'lli,, lall. ,, \iai,,i,. Mill, ua.s thi- uiiMJi.,..! 1.1. .mil in III., la-t lliivr ,1-, the horizontal movement reaehinn- l(|,4,S(i ].lants hax,- 1,.-,-,, in ni..-l ,-a-,- .l»a,|.-,l 1.x lli.- IV. -..,,, ,11. -|,ili-.l 1-, 1V..111 S, ,,l ,, I-, 1 ; , ■-.,,,. 1„ , .1 lil,,-r [,.-,-,0.1 111 Its, -If ,1,1.1 .,n.. ihal 1 h,-ix.- ll|.,„i III.,,,, than one occasion extended to February and even to early in March. I wa.s first :. -. while in May, the calmest month of the (h-OUgllt, a .jaiil.-ii in a l..\\ |,. .-It 1 1 1 1 . a nj 1 1 » 1 1 1. 1 1 , ..nly 4612 miles were registered. Sejjtem- 1. isll.-i, however, with a record of bur M17.'i il.>. holds the place of honour as il alim-M ...nili in the three years. Tlie .ji.ai.-i ,l:.ils I...itv during the past year xia- 7'.io mil. - and eo.ilhax m-j 1..-, ,, ili,-.„,ly ..,,,- ihat ha- ...im- tninpted to try this season for planting the ( ahiihorti tiearly twenty years ago T belin\-.. it «as in |,S77 or 1878— by reason .,f l,ax- t., dnal "iih a x.-i-y line sample of .s..ft ,-lay. xxhi.-b ,alli-t' S(i-2 miles in lS|).-,."h„t 111 111. ..l.;il.-l -a.-h. I..r Ill-Ian.-.-, a- a w nl.- 1 .a n k . .f II. haul liil- "'■i-' ill.- st,-,|i|c soil of the gariK-i,. .Ml Imlhs ■iiih v,.|...-ilvtli.,|i...i,.-..t |S1h;-Ii.,« an iiii'iva-. . ll...>r ..f III., imm.ah.il. 1> |,i..,a,,lii|,^ \,.ai. t|„. -'i|'k',''.'-'~|"' [',''] '.''"7"] ''" """''■" '""'- '"'] ■■' '""' Inli.l la,l,n-ror,,>,ly m.-nl,- a misn.-a'bl',- a'tt.'-'n'p't -iliiii'"! 1" ' !,'■ I.m liii,--- ..1 A. ,|iini..-ii-. Mil -jh -ll Il..xw-„m4-: and n,y ,-„,|,l,,ynr xxas xxa-U-m.^h '•• 1 nf The ;!(i.-. .lay,, tb,,'«iiid .lii,.aiV,ii ha- 1 h.- .Iiyil.'— ..t 1 h.- -11 111 111. -1 m..m h- w a- . -a 1. i ila l .-. 1 tii'il "t I . '1,1 11, ,,.-.! and lepeated inircliasinu- and . n -..iilherly to westerly. The oz ■ i. -t -h..^ - ■-''III-, -.. t. XX Ih.xinis in return. But this" was iM.iage of 58-1 per cent, foi tli.. \.:ii. ih. imninnil.v In ,m ram ami « ,,,.1. w l,,.-li in | ,. ii. ., U , ,t ail .-liaii..;,-,l In 1 ila 1,1 1 1 1. 4 in January or February. Ill tins |.ai-iii-nlai- imstaiice it must be clearly iiii'l''i^t 1 that ;„itii,,,n plantim^ after leiieatell trials 1, ml s|..;i,all.\ f,-„l.-.l. s.. that n, su.-x-st,iin jh.-i percentage recorded beino !iii, liii.. 1.. imj I'lail iJuLal.-j,pui-iiutluil aii'un)ntei-ni|)lud displaN , ni w Inch the individual beauties were at least as a. h.d on nine occasions, namelv. mi..- in th.. ..nlbs,,f.7aiinary. May, and Octo'lHia ami tini..,- Maivhan.l Dnrember. On all tl,.- aa-n.n- long-lived as would be the case in any but an . "ui.l wa- -...iith-westerly. On thi.-.- .lav- in ideal summer. ti-m|,l ,-',iiy .4r,.»er of tiicse thing.s, who has a - .\.ai 11.. -i.jri of ozone was found, the dates Til.- >.,\,-i-,. .j-alr that was i-x| ,.-,-i. -,„•.-. 1 towards ii.j .laiinai \ :;ii and 31 and Februarys, duringa s.iil just th,. i-e\er.se and wlio suceeed.s by plant- in.^ in aiil,n,m. to make the slightest change. That ih. |. -I M-ar has been a tryintJ- one for tlic ^MIll l-iill Ihal l.-ll ..11 Ml, nl\ ,,,,1,. .,,1, ..1 ||„. 1!mi It IS i„.„n tlian likely there are many who .1.1, «ill l,.-.j,'„,aally a.lmitt.-.i: fll. ■ | ,l a. t ,.a 1 1.111-, .lax- ..I ih.- „ ih. xxa-' niial.l. 1.. i.-.-,,x,-i in-i.^ Iiaxn li,-,-„ similarly plac-d, and who would -nil. a- ..t J1..-I. th.. I,.x>,-I .ji,,- l..lll|,. lalin. ^ a-in 11- i-mh- laill.-limj. .\,- ,.-,,-:, .1- imlixi.l.ial 4l-i'll.\ '41"" lln^si' IoN.'l.\ ll,ixvni-s if they Were •ed r.-l xx,„l|.| hax.- en for tl .- hi-1 .-n.ht 111 ifall. XXI ieh was , K i-' ,n ilh.-i al...x.- th, ,1-, 1,— 1 tallun. ban half ,.f Ih, Added to till- h ng practically )rded the wilted foliag. less for rigour. Freshly planted fr re heavily mulched, soon showed sijfns 'ot . drought, especially where the shifl had ■n place at the commencement of the ' 1^ -"I ll"«'-i-, lain- hax.-ha.la I _- -.,,„„,,, "1 1 1.\ assi„-,.,| ,,f s,,r,-,-ss. halned, I have pur- • ■I'li'liii'a t,..ni .Max li. 11,-1, ili,-i. il„- I.I - ..,, I 'li.i^i'l bulbs of (.•al,.,L-horti early in February in ''" "h"'' '■''""" "'"■ '"" 'I" • '•! iial . tbe London sale rooms, and (lowered the plants 'li""'-l|' 'li'l ii"i |.i.-x.-iii th,- .-i|.|.. ,ii.-,n, ,- i.f Ih,. in July of the .same year, the resulting growth XX, 11 kiiiixx II .Maih.iMia I ., I X . I Is, -a-, 1 a a , a 1 1, 1 1 1 ,, i , -. j lieing good and the flowers numerous. Again, ', - ' I'l-njni' I- ■hiiihtli— ,,,,,,,- |ii,-xal,-ni .some years ago I |ilanfnd a large nmnber of l",""'-^ "'', -'"""i'i~- II"' -'"■■'ll''l -^xalll|, varieties in a L.indoii inii-nrN , ^i batch that ■■'liixx'n ni'ii'-it ,m','i!|,|ni'-!',','-'',','mllx''!|'i,,l^','l'''j'lnar',, "'"^* ''"^'^ totall.-.l maii.N bnndreds, at much lil,i",,i,-.l M.-ll, .-|..-i-iall\ III.- iii-,"-,i-i'n'i.!l -ilih'.'.n'.'.'l! ""'"^ •'*'"■"' *'""-'' •""' "lii'-'l' iit- flowering ih.- .jr. .1111. 1, 111 s|,ii. ,',f fi.-,|i,.-m xxai.-i-,,,-.-,"xx'a- ' ^■'""^''^"'^'"^ perhiips the finest lot I remember i,ir I..., ,ln I,. I I h, ir -n|,|„.s,-i| m , ,l-. lii-,-,.fall "I'l'in twenty miles of London. I mention s.-.-ii..iislilo..in.-.l xx.-ll. i. .irmniahs ,,,ni,.,-i .ji-.„,n,l I il"-^'' ''acts to show the experience is neither lii-iiig especially tine, 1. aurea and 1. .\|o„„n.,i e.xeeptional nor isolated. In the.se instances being also freer in bloom than usual. English the routine of cultivation was to leave the bulbs Irises flowered profusely, but were rather smaller in the soil in summer as long as any vestige of 1.1 142 THE GARDEN. [February 20, 1897. life was apparent in leaf or Ktem, tlien to lift | lii,'l and place in boxes of sand, with enough ofjClii moisture in it to keep the bulbs plump and om firm. Later on the bulbs were put into dry I tlir (■■and for the winter, and, jilaced nn a dry slii'lf ' (li,i I'f ul at certain seasons. as H ell as a sheltered icicl on hard ground. iiy who have failed under ])revailing soil is light all well drained, it is tlirse cli.-iriiiiiiL; flowers II tlic ..|irii H itlidut pre- K..r .'X.niMilr. the light the sake of (Ir.iiii.ine, >'v s.iiiii' frw 111, 'lies rriimved and afew rlllikiTS put II, lis l.l.ire 'I'l.rli.l ,1 , .| ,t h of some IL' lllrll,,s .if s,,|l si,.. Ilia 1„. tlii-..»i. in. f..r which the uiixtiiie fn.iii the old |ioltiiiL,' si.il heap will answer adiiiiraWy. Thi.s old soil will need no other preparing than ridding it of crocks and other refuse, and having made it moderately firm, plant the bulbs at 2 inches or 3 inches deep. In such a place these Calochorti would be best planted in autumn, using the lights to throw off exce.s.sive wet. E. J. Primula obconica g-randiflora. — Compared itli till- i.i(liii:iiy f.iiiu this is certainly a great ii]iiii\ i-iiieiit, iiaitii-iilailv ill the size of the in- with the highly cultivated garden forms on one hand and a" true species on the other ? HAKDY BULBS AMONG SHRUBS. We liave so often spoken of the advantaged to be derived from growing bulbs amongsJ shrubs, a system whicli is now adopted bi* many of our readers, that we need not mucl' enlarge upon it here beyond calling attentioi to this fine example of Miss Willmott's gar dening as shown in her photograph fron which onr illustration is made. No doub the mutual aid of support and shelter in sucl mixed arrangements tends to the health o the Lilies and the finer bulbs. In a ccuntr- like ours, where we naturally cultivate a grea Group of the white Turk's-cap Lily in Jront of Rhudodendrons at Warley Place. a photograph by Miss Hillmott. they were always a success. In many other | dividual blosEOms. When better known the gardens special raised bed is at once ' riety ,t fa colour, bhaL tli great variety. A veiy simple and yet effectual way of grow ing these Mariposa Lilies in (juantity fi ground, may be made i it of a size to suit som cut .stays driven into the , attempted erussui- Uic .iiiyiiial «ild tyiju ut i>. icure. If possible make | sinensis (as near as such could be obtained) with of the portable fr.inie- obconica, or have all the attempts so far been many plants from countries that are forn ■J*^^'* what warmer than our own, the shelter ai /,",,,,il I comfort of the shrub and eveigreen may hai \t I In- 1 a good efi'ect on many of the bulbs which c "ll.i«, . better in such conditions than when ful '""''■ exposed in a border where every bit of sv ii^yi,!^' or storm acts directly upon ihcm. The vliil.i'i may also be some subtle advantage in tl 1- il"' I intermixture of roots, and we think there '-'' '" evidence of this, because when ground is ei ^ 11^,^1 I tirely given over to one tiling, as it often j and must be in the maiket or nursery garde , the soil is more likely to get tired of that oi thing than when a variety of vegetation grown. In Nature there is [much of th intermixing of roots, and the syste Kbbruabv 20, 1897.J I'HE G ARBEIT, 143 ks very well, as wo may soo in wooil?. ^ lere the wil 1 flowers succeed each other ,ho saiuo spot of ground, and where the ious activities and decay of the roots are iig on in the same bit of ground, exhaus- of any one thing is less likely to occur, lien there is tiie question of the charm we by associating wholly dillerent tyjies of I ! and of the background we gtt from the liferent greens, and the light and shade vjich come from the association of evergreen, ilriduous and hardy plants, eo that the a.hetic advantages of the plan are clear, hm the root point of view alone we believe t,re arc so many advantages in growing d'erent kinds of plants in the same ground t"roughly well prepared, as it should be, that fl look for a great accession to this kind 0 lower-gardening in which the springtlowers ir,'ht precede those of the summer and the a umn in the same piece of ground. Xo doubt, 11 ■ all other kinds of gardening, this must be djio with jud.i^'inent if it is to Eucceed, but the is much room for it in arrangements of h dy flowers. Can anything bo uglier than wat is called the Rose garden when wdiolly doted to the Kose, as it so often is '. Is it a" wonder the ground gets tired of Roses if itiias only one chance of digesting the mass olnanure with which Rose beds are usually yclamen europaeum. 'Wimii. W,,ll, i~ tlie ditlerence lietween C. in liiiler.-efolium? In most nur.scr I treated as synonymous. TIji I Mlanien in flower in my gar 't -" pointed as that of neapol I'lirpir ami rather insignificanl ' ". Can tliis beC. coum?--Sni nulaobcouicarosea Thisi.sii -I J. rnl,.,! Iiicak in point of cc ■' ' '1 lii tlie above-named s] '■''•''''•• 'I' \i loped plants are secuir ' "11-^ ot spikes, the plant will c li iii;.;e among mid-winter flowci iiira is just the reverse of form: "I flower. At tlie Kime time th .11 lip. M rclamen coum.— As a supplement to mv „ -"'l 1 "''^■^' ''•^■-'.'^"'*'"^ "^y'"'^ "■*'''e lately Ileal charac of plants may possess, Imt hoti nearly enough to th» Boi.ssier's "Flora Ori observe that ( '. iheri s a variety of ( '. eoum, be connected by iinper- ■As for (;. Alkiiisi, iberieum (Goldie), of w hioli i know aotliiiif{, \. IS a distinct species.— C. Worj.UY-DoD, Edijf. ] M«/pr,^. FLOWER (4AR1)EN NOTES. I'Hol'AiiATION OF HARDY PLANTS.— AlthoU<. leliiA r ill the autumn priipaL'-atidii of hardy pi. ' large I ilants with irtions of the treat- rd, is otted iirlet, t rical small I o their While, isolated lie true lliiig to I'lssible. iMsethe istancts I 111' one - ; each lit con- Ins con- I ilants • d. and It they ley may ustance iiliersof ; each ilants hand i that ural- irmer ;He, the ■ of the Hardly tinii can be ;ii\eii, piopurliuiialeh Milieis. Naturally, if big stuftis available a iiiuleh can be applied and the hose kept going. If a hot, dry Phlox Drummondi.— Rememberinj,' the long asoii over which this annual flowers, it is surpris- lU that it is not miieli more larjrely used for singularly lovely things easily raised from seed get overlooked. Few of such plants bloom longer LJ 144 THE GARDEN. [Febbuabt 20, 181 or liave nioi aniiii.il i'lil. them ,1- -^ varici 1. - ;ii. thos.- ,il ,-,ii flow.-.'. Ih„ canuiiir. IV. stroiiL' |.lni workiil ~,iil apait iIm\ .—A. Planting Water Lilies.— I have here a small artifirial ikhhI imt more than 1.5 feet in diametii in wliii-li I wisli 1.1 o-row one or two of the n.\v kinds.if W.-ii.i- Lily. (•;,,. y.,ii kin.lly t.-ll m.- :it what .l.|.il, IhI.iu tl,.. MirV;,.... ,,f i|„. „i,t,., tli.' Lilir.sslHMil.l l„. |,l,.,n|...|. tli..|..~l tiiii.-toi plantii,.., and tl,.- tw.. l,.-l kin.l,- f.ii .■,,l.,iii- a-, » ,11 a> f..r hardiness ?— \^^ H. M. *.* Plant at a depth of from is iii.li.,-; t.i .'in inches :fill uj) the pond at once, and plant in Ajiril, Among the kinds you can get, Marliacea carnea and M. Chromatella will not disappoint you. — Ed. THE IVY-LEAVED AND^EUROPEAN CYCLAMENS. (iAKl.KN-s aif generally well furnished witli h..r( plant- ill -priif^, l,nt" in aiitnnin tli.v ai.^ „ft espe.'i;ilh .l..|i..),.|,i in il„. i,,;,ii.t .il ll.,«.a-i plant- Til.. .\mI„„.|i:,v, Ai.iI.i- al|iiiia, .jol.l. Hownc.l ,\l\-iiiii. SaMlia-.-. ,V.., al.' ,.11 -piil flowi-ii I i.j kin.lv. i;\. II ih.'l.iiialr.' Sai-.iii- \"h,l. as iV.-.- Il.iu.i'nrj in'.-.niinn'i'i ;,'- tl'.A'';'ii.. iiV-ni'n plant u cool ,-. this sr hea,i.. III.. tlr:,tlllrll( 1- .•n.lll.MI-ll I |.,.tiinj.- he really needed, it Ik: iiriiileal i^fa.L.iy in i-\ii'\ \\:\\ |i. i-^ilile and do not s .'.MIS begin to e.xpand : then a slijl.i ill I"' all the better, as the pale Mne II. .w. Ii.iwise be in a measure soniewlhii li I. 111. I the weather be very li.it., i^ it ..ti. .i.K tlie end of June an.l .,.il\ iii.lnlx. ..ly when the growth l..-.'.iii.~ ,i.ii\.. ,■. ak manure water oecasi.iii;ill\ ;ift.'i' tie- .|..ai-. Do not tie the sho.itst.io close 1.-- already given, nor indeed at any til II I.e dispensed with. — Plantsman. iPruning' Azaleas.— A good deal of |ition exists touching the amount of [rk that In.lian Azaleas will stand or. .luire. Oil takili.j .■li,n-,...f s...n,- MTV IjH'e a llttl... I, lit I.I III.. |,l:il,|. .j,..» 1,...K al turallv. All .-vti,. -i -^ -I i ..i m., iiia\ I iched Willi.. .^r.nMim ,iii,| « ill l.r.ak a. .am inty of tim.. tu luini Uuuei IjikI,,. .V nice anced and regular specimen will by this meat built up, and the regular flow of sap all ov plant will cause the production of flowers lally all over. Many cultivators are aver.si itting even the smallest bit of wood with the %ers, but this does no harm, provided the plant he iL'th lilt. The plan! eaiii. li.iii 13 of Mr. J. Bradshaw, The (nan-j. . and the fact of it,s bearing foil I . if ii- .,.nv spikes of ve,l,lish eolouied ll,,«els .Il,.at...n ..I ._.... at -I r. lejl li ..f liulb US ..I ...ill 111 ... all. I w .. w .1.. ^..iii..\\ hat sur- I -,, lianiK..li|. a |.lalil Ha- parsed un- lli,. n..ial ...liiliilll..... Tl... M.ikes of Notes of the Week. Note from Cork.— The weather here is de- IJ.jlittiilh iiiil.l. I never saw Datibdils in bloom -.. . .rl\ a -hi-et of bloom in another week. I'l iiiiii- I'l—aidi is covered with bUiom. — W. Bay- Galanthus Perryi. Narcissus cyclamineus. — Some freely- ..«. 1...1 ina--..s .if this prettv species were in- 1,1.1.. I 1,1 M,...s|.s, r.ai,-..,.xliil,it at the Drill Hall 1-1 \\,.i.k. il... 1. 1. .--..111^ a|.|...ai.in(; to advantage mill 1I1..M. ..t Sill, will. i|i-. Sii.iwtlakes and the >iin-leave.l S.|.,ilN. Leptospermum bullatum. — This readily ttains to '2 feet or .S feet high, though its innu- H-raVile pure white blossoms are abundantly pro- 11. ...1 ..11 plants niueli smaller. For a cool house I- a pi. fly plant, nf easy culture, and when in Eriostemon linearifolius. — As implied by the l.i.ims lemaiii fiesli f..i a e.nisi.lerable time. Ficus diversifolia. — A small bush of this ini.iiisaiKl intiiistiii.,; member of the Fig tribe 1 .111.. ..f till. laij. Iiiiiisesat Kew has numbers I iniiiiai 111., tl lilts iipiiii it. The species is of com- a. t lialiii. till l.a\.s small and leathery. It 1...m1iI make an atiiaitive pot plant when bearing Crocus Imperati.— Small circular groujjs of I- interesting species, together with such as Snowdrops at Kew. — The chief feature of .. \\ ai ill., piesent moment is its tens of thou- 111. Is ..I Sii.,\\.l|..ips that literallv eariiet the i blossoms appearing now and again amid the ized and witnered foliage of the Ferns leave Galanthus AUeni. -This bold and handsome 11111 is doing grandly at Kew in the herbaceous luiiiul, where a tuft of it bears some dozen or 1 1.. ,.11 ,,r lu liii..l\ pi...p..i li il n..\v..i--. In some l|;i,l. ,- ill. I. ai'.p.ai- I., lia.,. I i. . Il a ilollbt CX- I. --. .1 :i- 1 1. 1 II. p.i man. Ill \al.i. ..I tills superb ground. III. litil. -i.ini e.^^liim has been two or till. . \. ai- iiii.li-i III III .1, -.oliiatthe increase of the lull!.-' m.i. ] I. ill ..I tli.-ir vigour maybe Adonis amurensis.— In this w. Iiim- a plant whieh will doubtless commend its. It t..all |..\.rs .if.-li.iiee luildv flowers. Of its liiantx lli. .■ .an Bondeletia amoena.— The value of the genus here named for free and almo'it continuous flower- Megasea Stracheyi sistent foliage ai . subjects all the w i reveals greater perhaps one of of a I'litifi^ed bank. The Silver "Wattle ( Acacia dealbata) .—Among the most characteristic groups of ])lants which constitute the wonderful flora of Australasia, iii.i„.lia-.l,..l(] am.ii...ii taut , il.i.-.. in Km . .1 ..an common greeiili. distinct, and. p. beautiful of the fortiinatelv, it e; a small p-i't plant divided into minute and niimlierl.-- 1. all. 1 -. u In.li are of a beautiful silvery hue, anil i.-inrj .rjnn-t them are the soft plume-like iln-i.i- ..1 . 1. n yellow flowers. It is rarely that one -.j.s ~ii marked a combination of beauty in flower and leaf. For cool conservatories with a height of 20 146 THE GARDEN. [February 20, 1897. feet or more tliere are few more desiralile iilaiits than this. Sternbergia Fischeriana is amon<. iIm - earhest flowers of the year, and, so far a^ . ,, seen at j)resfiit, likelv to urove an accini-ii FloM.iiipj al K<'\\ in .■|'m-,uiii .-iihI -1hI|,m,.I 1»„ first siM^nn ;,l wards, tin ali S.Fisel,.. ,,;,,,: and has mmw I •oclvKar.lena,„ll,k,- places. Galanthus Ikarise.— Among recently intro- >U1,1C .-|M.,.l, -. W I,,.,, l)lant will .Iniil.tl.-N 1 when its fiill,-i l.rant' Cineraria kewens ,V'''i-'':-i". an.l plants are now in bloom in No. 4 Hepatica angulosa.— The earliest flowers of this iH-aiitifnl plant ale now exj.anding, and a few given it, (ieiui ture, though pa combined go a sui-eess. Smok..- something of the shade in whiih ili. II. i an. a delights, while the roots may raml.l. ai Mill li, the light peaty mixture so "well -nil.. I i., tin- Azalea. Rhododendron prEecox.— Tlie greenhouse at this early season ..f tlie year owes much of its ■ightness to forced hardy plants, and among the :iiiv that .an lie used for the purpose, none is -al i-ta. i.iiy of its kind than this hybrid li'"l.i'|. iMln.ii. "Naturally a very early bloomer il> tl.iH . 1 l.nils are burstinL' now in the open — n.|Mir.- lull lull, f.iiviirj. ' If it l,a> been lifted iiI-hI. ali.l pi.l li. I III la I.- a 1 11 III I II I, the pro- rli..n i.t a niil.lK lii^al,.! tiaiii.^ Mill sntfice to 111- II i.ii- l-I.M.n,'l.v ilir nil, Ml.-,. I .b arv. It Mooreanum.— I am sending you a .■ aljove from a plant carrying twelve il.iiim. The plant from which this III flowered last August, and then had k, s all in flower at one time. After I ill.- conservatory, it was stood out- tin- f.iliage all died off, and was housed «h. Senecio grandifoli \alue of this fine t-en pointed out e a noble crown to ea. lilant is a very accomi: g bAck close to the old the flowers are past, it, s 111 pots may be grown inmer. It is a native of also as Senecio (Jhies- The weather in West Herts.— A week of rbangeable, but on the whole unseasonably warm weather. On the coldest day (the l'2th) the tem- perature of the air never exceeded 40°, while on the 14th the reading was 52°. There occurred but inch. Since the present month began there hai been thirteen sunless days. Crocus Impera came first into flower in my garden on the 14tl whicli is nine days later than its average for tl I pre\'ious three years, and a month later than la; year.— E. M., Berkhaimled. Lenten Eoses as cut flowers.— May I sii} ,j.->t t,, \,.iu .',.1 M-p,.iid,-iits who write on th -i(l,j,. I t'li, 'ji,-,,! a,l\aiita.j,' , .f -plitting the sten l.,f,,i,- piiiiiii'j 111. I I,, NMii.T. Ihavehadthei lalk into four stn].-. may also 1 I. Many other llcw, i- \\lii.-li ai ved in water may I"' ti , ;it. ,1 siiii the large-flowered ( 'l.ni;iti-i-s.Mi. a and its varieties, which will hr a bng time, and if faded wi These if not split are almn: .lie nearlv as soon in water as oi ill her liouse. The mag iitimation that Sir Edw .Is. to the fund for tl iijinon, as was suggesti l,..f..i.- llic Cmrt. but tl -,ni-li,,l xMil, til.- uniK gardener, said although he be was not the man who aifii i.c, Mr. Rii-kntt. for fli.- t ,,11-,-. said he would look upon any rept-tituui : -, I i,)us ott'ence, and should not deal with it wit I. -aiiie leniency. National Chrysanthemum Society.— Tl Names of plants.— C. HocUey- picta ; 2, Tillandsia sp. ; 3, send floweis concinntim ; 5, AdiaLtum tiapeziformo Legrandi. 19. SATURDAY, February 2/, 1897. Vol. LI. " This is an Art Wiiili does mond Niituro : chMiifo It nitluT I'liK AiiT rrsELC IS Nature."— SAoi-fspeni-e. THE GARDEN. 147 0 CHARD AND FruIT GARDEN. SHANKED GRAPES. iits i)f Vinos aro punnitti-il t .sli.-uikiM- must f..ll,,« i„ , nlFl, s. \lrllt for a time IMS 1. ,U' ■1 tl .■ Ul i "po by ■.[I, 1 111 Ihls IS ( nly a toiii- uist ill tl IS to lift the roots :iii.l ioain ore ov U- ss fortili.'.l ■ sili, }U iiri .ll .111 lir s, ' u,\. 'i\'i si r. 'I'llr ll .r i„ ■Wr'ls ulil.'h h;i.l ll s,,|l ,s ,,| l.Mi.lrrsn, '"'■'■■l^ ll)r..|:,ssslH„,|,| lH.sh:Hh-,li..l;, ■■ Hi'' liln,,., ,s ,l,.,„. I,, K.t tlR- Im.ls '»ly Ulll„,„l |.lvss, ,,,.,;,, 1.1 nllly a iu.hIo- sIh.uI.Hk. I,-,K,.„ ,|„S s..,S„„, but this ■ '■'■V "ill '"-• of more value than r, ml'■ artitieial f 1 ; n, tan, ili,.\ „,il most perfect and ample kind? I have known any man or set of men who would ni inside Vine border enough water un- '<'■ pirsoii in charge kept his eye on the or, l„ ttii' still, performed the leading I'l I '■ I " . . t'l anisof sli.anking, or rather tlien^ '■■ in.nn lans.s of shank, n.4-. Trrlini.a llv. i"^al,s,.sf,,,iiiastop|,am.,,t||i,..,,|,|,|,„.;,;a ''l; l"ltlu-uro„ll,,,f,h,(;,;i|„.s,i,.i.,,IK ,alilu just when the k.st swelliii" I.,- ins f mayari.sein the case of inside l.oi.l.is drynes.s of the roots. The svinpt,,nis in |a.seare not the same, as there is an al.s, i„v '■ lol.L'- joint,.,! « I a,„l .1,.. I I *•< Some of tlie •e*vere growii in : Hlhilaced wholly l.-'li,,v,l,.,.. , 'l. 'pei-ly hi acold, wet .soil. ( ;,nll.aii.ii 'yof pasture-land .should n..i ..l.|,.i ■teller having a few h.ads of th.- t..i. I . ii.e b,,rdersin order. Tlie gmund, if, bbed too deeply, ,.,an soon be put right again ' lis is the ease and plenty of spur,-* 1 1 , 1 lioiiiTh the e are no bloom-buds, t must lie in the variety. — J. C. EARLY STRAWBERRIES. To have these ready for gathering in this anc the early part ..f next in, .nth givat skill is re quired in the inana._;iaiii.nl ,.f llie plants, 'i'l varietie-i .should be I'lniiloyed, an.l th,. plant,.- nnist have had a long sea.son of growtli. sp.. i.i .111' being taken to secure perfect m.ii iii.iti..ii. I'll., first lot of plants must have been si.iii..l II.. I lit r than November, with another batch t. f..ll..» lli.se in December, and forcing must n,.: ll. Iiiirii.d or failure will result. When tln^ In.s I,,,. I carried out, the fruits in the fir.st men towards maturity. Before removing them see tliat they are free from fly; fumigate if neces- sary, and support lli. fnnu l.y iwigs of Birch or tie them to sli..ii lal, an.l raise them high enough to el. .n il.. s..il and the rims of the pots ..dHo. ri\ 111. Mill-, fi..i-lv amongst 111,- plants tui.-.' .liil\ ...1,1 n,\, !■ allow them to t.-,-l III,' u.ilil ..I \Mil.a' \s .jl.al il.anallds will I.,, ma. I,- iip,,n III,' .....t-, the plants iiinst be fed uiili si imnl.aiits daily until the colouring period ri.ints started at the commenooment of the \ear .are now sending up their llower-spikes, ,an,l before the Howers devh.p fnmi'at. ..iice or I wice even if fly is not |ii earry them .safely over tli Syringe freely the follow cases when fly has li, . n I'o In case the atmosph. !.■ i When in bloom wi:':i '■! il. to the usual mean. These plants will 'ji . i i litherof the previous 1^\ ,i,.ii.,l l.aUhes, and will ilso carry a heavier crop of fruit ; therefore v\ hen thinning, a greater number may be left, lint how many is a matter that is much better l.'.Lle.l bv llie .'r..u.r himsi.df, as so iinieh de- ,„.| lliis will ,nm period, rning in all the plants. from con- plun.^ed or i,.,, shelf in ani.il.le teni- , an IS drier. 4,. and resort a goixl set. results than is' W. ll ll. ,-|y w, „n will succeed this. After setting and thinning are effected observe the above directions as regards fumigation, feeding, &c., and as the j.Iants mo moved fill up their iilares at once, »ilh a vi.'W I., kr.p up an unbn.k.ai sn.Trssion. ,\s,.ar!i 1..I ..f plants is l,r.,imlil in s,, -ape the .Moss rr..iii ,.ir till' .s..il, s.iail. the p..is. and do n..l n.'.jl.-.i 111.' |.lnii.4e-l.alli of soapy \Mit.-rand snlplinr if iIht,- is llie sli...lit.'sl snspi,;i..ii of Slionl.t ill.' balls ,.f s.,il h.'iM' li,'.'..in.' unduly ,l,v an.l li'-n.' pail.'il II..III 111.' si.li's ..f ill.' pots, s,','- that lli.'\ al'i' ii|..l-t.'li,'.|,an.l ,11 a f.'» hours' time in.'ik,' 'tlieiii Inn. auam an.l l..|. 'liess at the siime time if ueressaiy. ( Inni i iii'^ L. make jjlants firm when in this c. million l;im's rise to no end of trouble by and by. Ki'.|' suc- cessional plants cool uiitd wanted, and if stand- ing in cool Peach or orchard houses they should be'looked over daily and water supplied to all that need it. The lights should l)e pulled off jiits and frames on every f.ivoiir.able opportunity when they are stored il, th, SI. and it laiu f.alls no harm will be done s.. l..ii.j; as tli.yare not allowed to become s,ituiated. I'lants plunged outdoors will not need water after the heavy rain of the past few weeks, but where stacking is piaetised they will be none too moist. They „i.,lstiii',' la.ti'll alni..spli.'1'eas Ilia, «.' i" ' "•" y .'M,el'„'lir,l|..'sinrethe frost bl',.keup. Should s,'',,,' u.ath.'i a.^ain .Set in, it would be advis- ,il,|,' I., ,iir.,i.l pi..teetion U> these plants either in the ship,' of litter, mats or Bracken, as great destruel i. in . .f pi .f s will foUow if this is neglected. A. W. SHORT XOTE.-FRUIT. Ribstons in Sussex —"E. B.'s" remarks in a recent issue remind me of some fine Kibston 1 .ppin trees in a stooV yard in Sussex. The treps, pietur^s of health and fertility, were siu.l to he nearly 100 years old. fhey were tall standaid orchard trees, their boles Hftins their tops well beyond the browsing line of cattle, and strong ennngl. to resist the nib- binK of stools. The fruit wa-s of tuU si/.e, bigb clour, and of exeellent flavour.— D. \ . V . 148 THE GARDEK [Febbuart 27, Flower Garden. hardy cyclamens. These little flowers'aro so winsome, that a few notes from another pen may be welcome as giving the results of some experiments] witli the species referred to by the Eev. C. Wolley- Dod in The Garden of February 13, as well as with a few others not mentioned by him. It may be premised tliat I am writing from the coast of the Solway and in the south east of Kirkcudbrightshire. Of the various Cyclamens I have tried, I find C. neapolitanum the hardiest and mos .easily grown. Next to it comes C. coum and then I should place C. Atkinsi. C. neapolitanum certainly looks unhappy severe frosts, but I have not found it any the worse afterwards, as the leaves soon recover from their unhappy appearance when tl frost goes off agaiji. I am a little surprised to know, however, that C. coum does not ap- pear to suffer at Edge Hall, Mr. Wolloy-Dod saying "both leaves and flowers endure in my garden severe frosts without [flinching." Here, on the contrary, the leaves become (juite limp and the flower-stems unable to elevate themselves until the sharpest of the frost has gone. It is, however, a beautiful little Cyclamen, and it is (juite a treat to see its flowers in the early days of the opening year. I have a nice plant at present in flower which has rather larger leaves than the ordin- ary C. ooum, and these are not entirely dark green, but zoned with a fainter green. It is the only survivor of three or four which came to me by sample post in a small bag from Broussa a few years ago. It is growing on a rockery. Of C. hederrefalium (Alton) which I had as C. repandum (Sibthorpe), I regret I cannot speak favourably as a hardy [ilant. It has survived a mUd winter or two, but al- ways succumbed to a severe one and I have ceased to grow it here. Another Cyclamen I have tried (possibly unwisely) as to its capa- bilities as a hardy jilant is C. africanum which has very handsome leaves, larger than, but in many respects resembling, "those of SDme varieties of C. neapol-tanum. After es tablishing a good tuber in \ pot and planting it out with the soil att -.thed, it pulled through a mild winter, only to disappear the next one, which happened to be more severe. My experience with C. europ:x'um (Linnfeu?) has been rather chequered, inasmuch as both success and failuie have resulted. Plants raised from seeds and idauted out when young have done well on the shady side of a low wall and a little above the levtl of the adjoin- ing walk. Here they do not obtain even half- an-hour's sun in the day and flower. Others planted in sun at the foot of a rockery live, but make little progress and only give a flower now and again. Large tubers when plantod have not done well and have invariably dLeil. Some years ago I had one tuber each of t\v(j little Cyclamens named alpinum ,and alpinuin album. These were from Asia .Minor, and cime to me by way of Italy. The white va- 1 iety did not flower and perished, but the one named C. alpinum produced two or three little crimson-purple flowers in spring. It also died after surviving for about a couple of years. Those had small round leaves re- sembling in form those of C. coum, but smaller and partly marked with white. A few tubers kindly sent me by Mr. E. Whittall, of Smyrna, and labelled " Kayen Kaya," have produced leaves which seem to be identical with those of the so-called C. alpinum, and the tubers, which were small, are very Hke those which came by way of Italy. Possibly they are the same. The Kayen Kaya plants do not look very happy, but are still alive, which is all that can be said for them. I have at present under observation plants raised from seed procured from Mr. W. Thompson, of Ipswich, as C. cilioicum. They have now been out for two winters, but have not yet -flowered. The frost seems to have no more effect upon them than upon C. neapoli- tanum. They are in a sheltered position where they get little sun. According to the Rev. W. Wilks (Journal of Royal Horti- cultural Society, vol. xiii., part 2), " this is a very near relative of europn?um, but Mr. Atkins considered it distinct on the ground of its sharply-pointed petals (calyx segments), and the roots proceeding from the centre only, and not, as in europa?um, from all parts of the base." C. cilicicum comes from Asia Minor, and should flower in October or November. I am a little doubtful of these plants being true to name, although our good friend, Mr. Thompson, is so careful, that it is likely enough the seeds have been correctly named. I have no drawing of this sjsecies to refer to, but the leaves rather resemble those of some plants of C. neapolitanum. From IMr. Wilks' de- scription of the leaves as "nearly round," I had expected them to be rounder than my [ilarts show; the edge=-, however, are net toothed — a characti-ri.'tic of C. cilicicum. I have also raised seedlings of C. balearicum, but these did not stand the winter. ^ Regarding the cultivation of the hardy Cyclamens, it is needless to say much after what Mr. Wolley-Dod has said. His advice to plant 3 inches or 4 inches deep may, how- ever, be referred to as sound and corrobo- rated by what one has seen of tubers collected in their native habitats Tubers I have re- ceived from Bithynia, Cypius, Chios and thi' neighbourhood of Smyrna have in neariy every case shown the elongated protuberance on the top of the tuber from which the eaves and flowers emerge when the plant has the crown of its tuber below the surface. Another piece of advice which I have read somewhere is to plant the tuber sideways, so LIS to prevent the centre rotting from excessi^ e moisture when the tubers become large and hollow in the centre. I do not profess to tfer nn opinion upon tliis advice, but ofl'er !' " tiiiwliat, it is wniili." I should advise, ^nv.'Mi, ni:il [iLiiit-^ in puts or young seed- iigs be purchased iu preference to those from the open ground or larger tubers. No one who has succeeded in growing any of these pretty flowers will regret embarking in their cultivation, the diflSculties of nomenclature being more puzzling by far than those of cul- tivating the valuable C. neapolitanum ( C, coum. Since writing the above I have care h examined tlie seedlings grown from seei oeived as C. cilicicum, and am now sat; ed that they are C. neapolitanum, as I suspi li at first. S. Aenot CarsctJ/oni, hij Dumfries, N.B, ARUM LILIES AS AQUATICS. Whether or net the common Arum (Rich Lstliiopica) is naturally an .aquatic {i He Gai p. !58), it iii.ay 1)0 tukcn as i,r..vid tliat at k-ast ainnliiliiuus. " Saii-iiin. a " mul, fresh water lake by the banks of , tlie rivei al within 20 feet of salt water, and his succes! js l>een great, as may be imagined when ] ly that tin- plants iinw f.irm a broad margin a |M.rt,on of tl,,. lake al,nut ."(K* yards inki an.l var.vin- ni »i.ltli fi , 1 yard tc, 3 y s. TIu- flow. IS nn tliis liflt (iptn, at one tk a .lune last, wure estimated at 10,000, anc le nual lunntier is not less than 50,000. Af ,i mild winter, such as that of 1896-96, cu ig conmiences in February ; by Easter the nu" ;r of flowers is immense, and tliuir iirculuctii is continued to the end of Seijtenilier. The li i- ness of the plants was well tested in the w j of 1894-95, when ice sufficiently thick t e .skated on was formed on the lake, but s only served to check and not to destroy ai i tlie plants, the check on those plants h crowns near the surface being sufficiently si . to prove that a good depth of water ovei i crowns is .safest. The nietlK.d .•id,,pte' rubbish heap. I am not optimist enoug " expect that success would be universal or i n L;uJier.il, and only in specially favoured s s ?ould it become .anything like what I 1,'' lid en.ablu the phuits to m.ake erowns sti :! u^'h t.i produce flowers once iu a wajji ething like a natural manner. Only p ' ^ily enough that ice may not actually ri|i the crowns, and in sheltered, sunny cor;|s here the water will become warmed earl; ' nnmer. J. C. TALtA';y Fbuuuaky 27, Id'Ji THE GAIJDEK 49 k MIXED BORDER AT UULWICK. lants of a jlped u-dei s. an( •esse. witl irts a ml th continuous blossonung of some variutic-s which are from time to time seen in the novelty list. Yellow Varieties. Princess Locise, one of the very best on trial during the past year, is beautifully tufted and ex- e-fdinuly fi eo llowering. The blossoms, of a deep ,M 1I-" .mIuiii. ,,,, uf MM ilium size and rayless. The I'l.iiii i~ \'i\ III'' 'J I' •« i HIT, so that a large stock yet yellow flower is wa.itfd. Gold Crest. — This is a va- riety belonging to the m'.nia- ture-flowered type, but being such a distinct and telling rich deep golden yellow self, it is invaluable. It is of good habit and especially useful for the margins of beds and borders \kd\\ fi I f E-vr —This old Mnft\ t 11 I t It h 11 the II 1| I II flo« II t II I t md p ll n^tcim t gi wtb stimi s It lb m ideal one foi -Tin I DSC who frequent their gardens in the itumn. The grass walk is a very pretty aid such a border, and may ba enjoyed where tire are not too many feet for the turf; but iis easy in a place of any extent to arrange 'ilka so that the grass in turf walks need t be worn down. The Carpathian Snowflake.— In a collection ■ ly l.ullu.u.s an.l other plants shown bv Mr. .t the m,.,.tinM- of the Royal Horticultural • on the !Mli in^t. ajipeared a potful of thi-; lowlhike, l.aie. r tlian the common f\|ie ni-tiine-. iHn il,.«, ivd, it is naturally a littl,' lerin l.loM„,nij. Iml u hen forced can be had in at the same time. The common form, at the same time, was smaller. I have tried : common vernal Snowflake, only to find it dis- Kiinting the first season after planting ; the lowing one it grows freely and blooms finely, does well in a light rich soil under a wall ' ere it is somewhat shaded at noonday. It asso- erest in this siiu])le flower, and all interested 1 its welfare should not fail to identify them- elves with such bodies. The varieties which are mentioned below are I'orth growing by all desiring plants possessing Tufted Pansies, of whicli Dr. Stuarfs Sylvia was , the forerunner, has fortunately increased at a i rajiid rate, and the time has arrived when ' There are. In.wuver, many beautiful plants and : flowers of this particular type, and if these be selected, quite a unitiue display may be had by | substance. It ot til] II t come up t I II that an e\hil t 1 I 1 ut foi missing It 1 I I effective Tl I 1 11 e borne on 1 II and aie\er\ fi 1 j I ll I coloui blight \ ell « autiused orange on the low ei petal A\ HiTL A vnn lES Countess of Hopetocn — \\ hen this old \ ariety can be had in good condition it is still considered one of the best, although the blooms lack a nice white, free-flowering sort )mi)act habit. ize, ray- les-. ,uiil ,,f Jiiueh .sukstauce. The foliage is par- I ic iilai ly dark aud glossy, forming a distinct con- I r i-i i.i the colour of the blossoms. Flowers early .mil laie in the season. I iiKi-n w \. Tln'i should stand pre-eminent ani.ini.: th. w hit !■ \ .1 1 iet ics of the true compact and tufted halm. .Ml iliioiiirh the season this sort lplo--oni- iipi-i |.. I -;-t. iitiy. It is very free grow- in- iiid |iriil - I a rj. ereamy white flowers with .1 lleli laalrj- l.l.ileh 111 iheCCntre. Ml;-, s l.iLiiiiost of the Other varieties, till- 1-1 |i,ii iii\(l\ liiile known. It is one of the iii.i-i In ,■ il..\\. 1 iicj \.iiniie- in cultivation, lih'.ii J ii.aiiilii i,iil\ -1 J until late autumn. Til. ii.,\Mi- ai. l.irj. , |.ui. M hue. but somewhat Sylvia. — Another very free-flowering creamy white variety, possessing an ideal tufted habit. 150 THE GARDEN. [February 27, 1897. It is free flowering also, and may be rapidly in- creased. Marchioness. — There appears to have been •some mistake in distributing this variety, some trade growers having the same variet}' under the name of Niphetos. It is a large creamy white rayless flower. Blue Vakieties. P.I, n; (lows. -The growth and habit of this v.iii.ix ,11. I \|,iral of what a Tufted Pansy should ]„■. tlic lil,'i-^..iiis are freely produced; colour Britaxnia.— Tlii^ i^ lii-.^t ili'-iTiliril ,'1^ .lci'|i im- perial blue, Sligllll^ N.lll-I. "illl ;i Mr,,t ^r\h.,■. eye, and is a flow.- 1 ..I -j I -nli-l iin..-. In iln- variety we have a .li,>tinct a.Kaii.'.- in .■..l..iii', ( jood ifiabit. Cymbeune. — This is a very pretty and distinct flower of a true blue colovir. The habit is com- pact, and the plant i.s a most continuous liloomer. thai i>li.-~ ..mIliI \,mh-i\ .-v.-ept in colour, the 11. i». i.f ilii- li.-iirj li. it.-i' Ml tliut respect than tli.>-.' possesses a most robust constitution. Lavender, Rose, and Lii.ai . Rosea pallida.— This is a lovely and refineil rosy lilac flower, beautifully tufted, of exceed- ingly good constitution, free-flowering and sweet scented. Florizel. — A seedling of Dr. Stuart's. Colour lilush-lilac, a very distinct and pretty flower of good form. Magie. — During a trial last season this came out very well iiidrrd. The r-nlour is rich rosy crimson, and (jiiit. ili~tiii. i frcnn that of any «ther. Theflowii- :im I.mj. , l.nt the habit is not quite so good a,s «. imi^t .■\\:,-rt umv. WlI.l.r\M XlKI- W Itll 111.' Illi> is still .III.- .if siuing'and late in the autumn. The colour is a pleasfng shade of bluish lavender, with a neat yellow eye. Purple-Crimson Varieties. Acme. — This variety stands out quite distinct from all others of this colour, and is best described as bright, rich purplish crim.son. The habit is in tlie spring ; colour white, edged deep blue. Good habit. OoLDFlNcu. — This is a deeper yellow flower of the same type as Duchess of Fife, the bluish mauve margin being of a deeper shade. Splendid bedding \ariety. Mi;,' C. F. Gordon.— Distinctly an advance upon any others of this type of flower: colour dark | iiii pie centie. shading to pale lavender on III.- .Hit. -I .■.!-■.- .if -I. I.- |i.-i,-.l-. I.iwer petal violet, Si.iriiii.i, i.i.M. i,,i\\.i |,.ial> rich deep violet, Mi-s A. M. Youxo.— Another di-stiuct flower III ill.- way of lona ; top petals deep bluish iiiaj.nta, lower ones deep crimson-purple, with I .III \. I \i\ii. \ lar._i;e and handsome flower .III 1-1:. Ill- lit;: t.iiiK I habit. It is of vigorous <-.iii~i It III i.iii, till- 111. n. ring, and one deserving of iiiiii.- attciitii.il : i-.il ■ alternatelv marked deep \i..lc-l-lilue and white. I). B. Giiane. I.OWER (JARDEN NOTES. wsiEs,— It will be found ach . I make an inspection of autum isable at 1 -planted as in that variety ; good habit. J. B. RiDiNd.— A very distinct shade of purple- crimson, being a sport from Wm. Niel, and pai- taking of all the characteristics of that variety. Edged or Margined Varieties. DfCiiESS OF Fife. — One of the best dwarf ~|ii.a.liii.,: s.iits; colour light primrose, margined I, 111, an.] iiiii..l mauve. Each flower is borne on :i |,,iij i.i.ii -talk, on this account being useful for l;,,i:i.ii; Wit. 11, This is a very chaste fli.w.-r. I„ iii-j ,1 -lii.il.-.i 111. 11- -I -If, but the colour is.if th. III. .-I Ij.-.tiirj .l.-.iT|il ion during a spell .if li..t vimslim.- ; ..t li.aw is.- it is perfect. Probal.ly in tlie north the colour stands better. Blue Cloud. — One of the hardiest of the Tufted Pansies, and also one of the first to bloom ]jurple-mauve or rose-coloured varietj-, and can also be planted at the present time. If a mulch was not put on such beds at planting time, it fhonld a-o on at oiicf, .\nv short matfi-ial, as pe.at i„.-n.|.-.l : Willi.- Suaii. Mr,-, Seolt. Violetta, Lilian, Cliarni. l-'aM .111 ii .-, A. -inc. Archie Grant. Iriin>..n Kin-j, William Ibii-j, William Niel, Rose 11,,,-,-n. Ar.hv.-ll(..-ii, ami l...r.l El,-ho. lIvKi.v 1-1, VM--, I.I. -.■n,.ii«itl, tl„-a|.|i,-.-ir- ot find anything better fm 1 In- |.iii|,.,m Lilies, smaller Fuchsias and Begonia- 1- r.iini.-il used, but the first-named were sli... 1 -|j\ i-.l, an two latter were knocked about sadly w itli th first gale, so I had to discard them. Twelve-inc pots are a good size for the plants ; they ar sufficiently weighty to balance the grow^th. Eve witli 111.-.-, li.iwever, the plants must be kep vitl.in III. nil. Is in the early stage, and .short j. lint'. I -jL.M 1 li i-an be ensured in the case of th tl..".iiii-j |. Lints by potting in nearly all loan Ai tili.-i.-il t.-.-.liii'j can be employed when the flowei I.e.jin t.. slr.w well. A few Pelargoniums in di,' tin.-t i-.i|..iii- are good. Marguerites must becarf fully Hai.h.-.l to .see that the mag.eot does n( ]:<- iiM |ila,,l-.it fl;,, ,.-..,-. an- 1 I ,. - 1 H-st for the pUI p.-.- f. ii all liiiii-jli iniln iiliial -pikes may not be t till.-, ili.\ il.i..\\ up a great number of smallf -|.il,. - an. I ill.- flowering season is more sustainet r. .1- ..t a -miliar size to those mentioned abo\ lii\.- Ii.i n |ii I fiai-ed this week for a batch of Swei r. a- iliai ai. 1 1 sed to cover a stretch of galvanise nitiiii'j. iihI, I " aring in mind the requirements I ilii -I aiinn.il-, a liberal dose of cow manure wii Knsi: (LUMPS. — Although the time for prunin iii.|i\ i.lual Rose bushes has hardly yet arrived, a t. Ill Mil can be given to big clumps that ha\ turn 1.1 a home on old tree stems, blocks, or wii ai.-lii-s placed over beds. Once established, sue i-liiiii|is are sometimes left entirely -alone, but th is a mistake ; it is always advisable to remo\ superfluous wood, weak stuff that is of i earthly use, and to nip back the soft tops. Ar structures, either natural or artificial, that hai to be covered are much better clothed with Rosi than Mith .-vergreens in the shape of Ivy, th; liaM-.iiily till- pei-petual greenery to recommcr till m, ami It 1- not too late to plant, although -Im.uI.I 1..- put in hand nt once. Many varietii an- -iiiialili- t..r tl..- piir| i. is.-, as Aimi?e Vibert i till- N.II-, III -, liiimli.- Ilaiiilil.-rand Ruga in tl ,\\ I -Inn -, n. ai l\ all I In- .-\ . i.j r.-(-Ils (P.. semperv ivn-. ill. K.iin-aiill-, an. I -..nieof the Hybri Clin. a-, Wlnl-i ...1 III.- Mil.j.-.-f of Ro.ses it ma 111. -.- till- .41-eat diversitv of sha.l. ilt.-i.-nt foliage. The want. .1 altli.mg-h to the casual ,. \ , -h. Ii .-r.-il nooks, M.-ll m ii,,t t.i.i .j.-nse and tlie intei-\ .-iiii i-j .,-,i|..-t I..- iH.-. II tin- .-lumps can be vai-i.-.l i.. m.-. t tln- .htl.-i.-nt situations. If flowers an- 11..1 aNailaM.-. f.ilia;.:.' ill tile shape of Ivies in vai i.-ty, r.iiwinkle or Hypericum will answer the purpose. Plants in pot.s. — Where a considerable number of plants in pots are recjuired for the summer gar- llial illln i\.- i.lantin-j-, if is always advi, I ilii- II. 111-. -tl. .11 as much as po: I till- .111.-.! i..n of tlin.se varietit I ..t -|..-.ial \.-iliie. Thus onei ..- .l.-\ .11 . .1 t.i lloscs so much a| t..iin,a- I uiuli-s,sedeNadailla( 1, I 111.- I'irola, Etendardd hm, .1. W.ilt.-ville. and othei I It, att.-i |.laiitiiig, such beds ai iver with Mignonette they wi the cut bloom, but aHoi-fl n ,• as anything in the garden, Li a bed or two of R. polvanthii of Ma Paquerette and Red Ft display and are very useful fo E. Burrell. Early DaflFodils.— (iood new Daffodils hav been so freely introduced of late, that some of th y.-ar a- |.i.--il.l, , Tl -jli 11 i-annot comijare n :-i/.- will. -.1111.- lit ili.-n.-«.r iiiti-oductions,yeti is a .^...i.l, well s,.t-ii|i 111. wi-r and borne on a long, erect stem, its habit making it exceedingly valu . able either for naturalising in grass orfor cutting it is also very free and hardy. I have frequentW February 27, 1897.1 THE (MRDEK 151 t here in SiifliilU (iprri tl,i\\rr> ,11)S plant. •.! in .1,, It, , v-l, -,, all in all >„,.l,,,l.ilMN ,1., -, .ImMII ,,., ,,,h Ml |!„. |l,,llM,hl MUM. I, J.at on a |,a, uilli ihal uf llu^ nun-lluucTH Ml.H.lilu lunn uf X. pouticus.— ,1. C. T. II-. It is IS and on ,rn 3000 .i-iMI,;,llv Trees and Shrubs. AKEUIAS. anil much more Iret-ly than it coinmcmly j 1 )f doors, its perfume spreading for yards - -AlthoiKjh this speries has fur sot IE Aki'hJMs constitute a small genus nearly i ■,-''" ~i'i" '"'"'"i"'' ''y li'i'''l s|irriiiiiii- in iodtdLanlizahala. Hnl 1,,,. Ilia and Stiumtonia. ^"", '"'' ' '"• "'" '"'' '"'"- ]' '' ""," urcd was tlu- sule vepreseii cultivation HI Kurope. In IS'.Ci. li,,wc ■Olid species A. lol.ata -was iiitnulue r the "Vims ~l.. .1 11. ,111 111. .-.kaMy remote ■ pi 11. |iyramidal •jn \ ( .il.inr, and m ■#^ V% qtiinata. From a photograph sent by Mr. J. C. Varty-i f elegant | characters : Its leave nv. They are both climbi wth, and, if not jilanted i 1-iitions, are (|uite hardy in the smitli. in 'p.nts England. A. ipiinat.a has stoo.l .aitsidc .u w in only a moderately .sheltend sp,,t foi' ny years, and except in vviiitiis .,t un- lal severity has been evergreen. 'I'li.- tl.JHiis both .species are .small and dull, lnil «li.ii \ 1 I'k in beauty is compensated t.Ji- l.\ iheii' -i :"-. They are imisexiial. lait ma'le .ind llowers appear on tin- same lamiir. ' -- plants thrive in a fairly rich, moist loamy 1, and may be trained up posts, pergolas, &c., even allowed to ramble at will over other •ubs. They can be ])ropagated by cuttings defrom pieces of ,-itlier roof or ^t,.nl haveex.-lial.'.i lli,- nniii it Milmo tone piissessill>4 Slleli Mi.nrti age as this Akebia is esp,.,a,,l|, High it is i.nlv in the niiM.-i p. ds that it eai'i l.e ltowii ontH.I, nmnei-oii- pl.uit- iiitio.lii,.,.,! lert Fori. II,-'. II.. ,I..-,.mI„.,| iwers are borne in slender racemes 3 inches inches Ion". The male flowers, which a imerous and much smaller than the fema not so striking. ■ of Japan. i a native of China W. J. Be.ax. Salvia Ch. Le Couteulx. ith on .'■.1 liV ithern in the n.-ver be ■ luntries lioK the -C. S. S., . I bracts a Kit. In Milan, at iply this .-.led in I the de- ill abed 1.1. The j,.,wing PSEUDOTSUGA MACROCARPA. li.'lu.- .11 . lniiUn.4 i|„i tnesand I This tree is, perhaps, the most characterist ,. , _ lu«n 111 ;;iaeetul festouns hum the ends feature of the scanty forests which clothe the , been carried on every year uji to the pre; jiaiiclies, a description that supplies a western and southern slopes of the mountains result being that the raiser has now a lot of to how Its mode of growth may be which, extending from Ventura Countv, Cali- five plants (which we have recently seen), mg has ent, the leventy- all verj' 152 THE GARDEK [February 27, 1807 variet}- does not Ijecome so Ijare after dowering as that of Ing^nieur Qavenad, and also that it comes into bloom earlier than the latter variety. — Rei-KC Horticoh. Rose Garden. ROSE GROWING IN SCOTLAND. Those privileged to see the choice exhibits of Roses shown nortli and south by the Messrs. Cocker, of Aberdeen, and the .Messrs. CroaO, of Broughty Fen.v, iiinnlee, h.ii i n tion other growers, were |ne|iai.d Im Im.l skill nl culture and robust health and strength in the Rose nurseries and gardens in Scotl.md. Nevertheless, thi' result of a visit to the mir- .series and iiese nr"unds of Me.ssrs. D. ami W. Croall, ]'.i..iiehl\ iM'iry, Dundee, in the last week of .l.inii,ii\ tins year was a pleasant sur- prise. The niirseru s are close to the Firth of Tay and within touch of the salt spray. Here I found some six or more acres of Roses of nil sorts in the most robust health and vigour, reminding one of the best Colchester Rose eet. eilial \iel Roses already pruned and top- sid. ami their long .shoots pegged down istelcise l(. the ground, Mr. Siin]i,son ex- season's sh.jots re s, leeled fnlsileees,),,,,, N,, protection is giv ■11 h. 111.' Mareelial Niel, II. .r. It need hardly be ulde .■iii\' ..lli.r 'iVas ..r I'er- p.^luals. !f II ere s .any dittereiice ill the li.inliness <.f I', h.-ir.lier . .f the u''l''l lis and Teas in the Rose \ Ferry, the Teas are the l.isses. The .same fact is being more «i( elv ie.'.-|,t,.l lhr..u.di..ut th,. .south. The sa !• HI It. ■rill.. .,r su.'l, ;, i,.ml,.r Tea Rose as the Ma, ■.lial Nl.-l 111 the ..p.. 11 ;,l Bronglity Fen y eees f.,r t.. .slaLllsli the ,..|,mI, Tea Roses grown in tlie south with others not generally found there. The list of Hybrid Teas is also rich, nothing of merit being left out. Not a shred of protec tion is now given to Teas or c.tli.r i;..ses .it these nurseries, and the stock is as li..iltli\ ami vigorous as could be desired. < )iie ..f th.' eliiet through very early pruning; heiiee, a.s already stated, some Roses were already pruned in January, and the others are being done as oppor- tunity olfers. The seedlin.^' Brier is tlK ly st.„-k used f..i st.icks. Aery 3oung Br is found that the peret up in the ratio of the yoi On the soil of these <^ ral.i.llv. tie- lllli.,u 1m ]\laiietli isim.stly used f..r Hybrid I'eri. and should be planted at least an inch the point of union of the bud and stock. below Like 111 .-1 eh.in ^•e..f .■!■.. p. Hi > lall'.\\ .-]■.. p. h..\\.'\.'r. IS n..t eoi 11, but Hall ..Ills m.l ..thel l.llil.s. »l,l,'li „ive the hu.d a 1. e'er re.st, .as uell as yield more pro litable retn ■ns. D. T. F. ROSA 1!1 (id.SA AN 11 IT.S HYBRIDS. GRE.4T il iI.r..N.'iii.'n s h; \. been made during recent yi irs 111 this stiir. \ sp.^eies, and it is not si.l.-r Its five seedin.. character Althoug 1 ,us yellow stamens. Tli.\ tl..M.r m auiuinn as well as summer, ami it is p.. uliai t(.i see the bushes covered with their large orange-red heps or seed-pods, resembling small Tomatoes, and at the same time bunches of their showy blossoms. The semi-double and doiible varieties are also much esteemed, and if 1. .. .Ill can be found, no one will ever regret pl.inting the whole collection. The .single crim- son and white make an excellent hedge, rising if desired to a height of 6 feet to 8 feet. One can readily imagine the eft'ect of such a hedge when covered with the showy fruit in autumn. As a shelter to the Tea Ro.se garden such a hedge would be invaluable, and at the same time lie in harmony with the surroundings. The rugosa Roses are much emjiloyed for shru liberies, wild gardens and .such like posi- tions ; they also make an excellent cover for .4:1 Standards of the double variety Mine. Stat eh diltiell fr..lll .. in- tl».s,- i;,,s.-s uiili s.„i„' .,f .11.1 r.apetuals. ;,ii.| 1 l..'li,v.- sure I sli..ul.| w.-l.-..i,i.' iiiaiiv s. lihink 111,, simp!,. I,„auty the variety we have than give a list of i;i.;os.\ EOSE.i OR EVBRA. — This is sometimes t.i iiied Regeliana. It is the most vigorous of all and produces the finest fruit. The colour is deep rose. It is a misnomer to call it rubra, as some do. It can be raised from seed, but ];. -uji.v.— This is the single white vaiiei\, ai is (|uite dazzling in its purity. It bears' lar; handsome fruit of a more orange colour than ti jireeeding. Mme. Oeoroes Bruant.— The most beautil of all the double varieties and one that should 1 in every garden. I am surprised growers f market have not yet found out the coimneici yalii. ,,f ilii^ K.ise. It will yield an abundance leiej.piii. \\liite buds that nearly rival those tliai i.M \,ii I. ly Niphetos in form. It is a mo wgui,.iis ji.-w.r. mid planted singly on the lav or ill a sin 111. I.. I y tli, | ilants would speedily develc 1 ,.l ( • l-KBET.- -Although bu a li; II,.. this is ii h...,lal.reautif .,1... ,. I,..' ; ill, I.I,.. Ill - 1" th . pin..-t ]Mt...| III ■ lll.llM. i;iis,.,l froml «liite Kose U. proilueed ^ht and are e aek to them ual buds can \. ...1 1 1 • ex,., .IK lit for cuttiii 1 \- s n.jt so showv as th I-. I'he foliage of some of the L.,1K the one under iiotit 'lu- ll, ,1 , ,1 \ II, .\ nil uitiful e ..|s' T |.iiik. ear gold eoloi larkable for i ■ ese are whit It shows in i i,li.| III .Ileet o: eross-fertihs ;o be the result ol a cross betwe Noisette Mme. Alfred Carriei ibles in a marked degree that th, -\ Ml 1,1. V 'I'his is a variety (introduced Ijy t lliMai.i r..lli.<;e of America) from the Roc M'.iint:,ii,~. The flowers are of a crimson-la colour, single, and the fruit is distinguished fix that of other kinds by being covered with lo spines. Belee Poitevixe.— a pretty soft rose colm double, and very sweet. A most perpetual-flowc ing kind. Caloc.\rp.\. — A variety remarkable for its i isteis of rlet fruits, the individi t the size of wild Rose he] -t;. 11, lard form and it has i tin,.,. ,ir four years, the effect i..,l with its scarlet fruits won a siirjl,. variety with sweet ro^ i.is-i:Ar, — Fine satin-rose coloi aiii..iig these Roses. The sing large and produced abundant n. ■ 'Wateree. — This should be being the result of a cross I mil I eneral Jacqueminot. M This has large semi-doul -li . iiinson colour. It is a mo multiflora (dwarf Perpetual) — La ■ral ot our dealers were offering seed e seed, sceptic ■prised 1 than other .. Ill ..ill. I- -.1111. 1, .III. I,., while among thei. -..Ml.. Willi p,. ii\ hill,, i.^ette-hke douKj Is. .\]..~i ,,t I II,. Il,.w, Is H.ie vyhite or pinl ; of the earliest expaniled flowers were quitj i, but later on tlie same plants produce! le ones. Their fragrance was in many casii Fmruart 27, 1897.] THE GARDEN-. 153 eat, mill iliuiiii4- till' siiiiuiicilhc plants were kept ,in<.rilin.-uy-iv,Mil,.,iisr. II. I'. Roses for forcing-. .\i p:i'_;r I'22 R. Knfzer le. III.' inl.' I- I., IiimI ,„■ .■l-,lll ;,l ll >, 1. Of r..„r-.r. ,1 ■■ i;. K.- „,,H,, !,,.,,«„ i; forciii,-. Inr.i;, li.n,. ill, 1,1 i fniii ,,r :un ..i eight III- rl -I-, I'Im- .|II.-I inn ,,l til,' .-ll.'. ngthancl ii..|.ji,i ,,1 ~,.,.l m i|„. t,„,.i,rj ui I; Iose stem, or root or other causes, and how i ) other causes is still uncertain.— D. T. F. Orchids. ONCIDIUM UNDULATUM. NICE .spiko of thi.s beautiful New Grcnail.i ecies is open witli me this week, and ..ue mill wonder why it is not more often seen. ,\iniii<,' about among Pahns or Ferns, or even ■ia-il u]) loosely from the roof, the flowers are peril ; in fact, any -sv-ay excepting tied up to likes and twisted round them. In habit tlie lants are strung, the pseudo-bulbs about (i iches high, each bearing several Inn-.,' str.i)i- iped ilw)! green leaves.' Fnim betuviii tin- v-sal ones tla- blmiui spikes issue. ;;ii,l i,i,in\- onths elapse between their tiist apiir.ii ,iiirr id their full development. My spike is lUghly from i;i feet to V, hrt iu'lennth. tlie iwers being indiviilually npw.-tnls of ;! ini-lies TOSS. They .n-v singu'lar in form, the upper :pal briudly heart shaped, the lower ones uger and n.u loun-. the colour a beautiful ie.stnut brown lUMile : the keel at the back The petals are white in ground colour ;avily blotched with reddiJi brown. «liilr tin- isy purple lip is recurini and tippod uiih hite, and lias a very proiiiini-nt crest. ( ». un- latuni m;iy be gi-own in the cool house, but to tlie best results more light is necessary in aiiier than is usually afforded cool house chills generally. If grown in too dense ide, although the foliage and bullxs may take a good deep green and look healthy, yet few Pikes will be produced. The atmosiihere can- tbe too „„,i,st ibirin- the siiiiiinrr provided oist hoiisuis noi l,\ .,ii\ iii,..iiis ill,. I,., I, I ,,||, ree ventil.iti,iii tln'n must y,, h.uid In ii.ini ith plentiful damjjing and sufficient light hen gi-oHth will be free enough, the jiseiidi lbs large and healthy and of the hard soli, xture that is the forerunner of i,lent\ , oom spikes. Newly imported iJants s, 1,1 ,i 'wer freely, but this is a distinct ad\.inti_:, imense sjiikcs ovei- scvi-i;il ni,,iiilis ar,- ;i -i,;, rain on the iil.-mt's r,-s,,iiiv,.s ,i ■, tn,,,, ,'i,,. \\l othei ])erhaps, as the weaker I. which will, if allowed ough h.-udly owing O. mac on flowei- its,, Thepotsi,seilfor(..iin,i;,lat,ii,isli,a,l,ll,af,-,irlv p-ge to accc,a,n,„„lal..|li,. sir,,,., iI,..l,^ root^. ie.se apparently ,l,.|r.lii ,ii i,,,,,!,,,,,, ■,\,.\^t over ugh lumps of p.aL or charcoal lathe^r than grow- g huddled together in a small pot. The coiupost wiU be used in as open a condition as pos- sible and the drainage material should come at le.-i.st half way up the iiot— two-thirds, unless roots are very plentiful. Peat, Sphagnum Moss and charcoal will be the ingredients, but it is better not to mix the ch,n-i-oal with th,- 111,,,- before using. Add this .•,s |„,l i i,,,, |, ,■,„,,,!-, ;,,i,| use it liberjilly. The h.iiai ,.t 1 1„ "^pL,,,, I.,,,,,,,,, lull up rather ipiickly, it is lust I,, sti ih,- l,i,k l.iilbs .1 little low in the jvit, othei-wi.se the I'lanis s, '^vt out of reach of the compost, and i,|„,liiiig li.is 1,1 take place oftener than is ad- M,-,alilc. For the .same rea,s(in the conesliaiied iiiound of compo.st should not bi- l,„. si,,|,, s,, that it may be added t.) as occasion ansis. This side of ll,,- \,,,,,, plant anil ,a^,l\ ng winter may be allowed, must not shrivel as long as (heir foliage ; a few of the . will, but this eaiinot be ;,^,„ ilies of iiig the foliage i. 1 : nis,-,is, |,„,, ,li,|,K,, , spraying. Black lliii|is ;,i,il s,-;,!,, ar,- tl,,- «,,i enemies to this spr,i,vs. tin- tor r i-s|i,',!:illy. it is more troubles e to get rid of. \\ i reasonable care, however, they may be ki-pl check, and attention to a few simple il,ta will enable anyone with a little experiem ,- grow this charming sjiecies well. H. K. Cypripedium Lathamianum.- Raised yl,ii,l pailaki's ,,t ill,- good points of boll ii'Mi- ,1, a i,,nai k:,l,l,_-. degree, and is a "ii'i ''1 ,in,-j I •■, 111, I , if great value. Tli,- reen, and the ll,,«,-,- lia\,-a mIhi, ,|,,is,I -,■ reen at the ba-se. \Mlli ih,- ,■, m , ,■ Im,. ,,| on sinC. Spiceriaiiimi. til,- s,-,-M„.,ii n,,,- p:,,-,-ii tli,,v, Gongora Charles-worthi blossoms. These an- duced as in the ,,1,1 -, peculiar odouv. .\ m ,,|,,il,-il after iMij of peat- li,,i ,-ial.lished s aliove the rim iiwth is active but a distinct Lgelia harpophylla. iiadi- in Tin: IImh.kn to n,4-()ri-liiii. Tli,-,-nltiii, ,-,-iv pia,-li,-al an, I sli,„ I,,-,, l,a,„l «,lli ll,w,liM during n when ,|a 1 til,' |,iaiii u-iv iiiii,-ii. hut |,a 111,- ,T,mii ,.,,iue |ust ali,,N,' III,- rim ol III,- pot. .\l,-m|„-ral,l,,-of (iO»in "nil,-, isa -J I ,,-l,,,., l,-i„|„-,alin,-. ( '. C. H. Odontog-lossum cirrhosuin. I :i,,i,-in vom- 1", t ,1,,- ];;ili 11,-1, 1,-1,-1,-,,,-,- ,- ,,ia-l,- i,, a ,-1111, „,~ f,,-,-,k ,,i ll,i, „, I, ,-jl, ,--.,,,, ,-,,-,;.,,-,,,,,. .\n „l,-,,l.,-alU ~ii,,,lars|;,i,-,,til,n, -,|,a-,,--,-,,,-i,-,l«itli in-- .\ I'lanl o, ||„- .,l„,^. ,,, ,n^ .,„, Iil,| l„„l-,- ,|,-x,-l,,|„-,| a -|„k,- I t,--l i; l,.,-||,- l,„i„-. «li,-li na ,ja,,l,i„-, ,l,,|,,„-,l ,1 ,-,„l |,i,l 111,- plant- into till- lanl,-\a li,„i-,.. ll ill,-,, i|n,-u ,,iil a tiower-spike wh,av ii lia,l I,,-,-,, -I .,pp,-, I ,,f a,„ ,| l„-r foot in length, niak,,,-j tin- spik,- in all .", t,-,-i 11 inches long: \o« I not i,-,- i li.-,i i h, i ,- i- a p.,-ii,l,,- bulb growin..; al„.iit li.ilt «av aloii-.; ih,- >pik,-. Sin,-,- til,- plain Iki- 1,,-,-n p'lil ml,, m,„-L- heat a I, 'I- spik,- I,,-,- ,l,-\,-|,,p,-,l mI,,,-], is about iioinial. -ay «li,-i,iii IIom ,-i- ,il „ an ] ,s ii„-|ics long. l),„-s this point to th,- la,-t I hat (.1. i-ii-rhosum would be bettei- gi-o«n always in the Cattlej'a house? — EKXE.ST Lixoford, SlatiUy Home, Bishop Auckland. CATTLEYA CITRINA. THOuiiH this species can hardly be termed a reallv difficult Orcliid to irri.w, the fact remains that in avi-,v laim-nuliil„-rof ,,i-laii,-,-s il ,|,„- ,i,,t lliiive .s.ili,-la,-l,,rily. ^.■l lli,-i,- ,-,i,- m,,ll^ ,-, ,M,-,-l i, ,ns i-aiis,- 111,- p,,,p,-i p,7mii,,ii ior it lias been fo'imd and It 1- iii,li,-i,,ii-l\ ii,-ai,-,l in other ways. I have oti-n 11, ,11,-,, I 11 nil iln- Orchid that there are eer- lain p,,~ii i;,,i~ , X , II in till' same house where it wil ,1 111, lual t p ,t-li,-i,|s injxeil is a good compost, and owing , til,- i|,iaiiiity of water required the drainage Cypripedium virens.— To thus,- «li,. il,-li,,|,i "■""'l'' -'' p ,,!■ ll„- 1, II- Ml \|, -., ,., Its l|o«ll« ,,-,u an. tl,,- l,-,,-l ll,,- 1 l-a- ,,II, , a- „,,! «,-tl,-, ',"!"ii ,. -1, \\l„- II. l.al III,- t,,l Ilk,- t,, ,1 ■,,»iii-.:. an,l 1 ll„- Ir,-,- 1 a-j,- -l„„i|,l u 111,- pki, I,-,--,- l„-v,- nut be ts over found s,l,|,- -■ ,-,„,n,l. Tl„ ill 1,1 1„- k,-pl >nh ial\ , iiminii ,r,iiii a- -l,,:,k, lull,- .-ill' 1 - ll„- MINI, -l.ol,|,| Chvsis bractescens.— It is early for this Or- chid, but I noted a nice plant in flower last week. The spike was carrying several flowers, each about 3 inches across, pure white excepting the yellow markings upon the lip. The Howers 5f C. bulbs loose ai„l 1,-,,,-.;,,.-, ak,,„I. -,, ,l,,,l ,-1,, roots that are pn „iii,-,-,l ii,,,l,-,- 1 1 ,,,-,,,,,-, ,,,,,-, - Other conditions l,,,,,^ smial.l.-, n,, b,.-ti,-i I,,, kin, 154 THE GARDEK [February 27, 1897. exists fdi- the roots than trellised bloeks witli a little :Mnv- .-mrl ^leat alioiit them. Not only are tlii'V r.aililx- li\.(l, liiit (he air and moisture |ilay all]H-f a- tliil\ aKiiiiiil the rOOtS aS the fiillaj.a 'I'll'' I'lani- ial,i'«aha' freely and cannot in any urcliiiaiN la-. .j,t sour or close at the roots. These hi'" l>- -li'iiiM ill linng a few inches from the glass, anil a ^iinilai aiiu'le to that of the roof is more -niial.l. iliana \ . it ii-al jjosition. With regard to its s. :i-iai- i.t 'jriiuili .■Mid rest, these can (jiih" hr ^■a.'J||.l> .1,111, .J; -,a nies a plant will rest'lialt I 111' -iiiiinMa , aM,ii laa i\ ill start away almost IhI. n,, till- llu«,asai,' la.lr.l. But keep up the ivgnlav temiierature and never dry the roots, and "they may take their own way with benefit to them"- .selves. Thrips are its worst insect enemy, and are sure to attack the plants in a dry atmosphere. This must be avoided at all costs, for thrips are difficult to get rid of on C. citrina. Sponuinj is of very little use, as the stronghold of the iii-.n - is usually deep down in the young growing sIhm.i-. Fumigation, too, is extremely dangerous ami nin-i be gone about with caution. A little dry flowii- ,,f sulphur blown about the plants or lightly spi i n kli 1 1 over them is very distasteful to the i'iisei-|s ■,,,!] not likely to do the plants any harm, lint ii l,\ due attention to damping, shadinij. ami \.iiiila tion the plants once get into a healtlu .ami \ ajm ous condition, the thrips will, as a rule, give liieiii a wide berth. NOTES ON ORCHIDS. Asyetll.av,. ii,,t ,1 1 .1, r,.|„,ltl busiest seasnii i~ mil tal ill^l anl . ami that can be umI on willisl M In- r.| to save tiiiir later uii. I'm msian,'. Calanthes and Thunias are jnM a, « ,1 material as the old, as im wai. i nr them and. thev will tak^ mi, n,, When, the bulbs have b,.,ai shak, „ described. Take ,ji a cold state or t lie | , the purpose of ivp, aiivtliiiej- is ■.;aiii,',l a large specimen is required, and easy to group se\eral small ones liunias die ofl' eiin leing taken by ne« ling. Those of ('m considerable care is necessary now. The state of the weather, the class of compost in which the state of growth are all liiiii, but the appearance I lia\i' ti,i|ii, iiil\ liiaiil It ..■marked that Or liiiils krpt ilry at tin- runt piiiibiee roots n^or( where are the roots produced in nine i a-, - ,,iit i, ten? Notin the pots among the eiiiii|.,,-t mi. nil,-. tor their benefit, but in the atmosiihi-ie, wli, r.th. kimlly im.istiin- atti,H-ts them. I have yil I, l.aMiili,,t |,k,i,i-a,. I„tter for being so dii.il a- '" iiLik.^ Ill, '111 |,ii-li ili.-se roots. Keep tln-iii at this is what they areseekii in the atmosphere. In I leaved Orchids of the A'ai laViium tribes, aerial roots : il.iiil.t to those in the con , ,,ii,|„,st , where thev are .s. ali.i ii.il.il- 1 regard t, I'ed to abovt 3e kept gree sufficient 1 ■«li. tip attack them at this season. A damp may be passed up the spikes where they 11. and it is an excellent plan to fumigate i.jlitly before the flower-buds show colour, iially preventing a further attack while the lis are open. t,"i soon to advance the temperature much. Wl now, the more time there will be to spare when the press of work becomes heavier later on. R. Lycaste Skinneri delicata.— A nice |il:iiit ..f this varietv is in flower with me. each l,l,,-~,,ii, m.^asiiiii,..^ i;j im-hesacross. The sepalsaml p, laN ,,,.K ,l,-.-||l,|lrj tli,^ I, Ml. TIh^ 1,|, ha, a !.■« ii'jl,' ,11111-,,,, -|„,i, ,il.,,>n 111,, ll,|-..,al. l.lk., all ,11 an, I 11, a\ !„■ ii,.,| t ,,] room decoration Wit li. Ml t ii.\ f.ai. i:i,.\v II II, 1 li., eool house in a coiiip,,sl ,M-i~iiii'j ,,t,,|Mal I ,a 1 1 s of peat, loam and .Moss. ml M.'v.a- 1,1 il,.. I, Mil,- -hiixel from want of water 1 «iiit,a-. 11. i;. Odontoglossum Insleayi. .V nice variety of lues nut fall belou .jU. (eiodpeat. and Sphagnum used rough and mixed with plenty compost, and the pots of crooks form used must be of medium size and well drainecl It is a Mexican plant and has been in cultivatioi over fifty years. — R. Miltonia cuneata. — This is a pretty am variable speeit-s, and T have seen it in flower ii sex.ra! Co!!, -.i I,, MS lali'ly. One form was ver^i biejlii ami s1i,,h\, tli, s.-pids having more yellov tli.iii Ms, ail, ami ihr li|iof the purest snow-white It I- a \eiy ^.truiig growing plant, and may b ia-il\ .^luwn in fairly large pots well drained 'llii , ,.inpost may be equal parts of rough pea iml S|.hagnum, kept open by the addition o , i,i,k- and charcoal. Give a good supply o Ml,, 1-1 lire all the year round, the most being re . |Mii.,l, of course, while growing freely. It wa iMii,,.iiieed from Brazil in 1843.— H. Masdevallia Veitchi.— This is one of th shuwiist ill till- geiius and very ilistini-t in coloui Till' dark piiipli- uvei the eiimsun gruund is ver ti lliii^ ami ri.li, and a large plant well floweredi a |,i, iiy -),jlii. It is a native of Peru, and there t,'i.' t liM\ IS III ipiite a cool house, the plants bein; I I.,-. I\ -111. I,, I .luring the summer months to kee till ti iii|i. lat Ml ,• .luvvn. A free circulation of ai I- ■■! til, 'ji,at.-t iiii|inrt,ance, and so is a clea li'jiii 111 Willi, I. \\a!,-r must now be withhel ti'Mi ill,' i,i,,i-. tlj,i,i,.;li during winter a greatl 'liMiiiii-li, ,| -ii|,|,ly IS necessary. Good drainag. Ill -mall |„,i-, a thin compost of peat and Mosti 111, I |, all, I, ,11- t rt-atment of the roots are necessar) .„,.,„» „ sM.aiessfully. Garden Flora. PLATE 1107. CATTLEVA LABIATA. (with a coloured plate.*) Too much praise can hardly be given to tli fine Cattleya, tlie type of the genus and tl: species on »lii,li it was founded. Formerl | one of th,, ran St ( hcliids in cultivation, i habitat was ,|is, , ,\ , i , ,1 afresh a few years agi ami sine,' tlnii iimimi use numbers of plants hav In, M -, 111 li,,iii. . A ,_;lance at the aocompanv 111'.; |,lat,' \', ill sli,,\\ that it is equal in size i ami iiiiite as liiaiit iful as any of the surame; flowering kinds, such as C. Mos.siie, C. Meif deli, C. Gaskelliana, and others, but the fat tliat enhances its value most is that thes superb blossoms are produced during tfc iliilli'si ami most dreary part of the year. 1 tills 1 III- ,_;ap that formerly existed between t!i llowi'iin,^ of (.'. Gaskelliana and C. Percivalian | or C. Triauic, a time when first-rate Orchic are con.spicuously absent from the floweriii house. In its tints it is variable enough to su the most fastidious, these ranging from an eve il.'i par lose I I that illustrated to pure white o t 111 iiiit, I s, 'jiia Mts. The lip markings are als i'\t]i iMi'K \ari, .1 .111.1 beautiful, some with th .'lear eiit bl,,tL'lii-s as seen often in C. Triana others III.,!',' i','s, iiililiiig C. Mossiae, but a 1.1., a. I. sh. ,wy. aii.l »,-ll displayed. The fact ( ( '. laliiat.i k.'.'piug in existence under cultiv; tioii f..i .i\.i seventy years abundantly prtfpe that it is not a difficult species to grow, biffi i. fiii'tli. r pi.iof were needed, look at the spleirai' lilaiils of it tli.it one sees on every hand, an, note how th., .\.aiii,_; pseudo-bulbs finish u' larmr ;iii.l I., ft,!' .-Neiy season, the bounteouj er..p of 111. ..an pi',..lnreii notwithstanding. Lik all ..titer pk'iiits, til.' best results accrue who: ea.'h eiiltnral detail IS earri.'il out to perfeotioii ami 111 t!ie pi'op.r srasoii ; but .still, C. labiat IS .1 |.laiit that I hi' Mi.ist inexiierienced may tr. i ct of * Drawn for The Garden ty H. G. Moo.i Lithographed atd printed by J. I . Goflart. •\E OAt-tOEN' X" ( >l ^ "^ ./T /. CA' mrney liome, giviii th sound, (Idi'iiini ,le, hualtliy foli.u urclmsu vui-y .sm:dl thoy a.v snM : THE GARDEN. 155 tlie iirefe tablishiii-, .nnl.nv inlinih-ly s,i|,rn.,r iii rvrn iiy. Wlicii they arm c, .spread them out at 'n a shady, warni hcjusc on a clean stage, 1(1 as soon as possible go over all the plants irefully and clean tlu'ui with tepid soajiy ater. Any d^^,,^,■,I |,.nix must ],r eul rh,;,.i way, hul III .l-;ii' - lii 111 .' 1 li.it iHilhlli- I-, Itott' th;il 1M,,\ Ki. i|. :i: . . i.iulh, \ ,|i,iilil 111 piece lii:l\ erisil^\ I.,' Ill M'.irJs iTill.ned, lull I sound eye cannot b^' replaced if cut oil", and ]i consecpic^nce that plant may be badly fur- iished with i,'rowths. Most of the old roots -ivill le dead aii.l are Letter nit off, for lliev oul\ ;ecay aflriHanls ali.l injure llie lieH oii.^s tli.i'l ,-.'llo\v tlu-oat. Few ])lants of this superb albino lie ill eultivation, eoiij^ec|uently it is very vuUi- iMe. ami it Is Miilioiii doubt one of the most t' I vrMi\i xxiaiM Is another fine variotv when A, 11 eiillu.ileil rii.' -rpahand iii-tals of t'lii-J ar,- ,No ^^^llr. l.ul 111. lip isenlmired a, in iIh' l\|,r, .lomi iiml limliiLili .1 mi ll il-es, ll i,-,i,ilK .lomiis smneuliiil e:nlh.i lliali III.- olliei MUM Ih-. ual the lihissi.m- ,11.. 1,1 hill -,,„.. -the pl.anls liax IIU' me, ver once or tw ce a d,i e fit for potting, the lisei 3flf'ii ip and 1 im-sizeil id these must rokenpotslKids ell above the r.i 1 and all eep them sti.1,1 , Smii ■Wof the lipi.el er.ieks : 1 inch of e,,ui|iM si riiiisis eat and M..ss. laringlyai Insi t he |,M,,s lit into It and HI 1 |,r,ive leforn.iie^ pseii, o-lillll.s. mie first, leave the emi lUimeuenm to n it oil till similar mnde ,,f |.rm-e,|l| as first introduced in 181S. The Week's Work. HAIiDV FRUIT CARDEX. I full Catth.Na telll|,.U,lllire «lll hdakind of e,,|u aleseelU lleatlumil ke|,I U|i, hadingtllem r:i|erilll\ ,lllil keepm-a lllee Im.lsl round the puts, '['he plants are hrtter « irlimit verhead spimkliim as smm ;is the vmim sle. ,ts re fairiy start eil ; noi tkat ,aii oee.i'siMii.J daiii].- Ig would lie in|iiriiais. I. lit the water is a|il t i llleCt in the sheaths ami in the ell|, h.lliiml liN iponthe Hrst-foriued Imili, the Howers beiiiL,', ;-i a rule, enclosed in a double sheath. As Jrowers like to see the variety, it is usual to let liese first lilooms come to perfection, but it is it advi.sable to keep them on long, or to t.ake le plants into living rooms or any unsuit ible niosphere. After this the plants m:i\- be rmed estalilishcd. and witli ordinai-v e.n^ the ercentaue ..f l,,ss is vel\ slu.ill indeed'. .\ (le ir Jit in "the usual nil^nueillate telliper.itlire. idicious tre.it meiit of the n„,ts .ami a plentiful pply of fresh air on all |ii.ssil,le oee.asn.ns, .are that are now necess,ir\ . Xi, ditlieuhv hiII found in keeping tin' pl.ints p. ihrii pro]iei won of growth and rest. 'ri,,.\ temuii li.iL iM.iIrr the other ,11 .\ll. niMirll 11,1 \|,,i!,.S f,i lir.'hissc tin- K„v:i 1 vegetable is it only become r of the sa^me ' ntations of these will re- s the frost is out of the i.ifa.T- is sufficiently dry -ImII ■J^,■ llii il'i.irli lililil', The routs shuuM i with moisture, :i.^ ; r , ; - together with a | - duce small useless lit-,,.l> (loodii-ood. Mol,;,r.l^l,l|Mi,, HiCH.VRD P.\EKER. NOTES ON JUDGING. Mr. Burrell's notes on judging illustrate some common difficulties which he seeks to show how to surmount. In the ease of Potatoes T liave often (he little labour enl autumn is well plants foi puttiiv in .\\»\\. ]f a -. Ijeen secuivd, a s iwever careful nirii iii:i and if these cannot I very object they h:i\i- i the sliow, namely. tli:i i over another, and m the fact of the(ni although the one H,'l for planting weeks before it is possible to olitain any from outside sowings. Old plantations of those that were cut over during the early winter ...I , ilili. M .Joi.Mi. ' ioi,,i-,ilu:,. u>,li,.l!,lii.|i,,l..in-iinilont>.i ,M ,o,l,,.-,n,lH,lliilli |lli.-,iniN-H.i.l|i-,-:Moon,iuvonu„.l,,l.o,o,dll: , \.,. i,..|,iK i-li.- J I- i|ii.ibli-il III ! u uliillioi- hchas liad jll»tlL-.e(loili ^ iriMi.lrir'. !■.,- .,t w, liiio HI iml'^nrj, 'I'l n 1 .- can be iio cloubt ut al , ,,,,, III,,!,, ,',,,,, |,,,,,,|,,,,,- I ilioi oniMiiiiiir.v III iiiiiny cases have been in eiToi ,i,„.,i,,, |,|;,,, , |,,.i,.t,,i,, I, III li.-iioiirj iliiir >.'b.dules in leaving so much tii Ito do away with such distinctions entirely and tlie discretiun of the judges to decide «" "|j'"^'| have classes for white and for coloured varieties exhibits, such as Potatoes, round and kidne;, only; then there can be no difficulty whatever, together, Mhich should never be in one class ( Ihi FfiBRUARY 27, 1897.] THE GARDEN, 157 ,fh Sllc.lll^ tliei- iM^-'- )iTect I eal of 1 1 It is < I 'uis is tin iropagiitoi ouse ac'c'c lav be on be ma rames ur | ACATIXC. ason of nil the year foi- the the ordinaiy propagatinir is iK.t siiHicient, Imtlir.ls irj. Willi iIm Indsimi: |. a ,1^ cuttin-- ; th.-x to the okl stem. lould be pulled off ( pt to damage the ol Se. Ifth.-r„ttin.- )t re(|iiiii' :in\ iiii'l aves. 1 ii-i' :> iii''li re about lialf liU. J \ md in equal pails. : he cuttings mn-t In f they do feel a liii ito water for a tiiiir ree Carnation mil i m have a cjood In i- loe. ThevivMini. ■Ii.tI.. Ullirl, 1 tile year, liut the present I , that is if strong cuttings ^hiirt side shoots make the may be broken out nearly iiii except to shortiii iIm it s for propagating. 'I'Im -r ill drainage, and then till. J ,1 |,i.-'-.mI ,, 1.1,1, iali'lv liriii. ,..|,l ti,,|ii .j,'llMrj Mllll,T,'.|. Inn,,. Il„\ -l„,il|,| !„■ l,ul lowed to rem lould be befui ;h allowinu ley have callus. ivs if ■ (lav Itch." ng off single ; tin,,* le roots have beconu llowed to remain i ,1 l„ Mime rare to prevent damj)- iipened every morning and for an houror so, but this ii.-,,niesou tlir i.it. I ha all' lo,-it in dividing them, and t k, IIS tliem. s, ,111,- of the best varieties are very i early struck cuttings make nice season and give very little trouble Ferns. IVirAROUS ADIANTUMS FOR SMAl HANGING BASKETS. ni,,st ,i(huired characters of Maiden-hairs is the multiple division of their delicate foliage, 'riicy also differ from most Adiantiims, inas- much as they are vivi]iai,iir^ .hpI ili.ii ft.iiiils terminate in a long tail-Ill |i i I'l I of which there is a bml ; ,iii,l .m another plant. This .siiiyiil.i i .Ii.ilhi r ^rrailj adds to the attractions of these \ery interesting basket Ferns, as it is not at all unusual to see from the same specimens three generations of plants hanging duwn 2 fret nr more. Adi.^xtum caii'mim 1- icadily identified through the pernliai |,al, . .lull green or greyish eolourof itsnumeiiiii^l.alli I -, » liiili.likethestalks. are covered with .shoit p.il, lanwii liaii-, mm, abundant as they approaih ili,' ,i,i\\ii wli, mr tin fronds start. It is a plant ,it' \',t\ mi.I.' ran;.:-.-, bein Ill having so many varieties of one tliiiiu. lint lii.w is this ti. be avoide.U If we take Teas we .shall liml that t,„, many iriiii,.-; are given to the sn-r.ill,..l n, w .a iiiijii , i\ ...I tmins. when in reality llun. i^ iin iiii|ii i,\ .iniin in t luin. nanus till. Iiiike of Albany Pea goes under. 1 sliniilil sa\ this has at least a dozen or more. Tliiii- have laen selections and re-selections for 1, MM ..a.iss-fi. them from reverting back it is iiecu.ssaiy t.. fre- (juently make selections of the best. Peas in hot climates soon go back to tlie original, .so quickly do they degenerate. The number (jf seeds that a pml e.in lie imliReil I ■ pindiice, emi- bined with free. r.,|ipiiiu liibii ami liist -.-lass quality, are ch.ar.iri iri-t i.-s ti, 1. . . iir.iiii;i._;i.il be- fore any realimpriA euieut can be made, i'reiicli Beans have also been improved b(jtli in size of pod and flavour, and in some instances appear- ance also as regards the fleshiness of tlieir pods. amount of trouble has t.j be t:iken befiU'c a tiowcr or vegetable can be sent out as new or improved. It would be dificiilt to say how many of these lly, unless it be the A.shleaf varieties, as seem to hive withstood the test so long as It is true that new varieties of Pota- too much matted together. 1 the cutting pots too long ginning of March. This accounts for its disap- pearance in many cases, as care must be taken kept up, eneour.igemenl must be given to the raisers of new and improved kinds. How best to accomplish this I will leave to others to de- Ll 158 THE GAEBEN. [February 27, 1897. in shape, but is more globular, \ery solid, and ot a pale straw colour. It is on account of its free fowth and keeping that I advise its culture. — H. M. Mr. Parker, in his r.-rcnt n^.^fnl r.-miirks on Onion growing, meiitHiMr.l iln- Imk -luin and stated that it hail d.-iH' w-ll wiib lnm I grew it the «amp Vf;ir ii «:i- -ni muK ;,,mI then fon.irj Hm' Im-Im m m|i,,i!,,ii ,,1 ,i. Ii seems tn m.' iIkh iIh f i- iihKv ,.i li -^ .4 ili. Nunehaii. WuL bl..,M m ,| . \.u< ,i -j i ,,« - -.„,,r« b^,t larger than lliat gi.uil .iM ^.■ul. i\. Il i~ \riy handsome, and so true thai in :i hnji l.nl n is difficult to find two Imlb- Jill-iinj nmi.n.illy from each other. It always .•.mic^ «itli a linu thin neck, an indispensable uharatteiistic of all good-keeping strains. The flavour of Main Crop is all that can be wished. It possesses a grand ceed very well on ground that has been man- ured for a previous crop, provided this has been of a different nature. Wliere any o; variety, and if not forced hard ise to the soil. It is only 2 feet , the pods large, containing sevv By sowing now in well-drained si ler, dishes may be secured late M;i\. \.;ii~ au'i) when American Wonder w ml iiicliirnl \M- ijained much laik.il >\y. This is found in May Queen. suvMii^;, ample si>ace should be given, the pla. being a robust grower. — B. M. An early Broccoli. — During the past few yea I haxe i)lanteil more varieties of Broccoli for tl] \"''i'-'l \''"uA I'li'.i.n' SiL.w's "w'liiti'r White f. I'iliMlilN sliniillr.. 1,111 of latr \rars this stOck h , hen f.i |il,nitiii'j, raking or forking iliis in K^Imf,' liiiinu out the ground. Besiilrs il^si ]'.,\ in;.; many insects a dressing of gas lime has a mar velluiisly good effect on the Brassicas in general, and should be freely used for their benefit. J. C. Tailack. Pea Stratagem. — I class this as one of our best main-crop Peas for flavour, crop, and well- hirs. Superb Early Whit rial, is a splendid type \liite and of nice size, ai| It, so far frost has not i :h is vigorous. It is a ve ■s at home in a poor so: i.ut in ground which hi vberries. I consider it f superior to some others I have on trial, and seen its good qualities, I think it worth a note, as - L.t Stl- 37.] THE GARDEN. 159 Leeks in spring.— With ;ijority of Kales, B ads. i^r milfl winter the i.tid others foiin Hower ^■■^ scarce. I'l i.iiit part hI -ond till |!v liftilK,' inllil «:lll ..!■ I the SI )rinfj(':i lieks ill 1 cool .-' ' pril. 1 lined, tl ly gn-i'i me mil 1 1 , to Sf.' ich in.-lr l.n-lll :-- :i I JlP I -. This L.Wthnloh M.inrlM.J I-.. I ,n-.^l J. ll.uHlin he best liitr l.i'i.k IS il,r uM \i,,,-,^llii,i-l,. It is Ite in running to seed iind will withstand our kirst winters. There i.s no need to grow in deep enohes for tlie Uite crop if the ground is good. I A. B. i Tomato Orangefield. — As open-air culture of I'limatoes has a^ain become very general, I think H- good (lualitios of this variety should bp ,,n-l.t brfoi-r till- nntir.. of intrndinc: niirn nil- very roiMiM (-..iiMii unoii, c-r(i[is |irninL:iciiisi_\ id is of unsurpassed flavour, withstanding tin roads of disease much better than many of tlit •wer, more handsome-looking varieties. — J. C. Auseful early Lettuce. Tliosi- wh.. rri|iiir. tiesof l.niii,-.-; ;,-. ,,,~n,\ ,\| „ti.'ii,V. Api'il i- /,ih thewoi-M month-, iii tli.-yr:u. t hr .-mt iiinii M . ..■! plants Iji-ing used iiji it thfso wen- sown i ,iil\ 1(1 the spring sup|ily not rt-ady. 1 am a\\:ii. ii line giirdens there is room to houso tliioii-li iln inter a fair quantity of .Vugust-sowii jjlaiit-. ,iim le want is not so much felt, but in iiiaiix , iii\ iVn among the number, one cannot find gla.~s i. ■otect, and luive to resort to early sowing m wit at this season. The value of a i|uiik ui..h g kind is great. One of lb.- b.-i l.rtiii,.> ivc grown of late years fni |..iii]rj |.- (;,,l(l,i 'ueen ; it is the quickest hi:oiiirj kiiid I b,i\. "ed.as, if sown in Februar\ . 1 oaii .ut in. c b. ;il April. This varietv sowi'i ou a south Ih,iH.i ii e open will turn in earlv in .\Iav. For x. al- lied upon Early Paris Market for forcing oi lli,-, >p in the open; but find (iolden Queen sii|iunoi ([equally early.— S. B. Early Radishes. — At i >re appreciated than early nnotfind room for thoo iimlrr .^la-s, I i-lirising what can bo don.- it ili. , n (•Iters the crop, very littlo pioi, .imm an- 'the plants "make a small lo|>gi,iHtb. ars several early kinds have b.ru mti, id the Early Rose Olobe is one ot 1 1 his is not large, but of very good (|iial.i ■ ther equally" good is Ci'imson Fm, m. null. Thebett.'i' kiM.un Kn-nrb lliwakt: «k1 type, and if a li^lii >,.il .an !..■ un.ai more rapid. 1 tind the roots mu(_h imin .-l,-ss s. ,1 ,,r -,.... II, ss stems. er an Aspaiagu.- 1 -.1 III 1 III' aiitiiinn and e most vigorous |. of shoots ; the% ^ ii; 1„. t al 1,1 ,.\ ,., \ houtaseed. S.mi.- -.■ stron"- sti-ms, In 1 x.-iv lew Hi niimbei. III- that lia\ .- |iMi liii-.-d shoots so freelv itlin.. wa- .i\ .1 nil -1 have m store more - the next sea-ons \i, 1.1. The svstem in lire I have marked out irling plants into rows ring the second year- lilts which are beaiiirj - ig these seed.prodii.-iiaj |ilani- it ions so much the b.-ii. i ti,i th.' . and succulent head-, ami |il.iil\ ■i-.-ii(* method of m-ouin-j tla- .\-^| it is better to make new plantations from Sowing Parsley in heat. — Many ignore sow- iig Parsley in heat, pricking it off into boxes, or, or frame, and linally ])lanting it border in April, as being a too n. But I knov/ of no kitchen it pays better for a little extra llv if tlierebv a blank in the ..al.-.i. Ill !a, .-, Ilia.-.-- |,n-,.>.-. Late Brussels Sprouts.— Few vegetables are more iisefiil than a. good breadth of Brussels Potato Snowball. — I noted the good iiualities of this Potato at Chisivick when conked, also its Raising early Peas.— I think young gar- leners and amateurs should be ivarned of the .-(I f.il -,.unrj llh- \::l- llh-r ua- lallh thinly over them, a litthr tine soil being sprinkled on the surface, the turves being then stood near the front lights in an orchard house. \Vhen tall 160 THE GARDEN, [February 27, 1897. for iirotection. well by sowing 1 fitted into trouyli in 2 feet or 8 fc roots being then Stove and Greenhouse. PAULLINIA THALICTRIFOLIA. The beautiful Fmi-lik,- f..li:iuf of this PauUinia renders it one of I 1h hm.si of a climbing cli.ir.in r t stove plants ■■ have in our :tl,ully its just then all tlir nigi', and this I ■aullinia was readily grown into an effective s]jeciiiu-n. Trained to a trellis not too stiffly, but just sufficient to keep it somewhat in bush foini. it frequently used to figure among exliiliitmn plants .if this rlass. which were for a timr - popular a I all niir ^r. at shows. Grown in tin way, the liiautifull\ divided foliage was sri_n i^. very great advantage. Trained to the roof of a stove it was equally attractive. Besides these methods of treatment I have seen it trained to wires thus forming a living screen at the end ( f I stove while on a laige fan shaped tiellis it was ilso \eiy efiectue The shoots of this Paullmia are of i thin Miij nituit iiid clothed with tiiingulai shipcd mii li li\i I I leaves so well shown in tin. i i | lUusti ition These kaves whRli In i i amount if KsiiiinnKe to soint c t the i'lJi trumsdi 11 th I 1 In name) lie etch fiom i inches t i m li In uid of i very pleasin_ shade 1 i n W li u \( un^ thc\ iit if tli s. liroader \sparagus. somewhat nt the size ington. I was reminded of this the other da; when walking through Messrs. Wills and Sea nursery, where they have such a fine stocj specimen Palms, including six grand plants abnvp. the vpsiilt of dividing the original '•'"'•<•} "•••'-'"■'^ a „-|,„-l, tl„.v l,,ni.jl,t when the RoyalHortici 'i'l.-.t'l'i,i'"-'l'M»'7s,''i''|'" ^'"■"'^ l'''i ^""'1' K''iisington. M '■■ 1 l' fi I '\' i-."i'r"fi"i'tiis '""""' "" '''■" '"■ l"ii"d it a most valuable '"' ' " • ■ ' " '" '^ fui deiaaaliou, tliu siiecimens referred to ss soon I'ecmne more ! ^,,^g ^^ j,^^ growths upwards of 12 feet ' It present.— n. r. rp^^^ certainly are very eflective, and being Camellia Chandler! eleg'ans.— At p.age 107 paratively hardy "■— '^ ' '" generally grown th; ill all lUtl 111. I led foim fiein which i^e beinj suflused with iwn by the vaiietal name peat. gating splieri thu fn plants will 1.1 ten ye ii ilt ■ it diHei 111 t silveij gle\ . of argentea. The PauUinia is propagated by cuttings of the young growing shoots taken during the spring months and put into pots of very sandy li.iiil.l lie placed in a close propa- tli.' st..ve% but an excess of atmo- iiiv iiiiist be avoided, otherwise ill .lamp off. If the tops of the i.li.'.l .ilf as soon as rooted they I. and in ]iots 4 inches or 5 inches in .liaiiurir arc \iiv u.seful for decoration. The routs of till- i'aullinia arr line an.l n.,t particularly inniier.nis ; hence' over - ]i.)ttinL,' should be guarded against. A e..inp..st e..n- sisting of two-thirds "fibrous peat to one-third loam, with a liberal sprinkling of silver .sand, will suit it well. It needs the treatment ac- corded to the general run of stove plants, and a moderate amount of shading is very beneficial, but at the same time it must not be shaded too heavily, otherwise the young leaves do not ac- t[uire that distinct bronzy ^hvu- wliich is so pleasing. PauUinia llialirtnf.ilia l-.^.n-, t.. iIm' order Sapindaeea . wln.li imlihlrs .-111. ,ii^ .iihn genera that iirett\ and .listin.t l..« -row 11m tree, Koelreuteri.a p.mieul.ita, which is liardj' in this country. H. P. Asparagus Sprcng'eri. —This Asparagus had a considerable amount of attention directed towards it last year, the long shoots being clothed may be used without, lany other Palms t from its usefulness 'aim also makes one in a .5-inch pot. I lieingott'ered. It may, how e\er, lie propagated froi th._'siicke-is or offsets whic ai,. produred at the has ..f th.- eil.ler stems; thes sli.ml.l n..t I.e taken until they have made a fe perfect leaves, and must be cut off quite to the old stem so secure some roots. ~ and kejit in a close, house tlie-y soon make start, but thev are of rathe slow growth.— H Eucharis planted ou: — So far as I remember, have never read of Euchar inuej ..;i.,wn under tl |il.iiit iirj-oiit svstem, but li:i\, i.tt.n w.indered th JUt not TaulUnia thalictrifoU Frnm a photograph sent by Mr. C. Metci Mill House, Halifax. commonly practised , market growers. Petk the fact that when g^ in pots the plants c^ lemoved from one ho^ another at will has incfel growers to adhere to' culture. I know of y_ grower for market whsr i most exclusively i l)lanting-out that, too, w: liest results, the of blooms he cuts fn moderately sized being astonishing, charis houses are t roofed, of a rather^ pitch, each being fun with a bed or pit on side, having in them fc tom-heat pipes, whioto |,Ir:,s,.l I o li.^-ir ..f nTi\ nr« variety «lil.li i- lik.l\ l., nun.' :iii :ii-inil^iMMii value from a eut llower |ji split its caly.x.— (iROWEK. CARNATION WM. ROBINSON. 1 1 HAD no intention of .again referring to this sub- ject, but after reading the remarks by " E. .T." ill Messrs. Crane and Clark I feel a little furth.r I Muition is necessary. In the first pl.-nc, r-.. Crane and Clark certainlysenttwoliIu,.iii^ I ■' asking which was the true variety, and 1 replied that both were true, but one had de- |teriorated, while the brightest coloured flower re- presented the true variety. • I have had a few Iplants produce inferior blooms, but certainly not jSHch'a large percentage as Messrs. Crane and Clark state that they have had. Now with re- jgard to my statement of not knowing the origin iof the so-called improved variety, I still say if it lis an improved variety I am in the dark as to its jorigin. Yet Messrs. Crane and Clark's remarks have made it pretty clear that it is not an im- il)rovement. I may add that I propagated tin- iwhole of the stock that was first distributed, and jl am sure that all came from one plant. A gooil jmany of the leading Carnation growers have had it, and all have pronounced in its favour. With 'regard to the different habit of growth in iilanis Iwhich produce good flow'ers and those wlncli lhi\r deteriorated, it was only yestei-day that mv own ' ^|.. ii.iM-,' \,,is fully .-orifirmed by that of .anotln-i ' '-|i' Lilly Willi regard to Winter Cheer. ' |il:iiii- Mlii.h produce good blooms have a li'ililiN :ipp ,iiaiic-r with a glaucous shade to the foliage, w hile others have a dull green shade. Of k-ourse it does not always follow that there is this idistinction in thefoliage, for some blooms of inferior luality will be produced on the healthiest plants. It is very difficult to account for the vagaries of Carnations. Some few years ago T had quite a large batch of Miss Joliffe, nearly the whole of which produced inferior blooms, but it did not :)ccur to me to exhibit, them and claim that the )od blooms were an improved variety. If " E.-J.'J will refer to the list of awards made by the Royal Horticultural Society he will lind hat W.' Robinson had not previously receive. 1 ■,,< iward, and, as far as I am aware, it had ii.m i wen submitted to the committee, thoui;h I !.■ ieve it has been shown at the Drill Hall.— A. HEMSI,Ey. I have grown this variety since its intro uction, and consider it the finest and brightest !;irlet Carnation grown. Like many other of tin ■inter-blooming varieties, occasionally a plant oes "sick," and then produces bloomswhioli an lull coloured and of inferior form. Out of il,.> lants wliii'li «.•!■,■ |-..,.,.n,.,| finin 111,. |-,ii~i.r ■ mother vai mi \ lii I Im. n -rni i,,, w,,, i • ,1,,,,, ,, THE GAKDEK 161 the winter, blooms of a It is a decided improve- on Winter Cheer.— W. J. SEFUL FLOWERS FOR WINTER. uo,st u.seful flowers for cutting just inrln.lr DalVoilils. .xiii-I.- and d..nl,l,., iwers for cutting now, and if potted eail\ iiiil\ ■ipiire greenhouse treatment to get tin m inio loom by Christmas, but they should be polled in ugust and the bulbs must be, large and well pened.v There is a very large demand for Datfo- ils just now, and these also may be had in bloom ( iiristmas and the new year if potted and boxed 11 ly, i.e., as soon as the bulbs can be obtained. y tiist lot is boxed in August as soon as they 11 no to hand. I never plunge; the work would i too heavy where thousands are grown, neither I generally . plunge the first ' ■'■ keeps the . Dulbs in an moisture, antl the bulbs krop Ihoii- pii^itioii l.iitri' III ill,, pijts when fill. aii,l su.'h kiii.ls a^ .\rlu<, >,II.i\\ I'lince and ]innia,ailataf..iv,-w.-]laii.||iav,.raiilyl..llgstalks— a necessity for cutting. Arum Lilies, Eucharis Lilies, Tea and other Roses, Indian and other Rhododendrons, and the little red Azalea amnena, latch of Hyacinths unable condit lere will be plenty of long scarlet i\-ers that hold their petals and that n.^' tim.- in a rut state. All flowers I. I.. .1 .11. I.. 1 1. I f.ir being iilaced in .11 iiin.- I,.l..i,- pueking. This will I l.y ami Ia than now. E. H. HIMANTOPHYLLUMS (OLIVIAS). In those we have a most useful class of plants either for supplying cut blooms or for the decora- tion of the conservatory. • When grown to supply cut flowers large plants are preferable, as more bloom can be then cut from a limited space, but when grown for decoration small plants are the best, as they can be arranged to greater advan- tage. • These plants do not require much heat ; in fact, they may be wintered in a cool house pro- .alL.w ili'iii pli'iity of pot room, - 1. > I I - a:i I . I, light in an abun- \.ii.-i .liiMii;..;' tho growing season. li. Ii'jlii soil and given (In., aiinii :.!..■ ..Ilsi-ts freely, so that a -t...k .ik.l up. When the planl - Ii.m when have II will - ■at early ,>.-sof bloom are mu.l. I:ii.j.t :.i..I more .syr t ileal, the individual l.|,,...n^ nl-. l;.i..'..r,an(l 1. -I- shape. The colom-, 1...1. m.. 111..10 attra .-, and at this dull period vury ellective. H. C. Prinsep. Streptocarpi. — These useful flowering plants, although usually described as greenhotise subjects, invariably take on a rusty appearance, many of them dwindling away altogether. I could not in- duce them to make any headway when potted in spring until I gave them an intermediate tem- perature and a fair amount of moisture, since which the plants have iisnally .jix, n ..neat satis- faction. In February 1 1. I ... I an. I -im. I the plants in a house having a niglit I. mp. int .in- of 60°, not giving too much water at the roots until growth commences, as I find them rather liable to rot at the base, the same as they will in winter if kept in a house from which frost is only just excluded. Ill a iii..ii(li fr.ini tla- linn- of |,..liiiicr picntv of 11..W l..aM.s lia.l nn.!,.;- 111,. al...N,- tiviitment been ma, I... I, 111 I allow III. -Ill I., i.miain ill the in- l.'i in...li:.i.. li..u-.. until .\piil. ivnioviii.j- them then 1.. a nnjlit t.iiip.iatiire of ;il»'^. This I have |.i.i. 1 1-...I \''v >..ni.' \. a rs and find the plants stand il w. II. -..III.- of inim- being now very large and pi..ilu..|ii.j annmilK from fiftv to one hundred trusses of bl..om '.liii im.:' I li.'- -iiiiiiii..i.. I find, however, that til., ilaik l.lm-li -ii.nii- have hy far the most vigorous si ii m 1..11. tl,.' puLi-and more delicately colon roil vaii.ti.s I., in;.: \\.iiker. i lalso find that during winter the plants must have only just sufficient root moisture to prevent the leaves from flagging. I would, however, not advise a lower . temperature than 45° when at rest, as a lower one often causes disease and death. Some advise the use of peat in their culture, but the soil my plants are growing in is a light fibrous loam with some leaf mould and silver sand added, the plants being watered occasionally when in full growth with diluted liquid manure.— J. C. Amaryllises potting'. — I .see in your issue of Fil.ruaiyli Ml'. Nevill.- tak.sup tin- question of plnrnjin-j .\iiiai\ lli~.'~. ami -:i\ - li.' fills to see the articles I have a vinery id fancy V. I do ;,f grow- quoted cannot fail never seen a feim border giving otl ocertificate the variety as an "Improved" VVni. January, a batch should be ^oDmson, for, with the solitary exception men- ' eentle heat the second week ntroduced into room decoration without any apparent hurt ; December. A ' whereas if plunged in a bed with the roots out 162 THE CxARDEN. [February 27, 1897. both above an,l )„• the pot \>.M.1t, ull rO(.ts ontsid.- lii.it. •riallv if til.' plants w.-iv llir ..|i|.u,lMinly..f .jr.iui,,.^ liliU liilll.s ill ;, li.Misc >.■! en II, 1 sli.MlI.I Iiy 111. Ill |.l,n,t...l M\ ili.-l l,v-.i,l,„,,. al.l.' f.,|- ;;,,Ml,,,r linll,> »,.|,.' n.-lM,. >|i,n... Tl,.,l.l,p..| i''-'"i."wr;„'^ii!!:"' Alii.-irAllix liiilli. 1 !-■, .111. 1 .linill'j- tl... liln.. III. xw.iiM 1.,. .., Nv:isl.. ,,| ..|;|-~ ..iM'.i.il.l..a.-ily he..VL-i,;uiiK. in l.laiils «li,.„ i,i fluAVcr cuuld ..M.S.. xMilH.ut (lamaHng the AMU Ki.Mi', Stoke Park Gar- .livll:i liKlLui^ ,,:-, I.IMd.l tie ball, and a li.-h before the in it im.j^ L'ARNATION WINTER CHEER. iJall. tlowe and I'" .'I. '•■■ I'M i-i-i.iiice. This season I li:,v.. :iili'i . ..i.i in.-iii.j Ill-oof of the abovi. ^\:i\i-- ..<- nix >i,,..k„l Winter Cheer has 1,..,. II >..,,,. III. 'I.' ti..iii convenience than tV. Ilii..... ""' ■ li.iwever, is kept warm.. r. .....ni n nrj ■.".1 .11.1 of a house otheruis.. lillr.l \\\\\t iliLs, u liii-h were being gently lironght nito r. KThis • lot has given flowers A'ery bright rich in colour, but plants cooler grown have ilf, erect stems, in this latter respect sur- II.,' all others of its shade ; in fact, it is the s.-arlet that will hold itself erect without II t, and the outer ))etals, lying nearly flat, il a lian.N.iiii.. a| i| leai .iiiee when bunched. x.iii.ly, I I.. II. \. . lias .jiven the fine colour .■ n.x\. I ^.ail. I Will. l;.iliinson, the latter .Alegatiere, as. the flowers. C the different v winter we hav( sible the behax ..gardens is in a iif treatment, : l...--al-'v and sii ii,iti..ii if K. 1,1 'I'lii-. l:i-i I.-. I.ii 111 .i.l\aiii-e of any I li.-n.. s... .11, anil f.ir tli.- past two .^■e, handsome flowers, in size equal iiy of the finest border kinds, have Iv. E. J. ACACIA AFFINIS. ,p(cies of this useful e in some works as only feet. To my knowledge in the kingdom that are illy. This is far more useful than A. deal- that one so frequently meets with, the igh well, ll grown il what efl. the flow. under gla l,,.,r,lv slinil.stlinvef -111,.^' t.i knnw if it II .•..unties, and if 8C ll - •jriiwth. Of cours ) I arly as when groir ny other things, would be none the less acceptable because were late. H. C. B' ]Mr. Talla .eultivatin lizostylis coccinea in pots :.■ i;.s .jn. s some good advice a; ^. fill .iiitiimn-blooming plant wliere aecOD 1.111 can be given to grow it planted out I'allack does not speak very favourably .< iifT this in pots, or taking it up and pottjij :.iily in the year I pot up the strong ell pots and pla way I have had them very, fine. — J. Ckook, STATUES, SCULPTURE, ETC., IN GARDENS. Many foreign gardens are bestrewi*' wi statues and sculpture, though in a nbrthe country like ours a statue of real value as work of art deserves to bo protected by building of some kind, and the scattering numerous statues of the third' order of artist value, or no mer.t at all, -which we see in Italian gardens often givesa very ugly effe a place be used for the exhib'tion of sculptUJ well and good, but let us not in that case'ci it a garden, as it ceases to bo one in t' true sense. The great cost of such works art should preclude their use, if there is i ?r reason, and getting tUfe many bea tiful living things which our gardens may bf home for is the best use for the moans spend on our gardens. The dotting of statu'] about both the public and private gardens Paris and London is destructive of repo e.Kactly in the degree to which it is -carrie I n IJritain statues areoften of cast material, ai what their effect is, many who have seen the will no doubt lemember. The peojile wl use a garden as a place to dot about sui| " works of art " do not think of the girdea ; the best of all places to show the work Nature, ani as one in which we should s miny fine natural forms. The earliest recollection I have of any lar| garden or country seit was one strewn wii iIi'.'i\iy,'!..'ii'".i!i.*'.V-i''iiMV.Ti."ii7li'.-M'.'.in ''\n remains of statues, but as my evideni .'l''li',.'.'l\ ' il','.'i'..|..i.. ill. 1,. II. ...I 11.. I I.. aii\ .hlli- as to effect and endurance might not be iij i\ 111 ll- pi,.,i,i..:iii..ii I .1.. II.. I kiM.u if it.^partial, I quote a witness. Monsieur Vict nl.l uiilisian.l 111.. -..x.Tiix ..I 111.' "'ui'i "iili |cherbuliez, of the French Academy, wl ere't'liVfi'iU^is less'sevei'v ^ writes in one of his novels: — | It is strange that this is not more grown in ! He passed before the open gate of a spacic, : Channel Islands, jiarticulariyin Guernsey and garden whjcb formerly presented to the adnu ^ Fbdruary 27, 189 7. J THE CAKDEIT. 163 )n of ' red vvi Iiranfifiillv s( kdlyk.-|.l,'ill,', iIm'.I,.,iI,,,i I;, .\,il,r,,,;ir,l,who rod m.irr hH 111. li, 1,1. il,:„i l.,i In, ■_■ 1 1 .li-ii, and 'UTlliln.i.r,,^ I,:mI ,l,..,,.,„,.,h,l .„,,, MM,,. Tlic All, itlier witness is Lord Eosebery, who in 1 1 li at Edinburgh lately said — li il„,se restless spirits that possessed the i ,1' ,„■ swine were to enter into the statues of iiiil'iii'jli, and if the whole stony and brazer •'■\i «,i,- 1,1 li,iriy anil hustle and huddle head i- 'l,,\> I, il,, -ir . |„ -I iilucu near Edinburgh into I 'i,'l„-t ].,i,iMt 1 1,, I'irth of Forth, art would K,-s„Maiii,.l ,„,>,.n, HIS loss. iThe Pall Mdll Gazette, commenting on this wech, wishes for a like rush to the Thames J the part of our " London monstrosities," lid jet this is the sort of adornment that (itain writeis wish us to adopt in the garden. ]i the politician and the journalist ask to be ijlivered from the statues with which the luares and streets of our cities are adorned, dr duty as the lovers of Nature in the garden iklear. The effect of frost alternating with heavy r!n in our climate should be thought of i this regard, as the destruction of stone- vrk out of doors in all unprotected and i;lated things is rapid. The face of a lieau t.d statue put up not many years ago opp,, 8s the Royal Exchange is now destro\,,l, al where balustrade terrace work is iim-,1 it )on decays. Another aspect of the question is that artists oillistinction in sculpture are not those usu aj concerned with garden design, and it is n , the business of the architect or landscape ;-;i|lener to draw the human form or anything tl t, has to do with good or art in sculpture, doubt many such men are willing to ii-take anything of the kind, but the work in such ways has little to do with art from ugliness and waste in such ways, liut those who do not look to their g:ir,l,iis from the point of view of natural b.inlv, should be on their guard against the adM,,' of those who think of a garden as a placi- for showing bad art in stone and cement. W. K. Societies and Exhibitions. NATIONAL C'llin S.WrilllMr.M SO('il'7i'>\ iidcrs, ; Mr. L-lected, lio gold l- Ir arkn ittee refer with satisfaction to the re- ;co8s which attended the celebration of tl,p jiilnlep cf the sm-iety in November last. The ii t.ivcii ii, II,.' i,,liil..H show was shown f rom tl I., I 1 ti,;,t il,i< l;,,-i;,. >,,,,, ..f £382 6s. was raised as -|Hri.,l |,ibilc,- tui,cl. Th,. two exhibitions were on a ,\1,.Mi>i\e scul,_', the compttitiou in some of the leading olasst'S being almost unprecedented. Cbrygantheuiums were shown of the highest quality, while the display of fruit and vegetables was also extensive. Among (l,e many prizes offered, one was of a gratifying inter- i,:,iiMi,al .haiaitei— a gold medal prpseuted by the A,,irn.:,ii t:i,i>s;,nthenium Srciety. The conference Mi.- imM ;,tt, ,,,l,d, and excellent papers were reac I i, i',,;,l,li' the i,,aiiy siicieties in atKliation to partic pate ui the jubilee celebration, a l'r,inze jubilee medi was presented toevpry e. iciety in altiliation on October last, and it isgratifjing to iiiiow there wan displayed on the part of local exliibitors the keenest rivalry in becoming the possessors of these medals. The jubilee catalogue brings the work of classification of the Chrysanthemum up to last season, and it is a most useful companion to the centenary edition. Some difference of opii,i,,ii i-vis-tii,'.,' in ref, rence to tlie classification of in, ■,!,.! - ,,i..i, , i ,.,.,.,.nt iiitr dic- tion which do not I, ,im ! : Mil.ilee latiilogiie, the general comii,iii' ; , i - : iii,i;il cunniittee of leading growers t., ,Jt.,l wuli tin doubtful varieties. This committee have niade a rep)rt which has been accepted, and it will find a place in the schedule for 1807. The floral committee meetings during the past year brought together a large number of novelties, and each year's experience sets the standard of per- fection higher, and the granting of certificates of merit is made only after the fullest consideration. Since January 1, 181)6, 13 Fellows and 175 ordinary memliers have been elected, and 27 societies admitted to afhliati. n. The committee have thought the jubilee celebration a fitting time to elect some persons to the position of l„,ii,,i',,, y t'ell..wsliip, and the following are nominated tt, tl,;,t liuiiM,,! :,..< liaving in various ways rendered eiM,-!',, .ssi,^,^' to the Chrysanthemum: Messrs. H,„,a ile Villi,,.! 11, Paris; Martinet, Pans; do Jleuleiiaere, rihent ; B. Wynne, T. Bevan, H. J. Jones, and C. llarman-Payne. From the finaneial statement it appears that .-nilieix' subscriptions inodured £2!ll> 14.s. 4d., M,ili,.M.al„lM„...i.,I i,,i/,.s. nill 7>. CI.: ,,.,.,.i,,|s TiiK ninth an tution was he the mtb irisf. loservintj insti- itol on Friday, (l„.,-Ii:iir, Mr. . ,..i,,ii,cinorate \|.. 1 (liiicious . It, 1,1,1-11 wlio 1,1- ,.t the fund ,.ii,,.j. Mr. J. , M.,- e:u-ried. ;,i ll„. friendlv I, Is held in the )■ \\l,,.ii wo were cele- csty'.s accession to the :i, when gardeners, like lity, were looking Tl good sense of most people saves them r. Dean, the secretary, was pre.sented with a I nicihil and an illurninated addre.ss in recog- m of his services, and the same acknowledg- ment was made to Mr. Harman-Paync a>s foreign corresponding secretary. throne. It was on this oee: ( ther loyal members of the out for a way to give expression to their loyalty, that it occurred to Mr. Penny, th,-n ,if Sandringham, and Mr. Clayton, of Gri„ >..,,. I'l n i!i. I,..st form this ex- pression could talv,' w III : i I I, it an institution to befriend the orpi, I,, n. , Atfirstthe idea was met by many u it i, ,ii, ^i ' ,,,-'- ,is being too gi'eat an undertaking, but the p,)siiii,ii the fund occupies to-, lay pr.ives that a happier suggestion could not have be, 11 made. As to its growth, the rci ort in the haiuls of members will tell much better than I can. Nearly CBOUO has been paid to the orphans of gar- deners during the past nine years, besides a sum of over ■tOUOO which has been invested for their future benefit. The Orphan Fund is happy in having at its head those who take a personal in'erest in its we fare. When it is said that at the head of the char.tv we have H.R.H. the Princess of Wales, with His Grace the Duke of Bedford as president, Mr. Marshall as chair- man of the executive e.immittee, and Mr. Barron as secretary, besides a working committee of gentlemen, every one of whom is well known, the success which has atterded the establishment of the fund is not to be wondered at. To-day there have been added without any voting thirteen orphans to the t'entfits of the fund at an extra lal expenditure of £170, and a better eommemora- of BerMajpsty'slorg reign no instilutio i c, iild pos- sibly make, anil in view of this grea'er rcsponsiliiliiy a greater income must be forthcoming, or the fund will 1)6 in the same position as the orphans are now in, with " no provision." Lookdown thelist of orphan iiliti's for election and you will fin 1 the melancholy s '■ I,., ri..vi-i.,n " repeated over and over again. le 11,..,-.. v\..i.ls express a feeling of utter despair 1. -.1 ,1 i. ,1 a- represe ted in the capo of the widow l.'-lil ,,t pl.an. The iiliject nf lliii el,:ii-ity is to t:,.'! , t 1... -I:il...l that t ,-.ill,...l ,-..1,11,1 ami ideuti- fare of the. gai-ileii charities w why. Let each of i h'-se II his tubsciiption to Mr. for li.ith the garden cbari- M.,iil j,,rden chariiies. ! J I i I' vahiable help ;d themselves with t I they ought. I do n ho do not subscribe s tlie future wel- 1.1 164 THE GARDEN. [February 27, 1897. »ii.. ■ thu easier for them to join the institution, may I suggest, if your rules will permit of its being done, that you reduce the subscription to young gardeners to 2s. (5J. a year, and if thii can be done, I would ask every gar- dener who has the interest of this chanty at heart to bring the subject before his youcg men, and I am sore a liberal response will be the result. It cannot be too well known that thisis a purely benevolent institution, and that no question is asked as to the nationality of the candidate o:- of what reli- gion the parents may have been; neithpr are the orphans barred from the benefits of the fund if their fathers in their lifetime neglected to support the in- stitution At the same time 1 cannot help saying that 1 would not give much for that man's love or care for his wife and children who refuses to do what ho can whilst in health for an institution on the funds of which those who are near .and dear to him may be com- pelled to throw themselves through death or misfor- tune. The annual festival dinner, presided over liy His Grace tiie l>uke of Bedfni-d, the ]-irosident nf the fund. |,iu\.d ;, i,i..-( .jrafil\in" >ii -. i-~nlt ingin a <■nn^i,|r,;lMr ,ni.j liH'llhll Im,, I,, l l„. r|,.M it > , AmollL;- ut In r iiillt I ll-ill - I.I iIm' I'i-IM.iI I'mnl was that ..( llir hii.-uil- .if ;.nJ ■■r>.^^.',- nl |,n,.iii.. for Cov,-iil Cai.lrii Market, who -ii 1 ,-rl 1 1 -. I tin Sumof£;i(l l."». r..l., a llicaMllv of ~ii|.|.iil lir.'lilN apprwialcd li\ tin gratefully a.-knuwlrd-v 111,- uiv.-it : dcre:l by' Mr. J. Assbee in obtainin: gft. The number of children who have been plac On the fund since the commencement is eiir.l,U, an e'-igible "ii.r ( li.aiisc tha-iks Ml tin, noiini tendered to lli.' I r. andt'ir aialitoi, M, hildin .■oli„..,-,no.. Thei'o.ll iMlto,. I,a^. that Ml. X. .\. SI.. of the fund) has ki office of treasurer, auditor. Mr. A. F. secretar}'. able perfume, and in groups on the rockery or in sunny nooks or borders the plant is always appre- ciated. Tellima graiidiflora purpurea.— Apart from the flowering of this jdant later on, there is ample room in tli.- s| .i in" o.irdiii for such beautiful and l.llin.j- liiM.folia._o..r plants as the above. The li..aiitifiillv foiiiiocl l..a\.'~ iviiiiiid one of those of til.- Tiar.l'la or Hi'iioli.-ra, ami are raised on short stems in the same manner and form beautiful tufts of a bronzy purple hue, that in groups among stones on the rockery have a decidedly good eftect. Myriocarpa longipes is iir.ibililv amon.j tlir most curious of stove-flow, i ni'^ -linili- |ii.|.jiiij I >> small lloworin-exaiii],!.., in ili,. larj.. ralm Ir.ii,. at Kow. Tlir'|„iiiiary iDaii.lios , .t ,i-.iii...u~ in- ,i,||,|nii lil.i-^.iin- aio .lrn>..|y ehisteitd. These II,. n. I. Ill liranili.'s of ilio iiillorescence are some le libe y attr; atory Crinura ang-ustum. ilaut as it deserves, particularly when it is remember! that so few things of its colour flower durr, the dull months of the year. Given cool treti ment throughout the season of growth large plai may be built up that will produce a good show the violet-pur], le beads of bloom. The flowers ; H'oduced on 1 ii'j.. Ii'innnal .oi arge ovate ami -iri.iti'.l I'.n.-. treatment is alloMl'l, iln' iilani tive in the greuiihuusc ur w ami me time. Hellebores or Lent liilies.— We beg to ind our readers that prizes will be given .ll.lioi.s at the Royal Horticultural Societ iiiir^ on March 9. Some of our readers w .iirj to .lislance or other reasons, may not as the°object ot iFir |,ii/o- i- lo slio« tin- li value of these I ill lit- Mr.\ ■ a 1 1> m ilio \.;ar. wide, shelterecl lionlcis in line loamy sml tli impressive plants are very line before the end February, as in the present year and nea every year. The few scattered ]5lants in most g dens give a poor idea of the great value of plant. Saxifraga apiculata.— Growing in tlie o in lints without the slightest protection this is^ Saxifr.xg.i Salon: I W. and Mr. Peter Bair that of Barron was again appointed are pure white, an inch or tuft of leaves. The plant i Kcw. Eom.area frondea. Tin now flowering at isril ilio-i- free-growi lajlit sandy soil on a li-\. I -mt i.' a I o.-kerv where .scarc-ol> .iii\ -' t lifts of this plant alwa\ - ll. \m i its pale yellow blossoms are am alpine flowers of earliest spring. much so that a few good management i|i s across. This is a Islliat an- .■mitrnt ^ crassifolia.— In a Thames-side gar- ■ dav we noted an abundance of this Notes of the Week. Daphne Mezereum album. Tin- 1. all. >, bushes of tills ari. .iiiniinj' tin- lailnM llini-j- to flower in (llo sluillilinx. Win... Ial;j|. Iiu^ln- exist, and tbes,- are rra.lily sc'iiiv,! n, a y.-.-ir .h two in good soil, both the red and white forms are not to be despised in their proper place in tbei shrubbery. Cymbidium I,owio-eburneuni. This, tlie Is 111! finer Orrliid, is now i at Tlie W.ioill.-ilnis, S large ami ImM, of ,-i crimson iiiail.ni.j- on flower I- limi. ii.IiIn i'i and llniiv .■iiminon li\ Leu four days the lir^ln-t iiadin'j in -li.nl.- I,.i- 53^ or above, and mi lln. \\allin-I illr---- Eupatorivim (Hebeclinium) ianthinum. r\- <.reat for a wint (■'has 27°. At 2 fee and at 1 foot 5° wai „. end of Februai as a good record of h w Crocus came liist on the 17th, which is avei-a-e date of first fl< ,1 V, lis but ei"ht days ,l.i,' Name of fruit.— 11'. Newton. Til J] GARDEN. 1G5 0. 1320. SATURDAY, March 6, 1897. Vol. LI II liuing the exact opposite luik's further north, about III Corunua, where I have lir l.iw-lying lands by the I'Mii u nil tlie water cover- siis iii:iiHlrus albus, how- tliL' liillsides, as it did at iiiiinuus is blooming Flower Garden. FEBRUARY IN NORTH-WEST SPAIN. )UBlNti the seven days coiniuencing February ', the weather at Vigo, on the western sea- >ard of Spain, has been superb, brilliant sun- iiiiie and light airs having been experienced Imtinuously tlirougliout the whole week. In lie surrounding cdiiutry many wild flowers are i full bloom. Hc'dgi'K and banks are here and lere blue with countless deeply hued tiowns f Lithospcnuuiu jirostratum ; Primroses an' ii loom in wide breadtlis on stream-banks am leltered hollows, many being almost white 'he Dog's-tooth Violets are also in flower, some f the.se also lieim,' iK'stitute of colouring and 'ving thr iiii|iivssi..n, as thrv nestle aiiu.i lie grassrs ,.f tlu- l,alik-Mdr. nf thr wlill |ioletsof our Kimli.l, lalirs. Nalvlssus r.ull,, pdium is lil.iiiiiuii- IjciRatli the Pines on tl (llsides, this sitiia j" its habitat seven le towns of Fenn land it chiefly ii hterside. soiiielin g the bulb. Nai [er, is flowering . brrol, and N. c tirshy ground. I have now before me as I fitea vase full of the blue blossoms of Anemone lobinsoniana, wliicli T disioveied Rowing in a jo.ssy lliicik sheltclv.l li\ a laliipalt of ^-M^l,■ll lirse, with wliicli niTal i)iva.lllis..f thr rminliv je now yellow, (hasr ihns ii.,t apjiear to be [own in this nei-liboinh I for the .sake of its ood,asis the case .n 1 I'oruuna, where it ho be seen in planiations 10 feet to 15 feet in |ight, the individual jilauts being single- L'lnined and bare for i\ feet of their height, lie stems are often a foot in circumference. ' this ])art the Broom (Cytisus), though which [riety I cannot say, as it is not as yet in >wer, is growai in a precisely similar manner, id takes the place of the Gorse as what might ' styled a timber tree, the Gorse being cut ifore attaining large juoportions and used for ;dding in the cow-sheds, after which it is ilised for manuring the land, for which 1 1 lose .seaweed and leaf-mould are also ipl'ved. Among the trunks of the Chest- ts the wild Hyacinths (Scilla) create pretty \ects, tliouLih the S|iaiiish variety, of which ijuiy white s|Miiiiuiis may be seen, does lit po.ssess thr ilioo|,jiig grace of the Eng h Bhielirll (S. nutans). A yellow Oxali.s, IWly distiuguishalile from the form sold in -Htish nurseries under the name of Butteiiii|i. i to be found by tlie roadside. Myo.sntis is iio in flower, but the great Asphodels have yet thrown up but a foot or so of their spear- ves. In country lanes patches of snow-white the hedges show where the Black Thorn is in )om, and ainund the red-tiled cottages the ach and Aliai 111.1 blossom stands out "in deli- •IIS pink ag.iinst the whitewashed walls. The ■iler is in full leaf, and Vine-pruning is to be ;!n on all sides, the [loorest hovel having its ne trellis, the uprights of which are appa- itly fashioned from Cytisus, Fir, and occa- f nally Eucalyptus globulus,, many plantations this Gum Tree, in which the individual speci- mens are often SO feet or mure in height, exist- ing in this corner of Spain. The cros,s-pieces to which the Vino shoots are tied are generally formed of the stems of the Giant Reed (Arundo iloii.ix), which, in the ab.sencc of suitable wood, isgroun lu"il\ f.'i Ihls purpose. 15 feet luj^h .ni .o^nnl «ith their erinisoli pink, and white houiis, ulneh. Iiow.ver, ar now past their lust, uhih- lali Annus, (hin.s -Azaleas (A. indie.iK I'.n.s iLnsus, Tuhps, ;,iii Narci.ssi, tlie l.asl rhirll\ of iho iiiro,, ,,,.,,,. l,ili seelion. .add tlint s :u u''\ .-.,]. ,uv. lo ihr .„haii iHentoffiiriiial.liiii'^riirialU umi.lv |Jo:,-,mmh> ,\e.icias in variety aiv 111 llower, tlio i,,..si .on spicuous being A. dealbata, whose clouds o golden blossoms glow afar. Some Acacia; grown within the precincts of the town havi I liafli.ir.iuslv livalc.l, li.-iii- k.'l.t .'l..s(.|i ,n..,l m llM^'sh... r..p.'ii iinilii.'ll.-.s, Ih.n white trumjiet DattbdUs cannot be too well ripened, and that one reason f.ir their not Miiurisliiie^ p.-niiaii.-iilU in iiianv .lislri.l^, ami paiHy Lo ishes of Datura Palms testify to siiaM-ol,.,is, Mus,-is, ami tlie mildness of the elim.ate. These superficial notes, jotted down in tht course of a few short walks in the neighbour hood of Vigo, are not intended to be exhaustive, many natural and cultural beauties having bej;n nece.ssarily overlooked. " "' "" S. W. F. Calceolaria alba.— The beautiful this s|)ecies that appeared recently in Tiih: was followed bv some interesting experiem plant, .\iii.mV them the Kcw siireiu tinli.'.l ill I hi' position it occupied last year, is lir.akiiif^ iiilo new growth freely from the base. .\|i,Mi from ill. ■ protection afforded by the wall it- srlt, till- li.isr .if the plant has had but the merest haii.lful of rather dry leaves to protect it. Sneh evidence only tends to show the little prote.tion needed in such winters as the present: ami in yet more favoured localities this beautiful plant would be found a good companion to other choice subjects in the open. Iris stylosa is one of the most beautiful flowers of the week. At the same time it is not so abundantly grown as its merits justify. 'Ih. !.■ is, however, an exquisite beauty in th.- ixp. th.ii isalwavs admired, while its white ll..«. i . .1 toini poss.ss".- a .■h.ast.'ll.'-s that fits il f.ir a-s.^aallon llo«. Ills liax, olhii s.i.lly disfigured leaves, but 1 a -li-lii pioir.iioii for its pretty tufts of , - Ih 11, I 11 -nil- may be expected and would icilh fuUuH. .\l.jst' of the nearly evergreen ies (if Iris bloom with returning growth, but when this is nipped or stunted by cold and frost, poor flowers are the usual result. WHITE TRUMPET DAFFoDIL.s. I NOTE with some surprise that Mr. Barr advises that these should be grown in the shade. As the sentence containing this advice is in italics, it is evident that Mr. Barr attaches much im- portances to this detail in their culture. I have been under the impression that the I mil is of are apt to siiil.r lal. r on li oin damp of our j'hi'jh-.ii winiiis. reason that bull IS .1 niioi ii|i.n s, shaded as ill sunn\ positions, ami the whil.' Iriiiii|..l jlalhidils do not thrive so w.ll ill ii.iiihiin .lisiricts as in the southern .-..iiiii i.s, ami thai ill. y are unreliable in soils lli.il aiv iialiiialK u.'l.' Itwonld be int..restin..,' lo l,m,u ,1 Mr.' l;,,ir li.as piwiMl that tli.'se lo^,.l^ ItiPoilils,!,, I,, it.ruh.ai m son,., im-asiire s.ao. ii.ii lion, iho sini, or uli.lhn h.' Ii.as c.me to this i.,!,,!,! i,,ii ir,,.i, s,-, Miu ili.n, •j;rowiiig inius f,.r s,,ii„. \,;,i ,111,1 uiih iii.i.li n.-eess. It IS, as ivlial.h. uilh lii,' as.niv |l,il|o,|il I have .HI h.' pla.,', I|,,u,aiim ivunlarU ami ima.asim^ Ins done ,.r iiolliin-.-ibout the « lute trumpet Dalho liiit, . Ill L.usly enough, I set them in the si : 11,1 .Iriest position in my garden. I .1 il.iiilit if ,1 warmer sppt could be found in eirlilioiirlio...!. My soU- is' light, and in a 11 like that .if last year gets very hot and eforr till' f.ili.ire .lies ofi". Idonotseehow Dati'odil e.iuld thrive better than it has with me under such circumstances, and I therefore be excused if I doubt whether Barr is quite correct in advising that tliink, oval, lit that they are not likely to get o iiiiiih of it in the midland and northern siri.ls. (mio.I drainage is, I am convinced, ist iinport.nit ; no measure of success can at- ml the culture of this section of the family if iter can lie round or within measurable dis- iiee .if the bulbs during the winter months. In the case of retentive soil or in very low- lying districts I would advise that they be planted several inches above the ordinary ml level. The "dainty little moschatus is til for i.nkwork on a gently sloping bank, t .l,.,s iioi at any time make a great amount ,,.ts, ami llnseare very impatient of stagnant I 111,. It is .piiti'.it home growing near a ■ s|,,n,', wlu.'li 111,' roots iMii touch as they iJM'ir \\ay ,1,.H im.uils. In some places the .■ Irinnp.l Dallodil caiiiiut be induced to ,.■ p.'niiaiieiitly. I am not sure whether IS .Ine lo soil or climate. If the climatic iti.iiis III' the cause, nothing much can be done, but as regards th.- r. lotiiig medium, it is pos.sible to suif ih.ir i, .|uiivnicnts. Narcissi generally delight m a latli. i porous, gritty soil, and I can think of nutlung better for the more delicate-rooted kinds than the mixture of loam, decomposed leaf-mould, and coarse .sand, that is so much used for pot jilants. The compost The manuii.il .pialiti.s are abuo.st gone, and the decayed roots .,f the ]ilaiits give just the kind of nourishuuiit that tlie Daflbdils love. Form d fi iiielies deep of this material and there be no ilittieulty in growing such kinds as 166 THE GARDEN. [March G, 1897. Colleen Bawn, tortuosus, cernuus, W. Goklring, &c. Not a particle of manure should be added to the soil in which these Daflfodils are iilaiited, as I have found even a slight topHhi-ssing iii;iy induce the disease to which some kimls ;au vi'iy liable. I once lost a number of liulbs in tliis way. Albicans and Colleen Bawn are, even under the most favourable circumstances, sus- ceptible to the disease, and the only way tci save the bulbs is to lift them and lay tluin ■■ut in the sun for a few days, previou.sly cli.iinim away all decayed portions. The vitality is "I course nnich lowered and the bulbs ran h hlnHn tlir following season, but they will .irirnivr,.\ , , and ri<.wrr t\w. next year. The wliilr liiiiM|"t Daffodils .irr nut much grown iii|ioi,, Imi IIh\ are as well tittrd f..r that form of ciiltuiv as ihc coloured \arii-tirs. 'I'lirv aic not suitalih' for forcing, but bn.uglit aioi,- slouiy tliuv »ill bloom as well as in the open air, and they have the merit of being quite distinct from other flowering plants. J. C. B. FLOWER (lAliDKX NOTES. Pbickin(! off.- M. ;iviiir~ iiiii-i soon be taken to provide for the |irickiii'_; oil of tliose things that were sown last uioutli. It is useless to leave things in seed-boxes until planting time and then expect them to do any good ; on the other hand, if they are pricked out before there is too much overcrowding and receive the necessary amount of after-attention, they will be capital little plants by the beginning of May. Avoid too much soil ; a depth of 3 inches will be ample. If this rests on a hard bottom, the roots do not get far away and the plants lift better. Two sorts of Carnations, the new Cornflower (which has come uy) very badly), a good strain of Gaillardia, and seedlinu- Verbenas are things ready for the shift. Ii is well to have the soil fairly moist, so thai ili. young plants will not require much watii nnlil they are fairly on the move. Where l'o|i|.a- have been sown in boxes they should be car. tnll\ handled; they are not over-partial to traiis|ilaiil ing. A pan of seedlings of the silvery Ctniaui.a reminds me that a batch left out last autuiiin has come safely through the winter and is looking strong and well. The boxes from whence the above things will be removed . will be utilised again for seed sowing, particularly where the seed is very tiny and is apt to come to grief if sown in the open frame. Any varieties of Tobacco required are sown now, but a furtlier supply of N. affinis will be hardly necessary. There has not been sufficient frost to penetrate to the fleshy roots of old plants left in the ground, and they will come away strongly. If a supply of seedling Lobelia and Petunia is required, the seed may go in at once. Of the former, Barnard's Perpetual is a capital strain of enduring habit, and in Petunias the large-flowered sorts can lie sown for large beds and window l.o\, s, and the nana ciiliipacta strain where dwarf |ilaiiis .no r.'(|iiiro,l, A f,.« ning of the month an- I'olia'a scaiidoiis, ,\o:n i;i, and Grevillea robusta ; one or, at most, t«o -, ,il~ in the case of the failure of one can be |mii mi.i small pots. I have sown this year in a similar way a small batch of AsparairnsdellcMis. n \ .u i. i \ comparatively new and iini rio.l, IhiI from w hat 1 saw of it last year it won I' I srrm liLoly to he usi- ful for foliage among iiailiall) -holi, n.l Mimmor plants. Returning to tlit- .suhjo.i ai iIm'Iio.hI of this paragraph, let me recoinmi nd ih,' ii>o ,,f Jadoo fibre rubbed up rather ti no whon | kin;; off Begonia seedlings. If thecomposi is kopt on the moist side, there is nothing in which tliey will make more rapid headway either above or below ground. Herbaceous borders. — It is not advisable to be in too great a hurry to remove protecting mate- rial that has been placed about any plants in the hardy flower garden. This may sound contra- dictory, but the fact is, there are some things that will not stand a very severe winter without some orm of protection, and those of us who have been In the a few- move, respect manage to be on iken can be removed from me time tection. hen the laniailiiaail ol 1 ho ii.ilnio .Ir.-rriho.l is always noois,,.n\. If ;i tow liaol\ llnirj- loniain from siook |,ro|,:ojaio,| f,,r -|,o,.ril | iur|ios,.s, they may \.r iiiihso,! t..r tilling any gaps in the bor- ilors, (ai nations, good strains of Antirrhinum airl l'oiiisiom..n, and, among taller things, Del- jilnniiims. iiiav lie cited as very useful for such a purpose. In tlio .'aso ot tho lirst and last of these it may be fouml d.-nal.lo lo o.tti r r-|,oc'ially for them. I find for i uniiioio i hiib Mushroom manure and for 1 iol|ihiniunis ;i miNture of stiti' road sidings and ordinarj' manure productive of first-rate growth and an improvement both in the quantity and quality of the flowers. Claremont. E. Burrell, Anemone vernali; AN INDEX EXPURCxATORIUS. rnal got • bh.om Novem r out of hylla. Anemopsis Aquilegia glandulosa. viridiflora. iliininm pashmer Cojii'Osites. Aster alpinus. a. speciosus. Stracheyi.f Erigeron aurantiacus. Arnica montana.f Centaurea stricta. uniflora. Phrygia. Senecio pulcher. Liatris spicata. Othonna cheirifolia Rudbeckia intermedia. Coreopsis lanceolata. Odontospermum mari timum.* Iride.«. Iris caucasica Histrio. persica. juncea. Bakeriana. Rosenliachiana.f B0R.'l01N.\f E.i:. Lithospermum t i ii i torum. Mertensia maritima. Myosotis rupicola. Rechsteineri. (Ienthn.vce.k, Oentiana lutea. Burseri.f Saponaria. Andrews!. oregana.f calycosa.t sceptrum.f )ineunionantlic. attinis. algida. Freelichi.f Oliveri. verna alba. V. purpurea. bavarica. acaulis alba. angustifolia. Swertia perennis. Erythrjea diffusa. Leguminos.e. Astragalus adsurgens. Hedysarum boreale.f Tephrosia virginica. MlSCEM.ANEOrs. Linna;a borealis.t Jauka-a lb l.lr.i.hi.t Potentilla mtida.t Sieversia tritlora. Jaborosa integrifolia.: Erodium olnvsanthun Trillium erytlu-ocarpu if the iglit St ditto— a sort of horti- 11 of "Twelve Bad Men "—it viceable to many. The list ided, however, by no means belongs to the latter category, as most of the plants enume- rated are choice and desirable, and manj' of those that are not are rare or at least uncommon, but it has occurred to me that it may be useful to some of your readers, as focussing, so to speak, a considerable number of so-called hardy plants that for one reason or another are more or less diflicult to grow, to keep, or to bloom. I came across lately a catalogue, compiled a good many years ago, of plants which were at .llo.l ipossiliilitios (Can I .lanka-a Heldreic ly the experienced ; oiue want of care ( unfavourable in t others skill : J soil, think. climate or position, Imt tin- majority, I have gone becauso they «ill not stay some in- nate "cussedness" (as in the case of many Californian plants), or some lack of perennial quality (as in the case of several species of Del- phinium). The plant named which has no pretension to be hardy is indicated, as are also those which have been purposely eradicated, and those which have grown for a while, but iio\ii lilo..uicd. Primula species, of which I have had many, and some of the choicer Daflbdils are omitted. I'arryi. ^^'ashingtOIlianum rubescens. elegans. tenuifolium.f Krameri.f Fritillaria Moggridgei, Burnati. bucharica. lancifolia. recurva. pudica. BornmuUeri.f Scilla peruviana. Brodia-a (manv vars. ). Linumaliiinum. salsoloidcs. Asclepias tubuiu.sa. Polemonium conf tum.f Polygala diama-buxu Aletris amen. Rhlxi.a'\'i'i'j'n'.a''a +'"' Incarvilloa t)le:r.: Pluml.aoo |.,r|,cnt:r.: Arabiscornlca. Draba bteotica. Cakyophyllai.'ea:. Dianthus cesius. alpinus. cruentus. Lychnis chalcedonica c. fl.-pl. Haagei. Lagascie. alpina. Saiionaria ca>spitiisa. Andrewsiana.f Silene regia. AMP.4NtIL.\CEjE. anula glomerata alba. Hcsti. Raineri (.«< Zoysi. Aliioni. Tcnori. iiflviformi persicifolii Edraianthus dalmati- serpiphylhis. pumiliorum. Wahlenbergia saxicola. hederacea. Traohelium rumelicum. ScROPH0LARIACE.li Veronica longifolia.| Digitalis obscura. Zauschneria califi Ourisia cocoinea. Chelone obliqua. Pentstemon (many b| Eatoni. , 1 Dasystoraa quercifoliil Antirrhinum gl"tij anserinum. ' Not hi t hardy, t Exterminated intentionally + Never bloomed. J. 0. L; March 6, 1897.] THE GARDEK 16 7 NAECISSUS IN THE OKASS AT WAKLEY PLACE. ^MONG the various plantings of Narcissus in he grass we have had the happiness to see mcceeJ, that at Warloy Place during the past )n was the most successful from a garden- ing point of view, as (,he plants were not only lit home in the grass, lilt the Howers were of he first size and (luality. Nothing could he more ifraceful and elleetive 'han a little valley of he finer and bolder ;inds of Narcissus, or han the lawn in front if the house. In our 'wn planting of Karcis- us we have been very areiess, and have had 10 time to take much irecaution, liut have oUowed the one simple vay of turning up the lod, turning it down gain and stamping on it. This winter we ;iave been more careless till, sowing tlie bulbs lut of sacks on tlie edge jf a lake and throwing imd taken from it over jliem. Naturally, with ^ich ways only the tardiest and the most ,tted for our climate lave th nked u f lich rude attentioi [lid, theref re it is ni p see how these Ho \ ci let on where i litt korecaieisgnenth i 111 wlieie the s il i ■rtamh bettei than ur own ()then\ e ae picture tells t wn storj The follow in not e by Miss "\\ illm t gardsher pi actio Therp i p tl <- 1 ent I 1 I ik ) I 1(1 cl 1 i ifforll 1 all tl 1 \erj I itn 1 fo t t pth Tl 1 \ 5SUS 1 ofus kn nds. I luive simplv ted the tui-f and tnni.;! er the to]) spit an. I |.l:ui t«ly in holes al.mt :, ,,„] Me with a l.lnut lions Mng care tlmt each Inilb m of the hole. 1 know a failure is because sufficient care bUS time at Wailey Place. From a photograph by Miss Willmott. --si^T^TQft JB^^ ^ *-y- '../ ^^SL}B^4 M u^^' ^lyr ;• • '^^^^^"H^^^HI^H 1 ^ i,;^^^! iiiiillfa^^MitiiS 9 HH 1 ^H 1 ^1 ' ^M^ m ^^ Typhi I. .!..■, «lM,-h luuU.US It. did not to flower with me for some time after I obtained and planted it ; certainly not the first year. — J. McWalters, Arm-,.,!,. Cyclamens in Cen- tral Italy. -Ill replj' to ■■ Sheiboine " who writes on ]i. 14.S, the sweet- of (Vntial ffaly is no .louht ('. liedc-i'-tefoliimi (.■\itop), syn., V. repan- dum (Sibthorpe). I have often heard of its beauty and fragrance in spring near Naples, though I have never seen it wikl. It is a native of Central and Southern Italy ami Greece, and othei- warm parts of South - eastern Europe, but does not ex- tend, as far as is known, into Asia. It is figured and described in the Botanical Magazine, t. 1001, being there called C. repandum. " Sher- borne " also asks the difference between this and C. neapolitanum. C. neapolitanum flowers at the beginning of autumn before the leaves are out, and is much hardier than the spring - flowering C. heder.-efolium, which will not live through a hard winter in my garden in Cheshire. C. coum is not sweet-scented, and is not wild in Italy.— C. Woi.- LEY-DoD, Edge Hall, Mal- pa.s. Perhaps I can throw a little li^dit on this snI.j,-ot a( l.-ast, a- t- Il,il\. .\.,,n,-.-|i the hot- Typha minima.— In reference to an inquiry ery common cause ! on page 91 by " R. P." as to the flowering of this not taken 1 very interesting little plant, I have grown it for (hederajfoiium of Tinure;, extLiiding throughout Ceati al and Southern Italy and theislands ; popular r.an-.c Viola. These two species are very similar in 168 THE GARDEN. [March 6, 1897. lar name, Bocca cli leone. Hayward's •' Botanist^ Pocket-book " gives this species as occurring in some woods in Suffolk. — JrNiA. LILIUM HUMBOLDTI AND ALLIED SPECIES. The typical Lilium Humboldti has a large ovoid bulb. The scales are thick and the bulb very compact. In height the stem is of tun above 4 feet. I have .seen it it i^-vt liii;li. and in one instance a single stalk Imrc crjiity buds. Ten or fifteen iluwers in a p.-ini^ !.■ air stance, are of a mnfoim iidi reddi.sli-urange spotted with niiimnn .hhI stii>ngly reflexed. Nature has providril foi iIr- weight of the great |]anii.'lc.s l)y ■.jix iii'_; tins Lily a very stout erect stiiii, uliirh Is \v,ll fuiiiished with leaves in full uIhuIs. Ill 11 s native home in the foot-hills Lll.ll M Ml Ml'.nl 1,1 usually follows the 1 VrlluH I'm., ll'llills .•iiiilcrosa), and grows 4000 tet-t Uiiu, ii'U ..1 s net often grow abn\ tlir lower foot-hills. how far north it eM, learn. I know <>t i fornia, hut have ihm Mm,, It Sliasia tvr|,,i, „|s 1 liav.-iirvrr li..n; III Trliania C.iiiiU, \rltll< L. Humboldti or an uiiiiain..l s have I been able tn I. a I II ..ttlns Lilv in the f.mi- hillsofthe lower San .lna.|iiln vallrV. im, finllir, south than the Y..s,in,tr i.iad. 1 iniiiallv it is strictly a mountain spei-ie.s, but there is one notable exception in the upper Sacramento valley. Some fifteen years ago it grew sparsely at one spot in the Oak forest which borders the river. It is now abundant for twelve or fifteen miles along the river. In El Dorado Coimty I saw it flowering to perfection last June. A lire bad gone throuo-h some se,-niid-2-i mvth Pines a year or two before, and llic nanjinlirrnt panicles made a gorgeous dis|ila\ lii'jh alio\r ilr Terns and weeds. The top of till lull had In rii cleared some years before and was eultivated lu grass and grain, but in the new stubble many stubs of the Lily stalks could be seen, and from wounds made bj' the plough the bulbs had been broken into groups of from two or three to a dozen bulbs. The Lilies are evidently on the iui-icasr nndi i tin . i.ndi tions, and the bulbs were vi a \ In all li\ . L. Hiiiii- boldti always grows on will-diaiiied sn}l. 'I'he subsoil is usually rocky, the upper soil clayey or volcanic. In Southern California there are two other strongly marked types of Lilium Humboldti. Of these, L. TIiMi'.oi.in-i vm:. MA.iMiin m is nearest the nuitliein lunn. Tins |al\ lias a lai-je l.iilli. ulneli dail paniele. an ,,f a ditlerent colour. At the middle (if the llnxvc I the ground colour is a rich orange- ted. The iiiarei.n spots are suiTounded by a red- dish eiiele. On the uppei- hnM the reddish circles become larger, until they iiievje into each other at the points, m;d^in■J an ii n jular combination of dark maroon spots, , ed .»■, Hal ,oiis, and of dark reddish orange ground m blutehes. This form of L. Humboldti is found in the San Bernardino Mountains which make the southern end of the |a,aetieall\ iilinl le.al. ricini t he , iilt i \ at nr's stand- lielllt n Is l||||iM,|allt IM eli-eixe thai while thC L, lluniheldti .,1 Ihe .VeillieinSiei,:, se Id . u u , if cvcr ll-«eis the ills, yeai. .Ill MMlinaiy bulbof the va- iiei\ ni.ejinti, inn «ill l>h„i,ii well the vear it is plallte,!, Ulille exeli slliall blllliS of L. BloOmCri aiiiiiii aliiiust always do. My information is that the \ai'iety magniticum usually grows in the deep d(5bris near the streams in shaded mounta: canons. L. Bloomeeianuim is to the variety magnificum as a pigmy to a giant. The height of the slender pale stem is usually from 2 feet to 3 feet, and it is S])arsely flowered. The much smaller flowers have :t paler orange ground and are not so richly eeleiiiiil. Thc occllations aud red-blotched apex 111 -ejiiients are the same. The bulbs are small, nei axeraging one-fourth the size of those of the (ither forms. I have referred before to the pecu- liar two or three-jointed scales. I have seen bulbs in which nearly all of the upper joints readily rubbed off, leaving a mere stub of a bulb. L. Bloomerianum is found in the Pine belt of the high mountains of San Diego County. The following figures, showing the average size of flowering bulbs of the forms of Lilium Iluiuliiildti, may be of interest to some: In 7oO bulbs of the typical L. Humboldti I'.Ki were fioiii il inches to !■_' inches in circumference, '■'i'>] fr.iiii S inelies Ui '.I inches in circumference, and L'll.'! ft. mi 7 inehes to 8 inches. The last a\( raeeil .1-! i./.s. Ill Heieht ; second size, 4| ozs., .and LiiLjest .si/.e. '.• ■i/s.. with a few 14 ozs. in ueieht. Lulbs nf L. Iliniibi.ldti var. magnifi- eiiiii measure alii. ut tlies.iine, excepting that a few exieeii (lie.se iiie.isiirements. Large bulbs "f l.ilniiii rdi.eniei i.inum will measure 6 inches 111 eiieiiinfeieiiee atid weigh 2J ozs. Very many th>«eriiiL; bulbs nieasuro 3 inches to 4 inches tind weigh 1 oz. each. L. COLUMBIANUM grows Over a wide range of country and in many situations. It is found in Oregon from the eoast line and the mouth of tiie in the .- in Oreg. how far the Colu portions of North le same range as n formation as to id, but it follows found in various stern Oregon, and is close to the Idaho line, to my knowledge. It prefers sandy, well-drained soil among Ferns in open woods. It is easily grown in cultivation. L. columbianum may be described as a miniature L. Humboldti. The flower has reflexed orange-red segments, finely dotted. The stem is slender, and both it and the leaves are light green. The bulb is compact and ovoid, as in L. Humboldti, but, un- like the latter, the scales are thin. Five hundred average bulbs measure as follows : 1(11), 4 inches riches in circumfei ee each : 346, 3 im ence, one-third of iimference, one-bft arters of inches L. co- L. columl.iiiinum. I have not flowered L. Bo- landeri, nor have I seen it in bloom. It is de- scribed as being from 6 inehes to 3 feet high and few-flowered. The leaves are whorled and the general habit seems to be similar to that of L. columbianum. The flowers are, however, quite different ; the segments are not reflexed, and the flower would seem to be broadly trumpet or bell- shaped and nodding. A collector who saw it in bloom this year describes it as a very handsome lid. H asing red and grow ■gion in a soil of rm liitat indefinite. 1 ies, in North- we.sli iji will fall a fi.ti elated t.. T.lllillii Into tins er... the far nnrtli. i andas yet niiiianied. In this species the liabil| of L. columbianuiiL in bulb .iiid leaf is eomliinet with a peculiarly shaped flower. Tlie lower lial of the .segments forms a closely constricted tube from which the upper portion spreads hori zontally in a rotate flower finely dotted witl maroon. This species is nearly as fragrant as L Parryi. — Cakl Pitidy, Vkiah, Calif., in Garati and Forest. ASTER JUNCEUS. Thouoh a 1 ne plant i. 1 1 1 1 the United States, Astc lated A h. In 1841 Torrey and (Jra gave to 1 dl eil-.ien lit this species— then treatei under A . 1; Mliilnis i.\ ees)— a full page of thei "Flora 1 .\ .III, .\nieii a, • and to-day, with adrii tional 11 al at lial 1. there is little to add t their de. el 11 plant. Like A ste liilejifiiliii . this species is of norther range, 1 It extends further south, to Ceiitri New Yo ik, Ohio, Mie ligan, Wisconsin and tli Black Hills of South Dakota. It is geneiall foun.I in tl ijh spl agiioiis sw nips or on gravelly shore; .wsi.n drier soil. "From th.il -\. Jlineciisliasa ..lualkalje period of bloon from late J miu to early September, a habit whir was long kept in mind by the name astivii applied to this plant. Aster junceus is ordinarily a well-marked tpi cies. The stems are very slender, growing froi half a foot to 3 feet high. The leaves are quit entire, the margins generally being recurved. ^ in A. longifolius, the branches of the infloresceni vary in length ; the heads may be few or solitai on the short branches, or loosely paniculate at tl ends of the slender, almost naked branches. Tl heads are about three-quarters of an inch acres The rays vary in colour from white, through pin and crimson, to deep violet-blue, but commonl they are pink or crimson. Though Aster juncei approaches A. longifolius in some of its forms, can generally be recognised by its lower and moi slender habit, narrower, thickish and scabroi leaves, and by the shorter imbricated involucii with no enlarged outer foliaceous bracts. - M. L. Feknali), in Garden and Forest. Chionodoxa Lucilise. — Some small patches ( this, noted quite recently, were pushing quit strongly from positions where later on the droo] ing bells of Campanula pumila and its varietii will cover the soil, and at the same time jjrovic these earliest of bulbous flowers with that con plete rest and quiet that must of necessity me( their needs. At the same time, the beauty of an given spot is increased as well as prolonged b encouraging this mode of gardening as much : possible. Meconopsis nepalensis. — The handsoni rosettes of this plant render it quite an attracti\ feature in the moister portions of the rock gai den even during winter. This species an M. Wallichi are well suited for grouping i moist, |iealy lieils in this way, and if surrounde. "ith ether sii||.|i,|e subjects, as, for example I'lninila n.sea, I', sikkmiensis and the bke, a ver. pretty bed may lie fmnied. In choosing con. paiiions for these beautiful Poppies, their bienniil character should, however, be borne in mind.-' E. J. I The winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis).- In semi-wild positions under trees and shrub; this little plant is very beautiful. It tliii\e apparently in almost any soil and under tli roughest treatment, holding its own yeai- aftt year and brightening the shrubbery or undei wood at the dullest time of the year."^ There is March G, 1897. THE GARDEN- 169 il frequently seen, ni!i in hand by anyone wl Orchard and Fruit Garden. I APPLE KIN(; OF TOMKINS Co. This is a in..st us,.fiil htr varictv. .-mil ni.iv Ur usr.l riilu-r f.ir Kin- ^ .r ,lrss,-rt. It will l>r iial fruit liuro and there. Tl IliaB a great spread of branches, which are tliinly placed ; in fact, it make.s a niodo 'with.mt ;inv thinning ..f tlir main bra ■md these aiv so slnidiT, in nr. .|».|1 i.,i, i Mi|i|inrt. Tlio fruits are large, vary .suniewliat n sha|ie and colour ; the true form is conical, -li'^litly higher on one .side than on the other, i\ell ilc\i.'h>|ied ribs are carried from crown to lasf. Init liir. .uie less pronounced as they go liiwuwaiils ; the eye is very characteristic, being Ifi'pl} iK|iiLssed, rather large, but only partially i>lien, and the stemisrather longandslender. The ruit is solid and almost coreless ; good orchard ^own samples reach an indi\'idual weight of from .0 ozs. to 12 ozs. ; this woijht is increased at a ;reat loss of crop on haul |.riiiied Irees. Or- phard fruits, too, gain a uieat ail\aiitage in .•(.lour, for those most expci^ed l.ee.iine .duio.st a -elf scarlet on the stnmv si.le, elian-n.- t<. |ial. velluw witli scarlet streaks ,,n the jess fav.air..! -rtiun ..f the fruits. Fruits fn.i.i lianl pniii, ,1 ivcs, which make a ,|Uaiitity nf -rnss siiiMinei -I'lwth. are greeni.sh villi >» \Mt|i sraivel\ a i-'jestion of colour. 'I'lns \|i|ile i-- m s,as,iii I lanuary to April, an. [ may I.e ke|,l ..vmi (ority with me. ,aml lose m.tlmi- ,ii cmiii.aiiM.ii Vith the lie-l (M . l.est r.ilmireil) A m. 1 ir.i 1 1 'uit.s, while the.mality isim.stexeiOliaii.'ll n.air ab-acid and pleasant, text are ciis|i, ami u wa iiost easily digested A|i|ile. li i^ an \|i|il, vorth growing largely li\ tlmse \\li(. ,an .im ent them.solves witli '.a \ ei \ Imiitr.l us,- ,,r the inife, and who will a|.|ily'tlie iinie tVe(|U.aitl,\ casted in the over use .if thai instnim.-nt t.i he application of suitalile f.....l ,it the r....ls i-lien it becomes necessary. .1. C. T.\LL.\(K. The Gooseberry caterpillar.— Six years agn [ removed tlie soil (to the depth of about 3 inches) jrom under a row of Gooseberry bushes which every •ear previously were completely stiipped of leaves jy these caterpillars, and replaced the soil thus re- noved with a thick layer of soot tresh from the himney. Since that time these bushes were free Irom caterpillars until last year, when I noticed an >dd one here and there on one or two bushes.— W. JI . I Rats in Vine borders.— I have kM..\M. .jai lens where ratswer.' very troublesome in I \\ ntrancetotheinsidclH.nl. 1,. Wli.n iln- h i|.p. n- lie Vines are often hall i inn. .I, S,,m.. n.,,i- aj. planted two vineries, t]v l,.,i.l,.,- i..nrj t..i everal seasons entirely in^j.le ; ex enlualh , how - ver, it was decided to knock out the arcliways 0 as to give the roots access to an outside border. \hen the drainage was put in and previous to •veil sluiuld a mesh here and thelv de.^av in .•oilise ,f time. .1. V. Melons. - If i.lants hav l.-.^n r.,is..l as adviM.I fruited at the bottom mainder at the top. i trelli: pots c and the re''- • hillocks or Bury St. Edmunds. mair. If the: alenty of atmo !)e rapid and tl laintained and ;n, growth will i covered with fruit bearing; laterals. Suw mure seed for kecjiing up a supply of young plants to ensure a regular PLANTINti VINES. I iiA\ i; just taken a large garden and four green- houses which have been very much neglected. •et ; what IS the li. H. not worth the for the border. l-'.iMiin.'j a I I ■< -.'ale usual among pr..l. --imial ;j;n.l.ii. I- |ii.i\. - lo lie a rather formidable uiulerlakin^ when e-s^av.■. I Ijy amateurs. It is to be hoped the subsoil of " J. G. S.'s " garden is of a gravelly and naturally well-drained character. if clayey, then the of Ilk iif -ml above the drainage should in. Ill- III 3 feet. This maybe puf I nil a k -tartingwith a width of 3 teet Mm;.: other widths during the ne.xt r ;is the roots require fresh soil, but ig anrl drainage ought to be provided instance. Should the subsoil be of a gra\elly oi well drained, the like may loam is availa composed of ilkv d til. rden jad of old mortar rubbish, a bout the same c^uantity of \\ bve barro-wloads of loam. fibre in it, and good garden soil, to every eight barrowloads of this mixture adding one barrow- load each of old mortar rubbish, fresh horse ni;uiure and burn-bake— ashes and charred soil it Vines is just when the hey are supfdied in 6-inch 1.1 'be turned out of these e their roots fn away all dama' hese roots out th woodwork, disbud to the joint nearest the open- ing. Personally I advocate the constant reten- tion of lateral growths from the ground upwards 170 THE GARDEN. I March 6, 18J7. ■ Ku.set rlet N.I .'uid '.t trL-utL-.l' .similar t.. two or three good bunches on eacli Vine annually, stupid practice and ought avoided.— W. I. FKiS UNDER (JLASS. As I have known the fine Fig tree il^ Mr. Tallack in a recent issue tor ;i century, I have great pleasure in Mr. Tallack's testimony as to its fnl the finest and largest Fig tree evi r glasii. I hive known this Fig undti 1 1 ment of five or six gardeners, the 1ii>l Dick, who many years since, T lM-Ii.\ .-, tree in one of the large vim-n.- .if ilm t|uite agree with Mr. TallacK ,i- loil,, of narrow or raised borders, ilmn.uj and copious snpi)lies of »alec loi Liv.Tiiiiii- i'i'j is also near to tlic s d(i\ibtli'^s wliiii llie tug of war comi-s i ,f si VU th. ill.' h. are also excellent food fo and bearing. Possibly Mr. Tallack's rt ing of Figs and the cessal roots during the process will pu/v.lr amali as the flowers are wholly inside lli.' hiiii cause diversity of opinion among I'mj 'ji.iv The check to growth is, howev.-i, ,iliii..M marked among green Fi^s during tli. ii M as of (! rapes while stoning, and ani.il.ni- i accept this rest from swelling as proof ..t -i.ni The non-watering, however, during tlic bluuiii or any good natural or artificial reason for i more difficult to understand, and has seldom 1 adopted by successful Fig growers. The < jl:l-~ asunder. Thr li.'a duce those mode, fertilitv of tlie trc nished" with bcai readilv .li,sp,.„sc^ . . Will,., hi, 1,, •lallink of the succeeding ■rops. ■nr^linrj 111. ■tioii and sH 1). T Crowded Peach trees. — In many garde left to do so. A: growth'. This is \ all eases causes tb cramping which is often jiractised ; far Ijetter let the tree cover a larger space than cut back the leading branches. In these days, when young Apple White Paradise.— On page VSr> .Mi. . Ciaigie speaks in favourable terms of tin- free raring liabits and general good qualities of tins |i|il.., anil lia\iii',;" .^riiNMiit for a number of i-ai^. [ fiill\- a-ji ...■ «il li 111- r.-niaiks, as it seldom iiU lo l,i.:i'i- a .1.111, aii.l ill.' < piality is generally i|.iiioi lo that .if Kill'.; .if th.- l'ii)pins. There , however, one peculiarity — the shape of the uit , which is nearly oval— that will always ]ire- ■lit it being grown to any great extent as a A|, 1, and the tree is vigorous \iTv early stage. — James A75ple Wellington. I .Mr. TallarU's ivniarl. ,M.|,ni- ,\|.|.lc. W.-lliii W, i> .\i on tihe dwarfing stock are liearing wood of a short b ■ the fruit, which is only of light coloured on the exp. . however, are fully .■\pos. I trees in another onliai.l, 1. on the Crab stock, |ii.i.li il.ll.. arc usually tpiite clear in the skin,— I. (,'. Nectarine Early Rivers.- In speaking of this Nectarine on page 5B I referred to it as ,:,,li;r.,..'.'oi,-i-l iif ii.illiiir. Iiiil .j.io.l III, I. HI, loam ul lii.i. -iiil.lil.' iiiro.l «ilL the uafiual -..il. lii.li 1- ~iiMirjI\ iiii|,i.oiiated with hme. ■rii.\ !.■ I tici ui.l.'. 1111.1 111.' soil was rammed m-i\ il'lVtIi,' l.'>iill so tar. II. 'R. Apples at Livermere Park. — When calhng 1 Mr. 'I'allaik i.i.iitlv I had a look through his ml. ami not.'il s.mi.' '.•xfrenr ' lelv « ell-o ■o«n Willi d .1.' .■i\ 1 \ .1, 1 seen, A very handsome and useful Apjile is King of Tomkins County, an American variety good for cooking or dessert. Fearn's Pipnin, Rosemary Manv ire well-known late intios. an. I all aiv I .lucsented by good liuloh .Mrj no ...-vidently a good 1.1 III.' -.1111. ii,:i\ 111' -ai.l of WeUington, Souring aiii-l Kciiictte du Canada. ■ ii's may be mentioned and all are in the same .xcellent condition, and, judging by appear- anic, there will be no scarcity of fruit for a long time at Livermere. Outside the trees were re- ceiving their annual cleaning, and it is evident that Mr. Tallack has great faith in lime as an insect destroyer. — R. itaii eties keep peif. ven, at the end . rinkled, no doul AppU LATE APPLES. oisseurs in the matter of fruit never .\|iples on their dinner- tables before .'1 .January. For this there are sons, the best of which is that the \arieties of Apples are late kinds. in I(jng-keeping qualities, some of ties are not equalled by any other in the month of June, when tliere ny Pears in the fruit-room it may iples of the varieties De Jaune, Louji, Reinette Legrange, Court pendu :. \\'c have known some of these va- unit for a whole year tlio\ were .somewhat till-ood. Thefollow- lic best knuls of late Apples:— UK I'.osK '.—Fruit of medium nr laiL;i' si/r. kii-ping from December tii . The tree is suitable for exposed posi. rchards, and also for growing as cordonf ni-trained in fruit gardens. FLEUK JAUNE. — Fruit large or medium- 1 keeping for the same time as the pre- iety. The tree also is adapted to the thods of culture in orchards and fruit llissKT, — This variety is grown exclu .11. h.i.ls, on account of its robust habit I'll. III. tiveness. The fruit keeps fron •li.' iiiosl ex(|uisite of al .1 I li. handsomest in it; i. .1 with red on the part; itoitiuiately, the tree i; II when planted in ex en grown as cordons ir ' lie to become blemishet I ith ]ia])cr bags during ; I .will. This Apple kee|)i an. I always cummanai( --|.l■^ I;. -. lulil.'s the precedini iiii.l 111 II - tim oiir, liut is smaller \i'_'.. 1.111- jiowing, and max i..\\ II as a lull standard in ex There are two varieties of thi^j rey-skinned and the red. Thev' iiini size and equally good ii n oiiinioii fi'oin I li.is.' pomologisfc till ,11 .,,iioii'j-i 111.' li.-t kinds I, .\ 1,1 ill' iiosscss twoothei I.. Ill a ciimmercia, I ing of the tree; wiiite frosts, and I the fruit, whiclil Hilling, and everj lit. Itisnotuiij the Court Pendul ,;li it keeps morij from December ti niileforoichards.j i,'i\ 111.1 1 Mateof iireservationandveryfre.eli.' low.'N. 1. II ii|i.nsin January, so that its sound .i.|,in.j . M.I I. Is I'ver a period of six months. I March 6, 1897.1 THE GARDEN. 171 il mil ifrom February to May). The fiiii izi", with a Reinette aavour. Tli Miy productive, is best adapted fu ps from Jauua ery productive Moll. tl].- u^'lil ■ I . 11 111 Imt tin- fimi 111 111- I'l ,thiiv-..t II,,' |.M,t - 'I'thMl'.Mil'.'r r,'/,li''l ,,t :i ariety i- im..Iiiimi >i . il firm, bui iiiu j^Kuunl I iigreeiibly perfumed. It March. The tree, which he grown either in tlie orchard or thi ,'arrten. PfepiN iiHis i)K Parkkr. — Fruit of med koepincr from February to April. The i iroaucti\ encss of the tree is improved by >ii the Paradisr storl; nii Mareli. The tree is pi. ll ,d may also ■ho d«arfer I'miiis uf tramuig p-.)wn as a tall standard. Rkinette nr C'an.uw.— For the (lualitv am -i/'of its fruit, whirh is often very iMrtre. tli. llown by winds. iiiode of gro«iiii; ^Iarch. REINKTTK .;i:im. 111 CVWIM loeS not r\.IllH\rh l.lrf.'l MM should rl .1 lln~ ^\„u■>^ u,~U-. ■i-preei-diny ,.iir, ;i-.. tli.'' fiiiit I ittached to the tiee, it can In- j; ind, besides, it keeps lon<.-er Cf \pril-five months). On the mid l)e cautious in liavi,,..- an I'd with the Reinette U" of which is larger. Tha is medium-sized and a Murj. a- »,-ll a- liil uliiuin- :i> the Irml IS easily blown i-< better to avoid the latter . It ripens from January to lality, keepin iiiisidered to b Ai.nK iiisidered to lly. The tm- .In,.. », || m milianU aiMr ' IkIb itself to al.\ nt ll,.' l .-j nja, ti h ,,,- . ,1 I, all, I The ai.mteiir'iiiav si,,,, I,,., v. .,r iiia\ a.l. he fore-. .ni.,' list if h,. .l,,,,,.,-, I haMrmin the b,.st aiN.iii.^M ■■ I kinil, ,if Apii luttllere are >tiil s.,iii,- .■x,-i>ll,.-iit km. Is «liic vve not mentioned. To any amateur who 'Illy space for |)laiitiiig a single AjJijle tre. " mid recommend the variety de .Jamie on unt of its l.,n.,' kc'iiii,.,' .pialitv (f.,r five ..r imths). Tl„. f.ill.iwi,,- lat,' A|i|.li'sar.- smla {einette L,'iisi> .In I'ana.la. Cahill,' .Mans"-, i'lstim Knsset. Reinette ile Sainlnnu.. i i leiulu gris, C'imrt pendu r..u^. . I;, l'. Joskoop, Belle fleur jauiie. Reiii.iii |„^i ,, lid Pearmain d'Adain. — (Jeoil..i;,s |;i,i.i,\ n Rerue Jlurticole. Sy^iaging Peach trees in bloom —At p. •{■> "S. H." .says, I do not .advocate wholesale yringin^ of Peach or Nectarine trees when in loom. Few practical fiaiit growers would, I i>ni v,,il, made firm, and the])hints weieni.t thir.n. d ii ill w ith the result that n„t a sinsh. hluiU 1, - ,, dintheu.ws and I am now p., ki,,^ - mm useful spra\ s. ■dH,..n._d, .ntl,,l\ ,,,,|„ ,l,,,.,| s;,.,,.,,,i i;,t^ ti M, |,lii,l.dii,t..,wll ImW^i Min.l ud which ■^u » Ml, N -h tM,„,n,^ IHH ti iimIs, ha%e sulUi..! \A^ ll„ ._i..«lh ..t Ih. tniiuer is h.ud and uii\ ami al.le I., lesist « et and trost, thi \eiy ie\er»e ut that ot the latter.— J. C. Sowing' Peas. — When lecently sowing a large ",nd, th. Ni tliili M-n il ll than the preceding variety, but it is what market CTro wers call a good doer, stands wet well, and is of tirstrate fla\ our. More might be mentioned, but for those with \ ery limited space these few sorts will be found to give general satisfaction. — .J. C. , CELER\ . TuE autumn of 1S9« was one of the wettest for a number of years, therefore one would not ha\e been sui prised to find that Celery on heavj soil had not kept well. With me, however, this crop li.is HI \ cr been better, and the heads are as sound ll ill' I ll esent time as they were at the commence- ini 111 lit the wintei. This in a gieat measure I ll-lil Ulll 1 111 111 VM llM lUii lust a little till 1 wise have been 111 .lull- lllli k \h ,1 1-1 .1 n„"',i!i'i';,_'""" ;;*,:' show ake .fsn, Ihlllll ll 111, - be inn i.m i ll dl,,«n ,11 1-1 , iilK I'td.in. . uK tfPt, si, that so small a quantity makes III that way quite a large sowing. Seed Peas vary in size materially, but phmtsall the same need much the same loom, foi it 111, lii,_:i siiiliil s ])ro " the 111 l)0. I i""l I I Innk ( 1 ll I \ .^lowers will bear me out 111 s.iMii, that a l.Lttei all-round red Celery does not eiibt than Leicester Red. This variety has .stood the test of time, and has not, so far as mj- experience goes, a single fault. I have know n it to stand almost to a stick throuyh ,i iim-t nii favourable winter when the majonl\ .it i..| ui.l white sorts has rotted. The gn.wtli ,,t ■ i ,^^ ,,t the true Leicester Red is as le\el as it , ui w ii h i pair of shears. Another good old Celei.\ is 1\ er\ s Nonsuch Pink. This is more ungainly" in grow'th ij good. It I stake J fiom the time the seed is sown ,|iped by the frost in autumn than -pi ing and afterwards leave them ll ince. To ^row good Celery, con- I must be aSbrded, and no "lack of IJ the hot, dry weather in .July and II m Septemfier. H. C. P. Late Seakale. — Seakale is now forced to such a great extent, that in many gardens after the forced plants are cut over the supply is ex- hausted, and during April many have a difficulty in securing a good and varied supply of vege- tables. By growing a quarter of late Seakale I find It .1 yip.it help. To obtain late supplies it is n. 1 . s> n \ t.i ._iiiw a late lot of plants. It is not n, , , -- 1 \ ll, .1, \,ite a prominent quarter ; at the sini. Inn. ill. I il.mts must be strong to produce a grow the late lot on an east « two years' growth, by this mean' mg plant. It is necessary to have it, on the coolest site, but at and as the soil had ing was peifoiiiii and on this accouii were not so tende the ridges were covered caily in December, which prevented " the wet from running down into the hearts of the plants, and by this means they have been preserved. Out of some ."jnort, \'pry few in- deed ha\p been ii weathei. ll i- tin spaces between cleared off befoz i e.ii thing. Icon iinU ifi« mill. ivith the ex- done before that'one'm.u ji.Ilue''.'f'tli'e'ii"s!/.e " The'\'aiieties^I grow are Leicester Red and Sulham Prize, CYCNOCHES CHLOROCHILON. (with a colouked plate.*) ' The subject of this week's plate is one of tin I most beautiful, as it certainly is the mos'l generally grown of the Swan Orchids, a Soutl i American genus that has never become reallj popular. The present species has long, fleshy green pseudo-bulbs as thick as a man's wrist ai the bottom and tapering upwards, where the} come to a blunt point. The foliage is prodiicei on the upper part of these, and is of a decidi; character. It can hardly be said to be dif to grow, and yet considerable care must bt with it if good results are to be at tained. The plants when first received an very peculiar looking, being just the roundish. siiiiintli bullis. but tiny soon put on a difl'erent ip|ii 11 nil. «liiii iiiii.iiluced to heat, and it i> iii.r It ill iiinisiiil t.ii these newly-imported liiillis ti. tlu.iw niit 1 ll L-ines of bloom before any .signs of growth appear. Here it may be weU, to mention that a great deal of dift'erence existi^ in the varieties of C. chlorochilon. Some fomit have racemes bearing about two or three large flowers, while others push longer ones contain- ing ten or twelve, but all have the same sin- gular structure, and all possess the striking' curved column, which has given the genus itsi popular name. I ■The newly-imported plants should, when re-' * Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Lithographed and printed by J. L. Goffart. Moon, March 6, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 173 f coiniinst than is usu.i lis consist ill- nf alM.U ami Spliagiiiiiii T tlditiou of plenty of ti Imrcoiil, but no siuid. sed to 11 niucli greatei' inong Orchiils, grcntl Vru K'im h.i rn.iN , ostmay I"' vny liiml, askets us,-. I f..r ihr | myhoia iIm' stak.s il teady tlir |is,ii.lo-l,iill ,. Id surface soil iviuovcd and fivsli s»r,t si u sulisi iiutod. Grow tlicm as (iiiicKl\ .i^ |i.i,,il.l l.\ pljiiiig the i)ots in a brisk iiioii In ,ii 11 ,11 iihi,|ilu'ric conditions suited to I ii nilrMliiun uill answer well for Cycnoches, but lliu Inli.i;^ will not at tirst stand so much sunshine, and is luinc.itant tliat this be kept in good order i loii- as possible. Water the roots very freel 1 the plants, thi: placed in the p ants, in order t: «ate uid-vvinter, it may be entirely withheld for a few iveeks. Being then totally at rest, less heat is if eourse necessary ; in fact, from the time the rst iieri ulbs just re'' established IS III, s, and toallou the base of the pseud,, iiig. are lu reality very I'asily injinvil. aii.l a k ust to sit on this, but after the plants of black rot, not unlike that wliic^h att;a nblished this is not necessary, and the ' Calanthes, is sometimes set up by careless wu I..- .Ilsll llu- ,llst \ ..Ih. r .1. VSS .,t III 1,1)1.1 IX ,\ III, Lul the resting iplil,', but avoid any- |.s,„,lo-bulbs. The ■11 iih.r,- -raceful and ll.;ili 1 ;il ..f 1'. ,■ , an- .■;i,l 111- 111,' 11, ,l..r.Hl,il.„i, the curve ihiLuii 1.1,'k almost 1!. The Week s Work. KITCHEX JARDEX. :ill\ I.-, I,. 4 for the roots ,. -1 M I..' mad,'. I would ad\ .!ii|i- ..I H....1I on to the wall -,.f li.jlil.ii.il.,. 1UI1..11M be li:.,i.|li.Mi. Till- «,llf..niia ii.O, I.. i,.i-',.iiK l,,-,l.-l..'-..f iilill.,w,-i-.. l;rii>M-lsS|.r,,ilts, .1 other things whose season It ion or are such as can be t hey are larM enough and .Much valuable time may The Swan Orchid (Cycnoches chlorocliilon). jilbs may be potted somethiiii anner as Calanthes, viz., jusi [ist, the latter finishing well bel,. pot to allow of abun-lant w.i ;ep the compi.i.st a littl.' in.iisi at illingit with water, .a li.^lit siiita, y be laid on ami kei.t |ust ,l,,i,i| kei>t,,u until the lleH r..,,ts ar.' kk well ml,. II,.- .■..,,,|.,.>f. «1,.,,, ved ; aii.l ih,- |. lints uill tl,,,,, , re water. Ksialilisl„-,ls|.,,,-i„i,-i,s I rlyin the seas..!,, an.l Ii,-,mii- I...-1 yall througli tli.- wint.-r. ih., m,i1 und in a iianl e,.ii,liii,.ii. 'I'li..y given a thoroiigli soaking in d moistened regularly afterwards. Rep. .1 1 iie_; the lines described above may take pla.,- ,is on as the young shoots have well started and fore they commence to root. Any that do not Muire this attention may have a little of the Jifter the same j treatment. Another point that needs below the com- care is overhead watering, especially « I el.iw the rim of young shoots are appearing. A gentle !,''.m'l,„gi!^'u .^,al.- 1,- 111,- w, puts lu ail app 1 kept rather at all dry. Tl « ill often be sponging with sh.iuld first juice being ad tepid water. use, perhaps, siuueof tlie best heads , eiinen, or smaller plants entirely. t insect enemy, and freipiently plants in .spring, and treating them carefully until established. C. chlorochilon is a native of Demerara, and was introduced in 1838. \,:iriiiili. I. lit l.i-ing on the slope would throw off' ...l.l laiiis, -li-et, and snow. Even wet weather -li..ul.| 11.. I .l.-ter any from making such an ar- laiigeiiieut \\ hen it becomes necessary, as by placing planks on the border to walk upon, the soil will not become soddened by constant tread- ing, and as these are only temporary arrange- ments, they can all be cleared away before they are likely to prove injurious in ,.ny \,;i\ t.. the fruit trees. Seed of different vi-.j.n.M.- in:i\ also be .sown in shallow boxes, and ul.^iiIi lia-i.ii,-,l ,-..nsiderably if covered with glass ami si.i,.,l iu a -1.. It. -red nook in the garden, affording extra pro- I. ii.in at night, or, as advised last month, tem- |i. .i.iiy frames may be formed of rough boards or even turves to assist in attaining the desired eiiil, as from such simple structures valuable early crops are often obtained. PoT.iTOES i-N FKAMKs.— The early batch will have made eonsi.l.-i.il.l.- |.i-..-jri--s if a ^i.-aily bottom-heat has 1..-. 11 iiiiiint.iii.. .1 ii-.... ili.-iiist. and any that re. |iin .- a-Llii i-.i.- --t -, il 1.. .-..x . i the young tubers in.\\ I..itiiiirj -li.-nl'l 1..- s.-.n (..llie -I. ,iiji to keep it so, without any other addition. If I hi- tops are growing freely it maybe neces- -ai\ to raise the frame slightly before the foliage tiaiehes the glass, or it will be damaged during cold weather and cause a check to the young tubers. Make up other beds for later supplies. 174 THE GAEDEK [Mabch 6, 1897. :i- lll.A Ulll h.M,. :i lon.j |,„,r In }..:.. ,n.' I I 1 ,r . a.,. I «lll Mart 11, uulli in, 1,1, i,„„v tlvlv tlian those select..! Ii,. i-,J,' ,t,i|i-. I ahvays reserve a few liulii^ Im- il,,~ |i,,,|ri.c ,,f either Sharpe's Victor, ,\ I.,,, I;,,,-], i-l, i . Carrots.— Tl„-,' ,,,,,m I,.' \', ,11 i Inn,,, ,1 as s,-,nn as large t-n,, .1-1, t,, l,:,i,,ll,'. It tli. -.,,1 ,, i,i,lii„-,l to be dry, 'j,\,' \\.,i,'i ,,, ,■, i,'|,i,| -i:,t' ilii.ui'jl, ;, tine rosf, h l,,.'l, « ill .'iI-,, ~, 1 1 1,- 1 1,,' ^,.il ,,'j;i,,i. Imi ,rj I- phmting must, however, be longer deferred After |iotting, water if the soil is dry ring-struck eyes with a foot or so of growth a few days, Htand the pots on a si'd, ,1 in are to be used. The middle or end of over hot-water pipes, or in a sii,,il 1 would then be about the time, but much | where they will get both heat and li'j Ic-pend on the facilities foi .\FTi.\(;. — Another ni, tl,,„ rariety into a housi- r- l,\ o a Vine which ,:,i, I. them. the Vines : ll,,l, ,.,,,'■, ,M,,I,,. t,, -I, -,u,,,"- :,, Ml,,,.. I,, I .l,.l„:,l„l- :,,Mll,- -|U,-..:,I ,ll-|,n.;,|. K,..|,;, ~l,:, k;uU-uut. fur sl,iy.-. al„l ,l,,,k llic, ;,ll,Mk- dusting round tlic ,ii>i,l,. d ili,. fi,,,,,.^ xviil, -, or lime once or twice :, \\r,k. A.l,,,,, ,■,,, t,.. when there is an al,~.-,,c,. ,,f ,■,,1,1 m,,i,I-. ,ii,.I i 11, IS must be washed off', so that every li'.:lit can reach the occupants in the 1,1, -. RlCH,\RD P.VRKER, FRUIT HOUSES. LiTE Vines, — Ladv Downe's, Tiros Oolnian, and other late matiiviiilr v.-iHeties, as ,v.-ll as the l.a-^t 1 -■ ,,t M,,~,-at<, .|„„,1,| ,„,« l„. Ma,1,.,|. |-,,r 1,1,,K II ,,-.,.l I , I,,' tl,,' ,,,!,. 1:. r, laMi l:,le \ i„,.- to enlarge upon it here, E.4RLY Mu.sc AT,5, —In some instances these will be in flower, while in others they will shortly be keep, ,M,.>1 u, e\v,', - -l al l ,:r 1\ ,, they for.'' e,al,lall\, ,„:,'.,■ \]v ,n,i-I linisli tl,,' ,',,.|, l.v the end of Sept,>i,,l afl,l\va,,l- a- |„_issible. This carl ii,,,",i:,N~ il„- use of more fifl i ,1, ll„> I,,.,- .am there is a great ~ .■ ,.,,|,a.,-,l H,tl, ll„. ,,M vv-t, in. an I ke a, ,.|,lallv a- w,!!, a,i,r,l w.mcmi, niehr. \\1„.,, llie \l,l !„■ ,1a. l.a,.jll„a, ,.,il. s,,,|,lii, 1,1, Ii, Ketam n,. ,,!.-,,• l,i I to ,1, I, i|iiiied to properly cl,,il, ei , , .,« ,liiiir in the case of M -,-ir.,,,- ii-sults. As the \-|, ,,.,1,,,1,'j |„ii,„I a ,lav an,l i,i.jl,I ,,, ,1, a jiroper state of moisture, and tl,i„"i,jhly all that need it, as water ,',i l„ aiiiilied to the roots after they once growth, by whi.'li t i m • , l,e I , ,, . l-a - » ,1| 1,. ,^,,, i me warmed, and the \'n,e. vv ill i hen e, ,m i:,|,i,ll\ u li,>i, planted. If awlmle I, m- • l, i^ ,,, l,,. plmi-l I would prefer wait in- n,,i,| il,,. mi,!, II,' ,„ enil ,..f March if yearling canes an' to lie employed, get- ting the buds gently on ths mo\'e beforehand. «1,, A lias |,l,MtN .,t „eu ,,,,!- I,:., l„,i, ,,n.H,.,l, shift ut once iiitu fruitine puts, uliicli, witli the compost, will be in readiness if former directions have been observed. Pot very firmlv this time. thev kee ly. ■ Kee age freel md swel the cro] ring stag tlie Fig ,umetimi the pot; appliei y whenever weather conditions a when in flower dispense with ove : for the time being. Until th may ue a gener lis, with anabun ill s,)on hasten tl A. W. Orchids. L.ELIA Sl'PERBIENS. .\ intKAT many Orchids are used now-a-days f ri.,iiii decoration, charming little groups • ),luntiiglots and other small growers being fi intently seen. For such purposes cultivato naturally prefer medium-sized and small plant but a few large specimens in prominent positioi in a room have a very fine eft'ect, Tl superb Lielia requires to be grown into a larj , plant before its true character can be see Many people say it is difficult to flower, and , know of a collectiim where it has been grovi f,,i s,vcral years aii,l has never Woomed. Will 111,- it il,,H,as .,l,iiii,l:iiitl\- lAery season, and . Ill,,- s|„',iiii,ai has this we.'k four of the ii ni.aise |riiii,l,-s in full beauty. The , spikes ri; s,v, 1 al f, , f 111 heightandproduceawhorlof abo- t\\, Illy l,l,,ss,iinson the top. These indivirlual are s,,iiii' :• iiiclies across, the sepals and petals |,i,tt\ i"sy Ilia.-, t^h,' deeper tinted lip havii sticaks,,!, |.iir|,l,'. It is a .strong grower and \ ie,a,,iis r,i,,!iiie |,l,iit, and to give the roo full s',,|„' a l;,irl\ large receptacle, and rouf ,.|,,]i , ',1,1,1,1, St ai,' 11,','essary, As the plants a; i,',e,\,'il th, \ .11,' ,,ften straggling, ungainl. |,„,kiii'j ul,!,',,-, :iii,l ie,|uire a good deal of cat !,, 11, ak,' til,',,. I,,.,k well. For .such plants tl, ,,1,1 l.,sli],.ii,',l |„,ts witli perforated sides we: ll,i,.ii'.4li th,' li.,l, s .',11,1 over the rhizomes, beml me the latti'i- nit,, whatcN'er |M>sitii,n seenu u.'C'ssarv. 'I'll,' ],l.',iit iiu'Utiuiieil ali,.ve wi just su,'l, ,' 1,' lime ,,r ten tall, l,arc-lookil b,ill,s, ,'a,'li al„,ut a foot high, and only or h'.i.l ; « her, as it now has five, four of the| St 1,. lie eia.ueh to bloom. This plant was i| Hist «i]',',l down on a concave mound 'i .•i',,cks 111 a large pot, and remained so untj Hie tirst new pseud, , -bulb was nearly conj |,letc,l, whi'ii s,,iiie of the crooks were r,, iiio\-ed, their place being taken by a veij rough mixture of peat, Sphagnum and potteii ballast in lumps as large as a hen's egg. -^| MAKcn 6, 1897.] THE CxAKDEK 175 ots lbs in autuinn 1 miulo a in'trh alunit half wav -ough the rhizome in sr\ rial |ilar,s, wiih ih,- iult that two iulditiollal hads laisliril (hr xt season. The notcliing was lupuatud ami wore made tlieir appearance, and tlii.s atmeiit appears to bo necessary to prevent leading bulbs ,ip|iropiiatinsf all the .sap. inty c'f lyrs is f,.in»d. aii.l indn-d at tir.st peartol.r n«,IIiii-, I. hi ,.iir I'Mniiially gets lead, and II 1^ ihn, all omvimIIi tlir smaller! es unless iiRaus air laUcli to check it. riie treatment is cxccedhigly .simple in a sicious well-ventilated house. Like all large iwers L. siipcrbicns abhors a close stuffy at- Th, l,V'M,pply'i!f''moistun^nMrim'.''''(i,uw ,t i.'ongly in such a hou.se and allow as much Iht as possible without scorching the foliage, jll there need lie no fear as to the flowers. '»e tijis cif thi' spikis as a rule appear bcfi iiT t pseud.. ImiIIis have done swelling, so it is <|vious that iHi MMs.iii of dry rest is recpiiicil. ite the ii.iits, ami water most freely ulun r sf arc most active, but never kcr]) flic plants \ iiiiiugh to cause iiho bulbs to shiiM'l. Ii is nrsting to note that the yoiiiLL! '-;r"wiii'4 ,rrts hv a -l''itin'..ns rMidation ab..ut the base. » lli.v attriii|it t.. pass this tliey bcc.inc tiniily stuck tliat they cannot turn back, and nsciiuently killed before they do any ischief. It is also singularly free from the acks of scale, and may with very little trouble kept healthy and clean. L. superbiens was e of Mr. G. Ure Skinner's introductions frmn lateniala. It was introduced in 1840. K. Jattleya Trians alba.— I have been for- late enoui,di to tluMci- this chaste and lovely ■iety from a i)lant purchased for 2s. last ek. The sepals and petals— the latter xeiy Iliad and of good substance— are of the piiicst white, as is the ground colour of the lip. .\ii ong lemon-yellow blotch is the only tint nt in the entire flower. It is a great |iii\ t^se charming white forms are not more utt, u I, as they have a beautiful effect arranged h it h more highly coloured varieties. — R. pendrobium crassinode album.— We heie- ^tll take the lihcity to cnrlosc a flower of a -white ^^■iety of Dendioljiuni ciassinode, thinking this y rare ; in fact, we have not heard of it before, shall be pleased to have your opinion. — Tkus- ■^a late J. Stevenson, Timperley, Che.thire. A small flower of D. crassinode album, not ique by any means, still not common, and will rth taking care of. It may be better nextsia-„in. ve presume it is from either a weak or uvw \\ mrted plant.- En. adoo fibre for Orchids. — I shall be much iged if you woukl inform me whether Jadoo ■e would 111- a suital.lr nuderial to use instead oamfo,-|„,tii,ir ,.,nM,i:,I n,,. hills. A. ri. -• \V..|.urh:M ,,, l|,i, inalrnal Orelli.ls, I, ,11 . ,,;, - , , „ Ir ,, ,|,,,,,M I soon be seen, Ki.. Jypripedium seedlings.— I have enclosed > seedliufis. wm y.ni kindly give me your man of tb.-m in Tin: (J.^rdex. The cross is iTisianiiiii anil r.,.\alli atratum ; which do j'ou , •* '^'"' Ih.w.is >,.||| irpresent two very prettv I Jrids, but ai-e you sure you have not made a (Uke m the parentage of the light form, No. 2 ? ' 3 possible, of course, for both to have originated C. elaptonense. Both are apparently the prodii of well-grown plants. — En. Dendrobium cucullatum. Tliis is an i-,v<\' iil.les 1). Piei-ardi, but is not s< h and has a difierently shaped lip. if Northern India and was intro Cypripedium Lawrenceanum.— Sonir miv Ii 111 till ins lit t his I lia\r noted in bloom this w. ■ k, I III' iiiiiiH iisr lliiwi Is III. iking remarkably vm'H ii|iihi Ihr li.aiilitiill) niail.lril foliage. Twin-II.i\Miiil -ia|irs :ii |. Ii\ ill. iiiians uncommon, andan- usual!) I.ii'k.il iijiiiii as ;i sj.jn uf good culture. ( '. Law iiiiiiaiiiiiii liiirs will III plenty of heat and umlii liberal culture, llialthy bits soon make nice plants if carefully li.aliil. Kijiial parts of peat Hbre, loam and cbii|i|iiil S|.ha;_;num Moss make a good compost, and i hr puts must be clean and ex- cciitionally well diaiiHil. It comes from Borneo Odontoglossum Andersonianum.— A good variity of this cniiics from a correspondent who piinliasiil it as O. crispum. It is one of the put I II si iif all t lie forms that are supposed to be iiaiiiial li\ I.I Ills, and has clouded white sepals ■|.r ll Ke, Dendrobium infundibulum.- -Several plant this pritu I ll iiilnil.e are now in bloom, tin .iiiiifiil whili- si|,a|s and petals being well se 1 li,\ Ihiih h-.' .j.il.hn vellow blotch on the liii the -biis liiil anil -! hi .Mill tli.wnis will I.e weak Lcelia flava. are much better for it or even baskets, t from its habit it need not be suspemiiil w I flower. Fill the i)ans quite two tlnnls nt cep them on the move by a nice moist atmo- phere. It comes from Brazil, and was intro- uced in IS.Si). Oncidium sarcodes. Tlii- i- a .ji.inil n,i|,i,l hen Will .jli.wn. Ihi- llnllli 11- li,,,l,. 1,11,-. I lis nidneeil \.s hiMhhv |,l,,M|s haMlrj ., llvlil, Linr ll. .Ml M IN i.M.jiil a|i|ir,uanri. 11,, i-i i„|,, |ii;it tiliir. .\ llji'lit, airy position in I In i '..i i li\ a 111, ii-n s|,, mill lie given if possible, 111 n will iliii\e \\iili I 'il..iit..;..:lossum grande, tli..injli n likes niiiie sunlight. It must never bi' .iinii inm h at the roots, yet, on the other hand, it is l.i it.i fi.r a few weeks' rest after the growth is .■.nnpl.t.-. Observation of the roots and growth and due inn sideration of the condition of the compost are the best guides in this respect. It is a native of Brazil, and was introduced in 1849. MILTONIA VEXILLARIA. Vv.w Orchids make a finer display during the e.ailv siiinnier nionths, and few species yield a li.lt.a- ivtiiMi, th.ni M, v.'Xillana wli.'ii w.-ll r,.,un, ll sh..nlil in.t I ,.■ elass,. 1 ,as a eonlhi.use essti; .Masil at the warm, light end of I iiise, probably better than le-heat is available. One iler treatment during the ar is. that the i.laiits ale .-ks fn.ln thnns. wllleh Is at 11. 11, It IS I. ft en dur- y and .June, when the lid after the plants are IS get established. At IS all I liiiil th,at the kitlei- eii.l i.f February or the I... ^Hilling of March is the best time to repot. .M\ reason for this is, that in following the usual system of autuinn potting the plants do go iiway into the new materiid, and so get well established by the time the plants are in flower. It is usually between the times of the jilant's I iiltn vexil- i)t ( tiill.\ wati-heil till ^ ,iiv liable, with the least ex- 11 ss iif nil list me. Ill 1 1,1 nip nil' at the base of the Lull., I liaM' lie.|iii iitly iibserved that where the old llower-,siukes have not been removed .sufH- ciently low down they have collected suflicient moisture to make the leaves damp at the axil.s, 176 THE garde:n. [March 6, 1897. tliis often causing tl: advisable to kut.-]! tl possible during tln^ growths get well a dry tliis MiltMiiin , Willi. i,, I suir.iiiiu ai decay also. It is , i,.,,y l>e allowed to becuiue aii\ iU-effects, and I am cun- .■ \\ a t er-can were less used we a 111 grown to far better advan- lly the case. I endeavour to Books. DISEASES OF PLANTS INDUCED BY CRYPTOGAMIC PARASITES.* A VERY important work lias just linu |.iil)lisliei on the diseases of plants calls. (I li\ tmiji m.l ili.i allies. This subject is .a mcist mi. i . siin-^ .ai.t 11 cultivators of plants, aii.l it s. .aiis siiai,^^ will. certainty of finding a tii^iii. parasite which was atta. K had various books, such as and Garden Crops." by W . a very admirablr littl.^ I it does not go vi r\ fn an.l give a complete llls.as.'s ..f Ki,,ld liingu.u Li, Suuth, s far as it goes, but les not profess to ese vegetabl. sites. Then there is Professor H. Marshall Ward's excellent little book on "Tiiiib.i an.l some of its Diseases," which, as its till.' siij; gests, only treats of some diseases ..f linilicr. There are also various systemaii.- w.iiks ..n fungi, but they do not treat tli.' siil.|..l fi.iui the cultivator's ]i..int of view, Th,' «..iK \,rf,.ix- us i.r.ifrsses t...l.s._ail,.- .all tli.- .|i.,:.s, s .aus..! it more essential to illustrate the habitus |.alli..l.iui.al olijects rather than to give .Irn iiijs .,t iMi. i.iscopic subjects ; those one may lii 111 ..ill. I w.iiks," The illustrations are ..x...'!. iiigly g I, A few of the photographs ,i a trifle too dark, but most of them are ailiii able. The book is divided into two parts, t first part dealing with the life-history of fui generally, such as (to quote the headings ai sub-headings of the chapters) "Mode of life the parasitic fungi," "Effect of parasitic fur on their hosts," "Disposition of plants disease," "Preventive and combative measiuei "Economic importance of the diseases of ] .laiit,> i^-c. The second part gives the .syst. ma airangcincnt of the fungi. There is a good nul ..f tins.' pai.asites as well as a generaliiult 1 1 «..iil.l have been of great a.ssistance t.. t 11. .n stieiit ilie reader if a glossary had been addt as many of the terms employed are by no mea commonly used in every-day parlance. Son however, are explained when first mentiont It seems that the battle between the parasii and their victims is often of long duration, case is quoted : " Harteg gives an example n Larch which had carried on the comliat w Ihr Larch canker (Peziza Wilkommi) for o^ (I'^liiy V'ais, Ill-cause during active v _ ..f 111.' la.st the canker was unable to ms iieaduay." Probably most of our crops sil more from the attacks of fungi when thj growth is not really as healthy as it should I than when the plants are in perfect health, a therefore the -leat object should be to kt ■ keep up a temperature of 55° to CO" throughout the year. The fibrous peat and pots used shoul. the plants a rea- three parts of t crocks-. The sn such as M. V, i Leopold!, and tin G. D. (hvcn, .1. year, Many iterial consists of mil INIoss. The ly lai'ee to give .11.1 lie filled to h clean broken ering varieties, superVja, M. v, - M. v. Memoria alM. Ii. immediately after the finished. It is advisabl the two sections as far a that the |il.'iiits can be conditions n.'.cssilal.'. ^ be set asi.l.' f..r llns .la- Cattleya asitic louse. This worth beautiful foliage, wln.li ..n li.allhy plani- i- \.i\ ornamental. It slan.ls iii..rc r.ai.jli I i.-ai iii.'in than almost any Urchid, and probalily for tins reason is thought less of than most, but well treated it has a distinct character, and as is well ificd to adajit it "to tht requirements of I tion. ditionshavebeenlin m- ise.l iflicult it I liy artifici ,1'esent .11 ■the disc: freqiieii t, so thiili which isi.le iuced b.v Gryptogarai * "Diseases of Plants induced bv tii'yptoffim"" | in.., a,,,„„,i,t i,„.,t „,,l,i ,„ Parasites." By K. F. von Tabeuf. English edition ^^\^ drought, liedt, cold, m by W. G. Smith, B.S.C., Ph,D. Langmans, Lond )n. I cal causes. Fungi appear so soon iiage." Agam: oiiie external souii oisture, and niechai after hurt! March 6, 1897.] ents lik tl.os.. tlmt it bei .etlier tJ c.y -.ux- the C-; USL- (if t stor the ivsult." Oiu i.fthui iipters ti tl.c cultivati • IS that 1 omilr five measure ,■• and THE GAKDE^. 177 Mu! combating of disua I s sliould be under some kind on." Tills, no doubt, woul.l t in tliis.-..untry it is vny .lu. styl n-y usoini. Enable if s, th tho hi: itato diseasL' can never be stamped out, as the ! )res of funt,'i are so light, that they may be cried miles in a gale of wind. In the chapter , the " Economii-- iiii|"'i lamr of di.seascs of pnts" some inteiv.iinu si.i i^t ics are given of 13 injuries from tunui wliirh have been sus- Ined by crops, sliouing that in Prussia in J Jl the loss on the cr,>ps of Wheat. Hye. an,l < ts from rust was more than tJl».lMM),(H)0 Jour money, which was almost a third of the -lue of the crops. The year IS'.H was .in f,,Vo,„:il,I,- on,.. I„ \usli;.li:, in IS'.III-'.H, the \\1 IS h w soon Phytoj .htl ora infestans (the ilo ILsease) makes its presence known in ,. ot Potatoes. \11 fl nui. however, .a e 1 ot injurious to the nts t,aiiees from -oil i,i,n-e efficiently than if the roots had I II left to themselves. Experiments have iwn that some kinds of plants grown in .soil I which these fungi did not exist were poorly I V eloped, and after several years died, while tlise in soil infested by the fungi grew vigor- I Hue orchard alone -lo.iiiii) i|iiait bottles of olne nil were made and iii.nketc d m 1896, which sold readily at 4s. jier liottle. Thousands of bushels of nuts were gatlieied. and a large yield of Persimmons was seemed. Altofjcther it is estiiii.-ited that Mr. Ccjojier's onliard l.rinus in .111 income of not less than r.-.o.lollars per ariv annually. \ ('m.iioi;mvs Lim: OAK. — One of tlie lai-esi s,„,a,i,.ns of ll,e welMoiown Live Oak 0 sli.li, 1 .",000 per.sons at "> al 1m am it id green foliage. .Instie, Kield Tree. In a • J^ ^ o„as.a„ndsl,i|,n,an in the , Msited the s|H„ and .le- M tew years ago Justice Field -e tree, since which time it M^ There was formerly a liay i "^iil 1 aliVirded a safe harbour, at Sn- Francis Drake sau 1. 4H wliali aiv fully as large as any ordinary tree of this kiinl, ['he gigantic tree is said to be the luost iiiaiiiiilicent specimen to be found on the Pacitic coast. A PROLIFIC OLD Apple tree. — Forty-one bushels of good marketable Apples were gathered fr(jma tree in the orchard of R. H. Williams, of West ('..nnlh. ni the St.ate ,.f \-ermonl. last llcli Wllhal ; I ■i.-mches cover a large area. Mr. \cies the tree and will guard it I iiil;' his life. .\'. 1'. H. Hendricks. Coruus mas. — This, commonly known as the Cornelian Clien-y, niav certainly be claimed as one of the ni..:-t lieailtlfr.lof callC- llo„c,in- ~1,m,1.~. Its flowel-. althoiejh mm,-, II, 'a,,, ^mn al lam and of a laielil mIIow, TIm^ ai^' moh al llau- best, and l.aid.a' th- planl- ;, .^ laajil and al- tractive, c~|„.(a,dl\ wli.iri 1 ha- li.'^n .iiloid.-l for them 1 ■ planird m eiou|.-, Jh.' pianm are, of e. .m -i, (|iiiii' di -1 n nl. of loli:,..,.. Inn 1 h, flowers -hou 1,,, h,II .rjain-i iIm' daik eiroii evergreen like the lloll\ a mailer \\,\\ woiih bearing in mind « la II |il,iiil inj iln- -hinl., Ii 1- a native of Nuitla in I'.uiopr, lau 1,- not liamd wild in Britain, il yii.n» to a lieigliL uf S feet tu 12 feet or more in very old specimens. The popu- lar name, Cornelian Cherry, refers to its fruits, which are of a Ijright Cornelian red, of o\al shape, and about half an inch long. They are not pro- duced on young plants which have the female parts of the flowers nearly always abortive. This, however, in no way afl'ects its worth as an early flowering shrub. When once it has reached a height of 8 feet or so it increases but slowly in size. Stove and Greenhouse. RH( )DODENDR( )N VEITCHIANUM. White-flowered Rhododendrons, both original species and hybrids raised therefrom, are very numerous, and some of them greatly resemble each other, but R. Yeitchianum is n^t likely to Rhododendron diflers from any other, is th: the edges of the petals are very uiucli crispec This character varies greatly in ditterent ind viduals when they are raised in (lu.mtity froi seed, which ripens readily even on small plant; While nearly all the plants of R. Veitchianiul have this crisped character, there is one forJBjl which it is far less noticeable than in any 1 the others. This is the variety kevigatunf! which is herewith illustrated, its fieedi blooming being well shown. The iilant is branching and compact ingrowth than is u.sualJi to be found in small specimens of R. Ve anum, but this is not a constant featu lajvigatum, as some individuals are when yj just as straggling as those of the type. Veitch" Rhododendron .succeeds best in a ili-htly highi Rhododendron Veitchianum Icevijatum. Frjm a photograph sent by Mr. C. Metcalf, Hidifax. lufounded with any of the others. This lodendron is a native of Moulmein, from ice it was introduced by the firm whose ' it bears, and was first flowered by them o l,e thin .-Hid ^st'ranul'in^ dm in- its r.irlieV, s, Init as It ufows up tluse nndes, r,i I ,le 1 til,' quired by the bulk ' the llimil.iy.in sp, ems. It is not a particular M-oroiis rooting kind, and large specimens ca lie kept 111 health for years in comparative, small pots or tubs, p-ji^r. As might be expected in the case of such | fine free-flowering species, R. Veitchianum hii been employed by the hybridist in the produij tion of new varieties, but in this respect it hij sluiili, whose ha MS :ire il.ii-k ureencm the upper | not played so conspicuous a part as some of thj surf are and -lam 01, s l.eueath. The flowers are others. It was a happy thought to mate th; Lome, ;is a nile. time or four to-etlier in a ' with the little Himalayan R. ciliatura, so wel teiiiiinal cluster. 'I'liev .-ire lame, each I inches Known for ilscomp.ict habit and great prof usioi or morc.-,eross.and,uitlitheexception.ifapateh of l.lo.aii, Tim insult of this union is to t| of p.ile yellow on the upper part of the inteiioi f,,und 111 tlie variety exoniense, a compacii of the bloom, are altogether pure white. A freely-branched bush, with foliage a good det, particularly noticeable feature, in which this ' like that of Veitchianum, but smaller. Tli handso MiR'jii fi, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 179 tfverscif this .u-e uljout .'_i inches in tliiiiiieter white, f,iiiitly tinged on tho cxturii)r witli k. This \-.iri'ety was raised by Mr. Robert itch, of KxclcT, and aliout fifteen years asjo it ■iicted a f;-.M,a deal of .■.ttniliou. wlnMr it is ikv grown in most c-olK-.ti..iis ..f this , lass .,f nts. A second vavirtv Koistm.-inuin ni, ;.ssed nie <;r(.-atly thr lirsi liuic I saw it in oni, tlie strikinL; tValurr hrin-^ the large size its l)lossoiiis. This w.is r.iise.l by M. Otto rstorin Austvi.i, the |.,iients heini,' K. Veitcli- an.l K. I'M.e»,.,lh,. Tlie i.l.int is of .ill ilrli 1,1 H,,' centre, while they -1\ -,, , 111 il, as in all other varie- vni i-e lr..in R. Edgeworthi. A i.iis,.,! ,, ,|uantity of R. Veitch- ■a |.io,luced only by tlie very hi.t found that the pio.^,.i,\ e.l ilitierenee in this ivsi.eet, a ' ed-es of the |,et:ils al st leni.isl of them were moderately i\eie not many in which that ; |iioii,,unccd as in the case of ; iilaut. H. P. Petrsea volubilis.- \\'hat is the proper ti-eat iwitof this-; It Mill not Moen, with iii.-. - S. \, ),* The most congenial pie c l..r tlii~ i- m (Ijibt a warm conservatory "lieic-. plaiii.d oiii, ii,- )ouble Lilac Mme. Lemoine for forcing-. I- i~ an eN.-elle„t foiviir^' vaneiN, as ro„M 1., - -, livtli.-l.nld f,-all,erv|,liiine> Mr. ( Iroi.^v I'aul iMi. t...ll> 11H-I,iiiii I,, ,]„■ ,i„.,.tiir^' al tin- il:-II in K.'li.naM. I'lanls |s ni,-l,e,s , ir so in ..,\, V,. f,v,-l.\. and ill,- llo\wis al f snowy tJi at this season of tlie year, mixing well with C|tons, Dracivnas, Ferns, kc. It deser\es a place apng the forced subjects in anj' garden. — R. D. /alia EUiottiana.-ln poitin" u). the tuheis o'hisCalla about a foi-tni-hl -,ur.- I noh,,.,! ihal sue had decavc-d on one' ~,.U-. aii^l «a~ atiaid I pushing up very strongly, so, wliate\' i il I -r, it was not dangerous. The appearam , ' 'iillis lean liken to nothing more than a ehr- ■ ! .itlacked by weevils, but I could see no si> ujauy insect. Has any other reader had ^ sinlar experience ?—R. ]leutzia Lemoinei forced.— Peutzia gi-acil 1 Hoi-tieil ight likely iiig .shrubs jhter .^low lual tl.n>, I these ny [n-opagaleil troiii cutting: doubtless soon be generally grown.— T. phiopogon Jaburan variegatum.— This is )st useful greenhouse plant, and for hou.se fnr- ni ing it can be strongly recommended. It is l.v leans tender, as it will grow freely in any <-oM I Well rciiieiiiliir some years ago, wh.n mg thrnn-,1, ll„- I,,,,,.,.- at the l!a.-hof nnr- s, bcin-4- -l,,,»i, l.N ll„. mini a r ..,iim- plant- of his that h;al Mm'. I ,n a ,:.l\ 1 .,- »l,..,v KUodendiou^ were>ro,-,..| ami im artiti.ial h,-al Im been used through the winter. Although the IK had been severe and the house had gone down low -having bad from K" to 10" of frost in it— this Ophiopogonhad not siilVcred in the lea.st. I have used this plant in very cold passai^fes and d.-nk eoi-iiers, and found it stand exceedingly well. 1 tlie bunches ildew, as 1 bav, the houses, an iilants are heallli; Siqjporting- Freesins. .\ his can be easily keiit in check. le notes you mention will be use- 1 name. — Ed. n Freesin^ Notes of the Week. Muscari aziireum. A The white Algerian Iris. Mi sends us scma- of t In^ Ir.ini Ih-i 'jaid'- id a fragrant and lovely thing it is 1 for cutting as well as for open-air Crocus species.— These eries. The flowers are very effective and can be Ben from a great distane-e, so rich is the colour. •lii,,ii.iilo\a T ilia. ('. I.. i.,-.a, and C. L. bla- i 11,-1 an- (-hoh-.-.-pi iiej ll.m.a -,, and should be given • Ic-i-t po-iiion- "11 ii.ckwwrL. ( '. L. alba must Primula acaulis Mauve ftueen is a very il. a-iii' \ariely ^iiHieii-iil Iv described as to colour \ III, nam.-. It i-, la i\\ i-\'i-i-. somewhat earlier in i!"!,'a'|-'''!a!-I'|l 'iTi''.m''' IMl''-.'l|'|"ll"'|.H'-e!'lmml■ ,,^,„. PI,,-- - ,,| maa-,r lil.a- ». II a 1 h ,^ . I he bold ,|i,.,,,,. 'III,. \,iriet\ oiigin.itcil .a \\ iiiclimore lill, when- Ml-. I'erry is getting up a large stock f this piniiiisiiig variety. Colchicum luteum. of th Flo-wers from Trevai iil..,ai-e,.lyde- \ ,1,, al.-d. The I i\al inn, and is Mr Lakes sends , , III, lining col- ■,-,„„, ha-, .V,-., grown , ih.'op,-,, a,, II, ,-,',-. -\1,. bakes, writing on la,.l, '_'. -a\-: 'l ilniik 1 la-ver remember SO ,,.ii,\ tl,,«,.|^ ,,iit Ml ,1 - -M ,-arlyin the year, lal'l il,u,i-jl,i \,,ii might like to have a few, II.' n,| laiiallia aiicmonietlora is from a plant III I,, a 11, ,,, .conference, 3.3 feet through and ,-, f, . 1 l,,.jl,, .iial from fifteen to twenty flowers in Narcissus cyclamineus.— There is at the ,-, -.-,,1 time a really wonderful display of this ,„.a,-,n th,. tailb ..-ronialsof th,- M.-ssrs. Barr A fine Odontoglossum crispum.— A larkable varii-tv of this Odontoglossum ,1,1 „n F.i,lav. i•,-^rna.■^ 'K,. The plant of -, laN. « 111, h were pure white. The lip was -_' 111. 1 1. ~ long by 1 inch in width, white, J I.. 1. ii,.,iive!lowatthebase, having a few !.,..« n -]„,ts in the centre. The bidding, .-..mmenced at five guineas, quickly ad- I to thirty-one guineas, at which price it ,,, .-I,, Galanthus caucasicus grandis is a \. i .i\ l..n.j petals, the corolla tube white, uil 1. - II l.l,.f.-li ,il mouth. It seems to be a vci i-j I- ji.m. I. judging from Messrs. Barr's sp. im.ii~ al I 'J Ditton. Rare Colchicnms. Tin -p,-.-i.- ,,f C.l.l, -lose to the ground. C eroci- carce, has small flowers, white. note from Cork.— We have an extraord season in South Cork. There are islands le coast of Cork just as suitable for flower in"- as the Scillv Isles. For instance, liU have been in" blnom on Clear Island, ,. \ , P,\.ai h.-r.a in ( '..i k ,li-tri.-t, white , I 1 1.1 11... Ill-, r.i-l,..p -Mann. .V-,-., haM. been in VCI-. \V. H. Hakti.ano, Cnr/.: Galanthus Elwesi Cassaba.— This is one of le strongest anfl most vigorous growers, and is yet having the broadest leaves, whi,-h are brej and shining, and not glaucous, as in the abie 180 THE GARDEN. [March Several other kinds were flowering, among tlie IJrettiest being the dainty G. caucasicus, a rather slender kind, though very charming withal. Narcissus pallidus prsecox is the earUe^t Trumpet Daffodil in full bloom in the open. nially early season. A few' days hence with mild weather many kinds will be either in flower or well advanced to that stage. Tulipa violacea.— A tine now siiecio- of Tulip nowin ll..w,.r m lli.- .,p.i, :iir in M. — i<. I'.;!.!- nurserv .ii l-cmj liillcm i^ | ii i ili.iliK .hm- "I i Im tinest.''f i.M'rni ,,iin Wiirthi,,-, h ,- ,,-m ,,, p-mi of ColoiU- ,lll'l .if iIh' ^. -(■:ii.-.l\ ■^.^\^ :im\ ea of till will in all probability the coming week. Public Gardens. PROSPECT I This park is jii>i examples of tin- I .■idvanta'-phavii,.. Tllr |.,'l.k l~ .■li.nl llinlilli-. Mlirli \- .Maun. ill:,., l;,..| In colours uilli iIm -. and thiuii-l i leafage, \mi1i -In until till' f.ili.rjn tints, till' \in\\ I- Bevond tlin|,:iik I of Long I>b,h.l. V, the WOO:II:I1mMi;i- lii'll |,|n-n,Mi| ;:- li ;,- |,m,- Sible, tl.n iImn.- iIiI.M'jIi lllnlii li, nrj ,,: ., -,„,,, Ii charactci', ihr umlni ui.m tli nl >lii iiM" t \ :iimI I mi baceous (ilauts being allowed lu imi . i.nli .m ilnii lines. Seventy acres are open iiihIih, mih-i mental plantations cover about -Ji'^o :i <• - M n . 1 1 of this has been sadlv ruined li\ n\,i . i.A\ilinj. The old adage, " jilaiit thick, I'mi ilnn ,|iihk," has not been oIimtmiI, .umI cnii>ri|ii.iii I\ m.niy specimens have bmii i iniinl : -r-.\> ih ,ini| .lex dup- ment have been nhmliil. ■■iimI ili.' \Miik nt i.-- coverv i^ >Im\\ ^umI nn-il i-kn hii \ . 'i'lm l.kiin.' n.i this l^h.illM lill'j.lx Im. l.nil Mil til,, pul.l,,.. »||,, from a mhI ihmiiI , ilir .ji .iw t li nl i.^nnj^niii. i.f i h, necessitir-nf tlm cum., lumlly cry out ai4\iin~1 tlie vandal who would cut out a tree. In th iia mental plantations, many fine specimens nt tin European Linden and Beech, Norway Ma|ilis. Oaks, &c., are to be found. .Taiian Maplr-, Maiden-li.aii ..,. (link-.:... (\,|,|„.,. l;,.,.,.|i. -, im,! Pavias liav.. 1 |,.|i||.-|.lil,.,llM.-, .I.,,,;,, I \la|.|..- of 12 feci t,, I.-. I,.,.| 111 li. ,.,]ii 1,. nrj ,1. .J ill..-. prominent, < H -Iniil.s, I '..i mis, X'll.in innn-, an.! Crataegus are e\erywhere plentiful. The Florida Dogwood is at homo in every copse and wood land, and whether clothed in its white bracts, its ilense imbrieati.-.ns of dark -rccii f.ilia.jc or in its ailtilliinal llnl-..t ..i l in-. .1> ... nil -..ai]..t. U -talals in lliis .l,st,,..t ,.i,....|i,,n..nlh at lli.. Ii..a.l . .f N..rlli Am. M..,.|n -I, nil,-, I ; li. .. I. .1 1..11. 1 -, Ka In ,1,.-. A n li.. 111. ..lis. ,11,. I mam .,lli..,. in, ml,..!-.. I 1 li.. . .1 . 1.^i Hone.vsuckle, iMalionia, or Day Lily.— Bk in Amtrican F/oris/. The proposed cemetery near Hampstead Ifcalli. The .\bii..v Park Cineteiv ronipany I. It. I- fr..lii 111.. II S. .1. I.irv -l,.|lin.j lliat. I ...,li-i.l..i:,li..ii ,.t ,.II 111... ,,..nm-ian... -, li.. 1 il.l.- I., .jn.. In- -,.|n..ti..ii t..lh.. -..|i.iii. . The old Cheljca "Physic Garden." -.iu.j.-ti..i, ilMt il... r|„.|-,,i \-..-t,N -l,..,il,l 1 .. I I ('..l.ln.jan 1.. Ii.ix.. ....iu..\.;i t.. til. II .1.1 111, l-.,.i ■■ I'liv-a. li.ii.l, iT ,'ii 111.. Kiiil 111. Ill 11. ar I'la.Mi.. Walk, m ... .miii,.m. .1 at 1, ■li,. Ilia ml .liil.i:..,., -...ins t,. ..It.., ,, 1,,,nl United Horticultural Benevolent and Provident Sociefv. The annual meeting will tak,. |,la. I M, Malay evening (March 8) at the Caleikinian II. .t. I, 'I lie chair will be taken at Soeln.-k l.y Ml. ,\, |i,-an. Royal Horticultural Society. — The next fruit aiirl lloial meeting of the Roval Horticid- tiiral Society will be held on Tuesday, March 9, in tlie Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, I (.1 4 ji.m. At 3 o'clock a lecture will be given l.y I'lof. H. M. Ward, F.R.S., on "Microscopic ( lanlcning."' The Koyal Gardeners' Orphan Fund.— A llleetiny of the e, .nilllil tec was lu-I,l this dav iFcb- luaiv 21I1. wlicii Mr. \V . .Marshall was' a>.aiii lunced, whereby le fund and the the mothers in Perry's catalogue of hardy flowers.— We avc received an interestino- list of liardv plants ,.111 Mr, A, Peirv. .if Wineliinoic Hill, N. Mr. •iiiN 1- ..n.. i.f tli,.s.. wli.. kia.w lianlv plants n.jliK. ami ,.\,.ry 11,. h a,l.lili.,ii In 'the nur- iMii-n \vli,, ,l,.v,,t.. tli..m-..l\..s I,. -II, li ]ilants is ihls IV 1. thern world Building greenhouses. — Will any reader -iiyeisi a ;4iiieial s.-heme for the construction of cool, warm, and hot (stove) houses either in combi- nation or separate '; I have plenty of space and ; witho m ughyo» -|| >r nmM choice of any situation and exposure, and I shoii like siin-nest'jons for a set of such houses of rath lai.j. .ipa.itv, say stove, 30 feet by liu fee Harm h.,,!-,-, ('ill feet by 20 feet; cool hous,-, 1; t..,.t l,\ -Jot,.,!, Is there any good way of i.laeii iliiin, -,i\ . I.aik to back, the stove and wai li.,ii-. ta. iii.j 11, a ill I, ailing against the cool hou l.i.iii.j -,,nili In tins Country we have qui sullMaiit lejlii t,.i -i,,\e and M-arm house witho sunshine beiicj i..|iiii.(l: in fact, my pre stove faces noitl. w . -1, ami 1 ain v.Ty with Ferns, Palm-, ami In... f, .liamd pk rally. Perhaps the e^pe,lell,.e .,f soni contributors if kindly communicated thr cibiinns Mould be of great service to me.- /■'/.„•, «,■. . The weather in "West Herts.— For a f.alnejlil t here has not been a single unseaso al.l\ . ..M ,l,,y nr night. During the night of t L'.",tli nit. tie' exposed thermometer at no timef l..\\ .1 tliaii r.i', and on the following day the tei |i,iainie in shade rose as high as .i7°. bo iniiisiially high readings for a winter month. T -.111 still remains warm, being 5° warmer than -.,!-. .liable at2 feet deep, and 6" warmer at tlie de|, ..t I foot. Previous to the 28th idt. the «eatl ka.l been fine, but since then a wreat deal of ro ha- fallen, and this morning (.3rd) there was a f ..f -now, which, however, melted on reaching t .ji..uiid. Throughout the night of the 2nd a th. f.illowing day the wind remained very hif an, I at 10 p.m. on the 2nd reached the force oi m..,l. I ai...:ale -direction S.S.E. The past nior M I - \, a I m. 1 hire than any of the previous elev r. hi 11.11 1. - ..Mr which my records extend. R: f. 11 ..II h.Miteen days to the aggregate depth nearly .3 inches, which is about an inch ' excess of the February average for the ^- forty-one years. The sun shone on but i days, and the total record amounted to only a forty-one hours, which is the lowest for Februt since 1888. In the first half of the month, whi was very glooniv, the sun shone for altogetl only 6J hours. A selected jiatch of C'hionodc Lucilise came tii-i ml.. Ili.«er in my garden February 24, m -1 n 1 n ila\- .ailier than its av age date for the |,i, \ i,,iis' mnc vears, and e.irl than in any of th.,sc years except 181M,-E. } Berkhamnted. Cryptomeria elegans. — Would any of yi correspondents kindly give me any informal ies|jecting Cryptomeria elegans? I have a grc of it, which I planted for efi'ect some years a| 1; feet or 7 feet high. As soon as there con li,a\\ iaiii.,1 snow they fall flat on the groui Ilk.. 111,11 -h.it on a field of battle, and ne- |,r.,|„il\ i,,,.ver, I have tried them in all so .,1 -Il nail. .11- for many vears and can do no gc Hiih III, 111 llie-am,."iv"siilt over again. This lli...,iil\ \aii. i\ .,f 11. ...s I have found any (li .iiliy vuih .\'. .\., -V. e- (;,.-■r./^ „u,r B'n-minglia * [* Thi- 1- .,11,. .,t th,. worthless conifers tl hav, 1,, 11 .iv.i piai-,.l. We have found the sa ,,l,|,.,.ti.,n t.. It, aii,l. worse still, it is killed -, x, I. Hint, 1- 111 ih, south of England.— En. aeptn inch M nlyakn BOOKS EECEITED. "Fruit Growers' Year Book for 1897." Lond( 'Cable " Office, .311, Fleet Street, E.G. "First Recor.U of British Flowering Plant V. A. Clarke. West, Xewman, and Co. Streptoearpus hybiids (S. X.).— Apply Messrs.lSander and Co., .St. Albans, Herts. Names of plants.— T. Clni'ke.—\, Crjptomt iaponica ; 2, may be some variety of the Corsio Pine and not the true typical form. We are nna to state definitelv from the small piece you send.-] ;•■, Ha„J -I.cu.'ajnm veinum.— IT. A. 0.—\, Cattli' 'I'riura' allia, e.i calle.l, but a veiypoor form. 1 true Catth.va Trial a' all.,1 has no colour in the, with 11 .I':. 1: .1' 111 \.-.H..w in the llirnat; very i;,.! • : -CI .1, a poor form of , Triaua I / There is such nunib,!-..! . ....i.|.. t .i,,ii.- Ill niiw that it is 1' clearly many wild forms of Snowdrops tliat 1 varieties only. Bannerman. — Scilla bifolia alba. THE GARDEN. 181 SA ; URDA Y, March 13, 1S97. Vol. LI. " This is an Art I'll does mend Nature : rhango it rather ; hut Akt 1T8KLF IS Naturk. ' —S^akesptarc. Chrysanthemums. CHRYSANTHEMUM NOTKS. STRUCK PLANTS.— To those who luo le- t.. (l,M',.v;,t.- cMiiscvv.MtoHcs, rounis, and lliriv ;iiv ni:iin' vs.iss ,,f '.jniwing Chrysan- 1 for the pur- islirs i)ts art MT^ie suhji'ct.s tli.ui :i sinL,'l(.'-stuiiinua (.I; wi, one \vi'll-(lrvulo]nMl ll..\vcr for a siiui .i) ct. Before the old .slooLs are diseaid thi. it will be well to root a suiiply dm Mch and Aj>ril. The tops, again, from th 111 its may be rooted even later for tiny si" .,s. Kyecrnft Clory isa llr,st-n,t:. ^aVirl^ .dureall.-il.uiM.iii.v ,,f l,r..li/N \ .. Tin- si,i-lr variety .Mi,-,s l^i^: ■rl III iMiinatiue form. Itisdw pi.ililii' III. wiring kind. Souvi nil.' IiimK itself to almost a ..II I,. It. allli..il'^l, Ikins, .yell..u, ■■iii.l are two sorts with si^ll spideiy f'.iimil tli.wers, that make ex- •ation, and if Hairy VS ider lie tried, struck late and the flowers not th ned, sometliing out of the common as an odunental |il,int would result. ' Many of hairy varieties, in fact, are spoiled by bug disbudded for the imrin in big blooms. Louis Ho'liiuer light and pleasins; ■s. The free ind its s]i..rls irays of small owni ..I nii-se kinds, again, ii'^ |.. I tV.t sjiecimens in a . .iN 1111.4I1I lie named, but t.i |.i..\iil(. a long ILst in sti ikiirj luttings through- li' . All kinds of a dwarf nvj^ .lie i.|iially useful. that late-struck plants ;\re i"it 1 kely see the .system pretty gemr, Plits with one stem may be worked in » 1 T'uis, Ferns, and other fine-foliaged ]il.ii iiithemum.s are liett,r .idapted for than are others. Fvv instance, those with ample foliage should be selected, and inlly worth the trotdile to grow a kind that .t I., a, a lai-e l,l..,.m. Varieties which are |.|-...lii.M|.. th.ar l.ii.ls, like that ime^nili- III. I Ml- II, WVrks. would be the i„..st le. .Mrs. Jolui Shrimpton, Dorothy ard, Richard Dean, and Mrs. Falconer eson are of a similar nature. Mme. Car- Viviand Morel, Charles Davis, Louise, A'ltralie, M. Chenon de Leche. W. Sew.ir.l. Molin. Ph.ebus. :\Iutu.il Friend, I'li.!.. ladford, Kditli Tabor, Mile. Therese l!,\. Ad. Chatiu, Souv. de Petite Amie, C.l. . Smith, Thos. ^Vilkin International, W . W . Coles, and Etoile de Lyon W(udd form ai rxrelleiit selcctiim of varying heights for th( mum reijuires. Seasonable work. — Young plants are m.ik ing favourable progress in most collections I have seen. Instances of coddliu'/. boweviT. an- not rare, and in such casr^ a s..ft. .hiwn ii|. growth is visible. The stur.li. si -|.. . n... n - :ii. those in cold frames with a |.l.iiiiliil Mi|.|il\ ..I air, and the cleanest, to,.. .Mild.w ai„l llv accompany a hot, rlosi- at mos|ilirir at tlnstiinr of the year. The ih..sI f,„ war.l |,l.aiits aiv I., in;. iiotted into (i-inch jmls; inthe.se they will re m.iii, until the time c.mes for the final .shift. < Ithers are in 4i-ineli jiots, and in this case it is ,kI\ is.ilik- to li.ave two siibse((nent shifts. Pre- t heir after well-being, although .1 to .see such. Pride of Mad- Amiral Avellan, and M. Cheiioii a frw ..f the w.,i-st s., f.ir. I r.\ Vls,:..u,lt.-ss Ilalill.lr.I.,ll ..r pointing varieties to grow and may now be dis- .. aided. Others not less beautiful and much more easy of culture have been raised. S. SJfO// T XO TES.-CHK YSAXTIIEM I 'MS. Chrysanthemum Niveum.— Ref. nin..: I., ili.' value of this white sort as a late-tluw. 1 iiij km.L a correspondent informed me that In- . nt tl.. la-i blooms at the end of February, and li.' Ii.ad linl a , -laiit Mi],|.lvl.v si r.kiii..;-tir,-riittiiigs at various Inn..-. ti,.ii, lilt.. .\..N. nil., r inilil then. I have li ,..|ii,ail 1\ n..|..l tills kin. I, and would again .■\l..l its uiiTits f.ii gi-ii. lal ciiltuiv. As an exhi- bition bloom it is "somewhat small, but for sup- plving cut flowers in quantity it is without a rival. -H. S. Chrysanthemum. Boule de Neige.— I was pleased to see " E. J.'s " note respecting this Chrysanthemum in a recent issue of The Gakiuon. I have grown thousands of it for cutting at the d is best not topped. Let its breaks tome isual way, and trom the first select four 1; these inlmu slioulil give from two to ,1,, S.L.i III. 11.. \(.i 1. lids at the tips of :,\ I.. .-.1 11.-. I 1 1... ■■ 1 1. 1 1.1 I nil." The variety ii..i I1..1 1. I.. i«.l\.- blooms better -Im.l.iiii'j I. II a 1. -- 1.III..1..I1-. .lardin des , Ilk, I in. .-I van. Ill-, ^■, ill | .r, .,lil,-e the i,.llls if III.' |i!anl 111 .■ III. I in any Way k. Tins I- a - ■■ Li.n.i I , aii.i ihi-r-efore quired, does not take mildew, and naturally forms its bulls so late that stopping is not neces.sary. The larger-flowered kinds have driven Boule de Neige almost out of cultivation, but it should still have a place where much cut bloom is required. — J. C. B. Stopping Chrysanthemums. - Will you blniims for market. Any information as t..st.i|.|iiiit; and the right time to perform the op. rati. ni >.. as to have the plants in bloom for ('lui-tma^ will oblige.— H. L. *.* Jeanette .Sheahan is a variety with -mnf what w.aUly r.>..ts, but it piTliapsbas a constitu- t i.,n a I III!.' -tii.ii'j.r I lian ill.' -..i I from which it is a-pi.ii I'lin.i.-^ r.laii.li.'. li iv.piires a soil only in..il.. iatil,\' I iih ami t.. Iir grown in small |)ots ; the ^l-ineb'si/.e mav be used. It is a dwarf-growing 11 .1,. pllllll - grow . 1.. -1 1. -nil bvex. will- I., al... 11,1,. ,a-, 1,, .lit i> done .- Villi he SOI le diffi- .li .if good colour il.i plants of this 1,11,-1, 'half : dozen FLOWER CARDEN ENEMIES. ieb theie are vet .seasons uu.l cli .aimstances very close attention is neees.sary to save things susceptible to attack from various It, may not be out of place to deal briefly with tl,.- luatf, rat this seas.in, wli.n crrowth iswellonfli.ni.A.aii,!. i,.nii,-;,i.-|.i..p'.i!i,inately active. l',.h am l,,i~ an. I all iii.nilii I- 111 III,- Prim- rose familv an- pii-liii,j ,i|. ill.',, ilii\v, i-stems rapidly, ail.l vli.i.- -) v~ an- l...:ill> Irouble- ibeds, or'tl,i-v vill lia\.' tli.' .ji.ai.i paii of the buds. A i,i.'..' ..f li^h n.ilnrj. iiii-.il ali.ive the ■ ni ill. ll..«,T .jai.l. II, ,i..i- IS It in I I....K \.iN- .M-iK .I'ljiisted. ill aliMl. I' ill.- pill|,..-i- pn.videda 111 \ IS ii,,-.l, that I-. if u is laced inann.-r a~ I n l.-li.l.-r ll allil.ist im- l.ii-.U t.j g.jl tlji-.jiigli » itli.iut com t with it. Another enemy in the s the chaffinch, particularly atten I', -as as soon as thev make their ..f .j-i-nuu !,.■ all nl.iit...| the forced. I like to see the foliage retained tu the list, and I noticed there was a tendency to make a second growth, doubtless owing to so much rain in August and September. Royal Sovereign I do not force so early, as I need tine fruits ; in April and May it is of great value for t'lat purpose. I forced it hard last year with success, but of course tlie ]jrevious autumn was very diftereiit from the one in question, and I should think there will be a tendency to gro.ss leaf growth this season. I have 500 plants in a Peach house, and these are showing a super- abundance of foliage. One of the best forcing Strawberries is less inclined to gross leal growth in advance of the fruit. This is La Grosse Sucr6e, a splendid forcing Strawl..rr\ . This I find is pushing up fairly well, aii.l the plants were less affected by the rains in autumn. This variety does not split up the crowns, and this enables the plant to make a stronger spike, and there are fewer leaves. Like Mr. Craw- ford, I bring the plants on gently, but exceed by of the best to send long distances if over-rijie, but grown in a dry house the flavour is excellent . — G. Wythes. Mr. J. Crawforil wishes to hear how these ai.M.elja\ in,^ in ilill.iini .j.aiilens. I am pleased io-a\ iliai ill.' iH,. MHi.ii.s lie names as being nil-Ill i-iii.t,.i\ Willi liini. \iz.. Royal Sovereign ami \ i.,.iiii. -^.> H. ,1.. 'I'lniiv, are doing verv well with me, flowering very well iniheil and .setting nicely. I put in the two name.l ali.n.- in our early Peach house which was , L.s.il on December 9, and removed them into the early \ineiy one month after this. The vinery has li en kipt at about 60° through the night. \ i...iiitis,v,. H. fie Thury was the first to open its forcing this of the two , I consider M.iYNE, £ir FRUITING BANANAS IN A SHORT TIMF. <)NK cannot term the Banana a profitable fruit if e.i-.| of production is considered, as the plants re .|ime so much space. On the other hand, the Miisa can be fruited in a much shorter time than secure fruits in the time named a liberal tempi- ture is maintained — 60° to 70" at night from ilui to November, 10° higher by day for the first months and a free rise by sun-heat. When I fruits are set a slight drop is given, with adr atmosphere in cold or damp weather. ,li-l,: kinds even of the one advised. No one iiei despair of fruiting M. Cavendishi und,. twelve months, a much shorter period than is usually allowed, but there must be no i all.l, ..f lis,', I„.tt..in-I„.a| ,. n. ...s.., i v have got hold of the soil every eii- nt is given them. As Bananas only fruit, one has not to ennsider th'.- various foods, and find none superior to I1..11. m. nl mixed with good loamy soil. I get mu.li .|iii, ki 1 results by frequt n t top-dres sings— in fact , .41 , iwi 1 1 , ■ '\'ery much like Cucumbers. For fruiting iilants in winter one must give more attentioriT With the Binana the work is easy if good suckers are produced in January. Carefully planted and frequently top-dressed to foster new smfa,, roots, the plants will show fruit in the eaiK pm of the autumn given eight or nine months hi.. ml treatment. I am awaie some may fail, but I lik.- a few to do this, as it ,_;i\ .s a succession, and fruits which show al tin- -, a-,.., are .sooner matured Plantsatthe start iI-.m frequently .seen th.' ..1 I often fail, as I have leker when planted ,im the roots. The ■as and shallow soil ngs. ts whic'h fail to show by the e,„| of October should be kept cooler and drier at the roots if possible, as if they show fruit during mid-winter there is a difficulty in getting the spikes out of the stems. Green-fly is a troublesome pest, also thrips and spider if there is lack of moisture. To SHORT NOTES.— FRUIT. Apple Hoary Morning.— This is an oM riet\ whi.h has been known for many yi this l..,ality under the name of Sour W. I ha\e had it this year keep well into Fel It makes a fine standard tree and ' the orchards here. I do not consider it bearer. Its large size, fine streaky beautiful dense grey bloom would l>,.sition in any collection if the exhibitor li -ondition. It is generally shown in : at the November ex-Jiibition in Exeter, ti-VKL-iND, KiUerton, Exeter. I think " .1. C." will find that if he: this Apple a free head for a year or two 11 ness of cropping will disappear. This is perienee with it. and I now have trees wh:' with 111.' ,ji.at.-t freedom. This is one hands.. Ill, -I A], pi.- in existence. Fruits of l..f..i.. Ill,, ai., piit.it pictures, both in ,-..l..iiriii,_^. It^ ipiality is good and it k( nil Manh. ( '1, .selv jiruned trees I find nevisrl tl.-ely. -.1. C. TAI.rACK. Grape Gros Maroc. — I do not know wl experience of other gardeners in reference (irape is, but in several vineries here, b its own roots and grafted, it always loses i when about 2 feet of growth have been made. C small leaves at the extreme point suddenly beet brown and hard, refusing to stir again, with result that one of the shoots which start from liaek eyes has to be selected as a leader, which the ease of young Vines is an evil, as seco :ii\ .,'rowths seldom attain to the thicknesf ilio-e that grow away unchecked from the fi I have known Gros Colmar do the very s; t Inn. j; without any apparent cause. A corresj ,1, 111 recently remarked on the shyness of ( C.lniar. As a rule this is true when on its i rking it Foster's Seedl Red spider on fruit trees.- .\n n.'rit'il'aiwayJadvisabli ,dy to hand so that it can ilied whilst the day renis 1 the enemy is well on es with a cloudy sky and a falling tempi Having a big stretch of wall to get ove enerallv used a home-made insecticide .■of soft soai, and i.araffin. If one co spill rid of immense numbersof the enemj'. With re ence to a recent correspondence on red spic sulphur and foliage, it is safe to assert that addition of sulphur to any liquid that is not Its,. If iiijiuious to the insect does not make j -li'jlii.-i .litlirence, neither, on the other ha) ,1,1, - II 111 liny way injure the foliage, but, gi' Ml \ hot. ,liy summers, many instances of the p mature dropping of Peach and Nectarine lea| could have been recorded where copious and pi sistent syringing was not practised, as the res of a bad attack of red spider. In addition to w trees, I generally find it necessary to give 1 trellis (Gooseberries a heavy syringing early in l| season, as the wood is old and there is considera 1 harbour for the pest. I have more than once cal | the attention of amateurs to the sickly looki their Gooseberry foliage when the leaf was fail well advanced, and been able to prove thatwhat\! regarded as natural decay was in reality onl;. severe visitation of spider. — E. Burkell. March 13, 1897. THE GARDEN. 183 Trees and Shrubs. AN ILEX-SHADED WALK. occpiuiiHuyiiig illustnition, reproduced fr photograi by Robert Fortune B Cha])el ih 11, Ton c ihties of ti e Ilex : se walks For N oves it is d illlltlrss sefftctn. IS iiuin t cies til ll ,iied cs, L( lll\ 111 . hei sti I . t ,lo . islalti t ll_ tlu 1 ifhcultt |> it id tltble \ . t \ ^vm spLc f n the public gardens .pjcuous a feature of the rau ly, shows the valuable themselves) are a pleasing a tree for planting be- | tinged with green, the large, A NEGLECTED NATIVE EVERGREEN. The Common Juniper. Few in number are our native evergreens, and for that reason all the more precious. One of them (the common Juniper) is one of the liest of shade slightly the tlowois of yellow, protruding shrubs either for yet, strangely eimn'^ that it is scarerly Ithe ildstho. l.Ullfdl and d> duk ^liUi K n ( ist mcL Llik itl : \es then, is _i •ide l.lokui hLlL t.ie by tlRktiiii, • bunlyht thit stn t intensify tht dtp iidow — I cool If ],ce within wlmst nets httk Ml w ifts (I aimltssl) fi 111 111 it die eie they it. ic .u\ 1st IS beyond w the seoichuif,' noc 1, thehndstint w isfl ImI Itn peiniitttd to igieit { ;ent to manage hei ow n js, and the t,pot, theie ,. possesses that chariii restfuhie.ss which is, vlfortunately, wanting in fiirge majority of similar set aside for tlie djoynient, and ostensilily the artistic education, the public, but which ir custodians,, acting tfi often with mistaken have vulgarised 1 ly fitastic beds of glaring fjinetrical pattern, sjif lens of the topiary ait, iRiscruninate and ill isidered staking, and ;h-like abominations. S. W. F. Cluncse ,luiil|Hl.s, >.,,illi American J unipers, Juni- pers from Spain and Greece, from Nupaul and itacoi„,„.,ntix.,.,,ii.,cuuld see a sort of reason (to some minds) for overlook- ing it, but though it is fairly .ibuiiduiit ..„ :i few hills'i.lrs in Ihr sMHllicni throughout the country. Even this reason would not be consistent with eonniinii ,-,ractieo. for the Ilollvis.ilMin.l.Mit ll.rougli- 11.1, Ile.re^. A view in the public .lar.lr 'photograph sent by Mr. S. W. Fi .■orylopsis spicata. — This is one of the in- anthers being brown-purple. In foliage and in eating Witch Hazel family, and although it ' habit this shrub bears a good deal of resemblance ■snot po.ssess the attniftinns of thr sfvn-.-iI tn the H:i7i-1 ((',,r\-ln~i tli.^ \-,.nil i..ii iiid t..nlliii,.r s cies of true Witch H.-i^.l (limn:,. imIi-', ^^llM-. nft!,rl.;, , I,,,, ,,,,;;,, i„ii 1 1,,, i u .,:,,.■ .Tf ue as early-flowering ^lunli- \,,- tM'.|iMMi K •■ -.■ Mi-i. ,, , m \„,i: .,] nhii hin-lnp n pointed out in The ( ; aki.i.s. it is. ima.^iiIi/. Ii i- ili.' Ituniv-i .umi i,i,,-i .[.sua Mi- ,.t ilir tln'i- |;p, a very pretty and gniuefui shrub. Its hr.st species in cultivatu.n ; the other two are C. pau^ ivers were this year open by the beginning of ciHora and C. himalayana, the last beincr the ' rch. It IS a native of Japan and was first in- , tenderest of all. in cvny iiiirseiy. Be the icasiin what it may, the coiiiiiiiiii .hinipcr is one of the most desirable of evergreens, and is most undeservedly neglected. Even our botanists fail to do it ju.stice, for Bentham describes it as a low shrub glowing 2 feet, 3 feet or 4 feet high. I ipiote from memory only ; these may not be the words, but this IS the .sense of his descrip- tion He had cMdeiitly s.,iiit .mthecli.ilk.lowiis oiil> , win IV suL-li.i portrait of it IS exactly right ; but in our sheltered uplands in sandy soil it is a small tree of noble aspect, 12 feet to 28 feet high. In form it is extremely vari- able, for sometimes it shoots up on a single stem and looks like an Italian Cypress, or like the up- right Chinese Juniper, while at other times it will have two or more tall spues and a dense sur- rounding mass of lower growth, while in other cases it will be like a (juantity of young trees gi 1 iw mg close together, ind yet the trees in all 1 1 H se \ ai led forms may ^ 111 ill ul\ of an age. 1 h Htion of snow is. 11 of this unlike- ' ' II ll ibit. If when vuiiii^ ilie tiee happens to ha\ e one main stem strong enough to shoot up alone, and if at the same time there comes a sequence of winters without much snow, there will be the tall, straight. Cypress- like tree. But if, as is more commonly the case, the growth is divided into a number of stems of nearly equal size, sooner or later they are sure to be laid down by snow. Such a winter storm as that of the end of December, 1886, was espe- 184 THE GARDEN. [March 13, 1897. cially disastrous U> Junipers. SudW cauK' f.-.-t high, now covers a space 30 feet a. [..ss. anil l....ks like a thick group of closely-] ilaiite. I. hi-.-ilthy young ones. The half broken-di I wn trees have also risen at the tips, and are full of renewed vigour. Indeed, this breaking down and splitting open seem to give them a new energy, for individual trees that I have known well, and observed to look old and overworn, and to all appearance on the down- ward road of life, after being broken and laid down by snow, have, some years later, shot up again with every evidence of vigorous yoimg life. It would be more easily accounted for if the branch rooted where it touched tlie ground, as so many ti-ees and bushes will d... Imt as far as I have been able to ob.serve tli.- .Iiiiii|.. i .h.i-s not " layer " itself. I have often I1i..iil;1ii I ha.l found a fine young one fit for l laiisplant mi;, but on clearing away the Moss an. I l-'.-in al ih.- supposed root have found th;it it uas .hiIn ih,- tip of a laid-down branch of a fi.-.- p. i haps II' feet away. In the case of one ..f tin- in.s, among a group of laid-down ami L;r..\Mi up branches, one old central trunk has siir\i\..l. It is now so thick and strong, an. I has >.. jiiih.- top, that it will be likely t.. stand nil ii falls from sheer old age. Ch.s.- i.. ii is .aii..tlii-r, whose main stem was broken d.iwn ali..ut ."i feet from the ground ; now, what was the liead rests on the earth 9 feet away, and a circle of its out- spread branches have l)ecome a wholesome -roup of Y„mv^ iipn._;hf t,'ro\vths. wliile at the pla..-.- wh.-V.- 111'.- st,-ni l,|-.,k.-, th.- halfa.pcne.l wi-.-n.-h still sla.ws as el.-arlv ;is , ,n the .lav it was .l.,n,-. Aiii..n.^- the ni.-uiy merits ..f the .luniper its tenderly mysterious Beauty of Colouring is 1 ly no means the least ; a colouring as delicately siilitle in its own way as that of cloud or mist, ..r haze in warm, wet woodland. It has very little i:>f positive green ; a suspicion of warm colour in the shadowy hollows and a bhie-ni-.-y bloom of the tenderest quality imaginal.K- ..n the outer mas.ses of foliage. Each tin\- Ma.l.-- like leaf has a ban.l of ,lead, pal.-s't l.liiish -i-.-,-n <-..l.,in-..n th.- u|.p,-|- sin-fa.-,-. ,-,l-.-,l with a iiair..wlim-..f .laik -^r.-.-ii sli-JitK M.,|i,h.-.l : ih,- ■j.iv.-ii with slight polish, h l....ks .-IS if the '.;r.-i-ii back had been br. .iiuhl ii|. .-x .-i- the edge ..f I he leaf to make the dark . .l-^iim ..n the upper sill fa..e. The stems of flu- twigs an- of a warm, .-ilniost foxy e.)lour, beeomuig darker and redder in the bi-.iiiclies. Tlie tips of the twigs curl o^■er or hang out on all sides towards the light, and the ".set " of the individual twigs is full of variety. This arrangement of mixed colouring and texture, and infinitely various positions of the spiny little leaves, allow the eye to pene- trate unconsciously a little way intr) the mass, so that one sees as mueh tender shadow as actual leaf-surface, and this is probably the cause of the. wonderfully ih-lit-ate and, so to .speak, intangible qualit\ of ...h.uiiiig. Then, again, where there is a holhiw jila..- in a bush, or group, showing a cluster of half-laijists. The species is a native of California. Rhododendron fulgens. nf .-,11 the har. species .if Him,il,-.\an l;h.,.l...|.-i„lMiii- Ihis is |,i haps, at .111. -I- th.- m..-i I.. ,mi mil an. I ih,- rarest nam.- ..t liil-j.-ns are by no means uncommon I hi- ...iiiiiiy. hut with comparatively few exce In .11^ lli.y are not the true thing; very fi .].i. i.ll\, in.l.i-d. they are the later-flowering ai 1. -^ si I iKih-j i!. eampanulatum. R. fulgens in i tun lam may now be seen in bloom in the Rli .loll. -mil. .11 .1,-11 :it Kew, the first flowers havii ..|..i..-.l .1,11 imj- the^ last daysnf February. Tl I. a\ .-s ar. ■ . ,1 .1, .ii-j . :1 i n.-h,-^ r, , ."i inches loiig, th( m-'-i -iiil^iM-j I, .1,11.- I..in-j th.- rich red'-broT I, It l..ii.aili, I h,- ll,i\\,a> .-oiiie in eompa( ruundeil tl us.sl-.s, some o melies or 4 inches ae^o^ and each bell-sliaped flower is 1), inches in di meter and of a bright and rich blood-red- colour rare at any time amongst hardy shrul and, except for this Rhododendron, quite wai ing at the present time. It was introduced this country in 1851 from the Sikkim Hiruala\ where it grows at altitudes of 11,000 feet' l-.oilil f, . t , .\( K, w ill ih, slieltered ravine whn-h It ,ji,.«- II I- |..-ih-.|lv har.ly, and does r -mi. 1 .-i.ii ,liii ii.-j -.1, h \>, al li,-i- as we exjierienc I w,. y.-ais a-j.,, lis 11, ,«,,-, |,,o, although lial to ilamage, withstand a greater degree of fr. than the beautiful hybrid R. precox, of whi some fifty or more specimens are making a bi liant display in the collection of erFcaoei plants which is situated between the temper; and Palm houses. — B. PUERARIA THUNBERGIANA. The Japanese Kudsu is described by Benthi in the .Journal of the Linnean Society (p. 1: under the name of Pueraria Thunbergiai It is also to our knowledge described under t names of Pachyrrhizus Thunbergianus (Sii and Zucc), Neustanthus chinensis (Bentli and Dolichos hirsutus (Thunb.). In Japan, according to Comte de Castilk the Kudsu, besides being a decorative climbi plant, quickly covering large areas, is a fern plant (for its leaves are eagerly eaten by cattl and valuable for its flowers, pods and roots, t last being as nutritious as the Potato, produces in abundance magnificent flowe Add to the above properties that tlie lot supple, slender, strong, curling branches a used by the Jajianese as thread, and that fri the peeled stems a waterproof cloth, whi has a great reputation, is made. M. Mortill. who tried the plant in cultivation in the Isei and supplied the matter of M. Carri^re's artii in tlie Jicnic Hortkoh, states that, according his own experience, the flour obtained fn,, the roots is excellent, and when prepared coi parable with that of tapioca. There is a prin tive mode of preparing this flour which consit in grating the roots in a bucket of cold watt Isim.; I his elementary method, M. Mortill "l'tiin.-,l fi..iii a single plant about 2 lbs. e.\,-.ll.iil Ih.iir for soup. The deeoiative point of view doubtless is t most interesting one to our readers. The suj of our information is that the plant possess great vigour, that it quickly covers arbour j trellises, colonnades, walls, &c. ; that its tn foliate foliage is elegant, and its inflorescence I compact clusters is redolent of Iris, and thi violet-blue is the general colour of the flowei| The blooms remind one of those of the Glycii or of Apios in an early stage of developmenj It is also quite hardy. ■ According to M. CarriSre, a root of it plante at the School of Arboriculture of the Pari Makch 13, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 185 inicipiility shows a yr.i eptional vigour. Its 1 veil in Switzei'liind, I', rliii, and M. Mortilk't cu lil.-uitr.l hvn yr. Stove and Greenhouse. ining everything else. Vi L' UortLcuUiire Foilevine. Lkebia quiuata. This is growing R-re ill v.ui.iiis |insitions. The c ry by crossing R. caucasicuin I R. arboreum between sixty I, ,11,1 mIi.iiii ill. Mil iMlo It pi,i,lii, , ,1 -,',il III The Weeping Aspen (Populus tremula var. IX I lihk ll,'^li\ |.ii,l, -1.111,1 liiiiij IiIm' ;i WiiiiNi.r |ii-ii,liila). -It is licit often that one sees any appre- n |,.i,l. tlif .-.ill. 111. fmiii ivlial I irrullnt (.1 till- .iativc im-ntion of tin- Weeping Aspen asa flower- . Iiiiiig something like what is known as . ing tree, but at the latterend of Fein ii.ny uriiiily mil grey. It was the only time it ever pro- in March (accordingtothe season) tin i, i- imiliiiiij 111 ^L-ed. It is as hardy as the common Laurel, more striking among hardy trees iiihI -In nl,- i l,.iii li sometimes lose their leaves in very severe ' this tree in full blossom. Of coiii-i . ii~ lliuii- liir.r.iiiceof .some of the vai i, ii, ,,|iiils tlieold r\,,\,- Carnation. My |ilaiii u, raised by laMiiiig in a frame, the <,,iii|m, i ,,,i,sisling of tliree parts of loam and ..ne ..f l.al s,iil, with a heavy sprinkling nf sand. Tlie plants should be turned out ni llwiv jints and pl.inted in the frame, then layered in the milniaiy uianner. Afterwards Kufhcieiil water sIh.uI.I lie Ljiven to make the whole innial. llien ihe li'^'hts must lie replaced, giving vei\ little \eiitil.at mn until the layers begin to rcMit, when il should be gradually increased until finally the lights can be taken off altogether during tine weather. From the time of layering until they are weU rooted they Malmaison Carnation Princess of Wales in Nidd Ball Gardens, Ripley. From a photograph ly Mr. M. Stephens, Harrogate. iftther with a sharp north-east wind. In the 1 ^^terof 181)0-61 the Akebia .survive.! ,,ii tli,> .aM of the house, when the Myrtles ami Ma- mil; a findiflora, which had reached tlie tup nl th,' ise on the west side, were killed tn the emiiTiiL Relieve it would thrive in any part of England , a sheltered, sunny position, where the wood ^ well ripened. The illustration on p. l.'iS is St accurate. — .Iohn (Jarl.^nd, Killfrton, E.nt, ,-. I Rhododendron Nobleanum.— In spite it compaiat ve iiiililness of the wintii, ilii- udodendron is, at Kew, only opening it- tn-i vers now— almo.st at the close of Fel.iiiai\ ring some recent winters I have seen it "itli ew trusses expanded even before the new Mar. ssibly the autumn of 189li, which set in eail\ 1 was cold and wet, may have had somethiiie do with this. It is not due, at any rate, to k of flowei -buds, the shrubs being better fur- hed than they have been for some years past, 1 if the next few days are mild and open there !very promise of a brilliant display. Although s hybrid has always been a well-known one on liy liirali- lit la\ei-iir eiil t liejs. although, unfor- liiiiatily. 11 line- lint 1 1 ii ii uitli thc frccdom of must I'dplars. it is. im dmiiit. owing to its being grafted that its frequent early decay is due, especi- ally when stocks of species other than P. tremula f I must be shaded during strong sunshine. After i they are sufficiently rooted they should be i potted into 3-inch or 4-inch pots, the compost ■ I consisting of three parts loam, one of peat, and - one iif sharp .sand, with a nice sprinkling of liiiiie meal. In potting make the compost quite linn, then place them in a cool house or frame ^ elose to the glass, the ]i(its being placed on jlsomenioist ina'teiial, eafetiilly sliadiiiL,' and giv- s ing very little air until ilie\ imiiinenec fresh . Iroot-act'i.iii. ulieii the MhtilaiMii -Ih.iild 1)0 in- 1 ' creased until I hey receive a free eireulation of I ail', liiiili siileaiid top ventilation being given, as til. \ .1.1 111. I like a close, .stiignant atmosphere. 1 Av,.i.l syniimiig at all times. I find they .suc- ceed l)cst m a" ivither dry atim. sphere, as they keep more free fr. 1111 disea-,. Win n \mII rn.ited afterthefir.stpotting.tli. I. a, I si I,, II 1,1 l.epinehed out (if not reijuired t.i llnwer at miee), which will cause them to break freely. By this means a more evenly balanced plant and a good .succes- 186 THE CxARDEK [March 13, 1897., sion of flowers are obtained. They .should then be carefully potted into 6-inch or 7-incli [mts, using the same corapo.st as before, only c'lars. r. In preparing the loam for potting, it sjiould ]„■ pulled to pieces by hand, according tu the size of the pots. After they have become well rooted in the 6-inch or 7-inch pots, they should be fed regu- larly with .utifKi.d iiKii.uiv, s|niul<]iii- ,1 little over til.- Mirfir,. ,,f ll„. ^,,1. I li;,v.- Ii;m1 (lowers a trilK- ov.T 7 iiu^h.^s m .luunrirr :m.l ;.ls,. of If larger pbiiits aiv iv.|imvd, tli.'y sh..uM be .shifted into '.l-iiich |,..ts :U the tin.d ]M.tting. feeding them with artiticial manure as so(jn as well rooted. In watering great care must be taken, allowing them to get well on the dry side before giving them any water, and when they do require any they should receive a tho- rough soaking. The temperature in the winter should range from 45° to 50°, according to the temperature outside. In summer they should be kept as cool as possible, allowing them all the air and light possible. Too much artificial heat should be avoided, only giving sufficient to keep up the ne- cessary temperature and keeping the air free from too much moisture, so thatastrong, sturdy growth may be obtained. W. Da vies. Nidd Hall Gardens, Riph'n. Yorh. Pruning Indian Azaleas.—" R." has done well to draw the attention of cultivators to the advisability of pruning Indian Azaleas. \A'hen these are in good health no plant will bear prun- ing better. I h;ivi- luirlei- my charge some Indian Azaleas. Soi i-lil yen- ;i','0 I obtained these as .small |il,inlv m C. imli | ,oi -. When they had gone out .if lilooiii till \ «i ].• induced to make flee growth, and the tuUuwnif; si.iiug when the blouiii ing was over they were potted into 8-inch pots. They would be useless to me if they were in laijiel pots. Every year I prune them into shape ami keep them to a given size, and im plants eoulil 1., in better health. It is a niNlake lo -ii|,|,o.e i, is detrimental to these to eiii ilnm with -liooi- attached. Some plants ot Azal. a Dent-i li. I', i !.■ commence to bloom in October and NomimIm i. From these plants I keep cutting tlnomjli lie winter, removing half ot the shoots \\illi iIh blooms. When these are placed in heat ihe\ break freely, and aie a mass of growth and ImiiIs by the following aiitiunn. .1. Ckook. Pinching young Carnations.— Somegroweis of Tree Carnations jiineh out the point of the leading growth of every variety when about 6 inches high and well established in small pots, this being done of course with a \ievr to en- couraging a free break of young shoots and a ^^•ell furnished plant. Some sorts, notably \li ja tifere and Mile. ThA-fese Franco, reii'inn i la- stopping, as they are naturally somewhat lej.j\ . and unless pinched arc a). t to I'limlnee >.iile -1 i- only at the top of the |ilaiii-. (iiliii~. .ejain. such as Miss Joliffe, La Nil-e, anJ W mler I 'h.er. will even if left unsto|i|.eil linaK IneK tiom the very bottom. These -oii, I ii,.\er |inieh. 'too much haste is ofiei, ili-|,|,i\ eil m |iiiiehiirj. n In iir_> done before the mwh poii.il \oiiiej i.lani> lia\e ;ot a ciod actually benetits them. — J. Cuawkorh. Creeping Pious.— I agree with " H. P.s remarks with regard to the value of Ficus reiicns for eoveiin- .vails, one ereat reeonimenilation being th.al U l- nol mueh tioulile.l with illracEena Godseflfiana.— -This new T)n\c:iiiu 6 nld make its mark a-^ a ilfrm.il i\ .■ (ilaiit. iIm- |) green foliay.- «iili ,ivain\ wlnir ^pul- ■ _ listinct a[.|.,aranr,. an. I j..!. Ir, I rliaii,,, ASt. Albans it is [.kii.lr,! ,m,i ,,, vaiaM,- tr„, pilturesand positions, aiai m all .•! ilhin |m,,I,- t| picture of health. Itis^ml in li. mix In m under artiticial liglit. A< in ii-'la-imu ullities. a plant has been stan.liiij; fnr mx \M_rks II II nnlinarv unhealed room, and is as fresh as M-,l.|,-^till. Lphelandra aurantiaca Boezli. — The value In- tor winter blooming is well shown at Ki \v . ' a v'roup of plants in the T range is n l.ilil\ effective, each plant, though less lliaii I liigh, being terminated by a spike uf its I inily coloured blossoms. These Aphelandras n Ml half enough grown, probably because the 1^ are of little use for cutting. Young, iltty plants well furnished with leaves are far u I- iHective than olil ones, which get bare of (cjlgeat thel,ase.-H. 1". teemanthus Kalbreyeri. — This is a very 'vlit anil ili.ctive stove or warm greenhouse \ iiyllal, ilii' lit ight crimson ball of flowers being laii.l ti..in the side of the bulb just I lil.i--.Mnis are thickly produced upon the ui .1-1, us many as forty being by no means un- uitil. It does best in small pots in a light house. T soil may consist of good loam, peat, and leaf- mild, with a dash of coarse sand. The flowers oln precede the growth, an.l mIhh tin- is >., tli. plitsmust be well grown ati.iw ai. I- an.l .1 i.-i IT season eventually allow I ■. I. II. KiIIh.a.ii i- pnagated by offsets whieli spring fr..ni thi. -i.l.- oflhe bulbs." It was introduced from (iuinea ir IW. toman Hyacinths in frames. — Roman Hkcinths cannot be kept in the store room ven la in the season, and once February is in bi 'hes in pots or boxes under glass cannot be re ta ed for long. To prolong the supply for cut ti , I plant a number of bulbs in a cold" frame ir N ember, covering with mats if the nights are vc cold, but otherw' ' ' ' " ' F n these I secure a most th ughout March and the early pa dch of about 9 inches of nice pi ed in the frame and plenty of 'his in which the bulbs are pla'ced. giving plenty of air. ■st useful lot of spikes :ition, well pitchered and superbly .s of this speci his respect it is .• -Vcacia.s. It is a ing to a pillar in a .j.i,«l -,i/,..| si 1 mi ni .■, uli.i. ni a greenhoiisr tiinp. rai m.' n r..nnn. n.-.~ I.. 11. .w .a play llir ).art .it l.a\. >, ale in this sjiecies about I ini-lir- l.iir.^- ami nf a .^laucous hue, while a suc- I . -M.m .it lil.is,-.ini-> 1- ki |it up for a much longer pLTunl lluiii ill nuLSl uf the Acacias. Its value for clothing a pillar in a large conservatory is well shown in the temperate house at Kew. — T. DOUBLE WHITE PETUNIAS. These are extremely useful for a summer display in the greenhouse and conservatory, you vigorous jjlants keeping up a show over a m long season. It is quite a mistake to keep . plants, as is often done ; they are lanky and i tidy in appearance if not cut back, while if tnatiil llii- (l.iw.is an- never so fine as from MMiirj |ila)ii -. S. . .1- ai ,• iifferedin catalogues, but it i- inu.li ill.- Ill 11, I |,laii to get hold of a good xaii.iN an.l 1 11 . i| la-jai •■ liy i-iittinfrs j'early, throw iirj ili.nl.l |.laiii~ a\\a\ in aiiniiim, but reserving a tiw t.ii -iM.k. Til. -.■ « ill I in . ait back and kept II, ill. M|i-. nil. ...... .Iiniirj I 111- winter. They will iiuw be c.iM ii-.l H nil >lii.ri, sLnbby shoots 2 inches or so in liinjtli. and it is now quite time to strike thes.-. My .ai lust lot has been struck and potted u]i, lint tlnic is plenty of time for succes sional plants. They strike with the utmost ease in light sandy compost, about five or six being placed in a 4-inch pot. The soil must be well w-atered at once and kept moist, and the cuttings will be rooted in about a fortnight. Pinch the tip out of each one a few days in advance of potting singly into 2l-inch pots. After this repot by gradual stages until the 6-inch or 8-inch size ii ■111'. I. n.Mi all.n\iii.4 the plants to get pot ml III I.. I. -Iiiinnj , a~ this will cause flowers to pi.i.lu...! I,.:.. I. ji.iwth has sufficiently ad inly not quite so long as those on i)lants.ji..\\ n iidinary house culture, but they ate mi\ ' -tili'er, and come in most useful for pla. imj I ill glasses. If need be they can be liftid [ilaced carefully in 4i-inch pots and used for ervatory or room decoration, as thev stand the id better than most things.— J. C. ' -At the large Orchid houses at JIcssi^. Saml. i'~ a very fine lot of these i|iiaini I'lii In 1 They are in great variety, tin- . nil. -.t inn iding many choice and rare hvbiids and ted varieties. A fault of many of these plants at they soon get lanky and of unmanageable hut this cannot be said" of N. Mastersiana com- a, a very dwarf-growing, closely-leaved \a.- ■ of the beautiful hybrid. The v/ell-known tafflesiana is well represented, also its \ariety an almost unlimited supply of flowers for cutting, or if not needed for this purpose will be useful for the conservatory. They are very beautiful il |ii-l li.t I li.' |ilallt~ .■..llie into . .1 all 1 1 im|i 1 1..' Il..\\. I III'.;' time. ill li\ .1. . |, .J !.■. n I ml ml In- foliage ai.'ninrli liiii I . A f.w stakes are ,\ . as the wood is very liriltle, and .lacing these so as to be hidden by II repaid. Kitchen [Garden. FLAVOUR IN TOMATOES. ['ciMATiiEs may be perfect a.s regards ai)i)earance, 111.1 yet sii piifir in quality as to be im better hall iiii|i.irt.'.l fruit. I have bem r. prat, illy isk.il 1 .1 ai.aiiiiit for this unsatisfaiiiiix siain nf illaiis. At iiin- time the variety »a^' lilainml. 111. I .'l.at inni.illaluT is still attarlm.l tn the .1.- I, .ji.iw. IS, I. Ill tile con- .lns|..li I liaM- aniM'il at Is, thai It is possible 1.1 ha\e the old Large lied superior in point of flavour to the gieater portion of fruit of pre- sumably improved varieties as grown in private gardens and some market growers' establisli- ineiits. Su iireiudieea, Iiowever, are the iii.i- piiitv ..f Tniiiat.;i..versam,iimi ,-. .rrm^atml tiiiil. Ihat imither tlie Large Kr.l imr that .■x,,.||riil variety Dwarf Orangetield will sell readily »lieli j;he smooth round fruits are available, and for this we have largely to thank the Channel Island growers. Because the fruits are smooth and r.iuiid it dues not f.illciw they are superior ill iiuality t.i till- iniiunatcil smfs, or vice versd, and aiciiidiiig t.i my iileas it is all a question of cultivatinii. Perfeetiiin, Ham ( ireen Favourite, Duke of York, Challenger, and the like are all more attractive in appearance than Dwarf Orangefield, but certainly not superior in quality, and I have met with instances even in such a favourable season as that of 1896 when tlie,>- were positively inferior. So-called high cultivation is at the bottom of the mischief. We feed our plants far more than is necessary, and certainly more than is good for the quality of the fruit produced. Especially are we too free with chemical manures. Those special manures supplied by various agents are right enough if only they are not abused. A little of them goes a long way. Not content with mixing these with the soil, solid manure must also be added as usual, and if the progress of the plants is not quite to the liking of those in charge, the quick-acting sulphate of ammonia or the other equally effective nitrate of soda is likewise used freely and often. When thus over-fed the plants are luxuriant to a fault, the fruit not only poor in flavour, but also soft and flabby, keeping and travelling badly accordingly. The other extreme, starving the plants, is no remedy for poorness in quality of fruit. When the soil is poor the plants re- quire more instead of less water to sustain them in good health, and if thev do not get enough ,.f it the fniif is apt t.i 1h- iiml.isiv.il and ob- |.-.ti.iiiallv ilii.'k-skiiiiiml. ■|'li.s,.,hi,k-skinned ■fruits aiv ii.itlmi' pl.-aMm^ 111 a ia» .fate nor sati.sfaclnry when e.i.iked. .Staluuess of soil also militates against healthy root action, and the fruit produced by badly-rooted plants will always be characterised by a wint of flavour. Ill 111. totakea litiln rail- XMili thrin. Th.. -..il imiM I... light and p..i nil-, ynt linn, nnt lainm.il int.. tin- pots of course, but pressed well down with the thumbs when potting. Plenty of fresh air, a fairly dry and buoyant atmosphere and clear light are I.ss - 1 ..iilinatmii m r.....iin,l t... N,, hard ami fast llm.s.'aii l.r laid dnwii ;is tn the kind of c-niii|inst tli.ii sliimld be used, for the simple in.isiiii that the principal ingredient (loam) dill'ers surprisingly in its composition within a radius 1 if twi 1 or three miles even. I once assisted to collect sou for analysing at three different stations in one 20-acre field, and the surface 188 THE GARDEN. I March 13, 1897. and sulisoils varied so greatly, that it was scarcely possible to gain niucli ruliaWe and serviceable infciriiiation" fr..ni tbu analysis. If given a choice, .1 saiiily, clayey loam, with or with- out fibrous roots in it, I should prefer for Tomato culture, and black fibrous loam would be passed over in favour of all other kinds. Anything that retains moisture unduly quickly becomes sodden and sour, and this does not happen in the case of sandy, clayey soils. In private gardens numbers of plants are grown in pots, boxes, and narrow ridges of soil, and in all such instances the compost may well be moderately rich, consisting, say, of three parts of loam to one of partially decayed horse manure, with special manures added of the strength advised by the vendors. Those who mix their own manures will find the following effective : Superphosphate of lime 2 parts, kainit 2 parts, nitrate of soda 1 part, crush u\ the ,i,l diti.m of three ].arts of conum.n .salt to il„ otlier ingredient,, (iiven good room, ]ilante( liriii]\-. and never neglected either as reg.inU timely disliuilding or watering at tlie roots the plants will thrive sati.sfactorily, crop heavily, and the fruit prove to be of good quality. Abundance of water, varied with suji] liesrif .soot water, the plants must have, and ,a mnkhing of strawy manure is of great \,iliie. In the course of three or four years the soil is apt lo become sick of Tomatoes. Especially is tins the case where artificial manures are princijially relied on, and also when no fresh soil can be brought up and mixed with the top spit. Give it a rest by growing plants in jiots for one .season, and a marked improvement will be ob- servable in the health of the Tomatoes planted out and the quality of the fruit in it the follow- ing year. If Channel Island readers have not ahiailN tried this by no means original plan of fall.oMiig I heir .stale borders, all I can say is that thu^so.iner they do so the better it will be for their pockets, owing to tlie improvement in both quantity and quality of crops produced. Too little fire-heat is another cause of poor- iiess in flavour. When Tomatoes grown under ulass are no better than those ripened in the op, n-.iir, and were not produced by over-fed plants, this want of richness and acidity may s:ifely be attributed to a cletiiien.y of tire-lu-at, .Main amateurs .succeed in growim; fairly hea\y eiops, only to find that the fiuit is a Iitile disap- pointing in flavour, and it is ever likely to be so uheiv tire-heat is wholly dispensed with from .May till November. A good circulation ot warm dry air is essential to perfect ripening. \oe;iie , if tixid tempcratures for Tomatoes an. 1,1 'il.iss. I.iit if the thermometer stands at (;."i to 7(1 ' with toji air, the ripening, if not par- ticularly rapid, will yet prove satisfactory. W. Iggclden. Globe Artichokes. A wet -Hinter often proves more ilestriietixe (o lln-e pkuiis tli.ui a not only has an •aluable space is it a mistake to allow tins , ■,,,!, I eiipN iln. samp site tor length of lime. I Imd il .■. ..ion,! pl.ui to rai- yOUllg b;ili-h ot pliiiil- Jlinu,ill\, .|c-lio\liej old ones e\ia\ se, I \ear, as li\ this means a good, healthy stoe'k is maiiitumed. A sowing should now be made of either the Green or Purple Globe. I have recently made a sowing in shallow boxes filled with sandy soil, and to give the seed a start the boxes wire pl.ui'd in a warm pit. The seedlings will h. poiiel «hen large enough and grown on without a ehi . k, so that large plants will be ready f'u planting out in May. In the meantime the site intended for them will be prepared by turning the soil oxer deeply and giving a dressing ot decayed inamue, Init where tlie ground is wet and eoM. :l i|uantitv of o|,| moiiar and wood ashes sho,,M lake ihe phe- ot ihe manure. Old siooP ili.ii have lieeii poihei,.,| duriug the wintcr should li:i\e ilii' material nseil for the purpose rc- iiioMcl. iM'.eihir uiih decayed foliage, to allow Ihe nevi .jiowili Iijhi .aiidair. A few Fir boughs ma\ he plaeed ioiiihI each plant for a few weeks if frosty winds ple\all, -P. G. Jerusalem Artichokes. — Although grown in most gardens, it is only in a few that they receive the attention needed *to produce heavy crops of evinshapeil tubers. One (■■■mmon mistake is in not earefull)' seleeiing the sets for sced, and anoth.r is in pl.niliirj I hem much too close to- M.ihei ; whhe tlieH.Mst form of Culture Is when, ha\ ine on, e made a plantation in some out-of-the- wa\ pie , . no after attention is given. I prefer lo liti ilie eroj) in Nox-ember and change the ground eaeh season, which alloxvs of the tubers being properly graded and only the best-shaped ones sax'ed for planting. Some growers consider hat the Ihneur deteriorates when they are lifteo 11 the aiitiirnii, but by placing them in a ear, ■ellai and eo\ering them with a good thiekn.-s n -and, ihe\ will keep quite as fresh as those left ii he •jrouiid, 'I'he old purple variety is gradu.ilh -h;dle superior lo that of the old form when cooked .\o\\ 1- tie liest time to make new plantations silei'ting .in open position and a piece of gooc ground. The rows should be quite 3 feet apart allowing 1 foot between the sets. Both hares ant rabbits are fond of the young growth as it pushe through the soil, and some protection must h attbrded if there is any danger of a visit fron either of the.^e.-R. P. Dwarf Peas in frames. — Many count th labour of building up gentle hot-beds for th gi ow I h of e.M ly dxvarf Peas too great, but xvher 1', a- a I. appieejated, say in April, they well repa the tioul-h licsfoxved on them. Beds made en In, l\ ,,t I, :i\, - .an- best, as all Peas require is \e;\ 'J, nil,' » aiuuli l„iie,tth them, in fact mov ih.aii III!- -,i.,u -p,,il- ill,, plants. A depth ( al I II iM.h, - 1,1 -,.d ,i| .1 l.,ul\ rich nature— thu \vhieh li.i- ,l,,ii,' ,lui \ 111 M,l,,u houses the prexnou siiiiiiii, 1 au-^^ , , - w , II it a III 1 1,^ artitieial manure; a, Id,, I I,, II 1- -uih. 1,1,1. ,\i,\- of the dxvarfes Wih elide liberal airing, though cold draughts must 1 avoided. Crowding is equally as injurious i frames as in the open borders, especially as at th early date growth lias to be made for several weel under a darkened sky. The very dwarfest vari, ties, such as American Wonder and Englif Wonder, can be kept erect without the aid > sprigs, merely by placing a few short sticks alor tlie rows, and nmiiin'j- a eoiiple of strings fro on,- I,. I h,- , tli,a. \\ lull p, iddiii,.;', a cou]ileof gO( ,lr,a,ehiii,js w.ih laiuixar.l li.piid are of gre. benelit. It ila^ lirst and second sowings a all gathei. ,1. -.,\ li\ the beginning of May, tl frames aial -.nu, -oil are ready for Vegetab Marroxvs, th, liiihi- being kept over these for time till line settled weather warrants full e posiire. The Marrows may be allowed to rambi ,i\, I the sides of the frames and take their ow ' .■,)uise, and when in October the plants are e ' htiiisted, the frames are again at liberty fi Violets, salading, and a host of other things. — Ck.vwfokd. Garden Flora. PLATE 1109. ^SCHYNANTHUSES. (with a. coloured plate of X. SPECIOSVS.* There are about a dozen species of ..Esch; nanthus in cultivation, and they are among tl most serviceable of basket plants for the stov. They are easily kept in health, easily prop gated, and when well grown they flower free at almost any season of the year. They ai mostlv natives r.f India and Malaya, where tht grow 'ill humid tr.ipieal forests, generally upi the trunks .,f trees ah.iig with Orchids an Ferns. The I.esI ,,f tlieiii were introduced 1 Me.s.sr.s. Veitch, il,r,,iiuh th, ir clleeb.r Thoim Lobb, about tifl\ \e.iis .i^o. 'lliev are lie however, so gen, i.ilh kii,,\\ii as thev ileseix to be. We^hine grown them for the la eighteen years, tind find them most useful :', decorative plants, in addition to the intere| * Drawn for The Garoen by H. G. Moon in ti Koyal Gardens, Kew. Lithographed and printed 1 J. L. Gotfart. March 13, 1897.] THE GAiiDEK 189 Witli eyhavr furtholm JE. Hil.k'bv.'indi, tlicy iv.|uiiv a tn.piml t,„, raturo ;ill the yt'.ir roiin.l. |.Knl.v .'f isiuiv ii; rodf of .-i warm Ihnisr cniitaiiiiiiy; a niixrJ llection of stove plniits, or in a tio|.ir:il ■nery or Orchid house. They all thm. m skets made either of wire or teak. Tin, ould be lined with thin slices cut from a |„ ai rf, in.side which sliould lie |ilaeeil a iniMuie .i| at, leaf-nmiild. sand an. I pieers ,.i .hai...,!, ants raised from sprinL; ^inirk niiliiius sh.iuld planted in tins, and as tlav ur.m the .siciiis the slender SIHVUS MKH I.e l..:-^^r.l al.,,Ul ll„. Res of tlie l.askri. ■[■In \ sleiuld I.e .li|.|..-.l ill iter onee a ,la>. ami u hen grou nig vig.... .iisls little w.'ak li.|iii.l iii.anure should be eneii. ic.\ seiiu'tiiiii's ii|.,.|i seeds, which may lies. .\Mi thesaiiu' »ay as t li. .sc of Gloxillias. JE. llllde iandi re.iuires the s.ime kind of treatment as t! otliers, except that it thrives in a greenhouse npcrature, such a ]iosition as the roof of the •ol Ordiid house buinj; congenial to it. lis. iiYN.4.NTHi's coRDiFOLius was introduced 111 r.orneo by Lobb about 1859. It has terete, 11. 1. I- stems '2 feet long, cordate, fleshy, dark leu leaves 2 inches long, and flowers in clusters i| the end and m the leaf axils of the branches ; le calyx is half an inch long, broad, hairy, green ; e corolla is IJ inches long, tubular, wide- juthed, hairy, and coloured deep red, with linear jtches of black and orange-yellow in the throat. JE. FULOENS.— Introduced by Lobb from Moul- ein in 1855. Stems stout and sometimes erect, 1 that the plant a,ssumes a bush-like habit : ives 3 inches or more long, fleshy, wavy ; j iwers in large terminal umbels ; calyx bell-shaped , If an inch long, with short triangular lobe.s, ' |een ; corolla clulj-sba])ed, 3 inches long, coloured (ight scarlet and yellow, with a few linear letches of black-]niriile. In habit and flower aracters this resembles the species represented the plate. .E. CR.iNDiFLORUS was introduced from India the Duke of Devonshire, and flowered at Chats- jrth about 1840. It is the sturdiest of all the i ecies, the stems becoming quite woody. I have en good bushes of it bearing large numbers of wers. The leaves are fleshy, 3 inches to 5 ;hes long, the margins dentate ; the flowers are large terminal clusters, the calyx smooth, green. If an inch long, the corolla hairy, about 3 inches ng, broadly tubular, constricted at the mouth, loured scarlet and yellow, with black linear (itches. I.E. H1LDEBR.1KDI.— This pretty little plant was itroduced to Kew in 1894. It is a veritable 'pine, according to Jlr. Hildebrand, of the Shan ates, Burmah, w ho sent seeds and plants of it Ulected on the high hills in that country, where I forms dense tufts on the trunks of trees in very oist situations, and when in flower it looks like .cushion of scarlet velvet. It is quite at home in cool greenhouse, its crowded, erect stems grow- g to a height of about 4 inches, clothed with een ovate fleshy leaves each 1 inch long and aring a temnnal cluster of four or more tubular iwers 1 inch long, coloured bright scarlet and imson. It is easily propagated by division. ■E. LoBBiANus. — This was named in compli- ent to Lobb, who introduced it from Java in 45. It is the best known, and perhaps, taken together, the best of all the species. The stems e elegant, drooping, and purple, the leaves ate, bright green, and about 1 inch long, the argins slightly dentate ; the flowers are in rminal corymbs, the calyx bell-shaped, 1 inch ng, hairy, coloured dark purple, the corolla inches long, tubular, curved, and coloured rich arlet, with yellow markings in the throat. No flection of stove plants, Ferns, or Orchids should I without this beautiful basket plant. -E. LONciFLORrs was introduced from Java bv )bb in 1846. It is like -E. speciosus (see plate) general characters, differing in its broader ■ es and the deep blood-crimson colour of its I1..XMIS, which are :? iiielies •SiiNAi n. .Although the winter plantation may plate). — Another of Mr IS from .Ia\-a. It was firsi Hooker called it " unquestionably the most beau- tiful species known to us of a genus eminent for the rich colouring of its blossoms. The stems be- come woody and attain a Icic^tl. of abmit ■> feet, and they may li.- iiam.'.l upright t'l slak.'s nv allowed to hanjf fr.an a l.a-k.l, 'I'll.' .haia.'l.a- ..I the leaves and IKim.is is tnii 1i1ii11> sIi..hii m Mi. Moon's drawing. \'ery strong stems will produce as many as twenty flowers in an umbel. ^E. TRICOLOR was introduced from Borneo in 1S57 bv Messrs. Hugh Low and Co. It has The Week's Work. KITCHEN GARDEN. Shallots. — The store of these should now be looked over, selecting a quantity of even-shaped bulbs for planting, which may be done at any time when the ground is dry. Tread the ground firmly and rake it over to form a level surface to receive the sets, which should be planted not too deeply in lines about a foot apart and 6 inches between the bulbs. Tripoli Onions. — A favourable opportunity should be taken to transplant these, it being- better to get them established in the ground while the latter is in a moist condition and before the sun has too much power. If the ground was prepared as I advised in former notes, it will now have settled somewhat, but still it should be made quite firm by treading. Before this is done, how ever, I would recommend giving a good dusting of soot and wood ashes. The plants may be put out about 6 inches apart and the 1.1" s sli.inld not be closer than 1 foot to allow room f..i tli.' fiee use of the hoe. Each plant shou h I 1m- ma.le.|iiite firm in the soil, as if the soil remains loose aliout the roots the plants flag, and some time elapses before they commence to grow freely-. Heubs. — Young plantations of these should always 1..- .-..iiiing on, as old ones often collapse sii.l.l. i.l\ . 1 1 n i 1 1 14 dry summers and hard winters. ■| I.. I.. -I ^^l^ t .1 keep up a Supply of young plants is 1.1 mak.- a sowing each year of t" rally in demand. The seed isusna the plants are to remain, iliiiiinii to allow each one to l.ian.li . where there is a scarcity ol sn,.!, 1 1 or Sage, seed should In- s..\mi 1, boxes, placing them in .j-.i.tl.. «.i growth. A sowing, too, ..1 l...tli Basil should be made soon and pi in a warm house, pricking the yo into frames when large enough. I:.ss till'.; tli.s.,il,iit..aliM.-.-..n.lltl..l.t ,.- .^■■l 111 It. uould be better tuc.Aer them Nwtli .soil li . the potting shed, or that kept in reserve for sii a purpose. The time will soon be at hand ike a general sowing of all the Brassica fami flowers, and Caliliage, as these will be reciuired for planting before the general batches of Broc- coH, &c. , are put in. Richard Parker. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Pkaohes axd Nec'tarixes. — Pruning now is simply confined to cutting out young shoots for which room cannot be found. All good Peach growers disbud their trees freely in April, May or June, according to locality, lay in no more young wood than is actually necessary, and if there should be a surplus, this is cut out at the time the trees are being relieved of the old bear- ing wood in the autumn. Takinfj- wellniaiias-ed trees into consideration first, thes.- sli.nil.l 1..- .-ut loose from the stakes to which Ih.y w . 1 . 11.. I a few weeks ago, or if still fastened t.. th.- wall, be detached, with the exception of the main bianelies, and be stripped of all shreds and nails. The trees should then be trained out afresh, laying out and securing the main branches first after deciding tlie dire.tioii they are to take, after whi.h i]i.si,l,- sidi.iiA I.I an. -lies and young wood sh. .iil.l 1 ..■ 1 1 ,. iin-d ali.l fast, .11... I to the wall with new -1... -.Is ami nails ortie.L.is th.- (-ase maybe. W'li.ii th.- tiaininir is compl.i.'l ill.- NLiiiiH- wood should stand tpiite 6 inches •• I part. an. I t Ins will leave ample space for laying in ih.- insinii.4 season's growth. Where possible l.-.iM- tli.-y.miig shoots their full length if well ripened, Init if otherwise, or if any are of undue length and cannot be conveniently trained in, shorten them back, and be careful to cut to a healthy wood bud. When the trees are \ eiy uuu-li crowded with wood, it is a good plan to nliivc the trees of one or more of the most .e_:..l ..n.l \i..rii- out main branches. This should l.i- il..ii.. I. .-tore attempting to thin out the young sl,.„,ts. ami then a better idea will be gained as |.. th. i|iiaiitity of these it will be requisite to Ic. \ . t.. lill up ilie space thus rendered vacant. Wli. n priniin.^ is completed there should lu- a s„tii. 1. m miml.er of shoots left to eh.th. ih. wall ami si,.,,,,! at the above-mentioiie.l .li-t.im . a|iart w h. n 1 rained out. Tie and also render the trees more fruitful. 190 THE GARDEN. [March 13, 1897. Training.— A wc tion respecting n;iil able, as many a !■ trievably injured t .llk I, 1 ll,.' »;,'ll~ ,',! ' ties a in all c a. l,k„,:, e nuti]i:i ises fnl- Ulfl lis,. 1 for tvi M" IS CO teetnii;- tin' tivrs from blowiii<4 ai^ai them. Nine-inch and 11-inch boa be despised as copings when the r glazed ones cannot be atturded. If close up under the perniiuiint «,i sloping direction, they will kc . |, i off the trees quite as effecti\cl\ ,i~ and are much cheaper-. I'l lil . ri i,.i leted get he poles also used for |)ro- AnaroTs. Willi u> Ihr liisL klooiii upt-ii.d ,,n February '20. Trees in sucli a forward stati- mu-i be well looked after and the blinds should !«■ ki down over them every night. Uncover the lues early in the inoniinr.- 'unless fmsty, as I am no ad- vocate for coddlinu. I'lit t\n noi let the flowers become .sat II r: II rd -licnikl mill kill. Less forward trees may >liUki- r\|i..Md al nn^litso long as the weather remains mild, but atford protcrlinn should a change to frost occur. Before the 1 1 1 i- come into bloom examine the borders, partiriiln l\ that jiortion next the wall, and if found di\. EngU e somewhiit nn.sii^htly, owing to the dying !'t sciii r till' upper tiranches, was cut down I I iiiir siiirr ill tlii-Devon Rosery, Torquay. i-ki iif III!' Iiiisli in question was about 20 . ink- it iju\ ered a circumference of consider- '^cl■ 30 yards, although it had not been d to extend laterally for many years, being clc each season. This Berberis was one of ■st specimens of the variety imported into how heavy the rainfall may liave been. Fii; TREKS. — The past winter has been favoi able for unjirotected trees, the frost not bei se\ere enough on any occasion to injure the Wlicii- pr.iditiiin is afforded Fig tni's in t sha| t nulls, stiaw or Bracken, this sliculd gradiialh dispi'iised with. After this, ihr in both ill tiiisaiid the foregoingcnseslii.iikll.ri.iiiii ittfi- \ ■duuti \\\ «lll l.leak and ini'd out ill dii.- r.iur.se will keep the ti lied Willi iHaiing wood. Fig culture . sli.iiild ciiily lie tried in warm and sheltt i' s, ,i~ I k,. I lees generally succumb to se\ ere Ni r III SIMS. To judge by appearances, there .should be a heavy crop of Nuts this season, as all bushes which have come under my observation liave lioth female blooms and catkins in plenty. Pollen has been very abundant, showers of "it being dispersed when ih.- ratkiiis win- aL:itati il b\ wind or other caiisrs, || i\ iIumm- iiiiliiatiii'4 against a good set Ip.'iii;^ tlir \\i\ wcaiim, .S.inu.j' iiig and thinning mil i.t 1 li.' ku-li.'^ iiia\ ijiiachii,- be undertaken witlin. , I tiiilli.r d,-\u\ . ' ,\lhr iln- is done, grulj up all siak.i- n.iind ilir -ii iii~. manure the ground if iirrrssaiy and tli.a, di- il. If farmyard or stable iiiannre cannot be afforded, an artificial nitrogenous manure may be applied instead with equally good results. A. W. Garden Design. THE GARDEN IN RELATION TO THE HOUSE. Mk. H. E. Milner, hon. associate of the Royal Institute of British Architects, lately read a paper entitled " The Garden in Relation to the House," the following being, according to The Builder, an abstract of the paper : — Mr. Milner said that he proposed to speak of the treatment to be adopted in laying out grounds, particularly in their more immediate relation tn the house, and to indicate generally |HTt. Ell A fine Berberis Darwini.— A large specimen of the above which during the last few years had il.ri ulii. iksimiid the house also laid out i;:aiilrii wiili lis fi.iccourt and broad terrace, iiai;4lit H.ilks liading from it encompassing Ik'ucr lieds, and all harmonising with the ding. Little thought, however, wasdevutid u- treatment of the country outside bey. ml (ikiiiting of avenues. Towards the end of the eighteenth century fashion ruled the de- struction of most of the old formal gardens, to be replaced in very many instances by a no less artificial and formal imitation of Nature. The drsi..;iicis were not content with amalgamating «iili whatever was good of the old work a ii.iiural treatment of the outlying ground, or of •jiMir^ i;ieatcr breadth to the existing formal vM.il. Iiiit s«, pt away all this and replaced it li\ iiH aiiiij'^li-ss walks, by clumps of trees and sluubs dotted irregularly on the lawn and park, by a boundary of planting, by imitation of bits of natural scenei-y, by the introduction of arti- ficial ruins and such-like objects, with the de- sire of making a piituivsi|iic laiids(a]ie. The author then went (Ui lospiak i.f the happy mean lietweentheform.il and tlic put iiiisi|iie treat- ment. He ditteivntiatcd yivatlv iMtwceii the livatnient ..f tiTrarcs, walls, st.-i.s, l.aliist rades. .\lvli, NMtli the l.inldmg; but this work .should -.. hand iii-li.ind with the compo.sition of the gnatii pit t lire, wliicli the art of landscape-garden i 111; slii.iild pindiicc. The inci'eased resources nf iiii'd.'iii liiii tiriilture should be taken into aciiaini ; nut merely the eye, but the mind shc.uld lie appealed to by the beauty of com- jiositioii of line, cukuir, ])ers|iective and gran- deur; a liberal art slii.nld luit dcumnatr intn a mechanical one. I'larcs dilfnrd in lln' con- formation of the ,L;iniin,l, in climate, in si.il. in the rcipiircnients c.f llie owner, in the amount to be expended, and in the pos.sibility of an cxtcnsiiui beyniid the immediate precincts. It was. therefore, futile to lay down any hard- aiid fast rules for design. The author then luncccded to treat in detail of the site, the appro.ich, the terrace, and the garden foiina- tioii and planting. The approach to a hnusc .should always appear to be direct, and any deviation from such directness should noti.nly arise from, but should also be made to arise from, some decided obstacle. By direct was not meant straight. A .straight approach required careful treatment. It was artificial in character, it could appropriately be used when an impos-i ing or somewhat pretentious building was at the end of it, or when the distance was short, and when the country was flat. In .sloping ground it should, if |H.ssililc, be made against the slope of ahill. Tlic -ladicnt sliniild be even and flat, or very slightly and ei.iitiiimiusly curved, other- wise it would appear not straight. If the ground be very undulating, a straight road is out of character with its surroundings. A curved line of road was generally to be jireferred, as being more easy of coiistnictinn, umre varied view.s could be obtained, iis ^lailiciit enuld be varied, following within limit.itinns the natural undula- tion of the ground, and the side slopes could be more easily and freely dealt with than the sides of a straight drive. Gradients, width of watts and drives, entrances, were here discussed in considerable detail by the author. The lodge and entrance gates belong to the drive, and should be parallel with, and at right angles tn it, as distinguished from the highway. The face line of lod.ge shmild be at least 10 feet from the edge of the drive, and its windows should be able to command the entrance and a cerfaiii length of drive. On entering by the dii\e it was advisable to create a good impres- siciii, and, therefore, to mark distinctly the diflerence between the dusty highway and the shaded, well-trimmed drive within the gates.. Planting might be introduced on either side of the entrance, but once well inside, a view | shniild be given of the outlying grounds, 01 stretch of park, or distant wood. A curved ilrive should not be planted continuously, but broad ma.ssesof planting intr.iduced, at first t( shut off the hi-Iiwav, at turns in the drive, and on the top or slopes of knolls round which th( drive may wind. The direction and level of thi approach, and the character of the architectura features, ruled greatly the plan to be adoptee for the treatment next the house. The treat iiient of the terrace also depended very rauci on the architectural character of the building My ■• terrace" was meant not only the narrov strip of level ground placed parallel with thi house, or the more stately portion — often witl: architectural adornments — laid out along the face of the structure, but the whole of the ground that formed the base or setting of tht building. Having next discussed the various forms ol terraces, the author passed on to the treatment f the garden proper, quoting partly from hi.' 00k on the subject, which defined the system e advocated. So many considerations press in . vary desicn in the geiier.d |jlan of a garden, liat .irliitraiy dcalinc by imposition of what ia\bc teiiiied pa|HTdcsiL;ns, however ingeiiiou.s, .as ill adMscd. 'Pile "detailed plan should spring from the site as an adaptation of its natural, or created natural, features, and should not be forced ujion the position, crushing it to itilieial sclieme. To copy simply the design ,, iiotlici place is inadmissible. Considerationi- iiilc in iliis coniieetion were almost infinite dent, geological formation, soil, existini; natural foi'ination or features, climate and as- pect, the display of distant beauty, conformity to outside influences, particularly to the re- quirements of the possessor and the expendi-j fine of money that may be made. There were, points of similitude between the painter's art and landseape gardening; but the landscapei caideiier must consider that his colours change and mow : lie mu.st realise as he creates hi.-^l picuiie that in a few years what now seenislikcj a light green stroke of pigment to the painten may have become a tall tree, beautiful in itself^ but of altered beauty, either helping or man-ingl 13 '^^^7 yGSCKYNANTHUS .SPECIOSUS March 13, 1897,] THE GAKDEK the liuulHcape. Hi' iimst follow Niiturc by cuiumciicciaont. Whuii wu were building ii carving out (jf a sor jidapting or garnering lier boauties, and tutor- house we should call in the landscape gardener . the ground, and \>] ing herfso to sjieak, to a display of them. But as our friend and discuss with him the way in might l)e called an l)V following N.iturr was not meant a slavish wliioli we proposed to enter the house and lay delusion, and did ji ithe I I those luajes u in ^;ature ,is » ■ss. But the spii embodied as it \\i itures that exjnes <• seemed to think, now, but from tlie time zabeth. The term " formal garden " was !■ overdone, and often very much misunder- but formal in its general lines, keeping up the appearance of design over the whole ground. As to light and dark coloured trees being used colour, .il'uni as parts of 1 brought into far as it wa: deveIoi)ment juxtaposition in an ideal s [lossible to promote its The terrace, tlie region ii '. .niial <_;,irden of England, such as that at ipti.ii Court or as left at Hatfield and in Ireds of thousands of our old English tely next the house, and the general arrange- I homes, with high hedges and long walls, with nient of the walks and gai-dens, having been dis- | wide sloping lawns to look to and to walk on. cussed, the author next dealt with the most . How far the garden should be cut off from the general grounds must naturally have affected all that we did. Mr. Sedding thought gardening d isi I >peared when theha-ha fence was discovered. 'I'hal was true, and one could recognise the disastrous effect that it had had upon our gar- poet^ iau'.vate',' wh. . 'l,a!l ' wl'i'tl' 'i, ' s, .' d.-li^hllully ,m gardens, .lUoted from a 1 k lately pul.lishe.l, in which it was advocated that there must lie a boundary line between the garden and the house, for choice a good high wall, and said that this was an idea that could only have emanated fidiii an architect who naturally went for lairks and mortar. He had not been able to .lis.nv. r that passage. He had also seen a notiee in Tin: Garden that an architect's idea of a garden was a small square plot of land surrounded by a high brick wall. There must have been some mis- take there. Architects did not wish to surround the house with a brick wall and put a garden in the middle of it, but they certainly were not afraid of hedges or walls. Mr. Austin, in "The Garden that I Love," had exactly described the ideal sort of garden, and in a little poem called ' ' Had I aGarden " he described his ideal garden as not a strictly formal one, but a combination. It should " lie in the sun ;" it should have " Alleys green that lead where none should trace ; " it should have a certain mystei-y about it ; it hitecture of the house, and that that was being ' should provide "shelter for feeble feet" under more seen to every day by the designer. She I its tall trees and in shady walks, and it should was glad to hear the allusion to Parkinson and have "design." In a garden which was man's his old-fashioned flowers : certaiidy there never work man's hand should be visible — not too jwas a time when there We 1.- s,, ii]aii\ ..Id-fashi.aiud apparent, but showing some object in view. JHowers as there were to-,l,,y. and ih, y -,,^^1,1 to ^^. gtatham seconded the vote of thanks to te taken very much int.. e..iisi.l,Tati,.ii wlieu ' Mr. Milner, although he could not say that he designs for new gardens were being made, just j altogether agreed with him. He did not think IS m designing an old Elizabethan house we Uhat hedges and trees clipped into artificial shapes t It to modern requirements. And I necessarily belonged to the formal garden. suitable positions for planting trees and shrubs principles of grouping, the effect of eoL.ur mi distance, character of foliage, &c. He main tftined that they should carry out in the parts surrounding the house the architectural feeliiii,' of the design in terraces, walls, steps, basins, beds, and so form a base ; that they could still have the dignified and quiet delight of formal work — not a narrow curtjiilment of the whole design. But there was in addition a broader treat- ment beyond — a work difficult to proportion in relation to foreground, to broad lawn-sp.iccs, to grouping and choosing trees and shiubs f. .r effect in size and colour, to directing the e\r t.. jtlesired points, to taking advantage of elini.ite and character of the place either natural or ac- quired, to provision of light and shade in the undulation of the ground, and to a knowledge of horticulture. This art-gardening was far beyond the limitations of formal work only, for it could apply the balance and proportion of the latter, and, in addition, present a noble con- ception of art-work, in its execution of outline, surface formation, and grouping, and draw into the picture, the greater, broader, varied land- scape. The Hon. Alicia Amherst said that she cer- tainly thought th.it the garden should be laid lut as much as p( issible to coincide with the ar- its should be thought of, ._;land, a .sheltered garden, or I. ling trees, would grow any li.- southern or western part had t(i phe kind t'arden \\i thing ; an :>f En-lai n appear; :;ulture to eoutiaet or Inuit the de.sigu. I Mr. Aston Welib, in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr. Milner for his paper, said that |he architect and the landscape gardener were jlosely and properly associated. The nearest approach to a paradise was a beautiful garden Ml a beautiful summer's day, and anything that kould help us to realise tliat paradise was vny much to our advantage : l.ut t hr ni..st l..;niiiful farden was incomplete « iil]..iit a li..us( . iusi as he most beautiful ho us ?ut a gard Si garden surrounding it, and it was essential the two producers of the house and the en should work hand in hand from the very ..liginally Laid ...it, showe.l a t. .tally ditlrieiit thing— a formal garden of little Box hedges laid out in intricate and elaborate patterns. That had all been done away with, and to the great improvement of the garden. He agive.l witli Mr. Milner in advocating the form.al liv at ni. nl of the garden ill iiumediaU- eoiiIieeti..ii \miIi tli. liouse. Till recent years that was not ivalised, liuf II. .« Ii..th the formal and informal people U.I. ill. lin.'d to it ; but he disagreed with Mr. ,M ill.. 1 \\ li. re his walks began to wriggle. The uall^s an. I elunips of bushes in one of the plans leniiiided him of tlie great problem ill eivat i..ii whieh eaiiu' first, the bird or the egg ; were tlie walks eur\ ed in ..rder to get round the bushes. or were the bushes planted for the walks to curve round ? His o].ini..ii was th.it the whole process of what was ealle.l huidseape gardening — the in a small garden arranged an a\.)ni.- hiiIi .■■in- verging sides to make an artitiiial |..rs|... t n e ; he made bays in it half-way di.un, .iLlin..; with large dark trees on the nearer side and begin- ning with small light tinted trees on the further side, to give a false extent to the opening, and the vista ended with a miniature summer house too small for anyone to get inside, and painted in delicate tones to give the effect of distance. The Nemesis that overtook Shenstone was that his neighbours, the Lytteltons, on the next estate, used to bring their friends to the boundary to h I. ik at Shenstone's perspective from the wrong end. Colonel Prendergast said he thought that Mr. Milner's paper would be found to contain a great deal of most valuable information on a subject that touched the institute more nearly than pi ..pie were inclined to believe, for each genera- ti..ii had to deal with the difficult task of making . .Ill- English homes more charming than they were before. Fifty years ago the great houses of England were laid out so as to have a great field right up to them. At that time the Duchess of Sutherland, who had been brought up at Castle Howard, which was Italian in all its surroundings, set to work at Trenthaiii to create an Italian garden, but splendid as it had been and was, one knew that the bedding-out business was now utterly worn out and done for. In England in all matters we were divided into two parties, and in the matter of gardening we had the formalist and those who went in for a free hand. He agreed with Mr. Milner that the garden could only be treated properly in these days by a combination of the two methods. The institute was chiefly concerned, no doubt, with new buildings. Unlike the buildings of a former day, which were always built in hollows or on the flat, the houses were now almost always placed on high ground, which at once altered the whole method of treating the grounds round them ; it was therefore the more essen- tial that the architect and landscape gardener should be in consultation, and in complete aceord from the very e.immencement, and that n.. .■ut-an.l-.lri.'.l plaii sli,.ul.l be laid out for the .^r.. nil. Is iiiiiil \..ii kn.'W li.iw the house was l;..iiilj; t.. l.i.ik, ami how tin- superfluous material was going to be disposed of. The president, in proposing a vote of thanks to Mr. Milner, said that everyone who was li..rn ill Kiedand was sine t.. have more or less ,.1 Mr. .Mi that the landseap,- -ar.l.ii. r I....];.-.! up.ni liim- self as entirely niast.r ..f lli.' s]tiiati..i] : th.at the only important tlnii'^was i.. la\ ..iit t he u'r. .uiids, and havin- d..n.> that, h.. .■i.iil.l always reciii- nu-n.l an aivlnl..t t.. I.u.l.l the liouse to accord with til, in. 'I'll. r. Has a .vrtain cliarm about wliat it was til, faslii..n t,. rail the formal gar- den, with its cut Yews and Cyjjresses, especially in a cottage garden in wildish places in the country, where they formed such a contrast to 192 THE GAKDEK [March 13, 1897. the natural wiklness and introduced a touch of humanity into Nature. This trimmed garden was derived, like most things in our civilisation, from tlie Romans, by whom it was carried, perhaps, to an excessive degree when the trees were cut into the shape of animals. Martial told us of a little boy who put his hand into a bear's mouth cut in the foliage of a tree, but a serpent had got in there and bit him, so the bear was the end of the boy. The best thanks of the institute were due to Mr. Milner, for there was hardly one present who had not had a house or even a cottage to build inhabited by people who had not always been accustomed to cottiiges where a garden formed its principal delight. Mr. Milner, in reply, said : It was difficult to say where in the discussion lay the happy mean, when on the one hand one of the greatest authorities on art (the president) stated that it was pleasant and delightful to see a cut bird next a little cottage, and another gentleman (Mr. Statham), who cerbunly had studied gar- dening, insisted that the formality should ex- tend not only close to the house, but sliould form the whole of the garden. Then, again, Mr. Aston Webb, whom he had always con- .sidered most moderate, advocated the extension of the formal garden in a greater direction than he should do. He had tried to explain that the formal garden (which he agreed was a misnomer) should extend to and form the platform of the house, but tliat once passed you must at some time get into the natural treatment of the ground. He thought Colonel Prendergast had made a mnst important point which he admitted in liis |ia|Kr that houses were nowplaced on the lulls ..I hillsides, whereas formerly they were on the Hat yiound. The only rational way of treating the ground was to adapt your plan to the natural site. It was unwise, if not impos- sible, in an uudidating district or on the liill- side or at the top of a hill to foian a rc-L;iilar formal garden, such as Haiii|>tnii ('(.iiit. I It- agreed with Mr. Statham as d. thr altciatidis and improvements at Ilaiii|itiiii Coiiit, l)iit at the time when the avelllK's th,-lv welv laid out theiv was not that friii-o nf h,,us,.s that thnv was n..w, and many nt tlir av.mucs k.i fr..,„ nowhere tu nowhere, and if that Hampton Court plan had been made on the hill-side, he thought the result would have been ridiculous. You must adapt yourself to the place in all your work. He felt with Sh: Aston W, 1,1. that the architect and iho laii.Kr.i|H. juJ. in i should work hand in h.-iml. 'I'lu'Woik ,i| ilir landscape-gardener he t.n.k to lie to foim m his mind a picture of how the giound would look when he and the architect had finished with it ; and so they ought to work in harmony. He always in his own practice tried to induce the architect to carry out into the gardens more of his architectural work, and he felt strongly that this subject had been very much neglected. It was all very well to talk of tin- formal garden, but the hedges would gv.n and -hni otf views. There was no formal gardtii o\ti ei-hty years old that retained anything of its former and ideal character. forms are now in the hey-day of their beauty, and large clumps of some varieties are flowering freely in the rock garden at Kew. Ferns. NEPHROLEPIS EXALTATA. When well grown this is one of the most deco- rative of Ferns, either as a large plant, such as the one depicted in the accompanying illustra- tion, or when broken up into small pieces con- sisting of a few fronds each, which are emi- nently suitable for growing on brackets or asso- ciating with other Ferns in hanging baskets. Fern cases, and such like. When vigorously grown, very large .specimens can be obtained in comparatively small pots, those of 8 inches in PROPAGATING FERNS. The best time to deal with Ferns which have to be increased by division is while they are growing-i freely. Those which have not been standing iu the sanii- jiois l.my eiioufrh to become too much pot-bound «ill :ji^'' litl;le trouble. There are several A'li intmn- uln.h maybe readily increased by division, and i viii if a lot of stock is not wanted it is better to divide those which produce a number of crowns, as they get too dense, and unless they can be potted on into large pots, they do not make good fronds. Young healthy plants of A. Farleyense, divided into two or three and potted without letting them get withered, will start away without receiving but a slight check. Where a large stock of small plants is required old plants may be broken up ; all the fronds may be cut away and the single crowns broken off, and all the roots trimmed oft'. These small crowns, ii put into Sphagnum Moss and sand, will start away like young seedlings, and may be potted singly Ijenten Roses are this year well timed, or, indeed, in advance of the term indioai.'l l,\ iImh popular name. By affording a po~nioii \\h.ri ^i natural shelter from keen and nut in- wiinl- exists, these plants are among the mu.sL uHulLivu of early spring. Take, for instance, a mass of Rhododendrons where the branches droop nearly to the lawn. In some such spot as this a margin of the Lenten Roses or irregular groups could be formed that would be singularly effective. Severe spring frosts are at times harmful, but these do not compare with biting winds. Many beautiful \ Nephrolepis exaltata. From a photograph sent by Mr. S. W. Fitzherlert, Torquay. nail pots after they have made a few root those broken up small do much better tho larger divisions are made. The same r apply to many other Ferns, Microlep •ist ata being an example. Plants frequent I l.rfon. they get too large make beautif .iimI \vli.n grown in a light open positii l.oaiiiitiil light green shade. In dividu; .Mi\iliiiiu s'linnld be ready beforehand, : that thir. -hill T,, ,,o .lelav. Hike to avoid usiil a knife a- nns li i- |iossilile. By carefully wor ing into ih,. hall-. ih.-y may be broken thiwi'l without the risk of cutting off some of the be, roots or damaging the crowns. After the plan are divided a good portion of the old rhizomj and roots may often be cut away before pottuj them. ^-l Adiantums for cutting.— In growing on Af antums for cutting, those that have well filled M diameter easily accommodating plants with a natural spread of 4 feet and with froiuls ap- proaching 3 feet in length. This Fern dors well in fibrous loam to wdiich a little pe.it has brnii addod. 1)111111- frond-fovm.atiou .a com- p.uativK lii.jh lri,i,Mi.-,tuiv will l.o foima li.m.- ti,.,;,l. hut uluu uioutli IS liinsh.d, llu' iih.nts, till durable nature of the fronds, when utilised foi indoor decoration, for which their handsome ,|U,-.lities render them so well adapted. When the pots or baskets are filled with roots, some stimulant is needed to supply the nutriment which the impoverished soil no longer affords. Soot water, liquid guano, or well-diluted sul- phate of ammonia will all answer this purpose, the latter having been the only fertiliser used for the subject of the engraving. S. W. F. March 13, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 193 lOts w: londs : le litrl )t;etli.' I'oni a cen i;'ruilii:ill\ ikimhu. n ■■ ■ell matniv,! nmII n.n ■ozeil, l"ll if l.il>''ii li..in light expos,,,,. .„ ,.„M « lack. TIh.. u,ll ,Hit .I„i„ e SOllH' ila\ s It l,.|., ,,, ,1 itoheat tl,..\ «ill x.T\ ,,11 i„d A,lia„l,,„, ,1..,:,M. . Iiineatmii. an, I i,,ak,~ .ji ,.x\ J,e oH fav.miit,-. A. , I, iirger fronils. an, I il,,,i,'jli iver entively su|h., >,■,!,■ i h, .Ttainly nioiv iisi-lul f,,, n, ■ondeil sorts whiuh may 1 1)1- cuttincj or as plants fo one of the liest : tlie 1 ivve medium-sized piiuuilt hat distant, giving it a ' scutum is another vain ands well either as a ]int illiamsi -n-ill bp fnunil t,, inter; one draw lia, k. I,,,' ules drop oft', isp,, ,:,lly thy stuck (ibtainablo from ,s I 111,, 1 tantali.sing to be questioned as to I,,, ',,,, vt.,ally does get tlie plant to live, <■ .111,1 lliiwcr well, when these results have .il)out without any veiy special means, ■d, no trouble at all to speak of. Leaves st year vary in size from 4 inches to -J s across, ^n-own in .-i lialf-sliady cnrm-r, witli, v.',.. n,, skv ,.,■ N,.,ti,al Nl,a.l,.. I s,„,-,;,lU hough it appeal very difficult i sily propagate •^•,«iil sjiores freely, It may, however, be ;■ tlie rhizomes. — H. Flower Garden. SHORTIA GALACIFOLIA. NE hears of successes with this beautiful and iteresting plant from divers places, so tliere is )om for hope that in time it will become a )nimon denizen of our gardens. Still many ,il to make it flower or even keep it alive, but am sure that where there are no local condi- jns to prevent, as bad .soil, atmosphere, &c., 1 is not only not a difficult plant to grow, but le ea.sily accommodated. For instance, I may ive good soil, subsoil, and aspect here, l>ut 1 ive my full share of lowland fogs and sii,,,k, om factories, &c. ; in fact, the district is ■imy, and yet, though coated with snot, tlie lortia plants are healthy and showing vast lantities of well-developed buds. The plants e more tufted and the leaves bigger than any have ever seen on newly-imported jilaiits. lese remarks apply to a batch that has l„iii ider open-air culture here for the past tliiic lars. I, therefore, think it is reasonable and fe to say that the plant is a thrifty and easily waged one. Still we have the fact that so any expert growers fail to establish it. I ink this is to be largely accounted for, as itil a very short time ago only newly-imported, I at most semi-established, plants were alone rocurable. I do not say it was absolutely so, t generally such was the case. It is now six . ara since liberal supplies of this plant began come, and no doubt some gardens have althy patches of a corresponding age. One • ght to say that though the plant as cultivated ; safe enough for transplanting, it is not so th the bulk of the newly-imported material, a ; ;at deal of it dies straight off, and no wonder, ■len it is seen how ruthlessly it has been ' "n up and packed, and when it is known how ' )Ughtlessly the still living portions are treated, 'le, however, need not go into that matter lyond pointing out that in this case newly- •lected and doubtful material could well ■•tount for the major part of failures in the Ipt, and in place of which there is now an 1 1 March flowers. I Is loam in a rather fuile ,i the II ■■iiler to get the line briinzy-red leaf tints, tli,,UL;li the leaves may be siiialle'r and the flowers fewer. The interest respecting the first finding of this beautiful plant, its subsequently being lost sight of, and its re-discovery are likely to be 1st,-, .■111,1 by tl,e ,listiii,.| ,l,a|.,iel,T.ir (!„■ »li,.l.. p and the indesenbable beauty uf its winter lluw It is an all-the-year-round plant, always in evidence and always beautiful when healthy. I would not, however, advise its culture on highly calcareous soils, but I would not let a natural lime soil hinder me of its possession. In that case I would make pockets of selected soil a yard across, renewing the soil and replanting every two years. I mention this because the only failure I ever saw with good specimens and care ful planting occurred in a limy soil. As a cold fi iiii^ !'i.!,,i il sli,,«.s I lerhaps to the greatest > I il,,i,' I lie delicate pinki,sli-\v] l!' ■ I .. V ,',l friaii the winds and sjilas], ,,i IM.iu.,,^ .,i„l .M.iivh. J. W,H,i Ki-Lstall. Cyclamen colchicum. — A]iropo>i of hardy fyelameiis, a new one has been discovered in the ( ■,n,,asiis by M. Alboff, which bears the name C. , I, l,,iiim (Albofif), catalogued in " Prodromus I l,i,:i. Colchica;," by Alboff (p. 166), and described in liiillttin de FHerhier Boissier (t. ii., 1894). The plants I have have not yet flowered. It differs from C. europoeum by its big bulbs and broader and more obtuse petals. The leaves are serrated. The n,,\\i'rs are sweet scented and appear in autumn, Tl,, y \ary in colour, and the plant requires the sa,,,e treatment as C. europiEum. — H. Correvon, Violet Comte de Brazza. — Some cultivators cuiiiplaiii that this valuable double white Violet is shy llI,Jolllill■,^ I think this arises either from local circumstances or from cultivation. With me no Violet could be more free blooming. In fact, I consider it equal to Marie Louise, and this is saying a good deal. Nor have I come to this i-oii- clusion from a year or two's experience, having grown it here eight years and with the same re- sults. With me it commences to bloom in Octo ber, and goes on through the Violet season, and at the present time (end I. f r.-l.,,,a,y, tl,,- plants are full of bloom. I do ii,,t lii,,l ,|,i)',ip all,-, t ,| s,, badly as some other kinds. \\ h, ,, 1,\ i,,,j i,, \,ii- folk and in North Hants l,.jlit s,.ils 1 ,,l,s,., vcl it did not bloom so f|-i-,ly as .Marie Louise and others. I ■jinw s,,in,. six Uimls of double Violets, and they are all treat,-,! aliUi-. -Dorset. Primula obconica grandiflora. — Some ques- tions were asked in The Garden of February 20 rn P. obconica. I have had a fine selection of this Primula for the last twelve to fifteen years. During this time I have tried crossing it with several kinds. For three years I tried to cross it with the ordinary P. sinensis, and had pods of THE ALPINE GARDEN AT THE SWIS.S NATIONAL EXHIBITION. The principal attraction of the Swiss national exhibition at Geneva in the summer of 18!)() was the alpine garden laid out by M. J. AUe- mand and furnished with alpine plants by M. H. Correvon. This garden, some views in which are here given, occupied an area of more than 2.500 and .M..iit lUaii,-. Th,- p.-,v Club was erect, -,1 ..l„„,i :; ground level, aii,l ;\1. .Ml, i,,., it with rockwni-k, wl,i<-l,, sl.-n of the pavilion, exhibited a bnve the irrounded I the base 1 arrange- ment of perpendicular rocks, grassy declivities and miniature woodlands of mountain shrubs. The turfy slopes so clo.sely imitated the p.-lstlll-,-^; of the Alps, that a visitor might ,,ih]\ i,i,,rj,i,,- himself transported to the m. n' Th, seed of this turf was brought i: i,- garden of the Linnoea at Bour^ Si. l'i-^ii_, in \'al.-iis, and M. Correvon had planted and sown .-iin,,iigst the grass .specimens of all the flowers uliicli commonly grow in alpine pastures. There were colnni.-s .,f fin-lina acaulis alongside of graceful tufts ,,f ( ',ii,,p,,i,ula rhomboidalis, C. rotundifolia. .-,iid ( '. .s, |,,.,ichzeri, the entire series of motiiit.-iiii l',,tciitiUas, the various .species of AlchemUlas, Bellis perennis, Viok calcarata and V. Zoy.si, Epilobiums, &c. On every side arose rockwork very naturally dis- posed and furnished with specimens of all the alpine plants which are gi'own in the Jardin Alpin d'Acclimatation at Geneva. These small rock gardens were, during the time of the exhibition, kept furnished with alpine flowers by M. Correvon, who a year previously had sent to his garden in the Alps a large number of plants with the object of thus retarding tlieii- time of flowering. At an altitude of 1700 metres these plants would not come into bl,i(,ni until six weeks or even two months after the .same species had flowered at Geneva ; and .so during the wh, ,1c summer and even up to Sep- tember, Primulas, Androsaces, Gentians, and other spring-flowering ])lants might be seen blooming in the alpine g,-ii-,l( ii ,if th.- ,-\]iil,ii i,iii. On the rockwork, faciic' ili,- s,,iiil, ;,,„[ , l,,se to the pavilion of the Alpm, ( 'l,il.. u,,s ,lispl,,ved all the flora of the iii,,.iiir,,iiis ,,i„l i-,,cks of \al,-,is. This flora is of ., s,.iiil,,ri, character, iii.iiiy of the species (Ad s \, in,ili>, .\nemone niontana, Erica carnea, Artciiu.sia Valeriana, &c.) being invasions or extensions of the Medi- terranean flora, as has been fully established by Dr. Hermann Christ in his great work on the origin of the plants of Switzerland. Accord- ingly, all till-,, ugh the summer at the exhibition here might be seen, liloimiing in the full sun- shine, plants frnm dry regions, such as Nepeta, Calamintha, CorydaUs lutea, Ceterach olficina- , Saponaria ocymoides, Astragalus depres- 194 THE GARDEN. [March 13, 1897. sus, A. aristatus. A. innns] species of Oxytin|iis. i)|iuii alised in Valais i'l'Hii tiiM. in to have been iiiti."liu i.l fi gratory birds lung Ijc-foiu tl continent by Europeans), &c. ssulaiius, various on, antl still in the full sunshine, was the entire Aruncus and 8. Ulmaria had their proper placi I \ulL';iiis (natur- I series of the Edraianthuses, i mongst which, 1 on moist slopes and also in a low-lying position! iciiic.i 111 and said E. Pumilio, E. dinaricus, E. croaticusand E. ser- which was additionally occupied by a colony cj 1 Aimiica by mi- I pyllifolius were truly marvellous specimens. In j Aquilegia alpina, Fritillaria Meleagris, an! diKuovury of that i another part were planted Globularia cordifolia, i dwarf Birch trees. The flowers of Paradisi' Fragrant plants i G. nana, G. nudicaulis and their white-flowered Liliastrum were conspicuous on a sunny slopi of the Labiate family (Hyssopu.s, Lavandula, ' varieties alongside of a carpet" of Dryas octo- ! and near them were tho.se of Nigritella angust folia and Orchis globosa. Plani of Lilium pyrenaicum looked super) forming <|uite a colony under tn , large old specimens (jf Pinus sylve tris, which M. Allemand had plact there with the aid of his tran.splan m, machme a po-neiful miplemei constiucted fiom his own design. In the cool recesses and \(indin: of sh ided parts of the lockwork we seen the flowers of "V lola biflor •»hil Tniun il] ini L petriia, ai I iMiliil 1 utniuul m bloii hull, 111 «li 1 tniR (f thcexlul I I II I ' lit 1 111 11 \ ind on the to t il, null 1 1/ li cks Flowt 11 1,1 til lliiiiili\ IS Rocky Mou I ui> \iil ( iiiLisus md ev tl iji Ni\\ /e il md — m i woi II ui 1 ( t ill pi mts to which t II iiji i ilpme has been ca' ^11 ill\ ijijilied and which are c tn It I I such m wild gardens a 11 1 I « ik — weie heie irrang with ]ii lament md disposed hi ml tliLiL 111 modeiate quantit t to efl ice the first impressi , , isiti 11 that he was viewi ■ tliL 11 itui il scenery of the Ji Alps, and had before him a r >:iiin|K'.in and Swiss alpine gardi I,,.,.- ,„ ,,, ,,, , ,„. .-,„, :.■::■...., K.iahUon,. F.um a nhoU..,n,ph ..cnt by M. Po.th. ''''"-' ■'¥"'<> Rhododendrons (fer ' giiicum and hirsutum) formed pre groups and added their quota to ■ Micromeria, &c.) were everywhere to be seen, I petala and Primula Auricula. Large tufts of cheerfulness of this landscape, .so pleasing a ^ and Genistas (especially G. radiata) enlivened Campanula muralis, C. garganica, C. Allioni and I so true to Nature. All the Anemones and Rant ; the l.iiiilsc,i|ir witli tluir li.iiiilMHiir i^cililni ' f. Raiiiiii altmiatid « itli Amlinsacu glaciaUs, cull of the Alps were largely represented, w! ll.i\\c'r-N|iiK.N, ,luiii|i.riis Saliiiia an. I .1. nana. A. lactca. A.rain.a aii.l A. l.au-iii. the flowers 1 Rosa alpina, R. pyrenaica, R. pimpinellifo. M f tl stnnis w.ii- fill iiisIm'iI witli Saxifrages and JSem- |i(a \ niinis. tin tin- imrtli side the .shaded t,'r.assy iliM-livitns wrif planted with collections of Ferns, Aipulegias and Saxilraurs. All tins part was planted in a very jia i ni c-.|ih' mannrr. ami one would never suppiisi- iliai ihr planliirj; was of recent date, so natural .lid fvri\ tlnng l....k. In a small grove of Alder, Birch and Fir were plants of Th:ilictrum, Epimedium, ( )rchis, Cepha- lanthera, Primula acaulis and P. elatior, many kinds of Ferns and Aquilegias ; and especially worthy of notice was the collection of Scillas, Narcissi and Martagon Lilies. Here the ground was carpeted with Asaruni europaeum, hardy Cyclamens and Wood A'i..lt'ts. Cilonies of the Edelweiss were plantud .m i-ali-avu.ius slopes which were rather bare of grass and fully ex- posed to the sun. Geum iiioiitaiuiiii was set in the grass, while G. rcpfcins liad its innpur place on a .sunny rock. The luaiuins ..f the mountain torrent were fringe.l with ( 'altha palustris, Parnassia, Geum rivale, Saxifraga adscendens, Primula sikkiraensis and P. rosea, Trollius, etc. The lower and moister parts of the grassy swards were enlivened by flowers of Primula farinosa. Orchis incarnata, Tofieldia calyculata. Anemone ranunculoides, Saxifraga Hirculus, Myosotis jialustris, Ac. In the full sunshine on pivtty ]ii.-cis ..f rockw the entire colkcl 1. ill nf al|iiiK- I'.ipi alpinum) of \aii.iiis tints (the Poppy, which is dililicnt fiuiu thu Icl'I from the ti of Ha .1 l.y.M. C.nvvon e mountains. In rocks the flowers is, Ramondia ]iy- :ti and other si.r- ■daiLlcli...! till- smht. Wi.lr fxpaliscs.if Helianthemums (Rock Roses) of various colours brightened up all the slopes which had a southern a.spect, while in the clefts of the rocks the fine rosettes of Saxi- fraga Cotyledon, S. pyrenaica, and especi- ally S. longifolia, charmed the visitor's eye. Some veiy pretty groups of the Blue Thistle (Eryngium alpinum, true) were very much admired. With their tall stems and broad leaves heart-shapid at the base, and very large flowur-heai s resting on a superb dark blue involucrum, these Eryngiuins are very eftective plants. Near them carpets of Arnica monfcma, Doronicum and Aronicum scorpioii' es formed a contrast with their yelkw flowers. In another part the hoary foli- age of Artemisia glacialis, A. spicata, A. mutellina, and A. Villarsia was re- lieved by the sombre hue of the rock or the dark foliage of Daphne Cneorum, D. Yal..ti, T>. striata. ..r D. Blag.iyana. He] th.'iT 111 till' i^iass si 1 lip the majestic flower- stiaiis ..f \',Tatriiiii alliinii anil V. nigrum and of Gi'iitiaiia liitua .ir (i. piir|airea, and the hand- Poppy). Beside these were carpets of Geutiana I some umbels of Meums and Heracleums or those arna, G. acaulis and G. brachyphyUa. Further I of the gigantic Adenostylis albifrons. SpiriBa Another view in the alpine garden at the Swiss Satiii Exhibition. From a photograph sent by M. Postl\ and and R. pomifera mingled their branches t^j' those of the various alpine and mount' Brambles. The most attractive part of the rockwork j> formed by a huge rock which projected fi j the base of the pavilion of the Alpine Club, March 13, 18i)7.] THE GARDEN. 195 der which tho ro;uI U-.-kUml; t.. the I'litraiice ssed between two flights of rocky steps en- ly covered with rock phints. From this eat rock fell a sheet of bright limpid water :,itaract roar into a iiatiirally ilesimcd ..I all |th Seduiiis, Si-ni|K'rvivums, Rock Fe: kmbles, Coryilalis liitua, and especially Aciuna |mentosa ,-111(1 Atr.ii,'iur alpina, A. sihirica and yndias, llalni I, ,is. Saxifrages of the mossy fbtion, Miinii,,|,si> r.iiulirica, M. Wallichiana, it. On thr lifi Mile of the entrance to the mlion was aunihrr lock of small dimensions, i>y naturally (lrsii,'iu'(l and crowned with a small Ijintation (^f Piiiiis sylvestris. From a bubliliny i-ring in the central |iart of this rock a stream iiclear water flowed through a carpet of Saxi- 1 ga stellaris, S. aizoides and Parnassia palus- tfi. VlATOK. DAFFODILS IN THE WEST. 1 Der the fostering care of Mr. Donieii-Smith, llHbdil culture has in iv.rnt v.ai-. nia,!.' ia|,i.l slides in the I.>rl,-.-|.-,l \i/., .\rch 3IJ and :il have, uh ing ' to the furuaicl ske of the flowers, been altered to March IG and 1 1 It is to be hoped that the sho-w will be a suc- C'^ in every way, as the prize list is a fairly li ral one, and should bring out a fine display o )affodils and other spring flowers, incliiiliiiLi II eiing shrubs and herbaceous plants, in win. Ii Cnwall is especially rich at this time of the .V- ■ : indeed, I hear alieady of acres of Rhoflo- ttdrons and Camellia^ being in full flo-ft'er. he bulb farm at Tiesi-ois a sight worth seeing Itmsistsnf about foity-tixe acres in all, and this e:insive area is diviili-il into small sections by hi;es of Eseallonia and Kuonynius (i feet high, ei 1 S3Ction being devoteil to one variety of Nar- c: IS alone. The le-d;_'es play an inipurtant )iart in iheltei-ing the tender flowers from the rud.- »• Is which swee], aero-s the Atlantic, and in Iter subjects i-oulil be found for the |.iii |H , as the shrubs used keep their roots vv.ll atiome and enjoy the salt sprayl.itli< ilay wi frequently get. In October ol la-i \.a'i bus of the various Narcissi grown \mi.- I\ m-.: "I in big heaps, containing about a cart- lo each, each heap having a big label stuck ;ir, op. These bulbs were ready for replanting. n bigger bulbs, which would flower, are planted in lallow trenches chopped out with the s]5ade, wle the smaller ones are scattered broadi-ast on he surface of 4-feet beds, and the soil from t^Uleysbetwe-n is then shovelled on to them. ' -lit inn-i-ts of a very hght loam and a i-on ilil' iiuantitv of fine granite, which keep- it p"ioii-. There are acres of glass iimli i li tile eaiiir-^t flowcrs are obtained, and \vliiili '^ i-il for Tomato culture in the svmmier ; Ki.oiio 'rati, each containing about 100 bulbs, are brought inder glass. Marketing from these com- ;es a week before Christmas, and continues tni igh January, after which plenty are obtainable I'pe. The packing house, which is 100 feet x ies — are lifted every alternate year ; others, again, very third year, but none are left longer than over thirty tons of flowers, including packages, 1 presume, were despatched from Scilly on one day in the past week. J. C. Tallack. Societies and Exhibitions ROYAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY Maiich 9. Thk hall on this occasion was filled almo-l Ioumi flowing with plants of a most vara. I il.-.ii|i tioii. There were side tables of lull l.njil \\ ho have no time to inspect entire exhibits am thus search out new productions. By this ar langement of the tabling, wliieh in cnir opinion can not be surpassed, there is aiiipli- lo.nn on il ilii> side of the screen first for tie- lonnnMi-. lal.l. : and then for the purposes of i Im all. i noon I. . tin.- •li on this ilieet either side of the doorway, the one of finely- grown Camellias, the plants dwarf and bushy, with flowers in plentv, in addition to which there ». ,, .... i:,l h..:..- .,f"..nl bl....ni>. Tl,.-.- all came li • .-.. W . 'i i:. -- : w liil-l .111 I In- .it li.r -i.le was ■ .a t.M...I |.l:ini-. Il.-ailis and .Mill M:iliM,-.,-llinn In. Ill TiingPark. III. l.ili.an- .if the fruit committee were com- |i..i,ii]\.|\ li'jlit, the fruit shown consisting . 111. ll\ ol .\|.|ili-s. a well-jireserved collection of \\ln.li. nil. tl nil Livermere Park, showing what .an II.- a... iiiipli.slied in the eastern counties. The ...iiijii I ni'j .\liiliits for flavour maintain their in- leie.-tiiig eliarueter, Pears, of course, having les- .sened in numbers, but not so as regards the Apples, Barbara Court being again very well to I he front. Asparagus and Witloof grown in the o])en air under leaves came from Syon House, and a few other good vegetables froin Amiithill Hou.se. Orchid Committee. First-class certificates were awarded to the fol- lowing : — Cymbidium ebubneum. — An old and well- known species. It was represented by a beauti- fully grown specimen of one of the finest forms we have seen. The plant carried nine spikes of liloom, with an aggregate of nineteen flowers. The sepals ami petaN. of Hne form and substance, are wa.xy wint.- : th. Ii|. white, shading to yellow in thecenti.-an.l t.iwai.ls the base ; the front lobe sho-htly s].oit. .1 « iih |.iii|ile. From Earl Brown- low, Ashri.l-j.-. l;.-ikli.iiiisted. Bui.EornN i i i m Inn. --osi. — One of the largest and most iHaniiiiil r.iillio|)hyllums we have seen. The se|ial-. o niehes long and over 1 inch in lii.a.ltli at till- fiase, are pale green, thickly - 1 1. I ; . . I \\ n 1 1 . 1 a ik brown ; the petals much smaller than till- >.-|ial-, pale green, veined with a darker green ; the lip upwards of 1 inch in length, white, spotted and heavily suffused with purple at the apex. The leaves were each upwards of 1 foot in length and 0 inches in width. From th.-Hoii. W. R.illis.-hil.l. Trill-/ Park. Aw ai.l- .ilin. I II w . I.- -JIN .11 III the follo-wing ; — Lm e-:i. Skiwi.ui i-i i.. ii i,];i:ni.\.— Sepals pale ro.-e, of good »i/,e and .-nh.-taliej ; the petals white ill front, shading to rose-purple ; lip white, shad- ing to yellow at the base. From Messrs. F. Sander and Co. OnoXTocT.ossfM (TtisffM .\-»tt Cii M;i.ES. — In tin- tin- -.-pal- an.l p.-t.il- .ir. - w li.l i-. -ha.led with 1. 1-.-. thi.-kl\ -p. .11.-. I \iitli 1.1 i-jhi lii.m n an.l much fnn./.-.l .-,1 'th.- .-.|ij-.-s. Th.- hp. i-.-.-nil.ling that of (I. .. L.hiiianni in shape, is white, thickly -p.. 11.. I \Mili 11. -h brown. From Messrs. Linden, The plant carried a raceme of six fioweis F Messrs. Linden. DEXDROBirM AlXSWORTHI ISTERTEXTCM. — A hybrid raised by Mr. Seden between D. nobile and D. aureum (Lee's var. ). The sepals are creamy 1.1— IM CKISI'fM Ke<:e YAM.— A re- w.ll -liap.-.I llo«.--. til - s.pals and ..-ll.lill' tliit,.|wi,h,. -.,. 11.1 thick ih li.jlil iirowii : hp win . . -hading lii.iwn spo ■olour to those on the sep .Is and pe 196 THE GARDEN^. [March 13, 1897. white ; the petals, each about 4 inches across, creamy white, sHtfhtly tipped with rose ; \i]) creamy \\liii.'. >h,Hliii'j'to i\fr\, wlhm ;it thr li.isi- and haxiNu ,-, l:u j, ,,i,ii , pinpli-l, .l,~r. h i- one of til. i]i'i-i I . iii.ii K.ililr \ ill Id i,., \M. Iiiix . ., , II amongst IIm' mum -uhm w Ii;iI minii' ~ I.umi^ i.t I). AinswMiilii. |--|,„ii M,..-,-. .). \-,ii, li.ni.l S,,ii-. crossing ( '. Sjlli.n 1 1 \ i-,i iniin jimI ( ', liii-ini--i mum : tin- .lii -il -.p^il iicidiin \\ l,iir ji i lie i u|,, shading t.. ,,,,[,.,,,,,„, .,ilhi,r,i \i n h \ ,H,,u -u i !,-■ -Inil at the l.ii-..'. (Ill- li|i |i,il,. .ji,M.|ii-,|i \,ll,Av, Miihi^r. with pui pie. li.iiii.Sii T. Lawren'.-e, Hi., Hinti.n Loi^e, Dorking. Masdkv.\llia Poureaixi.— The result of ei-f.ss ing M. Veitchi and M. Shuttleworthi. Tli. flowers are orange-yellow, \ciniil with piii|il.>, :i: in M. Veitchi. Theinfln.nr.- nf M. Slnil 1 1. v. mill is shown in the general sli^ipc uf lli.' II. .wn -m, in the foliage. From Sir T. Liiwinn.. Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons wm ;l^^;lnl.ll , silver Flora medal for a large xmII-imimj.. group, consisting pruicipally of 1 1, mh .iliiinn- Prominent amongst these was 1>. s|ilriiiliili.-^i mum nobilius, sepals and petals d(.ep rose, li| deep rose-purple in front, in the centre an in tensely deep maroon-purple disc. I), endochuri: was represented by four tinely-developef of flower. Numerous forms of D. nil"] mum, D. Aspasia (Veitch's var.), D. atm ceum with six flowers, I). Wiggana', des last year in Tnr (Imm.kn-, .-ind tinelvtl- plants ,.f li. Wiir liiDiim v..y :,]-,, -l„,xwi, wereals.. ihiiim'I mh- |,,i m^ ,,t |i\ l,n,| ( \ i,,n,ri Rare Epi.l.-n.li iim-, l„,il, ,,| I,\1,m,|: ,,,„| -, were note worth) i' i '- ,- \i - i •■ n pi. -.ni fine forms of I'^iii' 1' .m.l ,■, lin.^ f. LajHo-Cattleya r.iM . >- . In. I.. I. i the most attra.ii-.. I.nni.- .:| th.' 'ji..:ip fine specimen plant of Epiplir.niii i^ N.nrlii five spikes of its rich oranges, .n 1. I ll. Messrs. F. Sander and Co. were nwm.l.il ,i Banksian medal for a small group, in ili. of which was a well-grown am! lin. I\ M.. plant of Platyclinis (Dendroeliilnini .^In carrying upwards of seventy spiK. s ..I 1 Several fine forms of Lvcaste .Skmn. 1 1 ^^ , i included, tin- i.n.sl pr,., in, I. nil 1„ m • \ ■- n Miltonia l;...vli .^..ll.ni- i- i . n,,.n l.,i I .!.■ I, 11. .u Co. were also a Vir a large grouj lowered i)lantsof flowered plant anum, a fine numerous hvbi of Mih.niin' T, sent 0.1. . III. .jl. pale yell..\i ~| in front. -Im.li spotted \\ II !i . posed nai iii.il phans, nn.l .n drobiuni 11..I.1I.- ii,.Ih1mis. Mr. C. J. N. Ingram, Godalnii a silver Flora medal for a grn fourteen specimen plants of Dem issimum, remarkable for good < developed. Cattleya elata, a nev C. Trianfe and C. Lawrenceana. deep rose, of fine shape and sul imported with O. trium- s of a fine form of Den- thethr awardc neatly Burford collection is noted, Masdevallia falcata, Brassio-Cattleya Lindleyana with twenty-five flowers, and Cymbidium Lowianum concolor with two s])ikes of flower. %\ere well re|>resented. ■.I l.\ M. — i>. \.il.-li. Ilaili.-l. ~li. .«,■.! n ■J. ..Sinn Halli «itl. s|.ik.-. Mr. .1. 1;. . ..f I'luiiiis Wnlli.-lii. l..p.-i|, .Mr. \V. .\. -.Ml rni.h-ll..«.nv.l Walk,' fine siiecimcn of 1). atro-violaceum, with fourteen owers. Floral Committee. ,\ liist .la--, certificate was given to — r . 1 i .-. I \^ 11 i: uoKizoNTALis. — Amuch-branched. H 111 ami ...nipact-growing variety, which, liy .,■ .Ii~p i-al iif its branches flatwise, bids fair to . ..I .1. . III. .1 value as a wall or rock plant. As Liin- [.; ..fiisely, its value during the winter •a-. .11 1^ .ji.atlv enhanced. From Messrs. Paul nd.SoM, l.;|iB.shunt. Awards of merit were given to — Primut.a obconica ROSEA. — A decidedly distinct ilr. T. S. V\\ iNODOXA LucilijE alea. — A lovely of unusual size being nearly 3 m of flower was (ieorge's Nursery I 'i.i;i 1..11--1-. ^in M \. -A very early flowering ml iiiir..'lii. . .1 fi..m .Japan in 1,S64, with pale How lluwersaml erinison anthers. Being freely oduced the efleet is very pleasing. From J. Veitch and Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea. TS.— A l-i.aii Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane Nurseries, I I'ptr Edmonton. .\ .ji'.iupof fine foliaged plants shown by Messrs. and Son, Highgate, were rt|iresented by an ex- ceedingly beautiful group of plants, including Forsythia suspensa, with a great profusion of tin{ huge flowers ; Pyrus Mains floribunda, wit!. .jiiat i|uaiitities of delicate blooms; some finj plaiil- ..f Inironia megastigma, a basket of th |.i.|.iilai Mil. I'rirarose, two beautiful batches c lai.:i Will laiia and E. melanthera, and sodi; J. '...I M iliiiais.in Carnations (silver Banksia 111. Ill', M. -sjs. .John Peed and Sons, Roupe I'ai k Xiii >. I i.s, Norwood, were also the exhibitoi ..f a group uf yrry delightful greenhouse planti Azaleas were and mollis bei of Prnnus sin indii attractr I. ll..H,.rs like snow and diflu. . ht. Lily of the Valk li ted the group(silver Banl I ,ii.j plants were also shown I M.l s,.i,-. til. ■.■vaiiipl.'s sent heir ::Mly i:.in. a \. i\ l.iNely variet .III ,' Hit ll -mall ll..\i.is [iroduct .III : Spiia-a ifusa. in admi md flowering very freely ; C one of the prettiest varieties lylopsis spicata with pendulo' \-' flowers, bearing reddish brov . s.'.ipai ins pi::...\. a very chart iWlis, the iii.j-t striking variet) a rich crimson, shading to scarli substance ; Leontes, a large ai : with a small, liut well-mark „,jp-searlet. shading to crims , . i\ ^liaii.lv bloom ; and Clonii -iiM.ih N.Mi.-.l with scarlet. \iii,,,xlli- wa- -h.iw-n by Mr. p.- . ill. 1 1. .11, W . F. 1). Sniith, M.l II. 1.1. V i.ii-l liaiii.-. Til.' [.laiits were well grow ill.' I.i M- \',.|l .<,I..iii..l anil large, though many .'a-.- in. I iiill\ . I. a .-1. .p.-d. The foliage v beau'titulh- .1. an au.l the plants generally v« healthy i-ih. i nankMan). From M.--i~. K and G. Cuthbert, Southga came a gi.jiip .if .\/al.-as. There was a charmi range of colnnr in these |ilants, which w densely covere. I wiili l.l....iiis ..f gooi'. size (bro. Banksian). il..--is. Win. I'aul and Son sent large group of Caiuellias iu pots, with a few bo .if ivit blooms, recalling the collection wh liny showed with such great success last yt ill.- pot jjlants were admirable, giving t denee of great cultural skill. Some of ' most notable were Fimbriata, a delicate crea white with serrated edges ; Marchioness Exeter, a fine large rose-pink ; Exquisite, a v. shapely deep pink; Prince Albert, pink, w >iii|.es" of a deeper shade; Countess of Derbj III. full bloom of a delicate pink ; C. H. Hov lU.p crimson ; Elegans, a huge flower with v broad outer petals ; Mallmitiaua, v. ay large v crimson; Beamy ..t Wall Il.ih, a \ . i\ .li-lieate l pink; and Alba pl.na. |aii.' wlnle (silver-! Flora). A large and x.ia um.- .-..ll.. imn .if Cyt mens came from the .'si. i- .^, - Nur-iryCi pany, Hanwelh The pi . . . I , . 1, .omii and well grown, bearin 'J . i - inn i ii ns of ha someshapely blooms (si In i gili llaiiksian med A smaller group came from Jlr. Slogrove, ji dener to Mrs. Crawford, Gatton Lodge, Eeiga The white varieties were in this case the hi, though all were fairly good (silver Banksian). la 1 .J., group was staged by Mr. John May, Twick li.iin. The plants were in admirable conditi ilM.iif and healthy, and bearing a quantity lli.H.is of ennrnions size. Here also the wl , Mill. In- \vr,.- 111.- lin, -St. Some of the darker! -..n- «. I.- al-.. 1. niai kalilv good (silver Banksiiil .\ Ml \ i.l.Msimj i,,iiiiiv was a group of Epaen!- ti-..ni \l.--r,. Ilii-jli L..W and Co., Enfield, cons I 11 f pi.-ii\. .-..inpaii |.lants ,,f all the best ii.'li.-. S.ain- 'M ...I .■xainplrswere Rosea elega |innl.iii,,a Ml, li.a\ iTinisi.n; Viscountess H a II. ll s,iliii..M |.iiik ;' -Mioniihca, rose-pink, III., paili.ularlv wnll- and Fireball, bii; pink. \".n .l.'lnjliiful, too, was a gl'Oup Fi.aMas. s. ni 1,\ .\li'. Mowbray, gardener Major Hon. H.' C. Legge, Fulmer, Slou Their fragrance was most refreshing, and their ; March 13, 1897. J THE GARDEIL 197 reamv blooms a wplr It.rilliaMt flowers in .. limits sliowcl rx,, I lednll. An .-xt. m-p f I'rinuilas nv:.< ^I; ,„1 S,.n>. An rllr, iilrn.li.l .'..I ■. 'I'lu ill were artmiralile. Messrs. I ,1 ■jiiiMji ..f vci V Inilliant and :il;:i. , , ■( .11 1 1 .M-- i Ir ■ .■samples o£ inili. W. ery dwarf, strong, anil models of comjja ess, the leaves large, broad and clean, the )Oins in many oases beincr 3 inohes or more diameter, the colom-s also li ilt Banksian). Anoth.i ,■ idely diflerent .-ullerti om Mr. .1. IKniglas. -:,i.|. nurn, (Jreat Ceari nd bu.shv, bearin jnaller tloweis (sih Hardy plants \\ Irmed "some of the Ig: features of the < iried collection fr ■M- |„ ntities of muu Banksian medal). : fxtcnsively shown an asantcst and most iiilin -i ibition. A very lavj.' :iii Mr. T. S. Ware, 'r..ii. i ■y tine lot of l)all...lil ■ties asN. poeticus mnii n ■..r, Johnstoni Qin.ii . ip Mann, several ..t il Henrv Irvintr. the i.r.ii included a inong them sueli va Spur, Em| ermius Bi: •edsi amahilis typ tie Cyclamine\is nanus, an.itli.r ..1.1 fuM.uiii.' dSirWatkin. All w.^iv ivmai k;il.l.' f..r ll,.n lendidquabtv an.l a.hinialil.' .■i.ii.liti<.n. ( 'lihim. xa Lucili.-e was well repieseiited alsj. A .le htful collection of alpines included some lint mts of Primula denticulata, P. denticulata alba, acaulis cterulea, almost a real blue; P. Clusi, SaNifia-.-i Bnvdi allin, with M. H ijVery rich purple (^antities of flow.- wd; S. saneta. -M i, ciliata, M. IStra.'li.-,M. an.l lli.^ \.t.\ ,l,niiiin,- Ibaria grandidora. The arranirenient ..t iln- tpiip must be comniended (silver Flora m..!;.! . Barr and Sons, Covent Garden, wer. ..I-.' I'liresented by a fine groui) of hardy plants, in ling Narcissi and a lot of interesting II. II.' is. Other notabl' things were Saxifra-j;. ..|. tifolia splendens. Chionodoxa gigantea. a \ . i \ pB and very lovely variety ; C. Lucili.e r. .-.:., fC. Lucilia; alba, a charming pure white kind er Banksian). rom Messrs. W. Paul and Son, Waltham (- ss, came a batch of their new Rose Enchan- . a very attractive blush-tinted variety, in far b|ter condition than w hen it was previously ex- ted. Magnilieent eut Roses came from Mr. . Mount, ( 'antorbury. We were especially de- ted with l.:i I'lin. . Mrs. John Laing, and t. Hayw:inl, ..n -i.iiis from 1 foot to 2 feet ;. The .!..■ iiatn .• value of Roses in this condi- is great. A few u,.,-l , x.|. lerineMermetandTliel'.i nli 111 er Banksian medal). M. --i -. , Hassocks Nurseries. Sus-.x l>lants of Boronia megasti dly fine examples of Primula isinian Primrose, eich plant b en more flower-spikes (silvei 1 group of alpines eann- fi. Son,Cheshunt. Notabl. ilmu n fins form; S. opp. .-ii i!"li ba, and M oms of itioned lin and ■ea plena was very chainii'ng anil tl freely ; Paul's snow-white Mezereon ■ iittraetive (bronze Banksian). A enll... i nm s kinds .of Violets came from Jlr. Chas. T". ler, Slough. Italia, Princess Beatrice, Princess 'ales, Admiral Avellan and Primavera were large number of varieties. Fruit Committee. The exhibits before this committee were excel lent. Of Apples and Pears three collections wer T'liey were of tirst-rate quality, | and though a few of the varieties best, it is seldom one sees such main Pear, with Bess Pool, Hoary Gloria Mundi, C . King of the 1' medal). From > Day), Galloway 1 1 mnc-h smaller c. . best. Mr. Ross, Welford Park Cii.l.n-, X.v, bury, Messrs. Brown, Stamford, an. I Mi. .1. Watkins, Pomona Nursery, Heref. ml, -. nt -...!. ling Apples, but not superior to uMer kin.i-. Mr. Wythes sent from Syon Gardens, Bnnit.H.I. two fine dishes of Asparagus Conover's ('..l.i— ,il and Battersea Giant, also a good lot of Wnl.i.t Chicory, receiving a cultural award for tin- iln.. named. These had been grown in tin ii|iiii, being forced with leaves. The .\>|i:m,ijii^ h;i- ery fine and succulent, quite differeni ti..iii ili.it lown indoors. The Veitch prizes for flavour were well con- csted, over a dozen varieties of Apples being ta-ed. but Pears were less nnn.eruus. For Pear.s^ , -Mr. \\..H.d«anl beui- secund «illi Adanis' Pearmain. The C'laygate i'e;irmain of Mr. Hcrrin only lost by one point, in our opinion being I superior in flavour. The varieties mostly staged were American Motlier, Stunner, Ribston, Cox's Orange, Fearn's, Blenheim Orange and Hubbard's The lecture by Prof. Mai'shall Ward on micro- scopic gardening was numerously attended, and was evidently much appreciated by the Fellows present. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Notes of the Week. ICcprasea Stracheyi. l-ai.,;e masses i,f this 11. iH. nu.hule.l, at ,,n.',> ilisplann^ nuieu ...1 Liie eauty of this hand.sume kind. Helleborus Otto Froebel.— A few cut blooms f this variety sliou il to lie among the finest of 1.' .I:iik .•..I.'.iiiimI f..iiiis. 111.' ".'Il imbricated |,:il- ii.iiij 111 .j,.,i.l ~li,i|..' :iiiil lin. I\ |ii..|i..rtioned. u.l..l|.li I '..Ml I- I li.i ..f I li.' \ . r\ .lark tlowered Rose Souvenir de President Carnot. - at Westminster. The Uuwers are large, full, and exceedingly handsome, blush-white in colour, with an exquisite shading of salmon-pink at the base of the centre petals. Primula obconica rosea.— A .^n. up ..f beau tifiil plants in full ll.iwer ..f t his .-li.-i i i - miii.Iv «as >li.,wn liv Mr. T. S. Waivat lb.' Hull Ikill ilie ..tli.Tilay. Itsmu.st iioti.'ealile I.mI uiv. .,1 .-..ui-.-, is the %\-arm rose tint of its fiowers, tlie latter being much larger than in the type and borne with great freedom in quite small pots. Androsace carnea.— A very beautiful |ian of llii- pretty alpine from Me-i-. Paul and S..n was -ln.«n at the Drill Hall on Tu.-.ki> ki-l. ..ml v.TV |.l.n-in.,^- are its pretty tufis uh.ii .-.n.i.'l v.iih ill.' |.i Ilk blossoms. Happily, it is ii. N. |i.\on, and is of a jjlowinsr .scarlet slm.l.-, .1I....11 ."1 inches Saxil'rnga ih.'IA tlllt- niajor. .l.-.r\ iirj 111.' \.i!i.i.il iLiiM. . In fairness, .'Ml, It inii-i '..' -t:it. .1 I 111! I till- I- 11.. t ,so free tluweriiig ur so (k'li.se 111 Us lulled yi'uu lb, nor is it so reliable generally as is the typical species. Indeed, the latter can scarcely be surpassed in the 198 THE GARDEN. [March 13, 1897. exquisite beauty of a freely-flowered example. Soiiic nice |il.ints of the above were noted at Treesia refracta alba.— A very beautiful ,r,,„,|, ,,t till- ilrliriduslv fiayrant flower from 5-inch pots, splendidly grown and flowcrinf; abundantly — certainly a most creditable lot. Violet California.— This was splendidlx shown by Mr. Isaar lTuu>r, ..f Wi^tl.i.i y .M,-T.vin Bristol, who hail a .|nalilll\ III \M II ll>A>rt. I examples in put.-, .Il-.|ila\ m- al a -lanr.. I in II great freedom i.t II^hm rnrj. ainl -.Mial -|..,inai Ula^srs I1II..I Hill, lia,Ml-..lnr I la -, lla la I h I foliage, and from an all-nnnid iiointot v: California is a great acquisition. Salvia elegans.— A larpre number • are more or Ics-; m-iiamfiital. and althnu nOtashoHV lilir ll 1- tar flMlM Ihr luUiM Its attl'aaliM II, -- I- ,!,,,■ I,, ll„' ^^alll, |„, of thefli.H,'!-. «lii,'l,. ,l,,M.ly^.-i.l,„i,, a cence of about (i niches in lencil,. 11 are each about an inch long an, I , ,,\ short hairs. In habit the plant m, ii spreading: the branches are slcml, i liber a conversation many years ago with ■ Ml. W. Tiicnam, nf Bchniv, who had broadly i,N at ■I,ax ■^ with a finely toothed margin. ItisaiialiM ,.t \ , All. , and is now in bloom witl Mr. Lvni'l. a Can i,ii,|,j-c. NarcisEu , eye lamineus in grass. —I owi to havilaj ll 1,1 a ,„,t la,,' 1,1,1, ,,f llic Mill,,- nt this beaut 111 1 ,al \ X.al,a-i.- ,,,,lll 1 -a« It 11 thegras-al Wail \ ,1,11 lli,j t ll, |.a-t \\,',-k. ],l-l a- ha,,pya.,li,. xul.l lat tlicsc secdliiius do capitally in border and iiiil.bery alike.-.f. Grevilleas at Cambridge.— Three species of .vith the last it iMuthia-iill in ha! m attractive plant, alway- h,,iI|,\ Orthosiphon stamineus. Tin ■j.,'l,\ M,--is. .Jas. Veitch and > an 1\ -, 1 1,. 'Die flowers, of a d, I .il.,,ii, a,,' ,jrapcd by a con.s|,i :its IS that ot Primula verticillata. — A very beautiful f this .\l,\>-iiiiaii I'liiniose wasamonathego that cvi'ailiiallv attain t,, a l,i,,t ,,r lii,,|,> The beam itiil l,,l,,aj,a « 1,1,1, Hilli th.' .-t,aii> covering ,,f h1,iI,' hh.iI. -|,i-,.i,K ,,,it .aim,, si zontally fruiii tlie ntems, a,i,l I,,- ,.,:,iIn Hat , surface. The species is ),,.t ipnl,' l,ar,l\.a best regarded as a ,',„,l ,ar,, i,l s, | Happily, the plant seciU f, cly. ami hhIi liberal treatment good stocl^y plants may .so raised. Sypbocampylus bicolor. — This must apparently rank among the rarer of green and intermediate house plants. It 1, ,, i not common, though iini, h,11 kii,,\i,i, .ami perhaps one of those mil ii,,i 1,,, Is |,laiiis i|,:i refuge in a botaiiii- gaiil. I, l,,n'j alt,, il,,\ ceased to be piipiilai . Wnl, pali, i,,ii-. ii,a it may be mad, ' i i li, ,-,,-• i x where the s] in 'a-la V '■ ■■■'m Ii,'.,i iirj nm, pendent red n,- of the East Indies, Malaya, and iiiii is used in medicine as a diuretic. — Lachcnalia tricolor. Tn th. rease much there seems no danger of losing it 'nif, Foster spfaks of its variability, and fay liai til,' |,i,xailing hues are red or lilue-iiurpl ,,,1 \, l!,,\v. It is certainly one of the finest c ai,l\ |,la,,i- 111 Hower now. In the conseivator II- p, I -I, a 1,.,- irccntly lent the beauty of it ,.,ailiai- , -,,11,1, mat 1, 11 iif colour, but it has bee \, ,1,1,1 iliai liiill.- -I,,,ulil l.e strong for flowerin Lenten Roses at the spring show.— Th lit-likc li>dit of tin- Drill Hall is nut good for an ,1.11, ts but 111,- H(llcl.,a,.s last Tuesday wei ,,,11, a, l„.a>i,ilulm,nl,,ur. ali.l when vet ,,»„ .,11,1 iiatmally ma.ssed chaimiiig III imi-,ii,s the plants are so laiu ,111 tiii ,l,M-i that one rarely sees tl ll,',t ,,t ,,|,1 iilaiits. and of those shown I ai I, t \ ,,l , ,il,,iir and fine habit. Clematis graveolens. — I saw the enclos about 25 feet 1 owing to the w a turelsendjtl, ^s, r, Dimorphotheca ■ast l.'iO lacemes Ecklonis.— Tliis i foot in newdy- ,» .\ \,i\ rli.iiming growth of this graci (1, mat IS Is sill, u I, 111 tiie yihotograph. It gr, Hilh U.S to a liLi-lit of 20 feet over Hollies, i in colour is very good in the autumn and u very late, both flowers and seeds being pi ett\ distinct and attiacti\c among ,,tl,, i [.lam-. 1 can be had in flower at almost ai,\ nm, tli, up-to-date name is Lobelia laMll,,ia. ami it country is Mexico. — R. I. Lvmii, '.W//('a a/,/ Botanic Gardens. Anemone blanda.— This, perhaps one of th most delightful blue flowers of very early spring is just now in great beauty, its blnssoir.s ipiickl answia'iii'j (,, tl,,' warm simsliin,' ,,t tl,,' |,.a-t m,,'|.:. and «li, I, tnlU o|„ 1, Ms -kx 1,1,,,' tl,,u, 1- ai, indeed .-l,,,, miirj. it is .,i„-,,l ll„.s,- I Imajs i lial all should endeavour to jiiorease by all possible means, though, as we know, it cannot be depended upon to come true from seed. In this connection like freely. It is a nati\ e of South now in flower in the Cambridge Irises at Cambridge, oides, 1. rctii nlata. 1, I'l Bakeriana liav,' l.ccn anion: Obituary. MR. CHARLES SHARPE. regret to announce the sudden death on M| Wl day, March 8, at Sleaford, of Mr. Charles 1 merchant and farmer, ,jistiate and aldercnan of l^incolnshire, and 1 si lire Agricultural and standaids inteimediate in colour. The plant is very free-flowering, and though it dees not in Grelsemium sempeivircns. — Can an ' help me to obtain a plant of the above, the so-ci a yellow JesEamine of the Southern United State - JUNIA. Names of plants.— T. Jciw.-:.—!, Ireslne '■ minata; 2, Pteris serrulata; 3, Eranthemum '■ chellum; 4, Ervthroninm dtne-canis; 5 and b, , » better specimens; 7, Lithospermam piostratuffio, ,\ubrict'a deltoidea; 9, Davallia Mooreana. r..'' ilnoihill.—l, Biafsavola fp. ; 2, Hippeastium eqoi K- T. Scoff.- Pi iiDula seedlirg, a very peer I"' J. C.-Cypripedinm Boxalli. E. S"*i'''|,7 O.dinary forms of all the Orchids you E(iid. lb oidium spike is not uncommon — -O. B. Xi.— *»' >' I pose you mean Clianthu ! Dumpier THE GAKDEK 199 22. SATURDAY , March 20, 1897. Vol. LI. " Tliia is an Art niiich does mend Nature : change It rather ; hut Rose Garden, pruning roses. w in a garden ix few days ago and noticed .ni reinarkal)ly vigorous - looking Roses, in clw.irf H.P.'s, and I remarked upon liriltliy appearance, but was told they did MHii well, and that they wei-e cut hard Til.' ivinsc nf tlir prnu'itv "f flmvfi-s w:is I have seen l!..s, being cut liar .A, i4i,.w,vs and old hid „i. li;uc liL'cn left Mn)>nin(Ml nr ,,nlv ^|.a'l iiiuly ru»lfor.s,„nr yrars will l.rnrtit fr.Mu a free S9 I the ktlifr. It s.Tins Im |.iiI flvsh life into leil But stn.ng, vi.g..ious plants d,. not Mile much shortening if flowers are re- iiri. The bottom eyes are not sufficiently [letd or develo])ed to pi-oduce flowers, "1 vlion cut hard back the flowers are away. Nurserymen as a rule recom- •I iiarii pruning, and in their case it pays, : \ want wood to sell the plants, and the til- usually cuts hard back, as he does net ' 1h st Roses are taken fiMiu tlir niaiili n , tlir outcome of a single Inid, Ijut tliat i^ iii'ibably taken from the upper part of i\ Imsh, and has had ample time for d. Mill -a very difterent condition of thinL;s '"■ . isr of a bud at til., bottom of a ham, u\u, and, as far as I can see at present, there gh:nlc'il ro^\' earmiiie. It is v market Roses of a weakly constitution, such Lu(Uole, for, however beautiful, they are alwt unsatisfactory and are constantly dying out. THE ROSE GARDEN. The true gardener will ever strive to jiroduce har- monious blendings of the various plants under Ins charge. I admire as much as anyono a w. II planned Rose garden, not the crowded, eram|>ed thing of bygone d.ays. but rather a bolil, natural slvh', anil it should most certainly consist mainly of thi. l,r;oi(ifid (|iio.ai of flowers. There an- ooiiain | in lod^ ot t li.' M-ar when some of the liid- haxi- .1 d.^olato a| i| naiance. Especially is thi^ ~o witli wli.it are known as the summer- thuM inij N.iriiip-. and if this can be remedied in aii\ «,i\ . an .ehlii lonal interest will be imparted. l;ii-i . xhiliiioi^ « i II seorn the idea of introducing " mti I lii|ii IS," as they would call them, among till II I; I ISIS. Their main objection is that the nor.— ai\ stimulants cannot properly be given to the Kosrs, chiefly because strong manure would injure these surface-rooting subjects. But I am not an exhibitor and have no desire to becom. one. I iim content to cultivate Roses in order to beautify the o-nrden and to afford an abundance of tleii- -wilt Mo«oms to adorn the home. With this ol,],ii III \i.\v, and provided we commence riglit with Ht II |.iepared beds containing such a goutl lasting luunure as bone-meal, very little surface feeding will be required beyond weak ap- plications of Ucjuid manure. I cannot see where the introduction of some of these surface-rooting [ilants can interfere with keeping a good tilth to our I'vose beds. Now as to the plants admissible ainiuio- the Roses, it may safely be assumed that Datiodils, double Primroses, Scillas, Chionodoxas, \'iolets, Pansies, Iris reticulata, Alyssum, Ane- mones, &c., can do no harm to the roots of the Roses. The finest Roses I ever saw were planted in a lout; border, the ground of which was car- petri] «iili 'I'liftrd I'aiisii--, and the Roses were floiiii-hiirj iii.i-t liiMu i.iiii Iv. Even if space is no objeet II i- a .ji.Mti I |il. ,aMn.. to walk through a Ro^o rai.i, n in till- ~iinn^ anil to see on every hand clumps of such lieautiful spring flowers .as I have named among the Rose bushes, the be.aiity of the later flowering varieties receiving additional rharm from the tender foliage of the Roses. We may also go to the herbaceous plants and select many a lovely species and variety that would be Hile.ime among the Roses. It is L'enerally conceded that the best effect is |ii ilu.iil in the Rose garden by planting the \ai loii^ . 1 i-scs in groups of each class. What I slioiil.l Iiki- to .see remedied is the ugliness of the beds of the summer-flowering Roses after the grand display of June. All through the months of August, September, and October the Rroups of the Moss Roses, Hybrid Chinese, Gallicas, and many of the pseudo-H.P.'s are devoid of a single Rose. Yet the Rose garden would sadly miss - and ment if' the •led at the K. om is over it garden. uses h.ave the ardeii, that alter the first very uninteresting spot in P. Propagating Roses in America. — In " Notes on Propagating Roses" in Thk Gaisden of Februarv (i "A. H." refers to Rose inonasra- suit of reading certain arti.li - of late in the American gaidi can assure him that the in.u grafting is very far from Ijei i day is very distant when it w i methods in vogue here. Om growers are, it is true, ex| with worked plants, and tli.- laiger flowers from th.Mi w.ul. I a I lies no convinciiii; ti -t imoi made a tri,al of worke.l an. I .. by side under equal coiidil loiis admit that there is some troul |.. I -I ili' |ii.'sent t \i II Ain.aioan ..ait Ml,- largely 1 III V have got I 'hints, but this nil ss they have .lot plants side iilture. They do ith suckers, and it is easy to look a little ahead and see very much more trouble when such plants are grow^nby less capable men. Further, they advise a deeper bed of soil than that of the ordinary Rose bench. Thus, with the increased cost of raising the stock and increased cost of growing it, what is to be gained ? The truth is, they want no better methods of propagating. In Madison alone some hundreds of thousands of Roses are struck from euttinrrs, yrown on, planted out, flowered for six ths; It is po.ssible here to tak.- a . . f. . i -I t of American Beauty Rose and in -i\ \\i. k- m.ikea plant of every eye, as you would w ith \iii.. eyes, and further, from these plants befuiu they are ten months old to cut fine flowers on stems ! feet to 5 feet in length.— A. Herrington, Madison, y../. re valuable than the parks. Their .ttlr.artiv.mss is undoubtedly one of the more |i;i1. ni.a, starts ii-,iiM tlinr to action liv thos flueiRa. u|.un ll„ the p.aik f.incics 1 educ!i't'c"K',ih ,"i,' all his Tlu> si the fc, artist 1. more s tlic c. the til artist ; makes streams ;,i„l walcilalls great additions to then Spriiigtield, Plymout 1 1 and many other ti .w i the views of lake an.l ])ul.li.' IS a,,, iher litticnltv which caiiion laililsc.ai rden, 1. in,, .luless .suitably SCI eelieil and Inn 1 t. leiLisc With the scene, they been,,,. Lie s rat ,er th.ui ornaments. Dther archil et ,,,-,, p, ,, Is must al.so be f c d ■„ bride, . ■III ,-. ce gates, which she, ,1,1 be v.-iA nn' the. It be so con.structc(l.:s i surroundings, so tli.it when draped md hack d with folia-.'c thcv w ill be as harm mi( us as the rocks ,arn„iid wit , the l.ark-lik ch iractc times .1 el- and woiks < culpt..rs a, jjul.ilic is eager to ailorn its Added to all these difficulties t the great problems of engine, to Cope with, as well as the ■ city authorities to combine al park, and to turn parts of garden, or a zoological musLi ,k del tion and the ,|uality of its woods, and 1 1 tion of its woods to other natural fc: ledges, boulders, declivities, swells, , — and to qualities of surface, as venlu t ftiness. tender good management. things do not, like roads and walks, wear out, or in any way lose their value with age. Indi- vidual trees must from time to time be removed to avoid crowding or because of decay ; but as a rule the older the wood, and the less of new- ness and rawness there is to be seen in all the elements of a park, the better it serves its pur- |i'ise. This rule liolds for centuries without limit." siih- I.,,.,,. ,,, N, » V,,rk. 'wl,,eh ..vevlooks the Hn.lsen ie, a di.M.ancc of Ihivc miles, has an unnv.illed sitiiati. 11 for pictures, [ue beauty, the liroad river, with the wooded heights beyond, and the fine views up and down its course, giv- 1111,' the work a dignity of its own. i5ron.\. Park .,11,1 F,>r,lhaii, Park arc of .qeat extent. A p.ark , n IVlli.an, Hav. which v. ,11 ..ur ,lav be ,le- vel..i„',l. c.m.s ,i;,wn t.. the w.aters ,,f tl,.. S.aiial. K.ast Kivcr I'ark, ,.n .Manh.att.aii Islaii.l, •ic,,,,,,, s a small jmrtioii of the bluirwhieli fr,,iits \sin,i,. ,.,,,1 the shrunken llattery has still •JIIHI feel ,,f sc.i-w.all. M,,riiiii.4si,U. Park, in the , l,,cl. 111, ,, ■ ,l.,,\, I'm high steep ledge which is its mes, pi, ,111, |,i feature, made safe by parapets aii,l .1, , i s ,lil, ti.iiii below by stairways, is an which l",u,,'U tl,,. i;reat .arelni , t,,r,,l ]il;itcau (m wind, will .l,i„l tl„. (atl„.lr.,I. .St. Luke's H,,sp,t,,l. aial the 1,11, l,lin-s ,,f Columbia Uni- \crsity. In ,iihl,ti,,n lo the greater parks iiiimer,.iis ;.m.ill pk.^siirc gi-ounds are scattered all .iV, r the islanil. an.l the present iiark area of N » V..ikcityal,„ieis over .-.(1110 acres. Pi,,- S"' I'ii!^. ill l'.ro;,klyn. c-.nlaniiie. X,n .a.ies ..i !::,:. I. Is . .llc of tile IH. ist I „ ■,, , It 1 f ,ll . .f all (1„, Atl.aiiti i,s,'l,a,',i,.,l ...iir ..f N.w 1. the .I.Ts.y ..'uliul'i.u.th the .aspect ..f ..1111.1. The es, th.. miles ..f u.ilks arc |..ai-kw,iy e.M.ai.lin- t,. C.nev Island, a distance of three- miles. Li iiil; s itished with the Common and the Public (iarilcn, I'.i.steii was one of the last of the great cities to seciue .iile.|iiate park ci|uipment. In l,S,sr, .Mr. Olmste.l wr,,te in .a rep..rt: "Within the city of Uoston. ..r cl..se ii]i..ii its border, there arc nearly 200 piibli.:- pr..perties which are not held with a view to building over them, an.l most of which are secured by legal enactments from ever being built over. ... Of these ii.r- ■■ V, !\intlie iiig of I!,,st.m was y be seen that the itry park, and also l■k^yays which now -r..,in.ls f,,r miles .■.ait .late, ,h,..i,.|i far- d iiHl It sche nitUne m reaching America. In 1891 the first suggestion was made for System of Parks adequate to meet the needs of the great ch ^r of cities and towns that, with the city of B i..n v,,is .ippi.intu.l, and in an in r- t.int ,-, I i.ii n, IS'.':; Its i.leas were embodieiin t!,.' t'. 11,1 ..I !.; w . .'n.l .a milli. 11 dollars wereaj o- priai..l i. r e;ii i'miil; th.a.i ..lit. Tile reserra is inch IJlue Hills, a reservation 5 uii an area of 4000 acres, the largest single -k space po.ssessed by any American city, obt; ;il at a. est of 200,000 doUars. The Midd -x Fells, since acquired, are a tract of wild v I- l,n,il, t'.v.. miles square, west of Boston, in .1- inn' ill its boundaries Virginia Wood, the I ii- tiful Pine grove recently placed in the haii of the Trustees of Public Reservations by v. F. F. Tudor as a memorial of her daug ,i'. This park contains 3900 acres of forest ,id l.ik. s, ,,n.l IS nltiniHtely tobe connected wit he \iii..l.l \rli..r.tiim by a tine parkway, whil Je ln._;liuay 1. ii..v.ii as Blue Hill Avenue is i bo chaiigcil into a boulevard from Franklin rk soutlnvard. The Lynn \\'oods, comprising 00 acres of forest, are also a part of this syste Pliiladeliiliia enjoys a jiriceless treasure i Fairmount Park. Almost 3000 acres lying along the Schu ill and the Wissahickon are there thrown op ,t« the public, with every convenience forboi.;,g, driving, walking, and all kinds of sports, jho wild scenery of the smaller river is of the m liictures(|ue character, and the road windsl Idc a tinul.lin.^ sticim sli.i.lcl with dense folia- Ind l...i.l,.ie.l l.y Fein-cl.Ml, Vine-hung rocks ; ]Uc 111.' -tat.'ly S,.l,,,ylkill, with its arching bi ';t* -an.l maj, sii, , ,,1,,,, lends itself nobly to d. :i In. 1 1 , ;ii In, 1,1 . .and affords pictures of i. l.i'.i.iiN t,,.i,i ii> « inilin.g shores. st park in the country, i ng hn s ..f city li- iiri.'c ,,uichasc ho ulfkiiown as "Fai ■i Mount • ■« en a reiiic te spot. The first jr- ■his IS Schuylkill, tl chase was of five acres, increased as eai r-s Isl'S t,. t w.iityfoiir, while almost every d (ie l,;a. s, ,1, lai-^v a.lditions t.. its area, eith l),v piii.-l.. , , 1- l.\ u. 11.1. .us L,'ifts ranging froi ii-- niei..,is s,„,-,ll' s,ims ,.f 100 dollars to a f -f 10,0(10, a.nd also by donations of many i'^ which were under cultivation as private (,■ The park was put into the hands of M n- Olmsted and Vaux about 1868, when it al J) had an extent of over 2000 acres. The il)' spacious drives and the ornamentation i i" springs, together with miles of planted ;•*■ ;,re ,i,..n,iments to their taste and skiU. Tl gli 7.(1011.11110 dollars were expended in the ;re pin. h.is.- ,.f the land, the long-sighted C'/'' .■,.i,i,,ii~si.iners succeeded in acquiring the ■'• peity f..i the city while the price was stills, s. . th.-it. Large as is the sura, it repres-nts I' a small p..rtion of the value of the park ailif present ,la\. The stately Oaks which su Ivc onthes,tvs'.,f ,,1,1 h..i,iestea,ls,the vistas thi gli ancient w....ils, the .uieat .sky s]iaces with a ';''" ground ..f liyergive this valuable park arar|is- tiiiction. In ISUO Baltimore acquired Druid Hill Park, j L-.>nsistingof 700 acres of land which liaifi"' more than a hundred years been under cu '»■ l^iARcii 20, 18;- ] THE GARDEN. 201 iiul all, witli is. LiiK-( )ii as a, private ostiitc. Its Hurface is tlelight- lly diversified with sliaily ravines, hill-slopes, id iiu'.-uln\v< i,'f:i/.i'il by sheep. Deer roam ider llif sli.iiloii ,,l its woods, and tisli and Id f"»l iliinii4 1I-, sixteen lakes. Many of u trees ,iiN ,.| viiMi [f^r and size, and thmii^h itflK one (lisniiis thv rity and Ihr l.ikrs. uliilr >m Prospect Hill tliirr is -.lU rMin.l..l m,u cr tlie surrounding country. 'I'lii.niuli llir sdom of Governor Swann, nuiyor of thr .iis IBU the park was honglit, the street railw.iy. :re compelled to pay one-tifth of their ^ii.i., oeipt« for the park ])urchase in rrtiini Imi isir franchise ; so that when tliis |iriiircl\ ,h isition w.is delivered into tlie h.iinis .if ihc ople, not only was no hill of est |,ivs.i,i, .i, it the property wa.s provided witli an iiicnuir V its future maintenance. The Chicago Park Svstkm utains nearly limit ai'res of land, most of ich is in .six )i.mKs .if an .iverage extent of 0 exception, cuuMilnl li\ paikw: irk, in the mutliiTii pait nf the cit\. is iiched hv a i,.a...iMliiv,it .Invr .alun- th.^ lake- >nt, honkav.l l,\ Mati'ly ,Ih .■Ilii,;4s. 'I'lics.. ses surrounded liy Large cultivated gn.im.ls lich form a fitting apjiroach to the exteiisiM' rk. In tlie opposite part of the city, thi' lUthParkisdistinguisIie.l f,.r tli.i me.i.i.,w of hundred acres wln'ch is its m.isi iiii|i..it:iiit liture. .Jaeks.m I'.ark. s.i »cll kim^n 1,. tli.. juntry as the site of tlic ('..luiiilii.in lv\|..isitiiiii. »s originally :\ most fi.rln.liling s|Mit. 'I'h.> iimtry about Chicago is Ikat an. I iii.ist ly t iial.ss, th a tenacious ehiy soil, so th.it park making attended with imiiicnse (Hmciilties ; these ■re further c.ini]ilicated, in the case of .T.ick- 1 Park, bv the fact that its site, except ab..ut e-tenth, which was artificially made land, con- I ted in 1893 of three ridges of beach sand with : ;ervening swales occupied by boggy vegeta- m. After the Columbian Expositicm was closed, ;,000 dollars were handed ..ver t.. the b...ir.I .Washington Park as tlie j.rice reccive.l fr..iii p sale of the wrecked F.air buihlings. aii.l this iiiey is to be laid out in local iiii|ir..MiM.iits. the northern end of the park, in ili.' iirrjli urhoodofthe Fine Arts BuildiiiL;. »lnrli li,,s preserved under the name ..f ili.- I'ul.l iiseuni, there is t-. !.,■ laiMK.:,i|..' 'ganleiiing .,f a iracter to .suit th.' .lassir sti u.tiire. < na.lii.allv li drives will ciir\.> 1.1-1, ■ inf.iiniallv aluait tin' ire of the hi.g...,n an.l tin' \\" '|,m[ Islan.l. eeping to the suiiiinil ..f tin- liltl.i Mv,. ulncli ■ erlooksthecnvciit ..f L.i Kaln.ki. Wh. 1, « ,- 'ce the Peristyle there i.s to be a 'oeaiitifnl ive along the edge of the lake, following tin- of the shore from the long pier t.. the rthern extremity of the pleasure grouii.l. le boill.'\;iiii ,.f < '111. .I'^.i ;;iv als.i aiii.''.iig tin' (-■at f.Ml ,.. . ; ; i. !, .! M.,l|l,l, th.at "cllV, ai. I ,," i , . : ilnni. fn.iii Kill <;t tolillllK.l 1:1 v.i.iih, .ill lined witli trees 1 connecting the parks. It is impossible to particularise all the valu- le work which is soing on in the large towns - - 'lout New Enghui.l, in tli.' mv.ai'^n i, -, ..( :itralNew York, and iiitli.'.,tlnr Ml -' ■ r can I here dwell upi.ti tl„. N,,, , , 1 . n. In the West, after tli.j.se .'1 ' :ii. .:u-. :';- ■ks of St Paul and Minneapolis.. 1 . iln l,im.^i 1 most beautiful. St. Louis, ( '1 n . 1 n n ; . 1 1 . .A 1 1 1 ukee, Louisville, Omaha, Top.ka. I'li.O.l... lorado Springs, as well as huinlrc.ls ..f otii.r ies, have all ac.|uireil hmd f,.r |.,uk purii.ises. the South, Savannali and ( 'harlest.m aiv ding the way, showing Imw that part ..f the ntry is al.so touclie.l by the prevailing im- pulse. California was one of the pioneer.s in seeming jiark lands, for as early as 18(i(i Mr. Olmsted was r,-.|,„..-fr.l L. .jraw a design for liolden ( lain i'lil. "Sin I I II, isco, which now h.is an e\l,nl ,,f |n,,ii ,, , , . sidu of it border- ing on tli,' I'a.iri,' I'll, II nil 1, ,11 is very bleak, iin.l il H.IS ,,ii-Miall\ |Miil\ .■,,vered with drift- ■..111,1.1 ,-,■, ui-,.\MnL; niiin.illy upon it, and I iirf ,',,iil.l I,,' in.iini iiin,l ,,nl\ by profuse arti- I1, 1 .1 »,itciiiig. 1( funiislK:il, however, by means ,1 HI ig.ition a low Houthern vegetation of strik- ing liiMiriauco and beauty, which has been l,Mi,,iisly encouraged. The advance of the ,,n,l IS :,iivst,'.l bv a .s.-iv.li .,f f,.lia.^.' on the ■-In,.,', al.,!,- \lln,ii ;i |,alku,i\ lialf a mile wide ,M,n,K f,,r :; niil,s, uill, a iv..r\ ,1 1 1. .n from L'liilfnnt t.i IHilfcct ill bicaill 11, ailui'ding a view i.f the Pacific Ocean in .ill its majesty. When (he scheme of the boulevard known as the IJiv.it lli.ghwav is fully eairi.'d out, there will !,.■ .a .Iriv.- f.cilig th,' sJ-.a, .an.l .an inii.'r ■ pr.,- lllls active. San Diego has acquired 1200 acres in the centre of the city, which are not yet de- \eloped. Los Angeles has also begun an exten- si\.' p.iik system, and there are fine grounds al.,,iit .'-^ai I'.iiiiento beautifully planted with s|Miiniciis ..f rare trees. — M. C. Eobbins, in A tin,, tic Monthly. I'ROPAOATINO the la If Clematises are perhaps e of root-grafting ; most )pa.gate bv this method, s to use" roots of the The ordinal y p. common Travell.a'- .l.iy irl.a.i.at is \"it,all,a 1, but roots from the sam.- [.lani^ .1- 1 1.,' -,a,,n- aiv l,ik,n may also be usc.l. I'lanls ,jr,,\\n in |„,is ami started into growth early 111 llie^car provide the lust material for working from. Quite soft young ._;i,n\ths may be used as scions. If the stock plants are vigorous and healthy the pots will be f,, 1111,1 to be well filled with fleshy roots, and some ,,l I li.'^.' may be taken off without disturbing the l.alK iinich. Those with a few slender, branching I,, .1 1. Is are the best, though sometimes only long, tapering roots, without any of the more fibrous liranching roots, have to be used, but these do not make a start again quite so freely. The s.'ions should be cut wedge-shaped and the root -iiii|,ly split ; the leaves of the scion should come ,l,n\n ,1,,-,' 1,, the root-stock. In binding, care inii-i l„ tak,n not to bruise the tender scions or ill, 1 ; il IS not necessary to tie them very -, i,,n. If the soil is moderately moist no water -li.iiM be used for the first few days. Plunged in , 111,,,!, rate bottom-heat with a close, moist atmo- -|,li.i,-. thevwill enlliis over befr.ie they require un ,M.a n'i,,iMnr,-. ,,r if tli.' ^.-i,,!,- .1,. -how any n','J',l"|„,t will I'.ca'll thai is n.,a—ai > . As soon IS new growth eoimiienees they should be removed 1 ,1 the open stage and gradually hardened off. Although, as I have stated, the roots from the ^ame [ilants as the scions are taken may be used, \,t ill.' one-year-old seedlings of C. Vitalba are I a, I, i.ible, as these have a mass of fibrous roots, \\ln, 1, give them a better start, and if they are .III .,11 l.ielow the seed leaves, suckers will not be li.,iiM.some. Many of the fine varieties of Cle- matis are now much in demand as pot plants for lie ation, and there are few subjects which are mole efl'ective in groups than these. Beautiful as the large specimens are, I think a grou]) of two-year-old plants grown on single sticks is much more effective. Those of the patens tvi)e are the best for early llow.i im/. stove 1)1 of F. re or I bel esh and [lotted as soon as grafted, stove propagating pit they will plant. ',1 in an .ipen border are best . t..ilii.'j \slii.-li, til.' plain- -li.aild have been repnti-.l -.,nj,- iiniu pi .N i.,ii-l\ . -,, that fresh young tips 1,, ih.' i...its 1.1 I.,' I„,i I, ,| li.l.iH 111, -III t.,.\ ratfia should not I.,' 11-..I, ;i^ 1 111- iiiai ,1 nil I ,,i - -,, .[iiiekly in moisture that 11 will s,-ar,',ty la-l leirj ,11, mgh for the stock and scion to get p)..|., il\ uini,.!. The bass from Archangel mats is ih, l,.-i material for binding all kinds of graft-. W li. n -,,aked before being used, it is very soil ami la-i- «.ll. A. H. Orchids. DENDROBIUM BRYMERIANUM. Although this species has only been in cultiva- tion about a dozen years or so, it has won a good measure of popularity. The habit is pecu- liar, the stems being swollen in the centre and about a foot or 1.5 inches high. Although a strictly evergreen siiecies, it must be treated rather differently to D. densiflorum, D. thyrsi- florum and similar kinds. The blo.s.soms are ,,ro.liice,l ,.11 sin.all si.l,, ra.-cnies. as in mo.st de- ciilii.ius sp.'.ies, an.l 111,' \,ry lui'^ht golden yell.iw. 'I'll,' si'pals an.l p.talsare .,f tlieusual shape, but the lip is im.si , ,i ii.iiuciital, being cut up into very tine mist, ,1 tilaments and forming a deep fringe. 'I'li, s,' M,,s~,,iiis occur princi- pally on the U]i]ier p,,iti.,iis of the pseudo- bulb, but it is not unusual for a second lot to be formed lower down the succeeding season. It flowers at various times from now onward, and as soon as the blossoms are past is a good time to set the roots in order if they require it. They differ from those of most Dendrobes in being larger, more fleshy and often longer-lived. This must be taken int., .•.,iisideiati,.ii when preparing the e.unp.ist. wln.li mnst I,.' ..f the most lasting desei ipii, ,11 p.,-- il.l,' an,! \,i\ fi.'e and open in textni.-. 1; I tlbnais (.eat with every bit of sand ami ...nli i.iiinyed and clean freshly-gathered S|,li:,,jiiniii may be used in equal proportions, ilmmlni, , i,f rough lumpsof charcoal or ji.itsliei.l- I., iim ;i,l,led win n ]i.,t- ting. The]i..ts liia\ 1... 1,1, ..:.l ihali 111,-.' IIM.I forD. Wardiannin ami .,1],. |. ,,f il„' .|,..-,.lii,ais .sectiim, and the ..I'.liii.ii-y mak.' is ]„aiiaps t,. be preferred to jians on accniint of the .additi..nal 202 THE GARDEN. [March 20, 1897 depth. Let the drainage come about three parts up the pots and alhiw tlie base of the lead- ing pseua..-l,nll, to just ivst ..1, tlH.surfar.M.fthe compost, tills hi'iiiL,' r;Li.sril .-i lilllr alio\c i hr rim and tniiiiiiiMl .ill' urath'. I'.rini; n.ct and tufted in liabit, little tmuMi- will Im- fcund ni fixing the plants, but should tiny Ur at all loose, allow one stake t.. flir (antrf nf tacli plant and loop the liullis up to tliis. If tin: crocks used for draina'^c aiv |.laia-.l \rrli.-all\ instead of laid just lio» tln-y lia|i|iiai loc ,-. a stake may be mon- rasily lixrd li\ diiNiir^ it down between tliisr. The plants wliun lu potted sli..uld I.e allowed a little more heat than before ; the aimosphere also should be kept moister. No water will be needed at the roots for a week or so after potting, and the tem- perature should be gradually increased as the young shoots appear at the base of the old stems. The water supply must still be partly withheld, but as soon as tlif new roots are working freely among the |"ai and Moss a very liberal mode may be jiraitiscil. By this tiuK- til.- ,,lai,ts will r...p.irra full KasI India hous,' Irinp. laluiv, ll„. air b.an- taken off e.-irly in llir afl.Tno,,,, and llir jioiise th..- roughly dani|ir(l h. laiiM- a liliii on tliei^lass, when theshadinu may lichawn up for the day. Under these eondi lions -row Hi will Im- fnr, so that by the end of Aii-ust tin' new sinus will be fully made up and i^rllin,; hard in t.xtuie. The plants may now be rniioNcd lo any li'^lit, cool house, but still ll falll\ moist at tlir roots, the drier atmospliirc pi v\ (iitin',; new- growths from starting. V\']ifU i la.i ou'_,'li]y ripened by these means I have al»a\s found D. Brymerianum to stand more dryini; at llu- roots than evergreen species generally like. As soon as any signs of shrivelling are apparent give a thorough soaking, and no more until the roots are again absolutely dry. Everytliing must, in short, be done to ensure a thorough rest, and a minimum temperature of .Ml , or .a few degree less on very cold nights, will do no liarm. Giv them plenty of air, "iind mil. ss tins ,an be left onalliiii;lit,s..'lli.il tli.'li..iis,islaiil\ ,lr\ 1,\ tropical (livlii.ls wliili' in :i |..w trnip.aatiir.-. D. Brymerianiini is .•asil\ pr.ipa.jalrd fiiau tlic growing shoots that ...■. ur ..n flio s.'.a.n.l mmi's stems. These sh.aild li.aM' ..lu- scas..ij's •4r..Htli upon the parent phtiit, ami lie cut oil just lielow their point of union early the next year. Put about half a dozen of these into a 4-inch pot and grow them as strongly as jiossible for couple of seasons. It is remarkable what pro gress they will make, and will flower freely when only about 8 inches high. If any sus picion of drip occurs, the plant should be taken in the hand and inverted in order to let this escape, and should not if it can be avoided be placed directly under a rafter. This species will not be found to vary much, but purchasers would do well to see it in flower, or they may get D. B. histrioiiiciiiii, a rather interestini botanical curiosity, wliieh is ]i..t niiioh ap|ire ciated as a garden plant ..wiir^- t.i tli.' fart tlia two out of tliiv.' .if III,- l.l.iss.iiiis lliat ...lai never come to in.aturity, .iwini; t . tntilisati.ii taking place beforehand. The ty|)e and variety are natives of Burmah. Lycaste Skinneri at Chelsea.— This useful plant in many fine varieties is flowering every where, but the best lot of varieties I have seen "ii at Mr. Bull's. There is a large stock of the pure white L. S. alba, an especially good form being named alba grandis, a beautiful flower of great size and substance, the petals being about half as wide again as usual. Another very refined variety here described for the first time is L. S, Princess ; the sepals are rosy red and the mark ings in the lip are crimson. The petals are tipped pure white and give the flower a very distinct ap- pearance. The colour in other varieties ranges 3m pure white to deepest crimson-purple, nearly ery shade being represented. — R. Cattleya intertexta. — This interesting hy- id is now floweiint; for the first time in the i.ls./a iiinsriiis of Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons. \\as laisi-il liy Mr. Seden, and is the result of ..ssine C. Mo.s'sia: with C. Warneri. It is inter- I .Mate in character both in the habit of growth III III the flower. The sepals are deep rose. The tils, each 3 inches broad, show the influence of I.- p.illen parent in the drooping feature so miliar in I'. Waiii.ii. The colour is deep rose. li.i lip IS .11111-., II pinple, margined with rose in out. slia.liiiij I,, N.lluwat the throat, the side i|,.'s pal.' i.,s, , shailinji- to a darker colour at the is.i, wh.i,- it is lined with brown. It is a fine I. Ill i, ill 1,1 the Cattleya family. — S. Lycaste Skinneri in sandy loam. — There at the present time at The Woodlands, ti.atham, about 100 plants of this in flower, lay are growing in sandy loam and are literally u.iihered with flowers. The plants are grown I Ii inch. 7-inch and 8-inch pots, and on two new .iiiil.iliiillis there were twenty -seven good blooms. In- most noticeable feature of these plants is !.■ fiesliiu-ss, substance and solidity of the bulbs lias the late autumn, winter and early spring, will long, cool season of rest through the summer, is quite evident that good yellow sandy loam is the material to grow this grand old plant t. perfection in. For room decoration a well flowered plant of Lycaste Skinneri in a vase ii very effective, and if" well looked after the flower; will remain in beauty many weeks. — J. G. CATTLEYAS OF THE LABIATA GROUP. Thk species and varieties compirised in this section plants t.ir .'N .ry , w liil,' ha nlly a species can be ■ ■allc.l .lilli.'iili .,1 , lilt ixa! i,,ii. To get the growths ill siasoii, k.'i'piiiij' all tliat reipiire it dormant ilunii,.; H ml, r. ail. I 1,\ , I ii,' .'Mat. ■ment and careful ripi-niii'j 1., f.iini w .11 .■,.iis,,liilal .■.! pseudo-bulbs. are til.' .■animal p.iiiiis ,,, tli.ar .ailiure. One or two iiiinoi p.iiiils m a m.-asiiii- .l.p.nding upon these, yet distiiiet from them, may perhaps be touched upon with advantage. Take the autumn blooming C. labiata as an instance. Its vigour and freedom of flowering stamp it at once as a favour ite, but a point even with this fine kind ii occasionally overlooked — that is, the readiness to damp after blooming. I have had several com- plaints of this during the present season and have noticed in one or two cases the p., mis .,f il,,. i.i..ts or the outer flower sheath deca \ m j . \ , ,t 1 , 1 1 1 j is easier than to avoid this; the plan!-, ,,t ,,iiii-.', will have been growing- in a moist .it mospli.i,. up an- lak, II I,,. a .lii.i an. I ,-,„,|,r house to preserve til,- 1,1, ,--,,111-. ■ri,,-, p.a-i.thi- plants require little re.st, instea'l ui wliieh they are too often placed in their growing quarters, and, misled by the few roots put forth from the flowering pseudo- bulbs, the grower waters almost as freely as during the growing season. The remedy is plain : drier treatment both at the roots and in the atmosphere. Do not rush to the other extreme and dry the plants sufficient to weaken them, but water them like any other Cattleya at rest, and there will be little cause for complaint. The vagaries of C. Dowiana and its populai variety, of C. gigas and C. Eldorado, have often been referred to in these pages, and neve have thev been more marked with me than th season. A very successful Orchid cultivator formed me last autumn that he found it quite i: possible to keep C. gigas at rest, but had reason to complain, as it flowered well n standing. I have not been so fortunate, the pseudo-bulbs resulting from the out-of- growths are well finished and strong, I hope see flowering shoots from these during the com summer. Speaking of C. Eldorado, a plant hel has been resting in sheath during autumn •m] early wiiit.i-, and is now flowering after iiiaim.i ,,f ( '. Triana;. Between C. Eldoradi ( '. .|ii.i,li i, i,l,,r there is little difference; tlie laltei ami {'. THana; the difference slighter. What a very little separates soi our Orchid species ! The summer-bloomi) Mossia; is one of the best and most popular in this section, and, owing to its time of ing, gets a longer rest than most species, the flowers are past the growth must be en, as much as possible, so as to get it finishi the sheaths formed before winter. The habit ( '. Ti iaiia- is the .same, so is that of C. Per.-ivalir ami ( '. M. II. leli, but these, flowering earlier. Ill |ih-nl\ of I mie to make their growth in g.,i,,l s son. C (iaskelliana is a good and very tasi grown kind, an. I tins l,l,,s..,ms upon the jov growths at one.-, ih.- shi-atlis .ifl.-ii luiisting Ijef eudo-1 I he roots is the .same in a .lass of material, good p 1 1.- S[ihagnum, and p!entj its of Cattleyas a usually be found tl eii i ' it walk leads from the kitchen „ai kn t | aiold avenue near the house, which is asso ' ciod with Dr. Johnson, of l.ichfiel 1 wh s | tt\ to have been a frequent visitoi at Stjwe ' HJI. The phase of beauty there is now i c irj ti oimrple and white Crocuses. On the oppo ' f si side of the path shown in the illustrx tl Andiomeda ttoiib in la II Forsythia suspensa tl (, It paiti It reen leei uaxy I 1 wtrs h do ome I In II in a e'5 u tial as I stifl loim Ld 1] duiing valk at Stoice Hill. From a photograph >■ »( h grass walk giving access to the lodendrons from the opposite side. \f owe Hill, Lkhtiehl F. H. Llotd. ledera Helix Mrs. Pollock.— This is a :i 'jatuil Ivy at once characterised by its beau- 'I well-marked foliage. The leaves are digitate, and the colour remains per- Iniing the winter, rendering it a good ■ He plant. hododendron Early Gem.— In recent notes ™ erning Rhododendron d.ahuricum and the hy- hr varieties in the production of which it has I'ued a part, I ha\e seen no mention of R. Early H* , a very beautiful form that was well shown at le Royal Horticultural Society's meeting on ^ :h 9. _ It was raised by Messrs. Veitch at *jti ibe Wood about twenty -five years ago, and K: ted from the intercrossing of the hybrid R. o.-.e whose name heads this note and F. viridis- sima. Between the two comes F. intermedia, a hybrid which is indeed intermediate in several ways, in hal lit, ill tiinr- nf tlnwi-i-irrj-. .■nirl in tlip flowers thrill-. 'Im^. F. -il~|irli-:i I- llif lll-l 1.. flower, anil II i-iimw ra|.|.||\ a | ,| .n .;h Imrj it-li. -t. Nothing aiiinii- mII..« ~|,n,rj lliu. mrj -liiiili- produces a more linllianl ili-pla \ , i Im' Hcniihaful profusion of blossmn l.i in- a- inalk.ii a- llii' brightness of its cull HI r. 'riiiiran [\\,, i - mI it in cultivation, one lit whi.h ha- a -Imil -i \ li . the other a longer and piotruding one, a mmliI distinction that is not uncommon among flow, i inj plants. For some years past a very chainniaj eft'ect has been made near the Palm house ai Ki \\ the summer. Besiilr- tin also a variety (Uititi lia and broader than in i In- t not quite so free-iluwerii this Andromeda occupy ; the plant throughout tli lliiaiiM-Ki- t.i.jvnti,- fiilvi 11- II. al .ji.iulli an. I 1.1. .fi; feature to the plant. A third ; larger growing than the_two p form there !is \es are larger as a rule it is tl.iw.i- huds of 111 |i..-ition on lull they are '■- - -I Huen of II- la.. Illr- of urn- Ill a -II liny spot .inal ami showy pecies of Pieris is e^eding and forms 204 THE GARDEN. [March 20, 1897 a handsome bush. 3f UnvU .^T. Flowering- shrubs. Tin' in'itinu- oi the Royal Il.iiti.nltu,;,! S..ri,.ty on ^I.-,r<-h !l was note- worthy tor I lir '^k. it niunber of flowering shrubs there "exliiliii. .1. , ith. r as forced examples or as plants tli;il li.nl llo\\.r(_.d naturally in the open ground. I'ai tioukaly noticeable were Forsythia suspensa, wliose golden blossoms light up just now what would in many places otherwise be a bit of sombre scenery. The other day I saw a large plant of this among very nncoiicrpnial snrrnuiid- ings quite in London wlii' li « i- tlow.iiirj «itli great freedom. Pyrus Main- Hoi iIummI:!. \\Iih1i of course had been brought on umli i ol,i--, \mi- m ly attractive, though in this nay the buds wcic not of that rich coral-red tint that is so noticeable when they expand naturally in the open ground. Azalea mollis in a variety of shades was, as a matter of course, well represented, for it conforms so readily to forcing as to occur in all collections of forced shrubs. Pretty much the same may be said of the httle double Chinese Plum (Pruinis sinensis fl. -pi.), whose slender' shoot s air \\ n iitliiil for some distance with their whiio lo-, i !■ lik,- blossoms. It is indeed a charniinj liitio ~biiili either in the g-rfenliouse or for tlo\\.ii]i- in tbt- open grouiMl.'in \\bich case it should not lie planted in :i l.l.ak iind exposed spot. Corylojisis spicata. no« m liloom in the open air, is a near ally of thf W'itrh Ha/i-ls, and has small droo])ing racemes of greenish yellow blossoms. It is usually seen as a bush 3 feet to 4 feet high, but Mr. H. .T. Veitch, during his travels in Japan, mentions a large bush of it in the neighbourhood of Tokio about 10 feet high, which must have been Airy beautiful when in bloom. Other plants exhiliited were Spira?a confusa, whose flattened coi-ynibs flowers profusely, while C. elongutus « as also ex- hibited. Cerasus Watereri is a very tine form of the double-flowered Japanese Cherry, whose value for forcing was well shown. — H. P. Flower Garden, white trumpet daffodils. "J. C. B." (p. 165) has doubts, from his own experience, as to the practical wisdom of Mr. Earr's advice to plant white Daffodils, or rather some of them, in the shade. I agree entirely with " J. C. B." and dissent entirely from Mr. Barr. To begin with, rea- sonable theory would be against shade for these plants. Our garden Daffodils are, broadly speaking, all descended from wild originals which grow in countries well to the south of us, and enjoy a duration and an in- tensity of heat and light which the best of English springs and summers rarely yield. The wild N. moschatus, almost certainly the ancestor of our garden forms, N. cernuus, albicans, &c., is found high up in the Pyre- nees on open pastures, and I know of no Narcissus whatever that naturally grows in shade, with the single exception of pallidus proecox, which in one or two localities in- habits copses. But where the English Lent Lily grows in woods it is comparatively flowerless as compared with the same plant ijt open meadows, and I am inclined to think that in such cases it occupied the ground before it became woodland, and that the same thing may be true of pallidus pra^cox. So much for theory, and in practice I believe facts to be against Mr. Barr's advice. "J. C. B.'s" remark is true of all Narcissi, that they require all the sun, and more than an average English spring and summer allows us, to ripen their bulbs for a good bloom the following year. My own garden takes the sun all day long, and my soil is dry and my average rainfall small, so that in seasons of drought my Daffodils suffer. To alleviate this, I have more than once tried the experi- ment of planting bulbs in such shade as I have, with the invariable result of compara- tive flowerlessness. I must confess to being entirely sceptical as to the existence in any garden of really free-flowering clumps of Daffodils which have stood in the shade for longer than say two consecutive seasons. To speak positively instead of negatively, I can show in my own garden a splendidly healthy clump of N. cernuus planted at the foot of a south wall. This is the only clumii I have ever planted in this position, and the only clump that has ever flourished untouched for several years in my garden. "White Daffodils are most ditiicult to grow in my dis- trict, and no ordinary device of soil, such as " J. C. B." seems to have found successful, is availing. And the purer the white, i.e., the nearer the variety to the original wild N. moschatus, the more intractable the plant. The half-breeds, especially Mme. de Graaff, do much better. The only safe place here is in grass, where cernuus is permanently and healthily established, but all my grass is in absolutely full sun. The drawback to this situation is that the flowers are necessarily smaller than on cultivated plants. It is commonly supposed that the white and other troublesome Daftbdils live in grass because the soil is unmanured. This is probably true in part, but I believe another explanation to be that turf is a protection from frost, and especially from the upheaval of the soil by frost, whichlam certain, from long observation, is injurious to the bulbs. In fact, turf, though only in a certain degree, acts the same part of protector as snow, the best of all coverings. The Pyrenean white Daffodil is for months buried deep under snow, and possibly we could all grow the garden whites if we could give them a snow coverlet from October to April. I must confess that I look askance upon pieces of advice on difficidt plants such as this to grow white Daflbdils in shade. It is simply one nostrum out of many, scarcely one of which is ever successful, and it merely means "let us try something new." The best hope is in strengthening the race by raising robuster forms from seed. For many years I have raised white seedlings in quantity, and have had exquisite flowers a pear, only to die out. But every now ai; then I secure one of superior vigour, and pe haps someone will hit upon a race of rtalj manageable white Daffodils. G. H. Engleheart. Chionodoxa sardensis alba.— Thisisasnov white \ariety of one of our best and hardiest ear flowers that promises in a year or t^\c) to make i equally acceptable plant. Judging by son ma-^i-; tViat wo saw the other day^ there is eve |io-^ibihi\ of a, variety of white forms, some "III' k :ii< 'ko precise counterpart of the typ oiliii-, a-aiji, with bolder flowers and rath kin adiy ovate j)etals, incline to be intermedia between this and C. Lucilias. All, howevi are very charming. For instance, what cou be more delightful early in February than acoloi of such an one in a sheltered spot in the ro' garden, and protected by a handlight would chaste indeed. All the Chionodoxas are perfe weeds at Ditton, and by taking caie of the se rack yi ar for a few seasons a good stock will i|iihkl\ iai-,ik In the light sandy soil of the m - ly inaiix -o.-dlings flower the second year wh left lo ikrllL-elveS. Chionodoxa gigantea is the finest of all tl tribe, and may be seen doing grandly in t Royal Gardens at Kew at the present tin There is something pleasing in the clear sky-bl flowers of this unique plant, and even in t sliglit variations of colour that occur in all thi flowers, few, indeed, are worthless. One po liiiHi- :o, .. . .1.. [,K kniM.I 111 the soil. Fori alii|.k.al Dillooil,. oik. 1 ,|,,\, l,voilllfquest,.A Barr lifted, or i.ul,. i ;,i i . in, .i -.1 to kit, a chat bulb that was l1..«.ii,rj ', m \ -i .jly, Af one or two att.iit|.t- ;mi rk ir_atii| >U'-in riearl foot in k=-ngth ivv.al.-.l it-olf. kavni- k-ft the bl ^t ill .1. 1 |i 111 till- earth. The fact is very inters iM'j. I kill 11 liulli which only grows 3 inchest iih Im - kijk HI an ordinary way should be capa j of |.ioikii iirj not only this amount of extra ste I Init a s[iia.\- of blossom infinitely stronger in its parts. The natural supposition is that thi frail bulbs would never appear again when bur so deepl}', yet they do appear with greatly creased strength, so much so, indeed, that i question comes naturally whether, after all, ' plant such things deeply enough. ' Arums as aquatics.— I was pleased to n i Mr. Tallaok'- |.ka ij). 148) for the greater a more gem lal iiilti\ ation of the above as aquatij for celt a nlv tli.-\ k sei\-e far more attention this wa\ lliali 1^ i.eoided them. Even wh Water Li li-aml ■ t kei- hardy aquatics are gro in vaiiet\ . tko ilio ai.lias are a valuable additi being di> illrt liot 1 in leaf and bloom from m plants th t thiive in our ponds and lakes. T hardiness of the A ums is proved be\ ond dispi f planted in water sufficiently tect the crowns from actual contact with i for the most severe frosts of recent years, e^ when skating was indulged in for weeks ci secutively, have caused no greater damage thai temporary check, resulting in retarding t| blooming season a week or two. Althouglj cannot here aspire to anything approaching [ effect what Mr. Tallack describes of ' ' Sanguinea I colon}-, with its blooms in tens of thousands, s I have, and have had for twelve or fifteen yea clumps dotted over an artificial lake of about i acres in extent, situated among the hills, at elevation of 2(M) feet above sea level and fed mountain streams, growing well and floweri abundantly annually. They are so satisfacti: and attractive, that additions are made every ye i Unfortunatel}-, some two or three years sii this particular lake had to be run dry and reniii so through the winter, and although most of tj Callas were lifted and wintered in frames, so-, were lost, and those replanted ha^•e as yet v thoroughly re-established themselves so as March 20, 1897.J THE GARDEK 205 ntteii, nui \\ii lUark's. v.,ll,M fuHln-r .iirui.i, iUaUvl III :i » II luatic » li' I' » 'I cle for ili.'.i, 11 llliil mil.- cakiiM.l.uM, ti It. WK.n i;. I 1 and low.T ill mpanioii to tin- iiccinu'ii Allies Dciui^l:isi ffft, iuiil WHS very eliectivo. Tliu '"^ this single specimen has led me to I whole stock in similar places, and out results, for, whether in the form ''p,, .ii|i.s.ir siuKly, the plant is decidedly ,,,||. si.i m - il 'I'lic s.iil in which it is growing so ..m.^i i,,,, i .1, 0. Tali,\l-k. that which RAMONDTA PVRENATCA. ■ Con.m.lla-. ,-,lv am. HI- II,.- ell on railway embankments. -Ii UrDHKC'KIA PINNATA. IT of very many hardy herbaceous plants liich I have from time to time planted and ed to estiiWish in rouLjli .^i.tss tju- Mil.j.rt ..l le illustration, Rudbec'k la iniinaia. ha.s |iiii\ril of the most satisfarli,i\. fm il iml .ail\ iften recommeii.l. .1 h.i mondia, and the difference is tin. ih, far more light, and for a few ln.nis .li day the sun shines across it from . This plant with many others occupies i I m her :ar and wl ■iisses, 111 It g the least lat is colli ■h I-, tually ,me way. .uul wliu •onounced that half the eliarm of any [ilaiit . ible port is lost. Another siitisfactory poii lout the plant in ipiestion is that the flowei ■e very enduring, the crown or central flowt sting until long after those of the termin,- v\iili . \i .■. iliii;4 freedom, and on the I a l\va\ I I. ilia 111; men ts near Torquay is III lir ,.111 111 I he three colours mentioned. — S. W. F., Turqimy. Sisyrinchium grandiflorum al- bum. — There is jjerhaps no daintier fluu'er in the early siniiiy- than this. ely cut leaves that stand out from fyrenoica. From a photograph by BarUey, Ponsonhy, Torquay. I piiei' of r.ifk facing north-west. This plant is \ .111 til.' ..iilsi.le of the others at a distance of a ' I. \v f.ii, aii.l consequently this has a greater " 11 t .if li'_;]it, and for a few hours the sun ■' -liiiiiii'.; a.r.iss it. while its llei^ll^M lurs get no , Mill. .111.1. tlir.iuuli til,' r.aviii.' li.aiiu s,. narrow, ii.it s . iiiii.'li li^lii. Tills is ./.iiiMilere.l the rea- „^^^. , si.n why this plant llowers so uiueh more freely If a coioiiya yard across I *"'"'" ''■">' "^ ^^^ neighbours. As regards their the cultivator, the roots growth, those in the shade grow equally a.s leond or third year, and ' freely, but in their blooming there is no com- .ailyiii Si|ii.iiilii 1 w 111 11 |iaris(iii. The soil IS of a peaty Composition, and l;\ \\ a-liiiij. ill. . iiiwii- ill, lissures are also very narrow, which is a i -1, il advantage in the cultivation of the Ra- riii-: ,.i -111. sand til. res Iinrizontally and scatter som among them at planting time. Hepaticas in blue, pink and white, to say "(6ecA-M ; ,,,-,, ,.,;„,„ iy Air. J. C. Tailack. e Howers deeply tingt "1 pa.ssing to a ele.n- 1 prominent coii,-liki. , length of 2 in, 1m , , nkingcharaeteiist,.. ^he ])lant hen- illu single erowii, wine d on opening with green •ri.,.lit yellow, each with . iitr, . which develops to 1 iii.ir,- and adds to the It til, plant. trated h;is grown from 1 was planted at the The leaves lie flat against the stone in a per- fectly vertical position, by which means all the water during rainy weather passes rapidly away, tlii..iii;ii 111.' iiuilei h.ives constantly drawing it ilnwii, anil ilius |iir\eiiting the damping of the iiillai. til \\liiili till' Kamondia is so liable, and iiliiili ..III II |iiii\,s fatal during the winter iii'iMtliN. Aiiiiiliii .idvantage with narrow rissiiii.s is that the units are quickly conducted liai'k 1 nil. till iii,iiiis..il behind, thus protecting the l.laiits from drought diirin..,' hot w,^-ither, and iii.iiiitaining a more even lialain ,■ ..f iimisture at the root throughout th, \,ar. .a ..iinlition .so esseiiti.il in the successful .nltivatioii of .all ehoiee alpinos. R. W. H. Iris reticulata.— A large patch in full bloom lo.iks very lieaiitiful, and the bulbs are liowerincr Hepatieas form'great tufts, some of the largest I ! but the colour is a rich azure, with orange blotch have seen being nearly 1 foot through the crown I on the falls. As a contra.st it is very beautiful. 206 THE GARDEN. [Maech 20, 1897. 1)1.1(1111 at \l.-i-. ll.iii siiiuMi\ .It Lung Dittun. Iris Rosenbachiana i-^, ]h ihaps, one of the iiinst lif.iiititiil lit all tliiMiiilv [lisp's, particnlarlv 1,1 tlip «,„i.l, itul. uiiil.in .tin .',,t . .il.im Th,- iii-.-V i.-maiUMe fe-atiu. ..t II. is !,,s ,,||,. ,lin..M . i..l jrold, cTinis.m, |m,|,l. .,i..l xh.I. i I i. i.lK merging into each utliei. In ui..«ili ii i- vigorous and stuidj', the flowti ^tii... ili...it S inches high, a])pearing alone an. I iiii|iiui. . I. .1 hcape is tightly I l..s|i. .1, is it \\.ii li\ ih. I. .\.s pibt out of the f.iitl. I 1..^ . ]. .1 .nii._ |.i,i. ^I.i- been floweiing il.iiii._ ili. |..-i t. x .l.\- .1 Ditti.n, and is l.,iii. I ,i , l.ij, . 1. x it ...i .... ll» ln.>i.litallis,,t i:..sl l;, „],,,,, T.uk. Stan. Narcissus Grandt Monarque.— This old, li.it uiis.i,|,.— , .1 \ .1 I--..- 1.- 1.1.11 h sought after \l l.,^k. use lust before the eaily h.H.i.l.K ... il.. ..|.i.. The foliage, the latter beiii^ . Ill ..II .|.. It. .1..-. i.. the bulb so as to remain nitact, ami airanged in glasses produce a very chaste and beautiful appearance. — J. C. FLOWER GARDEN NOTES. Flowers for pleasure (.roi'mis.— Au' tl Imlbous plants lipsidcs l)aH...Iils that lal.l Peri«inkle oi 1 «as I,, yebtuida\ ago, and are respi-. the elU-.t H,.ulil lit \ei,v line. Uiu lllst iiutiluoi Dafiodils (obvallaris) were picked this year on February 25. A large batch of the double- lluwered poeticus, a great favouiite for the flower basket, that was shifted to a warmer bolder two \ears last September is coming up very strong this season and should give us a capital supply. Puoi'Ai.ATiNi..— Altliiiuu-li nothing like so much -|.i.i.l: |.iii|. .l .1 ii.„ .-i..i« ilmii . there are certain -|i. I i.liM. - tl. .1 .1. .Im .\- ..i|..iii-d, and it isad- M-.l.l. I..-. I iliii III.. .11.1 -luck is to hand. .•s. tntid |ilaiit-. .111. ... Ilii\ . . and foliage, are among fiowei Liai.l. n l.x..i. i.s One or more beds of Heliotui| II ~-|,.i. | . i iints, must have a place, and youiiL! -I ..II ~li..i.l.i 1 ..- potted or boxed to pn--iiip niri- -liH I \ I. till plii.ts. The flowers .In not ..nt.ii 1 .11. ill h I ...il Mill in a cut state, lilt ill. ~i I lit .- \M II .11 iliii tii-quent renewal II.. I I |.i.iii-ii' I ..._ I. nuts of the lemon- \lii\- I- Il shoots halt an intli oi moie m length will now be leady, and these are better than it longer growth IS waited for. Se\eral of the Pelargoniums aie well worthv of c nltiue in the saiiu- diiec tinii : in fact, neaih .ill lli. -.ml.. I -. . Imn i m In ..I.I.-..I esj5eci. ceptioii ilh il.i W 1 .11.. Ill 111. .1 r. 1 i.^ii.in.i,. .1 1.. .\ II. .iiit.-d that »lii 11 .il\ 1 M. II .|ii .11. i\ I- ii,|i.ii il for out- Inui «.aL It 1- a ause from growing Violets in the neighbourhood of Gooseberries and Currants is the danger of red spider. This insect is very paitial to the Miuiig foliage of (iooseberries, and u.iiiM ilniil iliU |||„I Its way to the Violets; if it is Ini ill\ II mill. -mil they might be plantedi 1" I "1 ' I. liii-li \| I II - III Nuts. I have not grown tl.. Ill \M I -iii_li \iiiitus outside, and cannot, th. i.toi, |ii i-oi ilK I, I 1111,111, 11,1 them. Wellsi an I I- li 11,1 In III II llnui I - I II _;, aud frccly Dro- d I ^ .111 1-1 llllllll. Ill MM, 1. bushfluitSl!. 1,1111(1111,1, I lin, ii.itiii,ili-i ,1 (if the term is ad mis.sible) Snowihojis, Siianish Iiises, Polyanthuses and Dafiodils in great variety with the very best results. E. Burrell. Claremont. NOTES ON HARDY PLANTS. Saxifraga Kotschyi.— This, as yet little known II, l,iiins to the very early yellow-flowered class li-Ii HIS are in rosettes, silvery and small, witl -mill lliuif^ of the pointed feature of S. apiciilata mil II. -hIps the flowers strongly resemble those 0 tliil I. mil iiiiU they are deeper yellow and per I I] - tl Ml 1 111 the cluster. Those who lo\e thi '-. I - I t I I I I - and know most of the species wil lilt iiiK ' 1 - th - Icmd amongst the pretties II il II ii-i II i ii_ till it seems to link the twi '111...- I 111 1 111 it, and speared leaves, am be gidupid with siu h tavountes as Rocheliana conophylla, maiginata and caljciflora. Dondia Epipactis. —When the good old thing of real worth come to have then due, this quain and pretty plant, with its golden biacts born close to the giound and somehow defying mu. splashes in the " fill dyke " month of February will no doubt be iiioip"nftc-n -fin in places wbei -1 imj II V, I- 111 m ,(,|ii,-t The name ( i.iilil I I 111 I- 1 nil -I i| I IS the eaily efl'ec III 1 Jill il I iti h 1, -, mill, - .1 I liiiiliei oi so\ereigr laid cldsplx togethei on the suiface of the grourc Besides always having a clean appeal ance, Ih flower s last for several weeks. Hepaticas. — Besides all the claims whic -oiiii |,1 lilt- Il i\e on our notice, as for their eail 111 -- Ml.m, I mij, wide variety, and reliable hard 111-- Mil III] iti, MS claim our admiration on tl II ot till 11 ijlowino- niissps „f ,-,, lour ; the Ill.M V of the spuie, tllloba, bl Jims and aeutiloba in two c in with the rest to render th ;tant as to vaiiation, ahum -11, I I -1,111, will, h, lasting frni il I , ml I t M mil, whue tl III il III iiiiiiilii 1-, 1- no me.i -|il i\ Il 111 i\ Ik iiiitoitunat \\ \( lis until the plants gs I I -t eflects, but at any rat Saxifraga balcana is the name of a handson kind of the Aizoon group. The name is not i the Kew list. Nearly twenty years ago, in th time of my old fuend Mr. Thomas Wilhams, ( Oimskirk, I fancy this same circulated amon collectors of Saxifrages under another title, viz S Ai/non notata. I can fix the circumstance c iiiii ili-rii--ioii -d w.ll bv what occuired at th iiiiH mil il-o til III 111. till tint, though I the II \, 111 I nil II -ml- of Saxifrages, an Il \ -mil 1, iliii 1 ,1 iii\ , olli , timi to less thanhal. I .. « t.i like the habit ot this kind so well tha| I I. i\ , kiLpt it ever since. | Piimula Poissoni. — As I uld trv this - 1 lid last year i lew Primula fc Iptriee. Havin iweied and ui 1 m loose peat I ■luht \aiietiesi* Cisti. The fiame had i. mi wliativei, Iml stood in front of a tall lim nt llnlln - wIik h ke| off the north and east wiml- ^(all,^ all th seventy plants are alive, and look better than batch of P. japonica, also in a sheltered plact All the Cisti which stood close to them in a bo March 20, 1897. THE GARDEN, 207 ofMr.E«l,aak,;Uiuched, and which in the course of four or ve years will produce flowering bulbs. Until liey reach the flowering stage bulbs of this roup produce no stem, but only one or two road radical leaves, which often attain a lar^e ize. '^ With one exception, all of the above-men- loned species are natives of woodlands. The xception (F. pudica) is found oftenest among lie shrubby Sage brush, but not infrequently II .sandy Pine woods. Each year an entirely 'Hilb is formed by early summer, and the lulb IS seen as a thick scale on the bottom ■ r the new one. Tli.' new Imlb is larger or .-l .,1 I s:i;, ami H .x , III nail \ died. .Sciir.m, imlrli.a- i,>,.,| I ,, |1,,h cr h.-ru irum the end of September till neaily Christmas, but for the last two years I have flooded the plants for several hours a day during the month of July. Flowers have opened as early as August 18, and have continued quite up to the end of the year. Ourisia coccinea planted at the foot of rocks in heavy soil mixed with Sphagnum, entirelv "ut of the sun, flnwpi-s frcr-ly in May and .Tiino, " Slinrtia galacifolia ismi« njn'Miimj- it- II.a\ , i-- iii tlH-am. to be kejit nn.l.a- -lass ilnnnn- m int.a/l.nt wliat can exceed Us beauty from May to Octoljer among dry rocks. — E. C. Buxton, Coed Berw, Belltcs-y- Coed. It may safely be asserted that the "index always contended that in the majority uf [jlaci-s a small collection of really good things is decidedly preferable to a very large gathering both in the matter of species and their varieties. There are many things that are only interesting from a botanical standpoint, and of no practical value either for a display on the border or to furnish flowers for cutting. Not that they may not have a place of their own if space and time permit, but it must be remembered that when a number of species, some of them, perhaps, of delicate con- stitution, are gathered together, it is a case of catering for individual wants, and not, as on the ordinary border, a system of culture generally ap- plicable. Naturally we have exceptions; as, for instance, growing species that require a rather stifl' compost or that are moisture-loving on a soil that is naturally light and porous, and in such cases the addition of a stiff'er compost or an exti'a mulch and an occasional soaking of water may be found necessary. It may, therefore, I think, be taken as a safe rule that for the ordinary border, alike in the matter of display and for cutting, good varieties selected from the most popular species are preferable to special things that, so far as varieties are concerned, are but spaisely represented. Zauschneria californica, Dnirn- cephalum grandiflorum, and Scabiosa cam i-ma are examples of the latter, not happy on the hum .1 border. It is. however, impo.ssible even in i]ii> lu draw too hard-and-fast a hne, and I should lie sorryn.it In iimIii.I,. ,„ all collections, Mhetlier large m -mall, -m li ihings as Anchusa italica, Gypsoiiliila. iii.li-|i. n.al.le for summer cutting, Statice latitolui, ..luallv imlisp.aisabV latiT in tlif season, and Sen..hi |,'ul.'li.a\ tin- .jiaml anlnnui flower, each in tlimi \\a\- hiriiislnmj ns \\ h 1, m, no- thing hardly ubtaiiial'ilr in aiiv'nf tli.- lai'ji-r families. Returning to a brief' consideration'of the latter and the grand way in which they fill up the hardy borders, we find the wonderful im- ovement made within the last two decades is aiiih- i.s|i,.iimI,1.. t..i- the ease with which the riii-liiirj i- a.. ..iiiplislied, an improvement, it a\ III- mill il, iliai .iiinmenced with the revived I i\i I .vimr anil is as noticeable f.ir tli.' ijian.l lain \ ami ^laving power of the Mi nun a> Im I li.' Iiniln xai-mtv. Polyanthuses, Tntl.-.l j'anH.,-. iinaiinii-. I'vn-tlinnns. PhlnN..s. Imil, .ally and In. Siai unit'-, ami Sunil. .« .-r- a II ti ii ni^l, remark- in nmlniam .' nt liillm. iil -pm h - -limil.l, by the a\'. alHaNs I n ■ a .■hmt fa.lm 111 llin -nl.intiiin of note a few examples. Polyanthuses at .ui.time little larger than a Cowslip now give iii.ln idiud blooms the size of a crown-piece. The flowers of the best types of the Carnation of to-daj- are very fine alike in form and substance, in the freedom with which the latter are produced and in the habit of the plants. Pansies are no longer represented by -t raiji_rlin^ varieties whose season was very In inf. lini l.y the true tufted section, floweiinn luln Il i,i;h the season. The early-flowering .Iwaif l'lilo.\es give as plants of medium height a very tine display, whiKi tin impi n\ mnent in the taller flowers, like Heli.ini Im- ami Si.nworts, is so great, that a grand display .it aiilnniiial bloom can be obtained, gi\en a good selection from these two families. — E. Bueeell, t'/aremont. SHORT NOTES.— FLOWEB. Galanthus caucasicus grandis is a beauti- ful and distinct Sii.n\ilinp with handsome flowers .mghout. Indeed, nreen on the inner pure and as such that are nearly pin.' \\ save for the very - 1 1 j 1 1 1 segments, the ti.iH.i very charming. Iris Bakeriana. — This lovely species was in bloom out-of-doors on February 1 ; its flowers are \-ery striking, the standards being sky-blue, while the falls are white, blotched and spotted violet. All lovers of the Iris family should have this in their collection. Scilla sibirica taurica is anmm.: the earliest of flowering bulbs, cumini^. in ti.l, with the Snowdrops and other thinij-nl i,iil\ -piing. The flowers are of a clear light lilimsliail.' with a central rib of darker hue, and l.iorne on slender stems each 4 inches or 5 inches high. It is charming among the Snowdrops or in groups alone in the rock garden. ITarcissus minimus. — There are many snug spots in the garden that if well chosen would suit tins admirably, particularly in those places where pretty frilled trumiiets of gold Mould be much more lasting. Saxifrag-a sancta.— The bright g.ilden tassel- lik.i tufts of this ii.ntly liltln alpin.i make up one 111 III. lIliW nl ■- lll.llln 1 II,' pL'llll l.lilll li- 111.-- of the ill. lie li\ llnw.iiiie S. iniiipiaina. li lt 1 lie tufts of lea\-es and rosettes are less prickly k- of eas f culture and free-flowering. A number of plants in pots in the open beds at Ditton wa full bloom a few days since without the protection. Narcissus cyclamineus major is in ful bloom at Long Ditton, the plants growing ■ niislv in til.- parti.allv sliadi'd situation it eniovi Tlin'nnlnnr I- -..iM ali.l fli.. pnlal- I.^H.-X; • ■ ('Vlalmn. I'ml. 1 llm pailml -lia.l.. of tree| III lairl\ .lamp s.iil tills .\ar. IsMis s.nnis most i hiiiiie and increases in size and vigour each i Narcissus minimus has been carpeting the {^ with its finely-formed golden blossoms a %il Violet Marie Louise.— Among allthe Vi( tills is p,ilia|is the most useful, yielding -nppli.i^ till weeks in succession. From an nary tw.ilinlit frame filled with these _ ■jailii iimj-. i.ften a score of bunches at a nil li. I iii'j , .ill- taken thrice weekly. It is i ^^a\ fliii -mil things become profitable. \ II I na lly the blossoms also are large. By kei I ill- liehts over the plants and ventilating -I I ml I in. I a fair length of stem is usually! \\ lii.li is a great gain. — E. J. Garden Flora. PLATE 1110. RIBES. (with a coloureh plate of (1) fiUlNElM, (2) K. ALBVM, (3) R. HYBRIUUM.' In the wlmle range of trees and shrubs thats h.-irily ill IJiitaiu lliei-e is probably nogenuss ti iisn n .IS I Ills w limli fiirni.shes .so few really e ineiilal spn. ns. l-'iniii the economic point ofvie' nil tin- ..I 111 r hainl. iin genus of hardy shrubsj iiinre iiiip.ii taut, supplying as it does the I berries, I In l;..l, W lii'te, and Black Currantl Other species prniluce palatable fruit, would, no doubt, with cultivation and selectil develop into valuable bush fruits. There a| altogether some sixty species known, and half of these are in cultivation, but when i fruiting .species ai-e excluded, the half c so described in the following notes comprise i that can be said to rank as really at) shrub.s or to be worth growing in any butpu botanical collections. The genus is most abul dantly represented in North America, i come from the Andes of South America, ai| the remainder from the cooler latitudes Europe and Asia. Botanists have divided ( into some four or six groups, but for pn ' purposes they may be grouped under the f berries and the Currants, the former beiiU roughly distinguished from the latter by t'| spines on the branches. All the species ! very easy cultivation, thriving in any moderately rich soil. Some of them are rath|| short-lived, and after some years are apt to ( off piecemeal, but they can be increased easily by means of cuttings, that this is no| drawback. By a little judicious pruning, should simply consist in thinning out some | the older wood, the bushes can be kept mo |[ shapely and the flowers improved in size colour. The Currants. R. ALPINUM.— So far as its flowers are cerned, this species has no pretensions to beaut vet in several rps|ipcts it is a useful and oruamej! tal si, nil. w.ll w.iilli III. In. linn in a select list llili,-. Il, -I niiin\Miiili\ .-liaracteristic isi .-In-.-, e pani llinile . .1 n|n« ! h, which CaUSeS j to tuiiu a den.se mass nf twiggy branches, i should be given poor in preference to rich soil, | the latter tends to develop a freer, more ope| and less characteristic growth. This gives it | * Drawn for The Garden by Gertrude Hamilti in the Royal Gardens, Kew. Lithographed and pnnt. by J. L. tioHart. 1 11 March -'0, 1897] THE GAiiDEK 100 iinteil erhajis. Eimiliin ■ettyl. R. Al II li:i^ I'Mi liitlu claim to notice. Its ■ tlirr, Ml liM- luhed, doubly toothed, and ail lilai k all. I .-niooth. It is a native of iiaiaa. . \i. iiilincr from Canada south- ' \ iijiiiia ami Kentucky. Its popular I !■ I- W il.l I ;la.'l< Currant. CKIM ,Mi>Miur] Currant). — Whilst quitr a garden shrul). 'i'la- i«n .on-i n uir the most attractiM' pair in I In .j.iiu-. ai.H-r»l„i.-. anil liaMirj l..n .MinaM frnlu «e, it 1. ki„i«„ a. til.' Ml- 1 Cm rant. On je Pa,-iti.- sln|„.> ,.f il,.. Kn.kv M..iiiitains the lieciesis rrpn-.-iit..! I.y tli.' \.av .li-iuu't variety .miitlonim, w liicli by suniu IjoUiiii.stj is given . .iti.; rank. The typical K. aureum is a shrub 111 4 feet to 6 feet high, not so sturdy and erect ..^iijMth as R. sanguineum, but with long, .lulur, flexible branches. Its leaves are of a ,ight, rather pale mi . i diate, whilst the foliage is smaller an.l I. - rythan in R. sanguineum, and thus aiii.i .,a. 1..^ aureum. Like manv hvbrids. an.l .'.n l,L. ■parents in this instance, it van.s .^r.atU in nt. The accompanving drawin..- shu\s> k ;it best. Sometimes the flowers are of a montrrel (le— halfway between yellow and rose— that is r3verse of pleasing. This hybrid is hardier litin [mrts of the for instance) will IS that severeh' it grows .May. I iM (the Flowerinir Cu -liniMliN i- nii.I...il.l...I t. . I liijli 111 I his country, although in California, wli.i. II is,,,iiinion on 'rocks and hills through- .iiii 111.. ...a-i ranges, it is described as occasion- all\ l_' f.-.( in height. The leaves are heart- ~ 1 1.1 p. 1 1, or rather triangular, three or five-lobed, an.l .l.ithed, especially beneath, with a soft pu- li. -. aiice. It flowers with wonderful freedom during April. The racemes are drnnpinfj. ;i inrhes to 4 inches long, and thickly set wii h Imjlit i.wv red flowers, each nearly half an inn 1 1 m .h nn.i. r. There are numerous forms both of wil.l and .jar- den origin. One of the most beautiful and dis- tinct is No. 2 on the accompanying plate, where it is named R. album. It is, however, simply white-flowered \arietv of this siiecies. Paxton called it R. very pretty, as i representation on constitution of Altli. ,111-... Other .■ al 1 ..ri .. iisandatro- lil\ .■..!.. i.il than the .■ 111. .si 1 .ailllfulofall s a .h-l 11. 1 variety of 1 than in the L- tuuuh -Malvaceum the varieties. Glutinosiiu natural origin, whose I( a more glandular, but less type and quite sticky to t is the most hairy of all the varieties, but has smaller racemes; both it and var. glutinosura have a more northerly habitat than the tyjie. The Gooseberries. R. spEciosuM (R. fuchsioides). — This is by far the most beautiful of the Gooseberries (as distin- guished from the Currants), and, with the possible exception of R. Lobbi, is the only one which can be said to ha\e any value as a flowering shrub. It is a native of California, and grows wild in woods and ravines from the Bay of Monterey to San Diego. It appears to have first been dis- covered and noted by Archibald Menzies (famous as the discoverer of Araucaria imbricata) during thememorable vo\a.j .• . .f ( 'a | ,t . A'ancouver, to whose vesselhe wasatt'a. li.il a- -m ._■.., n-botanist. This was towards the .n.l ,.| ili. . ajliteenth centurv, but it was not until I sl's ihai ihis shrub was iii- ■d.ll: ranches lieing aiined at eacli joint with pine. The leaves are small, irregularly ind lobed ; in ordinarv seasons thev are unfolded by the bptrii'i nine ■■f F.-br'uary. till- I., irig one of the Ml- .ji.,\vth. The flowers .'I liM together and a|i| .\hi\. The tubular calyx i of an inch long and end..- the flower except the Ion It is of a rich scarlet colon 111 Uia, position. ..■|ii...| l.\ M. — rs. 1. Il 1- a 1 -... ..1 llial -. .11 f The Week's Work. FRUIT HOUSES. Pine poitinu. — At the commencement of last month I advised that preparation should be made for the potting of sucoessional Pines. The strongest and most healthy of tin-.- -la.iild llrst receive attention, putting Queen- ml.. IJ in.h and the larger and coarser grnwnrj km. I- mlu 14-iuch pots. Any that are found t.. I.. I.m in- differently rooted should be passed by, and if this is caused through a sour condition of the soil, partly shake them out and repot again into the same sized pots. These will then be ready for a linal shift when the autumn and winter potted-up sii. k. is require potting in June. Pine potting iiiii-t lie carefully done, and the soil must be made linn aliout the roots. This point cannot be too strongly insisted on if the compost has become at all dry. The balls should be carefully relieved of the crocks, and pick off any inert soil there may be on the sides and round the collars, but avoid disturbing the roots more than is necessary. . To encourage the emission of new roots, pull otta few of the lower leaxes and then place the plants low enough in the pots so that the ball will be covered with an inch of new compost when rammed. A little fresh soot should be dusted over the crocks in the pots before covering them with rough pieces of turf or dry Moss. Half-inch bones may take the place of smaller sized crocks if considered necessary when preparing the pots. The plants should also be examined some three days before pottin.j is I., fak.. |.la..'. iii.,isti nin>; down to the crock- all -lalalnrj 111 11. . .1 ,if VMil.r. If this is done, wai. i will 11..1 I.. 1..11111..I imiil the ing and plunging mosphere by damj faces, and dew tin Is, floors, and bed sur- o\r-rhead on fine days, not alliiA\- M.at.i- t.i ._fatlirr in the axils of \.-. It till- ....111-. .■. a-.. -\ riii._nng for a - iiniil 11 .111. - .i|. On l.ii'jl.i.siinnydays sha.l,. «ill I... n..-.|,-.l.aii.l tins should be lilt descri[)tioii and capable of being re- al will. Keep a steady bottom-heat of I a night and day temperature of 65° and lectively. Allow a further advance of 10* 210 THE garde:n". [^Iarch 20, 1897. with sun heat before admitting air, and shadi- early enough to prevent the leaves being scalded by the hot sun. Fruiteks. — Many fruits will now be rijie and ripening, and \\;itn- ^llMllll| ]i;i\c- lin-n Hithliild from the roots imin lli.' lim.' ilic\ lir-l 'miii menced colouriii'j. W 1m n nnih' ii|ir,:MMl i! in.i ntilators may then be opened with ad- ■, Init when the wind is eastward, open tin- tup only. After setting is complete, ii-l I "■ done by artificial means in cloudy il lii-rs do not put in an appearance, i1m' tit-es, and in other matters, such as ■J. iiiiil.hing, &c., adojjt the measures re- iteil for a f.- int.. tlic fni till' m1,I >imm|. il ^luck is sliuit tur propagating fi Sill .■■■^siiinal batches of ]ilantsin all stages, tniii ili.i., -«cUing off after tiowering to those jiisi iliniwiir^ up, will require careful handling, es|n.Liullv it .ill .lie in one house. Small houses or cum]jaitini ni s .in- lust for early Pine forcing, as each lot III ].l.inis I ;iii then be accorded the right kind of (n.-aiiiiriii. I'lants on which the fruits are swelling slioulil be gently dewed overhead and given liberal supplies of guano water when the condition of the soil demands it. If they are in a house to themselves a rise of temperature will be advantageous ; if not, this must In- di fii n il until the later started plants aiv .ml i.t IIumii. WIuIi^ passing through the flowi II iiv -liji :i iln. i :i\\ i- necessary, otherwise the fniiis will \„ ilriiDiinil through imperfect setting. Look :ifl. r -ii.Li i - i.n these plants and pull out all with I lie . \r.|ii imi ,it one, and that the strongest, near tlir li.isr. 'I'Ihm can be taken as soon as large eno\igli and p.idid tip. but n la 1 1 \- I.; lowers prefer to leave them until tlir h nils incut before doing so. Assoonasthe fi nils |,a-- I. Ill iif flower, raise the night temjiera- tuiu fii.iiu 7M tu 75°, unless the weather is cold, when the previous figures should be adhcnil In, and from 75° to 80° by day. Shading will al~ii lii> reciuired for these, and if blinds are employnl, '.^i 1 them fixed in position at once. Cherries. — The fruit on the early forced trees being now set, the syringe should again be brought into play, well washing the trees on fine days both morning and afternoon. This will encourage the fruits to swell freely and also keep the trees clean. When fumigation can be safely indulged in give two aiiplicatious on successive Pe. \\ li. keep till. atiu..-|iliiii' ili\ until 111- 111 tills lit till, iJowers dru|j ami uidiuatu that the sLttiug Js com- plete. As a rule no artificial aid is required in the setting of Pears. The less heat Pears are sub- iected to within reason the better they succeed. A. W. iwslii ne.xt to winch ranks horse manure. In either case it should be spread over the surface of the borders or on the tops of the pots, when each application of water will wash its manurinl pro- perties down to the roots. When i \liiu-i.i| ili. mulch should be renewed. Pot Ini- will nnil constant attention to prevent thnu -i 1 1 iii'j ili \ ai tills. yet fully grown. The saim. nuiark- ,aii|.l\ ii equal degree to bush tni s, ami lia\.. ili/^l on the ends of branches n.inly tull lin-jil young trees. Air freely whenever ]i..s- closing early enough to ensure a shght n- temperature with the aid of solar heat, I thinning of the fruits until they have safeh ] n through the stoning. In the succession h the trees will be about to burst into bloom, fore this occurs take tlie precaution to fumi to render the trees free from insect attack, an avoid watering borders during the tluwi period, give sufficient water to carry them tlm before the flowers open. Fertilise when in flower about mid-day, when the atmosplui warm and dry. Plums. — Both pot and planted-out trees now be in full bloom, when a dry atmosphe top ventilators. On bright days fire-heat may be dispensed with, and air freely admitted when the wind blows from a warm quarter. Both top and KITCHEN GARDEN. AsP.\E.\GUS.— Wliere a quantity of roots is not lifted annually for forcing. Asparagus is one of those things which, having once been planted, is often left undisturljed for years, and it is surpris- rpth ■luh ami as 111.- naps are not notieeil at tin ■ planting' sia-.in. no attempit is mad.' i.. till lip, ami a- a r.Hilt much valuable spa,-,- is Altlii.uijli I s,iy II,. atl,iiipt is made to fill 1 vaiam II-, 1 ilmilii if II would be wi.se to do ■ to III- <\pi',li,l tlial the young plants grow vigorously under such conditions ; ire it would be much better to form new even if they have to be made piecemeal, several that det strong couragii N III cut the s,-,-iiii,l \i-aiall,-r plantimj. w li,n lli,- site of the old beds can be put U> a more piolitable use. The best season to plant Asparagus is just as growth commences, generally early in April, but tlie ground sliould be prepared at once to allow it ti". s,.f(l,- uatuiallyau,! t,.bn in i-,-a,lim-ss nature of iln- s,,il in iln- Ma\ n i- i.i.-paM-.l for rr, ilill.i. Ill ii'.-atment is necessary, and ili.iii .lisiuili I Ills to a great depth it would 1 1.1 I.I iiiipr..\i- the staple of the top ith lic:iv\ i.lressings of waste porous soil, luld, burnt garden refuse, road grit or iig else of a like nature an,l plant ihtly raised beds, adding substantial sui-- he roots from striking- ,1. m iiw a i ,1s, and the ire, which proves lumi- iiijuikiu- than frost. b,-,|s. .jlii-sl of this raked oft', and that which is ,i-a\,,l well broken to pieces and slightly 1 ini, I the surface soil of the beds to allow s to push through without obstruction, rear the sea, we are able to give our beds dressings of seaweed, which are put on 1 autumn. greatest care must be used in selecting a very sheltered position and giving close attention after- wards in the way of coverings during frosty nights, tlie e.xtra labour will be well repald^n these will yield a return at a most critical and be ready for use quite three weeks than those planted in the open. I always : Sharpens Victor for this planting, as, apart f earliness, the top-growth being so dwa more easily protected and also more suita glowing at the foot of south walls or in i lai y frames. The sets for this pur nut lie put into warmth previously to ,urii«lh, it being better for the shoots to j naturally, as they grow stronger afterwar ' are better able to resist cold weather. Ai light sandy soil placed round each tuber! greatly assist to promote root growth. Po' in frames will be growing freely if a gentH warmth has been kept up, though they mu^t m be unduly hastened by raising the temp. miii of the frame with hot linings. Steady |.i.,-i. must be the aim, or the haulm will gruu wui and the crop suft'er in consequence. Cucumbers. — Plants that have been supplyir fruit through the winter will now be showir siijn^ iif ilislress, but they should be encouragf in ,M ly ^^ ay to keep up the supply until young mils II ni, 1 1 iln bearing. ■ If a second house is n. a\,iilali|. Ill which to grow these and they have i>.-| iipy ill.- -am.- piisition as the winter ones, w ill I.I- li,-iiill\ pii--il.|i- to avoid a break for a f e wiik-, ,i-ilii lii.ii-. -Ill luld be thoroughly cleans. ami m-\\ li.-ils fi.iin,-,! before the young plantsa brought in. Plants that require potting, ho ever, should not be allowed to wait until t house is ready for planting, but should have shift at once or they may receive a check. French Beans. — These sadly want more su not only to give strength to the growth, l«it al to enable the flowers to set properly. To ma up for the loss of this, as much i-oniii possible should be allowed th,- jilinls, -n tl plenty of light and air can play in , ly li.-twi- them. As the plants come into iIiami, a until there is more sun, syriiii.iiii;_; nvei'be should be discontinued, but a humid atmosplu should be maintained at all times. If fail rich soil was used at first, no feeding will necessary until the crop is set, when weak stin lants will greatly assist in swelling them ( Make successional sowings according to the qui tity of house room that can be spared to gr them properly and also to meet the demai Medium-sized pots should still be used, until wi longer days growth will be much stronger a more root-room will be necessary. R. Parker, i Kitchen Garden. PROFITABLE FRENCH BEANS. Although the varieties of French Beans li-t^i.in, they vary in their individual chaiacljj i|iiite as much as do Peas and Potatoes, many do but indifferently except in the best[^ situations ami s,iils, being quite unsuitable I small gaiili lis \\\u'vr the most has to be made the spa,-,- at i-i .111111,111,1, As a rule the dwarfi dense-growing ,s,irts are the most profitable, ] though there are exceptions, as for instan' Canadian Wonder and Negro Long-pod, tj be included | varieties successii tion. S, recently the very fhich )uld always ^ «li,i-c pr,,fit is a conside: valiiaM,- French Beans ha^ I ii. Ill,- lists, but .several L-tii-s arc still unbeaten a 11 cannot be dispensed with. A better first early sowings out-of-doors cannot be nam than Mohawk or Six Weeks. The growth is i ecclim^Iv c.iiipa,-! ami blanching, the yi' riii.nnniis, wliili- tin- ll.-iM-iir is second to noi It sets its iM.ils fri-,l\ 111 iii,-K-meut seasons, comes to maturitv in a sln.it time. On ligl warm, well-drained soils Ne Plus Ultra profitable, but fails often except in extra n gardens having a stronger, March 20, 1897.] THE UARBEK 211 ii eed, 1 «•(! to ( :i the many f jight plants pi Icni^tli betw, i.iu Wnl„I,r, Is buin- all. .«■,•.! In ,uvin,,iil:ilr. il is 'J, how i„ng 8iuu lluusc will continue I strongly reconuuond this siirt fur ) wings in small gardens and for Cimiin" to the somewhat taller- lo„.-,.r-|„„Mr.l vai-irtirs, ..f ul,i,I, „K. |,k.. ,,, ..,■.,„ ,-, f,.», ,sn,M■,:,lI^ W, o, pl.iLvcl in pliof eminii Slches, and 1 tlL, Imt th. his section, and a l)et ^,'rn Long pod and width, sonK ler cultivation pie whack which yv: Tills a slli" ,• cllsll a . ■ukcr pla.T. etter i >ps e.| luallv. .l..uiv. lallv as A I ik fl-L other elyas Ml i^Iiil; in fairly early, or say in February or . !\ in March. Ground that was well enriched I. a pievious crop does capital with simply tiiiiing 11]) and making firm when the seed is S(ln. Victoria, a variety sent out some half- don years ago, is one of the most useful Beans f(|successional sowings I am acquainted with, a . I always grow it. It has long straight pods ■ thu deepest green, and when exhibiting at il .Inly and August .shows I always tried to il u a dish of Victoria in my collection. )wners of small gardens anxious to secure €! y pickings are often tempted to sow in the o u too soon, losing the crop through the seed T( ing or the growth becoming crippled in its ei iest stages. By far the best way is to sow 81 icient in small pots for a few rows and bring tl 11 on in a cool frame, planting out when some € nches high and protecting from cutting ds with evergreen boughs. The middle of il is a good time to sow in jifits. For those , having a small h.atr.l ■4lassliousi.. aiv .U- is of growiiiL; a t.w .ail\ in llir season. I confidently ni^ .iiiinrii,! iisl. urn's l-'cii-nii'^. F nier's Forcing .iial ^'ewin^tou Wondur. ewark. J. Cbawfoud. ll,.|,a,lM^r,l. Si/. ■.In,. -I, Ml alHa\s.kai..l..luahtV 1- l.n.l I.. k.-i|iiii- W. S. ,M. Musselburgh Leek. Willi the many new iiii.ti.'s ,,f I ks ] am iilras.-.l I., see the Mussel- iii-.jl, I. „..! ..|l„,w.l ..III ..f .■MM.-ii.v. This vi-ar lal.l.-. 'I'liiTL- are others well m.hiIi nan ■n.ll.iii , lull no one I have grown .'.inals .' I.a' laic use. Last year I hail iliis \ai I intlieendof April, and it .-..iiM ll,l^. I laler if means had I..111 laL.n in u. Of course to get la I.' l,..k> at th. . e. I it is necessary to give th.- iilani- an n|,.ii tioii. ThoughIadviseearlyso\Mii_ . al-n pl.ini ing out, as a good Leek keeps as w. II a- a | 1 one, it is not necessary to raise in h. ai . Imi injne g-ood culture. The value of the Mii". Ilinr-li is - lai.'ne.-s III running to seed, as |ilaiii- liti..l I .it ill. Ml .ji-.iwing quarters and laul in iin.i.r . - .11 a ih.ith wall in moist soil ke.|i .4.1. kI w-U I., ^lay ami the quality is excellent. .S. 11, .\1. Feeding Cabbage in spring.— I have more faith in feeding as soon as we are safe from severe frosts than in planting in rich ground in autumn. It may be asked how can the roots get the prnp.r nourishment if growing in poor land, but my n.'i. more closely concerns old gardens, in most of « 1 . 1 . 1 1 the land is not poor ; indeed the reverse. 1 pi. fer a dwarf sturdy growth in autumn, anil it ih.' plants are in this condition early in Mareh il..v then make a start, and if given food growlli 1- wonderfully vigorous, and the cro]) tiiin- in roccoli Superb Early. .sparagus and salt.— The Asparagus being ative of the coast, it is thought necessary :ive salt and at all seasons. I think salt Id never be used on heavy soils before May, even then only sparingly, as it is not condu- to the well-doing of the plant till 1....I .^r..\Mli live. Of course, in Mav it is >... I.ni «. ■■.■\ nights, and salt does'not iniiH..\. ^l.^iIi. better wait till cutting ceases, tli.n -im- -all > . well washing it down to the roots. In -.'ils it maybe applied earlier, and is best a ill showery weather. I find it most effec- ' en given from iLay to August. Even then ell to consider the age of the plants and >t r jwints. Liquid manure is preferable to doses of salt.— B. M. )arse Parsnips.— I notice a well-kn.Avn w er in Tin-; ( Lvkden advises growing the al .. .\ . • in well-dug and not over-rich soil to a\..i'l jeness, not crowding the plants— excellent ail in every way. For some years I have not wed the usual plan of sowing Parsnips in uary, as is often done, or even in March. I sow il... I.. weather. I plant 011 a .[.lai 1 .1 p.-t .l.ai .-.I ..t 1 hiM.n-. not dug even. The -ui fa..' 1- I1....I o\ .r an. I .liilU drawn for the young |iUiiils. The rabba^e pkmt.j.l thus makes a very sturdy growth. The surface soil treated thus requires more cleaning, but it is an easy matter to keep the hoe going in mild '111. eaiin.'it be alisoHied by the roots.— G. Wythes. Growing Cucumbers without ventila- tion.— t'lK mill.. 1- .jLiwii thus are much easier to manae.-. .^|...iallv in the spring when the weather is laili.i \,iiialile. All that is required is a .satuiai..l at in.ispliere. If the atmosphere 1 III.- .Ii\ tli.- leaves get wilted, but so long as ih. 111. .1-1111. Ill the atmosphere is abundant there will Ii. 11. . -.'..ii-hing. In my Cucumber houses the theiiii.. meter often runs up to 100". but if at any time the rise is more than this th.- li.i>.- in Kve "minutes will put the leaves right. Tl.i- svstem, of course, takes a good deal out ..f il..' pLants, but I can run th.. plants start.. I in January on to S.-|.|.'n.l..r it i..piii..|. ili..irjli usually the house- an li.pni.il 1 lli.r lliiii.j~ bv the end of .An.jn-i. umI iI..- plmn- lia\.' t<"i eonic out then. Tli.- .jn.uil. 1- .\ii.aii.l\ 1,1 pi. I. and there is a goo.i .l.al ..t -Inppilrj- an. I I liinniii.j, which must not I..- p..-i | .. .....I. ..r ili.- |.laiit- will be run out l.etoi.- lli.n inn.'. 1 if course, there is more or less ventilation ihroiigh the laps and crevices, but these if numerous are not advantages as they let out the moisture. such sibly, .right ■ry so libers ■11 the li side Mr. be ob- luable where .1- hite li.-C. .. Sut- od old unable I M berry .1 keep for the W' Asparagus planting. — We do not often get .tps from .Mr. Allan on vegetables, but I am r.- la- "ill t..i._iiv.- 111.- askino- him if he means aniiirj As| .ai a'j 11- 1 1 ! I ini. Uiinini.-r if the Season ^niiilai I.. I:. -I \.iii, ..- I I. a. I a difficulty in ..pnin ..I.I plann-al,\.' 11. a Irjlit soil On gravel, am uwaie he euul.l lift. iiia.-,,ses of young seed- lings, but two or three-year-old plants would soon collapse, as I find once the top growth falls over 't is useless and new .shoots mu.st come from the 1. I i- n.it at all to my Allan ryseisoiislU Few can devol ■aterins, and in rbed in M.ii.'li ..1 April ill. I'lnl.'ii n i.il -. I. ■.■:!>, but my iliipi.--lnli i~ llial .l-pinijin 1 - a I . . A .-r active. rii.'N i,i:,\ I..' |.— aiiix.' Ill \.r\ -.a.r.' weather, 1.111 I 1111.1. II.. mill i.'i M linii I 111.'. I. ill.' I '.i.ts are as li.'allli\- an. I l.n.l. 1 a- al inn l-ii 111111. 'i . an. I I fail tO -.'.' I,. A', l.r..k.'ii I. ...I- III .Inn.' Willi more top '^i'n« I II .an h. al -.. i.',..iilyas in April or March wli.n ill. 1-' I- n . .Il 111, mil, 'or at least very little, lip.. 11 I II. 111. I li:n .' 1 ,11 1'ly lost a dozen plants out ntintj-. On the other snil.'i.'il 1..— .'s bv late ill,' II. . . -Ill V time to 'lini'^ iliai \lr. Allan advises at niids.imiuer. ami 1 tail lu =ee the need vvhenaplani ink.-'- adily to the soil just as it is start ill -J n 1 . 1 ili in the spring. In these days in nm-i .nii n- 1 h. re is a want of labour in .Tune, an.l aiiv m.... mIii.Ii ean be done in March nr .\pi'il i- a .^I'.ai .jam. Tli..i|._di I do not know ^'J,lll kin. I ..t x.il .Mr. .Mian has, I feel sure l.-w who lane I., stmly nioiillis in advance the best means to forward the work can entertain the idea of late planting. — W. M. I was much interested in Mr. Allan's re- marks on the planting and general management of this vegetable. I can fully bear out his state- ment that Asparagus will do, and that exceedingly well, if planted out after a considerable amount of growth has been made. 1 seen planted a good man served that in gardens in young tender growths are cuttiuff winds, those whi. planted and ■ 'lave ob- ions the bv cold if growing away jood stout grass reason. One of planted in tli. .111,',!, and therefore - M irmer, and with a 111- liave every chance . h, I k and of making ,1:1 1,1,' height the first 1.1. 1- under my charge ul .Julv, small being needed to support the stems, and hardly a blank occurred. Mulching should be practised 212 THE GARDEN. [March 20, 1897. when the pkiiits are put in late, old Mushroom manure being just the thing, and the roots must not be allowed to suffer before they lay hold of the soil, or premature ripening and at least partial failure are sure to follow. I, like Mr. Allan, MiNv >,T,1 ,,f tb.- Apjrnlrnil, and it is sur- spring planting in warm, sheltered gardens, but all have not such to deal with. — Grower. Scarcity of Parsley. — " J. C." is quite right in his estimate of the scarcity of Parsley. Its scarcity, however, I find to be the outcome" of the summer's drought preventing any or but little growth to be made rather than a collapse from excessive wet. I have just put out some plants from a sowing made last miiiihi.i \\ itli the object of getting a winter sujiph. Imt ii \\ill lie some weeks before tbev will 1ki\. 1,1.., In.., I -ufii.-i-nt increases in beauty as the tightly-folded buds open, which they do speedily when used for in- door decoration. The blooms are far more last- ing than the consistency of their petals would lead one to sujijjose, which is another point in their favour for room work, for which their endurance exceeds that of many subjects appa- rently possessing far greater power of resistance. S. \V. F. planting where Parsley is recpiired every day, as it is in most establishments. Plants raised in heat, carefully hardened of}', and planted in good ground come in very useful for picking when the old stock is fast running to seed. Parsley seed, as a rule, is slow in germinating. I alw ays sow a few seeds indoors at the beginning of tijc new vear for plantina- out. and. but for this, Pnrsl.'v .■nuM nut l,;nv li.nn -ni,|.ln-d d;iilv tlii-. .(.(.' SHORT XOTES.—KITVHEX. Rhubarb.— Will you kindly tell me whether Rhubarb is classed as a fruit or a vegetable ? A friend of mine considers Rhubarb a vegetable. — G. S. S., Lynn. *«* Although the leaf-stalks are used for preserves and tarts, Rhubarb is really a vegetable, and is always classed as such. — Ed. A good Brussels Sprout.— One often reads of the value of certain kinds for exhibition, but my note more concerns quality from December to March, a period of the year a good Brussels Sprout is valu- able. For the season named, out of some half dozen varieties I tried, Sutton's Dwarf Gem is the favourite, as the sprouts, though small, are very sohd. The larger varieties are much earlier in running, m ore so after a mild winter. The sprouts of Dwarf Gem at the date I write (the second week in Warcb) are quite solid. This variety was the only one which stood the severe winter two years ago. — G. W. LAVATERA TRIMESTRIS. This annual Mallow is strikingly ornamental in the flower garden, wli its handsome bloss In some parts .4 l-nr.l.anl ilii^ I ,:i\ ;il n;, ,^ ;,n especial favouritr ..r' iln ...dju. 1^. .uhI m.-my a line of sturdy pl.ini, in:i\ !■.■ -^r.ii -i.iwur^ m rude health in thnr Hna'll uai.l.n- In snrh soon as nil.'. Iml spring pr.ipauii mn is .4, ^n. ■rally resorted t.. i-lsewluTo, the plants being lirciiiglit on under glass at the first. As cut tiuwers these Lavateras, as may be seen from the accom- panying illustration, are difficult to improve upon, being admirably adapted for arranging in tall glasses when the sprays are cut with a suffi- cient length of stem. It is best to cut after sundown and to place at once in water. A simple arrangement where these flowers are used alone has a charming effect, and one that Stove and Greenhouse. EXHIBITING DAFFODILS IN POTS. After the many crude attempts at exhibiting Daffodils grown in pots, but which in reality has been merely so many bulbs crammed into the required pot the day prior to the show, the group of these flowers as shown before tlie slightly drawn ; this was, however, very And it was one of the greatest pleasures these plants to see them exhibited with sojmue of their fresh foliage, in itself an ornament i equal importance with the flowers, and a gre: relief to the continuous shades of yellow so pri valent in the Narcissi as a whole. The majorit of the pots were 9 inches across, and these, hi ing well filled with large flowering bulbs, ib«1 a goodly .show. By way of suggestion, hope may be expres.sed that future exper: in this direction will embrace a larger of the better trumpet kinds, and by 1 avoiding all artificial heat, preserve all natural vigour and grace of the varieties cho Indeed, it would be a welcome change these flowers are being shown in the cut E in bulk to be able to turn to a fairly tive group of naturally grow^l plants in pots ( pans, taking them in the order in which the Royal Hoiticultuial Society on the 9th inst. by [ Mr. ^^a^e, of Tottenham, gave one decided, pleasme, inasmuch as up to the present time, so far as I remember, it is the best attempt of I its kind. The differences between bulbs lifted I iiitii pots a few hours before the show and such as li.ive been grown in them since the jiiiNnnis auliinin are so obvious, that they allow ..f im eninparison. The lifted bulbs, particiilaily when the plants are fully grown, will droop their 1 leaves in all directions. Plants, on the other t hand, that have been growar in pots for six or lult forwarded into flower under glass, and in this way in some few instances the foliage was flower in the open. Such an exhibit could 1 fail to be instructive as well as attractivfiiS I at the same time display the true characiSr j each, an item not generally forthcoming r flowers only are shown. No group of q[ tinkers is more deservedly popular at th©J<| SI lit time than these Daffodils, and adv '" sln.iild be taken of the fact to exhibit 1 their best form. For instance, some pans of at least iL' inches diameter would readir accomuniilat.. tH., dcizeii bulbs of, say, Goldi Spur, anil it the [..ins were 7 inches deep, amfi room would be found for their developmeil At the same time this number of bulbs wouj give a good idea of the general character of t variety, and in a marked way impress the 1 ' server with their value. Bulbs of smaller si? e.g., Leedsi or Barri conspicuus, would reciui March 20, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 213 few more to make a well-filled ]):in, iuul large „ds. i.s K,„,u.vnr, a few less. No <.ne will .Irsi ostetlr.'li\e, ali.l at I lie same bit tlieui ill tlieiv iiu'st iiatii anncr. Thus tivate,!, all tlle vanelus, .n thera repieseiitative liateli, emiM lie ^lown. id by planting the Inilbs in auUuiin in ilir and |iliuiging in tan or fibre all the uinin ;tle or no tronl)le would ensue. Indeed, lliis ode of eultine would be the most eeon..i,.ir, ,d would entail no lal .onr ill the I.iisiei' s, ,n nu 3 in bftnmand |.,|l ,,,.4, n..r aiiN .laniaue t. bulbs that have \:iii- leal like those of E.pulchelliuii, Imi laij. 1 I paler tint. The bracts that subtend tlie s are less conspicuous than in the Eran- emum aforesaid, while the inflorescence is alto- t her more open in character, being dispri.sed in shape of a terminal pyramidal-sli.ii" 'I. In m: h J raceme. The individual flim. inches long, cun'ed in shape, ami 1 : ' luve tint, tne lower lobe of a mm li ' I' ■ ] 1' Im ■ is most satisfactory when ]:propagati-d each ■ing from cuttings, which strike root very dily.-T. Hardenbergia Comptoniana. — This is one the many climbing leguminous plants that arC lives of Australia, several of which bloom dur- j the early months of the year. The Harden - em, anil tnr vim:'I1 •jivciiliuii^.-v r-| iiillv it i^ a Ilyval..,-.M. .■lihili,!. It l.iaiirlH. v.,^ liiwh. tthegri.Mtli issl.-ii.liaaii.lpl.'lUiliilK tilniisliM I th trifoliate leaves of a deeii shining gieen tnit. e flowers, which are crowded together in ernes about 4 inches long, are of a beautiful ight purple colour, and a succession is ke]it u]) sometime. This Hardenbergia will ihriv in ^uixture of peat, loam and sand, an. I if plant, d good drainage must lie given. F.« plant - more imilitie in the matter of nam.- tli,.ii tin-, beside the s]iecitic name of Coinpi.ini.inii, it 1- o known by that of digitata, llii--. h. Ian. I bi and Makoyana, while it is by >"tn>- ni.lii.l..l iithe genus Kennedya. A secon.l s[i..i. s v.i \ ie it in flower is H. monophvlla, of which H. ■rdataand H. ovata are synonyms.— H. P. Clematises for early flowering iii pots.— (nsidering the little trouble these give and the < ict they produce at this season of the year, they < ;ht to come more into general use. I have I IV some one-year-old plants which are flowering f ely. I counted twelve blooms on a plant with ! tick a little over 2 feet high. The varieties of 1 1 patens type are the best for early flowering, IS. Quilter being the best white. Miss Bate- I n is another good white with larger flowers, I I not (piite so free. Lady Londesborough is a i id mauve ; Hir fiarnet Wolseley is of a deeper 1^ de. Arranged in groups of from three to six 1 nts they are more effective than large plants I iwn on trellises, and give very little trouble. 'e plants jtropagated by grafting early in the ) ir may be grown on under glass until about I Isummer, when they should be placed in the <■ ?n, where they will r'ipen oft' well. A little pro ll.lS- vy than Slims of (). .Jaburan ai-e mueh more s the white ones of O. spicatum. — H. P. Primula obconica. — The new break in P. ..Ii...inie:i exhibited at the last Drill Hall meeting l.\ Mr. T. S. Wan- --Ilihs that at length there is I It. .11 11^1 ■, ti..iii pin.' -.I.', a ion or intercrossing, of se- 1111 111..^ .list inil \.iii.t\ ill colour as well as in size of ilower ni this nileresting species. No doubt P. obconica, so easily raised and grown and so free- flowering, has suffered somewhat because of the buxifolius, whi.'h i~. I tliinl datusisalsoa vi r\ ].i. 1 1 \ -p. 3 feet in height', th. 1I..H, those of E. buMf..liii-. 'Iln monotony of colour in tl have a distimi ni^. -.-.il nearly appr. ....liiirj in In there is .j I 1. ,i-..n 1. colour may gr.at l\ .xi.i look for great d.'\ . I..piiii in the flowers. .\.. .tli become such a ii\al 1.. one does, and as th.' II. No that ,. IlliW Tropseolum Ball of Fire.— This for some weeks past has been particularly bright with the dazzling scarlet flowers, and has furnished many .jall1.rin.4-, fill- small vases for the house. No ..ili.i pliMi that I know can furnish such a colour .'I I 111.. -'■ many flowers during the early n ill- i.t til.' \ear. To do this, however, the I 111 -hLsi, Id e> No one can wish to see the blooms too large, but they can be, and no doubt will be, materially enlarged with advan- tage. Practically, P. obconica is an all-the-year- round plant. It can be had in bloom almost con- tinuously. It needs but a cool temperature, and anyone having a greenhouse may grow it. That it has properties that are productive of skin-irri- tation there can be no doubt, although but a moderate number of persons handling the plants suffers.-A. D. Calla Elliottiana. — In answer to your corre- spondent "R." (p. 179), I have had a few bulbs of this Calla show signs of decay, but it has had no eftect upon the growth, as the 3'oung l.av.s are pushing up strongly. My bulbs, or at l.a-t most of them, were kept quite dry duiiiij th.- winter, and two or three that were acei.h iitalh wat. le.l sli.iwr.l this .lis. as., in its worst form. It I- ii.iw, li.n\.-\. r, .|iiit.' iiii]...— ilile to distinguish tli.ni f 1.1111 th.. ..tli.T-. ill i.i> .'ase it was the base uf the bulli w liieh was attacked, or, at all events, the original base, for in many cases the crown of the tuber has a tendency to push away from the centre, and the tuber increases in size on one side only, so that after a season's growth the old por- tion is quite on one side. This partial decay is to be found in many other Aroids — Caladiums for instance ; but it is only the old and exhausted portion that behaves in this manner, and it can generally be separated from the main body of the tuber quite cleanly without cutting in any way. In ])otting this Calla and most of its mmierous alli.'s, it sh.ml.l be borne in mind that thr main i....t^ ai.> piiLlueed from the upii.i pait ..f th.. till.. 1 jiist at the base of the ei..\vn ; In n..' it sh.ml.l 111' well covered with soil. ( 'ala.lnnii-, li.'- have in just the same manner, and this f.atm.- i- often taken advantage of to increase th. m. a> directly growth commences the central ei..\\ 11 .an be removed with its attendant roots ami a._'ain rejiotted, while the main portion of the tidier will push up supplementary crowns, which in that a ]ilant \\itli..iit roots would soon collapse, but, to n.y sin pi i.-., it lias continued to grow and bloom unintenuijtedly for about .six weeks, and promises to continue some time hence. During February there was but little sunshine, a condition favourable to the progress of this rootless plant ; but the flowering continues now the sun has greater power : indeed, several gardeners who have seen the plants in flower scarcely credit that among the roof jilants in the house there is one entirely sepnrat.^.1 frnni the jwit. Needless to say, nn.l.r tli. ■ inllii.n.'.' . .f t In- 1 .1 i'/ht sunshine expe- rii-n.'..l ..t lat.- niii.-h i.f tin- f.iliage on the lower )iart ..I til.' -t. 111^ ha~ .■inii-.l lip, but it is remark- al.l. that th. !.■ >li..ii|.| be sufficient vitality to >ii|ip. lit th.- |il,iiit ,it .ill without roots and with so littl.' lit iii..~|ili. 11.- iii..isture. I do not know of any ..ili.r -..ft \\.i.i.l..l ]jlant that could endure sii.li an 1.1.1. Ill, and there are many besides my- s.lf uh.i 11.. .I.iiibt would scarcely credit the pos- sil.iln \ ..f . niliiiance in such a succulent plant. — \V. S.'. Il'.//x. Propagating tuberous Begonias. — Such fine varieties may now lie had fr.im se.-.l, that there is not mueh need to troulile ali.iut any .itlier method of propagating, yet there are some exceptions, especially in regard to the extra fine double va- rieties. These may be managed much better early in the spring than after thev begin to flower ; they generally start with sevcra'l shn.its. I have sometinii-s .-ut tlir.m.jli th.' .'..nn.-. hut I tin. I it better t.. tak 1 all -mpln- -1 t- .I..-.' t.. the corms anil |iilt tin in siirjiv mi., -mall p.. Is. These will soon root if placed in th.' -t..N. pi.ipa- gatingpit. Care must be taken 11..1 1. k. . |. ili. m too moist; no water should reach ili.- I.a-. ..f the cuttings until they are callused. It is \. ry ililh- .iilt t.i .4. t >t...k ..f some varieties, especially wh.i .■ til. y -tint Hitli ..lie strong growth, the only 111. til. ..I li.in.j t.. tak.' t he top off, one or two eyes li.l.iH wh.r.. th.- tii.-t lilooms show. A little clry sand should be aiiplied where the shoots are very fleshy, and care must be taken that the old plants 214 THE GARDEN. [March 20, 1897. do not get too much water until they begin to I out — is a springtide poem ; on one side the break ag-ain. Where a, larsje stock is required, I orchard ascends a steep slope, on the other it i\^o«in"Mr.l I iLiiv 111 till- \.ai- Kood plants may . , j ji ■ [ t.i I,; iriW t/ii til. ~:ini. -. n-iii, i.ni if is better to sow I '^ bounded by a murmuring stream. Blossom h,i,i :,ii.l |ihiiii ih.ni 11,11 111 lulls. A large quan- j here seems more profuse than in spots less I space; thfe best dowered with natural heauty, the grass IS can then be I r,,.ecner and the wild flowers more numerous. varieties and 1 1 i - 1 selected for the fnll'i seed is saved canti ise. Even ite colours ; therefore while the fallen trunks, lying in picturesqu' confusion, complete an open-air spring study whii-h ai delightful in form and colouring. S. W. F bitti r mil 111 lily on seedlings the first year where :( J I rill . I 1- ilesired. Seedlings require rather i-aiiliil liiiiiillinu in the early stages, but after they are large enougli to piick off they soon go away. After they are established they do well in — ^.r-- a cool frame, and later on may be planted out in I — Now that the season of Cox's Orange Pippii beds in the open ground.— H. ^.. . ^. . ,.„... Messrs. Veitch and Sons' Apple classes. R ibston Pi] ipin and Blenheim Pippin is past, we are liiiibii;j VI, 111,- uld and, for late Apples, very highly i-iiiiiiiil Miiii-ties coming to the front. Cockle r 1 1 . 1 1 1 1 1 ; 1 1 M I . \ 1 1 a nis' Pearmain — varieties that took lii^l -iii'l s.-i I places in the latest competition — have been grown in England for probably a ei-n- j tury at least; they have always been clas-nl .i^ .,lil I 'iteones and of excellent flavour. Of really lih Inm arieties, probably Cockle Pippin has ii'i tin- tin- s country orchards, nestling amid their deep matter of flavour few equals amongst Apples, and baie. Orchard and Fruit Garden, ^pple blossom. In the spring-time the picturesque west and sheltered ire arrayed coombes valleys, their loveliest apparel the delicate pink and white of the Apple blos- som. Though rarely pro- fitable, these old - time orchards, with the Lithen- covered trunks of patri- archs here and theie, sup- porting the weight of their spreading branches hy an outstretched, Mos^. grown aim, deeply bedded in the lush-green grass, ■with the prone forms of companions, brought low hy gale or decay, half hid- den by growth of Butter cups or Lady's Smocks, are dreams of happy pe ice In the green caipi t 1 vistas, roofed by th(_ ] il flush of interlacing, flow i covered boughs, leigii restful hush, broken i i hy bird voices — the of the cuckoo, a soui associated from eailn i childhood with Apple Mo som — the laugh of the woodpecker, which, with undulating flight and scar- let crest aglow, seeks the laboriously hewed entrance of his nest in the hollow trunk of one of the orchard fathers — the short song of the goldfinch, now so rarely heard, or faint note of chift'chaff. Every waft of the spring air is a caress, fragrant with the breath of a myriad blossoms — blossoms ' ' as tender in colouring and delicate in fragrance as the rarest exotic," as is appreciatively written by a lover of the beautiful in Nature, a resident on a distant shore. The subject of the illustration— a corner of an old orchard situated within sound of the sea in a deep and winding valley where, in the arable ground, the red South Devon soil shows class for Apples, in which one-third shall be va rieties in commerce at the date of the (,hieen'; accession. That will enable Cockle rippin Adams' Pearmain, Blenheim Pippin, Riljstoi Pippin, King of the Pippins and many others ti be brongbt into the sixty-year-old ^nes. Mr 'j.-iM- ill 111- ■ i'l.iii iiiliiMii',,1. ■ |,iil,li-li,-il in 1834 I- 111. 11 111 i-ulliMiliuii, many 0 I as uxcL-llunt- stiU. Tliustheex,' Inljitois will have a wide range of selection fo' their old varieties, and some classed as desser kinds have hardly been since excelled. — A. D. The Gooseberry caterpillar.— In a not upon the above subject which appeared on pagi 169 of The Garden, " W. M." recommends fresl soot as a cure. If that is so, it is a subject -worth' of notice, and one which should be taken in banc by all those who are troubled by this dreadei caterpillar. Some few years ago, when I hai charge of the Ponty Park Gardens, in South Wales 1 ti.nk iinii-li trouble to get rid of this ]iest. On iilil lull lit ( ; I II isi- berries was rooted up, tliegrouni In iii-liiil mill ri-]ilanted. Onanothi-rbed I tooko till- suil til the depth of 3 inches and laid the root Previous to taking off the old soil a fres Apple blossom time ■ photograph sent ly Mr. S. W.Fihh. certainly it is as good a keeper and has pleasanter | compost, composed of loam, road scrapings, rotte eating flesh than has Sturmer Pippin. It would manure, hot lini ' - - - ■ and soot, had been got readj year I expected to see the trecl t'erpillars, but all my hopes well round, for the pest was as bad n the trees made splendid gro-wtl| be a good thing if, in connectinn with these I Of conrsp flavour classes which are to be co season, any variety that has i ]>rize twice be barred from con forth, its rr-|intation as a high-flavuiired variety , ami h liai ti ml was left v/as good." Spe!ik...„ -- being sal i^ln-iiii il\ i -tablished. That would | finiiil i.f inini-, be told me there was only or enalile uIIh i-, |.i ili;i|.v nearly as good, to secure' hiiIIhuI <<\ milling the trees of this dreaded pes! ,some rt-i_-iit:iiii 11.11. I ..liserve that at their next i ami iliai Mas mad grit. When the roads are dr| November exhilntum the National Chrysanthe- and dusty, get a few loads of the grit, [an! mum Society will have a jubilee commemoration I apply to the affected trees in the early mornin March 20, 1897.] THE GARDEN 215 ■n the (lew is u|>.im tin- f.iliaj;.'. - 1!. I.. <'a Man-hiriil J/,,// (,;i,;l,„.^, Wn .rluim. laising Melons under difficulties.- I', he.se ilavsof rW^], .;lasslinns,.sinaTiy -:,nl. , short (iflH.ttoTii Ileal for laisin- M. o the tl.>» li'.l 9lL-e, tol.Tal.K it gardener has practised this rule «itli frlsome years.— J. C. S)CIETIES AND EXHIBITIONS. rlE UNITED HORTICULTURAL BENE FIT AND PROVIDENT SOCIETY. Tk annual meeting of this most flourishing in- tion for the sole benefit of gardeners during and old age was held on Monday, March S. atjhe Caledonian Hotel, Robert Street, Stran.l. •hen Mr. A. Dean presided. The ri|i.Mi he committee as read by the secretary ^ll•l«^ tl!. the i)ast year \\-as the best yet recurtled frji point of new iiicnilprrs elected, viz., sixty-six, w|.st only one deatli liad occurred amongst the iyi benefit members. «liich speaks well for the "thv occupation of gardening and for the com- iiii on the whole. One member, having at- • i| tlie age of 70 years, was entitled to draw 111- balance as per ledger, the said amount J -verfSO. (What other benefit society, it lily be asked, would provide such an ac- ,1 I lion on a member attaining the age of I- as this society ?) One member who had ■ I to nay, being consequently deemed a lapsed ill 1. had also died, and to his nominee the Hill standing to the credit of that member .1, also been paid. The sick fund slmws a ed increase on the previous year. \ i/.. almiit bird more, or nearly £200 in tin a^jn jii. Til is only the natural sequence oc. a^ion, d 1,\ I th ever and rapidly increasing niemlH i -lii|i .it thteociety, which proves better tlian w.n.l- .an iothe good that is being accoin].li-lii .1. 'I'li. riRurer's account shows that a sum ..f £ I liio lia^ l)e| invested during the year, with a good ili>| .. - balance in hand for contingencies. The t oi a 1 ted funds now amount to £11,900 at |.ai tof the respective stocks in which the ni \ - invested. After providing for all eoniin I-, each member being duly credit eil \\iili .unt due to him, there is a surplusof a-~. i - ' liabilities of nearly £200. This, too, is ino-t -allf.actory, showing the sound financial condition f'f |e society collectively. : \e chairman, after moving the adoption of the ' rem-t and the balance sheet, as certified by the I Rutors, Messrs. W. Gunner and G. Dixon — wl h was carried unanimously, every member pr.pnt being furnished with a printed copy of ihijame — said it afforded him very much pi over the meeting to learn by the progr earlier society. The chairman said, after he carefully ])erused the rules and the financial ing of the society, he had come to the con- m that its officers who first gave it a start lolved the [n-oblem of old age ijeiisi..ii^ in the rational way. The society, le- -anl, «a~ ially a self-'hclp society, with it> niaiiaj.. expenses kept at the lowest possible limit, ani inlike many so-called charities, which seemed '" '-^ rather for their paid officers than for the rejrt what rapid and satisfactory progr no being made as compared with the vej i of the society. The chairman said, i nbers at large. In the " United" it the workin..- of its officers and comni :, lal..Mi, ..f l.^.■ f.M III.- b.n.lit of fl ent HI some cases upon cliarit; arks tlie chairman .showed that ali.l li.a.lv vo able advoeaey of Ihe.o the meeting. Tin- ti nounced that Mr. .\ I the sum of one guinea 1 anv wav deemed nios ,> being made. The meet .lose by a most unanmiou nks to the chairman for hi; i.l.'.l lilln . bv the >. bin the information of non -members, amongst "lioiii It is hoped there may be many will contemplate j.iiiiiii.^, Ibe s..iilai \ '* dress is Mr. W. ('uUin.. !l. Ma. tin.lal.- K. Balham, London. S.W . Tli.' n.\t iM..iit]il\ m ing night for the electi.ni of iiieiiii.eis is .\|iii next. NATIONAL CHRYSANTHEMUM SOCIETY On Monday evening last the general conmiittee of this society held a meeting at Anderton"s Hotel, when the newly-elected chairman, Mr. T. W. Sanders, presided. Preliminary routine business having been duly disposed of, Mr. Willis was elected to fill a vacancy that had occurred or the general committee. One-third of the mem- bei--. of the floral committee i-etiring by rotati.m '.; eligible for re-election, resulted mtlemer T. Be :. Stevens, J. H. \Vitfy, and Hi^gs. Jli. T, levan was again ele.t. .1 .haiiinan of that body. The secretary ft 111! n.i.l th. nport of the sche ule sub-committee. iIh- |.iiii. i|mI items being at .11, iw- : The classes m tli.' -.Ii.-.bil.' f,.i lb. h.i-.- f..i' 1895. Amateiu's vmII 1„- .!im.|i,I mi. »ii.liM-i.ms, Aand B, an. I .Minii h m- liav.^ In-.a . xlilanal.ilA- •!.. It In- li..a, |. the scbeilul.- »ill eiint.nn tlir.-.' -,..■. lal ■■.■..m memorativ.' ■■ .la--.-, wlocli .n.. iii-iitni..l ii honour of Her Majesty's sixty year>' nien. Tlir lii - of these will be for thirty-six cut blooms, t\\. nt\ four to be Japanese and twelve incurved, an. novelties of the years 1895, 1896, 1897, or not y, sent out to be shown on ordinary .lapanesc show boards, with the twelve incurved blooms in th. front row. Open to the trade. Prizes : £5, £4, £3, and £2. The Turner Memorial euj) not competed for at the last show will be offered for thirty-six cut blooms of white, y. I' and crimson .lapanese in twelve \arieties, tli blooms of each, with 6 inches of stem, and f..li: 11. il ni-.-.'.-sarilythatof the variety shown. Tbetli I if 1 1 II -. ~| lecial classes will be for twenty-four dishes iif .\|.|.l.'s, nine of which must be sorts in cultiva- ti.in .It the time of the accession of Her JIajesty to the throne, and the remainder introduced during the last thirtv years. Exhibits must have been grown in the United Kingdom. Prizes : £5, £4, £3, £2, and £1. Speeiid prizes were an- noin.ee.1 as bavin- been .ilVen-.j bv Me....rs. F. A. nexan, II, .1. .i.ini-. I', Walina, I l.MMill. Sutton -nil-, I ilii I - » ho have III 1 h.- -i-i II I \ ■> shows. ,/. Ill ■_•!-. ,,n.l an oil vai II 1 \ Im I he |premier iiw . « hull ,ili.i- several i 1,11111 ih. iiiotion of -mK III I h.ii I he elassi- K . |i , till hi . iiiilinued \li. .hiMi- -.londed the 1 1 that a small .sub-com- iiii-i.li 1 and revise the Uoi, Witty, Ballantine, lith the officers being that the society now ...nsisted of 703 oidinary members, 102 Fellows. :iS foreign members and 1.36 affiliated societies. Several new members were elected and the meet- ing closed with a vote of thanks to the new chairman. Royal Horticultural Society.— Constant complaints having been made to the council to the .■tfeil tb.af fb.. liii-ine-s of each cf the com- niiil.e- ha- l.ilrh Ihiii ill-Ill 'j.iiii.ied on account III 1 hi ili-i . -.ml III I 111 -ml- M - rules and regula- ti.ins, thi-.'onneil hn. In ilii/ii that (1) the rule whereby all oli,ieel> |iii -. ni. il tm e. i titl.-ate- inii-l be entered with the .I. ik^ ai tin. taM.' hefoie 11.30 a.m. be in fulnre ,e.:iill\ . nti n e.il. an.l that (2) all such objects must h.- i.la.'e.i .111 the s|.e.aal tahl.- provided for plants for certificates. After t h.- I ilaiits have been presented to the committee, t h. \ .an, if the exhibitors wish it, be incorporated 111 their groups. The next fruit and floral meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 23, in the Drill Hall, James Street, Victoria Street, Westminster, 1 to 5 p.m. A lecture on " Bud Transference audits Effects on Fruit " will be given at 3 o'clock by the Rev. Gordon Salmon, M.A. VICTORIAN ERA FUND. (To CoM.MEMOK.\TE THK Dl.AMOND JlBILEE.) It ha- I..-.1I . I, .ill. (I hy (he .onimittee of the ( .ai.l.airi-" l;,i\;il I'.. 1 ir \' . i|r 1 it Institution to com- inrinoiale oni li.l.N.il (,inri n> long and glorious leigu by estabhsliHig a special fund for the tempo- rary relief of distressed gardeners, market gar- deners, nurserymen, seedsmen, and their widows in their old age. It is proposed to raise a sum of mon, V. Avbieb shall be invested in the names of I h.- 1 1'u-li.- of the I l.irih HIT-' i;..\al H.-iievolent lii-iiiiiii t «hiih Iba Ma|r-1\ ha- been the |i,il riiiii— fill- |iiit\-ti\e ye.iis- anil lo be known loi all tiiiH a- th. ' ■ \iitoiian Era Fund," to per- |iii iiai I- 1 he nil mill \ 111 the sixtieth year of Queen \i, iiiiia - li, 111 III I 111 nejii. The income from the final t.i 111- a|i|ilie.l HI temporarily assisting unsuccessful candidates at the elections of the institution — they having been subscribers to its funds — until they obtain a sufficient number of votes to entitle them to a pension. Till- eonmiittee consider that a sum of at least £."11 II III will be required to enable them adequately t.i .-airy out the proposal — this, of course, in a.lditioii to the amount required to meet the liabilities of the iii-iitntion. which amount to £3500. It is earn. -tl\ liii|i.-.l. however, that the capital sum above name.l «ill he raised, so that the l.-tudable object may be satisfactorily accom- |.li-li.-.l. The fiftyeighth anniversary festival .hniii 1 in aid of the general fund, and also the -I I.. -1,1 fund, will beheld on May 26 next at the Hotel Metrnjiole, when the Rt. Hon. Lord Roth- schild ha- kimllx i--n-etited to preside. Con- tributions will III 'ji.iii-fiilly received and duly acknowled.j. .1 Lv Mi --is. Glyn, Mills and Co., bankers, Lombard Street, E.C., Mr. Harry J. Veitch (treasurer), Chelsea, S.W., and Mr. Georg<< 216 THE GARDEN. [March 20, 1897. J. Ingram (secrctiu v). .")0, rarliiimeiit Street, Lon- don, s.w. - A list of contributions promised and paid will be published in the gardening jmpers next week. The Eoyal Horticvilttiral Society's medal awards. S(,ini> .xliiliiiors ;i|.|i,:ir tn iin.Tjiiie that (luantitv i- r-, mial i.iilin iliaii uHlualHal . -.aal- lenceiii' .a, I, a m ^^.anr I hr.,. .Ii^t in.a aa.~, la,i all such l.lliMlir uial.a a .\..,.\.,\ ,„l-lak.a Wlan high-f-la,ssrnltu,r I- ,.M,,r..!. Iir 1 1 a ■ , • X 1 , 1 1 a t hut ot great e.Mcail ^r iiiiiiiIk I-, tia- ilara'i- aie all in favour of till- a«alil l.,iiaj laa.h- in 'lia' |ai.|i,a- tion. An iiistan.'e of tin- lia|i|irM. J at thr la-l meeting on March i), \Ua a. M.-h-. W . r.ahliiM and Sons staged a dozen |ilaiiiv mi -l ea.h ol ,le^ pots. Tla' I'MIMiil grown, « itli -'N (II these ha\iuy the «: a clear canary -jt Southron. most distinct,— Notes of the Week. Hose The Bride.— Two beautiful flowers of this unique variety at the Drill Hall last week were among the choicest of the cut flowers. The flowers were large, of fine shape, and chaste in the extreme. Pictures of flowers.— Mr. A. F W. Hay wood, who draws flowers so admirably, invites liis •of i pictures on Tues ehari friends to a private \iew day, Fridavuiid Saturd: •28, Baker Street, I'o.tn, Corbularia citrina pretty examjile^ mI tl petticoat Nareis-n- at i the pale colouie.l hhi-- pretty when seen m a ui Cytisus elongatus flowering shrub of which the Messrs. Veitch con- tributed some well - flowered examples to the Royal Horticultural Society's meeting last week. The blossoms are pure wliite. freely produced an slender, sle^litly arehin- laanehes. A new Rhododendron. Having a number of our eailv l.l..,,nnn- i;la.h.denrlmns in hlnnn, we herewith enel,,>,. three t..let yni, .... ihM l,l~t female par.ait of ■ ne« hvlaal .and Snniise the male. We .send abu l;. |ii-: e,,N ta -la,« y.n hu„ inferior it is.- I. |l\\is\- Sun. (linKl.nl.. Primula denticulata alba. A huue pan of this han.i- -iom|, .at the Hull Hall .m the Sitll in-t. Thel.' U.ae .11 lea-t li.a\\Me,, | «,,IiU and thirn head- nt l.haan ut tlie purest white. SoperfeellN haidN .a M d V ciallv v.aliad.'r t.a it - , ai for tile h.anl\ |,lanl h.ad.- forthegieeiihon,e in pot Geum miniatum is among the earliest of the border plants in flower, and not only is it one of the earliest, but also one of the most showy and continuous. It is an e\rell. nt plant in lnan\ ways, and for a long time .ai i eai i\ .■ m ila li,,i.lei proper as well as useful in a eel -i.ana Thi' plant begins to open its oianye-.-ehaned lihi-- - when only a few inches of stem are visilile. and .a- growth continues the flowers increase. Narcissus triandrus albus,—(^iite recent K at Ditton we saw some m.asse. of tlii- ,H-ettv D.alVii dil witli ,|"'l- •■' laafn-ion ,.f laid-, .and. , ■ recentK -idl. lla' \h--i-. lam .and Smii- hein>jlit fine examples t.i the l;,,\.al lleitaaillnial SM.aeU.. meeting at llie Drill Hall. For v;io«iii.- m pots or pans in a mixture of leaf-.soil, peat and loam s a plant is espe and is alike usef u eool, moist spot 01 this is very useful at this early season, and is sure to prove attractive by its chaste and pleasing flowers. Daffodils from Ireland. — I send you a few golden Daftbdils, Allamanda-like in colour, sun- iiig goblets ! viz., Trumjiet Maximus, M. .T. ie'ley, l'iiinie>r D.aine, and the old Rosens a- 111 ii- lic-i a|-pe.aiaiie(a In other parts of 1^ tiMin whieh ihe llowias I send were taken pl.nitid in November. Where the flowers jiien the lailli^ have been down one year. — l; II m;ti V 1.. .\rli,iots are thickly clot lieil ' ll.iu.i- t..i iii.aiiy weeks. The plants .n.' ■jiniiall\ h.irj iiM.I and cannot bedepiii'l" atl.a ab.ail Ln \iais or so, but VOUll'.;- stn.' ' .aisiK and -iniph' k.pt up bv putting in cutt ' III ihe anlnnin li all.l I he method used ■[" . nitui'^- i.f bii-h tiuit-, siieh as ( iooseberries i" Currants, and losses will be very few amoi|» batch of such cuttings if the soil is of an open " Mauch 20 1897.] THE gakdp:n. 217 rindy nature. No pruning is at any time needed, a shapelv ))usli form i.s natural to tlie plants. L. Acacia affinis.— After reading " H. C. P.'s" tercstiiij; article on the above in a recent issue, rber"v'r.''."i.l"n.'„' I ,v,'~ ■.;,,',> in', i„ ll,.. „|„.,', lSy"'"li-l,'V '■■.,'',! \'u- iMin', oi ;i hill,. l.,l,,. icoordinu ti. I h.' ~ ■ i~>Mi. ll cHiiiipihi^ 1 II Mi.Min hen .ilMlr -111.11. ,ni 1 ,- M.,« lliiuiiin;, hun iickei-s. .■;,,■!, -J |-,||ii 11. li-Tjlu. ii,h.;;m i,.,! ''gh- V '" V','"" !'"''', '""' '" ''''~' "1 ..ngland. ,i. ,i ll In nr, li in .l:iliilal,\ U.I . x|i.M,.M.||.l ■^fortlli'^iil nt^,|Mri|«||.illi.i ..v.i.iLliliu ll.iin (I In |'0ff||,.M |i:.,l, n.ijl.l. II I- llnu :i -I. Ill III \.ll,i«. Vt Trrll,-...lrk. III-.. I Tr , »l„.|v.n, nM li,|.| «;.. Utdown .ill .ilL tun N.i.ui., a-u, MHik.,i> >|.lalL- u|. or yards aroi bout 5 feet i -W. A., Trnjothnaii, I Fritillaria aurea is .loom in tlif npcn 'ji-.n leautiful ami rh.iriiiin- I rforpi.tsut this tin,., . 0 valual.l,. a |.l.n,l .1... lore fr.im tl..' .ji ..iiml. ndex.|ui-iti- i„.ukii.i4- inparted to ..tli.r s|iii.| oweriiii;', .mi- .jar.l.-ns \ hereby. There are man the* early spnn-.an.l id. These are at the present tiim 6 feet liigh and one mass of bloom. irall. Ih.ial.. i well as a more abundant Howering. F. aurea I very sandy peat or leaf-soil with loam added akes a very pretty group on a gentle slope. Primula The Lady. It was a welcome sign I find that tliis Primnhi attra.'ted so much atten- ion at the Drill Hull i.n Mai.h !l. The light and raceful form of both fln^^.•|■s ;i„.l fnlia-j-e ^^.•^s uite a refreshing chang.' :ili'|| tl.. t.i* llnwi i - :iii.l iuat habit of the .so-. -all. .1 iiii|.i .i\ .-.1 fiun.s hich bore in dense liea.l- llnw. r- . ..i 1. :.- Lii,.' a five-shilling piece, and win. li u. n ...iinil ily some 6 inches above the pots. 'I'h.i l.a.l\ i- white Chinese Primula, which has. a|i|.:.iiiii 1\ . Imost reverted to the original tvpi ; ih, luhiiji i- 11, Hnely .ait, an.) v.-iy .lark. sh.iNMinj- ...il in .rong.-niil ra^l In lli- lln». r^, whirli an- niiiii.i. ms. of iCtion to whi.-li tin oth the Primula a elp regretting tl 3wer and dwarfne ould a few jilants of tli ; C. c. Webberiana liaxe ' their newer ri\als, tbe |ually great with these, ith the one here noted. lay liorist has brought t'ineraria, I could not me to which size of mt has been brought. The recent gale.— During the recent gales the south coast immense damage was done to le timber on the neighbouring estates of the ' of Norfolk and the Duke of Richmond. The of Richmond was specially grieved at the irooting of eleven of his Hne Cedars of Lebanon. has been found practicable to raise the Cedars am seed, and there is to be an extensive plant- the park and (ileasure grounds in com- emoratinn of tin- Diamond .Jubilee year. Charges for garden water. — Judge Bag- we, on Satuiflay. had before him the case ..f "Grand Junction Wal.iwnrks l'..iii|iaii\ .. iwley." In this case .Mr \-|nin|| I'mvlrx'. nt ding, secretary to the Kalii." W ai. i ( nn-iiini i - ■otection Committee, was siii.l li\ th.- .■niii|i.in\ ■ £1 Is. for water used by the' defendant for lerthan domestic purposes— namely, for garden rposes during the season of 1896. The case f defended for the purpose of obtaining a de- ion from his Honour on the legality of the company's insistence upon a minimum jiayment of a guinea a season for water supplied for garden Obituary. DOCTOR ROBERT HOGG. W i: remit t.> .mnuunce the death, at tl 7'.'. nil Sunday night la.st, of ini.' ..f t ll s]ie.ii|.l K.a.iers in the gardening «.■! Ki.l.ert ll.jgg, LL.D., F.L.S., aiitli..r ■■ Fruit Manual " and editor of the Ju llortkxilture. He was born at Duns, ; l.SbS, and was educated at a private s. his native t.,wu. lie wastlHi.s,,n ..f ]\Ir II...-, tin- h.i.nl .if ill.. ..1.1 linn . .f 11 1,1, ..r .1st 183G, and was en fruit grower, IMr. wlicre he gaine.l u.iik e..nneet,..l ' 111., .-iill .,f and Tulips, on the former of which he wrote a treatise. In the year 1845 he became a partner, by imreliase, with Gray and .\d;uus, in tile Inng- ri.litlliil,..l till the ,lls.s,,luti,.n ..f the «-li..l.. .■•i.i.-.rii 11, |,s,-,l. This nursery was ,.si iMish,.,! in l.siil, ,111.1 is now occupied by tli.. .Smilh l\, iisiii'^tiin Mu.seum, Imperial liistii iiir. an.l iiili.i iiiiimial buildings. Dr. Hogg pr.nluced ■I'.iiiisli l'..mology" in 18.51, a work in "Iii.li '.'bl .\pples were enumer ted, and It was ti.inslated into German. It was in due time superseded by the "Fruit M.iiiuil, of which it formed the basis, this de\.!ii|iiii. into a large work, which has pa.ssed tlnnii.^li five editions. In 1858 lie produced tlie "Vegetable Kingdom and its Products," a work which must have involved great labour and re- search, as it contains ji.n enumeration of 7000 I Kl.iwers uf Great iintain," ].ubli.shud nins. Dr. Hogg was the originator t>l It 1^1 1 I'liinological Society, which, with np..r..ti.,u of Sir .Joseph Paxt.,n (pre.si- .\lr. Spencer, ,,f D,,w,„..l. :\lr. Tli.mi.as . and ..th.-rs, w;.s fi,niiil,.,l in 1 .s.', I . ||.. for five years — in fact, unti Royal Hnrticul tural .Society became established at Simth Kens- ington, when he took the initiative in trans- \\ . ul. .,,/, Ml at lirsl |,riiil,..l .al \\"inrl,est..r, .l,.l,iis.iii liv.i.l, an.l publisli.-.l in I'.il |.rn..^ter l;.,«, but in .\iigiist, LSdO, tlie wh..l.- w.is re- in,.V...1 t,. Lniidon. In 1801 the name of the Cull, I, I, i:,ii;lfiier wan altered to the Journal (■/ n.nUailhirr, and in 188(i Dr. Hogg became, tlirougli the death of Mr. Johnson, sole pr(j- prietor. Public Gardens. Proposed addition to Hampstead Heath. Sti-ps are being taken in llaiii|.sl,.,Hl t.. iii- iiiiiiiate a movement for the piiiilia-. li> lli.- iiilili.. of the house and grounds kii,.\v n .i- i ml.li i s I ill, bordering on the West Healli, ■riii -, .j n lun.ls edins! ...l-ii -iA..|..,l small 1 Is wln..li a u..,|i I i.liNi-. and are the haunt 'ji il-.ii many kinds of wild fowl. The house Ma- ilii ...-111. rii'eof the late SirT. Spencer Wells, an.l is nii« the property of his son, Sir Arthur Spencer Wells. The preservation of Churchyard Bottom Wood. — An influential committee has been formed to secure the ]iurchase and dedication to the public, as an open sjiace, of the wood, fifty-two acres in extent, known as the Churchyard Bottom Wood, Highgate. The wood is the property of Mining l.:i- liaM iary to complete the purchase. Commons Preservation Society. — A meet- ng of the executive committee of the Commons I'r. -. rvatinn S.iiioty was held at 1, Great College ~i III. W I -tmin-t.'i . last week, under the pre- iliiiN 111 Nil. ll, Shaw Lefevre. Mr. Perciva reported that the Railways Joint ( abandon those ) .. i single line betw. between the exi ment wall shall that the curve . conform to th.- . Ml.lla Xi ill h..lll 218 THE GAKDEK [March 20, 1897. which these companies would either deviate their lines so as to avoid common land altogether, or that they would gWc an ecjiiivalent in area and value for any surli liiid taken. The Metropolitan Public Gardens Asso- W. W )lll;iiii iif the open space >" Kim Hornsey for tli' Jnttom Wood.Hi'jIi'j. of «lil.l, tlir W,nMl-,«..illi Hi-lih 1 l;,,,n,l ,,l WniK- ojlCiatc with tlic .MMIMIlllr. Ill -rr ■_. |]„. balance of the punh.i-i' iiiiiiir\ ti.nii ui lur ^nui .i-. It was announced tliiii ;i .■.im i il.iii f t'lii Hi-, had been received fi I. Ill ilie I.eji lin -,H,r,' Cnin pany, and that a pi ix;ilr miIimi ilin hml smt i'.">n to the association as a most suitable method of commemorating the sixtieth year of the Queen's reign. (JARDEN AND PLANT I'HOTOCRAl'HS. 1897. The Editor of The G.^kdex and <;akiikmn<: Illustrated announces a Photographic t'umpeti- tion for the season of 1897. List of Prizes. Class 1. — Country Hou.ses anu Flower Gardens. — A prize of Ten Guineas, and a Five Guineas, will be given ,.f nut Ic>, IIkiii I«c1m. nl„,t..- cns may be included. Plants. — A prize of Six Second Pkiz window plants. C'/axn 3. — Borders, (tRoups of Hardy Ferneries, Rock and Water Garde- Plants.— A prize (if Five (Jiisevs, iiml a Prize of Three (;iim:as f,,i not 1,- iliai photographs of inck 'j-anlcns. Ili.w.i- ■ailcs, Xi l.I■:N^, <;i;\>s Wm.ks, iM, I'l, ,1 i;i-ia i l>i;n i - —A prize of Six Crixi \-. ami a Si,, uxi. I'ui/i m Three Guineas fill 1 lie III '^1 ten in.. -i \aii..l an. distinct views of law II- an. I lawn 1 1..-. ..1.1 ^■.■\^ fli:iwer-e;inleii>, and arbours, picturesque \A'Ood land, park, .a pleasure ground drives, and Grass tV„,« .-,.- Best G.\RDEN Fri-its. — A prize ol Five (Guineas, and a Seconh I'im/i ..t i'J In-, f.n the best collection of not 1.-- tl.an u\.l\. |.li.,f.. graphs of garden fruits ; Ciai.. -, I', .1.. , \|.|.l. - Pears, Plums, Cherries, or any utii.i liuii 'jr..unii Britain, to be shown singly or on ih. I.i an.li.- not crowded on dishes. No prize w ill 1.. luai.l. . crowding, the form cannot be seen. Class 6. — Best Vegetables. — A prize of Five Guineas and a Second Prize of Two Guineas for Class 7. — Cut Flowers, Table 1)eoor.\tioxs, ■;tc. — A prize of Five Guineas for not less than welve jihotograiihs of arrangements of flowers in balcony, or any other picturesque ' le the house, rustic work, bridges. snot winning a pii /.■\ullt.. .a.'li halt a " inn. a. ;.:SHi!::n;w!n |ilV|.;„.. .,,. ...1 ke kept open ;„ ,„,. . '..;//, /„if phlllls should .-/•»v n„ them. 1£t:';IIi:' "/„„,;■, rollers, l.nnl. /„I„U. ,linl />,„„ II, f.. i,]n,l,.,i, ,r III. full l.,,inli, ill liL: n'.j.rts ,1.1,.. Th. ;„- ,./■ II,. s„hj.,-l ■1,. ., Ih. ,,l'„.l,,- 'i:rln;"'!rh,u""ub'u ,/„,, ,,i,i f,;,;,, ■(I.,.,:. Th. .-.I,,,.,:, .I„.„l.l I.. I. ,;.„., 1,1 I, /,„.■/, f.,r sll.'h. .Ill ph.. I. ..!,„,.''' -'"■"I'l '" ""■<"ll"l -n,.ll,l. ■,„,l „..l ., ,-. ,v,/ „„ „ ,v,a./. 77,.,/ .I,.„,l.l „.,l I,. I,,,., I., I.. I ,.., ,:,,;ls „-,ll, 1.1. ,.■!.' I,.l.l.<. „„,l Ih, ,,/,„/,„ ,,r,ij,l,.-< .h,.,il,l ,i..l I,. /. <- n, .-i:, Ih.ii, :, !,i,-l„< 1,11 J, iiiehis. The snhjerts .shniihl not lie orerrr/nnler'l. The folloH-iiiy are. the rules to be ohserred lit/ all rompetitors: — Kinsn— n,' i.l,.i',inr,. ,.hs ..,,1,1 I., ofnicrls : ,i II,.: 1 osuntinn clea-'ti/; but ihosi on a'.ba envraviag. Second -The name ,in.-7 „. The weather in West Herts.— A a sharp fall of hail, ,..■. ..mpani. .1 \.^ ilmii.l.a ,in.l lightning. After 1 1..' -i..ni, 1 1..- .ji -.an.l ^^a-l..l a short time complct.-ly .-..x.a.'.l with ljail-ti.n.-i, (In flu-' .ith the sun shone for very nearly ciuiit lii.ui^, making this the brightest day that we li.i\. a> vet had this year.— E. M., Berkhamshd. Ma,xli 13. A week of very showery weather. On the 16th the temperature in shade rose to 53^, which is the highest reading as yet registered this month : there were, however, three warmer days in February. On no night during the present month has the exposed thermometer indicated | nore than 12° of frost. At 1 foot, and also at ' Meet deep the ._n-nnnd is now aliout 2° warmer wall cam. In which is a t.. for the pi .V last year, .an. anv of tho.se h ground roughly for the winter d...-, 'I'h.' ..nth is in this way exposed to t\\e s\\. . 1. inirj nilin.iii'e of frost and wind, and in the eail\ -| j i. .luircs no further preparatioi nts, "lir.ik. note himpi ;h, am rapidb away. After tWLi or three drying days in the earh part of March one may, in'the case of not ver; heavy soil, at once sow even small seeds, an- one week's fine weather will bring the soil int. such a free sweet condition that it will crunihl. to pieces at the touch of the fork, — .1, C B, RAINFALL IN 189B, •Y-BWLCii, Merionethshire, North Feb, March April May d»ya on which 0-01 Greatest nd upwards fall in registered. Ineh s. 1? •97 13 •49 27 234 15 ■25 4 •29 1.3 l-(i2 15 1(1 1 56 Total no. Robei Inverie Gardens, In Wet T>vi -A bulb bulb. h\ ": !^: i-a:. I 12 40-0(i 8-23 1 62 Asphalting ga'-den walks.— Will someresdij kinrlly give a rec-ipe for asphaltirg garden widl ?, 4c — H. A. Hamns of plants.— T/ioiiios Ti/Jer,— l, Narci sue Aid-Eigh ; 2, X, ramis; 3, Azara micropbj-lla. THE GARDEN. 219 1323. SA lURDA Y, March 27, 1897. " This is an Art Which does mond Nature : change it ratlior ; Thk Art itself is Nati-be. 'Skalcespeare. RCHARD AND FRUIT GARDEN GATHKKINC; AND STOKINC LATK APPLES. L late Apples shoulil be allowed to hang a: ig as possible before being gathered, and thi: e must be stroui^'ly insisted u))on if good re IS iiassr.l, all. I rvni if tllis,|ors iL..t t,-,kr iiKli fniits ii.vri .ittain the perfection of ami lui.iiHs, ,i| lU'sh that are present in hat ,uv;,lloHr.l to hang until the stalk ,:„lilv tv..,i, tllr W.M„1. "Scniir |,c'..plr u'rl - ;iNS as ,-,,1,1 M.Mtlicl- srts in in ll„. d nut keep well. I often have late A|.|ilrs higing on the trees the first week in No\ciii h'. and although frosty weather may ha\i' "< - . iv,l .lurins Octnhev, T liavmc-vei- found tliem I.' iiiimv.l in th,- Irasl. It is to tills late , it lueasiuv in liciiig ahle'f.i krcp Ajiiiles for sih a lengthened period. I also always have til fruit gathered by hand and carefully stored 8"ly, placing each fruit upon its base. As I giw a large quantity of Ap]iles, the late kinds h;e to be placed seveial layers thick on the sUves until they can I)e thinned out, or until tli earlier kinds are used up. This does nil injure them in the least, and if carefully ni'-ed when being thinned they take no hi'u whatever. The Apple room here is dis- ti t from and some distance away from the Pir room, and, unlike the latter, it is un- htted. It is an unpretentious-looking build- in situated at the back of a lofty range of liis and faces due north. The walls are 1 u icks on edge, tied in here and there for ■' } . which leaves a hollow space in the ^ n; ; the floor is slightly raised above the su,i)unding level ; there is one window only, niij a ventilating shaft, 1 foot square, reaches '1< n to the ceiling and rises some distance 1 c the roof. A shutter fits over the windcjw; li^li.ift can also be closed by the same means, I ttitli this and another door made to fit just II Ic the ordinary one we are able to defy iri; ; at any rate, the memorable frost of 1895 (liillittle or no injury. There is no expense «')tever attached to such a fruit room beyond 1 iiary repairs, and in its cool, equable tem- tnre Apples will keep in excellent con- 11 fur a very long time. The shelves, ■ 4 feet wide on one side of the room and '■' l;t on the other, are placed one above another wi| a distfince of 3 feet between them. The wijow I make no use of after the ingathering of ie fruit is finished, and I rely solely on the Nh.t for ventilating and to carry off all moisture thj may arise. - ttention might be paid to the production of l^tlkeeping Apples for market, as they realise "ifl prices if graded and properly packed. A will through Covent Garden or other markets •■'''■ Hiristmas reveals the fact that Rnulisli- ' II Apples are conspicuous by th.ii ilis, nr, . ' not entirely so, no great quantitn s aiv m This need not be, as we havi' tin- s,,il chmate in certain parts of the country Apples of the highest excellence can be lin.lcU -wji e . grown, and if th the market after has 1km-ii sent ..v. aiiJ Maicli, Ih.vN laliniate fruit rooms arc not necessary all hat is required being a frost-proof building in ihich tlie teni|)erature can be kpjit con] and (.•a.lv. Tliat liluli ,.<<■■' ■ '<' '" " 'li -1 r-v many Apples as I liked to send hiui. On my return home I could not buy a single hundred- weight. I merely mention this to show that tliere is a demand for well-grown late A])]iles. A. W. THK I'EACH TREE ON ITS OWN KOOTS. A I ri:iM\ niinil)i'i- of Peach trees have tlir |iio I "11 \ nf , niiiin- true from seed, such, for exam |il.'. a-.ll',- IVrl,,^ .roignies of Belgium, the TmI,,- .!,■ Tnllin- uf Dauphin^, the dii I'.iv.i uf il„. i:,i,,n,|. . anil I'rclie de Beurra of I''i aii.-lii' i 'mhiI '■. Suiim' ■J- I \ai-ieties as well, iiuiaM\ iIm- M ijimimh.' si-iirs, are capable of exart ni,r..(lii.-l 1..11 trom seed, without, however, presenting in thiji pi... geny a consistiency as marked as in the local 1;.. . - just mentioned. In any case, with the \i.M ..f obtaining Peach trees on tlieir own roots, it 1- ..f the utmost importance to si-l.i-l tli.- sl.ni.s ..f Ih.- very finest trees and the iii.if which was of no value whatever as regards ilixmn till the soil was drained and the roots kipi iir;a the surface. We note your trees are on :i t:i\ •mv- nble aspect— a south-west wall, but this is nt litilc consequence if the roots are in a wet, si:ii\(cl state. It is useless to keep such fruits ; i\u-\ \\ ill never ripen. In some parts of the country liluii Morceau will not thrive, tliough given the best treatment. — Ed. Fbui PROTECTING FRUIT TREES, trees are in a forward condition generall.N an anxious time of it for some Tew weeks to come. Apricots are in full bloom, and if all goes well the fruit will soon be set and out of danger where protec- tion is afforded the trees. Peach and Nectarine trees will soon be in flower, and if not already protected the means for doing so should be ready to hand, so that it may be given as soon as it be- comes necessary. Pears on walls and in the open garden are much too forward, the flower-buds ha\'ing bursted and the trusses developing fast within the last few days. Sweet Cherries are following close on the heels of the Pears, and the same may be said of Plums and Damsons. Morello Cherries are pushing fast, but they will take no harm unless we experience weather of :t very wintry nature. Apples are on the move, but, judging by the present rate of development, they are safe for some time yet. Gooseberries are in a very advanced condition, and will soon be in flower if the mild weather continues, while Cur- rants have grown considerably within the last week. Raspberries are pushing into growth, but are not in a sufficiently advanced condition to cause alarm. Such is a brief statement of the condition of the fruit trees in this neighbourhood. Should the open weather continue, all will be well, but if a succession of sharp frosts were to occur, it is to be feared that great injury to the flowers and flower-buds would result. Much may be done, as far as wall trees are concerned, to guard against such a contingency by protecting them, if only with several folds of fish netting suspended in front of the trees. Pears and the Gage Plums are so valuable, that they are equally as worthy of extra protection in the shape of coping boards as Peaches or Apricots. Common Spruce boards can be bought cheaply, and they will last for many years if stored away when taken down from the walls, and they also answer just the same pur- pose as the more expensive glazed copings. Cherries are also sufiiciently valuable to warrant the same amount of time and trouble being ex- pended on them, as once the boards are fixed in position and the netting suspended, strained, and securely pegged to the soil, no further attention is required until the crop is safe. The protection must then be gradually reduced and finally dis- pensed with altogether, but weather conditions are a good guide for. the right time to do this. Laths or poles should be used in connec- tion with coping boards and nets to prevent the latter from being blown against the trees and bruising the blossoms. These should be let into the alleys about 9 inches, securing the tops to the boards with wire nails either against th edges or just under the edges. Nails driven ii at every 2 feet along the edge of the boards will suffice for suspending the nets upon, :iimI iIj.' poles or laths should stand quite 2 feet :iw:i\ lium the base of the wall. Failing such sinipl. im m- as the above, boughs of evergreens tied U> staki - placed in a sloping manner against the trees mil afl'ord a certain amount of protection, and so v\ill twigs of Spruce Fir or Yew worked lightly in among the branches. The great objection to" the employment of evergreens or branches of conifer- ous trees is that the Blossoms are unduly shaded, which has a weakening effect. I have seen good crops of fruit secured in this way, but the branches were very lightly disposed and in such a manner t hat a fair amount of light reached the blossoms, which the bees were able to get at with ease. For Peaches, Nectarines, and Apricots I use frigi ■ iniiiM blinds, as the crops of these are too valu- ilil'' to run any risk while they are in flower. I'l i'ji domo is, I am aware, rather costly in the lust iTistanne, but with care it will last in good coiHlition foi- a number of years. I have one MinJ that has lie, II in use for the past nine years, audit N\ill a'jaiii be serviceable for another sea- It is questionable whether the quantity of netting that would have been required to protect the same number of trees that this l)lind has done in tlie ]iast nine years would not have cost more tliaii ilr' fiii4i domo. In any case it is the best |.i.iiii tiM material that I am acquainted with, ami Willi a ^\ stem of cords and pulleys arranged Hi :i veiy siijq>le manner the whole of the blinds employed here are raised and lowered by one man in about half an hour daily. A. W. Stok-e Edith, Hereford. THE NEWTOWN PIPPIN APPLE. Mb. W. A. Stiles, of New York, in reply to a query of ours re this Apple, writes as fol- lows : — It would be a very long story to explain all I know aliout Newtown Pippins, and my knowledge is liiiiile.k Two varieties of these "Pilipilis ale leeiivni-i.l the yellow and th.' ;ji.mi an. I l.r- -ah - till- I line is what is known a- i hi- Alli.anai h- I'lpiiiii, whieli fruit growers considef .j, in tally as nothing more than the yellow Newtown l'ip'|iiii, as it grows in Virginia, in Albemarle ('niini \ , i.n the foot-hills of the Blue Ridge. These an' inn. sidered altogether the best, and bring tin- lii^hest prices. Singularly enough, this year when all the Apple trees of the north were loaded, these Vir- ginia trees bore no fruit, and only one carload has reached this city during the winter, and they were sold at once for 7 dollars or 8 dollars a barrel wholesale. A few Newtown Pippins are now coming from California in boxes, and they bring very high prices, although experts say the name sells them and that really they are not first-class fruit. In good seasons picked Pippins from Albe- marle are the best, but it is a mere chance that you have secured a good barrel in the market this winter. The Newtown Pippins that we usually see here come from Long Island or from the Hud- son River district, and a few from further north, say in Vermont. I bought a barrel of that car- load that came from Albemarle for Professor Sar- gent, but I have not seen anything nearly so good in the market since then. It is said that some of this original carload is in cold storage here yet. Of course you know that late winter Ajiples which grow in this latitude ripen much earlier and be- come autumn Apples further south, so that the Albemarle Pippins ripen early in the winter, while our northern Newtown Pippins are just now at their best. Albemarle or Southern Pip- pins do not keep well ; I mean they ripen early. You may have got an exceptionally good barrel from the Hudson River or the Vermont region, but you will hardly be likely to get many more this season. The man who raises good Apples this year may not have good ones next, because the crop in that particular section might fail another year. Fruit prospects.— Judging from the eastern counties, there is likely to be a good show of blossom on most of the fruit trees this season. No one can forecast the result, but usually when the hliissnms aie phiitifnl :ind strong the crop i- a |ia\in- iiiie, /a., if the trees are of the iijhi Linils anil liiil tnu old, or been too much II, -1,1 till tii lieaf i:u,)(l fiaiit, but it is distressing to hii.k iiinnd the rural districts and notice what littl,. iin|.io\ement has been effected by the good aihiii, liiilh written and oral, which is being fiiilv seiiltered about. The rural districts, at any rate, want a good deal of stirring up. Some progress is being made, and close observers can see it filtering through, as it were, from certain centres. In time this will be more marked, but the day has gone by for making rapid fortunes out of the produce of the land. We need not mind much about making fortunes if good fruit grown. The thing to aim at is, whatever is tak, in hand, to do it well. No man who grows got fruit ever yet found it a losing business if 1 possessed only average business ability. — E. H. Syringing Peach, trees in bloom.— 1 fe I must have led Mr. Crawford astray somewh, in my note at p. 135, as I never intended to imi I was an adxocate for syringing trees in blooi My contention is that at the period he names, s in January, it is necessary in dull, sunless weatl to give more fire-heat than the usual 45° to 50° one requires ripe Peaches or Nectarines early May, and it is also necessary to give a cert: amount of moisture (not syringe the bloom) in other parts of the house" to maintain a healt growth. I do not advocate overhead syringing Peaches when in bloom, but I am a strong I liever in moisture at certain periods to maintaii healthy growth and check green fly. I am at ( with him as to excess of moisture, but is this i the fault of the cultivator in not admitting a lit fresh air when weather permits? Probably I Crawford's houses are different from mine. Wl my Vines are in bloom, I damp down seve times daily. I name this to show the need moisture, and this points out how one is oblij to vary the culture in different places. " houses being very dry, the trees fall a prey all kinds of pests if I omit moisture. My idei that, not given to excess, moisture .strengthens i a a Is the bloom. If I only sprinkled the house little in the afternoon, as Mr. Crawford doe: -h.iiild fail to set a crop. I do it three times anything like weather. I also syringe the bi nf the trees and the old wood where possibk S. H. MEALY BUG IN VINERY. I HAVE mealy bug in an early vinery, year it attacked the Grapes when ripe. Is i any means of getting rid of it ? — R. H. N. ■*,* The season is now too far advanced f any drastic measure for the eradication ofj bug on your Vines, as even such late varie Lady Downe's in quite cool houses are on thei or, at any rate, the sap has commenced t^ All that can be done from now till the Grapbl cut and the Vines pruned is to try to che ' progress by using Fir tree oil. Get a bottle of | insecticide, diluting it according to the instn thereon . Then go carefully over the Vines, totj ing the insects with it. A saucer is the best ceptacle to put it into. Special inspection n ,, be made in the \icinity of old gnarled spur i which the mealy bug usually finds a hiding pi , and from which point the newly-hatched 1 ) soon reach the bunches, quickly rendering t ,i by their glutinous matter totally' unfit for dess Any time after the commencement of Novem , if the crop is cut and the Vines pruned, the ' and clay remedy must be applied. After : prunings have been taken out and burnt, ' Vines must be deprived of every vestige of b. , and the recesses about the spurs thoroughly ' 1 scraped with a knife, the rods being aftenfi ) well brushed with warm soapy water. Some i tar should then be placed in an old pot and he; I to boiling point over a fire, and while still w: i sufficient dry powdered clay added, stirring i while until the mixture assumes the consiste' of thick paint. When cool this must be put o > the rods with a half-worn painter's brush, gi^ ! a good coating and taking particular care no > miss an inch of the rod, but do not touch the ( < on the spurs. Painting completed, have the ■ terior of the house painted two coats, the w ' washed with strong limewash, finally taking I ' 3 inches to 4 inches of the border off, if inside > house, and replacing it with fresh compost. " though these measures ought practically to er- cate the pest, yet a strict watch must be kepf* soon as the Vines start into growth the il'' season, any stray insect which may appear bf | killed by a touch from the Fir tree oil brush, l the Vines are very old and partly exhausted, I' best plan to adopt in such cases is to pull them ([■ make a new border, and plant young canes.—]' March 27, 1897.] Stove and Greenhouse CAMPANULA PVRAMIDALIS. ns old-fashiiinoil plant, which I liavu gn d bli)iiiiiu(I with more or less success for hirty ye.u's, is very easy of culture, iis it ot iv.|.iiru iirtificiiil heat. Sow the seed .tuinn, leave tlieui Iwing spring, then )ols, s.iy in .\])ril. iter !with water. When the flowering stei: w have them properly staked, and ds show colour, give weak manure ice a week. Wluu tla. r,.].,m- (wintr ,,v •ender) shows .-,( il„. i,,,s nf th,- l„„ls, i,,k,. ) pot or pots int.. il„- ,lu,-llinu Im.iis.-. «1„t,- i ten d,-iys the plants will ]n- a mass ..f 1,1 u, nv i\-.iter, of course, must be given at proper ..i\als. Many people grow it in borders. Is perfectly hardy. rile |il,-int liere ti'^'ured was grown out-of- ifirs until th, 1..UI Has just visible at the |int (if til,- 1,11, Is. \\li,'n it was removed into t) hall, where it e,,iitinn,_Ml t,, flower for ten leks. The colour of the flowers was pale 1 ender. — M. Wedgwood. — Few plants are more beautiful than the vious forms of the abo^■e. They are valuable I nts for the siiniiner decoration of the cool ciservatory. and i-ijiially good for the open ll-der when planted out iii spring in a sheltered cliier where winds cannot spoil the bloom. Tli j; nt, in my opinion, is not used nearly so much o: could wish, and in some cases there is n e.ugh attention paid to variety, as si,me plan h-eanopenof la'j'^. .1 a|.|,. aiat,,., .,||„.is ha' Iter shaped ll,,\\,i~ ;m,.I I. -.),..• m .ji, ■.■,!, a- |,i fion. In notin;^ tl,,' i,,rii(- , .f ili.' | ,\ i :ii,,i,|al sidles of 1,1, illy gou( oiite there , great gain in the cjuality of th, idual flowers. The plants seed freely and readily raised if they are only needed for de- e(]ition without regard to colour. There is no ■ culty in flowering them in fifteen or sixteen ntths from time of sowing. I find the most slpely plants are produced from seed, and I do atlvise other methods unless it be to retain a ^ial variety. sow in March in pans in a light compost. seed being very small, it is necessary to have tt surface quite level. Well water the pans be- sowing and gently press the seeds into the No cover is needed other than a sheet of ir or glass till germination is efFected, which be in about a fortnight. Few things damji : quickly. As soon as the seedlings can be nulled they are transferred to pans similarly pi|)ared, being pricked out 2 inches apart eacli In three or four weeks they will be sti,.r,.j 1 to place in a cold frame keptclos,. t.,, a Pot up singly into 3-inch or 4J-inch |...i- - 1 use both, as by so doing a succession is "lid. In August a shift is given into G-ineh "I'll pots and the plants merely plunged in ■ It, is necessary to get. the pots full of ' - I ly the end of October, as the plants make no '"'f.L J '^^^^^ ^^^^ ^^^^ ""''' ""less well rooted, otth damp off". I house in cold frames, and from THE TxARDEI^, 221 its usefulness. At the present time I have a large iid.r, f,.pt hip-h anrl (i fret through - .it 1. 1. ...11,. ( '..iiinlaiiii- ai, -some- plants, iieingood ied in somewhat, I have found that benefited if fre- ) manure during need frequent potted for nine ,alth. Nothing inms for placing the large leafage takes this ott'. these Rhododendrons are much ([uently watered with xieak slice thegrowiii.j p,ii,„l. Tl„.y ,1,, i„ potting. M \ plant l,a- n.'.t l,,-. n or ten ycai-- ,,i,.| i- ,,, 1 1,.- l.,-i ,.| 1 Vrum sanctum.— Will you kindly inform me pi.,|.' I 11,,, lie ,_>f treating Arum sanctum, both .jie ami after flowering ?—W. M. -»» Arum sanctum, a native of Palestine, is not hardy in this country unless in a particularly warm and sheltered spot, so that it succeeds best under greenhouse treatment. It should be [)otted in the autumn, at which time the tubers are quite dormant, and if in pots they should be shaken any trouble to keep up a when annual or occasional tiiinniiiij^ up becomes necessary, the long steins mav be cut uji into pieces 3 inches or 4 in,l„ s 1,,,,., ..,,„l will root freely. Place al,.„ii li\ ,■ ,.i -i\ ,,f these round the edge of a 4-ineli )„,t an,l pliiiiirein a brisk bottom-heat for a few weeks, and nearly every one will root, or the little side shoots may- be taken in spring and similarly treated. GROWING CYCLAMENS. Will any reader kindly give me a little informa- tion on growing Cyclamens ? I do not think I treat them properly.— J. A. *,* " J. A. " does not say whether he has already sown seed of his Cyclamen. Most probably he has ; at any rate, it is to be hoped the start was made either last autumn or not later than January in this year. In my case the young plants have already been moved out of the seed )ians into either 2J-ineh or ;? ineh pots. l,„f if ...T, A.'s" .seedlings a !■,■ n..l ,|ini. -.. t..r\\ ai.l ,i- tij. -.•, he may vet be sii,',.--t,il in ■ji..\in,j il,.i,i i.. , service- able size 1,.\ 111,' a, II, ,1,1,1. Ii..i,, hisi I,, l;ist Cy- clamens are impatienL of any serious disturbance of or damage to the roots ; hence the necessity for sowing thinly. My plants present the appear. 222 THE GARDEK [Mi 27, anoe of ha this rejiul: separaftl^ breakinu' soil. Thr leaf, other th: en pricked out, and, thanks to 1 tliinness, all can be lifted out M- limited end of a label without ~ or wliolly denuding them of I haM' formed at least one rough the seed leaf, before thev are moved. Place them i ngly af-soi into 2|-inch pots, using burying the tiny corms. It is during these early stages of growth that so many Cyclamens are spoilt. Once they receive a cifieck, the corms harden unduly and further progress is most un- satisfactory. They must not be exposed to either strong sunshine or cold currents of air at any time, and a dry heat is particularly injurious to young plants. Too often they are arranged on dry, hot shelves, whereas a raised, ash-covered platform not far from the glass would be a far better ])osition, while gentle heat and a moisture- laden atmosphere are other imperative conditions. Keep the soil steadily moist, spray overhead fre- quently on bright days, and shade from strong sunshine. Supposing the temperature of the house or pit in which these joung plants are plarrd fill till' lii~l -i\ Mii'k^nr so after potting lairji- ii iiTn ."ill lull:! iiiiii liiijliiTi, theywill grow >tii.iijl\. \i! -iiitilil\. :niil may be ready for a The miijority of 30uMg (I'yclaniens are flowered in 5-inch pots, and if not forward enough to shift into these in May, June or e\'en July may not be too late. The pots should be well drained. A very rich compost is undesirable, this promoting the growth of leaves rather than flowers. A mix- ture of two parts good brown fibrous loam, broken up mnderately foarsp, to one of good leaf-soil, with ^liai|. -ami aililiil. -nits Cyclamens admirably. Failinij- liliiiiu- liiaiii and it is by no means aliMiliilily inili-|iin--al.le — substitute a sandy clayey loam if pnii.-urable, and add either charred soil or lumps of charcoal to keep the whole porous and sweet. When repotting, see that the old ball of .soil and roots is moist at the time ; do not more than lialf 1mii\ tl rmsaiiil make the soil moderately liiMi, .\i ilu- ima' houses are usually beconiinj iim Imi Im i \ila mens, and they succeed bi.-t I. I in >li.ill.i\\ |.it~anil frames, a nearly exhausted liotbed suiting them well. For reasons already given, the pits or frames receiving these newly-potted plants ought not to face the south. With me they succeed ad- mirably in a shallow pit on the -wrst sidr uf a house running from north to soutli. and I liavi' also had them good in frames faiimj- tin- umtli. In any case, arrange the plants thinly on a bed of ashes or other clean moisture-loving material not far from the glass. Keep them close for about a week, not watering for about three days, but syringing lightly overhi-ad three ni'four times on clear days, ami -liailinij fmni -ini-liim-. \\"hen they are showing -i-jn- ut liaxiirj i.i ii\ . icd from the check given llum !.> n |.iitiinj. a-lmit move air, but never in the I'mm utri.M iii-lii<. This treatment must be constantly |iii-.mi.i| hi. never neglecting either watering, -nhii'^mij. shading or ventilation. Before On -ii-.m i- tai advanced lla- plants Mill nmst pmlialih i.i,niir more nimn. m' ntlaaui-' lli.' lial--lalk- »ill become iinilnK Imi-j. KihimM' I'umii- iIi.ii iIi'- quentlv ending in the loss of tlie plant. A gentle heat of fn.ni 4."i' tn ."i.")' suits Cv.laniens during the floweiimj- |..ii.iil. ami tlirv innsi nut be subjected to ruslir> ,.f ,-i,l.l fnuit air. l-'limrrs wanted for vases ami nthm- | .iir),i,-rs. and shabby blooms generally, -Imiilil imi In- rut, but ought to be drawn clean a\\:i\ Irun tin- corms, stumps if left decaying dci\\n i.i iln i .iins, causing decay to spread to othei part- nf ili^ plant. When the plants are treated as above advised, they rarely become infested by either red sjiider or thrips, but are not easily kept free of aphides. The last are really responsible for innumerable failures, and befon- tin- nitiuduotion of fumigating sheets and nirntim- xapmi-iis I have been obliged to di)) all (hr |ilanls in tobacco water once or twice during the growing season. This troublesome detail is now uncalled for, the nicotine va))Our proving simpler, safer and more effective. — W. I. may be given another shift, this time nito U-inch or '7-inch pots, before they become much root- bound. In Octolier house the jjlants. On no account mix them wiili a \an,ty .if nthn' iihiiits, t'yrla- when 'an:irjiirii.\ i In ni-.lvi - una li-jht "fr.iTit bench in a ^^luenhuusr a laiti.iil -la'^^ing for choice. Dispose the plant- tlnnlx. l^.ip them xmiformly moist at the rnoi- inMili.ail -yringing should have ceased in Sipt. mlii i i. ami if litjuid manure is applied h-t it In \i,ak. I u-e a light surfacing nf ('la\'- fiiiili-i. ami liml rlii- does not pronrntr a lral\ ijinwili at tin' .■\|iin-i' of flowers. In (luii.- a .'iiM ..ji.-.ailnai,-.- tin- ll..H.as are liable to be sjioLted — llial is tu .sa_\ , not clear in colour, and there is also a tendency to both leaf and flower-stalks decaying, this not unfre- Flower Garden. ANEMONE BLAXDA. A WBiTER on page 198 of The Gab den praises Anemone blanda, but regrets that it does not come true from seed. What kind of truth is wanted in such a delightfully variable plant we are not told ; but there are now in my garden more than 1000 flowers of it open along the base of a south wall on which fruit trees are trained ; their colour varies through every shade of blue, from deep violet to pure white, and I consider them far more ornamental than if they were uni- form in colour. A more beautifid sight could not easily be found in an English garden in February than this bright display under a mid- day sun. In this garden A. blanda competes with the Winter Aconite and the Snowdrop for earliness. This year .some were showiog buds above ground on New Year's Day, and a fort- night later many were in liower. They ar- rived at their best by the end of February and will just last into April, but, owing to the wet autumn, nearly all late winter flowers are earlier than usual. As this is a plant which deserves more notice than it generally gets in our gardens, I hope I may be excused for saying more about it. A. blanda (Schott. and Kotschy) has been accepted as a distinct species with doubt by some botanists, as in many characters it seems to come so near to A. apennina, but to the gardener its distinction is most important, as it will this year have been in bloom for nearly three months before a flower has appeared on A. iipencitia. Its native country liegins at the eastern end of the area of A. apennina, of which Bosnia and Montenegro form the eastern limit, and it is not recorded that the two species over- lap. E. Boissier traced A. blanda across the mountains of Greece and Macedonia, through Asia Minor and the Caucasus into Northern Per.sia, and that botanist points out in his " Flora Orientalis " the differences in the botanical characters of the two nearly allied species. The varieties in the colour of the flower have been already noticed ; those with white flowers are of the strongest growth and have the lobes of the leaves nearly entire. There is also a form of low stature and with very large flowers, mostly pale in colour, some of which were given ti me three or four years ago by Mr. Gumble ton, who had them from Mr. Whittall, o: ■Smyrna. These flowers are often 2 inchei across when fully expanded. Those of a dee violet shade are said to come from Greece but I cannot speak of this with certainty Others have a white eye, sometimes distinct! marked, sometimes shading ofl' into sky- at the edges. As nearly the whole of my laigi stock has been raised from seed, and as I hav( no experience of dividing the tubers (wMcJ I daresay can be done), I will speak jiirticularly of increase by seed. The se ripens plentifully enough, if not plundered birds or mice, iu May ; if allowed to sht it comes up the followirg winter where falls, provided no raking is allowed ; but the seedlings are liable to be inconvenieni crowded, it is better to gather the seed a sow it in any convenient spot in the ope soil, where, of course, it must be protecte against the destructive methods of treatin the surface soil too common in our gardens. So many of my friends complain that the cannot get their garden seeds to germinati! that I am induced to say a few words aboi some of the causes of failure. Seeds of man ranunculaceous plants, as well as those ( Daffodils, Crocuses and other classes, con: up easily enough if sown as soon as ripl but fail to come up readily if kept dry ai sown in the following spring, and so a thrown away in despair, though a few of the might perhaps germinate the following winfr and appear in spring. I have somewhere set | an opinion expressed that some seeds willn) grow until they have been subjected to freezing temperature, but from my experiem) I think the frost is merely accidental to thej' growth and not essential. It is essentisj however, that they should be in the mo ground at the time when it is their nature begin to sprout, and this time is when thcj parents begin their new growth after tl annual rest — that is, in the case of the plan| I have mentioned, some time in autum The practice of sowing such seeds early autumn might be adopted \vith success, but do not find that anything is lost by leavii them in the ground, where they lie dormai' until Nature tells them it is time to sproui and if this time is allowed to pass witho' the opportunity of growing, they wait till comes round again the following year. Sec lings come up every year spontaneously inn garden, when seed of the same species, savi' and sown in spring, remains barren in tl soil. Of course there are a great many ga den plants, and consequently seeds, which ( not begin to sprout until the soil gets war in spring, and in suggesting this theory la prepared to admit many exceptions to it, b' I would advise those who wish to increa their stock of Anemone blanda to act as the theory was true. In conclusion, I may add that both tl, hardiness of A. blanda and its patience und| ill-treatment deserve notice. On January - this year I registered a minimum tempetatu of 1 5°, by which none of the flowers then oi March 27, 1897.J THE GARDEK 223 ere damaged, but all expanded again in the lost amiable way to the next sunshine. Aho I observe in any bunch a flower remarkable : colour or size which I wieh to isolate, I save the bunch up with a long trowel, and, iving traced the stalk down to the bulb, ex- act it, and neither the transplanted llower those which have been upheaved and let own again show any sign of resentment or pear to have their life shortened by the •ocess. The bulbs do best when 4 inches ?ep, and a dressiiig of fine rich soil in icumu is appreciated. 1 1 may surprise some lat I have not said anything of naturalising blanda in grass, but the turf here, if not own, is too coarse for such small plants ; !side?, I regret to say that pheasants are iid of the flowers, and pay too much atten- bn already without the addition of more M'klom get tlin>nuli :, -.■,■, -,m « ,i I i I,,-,.,. l>r!iiieh. Alike on \\alls n, a.-, Ijii;-h phinL- shrubberies, the eai-ly-tio«eriiig properties Cydonias render them exceedingly vahiable. E. BURRELL. Spring- contrasts. I ivmriiilHi ^irj.j.>iM l>, an. I .\li. Kail LiinlK :,ii|, il Llial Iwu ot the I.L.^l vam are I'rince Piosper and Ue- ast pleasing of spring con- by an association of early- Tactions to the Crocuses and Doj;"s-too oleta on the edge of the lawn. Charles Wollet-Dod. Edye Hall, Maljxis. Ilciweiint; shnilis w itii a dwarf carpet ; foi- in- -Ian... a ma-- .,1 «lnt.^ Arabis around )lr ,,|,| l;)li. - -an.nni.ann .1 1 lie pale form of tl 1- «,ll- kn.ixvn -liruli ii-iiaj .mt of a carpet of pilipl,- Anl.ii.tia. An.iili. , .,!..a-ii,.j-f.:-ature ju-l -,nl 1- »li,r.. .1,,,-. ni.i--.- ..1 lli,. ,,1.1 -l.llll,-. Il ,l,-,a.|,|..ii- ,n,.l . V. ,.,,,. n ; ll. ■' uiu! when entiulv l,^ 1 l.,ni-,K ,-. 'l-he same remark holds g...,.l .,1 An, in, ,11. ■ fiil.j.n-. although case of till, i.lani », liax,. 1., lirrarefuH in the •here it IS planted. A nui th-we.-t liunlfv i- tho 1 f'st sito for It on this light soil. The \aii, ti,- if I'ul monaria also do well under the -lia,l, ..: shrubs of large size, and form a caiaial .a the.same.-E. B. ' l"l '"!■ Centaurea candidissima. — .\ clilleic It Style nf |,ro,u-utin<; this has bet-n adopted tl IS year witli till- abnvr plant, and 1 cl,, n,it irlucl tber to l,a^. in.a. a-.-,l it l„f,i,,. in a -ilnilai «a . Tli,i .... ml. 1 1.: I^'i:, ;ir, i,,-,- , , -|„,i,-,l,l, i,,i j, nninli, r .,t III, in m lli,' .j !■, ,1111, 1 la-l (l,'l,,l, y'X'u ydonias. — I have generally had to chronicle ifference of sevpfal days, or even more, in the •erinj; .,f ,lill. r, ni varieties of Cydonia, but t|s year tli. \ ai. all ...ining in at the same time, "langt- .l.ailitl. - ..uiibutable to the fact that two plants that ha\ l' generally been the earliest situated on a wall, more exposed than any er to the recent cold storms and heavy rahis. Is white vurietv does not seem at present so >dely known as "its merits de-pivo It i- a v.iv ' Utiflll -Innb .HI,! la-t- a I. ,11-- lim,. in ll.,«,a'. tis, al«a\- |,i,,M.|, ,| ili,.|,. ,. ,i,,| miali tr.,-l. general appear.ance of the plant. .Ml lii. f^ily do best on a rather retentive soil, it 1 In- m the light side the ground for a di-tn. . nd the plant should be kept perfectly -..li.l, a slight surface mulching once a year of .some tender |)lants were cleared, and. aided by a good 11 vier compost will be found beneficial. Do the | thick mulching, all the plants were preserved varieties come true from seed ? I ask be- quite intact, so the side shoots were slipped off sharp frost to find its w-iy thi IRISES AND SPIRAEAS. Beaitiful effects may be permanently ob- tained by the planting of herbaceous subjects and bulbs th.at. for grace of form and charm of llllet, ,■11 IS iMili Mini iLiiml l..a -il.i I . M, mil, 11 and the Japanese ins (I \\:' ii|i I! . iliii\e amongst them. The 1: I 1: ,l, |,i,led are grown in large ,lnin|i- .1 .Il iiii.i ,,il,iurs, only the .self -tin ted varieties being 11-, ,1 uliil,-. lavender, and blue. Such a wikrgai.l.ii t.i ilms it may be de- sif;iiated in cnntia.li-l in, 1 a.ii to one in which f, ,iiii.ility is the keynote— is charming from the ., pilling of its first Narcissus to the fading of lis 1,1st tall Tiger Lily. S. W. F. Petuni, Mil 1... -li.H.tmg up , „.,,. -naming III- 1. \ an -. . Tl togreat .i;i.,i,i ,.ic.,lif.,ii ml.,, Iii.jl, -. .1111.1 ill. assortment of colour, lint for a K'lrtreeius display commend me to the old large-fiowering purple. Beds of this— they must, by the way, be on a large 224 THE GARDEN. [March 27, 1897. THE ALSTRCEMERIAS. I WOULD fain believe that amateurs have not vet fiirsrotten these charming Amaryllids, ivhich were f(rrmL4'lv s.. (.■..i,nn..ii ii, ■.■n>I. n. l.iit in all Holland one sees t\v also in Algeria, wht rich foreigners who they form s|,l,n,li.l - flowers of :ill I 111' s|i I regret they :im' ii" gardens, even in ou In Algeria they flower inspring ; in the .^aidms of tli.' ell in Upper Musl.,|,ha, ,,s. The large-elusterea IS are so handsome, that iore frequently grown in lore northern latitudes. the north of France, and especially in the latitude of Paris, from July to the end of August, and sometimes even to September. In gardens in the south of France they bloom in April. Alstrtemerias should be planted in a very li.'ht soil plentifully enriched with well-decom are not neglected in the matters »f stirnng up the soil and, especially, watering. Alstroemerias can be grown equally well m pots in a light compost of leaf.soil, garden mould and well-decomposed horse or ci.w manure. A few ai)V)lications of li» in- manner : Having fnniislicd witli suil.'iMr diain- age one or more p.-ms. :irroiilnr4 to tin' .|n.iiitil\ of seed to be sown, fill lli.-ni np with a eoiupost of one-half sift, a In aih soil and one-half rather coarse hat soil. 11. ap lliis up .slightly in the pans and drjiosit tlj,- si'liIs lei^'ularly on the sur- face, covering them afterwards wtth sifted heath-soil to the depth of one-fifth of an inch. The seeds sometimes take a year to germinate. whether the species in their possession are to name or otherwise. ALSTRffiMEKiA AURAJJTIACA.— Stems from 32 inches to 36 inches high, bearinoj at their ex- tremity several flowers 2 inches long, of a fine orange'-vellow colour, with two divisions diversely rayed or striated with purple. A. AUREA.— Stems 2 feet to 2 feet 4 inches high; flowers yellow, dotted with green and marked with saffron-red lines with green edges. A. Cru'iiNiAN A. Strins 2 feet high; flowers w nil -l.'iiil' r. M'd-I ipp.'d petals. \, niA-Mi.oiiv A II reping or climbing species Willi -ti'iii- liiini r,', ft-et to nearly 10 feet long; lli.wi'is of a lino oiaiige-red colour. HiA/i. Flowers numerous, of a handsome 11. loin . vi'iy large, and borne in an umbel. iMM\NTii\ Stems 3 fppt 3 ifK-hes high ,. IS In. in.' 11. a Lrani'liin- nmli.-l, large-sized I fiiiir ili\ i-imis i.t a linllianl srarlet-red III- iiiaik.'.l Willi |.iii|.l.- liiM's, till' other twi III \i nil nil on the upper part. lli.i.Ki uiANA. — Stems 32 inches high lis mI a line rose colour, with green-tipped 1,1, .11 Stinis Id iiiili.s high; flowers with .,. iln 1-1,111-. |.aiih wliiii' and red, the other .,. ,.iiiii,'!\ 11,1. lia'jiaiii. and borne in an \ii 1,1 1 Sii'iii- Hi niili.'s high ; flowers of a . i',,i,k ,'ii|i,iir. ill,' iiiiiii'i iii'tals blotched with lie rose colour, tli,- , wdth red, borne in ;'lded a large numln' •1,:i,k.:kina.— Stems .\n\ , nil' w 1... once plants Alstrfemerias is i to repeat the planting of them every year i ' wards, and it is equally certain that they afford him every satisfaction. — Rajphael ; NoTER, in Ecnie Horlicole. We do not quite agree with the writer | what he says about the sowing of Alstrcemerias^ one takes the seed of Alstrtemerias as soon as f ripe and puts it into the ground, every see(' germinate the first season. It is also better to sow three to five seeds in eac and let the seedlings remain in the i.ot the first vear. The voung plants of Als 1,1. lias an- v.iy diffieult to handle, they... , l.iilil. a- 'jia--. anil a Miy great percentage ^jll ihi' It i,'|>f iiiiiil wlii'ii Iht-y are still young. H " als,. a pity that .M. do Noter does not say a thiii<3' ahout the value of Alstroemerias as j flowers, for which they are specially adap account of the rigid, long stems and ha colours. A few stems of the rosy-lilac colo A. pelegrina mixed with the white variety ai arranged in a vase or bowl are quite a picture i beauty. NOTES ON HARDY PLANTS. Arnica montana.— Those who are inclined t dig up this pi: imd does not flower should at with another view, becaus V,' it away because i his season dig it u if the flowers can b got the plant is fit for a place among the fines flowers. Now the crown-buds are pushing, trans plant into a iltep loam in full sun, but to a poa linn wlii'ii' plinty of moisture can collect. Iftb soil is II. . I nat iniilly deep it should be made so. Violet California.— I was glad to read i note on tin im iits ,if this new kind (p. 198)_a? gards its lli.\M IS. From several sentences iai note, I prisuiiii' tliut the flowers had been under some protection, and, at any rate, Bristol climate would be more genial than, mine, close to Leeds and on the cold sands I therefore only wish to add that I planted a groii of this Violet last summer in the open, and with out any protection whatever, and I think I ma safely describe it as quite hardy, a fact whit there seemed a year ago or more some reason I 'er, it promises to be a free blootae or open-air date of flowering he ■eckimed upon until the latter ha high ; dark n a vello purpl,. iTLCHRA.— Stems 20 inches high. This ■s resembles the preceding one, but the is are white, with red and green tipped .\, Ki,:voLrTA. — Stems 20 inches high MIA large, of a fine orange-red colour and bor in clusters. A. sp.\TiiuLATA. — Stems 32 inches high ; flowers very large, of a fine nankeen-yellow, spotted with brown, borne in an umbel. A. TENUiFOUA.— Stems 2 feet high ; flow of a handsome violet-pink colour, borne in umbel. Saxifraga coriophylla.— This is one of tl very best of the minute resetted and encrustf kinds, flowering in winter or early spring. Tl flowers are white, clustered on short, leafy soap or stems of a rich reddish colour. No words mine, however, can convey an adequate idea the charminc hubit and colour tints of this plai as si.n ill till' mi, Idle of March. Unfortunate! li,iwi'\,'i 111 I i.ninii'i'i'.' the true plant is n ilw i\sili~i',.N. ,,,l S. llochelianaandS. valdens t,„, ,',ii,'ii ili.iM'j' ilulv for it. Neither of thes ilii.iajli ,j,„..l, has ih',' refinement, so to speak, 111,, nil,, plain, ami niitlier could ever be mistaki t,,i II atii I th, ii.jlii kind has once beenidentiiie A flic loam ami i^ianite or rotten stone chippinj Sisyrinchium grandiflorum (the Sat Flower).— Just now the three varieties are prettil in flower, the white, red-purple and blue-purpl The last has the rich hue of Iris reticulata, ai! seems to be a scarce form ; all, however, are vei| attractive seen in good tufts, or, better stiU, j tufts arranged in groups. The long and brig grassy foliage is in itself pleasing in February aij early" March, but when liberally bespangled wn March 27, 1897.] THE GAi^DEK 225 Fritilla the call ;nus. 1 1 name besides iU-mailil sIh'IIi i.-il nonks is vnv vt lliusc Uiiiij;; give a |ili-asural)li- siir|ii'ise any sunny mornint tei-thfnua(llr..f Mairl,. Saxifrag-a Burseriana speciosa. — Tliis i; leof Mr. Boy, aiHl 1 tlunk l.r Inl, e of the four or five vaiiiti. ^ hr li:i~ -i nnvd, i In his favourite, and •wi.'ll imjlii ii li. ~.>, I'ln iin>j- ;iihl 'jl.iwin^- with a rich red co II- i|mx\ II 1 li. -I. 111. Each scape carri.- ,f tlle|HUv.-t »l,ilo. J. W.in Woudri//,, Klrkstall. Dall.idilsaiv vriv fur«al.I,a |Im»,l^ 1 r,Min;i hIiiiI 1 (li: ;i -,.illiM" II IMI,.:.. -I ll ->. liave done plant does s <;ivcsa rewa The European Cyclamens. Tlicre stiin considerable (■olltll^inIl iii tin- ihiiiiiii.>l;il ui-. I European ('\v1;iiih n- .m.ir_ m iIh^ .|iiili.i 'denufolium liavm- In. ii ;i|.].1hi| i o ,iliihi-,i r\ ci \ by one aiulinr iji' .innt licr. I'lilinp- lujc- pt Professor Areauj^eli's naming- is the simplest ly out of the dittieulty. I see that Nyman in "Conspectus Flora' Europe:e" considers Aiton's hedenefolium to be the same as Tenores ('. ipolitanum, and it would be best to let tlmt tumn-llowerinu- s|iecies stand as C. linlcr,, ium, a name that suits it exactly. The mukiI clamen of middle Italy stands as C. repandum, d then there remains the C. europieuni of )rthern Italy and Switzerland. This, however, as "Junia" states, spring-flowering. I have ■self picked the flowers in the neighbourhood V'arenna in the month of May. Nevertheless, issier, a most accurate botanist, puts down C. ropa-um in his "Flora Orientalis" as an autumn - wering species. Can it have two flowering riods lilie the fjardeii Violet, one in spring and e in autumn '.'— Siiei:borne. Nicotiana colossea.—This Tobacco, besides ssessing foliage nearly as large as anything tainable for flower garden work, has the addi- nal merit of being easily grown, and so is avail- le alike for large or small gai-dens. The time 1 sowing will depend on the means at hand. If fairly good warmth is available it can be left til the present month, but if it has to go on the : 3lf of a fruit liouse it is best sown in February, .ter pricking off (into single pots, preferably, in sad of pans or boxes) it can be grown alonj; I her sharply or slowly, as the time for planting s'i.t ll.iwciing >'ubs. It is not often tliat any supfjort is neces- !y, but if tlie ](lants are in an exposed position 1 1 the weather is inclined to be very rough, it is 1 -t to give this in time.— E. B. !Iotes from Almondsbury.— The weatln i i- Jirious— March weather of a line type fni llnw. i- 1 I trees— plenty of rain, drying vvinds, jiiM . -M < mgh to keep things back that want k.' |iiirj ' ;k. We have had spring droughtsand >injiMi. i < >ughts for the last two or three year's , and 1 1 m \ ! hateful in many ways. This year we >liall >. , 1 V plants that failed to bloom last year m\ iiig li t : heat and drought have recovered themselves • the aid of a very mild winter and a wet spring. . (). .Mll.ES. East IiOthian Stocks.— Few things are more eautiful or more generally appreciated than good may be -mai n in 1 Vlu ii;ii y under glass, then when large eiiiiujii |.ihk,d cut or potted and sheltered under glas- nil oia Mished, as soon as strong iiinngli |il:nii iiig lliem in a good well-worked soil. r.\ tlii^ nieilind they come into bloom and succeed iliii~i \\lii,li wfvv sown in autumn, and will con- tinue tnlluwer far into the winter if the weather is mild. In the tirst week in the year I cut a good handful of flowers from an open border. Some under a sheltered wall look in a most promising condition now (middle of March). When living llierk seed sown in February, and on the return of spring there was a perfect mass of bloom right on through the summer, as they were planted in a rich border having plenty of food. — Dok.skt. NOTES FROM THE RIVIERA. One rarely comes here without getting a useful hint or two from the Monte Carlo gardens for use even in our comparatively cold climate, and I tliiiik, to be denied that much is also attri- butable to good taste and to cultural skill. One iii.ist values and best remembers effects which strike one as possible to be repeated, with or withnut modification, in the English garden. First and foremost in that connection have I been struck with some beds nf Heaths (various not only as regards colour ane is regards their flowering season, 111! in leaf imly, and much natural resistance for such a purpose, as regards early bedding at least. But, even so, variety might ui'll be g,.l by the addllloinif ,,tl i.lllIU, I llnilk i-',|Mi:il l.iddl Ull-IK -1 \,illlll'.r, I,, ,.il.,l. 1m, \,s iiiis hardy uilli n-, :il Cnil.llMid, 1 it may boused in Eiigl.ind as at Monte But 1 ought to add that I have never at home in such beauty as here, the l.lllrM .shad'-^ |ilnMI,,d,l,'. Some of the former were nearer to lavender in sli.ide tli;in I have yet seen. The beautiful little Latt.' 'rnlip (T. Clusiana) is rarely seen here wild iio\\-a-davs without .search far back from the KivieVa towns, although, happily, it iiiiiaiiis fairly liliiitifiil in commerce and culti- \aiioii. It was. therefore, a pleasant surprise to me to sec It kit. Iv c.n the top of a wall on the road from here to Monte Ctirlo botli in its lovely rose and white buds tind also (as it is more rarely seen) opening like a elioiee Crocus, flat to the sun. No Tulip is, I think, better worth growing. There is a beautiful little Schizopetalon in the garden here which I years since took home and proved its value for the Kiiglish gaiclcn, though it needs (generally at least ) to In housiil with us forthe winter. Can any botanist till mc its siieeitie name, which I liad, I ait lost ' It is .st It is covered with telling little red flowers curiously split in the petal ; all like and note it. Mentime. H. S. Leonard. Fruit and flowers.— "Daffodils in an orchard," reproduced from a photograph, in a recent number was iiaiticularly interesting to all who are adimn i^ ot tlic naturalisation of flowers, and it Meiiiid to mc at the time that if the Dafibdils Hell kiic -piiiig-flowering and the Apples hap- |i. iMil to be in bloom at the same time, the \M alili ot |,iiik and wliite above and the sheet of wliii. Ii.luw would result in a bit of natural l.caiitv M i\ hard to beat. It is not, however, with Mown'- III jia-- that this paragraph has to deal, but \Mili llo\\ci~ in the hardy fruit quarter .j;;i li 11, a combination possibly by aecepialilo from an artistic stand- ten very useful. Given plenty of I not advocate planting in this way, liappens that space for flowers is lire is a great demand for cut liloom. in the ki the surroundings, only u-iiu -udi i hmj- a- would not be out of place if s|piiiijin- ii|i nal mall \ in an orchard. In relation to ila l.iii.i |.oiiit. a nr tain amount of formality i.s of course in^epaiable with any such planting, but given this there are some things wliose appearance is not objection- 226 THE GARDEK [March 27, 1897. able. It may be ai'L'-ueil, why put your lloweis in such a place at all' \Miy nut piit tli.m in tliin ri^ht place — the wiM '.iiir.l'-n ■' 'I'., wlu^li |.(i>Mn- allylmay reply tliat tlir r.il.liil^ wunl.l (|inckl\ clear everything cxci.t i]v I ),ill..(lil-. :iihI ,il-n that, unless a gn-al 'l^;il 'il -|i 'KiI ni.iknrj w-v n:- sorted to, the soil I- I'mi Ml ii-lipi -J ii;ii iir;ill\- m the pleasure grouii'U f-i -M.l, ;, ,,iii|, ..->•. Willi respect to the varinn^ t liiirj- t'< I"' i'in|iloyi-il, 11 ii; list iiii'jlil l.o :i Ion;; one. A few would lie Snow- (liM|.<, X'hili I-. Daffodils in four or five varieties, "i\iiiv .1 linjlli of season from the beginning of Mai.l, iinlil I III' middle of May, Spanish Irises, MMntlai 1 1 I- ami Galtonia candicans. None of tl, ii| \ iiiiiihioom A single oi at most i ,1 III I I M II lit down the centre between the the andmulit il\ I \ ' I '1 "l' " »""• _itlKiin„ was in )ii 1 I ^^ 111 I II t I l\ I iii\thiii„ Wlthatenil n \ I I . mill i lint «i nit imen abletoannnil oi it most bieiiiii d Ueitinent 01 anything of at all i Himsy natuie lequiung sup port — E BriKrii ( Imemont Lilium Humboldti - It wis \li\ inteicstinr, to read in Tin ( m i i \ i| li ^» m i nut I the conditions mil i ivln li tli I il ilm m California whei ll nni l I n i li in n I II M veil oi two but it cxnnot be depLuded uiion \ er> laige bulbs often leaoh this countiy and the first year after pUnting thp\ will flowei lust sufti ciently to raise onf li jit ot i fntmi displn in I the second yeai s m t lli mwill 1 1 it i 1 m aftei that the> oti n I ol i i| i n I \ i ml StlUltP to su til I nil »,ll .11 11. 11 ll t Mxer L Hum _ 11 ded IS one of I \oith A.nuni m kee]iin(;- my i;hance seedlings, and already lia\-e a M-iy iMi.misinn- white one, of good form and habit, ami milid MJth brown. Next year I should like lo SI I- a iiiuM- made for a show of cut Hellebores, ■riio l.Mvrs last spring were in good order when the Howers were out. This yiai mine were spoilt by a late frost, ami I r\|'.i(i tin- nnr.sery- men's were the same. Thrll.wiis I slmwedand which looked so healthy wm l\ iii;j on the ground frozen when gathered. ' .T. I. R. ChidtMint. SHORT NOTES.— FLOWEB. Fiearia grandiflira is *he largest flowered va riety of this gtnus— I most desirable earlj plant with Wossoinint a ckar sliming golden yellow Veibapsthe finest results follow when it is treated as a sub aquatic or fdilin„ this growing it la a shady place where heavy soil and muibtuie abound This year the plant commenced floweung quite early in March Q-erbera Jamesoni — I notice the above very rare plant was shown at the meeting of the Koyal Horticulturil Society on the '>th mat I have a fane plant of it which flowered well last summer It sue ceeds well in any good loam with plenty ot rough sand tDr diainage and can be multiplied freely from seed uhich must W .itlieii 1 btt il it is luiti upe I LE^TEN POSES I iji ITB agree with you in youi admit xtion of Lenten Roses It is a pity those show n at the Dull Hall weie put in so bad a light when owing to then dull tints they call rather foi an excess than a deficienc> of it I think you w ill ne\ ei get a good show of whole plants The nuisei\ men cut up theirs for sale, so that they never attain their full beauty. Tho |.lai.ts taki- four or five years to attain thi^ whni lift nmlisl in IhiI, and private growiis wlm lia\n sm-li ~|iiriiiii ns willnotri.sk spoilnr. thini I.N ilnj.ji.i- tliiai, u|,. the nuisi I not been sunny iila s among the cession. The 3eds so freely, h be dittioiilt. TherelretoomiL^yii'.'.'ll'n.N.' With « hit i..n.,l, , link, and green — all rolmir^ min \>liii'li n^ n- -mt-. sport — there should l.ia vninl o|iiiimj aimnrj- ( |,i -,. Hellebores for the skilled hyl.ii.li~l .m.. «li,, would develop the plant along its natuial lim^, and not tiy to turn it into somethinij .K.', ,is is so commonly done by our tradi- i.aisiis. i../., double Primula chinensis, double I'ansies, doulile Begonias, and the like. I have neither the time nor skill to hybridise Hellebores, but I am Garden Flora. PLATE 1111. DIPLADENIAS. (with a coloured plate of d. sanderi.*) We are inilebted to Messrs. F. Sander and Co., St. Albans, foi' tho introduction of four new and beantjfnl ,i(hlit ions to cultivated Dipla- denias within tin- last .six years. They are D. atropur])urea, which was in cultivation more than fifty years ago, but lost again and for gotten long befoie Messrs F Sander and Co re obtained and distributed it in 18W Thi species diffeis fiom all otheis in the daik Mnou puiple of its floweis and also as pro\ed it St Albans, in its preference foi i wiiiii £,ieen house tempei ituie rather than that of i stove It is eisily kept in heilth and floweis fieel) when only sin ill Foi some inexplicable leasoi it WIS le nuiKd D Muil Htmiette md it ha ilsomisiiu 1 i.kd iniiki tin n ma ot D thikei I) u t Ml \ w I mti dm id fion Brizilmlsn m 1 luui 1 in th / / -/,/ ,1 Maijn ui t -I I t. in I I lint II ,w uil it Kitt Iti t I I iikible in ha\in^ i 1 irg 1\ lootstock appiiLntl I I il stems as in somi liio \| In I In I n I I ) I I I 1) Simhii l.ul tli eiiccb m the foim nd m the marl in_ s the foimei li i\ of a brownish if il 1 1 .i^ P\^ 'nt^"^'" .Ji M drmt"th;mo'uth"oftht'ti,he -^*>'- "' ^ ^"^ ■^' " EMMHWisintiodmiil. ^,„i . i ^ W ^ ISH «lien it flowei ed it S Mliiiis mil H isnimed itKe\ II I ml 1 s I) Smdeii hi h I 111 ill 1 ll iweis mote n III 1 lus 111 the 1 iceme mil ot MittLi lose coloui 1) S4NDEBI (see pi it M ssis E Smdei and t i . tl 111 1 d this pi lilt fiom Bia mil ll w 1 1 It toi the til have no doubt it would grow 'well out-of-doors summer in England with abundant waterini? in h we.ather.— David Inglis, Howick Hall, Lesbur NorthiimheHand. Animals poisoned by Broom. -AH i thu latter rsliorlallv Inan- < la irji I'l m-. Ill an. ease the Broom is mil hhIn |an j n i\ i, l.iit i- al- very emetic in its oil. .1-. Thr lua-'aml tin a» detect more readih- than ih.- iniinnant animal th sinklv odour niid'hittii taste of the plant, am aio l.'-s lik.Iy to eat it. But should a horse, ass OI mill. lia\.- oaten Broom in anymore or les . oiisiil.ial.lo i|uaiitity, there should be no dela- ill admiiiistenng the antidote, whirli is found in ] large dose of coffee, seven or oi.jlit i|uiits n so, given warm and weak. Tho .11. .i ..t tin remedy is not always certain, air I it is h.si t. prevent the animals from browsing on Broom whether it be Genista scoparia, G. juncea, G tinctoria, or any other species. — Revue Hm'ticole. not hi\iii„ iLiKuhi blotch a led blown coloui at tl mouth of the tube The el gance of form and delicacy colour in the flowers are ws shown in the plate. The leaves are about 2 inch long, rather thick and leathery for a Dipladeni the apex iiointod, the base rAunded, the petk half an im-li l.nrj. .ami Im.jvd with red. T laiu.'st lli.M.i- in.:. -III.' Iiilh :i inches across, ai tlii'\ an- ..f th.' -.itl.-l ll.-h-lose colour, with .■.m'-pi.ai.iii- III. it. 'h ol \ollow in the mouth ot t tiili,'. .\s t., till- hahit of the plant and i lirha\ioiir iiii.l.a .aili iMition, I am not in a poi ti.iii to .jixo an .ipiinon. but the flowers I knt aiv il.ia.l.'illy .11,11111111.4' in form and colour. ( ;, nihil I hpl.i.hiiias arc in a state of conftisin S. .1110 of Ih.aii iliir.'f ill name only and others 11 11. it nhat 111. ■>■ ar,. .■ailed. Last year we obtain fnnii Miii-^.a \ .11.11 th.. f..llowing: D. amoena, 1[ .Miissima. |i. eiassim.da, D. liybrida and 1 ii'^iiia, eMiy.me ..f which on flowering prOvi to be D. Martiana, a Brazilian species, inti duced fifty years ago, and a most lovely sto climber, as indeed are all Di^jladenias, whatev i * Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Moon Messrs. Sander's nursery at St. Albans. Lithograph I and printed by J. L. Gotfart. ^ y ^ DIPLADENIA SANDERI March 1897.] THE GAl^DEN. 227 !Vinos. Sillily poa iList stave during the si lit in wiuter are essent tiviition. For a full SUB G AKDKN Au''l 111.. Dipl,- (p. UO). W. W. The Week's Work. KITCHEN GARDEN. IRROTS. — A sowing of some early variety of Carrot shouUl now be made to succeed those i frames. The ground shouUl be broken ;,'li FRUIT HOUSES. Melons. — If the plants raised at the be- ginning of the year have been grown on without a check the fruit will now have set and be swelling rapidly. Plenty of nutriment should be attnnliil iImih Imtlj in the shape of top-dresMnj- ;iimI Iniiml stimulants from the time th. li ml- In uin to swell until they attain full ni/.c. 'i'up- Iressings may consist entirely of turiy in thin layers on the front of the border and added to as the roots take possession of it. Where pot culture is pursued, bone-meal may also be added to the oam. For stimulants, fi' open, and when the setting has Ijeenaceouipli^ln water freely at the roots to induce the finii!- I swell quickly. When watering be eanful n. to wet the stems on ace i( nf cankci'. 'I' down all lateral ami li%aliii'j; '^lowih^ mi |.laii in later stages of 'ji'owth, ai^l pincli tln' toiiiu at the first or se, I Irat m in.ln.c llani I.. Lira sion, also to hu|i| houses cannot I » is sown now, tin for setting out c get the liotl.e.ls , on, and att.i i lir and the rani, li.a load of lua this firm and set out the ting two on each hillock i Give tepid water to settli- and pinch the iioiiits mil purpose. If seed ants will be ready th the tmnalr ll..«m, ,il,mii niMl-day, and for the tiiiii' lHin._; lsrr|i 1 1 M ■ 1 1 isic li ■ ai iiiosphere drier, and tlie soil at 111.- roots also, until sufficient fruits have been set to form a crop. Both before and after setting syringe the plants on fine days, and until May is out cover the frames at night. If the bed continues to give oii' steam, leave a chink of air on at the back throughout the night. CccuMBERS. — The January-raised plants are now both crrowino- and fruiting freely. Such lii'iinj' Hic r-asm iIm- ■jimm it may now root out the olil winiri liianiij plaiii- it ^pace is limited. Will n I III' lir-i II 1 1 -I I III 1 1 ml 111- is passed the roots will ri.|iiii,- inp ill rs-iii'js of nch soll at frequent iiiiiixaK. -ixiirj ill. Ill just sufficient at each time to Uiip I lie I s ail i\ m A sprinkling of artificial inaiiiiii mm ami a'jaiii is exceedingly beneficial, (■sp.iiali\ hIi.ii tlie energies of the plants have bein oM iiaxcil. Pay particular attention to the stiippiiiL;- and lying down of young growths. As thi' plants attain age cut out some of the older bine and lay in young growths. Maintain a steady bottom-heat and a night temperature of 70° to 75°. Hardy fRfiTS.— Proceed with the grafting of fruit trees, as Ihr sap is now working freely. Be- fore conn ill III III J iipi I ii ions, go over all trees and stocks ami -limii n iliiin Ijack another 9 inches or a foot, arrmilin- lo tliu length they were left wlieu bi-.ailr.i liark, and pare the wmimls p.rf.rlly simiolli. 'I'lii' srions should consist ol Mill iipimil short loinlril pieces of wood, one \i:ii nM tm Vuung treus or stocks, and two years old foi old and large trees. ' " A. W. Kitchen Garden. POTATO p:s. Wheke these were planted early at the foot of south walls or on warm borders, shoots will now be pushing through, but even in these about tin adding ui sticks against the wall to carry strips of tiflany. Short branches of Spruce, Bracken, or long dry litter may also be used and will do much to ward ofl' several degrees. Planting of mid- season and late varieties will become general wlmu the soil is sufficiently dry to allow it being w. liked freely. If the store of seed was not l.iokiil over and arranged in shallow boxes as aih isuil some weeks ago, there is a danger when liny are stored away in bins of both top and loo! growth becoming matted tutjether, and it will be almost impossible to ili\ nlo I Inin « itlmnt siiiiio damage being doiio ami a rlnrk -imh to Ihc tubers. Turn tlnsi' met and arrain_,'e them thinly wliere tlm.\ .an :^it both light and ail', so that what slmols rinni before planting is done may be stunh. ■j'li.ic are many ways of j.lanting Potal.ir-.'aml lln-se vary according l.\ l.inniiiu Inil.s uiili ,a large dibber autl ilr..],- |.iii'4 ill.- SI Is 111. iakiiig the gi'ound over after- warils, liiit sii.-li a practice is not available .m w.i laud, as there is a danger of water collect- im_' in the holes, or the sides of these becoming I 111 1 1 later on by the action of sun and wind. It IS \ ii-y necessary that the soil around the sets should be fairly light and p.in.iis, aii.l taking all the different ways into (-iiiisiik-ratioii iiotliiiiL; beats digging the ground ami plaiiliin,,' at tln- same time, as this allows .if tlie r.jws being evenly dressed with decayed manure, waste soil from the potting shed, or any otlier material most likely to prove of benefit to the crop, aecordiii"- 1.. the nal lire . if the laii.l. Oncf llu- best (Iressilr^s t-r i-Lim-v s.als is l.-af- nlil, wliR-h IS -4om-rallv iiloiitifiil 111 must -^anli-ns. The y.iungtul.ers'iiot .inly grow freely ...tins, but they turn out with clear skins, which is not always the case when rank manure is used. Richard Parker. Onion Record. — This is one of the most tell ing of the newer kinds owing to its fine shape ami bright golden skin. It was one of the varieties which figured so prominently at the large vegetable show of the National Chrysanthemum Society la?t November, and it was also shown in tin- leading collections, making a strong dish in most cases. It is equally good grown in the oiiliiiai\ way. I have e.xcellent bulbs without ^jn.ial culture of any kind, and at the date I win.-, ihi- second M.-i-k in Mav.-h, the bulbs are solid and good. 1 am iiol a lo\ i-i- of the large bulbs grown for show, lull I \aliii iliis for its good keeping and well doin- 111 a I i-^oil,-G, W. Vegetable Marrows.— Tli.-se are oft.-ii more ti'aim-'s''ll!/,n aV.'-' I'at.'-'i'' oi'i.-s '.^'I'.iwn'lliit sal'.'-." "it is best to s.iw Uiesi- in small pots, whi.-li all.iws of them l:ieing potted on if necessary without dis- turbing the roots, and strong plants will be ready for planting in frames as Potatoes or some other early crop are cleared. The chief tiling to guard against is mildew, which often atla.-ks tin- foha-.;.- wheu grown under glass. Th.- tiiM appuiami of this" should be cheeked by ilu-i m-j i in l.-aM ~ with sulphur, and alfording veiitilai .m liill\ until the foliage becomes strong. A low i.-mpi ratvu-e and stagnant moisture eitliir in ili- ai sphere or at the roots must b.- a\oiil.il, m tin- flowers when they aiip.-:ir will fail in si i. I'. Lettuce Sydenham Cos. I liaM- .jro« n tins will .-sialilmli.-.l. tlimigh not large, before the »int.-r. I am III opinion that many gardeners leave Iheir winter Lettuces too long 'in the seed bed, the consequence being they get drawn and weak, are planted late, and suffer accordingly. This variety stood during the severe winter o 1894-5 witli no other protection than some dri litter and lea\es. — R. Summer Cauliflowers. — There mited md only some gardens for summei ( 'aiilillow.-is simply because the produce is notini viiimj, ami \uili a wealth of Peas, Beans, am, III 111 1 I liimj- I III- ('aiililiower may be overlooked <'ii ill. iiilni liaml I find a small, clean, tende Cai.lillowm-.inly a trille lai-..ier tlian a cricket bal a w.-li-oim- aililitinn lo llii- siniimer vegetablesi i'm ,-arlv s,i,,,ni.-r. Snowball is an excellent type for .Inly the 1 Vail, a .Iwaif x aiiety, closely follows and to succeed that the Dwarf Eifurt or Wa! cheren is reliable. Sown now and again a montl or si.x weeks later, and planted in well enrichei land on an open border the plants do well. Th plants if allowed to remain too long in the see- ' bed turn in prematurely and are useless. It i ' far better to make several sowings than on large one.-S. H. B. Radish French Breakfast.— This Radish : hard to b.-at, its qiiii-kness of growth, fine shapi i an. I ilavoin rendering it first favourite with thof wliii litiM- 1. 1 supply the breakfast table throng llii-cailv months of the year. I always sow it i .laiiiiaiy III the Carrot frame raised on a gent liolli.-.l, tliinning out early and freely and givin as inm-li an as the weather will allow, good se \ii-ialil.- Iinllis being forthcoming in a little ovi a iiionlli, 1 still clin^tothat good old interm iliate \a1iet3 Wood's Frame for second sowings; a close, warm frame having no bottom-heat, ar for early border work in the open garden it is ii valuable. I know one gardener who grows vei 'j-ood batches of the early olive-shaped sorts 1 -owing the seed in boxes, placing these in -iiiiii\ greenhouse near to the front fights, whe 1 a little fresh air can be given to them in fii weather.— J. C. Uncovering Globe Artichokes. — Somega deners advise Globe Artichokes being left to ta 1 care of themselves during winter, giving no pi t.-.-tion loiiml the stools, out as it is well knoi tliai ill, \ iitti n succumb toasevere winter somest of .-.iM I iii-j IS, 1 think, imperative. On cold, 1 tintiM- laml .-are is, of course, needed, as if iiia~- of il.iayed manure is placed round t plants ill, 1,-iiiedy is worse than the disease, b IM II III -mil situations lirfit stable litter plac iiiiiml till- I lowiis in, say December, is, I thin lit I 111. 1I11S in wet or snowy winters being 1 ni,i\,,l 111 li\ I ,11- six weeks'time and replaced wi li.-sli. I'll. -11 ill regard to removing it in Mar • 1 like to leave a little loosely round them afti . the bulk is taken away, this being safer than 1 moving the whole at once. This small quantil can be cleared away at the beginning of April. J J. C.- Tripoli Onions bolting.— It used thought that by transplanting autumn. Cnions in February or March running prematurely was prevented. This idea h I think, almost exploded, and certainly the no real foundation for it. I do not consider,^ is the least advantage in the practice, ! plant, -il I 111 1 1 IS w ill sometimes bolt whole ill-Ill. I lia\i >om.-l iiiii-s had transplanted { lioli, wliili- tliii-i- left in the seed beds 01. -jiiw awa\ siii-ta, loi-ily. This has been *hl a spill ol lia.l wi-ailii-i- has immediately follow ' ilii- I laiivplaiit imj, anil the check has been t -jri.-it fill ill, -III, (If course gardeners are obligi 1,1 transplanl at liims in spring when sufficie .imiiiaml in autumn, b -,-rtaiiilv cannot see t a small plot with a TO lo (laiisplanting in spring, unless it be fromj ponii.ls, shillings, and pence point of view. I The Carter Spinach.— When the mild Sf| son is considered it may be thought out of plaj ' to refer to the good keeping qualities of Spina'| I but this variety stands out so prominent fn, others, that I am pleased to refer to its go i winter qualities and its superiority over ok forms. I grew this variety during the i. .1 lias March 27, 1897.] THE viARBEN. 229 ■p, but mixed I.I leaf - n.'h'h iMW -i.iwii. It rc. iroaches. oppiirtuiiii \- -hiiiiM In- t;il». n ;iil\;iii- tof to have all l.nl ,in.. ..t tli.' Mi,iil,-l, m t«i. at;he mo.st, of the shouts cut out, settmg the ti;rs back again into the boxes for planting. n the soil should not only have been deeply Chicory as a vegetable. .egetables and nn to get fine growtl -mall side shoots TOMATOES. The cultivation of these has become an important matter in most gardens, and whei'e conxenience exists arrangements are made to kee|i npa su|i]ily during the winter months. Plants lliai liim lum in bearing since autumn will now In- sli.iHini.; signs of exhaustion, and sliould. iImhIoi.. Ii.' turned out, so that the hon^.' i-.in In |ii. |i.ir,.| i.i receive a younger batch to fnrni-li li nil ilm m- i Im- spring and early summer, 'rn :i\ mmI i Imrj l.;..ilv. however, a number of strme^ [ihinl^ r.ii>..| ti.im autumn sowing should be in readiness for the pur- )iose, but where such provision has not been made and only recently raised seedlings have to be relied on, it then becomes a question whether those that have done duty through the winter, if in fairly good health, cannot be induced to make fresh growth and produce an early summer crop, which would prove most valna'blc until the any insect-mtested antl decaying foliage, and the plants cleansed by syringing them thoroughly with tepid water, selecting a bright day for the pur])ose to enable the house to become drv Iiefore ni.jbtfall. Til.- stems being mostly Inn- >l'i,,nl.l 1„- car. full) bi.iii.jht down nearer to tin ■ p. ii- m li.n I 111, iiinl ^.1 ill ranged that they do imt rrarli ni.ire than halfway up the roof to allow fur lAl .iMliir^ the new growth. Remove a portion of tin- -m face soil without disturbing the roots, alii ml a good soaking of liquid manure, and top-dri-^ tin plants with rich compost. If the house is kipt ni.iiliiately warm with a gentle circulation of air, 1 ...J.I 111!' with longer days and more sun, clean, -ii.iii.j growth will soon be produced, which mii^t be so regulated that the finwer-trtisses i-an receive plenty ..f Irjlil .in. I air. an.! -,. assist in setting ili.' I.I1...111- ami -.■.iirin.j- a good crop. Fertili-.ii i.iii -ImhiM I..' 11-..11..I t,. liy spreading the ]i..ll.ii v.iih ili.- ai.l ..i a i.w feathers o>- by sli.jhiK ia|i|iiirj- ili.' iiu--.- ai mid-day. Tomati..> lai-.-.l m .l.nm.nx ;iill i,.,u be growing freely, ami mu-i I..- .-hIhi p.iii.-.l .m or planted out before the routs sullei liuni want of room. A light loamy compost made firm is best during early stages of growth, as manure rthen mi.xed witli (he soil produces gross foliage, but few tl.iMvis, ii liriirj- luttrr In atVnrd stimu- lants in diir.T.iii v,a\- l.ii M I1..1 I 111- plants ire in full l.-^aim-j. ' An.iili. 1 - .unr. -h.iuld ba made now I , ni.l, ^1 ,,,ir. ,,1:1,11- 1..1 tinning in :lir .ili.ai. Til.- -.•.•.11,11., I, i.' m-i -li.mM ■ lllil ■. llllllM- I lin.l I...1I, Itrst of All ) very .satisfactory, though there are i perhaps equal to them. P. Growing Parsley thin. It i~ a mi-iak. tun A reliable Potato. r,ii -1. \ .1,1 li.. moved 111 111.' ,...,1 iiilaet and their lull haigth. After o\i- away as vigorously emoved. —Dorset. am aware we have many it as a reliidile kind. The variety alluded to— Windsor Castle — has now been a sufficient time in commerce to test its cropping, keeping, and eat- ing qualities, and I am inclined to jjlace it at the top of the list as the best midseason Potato. I was much pleased with its cropping qualities when at Chiwick some years ago when it was cer- tificated. In 1895, with much moisture, I had no disease, and in 1896, a dry season, the crop was heavy and the quality excellent. Though it can be lifted earlier than many main-crop varieties — indeed, it is classed as a second early— there is no difficulty in keeping it good till the next spring. This variety when once grown will, I feel sure, be retained. I find none to equal Windsor Castle at the season named, and its early ripening, com- bined with heavy crop, makes it doubly valuable. —a. W. Early Carrots. — Few vegetables are more ap- |)reciated than early Carrots. One of the best for open-air work is the Early Nantes. Some may |)refer the smaller Parisian Forcing, but it is in- ferior in size and quality to the one named. The Early Nantes has less core than others of the Short Horn section. This makes it of quicker growth, and a few days gain in the early spring is worth n..tin._'. Early Gem, a larger type of Early N.iiit.- ami inure pointed with a very small 1-. is ,1 .ji;iiid variety for first crop in the ..|...ii : iiiili.r.l, it is in my opinion the best succession. — tt. W. A good Globe Artichoke.— There are not many \arieties uf Clube .Artiehukes. but. as many kliu\\, lli..y dlllri- iiiii.'li 111 ,|,lalil\. line of the i:,...n, ,', M lA uu.■\^^„ u,il, l.,,._. h. ,i.|~-..,mewhat Hull, II.. I an. I II. .1 ....'1 puinteil as ui the green types ..ti.ii -.,,,. ill,- above, is I think, a selection from 111, 1. 1, J. I :,, , n uf the Paris markets, and is of dis- iin.i .J1..H1I1. the foliage being stouter and (Ih urier than ui the common green kind. It comes true from seed, and this is a gi-eat gain to many, as in cold wet soils or exposed places one cannot 230 THE GARDEN, [March 27, 1897. winter Die plants without heavy losses, and I have found some of the old forms from seed \['iy inferior. The value of the (Uobe Artichoke i- ii< thick succulent growth, and the one n,iiii''l i- superior in this respect and soon comes mtu a bearing state. It is also of excellent quality when cooked. I am unable to write of its hardiness as I have not been able to prove it. — G. W. Onions. — At p. IS.'i "-T. ('."'notes the value of Tt'i-Ikiii.-. :iiid I li,i\.' tniinil tln-n- is no need to SOW di-iiihi wiiihi \:iMiiH- ni ill-' autumn, such as till' 'I'riii.ili (,i Wliiii' S|,:mii-Il, as most of the iHw.r kiiMl> M<,\\ ^.. iiiiirh -t..«-u for size do well M'Hii.it iliji -i.i-i,ii. Ill iii^iiiy 'gardens the Onion iTn|, 1- .■, -null.' ni ;iii\iii \ . wiiut with grub and mildew in wi-t >rasniis l'lia\i> m 'en very poor re- sults. Tiiere are much saving of labour and a cer- tainty of crop if the plants are raised in frames or in a light soil in the autumn. Both methods re- sult in good liullis, and once the plants have EARTHIXr: UP CELERY. ri'iH ' iMiii, ides exactly with that i '. p. 17- M^pecting the value of lal iiiil ,-^1 I in inliei- thei-e was no rain to > III;. I P."— the excelli by the weight given of iiidi\ time — would not be 'j-en.i ill every e:i.^c- ri-;ili-,- ~iiili li limited sIjIi ,,i IhI, \m,iiM for dig"ni- .111.1 i,n iiiiin." il matured licl.ii .■ i lir -ml i- i;, , il.il t.i Being v.T\ i,,i|„.| i, ,.| |\ -,i|.,,|ii.| uiih eners, and " J. (' trenelii would, I think, find liinh estimate of it. iitageous to change I and general treat- rvery season bring line variety. Deep I heavy, clayey soils -ent one, for decay it water which they i a clay bed and in has given but little would result tiom tie- i would liold. My soil . winter is very wet, yet trouble.— W. S., Wilts. At pa^e 172 " H. C. P." notes the of Celery and its keeping, and I agree his remarks in this respect. I think Celery does not mind excess of moisture if the leaf-growth is allowed to grow, as then the plant ab: quality the end they are earlier than from seed sown i; heat. For late use much better plants are ot tained by sowing in the open. — S. B. ! Trees and Shrubs. solanum crispum. This free-flowering climbing .shrub does we! in Ireland and also in the south of Englanc as may be seen from the illustration, whic represents a plant growing in Major Gai.- ford's garden at Offington, near AVorthin; 111 'Ml 1 1, I III l.ilmueas itgrows teinl- i n -Inn mil i In- SIM I li\ lilliirj lip the open space, .iml i Kr^ « ii li m' eii,-,ii,iKil M .11 1 rings, followed closel\ l.\ >hui t iii-.i>,^ fiuni the mowing machine as a mideliing, euiitri- butes towards the growth of good heads at lifting time, and which keep well under the treatment advocated by "H. C. P." Growing a ninnlur nf smis is int iiiiist inij' to anyone having tin- m. im- nl i.himmj ii imi, Imi neither the lar'je ill II -in.ill -jiiiwii .■.■m « i II .iilnril to do so. It'tniiU tiiw.ii.U riiiitii-i.in 1.1 Ih.i I start. I quit [ savs it is a mi often do we equally popular and probably quite as largely grown. Leicester Red is an old favourite with than that raised may p/ oiog oph bj M I 11 tion^ lehe^el in lite This plant growing in the oj. en border, iv m flower nearly all last summer At K( J it IS grown against a south wall and nee I t 1 haid jruning to keep it within bounds. 1 Ij fioi tie was mtioduced into England from the islaii .1 -ii^v ( I l.'Iv too^arr'^'^How i °^ ^^"'°'' '^^°''* ^^^^' ^""^ ^® ""^"^ ^° ^^ "'" I "l. I V s.'. dhno-s which would ™°'' ^^ waste plates and hedges in Chili, occj "11 a month later, and given ; pying the same position in the native Vfjj .mm, starving in a seed pan ; tion as our Bittersweet (S. Dulcamara) dij ..f Celery is carried too far. I jjg^e. If planted out in rich soil, the shoe! heltfaTd ttugHhe pltts -= apt to become too rampant. It is tetl! little later, there is no check, and in to cut out the strongest of the new sioi: . March 27, 1897. ^HE GAT^DEN f?:n order to increase the bloom. It does w poor soil, and when in full tlowcr is a sheet lovely light blue blossoms, looking as if a jld of bluish Potato blooms were gathered i 0 one huge nosegay. Those having gardens in mild nr seaside ( tricts should make a note of this, and in- Me it in their collections of plant.s. \ Srailax from Italy.— I sptiil ymi :i Iwii;- ni.iili .ilili-.'.l II \..<. ».iiil.l 11. 'I'm. C M.i.i.N ,1 «,.k IcL l.lc luH.M lis lWl..r. Wuul.l II l,r I, , il' so, it is veiy liaudsonie. I fuuiM n « 111'^ t';iii-ly freely on the stony banks ami -i^l. - I i.iMMO amongst Olives, its'roots and s1m...i^ I. I, illy running amongst large stones. — H. 1). ■ ^o\u■ plant is Smilaxaspera. It is probably (i\. aiul in any case worth trying on a wall. i. pleasing- groiip. Ian -|ir,iiihii~ ,ii Id -hill Mispriisa .-iril I'n.nii- l'i-~;inli in lull Moiiiii , MOW trlliiig .il.jects. A.M II. lli.'^i' :i -..I ■nip of Cydonia japonica (also in full lilii-^.ini i massive group of tall Bamboos for a Imik gund, and I think I am justified in applyiirj in he heading of this note. The plants tniiini r ?d above are not the sole occupants of lin- eup, neither are they huddled close toorili. i. b| form oasis-like spots of colour among ili. ii almost leafless and flowerless comijaiiinii-, yet forming a connecting link to each ol h. i , tl surroundings adding to their attractivi m - his early period of the year. The mass a> a lie has been arranged with a view to producing il and fine-foliaged effects in succession, ex- tiling over as long a season as possible, and cijsists of — besides those already referred to — I iitities of Azaleas, Ghent and mollis, Lilacs \\ liirelas in variety, Deutzia candidissima ■l. Hydrangeas and Brooms, Rosa rugosa and • lirs, Berberis (chiefly Thunbergi), Rhus Co- tills, .-Vialia Sieboldi, Dimorphanthus mandschu- rijs, &c. ; not little sprigs nor a few, but boldly phted with no niggardly hand. Some of the sHibs are festooned and interlaced with Trojia-o- lu speciosum, and the whole inti-niiixi'd with Lfcs, (iladioh, Galtonias, &c. Tlif sit ■.•u|ii, il bag a steep slope, with prominent i.nk^ slmw in up promiscuou.sly, it may be imagiiiid tliat I illeet is varied and attractive over a great "! tlie year. If man}' such a site, now occu- "iih Laurels and Rhododendron ponticum, 'M lint be cleared and planted with some of 1 similar shrubs, what an agreeable change iM prove in many a place, and in manycases I Miili.iil)ted improvement, adding beauty, in- ^c,^l iind variety, which would contrast favour- ali with the previous monotonous greenery. — THE ALMOND TREK. So delicate, s > airy, The Almnnd oq the tree. Pink stars that tome gooa fairy Has made for you and me. A little cloud of roses, All in a world of grey. The Almond flower uncIoFes Upon the wild March day. A mist of roses blowing The way of fog and sleet, A du-t of roses showing For grey dust in the street. Pink snow upon the branches, Pink siiowHakes falling down Upon the dreary town. A rain, a shower of roses. All in a noseless day; The Almond tree uncloses Her roses on the grev. Pall Mxll Ga Rose Garden. ROSES IN AMKIUC.V. Yoi- ask me about American methods of Ro.so growing. Living here in Madison, which has earned for itself tlie name of tlie Rose city of ates by re in, I have lions of a . of the extent of Rose cul' 1 able to note the several lie year. Possibly few in Ills ili\. itud solely to Rose growing, the lit llu 111 with no other plant in them. )vn- 111 size from two hou.ses, totalling II) fci'l run, managed by one man aloiu'. iMl .sfal.lisliiM.'nts of 3000 feet or iiiin v. I lar is allarliid to an early niiniiiii'^ lily, anil special delivery wagons in .rk carry the Roses to the consignees. Horning of the day preceding Christmas 7 boxes of Roses went down from 1 alone, the same train gathering np .11 ils «av. iii.tal.Iv fn.iii" Mr. .1. N. aiiiailii.u here, as the extreme heal ami ,lr,.ii-lil aiv a-ainst it, but the wlmle wiiil er l..m4 y..ii i.iu l.iiy Roses by the th..iisaml: in t'ari, the past'siT «v,4^ tl,"nsan,ls','!r iii^scs hav!'"l,e. 'ii llirnMiauav 111 New York ,,r s, .M f,,r little im.re than It eost toseml tlieiii there. The vaiaeties grown are few, but the quantities of eacli I cannot compute. The best paying Rose is American Beauty, which, as you know, is only another name for Mine. Ferdinand .Tainain. That the name has h,.l|,r,l ti. |,i.piilarise this Ro.se there is no (Imilii, l.m the fact remains that among Hybrid I'erpetuals tliere is not another that grows and flowers under glass as American Beauty does, and in justice to those who re-christened it I should mention that it was put into their hands by a private gardener, who thought, or at any rate said, it was a seiilliiiLj he had raised. In the open air in l'',iiL;land I found Mme. Ferdinand Jaraain of a pronounced shade of magenta-rose colour. Here, however, it does not develop that shade, but comes of a clear bright rose and is very sweetly scented. In regard to this Rose, the longer the stem the higher the price it brings. Flowers are wanted and used daily with stems up to 4 feet in length, and such blooms fetch from 35 cents each up to li dollars wholesale, the latter price prevailing at Christmas, these flowers be- ing then retailed at 24 to 30 dollars a dozen. American Beauty is a capricious Rose, how- ever, and many who grow Teas do not grow it at all. There is, however, in Madison, a place I often vi.sit, the establishment of Messrs. L. M. and L. A. Noe, where 1.5,000 .\merieaii Beauty lilants may be seenat anv time in In. uses each L'OO feet long. The Teas. I,..wev, i. are easily grown, and lots of the small estalilisliments are owned and managed by artisans and men who never had a day's training, never worked a day in a garden, or grew a flower till they began with their Roses. The only Teas tliat count at all in the market now are The Bride and its leeji pink sport, Bridesmaid, which originated in Chatham, and though only three or four years it lias completely ousted from tin- m.irket the ■iously most popular Rose, Cal 111 iim- .Mm met. The Teas flower very freel> . lliaMa friend here who started Ro.se growing last .\ear, planting his houses last May. He has three houses, each about 200 feet long, of Bride and ' liridesui.-iid, and when 1 w.as there a few days .1140 I asked him what lie had cut up to date, lie said his hooks were only made up to January :!l, anil up till then he had cut and sent to market 1()(),()0() flowers. At least twice this number of buds liad been taken off, and before those plants arc thrown away he will have cut 30,000 more. All these arc PLANTS ON THEIU (l\V.\ ROOTS, from cuttings struck in sand in January and Febrn.-iry of last year. It is possible t.i t ike ,1 sli....t .,f Aimiican Beauty and make a |ilalil ..I , \,iy 1 \e. I .send you two of thesi' siiiL'le .-yi' eiiitings that wc are now (Mari'li 1) jMiti lie.; ii|., ilie eiii I iiiij.s having been IHii 111 al.iiul Ihe 11,1.1. II,. ,,f .laiiiiary. Tea Rose eiillim_;s are iiia.l,- .ilii.iil H 1 m-hes long, having al,..iil three eyes, ami it is the fault of the wood sell , ie,l oi- of after treatment if the grower does 111. I strike 90 per cent., but mo.stly, especially \Mtl, the Teas, every cutting roots. We pot th.ii, lip inf.. siii.ill pols. shift them on into l.'.',-im-li ,,r :;-iiieli |,..ts, ami plaiil tli.mi out on th,' lieiiehi's ,,f tl,.. I„.,is.-s ,1,11111- the im.nths of May .111(1 .June. Tile benches are only 4 inches in il,.|itliand the compost used is sod, with which 1 . .w , Manure in the proportion of about one load to fi.iir Iliads of soil has been mixed, rjr less cow ma- il,ii,. ,111(1 some bone-meal is used. M(.st ..^'rowers mak.. their compost heap tl,.- sias..i, pri-vi..,is t.. 11S111.4, taking top sod tuid fresh manure, .and wl,(-ii the time collies to use it, the manure has l.eeii ,|iiite aUsorlied liy the soil. Bef(jre the plants .an 1..- s, I ..ut the beuclies have to be cleared. .\ll the plants are torn out and thrown away, the old soil wliei-li-d ..uf and 11, -w material put in. Thus in less til,,.- Il, ,111 il i,-,k.-s t., ra, ,.■ and get ready for «-..i-kiii.4 ih.- si..,-ks in hai-^hsh nurseries, a few inillioii luise |il.iiits .-ire r.iiscd here, grown, give an ample return for labour, and are thrown away in about the eighteentli month of their existence. I should mention that a few growers carry some of their Teas over the second year, giving them a short rest- ing period and top-dressing the bed when re- starting, but this practice is the exception, most growers preferring to clear out and start afresh. As to the quality of the flowers and the growth the bushes make, the flowers are as good as those produced in summer in England. I saw several dozen select blooms of Bridesmaid sold in a retail store in New York one day lately at 4 dollars a dozen blooms, these being as good as the exhibiton flowers of your summer Rose shows, and every flower on a stem 20 iiiches in length. Given average buds, the flowers are all graded for market by length of stem, and nothing goes in much under 1 foot. The mere fact that flowers are cut regularly for six montlis with from 12 inches t., ■_'4 inches of stem is sufficient to show tl,,,t Ih.- plants are not want- ing in vigour, and tie- |il,ii,is .-ire 3 feet high with main .stems ali..iit as il,i,k as one's little finger when the tin,,- ,-..i,„ s t.. throw them out. Such Ro.se growiii-,' is ,i,,|,.,ssilile in England under your leaden w inter ski.-s. Quite a wail of lamentation is heard here if we happen to get a spell of four or five dull days, which rarely happens. The temperature of these Rose houses is kept at from 50° to 55° at night, a little lower even in zero weather, with a daUy rise from the sun of from 10" to 15", and the plants stand about 1 foot apart on the benches. Under the 11.11111I.1I...111 INI il,..iis ,,f manufacturing Rose plants 111 \..'^,,.- ,,, l-:ii-jl,,ii,l, such Rose growing ,is V,.- I,,i\.- h. -,■.-. Hi-.ii-li [...ssilile, would never have become so c.vleiisivc. 1 believeasgood Roses can be grown on their own roots in England as upon any stock, and it is simply a question 232 THE GARDEK [March 27, 1897. of adapting your culture to the altered conditic ms of the plant. In a light gritty soil in England I got all the vigour of growth and profusion of bloom that anyone could desire upon own-root plants The deep loam loved by the Dog Rose and a necessity for Roses on Dog Rose roots is certain death to own-root Roses ; but give them a light friable medium that the roots can run m and good lusiilts will follow. As to raising the plants at li.niir. lit . 1 1 1 y grower build a propagat ing house ai r:iii'4(il fur continuous sand bed its entire kngtli, and take from his plants in summer such wood as we here take in wmtei He can root it in from six to eight wteks and raise stock more rapidly and more cheijily than by present methods, and have it sale ible after one season's growth in the open aii He LILIUMS IN VASES. The accompanying illustration affords a veiy suggestive eximple of the highly decorative piopeities of Liliums Thtre lie indeed few ttoweis so readily Their Ion, 1 1 11 I themsehes I 1 iiid 11 ti ti tie itnient t ill 1 II hi tliLUi easy of 111 II I I I \ iiid h mdsome II till iii-,ly ettective ar I I ll\ li^lit m c( lour they scaicitj h .^, „/ h,j .Mr. Mcfcidf, Mill Huitse, Halifa. cannot raise plants so rapidly by any other way if you take into account also — and you must do so to make a fair comparison — the time that is required to raise the stocks, whether from seeds or cuttings. Stocks for working cannot be had in less than one year, and more than a year from budding must elapse before the grower can have a saleable plant. Own-root plants will throw as fine flowers as those upon foster roots, and prove healthier and longer lived. The plants need only fail with old age, and this may be prevented and the plant annually rejuvenated by a rational use of the knife. A. Herrington. Madison, N.J. or vase of a size and colour suitable to the special variety selected. I consider that they always look better in pottery than in glass. The jar in the illustration is a charming one for the purpose. The spikes should not be so closely crowded together that the blooms jostle each other, for if this is done the flowers must neces- sarily lose in beauty and efl'ect. One of the most beautiful arrangements of Liliums which I remember seeing consisted of the ordinary pink and white varieties of L. lancifolium ar- ranged naturally in a terra-cotta jar, the whole being finished with plumes of the useful and effective Asparagus plumosus. Several of the taller and more sturdy grasses can also be used overcrowding, he good results. ■ill be fairly certain to secu Americans and the imported produce nurseries. — On December -2.') last twenty nurser men met at Rochester, U.S..\., and resolved petition Congress to impose a duty of 2 dollars i the importation from abroad — (1) of every 10 young Pear, Apple, Quince and St. Julien Plu trees; (2) 1 dollar on fvHrv KIIK) Mvrobali Plum, r.miiiinn CIh-itv and Mainl-l.: Cil S (lollii oneveiA l,nnliiulis. 1 effect of thu piopusuJ iiiuasuii; would bu dib^utro to the European trade, and would deijn American consumers of their chance of gettii March 27, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 233 reasonahlp terms iilnnts .(l.K'«l i„ (l„.ir own ,■..„, l~f,M-|..,\ I,, -,.,. tli:,l :, n>.l t,heUmi,.l Si^.t t against t hr a • Kei'lli: Jlorlii-oli-. Books. USSES OF THE SOUTHERN PUNJAB.' IS somew hat stately volume is a proof, if any V re needed, nf the immense wealth of India in f ders and crops, many of them never lieard of, li|iilone cultivated, in our northern lands. Tliirtv pecies are enumerated and tijjuied, all froin 0 district, though not all useful or even harmless. Bh at (C, I. pel C one called by the nati c|lmrticus) it is related tlii ' hi was on his way to at t grass stuck in his anil. II, |,h L,il ii ,,il ai :;k in his finger; he tiiid i,, l,,i,. n ,,n an -•k in his toiii,nic .•iiid ";i\,' I, mm -imu , en tiild tlie e.HuiiiA «,-■< full uf ili,,"",. iImji', d not venture fuiil'iMi'. ;mmI Kik: • „a. -"^ fin invasion. Mm^i df llie kinds, howevei, gd in some form as food, though not alv a ndant. The illustrations are drawings oy n Ive aitists from dried specimens and afterwards Ii ographed. FLOWERING PLANTS AND FERNS. + book is a well-directed attempt to supplv whin reasonable limits the important iiifi.iina" til about most of the plants usually met with Im banical and other gardens, in museums mil im tl fields. The first small volume of -yii ,,,mm - is evoted to a biological aecount of i.Iimi^ > , m ith special refei-ence to tlini -lowih rofphology, classifieation, natural ilist nlmi lo.i economic uses, &c., and is furnished witli -i g^l index. olume is a botanical dictionary, ng a short and clear account of important jKSra likely to be met with by most readers. « i really very full and complete, quite handy in ize, though 429 pages, and the glossary and int;x at the end of English names and technical used in the book are the best and handiest I have seen. lese two small volumes together cost about jind will readily go into a coat pocket or 111.;, and as works of reference alone they iiiye most helpful to all who wish for III ■ liotanical information about plants and iii'iitic language or terms usually now em- I HI speaking or writing of them by modern .s. •' clear descriptions of the main facts and < ot plant life on the whole are necessarily iiit in most cases reference to special works li liranchorsubject is given in parenthesis, t the student has every facility aflbrded to Again, though no special caie lij> l»in to avoid the free and full use uf an ixtimli d n terminology, these technir.dii i.- no ■ explained as they occur in \ol. i aiiil m -'c can be found in the 'jlii-.>.ii i,,| index in ■ -1) that even for pui|...r, . ,,f „,|, nKtriic- " SI ■ little books will pinM. i„,MlinK \ -ilu- •"^'1 far as I know an ' to possessed no elemen concise and complete as iiro these for the u^ of botanical students generally, and they liav only to be known to meet with the wide siiccc- I hey deserve. F. W. BuKBiixiu. Societies and Exhibitions. KOVAI. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. MAiicu 2.S. ANoniKi: ve.-v full meeting has to be reeonlid. 1 1"". nil |.:iri. Ill I 1 1 1.1- \M-re shown in lai-v iiiiin I'll- iind III III- ■lioi.-.-.t varieties. Fniii, ,■,- ;i 'u^i'i'i' ol loiM-M. and vegetables too, are imw aliuusL at the loue.st, point as regards quaMiii\. It was also most gratifying to note sui li /m e.xcellent company present, a keen iniin-i being evidently taken in the exhibits on all -id.- The lecture as well was listened to with ilo-i ,ii tention and an animated discu.ssi.m afli iw.ud- ensued. Orchids, as afore stated, \MrM lo !„■ seen in profusion, Dendrobiums, Imi li rlioiii |,\ Ill-ids .and such fine species as |i, Wai di.niMiii, .1-11 inalterof course, holdiie.^- .imsidi ralij.. -\(,u. t >di ml Mil-lots were also sIl-Mlejly lo III,, fii.ii'l, noiiilili. kinds being 0. Leeaiiinn, of iieh ..mil almost overpowering perfume ; O. Ruckerianuni in one of its very finest forms, and 0. excellens, bearing a finely developed spike. The plant of the meeting, however, beyond any question was Phaius Cooksoni, of which a grand example was staged by Mr. Cookson himself ; this plant bore than eighteen spikes of finel Mill coloun Ble 1 spike 1 How, teve- pi.ik-tmt shade of ■.■iiiiiincl luth.'" " Epiden- is with mII.iw, colour. From Sir T. itch and Sons lal for a neat ur pally of rare and i-st these was a fii < L. harpupliylla,, sepals and petals paU \ ellow, lip creamy white in front, sutlused i-ple, the side lobes yellow, shading to n the throat; two plants of 1). Ains- W; s|„kes 3d by Other hybrids Veitch'scoUectii ' GmiEes of the Souther ra, B.A., Edinburgh. Klnweriug Plants and Fe ' the How liave clear, Punjab.' 'W.CoId- ,, . ,. <'"ng plants and Ferns. By M;A., director, Koyal Botanic Gardens, Vols. 1. and ii. Cambridge University ■ ^?"4°M ^- -f- ^'^y a°d «"=s, Ave , and H. K. Lewis, 1-39, Gower .Street, the enormous size of the flowers Ksaheadv i~ plants were plentiful, liut neither I iiitlis nor Tulips were any distinct o lie .seen other than those specially vllises were first-rate, making a lay. Roses were excellent both as cut blooms and as plants, particularly those of Crimson Rambler, a Rose quite amenable to pot culture. With the latter Rose were some charm- amples of Clematis. Some well-grown small plants of shrubby Begonias came from Swanley, these being a distinct feature. Orchid Committee. A first-class certificate was awarded to— Odontoglossum crispum var. Luciani. — A superb form somewhat resembling the var-iit\- certificated as augustum at the last Teiii|ili show. The sepals are each about 2 inches Ion by 1 inch in breadth, white, shaded with m-i . and heavily sjintted and blotched with reddi-h purple; tlie piiiN l.ioid,.,-. heavily fringed at tli.. edges, the m.ii kurj- -nmlar to those in the sepaN the lip wlnli, -li,,din.^ to yellow at the Im-- and spotted «itl, dark brown. The .small pl.un lit toin- 1 mills «, IS carrying a single flower on tin -pike, aii'l till. I, ■ IS no doubt with good cuUImiI mn )t uili lie yet -I'll! to far better advantage Awards Odontoi which the with brown : piiiiN mIhi,.', Iimvilx- -iiiVn'-ii'l xVn'l! rose, and tluMklv -pi.ii.d wiili irdJi-i, I, ,,,„,,. lip creamy w lull.'. -Ii.idni'j lo mMom ai tin- In-,,. and having a laif4e deep liiown blotch in the entre. The plant bore a branching spike of nine- een flowers. From Mr. W. Thompson, Stone UENDROBir.M NOBiLE (Hutchiiigsons variety). The principal characteristic in this variety" is pared with to the following : . splendidissimum in .several good I .-Eneas were also shown. AmoiiLf drums were forms of E. elegant fine form of E. Endresio-Wallisi wit of flowers. Cyrabidiums were represente good forms of C. Lowianum, C. eburneum witfi es of flowers, and a good form of C. eburneo-Lowianum with four Sowers. Various of Cypripediums, both hybrids and species, also sent. Messrs. L. Linden and Co., sis, were awarded a silver Banksian medal mall gruiij), consisting of a dozen plants of "UMiitoijlossunis, pi-ini-ipally of the O. Wilcke- iiiiiii" ~i-i-tiM]i. II. W. luteum has pale yellow ^1 pid~i mid pil.ils, with numerous large reddish blow n spots ; lip white, heavily fringed in front, shading to yellow at the base. O. W. rufum, a heavily sjiotted variety on a light ground ; O. W. aureum, deep yellow ground, heavily spotted with brown, and 0. W. delicatum, a light form, well spotted, but narrow in the segments, were also noteworthy. A well-flowered plant of O. luteo- purpureum with two spikes and fine forms of O. Andersonianum were also shown. Messrs. F. Sander and Co., St. Albans, received a similar award for a group, consisting, among other things, of fine forms of Cattleva Selir.edera-, a finely fiin;-;i-d fill- t (\ MindVl,, .j,i,„l f,,,,,,- of Den- iii,| 1 1, 1, nil, , .J |. ,.-11111 i-i-ispum "ii-id,- xai]|.|yillii.-ei,.|K;i,idp,.|:iN .irewhite, 1-1 d with rose, and thickly spotted with 1 1 -I I lirown; lip white, shading to yellow at the . » 1 1 h a large dark brown blotch in the centre. 1 1 pi d i u m Mastei-sianum was represented by four 111, I finiis. Ill Cypripedium conco-villosum, a li> I'lid tl ,,iii the species indicated in the name, I'li-al - p.il i> pale green, sufl'used with purple 1' Im- : pit. -els yellow, suffused with purple on iippi I I 111 If, the lower half greenish yellow, I'd «iili piiiple; the lip yellow, slightly suf- ,l Willi purple. Phaltenopsis Boxalli and a liiii tiirni iif I. . Iio-Cattleya Latona were also in- cliidi d. \l, --1-. Hugh Low and Co. sent Cypri- pi-ili I'i,n, 111, a large-flowered variety, parent- 'Sll ■|V,^,„ l,:,xw.lli-|.«;,-:iw,M,I..l:, -ilMaFIora lllid.-.l I,,. .1-111. ill .,l,Mip. p:..., . . ., , :l,., l.eing .1 liiii- 111.1,1,- ii|, -p,,-iii„M ..: h W . .,,., ,., Six -pik,-- ,,t l-:p|,|..|l,|l.l„,, .,,;,:,. 1;.. ,. ; ,i , ,M-. the reNcrse cross of E. dellense, „, ,, ,1-,, -li,,„n here. The spikes showed consideiall, \.im.iii .n, some of them being pale yellow, oth,i- d, . pK -uti'u.sed with red. Angra?cum Ellisi with twn' spikes of flower ; Miltonia Blueana with four spikes, averag- ing five flowers each ; L,i?lia rubescens, with eight spikes of flower, and Masdevallia ignea, with four •liid. 234 THE GARDEN. LMarch 27, 1897.J flowers, were also worthy of note. Baron was also awarded a >i\\ri- V]<,r:\ m Odontoglossums. 0. t'ni.tiliiiii IkkI I\\>. flower. In 0. luteo |nii |hii c uiii \ii\l~ the sepals are pale vell.,« , -ulln-. >l « ill, spotted witli l.icwii' : |iri;il- \ ,.||,,m . .Ir.'| .1 at the vi\'u- : Ii|i \. II.ai, -|H,ti.Hl miiIl theba^.'. 'I'Im' r.<,'.- .nM 1m ■, ,,i ifiil D. 1.,,.: a five-l.iMiHln.l -|,il,,. Ml il,,ii,T<, Mil bright V. Hum, |i,;hiIv -|i,,ii,.| xull, .!.■.■ A gran.l f , ul ( .; ., ,.pu,n. « ,1 1, n,:, flower:^ I (I. Wilul,,.:,,,,!!,,. Miili 1-1, I1m„, spike : and 1,:, 1,,, mlIIh,,,, „ii|, ,i. ,1,, sepals and ])etal> .,i,,i (■,r;,ii,y wliiir li|, to yellow in the ll,ln,,l. ^^,■n■ ;,l-n -]„■ Mr. De B. Crau^l,;,y, S,^. ■,,.„!.>, m,,- a silver Banksuin niudal for .si\ re well - grown plants of Odontoglossm sisting of good forms of 0. crispum, O. anum, O. Coradinei and 0. Anders Mr. W. 8. Ellis, Tlnrkinr.. wns al-o ,r silver fl-iiik-iiii, iii,d:.l f,., „ ■jtm,,|, ,.,1 L'Ood f..ni,- ,,t |K||,1,,,I,I,,,,, ,i,,I,||<. :, !,,„ D. Hil.l,-h,, I, „ l,,„. ^:,,I,.|V ,4 M,„.|,l CatlUn «,ll, iH. h,. |1,,«. ,- M,,'|l,r -|,lkr, forms uf ( Mniiii.-jl,!-- ■i-,>|iiiii,. il,.' ^ ing finrl\ d, \rl,,|„.l :,i,,l 111.' ||. .«,.,- ,,t and snli^l, ,M,-. T, (i,,!,,,,!, Sl,u;ii ceived a >,ii,,I,,i ,,»;,, ,| i,,, ,, I,,,-,. - ^ ing of lllll,,.T.i,l- In,!,,-, „,H lloM.Tu.l, ,,l bium W':,,. I, ;,!,,, Ill, I l,i,,li c,l.,,,iii |l, \Mi,i; Celo-vn,' ,■,,-!;, I,. ,,, „.,, ,,!-,, u,| ^\l. .T.' l;,:,,Mi:,«, -,H,,|,. :,,. . v, , , , i^.:,, Hh With .1,-1 of the li| group w . a dwail Frau Id, Orchids, glossuiii~ and I)e.„ Barberiar um Mr. \\-, ( ', ,1, ■ in leya Tria na> w th nearl ■ w 1 II, .^ ,,|._ ,,l \1 Malcolm Cook sent a lilll X 1 1,1 ■ ( 1,1, ,1,1, -lo.ssum lli'liU usum. Mr N' ( l„k^ 0;ll «,..i,|, \\ \ l,iiji on-Tyne s : led a Silvr iii,'< al for 1 gr mc Pl ,nt of Phai. C.v.ks,,,,, ■,,rr\- nu; ei,i,dit pil f Ho ■ T\ sepals an 1 |iM K, ,i|.H-, ,1s if ■_ ill, llrs ill l.'i„.|l are pal,- \, -l,llll> , ,1 > II 1 |i n|.- Ii , li'd purple, 1 l-lll, 1 u,ll, „ ,l„l -.'', -1„ !,■, 1 lllH from tin- li,is,> ,]iitw.ii ,1s with iiinuur yellow lines. Floral Committee. A first-class certificate was given to- TUMPA KaVFMWMW \, 1, ,ll>tlli,t ;, valuable alike foiu- ,,,1 1,,,, >^ ,,- f,,, , features. It is nt -innly li:il,ii , mhI, sized flowers, which in the liml -Lij, pointed than usual, each altein.ii' | marked to about half its ex t, 1,1 il centre, on the reverse by rosy |,ni|.l,' colouring being a clear ju'il.^ y,'ll,i\\ , ,, .1 disc surrounding the I,, is.' ,,,, il,. 1 which contrasted well will, il,. .,.;iii the rest of tlie inner purls. ,f i|,,. i\,,v Tiili of Mr, l.,',.|,u!.| .1,. l;.,il,-,.l,il,l, Mil,.,,. M from Mr, .1. iiiiiii.j- il,,,i 11 IV II, ,H 1,1 tl,n^, open ; li.ii,,. 11 ~lt,i,i|,| | ir. ,\ ,■ m, a,. |iii-il 1, n earliness. Sh,.^Ml 1,^- M,js.,i>. llarraiidS.jn Street, Covent fJarilen, and Messrs. R. \ and Co., Colchester, AA\-ards of merit Mere gi\-en tc lUt of its foliage close to the .soil. The l.iix- m, dium size, being striped with silvui \ h lui, I i-ailv sprinM- pot jilant it should pr,j\ .j use Sl„,«i, l,y .M.-s,sr,., \-..|t.-h and Sons. MHK.iMi M \i rr \i,i,i wiM. — A dwarf -grow ,iM.i\" \\iili ,I.:,r |„,1.' .jolden flowers, the ■III- ■-,„,,.■» Il,-, I l.iii.j ,111.1 pointed, and of n I ~l,;i,|.. plants. In the Daffodil 81 ii.iii ill.. |,laiiiv «..||. similar in character, ve -li.iii'j. an, I lieautifuUy clean and healthy, wi liaii,l>.iin.. fnliage. Bicolor graiiilis, Horstiel Kiiipr.ss ail. I I'rinceps were among the be.st. T 41 imp als.i contained a box of very lovely Lilies :li.. \"alley from English crowns. * hie of the largest exhibits in the show was tl it .Messrs. W. Cutbush and Son, Highgate. T ■.insisted of Tulips, Hyacinths, and floweri shrubs, and occupied a table running the entii length of the hall. All the material was of ( lent qualitv, and, as usual, the arrangements all that eoiild be desired. The Tulips were i hit .if plants, perfect both in floweriaj Th.imas Moore, a brilliant vj ■I.. I. sliading to yellow; Vermillion a splendid lot nf I'.itt. Iiikl;, 1 , white ; ind x.lliiu K. I/, ikr.i.iii, R crimson Lin, the most Prince, and tl Vulldel wen- Yell ! white Joost \ ties shown. The H; IS \M-ii' likewisi.- superb, the trusses and i .i.liial lil...iriis li.ith being enormous. La Be saliiMin ; \',.ii Si-hiller, a tine red; Isabe' v.-jv 11. w .l.iiilil,-. blush-white; Lord Deri ,t th.- lin.-st li.^ht blues; King of the Ros h d.iiilili- pink ; I'lnnocence, one of the fin i-s ; King Cole, the nearest approach to blai The Sultan, a dark and handsome purj .4- the best. The shrubs comprised prei Is of Laburnum, Wistaria sinensis, a MIS .\vi,nn 11. -pL Fer the Tuliiis a broil ,.ia,, in.,l„l «„- awal,l.-.l, and for the H; j 1- ,iii.l -hi iilis a .jilt l-'l.ira. A small group 11 .1 'riilip-. 111... hi.,,llh\ pl, lilts, was shown i ■I--, Cnihli.ii. (M.I S,,'iith.jate. Mes.srs. Pi S.iii, ill,- lil.l .\iii-.ii.-s, Cheshunt, wc j 11 r,-|ir.-.iit...l 1,\ ,, .-hanuinggroupof alpinL ii.j III.- ii..i:il.h- ihingswcre Saxifraga ^ju lia 111,, jm , S, \l,,lyi. S. Burseriana, r ink, , I.. 1,1 1, Ilk, la. P. alba plena iitiil I. .1111, ,, splendid batch of \vassh..w„ )ucher, 1,. M perfect conditio Uriilf, Xipln-I(w, n, lik,M \ ,.|l„-i onjr stilus lence. a,»l jOckinj;c ( iita, a lai ;olour, oiil ^V illlil 1,M1-,' M.I V srnii-.luwiilr : . U,, ;, ■'ortuiifV ilessrs. \-, heii- fn)„„ Vi-ii.ixv (l.r.in,,. > 1.1. n- ivinin.... l;:,lik- t Amaryllis, all excellent plants with wt-ll t,,i i,„ , ,,u,rs and good foliage. Some of the \„~t aii.ties were Penelope, «lijtc, richly vi-in,,l \mi1 larmine ; Fairy Queen, a Ihm l\ ulm,', luhiK leined with scarlet ; Im]„'iai,,i . a ,1,-,|. ,', n, ,-,,,,' I'itania, pure white. delirat.K x,ii„.,| iiui, ,•,;,, on: Thalia, a hands.,,,,, :,a,la and uhiu' Mitli.a. a l,,^,.l^ .,.,,1,1, „,tl, petals curving :,,k\\ai-,U ; a,i,| l,,,|>, ,,al, a \ cry rich crimson. I.ssi-. W . I'a,,] ail, I S,,,,. Waliham Cross, sent a ,iuuin,f put KojL. and Canicnia.s, all new vari. - Amoncj the former were several iil,ai,i. ,,f le popular Duke of York, and also Min,. \1„1 hatenay and Sylph. They were nice plants. ^^. II rown and well flowered. Among the Camellias ere some very beautiful varieties, notably uchess of Teck, a very shapely rose-pink • eauty of Waltham, a lovely pale pink flower : id The Duchess, light rose. A silver Banksian edal was given to this group of charminir elties. A very li^ht and pretty gi-oup came n Mr. H. B. May, of Upper Edmonton, id consisted of a number of plants of Crimson imbler Rose bearing a fair amount of bloom id a quantity of plants of Clematis Miss Bate- an and C. Fair Rosamond, both \ery eharmino- lite varieties, the little plants flowering very ;ely. A silver Floia medal was awarded to this y graceful and attracti\-e group. A superb oup of stove and greenhouse plants, beautifullv ed, came from Messrs. John Laing and orestHill. Thefine-foliaged plants, Crotons, ■aca?nas, and Palms, were splendidlv grown and ished. The floral element was supplied l,v autiful bushes of Azalea mollis, s,,]n.' liai,.N,,niV ; vias, and a few Orchids, among th.ni ('aitl,\a ian», Cojlogyne cristata alba, and ii.n, ymerianum. A silver Flora medal v\ as a^ ; issrs. J. Peed and Sons, Norwood Road, West . rwood, also put up a good group of plants, < efly decorative material. Drae:cnas. Crotons, »1 Caladiums were good, also a few B, i i,,l,.i,ia-..' ere were a few very nice plants of il,, tVu, ,,,i (^isya ternataand some admiral, I, ■ CliMa". A er Banksian medal was given. .Mi. C. II, i,,,, jpmore Gardens, Maidenhead, sent some bourrhs Rhododendron Nobleanum in variety, which !-e of interest so early in the season, ha\'ing ' 11 grown in the open air. A bronze Banksian 'ji-'\ went to Mr. Purnell Purnell, W,„„llaii,ls. ^' ailiam Hill, for a pretty group ,,t I'liimila-. .|"i>ing two dozen or more iiit,i,-.t ii," an, I '.'tifiil varieties. Another exhibit of ;^itvit in t^pt was a collection of hybrid and 'seedlinrr ^ cissi raised and shown by Rev. (1. H. Enc IfT- n rt, Appleshaw, Andover. ' Narcissus Committee Awards. irst-class certificates were awarded to— ARCis.st'.s Ei,LE.N WiLLiioTT, a ver\- choirT and loly variety, as well as distinct 'aiul s1„,nvv i trumpet is of considerable len.nli uiili 1 1„ ■ngms refle.xed and beautifully undni.-it,,! ■ tl„ otur aclear canary yellow, the perianth -t.au oi'rench white, the form all that one ,,,„1,| ^re. From Rev. G. H. Engleheart, An.l,,^, i VRCI.SSITS SorTHERN St.4r.— Another supcriui ne variety with white perianth, the cup heavily m. pned with orange, the other portion of a golden tint, the indivi.liia! (lowers bcin" of extn si/c. From l;,.v. C. H. Kn-jl, -heart. An a Hal, I ,,t 1,1. , ,1 Ha- i,,a,l,' in favour of — NM , i^-i ^ la I II, I, 11 m:\ii.i:, a very pleasiiifj v.araly .,,i,„Hlial iii tlicHay of N. Ellen Will mott, l)ut not .so large, the perianth being of a pale sulphur shade and the cup as in the last- named. From Rev. G. H. Engleheart. Fruit Committee. .All award of merit was given to -Ai-i-i.K Cr.\nston's Piitix. Tliis is a m.-diuni- H/,-,1 ,1,-ssort fruit mii,-li liK.- a l;,-ii„l l,-,l,, ( 'a,,-,,!, .111.1 .,f :j,„„I llav,„,l. 11,-1, li,i,, a,„l -H,, I. Il ,- a same firm sent a nice dish of Ecklinville iig remarkable for its colour and firm flesh - in the season. The quality, however, was offered by Messrs. Veitch he Apple class. The best 's Orange from Livermere, so often been successful, n Col. Brymer (gardener. House, Dorchester, was excellent dish of ,i ^-ond The Gardens, Call,,^^a^ .B., was secoiiil «iil, I- other varieties >li,,\vii , Barnack Beauty, Kose- I'l, 11, ll.-iir, and Claygate. ',,li-l„-s being staged, the .1.-, Ili.-lvoir Castle, Gran- Browiiluw, and N splendi.l in f,„-m. ' Cardamine trifoliata stems, n,.\\ Il , ,K -1,1 II, IJ,, The pl.-iiii 1- H.il Mill,-,! I Trillium thii^c, in in-al „ lie used for ci good results. Muscari candidum, il„|„,,^,-,| f,„l„,,l \[, 1,,,,, nicely coloured. The same splendid blooms of Ethel hetos wa.'j both pure and ug the : such places with in-ntly a greatly M. botryoides album." Fritillaria alpina in whir-), th,- dark shall, ;dly than a pretty dwarf mary Russet, Dn Pears were poor 1\ i \. ,,,li Marie Guise of .\li. Iiix,,.-,, tham, being given second jir The L.\te Dr Horticultural Society's meeting on Tui-silaN Anemone blanda var. scythinica. .ltd wli only of i-;iiii-l, I of the wl„,l, H,, the benefit ,,f i,, unborn will thi- honoured. The express the grt common with al have M.stain.-.l 1 k,l,-W 1,11,1 |„.|,| , joyed in being so many years i 1 1,, -J-.. be kno«-n and ' ' 'III lind no words to ill, l,,ss which they in , >|„ aking fruit growers atli of one whom all who t hey are forced to content upon record their deep privilege they have en- I .,11 this committee for i,ll> and eminent a man. Notes of the Week. Begonia manicata maculata i> aiM,,ii freest flowering of these useful ]ilaiii-, i.lnl pretty marbled leaves add to it.s , il, , i n , The va ■ >ms are pure white. It is now in II,.h, , at K, Primula cashmeriana alba. l;,.,ll\ j, id pure white varieties of tin- |,l.-,iii .-,,, n .ntifiil : llii-refore the fine e.xainiil,- -l,,,\'.i, 1 I I'- I'liMi.-ll. The Woodlands, Si I.,, than, II; III.- I'lill Kail on Tuesduv h,i, \m l,-,,in I., I.- w.-i.- .-everal plants of this uiie \aii, i\, t me jMire white tone peri'ading the flowers 'of a Camellia reticulata.— A box of the nioiist nd I ;of tl speci Begonia nitida alba.— On Tuesday last at the Royal Hnitii-iiltiiial Society's show\ Messrs ( aiinell and Sons slmwed a laiV'e g-ronn of tlii" plant, and though by no iii. -an- tl„- l„-t i.,ii.,,,.l. the plants were none the u,,, -, i,,i 1 1,, |,,iirii, \ Choisya ternata.— Tli, .M, --, -. I', , ,| |,.,,| J,,,,,,. dwarf freely-flowercil plant- ,if il,i- n-, tnl -In nl, ni pretty arrangem.-ni.ni ,,t nlani- ,i \\ , -i niii,,|,.| last week. The plant-. ili,„i-j| , i,,,,,, ii,,,,, ?0 inches high, wen- alaimlanl l\- ll,,H,-r,-,l ^i,,! -•cry eftoctivo. Blue Primroses — The Messrs. Veitch and Mills .-.iiiii iliniiil a charming lot of plants of the . .i.aiili- .-.,-iiilea type to the Royal Horticultural ^,i, i.-ty- meeting this week, the plants being a I, a— ..f bloom and very effective in their varyTno- li.a.l, - .,f colour. ° Rose Catherine Mermet.— A vervfine box of his ever- welcome Rose was among the best of dr. G. Mount's contributions on Tuesday last, the 1^"--' ^""1 ^.M'l n, ,-,,!, a,,. 'l\ .-h ,„„. of the ii.'-i -li.iH \ , I 111- \\a- -,ai,-,-l\- a pi. Ill ifiil kind even 111 .lays Mli.-ii thtse plants were mure greatly .allied than is now the case. Saxifraga Burseriana macrantha.— Some ii.-.-tiitt-,,f this, the largest flowrr.-d ,if all this ■ i-,ii,,ii. li,i\ ,- lii.-en blooming freelv at K,\\. Tli,- .i,it,\ 1. ill. „-k-like tufts are all I'aii l,i,l,l.-n h ith "11 '■ "Int.- l.lossoms as large in.ln i.liialK- a,- a iixpeiiny-i.ieee. The plants thus flowering are a iieture in themselves and are always admired whei-e seen in such capital form. Anemone Pulsatilla.— A grandly flowered ^I'.l-;- ■-; I III- H.ll-kn.,Hn plant with several ;■ -i-; -'.; h;i- ,-,1,,1„i,,1 l,y Mr. T. S. Ware '" ' ■' ' '. -I al \\ , -1 1,111,-1,-1-. Though long '■"''''■-''.I III -j.-ii, 1,11-, -,i,.-li line sjiecimens are all t,i,i i-ar.-, yi-t it is the only way of knowing the real beauty of many when they are allowed to be- come thoroughly well established. Primula viscosa T. S. Ware.— This is a distinct form that in general appearance resembles the snowy Primrose, P. v. nivea. The blossoms are, however, not so pure in the white, while in si/-,- tb. y al.- lai'ji-i individually than in the I'll'' I' I'lani. iV"in h1ii,-Ii also it maybe readily ,li-i iii'jin-li.-,l l,\ I ),'■ t. lint green tint in the centre, Abutilon Switzi. ,-11 ,1.-- of neat 111 silvery . xainples n t for the plants at I he 23rd » ere of a Androsace Laggeri.— Masses of this and A. carnea are now anion.; the reinesentatives of this genus in flower. Both are of fairly easy culture either in pans or in gritty loam. In the latter positions, however, extremes of dryness must be guarded against. Firm planting is also desirable 236 THE GARDEN. [March 27, 1897. i: for these alpines, and ii mulcli of gritty loam gently rnlibed into the tufts is also helpful. Primula frondosa may be best described as !i stiiiiig-iirow ingP. farinosa, the crowns and leaves ha\ ing tlie .-iame mealy character while possess- ing greater strength and vigour. This robustness is again, as it renders the plant more attractive in growth as well as in flower. In the early stages of its growth the plant is very pleasing and may be seen in the hardy department at Kew. Cinerarias.— Messrs. .Jas. Carter and Co., High Holborn, send us some very tine floweis of Cine- rarias, the colours ranging fiDm |ju]r wliii.- t^ tli.- deepest purple. The bloom- ,iii> \.]\ l.nj. iimIi striving after size is a great iiii.-UikL-, and wu liu|iu no further attempt will be made to get them larger. In substance and clearness of marking some of the flowers could not be equalled. Narcissus Southern Star. — This is one of Mr. Engleheart's seedlings, and in its way one of the most brilliant and striking of any he has yet raised. We have no precise information as to lli.- parentage of Southern Star, though a|i.iii Iimmi iIm- it is of great merit and embraces all iliai is l„.-i in the Peerless section of these flowiis. Tli.> niust telling feature is the rich scarlet-orange of the widely e.\panded crown. Tecophylaea cyanocrocus. — This lovely Chilian bulbous plant was noted dining the week in bloom. There were several of its handsome flowers fully expanded, these being rich and brilliant in colour. The shade of blue is remark- able and quite alone among bulbous flowers. As the plant is n.it nlialily liardy in all places, it has not been 'j.ia i,iM\ . nltivated in the open, but where a fi.nip i-— i ajiart for rare bulbs this should Ctrl a inly lin.l a home. Narcissus Ellen Willmott.— This inn(|u. trumpet Daftbdil was represented at tlic Hull Hall on Tuesday last by several of its nobly |mo- poitinnod floMPrs, and came in for mnrh adnina tion. Tlir llnwiTS Were well dev.-lo|„-,l, and th,' woll r\|,aiid.'.l trumpet displayed Us iin,_- .niali- ti.'s to a.ivanla-f. Not less "beaiit ihil aiv ll„- Tulipa Kaufmanniana Tin- -pli imImI -p.' cies recoi\i'l a lir-l .In-- .cilihcah .11 ilh' |>iill Hall on Ti.o-,la\ la-i. «1„ n ii- l,anJ-MnM lloM, ,- wereshoAsii li\ M.--i- I'.an.a- .il-o iIm^ M1--1-. Wallace, of Col.la-I.T. 'I'll,. l:,|.j,.. Iian.l-omo blossoms, ^^lllrl, \ar\ slajlil]\ in ,-,i|o,i,.an. n-nall\ whiteor 01, nin ^^ liii , \mi I,';, I,,,-, oi , u^l, -oM, il- orange, ami I lionloio ainoirj lli,. iii,i-l -liou\ ol the early species, l^hiite roccni ly ».■ noir.l ii n, flower at Kew in the hardy |ilant .1, |.ai 1 m. nt. Shortia galacifolia. sli.iiri.il 1,\ a lork that is almost perpendicular, a nirctnft of tins carries many of its beautifiU nearly jnire white blossoms. These latter are exquisite, the more so because of the bright crimson leaves to which the bell-shafied blossoms bend. This lovely plant is Mori 1 1 at tout Kill, and w .■ lia\ o -I ill too fcw of such i'all\ 'J I iliiirj-. I Mill, I -1], Ii as this and the lo\,l\ Kpijia I, |„ II- !„■ iimIu,-, il to freely carpet lliioaiih 111 -|i,,t> where Tnllnims and Cypripe- liiiiii- sliall |jitsently blossom, the spot would be Morisia hyiDOgsea.— This is one of the most oM l\ lilt- of colour at the present time in the il| -aiilni. where it is just coming into flower. I'll, folia'j, I- Illustrate on the soil and of a dark golden yellow of tlio Mos.soins tiiat oonio m sn.li profusion during ih, -| - 1 1I1-. At K, \\ there is quite a hiilliani ,li-|,l,i\ ,it it m |i,,t- m thealijinehouse, aii.l ih,- |,laiil 'i- al-,, ll,,H,riiMj Wi Mill. Fritillaria pudica.— The Messrs. Wallace, of Colchester, exhibited this exquisite' species on Tuesday last at the Drill Hall, with a \iew to demonstrate its freedom of flowering j'ear after year. The exhibit in question is the identical pot of bulbs that flowered so well a year ago, and now again the whole of the bulbs are flowering beau- tifully, besides giving signs of increase also. The pendent, bell-shaped blossoms are of a clear golden yellow, on leafy stems 6 inches or 8 inches high. It is a charming plant at this season for growing in pots and should be in every col- lection of choice bulbs. Erythronium Nuttallianum is among the rarest in colour of the Dog's-tooth Violets, a most \Ml,oine plant that deserves every encourage- in , 1 1 1 . I ts blossoms are of a light yellow and very ili-iiiiit, the foliage of a pale green. Another lain kind is E. Hartwegi, with pale sulphur coloured blossoms and foliage slightly bronzed with full exposure and freely marbled. Both are handsome kinds and among the finest of this group, and are now in flower in the Royal Gardens at Kew. E. Nuttallianum was shown in fine ondition at the Drill Hall on Tuesday. Fritillaria aurea is one of the grandest things n|. to till- one -|„,t, i,,itii.- M-n III' will nio-t it again in a colony in the rock garden as w ell as in other parts. But the group in the alpine house is espe- cially good, the growth strong and the flowers unusually large. In the open ground, except )« rhaps ill the case of the strongest bulbs, the tip- of ilio blooms aio ujjon the soil. In th,. p,,t plants in tho lloH.iing hou.se they are i,ii-,,l on stems 0 inches or 8 inches high, greatly tu then advantage. Iris maricoides. — This beautiful little Iris came into bloom in my greenhouse yesterday (Maivli 20) foi til.- tiist tiiii.- froiii s.iin._' bull is sent \\i Hill, 1ii- l.y Ml. I'.ri\. It is a really distinct and beautiful sp. .1. s \\ nil ih-ar blue flowers, each of whose lips is ,1. imat..! with a large blotch of the purest ^\ hit .'. This plant has, however, one great draw- h.i.k in the fugaciousness of its flowers, which l.i-t 1 lilt one day each, thus resembling the Marica, x^li.iii'.' it takes its distinctive name. — W. E. I ilMia.KTO.V. Anemone intermedia. — Among rare plants now flowering at Kew in the aljiine house is this charming plant, a supposed natural hybrid be- tween A. ranunculoides and A. nemorosa, found 111 t III' neighbourhood of Silesia. Of its parentage hit I.' iloubt can e.xist, since the plant is just a w , 1. 1. 1 Anemone pure and simple, with blossoms of a |,al.' yellow hue. At present the plants are not -I i,.ii._:, yet it needs but a season or two without .list alliance to make it one of the most beautiful of all its tribe and a fit companion to any of the better-known forms. With th.-.- i.n.r ioinis it is surprising how quickly ilay .-t.jlili-h ih.in selves when planted whci, it i- ,,,ii-tanil\ .....I and uniformly moist, an. I \\li, i.- m light giitty soil the rhizomes .an mak. fi..- headway. Not so always, howev. I, m ih. m,,!., claj'ey soils that would appear to inip.'.lc ih. ii progress to some extent. The above plant, though it has been some years in gardens, does not seem to be generally known. Soldanella pusilla.— In shades of colour from quite pale lavender to jiurple may be seen the jjretty fringed blossoms of this pleasing alpine at Kew, where several plants are now in flower. Some of the very paleformsarequite self-coloured, anil others of deeper hue are heavily stained w it h purplish crimson about the base. The only iliiicj to be desired is greater freedom of flower- iii.j. . s]ieciallv in .some kinds. Of these, the alMiM is one. "The Soldanellas are not difficult to .lilt i\ ate, but, as usually seen, they are apt to be ilassi'il as a shy-flowering group. With collected plants as well as home-grown I have found it a good jjlan to pull the tufts to pieces for the pur- pose of giving freedom to a larger number of crowns. The roots are particularly fond of c tact with hard rocky substances and moisture, potting, a soil of peat, loam and Sphagnum Mol^ in eqval parts suits them well. Pull the larg tufts into )iieces of about 2 inches, and pla very firmly at the side of a pot or piece or i By cohering the surface of an 8-mch pot these pieces when the flowers are over, a i growth should ensue in the new soil and flowerii in proportion another year. Public Gardens. Open space for Hampstead.— By dint untiring eflbrt, the committee formed to seeort Fortune Green as an open space for Hampsteaji has succeeded in its endeavours and the site hiu been saved. Mr. Henry Harben, the chairman^ the Hampstead Vestry, gave £850 towards { purchase money, and several of the City panies also contributed handsome donations. Truro Daffodil and spring flcwer sho'w.- The dimensions of the Scilly Islands industry are too well known to need descriptig but it is not generally understood that it has cently been extending by leaps and bounds oni mainland of Cornwall. Considering this and i splendour of the flowering shrubs of the Con private gardens at this season, it is somewhat s pii-iii.u' that the show held so successfully.- i'l iiid on March 16 and 17 was the first of any in puitaiice hitherto held in the county. It worth a very long journey to see the wealth i Narcissi from the open ground, and es|)ecially ti truly glorious display of Rhododendrons. Th' Sikkim .seedHngs exhibited by Mr. D. H. Shilsto inii.-t have been a positive revelation to many i tilt- \ isitors from colder districts. There is litt .loulit that this show will henceforward be a vei imijot-tant annual fixture. It was held in tl public rooms, Truro, and was exceedingly well a tended. The Rev. G. H. Engleheart acted i judge of the Narcissi and herbaceous flower Messrs. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, J. NicoU Redruth, and Messrs. Barr and Sons, Idng Stree Covent Garden, London, W.C., also exhibite groups of spring-flowering plants. A prize Ii; will be found in our advertisement columns. The -weather in 'West Herts. — A very wan week foi- so early in the spring. There have beei ! as far as tli.- pi-.-s.-nt month has gone, only t^Jnl day.3 vlii.li \\,i. Ill any way unseasonably '"' " and only f,,iir . iil.l in-^hts. On the warmest (the '21st) the t. nip. rature in shade rose to -631 which is the highest reading as yet recorded th year. During the following night the expose thermometer fell only to 46". Both of the abo\ temperatures are singularly warm for March. I ■2 f.-i-t deep the soil is at the present time about ^ w. inner than is seasonable, and at 1 foot dee alioiit i>° warmer. In none of the last eleve .Marches, except that of last 3'ear, has the groun at either of these depths been so warm. Sino^ . 17th inst. there has been but little rain. On-^liii 19th the sun shone for nearly ten hours, whi^ I the best record as yet this year. Throughoutib 18th the wind continued very boisterous. Indisei during the five hours ending 4 p.m. it amounte in force to that of a gale. Between noon an 1 p.m. the mean velocitj' was 24 miles an hour- direction west. — E. M., Berkhamsted. i BOOKS RECEIVED. | Ferns and Fern Culture." By W. J. Birkenhca- UTames of plants.— J. G. Hall—l. Onoidiuj sarcodes ; 2, Cojlogyne Massangeana. (?. Sharrali — Aerides odoratum. F. G. Skelton.—OdiOTitoglo. sum Andersonianum. Jk. THE GARDEN. 237 SATURDAY, A ril 3, 1897. "This Is an Alt MHiich does mond Nature : change it rather ; but Tbk Art itski.f is Nature. 'Shaketpeare. Orchids. OOC'HLIODA NOEZLTANA. I'llK number (if Orchids bearing briglU oraiigt jip scarlet blossoms is comparatively small. Beveriil of tliem, too, like Ada aurantiaca, hough bright and showy in the mass, are dis- Vppointiiig in the size and shape of the iiidi- 'idual tlow^.is. Th,' n,vsfiil Slurries is an rx ither f..i lont; in fu^ ;e bright so rpl ■ ith yellow. C. Noe/.liana is one of Messrs. 'harlesworth, Shuttleworth, and Co.'s intro- uctions, this firm having im]iorted it some five r six years since from Sontli America. To get 16 finest effect, it is ncrtss,ii\ to mass .sr\,ial the plants as usually naaiv'r.l int.. .mr |.nl o, isket, as in this way one gets st-veial lea. Is m liferent positions, and consequently wli.ii in loom a better furnished plant. Such .i plani basket about !• inches or 10 inches .a.i.i s. ith several spikes, looks very well susptndrd the roof in the flowering house. Care , however, necessary when making u]i lai^r )ecimens. Unless very carefully potted, the inipo.st is apt to get too thick around the bases f the pseudo-bulbs. The crocks for drainage lould be brought right up to within an inch of e rim of the pot. and must rise alittle towards le centre. Have .a littli' (Mat and Moss ready ixed and cover tins ,sli._;lii !y, then place the ants thereon, arrangiii'^ tlii' leads in suitable )sitions not too clo.se to the rim. ii.acking the ants up a little wherever nrr, ssai y wiili oken charcoal and crocks. Wii.' tlnni il.iwn mly, and with a pointed dibb^ir work tliu inpost between them, this consisting of the !at and Moss n'.entioned and plenty of small ocks. With single plants in small pots this eration is much ea-sier, as by uimliug a littlr aterial around the basr ami srltini,' ii iiit.i sition, the compost will kr ■]. tlu' |i!a!iis si a.ly thout any wiring. Established plants rcnuuc ire frecpient potting than some other kinds, e amount of water nec^ssiry soon rendering the at close and sour. A period of two years is lite Ion- ..ii-iijli in lli.' , •small ]i..fs, and s-im- nes.ali!'- . , ' ik^.N ivipu nm ,lui in- e intrrv m , |..a n,,i Inn- r-nn m at is s..ur Ml d. I ,y:l. It is b-lti_T I- lialv ery root than to have the new ones humiKivd lot of sour, close material. But if tlm ts in the first instance are carefully diMimd d the compo.st kept .i]n.n, these diisli. asuros are seldom neet-ss nv "V ad\ isablr. Regarding the timeof rrii..iiniu. tins will \ai \ ittle, in order to catch tlm plants wlim tlmy 3 commencing to root freely from tlm ad- ncing bulb. Asa rule, from the middle of t to the fir.st week in October is the most litable time, but a plant or two that is earlier later must be treated accordingly. The r< » .ts 1st never be dried at any time, as this only akens the plant, and even directly after re- tting a little moisture must be allowed. The I ;atment atmospherically does not differ mate- rially from that usually jiractised with Odonto- glossums of the crisjium section. Light in winter is a very important point, and in order to keep the temperature sufficiently h)W during hot sunnnerweather, shade the glassveryhoavily. id da nak. '<}' nig hard and .if good t.'Nlure, the ps.md.. Imlbs »ill finish up strongly and flower freely, and insects will, as a rule, leave them alone. Dewing the foliage very lightly in bright weather on the up])er and under sides is much more distaste- ful to insects than heavy douches of water. Cypripediiim Wottoni. -T snilusei daik Cymbidium Lowio-eburneum. I'lns i. :iful hvbrid mav now be se.-ii in p.ifeit i.iii at .\ll.ans, two fiiie plants being in tlow.i. >|.issoms are large and of the .same Ijeauliful 111.- as in C. eburneum, from which fine speci( nil. 1 its a delicate fragrance. The .sepals 1. I a Is are pure white internallv, a creamy t ., ,n.. imparted by the i-pversi- side of thes,".. i|, has a tV« v.'rv l.injlit e,„iis.,ii inaiknrj- ,.„„, Tli.M.i.s.nt liNlai.l lias ('. ..laninann as 111 the older hvlirid raised by Messrs. Veiteh, of Cll.-lsea. Phaius Cooksoni. — This was the first arti- fieiallv raised hybrid in this genus, and is named after Mr. N. C.'('....ks.,n. in mIih-.- .janl.ai it \ias raised. It is th.' r.-nli .a' .a.-Mirj 1'. Walli.ln and P. tuberculosus, I li.> f.ain.r ili.' -.■ .1 l.a'.i. It is a vigorous a 1 1. 1 li.alilix .jinw.!. |i .lii.an- erect scapes of s.\.r,il iHauiitnl ik.w.is. 'rin lobe bright rose, sp.it (.■.I « itli piirpl.' an.l a sti.^ak of y. How in the centre ; the side lobes deeper in .III. nil. Several plants of this fine hybrid were 1 . .1 ntly in flower at St. Albans. Masdevallia bella. — This extraordinary plant is already in bloom in several colli.t imis, and flowers may be looked for until Lit.' in autumn. It is certainly one of the best ..t th. M. (liima^ra set, and has lar.j;.- I1.ih.is |ii.rlii..-.| sin.jly on the ends of the ln.ri/.intal s,.:i|,rs, Th.'s,' ...iisist of three elon-ai.il -.|.il-. mM.am-Ii. tlii.kly covered with piir]il.' III. iwn s|iiits, li|. an. I petals white. In a cool, moist hiiuse, w li. i.' ih.' temperature during the winter does not e., In |.i\j 50', this species will be satisfactory if susp. n.le.l from the roof in shallow baskets of peat and Moss. It comes from New Grenada and was in- Odontoglossum cuspidatum.— This species il.M- not as a rule, I think, find much favour with (ii.lii.l fan. airs, the flowers of some of the forms I., in- latli.i ]ioor in colour. A nice form of it is \\ .11 \\ ..itli .ji.iwiiitj, and such an one was recently Epidendrum polybulbon. — This, though one .,f the smallest growing Orchids in cultiva ti.m, is a pretty plant notwith-standing. The pseudo-bulbs are each about half an inch in I height, the foliage deep blight green. The | Maxillaria robusta.— This pi.tiy s|„,i,, i noted in flower recently, its pres. i ain.ai- .a h.a Orchids being known hj- its disi im i .m.! .I.lu n.- o «itli g.m.l .li^ni and is a native of Brazil. Odontoglossum cariniferum. — The blossoms of this Odontoglot are large and showy and last a very long time. The spikes are large and branching, erect or nearly so, and each flower is about 3 inches across. The sepals are deep bro«'n with a tinge of green and a very narrow mamii. of v.Ui.w, 111.; lipMhili- \>itli losy purple l,r ;.lIuH,..l l.illl.T lllii..' |i..I .M,.l,, iImm those of tlif .■n-i.iiML ,,i liiii'i. |mr|iin.iiiii >..n..ii. The roots are larger ami \i\-- ;i n.n-l, .Ir-mpti ,f Saccolabium bellinum. lusition. lis is a really liraiititiil liti li- >|»ci.'- ,111' I ( I II II.' ilistinct from the urdmaiy kiu.ls iiiuiliiriMu .■Wniilii.-al rn.-em.-s. Tt is one of Messrs. I.im .iimI ( m.'- ml li.. Iiifi mm-, this firm having i.-.'iimiI ii tmui l:iiiiii:ili m 1884. About four ul liv ll,,„,-,, .■11,' |,M,:,11\ produced on a .spike, and etic-li measures aljuul 1^ inches across. The petals are yellowish green with rich dark brown markings, the lip pure white, dotted with purple and a yellow stain in front. It is best grown in a warm, iimi-t liuii^f suspended from the roof in shallow \m II .li lini W baskets. Clean Sphagnum and ili;iir,,:il uml only be used for compost, and thoui;li l.-^s H.itn is needed during the winter months, no diving season is required. triumpha: Odontoglossuir sjjike carrying ten i noted in flower. Tli was much deeper 1 1 . — A verv fine ictals. (I. triuiiiphaiis is one of the ii.ln-i olouii'il anil must satisfactory of cool Inni-, Irehids, as it seldom tails to bloom freely am I may le relied on to produce more good forms than lost species. When in good condition the pseudo- lulbs are each about 4 inches high, the leaves eep green and each about 15 inches in length. It li.iul.l III- .jrcwii ([uite cool and plenty of water iii-l III iillnwril all the year round. It is a aiiM- III Ni ^^ ( irenada, and has been known IS4l Odontoglossum Sanderianum. — There are many Odontoglots surpassing this in the beauty of their flowers, but there is none possessing a more charming fragrance. Its charms for us are the greater, jierhaps, because, although the plant comes from the mountains of South America, its perfume has the familiar sweetness of our English Hawthorn, and thus brings to mind, even in dull February and March, the loveliest month of the year. This Orchid is nearly flowers are borne on the raceme. It is a native of Venezuela and was originallj' imported by Messrs. Saml.r and Co. in 1881. Ccelogyne Massangeana.— The long, pen 'liiit ^|likesof this distinct and beautiful Orchid li;i\ .■ ;i v.ry ple'_.-ant appearance, a well-grown and |iiiitii-. I\ lli.H, 11(1 plant making a very fine show. 'I'll' imlniiliLil tlowers are rather .small, but a •ju.ii iM,ui\ are produced on a raceme. The sejials and petals are pale yellow, the lip purpl lirown, with streaks of golden yellow running through it. To grow this species well, fairly liberal treatment must be allowed, and, trixen I" ii.liil is the tine beauty of the plant seen. rill -I must be thoroughly drained, and the com- |ii'-i may consist of equal parts of peat fibre, leaf- -.iil ami Sphagnum Moss, enouoh crocks and char- coal being added to kee|) tin- wlmli- opt-n and sweet. Being a fairly sti.iiij iji..h,i, enough room for about 2inches of iuiii|.ii-t all inumlmust be left for the larger plants. I'kiity of water must be allowed while the plants are growing, and at no time must the roots be allowed to get really dry. The temperature of the Cattleya house suits it well, but more shade than is gene- rally afforded to Cattleyas is needed. The light must be good, but the foliage is easily injured by sunshine. Thrips are often troublesome if the atmosphere is at all drv. and tlicse must be giv no quarter, or th.\ \wil -..,,,, , niii the appearance of the plants, it i- ,i imuv. ,.' .\ssam, and often flowers both in tli(.>|ii m;j ami mitumn. LEPTOTES. This is a small genn.s containing only a few plants km.un in c-iiltn ati. m. Tlie.se are dwarf- uiinMii',' r|ii|iliM,vs \i ith shiirt steins occurring up. .11 .1 111. . IV 111 less . leepiiig rhizome, and eacl surmounted liy a cylindrical deep green leaf not unlike tho.se of many of the Bras.sav. .las Several new species have been named witliii the last few years, but probably few plants of this.' are in existence, or at all events in cul tn limn. The best known is L. bicolor, a pretty anil slii.wy little .species when well done, and wi.illiv of culture ..n aecoiint of the briglit littl bl.issi.ms, xvhicli are very freely ]iroduced. The cultiue ..f tliis kind IS practically the same tliat necessary f.ir all the others. They j iLili\.s of Brazil, and though .•K-.i.imiii..iatini,» pliiiisas to temperature, are often ki pt nui.-h linltm than is necessary or advisaM.'. I liave lift. 11 s.'rn good plants of L. bi..,l..r ^r..\vn iMili < >iliiiiliiuliissums in the coolest ii.nisc, but till |.r. I. 1. 11. .■ I should choose .i stiucture wli.i.' more liL;lit is afforded during; the Muiiiiier months. At tlie cool end of the ('.itl I, y;i li.iiisf. as close as possible to one of th.- \, unlit.. is, growth will be very free, and fl.iucis will In.- plentifully produced if the jilants are well treated in other respects. Tlie absence of pseudo-bulbs woul.l sieiii t.. imply that the.se plants are easilv cluck.-.l, but I Iiave found them do well uniicr,'. 111. I 111, HIS 1 1, .It u mil.l imt suit borne in miii.I ; altliough th.' 1 ...Is' arc fairly stixmg, ' tliey will not ,'Msi peat and .M.iss growing (h.l.i.ls 11 III...;.- pots with a mass of iliiiiit them. These small- 111 Miigularly unlia]jpy under with a purple-red blotch at the base. All th. segments taper to long fine points, and numerous ;se are usually available. If baskets or pans ! used, fill up to within an inch of the top with crocks and set the plants carefully with a little peat or Sphagnum about the roots, wiring the plants down if roots are not plentiful. On the Fern stems a little Moss only should be used and a few thin strips of cork where the wire crosses the rhizome. The plants grow from the base soon after flowering is past, and during active growth must be liberally watered. The atmosphere should also be kept moist, and light dewings with tepid water from the syringe are refreshing to the plants. No regular season either for resting or flowering can be arranged, as they arc somewhat erratic in this respect and occasionally bloom twice in the year. But all are better f.ir a few weeks of drier treatment, and at this time the plants may be kept quite cool with advantage. This will lessen the pro- bability of insect attack.s, and if the drying i..- not too severe will render the plants more free blooming. .S7/0 // T yo TES. — ORCHIDS. Jadoo fibre for Orchids.— I have grown nearly all kinds in Jadoo tilire and find all do weU ir it. Care must be taken to use no water till the plant is established, and then only sparingly. — V. Varieties of Dendrobium nobile.— In D. nobile Sanderianum the segments are of great widtt and substance, aad the lip is almost covered with tht deep purple velvety blotch. Quite a contrast to thii is I), nobile Amesianum, a lovely variety with pnn white sepals and petal i and a i ieh maroon ILtch oi the lip. Cypripedium marmoropliyllum.— This i a fine hybrid between C. Hi:iokera3 and C.barbatum, ii which tbe distinct and beautifal foliage of the forme species is well preserved. The blossoms may be de scribed as about intermediate between those of it parents, the dorsal sepal being very like that of C barbatum, while the petals and lip come nearer thosi of C. Hookerse. A very fine batch of plants is nov flowering with Mr. Bull. Odontoglossum hebraicum. — I have seei this in bl.x.m in several places during the week It varies considerably in ground colour and mark ings, but the usual tint is a pale creamy yellow with linear blotches and s| ot? of chestnut-Drown The lip is deeper in colour than the rest of thi flower and spotted with bright red. It is a nativi of New t;renada, and thrives best in a cool, mois and shady house. — H. Lselia pumila. — I was surprised to see this ii bloom at this season. The flowers in everj^ casi were extremely rich in colouring, the rosy tint o the sepals and petals and the rich purple blotch ii front making a really showy flower. This specie; docs best in shallow 'baskets or pans suspended ai the cool end of the Cattleya house, and require: only a thin ei.mpost over abundant drainage. 11 is a nati\ e of Brazil and was introduced in 183S. — R. Dendrobium speciosum Bancroftianum. —In comparison with the type this is quite a pigmy variety, but a very pretty one. The habit more resembles that of the ordinary e\ergreeii species, and the flowers are thickly produced upon the racemes. The sepals and petals are creamy white, iKirn.u. and pointed; the hp white in ji.iiiml I 1. 1. 1.11. with a bright yellow centre and -imill |,m |il. ~i ri[.es On the side lobes. The treat- 111. lit 1- I he >.ime as for the typical D. speciosum, except that the resting need not be so severe. Dendrobium Leechiauum. — This splendid i hybrid is now, fortunately, getting more plenti- ful. It may be best described as an improved form of D. Ainsworthi, as it has the same parentage, but the flowers are larger and often! more liiglih- c.jloured. The sepals, petals, and; li|iaie wliiti , ii|i|iiil \Mtli bright rosy purple, the j Imi.r liaMirj 1 1 1 ai li III mil a large feathery blotch [ lit ile.|. |iin|il.. 11111-. HI 111 the centre. Likemost, of theh\liiiil fill Ills. II IS .-xtreinely free flowering,! and the growth being healthy and robust renders it easily grown. Aphil 3, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 239 Flower Garden, fii.lixgham castle. FTBR a drive of nine or ten miles from Lin- )In along the old Roman road which leads I the Ilumbor, the iurk surrounding Filling- Castle is entered. From the lodge groen of the Ivy. This is the country home of Mrs. I'ortman-Dalton, a lady well known for her enthusiasm and love for hardy flowers. The principal attraction at the time of my visit in August last was the herbaceous borders, wliich extended on both sides of a broad gravel walk through the centre of the garden for about 150 yards. Herbaceous border at FilUngham Castle, Lincoln, showing Gypsophila, P/iZojes and j^erbascuyn in background. ^ Engraved for The Gaeden from a photograph sent by Mrs. J. G. Fortman-Valton. I very striking view of the castle is rained, standing out boldly as it does at extreme end of a straight grass drive )ut a mile long, and well timbered on thcr side. The castle is partly clothed with '*', and the sombre grey bare towers stand ' • in delightful contrast with the emerald- The first plants to catch the eye werj those of Verbascum phlomoides, the liest of this grand class of stately biennials, towering to the height of 10 feet, with rich yeliow flowers opening successionally up the stem and making a continuous display the whole season through. These, with Cactus Dahlias, ( l':notheras, various Helianthuses, Holly honks, and Campanula pyramidalis, formed a bold background. In these glorious borders are no set lines ; hero a bold piece of Gypso- phila paniculata, with its elegant slender panicles bearing myriads of tiny white blos- soms and forming a compact, but yet graceful bush ; then the Anthcmis tinctoria with its tnass of Marguerite-like yellow flowers, and Erigeron speciosus forming a good companion to it with its dense heads of purple blos- soms, both of these being most useful for cutting. Splendid clumps of Chrysanthemum maximum and herbaceous Phlox relieved I he centre of the borders, with the globe- shaped flowers of Echinops sphrerocephalus rising well above the silvery foliage, and the vivid steel-blue involucres of Eryngiuni amethystinum contrasting well with the gayer colours of their immediate neigh- bours. Alstra-meria chilensis and aurantiaca are both grown in large masses, and although not entirely out of bloom, it was easy to imagine, from the great vigour of the spikes, what a grand effect they must have made a month prior to my visit. These most useful flowers are perfectly hardy and .should find a place in every garden. It is easy to recall the Funkia, with its bell-shaped flowers and bold striking foliage ; Lobelia fulgens, with brilliant blossoms just coming into flower ; Helenium pumilum, one of our most useful hardy plants, covered with rich golden blos- soms ; the very striking zones of vivid col- ours in the Gaillardias ; Lysimachia tleth- roides, with graceful spikes of dense white flowers, the foliage in autumn assuming bril- liant hues. Then we come to an old friend, with its fragrant foliage and red whorls — Monarda didyma, the old-fashioned Bergamot, the purple-blue Gentians, the pinky mauve tubular blossoms of Dracooephalum spe- ciosum, and the very great favourites, the •Japanese Anemones, while straying on to the gravel path were Verbenas and Tufted Pansies. The half-hardy annual Salpiglossis sinuata was freely used, its large funnel-shaped blossoms in great variety of colour with dark veins being very eflective. The Salpiglossis should be more generally used than it is. An- other plant which flourishes here and in- ''reases most rapidly 'n Montbretia crocosmia;- llora. It is perfectly hardy and most useful for cutting, its long graceful sprays of coral- coloured blossoms lasting in water for days. It also has a very long season of bloom. A large bold plant of Veratium nigrum was noticeable, with its towering spikes 4 feet high of curious browr. -black flowers with tiny brilliant yellow stamens. As its odd. Palm-shaped leaves do not attain a height of above a foot, it is placed midway in the border, as there the tall sLnder dark spikes rise with fine effect above the low growing Rudbeckias and Pentstemons. Tufted Pansies are evidently very great favourites in the Fillingham Castle Gardens, as I noticed a side border was almost entirely devoted to them, and a very beautiful border it was, covered with bloom even at this late season of the year. The best I noted were 240 THE GARDEK [April 3, 1897 Countess of Ilopetoun, Duchess of Fife, Lady Dundonald, Eosea pallida, Archie Grant, Ardwell Gem, A. J. Ro wherry. Border Witch, Florizel, Cottage Maid, Goldtinoh, and Christiana. The brilliancy of the long herbaceous bor- ders is due to the fact that they contain only plants which bloom from the beginning of July until November. Mrs. Portman-Dalton is a great advocate for, as far as possible, keeping the flowers of the difterent seasons together, and besides these borders, her garden contains a bulb border, or rather a '• spring border," for it is not entirely confined to bul- bous plants. Then there is a broad " early summer border " with beds of dwarf Roses on their own roots, and backed by Lan-h trellises, on which all the most vigorous climb- ing Roses grow ; thus there is a picture of inte- rest and beauty in nearly every month of the year. A collection of Lord Penzance hy- brid Sweet Briers should not be forgotten, nor a collection of hardy Ferns and rock plants against a north wall. The whole of the different borders are divided from each other by five separate trellised arches made of Larch wood, and covered by a wealth of Honeysuckles, Clematises, and Gloire de Dijon Roses. A 'good outlet for the overflow of the rapidly increasing plants in the castle gardens was found in a wild bog garden, started in a small wood near the large piece of water known as Fillingham Lake, which lies half a mile below the cliff on which the castle stands, and which forms such a feature in the landscape as seen from the castle terrace, being about iifty acres in extent. In this wild garden at this early date in August Iris Kivmp- feri was in full beauty, as were also Hemero- callis fulva and quantities of common yellow Day Lilies, all perfectly naturalised. The spring flowers bad evidently taken kindly to the spot and were seeding all about, and tliere would later be large clumps of Starworts, Chrysanthemum latifolium and Pyrethrum uliginosum, with Helianthus and the common hardy Fuchsia. Mrs. Portman-Dalton in- formed me that she had started this wild garden before she properly understood the grouping of the different classes so as to give as far as possible the appearance of Nature, and a large plantation in the park, containing a small pond, has been thinned and fenced off in order to carry out the idea of a " wild garden." Nor does Mrs. Portman-Dalton confine her interest to her own garden, for on walking through the village of Fillingham I was attracted by superb collections of flowers in the cottage gardens, and a great spirit of emulation evidently prevailed among the cottagers. I found, on inquiry, that surplus plants in the castle gardens were distributed to the cottagers on the estate, an annual show of flowers, fruit, and vegetables being held, when prizes are not only offered for the best garden produce, but also for the best cultivated and neatly kept gardens. A. J. Eowbbrut. HARDY SPRINt; FLOWERS AT KEW". II.. w, ;ilile. 'riic eailii-r Imlhous and alpine i)Uni sw:iy, and are likely to make a most c whole for some time. A week or two sii Siinwdroiis, then in their thousands, n in the upper parts of the rock , year or two a lovely carpet of ;v Snowdrops will result. But now on the w.-ine, and Lenten )ii'^ .11 '■ .'MnMU'i- tie- foremost of r I;, lie, .•.|,er,,-,Ilv -ood, aud , ll,e ,,:,|.' o,|n,ne,l ,,,rlvDaflfO- ■e,-,, X. |,,illi.lu- |.i,.>e,:)x, that i.\ ill t In - i,i-~ t li;iii elsewhere. ijipei' end of ther..ek .jai.len, h hen- t^ather- of the old doulile Diillodil, in company of the -mentioned plants, furnish a large mound, er, the eye rests on a chai-ming lot of hardy linens — C. coum and C. neapolitanum, the A fe Primrose are flowering freely in the shady parts and are very pretty. Turning to the rock garden, we find a goodly variety of the beautiful and interesting ]ilants of spring. The lovely Shortia galacifolia. for example, with its dainty fringed li|ii~-ein- and crimsoned leaves is a picture, the hlii-^nin^ exquisite indeed, and the filant oliviousl\ 011 tent in a snuy eniner niaile li\- a linue piece of rock. Htrethi- .leh-jlillnl |.l:,Mt -.■!. shclte,'. with at the same iim,- ili.ii .A|, d.i/, 11 heads of bloom were shel: teied liy a lai'je pi.ee of rock, the roots beincj plant..! liai.l a:j:iiii-l the stone. It is a lovely r.'.k plan! iliiis early in flower, and if groupec; fi..l,\ \M.iil.l I.I- a gem. Adonis amurensis, 0 "111. Ii II.. I. ^^.ls made recently in The G.tRDBXjisl \. t> I., a nil till ii.iw in the Davallia-like spread anc . 1. J I ..t 11- l.-aves, in this respect quite unique -II ij^iniiej llowers. Here and there tufts 0 I'eil.a ai,..i.les crown the rocks with goldei li.a.U, wliil.- the blue spires of the Starch Hya .mill aii.l the vernal Orobus open their earliest 1.1. ...HIS. A tuft of Scilla bifolia rosea has pretti ].iiik blossoms that are not frequent, and ii .jnai.-r numbers are .seen those of S. b. alba, i s.,l,tarv spik.- i.f a lat.- nii..n,„loxa carried jus tw.iiiN ll..\\. I- i.r lai<_:.- -I/.-, while modest things a~ I i..i..lia. ae- pM^t I li.-ir 1 ..-si . The lower fringe of ill.- ri..-k ;jai.li-ii are i-spe.-ially attractive jus now, and many other plants are in bud that wil presently add to the beauty of the scene. ViSITOIt. ROOT-PROPAGATION OF PERENNIALS Certain of the best liardy border perennial can be better projiayated by roots than by th usual ..itli...l..\ iiiei li..ils ..f eiittiiitjs or divi.sioi liideeil. It. m-.-at.-st a.lvantage to the hard methods eaiiiiot be employed for some reaso or other out of the control of all. A typici example ni.iy be cited in that fine autunu flowering border plant, Senecio pulcher. Th handsome plant cannot be increased by cu tings, as such never appear. Seeds of it ali- are very rare and quite unreliable at any tinn while ilivisioii seems out of the question. Tl plant lu.i.ases with Wonderful freedom whe small bits I.f its roots are properly treated, if w hell cut into lengths of an inch or rather mo: and laid ai-..uiid the inside of some ordina: Hower-p..ts and placed in slight warmth. Th latter may not be absolutely essential in evei instance, Imt so great is the saving in point I inn-, that its adoption by dealers in the.. tliiiiL;s may be regarded as indispensable. Wii the Senecio I believe the employing of heat be essential, for I do not remember having set any plant which, having lost its crown in tl ^ border, ever attempted to start afresh in tl open ^;r..uiiil. Tins, however, may not 1 \\li..ll\ .111.- I., an absence of heat so much as ilie la.-t that a, plant thus losing its orowu, as t] j 1. suit of frost or snow or other cause, will 1 fi.iiii.l to have rotted away just below the s( liii. , and therefore the decay continues to d s.-. -11.1 somewhat rapidly. Under these circui staii.-.-s It is impossible for the root to sta m-.,»lli, aii.l II 1. well known also that tli sp.-i-i.-s..i,ly s.-ii.ls lis breaks ,,r .shoots from tl l..p ..t til.- r....i .-ultiiiL; uhcii made. Heat, the f.ii- llii-, plant IS ..l.xiously a necessity, and about all .an I..- niaiiitained, a nice lot of plan will .1111. -kl\ I. -nil. .\nothcr very dcsirah li.-li lla.- Ii. lli.l.-. cpiite wet soil ; P. Clusiana : Dog s-tooth Violets and Siberian Squills at the margin, the last exceed- ingly rich in the intense blue of the flowers in a mass. Of the Narcissi, few gave a prettier result than a large gathering of N. minor. The fragrance of a small bush of Daphne Blagayana, with its creamy |... pill, a- plaiil, li..»e\er, and the demand fur .-aiinot lie sup]. lied nnle.ss every known raeaij is i-.-s.irte.l t.i. The Statices form anoth-i •41. .up f..i this means of propagation, ai Hitli..iii li. siiatioii I regard it much the simple .111.1 na.li.st way of increasing the stock. Soiij \e,.is sin.,- I had but erne large specimen ] S. l.iiif..li;., \slii.li 111 tlower was much adniirei .111.1 ill. pill. 1I.I-..-.1 -.ee.l had repeatedly refu.st| t..L;i,iw. I. itl 111-4 llie specimen early in Marcl 1 secured a line lot of root pieces, and before tl! flowering came round I had the finest stock j plants for sale I have ever seen. Meanwhill April 3, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 241 rom seed .sown in January iirevious not a soli- iry plant had appeared. Stokesia cyanea is Mother plant which flowers too late to secure eed, and from the prruliaily ,-,.nsti irtr.l n.ituiv f the root-stuck ;iiM cv<•^^u .mini. it l.r in.r, as. . I divi y nay no >ot cui )ooks ( il; here. iSuuie years ago 1 was in favour iivember and December for carrying out lethod of rnot-propagation, liut continued ■I'll.- Si.ik.sii, though cited in II.'.' as i|..»,'iiii^' in Augu.st <))■ SeptemliL'i. iaiil\ att.iii|ils to bli cm before S'oveniber ; indeed, in this respect it is a com- )anion plant to Aster grandittorus, and usually lowers too late to be of service in the open, tm the plant is i .1 a.l^ free Zauschneria californica.- ^" : ■■''Mm ^*Mifc$.^ .■— ' ."-•?,■ ••■ '^ ;. Arch across border at Fillingham Castle covered with Clematis and Gloire de Dijon Roses. From a photograph seiit by Mrs. J. Q. Portman.Dalton. (See p. 239.) ugh making a very pleasing subject in the eenhouse. The plants named above as increa.sing by cans of their roots do not exhibit externally e slightest tendency to break into growth; erefore it is the more interesting to know that hen cut into short lengths they do so freely, ten as many as six or eight embryo growth ids issuing from the summit of a tiny root a iirter of an inch in diameter. Other plants ■ which the same means are applicable are hmops, Eryngium, the several species of elenium (which also divide freely), Inula indulos;i and many species of Primula. These •t are best without bottom-heat, a small, close I plant i ruck of raising stock of thi during autumn anil plaiitiil nut in s|.i iii.j, lait il may also be divi. I. -.1, an. I tl.w i- li.-l .li.n.- in April. Great c-aiv i- n...|. .1 tu |.i.a.iiI l.i.aka;j. or other injury t.. th.- sl.ii.lei an. I \.'iy l.iittl. new roots, which will be found at the base of the young shoots now being formed, for the old root- stock is only of use as an anchor to the plant and does not emit roots. A hot position with a well- drained and gritty soil is what the plants like best, and broken brick may be worked into the soil with advantage. — G. L. Two new Sweet Violets. Hn. ..f ili,>.i~, ot claim to some (list apparently more rounded than H. 1). Hardy Marguerites. — Um forms ot (j. e and the othei the latter in n than those produce so i y !,,,», :n. ■ji.i'AM l.ir market, ii.'liili.- .ji.ai.i pi. .|... mull. They tmm euLLiug.s oljUiuicd from old ilaced in warmth at the end ot It into pots to make roots, and then I lioxes. Plants propagated in this ot gr vahi ,iiUiii.j, is|i,.iail\ f.ji'those who have but a liiiiit. .1 siia. .■. Ills ..Illy those who have the com- inaii.l ..t «aiiiitli iliat, ean keep old plants safely lliruinjli I hi' XMiil.r an. I lai^e cuttings in early s|,nn..-. 'I'dii niii.li piai--' .aiiiiot be bestoweu iipiin~ili.- hvl.ii.l Naii.ii'- laised between coro- iianuiu ail reaniialuin Ij) M r. Brownhill. They are single, large in size, combinations of white, yellow, orange, and dark, and charming subjects to cut from. I do not know if they come true from seed : as a iiiattpv of [iifeaiiti. besttu iii.-i.a-.' I.;, ill. iiii- ..I .■Hiiin dom it is I liai I II. -iii'ji.' 1 1 .at. to be t.Miiiil 111 li..M..a in ...11. . 1 1 annuals. C. cannatuni is uuimiuuu ti akl be EREMURI. About a year ago there was a discussion in your columns about tlie cultivation of Eremun. i re- member saying that in America they are deeply that ; put planted. method I.. ^";>- ';;;'; ^,':;r,i";.':,;;:i':""^^o^^ •^"VV I'l a'l. n 111. ...it-an.l l^lalltett ttiem in^earlrAuousl at dillcaeiil deplh.s m my garden. Thrborder°in winch they were plact^d had been enriched and deeply dug over, home i-remun were planted at the depth ot a toot, some at u depth of 9 inches, and others at b inches. Ihe result, so far as it has declared itself, is as K^Ilous ; The first one to make its appearance had been planted at a depth of 6 inches, and came above ground on February 26 ; six or seven others haNe llso declared themselves, and one whch «as exactly a foot deep in the ground came to light -• ■ ■• Some few are as yet nut in e\iaeiice t] ', I- I iiriN' II. i« ttiki' it ti.r giaiited , l,,,.-'i'l„-.' i.laiit- 111 the Isle ot I Mai .Ma April, the worst of the truuble « But of course ditlerent treatment different places. " -I. *-'. L.,' ^ things so well would be very >i but in hot plae beneficial indee- 11 he overcome. IS required lor ,lio Hues these Kent, as a matter ul course ^,. 1,, .J.. Ill lor deep planting, ik, I hi- I liehcve it tu be very Il ,, , ni- tu ine tliat in coiu , .1 anil Huuld not meet with n l..eahtieb it is very much lo i.i (lues very well, i remem- lliiicr me some httle tune ago 242 THE GARDEN. [April 3, 1897. that deep planting had been tried ;it Ki\\ it did not answer at alh Of course lir was right in what he said, for Kew is K. u am thankful to say the Isle of \\i,ulil i- tin of Wight, which is a dilliTcnt thin- :i]io'_;i Oddly enough, in a recent is-u.' \ un -^.in . , - ( '1 (loxa gigantea, "the questmn ;ni-,> \\lirtli( plant such things deeply enoiigli." 1 slioul ^\ itli you there is need for some consideratic Henry Evvba AN INDEX EXPURGATORIUS. The rough, strong things anyone can grow in the ordinar}- garden soil if in good heart, but many plants found in large collections want special treatment, or at least they require very good soil, free from insect pests, such as wireworms, snails, &<■. In a garden that has been «ell cultivated thiii.j- «ill |M..-|.i-. Im, ;i Inn.' Ill any rate. I have hail pliiiiN .,t rxii.iiiii.i'iit ilii'iiutirof this. Those \\ hii ^uiipi) uaiii a '^a\ '.laiilrii ai a moderate cost may lind plenty ul llinigs that will produce it without going in for doubtful subjects, for there is no soil or position so unfavourable but some- tliing may be found that will prosper in it. This sur\i\al iif the fittest may suit the average man, bill Ihi- i\|.i liuientalist who has expunged the wiiiil ■■ iiii|.Ms-il.li-" from his vocabulary will perse- \eiv until lie discovers the cause of his failure and remo\es it. Here in the eastern counties, or at least in the chalk districts thereof, the Rhodo- dendron does not thri^■e ; yet I daily witness in some place or other etlbrts are lieing made to in- troduce those brallliful shilllis.alHl lllllrli ,-\prlisc isincurn-.l m l,rllrjl.iu |..mI, >V.'.. t|M,„ a ,li-taih-e to give (hr plantsa -lall. Sunirlllilr, tllr-e lA ]ieriments result in fa i hue, fur hesi.le^ i lie iliilieal ties of soil there is the hard water tn ecniien.l with. Still, here and there these difficulties ha\e li.in surmounted, chiefly by the men «lin do net know when they are beaten, oi- who, as I liaM' -lid. Iia\e erased the word " impossible^" fieiii then lieuks. I havB au amateur aoquaint- iitroduced man}' plants difficult to establish into his garden bv various positions and soils succeeded. Of course he can find bearing upon his and very often our best boek iig things last books, in just but to plod Mil, pultiiig fai-ts together till know- ledge enough has been gained to ensure success. -E H. In introducing this, "J. C. L." leads off so. If personal anl ipalliv i- permilteil toweieli in the " index, ■' 1 -laa'iM like le meliale il,e Heleniums as a bmU \uili lie -ele e .,ee|,i ,en of that known as H. st'i i.al mu, MJnel, is useful fur distant effect,as gi\ing a rather uncommon colour. The yellow ones I dislike, and would as soon tolerate a common Rag- wort. The best that can be said of them is that they are free and flower late, but so do scores of better things. — J. C. T.\LL.4CK . Narcissus cernuus.— I cannot imagine why Mr. Barr says this should be grown in shade. Fifteen years ago I found great clumps of Daffo- dil leaves, all planted in shade, growing here. As they did not give a single bloom, I took them up and planted them in the sun. I was soon re- warded by a grand bloom, which turned out to be cernuus. Some which were planted by a gravel path were su imieli liner (liau the others, that more were tiealeil ihe -.une « a\ . The conse- ipience is that I liaxe iiu« liiin.lieil- growing in the edge of the giax el, burdei iim a lawn, in the very hottest position. My ex]3erience coincides with others of your correspondents in this respect. — NOKTH COTSWOLD. A garden of Pinks.— So much has nf been done to develop the garden Pink, that I very well imagine the time may nut li. lai ili~i when a Pink garden may form a leainn m h places. Such a garden should be enclosed somewhat retired, for the Pink is not a gaudy flower, and does not seem to court publicity. It is a flower to cut by ha friends, or to place in ilie sweet perfume of ii i 'li- the house that neh per powerful to be pleasant. away to ■ liuii-e, ur to inhale the -i.inee. fur if too close to itnnii is apt to be too Wliei, the usual sum- niei bluuin is ever Stocks and Asters may suc- eee.l. ,1 | le i li.i|is thcrc would be great harmony in eel 1 1 1 II n I n;j I 'i 1 1 ks with Roses, for these latter give ample giuiinil surface that is none the worse for some other covering. Most of our recent Pink developments have been amongst the hardier border varieties. That we have too many of a somewhat coarse type now there can be no doubt. Flowers that may be ever so sweetly perfumed, but yet are composed of such masses of petals that they burst the pods and soon fall to pieces, are not by any means the best. Of medium size, good substance and colour, lich in perfume, flowers abundantly produced and over a long season, the plants robust and easily propagated by pipings, and thriving in almost any soil, constitute features in Pinks that cannot be too highly prized. — A. D. but merely difficult ^ May I suggest, as irrespondents shall ■ : .1'. i.i ::i h.n ,■ >jn. II me I he li ,si n-m n.ai, a \ni■'■ ,, ,| -, i | |, ,|- .M'allier. tliiiM. «l,u liine Canieliuis out of doors lie likel\ rmoiiee in a ua\ tu See the flowers at lien lie-i : It i~ not, li..«e\ei-. a flower that one v.iiiM leeimnmn.l li m i mt -a le planting, as rain and v.ml eipialK »,ll, tiiiM a.e , e-p. .n^ll.le for the INei,l,,„,,„.j 1,1 ,!„. 1,],„„„.. A- a Mnniilant. I timi ■li Ml masses of Cli\ ii ; Amaryllises tc lear them but id Cytisuses, i, sorted to eoluni irgeous to liaxe aiiMlii nge of Ferns, Aeaiia: ;nnixed with dazzling T ■arge groups of the white, red and pink Mint, i owering Begonias also made a grand .^liin\. •own the centre of the long houses were well- plants, each a picture in itself of the per- of tall Acacias of different irts and colours. Lilacs, iii- of )rts, Azaleas udingtheli, irced slirul.> tsott imi.nia 1 I ueiita from the Canary 1-1,-. to be ilie 1,1 i^inil plant from which oui pr, beaiititiil rin, lanas sprang. Of couis, , tl,, ers, \vl,i,-|i .II',- tiny compared to the larg,' we all are now accustomed to see, cannot with them for brilliance of colouring, yet pale cool lilacs and bluish mauves rising lie ,,l,je,-ti,,nal,l,. i,;l,,ur. Given old-est -M-li, ,1 liints, a e,,ii,pi,ativ,-ly shallow bed ami ample I a ilia ge, 1 ill, not think there is any better ,-i mni int. E. BuitKEi.L. Cytisus Everestianus.— This Cytisus is verv trely met witli, yet it is decidedly pretty, and 111,1,11, I- I'lii-e to the ground, the i,l,|'-,i ,,,11- .,ii - in.el,' t,i ^railing will not apply n, tl,i~ ,11^ (_'. ICMiestiaiius is, I believe, of ganlen oii;^ii and though so rarely met with, it is quite an ol plant. It received a first-class certificate fiom tl Royal Horticultural Society in l.S()2. In luir.serii liiiik siiade. Butcheri is llie Ijest blue for autunm work, but of smaller growth than those referred to above, and should be grown in smaller iKits. —A. H. Hibbertia Reidi.— One species of Hibbcrtia viz., II. ilintata. Iia> been frequently noticl in TiiK (;m:i,i.n a- a iiii.^t desirable climbing |,laii[ fur th,' iji, enliiiiiM', where its beautiful golden \i lli.w lil,i--iinis are borne for the first three ili^ III 1 lie year or thereabouts. The flowers, III,,, 111, I,,, I lis only claim to recognition, as the \,,,iii'j I, ill I I is ,,f :i particularly pretty bronzy Mill. Mil I '! I", iliiim vigour, hence it is just tli'tliiii .. I se where stronger growing I Inn III 1 ... ill I ill 1 1 of place. For a larger -I I 111 I 111, . 1, -liiiii,! iieeies— H. volubilis — is the mere .-ml ilile. a- ,1 1- 11 111 iij-et her a stronger grow- II a. while the flowers are li,,«,\er, in the case of eeably scented. That at H. Reidi— diflfers widely st mentioned, as it forms ish, that when not more Ml- pi-,ifll~elv. The 1,1,,. 11,1111 1,,'ail Gardenias in winter.— Paleness of foliage and bud is a frequent cause of dissatisfaction with (iardenia plants in winter, and may be par- 244 THE GARDEN. [April 3, 1897. tially ascribed to the lessened daylight and absence of sun at that season, but that it is to an extent a preventible evil is just as certain. Look- ing through a long range of low span-roofed houses devoted to Gardenias a few days ago, I remarked agreat dilferencein the appearance of the plants, some of which were quite dark foliaged and thrifty-lonking, while others were very pale, and as Hip p;ilpnpsv was not confined to a plant hfir :mi(I iIhip, ImiI .iiM' H.ll-ilciined cause for this. All througli tlie i.uige luuiuwsof plants wore plantf.l out in narrow borders on each sjilf tli iiln- path : the rows nearest the path slu^w - J i li'' \i.i\'-- ness, the biick rows were in the rnlisi IhmIi li and liniduoinsr fine flowers. All had been treated alike as far as was possible in the houses, but with tliis im))ortant e.xception, that bottom-heat jiipi's ran under the liorder immediately under- iieatli tlic liiviltliic^t ri>u^. Tlip liorders were not m..re tlKiii :; l-.i xvi.lr,;,,,,! ii would hardly be tliought tli.ii ill- -li'jiii .li-i iiMP from back to fnintof thr l.nr.l.T »,.iiM iii;,L,. .■Nivdifterence to very interesting to raise seedlings; they give little trouble, and often some \-ery bright and distinct varieties may be secured. A. H, COLEUSES. There are few fine-foliaged plants to surpass these in Ijrightness and variety of colours, and it is i-.iib'T -ii]|M i~iirj tli.il lliey are not more popular. TtliNiK ilii-iiii\ |i:iiil\ liL- accounted for liy tlir f,-i!i ili.ii iIm\ !!■.■ m'i, 11 'ji-own under unfavoiiijlilr id shr the lirst cuttings are not so strong as might be desired, they will soon gain strength after they are rooted, and the tops may be taken and will often make good plants quicker than if left on the old plants. Coleuses should be gnu\ n mi w itlimt any stopping, and therefore it is nf ili, ili-i mi- poi-tanre to have a good base. lf|.!.i,t\ mILhuh isoiv.'-n tliov will br;ini-li ..iit nnfiinill^ Inim the li;i-i' il|.u;ir.|. immI iiiiil.,. liii,- | ,\ , .lun; l;,l plants. Tli.i'Mliiir- -liMiiM 1„. |,i,i ,„ -,ii-1n- mlo small pi'ii|i:i'jating |)it they will not be many days lirfoie they begin to root, and should be re- iniived as soon as they show signs of start- ing into growth. If gradually hardened off by tlir tiiiir 111.' pots are filled with roots, they 111 i> 111 liill\ 1 \|iisedto the sunshine. Being of in|iiil 'jiMxiilt. iliev require potting on much M.i.iHi iliiii. iiM-i .subjects. They will do well in lie grown in S-inch pots. After tilled with roots liquid manure ■ly. By exposing them to all the aeleetidij, as many of them are inehned to sport very much. A few of the original varieties raised by the late Mr. Bause while at the Royal Horti- cultural Society's Gardens are still worthy of attention. By careful selection of the best coloured shoots for propagating it is possible to not only maintain, but also to improve the varieties. It is PROPAGATING. There are many plants which may be propa- gated from eyes. There may be a little difference in making the eyes, some having more wood than others. I like to cut it off close above the bud and leave about an inch or rather less below. Some growers do not depend upon a single eye, liut use two, cutting off close abo\ e the top one and close below the bottom, but there is no ad- \antage in this, and unless the wood isveryshort- jointe.l it is inconvenient. Vine eyes should be put in singly into 3-inch pots, using good loamy compost ; the wood bud may just show through the surface after the eyes have been watered. They should be plunged where thpic is a t'ond bottom-heat, but not in the close ]irii|i.ij;ii iirj pit. The surface should be as cool a- [...--iM. uniil they are well callused, a high surfan- i. iii|.iiai mm- iiidiining LTowth betV.ic they have liad time to f'.iiii iiM,t~. aiiil ilii- j.iierally proves fatal, or if I lii>' d'l ini.i 1 liiy >i,ni away weakly. Vines re- i|lllli' llliirr r:\lr lli.ill luo.st SubJBCtS. If gOod canes are to lie established in one season the eyes must lie put in early in the year, and the}' should remain in the propagating house until they have made a good start after having been potted on into 5-inch pots. Ficus elastica may also be propagated from eyes. The tops make the best plants and do not take so long. These should be taken during the winter M hill- tliej' are dormant, and the lower portion of I lir -I cm may be cut up with one bud and leaf for 'iiili cutting. But instead of cutting up a long liould bi- ■iLlril 1 Thecuttiii'j> III refuse on a guod bottom-heat or put singly into small pots and plunged. I jirefer the latter. A good bottom-heat is essential and a good surface- beat will be an advantage. The variegated variety may be propagated in the same way and is equally free, but the stock plants must not be cut back too close, or they soon get weakly. A. H. The ravages of tlie common sparrow. — Recently an inquiry was ordered by the Pre- fectoriai Administration of the Seine to ascertain the extent of the (lii.rpilations oansrd by tlir- sparrow among tlip nm -. i i-- ninl mn k. i 'jn 'I'li^ of the suburbs of I'ln-. iuhI mi .i.llrri ..(iiiikhi- as to the exi«-dipiir\ ,,f iiiM.|,iM,rj ili.' ,ai-i - nd five only demanded protection for and gardens. —Till! doings of bir general application when lunU im i nmlili -mnr among rock gardens, seedli I I'j-. \ i -, lalili— i lU.anil loose soil generally. It is to i lust tin ..an h n.i« ami again with pepper dust or refuse. This is the sweepings left in pepper grinding, and can be had at Id. or IJd. per lb. Birds cannot stand the pungent spice, which is, of course, perfectly harm- less so far as plants are concerned. Tits, which are so great a nuisance among fruit buds, can be circumvented by sawing ofT the end of a cocoa nut and then hanging it up, passing a string through holes made in the two soft eyes. It is very amusing to see the tits hanging on to the edge of the nut and feeding susjjended. Fat also attracts tits away from buds, but it has the defect of bringing in shoals of rooks and other large birds which the cocoa-nut does not attract. — R. Garden Flora. PLATE 1112. PLEROMAS. (with a coloured plate of p. (.melastoma) heteromallcm.*) The genus Pleroma is by far the largest and most important of the order Melastomace;e. As now constituted it comprises about 200 species, or nearly twi''e as many as were known when vol. i. of the "Genera Plan tarum " was published in 18G7. Botanists have lately substituted the name Tiboucliina for Pleroma, but beyond recording the changt no further notice need be taken of it here It includes Lasiandra and some of the planti previously known as Melastomas, a drawing of the plant here figured having been pub lished in the Boinnicul Mwjadne as a jMtlas toma (see t. 2337). All the Pleromas are natives of Tropica America, chiefly Brazil, Melastomas being al Asiatic. Of the latter, M. malabalhricum, i common Indian shrub G feet high, with lance shaped hairy leaves and clusters of mauve purple flowers, is typical of the genus, and i the best known in gardens. M. sanguineiini a shrub with conspi..uous rust-coloured hair; and large purple flowers, is sometimes iiitro duced along with Orchids from the Mala' regions. None of the Melastomas, however are equal in beauty to the best of the Pie romas. In The Garden for 1893, vol. xliv. p. 120, there is a plate of P. m.U'Immium. tb.- best of all the Pleroma; that have 1" i n ml i .uliirid into cultivation. It ii a somewliai mhiiM.' ] .lant, the habit, form, am si-/,i:' nf l.avi - ami iImxm is varying considerably, a: -h.iwii b\ riih ixairil examples. What may 1„. lak. II ,1- till i\|..- I- tigured in the Botanka Mfifi,,\,u.. t. tilj' I l.s-IS) under the name of P Kiiiiiliiaiiiiiii. Tills has flowers less than4inche: mills. ;miiI narrow oblong leaves. The large il.AM Mil liiiiii tigured in the same work, t. 57"2r ils(;4i, IS wlr.a we now grow as P. macranthun flonbundum. This has flowers fully 6 inche across and correspondingly large leaves. Thi form figured in The Garden is interraediati between these two. P. macranthum is one of thi liamlsiiim ,~t sliiiibs -n.wn for the decoration o: til,' ,1111-1 lA .11 ill \ Ml autumn and winter. In i, \v.iiiii .iniii\ ,ji,',iili. ills,, it makes sturdy, health} I ,.i,,,,ili lain,,,;,' .11 tliaii when "-rown in a stove,! soil : upon a pil its behaviour is .ii -ed. It may also be grown as a[ l„,i |,laiit tiaiiirilin pyramidal form, plants4feeli * Drawn for The Gaeoen by H. G. Moon ii the Royal Gardens, Kew. Lithographed and pnnteO, by J. L. Goffart. MELASTOMA HETEROMALLUM April 3, 1897.J THE GARDEK 145 ■:v»h IV, ,Wed s •kh pn.i -This is a handsome greenhouse «-ub when well grown, but it does not always iHve uiul.T cull ivat ion. It is a native of the and stove, and they deserve to rank with the best of to-day. Collectors who are sent to Brazil in search of Orchids might do worse than secure seeds of the best of these Plero- mas, which, according to Gardner, are very abundant in many parts of that coimtiy. Mr. Linden had some years ago numerous .■^eodlin,!,'^ of what were supposed to be excep- tionally fine species of Pleronia, and which, I . was informed, had been raised from seed sent I by the late Emperor of lirazil, who took a I keen interest in botany. W. W. jganM, mi mI'.KImI.mIi, ■■■it M,-,sdis,-nv,Trd • d - i 1 1 1 ■odllr,,! 1,1 \i,--l-. MtchV , ,! . 1 i .. .:,:- |.,il 1,. Il,,ii,ilir, t,,r ll,,' It-s M I ribo 1 as "a i.hii 'ill rupii US, glossy, stron-ly l,'ll,'d l,,|l:,,,, , ;,ii,l .'U.T^ ol a large size and | ,',,|dlal l\ -1.1, 11,11,1 . our. to the rich velvety |H„ ,1,, ,,l nil,,-,, l,,l,' M,> i[> ]U-I n- a -Imd, li feet |.h,«i.l ■Jlrrll l.a\.' ,M,'lii' III, lies long ,,;lnuu>r ■should un l.n Mll.d li,,\vc|- ii,'lr_' 1 Ml 'lies across, at. -Messrs. Back- kse, of ijnt for \. rk, lave been s uccessful with this uai V ve ars. V r.Rvs rr.i stwr —I wonder if this plant is in ,lnv:ili., Kn.„ land now' Tt was introduced i'l' hlid .■I'jM, m|„.„ , ,ii,d 11,1- d,- bloomed in a gar- 1 ibed as " by far -iofPleroma)that ..« ■ try." It forms a fc! nil 10 feet high, with quadrangular Ion S lai ceolate, dark green hairy leaves, led pai ioles of pur )le flowers each 2 iihesacioss Tri r.ra/il it is s lid to form a tree t|to40f et n li, ■J 1 1 1 . 1 1 \\ , 1 il,l bean excellent [lilt for t lit- lew Ml. Ill,, dial.' liouseatKew. '. Bkn IIA ■HI \N M. ti.-iidii, 1 who discovered The Week's Work. KITCHEN GARDEN. MisHKno.Ms. — To keep up a regular supply these, the droppings should be collected clai 111. y will - later on. ,f this re- plenty of I a north s,iiiie time 1 allow of -s for the Mill have iii; up the Celery, of or late Pea-, li mil i„,» !„■ m,,,. i,, ,:,i.se plants [ I for supplyin- well blunelied head, during the during wet weatHer and placed in a dry' open shed ^ii;'"™"' \^^ that which has to stand through the as when they are exposed to heavy rains for ■^i"*^'' ^i" "«* require sowing for another week several days, more time and labour are necessary ?'' *^°- f'^'^. ^^f"^ "^"^^ "°t always germinate to get them into a suitable condition to form new ^''^^'^ ^^''^^ '" ^^^ season, especially when the beds. Formerly growers carefully shook out all P*^"^ containing it are exposed on a shelf in a the litter, but beds made up of 'dropi5ino-s only I™!"'" .f^' ^ ""'^ ^^^ ^^^*' P'^"^"^ " '^ ^'1'^ '^'''^■ are apt to produce a \'iolent heat for a sho?t time, i °'"^' ?"? ^^ plungmg the pians there is less dan- wlii,li isii,,t .-onduciveto good crop.s. Only the >^'' "f S"^? ^."'l^*^^*',""- '''>■ "'"'" ""■ "-'-^ ''«'t l..n.e-t ,,MlHM,awshould%e rejected, and if one I ''^"'■'^^^'V"/^""""'" "■^'■"' '^'-"H'- 'f'lere .•aril,,:i,l.,Miakleavesisaddedtothreeofi— "•■= I ^^« ^e^'*^™! ^l""^'" ^"""•- -nuaM,. l,„ ,„v-,„t u of several barrowfuls e. . , ^ , ,, , . • . stand through a severe winter, among othe.-, being Early Rose, Superb White, and White leaving such well-known kinds as Major eral barrowfuls of good I mowing but wh, friable loam, and turned oyer several times bSore i ?^^.'"^ y^''°"g^, the bed is made up, the heat will be both stead' and lasting, and where good spawn is used the r^,—,' ."""n-p ■—■■.•■—"""".■ ^"'"o u,o ^.^ajui bed will continue in full bearing condition for U-u'. ^ , ' ^'""'""S'^am, and Wright's Giant several months. The nf]vnnf!,n.e of ,„;,-;„„ i„o„. White for the main sowing. R. P.iRKEK. .I,,se Ijs grown at Kew, where it flowers in a stove. If I have never seen it so good as to deserve a j|ce by the side of P. macranthum. It is a riust shrub with four-angled stems, oblong, !• ry leaves, and crowded, erect, terminal panicles dttowers, each between 2 inches and 3 inches aoss, and coloured dark blue-purple, with an aiost white, eye-like centre. It is figured as IjKunthianum in Paxton's Magazine of Botany, X), 125. 1'. GAUDiCH.iTJDi.iNUM was Cultivated at Kew il at Chatsworth fifty years I, but I have shiub, 5 feet olilong leaves ninal panicles inches across. irer seen it alive. It is a stove Hh, with four-angled branches. iiidl liaiiy leaves, and bearing ^liily iiiiiii,i,,u- |,:,i,i,l,.sof bright gentian-blue •"■^ eaeli J 111, li,- a, r,,-s. Ii used to be called Moi:i, iM.MM II, Tins ,l„es well in the anic (.anl.ai at Kdmbuigh, where it grows to a eight of 12 feet and a diameter of 6 feet, and P duces in winter numerous violet-purple flat n ers, hundreds of them being open together. 'Planted out in a bed in a' stove, treatment ch produces much better results than pot re. ' viMiNEiTM -svas known in gardens as Melas- t ■ •■ • ... of a more severe character than that a, I vise, I. f.l.'val,, all tViiit-. iia'biii.d to hang down- «ar,l ,,n |ii, ■,-,■- ,,)' laih, -,, tli;,i they e.xperience .■dl ili,>,nili:,l,i |„,-il,l,.. Tli.iliiiiningcompleted, lilaeeaneh muleU uu the .suilaee of the border 2 inches or 3 inches thick. Feeding at the roots ! must now commence in earnest, and if liquid ' manure is not obtainable, artificial stimulants must I be given instead. Of these, guano is ovrellent, orosity. With good soil plants require very little manure more useful after they get into a beari dition. The plants soon exhaust themseTv manures si,, water. ( ', , | afternoon, i i allowed to carry all the fruit which forms, and as a regular supply is the chief consideration in private gardens, rather severe thinning is neces- sary during early stages of gro^^•lb. 1,miii,-j ,,i,1\ what is likely to meet the deman, I, :i, I, I iL, |,l i,i- will last much longer in a full I i, i i Seed should now be sown to raise plani - i,,i i, ,ni. culture of such kinds as Telegraph, wlii,h, tliongli perhaps not so handsome as some of the iiew^r ones, is still one of the best for general use. ToM.VTOES.— Plants raised last autumn should now be established in their fruiting (juarters, either in large pots or narrow borders, and as the flower trusses appear, the foliage should be either gradually thinned or arranged in such a way that they may be fully exposed to sun and air. On no account must the roots suffer from the __ _ .._ want of moisture, as this would end in many of ' vent the temperature faliing below GS'T move all tied dow I have rea,, at the firs 65", that warmth. -. front as m the day mercury in all cases these chemical ■il in at once with tepid re the trees morning and itting both the to]) and i'^- «ood s which 'jiowths . . to 90° ; syringe at once, and as the heat declines turn on sufficient fire-heat to pre- 246 THE GARDEI^. [April 3, 1897. Second iiursK.— Here di ning out of surijlus fruit- 1 tention for the past few \\ ■ too many shoots on the tiv further rr.liir,,!, .-umI l,:iv,- requirei still go . of cours. contint;-! the you I pinch ill sap. Fi attentllPH in ^U.'ll MUlllnr liiiitlct-. ,-1- -\ 1 llrjill'j, border «;,i..i nrj. :,uA vmi ,|;,i „.,, Tin- l,,st must be r:ilrfnll\ .luiM .|iimii;j IIii |.n \;(|.ii,t .if cold winds, as dr.'iii'jlit - iii|iih' tlm yi.uug' anil tender foliage. .M.i iniam n nrjlu hiii|H-rature of 60" and 65- by (l.i\ , :m,.i .li-|.nn-n iwih lire-heat early in the morn iiig wlicu tlicru i^ u promise of an abundance of sunshine. SnccEssiON.\L AND J.ATE HOUSES. — Here the trees have flowered, and are bein^ disbudded ' and relieved of surplus fruits. Syringing- witli tepid water assists the fruits to swell quicldy. ami in the case of those which have just set it .-iial)!.- them to throw off the old flowers the mori' ra-ily. If the borders were watered previous tn iIm ii..^ coming into flower, they will be n:ni\ tni .nhiilhr application, when old trees may huM iIk Ij, m in of a stimulant. The day and niulil h inpi i :ii m ■ - for trees in this stage are tin- s;iiiic j- .ilmxr. In thelatest houses the tre.- Mill I- in iImh ,r .jm^i - ally, when a httle heat in I li. pip.-- uiU .1.. nni.li towards keeping the atnii.-ph.i. .Iiy.m.l lli.;.ii in (■ir<_'iilati..n. V^entilate freely .luiiirj lli. t..i.' ni...i], .sp.-.-K.lly in the case of" uiih.;.!..! I,...i-.-. ti. i-iisinv ;i pl.'iitiful supply of iliy p. .11. n. .in. I feitiliM- tlie ijluums in the usual May . \\ li.ju art ting is completed, observe former directions as to thinning and disbudding ard all matters of a routine character. Straweerkies. — These now rrrpiirr a cjood deal of time and attention in m.iIi nnj, i -p. . lally dur- ing sunny weather. To 1. --. 11 ih. l:i I ...in- 'some- what, stand the pots on si 1 1|.- ..t l.nt . nt to tlie width of the shelf and ]il:ii..l 'ji.i-^ -i.l. .I..hii. This is better than usin- -:ni. . i-. il,. -mn . l.|. .■- tion to which is that tli. I. .in- ;.!,■ ni-ipi.l m flavour when the plants an' ...ii-l iinl ly ^Pin.liii',:- in water. As the early batches are cleared away, fill up their places with fresh plants so that no break in the supply may occur. Before these plants are taken in see they are clear of aphides, and 111' up the triiit>. l'a\" .jifal .■illcntion to w.il.nii.ij ill.. I ].. >.n I. 1 ill. iii'-j. I .1) \ :ii Ihe roots. may be, is well \-.nl ilni ..1 .xmy Imm 11..1.11. ■riini the fruits as soon ,■.- -.1 , li.- tli.i -1.... t ~i i.l.^. and fumigate if n.-i-.-ssaiy li.'fiir.- lakii.L^ 1I..111 inl.i another place. Later batches must be kept euol or brought slowly along, according to the time and purpose for which the produce will be re- quired, and see they do not become dry at the roots. Pot Vines. — The Grapes on the earliest forced lot will now be colouring, therefore moisture must be gradually dispensed with and warm, dry air take its place. To this .n.l ili.- .MipLi-.tiii'/ troughs must be dried up. :'n>l .I.HMpn.'j .l..\\ii must be of a slight descnpi 1..1. i.n.l .I..11. in il..' morning only. Keep a lil 1 1.- :i\v ..n 1 li.' l.n.k \ .11- imil iif tliis tliry must have as murh as they re - ipiii-.-. I'lilil [ir.ip.Th' tini-lif.l iiiniiitain a day an. I in..;lil 1 .n.ip. 1 :.t iiiv . ,f ir. I . . 7ir and 7.5= to 80" i..-p..in.l\. ;itl.n- ulii.'li, .-i:>' liv nnjlil and 60° by .l;.\ uill Mi'iii.'. , l.al. ■■ slail.'.l 1 latches should be 1 1. ;i|.i| .■..■.■.ii.lii.'j I., pi-. \ i.iii-^ .lirections. i;\i;iA \iMiM. l;.-f.iri- 111.- (irapes commence 1. 1 I-.. I. nil ;4i\.- Ilii- liuii.-lifs a liiial look over anil or are likely to become wedged :ii il..' llni-li. Give the border a final watering- ..t h.|.ii.l ni.iinn.- before colouring becomes general, nn.l in all ..tli.i particulars with regard to the drying uj) of troughs, airing, &c., treat as for pot Vines. A. W. til.- .1.1 \\'\ l,..|.. dull, sunless days aii- as for the night. When the colouring is well advanced air may be admitted by the front ventilators during the warmest part of the day, but close thorn ag-ain early in the afternoon.' After the Cinp.-^ .m.-- .-('mimence colouring freely, manurial wai. i in-j i...i^t be dis- irensed with and clear tepi.l wai.i ;jn.-ii instead, Park and Woodland. THE FORESTS OF SCOTLAND IN 1890.* ( )n August 7 we spent some hours in the ex- tensive Pine woods of the Countess of Seafield in the neighbourhood of Grantowii, mi.l m the i-M'iiiiig «.- visited the magnifieen I Lni.li \\.....ls. as welfas the .gardens and grounds lnl, urging to 111,. Duk. ..r Atli.ile at JJunkeld. There we i)isp..i,.| 111.' liist Larches ever planted in Si .,t 1,111.1, anil a si. inn standing near informs the \i-.ii.ir that i.ne . if the trees, which appears to bi si ill in good health, was planted in 1738, and IS HiL' feet high. The distinction of being the I ill list example of its specie.s in Scotland does iii.i appear tn be ipiitc so well established in iln- ras.'.ifa nia.jni li.-.iil l>..iiglas Fir growing n.ai-, ;i siniiLii .-iniin bi-iii- .i.lvanced in favour It will be convenient to arrange wliat I have to say under the following three heads : — Forestry, Afforestation of waste lands, and Exotic conifers. Forestry. The most extensive, as well as tin- b.-st sysimn of forestry, according to German ii'.ii..nN, \\as met with m the large Pine forests b.l.. 11.411114 t.. the Countess of Seafield, in tin- iii-i-^lib.iiii li.m.l of Grantown. These w Is ..ct-upy a sml i,\.t- lying gneiss, such a .soil. 111 fa.i, .is w.uil.l f.n- the most part beecmsidei. .1 tliii.l .lass In s.,ini. extent als.i sn.-..ii.l .-I,-.— ;..-.-. .1.I1M.4 i.. (b-nnaii methods i.f ,-l;r,-,l|.-,,M..M ..; Pn-.-l s..|l,s, Thi- older W Is al-i- -li.iunr, ■„ 1 lsl,:.-l . .. y gl-.nMli, tind a wood about twenty years old and 100 acres in extent which had been replanted naturally, and which was showing a density and uniformity which, without artiticial assistmce. could not have been obtaiii.-d in ( ii-rin;iii\ . In other parts of the foi.si. ...,,. .Milltmi W 1 and Druniindunan, 1 f.nind exiutly tin sn.ie statn .if things as we are accustomed I.. ii...el with in «. II Ills that have originated tin. .iigli ii.-itiii.il giowtli in Germany. I refer P. iln- itliino done ulii.-li tin- s.-clliiig trees have been removed, . ..iil.iiii iiiiiini-iiiis iiM-v-branched trees, amongst uliK-li ..IK- iiR...|s with small areas which are sufficiently tlense, and where the growth is satis- factory. Such woods were only too common on the Seafield property, and it struck me as re- * "The Forests of Scotland in 1896." By Dr. Adam Sohwappaeh, Professor of Forestry, Kberswalde, Prussia. Reprinted from the Traasactious of the Koyal Scottish Arboricultural Society. markabl, tion to till u|) the gaps in these natural wonil The lack of uniform success tli.-it has attendi. renewal in the neighbourhood nf thaiitown isi doulit due to the varying quantity of rawhumii i-xistiiig ill and on the soil, a sulistance whic: . .| ip. isos obstacles to the system jiractised on thi .stale. When a wood is in the seed-fallh. stag... the soil offers satisfactory conditions > ..4i.i«thfor the young seedlings only when tl liuiniis is in a certain .stage of decompositioi Tliis pel ii ill Li^i-. tin but a short time, and u- lessili. . I k . 1. lilt during this period is li..|ii li I.. I ei ,1 further supply of .seed produce .1 ..uppleuiuntary stocking of youi plants. When at Grantown I had also tl pleasure of inspecting a wood, about twen years old, at Croft-na-Haven, wliich had be. established by planting, and which was growil in a must saii-la.-i,,iy inaiin.-r. Mr. Thom.si informed im- thai tn. in k'.^nil ii i :)(HIO plants we used pel- acre, and that tins is the usual numb employed in the woods under his cliarge, a nui ber that corresponds to what we are accustomi to in Germany. The main difference in t' management of woods in Scotland and in Gt many is found in the manner of Thinning. . The .specimens of thinning that I met with Dunkeld, Scone and Aiithrey were entire apposed to what we would c.iiisid'er g.md practi in (4erniany. It was thercfi ne a greater pleasu tn fiii.l that Mr. Tlinmson practised and recoi 111. '11.1.-. I a b. 1 1..]- system. It seemed to. me di) ' lug in\ slimi \isit that woods are greatly 0V( tlnniied 111 Se.itland, and are too much manag. like the trees in a park. The great mista that .Se.ittish foresters make is to start thinni ton early, in order to give the trees .suflicie room to develop large crowns and to gri rapidly in thickness. The object would appt to )ie an attempt to induce the woods to furni ' smile s,-il. 'able jiroduce, such as .sleepers, at t .-aili.-sl pnv-ablc age. ll..\\. \.-i desirable early returns may be fn the pniiit nf view of tlic laiullord or of t fniester, til., fact niu.st not be lost .sight of tl tli./y ,-ii-e ..btaiiied at a great sacrifice. Tk gi-.iwn in H.i.ids managed in this way have ii ' til.- .i].p.n-tiiiiity to clear tlieir stems naturally i-ui- i-..ii^i.l|.|al.l.. ,.\p.'ii.liliii i. .Ill arlilieial pru iiig pi-.-ictn-allv ..111 ..f Hie .pu'stum .ma lar seale. The thiiiiiiii.gs nbtaiiied at a very eai age are of such pnur ipiality- as to be of little no value. Growth in luiglit is interfered wi to a great extent, and the production of a we shaped bole becomes almost an impossibilit ; Further, when a wood is thinned to its utim extent it does not contain a reserve supply trees to serve as substitutes for those that ha lost their leaders or are otherwise defecti\ This matter is f)f special importance in Scotlaii re till does an amount of damn own in Germany; in col val of the bark from t ins, the trees develop m ■e gi-eatly reduced in valiij sipiin-.-ls in Germany su| 1.1, «.. shniild set about i( by diligent .shooting, j in'phasised that strong ai nts the production of _t. liber, and at the same tirl I if valuable tinilicr impp 1. ...in.. Ill I.f sti-niig thiniiiii cannot la- i ... . i early thinning maxinuini iiias> makes tlie forn sible. If the e. were delayed f.n- nlher leii in twenty years, t woods would give a peiuianent yield of tiinli| fit for sleepers, while the main crop would (li velop into heavy timber suitable for all buildiij purposes. Instead of removing well-form, IApbii- 3, 1897.] THE GAT^DEK, 247 (ly sui'ii as .I At this svsl ltd. Ajurl 'OcU wliicli I k of tlu' I ,1 the Oak. Ibis nut alilc fltem 1111 w 111 Vt it is ]in.li:i A' great .xl. ihirding llir . Scoiio I'al iod, flMll. Ill ire shiiwini,' illy regret tli .-icked, as \V( (llerent syst .liild liavc V, al more val ,11 Balmaha, ' ought to fell lul I am afraid too little prac- ir, I found tliat 1 for the most ral' DllllKrlil lit the ground was not more fully mid have been the case under a v\n of management, and which •Milti'd in the |.iu.liiclion of liiin- laMr strllls. \\r^^^rrU CallalMl.T 1 saw iiiuiin-oiis w Is ..f dak <;)pice on the lower slupes of tlie hills. 'Hiisc 'lods are managed on a rotation of twenty-one ;krs, and furnish tanning bark and light Aiber, the latter being partly used for fire- ■iod. On the steep slojies with a shallow s..il Ij system of co|ipieing is to be coiiiiiuiiiliil. U, with fcmning bark as the main objeri. the unner of thinning ajipeared to k-ave iiiiich !'■ desired. Taniiinu' hark should be as siiio,,tl, <[ the surface as ]inssil)lc. and the stems which Ipiish it shoukl be lon;.4 .iiid < I foun wever, that J seventh and fourteenth years, the liark was irse and inferior in ipiality, and tlie stems re short and br.-mehiiig. It also a]i]ieared to i that many of the stools were too old. and )uld liave been replaced by fresh .sapliiii^s. e presence of standards in a coppice is also ' jcctionable. These have, for the most pari, jiiiatcd in stubs, and in the shallow soil aiv ri and bushy. They thus cast too dciisf a idc on the copjnce poles, whose growth is 1 erfered with. At Airthrey I found the Ash Sjiwing well, mixed with the Sycamore and ■ech — a mixture which gives satisfactory re- tlts. During the next few years such woods <(glit to be managed so as to preserve density .• far as possible, and the rabbits ought to be lied down. jAt Airthrey I received the impression (which >s aft rwards strengthened) that the Scotch k is not adapted for genei-al cultivation in Intland to the extent that I had previou.sly uiiad. On poor soils overlying gneiss, and sand, the Scotch Fir is undoubtedly the lilt tree to plant, but several other trees will ire a better return on granite and basalt soils, ! well as on alluvial ground and old moraines, 'ider these circumstances the Scotch Fir ould be regarded as a inc.-uis to. rather than > object of forestry. Al I liaiili.w n, wli.r, I )1 the opportunity of iiispi. i iir_; iiihIhi tli.it \s being converted in a s.aw -null, I tmiinl lli.it 111 is of itider in llic ring, and containing more .saj) oU. The low i|U,dity of such timber is prob- i|y due to .some extent to the lower summer iiperature ami the heavier rainfall of Scot- id, though it is also a result of the too ojien iracter of the woods. Vly impressions lead me to suppose that the k should be more frcnunit-lv iilantcd ..n id tlu Asli, careous s.,i|s, Si,iisf,-,rl,ir\ r,. suits iiia\ al-M anticijititcd fnan tin- cull iv.iti.m of ccit.iiii lerican trees— c.^., guercus rubra, Prunus "tina, and Betula lenta. Amongst conifer.s, ■ Larch is probably the best for soils that do not suit tlie Scotch Fir, but as the .success of this tree is now very uncerbiin, the Spruce may to some extent be substituted for it. Although the growth of the Spruce in woods ,ai„i,.t bcivlicd ii|.on tolic.iluaNs s.,1 Isf.aclory. It will douMlcss do well as,- xtiuv Willi III,. j.aivli, and 111.- saiu,. is tni.' with iv.,;i,d I,, c^r- taiu ,.\,,tlc conifers. csprclalK ll„- |loi,g|..,s Ki,- and i'lrca sitclu'iisis. of .M'ruzics Fir. The lai-r parks uliicli ;iic so i uon in Scotland li.i\c |iio\i'd .all cxcclh'iil cNpcrimental ground for testing the growtli of such trees. In Scot- l.nul the " Afforestation far between. The c\|ii ri iisitied when the travillrr lolitical economist, foi- tlic , (-.,/., ,,ii Raiinocli I\lo,„) -luuu.s 111 the boLi-s rciiiiiid liy wood. At the present time sucli land gives a return only through its scanty pasturage and its sporting rights. The ground is not in- frecpiently cleared of sheep in order to en- courage the gtuiie, which consists for the nmst jKirt of grouse .-111,1 re,l ,leer ; l,ut the .1,-,-,, judging fi-,.m the .■uitlei-s which 1 li.id the ,.p|,.„- tiinitv of ii,s|„-ctiiig. is,,f such .liiuiuiitu,- |,i-.i- ii.u-lH.iis, that .-1 stag fi-..iii lie- poor riiie loi-,-sls iiiipi-oviiig tlie i-,-v,-iiiu- Ii-oiii SUCH l.-.ii,t. The favourable climate of ,Scotl.iii.f the ,-liiuate ..r the tixii'ig .,f til.- s..il up.. 11 111.- lulls. Wli.-lliei- forestry will b,- Imaii. -tally sii.-,-.-ssf ul ..r 11. it Will t.. s.,iu,- ex- garded from the national jjoint of view, or fi..tii the .standpoint of the owner of the woodlan.ls for the time being. Regarded from the p. .ml of view of the national wctil. the ipiestion t .-s t,) be whether forestry ofh-rs th,- p..ssil,ility ..f permanently increa.sing th. n.-tl i ,-\ .-ini,- fnuu the kind. In my ,,|mii.,ii this .pi.-sti..u uiiist Ull.l..lll.te.llv 1.,- .-Ulsw.-l-.-.l 111 tlh- .-itlii-iuativ.-. .-It 1,-ast s,, fal-astl,,- Ih-II.-i- .-lasses ,,f s.,ll ate. .,11 .lis ..11 111.' si, k' of being rather too high than I.... I..W, w.' have the folio-wing items of ex- p. iiilitiii.- an. I revenue, so far as they refer to the lirst rotiition : — E.\I-ENDITl'KE PER A(l:l-:. £ s. d. Value of land worth Is. 6d. jier an num, at twenty-five years' pur chase 1 17 li Planting and beating up 1 111 o Annual outlay for supervision, jiro I, ition, rates and taxes, and roa, I ■"•iking 11 ■_' (I liy the methods of computation employed in forest valuations, the defen-ed value of these items of expenditure, with compound interest, at the end of eighty years amounts to about £49. Reve.nue. According to my investigations,* the final felling and the deferred value of the interme- diate returns (thinnings) — allowing, however, only 2 i)er cent, interest on the latter — will .imount at the end of eighty years on soil of the tliird ckLss to .f87. Distributed over eighty Is. in the above calculations, it is not to be sup- posed that no revenue will be derived from this source during the whole period of the rotation. (til lhi-.-..iiti-arv.lh.-.gaiii,- 1-,-iit .luring the second mam- rough in view of the fact that many countries which at present export timber must in the near future cease to do so. Many of these countries arc exiiloifing their forests in such a reckless iiiaiiiier, th.it their stock of timber wiU soon be exh.-iiisti-.l. It w.-is this consideration that iiiaiiil\ inllu.-iu-i-.l till' Swedish Government in Its .1. t.-i luiiiat h.ii I., s.-iid a delegate to the Inter- national ('..n-ji.ss ..f Forestal Investigation Si 1 1 h, US. \\ h. 11 I h.- .piestion of afforestation is M,-u.-.l ft.. Ml til.- st.indpoint of the private owii.-i. It assiiiii. s ,1 tn.-iterially different aspect from tint w 111. li has pist been indicated. When III,- pinale iii,liM.lu;'il 1111, lerttikes tree-planting, li,-,|...-s s,, with 111,- kii.,wl,-.lg,- thai the small l.l.-.l II.. I ..lily s... lull he has .-ilso to face a serious ..iitli> .,11 ,i...,uiitof planting and management, .111.1 h. . Ill li,i\e no guarantee that the under- I ikiii" will I. - .-i success. He kno-n-s, moreover, that Ik- hill. s, If will ilerive no fiii.iiieial benefits from his ..p,-i-;iti., IIS, or, at b,-st.tliat these bene- fits will he \,-i-> insignili.-.-iiit. In. let- the.se cir- ciimst.iiu-.-s, llie ni.ijority of.,wners will prefer to i.-t ,111 such siiuiU revenue as the land affords lath.-t than ,-iiiliark upon an undertaking which 111 list lie so alisolutely unprofitable to themselves, and whose returns are so long deferred. In Austria and Germany there are many landowners who possess extensive forests, but sucli forests have long been worked upon a de- linii,- 1.. tall. .11. aii.l \ 1.1,1 a constant and perma- n. Ill 1. \.- Tli.-\ know that their forest Ian. I \i.-l,ls 111. -Ill .1 1 1, -t let- return than tillage or p.istoi-al I.-in.l ..f ;i siniilar character. The con- si-. pi. -n,-.- IS that 111. \ are induced to forego a p..iti..ti ..f the r,\.iiuc from their woods in order that other smlahle land on their estates may be afforested for the benefit of their successors. Their action, in fact, is precisely the same as that practised by the Countess of Seafield upon her Highland estate ; and her ex- ample might, with manifest advantage, be followed by other ]iroprietors. From wh.d I h.-iv.- l«-.-ii abU- 1., learn, however, 1 .1., n..l think tli.-it it is lik.-lv th.-il .-my l.ir-ge .Is periences show a large scale, su must be undei public body. 243 THE GARDEN". [April 3, 1897, 1 Ixxlies tlKit h;u- there is no ques ey are in a positii pi councils, etc. It is I, the necessary nn ,iiis. tion of death in ili.ii r;is,-, th to wait patiently f^.r thu deferred returns forestry. In couuectiun vvitli the question of afforestation, it is evident that all kinds of waste land are not alike suitable for tree-plant- ing. High and exjuised situations and pre- cipitous declivitirs .lo nut lend iln'iiischis ti. forestry operation-. 'I'li.ii. avmn. ili.r.' ,iiv u hh areas of coniii.ir.ii i\ rl\ tlit i.ind ,,f iiK.d.iMtr elevation which .■uu in\rvr ^i.iiidis, concolor, amabilis, and iioliilis. .ind 'riiiii,! -i-aii- tea. Seeing that the tii-rs w hall I in.i \\ii\i in the parks are all staiidinn siiml\. .mr r.iiiiint with certainty infer frinii ilinn hIi.m smt nf Imle they will possess, or wli.it dianu/trr i;r..wtli tliey will make when grown in rli .sc_- w Is. Tluy do, however, give valuable information regarding their annual growth in height. Even the fine wood, about 8 acres in extent of Douglas Fir, wood, near Scone, liave reached an aver height of about 85 feet. There is no doubt t ■ the above-named .species thrive well in Scotia and grow quite as rapidly as in theirnatj habitat. Seeing that some of the more imp in Germany. The Spruce, for insbince, d'j not yield a .satisfactory growth in many partsj Scotland, and this is also found to be the e, near the sea-coast in other countries, as, for j stance, in Schleswig-Holstein. Many parts i Scotland, also, do not offer what I would ci sider very suitable conditions for the growtli the Scotch Fir. Rabbits materially interf with the success of the cultivation of ex( trees, and with forestry operations in geneii Al'EIL 3, THE GARDEN. 249 t tliere .uU II" ifficulty i.iny (if for iiV m tlic ni(h,i,'. :|ince, tliL' ,vif ugliis Fir (if 0 fiiniisli til int gains ^iddi ;ttlmt the All luabki s] eXtilK-ti..ll. Sci.tlalld |Mi,s>,->r- ihr 111. .-I ourablu imliir^d c,iiuUu..u,s f,.r prdituciug i()se liigh-olass timbers wliich Aiuerica will cease to supply. I regard the evidence of 1; successful growth of exotic trees in the t'ks of Scdtlaiul as of far (greater national ini- ■tancc than the liraiilifyiiii; influence which i'se trees c XL' rt uiion the laiulscape. With rt-garil In <.iu- spcrirs, li,,wi'vcr. nniiicly, uja gigantca, 1 xm.uM utl.T ;i «i.nl i .f .an niarisc the points that appeared to mc 1.. h.ivr tlio most important bearing on the fuliiic nf fort'stry in Scotland : — III silcctin^ the trees to be cultivated, more r. jnd siiould be paid to the character of the ig should be conducted and with more regard any IVar trees grafted on the free stock or in- l.ndiMl to be grown in a large form. Prune shdil those grafted on C,)uincc or intended to be grown in a small form ; prune long trees grow- hig in a cold position, prune short tliosc grow- ing in a warm position; prune Ion- iiv.s d.ll cient in productiveness, prune short tn . s uliieh the buds near the terminal Ini small notch over each of the bmi part of the shoot. A short, tliic Ss lier stagt' gely (lest ■ 1 IVst: 1 that revenue and expenditure, of sport should be permissible o not interfere with the prodiic- sdisease will iiiteilnv uith t lir exteiiMv,. cul- ition of Thu,|a gigaiil i-a in Scotland. Althougli ickVit is prol'alile tliat^lie fungus wiU'iTlitani upiier hand of the young plants. We tind analogous state of things in regard to the ■eh, old specimens of which are comparatively L' from attack of the canker which is so de- ! active to the tree in its earlier stages. Dur- ;iiiv visit to Miiilhlv I ofirii |.iu ihr.inestion myself, whether llie 1 n-os u hiel, aiv showing h luxuriant growth in .Seotland will succeed iillN well in Germany. When I looked iiii'l me, and saw the luxuriant growth of iiK Ilia imbricata, Cedrus Deodara, Rhodo- idnins. Bay and Portug.il Laurels, and many ler species, which c.iiiiiol witlistaiid the ■ority of our wiiitcis, I could noi help doubt- the ultimate success of our attempts toaccli- tise exotic trees. But when I came to com- •0 the meteorological conditions of the two <|mtries, the matter appeared in a more ible light. The average annual tempera- 11(1 rainfall of Perth and Berlin are prac- ttilly identical, nor is there any material ereiiee between these two places as regards iMiniinuiu winter temperature (Perth, -17° ; Elierswalde. -L".iF.). That Scotland is iject to loiig-coutiuucd frost is sufficiently qdeiit from the p()|iularity of the game of ling. Scotland certainly po.ssesses a much milder <^iiate than her latitude would lead one to ex- ibt. This is in a large measure due to the in- i-nce of the Gulf Stream. Her proximity to t; sea has also tlie eflect of securing for her a ff-ly equal .seasonal distrilmf ion of fhe rainfail, ile her humid ;il iii..s|iheic has the eti'eet of difying the force .and dui.ition of the sun's The centre .and east of (lennaiiy, on the hand, are suliject to much greater varia- t|ns of tem]ie!ature, and are liable to suffer mg-continued jieriods of drought. Biit nate notwithstanding. American conifers ich have l.eei, planted for lift. -on year, and get in Ceiaiiany ,aiv ^rouing \-cry ^ati^fac tjiugh our climate may ]irevent the growth of mcaria, L,-turus, Cedrns, cVc, it will permit the cultivation of the hardier exotics, al ugh their growth may be somewhat slower n in Scotland. Such, at least, are the ex- tations which my trip to Scotland has en- I Orchard and Fruit Garden. THE PRUNING OF PEAR TREES. In pruning Pear trees the object is to bring the liiaiiclics into some determinate form, and al.so to regulate the fruiting. When the trees are not pruned they have a tendency to become de- teriorated, and too often yield fruit only once every two years. It is chiefly large orchard trees that are neglected in this way, and the heads of these should lie pruned .and thinned every winter with a knife oi a s catcni-. In the present article I sh.all eonline iii\- oliscrvations to Pear trees grown «itli shoii' stems in the form of ids. die. del- Prune uliile the s.a|i is don.i.ant, ex- cept during periods of hoar-frost or of glazecl frost. Wlien the .sap begins to ascend, prune any trees or branches wliich it is desired to weaken. Wlien the sap is descending, prune any trees or branches which it is desired to strengthen. The same tree, therefore, can be pruned twice, viz., in autumn on the wood shoots, and in spring on the fruiting shoots. A shoot is pruned immediately opposite to the bud which is left for extension. The position of this bud is chosen as f(jllows : (1) on the Ujijier side for .a weak liraiieli or one intended to -row Howard ; (LM on the lower side loi If the shoot is spurred the ; an adventitious bud will re- case of the branches of wall jiruncd every l\\ form and the bak buds exhibit any ulii beneath it, forces the inert bud to sprout. The notch should not jienetrate beyond the bark, and is made with two strokes of the pruning- knife. 1 may remark that this cutting of a notch in the liark aliove an inert bud, which should lie resorted to in the case of vigorous- growing trees, is not an incidental operation in the pruning of those excellent kinds, Beurrfe GifFard, Clapp's Favourite, Fondante des Bois, Louise Bonne d'Avranchcs, and Directeur Hardv. vigorous-growing kinds in which the u]i)iei most buds tlirne at tlie expense of the lower ones. In their case the or s]>roiited Imds or shoots in the vicinity of the teriinnal bud left for the extension of the w ood of the t ree. If the varieties just named were pruii.d short 111 order to stimulate the develnp- 111. ■lit .if lal.Mit, invisiMe, or inert lai.ls. tln-re isi.le will required. In cases of need a rod may b tied on to support and give the '^-""o" to the growing shoot of exton ~.. .,«,^,>„. „ and give the proper direction growing shoot of extonsifm. In "long iiiter\al of two years between their times of ipplication. Long pruning encourages fruitful- iKss without exciting the growth of merely wi.ody shoots, and may be ajiplied to shoots that are weak or growing downwards, or situ- ated on the lower part of the tree. Prune long of. It is otherwise ill the case of thiwe varieties which are iiioie pro.luetive than vigorous-grow- ing, such as l)octiMii .lules Guyot, Mme. Treyve, Colmar d'Aremliei..'. Marguerite Marillat, and BeurrC Clairgeaii. whi.li should be pruned short, except that some of th.' liiiest shoots may be al- lowed to extend in order to fiirni.sh the tree. Long pruning is not objectionable in the case of varieties which branch well naturally, such as Comte de Lambertye, Nouveau Poiteau, Alex- andriiii- Donillard, President Mas, Eva Baltet, I'm line I 'apiaiimont, Beurre Bachelier, Charles Ian. St. Li I .cetier, Beurre d'Hardenpont, Passe Crassaiie. Olivier de Serres, .and Bergamote Sannier, but when these have been brought into a free-bearing condition, short pruning will be the prrqier method. In the case of Benrr> Supertin and Dovenne du Cornice more satrsfa.iion will l.e .l.iav.,! I,y urafting th.-iii ..n shoiii.l 1... siLiiinelv iis,..| 111 |Tinii,ne \-an .M^.^is, Rime. Lye I lalt. t . K. .yah- \ . ii.h .■. aii.l Doyennfi de Montj.'an. winch iiiak.' new w 1 scantily, but prodiic,^ ,x.|iiisit.> fruit, yet I kn..w of one sii peril pyramid of Van JIoiis in the grounds of .M. le docteur Hervey, my colleague in the A. adeiny and in my second tenure of the iiiiinicipal offlce. In the case of tli..s.- \..ri, tu^s win.!, naturally take good forms, luaiuli m a -ai isf,,. i, ,iy manner, and are e. II. la lU not e\cissi\cl\ liuit- ful, such as I'rec.ee de Tievoux, Williams', Trioinphe de Vienne, Beurre Lebrun, Duchesse d'Angoulfime, Beurrfi Hardy, Beurr6 Dumont, 250 THE garde:n. [April 3, 1S97. Baltet pt-iv. an.l must lie I'l'u'iil.ii f^uitfulll'■^^ "I I case of dtliiTs \ the extrciiiitics de Juilkt. Ma, Esperi'ii, r.iss Malines, thusr allowed to rem: of the tree h; normal method In the CIS,- ..f I irregulai- luain- gi'owths and rellexed or I'se should be tied down ts, and at the same time should liL- pniii.'.l to a bud which will take the proper direction as it grows ; a heel also may be left above it to which the young shoot may be tied down. A^'arieties which require this treat- ment are Epargne, Beurr6 d'Amanlis, Beurr6 Diel T o 1 1 e I Jo I ., e Beuri ' Ranee Fig e lAleic n a I CI tel I u t not o t t 1 1 tl t 1 > I g w cai 111 to tl 1 tl t eacl y spec al operat t ing by t 1 11 It 11 1 1 ll kin 1 of Peir t ec e i ind \ 1 al tre t ent a cons lei at on wl ch prt uj te 1 e forty yea s ago to publ si y tirst t eat se on LesBon esPoies I ca i t too eaii e tly rge a ateu to be ol ser ai t of everytl i g tl t takes place n tl e fru t g rdei to le d go 1 1 I tl 1 ject to atten 1 o a 1 It 1 1 veall totk 1 ai ds w tl t I t e b — Charle Mil (u e lectuit the prui ng k 1 being f a 1 f Baltet L 1 ^OTE& ON Cr-i.FTI\C 1 e at han I whe th s mpo ta I 11 1 e n le t ke T ees o tl I 1 n tockt, 1 a 1 be^t be O] e te 1 ons h h a e 1 1 od a e al ea 1 1 th 0 cha I 1 I to 1 n 11 e\-eiy tree, ^^'l^e^ the trees come into full bear- iiiLi, the m(n\ei' will find if he adopts this advice thai lie will lie able to offer fruit for sale in bulk, anil liiid It tai- more remunerative than having a h\v liiiialrei|«uii;hts each of perhaps ten or fifteen -"ii^ to .li^pijsi^ of. Again, when many trees of ilii- i|.-( I i|it)iin are to be regrafted, an excellent M|,],Mi t tinny will be afforded to introduce late- kei |ini 11 to 1 e 01 e ate 1 ] The o- o 111 hin self to crraft n 1 t 1 te I 1 t ties ui on tl en It he 1 s e le 1 tl I any lengtl of t me he w 11 ha e fo n 1 I pe ence wh ch so ts w 11 j aj h best I con e hec n soon el c tthe fo n at on 1 | from anyone well e se 1 n fru t gro no- 1 the d st ct It s f bette to ^ ow tw o o th ee varieties only than to work a different kind on bj Jd J ij t t 1 1 to tl e part here the 11 tie p c th I I f o cl el Tl II tl CO that I 1 I t f ft 1 lift I I lit 1 P ne d V wood ashes h' n I 111 11 1 iin I lit iw lids toki I I I 111, 1 iinl , the bushes \H I ,d 111 ij ] he ition of fie ,, I the lemoA il ot the suif ice s 11 s to as fai as the branches e\te Ihcicious methods of deilm^ ■«' I P Al 1 le The Sand ngliam — Th s a ex i II I \| I 1 \ rest ect nl n general II 1 1 le No ther ( een no- I t o t 1 M 1 lie t t c 1 e la ly fo me 1 1 ghtly colo ed on the s n y s de and greenish yellow in the shade. The flesh is I wab \ei> pleased to note in The G\rd of March 20 (p. 214) the road gut lemedj lecoi en led for the destruction of the above by K r 1 C ,i,iiig, for from many years' practic I nf it I can testify to its value. lit I take an extra precaution, and sei I m;iii to follow the duster with 1 le to beat under the bushes with the hii ot t This operation, carried on occasional! s by fa the most efficacious I have trie anl t astonishing the number one applic ton -n 11 destroy. It has also an advanta| o e hellebore powder and such-like remedies i being safe and free from any poison whatevi| jiVFRiL 3, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 251 Ifnct, 1 tliiiiU it ^lumld lie more (rciiorally pnic- M on accomit of safety, cheapness and utility. - R. He Negro Largo.— This variety produces lis of a larne ,-ize and of a rich rlark'rohnir, and I rly on this variety for a t \ trees growing in a nai lij,'. The roots are contii :,.,„ of Inn.^ imI-M,. .nl\,.l Hllh ll. In this -li.nl |,.,nl,'.l mnxMh>;nr |„udu.-r.l, «lneh, it ,1 li.ii.lly lie stated, are always full of fruit, iliiiiiiing with a free hand has to be earrird rvri \ season. The trees are planted at tin- lit and trained up under the roof, and tiny Sthis variety i^r.iHn 'in ,\rrllriii fmni lix ;i.i teur friemi «lin urxn rN|Hn.iir.d ili, >lhtest difficulty with it, and -.nnir ..t lii> li.nt> iiil l.,ive been"ditheult to beat had they lieen i 11 exhibition. I think that anyone (los- 1 \\';j;ro Largo, Brown Turkey and \A'hite -. illrs has three of the finest varieties of Figs u ultivation.— A. W. Kitchen Garden. RAISING ASPARAGUS PLANTS. Ti>sE of your readers who have not tried the flawing plan of raising Asparagus plants will, «'|i ordinary attention, find it answer well. \ ill 'ubt it is more adapted for sniall n.irdeiis 1 wliere a very large number of plants is ir 111. Procure some old boards, .ind with a sli'irt pieces nail these together on their risiiles so as to form a sort of phitforni, say it lung by about 2 feet in width. Get some 1^ about 2 inches thick and cut them II pieces ii inches .sciuare. Lay these pieces I iiif close together on the boards so as to I the whole surface. Insert three selected .1 U I if Argenteuil Asparagus in the centre of 1 riirf, cover the whole surf.ace with a sprink- it old potting soil so as to fill up inter- ' ^ liL'twixt the jiieces of turf. Put the lU iiit.i a Trarh huiise or vinery where the ' IS lint .-..Ml 111 \Mtli foliage. In about a null! tin -II Is \mI1 h.ive germinated well. \ Mnjii ,is the suudliiigs can be handled, pull ■a the two weakest. Before the seedlings htj>nie drawn remove the boards into a cold pi, or frame to gradually harden the plants ■ !■ ]ilanting out in their permanent home. Ill dniiiL,' this insert .some twigs of Birch I 111 niunil each plant .so as to prevent their .y ii\er. When planting it is only neces- S.1, to make a .stiuare hole in the prepared bed 'irfcds, say 20 inches apart each way, putting a ll'ce of turf in each hole. Have these holes what larger than the size of the turves, so dlow space for some sifted old potting '"1 the young rootlets to start into, which by Time wiU be bristling all round the pieces ' if. If the weather is at all dry give them "1 watering, and mulch well with some old I liiunin manure or leaf soil. If all goes well «ill then grow away without a check and Will established the same season. The '■;s to be avoided are sowing too early and de- u the tinal planting too long. Early in April iti' time enough for the former, especially ■ north. Thus sown the plant will be ' \'Ut out by the time the soil in the \ne- i"- X beds has got nicely warmed by the sun in ""wry seasons. It m.-iy seem to some a troblesome process to go through with a hardy ,f like A,s|.araniis, but fn illv I .nil fully lonviind nice sized bed when planted out at about 20 inches apart. Small pots may be used instead of turves, but, as a rule, tlic plants do not go llill ll;,s belli .-lllr.ulv so wrll ,sal,l III 1 1. the propanition of the gioiiu.l f. m lanent beds. H. Grimston Garden?, TaJvnstei: New vegetables. I need to be their champion, 1 liml " II. i . I', i- not so severe in the latter |i;nt ut lusnoir; m dee l.n ilui space named. Peas and other vi-.i t.ii.l. - m often sown much too thickly. TIhi. i~ n.i n.ii! for the seedsmen to give tin- n-inl mix lo-uw thickly ; far better advise to -11 H ilinil\. I Imm observed of late years few .seeds l.iil to .ji i iinn,iio ; indeed, the wortliless ,seeds are now so rimirously excluded in the cleansing process that there are few bad ones.— W. Societies and Exhibitions. ROYAL BOTANIC. At this exhibition t 1m collections were good : Ill lull-, i.utthe 1,1,1^,1 ml luany of u'.nVtoMr.'T.G! 11, H. C. Legge, Till- jilants were l.iiiL' in compaot- li'iiiuMV was the lot of their first Co., of H, Perkins, of Amaryllises, he ir. His plants ■ choii-e miscellaneous plants 1 ,11111 tioin Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons, and con- -i-iiil ihiefly of new Orchids and Amaryllises. Aiiiung the latter were Hidalgo, a huge crimson- scarlet llower of very fine form, the veins being strongly marked with deeper colour ; Francisca, a very beautiful scarlet, shading to salmon-pink ; ViiL'ile, a rharming white, bmntifiilly veined Hilli ojiiuino: ClKiiumit, i|rr|i -alnmn, veined Milli Miiuilimi, ami liaMii- a miv ili-tmrt star of I HI II- \\ Into ; ,\rlioiiin. « liili . \ i-im-i I \i it h crim- son, and Xantho, deep crimson, veined with maroon. The Orchids comprised a number of very beautiful and interesting hybrids and spe- cies, among them Epidendrum elegantulum, a vol y bijoht little flower with yellow petals, thickly luotiloil with iliocolate, and a white lip lightly luuikiil Willi |iiirple: E. elegantulum Langley- cnsr, a variety very similar in character to the type, but having pale greenish yellow petals and a" more strongly coloured lip. Pendrobium Vir- ginia, a pure white variety with its lip tinged with yellow, and bearing a chocolate sepal ; D. •Eneas, a similar variety, but having its petals tinged with lilac and its lip strongly coloured, and D. \Vigani;s, a pretty buff-coloured variety, were also srio\vn. The same firm staged a group of I iiHoilils, containing a number of well-grown I \:iiii|.l,s of standard varieties. The old favourite ,\, I'l lamonius plenus was fine, while Mme. de (/iraall, Ineomparabilis Orange Phoenix, Cernuus puleher, and Leedsi Duchess of Westminster were all good. A group of Roses, both cut blooms and pot jilants, came from Mr. W. Rumsey, of Waltham Cross. The boxes of cut blooms comprised Ni- pbetos, the flowers of which were clean and shapely, but small ; ITdeal, which was in excel- lent form and splendidly coloured ; Mar^chal Niel, lovely blooms ; and some good examples of Louis van Houtte and Ethel Brownlow. Among the pot plants, Mme. Lambard, Beauty of Waltham, Mme. Hoste, and La France were the best. All the plants were well grown and in beautifully clean condition. A delightful group of miscella- neous plants came from Messrs. Cutbush and Son, Highgate. Turner's Crimson Rambler Rose w as shown well, the plants flowering freely ; several plants of Acacias in flower were used in til.. IpMfk.jroiind, Other notable things in this vM II I- 1 iiiri ll iTiiiiii won- ('lixias. pink Magno- li:i-, -nil ■ :i -of ,\/:iIr;i 1 in I a:a, Borouja mc- ij, I, I III Mijiiiimiii, ami ,some si)lendid |;m.,i- Ml ,,iii'i,. Ml --1 s, .lohn Laing and Sons, I ill. -I Mill, ,il-o -tijiil an extensive group of iin-.olhim nil- |.l,iiii-. Miy gorgeous in effect. ,\iiioiio ll,,, jim -loliiiv.il plants were Martinezia iar>ot^violia, (.eoiioiiia imiierialis, of which some really tine examples were shown ; Stevensonia grandifolia, represented by one or two very hand- 25: THE GARDEN. [April 3, 1897| some plaiit.-i : Livihtmiia altissima, and a beauti- iul plaiil nf DiaiMiia australis variegata. The flowering |iI:imi~ ...nsisted of Olivias, Azalea mollis, l; :i-. l.iliHS, and a few Orchids. Men- tion sliiiiiM ;il-ii I" made of some very fine Berto- lonias. A .Im-i ly paclced group of flowering plants. \M \ -liMH y. Iiut rather stiff in eft'cct, came froin jNIi >-i>. .Inlni I'ced and Sons, Rou])ell Park Nurseric s. XmwiK.d. There were some superbly flowered jilants of Azalea mollis and some fine examples of varieties of the indica type. Boronia heterophylla was well shown in dwarf, bushy plants, also Prunus sinensis fl.-pl. A magnifi- cent group of plants was staged by Messrs. B. S. Williams and Son, Ui>per Holloway, and comprised Orchids, Amaryllis, &c. The former were a very interesting and slinwy col- lection, and besides a numliev "f nl.l \aricties like Vanda suavis, Cattleya Ti lan: . Siiiilminitis grandiflora, and Odnntoglossuui I Muiii|ili,in^, ii.ii- tained a number nf ri.-w kind-, A ii'j llif latter w.'ic (Limit. .L■ll.^^ulll i-iiTlhi-iMn aui.n i.iar- ginatniii, a ilianmipj llnw.r wiili Larj, naiidw, IndcniM,,.. |..,aU, taiUlK Uu;..\ Ul.l, ^.^h.^ at theedg.^ali.l l,an.l>n,,,rly laallvr,! uilli rlmr, ,lal ,■ spots, anil ( '\|ii i|i.diniii ma. ro| il i i iiiii, a lin.'ly shape.! an. I h.'a iil itnllv ...Liai ..I ll..«.i. its .l.n-al petal .ji.'.ai, N.an.'.l uilli ln.iUM, lli.' ..lli.iv n.'l, lilac NMlli |.n|-,il.- ~|,..l-. 111.' -ll|.|.. I ^lia.h.l 'jn.n and Ilia.'. Til.' Am, mil.-.- ». I.' .■x....lNrjK fine, til.' li.-,-l l..-n:'j I I la .'.--.N , a >n|i. I I. Il.iwi I with f. .an■^in'■ |i.lal-. laiL'lil -.■arl.l in . ..l..m, with a .llMln.a .,M.a,l-l, ulnt.' ^l,a^, ,an.l Sn H. Irv.n.j-, a .J. ..1.1 ,-,.ll-,..l. .,.,.. I >.-all.L (Tivia^ were .-..■.■ll.ait l\ -l„,un. aK.. .Iw.a.f, .■..ni|,a.'l shrubs ..f Stapliyl.'a .-.il.-bi.-a .an.l ..f (lu.-l.l.-r Roses. Another good group of miscellaneous flowering plants came from Mr. R. Scott, gardener to Mr. Campbell Newington, The Holmes, Re- eent's Park. The most notable things were some finelv.j...N>n Tnli,.-. \I.'~m>. W, Pa.,1 an.l S..ii, Waltliam (V..--. »...■ ivni ,■,.. nl ..1 by a .mall .cUk |,lant a new bicolor, corona golden yellow, petals white, ry broad and flat ; Samson, an enoriiioits ycllo-vv riety, rather narrow both in corontt an.l p. tal : and Mme. Plemp, a good bicolor. A c..ll. .a i..n ..t Roses came from Mr. George Mount, ..f ('.mt.i bury. The most striking fetitui.' was ,i -np.-ili box" of Catherine Mermet, ev. i \ H.-nvi -|il.n.li.l in colour and perfect in foiin an.l . ..n.lM i.m. Other good things were Anna (Uixi. i. 'I'll.' I'.iiile, Ulrich Brunner, Marfchal Niel, ih>. John Laing and La France. Some varieties of hybrid Sweet ~ -iers were also interesting and attractive. Messrs. Morle and Co., Finchley Road, sent six good pots of Lily of the Valley and a \ery fine lot of giant Mignonette. A nice exhibit of cut Daffo- dils came from Mr. Maitland, Wardour Lodge, Sunningdale, and comprised upwards of sixty va- rieties of Magni-coronati, Medio-coronati and Parvi-coronati types. Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. IS t.l the nm tbe net pr..< ceils ti.iiii tlic rcc.iit pertorm- ic of the comedy-opera "Dorothy," given in I of the Victorian Era Fund. Berlin International Horticultural Exhi- lii.ii. Wc arc asked to state that a horti- Itiir.il rxlnbiti.,!! XV ill b.- held at Berlin froii ml -js t.. ,Ma\- '.I, I., .■.■l.bititc the 75th annivci i\ ,,ttli.' Il.iiti.iillui-al S..,-ictv of Prussia. Ov.a group ui luaf^niiiccni being a model of symnietry, health, and fine culture, and all flowering in great profusion. Some of the finest varieties v\ere Beauty of Waltham, a lovely variety of soft bliisb-jiink colour; the old and very chtiiiiiiicj; ( '..ns|,i.aia. Alba plena. Duchess of Ttck, a lunntifnl .m. I ele- gant flower of rose-pink hue; (up ..f l'..auty, white, flaked with pink ; and The Duchess, an- other very attractive pink. Mr. T. S. Ware, Tottenham, staged two grand groui)s, one of Datiodils and the other of alpines. Thef.ifn,.a-.-..mpt.s...l a v.ast .nniib.a..f v.aia.^ties, both in |,..tsan.l ni lam.da'S. fsiaallv III.' Ilnwers werel.at.lh ..fsa.'l, lal-..s|/.- as h:,x,' s..ln.tnucs beensli..«n. l,m t li.v « . i .■ .v.-.H. ,,| u. .■.,i,.l,ti.,n and. ■I.I. .111-. S..n,.'i.f ll..' I.rsi knals sl„.«n nmiv N. c\.'l,.min..|s, |-.n.|.i.-ss, |„„,,mus ,,i,,-. odorus mini. I |.l.ams, an.l llaili ...nsi .nanis. Tli.- collecti.in of alpii.us was extensive ami ..f gnat m- terest. Some of the best things were Caltha palustris plena, a really fine form ; Anemone alpina sulphurea, a very attractive pale yellow A-ariety ; the beautiful Anemone apenninti : A. Pul satilla in dense masses; A. ranunculniil.s. a li.li yellow flower very similar in form to A. a|i. nnina alba; Primula cashmeiiana ; P. Auri. iil.i. .ii.nl.l.- yellow, a curious and v.iy b.-.intifnl lli.w.i ; !', calycina, a very fine c\am|ilr : ,\iiI.m.i .a ll.ii.l.r- soni and Gaultheria ]ii i.iijml,.iis. i.l.lx k.aia.l. This group gained first i.ii/.' tut lianlx lua l.,iiiniis flowers. A large group i.t Cm lam. n- .ami- ti..iii Mr. Pestridge, Bo.st.m r..ik K..,,.!, ia.Miiiii.l The plants were dwtuf, sill. n- ami IhmIiIix. hhIi a great profusion of small 11. .».!-. .Xnui In i i\ tensive group of Cyclamens wtis sIi,,h n l.y 1 1,.. St . George's Nursery Co., Hanwill. 'I'li.s. plants were excellent, the flowers liiing lai.j.' .m.l ..t good form and substance, and mcU thii.xvii tibu\ c the neat short foliage. A group of Daffodils, &c., came from Messrs. Barr and Sons, Covent Garden. Most of the varieties were of large size and excellent in form and colour. Some note- worthy flowers were Mrs. W. Dare, a good bicolor with long yellow corona, well fringed ; Victoria, flowers woulfl also be welcome. As to Cyclamens and other plants, there will be great competition, and it would be highly interesting to German gardeners to compare the English strains with their own. Address for the programme and schedule to the Secretary-General, Berlin, N., Invalidenstrasse 42. Notes of the Week. Muscari azureum pygmseum. — This : sturdy little bulbous plant with short, rigid stems and dense heads of sky-blue flowers, shaded with « liitc. At Kew quite early this was flowering puts, while in the open it possesses good lasting . I utilities and blooms for several weeks in sue cession. Narcissus Barri conspicuus. — At Ditton some 60,000 bulbs of this variety alone are now in bloom, and will remain for a week longer witli tail w.titbcr. Tli...se who know the variety will i.alisi- snimtliing from the fact that many were pii..lurinu fiiuf, anil others five, blooms each from Narcissus Autocrat. 'I'll.' .l.'.ir mnfnnn v.l most effective flowers of the week, and in i rdcns the display is nf tin cNt.aiilrd charti tclit tlov Omphalodes verna. — Though a jjerfe y aidy plant so far as winter frost is conceri this at times suffers from the se\-ere fins i spring. This is so at the present time, for wl £ an extensive planting of it was covered witl . pretty blue flowers, all are for the present ru 1 and itnueh new foliage damaged by the se i frost on the evening of March 29. Corbularia citrina. — The pale yellow flo^ < of this Hoop-petticoat Daffodil are now appea j in almost endless numbers. In beds compi ; mainly of peat and charcoal with a small portion of loam, and puddled below with cla i retain the moisture, thks pleasing variety is coming well established, and as seen in Me: Barr's grounds at Ditton is worth the troi ; entailed. Chionodoxa Tmolusi.— This is the U : bloom of a most charming group of bul ; ants which we have come to regard as ef illy early (lowers, the .-nmpanion of the Snowi ; i| Winiii \ri.nilu, 'I'lii-i- l.at. f f.irms com i ( '. Lucilitu in colour. Narcissus juncifolius. — The fragrant 1 pictty Ru.sh-leaved Dalfodil is almost as stro y p. 1 fu'nic.l tis any, a fact that cannot be ign i will n i|iiiir near to a bed with numbers o s ll.ixv. Is tally open. It is surprising how ft y (Ills pn ti\ species flowers in the prepared s at Ditton,' the same remark applying to N. c; • milieus, which is yet represented by hundrei .1 1 1 s golden reflexed blossoms. Iris orchioides. — Some cut spikes of s handsome and distinct species were exhibite y Messrs. Barr at the last meeting of the E 1 Horticultural Society. It is a tuberous-rc tl species, producing leafy spikes, and, when .1 grown, as many as half a dozen of its flowei o each spike. With blossoms of rich deep era ■■ yellow and blackish spots on the lower petals s among the most effective of the tuberous kinc Scilla sibirica alba.— The typical speci )f this is a well-known plant that is grown each i' in its thousands, and doubtless in due couri o less jjopular will be the white form now ref( d to. Its flowers are of the purest wliite, whi' s freedom of blooming and vigour, judging .i lovelj' group in Messrs. Barr's nursery at Dii ', are quite equal to those of the original. In gr is alone or in mixture there can be little doul is to its value. Amaryllis Melpomene. This was aii j; tlm nil St i-..nspi.ainiis in til.- laige c.iUectinna <-■ Hull Hall last wci-k, tlictlnw.as huge and o) e lines or \-cins.^ Crimson Gem and Imperial e of the richest shade of crimson- velvet, the maa (i flowers very imposing. These are amongst |ie most telling of bulbous plants when in flowe » slii.it s.a,si.n, however, unless a good sucoes'B lan Ih> maintained. | Fritillaria oranensis.— This very dis([;t shade had not regained their rigidity at 10.30 a.m. , while more tender subjects, as Dielytra specta- bilis, were still feeling its effects at mid-day on the 30th. Aubrietia graeca. — Masses of this and other free-flowering kinds are among the brightest and rth i.n laili. 1 -l.aidcr stems about I.", in is ,1 iiaiiM- of Algeria. F. Wlnlti .listimi I. .iin, (piite new, with bln- piiipl.' an.l bronze curiously bl.n while the lliiwers are pretty in form not quite a foot in height. Hyacinths in grass.— While are planted to produce a natural efl'ect in g and in the wild garden, it is not often per that the Hyacinth is thought of. In the Cambr The pla various iL 3, 1897. THE (JARDEK 253 very effect! V4' tlmntllr\ ^^.■n■ 1:,,| ^,,,v. ,1 .1.,.- nnl :,|i i-al Ilia theyuill,,.:,.|,lN J„.oMl. TI,....-:,.-,nu ilrli 111. A lire lllr iIm' III M liial 1,11 ;hat it niMiiii-.'^ lii !»■ ,i~ \ i ,.11- ,1- m \ kliii\\l .-arietv. ■ i:-|..-i:ilK -inl,uj :,m.I |,irii, ,., 1,,, ,_ ■.henrnvMi:.' ..! ,1:. 1 s piiipl,. 1,.,-,^ ~, ^^lll.■l n the |i - . . ■ , n- 'li,. ,,1111,. ,1.1- ti. ih, ■artll. T)i.- , ■ ;• . M ill .|olllil|r>s |,n,x iMiutMuii L.ii 1' :i- :i'i.l mcrcaju the vuli e'ul'lhls iiterestiny ^;Toup. Bibes cereum.— In the Cambridge iarden tliere is a good selection of Ri Botanic )es, and imong them this is ratlier a clioice kind. It . ■!..«. il)Out 2^ feet high and is just now in treen leaf of spring, delicately ornamen ll.' fl--l .il lix ; humber of tubular tlowi-rs, each three i In inch long and uf a pale pii,ki>li wliit -lull- ot ' e.il iThough the lea\e,-, aiv iu,\\ liriulu "le.n. la \ -nil iliow traces (if thi> «:i\\ il. |iM,it,M Imli lull a 11, \er and lesendile lliose cif the lla/.el ill general ppearancc, witli whieli, however, it lias no rela- imshlp. It belongs to the Hamanielidea; and is a ativ,MifJa|)aii. Paeonies and Dafifodils.— There is a very Vicomtes^e and sets eipiallv as well. I send fruits of eai.'h. Please say whieli you consider the better flavoured.— .J. M.vy.se, 7'/ie Oanlejut, Jiktoii, li. Sal/trloii. *,* Of the two varieties sent we consider the navonr of Koval Snvevei.j-ii to be the lietter, the fruit also l,eii,^la,-.i, a, 1.1, lime jnicy.-Eo. Schizopetalon inani. ,,i. The name of the ivil-ll,.wen-,l sp.ri,^ ,,l al.MX. iianieil plant asked lie .season turns them .all wliil.- m ._:ie\ .-umI .jne^ I very peculiar aiipearaiiee. The plant would do veil for a rock garden where interesting, though |ierhaiis not showy, plants can be appreciated. I Draba Aizoon.— This species is now flower- iig freely, the small tufts being almost hidden y the golden flowers. It is to be regretted hat such easily-grown and re.adily-increased ilants are not seen more often in the crevi. ,■> of ockwork and suehdike places, for whieli li.ali lis and the well-known British speei. -. 1 1. zoides, are especially well suited. Both kinds ;ed freely, and the seeds, if sown at once, uickly produce plants large enough to handle, or inserting in old walls or niches in the rock, ■ for massing or edging, the latter is among le most effective of its race, and as such worth fore care. Triteleia uniflora. —While neither this nor the ploured variety known as T. u. lilacina can tarcely be recommended as useful for cutting, it the great masses of flowers produced by botTi ids create a very distinct efi'ect in the garden, some thought be given to the position wdien anting them, so that they may remain at least m years without any disturbance, a mass of 00m worthy the plants will result. In front of e shrubbery border or in the woodland in spots )t too dense, these things deserve to be freely •own. Moreover, they are rather free flowering. |t the same time they are not particular as to il or |)osition. JTulipa biflora major Among the early and iore dainty forms ot the Tulip family this is cer- jinly one of the prettiest, the creamy and pale ■ How petals creating an unusual effect when jen in a group with numbers of its blossoms ex- [nded in the warm sunshine. On the reveise le the sepals are a mixture ot green and bronze, th a red line at the margin. Frequently when bulbs are large, as many as half a dozen wers may be counted on a stem ; indeed, it is s frse-flowering characteristic, combined with "irfness of habit and slender grace, that makes •0 pleasing. When flowering freely it is sure )e admired. lorylopsis spicata. — This is exceedin>']\ ious and pietty among shrubs. With haTii't twigs almost nidistinguishable from tlioso of tt common Hazel, it h;is,ili the jllaee of .at km- r more loN-ely inflore-iViir,. n 1 1," ■ -I,-, , „ .., ,,! 'ally Primula pubescens alba (Snowy Primrose) — This pure white variety is by tar the best of th( clammy-leaved section of Primroses. It is the plant so long known as P. nivalis, by which it is re cognised still in many lists. It is a plant of sterline worth, and when seen in good condition is sure tc be admired. This handsome form is best suited li a latlier shaded spot, a spot where Ramondia I Inn e often suiting it well. Frequently in equa pails of peat, loam, and decayed leaves the |ilaiil thrives well, lint requires rather firm plant- uej, anil when laiue | latches are grown it is bene- lihil l.y a mill. Il ..f the above each year, which as-iv(> i,,iit fonualion from the stems. Anemone vernalis. — This is one of the most exfjuisite of early-flowering alpines, the plants being dwarf and bearing large blossoms, that are whitish internally and flushed with purple on the outer side. The species is known as the Shaggy Pasque Flower, by reason of the blossoms being (h-nsely clothed with silky hairs of a brownish hii.-. Large plants of it are rare in culti\atioii, lull leeentlyat Kew we noted one with s.x.ial I 111 I I.Nome flowers, and likewise at the Royal II..1 I ieiiltnral Society's meeting on the 23rd'iilt. Il is a plant suited for association with very choice alpines, but in a spot where deep gritty loam exists for its roots with plenty of summer mois- ture. Muscari conicum. — It is strange that cer- tain beautiful flowers never seem to be grown to any large extent, although thoroughly worthy of t. This splendid Grape Hyacinth is a case in )oint. We were in the nurseries of Messrs. Barr at Long Ditton a few days ago and saw several beds of it a sheet of deepest blue, a colour tint on.- only expects to find amongst the ( I. n I laii-. .1.. pel' Ihan in any other kind of (liii|i' IIm..iiiiIi. Tlie bold flowers, too, are drli. ii.l\ fiajiaiil. The plant grows freely, and ouulii 1.1 lie grown largely in the garden. A mass of it would create a distinct feature at this season. Many thousand spikes of this invaluable spring flowering plant may now lie seen in the bulb grounds at Long Ditt'.ai. Ai a .li-tanee the intensity of the sheet of (lull. I.|.i. 1- n maikalile. It is not only valuable t.a .i-.l.pili of eolonr, which is slightly relieved ai 1 li. 1 ip ..I 1 la- i-oi-.illa, id therefore the more e .inpi.ii..ii-. Ihh ..pi illy ) for the grateful fragrane. 1 1 ml 11 -li. .1- ai ini.i. Of still greater value for ili..-.- "In. I.im- -i.li crs is the fact that il 1- -..I 1 I.. . !i. p- -i Forced Strawbeiries.— In a previous issue I nimised to say a few words as to the ripening of ' our and rfiimi ur singly in the et, and the e ai erne. Tlic Icav "f th. I' I ;,, ;; ,.,, I usually about eight to eael 3 come after the flowers an taste, quite as good as regards flavour. It also I throws up its flower-stalk very much further than the year. A e|,,,ip I,. each about 2 feet 1. _ ii from a few ban Imi ',■ thej' form a elosi^ ma.^,- flowers. The llowers a the plant, for the fine 1 to are very ornament a erect, but not stiff, .m times useful. In /. ' to have been 11 I Keteleer, of S.- 1 1 - , I ween P.. Slllipi-ll II a :i K. I. L.. Jl.,t.nn:- < la,;l, iis, (Mmhrkbj,:. The Yulan (Magnolia conspicua).— The recent open weatlier has ia]i;dly brought this beautiful tree to its full lieanty, and among the numerous trees and shrubs m.w . iinarj into flower there is certainly none llni inik.- n more striking and cnnspiennus feat me 111 ili. -.1 .l.-n. A fine sjieei- ts f ree-floweri n o .piilni, -. also to be seen m .'S\.iii House. It is a nam.- ..f in The (iAUDKN of Septemli clandestina. is.M-ion.maapiiearecl r 22, ISSS. -.\ jiarasite, to say ■inant, but this one lie- most curious of |^^ 11 in a garden. It led erect flowers with s long. It is not easily ■r flower, but the upiier ppears to like a certain amount native of the south of Europe 254 THE GARDEK [Aphil 3, 1897. and was received from Bordeaux. — R. I. Lynch, Camhrhl.i.. The Yellow Root ( X,iiitli..rrliiza apiifolia).— Altlinii-li. |mi1ki|s. uf 1 V I.Mtanical than hortl- iivesbut little in.l and only gi-ows - are pinnate, ai idians of North America with a yellow dy In- plant has also some medicinal value as Anoig-anthus breviflc mon^''tl!I' Ainalvllii'l's.'p" an inch long, with very slim out a corona. The lea\ts. ]ireseiit about equal to t tomentosa. -Like the broad creamy white segments ; Glory of Leyden, Weardale Perfection, Golden Queen, a yeiy hand- some variety of the maximus type, with Irniid rich yellow trumpet and segments of s inJi colour, and Snowflake, a lovely white I)allM.|il stron_r and froo, an im]iortant point, as thin stc- li.iM i~, :i^ :i lull', .if f.iiilty constitution. We may ilr.iw ;ii iiiii lull ali-ii tn the collection of DogV iniiil, \ lull t- and Kiitillaiies now in bloom. Cinerarias at Farnham Koyal, Wiv.iit s, \Vi ir intense, and as the sever. 1 1 together, the richness of iilaved. The flowers are i M/i'. and re-ndar shape. .1- lliu |-|.li„l|Vll |ll.',||. ill • ill' l,ii-i. liiiii-r is deA-oted .to th.- xnIiHi N:n;ii\. ml w.' li.i\ I iiivi-r seen a more l)eaiii iinl ili-|il:i\ . Ill' |il:iiii- Imlilen beneath acoMinrj nt wliiii iiwii- \\i' have on previous IX-IM-: 111 I- allmliil I III,. Ill .iiit^fid strain of Cinerarias, but we liave Ml -I in a tiiii-r display at Farnham Royal than S.-.xifraga Rocheliana coriophylla.— There ■er in pro)iortion. Mur vn out the hint for a shade for these jjlants. I'k garden at Kew botl iMinalin- i- IHiiiif i.f it- be included, lower readings have been registered in - II but one of the previous eleven Marches. At 1 ml ilrr)), and also at 2 feet deep, the ground, ikiiij the month as a whole, was not quite so .arm as in March, 1896, but warmer than in any f the other ten Marches. Rain fell on twenty days to the total depth of about 4 inches, which ' more than twice the mean amount for the month, and greater than in any March since 1862, or for thirty-five years The duration of bright sunshine was rather in excess of the average for the month. This was the windiest March of w hich I have here any record (twelve years), the , :i\ iKi-, \ iliiiii y iif till- wind amounting to nearly iiiiii' mill-, ill li'mii. wliili- on four days gales were n.ii.liiL '111. uimi. 1 1, iwever, seldom blew from I :iii\ rr.lil i|ii.iiii,i ; iiiilird, for oulv fifty-scven liii'iii- ;,lii„ji til- I \Mi- ill.' .liii..'ti.Hi a"ny point be- iw.'.'ii II. Hill .111.1 .'.i-i, Willi Mai'cli ended the »im.', liiilt .it ill.' .li.iim.'j.' N.'.ii «l,i.-hl>eganwith (i.'i.,l,. 1, liiiiiii'. Ill 1\ m.iiitlis IS.l, inches of I'.iii, t, II. Ill :;i iiii'lii'. Ill I'M'i'-. lit th.i average for' tag'e of our underground water supply.— E. M., | Btrkhamded. The late Dr. Hogg.— At a meeting of the ' '.imniiltei' of till- Gardeners' Roval Benevolent liiMiiiitiiiii. lii'lil at tlio offices, ViO, Parliament Sunt. S W . I, II I'ulaw March 26, the following | ii-..ilii( i.iti was iin.iiiiiiiiMisly adopted : — The fnmonttee of tlie (JarJeDers' Royal Benevclen- Institution desire to place on recoid an expression c their deep regret at t.lie severe loss tbey have sustainct by the death of Dr. Hogg, ehairrraii at tbepnniversar fps ival dinner in 187G, a vicp-president, ar.l a trustee For the long period of fifty-five yeai.s Dr. Hogg lai takeu a keen and fetive interest in the work of ti institution, and he always had its welfare at lifiirt.ain his warm .support will be gieatly nissed. The ocir iiiitt.M' further desire to express their siucere sjm pithy with Mrs. Hogg and hei: family in their bt Public Gardens. The opening- of Kew Gardens. — Grea liii|„- an- mitiitained that the jiresent year ma I,.' i.|._;iialiMil liy the earlier opening of Kewiamor; Jubilee week impracticable, the date of tl National Rose Society's southern show at Port | month has been changed from Wednesday, Jui •>?i to Fridav, June IS.— Edward M.^wley, Ho\ very promising forms, such as Mme. Plenip, a noble Daffodil, rich yellow trumpet and bold of anything like an unusua*y_cold niglit ly its close, and even if this cold night ' Brassavola glauca. February in North-west Spain.— In a no on the above (p. Ilia), a lapsna cnlaaii U responsib for the allusiiu to Dog's-toolh Violets (Erythronm dens-canis), when " Dog Violets" (V. canina) w^e t flowers which it was intended t:) name.— b. W. r GibraUar. __^ Names of plants.— Keyo^,.-!, branch wi .fruit, Gupressus I.awsoniana ; 2, branch witnoi fruit, Eetinospora pisifera. Oal-enhend n.rirt Oc I 1. Cuscula, probably C. Trifolii. Gent GiUc^P'e. THE o--A.i^r)E3sr. 0. 1325— Vol. IJ.] [APRIL 10, 1897 Ck/santhemums :- Peis!— hU the Stn,yt.!,o,;, .. . . Jrolopi* li'irta iiistatji . . J^ycermm ixliicorno . . . . Filler:— iimoDQ Pulsatilla patens. C,L>nodoxi Liicilift) alba . . im smndcns on a cottoiji 1 Leiyhg'tde £,murl from se^d .. .. Graltar, March flowers at. i >»tica, double blue . . . . Ilorcbioides I'pereica bcisfuspriaceps .. .. le», Lenten, at t'.c D.ill !»ll Vwt Comte do Br zz.i Beau, French, Mohawk Brussels Sprouts clubbing. . Cabbage Mein's No. 1 . . . . Carrot Scarlet Perfection . . Carrots in spring Digging, rough Bi dive in spring Potitoes, frame, earthing up Spinach, the Carter . . . . Spinach, winter Vegetable seeds, sowing , . Miscellaneous : — Crystal Palace fruit thow . . Fruit tree wall*", wiring . . Festiniog, weather in the valeof Hoeing Boyal Uorticulttral Society Thomson, David, testimonial West Herts, the weather in Notes of the Week: Allium iiarataviense .. INDEX. (lUustrationa in Italic: .Anemone ranunouloidos . . Anemone scythinica . . . . Aubrietia deltoidea var. Ur. Mules Baden-Baden, notes from . . Caltfaa j-alustris monstrosa.. Cifdamiue pinnata .. .. Chionodoxa gigantea alba . . Christchurcb, notes from . . Claytouia carolibiara'.. .. Orchard and Fruit :— Apple Hoary Morning. . . Apricots, p otecling .. . Bananas fruiting quickly Figs under glass I.,„,, \ ,( 1 ,1, ' IM Bofe Bouquet d Or .. .. •>M ''■'.' ■• .. .. 26 Rose Crimen RambUr In „I»t8 ■■ pi'ts ''(>4 Rose Irene Watt. .. .. .. 1!M strawberry La GroEse 8u- Rote Mervcille .es Blanches cr^e Strawberry runners, plant- ing late Trees and Shrubs:— Strawberricj Stevens' Won- der and Royal Sovereign . Acer opulifolium var. nea- Aspen, the, and its u=es . . 2i7 Orchids : - Arpi, hyllnmirigsnteum .. foot of large treei' .. .. 2.'.R Cypripelium Empress .. OarryaellipticaiQ Devon .. rvinip,.,H,rrriplacHum .. STfl Oar^ya ettiplim at Trdis»kk. 2.'i7 D.n i-ol.iu.u splendidisBi- Magnolia ste lata 2".i 2.',7 Myrobalan, the Masd valliumilitaris .. .. 270 Parrottia persica 2.'.7 Maxrllariafa'iguinoa .. .. 270 Prunus subhrrtella .. .. 2.iS Oncidium)cueullatum.. .. 270 Emihxes in Eastern Eng- Saccolablums 269 Xarrthoceras sorbifolii .. 25S Public Gardens:- BostallHeaih IWeek's Work :- Kew Gardens 272 Open space, new suburbar.. 272 Kitchen garden Rose Garden. THE HYBRID TEA ROSES. iie(.vss,iiy ti) ;in-.iiii;;c Ixnse.s in clas.ses oi- s. tlii'ii It li.)-^ :i-,suic'illy Irecome neoes- li'-i\'' ■! 'l-i--- f'.i- this i;i|ii.lly rising type. I 'l''-'a^ ■11.' 111.' ivMilt .if .-i-Dssing a pure Mi Hriuv t^ iian.o uill always l,r i ss.,ri,itc.l uitli i^-', for, althuugli we liad .several uu- 1 hybrids between Teas and Hybrid Ills previous to his introduction of :vw " Roses in 1878, it is to his untiring that we became aware of the practical 1. rived from persistent and methodical iii.j; of this popular flower. The hybrids rtLS approach some of the Hybrid Teas '^cly, but are none the less equally dis- "111 them, as the H. Teas are from other The correct classification of many lias become a difficult matter, and pro- .. bo rnore so as time goes on. Even I- dividing line is very faint in the case I'orpetuals, H. Teas, H. Noisettes, and ' Teas and Noisettes. In each of these uo can find Roses of widely diflerent .ristics. "Mr. G. Paul's ust-ful climber Ches- luccd, ,111(1 also the oldest Teas. L,i France, they i.A-.itedto the H. Perpetual class so far '~ 'luhition was concerned. I well remember will staging Cheshunt Hybrid among a box <>• fea.s and Noisettes at Croydon, but the "'■^r was removed at the last ii,..im.i,t in .!,■- '— t.r the wishes ,,f ,„„• ,,f ,,ur .,1.1. M ''II' im account of its c-.il..iir wjan inn- '! with the charmingly soft tints of our 'ii'l Noisettes. Mme. Lainbard and other ' ''"^ were not introduced then. Upon an- ii.a.sion, when Grace Darling was being Hr'l'u ,^' Keigate, there was a strong feeling ^mt had no right among the Teas, and should. H\ like La France, Captain Christy and Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, be placed among the Hybrid Per- petuals. Later on we were given Gustave Regis, Lady Henry Grosvenor, Augustine Guinoisseau(asportfrom LaFrance), Viscountess Folkestone and Kaiserin Augusta Victoria, ;is well as the " pedigree " Roses from Mr. P.ni nett. It was then decided by the National R..S,. ,S,,ciety's eatalnguu cniiuiittee that a sc|.arati' rl.iss lie f..niirii. .iiiil the hint then thrown out by more than one lueiiiber, that we were over-cla.ssifying the Rose, seems coming more true every season. We cannot even class our Roses as summer and perpetual bloomers unless we form these two sections only. Many of the so-called Hybrid Perjietuals are no more per- petual in Irloiiiiiinj; than some now classed among those reputed to flower once in the sum- mer only. When it was decided to make the Hybrid Tea class, we were somewhat puzzled about La France. The raiser even was not aware of its origin, so how could others declare it to be a Hybrid Tea ? Captain Christy we have given by M. Lacharme, the raiser, as being a cross between Victor Verdier and Safr.-imr. undoubtedly a Hybrid Tea, .as that t.rin is un- derstood by rosarians. Still, u .' Ii 1.1 I h. s, t \> .1, Lady Mary Fitzwilliam, Viscount iss Ki.lkisl..iK\ Grace Darling, Caroline Testout, K. Augusta Victoria and others among the mixed classes. Until 1893, the National Rose Society occasion- ally had classes for Hybrid Perpetuals only ; also for Teas and Noisettes. Seeing the two last classes were amalgamated, it might seem best to do the same with the Hybrid Perpetuals and Hybrid T,':.-,I.in .I,.n,,,i..,ily,,ftl,ec...innitt.i. tlH.ught quarter of a centuty, and again wiih i ,i]i,.iii Christy, which had been classed with ih. II \ brid Perpetuals without hesitation, ami ... , uin.'.! that pD.sition for exactly twenty years, (ilmre Lyonnaise was another diflicult Rose to place, notwitlistanding M. Guillot stated it to be a cross between Baroness Rothschild and Mme. Falcot, although the progeny of the first and second crossings had to be crossed again before securing this " yellow Hybrid Pertictual," as it was then drilled. There is ,a ,vid>. rriarL-in be- W 1 enir '!<■ \\....n..n wlii'ii .■.,iiti:isl,'.l mill (Ju.stave favouring the H. Perpetual parents and the last keeping very closely to their Tea-scented relationship. Many of our best Hybrid Teas have been secured by crossing the Teas with Verdi, r. a ll\i.ii(l Perpetual that would .1 t..a place among the H. 1..1 France. The chief points class are their more continuous Victo seem alnio.-t . Teas, equally in favour of tli blooming ; indeed, such as Mrs. W. J. Grant, Marjorie, Canioens, Caroline Testout, Grace Darling, and Marquise de Salisbury will bear favourable comparison with any of the Teas and Noisettes, and their less susceptibility to red rust, that very disfiguring and crippling disease petuals. of the t some of Hybrid Per- I I imI 1. .1 1 list among any N.'iM Ills. ,.!• Chinas, and ,as, iK.tably Gustave Regis an. I .Mm.'. I'.in.t Ducher, with others closely api.!..... hiM- il:. 'reac!aes,areequal]yfreefromit. It Ml ran M run- greater freedom of bloom, with exeiH|rtion frniii red rust, the Hybrid Teas wL'l soon become even more valuable than they rre at present. For a new class they are advancing very rapidly, both in numbers and quality, while we already have them among our best pet Roses, also for exhibition, garden decoraticn, and as climbers both under glass and in the open. RiDGEWooD. Rose Duchesse de Momy (H. P.). —This is lu- of till- lint- nlil vaijttits. It is a very constant .rid lialil.- M.il in ,•, ^^,^ -,;:., ,i. It- ...]. iir is cl( ar h^ht rose with a silvery irhaiJing under the petalf. The flowers are of a good size, petals deep, we;i formed, and regularly placed. This variety senc'g 256 THE GAEDEK [April 10, 189' out a number of growths surrounding the blossom, which, of course, must be taken away to obtain the most jjerfect blooms. The growth is vigor- ous, well adapted for standard or pillar. A sport recently distributed, and named Ellen Drew, should be a u.seful Rose. Its colour i.s a light sil- very pink shaded with peach. ROSE CRIMSON RAMBLER IN POTS. BRRiHT colours are always welcome in the dull months of winter nnd larly spiinr^, and I can highly recomiiiinil th.- :il.nM^ ILi., i.. ^npi'ly a plant that will i)eriod, and, \\\ l-.^hll SUJll flowniiij- i:ili|i' |il,iiii. li'jlil iMil -III.-, till III l.loom and fulKiur. -l-lii. l;n~r i~ iHil likr ^..veral lateral Lauwtli-. f.-om wlii.'li 111,- , unci 1 have even seen pUuits in 5-inch pnts \ I. hi mip ,,, i wo sprays of beautiful flowers, altliiiinjli ili'\ \\.r.' pruned down as lin\ as 4 inches fnun tM|, nt ]iui . P. This Rose does not ahvnv- py..^.■ -itisfac- tory, but under favourable (•■.inlii ini- ii i^ un- doubtedlv a great actiuisition. | .,ii I iniln, ly for ■ III- sticks. I'rom the small to the large plants all appear to be equally free, the large trusses of bright crimson blooms being well set off by a wealth of rich green foliage. — A. SHOHT NOTE,'<~h'OS/:s. Bose Bouquet d'Or (Tea).— Generally this Eose ia classed with the Noisettes, but its proper place is with the Dijon Teas. It is a fine Rose, one of th very best all-round yellow varieties, beautiful eitbe on a wall, on a pillar, or as a hush or standard. The flowois are yellow, with coppery centre, large, full and of splendid form. In the bud state it is exquisite and a most constant, hardy and free variety. It is i fine Rose under glass, the colour coming out very clear and beautiful. New Monthly Rose, Irene "Watts.— As to be expected, the popularity of Mme. Laurette Messimy as a decorative Monthly Rose would stimulate raisers to produce varieties of similar character, and we have in the above a most beautiful variety. It has all the good qualities of its parent, Mrre. L. Messimy, in growth and free- flowering. 1 Its colour is a beautiful lovely pink, the base of petals heavily charged with buttercup-yellow, a combination seen to great advan- tage when the flowers are fully expanded. The flowers of this variety are more double than those of its pirent, which in my opinion is rather a defect. Rose Merveille des Blanches (H.P.).— This ii a splendid sport from Baroness Rothschild, and bids fair to supplant Merveille de Lyon. Although not so double as the latter variety, it nevertheless has a more refined finish, and the sunken eye, which so seriously detracts from the beauty of Merveille de Lyon, is absent in the variety under notice. The petals are of good substance, the outer ones broad and handsome. One cannot say the colour of this Rose is pure white, as it is generally suffused very slightly with a delicate pink, especially towards autumn. As far as one could judge in a season like the last, this Rose has a future before it, not merely for the ex- hibitor, but for general garden decoration. The growth is robust, wood rather smooth, and foliage handsome. Books. REPORT OF OBSERVATIONS OF INJU- RIOUS INSECTS AND COMMON FARM PESTS DURING THE YEAR 1896.* We have to congratulate Miss Ormerod on the publication of her twentieth report. In these days nf commemorating centenaries, jubilees, :iiiiiiM r^ai ies, &c., the production of a twentietli ,iiiiiii:il K |inrt by one person merits more than :\ |i,i — iirj iintice, particularly when the (|uality is il to deteriorate i it ion on injurious i I iiormous, and the ill its iiredecessn Til. «li, ini slir fr, rt is of ni The atta. nine of v tliii tlie previous ones, sects are noticed, mentioned in previous years, nanaly, tin- l.athrr and bone beetle (Dermestes vuljjinus), the (Jerman cockroach (Phyllodromia germanica), the red- bearded hot fly and the deer forest fly, both of which infpst dppr. tlip linusp Hv (Musca d'nniestica I. ^ :-e Watercresses, Besides these, one of the worms (Tylenchus devastatrix) is noticed as :-king Onions for the first time. In comment- I n-valence of 'leafage caterpilkn >,' \\lii.li ^^.l- ■ "f the especially destructive inscii att.iik^.' Tins \iasmost certainly the case, for in iiinn\ |i;iii- Mt the country the condition of the Haks fi.ini ilic attacks of various caterpillars was most dt-plui able, the trees on areas of several square mihs m extent were entirely denuded of their leav -. Later on in the season the moths of one nf tin species that did most injury I'l'mtris \iiiikinai were so plentiful on -iin- in.- ni Siiii.>\. ilmt when I shook the biaiH 1m - ;i nunlar -In.w.i' of the moths came out. ililhuitu tliLsu reports (which are entitled " Oljservations of Injurious Insects and Common Farm Pests") have dealt chiefly with the latter, but this year se-\-eral in- sects "are reported on which can only come under the first category— for instance, the leather beetle (Dermestes vulpinus), whose grubs feed on bones, leather, and in default of something better, on woodwork or cork : they do an immense amount of damage in places where these things are stored. The red-bearded bot fly is another instance ; it deposits its maggots in the nostrils of the red deer. It is not shown that the deer are injured by these maggots to any appreciable extent, but their presence must be a cause of inconvenience to the deer and at times causes a certain amount of bleeding. Naturally in the case of wild animals like the deer there is no practicable way of afford- ing any relief or of destroying their parasites. The fly is a large one and much resembles a r ill bumble bee. The hairs round the mouths of ( se are red, from which fact the English nai ij given. Another fly which attacks deer, the er forest fly (Lipoptena cervi), is reported on, ,e> running along the upper surface of the fore| "' the body. Both males and females are wi I It is apparently more difficult to kill th I common species. It probably will never • . pest in this country, except in warm «- like kitchens and hothouses, but as soon it makes it, appearance in them every ,W8 -liiiuld be taken to stamp it out. The cc iM .arwig is reported on as having been uni -11)' I aevalent last year. This certainly was th. se, hut besides the ordinary complaints of the av- 11 1. J been mi.schievous in gardens, they s( f liiiM' minred Mangolds, Swedes, and Tips, iiii.l A|.|.le blossoms. There .seems to no i.in..l\ lait providing places where they ca IM .Imiiig the day and so be caught. A ( « .liscase to which Onions are liable was trac. W \ear to the presence of eelworms (Tyli ™ devastatrix). When an Onion is infested 1 "i* pest the outer skins or scales become thii "f' and split, exp.isiii.j- the inner which eventnalh l.-.'.anes Onion is attacked it slmnld and burnt. One corresiiondent tlirew his di i * " Rejiort of Observations of Injurious Insects and Common Farm Pests during the year 1896." Twentieth report. By Miss K. A. Ormerod. Simpldn, Marshall foui of th( illi. Wh.!»» Onions on to the i ! heap and so contam,' fresh ground. This pest sometimes attac't^ seedlings as soon as they begin to g?^^'!*', then tbev never come to perfection. Trei i - the ground is said to be an effectual v ay ' ' stroying the eelworms in the soil. W at. n '^ are much injured by the water creature- "" monly known as caddis worms, wlii.'li a ^ grubs of four-winged insects, nfteii "winter moths," though they are imt i"" , any way. Each lives within a little easi' « ^ makes for itself, covered with small stnne-. '''■ or pieces of stems of plants. Fish aiipcm '^^'i the best destroyers of this pest, and they be carefully preserved in Watercress beds. '^■' reports should certainly be studied by al •• deners who wish to keep themselves up tjl' ' in the matter of injurious insects. G. • '• Apkil 10, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 257 Trees and Shrubs. GAKKVA KIJJI'TICA IN DKVoN. .tLMl Silv f] beaiilv 111 ilir IkillS, hali-lMu I f,-,„i, '.1 ukI, theii- Ljrc.ilrsi | I. ping wollalltli year Tlu; Jiuiiry '--. anil in C ipleti'ly ciivi'iei flu 5 til 10^ of f 1 snot. Ill iwfvcr, lie never seen a unml specimuu out of Devon 11. I'lilil east winds seem to siftect 11 finst, S.I that it should ho planted , slirllrivd situali.in. Aim.. si ai,\ I -l.i an,! «.l «ill Miil IK ll 1^ u. Iia\ inn I" -stand •Mial iiiL^lits after, lardy suliject, for I , Coil l,l\. ,_ 1 have the male ,n, H side, but the l.iii. I ill , ll. Garrya elliptiea «; (iit.iniiainl82.S. rrdis^id; Tniro. 'arrottia persica. siub nurseries. — T. the Neapolitan Maple (Acer opulifolium v.. iiRap.ilitaiiuin).— Considered as a flowering t . tlier,5 are few more b.aiirifiil Ma|ilfs than !■. It is now fully in bl.i..ni. ,111.1 1 1,. -i/,e of the I , t..<,a-tber with the great fr. . .1. .m « if li which .k.-: ill. 'I ll the overlooked or It is believed ASPKX ANI r.S VHKH. In ll,.- iiiiiiuli.iin. ..I iiiii.li. ■■ iliis u....,l l,;,s Pine and Fir are re.adily I..'. I.- null i-i 11 .I.I.' 1.. Ill, ,ii., II. .iiiijI tain so much natural re-si |.r..|.iiii. - ll l,ii'4' iiuiiiii., i.:j,l\ I.ii ll .-ibsorb much paraffin. ^ bilily, freed. lUi li.uii kii..U, and luiiini init> .if , that Aspen was .selected, substance. Many other woods are u,sed in .scramble for Aspen wooi I match-making, such as Pine, Poplar, Linden, I has become so severe, tin wood had to be .sought that was light and spongy, and at the same time pleasing in ap- pearance. Poplar was tried, but it is brittle, and is, moreover, too grey in colour. Birch, it wasf.innd, isapt t.. turn vell..w, and it is not ..ft.-n pr...n,;il,l. ,,, l,i,,_,,. I,,,,,, 15„tl, l'„pkr •'.ii'l liiivli, I..... ,11. I..U 1,1 , I„.,sti,,n ; and in It ion is reipiired. )ustible, but con- to be unable to <(i it came about K.iiMi-iliin..; like a II HI I'lii.Lpe, and \'''< I I ' i.rmany. -r.*^: had t.i be inv.iked for the ]>rotection of the forests and the regulation of growth and cxport'ition of this tree. (kgruniid tins tree is very striking. Win ,i y grown its size (from 40 feet to 60 f.. i n ll ,'ht) makes it too large for many gardens. I.ni ' the park or for the outskirts of a plantation it - id growth and spring beauty commend it. The cies is a native of the mountains of Italy, 1 ngary, &c., the variety here noted being I in the district of Maples. 'he Myrobalan (Prunus cerasifera). — This I in is one of the most beautiful of hardy trees in flower. Scattered about the grounds at 1 «• are ninii.i ..iis sper-imens. viii-ying in size from feet Inijli, Kin ,ii '.a. iv 'ni-Hinr. :i mass of )m. Tl... Il,.».i-. ,■,,.■], III.,. 1,1 I mil, across, I pure wl,it,-..L. v,-,A- ti,:,,il\ 1. ll uitli nise. I 't-y appear in .su,-h abnn.liniii- i,s n. mi.k. ll„. ' t most lovely, perhaps. ,.f all ll,,. li,,.. I'li,,,,-. If" species itself has not hit li.-i 111 I...,, .jimv,, n- h as it deserves, but the variety :iiii.|.iir|. inn >re commonly known as Prunus l'~-iii.l > Im- dly taken rank as one of the nil. -I |i.|.,,li, ..t ly trees. Its flowers are about ll,.- -n,,,.- a.- t se of the typical Mvrobalan, but to their beaut y iijiddetl the attraction of the reddish-purple There is, perhaps, a danger in these There is something i niterest :.f the behold, wood. that, n, the constructed ; itnd the tree was NO smitten with shame at the jjart it played in the Divine Tragedy that it has trembled ever since. A German legend gives A si Duriii;,. 111.- Ili:4l,l ..f .M,-,ry and.l..sepliiiit.,l':gyi,ttliey eaiiie at night to a thick forest, whereupon all the trees, with the sole excep- tion of the Aspen, began to ]iay reverence to the Holy Child. This disre- spect on the part of the Aspen was observed by Christ, who in consequence pronounced a curse against it : wdiereupon its leaves 1 legan to tremble, and have trembled ever since. The Rus.sians have a tradition that Judas Isca- riot hanged himself on an Aspen, and that that is »liy the leaves quiver. \ 11.1 the Buddhists say that 111' leaves are agitated out I resjiect for Buddha. III. iM.ist widespread belief l'air..pe, however, was III the Aspen was shamed lor ever for having sup- plied the beam of the Cro.ss. Another quality it pos- se.sse.s is in being very and Birch; but, on the Continent especially, ; flakable, and flaking is necessary to keep the Aspen is the favourite. But it is only since j wood porous and to work it to the greatest ad- jjaraffin and safety matches came into vogue vantage. To flake the wood a knife is made that the value of the Aspen has been recog- to rev.ilvi- r.>iiii(l a 1..^; r..t,itiii...; ..n its own iii.sed. In the case of sulphur matches it is not .axis. Tli.-n th,- tl;,K.^ ,ii. . ni int.. ribbons of necessary-for the wo. id to alis.irb the composi- th.- tliiikm-ss ,,,,.1 wi.ltl, ,.t tl,,- ],,,,t(-h to be t ion for ignition ; but when parafHn is u.sed in- lu.-iiiiifaetiir.-.l, ,iii.| these ribli.ins arc hiid in stead of sulphur, a porous wood is indispens- | oven layers and cut into square splints. It is a able. The reason for this is that unless the j characteristic of the Aspen to preserve uni- paraflin penetrates into the wood, the matches formity in its annual " rings " of growth, and, will stick together, and the paraflin will become \ therefore, the ribbons or splints into whicli the fluid again, even in a moderate temperature. ' wood is cut are perfectly uniform, which is not Thus, when safety matches came to be made, a the case with many other woods. Then the photogr 258 THE GAPvDEN, [Apeil 10, 1897. grell' absence of gniin in As]ifU wrii>d permits of flaking into very linn sli:i\ in-s. wineli ;ii.' ni.iile into matcli-boxrs. .in. I tin-, .ji\rs it ,mMii i.m.il value, since the nrnni.il I'l.r I'.itli iii;itrli ;inil box can be prod need \iy ili.' s.inn' iii:Hliinr li.mi the same \vo -li\ e \eais ..Id .nv preferred to younger growths, and tit these ages the tree should yield the smallest proportion of waste. According to recent official returns, the match factories of Germany use about five million cubic feet of Aspen wood annually, of which about three and a half million cubic feet are imported from Russia. These factories are .situated in Silesia, Pomerania, Sleswick-Hol- stein, Bavaria, the Rhine Provinces, Alsace- Lorraine, and the Dueliy of Anhalt. The Silesian factories depend nmstly on the Silesian woods, and on Poland, (lahei.i, and Hungary. There are numerous forests m Silesia, liut each forest only provides a few loads of Aspen per annum. This makes it difficult and e.x|ieiisi\e to collect supplies. A cubic metre of Aspen wood costs from 17s. to 25s. delivered at the railway station nearest to the forest, the price varying with the diameter, and it can be brought into Silesia as cheaply from Poland and Hungary a.s from the Sihsi.m forests. The Pomeranian f.ietnnes .are supplied chiefly from Riga, Lilian, \\ inil.m, and St. Petersburg. To these ]iorts the w..nd is lirnught down from the mountain forests in rafts when the snows melt in the siiiiir,^. It is in suitable logs of from l(i feet to L'.'i feet in length. Russian Aspen is imported throti;_;li Koiiigsherg, B.anzig, Flensbui'g, Lubeck, Ainsteidani, Stettin, Ant- werp, and Bremen. Ii Asp grown, but the factories have to iiiip..rt Uiissi.ai wood also. In Westphalia it is almost eiitiiel; Russian wood that is u.sed, imported '/-i Am sterdam and taken thence by rail. — C/cic,/' ;,s' Joiirnrd. Prunus subhirtella. — This name appears ii garden dictionaries, but the species itself is ex tremely rare, and until leeiaitly. at any rate, it identity has been more tlnn donhltnl, r.i-^il.l; it was not in cultivation at all. IIm true |,l,int however, was a few \eai^ ,eje .il-ianied tiou Japan by Profes.s.r S.ne.'H. - \in..|d .\i boretum, and one .il I li. ■ K\ leu to Kew is now in ilowi-i i l I i ■ i- \<[ iml; about 3 feet lii'jli. Imi < . ei-mi-e ,, making a vahialile .addllhn; l.i -| h i irj Ih i\mi in;, trees. It is a ( 'heir)', and nia\ nn-l a|ill\ |.ie,,m pared with I'm mis [.laidula ill a (',,,,- n- inndnl; DEN ash. lit lane .|.j,,. .\nd im |il.nil l..|iin. - ; betterreeiimn.enilati.in llian l.i he liLin...] l.. iln lovelv tri-. It ha- iii.l I Ii..,,,iii|.j h.il I the best distinctions are ati'orded by the ditierent habit and by the leaves, which are more thickly Xanthoceras sorbifolia — This, which is re ■ned to nil 1 1. ■JJ."i as forming a striking- and manner. For the sake of jiroteel i. m ilii- \ I . la^ IS .sometimes trained to a wall. Iml it ii|iii.jlit f-tyle of growth does not lit it Im |iii-il mil. It is also occasionally flnvienil 'jla--. and I have seen it very fine so trea ilii t.iliage and blossoms developed wit . Ii. . k. The plants were not forced at : s.iii|ilv taken into a cool house and allo\ tlower there.— H. V. PLANTING CLIMBERS AT THE FOOT OF LARGE TREES. In parks and gardens it is often desirable to cover the bare stems of large and old trees with climbing shrubs. The examples we g. i finm Nature of this are often very pictures, |iie .md charming. Who has not had occasion to.adniiie in a wood the rich mantle of leaves, white blooms and silky tufts of the Clematis (C. Vit- alba), the graceful festoons of the Bryony (Bryonia dioica), or of the Black Bryony (Tamils e.iiniiiunis), enhanced with red berries in the .luliiiiin, the white Bindweeds (Cdysti-^ia Sepiuiu), the wild Vines (Vitis vinifera), even the Ivy (Hedera Helix) forming a rich winter covering of sombre green ? Our flora is neit rich in climbers, yet their aspect is often one of great beauty. But it is a very different matter in the warm regions of the globe. There the climbing vege- tation of the virgin forest is displayed in a va- riety, a picturesqueness of form and a richness of colour which he who has not seen cannot conceive, and he who has once enjoyed it can never forgot. Furtiinati'ly, our greenhouses are full of such thiirjx. .111.1 if'u.. ,aiv II, .1 |i,rinitt,.,l to see -these lieanl itnl |il.ini^ m .-dl their n.-itiiial exulieranceof veg,-t:iti..ii, at h-.-ist w,- e.-in gl.-iddeii our eyes with the sight of their foliage and thiwirs. In North America, in Central Asia .111,1 111 other countries of the Northern Hemi- sjihere there are many climbing shrub.s which, although less brilliant, are none the less pre- cious to the landscape gardener. Most have already been introduced into our gardens and the list is a long one, but we will content our- selves with mentioning those species which are known to everybody — climbing Roses, Gly- cines, H,meysuckles, Clematises, Akebias, Jas- iiiiii.s. .I.i]iaiiese and American Vines, Tecomas, \ iiuiniaii ( leepers. Passion Flowers, Periploca, .\ri^t.il..elll.-,S, itc. Man u- fori grafting on to European Vines to, if possible, check the phylloxera. They leap with an in- vigour to the very tops of trees. Maples, Li,|i"ii,l.-iiiili;ns, ishes, thence hangin.j m lir.i.id iiias> ,l,irned in autumn \\nli the m, Is ,if iiurjile and gold. In repi I p.iik ,11- garden these aspecte . X.itni,-, line is often met by am a PI I, -.lis .-it fir.st unsurmountAl w,- plant at the foot ,if large tre iiitswhi,di ,1,1 n,it.,r,iw,,,r .grow ve ise lli,-s..il has lieellc-xhaiisted ]■ f u-e r,-n,-w th,- .s,,il. ,1 is the r-,ots of ofl'i eding L-h kill th th, n ,lisl. 1,1 111. ditions are even worse, since the more remt from the stem the more active the roots ( the tree. I have conceived a plan I have found successful, and which I describe. It is extremely simple close as possible to the stem of some? l| tree between the strongest roots, being not to dani.-ngc them, a cylindrical-shaped ..r the ili.iimter ,if .-111 ■ir,lin;ii-y cask and aboufj fi-,t 111 ,l,|iih. Next iilitaiii an old wine i eiiler cask, or even an old cement barrel, sink it in the ground in such a way that open end may be some 8 inches higher than t surface of the ground. At the bottom of cask spread a layer of rubble about 4 inches ' ,l,'|itli fill- ilrainage, and then fill up the c,i with Liii.i.l 1 1 irfy .soil without any other manui i-.ivei tile wlhile -with natural soil and plant t shrub ill 111,- centre of the ca.sk where it v t.-ike r,i,it. Shoiihl the large roots of the ti lie tiMi el. IS. t.ig, tliei near the stem .so that it ncccssaiy to sink the cask even 6 feet or 7 f away from it, the branches of the climber i be allowed to spread over the turf befoi-c lui lifted u]i iind attached to the tree stem, Tl the r,i,its ,if tlie new-comer are in a positi.ni ,le\,l,i|i ;ii ease in the soil in the ca.sk a i.lil.iin fnnii it the vigour needed to enable it IIS,. 1,1 th,- height of the tree stem a liraii, h. s w Inch are to serve for its siqijiort. In th. Ill, .inwhile, the roots of the tree wlii sun, Hind the ca.sk will be seeking an ciil into it in i.rdcr to profit by the new and fert s,.il which it contains. This they will succe in d,iing more or less between the fis.suresof t liott,iiii anil of the staves, but by that time t cliiiiln-r will have ac(|uired sufficient vigour enable it to compete with them, and by tl time its own roots will have spread about sec ing their nourishment, as in the case of a fu grown plant. — En. Andee, in Reme Horticoh Smilaxcs in Eastern England.— In rci I a ,|iieiy of ,,uis, .Mr, byiic-h, of the Botai arili-n, ( 'ainhi iilge, writes: "The species inilax wlii,-li have pr.ned absolutely hardy h( II- S, herbacea and S. ovata. The former di , i«ii every winter, as the name indicates, ai .iii,-s up fresh and green every year, but it ,it, hira-ever, a verv effertive plant, S. ova Ihin . .ji..x\ I h .it large tre on th.- .x.iiitli SI, I,., hIii.-Ii haM- ahmist entire ,l,-|iiivi(l it of sun. The \eiy se\eie winters mi lia\e affected it, but that is not absolutely ct lain, because, for the reason mentioned, its poi I mil is not nearly so good as it was. A year ■ two ago I planted a piece against a fence in good position, so that in time 1 hope again have a fine specimen. S. aspera lived for sever April 10, 1897.J THE GARDEK 259 Magnolia stellata i1.1i>IumI. iw.iu.-ul.ki HMk-ana).— This is >ijnm. Ir'iv - M:ii;Molias, beiiifj a HMlk-ana. i-ulii-itiHi- tinii L tivc thn.pjii in places wli.rr Rhododendron ciliatum. Scvi-ral liuslic> has Ion- 1h.,.„ plant, .r.-MHl iIm,^.-,, «..|I ,i - ;,- , ,1 , In. .IM,. 1,1 Inl hi t !■■ IIIh.,!,,,!,.,,,!, n„ ., ,,« ii.. in lichasl'ifert lli-h. Son,, ,,. 1 :,,,,,■,»,,, .,l,ou ,l„ I;Im.1.„I,.,,.I,m,, , 1,11 ;,1 K. » ;,, ■• , ,m„ ,,,.,,,,, I er, th.-n- an- ii.> pl;inl< -,, l.,,'^,' ■■,- ili:,! i, " ,i I, 1 .1— •, ,in, 1 ,M . „ „« „ll, ;, ,„l ,-|., .„, Il> ,,,il„ fcies'havin- n:uhr,\ th.-ir tn.n. .I„pan al an iiili,-,-iil >prr;in,ais. I,ut lu,il,. il, ,i l,,i- I-,,, a an,. proclu.-M,- are not so ncnly ise grown out of Ferns. PLATYCERIUM ALCICORNE. Tins, the hardiest of the Elk's-horn Ferns, is, as w ill be seen by tlie accompanying illustra- tiiJii, an exeelltnt subject for the decoration of L^'ruenhriusu walls. Amongst feathery Maiden- hair, fragrant Hfliotroiie and trails of Passi- i.l MM.,il;irh e ier date than it did this country. But speci- somewhat neglected. Like many things that ~ IS like those that may be seen in the Coombe ' flower as early as the end (if Maieli or be<;innin-- odN.n>,rv--4 f-.-t .n .", f..t Iii-I, :,,,.! .,f .■,,in- ',,f April, it is ,,f .o,, , -, 11,1,1,. ,,,,!,,,,,:,.,,, la .|„i,,,j pt and ,■,„■,, „1,,1 t,.,i,, i,,:i\ «.■!! !„■ i;,,,k,,.l I, , ,~i -. I,,,! I„,ii;,j ■ ,• , I . ,,'!, ' , ,,,,.,,, ,,-,!■,, !,.■ u„,-l 1,,^,I^ ,,1 -,„,,,, Ml, ,«,,,,,, 'J -1,,,|1,-. ll,:,,, n,;,,,\ I „ ,, ,;, ,,, -i, I k , J „ , , ih tl,.""- -|!,'''',,- tl!",,', ',-,'|i"i'|h,'",H,.'," Mn','i„',li:''- .1. ,„li',,„- >''t «'l,,,'l,. ",,,,1,:,|,,„K, .'ll'i,',,, t.u ,.,. em.ist ,,t il„, ,-,.,,,,-, il,i- ,,.-,,,1-. 11,1, ,t, ,,,,,,.■, I,:,,,l\ ,1 i~ H,,ll »,,itl, ;, lull,, ,,\ii,, ;,ii,,,,iiMi,. hern,,t, aii,l til,, i,l„iii~ -1 1,1 :,--,,.„, a- p, i~ .-p,-.;„ lly .■!> 11 1- ,11111.- liar,U in il-.-lf in ,,r.li site be put into places where they can perma- narily slieltcred places near i.nndcai. it is, lie- I'tly remain. It may not be generally known | sides, quite distinct from any other hardy Rhodo- t'|i. it delights in a goodly proportion of peat dendron. When the flowers are fully open they ;,s tile 1,,,, St ,,iii;iii,,,nl;il in, 1 In „1 , ,f culture ,f l.in.liiiu tliiin t., s,, I'll, ills ,.f Tree Fem ,!■ |,i,,e,,s ,,f vii-iji eni^^supplieil them. ,1 ali,l s„ine»lial slia.U p„s,>i,„ils 1,,-st t,. their le,|llllvlll,llts. The ballell ,lisp the surface upon uhich the plants \Mi « itli tlieir wide shields that become Hiili each succeeding year, and soon l„ \.,iiil tlie stem or cork from which they ,11,1 li\ themselves ti-htly to the wall if I,, r,,|naiii iiii,listnil„',|. P. alcicome, a ,f Austi.ili.i. il,„s best in a moderately Walll.li W 1 troiuc .fives of tht S. \V. F. MICROLEPIA HIRTA CRISTATA. WitERE plenty of room can be afforded it, this handsome Fern should be grown. Either for lionie decoration or e-xhibition it is one of the liest time to repot large plants or to cut these up for increase of stock. If done before signs of young growth are apparent, the i)lants sometimes refuse 260 THE GARDEN. [Apkil 10, 1897. free Is, while if left too long Few Ferns require more led the drainage s described abo\L of this I had ii ts quarters in tin- arge-growing spi'i lerv. Hfre. owin and, with -.i \(i:il ..I to be shiited into t. free circulation of air in sumiii r, it w.i to keep the fronds from ilnjumj l'\ ' watering, so the pot wa> Imwch.I ii slate tank and all the suiumm i ~t 1 of water. The roots, in ^llM;l. wImi active can hardly be kt-jit i lun-i. be termed warm grec-nhciu-i i m.ii in- best, the growth b.in- liii.i. T :iii'l In- here than if gnixvn mi M.ixn Iniit. carefully, but not lirinily -l.iMlnl. lli. apt to turn the jioiiits .if tin- InunN dislikes heavy overhead syringing, luit J, nice moist, yet buoyant atmosphere. Kitchen Garden. OPEN-AIR T(»?*IATOES. Many will now !.,■ think m- "f .sowing Tomato seed for produtiii'.; :i In fniitinii year at a their .nv the crnji as the fi unng, were p.-irtly c.lui those in .i i.;iiiii came nevur got be even for artificial in the kitchen. Old gard- in growing on smitl f. hIIo, ltd. H, rTniii.it on plants for open- their hand last 111 til stakes had ntial failure of t Heather just The fruits that iiid cracked wholesale, while state when the cold and wet yond that stage, and were unfit manure : planting, the horde lit. When cannot be employed. Another old remedy 1 IV added if i advised, namely, fresh soot and lime, is gi I mine be- dressing of this in the autumn is most bene: e wall tak- '"^'' ^^ '^"'^'^ ""' reach the enemy when appli ' ■ \/ ■ '-jr-iuiii-j I limits in the summer ; but by thos( iiiiijinig "' i,l,|, , I I,, ~ lime it maybe used at planting! loaiLiy mil- ^^ -,,i,i;l i -. i tmn of the two are placed roun .- -:nli |ilant. Other aids to ward ij burnt refuse freely, or wood ( ,11- surface or in drills when pla ml road scrapings or old mo ■.-iis,-i\e the ri"-t in. -i-t in .-. Feeding can ea.sily le ill. in- wlieii II .-i.'i. ..f I'li'.ii h.-ings on the plant. Fenil ti. iiii\- .'M.iit |.r.-M.'iis to this, and the ,i-..l.ii)iilitv "is tliiit triiil uill be lacking. 1 ',I«i\s ^,-i'.,-ii til.- l.riiii.-li.-s uith tall evergreen l.iain-lns. all,-«.li-4 , lu s,- t. . r.-main 1 1 1 1 the T..- ,i,:,t.,.-sa,e«ella.UalK-e.l. Feuale ll.itonly of .\ni f.-edmg, liut of overvvatering also, as this, l.nsi.les encouraging disease, induces the fruit 1 , . , 1 aek. As to sorts, I think two or three well- I,r..ven sorts are the best. With me last year a medium - sized, handsome, highly -coloured variety called Kegina and Chemin did exceed- ingly well, and I intend trying them again. 1 certainly think that where many Tomatoes are re.|iiire.l in the kitchen or for sauce-making, part ..f the wall at lea.st should be devoted to Dwarf ( trangetield, as its flavour is delicious and it generally crops from the base of the plants. I usually take up three separate stems from each plant. A little defoliation is sometimes needed to admit sun and air, but beware of ex- cess in this matter, as nothing is more injurious. Neicark. J. Crawford. for phmtiii.^ ..lit -It till- ,11.1 ..f Ma\ .-r l.,--iiiiiiii-4 of June. 1 am atVai.l tin- li.-st |ilaiits an- ..ll.-ii picked out f.ir ni.l.n.i u.-iK aii.l tlm »nak.-si ami worst for open walls, which is simply courting' failure. Errors are often made in the time of sowing the seed, too early sowing resulting in pot-bound, half -starved plants, which stand still for several weeks after planting, and sel.loin, if ever, yield good crops. As a rule, tin .ml of March is a good date to sow in the sinitli ami warm counties generally, but in the midlands a fortnight later is advisable, as it is generall.\ the second week in June before planting on walls can be safely done. The seed should be sown in small in its. tw.. ..r three seeds in each ; the strongest ].laiit .-an tlu-n be selected and the .smallest pulle.l .mt «lien the first rough leaves are formed. Siuwiiig in pots or pans and afterwards potting off is a bad practice, as the seedlings get a check and no labour is saved in the long run. A temperature of 60° suits well till the y.iiim^ jilants are 2 inches hiu'l when a Intl.- less heat is advisable. Wat.-i inw with rliilli-.l \\ater must be carefiill\ p.-i formed at this early dat3, or damping ..tl' whi.h sale is sure to follow. A 6-inch pot will 1 large enough if during May plenty of a is given and the plants arc not forced. T. wards the end of May frame j.i..t.-.-ti.iii ..iil should be given them, puUim,' tin- li-jli off in mild, still weather. A -^.i'"! -ii.iaiini soil, preferably a maiden loam, »itli --.. -ji added as a c-.n-.-.-tiv.-. is tin- li.-st i-..-tiii-j m diuni, and additn-nal ii..iirisliiii,-iil iiia\ In- -^im-i if the pots beciiie \.-ry iuH --I i-"i- --H'l il weather will not permit of i-liiiiii-i n'. 1 placing some small pieces of 1 1 the rims of the pots and sin I - n -n'l n- compost ; in such cases also a liii!. ». .' Ii-in BRUSSELS SPROUTS CLUBBING. I AM greatlv troubled with the "clubbing " of the s of l^i-uss.-ls Sprouts and other winter greens. nii\ ..f \..iir i-i.in-s|iondents kindly suggest a ..Iv- S..\Mii-.; the garden with chalk has The Carter Spinach. — I was pleased ■ Mr. Wythes's note on this fine Spinach, deserves extended cultivation. I have provg to be excellent both for winter and summer worl As seen now from sowings made in Septembi last, it stands out quite distinct from the old. fi.riiis. 1111.1 also fi-nm s..iiie .if the newer selection |'',,i- till- tilt tiiiii- \'i.-t..iiii lias failed me as Mint, r M.n. < y ini.l ii.-\ 1 .111111- awav so strongly I'll. •Caiti-r.ii- thill ..til. ,-\.-,-ll.-iit newseleetionf winter work, till- i.-.n-j -inii.lin..; I'lieklv. andthe ;wo now give us .mi -i i|,U, ■lli.-ieai.pearstobi 111 -air i-..minori forms Spinach when ii-.l t 1 «i„t,-, work, and thi whog..t..tli.-tr..iilil.-. f selecting such good fori astlu-al...x.- nli'l -.11.1 hem out true to nnme c serve uiii thai. K-. .1. '. TALL.ACK. fcction. —For summer a autumn use this m a s ilemlidviuietyof theSho horn section, s.iiiii-«l at lai.ji-r than the Eai Nantes, with a iii..n- l.liiiit-liaiied root, thou equally as l,aml-..in.- kmd. 1 !-:n.- 11. .1 |ii. ill ..iitliiie as that popu v.-il It a..ainst the Nam and iitli.r .-ailv smts fi.i iiutsi.le sowing, but iii.-i «a. very early. T iiiil.l.-, IS not so tree as 1 1 . \' 1 1 1 . ■ 1 1 III l,.lMi,ita<.e. Those h; -.1 ■ II 1 t.n.- 1-^ 1 ilh ink.- longer to devel ■1 lull '-I ..\\ II 1. 1.-1 \~ .t- iiaiiii- implies, its coll ,- |,.-i;..-t. ami til - 1- ii.it its only good quah when cooked are It 1 - ' -J 1 111., f. ir autumn sowing to sti: ' liter. At the present time I have a go led from which 1 liave been drawing sn ' roots for some time past, and the sup I ntinuc until the frame Carrots are ready but out of many I II.-. t mil. It would have been much e given all your land in which you gi-een crops a dressing at any time - to the end of the jear, and then time the lime would i: I- done its work. You m- liter dressing now. Be sur iiarters as often as possil ill over, ' and dis adv French Bean Mohawk.— At iiage 210 I Crawford has a good word to say lor the abc ^ and with me it has been a favourite for years. .-. .11-1. 1.1 it ..lie of the earliest of the dwarf kin S.iin. \. Ill- a._;(i I gave a dozen kinds a trial 1,-t .liiliii- -7and Mohawk was the first of ; iH.h.- tit t itible It does not continue so li iiili.aiing ts liter kind- 1 it tl i is f httle (. s.-.|iience, as one can s w i i Mohi is a free giowei, doin_ 11 I. -jaiils fla%our it IS I 1 J I. at interest in the I I J. I them aseailj as i I a- ..lie of the patents all early Bean with 1 many respects Mi ( i I sowing in pots foi an i I j much heat thej soon t 1 i 1 1 out. Many could gio« M hi' south wall and gne piotection at night, thecl points being to water spaiingly and waid off c winds.— S. H. B. ! Carrots in srring.— Those who need Can > ,ui|.;.n " n -hort of young tender rili ml],, I the spring-sown roots i' I ,.,,,. ■ , , , n :.-!■ use at the time na"''- veil, liiliiiiii.- iii.ni'l'x autumn. 'The lime the date given, there need be no fear of frott Apbil 10, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 261 •owtli, inter i>l ch Uii.i led any do not le tliii lallest ill iMJii. S[)i[mch B<' lia^ lii'eii om- mail M, lint for tliis tliciv INCREASINCi (JLOBE ARTICHOKES. KKA1> with int.MTst Mr. Wythrs- slu.rt nut. d I ii althv tlif 4' litter method of ]ii-,,t,vi i,.ii. «hhli i- |il,niil ilind the ^^tools in XoMuili-i ;iinl mh.xhiI m ..nn;irv, the chances are that lliey will cuiiic .'ii'jh even a severe winter strong ei:ough to useful heads in June. To secure this, one -i I- 'I'll the old plants if a June supply is to be "I tun.' ill :nitiuun :iliil |inltril n|i t'l I ir frame- .t''''h'l il,,"M'J, i1m' »inl,T .niil planted in ml. Hill mil \i.-l.l nil .hily. ami t-M-ii later in Mllanii districts ; at least such is my ex|ierience. !a few young ones are brought on every year 111 a fresh row or two made, then, of course, the (« stools may be dispensed with. Althougli ilrly young stools are best for the productmn "..f Ijge high quality heads, yeta greatdeal dcpi ii'K (i the preparation of the soil and after ti(':ii int. They must have a deep, well-t-ni i.Im'iI ■ :mmI tUr-n 1.1' W.'U mul.-lird Ultll inll.'ll llLillllI'' ■ ihe eliief sources of exhaustion is allowing- iL'e heads to run to seed instead of cutting them cj Mr. Wythes refers to the fact that the new Njiety in question comes true from seed. This vil be a great boon, as I never yet saw success a'end the attempt to raise good succulent- uded plants of the ordinary sorts from seed. le heads were invariably small, prickly, and rit to useless. (Jiiowkk. WINTER SPINACH. Ikre is a marked contrast in this crop at the - time as coni]iari'd to that of last year, at ■ith mr. Imt wh.'ther mine is an i.solatcd onlv(iii.-'.f in;,ii\ T liavi- imt siifli.-imt iii- f; eral vmlri 11 -e or I.-..- li'i bedha.ii'it that ninic ; IT quarter n early, am I'paratiou ol I limn ni'.iitli' e ended. I mi foril, |H signs,. t .'in iKuk' 1- ;,U lii- h;in iln in"lii iin.-li lii'ih I. his garden.— J. Ch.uvfo SOWING VEGETABLE SEEDS. Many think it well to sow tlie various kinds of Bra.ssica on a slc.jiing bnrdcrina slieltered, or iieeome obsolete for winter work. Wills. Asparagus. - t the winter has been unusuallv mild e crops are benefited by moderate frost; r progress after its cessation is quicker , but i, and than six years to make experiments ii|" mended by various persons in neHs]i: ,11. .su Earthing up frame Potatoes. I li.ne forced Potatoes in fraim-. I'liirj- i',ii\ m,' , I ili;,! it is not only not n.''r-.:ii \ , I mi :hi ii.ilh h.i i inlul. .\s a rule those wh.i <••,.'■■ m iln- «;i\' ni. mi,,- |)elled. in order to make tlieinci-l lA lliriouuiut command, to have the mw^ .i~ i I.i-r ,i- inconsis- tent with the ingress of sun nml :ni : r"ii-ec|uently the soil in the frames eet~ |iirii\ \w II shaded. When the haulm becomes pleiitifi'il, and as roof warmth is one of the chief agents in the produc- tion not only of early, but fair-sized tubers, to heap on a quantity of soil jn.st at that critical lime, as manv dn, and that 'froipientlv in a eol.l -late, is M.flieieilt I" -ive a .e^m,' ,'l,Vek. I n >a V this ijood old variety decen r.i m. . M'ln- will be found first-rate in this le-neei ; m tins IS iiiiniatcnal if the later on from want of n deavonring to beat its ii suit that the weakest fail are 1.111- an.l lanky an, plants. Tins is ..flVn .. v.'L.p. I'lants ruiuiie im.iu I . . .".. |.a n.l. ami ■ .'fun make the same niistak. -. ii"t "iil\ in , s.eil-bed with common vegetal. I' ~. Imi wiili I, 1 crops such as Peas, Bean-- ami lar'_'.-- .\Min; roots, with the result, that if the I-.. II is nufaviiurablc there is a collapse. iliiiis are very frequent from thick sowing ,1 aeakly plants, ami now is the time to pre- nt the evil. We see what strides have of the better culture of vege- ever advocates crowding to Tlie stiirt as regards good 'k when sowing the seed. I. st evil, as it is u.seless to K,' young seedlings to re- late been made tables, but no , •'ef tlie-.' I, mil .1 se than as ni Why s, when the June ; in, I dens the . crojis, sii' Peas, ai.' early part of March ceded to plant out till .1 nl\ f In .some gar- '. lilalile till the early il'l'i'^,-. Potatoes and WJiat I II "1!" ' -"II- 1 li.'re was a 'I'M. . ' : : ' II ,' -eai laty. and in uie. 1'li. ..ii.s u 111. study vege- who require vegetables of the all at once. Early kinds are ,1 successions later. I am aware .■IS «Ii., S..U ill a small space Brassicas. Here is the difficulty, as if left, the plants rarely make up lost time. My advice is sow thinly and make three sowings instead of 262 THE GABDEN. (April 10, 1897. one if tlifvr is tli cannot lu' |il;iiiti'il Of late v.Mi, ,Mlt, have distiiu'l \,in late, and to get tli that the ])lants sl^ (luarters for a slm :ist doubt that the crop n the plants are ready, s more easy, as we now -. early, midseason and st results it is advisable i.iih cM-cupy their early iin-.' (iiven room, there will be fewer failures from attacks of insects. It is a simple matter, but often overlooked. Market gardeners often give us a lesson. They crowd less and always have better plants. — S. H. B. The rains during the past two months having kept the ground in a wet condition, sow- ing and planting generallv hjive been consider- ably retarded. EvenOii'ioi, s 1, wlmli in ov dinary .seasons is often sown at i!ii iml of February, has reiuaiiR.l m ili.' ■.>,.! .liaHns for, seeds i.in n out gerjijiiial ai and co]i^o(|ui II undersized at autumn. Man; ell, neil he ground so lima -I- of the severe 1 1 1 . ts were late and . of h..ii-:n.j- tlipiii itootl iisly afie is prrf out tlie current month. A sov\ i tember with the object of sec cutting on a west border in stationaiv all the winter, and it i| lerly and to covei lo not experience ;i la time these notu^ Rough digg'ing.— Admitting that in a gfeneral answer tha |au|iosa i(a|iiirr, I if ]iassacl ilir.iu^li a fine siaxaa l'.\ aHoidin;,; a ili.-.^iiiu of ili,x, the surf'aaa noH i-.m ofo ai !)!■ Iiiiiu-lil iiiio a friable cou.lition by .■aivfiilly I. ivakma tlia linniis down with a f(U'k, and the soil becoming mixed with the ashes, sowing can generally be done a few hours afterwards if only rain keeps off. The ashes will not only prevoTit tho soil din.- ingto tlla far! as Mo|k | Ho, a, .Is. lail 111.' .^MiUlHl is not so liKaly to l,alo> affarual-ils liy til., aitlon of sun anil win.l, wlnrli ofl.ai pravanl ihasanl- lings pusliin.^ llnmiuli Urrh. an. I a l.-.s,- sur- face soil, ulll.ll I, ^al^ axMlltlal to all y.iHlia crops, rsp.aaally iluiiirj ilr\ wiatliar. is ' ni. aa- very nniiMi.ais ,,»iaa i,, u,,. ,.,1, and as tiny aio not always .ilisai ' damage is .lona, it is narassai\ t look-out and piuveut them attacl A slight dusting once a week is less, as the first shower is oftt enable them to go on with the 1st 1,1 arl\ Altli. tin, . Ili.'\ slaaiM alutiysbe well mixed with thiee tinirs iheir hulk of tine dry ashes, and it is nuich better to give a slight dusting morning and evening than to give a heavy dressing once or twice a week. — P. Endive in spring.— This is eminently a win- ter rather than a spring salad, yet there are cases where it is appreciated at any |")erioil of the year this year ; not one plant with me has shown any tendency to bolt, although latterly the sun has kept the temperatures of glass structures anil al.,~,' ■ ,.| a- 1- ll-ilalh ill, \,'a|. atl.a 'lakl -"l-^l-. 1 ■' the'conipai^a'a, tlattena.l ,l,.\\a mil, i.ail ti,,-l to piiK, i,-olli,.-,„|. la-,- a, lla- ,1,-1. , 1. W 1 .,Maal rj ,lia,.j,. Ii,a,' 1 ,a.M,-,i .,.11 ik, ..■ .,t ,la_i._aM;j .,1 liiiH^kiiia all K . \,a.--ax.' laiiitatl l,atl.a',-l am' Ik.' -ok to -II, 'li an ,\1. Ml a- t, Ik. -iiita,',' imp, M |.,io 1,, , illi,.i -'. 1 lias.- loi,., -, II,. ,.,.!,,. .,1 :a„ ,K , llhoalnr^ 111 tav 1 ,ii,a,K lijliiK .1 Ill,' \w,'.|- aiai ill'j.jllia anil! ,, J aiix v,a .Oil .jioiniil 1,, tan, .|,,Mi lo. app.Miali... -ak... l.-aMl.'j tk. Tl.,- >, al It \la > .1 «, lit her permits, and which -ati-kietory here in everyway. , a, II later when I commenced \MM' l.a-lai.la I'ja.a.J a pkil \;iia4l lia.r km ak|,,k, a -...la,.,, tin,, null tk, ■■.). c. ii.- »lll .l,,lll '■. tis not allowing till- .^o |iping, which is eeitaii .k\ iate and remeilv tin .1 a- illv.— J. R. PLANTIN(J ASPARAOUS. It will soon be tiiii,' t,, plant .\-p;.ra.jii^. therefore, not inop|.,,it ■t,,-a\ a i, w ■ the subject. Mati\ p. i-an- , nt A-|,..ia.j a knife for that ] III I po-, , 'Iki- .-wn.n.j, wounds so intli.l,.! k.al miiI, .IiiIi,iiIi\ Asparagus has n.il k,, n plant,, I ,|,-,a',^ earthed up ea.'l, y.u ,«k.,k i- tk,' ,,i.l\ |,n-,.l at tk.' |„„,i I, -lilts. What surprises .^ . n I , 1- t ka! plaais so treated have sufficient ^iialii_\ lopii-kik, II » aj- out of these " tombs ' The essential point, and that upon which sue cess greatly depends, consists in not depriving Asparagus (any more than another vegetable) of leans of drallia.ji- ,t son 1- kin ■se laid at the liott ,ni oft le line s). Asparagus dis ikas a iiive a ^^•ater at the routs Afti r thrp pkint- aiv p,o.l,„ in,_. th ■St.. 11 inchp ii„,n„ lit hI.,1, III,- .^i.iwtl la ...It., tak.- a»ay heol a Ik,- -,,.k wlii.li must not !.,■ , i,.,,ia JO, Mill is desired. Th.- k, k , I.I II n- till to manure abun.ki k.ply. It IS to the observance .if I kat H I- o\\.- the fine crops which k. •eputation of Argenteuil cultivators. i'Anoeniecq, in I'Horliriiltiire de Poitevi Garden Flora. PLATE 1113. liENDKolJU'M JOHN.SONJ.. (with a COLOIIKED PLATE.*) This week's plate represents one of the^ chaste and delightful Dendrobes in cultiv The individual blossoms are upwards of 4J inch^ across and have at first sight more of the appe.i ance of a white Lielia than a Dendrobium. T' sepals, petals and lip are all of the pun beuu introduced to cultivation some years at and if not altogether lost sight of, at all cvei it was extremely rare for some time. In 1^ it was re-introduced, this time by Mess Vaitch and Sons, of Chelsea, to whom it u s, lit liy the Rev. S. M. Macfarlan,-, a missiona 111 Naw Guinea. It was named D. Macfarlai j afti 1 this gentleman, but D. .Johnsonie has., piasinii,,. th.. rr^ht of priority, notwith.standi Ik,' l;,.>al Ib.rthuliiiral .'^o.acty awarded it! w.'lk.k's.aa.'.l lirst-.la^s aertiiicate when ej liiliit, ,1 l,\ tlualiove-mentionedfirmin .Ianuai| k^'.iii- laii whatever we may eventually call ' till I ), i,.li.,lie in question should jirove i p,,|aikii as I). Phaliienopsis Schnedentinum ,.nly plants enough are forthcoming, which ] pris./nt seems doubtful. D. JoIiusijikc flowtj upon the natural stems after the m;iiiner of -i ileiisiHorum and others of the evergreen speciij but, as will be noted, the racemes are iiuite d ferently f.u-med. In order to grow it succeij fully, plenty of heat, moisture and light are ij siiitlal. The plants may be jilaced in sni.l l,a skats or pans and su.spended not far from tl i,,of glass in the East India hou.se. From t| till,,, the new shoots commence to root untilt allow t| ipost thin .111,1 fairU .,|„.n s, , that the water wli l-utaal np.,„ It s 1 runs tlir.,ngli, .Stagna ;,i,,i.stiira isalioul tlia«.,rsl t lung possible fur Drying oik sli,, 111, 1 n,.t I,.- ].i;utisa,l, as if wcakf the phiiits, with no corresponding belietit, but ' all means let the plants rest awhile, if they seij so inclined, either after the pseudo-bulbs .i finished or as soon as the blossoms are pail Before the jilants are thoroughly established' * Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Moon. Litl graphed and printed by J. L. Goffart. i ^ %f /* rae too tall for ordinary frame culture, it is ifer to trust to Ne Plus Ultra. Not more than ree plants should be raised in each pot, and ■ ese should not be subjected to ahigher tenipcra- ire than thov nre likolv tn rnr-pivp whrn i ,l.i,-.d in [e framrv 'Tlirv .1„',„M !.,■ |,l;,nl,.l ;il,:,„i l.", iches apiiil, mImcIi u.II ;,1I,h, i I,,. | ,1:,mi - i ,, I,i :mi.-1i freely. :iM(| ltL'lu\Mli 1- ~l||,|,i,| !.■ I Willi .1 frW posed to sun :ili.l ,1 r .111, I -illiirj iii,,i,. ti,,|\ is always aih ;- il,|.- i,, L, .-il,],. t,, ._.;ii li,.| i in- )pout of frainr- .i- i-m l\ :i- |i i--il,l.. -,, .,, im i,.- ve the fruit or other tmnipj I -,.^, ;,, il,, n esence, under the nm-i .■.ii.tnl i iwni innii . ■ours the spread of vil -|iHl,r. A (■■« ni\»~ iiy now be sown of \e I'lu- ritni .,n ;i wmin irder with every jirosprct of Ih.ii- tuinnpj m rly to succeed 'those in frairi.-.. Th,- .full- ould be l."> inches ajjart, and th.- -imiI -lnmM it be covered drrplv as the .rroimd i.- heiny- h.iir, In ninulil the plants methnnnjl, III,. -,,||, still e,.ld ip as the; dual lud.llc ing Radisht omfor the later ones to ,|, \, 1, tention to other seedlin.^- \»1, Main-crop Pe.4.s.— The best rden should be selected for present and fut *ings of these, where they can have a good deep itrun, so that they are leas likely to suft'er im drought at a time when they should be in 1 bearing. The tall-growing narrow varieties position in heaviest crops arc oljtaincd single rows, or where they are apart. There is always a great de here at the end of July, and it is u, to meet this during a dry ~,i-,,i but by keeping to one vaii,i\ I and sowing several Imu vmIs of .-1 week or ten diiv. ,11 of seed scattered gus beds, or othe to grow a permai ing plenty of gi sowings are maih to run to seed recentlv dug gin i are not likely ose put out on house. This will induce quick growth and ]ircivc useful until that growing outside is more plentiful. R. Parker. FRUIT HOUSES. E.MU.v VINERY.— The Grapes in this ho ;|'l,v.,d\"l, ',"„', thprofnrp, if .\ll,iHiirj 111,- -''\l:,l,.'-l|,'|''i of .solar heat in preference to the employment of that obtained by artificial means. Look" over the ;i:ns. — Underthe^enial influence of icrienced during the (last fortnight, idding and stopping i lid reduce all buncln made of pieces n instead, and froi and all, can be e iiiiiK,' III! :i 1,1111,1, III,, ,i| niots grown in this way, .iiiii ,t |il.iiiiiil ,1111 iiircfiilly they do not sustain H.Minv FRriT iiARiiKN. — STRAWBERRIES. — Where litter is to be had for the carting, it is a good plan to mulch the beds now, as the rain will wash all the ammonia out of it and the sun and wind the I, 111- n- in dressing the borders I ii.ii \Miod ashes have not 1 ;, I 11 ilnne at once. The 1 wuiUed round the collars nf should be placed siillieientl\ I n the rows so that tie -nil hiI hen the litter com,- I,, 1,, tin particles on the M 1 1 1 , 1 , , ntil,, iinili 1, .i,lli, i ,■ i,, i he fruits, while thai i;i,,l, , ■,, .ii K i m, - imlline,; .\i in, ,11-. I'll, Il ml- are set and swelling fast, iiMJ iii;i\ 11,, -lijliil\ iiiluced in numbers where einu.l, ,1 .111 \,,iiiej M I. Attend to disbudding and pinching in of young shoots to form fruiting spurs for another season, and see that the trees do not want for water at the roots. Until the trees 264 THE GARDEE". [April 10, 1897. become well clothed with foliage and the same becomes hardened continue to cover the trees at night. Peaches and Nectarines.— These appear to have set well : in fact, the fiuil 1i:is .(uiinunced swelling on the early x^nitii^. I ii-hndilinn should ne taken in han e , v| o .e , I propose makn,,; pari ot lla^ Apple room available for this purpose, and ni order t.i have the necessary s]iaee ,it disposal, sli.all stcu'e the early Varieties <.f .\ppl( s in ,1 Idol cellar. In this way I hojie to . luisidi ralily prolong the Pear season. M.iny Hoiild no doubtobject to so much time and l.ilioiii lieing spent on Pears as this nielliod M(aild entail, but when it is con- sideied how valuable a well -ripened Pear is, p,iii i( iilai ly in mid - winter and early spring, 1 think they are well worthy of it. Were I in a position to do so, T would divide the Pear room into iwo portions, lea\iiiu Ha one half heated, eiiliniu Hie he.at .iit fi ilie other half so as to keep it ipnie eool. I'.\ lin- ing the room divided in this way, all the late keeping varieties of Pears could then be stored by themselves in the cool portion, and less labour would be involved in moving the fruit from one to the other when taking them in to be ripened. Although artificial heat is spoken of as being necessary, it must not be thought that strong heat is re(|uired. It is a well- known fact that to ripen late Pears properly and bring out their true flavour heat is requi- site. This they .piiekly do when placed in a d Im wUl .dioul a sidticiunt supply for all ordinary purposes. There are other means of ripening up the fruit when the Pear room is non-existent or unhe.ited, one of which is by means of a port- able eiiplioani haMiig three or four tiers of shi h es. The sheh IS may consist of perforated zine lacked lai lo \v len frames made to fit the . iiplio.nd. The ziiie will allow of a free circula- iioii of all thioiigli.ait the cupboard, and if this lailer is placed either iu a Warm, dry room, or II so riiis I used such !i cupboard for several seasons until a new Grape room was built a few years back. The Grape room formerly occujiied one end of tlie Pear i,.orn, and when this was taken down more loom «a, plaeed at iiiv disposal for ing Pears bo.xes and warm lions fruits ripen tioned, ]■ ripened to iicilecti. and stored away : if wrapped in tissue paper anu sioreu away in drawers or a warm cupboard in dwelling-rooms. A. W. BANANAS FRUITING QUICKLY. remarks of " K. B. M." at iiage lS-2, <■„ Inni- would I,.', „,,,,. tie,|n,.|,iiN seen. Like othei friiiK. lie re IS no ueeil lo eoiiip.are such as hav. l„.el Hii ainl maimed ami. a hedl elass cadtiin will, Iho.elhal a,vm,ll.ero,l ,n a half ripe Mat, mi.l I ked II, «a,l,l,M. al„l l.,o„,l,l I,, ,,„ is, ontl„',,tl,.a l,a,„l. I.,,ll, pka-m^ :,ii,| aura, tive, their, l.'lh'al,' lk■|^,llll i, • „, I,, lle.s,. t of theniMlaai nie.b ,ip, i„,i. A- pmni,.! ,,ut 1. "S, B. .\l,."ll„'~,'ll,inL- ,,.|,n,,-,mn'l, -pa,..,al„ it IS kill !,.« .sanl, n- Ikal ,:,n ,1, ■^,,l,■ a I s,. 1 tl„a. ■■ •■, ^,1 111,'!,' ■■•<■■■ maUN larm' -l,,v. later in the year, say in .June or .July, are often i failure to some extent, that is unless the are of more than ordinary size when planted ontl Late-planted ones not infrequently attempt spike in midwinter where heat is forthcou " and at times the inflorescence decays or is inji before it emerges from the trunk. Where I I)ot or tub culture is indulged in, ende should be made to get the suckers quite f Ih,' year, potting them for a week or two i s,.il IU 7-inch pots. The beginner may perl Will t,i avoid over-large suckers, because tliiM|B.l| at liuHs s,> iiuich root fibre lost in detacmn:, th,s,' fi,,iii tin- old stool, that some time is take up in i,,'oMrii)g. Better that a rather earlie start 1.,' nia,le and with smaller plants: thes will feel the elie.k l,ss. Fi,iiu the moment c planting, the one .nm ,1 ili, , idtivatur .should t to press forward 1 1,, ji.iw i i, .,- rapidly as possibli employing great I,, at ami moisture freely up t the time when the giant inllorescence is quit free of the trunk, and with its huge, tail-lik appendage droops towards the floor. Ther, must be no cessation of heat or moisture, o as " S. B. M." says, "no rest" till the sw, "" fruits attain full size; then, if occasion certain modifications of both may be as with full grown fruit a complete may be assured by maintaining during an intermediate temperature, while ripening will be forthcoming where a few more is given. On the other hand, no harm,': sues when fruit is fully grown in the most sfflre weather by the temperature falling to 50° a ^0 time during the night. Under these condit&ii Bananas may be grown and fruited with t^ parative ease, and where heat and space a^< command should be always found. E. ^ Strawberry Gunton Park ia pots.— I h^^ grown this Stniwlierry for several yeaiB! i ]iots, and tiiid it a most excellent variety forjirj ,lu, ing ripe fruit at the end of A)iril and ear! pail ,if M.,\. Ii i,,|uir,'sa liylit position and lira, iii'j ali.i,i-pl„i,' t,i s,l il H,-ll, but, given thi lai tailh ,al, li- to„i„l Mill, I h.- vield," while f -1/,', ,M,l,,ui, ami g,-n,aal app,_'arance it has li rual ai Ikal season of the year. The plan -oiiHimi.- toriii a good many crowns, but th ,lo,- imi maiter with sorts that are not forci early. Aluieuver, Gunton Park being a mo vigorous grower, the bloom - trusses are vei strong, and, as in open-air plants, the fruit borne on stout steins, which need no supportir J as some sorts do. It is a first-rate traveller.— J. ( Apple Hoary Morning.— This variety aj ]i,ais to hav,- done better than usual last seasi jmlging by ih,- fieiiuency with which it has bet i,-t,ii,,l to b\ growers in various parts of tl ,-,Miuii\ 111 11',,- li,irii,-iiltural press, and by t! ,-\,-,-ll,i,i -p,-,iiu,i,~ sia,_rcd by Mr. Tallack attl lirill Mall ,.ii lb, -'.Mil ult. These, it appears, tre fa. the cultivati xte Appli are losin //.- rlur than usual. Th ler litteil for eultivatic he kingdom than in tl it is seldom seen at tl nd as home grown, bi IS frequently staged i| lurserymen often contftij e admiration of groweij . The late Mr. J. Rus on this as one of the besi t pains in its cultivatio; ialiti,-s. In this he wi because the natural heat of the season is most helpful to the full development of the plant, and , that in the least possible time. Suckers planted ' Protecting Apricots. In most locahtii, where Apricots are valued the trees will by th time be protected in various ways from cuttin] winds and destructive frosts. Those gardens aij April 10, 1897.1 THE GARDEN. 265 tixinu ricol \> ,h a a, n of iine flowers for cutting wi their entile length of stem to use in large vas in the lioiise. A market grower would g treble the quantity of flowers, smaller, it true, but the quantity essential all the same make the house pay its way. In this hou , tlieie are twn leiiire and two side l)enches, , liatli .ai.iilp , -hlr. aiel a ] ilaiik gangway 1 fo j Plum Green Gaqe. From a photograph sent bii Mi> The Mount, Budleigh Salterton, Dei-on. most of the varieties entitles them to this popu- larity, though, as a class, they are less hardy and more fastidious as to soil than are most other Plums. In addition to its use as a des- sert fruit the common Green Gage is in great request for kitchen use, also for jam making, and f.,r Imtlling, indeed it would not pay to •'IS it IS iiN|.itssil.lu ii. lei tlie fruit hang long i'i"i''' ''■'' li \\as|isaii(l liirils. Totheprivate g'"'!' II. 1 It I- a iiitl.' aiiieiyiiig to see the market lillril mill Ca-^e^ |ilii.>kril long before they are 111"- ''II' ei"n n^ fia sale know their business, aiai liiid lliai II IS Miily liy .selling them in this s'li'' iliat ila\ ran make the crop pay. The iiliening fruit splits l.adly in showery weather, so taking all things into consideration the pro- duction of a full crop of Gages in perfect con- dition for dessert requires a good deal of care. It is popularly snp]„,sed llial^llie honour of in- ti'"lie me lli- Cir, n ( orjc inio ijii-^ eomitry be- l';li'-- 1" ^11 T ^i> m 1 lut ihc out- ■ garden may, by a wise selcL-tinii nt \aii.tif-. entquitea bright and eliarniin^j a|.| .. .n an. . ng September and October, aial .m n 1 nj- t II the weather remains open. Thr tma « h^n '■!■> of a dowdy hue were the rule, happily, is -iiae past, and in their place we have quite u list of beautiful sorts, which would ri\al in ■ar the later varieties, which are always es:- n|itd for their wealth of colour. The early and »el-early Chrysanthemums should now become mi formidable rivals to the Dahlia, Michaelmas rally so disastrous to other less ing. when propagation is being tniiiqiet flowers, large-b! ned Fuchsias grow like weeds ami flower with great freedom, whilst of Irises, the Siianish (I. Xijihium), Iniailths of wliite and purple Flag Iris and I. Iiii'iilaiia are to bo found in bloom. Pelar- 4"iii s, zonal, fancy, and Ivy-leaved, grow wiihul any attention save that of keeping 111! Ill within bounds; indeed, great, strag- uIiiil; lu.is.ses, which have obtained jirecarious I'li'i la. Id on narrow ledges of jirecipitous ii"k. may be seen covered with bloom. W ilh Ivy-leaved Pclai-.^roniinns L'r..wiii- so well, many are the lifautiful imiini |iMsriited by the salmon-coloun il Mm. ii I.ngthsof w;dl 8 feet high .ilis..hit. I> ...mi,.! «iih bloom liciiiL; iiiily a ([uestioii i.t t\v.i ..i ilin-e years. I ill..] Innately, the exquiMii' S.iu\ciiir de ( lia] lis Turner does not M.ni 1.. has .• arrived huiu as yet, though I was sin .w 11 some small unbloomed plants which were said to produce flowers of a darker colour and may prove to be :iiiost spherical in shape, t jperb flowers, but only of that the variety in (|uestii Paris Daisies in huge (1..U.I-,-.. are lli.W ikM^ tains and among some of the best of a nice rr|iri-M-iitative collection. Most gardeners would |iiul.al.ly appreciate a batch of plants of this kind, as the labour saved through not having to pot on those sorts intended for the outdoor garden is im- jiortant to those whose hands are generally pretty full at such a season. D. Cr.i Flower Garden. MARCH FLOWERS AT GIBRALTAR. As seen from the man-of-war anchorage oil the New Mole, there was a purple-pink flusli over the hillside of South Town, Gibraltar, on March 1. Nearer inspection proved this to be pro- duced by the blossoming of quaiititios of .Judas trees (Cercis siliqiiasti umV wliirh un.w in the majorityofthegaiiUiis.it Iha m.iiIIuih end of The Rock. Some ..f thrse (iibi.altar gardens are very beautiful, the most noteworthy being that of the senior naval officer, which, including a paddock, is about 9 acres in extent, and is in March indeed a garden of sweet scents. Ma.sses of Heliotrope are in full 1.1. ...m, hedges 8 feet high, pergolas half -c.m 1 ..l wiili it, great trails of its fragrant flowers wamliriii..; among the Arum Lilies (llichardias) wliieli .n.' tl.iwer- ing in profusion, while scented I.i.:m1iI s .f Freesias perfume the air, butperh.a|.s it is ihc <>niiit;p trees, covered with golden fruit and l.ri.lal l.k ss .ins. whose odour now preponder- ii.- Ill tills '^.irden of peace." Abutilons are .^i.at l.ushrs 7 feet and more in height; .f al j present race arkably dwarf kind of plant ■1. ..I i...iiits in I ill.. I li. im1 viyul colour. An e.spucially ellcctivu jilaut of this BougainviUea is growing on a wall, quite 30 feet in height, just outside the south gate of the fiirtress, and is now a sheet of brilliancy in i!ir sill. 11..; sniiIiL;lif. F]..ii-is' Cinerarias are I.!..- •..i.iiir.' lii\iinanil\ 111 ill.' i.|ien, and great 1.'; li. • ,,f (lie mIL.w -il..\\, a.'d C. maritinia iiiiMy f.ri tludiigli aic. ti. ill' seen in some gar- deii.s, w liile in that of which I now write Car- nations jind many of the Gladiolus family are in bloom ; Coronilla glauea is 5 feet high, and Clematis revoluta, almost a tree, both being in flower. Great Daturas, as the evening falls, distil subtle perfume from their long, white ..I iiani.iilal in full lil.i..m on trellis and per- 'jiila, anil, r. nisii l.a iiiu' the rainle.ss season — for (iil.ialtar lias i\|.i rieiiced a dry January, Feliruary and .Maivli inslaad nf its iisn.illy copious rains duiing tlms.- nmnllis air 1... ik- ing extremely hrallli\', tla.iiuli .l..iil.tlrss the soil of The Rork is ii..t an i.l.al ..iir f..r Roses. In this .^.anlm thr l.r.ls ..f S|,aia\is are quite a sight, wliilrlhr llriinii.la an.i .Maili.iiiia Lilies will soon br Iniist iiil; int.. Ili.w.r. .Sinilax (Mvrsiphvlluiii as|.ai.i.4..i.lrs) .jr.. ws well in the oprii, and tlir st ar-sliaprd Tritrlria iiiiitl.ira, Tr,,|,a.,liiin ranaririisr. Verl.riias and Sweet \i. . lets (]iiiiiilr and white) are all cultivated in i|iiantity. and for tine form there are the Bam- I s and thr fruiting Bananas (Masa), although in si._;lii .irmss the Straits lies the .snow-covered raia^r nf llu' Atlas Mountains, while the feathery, ilrn..|iiiig f.iliagr .if thr T.'|i|irr trees, in tender cniitiast ti. tlir liaiil niitlinr.if tlie rugged Stone In the Alameda, or public gardens, the scarlet- flowered Aloes (A. socotrana) have been a bril- liant sight with the vermilion of their countless Kniphofia-like flower-heads, and here and there a tall flower-stem of the American Aloe (Agave ainericana) rears its (juaint inflorescence high in air. These gardens, with their restful avenues of immobile Stone Pines and their capabilities for the successful culture of many lovely plants and trees of fine form, rich colouring, and grateful aii\- ..,'irat .■xtriit, s| ..■riiii.ais nf tliat ingenuity ul'iirli (Irliglits 111 lasl.i ng t>..iii growing pku its wliat would lie far mure iiitulligrbly and efiectively conveyed in other materials, to wit, beds consisting of words in copy-book hand, imiieiial crowns, and diverse insignia. Still, in this an. I ..tlnr •gar.leiis thnv aiv niaiiv interest- iii..- an.l l.raiitifnl si,l.|r,'ts in ll..». ,'aiid leaf. Al.H'asias, Aiislialiaii WatlKs in Nanrty, Ane- inuiies, especially a |iirlly |iiii|.l..' .\. c.ironaria, Cannas, Bignonias. s. ai I. 1 an.l jmrple Cupheas, which are quite lai.,^. Im-lus, crimson and orange Habrothaiiiiiiis. s.iilii Hibiscus trees, wreaths ,.f iniriil.' 1 1 - '.,. . i. I'ln: fi I.ianrli pink). pnr,,lr K I . n. i ' ..Imiala. pink Oxalis, larri, ,,,-,. ...I,,,,,,.! MrMinbiy- anthemuins, Phyllota ijhyllic. aides, crimson Ranunculi, Plumbago cjqiensis just breaking into flower, bushes of scarlet and jiurple Salvia, Solanum jasminoides and a purple climbing Solanum, Spiraav prunifolia fl.-pl., and wealth of Wistaria bhissom, the Court of Justice 2r,8 THE GARDEI^. [April 10, 1897. having at the present time a deep cuiioj.y ..f the scented lavender flowers before its win. I. i« s. Of trees, beside the sombre Stone I'iiic ami graceful Pepper tree, the Peaches are :i lirauti ful sight and tlie Hawthorn is in fnll l,|.„,ii,, as is the False Acacia (Rol.inia). A linr Ura-mi tree (Drae;ena Draco), saiil to lir ovir liKlii \ c ai , iliii .Irnii.lr mainlan.l 111.. Col k Oak in qnantity an.l is api bark foi many fix-t ni laight without any in jiirious ertcct on its constitution. On the slopes of The Rock the wild Olive grows, mingling its i^rey-green with the darker shades of the Stone Pines. The vr^'itation that grows wild on the face ofTheltink aliii\c or outside the cultivated line is, consi.k nil- ila paucity and apparent poverty of thi soli, ivinaikal.l. . Clifls many hundred feet hi^h tliai apprai to hr ,ivM,'rlrss surfaces I lork ai.' si M.iiliil o\ i.-r muchof the'ir lieiglit with growing tliin-s, the grey of Prickly Pears (Opuntia), Aloes, Gorse and various other subjects clinging teTiaciously to the smooth cliff-face. The Asphodels are in full tiowrr. and thoiml, iialiN i.liially not espe- cially att i an u r. ,av:it- a |,|,asiii- |Hrmia- wlini oneh.oks.loiM, a -I,, p. MoUN .lo|H. Il,-1,-V,l,ll- with nlal,^ iliousaii.l lall llou n-sraprs. ovi-r wliidi thr swallows hawk uncea-shigly. White Alliuiii IS .also in bloom, and a small brown Anstolochia is to lie found covering bushes with its inconspicuous tk--vi- t , the very summit of The Rock, win-' ' - i-ht of close upon 1500 feet. Ken i - !■ i --covered a colony of Madonna Lila- i\.. -in-lidum), which will soon be in Idoom, growing in crevices of the rock where hardly a particle of soil seemed to be lodged. The Lilies were barely 1 foot 6 inches high, but aiiiiearecl healthy, their presence is able bull and jiossesses a little plot of garden, to which source may also be referred a large clump of Antirrhinum growing in proximity to the Lilies. On the south-eastern side of Gibraltar, beneath the perpendicular cliffs, is a slope composed of solid rock and detritus, on which many flowers are now in bloom. First, as appearing in the very ]iatlis, isa)uett\' |iiiiple ( 'rocns. with the base of its cup a l.rijiit u-M. iliai spruces appa- rently from the SU.I -,a-l,eW :-t-la II ulllcll the green lizards lovu to Ijask. On the lower cliff edges the Bladder Campions grow and the Sea Lavenders are just coming into flower, while Mallows, pink and sulpliur hued, the charming little Iris filifolia, Iberis gibralt.aiica. :\raiigolds, wild Mignonette, great tliiiups of .Sella piiu- viana, with here and tliiie S. caiiip.iinil.it.i, alternate with patches of golden (jorse, I'al- metto scrub and the wide-leaved Ruscus. On the western side the Honeysuckle, over whose scented blossoms, on gaudy wings the orange- tip butterflies hover, is frecpient. and t.ill bushes of Broom are yellow with flower, wliilst in every vacant sjjace the goIcU^n ( Ixalis (now single, now double) and Periwinkles (Viiica). mostly pale blue, but occasionally white, abound. From the "galleries" on the north front — once the defence from landward invasion, but now super- seded by more powerful batteries on the ex- treme summit — one obtains the best view of Iberis gibraltarica growing in its native habitat. From the pierced holes in the cliff, formerly occupied by ordnance, one looks down a sheer fall of many hundred feet. Below, dozens of brown-red kestrels wlieel in and out or float, piiised on moveless pinions, whilst in har- monious familiarity the blue pigeons dart to or from their nesting places on the ledges and I levices of the rock. On the face of the cliff the lavender-white patches are at first scarcely ilistinguishable from their grey setting, but soon thi' eye, becoming accustomed to the colour- I IKS. is enabled to detach them from their -111 I -umlings. Fine clumps some of them are, ii.Neie.l III liloom and growing seemingly at 111 the neighbourhood of Gibraltar the .sweet ( 'ytisus is in bloom on the low slopes, spreading its fragrance far and wide. A bright crimson Vetch-like flower makes brilliant spots of colour, \v hile in the Cork woods the white Cistus and Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum) ai e flowering. Iha\e also seen flowei spikes of a golden yel- many growers not to be a generally good c At Gunton I have seen it in full bloom in the < border in September. — J. C. COB.EA SCANDENS. This plant, introduced from Mexico rafi over 100 years ago, has been long known i appreciated as a good greenhouse cliinlier, esp cially where the rapid and eft'ecti\e clothing large areas with greenery was rei|uired rath tliaii any brilliant disjjlay of flower. It is q «it!iiii c-i 1 1 1. .natively recent years that itl hccu iitiliseil largely for outdoor work. Itgi^i lite as fast and possibly even str TOB than when under cover, and additional imp^jj _. y fx considerate can be given by planting in a thoroughly compost if greenery is the low Lupine, but whether cultivated or wild I was unable to discover. S. W. F. Gibraltar. Violet Comte de Brazza.— "Dorset " re- cently spoke of this double white Violet, and stated that he had been very successful with it for a good many years ; I wish I could say the same, as I think that for mixing in bunches with either Marie Louise, Lady Campbell or Neapolitan it is a beautiful variety. By mixing, its beauty is shown off to greater advantage than when bunched separately. A dozen years ago I introduced it into this garden, getting my stock of runners from a well-known Norfolk (frnwer. The first spring it paid for the labour, bhiomui.j- very fairly, but the next and many folhiwin- years, although the plants grew well enuiii^h dm ing summer, they were almost flowerless. At last 1 reluctantly discarded it, devoting the frame space to better doers. Like "Dorset," I think climate affects Comte de Brazza, as it has been proved by A trial of several different climbers some y ago to determine what was really the best th for the summer clothing of balconies, porti of verandah trellis- work and the like led to conclusion that there was nothing better for purpose than the Cobaea, and it has been lised largely ever since, most important po in its favour being the retention of clf healthy foliage and continuation of gro right away to the advent of frost. It is particular in the matter of soil, a compos two parts loam and one of leaf -mould suitin very well either when planted in the Oi ground or confined in pans or boxes. In i latter case it will be found .advisable to re to a little artilii ial feeding when the plantsll iiiaile coiisiileialile headway. In addition t<, value .as .1 climber, it can be employed ii efl'ectively as a trailer either for very large v. or for the outer ring of raised beds, and if latter are rather high, no plant will clothe . I April 10, 1897.] THE CxARDEN. 269 les so quickly. Plunts, if lu-adod liack inid unsferreil to ))(it.s at the rlc.sr ..f ihc season, II be kept over for .iii.il In r vi.ii , Imt this is t advisable, and I kIihuM pi .li r i.. start with Iwtch of stroni; seedlings. Tlie seed is not, as rule, very relial)]e, and 1 have invariably tn it in some tlnee dci/.en seeds to secure oiie- ii\l that nuiMl)er of plants. The single pot stem is the best, and the plants can then main undisturbed until they are ready to out. The time of sowing will depend the heat at connnand. If this is fairly I, it is certainly not advisable to sow too I. Once out of the seed-leaf the plants , at such a pace that a lengthy sojourn in i^th, md a few degree.s of frost, but I have iiev rried them safely tluvjugh the winter even e mildest season. E. Burkell. LENTEN ROSES AT THE DRILL HALL. page 207 "A. D." speaks of the exhibits . iii;i vp of these handsome sidjjeets uh.ii fnlh r- lOi^ied. This was the fact b..tlj .i- le-.n.U iiiety as also the condition in whieh iii.iii\ W m , own. Indeed, many were out of .on. In nin .ili, .■ther; therefore it is to be liuped i n,' \wll liagine the Drill Hall .Aliiliii- of ihe-e ,,,, i |i,. ,|,i\ jnnedat all woiih>' the planis i lieniseUe-, s',, -y to preserve the old leaf.tge in ec"id .■ In mn iui year to year, and as those ^^llo li.ne -iuho I'-e iiUyits to any extent know fnll well, n i- i h,' n ditticult as one gets nearer London \\itii iis _- and smoke and other things. Further, at -■' -07 "A. D." refers to the leaflessness of these III-, and asks if it was a result of the excessive \ ne>s of last summer, adding if this were so, " it ight have been expected that the wet autunui nuld have produced handsome leaf growth " that e open winter would not have harmed. In the ■st place the heat of last summer would ha\e iithing to do with leaHessness in these plants at il, inasmuch as the only leaf giowth made the year by these forms of the Helleb made in spring directly after the flowei i fie wet autumn, therefore, would be hel|ih -- producing" handsome leaf growth at all, a- le leaf growth of the year would then be mat ] nearly so. The new foliage sn (pnckh s jeding the flowering in spring i)i the-e ].{:, |!iy to some extent account for di-lijnnrl |, n at this time the swelling of the i io«n- nni- • the uprising flower-stems and the m w i,,li, ess the old stems outwards and often I. \ .1 » e earth. In this way disHguiemeni (|iiiel sues from a variety of causes, while I am ned to regard the black spots as a disea-e me kind, or may be to some extent the n- scorching. Very frequently the pieri'ine- « ,, spring play great havoc with the foliujTe. tl ite young and tender, and for this reason i mts are more secure where they recei\e e, int .shelter from this cau.se. Size of stem a would greatly depend on the \aiiei ough more perhaps on the actu.il .eje. e,,n|,l th the general vigour of individnal kind-, "s respect thare is, of course, noeomparnij -u antiquorum and gwttatus with |Mn|Hn.i-'i torquatus, the latler eharacteii-e,l In ,|i, IS and ,small dull blossoms, the foine, l,\ , , j i growth and in many instances IlmmI- n iped flowers that are 'frequentlv beautitnl otted. Like many other plants, these re( pin. eat depth of good sandy loam and a posiii re dryness, hot sun, and keen biting wi"''s • reach them. The majority of gardens St the place these things delight in if it wei 'i-e often looked for, and in suitable spots fe plants are more effective, p iind early summer when th. lire fully developed, and, storm, display their shiiiin; EREMURI FROM SEED, h,as sent m( e some Eremurus seeds lem '! The varieties ar limalaicus, E. turkestani M. T. his. il, d the seeds since ripe have been ]ireser\i il I paper or a glass phial, or some ecpiiva kely to preserve their vitalit \ , (it Wever, " G. M. T," « ill lie the hesi' pal.J,, The seeds need only be eo\ el ed ipnie iliiiil\,aiai as a set-off against freipieiil w.ilenn'js some iliii-k darkened glass or a rootiiej slate -1 1,1 l,e pkieed over each r.o\. This i- ,a -nnple, l Immj I, helptnl way in raisln-j in.allN llillej- li.iin -ee,|,llie vlale covering iiismiirj con^ianl iinilniniii\ oi mni- ture withoiil the eaie aial endle-- 1,,:.,,- ineime bent on careless, frequent and o\ei-aliundant watering o%erheacl. Raising the Eremuri to the flowering size from seeds is very slow work. In instances where the freshly gathered seeds have been sown as soon as ■pe the young plants have apiieared in a few weeks, and about the base of a floweiing example Iris orchioides — Like many other things, p'^.?'-il'!■al'!'n^^a'-:''n!*;!,l/'o^^'^Vl^^'''^of .\iarel,, Il I, ene ,,l llie mimaliiM el,,-, and »anl- a pi,,,.- ,ill„ 1 »,ll ,1 1 1 ||„. I |,.|. t'jl,,«li«llli ,,lli,-r llniej-, ,„■, if nal in a li-.-,l , -nine ,-i -. Inn ^ni.ill. i Inl- and alflll-ints :,( lllr I.HIrl- Lm.K :ivr lu'llrr ■^ux pended in [.ans ■•>■ suiall biiskuts iic^t tar trum the light. Use tlie greatest care in disentangl- ing the roots, and where the.se firmly adhere to the basket-rods or sides of the pots or pans, endeavour to introduce these entire into the new ones. Where jjlants have been in the same ]5ositioii for a number of years, tlie lower part of tin- stem maybe fonml i|uite ile\oii| ,if r.mtsanil oftentimes more "1 less denn.il. 'i'lns nia\ lie removed with aih anfa-i-, as it a]|..^^s .t the treatment, and it distiiiel]\ iiii|H.i appearance of leggy oi- uninh -,|, Of course, with the smaller i;ri.\Mi this must be gone about ^vlth care, but even here the same rule Clean freshly-gathered Sjihagnum Me crooks and charcoal added in v.-irii.i away, "these new?v-|,lante.l s|,eeniiens will °be found to take watei- ..ftener than nthers that have been longer in their |Hits inches across, the usual com- post and treatment of the roots as recommended tor Odontoglots suiting it well. — R. Oncidivim cucuUatum.— This is a verv Initdit usetul Uiehids. It is a native ot where it is found growing at great elevations. ARPOPHYLLUM GIGANTEUM. This is not a jjopular Orchid by any means, yet a well-grown and well-flowered plant is almost sure ali-l l„alllrra l,,lej , 1 1 oo|'„ i','.' l" ' i f . 1 1 , .1,',' 1 i " ba'^";-'.!' «lii,li till- ll..uei-s|,iki- lssn,.s. 'I'lns ,s Ion- :iii,l ii-iially erect, closely covered Mith small i,-\ pinpli- blossoms, and as the spikes are iiimlii, , il fi, 111! almost every one of the new growths, laije their culture. Hea\ily shaded, moist, and very hot positions are not suitable, growth being free enough, but few flowers produced. In lusily .Almost exactly tlie same condition of tilings is biouu;ht about by allowing them to become \\ ater - logged. In the former case the roots are starved and cannot find moisture enough for the wants of the plant ; in the second they fail to carry out their proper functions, being stifled. a s|.ieuk, by the close, spongy material ^.k^, Keep them plump and healthy, then.i iiig judiciously, and keep the atmospKei them in a nice equable state as regaie me. On very liot days a yentle overhi ■ ■ult llie l.lalil- ionu,-l in .-..oli-i ,|iiall, ing Lhelu slouly onutteruanls, Ihe iiig may be leiigeiithed or postponed. The floTO last about a month in good condition if not damage and kept in a cool, dry house. SHORT NOTES.-ORCHWS. J Maxillaria sanguinea. — In habit this s ii.li lesiinbl.s the better-known M. tenuifdli e ]is,u,l,i-liiilljs oieniring on upright rhizome at s 1 mount well above the compost. Tl ige on jilaiits I noted recently was a v^. m fol little'broade'r and the flowers , ^ sojials and jietals are yellow with reddish-brcSi inaikiiius, these extending nearly all over.||| latter. Tin- lip has a pale yellow tinge at'" bi--. til, liMiit portion pure white, and it ' lapj,. iv,l bl,,t,-h on the disc— R. Lielia cinnabarina. — The bright s,'ailet racemes of this Lielia are now very tiful in many collections. These prod many flowers, each about 2J inches across. p-,n,l,i-bulbs are swollen below, tapering \\ai,ls, and bear one, or occasionally a pair ,|, , P '41-een leaves. It does well in a rough, oj ,l,-~, 1 iptiou of compost consisting of peat ^| Spliiij 1 Moss, and the Cattleya house sur"" »,ll wliil,- 'jifiwing. It is a native of Bi Mil, n, , II \^ as introduced in 1861. De nd 1 ob i um splendidissimum. — This lifiil liyl,ri,l an, I lis \ariety 1). s. grandiflorumi i,..\\ 111 ll,i\\,i, an, I I In- difl'erence between thi sulli, 1, III lo uananl the varietal name, alb( makes It lalher a long one. In the latter the soras are much larger, the petals and the on the lip much brighter, and the yellow around the margin is more pronounced, wei ,• lais, il in the first instance by Messrs. ,if ( 'li.'ls, a, I hi' variety possibly from better fdiil] ,,t III, pa I, 11 1 species, viz., D. nobileandB, Cypripedium Empress. — This is one Ml, Diill's raising and belongs to the Selei , bright and \ means so distinct as i emely bright and V red tint, and the \ 111 is usual with thes9'4| linst them very prei he dorsal sepal and ered with minute d(j portion. In habit ipedium placidum.— This |ii,itv hybrid raised by Mr llo^^elingin his Chelsea nurs. llial ,,f r, niHuii,-, but has,, ,|islin,-t te,ssellati. of a ,l,-,-p,a- linl ii|.,in the shining gnx-n groin' colour. The dorsal sepal is of fine form, bron and spreading, pure white on the upperportio! the base pale green, lined with darker green ai| piir)ile-bi-own. The petals are yellowish, sbadiil below t,i ,ji,',n and purple, and have a few diiij Masdevallia militaris. — The flowers of tl, Masdevallm are extremely bright and telling. Tl leavesare thick and of good colour, the flowers beii freely produced over a considerable season. Thi are bright red, striped with vermilion, and simil;| in shape to those of M. ignea. Its culture ist same as usually practised for M. Harrya ignea and similar kinds, and consists ArRiL 10, 1897.] lem cool 1111(1 moist all the year round and i lowing the roots to remain in a close or « gged cH.iii|.,,M. Til. pnis „-.,! nr,M no rge. ami tli.' i.^n;,! |„,ii ainl Mm., ,ni\liii,' )0d dnini;i'j.- ,1111- II ^^, 11. 'I'lir |,l,iill~ ;i|.-. Ved l.vMiu,,^ Muili^ht.-u 'h.ul,. h.-;n •athi-r. THE GARDEN. 271 Notes of the Week. Claytonia caroliniana is a imitv spi iwering plant, isnt-i-i.-ilK wIhmi- it i-:in sely and come u|, in pl.-nu ; n, p,„k 1h„|. nk-shaded l,l.,s.s,,nis;,,, ,|,;,i,. pi,.,,,,,;.;. jLenten Koses. X..i w nl, ,!,■,,, ,1im.,- il,,, Utsof the l«lst i,■^^ i,|.jl,|,, ill,' 1i:,ih U. ,i,„. ,,,; these ill the rn,>k ^;, ,,!,.,, ,11 K.^.^ ;,,,. ,,, I,,,, 1 and fresh as ,„„■ ,,,,,1,1 ,|,.„,,. ||„. ,,,|i leaves are taoh some (i inches long and :i inches wide at the broadest part. It is a of Turkestan. Narcissus triandrus. iMuscari botryoides pallens.— The paU Ine flowers of this plant are now very interest' \s. the shade of colour so nearly uniform in tone I ..ariiig to advantage against that of the darki i iid>, particularly such deep violet-purple varie- > as M. Gussoni. Cushion Irises. — This has been a bad .iir for Cushion Irists. If th-v can stand sihI, 'winter as tlie last of evn-lastiiig wet tliev i-e mimiH.r 1 eir desires i _ V of Witihl. Aubrietia deltoidea var. Dr. Mules. iriety having very deep violet-coloured bl,,,,,,, Jd bearing this name is flowering at Kew .it i jesent time. It is much the deepest eolom lin we have seen, though as yet no opportuni ■afforded of seeing an established mass of it, le plants have only recently been put out. Omphalodes verna alba.— There are soi shadv Ot 111 rpet pla . . jiarablt nh the tine clear blue of the tyiiical species. Fritillaria Sewerzowi. — Both in growth and itlower this is unlike nianv of this varied n-r,inp,. 1 growth, ho\vr\-.T. lb,' plant ciines laai I., a ylow-green lilos--,.iii, an- ,|,iitc ili>tiiiit. ili.' itl in the heavier soils this is eertalnly thec-ise.'' fris mesopotamica.— A distinct and pretty ¥cies that somewhat resembles the lovely I. hioides in its leaf growth, though the foliage is Ih glossy and more broadly acute than in that ies. The flowers are also most distinct, the of the falls white, and the minor segments of ntermediate shades to I- weeks been flow still numbers of In •>ssional blooms. Ti ids of bulbs are gm ig is of interest, pretty (lowers wouh ie work, their (i incl (Dentaria) pinnata. large mass of this tl.UUt Sll you : of Violet Princess of Wales grown :lie open garden. The stems are each 9 inches oni;. ,iiid til- blooms, which are thrown well i'' '^'' till f,,li.iL:e, each measure over 1 inch across, iihI -111, II as .-weetas those of the Russian Violet. W. .1. HiiiN, Cromer. *.* Handsome flowers. This variety deser\es 1 place in every garden where Violets are grown. Anemone ranunculoides. — A j'ear ago in la; Iloyal Caidens at Kew this lovely golden i\ iniltlowei- raipeti'd the ground beneath a spe- ■n-< of .M.i.^iiolia (.M. glauca, if we remember day, 1 think you will notice what I me; then exceptionally pretty.— H. Ewhwk Caltha palustris monstrosa Mi sent planting of the Anemone. Epimedium pinnatum. ^^ hole of one of the few ith persistent leaf- pretty sprays of 's, owing to the IS as well as its ith alelicate skv elh. 5hionodoxa gigantea alba.— We saw this l.utiful snow-white form r|uite r. nth. It i- tiinistakably the giant form, .,ii,l tlinef,",!. \al,i- a« for its great vigour. It is |il.:,,ant t,, kn,.\\ t|t, having white forms of all the species or it '■«t three white forms, there mav be some hope opecuting such things in plenty and at a reason- ap price. Srythronium grandiflcrum.— This is the litest form, as it is also the most vigorous, of the Lks-tooth Violets. The pale yellow blossoms ai aUo of large size, and the stems in good es- tilished examples often rise to a height of 10 I'hes or more. Given a cool spot in moist loam oifeat and loam, such things are quite content for «bral years. lllium karataviense.— The species bearino- t I name at Kew is now throwing up its headt ^liloom- in the open border. In the meantime, hfjr' " '^ ^■'^'■y striking in its handsome, "IWly ovate leaves of a glaucous bronzy hue and Oihctly lined with red at the mar-^in The species IS worth groupir :■ and quite hardy. Bunch Primroses. — I send you some b of bunch riimroses. These are from a sel< I have been making for upwards of a dozen and now the type is so fixed that I seldom poor or weak flower. There are some aci \ yellows which are \ , It- "hole character was changed. I laiiild lia\c thought it possible that such a it look could be given to the whole thing, see it on a bright and somewhat windv :i- 1,1 Saxifraga raarginata is a charming member of tile ci ustai-cous Saxifrages, theflowersof which .lie pill,' uliitc, on sturdy stems, each about 3 iiicl,, - l,i'jl. It is also among the most compact aiil ti,i il ,\\ , ling, and when seen in good-sized , \.n,,pl, - 1, ,- a [iietty eflfect. Like S. Rocheliana a,iil II- \,M],iy cni-iophylla, the above requires pk ni\ .,1 -inoin, I i-t lire Or a position sheltered lr,aii il:,' l,,,ii--i -nil -the next best thing. I -uall\ t,„, liitlr loot-run is allowed for such Illinois, and as in their natural habitats they fre- li;n . - . :m Ii '_", I. i I u ery fifteen yt M.i The -weather in West Herts. unseasonablv .ol^l xm.iIImt boll, ,l„r: time an.l :ii lu-ln. At n- ii,,i- .ImI reading in sIlmIi^ c\. ■.■.(! Ill , \> Inlc m the exp— ^1 ili.Mi,i..iiH In t. II Inf. XI .ixci-iL'^ to, A|„il. Snow fell on two days of the wnk ^,, Hi, lout to cover the ground. On three ,l,,\- I.-- il,:i,, an hour's sunshine was recorded. — E. M.. Hi il.limnsted. Wintry weather in the vale of Festiniog. — A decided check to the extremely foi \\,ii,l m-.j, - tation has at last occurred in tlii- |,i,.,lit\, for o,, the moniiiig ,,f tlic :!Ofl, nit. i,, „ om,,,|,;,,,,i ,x .K shelteivil -|,ol. u,il, 11,, il„.,,,,on,,LT I l,,i -.Au.,, the groin,,!, s >,tt,o.| w , , . ,,- i-i .■,,■, i , \, ,i I, \,'i\ llo«,.,,,„4- \,-,ii,.M,.- ,,t n,,,,i- ,,, 11,11 l,l„ tiful objects, an.l ul,,,li ,.i..,,m-. .1 , heavy crops of fiini. l,.,,. :■'! il !i flowers destroy CI I. 'i'ln- 1,,,- ,i 1-.. I |-| case of a few forw :,,,! I', ,■,,-. l-,ni , ,, , .^ apparenllv >t 1 li,ii,'i. Siill. ,,,,,i, probablv u,ll , x,niii;,IIv ,lr,i|,. .\|.n, tered \\,ill- l,,i\ .■ , -, .■i|„ ,1 injiiiN. (iih. not bcill'j -o |,l,,-o,l,.,,~ ;,,■!■. 1 Im,|„'. |,i that the MMl„li,.n \v„- n,.l mnrh Irn.j or the ,l,-ti-,i,ii,„, H,„,l,l l,;,x,' I.,,,, plete. l;]„„l,«l.■,„ll,-l,^ n,i,,,i,i,i,-,l„, crimson,,!, I i,,-,, « , !,■ 'jiix w n 1, i,,\ , i;,,! trusses. \vl,„li hmxx ;,,,• \.\.u\s .-i,,,! Ih.im, lesssli..«\ ~iil,|..,i. I,„x,.„l.,, I,,.,. ,1,1,,, in the young giuwllis, Mhicli will nun of the plants for the season, and other flower-stems or trusses killed, depriv year's bloom. Since the 30th most wintry and a gale, all together most The ground continues in t I have as yet been unable that the extra expense of the change would ' lie abont €l(;o a \,„i-. Mr. Ak,-, -Dou-las h,| ■e|. l,„l 1,,' ili,' I ,„,,. f,„ ll„.,A|:, ,lll\ .Ie-ll,.| lo !„• ,1-~,,,,,| II,:, I ,1m any im|,l,,,, the soil .111 now. \\ I:, hoe «ith a few stout tines is lietter than an ordi- nary hoe where a digging foi-k cannot be used. -A. D. ^___ Public Gardens. I,e~,' l.ltx Us. .ru- ,..M i,V „n,l ,l„.MMy- i„.„,T,.. ;.fu „,l|,„i,ii,u,.,,.t over fUMKl.l, and \\,,^ ^,i|,|„i^,il to have been secured as a rural New suburban open space. — At a recent ,e,ln,e of the Hamiistead Vestry the (ieneral that the opening be a part of the Kew Gardens. .\ |,iil.l.,' ni.'.tin^ to s have t ing us Town Council, said that, in an inter\iew with I Mr. Akers-Douglas, he had been able to show him Obituary. 11, In. Ill 111 out V, \ .1, veais and soon a 1,1 ,111, 1,, I-: i"la li, .Mr. (;. Thomson resie ,,.i-il ,..1, , 1 1,,' CiA-tal Palace, Mr. Hea ■,|i|ioil,ti'l 1 is s i.ei.sor in 1879. The 1 Head w; s alwi \s ready to help in ca charity a id cases of misfortune that caim his notice TRADE NOTE. (i. H. Ri ,j \K1.S requests us to annoumc has reiiio ve 1 In ■< offices from Old Shot Wharf 1., !■_ 1. S nil, walk Slre,-t. S.E. (am now tl,. .In future 1, X the ni;,,„ Il, ,.■ 1, an.l storage of the llgli is horticultural sundries b Tl,.' \M,I, „. , SI 'S at Old Shot Tower \\h: iiniiiili"- Ii- taut are retained for the sti ,,eat, ma 111 and heavv goods gene March 31 1 S(I7. Crystal Palace fruit show. — The i) schedule for this show will be issued by the Ri. Horticultural Society in a week or ten da>s' tii and will contain ari authoritative list of lles^ and cooking Ajiples and Pears and Plums, ] free one penny. Donations towards the ]ii fluid w ill be i,;ratefiilly received by the society. Koval Horticultural Society.— The a f,„it an.l ll.aal ,„. ,1 i irn ,fl li,. TIox al n.,.ti,'.lltl and Primuhi Society will hold their annual s At three o'clock a lecture on ''Artificial Mam will be given by Mr. J. J. Willis. The David Thomson testimonial. — subscription list for M "" ' ' '^--^"-' close on Ma\ 1 , and i .-jnonial'J lopedall who intend | icriptions by the ah' Wiring fruit tree walls.— I am about' ,11,1,1 a fruit w,all round a garden, stone facedw,' I,,, k. Is it better to have strands of coppei|j ;,Imii,,-. .1 linn wire built along the wall ornj- l„,x . I,, a,. I that in severe frost the metal frefp ,„l n,i,,i.Nilie branches tied to it. Is that ji Names of plants.— G. Cump.— Pfudrol Fytchianum. J. SimfFOn.—l, poor Sp.rffia ; Pittospotum Maji; 7, Ela-agrus macropbjlla; Elaeagnus purgeiis variegata; 9, Eloeagiius purgi. Others next week. th:e3 C3-^:E^iDEi3sr. 0. 1326— V.L. LT. [APRIL 17, Mlsoellaneous : Umit'lils, Jas., M tion to . . . . of ' Simrrows and garden stuff. Notes of the Week :— Ainli'i)s;u-e pvrenaica . . . en Flora: ibtirnum .. oides .. 280 (Illustrations In Italics.) sti I A Ik ) 1 1, -, h,rri-.i flavonr Strawberries forced in cold AngrsBcum Elllsi . Brassia Wravfw Ciittlu.Vii citrinii . Orchard and Fruit:- Hampstead Heath Protection Society 2i London, public gardens in . . 2' Open spaces in London and Societies :— Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Royal Horticviltural . , , . Stove and Greenhouse :- America, Carnations in Asparagus Sprengcri . Calla EUii ' ' ' Carnation Mme. d'Albertina CarnatinnM in America Helio,.,i, ill., I;i. . .. Hil'l — ;— I- '■ .. JacaiMirl . ), . 1..; I Migl, p ., -'..-.VT- RhododeiHlr.,n \ itti.na Ke- gina Solanunis from seed . .. Spirsea astilboides Messrs. Veitch's, notes from Trees and Shrubs:— Dirca palustria Heliotrope, the Mounbiin (Ceanothus) Wistaria in Hants irislaria slunixi.i Week's Work : - ! Orchids. I ODONTOGLOSSUM EDWARDI. H distinct violet-purple blassoms i)f this spe- |ii'"Uiced upon erect stems, give it an ap- iiH I' Liitirely ditferent f rom that of all other ii'^lots. These flowers are only a little iliaii 1 inch acro-ss, but a great uninlicr r Minced upon the spike. The nuly ntlui- r IS a deep yellow blotch on the |ioiii|,il 111 habit it is strong, the pseiulo-lnillis ■ ih nly -I inches in height and clothed with -tr,i|isli.i], III leaves, each about 1 foot in 'i. n. IMwardi must be grown very -U. ami. unlike some otliers, will not II iiiilil tlie plant is well .able d. stand the The roots aie lai-ei- and nioia- tle.shy ~, and consequently want more pot 'I'wo inches, or even 3 inches, of compost J 1 are not too much for really strong, well- plants. Fill the pots to about two- of their depth with clean eiocl;s, and ith Moss to prevent the peal wasliin- iiiiong them. The compost iiiiist I.- mil sutticini,'. Often wlien turnin.' lat pot. the roots will be found in bad cou- I. and this notwithstanding the plar.t was appearance healthy. In such a case con- ' ilile care is necessary, as often the only loots are twining about among others that ' ' ayed, and the one is damaged in reniov- lic other. Remove everything that is " to become .sour or d'icayed, whether it is '■'"or old compost, and wrap a little fresh luah-ial round the remaining roots. Place the plats in position so that the base of the '"^n- bulbs is just above tlie rinj, and fill > to the top withrougli crocks .md iliai.oal, Ic .Moss and peat overinn- this. I'lants 'licir roots in good order would of course if'iently treated. If they had done so 'lilt a much larger pot than before was "1. then the roots need hardly be dis- " d at all, only removing a little of the com- jJ>J'i and any that appeared to be decaying "«'v. In this case more compost would be »'V\able, but even here the crocks and char- coal must be very freely used. The safest time to repot is after the flowers are past ; thoULjh a few plants that are in poor condition may I"- seen to at any time with advantage, for often Orchids are left in rubbishy material that tliej would be better by far out of, and hung up in a suitable atmosphere without anything at all around them. After repotting, take the plants at once to time well on the di will cause tin- l.attci^ will soon i.ush into year round a nice m should be kept uji .■ should be carefull\ during the suniii e at the roots. This CI ime active, and they lew material. All the mil mild temperature tlic plants, .and they Icctcd from the sun iths, Imt e.\|M.sed to every ray of light during winter. The species is a little erratic in its manner of growth and rest, and I have had plants when in the middle of growth stop suddenly from m> apparent cause the plants last a very long time in flower. The dorsal sepal is pale green in gronnd colour witli liiM s of .a much deeper tint ami ,i laoa'l inaijinal I'amI of |,ure white. The petal- :iie t«i-r ,l ,-,- m • '. Cliaiaberlainianum, while the li,. „ .i le.ldi-l, mauve, margined at the opening and slameil ni the throat with yellow. Cattleya Trianae Gamma. — This is one of the finest varieties of C. Trianae and i|nite dis- tinct. The flower is very laije ami \\ e|| foi-med, the sepals and petals a |ireii\ -oti m-. . l.iitthe lip is the most distinct part ot tic iPmei. The usual blotch in front is a deep \eKel.\ crimson, and in place of the broad lemon-yellow area in the throat is a band about an eighth of an inch wide of very deep orange ; on each side of this is a margin of pure white, which helps materially to show up the rich tints of the other parts. A fine specimen is now in flower at Mr. Bull's. Dendrobium crassinode album. — At Messrs. Sander and Co.'s nursery at St. Albans there is a really magnificent form of this variety. The blossoms must be each over S inches across, of the chitc ig the yellov if til Till more es|,eci.ally when tlic-rowtli is free and llic spikes are foianing, though this rs nsu.ally dur- ing winter. I'lentiy of .ur inu.st be allowed, this causing the foliage and bulbs to take on a rich bronzy reddish tint. O. Edwardi is named after Mr. Edward Klaboch, who discovered it in Ecuador and sent it home about 1878. It first flowered in England in 1880. K. in the I most , next mum, often e the >epals Oncidium Brunleesianum.— This is a rare and very pretty little Oncidium, a native of South America, whence it was introduced in 1883. The spike is erect and bears se^•eral blossoms, the sepals and petals of which arc a li-ht rrcamv Vcllow. The lip is liuite ditteient I r, .m that .'.f lia-,- sepia bluteh, and this colour is lejieated ni hues along the throat. It was flowering recently at St. Albans. Cypripedium Victoria Marie.— The habit tlii- uth Cjrpripedium leucorrhodum. — This pretty hybrid is now in liloom in most collections, and is always admired. It is the result of a cross be- tween C. Roezli and C. Schlimi albifloruni. and the habit is strong and vigorous. The dorsal sepal is white with a light suffusion of pale ros.-, the petals long, pure white at the base, the tips lo^y mauve. The principal colour in the lip i- pale i..-e. Put in some varieties this becomes iieii 1\ |iiio uluie. It belongs to the Selenipedium -.i ,ii l,\l,iids and produces a great many flowers all up llie s))ike. It is easily grown un(h r tlie ordinary conditions man iiUci-mediatc tciiipeiature. Dendrochilum glumaceum.— Some very fine specimen plants of this swcttly -eeutiil ( irchid may now ne seen in flower ,it M1--1- S.ander's nursery. Two I especially not. . I w , n miliemost robust health, and carryiicj -. miii\ md fifty Mom er-spikes respectively. I I • -■ -| - ■ c ■ ii> were -u-|ieii,Pil from the roof ill oil. 1 -.-.and ilie 111. lung, semi-pendent spil - i,, _ 1, jiaceful liicitusioii among tne rich gii I II 1..I i.e., i.ipnring 274 THE GARDEN. Apeil 17, 18971 neither stakes nor ties, and Juniu'/ ;i \. i\ natural and pleasing appearance. I). ijIniiMii nni i-. per- haps, the most popular in the ;;. nil-. ,111-1 lliliveS well in a light position in a iiiudLiatLlv warm house. Plenty of water is required while growing, but after the bulbs are made up a good rest is necessary. — R. Epiphronitis Veitchi, -As sn,^■^l■st(•fl l.y tin- f™;. large as those of a colour the deepest Suns lit (liiU.-.i anil ixlii'liiti 1 l.\' lllnni l.i't.il. the'ili.val llMlhrultillal S,in„ IV in .Inn.-, ISIIII, when It Nva^ ,lr>ulM-.lh a«; .l.il a lirst-clas= certitiL-ute. At St. Allian- n i .ji..\Miig freely in small pans in an inti-i mi ilul i i iii|.. lature. Lycaste cruenta. 1 lu- ii-ilnl and free- floweringkind slmiiM \,r niun ij.ii.iiillv ijr..wn, for it is of til.' la.-in-l iiiltin-,' an.l w ill' 1 III IV !■ ,1^ well in an „nlniai\ nnxn.l In. .,■ ,.t i.lali.- ,11 a vinery as it will in tin- Oi.lml 1 ,,i,-,- |.ii.|,i,. Th. plants should be placed in u well drained and clean, the con |iii>l ii.n-i-i III" lit peat fibre, loam, leaf mould an 1 .■l„i|,|„.,l S|,li,|., num, all being kept open 1. ' 111.' a. 1. hill. II as iiUiuduecd lu lali. DENDROBIUM SPECIOSUM. This is a handsome Onlii,!. Tl„- .ji, very stout, the bulbs ailamnrj i.v. i ,i height, and from near tin ,i|,ii .^ .il i In -i . large spikes are ann plants are c.n.itlv poses this ami ii^ \ ,i though they an- | being the tin. a i h.l D. speciosum m \ ui differing con. In -, an interme .'an be remove. of the bulbs when the t i of water to be discoi are apt to dry the eenhouse harden them ,. .essarv to re t s. The" plants !,• or pit, from it all times ex- A light shower but the reverse. Growers tell by tlie appearance of ide, if possible, where they are sheltered a little from very high winds. Although D. speoiosum will stand even a few degrees of frost, it is to place the plants under cover of some sort before there is any danger of this. Keep them quite cool and quite dry, for at the later stages of the resting season a little shrivelling does not harm strong plants. But if lip.ii.'il w.'ll th.. (ilants will go for a couple of iii,,iitli- 111 I \. II li,n;.,;cr without any signs of this ii.'.'iii I inij. As soon as the spikes can be plainly M,en tlitj nia\ lie encouraged by a slight rise in the temperature, and a little moisture about the roots and in the atmosphere. The pots for I), speciosum must not be too lai'ue it) comparison with the size of the plants. In, like many other Dendrobes, they Hke to feel tli.'ir pots, as it is termed, and the roots thrive L.'st when growing over and over each other. Tli.'V Ilk,' a snlislanlial .',,.iip,,sl ,n.t H ltl,-l an.llli..-. allii'a - I nilMill,' IV .'.iilal i.ait- ,,t l.af , |,| and drain tlie pots thoroughly : lease no old sour compost or dead roots behind, yet disturb the living ones as little as possible. Strong healthy nieces need not be elevated, or only a very little'. lint w. ak or l,a,lly r,,,,!,.! plants may be well k.pl ,ip anil till' I' inipi,~l mail,' proportionately light,! A lull,' imii',' Inai may In- allowed after repottni.u. M 111. h .should take place when the young gru« tli iv ■-;.t'ting well away. D. speciosum and its varie- 1 1, s are Australian Orchids, the type having been iiiii,iducedinl824. Angraecum Ellisi. — The pretty arching -pikes produced by this species are still in full bloom, a nice plant I noted recently having three of these, bearing altogether eighty flowers. It is a sweetly-scented and useful Orchid, a native of Madagascar, and should be grown in wood baskets not fai fi.im tin- roof glass in clean Sphagnum and chare. .al. I'l.nlx of heat and atmospheric mois- ture I- m. I --ai\ all the year round, and when well . -lalili-li. .1 the roots should also be kept ni'ii-i. .-p.iiall\ when growth is most active. I'll.' ilnw.'i V ar. piii.' white in front, the long spur 111 till' n.'.'ia]\ I, . 'I ng pale brown. — H. BrnssiaWrayae.— In form and size of tl.wer lliiv plant nuich resembles B. ma.'nlata, ami. like It. lias pi'.'ttily spotted blo—.m- p, iiilii,',',l .m lat. ral s.apes from the lastf.n im.l p-.ii.l.i-l.iill,. It 1- an .'a-ilv L'vnnn and fiv.- 1,1 imj- km, I, and ngi ,v de- 1 size free, , full sup ply of water is needed while growing. When the pseudo-bulbs are fully grown a good rest is of great advantage, as plants kept in a warm, moist state all the winter seldom bloom satisfactorily. Oncidium Cavendishianum. — The tall branching scapes of bright yellow blossoms pro- duced in abundance by this Orchid last a very long time in full beautj-. This makes it one of the most useful, and it is also very easily grown. A rough, open mixture of peat. Moss, and char- coal suits it well, and the pots must be well drained and clean. The roots are large and \-igorous, consequently a good supply of moisture is necessary. Although this species has no pseudo-bulbs, the flowers do not injure the plants by being left on until they fade, provided the latter are in good condition and kept moist at the roots. Cattleya citrina.— This does remarkably well at Ickw'orth, grown on small pieces of Tree' Fern stems with about half an inch of Sphagnum about the roots. The iiseudo-bulbs are in every . . -atisfaetory. The plants referred to are in a light, span-roofed structure kept lining the summer months, the minimum einperature l^eing .50°, and they have for companions Ferns, Dracaenas and other ig. foliaged plants. Eulophiella Elizabethae.— Beautiful as ils Orchid is, it is not one that is likel;to ever become common, owing to the diffi ty attending its cultivation. Of the great m- her imported since its discovery some ve or six years ago only a small propc on has retained the original vigour. Ainont he best of them probably are some plants at w, one of which is now carrying three spikes of en or partly open flowers. This is a very distinc ad striking Orchid, as may be judged from ths a, that Mr. Rolfe founded a new genus upon its nearest affinity being, as the name implies, th the Eulophias. It has leaves 3 feet to 4 feet -ij, very narrow and plaited, and of a dull pur i- green colour. The spikes, too, have a jU purplish tinge, and stand out in a perfectly ri- zontal direction from the base of the plant, ir- ing a score or more flowers towards the d. l-lach of these is about IJ inches in diamete iit iloes not open the sepals and petals fuUj he flowers being rather hooded. On the inside ej are of a pure white, except for the lij) wh is yellow, but at the back the sepals are tingec tb i'o.se.)iiii'ple down the centre. This Orchi, as lii-i intro.lnced into Europe bv Messrs. Li 'ii. h 1 a native of Madagascar. The cond ns nil. I, 1 u lii.li it ajipears to thrive best are th of season. At l\.'« it is ,jioi\ii in a miv mois nd warm propa;_;ai nrj pii.iiinlii ti','attn,'iit whi '.as been found to -nit cpialh «,ll tin tine E ;n. drum bicornutiuii, a West Indian Orchid tl .is, as a rule, equally impatient of artificial & tions. PROPAGATING. From boots.— This was formerly pra.tisei much greater extent than at the present Bouvardias and Pelargoniums beinj; it), among other things propagated by this m but Bouvardias are now found to be so eas creased from cuttings, that it is not wor trouble of propagating from roots, whicli, oft is a much slower process. The same may 1 with regard to Pelargoniums, except in the . a few of the Cape sjiecies, which are herb itti 's fr low-ed to remain until the moisture from th has quite dried up, when a little water ir given. Aralia papyrifera may be prop: from roots cut up iiito short lengths iind in sand. They start away freely. Care m taken that they are kept dry long enoii partly callus over, otherwise decay will set i after waiting for some time it will be founi all the root cuttings have rotted off. The J pans may be placed on a shelf or any light in an intermediate house. The plants reqi be taken out and potted singly as soon a; have made one or two leaves. WlG.4NDI.\ MACROPHYLLA, a fine plant f< sub-tropical garden, may be propagated roots much more readily than from young s though I have succeeded with the youn shoots, but being very soft and fleshy tht very liable to damp off. The best time to g root cuttings is when the old plants are tal in the autumn. During a mil.l s.asi.n I known young plants spring ii]. ti.,m the left in the ground after th dug up. With all snlij. it is most imp.. I taut ti> days after tin' .'iitt im^s have been l„'il.l.'.l in 't.i liav.' I.."^illi to .|.'.'a\ from shrivelling, it is better to en keeping them too dry. \PKiL 17, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 575 ITOVE AND Greenhouse. tity -f l.loom ead, pUnt wUl imuluce ,lq„.n,ls uiion whether the grower caters to the licst trade in the finest blooms, but such bl(jf)iiis as tliose shown of Mme. d'.Mbertina in thi' \.is,-, i"st I wliicli represent tlir vi-rv tiiust tinwcrs .if ihal l'-> kind on 'JO-incli slrins.'.nv ,iii .in , i ..^r ...inpl.- kind, and comes . I. II 111 I :lii ha.le of rose jjink. siiiall. Ml la, I I h, I smallest Howered kinds, l.ul It, Id.K.ius ff.aly. All, I, here are more or lis, liin-.il m tl type of flower beiir^ inu, li 1. 1,1,11 are the present Naiiitns tli.y ai f our very sed at a note yetvr cpiito t, which the il shade of ' 'Ills slow Il i\,'ly sun- julai andex- always of a It is rather if our winter 1 Caintitions ||. lal, this ,• winter-flower- j il here adapted 1 ,•.■. The varie- lising, and they ng Carnatiiiiis Continent. A fket here must ar.'all ..f Aiiiuncaii 11 tile w-iuter-fiowei England and on th. : will sell in the m jth of stem ranging fn and the Ctinititions' grown perijetual, partake m.'.re ..f Eiiish border varieties, bein,' ' 1 ,'r..wth. They throw up^a str ' I tine flower at the top ; they n I'lmg. The flower is gathered 1- u.i stem as possible, right down in the heart i usutiUy in May. 1 uf je plant, and as soon as gathered another j notes in The Garden ak ai 11 pel lllsh .f I. w.iiils a,lf,|int,Iy .■.mvcy a true idea of the pro- fiisi'iii iihI liiaiiu ,if 1. 1, ,0111. The flowers are gath, ■■■il I.N tl,.. t !„, Its,, „| daily. 'I'll,' .1. tails of Lullure are extremely simjdo. I'litiiims put into sand beds in January in.it hk.- Willows, they are potted up or put inti. tl It-, shifted on once, planted out in the tichl in .Ma\. |i]ii,li,.l tuii or three times t,. sfciiiv a si,.il»\ |ilaiil III from five to eight si ts. liftc.l fi'iai 'h,. .Ill, 11 .^rround and plant,.. I ,,11 tlu- li.n.h.s in August iir Seiitc'iuln-r. tli,. I.,ii.li,s being of theconventi.iiiald.'iith, naiii.ly 4 inclus, and as .soon as estalilish..,! th.'\- .■.niiiiii'iici- t,> flower. They are pulK.I .iut anil tlii.,uii .away )ticetl one or two 'ecently connnenting j now being ofi'ered this .spring are sure to oust some of the present market favourites. Some of these winter-flowering varieties bloom ad- mir.ably outside in summer if struck early .111.1 str.iiiL; pl.ints planted out early. I should think ih,\ w,.ul.l do likewise in England and piissiMy bi'ttrr than here, as our hot summer sun soon takes all the colour out of the flowers. Madison, N.J. A. He jTOX. la isophylla alba. 1 lind the to divide cut into four h.is till,-. and ea,:- !'^Li!E png growth starts out below. The (plan- favourably on the behaviour in England of Mme. Campa pot may be potted. I find severing the clumps in this fashion the best method of division, and if a few shoots 276 THE GAEDEE. [April 17, 1897 quenec. well ill: use to >1 to eulti payi , , II with the soil. Some uiit. n '.^iiiiil -iii>|il\ mI wll decomposed manure. ;iim1 h ^tilli-li hmiM miiki' n good compost. The iliMil'il i.im-- ,iiii.;iii'l in a short tiiiif jmt tmlh \.'jimoii- Niliirjr. .\ little guano put int.i n ■■nn nf w.il. r. llnii \\rll stirred and iiiiiii'ili.iti-lv :i|i|.lii-il i-\.i\ liil|itiil i.i established pliml-. .\s sm.,,, as tin- mmI n, llir potsbtTi,ni.-,.xlKiiistf(la poor growth and .small blossoms ivsult. K. 1). Calla EUiotiana.— Further experience of tins new t'allu pruvts it to be a distinct and really beautiful no\elty. The price, moreover, for small now very reasonable, placing it within the reach of all what dift'erenl nary white-tli need a comfi justice. It w in-the-o)ir-ii - mast iKit mill which 11 M.-.il durio'^ I lie « I The culture it needs is some- 1 that usually given the ordi- I Miiiilirs : indeed, it seems to ■ ii iiipi i.iture always to do it ui sulimit to the i>lanting-out- I III total e.vposure at all. Tts II of blooming isautiiiiin. nfiir liially drying off ami tuial n-l Hiiiiths. In FebruaiN ii -1 hi be potted lu nirc Inable sandy loam miiI, a Iml. leaf-mould addetl and placed in a fi mi" mi mv nl from 55" to 60°, watering miv iiiiiIiiI1\ nil growth becomes active, as too niinli unii-lini i- apt to produce basal rot. As the seas.m ail\ am i- a sunny greenhouse suits it best. — J. ( '. Hippeastrum pardinum.— This ilist ,i. i ^p cies has not hpfu pm)ilnypil by tlip liyliiiili^t in the production I if m-w Mnn'tii'^ Im anytljiii'.;- likr the same extiail as x.imc ,iI ilir (iihris, but in its original tuiin ii is iriiaiiil\ pn-tty, ami forms a pleasnig vaiiety to the Inige-llowered brilliantly-coloured gaiden varieties that we now have in cultivation. H. pardinum was introduced over thirty years ago from Peru, so that it may be grown with rather less heat than some of the others, but at the same time it succeeds perfectly well with the treatment given to the popular garden forms. The flowers are large and of bright cream colour, with jii-t a snspiciun green, while the petals are priiiii-il\ ilniiiil «ii crimson. There is a certain ana. nni nlMnialii in the flowers of this Hip[)eastriiiii. smnr In ii larger and broader in the petals tiian others, while the ground colour of the flower and the extent of its spotting also vary somewhat. — T. Heliconia illustris. — When well grown and nicely coloured tins iMinpaial m ly new fine- foliaged plant is vci \ -iiiknu ami handsome. The leaf-stalks are bii:.;lii ml. ,,la uliing over the stems, and the leaves are broad and handsome. The midrib and smaller vein-like inocesses are istraighter than many things of this class, and bright rosy red on a bronzy green ground. It is -well grown at Rougham Hall, Bury St. Edmunds, Mr. Henley having a fine .stock of it. Propa'ja tion is very easily effected by means of tin suckers, that are freely produced from the base III til. -11,1 tailing in the ashes below. These iiialiil i|iiirKly and were nice sturdy little V l,\ til.' .ml i.f October, when they were il -Ii il in tlic usual are olitauied from seed, but this is a mistake. — j, Crawford. a/ili,in regions ■ilillcia Mounb itnrc. Kii. Air. after the manner of : potted and placed in time, soon make nice | should not be rich, ai be.st colour when tli pinched for pot room. 1. Tliisc. taken oft. la-aiiii- frame for a Till -. Ill used for it fiiliicjc takes on the nts are kept rather nust have a full stove temperature and be screened from bright sun- light, this soon taking the colour out of the foliage, making it a dingy red. This Heliconia is a native of the South Sea Islands, and was introduced by Mr. W. Bull. Solanums from seed. — Although the gcneial rule is to raise the scarlet-berried Solainiiii tmni cuttings, yet capital results may be lia.l l.y sowing seed of a good large-berried strain in an tumn. I say autumn because by growing the young seedlings on gently through the winter, nice large useful bushes in 4J-inch or even 6-inch pots may be secured the following summer. By spring sowing much time is lost, and at that date the young plants come on slowly. One of the vei'y best batches of Solanums I ever JACARANDA MIMOS.EFOLIA. In the month of January, 187.00feet above the f-ea level. 'I'lie \ ei^ctatii.n of the thickets which lined the natural ilepi essi, .ns (canons) was luxuriant. I'.ilni tie.s (Maiiiitia flexuosa) spread abroad tlicif fan Ilk.' foliage, whilst Astrocaryum driM.peil umler the load of golden fruits like Apricots, which the thorns of the stems jn tected from the assaults of the ape triln Bactris, Martinezia and Geonoma were the lea impiirfaiit aniniie- this family of Palm trees, at once SI. iiiilil. anil so elegant. BerthoUetia, Cedilla ami ('.iiii|iia supplied a thick ami grateful sliailc. wliilst the undergrowth I ..mp.i'-eil I.f many Myrtaceie, Eugenia esjie- I iall\ sheltered in their turn quantities of I leal lis. ()ichid.s, Bromeliads and Aroids. The sviard was starred with beautiful gesneriaceous flowers on a background of Selaginellas with fronds of emerald-green. Abruptly I drew rein in front of a tree of which the effliucscencc surpassed in brilliancy that of all siiiiimmlin^ \ egetation. At once I recognised the .lacaramla mimoiSEefolia, long since introduced into European gardens, but so rarely blooming in our hothouses, that its flowers are unknown to most of our gardeners. The tree I refer to might be some (iO feet iii heiiilit, ami its straii.;lit."'stri.iiu branches were all teriiiinale.l 111 efcat panicles nf brilliant viulet- Miie lliiHeis, the i.bliiiiicly tiibnl.ar fi.nn of which ga\c them a certain similarity to those of the GesneriaceiB. The corollas were so abundant, that the soil around the stem of the tree was strewn with them. Though Jacaranda mimossefolia is rarely seen in bloom in our greenhouses, where also it re- quires plenty of space, it is not so in those parts of Provence which are bordered by the Mediterranean. There in well-sheltered situa- tions, in the heat of the sun, specimens of the tree are met with here and there covered in each siiccecilim,' year with magnificent bloom. I'lifiii tiinatcly. their blmiin time is in the sinii- mci. wlicii visitiiis ti. those ])arts have departed f. .V duller ixgii.iis, .-uid hence only few have been privileged to contemplate them in flower. If it is desired to cultivate the species in a hothouse, it will be found to thrive easily in a free soil mixed with some of a peaty nature, and its propagation by cuttings is not at all difficult. In order to obtain blooms when the tree is SrniXC-FLOWERINc; MIGNONETTI liiiiii. till llowering plants of Miles's Spiri Maehi 1 Miirnonette in March and April i 1 11.1 in « lieii many cut flowers are required. Hi 11 Aicjii-i ami III I. light on in a cool, light ill al.iimliiiie.. ,,f tiu>ses may be had at the al iiaineil ilati uhil. the plants are in 6-inch After the principal spikes have been cut these plants most gardeners throw them a but if not too pot-bound and fairly healthy, will, if potted on say into 10-inch pots, sent innumerable lateral growths, and aflbrd an al emiless nnnilicr nf secoml-sized trusses rig! till ill.' niiiliile ,if .lime. A good rich coD shuniil lie useil, a lil.ious yellow loam, a part thoroughly decomposed manure free worms, and sufiicient rough sand or grit to the whole open. After potting, a comforable perature, or say about 55° by night, is neces APeaeh hmise'uhicli is clnsed with Sun-he the nihil 1! ami w.U -\riiiged answers al alily. I'll. Ill till- tlie\ can lie moved to coole. nil 111- any ipiarl i is at the end of April. If nu for cutting only, much staking is uniicccssi few neat sticks being placed round eaeh | and the shoots supported roughly to ]iic\ent ing about. I treated a batch in this \\a; seaFon, and I was able to cut and i several times weekly till well into Jum . 1 not have obtained anything like the sani. i|iii heavy thum place the yo it, butgradi known as "1 itcnes IS ample drainage ami a compost than might be deemed advisaMc the seed is sown after Christmas. A littl mould is a good ingredient to add. Tliinni in c 1 time is an important point, as if ere is all. i\, III, ill..-.- plants that are to rema lii.i-.aieil li\ iliiiwingthe rest out, and alt aftci«aiils pressed ill as carefully as possible do not like the disturbance. I think Miles's is the best for pots. J. Crawr Spiri to tl astilboides. It is m.w thirteen ipinea wa- lii-t ili-t i ilnited, but ,ail Ill-en s.i main- nines exhibitec 1 then a\Mllkm".«n pkint. Bein. of increase, as all the Spira>as of this seotio it was not long before it was to be met w quantity, and now large numbers of it here from Holland c\erv vear. as in the c conn I .Spill. -a japi.ni.-a. S. ast ill.oides dc lend i!-.lt t.i haul l.ii.-in.j- s,. lea. Illy as the nary kiml. l.nt it .an h.-aii.l ..ft.-ii is brong gradually umler glass, and in the greenhoi numerous spikes of creamy white blossoms a pleasing variety. The foliage, too. is ver ferent, being much rougher and when youn reddish colour. This latter feature is much pronounced in the ease of plants grOTji gether in the open ground. There is a W this known as S. astilboides floribunday was first sent here from Belgium in 1891. described as a chance seedling from a plsnl astilboides, which had in all probabilitj Apbil 17, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 27; Orchard and Fruit Garden. ,Jote IS those of the common S. j; ini'tliate character, S. asi . not grown to any great e icfcT til grow tlie otlier twc 3 from Messrs. Veitch.'i ,uuh iU'Ssis, \',-itc-h"s Cht Iwougo I noticed iii;iiiv t and beauty. The A man I ^^ hich are made mi. li a ^ ,, . u, l,M,n. >., ,,, all tinv,., SETTINtJ ( I I { A I'KS, '''"'■"'''■ "','''' I "I'll' It IS well known that some varieties of Grapes ■'■ ''"' ),'',;'', J ^".,'i'!|" '"ii' I, ■"■'■ ^ '■'■>' wipriciouR, and fail to set their fruit "'"'","'""" V" ' ' "I ' sal i-.lHtiirily unless aided in an artitifial manner, liraill lll'll lldwrl" ..I .jdii.l suli diailit llial s. il I 1 \,'i-, i-,, s a ;4I .al .l,al of llitiuence line hold scarlet with clear I "'. the ui.ittcl- m many c;isi s. In siinport of scarlet with a crimson star, tliis contention, ouu often tinds that a particular Hygeria, a very distinct rosy | variety of Grape, grown under precisely the , small iiut elegantly for clear white, .slightly m! Arnu.ire. of llippeas- I Calphurnia, a pleasin star, of good form ; ing I ng r Ny.sa . were fine and varied, one named Ne sli 1, a cross between R. jasminiflorum and s| lieing very distinct, and bearing large | \\ vivid oniiK/p-scarlet flowers. R. jas- i a pc pi. ne con;■. whil,. Ill alM.lliri' the -ival.sl rare has to lie ■ ill hk 11: e\.|v,s..l In Ml.lani ali^lhlll- Ilk,' a decent If Ihe matter is investigated, it is very ■11 tnuiiil that there is a wide ditlerence in the iht\ .it the sdil ; in the one case it is mo.si ■1\ r.Hiii.l t.. he light, and in the other heavy iiihiii-h. All. ante an.l a few. .tier kinds .set fr.. rii. IM elv en.ai-h -]■..« 11 in li.'.aw s..ils. hut all va- tR.s th.at r..,|Ui,v MiLs.vit tivatnieiit. and the iseat it.self, sli.,u!.l have s,..il ..fa h-liter de- ueens. Long lalandy U.S.A. Himantophyllums were grand, but i: in the named varieties, although fairly is too much like that of the old H. minia- promise any great results from raising -. and was not very striking. Boronias ^iood as usual, and that is saying a good them. A fine batch of Cytisus scoparius was in perfection, and sliowed well what cur\ed petals, were also noteworthj- 1 thing it is for massing. Epiphyllum I small but good ; Virgilia, one of most beautiful of the collection, pure \-eined and shaded with rose ; Mephesta, a ing salmon-pink ; Arona, the nearest appr a yellow which has yet been obtaineil : ."-l crimson mottled, shading to scarlet m ih petals; Seraph, \-ivid rosy salmi. n miiI star and rays; Corisande ; Blanclie, pun- md Thelma, a rosy-crimson self Ini in -M.h jjerfection, and not the least ' " alii. Ml II was its freedom of flowering. It I'l h. lMjhl\ \alued by all lovers of Cacti. — -naryllises. — In visiting the magnificent col- li lit Amaryllises now in their full beauty at 11' urseries of Messrs. Veitch and Sons, Chelsea, fe particularly impressed with the great of large blooms which the plants are bear- year. The strides which have been made ^^^ alreauy i the past four or five years in respect of ' gpecies they SllOnr XOTES.— STOVE f this Grajie .setting without any trouble whatever, but such is not my experience. Vi'\t\\ me when the flowers open each stigma is foimd t.. have a gummy substance on the tip, whi.li .lliitnally bars fertilisation. When this is r. m. .x . .1. tiny .set fast enough, but it rei|uires ,i 4 1 m.j. .i..iis and variety of colour are marvellous. . si^e before winter. The seeds of these greenhou.._ Ud health and robustness of the plants gpecies of Asparagus germinate in much less time and Iful culture, more regularly it they are sown as soon as ripe.— H. P. ! of their careful and veyed to them with a caniel's-hair Inrush about mid-day, after the bunches have become thorouglily dry. Dry borders are another cause of non-setting. These affect the delicate organs of the flow-ers to sucli an extent as to render them sterile. This, of course, is a matter 278 THE GARDEK [April 17, 1897. that is .■iitir.l.v and all l.o;.|rr> the cc.ntnil of the- grower, il be tested and watered, if nece.ss.Li \ . Iiri.nr t lie Vines come into flower. There is. ilso .III, ithur thing that greatly aflects the setting of Grapes, even when .-ill other eon- ditions aie right, and that is, keejiiii;.' the lioiise too dry during the flowering jierioil. It is .i perfectly ri'_;ht thing to do to keeji the ;iir diirr and les^rli.-uu,,! Hit), nioiM, .!■.■. Imt no mvMtn- parchiiiL. ,,l lMn^|,l■,^l ,■ f,., the i iiu.' Ii.nr,. Shuht' danipillL'S ;ile ;ilu..\s l„.Mel,r,;,l if :,|i|i!l,,l ,l:,ilx ande.-.rU U, the loivle.,,,,. ,,,hI I .n.uhe .1 |.,„i,t of dauijang n, I he .irin im, ,,, ;,' ,,, :,s ihi:, he, |,s the organs of the lloueis m ;. he;illh,\ e,,iMlilioii. Muscat of Ale\;iiicln;i furiii.slies a - [ illus- tration of the e.'i|iiieioiiMiess ot (;r,i|.es iii sit- ting their fruit, uml no other \.iiiety is so variable. It is, however, sueh .i v;ilii,ilile .uiil highly flavoured <;r.i|ie. that no etl'oit should be spared, and no anioiiiit cif tioubh' thoii'_;ht to.> great, to proelive :i '^^ood set. .Mileh iiiriy lie done where settiii'.; dors proxe tioublesonie li\' running a strand of lallia loimd the ]ioiiits of thebituehes.aiid I \ 111.4- t hem lowar.ls the lii^ht. It is also a ..; I |il;.li 1 o defei- t Vlll- the lalel.aU down 11. to |il,Me elilli the liUliehes ll.l ve tlo weled and set. Hv keepm- Ihe luiliehes 111 an iipiijhl position the iiolhai then tails iliivetly on to th, pistils and lemlel.s settUlL;- lllolv erlt.alll HJlell their own p..lleii ,-,an be relied on. W ith r.^.n-d to .setting, this may be ,aeroiii|.lisli,d 111 iiiaii\ ways. In some pl.aees ,a l.appinu of r,,dst\vooi three times a d,iy will sultiee. uhih- m othei> the hand drawn gently ilowu the bnnehes will secure good results. Some are able to obtain a good set, simply by sjiraying the bunches with a syringe, which causes a disjicrsion of tin pollen. Ihaveal.s..li,Mid of ,, lai^v flat pie.a of cardboard lieiiiL; iis.il lik,- ,1 fan. .and 1 w.i- assured that it .in^winl rem.n k,ilil\ well I'.ut in many places these >iniple methods ale in- effectual, and the mole laborious process of brushing them with .1 eaniel'sdiair bru.sh has to be practised to .Jpt.iin the desired result. For .setting all choice vaiietivs of Orapes T jirefi this method to any other. The best binsle are those which are made flat, and .aboul inches in width. These are in\ .ibi.ible for r, lecting pollen from the free .itlmu kind as they hold a large quaiitii\. 1'. n 1I1--11 .should be done about the midille of the il.i\. and when the syringe has been used to clean t stigmas of gummy exudations, see that t bunches are thoroughly dry beforehand. \Vh the flowering of shy setters precedes or si eeedsthatof B. Hambiirijli and other fiees.t ting kinds, the pollen of tin- latter -Ih.uM be collected in clean card bo. ird boxes. and put into a warm dry place foi' future use. \\ ith caie, pollen will keep in this way, and remain eti'ect- ive for several weeks. In conclusion fertilising by hand is time and labour well spent, because by its means it is jiossible to (.blain l; 1 kinds, in which the m.,|orilv of the berii.--, will be perfect. »lneh if left to n.-iture, wouhl not set perhaps more tli.in 1 doan berries in a bunch. I well i.inember om , seeing several fine rods of .Mnwiek Sia'dlme uliieh wore can-y- ing a u-ood er,,|, as lar as nuiiilir, of bnnehes were .'Oil,, ,11. -d. lint in the w hoi,- ,,f i!„-m there were Hot elh.ll^h prrfret brllli-^ lof.illii f.air good bnuelms. Hhleh nn-hl have l,eel, ot|i,,rv,lse had pains been taken to fertilise thmn uilli foreign pollen. Here I have a \ine of ilio. Colman which IS w.irked on .Mrs. I'lnees lUaek Muscat, and if this is not fertUised l)y liaud scarcely half-a-dozen berries would set in a bunch, but by making a free use of Alicante Hamburgh jiollen it sets freely enough ;ind ply repays me for the time and trouble ex- pended on it. A. W. An old "Vine. .\ Im'i . ihe il' laopeiU ■ 1 W ,11 am i-;ain.-> jarlital 11 Apple Northern Greening.— 1 consider this Id vaiietv one of the \ erv best and most proflt- lie lliat can lie ffi-own lor use durineli->s. and I do not advise it. In these da\s ot .]iiii k 1. turns 1 think toji-dressing of the ]ilaiit- mum.! 1- time l,i~t. a< one ,-an feed freely. 1 reeeuth suw a lot of |ilant- from w hi.h at least 2 inches of .soil had lirin ic \,(l 00. .Is also) and new soil pounded o\, I ill,- i,.i,t- win n housed, with the result that freely. That uiiderneatli was;,lm,i-t du-t iliyand the plants suflFered. \\ ith ->, maii\ t, itili~,is at command and the ol, I la\,iiiiii, li,|ui,l mai ces, the plants nee fails the}' soon from frames is grown r are almost equal in (pii ind. I have had t Mam s|iid.-r. The ■o-t, and thefn h,.s,- from the 01 i.,l,spised Nobli rown thus, and last year ign gave a splendid re tied ()lants and got a hut it IS less reliable : on the other hand, tfl pots are scarce the plants do well in boxes if flower-trusses are given support as soon fruits are set.— G. \V'ythes. Strawberry Royal Sovereign foroee The merits of this variety have been noted these pages on several occasions. I potted ■JiiiMl for spring use, April being the month fruits are needed. I am very pleased to 1 this variety has exceeded my expectations. plant is a wonderful doer and its vigorous gro will make it a general favourite. The when in bloom were a beautiful sight, am few failed. Owing to the wet, sunless aut feared failures. When the plants were pusi up the leaf-growth, 1 thought there woulc « eak trusses, and in some cases none at all, knowing the peculiarity of this variety, wii little patience nearly every plant showed Ibuing so mild a winter with an unfavoui autumn, I did not house the plants, but wint them in the open. I fear many plants will been lost by not resting if potted late. Late tinn; was a necessity in many cases, owing ti tkiency of runners from drought. I do not tie- stock plants, and by mulching get gocd iiers and scarcely any losses. I am indnci pla,',' it in the front rank for its size, good be: i|ualiii,- .nil ;j,,„l eating qualities. I fii 11,1, U a lull, ,11, at the start, as if hard fi liat-uiowth IS i,„i ia]iid. On the other han may be pushed on, once the truss is well 0 the leaves. It is a splendid variety to pack, a firm, solid fruit, and keeps longer than after gathering. I am sure those who give Sovereijin a trial will not regret doing (J. W. 8. l„-,-ii , ,1.1-, III, ',1 aii,l 1 -Iniilkl II,- "l 1, t,, know if ,,tl„-i r,-a,l, l~ ,it 'I'm: C Vl:iu,\ lia\,- , x|i,-i„-n,-eda sllullai ,|illi,-ull\. W hal 1 ,-,in-l,l,| li,-t,u,-kine has lai-ii-e flowers, torees well. aii,l 1- ,ui,h ,-arliei than the other ; this latter dr,i|i- it~ I am aware there are two kin,U,,t 1,,,,-,- .Ml-- seciired. I have determined to get rid of it next season. — B. M. Strawberries forced in cold frames.— Th, being used, give fruits just at a season there is a I scarcity. The plants should be near the glass, I and do best on a hard coal-ash bottom. If on THE CAPE GOOSEBERRY. The fruit of the Cape Gooseberry (Physalis e is much appreciated by some people, partic' by those who have resided abroad for any ler: time, but it is not often met with in this counti may be treated either as an annual or a pere and succeeds admirably under warm greet trorttment. Those who have to furnish a and vaiiiil dessert during the autumn r w,,uld ilo well to grow a couple of dozen f,ir siipplviiig a few dishes of fruit. When a- an annual the seed should be sown aboi ,11,1 of January.' As a rule the seed germ \,rv freely. When the first pair of leavf maile the plants should be potted off into 3-inch pots and again returned ti As soon as these are filled with roots tr them at once to C-inch and 7-inch pots, compost consisting of two-thirds loam, one leaf-mould, with a dash of silver sand i When the plants are about (i inches high- , ,ut the points, and when the resultant about the same length )iinch these in ■riiiv,-sueli pim-liim.;- sli.mld be suflicient siir,- \\,l!-l,iai.,h, ,1. l,ii-li\ plants. Befori li,-,-,ar:,- |„ii li,aiu,l en,- ' th.-m the final Til,- |,il- tins lini,. -h.iiild be lli inch ,1.1111, til. The compost should be of ,1, -, I i|.i 1, II than that recommended for th Moil- -hift, and should consist of near lil.ioiis Iciam, which should be made very As an abundance of water is required aft compost is thoroughly permeated with roc pots must be well drained. Before the come into flower, thev iniiv be syringed 1 ,|a\>, liiit on,-,- th,' t,l,i-s,ims ojien, the S nie-l 1„- wilhh,-I,|. S vi iir_:;ii;_' airain may suiiH-,1 alt, r Ihe fruits are set and continue the tinits besin to niatuie. At this peri plants will have to be well fed, especially if ing hea\ y crops of fruit. No assistance is : PEiL 17, 1897.J THE GARDEK 279 i-,li. Ni\t comes l...i;i. I 'i.vDK, OK (tOLDEN Noble. — For latu ,,. M:,n.is „cxt to WflliiiKti.n in niv opinion, . liiM i:,t^' f„v.'o..Uili-. nn.i i- ;,l-,>i;„^l,|v(l..i Lack to makr tlicm break and h ith bearing wood, leaving all A. W. ATE-KEEPING APPLES. to general expectation, Apples have lly as well during the past winter as in any former .season ; at least, su( b 11 rience. This is rather surprisin.;. iiiv varieties, owing to their niaturupj . ailier. had to Iil' yatbored In adv.iniu I time. llai,|,ilv:this c iilirv uathrv- t atlW-t thuir kconin.j ouabtiis. and I {nv Slime weeks to con ■ arc all one can dcsii 1 tlie flavour unimoain ' hang on the trees as late as weather will allow, the third to gather care- avoid bruising the fruits, and tlie store in a suitable place. If prDiiei lie paid to the.se simple, but ini]"ii Is, it will be found that there is on ,'reat art in keeping Apples until tlic itied, or, in fact, until Apples come ith regard to late-keeping varieties, iiiiw a great many to select from, most vill succeed, if not in all fruit-growiiit: ^ L'rtainly in the majority, and tin \ lie cultivated much more extensively .ire. In my own ca.sc late varittu ^ quite one-thii-d jiart <.f tlir «li.ilr .^1- le remaining twn-tlnrds (.•.iisiNtiii;.; of ■nnd early and mi.lsiasi.n vuietics. V Ik; -atlinvd fiv.ni the fact that in ilily .if .s,-a.sous 1 have good .scmnd ii:iiiinr4 tit for u,se in the month of "tiiii 111 .June also. As to the vane- I IiihI to succeed best here f.ir tliis t will Ih, f,,nnd tli.-it. with mi.. ,x^ • ^vy^ ,„.« ,,ne> „ill \„. uwuU..u<;\. r I liav not mo«n tli,-iii linv, but Mu-li II, ,v iiMt l,,-nii,g yet thorou-lily 1 k. i|>iiiu I ij labilities. I liope, hiiw- iii a |M'siii-, I il.l a.l\i^.' that several trees of it b.' |.laiii..l lit ibat it will jirove satisfactory. The next on \\i>i;iNoii.\M. — This Apple has, I venture to ik. a Liieat future before it, as it is such a tlif tlavour being almost identical with those of the variety just mentioned. I have had this va- riety on trial for the past five years, and have formed a very high opinion of it, as it is an excel- lent keeping kind and il is also a ..;.hii1 ei..|.|i. t. H.^XWELL SotTKINi: isan.illi.T l.llable km. I. ami althoucrh old, it still rank- aiienej tli.' b.-t ..f 11,, I, 1.. Illlui". -.1 III,.! III.- i.m,.-.l\ ll.- Ill lie f;l-.,uei> haii.l- It I..' I- unable to glow U in the hrst-menti ■.! f..iin ..f li.-e. London' I'liiis .l.i.s not re |., isnns object to forced Strawberries on a. -.■..lint ..f their poor llavour, but I fail to see how this oil], ,1 ion eaii he sustained. Few object to f,ii-i-i.| io,-i|i.-- ami oih.-i i-hoi.-.' fruits such as Pea.-li.-~ I ,-iillnll inn. -1, . I. -] i.-ml- upon the forcing ami i.,..i..-i rmi-himj ..I lb.- Iimi, Vj is an ea.sier n. may say, than to V ii the plants are ■jr..\\ 11 cool from the .-..n-iderable as re- iiit\.ilso. To obtain ■ I i.-b ai'.pin,-, ill.- St r,-i« bi-1 1 \ w hc-n hard forced ■ k-. I .1.. II.. I a.l\ i-i- f..r.imj- i -arly. To obtain \,,,ii, I li,i\ .- 11.. m-w ih...i\. With sunshine and i,m- .-an obtain ,. h.ii li-i\..iir even in forced raw belli.--, M.mni.- m in,-ii.\ .-ases are given I late, ■jl,.-.- ;,,.- ba.l, ,i- ..m.- the colouring a. ess has b,-._iiiii t b. \ an- lis. I.ss, indeed harm- ,, and one cannot feed wlieii the plant is unable absorb the food given, as if swelling is past, the id goes into the fruit and affects the flavour. I 1 not adverse to food at t!ie right moment, in- eil I f,-,-.l 11111. -h .-arb.-r than i- ii-iiall\- advised. .\-IIMl,ll.s KlIlM 1 ,-aI-.. ,-,n..lb.-, .J I little .\pi,l, I.„ lai.-.l,— .-,1, ,-,,,.1 I, k. -.-,.- :, I..,.-,- tune in ,.- I. -..,,. Ill, .,11, ,\i,..ih,-, v,-i\ ..I.I l,.l. ,\|.|.l.-is the W 1 Ml a M VII IP-. «hi.-li 1- 1.. I..- I..,,n.i in the man\ ..t lie- i.n-.-.-.iiiie m |...iiil ..t si/.- ami eolour, but tor private use it is well worth growing. Alfri.stox rejoices in a number of synonyms, but the name quoted is the one it is generally 1 liml -1 bit 1.- t.....l ni-t -.- t h.- pi ,nt- pushing „.-« I.-,IM- l..-n.-tl.-lal. 1 am V,;,,. t... much 1 al ll„- tim.- irilm-.l 1. lab 1.. .-at ..,..wlh, but 1 h. .aidinal ,,t „< ,,-..ai.|, ll;i\ 1- lb.- w. N III.- plants arc it.-.i hI,.-,. ih.- I,, ,11 ,- , ,p. •-: Nbiiix u lowers .,bl,.-.-.l 1.. -t,,.U -.. mallN .,il 1 iliii,'.:s i^row- mill. -an., h. .,.-.-. thai Ib.-Sll ,»li.-ii .--do not l,.,t.-t.-amyat- -p|„-,.- -h,,n|.| 1..- av..,.l,-.l an 1 pi. my of air ,- pi. my of air. i ..,..,, aln|.l.- -.Ill lb. I.- "ill 1 . b.-ii.i tlavour. ,.,1.,-,- In, 11 m-ai ih.- "la-- - 1,11, .h better ,,| ( 1,1,, ,,| ill,, „ ,,, ,t .ll:i\ ba.-k: 1., llavour It water at the .- .,1 ih,- l.l-inl II tl,.- pill. - can be given a re will be fair ,-i 1 ,-nii„ , Il in . -Il 1 h. lim-h 1 1 ..move a lot of . im.i.- lirand a. 1 ,,lin.,-ph, 1,- l;\ ■■i..\Mi.. na,,\ plants in , paN a Mention h,-.. p.,iiit-. l-'rnlt ti.-al.-.l lln - tla^.ls better. is verv little in- or to that of ojien-air fruit at i ii'Summer. G. WVTHES. Disbudding Peaches. ^Although, of course, a very necessary detail in the culture of Peaches and Nectarines, there is no doubt that disbudding occasions a certain check to the trees. For this reason the work should be gone about systematic- ally, and it is ecpially important that it be c^one at U 280 THE GAEDEN. [April 17, 189f, the pioper time. Until the fruits have set iind commenced to swell a little, they are better left alone, and even then it is unwise to disbud all at once. As soon as the fruit is in the condition in- dicated, I usually go over the trees and remove the worst placed shoots towards the base of the fruiting wood, especially the weaker ones ; then a week later those higher up have attention, re- moving at the same time a few misplaced fruits and any others that it is obvious cannot be left. Then at intervals the shoots with selected fruits at the base are pinched at the third or fourth leaf, the time chosen being when these are about half grown, before the wood begins to harden in the least. Any foreright shoots that appear to be appropriating too much of the sap at the expense of the lower ones are also pinched, the resulting growths lieing laid in if they are reiiuired for extension. The vigour of the trees individually, and to a certain extent the variety-, ha\e ahinys to be taken into consideration in n-jnicl ti ilii- For instance, a tree of Princess lil Wil - In m II splendid basal shoots, even moru \ i - ^ t > . 1 1 - 1 1 ; : i n 1 1 foreright ones on the same brandi. ami it i^.|ini needless to stop such an one. TIh' im \i i r. Grosse Mignonne, is just the revris.-, .mhI liy >i"| ping once and training out two l:ili laN 1 ■an In I to till the trellis above, yet ensure pltiity ut Kca ing wood for next season in the body of the tri-i All young trees especially need this consideral treatment, for if once an equal flow of sap is si up all over the tret', little difficulty will afterwaic be founil. I M-Kn-idinf;-, by the way, seems to me a m\irli iiiMi Miiiiiul method of properly fur- nishint; \ laiiiij i i.-.v iluin the severe cutting back that suiiLf culm aliiis practise. This maylie oc- casionally necessary with badly-ripened and care- lessly liftefl trees wlien planting, but even here it is easy tii tell liy the appearance of the buds whetliei lli'x arc likely to be of service or not, and tlie\ I II iin]\ 1.1 ,ak more regularly when not cut ba. k, A iiiM In.- use of the knife is one of the i;ieai. ~l iiii-takes in the culture of Peaches and Nectarines, and most of the (jruning required may be done with the finger and thumb. — H. gains power the niche may be widened, and un bright warm mornings, when a man can run about with comfort with his shirt sleeves turned little front air may be safely given. But up, i the ni...leni sys sa.shes ..llris a tn to over.l.. U, an.l check tn tile fulli the ventilators i if upright sliding front to the young assistant leiied wide there is no f air. Nets hung over ly spring break up the rush of the current and are beneficial. E. H. INSECT PESTS. The season of the year is at hand when we may expect many of the insect foes which prej- upon our hardy fruit trees to put in an appearance, and it therefore behoves the fruit grower to be on the alert. Those who take the pains to thoroughly «a-.h their trees and walls during the winter nil I lit hs have not the same cause to dread the open- iiij iif spring as those who adopt a let-alone policy ami let matters take their course. When winter Ha-liiii- i< |iractised and persistently followed u| Mai iti.i \iar, it undoubtedly reduces the nuui li, I iif 111- lis which infest fruit trees in our i;"!' ik M~, anil altlinugh we Can never hope to entirely liani^li ilieni allu'^etlier, sneli means go a long way t. i\\ai.l- aiiainiir,: tliai cnil. Wall trees should be 3 eBectually, than a few yards; that is^i se, if the arrangements are of a homely na|il Special copings with tiffany blinds of a cea length, cords, pulleys and other elaborate series are only to be had in a very few placef far, however, as the south of England is conc( tiffany is neither necessary nor advisable,' cially if labour is scarce. Netting answe: purpose equally well and no rolling u] down is required ; it is put on at the expi of the bloom and remains until the fruit % and well on the move. The fact, however, j*! to be absolutely safe such a covering o be a double thickness of stout half-ini netting renders the covering of long stutihi I wall rather an expensive business. It must, 1 • ever, be remembered that this netting ansn several purposes, and is in the open from middle of March until October is fairly adv its last work being to protect Pears, late ] Morello Cherries and late Currants from sm large birds. It cannot be too strongly ento that without spring protection a gardener call guarantee a sujiply of fruit with it. On the o idy at very frequen to hav VENTILATING FRUIT HOUSES. There is sound sense in the note by " C. C. H." on giving front air at this season to late Peach houses with a view to retarding the trees. It is more likely to check the growth and cause tin- appearance of green fiy. Ventilation must, i if course, ,'en in sufficient measure te sturdy growtl front ventilati should alwa\'s but fur ev.TV plant -niNMi II lation wl kiml nf fruit tree or tiowering iiilir L;lass. Insects and mildew .ifii u the outcome of front venti- ng Hind, even when coming from the south, has a tinge of keenness in it. In some situations the air seems to have more biting power than in others, and this will be taken into consideration when ventilation is given. I have known gardens so well sheltered with trees or hills that the sting was taken out of the cold wind before it reached the garden, and in such positions air may be freely given. Tlie puMtimi and structure of the houses have sonietlnnu k. .In with the nece.ssity for using judgment in \. nii lating. but :\ good cultivator soon works out lus position ami \ .iitil.ites accordingly. In veiiti- latini;- fi nit houses it is a safe rule togi\e a little air aloii^ the i nl^e as soon as the sun strikes full on the house on a l)riglit calm moriiiie.;, 'I'lie openiii'^s iieid noi be large, just suttieiiiii to mi u]i a lareiilalMii inside and prevent the .|e|io,it of niui.sturc tu any larne extent. .Sleani in a house when the sun is shiniie^ ii|ion if is leii ■_; 1 for the growth. Better li\ far hi the \a|"iui escape and the space 1 II- tilled up with pure Imoy- ant air. Ventilation, as all gardener ^uent are found effected a lodgment, remedial measures may at once be adopted. These prompt mea.sures mean a great saving of time and labour in the long run, and the trees, by being so quickly rid of their enemies, experience no check whatever as far as growth is concerned. It is one of the greatest mistakes that can be made to allow aphides, for instance, to become securely fixed on wall fruit trees before taking steps to eradicate them. In the meantime, the foliage becomes curled and so badly infested, that it is a difficult matter to reach them with an insecticide, while the young shoots get crippled in their growth, a condition from which it takes them a long time to reco%er. Many a case of failure in Peach growing outdoors may be traced to this cause alone. In spite of this, one often has to hear that the soil or climate is to blame, while the true cause of failure is seldom or never admitted. As soon as insects are ilisen\-.-reil, i-nei-Lfetie measures slioiild at once be ailo].tei|, f, II if tlie\- are oiH-1- allowed to gain a foot- niijthey will [iiiAe lioiihlesoiiie tor a long time In e.. 111.'-. It is not so iniH-li a Miatler of using this 1 that kind of insecticide as applying them at the right moment, because if they possess the killing powers claimed for them, the first applica tiuu will settle the insects while they ai-e as ye in a feeble condition. Weather ecmdition-- should always be taken into aei-uunl , loi it is a nn-taki- touse insectieidi- \\hen t he w .-at h.-r m .lull an.l cold, with the wnid perhaps blowing' from the east. If possible, choose a bright, warm day, and apply the remedies early enough to allow the young and tender foliage to dry again before evening. Shonlrl a spell of dull, cold weather occur, such as w..ulil r.-n.ler the use of insecti- cides ratlier ii-k\, tli.-ii fall back on , tobacco ]jowder for tin- time heiiiL,'. and apply it with a pufTto all the atlected parts of the trees. This x\ ill hold the enemy in check until the more .-lle.-tual remedies can be applied. A. W. Ma I. her. i where bullfinches are tronkli -nm. -. |iiii of the same have to be placed a k ': : i< I'lun to keep the buds intact. Wi-iiui .iil-iiii of buds reminds me of an unfort unati i \iii-i this year. Some bird has picked out nearly . bud 'from our large-flowered Chimonanthus grans. I have never known such a thing hai before, and shall be glad to know if any c spondents have been similarly troubled. 1 1 tomtits must be answerable for the damage ha^■e seen several settle on the tree.— E. BuBi Garden Flora. i PLATE 1114. THE NATAL LABURNUM. (CALl'UBNIA AURBA.) (with a coloured plate.*) Calpurnia is a small genus of Legum? ,-illii Afri The rotection of fruit trees. — There is in i-onneetion with the urotection of that d. -serves a little more attention. kne about from tree to t should be progressive. Start with a niche along be the material used, a considerable stretch of the ridge, and during the morning as the sun I wall can be covered more quickly, and certainly Sophora and peculiar to i ' es Iiere figured is conim in sonu- pails. if the e.ilony of Natal, and it i.' *> cultivate. I by l-aii-opeans there, who htiven d it the Natal Laburnum from its resemliku t- the true Laburnum, a resenibliim-e easily tn by Mr. Moon's drawing. It apijeais to i been introduced into this country in thi '<• . eidury, a figure of it having been imlihsh ii the Botanical Magazine, t. 2617, umlei 'h ii.-inie of Virgilia intrusa. For its re-intv n tion we are indebted to Kew, seeds of it h \k been received there ten years ago, where i i^' flowered in a greenhouse in the spring of "1 and it has flowered every year since at va lis seasons. It grows freely, forming a gri f"' little tree 10 feet high, the branches spre «, more or less horizontally, and the flowers i^ ing in elegant racemes. In pots it doe i"' grow well, but when planted out in a ; im- position in a greenhouse it is quite liajipj "*■ is attractive even when not in flower by r -'i of its elegant deep green foliage. The m' from which the accompanying drawiiiu \\ ii- i> pared is growing in the conservatory (N ^' It ditl'.-is "fioiii .-^ second example, u'lmvi ' the kii-ji- ti-iupi-r.-ite house, in having "' l.-aM-saii.l liinu-.-r, looser racemes, the pi: -' (In- tt-mper.-ite house having racenn-s li i i' hy li inches and the flowers packed .k- eether. Although many of the le.iv. s t ^ 111 the autumn, the plant is not quite .Il-li. * Drawn I for The Garden by H. G. Moon <; Royal Gardens, Kew. Lithographed and pnn - J. L. Goffart. i « w ' HE NAT A L L A B U RN U M . ( April 17, 1897.1 THE GAi^DEN. 281 have swn it in full I1..wit in Si-|itriiiliiT, ecemlRT, .-uid May, and 1 slumld sav that here it is ,|uite haii|.y it will llow.'r ahnust .iitinuniisly. It is an .■xcclk^nt plant f.,i- Uyj,v >nservat(irii's, and in cuuiitno.s where fn.st is i)t cx|)erioMied it would, no doubt, pmvr a eful little tiee for the park and garden. The resemblance of Cali)urnia to Labiirnnni only supertieial, the Ixitanieal eharaeters of e two being widely different . \V. W. The Week's Work. iHs.-ts, :aiy KITCHEX (;.\i;ii UoBB AktICIIOKES.— It eaii n.i\ f the plants have decayi'l iln •hich thev are liable to d(p w Inn frain. the ro„f> uf tlm-,- il,,ii if the ground at on,.-. ;i,mI iI ii pthevaeaiieies will, \,m,,,.j ,,1; Id soil should be lrin,A.,l ai cher mat. rial. Str.Mi-, well- u-efullv si-veivd from healthy i.lanis, ea.i !„■ irHUiii,!;- up .jips or to f.,im new phuitations ,y gettiuy tlirni plauted at once, they wil ome estalili-li. il liitmv dry weather sets in lost i)roliaMy ihiuw up llower-stems this m . |Ome weeks ago 1 advised sowing seed ann |j raise young plants and not to trust to old lear after year. I made a sowing at the end 'f February in shallow boxes of both the Green iid Purple (Jlobe v.arieties : the strongest of the lants \v:-r<- |intti'd up and 1 now have a nice at.-l.. «ln.l, «ill li,. .jraduall> hardened off in .leceof-i 1 -..uu- inuedunng May. By rai>- jig the jilaiil- Ctrl) under glass in this way and [eepinj;- tin m Mip|ilii d u ith liquid manure dui luu he early sun nuir uamt I is. they often become strnnu nough to form tlower-stems as early as those left ii the ground all the winter, or at any rate form succession to these, but generous treatment lUSt be afforded from first to last. It is rather jite to sow seed now with a view to the plants living a return this year, but it may be put in on i warm border, and the plants raised will be useful br transplanting next spring if jiroteeted from :ost during the winter. If plantation- an- fnrni.d innually or every second year, it «ill nut li, ni . . - ury to devote quite so much room in ila au, and hey may be planted 2 feet apart eauh way, « hich !iU allow space for mulching during dry weather. ' Veoetable Marrows. — Young plants are often uined by keeping them in a warm house or frame bo long, causing them to grow weak and spindly lefore the time arrives for planting them in their fimmer quarters, while to keep them starving in mall pots in cold, airy houses is equally against lee growth afterwards. As pointed out recently, I few eai'Iy fruits |irofhieed under glass are con- idered a delicacy, and plants that have been vised for this |)urpose should be placed in ames, such as where Potatoes or other forced egetables have been produced. The same soil ill be quite rich enough to promote suitable rowth, as when the soil is made too rich, growth |ecomes gross and much time is lost befuiv ih.- rait sets jjroperly. It is better to plant tin- .r^ i] . (i portable frames, wliich can be removed alii r fie early lot of fruit is cut to allow the phiiiN m |row at will durins- the rest of the summer. It be necessary to admit plenty of air after the ts commence to grow whenever the weather favourable, and by closing the lights before sun- i, sufficient warmth will be secured without un ily forcing growth. The variety Pen-y lud i- uitable for frame culture and table u-i nerally. Now is a good time to start i.liut- ■outside culture, which may be donewiilioui 2 aid of glass if necessary. All that i- i. ired is to collect a good heap of leave.-, -i iMe ter, or rubbish, which will produce a shglit armth, and after well mixing this material to- ther to form a bed a foot or so high, some ■d «i there be llinei. (Ml Miii;it.s. — These are chiefly grown in siiiall -allien-, uliere they are much valued, and may lie lai-e.i exaeily the Same as recommended above foi \ ejeial.le M a irows. They might also be eiowii in. a, e\ien-nely than they are in large e.irdeiis Willi adxantage, as where there is a great ileiuaiid for Cucumbers during the summer, a pl-niiation of these would yield abundance of fruit i|uiie suitable for kitchen and other purposes to « liieh they are often put, and save to a great ex- leiil llie eNiia attention needed to produce so iuan\ ill the loieing house. In sheltered positions in the soiitli. phints can be raised in the ordinary i;aT-den soil, but the fruit is greatly improved 1 lOth in quality and appearance when grown on ridges of manure and good soil mixed. The raising of a few plants of Gherkins must not be forgotten, as these are generally required later in the season for pickling. CAPSICUMS AND Chillies. — Both of these will be also retjuired for pickling, or rather for mixing ^^ 11 li other things, and, as a rule, the small-fruit- II e \arieties are preferred for the purpose. In I a|i-ieums I grow Little Gem and Prince of \\ ales, and Tom Thumb and Crimson Bouquet are favourite varieties of Chillies. Both require the same treatment, and, unless grown for decoration, one or two plants of each will be sufficient to supply the kitchen demand. Sow the seed in gentle heat, pot up the desired number of plants, and grow them on in a warm frame or greenhouse. Celery. — Plants from early-sown seed are readv for pricking off. The seedlings should be lifted eaiefiilly with a label or pointed stick and dibbled ml o l.oxes filled with light, rich soil or into frames l! inehes or 3 inches apart. Earlier plants that have been pricked out into boxes some time ago should be gradually brought into cool quarters to get them hardened ready for planting in May. It is most important that the soil they are growing in should be kept moist at all times, as dryness at the roots checks growth and causes the plants to flower prematurely, which often happens to early- raised plants when starved in shallow boxes. Sow more seed for a later supply in a cold frame, the latest plants being raised at the end of the month liy sowing the seed thinly under a handlight in a moi.st part of the garden. General work. — Potato planting has been fre- quently stopped by rain, but every opportunity should be taken to get the late varieties planted, as the sets will be making growth in the store boxes, and greater care will be necessary that the shoots are not damaged as the work proceeds. Draw a little dry soil over early plantations as growth appears, and continue to cover those growing at the foot of south walls or in cold frames at night. Late batches of Broccoli should be looked over twice a week, as the beads are now forming quickly, and as it is neee--aiy to -end these to the kitchen in a solid w lute '-laii , the plants with heads ready for use sliouM lie liti.il and stored in a cool, dark cellar, where tiny \iill l.i-i ill good condition several days. Failing 1 In-. 1 lie leaves should be bent over the centre to -liaile the "flower" from sun and frost. The daily u-ecifthe Dutch hoe between cro) IS for the next few weeks will not only eiie a-je eiowth. Km will destroy thousands (if \M, 1 1- |ii-t -tan in- into growth, and by perseverin.: \\ 11 li -lali \\oik new will save much labour later on and lend tii\\ai.l- a eleaii garden throughout the summer, (ironnil 1 hat was dug early in the winter is being slulit ly loik.cl over before seeds or plants are put m. tlii-l lo-.lhei. and mile- dl-t 111 lied il uill lake loii-el to l.eeonie warm. Make soh nijjs of Lettuce and Radishes about every ten days, and Mustard and Cress twice a week if necessary. This will do m now, such as a cold red at night with mats. Richard Pakkek. FRUIT HOUSES. Pot Fills. — The fruits on these are now ripening, therefore from now until the crop has been of beds on brieht, suiniy ,„„i„i,igs. It j.o.ssible keep a chink of air on the house through the night, increase it as the day wears on should the wSither !,e bright, as dry, warm air is as .;ssen. are perfectly ripe it they have to be paektal and sent to a distance, but if wanted for home con- sumption only, allow them to hang a day or so longer. Figs require careful jiackincr, and the should be placed in each compartment. If enough cotton wool is placed round each, they cannot move out of place, and with a sheet of cotton wool placed on the top before shutting down the lid they will travel any distance without sustaining the slightest damage. When all the fruits have been gathered, thoroughly syringe the trees if a second crop is to be taken, an(i with regard to feeding, top-dressing, syringing, &c., adopt the treatment advised in previous calendars. Planted-oct Figs. — The fruits on these are rapidly appi-oaching maturity, and as soon as the fruits ripen, modify the treatment as advised for pot trees. See that the trees do not lack mois- ture at the roots, not only on account of the ma- tuiine fiuii-, but also for the sjike of the .second (io|i. \\ 11. n the fruits have been gathered, re- -iniie -\ iinjine, and again start feeding the roots Willi -t'liiiulaiits, of which they will take copious supplies twice a week if the borders are properly constructed, and for the same reason renew the mulch on the surface. Suc'Cessional houses.— For the present the work here will principally consist in tying in a sufficiency of young shoots for furnishing the trees with fruiting wood for another season, which should not be stopped, while the others should be stopped at the fifth and sixth leaf to induce the formation of a second crop. Trees in pots or tubs should be stopped in like manner, but if the ex- tension principle of growing these finds favour tie out the young growths to stakes placed round the sides of the pots. Grown in this way these young growths produce a great number of fruits the following season throughout their entire length, but, on the whole, I prefer close-stopped trees, as every twig, if well ripened, produces three or four fruits. Attend most assiduously to watering, eiviii.; stimulants in some shape or form to assist the now rapidly swelling fruits, and renew the iinileli on the borders if that previously applied lias become exhausted, 'fcp-dress trees in pots or tubs, and if space on the top of the ball is limited, use strips of zinc as recommended in a previous calendar. Gi\e every attention to such routine matters as airing and damping, syringing I lie 1 1 ees copiously in the afternoons of fine days, iiiiLiiiL,' the most use of solar heat by closing KS. — Tlio trees in these. ich wi re.l. ,u.\ .-hould be broueht gently aloii.;. The borders, if not already done, should li. "ell watered, and to ))revent undue evapora- t loll taking place mulch the surface. ^oiMi Flos, — Plants raised from cuttings struck in February will now be ready for a shift into 9-inch pots. A compost f fibrous loam, a 282 THE GARDEN. [April 17, 1897. Hill lo ^io|i|iiii'j iiimI t (.till intj they will make iiire iu-.1m - li\- I hr iinl .4' I III' season. Lmi; \ims. Hi, .,1,1s of Lady Downe's and itliii late kf,|iiii,j ( ;]:i|i,,s have broken -well this eason. and the bunche.s jiromise to lie \ eiy ^'ood. live attention to disbudding, stoii|iiii,j. i,-,lii,in. t,nditi..n- ... , ,eco>,MMl.,- !ants.-,> 1. ■!■:.- liltol.. ul H. , mi.rl, Mil.'i larch,,,,. uitain, firstly, particulars soil, exposure and average mperature and rainfall nf Dentaria digitata is one of those pretty bits f colour too rarely seen in hardy plant oollec- ons, thoush best deserving a cool spot in a hady peat oed. The latter soil is, however, less necessity than the shade, for the plants rarely evelop fully in any other position. Floweriny sually at the end of March, they make quite a iileasing array of colour amid the fresh leafage, Ind when well established, flowers come in fairly ^irge clusters. Where the Trilliums do best there iiay one expect to see the Pentarias almost rani- jiant. I Kertensia virginica (Virg-inian f'owslip). There is something very distiii.t aTid attv.i.tix .■ >i the inflorescence of tlli^ plani. ']'lic> ih>iiiiii |iurple-blue blossoms, tnliiilar in ontliiie. wiih hither bro.adlv fxpMiidin.j ninntli, .li-|iM-,.,l i,i Iracefully aivluiaj- .-In^l,.,. l,a nnually, |iin,ln,.,. phesliuLlK .l.ruiul'ienl -r.n,>an,l lalh.a ula,auu> t;avesare abn puu.ts ul di»tincliuii iii this in- peaty s ! for a year Ir two, are the best means of securing the greatest »eauty. Doronicum austriacum majus. — Just no« lie mass of blossoms from this showy perennial Fritillaria imperialia. — This bold-growir lid slinwv plant is now tinelv in flowe ■lanlcd fn.lv in tlie -)imiI.I..;-v nV bai-dv plai soil is what they usually enjoy, though for ( beautiful variegated forms it should be less so. NOTES ON HARDY PLANTS. Primula purpurea (Royle).— There is le.nn,- llMi-T'll I -r,.> air Ihlls ealh >b..«ni- rnluu,. I'lir »rt ;i1mI ,,,,1 Ma\ .■oM -,:i-..n >eel,,s to baxe l.narjhi tlirii, ,,ii very fast uf late, I will only hM thai I 111- plant is now a more available one ilia 11. -a\, Tne years ago, and certainly worth a |ila.,' Ill I'liiuula collections as a marked geo- Chionodoxa Lucilise.— In this and the kinds such as gigantea, Alleni, and sardensis there can he no doubt we have a oronp of spring flowers of iliii llirl -eoparil - l.anr. ihi- will li.'ar liequeut U;\,.~iiiii nd re]il.iiii iirj wiili niipniiii \ , a point of impoit- ,vli.-n -11. li ili.iir- aiv 11- d for large beds or IS, ■|'lii> \aral\ :- sanely more than IS 5 liigli and pindiue.s it.s large Marguerite inis in great iiiiiiiliers for weeks together. It ) among tlie earliest to flower of this impor- ant grouii of hardy plants. Coloured Primroses, Tlir lil.i--,iiii- ut iIm-. inch appiveiated l.\- laill.- I.. I n.l.MM ,h .,,,,, li.,n t this season ,.f (li,. veai. Tlax air -j. Ir l:,l|^ weetlv fia'jiant. uliirli i< an a. Ii lit i. mal , |iia 1 il \ .a alue,' .\1 Wxroliilir AliliiA. \li. Milr- |,|.'inl- hemoiil in tiainr, ai ill.' MUnr uav a- llr .|,,r- isVioIrl-. and lirair n „| ,.,,il a'ml pi.arrlr.l ythe.,;la--lianir- m l|l,|r,,.f ,rMarWr:„lir|.,|,r OWerS IMIIlr \ , I X hllr and 1 ,rll 111 .■mIi.III. r-r,-||i Galanthus Nicana. I Corydalis cava alba is one of the most loveh Mairli llouris Ikiiow, The ivorv-whitc flowci's [len ; tlianl leedlirig> >l„,iil.l br v,,\m, ,• alU -o a> t.i Imr a accession of vii;oroiis plants. The time tor -,ixv ig can be as soon as the ripened seeds can be had r in spring. Perhaps the best jilan is to make a >wing at each of these times. In semi-wild places vbite tl. Wers. .\ lit lut luire for Ileal l\ tx Saxifraga biflor perience of it goes, is that it is a difficult si)ecies to kee]), though I have kejit it ten years or more. Iris verna. — Three years ago I received a (inantity of Dionaja mu.soipula, and among it a bit of llii-i ebarniini_r Iri-^. .-Vs the Dionaja wa.H inlrndril tn I lo . .iili. .ii-r eulture, the Iris, ..f rn,i,-r .j i r u ,a, uiih it, aud now In the la-i urrK ,a Marrh thr i|,,Hris of thc IHs orc nillnri.ai- .and. -.rrn .it 1 l|. ;l lir-l . rlran, erect, and ,lthr,»l-r prllrrl. Thr 1,,mK ru|,,„rs of thc lliiwri- air hrXMiiil .l.-Mai|ii .iml luy uotc UMUI.I MlL'rrM M - rl|l|ll|r ai rrM | | ; S in « ttl i X - ilaiit this. It 1- rx, ir,,rn uith mr, ih,,ii-l, iii.t more than b inrhrs ,,i s iiiehes high: in fact it is one of t hr-r I hiirj> that may be encouraged to till up all iiitrrmriliatr spaces among the larger or more |ii oiii.iiiired -peeiinens, Synthyris reniformis,— As a winter and -pi iig bloomer I think tliis is un overlooked rock plant. I sav winter and sjiiing bloomer because liulil rliimps'iiiiliviiln.-illv llow,-r from Febrnavv to Anill. all thr «lil|r l„'lll- well ill exidrnre'. I Ih.rk ot riir'. .i.liniiation even more. It i- a i hi in \ plant , iHit a r, ,1111111111 one, neat all the \r n irund. .nel pra,-la'allx rxergreen. It loves a'liir.-t plarr, Inii really iiothnig speelal is required to make it prosper. I think 1 should have one care for it, and tli.it wiiiiM lir tn keep it from lime. yVouili;'//,, A,,-L-t,,//. J. Wood. ANEMONE BLANDA. t ready of whic was really on ai ihn.Mrhollt thr .J.ndrn. IllMdm- ihr nihri- ,. naturally a mueb slower method, though by no means difficult where the plant succeeds, which is not the case in every garden. One of the best 284 THE GARDEN. [April 17, 1897. marked forms uf tliis lo«'ly |)lant is the wliite variety mentioned at p. '23.5 of The Garden, A. b. var. seythinioa, an exquisite form by itself and worthy of every care. A mixed arrangement of this with the bUie form would make a lovely picture indeed, while the most inferior of its seed- lings would have a value of their own. J. THE WHITE WATSONIA. The accompanying picture represents a border in the garden of Mr. H. M. Arderne, Clare- mont, Cape Town, in which a large group of the lovely white Watsonia is a conspicuous feature. This plant was first introduced [ by Mr. James ( )'Brien in 1889, but it has only lately bcrii obtainable in quantity, one of (lui iniiNn \ men ofiering large corras of it by tin Iniiiilml. It is certain to be- come a f.ivuuntL: \Mlh growers of Gladioli and such-Uke bulbous plants, because, in addition to its beauty of flower, it has the merit of growing and blooming freely in the open border if treated in the same way as for Gladioli. The history of this plant is a little involved ; it also has received a considerable number of names, not at the hands of botanists, be it said. In 1889 Mr. N. E. Brown received and named specimens from Mr. J. O'Brien, wliii tlcwirucl it in his garden at Harrow in Si|itciiiliLr, and who received a first- class tLTlilRate for it on September 21 under the name of W. iridifolia O'Brieni. In 1891 some bulbs of it were received at Kew from Port Elizabeth, and these flowered in October, their stems being 4 feet liigh, each with five or six branches, bearing many long-tubed, broad-mouthed flowers, each 2 inches across and of the purest glistening snow-white. They grew in a bed on a small lawn on tin south side of the T range, and wen beautiful picture of pure wliite Aowlis. In the a„i,!,„cr,- <1,n.,url, for March 5, LsUl'. tliiri- .ipiu an.l an illustration of a Im.iiUt of this Watsoiiia in St. George's Park, Port KlizaliL-th, with an anonymous note to the etl'ect that the plant might have been named Port Elizabeth Pearl or Pride of Algoa Bay, as it had been raised there and was a sujierb ijanhn jilint, throwing and flowering spl. iMli.ll\ . 'I'liis was fol- lowed by a notu liom I'l otissoi' .Mac owan, of Cape Town, conoctm- tin- statmiunt as to the origin of the plant, and stating that it was "first found by Mr. Robert Templeman, formerly assistant at the Cape Town Bot.uiir Oav.h ns, and within a day's journey fiom ili, ,\i\ The finder grew the re mm, .mon- his stock for a year or two, anil uli iinat.'K' sunt a few to the late Mr. .lolni W il- ii. ili, n su|.frin- tendentof the .Si , i :,.,,i .^,.\ |';,iL :,i l>,,rt Elizabeth. \\hv\, I...1.I I'.i,' 1;, u.isround at Algoa Bay ill thr >,.,-/.r„„, he .saw and greatly admired W il-ou s hille clump of Watsonias, rcgretimi; that they were not for sale, but destined tor stork. " However, Wilson referred him to Templeman at Cape Town, from whom Lord Brassey bought a potful of the white Watsonia for a sovereign." So far we have been dealing with the Port Elizabeth portion of this plant. Now we come to that at Cape Town. - In The Garden for March 25, 1893, there is an engr.iMuu fi.nn a photoi^iaph sent by Mr. Anleria: ie|ires,.iit ihl; nhat he there calls Watsonia all.a. hut ulneh is identical ' with Templenuin's plant named ni eumplinient to Mr. O'Brien. Mr. Arderne writes : ' ' The original was brought by myself from the farm Roman River, in the W.ircester valley, about eighty miles from Cape Town, and was found growing in a peaty, boggy marsh amongst thousands of the common pink variety I have found the flowers considerably improved by cultiva- tion in peat, leaf-mould, and light loam, and grown in a damp locality." I wrote some notes on Watsonias generally to accompany a plate of W. angusta, published in The Garden for August 19, 189.3, where I recorded the fact that this white Watsonia had been sent to Kew a the newly-imported corms are being tiffere For garden purposes we may convenient put aside all these Latin names and call tl plant the white Watsonia, whilst botanical, it will be known as W. iridifolia O'Brieil We must not let wrangling over names us to the merits of the plant, which is exceptional among cultivated Watsonias sturdy habit, good behaviour under a treatment, and the elegance and purity ct flowers. W. W, ;/ t jiaph W. iridifolia alba and W. Meriana alba. ] Sunflowers.— The perennial Sunflowers al Recently another name has been added, viz., among the hardy plants that may be sprii' W. Ardernei, and under this name plants were 4 planted from the fact that they are late inlstai shown and certificated last year ; under it, too, ' ing, and consequently are less affected by ili'i'^ii April 17, 1897.J THE GARDEN. 285 unalilr ill ■■' ever fail in ad it in m: ower, till- kI sIh.u cial lij;lil. f 5 feet it iiluiible iis ranife-coliiii igOIOMs i„ 1 lore tliiiii .. eiplit Mil. I M'l^i- Mrl isable nd fail irface um'stai roiigesi iniiLst of sterilu surroundingK), a Swcidisli biitiiiiist who has there establislied an alpine garden and with whom I have exchanged seeds for twelve years. lie cultivates al]iiiie jilaiits witli wonderful Muvess, ,-iimI s.-imIs hi,. n.t.Is ,,f llu-ui in abundaiuv. Wonl.l :,,n ■ muuiii.'. for instauee, Ibai \ inlr. isarr h.Krlir.,. 1 li.mi hus '-;i' biennial renewal i- lier hand, if the soil is i r elumpsgeta gooil am 1 mav remain undi^tul , llnxu-v.-r. mi.l.T Mlrl, 1 ll„. -li.iut.. ,r-,M,,,.. iches long. It i> lalli ifFerence of opinion a ;vcral double forms of i owered type, as repre^ I- 11. rills of the lis. t 111 .\nemone \ pliims and the (lUr. Both V in its way, the er and the othei BURRELL. SOME ARCTIC PLANTS. well known that northern and aretie gions ]iiissess a flora which is very peculiar in s aspect, and in its forms and compositicai is 'Stive of the flora of the glacial distrieis ..f Aljis. Seme of the species, indeed, are mimon tu both latitudes: for instance, in abradcir we find M syiecies which also occur in Ipine flora. Of tlie 294 species of flower- ig plants which inhabit the glacial region of the Ips, lifty-four are also circumpolar, that is, ley are distributed towards the pole in the :'incipal arctic regions of Europe, Asia .and 'ca. Thirty-six species are only fiiiiiiil in rtaiii ])arts of tliis zone, being contiin il tn Mtzbergen, for instance, Greenland, or else- here. Ljiipland and Iceland possess a greater less nnmlier of our alpine plants, and avellers who have visited the hills and plains these countries speak of having met with rpets of Azalea procumbens; rocky places lorned with Saxifraga oppositifolia and Silene aulis, whicli there is no longer steniless by ly means, but bears its flowers on Iiiul; st.ilks ider the eo]iious light of the an lie sun : and ussy ground quite enamelled will I the ll.iuiis Drj'as oetopetala, Trollius eurojiieus, the little llow Violet (Viola biflora), &c. Reading over e lists of northern plants, one might almost ink they recorded the collections of members Swiss or Freiieli liotanical societies diiiini; . excursion in the .Ups, sosiuiilaiaiv the tl.ir;is both regions. However, there are som,. s|,e s in the various aretie and northern reginii.s lich belong to those latitudes exclusively^ and ; not found either on the Alps or the Pyrenees, in any other of the more southern countries, lave annually received from Dr. Lagerheim, of •omsoe, the present professor of botany at ockhohu, a eollection of .seeds g.ithereil bv in the glacial regions of tlie north-east of at part of Europe. These seeds I sow either the Jardin Alpin d'Acclimatation at Geneva in the garden of the "Linncea" in the Alps Valais, and I have succeeded in raising plants >m most of them. There is also at Kilila, Russian Lapland (an oasis of verdure in the diminutive form of P. sibirica, whicli re(iuires till our care to keep alive in our too dry climate. Some of these northern plants are re- iiiaikable for their grace and free-flower- iiii; quality, and I shall here treat only of some of the most distinctly marked kinds. Iliapeiisia laiiponiea (L.) is certainlv the hand- s.anest ..f all'tliese plants. It f..iaiis a small. eushio'ii of Vr'nluiv ot^ a dark and' I'e.ld'isli green, fonned by a va.st number of small rosettes of tliirk leathery leaves. Tlie a|i|ir,u' ance of the tuft liiniiids one of certain Andro saces of the Aretia group, or of the young tufts of Azalea procumbens when they are growing in stony and sterile soil and have not made long branches. The flowers are comparatively large and of a pure white colour. They are alsn numerous and nearly .sessile, almost intiiely covering the tuft when they come into lil u (in March and Ajnal with us). It grows in ,liy. be.- l..lis.,f -lety," Feildeu, desenbinu- it in the ■■'! the Norfolk ami Nnrwieli .X.ilura says that he was .■liarnnd i\ei\ lime ne came across tliese little laiiliossimiils of white flowers enlivening the in.ist sterile spnts in the north. Anyone who reads the reports of Warming on the vegetation of Greenland and other arctic countries will see how lovely this white flower ajipears in those ice-bound regions. It is found 11, it far from Tromsoii, on the moors of Bruyferes, ami iheers and enlivens the desolate summit of the North Cape. Its single congener, named D. cuneifolia (Salisb.) (D. americana, i'.uiksi, and also known as Pyxidanthera b. 1 1 1 . 1 1 1 1 (Michx.), inhabits the northern regions i i, American continent, and has beer rock work for some years past . I branches, and in apije.nan.e nn Azalea jirocumbeiis. It liasainle their culture. They .should be planted in light sandy soil mixed with broken granite (they dis- like lime very much), and on a granite rock- work, they should occupy a dry recess in a elimalrsr,.reh]nL;- tlmir f.ilia-r. Tim l.r.t r,,i, pnst for them isloriued of heath ,so,l and enisla granite. I have succeeded admirably with tl European species by growing it in Sphagnuu and last March and April I had some very tii tufts,, fit eiitir.-lv c',,v,Te,l ^^ifh tk.wers. .\s f, Oneof th, leasing Camnanuhu opens its cheerful lilac-blue flowers under the rays of the arctic sun. This is Campanula uniflora (L.), not to be confounded with the , me flowered variety ,,f('. r,,tiu,dif,,lia. Il is ,■, si,i,,ll |,l;,nf, uilli ulalmous, :ilm,,st .■liliiv 1,,,,, ,|„ ,,.„i sl,a„l,a. ,!i,„| ;,,„l ,„„■ tl, .«,,,, I WiT, ::, ,1 xposed to the sun, where light, .sandy, well-drained lid be kept dry, as the .■\la\ folium (L.), whici licrennial bonier dens here at ( i, attacks of an iir binms. It is a folia,'e ..f .a d.iik , ,,i i!i, - IS E. lati- I, •! Ill laiLjIand as a. V. Iiieh III the excessive pi'oportion of lime (8 per cut. ) in the water here at Geneva. In Enghiml ami the west of France it ought to be grown with success. Seed of Diapensia is very slow in ger- minating ; I have had some wdiich took eighteen months in doing so. f.dia. v.- the leaves are iiarr.iwaml not ilelitute, acute and coloured at the base. The flowers are smaller than those of the alpine form and the habit of the plant is more compact. It is a handsome rock ]il.iiit, flowering,' «itli iis in Al.av and June and thriving to peif,, i ion in -|i,]iL;y .soil in a half-shaded positi,, II. In tli,- ih.if!, the Brambles do not take the toueli-ine n,,l f,,nu iii which they are familiar to us, as there they dt) not grow in long prickly shoots, but form very small, dwarf, creeping shrubs with a running 1, " itst, ,ek .and a slender stem only about 2 inches ', li The most pleasing of them is Rubus I , us ( L. ). Ill,- ll.iux-rs of which are of a bright ' II, - eol,,iii- with a white centre, and the foli- age of which turns red in autumn. The fruit, which resembles a Raspberry of exquisite aroma and flavour, is made into delicious preserves and syrups by the Norwegians and Finlanders. The Ta|.laii,l,-i-s ,-ils,, -gather the fruit with the 'jn at,st ear,'.in,l make of it a refreshing sherbet. Tliesi- iioitliein p,-ople also keep the fruit fresh through the winter by burying it under the snow. Rubus Chanii^jraorus (L.) has a large white flower and its fruit also is edible. It abounds, like the previous species, in all the northern regions of Europe and America. Both these Brambles thrive best in porous, cool soil in a half - shaded positiim. The Icehind Po]i]iy it have come into eskstence. The Saxifrage of the north (Saxifraga nivalis) is a singular jilant with thick leathery leaves. n-ddish on the under side, forming a large i,,s,tte, from the centre of which springs a tlowering stem from 2 inches to 4 inches high, and bearing white flowers. It is easily raised from seed, and does well in cool soil in a shaded or half-shaded position. The most pleasing of the 286 THE GARDEN. [April 17, 1897. arctic Saxifrages is S. flagellaris (Willd.)- form- ing small rosettes of ciliated leaves and bearing bright yellow flowers. It thrives on rockwork in a position fully exposed to the sun. In all the northern zones there exists quite a sub- arborescent flora of plants belonging to the Ericace?e or the Vacciniacese. These plants are to those desolate regions what the alpine Rose (Rhododendron ferrugineum) is to our high mountains, and supply the warm tint from the palette of the great artist and author of the picture. The leaves of the Vaccininins turn red in autumn and inii>.irt to the l.iiiilsca])!' those golden and orange hm s wliieh ive ,Mbiiiie .so much in the mountain wondluids in ( )iti.ber. The flowers of Rhododendron lippmii. uiu (Wahlenb.), of the Heaths, Ph\ ll..,l,„vs. An droniedas, and Ledums are as v.iiied m then tints as they are elegant in their foims. ( )iir..t these plants is more particularly ieiii.irk;i I .le in forming tufts of a sombre green eolom eoiisi-t ing of small erect, tetragonul. eolnmii-like shoots covered with ;i niultitndi' of niiiiiite im- bue ited lt,a\ es mil iini iilmd f sm ill btU floweis of th I in \ ^ hit Ihis IS An dl Hied I t. ti u ni I I III 1 I litii^ina ni^litth hinl n leaves f i i \ i li a fine c iiinni i m does well, and in any such the plant is a gem indeed. Fritillaria armena. — A pretty little yellow- flowered species from Asia Minor. It is of dwarf growth, and well suited for a position where a thin carpet of green can be given it to save the bell-shaped blossoms from oeing wrecked by storm and wind. Where the rarer bulbs are grown in pots this is well suited for the purpose, planting eight or a dozen in a 6-inch pot. At Ditton it has been flowering freely in the open. Trees and Shrubs, wistaria in hants. The accompanying photograph (taken by Mr. James Coventry, of Burgate House, I'onlingbridge) of a Wistaria growing upon :iu old portion of thi.s house may possibly be of interest to some of your readers, as illus- tiating what a free bloomer the Wistaria is in a suitable position and in a suitable sea tinge. By far the most conspicuous poition i the inflorescence is furnished by the yellow pet dulous stamens, which are plentifully scattered i little tufts over the greater portion of tlie plant The oblong-shaped leaves, which make thei_ appearance later, are also of a peculiar yellofl green tinge. This little shrub, which ' ' rarely seen, was introduced from North in 1750. It succeeds best in a good open i peat, which is even during the height of the mer fairly moist. This latter item is of even i importance than the soil. — H. P. thicilJlKl ) 1 he two list niuied s| hiac white oi bluish white tioweis floweis of P stricta are of a ca; ;s have their proper place on rock 1 1 line gardens. Tliey have an air and delicacy which renders them vers of the beautiful. — H. Cokre- Horticole. SHORT NOTES.— FLOWER. Anemone corocaria.— This charming old plant flowers best ia the seed-bed. Prepare the proutd well and sow thinly in drills 9 inches apart. The seeds are fluiiy and want separating by rubbing gently in sand. Sow at once and the plants will flower earlv next spring. A few may flower in the autumn.— B. H. Carnation Countess Carrlnston.— This is a pleasing soft yellow self raised by Mr. Miles at Wycombe Abbey. In petal and build the flowers greatly resemble those of Germania. The habit of growth is also similar, but; the tint is softer, and it appears to possess a good calyx. Mr. Miles grows it largely for cutting. — R. D. Aubrietias from seed.— What clean, healthy masses seedHnga of these and many other similar plants make in suitable positions. The Aubrietia is looted uDon more as an edging plant, and it i^ pretty round abed or border, but to see it at its best, sow a broad patch of it on some elevated site and let it remain to flower. Sow now in patclies 5 feet oi 6 feet over, and if the seeds come up very thickly, thin to i inches apart. This is the best way to grow these dwarf hardy things to see them at their best.— E. H, Tulipa Greigi needs but a few hours' more sun for its gorgeous blossoms to be fully expanded. In bloom it forms a wondrous sight in its in tensely vivid flowers and beautiful leaves, though it need be more reliable in growth and flower to merit universal popularity. In a few gardens it in„es fi flowe iiid the I line pink ' son. The plant is an old one, trained on the spur system, and though it, perhaps, may not equal in height, it certainly e.xcels in wealth of blossom the Wistaria you depicted in The Garden of October last year. The trusses of bloom were even more closely packed together a few days prior to the date of the photograph, at which time they had commenced to wither at the shoulder. William H. Bond. Fnjern Court, Fordinghrid/je. Dirca palustris. — The North American Leatherwood (Dii.-.i pidu>tiis), though by no means a showy sin ul., i^ -t ill lioth interesting and pretty when 'stielilrd «illi hlossoms, which are produced before tin- iNinniMon of the leaves. The Leatherwood forms a coni]iact, much-branched, somewhat rounded bush, seldom more than 2 feet high, the young bark being of a decided yellowish MOUNTAIN HELIOTROPE {CEANOTHUSjj Mr. H.\nsex, writing in Garden and ForeM i these pretty shrubs on the mountains of Californi says: " The greatest charm of the landscaiie the lowest foothills of the Sierra Nevada is t Mountain Heliotrope (Ceanothus tomentosus), flower on May Day. Like the trees in the foresij it is crowded, and the limbs have to reach lightfl best they may and secure room for the sun-lovip| bloom. " The terra ' chaparral ' is often applied to J shiubbery on our hillsides, no matter whe such is composed of Manzanita or any growth but by the people who live here it isl plied to only one Ceanothus, and that cuneatus the pest of uncultivated land, j a 7 )0 feet elevation up to 2500 ; I lonally creep into higher a . uiii currents favour its growth.! lull ides for miles and give \ilegieen tint. At the ' 11 the last week of March, this cd changes and the whole seems cream-white the millions of mmute flowers which are prodp on the extiemity of every limb. Wherevei has done an-y cultivating, cleared an old road cut a trad plougliedafurrow in years ]iast still keeps cultn xting it, the cliapaiial tolloil him like the Nettle or Chick w< height of this Mountain Heliotrope belt, aboil 1500 feet we hnd a new species, a chan shrub Ceanothus californicus. More tender,, appearance as well as in te.xture, chooses a moie lo\ ely companion, the bright j Libocedrus People call it Deerbrush, as it ( ^ood browse for the deer when such are dri down by heavy snowfalls in higher altitudes, i ' ■ ])asture is poor all through the Sierras, catt liartly live on Deerbrush, and it withstaiiloNvt 6!Vvy snowfall fui' many iihuiI li> in lli.- y.ai jseniblc C. laim-ai u~. aii'i likiii llir\ w i .•eryinchofalnlNal,. ,1 ,.,„■,, -p,,,.' m ,i favomUVrruun.r' I '» .7n I'm, i!,V',," ',V," lice hai when .si iii-jjlin- llmmjli lli.ar lOnis in sfairli .i| lal i \\a~lMn;ji.ii hich K''""-'^ ainuii.^ llnin. -laiMliii'j I undies on an allar almx,. i li,. .ji,-,,, ,;,\rr (>rtheni. Tllis Slmw l.iilsh ._;inH - al an If from .VMKI I'l-rl |(, lillnil |,.|.|. ja-l hIi llttlenuai iva.'li a laLj^' uliali .ill. ,- llnln Ull. Til- ~li.-| M ,.^.iMl,nrj in III.. Irowtll. aiM llns ll \ S„,,„l,nis|, |.i.il, hlvtUnvr.- «r In.. I in ilial i,.^,,,,,.' s Nilf a vei- Societies and Exhibitions, {OVAL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. Aprii. 13. meeting of Tuesday last wa.s without doubt le of the mast extensive and interesting gather- gs ever held in the Drill Hall. By several it lis remarked that for such large meetings as )W take place from time to time it is a pity ore commodious premises are not available. 16 space at command in the Drill Hall could not ell be disposed to better advantage than it was the last occasion ; every possible amount of } aging was erected and filled with products of a est varied description. The number of Fellows id others present was very great, all being Itent on making the most of the occasion. |ie lecture was given in exltnuo, and from a jientitic point of view was of great ^'alue. For a detailed list of the exhibits it will he ?edful to refer to each head of the report which Hows these remarks, but special note should be lade of the splendid exhibits of pot and cut Roses, he best of the former came from Cheshunt, the Lints not at all of excessive size, but perfect pdels of good culture. The cut blooms were |ry fine from Thame, whence came Mar^chal iel in profusion, and from Canterbury were feral upon long stems, so desirable for artistic •(coration. Fortune's Yellow came again from |e same source as on the last occasion, the fwers very fresh and lovely. Daffodils and 'her members of the Narcissus family were, as a litter of course, present in great numbers and of Jmirable quality. The interest in these beautiful ing flowers centred around the charming exhibit ' !. H. Engleheart, which consisted of hybrids great promise. Mr. Bennett-Poe's collection, to ich the first prize in the competitive class was arded, also comprised many very beautiful va- Large collections (trade exhibits) also "tae from Mr. T. .S. Ware, Messrs. J. Veitch and (Ills, and Messrs. Barr and Sons. Misccllaiaons jpups, if not so effective, were of consideralil. in treat and variety. A grand exhibit of Am n \ lli- ETAi,UM Perkenoudi soperbcm. — This \ariety closely resembles the typical form, pre- \ iously certificated, but the lip is superior in point of colour; sepals and petals deep brown, marbled with yellow ; lip rich violet-purple, heavily veined with a darker shade. It is the result of crossing Z. ( Jauthieri and Z. intermedium. From Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons. Odontoiilossum WiLC'KE.iNUM Empre.s.s Qfeex. — A remarkably fine \ariety, the sepals almost dark carried se\en finely -developed flowers. From Baron Schrceder, The Dell, Egham. Awards of merit were adjudged to the follow- ing :— Desdrodium .vleo-sanguineum. — An old and well-known species ; sepals and petals pale yel- low, lip yellow on the front lobe, the side lobe plum-purple. The plant bore ten finely developed Howers. From Mr. R. J. Measures, Cambridge Lodge, Camberwell, S.E. ODONTiiiiLossuM ANDEBSONi.\NrM (Danehurst vaiiety). A distinct and pretty form: sepals wlnir, iinlril with rose and spotted with brown inilii eriitiv: the petals creamy white, slightly siidlliil with lirown ; lip cream, shading to yellow at the base, blotched with lauwii in the eeiitre. From Mr. S. J. .Jackson, lianelnnst , i;|i-,,iii. Odontoolossum PE.s(.'.\-roi;ia iStit;arlian var. ). A gigantic form, the sepals ani-l petals of line form and substance, white, tinted with rose ; the lip white, slightly spotted with brown on some of the flowers. The spike carried fourteen finely de\eloped flowers. From Mr. .J. W. Potter, Croydon. Botanical certificates were awarded to Cielogyne elata, sepals and petals white, lip white, yellow in till- reiitre, lined with brown, and Maxillaria llintieana, sepals and petals deep brown, lip \ell..«, thickly spotted with purple-brown. Both tiniii Sir T. Lawrence. Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons, Limited, sent a fine group. One of the most attractive features wasa group of plantsofMasdevalliaVeitchi grandi- flora carrying fourteen flowers. Masdevallia As- modia, several fine fonns uf I attliNa Men.leli ami C. Schroederi, two finely-tlnw • re.l .Ink xan.ii.s of La;lia cinnabarina, two plani - ..i I. .ha l.ai..n.i. a made-up plant with nm.' -|iik. - ..i iI.ih.i ..t Epidendrum Wallisi, ami a lemaikal.l.- .an -piK.. of thesame variet;, h iIiUmhh t.,.n i1.,«.i -, «,i. also included. l)eii.li..l.iiiiii i\l..l.- ....Inlni-. -n perior in colour to the lypieal fuiiii; D. .\l.:|.|.. , with twenty-four flowers on the bulb : a Im. variety of Cymbidium eburneo-Lowianum. -. \ . i il finely-flowered plants of Miltonia Wars.. \m. , i and Cielogyne ochracea were also -^leiw n .-il\.i Flora medal). Messrs. Hugh Low an. I i... -, m a fine group, consisting of numerous !..ini- ..t i ai tleya Mendeli, Lielia purpurata wuli i«..s|alv.-. of "flower, several remarkable foiins ol livlmd igrinum. A fine im with twelve of Cyprijjedium bIiowi B. S. of VI liiiii Burti lining the I), crepi- I wo of its II us with eial forms aims were jluded. Major .loicey, Sunningdale Park, Ascot, was awarded a silver Flora medal for a group consist- ing chiefly of Epidendrum bicornutum. This is one of the most difficult plants to cultivate for any length of time, but there is no doubt these difficulties have been overcome here. The plants shown carried twenty-seven spikes of flower. Epidendrum macrochilum with three sjiikes of flower, a good variety of Odontoglossum cauda- tum, and a finely-flowered plant of Dendrobium thyrsiflorum were also sent. Mr. J. Bradshaw, Southgate, was also awarded a silver Flora im .lal for a large group consisting of finely-tlnw. i. .1 plants of Cymbidium Lowianum, several lim forms of Lycaste Skinneri, upwards of two dozen Odontoglossums in variety, good forms of Cat- tleya Mendeli and C. Schnedera?. The whole group was edged with finely-flowered plants of Dendrobium .Jamesianum, which gave the whole a light and pleasing appearance. Sir T. Law- rence was awarded a silver Banksian medal for a neat and pretty group ; prominent amongst these was a beautifully-flowered plant i.f llemlr.il.iiiiii The Pearl, sepals and p.-taN «lni.', ii|.|...l «itli rose, lip white, tipped with i..-ean.l liaNinj a n.li maroon-purple disc. An ex., |,ii,.iiall\ tin.' \aii.ty of I). Brymerianum with tlmiy ll.i\i.i~, (ymlii dium Devonianum with f.'.n -|.ik.- ..r it- l.n.wii and purple flowers, Maxillai.a ...:.M.Iill,.ia uiili eleven expandetl flower^, lipipln . .nil is \eitelii with two spikes of flower. Ma-ilivallia Shutteriana iChaiiil.erlaiirs \ai-. I, and a well-grown plant of .Miltonia laiiieata were also included in this group. The -Marquis of Cuniden, Lamberhurst, Kent, was also awarded a silver Banksian medal for a group consisting of finely-flowered DendroVjium nobile in variety, good forms of D. Wardianum, D. Ainsworthi, D. splendidissimum, several distinct forms of Cattleya Mendeli, Lycaste Skinneri, and Cypripediums in variety. Mr. De B. Crawshay received a similar award for a group consisting of Odontoglossums, in which we noted fine forms of 0. crispum, O. gloriosum, O. triumphans, 0. Wilckeanum and various other hybrid forms. Mr. C. J. Lucas was also awarded a silver Banksian medal for a collection of cut spikes of \arious Odontoglossums, amongst them fine forms of 0. Andersonianum, 0. cirrhosiim, (). gloriosum. 0. Halli, a dark O. triumphans ami M. am Ipurpurata X Dowiana) and Cattleya W. lay, both of which have been previously certi- • il and described in T)IK 0.4RDEN. Mr. J. ^lield, Sefton Park, Liverpool, sent a fine 2Si THE GARDEN. [April 17, 1897. spotted Odontofflossum crispum and Dendrobium Wardianum. Mr. F. Hardy sent Dendrobium Clio-Hardyanum, sepals and petals white tipjjed with rose, lip whit.- I i|,iH.l uilh ms,-. Mr. .Tnhn son, Brougham H.ill. Km) M. Ijlnuin'l-. -- m ;i fine variety and l.r:iiii iMill\ -mw n |il:iiii nl ( ';ii i li\:i Schrcedera; alba with fmniiiii llnwci-.. t.,r wlii.ii.i cultural commendation was uwanlid. r:i|ii, llnl ford, Westonbirt, Gloucester, sini I K mh . .iMKiniiiii \\iili twenty-five flowers on one bulb, a (list in. t l._\.a-t. Skinneri and Odontoglossum polyxanthum with fifteen finely coloured flowers. Mr. F. W. Martin, Lake House, Byfleet, sent a fine specimen of Ansellia africana which carried nine spikes of flower. A silver Banksian medal was deserxedly awarded. Floral Committee. A first-class certificate was awarded to— Erythronium REVOLi'TUM (the true species of that name, that hitherto known as E. revolutum having proved to be wrongly named), of which it is stated that dried specimens have been at Kew for nearly half a century, but the pre- sent is the first occurrence of its flowering in England, the fresh flowers agreeiiijj «itli th.- .1.- scriptive notes of the dried on.s. I'll- ll.w.i-, borne singly on slender stems ea.-li il i .. I.i.'t in length, are nearly white in some iii^t: >, with a suffusion of the palest pink, whilst in others the colour approached that of pale rose. From Messrs. R. Wallace and Co. , Colchester. Awards of merit were voted to the following plants ; — Amaryllis Thunberg. — A superior variety of large size, but of fine form, the colour a pale orange - red, with extra broad segments, the central part showing a gieen star. From Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons. AM.\nYT.I,TS T.;v\i\i v.\RiE(iATUM. — A densc- jLiwiirj \:iri.'i\ ..f .Iwarf growth, which is pro- tiis.h Miri.-.i-:it'..l \Mtli .-reamy white. From Mr. i;..-k.-tt. .\l.l,-nh;un, Elstree. A good group of Daffodils, including a large mber of seedlings, was shown by Messrs. Veitch and Sons, Chelsea. Some of the seedling ilowers were of good size and colour, anrt o-.n-r promise of becoming favourites. Ani..iiu tli.- -t^ni.linl vaii.' ties the best were Sir Wriil^in. I'.iii|i. i ..r. 'i". l.i monius plenus, Maxim.. s. L...I-1, Miimi.' Ilni...-, r.iill i.linm, C.I.I.'U Sniii'. .Ml.!.'. .!•■ ( , i.i.-.ll'. iin.l acquisiti..!. I., lli.- li'jlil jr.. mi. I \ ,ii i.t :.<, t ground (-..hiiii- a iMili.\ h Ini .■, \\ 11 li 1 ii.' |.:il.-i |.i siblegre.'u s1,m i:,.li;;tin..Ml,i.iu.jli .m.-1i ■..-jii.c. and a distuict feathernig 01 ernnson-purple either side. From Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons. Amaryllis Topaz. — Another fine seedling medium size, each segment showing a clear wh margin lid feathering on an orange - scarlet .{round, the form extra good. From Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons. Amaryllis Brenda.— An extra large flower of very superior form, the colour a rich vivid crim son, with small green star. The segments in this instance were also of remarkable breadth. Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons. Am.\ryllis Duke of \>>r.\s. \ i.m fine seedling, showing a 1 1 1 - 1 , 1 . . 1 1 . 1 . . 1 1 . mi star-like centre was entinl\ ..l.lit. i,it. .1, tl. being an intensely dark and lustiuuo =cai 1 the centre still darker. From Captain ll..lt..iil. Westonbirt, (Jlos. Amaryllis The Czar.— Another dark scailit I prevailed to a eing exceedingly being of darker dils came from ilessrs. Barr and Sons, (.'o\eiit Garden. The flowers were throughout of fine quality and splendid substance and form. Tlio following were particularly well shown : Her Majesty, Santa Maria, M. J. Berkeley, with a very large and beautifully fringed corona ; Mrs. J. B. M. Camm, one of the prettiest of the pale cream-tinted kinds ; Gloria Mundi. making a grand show ; and Duchess ..f Weslininstei-, 'I'h. group also included a liask.t ..t i.-mm l^,ll.Iy lin. Polvanthi. some excellent Tiilii.-, mill ri..\\ii Im ,„.,.i:>ls. A -roup of Aniuiyllus, u.eludn.- SL.uit I. :ill\ I" i.ititiil varieties, came from Captain Hoi- i,.:i|, \\ . ~ I. lit, Tetbury, Gloucestershire (gar- .1.11,1, .Ml. .V Chapman). The jilants wei'e generally well grown and in fine r-omlitinn. the foliage being very clean .in. I li:in.l~..in. . Garibaldi, a handsome and fin. -Is -li,i|...l .inlv crimson self ; Niobe, a lovely scarlet \nlli ,. \\liii. t7.fl\ ing clear yellow eoionas, were very distin lovely in colour, form, and texture. A lai' lection of new forms of poeticus ornatus : \zo. — A very robust hy- nson shade pervading the v robust and fine in every llolford. .\ ilistinct dark form of the I..11.J .■..nieal spikes of dark t.'.l ..11 stout stems. From variety, in whiel marked degree, tl rich and fine. th. shades. From I '; AMAKVM.IS I'll brid, a.l.ii-.- .lai' flowers tlir.iii.jli..i sense. Fi.nii ( ,i| MUSCARI COM. 1 Grape Hyacinth, violet-blue bells s Messrs. Ban- and Si.ns. Ornithogalum lacteuji, which was shown and certificated under the name of O. grandiflorum, a robust-looking variety with milk-white flowers of extra size, showing a disc of dull yellow, the ra- ceme being dense and nearly 2 feet in height. First introduced from the Cape of Good Hope in 1796. From Messrs. J. Laing and Sons, Forest Hill, S.E. FucHSLy Addington (F. fulgens x F. corymbi- flora splendens).— A very free, bushy-growing plant with a great profusion of dark coral-red blossoms in dense corymbs, a distinct and fine me an. -etaineB rrangajl ^h &m was a group of cut blooms of Rose Fortune' Yellow, shown by Lord Wantage, Lockinge Park Wantage (gardener, Mr. Fytej. The flower were of great size and splenditl form, and th colour, a rich apiicot-yellow slightly tinged wit rose-pink, was remarkably bright. Every bloor was unblemished and the foliage handsome an. healthy. Even the fully-oiien flowers retainei their fine shape. They were charmingly arn in stone jars, the blooms being cut with stalks (silver Banksian medal). A very charma J exhibit was that of Mr. E. Mawley, Berkhanr sted, consisting of cut Roses artistically arrange in silver cups, with Begonia foliage (bronze Banl sian medal). A splendid group of Roses an alpines was staged by Messrs. Paul and Son, tl (II. I Nurseries, Cheshunt. The Roses were^ puts anil were finely- grown and well flowerBt I'll.- I.ist wereCapt. Hayward, Souvenird'un M (mil. line Mermet, B'ridesniaid, a beautifq -III. I.. I ]iink ; Celine Fore.stier, Lawrence AUL. a ii.« H.P., very compact in form, rose-pinfc^ , il.iiii 1 Giistave Piganeau, Mme. Hoste, S..ii\.iiir .!.■ S. A. Prince. Among the alp \\.i. ( III \ .la lis nobilis. Anemone apennina, A^ -mil |.,.'|..li. mil, Aubrietia Broxbourne Lilac, S.iMii.ij I at I .. |iiir|iiirea. This was altogether- M i\ .l.lrjiii fill -r'l.ii.and was awarded a silv Kl.i'i.i 111. lai -Ml --I -. Veitch and Sons showef' n I plant ..1 (alia EUiottiana, a basket of iS l..,imifiil lit 1 1.- Khiidodendron racemosum, .\ -inill . ..Ilertion of rare bulbous plants cai tioiii -Me-si-. R. Wallace and Co., Colchea*f Exeiything shown was beautiful and interestan Fritiilaria pudica was in admirable form, ii Iris caucasica, a curious pale green varie F.ivthronium Nuttallianum, a beautiful clear jn l..^\ ; E. revolutum, a very lovely lilac van I .!_:., and of tine form ; E. Johnsoni, a deep I |.iiik : Tulipa Greigi, a really magnificent on -larl.t vaiiety: and T. undulatifolia were also lin.- f. .1111. M.^si-. Kehvay, Langport, Somers li.al a Imji . . .Il.-.t n .n (if double Cinerarias, .'ludinj a \,i-i 1111111I..T of varieties and a gq laii.j. ..t ...I. nil. \,ir\ing through all shadeai |,iiik, I. 111.', an. I hl.i.'.' The growth of the pla» 1- aiti.i.tiM aii.l til.' Ilower trusses graceful a -!,,,« \ \ -mall I. Ill ..j.idd collection of " ,111111 iimii .Ml- M.Uish, Hoodsock Pripi W ,11 k-..|. .'jii il. 11. I . .Mr. Mallender). Some oft |„-i \.iiimi.- \Mi. Golden Spur, Hoodso© I'li.l. . Mill -II. Ml, r. 1;. Barr, and Mrs. Thompsi S, Ml Ma.j ornatus. A few very tine al|>ni.s sli,.«n in eluded a grand lot of Gentiana a.aiilis, I'mnnki Auricula in very beautiful form, a .11:11111111..; mas- of Anemone apennina alba, and .\.l..iii- \ . 1 n 1I1-. A superb group of Roses came fi..iii Mi, (;i..i.j. Mount, Canterbury. A box nt . .it l.l.i.un- .t Mrs. John Laing was very line ,\iii..ii..; llic miscellaneous blooms were some \ery lovely examples of Catherine Mermet, perfect in shape and colour and of good size. Ul- rich Brunner and La France were almost equally good, the latter and Mrs. John Laing being delightful on stems 2 feet long. Some plants of Crimson Rambler and of some of the Penzance Briers were very showy (silver Flora medal). Mr. J. Walker, Thame, (Dxon, also sent boxes of cut Roses, Mar^chal Niel and Niphetos. Both varieties were exceedingly good, the flowers of the former being magnificently formed (silver Banksian medal). Roses also came fi..iii Mi. W. Rumsey, Waltham Cross, L'ldeal, Xi|.li. 1.- and the new H.P. Mrs. Rumsey being Nei \ n.t. worthy. One of the finest exhibits in the .sli.iw work. The Dracienas in this gi 1 fully well grown and very highly glaucescens, an old, but very . Avas flowering well. A silvei- \\:i- ..javen to this very intia-.-tin Mr. M.Leod, Dover Hons. . I; .. a si.l.jKlid group of greenlimi-. Ill -.a-.n. The .\7nleas .1. n-.h 11-11.. others, Lihum II , .,1 ( . mas, Tetratheculi suta, Boronia im . - a. In. as in varie^ Hydrangeas. I 1 . a plant of Elliottiana aii.l - nn. ( aladiums. I giltFldia iiK.lal \\a- .1. -ervedly awarded. Cutbush an. I S..11, lliuhgate, sent a well-a group.. 1 -. a-..ii..l.l. ll.iwering plants, large liatilie- nt llmonia heterophylla megastigma. Erica Wilmoreana was splendii flowered and very pretty. Eiiostemon int medius is eftective with its small \\liite ilowt Gne of the Acers exhibited— A. palmatitiilun nii.jht well be seen more frequently : it- li". .In i.led green foliage is charming. A bidii/. H 111. .lai was awarded. Another group, ciii-i-t ul ,stoi e and greenhouse plants, came from Me^ 1 April 17, 1897 THE GARDEN, 289 imd I tioil. Collltr (If KcI.'Im...- I- :, |,lrll\ \;in.lN. iimtilei- Rose and a gootl plant of Calla Pent- idi. Some young plants of Uiaciena Sundeiiana jre included (silver Flora medal). Fruit Committee. Thou" tliis ittee the smull.'M ■i sliown, these were of ex- Ms heing very good. The Iniilding under the gallery ; nut the good ([ualities of ^etal>lescompri^■•ll ^|,l,n,li.| |-;i-,„-rnli ,ii >,-\.m:iI vieties, such kinds as Main cniii and I'ti Ir.t ion I ng very good. Carrots were alsci l;i««1, tlinr I ng tine dishes of Early (Jem, Sc'aiKt Mndil, 111 Early Nantes, not inferior to sunmur |iic«linf. Itatoes were shown in variety, the new nm-s I'ng Sharpe's Victor and AsKleaf. There was 1^ a nice lot of Syon Prolific, a late variety. Niw ■\?etables consisted of an Italian Cabbage, Cauli tUer, and seedling Cucumbers, a smooth 1 liiiin fruit. Spinach Long Standing was ex- 1 1 1 French Beans in variety. Mushrooms, Syor >!iii' Tomato, and Borecoles, both Scotch and I-, in six distinct kinds were also fine. Sutton's '<<-■ Cabbage is a compact form with a ii' art and an excellent early variety. As- I- was large and good and Seakale excel- ( ;niai top Tiirnijis; Lettuce in four distinct ■ l~. rlnrniv an. I nil.er salads and Mussel- ^ii \.''-l^ «,ii- aUii sliown, the whole \m-I1 ■ iiin.; thr sil\ i-i .Jill Knightian medal awarded. A Empson, gardener to Mrs. Wingfield, Ampt- h House, Beds, also had very good vegetables 111 fruit, but we do not like the indiscrimin- «l mixing of Strawberries with Peas and Bjccoli. Laxton's Noble Strawberry was \,r\ gen, also the plants in pots of the same van. i \ , T(re was a number of Apples, but past ili. ii b( . Onions, well-grown Peas in pots, Chaiiipi..n ■ Mammoth Spring and Perfection Broccoli, il', .Asparagus and salads composed the ' M..11 (silver Knightian medal). Mr. Divers I II. 1 to the Duke of Rutland, Belvoir Castle, iiliinii staged thirty-six dishes of Ap|)les, such I- a- Sturmer, Reinette des Caux, Skinner's llin-, (xolden Pine Russet, Pearson's Plate, I.-' y Pippin, Duke of Devonshire and Rose- 1 llusset being the best dessert kinds. Annie I . th, Brown Holland Pippin, Betty Geeson, .11 Ward (somewhat like a fine Cox's Pomona), !i;i-rt.'n and Hlinlicini Orange were also good i.i l^anksian in.Mlali. From Mr. A. Pears In.i, Ml. Ian . Spring Grove House, Isle- !.. . line ni'u an. I ol.l (trapes, the new being iiiiliiirgh, the old, Lady Downe's, and a fine 'I .'f Laxton's Royal Sovereign Strawberry, -N.' Plus Ultra Beans and Mushrooms. Sir '1 Lawrence (gardener, Mr. Bain) sent (Jood Ik-nry. Some fine Pears named Belli- d.- .> were .sent by Mr. Harris, Jersev, l.m - ".IV the well-known Uvedale's St. OeVinan,. I the Veitch prizes for Apples, Mr. Kns-. ■ni Park, Newbury, was first, with a nice - if Lord Burghley ; Mr. Herrin, Dropmore, I I with Sturmer Pippin, other kinds staged ! laisemary and Brown Russets, Claygatc. Winter Peach and Scarlet .N.Hi i|iiil •22 ; admission from i.g. and from .5 till 7 six- ill be given to the above Notes of the Week. Fritillaria conica.— Thii I ears were staged by two compct 1 1.1 value whatever. The lecture on ■■ -Manures" by Mr. Willis was mimcr. led and was verv interestiii"-. Crdeners' Royal Benevolent Institution \V tester and District Branch).-^ We are asked 0 He that the beautiful gardens and grounds f fl D ^''S'^ *"°"''* ^''^' ^V ^^^ ^'"'^ permission " ' Kt. Hon. Earl Beauchamp, be open to the adcs of yellow, green, and bronze freely igle in the singularly neat and pretty Clivia miniata citrina. — I enclose one Uower .if Clivia miniata var. citrina. This plant has llowered well in the cool house here two years cniiscciitively. The flowers are six on a whorl and last (i\cr a fortnight. The plant was brought fi .nil Ziiluland some few years ago by a neighbour and seems to have been kept too damp, as it did n.it llcwcr until brought here, since when it has been dried iitV in the summer. — C. R., Bitrncoose, i;,-,;u,,r,ll, Cunumll. Saxifraga Boydi. — We have noticed several examples of this fine plant in bloom during the past few weeks, but one of the finest was noted at Kew a few days since. The blossoms, so far as we have seen generally, are not over-abundant on this plant, yet in one compact example at Kew the plant was nearly hidden by the num- bers of its large yellow flowers. It is a beautiful plant, worthy of every care, and should be in evciy collection of choice alpines. Pulmonaria arvernensis. — A most desirable jihuit indeed, valuable if only for the fine rich blue of its flowers, by no means over-abundant at an}- season. The species is by no means plentiful in oultivation, though in many respects it is worth the attention of lovers of the choicest liii.ly plants. Its early flowering as well as the M. Il nil 'iise blue of its flowers, that appear in -li'jlii ly drooping clusters, should tend to make it |M.(mkii . When'well established this lovely plant is about 1.5 inches high. Saxifraga diapensoides.— In its very com- pact growth this somewhat rare species is (|uite distinct from the ..ther eai ly ll..weriiiti kinds generally, and for cl.ii~ii\ ami -l..u iie-.> .,t .ji, lu i h may be compared w n h ai.-i i..i.les. 'I'li..ii.jii \i.|\ slow in forming gou.l--i/..il plants, it is ii,.t .lull- cult to grow, and succeeds best in gritty l.iani. Like Burser's Saxifrage and others of diniinniiM growth, the one named above is best suifeil l..i pot culture. The species belongs to the crusted ■iectioii, fiirming a compact, mound-like tuft freely :;oveied with white blossoms. Primula acaulis nigra plena is one of the larkest double Primroses we have seen, the flowers very deej) and richly coloured. Il i~ .satisfactory to know that Mr. Perry finds tin- i.. ■ among the best of the double kinds in In-, .h plant nnis.-i vat Wii,cl,iii..i e TTill. Another ■> -I'-' III. ill. ill- plain n,.w lil.i--.iniii,.j-ubun- iil,\ "iili Ml- r.-ny 1- r.ilyaiil liii- ( 'limson ii.j. a i.-ally liist -.-lass plaiil p.isses-in^r vigour 1 freednm of flowering with a good constitution. The colour, a reddish crimson shade, is bright and effective, particularly good in a mass. Anemone apennina alba. The vei\ iniic .1 ilanily wint.- 1 .1, .ssuins .,f tliis | ., . H v ' W ni. I - iW.I ale 11. ,» v.-,y I.eanllhll, Tl,. ..ej I ' -. -a ■ . -.-ly me tree habit of growth il. .i ■ I - ii-. - th.- blue flowering form. Plant. .1 ,i I ■!,. n i .i\.l.li cate and pleasing when in !'.. ,; i - \\,,iili growing freely in rather 111..1-1 -|. i- ,1- a . aip.-t to choice shrubs, or indeed any plants h here fre- quent disturbance is not the" rule. Either the blue or white kind forms a pretty object in colonies on grassy slopes and tlie like. In such should be too firm about positions the roots. Iberis saxatilis.— Purity of colour and early Hnwciin.j- Willi Mlis.ijiitc ha lAiiicss are meritorious p.iiiiis III iln- |ii.ii\ Uiii.iiliat is now flowering li.el\ 111 many ...11.. 'ii. Ill- .il hardy plants. The plan I I- III \ .a \ ea-\ .nil in.' ami 111a v be increased Jiider a hand-light. Shaded and kept leedful, roots will be forthcoming in tnr iiidy soil moist as ;e or four eks. is a fine display of le Royal (iardens at Tulips at Kew.— There T'llilis at this moment in the New that will continue in many instances well into Kastei week. Particularly sliowy are beds dcMiteil 1.1 ilie-e lliiweis 111 llie ii.inl of the large I'aliii liiiii-.', tie- wli..li- .if tlie liiiU iiM ilie grass at llii- |iaii liinrj .le\.a..| I Ins \ .ar 1 . 1 llie finer tiiimp.-i 1). 111. 1. 1 lis and the buldur Tulips. Both gr .ii|i- a I ..I jieat promise this season ; hardly a \a.,iii.\ III 1 li.- whole series could be found. The lie.U ,,|' llya. inilis are also very fine in their way, biii.wlnle -li.iwy, are devoid of the grace and Narcissus Q,ueen of Spain.— This pretty kind is now fairly established in the turf at Kew, and with many' others may now be seen clothing a slope near the Cumberland (iate. This little slope appears well suited for naturalising many hardy things, and providing variety of aspect, together with sun and shade, much that is in- teresting as well as beautiful may here find a congenial home. Already many good things are well established, the best of these being fine tufts of hardy Ferns, with beautiful leafy masses of the hardy Cyclamen in variety carpeting the ground around, and apparently grateful for the welcome shade and protection- if not, indeed, association — art'iiided l>y the larger growing kinds. Erythronium Johnsoni. — It is impossible to uvei -estimate the value of this plant, certainly one of the most lovely hardy bulbs that has been introduced for many years. The exquisite rose-iiink hue of the flowers is lovely in the ex- treme, the blossoms being of large size and singu- larly beautiful. With the exception of the white base internally, the colour is of an almost uniform shade, with very slight variations. The hand- some sdlitary lilossoms are produced on erect sleins. ai.liin'.j over completely at the top in the f.irm .if a -III plieid's crook, thus giving it a very .li-iin.i a|i|i aiaiice. Very effective, too, is the lin. liiMii/i iiiail.led folia-e. This dainty flower sli.inl.l pi-.i\e \aliialile for ciiitin.j-, for the colour I- il.liulillnl nil. 1.1 aiiili.aal li;,dit, the seimls s|.r. a.liii.j .ml III 111.- in. .-I pi.i uresciue manner piissil.le. .\ latliei late-plaiiie.l I led of this was 111 line ennditiiiii at W inehiniire Hill recently. Primula Auricula. --.\ beautiful plant in its kind. Among the nearly allie.l alpim -|ie. ics the above in point of colour comes -i.iniwliai near P. Balbisi, both kinds having iieh \il|..u Mossoms in rather laree trusses. P. .Vuiu iila has been lliiwi iin.j al.iinilaiitly this spring in the hardy plaiii iiiii-iiii- near London, especially at Win. Iiim.i. Mill and Ditton, where the plant .'l.^ 1. 'ii-l\ liii.l- fa\oiir. Seen in colonies on the l.iw. I a II. I -liaily -l.ipe- i if the niek garden this is a I. Ill J. 111. .imi -In, 111. i I ..■ .jr.iwii liy all admirers 'if ill.- I'l inn .1-1- laiinly. Tli.- handsome trusses appeal nil g 1 sUiiit si eins as in the Auricula, and display the golden yellow umbels of flowers Androsace pyrenaica. — This is possibly one of the dwarfest and iii..-t fi. e il.iweiing of all the Androsaces. The dehjhi ml inmiishion-Iike tuft of grey-green roselt.-. .a. h litih- more than half an inch high, is an atiiactiun al.nie by reason of 290 THE GARDEN. [April 17, 1897. its density and neatness, but when it is covered with snow-white blossoms it is charming; in 'the extreme. These white, yellow-eyed blos- soms on tin>- stems, each about half an inch lii-li. :iic- fivrlv disposed over the surface of tlic |.i.it\ iiift of leaves, and make a most cluririiirj iMiliiri'. Amonc; the Androsaces it is search of the mi should never lai should receive c maybe well Kru Mil. red with numer- .•ith the general now smotl (ii~. iliiit tiitrether 1,1.-1 .ml ..iilture. Thunberg-i. — Few genera among .- Ii;i\i :i lunger flowering season than , .mil 111 nil tlif present time right u|i nil Mill 1 if the species is in bloom 1,1,11,1,1 11 1,111- 1,1 Uhllr. Ihr . ,,f .b,|.iin, ;n,.l ;,llli.iii.,li i|iiil.' Ii the tips of the .jr.iuili- imihIi il are frequently l ; iIh fully grown, eacli 1 imli li, 'J i and pointed. There an • > i „ , 1 1 1 Wood Nursery 3 feet or t I, i I 1 only half that height till' |il:,nt: Anemone Robinsoniana. is perhaps the in,,^t luantil genus in flower .it lln' prrsi'iit ii very earliiM a|,| nower-liiiils iii:i\ growth. I ill 111 widely, tin' |,l:ii is a modest ami the most delicai a large and lir of till to point out now is their value mm nml fm n other month. I have them in our Im-ji ih.mij, i where thev are very effective ; mi Mil "Uli :i !• wliitH MMi-oiifiites' thev look clmi unii-. > plants an' ipiiti' .'.i f.-i-t high and as much thn,n;j 'rii,-\ an- fi'.l Mill iiiiw, as the pots are crainin full '..r i,«.l>. I i;i,,u a few S. Bethelli for antin use, liut tlu.s variety does not adapt itself flowering the second time. S. splendens is by i the best in this respect.— J. Mayne, Biclon, Dm Hill. Mr. W. H. Mr. Nori A.R.A., Mil e Mr Public Gardens. Chelsea Botanic Garden.— On Tuesday the Works Committee recommended, and it was agreed to unanimously, that in accordance with a suggestion by the Metropolitan Public (Jardens As%-„'iati.'in. the Aixithprarir-s" fnm|,nny hp askpcl the lihc du Open spaces in London and suburbs.— A iiiit committee, representing the (.'ommons Pre- •nalion Society, the Kyrle Sofiity, tin- ^Irtni- I'liian Public Gardens Associai mm. ami llit- .1,11, IV for the National Tru.-i t.,i I'la. . - .,f 1 1-1 uric Interest, has been form,, I, »illi Lmil cerned, ii «,,iilil a|,|„','ii numlx-r nf .janli'ii^ in t li preparatiuii- uuiilil -,■, coldclav -ml-. li.iui'M'i dechi.c,'.-.. i.iui'li.-n. 111.' wise again to plant m s mixture of peat, loam added, the plant does 1 develop freely. It is c: alone, rhno.sinfj; .'ilwav- uniforni ..n.t imn-l in c ' above ground, when the 1 in the centre of the leaf- when the blooms open ally increasingr interest. It l,i'aut\' of the li.'.illi. ami I. 'ail a Icttci- from til 11.111. 1,-1,. ill .\ii S,„'i,i\aM,| iiiaiiv other friend) ,.xp,,.-Mm' llair -Min,alli\ «llli til.' object of thi| m,','lui". 'tI..' 1;ia. Hi. N.'uman Hall said tha^ the heath had been ileal I., him for forty ye^lj They wanted its mounds and dells and flowers preserved. He was sorry to find th flowers were not protected, as early in the I ing he had seen handfuls of Wood Anemone i off the heath, while Harebells were getting! and the wil ried off and Hawthorn blooms^ ;at numbers. The foUowin , arl :" That it is desirable f -,,'iety for the protection ih ami the preservation of i The resolution was carric ,il II was afterwards decided he ll.iiiip-i.a.l Heath I'nitectii a|, point a niiinlier of honora ill., the names of those iiicntion, - of land may be secured ai,'. Wood Green, Edmonton, lecreation ground for Croydon. On M, The ludace and grounds are within three miles of Croydon, and itVas stated are in danger of fall- ing into the hands of the speculative builder. Tlie (luestion was referred to a committee. Public gardens in London. At the monthlv nie,'t, I Ihe Metn,p,,litai, i'nblie (lanh-n^ A-,„',.'rt,iiii. hi'l.l al S:!. Laneaslei' (late, W.. Sm Mr. M bilsilii H,'ii«. l:ill\ a plain l.i lie lil loh ,pi„'l >put where 111 I'll. In sueli a spot nail iliiN,' shade are sky blue of the ex- n quantity defies de- panded floweis whe soription. Salvias. — I was pleased to see " A. H. in praise of these autumn and winter a; spring-flowering subjects. I grow about a half dozen of S. splendens, about a s, rutilans and the same number of S. Bet adopt a diff'erent method from that giv.i correspomlent. About the niiil.llc of .\la the tw,, loniiei Mini 11, s ,,ut :i'. fe.l a| 'ks themwh.n ab,,ut -J feet liiel, to keep t from breaking them, as they are \ei> The roots are cut round about a fortniulit lifting them, which takes place the se in September. Thev are placed in I'.' ii and.stooil iin.leia m'nlh wall , „■ , ,1 Inr ^lia tinti I'.'iia.j.iM. New Kent Road, as a public ganlen t.n I finllnr period of one month in ordei i o allow Inn, lo tin' vestry to obtain assistance In, in ihe l,innl,,n Cninty Council in raising the siini n' ,.,1. 1 1 was decided to endeavour to secure ill, a,',|iii-iiion of certain vacant sites in Clerken- H,ll, binnhouse, Islington, Camberwell, and \\ aml.^woith for public recreation. Hampstead Heath Protection Society.— Wi' are pleased to see that the residents are ai'itatiiig for the preservation of this valuable open -pae,', ami we trust that success may follow their ,.n,|eaM,ui^. Ill tin therance of the object, a meet- ,,,., «a- In 1.1 .,M W.iliiesday night, April 7, at the Hull ll.'ill. Ilaiiip-nail. This was presided over by Ml. I-:. |',i,„li,' Il.,ai,'. M.l'. Among those who |i:n,. abea.K' pi , .11 li-i ', I lo join the s( ciety are the link,' ,,f W,'sliinintei'. who has consented to be ceiue the patron, Sir W'allei' Besant, Miss Octavif Presentation to Mr. James Douglas.—, ,■ usual annual lunch in connection with t 111,1, la anil I'l iiniila show, an interesting pi ntatnni Ick pla,,'. namely, the gift of a han Mie . lo. k an, I 1 In, pie to Mr. James Douglas ,,,,. l,,ki 11 of i,.jaiil from members of this ai ,, X.iiioiial ( aniaiion and Picotee Societii III h presided in the absence throii „, ,,f Sir .Tohn Llewelyn, Bart. J, ;, .nlimj. read the list of subscribe i,i\ kimlh' .'Npiessions of goodv • :,,„:!,, I- Ml. 1 1, ,ii.jl.'i- on In- ntirementfromoffic i luiii's 111 .'..inii'.'lion Mith the society. Surrender of garden tenancies (B. R- I -The agreement of which you send a copy is agreement to give up possession on March , la.st, but it is not stated why the agreement ^ not fulfilled. If it was the fault of the tenants the landlord was then ready to accept possess and to pay comjiensation in the maimer set out f),,, .,,_r,pe"im nt it-^elf, the landlord may reco fi',,in 111.' I.'iiaiil ilaiinnjes for breach of contra It ih. , ,,iii in, I 1., .jne up possession was not c mil oiil Ihioii.jh ihi' default of the landlord, > pnaiii iiia\. it In' .'hi „ises, give up possession i , , laiiii ilaiiia'ji^ fioin ihe landlord, Or he may c i nil,,,. Ill ,,. . upai i.,n ami the contract becomes ; iii,.K x,,iil Mill a proper notice to quit will be ,.,.-ais-to;h'le,'in'nethetenancy.-K. C. T. , Sparrows and garden stuff.— Some t; i.j,, Ml \\ \ I Ins, of S\ on House, mentioned t ','\tn'iiii'\ i.j'ilan.'e wa^^ 'neeileil in the garden tin 1,1 ,.||. ,,',.,' in ,,nlei' to protect thetioosebf, |„hI- In, in lb,' nna 1 -pai'i'ows, netting be ,„.,.,.-aiN. Ib'i.alioiit^ .pai'i'ows are very ,i,,.i,,uv ''iinl ,1,-1 1 M,'i IV,'. Teas that are raiseo ,',!',t.s'pluii'ji .1 in tiaiiiesfor transplanting in Ma l,.iv,. I,, b, mill ,1 oM'i'. and not only so, but 1 l„.,|-,ai-,'.l ( aiibllowers. Lettuce and Cabb pliiil^ fall a ]in',\ to them if not netted o', ■|1„ p,-i~ will iMii enter where the lights ■ (ill,., I ami .ari\ on unobserved their work of | Miueinm ami a t, w hours suflice for awli liatch of healthy .\oung plants to be rendf • worthless. This I'letting is very tiresome ^ takes up more or less time, but it pays ui the e^ —J. Cr.WVFORD, Coddinr/lon Hall. '■ G. B™»ipH.— Streptos ;i J. S«mp.«on.-2, Ph:!' ttadiys sp. ; 3, Phyllostachys sp. ; 7, Bambosa r ticba; 11, Garrya Thuretti ; 12, Ilex mtegra, (JaPr We are quite unable to name Nos. 2 and 3 from k material you send, but if in a few weeks' time jou send a sheath from the young culms we shall iiooi| b3 able to help you. | Names of fruit.-C. P. J5.-Apples; recognised ; 2, Alfriston ; Pe 2, Easter Ueurre. 3eurre Ri i THIIE] C3-JLI?.IDE3Sr. ^0. 1327— Vol. LI.l [APRIL 24, 1897 ustration.'i in Italics.) Kitchen: _ ■iniifii'. ...seed .. .. He; 1., I'Yc ill Enrlicst of All ;.'.nuaii:: ;: tion .. .. .'.'ufaiidwinto 301 so-j 301 302 301 itnlobus 'limroses rafted, 01 aijlen Flora : - Gridseffiil; ScLuhusliips, jun cultural We.-vther in West I Notes of the Week: I'lexicaulis 30" Suldaudla alpiua 308 Tulipa Greigi S07 Wallflowers, double yellow SOS Boronia heterophylla . . . . SOii Cheiranthus Hurpiu--Crcwe 300 Cinerarias, di-awings of . . 307 Krytlirnni\mi rovohituiu . . 307 Hechtia argentca 307 Obituary :— Col. R. Trcvii Orchard and Fruit:— Apples, sorting and keeping 202 Flavour, Veitch prizes for . . Fruit prospects in Notts . . Fruit tree borders, mulching nVpot" Cobiea scandens vanegata . . Public Gardens:— ('hcrlsev, re-creation ground f.ir .; : MaTiiii-^tcad Heath Protection Societies :— National Aiu-icula and Primula Society Royal Horticultural . . . . Stove and Greenhouse :- Azalea Deutsche Perlo.. .. Azalea pontica forced . . . . I'Veesia rcfracta alba • for market Freaia nfracia allia, part 0/ Trees and Shrubs: Forsytbia inlermedia .. .. Ken-las and Cydouias . . . . Laurels and Khododendrons, Ribcs aurcum Sheep eating Laurels Rhododendrons . . . . Igfeek's Work : CHARD AND FRUIT GARDEN. ;L"LCHING FRl^T TREE BORDERS. ! i III Ml the .surface of fruit tree border.s not n til Ills favour with, but is largely practised ihr iiiajiinty of fruitgrowers in this country niitilniiis ;iiul under glass. Owing to the liriiriitst.i lie derived therefrom, mulch- in In lii^ilily recommended, and if carried li u Kitiijiiiil lines not only is it valuable, but It |S0 serves to lessen labour in the way of wiring during a season of drought, such as waexperienced last year. Under glass luulch- ' as k.if gn,» th 1.S well duvcluiiud and tin; lie showing signs of activity by pushing liunnry feeders in all directions. A mulch 11 of the greatest service, as it not only , inristure, but it encourages these young ti i feed up to and keep near the surface. U'l tends to prevent the roots going maiiUs, where they would be out of the 1 'f such influences as warmth and air, and ' s t.ikes place and the base of the borders It inncreted, thete is always a risk of their mating the subsoil with all its atfin.latit '■ In addition to this, the siiif.uv ..l~ il» '1 IS is also kept in a nmist anil .mil , Ii "liile undue evaporatimi is i/hrckiil, .mil natural sequence the necessity for very ■ lit watering is to a certain extent ob- 1. When used outdoors mulching has l"e•^ely the same effect as when employed uiur glass, and the advantages accruing from its le where fruit growing is carried out to any ^le] extent and the water supply not an abun- I "lie cannot well be over-estimated. No ' 111 time can be given as to when mulching I be done, as much depends on locality "flic nature of the soil. On sandy soils j» jilch should certainly be applied earlier n a on those which are of a heavy and retentive nature or those which are in- clined to be clayey. The heat of the sun peiietrtites and warms a .sandy soil much more i|iiickly than it does a hea\'y one ; much mois- ture is therefiire extracted by ev.aporation, and such soils dry very i |niekly unless a iimlel, .,f some non-eiiliilurt lie,; maleiial is s]il-eailoii tie- surface. HeaNVsmls take a niiieli liiie_;ei' tune to become warmed, as, owing tn tlnir nature. they are not so quickly acted upon liy tin- heat of the sun ; but such soils, when fiilly i\|i.iseil to the action of the sun's rays for any leiigLlieneil period — such, for instance, as during a very dry time — soon bake and ultimately crack, with the inevitable result that many roots perish through the fact of their being rnpttned. The heavier the soil, the greater the pinli.aliility nf this enii- traction occurring, but it niiist in.t he f,.]t,'otteii that the remedy for averting such a statu uf affairs lies in the hands of the grower. By this it will be seen that mulching is beneficial on all classes of soil, but, as previously stated, it is necessary t;iy Ui t overthe windfalls in the wa.\ lit |,iikiii'j mit ; for storin". care in m liil i the coui-i' of . profitalili «iiv the cider null iii.n .^iuiinr iic onu-i-wi^if riKniM-i.-. right away. W'lnn |iirkniij frnin tln' tin-, lln' -iii:il and inferior fruit I li;it litlmiij- tu tin- n.l.'i il:i- can be rejected :inil iIiii|i]miI a^ ta-i ,r- |iiil.iil An old piece of canva- ~]iri,iil nii'lii iIh' iiii makes a handy place fm ili|iii~ii nrj tln' tmit i be sorted and barrelled. Winn Imi n lliirj, il ma be wise to make two Mutiirj- .il tin lai-jn am better Applrs if tin- |,laM l- tn -.lll|, in liiiii- market- f.., llms ,i.|nu.' ■ l-i ami tli^ . •■ Ceptiiilial r\|i.|ani'r ol llii |ia-l -la-mi -linw that evi-li thin tli.\' dn iml al»a\- | la > a- a |i|i.lll The barrels for fcn-ei-n -ln|iim ni -liuaM I- Ma clean and extra well filial -u lull a- i.i ii-r lia an inch above the tup ainr lia\imj ln'in \m shaken down and befom tlia Inail i--iii\\iil m If the barrels used are flour li.ui i]-, nun lan-l ing will not clean them ; they ni 1 1 1 tu li.\\a-li. out and then dried. This can )" iluim with ml water and an ol.l brnnni fre^lv n-nl. As tu „l,in 111 -t.iru tliu'fnnl, I Imlil lliat we huM a .J I \|.|il. u.llai, thu -u a lli.-y ai stored I In m all. i imLimj iliu l.uiti r, ulirtln they are m ham N u,' l,ni-. Tht cellar .should I well below jJU'Uii'i- 'I'd I'tlitr a damp one, t prevent shi-inkaiji. Willi ■_' I means for ventil tion. The nean i tln\ .an he kept to freezh without freezing the tietter ; from 32' to 411° within the range of safety. This quest iun uf t.a perature should not be a matter of giu^s wml there should be a tliermometer in the .iiuli'-t pa of the cellar. I hav.- knu«n T;u\I„ny llii-ii-. be kept for twu \uar- m a uullu \miIi i n water. The A|.|il.-. u. ,.■ »u,il,l.- nn uaim looking about tin- mlulir uutsiili- ut raltll. al having an earthj' taste, l)ut they were sonn though only interesting as a curiosity. If tliu are no rats to do damage, undouljtedly it is bet I 'ley a Trees with a naked base may be made fruitful if the walls are low, and do not allow trees to be extended by cutting back old wood and training in new. Trees have not been injured at all this winter, and the covering will ere this have been removed and pruning may follow. Old fruitful tires will well repay a good mulch of decayed manure, but do not feed if the trees go to leaf liailly: rather give a top-dressing of old mortar HI 111 lie and wood ashes, and feed when a good crop of fruit is showing. — G. W. S. to store tlie Ap,,les in bins, f,.r the alwaysiin.il il lullall .a over than H lii'ai liall.llu. . ami 11 1- work tustu .■ in Inn- 1 liai 1 u lial lul a amid the h irv u[ fall \i 1 1 k w li.ai lia to be scarce andataluMi 1 pi liu I lial later in the season. 'I'li l.llm .MM 6 feet drop and 4 f.-.l ^^ il.a linlll u material Inu '_' aruuinl. A ppi.-- knap in bin ' a ■ 1 1 mj 1 riiliamn.'.l the .■nil,- a a 1 1 t liu aa~u . there 1. mi. h n 1 a 111 am iiin-.'.|lli In GiiKiaiKV, / ss, ,■ CnHNl,/', J/-(.va., in (_ t/imaii. Figs on open walls -The best not always secured e\ . n ni faMiunil. In many caf es there is t. . lUU.'ll «... attention is given to st.ip ,11. .J ami |.ii is a good t me to thin .n 1 aii\ » 1 for extensit In' pniiii be borne ii Uinnl llial .i.a-t uuu.l value, the 1 ■si liiiil II. in |,l.,ilm-.'.l . of well H pi ■ ,,■.1 la-t Mai - XMl.ill \>lll close tiitliu uall. Tl.m 1 -iialU litl-ll andsliuni.l liu laal in at 111- ilal.a 1. less spin '_ till uiuU.ll 1- \ I'j.nuim. N'liw 1- a L lav in a fall almiliul uf \ 11 n- H u, .. 1. : fearuf f i ..- -. anil 1 liui'l.j 1 l,\ III)- It thouijlii 1 ,■ 11 III laMiul' 1 1 ,a'.|^^.llmJ FRriT TREES BY THE ROADSIDE. II, .|iiisii..n of planting our roadsides with nil tii.s is of great importance from the uiiuniia ,111(1 agricultural point of view. In plan s the landowners are doubtful of the suit, w It In lilt being able to give a reason for I. II fills, whilst others, more enlightened III . \p. I iiiiced. enconrac,'o it. The treasury ■,i\vs fr.nn it a imf iluspi.'able annual revenue, nl inaik.l- anil .amsuuirrs all profit by it. . in.j .■.iusuIiimI .,11 tlic piiiiit, I produced a cer- III iiiiiuli. I uf ai-uuients in its favour which I I'lii la IS ini ipii stiuu about the utility of road - .1.' ir.as, 1„ .,111s,, Kim, Pnplar, Ash, and Maple i.,\,, 11. ami li,,iiiiiil ,ii4firulturists and states- 1, 11 uf iviniwii li,i\., aii.aiiiraged it. The tree pl,iiit,.|. It is piiiii.al i-very ten years, and ft, 1 lift.\ III' si\ty years, more or less, it is .111 III til., tiuiln.,r merchant. The opera- uii is til. II va. . .iniiieiiced, only the species of III Miiiuiis regions, however, theaimhas been I sill 1st It lite for tho.se trees something which In, 111. I pi.iduce as near as possible a yearly pro- t. fur a\aiii|.h,, the Midberry in the south, 111, \\,aliiut III ill., SI puth-ea.st, Chestnut in the luiiv. Kirs.li Clu-rry on the eastern slopes, h., I'lii ami ciiler Apple in Normandy, ;iilt,iiiy ,111.1 I'l.iir.ly. II nil. It,, .11,, it - have been individual and i.so- II.. 1, l.iit ilii, n -nits have been such as to en- of fruit by thirsty wayfarers would do M good and less harm than are done by the ra\s^ of insects amonast the leaves of forest trees. one to be lessphilaiitlirupic than that pope one of the D.niul.ian Priiicii.alities who C( deraned his penitents t" graft seedlings on lands in order to assuage the thirst of tra' Again, Pastor Oberlin made fertile "" Koche by persuading his parishioners or to graft, a fruit tree on the occasion domestic event. Moreover, if you sell theii the rotid-meiider, who has an interest m m.atter as buyer or otherwise, will take,fe care to make his property respected in sfH some petty thefts as harmless as problemamt Since the above was written the agrici^ papers have printed a resolution pass^ the Conseil-General of la Haute Marne in 46 directing the vicinal service to plant the d^ mental roads and vicinal highways with,SS Apple trees to the exclusion of all other a^ of tree. Two years afterwards, in furth^ of this resolution, the council decided dmvn some thousands of forest trees and| cider .\iiiile trees instead, "in all placesj nate offer the expectation I ither cases the Kirsch Chen intc.l, and in the absence. of i .ss w ith this, the Ash. I. Ill l.s,s,Saiid 1889 the vici] vice pl.iiitcd cider Apple trees exclusively I 1890 cider Apple trees have been plantedj favourable to them, and Cherry and AslT other places. The plants are obtains ' nurserymen, who give guarantee of sound Troiies. Cn.iRLEs " To .1. i; |.^ and Saxouy. which have fc helped their revenues out of the 1 'i imona gathered upon the highways an states have their schools of road • do, only sparingly cured on the young ;alculai.al thai ill.- ,-ncr:i,4i- pru.lin-.- uf a single ri-ce IS w.iilli 1.^ fiains tu ■.'.-. frail. -s. Ill Alsace- Luiraiiu- tin- i.-\.-iiii.- fr.uu luadsidc fruit trees ^uci-aiid, inspcitui- uf jil.-intatiuiis to the Paris municipality and directoi- of the Ecole d'Arbori- Liilture at Saint Mande, made a special study of the subject, and estimated that, if in Wurtem- Ijcrg alone the annual revenue from roadside tn-c-s is 1 .")(MI. (1(1(1 francs, France might calculate ,ip,„iail.lilii, f., Its 1.11.1. 'c-t .,f l-.-ccipts300,000,000 fr.-iu.-s ainiually fr.uu tlic- saim- suurce. We take no account of the purchase price of the tree, nor the cost of planting and main- tenance. These will be very nearly the same, whether the object is fruit trees or forest trees. Nc-itlii-i- .1.1 w<- insist upiiii the ,salc of the tree (')l,,. uli|.-ntl.,ll lal-ail I ..\ lllc ..ppullelltsof the scheme has alw.iys sc-cmcd tu me to be ground- less. I refer to marauding. I think the raiding Strawberries for pot work.— Where numbers of Strawberry plants have to be " for forcing, it is customary to plant a f( each of the desired varieties in an open the ganl.-n for the ]iurpose of supplying rui This"pi,i.-ti.-.- I annut he too highly recommei as li.\ It- ail.ipiiiin not only are much strc plants .iliiaiii.-.l, lint, what is of still greate p.jrtaiii-i-, they can be had so very much ea as tin- .11.-1 gies of the plants are concentrate tin- pruilu.-t'ion of runners instead of that of ur tin- i\\.i combined. When the purpos. hIii.-Ii tins.- plants are required is taken in( -I. I. -ration, tin- fait uf being able to obtain sunn- tinn- ill aihance of the usual great advantage, and makes an immense ence in point" of time to the early Straw forcer. Again, the plants being require! nothing else but propagating, the runners as grow out are not likely to sustain any da Fhrough being trampled on. When frc plants are depended on for yielding the req number of runners, great care must be exerc or otherwise the first lot of runners miu sacrificed, as it is impossible to prevent, being injured during the daily process of gs ing the fruit. When a few plants are set for supplying nothing but runners, the lai . be layered as soon as they are sufficientl; veloped, and if this is done they become rooted and almost ready for severing froDS parent plants by the time that layering be done in the other case. To be s Strawberry forcing, it is necessary to hayjB developed and well-ripened crowns, and ' these, strong plants are requisite to and they must also have as long growth as it is possible to give them. ting, a fairly heavy compost, and £ position on which to stand the pi other im[iortant details in connection growing of Strawberries in pots which ful attention. Directly the flower-spikes these plants cut them out. All plants not now showing for flower should be as I never like to run the risk of getting a Bi of blind crowns by layering runners from m A. W. iPRiL 24, 1897.] THE GAKDEK 293 ,OYAL SOVEREIGN STUAWHERKY FOR FORCING. I Til accompanying illustratiun is from a (ilioto- )h taken on Marcli 8 last, on wliich datu w.is gathorod each weighing from IS I ilut., of tine shape, colour, and of iK till Havour, nearly, if not quite, equiil t.. , ^rown in the open border. I have given I Sovereign a thorough trial for several I , lud it has been very satisfactory ; so I - ,.. tliat I fiirco it more largely every year. The Veitch prizes for flavour.— These but wliieli hiivo soine inherent defect, such as a delicate con.'ititiilion or a natural shyness of bear- ing, as these would be later in reaching their maximum, even if they ever reached it.— J. C. Tai.i.ack. Figs under glass. -Nothing was further hnii, i.iy iiitei.tiui, than to lind fault with Mr. Tallaeks manajfemei.t of the tine Fig tree of iski i,s „,sl, t,, ,li-.|,.n;iur, l.ut from an all- I .if xiiw iii\ I ■ \ I ill I r 1 K-e is that Royal :m, ell hi i' liir |irn ,ili' .ir market WOl'k, is lii.r lii all iitliers t..r e.ivly forcing. — A. i-K, BuujhU'ij aarittiis, Stamford. riiat the above ^'ariety is liked for early hei-e can be no doubt, as it figured largely Aiiiil.^ - Ii'ii - a> thr li.>t uf its kind. IK yi I a true audit of the value of Ml I as, aud a list of the very best, pi nilaiiiiM, wouhl be gained. Of eu ts uliicli arc worthv, and which kii iiiiilii I 111- iiii|.ie.ssion that I was" quite correct •I" I" \li I'lllaik's treatment until his letter ■ it !a-i Ml i k Milt me back to The Garden of Mareh (i, to liud that, instead of one part of stable sewage to ten of clean water, I had written one of stable drainage to one of water. The weaker and meeting of the Horticultural Society, grown and staged by three exhibitors. s, as described by " S. E. P." (p. 265), shapes, but the "larger the fruits the become wedge-shaped. Though the !■ somewhat elongated stalks, the flower- so boldly out of the foliage, that there i ulty ill getting plenty of fruits to ■I. far too many at this period. The :- 1,'raridly. Flavour is much improved tiiiit is j;iven a cooler and drier atmo- We I oftener is the safer rule for the application of t .ar- stimulants. The subject of dryness at llaniuls '■'■'1 'liinii'J' llii' siltiiiirof Fig flowers is al-n -nlln nnl K I'"''- nil ill si MIL' 111 ilsi.lf without this lii-iiii. i-hI. n il 'ill a iilliiiii.il nil the theory or praetin' nt an\ iiij- tivator. So long as 1 have known this notable Fig tree it has always been under extension treatment, and it has thriven under it so well as to have reached a maximum of fertility. — D. T. F. Strawberries Stevens' \\'on ' 111 l\ ili-liiiililiirj II I li stromal i 'jriiw I li 1- srriiii il. ill lis ui\ nrj I 111' 1 1 ml abettn .liiiiir.' In ii|i. n, 1 Iium' nmiml \ im - mi an east ii-|i.ri. imi li> iiii\ iiii-mi- iIhIh-i ih^Ii tain fnnl HI ii MiriiiMi' -in-mi, Iml Ihhii \ nii~ with tln-ii^|.rrl liiM yeiir 1 liii.l lii-l riiln liinii-lii- . berries tnni m-k. Iml thi- wmiiil h in 'li wiis ininli budding, leaving only siillim. nt Im.l- in iIim li.|i. The trees are not callnl ii|inii tn-ii|i|.nii n lui nt useless spray growth, ulnrli mli^ ilm Imniln- nl food and prevents the lijilil and sunshine, so ulli s sary for the crop, reacliing the fruit. JIany Mues are left to chance at this season. Much can be done to assist the Vines by an annual top-dressing of bone-meal. Such aids as, say, one-half good yellow loam, the other bone-meal, wood ashes or old mortar rubble, will encourage new surface roots and a strong growth. — U. W. Ripening pot Strawberries. It isonc thing to set and swell ntl a l.at.li nf |,nt St lawl.. rries • early in the season and (|Hite aimtlirr thiiii;- to ripen them ]:>roiJcrly. How many are liandi- capped at this season by not having a suitable structure in which to jilace the plants just when the fruit is changing colour. Not unfrequently iM- to lie left in stuffy fruit houses where 11^,1 1 \ , ill iliiinis and a steamy atmosphere ii.niiiin_i Ml' lit is given to the fruit to rot. ^ ^^ niiiil nl iliat staije is a house that can Winter Nclis, ripening about the same time ihiirii. ilsosi.f,.. A li-l,l sill! uitli uriivnl Flowers are indi iv-noteil melody of s 11, Hint, ■. every h.m MllU its s, |illM,te v. Ilki I. Sl,inilm.l rininsmveXtnUMXeh mmwii Miiiin iinrts ,if tins roiuitv for n.arket, the tno tli-kiioHii. siiiiill-si/.r,l 'ivirly Violet beinn iliii|is tlin limilinst of all. Strawberries m .ell l.iils look unll -mil iiilly. not being likely rk is ^linit imihol, thnUuh 1 -InW ntlul-. Thn IkmIs VII. well UiulehedH 1th short litter in Ueeeui- lim. the best guarantee for a crop of fruit on Imht, gravelly soils, as thereby the surface mois- f Hie IS retained. J. Crawford. Codilingfju Hall. they witii ever Wha bek the wan and free from lemish, besides which the colour and are far superior to those of fruit ripened under the above-named conditions. — J. C. FRUIT PROSPECTS IN NOTTS. It was encouraging to I'ead the notes of "A. A\'." ies|ieetiiig the fiiiil crop prospects in his clisti-iet a nioiv fnvimralile one than that from wliieli I am writini;. I have found growing tender wall fruit i|iiite difierent from what it was in Kent and P]ssex, and very dis- heartening in s]iriiigs like this. For the past fortnight "we have had, as we invariably do at this season, a continuous blast of c-old nind and a parching atmosphere. Newly planteil Teas, Cauliflower, and Cabbage plan up look in spite of proteeti The frigi-domo coveriie.' tln' never yet been drawn ii|i, as confident every bloom nnis stroyed. For the sake of m net doubled for the INaeli that the trees almost anininll; is proof that the Peach is 1 suppose. Still, where only nets are usml in exposed gardens I find the wiml mts tlimn-ii. and the tender green shoots often lieeome in- fested with aphis before insecticides can be .safely used. In southern gardens bloom of choice wall Plums and Gages generally sets provided frost is absent, but in these p.-irts tender (Jams often dim], the whole of the fruit tlinmuli tlie elleets of cutting winds. Ap]iles. I'eaisaii.l ( 'hen ies are so far safe and pronii.se well. |)o\miiie du ("oviiiee. liotli on wall and espalier, is well furnislieil, iiml one cannot help wishiie.;- Ilia I mom of our exi|iiisili'l\- flavoured Pears were as well suited to all dis- tricts. That too little-known variety, Beurre d'Aremberg — similar in size and appearance to iseoivhe.l- t wall has been, I am been de- 1 use fish- il the fact j: 1 erops Flower Garden. FRAGRANCES OF THE OPEN AIR. The sense of smell is onnerally eonsidered to one of such minor iiii|iorlaiirc. i Imt the idea comparing it in any \mi\ with tlmsn a]ipertai ing to the eyi s ami lars voiil.l seem at til sight prepostenms. ^ ei this sense is, as i gards one asjieet at Imisl. mom highly stru than either of the two alluded to; indeed, subtle is it, that it apjiears to jiossess a ci sciousness of its own with which that of the brain is not always en roppurt, so alert and so exijuisitely intuitive is its perceiition. Now touch that, even as we are auare of tin- \iliia- tion, it has ceased — the sia-in is still m tlm mr. but its elusive message has lied ami lu \aiii we search for the clue ; we only know that at some period of our lives a like fragrance has held a meaning for us. j Of this nature, though less vague, are the reciillections of scenes, perhaps thousands of miles distant, suddenly inoji.teil on the retina of memory by some imletinalile iiuality in the air. The far-off scene lies spread before our mental vision, but the essence that has invoked it defies analysis. More tangible, and therefore less tantalising, are those odours that bear no uneertain ine-s;i..v, whose w c-ll - lemembered savour linilms tlm li|isn of \nais ami ivMvns, wntll a inlerosroplrill aeelivary, mmmminsof ihe past, to w hich remeiuljrauee.s, little as «e may recognise the fact, we owe many of those illu- sions that serve to render life less prosaic and material. "Fragrance," as has been well said, " Is the song of flowers," but the lme4Uaue m whiili that song is written, likn othm tmiuues. is lust learned in youth, and happy are those whose elnldliooils have beiii spent in the country and who li:i\o tlnis ius, ii.|lil\- absorbed the essence l.laek v grass })lade adding each its_i cadences of the song. I ives a garden does not km ouies over it when, from the %" after weeks of parehing days ilewlnss nejits. the loiiu'-desire.l rain^falls u thr tliirst) unmnd. With the earliest mut iie^s .if fiiiimlm' those "voices calling other lands" thi.' Sweet Brier, presi eoiuiim of the downpour, has breathed fume on the sultry air, while the firstj drops that fall on dust-laden foliage a; weary petal awake the scents that hai slumbered in leaf and blossom. Soon glad rain-song of the trees every leaf and the air is full of the fragrance of the! earth, while ' ' the soft rain that heals the the many-wounded grass, soothing it wit sweetness of all music, the hush that li tween music and silence," descending benediction, draws forth a perfume fromil^il freshened blade. Many are the trees, suitable to our English climate and othi only flourish in warmer latitudes, which fragrance from flower or foliage. The Lime trees — "the murmurous Limes blossoms haunted by the tribes of ever- bees ; the Cedars of Algeria and Juni] Bermuda, their precincts odorous as wi incense of swinging censers ; the Pines, with the growth of ages, with their *eli| carj)ct of resinous needles and dim aisles fiat Willi the mvstmioiis traditions fostered at ■■s,,\mii mill sliaile of old-world Pine \ lime III,' wet hill-windsweep;" theEuoal; listiliing its clean liealth-giving aroma fj iml bark. Then in other climes there "lours of the open air that here can be enjd ■nly beneath the shelter of a glass roof-l| June twilights, the perfume -ivv ..n.l la.hon- otted between elusteiin- lIoiR-ysiirkle and .smine that wreathe its pillars. A flight of lad steps, cracked in places and discoloured marred lettering one finds oneself speculating as to whom it may be that has thus garnered tlie wi.sdom of the vears. Whether tl: " fair mistress of the garden, in that far t where no shadows abide and the light is not of the sun. finds wi.sihiiii all-suthcing. Whethe the fulness of kiiowle.h^e there conies not at tiiiiisa f.iiiil si irnirj .if some eliord of memory that ree:ills the lol l'^ fori4ot I ell SCCnt of posieS lie 11- \. i\ iineeil iinlN ami for the iinrecrded hours of "shade wliiehalso held a charm. In our lives of evanescent action the scenes are shifted so swiftly, incident succeeding inci dent ,so r.ipidly. eli.aii-e foUowin- so elos.lN well e-l.- Border Polyanthuses. — W It evidently likes shelter from as trees or shrubs aflbrd. Once it grows with considerable free- coarse, flower may in the mass present a striking aspect in a border, it is certain that when pre- sented in pots for exhibition some effort should be made to secure such (juality as florists look for ill ■■tlier exhibition Primulas. A good border Polyanthus should have, carrying its clusters of How. is, stout, erect stems, the flower-stems should li.sli..it and stout, so as to produce an even and 11. at lead ..I Moom. The pips should be stout, 1. Mill. I. .1. and ..f even size, flat, and well developed. 'I'h.' . y. -hold. I be a good thrum, set into a centre ot liiejhi \ .ll.iw or lemon, around which of vary- iiej hii. - 1- a ij round of well-defined colour, either .-.It, -lia.liil, or somewhat bizarre. In raising fiiiiii ll.iw. I- which the nearest approach to this ideal, thoii.sands of plants will result that coming below it will yet make very effective border flowers. But every year's fresh selection will do much to secure high cjuality, and hence .ji.'.itir beauty and refinement. The present niiiii. i.ius varieties having large, loose, thin ih iw I IS, with heavy buff centres, should in time be "Ml nil of.— A. D. IRIS FLORENTINA. lianying illustration will oof, were this at all needful, of f the Flag Irises for grouping for ■garden ; and not only are they of such valuable subjects about the herliaceous borders is to know nothing whatever of the great wealth of blossom these things produce when grou]ied in :i simple yet effectual manner in the iiiaiiv positions which readilv su.-est thelnseK.'. Ill ,■^.■M ualdell. Perhaps the hliest p,,ssil,l,i .lle.i ih.M. I.eautiful Fhig Irises create is xvhun judiciously grouped toL'.'th.T .m a grassy .slope in the front of a shinlihi i y lionler or .similar place. Picturesque ii;iturill\. they are rendered more effective when s, i i, tlaiik^ be p, ith the fresh green grass, past, that is always to iund, and one can only 111. lie ...luianv carried ■ik.-i in all their pristine freshness. "Thoughts and remembrances. These are the things that live for ever. It is only these that are real." S. W. F. Shortia galacifolia.— When this can be in- duced to form good sized spreading clumps carrying from thirty to fifty expanded blooms, it is undoubtedly one of the most delightful garden .1 I. la dens might be gi eativ n much freer use < f thesi Again, in private "ardeii out as a nil.' and th.nal large, tli.iimh .o llalA . large for Its, il,„-, an.l 1 in charge!., re. Ill elt. ■ plant or clump i golden fipp f pulled to ithei-s. re i>ut pieces would make a 21)6 THE GAl^DE^. [Apeil 24, 1897, group (if sevenil fe hencu (if |ir..(liiiiii.4 of fl„w.-i-spiK,.s. ■' pulled (.. |i.rr,.s |,„ ing til «li;it ;ili c\l r tified (.•vni \,y ,n.-i,- how(.' may lie m t!i.> Im.i^I.t |,iw|,,,r. Ili.ii- ji-. value 111 lllr '^.lldi'll is ..lil\ foil l,rc,liilll- inform.-il inassr.s ,,f r..|.iiir. dislinrl ,.riii \;i have lirciliic well cst.-ililislir,!. Siirli - may even be made to gruwaud tloniisli on banks or slopes. Large masses kncwn I on slopes have not only become cstalilislni also prodiifc tw.i ,,r tlm-e do/.m si,ik,s This fart isiMclitiMiM'.ltlialailviieli.ivili.^ll sire for e\|irriliiriit liia\' dn si. » il li s. i|ii,> nit distriets thai ,-i,iild lir mail,, lii-aiinriil if w, knew nil He lit' thr aila|ilalil|]lirs i if iiiali\- growing and ll.iuii iii;^ haidy plants. Tarti'ia good for steelJ sli, ping b;uiks is the Iris ii picture (I. liorentina), and in such imsiln ^roup of its white flowers would ].in\e effective. The flowers are not |iiin\\liili po.ssess a sIiadiiiL; nf liliie. thmeili the f. shade ]iiediiniiiiates. lis lli.w.as, tn... li; delicate |ieffuiue. The |ilant mv.ws fne sandy SI Ills 111- in I'layey li.ain. is alsi. \i-ii and no lletlrr time m thr \ rar ran lia fiiUII plantini,' siieli ih s llian ihr spi nm The iiii.iith i.f Aiinl IS .■,,irr,all\ ijiHii], an. terest (if the uar.leii. All that is ninlr.l IS that thes(;iil slmui.l La u.-ll .li,.^ al th.- iim.' ..f plant- ing and Ndim- nianiir.' a.l.l.-.l, .'siie^l.' pi.a I's an bestfor plantiie; at all linns; it Ts a uasti- i .i material t.i thiiisi a linn.llr ..f plants int.. a small hole. The \aiieties allneans, tlaveseiiis, Walneriana, and Darius are all strong, free growers and suited for grouping in a similar way. E. J.' Fritillaria latifolia.— A small section of thi^ family of ijuite distinct character, pos.sessino considerable pimni.sc by reason of the vaiiatimi ol the forms, as w.-ll a^ "th.- lai-._ii-, lianil-niiir 1.1. .s aoms. One of ih.' L.-i t..]iM- i^ I' I n.il.ilis. which has dark .-I .>..■■. la i . m; a, -lia.l.'il l.li.s^i.ii.. of large size. ( M In i^ ai .■ n.-ai l\ w Inl.. an.l ^..in. of greenish inn- ..n' .■ ~ an.l nil . a .-i inj , i : results si Ill f..ll..^^ ......till .11. -II till.' I"-I formsdf this Mill, -11, I, a. I . ., ,, ,a„| p. \\.,., gridgei. l''..r ■_■ i ...i pin.j !..■ - ,\ ^1 ■, ,.| i h. rock gai'.l.ai \\ ,■ li,i\ .■ ii..| I, in- in....' 1.. much eaiv .an. I -l,..ul.l I,' . I .. ■. .ni a- . ■. I t. a ih.ll extreme l..-aiity in early spun.;. (Jf F. Uitiluha varieties there are already many with distinctixe names, many of these very beautiful. Blue Primroses.— From a packet of well- selected s.i'il iif (he Mil,- T'iiiiir..s,'s iiianv eli.aiii,- ing fliiM. 1^ x\ill I..- pi, .,1.1. ■.■.!, an. I il '■}, th..-,. combi n ciallv N Prii.iri. olderaiiil -[..ilai- ih.- .j, n. lal i.ll.al ..1 ih.iius..,- The addiLiuu. huuevel, uf .sueh a decided Ijieak in colour to our hardy little native Primiuse, the individual flowers of which last so long in per- fection and are only is a gain to all whd lo-\ — L. P. Alstroemerias.— M Alstr.emerias. which ai borne singly on their stems, ove our hardy native plants. i.ted 1 + incl es to 10 inches d Iched, or ' thev a e liable awai-e that the cVu Kite in if Fi-a tee is far cnl, cv as a 1 de.j neighbourhood, an. I .|,ii il... 1;..| | has on two iicraH..i.~ >l.,,nii -Jii .,t i exposed thermi.ni.i.a ..n 1 1 i..iin.|. v Inn- frost of bS'J.'i, 17" i,t ti..~i xm . . i. Ih.' same spot. The fm . j,.i.i- la. I- siiliaably shaken my faiil. in il,,- il, li .\Kliii-ii'ieria, for which h— ..t h. Ii. t f..Mn,lly caatcful. Othii, > ii.,l h liappih 'naiill'iavnrt'i'a'pi'li '^"pl'^ si.stcncv I.f soil and ^ icssitiiilcs . if Ici -S. \V. F. ROOT im;(ii'A(;ati<)X. llclll those obtained from roots are a able than when cuttings of t ployed, and this fact was broii ■;■";;! >>,.■ pl.nn-. i,ni,nn..l t,..n, imits pr,jdut 'Inlll.lr P|.,„:.,|,^. |,.,,,|| ,p,,^,, f,.,„„ cutting.^' part iif its history to leveit to the .single-flowei form, but to nothing near the same extent as the case of those obtained from root cuttin Pelargoniums, another sportive class of plan can be iiicicas.d l.y (his nindc ,,f propagation, 1 many nf thini »ill n..i ,■..„„. 1 1 ,„■ .s„ treated. C mcsiif the iii.,l-ai.-.,N.,aM,iIal,lefoi-theinore "t "'•"',v nf h.ar.ly shnil.s, particularly ditteient_ kinds of Khus, Clerodendron tri^ mum, Ktelreuteria paniculata, and Paii imjierialis. MARCH FLOWERS AT CxIBRALT^ I.\ continuation of mv notes in the earlier the month I may add a few flowers to the | -hilsti rpeted ms' lie III. H.I could he .seen mantlnig the oO-l . hll CI Icy with a narrow bright rj^ hilf Hay down from a niche in the .| an ..^|.icy swung slowly seawards, eve -« . . pin- l.aik to its nest with in ii~ talons. Sweet Alyssum "h. ic. I'ui .s.Mped my memory when i.\ last ii.it.-. At the end of the i lias were shrouded in white bios ation, owing to the absence of raia^ 11 to wear a jaded look. During MarcHp been but one or two slight showers, ■.lilom ..r never falls between April a . I-, ami the jiast three month- haM- 1. all\ iliA, the outlook on The i;,i.-k creased in this way, it is now not much carried out. In the case of plants cf a spo-tive character. m.h.s, piai-licallv the Si I i\ ax.ra.ji- of 34"79 incl I. I ..i.U ha\e been kept Hum SU inches to 15 i ' ouble to less than the deluges, notably II considerable loss ( upine, which I have s , ,ws wild in quantities'* r, but as I have as ye|-o II, I have been unable to possibly it may be the -|.ik.-~ ale from' (i inches iil\- anil ai-i' verv Iiandso ..«- Ill proximit'v to the. uhi ■iscs ([. Xi sunt th( fflifol M i;..n.la, .1.1. IK iciiiarkal.lc for the nanf cicli. .'i.-iii l.ct il.-.-p. which divides the Muurisli tuuii from the more recent, and throvj which the ri\er tJuadalvin forces its 'W^. j guide-book-lauded " Rose gardens of tl^-A Apeil 24, 1897.] THE GARDEN, 297 rla" |.n.v,..l a f, ;lie,s if .s|Mls,.h Inirr Willi,. ,;„ III! h OOlll, Ihl r K... 11 (A, .-aiHll the llUll|.. sl,;„l^ .kly givat i-itl. Ill ih.. Iiiill Mil-, ■ ,,i a , oiliest ill tlir Sdiiili of S|i:iiii. I.iii iiii c t on great ofcasioiis, Iris lilifnlia anil I hiehem were blooiuinfr at the time of i Tarcissus Johnstoni Q,ueeu of Spain, - lovi-lv (lilicatrly-ci.l.mred IMH'odil ii|i|ioais to B d d i told tliat rt aii.l lin e it would Utful llo« l.c_''a';!;^ain!a>'ni'\.ilhcrfmm'a,=, a VV. -.]. V. T.U.I.A, K. H farcissus vitlisulpli rugilobus. This is a lovely Daflb- n"'ii^"ilh an.ly.ll,.« triin.|iet:the -iirrdiiiidiii^- level, -u iiiiieli the licller, something' if this kind being advisable to show oft' the Inweis to the best advantage. Aubrietia Leichtlini, now a mass ..f li- night and showy flowers, is certainly tli. i,m,-i ■aluable of easily-grown rock plants thai vv , lossrss. The dense earpct of growth |,io,hh ,,1 veil I is likely to liapijen to secure a stock of these I. I can only liken the rain now otl'ered, to the en bny, there may be a me blue, in a dozen of to be worthy of any reasonable amount of care and labour. j. Q. Bi/flitt. FLOWER GARDEN NOTES. s.— Herhacpons Lobelias have come safely thoroughly hcaltliy and £ i-er see an unhealthy-looking borders or in grass, and for is one of the best. It has also iK-a,,. In.ea.oii ,( ,.omes be ^M..l X, llorM.el,!,, and the I'rimula viscosa.— There is an interesting Tiety of t Ins well-known species now flowering ujhe alpiiic^ de|iartment at Kew. In many in- - ,',iin|,ii-,',| l„.|»,.ell the ' " " 1 1'-- \\ II li I li,' Linarantee '■' '''I !■ Ill" I ot species - il.il , . I li,' II, \l |ii,liil 1,1 lie con- lliiiiL- III:, I ai. u-,,',lxa-,''llowei-S ineluded. They will act a.s adI,'iirabie"foils\o' till ponderous heads of the newer Plilo.xes or the feathery masses of soirie of the earlier Starworts ; 298 THE GAEDEN. [April 24, 1897. they also possess the merit of being good border plants and easily grown. Good \arieties of Lychnis (rather heavy, but valuable from a colour standpoint), of Pentstemon, Antirrhinum, Mont- bretia, Alstro?meria, Achillea Tlie Pearl, Antlieniis tinctoria Canary Bird may be mentioiinl :i> among shorter-stemmed flowers, while(iaill.iiili;i-. Poppies, some of the later Campanulas, (ami tions, and other things of similar height cimiil In- used on a still smaller scale. The suggestions, il may be noted, ai-e in the way of well-known things, all easily grown and therefore within the reach nf all with even a small flower garden. In connet- tion with putting up at cottage shows it will often be found advisable to give a hint as to more effective arrangement. There is sometimes a tendency to huddle the things together, ami at others a total lack of artistic grouping. The material is there, but things are so managed that a great deal of the beauty of the flowers is lost. Oi'TriiioTi .\N' NT M.S.- -The weather being pro- pitiMiis .iihI the Liioniifl in good working order, we .shall tills wrrk U.I out all likely to be required in tlie wav of aiiiiiials iliat are sown out-of-donrs. This opt-rat the borders majority of theprieki.l- prohiliit.il t deningl.^ i. on. i tlunk, grows ire nearly full of pel annuals' of an en. -over, and eitlier ar ilVsl;,-.. ill fialll.'S lilill-. til.' aiiliilal- are oil Iv llm •■ '" l''|il'-l a- lai folloMllrj ». (;\|.,o|.lilla !,■ Iiolnl la-l \r;,l ; ■Il 'an-, not '- wi- li,,v.\ 1 and slioiil.l i:;''i',:i:':';/i:;ir\ sowing is ,1.1 is.ililr. lull 1 Ills \\ amount ol slo.'k ..1 paliii-iilal Centaurea cyarm^ Mh. . oiniuon Cornflower) in various colours, ol wliali tin liliie is the most ac ceptable, and C'lntamia iiLargiiiata in blue ami white are very useful flowers aii.l st.iiiil w.ll. Cosmos in the three shades of iiiii|il., wliit. ami sulphur, also Malopes, are on a laiL. i -i aj. . .umI want a S|)eciul place. Thev ai.- imi \,i\ h,1I adapted f.ir tli,- .ipcii l.or.hr, as 1 1,.- Iii-I lirjl, wind is a|il to |i.iiiiall\ I.A il lli.an. anil siillii\ are all thr l..l li i for a Ian h sli.ll.li'il s|i il J! It isnotde.aii.-il aih i-.ilil.- to s.'.u Million. -tt ■ ]l.:-,- borders, liutchfs may be put in on two .lill.nni sites, that is, if the natural soil is light ami .li y, and the duration of cutting will be very eoiisi.lii ably lengthened. If the varieties of l'apa\ii nudicaule have not as yet been sown, a pinch of seed can be thrown on where they are wanted and the plants well thinned at an early stage. This, it may be added, is an essential ff-ntiiie with all annuals, cultural requirements b.iiij a I at ot \m II prepared soil and early and seven 1 1 n 1 1 1 1 1 1 rj . tin. the plants plenty of room. Alili.aal -] kliii" ol coal ashes is also a.lvisablp for .all liiur- vl,,-,. aiv likelv toaltai-k. Tl,.' liillnl.i a of ;, al.Sa,i|l,,„, i> required « ill .l.| .. in I o,, ih, -i,„k oi i 1,,. , „ i onniaK available. ll.ll.nil Inis ,ai, mm , il,,liiis .Slilla ,> a capital variety and is \ eiy free. iSwcl I'.as are well up, an early display being r..-. |iiii.il. Birds being very troublesome, the small l^^pJ^ placed as a protection remain at the base of tin- sticks, and a thick mulch of good manure is also put on before staking is performed. D.4FF0DILS. — Tlie border on which Daffodils act as a carpet to bush Apples is a decided feature at the present time. In the early days of planting, with just the one or two flowers, it looked thin and ragged, but with the strengthening of the clumps, each now with its nice cluster of bloom, the effect is very pleasing. It is, I think, enhanced by the mixture of varieties, trumpets, inoomparabilis in different shades and (joetieus all being associated. At the time of writing, sorts most taking to the eye are Emperor, late flowers of Horsfieldi, .John- stoni Queen of Spain and Barri conspicuus. The tliird on the list is a very beautiful Daffodil ; it vt-ry lai-.'ly sli.iMs any .ailaiLii'inent at the end of I li.' 1 1 iiiii|irl on I III- I I.a , l.iil runs out perfectly MiaaJii. KmN ot t Im l,i h ■ i louble or Gardenia- llow.iiil |io,'i i.ais an I\ |iis| discernible; they will laiiN IIS .111 well into May, so that from ob- Millaii-aml minimus until the latest blooms are in, I , I 111 I iM ill be a Daffodil season of nearly three liioni II-' ilination. E. BcRRELL. THE TUFTED PANSY AS AN EXHIBITION FLOWER. At the present time much is being made of the Tufted Pansy as an exhibition flower, the blos- soms being usually put up in sprays of a dozen or less. But such flowers are by no means well suited to the heat and general stuffiness of the ex- hibition tent, unless special precaution is taken pl.n \iliiii -liown in large shallow |iaii-, t li.sit li,i\iiio been made up a low wn-U- In foro ,\\ >ii .IS to irrow together ami llnis oi\o an iii.iIIn mil 1, I ,il.l|. in an exhibit of these -. ami fill- IS that those with large ais are usualh emploved. But the larger s are by no mean- a'lH.ix- tli.- most free ifuse flowering, tlni.loi. lai-ii- of such fill things will do « I II to ki.|i the garden 11 mind than tha exhibition board. Another niportaiit item to work for in future is early iMj a 11. 1 for this purpose Bullion would III \. ly ilesirable parent. Thisvarietj- has iir lufli'il habit, is very free and ciintinuous type of these flowers may be raised liy freely in- tercrossing such as Bullion, True Blue, and the Violetta strain. All these have comparatively small flowers, with comjjact tufted growth that loM i> ill,, .aitli ami .jives a great abundance of tloi , I - il-,,, I, II -mil things there is ample room 111 ill. -J, mil 11, . \,ii as carpets to other things \\ b. 1 1.' now only so iiiueh barren surface is seen. E. Jenkins. Lily of the Valley. — Most of those who in-r Ibis in pots or box.-s Mill ba\i- llowered most Loll. loll s.-isoii. 1 always keep back. exiiand in the opm oar,|, n. Th.-s.' .-rowiis are potted in De.-.-inlii r ami 1,'fl iii lb,- pbinoin,.;- material (leaf-iiiouM i until tb,- lari ,,1 Mai.b. They are then placed in a .■■ml Itaim it a norih one, so much the better ami pbnrjiil m l,:il\ n-- fuse to prevent the roots III nun- ili>. r,.\ .jiv- ing full air to the frames by day , a v. ly stiaily growth takes place, and the blooms and foliage are very useful during May. The old-fashioned plan of making a bed ot Lily of the Valley an.l all. ing it to stand twoiitv vears undistuibi-il ia very well in tbr w,l,l Vinilni or for embellishi ,some unsightly .oi 111 I , laii Im tli.' ]irodiiction spikes for eiittin'.: m lor salo, oooil cultivat: and frequent lifting and selecting of the crcroil are necessary. I know a little of how Norfolk growers for sale treat their cro5f;| They allow ample room between the rows tivate deeply, and in dry summers mulch lib with cow manure, the strength of which : down into the well-drained soil A sort of j hand-plough is in use, which they run doy tween the rows of one-year-planted crowns^ making a furrow which is filled in witi manure, a little of the natural soil being ; over it. Into this the roots rush eagerly th summer and good strong flowering crow built up. A leading grower told me it portant not to bury the crowns, but to 1 stand as near as possible clear of the sc thus reaped the full benefit of the sun. ference a few weeks back to the large, natti grown beds in Norfolk was interesting to i know no county so rich in Lily of the Va wiio.ls.inil lopses. At Blickling it grows inj qiiant iti. -, anil. I believe, also at HaverlandJ n.ai Xoi w lib.— J. Crawford. SHORT NOTES.— FLOWER. Primula Balbisi. — A very beautiful with Bowers of a clear golden yellow, that ie means plentiful in this eenus. The plant is, mt of vigorous growth, and as a rule of a better tion than some iirds. For the rich col.rar Of ■] flowers alone this handsome kind should hi freely.- E. J. Androsaee Laggeri — This is very prettflyj flowt^r in pans in the alpine house at Kew, thenu bright pink blossoms studded overitsfresh gr. of leaves giving a very pbasin.g lesult. This spec together with A. carnea, is well suited for growing' this way, and if plunged in partial shade during j summer months, gives but little trouble. Garden Flora. PLATE 1115. DRAC.ENA GODSEFFIANA. (with a coloured plate.*) Tins is the first Drac.ena to be distinguishedl a coloured rejiresentati.m in The Garden, a 1 it is so totally unlike the jilants popularly knoi| as Dracienas, that many will no doubt " to aeee]it it as. inc. Nearly all the plants kno'' ill -aniens as Dracan.is aVe, however, CoK lines ; for instance, tile red variegated stc jilaiits known tis terniinalis, ferrea, Sheplier etc., and the green, ensiform-leaved greeiilioi plants known as indivisa, australis, stiio ensifolia, &c., are all Cordylines. But ev after these have been eliminated we have si . left among true Dracienas a heterogeneous c | lection of some fifty species, including su widely dissimilar plants as D. Draco (the Dra^'i Tree), D. Goldieana, D. fragrans, D. cemuj and the species here figured. It is diffic believe that tliis plant, with its thin, branched. Bamboo-like stems and ovate 1 is a near ally of the Dragon Tree of Te: the stem of which was 60 feet high and : thick, or even of the niottled-letived D. < ana. These wide dillerelices ill liabit and lea The main ditterence between Dractena t Corilyline is in the fruit, the former having i * Drawn for The Garden in Messrs. Saiiae:| nursery by H. G. Moon. Lithographed and print,, by J. L. Go Tart. "^yi^ ,t*' V >. V: DRAC^NA GODSEFFIANA. April 24; 1897.] THE GARDEN. 299 •ided by Mr ;ordiiii,' to tlu' D. CmI; Is been Mi-u' -I' inticiil; ,wUr,\ , the Cnn-o S tW 1.. 1. 'ules in eacli cell. ■'! if Dracmna known, forty " ' cal Africa. These aiv '" er into eiu'ht srctions, '' ; ind aiT.nmri.iriit ..f 11,,.,,- "' I l,rloi,.js to tllr liflll MT , ;■;[ The Week's Work. M FRUIT HOUSES. ot ICaki.y (iKciiAKD house. — Peachss and Ncctarin ill , in this house will now be stoning, a period whi, li, I greatly perplexes many an amateur, because t UodseJKana, to shov: liabit of grou'th. it lanceolate leaves 5 inches long and about an III wide, coloured dull green, with grey mot- tig, and red fruits the size of small peas, would iiier identify with it the plant here figured. I he seen fruits of D. Godseffiana an inch in d neter. It is possible that there may be in- ti'nediate forms between these two which i' ify tl,.;ir 1,,-in- lool,,.,l „|„,„ l„,ta,iically as ^l"''i'-i, Ihii fiM' u.iiwlri, |,,ir|Mis,'s they are ; i"l:ni.l\ ,l,Mi,,rt. ih. ,„„. 1,,.,,,,^ ,., ,,lunt of '■"■"-■al iiil,iv~T ,.iil\, ululst th... other pro- es to liL- to ilir ti.i|,ical garden what Aucuba )nic!i is toll,,. tri,,|.orate. iac.i-:na I ioi.^iM I \ n V is a native of Lagos, in erlJuiiica, wheie it was discovered in 1892 by Milieu, curator of the Botanic Station in that '&.. ^^ ""^ .shown by Messrs. F. Sander and Albans, in their group of new T)hints fruits cease to swell for the time being. As soon as stoning is completed, thin the fruits in the same way as advised for trellis-trained trees, and, if any- thing, err in the direction of leaving too few rather than too many. When thinning leave all the best situated fruits, or those occupying the best posi- tions on the trees, so that they may experience plenty of sunlight and air, without which they will fail to colour properly. If the roots of the trees are confined in pots, special attention must now be i)aid to feeding to ensure fine fruit, and at no tinip must thev ).p allnw.-d to fcrl ttir want otl,l'.i-lM,'.-. Tl,,. for,,, tlo, t,o,|i„.ji.tot:,ko«ill w eh won the premier award at the Ghent Qu nial (J'tleiwn' Chronicle, 1894, xv Mr. Baker described it the latter case chemical fertilisers should ben -mi,,! to, of which several were recommended for 1'. a, li. ~ in a recent calendar. The surface of tin- p ii> must also be kept well mulched, which will in a measure prevent the soil from drying so quickly, while it will afford nutriment to the hungry sur- .stuppcil. .Ml other iiiaLlias, : ing, airing and kcejjing the trees must have careful attention. Later iioi-ses. -Ilcie disbmld clear of a] ing of tl,( mands are made upon the roots ■ have done stoning. Cherries. — The fruits on ea passed through tho stonii,- sta swell (Hlioklv. ai,il. a< i. ii-,ial M r until till ■!y trees condition of whirl, Ir-l tl,,,,, rx .l \ xwrk. ,S\li,,uentilated during Ijright, sunshiny weather. With regard to trees in later houses, observe former directions in every particular. Pi.fMs. — If former directions have been ob- servi'd and a good set has been obtained, the finit will now De ready for thinning. As a rule, thinning is generally requi>ite with regard to Plums, because they are ii-iiill\ -- imililie that many more fruits set than n I. ,it to allow the trees to mature. 1 , , i< -i ,lo,ie with a pair of Grape seis-o,-, j,mI will, ihe-e all the smaller and badly placed fruits may be expe- ditiously removed aiid the remainder thinned out afterwai-ds. The trees, whether planted out or grown ill |,ots, will now require generous treat- i,,ei,i. If |,1, ,ity of liquid manure is available, th)- >hoi,lil he diluted according to strength and a|)|ilie'l «he,ie\er the roots require moisture. If artilieial manuivs are used. L'ive those the pri;fer- ence in which bom -^ il, ^cn.' foim o, .itliei form the principal con>t ii neni . \\ n h i .-janl ii.iiiiileh- ing, that reconine lahil loi ( h, , , le, \ull -nit Plums, and it will r.qiiue to he leaeued a.s ulleii as it becomes washed out. Syringe the trees twice daily during line weather. Keep down fly by fumigating occasionally and ventilate freely on , outdo Aiinio, ,,.,,-1. Ihie the work will consist |,i ,,1. i|,ally ,,1 ihshiiililiug and ))inching in all breast-wood to form spurs and tying down youn^ shoots to the trellis. If the fruits were tliinned previously advised, nothing more will be re- 300 THE garden: [Apbil 24, 1897. P«u-S, mil.-- .-i is best (1. 1. II, ( to all :ll.|»:n;u ing, soiui' oi 111 and ultimately dressed with m to borders in i KITCHEX GARnEN. as tbu I. tied roiii cooked. : preciati-i To conn I so while prove an of plant! was resi i and2f.. plants are less lil;rlv I and by moulding ll" sets in thev are \> ill |i \Vli..„ , u( ju-t 1. and each one ing while being .' are greatly ap- ;tarved in the seed-bed for puttim^- out a IS ground is available, and by ynuviiM those varieties that turn in quirUh , -m iliest of All or EUam's, and i.i.iiilin; V , tliey ean be used as a catch ero)i am I nil .iL'ain before the .site is required for w ml 11 iioii if necessary. I 1 - Si KuiTS.—Earlv iilants raised unde : room is given t.. leavy crops of cln>r lit be planted li->- rather deeply, n and select a d i.lants raised fi III 111 aliout the roots, ilo the work. Later Hide ill the open bor- these ai in Mar and til. tiie tal.l. . make lar'ji in nursei \ come crowded, and the space between them should be kept free of weeds, which would greatly hamper free growth. Cet.krv trenches. — It is time these were pre- jiaieil, and though the whole of them will not be I ill Mild for sometime, it is better to have them iiiiiK, and the space between can be sown ^^lll.■ll will I, ■ i.Mr l.-'lmv it l- 1. -:1T-V to dis- luil, 111.' -..ll I.. I ..iiilinrj "|. III.' ivLtv. The I, ,11,. I,,.. -Ii,,iil,l I,,' I. .1.11, ..I 1.11 imilii.^ J 1,. mid, such as tliat leceiitly oeeiipicd wilJi Spiiiaeli or Tur- nips, as they can be made neater on firm soil. Tliey will vary in width according to the number of rows to be grown in each ; thus, for double 1..HS til,' tivn.'li -lii.nl.I I..' 2 feet wide, and for r..,n I..M- ttV.l -I M 1... nil. .wed. It does not mill I.I 111. ..Ill ill,' -..ll i..iii.j 111 a iioor condition so taljle for supplying tlie requirements of a large staff, frequent sowings should be made, as young healthy plants are better than those that have t,.U NW.,.k- IS I,, k.vp ill,. - and water the plants freely . .mable opportunity should -..w the main crop of this. 11 ,i,,...s,..l «ifl. manme f..i- they are seldom of the deep rich colour seen in smaller ones. The ground should be forked o\ei deeply and well broken to pieces, and aftei h, Is t. 1 -..111' 1 nil. - laiis to ger U uli.m 111.' si.il is dry t..suw lather thicldy, re .4 when it is seen that thi ,. The Dutcli hoe should bi iss can be distinguished, 01 >ed later to free the grouDc a good breadth of Dell'i not so likely to grow largi I- autumn, and the colon It.nhani llreen-to), is als. . mnl 111. Tm-nip-niutedi .ji..«iii.j' 111 flames, but lie \\ Intel' store, and doe IS some of the small long (ITS. — The Early Horn varieties havin; jwn some \\eeks on warm borders, a mor luing ''so'"a" month "earlier.'" 1 •IS the roots generally grow lavg aeral use, there is less danger c in the autumn, and they do ni 'litre and yellow ring so often see lilts. The ground should be sim ommended for Beet and prepare ' ,av^ To enable the seed to 1 m" the (liills. it sliould be gentl ' n til.' ban. Is I,. se]iarate it, an I as Loi .Surrey Red and Jame Intermediate, should ha\ e the drills formed a fo. apart and the seed should be covered with ligl i sandy soil. Sals..\fv .\nd Scorzom;k\. It is .mly in lar; gardens that these are ui.m n. as ili.'\ ai.- so st dom asked for. It is.' li..u. x , i , as w.U to sow few rows at this season, .as lliry si.ni.'l iiii.'s form ts shou reason of the advice to sow all sueli crops on u manured land. At the same time if the latter poor, a (h-essing of soot or road-seraiiings shou be forked into the soil before the drills are forme. RiCII.VKn P,\KKEK. Kales, wort. suj.ply, i.f 1.1:11 Kitchen Garden. I MX A XI) WINTER CABBAGE. Ill,' lii'sl tiiiicli of frost in the I'll. 1.1 \.-._;i tallies are over, autumn 111' ai.|ii'.'riatc.l. By the term IS i mean llmse that are in season I t., 111.' ,'iiil .if December. For tl II lb.' fini.' named one mu.st prepare fro I tb. .11,1 ..f May. I have heard obje a,l.' 1.. I be autumn supply on the sco til, SI as.. 11 named we have plenty vegetables, such as Brussels Sprout and Savoys, including the useful Col My note more concerns the early wiiit' I am not going to advise the growii Tb.' ('■IniMii'ias llninib.'a.t, a kind » 11 ,. ,. ,1,..,.,'V,'S aki.tlli' ,St. .Tohii iGE.B lUtOffillK n fro I thcr Kosctte IS sown in May and June, it will an early autumn supply, but there are kinds of a hardier nature. The best for plays an imiiol e liest, as th others. If til uie, it will gl' _ there are othJjM lie best for tlH, I April 24, 1897.J THE GARDEK 301 irposB iire Little Goiu ami Favourite. Thcsf B distinct ty]ics of autumn Cabbage worth teiulelii r loi mt may be termed mid-winter use. 1 can [■ongly reconunend St. John's Day and Christ- Drumhead. Tlie latter sown in May and me turns in grandly. What makes it so superior the Colewort is that it does not split in wet jather and resists frost better than the lewort. The thivour is eipud to that of an r's IS IliHi, , lirtwe.-n the |.,u's and ll "loUS s.' I- the s,„l. F,„- |„alk,t It mav n7,t I.e t^ihle. a,sn. will n,.t stand i^.ssm,- al.'.ail. Its ;e may not connuend it, Imi it is a lim- uai.li>n riety and far superior as ir'-anls ,|Malii \ t^. i !m> voy. The St. John's l);n is ,i small (■.iMM-e excellent (piality and' veiy li.udy. This lis a link between the wiiiter and spring' 8 )ply and may be relied upon e.-irly in the ye.ir. ■ rarely run.s, and, what is s.i essi^nt lal. frost is not injure it like it cl.us s.niie kimls. ami l.'re is no splitting in wet s.asoiis. S.ain' may care to grow so many kinds as ,1, sn ih.d l,,i cmonths' .sniiply, and iii.\ s,lr. ti^ai u.aild l„. ourite ;ind the Christmas 1 ii iimhrad. In ;re winters these Cahba-es a IV naav \alual.le. they grow closer to tlies,,il, .and ulim ke,i not taste so frost-bitten as Ibiissi Is S|,imiii^ .similar vegetables. On the appioac h ..i tinsi, t); heads being fully grown may lji> hfte.l .and red close together in a shed or cellar and will ;p good for weeks. If only two are grown, ourite sown in May will give the first ting, and the Drumhead at the same ilate " give the later stipjily. G. Wvtiiks. iMw , ia,k,.l Ii!',!|'k w,li,"nH-.' ll,',''';'l,','vu„':V|',!v ..mal>,.',- ^:ns in .■nl: Iis|,„-|.. I,. W . Crimson Ball Beetroot. 'I'Ili-c w la. ici|iiii( ■"reach Bean Earliest of All.- I have a variety of French Bean on trial for forcing wler the above name, and so far I am very jjtised with it. Sown on February 11, the ns were readv for gatheriner In- 'March 'iS, little more than six \v,-eks ti.nii' tla- iiim- of ing, which proves what .a .imrL -jrM\Mirj kiinl k The pods are of about 1 1„ -am,, kn'tl, a- se of Fulmc-r's Forcing, but, they ate mole hy and of ex.'ellent flavour when cooked and produced very freely,— A. W. pring vegetables.— The fine collection of etables shown by Mr, C. ^\•^thes, from Syon .136 (iardens, at iln ,.,.mi Dull Hall meeting ■ed to show lii-t ul,:,i a wr.ilih of material in tl shape of good x.u. tallies ,1 garden mav fnr- ni in April: and second, it recalled tl,;. f,,.t tit in the sixtieth year of the (,)u,-. n s i,|.ji, «, ■- even thus soon abundant CMdm, ,■ ,,i il,, kable development in vegetable pioilmtii.ii has taken place during that reign. The linn weU illustrated vegetable cpiality and pen-air Tomatoes. Thnso «hn f.iilnd with i-air Tomato.-s «i|| krartih- a-n-willi Mr i'ford's note Ip. -JliOi, Irunawaie ill,, -ra-nii ei-ything. an.l la~t u-.u ni, i,.tl„.,.,Ml ,.1 .Vnlv as all one could \ms1i, l.ut att.-i tint dai.^ ii most annoving. little sun. iniuli r.nn ,ind ■tening davs" soon spoilin... the cmp I wuuM to add a few varieties which I think would ly give a fair return. OneisEaiiv Ruby. 'J'hisis ■B outdoor Tomato and of goodshaije. Lady- alsodid grandly, setting freeh- in spite of wet. and are in many ])laccs much liked on that i count. — G. WVTHES. low ni twoto test its cpialities for spring. The I'liiii is of close growth, hearts quickly, and is a Miy line type for early use in a private garden. In shape it reminds me somewhat of Little Pixie, but is of even closer growth. It is unusually dwarf and with scarcely any outer leaves. Meins No. I, noted (p. :261) by Mr. Crawford, is an excellent early variety. 1 cannot say I am fond of Enfield Market, as it is coarse. Mein's No. 1 is later than Favourite. At the time I write (April 10) the hearts of Favourite, though small, are quite solid : whereas those of others are i|uite loo.se.— Grower. Winter Spinach.— " W. S.," Wilts, speaks ut III.- scarcity of this crop compared with last \r,ii. lake him, I find the growth very slow. I 111- ""■ 'an understand, seeing how wet the ■jiMiiii,! Ii:,. I„,.„ ever since last September. I m.iki- two siiwings of winter Spinach ; one at the end of .July and another at the en, I ..f .Xiujusi, J tried September sowing. l,ui u .l),| ii,,i aM-\\,r in a low situation. I exp,-,t,,l .all,! ih,. ,li\ summer the autumn growth of tins and ,.th,ji green crops would have been | great ; but this was n,it so. No doubt " W. S." has tried the New Z.;aland kind. If he has not, I would re- commend him to give it a trial. I sow the New Zealand Spinach at the end of April in a pan, and when large enough pot the plants three into a 5-inch pot, planting them out at the end of May in good rich soil. — Dorset. EARLY PEAS. THoi(iU the winter on the whole has been a mild one, it has not been one of the most fa\ouiable for the growth of this croi., espeeiallv on heavv s,.ils, Tli,,s,. Mil,, s,.w,,l ill till- aiiluu'in ,,ii suc'ii dry one. Thcs.- i r,iiilil,-,,iiii. ,i,.,iIiim- a-inlly crawl to the neai-,-i Imliirj fila,-, ,,m tin .i |,| a^li of winter, and tlin-,. Ii,' up nil l li,. i , i m n ,,1 -, mal weather. Where l;.i\ .-ilging an, I ^ ,w li,,!.,,- aie to be t.iinid. there is always a quaiilii\ ,,| ih,-,at all s,.,.,-iiii-. Ivy and other evei'ji, , M- ,ii, al-,,a liarl ■ t,,r tliem, therefore such |ila,',- -li.,ii],l liu well examined before the seed is sown. In ad- dition to the large snails which thus find a hiding place close at hand, there are numbers of small ones that are hatched by the moist, warm weather in early spiin"-, and these commence their work of ,listru,-ii.,n before the jjlants appear through tliisiiil. In I II eparing ground either for sowing oi plaiitm;^ tally in the season, every effort should be made to rid it of these troublesome pests, other- wise the Peas will stand a poor chance of making headway. Soot dusted oxer them early in the niorning before the snails have time to crawl away will In- f.iinid m ry beneficial ; newly slaked lim, and Hilar su I i-i aiii-es of a like nature will .il-,i ,1,1 iiiiiili t,i I, s„ n their numbers. Render- iii'j tlies,.il as tin,-. I- p, issible so as to )irevent an SUMMER TURNI For early use I consuki il„. Mik for first sowings ei 1 1 1.1 in ti,iiii,~ but there is a |nai,iil li,ini .liil when Turnips arc la, kimj lu ip consequence of thr , nil n,ii,ii i, K one sowing. I am .iw.ii , i hat -,,' gardens of limit,.! ,:/,■ i~ n, W" r both snails ami l.inU. .\- it ■ to afford some ).i ,,i, , i i,,ii ati,r sually a harbour t.,i m.iny p,-t-. le necessary to examine such fre- h ,ji,iinid that is sheltered there ii-k ,,f injury from inclement iH l\ iii'j; ])laces ererv precaution ,il . M.ps are to be obtained. On i|,-s 1 varieties of the roiind- e grown in ing a cool border as" advised, sow between the rows of standard fruit trees and get amjile returns. s.aain. ..||.,,_-k after pl;,litiiig. A, tianspUinted Peas do not usuall\- root so deepl}' as those sown in the open ground, it is necessary that a good mulch be provided, which should beput on before 301 THE GARDEN. [April 24, 1897. the plants show signs of flowering. If the weuthi be dry, water must also be liberally given or tl pods will not fill satisfactorily. H. C. P. Broccoli Perfection. — I think the above Broccoli well merits the name, as I find it most valuable for late March and early April supplies. I am aware the season has been all in favour of Broccoli, and I am not able to speak of its be- haviour in a hard winter, as I only grew it last year, and it did so well that I planted it more 111 IS , Broccoli the liead of wliich is not jiine white. This is a creamy white, or inclined to what is termed suljihur colour, but I find these kinds are our best winter varieties, as t.lie growth is liardt-r and the foliage less injuiid liv cuttiiiL;' «inil>. This variety is not unlikr llii; nM ('ultill's Eclipse, but more compait ;iimI ;i iii..nlli i ;irlii r. The first heads were cut on March 'iT this yi-ar, and are now very plentiful (tlie second week in April). Though not large, they are of just the size for a private garden.— G. Wythes. Asparagus from seed. — Any time during the present month is suitable for sowing Asparagus, and as few seeds germinate more freely, half an ounce will be found sufficient to raise many hundreds of pi mis In uiusi g.iidens it is con- venient til I ii-i ilii |iliiii~ III nursery beds and transpl.iiit tin m i ■ iIh ii \>' im im nt quarters the foU.mnnj \|.iil i.i »lii II 111. \ in t«o \eais'ohl. at the same time in a warm position outside are ready for use. In the meantime a suitable piece of ground should be forked deeply and well broken to pieces in readiness for sowing the main- crop. It is best to select ground that received a good dressing of manure for a previous crop, such as winter Spinach or autumn sown Turnips, as medium-sized roots are preferable to large coarse ones, which are generally of a poor colour. When manure is dug in just previous to sowing, the roots not only become too large, but if it is not thoroughly decomposed they grow forked and de- formed and prove useless.— P. Trees and Shrubs. LABURNUMS. Tut: i.lder botanists included the Laburnums iiiiilrr Cytisus, but latterly they have been re- ^;;irih-d as generically distinct, the Cytisus hav- ing a wart on the seeds which is absent in Laburnum. This arrangement, which is adopted world has given us that equal the commoi Laburnum. In spite of its great beauty — per haps because of it — there is quite a pos.sibility o its being overplanted, especially if it be dottec about promiscuously. The specimen in thi illustration is a singularly picturesque example and happily situated in its as.sociation with luxuriantly leafy Beech. Laburnums may where space is at command, be planted in in formal groups, always, if possible, with a bad ground of other taller trees. They thrive i any soil that is of fair substance and depth even in poor sandy ground they grow and flowe freely, but the racemes are smaller and th colour less rich. The numerous varieties ( the two common species can be easily grafte on the typical forms, which themselves ripe seed in great abundance. The Labumui varies so much in merit, that it is worth while t select seed from the finer forms only. L. vuLOARE. — The common Laburnum is native of Central and Southern Europe and not indigenous to Britain, but for over 300 yea h. - 1 will be easj to disentangle tin plants receive little or no check Some people sow the seed whci to grow. This Ins 1,111. 'li t.irpc.n roots be,-..ii,. 1-1 il.li-li. .1 ii much sti.inj. 1 _i i«ll> llii lliii. possible till 1 H II M II . niw ii~ 1 1,1 especiallvshoul.l , .hx linn full 1 1. 1- iii.l Ih. Ill 1. iii_ lilt. .1 llii |,1 ml- 11. 1111,11,1 U.aslhu and tliey make year than it is is]ilantcd to do is sown onwliat .s i,, tmni ih. the surface soil sliiii, 111 In «,.,k..l condition and a pim li ut m,.I -In inteix.ils iif r. in. Ill - 111 Mil, 11 '.'mi:.';;:.:.;":; s.iiii. « i\ Hill iiiiiii 1- .11\ -..\mi 1 111 - mil -. .1 1 iiiii_ 111. |.l.i.t .11 1. .J il 11 ml. 1 ,1- mil l.\ 1 til. Ill Is in. Ill - Im _' 1. . 1 .l|.lll 1 . |.iii Ihi 1 .\>- 1. ll. .Is . Ill 1. clean, atloriliiig iich compost to tlie loots, and moulding the clumps over with fine soil each spring to obtain blanched grass. — P. Beet. — This is required almost daily in most gardens, and complaints soon commence if the roots are not of a good colour, or if they become tough and stringy through ,nge. It is too soon to frame ,',iiilil Ilii.I1\ I..' |.iii i .. h. i i. i n-.^ i.. lin-l.n growtli. I'liiiii r. null. - 1.1 :i III. ll.- .'1 Mill li'jlii sown ill ,li ill- nli.iiii '.I in.li.s :i|iiii '111.' Injlils may be kept cl.i-,' mil ll iIh |.Linl- ;i|i|j,':ii'. when ventilation musi l.r .ji\.ii. miii in.r.-aseil as growth develops, .1 h.ii i.n irni ,. n miM In- in ex- cess of that of th,' i ....i -. !:m liii,-s li.in.j til,- oli- ject in view, th.- |.l,iiii- ni..l imi h.- Ihmn,',l out too freely, as i . ..i- h. .■..inn -,i \ i,.:il.l.' ns si.,iii ing the largest I'lu.tully ,is Ihi-y -.wr r.iinh'.'.l it allows room for tlie otliers to grow, by which means a three-light frame will yield a lot of use- ful roots and keep up the supply until those sown i-j^- ,-*-. k..-- ■K:.l^^.^. llu Lahi,inu,u (iijl ,). From a j)/it in the Kew " List of Hardy Trees and Shrubs," is a convenient one, the long, pendulous ra- cemes and tree-like habit rendering the two common species of Laburnum very distinct from the purely shrubby Brooms that are hardy in this country. The genus as now constituted consists of three species and the remarkable graft-hybrid, L. Adami : — I, \iil._;ii.. I nil ..|.. I -\ n,, ( vtisus Laburnum). I.. ,\.lmni, .jm.lni liylirl L Al.l its pr Id in t April 24, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 303 IS is M jiooi- vario<;iitt'(l I'ji.ini llowered viirifty. II - IN - : " Wherever a :>n- tuuiul in flower to- lossoms will be fouiul to m belief al first pale purple, but afterwards nearly white, and spotted with darker purple on the upper side. It varies in the colour of the flowers, some forms belli,!; abnost pure white at first, and in other fell thei lilt 1 ippi h flowers of a purplish yellow colour liate between that of the two parents. Tin, itfhat was called L. Adami or L. vuhi-aie iiiiiiiii Itwas.sooiiafterwanlsfoiin.T tli.-it ii iv ted back IIIOIV ,1,. ]..,> tn 111,- UM, ,11, -J, Mill t; flowers siinultaii, sl\ |iri,i|ii,.|.,| ,,t I, xnl ge.Cytisus ]mr|Mn,-ii, miiiIi iI.i- ,-Ii;i,;,i.i ,11-111 .■hat was orejiimlh ,1 -.iiui ,,1 1,. .\,|:iiiii. le authorities doubt tie- |iii--il,ilil v of -a li\ In iil veen two species being jiroduced" by the'mere ling of abul from one upon the other. But 8' ough the phenomenon is an extraordinary , and no similar instance has been recorded, ■e appears to be no justification for doubting statement of M. Adam. On the contrary, vii, and adds not a little to the beauty and character of such plants as are high enough for the under side of the foliage to be seen. Kerrias and Cydonias.— \\'hat a wealth of blossom these two shrubs are showing this season, and just now they are to be seen in perfection in many a cottage garden. The other day when lb ivincr tbrnii^^h a country village I was struck w nil I « " liiimlsome specimens, one of each, grow- iiij on ill! fi,,nt of an old timber-framed house Willi wi'le ox erhanging eaves of thatch. The ,,\\ii,r i-Mdently set great store on them, .mil |ii-il\ so too. the golden yellow ball-like II. m, 1- ,1 111, one associated well with the rich oiiin-ini liii. III ilie flowers of the other, and both w.i. In i|,pu;u-, ill whicii iMMc can Ije luuiid, and all,! .1 short period it shrivels up and is utterly ii-i II -s to the plant. In the case of Celery plants I liii> infested the stalks or stems that have been eailhcl up in order that they may become blanched cannot grow and fill out properly. Sometimes the plant is killed or the Celery is small and green. The larv.-v not onlv make mines in the leaves, hut tbev -jet down into (he blanched CeleiA sti-iiis. 'ri„-\ Inn,. I„.,.„ r,„in,l tliere in ,.,ini|inn\ xmiIi lie- Inix,,. i,f lie- I ■. In, v-stem fly il'ioiibila a|iii, lietuein llm tiilils ,1,,-,.. to the somewhat bulb-like end, evidently feeding upon the sweet juice. Their passage down the stems can be distinctly traced by rusty marks, which materially injure the appearaiiee and the fluAour of the Celery, and in someea~, - eaii-n 11 |o 1, ,1, '11 le fly first appears in April: 11 1- \. i\ ~iii;ill. only atout one-eighth of an im li in l,n_ili, \>iili a wing expan,se of nearly half an 111. II. Ii is tawny brown in colour, or, a- .\li nj. n ii,,,,- ii. •■honey yellow,"with the mill. n I all 1,1 111.- I,...l\ lijht col- oured. When till- IK 1- ;ii i.-, ii|..in ibe plants its wiuL'sarefoM, ,1 in a 11 n, .1 nj,i , In, -.1101,. The li-linih- lb. i- la, .J,-, llnin lln- ,ini|.. I, ,,ln,., ~ ,t. win ■liiiii|, ,,l Ki-iiia jajiiniii ,1 iiin\ soon raise a large j -I ..nk -iiii|ily l,\ ,li\ nlinu lie 1 ' " ,1 -stocks, as any |,n-.-,- if ,„il\ with a hi-el al 1 ,11 hn I will grow. Any kind of garden soil will suit its retiuireraents, and once planted it may remain in the same jiosition for a number of years. Cydonia japonica ' cannot, of course, be "multiplied in this easy 1 manner, and the best way is to purchase the plants from a nursery, but once planted they live few days and estal, are several broods 1 the summer, and 1 1 remain in the earth the earth, it 304 THE GARDEN. [Apktl 24, 1897; taken from the trenches that tlie eai carefully levelled and well dug, and the upper surface buried deeply to prevent the flies from coming up. This should also be done in the case of infested Parsnips. A good dressing of finely powdered lime or gas-lime might be applied with advantage. Every particle of foliage and stem must be deeply buried, though it is far better that these should be collected and burnt directly the Parsnips or the Celery have been dug. All this should be burnt, because if it is put in lumps or upon compost heaps not in active fermentation, it is most probalilf that ]mi|.:i' will be carried out with manure for ( '. li i y >'v I'.uMiips, or other crops grown near. Tin- |ii-f will imt be stamped out unless Celery anil raisiiip ;_n(i\\ers are most par- ticular in destroying the remains of infested plants. Thistles also should be kept down. Curtis says that the fly infests the Cotton Thistle (Onopordum acanthium). Meio-en and Macciuart both say that it infests 'I'liisllrs in I'lancc an. I Germany. In the early i la \ - .it iln- ml.-iai ii would be possible to check ilit alia. I, r.in-al, ialil\ . at all events in gardens and allutincnt, uruuiiUs, l._\ pinching the infested leaves, which may be de- tected at once by the peculiar marks upon them, so as to kill the larvae within them. This would be difficult where Celery and Parsnips are grown upon a large scale. The plants should be ex- amined when they are quite small, as the flies ajipear very early in favourable seasons. Pinching this, over til to pre' leaves, lime in three b paraliin and halt a i.uuiKli.f suit bua|j to 1(1 -all.ins of water, has been found very etlective. The jiarafiin and soft soap must be thoroughly incor- porated in a small f|uantity of hot water before being mixcl with the cold water. A wash made with a pint "f .ail. ..lie acid and half a pound of soft sn.i|. I.. Ill .jail. .IIS of Water has been tried also with a.hanta.j.'. These solutions should be spi-ayed lightly on the plants, and will prevent the flies from laying eggs upon them. It will be necessary to spray several times during the season. Stove and Greenhouse. FKEESIA EEFEACTA ALBA FOR MARKET. Among plants with white flnwers tliat are grown for market in the iicigh(.iirhii(.(l of London dur- ing the winter months the Freesia holds a pro- minent position. Looking back a dozen or fifteen years, the value of the Freesia was by no means fully recognised by market growers near the metropolis, though such is not the case at the present time. That the demand should increase for a flower so chaste and so delight- fully fragrant is scarcely to be wondered at ; in- deed it "is lather surjirisinL' that many of the more ciil.i in i^nr' ..f niaii.t iii.'ii sli..iilil not havetal,, M ,,,', ,, . ■.. 1,^ I.I.. M,l,|...is ,11 hand years 1.. i"H , I ..> iumi p. n ..LI.' 1.. . :iiis,>, apart from their I., aiil \ an.l .jial. fnl p. i I ■. Ihc ments, ami im.iic in..i.' s.. p. rli.i[ - ihan ili.' dinner-table. In Guernsey these chariuing Cape bulbs are largely grown for their flowers, though the beauty of their delicate blossoms is by no means enhanced by a long journey and frequently, though in a measure necessarily, rather tight packing. The grower nearest the mai-ket has an opportunity here, and of late years it has been taken advantage of to a greater extent than formerly. The mode of culture generally adopted where these Freesias are grown in quantity is very simple. My own practice with these things has been to pot the tubers in August or Sep- tember, preferably the former, in a soil suffi- ciently moi.st to need no watering at the moment of potting. If at all dry, a gallon can of weak liquid guano water is, by means of a rose watering-can, spread over the soil and the latter well mixed together. Five - inch or 4^-inch pots are the most convenient size, and will take six good flowering bulbs. Too iniicli drainage need not be given, though a free ..iitht of superfluous moisture must always be aiiii..il at. A small oyster shell for this pur- pose is excellent, and aliove it some manure have been obtained by its use. In not a i instances the soil is soured before the rw have got possession and the plant does i afterwards take kindly to it. As growth crea.ses and colder nights ensue, the pk should be removed to a light airy house, wh. a temperature of 45° to 50° can be maintain. In common with many Irids, these plants light in great quantities of moisture wl growing, and with well-rooted plants the groT is not likely to err on this point. Wliere i plants are required very early in flower, i from Christmas onwards, the temperait may be increased to 60° as a maximum, w a light position and if possible a cool bottom the pots. With the growth complet nearly so, manure water and soot may be as weU as the syringe, till the flower sprai well up. With the winter batches of' plants cold draughts must be carefully guan against. Since the year began two splendi grown groups have been exhibited at the Bo Horticultural Society, while at Kew in Deoi .tom Fart of a house of Freesia refracta alia. From a photograph sent by Mr. C. DomaUle, La Colombelle, Guernsey. siftings or the like. The best mixture in my experience for these plants is three parts sound loam rather lumpy, to which well-decayed ma- nure and leaves in equal parts should be added. Enough sharp sand to keep the soil open should be added, and a 6-inch pot of bone-meal to each barrowful of soil. In potting, bury the bulbs or tubers about three-quarters of an inch deep, making the soil fairly firm above and below them. When all are potted and put into a frame, as they should be if possible, 2 inches to 3 inches of fresh cocoa-nut fibre should be covered over all and remain tiU growth has fairly started, which with fresh plump bulbs sli.mld I'lisiic ill a iin.iitli . .v thereabouts. Some .jr..\\.Ts pr.fiT ..nly an iii.li of covering, suffi- ii.iii 1.. slay c\a]i..iati..ii ..t the soil till growth isstaitc.l, .aiiilcxcii attci such a covering will do no harm for some time longer. Some neglect it altogether, though personally the best results ber last a grand lot was noticed, the pis each instance reflecting much credit grower. — E. J. Mr. C. DomaUle, La Colombelle, Gue who sent us the photograph of the hou of which is here shown, says : — The house is 120 feet long by 12 feefcj The bulbs were planted in July in boxes (4. inches by 20 inches), each box holding i^| seventy -five bulbs. They were put into the Ml about the middle of October, and I began pickl blooms on November 23. There were on an avenl three blooms on each bulb. The photo was tal| on December 3 by Mr. Cluett, Victoria Road. Azalea Deutsclie Perle. — I remember 1 ing a remark on one occasion in connections the above-named Azalea that the diffio: getting it to open at the one time was ve against it, and could not help thinking i April 24, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 305 "v y trait the speaker was condemning i-enderc mimv oasi's of siioh essfrntinl service. I d .'to wai'ni vineries or i IS are, it may be a 1 lie majority of garde I I "laiit house is at lil sliouM ,t ,1.. iiilie top ot tlie trame will atturd the necessary |itoctioii. Early housing should be practised. l' |)lants are best under cover immediately the «!ither breaks.— E. Burrell. SpRT XOTE^.—STOVE it- HREEXHOVSE. Spiraea astilboides.— Tliii is a great improve- 11, it ou the old S. japouica and forces quite as easily. 1' flower-spikes are Ioniser, more featliery and grace- fi' and the foliage lighter and not ao dense. For ciservatory or room decoration this is sure to come t'l be front. At the present time the roots are rather nre expensive than those of S. japonica, hut they will gi cheaper. 7'iburnum plicatum.— Thi:i comes in very use- fifor forcing, and flowers very freely on the well- r 'ued young shoots. When forced, cuttings of the y og shoots strike freely under glass, and these lilted out for two or three years make neat bushes fi forcing in o-inch or (i-inch pots, and any plant Rch can be induced toiiower freely in a small pot is 11 'e generally useful than when large pots are re- el -ed. Izalea pontica forced.— I used to force this nay years ago iu batches for the eonservatorv and h cutting, but the larger flowered Azaha mollis for a me pushed the old varieties into the background, bi those who like fragrance in their blossoms are t'nng inquiries about A. pontica again. It forces eily, and the flowers do not drop so soon as those o\. mollis. What charming bushes it makes out- I among the Rhododendrons or in a group by itself. U. j PROPAGATING. Il-ERING — ^Most subjects which will root Ii'ts may also be prnpajiated from cuttincrs I'l'ie ' ■ly if fertilise c|iing(|uite tn "arieties ai w of much ■re are sevei hadeof r.,loi •keepir,.. il, 11 lav,-, -.;,,, M .lien „l:,„ is a risk of -,-,.,11, lally wbei-.-tl,.-ul ing together. I T in the white ■ ct red varieties, i-m of flowers, am fi oi wl, and on,- iiup, d clear of otlit-i ants. The border .,1. Wh.ii l;i\, ,:,i,lully. They require to be kepi «, i>r ;, tew days, and a close atmospli, i 1 1 1 1 1, , ■ \ t i-a warmth for a few weeks will Heial, after -which plenty of .-lil .■111,1 ;i ,-, position will ensure good lii-.,lt \i\ ji ,,« 1 1 not be long after the plants ,ir,- \\,ll > ed against the eaten out they riie liest mode ff.mi 1,-iyers. It .11 " .1 V to the ■ill lliniugh at l,iiiiiii:il s|„„,|. „i;,k,^ plants lu a. short \ s 1,1 l„. i„.,l ,,|, to a stick and 'III I lie |i:ir, III .IS- I as well rooted. "-Ill I I lie s|,-iii iiKiy be left in the I l,e;;iiin to make lateral shoots, In- \,iiii'4 in a lied, each layer may be ui in a .•J-inch or 4-inch pot. This s, nil, times more convenient than the It ,-ai-efully done will be equally suc- li- plant may also be propagated from III It takes longer to establish good Isii more uncertain. A,&, Park and Woodland. VOLES DESTROYING SCOTCH FIRS. iii:\ the- last brief siiell of frost and snow \ , ,-oiiM not have lieen caused l,\ -,|iiiri,l-, I'- s,,,,i,.„l,ut puzzled to know il,,- rrjiii Till- suspicion that any kind ,it u,!,,, li.ive done the damage was very rem, it, . ,is II, I on which the Firs were growing i- t:ir ny game resort, and is close toa pulili,- .iii,| tii-quented highway. In our dilemma we eounsel from Mr, Malcolm Dunn, who, is usual courtesy and promptitude, replied 1 duly received your favour of the 25th ult., and the parcel of samples of your injured Scotch Fir also came to hand, I have examined them carefully, and I be- lieve it is the work of field mice or voles, as it is ex- actly like what I have seen d >ne by them on one or two occasiocs. On one of these I watcbed and eaw score of voles nibbling the buds out of the points of young Scotch Fir, three yearfl planted out, aii'l about 4 feet s ■ I, I , , , I I :,il the others), and i;,.- -, I : , .-i,,n- trees, were a'. I ,■ k, st'i- ill .-lial-i'i- , 1 tin: pLiLLit l.,u iia'l ]]■_. duubt about 1 1 Ml-,. ,,r I li,- nijary, as he had seeuthc " mice," as li - I : II III iiiing on the trees nibbling at the t I I I : 'ime (muirfowl) were plentiful near K, Uii, I 1,1- i,iiL;l,t be a suspicion of them, or of caper- cailzie, but neither are, I believe, seen in your neigh- bourhood. Moreover, I am quite sure it is not their work, which is more roughly done — the leaves as well as the buds arc pecked otf by them. Ilave you any rough grass or similar over near the Scotch Fir ill which the voles can harbour ? Dirty bottims of hedges are good shelter, aal also rough grass and (In I-,-, -,-1X111- Mr. Iiimir- iliiej-iiosis of the case > \M- |,ii„|, i-il, ,1 ii,,i,-i ii|,iii] II 1,\ setting mice traps iiii -J til,- ^i-,,i.-l, l-'ii-. all, I ,r]i the very first any ige done last winter by these n. Of course, the damaged burned at once ; and as the -pt set ever since, the plague loiejh not before a large number , a|itiired. To all appearance, as now Ijeen effectually stampecl L.VING & M.VTHKR. Societies and Exhibitions. THE NATIONAL AURICULA AND PRIMULA SOCIETY, That the Auricula is an attractive flower was seen from the large company which attended at nster, on the 13th inst,, to le above society. During the Drill Hall. West times when only with is be approached. It seen at the meeti 1 1 .Society, It is I, -re was a disappi were itions not iiunit if the k or ten days later, and that many of the plants ito bloom in heat to have liiited day. Not that the he ordinary acceptation of il on the part of those who iliition to have them in a an l„- ap|ilied, either by ,• - ,1 a line, in order to iii|„ lit Mil- when it is low Il an. I il„- .-arlv iiart of -■■,-. iiij Hill l,r M ti usses of '- I ■ ' I I ' a sudden , I i' .; . . .:._ I ., ,1 upon , e- ol .1 line cu \, lopment, he older school of florists, 306 THE GARDEK [April 24, 1897.Bt who grew their j)lants in frames, urged the im- jiortance of covering np the frames Ijj' night when Win thing not good enough to be staged in the fore ones is put. The Ouihlford lT;irdv Plant Nur •ulnrKUlvV .■.,]!, rtinn j-liolll^l I„,iil .Arrl.liun 1\ ,.'i\ 'JI.HIImI ; this ir applie. gree <. whicli on the and til pecially as the sliow was held ten (ti\- m -n earlier than usual. Those who grow m ml I frames have little or no chance of coni|ii I in- « it li those who Clin n-jvc their (ilfints lion-, nilini, . and a l:ii-r <\:,<. :- ,,,|unr,l ,,, il,.. ,1,1,.,, -I ,,t these. 'I'll.- l:i'. I-. -:,'.■ ulilrli :i|,|.;,l- hi lil.'inl- fest itsch II, ;ili,i,..i .ill ,,ui ,.xl,il.iii,.i,~ ,ii ill, pre- sent day la seen hi I lie niuilclll >1ha\ ^ .1 .\ ill:!-, and coarseness is often assniKiiid \iilli -i/. , The fascinating edged and mU -1h h\ \iii;riil:i- were le.ss numerous than usual, liiiim-., wiih iln exception of Mr. A. R. Brown, of Biiniirjlmiii, no one comiieted from the north. The Ki \ . 1'. 1 1, Horner is seldom absent with his Mi|irilil\ bloomed varieties, but bis namesake, SiiiMiinic ^ useful green edge, the Rev. F. D. Huliu i. \mi- more numerously shown than any other \ ,ii i. i \ . Mr. A. J. Sanders took the first prize fm i « . h c varieties. AnionL' his !_neen-ed<_''cd varii tn- nii the florist alhlrlirs llir lil-lirM Milin- 1,. llir "l.r.i edge br.Mll^r .-. .|Hii,-|||! .-l :,l I;,i„iih nl li. 111. I Mrs. Hen«o.Kl, i. ^,,ll.l^ <:<.-. .1 i, I, v, mii|. :,-.. by the late Mr. Saiiiii.t Kml.Ai, nl \l,, ii. I,, -i, r. and which he is now di-i i ilini iir' ni mi nini-iinllx high price. It was exInlMi , ,l ■ n tin .i.cii~i,,ii with pips of large size, 1)11 1 Ji.id.'lh .-. ni>r. wiih here and tlicrr nnr iniliHirj 1 1,.- In-li .■>! .imii .■ formed nf It II f.Nl Mil,- irjo. II. • I, ml ill.- M.v, F. D. 11 I, uiili ii.M.- H.tl .I.A.I,.|i..l, iIh.ii.^Ii by no 11. .nil- |..',t.'.i, |.i|.-. III,. I Iln- plniit «iis -,■- lected ii- il,. i.i.iin. , Ain .'i,!!. m ill., whole ex- hibitioii. II.' Iiii.l iiN.. AI.K' l.,-/i, ..iie of Mr. Douglas- iiii-in.j. 1,1,1. II- -Im.mii ..i, iliis occasion, scarcely fullillin.j lli.- .,.,l\ . [,. . i i,i i.iii> fnrmed of it.' His best t .linin.iir. His 1 w .i new selfs were in tin.- .'..II. ,■! i.,ii hIm.. Mr. Sunders came II 1 1 type, and Mr. Douglas ,y, Slough, into golden II. Ill ..II the centre and the iii.l. ,t. Mr. Phillips was 11111114 (lowers of his own \M,- also first with six Hii.s again second, and 11.. 111. r of the Reading iilt.r was first with four ll.mni- named Ormonde n.l.l W 1 luildford Nursery Company was placed 'first, collection contained tvvo or three very pro- ig yellow selfs. Mr. Douglas took the second . Polyanthuses of the fancy tviic and Prim- Ml . I :..,,'jli.-. \\ II II t he exception of six fairly good I" .1 - I.I . I.. 1,1. 1.' r, i,,ii..>es shown by Mr. Douglas, III.' 1..-I W.I. .l,-n|.|i.iinting ; he had the blush. Collections oi' species mid mi,,. Ii.- «.,,■ ii-jinn ii most interesting featuic ili.' i.-ji.t i- llmt -.. [.■« grow and exhibit them. Mi. iLnnjIn- un- lii-i of Mr.-. r..>. For fniir M,i Stortfuid. wii- mingham, sci but not up ti came first w second. Thci their sevrml Horni'i I.I. >k I edges, II > |.i : and as the Kev. F. D. iinr prizes among the green ice among the greens is rietv. -Mm nil. n . I II.. 1. M . l:. I .1 - .\. 111.- ^^ .m the'iil>t Iln.. |.ii.. - 111,1. I .^ II..- wlnl. ..I.J. - ; 11 ducticiii- ,i..iwn],-ini d , ._■ 1,1 I I,.- I, II, I, H I M,-. Potts |.,..M d .1 -,,, . iIn ll . 1.. -1 -. d, m .1 Ml, Ihillil- III. I t.. lid.. II..: I. -mil. i.!n.,-. The coUectinns of hlty Auriculas help to till the tables, but it appears to be a class into which any- il,.-.-.\„,i. nil,-, r, 111.1..-. -, I'..Im-,i,iI,ii>,-s, &c. The (dn|.d..,.l Xiii-.-i\ I '..!,, |.iiii\- wii- -. -.-I, lul, having II Ini.- 1..I1II ..f l: ..!..-.. Ml. -11 nn.l ,\ in i.-„las, &c. Mr. .1. Arkuiiulil. iiamplon Cutut. Le.jiiiinster, sent plants and cut blooms of his tine common yellow Primrose, the blossoms of great size and substance. New Yauikties. L-ertihcate ot merit. A certificate was also given to a very [iromising seedling green edge, un- named, shown by Mr. W. Badcock, of Reading, ill character much the same as Mr. D.hkj-Iiis's I inniifinch. In the course of the day Mr. Mn.l .. .I^s flower appeared to increase in i|iinlit\ mi.l I . ...me the better of the two. Mr. ])nl|..||.^ l.n.l I, n.-M- bricjht maroon self named Meteor with a .J,.,. I ml,.-, tli.. |,iist.- n litf.- i.in.J,, lind theout- liii. wmilni.j ,11 i.iiin.lii. --, In i1i.-\mi\ ofgolden- .-.iiti,,l nl|,in,-s, Mr. ll,,,|.Jln^ liii. I i, very tine va- riety in Duke of York, I right golden centre, the ground colour maroon, shading to fiery crimson. This was awarded a certificate of merit, and same award was made to Ormonde, from W. L. Walker, bright golden cciitie, with ( maroon ground and fiery crimM.ii shading highly promising flower; and tn .Mrs. .Markh from Mr. C. Phillips, clear goM. .Imk groti shading to red. Mr. Walker al.-., n.-.-iM-da tificate of merit for Olivia, havin.^ n |.i.l.' ciei centre and maroon -crimson gi..i,,iil, -lindinc delicate blu.sh. Charles Turner, with a tine gol .-niitic. mm. ...11, w ith liroadshadin";of tieiy sain ,1 lin.ji- nn.l l.nl.l Muiety, came from the Pn Xin-. i\. Sl.ni.jli. ( If nther white-centred How ^ll. D.'.uglas had El us, maroon ground, with dish salmon and pale mauve shading, and C. Turner showed Dora, pale cream groji maroon shading, with broad edging of mauve^p Royal Horticultural Society. — The fruit and floral meeting of the Royal Horticulb Society will be held on Tuesday, April 27, in Drill Hall, James Street, Westminster, 1 to 5| A lecture on " Winter and Spring Bedding''^ be given by Mr. A. Dean at 3 o'clock. Royal Gardeners' Orphan Fund. — Wei the pleasure to announce that Mr. Leonard Su) (of Sutton and Sons) has generously sent a d( tion of £100 to the Royal Gardeners' Orp \\"e |.lii.-.- .,11 l-'ndi,y, ,\piil :;o, at tlie Hotel Ci Sli-iinil. Tlii.sede-iiiii._;-t.i 111- pi-e.-.-nt are reque to communicate with the secretary, Mr. A Barron, Chiswick. Donations will li'e most thi fully received and gratefully acknowledged. Notes of the Week. Boronia heterophylla.— Groups of jiotpl of this are now very eftective in the No. 4 ranf Kew, and the branches being densely wreai \sith bloom render it amongst the most plea nn.l useful of its race at this season. Cheiranthus Harpur-Crewe is probably .it I 11.. most welcome spring plants. Itisoneo) iiiniix .j.iiiil things now in flower nl Win. -lit lliU'wli.-i.- .Mr. Perry is growin.j- ii Im-j.-ly. ai -.-.-, I II, i|,iniitity a very pleasiir. plunl iiid fi.. ly iiiuducing its rather pyiamiJal sjiikt Lachenalia glaucina. — This curious spei i,..j.tlier with L. pallida, is now in flower at K C..mpm-,-.l wilh til.. iii..n- p,.piihir kinds, .-xmni.l.-. 1.. N.I-.. ,11. III.- i.l...\.- i- not likelj Rhododendron racemosum. — A beaut group of this desiralile plant in full bloom shown by Messrs. Veiteli on Tue.sday. trusses of delient.- |,ink l.!..-siims are charmin; the extreme. -\- i li. |.liiiii - nttaiii greater vif each year, \ve n..i i. . n .1. . i.l. il increase of flo^ this ( still Rhododendron Gibsoni. — A giant plaa. this is now flowering freely in the greenhoKBi. K. «. Thni-e gardeners who grow these pU -11. .. --hilly will be able to realise somethlflf ill. . 11. . t ].i.iiluced by a handsome specimil i,!..,,,i s I. .1 across freely covered with trus^e [iiiii wlni. I, ellshaped blossoms. Hutchinsia alpina is among the most I flowering of al|iiiics just now, the pretty spreap earjiets ..f matly cut leaves being covered.,^ -f;ii-i-\- «liit.- Il.,wei-s lis ]itii-e as snnw. In Is -|„. n.l,,i.j- |-iil.-|,.- -J f. .1 ii.-l-n-s the plant ht .1. .-,.1. .Il\ 'j... .1 . II. . I . tlh.ii.jli -ii.-li liiieeexapii good. Morchella esculenta (the Morel).— I i during the last fortnight four Morchella esol in a kitchen garden near this town under and Plum trees. The four were in dij places. Can any reader give me some inl Apbil 24, 1897. THE CxARDE^. 307 to the ' n er hearcl of it X., /.'/.i„ls us a ^llo^vy plate of liis liyluid Aristolochia Goldieana. Tn the Victoria )lant of thisi)ro< n a small ijot ' ,.',^.1 kinds an.la.v n..l i ose Mrs. John Laing-. Mr-~is. \\;,li:| ^ ihe outcome of giant bulbs of this ■ |«cies which has no equal for brilliancy 1 or exceptional markings of foliage. Of il.iut one can only regret that it is net iibly established in every garden, ■aucasica. — This curious and interesting - Iloweriiig freely this spring in several .- of l.ai.lv phiuts. At DittoM in tliu 1 the Messrs. Wallace had it Ho\v,-iin- lots. The tiowers are pale green and [■iduced on leafy and vigorous stini- liy-h. rdia Rehmani. — This distinct and : 111 is now flowering in No. 7 house at IS of considerable interest and beauty 'if the rose-tinted colour of the spatli/. he is not large, but very neat and ili~ ncalso the narrow, somewhat sagittal r nctly acuminate leaves that rise cnn- above the prettily forme.i spathe. The ' irregularly marked longitudinally i I- translucent blotches as in R. albo- iga irrigua.— A form of ni.issy Saxi iiidi tlie distinctly pyramidal growth uf the " I'lant i.s not characteristic of either of the I I 'ies. Judging by the examples at Kew, I'll lis is exndently free-fiowering, and cal- ■1 1 '1 to keep up a good display of its p\ire u^ blossoms for some time. The plant seem- «( rell suited for growing in pots, and in tin- 'a;its free growth may be turned to gooil ai- Bdinilla magnifica.— A noble specimen m| 0 feet or 8 feet through of this is new "ling in the Victoiia house at Kew and will " " s.iiii,- time 111 1. 1. 1(1111, as large numbers nf I - lia\.' -ra]vrl\ iii:iiiii-d their fuU size. As '-i"»i| II I- a d.-. idedly handsome and :^' plant. tliniiMli ,,11,- requiring a good deal ■1" to do it justice. Very striking are the ii"||il>ing panicles of rose-coloured blossoms. "idiilis, a species having pink flowers, is II lie seen in small examples in flower in the ■;. I'alni house. .^paeria CBespitosa.— Both in the rock gar- in the alpine house at Kew this the very dwarf tufts being all close, dense heads of [link lilos- Narcissus Grandee. ts la uit may be readily distinguished ,■ its smaller flowers, a more lid general dwarfness, together ing. Another late kind is N. ics into Wnssnn, with thcal.ovc. -F ,- i Biering freeh-, I ntldien by the c ll,o,,.,l, a dorid.'dK n.-al and d.-linia plain iml uitlislandli.o. Siaiir Hotels ,.t llns lalfr an very tellmy- in a vase on the table, and indeed lev kinds are more efl'ective in this way. Hechtia argentea.— A very handsome re sette of this striking plant has been for a loni, time a feature in the large succulent house at Kew, while at the present time this is increased by the flowering of the plant in question. In iirncral aspect the ]ilant, with its drooping lap .■arh (itli.i' and ■■nvrrcd w it li a white farina, ii alHa\ s |ii.tun -i|iuand likely tu attract attention n inflorescence si mi. curious to note i liai id at an angle of 40° or therealiuiii ■ ■1 >ide of the large rosette, wliii li i- it ion to the rule in flowering plants, dui.is, niay be grown in this way with a good i.Milt. There is such a variety of "delicate colour 111 I III 111. 1 lial pan- m lia-k.l- ul llio ln-st kinds iiii'jiil "in \ ,a s u , Iriiiii. .Ill I I - 111 llio cool "1 ■ I III -' III li.i I I In \\',\\ . 1 - ,-|,i 11 Hill III doors. IVi liap- tia -mil u.ii k il M.iiild l.r I n 1 1 .-r to put the plants into tlie pans or pots in aiitiinin, bring- ing them on in batches. If found to bloom well in windows, thev will be all the more precious as |)ot plants. — KiC Anemone Robinsoniana.— I am much inte- istid in r.ading- the description of thi8 pretty .aii.ly i.f Aii.ni.mc in to-ilay-s issue (April 17, .Il 111 III ill. -I d.dlrilo III -I, ^ kill. . iiiiii|ilalli'd alMiiir a l,,i ■. and liidlianl :,n:\x .it n >k mr " does mil --. m l.:d. ^, nliial all inv !|■|^.lv I n d of dcli- .■ai ' ' . 1 ,::. -lU. ,, ,.11 \ iloui.,-. 111.- refined lirii ■ I - , . ' ,1 lm-!i I 'aiM'j'im'd to I"' the par- « li I I I . Ul 1 11 lirl.iii'j nil. I •■ 1 1. I 111 An; mone the most treasured and lo\ely i arieties of all the dear "Anemonfs, sem& par Dieu" — litnan. — M. C. I). Ranunculus amplexicauli Til. .■arryinj 1. and it Akebia quinata lis in TiiK li.uu.i oiinl x-.in B.inili.'ll -Refe the note on e are in the d F.cklcidcn one plant was bright green, that of the other violet-grey. When ripe the fruits are o\al in shape, the fleshy envelope being somewhat ili-.p. 1 in till' I'.ntie. The seeds are brown and ilii.kl\ .mil. .1.1. .1 in the white flesh almost from 1 1 1 p t o I lot t ' m 1 . \' icTOR ScuE.XDEL, Sc/i/ofv Optka, Self-coloured Auriculas.— The Rev. Canon (iirdlestone sends us from All Saints Vicarage, Brixton Hill, a very large, soft, buff'-coloured Tufted Pausies for the greenhouse.— We send you a tew blooms from our Tnfl.-.l Tansies in the greenhouse. The plants were potted up in January, and have since been grown in a cool greenhouse where they are flowering beautifully. — DoiiiiiK k Co. rail. .a I... -■ -.,d. .■. .inp..s.-.l .■.|ii;ill> of i < luj, lilirous loam and pi :.! w il li - .im ■ m ]\ old . I.-, a , • I manure to.;iill lii.Moutill of -oil. 111. lilalll- «ill a-sumea Mmiiii Inllmil iklioMli 1.1 llio miid.ai. Thus t|-.;.l. Ill I- . --. Ill lalh a -ilk|iii !o do kft alone to, :i| I.M-i ili,,..y;u;. I.y »l.i.-li linio ,t will form great tult- uf its tubers bulu« oruund that may recjuire separating when dormant and replanting at once. Much may be made of such really fii-st- elass plants bj' a special mode of treatment. As tins is one of the most v;;lnablc and attractive of inting ■ rock I when Narcissus Red Prince is the name of one of Jlr. Englcheart's most recent achievements in seedlino- Hafi'udils. Only a solitary iluy- shire, as well as the cc.iiiii y ni Si.iildi rl. .j i (i\v iiii,, large bushes 2J feet (limii-l,, jnd .nx.ivil m spring with spikes nf r\.:n ,,i :ni;jr \ , ll<,\\ IiIm- soms. Nearer Li.iiilun ii i~ ..iA\ i:iirl\ t li.- |,|;iiii is seen at all, ;iimI .a m it n In 1 1, h mli i . n i- rrr tainly worth |ii mIi .t hhi ihmihiii i.,i h- \i,lr(iiiM blooms in spiin-'. 'I'lic j.;i>i niiM Mintri' Ims been ni.i>( I:,\miiiu1,I,. to tlie plant, and both this and t Ik ■luiii f Imshy form known as Harpur- Crewe h:nr 1,,,.,, ll.nvrring freely. Soldanella alpina is alwny? n chnrminrr al- pine \\lifn seen in good condilinn, 'I'ln pliiTits will frci(ui-ntly grow with cuhmiI i uMi tii.iluui, but tlir llnxvoring is not usiiiilK ,ii iimi m.i li,,ii. Few i.liinlsli.-ivfa |.i.tti.r rllr.l »1 n llrun. and tlir ,nM,l,..(, ,l,,„,|,i,,.j. Ii,ll -1,1,,,,, I 1,1,,--,,,,-, those (,f iil|.iiM. |,liiiii-' ,j, ii.iiillx, 'I ll,. II, , -1- growing and i,l-,, ih,- i \ i- i- ,,| ili, -, plants is S. iii,,i,iiiiii,, ili:,ii mIh, I i ■ l„ii,i- tiful plant colli, I l„. ,-,,1,, . ,\ , ,|. 'till- km, I nl-,, flowers more fiv, 1\ ilmii ili,. hiiiiII,!- i,,iii,>, uIh, I, is a gain. Tli,. ,l,i, i i, ,|iiii, m, m- m, i, mi li,.i deep bed of ni,, 1-1 1, .ni, w l, ,,■ il,,. t- ,i,n,l,- cend deeply. I',:,i - ,.ti , n ii-,.,l m ,j i,,xui,,j 1 1,,-, plants, but Willi 1,-- -,i, , i-- ii-imllv i lim, \> I,, i, with o,ili,.| fi,.-li ,-,■„■, ,11. mil 111,1,. ,,r ,'^i,|iii,jiiiiin McssflV.h IIIIM.,1, 1 IllIN, llll,| III,,,,. Ml,.,.,-. Il.lili when peat or lcaf-s,,il ha,-, lic.i u.~c,l.- -K. ,1. Public Gardens. 01'ENINf4 OF KEW G.4RI)ENS. of opniiii,^ III,. ,ja|-,l,li. I,, III,. |,iil,li,. ,111 h,. I than 12 ucloek, tl,.- Ii,,m .,t ,,|„.imi,j m |,i, sent. In speaking ii|„,ii il, ,\lr. ( 1iiiiiil,crliim said: "The hon. meiiil,,! lias failiil t,. nali-, the peculiar position in whirli Kew (iaidiiis stand ; he treats them as if they existed for the benefit of the inhabitants ofKew. That is not the proper merit or claim the gardens have upon our sujiport, liut it is as a great scientific establislinioiil. Wo an, v,iv justly |,i..,u.l ,,f lli,- gardoii,, I l,ii\,. s,.,ii alni,;-,i ,\,iy l„,l 11111,1, 1 mg tluiv IS can hold tl as to the de scientific v Ktw Card. «li. with shon In u their value as adviseis of the colonial and other officers of the Government who may from time to time have occasion to ap]ily lor lli, n >, in Ires." Mr. Burns' object in urging ih, ,,|„ nm.j ,,t Kew Gardens at an earlier hour iliini I- ,,, 1,, k was not niilv in the interests of msUois t,, L.,,iKlon, kill ,,11 l„hidf of a large body of young men and \,,m,.j \\,.iin>n who were studying botany and km, In, I siilijects at the polytechnics. Mr.'Glad- .-t,,iio said lie bad gone into the matter fully when he was First Commissioner of Works, and he found that when the gardens were ojiened on Bank Holidays at an earlier hour than 12, com- l,niativ,.ly f.w ]irople availed themselves of the |,ii\il,'j,. II,- ,11,1 not think that sufficient ad- Miiiiioj,. H,,iil,l n^ult from this arrangement to I lull carlv for s.i, 1 adm'ission. 1 1 poses of stud\ that they won that, he would admitted. recreation ground for Chertsey. — A li, , 111 iinonynious gift has been made to -, \ m ill, f.,rm of a sports grmnid, costing 'I'll, , I,, iioi has also signified his intention \ iiii^ ioii lo |iiit the ground in proper order, en space in Leamington. — The Leaming- ',,«n I ',11111,11 has ]Hinliascd a piece of land, 'Jilinns in ixtint, ail joining the well-known , 1;, , 111 CanI, IIS, at a cost of nearly £8000, as Mil I, .mil n Illation ground for the borough. n, k, ,i,ll,,l tl,,, Victoria Park, mipstead Heath, Protection Society. — ,si,l,iitsof Hampstead seem detciiiiiniil 1,, I,, I I he preservation of the bcaiil\ ,,f iln- oin ,,|,i_ii space, and, we think, ^^llll nii-,.ii over had, just as in Tapping lis going to change the place -iilmrban idea of a park, if the p.lklio 1,11,1 ,„.t ,, navoned. We 1 vish all success to the society, a 1 K' 1 0 1 ,ld that it must not be conteiii \\ 11, ,1 1,11 _■ , f,..r it is pos- sible to do m, ., 1 \ ,,rk III -11, ,. as Hampstead Heath. Kyoi y , k,.,.,,Mpll|,.h,.ll, iinil llinl, mill l,„l -1 1 ,■- liatma ,,lh,.| mil ';::'';': mlvbemadeto 111, nts of Furze , s and shrubs. The weather in 'West Herts.— The 1.3th was the first waini day of the present month. The really performing useful duty, and it is not tair to | tree growing m my garden cu throw on them duties which would detract from som on the 8th inst., which advance of its average date of floweiim^ previous eleven years, and earlier than lu those years except 1893 and 1894.— E. .M. hamsted, April 14. A week of about average temperatu days being, as a rule, rather cold, and tli,, 1 on the otlier hand, rather warm forth,! year. On only two days as yet this iii,,ii the liighest reading in shade been in any « seasonably warm. At the pi'csent tiiii ground both at 1 foot and 2 feet dee|i is al warmer than the April average. During tin rain has fallen on five days, to the total depiJ nearly 1 inch. Garlic hedge Mustard into flower on the 19th inst., which earlier than its average date for the prev years, but two days later than last year.- ,■/■/,-. Chrysanthemums abroad. — During ,.s. Ill y,ar there will be an internatio 1,11 i,,,i III P.ius,sels, and a iiart of the proc ill ,-,,11-1-1 ,,r a ..,-iie. ,,f llower shows. On.l ,i-\ ,11111 1,,-iiiiiiiis is liM-,1 h.rXoM-mlier, 6,7,1 (la--,- I,, ih,- miiiil,,-! ,,f tifly-i-ight are r iled for jilants in i,ots, cut blooms, boij &c., and a large number of medals silver-gilt, and gold are offered for coi Entries must be made by October 15. the demolition of the Palais de I'Indus National Horticultural Society of France, rooms in the Rue de Grenelle are ho long cient for the purpose, will hold its annu santhemum show in tlie Tuileries Gardens I ember l(», 11, 12, 13, and 14. Junior horticultural scholarships.-^ Techni(-ul Edue-ation Board of the London f Council has decided to institute junior . tural scholarships, tenable at the garden^ Royal Botanic Society. These scholar" intended to oH'er to boys who wish to be d,-ii.-i~ nil ,,|,|„,iimiity of going through at I-,, 111-, ,1 1 11, miirj. and they will be awar ii|„.ii I ll,. ,, -nil - ,,f a set examination, but I j a ,-,,nsidnalKjn cif the record and qualific I he candidates. The scholarships are I „ ,ys who are not less than fourteen and I ha n sixteen years of age. Candidates I.,, ml, ,11, 1,11,1 iiin-t ,-,,ntinii,- to i.-side wit ,-,,iiiii\ ,l,iiiii,j 111,- I, -nine', ,1 tlii-ir scholarij \Mili a maintenance grant of £20 ijer i -,-liolars under fifteen, and £25 to schoU lift i-en. The scholarships will be awarde til St instance, for one year, but will be for a second, or even for a third year, if 1 gress of the scholar is satisfactory. Na date will be eligible for these scholarshiR parents are in receipt of more than annum. Obituary. TREVOR CLARKE. '. to announce the death , R. Trevor Clarke, of ^| lit the age of 84. He waSi ost earnest workers in GCj al Horticultural Society, 111 ih, , ,,nn,-il for many yeanl 111,- \ III, -ll medal. AsagI .1. ( liii k,- was very suooi| l;,-,j,,iiiii weltoiiieiisis was I ',-1, r\ \> lii,-li l„-iii-s hisnil .,.-1 . Ill- 111,, -I 1 n 1 1 ii->rtant f ' oi'l resulting from th: THE] G-jL:RjD:Eiisr. ^0. 1328.— Vol. LT.] [MAY 1, 1897. im^de:x. Pons, Bverlasting, propngat- Hockfoils, theVndin'n '.'. '.'. Iiiral Society of 310 Spring weather, an object .iiv llistoriquo ot Slli Tulips, some new early single am Wisley, Narcissus Bulboco- - "f ih.- British dium at ill, .., tlioTree Garden Flora: - ■Mr. sin rriniula obconica Primula obcniiini Kitchen :- 1- ■:•. rlioicc. 30'.> 313 Asparagus, early, and ma- -- •,...i^,/s .. .. 311 Beans, French, forced in , "■"' "' "' Cabbages, profitable .. .. Cauliflower plants, young, ■lacrophyUa . .. 312 protectmg 311 Bulbocodium at ■:l >r,,i,,,i. i,„ t.iTCing, planting "' '' ■■ ll'"ting yclamiueus . .. iloria Mulidi . . ;;ln 325 Notes of the Week: AuriruUs. :>I,.inc .. .. Irispumila M yosotidium nobile . . . . Myosotis caespitosa Rcch- stcineri Narcissus Dr. Laumoiiniri . . Narcissus Naiad Phlox divaricata Primula Mimroi Primula TraiUi Psychotria jasminiflora Rhododendron Nuttalli . . Romanzoffia sitchensis Rose, a white Marechal Niel Symphyandra Wanneri Vanda teres Wallflowers from Exeter . . Orchard and Fruit :~ Alicedc Monaco 323 Dcndrobium lituillurum .. Dendrobium primulinum . . Epldendrum ciliare . . . . Epidendrum xanthinum . . Masdcvallia Shuttluworthl Cydouias, combination of . . mreek's "HTopk:— Fruit houses, work in . . .. Kitchen garden, work in the Flower Garden. \ ur..iKcT lp:sson in the spring WEATHER. 1 111 Ireland I never remember a springtide lii\uri;uit, more full of premise iif l)i)th i liloss.m.. Mild lip tnlMurch 19 ■■Niituiv ill tliih-s L'a\.' Thr constant lanisof na .Mil\ sprnm Ird up to a liixmiant >im1 all sorts nriiulb.s, early Rhodoauu- I'. iii'l llo\\,] ill'.; slirub.s were happy; and II 'Ilia tin. 'I' or four of those erratic and ll\ nil' \|Ka iril d('|irfKsions and frosts vary- ii"iii 5' t(i J5-. Narcissi of the earlier N. such as N. princeps and N. Hor.sfieldi, i l;i'.;li, and even eai'ly N. incoinparabilis ' !■ twisted off by the thousand ; nor was this •ijfor the flowers might well have been spared, 1^, alas ; in many cases the leaves also were BMiched off at ground level and swirled about II over the place. Worse still, spikes of tin- lit Asphodels (Eremuri) were frost-bitlin looked as if they had been boiled soon aftii' 1 1 sunshine appeared. Great breadths, IjonUrs, li s, and patches of soft rosy-flowered Mega- I, sucli as M. orbicularis, M. Milesi, and crassifolia, were flowering luxuriantly, but r Marcji L'tl they became a dirty ma.ss of ikeneil stalks anil leaves. Even Prunus Ft»rdi (!'. crifoia var. atro-purpurea) had flbrsaiid leaves scoiclied and killed back to tl| hard wood, and Rhododendron arboreuni, H barbatuni, R. prsecox, R. ciliatum, and n ly others had all their flowers destroyed, e n in mild and sheltered localities. Even Ht hardiest and dwarfest of all the Heathers, i ca caniea, was browned as if a sirocco "I a scorching fire had ]i.assed over it, and 1 ly blossoms of Apiirot. I'lum, and Pear li '■ I'aal 111. iHiialty tli;,i nou and then comes •l^^ii vi|i'iii the early llouer or plant. i'lit We must not become too ))e.ssinii.stic, and aiir all the young leafage of Gunnera, Rom- ' "ra, Rodgersia, Clematis, Saxifraga, Astilbc, and other things may yet be replaced by the growths from later buds, and, very foitiinatily, only a few of the fruit trees were sutlii i.ni l\ advanced to be injured. Patience and lio|ie are, or ought to be, the watchwords of all line and good gardeners, and we must do our In st and then accept all the good things the '_;o(ls send us, with hearts as thankful, at least, as mental stations or trial grounds in the agri- cultural and horticultural England of the cijming F. W. BiRBirifiE. nouieually \vet iierhaps, but also very mild, tor raiely have we enjoyed such a long and genial planting season for shrubs and trees. But the constant cold rains of April are now becoming serious, for the ground is chilled and too \\el f. ■! the sowing of any but the hardiest and most robust of seeds. Even the farmers are com plainin;f of not being able to work and sou tlicii li'j;litest land, and of cour.se it is still more sciioii- oil the cold and heavy clay soils. It is uiiiteii that " all things come round to those who know how to wait," and so it lic- liov.s the gardener to sow in ]iots or b"M s uniler cover wherever he can, and then, ha\ iic/ iloiie his best, to "possess his soul in patience" iiiiiil drier and warmer days arrive. S" tar the show of fruit tree blossom is pliciioiiiciial here. Plums, Pears, Cherries and Apples are thickly .set with bud and bloom, and should the weather henceforth be mild and genial, there seems no good reason why the average yield of crops should not be attained. One lesson continually being emphasised by the sudden frosts of AprO, or even May in some localities, is the necessity, or at any rate the advisability, of our selecting very late-growing and lil'issoiniiig varieties of all our cominoii ami iii'si \aliialile fniit trees. This ha^ to -^omo .x teiii l.'riid"iie 1 .y the fruit growers "t A ri.n CHOICE DAFFODILS AT DITTON. . DatTodil season is this year generally earlier, c(im|juratively mild winter and the warm and \ sprintr. as well as an abundantly wet mm. haMii- all |'la\,'l thoir part in the t' 1, th'' n-iili I'.'iie: thai ih.- m:,,"Mlv of mid- "II kiM'K lia\'-, -'. I'. -I'-ak. I.iu-i i|iiitesud- V iiiio l,l',-~oiii. Th'- l"i,'lil "I th'' ala.ndant tail and eomoaialK.' imMiio-- is 'A.rx whole as needs h. . i '■'■. i\ '■ a Inil- moi' ."ii-ideration. Here it w.i^thai ih'^ Kej. I'M iiiiin|"i of Glory of I.ov.l",,, »ill, ,t~ ',,,.,, I "m-i'o.nlm'j win'.-, and cons| widely ex| reflexed, -ide, as M, own hand in this matter, but some of us hope to see the cstiiblishment of national experi- l'aii|)i'-s 'jl.'iifi.'l, \,iii'ii's ih.ii |.,,-~'ss these ■,;lalid chala.l.ll-tl.'s .'.m I.,- a.. lodaled in both light ionl heavy soils, and are not ni the least I fastidious, (iolden tjueen is in this collection the I most recent of novelties, having only been named 310 THE GARDEN. []\Iay 1, 1897. this year. It is of course a yellow Ajax and i grand oomnaninn to nianv (if tl'inse just named. ^ Amu,,, ,l„. «l„.,.-«„;,..,l Io.mI^, ,.., tl,.. In colors, Mm.'. ri.iii|i, ,i 'jlihI r.iii|in--. ImiM a COnsplrlhiu-. pu-llliili. ,S.i|,ii' . ..rrlli III ilnMI of this were sliuun at ilcyents I'ark Li-I vr:,i when it obtained a certificate. In this m i ;iN comes Ada Brooke, a beautiful flower resinililiii' Horsfieldi somewhat, j'et scarcely so ]iiii. m lii perianth, and, flowerinp- l.-iter, mnkrs a n-rin succession to till- li. t Iri l^nnw n KhhI. w Imli h :i in line form as w rll :i. .ji.mi ;il,un.l:iMrr. W ,.i ih of noteis the fael ilial \miIi I'-min-.--, A.la Tacok, Mme. rir,n|,. Ib„-lh|.li, ami iL' lila^ II, ml flower, (liaiMir,. «a- nlih I ||„.|, ,11 ■_' MmIp - 1,1, above ",,.illi.l al,,! \v,ll \|rl,l il^, xal,lalil,> ll-»,a also .short. These with J. B. M. Camni, one dt the most exquisite Daffodils extant, are the most worthy. Coming to the white and snljiliTn- Ajax kinds, of which cernuus and albican- ,,,a\ Ir, ii',arded as typical, such grand flow ,,-, - Mi- I l:'',i,i,.son and Snowflake are indeed tcllin,. ilan la,,e, hand- some, and ehaste fiivnis ,iial,i,i, ..1 the most pci.ilK li.iM a,,, I \,,(iiMii- av a wliiic trumpet Ullal, ,1,, !„.>,,,,, ,i„l, •,■,!, ^^l„ll .ai,, pared with all IS somewhat a beauty well- nigh incomparable among these delicately chaste flowers. I was much struck witli th,- bjautv as wellassiibslal,,',. .,f tl,,' ncw.a- Calal.^a. ii, «lii,'l, the unifollii «liit,' -liailc I- -,, p,,„ .-.I, ami luruis. i\ln,e. its superior, though both lende One , a pea fectly. Itisa -ia,','l,iin,,»,atl,al « ill I.,' „ii,.l, ap compact with good substance. Coming to the iNCOMI'.iR.VBILIS section, the Peerless or Nonsuch Daffodils of Par- kinson, the beauty of Autocrat at once fixed itself on the mind. In colour it is a pure uniform yellow throughout, cup well expanded anil with liold effective stems thai iair\ tl,.' f|..\\-,'i,- t.i a , I height. In .sli.al, lli.-.' lli.-.il,i|ial alull, I. Hill- generally apjieai' at li. .,,,.■ in ,ia--, wlnl.- 1 1,. length of stem ijleallv a>-l-ts ,l,iii, -na -m- ceeding, had spoiled not a fi-w ..i ih. .aih.st blooms. The time of my visit \,a- tai innri- genial — at least the cold wind lia.l ,1. |.a,ti-.l ami warm sunshine was rapidly openii,, fi. -I, ll. ,«.,-. Other notable forms are Beauty, a w.ll iia,,,i.l kind in which the large cup is bianlifnlly liil],.| and margined with oran,-p : ('.h,,,, .1. i .ami Goliath being alike son,.«l,at .1. -. , ,pi ,m, ^^|||| George Nicholson, Spli'ml,a,s, ami [.,,l\\.i, il, t., complete the most select .,l this -,t. In the Leedsi or Eucliarts-llowered Dattodils Mrs. Langtry and Catherine Spurrell always please. To the above may be added M. M. de Graaff, Duchess of We trice. The Barri grou| finest as well as the n spicuus is, of course, on.- of the most |)oi:iular. I H louder thai, «..,-.!-. w I,.,, may ea-t 1 1,.' .y ..\ .a -.h fieii Bes irds ,if lifk ;ht is a ul ;ieli?d its pr On some bulbs I counted five flowers, while three and I -I year, has a fine open cup, Lroadly margiiR .Mil, led, and is a most free-flowering kind into 1 1 There are still an endle=s miiiibrr nf beautifi il,i,,;j-s, many of them \-. iilal.l.' ,. ,,,-. tliat mn I..' |,assed over now ; niaii\ ..i li- i -. i."., \\ Imli a III- -ri ami M i\ pl.aMii, uillial. All this wealth .t 111. .--..Ill I,, j.ii,,- 1,1 III.' Iiai.liest race of plants "'.taiii, a I'll..' '.pii.ll.'.l f.,r its richness, its li.alltv, an. I lis lna:,l,,ti|,|.'. E. JENKINS. Tufted Pansy Rosea pallida.— This was one of the first Tufted Punsies to flower with me this spring, and on account of its earliuess alone it is deserving of extended cultivation. 1 he colour is best described as pale rose, although most of the catalogues give it as rosy like, a (olour altogether too deep for the chaste blossoms of this variety. The flowers are freely produced on remarkably dwarf and compact groKth.— D. B. C. Narcissus Gloria Mvtndi.— Can anyone who Ml, ,1,1 flower by warm early springs t,,., ,i were poor, and probably he is 1 1 , 1 the same .season and in kinds 11. i\, s„m,- are l,riKht an,l others ,l,,ll 1,,:,tt.'l'. C. W,,r, Border Auric ulas. 1 ', ,1 III.' il.'i .' plan,-. ai,.',,lal i,a,i\ lia\ l,ave beei ..'ti,)n of s, ,,', snil.'i'.', w.'ll Jl„s sp,„„. h,ng spell of ,1,.., trying to all . Possiblv botli tl, usual winter i„.„ h,,.'l\ la-l a,,.r,:,lli. ,1,1 la-l > .'-.'lipl,..,. all,,l.,, .'f l,a l|..,i,l,t l\ .l,.l 1 ,..! .I..,,,, -. ,,.'1, \\.'l- s. .I\ pli.nt- ,,'.! tl,.' ,11, ,-.',',1 ],..« Uli.l,'!' ,,lass, k.', well shaded, as then g,iu, A. D. ■in:4' 11 jnsi Ki ami growth IS secured.- Violet Marie Louise. has been a partial, indeeil —This excellent Violet aim,, St a total, failure :ie foliage clean and well matured -in fact, roniising in every way. However, almost im- mediately upon being transferred to the j till- leaves began to assume the appearancei l,a\ iiig been scalded, turning into a mass of .1 i,,,pness, which in time overspread the ,11,1 il not a leaf was left. With but partii n,|i,.,,„,„ the earlier blooms under o-lass we tlv ilo tliickly and deeply in the p: iw seem to start away nicel^ as yet green and healthy. ^ 1 1 hope no contriliutor or reai ,N i>. 1,1' will I.e. t,.„llil.'.l with the to for other season ? I see no appearan. . .,f a, wrong in Victoria, growing side by si. I.-, single varieties in the open, but '■ K. J.'f (page 208) on Marie Louise and the extre abundance of bloom are surely enough to make unsuccessful and unfortunate grower like mvi J. R. SOME NEW EARLY SINGLE TULIPS, Amoni; the novelties I have seen this year Unit takes a high place. This may be described a W'hite Pottebakker with a yellow base and flai having the same rigid stem as the last nan and hold, stout, well-formed flower-cup. I \\\\\ make a delightful variety for exhibitions p. I ,'iilture for house decoration. Pink Perfect 1- a pale rosy-pink flamed with white, of good bii ami decidedly pleasing. I here bring in an \;,, ,.'ty which has been greatly improved of 1 \.,i,s'; it is by no means new, but it posses -,i. I, a distinctness, being bright shini t,,,il,<-red with delicate amber, and well des« in, a place in every collection. Golden Bil \,,,, Haarlem has very handsome flames of yel» I, I.,,, ling with the crimson, the old variety 1: ,,,, llai,„'s of whit.-. .'\ fine new vellowselfi I..: f,„,,,.l ,1, M.„,l Tr,'. il,'|.]> vellow', to all app. an.'.' 1 1,.' ila,k.'-i vi'll.iw Tulip vet seen, and wl pi. .nil-.'- I., I..' a yreat fav.,ui'ite with cultivat i;,,l III. I in. si yellow self is to be found in Gol. 1,1,,.. ,,, will, h is probably the most perfect yd' -.U a, ,,..,,, 1 1,1- early varieties in cultivation. is ,,f p. I f.'. t shape and immense size, and will iloubtedly tell upon the exhibition table, other very striking variety is Golden Lf Hillegom," pale terra-cotta, feathered with the markintf much the same as in .Toost ^ , have tte of sup 1 iiisart is a very rich crimson self of exo^ shape. Then there is a rectified form of the iff known bright rose-coloured Proserpine, flakes of pale buff with the rose : this has all good characteristics of Proserpine, which of the mcst useful bedding varieties used : ,ai liens. It is known as Proserpine Rectii I, I,,, ell of the Netherlands is a charming varif pal.' blush-white, shaded with pale pink, • .lelieate, and tender. Another very fine self il be found in Maas. a miv dei'ii scarlet, in thel of the scarlet !'..tt, l.akk, i , li,it larger and ofj'- finest shape. '11,,- ln.N fan to become a gli favourite. Bmi Spa,'ii.l,,i„k is a variety of |« shape, the colour ]iale buff, flaked with cri: al-i. Duke of Austria, a rich terracotta self, vi and Tureadui', rich seal cotta edging, regarded the old Tournesol. nti'MI 1 fe~ I lAT 1, 1897.] TFTE OARDEX. 311 JIISS YONGE'S GARDENT. Mil YoNOE has lived many years at Elder- Be having moved there with her mother her brother's marriage. Her early hoiiu! mJonly a few doors off. The grounds of her fal ir's house go up to the back of the gar- the picture, and through a gateway labe hedge she has always had access to Ji( )retty fields and garden, and the coppices ifi e the wild Daliodils are " fluttering and la ing in the breeze" as every spring cmnc^: ■Oj J. Elderfield has always looked an idral for an authoress. A little low whitL' —nothing but a cottage she calls it her- covered with creepers, which keep up gtcession of bloom to peep in at the win- There is a very old Myrtle to the , shorn of much of its height since the cold winter of 1895 ; and round Miss A blue Lathyrus. I'ik":; .,f''i'Vn: (Tu'm:' st spat wh'jrc Ihi I selection of orna- ffiven in vol. xlvii. kind. ^Coii|.l.('l uiTl, il,i> i also a profu-. ll.iu , i in- ^| I many as six Mn-^MMi- .m ,■ t\iberous-rnnl. .1 n|, -.i, - ;, when thoroui;lily estalilislj I his were in Messrs. Barr's icrently. :..rl,alarl,.|i>li,. „f this • I li'' ti.i ..r It, being -iii-!l'- -|.il,.'. Ii, is a I'l .1 li,.n.i-oT,M. plant !il. Sdiiu." lilossoms of group at the Drill Hall ACA'I I'l-.AS. varhi>. I caiiiMi iiii.i tlie name U. cyaneus, IK nil. I 1,111 I nliiiiiiN II a-i a synonym in Grenier anil l...lholl,^ ■■ I'li'iv ill- France," a book which acriiiints tor muuli the laiger portion of the flora (if Wtstern Europe; but I think I remember Mr. WdlU-y-Dod informing me some time last year that d. cvaneus (syn., O. sessilifolius) is given in fD;fc's drawing-room Window (the upper one 1 Boissier's' "Flora Orientalis" as a Greek plant. .111, ,.M ,1,1-,,,,, , ,,,,,,, ,,, 11,1,11.- ,1,, among I !,.■ rn..-l il-.liil 11,1.1 l..i,,,l ilul ,,l .1,1 ,1. II plants. ,\-a ml... «.. -..■ tl,. ,,, 11, ,1 ,,il,, lauallc,., m the .Jill. I,., I, \\,ili I,,, I liiil,. I !i,.ii._.li, .,r rare bestowed "[•■••< ' '"■'"■ ' "■-; ' '" I" ' ' ' .1 I saw a large 'nnnlii r ,il lli,' ,., 1 1 , m, ,\ planted at the Lup "' •' 'I''!' '■"■"■■',^ >u,l.;,ul. nt, it-s stems being alluui'l I ,. 1 1 ;,,! lu-t w I,. , . 1 1,..\ » .,iiM. No care was ln-i ni.,! ,i|,. m i h.. |.li,,ii -. ;,,,.! 1 1,,, sio-ht was not uiil> l,ia,ii ihrl II, ii. iniillinu a i tgand delightful fragranee. TUuii-li ctl hardy and in some respects endu and that it is described as having linear leaves much in the way of O. canescens. O. canescens, which flowered here last summer, and which I hope and believe I still possess, thdu.jl, it lias not yet put in an appearance above .jm.iiihI. i- a verv chciioe and beautiful, though pirliii|.- ,-..iii. wh-it niitfv -ppcics, and if the true |.lant nmUi lilue il.i\i , r~ ]u-tit\ inwthespecificname "cyaneus" is i.iilK 111 .nil r.ation, I should like to hear of it. I -li.iill 1.. .jla.i, therefore, to know from the roiiiiiili 1 lit 111., li-t abnvo aUndod tn tn whirh of 'filly partition, a sort of floral fence would be created that should prove very attractive. At any rate, the plant is well suited naturally for these latter |i,i.-itiiins, and with material to cling to will give 11.1 ti.iiM,. in training beyond the starting, w-hen ,ai. >li,iiild be taken to thinly train out the stems, and thus ensure a more uniform growth. Such a position, planted with the best forms, would show the full value of the plant, though it is not a simple matter to get a large enough stock in every garden. iminate freelv lie U. cvaneus (or i>. sessihtoliusi tijcureil, 1 see Mbthorp, Fl. G., 692, and B. M., 2796), is known 1 any of your readers to be in cultivation. — i . ('. "L. Iris Orchioides.— Tlieleana .jnat I., antv ami * nie:an i it is called, requires a con- lower petals only tend to make the flowers still years would be rei[uired to more effective. Added to this distinct beauty is tity. Where especially good stocks or"varfeties le M""i^iv at- 11..- .l.-ui-d, it ..Ml Willi fine ii..ie reliable; a -iimally would . increase these L alone is rfot slow also, and ny large qua ftj 312 THE GAEDEK [May 1, 1897. exist of these plants, by far the surest ami speediest way is from cuttings in the early s|.nirj time, just as the plants are starting into .jn.uili. As a rule, one or two strong shoots take tin Irul, and to sret stock liter on, these strongest blio^t^ should 111' lilt lilt ,ii :f inches above ground, treat- ing in :i -iiinlm \\,iy any others that are at all rampant. Ai i In- juncture the soil may be cleared :i«.i;i . - i\ -J nulii-^ nr 3 inches deep, fi-oni about tlic ciovMi lit ilir |il:inl, li-niicj- llii^ in a sort of t.in.Oi. iilnl cuM-nirj 111' lil.l ->'"il "itli a bell-glass I ir hiin.l li-lil. In a wnk ..r lun. it ll.c robust shoots have been cheukcil, riitinij-. ni rather young shoots, will apijear about the li:i-' . and when these reach 4 inches in leii'4lli -iii|i them from the stool with a heel attached, iiml in sertin piil^il, Minily sni! in a nianiin- fi anic In such a fiMiiic. Willi ■jciiilc wiirnitli. iIm-c \i'iiirj slightest use. When tlioc cniiiirj- mc "ell rooted, they should be pnlliil iiitn 1 iiuli |i'it - :ind planted out in good grou 111 I whin cstalili-ln -1, m they may, for purposes of propagation. In p ill id into large pots for a year, and, by kec|iiiie ilic growth in check and preventing floweriiiLi. n--.-i a larger number of shoots from the baM\ Hy adopting a similar treatment of some old stools for a year or so, a larger number of cuttings could be obtained, and by closely pursuing the same method a good supply may be raised in a year or two. While it may seem a good deal of trouble to secure such an old favourite as this, yet it is well worth while, if only for preserving the best white forms in all their purity. Seeds, of course, may be sown and seedlings raised, as indeed they are, in quantity, always in the hope of gettinj; something better than we already have. — E. J., in Field. Heuchera macropliylla.— Those readers of The GAKr.EN- who appi-eciate good hardy plants with attrative foliage should note this as being a fine companion to TeUima grandiflora, noted a short time since. The above plant assumes a beautiful red-bronze hue, at times increasing to vivid crimson, and, seen in good tufts or where a "bed is wholly devoted to it, it certainly makes a most exceptional display. The cushion-like tufts oi leaves are each about a foot in diameter. Narcissus Bulbocodium at Wisley— It is worth going a long distance to see the ilisplay nf this little Narcissus in Mr. Wil-nii's \\"i>|ey t^ai - den. For some years it ha^ liecn the iiistmii there to sow the seeds liriMilea>t m llie .,|icii ground, allowing the buUis In riinaiii willmni ili-- turbance. The re.sult i^ tlHiii~:iiiil- nt plunl- in threepenny-piece, so large that the trumpet will ci.vei a hull cimh ii piece, and these flowers, large and small, range in colour from the palest sulphur to rich Butter- cup yellow. From this large number of plants it -would be easv enouffh to select half a dozen or more worthy 'of vai letal na.iie>. 1 feel sine that much might lie ilnne wiili iln- li.illi.ilil ni llie matter of increasine itb.lniien- -. At W i-le\ one sees here anil llice;, IIuxmi , 0, bi.^iatlian the rest, .-inil .|i ml .1 le-, lix t. rtili-inu I lic>e tlowers with c.ieli Ml III r mileli l:nv. I an.l in. He vigorous forms Ml, I, 111 lie eMHli,cll\ el.l::inei|. .1. C. B. The Indian Rocktoils. [iM-e phmts (Mc- gasea or Saxifraga) ha\ e m -.m cJ m| il,, u m i1,1 forms long been in our eanliii-. \\iili v ei y lilile profit from the ]ioint nf mim "i dli ei . ,in.l \.t they arc n,..-l,.leV„.l,-» lien U-e,l»„l.:,n:,,l, -lie hand. \ilA liiil.lv lUiil Mei.n.u-. Iliev eniH ;,n\- where tliex ;,ie lln..«n, ami ;i- lln- i- nlle,, ll,c mai-gin nta -.hnilllieiy, the tree iniils eet hiilll lit them and soon reduce them to the level of the rubbish one usually sees in shrubbery borders. Our usual way of planting in miserable dots helps put every year in cks in comparison. to complete the degradation of these fine jjlants, Hineh in Nature, like most mountain plants, are jniun away from tree roots in colonies, or asso- el, 1 1 ell with plants of like stature. The very ML;i'iir of the ])lants enables them to endure treatment quite w iniie In.ni every point of view, while our comiii --I In ililncj ]iiants, having to lie-h -'ill, live like fighting In the very early spring of this year a very different result was seen ni the Trini'ty College Gardens at Dublin, where humhcils of the finest of these plants were well grown and niiisspd in handsome colonies, giving very beauti- ful colour before winter went from the land. I A ell when the flowers go, the foliage of these |il.iiils is so good that, for its sake alone, they are w.iiih having for carpeting banks and slopes, or fi. lining very bold marginal groups tn shnili lii.iilcis and beds. Apart from the old f..iiii~, a niniilicr of good, finely-coloured seedline tnrm-i have been raised in gardens, these all heljnng to make the large Indian Kockfoils more useful to lovers of hardy flowers. They are excellent for forming evergreen borders of hardy flowers in ii-.-iiciation with Christmas Roses, Lenten Roses, IliiiIv Ferns, the more finely cut Ivies, and like u\:,,a^.— Field. AN INDEX EXPCRGATORIUS. The coi-respondence which has followed the publication, some weeks ago, of the list under this head and above my signature has af- forded an admirable object lesson of the value of negative criticism. Many interesting opinmns have been expressed, valuable information aliiuii s.nni- |ilaiils lias been given that would lint nlliinvise li.ive been elicited, while the fact that the laiue ma imity and the mo.st interesting of the plaiitN iiaincil ill the list have been rigidly let alone is iiself .liMiiieiit .iml instructive. Somei.f y.iiiic..iiespi.nilents-Mr. Tallack (if I recollect right) and JMr. Arnott— have ex- pre,ssed a wish to know why certain plants were "intentionally exterminated." The reasons were as follows : The soil of my garden is naturally cold, and towards the late summer and autniiiu it is distinctly deficient in .sun. For these rc.i.siiiis, except occasionally in very hot igi. l>arp. Uial.lc ai dth. .soil it everywhert ittiiig it into I cannot agree witli M T is unag.gres.sive, for in "and I. should never tliiuk .,f rock garden w here .small or cliiiicc tliinu'" were grown. Scabiosa eaiicasica i.ilsii .1 e,„,il plant) 1 could never get to bhiom ileceiiiK in ni\ e.inlcii, and I may .say the same of IncaiN I'llci ( ije;e, uhich I infer that Mr. Arnott iliiiiks well if. Kill which, as far as my expe- liciici 111 reci.llecticii goes, I Consider about as poMi ,1 piece .if iiil.l.ish as ever cost an unwary purchaser :;s. (k1. it is odd that it sliould be so, considering that it belongs to tli.' beautiful and uncommon order of the Bigiiniii nls. Lit me add that its sister, I. Delavayi, is far lictter wiiitli inal^iiic aci I iiaintance with, though lam iiiil Mir.' \\ 11. tiler this is always easy to keep. Till- li.Miii) .mil value of the old scarlet Lychnis (L. cli.ili e.l.inica) are unquestionable. I used to have it in large i|iiaiitities, but it is a plant which suffers ••icatK' finiii drought. I have a h,.t fi. ilw; a full supply of water and L's the flowers "fizzle" and he year. I have imt had it iiiy years now. AVritiia^ In line weeks ago, I bdiev.i 1 for I certainly do not recollect having inten- tionally thrown away a plant which is not only a good one, but which is far the best of these taller herliaccous Veronicas. He has reminde inc. Imwavcr, that this is a plant that forms! very haul ami woody root-stock, and that if m: ficipieiit ly divided it practically ceases to flowe; and it may well be that this happened in ml garden and that I got rid of it on that accouni It is years since I had this also. As to Astt alpinus, it is one of the most beautiful composit flowers in existence ; but "Nature is one wit liaiiiiie," and (in my garden at any rate) tli slug is "a harm that no preacher can heal. \\'lieuhis mind is set on this particular plant, r zinc apparently will exclude him and no lime i soot will spoil his appetite. In conclusion, let me remark that neither tl iiaiue "index expurgatorius " nor the thir lis. If must be taken too seriously. ^ Ml. h list having any authority derived fro uiiixcrsal or even general assent could possib be comiiiled, nor, as a matter of fact, wou such a list lie of more value to Mr. Arnott . Mr. Tallack, or anyone fully conversant wi the great mass of hardy plants actually in cull vation, than would a catalogue of a hundred so of the best. Such things (which after all one way or another — are matters of opinion) a merely sugge.stive, and may perhaps assist t choice of those who know as yet little abo them. The conditions under which gardeni papers exist make it practically inevitable tli almost all ordinary notices of flowers should laudatory more or less. Personally, therefoi I lia\e always thought that anything in the w nf negative critiiisiii was the most useful cent butinii I li.it c.iiilil III made for the benefit of a pi licwlicii' till jii 111. iples of a mutual admirati Si icicty are i .ccasmiially somewhat toe noticeab 1 am lint sure, therefore, that I agree w: •' S. W. F." (p. 283), that "likes and dislikes , ruthlessly eliminated " in any future iudii that may be cmiiiiiled. At any rate, if B Tallack likes tn i. impose one, I will promisei only tli i,.,iil It, lint tn give him my sympat and siippnit ill ,111 .almost direct ratio to I iininli.n i .f xcllnw Daisies which he may inch in It. I >ii the litlicr hand, if he takes this 1 (as he is prnlialily aware), he will have to reel with the whole of dear old Kensington, i will lie army of growers for market of chi .lilt limn flowers, and I fear also with the rep , btitioii of a number of good gardeners wlr opinion is far better wortli having than that the present writer. J. C. L Narcissus cyclamineus. — In Mr. Wilsc Wisley garden this little Daffodil is makin; brave show. It appears to be equally hapjiy rockwork and in moister positions. One la clump, caiiAiicj- aliiHit tiftv blooms of excel! qualitv. i- Viiv .H.-ctivc ■|mlecil. In order reahse tin- leal .lc.-.,iai n ,■ woith of this specie: number oi bulbs must be planted together. I only is N. cyclamineus beautiful and distinct | form, but the colour of the flowers is very go ^ —J. C. B. I Campanula abietina.— This charming Cs| panula, native of the high mountains of Tranej vania, is one of the prettiest of plants for j rock garden. Plants it is intended to gi, within narrow limits ought not to be too spre j ing whilst producing an abundance of blooi) so as to give the maximum of effect in the spj' allotted to them. Qualities such as these w liat ^^ e .j. iieitiUv ask for in border plants, and lln- ciinm. iiun Campanula abietina is valual Till ilnwii- are of a violet colour, washed w . iini.-nn. The flower-stems have a length III iiicli.'- tn iL' inches. They are good b.,ii,|iicts, and, put in water, remain in g' ciimlitmn fni a lone time. Owing to the linn height of the [.ilant and the regularity of branches, and, above all, to its freedom of no\\ ing, which lasts from June till September, 0: Mat 1, 1897. THE GAPvDEX. 313 inulu : ants fi d tlL,- selft-M. )beu docs ady ni reqiii) ,od plan lu mv,. 11 ;, nnil.l, ,.; .I.A lr:,xr,, II easily laiM-il tn.m (.•.iuiiij;s, and tm,,, >,,,U ;.^ The latter, which ;ire very liin-. nni^l In wn in pots oi- in the nursery ln-i u.in tin lonths of April and June. The plants sImiuM lie anted out as soon as they are Ht to lian.llc iedlincfs raised in April sometimes bloom in ilh itumn of the same year. Before plantinj: ""<- n a good plan to cover the soil with aliout a tarter of an ini-li of sand. — Henri Tmcn^iKU LS, in l;,ni, IlorlinJ,. iPhcenix Daffodils.— The double forms of .ircissus ineomparabilis should always he planted ickly and never in lines, even in ili.- i.-.i\r ound, as the flowers require siipiioii ,.i -•mu- nd, and this is best given with a |.liiiitiil pply of their own foliage, which ki . |.~ i In m .an the dirt. In lines, or grouped tlniil\, tin' wer-stems soon succumb to wind and lam. cups of about two dozen bulbs answrr will and ovide many flowers. The two best known ms are N. ineomparabilis plenus and N. auran- |ts plenus, but the gem of the section is N. sul- |ureus plenus, which bears most shapely, pale sul- iiir, almost self-coloured flowers that get paler as ^ygrow olderandbecomealmostpurewhite. This m does not appear to be at all common, and is oted in catalogues at a much higher price than lier of the others, but I find it a very healthy pwer, and in this respect it is far before N. irantius pU-nus (Eggs and Bacon), which is liable tthe disease that causes yellow spot on the foli- ile, and which does not carry its flowers so boklly do the first and last mentioned of the trio. — C. TALL.A.CK. TUFTED PANSIES. 10 not know what the general experience was ;h Tufted Tansies in 1896 from a propagating ndpoint. Here it was decidedly the worst son I have had, an.l that despite the fact that, \;h the view to their increased cultivation, addi- tnalcare seemed to be taken with the cuttings ake in the preparation of the soil and in the Oiracter of the shoots taken. So far as soil, firm ]■ ertion and partial shade until the rooting was e cted were concerned, there was not the slightest erence in the treatment followed successfully several years, but the result, as stated above, vi by no means satisfactory, and the loss, in- :id of about 5 per cent., was over 70 per cent, r was the loss confined to the cuttings, ilising the fact that the strike was likely tc I.e aiad one, I went over a certain number of the liiits, trimming them up and giving a slight era mulch as an incentive to growth preparatory t: division. Some varieties responded to the tittment, but others succumbed altogether, and o^Villiam Niel, Duchess of Fife, Blue Cloud and iMte Swan I hardly saved a single plant. The o|\- reason I can assign for the failure is, that, Efen a succession of hot summers, there is a ten- d ey on a light, di-y soil to degeneracy of stock, tl| plants lose vigour and vitality, and that signs oyeakness should be accepted as a warning to rilace the stock from a soil that is more con- gial. The surmise may be wrong; anyhow, tl subject is \\-ortli ventilating now that the nl-er in question takes such a prominent place. 1| collapse of certain varieties has led to altera- tj[s in the planting, and I have had to mix, in- ' of, as fornierly, planting in blocks of separate ra. Additional care will naturally be neces- under these circumstances to keep the stock "f;, but, so far as the efl'ect of the planting is rned, there will be nothing objectionable in li -n, ii ,;in •'^" ""iiW it la a conservatory with about tlie ,1 ml. I Id. ■ ^ '-i~. If. nialt.rof course, would not be so free where "''"-'■ r"' 'li'' V. iitil.ili.iii .lining' the summer was given ':'"■'''■'- uiili a lil..r,.l li:,M.I. If it is contemplated tl. ''"'■'""■'" '■"'' '^'d.' ill.- I ^1 an;.. I ilia for its fruit, it is neces- " '■ ' I ^'"'i' '" t;'"" 'I '" ■i fairly warm house. In an ■ow a great I ,„.ainary sto\e I have thus ripened the fruits towards the end of June, but in any case the teaching white h in its way, ling contem )Ut. E. Be any f ; Hav 1 lia Stove and Greenhouse, i cooked in the .s^ THE GKANADILLA. (rAiJSIFLOKA QU .4DR.4JXG ULARIS. ) This species of the extensive genus of Passion Flowers i.s undoubtedly one of the very finest of its family. It has not been a success in some way as Apples with us, and IS when thus prepared much relished. The flowers are, I think, most beautiful and the fra- U'raiice very delightful ; these, if cut as soon as (■\|. in.l.-.l, will almost always remain in pas.sable c..]iilili..ii ..Ml- the second day. It is not, I am ijiuti' aware, the natural method of displaying tlie cut blooms to put them into bowls of water, as if dealing with Water Lilies, but in such a case I consider this mode is quite justified by reason of the beautiful eft'ect produced. Southron. Flowers of Passiflora quadr(inquh,ri.<. Fmm photograph stent hy Mr. J. C. Vurty tiinit, Nandana, Penrith. instances it is true, but where failure has re- sulted the cause has not been far to seek, I am fully persuaded. Given a suitable position and sufficient room for the growths to extend, it is a grand climbing plant for the stove proper, the temperate house and the moderately warm con- servatory. I have grown it as a climber in the stove both in pots and planted out ; the latter is, however, the better plan of the two, niikss large pots be used. When plant..! ..nt .an- should be taken not to provide it ivith t... . mli a compost or in too great a quantity, otherwise the growth will be too rampant. I have also grown it in a cooler house, one in which the temperature falls in severe frost to 40° often- Greenhouse Rhododendrons.— When at Mr. W. Bull's Chelsea nursery a few days ago I noted a very fine white variety named albescens. The large pure white flowers were of good substance and pro- duced very freely. I was informed that this fine variety was raised in Mr. Bull's nursery. Lady Skelmersdale was another fine white variety noted, the flowers being very fragrant. — A. Carnation "Winter Cheer.— In passing througli Messrs. Veitch and Sons' Chelsea nin-.i y I noted a very fine batch of this .1-. t.il I ', I Illation. The plants were about I"' IN. l.,s high, carrying from three to six .xpin.l.d blooms and a number of buds; the growth was clean and healthy, having that fine glaucous shade which "indicates robust health, the blooms of perfect shape and fine colour. I have been inclined to think that this Carnation has deteriorated during the last year or two, but after seeing those referred to above it appears quite evident that under genial conditions it fully maintains its original character of being one of the finest winter-flowering Carnations we have. — A. Spirsea astilboides.— I was interested in "H. P.'s" note on this, to my mind, one of the most useful Spiraeas we have. When I first had it it was sent from the imrsery in mistake for S. japonica, and I was much concerned about the plants when, after introducing them into heat, owth commenced, as its then somewhat weedv lumps of japonica had been on, however, and both foliag. veloped, I was pleased witli it purpose (vase de...i.ii i n 1. r being far more gi,..- ii!. il.- ; ing set o£f to tli. ■" ' ,1 i graceful, bronzy ...l ■.< .1 i ',! ._ inf. !!!_.. From its free, . astilboides is equally decoration.— J. Craw- Richardia EUiottiaua. — Autumn can scarcely be regarded as the natural blooming season of this Richardia, as stated on page 276, for imless the plants were grown for the pur- 314 THE GAPvDEK [Mat 1, 1897. pose, it wciiilcl Ih- :lllllll^t impossible to liavc tlii'iii in flowei' ;if ili.-it poioil. Given such ti-e^iliiirni as detailfci ;ii ili.' ,il.o\-i- page, this Richaiili:i « I'l tlower tu\\iiiil> tli.r)iil iif the spring or duiiMu tin summer, and In- the autumn the foliage will Imuim to lose its fres'lniess, when the supply of wad i- must be diminished. I flowered a considerablt- number last season under greenhouse treatment, and the earliest of them opened during the latter half of May, most of them in June and two or three in July, but none afterwards. None of this section of Richardias can be considered autumn- flowering, as all of those that are sufficiently strong I)ush up their flowers as soon as the leaves are ileveloped, while the weak ones do not bloom till tlie following season. At the same time flowers have been produced in the autumn, and last year I had some good blooms of R. Pentlandi at that ]ierioil, but they were the produce of imported roots that reached here dormant about midsummer, and when potted and placed under conditions favourable to growth they soon flowered. This season, how- ever, they are, after their winter's rest, starting into growth as freely as the old-established plants, and those that are going to flower will certainly •xlo so before autumn. — H. P. Kitchen Garden. EARLY VEGETABLES. 'The cultivator who requires early vegetables in the spring must to obfciin them set to work in the summer and autumn of the previous year. Up to the end of March there should be no lack •of green vegetables such as Winter Cabbage, Kales, and Brussels Sprouts, but after a mild winter these run to seed, and after a severe one the plants are so much cut up that the supply often entirely fails. To get good supplies in what may be termed the early spring, many would think it unnecessary to study the growth so long in advance, but it is essential, and any variety which is found superior to others must be grown and older kinds discarded. Herein lies the value of growing vegetables not well known. Many tilings tind sjiecial favour through what may Vje ti-niu'd a.TJaciit. As an illustration, a new Calil'.iur 1 had "U trial was M'lMiiiMi.ai.lcd forautuunian.l .-aily wiiitn-. Thinuuh an ..\ cT- sight seeil \\as sow u latur than usual, with the result that 1 secnrud a tine growth and splendid compact heads quite six weeks in advance of the well-known Ellaui's. This shows the need of not keeping to a hard and fast rule in the culture of vegetables. I had a difficulty in getting early Carrots by sowing in frames no matter how well treated. Having seen large quantities of nice mots im- ported from the Continent early in the siirniL;, I came to the conclusion that the seed of such \iiust have been sown in the autumn, as it was iuqiiissiblu til mt tliriH sii large under glass if s(,un tliu saiiiu year. This c-aused me to sov Aunusl, ami tliiT.' is no dilhculty whatever in ha\in'4 \.iMii^ t'aii'iils from ] Ka-eiuber to the end i,\ .Ma\ .if jusi tli.'via' ,1,-iiv.l, of good quality anil t'liliiur. aiiil al fai- less imulile and expense. expect the same siu-ri'ss. Imt rvuii lun- if would well repay tin- riilti\ator to niako {\ir >.oil suitable by addini,' iinlitci' niatunals. The |ilants stood the severe winter of 1895. To get early Cabbage, I find it worth while to grow a few rows of plants raised a little ear- lier than the time advised for spring Cabbage. There is, I admit, a chance of bolting, but if a few do and the larger portion turns in, the culti- vator has the advantage, as he (ibtains mucli earlier material at little cost or trouble. Take Asparagus. What vegetable is more appreciated if obtained a few weeks in advance of tliat from o|)en beds ? This can bo obtained at small cost by sjoecial culture of old beds foiviil yearly and given a little warmth. 'riiiouuh A]iiil one may have good Seakale. 'i'heie IS 11(1 difficulty here, as by planting sets for late snpiilies one will get good material. The ]ilants give good heads the first season, liotter the next, and last for years. The chief point is to give the plants ample space between the rows, feed well in summer to get good heads, and thin the growths to tlie strongest crowns. I look upon late Sea- kale as the best early spring vegetable. It needs no forcing, being merely covered over with fine ashes to iiiotectfrom slugs and then well banked over with .soil quite 1.' feet in depth to keep it dark. The oniwths are pure white, very thick and of much lietter quality tlian roots lifted and placed in heat. It may be said that in heavy soil such culture could not be carried out, but here other materials could be employed, such as old Cucumber beds, leaf-soil and other materials. Seakale covered late in each winter will thus provide an April and later supply. Take another useful vegetable. Turnips. By studying variety and sowing in July, good pro- duce can be secured now. Few vegetables winter better than Leeks, and we have some really fine types for late use. Broccolis play such an important part at the season named, it is well to study the varieties and plant those which are noted for their hardy character. I admit in severe winters one cannot depend upon the plants. By planting the late Broc- colis on a north border one may secure much later heads, and I have often lifted the plants, thus checking growth and keeping up a good supply of green vegetables. To give a list of vegetables which can be had at this season would fill far too much space. By sowing in due season one can have a fair quantity of good things at a time there is often a scarcity. G. Wythes. Planting Seakale.— In planting sprouted thongs or cuttings of Seakale in April, insufficient care is sometimes displayed in protecting the young succulent shoots both from cutting winds and frost. To plant on the level ground and leave the soft blanched shoots wholly exposed is simjoly to court failure. A good way is to mark out the distances, then draw shallow dulls, plant- ing the sets in these and afterwanl- iliawmj in the soil from either side so as to eomiilili ly rover the crown. By the time growth [luslies tluoiejli the soil it will be hardier and more weathii iinmf and the outdoor temperature warmer. .\i |iliiit ing time I reduce the young shoots to tlir.i m nunilier, and when well established to two. Willie iiion; is plentiful, finer produce is obtained liy alliiwiii'j only one crown to each. — J. C. Protecting young Cauliflower plants. — Few gardeners care to plant out tiinlei ('aiili- flowers say during March or even .aly iii .\|iiil without giving some kind of tenipoiaiN |n niiri i.m, especially when such have been la.-ii! in liaans on hotbeds from seed sown i]i Janieny or February. An old and very successful gmw la of early vegetables whom I knew used to ridoi- up a plot of ground in winter a spit deep and a spaile width from ridge In liiloe. Tins seixeil a twofulil end — firstthesoini\e\|io,arelireaiiie, 1 iv tlieagencv of frost and wind. 'm ell |iu1m i;-..I ; ami seeundlv, thefurrowsforme.ladnnralileslielli I !ortlieyo,nig Cauliflowers when planted. In -mall -aiiiiiis, where only a few short rows are l;iih\ii Im early use, a shallow trench wide enoiieli to ai emiimo- date say three rows of plants may I le taken out, and then a few evergreen boughs thrust in on the east side. The extra trouble will be well repaid in the end.— J. Crawford. Forced French. Beans in pots. — " R. P." (p. 210) says French Beans have felt the lack of sun this season. Strange to say, mine— and I grow largely — Iiave Ijeen better than usual. Oi the other hand, I have grown the plants tngel thinner than usual with better results, ajm : thoroughly agree with the advice given. Bwl the pots up at sowing, only leaving space-fo watering. I have noticed many Beans injured their early stages by top-dressing. Few plan are more tender, and any rough « ork soon tells Far better grow four to six plants in an 8-i pot, give good soil and feed afterwards. ^~ the plants are grown in beds and more tha crop is taken, top-dressing may be advisabld few persons take two crops from pot plaiits neither do I advise it, as they give a better n turn if sown eveiy ten days as advised. Fc vegetables are grown more easily, and from noi to the time the plants in the open come in thos in cold frames will produce in quantity if^^ seedlings are raised in heat and then transfelSe to their fruiting quarters, covering the glaSB 3 night.— S. M. Planting Seakale for forcing. — With a increased demand for this useful vegetable, thos who need quantities may with advantage l] specially for the production of forcing roots. iD get stronger material. There are several meth and one which has much to commend it is toS the roofs earlv. To do this it is well to place tt SI Is ,,. liel, Irjlil Mill HI liiixesorinaframe, asl crowns. It may In a natural growth poses, but after s isoii and make strongi :liat plants that mal e enough for all pu years' ti-ial with bol systems I am greatly in" fax'our of giving m cuttings a little start, "if care is taken at plantin to give suitable soil, to encourage the new ro growth. Of course such treatment is out of .tl question with a great quantity of roots, and n remarks apply to those for early forcing f or 1 ' ' there is a demand. If the strong sets are pr pared as advised, planted on an open quarter ■» manured, and given ample supplies of manure, very fine crowns may be secured months. — Grower. CAULIFLOWERS BOLTING. Gardeners living in midland and northe localities have, as a rule, much more trouble i bringing their earliest lots of Cauliflower maturity than those living in the south, fact, some gardeners in this district ha abandoned sowing in autumn altogethaf ' account of the continual disappointment cps by the young plants buttoning-in, and iM: thereby useless. I stated last season that I h i|iiife ;}iveii up growing Early London in hail li-lii-. ami wintering it in frames, Viecau , I he plants invariably buttoned, no matter h< much care was bestowed on them. I also not that Walcheren was my sheet anchor for han light work and for planting from frames shallow pits for succession in March and Apr ' I am still, after another year's trial, of t 1 opinion that there is no variety of the mediui ' sized early type so proof against buttoning ' W.ileheren. I have to-day been looking throuij ' llie plants and cannot detect a single faulty orj while Pearl, both in handlights and frames, j but toning wholesale. Pearl I find an excelle Cauliflower for summer u.se .sown, say, in j frame in February and on a sunny border March and April. It somewhat resembles Wr, cheren in habit of growth and general appen ance. I am growing Snowball this season frt a very true stock of seed, and if it proves | good as in former years, I shall grow it future for first early supplies, as it is a mot table Caulilliiwei. I "thinkmany who prick Cau flower jilants into frames in October with a vi< to transplanting in spring often fail throu; an improper root-run. It is undoubted giv a great mistake to give the roots say foct 1 Mav 1, THE GARDEK 31.') htl.Kise .s,,il to raml.li' in. as :iltli..ii-h uiowlli ly be free and Iiealthy .-iiou-h .luring "im i'. may be, to lift tlie' plauts m ,M:nvli uilh good ball .if eai-tb att:uli.d, .vin it (he l.,-.| ^' vvelUvaleve.l pivv„.ns!y. it u ill fall, ivins,' the y(iiiii;_; white liliies iiake.l, llai^u'iu.; a woeful extent beini; sure In follnu. this in riably being followed l>y IpiittuninL;. 'I'lie ■ger and more healtliy-lookin;^ tie' plants the )rse the collapse. The ri-ht way is tirsi ,.!' all place the frame ..n a liar.l ash ,.r r.aih ittom and tn ;;i\<' nm mmv ihaii C iiielas .,\' oting eompost. l his to r.aisi-i .if-.",,! hohliirj un, placing it m the frame in a fairly .Irye.ai- tion .so that it may be made firm previous to mting. Some gardeners place a shallow layer rotten manure, say an inch, in the bottom, :l I am inelinecl to favour the practice, as the etlets iieriiieati' this and it helps to hold them i-ntury, .'iMd is to-duy as popular as ever amongst a'~ "ho like size and quality combined. I l\ia\-eni\i It for succession, and find that even 11 a huhi. \iaiiu soil it does not crack in hot ealhei so soon or SO badly as many. — J. Cr.wv- 11 K I). Transplanting Asparagus.— As recent notes 1 tliese pages sho«', gro«-ors dillVr as to the best :act when lifted in spring. It is a good pl.m thrust the trowel down on either side of tlie mts in the frames and give them a slight rise week previous to final removal. No Cauli- wers, however exposed they may have been pt throughout the winter, should be trans- iiite.l in March without being given partial iteetion by means of small evergreen boughs. J. C. ifiarly Asparag-us and manuring. — I notice (p plants whieh ha\e not liein covered in any ■|y give much earlier heads than those given a I I dressing in the autumn, this teaching us a I -III on the uselessness of manuring Asparagus I i w hen growth has ceased, no matter how I lit or what kind of soil. I am aware manuring Is been done for many years, but that does not ijlow it is right ; indeed, the reverse, as it stands tireason when top growth is past the roots can- it absorb rank masses of rich food ; indeed, in- sad of feeding it kills, and beds get weaker. It j^y be urged that the roots of the plants are five if the tops are not. They certainly are, lit not in a condition to absorb the food. Many fjily seaweed and salt, but they do little good ; ijleed harm in many cases. Here dressings of fp manure in the spring or soot would be of later value, and where frequent dressings can »iven in the growing season the roots are fed, the proper time, and able to support more top th and form a stouter crown for next season, manures during the summer are of more ue than liquid manure from stables or cow ds. This used in quantity is far superior to iter dressings, and no matter how much fed, earliest grass is obtained from beds which e had free exposure. — S. H. M. rofltable Cabbages. — Gardeners having a e area of ground at command naturally grow a rood percentage of the very earliest, though lewhat smaller, varieties of Cabbages for use. Those, however, with only small dens often prefer, and wisely so, to grow those ollarger size, though longer in coming to ma- ty, in order to make the most of the space at cimand. For the latter class, that old and p lular market Cabbage, Early Rainham, will be f' nd one of the very best for first cutting. Many aps of it are grown about Rainham and in nrket districts generally in Essex, it being ndy, of good appearance, and first-rate quality. ; may look through a large plot without find- any marked difiereuce in any of the heads, so : is it. An excellent Cabbage of this class, one very popular in the midlands, is Stour- Ige Emi)eror. I have o-iowii it foi- several rich land it is apt to grow rat lier eoarse, but medium larder the size is just such as will the amateur, and when cooked the flavour is and delicious. From my experience of it, I lot think it runs to seed like many sorts. An- !r Cabbage of the larger type very suitable for class of cultivators is the good old Enfield ket. It has stood the test of at least half a 'II \saMMiij I- iMi.--.ii\. e/wing to tiie alisenee ol iio-i, ji.mil, I- -oiiHwhat earlier than usual, anil a iiuiiiliii nl I \m i year-old roots are being tiaiis|,| iiilril at (hi' t i me of writing. The ground Mas iiirpaied some weeks ago, and having become SI trie 1, it is now in good condition to receive the plants. In jilanting strain a line, and a drill about S inches deep and 6 inches wide is mafle on either side of the Hue, this foiminj a iiinnw ridge on whieh to set the plants. Th -- an iiltid about 15 inches apart, and having spi.-ail ih. ,,,nis out evenly, about half a spadeful ot sand and line soil is placed over each as the work proceeds, and the rows are afterwards moulded up with the soil turned out of the drills, so that the crowns are buried about 4 inches. The roots should not be exposed to sun and wind longer than is really necessary, but should be planted immediately they are taken from the nursery beds. Rich, deep soil the plants f.ua niiinlM.r ,ii \,.;n- m tnllM- ■. and it is al- i vrw iinn ui mi thai 1 !!.■ -It,. - I,.:'!,.,! forpermanriii l.i-il,. should h.-atsi ■ .l,stau,-o froi,. fruit trees, or the roots of these will be naturally attracted by the enriched soil, whieh would not only rob the Asparagus roots of nourishment, but the trees may become unfruitful by makino- gross wood.— R. P. .CO the pods are pro.lnerd fively. 'Phis is a plan that might be adopt, il uilli ail\ ant a-ji- in small gardens, as them are othn span- puri:, ot ground too small for anvlhi,,- ,^l.o that Mould produce many dishns o| ],,-! ,la' •, jleaiis if The soil sho'uhM'!:'/|lni''ui',^mrio''|o,,'i','riiole'a yard aeross ami a spil or ii.oiv in dopth, and a Uiiiiil thiekmss of unll ilreaM.I manure should ho put III I h. hoiioin. In ivpla. mo the soil, hoop Iho i-il;,. hrjior thai, ,m.iii. to form a shallou 1,;,:,M, uhlrh Ulll mako II nioro ,■,„,- il and ml the mam supplies .similar to r!;al lor i ', hiy, but more soil is replaced in the tivneh ovir the manure, and though this entails a little extra labour at this season, it ju-oves a deeided gain in the end, especially during such a dry summer as last. P. SCARLET RUNNERS. These are generally preferred by most cooki French Beans, and they cannot be had too soon, though it is often difficult to get them to form pods freely until they have made consider- able growth, hence the reason no attempt is made to force them. Much may be done, how- ever, especially in backward districts, by raising a number of plants in pots in readiness for planting when the nights become warmer, as, owing to the foliage being so tender, it is gener- ally the end of April before it is considered safe to inake a sowing outside. It is therefore a gain of several weeks if the first batch is raised in pots and kept in cold frames until it is deemed safe to plant them out. Four-inch pots are recommended, as they contain suflicient soil to support the plants should it be necessary to keep them under cover a week longer owing to bad weather, and three seeds in each pot will be sufficient. As the seed germinates freely and quickly, a cold frame kept close will start them into growth quite soon enough, as when placed in heat the plants are apt to grow spindly if not removed to a cooler place immediately they come through the soil. In very warm gardens and favoured districts a small sowing may be made at once, and with perhaps a little Iirotection of some kind for a week or so after ihe plants appear, they may escape injury from cold nights. It is the general practice to grow this vegetable in rows the same as Peas, and wlien it is necessary to sow several rows, they should be some distance apart to allow light and air to act freely on the lower part of the plants, or the flowers will fail to set properly. I have often grown heavy crops in round clumps by .sowing the seed in a ring about 2 feet or so across, and being exposed to light on all sides Books. THE LARV.I': OF THE BRITISH BUTTER- FLIES AND MOTHS.* The Ray Society have just published another of their annual volumes, which is the seventh volume of a most valuable work on the lar\ a; or cater- jjillars of British butterflies and moths, by the late William Buckler, who, as may be at once seen on looking at the plates, was a most admirable artist. -For many years he had mailo liyinw of all the different kinds of caterpilln- h'' i ould obtain, and out of the sixty-five dilliiint kanU of butterflies found in this country he wa.s fuiluuale enough to be able to figure the caterpillars of all but six. He also accumulated a large amount of notes. At his death, in 1884, the Ray Society purchased his figures and notes, and liave since been publishing them. This volume commences the Geometra;. The caterpillars of this family are commonly known as loopers, on account of the peculiar manner in which they bunch up their bodies so as to form a loop as they move along, having only legs, as a rule, on the first three, the ninth, and last joints of their bodies. When they walk they extend their bodies fonvard as far as possible, cling on tightly with their front legs, and then draw their hind legs as far forward as \ extend a>- travel I ■ family, ;j,iven on tile cater- they can, arching their backs and fo then holding on with tht n their bodies forward again. along at a good pace. 11 Geometra;, or earth im a account of this peculiar m pillar appears to be measuring the ground as it moves along. This family contains some of the most injurious caterpillars that we have in this country. Many of th.in an- \ .ly remarkable for the wonderful res, i , 1 1 , 1 a u . . i h , 1 1 t iiey bear to twigs and shoots. Often «hinai o -t tiiev hold onto the stem of the plant on whieh tliey'aii- feedinir only by their two hinder pairs of le<;s. an I. sn,. roll- ing out their bodies away from th -i. m n ilm proper angle, they can hardly be Wi-i num-hrd from a dead twig. This work is an unaluable one to anyone who wkshes to name caterpillars. Hitherto there has been no very satisfactory work on this subject, the difficulty of getting good figures of many of the rarer species, the cost of producing a large number of coloured plates, and the comparatively limited number of copies which can be sold of a book of this description rendering it by no means an easy task to publish one. The Ray Society have, however, overcome all these difficulties, and are issuing to their sub- scribers a work which lejvves little or nothing to * " The LarvEe of the British Butterflies and 316 THE GARDEN. [Mat 1, 1897. i>l, thai be desired. Tlie printing of the letterpress and ■^ is also admirable, and one could only .ill liorticulturists would be able to \>\. This, I am afraid, will not be the r the reasons already given, the book ily an expensive one, and when com- pleted will cost several pounds. G. S. S. BULLETIN OF THE FRENCH HORTI- CULTURAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.* This society li.as for some years past been doing in :i i|uiit, niiustentatiou.s manner an excellent woik,. 111(1 ill. iqipearance of its annual bulletin jiisl |iiilili~li. il |iiiives that the past year has been no tj-\L'<-|ii lull III tlif* i-nle. Tlic ]>resent volume contains a .ai.ii.il pmliaii .if tli.. president, Mr. George S.lm. hI. i , i.ij.ili.i with a short bio- graphical imi i.i-, III \>lii.li til.' iliief points in his horticultttial .am i an- set forth. Then f.illmv the annual r.|.uii, riil.js, lists of membeis ami officers, iv|i.iri> .it in. I tings, balance sheet an. I a catalogue .if ihi- w.nks (botanical, horticultuial and general) forming the society's library. The remainder of the volume is devoted to the essays and papers read by the members at the meetings. A few of the titles will give an idea of the sub- jects treated, viz., "Chrysanthemums at Roch- ford's Nursery," "The Nurseries of Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons," " Hyacinth Cultivation," " Veitch's Blue Primulas," "Commercial Fern Culture," " The Culture of Crotons," &c. Numerically and financially the society appears to be in a most flourishing condition, and it is worthy of note that the support of most of the eminent horticulturists on both sides of the Channel is accorded to the society. " the best means of curing a poor man of the maladie ile la r/ala»terie." The Duke, it is well known, hated parting with his cash. " Hugo (Victor)," the great poet, always wished to die in the Rose season. His desire was granted. By the irony of fate our Henry VI., the most unfor- tunate victim of the civil wars known as "of the Roses," received the "Golden Rose" from Pope ~ enius IV. The same distinction was twice I ii.il nn Henry VIII. Hence Diderot's re- K iliat ill.' Roses of the pontifical tiara be- 1 Willi, if.l in England. Some old confes- als ni (Germany ha\-e Roses carved on the doors to signify that everything said inside is sub rom. People who like anecdotes will find it very entertaining. LE CHRYSANTHEME A LA GRANDE FLEUR.* TiiK Mvi.ii.l eilitii.n ..f tliis iis.-fiil Fivn.-h tn^atis,- . DICTIONNAIRE HISTORIQUE ET ARTISTIQUE DE LA ROSE.t The book contains much curious and interesting matl.'i. Il lias nothing to do with the culture of lln-.-. I, lit is a collection of facts concerning till i;.i.-. Ill liislory, religion, art, cookery, super- stitutiun and pharmacy. Thus, under " Pudding des Roses " we learn that this is an Austrian dish, and the recipe is set out in full. It is said to be very good, especially if eaten with cream sanr-f. A'j-nin, under " Pompadour," it appears till Mai,|in-. .l.'P had a passion for Roses, ami iMii iiia.l.' a collection of sixty-three draw- ings 111 ..,»-„„/,, all by herself, .as we are asked to behev.-, i.i«lii.'li tli,' paiiit.a' r.i.nrli.T a. Id. '.I a frontispi..-.' Ir,'^ ,/.,•/./.,.■. Tlir-.' .Iri\\iii'j- are said tu .'xist. 'I'.. Miltun, ••Liml laHkinj ham" s.aid . /< iilnisniiliinl that Ins iMilimisi wifi^ was a Rose, to which the poet — wlio, as we know, was blind — replied, " I am unable to judge by the colours, but I judge it to be so by the thorns." Under "Moses," the author gra\-ely informs us that if we consult that Hebrew fahidi' which it belongs. In my experience the flo-B ■ ing has been so far perpetual, that some la|| examples were never without dainty sprays.! blossom for something like two years, the pi ' growing in a 9-inch pot, in the time having] - duced great quantities of blossom. The plij' however, is only thus free and continuou^i) * Drawn for The Garden by H. G. Moon. Li ■ graphed and printed by J. L. Goffart. J May 1, Iba-.J THE GARDEN. 317 jwering in those instances where tht spil ls f ossoms are freely gathered. If illoweil to •oduce a crop of seed, the flowering nioie oi ss comes to a stjvndstill. So far as its Culture concerned, the simplest way to secuie the btst aped plants, as also the most abundantly flow od, is from seeds. Seeds if sown as soon as ript, lickly and freely germinate, and the stedhn^s )uld be grown on quickly from the stait iw the seeds in pots of sandy lovm mule itefirm and watt-red t!i(inmi,'lil\ btf i u g. The tup ,,f tliL' .s.,il should b ilii larters of an inch from tlic t. p 1 \ 1 1 lli t to allow a darkened piece of „1 1 s t icsl ereon. The seed sown and only luiely vered with soil or washed silver sand pi ice e pots in gentle warmth, and when w itci is eded dip the pots to nearly tht iiiii in I pi iter. Wliuii the seedlings are lii^ ii i li msplant to Ijoxes or pans, an 1 i,ini ti ii ese to 4-incli pots, and linalU t in li i s d in a pail of w itei iiid tlie pi vnts divided jwith lootlets attached ab far as possible. I ( )\\ m^ to the nature of the root stock, which is sli^htlj ciccpiiig 01 ihuoniatous in old jilants, II I n t I iblc to get much i t to some of ll In 1 I II \11 such will Ic 1 I Illselle.l ,ls II iiii^ lit 1 tlie mannei of th 1 .nlile ulnt,' thine e linuula and kept cl e will .|uiekly emit loot hbies pal ticul illy when .sand and I cocoa nut fabre are used for soil Thus treated, a 'liij^c plmt will qI\c mill} j iun„ plants in a e iiinitndcd llie i iiu in the c 1 uied p tc d ly IS one of these in which size and a deepei shade of coloui aie the more distin f,iiisliin_, chii icteiistics It is in reality a I ted f nil of P o giandifloia the flowers I iiu t"K the size of those of the .species as II iiiilh iiiti iduced There is a very hand- II t nil 1 n wn as P o rosei a beautiful Primula obcon inch, the latter preferred when growing for mie decoration. Small shifts are not neces- ry for plants of free, quick growth such as is, and unless done with the greatest care, mage to the roots around the ball must ensue, ot so when a much larger shift is given. A lod free compost may consist of leaf soil and anure. This with good loam and sand will ffice, togetlier with rather firm potting, oisture at the loot and overhead may be ven freely tlirougliout the summer. In the se of extra good forms these can only be in- ■Jased by division of the root-stock, which eds care at the moment as well as close atten- m afterwards. Any such I have dealt uilli follows, at all times preferring the e.nh >ring for the work : All flower-spikes imisi lie iptin check for two or three weeks, ami l.v •oviding weak stimulants for the time a more tiye leaf growth will ensue. In March or iril the plants may be washed free of shade of rose that will prove a great acquisition. It is a very singular fact, that while the seed- lings are in themselves much varied in size and shade of colour, so far as at present known, this species refuses all the attempts of the florist at cross-breeding. I believe I am correct in say- ing that the Messrs. Veitch, of Chelsea, have devoted much time and study to this particular species, but while seed and seedlings have come as a result, no actual hybrid between obconica and many other species tried has so far resulted. Now, however, that a decided break has re- sulted in the variety rosea, there is hope for still greater improvements, and certainly a sjie- ei( s so free flowering is w.iith iiiiieh e.ue. C.ir.leiiers and others wle. h.ne n ilillieiilt y in s.eliring their own SUp|llies of seed H ill llliil ol,l plants seed quite freely if sto,,,! m tlu' open dur- ing June, July or August, and, left to them- selves, a fine crop is almost a certainty. One peculiarity of this species is the poison of its hairy glands to The result is : iiiatory nature times attended ]irevented by ii; lo handle it. ii^lily inflam- .ant, and at 'I'liis may be E. J. The Week's Work. FRUIT HOU.SES. Fruiting Pine,s.— The weaUier of late has iieen very unfavourable for Pine growing and iiicieh fire-heat has had to be made use of to maintain the necessary teiri| .i lat iii . -. ouinj 1., lie :,),-. ne,- of SUnslillii' ,ilid I I). |.e 1 all n. . i 4' ■ mM ^^ aids. Under s.lrl, ,.,n ill„-l an. . - iiei.a, --I,,,- !». n low, and wdieii ripe ti ml < a i !■ i.'i |iiiied li\ a ri I lam date this delay is most vexatious. In addition to tins, unless the houses or pits are of modern construc- tion and the plants get plenty of light, the crowns are apt to grow out of all projiortion during the prevalence of such weather, and nothing detracts so much from the appearance of a Pine-apple as an overgrown crown. However, we may reason- al)ly e.xpect better weather in May, when much of the lost time can be made up if full advantage !"■ taken of solar heat to hasten the swelling of till fiiiit. To this end, the house, if lightly shaded, may then be closed early in the day, when if the temperature runs up to 9.5° or a few degrees more, no harm will result if the atmosphere is at once charged with moisture by damping paths, walls and surfaces of plunging beds, while the plants may be lightly sprayed overhead at the same time. In addition to these aids in hastening the fruits to maturity, manurial water- ings will also play an important part in assisting them to swell to a large size. I have great faitn in guano water for this purpose, although there is no doubt that licpiid obtained fripin farmvard drainingswould an-uM .i|ii,:II> a- u,ll if diliiied according to si 1'. II" 1 1, id ,|.i:,.d,i.. i;...i 'aie. Watering requii > i - ,.,,!.,,,, i . . k ; at anj' rate, ex'rry |.hiiii di..a!d k- iii-| .im'I .•,| as often as this, when there will lie no danger of any one of them suffering from the want of moisture. Weak manure water syringed into the axils of the lowermost leaves of the plants also does good, as it feeds both plants and fruits through the roots which will be found coiled round the base of the stems. Later started plants should be kept drier until all the blooms are opened and set, after w'hich syringing and damping may be again resumed and feeding at the roots commenced. Pull off all siiekers showing at the base of the fruits on these plants and on those previously mentioned, and with regard to suckers showing on the stems, these should be reduced to one on each plant, which may either be taken off and potted when large enough, or be allowed to remain on the plant. In the latter case they can be had with basal roots attached. Support the fruits with stakes before thev become too heavj- and tie them M-eur.dy witl,'>l mmj >t lands of ratfia. Si . . i,~-[o\ M II \\ 1^. 'I'lii'^e are now rooting fiiih mill I lie iiiai eiiiiipii^t . and the top growth, thoiejl, ,.,lo«, is satisfaetiiiy. With the advent of lirioliter and warmer weather growth will become more rapid, and once the new compost is tho- roughly permeated with new roots, weak guano water applied once a week will prove of great benefit. To ensure stout, stocky plants air freely after the temperature reaches 80° in the day, and close early enough to run the temperature up to 90° in the afternoon and damp down at once. The night temperature maj' range from 6.5° to "0°, according to the weather, and shut off fire- heat early in the mornings of bright days. " -cKEKS. — These will need to be shaded from lit sun, or the young and tender leaves will I. Many that were potted up early in eh will be well rooted ere this and ready for slurence to the fruiting pots. This should be done without delay, as they should not on any account be allowed to become i)ot- bound. Pay great attention to the watering of other plants . L 318 THE GARDEK [May 1, 1897. which are beginning to root freelj' and damp down twice daily, dewing the plants overhead as well on fine days. Planting Vines. — These will soon be ready for planting out, and where they are intended to take the place of old Vines which have been forced early and then dispensed with, no time should be lost in getting the new border made, if that has not already been done. As stated in a previous calendar, the border need not be more than 3 feet wide to commence with, so that the whole of the old one need not be removed until a more con- venient opportunity offers. Everything being in readiness, open out good-sized hole.?, and if the young Vines ha\e been grown on rafts they can be slid oft' into the holes and covered up at once with compost. Settle this about them with tepid water, and finish with a mulch of .short manure. Plants in pots will need a partial shake out to disentangle the roots, and the latter must be laid out nearly straight and at different levels in the holes, placing compost between each layer of roots. \\'ater and mulch as advised above. Shade will be necessary during the hottest part of the day until the roots piisli into tlic new soil and the leaves become iinn I'll tu lni'^ht sunshine. Hakdv kruit garden. iIkaiiim;. Tliis will have been brought to a cIosli ere this, Imt where clay has been used for enclosing the grafts ■« ith, some attention will be necessary, especially when it is not of good quality. Cracks must accord- ingly be filled with moist clny. and to jirpvent a repetition of the cracking, vill imii-li ii tlie daubs and then bind them rouml « ii li il:iiii]i Muss. DiSBPDDiNi:. — Persevere uith tin' ilisliudding of Peach and Nectarine trees and keep a sharp look-out for insects, dusting the same with tobacco powder should any be found. As the weather is yet too cold to use insecticides, the use of tobacco powder will in the meantime hold insects in check. I Do the disbudding on the little-and-often principle, | and then the trees will sustain no check. Still continue to protect trees at night, as this in a iii'j-. Sliniilil :iii\ Mi.i,.|i.i| l,;ix-,..s be found, the (inly iiiiinly is to pn-k llinn ulV and burn them. Examine the Imiilers, and if found to be in a thoroughh' moist condition, a|)ply a mulch of long manure. Sliould tlie soil be found in a dry state at the base of the walls, water well before apply- ing the mulch. Miscellaneous. — Continue to afford protection to fruit trees as far as circumstances will allow until all danger of frost has passed. Keep a sharp look-out for the maggot on Apricot trees, and for aphis on Plum and Cherry trees. The former is best killed by pinching the rolled-up lea\-es between the forefinger and thumb, and dust the latter with tobacco powder until more eftective remedies can be aiiplied. Look througli Raspberry plantations and spud or pvdl out all surplus shoots springing from the ground, leaving none but the best and those in proximity to the stools. Examine all late planted trees and see that the ties are secure. A. W. Spare lights not being available, a night pro- I tection at least is an easy matter, as hazel rods I could be bent over the beds and mats, or tiffany used for covering. Although a good length of stem adds to the appcaranre of .Asparagus for market, it is liar-llv m - i --arv tn allow it to attain a great leri'ji li Imi- Iimhh is seldom that mm.- ihan :; i eaten, therefore, to allow ^n u to be made results in taxinj plants, and later groivth -m to go over the l»il t few weeks growth will KITCHEN GARDEN. i"'^. Tn warm localities established beds :)ly of serviceable id especially will III' alliinlijiij a welcome su ■■;ji:i--. ■ III laiii'ilistricts, howi on hia\\ laml where the roots are buried rather deeply, it will be towards the middle of next month before cutting will become general. The young shoots are often killed by late frosts just as they push through the soil if protection of some kind is not afforded. There are many ways of doing this which will suggest themselves to those who are anxious to hasten growth, and to protect it from frost after« ards. Perhaps the best method .s|iai.- Irjlit-, ,\ kiiiil lit 1 1 111 I M nary frame could be niail.' Ii\ |il iiiirj- ',1 null li.uiiN oil edge for the li-lits til resi up,, II. All ai raii.^i-ment of this kind would not onlj- husband sun-heat, but would also throw off rain, and the effect it would have in ex- citing growth would well repay the trouble taken. less growth jiiiir of the II I IV. It is , as for the d, and the points soon open if left for only a short time after they are ready for use. It is also very important that in making up the bundles both large and small should not be mixerl, as, apart from it be- ing more difficult to cook |iiii|ii ily, il has not a nice appearance when dislit il up. i inly the finest should be sent to the diiiiny ninm, tlie small proving equally valuable for soups and flavour- ing. It is very advisable to keep established beds in the best condition to cut closely for a given time, large and small shoots alike being re- moved. The latter are often the result of self- sown seed of the previous autumn, which should be pulled up, as they would only tend to hamper the roots of the permanent plants and rob them of moisture and nourishment. If blanched "grass" finds favour, mounds of light jjorous soil about 8 inches high should be placed over each root, or where planting has been done rather thickly in lines, ridges of the same material should be used for covering. It can easily be seen when the shoots are long enough for cutting by the slight ii|iIiiM\al iif the compost, when each one should bi 11,11 ill \\iili the thumb and finger to the roots, ami. wli II IS liitterthan cutting, twisted oft', and till' soil ran fully replaced. The sooner Asparagus can be cooked after gathering, the more tender and succulent will it pro\e, but when it is neces- sary to keep it over a few days, the bundles should be stood on damp Moss or sand in a cool cellar, as it quickly deteriorates if exposed to sun and wind. I find it best in sending this vegetable away for town use to stand the bundles upright in boxes made for the purpose, and by packing some newly laii iji.iss I ii-tween the bundles, it ar- rives in '2 I 'I loailiii ill and is less liable to be the case when it is hr. hamppi-s. I have damaged placed « it had to ket ashes and season, to they push tins igh damage is done to this crop if some precaution is not taken during a wet season when slugs are numerous, as they appear to commence feeding almost before growth is visible, and many shoots are lost before one is aware of it. It is very neeessary that weeds and rubbish should not be allowed to collect near the beds to form a lurking place for these pests, and a good dusting of soot, lime, or fine ashes should frequently be gi-\'en if they are found to be troublesome. Young beds. — It is very unwise to commence cutting from these unless they ha\e had at least two seasons' growth since jilanting, and even then it should be done sparingly or the plants will be considerably weakened. Every assistance should be given to encourage early growth, so that strong crownsmay be formed for yielding the finest produce later on. At the approach of dry weather frequent waterings with farmyard liquid will greatly assist in attaining this end, but during a rainy season the surface of the beds should be sprinkled with some fertiliser which would be washed down to the roots. Salt is often recommended and answers for light soils it given sparingly, but I have known it prove most harmful on heavy land when applied to this crop. Guano or soot can be used wth advantage. Keep the beds free from weeds, which should be removed by hand, as the use of the hoe is not recommended, it being likely that many shoots just under the surface would be damaged unless the greatest care was used. Planting may still be done, especially in late districts, and it is not too late to raise more plants from seed if this has not already sown. I French Beans. — The sooner these can be pensed with in the hot-houses the better, as returns will be obtained in gently heated pits' I frames. As it will be some time before this I will be available from outside sowing, contin' raise two or thi-ee plants in a number of pots, in readiness for planting in frames or' warm borders. A range of frames used for winteil Violets has recently been planted, and by cloainfj the lights early and covering them at night Vii shall be able to gather from these until Beans bel come plentiful outside. I have grown Veitdft'il Superb Early Forcing extensively this with the best results. Unlike Canadian Wond the growth does not require pinching given a brisk moist temperature and ran very compact. This proves valuable for grow in small houses or on shelves near the roof, i though the pods are not so large as those of i other \-arieties it is a most prolific bearer. Seeds to be sown. — The practice of sowinga,l| kinds of Broccoli and Kales about the middle loj March, and trusting to the plants thus raised 1 1 supply all requirements for planting during &! summer is, or should be, a thing of the past, has been so often shown that better results 1 obtained by sowing later, and having youj healthy plants for putting out as ground bee available. In warm districts the first week May is quite early enough to sow mid-season late Broccoli and successional Brussels Sproufe late Cauliflowers, Savoys, Chou de Burghley, f To obtain sturdy plants, sow the seed thinly ill drills a foot apart in an open position, and nettii| beds at once to protect from birds. The dig of all ground as winter crojjs are clean should be pushed forward, as apart from this i stroying weeds and giving the garden a neat i pearance, it is better to turn the soil over ' in a moist condition, than to do so later on j as it is required for seed-sowing or planting. R. Parkeb Orchids. ODONTOGLOSSUM PESCATOREI. There is nothing in the whole genus to bea' this lovely species, the blossoms having a chast character and charming form that are waiitin , even in the favourite O. crispum. A flower a good form of this Orchid measures 4 incjii or more across, the blossoms either pure " *'"" or slightly tinted with rose, while the spotsj_ course, vary with different plants. It is easil; recognised by its iiddle-shaped lip, the habi being very much like that of O. crispum Though the heavily spotted forms are ver valuable from a monetary point of view, I musj confess that I like the chaste, pure white . much better, a fine raceme open with me this weell bearing twenty-five flowers, none of them les than 4 inches across, making a pretty sight The spike in this case is only slightly branched but the smaller flowering forms often brand very freely and produce a much larger numbe of blossoms. O. Pescatorei is an easily gtt>T~ plant in a suitable house, and, given coireo treatment, more easily managed in fact than 0 crispum. The best plan is to procure plants, either imported or established, gpot masses that will fill a fi-inch or 8-inch pot i po.ssible, as tliiso arc not liable to damage'. slight check, .IS IS the case with small bits. ;. I; newly iiii|'oit-il, pot up as soon as thorou^lj cleaned, in crock.s tilone, and keep them i by watering once a day or oftoner. Place fairly warm, moist, and shady house until thi growths come away and are about to emit roote when a very little peat and Sphagnum— th( latter predominating— should be placed the crocks. I find it safest to leave the planti Mai- 1, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 319 1 the oxtr ulbs is li uced, tlu' omi! ilmi n the otl iitil thoiirstsi'tdf psuudo- n if roots are freoly pro- with a will to their new si'iison juifl are safe. If, ver. ■ N. Uaced ill 111. ^ Ir.^i linuM. »,il, i!,..._,..n,i,il lui, f New Civii.ul,,,, aii.l rrnunu .s|h.,„.v I .,1;i lished |il;illls. ;,.^;llli,.llsl,Kr;, l:iru,-l„Hh ,,| rl,.-.. laterial alio„t i|„n- ro,,ls. AIh.uI an in.li ni.n le left ahove Uiu crocks in Uic .smallest |.ols, a ittle more in tlie larger sizes, and if they have ust comfortable room, or about 1^ inches all ound, the ]iot.s are large enough. ? when the new |isrii(lo-liull.s :irc f. iiaiiiii;^ .ind he plant ciiiittnii,' .mhhil; rodts. This ..f cuius. • aries .a little 111 iliticrciit plants, but they may s a rule be mostly done about September or |he beginiiiiiL,' of ( ictober. All the year round moist, genial atmosphere niu.st be kept up thout tlie jilants, a good night temperature for Ihe winter lieing .">()", while during the hottest lummer weather the house .should be kept at ibout (i() during the day. A regular and well- •alanced temperature, all the air possible both *y day and night, shade in summer, and a clear ight in winter are the cardinal points in its ulture. With regard to root moisture, the lants require careful watching, and should ever remain really dry for any length of time. .''he activity or otherwise of the roots is the best uide to the quantity needed, while light spray- iig overhead should not be neglected in hot reather. A great many named varieties exist, ome fairly plentiful, others very choice and are, but all are beautiful, and it is an Orchid hat should be as freely represented as possible 11 eitlier large or .small collections. R. Epidendrum ciliare. — The blossoms of this Id s])ecies are pretty and deliciously fragrant, fut do not appear to be showy enouj^h to liml nnicli avour. I saw a nice specimen of it lately wiili ibout a dozen of the apical tiowei -^|iike~, i aeh ■earing several flowers. The sepalsand petal- arc larrow, creamy white, the lip being Hneh- fringed ';nd pure white. Personally, I have always had a iking for E. ciliare and much prefer it to many ■hat are more popular and expensive. In habit it omewhat resembles a small Cattleya, each pseudo- ulb being about 6 inches high, and bearing a of deep green leaves some 4 inches in length. extremely easy to grow, but in some cases ot very free blooming. If carefully rested dur- the winter months and fairly excited in sum- ler, it will usually be satisfactory. A well aerated nmpost consisting of equal parts of peat and phagnum Moss suits it well, and if grown in [jots, jese must be three parts filled with crocks as nage. While liking a clear light, it must not xposed to the full sun, but the less shading the etter as long as the foliage is not injured. It lay be grown in the Cattleya house until the ulbs are finished, and afterwards in a light, airy nd cool structure to ripen the growth. — H. Oncidium bicallosum. — Very bright and retty are the blossoms of this Onciclium, and they jccur about a score together on a stout erect ranching spike. The ground colour is a clear lining yellow, the keels on the segments being reenish. It bears no pseudo-bulbs, the spikes eing produced from the centre of a deep green lathery leaf. It is an easily grown and free- owering plant, and succeeds well at the cool end f the Cattleya house in such a position that it ets the full benefit of the ventilation. The roots "e fairly numerous and strong, so a fair-sized pot lay be allowed. The compost may be of the sual mixture of peat and Sphagnum Moss, plenty small crocks and charcoal being introducecl id abundant drainage given. As a rule, growth immences soon after the flowers are past, though special more g leaves ii i\ I .iM iiiatemala, and was iiiti D.'iKhobium primulinum . ■ eeie- ,- olIC of the fifSt of til. •loss and sbap outh of a trim it not easy to e : ise-yellow, as tl ilour suti'used \\ pink or Hesh tinge. Tlie whole flower is 3 inches across, the blunt, nar- rowish sepals and petals of a pale lilac colour. The species is a very free flowerer, but in dark and foggy seasons, especially near large cities, the flower-buds (or a considerable proportion of them) refuse to develop. This, however, is but one of the many disadvantages the town gar- ._;ai .Icner has to put up with. In the sweet country .111. I his and other Dendrobes flower with greater .■ellaillty.— B. Cyrtopodium punctatum.— This is a very bright and showy plant when in flower, but many growers fail to bloom it. Like all in the genus, it must be grown into good-sized specimens before many flowers are produced, and to do this liberal treatment is necessary. A fairly strong heat suits C. punctatum well, with a moist atmosphere and a liberal supply of water to the roots while growing. Large pots are best, the roots being plentifully produced and strong, and the compost must be rich, yet free and open. Loam should enter largely into its composition, a little dried cow manure, or some concentrated fertiliser being often productive of good results. Push the plants on rapidly, and if possible raise some ammonia in the atmosphere by damping with soot water, sprinkling soot and lime under the stages or using the sulphate in the vaporising troughs. This treatment must be kept up until the new pseudo-bulbs are quite finished, and all through the season give no more shade than will prevent injury to the foliage. Ripen them well by gradu- ally exposing to more air and the full sun, placing them out of doors if the weather permits. Take care to avoid shrivelling at this time by with- holding water suddenly, but still diminish the su])ply to an appreciable extent. During the winter very little water sufBces, and the plants are best in a comparatively cool house. The flowers, which occur upon tall, erect scapes, each nearly a yard in height, are yellow, marked with red upon the sepals, petals, and outer bracts, the li]) markings being purple. Epidendrum xanthinum.— Flowers of this pretty species come from " A. B.," who wishes to know how to treat it. By the appearance of the flowers sent, the plant has been, I should think, fairly well treated, as the umbel is nearly 6 inches across and as much deep, containing the best blooms I have seen. E. xanthinum is an easily cultivated species, and when in a suitable com- post and moist, warm house will make plenty of long, vigorous growths, each terminated by a raceme of golden yellow blossoms. A light posi- tion in the Cattleya house suits it best, and the roots should have plenty of room and a rough open compost. I have had it do well train. .1 n]. the roof, about 6 inches away from the gla— . Imi in such a position the flowers do not show i.. ...I vantage. Small plants may be easily aci...miii.. dated on the stage, but larger ones require to be on a level with the eye when in bloom, and a well-furnished specimen looks well whether in uli. M. h I- li. -I 1,: 1.1 tl,. |.l,,Ml- l,a^.■ th.-ir 1- at II.- I. A,. -I ,1,1,. At all ,,tlier times tins Epi- il.n.li mil I- almost acjuatic in its reijuiremeiits. Dendrobium lituiflorum.— This frecbloom- li..l.. I In. I. II. I'Liiii-. 1 >. lit Mill. .iiim should be grown in a -I 'J. in.ii-t liiat .luring the summer months, ■ in. I ti..in tl,.. tun. I lie young roots start at the 1..1-. iniiil III.. -1. Ill- are fully matured pleiitv of 1 -till.' I- r..|iiii...l. The leaves fall off iluriiig lal.' .iiitiiiiiii ,111.1 innter, and at this time the Ijlaiits may be kciil well on the dry side in a cool, light house. The compost may consist of two- thirds clean Sphagnum Moss to one of peat fibre, charcoal and crocks being used in suitable sizes according to that of the pot or basket. Like most other Dendrobes, too great a quantity of material about the roots is apt to cause sourness of the soil and is detrimental to their well-being. On the other hand, it is not wise to place them in such small receptacles, as are often advised for such kinds as D. Wardianum or D. crassinode. It is a native of various parts of India, introduced in 1856. NOTES OX ORCHIDS. The present month is a very trying one to those in charge of Orchid houses, the weather being usually capricious, necessitating frequent atten- tion to the ventilators. The majority of Orchids are pushing into growth, and any check caused by cold draughts is very harmful. A little air at the top of the warm house suffices even on the brightest days as yet, as usually there is a cold ni|i in the air, though the sun is bright. The okler foliage will stand a fair amount of sunlight, but where young shoots are forming, these are very tender'and must be early shaded. The new style of lath roller-blinds is a great boon to Orchid growers at this time of year, and wherever I have seen them in use, those in charge have been loud in their praise. The chink of light admitted between the laths does not remain directly over one plant long enough to do any harm by scorching, while its advantage to the other occupants of the house is obvious. The day and night temperature will require to be slightly higher, making the change as gradually as possible, and where fire-heat has been used, softening this by frequent damping of the stages and floors. At shutting-up time be- finners are often tempted to syringe rather freelj-, ut it is too early as yet for much overhead water- ing. It is very well at the time and apijareiitly refreshing to the plants, but th.- \\:iu-r ...11. .ts about the bases of the young .sh.,..t- .iihI i. mains there, cold and stagnant, to their . I. t iinciii . .\t the roots there will be a decided ima.a-.- i . .luind forCattleyas evergreenDendrobesand most epiphy- tal pseudo-bulbous kinds. Cattleya Lawrenceana, for instance, is rapidly advancing into flower, the buds being well out of the sheaths and the roots con- sequently on the move. These plants are already taking water freely, and C. Mendeli is not far behind. C. gigas, C. labiata, C. Gaskelliana and other summer-flowering kinds with growths and roots just pushing must be well watered, but keep away from the young growths as much as ])os- sible. Thunias in variety have made several inches of growth and the roots are already j.itiii^' well into the new material, so must be k. |.i moist; while Cypripediums, Cymbidiums, .s. .1.1 alias and the larger-growing Zygopetalums among others are needing a full supply. The New (irenadan Odontoglots are easily overwatered at this season, especiafiy any plants that are not 320 THE GARDEN, [May 1, 1897. well rooted, but, on the otlier liainl, tlicy must not be dried, or the iiM.'udii-lnilli- will -liii\il. Among a large batch of (I. . ii rM-iniiin ,1 j.nddijl of difference will benotcil iiiIIm> iim.-llir ^[likc^ push, and until the points uf thttu ^ an In >■ . n m the young growths it is not wise to water much. When these are seen I find it a good plan to thoroughly soak every portion of the compost at once, as by the ordinary mode of watering a diffi- culty will be found in reaching the whole of the material. After this the amount of water may be gradually increased until growth is well on the move. As the plants of Ccelogyne cristata go out of bloom they should be seen to at the roots, large old specimens often requiring a little packing up with new material and fresh disposition of the pseudo-bulbs. Any old and shrivelled bulbs not bearing leaves may be cut out to make room for new growths, but avoid injuring the younger ones. Any plants in bad condition may be re- potted or rebasketted, but it is an Orchid that dislikes frequent disturbance at the root. A few longer stems. C. insigne and others with ^,. • (Orchids have not so much natural grace as nthers, but that is no reason wny this 1 1 be entirely destroyed by stiff tying or Cattleyas ijave He time to yii diinii'. cially wlirir n.,,i The mod, , 1 |..Mi, and need imiI lie rr laria is rnotiii'i' fr a good otted, and it any that need it, espe- ihiii is going on freely. ! I - been frequently noted airiMiere. Miltonia vexil- ly into the new compost, and as the flower-spikes are in most cases rapidly advancing, plenty of water will be needed. Anguloas are now, or should be, showing for bloom, and where it is plain that no flowers are going to form, the plants should be potted with as little delay as possible. These like a pond siilistantial compost in most cases, fibrous l.vnn 1 iit, inif,' largely into its composition. i'li\-i- li ai 1 . siens may also be seen to if in smnlar c hiion, but leave flowering plants until alter tliu bloom is over. Cypripediums of the villosum, veniistum and other types, or any of the hybrids from them, may be seen to directly the flowers are past, and any Odontogluls, Ma^di \allias and other cool house kinds tlial tni anx nason were not attended to in auiunin, ili.-t- are only a few among manv -|iirir- ri'(|inniig attentiim now, ancr^illa.'ul -jintvj: further into cl.i;: ' it may be sal.ly saal that any plants in I condition at tla kh.I^ may without any S be repotti'd. Ki-i j. a sliarp look-out for sin in the cool liouse, or they will work liaxnc among the flower-spikes. See, too, that no plants of Odontoglossum or Oncidium not strone enouph to bloom are allowed to do so, and do nut k. •■]! the spikes on such as 0. ser- raluiM and ciiImts after it is evident that the | plani- ai. -utUaing. This over-flowering is exticinuly iiai uil'ul, and has caused the death of scores of fine plants in both these interesting l genera. R. Colax jugosus.— This pretty plant I have noticed flowering in several places this week. The blossoms occur about two or three upon a spike, each flower 2 inches across. The sepals are white, the petals cream, blotched and stri|ipd with deep chocolate, the lip marked with pui jile. It does well suMi)ended from the roof of the Cat 1 l.ya house, planted in pots or baskets, and whilelikin- a good clear light the foliage is easily daniat;ed by sun. Equal parts of peat fibre and Sjihagnum with a little good loam and plenty of charcoal suit it well. The roots must be kept moist all the year round, but especially when the growth is most aeti\e. (ireat care is necessary to avoid attacks from tln-ips and other insect pests. — H. R. Cypripedium villosum. — It is the custom- far too murh so— of growers of Cypripediums to tie tlie liIoss(.nis of most kinds out with almost mathematical precision, and probably few ever leave a plant entirely to itself to dispose of its blossoms naturally. But very often they are far more beautiful, especially when required for grouping with other Orchids. The species named is perhaps as suitable as any for the purpose, and owing to the rather shorter scapes and semi-pen- dent habit, it makes a prettier plant in this way SHORT NOTES.— ORCHIDS. Cypripedium Dauthieri.— This pretty hy- brid I noted recently in a neighbouring collection. It is a variety of C. Harrisianum, with a fine rose- tinted dorsal sepal and a creamy white apex. The petals are brownish crimson, the lip veined with purple-brown. It does well in the Cattleya house under the same treatment as C. barbatum. — R. Bletia Shepherdi. — The rosy purple flowers of this old species are now very attractive, being jiroduced on erect branching spikes from the side of the bulbs. It requires a substantial compost and may be kept fairly cool until the growths are fully developed, standing the plants outside in the full sun as the foliage is going olf. Oncidium Wentworthianum. — This is a Guatemalan species of consideraVjle beauty, the yellow-floweied Odontoglots, and very free bloi ing easily grown plants. Acineta Humboldti.— This is perhaps til best in the genus, the long pendent racemes (i Iiur]iln blns-nms having a fine effect just nov Individually, too, the flowers are pretty, the ros P'taK and li|. and white centre brightening u tho wliolr. It does best in shallow haugin ka-Uoi. n, 1 1 10 Cattleya house, and lociuir.- a ver lil-ial ~n|i|,lv of water while maknr, ii-^iowtl 'I'lio llo\\,i- all- months in foniiiipj. Inn iinfoi Trees and Shrubs. CLERODENDRON TRICHOTOMIM. The subject of the accompanying cut, ;v busl or rather tree, about 8 feet in height and a,{ much in spread of branches, is growing in 7 Ilchester's garden at Abbotsbury Castle, , where, in the sheltered and Ilex-i „ I t VUthiny Dorset. From a photograph sent ly il & ir FitJieibeit, Torquay. IIm- II of flower being very gracel I arance. Yellow is the pi ■\\i'rs, this being overlaid markings, and each flowci It may be grown in ([Uiti houst potted kept well ^^■atered alt the y in peat and JIoss. Masdevallia Shuttleworthi xanthocorys. —This pivttv vanotv 1 noto.l ivrrntly at Mr. ill's itissimilat to III,- l\|„-. vlnih. I,\tli,- uav, was one of Jlr. liiilks inti-odii,ti,.ii.. ' Tin- ,-,>roi,i- is much paler, and in place of the usual rosj' tint is a pale yellow ; the elongated tails are brighter yel- low. It is a distinct and elegant little Orchid.— R. Odontoglossum Halli chlorops. — This is a nice variety of 0. Halli, and belongs to the white- lipped section. In shape and size it is superior to the type, the lip very pure and delicately fringed, the sepals and petals greenish yellow, blotched and striped in the usual way. These good forms of 0. Halli are among the best of the 1 ounded valley, many sub-tropical plants find . congenial home. The photograph, of which th, illustration is a reproduction, was, unfortu nately, not very successful, and therefore failet to do justice to the beauty of this Clerodendron which when in flower towards the end o August rendered the surrounding air fragran with the scent of its innumerable flower clusters; Readers of The Garden will remember thai, attention has before now been drawn to soin( of the occupants of that unique nook on the Dorset sea-coast which holds the subject of thi.'| illustration. S. W. F. Berberis stenophylla as a wall shrub.-j This is now covered with its golden flowers, ancj makes a charming subject for covering a wall notj over 10 feet or 12 feet high, and allowed to grow out — so far, at least, as regards the young wood— 1 from the face of the wall. It is perfectly hardyj even in severe winters, and on warm walls would, May 1, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 321 owev very early. I liave recommendeil it freely, nd wherever it has been planted it ha.s grow n ;eIl.-H. Combination of Cydonias. — These fnu ardy shrubs are flowerino- j^ramlly this year oub"t owing to the abun.lan.r .if sun h\>\ y-.u. .IthoiightheseCydonias :iir iiin^i l\ mri «iilMi|„.n "" , they are. neveilli.lr,,, ii,,Mii iful ^Umm :-ained as .shrubs in |)yr:inii.i;il loriii. An .11, ,i ,\r laSS of colour liii.jbt !..■ | ir. ..|u.-.-.l al 1 In- -.i-. .n f the year by n,.„~ni.4 Hi.--' ('N.l..n.ns i ...,.., I,.,. ome good. size, I |,ManM.ls.,la ulnl.' f..in, -I, .1 eobtain.-.l f..r I I..' .■. ntle uf the bed, .a., n . I ni- hesc "itli I' Maiil.a. Then might toll.iw m nothia- .ai.'l.' |.lani - ..f C. Moerloosei, til.' inii..l link an. I whii.' ll..u..is serving to enhan. . Ua- rick-red eolour ui those of C. Maulei. Another ■and might be planted of the deep pink variety nown as C. rosea, finishing off with another circle f small plants of the true C. japonica. All of liese varictie.s should be obtained from layers. Drchard and Fruit Garden. DISBUDDING WALL FRUIT TRKE.S. )lSBfDi)ijJG fruit trees acts in a beneficial manner hen carried out on intelligent lines, either under lass or in the open air. By its adoption mucli ;r produce is obtained, as the sap which would :e been utilised in the production of wood is erted to the fruits, while the trees themselves m be kept in a healthy and fruitful condition r a number of years. When disbudding is im- operly done or wholly neglected, the trees be- jme crowded with young growths, which, owing ) their congested condition, never can ripen, and esult is that the trees are ruined. Dis- udding is generallj' practised on those trees hich bear on the wood of the previous year, of hich the Peach is a notable example, while it is pplied in a modified form to Apricots, Pears, lums and Morello Cherries. Disbudding should ot be performed in an indiscriminate manner, nd in the case of Peaches and Nectarines in par- cular it should be spread over several weeks, as le removal of a large number of shoots at an_y le time works mischief by checking the flow of ip. Another thinw that should be closely ob- rved is to suspend disbudding should a spell of )ld weather set in after, perhaps, two or three eeks of sunshine and high temperatures, as the idden change arrests the flow of sap and causes a leck to growth. Peaches and Nectarines should e disbudded as soon as the fruits are set, as the uds or shoots can then b>e rubbed or ))ulled nut th little ditficulty. When this ni>..,-atinn is l.mg eferred, the .shoots becmi.- .l.\-.'l..p.>il i.. -lali an ctent that a knife must I,., n-.-.l i,,.|..taali tlani cm the branch, as there isa .lan.j. i ..f i.'ann^ . .11' strip of bark with tlieiu it pullt-.l oti with tlie ngers. It is a great mistake, however, to allow le shoots to get so far advanced as this. The usual method pursued in the disbudding of each trees is to first relieve the upper parts of le trees of foreright and side shoots where ost crowded. The next time the lower parts of le trees may be operated upon in like manner, ter which disbudding may become more general, loots having fruits at their base should lie nched at the third or fourth leaf, and then wlien le final thinning comes to be done, such shoots _n be removed should the fruits not be iiapnt. .1. 'ith the exception of the last-mentiom.l .a -a lere .should be but one shoot left at tb.- ii|, .t ch fruiting branch, and one, or at tli., m .-i .•o, at the base, and when only one is r.i|ait..l, at on the upper side is to be preferred. \ . . a n j ees must not be treated quite so se\.ail\, in their case enough shoots must be left to pply branches for extension as well as fruit- g wood. Avoid overcrowding in all cases, not one single shoot more than is actually ([Uired or for which there is training space ould be retained. When Peach trees are grown cordons and the bearing wood is trained out Ian I Ihn.l. Ih.nai-I sa... — Inl iiietliotl to adopt 1- 1 .1 .ii~lin.| ill.' 1 1..'^ I.I a .■. itain extent with a \i<'\\ 1.1 .ililaunn'.;- a Ian . |nantity of young wood tu lay in annually, and tu pnich the remainder of the slioots at tlie fourtli leaf for the production of fruiting spurs. It is an excellent plan to have ])lenty of these young shoots in reserve, seeing that the Apricot is so prone to losing its branches, because if this precaution is taken such losses can then be the more quickly made good. The dis- bnilding of Plum trees on walls is always attended with excellent results, and if it were more gene- rally practised, so many trees crowded with long straggling spurs from the base to the tip of the bianclies would not be seen. Like the Peach, til. y |M.i.bii.' many more growths than it is necea- sai \ I.I i.tani, and all the weakest and the badly plii.il iini^ should be bodily removed. This mall. I- sli.ml.l be strictly attended to with regard to young trees, and they will then be the more quickly furnished with branches, which in turn will produce healthy fruiting spurs. The same remarks apply to Pears, and instead of stop Ijing the growths, it would be much better if dis butlding were practised and none but the best re tained, to be eventually stopped at the fourth leaf for the formation of spurs. These latter would then be of more robust habit instead of being attenu- ated, as is so often the case, while the buds would be more highly developed and crowding would be avoided. Morello Cherry trees may be grown an. I ilislmdil.'d in precisely the same manner as 111.' r.'.i.b. They may also be grown in the most sn.'.'.'ssful manner if treated according to the nietliod recommended for Apricots, but, on the whole, the former system is, 1 think, the better. A. W. Pear TJvedale's St. Germain. —Stewing Pears are valuable at any season, more especially in the spring or from Christinas onward, and those who are able to preserve them in good condition are fortunate. Mr. Copp, the gardener at Holnest Park, Sherborne, is among that number. Recently I saw the best dish of this fine stewing Pear I ever have seen at this season. These fruits were highly coloured, very even in size, and as firm as could be. They had been grown on five-year-old cordon trees on the Quince stock.— J. Ckook. The Grosse Mignonne Peach. — The true (Jrosse Mignonne has large flowers of a bright and lively rose, glands round, leaves crenate. Much confusion has been created by the practice common in France of supplying the Chevreuse Hative Peach in place of the r4i-osse Jlignonne. The Chevreuse has small flower? ami small fruit. If is sold sometimes under tla' nai f Mi'jn.mm' a etit fieurs. It is not eipial in i|iialiu m i h.. i hh' rosse Mignonne, hut it i-liinlai. lllnnklliar I am placed in a similar position to "B. M." in respect to the above variety. I have three trees, one outdoors and one in an unheated Peach house. These are both spurious small-flowered varieties. The third is a young tree planted in the early Peach house and Stevens' Wonder Strawberry.- With re- 1. n.'.' I.ianaitnl.- wiill.n by " S. E. P.-'inTnE -a\- 1.' I. a- '..n.uii ii -i.l.' Il^ m.I.' with' Royal .Su\L'rLa>;n an.l pi.lurs lliu l.ilter, uhich to my mind bears but little comparison. I consider Stevens' Wonder stands quite alone, and I prefer it to any other variety that I have seen for early work and general productiveness. The size and shape of fruit to my mind are all that can be desired, and I have not seen the ugly-shaped fruits which " S. E. P." speaks of. I know of one man who has chosen this variety alone for his entire early crop, and has already gathered about 400 lbs. of really magnificent fruit, and amongst them many weighing over an ounce. — M. (!. A. Late cooking Apples.— Although we have plenty of handsome Apples that keep very well under proper conditions to the end of March and will look very well even a month later, yet experience shows that if the body be there the briskness and flavour have very largely departed. None know better than nurserymen, who often exhibit fine samples very late in the spring, how badly many of these fruits would come out of a tasting competition in April or May. It is there- fore at this time of the j-ear ad\-antageous to have some of the old hardy rr-ally lat.-'^k.-.'iiing varieties to carry on the need t-. I ~ii|i|.]\ w . 11 into the summer, and of these m ai. 1.. 1 1 . a i haii Northern Greening, Norfolk Bcaulin, Jlanilil.il.in Deux Ans, and French Crab, the last tlie latest keeper of all. If these be not of the best quality at least late the fruits are better than are those spent samples of finer appearance. — A. D. The Gooseberry caterpillar.— A good deal has from time to time been written respecting this pest and the best means for its eradication, and, strange to say, in many instances what is said to succeed in one garden seems to fail in an- other. For my own part I have a decided anti- pathy to the use of anything of a poisonous nature on fruit trees, as one is apt to feel rather un- comfortable when eating the fruit, and to say the least, it is not nice. My trees seldom miss being attacked, and I am always on the look out for the pest from the time the foliage is fully expanded. On its first appearance, which, fortunately, is always at the bottom of the trees, the insects working their way upwards, I give a good dust- ing of soot and lime in equal proportions, and rarely have to repeat it. This may be thought a dirty process, but what fruit is soiled at the battom of the tree is ]jartially cleansed by rains. Coildinyluii Hall. PROTECTING FRUIT TREES. su.'li a believer in the good advice Mr. Ill n-nally gives us in The Garde.s on fruit , tliat I may have misunderstood him at wliLie he advises much protection for ;s, as I am one of those who favour as little as possible, and believe much bette Is are secured. For red th fr my Apricots failed to secure a .„" 11 1. 1 -i i : in.l. .1 ■ . ,- il,.. fruits have set s.. ti i-.'l\ , i liai I h, ■ . !,,, . i , ,.■ move pecks of Apn.'. lis ti. all. A\ r..-. j.ii ,i i,, develop. I am now following out the same treat- ment with the Peach and Nectarine, so far with equally good results. I have young trees which 322 THE GARDEN. [May 1, 1897. lia\-e ne\-ei' had the least protection from the start, and they ai'e in every respect better than the old ones. "My reason for not covering was not altogether the expense, but the way the trees cropped when left to chance. On the other hand, there is much to be said for the ad\ice given by Mr. Crawford at p. 264. I am penning this note in the southern parts of the country in a very sheltered garden, the soil warm, on gravel. In Mr. Crawford's locality different results may be secured by the non-covering I advocate. This points out the necessity of varying one's culture to tlip locality and soil. I think we coddle our tr.-.^ f;ii- I'i,; iiini'b, and if we relied more upon suiiMiiir>lu|i|,ni'4 and the removal of useless ^rowth tu iiprii ii|i Ihr new wood, there would be less need tu cuvur, as I think the bloom is much in- fluenced by the wood on which it is borne. When covering is carried out so long as Mr. Crawford advises, I think black and green fly quite as destructive as frosts ; indeed, more so, as the foliage and wood for future crops receive a check. Sly trees cro]j so freely, that I hope Mr. Crawford will paidon my questioning his good work. I merely do so to show how much differ- ence there is in ideas and culture. In many gardens the covering is kept too long on the trees and the bloom is weakened. S. H. B. Late-planted fruit trees.— It is well known that late or spring-planted fruit trees of all kinds duniiu X-\.lnl"r. i\li'ii lli'' hilriil \\:iililth of sunuii'jr still iiiiiain^ in iln' 'ji'iiumL X^w librous rootlets are then f.ninfil, ,'iinl iIm- Iri-i's 'jrt rs- tablished before sharp lio^t~ in. In lah' plant ing, however, mncli clr|jiaiils un . ircnnisl aiirr-. .1 n< engine or syringe. — I. (_ itAWKiim. Iduscat "Vines at Chiswick. — The oddly- trained Muscat of Ale.xandria Vines in the large span house at Chiswick Gardens bid fair to excite considerable interest later in the season. Already there are evidences of the marked effect at once of down rod training and greater heat, because nearer to the pipes, whilst the upward rods, which are not carried, as is usually the case, up wires immediately under the roof, but are run across the centre of the house horizontally and a good way from the glass, are not only later, but seem to "be far less fruitful. That there should be this exceeding tendency to produce not only stout laterals freely, but ve'ry fine bunch shows, may partly be due to the contra course which the training may compel the sap to take, but doubt- less it is chiefly to the greater heat found at the sides of the house where the pipes are fixed, there being none in the cut,.'. 'I'la- \'in.s m,„i1,1 p,,-- haps have been tw'ttir plar.d hacl tla- pipr~ l„.,ai removed from the sii Irs and tJic \'incs tlaai planird close to the wall on cUliur side. Tlie liousu, how- ever, is not guttered, and it was feared the great drip which of course results in wet weather would cause too great a body of water to settle above the roots and thus engender shanking and other evils, and for that reason they were planted close to the roof supports, carried up them to the tops, then rods were carried each way. Certainly, so far as the downward rods are concerned, it would be difficult to find any that wear an aspect of greater promise. — A. D. Rose Garden. AYRSHIRE ROSES. In the engraving here given we have a natural mass of the charming Evergreen Rose (R. sempervirens). The variety represented is the ever-popular F61icit5 Perpetu6, unsurpassed for beauty and effectiveness. The picture por- trays what may be accomplished with these rampant Roses. Not only are they adapted for covering walls, arbours, garden houses, and similar places, but they may be profitably em- ployed to cover trellises, or indeed anywhere where their growths may run on unchecked. We may greatly assist this natural style of cul- tivation by providing for the free access of air and sunlight to the branches. Anything tend- ing to the entanglement of the branches should .sible, working in some good stable manure at thi same time. A light crop may be taken from this land the first season, and in the autumn put out the Rose plants from 6 feet to 8 feet apart. Heaps of old tree stumps and roots could he placed for some varieties to ramble upon, and, in fact, any rustic erections that will sjieedily suggest themselves may soon be covered with these Roses. Some few may be trained to 10-feet iron stakes, but on no account bunch ^ the growths in a formal style, but rather aUi the long rods of growth — which should be duced each year when plants are well i blished — to bend and sway as they please. Perhaps a list of a few suitable varieties plant in the manner stated would be viceable. The list I shall give includes some very hardy varieties that would not require this sheltered spot, but yet they would make riety of colour essential in a wild Rose garden of this description. In addition to the Ever- green and Ayrshire Roses, all of which are beau- tiful, we might commence with our old friend- Gloire de Dijon, unequalled even now general effecti\ eness. Then follow Kaisi Ayrshire Eoses on a trellis and summer-house. Engraved for The Garden froin a photograph hy Miss Kane, Drumneaske Souse, Monaghan, Ireland. be avoided as far as possible, not only to enable the full beauty of the trusses of blossoms to be visible, but also to prevent the i-avages of insect pests. I should like to see more of our beauti- ful Roses employed in this free and natural manner. We cannot hope to pi-oduce in this country anything like the grand displays that , travellers inform us are to be seen in the south of France, Italy and California, where the Clirnniatella or Cloth of Gold, Marlchal Niel, Lamarque and others run wild and perfume the air around with their sweet fragrance. But if we cannot approach these countries in the culti- vation of these tender exotic Roses, we may the more freely employ our hardier varieties, and in the beautiful climate "f hclaml, Wales, and (lur southern counties we nii^hi prinluce in a smaller degree the glorious ilispla\s..f tlie coun- tries mentioned. I would su^uist that a slultfrcd nook beselected, well protert I'd fr,.iu N.aml Iv l.y a belt of Firs. If a piece. if luw mead. m -land could be secured, it would lie just the kiu.l nf soil Roses revel in. Let the ground be well trenched a year in advance of planting if pos- Friedrich, Mme. Berard, Bouquet d'Or, Mme. Levet, Waltham Climber No. 1, Princesse dt Monaco, Belle Lyonnaise. Keeping still to tht Tea and H.T. class, I would recommend alsc Pink Riiver, Reine Marie Henriette, Ches- liunt Hybrid, Belle de Bordeaux, Albert la r.l.itais, Mme. Alfred Carriere, Mme. Marie LavtiUee, Reine Olga de Wurtemberg, and Sou- venir de Mme. Jo.=. Metral. Among tht Noisettes we may safely utilise Aimee Vibert, Wm. Allen Richardson, Jaune Desprez, Long- worth Rami ihv, Mme. Jlarie Robert, Rgved'Or,! Celine F..ivst i.i-. ami Si.lfaterre. Other classcH of Roses will timiisli many splendid varietie.'' noted for their \ig.irous growth. From tliCj Hybrid Chinese I would recommend CharleFi Lawson, Paul Perras, Blairi No. 2, Mme.l Plantier, Fair Ro.samond, Vivid, and Chenedole ;. fr..iii the Hybri.l Perpetuals, Anna Alesieff,! (Jeiiei-al .laeqiiemin..t, Jules Maru'nttiii, Johilj H..ppei-, I\lau-iia, Cliaita,, Cli.., and Puke of Edin-| liurgh. Climliing varieties, .f Cajitain Christy,! Pride of Waltham, and Edouard Morren woulil| be found useful. Robusta, Mrs. Paul, Sir Jos.| Mav ], 1897.J THE rJARDEN. 323 r toil. Ml .M> ^li.Hl Su.Tl I'.iuT Ainv KnI.sait, and Hln.-.v.linr, also Canniiir I'lllar, Paul's Into, Mui-1-aiitlia, Barilou .JdIi, Gloirc iiuanes, Griindiflora, and Moschata ■'I, 1 sciitativo of all that is J K.isrs. It might be It lo,, II inch variety is i.i.im- lin.sl, t,, the wli.ile l...lu,.,,f llamson's \\\- ll.l ullllr Si.itrh lln-rs sIl.iuM IlMl hi- l,,sl M..l,t each year the pruductiun nf gutjd -■r-like rods, for it is on thei-e that we [•end for supplying the best blosKiais. eriug, souieof tlie ,,1,1 st,„.ls laav \,r :in,l the rei,iain,UT s,,„„.wl,a. 'l„a,t Ins will enn.urai,',. t h,. 1„ ,t t. „„ ,.\ ,. ,, , growtlian,! thu; lay the huaulalm,, .-ear's supjjly. The knife must at all sparingly used. Remove crowd,,! but otherwise leave shoots aliii,,^i IV length. With ,.ur May fn,sts«,. ^ -.f the .ailv -niulhs I.Jeaania.' ,„- ^.f phmtnl,,utintl„.,,p.„, asn;..,,,- lay lie eonsidenibly retarded, and so '^'■'■V'^- Philomel. ise Princesse Alice de Monaco (Tea).— ji.iH iii(_r under glass this Rose takes a pronii- I'liie. .\lthough not to be compared in '} ami Iniish to such Roses as Bridesmaid, ' '111.. .Mermet, The Bride, &c., it is neverthe- ■ 1 >|.Iendid variety. Its flowers are creamy « . .ilged with pink, the centre flushed with ' I" a.li colour. The edges of the petals are .^ iriii;^,',! aii.l it- luals are very hands,.iii.-. '■"'"'> '' '■'..■• 'liiL'lv fragrant, almost a- ,""■'- '■■•"' li ■■'i-l Mine, de St. Joseph. 1 ''■'"•'" '"'''ll'iii K.isefor outdoors, and it with its free-tiowering qualities a vigorous it'ition. It must not be confounded with — .-■ de Monaco, a variety of the Dijon race, bse Prince Arthur (H.P.).— In this ];,.<,■ >;t:;n_e a variety that can truly be n-.-.ai.m. n.h .1 It '1- for exhibition or for ordinary -^ar.l.ai ,|.. ,.- ;i'n. Its colour is brilliant, rich (fee p (■riiiis,.n, " l..«,--is being large, double and beautifully I It is certainly one of the very best rich "' Itoses we possess and a good autumn '7 ■ Unfortunately, many of our most bril- ls "-'s, such as Duke of Edinburgh, Duke of '^.■.. have a tendency to run to growth in- "t flowering, whereas Prince Arthur will 'a from every shoot similar to its reputed '. I ''-MeralJacqueminot. It is a good free- 'ij variety, perhaps not quite so strong as 1 lacqueminot, and it can be recommended '1^ a standard or bush. SHORT XOTES—ROSES. ise Papa Qontier (Te.i).-This U ac' now- ■1 by market growers to be the very beat cnm=.r.i, l«r late autumn and winter flowering under its lovely, long, hmasome rosy crimson buds used for button-holes. It is far from bein,' a '' ■.■acdis not seen to alvantage in a very 'ii.a-, but in the cooler days of autumn it is a '1' iful varltty. The petals are very thick and ''I'land 111,, growth is moderately good, but it "liipted for culture as a bush either upon its "''< or thescedlmg ISrier. 36 Monsieur Desir (Tea).— One of the most tly coloured Roses hitherto obtained in what is n u ', ^'^°" ''^^" I'3 "^olo""" '3 a fine crlm- p.'baied with a lovely dolet hue. Generally speaking, the violet hue eem in some Rosfs is an liiiii; 1 lit jileasing, but hero it blonds ndmirably ui li,' .iiiiisoii. Tlie bud is boiutifal in ftnii, «, l„ l..i,. the floral committee were characteristic uf tin- season, notably in respect to pot Roses, of win. h alone there was a superb disiilay. From Caiii.i burv came a most notable exhibit of cut lil.i,.iii- of "Teas and Hybn.l 1', i |..liiaN : ( 'at li, iin.. Mermet amongst tin- turima- ami C.ai.i-al .lacqueininot of the lait.i \uir in ili.. pink of condition. From Clieshunt i-am. , lii,H\ pot Roses, admirably grow-n and w. II ll.iw . i, il medium-sized examples. From Cul,li,,t, a .am.- even smaller plants, dwarf and busli\, «iili tin, 1.1. ...HI-, bavin- travelled w-ell, and fr. an .InMnn-j - tl..\\.i- III |ir.i!iisi,in. Parrot and nlliir Tnliiis Dart'odils, of which there were several splendid collections. Notably fine were Mme. de Graaff and (tlory of Leyden in Messrs. Veitch's collec- tion, and the seedlings, &c., in the small exhibit ..f 1!.\. i!, H. Engleneart. Hardy flowers were \\ . II I . I II .sented by alpines and other choice early tl i\M I- t rum Tottenham and elsewhere. Primula .Sabulili came from Slough in fine rnnditi,iii, making an eflective display. As a small ,-\lnl.it , but in every sense a choice one, nKaiti.m -li.ml.l be made of Boronia serrulata, of uln.ii th.i. were splendidly grown examples in small puts from the Hassocks Nurseries. A Hue bank of Azalea mollis and its forms came from the High- gate Nurseries. Some select jilants were also to be noted amongst the mixed "i..ii|is .,f i.lants from has,'. The .Mlliough ,M-;fp. 1. . .111,1 the IVi.m Mr. lerit was given to -u i:XfKLI.EN-S Ia)' Hn,'l> -W >\\ i,,l liiiiili.. of ('\ iiil.i.llinii L. with six ,, 11,- 1. liiaika ■'' .us loiaus of hosum. Am ',!!:'.','! .if lb a good form : rare C. Av .\ 111 l..r .•11. 1,, «ln,li 111.. - hla,. ,■,.!. .Ill, — .\ pretty , Iiai la. kill" ill -ilbslance. 11. ,u. il.i.kK -|...ti,.,lwith \. II..U. -l,,i.liii.j- to white i,.l vMili nnim.n.us dark -l.:i.liii.„. I., yellow at the lai k 1.1 . .v\ 11 in the centre. 1.1 I 111 1 1. .11 flowers. From 1 .. Ml, jriven a silver :i...i|i, |.i ..iiiiiient amongst till. l..riiis of Cattleya . .\1..--L. , Lielia elcguns, .1.1. Ill I-.. 11-.. 11.1., a dark .HI, I '.i l,..j\ 1... |..iiiilurata il.l,. Il..».i~ i.n 111,- spike, f Uduiit.ii;lussuni crispum longst the many Cypripc- . of C. macropterum and a •lingi (niveum x ciliolare). of Cattli'va Lawrenceana H a- al-.. -li..H n. Messre. «. I,. al-..a«ai.l..l a silver uliil... Hiili a'lil,.t..|i ,,t |,iii|i|.. ..11 .a.li ~i.li. at the l.a-.. : 1 i.n.li i.l.nnii 1 1,.\ ..iiianiiin, I », ,i \ ^t allinuin, iimi.liiiin |..i]i,.|,l,a., X'aii.la tii.a.h.r, Miltonia >. \illaiia and Cypripediums in variety made one i.t ill., most interesting groups at the meeting. M. --i> i'. Sander and Co. showed a neat and |.i.ii\ .ji..up. The most interesting feature was a mail.. ii|. |.aii of a |.iiii- white dw-arf form of .s,il,i..|li..i 111,1, .laiitlia all.a Miv. nana. The large ,m.\\ »liit.. ll..u..i>, W.I,, borne on growths not iji.irc than bS inches in height, the flowers being ,i|ual in size to those of the finest forms of So- l.ialia raacrantha. Brassia Lewisi, sepals and jn'tals greenish white, suff'used and spotted with ilark brown, lip yellow, heavily spotted with brown at the base", was also noteworthy. Mil- tonia vexillaria was represented by numerous forms, the finest lieing M. v leucoglossa, sepals and ii.tal.- I.iiylit rose, lip white, shading t,. \,II'.v, ai the base, where it is slightly liii,.r« nil |.iii|.:... Some finely-flowered plants of .M. I'hak n..|,-is were also included. .\iii.,n...-t ill.. ( iii.i.liiim- «,.i.. -,.\,.ral Hnely- II..H. l.'l 11. .\l,.l-lialll,iliiilii ali.l I 1.. 1111^ of O. tii-..,iiiiiii, \-,iii.,ii..li.iiii..| t -..I l,v..,i-i..Skin- lowy ts, A few fine Strawberries came from the same source and from the Royal Gardens, Frog- Orchid Committee. A first-class certificate was awarded for — OnoNTocLossjTM cKisrr.M hkltothoi'H'm. — This ed C. Docteur Vonga (C. and petals greenish rose at the base ; heav and rose, the basal half thickly covered with snnill, bright brown spots, the lip white, tinted with .lajitls -iillii-.d with .in a wliiln ground, vily mottled withpurple towards the centre I through the base of the throat, made up this oup. Mr, \V, S, Ellis. Hazlebourne, Dorking, was aiil..l a -.ih.i Fl.ira in. ..lal for a group eonsist- in.j |aim.i|iall3 .,f ( (. |. .in . .'^lossum crispum. The ill. .-I pi, .111111, 111 ua~ ( I, iiispum Emily Ellis, the I sepals white, tinted with rose, and having a large I brown blotch in the centre ; the petals white, heavily fringed at the edges, and having a distinct i large oblong blotch in the centre ; the lip white, Ishailim. tl. v,Il,.H at ili. La-... an.l tln.-klv ^potted with .laik 'ki..«ii. (>. ... I... il I1..|\ lii.i.. a spike of till... 11 I1..U. I-. Till- 1- ,1 .h- I I. nil with \\lill. -. |.,.N ami -- |,:i!-. '.', III. lai-j.- I.r..\\li l.lotches il ■! . . . 111. I.t .a.. I. I I \i. I. ' laiiuni (Hazle- . ,1 . II I 1- a 1 .11111 kill. I., t.iiiii with yellow .;,i' ,.i'l |.. lal-, Millii-. .1 w It 1 1 i.ise and thickly -|..ii..| \.,iili l.i-..\vii, ill., hp _\..|l,.w, with brown splittings in the centre. A linely-flowered ex- ample of Lycaste aromatica and a plant on u raft of Cattleya citrina with nine flowers were 324 THE GAEDEK lmay ], im.\ also interesting in this groiiji. Mr. K. P.. White, ArddaiTOch, was given a -ihii P.ank sian medal for a group con-i-iinj ••! jiiMui fifty plants of finely-flowered i ).li.iii.._.l.i^.inii-, which contained many fine variilii~ .if ( >. i 1 1- pum, 0. Andi'isi.iiianuin, and n. Kn. Un laiinni. The plants we.v r, markalilc tor ;.u,,d mil ni r. t !„• flowers being tiiirl\ iii\ .Ihim-cI. 'I'linv w,-].- al-^ included two planl-; of CattlrNa I.awir-M.is-ia'. Thisres.ialilr. ('. William Murray and partakes of the char I. ii)- it i '. l.awrenceana to a very great extent. Mr. \lal,.,lni S. Cook, Kingston Hill, was awarded a brunzu Banksian medal for a small group, consisting of finely-grown Odontoglossums. O. Halli, Miltonia vexillaria with ten spikes of dark flowers, and a finely-flowered Sophronitis grandiflora were also included. THp iVIaniuis Camden exhibited a finely-grn«ii I ii ndi mLjuui thyrsiflorum with twenty-seven >|iiki - ot iIuh. is, some of the spikes carrying u|i«ai.U (it fnitv flowers. Mr. W. W. Palmer, Shoitlands, Kent, showed one of the finest flowered plants of J)en- drobium infundibulum we ha\'e e\er seen. Many of the growths were each 3 feet in lengtli and the plant bore forty ->i\ fMlly-.'\|.aiidc,l llnw.is. Tlir fjlant had been vmw n fi.i 1 la- la -i tlin.- \ > ai - \mi li the Odontogluss ~, .|iiih' .m-1 i In ..n-jlhaii tin year. Mr. H. T. I'm. \:..-]y,. Siai,it,.i,l llill, SentOdontoglo.-illa llalll kair.-jlw^-iiin i1;,,-~1mi variety), the .sipal-, and p.laU lionaj nt a llrh bronzy brown, iii.nilcj aial npi.c.! mhIi .k(|i yellow, the blna.Ml|, Hlnn. l,.aMl> fiin:.^rd alal spotted w ii h 1 all 1m i.\\ 11. \ia ji.i .l.nciy -• iii laal- demanniaii.i l.iliiii.inii). ,i ImmK -|ic>a!-. willi a penduluil-spil-.r M.allv :; t.. l m 1, irjl h. ~.|,al>ali.l petals yrlluu, -utlii-.'.l uitl. 1-M,«||. tlir 1,|, ,ali golden yellow. A cut spikr nt i;n.i|>~i~ i m nlwlail- bon came from the sana , vlnLitMi . Mi. I'. \\ . Martin, Lake Hou.se. l;\ll'.i. -. m a iiiul\ flowered Lailia purpinal.i, and Mr. I'.. .1. Sali botham, Erleshene, st-nt .i .Ii-mimi Ki-.initid Dendrobium nobile. Tla Idv.-I. I'amt. i . Sim. k- hill, Guildford, senttw.. Ilou, i> nf ll„ l,n, In »1iii, Cattleya Parthenia, winch liad liecn |iie\iuu.-ly certificated. Floral Committee. First-class certificates were on this occasion awarded to — Rhododendron sdperbissimum (hyb.).— A most beautiful variety possessing in a measure the characteristic features of R. Veitclii as regard; both growth and flowers. In respect to the growth, however, that of the jjlant in question is much dwarfer and more bush}-. As to the flowers, scarcely too much can be said. In size they are each nearly 6 inches across, pure white in colour, with a small greenish yellow blotch on tlie upper portion, and here and there a rosy suff'usion on the reverse side. The substance," too, was all that one could desire. From Messrs. J. Veitch and Sons, Royal Exotic Nursery, Chelsea. L0M.4.RI.A. ciLi.iT,4 GKANDls. — A distinct ne seedling Fern to which an award of merit w given on March 13 of the present year (p. 1!)( but which on this occasion was more develojiu its fertile fronds being perfected. It is beyoi doubt a most useful decorative plant. From Mr. H. B. May, Dyson's Lane Nurseries, Upper Edmonton. Awards of merit were adjudged to the follow- ing:— LoMARiA CILIATA MAJOR, which must not 1h- confused with the preceding plant, although in some M-.-iir.-t.x u has siijiilai features. The growth is dwaiti I. Ihrwixri. wliiNi ihe fronds are more spreailiii'j. ilu- k n nia ~ having the pinna; of greatfi' » all li aial iliL- tL-rtile ones narrower. It is a stii).l\ l>iukii,-j plant. From Mr. H. B. May. Sanderson.— A very dwarf nctive features of the plant in ipiestion appear ■ ils lai;.^i-r flower-trusses and, to a slight ex- , man nulour in the flower, whilst the in- Inal I. Inniiis are of a drooping character. From r._ I--. Wilsnn, Weybridge. i;n I n I M i-iNKl Fred Knighto.v.— A very aial (li,-iinni \aiiety with unusually larna- 1- aial iin— n-. the eye being large and of a p.ih- vclhiw . N\ itli a dark margin. From Mr. Richard Dean, Ealing. MoRus AiBA PENDULA. — A drooping form of the wliite variety of the Mulberry, which, if it retains ts character, will be an aciiuisition to any gar- den. From Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt. LiTHosPERMCiM TINCTGRUM.— A very distinct- looking plant, somewhat resembling a small Echium, with terminal heads of deep blue ; lieight about 10 inches. From Mr. Bennett-Poe, Ches- hunt. nice collection of Daffodils came from Mr. J. W. Wilson, South Cave, Yorkshire, and included good examples of the large, medium and small-trumpeted types. Many of the blooms 3 past their best, but in size and form were admirable. Eclipse was particu- good, also Leedsi Mrs. Langtry, Pallidus, light, Emperoi- and Burbidgei FalstafF. thur excellent irronp of Narcissi was staged Mns-,-s. Vnitnh ;iiiil Snris. Ch.-Nea, the va- mg I per I ill splendid ly and of fine ally good and l-nK.r, Incora- isi Catherine ine group of blooms, Milistance. Mme. de tliaall I niiiarkably pure ; Shakn-| ( |iaiakiilis Gloria Mumli a S|aii-rell were also very iii li.iltudils, containing some ~h-i\\n by Messrs. Barr and Sons, Covent Garden Mine, de Graaff, Emperor, Horsfieldi and Miiii.-. Plemp were all perfect. A few good ini~nellaneous hardy flowers were also shown; anaing them Iris olbiensis grandiflora, a par- 11. 11 kuly good dark blue form ; I. biflora purpurea, i. biflora maculata, I. pumila luteo-maculata, primi-ose - yellow ; Fritillaria pyrenaica, dull chocolate-brown, more curious than beautiful : and F. recurva, a very charming little flower, orange, shading to scailnt. .Miosis, liaii and Sons also staged a giand n>,ll,(iain ^t 'I'lilii--. making a most gorgemis di~| J i\ ni .,-1 -. s.aia of the finest varieties «. m (niikiii ( '.-udiiial, with huge flowers of elegant sliape, of splendid crimson and scarlet colours ; Retroflexa, a pretty yellow, with narrow curved petals ; Queen Victoria, a very dainty pink and white ; Thnnias Moore, a striking bronze-yellow flower ; W hite Swan. Viridiflora priecox, with graceful lki\\eis ..1 -,,tt green and yellow ; Silver Standaid. h.vn <-Miii~nii, streaked with white ; and Rosa .Mnndi. w nh lii\ el\ rose-pink flowers, cup-hke in shapn i^iKei 11. im medal). Roses formed a very (l.liuht fnl feaiwieef the show and were all of excepihinal 1 \erlk n. . . .\n i'\eecdiiigly fine lot came finm ,\lr. (i. Mmim. I ',-ili'ei liuiy. A box of cut hknan^ nf Cc-la-ial .l;ie(|nriiiinot was very noticeable tnr 1 he s|,li-ialid tnrm lit the liloomsand for their enleiii-. !-;-a|iiis;t e niJe- (if I 'al hi line Mermet TK.n and C(ii quality well ab dark valuable. From Mrs. Ealing. Primitla Tratli.i, which is no doubt a form of, or at least closely allied to, P. Mvimoi. The chief The flowers are of a deep or rich As a bedding plant it should prove Sanderson, The Mount, were sin Prine. The hndt blooms of Mar^chal Niel r Holmes, Anna Olivier, silver-trilt Flora medal). Ji Innocente Pirola, Caroline Testout, Ulrlch ] ner. Alba rosea, and a very nice pla^ ] Spenser. Hardy plants were also shoirti this group, and included a good form a^ brietia Broxbourne Lilac, a well-llowered \. taiiiiecki. two very lovely Sa ■.iti.-i-.-. S. n ('id(-^ |iiii liiuea and S. Lindisiani : liiiun n .-iiiiiin. a -|ileiidid bunch of .A.d.ini- \(iii,-ili-. ; ;eiitiaiia aeaulis (silver Flora iiadali. An eedingly fine group of hardy plants was sta by Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nm -ei k^, T(3tt ham. The Saxifrages were paitKiiknly inten ng. S. Rhei, a very beautiful ruse-ijink, s like flower, was well shown ; also S. Camp with white blooms on long spikes and a j fusion of dwarf, compact foliage. S. museoi atropurpurea and S. cristata hybrida were 1 esented. Other notable things were sev fine varieties of Primula Sieboldi, Stylophoi diphyllum, a -lery beautiful form of Trill erectum rich maroon in colour, TroUiua Ji tunei pi., and a splendid batch of Cych pandum. This was an exhibit of unusual i4 and beauty (silver Flora medal). A grand ( of Primula Sieboldi in very great variety from Mr. C. Turner, Slough. Every plant finely grown and eacli variety remarkably flowered. The range of colour was varying from deepest lilac to pure white, of the prettiest varieties were Arthur, Leigh, a prettj' light blue ; Queen of Distinction, a beautifully fringed and lilac, and Victor, a rich shade of magenta, the same exhibitor came a very fine gi Auriculas, splendidly grown plants, bearing mous trusses of bloom (silver Flora few good flowering shrubs came from '. Veitch and Sons, and included And specio.sa cassina^folia, flowering with dom ; Exneliorda grandiflora, very light and ^ ful : and rydcnia >hudei, the branches der 1 covered Milh liia k led blossoms. Some pi ; of CainaiKiii \\ inter (.'heer were also shown, were reniaikaljl\ fine for the time of year, colour and shape of the flowers being execl Mr. J. T. Bennett-Poe, Holmwood, Chesh sent three good plants of Arctotis aiireela, of rose-pink, came from the Hassci ks niiisern A bronze Flora medal was awarded to Mr. ( Turner for a fine bunch of floweisnf Malm; I Carnation Priiieess May. The flowers were U ]ii-rfeet ill foiiii, of fine substance, brilliari eoliiiir, and d. Ii-^htfullv fragrant. Messrs .l.-uias an. I S.iii, Faiiiham Royal, sent a groi .Mess .ji-.iii|i of |il,-nils, .-..nsi.sting chielly of iii.illi- an. I .ithi 1 Naii.-ties, all flowering wiUl.^ tiei-d.iiii aii.l iii.liidui'j many very lovely |l,i,in/e i-l.-i-a in. dali. A sm'all. but lirettyi of stove and oieenhouse plants .-ana- fr.nn MtTT" Peed and Sons, Norwood. Dra, , na-. Krieas. J Lilv of the Vallev were notewoi 1 li\ fiainnsii- 1 Baliksian me(hd'). Mr. H. 1!. .Max, I'lipei i were Mrs. Paul, bearing splendid blooms; Pride of Waltham, Mrs. Fra'nk Cant, Dupuy Jamain Marie Baumann, Charles Lefeb\re, Mrs. R. S. Sharman Crawford and Mrs. John Laing (silvei Flora medal). A large group of cut H.is.s and Roses in pots was staged by Mr. W. l;iiin-.\, ..l Waltham Cross. Of the pot plants, 1 l.l.al. Crimson Rambler, Miss Ethel Brownlou and Dupuy Jamain were good. The cut varieties in- cluded great quantities of Niphetos and Martchal Niel (silver Banksian medal). Roses in pots shown by Messrs. Paul and Son, Cheshunt, included Helen Keller, bearing some excellent blcoms ; Clothilde Soupert, Souvenir d'un Ami, ,-.i„l ■|i.alili-- hi. .a. I, slia|i.-lv 1. a N ,-> 1 1 .t. .nze H e -lall m.-.lah. .-X v.-iv tin.'- ._'r..iip of d.-LOr: e plants was shown by Messrs. John Laing <1 Sons, Forest Hill. Among the flowering p 'j were some good Crimson Rambler R.:ses "O Calla Pentlandi, one of the popular yelknv \ «• fi.-s. Some fine Bertolonias were also very at^c- 1 iM- (silver Banksian medal). Fruit Committee. ' The exhibits before this committee were i !• esting. The superintendent brought up the * Beans recently tried at Chiswick and given ip6 marks on the 21st. Fruit was well shown, i|rt being excellent Strawberries and very good ' «• tables from Windsor and Syon. 1 Mai 1, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 325 First-class certitioates were given to t!ie fol ins : — Raoisii Early Extua Olive. —An Olive-sli; white with very small top. It is \iilualile for frames oi- forciiic- on at-count of the small leafage From M.-sM-.. \il ,in \- ('... RAni-~ll l',\ll:\ r,\l;l\ ( ll l\ K ScARLKT. — A COUn terparl of t In- \v Im. .x. ,|.i in .-olour and of equally gooil ([iiahlv. From i^k•^^^^. Vilmorin & Co., Paris. Awards of merit were given to — Fkkncii Hkan Kaklv Favoikitk. a dist U^ IVu,„ M,.-H~. \V,t,.l,. I.UllUcd, I'lu'lsLN Mil lliw N 1 I'l 1 ■- I 1 I i:a. — A well-know Miic .t' ilii li,-i f.ii liirring. It bears iinr |i(iilaii(l i~ a >|i1iimIuI variety for pot From Messrs. N'eitch .and Watkins am' M'u Bean Osbokn's Forcing. — Anothci lown variety of dwarf habit, still miicl: for forcing. From Messrs. Watkins and Fkioncii Bean Goldex Waxpod. — This wai 111 (uily golden podded Bean given an award ri r llcsh was very tender, nearly stringless, the '•■<{> large and broad, borne in profusion, and of \. I lliiit quality. From Messrs. Barr and Son, Kin- Street, W.C. FuKNcii Bean Improved Mohawk.— The ult of a cross between Mohawk and Canadian Wiiiidfr. It is as early as Mohawk, the pod the izr nf that of Canadian Wmidir. It is a nice look li r. lu, prolific and of I'M. ill 111 ipialitv. F^rom li. i;. Wythes, Syon Ibm>. . Hi. m lui.U Fi;i:n('U Bean Empeiiou William. -This was 'n- r irliest Bean on trial, being ready a fortnight ifiir.' any of the others. The pod is thick, Hat ml iii'cgular. It was given an award for its ,ilu for forcing. From M. Ernst Benary, Erfurt. To\nTO Royal Windsor. — A golden variety :n'_""i with red, of exxsllent quality and good for >ri-iiig ; its sets freely and bears well. From ilr. Owen Thomas, Royal Gardens, Frogmore. j Apple Hillter's Easter Oranoe. — A nice jioking fruit, not unlike Cox's Orange in shape, ut larger ; flesh firm and sweet, with red liirkings. From Messrs. E. Hillier, Winchester. 1 Mr. G. Wythes, Syon House, Brentford, sent a •nail collection of fruit and some vegetables in ■ason. Royal Sovereign and the true Keens' '•'•riling Strawberries were very good, as also St. ilin's Figs. He also showed new Grapes from it \ines and well preserved Lady Downe's. A lUection of six varieties of forced Potatoes, the fst being English Beauty, Ashleaf and A 1, irly Favourite Bean, Syon Prolific Tomatoes in inches. Model and Late Queen Broccoli, with ivourite Cabbage -n-ere also shown (silver nightian medal). Mr. Thomas, the Royal Gar- •ns, Frogmore, sent excellent Tomatoes Frog- nre Selected, the fruit equal to that seen in the mnier. The same exhibitor staged a new Straw- rry named Sir Trevor, a cross between La ■osse Sucr^e and Royal Sovereign. It is much :e the latter in size, shape and colour. This the mmittee desired to see again from the open air. '. W. Russell, The Gardens, Farnborough, ints, sent a new Strawberry named Early 'int. It is a very large deep red fruit, much 1 bed, but lacking flavour. Messrs. Hurst, lundsditch, sent some very fine Broccoli, but ' hout any particulars as to growth. The varietv 1 s named Early .•\pril. 'or the prize-i for flavour given by Messrs. Mtch there was a falling off-, only nine" dishes of pies being stag.Ml. Mr. Herrin, Dropmon-, was t with Sturmer Pippin, nice firm fmil- im-l .i 6j>d quaUty. Mr. J. C. Talla. k, I.r , I'k Gardens, was a good second «iili I; : l ^j)le, better known as Golden IIhmx. i. I ^es of Baxter's Pearmain, Court I'l-iidn I'ial, arlet Nonpareil, Hubbard's Pearmain, Boi n|ngleterre and Claygate Pearmain were staged. Narcissus Committee. is.s certificate was awarded to the •.27th the thi black bulb solar radiiii.in ilMiiii..ni. XMa'iss.s Xaiai. (N. poeticusxN. triandrus). ' l":'!'lf ^^ . * ^"^^ from iIm •, I. .\ .■liainiin.,- an 1 di,stin..t seedling with clear S'.'"'''^,'" "" "nusuall.N ln_l, ...hIim,: 1. whit.. (I ,- I ., ,ul. -iiiu-colourcdcup.the S'nce the change to wan.., ■ ,.:,.,., .t.un.s flown-! ,, : , ,! : nl four in the bunch. I M'f ten>perature of the sod has n.^ Wron 1' ' II I . I. I I I siderably, and is now about 3 warn is seasonable. Rain fell on two davs during An:i" "I ■■' H- Ml U.I- n.,i. I. ■HI favour of | the past w.-Mc, but nnlv in s„tli,.i,.nt ■qnantiti.'s Nau<;issi;s Ur. Laiimoumui, of which some re- to moisii n i li. -m fa.-.. r,f i In .jr.iiin.i, 'lli.. wind mai-kably fine examples were contributed by Rev. has cmn. iilini-t . m n . 1\ ii.iiii .mi. |.<.nii ..f (In; W. Wilks, Shirley Vicarage, Crovdon. I comrjass l..i «. .n n.a i h ami . ,i-i , Tin- lia- Ii.-imi " I the brighlcst week of the .spring as yet, the aver- The council of the Royal Hortitniltural Society age record of bright sunshine amounting to rather wish to remind exhibitors that tlie object for ^ more than six hours a day.— E. M., jBeH-Aai/jA'terf. have become ; that there is ( of the fonin council. " liil~ thesori..i> l.a OUS of nil. I in.j I.- J |is and collections I II. I ti . .|in.ntlyso numerous, 1 ill. iii..ie important work 1.111- l.jst sight of. The il for the consistent support i\ from exhibitors and desir- ncouragement to them and of seeing the Dull Hall always well tilli'd. f....| that the time has arrived when some liniii nn.-t be put to the size of the groups and culli. 1 1..11-. They ha\e, therefore, drawn up the fi.ll..\\ in..:' rules which they have directed the superinteiuleiit to strictly adhere to : — 1. Exhibitors at the Drill Hall of groups and collec- tions must give notice to the sec.etary, Royal tl..rti- cuUural Societr, 117, Victoria Street, Wo.-tmii si, ,, n t later than the Friday before, of tlieii ' 1 exhibit, and must, at the same time, state t li. t r of their prnpcsed exhibit and how much sja .. ii occupy ; this must ia no case exceed 100 sijuart- te 2. Exhibits entered separa'ely for the separate 1 mittees will be considered disiinot, but not more ihan 100 square feet of table space can be allowed for each ; that is to say, an exbibit.r may stage 100 feet of fruit, 100 feet of Orchids, and 100 fee' of floral comm" plants and fio-A-ers ; but each group must be separately staged and consist ex lusively of fruit, Orchids, a hardy or tender plants or fl iwers re.^pettive'y— 1 mixed togetlier, excepting only that small docorat foliage plants may be Ufod anungst Orchids and f. if desired. 3. The limit of 100 square feet does not apply to large plants placed on the floor ; special arrangements ' ould be made beforehand fur such plants with the perintendent. i. No alteration is proposed in the existing rules th reference to the exhibition of new or rare plinta, •wers, or fruits for the society's certiiicites and rards of merit. By Order of Council— W. Wilks, Secretary. N.B. — Should at any time the entries of groups be so numerous as not to allow of all being staged in their entirety, the exhibitors will be informed how much less space than that they have applied for can be placed at their disposal. The National Tulip Society.— Owing to tin late cold weather having kept back the fluweis the show of the National Tulip Society, whiul had been announced to take place in the P.uya Botanic Society's Gardens on May 5 and (3, ha: been postponed to May 1-2 and l.'J. The weather in "West Herts. Tlu wMtlm past fortnight has been the general warmth of the nights, the exposed thermometer at no time indi Notes of the Week. A white Marechal Niel Hose. — Messrs. Pope and Siin.s, of Biiiniiiid.am, send us a flower of a white .Mar/idial Niel Rose. The flower as sent resembles the one wliich has been seen on several occasions at the Drill Hall. It is certainly not white, though much jialer than the type. The flower is of good size and form and \ery full. Crinum pedtmculatum.— In tin I'alm li..iise at Kew may now be seen several li.iii.|-..iii. -|ii> cies of Crinum in flower. Mo.st ..I iIm -p.. r.s are of large size, as in the case uf tl..- .ai'. al".\e 1 I'll III, which has a tine head of pure white flowers. I '. isiaticum (the Asiatic Poi-son Bulb) and C. inajniticum var. podophyllum, the latter from Uld Calabar, are also in flower. Fritillaria pallidiflora is a very beautiful species from Siberia, growing about 1.5 inches hij,di and iirodueing a drooping cluster of rather |.iI-.M.ll..«l.l.iss..„i-lli,.,tai.,.li..aiilifiiIlv..lM..|in.r..d • .iLillx. Til,. -..Iii..uli:il l,.rj..,,l|ilaliil.l.. l.-axts .J. 11. lally M.^.a.ins ..|ii.l l..... Il..\( ..nii;j, and .lis- tinct fiomniany of its race. Plants in pots are now flowering at Kew. Crinum yuccaeflorum. — Though introduced from Sierra Leone upwards of a century ago, this species does not appear to have been generally cultivated. The jierianth tube is curved and greenish, while the segments are creamy white, with bands of crimson on the reverse side, that at once render it effective as well as distinct. A jdant of this species was recently noted in the No. 7 range at Kew. Symphyandra Wanneri.— There is now flowering at Kew in tlit- alpini' house a fine batch of this beautiful plant. Si-arcely more than 8 inches above the pots ami somewhat pyramidal in outline, this is verj- effective when flowering freely. The plants in question are covered with flower-buds at every point, the blossoms, which are blue when exjianded, being of large size in proportion to the plant. Rhododendron Nuttalli.— I have a plant here with eight fulU-cxpanded flowers of a beau- tiful pale lemon cl.'.ni . I Ikh .. had it for fourteen j-earsand this is tl,.. lirM nin. 11 li 1- llnvrrrd. .-V friend of mv eiiipl. \ . r - li i.l 11 in ll.iw.i in Iruland 1803, from frost rather sliv ecti ■1... wrath..].. It is said to be 11.4. W. .Masterton, The Oar- ,1.,,.., <;rnj.,.„l,„'l ll.,,<. Cl„.hu;. Myosotis caespitosa Kechsteineri.— As a carpet for bare spaces on rockwork this has a \-alue of its own. At the present time the plant is flowering freely at Mr. Perrv's Hardv Plant Farm, Wiiu-hmon- Hill, and. ju'd-jiirj- l.v" its 10- inarkaM.. 1 .1 , .ti,-i. .1, ..f In..!-, will f..r a l.yv' tinn- Geum HeldreicI eirshade, arc produced in great profusion f o"- a ery long season. Being u,seful in a cut state, they are among the most valuable of border flowers 32(5 THE GARDEK [May ], 1897. at this season of tli.> y.nr. I>uil.' tally in Mai.li the plants were in l)lo..iii. ,'iii(l al llir |ir.-iiil I iiiii> they are Howering ill i 1m' 'ji cili'^t |iiotii>i.)n, Cyrtanthus parviflorus. Tlic Mvcral spi- cies of this interesting group of Amaryllidacea' have each the merit of distinctiveness, and the one noted above is certainly no less so than some of the hetter-known kinds. The colour of tin' in thii species is a reddish, almost oducec I'lirising, and the blooms, though not nun very striking and effective. the length of time these pla species, and in spring is very (ileasing on aceouiit of its beautifully marked foliage. To preserve this intact, however, protection from frost should be given. Myosotidium nobile.— Some very fine ex- amples of the giant Forget-me-not in a cut state came before the floral committee of the Roya Hnrticiiltnial Snriety on Tiirsday last. The siicriiiMii^ wiv fiiiiM Ml-. l'iA\y--l;ogers, Perran %\rll. Ciniwall, aii.l liail l"rii t a'krii from the open till- t ledges of rock or in small colonies where yit-uiy soil and sand abound. It is a pretty plant when growing freely and covered with its white blos- soms. Primula Munroi.— Anion - the fiv,. •Jlo\^inc■ and cfiually free-flowering iii.hiIhis nf tlii> la.n this is alw'ays interesting Imili in Inlia-jn am! m flower. The plant, while luxin lal iirj in a im-iiMin constantly cool, is by no riman^ paiiial in \m i ground; indeed, where it i~ i.lani.il in ilin|, loamy soil shade appears In Im i Im' 'Im t , --. ni lal to success. In -nlii.' ijalilrln \1 la I 1 1 1 il - i - | .la nl . i I in low, -1 -| nl - iIm [il.inl - il-h I iniat.., a- though Op|in-i i| In ll,nl-l inn. lail - I \ n n 1 1 H i 1 - I I 1 In and freedlaina.nn llm plant l- iputn a -nnn, <-, It a neat and pretty kind, and Morth a little re because of its free growth. Narcissus Dr. Laumouniri.— T!ii Alpine Auriculas in many diverse and pretty shades are now very >lin\\y in tlm nanlnn, ami in the rock garden wlmi, ,i .Innp -ml .■.m l.n unnii them these hardy m.,i- n.akn a nMl]\ vnml iln play. Even the Cnlllllinnnr ,-mts «|jni| tl nn|\ massed together are very pleasing, and as sueli things can be raised very freely from seed, there need be no scarcity of them in the garden. (Jioups of a dozen oi moie in the boidei at a few inches apait would pio\e welcome objects when in Howei a yeai hence. Wallflowers from Exeter — Messis Veitch.of light and waimaial sent consist of I'l i Dwaif \elIo«, l!.il RIokI Ktil th. hM the liest of all 1 \;iiimiv .iilim pn^itinm Hlmir little room is " ikniiiii, li\ ilain, Annilinr fmn-lluwering kind lil.lliln tnl' llll- Wnlk 1- I. 1 M H I I n. 1 1 1 11 S , aud theSB, It 1 1 I lin .mMh Inn nt 1 Im I. nlliH inis scction, maUs p a \ni\ piifU aiia\ nl ih\art 1 lises, that are ,,lli ,.||,';i|, ;nMi - I, a> unll a- nf easy cultuie ml \UilMln|tilll\ tl rnllnW nl inn. All tllOSC mCn- oned do imt irarh iimrc tluiii i) inches in height. Globe riowers (Trollius).^Mr. Prichard- 1 a beautiful gathering le noblest and best,. ,n- tlm i.lants whiollji poetico-bi at once n N. the Tinv. W. Wilks. T. asiaticus aurantiacuSj|_ Globe, T. Fortunei fl.-pl.|: . ith a purple disc which we thin* Primula Trailli.— A charming novelty bear- ing this name was exhibited on Tuesday last be- fore the floral committee of the Koyal Horticul- tural Surmtv bv Ml. <;. F. AVil-n„, Wnybiidge. ■{■|,n M„nllii/li n\li,l„tn,l «,,sakm,l Sinrlins high, itn lilac and a yellow eye. All tlir.e IS so far point to a variety of P. Muiiroi. foliage, however, we have quite a iifw set up, and in place of the smooth and 'ordate leaves of the last-named kind, ...^ leaves of P. Trailli are oblong - lanceolate, slio-htly toothed at the margin, and distinctty J nerved. The petiole is 1^ inches long and t&l leaf-blade of the same length, the latter parta'''"™' somewhat of the character of P. sikkimensis ( hiteola, more particularly the latter. In thnse kinds, liowevrr, no foot-stalk is appan p Tiailli i> a iiatiM nf the Sikkim Himalays „|,,.in II w.i,- ihnnM icil at an altitude of 14,f t,,,., .,n,i iml I,\ it> fiee-flowering propertu as well as its probai.le alhnity to P. Munroi, wiH| prove to be an easily-grown kind in British g^j dens. The plant in (luestion received an awr of merit on Tuesday last at the Prill Hall. Psychotiia jasiuinitioia Small plants o this Bia/ilian -iliiub ait iiou tioweiing in th( Palm house at Kew As may be gathered In tl c name, the flowers aie of snowy whitent^-. n when seen in good Mzed tiusses ^cl^ I nl ful The floweis aie jMiilmMl in , Mini panicles teiminall^ , and m t m i .mil ili of the Bouxaidia 01 I\oi 1 lln i \\ \ \vliil n of the blos-oraMs the most I . uitilnl . h n m.ii- tic A couise of tieatment similai to that gnei to I\oia IS best suited for these beautiful shrubs Border Auriculas. — I send you some flowei of MMlboL \iiiiciil,s iiised In m%s,lf On H,//n ,l/,i. the NVli.tel -W W lllM Co. Waltrjoid. *,* Veiy pietty and well giown, only lacking, as in all these Auiieulas, the self colours. The Narcissus Naiad — ' jne of Ml. Engleheait' lesult of ciossing N jioi cciuisition obtaiiud a tiist class reititic ite Tuesday last at the hands of the Naicissus co mittee Erythronium Smithi.— A veiy narly Public Gardens. Botanic Gardens. — The lie Shithcld Botanical and „tv l,,x, ilMidid to dissohe plant was noticed in vering hardy plants at when cut specimens nf I tnl some I I I lied nc 11 1 1 1 \ case J il to the le ; very prett-\ line and yel i| s IS the \a 1 1 1 Loloui I innih \aiie o«aids the coat, tin if the money. Improvements Waterlow Park — B it\ Councd, seveialiiott i\c just been earned mi _'ate. One of thtst hi 'benefit on the loi iht\ .sing of a nanow , diit bng from Swains L.in to thenoithof the nf meteiy. The land In paik and planted wil I they glow up, will con n uf "the cemetei} Names of plants - G Hull— i,OBcn\m ii=oui,e 3, plea'ie ser^ „, ;• /; Sii«»a"s — \ii. innn. -M. M Y—\, Jack iu tlie (^lecn (i vulgaris). J THE C3-JLI?,lDE3Sr. ro. 1329.— Vol. LI.] [MAY 8, 1897. Oinard and Fruit:— ..i>le Hiil>l>ar.rs IV-urmain. 320 .i>le I.onl Cn.sven.ir.. .. 3'2S ...los, t,-"'"l liiti-, :it Liver- leli' Turk 32!) |. liiit tiliiahillg 328 I It tr.L's >)y the roadside 32S I'll- :i!ni fruit trees in at Cirencester Pansv, Tufted, Hluo Gnwn . . Pansy, Tufted, Stophill (Jem Ranunculus aconitlfolius . . Reseda alba Root propagation Saxifraga aretioides primu- Haxifraga luteo-purpurca . . Spin«a.H, herlxiceous . . . . TlUips of Savoy Garden Flora : - Abutilon vitifoliiiiii . . . . Abvliloii ritifoUvm at Ar.l- Week's 'BTork : - Fruit houses, work in , . . . Kitchen garden, work in the Stove and Greenhouse: Begonia wcltoniensis . . , . Freesias (Ulmlmtiona in Italia CatUeya Schrtederaa . . Cattleya SchroBdene alba Coelogyne cristnta vnr. . . Cypripedium L'nuuiu . . CypripiMinii, M , I. I -,:,,! , Cypripr.!! :.M 1 l: II Dendroliii.' , \i Leptotes bicolor . . Miltonia vexUlaria r f)dontn{rlnssum R Pelart:"ii" pal-atn. Rhudoacu :i7 Trees and Shrubs :- , the double flower- Pyrus Malus floribvnida sanguinea Rhododendron arl)or Kitchen :- Broccoli Main-crop . . . . Celery trenches Peas .. .... Pe.as and Beans, depth of covering for Seed sowing on wet soils . . Tomatoes, yeUow Toniatoes, Early Ruby and 'The Dahlia" Societies :— Crystal Palace fruit show . . Gardeners' Orpba Fui 343 Notes of the Week: Andromeda spccio:*a c upaniana Aiithcmis ( Aubriutia W.'Marshall , Begonia peltata CamelIi;Ls outdoors in SiuToy Cydonia .Maulci .. .. .. ('vlisus .-cnparins prtecox .. K|.i|.liylluiii Ciertneri var. Litliospcnioini tinctorium.. Lychnis alpina Narcissus pocticus recurvus Narcissus Victoria Primula Forliesi Primula mollis Sanguinaria canadensis Silene chromodonta . . . . Stylophorum diphyllum . . Trillium grandiflorum ru- Tvilips, May, from Ireland . . Public Gardens:— Dorking, recreation ground for Miscellaneous:— Muscari paradoxun. .. .. Prunus Avium Weather in West Herts . . 343 OCHARD AND FRUIT GARDEN. .CHERRY ()RCH.\RD IN IRELAND. Lespeare's time there were almost as ly as good varieties as there are no , " Plant Lore of Shakespeare " (p. the tiiwiis of Bray and Wicklow ill - I lirautiful riirve of .sandy coast-line, tuiilui iiilaiiil IS ,1 fresh and fertile plain :tni,i| aiva li.-u-ki-il liy the Sugar Loaf and • iiiise and Heather - clad mountains. I i\v. like our own fair county of Kent, is M iitly called a garden county, and it most 1 IS su, some of the richest and most beauti- I'l [iinductive of gardens being found in its ii il yalleys and plains. I had lately been Ml; Mv. Alfred Pansons' " Notes in Japan," "11 speaking to a friend about the Cherry s" highly prized by the Japanese, he ►1 iiie if I had seen the wonderful old r\ iiehard at Killencarrig, a small village i mile from Greystones. This place is i ising and fashionable seaside resort 1 1 Wicklow and Bray Head, and on my 111- ignorance he kindly offered to show !"■ iiicliard, and on April 1.5 we went and 1 the Cherry trees in full flower. Walk- ■iM lireystones up the new road on the - state and over tlie golf links, now in \ with golden Furze, a foutpatli leads KiUencanig, and in the last field before ■ " ues the little village or hamlet is an old "1 castle, of which only the thick old ' wills remain. The ruin is open and the Ills fallen, but there is an old-world charm tile stout old shell, the grey walls of 1 in, clothed by luxuriant I\-y and but- 'Ihy its great gnarled and twisted .stems. • 111 tlie sheltering leafage dwell and roo.st H kiliws and owls, and below in the great I' iiittle shelter where human hospitality 'I iiiistrelsy were rife in bygone days. From iiesdge of this field the Cherry orchard »nfe into view like a white cloud of snowy In the foreground is a "tasselled Larch," with its dark trunk wind -warped and twisted, while further away to the riglit is the conical head of the great Sugar Loaf Mountain, dark and sombre against a cloudy April sky. The orchard is sheltered by Scotch Firs and other trees, the trunks of wliicli are dark, and so intensify the snowy whiteness of the Cherry blossom. Having got from a distance a series of charming peeps and views in the sunshine and shade, we crossed the road to get a closer sight of the trees. Turning up a lane or boreen beside " The Or- chard" Cottage, we soon came to the place, and, fortunately, came upon the owner (Mr. Doyle) working amongst his fruit trees in his trim gar- den, or rather series of gardens, for the various plots are sheltered and shaded by Box hedges nearly 5 feet high, and there are pleasant nooks and corners for fruit and flowers and bees all around. In one little garden is a veiy remark- able specimen of the "spreading Cypress," Avith a trunk about 8 feet in circumference and a low dense head not unlike a gigantic umbrella. Two or three other old Cypress trees of the usual erect habit also remain of what we were told was formerly a nursery garden, but the former pride of the place, viz., a very large and fine Stone Pine, had, unfortunately, been cut down by a former owner. A little streamlet trickles through the flower garden behind the house, and there is al.so a stone-headed well fed by a constant spring and garnished with Ivy outside and with Hart's-toiir;np Ferns within. Mr. Doyle (the propriet'ii) hmiiiL; a.sked us to see hisorchard, we acciiiii|iiiiiii d him further up the boreen and past tlie stulihs miil a little lodge, not in "a garden of ('uriiiiiln i s." but set at the vei-y gate of the tim st aiel mi.st remarkable orchard of Cherry trees 1 Imxe e\ei seen. It occupies a sloping and well-.sheltered plot of about 3 acres, and consists of about 200 trees, many of them very old and large. Walk- ing upon the petal-strewn grass, one actually looked up to a white and fleecy roof of flowers, for the branches meet overhead, and the blossoms are so dense on the twigs and branchlets, that only the gnarled black old trunks and main limbs can be seen. Nearly all the trees are very large and fine ones, but some are really gigantic as Cherry trees go. One we measured as being perhaps the finest bole was 10 feet 4 inches in girth at 2 feet to 3 feet above ground level. One tree we measured as an example of grafting had a twin- branched scion girthing 60 inches, set on the head of a stock barely 36 inches in circum- ference. One curious little side-light of natural his- tory was pointed out to us by the proprietor. Seeing a handful or two of Cherry stones beside one of the warted trunks, every stone neatly drilled so as to allow the kernel to be abstracted, we were informed that the little dormice col- lect and hide away these stones as part of their winter's store of food. These mice hybemate in holes or crevices of these old boles, and throw out the empty shells when they have done with them, like the veriest lords of creation. Apart from the size, the big dark trunks are so gnarled and knobby, and their great branches take such picturesque bends and curves, that any mere description must fall far short of theii' quaint and beautiful reality. Curiously enough, the largest and finest trees are only a few apart in a line, and, as Mr. Doyle told us, were really the remains of the old nursery row or line. Although so close together, shoulder to shoulder like men-at-arms, so to .say, yet these trees have defied the blasts of a century or more, and are ti 1-day as luxuriant and fruitful as ever. So much for fruit trees at 30 feet apart, I thought, us I looked at this close-set phalanx of veterans. < )f all my own experiences amongst fruit trees iind orchards at home or abroad, I never remem- huv to have seen so absolutely unique a scene. Around us rose the dark pillars of a temple covered in by a very roof of flower.s, and all around a fragrance and subtle stillness, the st good treatment ; this eau-. earlier stage. We think th' tjiini' is ownig to laek uf ail- and too much atiihi-|ilMMe muisture ,mm1 \\:\u\ nf sun-heat at acritieal hi-hh hi Many |..-.ilMir lirst crop of Figs in t III- '■ iii\ Inun iH-lritini.; to stop the new w I 1 \r.\\r seen early-foreed trees cast their fruits wliolesale just at the final swelling. In your favoured locality, with more sunshine, Figs may be grown with less stopjjing and more extension, but even in Guern- sey the weather of late has not been all one could wish. If you grow on the extension principle, you will find it more necessary to check atrd growths in dull weather than you would in m. fa\ourable seasons, as the full amount of prevents light reaching the fruit. As yourjtp are of a good size, they may be crowded; "IE by thinning more you will prevent loas^, crowded trees dry slowly and Fig leaves m i dry readily, having a rough surface. Thopi so many details in the culture that onij i scarcely go into them without more knowl9%« your trees. If you can supply further infca* tion, we will try and help you. Excess of fspd the way of liquid manure at the finish would k; a tendency to make the fruits decay. We h also seen strong food have the sanie effect « young trees full of vigour and kept too cl when the fruit is ripening.— Ed. ORCHARD HOUSES. DuRisfi the last twenty years or so a greatAu orchard houses have been erected, the ■* me being that those who go to the exp erecting them often grudge a few rows water piping, so as to be able to defy frost • the trees are in flower. Through lack of many a crop of Peaches and Nectarines has b spoilt, and the labour and attention of a wl season, so to speak, completely thrown away. would be diflicult to name a more useful struci than a roomy orchard house, as, independen the long succession of choice fruit it produce: may be made to do duty in many difierent w; such, for instance, as accommodating Chrysan mum plants, early salading and Potatoes in f I have known in' cases where many of the i . trees were grown in pots for these to be tin out and plunged in ashes till January or Fehru and the border space utilised for laying Broccoli and Parsley to save from destruc i from frost, and one acquaintance of mine in ■ north of England always grows excellent e ■ Marrow Peas in the large orchard house undei i chai-ge and exhibits them in .Tune. Of w • ever style of ImiM tin- lionse may be thei ) always amijle i|i|i"ituiiii\ fur ti.\ing shelves r to the roof gkiss i,,i I. uniting mi late batcht f pot Strawberries to pieeede those grown in ? open air. As to the best form of house, that ■ pends very much on the taste of the indivit . I have seen some of the finest fruit produced i lean-to of good height and width, having Plumf I Apricots trained on the back wall, and Pears, PI , Apples, and Cherries grown in the front bo r either in pots or planted out. When in pots n i care and labour are incurred with large establi 1 trees both in the matter of watering and rei ing them annually to the open air for harde ,' and resting— that is to say, if the room is wa I for the above-named purposes, otherwise they v be left in the house all the winter, adniittin I the air possible both by night and day. The > no doubt, however, that such excitable thin; 6^ Pears, Plums and Cherries are always best subjected to open-air treatment during w Perhaps the finest Apples and Pears gro' orchard houses are from cordons, but, so falB.- quantity and general profit are concerned, e bush or pyramid form is most satisfactory, n houses of large size the trees ought to be div a into two sections, the earliest fruiting kindsjj ing planted atone end, so that as soon as tbfijJ is gathered special treatment can be given,! all orchard houses should by rights have pbiil roofs, so that in autumn the trees can be 1| exposed to the elements. Perhaps the certainly most convenient, way is, when thet are planted out, to take out holes in the natjj border sufficient to give the trees room for, J< three years, and to fill in with fresh compostii- creasing the size and adding more fresh soil as 1 1 tree requires it ; rank growth is then discourai'- Where, however, the subsoil is such that conije at the bottom of the border is necessary, thisj'- tem cannot of course be practised. The Qu,« stock for Pears and Paradise for Ajjples ar(ji^ best in orchard house culture, as by the usg these the trees are kept within bounds. J- I May S, 1S97.] THE CxARDEN. 3i9 ORCHARD B?:AUTV. ivo great pleasure in publishing an en- Hviiig of a beautiful picture of an English hard by Mr. Mark Fisher, one of the fUtest painters of English landscapes of our It is not taken in one of our great ;hard counties like Kent or Devon, but jir one of the commons of Surrey, where tp orchard is often more picturesque than fitable. Orchards in such a country are fir to see in good years. "We have so often 8)ken of the great beauty of a good orchard even one kind of tree, that there is less d to enlarge upon it now, and Mr. Bur- l ge, writing lately to us, tells us of an iieresting Irish orchard. Unhappily, this butiful aspect of an orchard i« tnn rare in A deplorable ai^pect of the (pieition, how ever, is the scarcity of orchird^ In Iicland, as well as in Englan 1, one mxy ^o to dozens of places without seeing my itttmpt at an orchard, in places even ^Mth feitde land and in beautiful situations, ind Avith perhip=! a score of hothouses and much ex] endive, il ephemeral, gardening or p rhaps i feeble :Ut"iiipt is niadi t f i ii ii 1 1 \ 1 i fjr Apples 1 art Pearson s Pippin, and s— 'V D Pre Park — 11 and I rideed 1 II V St t fruits I luttti M wue I Llll and quite free , hne and shov Orchard TO Surrey, Engraved for The Garden /i-07» a %.icture by Mr. Mark Fisher. ■I liouutry, and too confined to certain dis- w^s where the soil is very good for the Clrry, such as that at Sittingbourne and ol r parts of Kent: — !sterday Mr. Cathcart and I went to see the Wi lerful Cherry orchard at Killencarrig, near '•1 stones, Wicklow. It is a slope of three acres or , well sheltered, on red loam full of stones, res ng on a hard pan or bottom. About 200 trees Mill full flower, like a great lace veil overhead, KB orted on great black and gnarled old trunks, on ve measured being 10 feet 4 inches in girth. So i of the finest trees are only 5 feet or G feet »p t. being remains of an old nursery row— so mill for wide planting. They are on the site of " || nursery garden, and are said to have been "illy brought home from Buenos Ayres by a ; '] till! family, who went out there many years ■^ j The tradition is that he brought home the i;u'iigs or buds in a box of wet sand. To see thiknowy-blossomed orchard, backed by Scotch kind of tree, although among our fruit trees there are so many that would help to make an orchard not only profitable and "useful, but also the most beautiful thing that could be made by man. Apple Hubbard's Pearmain.— This is one of the small, pretty and pleasant-eating late- keeping varieties that is now seldom seen because the fruits are small. It is odd that these small fruiters, many of which have such exceedingly good fla\'our, should not be much more largely grown. The craze for size in fruits, however, seems to have driven many A'arieties formerly in great de- mand quite out of cultivation. HiililiiitTl's Prar main is of barrel shape and mofl. r;ii.l\ >in:ill The flesh is yellowish and firm, ami Ui> |.- Im-U in a cool place quite late. At Dropnuiir, » In r.- 1 recently saw and tasted it, the variety is much favoured for dessert, keeping well until April. Only because it is so small has it been so far kept variety must be produced. Some of the varieties were old and not often seen. It was noted some of these were quite flitferent from fruits grown in the south. Mr. Tallack appears to have a good soil, and is, I believe, giving some recent intro- ductions a trial. They should in time give a good return and we may expect to see some fine fruits, as those exhibited jirove what the district can produce. — G. Wythes. GARDENS AND FRUIT TREES IN CENTRAL ASIA. Having lately come across ;i eopy uf "Through Central Asia," bv Heiirv Laiisd.-li, D.l). (.Samp- son Low nnrl Co.. ].„wh,u<. «l,u,„ I nut when he vi-ll>.l llulilm :, t>u v>;i,- :r,... I x> , , - J.rplyin- ni.-i..,! HI 1m- ^1hi,i, 1„i, .^,,,|,in, ,„,i.- l„Te and tii.T.- llii..,P^l„,„i il„. n,,Imi,h' ,m, ,_.;,, -.I,.,,- and the gaixlen |)rouilt a settlement near, of about fifty whitew i^li' il houses of unbaked bricks, where are a jm-t :iimI telegraph othce, and a nursery garden plinlrd in 1869 for the purpose of showing the i.niiN-- how to develop the horticultural capalnlii h - of the country. General Kolpakowsky (Tiiliiu Kolpakowskiana), we heard, took an intLicst in this experiment, and on our return jourriey we inspected the nursery. It was watered by irriga- tion, and in the season furnished occupation for from thirty to fifty men. The Vines were trained in bowers, of which there were many and loii'j-. l)iit the cheapness of fruit may be gathered finm tlir fact that a Sart paid only £18 for all the sci-cm > Grapes. The number and variety of llu- yinirj trees and shrubs were very considnaM.. mkI m eluded Pears, Apples, Walnuts, Pe nli.^ and m la i fruit trees, besides large numlx a tree murli \aluril for its ( 1. ilrn-i> -liailc, while it> Iniiiks y,-],\ p(,>l^^ and mlai iimli-i- much valiad tni' rarx in'^\ 'I'lir lianl lilnlica nt this tree is, when wll s.'asonrd, Inn- -.laluniij and much esteemed ; some of it was also gruwinj in the form of well-cut hedges. Other trees w.n ila thorny Acacia, and amongst Poplars, a silv. i \ -|i,' cies with a lio-ht oreen. smootli bark. I nuihrd also Rasi.li.aiv .'ann.. Artmla.k.^s. ('aLLajn-. Cauliaow..,^.('nnnn,l.M^fnn, -|,an~lnn:,and K..l,l Rabi. TIh' pn.lnn^ , .f lln-. nui^rrv aiv nn.nl, thought of, Ula I al.' .Inlillail,.! a-lal a^ K.i|.al. On the way to Knlil|a,at a -laimn nalli-.l (Inin chakhodzi we fnnn.l n -nnaliJ m an .■■a'-llint garden with nuuib. i - mI >t am Ian I I'.a.li 1 1 n. - an' I a bower of Vines, i la' i :ni| .^ - -n w hali \\ > in |n-i beginning to colon r iS.|anniliii a Api a'Mi - i i|.nn at Kuldja in the Im.j mnurj ..t .lnl\.ani| ^^n^^,l, therefore too late I. a- ilaan, Iml nl lain I'lanla-^ that begin to ripm naily m August we name in for the la^l, Hat in fni hi. about I4 inches in dia- meter and half an null in thickness. They tasted fairly well, 1 ait tlinin was lint littleflesh on the stone. This was the Hat Peach of China, no doubt. Most of the Kuldja fruits, including the Pomegranate, Apples, Pears and Mulberries, besides those 1 have mentioned, are small, since the trees, through neglect, may be said to be almost a\ ilil. "As we approached Vierny, we overtonk nian\ cartloads of Melons, and the number of .Mnkm^ we saw in the market was siirprisiny. M. \cai Ghern gave us a Water Mnlm, Im ila-„ii a- bi- as the largest of English I'Mlnpkin-. anil lie said they were sometimes seen .'Hi Hi-, in \mijIiI. I'lmy have also here a smooth M-I..n laisnd fi,,in Kuldja seed. Melons and Walm .\M,ai~ an —M at lis. per 100, and can be kn|. I |,a n-n ii|, 1,, Tin i-i luas. In themarketwealsnlnai-ln t ,1.1 i.n>, and, >t ill better, small but luscious Nectarines, the latter at about sixpence a dozen. In 1881 an abundance of vege- tables was grown in the prison garden at Vierny, such as Cabbages and Potatoes, Carrots, Fennel, Parsley, (Jarlic, Cucumbers, and Melons of different kinds. "At Bokhara, gardens seem plentiful, and near the Bek's house was a sj-lendid one, with a jjool 1 la \ had all kinds of fruits except Lemons, Oranges, and' Hates. They grow good Peas, but do not eat ilirni Ljreen. They use Willow bark for tanning, aiid their chief cures are effected with medicinal plants. Good land in the Zaralshan valley near to Bokhara is valued at £1 to £3 per acre, and the enclosed farmhouses have good gardens enclosed nnd levelled into terraces to facilitate irrigation. Till- film crops are Melons, Jaguar, Bearded W laat, and Cotton." Our author, like Captain r.ninalivand others, has much to sav as to the nnantitV and snimHor nualitv of the Melons as \\ iM- •ampant, and 011 Inn tla ^^all- nt the fortress of Manak was Innl .janhn. \i 1 til Rose bushes, Peach and HI 1 1 nn>, and -tandard Vines. They told niakn of Grapes an intoxicating drink zaip, but that it keeps only about six n I, .inks of the Amu and elsewhere the ed colours of the Tamarisk were seen, inual plants" are mentioned ; but, alas ! is said of the Tulips, Irises, and other his special allusions to gardens and fruit trees he met with during his journey. F. W. BURBIDOE. ^k.adr streams from the Zarafsban. I was nnn li struck by the enormous size of the Apiaoi trees, standing like avenues of old English I'nai trees, from 30 feet to 40 feet high, while in cu cumference the first measured was 3 feet 10 inches, and the next 5 feet 3 inches, the latter being about forty years old. The Vines in the Bek's garden were in some rasns allmvnil to trail, and in others were ti mad to f.am colonnades under which one nmjlii walk. In Bokhara are cultivated at least tlniin-n .liilri.in kinds, and of these I tasted s-m ml \ -mall round greenish variety .allnj Ki-him-li \\a- thought much of, buttlmi. wv lai-i 1 km '-. ila berries of which mcasiimil tnaii an iiah to U inches in length. The mode of cultivation, however, was to me more curious than their flavour. Towards the close of summer the bunches look fully d. GRAPE THINKING. ;arden where Vines are extensively pi -thinning will now be demanding It loll, especially in mid-season and In many instances the Grape, us are now ripe, while in second •s tiny have arrived at that stage Icsuaiiln to give the bunches a final 'riiiiiiiiiiL; ill this case must be skil In this case it often happens that eiiioval of one or two berries will afford the remainder ample space, but when this is not .so a few more must be iii]ipeil nut. but be careful not to sp.nl the syinninti y of tlm Ini With regard to llm ilmiinii- .if llian.'s m have just set, niii.-li will .K'p.'ii.l .ni tin' \an. as to when it slioul.l be peif.uiun.l, but .1 ]U' safe rule to foll..\v is t.. thin Ilaiiibmgli, cante and all fivu-sittiiin kinds .as s.i.in as berries are set aii.l b.-iii t.. swnll. Tim tliiiii sw.U .|iiicklyand leave the 11.1. Aii.>tlier matter con- tliniiiiiit,' is to pay due re- .tnristics of each vainly as lierry of kind whin ii[i. . ill cases serve as a uni.l.' m ecay ifter thej pe. It mid «-ell-nigh tely sur- in.liin^- It from b.a'..mnin n.uitainin.atnd. If II tliinn.'.l,.. ba.l lanry is 11. ,t ..iil\ .luicklyde- :ted, but the p.issibility of decay setting 'in i.^ a great measure i-endered less likely to occur, provided all other conditions are right. Thinning is best done in the inoriiint and evening of fine days, but where the vineries are large, thinning has to go on re gardless of the weather. This is very tryinj to those engaged in its performance during hot weather, but a shade thrown on the roc over the Vine where the thinning is being doni will aflbrd a great amount of relief. As is 6( Will kii.iwii, ;j;reat care must be exercised no .inly in tlin iiiani|)ulation of the scissors, hu als.i t.> sen that the berries are neithe t..ii.linil by the hands or arms, nor rubbei with the hair of- the head, other ' 111. I. nil will be affected and rusting of Ihil liiiius will ensue. The first preliminaiy thinning after the bunches have been duced to the proper number on each rod is t| tie or suspend the shoulders of such varieties a Muscats, Trebbiann, Alicante, Alnwick ling, or aiiv otliuis which require it, and thisi best d.iii.' \Mtli strijis of rafiia. The "" should not I in twist id into fine strands, used nearly Hat as it is sold, and then when th" bunches are cut there will be no difficulty in rt ' moving the ties. Once the shouldering is don. the tliiniiing may be proceeded with. Tv, f.irk at th.' mi. I t.i maiiipul.atn the Ijuiich wit) also to facilitate the tlunuing. The inni berries should be cut out first, then thin tho) on the outside of the bunch, regulating the j and leaving them at a medium or wide distan. apart according to variety. Be careful not twist the footstalk of the bunch more than a be helped, and also do not thin too freely, as , is always better to leave a few extra berries the bunches than to do this. Most Grape growe give the bunches another look over after tl berries have stoned, which is a very comnien able practice, as not only can surplus berri then be removed, but in the case of Muscal any seedless ones left either by accident design can then be cut out. After this nothii more will lie rni|iiiiv.l until the (irapesapproa ' iiiatiinty, wlimi it may tlmii be reijuisite j reiiiove a few" lull us f. .r tin- reasons given ' the conimencemeiit of this note. A. W- s.'Mivly ll.aii IS maassaiy 111 the case of Black liniiins .!.> 11. it swnli l.iMinli a large size. Again, severe thiiuiing should always be practised in the case of late-keeping Grapes. If not well thinned out and one berry should commence to Peach forcing'. — I have strictlv foUou id t kindly .jiven advice by " G. W. S." on page 1 as t.i th.- t.'inperature, and up to this time th( seeiiis til b.' no fault. The fruits have set w ami am now the size of Hazel Nuts. I am unci; tain as to why some fruits of Hale's Early are far 1)1 a.l\aia-n of the others. .\- 111.- stoni p..in,.l -h. ally will be reached. I am anxi.ais know it .Im nn^- the stoning it be a.l\ isalili- (1 1 syrin.^-.- ila im- .n mit, and (2) if 1 can sl.| the boil-. « il li -nil li. at, as I do now. 1 1 a night 1. nip. 1, of ."i.'V to 00° Fahr. If it I sniinv. 1 -hill ih. X. -lit ilators with about 70' -Mm'..- ill.- 11.-.- h.aMlv with warm water. hi,. I I tl,.- -nil h. al al ah. ml TO" I am obliged ! -hill ih.- x.niilai.ii- al ah.mt li o'clock, and hi an I lai.-i ih., I - 1 1 1 p. la I .m- will rise to abc||i 7:, .,1 SO', lint tli.nih.- teinpierature falls r ami at ah.. Ill il..VI...-k is from 00° to 65°. .Ill III.- sam.- .Inrim^- the stoning period?r-l Grafting Vi rv there ■I: 11 MadrestieldCoul which do not do well. They seem to have weak a growth. As I should not like to disci this Grape, I anxious to know if it i Mat 8, 1897 THE GARDEN. 331 siiccfocl well i;raftuil u|i..n named varictifs, uiid win. li iConi )l.iy liistod from the luiddlo of M.iy till July, at vhich time it Wfis in its full beauty, but blooms vcre produced till quite lato in the season. l-H.foiv Liiviivi,' th,> frw cMiltur.d d.t.iils Mr, Chambers, yellow ground, margined reddish pink, is veiy fine, while Uriah Pike, dark crim- son, is considered niuch superior to the old ilh. Ido not care to ti \ ii pji m, .i- I lu \ . mI ,~ii \ .-,1 I I ayouufjcane plmlr.l mihurjM oM .mr- n, \. i ^^ jget well ahead, ihoujii ih.-.' \.inii.j imh,- h.-i Igot plenty of fresh s.iil ariniM(i them. Would jSlack Hamburgh or Foster's White Seedli Ido grafted uijon a iladrestield Court?— K. Flower Garden. CARNATIONS AT CIRENCESTER IK )l boRDER Carnations are greatly appreci.itr. Lord and Lady Bathurst, and are to be sei heir best in the -.irdeiis at Cirencester Il( Ciiiiatinns he gmws .so si Mini'. |)ure white, has done u I -mi.. iM ral seasons, and this vei\ In. iImw, xiii.ly will not be hnrri.'dlv .iV. n J. .1, I,, Nipl.Jtos Mr. Arnold ,.,i>si,|,.r. 1,,. has f, lis su|ierior, and of llu.s ]\r nii.ahl-, ^rii a lar^e number of plants in 1 lir tuliiir. Frank Watts is a very hue »liiir. and W Milner is pure and good. Salisl.ni\, (U.ni Nancy, and tlie like are liabli> lo Imist calyces badly, and have been whnlly su|irrs by the white sorts named. Alice Ayres, w siii|ii;.l crimson, is de.scribed as a "i;...!.! I...nlcr v.uKty," and Fair Ro.samond, v .|..;,.l ■cd account of their freedom of lluwering. Mr. Arnold is a believer in the value of I strong young plants for ])roducing the finest 111 the kllrlnl, ululv laycnii- , Hillaaii .lislr^nriM- tile be a nil.' ,nv .l.li, ;,!.■ m .■..iisi n nta .n. I.ui in .Mis. i«iof the freedom of flowerini,' ..f th,' liii.li.ss Aialivx Canipli.H u.. h.-n.. a .l.'.a.lc.l a. Ivan,.'. < Fife is conveyed by the acc..mpaii\ nrj illns ami M, , \ i ii..|.| m i.arjK ■,. n, n.K n f.aili.' < tion, the photograph, as it happ. ns, ..mK l„,i.l.rs is P, m- Reseda alba.— Under this appellation is known the giant white and comparatively scent- less Mignonette, which is fre- (|uently exhiliited. Whilst de- void of that common element of tlie family, sweet perfume, yet do the long white spikes of tl.iweis, borne so freely on stout tlrsliy stems, make most useful anil pleasing material for vase dc.'oiati.iii. Portions cut low .l.nvn will not only keep flesh for fully tin,-,- weeks, but pnsitivelygiow in water if kept in a fairly cool room. I have found the stems to be very ab- sorbent of water, and in one ease pieces which having drunk up the water had flagged down were as fresh as ever within an hour after water was added, though they had been cut over a week. — A. D. Anemone Robinsoniana. — Respecting the colour of this lovely dower of spring, " M. C. D." (jiage 807) remarks, " It certainly has no \estiife as fully e.xp. I lile.ans succeeds fairly somewhat small. Qu( M-ll. Terra-cotU is i lade of colour, and Agnes 11, autli.ii, ;,,Mrial.i, l.\ ll,. la "thy pui... pal. .u'nil. an 1 of faceot lis p.lal- ■- alhal. «n guishm,,.ha,a.„ „-,,.. . les IUrdk.n Ihcculuur isgULai 332 THE GARDEI^. [Mats, 1897. of sky-blue," and, referring as it undoubtedly does to the expanded flowers, does not appear to differ materially from the opinions given above, or, indeed, from a lovely group of 100 or more blossoms that suggested the note referred to above. — E. J. Birds and flower buds.— It is strange how biiiU will siMiietimes, for no apparent reason, .,lt-i,k .1 II' < iliiit they have hitherto allowed to niiiaiii iinin.irnjus almuJid thf .l.ipaiM .-c Viburnum pHeatiini lia> Mill.i.'d •j'iv:ill>- tMnn their attacks. Alunit tin' '-iid nt .hunuii y I Ih',\ . in a few days, dcstiuyud all the pi-oiiiini'iit buds, so that we shall have ^■ery few flowers this year. I counted as many as twenty sparrows on a bush, all busy, and the ground liene.ath was strewed with fragments of the buds. Strange to say the birds had never interfered with this \Tliurnum before. Year after year, however, they play sad havoc with one beautiful little flowering shrub, Deutzia gracilis, which seems more liable than anything else to the attacks of the sparrow. They do not interfere with the i)lants as long as they are dormant, but directly the buds burst tlii-v an- pulled all to pieces, unles= extra pi icaiitiuns an- taken to prevent it.— T. Herbaceous Spiraeas.- It is, I fear, almost ccilain thai S|.iia'a japonica and S. astilboides are hardly liUil\ 1 1 . 1 .r seen at their best this year, 'riic iiiiM. d inipi was responsible for early ^nuwili. and I lii^ «a- -r\, rely crippled bv the earlv .\|iiil ,nnna-a is perha,,s not often establ,te as to the annual increase in streii-tli and the wonder- fully free-flowering qualities of poeticus, Mr. Barr tells me there is no other Daffodil that will flower from bulbs of so small a size.— E. Burrell. fro,-,t. S. outside, 1 nishing a indoor \i\: like Arm I fectly ha season ai !"-' .■ l( ll ihe benefit of the Mikiii'j remarkably well. ili\ -uil, it is hardly advisable to tlie orilinary herbaceous border vation can lie made and a ' two parts good holding loam to ne can be substituted, also the faciUty to mulch heavily. Tli.v <^n.n b.st on the borders of a stream, but, fa i 1 i 1 1 '^ 1 1 1' a 1 > 1 1 them such a site, a Iow-Imhj in.n-t |.ait of the garden may be chosen. able to plant liy tla- iiiai see them in iIm- l.r-i ail fully dev.-|o|,.d alni i-.ta through til'' s.a^un. aildi are found in the flower-i- flower are altogether larger and Iiim i. I'li' \ make admirable companions to Trii"iit i- m \ i riety, also Bamboos .'.nd the strun'j. i -ji"" nrj Ferns, esp'-aalh u.„HHMla , , ",ali~. All <]<.■^.. ( ''i I a mly I h,'i ,' i- han 1 1\ aii"il„-i ^e'winimmii^'l'i'lliv'ii^anti'' \\'ar'h l'.'" fection, ami in furiii fn.iii the eluyant e\ el.ainin.'ii- to the largest blooms of Telamonius plenus. I saw Weardale Perfection for the first time on April 12, and reckon it well merits its name, be- ing as near perfection as one could possibly con- ceive. Another bicolor, Mme. Plemp, is a very taking flower, the golden trupipet showing off the pure white perianth to the best advantage. In another section three perfect flowers are Mrs. Eu^ler a= UUl." provision for a si tween the end i Camellias and 11 ■i sable d strong bushes are escaped frost iwer. I suppose to mark anything specially good, ill, i.h .1 alike of saving a bit of seed and incr iii'j the same by division if this is deemed a'' able. Als., il iliax b,' remembered that the: of the plain- 1- a -iilij,', t fur selection : a dwarf ( tall strain. "I ,i Naii,i\ ,'.,mbining quality of flow with very ,li-i in, i t,'lia'j.', may be worth saving. SeeI)].'i\..-, >. ' illni'j- lit liardv and half-hardij plants, as .\iii ii i Innuni-. 1', nl -t.nii.ns. Margueriti| Carnatinii-. r,,|,|,i,'-. \''., -,.wn ,arly fur the pre! sent seasun',s di.splay and priuked out into franieaj have not as yet made much headway, the n having been very cold. If the soil is inclin cake, it is a good plan to loosen it a bit wit pointed label. Early closing to get the benefit w.iinith tii'in the sun and a slight 1,11 iiiiM , I.I \ - an -a great encourage li\ ilie ,1. alien of a genial growii also, it th'_' weather is likely to be cold at nigh early co\ering is advisable. To call plants hard^ ard then recommend treatment of this kind i sound strange, but the fact is, when seed of sucf plants is not sown until the beginning of the yei' there is not much time to spare, and the soon, they are grown into nice little stuff the bette- cooler treatment can follow for a short time unt thi'V are plant, '.I "iit-i,le. Take the case of Per -I'll 'jl"'.,iiii"i,l, -. undoubtedly one of the bt lliiii'j^xx'' ha, I k,-i M'lir; quick growth is uhs Inteh e.--,iiiial 1,1 , ii-iire an early display, nr t beds'v^ill perhaps lie bare of flower at a time wh this is most required. Sprtno flowers.- a brief notice of the real gnnd sprin-.'- flowers other than Daftbdils ui T'lihaiithiis,'- in full beauty during the week en ni'j .\|,iil 17 may not be out of place, seeing^tli th, ,1,1111111,1 f',1 them is steadily increasing. Th lav,' ,',-111,' iin-'an-ied. exrept "it may be a slig „.',w I, in-i'ii -.'111, "'ttb,' petal-, through 12»offr. 111,1 a hail-n.iin -t ,'x.', pi i, ,iial severity. Th. hanhii,-- i-.l liir.'h'ie. b. ' v. , ml question. Aubriei I., 1. Ill Inn an. I A. Eire King are absolutely perff ai I" t plants, flowering quite as freely as the ( will kn,,wn -.at. and both in their way perfect '.,l,,in. (■Iniiiiodoxa Tmolusi, a late-floweri i;l,,i\ of the Snow, and even to my thinki nioi.' beautiful than C. Lucilia;, I can thorougl I, ,',iinijiend to the notice of those looking for t b, -t early flowers for naturalising in pleasi -n.iinds. Yet another plant at its best, of wh' th. above remarks are equally true, is AneuK I, Ian, la Cypriana. I should think it would hi .haiiinn.y little thing for naturali.sing in wo. lanil^. Mii-eari conieum is a stilhi. tar ni. t'liiiial lloNi. r than either of the pi " ,',liii'j-. but II. n^. ma-.-, - uf blue are required a Iheie is nothing to surpass or in The flowers stand remarkably well colour riglit away to the end. Bethlehem (Ornithogalum nutans w.ed. irrnwinrr tnivwhern ; it eanno the frost lOtS. 1 of Poh ll the wi getting 1 already sown it .- a little shade is are above groi naturally shade leed .- ind re The ml toi il-.-aililU'SS I mena ami F. aurea , a g:enus that niiinb' rieties more novel tl ■ lined, however, are v '■. a-tliev do. a sj.Ienl •lilin'j- .;f velL.w tlow ibt.'.llylii I Mat 8, 1897.J THE GATJDEX. 333 pivrtifiihir vaiicty seems to be the tinu upstaii ing llowiTs ; tlieie is a tendency to droop in son )f the otlicrs, which is rather against them. CInnimwI. E. BuKUKi.i.. A BULB FARM IN IRELANI Thk saiiilv promoiitorv about liftecn mi: I «lM I- pi \ .l\ lue, tlie lJIu^^(]lll^ biiiij^' caiiiuil on slioit, stout .nt>(alks, anil also veiy lively produced.— D. B.C. Ranunculus aconitifolius. In ipiite moist ituated ,1 be of ,ans of sprays ■I'liiled for. class growi iihIv. remmihng one of that in Holland where IV, > I roots are grown, though it is not so dark I . nl.Hir, very litUe manure except seaweed hav- j liri'n formerly emploj'ed. I It \vind and sunshine tliiie is abinnlanri'. anil. iiiiiMisIy enough, this small ar.a is ivma i ka Mr a - a\iii^' a very low rainfall. 'I'lii' want .i| lain, .iM'Ver, is amply compensated for liy tin- -iili-i.il ini^t are, water standing at a few inela^ In low iir sni-face during the late autumn ami wmii i a-on. One drawback to the dry and w nal iiipt surface so frequent here is that the sand is lr« n al)out in large quantities, and to counteract - or damage from this cause, a surface croj) of lallow-rooting weeds is rather encouraged than iiio\ed, and it has been suggested that small low iin^ grasses sown when root oinp^ are planlod null! prove an advantage in pn\i ninoj malai' nta. levaporation or radiation, and .lUo i la^lnii 1^ of the surface sand. The earliest and lieslot new lators brought to the Dublin markets are and 11^ have been grown here, and two or three ai- ago Mr. James Robertson entertained an lea that many bulbous flower roofs mioln aKo 3 grown in this light, warm, and ino-: -od. few small plots were taken, and iho i. ~uli^, though not at first very brilliant, ^\.lo ainph ifficient to lead to other additional jjlots of lani yng secured. The bulbs at present groui iere for experimental purposes are Narcissi of any kinds, early and late Tulips, both s)ieo 111 Dutch varieties, ll\;ooiili-, i.iadioh, a oirusrs. Anemones, Iii- i . . il i oil ihU, in addition to SpM ; j ■ . no a irion-.--t the ino,-i satisfactory of" all the X; "1 "oio lioi.d :s\ obvallaris, N. maximus "1 X. Siil|ilini riio nix or Codlins and Cream, 111 sonic ul the white-flowered varieties that I not as a general rule prove satisfactory Ltrowth or bloom on most soils. Here, how- ■1. the bulbs are healthy and increase fairly II. and the bloom is also above the usual iiii'-'o. So far the bulbs have been grown ai "'■lies to 12 inches apart, and are planiid ai 111 lies to 6 inches in depth, their roots o o » 11 into the moist stratum 10 inches or 12 nieiies iiioie below. It is yet too soon to attempt nny accurate itisties as to bulb culture in Ireland, Imt .so ■IS an unbiased observer can judoo, il,o "^ting experiments and the in-trnoiivi oL ' li-sons afforded by Mr. Rubrii-oii> , nii i ■ are likely to prove successful in om n wai ■'1 Fuller told us lon<. a-.., that oui -^-lll„ o, ket gardenin- had crept on, ot Ib.llind i, ftidwieh and elsewhere in Kcni. and Iin iho uetoken it ajipears as if buUi cailtinv Ma- .iKo J-'ading amongst us not only in England, but Ireland as well. F. W. Burbidue. wh. Tufted Pansy Blue Gown.— Plants of this * I'ty. and which were cut back last autumn, i.viucal of what a Tufted Pansy should be. Saxifraga aretioides primulina. — The ypieal species S. aretioides, though interesting, is isin-nificant when compared with the above- aim d plant, which merits association with such - S, l;ii\di and the like. The above, as may be it- 1 n d l.\ If- varietal name, has vellow blossoms ■no. K a- lar-c as fl,o-c of (Im nillicr earlier OUI nil- S. r.oMli, while il i- -oincwlial inoic spikes ot blossom of a clear eaiuiry yello\> , ili.it produces a most pleasing eflect. " The ilow.i- too, are usually three or four in a cluster, and .a- these continue to open day by day the plant is atlractive for some time. "When well grown the inti lakes a perfect mound-like form, while the niini.afure rosettes individually resemble those of S, diapensoides. The last-n.amed, however, h, ^^ liiic llowcrs. and, like S. si ]iiarrosa, is extremely slow ijioxi iiiij' ;,iid \iaydcii>c. At the same time till 11 111 tic tnfis arc mil dilliiailf to grow if slo incrca-c. till- Latter always l.rst performed after lliAM iin- l.y Miy ca rrfnl di vi-ion. In this matter ^ii.\ lirni |iottiii'j- is an ali-oliite necessity. If -ird- lit tlie,-.c clioice plants were carefully pre SCI \ eel, a stock may be more quickly obtained. -s of THE TUFTED PANSY AS AN EXHIBITION FLOWER. The remarks of E. Jenkins in a recent issue under the above heading were particularly interesting to me. For some time past the need of a chanur in the system of exhibiting the Tufted Paii-\" In- been very apparent to those who have ■ lo-.K identified themselves with growinrj- and cxIhIhi ingit. Whilst gcnriallN .aj i irnnj- w it 1, wlrai Ira- been stated regard laj l In -; .i , la I |iirraiil mn- nr cessary to keep till ]',,■,■,[- ii.-l, wlim m ,a mi state, it isabsoluti 1\ Miir--aix il,ai -till fiiitlin- pain- be taken in setting up the spravs of blos- -oni- if they are to be kept in a fresh condition on .1 lioi 'lay, and often in a very stuffy tent. The system which now prevails is to bind alternately with the fine binding wire ordinary worsti-d or Berlin wool. By adopting this method with each flower and again when making up the spiays, which by the way are generally made up of six or nine liloonis with their own foliage, the water III till -mall metal tubes is conducted up the foot- -iilk ot 'aili flower, and by these means the III 11- an- kept fresh for one'day at least dnrinL' ^^,alm w.atli.i-. Because exhibitoi- will m.i I'lkr llii- lionlile to see the tubes air , -I.anlh lill'i.l Willi water, exhibits arc often aii\ I liiirj l,ui (ilcasant to look upon. An oe.a-ion.d drw inj with water also materially ,i--i-t- lo nnki i|,r flowers presentable for a lo'ii'j time. Until,, ,,,, sent system of exhibiting misses till- mark. It i- quite true that size, even in this modest little flower, has become one of the most essential points when staged in the manner before described. result 11! Ili.i-,' iif Ihr 111 -I kind- linirj n lallini, and euii-'|.|mi,i K moir l.nijiK n-nl ddn- nr\v Classsl I'llii linoliK w, l,nn,nl li\ all lilt, 1, -led In Slip,, I, I ,,| wl.al'was .stated of thai llll.- old ,V'■II'|^^ \,iiiri\ I ndlion, it certainly is one of the ^m,\ lailii -I 111 1 1,, -pring, as well as one of the 111' 'I in ill,' aiiiiimn to flower, and I lately saw I liiicli uf aljuut a thousand plants one sheet ot M How, all from cuttings put in last October. 1 111 \e always found Ardwell Gem quite two or time weeks later. Regarding the suggestion for raising new varieties partaking of a habit making them useful for carpeting work, combining with that quality that also of a tendency to flower freely, there are several Aery beautiful sorts which are now being distributed for the first time, and tliese with many other seedlings of last year promise well for the future. 1). B. Cuani;. THE TULIPS OF SAVOY. Some time ago, whilst staying in the little Savoyard village of Ayme (tlie Axima of the Romans), in Tarentaise, Savoy, I knocked at the door of a local notary, who was also a botanist as mcdest as learned, and for whom I had a letter of introduction. In the midst of a real museum of natural history I found my veiier.-ibh' confrev(M,er„pie.• dinni, ..r timn !„■ coming un clem.-iit, on,- ..f th.. „,osi brilliant in sprnig tiora, " In Apiil, ftlay, and June tlicse liappy and sunn\ \alleys are made imrple by them, and it is wuderful how they tiourisli.'as in a garden, in spite of human etlbrts. And wliat is curious and as yet mi ex[ilained is that they belong to several |h.|- fectly distinct families, the majority of which reproduce themselves from seed without any \ax-iation. It is certainly, however, due to hybridising. The common .species and type of our European Tulip is T. SYLVESTRis (L. ). — The flower when in the bud state is gracefully drooping, but in bloom is erect with its six petals disjilayed, vivid yellow in the glare of the sun, a star of the first magnitude. Its bloom-time is May and June. The most nearly allied to it is T. Cki.smw, Dp C. (T. .nlpp'itris. .Tnrd.k of Xvllirli tin- lloU.T. tl,n„.jl, Mliall.T. llk.«i-.- .Irnnp- l.rtnir ll, r\|,:niMu,| ,•,1,,! 11, dllll Ur;,ll„.,-. |l |- [leak of kinds which have the s, and comprise the most bril- flower, t. Flag, 'i offsets, glaucous here, as Laval), i: T. PR.l time'is Man-b an. T. M.4KJ0LLE-ri vellowish flower . White to white t edges. T. DiniKiM I.I..I the most in ,lli:i,ii 1 iwer is a brownei II' points with i i How. Its bloom .1.111,, ('P. oculua-solis, Gaud.), is ..f I a, I.. I lean species. The flower Ml. 1.1 illlaut red, the base of the pplaU li.iii'j 111.1 1-,. .1 w II li liiri;.' M.irk stains, edged will, \,H..«i-li m1.11,' A|.ii1 mill May. T. Cm 1,1 1 i I \\ \ i.l..nl:iM 1 l,:,s flowers of fair size ami ...t a liii.' iiiiif.iiiii yrlLiw, which changes to orange and, ultimately, red. Its bloom time ' May. T. Mauriana (Jordan and Four. ), (T. mauriane sis, Didier), is a handsome flower, of medium size and of a fine red colour, having a pentagonal, bright yellow mark at the base of the petal; and occupying nearly one-fifth of the size of the divisions. May. T. Sbgusian.4 (Perr.) diff'ers from the preceding one in the flower, which is small and of a deejicr red, the external di\'isions being additionally maikiil b\ nil ..Mil .lliiitical, black-green stain ir th. . .ill I.' ..1 III. \.11..« stain at the base, but es- |i.-.i,. Ii\ II .liil.i- III till- capsule being much sli.iiicr ami I he ^iMjliia less developed. T. PLA.N'TFoi.iA (.Jordan) is a handsome deep red flower, whitish outside and at the base. The leaves are flat, undulated but little, and slightly glaucous. May. T. AxiMENSis (Perr. and Song.).— The flowe of this is of a deep red colour, whitish at the ex terior base ; the divisions are equal and upright. ;-v( 11 ill the beat of the sun — a characteristic which li^l iii.j.ii-li.> it fr..iii the preceding. I may say al>..tliat r.ai.in IN in.i found in Maurienne the |miv wliil.' Il.iw.r Miri.-ty of T. Didieri. It is an niteresting ijuestion where all the.se 'lnlips came from, and how it happens that, alilK.unh collected in so small a district, tiny lia\-e not become merged into one single form, or, in the incessant struggle for existence, the stronger have not absorbed the feebler kinds. How can we account for all this rich flower life in sn many and diverse sj.eiies |ire- oii.' .MM s,i\ . ami t h.' I. ..1,1111-1 I- ... list rallied to alls.,, C.aiiMl .\m;, »..ii1.I :,].|'.,:ir I., be the gei.gi'apliical eeiitr.' .if the race and its starting point. It is there even now that the finest species are to be found, such as T. Albert! (Kegel), Batalini (Kegel), biflora (L), Bieber- steiiiiaiia fi;..ai,,V .Hi.liili (V.:,l.v\. .Iirvsantha ,1 (Liiidl.), Ostrowskiana (Kegel), pulchella 11/1), saxatilis (Sioeb), suaveolens (Roth.), .liana (Bunge), turkestanica (Kegel), undu- f..li,i (T.oissier), violacca (Boiss.), and the i.-rl.T, liir.i.:i (i;..th.). kiL.wii in li..rtiriiltuve Aubrietia tauricola. -Wh Il.-t sha.les are needed in su.li .Iwa 1 .-a |..'l ill'. plalll- ,1- these the above sli..i)l.l 1.. .11.- . ll,.' 1 -1 .■!.,.-, '11 as much for its |.l.,.-ii .J 111 I.. 1.1.1. Ilia--. ,- .a flowersasfortbe x. ,v ...n |.:..a al.il :i 1.1 li'.'.'d..|ii ,.f ll..w.aiii- elian..l.n-li tin.-l li..' Il..v,.'.ilrj 111.. 1 .1 11, ,\, n.a..l. ,s,,i,i. • ..t 1 1 til. ,\, 1 ... I'li.'l ,. I.lhi IV, Adis- ,s mav be 1. and the ■ 11,1111. .1 al.,.\.'. ll„> 1«. lull. ' l..'lli. now most .11.'. ll\.' Ill til.' 1...1. .Ml I.M a Kew. It is sur- |.ri-Mr. Ir.M ,|iil.kh ll 1 .lants cover the ..r..ilii.l ..I .-L.tli.' a l.-.l".' \ 1 I .. k, even when but a little sull l.s available fu thel roots. Saxifraga luteo-purpurea. — The varietal name here given is much more frequently in evi- dence than is the plant to which it really 'belongs, -Ml.„,\,,,.„i- Mitli 111.' 111,.' plant ..f vlil.-l. a s,,i,all .'vallipl,- IS now 111 How. Till K,», Tli.' I in.' planl fully bears out the nam.' a|.|.li.'.l t., it. an.i though less showy than iiiaii\ km. I- -,, tai as ii - flowering is concerned, it is .l.'.i.l.'.IK int.i .-i iivj', and still rare in collections .jf .. ii.ji.j..- al|.iiies. Nearly twenty years ago I obtained the true plant from the York nurseries, and have only seen it on rare occasions in small plants since I first made its acquaintance. — J. SHOBT NOTES.— FLOWEF. Corydalis nobilia.^ Messr?. Paul and Son showed this handsome Fumitory io pans at the Drill Hall last week. It is a plant specially suit^ed for cool and shady places. Grown in a soil composed equally ot loam and peat it will make most handiome tufts in a year or two. Root propagation.— Apropos of this, no plant yields more readily to it than the Japanese Anemone. Cut up the thick fleshy roots into bits about as large as Peas and sow them like seeds either in drills in th garden or in boxes in the cold frame, and every bit will produce a plant, some of which will flower next autumn. Forced Narcissi.— Ripen them off and in the autumn early plant them out anywhere and every- where as far as they will go. They can be planted with a dibble, but the better they are treated the better they mill do. I have planted large numbers ucder fruit trees and in other places where the spad. will not be used, and though many ot the bulbs were forced last year, a good many flowers have been gathered from them this spring.— H. Aubrietias from seeds.— Seedlings are much better than cuttings or division. Sow now in ele- vated situations if available, at any rate sow broad masses of all the varieties. Thin out when the seed- lings are large enough, and then let them stop where they are to flower. This is the best way to get a ass of colour of this peculiar tint in spring. Tufted Pansy Stophill Gem.— The coal ring in the south apparently suits the peculiarities tills variety, as the flowers which are now showing e very richly coloured. The lower petals are rich deep viob.t, the top petals bluish white with a neat eye. This flower is very much like the fancy Pansy in appearancs and shape, and the p'ant is dwarfer and more compact than many others of the same type. As an exhibition sort this variety is highly esteemed. C. Garden Flora. PLATE 1117. ABUTILON VITIFOLIUM. (with a coloured PLATE.*) It is just over sixty years since this shrub was st introduced to these islands. In 1830 Captain Cottingham, an Irish amateur horticul- turist, raised it in Dublin from seed that had leeii brought from Chili, of which count:7 it i.x native. A few years after we read of it iis ia\ ing been grown in the gardens of Trinity olk-ge without protection of any kind, and hat it had become a handsome shrub 6 feel 11.4I1 and flowered profusely. It is a .short-lived ' ilaiit and apt to die suddenly after flowering. h\ 111^, |ieilia|is, to this, it appears to have been |ii,..st ..i-.|,iii.' 1.1st si._;ht of fora long time. Ir ... lit \.ais. li..\\.'\.'r, it has again come inb i..tiee. .111.1 lias |.r..Mal to be a very beautifu \ only in the milder parb von, Cornwall, and similat .ilities it has to be given 1 ; .1..I oonservtrtory. It maj ; or tubs and stood out 0 ■ami ,iiitumn. At Kew i e peniLaiieiitly even whei th wall. Under favourable circumstances it becomes 1 shrub or small tree 8 feet to 10 feet, or even ai ! luiKh as 1.5 feet high. The leaves are three 01 ; liM-]..bed with a cordate base, the lobe: irn.,iularly toothed; both surfaces are tomen j t..s., the petioles and main veins of the leaf, ai- \\,'\\ as the young wood, being covered with : \\liiiisli woolly substance. The flowers an ll. .nil- with the greatest freedom in axillary clusters during and after May. Each flower h about 3 inches across, the five slightly cuppet petals spreading almost to their full extent and in colour a lovely shade of pale blue. In the accompanying plate, besides thi typical A. vitifolium. tliere is also figured thi form with white Howers which Dr. Masters hai called var, albiiiii. Tlie finest specimen of tbii 1 liaM' s.-.n is (..r was four years ago) growing ,,,1 a lawn 111 -Mr, .i. Kashleigh's garden a', ^bnaliilh, S..UII1 Cornwall. A certain amouiHi of .■..11I11S1..11 uitli i>-„.ard to this variety lia:| arisen oHiii'j L. a statement in the -Botenwni iU.a/,r./„. (1111.1. r t, 7;;-.'.S) that the flowers of A| vitifolium were always white at first, bui, changed with age to pale blue. This is noj correct. There are two distinct forms which, aij a rule, come true from seed, although Canoi| Ellacombe, who has cultivated the species fo:| about twenty years past, states that he has hac seed from the blue-flowered form product shrub, altl,..u-Ji of Irelaml. .^..lU places, in colli sunny position also be grown ii doors during sui will not thrive < planted against * Drawn for The Garden by Gertrude Hartlom at Ardcairn, Co. Cork. Lithographed and pnnte' by J. L. Gottart. Mat 8, 1897.] THE CAl^OEX. 335 ants with whito Hnwers, ;uul vice vers,,. - ■. J. H. Mr. W. B. Harfclivnd, Cork, in whose garden e (hawing was made, kindly send.s us the fol- ding particulars : — Thi.s l>oautifiiI (lowering shrub was intnuln.. .1 our count rv from Chili some sixty years mm. ,■ is i|Milc- liarily in iiiaiiy parts of Irdjiml ;.nJ i h, -out tu IS iL-L-l ilKUncter, rl„r I,, :, „, I Anlcairn.Cork. The thrusli ;ui.l M.mIJ illy build their nests in its l.i:iihli.- 1. There are two colours, a> illusHai • ■I'ceds best grown from seed and lav yuung potted up and well hardened The Week's Work. Ill-' aii.l d imping down be gradu: « nil. I..a\r a chink of air on the I I liiMuijlii.ut till' night and give as i consistent with safety during tlie i the observance of these and tlie fu 1.1. Even this vo last days of danger of the lsi/,c. Syring attention to )st use of sola: : tliis on the little ai ake it tirin by I -' 1 and ilie fruits il lit guano water or liiiniid atmosphere, I -ize. Place fresh rt lienever necessary, often principle, and Support the fruits *. from a photograph sent by Mr. W. B. Hartlnn.l, t'l fpr to planting out in poor dry soil and bv a gid high wall. The old decayed wood should" be « out as it appears. tuscari paradoxum is among the darkest, a ilso the latest flowering, of tliese pretty sprincr hhous plants. The pyramidal spike of its I, In," bck flowers is about 6 inches or 8 inches Injli. tlj faintly-scented blossoms being very disim. i. •Ciiearly the same shade of colour, though earliei Ujloom, is M. Gusconi. For the sake of variety : dark forms are interesting, though for eflee't do not compare with the decidedly more i-y sorts, such as M. conicum, M. Heldrei, lii. [Szovitzianum, and others near akin. Tin -i . M. botryoides album and pallens, arc ni.iiIi 'ing extensively, the first three being is|„.. fine. M. candidum, the very finest pure kind, promises to bean acquisition to the ■ good kinds. gfvini ciQy f wtek li.|ofj tions, and the maintenance of the bottom-heat right up to the finish, there should be no difficulty in obtaining high flavour. Once the fruits are ripe, which can be generally ascertained both by the aroma given off' and the cracking of the stem from its seat on the fruits, cut them at once, for if allowed to hang after this they lose flavour. Mil. 111^ will keep well in a fruit room or in a cool ili> I ' llai till a week or two if required. When 111' 1 1-1 tiiMi lias been cut, clear out the plants. before they become too heavy with nets or small platforms made of pieces of lath tacked together, with strings fastened at each corner to tie them in position. Other plants coming into flower should be kept drier until a sufficiency of fruits has been secured to form a crop. Less forward jilants will need stopping and tying according to the system of Melon growing which obtains. I grow them on the cordon |)rinciple and set the ))lantsout 1 foot apart, and take from two to three «nrj lia\e lieen observed. -1.111 iii.t In ..i an- .iiiK ■jr.iv.iii.- an ^11. iM' ii.'i sK. — Here the fruits are swelling I t nil 1-. A- 1 -.-.n pit- I.. n- piilK anil need ample sujiphes of stimulating I nun.' |ilaiil- il M.li.n- ai . lik. h 1.. lid tu Uerp them growing. Fresh soil should be ' in -Viejii-t, and -..« -ml f.ii i.l.iaii Ided as reciuired, as the roots should be kept in j fruiting in Se[itemljer. state of activity right up to the finish, but be Fr.vme Melons.— If seed was careful that the soil is not placed in round the I beds made up as adv i-n and hot- . few weeks ago plant- 336 THE TxAEDEN. [Mat 8, 1897. ing- may now lie done, as the plants will be, just in the ii'^iil ei.nclii i.in. planting- is best (lone in the f.H. ihi,,,i, , ~]n ( i:ill\ It ihe eold weather continues. II ill. -'ill 111- I" 111 |il;n .(1 in po.sition, ojien hole.s snilieieiii l\ l.iij, -111(1 jiivi I leep enough so that the top of the liiill 111 Mill \sill lie only just covered when plant ]ii;j i> e plete. When the planting- is done the -ml -liiiiilil III iiKule to sloi^e from the stems of the (jlant.-i Lo diain water away from the latter, and thus avoid one of the most frequent causes of canker. Cucr FIBERS. — If it is necessary to keep the early ].ii-i d plants right through the season, a e.iii-iili I il.le amount of Care is re(iuired to keep till 111 Ml ,1 1 1 111 I lid condition. Not only must to]) III colouring- comiiien, i -. .- plain water must In- j begin to colour, uia.lna atmospheric moihiini . ai its place. Le.ax e a elnnl l\ il il 1 \Uiiili Willi red - tl It «alln, ,1' 1.1;, el, 1 \^ e-.|„i-i e loliage, e side to ...tlllll til.- 1 .ll\ al tin. 11 1 l.i II I lew admit A. hai, ei-s, 1 J 1,11 till. the house all iiejlil. r cats coloui lie-l uliell 1 and if much .shaded by leaves may be drawn to light. \lll- Lif th w. KITCHEN E.4RLY C.\ULIFLOWERS.- planted a few weeks or taken roothold, will no^^ and as it is necessar\ tn as possible, growl li uill cially in exposed ijai.li n a T 1, i,-i 1, ■ ARDEX. .■ ill. Ill 1 ■jr.'iitK ; \ lUuleetl ■|li-v|, |,;n. -:■:;;; ;i.|\ II- -1-1. il I'lii-i, ,l:il,l more sun the giound -«ill become \\:i\ i,,. i , better condition to receive su.l, waii Suocessional varieties, such as M. Ii|i-i, Eai-lv London tind W.-deheven. «.i« il,, in \ia,eli .liiiiiliI I,.. ,,n,,k,„| .,ir „ -, ,, or H. II lliii,ii.,.| 1,1 tin- -...I i.,»- ,1 ,,|.„,,i.| axallalile li\ 111,, time til. plains ale i.ii, putting out, as they .-,0011 lose then lowe. ; and become drawn if left only for a short after the seedlings touch each other. Close 1 Iter ■d Ca -occol )f liquid itlowers. frost, it will 111- 1,1 II-.- .Ill ready. iJnli, i.|i.ai .ji as quick growth results in heads of the best quality, the only exception perhaps being ii putting a limited number of the last batch of plants on less rich and firmer soil. This will pro mote a more sturdy growth, and the plants art not so likely to suffer from autumn frosts. E.vKLY Buoceoi.i. — As forming a good succes I.I 1. 1 1.1 lie in-ieked off into nnrsciy beds, will make sturdy growth until a ;■ .■ of ground is available, such as is no\ NMth Early Peas or Pottttoes. K. lis H,,|I s„|,,;i„,,l „,l|i wal.a -lieill.l a .1 .latit.s itta.U.d liv tl..- -at, 11- |,e-t. ul,i,.l, eaii-esniany of he plant.-,' to beco.ae weak and un,suitable ' for lutting out. Even in more open [jositions the plants are sometimes not free from this enemy, ind steps have to be taken to keep them clean mil healtliv, F'i-er|ni'iit svi-in.j-iti'.,' with soft soap in.i war. 1-1- ill.- Ill -1 11 iiii.lx. -iiid if followed up 111 |i!,iiii - w ill -i„, i-j,,,\\ 11. Another .small ,iiv, iiie -lii,,ilil III 111, III- III -,,i h viii-ieties of Rroc- .\iiiiiM'j 1,1 liers 1 hat I sow now for su.-.e-- I I,,,- ,\lii.lil, anil ill.- small varieties of .SaM.^s, II a- •rii,,i Til, mil, and Dwarf Ureen Cnil.'-.l. ill- Il i-aliiii,-i ,,ii|,ii--,l,I.- Ill large gardens to III ii,i,iiiai,\ .,i l-e,,i I Ill-lie (burled Borecole. e lai-e.l |iLiiii- III I 111- -honld be planted .li .-l.isi i- i,,;_;-.-i li. t- t hail tli.ise put out earlier, they can l>e cut over during Mai'ch, and the ground they have occupied through the winter will be available again for spring cropping. A^Ei;ET,\Tir.E 5T.m;i;ow-s, .'\dvinc ■v\-as "-ivcn in fortuern.iteshow.., , ii-.nln.-e ,-ai-|y s„,,|,li„s „„der ,™a;ll's!'wi,,g^lH'"MlHmua!l:^l,;'/lH-';nanle,'!,,;! 1 It is s.eii that any plants raised some time ago iM I,.. starved in the pots, far better de- ,\ 1 1,1 111 a,,il make another sowing now, as .iiiirj healtliv plants put out in three weeks' me »i,iil,| iji.iu rapidly and yield a bett.-r le- 1,11 iliai, I !,ii-. 1 :ii-i .1 .-arlier. This crop -, 111. - I ,,1- 1 111 ,,11-1, li,i\ ing a deep and ton 1 i.-li 11,1 ,,111, as till- r.i.ils having access to a ._ii-.-at i:i-~ of decaying material, the plants are ajit . jii.w too freely and are shy bearing, while piiee.l in a very shady position the results are III. Il the same. A good plan is to mark out beds 1 a -iiiiiiv p.isition from 3 feet to 4 feet wide, the -ii'jili .if tills,, varying according to thenuinli.r t plant - 'J I im II ; throw out the top spit on I it III 1 il.-, nil the tt-ench thus formed with niaiiiiii-, iiitially dui-;ayed if possil.l.-, wlneh is lik,l\ ti, , mill. -I- a gentle heat t nina is an interesting dwarf form, prac- ti.-all\ ..Illy a sliiub; as such it might prove oi vain. Ill positi.iiis where the ordinary ■ sized Mill, li.- w.inl.l 1„, I,,., large. The weeping form kimwn as \iii. p.ii.lnla llowers with all the free- dom .,f th.- I \ p. , 1,111 although its branches an |"i-t.-etly p., 11. 1., lit they are too stiff, and th( w Imli 1 1. . i.„, iiiuPn 11a like, to give the ideal re pi.-eiitat inn iif a wi'.iping ti-ee. As it remains, lie\\.-\. I. praeii.-ally at the height at whieli it wa; ,injniall\- \\-.,i-kii|. It IS worth bearing in mind fn; pill 1 liniiteil ixt.nt. Two other vai-ietie,-.- lir:,iii.,i--a an. I l-iemiata — are. as their respecti\i names imply, cliicllv ditterent in leaf characters. Stove and Greenhouse. COMPARATIVE MERITS OF SOME ZONAl PELARGONIUMS. Tjie zonal Pelargoniums, improperly termei ' " Oeraniums," which I am going to describe forr a sele.ti.ai .,f si.xtv varieties, new and old, and c .lilt. I. Ill HI.-.-. Pais..! from cuttings in pots i ant niuii ami i.p.,tl. il t hi- following Februai-y. tlii -i-li . Ii.iii .,1 plants iiinal in vigour and healtliy a] p.aian. .- \-.a- planted out in the open ground 0 .May -JO, |s!in. The border in which they wer |,laiii. .1 ..111 Is ..f made soil very poor in qualitj : Th. -,11 la.-.' .,t il was mulched, but it was watere I tlln.-s all.-l- tl,.- lll-sl wateiiii.,-, whieh was a Ver sealitv all.iwaiH'.', .-. .nst.lelin.. tin- iliyness of lai spring. No ma.unc was added to tlii soil. Mori over, as the bolder was shaded by a row of Pea trees on the east side and by an avenue of Her.' Chestnuts on the west, it only feceived full sui shine at mid day. Lastly, it is exposed to clouc " unfavi and dry which n cond ■ place ion, an vhich ,,,,1111,1- :,i-.' .m-n.aally grown for tb^ hin-j lit lliiwei- lulls, borders, anj 1. II 111. iits must, accordingly, Ij h 1. hi. nee to the following I p.iw.i ..f resisting unfavou h.-.il.iin of flowering; (3) 1 1 1 1 : ill general appearance.J w, al III I ■■ I mean not only 11 1, lint also an excess of mO till- xiiilent storms. "Frei .^^ St be understood to apply te tl:| lid not to any particular part of : ral vigour" is not to be tak^' .- (j-rowth ; the plants should * very base. I Mil 1.111 1.1 whii 1- .ndinarily understood t -j.ii. lal iipp. ;,i ;iii. I ." I may remark that tl i\M I- ninl.el- -hiinl.l net be too slender, nor pri -I t.,.. nin.-h, i,.,i I,.- hollow-centred. The fo iMii.j till, I,- sh..Ms th.- i-esults which I hav ■ lain., I in ih. .. ,111 -.■ .,f this year (1896) by ni .ser\ation» of the selection of zonal Pelargoniun owing under the conditions which I have jui iscribed. In the columns the letter R refers t .-esistance," F to "free-flowering," V to "vi^oi of growth," and A to "general appearance/ stands for " good," GG for "very good," P6 " "pretty good," P for "passable," B for [av 8, 1897.1 THE GARDEN. 337 0 'mo,li..,-,v.-.,Hl X for ■■ „mr. ■ In tl,o , ISO 0 ■arii'ti.-^ Miili ^^||^ ^:ilr.l l.lll.l JO, t i^ |x 'I' ,, sed i"-t-:i'l -1 11- |Im», ■|,o 1 lalil- 11 o iiibeml l.nv iM >.nlr, ,if III. lit il tl.o ■ola>- ame of Variety. R F Y A CI ass H int GG G GG PG .I Cries F.mcirt. . . . PG GG G GG .5 Chted'Elbee .... G B N B 10 C; Stan CO .... G GG G G 4 Cernic G GG G G 4 I heese des Oars . . . G GG G G 4 }'oka G B G B !l K.linan.l Kauffer . . . PG G PG PG 8 G B G B '.< {iire lie Hellecour .' . G PG PG G 7 Cire de Corbeny . . (J GG G GG :; (Jire Lyonnaise . . . GG PG G PG 6 G.nd Cliancelic.r Faid- urbo G GG G GG :i Iienieur Clavenad . GG GG GG G 2 J,a PAquot PG GG G G 0 J . Harrison . . . GG G PG PG 0 J ?s (irevy G GG PG PG () LDestintf^ GG GG GG GG 1 L Favorite .... GG GG G G 3 I. eypte G PG PG G 7 LR^ne PG G PG PG ,s LeOold G B N B 10 LieLemoine .... GG GG GG GG 1 1 e. A. Poirier . . PG G PG GG () J ii>. Rruant . . . G B G B <) 1 e. Charles Molin . GG GG G PG 5 l,e. Jules Chretien . B G N B 0 I.e. Thibaud . . . GG GG GG GG 1 IiUedelaRue . . G PG G PG 7 C;-istine Nilsson . . . G GG GG .3 J'rie Hoste PG G PG G 7 J.ilfred Mame . . . PG GG G GG 5 JlEmile CaiUetot . . G PG GG G 5 J|.Tadoul PG G PG PG 8 liPoirier G GG G GG 3 lU-Louis Courier . . (} GG G GG 3 Fjlemon GG G GG GG 2 risident Felix F.aure . PG G PG PG 8 lUdent Victor Uuboi' GG PG G PG Flfesseur Chargiieraud . PG G PG PG 8 Ffnphore BUrd Dean . . . GG G PG PG (i B N B B 11 Slretaire A . Chatenay . PG G PG PG S g]retaire Cusin . . . GG G G G 4 ."^itenir de Carpeaux. G GG G 6 4 Sivenir de Mirande . . PG G PG PG 8 '1 jmphe des Parterres . PG G PG G 7 A . Heneden . . . B B B B 11 ^ I Dae! G B B B 10 MorMiUot. . . . GG GG GG GG 1 \cain G PG PG G Vst Brigiiton Gem . . GG GG GG G 2 Vieties with variegated foliage :- ( ise aniqoe panauheo . GG B p<; PG (J C stal Palace Gem . . GH B PG PG fi t.den Han-y Hieover . GG GG G GG 2 JoMahon ... B PG B B !» hise Moron .... (iG G GG GG 3 J,.e. Silleron . . . (iG GG GG GG 1 lie. Parker .... B G PG G 1 e. Pollock . . . . PG GG P G 7 1 e. Stran? . . . . PG G PG G 4 <, en Victoria. . . PG B PG G •a < rem till- f..iv"ninn There :nv -,,„„. xm tal.iil^ \- nlil tinll t api llol, li s wn tli.in^.K..- 1,, o |1„. llin~t oiip; Mo ol 1 o s ing M.,lav.,n,;,l,lr ^^ .■;llho :it lino t lllo b ig the most free-th)\ ■ering ai'id havin ^ the best eral appearance. These varieties, however, not in any degree remarkable either for form rare colours in their flowers. The oldest of 'n — Victor Millot — is mentioned in a list of the 1862, and has been sometimes mistaken for ariety named N^ron. i) Next to thes(; come varieties of compara- ly recent nrifjin— from the year 1885 to 1888. ; of these — Inn niciu- Clavenad, which appears ave been om- of tbo parents of La Destin^e, is very inn, li on.wn in the Lvon^ district— been ailo|,to.| l,\ i!,o .janl.aiino .aothorities of lis. Anoili,.,. \\.~i I'.ii.Jii on, ,,in English letywitli loiinili-li poial- ami mIIou -streaked and jtalkh), i.s a uuitliy rival ol La Destinfe. third, Pliilenmn, resembles an extremely <> irf and remarkably well-branched specimen of "~ Lemoine. -soswclindvarie- jiown. Amongst oiistance, and a .\lolin. iioded varieties [,vons district— lo.-onr and Vill- of Belgian origi t in power of of oriiwth it leaves behind it Le Rhone, Jlnie. •hiles Chretien, and some very pretty \arieties with very well-formed and iridescent-coloured ilowers, such as President Felix Faure, Profosvom Chargueraud, Secretaire A. Chatenay, Em oka, Love Gold, and Van Beneden, as well as tlu two novelties of 1895, Mme. Bruant and Flcur Poitevine. I may remark that the last-mentioned group of varieties affords an excellent selection for cultiva- tion in pots and also for winter flowt rinc; under glass. Nevertheless, in the present aitnlo I Ikim. exclusively in view the degrees of li.ii ilim-- mil freedom of flowering which are ioi|niMio m tin case of open-air kinds of Pelargoinnni^ wlnoti would receive or demand but little oai o ami at ton tion, and it is devoutly to bewislioil that ^oino fortunate raiser will some day liless ns with a variety which will unite in itself all the necessary trood qualities afore-mentioned. — H. D.iuthe.v-W, in J{en(e Horticole. Passiflora racemosa. — Among the different Passion Flowers that require the temperature of a sUive, or at all events that of an intermediate house, this is one of the very best, for its bright red blossoms are just now borne in great profu- sion, and in the case of a flourishing specimen it will continue to bloom more or less throughout tlio -.nininor. It is i piit o an oM ]ilant in gardens, lia\iiio liooii int ioilnoi-.| tV r.iazil as long ago ,i~ ISI.'i. IhiI it is not uttoii nioi with in good con- A coloured plate of this I'assillora was 'given in The Gardex, February 21, 1891.— H. P. Freesias. — It is now nearly fifteen years since a coloured plate of these beautiful bulbous flowers was given in The Garden, and at that time such an illustration as that on p. 304 would have been quite a revelation, as the Freesias, though now so popular, were then but little known. Now they are grown to a greater or less extent by nearly everyone, and during their dormant season im- mense numbers of bulbs are disposed of in this country. The bulbs come from various sources, but most cultivators prefer those from Guernsey, though these, generally speaking, are not so large as those from some otlier parts of the world. In Bermuda Freesias have been taken in hand, and very large bulbs have been sent here, but I have never been able to succeed with them as well as ot I ho |,lant.s. Thus seed sown in February in holt w ill produce plants which, if carefully grown n. ^^ ill often ttower towards the end of the year. Impatiens Hawkeri. — When this Impatien a was brst introduced very high opinions were formed of it, but for general purposes it is not so iisornl a- III.' oliloi ami better-known Impatiens Snliani. I. II l\^krll. though a strong-growing I'lant. 1- 111 .lo I iikii- in its cultural require- nioiii-, \\ lull 11 ilo - nil bloom with the freedom lit I. Stiliaiii. Siill I. II all tliis it is well worth a hi t lo oaio ami ,11 1 o 11. a-, t ho lluwersare of such a \ i\ III anil 11 iioi II 111 11 111 tint, that it forms an ex- troiiioly hnoht h'alnro « hoii at its best. The flowering season of this Balsam is not limited to any particular period of the year, but in the spring and again in the autumn the bright- coloured blossoms appear to be more effective than at any other season. It needs to be kept growing freely, as if at all stunted it soon acquires an un- happy appearance, after which it is difficult to start it again into vigorous growth. Large pots are not necessary, as plenty of stimulants may be applied in the form of liquid manure. It is very liable to be attacked by minute thrips, which etl'eet :i lodgmi^iit on the youngest leaves, and sill. 11 oausi- tboni fri bive a diseased appearance, aftoi whiol, tliey qiii.klydrop.— H. P. Begonia weltoniensis. — Colonel R. Trevor Clarke, whose death was recently announced in The Garden, was the raiser of this pretty hybrid Begonia, and that, too, at a time when the rais- ing of hybrid Begonias was in its infancy, for this I la I tioiilar variety received a first-class certificate ti.iin the Royal Horticultural Society as long ago as (lotiilier, 18(58. At that time the Andean s|.oo)os, whirh have yielded such magnificent re- sults, w-rr thou only ,just introduced, and B. |)a\iisi ,111,1 II. V, tiaiia, SO much used by the liyliiiilist sin, I-, woio at that time unknown. B. M-eltoniensiswas raised between the white-flowered B. Dregei and the peculiar orange-salmon B. Sutherlandi. Both of these species are very pretty greenhouse plants, though they are now to a oiiat i\t,iit , instill by the newer hybrids. B. woliMiiion-is 1,11111- .1 fii ,iy-branched, bushy speci- inon, «lio-o liMM-, ihiiugh not large, are very |ir,tty ami siippi ii I oil I ly red leaf -stalks, the stems also being of the same colour. The flowers, which are freely borne, are pink, and a well-flowered specimen is very attractive. It is almost con- tinuous blo,iininr\\ry thai. ..th.as. ■:.ll growing. In the variety i. isia.iii ;.ll the sei,'- nients are tinted rose, tli.iuuh this |ilaiit is sai.l to have been raised from tlu' .sai.iu i.ml of seed as the nrdinai-y type. All arc mure nearly diciiluoiis than D. nobile, and when strong I'l.oimh to l.lo.im do so upon the new pseudo- I..1H1S .ini.i.ally. while those of D. nobile .some- tiiii.^ I, a a -aa'^oii. I haM' I ..'Ma 1% ..own well- ii|,.i.,,l si.i.ix III I). Aii.>,uoitlii lo do this, tlimi^ha halt liiii^liril, li.(.ll\ ri| i.'ii.|| I stem may throw a fuu lloucrs the iull.iwiiig season. Its culture is not ditticult in a warm, moist house. It should be planted either in small ba.skets or jians and suspended. If this is not convenient it « ill -rt .•il..n- f.iiily well ..u tl..' .stage ill I" it ^., I. at th.i plants hiiiia ii|, ili.^.i to Growtli eoiumcnces at the base ..f the stci'.i- like pseudo - bulbs soon after tlie flowers are past, and when these are commencing to root on their own account the plants veloped keep them in the waiiii house. As noted above, they always delight in a clear light, and at the latter end of the growing sea- son they re.iuire hardly any shading. When i|iiite liiiislu-.l take the plants from the heat anil iiioistiini to a drier and cooler hou.se where 111. \ iiia\ have abundance of fresh air and be totally iiiisha.leil. The effect will be noted in ll.r ..it.if.i.l .■olo.ir ..f the foliage, and the water supply 11. list l.o .lin.ii.ished by degrees as this is Mali. During the winter months a night tem- pi r.t.iie of 50° or 55° is ample, the litter rii^..rii being for those plants reiiuii III .ili t in 1. loom, for, like its well-known pannl it u ill keep up a long succession of bloom pi Aided the plants are properly managed. Endeivoui to use the same plants each season foi the earliest batch, as liy degrees they come to flower .all... .St ii.atiirally at an early date In sm.all coll. ti. Ills, however, where only \ few plants an- ui.hm. it is wisest to let them comt al.mg sl..»l\ aii.l nal.nallv, flowering ibout the soms will be small and their quality poor. Tl loats of D. superbum are larger and strong than those of many in this section, so may!, allowed a larger receptacle and rougher comjios It should be suspended in the warmest houfe I possible while growing ; never tie it up and|ja to make it grow upright. The flowers are Ue| and occur in small racemes of two or three. Ti\ sepals and petals are bright rosy purple, the 1 of a crimson tint covered with downy hairs, ar the flowers are strongly scented. It is a nati' of the Philippine Islands, and was introduced 1840. Dendrobium Fytchianum — Thi piett\ plxnt ■v\hen well done flowers of ( ome fiom a coi respondent These lacemes of about eight or nine and ht sepals and bioadei petals an ornamented b\ a tuft of ^^i hxiis It thebise It hi 1, 1 the latter sh ^ellow en usu illy foM! it dl c\ent3, m It .1 'Thiipsa: li 1 hoots and end of February. They are not then excited into growth until the sun has considerable power, and this has a consolidating effect upon the growth from the first, rendering it less likely to be attacked by insects or unduly checked by any slight mistake in culture. Mistakes, moreover, are less likely to occur in the latter tiart of March and April, when the the roots begin tia run in the new material, and from this time until the terminal leaves have formed and the pseudo-bulbs are fully de- l.vl ting uji, or liy taking advantage of apical growths proceeding from immature pseudo- bulbs. Dendrobium superbum.— This is om ..f tl.. la.ij. a- bulbed deciduous species, proiliii...ij a la.m number of showy flowers that are i.o« 11. lulF beauty. The one diHiculty in its culture is getting the growths finished early enough in autumn to allow of a thorough ripening and rest, for unless they are so treated the number of blos- Htnry Boijnton, in a house. Then the roots are not of the 89 vigorous nature that characterises many iljjl genus, and seem to delight in growing _ closely together. I do not care for blocks it Fytchianum, but the pots or pans should be^ small, well drained and contain a thin la|| compost only. While making its growth m lights in a strong moist heat, and it shouffi su-iicndral nr-.ar thi- ronf wh^rp it has the fuU 1 ^a,,la..r.lf an .....1 Injiit. .Mtllough strictly deC il.io.i-, II i,,a-i i.oi III. ki pi .in.lulvcool or dr .I.I.1..IJ 11..I H .i.i.a'. .all..- ll.u.Ts wilfbe lessfreel )..... hi. Ill, anil small aii.l thin ill texture.— B- T Leptotes bicolor.— I was very muphf iB t.aist.il Ml leading an article in The GABSm f Vi.nl .'i on this "eiius of Orchids. I am a .p'an.l.il «illi I. .It on.- spiaai-s, and that is tb pi, lt\ hull. L. Im iil.ii. ami 1 Ins at onetimeli i..ui,'.\. ~aroi"h.ll\ .... a >l.h of Arbutus' ia.t~o.il ..f an ..1.1 st.'a.i ..11 whi.'!! the bark was 1 intact. On this the plant did remarkably w and flowered most freely, the only kind of 00 past used being Sphagnum Moss, which was May 8, 1897.1 THE GARDEN. 339 ;we(l i". th IV, had I ied iin:„Kll,K tu llu„,.r :,}.., a llir muMI, .-1 sbni:irv. Wlini li.akiir^ im'» m.nMl, |.I,m1,i,,I ,pplifs',.f ^^al,■r :mv ,v.|uuva, ami liu- plai.l.- ould al-u 111' >\ I lipoid t wiuu a duj-. During the inter iiiMin h- ;i iii,i\ Iil- rested in a temperature ngiiiMli",,, .-,.v i,,riii.--A. W. Dendrobium cambridg-eanuni. Tin' liii'jlit ■How l.lnssoms with drip mar , 1iIm|,.|„.v ,,„ e lip |>n..huXMl l,v this plant aiv nnu v,,\ owy and (..Hbctivt-, It is a dwarf hal.il.d plant, Idom growing more than 8 inches hit^li, and nsists of stem-like leafy pseudo-bulbs. Its cul- re is rather different from that of most Den- ■obiums, as it is freciuently growing during winter months when other species are at rest. he best way to grow it is in rather small baskets pans suspended from the roof, and it should be ■pt at rest as late as possible, so that the M«tlis when they are produced have the benefit liL:lit in the spring. This point is very im- atant, as the blossoms appear while the plant is uwiiig, and not, as is usual in the genus, the llowing season. When the blossoms are past ep the foliage on as long as possible, and en- avour, by keeping the plants in a good light, to "date the stems as much as possible. Never ow these to shrivel, but keep them cool and on dry side w hen the leaves have fallen. When 8 obvious that growth can no longer be de- red, place them at once in a warm, moist house, d when the growths are each about an inch !;h the plants may be repotted or basketed, ir compost use peat tibre ami .Spha>rnum of the st quality, and allow alunidani .Iiaiii,i;_:i-. Once three years is quite ofti-n riM.iijli t,, icpnt. but i ittle surfacing may be nc|inn. I m tin ml erven J season. It is singularl\ lialile to the attacks brown scale. D. cambridgeanuni is a native of I ; Khasva Hills, and was introduced in 1837. he kept lip iililll Ihe I. iiiiinal ^,^, - aie when the planl, -I, il l-e lln I I,, |,.| by kceiai," Iheiii ,.,,,1, I ami i I.,lli roots ami ll. the al ni,i-phel e. Tlie I strictly c\cryieen, an, . mens in flower during th. la blossoms are amono- the bi i- 1 1 1 . of all Orchids, and li'dit 111. m. ill .la CATTLEYA INT K 1! i\I KT >T A . Tins pretty Cattleya liel.M e i! : ^e.-tinn of the genus having slend.i i:|ii m m-, bearing a pair of leaves, and (if ih. -.■ it ranks witli the liest. Most of this section are a little more trouble to grow than the labiata group, but they are by no means difficult when a suitable house is at command. Newly-imported plants are often much shrivelled, as the stem-like buUiK have not the same amount of substance in tliem as the more club-shaped .stouter ones of the labiata group. When received in this condition they should be carefully plumped up before potting, a good jilan being to hang them up in a warm, moist house .'uid liglifly dew them over with tepi.l w.iter ..n. e . i- twi.-e d.iilv. Often they will push r....ts s • time in ad- vance of any growth, .ami when this ..cciiis they may beiM.tteil up ini.. smidl pots, but only a little Mos.s slii.iilil he plaie.l over the crocks. Kee]) them ill the \\aiin hi.u.se until growth is well advanced, and tliuugh the material about them is thin, they only need a very little water. As soon, however, as the young growths begin to root on their own account, they may with ad- vantage have more moisture, and a little pe.it and Moss may be added to the iii)iip..st. With ordinary care the plants are ii..h juvietieally safe, and in the usual Cattleya huu.su tciii- p. I at lire should do well. The only point now 1 . i he guarded against is over-watering, espe- eialh- sprinkling cold water about the pseudo- hiiHis, If this is done these ale ,ipt t„ get dis- coloured .at ahi.iit the rrnn-r. . -v. ml nail V decay- ing. When th.' plants ha\,- h,...n,e well esta- blished ill the small ]jut.s referred tu and a shift is required, they may have a fairly good one. Of course, the condition of each must be con- sidered, but, as a rule, healthy plants can do with 2 inches clear all around them, and this must iii.t be much exceeded. Owing to the light iii.ike-iip of the previous material, there will ii.it lie much of this to remove, but any I... IS., stuff that can be got away without ilistnibing the roots may be cleared. Put ph III y of drainage in, and after carefully fixing ,.\.i Ihe'si.h' ..f the small ilVs. 'tilT up"" i'th' reieji peat .1,1.1 Mess ill eipial ].r.,p,,ni,.ns. using a fair.am..nnl , .f ,-r<,eks therewith. Kslahlished Hh. ort is harmful and unneeessary, though a short rest after blooming is beneficial to the plants. Peat and Spagnum Moss used in rather a finer ..|ieiali..n. Water all carefully alterwards I i.H.t aeti.in has recommenced, when a full supply will 1m- needed until the young pseudo- Th.- mm. I ii.-aimeiit consists in allowing snlh.i.-ni im.i-iiii. I., prevent shrivelling of the ps. ii.h. hiillis aii.l fixing all the air possible without letting the temperature drop below about 55" at night to (iO° on dull days. The .spikes push through the sheaths in early spring, 340 THE GARDEN [May 8, and in th' etals much paler rdinary course are open liy tlie il. later plants keeping u]. .i dis- ,:, The typical C. intfi uiuilia li.is .out 4^ inches across, the se|i,ils iig a pretty lilac-rose ; the lip is jn the side-folding lobes, but in front it is of a beautiful deep violet-purple. Strong plants push up spikes containing eight or nine flowers wliich iii;.kr a very pretty show. Besides the abovr tli.iv ,nv -leeper coloiired form,s, also a pure « Int.' v.n i. ty. (.'. i. alba. The variety punctatissiuia i.s distinct m having the lower parts of the sepals and petals closely covered with small purple spots. All do with the same treatment, and all are useful garden Orchids. They are natives of Brazil, occurring principally in the higher country around Rio. The type was introduced in 1824. of Chelsea. A nice plant is in bloom E. J. .Johnstone, of Rougham Hall. Oncidium Iiucasianum.—I noticed a nice Ijatch of plants under this name at St. Albans some time since. The growth is not large, but the spikes push to a great length and bear a large number of yellow flowers. If these spikes f^^ii^n'oi "the effect""thaT''can" brprod Mr. this Exocliorda is throwing its long shoots aronni and above a mass of Rhododendron Nobleanum and the effect is very tine. Such a comliinatioi may have been contemplated when the plaiitinj was in progress, or it may be just a chance con trast as we notice occasionally in old plt-asur grounds. It is at any rate an excellent cut at the top after having been a week or two in bloom, they push secondary ones that carry on the display for a long time, and the number of small branchlets produced in this way must be very valuable for cutting.— R. SHORT NOTES.— ORCHIDS. Miltonia vexillaria roBea.— Though one of the cnmmoiier varieties of the well-known species, this IS also one of the mo t beautiful and usually among the first to bh om The spikes are strong and the colour of the hlosscnis is a much deeper and brighter tmt of rose than thit of the typical form 1 have seen It in several collections during the last ten weeks and it IS often imported with the type — H Cypripedium Mastersianum —With the host ot new hvbndi and many hne forms that are nov\ inc ludtd 111 tins genus it is doubftul it this species will mil e mudi hudway It is nit alwiys so tree blocmiiga m ly V-i de irefl and though di tmct and pie isingm Its neutral tints ot purple and gieen has noH t( o many coniretitors It cornea from lava wa ill t introduced m 1874 and not agam imported until lecently — H Cattleya Scliroedeise — \s showing th( \ i\ fiee blooming ch ii u tpi 'f this hin ^pi i plant I saw this «efl is «n.th% ot iiott It « . glowing in X o inc 11 1 t md hid thiee s|,il t flower twocamin_ in II uiseich the otht i onefoui allwellt in. 1 i.ilh I \ eloped flo-sv ei s I ha\e ne^el seen n. .11 i 1 I int of any of thi libnfisertinn. oiMiu- ui u.\ Uoweib- R Cattleyi Schicederse alba — \ nice plant ot till 11] il .11 mil lb now in flowei at Rougham Hill 1 m\ "St I ilmunds Theie are two spikts ,111 ...Ml. il.iiL the othei two floweis «l.i 1. |,i\ i! .1.1 I mge ilea about the tin . i' 1 I Ml. Il « 1 being puie white Tin i 1 111 I 1 I 1 II not quite so much frinc,til i m thetjpp but the lip his the -n ell known en culu f 01 m It lb I ch iste and exquisite flow er DendiobiumPierardi — Thispiett\ Dendiobe IS,, « ,,,11 « , ml ,1 .1.1. t 11 1] ^Mshlng it 1. 1 1 . Ill tl _. .ill.. I.I \\ n I how up til III 1 1 111 I I II 111 I 1 In I in 111 h nuili show 111, it IS to suspend it with pi nits of \ |..i i gus deflexus or some similai kind the <.liiit 1 light thiough the finely di\ ided foliage it tin plant not destioying the semi trinspaient hi racter of the flow ei s as w ould dai k or hea\ y fob i„e Odontoglossum Buckerianum — This is one of the most beautiful of the supposed natural hy- brids from N. -H- ( liPiK.da. and turns up occasionally among ii.i|i.M lal nn- ..t I >, .ai^|i.ini. The flowers vary coh^mI. iaM\ m mliM.., imt have in most cases a di-iiii. 1 inai-,,,.., pni pie or violet round the creain,\- white or rosy tinted sepals and petals. The lip is white on the front lobe, yellow below, and all the segments are lightly spotted with chestnut-brown. It thrives in the cool house ^vith O. crispum. Cypripedium T. B. Hey-wood.— In habit and the contour of the blossoms this hybrid most resembles its seed-bearing parent, C. superbiens, but it is superior to that fine species in many ways. The dorsal sepal is whitish veined with light purple, a band of the same colour running down each petal. The petals are prettily spotted and the lip has a fine venation. The pollen parent is C. Druryi, and it was raised by Messrs. Veitch, Trees and' Shrubs. MISTLETOE ON COTONEASTER. In a note of mine published in your issue of August 1 last I described a fine bunch of Mistletoe growing on a bush of Cotoneaster microphylla. By the kindness of the owner of Waresley House, Worcestershire, I now liavp the pleisuie to enclose you a iihotograjih »lii li shows it in giowth against the house w i,l li his bttn tl.Li. it k.st ten M us All il ■il b judicious planting. I have layered some shoot ■vvith the idea of trying some good strong plant in other parts of the pleasure grounds where th soil is better and considerably deeper than mi th particular spot where the old plant is growing.- E. BURRELL. Spiraea multiflora arguta. — This is i the best of the Spineas. Just now the 4-feet high bushes in our collection of shrubs are very conspicuous. To a gardener i has many demands for cut flowers eitherj bouquets, wreaths, or table decoration this '. and elegant Spiraja would be a boon. The \ produces long wavy panicles of pure white , soms, which are arranged so closely together i at a di.stance the bush has the appearanc l.ri,,.; r.i\ i ,i d H iUi snnw, but ou closcr insp H ini I I, Ml 1 t tilt tiniest HawthornJ tl « I I I II I lutifully airanged onJ 1 I I I 1 1 1 1 1 1 , 1 1 \ \ isible As many as y t ih III ill bliissi ms maybe counted up n I 1 \ till, littei being ibout 1(J inchesilj ■ 1 n_tl. I i Rhododendron aiboreum var Camp I III Ml I 1 n hon iiboieum 11 II I 1 ml IS now constituted con III \ 1 1 \ 111 ties which were fmniei' ill] ilK link As regards its foliag 1 1 1 I 1 111 i\ be dnided into two bcctionti II I III \\ Inch the undei sui face of the le| I 111 th siherv grey and the other Il II IS (o\ered with a leddish b I rimi The lattei oharicter is us I I with the ^ uieties ha\ing I 11 iwtis ind it is to that section t'l N iiRtv ( impl 111 1 1 n-s I, 1 X m the London distncjl dell at Kew a , belling I fan numb einr of a pale puiph Il 11| I 1 s,il It h' II 11 11 I 111,1 I Mistlef Enqr- by LI fieedom du .tli< i Fold, Budteigh Salterton two J e us Nil slow but foi 1 1 Ider thanKew, although not so wtll for the Himalayan Rhododendions i wall 01 South A\ ales the % ariety is w oith nc, grows freely on a tail Lime tree about 50 yards ' ingab likelj to succeed — \\ J i> whence the seeds which pioduoed the ^'^"° =t<.r,» _ ,1 h 111 question were probably conveyed b> ,1 wild bud I should be glid to know if II ulei of The Gaeden has e\er seen the Mistletoe growing on the Cotoneaster H J O Walker, Lt Col Lte Foul, Budleigh tSaltcrton. The double-flowering Currant (Ribes san- guineum fl.-pl.). — In a recent article on the flowering Currants I did not notice any mention of the double-flowered variety, which decidedly merits notice, owing to the fact that it is the last of all to bloom, and its flowers also remain fresh longer than those of the single kinds. It is a deep-coloured form which is now pretty well known in tree and shrub nurseries, but, at the same time, it is not very generally met with in gardens. This double-flowered variety has now been grown for some years, but of its origin I can find no record. -H. P. Exocliorda grandiflora.— A grand shrub, but one not often seen in gardens, and, as a rule, in rather poor form ; in fact, a large well-propor- tioned plant is very rare. Just now a clump of "Vitis inconstans —This which is far known IS \mpelopsis Veitchi or tiicuspK ]ii f II m ]i.i Inn, iipidlv into giowth and tl, 1,1-1 li IMS ue miking their appearauca tj ]i nits lit ililieience between some individuate \ei\ milked Thus in one foim the large tl lobed leaves are of a biit,ht green tint inoth with leaves entire or neiily so is of the sai hue, while particularly noticeable just now is o whose foliage is of a rich shining bronzy til totally distinct from that of either of the ing. These bronzy forms vary a good depth of colouring", and to the richest-tint, the varietal name of purpurea is generally applii — T. Amelancliier oligocarpa. — Besides newest and rarest of the American Junebe is also one of the most distim t. All thi- 1 cies in cultivation, whilsi iii.n i.il.,..il shrubs, are, neverthelt-s-. . -- in la IIn -in but this never gets beynnil tl..' -i/. ..f bush, and is usually from i f. . t i. t I Another distinction is that its lln»,. those of A. vulgaris, A. canadin-i-. >V. have a racemose inflorescence, are j.in.ln. or two together, seldom more. This prevent it from being a free-flowering si zy tii^ tetfoH^ I May 8, 189 7. J Tiii<: (;aiii)en. 341 rery pretty when in bloom, for the flowers every one of the joints of the pi m's wood. The blossoms iut larli icrosfi, 1111(1, like those of A. can^i'lcTi-i- vhite, but the petals being fullii ;iimI Ii l.e.1 grov This apparently is a hail choice, for it doe ion any imitation of t Ihrives better in ^..il . loes in a wiM MU, l;rowtli, and is lik. I> 1 ion at Kew, and this Into flower, biini;' pa^ SHItC/iS Prunus Plantieri plena— This very useful owering shrub is just now covered with its prttty luble white blossoTS, which muoh resemble double lepaticas iu form and size. It is a worthy addition ) our bardy shrubs. Cydonia japonica Simoni is a most bril- ant variety ot the Japanese guince, muoh richer in iilour than the type. The flowers are senu-double lid of that beavitiful velvety crimson colour so con- picuous in Henri Jacoby re'.argomum. i Betula nigra pendula.— We cannot find any- ■ here a more graceful tree than the Birch, and the '\)Ove variety surpasses all others in this respect, ust row it is beautiful, smothered as it is with its eantiful catkins. I recently saw a specimen upwards f 30 feet high of the above variety, and I think I ever beheld a more graceful tree, the silver bark just isible as the wind moved the branches of catkins.— P. Spirsea opulifolia lutea as a standarrf.— ext to the Corstorphino Plane and Golden Elder lere is no deciduous shrub so rich iii colour as the bove. I recently taw some plants trained in standard .rm with nice compact heads, and they were mcst Tective objects, surrounded as they were with ever- .•i>ens of a rather sombre hue. 1 his shrub should be 'lined well each year, as by so doing the foliaie be- imes muoh finer and mure brilliant in colour.— 1'. Pyrus Malus floribunda atro-sanguinea. -To my mind this is the best of all the va,rieties of yrus Malus floribunda. I have a pyramid about feet high and .3 feet to -1 feet through, and just now is all ablaze with its hundreds of rosy crimson blos- ;m9. The expanded flowers of atro-sanguinea, in- ead of changing to a pale colour, as is the case w.th iose of floribunda, become an intense rosy crimson, pd render this shrub one of the most useful and bril- int .opring-flowering plants we possess. --E. Park and Woodland. A NATIONAL PARK, recent years .some of the nations of the irld have begun to think of the di.sappi their fauna and of the wisdom of reserving (16 of the neglected jiieces of their countries "national parks." The idea is a good one, d has been carried out in America and else- ere with some success. The following i.s an count of the Algonquin Park of Ontario. lich is interesting to read. Our own country, hough much smaller than those vast domains, s opportunities of the same kind which ould not be neglected. For instance, in my parts of Wales, Ireland and Scotland, id which is of very little use for cultivation ght be turned into parks of this description, which the native trees of the country might whirl, cIlM.ics ll„-sl,,.;,n,sll,,«,,M. I llnMIU^H,, tJivpi li„ia those wiiicli empty into the (ieorgian H:iy. This tract forms part of the great forest w liii'h once covered the whole of Ontario, and con- tains an immense volume of water in lakes, rivers, brooks, ponds and marsh, whilst tli.- ImihI, cnin- po.sed of rocky ridges alternating "iili \;illcys, is of little orno value for agriculi nral |.in |i..-'i s, ;iik1 has consequently ne\er linn .,|i,ii..l l.,i' Access to the reservation is notdithcult, as on the cast the Canadian Pacific Railway, which skirts the Ottawa River for many miles, comes ;it one point within twelve miles; the I'.i 'ilic .luintinn from Toronto ranges from ten tn (h. my mil' ~ on the west, and the Ottawa and Paiiy S I k.iil way runs through its extveiiu- -unt h « .'^i.m, corner, this line affordiiip; tli.- i r:Mli. ~| iii.:iii- fm visitors to reach it. A sii|i(iiii(ciiilciii ,niil si.ill of rangers reside within thr imiiisDf the le-eixa tion, the former clothed with the powers of a magistrate, and the latter having authority to seize and destroy traps, fishing nets, &c. , found within the limits, and they are on the move all the li.netu !„■ 1 the evnne, |„ev,.,,t |M.,el,in- a,Mle\,.I,„lel,v>|K,.s,,>, ,;-„,.|l.> In k, ■..,,;,.' ,:M n AlthoU^-h only tM,n Nr,-.|-- h:ne |,;,--,.,l „,„■,■ definite action li.i- li'-n |:iImii. :i -i. ii|\ :iimI marked increase ut ujhm- .mW im I,, n mj jimmij I- is reported by the snpeiinten.l.-ni . tle^Mi - ,.^[,e cially are multiplying in great iiumlicrs, and where their old dams had gone to wreck by reason of the bea\ers being killed off, many are now- being renewed, or new ones made in their jilaee. These animals feed during winter on the li;irk ..t saplings, a store of which they lay up in ih.n houses during the summer, and wjien the liaik has been stripped off, the logs are hauled out and let go under the ice or into the open current, resulting in a large accumulation of what is known as "beaver timber" along the shores of many streams and lakes. Moose and deer are ir-]). uted rapidly increasing under preservation, an in-l:iiir, of which is reported by a ranger wlm, whil-i going from one lake to'anothcr rmt fai 'l,-i ml towards the close of winter, hniiid tin mnh ■-[, completely tracked and ]i.h by the moose that snow s| pi-iicticablc." Of the fur heaiin-.: aniin.iU. the oil el. iiiiiik, marten, fisher, and musk rat are iH-.ciininj M ly numerous. The otter especially, «hiili. hk'' the beaver, had been hunted un- iii.'ieifiiUy . i- now quite plentiful in the park. Tlie ranger above quoted says : " One stream w .■ were travelling up last winter was so thickly in habited with them, that we could hardly u" Ion yards without seeinf; them dodging in" and (nii through blow holes in the ice."' Whilst animal life is thus regaining abundance under protec- tion, there aiiiouiit of lal which gives a vast e wc.lf. Although the ■jiaiiie.l ii, \i-ihH~ k\ ill.' ( 'Minini-^ioner of l'i.i\Mi l.aml- III- l,y I lie -ii 1 1, i i iil . la lent of the park. It is needle-.^ In >;i\ lll.al spnit in theSe waters, teeming as tliey"are with trout, is excellent. There is probably not to be found elsewhere within the prov tract of country which in the same limited space gives rise to so many important streams. Twenty-seven veritable lakes, with hundreds of others varying in size from considerable bodies of water to mere pniids, afford ample scope for the rod. The larger lakes form respectively part of the several water ~\~i.iiis within the park limits, and there is >eai eely a lake of any size which is not connected by stream or portage with some leading chain of waters, the consequence being that the whole area is easily accessible by canoe, the only means of locomotion through the forest. The remeni- branie of the beautiful woodland scenery in the eailiei- days of this country has been almost eila. eil Ijy the demand for wood with the progress III s, itlement, and from the occasional ra\ages of tile 1 hniiiuhdiit the older parts of Ontario, and many k I mis i if trees are rapidly becoming scarce, er aie -ekiom seen now in their full proportions. Haul wii.ided trees are abundant in the park, and are found in groves intermingled with the Pine. It is the home of the Black Birch, which reaches an enormous size ; the Maple and the feathery Hendoek are abundant, while Ironwood (Horn- lie.imi, lieeeh. .\^h and Basswood are well repre- -eni.ik led and White Cedar, Spruce and Tamaiaek ali anal in .Hound the swamps, with an iiii.lei'ji.iulh of Ikilsaiii, Hazel and ,.\lder .■\lnn|,lieiaie- wl it as a summer resort for health and recreation, a resort where every natural pleasure which varied 342 THE GARDEN. [SIat 8, 1897. scenery ofiers can be enjoyed amid the perfect repose of a district almost uninhabited l)v man. — Fidd. Kitchen Garden. SEED-SOWING ON WET SOILS. Although much may be done by sowing limited quantities of difi'erent things under glass to be put out as soon as weather permits, neither time nor space can be afforded for successional and larger supplies to be raised in the same way, therefore other means must be resorted to during an unfavourable sowing season. I have often had to make a sowing of Peas when to all appearance the soil was not in a fit state to receive the seed, but as warmer weather fol- lowed, I have had every reason to be .satisfied with having done so. It will be n^iw lucussary to make frequent sowings of Pe.is. aii.l Im put these in while the ground is still Im., h , t t.. tread upon. The more shallow the .suuils can be put in on soils of this description the better, it being safer to keep them near the surface, adding more soil about them as they come through the ground. Thrref.av, in makiii- tlic drills, not more tli.iii '_' iinlirs <ul t. lie congratulated U|...n l\\f -u. ■.■.■-- ■.! ili, iniiua .linner, which took pla.. ai ila ll.ii.l ('..il .m Wlullak.r i;llis, l!l., wla. was sn|,|...ll,Ml 1 ,y Sl„ nil Knu.a-, ilu' Krv. W . Wilks, N. SI,. ,« .....I, llariv J. \clLeh, J. Guuld VeltL-li, .J. 11. \eitel,, Leonard Sutton, Geo. Bunyard, Arnold Moss, J. Assbee, A. W. G. Weeks, J. W'alker, R. Barr, W. Barr, G. H. Barr, C. .T. Ingram, W. Ice- ,, .T. Wrio-ht, G. Nir-hnlson, H. .T. .Tones, .1. H. in-. II. Williaiiis, A. ■I'uin. 1. II. Turner, W. in-i 11 nt.-il ni ItsS/ m counneiu.irai a m ..r ncr .Ma|. sty's jubilee, and therefore the |il.si nl ....a -i.iM wTis a memorable one, and then |.. ill -lai\\..l, tun, hnw much good work has been a. in|ilisheil sin.-e it was starte.I. In .■.msi.hr.at i.m .,1 1 he wreat event that iscelebrai.'.l ilns>.ai. i !],■ \\ la.le of the candidates were el. ■.In. I witliniii lialLii a thought- ful way of recording- tli.' pi./s.ni jiiliili.-. The number of children who have been |,la.-. .1 .m tlie fund since its inauguration is eiglity li\ i-. I in. ..f tlie most pleasing causes of gratili.al i.m t.. ih. e..Miinittee is the letters of de.p an.l .ain.-l rill . niiunittee, too, by means of the special jiaiii- they are empowered to make, have also 1» . n . naliled to render timely assistance in start- iny se\eial orphans in life. The total amount paid to the children since the commencement of the fund is £4918. The usual loyal toasts proposed by the chair- man w lie heartily received, the I'rinress nf Wales li.inu patroness of the fund. Tli. ji. at t.iast of 1 Ii.' .M'liing was the "Roy.al i l.ii d.n.i s' ( »rphan I iiM.I. which was propos.-.l l.v ila' . liaiMuan in an ,-a.Il. nt sp,-eeh. Hesaidtliat s.iel, fan. Is as tin- -1 M ivi-eive help from ev.a\..n.' m lli. eiiinii I \ . Nn 1 1 nsfortune was greater t ball th.' I.i-s,,l I III' 111 iihI-w iniiia- of the family, an.l l In- Imul » a- | s] „ , lally beneficial, inasmuch as it wa- Ihil mill fill 111 take the children away from linn mil In r - ran an.l the influence of a goml liain . Sa Whittaker Ellis appealed to masters l.iassisl m every way possible tne (Jardeners' Ori>han Fund, and a.sk neighbours to help too. It was by co- operation that great results were forthcoming. He reminded those interested in its welfare that in commemoration of Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee an effort should be made to commemorate the memorable event by special subscriptions. Mr. N. Sherwood in Vespnndin.j- referred to the finances of the fund an.l ti) till- iji eat ti.t that all orphans this year had ln.n |iiii ii|iiiii the finnl without election, lb- lin|i..l uanlimi- u.nil.l |mt their shoulders to tlie wheel, assisting to the ut- most of their power this excellent institution. Mr. Sherwood strenuously urged the necessity for annual subscribers. The to.ist of " Gardeners and Gardening " was proposed by Mr. A. Dickson in a suitable speech and responded to by the Rev. W. Wilks, who said no line works so diliijentlv for their wage as ■jaiili ni I-, anil mi.1, a bian.b .,f lab.iur sbinild be I, r, , 1 I,,, m.i-l 11 - ami .anlilnyerS of - 11.1, m I Ml W ilk- |,iiiiii.il liiii ihat the money I I I,,, , .,, , ,,ii,,nal I llml- -limilil .■nine OUt |i. Ill mark the il that Dr. ,. a.-aseiif £5000 aid, from a good .mal work. He .!■ the case with . ahs.neeof Sir 1,1 all Ii of the mil Ina t.iast was I \i mil. I Moss, \\ ,, i„ii-t mmiiimi I li.a i li. ■ i i.i I'm-Is not in ,|„, i.nnlril li~l .-iin-i-liil nt ■ , u . i| n ..i i i by Mr. \lai-liall In .Ml. Sill iMiiii.l, whn had kindly under- lak.ai ih.' .Inli.'s lit inasiirer in the place of Mr. T I; llaywiiiil whn has retired through, un- f,.ltnnal.l\,lll ImmIiIi. Xni ih,' lia-i pleasing incident in the evening was the ii.i-i III Mr. A. F. Barron, the secretary, and who. a- readers know well, has taken an aetiv.' iniei.-i in the fund since its commence- ment. We hope he will long continue to act in his present capacity. The following list of subscriptions was an- nounced : Sir J. Whittaker Ellis, £52 10s. ; I ,n.l Suit. 111. £llltl; Sir .iam.s Whitehead, £111 III- ■ i: li.Mi.iliI-, i.':;ri I-, t.l. lineluding l.i.oi.ol.l .II- Uoili-elnl.l, .cm. ami Anthony Wut.ler, .e.-,); Cnvellt Ganlen lll.n.ls, |,er.T. Ass- bee, £45 lU.s. : Messrs. H..lhs,-lnld, iJi .'is. ; N. Sher\\-ood, £38 '2s. ; Baron Selii.edei . fJ.i ; A. W . G. Weeks, £20 8s.; Alfred de Uotlisehild, f 10 ; W. Low. £10 4s. ; Messrs. Dickson, £lt) 10s. : ilaiiv .1 \'. it.h £111 Ills. : .1. Veitch and Sons, £lu ills ■ liaii an.l Smis. £10 10s. ; D. P. Laird, £'i N • W I'nupait, iil: W. Y. Baker, £8 8s.; W. .1. Nutting, £7 17s. 6d. : F. F. McKenzie, iks .Is. ; K. Drost, £7 7s. : .1. F. McLeod, £7 5s. ; i;. Cilliert, £5 10s. Od. ; Geo. Bunyard, £5 5s. ; \ II Smee, £5 ; A. \X. Sutton, £5; .1. Walker, £5 : T. Wliillans. .i'.". I'^s. Ikl, : P. Ci.iwl.y, fj 2s. ; G. A. D,ok-o„. ik^i .-I-. : Ml. r.laoku.ind, £5; T.C.Waril. I. -.;-.; I. . 1 1 . 1 1 1 liai ■ 1 - . i-'i i >. -M • Segar, £5; W. II. Ibilin.s. t,-,,-,s. ; t ;,.,,. .May, £4 13s ; H. Eckford, £3 8s. : .1. Wrisht, £3 2s. : H. Bal- derson, £3 3s. ; J. Smith, £3 2s. ; P. Steinmann, £3 3s. ; Laing and Sons, £3 3s. ; W. L. Corry, £3 3s. ; H. J. .lones, £3 3s. ; R. Dean, i3 3s. Total, £670. The Crystal Palace fruit show. Vou will remember that wli.ai the autumn fruit show, whi.h hill II . 11 hi III trim time immemorial at the ( lAsi.il I'ala.e. lial talleii through, the Royal Ib'ui a nil in al So, ill \ ,,11. -red to revive it iis a show ,,| |;,in-li oi,iwn liilii with pri/es tn the v.nlue of U-J-'iii on ,■, 111, 111 loll 1 1,., I I ho., ml I ,'-!,■ I in the en- ,,,T,n:i._,,,i t ,,f tiiiii ijn.Nv ,iij 111 ihi- .aiuntry M, , III. i sill, s.ailie n,,I l.iss ih,:i fhio 1,,» arils the expenses. For the last h v. >■ u- tin- sum has been forthcoming and ma;ji,ilii , nt -h,,H- have re- sulted. Thisyear the£liiiil, i--iia\, I itisnot, or at least is not as vet. \la\ I he alh.wed to appeal to all interestecl in IJritish fruit growing not to let our great annual show fall through for lack of £100.— W. Wilks, Sk: H.H.S. The weather in "West Herts.— The shade lenipeiatuns nf the week lia\e been On the whole about .sea.siinable, while the ground has also re- mained of about average warmth. Rain fell on five days to tlie total depth of nearly half an inch. The 4th proved a very bright day, the sun shining continuously for 13^ hours. The past month was the coldest April since 1891, or for six years. 344 THE GARDEX. [May 8, 1897. Although cold, there occurred during the course of -it only one unseasonably cold night, and then the exposed thermometer showed I ml irnffr.i^i, and during the latter half of the iiuiiii li nuly -'■' <'i frost. There occurred a good uluin il,t\- \\li. i rain fell, hut the aggregate (|naiititv .IpoMr.-.i amount.,] i Iv l] inches, which is rather less than thr I,,, .il ,,\, ,,,j,. tor the month. The record of bright -nii-liiiM' was poor, averaging onlj' 4y hours a 'la\, wlihli |., lower than for any April since IsiH. 1 li. winds were, as a rule, rather high, anil '.nip Iimi,i -ome point between nortli and ea^i im iltu-, i li.-r 230 hours, or nearly in days. .\ nil iili.iin ( iiange Apple tree growing in my garden came first into blossom on the 2nd inst., which is three days earlier than its average date for the prex'ious eleven years, but five days later than last year. E. M.J Berkhamnted. Notes of the Week. Cytisus scoparius praecox. — Perhaps nothing more beautiful or graceful in the long list of shrubby plants could be named than tliis. On its own roots the large plants are always etterf ive, and are, we think, better thus than when grafted on tall stems. Sanguinaria canadensis.- Tlu- only njni concerning this |iii'tt\' and lasilv-giown plaiil i~ that its lluHeis aie's., ^liort-liv.-d, utli.i ai i,-,- ni masses, together witli the lli^tinct Ijeauty ot tlie accompanying foliage, tlie plant is very pleasing in the more open spots on the rock garden. Primula mollis.— Among the curiosities of the Primrose family this U always intrn-tniL; when in flower, the reddish blossoms bein-.: i|niir distinct. The plant, however, must not \f la km as hardy, as this is not the case, but in tlii> greenhouse wlieie interesting plants are esteemed this is .still wnitha place. Cydonia Maulei. — There are few -tfr< llrili sprmg i^li.'.l being ilrn- blossoms thai niiili I It so attractive. Anthemis cupaniana.— This is a first-class hardy plant, fully eijiial to any form of the Mar- guerites and thoroughly hardy. It is also an ex- cellent pot plant, and in window boxes flowers profusely. There are myriads of flowers on low plants 6'inches in height and 3 feet in diameter in the herbaceous border here. — W. B. Haktland, Cork. Silene chromodonta.— A neat and pretty species from Greece not yet much known, though it deserves to be brought more generally under cultivation, since the ]5lant is dwarf, free-flower- ing, and pretty in eii'ect by reason of its pure white blossoms and" woolly linear leaves. It should make a pleasing object among select plants in the rock garden. Andromeda speciosa cassineefolia.— This plant is at the present time covered with numer- ous bunches of drooping bell-shaped blossoms of snowy purity. The flowers are large individually and very chaste. In very sandy loam or peat soils with shelter this will do w^ell. Some plants of exceptional size were recently shown by the Messrs. Veitch and Sons. Lyclinis alpina.— A ma-s nf tin- liiiU- alpine was included in Mr. \\,,i. - n i . m ...liilat at the Brill Hall. This pLmi ili„. m.! ,i„p,rss one either with its bri;.:lit nr-^ m fnr llnwi ling, and these qualities are certainly ie(iuired before a plant is worth much room in the garden. Botanically it is interesting, though scarcely effective enough for good positions. Tulipa retrofiexa. -Tlie pure yellow bl soms of lliis I li'jaiiily-fiiiinril species render itone of the liaiiilsi.iiiist and must distinct of May flowering kinds. Its slender form and the pointed, legantly recur\ed petals have a grace of form that is almost unique. At the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society tlie Messrs. Barr if tl, Begonia peltatn. Tin- i- j \ii\ ili~tinita~ d\i(.-es its numerous white flowers in considerable profusion. Apart from this, the peltate leaves, distinct enough in themselves, are rendered more attractive by the very dense woolly cover inu on till- surface, which is notexactly of a mealy natiiii . \it very heavy and substantial in cha- lai ic I. Siiine plants of this are flowering at Kew Primula Forbesi. — This plant may be likened to P. frondosa, which is, perhaps, the more vigoions. even if not cjuite so tall. Both ■t.-.alil uniform condition of moisture is most easily secured. In such a spot, planted in sandy loam, peat siftings, and grit, the plants give but little trouble. Aubrietia W. Marshall.- Tin- xamn lia- puipi lln.s < ... This va- at the last -^oiiety, and .111 when good- sized examples are forthcoming. Tlie plant in the meantime gives one the impression of a desirable variety. Lithospermum tinctorium. — Quite recently al till Hull Hall Ml, .1, T, I'.t-nnett-Poe received an a w ai il ot nil 1 II tiii I In- 1 1 1 -t inct perennial. Of llio roal lioaut\' anil woitli of the plant there is but little doubt, though it is unl\ ran ly ».• -i.e it in anything like perfection. Tin- |.laiii i- 'jiiie- rally so unsatisfactory as a 1j:iiiI\ plant m tliis country, that we were someuliai suipiised it iiiiiitiil lla- aliovi- mark of distinction. In only ill. nil -1 ta\oiii..l -aniens can it be seen in even Camellias outdoors in Surrey. — Mr. Thos. Ta\ l.i. ( rowsley Park, Henley-on-Thames, sends II- a plii.i li.jiaph of a fine white Camellia in full lli.u. 1 111 th. ..pen air. It is growing by the side of the house, and has been in its present p.i-ition for twelve years. The Can. .Ilia mnjlit In- plaiili-.l outdoors in many plae.-s nun li in. h •■ i \ti ii-im l\ than it is. Good loam, sami, w.. II ilr.a.\.il ma- nure, or leaf soil answer admirably, while a mulch of half-rotten leaves or manure during hot weather will also be of benefit. Iris germanica. — The blue and white Flag Irises are among the showiest of border flowers this week near London. Somewhat further south these have been open some days and are now in full beauty. In point of individntil beauty and merit these are easily snip..--. . I wh.-n the group to which they belong ai. n. lull ll.iw.-i-. At the same time their early llow.nn.j niiil.is them of the greatest value ' in the gaideii. and when planted irregidaily in groups are most effective in the earliest days of May. Epipbyllum Gasrtneri var. Makoyanum. —April i- not i.-iiallv til.- fliiwi-rin-j -lasoii . .f the Epiplivllnni-, Ml, ii..iwilli-ta.ii|iii-j.a Ini.- plant ...f thisvalii-tv l..'-ai,n-j -.-^.lal .|o/.,i-ot it- Imlhant redflow.-r- wa-a -ttikin-^ t.atin, in 1 In- laf-e suc- culent house at l\. w a !. w .la\- -111.-., Among these plants tin- li.. ll.-w j .t tins group is always notew-oi thy, ami tin- i-a-.- \\\\\i which they are managed slioulil ti-inpt niany t.. grow a few plants, particularly where hanging baskets and the like are much in request. Narcissus Victoria. — An award of merit was granted this variftv by the Rnval Horticultural Society ,it tl..-,i- la-'t in. itni-j- -,r III,- Mull Hall. The van. -IN I-.-, ll.-inilx a 111--1 Imii.I-. - . m. -, and, without a.-l iial .lata lit it s pa 1 . iil aiJi-, w . nili I appoar hetv well-known Emperor and Glory of Leyden. Ex ril, IS Tomifl ceptional vigour is at once a conspicuous featu of this new kind, which has a trumpet slight upraised, and not horizontal or drooping, as ir inany kinds. It was shown by Messrs. Barrs Stylophorum diphyllum. — This is a v ili-l iiii-t nil 11 1 1.. 1 of till- l'a].avei-acea-, and not fi .pi.-ntK -..-n at i-\liiliiiions, tli..ugli often not iii.-l,..!..- .-..II, .11. .11- ..t liai-.lv plants. The IS neuily alliL-.l t.i Chelidunium, and mayeas taken for it at the moment, so closely do.t foliage and flowers resemble those of the 0^ dine. The plant, like the last-named, has.Hi merit of distinct foliage, and when groi*h small groups this is always seen to advantef In ordinary sandy loam the plant grows qai freely, and may be increased easily by seed. May Tulips from Ireland. — I send you ._;atheiiii,o of late self-coloured yellow and gold Tulips, T'lii- siasoii has been much against I blooms ill eomi.arison with May and April, If — a bad Tulip season indeed. You may say e gans lutea, as figured in The Garden last as Golden Eagle, is the same as what I fulgens lutea. You should see them gromi l;..--i(les, one is much taller than the othei-. Th- I- ..lie other which I also send, viz., the t i-.il.l.-ii Eagle. It is just out of flower, ({ok t'l oN\ n has also gone out of flower. The self yelU are very fine in good genial weather. — W, Harti.and, Cork. Trillium grandiflorumroseum.— This lov form will inak. .1 mo-t «,-I,-onir and u.seful ac tion to tin- ali.,-i.l\ .-liaiiiiing group of spr flower-, .mil winli- II NM.iilil 1.1- in.li-ed difficult name anyllnii..; moi i- i-\i|iiisitely i-liast.- and p than the typical wood Lily itsi-lf, tin- -uliject the ]iresent note will be found a n ,ill\ i.;.....! c panion plant for it. The plant i- m it- iM-iy pect, save that of colour, T. gi-anilillonnn, but place of the pure blossoms of the type we b flowers externally of a warm rose-pink shade, ternally the petals are white and flushed y\ rose, thout/h the outside colouring prod most t..|liii-j .-ir.-.-t among the pure white \\ . at. ini.i In. .1 .Ml, Perry, of Winchm who lia- |ii-t SI lit lis some" flowers, only the loots (luiiiii; the past autumn from Narcissus poeticus recurvus. — The i of the flowers of tlie oM Pheasaiit's-eye Na with tlio-i- of till- (lai.li-nia-flowered kind, p...-ii.-ii- tl, pi , i- till- -nn-t si..;-n that the of tl..- hall. ..Ill I- iiiai 11- i-los,-. These two fd| ai-.- -till pi,-,-i.,ii- on tins ai-count, both fragrant and beautiful either in the gardenc the house, the chief drawback being the tainty of the flowering of the double kind i localities. That so useful a plant shot characterised by such a failing is much tof gretted, seeing it is the only one of ducing double flowers. A double white th be relied upon to flower freely would i welcome in many gardens. Meanwhilt- we persevere with the old kind, and, by di-i-|. |il ing in rather heavy soil, to some extent 1- more favourable results. It is a good plan to allow it to remain a j-ear or two without turbance. Public Gardens. Recreation ground for Dorking. Duke of Norfolk, who is lord of the mano;| Dorking, has presented to the Urban Council of that place eleven and a half land to be used as a recreation ground for ( a memorial of the Queen's long reign. Names of plants.— T. fi— Dendn avdi. CoHsfnnfiJrarffc- l,Fern,Dav3lliac sis ; 2, probably Dracaena icdivisa. 1 The Tulips you sen J are mostly forms of T. Gesne The handsome yellow one resembles a vaiiety clI luteo-pallida. The pale yellow one we dor recognise; it is interesting and should he incrcaseil THIE G-J^:E^lD:HMsr. -Vol. LI.] [MAY 15, 1897. »hard and Fruit: Sple Lord MurK-i> 11 ihiiigup frame 3&:> - ■-'''-. l-'i^ 3,V, \ '^'. tables, good, scarcity ot 354 Stove and Greenhouse:— A/:ilca Anthony Koster .. 357 I. :irMations, border, in pota. . 350 {Illustrations in Italics.) Ciirnation Winter Cheer . . Lapageriaa from seeds . . . . Lasiandi-a for winter flower- nhoaodeudrou Couutoss uf Haddington Hkodoilcndron Countess of llaililinj/toH .. .. .. .. Richardia all>o-niaculat;i . . Sparaxis, Ixias and their Destroyers:— Carrot fly, the Trees and Shrubs: — Daphne Cncnrum Notes of the Week* UpBU spacuH Raynei Park St. Georges, Southwark, ijjtcii space f«;r . . , . . . scellaneous:— (in-mr/ji/ Jfouxc, Oranthatii, Iris germanica Purple King 361 :^CHARD AND FRUIT GARDEN. I KEEPING APPLES. t fKE much interest in all the articles I see in '"i Oariien on Apples, for 1 feel that tlie «lif- nr i.ieas expressed regardiiii,' the uiaiiy vaiii'- iimitioned have an edueatiii^; iiifliuiici', iii- II h as one gets to know which varieties are I'l i|ited to such and such asoil and locality. ' s,. observer must have noticed that with- ■ '■ last decade there has been a great ten- \ to plant too many of these showy, large, autumn or early winter kinds that do not I iiiiich beyond Christmas, and no doubt : to a certain extent is due to these showy '|1ls being so prominent at all the early I lull exhibitions. Those planting should I'kr well the object they have in view. 1 ixsitlt should be a supjily all through the ' 1 months and into the spiiiis,' till tlie end : I i\ at any rate, and tlitit can only be at- I 'I by due and careful consideration of the 1^ planted. After the new year and on- ^ Knglish home-grown Apples begin to get I anil foreign supplies take the place of the ■ Utown. This, to say the least of it, is to be - it.a. f„r the amount of nionev antitiallv paid • ■ fnia-igner for lii.s fruit might be emplovcl cultivation of tlie Apiile at home. That in be kept till the end of May or even " le is no doubt if the proper kinds are There are none better than Northern . o,ng, Wellington, Hanwell Souring, Al- 'iiMi, Annie Elizabeth, and Lane's Prince ■Ul|rt. More are quite unnecessary ; indeed 'Jiuf the lot I should give Wellington un- '■■ lied preference, as it will last out all the ' - except Lane's Prince Albert. Both of I have had in a perfectly sound state for levcn months after being gathered. that is reiiuired to secure such a result is storage, and that is not to elaborate fruit room with Pine and hot-water pipes. any such material that has an -| that is reiiuire ttiper place of s 0 pund in the ( »*ny shelves of "% straw, or ani absorbing influence should never be employed in the storage, as these in course of time absorb the natural moisture of the Apple and leave it tough and shrivelled. Hot air currents have the same effect on the fruit. Ajjples will luvif kti]i sound and fresh where artificial ill at IS iiupl.ycd. I .store all my Apples in an olil siiiiiiiRi-hoiise, which is covered with tiles, witJilath and plaster within, and heavily shaded by a very large Beech tree standing on the south side of it. There being no spouts round the shed, all the rain-water falls to the base of the walls and percolates away underneath the house, the cement floor always being kept cool and damp. The fruit is stored on the floor 2 feet deep in large heaps. Only the best fruit is stored, great care being taken to prevent bruising. The one window in the house — which faces due east, so that the prevailing south and west winds have little or no effect on the fruit — is kept open night and day in all weathers unless in severe frost. There is a close wire netting over the open space to prevent birds or such- like getting an entrance to the fruit. The Apples should be thoroughly ripe before being taken from the trees, for it does not matter where an unripe Apple is stored : it will shrivel in time. People should not be tilann. .1 .iLmit a few degrees of fro.st in October, for that will n.ii injure the Apples. Six years ago \\ c had hcic 16° of frost in October. The fruit from a tree of Court Pendu Plat was not gathered, and it was thought afterwards the fruit would be use- less. However, after a few days it was examined and found firm, gathered and stored, and kept perfectly sound till the end of the following May. Since that I have not been so hasty in gathering, even although the weather was cold and frosty — that is to say, only a few degrees towards the end of October. I send you a few fruits of Wellington to show that I am only stating facts respecting the sound state of this Apple from cool storage. — A. Kemp, Cool- hurst, Horsham. *#* Beautiful, well kept and firm fruit of this favourite Apple. — Ed. THE HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. Fkom now, and for a considerable time to come, the attention of the hardy fruit grower will be fully occupied, especially where wall fruit trrtes ate grown in quantity. Although m.ist of the matt. is demanding attention are of ,i i.mt me , Ilh.h hi , they are such as will not tidmit of .|el.i\, anW il,.' fact of being on thealert tiii.l aei „r^ w iiii iiiiaiqiii tude when occasion aii-.s i< ..|ii;illy ,i^ euinlucivo to success in hail h Iniii jmimhij a- in all other occupations. Thewiil,, ,. ,,„ iln h l.ul,-, has not been altogether tinfav ..mahle f.nM.ill trees, and in my own case the disbudding of Peaches and Nectarines is in a forward condition. Aphides so far have not been troublesome, and the few in- sects that were found ha\ e been promptly settled with tobacco powder. Blister is also absent, and this no doubt is owing to the fact of the trees having the protection of blinds on cold nights. Now that the fruits ate swellitiL'. thinning maybe advaiita.j-..,,usly i\n,„-. t;il.i;,.j, as a matter of coiii-e, til.' small. ~i ;ii,.| ill,,-,, inconveniently I ''■■"■'■''■ '""I i.'lii.iiej .ill I » III-:, II. I triplets to one. Thi~ .i..ii... tli.i.ini I.., «ill -»,.ll rapidly, and may .igaiii I... il,mii...l hImm m. ...-ssary, and this may .J... .,11 mil il i ai In. m. .i .■ i li.ni enough are left to t.,1111 til,. ..i,.|,, \,,xv i|;,.|i ^^ a liner weather has s.'t III. til,, ir..,.- 111. 1,. Mill -lioii l\ lie sprayed on a 1.1 1'jlii iii.,riiiii.j \\ It ;. an m-, .1 1.!.!,. as a preventive in.a^iii... an, I ninl,.|im.j ,,t ll,,. I.iirders wiU also >^o..n tak,. |.la..,., IM.nn- li.iv,. -, i well, and so far there have been but a f, m i-,,! .i..I .a-, s of an attack of fly, but a. i- lia\.. I.. . n -. ii l.il with these in the manner iii.|i...l..| ai„.\., Inashort time these trees may be ilisl.ii,l,l,.,l. an.l sh.iotsnot required for laying in will be pinched at the fourth leaf to form spurs. Pears on walls look most promising, and if all the fruits which have set stand, there will be a consideiable amount of thinning to do. It is just a- will, however, not to be in too great a hiiii\ i,. ,|,, i lii-. as it is always best to wait awhil,- mil -, , wliah fruits take the lead bef.ire thirmin.^ i li, m. Xow is the best time tonnilili l',...ii 1 1, . -, an.l before applying the mateiial- .jim , -i .Mi-l,. .1 t rees— whether they be conl.jn. ,.ii ih. i him, , ,„■ diagonal and fan-trained trees uu the Tear -a dressing of super- phosphate of lime and muriate of potash com- bined. This should be mixed in equal proiwrtion f 346 THE GARDEN. [Mat 15, 1897. and sprinkled on the surface of the ground at the rate of 2 ozs. per square yard and hghtly rakecl or forked in. This will put fresh life and vigour into the trees and enable the fruits to grow to a large size. A few caterpillars have been found and destroyed by hand-picking, and as soon as the petals fall from the late-flowering varieties all wi 1 be thorouo-hlv washed with an insecticide. Growth on Pe-ir-^i- '-ati^l;iriurv. All weak and watery shoots' sli.iMl.l I" liMlU.d out, stopping the re_- maindi T mIm n -iillirirnUv developed at the fourth leaf Ciiiilnns «lu(li need renewing should have the best anfl most conveniently placed shoots left at the base for training up the wall, to even- tually take the place of the parent stem. \ oung shoots must also be left as leaders where needed, also in sufticient numbers on trees which are • which have not filled their allotted •space. , . , u Turning to Cherries, the sweet kinds hav good crops, and so far the trees are clean. foliage is also very healthy and the tr., making good growth. As these are so imp: of the knife, it need hardly be stated tliat piiieli ino- of superfluous growths should have attention du°ring the growing season. Of course young growtls should be left where reiiuired either for making good vacancies or to allow of the reino> al of worn-out and decrepit branches ne.\t autumn ; also for extension in the case of young trees. Morellos are wreathed with blossom from base to tip, and are, happily, so far free from insects Mulching of these, also the sweet kinds, should soon be done, as well as those out in the open garden. Apricots are looking well and the fruits Sre swelling apace. Continue to thin the latter, leaving as a matter of course rather more th^ni will be required to form the crop when finally thinned after stoning. A vigilant look-out must still be kept for the maggot, the most eff'ectual means of dealing with which is to crush the roUed-up leaves between the finger and thumb. Apricots being such moisture^ loving trees, they should be well mulched, and the borders frequently tested to ascertain when water is recjuired so that no mistake may arise this direction. Disbudding and the pinching ot young growths to form spurs must not be lost sight of, and leave a good number of shoots for training to the wall, as one never knows when any of these may be required. Coming now to Trees in the Open, Sweet Cherries, Pears, Plums, and Damsons have set their fruits and are swelling satisfactorily. There are a few aphis and caterpillars on Plums, and the latter remark also applies to Pears. Sweet Cherries are clean, and so are the Kentish and Morellos. Apples are not yet in full bloom but a few warm days will see them fully out. A few caterpillars are present, and in cases where the blooms are not yet open the trees will be sprayed, whiletheothers will be hand-pieked. ( iir- rants and Gooseberries have set heavy ci'ips ;inil are growing away in a most satisfactoiy ninniMi. and caterpillars so far are absent. i;a--|.li. i n. > are coming into flower and promise a juUcruij All superfluous shoots have been removed, and those left near the stools will be shortly thinned down to eight or ten of the best. Strawberries having been mulched with long litter some few weeks ago, the recent rains have washed it clean and left it in good condition for the fruits to he upon. The plants, which are healthy and vigorous, are throwing up stout flower-spikes, and so far promise an abundant croj). Those who have not vet mulched should lose no time in doing so, and it is best done before the plants come into flower. In conclusion, examine all newly-planted trees whether on walls or out in the open, and if they are not found to be making satisfactory progress, test the soil, and water if found to be at all dry. Syringing on bright days will also help to revive them, and this should be done until the trees give signs, by making growth, that the roots are in an active and healthy condition. Mulching, as nd iirovide against future contingencies in the shape of drought. A. W. Strawberry Boyal Sovereign r. Stevens' Wonder.— As regards the comparative merits of the two above-mentioned Strawberries for forcing, I hear from South Devon, where some hundreds of the varieties have been grown under exactly similar conditions, that Royal Sovereign came into bearing ten days earlier than Stevens' Wonder and that the fruits of the former were of far the better shape, thoseof the latter being mostly wedge, or, as my informant writes, cockscomb-shaped. In weight of fruit per pot there appears to have been little diff'erence.—S. W. F., Vi;jo. Apple Pott's Seedling.— An extremely pro- lific and hardy kind, and the sci^nn iiin>t In- a very untoward one indeed in will' li iln^ tails to bear. The fruits are largi/ and pal. u Ikiw when ripe, but not so deeply culuurud as cither I.. .1.1 Suffield or Lord Grosvenor. Pott's Seedling . . .1 .ks well and keeps longer than any of the above- I,. ntioned varieties, and last, but not least, it is a n ,od market kind. It is a hardy and free grower, xnd succeeds equally as well as a standard as a Vnish. It can be highly recommended for orchard nting as well as for growing as a bush in other gardens where space is restricted.— A. W. ° Apple Bed Beitingheimer. — This very handsome Ap[)le will become a good market va- riety if it pro\ps to lie a free cropper and suc- ceeds in the uum'ti'v ..f fi nit-growing districts. Its large size an. I I. .mi mil ...luur would command for it a ready sal. it ili. ti nils can be produced in (rnnntity. l' ha\ c sucii it stated that it is a shy li. ;ii. I . l.iit having had a tree of it only three sea- ^i,ii» I iiiii lint in a position to refute this state- in. iit . riii> spring the tree is laden with blossom, and there is every prospect of a heavy crop set- tine Last year I grafted an orchard standard witli this sort, which will in the course of two or three seasons prove whether it is suitable for growing in this form or not, and which will also put its cropping capabilities to the test. Unfortu- nately, it is not a good keeper, but this will not signify so much if it can only be produced in suffi cient quantity to prove remunerative, as the fruits could be marketed before they would have to compete with the American fruit. — A. W. Apple Lord Derby.— To anyone requiring a prolific midseason cooking Apple I would recom- mend the above, as it is not only a free and con- tinuous cropper, but the individual fruits are large, and they cook almost ecpially as well as those of Lord" Suffield. The fruits are a clear o-olden yellow, and last season the side exposed to the sun became beautifully flushed with crimson, which rendered them v.iy luindsnine. ft is a hardy, vigorous, and ii|.ii'jiit ■ivowwvj: \iin.-ty which comes early iiiP' l..iiiiii'j. mi'l n ^li..ul.l iirove profitable for mark, t ..n a.-.omit nt its pin- ictiveness. In spite ot the heavy load which 11 trees bore last season, they are again full of .lom and promise a full crop of fruit. The uits keep good up to Christmas, but after that time they lose flavour. Amateurs I would ad- vise to grow it in bush form and keep it sum- mer pinched, and once the trees come into bear- ing little pruning would be required.— S. E. P. Keens' Seedling Strawberry.— It was very interesting to note in connection with the ex- hibition at a recent meeting at the Drill Hall of two new varieties of Strawberries, though neither secured an award then, that there should have been exhibited from Syon by Mr. Wythes a ' ' ' ' ' ' Keens . robably one of the next oldest in cultivation Elton Pine, and that is still found in many g£ dens, and especially in retentive soils, to be o of the very best late \arieties in cultivatio Probably the most formidable competitor Keei Seedling has found is Royal Sovereign, and Elt< Pine finds its late competitor in Latest of AJt _ is worth notice that whilst so many new va^i have come and gone, these, with such old British Queen, President, Sir .I.Paxton, ai few others, still rank amongst the best, Jargonelle Pear in pots.— There are of the choice varieties of dessert Pears not very certain croppers, even when grown^t may tually ff « best class of orchard house. They profusely enough, but the fruit eventu when it should be setting. Beurr§ de 1 A: is one of the worst in this respect— at i found it so when grown in pots. Jargone the other hand, is one of the best for pot healthy trees invariably carrying a good c fruit. I do not now grow many Pears in po a Jargonelle which I have so grown for at .le nine years with only one repotting, but w annual top-dressings of good loam and bongs and mulching with rotten manure, has m every year borne well. Sometimes I blo^i tree in a cool Peach house and at others it ■» out plunged in strawy material till the set, then moved under glass. It always pays labour, ripening a fortnight sooner than fruit.— C. C. H. Late Apples in Scotland.— I read the marks of "A. W.," Stoke Edith, on Apples ^ much interest. To have abundance of this i valued of fruits every season from Augusti other fruits supplant them in June makes_np many disappointments in other supplies. Jn gust I begin with the Codlin classes. Ees Codlin is much valued everywhere by reW its never failing to bear freely and the esteei which it is held for cooking. Lord Sufiieldd next, and is not surpassed by any other coo, Apple in its season. Stirling Castle never fai the north or south, and is a grand cooking var Seaton House is a little like it, but has a br flavour, is harder in substance and keeps we. end of April. Northern Greening is valued mu« me, though not so much as Seaton House, l shire Greening during May (and a month or previous) is a capital Apple, and, like those ' I have enumerated, bears a hea\y crop season. These six sorts would meet all our if no other Apples existed. But there are others which do well in this low -lying locaht the valley of the Forth) which I value i^ the trees (whether old or young) are wellOTO every year. Six of these are Golden bpi^ osvenor, Cellini, W^ellington, Sandnn^ .re Apple and the tree is free bean^), m' of Pippins. I find Blenheim an* ■ , ourites do not do well enough here to . them extensively. They are very inferior to had in the south and west of England. sert Apples are not generally good here. Temple, Can-on, Slirluigshtre. superior and finely-coloured sample Seedling. When a variety that was raised by Mr. Keens some seventy years since worthy of culture, and especially variety, it does seem curious that at least amongst earlier there has not been so marked an advance as has been found in main-crop or late varieties. Keens' Seedling is still a good early variety. It has been suggested that the stock is gradually ,.e ana neaitny co uit.oiu --•-""■S' - becomino- wiakened. If that were so, we might rcumstances will allow, should be done to | e«=.°™^°° ^^/^^^^^^ ,„,h deterioration would hSve - ' ---'-•-■ -n so long a life. all kinds of fruit trees out in the open as well „„ . ., i , ,. „,f „,„„>, - to conserve the moisture I manifested itself much those on walls in orde SHORT NOTES.-FRUIT. Strawberry Royal Sovereiga.-I qnite with all that has been said m fa^O">: of .,""' ' berrv I have never seen any trace of mildew 0 foliag'e, not even when I have ?rown t^e Pl^ts vinery sheM. I w.s so pleased vvtth Royal bo« threa years ago, that last year all others had t? second place, evenray old favnunt3 Vicmitesa?, Thury.-ALKX. Trail, Fnhhaw Hall tf«H Wilmslow, Chtshire. Apple Lord Burleigb.-A mednaaj late-keeping dessert Apple of great and .^f hnnrlsome appearance when well i its ri.liK tln-lM.l .-heek being very striking.| fortniii.i. I\ , It !-■ rather a shy bearer, and C theivti.ie l... i.iDiiiniended "for market, t should be in ev ery private coUectixin where! flavoured Apples are appreciated in Marci| April for dessert.— W. S. E. ; May- 15, 1897. THE GARDEN. 347 TOWN (iAKDKNS. HIS illustratimi, frnu, :i ,,l„,t..-r.i|,li kin,!!., « by Mr. IVrcy Iul;imiii, nf .-i |in>U\ i..\\m n,.,,!, anion reiiiiiuls us Imw imirh i|iiic-t liu.-iui \ ili, i, .< mIm in .such g;ii'dens, tliniis^h ..I'irn lil' liimi..! iil'iil pace. The fact of tlu-r.' Krin.,- su.-li .small s|,,„v "i",!, ery often saves these L,'.inlr I IS fi' UMlul-cnr,' likin'j 1 ugly de.sign. The ,L;n.ini.l is k,.|.t t.. its u-.,.s \" '>"' nd the landscajie hi'.uily is ottni ^ni fi "hIi" ithout tlie walls. Very oftfU siu-li -.u.l.us ,"''■ .minand luvuitiful vivws'nf thu o.uutrv vi 111 li' J, iiirieasing year by year. In the ci.ni.i i.t I III '.;;uden is a fernery, where, well sluiiliil li\ -Mial old Yew trees, an excellent cdllectidu III li.mh- Firiii- lli luiislies among boul- ders and rm 'U\ inrjiiHiii- III till' centre of this ferny nonU ii ' tniintniu i- | iliir.il, which in sum- mer'kcrp- ill'' :iii iihviiv- iiiiii>t and cool by its pci|iitii;il -iii.iN, "Making an eternal April of till- 'jimiiimI. ii'. Byron says of the cataract of A'.liii.i, All until' "walk extends close to the ex- teiniil liiiiiiiilai \' right round the grounds, thus aft'ordiug a walli of the greatest length possible in the area. In this villa garden we have thus an ex- ample of hnw a small extent of ground may lie mmli' till' iiii.-t i.f: in,i\ In- made to look s]iai'iiiii> anil liriiiit iliii li\ I 111 iA\ III..;- round the house a hiw ii fi'rr I1..111 ,',ii|„ i lull-. ;jmttos, Or othcr abiuiiiiiii tiun.-,. vvhilti at tlie .saint' time leaving ample ruuiii for kitchen garden, lierbaceous boi'ders, shrubbery, and fernery. P- T. J. Flower Garden. .\N INDEX EXrrRC.XToKirs. Y(ir will iicrbaps iicniiit nic n,.t ..nly tu tli.ink '•.I. V. L." for tlie kmdlv w.iv m whirl, 1,,' lias taken my remarks iiiii.n this subject, liut als,. t.. return to the list which appeared in The (Jai; DEN of March 6. Those who have at heart the promotion of the taste for hardy flowers know well that "J. C. L." has no self-interest to serve, and that his remarks were solely prompted liy a desire to help his fellow gardeners. My own had the same object in view, and the moral I sought to enforce was that of perseverance .■md experiment in the case of subjects with wliich we had failed. With many of these we must avoid the beaten track, and by dint of lUKjrthodox gardening supply them with their special needs. It is so with Plumbago Larpentie, which has been rather prominently referred to. I flower it yearly in a hot and dry position periia] haiis, tl the top of the rock garden. It hottest and driest part of the must be remembered that the coolness of the sea breezes here is unfavourable for such late- tlowering plants as this. As to Zauschneria califi irnica, I have never been able to flower it myself, althougli I think it could be done if plantuil in the same position as the Plumbago. I have, liowcver, seen it in bloom in gardens, flowering, when we are glad of a relief from the yellow composites, that it is worth some trouble to succeed with. I agree with "J. C. L." asto itsranibliii- habits. I fear 1 Ihim' Ii il >'iur correspondent to think that I look ii|ioii I III ,ii'\ illea Olgiewith afavour- able eve. 'I'ln' ■ "iii i.ir\ is the case: indeed, I think 'so Intl.' of t lir '|,l'Hit. that 1 have never liail 11 111 iiiv '^.irili'ii. Its li.'ii'.liiu'ss IS o|,en to i;i','iM' .loiil,l.;,i„l lis ;i|.|K','ii'.iiK'.' is not attractive enougli to nuluce one to expend the neeessai'y coin of the realm upon its purchase. All the same, it may be that it might become an attractive plant if a right position could be found for it. Many plants are of no beauty in certain positions, but in other places they may look so well as to give the highest pleasure to the onlooker. Once we break free from the tradition that a plant must be grown in the or- dinary liorder or bod, we open up a vast field of possiiiilities in flower growing, leading to the employment of plants unsuited to the method of straight lines and bare spaces. Your correspondent in his remark about Aster alpinus confirms my suggestion that some of the losses wove din- to slugs. I have a feHow- feeling witli liiin in his sufferings from this cause. Astir aliuiiiis, like some others, is a very Mecca for gastiopodic pilgrimages. What- ever the occult iiitfucncc iiiav be, these pests find their way to it from all iiiiaiters. Theonly comfort one has is that these favoured (?) plants form good traps, and by frequent noc- turnal visits to them we can greatly reduce the number i if the unwelcome foragers. I have found sluL^s \ c'i'\ ili'sti'uctive to new plants, and owe a liiu. ]ii i''('iitage of failures among newly- aci|iini'il mill scarce flowers to their taste for "soiiirtliiiig lU'w." Perhaps a few notes of suc- cess and failure on some of the plants in "J. C. L.'s" list not referred to by any of j'our other correspondents may be of interest to a fi'W admirers of hardy flowers. I find Ane- iiiiiiiis of the types of vernalis and Halleri ililliriilt to establish unless when very young pl'iiits orwhen the weather is unusually favour- aljle. If planted in very dry weather, the ne- ces.sary watering is very apt to make them decay just at the surface of the soil. Anemonopsis iiiacroiihylla is not very difficult to manage in ordinary .soils. Arnica montana is well known as a ^ery troublesome plant to grow, and often fails in the position recommended, i.e., moi.st soil in full sun. The best iilmit I liav.' yet seen was grown in a dry sunny lionlir wIiiic it had been for some time. TJie only dilliiulty with Scnccio pulchcr of wliicli I have knowledge is tli.it ill SI .1111' ■guldens it is so late in flowering th.'il Its lijooiiis are destroyed by frost before thi'V h.ivc time to open. This does not occur in all British gardens, and in some it blooms annually in good time. There ought to be no difficulty with Liatris spicata, which flowers here every year, and has done so for ten or eleven years. Rudbeckia intermedia should do well enough also if the young spring growths are protected from slugs. With regard to Coreopsis lanceolata, I find that it, like sexcr.il other similar plants, is liable to die out in li'_;lit and dry soils, and that it should be freqm iitl\ renewed in gardens with soil of this na- ture. I referred to some of the Irises in my former communication, but I am par- ticularly anxious to persuade "J. C. L." and others to persevere with the charming Iris cristata. When it has become established it gives little or no trouble. In planting it the rhizomes should be kept above the surface. I. cristata often does well in the ordinai-y border and forms an exquisite edging. If any of your correspondents are ever at Newry, they might a.sk Mr. Smith to let them see how it grows with him. I venture to think that "seeing, they will take heart again." I have never seen the growth at Newry equalled, but all the same cannot think it iiuiiossiblc to grow the jilant in mo.st gardens. I. iuiK'c.i .iiid 1. ciucasica .ire very liable to injury .-ind eventual loss from late frosts in spring. Scilla jieruviana will only bloom here the first year after purchase. Bravoa geminiflora is not a plant I should re- commend for any but a very warm and shel- tered garden with a light soil. Chlorogalum pomeridianum is another bulbous plant which pulled through a mild winter or two, only to succumb to a harder one. I have not exhausted the half of "J. C. L.'s " list, but I fear I am encroaching too much upon your space at present. I have some personal acquaintance with the larger num- ber of the plants named, and would have liked, had time and space permitted, to say some- thing about them. Perhaps I may have the opportunity again. In the meantime I can only again urge upon lovers of hardy flowers the necessity of further trial before giving up any plant in despair. A little more or a litHe less sun is sometimes the cause of success or failure. A little shelter or a little shade may mean that a cherished plant wiU be induced to live and bloom. Our negative criticism will do no harm if it induce so true a lover of flowers as "J. C. L." to try again, and that successfully, with some plants once lost. His index ex- purgatorius has led me at least to think more of the questions it involves, and doubtless others will join me in thanking your correspondent for bringing the matter before us in so able and temperate a manner. S. Arxott. Carsethorv. hy Dinv^friex, N.B. Saxifraga Maweana.— This handsome kind when in full leafage compares with the much better-known S. Camposi, though in other re- spects it is ((uite distinct. Indeed, it may in a j measure be due to one of the chief characteristics of the plant that it is so seldom seen. The plant | is peculiarly deciduous, or, more correctly, its vital forces are composed of tiny buds all the 1 winter long, and in this state it is regarded as life- less and often thrown away. But when under- stood and cultivated, giving plenty of water in I spring, it produces large quantities of pure white I flowers that are very attractive. Fritillaria Meleagris alba.— A mixed ar- rangement of this kind with the typical species makes a \ery ]iretty and distinct groundwork for taller jilants of shrubb}' growth. At Kew just SIM 1 1 ,1 ' nil Ml 1 1 II in existson thegrassinoneof the in 'U, where, in conjunction with )i Ml. i :: .:;i, the season of flowering in puiiijiilji -jnji i5 prolonged to a considerable ex tent. In the same bed, obviously with the object in view, are groups of Lilium testaceum, which will continue the season of flowering well into midsummer. In such arranged beds the va riety is always a pleasing feature. Aubrietias. — The whole family of t now be said to be in their prime, and as easily' uiiiwn |ilaiits for quickly covering bare surfaces .mil I II mill in- II wealth of blossom in spring foi wi.k> ti.j.ilio they are certainly unique. In till' ili^ti'icl around Twickenham and near thf Thames at Teddington Lock the Aubrietia seems to revel, and in many gardens large masses art now in full beauty. Not unfrequently they are seen draping the raised margins of the walks or carriage drives, and in many such infomiai ways the effect of their masses of bloom is ver\ beautiful. Many of the tufts are about IJ feet across, and, roiling over . the rough marginal stones that give the boundary line to the lawDi and walk, are very pretty indeed. Anemone alpina.— One of the largest esta' blished examples we have seen in cultivation prO' duced a tuft of its Fern-like foliage that would be nearly 2 feet across with flowers in size and quality in proportion. This noble example was grown in the open border in good ordinary loam, fairly deep and moderately rich. Originally it was a rather good plant from an importation, and cai'h year in blossom the plant was a picture in- deed" as its lovely silken cups opened to the morning sun. Few alpines are more worthy of every care and few more vigorous than this. Thej latter fact is too frequently lost sight of, and those who desire to grow one of the finest of all alpines should raise this in quantity from fresh seeds. It may take from four to six years to make, a good bed, but if well done the efl'ect will be last-j ing and complete. | Cyclamen repandum. — A large pan filled| with this bp:uitiful jilant was one of the brightesfi tliiii'js ill Ml. Wni.'V Milled exhibit at the Royal Ib.ifiniiliiii.i! niiiiiii'j' lai'.t week. The blossoms arn .1. "_.iiiit 111 li.iiii ,111.1 of a pleasing reddish tiiiii' tliiit iiKik.'s til. in welcome among the early flowers of spring. In the light soil of Hamptor most of the hardv kinds are a success, and where It May 1.-., 1897.1 THE GARDEK 349 they a result- proof iasooclUoplliot Ih hade inuU.'S a iisrful Lilium Browni. f till-, sunn, HI- llo«, h;il l,.^,■,- Ml l,,-,i,K tllr ~ini.ll~r,| I.. .,., l>r mil 'III, (I, I.I secure their lluwuiiii , h;rl l.rru si, I ,|, ...tecl to some hard for his indif.l had lieen sufficiently seve lieiu of their true beauty and VlinvTii suit we were on thevergeof n'janliii'j i ■d -out form of L. longifloruiii whiii iIhi i;iven attracted attention. In ilm^i' ll ■ lu) colour is to be lust wi .illir n.. nliii forcing of the tic beauty of tl in the garden is re know, but th rthich we refer wi 3 one e ex- 11 not !IAi;i)Y CARPET PLANTS. Ii :i III! -h iif .iiiiiiijs of the best hardy carpet |ilaiil- \sas noi in-iiled in autumn and it is l-iiii ■.! ailvisalil • t i strengthen the stock, they iiii\ he increased by division as soon as ih> flowering season is over. The increased iiltivation of this beautiful class of plants li IS often been recommended in The G.\rden, ind it is recognised that many of the tall herbaceous subjects and groups or specimens of ^lowering shrubs are seen to better advantage ^vhen springing from a live carpet than from the hare soil. Let me therefore suggest in the case of (single specimens growing in small bare beds the lilling up of the latter to the level of the sur- lounding soil and pricking out the carpet plants thickly on the same, whilst, so far as big clumps u-e concerned, all the space available may be Ireated in a similar manner if there is plenty of ilaylight between the Ini--' stuff It should |ilways be reincinli: 1 1 I tliit lioth choice shrubs Ind the l.iest lici liaii-ms | il nits are all the better Ivhen planted thinly, liiiiliana acaiilis is one of (he very finest car|)et plant- m nnltixatiuii whim f does well. The soil ami sit nat i.m ln-l sini,>ilin were a bit of a mysterv to im^ mn il last ,iiii innn, vheu I saw it in" th.-' iiim-i imImim ImmIiI, -nHl i-oni a snil .t,inJ|.iiiiii, anil mrtainly not so far as iioistuiri- iMni'i, I in |iliasure grounds slop- tig very sliai|il\ Willi a s haspect. Even here, owevei-, till 11- wa- a liill. 1. line, and Mr. Geeson l.rew my attention to the fact that on the north fde of any tree that threw a considerable amotnit ^ continuous shade the Gentian was not so good. I he plant is increased by division, breaking it u]5 B soon as the flowering is over and inserting he pieces firmly in the soil. This mode, or ither time, of propagating, viz., so soon as he flowering season is over, is applicable to any car[>et plants, such as Arabis, Aubrietias, Ipine Phloxes and others, either in the form of vision or by cuttings. If the latter are used, a lirtially shaded border must be chosen and the kttings inserted firmly in sandy soil, giving a pod soaking of water and keeping them moist Hil the commencement of growth. With nearly ' the traili ng plants, however, it will be found illy is a strong element of self-production, espe- • le is a thin mulch of leaf-soil is shaken over K. BlKKKI.I LKMATTS MONTANA. s|n iiiL' I iiin ill.cts are created by mil" I. HJmli \\ In-n well established 1.1.1 . \.iji. . IIS with its ivory-white that it would be suitable for the purpose, and the flower-spikes are very pretty if one could get them in fair quantity. I find it a decidedly mifty sub- ject, the growth weakly and flowers only produced in a very sparing fashion. For very dry borders and sloping banks there are few better things than the gold and silver Thymes ; they strike freely from cuttings, and a stock is therefore easily in- creased. Where established plants are getting a bit leggy and a young batch is not ready, it will be found advisable to shake a bit of leaf-soil among the old stuff and peg the shoots into this. The carpet is thereby maintained in its true it I.I ramble at will amongst the young green of de- ciduous trees. In the accompanyin- ilhistra- ti..n It is sli.iun sl,i..u(l- in.^ th,. st,,ii,- i.ill.irs ,.f and the little wrens slip in and out, in continuims search of provender for their numerous progeny, whose moss - covered home is cunningly en- sconced in the fork of a neighbouring tree-bole. Other climbers also de- corate the further ])illars — white! Ml iksianlt.i.se.s fragrant l|..u.a-i'asn;i.les oflaven.l.-r W isl.n i.i, the rich purjjle uf Clematis Jackniani, blue Passion Flower and odorous Jas- Clematis niontana, when once well started, seems to be inditt'erent to soil, one of the finest specimens I have seen thrusting its stems out of the surface of an as- phalt lawn-tennis court. Other cases are frequent where it flourishesgrand- ly in spite of the all-per- vading roots of old trees, deciduous and evergreen, or finds sustenance in a rubbish heap in «hich St nf is indeed a climber that should be used freely by all who with plenty of space at their disposal are in want of spring effects, its valuable pro- Iierty of rapid growth rendering it unrivalled in eliithinga large extent le. S. W. F. Preparations for summer. — A change for the better in the weather and indications of a considerably higher temperature have rendered us extra busy the la.st f. w .lays in attending to things likely to be re(|iiii. .1 f.i -immiir work. A batch of the variegal.-.l .Liiiaii.-. Ilnneysuckle — plants about 10 feet Imjli iliat is used for clothing pillars supporting an awning, has been overhauled and every little particle of dead stufl" removed, and as the stiuare tubs in which they are 350 THE GARDEN. [May 15, 1897 growing are decidedly on tl>e small sid.-. a the top soil was pricked ofl' and a 1 i 1 1 < ■ 1 1 1 1 n i a mixture of loam and cowmanur.' ^nli-iii Sweet Peas in tubs of similar size. lliM ^Ml sently be used for covering a ^ti'i.li ..I work, have had a number nf t \\ I'j- m-i i ic il i a little support. Boxes of \ ai imh^ .Iium n-i.a winrluws, balconies, &c., eiitn lall.n larml till- airaii-.-in.nis ; plants in these are well i iiiiA.', ainl all w ill li.> t iMiisferred for the time to>iiiM' |.M-iii,iii \\l,nv thev can receive, if 1 sai\. a .eitaiii ani.miit of protection. Colw: Canary Creeper at the back ..f llie l,al y have to be staked to keep ilnm wiilnn Im The number of pot plant> i..|iiiiiil i- Mf .sideralile, and these haveal-. fniMul a t.i.n being IS and Win 1,-la-, .Ma more serviceable than a lot of little stuf}'. Suit- able \arieties of Pelargoniums are a few of the freest doubles, and in sin<_des, Cnnstanee (piink). Albion (wliitfi. and the new Ci',;inli-a -.-eiinn. Well-grown lln»r,^nl tli.latl.i :u,'\,'r\ Im-. I measured J lips .md tiM>srs lasl \tar i rspcd i\ < 1\ ■iiinc-hes anJ :; inel,,., n, i«"f I'Unilis, \'i I and before the are admitted to so ti'eated are lost deplorable such things as their li.n- t;,p seleilell fi.V tills ftfii and nitiy frequently be detected by the growing j)oint of the rhizome being turned inwards in tin endeavour to make a more compact plant. 'riiis error was strongly in evidence at the last Temple show, where there is abundant room for lining everything in really creditable .style. W li\' IS it that the hardy plant specialist alone .i|ipears to begrudge the time and material for making u]i a retiily hne exhibition of esta- blished pot plants, and in this way make the hardy plant tent fully .as iiislriiiti\e and at- tractive as the well-urown .iml iipi.iUy well- flowered examples of Kos. s. ( 'lein.itisus and such things' T well know thai Mieh work cannot lie ilonr «itlioiit time, t loi 1 1 ,lf, and expense, lint tins in.iy .also lieiir-eil for plant-growing for exliiliilioii in any ilepaitnient, and is there- fore no adeipiate reason for the hardy plint specialist to content himself by displaying a table of cut flowers only. There is no lack of material, indeed the choice is even greater now than formerly, and a few well-chosen subjects grown in pots for the purpose of displaying their liest side would be sure to meet with a things, such, for instance, as Meseni and dwarf Ageratum. — E. Burreli EXHIBITING HARDY FLOWERING PLANTS. In exhibiting htirdy plants the tendency .at the present time is olnionsly m the iljroiaioii of .a huge array of v.aiirti.s, tho t dlost of wlurh naturally go to the liaek .and the shortest to the front. Those who po.s.sess the largest .stocks L;en.a,illy Imnu the largest array of bunches, but lie\oii,l iliis there is no idea whatever of .arr.iii^i iiieiil . or of grouping for effect in any one of them. The old method of exliibititig well-estalilislied plants in pots a]ipe.ars i|uite anionL; the things of the past, and this is iinfor- ilil ipiiie lifting III .\u gust or early .'^epleinlii r ami ].l,iriir4 111 tubs at once while the fnli;,.^,. i~ still uiii II. ,\t such a time mw io,,ts \\..iiM i|iiiekly lie eiuittcd, and the plants may be re- lied upon to make a fine display in June follow- in.,'. In like manner, the Pyrethrums and (lenn.aii Irises would make a fine dis])lay. The first of the.se have been freely e.xhibited in pots in years pa.st at South Knisiir^ton ,iiid Regent's Park. With a e.aivfnl srlietimi of the subjects flowering during April, Jlay and .lune, .1 very fine display could be made, .and. with tlie plants well establi-shed in their |iots. till- )inblie would be able to appreciate without naming other groups of bulbous plants, grown in large pans and flowered naturally, would ] 11 live .among the most useful and in- struetive of spring exhibits, for two dozen bulbs of I'.nh \.iiiit\ ill tlowei- Would come as a sur- prise, .and the lMMiit\ of toli.i^r. combined with the ii.itnr.-il h.diit ot e.ael, kind, would add a eliarni to the whole, that is quite impossible in any arrangement of cut bloom. Hampton Hill. E. H. Jenkixs. Waldsteinia trlfoliata. — In moist or semi- moist spots this pretty yellow-flowered plant is attractive for weeks in the spring of the year. It is a good plant for the reek garden where a fair amount of -p,,. , .■.m lie di \.,t. d to it, and in .such a spot itsei.i piiij St, i,i~ li,iiiii|iiite a dense carpet of leaves, and wlaii studded with yellow blossoms very bright and pleasing. The Scillas are very beautiful with Messrs. Barr at Long Ditton. We have never seen a finer mass of the se\eral kinds ; S. campannlata, its lovely white variety, the rosy form and the va- rieties of S. nutans, which has a more decided bell-like flower. The white form of this is a de- lightful garden plant. These Scillas are not at all troublesome to grow, and may be naturalised freely. The late Tulips— known by the unfortunate natne nf ! )aiHin, Init which are really forms of the ijlf.noii^ lic^inrs Tulip — are very fine in Messrs. I'laii s l.nii.j I Mt ton grounds. One can judge fron till l"d- lit I In splendour of the flowers, especiallj Aviiin 111 lip l'\ the sun. T. Oesneriana spathu l.iia Is a |iiii nil' ol loluur. so, too, other forms o It ; iiia.a o~p,il:, uli,. liijiiht rose-carmine kind) -eiaitine ilir air « it li ti sweet fragrance. This i 111.' niosi |,t,..t,nit ..\ all Tnlips, If,,,,,- wishes Propagating Tufted Pansies, — Last sprii I, like vour corr •spnnilent, hail some dittieulty i getting sufficien stoek of Tufted Pansies, whic T attributed to t ,,o causes— the keeping of thei t. Ii.so in trail i-and inserting the cuttings tc ituh. Ton,,;, h 1 Ills, I did not commence pr ptiual la-I -1 i-on till the end of August an eal 1\- n, Srpl. In 11, .mil kept the cuttings coole w ,t li 1 lio ,i-,,lt thai now I have abundance i stoek, l,a\ in- 1 a.tiialh lost none. The stoc was -rl, , tid l,o 1 till \oiing growths in the centi ot thr stoul-, ■[ unless ,t tl,,iMt 111 d tl list, 1 not le, (1 1 liat til' s,.,.,,„.d In n|lln\ llinlieJil i|n»s, „|,„.l, k,,|,t the the finest things in the ■_!,: herbaceous Pseonies amoii'.; t ing jilants. Year by year we li tlirwers arranged with jnveis lllehr: \\\ 111, V rate, .show the le is known even the varied forms more of stem tuv to l.r sm n, I array of eohiurs is l„uild,.,inu in t Im rxi ivi,,n, and anything ap|iro.aehii,g iii|o\i,iiaii ,,, iddi cation is out rii,i,u,ir; flowers to tlie.se exhibitions, is seen now tiiid again in attempts to make up specimens of hardy plants in pots. The plants for this purpose are usually lifted a day or .so before the ex- 1 \ .1 senir nf flowcrs each, nil with their nretty Fern- .ine\ all idea of their true UTniind. .\n eipiallv - I are really the best and must useful of hardy flowers in season or in what way such things are best employed. Even a group of Daffodils, ■ss|,i1m,i\ hit;, a, ■rnlN d r;i,,-ies. Some varieti ; Iniid \Mi- iiihiK' wliiln la-t suininer, whereasnn, „■ -aiiin plants sli.i« then true colours. Tli o»..,s ot l),iidii-s,,f Kite tile also \ ery dififere' ! 1 -liiidn from those pindueed during the drouglj 1-1 SI asoii. 1 du not tind that Tufted PaMi| • 'ji iieiate. 1 have some varieties now quij |iial to the original stock which I have grovi .1 se\ en years.— W. B. G. Blue Primroses.— In a visit to Mr. Wilsoii' ardeimit Wislev about the middle of April, I w|t iiieh striiek liy tlie progress whielihas been mail ,M l„ tnaliuv in ill.-.' l.lii.. I', i,,,,iis,s ;it Wisley is t .■.ai-i:,m \ Mitli wlnrli tl,.\- k.ep to the acau haliit. a-'d,si,,„.| from ||„. 'I'olvtinthus. I find exceedingly difficult here to ge"t any Primrose se which does not produce a large proportion Polyanthus, but at Wisley, though there ij i May 13, 1897.J THE TxARDE^^. 351 glinl.'ll, tlu- t«o ll.'ll.ll-.^.. .N.I -.■...! In ini\. Tl, thereat thn n.bl.ll,. m \|„',l, ' Tlnx a,,',.,',„n ,,' the top ..f a I hI n,:,r |Ih> | I. ami I nrv, tilla'vni'. nr,','a'u',,-.''nM'„',Vlnv'|'h'"naluV U|„' Which i.s ll„,;,.hr,s| and Wilis MUiU'ly UVIT. -I :. W . Doi>, AW;/. //.-//, .]/,,//„is. Violet Marie Louise. — AH Violet {rrowci will, 1 am s„,r, >v„,|,atliis<. with "J. R." (p. .•{Ill For ,.la„ls lo I,; „l„a, pnl into lra.no, i, ,l.~a 1,N ■ lioiinoi-. t'n • i. i;.. Olio i-. , till- |.io,lii,a n llio.Mn|,|,,in.,a ,11 lo.ln.iL Ihoio 1.1 1 11- \Voi,| oa-o- ol il,ni|,il,o- otl- of a- anoofiiaj iho - ':'n;i':.v:r;f.T!: IlUo k.oOMl |,!: aioW nio in o|,: loan (|iialloi-, in loo 1 .all of mischief is sometimes caused icy of root moisture when the t into the frames, water given i |uent slight showers decei\ing Violets can hardly have too u rough October to thorouglily ]ioi f roots. Under the rin mn- V advise "J. R." to obtain t a fresh source. — J. Ck.vwj rs fr MID-APRIL AT GIBRALTAR. niMXG to Gibraltar from a fortnight's cruise If -Mediterranean on April 17, it was at once noTit that the interval had caused a chaiitre do li.stof plants in flower. Tlu' .\,plioilil> and la-i liad vanished, the Sweet .\1\ ~-iiin and ilio • u Oxalis had passed away, till |iiiil, .\lo>, m- .ntlu-mum no longer edged tho ohil unh its I -l.oon. Oianjo and yellow-tlowered Aloos ■ liln-nniij ill |.lio,- of the vermilion A. so- iiii- ill' Maioh glowed from wall and •tals, while from evei y oraniij- and ledge the Sea fivenders (Statice) were blooming profuselv. Hie continued dry weather had considerably irried the advent and departure of the garden iia, but while some beautiful flowers had passed ematurely away, many had expanded their ooni ([uite a month in advance of thei riod. Though the long shoots of the Wistar longer fringed with tender lavender iisters, a richer purple had come ui trails. The wall that Mnzod u ii invilleahad lo^t it. In illiano,., l.nl m oi luitv. Kspooiall\ xMi- III.- Ilio ,a- rden of '"■ The .Mount' allnd.d to m a ter, where an enormon- plant li ad. m 3wth of years, .so coinpl.ti K . lorl.pi d a ' irbour about !l fool in' laijlii . i |,ai th frequent tlower-trusses, t feet. Delphiniums, slight! ought, were also in bloom. Tall Hollyhocks Roses, Love-in a nilM (Xlgclla), and hea !■ -onmiferum) stirred' .onioniluan'o,.- ,if fa,' ,,11 oiiiia-e gardens in loaiy lio\oii,|iiio Lmo-. 'd to the great Daturas plonlilnlh Innaj xMili wide-mouthed whito olialioo-, i o i |,r',aaiajo- >oarlot, blossoms that, simjlo and donM, . ,i nddod ilio large Pomegranate Ihi^Ius, iIic injjit iilno olii-tois of Plumbago caponsis, and the earliest lilooiii of rose-pink Oleander. A, liom the Straits, on the homeward voyage, till oyo falls upon the austere profile of The Rock, till r,„y„, ,// iiuierte of the Spaniards, sharply oiiiliiiod nil the eastern skyline, it is hard to lioliovo tlial ..■nsconced within that grim exterior ho a o.aidoii of such pleasant memories as that of which I write, a garden where flowers rise in bil- lows on either side the winding paths, hang in fragrant festoons from archway and arbour, and wreathe bough and branchlet" with 'garlands of vivid colour ; where beauty of foim i> pio-oni in the great curved leaves of the fiininrj I'.a.iana-, in the slender shafts of gracilo li iiiiI>m,i-, and in the massive foliage of the n-i-i.y ■ji.rn Aloo, a sanctuary dra|)ed «itli ,iia\o oolon. lia i mi nn- ,,1 flower and leaf, :i llM.aj ta|i,-.li\. Iia._:ra.il uilli the incense of unnninlioiod lilo,-,on.s and lo-tfid with the overshadow ing of the .serene Pines. S. W. F. Dwarf Tropaeolums The exhibition re- Ol nlly of a new dwarf variety, having flowers of a nia.oon-crimson colour of good form, and borne «oll above the foliage, recalls the fact that we li.a\e long had compactum forms in commerce, the tirst of them having originated some thirty-five years since with Mr. George when living at Stam- ford Hill. That early break was later much im- proved upon, and during my twenty years' resi- dence at Bedfont, I developed of the same type .se\ eral, not only of striking colours, but also of fine form in flower. Where plants are annually Carnations from seed. IS to sow seed so loxes, keeping the ill the winter, and I o,' Mav. Th.-.se ^ of_ English hothouses. In this garden utations of Arums, so lately aglow with liite spathes, showed but a solitary bloom be specially utilised for sumi'ner work in" gar- dens where ordinary bedding plants cannot be wintered. Seed may be sown now under glass to - loi la\oinio 'I'll. |,Lin IS a, capital do noi ivtoi I.I till, III, -o,'li,,.i, «lii,,l inni.aN Inn to /.,,„ ''':'':H!^ ~ ot »l,i,'l, inav 1,.- hl> «av to iKlN'uaii ts. -A. v. lail oli,a|ilv. It d.unduul supply GLIMPSES OF THE EASTERN SEA- BOARD OF SPAIN. The town of Valencia stands on a fertile alluvial flat, and is distant about 2 miles from its port of Gras, villas, enshrouded in Date Palms and Magnolias, interspersed with fields I i|io. The tastefully laid-out Alameda, or public oaidon, was well stocked with Rose bu.shes, mostly of the Tea-scented section, in full bloom, while Carnations, Stocks, Guelder Roses, and Strelitzias were also in flower, and tine specimens of Palms, of which the most generally planted are Pliceiiix dactylifera and Latania borbonica, woio ainuidant. A short walk around Tarra- ■4011,1, with Its interesting city wall, commenced li\ tho riiioiiicians and completed by the KoinaiLs, showed little of floral interest. The wliich are popnlail\- siipposod I,, lio the "Locusts" (Lo,-n>t ImhIisI .llllldod t,. Ill ,S,Tip- ture. A small-lhiuoiod Asphodol, Hitli blos- som spikes not unlike those of an Aiithurieum, also grows plentifully on the rocks without the walls. Barcelona is a city of which the Sjiani.sli are ille isiderably ■. About idiiig tlie .0 suburb arteries being especially wide, and laid out either witli brojid central walks sliaded by Plane trees, or with a central carriage road bordered 352 THE GARDEN. [May 15, on each side by Plane-planted walks. The jirincipal promenade of the town istheRambla, a spacious tree-embowered retreat, flanked by fine buildings and carriage roads. In the Rambla is held the flower market ; indeed a por- tion of it is known as the "Rambla de las Flores." In the second week of April the flower stalls were a lovely sight and led one to linger long beneath the overshadowing greenery. Pot plants, generally well grown, were plenti- ful, and comprised Tulips, Stocks, Daphne, Ivy-leaved Pelargonium Mme. Crousse, Arums, (Juelder Roses, Carnations, Ixias, Freesias, As- tilbe japonica, Lily of the Valley, Sweet Williams, Cinerarias an.l Roses. Of the last tliu wliito and yellow r.aiiksi ins, in 10-inch pots, with blnssom- ladeii slioc.ts 7 feet high, were ami.mnst llu' most c keep them out of harm and assist them to ripen luickly. The more elevated the shelves, the reater the amount of labour, especially on bright ays, but if stri])s of turf are used, as advised in a brmer note, the plants will not dry so (luickly, nd the roots will soon lay hold of the moist soil '"• plants will also need stimulants daily right i' 111 the time the fruits begin to colour, after fiuiis Hie ripening too quickly on a particular I' 11 ill of plants, they may be retarded by removing I 111 111 to a cooler house, or if in a pit such as has '"■I'll previously described, they may lie aired more freely so as to In iui;- them ah.irj moi, >l,i« ly. On theotherhaml. -Iioiiiil u I.,- n, r, --jn lolii^i.n the ripening of the limi -, Lc.|. i In' lion-,- oi pn a ti-irte closer, close e;nl\, :iimI k.. p iIm' Ii.,i «:,i,.r ti.iiii.- -Ihiiild lie well aired every day until the liiMi 1^ Ml, when the swelling may be hastened l'\ .;iil\ riosiiie-. One or two good soakings of |.iiie .liiiih .1 111 |iiid manure will also aid the fruits lo ^u.ll i|iiiikly if till soil about the roots is found III 111- ill mill III iiiiiisture. Early forced plants miiiiiliil III lie set nut shortly should be hardened oil and eventually turned outdoors under the shelter of a hedge or wall, and see that they get water whenever they require it. Karev Pe.iich house. — The Peaches in early houses will now be ripening, and once the fruits begin to show colour, overhead syringing must be discontinued. After this, syringing should be contined to the damping of paths and borders only, and this must be dispensed with gradually as the fruits approach the finishing stage. Warm dry air will be necessary to ensure good finish and flavour, and to this end a chink of air should be left on at the apex of the house during the night and the hot-water pipes kept nicely warmed. Cease gi\ing stimulants when the fruits begin to change colour, but do not relax \igilance in the way of watering, as neglect in this parti- cular will cause premature ripening, while a dry condition of the border will pave the way for a bad attack of red spider. Many people suspind netsunder the trees to catch the fill lis ,i^ i In y ili op, and others place a good depth ot li.iy I'm the borders for the same purpose, liotli are unne- cessary if the trees are looked over daily. There may be an odd fruit or two fall, but the chances are against such a contingency occurring if all fruits sufficiently ripe enough are gathered every day. Flat-bottomed baskets or trays lined with cotton wool and covered with tissue pa[:er are best for placing the fruits in as they are taken from the trees, and they should be at once con- veyed to the fruit room. Peaches for market should be gathered before they become too ripe. After the fruits are all gathered throw the house open, cut out all useless wood, give the trees a thorough washing, and follow this up every day. Also pay great attention to border watering, and see that the trees ha\ie copious supplies whenever they require it. After a time the houses, if old- fashioned, may have the sashes removed alto gether until the autumn. Trees in an aiKameil state, but the fruits on which are swi-llini; rapidly, should be well syringed night and morn- ing, and up to the time the fruits begin to show colour give liquid or artificial manures when the roots require water. If necessary to hurry the ripening, close the house earlier than usual and maintain a slightly higher night temperature, as the Peach will stand hard forcing once the stoning is completed without harm resulting. \\ lii-ii till- flints lii-M-ii, to ^liou -^iMii- of ripening, Si/oMi HOI SI,. -I'll,, -loiiiiij i-o,,ipii-ted, thin iloM n till- ti-iiits to till- liiiil iiiiiiiliii. ;im| expose all on the upper parts of tin in.- o. tin- sun liv drawing and tying the lea M~ -hIi, fiuiiV inclined to point downfall- -I M In . \p,iMil to the light as far as possilil.- I,\ ilii ,ii m-j- ihi-m on pieces of lath. Miik-li tin- li,,nlri, -i,iii tii-'lin- the roots, and pay -jii-,ii ,iiiinii,,ii i,. -\iiii,jni,j. damping, and xeiii il,ii ii-n ot ili- li ui-i -,, .\piil\ an insecticide should lly pn.xe Ln.ul.lesome. ihi,-, being preferable to fumigation once the fruits take the final swelling. Attend to the pinching of lateral growths, also the .shoots which have reached to the edge of the trellis, and take out the points of the young growths situated at the ends of the bearing wood to assist the swelling of the fruits. left open both day and night. KITCHEN GARDEN. Potatoes. — By the time these notes appear the planting of late varieties, such as Magnum Bonuni and others, will have been completed, though it is not too late to fill up any spare pieces of ground. If the desired quantity of late kinds has been put in, such space could be utilised with advantage for using up any seed that ma}- he left of the e,-n-l\- Kidney vai-ieties,suchas Sharpe's \ii-toi. .Myitt's. and other Ashleaf kir.ds. The pi olm-i troin i le-se will give a succession of the same kimls planted earlier, and being small they are more appreciated in the dining room than the larger tubers of later sorts. If not used for this purpose, such planting.s ma}' be set aside for the production of seed. Po- tatoes growing in frames should be fully exposed during the day so that they may have the benefit of warm showers, which will not only save water- ing, but if the soil can be kept moist in this way it is better than using water direct from the main. It is necessary, however, to see that the rains are sufficient to reach the tubers. It will be hardly safe yet to leave the lights off at night, and if the foliage presses against the glass, the lights should be tilted at the back, and a mat placed over the aperture if frost is expected. Outside plantations should be moulded up directly growth is visible, as the soil forms a good protection against winds and cold nights. It is a good plan to run the hoe between the rows first, as this not only destroys weeds, but the soil is broken down and will be in a better condition for drawing round the plants. We shall be fortunate if we escape the slight nips of frost which often give the early batch a check at this season, but it is as well to be on the alert eitliei- to guard against it or apply a remedy iliii-i-tly it is seen the fobage has been caught. A slight covering of clean straw or a few handfuls of dry hay shaken over the rows at night when frost is expected of ten saves the crop, while should the haulm show signs of having been touched, syringing with cold water before the sun strikes the bed will most likely save the foliage from being injured. Turnips.— Unless a sowing was made in a frame some weeks ago Turnips will have become scarce in most gardens now, and any roots from which " tops" have been gathered for weeks past will prove welcome for llavouring until young ones are ready. A scarcity now, howexer, should not tempt one to leave the latti-i ilm-k in the row^, and as earliness is of mui i -m- i|iii iiee than ((uantity, (Sarly thinning slioii III K,- ilom- to )iiiiiii-e them to bulb as quickly as possible. \\ li- re portable frames were used to brin>' on the • I il\ batch, they can be lifted off after the roots liiM reached a serviceable size and be placed over later crops if it is necessary to push them forward. If a practice is made to thoroughly dust the beds over as the seed germinates with a mixture of 6n3 H 354 THE GARDEN. [May 15, 1897; suitable spots for Turnips during the heat of summer. I rely chiefly on Veitch's Red Globe for general use, as it is of good size and shape, excellent ipuilitv, and stands well tlirou-h drought. l;irli .ji,„i,|,l is \,.iv ii,>r,.->.-iiy h. .'^i- courage(|iii.k ■jiumiI, and In ~.'-,iiir umi.-v immi-. If thegrnui..! ha- I1..11 urrurU .111- It 1, l,r-l In make this liiui by tieadiiig before tliL- seed is |iiii in, as this will a.ssist to retain moisture. Raiiisiies.— If the same conditions are folln\\ , , I as desi ril icd al lOve, they will be found most si 1 1 1 1 1 il i fni' nbiaiiiin- lirst-class Radishes. Tlifsi^ (iiii.kl\- flV(|llnli Ml 11 1 III -: i not crisp, state. Tl f a shady ;r-i;.;:: 1 iiiilil. (by" 11. ''"■' 1 « .■ >|.|n "'■•'""■'■ ' -nniM 1 nl and i^;''")',; nnl.'d kl ty is goc germina place a s constai nicreases ts comm v. — .A- t (I ti it ll In . lal |,la lla.lnn-l 'la:;.!!' the qual seed to weather keep tin growth the plan inall^, I', II, iliaM. Ilyraisi .ving it nl (by ig it as before 1 sow- olfinl.. siii-l, «,, -lial k iu A. a\ 1 .l.-l\ Inl,..', iild b,. , lint ri.'krd sbnuM sei_ I lOXl. s la tiie ni ■antime should Brocci of the la this good in behnid heads in -■Wi if Model, most lie stood in a cool, moist frame, or the jilants will soon turn yellow if exposed on shehes or stood in ll Mill I ri|iiirn litl Ml'.; anil liceling Mall It 11 1- ili-ii, ll In have the iiiilii Inn iiMi ll iMi l\- ( aiilitlowers ai.. iva.lN. (Mil- la.M' all lim ii ivmoved to this |ii-itini,, kill ll i> n..i-.>-ai \- llial N\-ater should be -111 II ill. Ill ll lli.r.' 1- am. as the quality of ili.j li.ja.ls >n.jii i.l..lrri.jiatns if the plants are allowed to flag. Tlie ground tliese have occupied will now be us§d to form the Celery trenches. Leeks should not be allowed to remain longer .111 tlu- 1.,'round, as the amount of roots they make w ill impoverish the soil to no purpose, the plants -. limning to seed and proving useless. A iiimili. I of the best, however, may be laid in away li.'iii ill.' sun if they are likely to be wanted. r. I \ N-. — E.xamine the beds of both tall and 1 1 M a 1 1 \ arieties put in a fortnight ago if growth is iini \i-ilile, as the seed often deeavs in wet soil. If this is found to !..• tli.- .-a-c, ivplant in tin- sain.' lines at once, whi.-li -liniil.l |ii.i\ .■ nmi 1 -iirr,--tul now that the girm ml i> -n nm.li \v ai una-. It is only in the most fav.mi.'.l .j.ai.l.n- that plants rai-..| under glass should be put out, as the nights ai.' si ill very cold, and the foliage, being tender, M.iiilil fall a prev to only a degree or two of frost. S \ I M .1 Ml. —Select a cloudy day for transplant- ii'j l..ltii nt nf fraiiii- anil li.'.xes. Water the plaiil - 111 ami spi inkl.' sniii.' -nni .11- hue ashes be- i\\.-.ii ili.' r.i«s t.i |iiiiiiii iKDii slugs. Future sowings should bu nuulu broadcast in different parts of the garden where odd pieces of ground are available, between Celery trenches and the like, as this saves the trouble of transplanting, flood solid Cos varieties are preferred, but there is a doubt if these withstand a dry season as well as some of the Cabbage varieties. In most gar- dens these will now have to be packed for town use, and in doing this they keep in much better condition if no attempt is made to dress them, as trimming off the roots causes them to bleed and they soon flag, and the outer leaves if retained protect the centres from becoming bruised. A good supply of Mustard and Cress is always welcome. This will do better in cold frames now. (iive fresh soil for each sowing, as the surroundings of tlie .stables are put, it is al-l most sure limmitam a large amount not only of I hayseeds, Imi al-.. ilmsenf Docks, Thistles, apd I other tliinj- \vlii. ll ai. lint easily eradicated after| they once ;_;. t int.i ihis.iil. It is, therefore, s to use material for mulching that does not; contain any seed of this description, or at least not until it has been subject to fermentation to destroy the germinating powers of the seed. RicH.iRD Parker! Kitchen Garden. SCARCITY OF GOOD VEGETABLES On all sides one hears of the scarcity of green vegetables through April. From many shops d wretched the scarcity . I-. ih.-.se have come up well, la. i..i\ to seethe evenly-filled ■I \Mii.ls and bright sun often ic young plants to turn brown, grow out of this with more . No time should be lost when ernible to run the IXutch hoe liesides destroying the weeds state, the crust of the soil is ilants grow more freely after- tOd used with advantage later on, and befoiv ili. ground becomes too dry. It will be almost im possible to keep last year's bulbs in a liim condition after this date, as wherever tin y aie-rni.a It .liiiin.j' showery weather, as the «..! kiiiaii 1- a|.i In iiim I ll.- weeds in again as the \\..ik prill. Ill-, ami win n a rake is used to clear 111.' \\..'.U .ill niii.'li -nil and stones are wheeled :i\\ .IN w lii.li I- a nu-iaki' a- I li.- latter in no small ll. "_'!'.' ,i--r-l liikirji III.' -..ll .i|i.'ii and porous. \\ liil.' '_iMii'j :i.Im.'. Iin\\ In k.'i|i wecds dowu, a uonl ot .'am 1.111 ma\ iml b.' nut, uf place in regard to a veiy ...111111 aiis of introducing tli. in. Many crii|i- -mli a- Si raw berries. Peas, fruit 11..'- are geneiallv niiil.li.'.l more or less at this sea-nn with litter' from the stables. When this is selected carefully no harm may follow, but to use it straight from the pit in which the sweepings of stufl' f good early Cabbage — this t.ix .iiitai.l.' sjiiing — one is inclined to que tills s.ai.ii\ and endeavour to ascertain calls..'. I have noted the absence of early bage. The well-known EUam's, which sho^ have been fairly plentiful in April, is none ' conspicuous the first week in May. I there are fair supplies, but wretched sample no heart, poor, soft, small heads and dear, may be asked, Why this lack of good mate In most gardens the plants made so little gress in the autumn, owing to the heavy that to this may be placed one of the causi Another was the cold winds that checked spr growth. The plants, having none too good roots, were slow in making new growth.* notice the early Cauliflowers — that is, pli from seed sown in August — are more backvi than usual. In 1895, after an arctic Febr I cut nice heads of the Walcheren on May 21! from an open quarter. This year it will June before I can cut, and this following a i winter. After the severe weather in had brilliant sunshine ; the earth was sooiv nied and vegetation was most active. fay.iui.ililc ,'iiitiniiii is also much better for' pi.'.lu.ii. t 'J I \."4ctables than a cold, ' .111.', as 111.' .'aiili ll. my warm favours a g r.....t gr.iwtli, and without ample roots pls make a poor growth and are more inclined *ol run prematurely to seed. Last autumn, foUoi^- ing a genial summer, was not favourable to gi'..wtli ..f vc.yctablcs. aii.l ..win- t,. the drought, iiiili--- s|..'. ial .11'.' \s.is taken tn s.iw.-md trans- plaiii M'i'illiii'js, 111.' iik'inis w.rc not able stall. 1 a Hct, suiil.'ss aiitiiiiiii anil winter. lam aware in some gardens there is no failure of Broccoli, but the plants in many cases had . established before the wet, sunless weather! made some roots. I must admit there been severe failures of Broccoli where ^ei planting was done and the plants po#.i I found some of our April Broccoli was fit f..r use early in March, and . only ..tli.'i' . lay I observed comments made on Jume hiii.'.'nli being shown the last week in Apial. Tins sh.uvs tiii' difficulties of the grower, and bears ..lit my ii.ite that such seasons must ( a s. ai. it\ , .mil it maybe asked, "If c IS .sn iiiiicli .'ailici', why not others ? It may b.' askc.l, ■■What is the rciiicily ?" and I say, "Early i.laiil imy, » it li iv att.'Utinii to the material usi'il,' Many tnll..« a certain course and plant at the ,sanic time year after year. As regards variety, we have a wide field. I amj sure by studying variety one can get better j successions. It is ecpially necessary to study | ,s,,ilsanap,.siti..nsf,,rthcci'.ii,,s, Mu ' " ■" ' ,l.,n.' liv i.'.'ular .-r..|.pin'4-, I tiii.l there is lessi li'.,iil,l.: ulieii fr.'.|iient snwiiies are made, this' allowing of scycrul plautings'in diflcrent posi- tions, and if a small portion fails, the others turn in and there are fewer losses. The one Mat 15, 1807.] THE CARDEN. 355 lants aiv nil,.,, ,-,1Imu..,I tn ivin.iin n.ur ,ng in tlir s.r.l In.l. Sucli [.laiils r.nv over. My rcuK-ily for sourcity is to .so» 'ebniary tc August, thus securing sii lants .-11111 LjiviiiL; tlii'in the be.st cultiv.it lie s(;,il. Wr now h.ivo varieties of ve-r ,1,„1, .Tou ,„ .0.1,0,1 a time. tli;it Hut,- ,. ,l,ll,.,,„t l,r.l„„nt. ,-111.11 tiuil tlie l.r lilts ,irc- ol,t,iiiu-il from plants whieh .-11-1- liecked in any way. It is wonderful ^lentlid material may be secured by tin,. entiim to sowing, so as to give the jil.-ii, lest culture possible. For inst.-uice, K.-ilrs !iiMarc-h .-iiul left in tin- s,-r,l l.c.ls (ill .lu lOt worth 1,1,-intiii- ; sown ,,i .M,,v .-nid |.l ix weeks later, such pl.mts .ht otth,- m alue. S, 11. Asparagus. I entui-y U !'ldphuit's vhat may oil must ihe autuii oil. In : ihan tiM- ■ ■,Utif llr ,illo«,.,l ll„. xo„„u.r lir.ls to ,,.,„:ii,, :, 'iW veais. -av lixo or si\ ii.oiv, lir «oiil,l have ,ittle"caiis.- to'coiiipluin. Another point deserving If note is that the Asparau-us in the young beds may |iOt be the same variety as in tlie old.— B. M. I Earthing- \ip frame Potatoes.— I always |ead Mr. ( 'raw ford's notes on vegetable i-,,]tiiio |vith interest, and I may add profit. For m a,- I tiave had my doulits astothe value of eartliiiMj up 'ery early forced Potatoi-s. hut i,o\oi l,,i\o I -i . ,, jts di-sadvantages so eleaily .i- iIm- -, ;i-i-,i. ,om1 'tir. Crawford's note contiiuis my ow ,, o| u ;uir| iractice. I earthed upsouir I'otato.sa tr« \\r,'l,, -go, with the result that there was no further top- Towth ; a portion of the haulm decayed and more larm than good followed. The weather was not avourable at the time, and the young man in barge who was anxious to secure a fine crop laturally thought earthing up would do good, liut '. am certain in most cases it checks growth. One ■an rarely place warm soil to the Potatoes, and he new soil lies very wet after watering and the op growth decays. It is, I am sure, a much letter piaitiee to give a fair depth of soil when jjlaiiting than resort to later additions. For years j. have followed this ad\ice in forcing French peans and obtained much better results. — U. W. I A good runner Bean.— At this season one if the diller'enl \ a ,,. I'l i-'. 'l "|i,m|"("|,,"|' '., .'la'u't jVhite one of tl.r ,,im-i piolii,,- x, i,,- .,,.,„ ii. luality. Alany do not care for the wliito .. , ,1. d -unners. I fail to see what objection ca,i lo Made to them other than the colour of the IL ih . i >, ,sif the pods are trathered in a vouiid- -tat. la- ■ail I., «lii ■anety ou a.-ooii,it .it ,l~ .■allm. >-. ] l.aM- li.i!io..l it conies in seveia! days bijlore the uidinai \ >,at let form. Few runners are more suital.l. i.n jmall gardens, as if grown like Peas and t..|iii. .1, jhe Giant White gives an enormous wei.^lii ..t Jroduce, the pods of this variety beino- nioie ieshy than those of .some of the running'kinds. t may be ur^'ed that with the running varieties jf French P,eans a Scarlet Runner is not needed, >ut those who neerl quantity will still gi^ow the unningtypi^s, and many prefer them, though the fodsarenot so shapely.- G. W. I Profitable Cabbage.— I am not inclined to ccept Mr. Crawford's advice respecting his election of profitable Cabbages, as I find the last III- n , iiiit I much prefer a' quick-grown I iMia-j.' ai,.l what may be termed rapid succes- -lolls. I ii.-vcr allow a Cabbage after cutting to iiiak.' shoiii-. pri'fciTing to plant often and thus ■j.t -liap. I\ li. a.U ,|Mi.^kly. I find it more protit- alil. t.. •joiw -Miall. I kinds of quick growth, and, ii\ so iloiii'^. ilic soil is given better cultivation. — •S. H. Seakale, late.— There are few who do not value good Seakale, especially at a season when vegetables are not too plentiful (April and May). Where protection and glass to meet all wants for forcing vegetables are at hand, it is of less moment to have large supplies from the open ground, but white, tender Seakale from isfovember to June is, to me, of much value. I do not intend to say anything about the numerous methods of forcing early Seakale. I have a space of ground (not large) set apart for supplying late Seakale, and from the end of March, after I cease to grow produce in boxes in Mushroom houses, &c., that from the open ground comes in. I just cover enough with leaf- 111. Mild, fine soil, old Mushroom manure or any .itlicr material to supply, say, six or seven good liiiii.llis per week. Pots with bottoms jiartly ■dw capital addition, and such is covered with the soil only. A box of Lily White is (May 4) just turning in. This is in a yard awav from sun. — M. Temple, Curron, X.B.' BROCCOLI CULTURE. For late Broccoli May is a good time to sow, and we have some excellent kinds for sowing at this season. Growers are aware that the Broccoli crop is so much influenced by w eat he, that it is advisable to grow in variety an. I t Ims secure a succession. I find there is no oaiu in too early sowing ; indeed, I sow my autunui varieties early in May. I see no value wliat- ever in sowing Broccoli in March and not plant- ing imt till June, as if left too long in the seed I.eds the pLmts get drawn and eanm.t attain the l.r..l,.uti..ns of th.ise which are stiiidv fr..ii, tl,.^ start. I .■uu aware in certain heavV el.iy s.als .piite ditreifiit tieatnieiit may be nee.li.l ami laili.-r s.iwiii',' may lie necessary, but ev.n tli.'i, iiiiiel, .l.'pi-ii.ls up. ,11 the planting and tlu^ posi- iioii. All opc^i, p..siti..u is essential, as thoie^li ...l.iUtl,. Ihe ll.lt har.li. H.-alli. introductions are more valuable on this account, being compact growers with little stem, the lower leaves resting on the soil. For years 1 had .severe loss.^s »luii T plinle.l the winter Broccoli II, ^^.■|l ..I- ,,'..l.lh ll.alllll.'.l s..,l. h, light soils I tl,,,,k .l^.^llr.; p,-.^M..lls t.. pl.ililllr^ is a mistake, .■is tin- liiimr tli.^ l;i ..n tli ami i his is only obtained by a Mrni inot-hold - the better the plants winter. Foi- some time I have ;iply licrries are routed out, burned, the ashes 1 on the quarter and drills drawn, planting ing at once. The plants grown thus .Sltl li.-i.l \\n l,.ss.-s III an op, ii li.l.l, and lo.st all on a u.'irn, li.ir.lei' i,, a shell i,'..l '^'.-irden. It is use- less to adoiit the alio\e plan without having good plants. This brings me to the se.isons for sow- ing. Self - protecting Antninn if .sown in April may be planted in June, and be better in every way than if left too long in the seed-bed. With a variety that does not stand the winter there is a much shorter season of growth. Here I advise food and newly-dug land, as it is essential to get a quick growth. Plants cannot attain size in so short a period without food, and there is no question of frost with early Broccoli. One often fails with the midseason varieties, and doubtless these are less hardy than some of the later kinds. The same f I u-iii I if culture may with advantage be observed, as though the heads from plants grown as hardy as possible may be smaller than those given better treatment, these latter are not reliable in severe winters, and it is thus better tf) secure small heads from sturdy plants than none at all. Much mav be .lone bv giving the planis l.r.athi.i- ro.aii in tin- -.-.-.I beds, as if .■,-..». I. ■.! h.^ie. th.-v r.ii.^lv iiiaK.- up lost time. 1 sow at tin-.-.- .lates: .-arlv iii Apiil. l.^ite in the ,11 h, uith ,■, MavsoHin.. f..i' th.^ l.-il.^st iilants. will starve in the .seed-bed.s, as a few .la the plants. In gardens it is uell to grow the Broecoli in various positions, as. th..u'4li the plants may not look so well scatt.-r.-il alioiit, .uie may often .save the midwinter and later kinds by so doing. Model and Late Queen planted on a north border survived when others on a better position were killed. This I attribute to the hardier growth. O. Wythes. Cucumbers, house culture of. — The most p. ifi-.-t examples of Cucumbers, looked at from a I mice's standpoint, I have seen were grown III l.iw span houses, with the soil area very restricted, in wooden troughs. I have but re- cently seen almost hundreds of plants similarly grown in various stages of development, those fruiting carrying most perfect examjiles as well as big crops. 'There are undoiiht. d advantages ill llie method adopt. -.1. I'ip.s lun along on . a. h side of the house, an. I jii-t o\.i them, fixed 1. 1 the wall, is a stout w I plal.-. (In this rest li.aivis that .■aiTV th.^ w I tro.rjh-, (li.- other, ol'onl.a. ,,,.|sof 'tl,,- l..a,. IS I., lli-^- support..! hv l.a.ipoiaiA Moo.l. n iipii'-hi-. (In th.' l..-a i e, s are lai.l ll„-' fouehs, .■..nsist,,,.^ ..I a l,..l lV,.in Is .ii.'h.- t.i ■Jl inches wide of st.nii . . .p. n I r.-llis, to I h.' -all's ..t w Inch are secured st.i.ii pi an.. I l..iaiils : iii.h.- Ill .l.-pth. The troufih- a., pla.-.-.l .m I of turfy ■11-decayed close under the lower wires ; growth is rapid, fruiting is early, and a splendid crop s[jeedily 35(5 THE GARDEN". [May 15, 1897. results. Feeding is given from tl When the crop is oil', the vvlioli, troughs, is removed, the latter \va>-lir whitened, then replaced and fresh mhI got in. All trouble from insect pf avoided. — A. D. Stove and Greenhouse. RHODODENDRON COUNTESS OF HADDINGTON. This, a hybrid between R. Dalhou.sitc and R. ciliatuni, althoui;h an old and well-known variety, is still nt\r ni the best in spite of the many tim.- f.inns lli.it have been raised. The growth is nil. re vi;4..i'nis than in either of its parents and it maki s .i tim' trationwe to-day i;i\r sli"v out or grown entiiclv in a \i"\ . I in- lingers are not quite so large .-is tlmsr ..f K. D.ilhon.siie, the buds deep pink when ex[ianded, changing to a pale shade which passes almost to pure white in the centre of the flower. A large bush of it planted out is remarkably handsome, but small plants flower freely and will be found valuable in the greenhouse. Cuttings of it strike readily. On seeing this Rhododcnilriin in \ari.nis j,'ar- n. as the illus- ia\ lie iilanted dens some dift'erence may Im .iI. flowers, some being finrr tli m -t s'lKirp'salHl It d.irs vv.-ll. It IS mitwithstan.Un- tlir l.i'autyof ma Rhododcnari.ns, they arc as a c! „,x, 'nil haMli- 1 s|.Mnklni IV i;iv7m.1i. iss s(. sell Carnation Winter Cheer. ' in TuEliAKhi N Wii.. i;.ilii.i-a, u,' the finest s.-alli'l ('ainallMM ;iliMi,rj kinds, an,l, » Int.- a.lnni l in- llial ,1 qualities, it will be inuii.l .liilha its best flowers, to surpa-- a Imm above shown by Messrs. \ . n^ li ai recently. The above plant |..--i - that the newer scail.t la. k.. ^w.. to all its blooms an.l a M.an -.111 carry its blooms n, . i . ■|l.. x .n.i ,l.,.' |,..r|.. \ 'wii'i. i;. of lis |.ari.'nl>. A. A I. -jal iere, as also its taller hal.it ..t .ji..Hil.. 'I'll.' plants, some eighteen in niniili. I . ai tk. hi ill Hall lately were each only IL t.-.l hajli an.l Willi numerous buds, proving beyond doubt that Winter Cheer is still a very fine scarlet Carnation, and when well grown able to hold its own. Sparaxis, Ixias and their allies. — These are valuable for the greenhouse towards the latter part of the spring and early summer. The Sparaxis are marked in various ways, some startling contrasts in colour being found among them. The Ixias, which are, as a rule, rather later in flowering, are perhaps the most beautiful of all, and certainly their long wiry stems render them of great value for cutting. These plants are not often seen, yet the bulbs can be obtained at a very cheap rate in the autumn, and if potted and kept in a cool greenhouse they can be depended upon to flower well. A good light frame will also suit them. The great point is not to allow the plants to run up weak before flowering. Any ordinary potting compost, say loam with a mix- ture of leaf-mould and sand, will suit them well. — T. Richardia albo-maculata. — This I find a most useful plant just now for indoor decoration, and being cheap and easily grown it may be re- commended to anyone having much of this work to do. It has a much lighter and more elegant appearance than the ordinary Arum Lily, the narrow hastate leaves, borne on long thin stems, showing nicely in almost any position, but espe- ly when rising from a groundwork of dwavfer it-. The spathes are pure white with a deep .1.- centre, the leaves bright green, with white - II legularly disposed. The tubers should be .1 1 III as soon as possible after the foliage dies ill autumn, using a compost of loam, leaf- Id, and sand, with a light sprinkling of some lirial fertiliser. During the winter months III. ts may be sti.i ill awa v under a greenhouse .■ uk. i.'t]i.ilii|. i- i...t ('.... li.aw.k.-fpingthe ,;,tk. , ..II Ik.'.kx -1.1. n. ta.a, NVk.ai .jT.iwthis 1 11)-, 'J IM' 1 1.. |.lalll - a Irjiil . llll-ka.l. .1 position |ieeiiliar to the foliage, ami keep the roots ■well supplied with moisture. The pots should be of medium size only. A tuber, say half as large as the hand, will usually push up about three stems, and may be grown in a 5-inch pot, smaller or larger tubers having pots in proportion.— R. Lapagerias from seed. — At page 305, in an article on propagating Lapagerias by layering, the number of weak shoots, and when this happen the specimen may be greatly strengthened by re moving several of the weaker ones, and thus con centrating the energies of the plant upon th. two or three shoots that are left. In this wa;| flowers will be obtained much sooner than whei the plant is allowed to form a tangle of w^ shoots. Although the raising of seedling Ij^m gerias is interesting, it is in a general way no! worth following up except as an experiment.— T, BORDER CARNATIONS IN POTS. It will, I imagine, be obvious to those whi grow border Carnations at all extensively tha some varieties have a tendency towards wha may be termed a semi-tree-like habit. Wheri this occurs it has a value of its own, as these kind are usually much earlier flowering, and whei grown in pots are well worth the little extr; !: Rhododendron Countess of Haddington. From a photograph sent hij Mr. W. H. Garnforth, 12, Banh Street, Manchester. iter says there is ; quite tMiI', anil iki> k of seedlings not coming ,artl\ in\ ..« n rxperience, as out of a niiiiil..'r ..f -.■.ilhn.j- wlmli I have flowered ik.-ir i- a .■..n-i.l.a al.l. am.. .lilt of varia- tion. Thr-i',-iiilliiigs wia.all lai-nl tniniagood deep coloured form of L. rosea, but several of the progeny are much paler in colour than the original. One seedling was in its way a curiosity, the foliage being exactly like that of a good form isl, I by the pollen of the white variety ; but while the flower was just intermediate between the two, the foliage was exactly that of L. aloa, whose leaves are rounder and blunter than those of rosea, and as a rule of a lighter green. In the case of Lapagerias raised from seed, there is often a labour such work involves. This characteristi may be noticed in seedlings i-aised from bordei kinds, and being more or less permanent, th< varieties if worthy of culture in any form shoulc be kept separate and employed for pots in thi early spring and summer before the plant bloom in the open. Apart from these, then are other purely border varieties which are veii early in flower. In those gardens where &( Tree Carnations are freely grown and i for winter bloom there is naturally a break March, April, or May, and in the latter mont ^^ these selected border sorts are easily brough into flower. Quite a large portion of what i be termed strictly border varieties may, by culture, be advanced in their flowering. A be ginning should be made by selecting thosi Mat 15, 1897.] THE GARDEN 3:57 inds that have a tentk'ucj- t [•ays are recci;,Miisoc:l early li . Anutliei- [lie of sdiuc of the very pnttiiii;. as these also in- tluWL'r siiiucwliat earlier, irt' the ordinary frame cul- of February, when tlie tlu: cool greenhouse will .pikes. For so.no years 1 .11 Clove ill tliis way, and election can he troilgest la\ers I line to spiUe t'.i |uch kinds ini\y n ire till the Miid llant.s if moved ;klyseiul.i,,tl, )W the id f.n- lis puvpos,. were all specially seleetud and ot r-e 1 .■^,n„l each year from 1000to20(»0 were •■..wii 1 1 1 7 M H li and 8-inch pots. The bloom from lis i|ii;iiit II \ was of course marketed, but the isplay wliiie it lasted was something toremem- er, and 1 think wi.uld have easily Kpialleil ,iat of the .Viiieriean bench system so well de- leted in TiiK (iAKiiEN. Perhaps one of the J-eatest gains of this early-flowering system, liart from tlie ilowers, is the fact that an excep- ionally early growth is also made, and, as a re- ilt, l.iyei iiiL; ean be done about the first week .luiie. Til. se early-made layers root in an .re>liM\ --liMit time, and the large majority :iy lie [lot till in three weeks or a month if re- ined, though nothing would be gained rii'liy. The time selected for potting was the id nt August, when this variety had made leudid ]ilaiits, the whole of these being potted to o iiieli ]iots, at once standing them on a •d of ashes in the open. Here they remained l(>erMliri', at which time lights on skeleton lines were pl.icod over them to throw off ex- ^sive wi I. L.iter on the .sides of the frame ■re added to keep away frost, and, as occasion eseiiiiil, l.:ifelies were placed in a cold house dry u|. ].iv\n,us to potting into flowering its. As I ho lisi liiirhes of forced bulbs were ■areil out, the I '.nii.itions received their final ^ift to 7-inch or 8-inch pots, employing a loderately dry soil that could be firmly rammed 'lout the plants. Treated in this way, a far greater number of e siiljordinate breaks produced flowers, a /.en spikes of bloom being by no means un- ual on the large plants of the old Clove, aite its equal in point of vigour, and much KS liable to disease, is the well-known Raby ^istle, while the scarlet variety Boulanger has ich to coiiiineiKl it for early work. Miss iilrey ( 'ampliell is a good yellow and early, but IS 1 h.ive not uiowii ill the same way, and, so as rxpeiieiiee goos, it appears shy in making ss. (iermania is a lovely yellow, rather ■ and not free. Those interested, how- ' r, would do best to consult their own 'purieiice of varieties in the di-strict, and i^ke a beginning with a good kind that is mtiful and easily obtained. Ketton Rose is a nrraing variety thus grown, as the little pro- :tion afforded by the glass improves the colour the flowers. E. J. ' ■ill root well in this material, T prefer peat and II lloweied large me. riantswhen ■ warmest end of PROPAGATING. -The prim'iiial sto.^k fo ORT XOTES.— STOVE cL- GREENHOUSE. Izalea Anthony Koster.— This splendid ad- < ion to the hardy Azaleas is flowering freely under f^s this year. The large trusses of orange-yellow tssoms are extremely tliowy, the individual flowers lug quite ainch pots. be put singly into small pots. Tlie eutt must be kept close and well shaded until they rooted, when they must be gradually exposed, and before they begin to make growth should have all the light and air possible. The most important point is to secure short-jointed growths and to rijien them off early in the autumn. Hydrangeas may also be propagated during the autumn after they have set their llowirs for spring ; these may be treated in a siniilir niiiinor. and will make dwarf plants for llo\M 11 n;.:. Imt they do not pro- duce such large heails of bloom as the spring struck plants. The above applies to H. hortensis and H. Otaksa. H. Thomas Hogg requires two years to make good plants. Tree Caknations. — It is now rather late in the season for propagating these, yet it may be desirable to increase the stock of some sorts, and it often happens that good strong cuttings may be had about this time of the year. They will do better on a hotbed than in the close jiropagating house. The chief thing is to prevent the cuttings getting withered. I like to take them olV early in the morning, taking care that the plants have been watered the previous eveiiin ■J. Ahlniijli the cut- tings must be kept well shail.,! ii.nii i h. sun, they should have as much daylight as pos^ilih-. WiSTER-FLOWERiNG Begomas. — Cuttings of these should be 'put in about this time. About one leaf may be taken off at the base and the cut- tings put in just deep enough to keep them firm. The beautiful hybrid B. Gloire de Lorraine, which has attracted so much attention during the past season, is rather difficult to get stock from, but plants which have been flowering during the win- ter will now be making a few shoots from the base, and these will make good cuttings. They should be taken off when only about an inch or so long, as if left they soon begin to show bloom, and after they have set their bloom they are of no use as cuttings unless taken off two or three joints below where the first blooms ap)3ear. Where good cuttings can be had there is little difficulty in rooting them. Put into light sandy compost and kept quite close in the ordinary pro- pagating ])it, they will not be long in striking root. Cari^ shoiiM lio tak.ii not to give too much moisture, \h.~i ot ih. I:- \ i \ pe may be propa- gated fioiii lca\i-. lint siioli -orts as Mine. Le- bourg, -Miho. I'.ralto, Louis l 'hr, tien, and others which branch freely m.-.v In o-t.ilili-li.d mor. (|iiiekly from cuttings, Tlio-imnj ih -h\ -h.nii- should be |)ut into drv sand I'll i -Ir.i t I ihh h, fore puttino- them into tin- oiiinnj f>t-, l;.iii._.- .should be iiotted as soon a.s they ha\e made a start, as if left too long the roots spread and they suffer when taken up. Although many subjects Destroyers. 'HE CARROT FLY. I- IK |ion them and causing them to become ir rusty, and finally rotten. In some early attack the growth of the small entirely stopped. Carrots grown by and niarloi iket gardeners for bunch ng. farmers lot often materially injured, as tin- lly 'loi - not, as a rule, attack them until the mirldle of May, though the latest of these early pulled roots are sometimes disfigured and their value de- preciated because of the rusty spots made by the larva; ; but those that are dug late for storing, either for human' or for cattle food, are very frequently seriously damaged and rot in the clamps and stores, and are unsaleable by- reason of the rust marks upon them. It ha? been noticed that the Carrot fly is more injurious in dry seasons, when the growth of the roots is not so luxuriant and rapid as when moisture is plentiful and the raiii closes the soil, which in some degree may hinder the fly from laying eggs, as it is said that the female fly goes below the earth for this purpose. Carrots badly attacked by this insect have deep cracks in the roots in which the larva- are found. These frequently extend to the centre of the roots and cause them to rot. The tops become brown and wither away, and in the early stages of the attack, when as yet th.if m ,■ only a few larva; in the roots, the folia'jo chairji- unil betrays their presence. When tin-' Mrln-ai miis are noticed it will be generally found npon |)ulliiig up theroots thatlarva' areprotrudiiigfrom the holes in them. In bad cases of this infestation, decay- is frecjuentlj- hastened by the attacks of mille- pedes attracted by the unhealthy state of the roots, and by slugs and " Pea bugs " (Oniscus), The larva; of the Carrot fly often remain in the roots after they have been stored and continue to injure them for some time. The Carrot fly is well known in Germany. Kiihn says it causes the most common disorder of Carrots termed "worm-rot" (Wurmfiiule) and the "iron mould" affection. It is also occasionally troublesome in France and in other European countries. Recently it has been noticed in Canada. Schiner states that it infests Rape and Turnips, and that the flies may be found in numbers in the early spring on the lower branches of bushes and trees in damp situations. Life History. The Carrot fly is shiny black in colour and about the fifth of an inch long, with a wing expanse of nearly half an inch. The wings are iridescent, having dark yellow veins. The head is round, of a reddish yellow colour and very sparingly covered with hairs. The legs are of a light ochreous colour. There is not much difference between the male .-ind female, ox, opt ilial the body of the la 11 1 I I- iiioro I I . i',,un spots ,,, tlio rootiv; I,,, «li,i, shading to yellow at the base, with a large broM blotch in the centre. A cut spike carrying fon flowers was shown by Mr. De B. Crawshay, Sevt-ii :;talum elegantulur small rowmg the way of C. picturatum, pro (hiLiiig its jellow and purple flowers in clusters of seven or eight. From Mr. A. H. Smee, The Grange, Wallington. Messrs. .1. Veitch and Sons were awarded a silver-gilt Flora medal for a large, neatly arranged grou]i, in tho biok low of which were several finely llo\\,i,il plMits of Oncidium sarcodes, many of t ho s|.ilo- l,ouig from 8feet to 9 feet long and well biaiicliecl. 0. Marshallianum, O. vaii- fosum, and O. concolor were also well represented. Several good forms of O. crispum, O. Pescatort-i, and O. cirrhosum were shown. Prominent .•uuonost the Catllovas won- good forms of C. Mondol,, ('. Mossi;,.. and some remarkably o I and ilistiiHi ('. Solnn-dene. The hybrid Cattloyas iiirliali-d ( '. I'lnlo (('. Mossi:e crossed with C. iricolor), .sepals and |ii-tals whito, lip white in front, rose-purplo in tin- .oniiv, shadiinj to rich orange-yellow in tho ilnoat. Li ho Cattleya Ascania (C. Triann' ■: L. xaiilliiii.i i «a- another distinct form with rich creamy yellow sepals ; the petals lighter in colour than the sepals, the lip rose-purple in front, shading to orange-yellow at the base. Lfelia purpurata w as shown in both light and dark forms. Amongst the hybrid Lielias were two plants of L. Hippolyta and four varieties of L. Latona (L. purpurata x L. cinnabarina). Amongst Dendiobiums wpip 1). Jamesianum, 1). lituiflorum, and \>- I'li il.i nop^i- in variety. A made-up plant ot AIi-.Iia allia Veitchi grandiflora, Maxillaria SaiMl.nana. lii^a Veitchi and Cypripediums were also «i-ll repre- sented. Messrs. H. Low and Co., Clapton, were awarded a silver Flora medal for a fine group con- sisting ])riiici[)allv of Cattleva Mossia'. C. Men- deli was lopivsontod l,v o,,;,,! forms, a- woro C. Skinn.-li alMl i\ Srliillo.ialia. Caltl^Na Ca-Lol liana alba a^ -In.w n wa^ oim^ of l la^ Ina-I X .-M aa Ir- we havr -ocn. llir -.rpil- alal pilal- luin-j |.nio white, llio lip al-o xilnir. \mi1i iI,,. ,.x,.op: ion mI iIm usual yollii\\ .li-o 111 1 lio .-.ni lo. 1. lia pni purata w i- .■xlnlatoil m xaiinii- toim-. ilio iiio,i Strikingl.oin-l.. p. Srl,io.,lonana ; sopal- and p-taU pure white, lij) white, lined with rosepur|)le. Odontoglossums and Cypripediums were also well represented. Messrs. B. S. Williams and Son given a silver Banksian medal for a group consisting of finely-flowered Odontoglossmn^ of the O. crispum, O. hystrix, O. Andersoiiiannni. and 0. Pescatorei sections. Finely-flowun d ( n tleya Mendcli, various Cypripediums, Oncidium concoloi . I iripli, JiiiMii Dalhousianum, Ada auraii tiaca, and I'l a hopih i .occinea were exhibited in the best ton,,-. M.ssrs. T. Cripps and Sons were awarded a .silver Banksian medal for two finely-grown Cypripedium caudatum, each having eight spikes of flovi-er, some of them carrying triumphans aureum, a distinct form with greenish yellow flowers, 0. Iseve, 0. maculatum and Thunia Bensona; were also well represented. Mr. W. C. Walker, Winchmore Hill, was also awarded a silver Flora medal for a large group consisting of finclj'-grown plants, which were neatly arranged. The most remarkable among the many good things were an exceedingly dark form of Cym- bidium Lbwianum, several well-flowered Oncidium Marshallianum, and a fine variety of O. varicosum Rogersi. Amongst Cattlevas were well-flowered C. Sol,io.,l,.i'a..('. oraniilosa, a dark form of C siiporba. W.'ll llo«,.|r,l 1.. piirlMirata and a ooo.l -pirllnoll th. ,y Udunto- glossums was 0. crispum Etfie Walker, carrying a s])ike of thirteen flowers ; the sepals white, shaded with rose, hav ing a large brown spot in tho centre ; the petals white, as also the lip, with till' exception of a brown spot in the centre. Sir I'. W'igan, Clare Lawn, East Sheen, sent a dis- t in.t form of Lielia purpurata named Ethel Grey ; I ho sopals and petals white, lip white, lined and -allii-o,! with a distinct shade of purple-crimson. Mr. I '. I Ingram, Elstead House, Godalming, s(i,t ('.,tth \a Ka.ja (C. Trianse x C. gigas) ; sepals and pil.il- \it\f roso. lip rose-purple in front, shadiiio I,, Hhiio at the base, where it becomes suffust'il with \.llo\i through the throat, and a plant ot l.a ho ( 'attloya Sir W. Ingram. Mr. I;, li. W hiio sent various forms of Odontoglos- -nm-. th ii,ost distinct being O. Andersonianum \ II. pah hilhiiii, the sepals and petals having a I, op siiiliision of purple, spotted with dark brown ; lili creamy white, spotted with brown in the centre and shading to yellow at tho h.,-, . Mr. H Bostook sent a fine form of Cattlo\a Siln o dri:e mil ten cut spikes of Ladia pur|.ui.iia -hoHing on-idorable variety. Mr. T. ,si,,tt, , - m a torm ■ I I. ii'lia purpurata in tho\\a\ of I., p. Wihiam-i. I'l.ni Ida Brandt sent a ninaikahh tiiio \aiioi\- of \ airia Bnxalli lamellata, the lloweis veiy large iimI dark in oolour. The Marquis Camden showed I ('.iiil.\a Miiideli remarkable for the number of |o«oi- proiliiced on the spike. We have never .seen .seven flowers on a spike of this particular ariety. Floral Committee. .'\ first-class certificate was awarded to - .\m,mh KoiiMiiioi.t 1, a sto\o Kern from t M o to l-'oin lo\ . I -. Tho h.iii.n floods are each ni.,,l\ II' inrhos long, these being prolonged at tlio o\t iriiiit i.s, by which means young plants ar. pioilnorl; the fertile portion is erect and in tho «.iy of I isiuunda regalis ; the pinnae are each 1 inch or .so broad and nearly as wide (hence its name). In their young state the fronds are of a light bronzy tint. From Mr. Bull, of Chelsea. 360 THE GARDEN^, [May 15, 1897. Awards of merit were given to the following :— Rhododendron Pink Pearl, of which a finely- flowered dwarf plant with huge trusses of bloom was shown. The individual flowers are of unusual size and are supported on stout stems, the colour being a deep blush-pink, with dark spots on the upper segment; altiMjvi hir ,i tine plant. From Messrs. John Wateivi ;irHl Snu-,, Ltd., Bagshot. Streptocarpusai iiiMiAiii.iiKi s(tlieAchimenes- flowered Streptocarims),— Tins is a very distinct novelty, the individual blossoms being singularly like those of tlie genus from which its name fs taken. The flowers are in colour a soft shade of pale lilac-mauve, being freely produced upon stout, erect, two-branched racemes. It is the re- sult of crossing Veitch's hybrids with S. poly- anthus. From Messrs. J. Veiteh and Sons, Chel- sea. Lilac Senator Holland. — Quite a distinct double variety with colour Ijefore trusses of bloom, the being red, the interior a [jiove to be a good pot . Lwrence, Burford Lodge, liain). lis.— This of s of robust, profusion of \ery showy. As a hardy border jjlant for damp situations this plant should be noted. From Messrs. Barr and Sons, Covent (iarden, W.C. A group of pretty flowering shrubs and trees was staged by Messrs. J. Cheal and Sons, Crawley. Among the many interesting things represented Ribes aureum, a handsome yellow variety of the Flowe the branches loaduc with very large an Azalea pontica, (in charming condition rus Mains llor '■nlrlii.a, and the Copper Beech, Ilk 111 tuliage for so early in the iaiiic .jioup was also a collection fi'l I'ansius. The most attrac- r.a\Mi. a Miv buautiful white, nil Mil. ; Kill.- Cloud, Border il>''Mi ..t .l.lh'atc white colour; lie eluar yellow ; and Archie leup purple (bronze Banksian medal). A large group of hardy plants was shown by Mr. T. S. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham. The staging of tlie plants was vrvy l^leasing and calculated to show the vaihin- specimens to the very best advantage. A niiinli i „c ;'- coloured Tree Pjeonies were conspiiii.ai-, which -Has season. 1 rant. the 111 fraga Rh. lis of Me ailii Am, iful of hei-baceoii lictrum a of Trolliv Raraondia theon spl tensive ai and hardy shrubs was staged by Messrs. Pa u 1 1 1 1 . i Son, Cheshunt. Among a small collectii.n ..I alpines were Cheiranthus alpinus, Silene acaulis grandiflora, a fine batch of Lychnis alpina, Phlox Nelsoni, Saxifraga cristata angustifolia and S. Sternbergi. Other noteworthy things were Kerria japonica grandiflora )ilena, a cieat improvement on the type, which \\ as aK.. vll,l^vll ; a l..i\ ,if very handsome Rhodoclemli ..ii>, 'rnll -ji au'lillorum, a quantity of Ceiiiu uniiiai iim. K..^.- .\ii>. Pier- point Morgan with suine veiy perleet lilooras, and a box of cut trusses of Rhododendron Fortunei Mrs. Chas. Butler, a very charming light jiink variety with large shapely blooms (silver Flora medal). A vei'y interesting collection of cut shrubs, com- prising many handsome and beautiful varieties, came from the Royal Gardens, Kew. Rhododen- drons were exceptionally fine, notably R. Lus- combei (R. Fortunei x Thomsoni), a splendid ma- genta-coloured flower of fine shape and substance ; a lovely pink form of R. B'ortunei ; R. kewense (R. Hookeri X Ciillitliiaiiurii), a v.av beautiful wliite, suff'used Willi |.al.-i pink. ll..H.a> la i .j.-, ^liapely and stout in l.\i in.' ; aU.. a .le.'|. pink t. uni <>{ the red variety of the same. Of great interest was a new species of Rhododendron! from Yunnan. The flowers are light bluish pink in colour, the lower petal spotted with crimson. Other examples of interest were Amelanchier alnifolia, the white Pyrus Ringo and Spiraea media. A nice group of herbaceous plants came from Messrs. W. Cut- bush and Son, Highgate. Spiriea Van Houttei was well shown, also Doionicum Harpur-Crewe, Asphodelus ramosus and A. luteus (bronze Banksian medal). Messrs. J. Veiteh and Sons sent Deutzia hybrida Lemoinei in nice condition. Rhododendron Manglesi (a delicately coloured pink variety), and Rubus deliciosus, a very charm- ing plant, with long trails of its pretty white flowers. From the same firm came a gorgeous group of Tulips and a small, but very beautiful collection of Ixias. The difi'erent sections of the Tulips were well represented, the Parrot va- rieties being the most showy and striking. Some noticeable kinds were Perfeeta (a brilliant scarlet yellow), Cramoisi Brilliant (a fine crimson), and Lutea major (bright yellow, marked with green). Tulipa Florentina (a graceful yellow), T. elegans (crimson) and T. fulgens were all well shown. The cpiality of the blooms was excellent through- out (silver Banksian medal). From Messrs. Barr and Sons, Covent Garden, came an enormous group of hardy flowers and Tulips. Among the latter, those of the Parrot section were particularly striking', notably Amiral de Constantinople, a ■jay iiii\iiir. ef niange and scarlet, the flowers of ui.ai -1/. : 1 I iiason Beauty, another large and 1 lelilyi.iliiiiieil hloom; Perfecta, scarlet and yel- low, and Ciillee t'olour, a very pretty variety. Of the Gesneriana forms, the following were good : The Sultan, almost black in colour ; Bronze King, a very charming kind ; Zephyr, a beautiful helio- trope, and Early Dawn, a soft rosy lilac. This was a really magnificent collection, and its merits were only more apparent on closer inspection. The size, form, t|uality and colour of all the flowers wei.' a.liHiialile (silver Flora medal). ,Me-.^iv. Will. I'aul and Son, Waltham Cross, a.jain v||,,u,.,l their new Tea Rose Enchantress. 'I'll.' |.laiits this time appeared stronger and more r.iliii-t and the flowers more erect and of better >iili-^iaiiee. The colour is charming. From the - nil. linn came a large and fine group of miscel- laii..Hiv Kiises, both pot plants and boxes of cut lil..,.iii~. Am. ai.j- the latter were huge blooms of Mai.'.hal Xi. I and some good examples of Duchess ni All.aiiv, W 111. Allen Richardson, Mme. Falcot and Mme. Lambai were sturdy and \\ . Ma ■ the best ' Verdier, Dm-lies- .it line deep maroon la and Gustave Regi 1 eoUection of cut R. ant, of Canterburv, i ])lants ig well. M. -Ii. vv Mr. box of ne lot Hay- , The 1. and usual, Catli. inn- M. 1111. i iii ilii- .nn.liii.in liiiiej' particularly .liainiin- i-ih. i' :jill bknai. A iiia-- Mr. J. Walker, High Street, Thame. This collec- tion comprised about 140 blooms, each one of good size and perfect in form and condition. Such a large number of splendid blooms attracted great attention (silver Flora medal). A collection of Tree Peonies was staged by Messrs. Kelway, of Langjjort, Somerset. Many of them were very fine in colour and of good substance and form. Others were hardly yet at their best (silver Banksian medal). Messrs. T. Cripps and Sons, Tunbridge Wells, sent a group of small, neat and pretty plants of Deutzia Lemoinei all flowering well. From Mr. John R. Box, West Wickham and Croydon, came a group of exceedingly good Gloxinias. The plants were generally well grown, dwarf, and compact, with their flowers well above the foliage. A few of the best varieties were Princess Victoria, a huge, bnt shapely flower thickly spotted with small purple spots ; Triumph, another shapely spotted bloom ; Fire King, a showy crimson ; and Empreea Frederick, crimson edged with white (silver-gK; Banksian medal). A group of Gloxinias, Ferns, and Pelargoniums was shown by Sir Westman Pearson, Crawley. A very fine seedling yellow Carnation, Consuelb Duchess of Marlborough, was shown by Mr. T. Whillans, gardener to the Duke of Marlborough, Blenheim Palace. It is of good habit, and the flower is large, handsome, and of pleasing colour, but without scent. Messrs. Kemp and Wilson, Mortimer Street, W., staged a group of floi»l designs, wreaths, crosses, bouquets, and basket|. The prettiest thing was a nicely arranged bouquit of blue Spanish Irises. The other arrangements were tasteful, but did not show much originality (bronze Banksian medal). Mr. B. Ladhams sent specimens of a new perpetual flowering Pink, Diamond, a pale blush - coloured variety, d^-i liciously scented, also Tulipa flava and PhIo£ amfena. A group of Gloxinias, including some nice (ilants very well arranged, was shown fey M.->r>. A. W. Vimng and Co., Ste\enage, Herts,' an. I «a^ a« ai.leil a bronze Banksian medal. Mr. Ja,^. llii.l>.ai. (iunnersbury House, Acton, ex- hibited ;i pretty vase of good blooms of Hymeno- callis macrostephana. Fruit Committee. There were few exhibits before this committee and not much of special interest, vegetables from Ampthill and Figs and Peaches from Syon being the principal things. Mr. J. C. T gardener to Mrs. Wingfield, Ampthill Beds, staged a nice lot of vegetables, there excellent Late Queen, Late White, and Chamj Broccoli, good Asparagus in two varieties, Ar|_ teuil and Conover's Colossal, a dozen pots growing Peas, some past their best. Cucumbers Leeks Model and Henry's Prize, Sharpe's Victo Potato, Milan Turnipsfromframes, Tomato Earlies of All, Radishes and Lettuces in variety (silve Knightian medal). Mr. Bishop, 'Westley Hal Gardens, Bury St. Edmunds, sent a seedlinf Melon, a large fruit, but not of great merit. Thi was not named and only received some half dozei votes out of a full committee. Mr. M. R Hatfield Gardens, Mytchett, Farnborough, staged his Strawberry, Russell's Early Giant The fruits sent were in two sizes, large and medium two boxes of each. Several of the committei think this fruit much like Sharpless No. 1. Mr Wythes, Syon, Brentford, recei%ed a cultura commendation for good samples of Figs in threi varieties, St. .John, Brown Turkey and Violei| Sepor, and a nice dish of Hale's Early Peach, wel finished fruits and of good colour. Mr. W. C Leach, Albury Park Gardens, Guildford, sent ai Apple, Miller's SeedUng. Mr. C. TurnbuU Beachley Lodge Gardens, Chepstow, sent nici heads of Asparagus cut from beds reputed to bi over 100 years old. Mr. Barkham, Longforc Gardens, Isle of Wight, sent four dozen Cuoum bers cut from five plants, good fruits, but 'I'll.' Veiteh prizes for fla-\-our brought fortljl ^e\. n ilisliesof Apples, but no Pears. Mr. Talt] lack. Livermere Park Gardens, Bury St. Edmunds I was first with Court Rendu Plat, excellent fruits ■(, well preserved and juicy. Mr. J. A. Reid, Fam " ham Chase Beeches, was second with Golderii Russet. The other dishes staged were Stuimeii Pippin, Golden Russet, Old Russet, and Ribstonj the last very poor. I Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution! — We are requested to state that the fifty-eightl anniversary festival dinner in aid of the funds o this institution will take place on Wednesday! May 26, at 6.30 for 7 o'clock (the first day of thi Temple flower show), at the Hotel Metropole « 1 May 15, 1S97.] THE GARDEN. 361 under the presi.. ],:,< N,-n„,- :,,hI m ,1, PihI colour to r.T,.,,,,,,,.,.! ii^ Will, llou,,, ni i l„ larfjest si/e an.l u.ll f. ■■1. I.u |.l.ii,i- ,!,.• thisseasonof tiie year. Perpetual flowering Pink, Diamond. Mr. B. Ladhams s.-nds us from Southanipt.m some tloHcrs of tliis Pink which are pretty and very fragrant. He sa\-s they are somewhat jjale in colour throiigh forcing, but the colour as it comes is very delicate and good. Hybrid Auriculas.— Dr. Stuart -^rn,!.; n^ fioui Chirnside pretty crosses betwr.n lln' .Xunmla and Primula viscosa of the Alp^. ili-dn. i and frond in colour. We hope he will iiieiease the ii.-t of these, as we much need some return to -iin|ile and good colour among these plants. Tulipa Batalini. — There is a beauty in this |n tty species that we are by no means aecus toiiR-d to, the colour as well as the acute pointed liuds being very distinct. The shade of colour is a 1 1 lie, soft canary, and the dwarf liabit and small ~tat me generally make it a very pleasing plant. Rose Marechal Niel. — A grand lot of this uiiii|ue Rose was one of the most imposing e.x- liiliits at the Drill Hall this week. There were [Some live large boxes, each containing about three dozen blooms of large size and lovely in looloui-. The blossoms came from Mr. J. Walker, of Oxford. Trillium erectum. — Just now the dusky- looking blossoms of this plant are very distinct among the numy bits of colour in the garden. If planted alone there is perhaps not much to ad- mire, but associated with other forms it produces a fine effect. In peat and loam with shade these Wood Lilies do well. ! Dwarf Irises. — We forward you herewith specimen blooms of three dwarf Irises and I. inissouriensis. Iris benacensis and I. lutescens var. Statelhe are the two taller-growing kinds, mil lutescens aurea is much dwarfer. I. benacensis I- 11 \ erv robust grower and of a telling colour in . II. i^^.— Barr * Sox.'^. Alyssum gemouense sulphureum. — The |ilnni liriLiurj ilii- iiiiiii.' I- jii-t as free-flowering :isi..il,i' \\,ll kih.wii A. -,i\;itile compactum, and at a .-liort ili-tanri' may In- (aken as a pale form of the latter. In its distinct shade of colour the jplant named is very pleasing, particularly when jseen in large groups several feet across. I Anemone sulphurea is a sulphur - tinted [variety of the alpine Windflower, \-ery pleasing so far as \'ariety is concerned, yet it" lacks the ibeauty as well as the distinctness of the tyiiical Ijrm. The plant requires the same care and treat- Jnent as the alpine WindSower, and where amjjle bpportunity exists for deep rooting into loamy soil |t will soon make headway. Iris cristata.— This, shown by Messrs. Paid ind Son, was one of the finest of hardy plants at j-he Drill Hall this week. It is called the dwarf- trested Iris, and certainly appropriately so from the pretty crested blossoms of the plant. It is bnly rarely that we see tliis species flowering so freely, the large tufts pro\ing that the plant is liuite at home at Broxbourne. Othonnopsis cheirifolia. — This is among the Jirliest of hai-.ly ]ilants to flower belonging 0 composita', and though regarded as some"- ivhat tender, (|uite hardv in a well -drained ['lie flow and nearly '2 inches across, the stems rising to nearly 1 foot high. The curious combination of foliagi- anil flower is unusual and very distinct A fine Rhododendron.— I send a truss of Uhododendron, a hybrid between a Sikkim variety and a haidy one. The plant was given me many years ago, for the then new garden at Wisley, by Mr. Mangles. It is now a great bush. — flEOROK F. Wit.soN. *»* A handsome Rhododendron, flowers very large, rose-pink. — Ki). Tulipa albo-marginata is a very pretty [aire The double-flowering Cu'-rant.— A plant of the double-flowering Currant has been in my garden for the last thirty years. It does not grow- so strongly as the single-flowered variety, but is as easily propagated. Some bunches I have just picked are over 4 inches long. The new ly-opened flowers are pale, but turn a briglit red, like a good Paul's Thorn or a Rob Roy Daisy, densely double and five-eighths of an inch in diameter.— W. D., Diihllii. Tulip Gipsy ftueen. — Among the forms of Gesneriana this is perhaps one of the finest that could be named. Fine in form and stately in bearing, with a shade of colour between bright crimson and maroon, it is handsome in the ex- treme. Of a sliailr 11. ar akin is Hecla, also tall and handsome, tin iImw.i- finely proportioned and decidedly ina—iM. I'.otb these kinds an- about 20 inches higli, and therefore make a grand disijlay. Phlox amoena. — Among the free-flowering alpines of easy culture this is one of the best, producing cushions of rose-pink blossoms with the greatest possible freedom. In the rock gar- den in large ' open .spots where the soil is rich and deep, and again in the border where choice things are grown, this will find a congenial home. The plant is now in full beauty and was freely represented at the Drill Hall on Tuesday last. Lilium Thomsouianum. S.xnjil liamlsome M. Tuesday last, and, singularly enough, cut spikes also came from Holland from M. Krelage. Tin plant is more interesting to botanists probabl\ than valuable to the general cultivator, though the sturdy spikes in Messrs. Barr's group were the best w-e have seen. Gentiana verna. — Quite recently we noted some very pretty tufts of this. On one little tuft alone there must have been nearly three dozen blossoms, and these, glittering in the May- day sun, were very striking. Very noticeable, upwards of 2 feet across, and ciuite filled with flowering plants. Always an elleetive plant, it ted, .save for a mulching of im, it is quite safe for years short niMMiiii witlioiii ili-iiii Incarvillea Delavayi. Mv supposition that the varietv of this plant,. list I il.Ml.d l,v the .Jardin du .Mus'c'inristoil.- Naliililli- .11 I'aris, is distin.-t liitea. — .\Ia\ Lkichti.in, /;-/./.: Iberis Snow Q,ueen is a f seedlings of I. tiarrexiana, and feet sheet of tlir imrost white the time being .■.mipl. i.ly hi. green leaves, 'I'lif typ.' ..l i lu- worth cultivation, in I lie plan iiin selected from makes a most pcr- bl.i-s,,ms that for ,,11 signs of the -pi ii.s is scarcely 1 the growth Jenti is stronger and more %igorous, wliile the of blossoms are much larger than are usually seen. Some established examples of the plant we lately saw pro\e its superiority, the flower- heads in some instances being of the size of those of 1. gibraltarica and snow white. Veronica Lavandiana.— I send a spray of this pretty little Veronica, which is, I think, not -.iiiiii.li known as it deserves to be. Itisshrubby, !,,,! |,i,.-i i,iti-, and bears freely its corymbs of Hl,ur ll,,u.is and pink buds. The leaves of the non-tlowering shoots are also very pretty, being edged with crimson, as will be seen in the speci- men enclosed. Here (near Dublin) it seems quite hardy. I have had it for some years and it has not been damaged by frost. Being prostrate and a slow grower, it is very suitable for rockwork. It strikes easily from cuttings. — Gbeexwood Pim. Cheiranthus Marshall!. —For spring bed- ding or for large groups in the rook garden this dwarf Wallflower is among the best of spring plants. The little tufts are only some 8 inches high or thereabouts, and when flowering freely, as they do in April and May, create a very distinct effect. C. alpinus is a capital companion plant, 'somew hat more free in growth and flower, but the pil,- yill,,\\ Moss, mis are not so efl'ective as in C. M:,i -l,:illi, pMiil, kinds may be increased from , ,,11 ii,j~ 111-, It. .1 111 the summer in shady frames. Siii.ill -1.1, -1 1- -li|jped off with a heel attached are the best, and to a large extent such as these root readily. Phlox canadensis.— A lovely mass of this distinct and pretty plant from Sir Trevor Law- rence came before the Royal Horticultural Society on Tuesday last, and crowded with its large pale blue flowers was much admired. The plant is alli.,1 t,, til,' smaller-flowered P. ,li\ai i,:,t.i, I,, it is iiitiiiii,l\ ~,iperior in all respt-.i- Win i, inlly ■J1..U II 11 III tains to nearly a foot lirjl,. ;i:i.| in j..,,,! n,-l, -an.ly loam is of the easi,-! iiiii,.!.. li is when seen in .such a state as tl,i- ili,,! \\,n,l,l lie growers of choice hardy plants ai, iiii|,i , --. ,l. I.ut a fragment in a 3-inch pot, with p. rl,.,p- ,, -..liiaiy spray of blossom, too often gives an unlav ,,urable impression. Pritillaria recurva. — This lovely species is not only one of tlie most remarkable, but one of ■heads of a rich yellow- selves. Geum montanum is a very showy plant for the rock garden that is not seen so frequently as should be the case. With large golden blossoms of the size of those of the King-cup, a very pretty elfect may be secured by a large cluster in the border or the sloping sides of the rock garden. For the.se positions its dwarf habit aral fn,- flowering eminently fit it. The plant is n,,i lai,, and has been seen frequently at the Idill Hall meetings. The foliage is also good, and wlicre I In' soil is either partially shaded or moist, the plant is always a success. Trillium grandiflorum.— From Broxbourne the Messrs. Paul and Son brought a fine exhibit I well reeurveil at the tips. It is cr of this ever-welcome plant arranged in a baske and pretty kind, perfectly hardy ordinary 362 THE GAT^DFA^ [Mat 15, 1897. iibject fo Clianthus puniceus in Dorset. Tyi.KI:, r,-,,,7, ,:,„„,i. (;„,;/.„.. Wan/n,,,,. *,* The linest brancli of this we have ever seen, though we remember \ery fine plants of it in Irish gardens near tlie sea. — Ed. Abutilon vitifolium.— I ha\e had this for some years here. One plant was cut down by the frost in 1S!).5, liut recovered and flowered beavitifidly last year, and produced a large cro]) of seed in the open border. The combined cul.I and wet of this year have killed it, but I :ini planting out several of its oflspring. It is «. II worth trying anvwlu.-re in the south. Und. r :in Curious place for bulbs.— One of the unlikely positions one would expect to see grow in I came acro.ss durin"- a recent \i Ni.'C -t.. »it, .■,,, ,.],] >(,„„. „;dl. This wall beill-rlo.rh ho\lr\,T. >!,„■ fuUf tin,,, ll,r th.-s,. . ,y d „|,.-r ',1 ,1, !„■ Ii. ,|n,, li feet d void thick, could in, besides liii,,'j . \|.,i- southerly aft,',', s,,,,. coiiil,tiu,i. Ii,it ,1 certainly looked a curious sight to s.c IhiIIi, ll.„,,ish in a position like that. — E. lli.iMj, II, .]/„„;,■/,. Cytisus kewensis.— A miv |,i isii,u l,ybiid Broom is now in flower at K, \i in \^l,,rll. l„i,iii-, of its having been raised tlicic tl,i- ,i;,,,,n l,;,s I,,,.,, given. It is :^ cross betw.c,, l\ Ml,,,, :,,„! il„. Ls Mhi May) are co\cred on the upper si, creamy yellow flowers. They an' between those of the parents both colour, and have a strong likeness t,, other hybrid now in flower. Ii ,-, liK essentially a rockwork plant, ,,imI h iI its best when planted so tli,,i iis 1. branches can grow and banc over ledge.— B. The weather in West Herts.— A cold week both during tlie daytime and at night. On tbicc nights the exposed thermometer showed 4 ,,f frost. The ground has now become cold, the t, n, perature at 2 feet being 2° below, and at 1 tout deep 4° below the average for tlie month. There has been no rain worth mentioning during the week, and since the 9th inst. no measurable t|uantity of rain water has come through the feet of soil in either of my percolation gaugi During the night of the 10th there was a short but larp fall of hail. The winds have been dry nil lather high, and principally westerly or , ii 1 1 1 westerly . The duration of bright sunshine, iliii,c tlie week as a whole, has been about :,-,, liable. A Lilac in my garden which has (. M liii'l,,' observation for the past twelve years tiiM hr-i 11,1,1 llouer on the 9th, or at exactly its i irj. ,l,ii,. I, lit nine days later than last year. !■:. M., r..,l.hamMed. Insects destroying Kose shoots. ~I en- Imm' \Mil, (111,.-, f,.w i,ic,',-s,,f ,,ur Roses attacked ;,ls, . b.'ingattiH'ki'il. |,r,-siii,i:il,ly by the same thing. If you can help nu- tn ., -,i|,,i i,,,, ,if the mystery I shall be glad, and th, fMll,,Hi,i.j may help. The Roses are standai,!- anJ half -taiidards. The latter were bought in I w <. \ .a, - a^.^,, and were the first attacked. Xi^tlnnu ■.! Ma kind ever hap- pened before their arii\al. ilioa^jli many Roses ha\e been grown Mca I ha \ia,-|.a^t. The border isnnthesouthsldeofduait l'-,iiijal T.auiels. Box ami lb, Uy, these carpeted w II li 'jniUii, I l\y. The Ml-,, t~ 1,-ave no traces excepi ,,i|,na-. X, .thing is .■\ , I \ isible on the bushes, SI, tlic\ aic pi, siimably attackcfl by niglit. They are attacked mostly 'luring siiring and winter as soon as buds can be M.,.n.-,I. C. T. *,* Your Roses are attacked, I expect, by one of the ni sheet und fall you %v bright la 111, TIa- \, ,'.\ ils may sometimes !„' ,a Ml,- small li, III, lies of "dry Moss or ha \ , I, ins and .m, providing a tempting sli hem. These traps shoulil be search( lorning. — G. S. S. Public Gardens. Recreation ground for Ipswich. .Mi iKlH-all a|,|„al Im Hi, Open space for St. George's, Southwark. St. George-ttie-MartM. S. lai Im ,ii k, a |,i,v,' i,f land three-quarters ,,t an a.,,' n, >,/,■, kii,,«ii a- the Paragon, New K,iil laia,l, Im- i'.'Unii t,,i- th,' ■r,.xM,i,K tl,i- ~,iin Ii,' Ii a- | iT is,, I £ Itii II 1. and the |,,,l„l,„i (■,ii,Mt\ ('Miin, al liaM' a-1,',',1 la .■oiitribute tlTiio. Tbe '.\,-«in-l,,i, \',-ti\, ill ,'.,inmittee, ate consideniig an apijlication Lo sulisci ibe part of the remaining £700, the site adjoining their parish. The Metropolitan Gardens Association lias agreed to lay out the ground. Open spaces. — At tl„' montlily ineeting of the Metropolitan Publi,' (laul,,,- A-.i,iaii,in it was announced that tin- Si. Maitlau - ( 'l,,ir,liyard, Bethnal Green, and St. ,laiii,ss I 'liiii,l,yard, Pen- tiiin ill,-, would probably be ready to be opened in .l,il\ . tliat the association had laid out St. Stephen's ( li,, 1111,1, Bow, and that a grant of seats had been made tu tlie Brentford District Council. Progress was reported w ith regard to the scheme for the purchase of Churchyard Bottom Wood, Highgat, the Middlesex County Council and the St. Pancras Vestry being the most recent of those public bodies likely to contribute, but £5000 or £6000 was still requisite. It was agreed to grant seats for Bloomfield Road, \\'., and Hackney Church- yard, and to lay out Albion Square, Dalston, and the Paragon, New Kent Road. The vice-chairman and the secretary were asked to give evidence before the Select Committee in reference to the East London Water Bill and its interference with a large area of metropolitan common land at Tottenham. The secretary reported, in conned tion with the Queen's Commemoration Joint Com* niittee, that nearly 100 diiferent localities in England and Wales had signified their intention to promote " open space " memorials of the Diamond Jubilee. Obituary. MR. ROBERT OWEN It is with feelings of regret that we recoi'd sudden death fiom heart disease of this well-kn, leiymai, <,i, Satunlay, the 8th inst., at al 111' .Mr. iiHiii Miil'y died in harness, nioiii, lit ,a tl,,- fatal attack he was working,' putting sli,-,l at Maidenhead when he suddenly seized and fell, the end coming almost 'mmediately. On all sides the greatest sympathy s felt for the bereaved wife and family at the I i.blst Ml. Ma this V in the kinds (.)wen, as is well known, was a specialist in- florists' flowers, though more particularly of the tuberous Begonia, and latterly the Ch santhemum. Mr. Owen's connection with ' latter flower is that of a pioneer in the raisii of new varieties, and particularly English se" lings, that is, from seeds that were hybridi and sa\'ed by himself. How well he succeedefl in ■k is a matter of history to all interested ueen of autumn flowers, and many of the liscd in these nurseries will doubtless rank atiieii'j ibi- li,st for years to come. TotheCliry- sani Ii, iiiiiiii akini- Mr. Owen has added many 111, 1 11(11 a, ii> km, Is in nearly all the sections. ,-\ naiiili, 1 an, I -launch supporter of the Nat ( 'lir\saiitii, niiiiii Society, as well as a member III,' lliaal .niniiiittee of the Royal Horticultural Siiiiilv, Ml. ( )«,'ii was well known and respect by a lai-v , ii, I,- of those interested in gardens, .111,1 ,l,iii,,'j 111,' autumn and winter of each year I,, «a-,Mi tii the front with fresh novelties of the IkiH, I 111' knew and grew so well. Mr. Owen was ill bis ."i.sth year, and leaves a wife and large family to mourn his loss. Kobinson r. Ward, Lock, and Co. (Ltd.), .Iil-llee Kekiuali, 1,1 tla- Ckut HlMsl,,,, ,,f tlu High CutiM ...1 .Justice, an uider perpetually re straining the defendants from printing, pulilish ing, selling, or disposing of, and from advertising oftering, or exposing for sale any newspaper periodical, or ]iublication by the name of Garden iiiij l//iisi,ri/,f/. or by any other name so similar ia t;',iril' Kiiiij I//Hsiml'ed, as to induce the public to bclie\e that sinb newspaper, periodical, or pub- lication is the i,a|ier published by the plaintifl'. iraHl tedK ns. Hi I Ifames of plants. — Genl. Gillespie.— Yoxa Lselia is of a nice delicate colour, but of no value J. C— 1, Kerria .iapouica fl.-pl. ; 2, Thuja Lobbi ; 3, Tax cruim distichum ; 4, Retinospora pisifera ; 5, send better specimens. W. C— 1, Clematis montana; 2, Hvdrangea (impossible to name from specimen sent) 3, EuoDymus japonicus aureus ; 4, Biota orientalisjfi Efcallonia macrantha ; C, the Hed,zchog Holly. W. T. f.— Oiicidium varicosum. Lyminster House — Gatasetumniacrophyllum. C. Edimirh — 1, sere in flower: 2, Ciutranthns ruber; 3, Epimedium pin I Datum ; 4, Iris p.Eeudacoius variegatrs; 5, Aljrsinn saxatile; G, Arabis albida. THE C3-JLI?/IDE3Sr. 1331— Vol. LL] [MAY 22, 1897. Unm caudutum '\nn\ crassinode Chrysanthemums:— Chrysanthemum J>rinccss Blanche Viiu-s, liealing with s^ laterals of Vines trained near the gla Garden Flora : — Trichopilia brevis . . . . Ti-ii-liopdia suavis .. .. j ureek's mrork : - Fruit houses, work iu . . Kitchen garden, work in able notes c Trees and Shrubs :- Azalm, a hanhi, at Ealioll Hull, S/apliil 374 A^alcn innllis crossed with A, ii. I- li.n.h" '.'. '.'. '.'. 374 ■ : !■ . ,H.l Its allies .. 375 (III. II. in. II tiichotomum.. 374 I ■,11^11^ 1. 1, ,_,,!,,, 374 .111 l,L lui , il.i.Hud its allies 375 Ulii"lMikiiilriiii Fortuuei and shrubs, early flowering ' . . 374 Roses :- Rose Amazoue 378 Rose Anna Alexieff . . . . 378 Rose Anna Olivier 376 Rose Antoine Bivolro . . . . 377 Rose Clara Watson . . . . 376 Rose Francisca Kruger . . 377 Rose Grace Darling . . . . 377 Rose Ma Capucine 378 Rose Maman Cochet .. .. 376 Notes of the Week: Anemone narcissiflora . . Anemone palmata Bambusa Metake . . . . Campanula persicifoUa a Cypripediui Chrysanthei Oxalis euucapbylla .. Primula scotica Tulipa Kolpakowskiana Tulips, two late .. .. Viola odonitix sulphurca Viola pcdata bicolcir .. Miscellaneous :- Eupatorium riparium . . , . Lawn sand Market Gardeners' Compen- May, severe frost in Notes in Japan . . . . Salvias TropjBolum azureum . . Weather in West Herts Orchids. ORCHIDS IN PITS OR FRAMES. \iERE the cooler section of Orchids, .such as (iintnL(Lit.s, Masdevallias and some Oncidiums, A grown ill a kan-to house against a north vlfor in soiuf other shady position, it is not dicult as a rule to keep the temperature down. 1 en where a separate house of almost any class ci be devoted to their culture it is compara- t .'ly easy, by hc^vy shading and frequent duping, to keep the plants growing. But vcre they have to be wintered with other ( liids, or in an ordinary moist greenhouse 8 h as many small cultivators possess, it be- c les impossible to keep the atmosphere as it 8 uld be during the summer. A good way out I he difficulty is to remove all the plants of lion to a cool shady pit, or if this is not mind, ordinary garden frames set in the |ilace convenient. The present is a -ijli; time for the removal, and a place for i.iii .should be prepared without delay. If in a l>!;k pit, a stage of some kind must be rigged up. ■V od, of course, isin nine cases out often used for tli, as it is handy and easily fixed. This must b covered with a layer of rough shingle, Bull coke or ashes to retain a certiiin amount 0 moisture. Wood is not by any means the li t material to use. Corrugated iron is useful »i may be readily fixed, the grooves serving t< retain the moisture sufficiently and carry »'y superfuous water. In the west of Eng- Inl, plenty of thin flat slabs of stone, such as «i used for roofing, can be had cheaply, and tl ^e make splendid stages for every kind of p it, and especially Orchids. This class of ■^'le 111 lids more moisture than slate and parts » 1 it more gradually, less damping being ^•i -iequently required. Still, staging, of course, istdy a secondary matter ; the real point lies inthe way the plants are treated. As the I'hts are by now in most cases in active -'>th, everything must be in readiness be- tlivy are shifted. The walls of the pit should be limewashed if necessary, and all frames and lights thoroughly scrubbed. Give tlie plants all the room possible, so as to pre- vent any difficulty in damping down, and a little soot and lime sprinkled about serve to keep away insects and create a slightly am- moniated atmosphere. Cover the glass with mats for a few nights after the plants are brought out, as the change is sometimes rather too much for them. This covering may be discontinued by the end of May, and a little air left on at night at the back of the pit or frame. The first thing in the morning increase the air and damp through the plants thoroughly if fine. In wet weather the lights should be tilted a little on one side, but not run down sufficiently for the rain to reach the plants. Dull, showery days sometimes occur in June, when the lights may be left off and the plants exposed with advan- tage, but as a rule they are safer covered up and as much air as possible left on. When sunshine prevails, shade heavily after it reaches the glass and keep the lights fairly close until late in the afternoon, again opening them and allowing fuU light during the evening. So treated the plants become hard and robust, the leaves take on a bronzy appearance, and are rustling and springy to the touch. These are symptoms of health well known to expe- rienced cultivators, and are usually the fore- runners of a bountiful crop of bloom. Water- ing at the root will be practically the .same as if the plants were kept in the Orchid house, except that, owing to the freedom with which the air plays about them, they will need it oftener. Care is necessary in syringing over- head. Some cultivators taboo the .syringe en- tirely, but this is a great mistake and an item of mismanagement. Properly and judiciously applied, a gentle spray of soft water acts bene- ficially in replenishing the atmosphere with moisture in dry, sultry weather, and is very distasteful to insects. On the other hand, to use it every day, whether dull or fine, is a mis- take, leading to damping of the foliage, fining down of the compost, and general ill-health of the plants. The time the plants can be left out depends largely upon the aspect of the pits and the locality. If carefully covered at night they may be left until the middle of October in the south of England at any rate, but they are better returned to the house before frosts of any severity are imminent. H. Cattleya Mendeli superba.— This is a really fine form of C. Mendeli, much deeper in colour than the type and as large as C. M. grandiflora. The sepals and petals are broad and of great sub^ stance, clear rosy blush. The lip has a purplish tint with a golden yellow throat, the edges prettily fimbriated. These highly-coloured forms have a very striking appearance grouped with the lighter ones, one helping to set off the beauties of the other. All the forms of C. Mendeli are easily grown in the usual Cattleya house tempera- ture, and may be potted and kept to nearly the same routine of growth and rest as C. Mossia;. Odontoglossum hastilabium. — This is a fine species wlieii well done, and I noticed a plant in flower this week. It is easily recognised by its singularly shaped lip, the front being whitish, stained behind with deep purple. The sepals and petals are yellow, with transverse bars of purple. These flowers are produced on erect scapes often over 1 yard in height, and owing to the large number of flowers produced, a spike lasts a long time in full beauty. O. hastilabium thrives well in a house kept rather warmer than that usually recommended for the genus, it occurring at a lower elevation in New Grenada and various parts of South America. It requires abundant atmo- spheric moisture. — R. Dendrobium Parishi.— This pretty species I have noted this week considerably earlier, I think, than usual. The blossoms are rosy purple in ground colour, the downy lip ha\ ing a pair of deep maroon blotches in tlie throat. It is easily distinguished from other Dendrobes by its peculiar and ungainly habit, the pseudo-bulbs creeping over the sides of the pot or basket in a very un- usual way. It requires care during the winter months, but is easily accommodated during the 364 THE GARDEN. LMay 22, 1897. summer in a light position and high, moist tem- perature, such as the deciduous Dendrobes as a whole delight in. It must have a long season of dry rest after ripening, or but few flowers will be produced. It is a native of Moulmein, and was introduced by the Rev. C. Parish in 1863. — R. Cypripedium bellatulum. — This beautiful species is now in flower in most collections, the large, whitish, prettily spotted flowers having a tine appearance on the marbled foliage. Though perhaps the best grower in the section to which it belongs, it does not always grow with freedom. With me no species gives less trouble, and I am of opinion that in some cases it is too much coddled. It has been found to thrive best in loam of good quality, Sphagnum and charcoal, with a few rough nodules of limestone. Good drainage and a shady, fairly moist position, are essential, but the foliage must not be wetted with the syringe — R. Aerides suavissimum. — This beautiful plant is often met with under the name of O. odoratum. The flowers are very similar to those of this in shape, but are produced on longer racemes and the habit is difl'erent. In A. suavissimum the leaves usually stand out more stiffly than those of A. odoratum. It thrives in a strong, moist heat, and when well treated is very vigorous and free- blooming. For large plants, square baskets made of Hazel or Oak rods as thick as a man's wrist may be used and the roots may easily be brought under the influence of the compost. It is an old plant in cultivation and was first introduced by Messrs. Loddigesin 1849. Ccelogjme barbata.— This singular species I noted in flower recently, though perhaps it is hardly the season one would expect it. The flowers, which occur on short side racemes of about six or eight, are each about 3 inches across. The sepals and narrow petals are white, the lip white on the outside, the inner side brown and covered with dark brownish hairs. It is a very easily-grown plant, thriving at the cool end of the Cattleya house in a somewhat shady position. It may be grown in medium-sized pots in the or dinary peat and Sphagnum mixture over good drainage. Less water is needed while at rest than when growth is active, but at no season must the roots be really dry for any length of time. — H. R Cypripedium caudatum roseum. — The flowers of this pretty variety are much brighter in colourthan thoseof the typioalC. caudatum, but the varietal name seems hardly applicable. The long riljbon-like petals cannot be styled rose-coloured the tint is a decided purple. In habit it is smaller but the flowers are quite as large, and if anything more freely produced than those of the type. Al- though found growing naturally high up on tall trees, it does best under cultivation in a fairly substantial compost. Equal parts of Sphagnum Moss and peat with a little light fibrous loam suit it well, and as plenty of water is required th drainage must be good. Odontoglossum erosum. — -Under this name flowers of a distinct, but by no means showy cies have been sent by " R. R." They are unlike those of O. Ehrenbergi in shape, but the colour is dull green, spotted and blotched with brown on the sepals and petals, the lip narrow at the neck, creamy white. From the appearance of the flowers and leaf sent I should imagine it would do well under similar treatment to that usually accorded O. Cervantesi, viz., a posit; not far from the roof glass in a house such as suits the cool section of the genus, and a limited amount of compost over good drainage. —R. Hasdevallia Houtteana. — This is a very free-blooming and distinct species, growing in tufts of long, narrow green leaves, and producing shoi-t, single-flowered scapes dnrinc the r summer. The sepals are pure wliifr mi iIh- I portion, spotted with purple, iln' l.nU l.riMlit purple, the lip white. Large jilaiiisot ilii.s are seldom seen, nor is it advisable to try and make up large specimens, for if the flowers were formed they would be hidden, they not coming high enough to show above the foliage. Sphag- num Moss and a little peat fibre over good drain- age will grow it well, and, coming from New Grenada, cool treatment is essential. It is named in honour of the late Louis Van Houtte. Dendrochilum flliforme.— The blossoms of this little Orchid are among the most delicately lieautiful of any ; not that they are individually showy, but the graceful, semi-pendent racemes have such a fine efl'ect. The pseudo-bulbs are small, roundish, and the racemes are each upwards of 1 foot in length. It may be grown in a light position in the East India house, but screened from the brightest sunshine, and it requires abundance of water when in active growth. A resting season must also be allowed, only enough \\ater being then given to prevent shrivelling. It is a native of the Philippines, and was introduced about 1840. Dendrobium suavissimum.— This is one of the prettiest of the evergreen Dendrobes, and dis- tinctly superior to D. chrysotoxum, of which spe- cies it is usually described as a variety. It is quite as strong-growing as the latter, but often shorter in the pseudo-bulbs and leaves, and bears long racemes of golden yellow blossoms, with a deep maroon blotch on the lip. It may be grown in a warm, moist house, and should be well watered while growing. As to compost and general treatment, it does well with other ever- green species. A large specimen I noted this week was carrying fourteen large, well-developed spikes. It is a native of Upper Burmah, whence it was introduced by Messrs. Low in 1874. — H. R. Pescatorea Lehmauni.— The flowers of this species are large and handsome, of a bright magenta-purple overlaid with white. The lip is purple and remarkable for the tuft of coarse shaggy hairs upon its upper surface. It is a beau- tiful plant when well done, but somewhat difficult of cultivation. Having no pseudo-bulbs, dry rest is inimical to it, but at the same time a check must be given to growth. During the time growth is active a shady, moist position in a Cattleya house temperature suits it well. Though strong, vigor- ous plants can do with a fairly substantial de- scription of compost, it is not well to give weaker ones much, but a little Sphagnum and charcoal. A thin layer of this may be laid upon rafts, or baskets may be filled to within an inch or so of the top with drainage, and the roots planted thereon with a little compost about them. that do with a wider receptacle than afore-mentioned, but require a rather thinner ai rougher compost. Three parts of clean Spha num Moss to one of good peat fibre, with abun ance of rough crocks and charcoal, will admirably. The new growths commence to ro hen about half formed, and this is as gaed time as any to repot. Let the leading sbgc stand well above the rim and pack the right up to them. The Moss should be very fully looked over for small slugs and snails, e work sad mischief among the roots it is important to preserve. Give as little watgr possible after disturbing them, and avoid ^ this cold or sprinkling the older pseudo-W much. When rooting again freely a little ini will be necessary, but, except just as the psenc bulbs are swelling, O. pardinum is not a thin subject. During the winter months let it j well on the dry side before giving a fresh supp but see that the bulbs are not allowed to shri while the flower-spikes are forming, and cut th before they distress the plants. H ODONTOGLOSSUM PARDINUM. This is a very distinct and pretty species, and that if well and strongly grown makes a very fine show. It has been long known and many times imported by private persons as well as trade firms, yet for some reason it has not become a popular plant. The pseudo-bulbs are large, from 4 inches to 5 inches high, and produce from the sides large branching panicles of pretty pale yellow blossoms lightly spotted with reddish-purple. They are very delicately scented and last a long time in good condition. I have not found O. pardinum quite so easy to grow as many other species ; it is very apt to damp if at all over-watered, and will not stand the strain of flowering every season, Its habitat is near Quito, almost on the equatorial line, where it is found high up on the mountains. Plenty of air, a moist atmosphere and good clear light are essential to its well-being. During the winter months in the usual Odontoglossum h( built on the dark side of a wall it is diflicult to cater for it properly, for in such positions the winter days are still further shortened, while in its native home day and night must be almost equal. Shading in summer is absolutely necessary, for without it no one could possibly keep these alpine Orchids cool enough, but in winter let them have every possible ray of light. Then with regard to root treatment. O. crispum and many similar plants have a wiry kind of root that will insinuate itself among a fairly close description of compost and thrive. The roots of O. pardinum are larger, softer in texture, and, unfortunately, often short-lived. They are the roots, in short, SHORT NOTES.-ORCHWS. Dendrobium Jenkinsi. — The blossoms this little species are verj' pretty and are produ 1 one or two on a spike. The habit is like that a small D. aggregatum, and it thrives well u I small blocks of wood or pieces of Tree Fern si i suspended from the roof of a warm house. must not be very heavily watered, and flowers n freely if given a month in quite a cool he during the winter. Dendrobium. densiflorum. — This good species is remarkably well grown at lokworfch,' growths averaging about 18 inches high and covered with the golden-yellow racemes of fio' It is a great pity that the flowers are so evi for few are more beautiful. It is grown 1 house not devoted to Orchids, but contaii Ferns and various fine-foliaged plants in addn to the usual occupants of plant stoves. Brassia Keiliana. — This species is very tinct and far from common. It throws up the dwarf pseudo-bulbs a many-flowered sj' the blossoms varying in ground colour from creamy yellow to a deep chrome, while a pu variety is also in cultivation. The segments all spotted more or less with brown, the colou all the parts becoming deeper with age. thrives well in the Cattlej-a house and is a nf of New Grenada. Dendrobium crassinode.— This pretty cies is still in flower, a constant supply of pretty purple-tipped blossoms having Been a able for nearly four months. A late lot of pi I lately saw flowering for the first time is si ing a great deal of variation, and althougl were sold as D. c. Barberianum, not one sc has turned out true. One very pretty flower a slightly fringed and very downy lip, white form is not uncommon. — R. Oncidium Cavendisliianum. — I have se\ spikes of this Oncidium each over a yard in he that have been open for over three months i are still fairly fresh. The golden-yeUow tir the blossoms is unchanged, but they lack a 1 of the fine substance they had when first open- is a beautiful free-blooming and easily gr kind, its big fleshy leaves having apparently! staying power in them than the pseudo-bulb many kinds, and it is a pity it is not much i grown. — R. Epidendrum fragrans. — This old yet worth growing for its distinct and delicate perfume. The blossoms appear i the top of the pseudo-bulbs upon short spi and, like several others in the genus, have tlw uppermost, so that they appear to be up down. They are creamy white in ground coll and have a few streaks of crimson-purple upon e lip. It does well in the Cattleya house ui'^i' ordinary treatment, and is one of the oljl Orchids in cultivation, having first flower( this country over a century ago. II JIav 2:'', 1897.] THK GARDEN. 3f5 Flower Garden. AVATER PLANTS AT GLASXEViy. t,avaU.st m\rn\tv 0,1 one .soiiiul, liualLliv fuliu^'c- B, annexed illustration represents the __^_^_^^ retty water garden at the Royal Botanic ard?ns, Glasnevin, Dublin, so admirably ■scribed by Mr. Burbidge in the current )lume, p. 114. The ])hut()graph was taken irly last summer when the Water Lilies ere just commencing to grow and before j ^^^'l'"; '"' ".', le water had become-as it does later- :,;;a\,;;%'J,7flrr7ero"f itirely covered with their luxuriant foliage, trenerally combined, f here was a wonderful profusion of Daisies streams. The brook BKooKSIDK ' ;aguu w VUDKNING icM)k giir- ixuriant, isture so running eai)e gar- Gardciis, Glasnevin. From a photograph by Mr. Greenwood Pin the time, giving almost the effect of snow 1 the grass. Greenwood Pim. Salvias.— Two of the best are undoubtedly Itiiiluns Bruanti and Heeri. The question of I ge or small plants will naturally hinge on the •.e of the structure for which they are required, ally good specimens are obtained by theplanting- t system. They make a very fine display as- ;iated with the Eu|3atorium or a batch of dwarf lite Chrysanthemums, are of a very enduring tare and are exceptionally good for occasional 'tting for dinner-table decoration, showing to isat advantage against the white surroundings, hen housing for the winter let me suggest the i(\isability of not placing them in any structure leie there is a suspicion of the tiny white fly 1 -'inetimes bothers the Tomato grower. This 11- very partial to Salvias, and I had the doner, and curves and slopes its own banks and terraces, sheltered from rough winds and prone to the sun. Most country homes of the south and west, except those on the chalk downs, have near them some rill or brook of running water. On the sides of the chalk downs, though not on their summits, these streams cut narrow gullies and glens. In Surrey, Devon, Somerset, and parts of Sussex and Hampshire, wherever, in fact, there is hilly, broken ground, the little rills form these tiny broken ravines and valleys, often only a few yards in width from side to side. They are a common and familiar feature of ordinary English scenery. Usually these brooklet valleys are choked with Brambles or Fern and filled with rank undergrowth. Often the stream is overhung and invisible, or dammed and left in soak, breeding frogs, gnats. and thcs. The trcus arc always tall and beauti- fully gn,wn, whatever their age ; the smaller l)u.shes, Hawthorn, Brier, and wild Guelder Rose also assume graceful forms unhidden, for ty-y -^'N. l...utl„.|r iH-a.Is touanlstl,,. s„„- "'!■■■- n,,. \V1„,, tl,,. I,:,„k. I,:n,. I,,,.,, •■^ ",,1 '■< l-ilnl.lrst., ,M,rl, a , I, ,,.,„..■ „|. tl„- -'l--llli- li-llou asti,,. ground suggc.^L.s, and all J, oor or ill-grown trees have been cutaway to let in air and sun, the dimensions of the first pool in the brook garden are decided upon. If it is a chalk siu-in-. fi,,,,, C, f,.,-t to 0 yards wide, its flow will iin,l,al.l> l„ r.aistant throughout the year, for it is t,.l li,,i,i ih,. reservoirs in the heart of the lulls, 'n,,.,, it needs little care r\r,|il to ,li-ai- its cour.se, and the planting of lis ImhLs uiili flowers and stocking of its waters uith lalirs. Arums, Irises, .and trout are lie^oin •at once. But most .streams ar.' full in winter and low in summer, ami ..n []!,■•,,■ the \,yn,,k gardener must take a lesson from the In .mis, and make a succession of little dams ami pr,,,|s to keep his water at the right level through- out the year. Where there is a consider- able brook these dams may be carried away in winter and ruin the garden. With the cutting out of undergrowth and the ad- mission of light, the rank vegetation of the banks changes to sweet grass. Clovers, Wood- ruft' and Daisies, and the flowers natural to the soil ean lie jilanted, or will often spring up by themselves. In .spring the banks should be set thick with \'iolets. Primroses, and bronze, crim- .son and purple Polyanthuses. Periwinkle, Daffodils, Crocuses and scarlet or yellow Tulips will all flourish and blossom before the grass grows too high ..r hides their flowers. For later in the year, taller iilants, which can rise, as all summer wo, i,l-|, Lints (1,1, above the level of the grasses, must be set on the banks. ('Iiiiii]is of Kverlasting Peas, masses of Phloxes anil llo|l\ li,„k.s look splendid among the deep greens of the summer grass and beneath the canopy of trees. For it must be remembered that the brookside garden is in nearly every case a shaded garden beneath the tall trees natural to such places. All beautiful flowering shrubs and trees, such as the Guelder Rose, the pink Thorn, Azaleas and certain of the more beau- tiful Rhododendrons, will aid the background of the brook garden and flourish naturally in its sheltered hollow. This half- wild flower garden pertains mainly to the banks of the brook gully, and not to the banks of the brook itself. It is in the latter, by the waterside, that the special charm of these gardens should be found. It is the nature of such places to have a strip of level ground ojipositc to each of the curves of the stream : tliis makes a natural flower bed for slreamsiilr (ilaiits. All the Narcissi naturally love the banks of brooks, and will grow in in- creasing masses, multiplying their bulbs till they touch the water's edge. Not only the old Pheasant's-eye Narcissus, but all the splendid va- rieties in gold, cream, white and orange grow by the brookside. By these, but on the lower ground almost level with the water, big Forget- me-nots, Butterburs and wild Snake's-heads should be set. Lily of the Valley, despite its name, likes more sun than our brook garden ad- mits, except in certain places, but certain of the Lilies which flourish in the garden beds grow with an added and more languid grace on the green bank of our flower-bordered brook, where the American swamp Lily finds its natural place. Then pools will be formed for the gro^vth of thos,. plants, foreign and Knglisli, which love to hav.' their roots in water soaked mud or the beds of running streams, while leaves and flowers rise far above into the light. Other pools should become ' ' beds " for the waterflowers 366 THE GAP.DET^. [May 22, 1897. that float upon the surface. White Water Crowfoot, Water Soldier and Arrowheads will form the fringe of the pool. But the crowning floral honour of the brook garden is in the to att if they |blishl°llM.fun, ,,ml..,,, , ir 1. n ..M llr. -am,, ' ground « illnmi I :; i ^ . , , ,,. i , , .i.a. . ' i.ir morethaii alioiii : ' , a , - 1 a, ■_■ i irj' landunti.ly. ^nnlaaiM, ;.. . aaa-n t n. ~.,a the flowers are poor. A cool, lialt-sharled jiosition : is best for the summer treatment of J'oung plants. New Zealand Fla, Arum. — Spectator. ill!; Buck bean and Lindelophia long'ifoUaa (,inita ivcaiiily iln floral committee nf tlif !;a\:il ! Inii anli ma! S-a ciety recommeiKlcd an awaul ..t inaiii in I.hImi- spermum tinrtiiriiiiii. w liiali milx \ii; la\' in iln- COUntrv :il laa-l ran -law. Tlil- 1^ lail ilia lault of thecillliNalar -.. innal, as tlia aliniata. llaai-h the wiS.ln.a a, aa.lllH aiai- -Hal, ,la,,l,|tlll 1 1 I i I , - ^ may be upuu Uj questiuu. In the aljo\ e plant we have all tliat intensity of colour so much prized in the Lithospermum, while it is also free flower- ing and of easy culture. In truth, it is a lovely plant with flowers of the same rich bine a« in Omphalodes verna, and producing them m -a cession for some time. The plant attains I ^ a . I , high, and is very suitable for the select Imn I. i .a the rock garden. In deep sandy loam tlie plant grows freely and flowers with certainty. Houstonia ccerulea.— This delightful little flower is about the la^t snbjeel we Moidd exppet to meet in the e\liil.iis ..t l,ar !!,th'l'''''iNMh''ua-" tn -urnii-a. TUal (|naiiiuv «as ,,1.\ inches across, 111 la, make a most eh.i aijlit and tlie «inaUy p.ellv ti at home, it is really ditticult 111,- |ilant is grown in some 111-, and a pan of it, say 12 alone convey so A ei. plant of (J inclies 1, ■ U 1- Ml, .a. will ,l,,ii,' always nlarly if grown in the iians a full tural manner. A sunny spot on its it well with moisture in the Dentaria diphylla with this pretty plani. n VIOLET MARIE LOUISE. I CAN sympathise with "J. R." {p. 310) in his failure with frame Violets, as I once had appa- I all, ilia -11,1, disease attack mj' plants as that a , ' -.T. R.," and the only remedy 1 I la clear out the diseased stock and alaaaa ta-l, plants for the next winter. I was fuittuuite, liowever, in having generous neigh- Ijours who were able to supply me with the ne- cessary quantity of runners for my purpose. E.xactlv the siinie «\-n-iptoms as that described, first a -,-a!'lr'l .pa, a a followed by a slimy dampiii. -i i la ia . \, in, I, -pi-cad at an alarm- incr ri't'-- ' ■'• ' il" \, i I'll,- frame of plants. I ti-a-l -I-! - ■ :a -ai Willi ,li\ a-li,-s nml powdered aa- ,li,| 11. il' a,i. -t fli, ,lisease to .1,1 . ii.,i ili.l 1 .J, I am tl..wersfrom - - - . aiia,-k,-,l. I aiinl,iii,:-,l the failure at iiiM ti, me laulty position of the pit in which they were grown, but on visiting a neighbouring gardener, I found other plants beside my own aildii'ted to the same disease, and these had a I a .1, .aiajeover mine in the sunny a-|...i ..f I ill happened seven years sin, . 1 .1 have not had a recurre i \ a III. Ill a ill-, a-e. The season so far has n.-i I" . n a favDni alili mi,- f,,i- (he newly-planted stock, cold winds anil fm-ly ni-jhts causing growth to remain almost stali.iiiai \ . an. I yet I do not remember at any time haxiii" l„ tter rooted or more healthy runners. This I attribute to a good surfacing of decayed leaves, which promoted a free root-action in the. side growths. This was put on early in the new/ year with a view to strengthening the plants for producing more and better flowers, "and also to assist the early rooting of strong runners for outdoor planting, and the re- sult-Institied the trouble taken. Neapolitan I fiiillnl im alilalil,- far lati- -j-at li, 'ring, this kept Up a -i,|i|,h iiir -.11111- I Hill- afti,- Marie Louise had |,ia,-ll,-:;il> lioi-li,-,| 111. -All II, -a. W. S., Wilt^. this -Hould hardly account for the state of th so vividly described, which is more likely to aris from a confined or vitiated area in the earth c air of the frame or an excess of vapour in th atmosphere.— D. T. F. The remarks on this Violet by J. Cui\i ford at p. 351 are well timed. I have praoAe the same method of culture as to watering,^! ing, &c. , with the very best results during" last se\-en or eight years. This p when the Violets were put into the fra their winter quarters they were thor wateir-rl f,-f,ilii-r. till- li-_lit- lia\-ing been kept off as! |i'i--ili|.. rr.iiiiiliai 1 iiue till the middle of 1 I iliil ii.it :jim- tlii-ia any water. In March enfl of .September, and now (May 1.5) gather good useful blooms from the althotigh the flowers are not quite so were. — .J. Crook. its since tt I am able t same plffii large as ffl« FLOWER GARDEN NOTES. k D. digitata, coni,-s than the one ab, a blossoms as the ri,-l 111,- acid ga . 11 li, sweet Vi I), di ,-lla w»<'\ sli,,\\y s,ilij|.,( , anil .ji\.-n a peat soil with |,riii\- plaiii- an- iim-i u-i-tiil as carpets to the l,.,M,;i- l.ilu-s, -n,-li as L. par,lalinum, &c., that also enjoy a moist peaty soil with shade. Planted in this way such things give good results, and in other ways are helpful to each other. Forget-me-nots. -Few ].la]il- al-,- n liaail- i|i nt. unless in a few II traced to over-heat- t a fi-w whiffs of rank 1 - ai \'iolets. Sudden • I - t.i under glass may iii|it.inis as those de- . .1 l.ink was more like 1 .1. ,-,impo.sition. Still, re mio;ht have been the flowers and the '. "J. R. " can get fresh uld be safer not to use TitE early starting and luxuriant growth so i racteristic this year of nearly all perennials sen to enforce the argument before advanced in tl pages of The (J.-vrdkx, viz., the advisability pei-manent phintin,/ for prnniinent beds, rathi I II "1 I il .111 II I ( ii a ..III I .ml , ....tiny- up all the; il.aa . 1 !i. a. 'Ilia I la \l..;. M i,-|ilant with mO' I-, la !.. ...a. .la. - 1-. a.i..- thei-e was such UeaU.li ot iu.sl-i;la.s,s |,elLlinlai,s this idea of wint and spring gardening was all very well, hut think the time is past for filling prominent bei with little specimen coniferte and shrubs, ar such things as Silene, Limnanthes, Forget-m not, and the like. I do not mean to dispara; these things ; they should be in their prop place, the annuals in certain positions in the wi farden and the coniferaj and shrubs on the shru ery borders, but, so far as the best part of t: garden is concerned, let the flowers be of a mo permanent character than annuals, or more keeping with tin -an miii.liirjs than is possible the case of comt. a i -aiab-, which if stui about in beds nn;-! i . . n I , In- partially chpp, to keep them \u;iii.) liininib. With the gre \\-,'al(li ,if liarily |.laiiis tliere are ample faci I n - fur iii,.Liii'a a -| .. i-ialit}' of the same, althou; until mil a. 1 - a - Ily collection their value f any and all pubitiuns is not fully realised; i deed, wlien advising their extended culture have often been met with the remark, " Clu b there are so few hardy things really ada|,t,',l f gardens such as mine." As a matter of fact, he ever, they are adapted for all gardens if only tl selection is carefully made and the plantii tastefully carried out, especially in so effectii combinations as to ensure in the majority of j " a prolonged display either of flower or bi^jj coloured foliage. I was noting down the afflij day a few suggestions for a score of large bfflii^ o turf, dotted here and there on a large lawn,|'^ are to be permanently planted next autun offer them for the consideration of those "wh template an arrangement of The newer Phloxes are so splendid in colour arf in quality of flower and of such an endurii nature, that two or more beds will have to subjects till be had liy them, intin and yellow three floweri tty ell. of ilanlin,.;- the centr 11,-iii..^- Alysstim saxatile com Walifl.jwer.s for colour conti ;ig simultaneously and all coi in good time to make room for summer 1 plants. The finest plants are those two , Tb. an l.aa- -a.i in in a. .Lull-. \\ b, I . - a n luial pro- saiy to iiui the obeai.s i)\et the plants when the flowers are past and divide them up rather small. The earlier this is done the better, as mildew is bin . Ik„1 its origin and development in thef an. I It would be a safe precaution to mov \ I..1.1S and clean and paint the frames at 'lb. n- is one other possible mistake i -.1 I;.' was lint liki-ly to make. Not a \ i.,l.-t taibin-a ai n.- Ill tween the cup and tb ibai 1- l..-f w .-.-II ill.- .ipen and the frame . The |,kint- naiN b,- tail of health and p,- as ■■ J. l;. ■ .l.-.-lll..- an. I lb,- f,an„-s p.-.ti-i-t in tran^b-i I lii-a I 111- \"iiil' t- ti ma ili,-ii|i.-n a i to undei--la-- lb,- mat- an- nut ralnin,-,! b,.nii sufficient tbuiouyhne.s.s ami .suiidity. Th often happens that a loose root-run for Viol frames or pits may mean semi -starvation. rame, e the once. .vhich levoted to the eai because but als< natuial St grouping togeth. tions, not heieliy secure, heie-li'ts, 1 am, -lit IS , 11,1,-1, ,1 and formality di tin.-tly aMii,l,,l. The alpine Phloxes would t,, bi- a natural carpet for the taller seot_ _„^ til,- bla/.i- ,.t , ailnur is exceptionally fine, whil^tl liiliinai- is always bright and fresh. If'_th 111 I. nil, -at all ragged and drawn, a bit of jgl -ml -bak, II alinut it and a few pegs are al*a; siilli,-!, lit t,, k,-ep it within bounds. A tiun fur rather low-lying beds in partial ; be Pa;onies and Daftbdils. Soil and situatic being alike of a nature to do both thorough May 22, 1897.] THE GAT^DET^. 367 ,1, MUM c-y coi i,llN; ■a to |iate vicinity of the P;eonies beneath and :ii.hiimI ihimps at planting time. This coniliiiLii mmi perhaps at its best in spring, especially il i witli bright hued foliage are used ; the ^intrast is at (iiue stiiking and pleasing. For her beds in a similar position to tne last-named, I combination uf liril.,1 >\i« Spirieas and Tufted Sety, the lattrr x|,:,;iijl\ i>.r trial. I have no jersonal ex[ifritii. . .ii .iii\ iiHinliers of this family II anything appro.icliiii>; a shady position. Py- lethrums and Tufted Pansies will go well together 1 a couple of beds to be arranged in variety so hat a pleasing contrast of colour is effected, or, in he case of very dark coloured Pyrethrums, 1 groundwork of Pinks can be employed. I lave previously noted that, where the soil is aturally light and dry, the spring planting of 'yrethrums should be studiously avoided. It is ■ i«,\ I ho pale gr :i|'l" oanco of life to sp. » v looking. Then- ;i l>n~ii lulls, and they make jccts growing as they tlo .3 feet.— J. C. Tallack. boast. feet. It I- I lin cl.il (■ Will 1.1 :hIJ I Ii.f1 IN 1 ,1-r- where Siaiu..ii~ .ui' i.iii|ili.\i .1, i.u Imii,,,,! ii,-,l> the selection iiuisl. Im oarcluil.s uiadB alike iii the height and in the habit of the diiierent sorts, those that have a rambling root tendency and quickly monopolise a large area of ground should be avoided. Avery excellent whitu llowci that can be recommended as furnishiiiy |.l. iit\ ..f l.lo..ni for a long season is Achillea ])taiii]i.:i 'I'li. I'.aii. and it can either be allowed to go up to its natiual height or be kept lower by the use of a few pegs, EVENING PKI.MIIOSKS. (.KNOTIIKR.V.) In a wo,,d wlii.-h no ,,ii,- uses, .■iiid which is tisliallv till. 1(1 uithD.icks, Mall.,«s :,im1 Nettles, a few .Ir.l.l stalks ,,f 'K. I,;,inal-i.l.il..i Uiiv left l\in-,al luiinu the l.itl.ii uiMi. I 111 .l..iiii:,rv aii.l Feljruar\, iS'.C. hi the e,,il\ ,ier grass. A footpatli u.is nia.ie llirmieh the middle, and thiiiiiine .nil t.i..k pi;..'.. \Mt h the hoe. None of the i.kuits lloucixd that year, but liy June, I89C, scores of them were 5 feet 1iil;1i and flowering profusely. The plants were \-.'r>' bushy, as the tops fi'om most of them had liceu accidentally broken ..It'. The ph.>togra]iIi was tiki 11 at (i a. 111. .111 .July (J, ^^ 1800, «ltli a lapi.l plate ail.l I'^SSfl sh.wdL\cl iijiucnt. At the time f * "I "^ wiitnig (May) liundrcds of plmts lie coming up like weed.s {^Kl:^ J m all dnections. Wm. Heiikixgton. C'ulneld. Herbaceous borders.— There 5 the promise of an exceptional, isplij on these borders, the iea\y rainfall of the autumn eing ill in their fa\our, and as my splitting up and transplant- ng necessary were carried out in utumn the new clumps as well IS the old stocks look remarkably well On some soils this over- ueiige lainfall is doubtless not lequired but here, with a very andy loim anil sal 111 nei fai fr.im the surface, it is he^lilx In m Ini.il. •V hot diy spriirj ami -.uMiiier following I dry winl. i ai.- always 1 esponsible for a smaller supply of llowers and a lack of quality, hose things that '•''jj^ft- ^ tr^^^it^0~jf''^-^' ^■'^ f°°^ of moisture, and that N'»^fc 'K^ ~^^mJw^i^^^\^ ^°° despite a good surface mulch- " • - .1 ing m early winter ; in fact were it not for the latter, I am doubt- i d if we should get hardly any decent flowers under the atmo- spheiic conditions above noted. Where circumstances permit it is advisable to give a few things that s flower I as circumstances may demand. The question of are in special request the benefit of two distinct close at I the different heights the various subjects may be : sites, the one fairly in the open, the other in partial ve been expected to reach is naturally, insuch an arrange- shadeon,say,anorth-west border, sothattheseason their present quarters for several years, and j ment as that under notice, a primary considera- can be prolonged. Ihaveali. a. 1\ f.. mi. 1 tlie benefit lat are now with the flower-buds still close at i tion, and due regard must be given to the same. [ of this in connection will. I in inin nin-. a batch on ome quite 2 feet high. For two beds I have sug- Claremont. E. Bubrell. a north-west border . -.11.1111- m ,1 1 II after the ' ~ • .. .1 others, and flowers on this pail i.nl.ir -ite are very Crown Imperials.— Many people fail to es- fine. Pyrethrums and the earlier Paonies are blish tlicso noble looking and early-flowering ' extra good ; in fact it is very seldom we get such ants tliroiijdi phuitiniT them at the wrong sea- , vigorous growth. Carnations have not come n. This throws the bulbs entirely out of gear, through the winter quite so well as usual, that many die outright, and others make but a Countess of Paris and Sir B. Seymour being the Church House, Cicckfield. From a photog a^l /. aly from well-established clumps that t seen at its best. Evidence of this ; and in the shape of large clumps that 1 combination of herbaceous Lobelias (ypsophila ; these show to remarkable advantage [1 close proximity. The rich scarlet spikes gainst the mass of feathery bloom is, so tir as hardy plant life is concerned, an associa- on hard to beat. Two or three beds have to be evoted to Carnations, and, in connection with lese flowers, I may note that where they are lanted en masse for an effective display, it is not s to associate with them an occasional group - thoroughlv good Pink of the Snowflake and rnest Ladhams types. They are a trifle earlier nd the flowering season is somewhat anticipated reby. AI.SO, when Carnations are used in this poor attempt at growing and are practically chief ofi'enders. I can only account for it by the ruined for years to come. Like many other fact that these may not have been any too well bulbous plants, they can only be safely trans- rooted when they were bfted. - •■ planted at one particular season, which is im mediately after they have flowered, and it liti..! then and transplanted at once they ree.iv. n. slow both i check whatever. and a deep sandy soi They enjoy an open 1, and look at tli ay, an endeavour should be made to secure | when planted in groups of from a dozen te urdy, bushy plants that will throw four and fi\ e bulbs. The smaller bulbs, or spawn, if )wer-stemsand make a good show. Small, spindly to increase stock are quite worth jjlanting in bare j « uflf of such a size that several of them might be spots or among ground Ivy under trees, for 1 enough above )mfortably packed in an ordinary lamp glass that I though the stems rarely reach flowering size in 1 pretty effect growth and in root-formation. ;r, that came through safely are now g fast, and there are flowers out (May 7) on Nina Balfour, Mrs. Audrey Campbell, and two seedlings. A very interesting narrow just at present in front of some houses is voted to Montbretias, carpeted with Phlox , the foliage of the former standing just far the masses of flower to give a very Although the foliage along the 368 THE G A EDEN. [Mat ill. il.ii UiiK-ot l,,ilirli:i, Aiiuilegia, .111(1 -MiMi' "t til'' I'lil.ivr^ riime out .-.l.uliylv mIicii assMuiaUd with the it shades of f^reen.— E. BniRKLL. NOTES ON HARDY PLANTS. Trillium grandiflorum roseum. — A broad mass of this is charming-. It is well known that ; the typical form assimics a rosy tint in its later \ days or wlan tlir , :i|i-ul.- I.avi' 'ln-nn t.xlevelop, I but in thr case nf (Ins v,,n,..(y the |,li using rosy hue is nil. -t |iioii.iii d in ila- \ i unrjui- opening sta'41', an. I I lie Iral -I ilL- a ml lliV inllaur are of a ni.iM' l.niM.M -li.nh ..' ■ liMi IN the type, i (luiirj iM till. M.J iln- v,;ii..|\ It .should be wuitliN.if iinli.r | la n . I Hilli 'I', i f \ t hii )carpum, | t chances 'hich goes which, t to do -HI largely lit in.j in that vigour .1 lellni.j-effect. Lathyriis alpestris. — This is at once one of ^ the (1m. If, f. -I . I1..-1. iiiil most highly coloirred — neail\ Mil. .-i ill. -|.eeies even when we keep in! niiial ili.ii 1 I ' l.iiius te that section which until: lately eun.itUaiLed the i;enus Orobus. As a spring flower it is a month later than vernus, but a strik- ing feature is its dense mass of flowers, which are nearly blue, quite the bluest of any of its class. It grows but 6 inches or 8 inches his-h, nnrl the globular tufts of such a rich and hhjh (ulnni are' conspicuous objects on the moistei |i.iii- ..1 ih.- rock garden, where, owing to du.ulness, n is, perhajis, must (ittinely placed. Lathyrus vernus albus plenus (better known as ( he doti Me white spring Orobus). — Grown in a little side shade, this is one of the most lovely plants I know, and, indeed, the same can be said of the single white-flowered kind, only the hli.uin does not last so long. I never get it more Iieie t ban infer that the admirtition is either not of a prac- tical nature, or else tliat llie |il;uil i- si in i. h. iw at fault. It is true ili.it I...1I1 l..nn l.e! imIii- .. 1.1 perennials iu ma 11 \ .e is. .md m .ill \', ..i.M l.< better treated ,as I m.il-. I'..i 1 unat.lx . -m 1, treatment does iml ini|.l\ nineh e'are, fur if the soil around the ..l I pi, mi- 1- kei>t clear of other plants, self-sown -. ..Ihn..- \iill come in abund- ance, forming almnsi a :j,i.iss I ike carpet ere the winter comes on ; and, furtlier, it forms such dense masses or good groups that tliis humble beauty should be encouraged to flourish. Andromeda fastigiata. — How very free is this to flower, and what a charming and unique show it makes. I feel i-atber positive that there is some error abroad respecting this as to its cul- ture. I think it is not so difficult as many imagine, and certainly not more so than the com- moner tetragona. This reference to tetragona may be useful, especially to those who grow it wefl, .IS in:in\' ihi. In iih.i-l lilack soil or well- ,l...;iM..l |ie;it 'li.ith \M 1 1 ■^r.A\ \\ ell : lioth, hoW'-CVCr, ,.,iii:i'l[- il ili,.k lull!. liiii.j-. as thej' are inclined ti, ;4ei'l,l;,ek and liaiv nc.ai the snrface. Tlie only true [iroof of successful culture is when ymi f^et plenty of healthy sucker growths, an. I ih. -. tail unless there is either a heavy nml. h. .a. wli.at is almost equal, a timely transplant in;; when the plants should get a deeper setting. It is well known that all peat-loving plants need special care in the open air in the matter of mulching, simply be- cause the decay and consolidation of black soil are rapid, and the plants are lialile i . 1 1 .e st ., n , d 1 1\ drought at the exposed collars— t lie II i.-i \M.d |.,iit in the case of many things, including i In- -. . i i..ij of the Andromedas. Anyhow, lai. tins |ilani grows and flowers well year aftei yai. n.iiwu li- the smoky atmosphere, and 1 kn..w pretty native bog or marsh plant, that, apart from fri .|ii.iiey in some parts, has a very pleasing effi .11 . I i; cut flowers as a rule by reason of the pi ih -.■d flowers being so prettily fringed. They i 111.-., iia^rant, a rather unusual quality in our nat waterside plants. Anemone coronaria. — There is a wonderti range of colour in the \arious Poppy Anemone and, what is of even more importance, they tinue in flower over a very long season. A. {u gens has come and is nearly gone, while tl: lovely little A. apennina is quite over, but tl above, the first to flower, is still in good orde It is true the flowers lack the elegance and sof ness of tone of the single-flowered kinds, but thf last well when cut and also make a bright show the open. scores of things with better ie|iinaii.ii thiiftiness that give me more trouble tlun Primula Munroi .j..i I1..111 s....l i- ;. Mimdil.. species not mcrel\ m ll.i\i.i ...l ■, Imi. Iium ,1 feature ..f fniin. 8ome of the lli.weis m.. Imth indineai.'d .iiid fimbriated in a \ e 1 \ |,i.in.>iM d inannca. ami when these forms ale lepeaied with ditleieiit lints we get that variety w In. li |.i pti'd this note. Some flowers are m.ne ..l a Mm-h m- milk-wliite ; others are of .1 s.iii 1 .m.. ..t pink, ddn- plant loves a wet, but warm l".- n, and Mheii in moist vegetable soil tlieie need he n.i f.ai of plenty of sunshine. One thing it alw;iys repays when it gets it is a liberal top-dressing in the autumn. No Primula grows itself out of the ground sooner than this species. Aster Sturi. — This is a minute plant with relatively big flowers, which are of the purest white and last for weeks in early spring. Ymi have not in this a rampant s|ireader. Iml a dense grower with a ■■.niip.iel or eii-hi. m IIIm' haliil. Moreover, the tiii\. ,ilimi-i i;..\ hk.' |.a\e. ar.. pretty well everuaeen. 1 e.uisider it ,1 lirstrate plant for the rock garden. Ranunculus Seguieri. — No more lo^'ely flower ever came to us than this. The thick, ivory-white, salver-shaped flowers begin to ex- pand ere the hoary, yet succulent, lea\es assert their shape, and the long succession ._..,.-, m t.u- weeks. Indeed, the heads of tin |ikini-. wlneh develop rinickly in A] sl.iw into flul.ii i-ni.s ,.;i. li III,,.,. ,|i,:i,i, I- 1.1 :iii ii„.|, across, and « n Inn imt a lew ineh..s ..t i he sni l.ie... No alpine cuUecLion should be without this species ; besides, it is easily managed when once given the right soil and position, as a damp fissure and a deep root-run of loam and grit. Lyclinis alpina and its variety lapponica are much admired, but, curiously enough, seldom met with under cultivation. This leaves one to etty ericaceous shrub. Morisia hypogeea, both in small pots and e ojien ground, is flowering well. What I mean the open .jround is in flat beds t^uite exposed. .d.iiihl \\lien one sees this plant it suggests 1 It .IS ^1 siiii,.|ble rock garden plant, but I fancy ..I It is lietiei fur the damper position of a Ha"t grown on flat beds of rich loam. What ett'ec- tive little plants these are just now, scores of bright yellow Primrose-like flowers springing from one cannot see what (for all the stems are hidden under the surface), and for weeks these neat cushions of but 2 inches high are at once a puzzle and a pleasure to both no\ ice and expert. Primula pubescens. — I have got this in numbers from seed better than a j'ear ago, and this spring many have flowered. This note is mcrelv to point out the interesting variety one he h,l).-...e 111 lis wa\ I- |ii I a- di-iniilar. Such ,■1- ai.. ..I.|. .1 1 1.- I.. 111:1k -aieful as to I,. ideiitiiN ..I a e.i-M.d iiidiM.lii.d pl.uit, whcther und ill a\Mia state or 111 uur gardens. Woodi-ille, Kirk-stall. J. Wood. Orchard and Fruit GARDE^ LOOSENING THE SURFACE SOU One of the old school of Strawberry i and who was among the fir.st to coniii( planting this popular fruit on a large i any rate in Essex, would never have loosened among the plants. Hoed the had to be, but anything approaching loosening of the surface was not alio Much the same care is taken of the be li..rd.ers e.iiit.iiiiiii.i the roots of Vines, lives. Iiiishes. ,ind Strawberry plants in ] Mils pinate Li.iideii.s at the present day, will assume that the results are satisfactoi^ otherwi.se a change of treatment would tail place. I am of opinion that it is possible to too particular in this matter of keeping the i| face soil intact. The surface soil is suppos so fuUy occupied by root fibres, that looi with a fork would work incalculable If the roots were really so numerous surface, then there would be some excuse il not disturbing the ground beyond what liasif be done in the way of hoeing up weeds, l| more often than not it is possible to fork up t soil at least 2 inches deep without finding tin in appreciable quantities, and in far ton 11111 cases you may dig down 6 inches without dj covering many roots. Instead of loosenii surface lightly with a fork having an inju eflect upon the roots the reverse is more ." to be the case. By keeping the surface ■ bound over we exclude warmth, air, moi^ and food, in this respect pursuing a pract that is calculated to drive the roots downte rather than keep them active near the BU^ Even supposing breaking up the hard B^" of a fruit border with a fork does disturb! othing like a check is given Ij^t ■ ■ itp of the trees or plants, and what j^ s is a marked improvement in th®i SHOUT NOTES.— FLOWEB. Trillium discolor. — A curious and interesting plant, with poor flowers of small size and of a yellow- green tint. The petals are erect and appear in the centre nf the prettily marbled leaves— the latter the more attractive part of the plant. Aloe americana flowering.— I have here a fine specimen of the Aloe americina now tliowiiig its flower-spike. The spike is now ah ii :' i.i m-k. The plant stands about 7 feet In^.. . .' .. m. 10 feet 6 inches through from j.. n. ' ■"■<• I ! 1 —W.It.GRAM, Bnckenham Hull I,"' .1/., , Norfolk. Menyantbes trifoliata iBuckhpan). — The Messrs. Catbush lately showed cut spikes of tliis One very good reason for loosening tin surface soil of a border is the fact that this is done it is a most difficult matter to it projieiiy. Undisturbed and once alloi become dry an eidinary watering is greater ]Hirti(.ii .if the water applied rui instead of being evenly distributed th: a border. Hniuireds of borders under gl much trampled npmi during the greater of theyinr nr, say. from October to Mi . . those owiiiiig or 111 charge of them rarely thi of loosening them with forks prior to applyi water. No wonder tlie roots escape into t .i]ieii mniiiid. IMy advice then is to break up t hi 1.1 in 1,1. . ..f in.side Tine borders with a f < 1. a k [Ilk id 2 inches, following this e 1 ...il.i.i.^ I if water. When this hi drained away the lumps should be made with a fork, and if the loosened soil poor it may well be removed altogether, MvY 22, 1897.J THE GAKDEX. 369 of ncUoomi,nst. if liquid nianurf of clear water, n- the rect'iitioii luK- 1 1 1 \- deareil ofi'. Miv ought to bo ,. i, i; IS every likelihood of the trees umi -, i i m^' I moisture at the roots, and ivl ^|ii.l,r then be in the ascendant .)Ui!.- eailv lu 111 r. It is luueh the same with Toma- Cmh-i ..iiIv lrai)i|,lniu;uiio,|.4 these makes il iir .iM.re si.lid Ih.ai, desirable. S..liditv lei luuy be conducive to a sturdy, hard -icsistuig growth of plant, but may be over-done. The Tomato revels in a root run, but the requisite firmness be below, not on the surface. Li^litly . not digging, among the rows occi-i-n lisolutely necessary in myca.se; it li,;, lieen done once, and might with ad\au carried out in numerous other struc- here Tomatoes are growing market - fashion — that is to say planted out in i,\ borders and trained up stakes or What has been advanced concerning inside iiit borders applies with equal force to those i'ill\ outside. Lightly broken up, every drop lain that falls on them or water given is ab- ; lied, whereas when the surface is bound to- S.tlier nmch of it drains away and is wasted, ilthing short of an extra hea^-y rainfall or a lavy watering serving to moisten the soil nch below the surface. We are told that 'nil til and air follow water in its course 1 iMii,'h the soil, and if, therefore, we fork up I ■ surface, this answers the three-fold purjiose I admitting water freely, of wariniiiL;, and of ■ atiiiij; the soil, to say nothing of tli, ^iviiii I t.niity of -the roots in a border 1,'riiiii.; ih, il 1m iiefit of manure applied. It may be IV I iidd I loosen the surface of a .Straw- ■id or the ground about such surface- subjects as Gooseberries, Currants and I lies, especially .seeing that it is next ii. Me to do this without breakiii- ihhin If the ground were hard-ca.sed m,) li\ I'll of heavy rains, the same as it is \\ ilii I 111 II I would .hhise loosening the surface I I ' 'h.Nsin- Willi special manure, a mulch- "t ^ii.iwy ijiaiiiiie following befoi'e the i.iits are in llower. This practice has ajiwered well in previous seasons, and in my cp is an important detail, the omission of which wcmld very probably end in the pro- duction of not more than half a crop. It is not digging among Strawberries, fruit trees and bushes that 1 am advocating, but only just Peach walls and aphis. ill' li — . Inn u'ii(.\,i' liri' lice, .Old reiuovc some ' 1 ' \\.ir~i .iir.'i'iiil 'jniwili-. and so stay a rapid i "I ill'- |i''-i iiiiiil ill. tiiiiisare far enough :i'h .iiM'iil III w.iirani a .'nuiili' of weak applica- tinns uf i|iia"Li . Mia.'t, or even ordinary soap- suds from ill. Iaiiii.li\ , which soon destroys them. Those will. ,.r.' tiiiii.l 111 the use of quassia for fear of gi\ iii- the fiuiL a bitter taste— although at this early stage I do not see that this is pos- sible— may go over the trees again with clear water fi\e or six hours after the insecticide has I n .'iiiplied. If Ppaeh tr.^es at this particular 'i,ii.n..i tliii- viri,-.|v M.ii.'lied and remedies v l.ili. Ir.'.-wili -liH.r I. a. Ily, and they not ' I II. 1 Illy .'.lUai.-i' :ill.i;4etll.'l'. -J. CkAWFORD. Newly grafted fruit trees. In .'Nim-ed situations grafts of Apples and l'..ii- ..ii.n .lo indifferently through the parchin.^ .l!..i-..i .lil- ting winds, combined with hot siih-Ihih . (iiaiis worked on low stocks in shelten.l .'.1111.1- ai.' iiiuili more easily managed. H.it.ili\ wi.lN .\ poseil to every current are the M.u^t |i .-n .mi-. and more trouble in preparing ili. .l.n wnli which to surround the .jiafls 1, n. . :ii\ th-m with ordinary oreha 1.1 -lainlar.!-. Ai. ,\ii:i i|ii:in- tity of cow manuri' lli,- li.iii'^ pi .l.r.il.lf i.. li.ir-,. ib'o|ipings, which sulllu peujile u.-.e l.s neeessaly lo |ii.'\.'nt the clay from cracking and letting in the III- I consider the time necessary in liinding M..-- round as a protection against sun and wind vv ell spent, as it saves labour in the end. When the grafting is done on hot walls it also pays to moisten the Moss well every morning or evening with a syringe or rosed watering-can. This keeps the clay soft and prevents cracking, as well as the grafts from shrivelling until a union is eifeeted. In woody districts thrushes are often trouble- some, taking away the Moss for building their nests with, and on walls sparrows will sometimes do the same thing from sheer mischief. — J. CK.iWFORD. Pear Uvedale's St. Germain.— At page 321 .1. Crook mentions .some fine specimens of this stewing Pear which recently came under his notice. One of the good points in its character is that it keeps solid and sound long after the old Catillac and other stewing varieties have lost weight and are past. One drawback, howe\'er, ■with this Pear, at least according to my experi- ence, is the long time that elapses before the trees .11111.' int. I .'I fiiiiting state. I have had four trees plant. .1 111. ill on south and north walls here for at I. a-t 11111. \. ais, and I have not gathered a dozen but bio all. .'111. I Th. -mill II' 1 1' 1 1. .1 1, liiit when once fruiting eoniin. n. .■. i 1 H.i-liiiili I intty regular and free. Omul ih. Ii.-i -t.'wiirj I'ears for use in Mav is I)ii..'i.iii Aljihand. Tliis, I believe, rip.'ii^ iip -.nlli. n nl 1\ in the- south in sunny autuinii- fm 1I1--111. Imi here it does not. The llaMnn. ImwiMi. wli.n stewed is delicious. Belle de llalni-. a I'.ai Intl.- known as yet, which in gonrl seasons ripens thoroughly and is excellent for dessert in May, is this season, on account of the indifferent weather that pi'e\ ailed last autumn, not up to des.sert standard, but I have tasted it stewed and find it excellent, being free from grittiness and requiring no sugar.— C. C. H., Xofl". Fig- trees and younp wood. F. « fmil Olll ,,t Sl„.,.t,- |..,4',.t 1,..W „,,.,.! .,1 ;, ,^.,.,.| -,/,. ;,,,d \\ell matured. Many are inclined lu place the loss of a good first crop of fruit to the variety or over-luxuriance. I am not, as since I have got better wood in the old trees I have rarelv failed to spein-p an ample tirst crop. On the other hand. I tlii.ik .'I'.iwdili.j' I- in a .jr.'.'il m.'aviir. ' I li. ■ .'iii-.' .,f I 1'.:- wood, ami 1 think one may with advantage thin out more freely, get new wood annually and obtain better fruits. It is surprising what a tree will produce yearly if plenty of wood is obtained, but it must be from what is termed the first growths, not after a crop is taken, as after crop- ping one can easily give new wood more room and get it better rijiened. In the ease of trees on lia.'k wall- ami -lia.li'd ill front one can only ex- 1' I'l tiiiii III ,1 p. .11 exposed to full light, but '■'11 111 I 1 1 Jilting new wood annually. mini, lull 1 iiiii 1- I'liiaiiied. I do not mean it IS 111'- 1 ti. .11. .111 .ij. 'jr.,-,- wood, but fruiting wood. l;y (II.- .'xli'ii-i.iii pi'iii.'ipl.i il i-, an easy matter to .'111 awa\' ..jr.,--. \\.,..,.l an. I k.'.'p the trees full of \V. LATE COOKING APPLES. Thk remarks of "A. D." (p. 321) on the advisa- bility of i^lanting more late season cooking A pfiles is to the point ; in fact, I consider nonew oiehard complete unless a good pereentage of .Vpril and May varieties are include. 1. X.il only are the sorts enumerated by ".\. 1 1. ' Imij ki'ip.rs, re- taining their flavour till ili.' \ii\ la-i. hut the constitution of the trees is also i'\i'..|l.i\ . 1 11. ij 1 1 .1. Ill I ai II lil-i.le, near here, has li'i'l I ■•1:1 mil > - a- - I .1- |,ii--ilile well into June. 'I'll.' hull-, W.I.I >i.,i'.-.l III in.'i' sand, a layer of till- l..'iiiij lii-i 1,11.1 111 a box, then a layer of \ppli -. I h. 11 1111.11 -all. I and fruit till the box was lill'd. rill' 111 1 1 r W.I- then placed in a ver^' cool flint I. mm liavni'j' a north aspect. In the same garden in a not very warm soil and in an exposed position Mfere de Manage crops won- derfully well and almost annually, the fruit 370 THE GATJDEX. [May 22, 1897. keejiinir sduiid and well Uuvoured till the end of M.iy. 1 know of no two Apples that keep tlii'ir wi i;jli( I "tter than these, being as heavy at this latr (lati- as when gathered in October — a wide eontiasl to such sorts as Warner's King and others of that type, which lose weight in a month or so after gathering. I had thought that very old but excellent late keeping Apple, Rymer, was lost sight of entirely, but was pleased when at Blickling two years ago to find that Mr. Oclee had recently planted a young tree of it. Rymer is really the latest Apple I am acquainted with. We used to have it in Essex many years ago in June. Market growers would do well to turn their at- tention more to late sorts, as good sound Apples will always sell, and it stands to reasmi tiiat during the early summer nths Imyris w.mlil expect to pay extra good |Mhi- tm ilimi. In some excellent remarks n mly in Mm /V./J mi orchard planting by " W. I. in. m lun w.i- iii.nln of the unpractical way so main 1 1.. - u. i •■ |il:uiiicl now-a-days. New trees \Mr.' -iiu.l> in jn^i i,,,iii inch where the old ones wiTc' |iiilliil (lilt .mhI iImii good results expected, the wiit.i inl.lin;,;' iliat lliis was one of the chief reasons why, aftrr so many new orchards liad been planted throughout the country during the last twenty years, first class English-grown Apples were not more plentiful in the markets. Another practice which I have my- self often condemned is planting young trees be- tween and under the shade of old ones. Even if fresh soil is provided for the roots, which too fre- quently is not the case, the foliage of the old trees in summer excludes sunlight and air, and little progress is made. Not far from where I write half-a-dozen trees were planted in this fashion some six years ago, and to-day they are about as large as they were then. Better by far clear say a quarter of the trees if old, give fresh soil, if only piecemeal, and plant in the full light and sun- shine, continuing the process as soon as these commence to bear fairly well. J. Crawfokd. STEVENS' WONDER STRAWBERRY. There have been some conflicting references made respecting the above new Strawberry, some strongly advocating its se\eral good qualities for early forcing, while others do not care for it. I have not proved it yet, but I was able to form an opinion of its merits by an inspection of a batch of early plants in fruit. Certainly it is a most distinct Strawberry both in leaf and berry, the plants being the most compact I have seen under forcing conditions. The crop was good, the fruit resembling that of La Gi-osse Sucr^e in colour and in having its seeds deeply embedded in the flesh. Berries with deeply set seeds are not, as a rule, good travellers when packed, but Stevens' Wonder may be an exception to that rule ; at any rate, I do not remember any un- favourable comment being made in this respect by those who have written in its praise or other wise. Royal Sovereign, however, has too strong a hold on public favour to be supplanted by this distinct variety, for it possesses so many sterling qualities that each year larger numbers are yi nun. I have seen good crops of this kind this yiiu', ami in some instances with berries weighing 1 ?. . .zs. each, and very few less than an ounce, and fm- early work I doubt whether there is another sort to surpass it. There is a general admission, how- ever, that no one variety can be depended on to give uniform results, and it is quite possible "M. G. A." is fortunate in having a soil exactly suited to the variety and " S. E. P." not so favoured. One thing is certain— there is not the same unanimity rPMpCctintr the merits nf Stevens' Wonder com paVed t,. l;,,yal Sumi, i.jn, and I fear " M. G. A." has a liii|„|,-,s la^K m ciiilnavouring to prove that his laM.iiiiir i- s,, \a>il\ siipi-rior to the universal favourite, Uo\'al Sosercign. — W. S., Wilts. You ask for notes on this Strawberry. My experience is that it has a model habit for a forcing variety, especially where forcin" has to be carried out in houses chiefly devoted to other things, as it makes a short top, is free setting. fruits large, but it is decidedly of j)oor flavi inl- and bears no comparison with many others. Ii i^, and will probably be, largely grown for niai ki t. but for private consumption it meets with n.i favour, and we shall have to look beyond it licforc W3 can afford to discard old favourites. By the way, may I ask any of your readers who know, what is the difference, if any, between Stevens' Wonder and M. Dupanlonp, an old variety which has failed to push its way under the original name ? — J. C. TALL.iOK. Dealing with sub-laterals of Vines. — To avoid crowding the leaves on which the ciuality of the present and future crops depends, the Int.-ral growth inii-t br- kept well in hand. This is lirst ilonr liy I iililiiii',;- off altogether the shoots \iliirli s|i)nm mil oi ill,, axils of the leaves below ill. I.iinilii.s. |,iiii liin'.i' those above to one leaf, ami pcmiuiiii;;!!!) tuither progress. There is no t.ai of liai-U eyes starting so long as outlets for yinu th arc left above the bunches. Vines trained near the glass. — No Vines should be trained nearer the glass in modern houses than 16 inches, 18 inches will be better. The pale foliage at this season frequently noticed in Vines is entirely due to the fluctuations of temperature near the glass, where the radiation on cold nights is so great. By and by when the nights get warm the foliage will become greener, but if the rods are dropped further from the glass the Vines will do better. Peach Early Louise.— With me this is the earliest of all the Peaches I grow. From pot trees started on December 1 last year, and not hard forced in any way, I gathered nice fruits the last week in April. Of some eight or nine varieties given the same treatment Early Louise came in first. As a pot tree I prefer it to several others which are often given a prominent position. Early Louise comes of a nice size, of a good colour, the flavour good, the fruits very juicy and with a very thin skin. I have seen this variety compared with Early Beatrice as regards earliness, but it is a little later than that variety and of much better quality and larger. It is readily distin- guished from it, the flowers being smaller and fruits larger. Last season on a south aspect on open walls this \-ariety was ripe the first week in July. Of course, it was an exceptional season, but it never fails to come in from the 12th to the 18th with me. I do not advise its culture in the open in clayey or wet soils. Given a warm soil and good culture, it is a profitable vai iety. — G. W. The Apple flavour competitions. — For several weeks no Pears have been seen in the Drill Hall competitions for Messrs. Veitch an limhical, but tapeiiii'4 ii]i\\.ncls, each bearing when youngi siiiL,'le jietiolat.. leaf aliout 8 inohes in lengtl The sepals ami |iel als are of diftering shades i yellow, somewhat heavily blotched with ric grouiiil colour, in some varieties lightly dotte uitli piiiple, in others with yelh.w, the colour i both e.is, I .. ;n, t show up the purity of th, liii ami 111, I . iii 1 1 ig its beauty. Thefori ; 1 iiiding in front and i II III such as T. suavis and otht he blossoms are produced c rarely more than 2 inches i from the base of the last fonne|; pseudo-bulbs, and they last a long time in condition either when cut or on the { They are not ditticult to cultivate ijrovided th right position is found for them, but in to great heat or too liltle. although the plants maf apparently be thriviii.4, but few flowers will" produced. In a li..;lit position, not far from tli| roof at the coolest end of the Cattkyajwusij * Drawn for The Rarden by H. G. Moon. Uthi graphed and printed by J. L. Goffart. campai older short 3 inches eacl 2& 11397 :»j^ i ^^ HOPILIA BREVI I Mat 22, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 371 r.l plant with a 1. s. And in tliis i tUl that once tlio 111 ion to tliis, till he iihints will iisu,ill\ loistnru in Ihr.itnios right s.inslnn,. unist hem, tlu' Irsssli.Klni, rill HoWlT. Ill tl, rowthi.siu'.-u-ly llnish Ig they will (io wrll with lll.' .M.Alr.ill sr,il.,li , III, ■lion is nrrrss.u^ , l,lll 111, f Lielius. Tlio 1.,'si liiiir t,. n'liuu Ihr 1.,. .lust -,lry, ,,i- I lu/plants will 11. ,«.■!■ Im,II\ an, ompost is just after growth has started break weakly in cunsequence. While m .„in. :om the base of the bulbs. They may growth a fresh supply must be given as •,,,,.11 a cultivated either in baskets, pots, or I the roots are getting on the dry side, ami I i-h J satisfactory. I'Kiitv jre is required, am I win ot be allowed to i,m, 'ley have the l)rttri Ih, aiitninn iii..ntl,s „|i, ai,.mirr,,!la,i,Mslial.l,. til 111,' .M,AI,Mll s,ail. Trichopilu spended pans, .and in the latter look very ill owing to the semi-pendent character of the 'ikes. A saturated condition of the compost very bad for the roots, so let the material be ed in a free and open condition. Fresh ihagnum IMoss and peat in the proportion of ree to one respectively suit it well, and in tting or basketing let the plants be well ele- ted above the rims. Root moisture depends jreat deal upon how the plants are doing. A riving example, with roots extending through 3 compost and down into the drainage, will nt more than double the quantity a badly dewings overhead from the syringe are bene- ficial in hot weather. If growing in a dry at- mosphere either in summer or winter the plants are apt to be attacked by thrips. Gentle fumi- gations on two successive evenings and careful sponging afterwards are necessary to rid them of tins pest, and these must always liratt in, Inl to as .soon as any signsofinsectsare not i, ■,■,!. 'P. l,i,vis is a native of Peru and was intr,„lu, ,,1 s,,iii,- si\ years ago, but is not as yet very pKiiliful. K. Eupatorium riparium. — This old-fashioned, but extremely useful plant, an admirable com- hould be syringed oil as soon as it has done its work, or a good wetting with quassia extract may be given. — I The Week's Work. KITCHEN GARDEN. ToM.^TOES IN THE OPEN'. — Preparations should be made for plants that are to be grown in the open and trained to stakes. Where a single line run- ning east and west can be made to accommodate the desired number of plants, itw'ill be found that the plants will do much better than growing the same number in several rows close together, as in the latter case they are likely to shade each other more or less. On light, poor soils, where there is a danger of the plants suffering through a dry- season, a narrow trench should be made similar to that for Celery, though minus the manure, unless the ground is in a very impoverished condition, where a little placed at the bottom of the trench will gi\e the plants a start. Stout stakes should then be driven firmly into the trench a toot apart, and everything will be in readiness to reeei\e the ]ilants when it is deemed safe to put them out. By having the stakes so close together the plants must be grown as cordons, but to make the most of a limited number a p!a it should be put to every fourth stake, which will allow of a shoot being brought up on each side and take the place ot extra plants. In the meantime plants occupying small pots should receixe plenty of water and a little diluted manure if they are likely to suffer from want of root-room. TRANSPL.iNTiNG. — Different vegetables which ler ones nder the h there is ii'ipiire transplanting, es| a- l.-ttuee and Endive, c| 1 1 \ 111,.: influenceof sunaii, |,1. my of moisture in thr ihe surface ot the grouml or two waterings will lii, ,il\ ,--1-1 m -1 niin,.; root-action when then- 1- m al,-,ii , ,,i i,,iii. Already I have found it II',-,— ai\ 1,. uainiauli- flowers, but by moulding the jilants up afterwards it will be hardly necessary to repeat it, but with other small seedlings recently put out, the surface of the ground should be kept in a moist condition to prevent the foliage from flagging if possilile. French Beans that were planted out of small pots into cold frames should be carefully ven- tilated, and in such a way that a diauirht i> not caused, or growth will be at a staml^lili. I havu only found it necessary to raise iln luhi- alu.ut •2 inches after breakfast, and tl,,-. ai. , l,,^,-.! aifain after the plants have been .i,\v.-,| ,'\ .1 ivith l.'pi.l wat.i al.onl 'J p.m. The action of lli.' sun afl , I wai.U |,r,„lii,,- a nice warmth in lli.' |iit. iniali ,.f «ln,li 1- 1. lained through the ni-lit l.y (MMjnng with iiiat> at sunset. l)raw soinf soil round those pushing through the soil in the oi>en, and if the rows have a patcliy appearance through some of the seed failing to germinate, the outside 372 THE GARDEN. [May 22, ^^^^ ^ IV be ISC 1 foi hU s p t le successfully if the ) ■« tl t wel This will not oi 1 )ett pe nnce bit \*ill e A an I I f ( 1 1 in W or dci 1 ontotheexil \ s— Old [lint i 1 e t dose f f 1 1 n of man 10 id then stems "i o see 1 \ ill now be y> ell est 1 1 ui 1 of the f tl I e as soon d,s 1 ing the old t I i 1 1 I t for lo 1 I 1 oth m I nd foi no j | II 1 1 1 not 1 e ise 1 I tl 1 1 t tei S[ nxch tl 1 1 1 r e le 1 cb t the pie->er t t me ai 1 1 s i[ 1 ly of tl lb often s n es othei thii gs which [ one too I lentif 1 Rich4kd Pvm er th thiee t rPUIT HOUtjLS r h h ises f on wl 1 1 o Id bt well \ ent 1 te 1 i 1 1 le one the sashes m ly 1 e i e tl f 1 a time m the co ise of a \ t npeiatue to ictain the 1 It 1 as lo ^ as possil le I tl \ th col I soft water 1 1 I t >i nge them two or tl tt o py watei -with ^ 1 1 iixahaidf lo so of lloweis of ulphur I I to the bolder fie j lently and see that it do suffer from -want of wxtei Ho ses ii 1 I I o-in sho Id be 1 1 1 | ) but as the nigl t I I St be almost 1 I I I ttl 1 imtht I 1 lation 1 to 1 I I 50 and oo 1 > I w 6 itl er and 1 1 "0° Grapes I I 11 I I free cucilat on t pe ( r ipe; tl eh c 1 tl e e t 1 ol to be opened I t f tl e lay hy an and to enible the entilatois i ifhciei tly keep the ehnea 11 git tl I tl. Pies e le t 1 ^ II le 1 II I g I illj lel ce tie u t i 1 tte 1 by the \eitilatois unt 1 theie lb but a (_liink left on, and allow this to le main so all night. Succession Ai> houses. — Here the Grapes are fast approaching the colouring stage, and until the berries begin to colour gi\'e the Vines ex'ery assistance in the way of supplying them with stimulants, where the borders are in the house and need watering. Ventilate carefully when the wind blows from the north or from the east, close as early :i> i^ .■■ n^i-t.iit ^^-ith safety, nnd nroato plenty of .-1 1 1.,- | •' -iiiirli\ il:iiii|iiTi;^ Wnw n at once. I.' ■ l ■! \ ■ - ..x i r l w ic' a h r. I, and 1 1 ch will pie e I c the 1 1 le a loss of eneigy will 1 e y attention to the 1 1 le ai 1 attend to outside \ M VTS — The beriies on the 1 1 iffic e th de el te t p 1 t tt to 1 e 1 11 11 the eare any dcubtsas 1 t 1 oie r at on t 1 for a week 1 \ 111 11 1 II 1 1 heat pio ided the flo dimjed If the boidei tl 11 1 el lie lei stoi: 1 I I 1 I I ' I ^6nt 1 I I I I the ^ II Cb aie I 1 I I 1 I I I I t II t le Itly loots M I I 1 to "0 Shut oil 1 e 1 e t c ly b 1 g keep the \ ipo 1 tio igl s con&tai tly hlle I ai 1 o- e e eiy attention to dxmpmg P it on a cl i k of air xs so tl e 1 ei 1 V toi ches 80° ra 1 illy m I n the s me mannei I 1 1 — In my c ise the b inches I 1 I I I ed ai d the poiton of the II 11 house has been thoro ighly t el I t Unt being gi en at the time lie o tei bor lei being s itticiently moist has elv been diessed with xit hcial nan lie and 1 o int of the winter c \ering of long httei I I h 1 educe I to lUow the rays of the sun I 1 1 on and waiin the bolder As the 1 lea IS to 1 eep these Crapes as late as J I 1 tl e night temi erature need not e-vceel 00 1 t closing for the dxy maybe done eailj eno gh to i in the tempeiatuie up to 90° to en s le the berries swelbng to i good si^e befoie they 0 e ce stoning Thinning in the case of late II 1 hb should be done lather seveiely 1 tl skins being so thin the berueb soon 1 I o ice they become contaminated This II llo w of a cii c il ition of a r passing thi ough the bui ches and if the an ib kept diy xnd buoyant duiing tl e time the bunches xie hanging ripe, there will be little to feai in the way of decayed berries. Late Grapes. — Here the Vines have flowered and set, and the berries are sufficiently advanced to allow of the final selection of bunches to form the crop. This done, start tliinuin- all the freer setting varieties at once. lna\iirj l.al\ Dnwne's and other shy setters till lasi , li\ xv In, I, t ime the perfect ben-ies will be .sunilnr, tn.ly. The ,,K,|nriU' .it lain Claims llln a Mn-n:,l tnilipera- Inr- aia'l ■j.aini,,in~ li, alnmnt in llm «a\ uf feed- :„■■ : til. 1. t.an. all iii-ain Imnlni- -Inail.'l I ,c kept ,noi-i \,\ .jiMn'j nM|,inu~ -n|.|.lin- nt i.-|,i.l water. I e in tl e gieatest piof ision. This was at one t e a \eiy p pulai i Unt m gardens, but at the 1 esent day it is not grow n to the same extent as nee was T azu eum now in full bloom in 1 cr enho se i ee Is ra ich the same treatment I 11 w th eq lal fieelom, 1 I I uf the 1 losboms i a pi 11 o that m thibie I ect at l.a-l ii -tands t, t Uj dbtuct fion my of its aUn;.s. Both the bi ecies en imeiated abo\e are natives of Chili, and both s icceed un ler the same treatment. A fiee open soil is necessary to their well-doina, s ich as a mixtiie of loam well-decayed leM- mould 01 peat and sand which compost wiU remain fiesh and sweet tl loughout the seasou, 1 ei tt 1 1 1 1 e lo le in the autumn, th» I 1 1 II 1 letely clear of the old 111 ei tial feature toward^ I 111 As soon as they staA I II I t on as possible in tl^ 1 I I I I ned them, and ci ^ I I I are not at any ' II I I 1 Whether trained II 11 1 I le over some tw: 1 I tl e 1 t 1 t be carefully attended to as tl ey lengthen otheiwise they will grow t ^ethei 1 1 a confused tangle — H. P. >,OTES IIS J\PAN. Mr \lfked Pvrsons hanly little volume on Jipan IS f I iiticulir mtere.st to all who are f nd f the gi xce and beauty of Japanese flowers xnd tiees The Japanese people are born gar- deneis xnd then rich amiteurs cultivate .spe- ci ill ties such as Iiises Chrysanthemums, Lilies, ISelumbiums Wistarias Cherries, Maples and Mignolias just as oui Euiopean specialists grow Oichids Ol alpmes st \e plants or Ferns. Imongst the most chxrmmg, however, of all the gaidens of a g iden land are those belong- II t tl e SI into and other old temples, the I t f 1 1 1 xve long taken the deepest it t tl ticcs and flowers. Even the t 1 tt 1 sse fane old gardens and laie tiet \ charming \ lew is given of double- fl weied Cherries and Magnolias iicar the Buddhist temple at Yoshino, undcrmatli being tjuxint clipped si rubs and dense hedges, re- niindmg one f old fashioned gardens nearer home ; 1 k this last week in April I llin.j-, lln. frunds of tl therefore, have nmn, ta mdd. ■, l.^pnanl, \ n,ns in houses in whinli in ,|. , a h -~ |.,|\l nd condition or whicli am |ia--]ii'j llnminli tlm -luii- ing jieriod, should have a little more latitude allow ed them, as far as the laterals are concerned, until the stones become quite hard, when they should be stopped close in again. If the roots of the Vines are partly in an inside and partly in an , j.- c outside border, the latter should be dressed with lums that require the protection of a whatever artificial manure finds favour, and wash is T. tricolor, whose bright-coloured Lady Uowiie's is particularly liable. Tropseolum azureum. — By fa vn of the tuberous-rooted section ■ the best of Tropieo- greenhouse flo b 1 I n t Ik, each outer i)etal marked with p irple lines and decorated with a little horn of biilhxnt orange. The gardens of tea houses and temples were gay with Azalea, Camellia, Magnolia and Cherry, and with the young leaves of Maple and Andromeda as bright as any flowers. Again, we are told that in the little decora- tive or landscape gardens There are no beds for flowers. In the little ponds the Irises and Lotus (Nelumbium) bloom, and in odd conmi- ilam ina\ be clumps of Lilies, Chry- santhemums nr oIIm !■ |,ialltS. There am inaii\ small, and even some large naiidniis In in at 'lujiue that might be far more iHaiiliiid and |.aintable if the formal fluwer- l.nds wnin iiiiind over and the flowers masseil 111 I. Midnis shnltered by .shrubs and trees. The siinx Hliitn Wistaria at Hase-dera makes n lnin|iiiin4 pintiue, and suggests its more ex- (eiidn.l niilliim on wall, trellis or porch anil, jimu.da Imm at home. My life has been spent in Ljaidniis. and yet, save once at Hampton t'l.iut. I nn\nr saw the white Wistaria in bloom. Mr. rarsous says :— On the 9th of May I was glad to find that tin Wistaria in Kasuga Park was just in its gloiy I Mat 22, 1897.] THE GAKDEX, 373 ,«iii iiiy slimles of euloiir ; as ChuucL-i- su ' very red, and some a glad liglit green, iiiigtide in Ja])an must be even mure iMiuie in some ways than our own. iiy trees alone in all their natixr \:iri r pictures everywhere. tM,,i ,.l Mm,, 111 (i,,nn.>, ui ^ :,!,,, ,1,1, Ml ■ ,-rnlnn,- l„, n n,,|r,ll,„' its ('l„i.\ ,j.o\ lie eult ot till- Clierry blossom has its li« IS, and during the ten days or so which 1 ns last the little town is crowded w ilour from white to light erims,,i 1(1 some young trees, with large do, x\hich were pale yellow, with a | , .■ outer ,.etal« lil;^":! dflinatp T™ II, ,iMl,i.|,j- in N', . -Inn, .,sr,-,l, ,1,1,1 ,,t ll. id printed on every scrap of paper in t The shops sell preserved C'heiry flow< dug tea, and visitors to the ti-a housi-s ai ■iitlin-iasm for its beauty and its associations, ,,1 tlie trees bear no fruit worthy of the name. Ai,':iin, It is difficult for an outsider to determine how iiu,li of this is genuine enthusiasm and how much s , iistom or a traditional ajstheticism, but it really nat turs little. That the popular idea of a holiday ■li,,iil,l be to wander about in the open air, visit- irj historic places and gazing at the finest land- , :i|,i s and the flowers in their seasons indicatrs 1 lii'jh level of true civilisation, and the custom, I n lie only custom, proves the refinement of the , ,,|,k- who originated and adhere to it. Aninngst the many illu.strations with which Mr. I 'arsons' cliariuiiii; little volume is enriched ^l„,ial allusinu must lir made to tho.se of laiiius, Wistaria and Magnolia, also one of niiariiiu Lilies and lincuunia (Plume Poppy) ,11 the hills near Nikko, and a field of Lilies at I »fiiiia, near Kamakura. Sketches of a large H\,Ii;ingea bush at Totsuka beside a pool of ^" Inndjiums and of an old shed or shelter !- Irises planted on the mud coping above liatch are very pretty. iiing the hottest part of the year the Lotus N, lumbium seems to be the favourite flower, i I' i a beautiful view is given of the Lotus ponds I Kamakura. These Lotus pools are several 1 them are of )i fuse, or a ■ iiiety is fre- ■nust the rice saiithcmuius, Tricyrtis, Liliuin cnlifoliuni, and til, 1,- arc Ljieat breadths and ma.s.ses of Eulalia , ,1 I'aii (I lasses, with their bright silvery plumes ua\iii'4 111 the wind. An asci-nt of the moun- tain I'lisi-yama was ma,l. , m,! ,i,;ii\ sketches of it are given from \ai . :, .,i \ low. " Notes in Japan " \, i;! I,, , ,ii. .i revelation to garden lovers as tn-iii, 11,1,, i ,,iiil gardens of Ja])an, and tho.se who have not as yet seen it will be likely to read it and to admire the sketches with much genuine ]iliasure. A very acceptable volume on our ,,\Mi lOnglish gardens treated somewhat simi- I ilv would be a nice addition to the garden hl.iaiv. F. W. BfHiiiu. 1:. ities in extent and til. tic three CO ours. ■ithr X', delicate shcll-i ink Tl ciuently ilant.', ,l:i fields fot the s kr,,f ll. lurite nr candi sii'^ar [, '1 the bull, s nf s. 111,' Chrysanthemums. SEA.SONABLE NOTES. Kou a work or two past my plants have been in till .,|iiii, although a spot where the early morn- 1111; Sim iliies not reach them has been cho.seii. 'I'liiis ill,' cliiiijer of .spring frosts is averted. A 1,'\\ ti'iii|„i;itiiri' il,,rs ii,,t hurt the leaves in lis, if, lull it is til,' acti,,ii .,f tlie Sim when the s:,ii,,- ai-,- .■,.v,'iv,l uiili Mhitc rime. There is s,,iiic risk, iif coursL', iu lia\ ing the plants unpro- tected during the month of May. About three years back I remember many growers were caught napping, and had the young growth i|iiiti' blackened by frost as late as the 23rd ,j1 the 111, ,11th. One cannot always spare the i,„,iii 111 frames that these plants take up, and h.iwever little they are coddled, we note a corre- siH.iiiling softness in the growth. The most i,'i\vard plants will .soon be fit for the final shift. This matter is important ; in fact, all details are, but the danger of checks appears to me to be greater as the plants get more bulky. There are consequently several items that will bear repetition. As to soil, a mistake is often made in mixing this too rich in animal and concentrated manures. I have in more than one instance kmiwn Chrysanthemuins well grown up to this time .mil then a break-down occur just after the liii ll i",ttiiii; that could be traced to such error. Thiee-fiiuiths of the compost may be loam. This difl'ers in quality considerably, and is more or less difiicult to obtain. The top spit of meadow land is what one covets, and if clayey rather than sandv, so mueli the betlei f,.r tin- liuri„.s,'. It sl„.ul,l als,, 1h' ,,r a ril.l,,lls lialuiv If this I,,. ,,l,talli,.,l a fewiii,,litlisl.el,,i,. lls,^,,ll,. wards, lie sure th.it good, well-cleanscd bones are obtained. Instances have been known where this material has formed into a putrified mass when ni.uie moist, and has killed every root that ,11,,,. ini,, e.intHctwith it. Two h.mrs befmv i!i> | ^,ni n,- turned out for rejiotting give Ih' ,;iii'i , I h,. rough soaking with water. This is iii,,M 11 , ssii-y, f„[. not only will the ball of earth turn out intact and without damage to the roots, but if it be not done, there is dan- ger of the older soil becoming dry whilst the new is quite im.jt, :> :sii,,„,s check in the growth of I h, I.',,,' '■, I },, resulting. Firm jiotting is an . I,', i |„,int. Tlie compost .should bev,.,il I i il,,- ball evenly and rammed in wnli ,, ': \> i- , I shajied stick. .lu.st enough ,, I tin 1, i I,. , p.ii f the .soil may be put nv. 1 ih, ,li n , , .: i,, I, ring the base of the plant a liii',- 1. ,,, 1 ,,:. 1, ir.,ni the pot's rim. This i,'i\ ,■-,;:' ' , . n ; .,1; ,t. After each pla, ,: , : lum be readily staked (if this l,,,,s n..i ,, I, ,,:,]. I, , n ,|.,ne), anil the c.-uth until the r,.,.l., li.ive taken 1., the new soil. It may be necessary to sjuinkle the foli- age morning and early evening. When the roots get on the move again the plants can be stood in their sumimr i|iiail,is. (ueeii and black aphis are geiierall\ ti,,nl>l,'si,me at this season. They should b,' ihalt \vith ],r,iiii|,tly. I find du.stingwith tobacco powder a convenient method of de troying such. Another pest that usually affects the plants during spring is the leaf-mining maggot. It makes marks between the tissues of the leaves and is thus readily found. Hand-picking is the best remedy. This, again, should be dealt with promptly, because it spreads rapidly and the foliage soon becomes disfigured. The growth of the plants is trained upwards from the first, and each plant with one stem for the .system of large-bloom culture. The few sorts that need topping were mentioned earlier in the season. Most varie- ties ere this will have branched naturally at the points of the stems. Three or four of the shoots resulting should be allowed to remain. It is well to have the latter number for a time, then the least promising may be cut away and the three develop one Hower each. This is the general number. H. S. the surface after jiotting. »'h,,|, it in |,i,,,s, but not too fine, and add the ,,rli, i |„.ii],,iis. The other fourth part may consist ,.f h at ni.ail.l and decayed manure. Rubble, such as ,.1,1 mortar and brick rubbish, is used wlieii the loam is of a very close nature. Bones m a lim- .state, at the rate of 1 lb. to the biish.l, uill greatly assist in building up a. sturdy gv.,« t h ami give a healilix I,, 11,. tl. the foliage. Mix all h.OI together s,, me lime before the soil is t,, 1,,^ iis,.,|. and get U 111 an e\ ell -*■■*■■ ■■' •.*,,,,. ,,, ,,i,, , wet nor dust-dry. I ' are now commonly lis , except fi.r the more u in,i ; n Lllle.s. .Ml. I'.o- hIi,, fast,', I th,' Lotus roots, says; — > liai' n.,1 mil, h llavour except that of the "iih «lii,li they are boiled, but they are ni tc.xtuie and ]ileasant to munch. ■ flowers of autumn are Funkias, Platy- grandiflorum, Nerines and Lycoris, Chry- coiiveniciit for (Jhiysani !i, mi nil lire. It is not advisable to use nm, i, iliiini-e, but the crocks .should be jilaenl <\,nl\ .,\er the holes and bottom of the pot. Half-inch Ixmcs may form part of the drainage, and are highly bene- ficial to the roots tliat run so abundantly down- ('Hi;yS.\XTlfEMI-M TRI-N'CES.S BLANCHE. 'I'll Is I, ,,!,, ,,i ill,, l.ii , -I . I,, It, unfortunately, one ,,t 1 1,,- \\,'.il,,'-i ll, iiii, v.iM 111,1 iiLik,' s],.', aniens of sufficient sinnmh ,,, l„.,,,':i ,, ,,k. i.k ,.im,-,i l.lnom. The l"-t \',.n I ,, I . , ,1 1 'i, - I , keep the plant- Ik,' -. .,„„i V... il . , ',1 . are inserted as .s,.,,ii :is ,l„ , ■,•,,11 1. ,,' ; ,.,, 1, ikey can be got into (i-iiieh |,,i- k, Ik. kill. I ,11,1 lit .hiiie. They can be ll,,» , 1 ...I mil. a -i,-,- i |, ,i , ai,,l when they break again ati,i k.-m.j ,.,ii ,i,,vin iln-vean at oncebeshitt,,! mi,, s in, h |„,ts. 'I'lns w ill e-ive an extra long growing lime, and by the time the buds are fornung the pots will be tilled with roots, and nice compact specimens, about 2i feet 374 THE gaede:n". [Mat 1897. liiiyh and as much tlirough, will be formed. These will Ixar about three dozen good blooms. This Cliiysanthemum needs no pinching back ; it makes its last break so late that the buds are not formed before October. Late pinching would cjuite throw the plants out of bloom. Owing to its low stature, Princess Blanche is well adapted to houses of moderate dimensions where there is not head- room for tall-growing kinds. In the sliajje nf small specimens it is exceptionally well fitted for room decoration. Being delicately rooted, it is lietter to pot in rather lighter com- ])ost tliaii is nsnall\ ( iiijilnj'ed, relying upon arti- ficial stiimiliiil ~ l.iiii Mil to promote bud forma- tion. Tins will h. I|. In kee]) the roots in good order in tin- diplli cf winter when the flowers are expanding. J. C. B. Trees and Shrubs. HARDY AZALEAS. The diifeient hardy Azaleas that we ha\ m out gaidens consist of about half a dozen sjitcRs, and innumerable hybiids theieficmi Th it SI I I lull iisu.illy known as (th'.iuh till ti nil Ameiican A 1 to them) I _^ nf tb,. X.„t! LniuLai lu cultr bhslad we now have the flowering season is consider- ably prolonged. By many, peat soil is con.sidered absolutely necessary for the well-doing of these hardy Azaleas ; but such is by no means the case, as they will often thrive in loam, especially if a liijeral quantity of leaf-mould is incorporated with it. Lime in any for'm should be especially avoided. In common with many of their allies. Azaleas are very impatient of drought, hence they should not be planted where they are likely to be parched up during the summer. To the planter. Azaleas, in common with many other ericaceous plants, possess one very desir- able feature ; and that is owing to their dense mass of fibrous roots, even large-e.stablished plants can be transplanted with little or no check ; indeed, they can, as a rule, be depended upon to flower well even the first season after transplanting. Another feature possessed by these Azaleas claims at least a passing notice, and that is the bright tints assumed by the of the following summer. Some of the tender kinds of Clerodendron may also be increasf this way. — T. Cytisus purgans.— This species has in late years been too much neglected, and in many gar- dens does not exist at the present day. Yet it is not inferior in beauty to any of the Brooms, and may certainly be ranked in merit along with C. albus, C. priecox, and others of that set. It has round, slender, almost leafless stems, which, being dark green throughout the year, give it the character and value of an evergreen. In late April and May it is conspicuous in the wealth ol golden yellow flowers that clothe its stems. In habit, although erect, it is naturally more com- pact and less inclined to run up into gaunt, long stemmed specimens than most of its allies, am! this advantage may be still further increased b\ topping the young shoots a few times before thej get 1 foot high. Its simple leaves are very few ii number and but little in evidence, being siual and narrow-lanceolate. This species is a nativi of the mountains of South-western Europe anc has been in cultivation since 1768. Along witi if tl .Ills t'llifnini 111 A Aastji, out of the must lecentlj intindueed, is in itself a \eiy beautiful early fliittciing s]iLcie.s, and one that will doubtless prove very valuable to the hybridist. The different hardy hybrid Azaleas are among other features remarkable for the wide range of colour that is to be found in the blossoms, as they vary from white to vivid scarlet, through all the intermediate shades of yellow, orange, salmon, and orange-scarlet, as well as different tints of pink. In some of the older varieties the segments of the flower are narrow, thus forming quite a Honeysuckle-like bloom, but in the more recent hybrids the blossom are as a rule larger, and the petals broader, this being to a certain extent owing to an infusion of mollis blood. The light and informal outline of a hardy Azalea such as is here represented is very pleasing, while when at its best a bush of it is simply one mass of bloom. The pleasing fragrance of the blossoms is also another point in favour nf this lie.iutiful class of shrubs. It is difficult In mihI. island why these Azaleas are not nu greatly aduiirud is shown every year at Kew, where during the flowering period the Azalea A hardy Azalea at Esholt Rail, Shipley. From a photograph sent by Miss Stanhope. foliage of many of them in the autumn, for the leaves die ofl' richly coloured with crimson. Several varieties with double blossoms have been brought prominently forward of late years, but the only advantage over the single kinds is that the blooms do not drop quite so quickly. T. C. albus it shares the parentage of C. prsecoxai is, like them, perfectly hardy. — B. 'J Early-flowering' shrubs.— The mild ■«'J#| following an over-average rainfall was doubfel|[ ' responsible for the early i ' -ly and very fine^display d^ ering shrubs ; 'they 6ai| I was very glad to see t!»i:' Clerodendron tricliotomum.— The propaga- tion of dirt'erent plants by means of root cuttings has been several times mentioned in The Gardkn of late, and in the case of many subjects it un- doubtedly affords a ready means of increase. That distinct and valuable autumn - flowering shrub Clerodendron trichotomum, of which there is an illustration on page 320 of the present volume, ted, for that they are I F.^",^'? '"f eased in this way to an almost un- ' „, ,„„„ „,. V„,„ I limited extent, for if the roots are taken off during the winter and put into pans or boxes in a frame, they will in a gentle heat start into growth in the garden is the one great point of attraction for | spring, when they may be hardenedliff. Not only the visitors. They are seen to the best advan- 1 ^ill root cuttings grow under conditions such as tage when planted in bold masses or groups, I this, but when an established plant is moved and especially if a judicious selection of colours is | a few broken pieces of roots remain in the ground made, and with the later flowering hybrids that I they will often push up young plants in the course the first of the flowed seldom looked better coloured plate of varieties of Ribes, and hope may tend to draw attention to this genus, u doubtedly one of the best of the flowering slirul not only "for its enduring display, but also for t' ease with which it can be propagated and the ear ness and freedom with which flowers are produci on tiny plants. It is simply a question of stickii in the'cuttings in the way of the ordinary Curraiii and they can be transplanted with a very nice V of root the following autumn. I was sorry not ! have taken a note when a large clump of saj guineum aureum first came into flower. We h, a most enduring display ; all the more so, pi bably, on account of the damp weather and frc, the plants being in partial shade. All the var ties do well in partial shade — that is, under (:| ciduous trees— and can be pegged and layered all directions to increase, if necessary, the dime sions of the original clump. All the varieties 4 May 22, 1897.] ^HE GARDEK 375 (■ fi-om tlie Ik; raised. I ..some of s-.a Horti- 'koepit dmiTf'.'^I 'slimll.l '|il'''' ; ■' ' I in the foremost rank :i- nn . ,i; 1 , il. w > i ): indeed, one midit laiilv li;. iir.l i . . n ,.,,M. il,:,i ,t is nl.solntfi.v on.- of tl.,/ milnl li:nil\ ilnh'.'s we have. A small Miiiil -oiMr I, \\ y^iisaijo about midway those V as R. F( [hododend Spiraea arguta.— This lovely shrub, perliaps hv nu.st beautiful of all the earlv-ll..» erirHj- lu.ri.e. the flowers being snowy w-hite and of the ;inie size as those of that sjjecies. It blossoms ater, liowever, and makes an admirable succes- i.iTi plant to it. A group of j-oung plants in the 'rtll.'.tion of Spiraeas at Kew shows how valuable k will prove when better known and more jilenti- "' <'Tif is eomjiar.-itively new and is at present li is a II. al lialiited bush, yet singularly 1 1 . 1 1 1 1 ■ 1 1 1 i II H i r y shoots made last year iiu I. Ill ill every- direction, and each I on the upper side with sessile clusters pure white blossoms. Thus, seen from . tlie shrub is a mass of white railiatir It will apparently not grow much high i.in :i feet or 4 feet. The leaves are scarcely y 11 e\ i.lence, but they become eventually 1 inch to li iiirhes long, broader than in S. Thunbergi, .111. line or two teeth near the apex or not toothed I all, and quite smooth. It is perfectly hardy, ml the recent treacherous snaps of frost, which u . .lamaged both the flowers and young shoots I s.\ eral other Spirfeas, have not affected this at II. It can be easily propagated by layering or .1111 cuttings. Rhododendron Fortunei and its hybrids. T' - Cliiiiese species, whilst vei-y distinct and ' il ill itself, is just now of more than ordi- I I . -1 1)11 account of a new race of hybrid i' iiili'iiis coming into notice, of wlii.h it is I 1 lie parents. It is nearly alii. .1 1 1 . 1 ! . \:,1. iii.li It a-ittithianum), but has siiial!. i' I I. IT is always in the white corolla i c : .1 illii^i.iii of pale pink. Its 111..-1 .li-inMin. I' I- aie, however, to be discernc.l in the iii-i-ting of seven segments, instead of I in\ariable five, and in the fairly strong I. ...I. nil- of the flowers. The almost entire ' .if fragrance from the flowers of liai.ly I'udrons has been their one defjcieii.\ . I.n'i 11. 'W hybrid Fortunei race it will t.i~..in.' ' lie amended. The first to use R. F.u 1 mi. 1 I li\ l.n.li-in.^- appears to have been tli.' In.' i: bii- iiiili., an enthusiastic amateur in llli.. "leii.li I.II-. wiiose garden was in one ..1 tli. "ith-w.-t. 1 11 counties. From his cross... i;. ii^.iniiliei (K. Fortunei x Thomsoni) Mrs. 'I'liis. 1 a iiv.r and Frances Thiselton Dyer were ..1. ni..l. The two last— as well as several oth.is ■ li exist in various gardens and nurseries .losses with the common type of gar- l.iids. Mr. (i. Paul, of Cheshunt, some later than Mr. Luscombe, made crosses '■•■• 1. this species and several of the best of the 111. .1 garden Rhododendrons, and amongst the mierous progeny are many of great beauty. THE JUDAS TREE AND ITS ALLIES. (CERCIS.) The three species of Cercis which at present miiuiste. The genus contains some six or seven species, which, as will be .seen from the follow- ing list, are scattered widely over the northern liemisphere. C. SILIQUASTRUM. — South Europe and the Orient. C. CANADENSIS. — Eastern North America. C. CHlNENSis (.syn., C. japonica). — China and Japan. The following are not in cultivation in this country : — C. TEXENSIS. — Western North America. C. RACEMOSA.— China. C. Griffithi. — Afghanistan. The species in cultivation when seen at their best rank amongst the most beautiful of hardy shrubs, flowering in late spring before the leaves appear in great and unfailing profusion. The flowers are produced in fascicles, not only from the wood of the preceding summer, but from that of many years previous, wreathing the whole of the younger portions of the plant in bright purplish rose. The Cercises enjoy and fully merit generous conditions at the root, thriving best in a rich, deep, moist loam. In the home counties, when once thoroughly established they are rarely aftt-cted by frost, although young shoots, espe- cially on one to three-year-old plants, are some- times cut during a hard winter following on a warm, moist autumn, when growth has been nmluly prolonged and not sufficiently ripened. I'.ut they all enjoy a sheltered sunny position, anil thi.s .should, if possible, be given them. Ill e. .lilei- an.l 111. ire northerly districts the\- may i.'.|iiiiv tlie shelter of a wall. , The Legu- .iiiii..s:. are ii..t..n.iusly difficult to transplant, especially when they have become old ami woody, and none, perhaps, resent interference at the root more than the Judas Tree and its allies. They send out long, thick roots, with but few branches or fibres, consiil.i-ably b. y.ni.l ill.' spread of the branches. Altli..ii-li iii.\ may In.' after removal, large speeim. i.s '^.n.i.iHy Ih. ..ine for some years unhealthy and unsii,']itly, ill. I. as a rule, die. They should as far as |i.m)i1c be given permanent positions whilst nil young. If the removal of old plants is .11 1 1i. I ll'li . . : - .; I ■ .1 '.. I i;, -ai.l," In some "I il..- ..1.1 VI I. ill- 111" 1. ...1. I' has this view im- I'i -. .1 lip. ,11 lieii l.\ a i.|.i. -a-iilation of the great I . -11 '.I -11- 1.. 11. 1. .1 II ..111 1 1 1.' 1. ranches. It grows in il.l' I...' ill. I.- 1.. I'll feet or 30 feet in ' i'i i. 1.: ii..-liing low and the I i ■ ' li\ . iiaiacter, but with a - i' ] I I.. I. .V .s are each .'J inches 'I 1 iH 'i 'I I, .'.Mlate, very blunt or sli;:htly 1...1. I.'l .1 il..ap4h the country, but it has III. I 1 | .! mi . .1 ..mi h the freedom its great beaiii\ ..n.] |.i. 1 m. -.im- liahit warrant. One of the m.isl, i,„ial,le .speeiiin-ris is .1. s.iilied in Thk (Jauiikn fur Feb. Hi, 187.S. It WIS g]-owing at Bath, and its trunk meastned I" 1 ween .") feet and 0 feet in circumference. \VlienLi...«n fi..iri -.■.■d its Howers vary in colour, some I., iiij . I a III 1 1. 1 1 jjaler rose. There is one variety m ii 1. " lui i-li Mowers. C. rA\M.i',sis I;. I Bud). — This species, which represents the genus on the Atlantic side of North America, is a tree 20 feet or occasionally in its native home 30 feet to 40 feet high. It was introduced to Britain in 1730. Imt is far from being a common tree. Althoiejli luaiinj a -ii.mij resemblance to the European 1 '. il...;. -1 1, it is easily distinguished in summer I., ili. .lai. 1. ntly shaped leaves, which are ovate-cui il.iLe am I pmnLed. The margins are sometimes ciliate, and the inider surface has tufts of hairs in the axils of the main veins, and in one variety is pubescent all over. The flowers, as in C. siliquastrum, appear in fascicles before the leaves, but are somewhat smaller than in that species. The corolla is a bright rosv Jiink and the ealvx dark red. Pro- f,.,„„-Saimaii -,,N- ilial ilii- i^, .mnnmii tr,'.- on In l,s.,li: iff bruised and broken roots. Cercis sii.iquastrcm (the common Judas Tree)- —This is at once the be.st known Cercis in gar- lens ftnd the most valuable. Its beauty naturally brought it early into notice, and we know that it cultivated in Gerard's time (1597), and perhaps iteil states HI districts re- moved from its native habitat it has proved to be hardier than the European species. C. CHiNEXsis (Chinese Red Bud). — Of the three species of Cercis in cultivation this is the most re- cently introduced. It appears, from information ppiied by Dr. Henry (whose name has become well known in connection with the flora of Central China), to be the largest of the Cercises. He describes it as sometimes 50 feet in height, with a trunk 12 feet in girth, yielding a valuable timber. Little is known of it yet as a cultivated plant, but it is apparently not inferior to either of the others in beauty, although it may be more nder. In cultivation it has the bushy type of . \\ 1 1 1 . . r I a . . itlier species and has the same wide- I i i[.. The leaves are roundigh-ovate, I I I.. I abruptly to a point, and are ordi- iK I I I.- wide. When well establi.shed the ,1 \.^ III'. Kivl-.'lm.a.l.r 11. Mr I'.kiii will, ■a. I,' li; m.li.- m .liam.-ler. The flowers .|iiii.' -.. larj.' a- tli..-.- . .f the Judas Tree ..t an ml. II-.' |.iir|.li-li red, from four to ■ I li.iii .i|.|..'ai III' III . ,a'li fascicle. . I 1. \ 111 1 li. -|.i.i.s not yet introduced I ]ii I i-ii_ :Mi-i 111. l appears to be C. ■a 111. . > a- h 1- iiLinred in the "Icones mil, '.ul. ..J.., I. l.-^'.U, andof which there limens in the Kew herbarium. Its most r character is, of course that to which the name refers, vi?:., the racemose (as con- with the nr-linarv faseieiilaf et intloreseenee. branches and leaf-stalks) is covered with pubes- cence. It is a native of the Szechwan province o ( 376 THE GARDEN. [Mat 22, 1897. ( 'hiiui, and is a tree '20 feet high. Its distinctness .111(1 <\ id. nl Ik Muty lead us to hope it may not be lnir_; li. f,.i, ii i> introduced to cultivation. ( '. ii.\i\Ni^ is a Western American species liijiiii-.l l.y Saij^ent in the " Silva of North America."' It is usually a shrub, but occasionally a small tree with cordate-reniform leaves and fascicles of rosy-pink flowers. It was discovered by Berlandier in 1828 in the valley of the Bio (irande. It is probably too tender for this country. C. Griffithi is a prostrate shrub with smooth, reniform, emarginate leaves. It is a nati\e of Afghanistan at altitudes of over 10,000 feet, and ought to be hardy in South Britain. W. J. Bean. Azalea mollis crossed with A. sinensis.— Can Azalea mollis x sinensis (seedlings) grown out of doors be bloomed every year and yet be kept compact and with the blossoms, as it were, in a mass, and if so, in what way ought one to pro- ceed ? I find that mine grow too fast and so get I shoot which has no blossom this year, it would not form buds. How would it be to cut back (|uite short all this year's flowering shoots after blooming, and to depend upon shoots not bloc nuii„ this jeai for ne\t year' Ought I to ^et I ni iss of blossom this way I find the gi af ted pi int uf mollis do not grow so f \st — B N %» If tl, I 1 ni 1, tlMt Ml t. I .li.u >■ cut bad it II 1 1 \ w ill I II I l\ 1 I I ii 11 I fieshg. «il 111 I I 1 N t il I I I I III I et tl nit flj lie\ c iiinot be d( | ime freedom xs ick hence no moi n IS absoluteh n thti «ill niin^ ^io\Mn„ e ison mil s(,t tliui IIuuli Of couise indniduUs \ ay someuh it but -ist cases the stiag^lin^ shoots may be imslv shoitened back without mteifeiin^ 1 t I nil, displiy of bloom for the cut I t till- tion„est bi inches will throw 1 1 \i II into the minoi twi,,s ind thu t 11 I t 11 111 I com])ict miss of 1 mil en whtii quantities of bu li Tiown those thxt aie not com] i t lie lie piuned bick befoie plmtiii case of coui se i good deal of a i lost but this only applies to the f saleable plants The specimens i joui correspondent seem to gio« \ \igour foi seeiUin^ plants often ii pi unin^ to 1 eep them com|)act in sh Roses is that we may surnmnc biennial and perennial plants as seen in the illustration, so that very little of the stem is visible. If objection is taken to growing such plants with the half-staiiduil Knsis, then dwarf bu.sh Roses may be eiiijil'-M .1 ihnI, ;m1, but personally I prefer this comnnnnlinu uf |il.ints. As to the i.biectinn that these ni.ni.iu.ils r..l.the Roses of them with [ granted that this is so, one cannot recommendH Tea Roses to be grown in this way unless it bei a few of tlie luirdier varieties, for with tlie un- certain winters we have there remains always a risk of serious gaps being made. After flower- ing the first time, standard Roses shouldv well thinned of their weak and crowded sh and the growths cut back to a good eye ; a i atituinnal display may then be expected i tlicir piuper iiiiiuishiiu'iit. 1 tluiik it is .1 f.illary. tlir perpetual varieties. Perhaps some day j of curse if allowed t.. reiiiuiii witli.nit tiiiiis- sliiill see the revival of the grand old Hyh planting, serious inipoverishiiieiit iiiiglit result, ('liinese, Gallicas, &c., that so delighted but as the majority of jierennials delight in I fathers. These Roses could always be annual or biennial transplanting, no harm what- pended upon to produce grand heads of bloastoi ever is likely to result from the mixture, that the present generation has no concep(^ Again, it is mosf beneficial to periodically trans- of. Certainly their non-perpetual characten" l.laiil tlie stall. luil aii.l half standard Roses say I against them, but for the time they remainec done about bloom they formed truly grand objects in garden. ~ the mi. Idle . .f (>et..ber, takiiii,' advantage of the moving to well replenish the worn-out soil if necessary, and add some well-decayed cow or sheep manure, burnt garden refuse, and on loamy soils a liberal portion of lime. The roots of the standards sliould lie trinime.l ml \wm^^w^w^^-j' --Ti^T ^ Rose Garden. STANDARD ROSES. A GLANCE at the illustration will, I think, dis- prove what is soui. I iiiii s a-^.ited, that Roses as standards arc an u^ly f. aliue in the garden. Anything tending lu piotluee elevated masses of colour and irregular lines of foliage must always be welcome to the true lover of Nature. I fear that the mistake in the past has been to bud unsuitable kinds upon standard Briers, with the result that instead of a grand head covered with blossom we too often have found a stick with a puny head. I am not an advocate of tall standards. I would not recommend any to be higher than 3 feet, and the majority I would have from 2 feet to 2 feet 6 inches, as tliey are less liable to injiiiy fr.iiii strong gales. Tlie blossoms produeeil fimn tli.'se llalf-stall.lanls are generally nuieli liner than those fr..ni tli.' ialler ones, mainly attributable, 1 think, t.i the shorter distance the sap lias to traverse. An- other great advantage of these half-standard %. mm ZM photograp)i examined for suckers, afterwards carefully It is a capital plan previous to ti to mix up a quantity of maiden h leaf soil, and wood ashes in about equal parts, and give each standard about a peck of this mixture, working it in well amongst the roots. It may appear to be an extravagant plan, but I can assure those who adopt it that they will be well repaid, for when the time arrives to again transplant, a grand mop-like mass of fibrous roots wiU be found. If the plantation is exten- sive, the work of transplanting might be divided and a portion moved each year, pro- longing by this method the season of flowering. If a standard Rose is inured from its infancy to this periodical transplanting, it will readily re- s| 1.111(1 to the treatment when required ; but, on 111.' ..ther hand, it would be extremely risky to leiu.Aean old standard without this previous preparation. It is a fact that the finest Tea Roses for ex- hibition are produced upon standards ; but, Rose Maman Cochet —This charming imong the best of gl iss it IS now most bean, n md rose being quite met The formation lie blooms IS perfect, lie growth of the j ruing for one of the 1 iss of Rose. This 11 1\ I believe, woi I \ . 1 med il for the nil in the show in two instances last II and it has only to bj en in good condition t lid favour with everyonel -H. S. Kose Clara Watsor I believe this Rose wi .re long take a very pri iiiiiient place among th Tea-scented section, a though at present it seen to have failed to obtain tl popularity it is justly ei titled to. I saw a magiiil .eiit blossom last week i t he temperate house at Ke I lardens, a flower whic w ould have delighted .if our exhibitors. Watson is a Rose witfi splendid petal somewhi approaching Souvr. d'Elii Vardon in texture, and tl colour is a lovely salmoi ■ ■ shaded with buff, makes good, vigorous, thick wood with fine glossl green foliage. I coi it a grand variety to out under glass to s _ good long-stemmed flowers. There would be .vhic . jwhfil- ■feet stems, a fact which should be noted. - Rose Solfaterre. — What a glorious old Ros this is ! It is now flowering abundantly in a coi house. The flowers are a pale sulphur colou and generally produced in ounches of five, thi proving it a true Noisette. It is supposed to I a seedling from Lamarque, is a very vigoroi grower, and inclined to run to wood instead . flowering. Under glass I have obtained the be;; results by cutting back the shoots rather hai after flowering and starting the jjlants again iiit| growth in strong heat, with plenty of moisturi By the autumn good well-ripened young rods aj J produced, which are trained horizontally alont the roof, with the result that flowers may be haj, from every eye.— E. ( Rose Anna Olivier. — Among the Tea Rosii in cultivation there is surely no variety whoil buds are more charming in colour and fori than are those of the above. The colour of tl| outer petals of the buds is a peculiarly clear t 10! May 22, 1897.] THE CxARDEN. 377 iwn, shaded at the edges with buff — colours all 30 rare among Roses. The (leo|) fawn i-olour luch intensilied when tli( plants air v^iuwn .m ndor glass. It is an id.Ml Imuium In.l.' \ ;n ni; Veil-grown buds of tliis Ku^. ai.- liill\ _' im h. depth of petal. But il. i.-i nut niuiulya Imtlui le variety ; it may be brought to great perfui )n as an exhibition (lower in good soil and with 00(1 treatment. Its growth is strong and it '~ lirlv h.iriiv. It is vctv evident, from growth, . Inni. a.al II, .u rr. 't l,at Anna Olivier is thr arent lif iliai Kianiiiul vainly Mme. Hoste, foi Ithouyli lli.> ■lill.i in lolnm-,' in other respects I Rose Antoine Rivoire (H.T.).— This is a ■rand adilitioii to an increasingly popular class, ml. |irnviili(l it lih^sMinis as well outdoors as it ar^ iiial.i '.;la^-. I predict a popularity for it Imii-i, Il iMii i|iiii. , approaching that of Mamar M.liri. li^ I i.l.iiii i~ a very charming combina Mill (if iiuauiy uiiitu, suffused with apricot. It ^al(l to be across between Dr. Ct rill and Lady lar\ Fitzwilliam, and it certainly has much of R- nikiiir of the former pervading the flowers, liilst it inherits the beautiful massive petals from he latter. Although one of its parents is of ■eakly growth, it does not appear to have in erited this defect, for its growth and foliage re liiid one of those of that beautiful Rose, Clara \'at-on, an estimable variety in every way. A ill 111 lid specimen of Antoine Rivoire recently e> iliitfil by Messrs. \Vm. Paul and Son at Regent ark measured 5 inches in diameter. The flowei uM- ^^o^nething of the build of those of Rubens liout them, but are larger and finer.— P. Rose Francisca Kruger (Tea). — M. Nabon ,an(l has distributed many lovely Tea Roses, but irobably none can surpa.ss the above for beauty ,nd free-growing (pudities. The growth is as iigorous as that of Marie van H.iiittf, and it is ine of the hardiest Teas in lailtivation. Itscoliair li a beautiful coppery yi'IIow. shailnl with ]iiai-li. ''he flowers are not extra largr, Imt tliev are of iifi-it MariJchal Niel-like form. Here, agam, (11 tliinning the shoots is very essential for ex- iliition blossoms, not merely taking away those mounding the bud, but also those sprincjing ■om the stem. Lovers of garden Roses of which lais variety is an example will not care to sacri- |ce quantity to quality, but will rather prefer leir Roses to develop their natural beauty to leir fullest extent. Of course, o\ercrowding the loots in the centre of the plant is not to bi jmmended, but this can generally be set right t pruning time. ] Pruning Roses.— I have seldom seen Roses lore full of promise. With scarcely any excep- lons the Roses have had little or nothing to check lem, and already they are in full growth. Like E. H.," I have lately seen many Roses, and ive been surprised to note how many people em to fail in the wisdom and intelligence to mdle the knife wisely and well. So far as any ape of perfect blooms is concerned, no system of funing, however slight or severe, can transform tood-buds into bloom-buds at the point of the ■fe in March, while every Rose grower knows [lat the lower down, that is the harder back, he orous Rose shoots in the spring, the further s himself from perfect blooms and the :o a full and perpetual crop of strong lOots. Unfortunately or otherwise, Roses are as uch or more subjects of habit as ourselves. prune back strong-growing Roses vigor- tsly year after year, they will take your severe ning as an order for yet more vigorous wth and act accordingly ; but cease pruning lese vigorous shoots, leave them intact from a rd to two in length, fix them down to the und with strong iron or wooden pegs, and thus i-er your beds with glowing cordons of Roses. Then j'our beds and borders, which will thus be (lothered with beauty through the season, be- }me roseless in the early winter, cut away bodily II the branches that bloomed the preceding year jid any small useless branches, and leave from N to a dozen of the longest branches of the pre- vear to down afresh for next year's combined system of aiwiual piiiMiuj anil poggino;, with an annual muli^hing (-1 Jn--.iirj llirown in where needed, will yiohl iihin and I ni I iT crops of Tea and Perpetual Roses than any other motliod of culture, inasmuch as it renews "the growth and augments the strength of the Roses every year.— D. T. F. Rose Grace Darling.- In the month of June this lovely Rose is indescribable. Its colour is a eieaiiiy white liase siilliised with peach, rose and lose the tresliness peeuliarto the earlier blossoms. .Just now under glass the lively rosy crimson tint which artificial heat seems to impart to this Rose shows to great advantage among the other occu pants of the forcing house. One could not wisl: for a more vigorous variety than this. It forms good stout wood, resembling the H.P.'s, but its hybrid Tea nature is very evident on closer in spection. Grace Darling is an ideal variety to plant near a 5-feet to 6-feet wall, and if sparingly pruned, protected from s|)ring frosts, and well ' it would quickly reach the top and be a mass of blossom during the greater part of the summer and autunni. SCOTCH ROSES. These lovely harbingers of summer will soon be unfolding their blossoms and filling the air with their sweet perfume. It is true their season of flowering, like that of the Penzance Briers, is very fleeting, but they are, nevertheless, very beautiful while they last. If afforded plenty of room, bushes of these Scotch Roses will in a few years attain a height of 5 feet and will measure as much through, forming a tine ball-like bush. When such bushes are studded all over with their charming little double white, pink, or rose-coloured blossoms they are very pretty objects. Very little improvement ap- ]iears to have been made with these Scotch Roses. Possibly they have been looked upon as too insignificant to need attempts at improving them, but I imagine if a rich double scarlet va- riety were produced, it would be in great demand, and rightly so, for some bright reds and crimsons to enhance the beauty of the white and pink shades are much needed. As these Scotch Roses seed so freely, there should be no difii- culty in hybridising them. Perhaps crossing them xvitli summer-blooming Roses would give some bright colours. Anyhow, I think it would be worth a trial. As I said before, they seed very freely and the seed germinates well if sown as soon as ripe, but three-fourths of the seed- lings will come single. These single varieties are very beautiful, much more so than many of tlie other single species and varieties in cultiva- tion, chiefly on account of the compact habit of the plant, which produces when in flower a gor- geous effect for the short time it remains in blossom. Doubtless these single varieties would be the best to liybridise, utilising such varieties for pollen parents as Hybrid Sweet Brier Anne of (oeistein, double scarlet Sweet Brier, Hybrid Clnuese Paul Ricaut, Gallica Ohl, Crimson Rambler, the new Polyantha Perle des Rouges and others. Surely some good bright colours would ensue from such cross- fertilisation. To show that these Scotch Roses are amenable to hybridisation, I might cite the variety Stanwell Perpetual, which is reputed to be a hybrid of the Scotch Rose fertilised wiRi some perpetual variety. The yellow Austrian Brier Harrisoni is almost a Scotch Rose in appearance both in flower, foliage and spines ; therefore this, together with the variety known Williams', supplies, perhaps, suflicient yellow colours. We have, therefore, yellow, pure white, flesh-pink, deep pink and rose colours, hich will produce a beautiful effect if massed 1 suitable positions. These Scotch Roses are ailniirably adapted for hedges, b.nlerin- poiels and lakes, the wildei-ness ganli 11, - IimiI.K i les, itc. In each and all of these ,, -n ih, v will thrive. The plants when .ae . . iilei Ihd are not readily er.ailieate.l. for llie\ li;ue a |.e,iiliar habit of re- proiluelii.n l.v ini.rei-ri.iu.il siiekeis, wliiel, will often siirpnsi e ,,l the ilislanre at wliieli Iliey appear from the p.aielit plant. I h.ave nevjr known Scotch Roses to be injured by frost. • )f course, with good cultivation, such as deep loam and manure, they will liocomc very tine will hard. CLIMBING TEA AND NOISETTE ROSES UNDER GLASS. It is not suriirising that these beautiful Roses ar much in demand for growing under glass hen we consider that the majority of our best yellow and orange-coloured varieties are to be found amongst them. There are various methods of cul- tivating and ti'aining them, but doubtless the major portion are trained upon the roof. Ths is a very good plan provided we have nothing gro wi ng oeneath . My plan is to procure what nurserymen term extra sized climbers with one-year-old rods, each ranging from 8 feet to 1"2 feet in length. The plants are usually in 8-inch pots, and if top- dressed they will not need repotting until after flowering. I place these plants upon a stage in a heated greenhouse as near the glass as practic- able, and bend down the long growths to within about 1 foot of the .stage. Supports of wire are run along the stage upon which to tie the rods, and, generally speaking, these rods will give a flower from every eye. Such varieties as Wm. Allen Richardson, Bouquet d'Or, Mme. Pierre Cochet, Lamarque, Reve d'Or, Mar^chal Niel, Belle Lyonnaise, Gloire de Dijon, Mme. Moreau, Climbing Perle des Jardins, and indeed all the ram- pant climbers answer admirably to this treatment andyieldquantitiesof useful blossoms. Afterflower- ing, these rods are pruned to a dormant eye near the base, and the plant placed in a vinery or greenhouse where a good heat and plenty of mois- ture are maintained. When growth? about 9 inches long are made, I repot the plants \ery carefully into 9-inch or 10-inch pots. After a short time, as soon as the young roots lay hold of the new soil, the growth will be ^ ery rapid. They are then trained on to the roof perpendicularly similar to a Vine and allowed to extend as far as they like. Towards autumn they are gradually hardened off, when they will be given a rest, and thus be ready to train again upon the wires when required to furnish another supply of beautiful blossoms. Such plants as these will last several years, but as they can be procured at such a trifling cost, they can be readily replaced if they show signs of wearing out. The advantage of this method of growing these climbers is so manifest, that I need not enlarge upon it, but would urge readers to give it a trial, and they will be surprised and delighted at the result. P. Rose Mme. Marie Lavallee. — Semi-double Roses are perhaps more efl'ective than the single varieties, being less transient. The above variety is certainly a very beautiful garden Rose. It has much of the bright lively rose colour of the old favourite Blairi No. '2 in the centre of the blossoms, but the petals are reflexed with white. The flowers are loose and irregular. As it is a climbing va- lictv, it is most etfeetive when well established on aso'uthor west wall. Rose Mme. Plantier (Hybrid Noi.sette).- A finer all-round white Rose is not to be found than the above. I ha\-e seen bushes and standards of this \ariety from twenty to thirty years old, and 378 THE GARDEN. [May 22, 1897. they were like huge snowballs when in full bloom. There is no Rose equal to it for planting in cemeteries. The only drawback is that, being a summer-flowering variety only, the grand effect produced is not verj' enduring. Nevertheless, it is a Rose that everyone shoukF j 0 5sess who has a garden, growing it i iili. r :is .i pyiamid, standard or bush. By very ^|l,ll,-ily |iiwiiing this variety an immense bush iiKu Im -^l,, , dily formed. Itcan be freely increased from luttmgs. Many market growers use it largely for pot work, and it -makes a most elegant plant when well cultivated under Hose The Meteor (H.T.). — It seems strange that an English-raised Rose should depend upon American growers for its popularity. But with us it is a failure outdoors, and I am not aware that it has been extensively tried under glass in this country, at any rate not in such immense num- bers as our American coufins grow it. It is a variety that requires much heat, never lower than (i5° at night, with .i pinpnrtinnate rise by day. This year I have hail -.>iim <|ilrii.lal 1 ilossoms grown under glass in a lnjli i^ n,|in ,)i me. There can be no doubt that, ,ui\ 'M iIm- iuIiI treatment, it is one of the very 1 lot ii'li n iin-.in-ciloured Roses we possess. Its Iciini i~ -> -j I, coming some- where between .\. K W i!li,in,~ and Le Havre. The flowers, of nood -i/, , aii.i each measuring from 4^ inches to ."i inches ni diameter, are jiroduced on stiff stems. 1 do not recommend this Rose for forcing with other Tea Roses, but would say give it a house all to itself where the requisite strong heat can be maintained, and it will cer- tainly supply a want often felt in large establish- ments in the winter and spring, viz., a fine rich crimson long-stemmed Rose. — P. SHORT NOTES^ROSES. Roses and Clematisee. — These fine flowers harmonise at all times. I desire to draw attentir.n to the grand effect produced when that fine old Eose La France is associated with the brilliant La France Clematis. In the one ease we have perhaps the finest all-round silvery pink Rose, and in the other the most richly-coloured violet-blue Clematis in exist- ence.^P. Rose Mme. Charles Crapelet (H.P.).— Beauty of form in a Rose will ever be highly prized, provided the colour is also brilliant and clear. The above variety is of most perfect imbricated form, large and full, and its colour is a beautiful rosy crim- son. It is a variety 'par eiicellence for exhibition, but, happily, it is not only an exhibition variety, for it can be highly recommended for its vigour of growth and also for its free-flowering qualities. Rose Amazone (Tea).— Our yellow Koses are not so plentiful, especially dwarf-growing varieties, that we can afford to overlook one if it should be at all meritorious. The above rather old variety can highly recommended for the garden, as it furnishei quantity of long rich lemon-yellow buds which are always useful. The expanded flower is perfect in form, but seldom double enough for exhibition; it is, however, now and then seen in a winning box. The growth of this variety somewhat resembles that of Maiie van Houtte. It is cqnallly good in standard form or as a bush on the Biier. It aUo grows freely from cuttings. Rose Anna Alex"eff (H.P.).— Thenewvari of Eoses are gradually crowding out (f culiivation many of the old favoarites of bygone days. Doubtlesi there are genuine acquisitions among the new Eoses but we should be slow to discard old favourites uuti we see good reason for so doing. Where is there to be found at the present time a finer Eofe of its colo for massiog than Anna Alexieff? I know of no among the H.P.'s to equal it in profusion of blosso True, the flowers are a little flat, but this is more tlan atoned for in the quantity produced. In colour it is a fresh rosy pink, the wood reddish and spiny. Rose Ma Capucine (Tea).— This is probably the most bemtiful of all tie fancy-coloured Tea Roses. Even Wm. Allen Richard- on is put into the shade when a well-grown bunch t f the lovely buds of Ma Capucine is exhibited. The colour is very difficult to describe, being bronzy yellow, shaded metallic red and orange scarlet. The growth, unfottunatfly, is v. ry rr oderate. There is no doubt the best coloured hu Is would be produced from standards if we could protect them through the winter, otherwise bushes trained on low walls would be best. This Rose is cultivated by a few market growers under glass, but not very extensively, partly owing, no doubt, to its moderate growth. Societies and Exhibitions. ROYAL NATIONAL TULIP SOCIETY. R0Y.\L BoT.iNlC, M.\Y 12 AND 13. The display of Tulips made by the Royal National Tulip Society would have been much better could it have been held, as was the case on two or three occasions, in connection with the Temple show of the R. H. S. The blooms generally were small, and had no doubt been assisted to expand by placing them in a high temperature. It was the very best exhibition which could be got together in such a season, but it was not one calculated to bring visitors into the raiik^ of ok.hiis of tin- flori.sts' varieties. The \eiy lino 'li-pliv of I'airot and other garden Tulips ih.mIo l.y Mo--i>. I'.air and Sons, which was on tlio othor sidi- of the corridor, overshadowed the more refined rectified and breeder flowers by their bulk, and proved a great attraction, especially the Parrot varieties. Still, it is to be hoped some may be attracted to grow the former, for they have been obtained at the expense of great patience, time and labour. The leading class for rectified Tulips was for twelve varieties, and of three exhibitors, the first prize went to Mr. C. W. Needham, Royton, Old- ham, and as this class included the best varieties shown, their names may be given. They were bizarre?, feathered, Masteri^ece and Henry Low ; flamed. Sir J. Paxton and Samuel Barlow; by- bloemens, feathered, Trip to Stockport and Adonis; flamed. Chancellor and Talisman ; roses, flamed, Mabel and Annie McGregor ; feathered, Mrs. Lea and .Julia Farnese. Mr. .J. W. Bentley, Stakehill, Castleton, Manchester, was second. Mr. Needham also had the best six (one feathered and one flamed) of each class. Of bizarres, he had John Hepworth (feathered) and Sir J. Paxton (flamed); bvbloemens. Trip to Stockport (feathered) and Talisman (flamed); roses, Mabel (feathered) and Annie McGregor (flamed). Mr. Bentley was again second. It will thus be seen that in the case of the two leading classes, flowers grown in the south, unless Cambridge can be so included, were very meagrely shown. There was a similar class for six varieties, but exhibitors in the preceding one could not compete in this. Here Mr. A. i). Hall, Wye, Kent, was first, with larger flowers than those from the north. Mr. H. E. Grey, of Cambridge, was second. The next class required three feathered Tulips, one of each section, and it is always an attractive class, feathered varieties being much less numerous than the flameil on.^. Mr. Bentley was placed first, having In/aiio William Annibal, bybloemen Elizabeth Peoo. ,11 h I rose Mrs. Lea. Mr. Needham came seconct, his varieties being quite different from the foregoing, having bizarre Masterpiece, bybloemen Adonis, and rose Modesty. Mr. Hall took the third jirize. Similarly, three flamed flowers were also called for, Mr. Hall coming first with bizarre Dr. Hardy, remarkably bright in colour ; bybloemen William Bentley, and rose Annie McGregor. Mr. Bentley was second with three difi'erent va- rieties, staging bizarre Sir J. Paxton, bybloemen Duchess of Sutherland, and rose Sarah Headley. From the foregoing classes two jiremier blooms had to be selected ; the premier feathered Tulip was Mr. Needham's Trip to Stockport, hand- somely feathered with reddish maroon, and the premier flamed flower was Mr. Bentley's Sir J. Paxton, a fine old constant flower that is generally selected for premier honours. Special prizes were offered in commemoration of Mr. Samuel Barlow, a former president of the society, for a pair of rectified Tulips, one feathered and one flamed. Mr. A. D. Hall was placed first 1 with bizarre feathered William Wilson, and flamed Sir.J. Paxton, both in good character for the season. Mr. J. W. Bentley came second. He had both bizarres, one. Masterpiece, feathered, and Sir .T. Paxton, flamed. Mr. A. Chater was third. Two classes were set apart for the self-coloured ' seedhng or breeder class, and they are always of' r a pleasing character. Mr. Needham was awarded i the first prize for six, having of bizarres Richard' J' Y'ates and Storer's Seedling; bybloemens, Duc'j d'Orleans and Camp's Seedling ; roses, Mabel and' i Annie McGregor, the last named beautifully' 1 bright in colour. Mr. Bentley came second. Mr. ' Needham had also the best three breeders, one of ' ■ each class, viz., bizarre Sulphur, bybloemen Adonis, and rose Annie McGregor. Mr. Grey came second with Prince Albert, bizarre ; Friar Tuck, bybloemen ; and Mabel, rose. The pre- mier breeder Tulip was rose Mabel, shown by Mr. Grey. Then came four classes for the collections o) Tulips, Mr. Bentley taking the first prize foi ninety blooms in thirty distinct named varieties, ' a thoroughly good lot in such a season. Mr. Need- ham was first with a collection of florists' Tulips, Me^-^rs. Barr and Sons for a similar collection, the -aiiie firm taking Mr. William Robin.son's .-ilvei medal for a collection of Tulips, species and \ arietics other than the florists' types. So great a space did this collection cover, that it was alsc awarded the gold medal of the Royal Botanic Society. Messrs. Veitch and Sons also had a bright group of Parrot and other varieties in thit class. Messrs. J. Laing and Sons had an attractive and well-arranged group of flowering and fine foliaged plants, and Mr. C. Turner, Slough, one o; Pelargoniums, Azaleas, Roses, &c., to both ol which awards were made. A Tulip conference was held during the after noon in the museum of the Royal Botanic Society Mr. John Wright in the chair, when papers lij Mr. J. W. Bentley on ' ' The History of the Tulip,'' by Mr. C. W. Needham on ' ' The Cultivation of tht Tulip," and by the Rev. F. D. Horner on ' Tht Hybridisation of Tulips and the Raising of Seed lings" were read, and interesting discussion; followed. There was a satisfactory attendance 0 those interested. Votes of thanks were passed ti the readers of the papers and a general wish wa; expressed that they could be published in imm phlet form. A full prize list will be found in our adveitise ment columns. ROYAL BOTANIC. M.^Y 19. This exhibition was again a very sniaU one, theshow only being saved from failure by the few good mis- cellaneous exhibits. A large group of finely grown Calceolarias was shown by Mr. John R. Box, West Wickbam and Croydon. The plants were very iiiiifoiin in size, with clean healthy foliage and III JO handsome flower tru.sses bearing quantities ot I Mormous and brilliantly coloured blooms. The range of colour was remarkable, and many of the tints were exceedingly beautiful. Mr. Odell, Hillingdon, staged a group of very pretty Canter- bury Bells, the plants being dwarf and very sym- metrical and bearing a profusion of flowers, gene- rally of excellent substance. A few of the best varieties were Virgo, a beautiful and shapely imre white ; Victoria, a good dark blue ; and Jubilee, a ^erj' charming pale lilac. Messrs. John Watercr and Sons, American Nurseries, Bagshot, were re- presented by a really excellent group of Rhodo- dendrons, all dwarf shrubby plants bearing in many cases splendid flower trusses. Among the many good and attractive varieties were Mrs. Wm. Agnew, a very free-flowering rose-pink ; Mar- chioness of Lansdowne, a deeper pink marked with maroon on the upper petals, a very hand- some variety ; Mrs. Holford, a striking floVfli vivid coral-pink ; Mme. Carvalho, a lovely whjiei lightly marked with green ; J. H. Agnew, a laiigel and handsome truss of pinkish-lilac bloomf marked with deep crimson ; and Gomer WatereT; a splendid blush-white, equally fine both in the individual bloom and in the truss. Mr. T. Ware, Hale Farm Nurseries, Tottenham, t I THE OAHDEN^. 379 interestiner Kroui) of double tuberous tron- and sturdy plant, brarin- bes I .■,„.! rnlnnrr.l ll.nvr,-. Tl.r follnv iithan, a showy a very prettily ■r ami Sons, t'u worr exceedingly "tine. We iioticec; s of Orange Beauty, Flambeau, anc: a pretty pink. .uiples of Turner's C'riniKuii Kandiltr, ier, Victor \'erdier, bearing huge and ims; Duke of Teck, Mme. Montet, ■ beautiful blooms : ant ['he Queen and-of Souvenir d'un .\nii. iii.iiilier of boxes of good cut blooms, tliu I ■\!iiihwere Niphetos, Souvenir d'un Ami II, il. Perhaps the finest exhibit in the show J I , 11 1 1 of fifteen plants of the new early f ore- ., ,iaiine Cardinal, shown by Messrs. T. -mill Son, Sawbridgeworth. The plants were II iiiliil specimens and bearing fine crops of I '.nth pyramids and standards were shown. i,,II,i\m'ii,/ nr« |ilaiits were shown by Mr. I'.iill. I 111 I- 1 : AiHuiia rotundifolia, Ficus M- \ 111 11 ,j,ii,i. A-| , uiiius Sprengeri, Davallia .11,1 inil liiaiMM:, Kux, Mr. Chas. Turner, '\.il Nurseries, Slough, sent a nice gnaip 1, I indica in great variety, all .sha|irl\ , I'liiiirably grown and trained, and llowi r ui 1 It profusion. A rich looking grouji n 11 I 'J leenliouse plants was starred by Mr, I if The Holme, Regent's Park. An effec I uiuund was made to the flowering plants I I 'alms and Dracaenas. The group also M 1 some verj' good Caladiums. ill ! and Co., Watford, had an interesting I ti, 1] al designs ; the colours were throughout 111-' and effective and the arrangement in I- ^ admirable. The best things were a V il w 1-eath of coloured leaves, the varieties ' iiiu' those of Crotons and Begonias, with iiiiN and sjiikes of Briza maxima ; a pretty I if Will. Allen Richardson, a bridal bou- 1,1, , iilnrly of white flowers, a handsome 1, iii|iut, ihieHy Cattleyas, and a spray of " I hiiadium, and a A'ery charming basket liw .Spanish Irises. Messrs. Kemp and MirtimerSt., W., sent a groug of Mig- 1 HI pots, very good, the plants bearing liiiiiilsome flower-spikes. A large misoel- - J I, Hip of garden produce was staged bj' K'lf, Regent's Park. Notable features ' I- anil French Beans in pots, pot Necta- iil Strawberries, a collection of Gloxinias I'lip of Orchids. nipettive classes there were scarcely liiliit irs. Mr. Cr.igg, gardener to Mr. Walker, Winchmire Hill, was awardel i colour twilvc Ori^hids, hii collection being good, yermil lilts shown were Oncidium concslor. O. jet bla National 'Viola Society.— The floral com- iiiillii iif llii- liiuly UK-t at the Roj-al Botani.- liinl.ii-. Ki-jiiit's' Park, W., on Wednesilay iM iiiipj 1,1-1. tii ail indicate upon new flowers sent til 111, 111 1,11 ilir |iiiriJose. The only variety wliiili Mas ilii 1,1 i|iii lit uf a first-class certificatr \mi- nanii il I'.ihIn nil. hi. This is a large circular Hium i tif mill 11 -iilisiame, and of neat and even form : i',.|,iiir -iil|iliiii vi'llow. The flowers were sent by Ml. W. P.axl.i', Wokiii.i;. Gardeners' Royal Benevolent Institution. Wu arc requested to state that the fifty-eighth anniversary festival dinner in aid of the funds of tliis institution will take place on Wednesday, May •_'(), at 6.30 for 7 p.m. (first day of the Temple at the Hotel Metropolc undrr thr lii.Hil, my of thcRt. Hon. Lord Roth- liiM, \- ,1 lirji 'jatliering is expected on tin- m ,:i-i,iii. thr siiirtary, Cieorge J. Ingram, ."in, I'm Ilihh m .Street, London, S.W., will be greatly i.l.h-. il it tliose friends who desire to be presrnt will inii mate their intention to him as early a > ]i,i-vilil.,. in order that the necessary arrangements may l.r made. The Temple show.— For the tenth time tin- Royal Horticultural Society will hold its ^iral annual flower show in the Inner Temple Gaidrns on May 26,27, and 28. There is sure to br a marvellous display, judging from the \ery laij, number of entries which have been reeeivnl IP great pressure upon the society's lis 1,11 rri I i Urates cannot be entered iin ilir 111 iir.; ,if thr >liow. The judges will mill in ihr .-rrirtaivs trnt at 10.30 a.m.; the fruit, lluial, and Orchid committees will assemble at 11 a.m., and the show will open to the public at 12.30 p.m. An interesting feature of the catalogue will be an article on the " Royal Hort cultural Society " from the pen of the })residen Sir Trevor Lawrence, Bart. Notes of the Week. Myosotis alpestris ftueen 'Victoria. — Some beds that are filled with this beautiful kiml .il (Jnnnerbury House now present a vn \ ilimnnn- appearance, the dense masses of sky Mn, ll,,\\, r- on tufts about 6 inches high and as iniirli tlir,iii,.^li producing a very pretty effect. Two late Tulips. — Among late yellow-flower- ing Tuliiis that even now are scarcely at their best. Golden Eagle and Parisian Yellow are worth noting. The latter is especially late and, as seen at Kew on the loth inst., not fully grown, while two masses of T. fulgens were in full bloom. Tulipa Kolpakowskiana floMl- llr.- flrrh- in } series . 1 is, ]irrha colon ■ed ( f all the s ling the rare kind is now ( 'liester nur- illiar hown were Oncidium concalor, O. . '- llianum, 0. gloriosum, Cattleya Skinneri, I 'longlossum hastatum, O. crispum, 0. hasti- 1 black. Thesperi, Chrysanthemum ..iiitifnl hardy white Primula scotica.- Tlimnjli mi, ui ilir best known species and of the snii|,l,-i i, ,|iiirrinents, it is only rarely the plant is,_!i,i»ii In ly in the rock garden, where it is nuu in iK.un. liy rais- ing seedlings freely and planting these in gritty soil 1 inch or 2 inches apart a very pretty effect is secured, and in like manner P, farinosa, P. ficindiisa and P. Forbesi may be treated with suc- Anemone narcissiflora is one of the best of Ilir iKvaif white Windflowers for the front row of Ilir 1,1, 111,,,-. Thr plan! «lir„ raisnl fmm seed |,ir-,nt- liiil liltlr , hill, lilts- t,i 111., iiillivator. ■|',„i tir,|llrnl|v, ll,i«rN.t. llir |,|aMl 1- r.illrrtcdin II. nam,, haiinlsanil turn nitlil..~-ly timii, the soil with I ait few roots, and in this way man3- perish. The plant is worth establishing, as a fine clump in the border is quite distinct in spring. Anemone palmata.— A very charming tuft of this distinct Windflower is now in blossom in the Kew rock garden. The rich golden yellow flowers of this species render it among the most beautiful of true alpine plants. It is a tuberous- 1 noted plant and prefers when growing a soil that Is deep, rich, and fairly moist. There is also a «1 lite variety somewhat rare in cultivation. The lypr atlaiiis til abimt a foot high, but occasionally iinilrr , \,i |ii iiinal conditions and near the sea- 1,1,1-1 ii~ llnwri hrads will attain to nearly twice Bambusa Metake.— One rarely sees any of Ihr lianly Bamboos in anything like perfection, SI 1 that it gave us all the greater pleasure the other day wlirii visiting ( Innnersbury House to note a 'ji.jmili,. .|iri.iinrii iif tins line hardy species close 1.1 I 11.. u.iirr- ,.i|.j,. Ill tin. rarden. The example ill ,|iir.ti,iii «.i- |,l.uu,..l maiiv .years ago from a li inch ijut, by Ml. Jluikson. the specimen is now some U feet high and 20 feet in diameter, and in the best of 'nealth and vigour. It is a really noble example of one of the best Bamboos for a British garden. Lychnis Lag'ascse is a very charming alpine, with numerous blossoms of a rosy pink hue, that produce a very pretty effect in the rock garden. By sowing good seeds at once, and growing on the seedlings without any check in gritty loam of good quality, fine plants would be obtained a year hence. This pretty plant and L. pyrenaica,. a pinr wliitr. an- r.|iirially Well suitcd to this Dianthus glacia 1 J Glacier Pink. .\ r four blossoms in tl older plants do not Seedlings, however, atest ease in almost wril drained. Miiialjle pigmy is lain uith some three garden at Kew was recently in flower. Blossoms and all, the whole is not more than half an inch high. These dwarfer alpine Pinks, such as negleetus, alpinus, and the above, deserve to be freely grown from seed, as by this means a dozen or more may be planted together in very sandy or gritty soil in the rock garden. On le\ el ground, where slugs are not troublrMime, alpinus and negleetus may be most sucirs. fully riiltisated, and will flower even more freely than in t'r- rock garden. Oxalis enneaphylla. — At Kew at the present liinr I In- little-known plant adorns the rock gar- i|, n \Mili its snow-white blossoms, and, again, pot plant- III the alpine house are all flowering freely. Suiae idea of the beauty of the plant may be gathered when it i- kiown the blossoms are as 380 THE GARDEN. [May 22, 1897 large as the largest flowers of Arenaria montana, and pure white, with very compact foliage of a greyish, glaucous hue. It is not in any sense weedy, as so many of this genus are, but a plant of real worth and beauty, that should be freely grown ifhen sufficiently plentiful. It is a native of the Falkland Islands, and was introduced in 1876. Viola odorata sulphurea.— I enclose some blooms of a Violet which I obtained from Orleans after having seen it mentioned in The Garden. It is called V. odorata sulphurea, and is, I think, distinct enough to be interesting. The flower when it comes out is almost white, deepening gradually till it goes off'. I have a panful of seed- lings from it. It seems to bloom very freely, having flowered at Christmas and again now. I have two small |>l,ints of it. — M. V. Charrinuton, 77lt W.nnu. /i.r.r. K,,ll. *,* l;.tlri How, IS than we have before seen of thiscunous j.laiit. Ed. Viola pedata bicolor.— Among the dwarfer subjects for moist positions in the rock garden this is an extremely pretty plant, deserving of every encouragement. The one or two varieties of this section would make a pleasing mi.xture in their season of flowering by planting all together in a small colony in a soil of loam, peat and leaves in equal parts with a free addition of sand also. In a position where the soil is continually cool and fairly moist, the ])lants are always the most vigorous, taking care to ti.x them very firmly at the collar when planting. This rare plant is flowering freely in Messrs. Dicksons' Chester nurseries. Cassiope fastigiata.— This very pretty shrub is among the most difficult of hardy plants, both to flower or cultivate with anj' sort of success, and doubtless many who have grown the plant will have had some such experience. The finest examples we have seen were growing in a shady peat bed where Cypripedium spectabile was largely grown. The bed in question was so formed that a portion was comparati\ely dry, while that for Cypripedium and Trillium was moist. In this cool peat bed the Cassiope grew and flourished at the side of one of the stepping- stones, and was litiu more content than we before remcnil"!. -In-i imjw a little bush some 6 inches^ high al Ivu 1- In aring many of its showy bell- shaped lll.lvv, ,1,,,, Hynienocallis macrostephana. — Equally chaste and pure in the sncnvv whiteness of the blossoms individually, tlie abi the best forms of tlie Pancratium both in the stance of the perianth segments as also in the larger and more substantial corona. This Hy menocallis is largely grown at Gunnersbury House by Mr. Hudson, and, treated in the same way as the best forms of Pancratium, also in the structure, is found very serviceable. At the last meeting of the Royal Horticultural Society Mr, Hudson exhibited a very chaste arrangement mainly of the above. From a cut-flower point of view this species is, perhaps, the most worthy of the genus, and owing to its long tube may be conveniently arranged with other flowers. The blossoms, which are beautfully scented, an duced six or eight in an umbel on stout stems each 2 feet high Cypripedium inacrantlium.— Of the hardy members of this genus this is perhaps the best and most remarkable. (Generally speaking, how- ever, it is by no means an easj' plant to cultivate up to the flowering point, or even to keep alive. Under these circumstances, therefore, it is grati- fying to see a well-grown and thoroughl3--esta- blished plant flowering at Kew. The example in question is now floweringin the show hun^e .if tin- hardy plant department and is growing in a .'i ineh pot in peaty soil with good drainage, 'i'lie plant has been confined to this pot for some four or rive years, and for two years previous to 1897 has regu- larly had two handsome richly-coloured blossoms. This year the plant has three of its fine flowers, besides a younger growth that is not flowering. Judging, therefore, by the progress of the plant. har as well as the time it has been in its present pot, the secret of successful culture in this species at least is simply letting it alone. Too frequently the small scraps received from importations of this kind fail to make a fresh root the year following, and where this is so the plants perish. Campanula persicifolia alba grandiflora. Some very fine plants of this are now in bloom in the No. 4 greenhouse at Kew, the plants having been brought into flower in a railiei' warm ^rien house, though by no means umlnly f.ii.eil. Tlii- iety will become a most useful put plani luilie private gardener who has to jirovidia lari;e supply of decorative material either for cutting or for fur- ing. It may not be generally known, perhaps, that all the varieties of the Peach-leaved Cam- panula may be gently forced with impunity, es- pecially if established plants are available. In this way, and if syringed freely and grown in a moist greenhouse, the plants do not suffer from the attacks of thrips. Growing 2 feet to .S feet high, with neat stems and foliage and blossoms of the purest white, these plants create a fine eff'ect in any group of greenhouse plants. Another variety, C. p. coronata alba, is particularly good for this work, the large white cup-and-saucer- formed flowers on stems 2} feet high being very pretty. Grown in good garden soil and potted in September, the plants give but little trouble to the cultivator and will more than repay the of the experiment. Lathyrus splendens. — Lo\ers of plants will probably at first sight reganl tllisa^ the variety of L. latifolius bearing tin alM,\' name, but such, however, is not the ease, a^ tie plant named is a new and distinct memljei of tlji perennial Pea family that is now beautifully ii flower at Kew, and where also for some consider able time a large plant has given freely of its richly coloured blossoms. The precise shade of colour is somewhat difficult to define, the outer edges being of a scarlet hue and the centre a shade of very dark crimson, bordering on crimson-lake. The plant is extremely free-flowering, and in its Californian home is known as the Pride of Call fornia. In the habit of growth, however, the spe cies is very distinct by reason of its obviously sub shrubby character, the present flowers having been produced on the old wood, which in the Kew specimen forms an almost impenetrable overhead mass, the brilliant and striking sprays of ' " appearing in all directions. The radical growth of the plant bears no resemblance to that of any Lathyrus we know, as in the soft, round and pliant shoots we see almost a repetition of the young shoots of Jasminum officinale. In the small lea\ cs and tendrils it more closely resembles the everlast - ing hardy perennial Pea. Judging by the plant iit Kew, it is not difficult to cultivate, and, at least in its native home, seeds freely. The only unfor- tunate item with respect to this brilliant climber is that it does not, so far as the Kew trials have gone, appear to be hardy. In more favoured localities it may be otherwise, while in a cool house it would prove invaluable for cutting. e averaging 11 hours a day. The first I to flower in my garden has been Rosa plmpin folia, which came into bloom on the ISth ins E. M., Berk-hamMed. Severe frost in May. — On the night of 12th inst. occurred a severe frost that haswrot irreparable mischief in this part of the Tha valley district (Hampton). Potatoes the ground. Many Chrysanthemums that \ in boxes and had been fully exfjosed to the - piercing winds of the previous days were piciof against some 8° or 9° of frost on the n named, and in the result some hundreds blackened and spoiled. It is very curious, tO( note the combined eff'ect of this wind-frost some varieties of Chrysanthemums. At Kew effect of the frost on some of the dwarf flo ing shrubs is very serious, particularly thoe Azalea opposite the Palm house, wliich" are q ruined. The plants in these beds are dwarf, more than 18 inches or 20 inches high in n instances, and doubtless the close proxii "' the grass would in a measure account for.' plete a wreck of this beautiful array of V. The spring has been so far a one for cold days and frosty nights, though we had many sharp" late fi little damage had been done to the Potato crops. However, the hopes raised piixiiiu- e^eape fiuin iujury were shatte; nioinni.; ■.! ih, i:!th, when our thermoi ,11.- I'utatoes cut to the ground, but Strawl llouers that were open are a]ppaiv ['■irtunatelj-, runner and other tin not above ground — at least, not in i would have shared the same fate unless prote' Asparagus escaped unhurt. — W. S., Wills. Cold weather in France.— Mr. Cannon, writing to us from Les 'Vaux, says : " Here, after being deluged first in early winter, then in April, we are now getting frozen, 4'' centigrade. This, with bright sun, has in this district destroyed the ])rospeets of the Vine, injured the Oak copse, and done a deal of harm in the nurseries, especially to the tender shoots of Firs, shrubs, &c." Th.e weather in 'West Herts.— Since the last report appeared a considerable rise in tem- Derature has taken place during the daytime, but ilu- nights still remain somewhat cold. Conse- ■ piently the range in shade temperature has been ere-at — amounting on several days to 24°. On the IHtli the highest reading was 08°. On four suc- cessive nights ( 1 1th to 14th) the exposed thermo- meter showed from 4° to 5° of frost. At 2 feet deep the soil is now about 1° above, and at 1 foot deep 3° above the May average. The last three days have been very sunn_y, the record of bright sun- Double white Daffodil failing.— I bemnel, oMi.n.d if snme reader w.iuld kindl form me what .-au.ses llie bn.ls ,,f tlie double' Narcissus t.. « ith.a awav and only a few to into bloom.— M. E. P. Lawn sand.— This is useful to apply tOiH lawns, especially where Daisies and PlM are in patches. Of course, it leaves baisB i for a time, but the grass grows stronger i wards, and it is not so expensive as diggin|l weeds out. The misfortune is the deeper* weeds, such as Dandelions and Plantains, to get out without leaving enough root to again. Anyone with a weedy lawn and a for better things might try a shilling tin mentally. Printed instructions accompany panel, .'ind riearlv all seedsmen stock it I The Market Gardeners' Bill.— The 8 iiii; Committee on Trade met on Monday to sider the Market Gardeners' Compensation ( land) Bill. Mr. John Ellis occupied the i The object of the Bill is to extend to hol( which are used as market gardens the provi of the Agricultural Holdings (Scotland)/ as to tenants' improvements. The only in ment of consequence was in the form o£ i clause, moved by the Lord Advocate, J following effect:— "Any compensation |8 under this Act shall, as regards land b her Majesty the Queen , her heirs, and in right of the Crown, be paid in the and out of the same funds as if it were payal '» respect of an improvement mentioned in tht >' part of the first schedule to the princip il -^i' ^' cept that compensation for planting .Straw ly plants and Rhubarb, and other vegetable V^ shall be paid in the same manner and out n lie same funds as if it were payable in respect of provement mentioned in the third part of th. schedule." The amendment was agreed '■" the Bill, as amended, was ordered to be' to the House. Names of plants.- ('. M. Minjnr.-VnTkiS Geranium pbseum ; rose flower, Geraniam maci'fl zum. Other De.tt week. R. C. Coode.—l'>f tatarica. J. B(iter.-Ro3a Iffivigata (the Chij Kcse). THE O^I^IDEZSr. 1332— Vol. LL] [MAY 29, 1897. nd Fruit :- (ic.iiii .•.i.'.ini-ii , :n,n™,ge.ml 3S2 c;,'"''i,''"!;''i'„'I l.urin .. SS3 I,';'':,",',' ■ ■■■■' ■ 1 Winter Pom- S.S1 >i\ — 1-1 ,|.i, ..1 I'^uunui tuuuifc.lia on Willie water- 3S1 l{.«.i h^vigata l,.r,lyfrait .. 3S3 382 Tulips, late .. Wistiiria siuen-sis mla glomenita si>c- mecon rigidum . .. nHowelli (Illustrations in Italics.') wy, Tuftod, Max Kulb .. 3ss isioa, Tufted, in the llowor nts for siuglo beds .. .. 38s liiniRhodiola 38s Deudrubium l.inawianum .. 3HCi House, the flowering . . . . 31«i Odontoglossum nebulusuni 38'.' Odontoglossu ucc Stansteud Park , early tu Uingleador.. .. tt> Snowdrop . . . . Garden Flora :— Leptospei-mum sci grandifioruni Week's lirork :— Stove and Greentaouse: ' Park and Woodland Collar, the, in North Africa Trees and Shrubs:— Wistaria, tho Ferns :— Fern», Southern Califol I'tcris Wimsetti .. . Societies :— H. U.S. Temple show . Hoval (•aled..Tii;in Hor Obituary :— Gibson, Mr, . .SaiU. Mr. Jol: Erig. M.ajoiu;i, a Onion bed, ; Herts )RCHARD AND FRUIT GARDEN. W ATERING WALL FRUIT TREES. iiK WL'uthi'r fur tlie wiai few weeks has been Hell in abundance since tho opening of the II 111- until within the last few weeks, it is tonisliing how quickly it has been absorbed. trictly speaking, the land has not had such a uistL-ning for the past three years, and al- inii;,'li this is so, there is again unmistakable oof that more rain is again needed, which I'lHs that the subsoil having been in such a y state, all superfluous moisture has dis- i]" :iM'(l some time since. I noticed when u :i plot of ground dug quite recently how had become in a comparatively short I 'f time, and the same dry condition of ■ il is also manifest in the fields, as in my instances the land is beginning to con- "I ind crack open. Should rain fall shortly li.iiiii will result, but if the dry weather III limes we .shall find ourselves in much the "II ■ nmdition as in the corresponding period 1 1st year, and much artificial watering will ' iM ti. be done. In gardens mulching counter- ts and arrests this undue drying of the 'il. liut even with this protection I have cu compelled to water pretty extensively .luiuly. Many other gardeners are no doubt milarly situated, and my object in penning ' < note is to draw attention to and put others the alert, so that they may not be deceived appearances, and think because the rainfall iring the past winter has been an abundant 16 that watering will not be necessary for me time to come. Although I draw atten- m to the matter, I do not wish it to be under- ood that I advise promiscuous watering, for ch is not my intention, because in many parts the country where climatic conditions differ jorh what are experienced here, no doubt it i.s not yet necessary, and no one would think of advising watering while the soil already con- tains sufficient moisture for the needs of the trees growing in it. The proper manner to ascertain when water- obtain .saiiiplu.s o£ uial ascertain the cuiiditiun of the soil composing the borders. This, I contend, is a much more preferable mode than working in tlie dark, as it were, or in a haphazard fashion, and water is then applied only when needed. That water is necessary for the well-being of wall fruit trees, and those out in the open garden as well for the matter of that, all fruit growers know full well. If once the borders are allowed to become dry, not only is growth checked, but the swelling of the fruit is also arrested. In some instances it causes a wholesale dropping, especially in the case of stone fruits, and even if this does not occur, they seldom swell to their full size afterwards once they have experienced a check in their de- velopment. It is therefore most essential that fruit trees be kept moist at the roots, particu- larly from the time tlir tivcs th.u.-r, .iml tlic young fruits begin to swell ;iiiil miw.irils. ;inil if the rainfall is not i|intc siilliiiint ii. iiisnir this, then water sliould 1,,. siipiilid Ijy artilici.il means. Artificial watering, I am fully aware, entails a great deal of labour in many cases, and no doubt deters many from undertaking it un- less absolutely compelled to. This will be the case where the water supply is totally inadequate for the demands made upon it, and the water-cart or barrel has to be used to bring water perhaps from a distance. I know full well what all this means, and have felt the evil effects of a poor supply of water in its fullest sense until within the last few years. I then took the matter in hand, and now have water in all the most im- portant spots in-, the garden, and it is only during a season of exceptional drought such as was the case last year that water carting has to be done. I think it will be granted on all hands that where a collection of wall fruit trees is grown worthy of the name they rire .-ilso worthy of attention in thi^ iliivition' ;.nil u.iler for their needs slioiilil lir sii|i|.liii| I liiMii it it is to be had at all withm .i reasoniil,!,- ilistanee, as it is time and money well spent. Tlie soil in which fruit trees are growing out in the open garden, I find, is not in nearly such a dry state ; in fact, trees, with the exception of newly-planted ones, will take no harm for another few weeks. But on the "tester" giving signs that the soil has become too dry for their well-being, these will be watered akso, and a mulch of long litter placed over the soil after- wards to prevent it drying out too quickly. In all cases the preliminary operation of loosening the surface soil with a fork should have atten- tion before applying water, when the surface has become hard and impervious, and then the water will be absorbed and carried down to the roots instead of running off and being wasted. A. W. Apple Old or Winter Pearmain.— I have growing in a grass jiailiioek .a vtamlanl tree of this old and highlv-esteennil .\|i|ili', wliieh seldom fails to bear, liut it must be admitted that the wei'jljl of fruit pioiliieeil is not such as to enable nil to iiiiliiiii ]| among late-keeping kinds. Sui li I- my i\|.. 1 i.iiee of this fine old Apple. (llheiwise I lia\e nothing but praise to bestow upon it, for, in addition to its good keeping quali- ties, it possesses a very rich flavour, which renders it a good kind for the dessert. Its cooking quali- ties are also all that enn be desired, and but little sugar is niiiiinil lo -w.i i. n the pulp. I have seen ma;jii]|iiriii limi- oi 1 1 1 1 -. variety staged at exhibitiun.-. anil la^i -la-on i hose gathered from the above uee weie linei lliau I have ever h.ad them before, which was no doubt owing to the fine weather experienced during the summer and early part of autumn. As it grows with me it is a little too shy for market, but one or two trees should be included when forming a private collec- tion of Apples, if only for its value as a good late cooking and dessert variety. — A. W. Peach notes.— In reply to "K.'s"query in a recent issue of Thf. Oarpex, wherein he asks THE GAPvDFA^. [Mat 29, 1897. for advice as to the selection of a variety of Peach that will answer his requirements, I would strongly recommeml liiui tn plaiil cKliur l>r. TIihji^ or Dymond. I c^di ^I icur/lv rc-oniiin-iMl Imlli^i- being excellent \jii.'iir, m ,\,i\ i'-|»it. mmK the latter-named i- :i liiilr h.i.T ii,:,i, il,.' In,,,,.,', which pei'liiips ■■ K," m.'n .ilij.cl I,.. In ilni cn-i Ithink 1h- « d lind l>,'. 11,, 'J- I,, Ml .,,1 u.ll in thehoUM, iIkiI Ii.' m. nli,.n-, an, I 1 lliink !,,• H,,,d,| findite.-iily .■nnii,jli f,.r ih, w,„„l I,, ri|i, n n, il,, short summer season (_-\|jri iinr,,l m Si, r,'t(i- burg. Both the above \;iii,l i,- ,',,iii,' m|,i,,|Ii, requirements " K." stipiilii.-., a~ 1 1,, \ ;ii , Ilh ,l\ . vigorous growers, free crci|i|nr-<, I lir fniil^ attain a large size, the quality and tlavour aie good, while both lay on a deep colour. I am not ac- quainted with the Early or Yellow Crawford Peach named. With respect to Early Silver, I do not grow it Viut have heard it well spoken of as a good earlj kind Is it not a mist ike on the \ lit of K to attich the piefix 'Vmeiicin to tin Woull K ku ih tacMhit hrtcien etheiei between Roy il deoige and the \aiietj he quotes under the name of Madelame Rouge de Courson —A \\ I 1\ St Peteisbuig -Bill ha\e n I I I I ting i good midseason Peach III 1 l^e the cieam of the Peache l tl 1 Mx le t i « nil be Noblesse oi I I I t I 1 I t Royxl George tl III I I IS K note I I I I I I good coiistitutioi i 1 1 L I termed Old Noblesse is good Ihis is i lii^ P ach richly flxvoured hindsome ind the ttee of good constituti n Its onl\ dia-nbicl is th it a times it is 1 ] t t 1 1 \\ on open vi alls Dymond the 1 1 iied is equally laige indeed 1 I I i h coloui It is one f the hiiil I 1 lown tie \ti 1 1 f f ttth in 1 11 I tic ag If II II IS Another \eiv fant I I ( I le much similar to I)\i I „ tl I t in te olir„e Bin i SI len 1 II 1 t I I II the tie I I M I III I Bairn t I I i 1 I I 1 I laige \ II II I I I II I I I 1 tr \\ S APPLE BLENHEIM OR -VW E 4M) ITS \ IRIETIES This highly esteemed Apple is so widely known that I will not attempt to add anything to what has alieady been wiitten in its piaise and will therefoie content myself with drawing attention to the fact that theie aie two othei varieties of it in existence. They are no doubt Siedlings, and. T strnnnlysiisprrt. linvp liren raised from pips -M\ , ,1 fr,,in t li, 1 \ | ,i,:,l I '.I, nli.iiii Orange as raiseil at \\ ,„„l-i,„'L - ,in\ \ , ai ~ a--,,. Many of these ti,r>. I,, iu,|,j,, l,v tliin a i ,, „;, raiice. Blenheim is not so attractive, but the Yellow or Worcester Blenheim Orange is, in my opinion, I contemplating 1 ttiinly propagate ■ss, as the weight i\avs command a the yellow kind and near to growing in precisely the sai produce fruits exactly the variety. are two other trees, : kind of soil, which me as the ordinaiy A. W. Manks Codlin Apple — I see that Mi T 1 1] le lecommtnds foi e ill est u n tit 1 t hti 1 1 Id Keswick C II 1 f I lei I hue not I I 1 ngly leoommen I I Ml rather hard picking is essential. Royal Soveri will have another trial ; size and quality are i good, but in common with other growers I had fniiiid tl strong tendency to miWew. — E. B. C. Peach forcing.— I am obliged to M. rx-r, 8t. Petersburg, for his reference t (p. 330), and regret having delayed replyir his question. He asks if during the stoniil Peaches he should svringe the trees. By all i do so and thorouo-hlV. as there tire serious : , .11, but 1 uucd sL:arculy add it .^luuld when the sun is declining somewhat and the morning, say from 6 to 8, that is my tld ay before the sun gets hot to scorch the f^ :'ou may eortainly shut the house up with 'It ■ tint i in essential part of Peach II I 1 Cites a healthy gi wtl 1 I I I 1 f 11 t Ii tl I II 1 r 111 rt 1 o t I Le IS limited xy the better foi grow it IS its slow g U t Ui 11 1 1 Ml Loliii « Id le n slection — I C Tiiluk The ibo\e \pple with me in i light so I ts nndlv ibout e\eiy othei jeai This I it it nixv be classed as one of the best and eful of the Codlm varieties Last year I I \ hea\y croji This yeai theie is \er's 111 11 lee 1 sp piillp ltl\ I It I I \ei till 1 I e If \ 1 nils UtI I I notiLU Loitl (Tios%enoi md the Keswi I ( II hx\e the same failing I admit Lord ( in most seasons ^1 iiefiuit in 1 t I | grandly If tl 1 ] 1 I | may be done i II I I \l 1 I the Keswick 1 I I and when grow II I \| | I t gardens where s| ite i 1 m te 1 Itseiilii t s com pact giowth and good cooking qualities make it a special fa\ oui ite — ( i Vi S Strawberry notes.— In the recent notes that have appeared on the best Strawberries for forcing, it is interesting to read that many growers hold fast by La (Irosse Sucrfe as a M\NURIls(, OUTSIDE \INF BORDERS! \\ HEN outside boi dei s ha\ e been m ide se^g years and are partly exhausted it is feed the roots fiom the suiface if good lesulti w lei foi Some growers prefei to supph wh"' timulants aie lequired in the shape of 1 nimuie when top dressing the lordeii I in the autumn or sping months This which iltho i„h I ite ii d excellent 1 cannot be used in all seasons alike oi wet season foi instance when iitihciil IS uni ete i > foi outs 1 I idei 1 1 t f tie boi lei while i iin s f llmg I I l\ dissolved and wished in and it onS I es av ail ible as a plant food Manj mys J 1 I 1 prefer to apply stimulants in this T It in small doses and at two or thn times according to the conditionj stao-es of development at whit' < 1 1 1 1 p1 My own practice iemo\ 1 mg of long sti iw he house I 1 t itecl and apply I of an .11 1 III, lal iiiaiiiiiL at the late of 2 Ih-,, j square yard. This is lightly forked in tiiid t border covered again. The next application given after the (Jrapes have set, and the final o after the berries have fini.shed stoning, this tii and also in the last-iu.aili :'d iiis(.an,,> tit t rate of 1 lb. prr -,|Ua|,' xanl ,,r 1 1,T Mllftli As the first dlX—iliJ ■Jin.lallv lak,- pla,,. ttll in the season, ili,' -,ii ta,,. .,t 1 1.,> l„,i,l.i is sui: fruits arc ruiiiarktiljU htvu y. WiUi mo it ■jr.iu- larger than eitlier of the two other varid i,-, ili, tree being a short standard on the Crtil, -i,,, L and growing in the strong red loam of tli, ,l\- rict. 1 have never noticed either of the olhti wo varieties mentioned exhibited. The Greer the ripen buidii ia tui,,,idtial.l\ rtduttd, and about tij middle of May a further reduction takes plai^ T I\[ay -20, KS97 J it only sufficient remains to form a mulch. rouKli this tlie liiys of the sun have free play i tlio hordor liccnini-s wanned down to the una^i'. I linil I Ih- cinanl il irs i|uoted ample to 3p the \'incs in r.iliu^i hi.iltli and to enable der consirlc psent dav [ich, nnfuil nd wlii i-ite is the case it is far sa III- irivun above than to a] 1st to chance as to the result-^ not. I have a m.innic -in !■ Vine borders here win. li i , potash and anunuma, ;ii '_: llir ipiaiitities of the ini;i( \ nM ~ -it a change of food, li III iliiir requirements, am nil nt- III which the soil is det A. W . Strawberry Keens' Seedling.— I was very ,1-1 li ti. nad the various notes on the quality . \li. \\\iiii-' Keens' Seedling Strawberries ex- iitril In inn. i.TCntly at the Drill Hall. Evi- intly \ir. W ytlies is one who does not believe in I ranlnn.; ,iny fruit or vegetable merely because !- niii. I formerly thought there was only one mty of this oli Strawberry, but after seeing >l ili-ndid fruit grown some yeai's ago by Mr. HI at Sundridge Park I altered my opinion. No 111 it culture has much to do with size and nil al appearance, but the Sundridge fruit was ; niinii Hner in every respect than any I had pre- I nxture it is not good for travelling long dis- It is of excellent flavour, which 1 consider istinct from that of all others. For pre- it is still hard to beat.— J. C. .\-i Mill' wliii favonis this tine old standard I liaM- aiua\- taiun special interest in Ir. W villi- iii- li.ini- «iil, it and "A. D." liii- lia\n -:i)ii 111 11- laMiiir from time to ^g fur ([uality, (juantity and certainty of crop. }l sorts of theories have been advanced as to le speedy wearing out or serious decadence of pieties. When I was a lad, whispers were |ard of the decline of such Strawberries as the j'ove End Scarlet and even Keens' Seedling, but believe nearly all the old strains of scarlet rawberries are still with us under new names. 1). T. F. "A. D." (p. .346) sends an interesting te concerning Keens' Seedling Strawberry, and uust admit lii- cnniliisions are correct. As re- 4in\\ ill J till iMiilit, Keens' Seedling is no- lere cniiipaie I Willi I III- newer Royal Sovereign. io not say tin- latlir is superior as regards our, Ijut growers who need quantity cannot risider this. "A. D." does not touch upon ices obtained for Strawberries now and twenty thirty j'earsago. At that time Keens' was a luable varietv, Inii it larks w ni<_'lii In tlm -nl. therecentlv'iniiivlnieil kiml-. I t.-ai mix ti u etlling mu.-l. spa ahties. I am av ices go, but tliiT ormiilable nom| private gardei 9 grower (but 11- a good sample sells is not enough of it to i itnr with the kind.s i where sales do not nfortunately these ar THE (!.\TJDEX. 383 Keens', if a true stock, is much liked. Wliat ; splondiil preserve this variety makes!— S. H. Peach Violette Hative. - A f.w viais a^ji rnk 1 .Inly coeds o(|iiaUy as well as under glass, the fruits arc ready for gathering with me about the first week in September. A. W. Orchard Pears. T.. ji I -al i-Ta. Im \ ,-tandard i.lnlialil lines, ili- 1 lii I I - p' ■ ■ i ' ! ik. lliestocks -1 kllirnfa riikn-l pal . nl I M' ' areafeW lai a- the liiiit is concerned -that are excep- iiiinalK III all In and robust. One of these is the iikl W iihI-iii. \\liich thrives even in strong clay -ml-. Ill-Mr seems to canker, crops amazingly, and remains in perfect health apparently for a century. I meet witli huge trees of this variety occasionally in Surrey. But a few^ days since I saw a wonderful tree of the Green Chisel variety' some 70 feet in height and reputed the tallest in the county. It is a noble tree and ofttimes carries 60 bushels of fruit. This tree, again, is in perfect health. Very strong old trees of the Swan's Egg are also sometimes met with, so also are others of the Autumn Bergamot, whilst the Hessle is a wonderfully healthy Pear, without being unduly robust. All these are great and almost constant croppers, and as they possess such rude health and stamina, seedlings should make the best of stocks on which to work less robust, but far superior fruiting varieties of Pears. -A. HARDY FRUIT GARDEN. One of the principal matters requiring attention in this department at the present time will be combating insect foes, which appear to be rather prevalent. According to accounts one lieais. Apples and Pears appear to be rather badly Ini. The maggot of the Apple blossom weevil i- imae numerous than usual, and although link m iiniliin-j eaii lie done with regard tn meliaiil in.-. 1 li.i-i- 111 ijanl. lis grown in bush or p\ i iiniikil Im m i-.iii li.- Iiaii.l |. inked. If taken in inn. ik.- k.-i pait ..fill.- i-iopcan be saved, Imi it all.iwn.l i,i gain headway the young fruits become so nuuh eaten bj' the grubs that they shrivel up and drop. Unfortunately, insecticides are of no avail for this pest, but trees affected with the caterpillar of the winter moth, which feeds on the foliage, can be quickly subdued in this way, and no time should be lost in applving remedies once the fruits are set. I am snn-y to note that s„,„e few TVnrs are giving nnnil-likakk- -i-n- nf .-. ml a inline lliek-u-va- of the I'ea) ^ ni[l\ I ly llieii -w.lliii- im! mily 1.. shape. Wheie llii- IS i.i-il ilie liini--kiinklli,- cut oft' and bui-nl, ami llil- will li--in tntiiie attacks. Happily, i'eai - lia\e -i -.. xm-11 w n k n- that thisean beiiom- witln.ni tlie all..li-il tiiiit- being missed. Where Ap()le and Fear trees are not infested with the insects named, a good wash- ing every few days so long as the weather keeps dry will do them a deal of good, and if time and lal'iiau- will all. nv -pia y iinj- w ilk a n in-it i.-iili- ihi- II washed as often as circumstances will all.iw. \..p a sharp outlook for insects, deal with ik.in iii'inptly by resorting to the use of a well pun. .1 iiseetici'de. Keen a watchful eye on Currants ami >ooseberries, and, if sawfly caterpillars are found, sprav the bu.shes with growers use hellebore i mo insecticide. Some vder for this purpose. ing of all kinds of fruit trees should be brought to a close as speedily as possible after this date. A. W. Strawberry Royal Sovereign. — Having forced this variety for three years in succession. nil I to the end of April, \ai 1. I \ I have previously grown.— T. Chai.ijs, jl,'/,,,, //o«.«e. Colour in Apple bloom.— Few trees are more beauiiful when in bloom than some kinds of Apples. The colour is most diversified. In some 1- ill. . 1 have observed that the ll.jweis I.' cider kinds are very highly col- li pity it is that so few of these -.1 kinds ai-e planted in pleasure ge country places. — J. Crook, Fordt- Obtaining fresh stock of Strawberries — t may be worth asking growers of Strawberries kai their experience is as to planting .young lain - from fresh sources in comparison with con- aiiily using runners from their own stock. 'nun .ikservntinns T have made during the last «iiiiy li\e v. n- I am convinced that in many i-iin.i- II 1- a.l\ aniageous to obtain plants i-.a-i.iiiall\ li.iina ti.-li source. lamcnnvinecd W'l till- .janl. 1. 1 not get on with President, nil iw.. m u-aj.. I obtained runners from agai.i.-n in N.nlnlk, ami now the results are very good fnini Ik.-.- pl.ini-, although there is no ilitl'eieneo as to variety in any wa\'. — J. Crook, /■'..,■./. Al,l,eii. tor cerlanity and quantity ot ciop. But one hardly expected such an able cultivator to chocse a second Codlin, Lord Suffield, or to find either of these Codlins or Stirling Castle bracketed as laie .\ppl.-, Tk. -. tl Appk- aiv a ._rood deal ■ ikk.. S. :in -n Ikani ,|I| Vppk Iik iknOW .--:il.l 111 ki ■■ I .lial kk, s „. 1 ,,-,!,.. This 384 THE GARDEN, IMat 29, 1897. Mr. Kemp's short list (page 345) is also useful. There are Northern Greening, Wellington, Han- well Souring, Alfriston, Annie Elizabeth, and Lane's Prince Albert. His note about the special hardiness of Court Pendu Plat is also interest- ing, but hardlv safe to imitate. Wellington, though gix. -11 ill in'-.>( ,,f til.- fruit .■.-ital.igues as in seasuii fi. mi \.i\ .ihIh r i,i M.nvli. Ii,i,~ ..flen been kept well llM-irjIi .M;i\,,nMl i> | .n ,1 >;( I ih the most valuable .-..1,1.111- .\yf,lv in ._ \i-liii.r. Those who know the Wellington will probably agree that it would prove more imper\ious to daniji than most other Apples or fruits, and it would be interesting to note whether other varieties of Apples passed through damp as safely as the WeUington did.— 1). T. F. Notes of the Week. Scorzonera rosea.— This distinct and pretty plant, which has proved quite hardy at Winch- more Hill, is now blooming freely, the flowers being of a rose shade and produced singly on stiff, erect stems some 18 inches high. Pseonia officinalis fl.-pl.— The double crim- son Paeony is one of the showiest of old-fashioned border flowers at the present time, the huge nlassi^'e blossoms in their intense shade of crimson being vei-y eff'ective in large groups. Pseonia tenuifolia plena. — Either the single or the double form of this plant is always a fea- ture when in flower by reason of its unique foli- age, which is cut up into very narrow linear seg- ments, and produces a pretty result long before the blood-crimson flowers are expanded. Th above is very compact, and has flowers of large size and very intense colour. Dendromecon rigidum. — A small plant of this pretty littlp slinih, recently figured in Tub Garden, i- n..\\ H..\\.riiig at Kew beside one of theOrelii.l I ~. >, win re its bright yellow bios soms are x 11 v |iIi:imii'_i. At present, however, the plant does not give promise of much vigour, and, being also of doubtful hardiness, should only be planted in the most favoured spots in the garden, IVEyosotis rupicola. — A veritable gem among the Forget-me-nots, brilliant in colour and de^ serving every care. It is essentially a rock -gar den plant and should be established in the chink or crevices, or planted in any of the miniatun ravines, where a little more moisture will be available for its roots. In any of these positioi its tufts of deep blue will be found very eirecti\ e over a long time in the spring months. Erigeron Howelli. — A fine specimen of th rare and beautiful plant is now flowering in the hardy plant department at Kew. Such fine plants as this and K. ■.:iKii;_:iii...siis (Gray) need but a glance to a|i|.i. . i.il. Ili.ii full worth. E HowelH has floxv.i li. ,..|. .... I, _: inches across, the florets forming th.' i.iy |..ir. «hite. The e.xainpl. at Kew is not quite 12 inches high with neat shining leaves and compact habit. Alpine Phloxes. — These are now \ ery beau tiful as a whole, and make a most pleasing of colour, varyir.g in the many delicate from sihery grey and pale lilac to the bluer shades that have their representatives in P. divaricata or canadensis, and again, those of red- dish hue, as P. verna and amtena, the last, per- haps, more rose than red in some stages. Not least among this group are the snow-white kinds. Erysimum asperum. — This lian.ls.inii- .i-ii.i fer is now flowering finely at W u.. 1. 1. Ilill where the large heads of bright y.l].n\ 1.1. .--..m are most effective. The species, w In.-l. 1- ,-. ii:.i i\ of North Anieri.-:., i~ .li^lin.-l 1 ;.m\ \\,-i\- though chiefly by n- .iLI-n-j -Iim.-:.i :i!i.I -1i-j1i1I\ pubescent leaver :i 1 1. 1 11- . I.ni-ji.i.-.l u.-.-m. - ;.m.| seed vessels. Tli.j plant 1^ nuL ..ffun ni.jt \vM\ m cultivation, notwithstanding it is among the few of a rather comprehensive genus that merit general cultivation. Arctotis speciosa is a handsome, showy plant black centre with yellow rays, sent us by Mr array shades Ladhams, of Southampton. It is certainly one of the boldest and most distinct of the family, and a good plant for light soils and warm corners. The Globe Flower called T. Gibsoni, also sent us by Mr. Ladhams from his nursery at Southampton, is a very fine orange-coloured kind, but Globe Flowers are rarely done so well as they deserve, and they do best in heavy, cold, or clay soils, where many other things are not so happy. Iris bosniaca. — A dwarf, yellow Iris, appa- rently coming rather close to the puniila or olbiensis group, and having [)ale yellow blossoms, was recently exhibited at the Drill Hall by Messrs. Krelage. The variety was stated to be a true alpine, coming in its flowering between pumila and germanica. From the smallness of the exhibit and in the absence of the growing plant very little could be said as to its value, and to our thinking I. lutescens aurea is superior in point of colour, and coming at the same time. Late Tulips.— I could not resist sending a few Tulips ; they are s.i b.-antifnl tliis dry, hot, sunny weather with ea^t \\iii.ls an.! ..Md nights. They seem to enjoy .-.u.li w. ,nhi 1 , Geokoe Bol.\s, Hopfon Gardens, W uks,n„lh. *„• Mixed Tuhps, pretty near at hand, but far inferior for outdoor effect to the self-coloured Tulips, either wild Gesneriana forms or varieties like White Swan or Bouton d'Or and other kinds, with many to come, we hope. They stand the sun far better and are far more precious in all ways than the best of the Tulips of " variegated " colours. —Ed. Geum hybridum is one of a very beautiful series of these almost constantly flowering sub- jects, and of whicli several are most important as border plants. It ir- s..iii<-« lial .litticult to describe the varying ton.- ..f .nl that separate the above from G. niiin.itinn ,111. 1 G. Eweni, all of which have something uf the same habit and flowers of similar form, varying in shade of colour. But they are a beautiful trio, very free flowering and serviceable for the border or the rock garden. Planted in the latter, the lower slopes should be chosen, so that they are not robbed of moisture. Wistaria sinensis. — This handsome climber is producing a wonderful show of blossom, parti .iiliuly .111 >i..iiie of the older examples. A ven tin. |.l,in< may be seen at Kew at the end of the li. 1 1. ,.....! 1^ .^iiiund on the museum wall, the latter quite lii.likn by the drooping racemes, which are present in great nuinbers. Another capital ex ample recently noted at Gunnersbury House had suffered to such an extent from the attacks of sparrows that scarcely a blossom remained. This is very disheartening just when the tree is in its greatest beauty, though, fortunately, such de struction is not usual with this beautiful climber, Apple Newton Wonder. — From the valual.U information given in The Garden wc.-k ,ili.i week, respecting the best Apples in culti\aii..n it seems that locality must have a deal to d.. « ul the success of many varieties. I send sample of Newton Wonder, that proves the best late Apple here, and stored in what would be considered bad place, 'iz., in Doxes lined and covered with newspapers in a room IS feet from the ground, with the mid-day sun shining on it. The room is very lofty, roof slate, with glass lantern at to]), with chimney running up it from flues that heat the room below. —George Bolas, Hopton Hall, Wirksirorth. Geum coccineum plenum (Winchraore Hill xaii.tyi. Tliis plant, compared with the old .I...1I.I.' li.um (now very much deteriorated -.1... . ill. . 1 1..11S, owing to the indifferent method ..1 -I 1. 1 -,i\in.j|, is very superior both in vig. 111. iii!.n~. liiilliancy of the flowers, an.l : III. 11 -1 • - In all these respects the new n .1 .jiiai iiii|.i..vement, and is one of th.' m lixliii.l ^.-.-.llings raised here. No more etl.-.-i plant could possibly be desired than this, a gathering of its flowers and buds shows, brilliant as a double Raspail Pelargonium point of colour, this fine Geum is vastly superior and infinitely more pleasing in a vase because of ng u the numbers of buds surrounding tlie fully ei] panded blossoms. Campanula glomerata speciosa.— A vi fine form of this plant comes from Mr. Perry, Winchmore Hill, the large flower-heads thickl set with Sowers and buds, the former of violet-purple hue that is very telling in the bord. just now. This fine Campanula is well suited fi grouping, and being of a bold vigorous charactt and scarcely 2 feet high, with stout self-supportin stems and ample leafage, renders it among tl most desirable of good border flowers in May- June. The wliite variety of this species equal to the form here mentioned merit, and in tliis direction we may hope for pro\ement. Rosa laevigata (the Cherokee Rose).— Isei; you herewith three blooms of the large sisg white Rose, to which I alluded last spring, doing remarkably well on the wall of a hou^ Kingswear. The Rose in question is now a beb tiful sight, having over 120 fully expanded blodc upon it. Its lance-shaped, glossy foliage is al extremely handsome, and its pure white blosaoi possess a delicate fragrance. This Rose ear from north-west India, and is exactly similar leafage to that sent out some years since aa gigantea. The latter has, however, as far aaD experience goes, proved but a very poor bloomi Some of the blossoms are 5 inches in diametf those sent being slightly smaller. — S. W, Torrjuay. Haberlea rhodopensis.— Out of flower tl may be tak.-n t..r a Kaiiinmlia by those not well 1 quaintf.l with I li.- plant , a> its tuft of leaves is the sani.- >iaiii|. a~ 111 tin- lattei-. In floweri time th.- [.laiii «illi its miniature Gloxinia-Ii blossoms is quite distinct. Tliis pretty and tractive plant, a native of the Balkan Mountaii' delights to be wedged, as it were, between t constantly moist rocks, with its roots rambling rocky crevices in jieat and loam in eqnal par. Like the Ramondias, this plant should never fi the direct sun, and if in reach of a spray of mo ture for a greater part of the summer, so much t better. Indeed, shade and moisture appear nee sary to its existence. Notes from Almondsbury. — Streptosoi Jamesoni does not yet seem to be widely know Twice lately I have seen it planted out wall in a warm greenhouse, and the superb — its growth so rapid and bloom so profu/ We have had a spell of changeable weather, h sun, east wind, frosts, but nothing seems rea hurt. The collection of Tree Pseonies here \ bloomed well. All mine are planted on ban) with no early sun exposure, and si ing very large plants. My collection of for came direct fr(mi Japan. To-daj' (May 26) Iha used flbiint fifty with white Broom on the rereo i.ttlit- |.,-iii-li i-hurch, and the effect is very fi 111.1. .. I. .\s a weed for a rough place Thermopi molilalia 1- a 111. ist Useful plant. Theplantstan i!ithe«a\ 11 i.M-i-i-iins cx-.-i-ytliiii'j-. My oroha is becuniiM'j \.i\- full .>t idil.ii- |ih..-ii'icolasin the bii-.U l..\.- It an.l -..» 11 .-\ .-ivw here, year 1 sii.-.-.,-.|,.,| ^Mlll .\iii-m.,nes.' In pi -|.i iirj- I III- .li.'ii-jlii li,i~ li.-.n too much for .\l\ -Irani .-.in-i~!~ .,t [.laiits from seed wnli .jr.-at .-,-11, fn.m a s.-ai-l.-t .St. Brigid J y.-ai-s, an, I tli,- lesuh was very fine. The 1 a\.-ra;_i.-.l 4 iiii-hes across ; some were 5inchi th,- ,-..l,.iii- a n-ally dazzling scarlet, with a i-v.-, and tlii-v were planted in October on an"c Marrow bed', some tubi-is pi ...bi.-in.j ,-i doz blooms. Some of ymn ...ir,-] Physalis Franchetti for ii-.mI.hii I li: -aiin 111. I ',111 any of your readers helc I nam. .if ,1 plant called in India i.w. I ■' Til,- seed comes from a | igli, and my plants, now -6 inches % the open.—" C. 0. Miles. Mav 29, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 385 )LrMBINES i^S CUT FLO\\ ERS ; tliL choicei hiidy pcrtnuiils spcciilh itud for vabes md foi cutting i,enti illy tlu ilumbines occupy a foiemost positum lliis proved by visitiiis^ the hoiticidtui d t\ bitious in June md Tul\ i itli \i ii Pii ulnrly are these Coluiiiliiiii i il K isi it u I the leading kinds ih\ i\s t In n ii 1 m 10 choice epeigne oi \ isi wluii iii uucil 1 i iii|Ktition Indeed both m fob igt. uid Howl i ,sr tilings are eminently suited to this work 1.1, moreover in ciitful hands suipass b\ eii- li'^ht indih^mt f nns m\m Hiiii s tin* Those nimed ibo olth\ f.il thui 1.11. in 1 \ ise ^^ here such things are prized, it is (juite m easy matter to grow the jjlants in pots, and in this way secure earlier blooms. The best way of doing thi.s is to sow the seed either III the open „round or in boxes, and when tin ^ n„ il.iits iiv l;ir^,. ,.ii..,i.l, |,!,-uit tli.-in I.. I iS ' ■ |..ts ;,n.l 1,1,11,... .I„.,l, 1,1 111,. I M 1 ,,, I ^i, 1. Il,..\ iii.n ,,,,,.,,11 lli,,„r„.li ll. «,ni 1 .,, I 111! 111,. ,,,i.|.llV ,,| M;.ivl, : tl„n s II mil |.i I s ;in,l .■v,iiiii,ilK ll,,wi'r some > .1 slnl 1. Ill s in lli,.,,|„.ii M,,„,ii,l. Treated in Ihis » i\ s 1,1, r ll„. ;,liii,,sl |„n.- white hy- An arrangement of flo of Aquilegia chrysantha and A. cairulea hyhrida. From a photograph sent bij Mr. J. D. Pearson, Chihrell. Xofts. Th. ^■bri ,f this Hn e far more costly and much more difficult to s titivate. But, in common with many other .-iN., ..f .x.ce.liii.j; li..,i\ity, ;in.l (■\<'fv,.iii' wli., li.iv r.,s,, i nera, all the .species of the group now under :i u.ir.l.ii ^ll,.ltl.l ;_;f.>H I '..liinilnnis ni ,|ii;iiitii\. in.l.'. .tice are not equally well suited for vase Ami while these pl.ints sii|,|.ly II..hii s ..t il.. .M..111 coration, for the reason they do not all in greatest beauty, we must ii,,t ..\iil,..,k tli, t;,, t iink, e same degree possess the grace of form that their foliage .-ils,, is extr.iiKl\ ln-;iiitiliil ,111, 1 ili,l, the light, elegant bearing requisite for the pleasing, almost Ferii-like, in f.i.t. In tlii-,\\:i\ Li. 1 irpose. Such species as cterulea and its now a few sprays of their own foli.ige displ..^ th.. |..iii most endless varieties, chrysantha, Skinneri, flowers to greater ad vantjige, though at all times |.l,int hfornica, and canadensis are all beautiful in requiring using with taste and discretion. In wli.i ,eir way for the above purpose, and find no the accompanying illustration we have the beau- u, n. 1 al among the endless number of good flower- tifiil Rocky Mountain Columbine and the ti.mt ; subjects, whether hardy or exotic. golden Columbine in cumpaiiy arranged loo-iely in th nil any sort e)f unifunii s .■.lliiigs are quite easy to i, ;i,.w vigorously, or at least in kind, and flower abundantly .-iI: thing is esseiititd, timltliis is 1 o. But hat the i 386 THE GARDEN. [Mat 29, 1897.1 seedlings be transferred to the permanent flowering jjosition while quite young. Where this cai a while tact. ] thnn a i -illr.l u «rll „l;, -' potted for iirsL-rved in- . Ii^htful bed Flower Garden. TUFTED PANSIES IN THE FLOWER GARDEN.* It is m comparatively lecent times that tin value of the Tufted Pans-y m the flower gardti has been ipfn Mii^i il mil H i'^ (niiiic, t" it ^ ilm peienni il In i 1 \ 11, lltl 11 the fun. t 1 ( 1 \ IHl 11. Ill Ml J Iki.ini 1 I |1 , i.iK 1 th , a 11 snt rt,.i il (hsi i\ 1 til ,1 Ki It 1 lis Tiintlinu Hill ,11 1 , i h 1 ( I 1 ill 1 It lefiLshiii^' to o, k ,lck to snun. ot the old Scottish gaideiis \ vheie the haidy vaiie- ties of about thuty years ago withstood the wintiy wtitla 1, si, IteiLd by utighbounng plants, t 1. " 1,1 < tin 1 sliu llliillli^ , and sou 1 1 1 .1 1 till t 1 1 Each su. 11 1 1111,111, 1 ih.s 1,11 niensc ti 1 iitu .11. t.sl^ ^\ill ay Otlui 1,1,111 1 1, I W Ith the luimmum of 1,1,. m . |i.,ll 1 1 t toiy 1 esults' VS 111 tiR 1, ,1 th s 111 the south, A ou cannot do hbttei than ,1,111 'lift ,lPllls„sm(I„ fnl. ground of yo 1 1 ills If Is II 1 always desirabi t 1 Ihl I 1 , 1 11 llll t in colour ; the i .111 1 1 1 1 1 K \> 111 most otheis It , 1 1 1 t trasts with the 1, 1 1 1 1 I tamable, the di Ml 1 1 fanciful as well IS . t 1 hi each instance \i 11 1 plants, known ,, 1, 1 1 1 1 1 to pro\ide tin 11 \Mt 1 ' llll 1 111 space. 111 1.1 t 1, 11, 1 II 1 1 1 t u m dii ■vveathei is i u II 1 s |,iii|i liii^ uid you niayexji i , 1 SI t 11 .11 4ftor careless transplanting. To remove this plant and to reset it in another place without leL'urd to the welfare of the root, as will ..s 1 1,. ,,i,i , ,, . ance of the stem, is to court I . uhl !!,,■ reputation of the plant sutin s ;i,_ strad of that of the planter. I .Hiiint il.:ii m We must do our best. It frecpiently happens that our plantings are made at late periods of the year, and with the heat and di-y weather it is astonishing how soon the plants recover after such rough treatment In spring we use Tufted Pansies as a ground upon which are SLLU H> icmths. Tulips, Narcissi Inscs, .stocks, II 1 \\ ill'! Htis. And often It Hi , I I < II til rues and shiubs t I 1 III I t\ l.lue Bell IS the 1, 1 t I tl 1 .11, „ ^\h.n 7,1.11 1 1,1 1 ,,, ,t s. 1 1 I I ], I. 1. suits aiefoithu.iMiug 111 spill 111,1 s 1 111. one season ov erLippmg th tl, 1 llll' msies m Regent s Paik aiL tic It. .1 , 1. ,1.1 11^ plmts f,,i the f 11 ^ n, ^ reasons llu sul il is i , 1,1 1 ,\ I know fioiii ( \p, 1 II I I 'i . It Is ill stock to jihiit tl. II. ,111 11. thi .,] , 11 , ,11, I thnmgh the wmtei. We ha\c m the p ist L.st great iiumbeis m that way, and now are enabled to take better care of them Anyone lesident m the country cm spiinlv i.alis. wli.t is to be contended with ii, I i 1 n i I m i t experience of i I i ' it n \ | i 1. I l\ I convincing Foi iii. . I\ th, luti.il l'i.is\ is oneoftht %.u IhsI pi ,uts toi a town giukn, 1 as it IS toi , I iiiitn oiiL. I ha\c Miiliutil t 1 introduce to your notice I our systmi ot pi,,iiigiti(m to meet the iieec s sities of sjiiing giulenmg We obt.iii in plants foi this pui))ose by dividing the ol 1 n nftei having been tiken up fiom tin 11 w i beds. Th, ii| |,1\ f 1 .1111.11, , pi, ..111, IS , I, tamed fi. ,, , i t il n m s , , ,, | , on cannot n n n 1 i I ml is i li ,,,. nth , ,iiisl i3ei.t, !i I nth II t'l ^ P ,ii ( 1,1,1 .sof Km t 1 I II |ii lit l\ 1.1 1\ nil ^, fuini its 1 . I 'ill hit 111 "11 ^ 1 1^^ itovei- 1 1 111-, I I I I tl III. N I ' ,Kii .s, .Spanish HI I .1 I. h III s A I, I tl indisone The climbing habit is v ery constant amongst Tufted Pansies, and I do not object to it. The V ai lety Grievei has m a favourable season taken the h id and overgrown the Canteibuiy Bells t llll been associated with. At the height of - i . t it has taken up the entiie bed, flowerm. iu-cl^y for the greater juit .f th. summer sea son. A curious cucuin t n , , ,iiied last spring. We planted , I, i.l i t Pnmula coitusoides Sieboldi Vli, i.l\ .stil.hshed m it w, u clumps .,t \ .1 issiis Gland Bl.maique At til 1 s t th, 1 tt 1 I inanged Syhia for tin pin p 'SI .t tl inii^f the eftect of the high c- .1, lu t tliL I'ni.iula. Syhia giew, but did i.ot tlowei. ^\hy was this 2 Tutted Pansies for vases and window decora- t. II 111 spimg are admirable, so fiesh, sweet 111,1 .Ih.tiM In the wild garden they are it I II 111 Miig the identical positions of th, i\[ n .1 1 111 that we so fiequently observe in cuUi\,ittd giouiid oronthi IuIKkIo The im pioved vaiieties in the \ ii ii s n ns ,. ^i\ m the extreme as conipn ,1 \ .th tl. uiMii, s but the manner of the 1 it t, 1 i it nm tut. 1.1. in the newest variety Genei illy one would expect them to spiead between other plants flee and untrammelled Wliat could be more to the pur] lose, oi mme i-^'ieeible to hiok upon' and in th ,si iitfiil d i\ s , t ] i iiig there is usually an abuiiiliin. t m .stiii. which these plants dihjit n, With th .i\ ^lowth of hai.h r II mil I 1, I h mil 11 t ,ttl, ii.hlu It. would level in ili fernery, with its h twecn the stouis n. tun t 1,11 III l,itl,.l I I, I I 1 th s, ,„1 Ill s.tn.li ,.is s,i„c .1. .11,1111, ell els e „il.l 1 II 111 .1 illowing the plants to look attei ih.iiiiKis 11, it foi getting that m diy we ithei It 111, 11,1, ,uut of moisture must be jiioMdi ,1 1 1 the, I, In the sumniei aiiangei,,, nts ,f _,i 1. lis laige and small, immense nuiiil,. is 1 1 itt. ,1 Pansies are to be seen In oui ] 1 li [Ills they are veiy noticeable , it matt, is ,,, t H 1,1, 1, way you go, theit they aie, not the same \ ,11, ties— I tiust we may be pieseivcd fioni 111 it It IS baiely necessaiy to explain to you heie how these plants may be utilised for bedding, when m the Royal Botanic Society's (lardens you may roam at will and inspect arrangements of this season. It would b( sniipl,^.' plan t,, i.i.iitn „, wlnav they should ; ''.' |,laiil,,l : II) It .s is|„'rially necessary n.ii.- that Tnli,.,! Pansn^s p.vlev fresh grour This is a matter oi so much ii.,]„irtai,ce, that this park we think it necessary to record the positions where tliey aie ]ilanted ea season. If by accident they are placed in si ceeding seasons in the same bed, we notici distinct falling ofi' in results, and frequen have difficulty in preserving healthy stoi (2) The sunniest positions in a confined ganj should not be selected for them, for the display m spring. (3) They not be planted on the edge of a raised I Ol llll del in a dry position; the w. iild endangei the well being of the plan ill inking up the moisture from the soil ; the pi pkuit would soon be out of condition and fall easy pie\ t . ii.se t pt sts, fungi, and perhaps unseen i mIs (4) 'lhe\ should not be plant m positii.iis wheie the flowers turn then bac to the spectatoi I am well aware of the di cultj , but if J ou only see the back of the flow, the fanest eftects aie lost. We cultiv ate the following varieties Park ArdweU Gem, Archie Grant, Blue' Cliveden Purple, Bullion, Countess of K Countess of Hopetoun, Countess of Whi Grievei, J. B. Ridmg, Lilacina, Syh la, Vii These are usually arranged in beds and associated with Carnations in const, variety, Ivy-leaved Pelargoniums, Fui Begonias (tubeious and fibrous-iooted), Chrysanthemums, Lilies, Celosias, &c. conibimtions the Tufted Pansj is delisl OMl»h ,, , h 1 I t 1 fin „eh eollew I en the i, 1 1 HI I I i.s ..neisfoii with .1 II plant 1 The Gnide ia-flowered Daffodil. - ni I n nsus of opinion as to the shy- I I . s ,if this Daflodil, and in all 111 1 1 I an equally allied feeling : I I t 1 1 , ih the tiihnsr psperially in ill s , 1, I t , iliii - II, I, t 1,1 hand toi the d". tl. II t , I, „, , , 1 II « ,-, In such plan th, ,1 nil I I. ,, , ,l.,„,,lh useful, ai t „etLe, NMth i^uud b.teh ut outdool Lllj of Valley, is veij handj toi button 1 ' small V ases, and all demands of a s. I do not happen to have seen this Wished elsew here, and im tlimt i. to whethei the iindei n.inli n I i factoiy or not. A poiti, n t I i.l 1S94 measures 20 fiet I \ lo t i in spral f fl U,ll the bloom The ground till!, time was deeplv dug and .1 at the bottom ot the trench as the I < lied, the bulbs weie put in at a di iches, and tested on 2 inches of old soil — E Bl KRLLL. Tulipa Greigi aurea.— All lovets of II, fnnilni with tin t\pi \ltho' gh a md tl ,11 I I t \ II I in 1 I n niiless eultnatt sets, v\e have until kitelj lieen dependent on lings foi inciease of 'stock These seedlinj usuallv show some vaiiations in colour in re( md yellows Latteilv, laige numbers of'tl bulbs hav e been collected m the Sir Darja re 29, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 387 iriictically there I Miirfjuerita, are tjrown, it is advi; ible to plant the HARDY BULB C'UF/rURK IN ENCLANI) 1. es|)efialiy the y^^. ,„,..,,„( „!,j,-,-t i^ Iw,, f..l,l. ;in.l I wi,l, to 4i. ,,,,,„,, ,„, tl„ DAT! HAS FOR THE SUB-TROPICAL n u,n-. 11 .- -,imI, garden. 1 1,',' 1 1\ .'li'\ 111' I '^ tlii^ picture of D. arborca flowering freely '^' i;^il^ '^ 1^^ (lut cf doors in a garden in Hampshire we have :iii.|' -i..n. il",m a useful suggestion. Every gardener knows the „. \^,.,, (;,,,■•/: II value of this species and its allies, popularly known as Brugmansias, as conservatory jjl.nils ; innuals.-Annuals thatweare planting at the 1 ]^"t it will, I imagine, be a new idea t,. .„.,„> -M,i time include the white and yellow forms I l>««'il« myself that they may be utdised f..i iln unlaiid Poppy, (iaillardias, Princess Alice Stock, open-air garden in summer, and that thfy will anuil Walltlowers, Sweet Sultan and annual flower freely. The plants are easily wintered. l.ulbs sliould !«_ il:, and the simp II as the leaves d dry place till It K.Micrally of a • The same is trur as in Lincolnsl.i nurseries near l,i There aiv air.., Britain and li.l; more nii'jhi li' W, 'IS, and these rank a js we have, making t garden. From a photograiih sent by Mrs. Deane, Fairfields, Fareham, Hants. iiongst the most use- i as they rest, i.e., lose their foliage and require | theleav nirjlii ni^ily 'ji'>i\ 'nii n»ii. There are many 'jiMU, r^ l„i,. an. I li.ii' »h.. ai-.; making a good liMii;; li^ careful Ijiill. culLcuv. As you go about through the country, and especially near most large towns, you see rows and strips of bulbs almost everywhere. That is a good sign. Let us ask what a bulb really is. A bulb is simply a large bud, with close- packed fleshy leaves, or leaf bases, in whichisstoredanaccuniiilati..ii ..t —lai. h, sugar, and other concentiai. .1 |.!aiii i I. As hibernating animals ^i..r. m|i tail\- matter before Sfointr t.. >!.■. |. t.a llic winter, ^.i .!.. Inill.-. -.t..i .■ up >iii |.Im- Li... I and hid./ lli. in-.U.- nn-l.iu ..1. -" as to go tlir..irjlM-,,l.lM, ,li,m-lil iinliain...! This habit ivii.ka, l.iillj. .j.,n\.-ni.;nt f..r distribution at certain seasons of the year. Bulbous plants are liable to sudden changes of temperature, or of drought and moistiii-e. sn.^li as ivcwy in the great natural l.alli li.Ms ,,t ll..^ worl.l. These a:.- ni S.aill.Mn an.l l'.:i-I.in EurOJie, W.-l.Tu \-ia, .\..ill. Alii, a, an.l at the t'a|i...f (i I 11., lie. iii.ja.llv speaking, 111,' ,liiiiaii,- .;.indit,ions of these places ai,- \.iy ..iM or dry in winter, rainy an.l warn, in spring, followed by a blaz- 11,'^ 1,1,1 an.l .Iry summer and autumn. liar. I \ I,,, II I- may suffer during a dry an. I i, .t -|,iiii'4, but they cann'ot well lia\i' 1... i,,ii.h moisture at the roots wIrmi in jr. .Mil,, an.l tbey enjoy warmth In ..r.l.i' 1.. .JI..M l.idbs to advantayv tU.-y' i,ni-t 1»- Hftec planted ever^- year. Tli.- Lull.- lifted as soon as the Icax. - i,, and fade, in June or July at lat too early rather than too lute ; (^ fade entirely rather than after i and being much appreciated for cut- . riie advantage of sowing thinly and prick- ...il i_-arly into frames or boxes to secure nice ,.,,,,1,1 r.i\ little plants is very apparent in a season , ■ ■ II,.' present, with the sun very powerful day ."|'^ ei- day, the ground dry and no appearance of n. \\ here time does not admit of copious tering after planting, it is advisable to give a f kI soaking before lifting, taking up each ' ' lilt with a nice little ball. A little surface Tin niching will be very beneficial, as by its aid the us. . I nts will start at once into growth, will com- 1 imi , . nee to bloom much earlier than if left without and enduring 1 drought, from November to March, so that they grow from the base of the bulb. On most deep; be quite safe isias, Dahlias, At. rich sand}- soil, bulbs, such r idTulii il.uut lar-e that here sidu. Thure are plenty of situati, lu)uses in which such a plant [jictured, with its wealth of snow-white trumpets ches or S inches Ion-.,', w.iuld bo effective. %.II..M an.l iv.l ll..«Vr,'.I kin. Is e.'iil.l be ng, and developing into large plants will I: cove I wer mucK longer. It" matters very little what < ! mulch is ; anything will answer the purpose so 1 ig as the moisture is thereby retained. Perhaps, Uing fibre or spent Mushroom manure, the best ng is half -decayed leaves, and it is always ad- able to break a heap to pieces with the fork time during the winter when time will per- I ; ; such material is very useful for many things, lere annual Carnations, such as Grenadin and be plungjd up to the rim in tlic border or lawn. The branches are too soft and brittle to bear strong wind, and as the use of stakes would spoil the eft'ect, a sheltered position facing south should be chosen. Some notes on the genus were published in The G.\ui)e.n, Nov. 17, 18!)4, along with a plate repi-esenting flowers of the yellow chlorantha and the elegant white- flowered cornigera. W. \V. but much may lie ilonewitli strong lath boxes that will stack one above another, and which can be covered over temporarily when it rains. Selection of the Land. The first thing is to select the land most suit- able to bulbs of various kinds. Even in Holland and other places where bulbs are and have long * Read before the Birmingham Gardeners' Mutaa 1 Improvement Association by F. W. Burbid^e, M.A., March 15, 1897. -^ 388 THE GARDEN. [Mat 29, 189,7.,j be had and it ii.ill gradient, ;umI spade i^ ilir iic-i ,Mi|iirnienu w um-. -ij;uii., land, liMH.\-i j.iol, will not grow Indbs year after vcii vuili.-ni manure or some recupera- tive rotatiuii ..1 , n.|i|iirig. On large bulb farms the ground is well tilled and enriched for vegetable crops, or Clover and Rye Grass, and then well worked after these for bulbs to follow. In nv ca' for bulbs to follow, crude or farinyaic ■wood ashes and soil used with aih.uita February as a top-dressing. There are in En to-day thousands of acres of useless land for bulb culture. All around our sea - especially there are sheltered, sunii\ nock valleys that are free from bitins ti o-i > \ m ing our usual winter season. Youil.in.il \\ i 11 1 i~ 1, illi- 11. . . ~-|mII\ IhiI \imi \ii\ li.i.h bulbs that si 1 X 1.. -Illll. 1. Ill l\ - llli|\ 1 1 111 ""1 1^ |, 1 null) III t h.- market w • 11 . dm II 1 1 illi\ seasull Tlli. In ^t- bulb soils ai. (Ii \> ii.li 11 11 ts of alluvium or "Trent tindaieadj sal.- i m n tin. •warp," 111 -I'll MM 1 111 in valleys near the sea. In Lini-iilii-liHi ili'i nr deep sandv soils not un- m form and in .ml •« -ki Ihave had bulbs. ,lilii-i li like thu- .1 11 ill ml iiM «l.ii li most Imlbs thr.ve and the Isle ut W ijn - \vell. Ni 11 t 11-1.11 M i> li"i 11 ■"• ' ■""! '™ll^s like Potatoes, ami lln n ll aregi.iwn .iml -n il— m 'li' ii. i-lil'i'UThood of than the finest Dnlili im. Boston an 1 W.i.nll. .t hi phntiiij rhafl' and pap. i 1 In i Stui-k Buli'.s, mit ilw i\ s in imln it i m . do not plant too deeply. It is true that tin \ -111 1 nil -kiiim ll iml si finest flowers are tho'se produced by bulbs 1 II 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 ' ' 1 ' deeply pUntn,. ^ .s,,.,.,nlh on li.ht ^y^,n^ 1 ' ' 1 'll! ",\'i 'll ll 'I'l.ii 1 111 1 .ill x\ 11 \- 1 1 1 1 later, ami ll.. ImH '" ' .-1' l' "' ' ecetables mav also be nill.s. But on soils e.- N.itllimi'l.ilt a l.r» lalluiu, m lln' lmi-1 lilinnl ut buUdius cuntrautuis, can imluiiu the .,ueLTS.,fal bulb grower to move on and vacate his holding. To beginners the selection of the land is a com- plex problem ; to the experienced it is less difii- cult. Now and then an accidental rliimii .if bulbs or a fruit tree tells the tale. A pruinal Imlli grower has a .seventh sense, an. 1 km.w- i- it "■ n bv instinct when he sers a siiitilik l.i.U. -,.,1 liiil, if it .iI! pnssil.l, .1,1 ,i,lii,,l tnalot liulbsol ,11 kiml- -ll ml. I 111 mi li I. iml that will grow l.iillis iml tiiiii til |.i It. 1 111.11 I. in often be had at I 1. IS. ,11 il.li I. It. . . -|.. 1 ill\ m.w that grain crops ate not so pmlil iMi 1-..I \..ii. An acre or two of good bulb l.iii'l "ill |'i\ 111 Iter than ten acres of ordinal Y fai 111 ,. I mlin 1 .1 n. luce, and I should not bk.. tos.u tin X ilm ,.1 d even of sm'h 1!. e worth more thanlEl pay to grow. Sound of which, fortunately, I have had no being doubtless due to diseased bulbs, and ial or total collapse of the foliage alone to . fiheric influences. In the latter i.-ase ■ i-is are saved, although they naturally su jualitj- owing to the crippled foliage. T inferences leading to the distinction of the disea . were deduced from the fact that in the case of , milder form the plants are cleaner this year tl T have ever seen them, and that, it must be im inliered, after an exceptionally wet antiu I ll. ill}- time experienced for some time is. ui ..|. nil. in, answerable for the non-appearance ul uiililew or bbght, but it is also evident that excess of moisture late in 1890 was in no ^ detrimental. If the spot, mildew, blight, rust , ui whatever name it may be called, makes its .ippi ance, I shall try syringing with a weak -nlut of sulphate of copper, being of opinion th it is get it the disease is closely allied to the sp it t often troubles the Carnation growei.-C E Plants for single beds. -!ii ill pi u . s «1 Axli.it is kuiiiliaih Unimn as tin ll..«.i jai . .insists ot is.ilat.il l» i.n I -p now lying \\aste where many things \\..nl.l possible to the intelligent bull. ^i.i\\.. It almost incredible, but it is tiu. , tli.it iiiiMi Hyacinths or Narcissi may be grow 11 on an ik of land. Of Tulips, 115,000 to 120,000 may grown on the same area ; and when we come such small fry as Crocuses Sniis Sipiil Anemones, Winter Ai.iinti- '. lln nnmlii run up to 2(10,000 aii.l , 10 11 ,, 1 1 1 1. culture often means 1 i| iM 1.1 .11 I., m • produ. . .1 ll t' I' I 111 ll 1 . 1. and .11 ' 1 ' I II I III 111 The 111 I ' 1 ' '1 and an x . ' 1 1 , 1 I n . bulbs are over. There are several factors tli must agree in bulb culture, as in all other w a\ s . making a Innv.; ..It the land. Fust, the km must b. tint n 1 IK in -I - 111 iM. t.. tin kinds of bull.- ._. ."I. II 11 iilllli iill^ "'11 shelteli.l I ilii\ ll' I iim-l ni.t put them on to the in -1 m n ki 1- Vml llii.ilK only the best kinds m x nntn- |iii|iiili. m lln market must be largel\ .^i.i" 11 In s|, , 1 ,1 , is, , a combined course ot cultuie is buLlei than a simple one. That is to say, fruit trees and bulbs may both occupy the same acreage with advantage. Narcissi can defv world both in wiii'j all .itln 1 varieties to It 1- .11. t . i-\ to find out .s till .m|. .. I. .1 bulbs from lilt It iiiii-t ll. .Ill enormous piojioition ot it might be ncouragement of bulb cul- l.ulb shouhl " kinds course, ,11 the .is. ot all tliL laiLst The best \aueties depend on soil and be.st Narcissi, self [lecially A. fulgens), It ops are profitable \e in quantity, and bv other and rarer Lilium candidum. — When remedial 1 the shape of "baking the bulbs " « often bothered, and I am now (piite con\iiiced that this must be so, the total collapse of plants, ' togetk ng veiy wic* 1;. Ihng them apart, plant- ndg fibre 1 Mesei pink ' Ageia best carpet plants. If a relief from the colour IS required, it may be found " ' f Hell, itro] le and white Centaureas, th( ' ' fi.imer ns occ. (h. m. Let iiy or plant A clear 8 inches or 9 inches between J en -Hell developed is a good dis 1 In .• ,■ 11 pi't preferably to mulohing\i| It.. Ill lit i similar nature. Variega , iiiiln miiin for the scarlet, crimson 1 1 -, mil ,1 ilwarf purple Viola or dw| approaching white V... .till IS 111. iiihniteh i.uti necessary e\il hardy thmgs.- jieiinials — they are s lulmg the ability to furnie C. sY/O/iT XOTES.—FLOiVEB. Tufted Pansy Lemon Quean.— This i classed as a variety of fixed colour, its larg lemon-coloured self Sowers being must consisl in form and colour. Being one of the earliestt in the spring, and in a tree manner too, should {, for it more fre.iuent use than is now general. Itai dwarf and sturdy hahit. Tufted Pansy Max Kolb —This variety i excellent condition just now, last year's plants eei up quite freely blossoms of large size on nice Ion stalks. The constitution is vPry vigorous, _ flowers are somewhat coarse ; yet as. an effeotiii ot bright ultramarme-blue colouring, this van iisetal when planted in masses. Sedum Ehodiola is an odd compact-gn ]ikint. 'Ibe flowers are not very conspicuous, ' jellow in colour, but the foliage is very dense 1 semi-coloured, yellow and green. The plants inl form clumps each about 13 inches in height aJi(l| May 29, 1897.] THE GATJDEK 8R9 ,HiiMl;isal)all. Clusters are very strildi lositiciis, auJ invariably i-onipol notice. Tufted Pansy Cottage Maid i; rofiisri ettei- 1 1 UMUll I The Canadian Col a mbine.— Thought not a 3bust grower or a very free bloomer, yet is.this CoUim- iiu> a very charming hardy plant, for the grat^et'nl ii ;ire reildish scarlet, giving unwonted colour in iiily. It likes an elevated position, whethiT in ~ .r on rockwork, as moisture lying about the ;ii winter is harmful. It is a good plan to sow 1., i. .irly and thus maintaina stock of young plants. I Arenariamontana.— Thisis one of the prettiest Ind most effective of early-blooming alpines. It 1 as 'eon lately a mass of snowy whiteness, giving litera iy lass.'s cif bloom ."i inches in height, the flowers senu- ipi I 1 and nearly as large as those of the blue Xemo- liil.i. Whilst a lirst-rate rock plant, it will also do ,11 as an edging or border plant if left alone. It is isih jiropagated by division or by cuttings put in .ortly. Tufted Pansy Christiana.— A nice batch of 'lis is now Howerinfj in the reserve beds at Regent's ark. wlipr,' thev av I'fins (;ot ready for planting out I'H-tly. Ill till, I iii.ty w.' have an ideal plant both riLM'K l.ilir (: III of flower. The growth is iiiiMi I I'lil I .11' :, III I the blooms stand out in a i-y jiri'tty \Mi\ ,il' ivc ilir green carpeting which the c-eamy white, with a small orange Ijlotch in the nntre. Tufted Pansy Border Witch is in sn,,,! ro,,- I ' I I liis season, the colouring Ikmiil^ m ro ja.i- I than usual. It is generall> i ' ■ i illy shaded pale blue self, ai- : II in parfection. Unfortuuatrly, wv.'n :',.■ ai.- M li .t uarmer weather the colour liiproiiies vri-y lav, I It, 11 jii-t a faint margin of pale blue being seen 1 II wiiiti -r iinu. This want of fixity in its colour la, ■ tlii.-i vaiiety at a disadvantage for summer work. ■av, \aM-, for spring and late summer displays it a ml, I be in all gardens. Orchids. DENDROBIUM BENSUNI.«. u.L- FLOWERED and healthy plant of this .sj)e- is (ine of the prettiest things just now in a. It grows about 15 inches or 18 inches , tind the blossoms are produced on short lies of two or three along the entire length lif pseudo-bulbs. It belongs to the de- als group, but is not perhaps quite so ea.sy low as the majority in this section. The Is usually arrive in good condition, are very til establish, and thrive well durini^ tlK' ut me and tifterwaids tn pass out of cultivatiim. his failure tu gmw makes it appearance in nine tses out of ten when the first renewal of coin- ist becomes necessary after importation, but, carefully treated, the plants may be brought und for a time ; but if wrongly treated at is juncture, the probability is that they will on from bad to worse until nntliini; is left .if em but a few half-spent pseinln IhiII.- ami iny pale green shoots, that dauiii nil le.nliiy Ji the least check of any kind. One niellmd ill-treating D. Bensoni.-e is repotting tlie ants just as growth is commencing long he- re the young growths are forward enougli tu lit roots. The old roots on the pie\i..iis ar's growths are perhaps somewhat r,iMjlil\ ndled in removing the old material, .iml. in nsequence, the plant has only the stored itriment, already decreased by flowering, to iry it on until the young forming bulbs are If-SM iportinL, . If, o I' ■mts vrc left unlil J, irting, the youn- u' st ■onm 1- and 1 •ss IiIm-I\ ll; the me Ultiuie ,1 M lia'S >f the last yeti ossin g is no i.e, the , as a 11 r. •lisol roots f, \\ irk j 1st und er the s ii.i]M,ssil.le unless Uie l.tises of the iiseudo-bulli.- are covered. After trying varied receptacles for this spe cios, I am convinced that small pots or paiij Mlsiaaiiled fl-i.ll. 111.' r...,r,,]a ., snil il l„.s|. Til, l.ielnl be set tlic i> s ,1 liiii.li.iiiee tu its culture. Keep Mii.all ji.its and use only the very best ami nmsl lasting description of peat, in ei|ii.il I Hi .|i, lit Ions with Sphagnum Moss ; iliiiiii the pots well and elevate the base of the plant on a firm neat cone. Another es- seiiti.l jioiiit, the most essential in fact, for without it all others are useless is well ripening the pseudo-bulbs after they are formed. I have a great liking for placing these Dendrobes out- of-doors in the full sun for a week or so in .\iigust, provided the growths are sufficiently advanced. Never place them out until the last letif is formed on each pseudo-bulb, by which time tliey will be in a measiu-e hardened. The ..:iin\th must be made in a warm, moist, and liL;ht house, watering freely from the time the .)oiiiig roots have obtained a good hold of the compost until the plants are taken inside after the middle of August, or in case of their not being taken outside until the pseudo-bulb is perfectly developed. The roots in the case of well-ripened plants may be kept quite dry during the winter months, as no shrivelling wUl take place, and plants so treated I have known go on for a good many years, improving each season and flowering with great freedom. But without attention in time to small details of culture tile life of T). rieiisnniiu under cultiva- tion will he sh .rt iieleeil. It litis a fairly wide geograpliieal ilistriluitiiiii ill the Moulmein dis- trict, and \v;i,s iitiuied in emnpliment to the wife of its discoverer, Colonel Benson, who sent it liome in 180(5. Odontoglossum nebulosum.— This pretty lihiiit is in flower quite a month earlier than usual. All the segments are broad and spotted well up, though not so much as in the Mil Illy pardinum. Tlie sepals are white in ■jii.iiiiil colour, the hp yellow with a white margin. I I. 11. liulosum is an easjly_ grown species, though II dues not always flower freely. It should be grown in quite a cool house and be kept well watered. The roots are larger tlian those of some other kinds, and consequently the compost maj be kept rather rough. It is a native of Mexico and was first introduced in 18.37, but afterwards lost to cultivation for some years. Cypripedium Calceolus (Ensrlish Lady's l;ntl.-,U «ll|llll-, huHe\er. II 1- MiN rale. IN. 11 It found at all. Some well ll,>» , i. .1 |.laiii~.,t ihi- species were shown at th. hull Hall l,i-i \i.i k. liresum.ably grown in frtiiii, -. .1- ih. plani i~ii,.t yet ill flower in the open, ll w a lapiial put plaiii when thustreated. tiial it 'ji,i,liiall\ l.i.iujlit toiMaril in a rather cool ti mp. -ai m.- la-i-a,-,.ii -iiliitdile time in good i .I111..11. I'l.mi.al ma mixture of peat, loam and letif soil, aliuut equal parts of each, with a position where uniform cool- ness is secured, the plant is usually a success. 11 it than is usually the case when loam is em- iloyed. Odontoglossum rnmosif.simum.— The blos- .111- i.t ilii- ,.|,| \,i -.1,1, .111 -,a-n Odontoglot are .i,'.l ll I -1,111 111. II, \ i.i - I lii-r on long oraneh- 1,. -pik, -. ill, ^ ,1, II , ',1,.' individually ami lis. nay house, heavily shaded during summer and kept as light as possible in winter. It should lie planted in peat and Moss and well watered all the year round. It was introduced to cul- tivation by M. Linden, of Client, whose col- lectors sent it from New (irenada in 1S71. Cirrhopetalum robustum. — This, which is one of till- la-t tulillllon- mail.- in lll,- l . llial l.al.le genus. if .■ liMt.l 111. '111. U. .11.1 11. -.,111,. I, -p,, IS the tinesi ,.1 till tin- -p,a a-, i- imu 1, pi,- lit. at by a well-gruwn .speeiinen ni the (lichi.l house at Kew. It is a native of New Guinea, and one of the most striking of the many remarkable Orchids which recent exploration of that island has re- vealed. It was first described and named by Mr. Rolf e about four years ago, the original plant hav- ing been grown by Colonel Trevor Clarke. The plant at Kew carries at jiresent two scapes, each as thick as an ordinary lead-pencil, one of which bears about a dozen flowers in a large umbel measuring over 7 inches in diameter. The chief feature of the flower, as in all the Cinhopetala, is the two lower sepals; these are l2] imli, - loii;j', three-quarters of an inch wide, ami ila outer edges turn over and become iiih,,l at ila iir- minal half. The colour is a gi.i n; h \, ll.w , .\- cept at the base, where itistiii_,.l «iili i,.l li^h purple, the smaller upper sepal ami th, two petals being of the same colour. Th. lip. \\ In, li has the usual swivel-like action, is of a -lull, lnn.l red. The large pseudo-bulbs are ..miI.' ami i i.|..;ed, etieli surmounted by an uniisiialK llmk huthei y letif I foot or more long and :; iia li- - \n nl.a The spe- cies was exhibited by Messi-. \-, it.h at the Drill Hull in .Tune, 1895, and received a first-elass cer- tificate— a noteworthy distinction in a genus of Orchids so largely made up of what peu|jle call " botanical curiosities." Cycnoches Loddig'esi. — Although the flowers of this species are nut so large as those of C. chlo- rochilon, to which a plate was devoted in TuK Garden for March C, tiny an- in nianx n -peets more striking. The flower mra-ui.- .^i in. h. ■- in vertical diameter, the s. paU ami p, lal- 1. m^- ^f Or modes, and .sc\ eial o her allied -eiiera from the New World, they had to give place to the showier Cattleyas, La?Uas, and Odontoglossums whish 390 THE GARDEN. [May 29, 1897. rapidly poured in during the next decades. Happily, there is evidence of a returning popu- larity for them. C. Loddigesi is a native of French Guiana, and was introduced in 1830 by the firm of nurserymen whose name it bt-ais. Cypripedium caricinum. — This,i|iiit. di^^tinci in habit from the ordinary C'ypripedini 11, i-,i ].i. ii \ and useful Orchid. It grows in tult> ot iiminw. Sedge-like leaves at a considerable di&tuinjc ajiart upon the rhizome, and throws up an erect, many- flowered scape, the blossoms appearing in suc- cession. The dorsal sepal- varies a little in colour, but has often a tint of very pale green , lined with a deeper hue. The petals are droii|.in'j. white, tipped with rose, and the pouch i> \.l lowish, with a jiretty venation of givrii iiml iniM,],-. Miinv .ullivii't.ir. fnil lu Hmmv,- iIm-m,,-- nakea fivr ^jmuiliiiiHl il-u.-i ;i 1,ii,m I,-, m I v. Ii i- ^capital .|i.-,i.- »li. ,, ~,i ,n,v,i,. lH-i„y„i..rlini..iv ■J .1 c|ii:iiiii .■.iniage that greatly .int\ It \..i~ tir.st introduced intu this cciintiy iii'lsc.:; I.y .Messrs. Veitch, of Chelsea, and nanied ( '. I'earcei, after the collector who sent it. It was, howe\'er, previously known to botanists, and had been named C. caricinum by Dr. Liuflley. from dried specimens sent from Bolivia, its ii,iti\e country. — R. Cattleya Mossiae. — Once more this grand owcr, and the range of colour old S|„.,.i ing to root on tlii-ir own account. It may be grown in a variety of way.s to suit the taste of in- dividual growers. In pots on the stage, sus- pended in baskets or nn rafts, nr ^•^-en on Ini-o-H must not be dried summer or winter, and during- the latter season the temperature by night must not fall below 55° if it can possibly be avoided. It is a native of Venezuela, and' was named in compliment to the late Mrs. Moss, of Ijiverpool, by Sir J. Hooker, it having first flowered in this lady's collection about 1836.— H. CYPRIPEDIUM NIVEUM. I HAVE been very unsuccessful with the above, and I shall be much obliged if someone would give a hint as to its treatment. Damping is the great failure, although every attention is paid to watcrin-, *r. -.T. M. B. " *,* II. ir i- iiiiuther instance of a correspondent ruiniiiii-j iiii.irniation as to cause of failure with- out till- ii-asi hint as to how he lias treated his plants. ".J. M. B." says that tin- tnmM,. a,-is,-s from damping, a vague teiiM w Im-u a|i|,li,-.l i,i ()i- chids. C. niveum isameinliri ,,t wliat t.u ,-,ai venience may be styled tin- ln-llatiiluin ,l;iiiii|, nt the genus, a section that has been found to t lii i\ c well when a little limestone has been used citli.-r in lieu of crocks for drainage or mixed with tht- compost. The species is said to grow naturally " on limestone mountains in positions not much exposed to the sun," and it was this fact that led growers to try the effect of lime as an addition to the soil. As I ha,\e before noted in The Garden, my experience has been that the lime is not abso- lutely essential to the well-being of these plants. and I note that other writers on the subject are ii.iw iiM-liniii^ to the same opinion. At the same tiiiM . iinl.-s \,.iy difhcult to obtain, I would ad- X 1-1- ■■.!. M. I!." to use a little when preparing 111- . iiiii|.Mst. I'otsare most suitable for it, and it 1- iiMi iii-oessary to keep it close to the glass. A 'liar liijlit and a high temperature are necessary, liiii I lit_- sun must not shine ujjon the foliage at iliis I iiiie of year. While growth is active a full supply of water is needed, and at no time should the roots be absolutely dry for long together. In its native habitat it is said to be exposed to a dry resting season, but it is not always wise to fi .11. .w natural conditions exactly. In any case the I. -I must not be too pronounced, or the plants H ill I...- so weakened that few flowers will be pro- (luccil. Being a weak growfi, lar'j-e j.otsarenot iieces.sary, and neMl_\ iiiip. .i t.-. I ..r -.-nn .-stablished plants may with a.Kania-j.- I..- k.-|.i wrU up in their pots to pi.-x.-m a. . iiii.iilaii..n ..t moisture al.mit the has,, ,.f 1 1.., w,-uwt,hs ; otherwise the ir.atiii.iit ..ft' i.i\ . .1111 .loes not differ from that ..t iiii.-i -1 ..\ .- ( '\ |.ri|.. -. Iiunis, but if "J. M. B." is III .l..iil.t ii|...n any ..tlier point and will write ex- |)lainnig Ins treatment more full}-, I will en- deavour to assist him further. — R. THE FLOWERING HOUSE. At this season of the year, with the wealth of flowering Orchids attainable, very beautiful effects may be (iroduned in the flowering house t.. |.lalil- ..lli.l 'tlial 111. I- an. I a U~\v FcrnS. Til.- l..-aulitiil uliit, 1..I1.I- .,1 u.|.,n,,,.^l,,-,,umcris- |.Miii aii.l U. I'csL-aturL-i turui an ideal setting for ill. I i.-li and telling species, such as Cattleya Law- 1' ana, with its charming shades of rose-purple iikI .rinison, or some of the showy-flowered sec- II. .n . .f Masdevallias. The long cylindrical racemes ..I A. lilies of one or two kinds are already in full l>. aiii \ , large healthy plants of such as A. odora- iiini. A. Fieldingi and others requiring no other . Ir. --iiiLi' than their own noble foliage. Vanda Aiii. -lana is charming arranged with some of the Nil. I 1. aved Adiantums, while Dendrobiums are a li.i-i III themselves. But the material at comuiand is not the same in >-\i-r\ i-a-i-, ami .jr..v,.-rs liavi- to make the most ..I u'l.ai.-N.-i li.|.]..-ii- i.. I., in flower. One of tin- im.-l tn-.iii.-ni mi-lak.-- in 1.11 llial li.-lp to kill the rir.:,.-t of ea._-li uthci-. Why sonic decorators try to hide e\ery bit of Orchid stem or pseudo-bulb I cannot imagine. A raceme of Dendrobium densiflorum propped up so that it appears to grow upon the fronds of Pteris serrulata may be all right as far as colour is concerned ; but if the Fern had been used to hide the pot, and the racemes of flower shown as they grow naturally from the apex of the stems, th.-n tlic plant dops not lose its individuality. (ii.lii.U \\itli |).iMl.tit racemes, such as Odon'ti..jl..— nm .-ii i ..-m.im. an- ditflcult to arrange artistii-ally with. ml sh.miij.j the pot or basket. I have seen it placed m the centre of a group and the flowers drawn slightly upward by a fine thread, but the effect is not good, and it is better to grow them in as small receptacles as possible, draw in. ^ ..ut tin- ..nlinaiy wires when in flower and siis|i.ii.!iirj l.\ \.-i\ lin.- dark-coloured twine at a r long-branching-flowered I O. splendidum, 111 are excellent : s. Rising well ..tli.-i plant, while their long-lasting character is It is a mistake to leave the plants in the same position too long. The eye tii-es of seeimj- tin- same flowers in the same places day afti.-i day. By rearranging and working out fresh coniluna tions the interest even in the same plants is main- tained. Not only this, but a change of position benefits the plants culturally, as certain parts of these may be in semi-darkness, and young grow ing shoots perhaps are injured in this way whereas by rearrangement they may be brough more under the influence of light and air. Upo: the atmospheric conditions of the house, the last ing of the flowers and the after-health of thi plants largely depend. Too much moisture lead to disfiguring by spotting, while too little cause a harsh feeling in the house very detrimental t the health of the plants, these having of coure the additional strain upon them of carrying th flowers. Precise directions cannot be given t suit e\ery case, but enough moisture to make tb house pleasant may be allowed, and by judiciov ventilation this may be prevented from cor densing upon the rafters and forming drip, ( upon the plants themselves. So with shading in a dark house the jilants suffer ; too much takes the colour out of the blossoms and shorter their life. B. Camarotis purpurea. — The pretty little ros purple blossoms of this Orchid should make ' more popular. The earliest ones are just opening and a long succession is kept up where there ai plants enough. It belongs to the distichou leaved section of the order, and has stems abov a ciuarter of an inch in diameter. It does -n any warm, moist house suspended from the roi in baskets of Sphagnum Moss and charcoal is a native of various parts of India, and has bee culti\ated in England since 1837, having fir: flowered at Chatsworth. Dendrobium Iiinawianum. — This is not \ ery showy plant, yet when well flowered it hii a pretty effect. It ]imdurps from the upper par of the stems short t. w tl..H . i.-.l racemes of rosy blush-white blossi. Ill- .a. Ii al... Ill 2 inches acros It is one of the fuM I irmli..i.iiims that come fro .Tapan, and although il gets along fairly well wi ' til. Imliaii -]..-i-ics the flowers are more freely pr .111. ..! ill ; ler house. It should be kept iiiedniui si/iil pots, well drained and with not great thickness of compost. It is an old specie having been introduced as far back as 1824, b even now is seldom seen. Garden Flora. PLATE 1120. LEPTOSPERMUIM SCOPARIUM GRANDIFLORUM. (with a coloured plate.*) , The accompanying illustration represents, w® out doubt, the finest of all the Leptospermsp for greenhouse cultivation. It is indeed,, most beautiful greenhouse shrub, free-floweip and free-growing, and of such a good constlti tion that it flourishes under treatment of Qi must ordinary character. The shoots are : like those of an Epacris, but the habit of # plant is not erect. It forms a dense bus! spreadiii'^ in all direeti.ni.s. and is flowers .1111111-4 till- h.-ilf ..f tlip y..-.-ir. Tht year's <_;invtli. lu uuuuctLr they each uieasui. im.-iily I null, the petals spreading, of rouncfc ..iitliii.-. . iitii.'lv rose in colour, or white with l.p.-.iitifiil lliish" of rose. The centre of tt flower is green and full of glistening honeji the stamens are numerous, but not c-onspicuou;': as in the case of some allies. Tliis plant is i a novelty, though certainly little known a not common. It was introduced so far bgo as the year 1817, when seeds were receiiwi from Port Jackson, and in the year it was figured in the Botanical fA-].t.is[iermum gives its name to the tribe i .Alyi taceiv, to which it belongs, and with it ai * Dra-wn for The Garden in the Camhiidge Botan. Gardens by H. G. Moon. Lithographed and printe by J. L. Goffart. '^#» May 29, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 391 ^.;,h|,fus, (^ilHslnnon aiul .M.^l;. ulu.h .i-iv,- in liaviii- .li\ .Irl iFollnw llu' II. .«..,■. II, cusMln:, pwy ;uvl,k.. I.nl,. In-own t,.,.. khcapcx, fonucd l.y the dry |m and from wliich radiato tivegroii\ t L rim, which boro the petals ainI fcoiiHned the h.moy of the flown havr .1 i\IvilU'-likc f.istr, and il /;..(„ -/ .1/.'. iiiiu'lit be takoii to suggest a bben uatiT, but in practice it appears uni ,'i\ r more than the usual supply. Pr t'iisily eii'ected by seeds or cuttings, men illustrated was grown in the Botanic Garden. C'aiul) R. I. Hire" than will cover the trelli.- wit and to provide suthcient bearii L-r year. -These will be rooting freely lu will have grown to a good l.njl I for forcing next winter nm-i er. Tothisen.l,stinnilanl--l.Mi. The Week's Work. FRUIT HOUSES. Pot Ficjs. — If the first crop of fruit has been ,'atliere(l from the trees and the foliage thoroughly ■lian-eil liy >y ringing, the second crop, under the (iilliii ii> . if heat, moisture, and high feeding, « ill 1>. -w i limy apace. As red spider soon makes a|a.l -iLiil.s once it affects a lodgment on the :,iliauc of the Fig, a possible attack nni^t lie juar.led against by paying great attenihin i,, -ynii.uing, and the under as well as the ii|i|ii i -uifaee.s of the leaves should be thoroughly wetie. I twice a day. See that mulching and top-dressing jire not neglected, as the soil in the pots is now little else lint a mass of roots. Pull off or cut away .all useless growths and cease stopping itlier -I t>. If the crop is a heavy one, thinning inii-i I- ail.aided to. Si. M\n i;ai;ly AND srccESSiGN.Uj FiGs. — The fruit.s uu the early started planted-out trees will now be ripening, when direct syringing must be fliscontinued, and what little is done simply con- fined to damping the surface of the border and floors, this ceasing as soon as the fruits are ripen- ing generally. Warm, dry air should also super- bede the moist, humid atmosphere hitherto main- tained, as this is quite as essentia^ for imparting 'high flavour as in preventing the fruits from de- paying as soon as they arrive at maturity. Cease giving stimulants as soon as the first fruit ripens, iiid when water is needed after this supply it II a clear state. Also mulch the border with non-conducting material, as this will ob- iii. the necessity for frequent waterings. If li. -e trees are to carry a second crop, observe he directions given above as to cleansing the Foliage, &c. In other houses the fruits will be In all stages of development, from those coming Into flower down to those not quite so large as Walnuts on trees in late houses. In the first case :lirect syringing should be dispensed with for the \me being, as if water enters the eye of the fruit, jivhich remains open during the time it is in flower, decay at once sets in. As soon as the Tigs have passed through this stage, syringing nay again be resumed, and continued until the ruits commence tn riiien. If the trees are healthy nd the roots aeti\.-. Injli f.. ding will be requisite ocarrythem iliii.MjIi i.. ili.-tinish if fine fruits re desired. ki.|iiHl ami aii ilicial manures may herefore be gi\en aheinately, and with good re- mits. Look well after such matters as syringing, liring of the houses, mulching of borders and to|j- Iressing the trees in pots or tubs as often as they itand in need of it. As the trees in the Iimi-,'* {',, ucceed this crop, down to thelai.-t nf ill, \v ill lear but one crop of fruit, tie iie.^ may I..- Uowed to carry a good one, but at the -aim- t iiiie ;uard against over-cropping, and if the trees are 00 heavily laden, a judicious thinning should be -"ted on. The latest house of all should be II lai, i:,l .ji.iuih- In one leaf. When the canes ,\. a 1 1 a 111.. I ill.' 1 1, sired length— which will vary .■.i.i.liiij I., ill. 1. ii'jth of roof in the forcing ..IIS.' [iiinji nut I li.' points. Less forward canes nd tliose intended for planting or cutting back lext year should also be well looked after, feeding ?hen the pots become full of roots. A. W. . We ?h the KITCHEN GARDEN. Croi'S of all kinds have suffered more or less some districts seriously — by the ungenial weather experienced since the commencement of the pre- sent month. In this neighbourhood we have barely had one balmy day. Frosts or low tempe- ra! me at night followed by bright sun and trying \iiii.ls during the day have not only caused the -nrlaee of the ground to become parched, but iii.ist crops at the time of writing are practically at a standstill. In spite of the frequent use of the hoe. Onions have made little progress, neitln i will they until we get some warm rains, whil. seed beds of Radishes, Lettuce, and the difl'erent Brassica have received constant attention in the way of watering to assist both germination and the seedlings to battle against the trying ordeal they have passed through. Recently planted Cauliflower and Cabbage plants have been slow in taking to the soil, and they have a starved ap- pearance in spite of the care bestowed upon them. The most to be deplored, however, is the damage done to the early Potato crop. Even in this favoured district Potatoes that promised to yield a full crop towards the end of the month were totally destroyed in many gardens. In this gar- den on the night of the 12th a large breadth was so injured that I considered it folly to retain them, and another crop was substituted at once. In a ea>.' ..f llii- kin.l where the garden has been carefully all.. it.. I i.. the various crops, the ques- tion till-.-, \\liii 1- best to plant'; With a view- to makiiit; till- l.e-t use of the ground and time. Celery trenches were fi.iiii..l an. I manured in readiness for this crop, l.ni ili. \ Here sown at once with Radishes ami I al.l.aj. I., it n.e, and the ridges between them with Tin niii.- and French Beans, all of which will turn in quickly , an. I tie- trenches will be available by the time tli.y ai. wanted for the Celery. Fortunately, m.i-i mi. I season varieties were moulded over the [jies ions day, and as the late ones had not pushed through at the time, it is to be hoped these will not have suffered. However trying the weather may prove it is neither possible nor desirable to water all .ii.|.^ until there is a favourable change in the w.ailiei, l.nt in cases where it is necessary to do >.., it sliiiiiM be done under such conditions that tlie plants are benefited without snakin.j- the snil with a iiuantity of cold water. W n li -. . .1 1.. .1- an.! newly-planted things, frequent ii a « i- i in- will be found of more assistance t han a -jr. ai ipian t il y uflbrded at one time, especially it t lie water used i- .liiect from the main, as this W'ill tend to lower 111. temperature of the soil and check root-action. \\ .Iter that has been made soft and warm by the action of the sun is preferable, and if given early in the afternoon it will be better than later in the day while the nights are so cold. The temporary tage has been taken of the dry state of the ground there should be little to contend with in the way of weeds for the rest of the summer. Thinning crops. — So far this has not required much attention, owing to the slow growth made, and though it is desirable to do such work as soon as the plants are large enough to distinguish which are the best to retain, there is a danger of these receiving a check by the removal of the superfluous ones during dry weather, which ex- poses the roots of the permanent ones to the drying influence of sun and air. With small bods, of course, this danger is overcome by watering after- wards to settle the soil round the roots, but with large breadths of Carrots, Onions and Parsnips it is difl'erent, and a dull, quiet day should be chosen, and if done just before rain is expected so much the better, but should this not follow, a rake drawn liglitly between the rows will fill up the ea\ il i.'s ami assist to retain moistni.- m lie- soil. l'ai-ii|.~ -li.iuld be thinned fr.ii.i r. n..!..- in !l null.'- I.. I \v.'en the roots, and a- ili.' \..iim'j ..iies wh.n leni.ived are of no service, -n. h u .i k -li.mld be done early. It is not -.. \'. iili l - 1 |.',illllr llOth >Uy, to enable i.e'fine foliage. vy suffer very .(■comes yellow ■ tliis has been should be kept |ise before the frames should he main batch nut, keep the i"e them night the soil, or stunte The earlv hatch of Kitchen Garden. EARLY PEAS. I RE.U) "H. C. P.'s" note (p. 301) on the above with interest, and am glad to find he does not advocate the sowing of early Peas in autumn tn stand through the wintsr. I think ,l;,l :u<.t Me M for th If the them will rows on the places p.,,i...L^-i ..-■. plants are brought from under glass, shad for a week with a few boughs or the lea\ „„ .. - suffer from the full exposure to the sun and wind Bush and Sweet Basil should also be plauli d in a s|)are frame and have the protection nl ili' lijlit- at night until they get well establi-ln .1, win n t]iese^\\ill ii'.t III' required. Capsicums and Chil- lies -liuiilil I-' |M>ti( fl on or planted in a warm pit if a MMiilil. |iM-iii.in is available, as they soon get infotiil vn\i nil >|)ider if kept in small pots and the runts lack moisture. Se.\kale.— Itis very much against the develop- ment of strong crowns, Avliether required for early forcini'- or uol" to allow the plants to flower The flowr,xs|,ik,s r.innnin.r to form the middle of Mav, : il not rut a far'aiKan,.,! llm |,la prove, it Ili I In l.^n II, and liil not dwell much upon this isi,ler it the mcst important in .IS. as the grower who forces his I ,x]icctK thorn t" battle against al,' ,',.iirts failiii-,'. .and the man till, ,11 wniilil (l.ail.tlcss have the ilcscr\ing attention is variety. I think some of the selected very early round-seeded Peas worthless both as regards quality and yield. Why devote time and space to the small round white-seeded Peas of poor quality when we have so many superior varieties which may be grown with less trouble ? Peas with Marrow lilnod in them may be grown with less trouble, owing to their strong habit, and when gathered they are far superior in quality. In the dwarf Marrows introdticed during the past few years we have quite a new type, these being hardier and nearly as early as the small white varieties, ^ with good flavour and size combined. I am | pleased to see " H. C. P." notes the ,.xccnni,,,l if 'e, i, ,iol,- t\M sary with ri autumn. Goodirood. Doronicum Clusii. — This is certainly on the very best perennials now in flower. The winds and frost by night and the sun by have robbed D. austriacum of most of its eol but D. Clusii close bj' is as luiclil .m'l -1i,a\ when first open. Inthehia\\. nini-i -oil n, neighbourhood these Dori,i,iniiiii- ,1', -pi, mli arly as early. M.iiiy olijeet to raising Peas under glass or III,, s,i,'i,' of !.,oiii ,„i,i|,ied and trouble entailed. I ,1111 111,1 ill f,i\,iiirof I ilieing the seed in strong heat ; indeed, heat of any kind is not needed if sown- at the time one usually sows, in the autumn or a little later, say early in December in cold frames, not too thickly, using 4|-inch pots. There will be a strong plant and no fear of collapse when planted out. If sown in cold frames, the pots within 1 foot of the glass, the sashes may be removed on all favourable occa- sions. There must be no crowding of the plants. Very little moisture is required during the earlier stages— that is, whilst in pots : and free exposure should be given on all f.ivoui-.ilile occasions. When one can grow thus I lure is less anxiety as to the crop, and by ],l.iiit inu o,il early in March good dishes may be serum, 1 l;,l,' il, i\l,iy without protection of any km, I. ,,tliiT I l,,ii, 11,1 s 1,1 |,r,'Vent birds devouring; l In- pl.anls, I HimI i',,|,I ai beds a secured by early spring planting, ami if lli,- see lings can remain where sown they s,„,ii luiii and precede those planted out. When plaiitu in spring a little care is well repaid, and sheltered spot for the earliest supplies is advi able. I usually get the largest jilants at the foot of a south wall, the coping sheltering the seed- hngs.-S. M. Walcheren Cauliflower.— I was pleased to read •■.!. C.'s " note (li. ."^4) as to the value of desirable to note ■ many years I have made Walcheren my main crop for Mat 29, 1897.J 'HE TxATIDEX. 393 Wal part -I ( ■:niliilov\, IS grown, plants from seed sown a^ ;hIm>i.I tor Pearl giving nice heads May.-U. W . Early Cabbages.— It is surprising, having regard to tlio comparatively open nature of the late wiiitor, to tiiul so few earlv rabbaires in the mai-ki-l. Wlirn' .iir all the El'lalnV, Kai ly ( ici coiirri iHi ^priii,^ tally Cabbage went off to flower wliol,,~;il,,. iiiul that made them scarce. This -piinj ill, r, lias been no such erratic pro- ceeding. \ ,i M , luxe no Cabbages fit to eat. Mr. Wytlii- 'lid on iHo occasions at the Drill Hall show cMly X ciy delicious little hearts, and if they could be thus grown at Syon, why not univers- ally ? Market growers seem to prefer big leafy A-arieties to those which give much smaller early heads. Has the long spell of cold winds and ■white frosts checked hearting ? Perhaps so, j-et that does not seem to be a satisfactory explana tion.— A. 1>. MANURING ASPARAGUS, your pt,]H-r iMay L) a note oi I .SKF. in vour pt,],, Aspani-iiv.nM Ml, II hitllrll,! MIX- l„ U ll.n,. .,l«.,\: 1,,., II 1,.,.:,1,.,| II, ll,,. usual ,,M Ill-Ill I iiiiN ,,l xillllr, xili, 1, ,.1111 III,. ,. finisli,.,l 11,1,1 ,,r,iii,iin-l„.i,x,ly ,|,r„„^. x, inter, xi'ith no particular i;oiA results as far asl can see, the watering with manure water seems to me a far more sensible way, and I should like to have it tried. I shall feel much obliged if you will kindly tell me whether you mean that manure-watering should be done now, when heads are growing, or ■wait till later, when cutting is finished ? This is •what I have not quite gathered from your note. — F. A. PUBO.ST. *,* My aim was to point out the value of food at a season the plant can absorb the same. Without root-growth e.\tending annually there cannot be crown-growth ; at least the latter does not improx'e in size, and burying up the plants with large masses of rank manure in the autumn n",t.. Tl„. ni,.i.el„,,lsan.,.: .,.,1 kills tl yivi' earlier euttiii;.;- much importance ii| -tallies ; in fact, dun l,e saturated every t, n,i better food. Th. Mas by a regular sys 'll,' beds weekly "in <,t her food, Thiswa; ;i supply from early ii 1 ",1s were very old. Liquid tain percentage of saline matter, and tl,,- |.l,,iii - -j, t th,- food directly at the roots. In rh, ,ji,,x\iii. -eiisou this is Important. .-,- tl,,!.. i- n i niiieh time for groxxth I,, niatui,/ i,!i,|. ,,11111, . but it is surprising what a quantity of fiui, may be obtained from a small house, by only using the side stages, if the plants are placed 1 foot apart, and grown on the single cor- le being trained elo.se to tliu n foliiige not allowed to be- I, they afford a shtide wliich , the regular occupants of the eat ..f s„i„ni..r. l'' may •|,in.4 fithliold ■k l„ ,111. I lie i,.,ts, h,.»,j.,er. could k turves, whicli would soon at- tli rough the drainage, and by xx.ays in a moist condition w^ith li'|Ni,l niiiiini, , ill,, roots are not likelv to .suffer, in-l l,.ll. xx,.elii and quality .,f crop "will be im- |u,'x,.l ili,.i,l,x. Tlioso who trust to imtdoor '■"llin,.,,n uiills to ,,r.,duee their main .supply "'1 » I"- .■■uM,,i,,s I., .4el llnir |,li,,,ls into llnir suiiiiii,.r,|,i,i,.,,.i.s. I„,i nu.lu.- In^l . in this d.r,-li,,ii.,fl,u, ivlar,L.„ n, 1 Inr 1 1,;,,, lia,-,; .-n.s, the rip,. 111114, as llie plants are likely to receive a ,1,,,!, Iioinaloxv night temperature, and some w, .1, , lapse lieforu they can be induced to 41, .\x li,.,.|y again. If ti .soutli wall in a warm 4;, nil 11 IS selected to grow them jflanting may I',' 'I'lm- at any time, provided the plants have li,,n properly hardened off, and a mat or sack us-., I to shelter them at night for a weak after- xxanls. With plants, however, tliat have re- •eiiily I,,-, 11 ,-,„l,lled in a warm greenhouse or frani,., it xxi.iilil lie much wiser and prove a gain eveiitutdly to defer planting until the plants have been carefully hardened, by which time tlie nights would be much warmer. The soil in an ordinary garden is usually sufficiently rich enough for the plants at first, the grower then having the advantage of being able to apply or according to the .season and ts,ifthe plants. To form rich iting may lead to not a single 1 a ing obtained should the season ■f one, as the fruits would either riy, or, being of a gross nature, liey were ripe. An exception ,,f ..i.iirs,. sli,,iil,l be made where the ground is naturally ,.,1,1 ami heavy, as the addition of " I .rslies ,,r in.ui 11 nibble would promote i,,o' .i,ti.,ii. an, I th,. pl.iiits in such positions XV, mill l„..ill the bettii. f,,r being kept a little liigher aboxe the natural level of the .soil. P. Celery trenches.— At p. 34'2 "J. C." gives xiilual,!.. ailvice with regard to the early prepara- ii.,n of I Vlery trenches. Doing the work now is a 4iiat 4aiii, as a month or six ■n-eeks hence there xmII be much work needing attention, and I liml the preparation of Celery trenches a great ■ liain upon the labour at command. The soil also -vxorks much better now being moister, and tl,,i,. i- 1,.,-. ir.,,il,l|.in getting out a trench and lliii-liiii - oii I ll' -1 ks. I find summer Lettuce sown ,,1, ill. i,,lj. , .1', ,., well even in a light porous s.'il iliii I ah.itxs reserve this position for this ' i"p. aii'l ll,.' I.' itiicecan be cleared in time for iiiiiliiii'j u|j. I s.ixv a row or two between the • iili'-i i"\\,iiii.l thin and plant from these sow- in4s. Ill tins xMiy I have a good supply of the Seasons for Broccoli.— I have the varieties .Mr. Talla.U names at p. 342, and excellent they arc-. 1 tliinlc :\Ir. Tallack is to be congratulated oil hi- k" piiej .Mo'lel and Late Queen till the time lie n,'i, - 1 1,1,1 1-. x\ lien the two Broccohs come on XV 11 1, th. .mil. St autumn-sown Cauliflower. I"., sh.'xi h.,x\ - ,ils alter the maturing of crops, my Ml i.'p r.i.'ecoli has been over nearly a lu.'mh. iiii'l ot M.„lel and Late Queen I shall not hax,. a pl;,i,i I, 11 I, y the middle of May ; indeed, I., 'lax loih, I lifiial a goodly number with a ,all 101,1 h, . I.I tli.in in under a north wall to , taril ihiiii. I iif,irtunately, my Cauliflowers are n,,t a,lxan... .1 ,11,, ugh to be in to provide a supply of heads, and this 1 regret, as I find them later than usual, owing doubtless to the cold winds and wet, sunless winter retarding growth. I am 394 THE GAP.DEK [Mat 29, 1897. aware the season for Model and Late Queen given as May and June, but all depends upon tl soil and locality. This year they have turned quite a month earlier than the date named. — < Stove and Greenhouse. MEDIKILLAS. The oldest member of the genus, and by far the showiest of the half-dozen species or so that we have in cultivation, is Medinilla mag- nitica, whicli in the days when large specimen plants were popular used to figure prominently at many exhibitions, but now it is rarely seen in private gardens, though occasionally it may be met with in good condition. For some years a large specimen in the Victoria house at Kew has been during its flowering season an object of great beauty, the large, pendulous racemes of showy blossoms then attracting the attention of everyone. Mr. R. Dra])er, Seahani Hall har- dens, SeahaiH ll;nl..ui'. wlm s,,,it thu pilot.. from whicli lli.' illiistr.il i..ii «;.:, ];i.|. ;.!.■. I, says that the ])laiit lii;iiiv.l ;s IV.. ui a ciittm- i.iit in three years age, and now growing m a pot. It is, as will be seen, carrying seve: spikes of bloom. Mki>ixti,i,\ MAONiKifA i» n nativp of thf marked by prominent li.;lii.i .1.I..111..I \. The drooping racemes of bloss. .1..- ia|.. 1 -.m.. \\ like a bunch of Grapes and ar.' ..t a l.)|.^hi 1 pink colour. This tint is not hunted t.. flowers themseh es, but extends also to the stt and more particidarly to the large bracts situi at the base of the raceme, which add consi ably to the ll.aal .lispla\'. I iix .-ii st..\ .■ 1 ivaliii deal of moist season ; ind.' duri.i.^- thai bush u.av !..■ In t] and beside those of M, amal.ilis : cultural retiuirements of the two liowever, the lad of being piite upright, n; rather less er kind. The are much the Scaham Harhoiir. same. M. araabilis is also known under the specific name of Teysmanni. M. CuRTisi is far less showy than either of the preceding, but for all that it is a pr.tlx, n.al flowering shrub. It forms alow-gnn\mj. mn. Ii branched bush, with ovate oblong-slia|.. .1 l.a\. - of a, bri.-.-ht "-rcen rnl.,nr with roiMi^l. iiii.ImI.-. Th.' II..W. l.,^^l.l.■l. al.' I...rla> ill l...tli t.Tlna.al ami .1 b lliiM. I -Kill,-, w l.i.li are very conspicuous owing to til. 11 .■..111 I a-i \Mlli the white flowers. The tufts of piiipl.- slam. IIS are also particularly noticeable, while the uno[iened buds resemble nothing so much as little drops of white wax. M. Curtisi is a native of Sumatra, and was introduced by .lis bv so doiii'j-. Another class ] ,li..ni'l.ail\ plants in pots are of 'till- 'jr.al.'sl \alii.' i^ aii.ai.iir-. and those who ' neeil plants 1.1 .ait tV..iii an. I for room embellish- I ment, and iiave no warm glass houses, but often a cold greenhouse. — J. Crook. I Eranthemum nervosum. — As one who used I to anniiallv <_nnw a o-nn.l liatcli of the Kianthemum 1.. Il.,»..r i.i'wiiil.a' «illi |-ai|.l...il.ia., P, .1 n...l t las, I ", '.',', -'I'.l.'i.'.'l a 'I'.Vu' Va'il.lV'ill..-l;al.,.l 11. ■I'll, Cmu.ia, .M.iy \:k The tlowurs arc deeideaU l.iijlil. I, 1 he leaxes longer and more pointed than , ill.- l.roa.lly ovate dark green foliage of the .III. a- lashionable Eranthemum pulchellum. Had •• W. W." not said in his description that the plant was still known in some gardens by its old name of Eranthemum pulchellum, I should not haA e recognised it any more than I .should by its latest new name, Uiedalacanthus nervosus. I quite agree with the cultural notes excepting as to shading, which I never found needful for tererossing of it . t.i the present .s..- of nearly aB Pi-iiiiala- lli.a.' 1- a mi\ .jLal .lillerence in the p;^,,iii,Mai loi. ot il.-' -.-..I l..t\^..■ll that sown as S0..1. a- ii]..ai.i| llial [..[.I ..iih lor a few months, as til.' la^i li ii|ii.mI ly .j.-niiiiial.s in a very inter- 'mill. a. I f.-lii..!. ; wlieivas that s.. Mil at oiice will .ji.ai ,i«a\ ti..l\-. Last summer I had some plaiiis oi I'h. pi.l'ty little Primula floribunda, -,..| ri..in wln.li when sown at once — flii.kh, i.iit I1..111 that kept till the spring only few plants ha\e made their appearance, tho the remaining seed appears to be perfect sound. — H. P. ( Bhododendron albescens.— This Rhododen- dron which is referred to on page 313 is a very useful variety, being free both in growth and flower. It is'of hybrid origin, one of the parents being the Moulmein R. Veitchianum, and the other in all probability R. Sesterianum. For greenhouse decoration Rhododendrons such as I I May 29, 1897.] THE GARDEN. 395 -"it wjitei- will (Uiving the growing season be of -. iM.e.— H. P. Winter-flowerin!'' plants. — The time for 1 1 ,i!i-hiiin" ^1 \ (1:1 1 nf til.' «i liter- flowering plant >< .111,-1 iiit.rtl,,. ■Miiiil -liilt " pots or to gnniiid .i;ii -.Jr tli.ii liii^ li.rii >| H-.'iiilly prepared for tln-in i> iiiiw ,l,i-,r at. Iiaiiil. Their cultivation lias inn. ;i-r(l l.y leaps and bounds within the last few \.-iii-, ;iii.l 111 ]ilaces where the size of glasshouses ',Uu- 11. .1 a.hiiit of many Chrvsantlieniunis, these later-llowerin.4- ..r .■..i.t..iii|i..ni;-v |.lai.ls aiv ii|,|,iv. elated at their tin.- x:.liii' :.Iilv.' f.,r tl..- .■. .n-. i n ;i - tory and theil«. llm- lii.ii-'. an.l .■!-.. I..i . ;:iti.,'. "I" l.iu.lies are advisable, one grown in |i..i< .ill tlii.iui.di the summer and another plantiil in |.i.. pin. .il ground from whence they can be I1I1..I as Lii-lies before the advent of frost. The latl.r in s.N.ial iiisiiiiie. - .-an be old cut-back plants, and ill ..til. a- .nil. I -|. ring-struck cuttings or pieces ..1. tain.. I l.\ .li\iM..ii. With respect to outdoor enlt nation in eoaiieetion with the above subjects, suiii.ient space should be allowed for the free de- \.l.i|iment of the plants, a mulch given to keep in the moisture and an occasional soaking if the Weather prove hot and dry. Given fine healthy plants Miili luxuriant foliara, it is almost needless t.ia.l.l that lifting should be very carefully per- form.-.1. eiitting round twice at intervals a sli. lit. time before the lifting and preserving the liall as far as possible intact. — E. Burrell, Clare- Libonias. — Of the two varieties, penrliosiensis is far and away the better ; in fact I have given u]i tlie culture of floribunda for several years. L. |i. mhosiensis is better in colour, firmer in texture, of more enduring habit as a flower, and more ver this .^.i-.aiiid, \Vith its many valley.s, a mule titiek, about twenty miles in length, brings him back towards the mountain in a north-easterly direc- tion, up an incline of 1640 feet to IfiTO feet, to the eastern extremity of Mount Babor, the ,1111111, it ..f wliieh IS 0562 feet above the sea, aii.[ IS a sli'^litly uiiilulating plateau of a little ..\. I a mile in leiigtli by some hundred yards in wi.ltli, in the direction of east to west. A foot- pat li. maiie for the accommodation of the forest s.r\iee, enables one to reach the summit witli- onl ipiitting the saddle. Half way n]>. at .an altitudeof 4921 feet, rising out ■ .f tl',.- 1 ,;i 1, ,,i,,l .^lass-covered slopes, we get ..,ii- lira u:,:i,|.se .if the Cedars. At a height of tiboiii .Mititi I.. I the jjath winds up the northern slojie tliroie^li a ». ,...1 formed of Cedars, comparatively yoiiuu, an.l ii) feet to 45 feet high only, with twisted an.l ..fleii multiple stems, rounded tops, and foliage, a.s a rule, clearly ashy-coloured. As we near the summit of the mountain the trees become fewer and more scattered ; isolated ones are seen, some mutilated on one side by tempest or the axe of the native, but much greater in heii/lit and development than the first. It is at this eastern and less wooded part of the plateau that the most remarkable trees are seen, some of which have a height of 82 feet to 115 feet and a circumference of 20 feet to 23 feet. Further on, that is to say in the centre of the plateau, the growth is denser, and is composed of Cedars, Yews, some Oaks, Maple, and also some Babor Firs (A. numidica), but not so large as those we saw on the first approach to the plateau.. It is curious to see how some grand old trees, partially or even hmg since dead, keep for fifteen or twenty years witli.mt any perceptible loss in the .|iialit.\ of tin ir wood. This property of extreme .lin.ilnlit y in the Cedar wood is, however, well known, and Pliny, the naturalist, assures us that in his time the wood beams of Numidian Cedar in the Temjile of Apollo at Utica were in a complete state of preservation after 1300 yeai's. The present decayed condition of the Babor ami many other Algerian forests is derived from ..lie .^eihial cause, a series of droughts towards the yeai- ISSO, by which the subsoil of the f. .nst was drained to an abnormal extent. At r.ali..r a further cause of decline is the use of til., f. .rest fur pasture and tlie incon.siderate tr..atiiient it reeei\esat tl,.' hands of the native tnli.s, nil., think it 110 liarm to fell or mutilate a (sometimes lai-.^eitre.' f.ir the .sake of a few planks. At the time of our vi.sit (May 4) we noticed the presence on all sides of small plants derived from natural sowings. There can be no doubt that ;i regular forest administration .and the exclusion of cattle could in ti short while secure the regeneration of this little forest. The winter temi)crature at the summit of Habf)r is 10° or 12'^ below zero. Snow is abundant, and even at the commencement of May we saw it in the depressions and ravines. More than 35,000 hectares (about 100,01)0 acres) 111 Algeria are occupied by more or less compact . s of Atlas Cedar. There are some small .nnipaof it in Morocco, close to Tangier and I'etuan, and probably also in the south-east of Fez, wliere they report the existence of the Larch. The best of the forests, however, are .lii.lly in the province of Constantino. At i-'i.li. I T. iiigour, near Batna, there is a forest , of which the superficial area V ^ili.tit ■_■ 1.000 .acres). The "■■ ' " I '^lovs, is scarcely : .-.. , ,'!itii liei'tn-es (21,000 is 8(J00 lie. forest of 1!, inferior, sin acres). It i (de bill i|iiite liealtliy) wood could be withdrawn from the f..resl,-, without their impoverishment — nay, to their great profit — and that to fell annually 25,000 cubic yards (or more) of the living timber would bai-ely represent the actual' increase. What is required is roads and the establishment of an efficient sawing industry on the spot. Only the Belezma forest is ]iaitially worked, and that chiefly in order t.i supply .sleepers for the railways; these, whicliare sawn on the ground from stems of trees cut down with the axe or saw, are conveyed on tlie backs of beasts of burden as far as the Batn.a railway; the annual yield is 35,000 sleepers, v.-ilued at 1-10,000 francs. For joinery and building the stems are sawn with gretiter c.-.re ; the .sap- .vood not being durable is removed, and also the heart. If there were regular saw-mills and better . .rganisation for the sale of the wood, the excel- lent material furnished by Algerian forests would find a market in the country itself, seeing that the colony is a large importer of northern Pines (P. sylvestris). In addition to the large f. .lists just referred to, the province of Constan- ilii. . .iiiiiiis seven or eight other.s, altogether e prism.,' a total of 6000 to 7000 hectares (about 21,000 acres). The province of Algeria is less favoured, posses.sing as it does not more than about 30,000 acres of forest iii all : but the Cedars of Mount Atlas close t 1'-' ' more easily reached, and the tin,' . I i i. i-el-Houd is the object of man\ \i i I'ln-. forest covers about 3500 hectares (IO..-1OO acres) in the mountains, or rather the high plateau, wliich is in the interior of the Chelif circle, about 30 leagues south of Milianeh. Of it '. It 11 • hectares (2700 acres) are pure Cedar, and inesent a most remarkable appearance. Al- though the soil is poor, sandy and infertile, the trees after two or three centuries attain to the respectable dimensions of 115 feet to 125 feet in heiglit, by 18 feet to 23 feet in circum- ference, the rocks at their feet, their own vigorous stems and wide and spreading heads making them striking objects. Such a spectacle ctin nowhere be found to-day in the forests ..f lal.aiion .a ..f .\sia Minor. We know that tli.- ..M ti..~. 1 ,1, , veii 111 the Lebanon at the .11.1 ..| ili. 1. a ..iiiiiry (Laliil- kirdicre could timl only seven 111 17«7), havumiw completely disappeared. The forests of Asia Minor, Taurus tind Anti-Taurus (Anatolia and Cilicia), though less far gone on tlie road to ruin, have greatly sufiered from pasturage and wasteful u.sage. The finest types of the pure Cedar of Lebanon are therefore to be looked for 396 THE CxARDEK [Mat 29, 1897. now-a-days, not in tlieir native country, but in European parks. As a set-oflf tliere is a fine natural forest of Cedars at Cyprus. It encircles and clothes the sides of Mount Olympus in Cyprus ; it is composed of the variety brevi- f oUa, whose short and often silvery leaf connects it with the Algerian variety rather than the Lebanon type. This forest is 3500 hectares (about 10,500 acres). — M.4URICE de Vilmorin, in Journal de la Societe Naiionale Horticulture de France. Trees and Shrubs. THE WISTARIA. One of the best of chmbnig pUnts is the Chinese Wistiiia At this stason of the yeai, when the In inches aie wreithed with the than in the other Spir;eas. The flov\ers are borne in terminal |MiiirI.- ami aiv white, tinged with pink, but mil | lai I inilnily sliouy. Suckers from this speeii- ail' mi\ -|miiii-1\ | nucluced, which is another featiiiv in' win. -h it'